21 



repelled flames, only to s]:)read upon- the bosom of na- 

 ture the fatilizing mold whence man reaps the bread 

 of life; only to pour the rich treasures of virtue over 

 the whole extent of civilized lands. 



Now take in connexion with the objects and estab- 

 lishment of this system, any of the ancient religions. 

 View their unmeaning mysteries ; their senseless pa- 

 geantry ; their horrid sacrifices ; their connexion with 

 the most sensual and vicious pleasures. Take, indeed, 

 the strange superstitions and wild opinions of their 

 M^isest men. One declares that nature and chance go- 

 vern the universe, and that all courage to support a 

 renunciation of truth, arises from the excitement of a 

 spacious theatre, and numerous spectators. Some, 

 that matter, by viciousness, occasions evil. Others, 

 that the divine influence extends in its full effect to 

 the sphere of the moon, but acts feebly in inferior re- 

 gions ; and others that God governs matters of conse- 

 quence, but neglects those of small moment. Some 

 deny altogether a God, but say there is a something 

 without beginning or end; a pure spirit; a subtile mat- 

 ter, an intelligent fire, which governs the universe. — 

 Hear the divine Plato reasoning upon the creation. 

 God he says is single, immutable and infinite. He ex- 

 isted in the profundity of eternity : Matter, equally 

 eternal, subsisted in fearful fermentation : At God's 

 command the whole mass Vvas agitated by a fructify- 

 ing motion : To direct the four elements he prepared 

 a soul, partly etherial, partly material. Placed in the 

 centre of the world it assumed a spherical figure, the 

 most perfect of forms. 



It was well said by one, not supposed very devout, 

 that the relii^^ion of some is in their minds, some in theii' 



