Characteristicks of
Men, Manners, Opinions, Times
haracteristicks
VOLUME III
MISCELLANEOUS REFLECTIONS on the preceding
Treatises, and other Critical Subjects.
A Notion of the Tablature, or Judgment of HERCULES.
With a Letter concerning DESIGN.
Printed in the Year M.DCC.XXXII.
This book is published by Liberty Fund, Inc., a foundation established to
encourage study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.
The cuneiform inscription that serves as our logo and as the design motif
for our endpapers is the earliest-known written appearance of the word
``freedom'' (amagi), or ``liberty.'' It is taken from a clay document written
about 2300 B.C. in the Sumerian city-state of Lagash.
 2001 Liberty Fund, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
05 04 03 02 01 C 5 4 3 2 1
05 04 03 02 01 P 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Shaftesbury, Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of, 1671­1713.
Characteristicks of men, manners, opinions, times /
Anthony, Third Earl of Shaftesbury;
introduction by Douglas Den Uyl.
p. cm.
Originally published: 6th ed., cor., with the addition
of a letter concerning design.
London: Printed by J. Purser, 1737­1738. With new introd.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 0-86597-294-x (hc: set)
ISBN 0-86597-295-8 (pbk.: set)
1. Ethics. I. Title.
B1386. C48 2001
192--dc21 99-045747
LIBERTY FUND, INC.
8335 Allison Pointe Trail, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana 46250-1684
CONTENTS
Foreword vii
A Note on the Text xiii
VOLUME I
A Letter Concerning Enthusiasm. 1
Sensus Communis; an Essay on the
Freedom of Wit and Humour. 37
Soliloquy, or Advice to an Author. 95
VOLUME II
An Inquiry Concerning Virtue and Merit. 1
The Moralists; a Philosophical Rhapsody. 101
VOLUME III
Miscellaneous Reflections on the Said
Treatises, and Other Critical Subjects. 1
A Notion of the Historical Draught, or
Tablature of the Judgment of Hercules.
With a Letter Concerning Design. 211
INDEXES
Shaftesbury's Index 253
Index to This Edition 293
v
TREATISE VI
V I Z.
iscellaneous Reflections,
&c.
f course he was favorable to Virtue only
and to her friends.* Horat. Sat. I. Lib. 2.
Printed first in the Year M.DCC.XIV.
*Scilicet uni aequus Virtuti, atque ejus Amicis.
iscellaneous Reflections
MISCELLANY I
C H A P T E R I
Of the Nature, Rise, and Establishment
of MISCELLANYS. The Subject of these
which follow. Intention of the Writer.
P
EACE be with the Soul of that charitable and courteous
Author,who for the common Benefit of his Fellow-Authors,
introduc'd the ingenious way of MISCELLANEOUSA Writ- [2]
ing!--It must be own'd that since this happy Method was establish'd,
the Harvest of Wit has been more plentiful, and the Labourers
more in number than heretofore. 'Tis well known to the able
Practitioners in the writing Art; ``That as easy as it is to conceive
3
4 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Wit, 'tis the hardest thing imaginable to be deliver'd of It, upon
certain Terms.'' Nothing cou'd be more severe or rigid than the
Conditions formerly prescrib'd to Writers; when CRITICISM took
place, and Regularity and Order were thought essential in a Treatise.
The Notion of a genuine Work, a legitimate and just Piece, has
certainly been the Occasion of great Timidity and Backwardness
among the Adventurers in Wit: And the Imposition of such strict
Laws and Rules of Composition, has set heavy on the free Spirits
and forward Genius's of Mankind. 'Twas a Yoke, it seems, which
our Forefathers bore; but which, for our parts, we have generously
thrown off. In effect, the invidious Distinctions of Bastardy and
Legitimacy being at length remov'd; the natural and lawful Issue
of the Brain comes with like advantage into the World: And Wit
(mere WIT) is well receiv'd; without examination of the Kind, or
censure of the Form.
This the MISCELLANEOUS Manner of Writing, it must be
own'd, has hapApily effected. It has render'd almost every Soil pro-[3]
ductive. It has disclos'd those various Seeds of Wit, which lay suppress'd
in many a Bosom; and has rear'd numberless Conceits and
curious Fancys, which the natural Rudeness and Asperity of their
native Soil wou'd have with-held, or at least not have permitted to
rise above the ground. From every Field, from every Hedge or Hillock,
we now gather as delicious Fruits and fragrant Flowers, as of
old from the richest and best-cultivated Gardens. Miserable were
those antient Planters, who understanding not how to conform
themselves to the rude Taste of unpolish'd Mankind, made it so
difficult aTask to serve theWorld with intellectual Entertainments,
and furnish out the Repasts of Literature and Science.
