In the 4to edition of Swift’s works (1755) is given the following note: 

“The author having before examined ‘The Presbyterians’ Plea of Merit’ with respect to their own principles and practices, has in this tract put them in the balance against Papists.”

In a reprint of this tract in the second volume of “Political Tracts,” 2 vols. 8vo, 1738, London, is the following “Advertisement”—­neither Scott, Faulkner, nor Hawkesworth give this.  Probably it appeared in the first edition; but as I have not been able to come across this, I am not certain.

“In the years 1732, and 1733, an attempt was made for repealing the Test Act in Ireland, introductory of a like attempt in England.  The various arguments for it were answered in every shape; but no way more effectually than by examining what pretence the Presbyterians had to share in all the privileges of government, either from their own principles and behaviour, or compared with those of other sectaries.  Under the former head they were fully silenced by our author in ’The Presbyterians’ Plea of Merit Impartially Examined’.  They are now put in the balance with Papists, whom though they have sometimes styled their brethren in adversity, yet when placed in competition, they will hate as brethren likewise.  But let them here dispute the preference, and then put in their claim to be part of the establishment.”  “The arguments pretended to be urged by the Roman Catholics, in this tract,” says Monck Mason, “consist partly of true statements and partly of ironical allusions, which are combined together into such a trellis work, as to render it almost unassailable.”

The text here given is that from the 4to edition (1755) of Swift’s Works, collated with that in the second volume of “Political Tracts” above referred to.

[T.S.]

REASONS Humbly offered to the PARLIAMENT of IRELAND For Repealing the SACRAMENTAL TEST, &c.  IN FAVOUR OF THE CATHOLICS, OTHERWISE CALLED ROMAN CATHOLICS, AND BY THEIR ILL-WISHERS PAPISTS.

Drawn partly from Arguments as they are Catholics, and partly from Arguments common to them with their Brethren the Dissenters.

  WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1733.

It is well known, that the first conquerors of this kingdom were English Catholics, subjects to English Catholic kings, from whom, by their valour and success, they obtained large portions of land given them as a reward for their many victories over the Irish:  To which merit our brethren the Dissenters of any denomination whatsoever, have not the least pretensions.