Style in 1753. Truth and Common Sense meet in St. Paul's on the 2nd of September, the day set apart as a fast to call to remembrance the Fire of London in 1666.[1] "'Tis strange," says Truth, "that Common Sense should not reflect upon the notorious absurdity of addressing our prayers in solemn commemoration of an event, as happening on this day: whereas the proper anniversary appointed by authority is yet to come eleven days hence, and will then be passed over here without any notice." Truth further argues, "how absurd it is, to celebrate this and the other three anniversaries of the Martyrdom, the Restoration, and the Gunpowder Treason (which are all four solemnities peculiar to this nation) on the nominal days instead of the real ones." Common Sense is at last convinced, that the people are deceived by Almanacks and Calenders.[2]
- ↑ A special service was appointed for the 2nd of September, which was for some time, after the fire in 1666, used generally in the churches. At the present time, however, it is only read in two churches—St. Paul's Cathedral and the Church of Alder-Mary. In some of the Books of Common Prayer of the reigns of Charles II and James II, the Form of Prayer was printed with the other annual Services of the same character: but as it is not found in all the copies, it is not very generally known in the present day. During the last century, the Form was printed in a separate state, on the ground, as it was even then alleged, that copies of the Prayer Book containing this particular Service were uncommon.
- ↑ The Happy Interview: or Long-looked-for found out at last. A plain Narrative; giving an Account how Common Sense, having withdrawn himself, in disgust, from the Public View, was, after the indefatigable search and enquiries of his Friend, Plain Honesty, found out, in his Retirement, under the Directions of Truth. London, 1756. The following passage is curious. "It was but a week ago last Tuesday, that I was here, to join with the congregation in the service of the Church appointed for the Fes-