There was certainly a time when the Name of AUTHOR stood
for something considerable in the World. To succeed happily in
such a Labour as that of writing a Treatise or a Poem, was taken
as a sure mark of Understanding and Good Sense. The Task was
painful: But, it seems, 'twas honourable. How the Case happen'd,
in process of time, to be so much revers'd, is hard to say. The
REFLECTIONS 5
Chap. 1.primitive Authors perhaps being few in number, and highly respected
for their Art, fell under the weight of Envy. Being sensible
ofAtheir Misfortune in this respect, and being excited, as 'tis prob- [4]
able, by the Example of some popular Genius; they quitted their
regular Schemes and accurate Forms of Workmanship, in favour
of those Wits who could not possibly be receiv'd as AUTHORS
upon such difficult Terms. 'Twas necessary, it seems, that the Bottom
of Wit shou'd be enlarg'd. 'Twas advisable that more Hands
shou'd be taken into the Work. And nothing cou'd better serve
this popular purpose, than the way of MISCELLANY, or common
ESSAY; in which the most confus'd Head, if fraught with a little Invention,
and provided with Common-place-Book Learning, might
exert itself to as much advantage, as the most orderly and wellsettled
Judgment.
To explain the better how this Revolution in Letters has been
effected, it may not perhaps be indecent, shou'd we offer to compare
our Writing-Artists, to the Manufacturers in Stuff or Silk. For
among These 'tis esteem'd a principal piece of Skill, to frame a Pattern,
or Plan of Workmanship, in which the several Colours are
agreeably dispos'd; with such proportionable Adjustment of the
various Figures and Devices, as may, in the whole, create a kind of
Harmony to the Eye. According to this Method, each Piece must
be, in reality, an Original. ForA to copy what has gone before, can [5]
be of no use. The Fraud wou'd easily be perceiv'd. On the other
side, to work originally, and in a manner create each time anew,
must be a matter of pressing weight, and fitted to the Strength and
Capacity of none besides the choicest Workmen.
A Manner therefore is invented to confound this Simplicity and
Conformity of Design. Patch-work is substituted. Cuttings and
Shreds of Learning, with various Fragments, and Points of Wit, are
drawn together, and tack'd in any fantastick form. If theychance to
cast a Luster, and spread a sort of sprightly Glare; the MISCELLANY
is approv'd, and the complex Form and Texture of the Work admir'd.
The EYE, which before was to be won by Regularity, and
6 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. had kept true to Measure and strict Proportion, is by this means
pleasingly drawn aside, to commit a kind of Debauch, and amuse
it-self in gaudy Colours, and disfigur'd Shapes of things. Custom,
in the mean while, has not only tolerated this Licentiousness, but
render'd it even commendable, and brought it into the highest repute.
The Wild and Whimsical, under the name of the Odd and
Pretty, succeed in the room of the Graceful and the Beautiful. Justness
and Accuracy of Thought are set aside, as too constraining,
and of too painful anA aspect, to be endur'd in the agreeable and[6]
more easy Commerce of Gallantry, and modern Wit.
Now since it has been thought convenient, in these latter Ages,
to distinguish the Provinces of WIT and WISDOM, and set apart
the agreeable from the useful; 'tis evident there cou'd be nothing
devis'd more sutable to the distinct and separate Interest of the
former of these Provinces, than this complex manner of Performance
which we call MISCELLANY. For whatever is capricious and
odd, is sure to create Diversion, to those who look no further. And
where there is nothing like Nature, there is no room for the troublesom
part of Thought or Contemplation. 'Tis the Perfection of certain
Grotesque-Painters, to keep as far from Nature as possible. To
find a Likeness in their Works, is to find the greatest Fault imaginable.
A natural Connexion is a Slur. A Coherence, a Design, a
Meaning, is against their purpose, and destroys the very Spirit and
Genius of their Workmanship.
I remember formerly when I was a Spectator in the French Theater,
I found it the Custom, at the end of every grave and solemn
Tragedy, to introduce a comick Farce, or MISCELLANY, which they
call'd the little Piece. We have indeedAa Method still more extraor-[7]
dinary upon our own Stage. For we think it agreeable and just, to
mix the Little Piece or Farce with the main Plot or Fable, thro' every
Act. This perhaps may be the rather chosen, because our Tragedy
is so much deeper and bloodier than that of the French, and therefore
needs more immediate Refreshment from the elegant way of
Drollery, and Burlesque-wit; which being thus closely interwoven
REFLECTIONS 7
Chap. 1.with its opposite, makes that most accomplish'd kind of theatrical
MISCELLANY, call'd by our Poets a Tragi-comedy.
I cou'd go further perhaps, and demonstrate from the Writings
of many of our grave Divines, the Speeches of our Senators,
and other principal Models of our national Erudition, ``That the
MISCELLANEOUS Manner is at present in the highest esteem.'' But
since my chief Intention in the following Sheets is to descant cursorily
upon some late Pieces of a British Author; I will presume,
That what I have said already on this Head is sufficient; and That
it will not be judg'd improper or absurd in me, as I proceed, to
take advantage of this miscellaneous Taste which now evidently prevails.
