prosecuted with the utmost severity. This, however, was an
irresistible testimony, that the resentment shewn to the author was on
some other, and less justifiable account, than the publication of that
book; so was it a severe satire on the unwariness of the ministry,
who had not eyes to discern their justice plainly exposed, and their
general proceedings bantered by a Printer, for publishing in defiance
of them that same book for which another man stood arraigned.

Mr. De Foe, who possessed a resolute temper, and a most confirmed
fortitude of mind, was never awed by the threats of power, nor
deterred from speaking truth by the insolence of the great. Wherever
he found vice he lashed it, and frequently, as Pope says, he

Dash'd the proud gam'ster from his gilded car,
Bar'd the mean breast that lurk'd beneath a star.

For some vigorous attacks against the measures of a prevailing
party, which Mr. De Foe reckoned unconstitutional and unjust, he
was prosecuted, and received sentence to stand on the pillory; which
punishment he underwent.

At the very time he was in the hands of the ministry, to shew the
invincible force of his mind, he wrote a Hymn to the Pillory, as a
kind of defiance of their power. 'The reader (says he)[C] is desired
to observe this poem was the author's declaration, even when in the
cruel hands of a merciless, as well as unjust ministry; that the
treatment he had from them was unjust, exorbitant, and consequently
illegal.' As the ministry did not think proper to prosecute him for
this fresh insult against them, that forbearance was construed a
confession of guilt in their former proceedings.

* * * * *

In the second volume of our author's works, is a piece entitled More
Reformation, a satire upon himself. We have already taken notice of
a satire of his called Reformation of Manners, in which some personal
characters are stigmatized, which drew much odium on Mr. De Foe. This
satire called More Reformation, is a kind of supplement to the former.
In the preface he complains of the severe usage he had met with, but,
says he, 'that the world may discern that I am not one of those who
practice what they reprove, I began this satire with owning in myself
those sins and misfortunes which I am no more exempted from, than
other men; and as I am far from pretending to be free from human
frailties, but forwarder to confess any of the errors of my life,
than any man can be