A word of comfort, British Cartoon Print

A British satire on the efforts of Charles James Fox to get the Test and Corporation Acts repealed. Joseph Priestley, preaching, speaks for the concerns of the clergy, stating their opposition to "Reynard and Associates" (Fox, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, John Townshend, and another man, possibly William Windham). Fox asks, "Pray, Doctor is there such a thing as a Devil?" to which Priestley responds with a resounding "NO." The Devil, standing amid flames, is about to skewer Priestley. The Test and Corporation Acts required membership in the Church of England, as well as other religious and civil obligations, for anyone seeking public office. In a touch of irony, the Prince of Wales (George IV) and Maria Fitzherbert, joined in an illegal marriage, sit in a pew on Priestley's left, facing the viewer. That Priestley's "NO" is printed in the same type as the title "A WORD OF COMFORT" suggests a play on words.

Printed on laid paper with watermark: J Whatman.
Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires / George, v. 6, no. 7636
Forms part of: British Cartoon Prints Collection (Library of Congress).