brated by the infamous pens of atheists, republicans, and fanaticks.
Time and mortality can[1] only remedy these inconveniences 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, 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[2], 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; they might perhaps have given us some light into the disposition 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.
- ↑ This arrangement leads to ambiguity; 'only' placed after 'can,' may signify can do no more than: as, can only palliate, not cure these evils. When 'only,' therefore refers to things before enumerated, exclusively of all others, it ought always to precede 'can.' As thus 'Time and mortality, only, can remedy,' &c.
- ↑ Who have done themselves much reputation,' &c. Neither grammar nor custom will authorise this phrase. There is a similar one in use indeed, as, 'they have done themselves great credit,' but yet is far from being proper: reputation and credit are what people do not bestow upon themselves, but are granted to them by others; the expression therefore should be they have gained to themselves great reputation, great credit. This phrase is properly made use of on another occasion, where it is said of a man, that he has 'done himself justice,' because he has taken it out of all other hands, into his own.