According to this Method, whilst I serve as Critick or Interpreter
to this new Writer, I may the better correct his Flegm, and
give himA more of the fashionable Air and Manner of the World; [8]
especially in what relates to the Subject and Manner of his two
last Pieces, which are contain'd in his second Volume. For these
being of the more regular and formal kind, may easily be oppressive
to the airy Reader; and may therefore with the same assurance
as Tragedy claim the necessary Relief of the little Piece or Farce
above-mention'd.
Nor ought the Title of a MISCELLANEOUS Writer to be deny'd
me, on the account that I have grounded my Miscellanys upon a
certain Set of Treatises already publish'd. Grounds and Foundations
are of no moment in a kind of Work, which, according to modern
Establishment, has properly neither Top nor Bottom, Beginning
nor End. Besides, that I shall no-way confine myself to the precise
Contents of these Treatises; but, like my Fellow-Miscellanarians,
shall take occasion to vary often from my propos'd Subject, and
make what Deviations or Excursions I shall think fit, as I proceed
in my random ESSAYS.A [9]
8 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. C H A P T E R I I
Of Controversial Writings: Answers: Replies.--
Polemick Divinity; or the Writing Church-Militant.--
Philosophers, and Bear-Garden.--Authors pair'd
and match'd.--The Match-makers.--Foot-Ball.--
A Dialogue between our Author and his Bookseller.
AMONG the many Improvements daily made in the Art of
Writing, there is none perhaps which can be said to have attain'd
a greater Height than that of Controversy, or the Method of
Answer and Refutation. 'Tis true indeed, that antiently the Wits
of Men were for the most part taken up in other Employment.
If Authors writ ill, they were despis'd: If well, they were by some
Party or other espous'd. For Partys there wou'd necessarily be, and
Sects of every kind, in Learning and Philosophy. Every one sided
with whom he lik'd; and having the liberty of hearing each side
speak for it-self, stood in no need of express Warning-Pieces against
pretended Sophistry, or dangerous Reasoning. ParAticular Answers[10]
to single Treatises, were thought to be of little use. And it was
esteem'd no Compliment to a Reader, to help him so carefully in
the Judgment of every Piece which came abroad. Whatever Sects
there were in those days, the Zeal of Party-causes ran not so high
as to give the Reader a Taste of those personal Reproaches, which
might pass in a Debate between the different Partymen.
Thus Matters stood of old; when as yet the Method of writing
Controversy was not rais'd into an Art, nor the Feuds of contending
Authors become the chief Amusement of the learned World. But
we have at present so high a Relish of this kind, that the Writings
of the Learned are never truly gustful till they are come to what
we may properly enough call their due Ripeness, and have begot a
Fray. When the Answer and Reply is once form'd, our Curiosity is
excited: We begin then, for the first time, to whet our Attention,
and apply our Ear.
For example: Let a zealous Divine and flaming Champion of
REFLECTIONS 9
Chap. 2.our Faith, when inclin'd to shew himself in Print, make choice of
some tremendous Mystery of Religion, oppos'd heretofore by some
damnable Heresiarch; whom having vehemently refuted, he turns
himself towardsAthe orthodox Opinion, and supports the true Be- [11]
lief, with the highest Eloquence and profoundest Erudition; he
shall, notwithstanding this, remain perhaps in deep Obscurity, to
the great affliction of his Bookseller, and the regret of all who bear
a just Veneration for Church-history, and the antient Purity of the
Christian Faith. But let it so happen that in this Prosecution of
his deceas'd Adversary, our Doctor raises up some living Antagonist;
who, on the same foot of Orthodoxy with himself, pretends to arraign
his Expositions, and refute the Refuter upon every Article
he has advanc'd; from this moment the Writing gathers Life, the
Publick listens, the Bookseller takes heart; and when Issue is well
join'd, the Repartees grown smart, and the Contention vigorous
between the learned Partys, a Ring is made, and Readers gather in
abundance. Every one takes party, and encourages his own Side.
``This shall be my Champion!--This Man for my Money!--Well
hit, on our side!--Again, a good Stroke!--There he was even with
him!--Have at him the next Bout!''--Excellent Sport! And when
the Combatants are for a-while drawn off, and each retir'd with his
own Companions; What Praises, and Congratulations! What Applauses
of the suppos'd Victor! And how honourably is he salutedA [12]
by his Favourers, and complimented even to the disturbance of
his Modesty! ``Nay, but Gentlemen!--Good Gentlemen! Do you
really think thus?--Are you sincere with me?--Have I treated my
Adversary as he deserves?'' ``Never was Man so maul'd. Why you
have kill'd him downright.'' ``O, Sirs! you flatter me.'' ``He can
never rise more.'' ``Think ye so indeed?'' ``Or if he shou'd; 'twou'd
be a Pleasure to see how you wou'd handle him.''
These are the Triumphs.This what sets sharp: This gives the Author
his Edge, and excites the Reader's Attention; when the Trumpets
are thus sounded to the Croud, and a kind of Amphitheatrical
Entertainment exhibited to the Multitude, by these Gladiatorian
Pen-men.
