from this particular happy complexion in the first formation of the
person that enjoys it, and is Nature's gift, but diversified by
various specific characters and limitations, as its active fire is
blended and allayed by different proportions of phlegm, or reduced
and regulated by the contrast of opposite ferments. Therefore, as
there happens in the composition of facetious genius a greater or
less, though still an inferior, degree of judgment and prudence, one
man of wit will be varied and distinguished from another."

In these essays he took little care to propitiate the wits, for he
scorns to avert their malice at the expense of virtue or of truth.

"Several, in their books, have many sarcastical and spiteful strokes
at religion in general; while others make themselves pleasant with
the principles of the Christian. Of the last kind this age has seen
a most audacious example in the book entitled 'A Tale of a Tub.'
Had this writing been published in a pagan or popish nation, who are
justly impatient of all indignity offered to the established
religion of their country, no doubt but the author would have
received the punishment he deserved. But the fate of this impious
buffoon is very different, for in a Protestant kingdom, zealous of
their civil and religious immunities, he has not only escaped
affronts and the effects of public resentment, but has been caressed
and patronised by persons of great figure, and of all denominations.
Violent party-men, who differed in all things besides, agreed in
their turn to show particular respect and friendship to this
insolent derider of the worship of his country, till at last the
reputed writer is not only gone off with impunity, but triumphs in
his dignity and preferment. I do not know that any inquiry or
search was ever made after this writing, or that any reward was ever