"The peace and good order of society." This is to obtain a submission to tyranny; which submission Jesus in his religion inculcates by his Apostle Peter, 1 Cph. chap. ii. ver. 13: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man." And this will account for zeal of the ruling authorities to support Jesus's pretensions: "Individual and public welfare." This, after what has been shewn, must be all rant. "The happiness of their fellow-subjects here and hereafter." This can never be promoted by suppressing argument and stifling inquiry. "Arrest the fatal poison." Here the fair and free investigation and examination of propositions is called poison. Yet, who but the wicked can have any thing to dread from inquiry? I apprehend, Mr. Shepherd, that you and the self' styled Society for the Suppression of Vice carry on separate prosecutions, but I have classed you both together, because you are both of you aiding, abetting, and assisting in the same design. Of what individuals that Society is composed is not known to me, but as the Bishops of Durham and Rochester are the presidents, I conclude, that many priests of Jesus are among the number, and that, at any rate, the parsons are the chief instructors in this business. That free inquiry should not generally take place is much their interest, for thereby their "gains would be gone." They would much wish that the ignorance of ancient days, so profitable to parsons, could be brought back; and I send you a verse or two upon a desire expressed in the Gentleman's, or as it ought to be called, from its treating so much of ecclesiastical matters, and expressing the wish of the parsons, the Parson's Magazine, that the level near St. Andrew's church should be filled up. "Priests, who through fiats their trade sustain Wish level Holborn Hill; And wish the world were flat again As erst when it stood still." 1 The self-styled Society for the Suppression of Vice, are zealous to substitute useless or absurd observances as parts of religion, instead of real true morality; and have taken great pains to prevent amusements, and produce a gloom throughout Sunday, the only holiday for many people. There are not less spirits drank on amount of a sabbatical gloom; for harmless chearfulness is rather a preservative of innocence. I have therefore sent you, Mr. Attorney-General, a song, which I beg you to deliver to the parsons of that Society, and to any other parsons, to help them to keep up their spirits. 1 Joshua, chap. x. SONG, To the tune of "Come, bustle, hustle, drink about, and let us merry be," of George Alexander Stevens. Since Paul affirms that Heaven has chose The thoughtless foolish things, 1 And bless'd with Paradise all those For paying priests and kings: 2 Then a preaching we will go, will go, will go, Then a preaching we will go.