10 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. The Authorof the precedingTreatises being by profession a nice
Inspector into the Ridicule of Things, must in all probability have
rais'd to himself some such Views as these, which hinder'd him
from engaging in the way of Controversy. For when, by accident,
the *First of these Treatises (a private Letter, and in the Writer's Esteem,
little worthy of theAPublick's notice) came to be read abroad[13]
in Copys, and afterwards in Print; the smartest Answers which
came out against it, cou'd not, it seems, move our Author to form
any Reply. All he was heard to say in return, was, ``That he thought
whoever had taken upon him to publish a Book in answer to that
casual Piece, had certainly made either a very high Compliment
to the Author, or a very ill one to the Publick.''
It must be own'd, that when a Writer of any kind is so considerable
as to deserve the Labour and Pains of some shreud Heads to
refute him in publick, he may, in the quality of an Author, be justly
congratulated on that occasion. 'Tis suppos'd necessarily that he
must have writ with some kind of Ability or Wit. But if his original
Performance be in truth no better than ordinary; his Answerer's
Task must certainly be very mean. He must be very indifferently
imploy'd, who wou'd take upon him to answer Nonsense in form,
ridicule what is of it-self a Jest, and put it upon the World to read
a second Book for the sake of the Impertinencys of a former.
Taking it, however, for granted, ``That a sorry Treatise may be
the foundation of a considerable Answer;'' aA Reply still must cer-[14]
tainly be ridiculous, which-ever way we take it. For either the Author,
in his original Piece, has been truly refuted,or not. If refuted;
whydoes he defend? If not refuted; why trouble himself? What has
the Publick to do with his private Quarrels, or his Adversary's Impertinence?
Or supposing the World out of curiosity may delight
to see a Pedant expos'd by a Man of better Wit, and a Controversy
thus unequally carry'd on between two such opposite Partys; How
long is this Diversion likely to hold good? And what will become of
these polemick Writings a fewYears hence? What is already become
* Viz. The Letter concerning ENTHUSIASM.
REFLECTIONS 11
Chap. 2.of those mighty Controversys, with which some of the most eminent
Authors amus'd the World within the memory of the youngest
Scholar? An original Work or two may perhaps remain: But for
the subsequent Defenses, the Answers, Rejoinders, and Replications;
they have been long since paying their attendance to the Pastrycooks.
Mankind perhaps were heated at that time, when first those
Matters were debated: But they are now cool again. They laugh'd:
They carry'd on the Humour: They blew the Coals: They teaz'd,
and set on, maliciously, and to create themselves diversion. But
the Jest is now over. No-one so much as inquires Where the Wit
was; or Where possibly the Sting shou'd lie of thoseA notable Re- [15]
flections and satirical Hints, which were once found so pungent,
and gave the Readers such high Delight.--Notable Philosophers
and Divines, who can be contented to make sport, and write in
learned Billingsgate, to divert the Coffee-house, and entertain the
Assemblys at Booksellers Shops, or the more airy Stalls of inferior
Book-retailers!
It must be allow'd, That in this respect, controversial Writing is
not so wholly unprofitable; and that for Book-Merchants, of whatever
Kind or Degree, they undoubtedly receive no small Advantage
from a right Improvement of a learned Scuffle. Nothing revives
'em more,or makes a quickerTrade, than a Pair of substantial
Divines or grave Philosophers, well match'd, and soundly back'd;
till by long worrying one another, they are grown out of breath,
and have almost lost their Force of Biting.--``So have I known a
crafty Glazier, in time of Frost, procure a Football, to draw into the
Street the emulous Chiefs of the robust Youth. The tumid Bladder
bounds at every Kick, bursts the withstanding Casements, the
Chassys, Lanterns, and all the brittle vitrious Ware. The Noise of
Blows and Out-cries fills the whole Neighbourhood; and Ruins
of Glass cover the stony Pavements; till the bloated battering Engine,
subdu'dAby force of Foot and Fist, and yielding up its Breath [16]
at many a fatal Cranny, becomes lank and harmless, sinks in its
Flight, and can no longer uphold the Spirit of the contending
Partys.''
12 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. This our Author supposes to have been the occasion of his being
so often and zealously complimented by his Amanuensis (for so
he calls *his Bookseller or Printer) on the Fame of his first Piece.
The obliging Crafts-man has at times presented him with many a
handsom Book, set off with Titles of Remarks, Reflections, and the
like, which, as he assur'd him, were ANSWERS to his small Treatise.
``Here Sir! (says he) you have a considerable Hand has undertaken
you! This Sir, is a Reverend--This a Right Reverend This
a noted Author Will you not reply, Sir? O' my word, Sir,
the World is in expectation.'' ``Pity they shou'd be disappointed!''
``A dozen Sheets, Sir, wou'd be sufficient.--You might dispatch it
presently.'' ``Think you so?'' ``I have my Paper ready--And a good
Letter.--Take my word for it--You shall see, Sir!'' ``Enough. But
hark ye (Mr. A, a, a, a) my worthy Engineer, and Manager of the
War ofALetters! Ere you prepare your Artillery, or engage me in[17]
Acts of Hostility, let me hear, I intreat you,Whether or no my Adversary
be taken notice of.--Wait for his Second Edition. And if
by next Year, or Year or two after, it be known in good Company
that there is such a Book in being, I shall then perhaps think it
time to consider of a Reply.''
