The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From William King to Jonathan Swift - 2
I RECEIVED yours of last January the 6th, and you will find but a sorry correspondent of me. I have been confined near two months this winter, and forbid pen and ink by my physician; though, I thank God, I was more frightened, as it happened, than hurt. I had a colic about the year 96, that brought me to extremity, and all despaired of my life, and the news letters reported me dead. It began at the same time of the year, and the same way it did then, and the winters were much alike; and I verily believe had I not had the assistance of my old physician, sir Patrick Dun, I should have run the same course, which I could not have supported. But with a little physick, and the Spa and Bath waters, I escaped without other hardships, than keeping at home; and so much for private affairs.
As to the publick, I had a letter from my lord Pembroke, wherein he told me the first-fruits and twentieth parts were granted, and that my lord lieutenant will bring over the queen's letter for them. I returned him my thanks, and as soon as the order comes, he will have a publick acknowledgment.
I have seen a letter, that passes as from a member of the house, &c. I think your judgment concerning it is very just. But pray by what artifice did you contrive to pass for a whig? As I am an honest man, I courted the greatest whigs I knew, and could not gain the reputation of being counted one.
But you need not be concerned; I will engage you will lose nothing by that paper. I wish some facts had been well considered before vouched: if any one matter in it prove false, what do you think will come of the paper? In short, it will not be in the power of man to hinder it from a warm entertainment.
As to the test, I believe that matter is over for this season, I was much for dissolving this present parliament, and calling a new one this spring. I had a pretty good account of the future elections, which, as far as my acquaintance reached, were settled; and I was sure, that without great force and artifice, the new members would never have repealed the test; but I did not know what the influence of a lord lieutenant (when well acquainted in the kingdom, and who knew how to take his measures justly) might have effected, and we know very well what force, management and timing matters have; and there is hardly any thing but powerful persuasions, terrour, and ostentation of interest may effect, especially in popular elections. And to confess the truth to you, I am not altogether easy in that matter yet, especially if things take any new turn in England. It is whispered, but I know not by what authority, that the queen herself was at the bottom of what passed in the house of commons with you, and that the ministry screened her in that affair, for reasons that may be guessed at.
I am wonderfully pleased at the good character you give Mr. Addison. If he be the man, that you represent him to be, (and I have confidence in your judgment) he will be able to serve his lord effectually, and procure himself love and respect here. I can't say it will be in my power to do him any service; but my good wishes and endeavours shall not be wanting.
Mr. Stoughton preached a sermon here on the 30th of January, king Charles's martyrdom, that gives great offence: the government heard it, but I was ill at home, which dean Sterne will needs have a providence. If the representation I have of it be true, I am sure I should have suspended him, if it had cost me both my reputation and interest. I have represented what I have heard of it, and have discoursed my lord chancellor about it, and told him of what consequence I think it to be, both to him and us, and that it should not pass without censure. I have not as yet seen my lord primate. Wise men are doing all they can to extinguish faction; and fools and elves are throwing firebrands. Assure yourself this had an ill effect on the minds of most here; for, though they espouse the revolution, they heartily abhor forty-one. And nothing can create the ministry more enemies, and be a greater handle for calumny, than to represent them, and those that espoused them, to be such as murdered king Charles I, and such are all, that approve or excuse it.
As to your own affairs, I wish you could have come over chaplain as I proposed; but since a more powerful interest interposed, I believe you had best use your endeavours there; but if nothing happens before my lord lieutenant comes over, you had best make us a visit. Had you been here, I believe something might have been done for you before this. The deanery of Down is fallen, and application has been made for it to my lord lieutenant, but it yet hangs, and I know not what will become of it; but if you could either get into it, or get a good man with a comfortable benefice removed to it, it might make present provision for you. I have many things more to say; but they are so much of a piece with these I have writ already, that you may guess at them all by this sample, God be with you: amen.