false
accusations raised against Jesus--all this he applies to
himself and his oratory--and he concludes, that "Bringing
men to think rightly will always be reckoned a depraving
of their minds by those who are desirous to keep them in a
mistake, and who measure all truth by the standard of their
own narrow opinions, views, and passions. The principles of
this institution are those of right reason: the first ages
of Christianity; true facts, clear criticism, and polite
literature--if these corrupt the mind, to find a place where
the mind will not be corrupted will be impracticable."
Thus speciously could "the Orator" reason, raising himself to
the height of apostolical purity. And when he was accused
that he _did all for lucre_, he retorted, that "some _do
nothing_ for it;" and that "he preached more charity sermons
than any clergyman in the kingdom."

[54] He once advertised an oration on marriage, which drew together
an overflowing assembly of females, at which, solemnly shaking
his head, he told the ladies, that "he was afraid, that
oftentimes, as well as now, they came to church in hopes to
get husbands, rather than be instructed by the preacher;" to
which he added a piece of wit not quite decent. He congregated
the trade of shoemakers, by offering to show the most
expeditious method of making shoes: he held out a boot, and
cut off the leg part. He gave a lecture, which he advertised
was "for the instruction of those who do not like it; it was
on the philosophy, history, and great use of _Nonsense_ to the
learned, political, and polite world, who excel in it."

[55] Dr. Cobden, one of George the Second's chaplains, having, in
1748, preached a sermon at St. James's from these words, "Take
away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness," it gave so much displeasure,
that the doctor was struck out of the list of chaplains; and
the next Saturday the following parody of his text appeared as
a motto to Henley's advertisement:

"Away with the wicked before the king,
And away with the wicked behind him;
His throne it will bless
With righteousness,
And we shall know w