C H A P T E R I I I
Of the Letter concerning Enthusiasm.--Foreign
Criticks.--Of Letters in general; and of the Epistolary
Style.--Addresses to great Men.--Authors and
Horsemanship.--The modern Amble.--Further
Explanation of the MISCELLANEOUS Manner.
AS resolute as our Author may have shewn himself in refusing
to take notice of the smart Writings publish'd against
him by certain Zealots of his own Country, he cou'd not, it seems,
* VOL. I. pag. 305.
REFLECTIONS 13
Chap. 3.but out of curiosity observe what the foreign andAmore impartial
Criticks might object to his small Treatise, which he was surpriz'd [18]
to hear had been translated into foreign Languages, soon after it
had been publish'd here at home. The first Censure of this kind
which came to our Author's sight, was that of the PARIS *Journal
des Savans. Considering how little favourable the Author of the
Letter had shewn himself towards the Romish Church, and Policy
of FRANCE, it must be own'd those Journalists have treated him
with sufficient Candor: tho they fail'd not to takewhat Advantages
they well cou'd against theWriting, and particularly arraign'd it for
the want of Order and Method.
The Protestant Writers, such as live in a free Country, and can
deliver their Sentiments without Constraint, have certainly done
our Author more Honour than he ever presum'd to think he cou'd
deserve. His Translator indeed, who had done him the previous
Honour of introduAcing him to the Acquaintance of the foreign [19]
World, represents particularly, by the Turn given to the latter end
of the Letter, that the Writer of it was, as to his Condition and
Rank, little better than an inferior Dependent on the noble Lord
to whom he had address'd himself. And in reality the Original has
so much of that air; that I wonder not, if what the Author left ambiguous,
theTranslator has determin'd to the side of Clientship and
Dependency.
But whatever may have been the Circumstance or Character of
our Author himself; that of his great Friend ought in justice to
have been consider'd by those former Criticks above-mention'd.
So much, at least, shou'd have been taken notice of, that there was
a real GREAT MAN characteriz'd, and sutable Measures of Address
and Style preserv'd. But they who wou'd neither observe this, nor
* Du 25 Mars, 1709.
 Ses pensées ne semblent occuper dans son Ouvrage, que la place que le hazard leur
a donnée. Ibid. pag. 181.
 (1.) Bibliotheque Choisie, année 1709. Tome XIX. pag. 427.
(2.) Histoire des Ouvrages des Savans, Mois d' Octobre, Novembre & Decembre,
1708. pag. 514.
(3.) Nouvelles de la Republique des Lettres, Mois de Mars, 1710.
14 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. apprehend the Letter it-self to be real, were insufficient Criticks,
and unqualify'd to judg of the Turn or Humour of a Piece, which
they had never consider'd in a proper light.
'Tis become indeed so common a Practice among Authors, to
feign a Correspondency, and give the Title of a private Letter to a
Piece address'd solely to theA Publick, that it wou'd not be strange[20]
to see other Journalists and Criticks, as well as the Gentlemen of
PARIS, pass over such Particularitys, as things of Form.This Prejudice
however cou'd not misguide a chief Critick of the Protestant
side; when *mentioning this Letter concerning Enthusiasm, he
speaks of it as a real Letter, (such as in truth it was) not a precise
and formal TREATISE, design'd for publick View.
It will be own'd surely, by those who have learnt to judg of Elegancy
and Wit by the help merely of modern Languages, That we
cou'd have little Relish of the best Letters of a BALSAC or VOITURE,
were we wholly ignorant of the Characters of the principal Persons
to whom those Letters were actually written. But much less cou'd
we find pleasure in this reading, shou'd we take it into our heads,
that both the Personages and Correspondency it-self were merely
fictitious. Let the best of TULLY's Epistles be read in such a narrow
View as this, and they will cerAtainly prove very insipid. If a[21]
real BRUTUS, a real ATTICUS be not suppos'd, there will be no
real CICERO. The elegant Writer will disappear: as will the vast
Labour and Art with which this eloquent Roman writ those Letters
to his illustrious Friends. There was no kind of Composition
in which this great Author prided or pleas'd himself more than
in this; where he endeavour'd to throw off the Mein of the Phi*
Ceux qui l'ont luë ont p voir en général, que l'Auteur ne s'y est pas proposé un certain
plan, pour traiter sa matiere methodiquement; parceque c'est une Lettre, & non
un Traité. [Those who have read it have been able to see in general that the Author
has not proposed there any particular plan, for the purpose of treating his material
methodically; because it is a Letter and not a Treatise.] Bibliotheque Choisie. Ibid.
pag. 428.
 If in this joint Edition, with other Works, the Letter be made to pass under that
general Name of Treatise; 'tis the Bookseller must account for it. For the Author's
part, he considers it as no other than what it originally was.
