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[91] divine, he says that ‘it is absolutely necessary to the peace and government of the world that the supreme magistrate should be vested with power to govern and conduct the consciences of subjects in affairs of religion. Princes may with less hazard give liberty to men's vices and debaucheries than to their consciences.’ And, speaking of the various sects of Non-conformists, he counsels princes and legislators that ‘tenderness and indulgence to such men is to nourish vipers in their own bowels, and the most sottish neglect of our quiet and security.’ Marvell replied to him in a severely satirical pamphlet, which provoked a reply from the Doctor. Marvell rejoined, with a rare combination of wit and argument. The effect of his sarcasm on the Doctor and his supporters may be inferred from an anonymous note sent him, in which the writer threatens by the eternal God to cut his throat, if he uttered any more libels upon Dr. Parker. Bishop Burnet remarks that ‘Marvell writ in a burlesque strain, but with so peculiar and so entertaining a conduct that from the King down to the tradesman his books were read with great pleasure, and not only humbled Parker, but his whole party, for Marvell had all the wits on his side.’ The Bishop further remarks that Marvell's satire ‘gave occasion to the only piece of modesty with which Dr. Parker was ever charged, namely, of withdrawing from town, and not importuning the press for some years, since even a face of brass must grow red when it is burnt as his has been.’ Dean Swift, in commenting upon the usual fate
Boston and New York, Houghton, Mifflin and company, 1888-89.
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