Mr. Butler's Discourse. 



this " her high and palmy state," her people were a prey to 

 superstitions, which not only tolerated but sanctified, the most 

 licentious and unnatural enormities. 



To those who may object, that this proof is drawn from a 

 remote antiquity, and that the enlightened spirit of the present 

 age would instinctively reject the licentious polytheism of an- 

 cient Greece, I would reply, by pointing them to the most cul- 

 tivated portions of the heathen world, at the present hour, as 

 proofs that human nature is still the same, and that supersti- 

 tions equally unreasonable and mischievous, are yet cherished 

 among men. If to this, it be said, that the reference to these 

 nations is also unjust, because though they possess many of the 

 arts in greater perfection than ourselves, they are yet far be- 

 hind us, in science and philosophy — the answer is at hand. 

 The fact suggested does undoubtedly exist — 'tis indeed true, 

 that whilst the lights of intelligence and virtue are spread 

 abroad wherever the rays of Christianity have fallen, we find 

 elsewhere, nought but clouds and darkness overshadowing the 

 land. But the existence of this state of things may properly 

 be relied on, as decisive proof of the usefulness and superior- 

 ity of the Christian faith; and how is the argument that re- 

 sults from it, to be overcome or resisted? The diversity to 

 which I have alluded in the present condition of mankind, 

 may fairly be ascribed to diversity in religious faith as its ulti- 

 mate cause ; for such is the nature of Christianity, that wher- 

 ever her doctrines are known and revered, she cannot but pro- 

 duce the most beneficent results. By inculcating purity of 

 of heart, and holding up a lofty standard of morals, she im- 

 proves the manners ; elevates the moral sense ; gives a proper 

 direction to those propensities of our nature, which would oth- 

 erwise become the fruitful sources of disorder and misery; and 

 erects barriers against many crimes, which the sanctions of 

 human laws would be unable to restrain. By her peculiar 

 doctrines of charity and meekness she tempers with moderation 

 the penal cjJg of individual states: whilst her enlarged be- 

 nevolence and universal philanthropy, diffuse into the law and 

 through the intercourse of nations, the principles of humanity 

 and justice. 