REFLECTIONS 15
Chap. 3.losopher and Orator, whilst in effect he employ'd both his Rhetorick
and Philosophy with the greatest Force. They who can read
an Epistle or Satir of HORACE in somewhat better than a mere
scholastick Relish, will comprehend that the Concealment of Order
and Method, in this manner of Writing, makes the chief Beauty
of the Work. They will own, that unless a Reader be in some measure
appriz'd of the Characters of an AUGUSTUS, a MAECENAS, a
FLORUS, or a TREBATIUS, there will be little Relish in those Satirs
or Epistles address'd in particular to the Courtiers, Ministers, and
Great Men of theTimes. Even the SATIRICK, or MISCELLANEOUS
Manner of the polite Antients, requir'd as much Order as the most
regular Pieces. But the Art was to destroy every such Token or Appearance,
give an extemporary Air to what was writ, and make the
Effect of Art be felt, without discoverAing the Artifice. There needs [22]
no further Explanation on this Head. Our Author himself has said
enough in his *Advice to an Author, particularly where he treats of
the simple Style, in contra-distinction to the learned, the formal,
or methodick.
'Tis a different Case indeed, when the Title of Epistle is improperly
given to such Works as were never writ in any other view than
that of being made publick, or to serve as Exercises or Specimens
of the Wit of their Composer. Such were those infinite Numbers
of Greek and Latin Epistles, writ by the antient Sophists, Grammarians,
or Rhetoricians; where we find the real Character of the
Epistle, the genuine Style and Manners of the corresponding Partys
sometimes imitated; but at other times not so much as aim'd at,
nor any Measures of historical Truth preserv'd. Such perhaps we
may esteem even the Letters of a SENECA to his Friend LUCILIUS.
* VOL. I. pag. 233, 257, 258.
 'Tis not the Person, Character, or Genius, but the Style and Manner of this
great Man, which we presume to censure.We acknowledg his noble Sentiments and
worthy Actions. We own the Patriot, and good Minister: But we reject the Writer.
He was the first of any Note or Worth who gave credit to that false Style and Manner
here spoken of. He might, on this account, be call'd in reality The Corrupter of
ROMAN Eloquence. This indeed cou'd not but naturally, and of it-self, become re-
16 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. Or supposing thatA philosophical Courtier had really such a Correspondency;
and, at several times, had sent so many fair Epistles,[23]
honestly sign'd and seal'd, to his Country-friend atA a distance; it[24]
lax and dissolute, after such a Relaxation and Dissolution of Manners, consequent
to the Change of Government, and to the horrid Luxury and Effeminacy of the
Roman Court, even before the time of a CLAUDIUS, or a NERO. There was no more
possibility of making a Stand for Language, than for Liberty. As the World now
stood, the highest Glory which cou'd be attain'd by mortal Man, was to be Mitigator
or Moderator of that universal Tyranny already establish'd.To this I must add,
That in every City, Principality, or smaller Nation, where single WILL prevails, and
Court-power, instead of Laws or Constitutions, guides the State; 'tis of the highest
difficulty for the best Minister to procure a just, or even a tolerable Administration.Where
such a Minister is found, who can but moderately influence the petty
Tyranny, he deserves considerable Applause and Honour. But in the Case we have
mention'd, where a universal Monarchy was actually establish'd, and the Interest of
a whole World concern'd; He surely must have been esteem'd a Guardian-Angel,
who, as a prime Minister, cou'd, for several Years, turn the very worst of Courts, and
worst-condition'd of all Princes, to the fatherly Care and just Government of Mankind.
Such a Minister was SENECA under an AGRIPPINA and a NERO. And such he
was acknowledg'd by the antient and never-sparing Satirists, who cou'd not forbear
to celebrate, withal, his Generosity and Friendship in a private Life:
Nemo petit, modicis quae mittebantur amicis
A SENECA; quae PISO bonus, quae COTTA solebat
Largiri: namque & titulis, & fascibus olim
Major habebatur donandi gloria.
[No one asks for what used to be sent to his clients by Seneca, or what
good-natured Piso or Cotta used to give; for the gloryof liberality was once
reckoned greater than inscriptions recording your high office.] Juvenal.
Sat. v. ver. 108.
Quis tam
Perditus, ut dubitet SENECAM praeferre NERONI?
[Who is so abandoned as to hesitate to set Seneca above Nero?] Id. Sat.
viii. ver. 211.
This Remark is what I have been tempted to make by the way, on the Character of
this Roman Author, more mistaken (if I am not very much so my-self ) than any
other so generally study'd. As for the philosophick Character or Function imputed
to him, 'twas foreign, and no-way proper or peculiar to one who never assum'd so
much as that of Sophist, or Pensionary Teacher of Philosophy. He was far wide of any
such Order, or Profession. There is great difference between a Courtier who takes a
Fancy for Philosophy, and a Philosopher who shou'd take a Fancy for a Court. Now
SENECA was born a Courtier; being Son of a Court-Rhetor: himself bred in the same
manner, and taken into favour for his Wit and Genius, his admir'd Style and Eloquence;
not for his Learning in the Books of Philosophy and the Antients. For this
REFLECTIONS 17
Chap. 3.appears however by the Epistles themselves, in their proper Order,
(if they may be said to have any) that after a few Attempts at the
beginning, the Author by degrees loses sight of his Correspondent,
and takes the World in general for his Reader or Disciple.
