Wesley Corpus

But still the King is wounded through their sides; the blame glances from them to him. Yet if we say a word in defence of them, (which is in effect defending him,) this also is preaching politics. 6. It is always difficult and frequently impossible for private men to judge of the measures taken by men in public offices. We do not see many of the grounds which determine them to act in this or the contrary manner. Generally, therefore, it behoves us to be silent, as we may suppose they know their own business best; but when they are censured without any colour of reason, and when an odium is cast on the King by that means, we ought to preach politics in this sense also; we ought publicly to confute those unjust censures: Only remem bering still, that this is rarely to be done, and only when fit occasion offers; it being our main business to preach “repent ance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” LEw Isua M, January 9, 1782. 1. SoME years ago an ingenious man published a treatise with this title. According to him, the characteristics of the English at present are sloth and luxury. And thus much we may allow, that neither the one nor the other ever abounded in England as they do at this day. With regard to sloth, it was the constant custom of our ancestors to rise at four in the morning. This was the stated hour, summer and winter, for all that werc in health. The two Houses of Parliament met “at five;” hord quintá antemeridianá, says their Journal. But how is it with people of fashion now? They can hardly huddle on their clothes before eight or nine o'clock in the morning; perhaps some of them not before twelve. And when they are risen, what do they do? They waste away In gentle inactivity the day. How many are so far from working with their hands, that they can scarce set a foot to the ground ! How many, even young, healthy men, are too lazy either to walk or ride : They must loll in their carriages day by day; and these can scarce be made easy enough ! And must not the minor Gentry have their coaches too? Yea, if they only ride on the outside.