NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 47 



Heptarchy more than enough totally to devour 

 them. 



Theoph. Such a government would enervate 

 the people, and such superiors live upon the 

 spoil of the country. 



Am. Is this the present state of things, and 

 the project that prevails in every man's head ? 

 What, is their no trimming nor neutrality left 

 amongst 'em ? 



Agrip. Yes, there's enough of that, and soli- 

 citations for peace among sober men and me- 

 chanicks. 



Am. But what say the people as to church 

 government ? Is one religion or more in fashion ? 



Agrip. Religion is made a meer stalking horse, 

 to answer the ends of every design, and worn so 

 threadbare, that there's nothing left to cover it, 

 save only the name on't. It's true, there's some 

 small alteration in the church, so is there in the 

 state, by a late purgation ; the army also is de- 

 cimated, and it's thought the mystery of law will 

 be made legible, to speak our modern dialect : 

 but the priest paramount is the bravest fellow, 

 because Presbyter John struts a horse-back, 

 whilst the proselyte like a pensioner holds the 

 bridle ; but to speak plain English, most hold 

 the stirrup. 



Arn. What say Mercurius, and Publicus An- 

 glicus ? 



