Wesley Corpus

gold. “But why do you think so?” I will tell you as plainly as I can:-- A person of a complete, uniform character, encumbered with: no religion, with no regard to virtue or morality, squanders away all that he has. He applies for a place, but is disap pointed. He is thoroughly exasperated, abuses the ministry, asperses the King's mother in the grossest manner, is prose cuted, (not for this, but other achievements,) and retires to France. After some time, he suddenly returns to London, sets up for a patriot, and vehemently inveighs against evil counsellors, grievances, and mal-administration. The cry spreads; more and more espouse his cause, and second him with all their might. He becomes head of the party; and not only the vulgar but the world runs after him. He drives on with still increasing numbers, carrying all before him, inflaming the nation more and more, and making their minds evil-affected, in appearance towards the Ministers of State, but in reality towards the King. Now, can any reason able man believe that the French are ignorant of all this; or that they have no hand at all therein, but are mere uncon cerned spectators? Do they not understand their own interest better? If they did not kindle the fire, will they not use all means to prevent its going out? Will they not take care to add fuel to the flame? Will they not think forty or fifty thou sand louis-d'ors well bestowed on so important an occasion? I cannot but think this is (at least) one principal spring of all the present commotions. But may not other causes like wise concur? As, First, covetousness; a love of English as well as of French gold. Do not many hunger after the lucrative employments which their neighbours enjoy? They had rather have them themselves. And will not those that are hungry naturally cry for food? Secondly, ambition. How many desire honour, perhaps more than they do money itself! and how various are the shapes which they will put on in order to attain it! Thirdly, those who are not so much under the power of these, are yet susceptible of pride or envy; and frequently of both together. To these we may, Fourthly, add resentment.