As he was in the beginning, he is now, and ever will be.
Then all the people, standing up, shall say,
O blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons and one Minister, have mercy on us miserable subjects.
This parody was written against Lord Chatham. It was published in The New Foundling Hospital for Wit. 1786.
The following imitation was written by the Rev. Mr. Toplady, a very popular preacher amongst the Calvinists, who died greatly lamented, at a very early age. Mr. Toplady’s object was to ridicule Lord Chesterfield’s Letters, and the morals therein inculcated It was entitled—
“Christianity Reversed, &c.; or Lord Chesterfield’s New Creed.
“I believe, that this world is the object of my hopes and morals; and that the little prettinesses of life will answer all the ends of human existence.
“I believe, that we are to succeed in all things, by the graces of civility and attention; that there is no sin, but against good manners; and that all religion and virtue consist in outward appearance.
“I believe, that all women are children, and all men fools; except a few cunning people, who see through the rest, and make their use of them.