discontent regularly dictate; a speech filled with hyperbolical
complaints of imaginary grievances: "They," says he, "who think
themselves already undone, can never apprehend themselves in danger;
and they who have nothing left can never give freely." Political
truth is equally in danger from the praises of courtiers, and the
exclamations of patriots.

He then proceeds to rail at the clergy, being sure at that time of a
favourable audience. His topic is such as will always serve its
purpose; an accusation of acting and preaching only for preferment:
and he exhorts the Commons "carefully" to "provide" for their
"protection against Pulpit Law."

It always gratifies curiosity to trace a sentiment. Waller has in
his speech quoted Hooker in one passage; and in another has copied
him, without quoting. "Religion," says Waller, "ought to be the
first thing in our purpose and desires; but that which is first in
dignity is not always to precede in order of time; for well-being
supposes a being; and the first impediment which men naturally
endeavour to remove, is the want of those things without which they
cannot subsist. God first assigned unto Adam maintenance of life,
and gave him a title to the rest of the creatures before he
appointed a law to observe."

"God first assigned Adam," says Hooker, "maintenance of life, and
then appointed him a law to observe. True it is, that the kingdom
of God must be the first thing in our purpose and desires; but
inasmuch as a righteous life presupposeth life, inasmuch as to live
virtuously it is impossible, except we live; therefore the first
impediment which naturally we endeavour to remove is penury, and