of the bishops draws one way, and that of the lower clergy another.  The latter, I think, are not at this time suspected for any principles bordering upon those professed by enemies to episcopacy; and if they happen to differ from the greater part of the present set of bishops, I doubt it will call some things to mind, that may turn the scale of general favour on the inferior clergy’s side, who with a profound duty to her Majesty, are perfectly pleased with the present turn of affairs.  Besides, curious people will be apt to enquire into the dates of some promotions, to call to mind what designs were then upon the anvil, and from thence make malicious deductions.  Perhaps they will observe the manner of voting on the bishops’ bench, and compare it with what shall pass in the upper house of convocation.  There is, however, one comfort, that under the present dispositions of the kingdom, a dislike to the proceedings of any of their lordships, even to the number of a majority, will be purely personal, and not turned to the disadvantage of the order.  And for my part, as I am a true lover of the Church, I had rather find the inclinations of the people favourable to episcopacy in general, than see a majority of prelates cried up by those who are known enemies to the character.  Nor, indeed, hath anything given me more offence for several years past, than to observe how some of that bench have been caressed by certain persons; and others of them openly celebrated by the infamous pens of atheists, republicans and fanatics.

Time and mortality can only remedy these inconveniencies in the Church, which are not to be cured like those in the State, by a change of ministry.  If we may guess the temper of a convocation, from the choice of a prolocutor,[15] as it is usual to do that of a House of Commons by the speaker, we may expect great things from that reverend body, who have done themselves much reputation, by pitching upon a gentleman of so much piety, wit and learning, for that office; and one who is so thoroughly versed in those parts of knowledge which are proper for it.  I am sorry that the three Latin speeches, delivered upon presenting the prolocutor, were not made public;[16] they might perhaps have given us some light into the dispositions of each house:  and besides, one of them is said to be so peculiar in the style and matter, as might have made up in entertainment what it wanted in instruction.

[Footnote 1:  No. 21 in the reprint. [T.S.]]

[Footnote 2:  Under date January 1st, 1710/1, Swift writes to Stella:  “Get the ‘Examiners,’ and read them; the last nine or ten are full of the reasons for the late change, and of the abuses of the last ministry; and the great men assure me they are all true.  They are written by their encouragement and direction” (vol. ii., p. 88, of present edition). [T.S.]]

[Footnote 3: 

“For it is the part of a wise man to defend the institutions of his
forefathers, and uphold the sacred rites and ceremonies. 
                And ever threatening to fall
                The mass—­a marvel—­stands.”
[T.S.]]