| Citation |
BG.750.005
20 Mar 1750:11,12,21 (1566)
Perhaps the truth of a common proverb* was never more
obvious than since the publication of Mr. Mayhew's ingenious
sermon, on The Mystery of K.Charles's Saintship and
Martyrdom.
The advocates for that Prince have been continually filling
our papers with invectives against that worthy gentleman,
which sufficiently shows that their passions are very much
rais'd, tho' the intent of the sermon was if possible to
enlighten their understandings, and reform their manners. .
.
Now such is the weaknesses and depravity of humane nature,
that a plain unaffected religion, which resides chiefly in
the heart is little regarded in comparison with one which
has an outside shew and glitter--Hence the contrivance of
bells, psalteries, & organs, to enchant the ear -- the
various decorations of a building to captivate the eye; and
the abounding variety of bowings, crossings &c. &c. together
with the sacordotal apparatus of surplices, roses, gowns and
caps, to divert and strike the imagination; and so tickling
have those things been to some of our young masters, that
they have simply left one Christian Church for another, thus
recommended.--Just so have I seen one of the weaker sex,
tho' solicited by one of real accomplishments, address'd and
carried by a fluttering beau, devoid of any other
qualifications, than what his taylor & dancing-master had
given him.---Indeed our clergy are not apt to be seduc'd
with such trifles; a different method is therefore hit upon
to make court to them-Dignities & preferments, sterling
salaries and perquisites are the pretty things which are
offer'd to gain their consent: And tho' instances of their
success in attempts of this nature are no so frequent among
us, they have yet abounded in some other places. [2 more
paras. + proverb]
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