36 History of Nature. [BooK II. 



trembling Fear, we have desired to pacify. This Superstition 

 hath caused a Fane to be dedicated to Fever, in the Palatine 

 Mount, by Order of the State ; and likewise an Altar to 

 Orbona, near the Temple of the Lares: besides another 

 erected to Bad Fortune on the Esquiline. By this it may be 

 conceived that there are a greater Number of Gods in Hea- 

 ven than of Men upon Earth, since every one makes as many 

 Gods as he pleases, fitting himself with Junoes and Genii for 

 his Patrons. There are certain Nations that account Beasts, 

 and even some filthy Things, for Gods ; yea, and many other 

 Matters more shameful to be spoken : swearing by stinking 

 Meats, by Garlic, and such-like. But, surely, to believe 

 that Gods have contracted Marriage, and that in so long a 

 Time no Children should be born to them : also that some 

 are aged, and ever grey-headed : others, again, young and 

 always Children : that they be black of Complexion, winged, 

 lame, hatched of Eggs, living and dying on each alternate 

 Day ; are mere childish Fooleries. But it exceedeth all Im- 

 pudency to imagine Adulteries among them : and presently, 

 also, scolding, and Malice ; and more than that, how there 

 be Gods that are Patrons of Theft and Wickedness. He is 

 a God to a Man that helpeth Him : and this is the true Way 

 to everlasting Glory. In this Way went the Romans in old 

 Time : and in this Track, at this Day, goeth, with heavenly 

 Pace, Vespasian Augustus, with his Children ; the most 

 mighty Ruler of the whole World : relieving the afflicted 

 State of the Empire. And this is the most ancient Manner 

 of Requital to such Benefactors, that they should be enrolled 

 with the Gods. And hereof came the Names as well of all 

 other Gods, as of the Stars (which I have mentioned before), 

 in Recognisance of Men's good Deserts. As for Jupiter and 

 Mercury, and others ranged among the Gods, who doubteth 

 that they were called otherwise among themselves ? and who 

 confesseth not how these be celestial Denominations, to ex- 

 press and interpret their Nature ? 



To suppose that the sovereign Power, whatsoever it is, 

 should exercise Care over Mankind, is ridiculous. For can 

 we choose but believe that the Godhead must be polluted 



