260 NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 



lo ? I know that you'l grant piety the best ex- 

 positor of a holy life ; and if so, it gives us the 

 most lively and amiable prospect of eternity, 

 whilst the world, and malicious men, like ra- 

 venous vultures, unnaturally tear out one an- 

 others bowels. 



Theoph. It's true, I acknowledg that sin, like 

 a cart-rope, draws down destruction on every 

 generation : And is not that generation ripe 

 enough for destruction, where the streets are 

 storm'd with oaths and impieties; and the houses 

 blackned with blasphemous imprecations; not 

 a sin cruciated, nor a lust mortified ? Surely that 

 nation stands a tip-toe that leans upon the rot- 

 ten props of pride; and will not pride (think 

 you) sink it self, so inevitably fall with its own 

 weight ? Look but upon the foundation of na- 

 tional piety ; and youl see how it lies in the 

 arms of national polity. Will this suppress the 

 vice of the times, and work a reformation in re- 

 ligion and good manners, such as cruciat Christ 

 every day, vilifie Christianity, by putting Christ 

 to open shame, and a rape upon conscience to 

 gratify their luxury. So not only endangers 

 themselves, but that nation, and those natives so 

 unhappy to live with them. 



Arn. Though a spark of fire shine bright, yet 

 every shining spark is not a star ; nor does the 

 orderly laying the sacrifice on the altar, merit 



