CHAPTER VIII
On Canting Nonsense.
The writer now wishes to say something on the subject of canting
nonsense, of which there is a great deal in England. There are
various cants in England, amongst which is the religious cant. He
is not going to discuss the subject of religious cant: lest,
however, he should be misunderstood, he begs leave to repeat that
he is a sincere member of the Church of England, in which he
believes there is more religion, and consequently less cant, than
in any other church in the world; nor is he going to discuss many
other cants; he shall content himself with saying something about
two--the temperance cant and the unmanly cant. Temperance canters
say that "it is unlawful to drink a glass of ale." Unmanly canters
say that "it is unlawful to use one's fists." The writer begs
leave to tell both these species of canters that they do not speak
words of truth.
It is very lawful to take a cup of ale, or wine, for the purpose of
cheering or invigorating yourself when you are faint and down-
hearted; and likewise to give a cup of ale or wine to others when
they are in a similar condition. The Holy Scripture sayeth nothing
to the contrary, but rather encourageth people in so doing by the
text, "Wine maketh glad the heart of man.
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