Swift first appeared as a professed author in 1708, when he wrote
against astrologers, and prophetic almanack-makers, called
philomaths--then numerous, but now only represented by Zadkiel. This
Essay was one of those, which gave rise to "The Tatler." He wrote about
the same time, "An argument against Christianity"--an ironical way of
rebuking the irreligion of the time--
"It is urged that there are by computation in this kingdom above
ten thousand persons, whose revenues added to those of my lords the
bishops, would suffice to maintain two hundred young gentlemen of
wit and pleasure, and freethinking,--enemies to priestcraft, narrow
principles, pedantry, and prejudices; who might be an ornament to
the court and town; and then again, so great a body of able
(bodied) divines might be a recruit to our fleet and armies."
"Another advantage proposed by the abolishing of Christianity is
the clear gain of one day in seven, which is now entirely lost, and
consequently the kingdom one seventh less in trade, business, and
pleasure; besides the loss to the public of so many stately
structures, now in the hands of the clergy, which might be
converted into play-houses, market-houses, exchanges, common
dormitories, and other public edifices.
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