Reftexw)is on Ilistunj, S'c. 375 



pleasing allusions, but in some instances, espe- 

 cially in the epic and dramatic provinces, it has 

 formed tlie very basis and argument of the most 

 popular works. Long before dramas were 

 perforiTied, and, as it were, by way of pattern 

 to them, history existed iii a dramatic form. 

 The recitation of noble actions to free-bora 

 minds hath, especially in Grecian times, in- 

 spired them with a love, of liberty, and in- 

 fluenced them to serve their country and man- 

 kind. If the Roman history, together with the 

 life of the Macedonian Alexander, contribute 

 to encourage the spirit of lawless ambition, 

 the decline and fall of that renowned empire 

 may also concur with the fate of all warlike 

 heroes, who have transgressed the rules of 

 justice, to warn the mind against the evil and 

 destructive consequences of an insatiable thirst 

 for glory and power. Numerous examples of 

 sublime, pathetic and impassioned eloquence, 

 may be derived from the works of ancient his- 

 torians. Their modern brethren have rather 

 contributed to the spread of policy, philosophy, 

 and commerce. If the narrations of historians 

 who were cotemporary with the events be 

 more worthy of credit than others, the advo- 

 cates of revelation may with confidence appeal 

 to the historical scriptures, and point out Moses 

 and the Evangelists, especially Luke, a^ in aij 



