and abufe fuch men, is monftrous folly and a fort of high treafon to the commonwealth; fince the public can have no fecurity for its liberty and happiness, whilst priefts are rampant and mighty; and they and their trumpery will flourish eternally, if no man fhall dare to contradict and oppose them.

Thefe, Sir, are reflections, which a man. of your understanding will naturally make on a perufal of the following tracts; which being of great worth and value, on very interefting and important fubjects, are here collected and preferved: and I perfuade myself, that they will have a place in every library, among other defences of liberty and the rights of mankind, against all invaders and oppreffors thereof.

I only add, that it will give me a fingular pleasure to find that this dedication contributes to your firm establishment in

the

the principles of liberty, and that I am with the most hearty wishes for your welfare and happiness,

SIR,

Your most obedient,

And bumble fervant,

Richard Baron.

THE

CONTENTS.

A

Short view of the Conduct of the English
Clergy. The author Sir Edmund Thomas,

Baronet.

I

Answer to the Country Parfon's Plea against the

Quaker's Tythe Bill. By Lord Hervey. 107

Mr. Stephens's Sermon before the House of Com-

mons, Jan. 30, 1699-1700.
227

The Mystery of King Charles's Martyrdom un-

riddled, by Dr. Mayhew.

259

The Manner of Confecration of the Bishops in

Dublin 1660. By Bishop Taylor.

338

Α

SHORT VIEW

OF THE

CONDUCT

OF THE

ENGLISH CLERGY,

So far as relates to

CIVIL AFFAIRS,

FROM THE

CONQUEST to the REVOLUTION.

By Sir EDMUND THOMAS, Baronet, and Member of Parliament.

But tract of time, and long profperity
(That nurfe of vice, this of injolency}
Lulled the fhepherds in fuch fecurity,
That, not content with loyal cbeyfance,
Some gan to gape at greedy governance,
And match themselves with mighty potentates,
Lovers of lordships, and troublers of fiates.

SPENCER.

First printed in the Year 1737.

VOL. II.

B