Mr. Congreve says, Ben. Johnson is much bolder in the first Scene of his Bartholomew Fair. Suppose all that. Is it an excuse to follow an ill Example, and continue an Atheistical practice? I thought Mr. Congreve in his penetration might have seen through this Question. Ben. Johnson (as he goes on) makes Littlewit say, Man and Wife make one Fool. I have said nothing comparable to that. Nothing comparable! Truly in the usual sense of that Phrase, Mr. Congreve, 'tis possible, has said nothing comparable to Ben. Johnson, nor it may be never will: But in his new Propriety he has said something more than comparable, that is a great deal worse. For though Littlewit's Allusion is profane, the words of the Bible are spared. He does not Droll directly upon Genesis, or St. Matthew; Upon God the Son, or God the Holy Ghost: Whereas Mr. Congreve has done that which amounts to both. And since he endeavours to excuse himself upon the Authority of Ben. Johnson, I shall just mention what Thoughts this Poet had of his profane Liberties, at a time when we have reason to believe him most in earnest. Now Mr. Wood reports from the Testimony of a great Prelate then present. 'That when Ben. Johnson was in his last Sickness, he was often heard to repent of his profaning the Scriptures in his Plays, and that with Horrour.   Now as far as I can perceive, the Smut and Profaneness of Mr. Congreve's Four Plays out-swell the Bulk of Ben. Johnson's Folio. I heartily wish this Relation may be serviceable to Mr. Congreve, and that as his Faults are greater, his Repentance may come sooner.

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