He falls into the random way of Miscellaneous Writing; says everywhere
great and noble Things, in and out of the way, accidentally
as Words led him (for with these he plays perpetually); with infiniteWit,
but with little or no Coherence; without a Shape or Body
to his Work; withoutA a real *Beginning, a Middle, or an End. Of a [25]
hundred and twenty four Epistles, you may, if you please, make five
Hundred, or half a Score. A great-one, for instance, you may divide
into five or six. A little-one you may tack to another; and that to
another; and so on.The Unity of theWriting will be the same: The
Life and Spirit full as well preserv'd. 'Tis not only whole Letters or
Pages you may change and manage thus at pleasure: Every Period,
every Sentence almost, is independent; and may be taken asunder,
transpos'd, postpon'd, anticipated, or set in any new Order, as
you fansy.
This is the Manner of Writing so much admir'd and imitated
in our Age, that we have scarce the Idea of any other Model. We
know little, indeed, of the Difference between one Model or Character
of writing and another. All runs to the same Tune, and beats
exactly one and the same Measure. Nothing, one wou'd think,
cou'd be more tedious than this uniform Pace. The common Amble
or Canterbury is not, I am persuaded, more tiresom to a good
Rider, than this see-saw of ESSAY-Writers is to an able Reader. TheA [26]
just Composer of a legitimate Piece is like an able Traveller, who
indeed was not very profound in him. In short, he was a Man of wonderful Wit,
Fluency of Thought and Language, an able Minister, and honest Courtier. And what
has been deliver'd down to his prejudice, is by the common Enemy of all the free
and generous ROMANS, that apish shallow Historian, and Court-Flatterer, DION
CASSIUS, of a low Age, when Barbarism (as may be easily seen in his own Work)
came on apace, and the very Traces and Features of Virtue, Science and Knowledg,
were wearing out of the World.
* Infra, p. 259, 260 in the Notes. And VOL. I. p. 146.
18 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. exactly measures his Journey, considers his Ground, premeditates
his Stages, and Intervals of Relaxation and Intention, to the very
Conclusion of his Undertaking, that he happily arrives where he
first propos'd when he set out. He is not presently upon the Spur,
or in his full Career; but walks his Steed leisurely out of his Stable,
settles himself in his Stirrups, and when fair Road and Season offer,
puts on perhaps to a round Trot; thence into a Gallop, and after a
while takes up. As Down, or Meadow, or shady Lane present themselves,
he accordingly sutes his Pace, favours his Palfry; and is sure
not to bring him puffing, and in a heat, into his last Inn. But the
Post-way is become highly fashionable with modern Authors. The
very same stroke sets you out, and brings you in. Nothing stays,
or interrupts. Hill or Valley; rough or smooth; thick or thin: No
Difference; no Variation. When an Author sits down to write, he
knows no other Business he has, than to be witty, and take care that
his Periods bewell turn'd,or (as theycommonly say) run smooth. In
this manner, he doubts not to gain the Character of bright. When
he has writ as many Pages as he likes, or as his Run of Fancy wou'd
permit; he then perhaps considers what NameA he had best give to[27]
his new Writing: whether he shou'd call it Letter, Essay, Miscellany,
or aught else. The Bookseller perhaps is to determine this at last,
when all, besides the Preface, Epistle Dedicatory, and Title-page,
is dispatch'd.
--Incertus scamnum, faceretne Priapum.
Deus inde ego!
[Hesitating whether he should make a bench or a Priapus. . . .
So I am a God!] Horat. Sat. 8. Lib. i. ver. 2.A[28]
REFLECTIONS 19
Chap. 1.
MISCELLANY II
C H A P T E R I
Review of ENTHUSIASM.--Its Defense, Praise:--Use in
Business as well as Pleasure:--Operation by Fear, Love.--
Modifications of Enthusiasm: Magnanimity; Heroick Virtue;
Honour; Publick Zeal; Religion; Superstition; Persecution;
Martyrdom.--Energy of the extatick Devotion in the Tender
Sex.--Account of antient Priesthood.--Religious War.--
Reference to a succeeding Chapter.
WHETHER in fact there be any real Enchantment, any
Influence of Stars, any Power of Daemons or of foreign
Natures over our own Minds, is thought questionable by many.
Some there are who assert theA Negative, and endeavour to solve [29]
the Appearances of this kind by the natural Operation of our Passions,
and the common Course of outward Things. For my own
part, I cannot but at this present apprehend a kind of Enchantment
or Magick in that which we call ENTHUSIASM; since I find, that
having touch'd slightly on this Subject, I cannot so easily part with
it at pleasure.
