5 A certain man of ancient extraction, and of great repute, an
Englishman, called _John Bull_, from various causes fell sick,
and was grievously ill-treated by those to whom he trusted
to be preserved, and from their machinations was become as
one going down to the Grave; for many of his _Members_ were
exceedingly filthy and corrupt--disgusting to the eyes of men
to behold.
6 Now it came to pass there were certain good ministers of
the people, who beheld with horror the state of this man, and
shuddered at the contemplation of the baseness and iniquity of
the workers thereof.
7 And they straightway proceeded to the King, and he giving
audience, they reported unto him what they knew concerning this
matter.
8 And the King was wrath and sore displeased at what he had
heard.
9 Then the King commanded them, saying, call me an assembly
together, both of the good and the bad, and set this man's case
before them, so that searching diligently into the truth, we
may relieve his affliction and punish the aggressors.
10 They went forth from the King's presence and did according
as he had commanded them.
11 And when that which had passed was made known to the evil
doers, they consulted amongst themselves how they might repel
the attack, and still hold on in the system of hypocrisy and
plunder: and they, with one accord, cried what _law_ is there
to prevent the continuation of our practices, and who shall say
unto us, "so far shalt thou go and no farther:" and they went
forth, hardened in their sin, to attend the assembly.
12 And the people cried, lo! behold them bold in their
iniquity, for shame hath not tinged their cheeks.
13 And the assembly being met, the man's case was commanded to
be heard: And the man groaned bitterly and cried unto the good
ministers "Save me or I perish."
14 And one of the good men arose, and said unto the assembly,
hearest thou what this man sayeth, and addressing himself unto
the evil doers, he saith, this thing needeth amendment, for the
life of the man standeth in jeopardy.
15 And this good man with the assistance of another, like
unto himself, who had grown _Grey_ in the service of mankind,
prepared a remedy, and he stood up and declared it aloud unto
the assembly, saying,
16 Let the _Members_ of this man that are become so filthy and
impure, so corrupt and nauseous to the sight, and so poisonous
to the man's whole body be forthwith severed therefrom, that
the more wholesome part may not be endangered; for without this
he cannot be saved.
17 And he, proceeding, said let us make him a draught that
might _purge_ him of the filth within him, so shall he once
more enjoy health.