After having made some cursory Reflections on our Author's
*Letter, I thought I might have sufficiently acquitted my-self on
this head; till passing to his next Treatise, I found my-self still further
ingag'd. I perceiv'd plainly that I had as yet scarce enter'd into
our Author's Humour, or felt any thing of that Passion, which, as
he informs us, is so easily communicable and naturally engaging.
But what I had pass'd over in my first Reflections, I found naturally
rising in me, upon second thoughts. So that by experience I prov'd
it true what our Author says, ``That we all of us know something
* Viz. Letter concerning ENTHUSIASM, above. VOL. I. Treatise I.
 VOL. I. pag. 54.
20 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. of this Principle.'' And now that I find I have in reality so much of
it imparted to me, I may with better reasonA be pardon'd, if, after[30]
our Author's example, I am led to write on such Subjects as these,
with Caution, at different Reprises; and not singly, in one Breath.
I have heard indeed that the very reading of Treatises and Accounts
of Melancholy, has been apt to generate that Passion in
the over-diligent and attentive Reader. And this perhaps may have
been the reason, why our Author himself (as he seems to intimate
towards the Conclusion of his first *Letter) car'd not in reality
to grapple closely with his Subject, or give us, at once, the precise
Definition of ENTHUSIASM. This however we may, with our
Author, presume to infer, from the coolest of all Studys, even from
Criticism it-self, (of which we have been lately treating) ``That
there is a Power in Numbers, Harmony, Proportion, and Beauty
of every kind, which naturally captivates the Heart, and raises the
Imagination to an Opinion or Conceit of something majestick and
divine.''
Whatever this Subject may be in it-self; we cannot help being
transported with the thought of it. It inspires us with something
more than ordinary, andAraises us above our-selves. Without this[31]
Imagination or Conceit, the World wou'd be but a dull Circumstance,
and Life a sorry Pass-time. Scarce cou'd we be said to live.
The animal Functions might in their course be carry'd on; but
nothing further sought for, or regarded. The gallant Sentiments,
the elegant Fancys, the Belle-passions, which have, all of them, this
BEAUTY in view,wou'd be set aside, and leave us probably no other
Employment than that of satisfying our coarsest Appetites at the
cheapest rate; in order to the attainment of a supine State of Indolence
and Inactivity.
Slender wou'd be the Enjoyments of the Lover, the ambitious
Man, the Warrior, or the Virtuoso, (as our Author has elsewhere
* Viz. Treatise I. (Letter of ENTHUSIASM) VOL. I. pag. 55. lin. 7.
 VOL. II. p. 75, 105, 400, &c.
 VOL. II. pag. 400.
REFLECTIONS 21
Chap. 1.intimated) if in the Beautys which they admire, and passionately
pursue, there were no reference or regard to any higher Majesty or
Grandure, than what simply results from the particular Objects of
their pursuit. I know not, in reality, what we shou'd do to find a
seasoning to most of our Pleasures in Life, were it not for the Taste
or Relish, which is owing to this particular Passion, and the Conceit
or Imagination which supports it.Without this, we cou'd not
so much asA admire a Poem, or a Picture; a Garden, or a Palace; a [32]
charming Shape, ora fair Face. LOVE it-self wou'd appear the lowest
thing in Nature, when thus anticipated, and treated according to
the Anti-enthusiastick Poet's method:
*And to indulge lust with whoever is at hand.
How Heroism or Magnanimity must stand in this Hypothesis,
is easy to imagine. The MUSES themselves must make a very indifferent
figure in this philosophical Draught. Even the Prince of
Poets wou'd prove a most insipid Writer, if he were thus reduc'd.
Nor cou'd there, according to this Scheme, be yet a place of Honour
left even forour Latin Poet, the great Disciple of this un-polite
Philosophy, who dares with so little Equity employ the MUSES Art
in favourof such a System. But in spite of his Philosophy, he everywhere
gives way to Admiration, and rapturous Views of NATURE.
He is transported with the several Beautys of the WORLD, even
whilst he arraigns the Order of it, and destroys the Principle ofA [33]
Beauty, from whence in antient Languages the **WORLD it-self
was nam'd.
* Et jacere humorem collectum in corpora quaeque.
Lucret. lib. iv. ver. 1059.
    ,   ,   , 
      ,   . [No part in
Homer is devoid of Gods, or bare of princes, or destitute of magistrates; but all is
full of names and speeches and art of Gods.] Maximus Tyr. Dissert. xvi.
 Viz. LUCRETIUS. As above,VOL. I. p. 52.
** , Mundus. From whence that Expostulation,     
 ,     ; M. Ant. Lib. iv. 27. [We might
with correct etymology call the universe an order, but not a disorder.] And that
22 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. THIS is what our Author advances; when in behalf of ENTHUSIASM
he quotes its formal Enemys, and shews That they are as
capable of it as its greatest Confessors and Assertors. So far is he
from degrading Enthusiasm, or disclaiming it in himself; that he
looks on this Passion, simply consider'd, as the most natural, and
its Object as the justest in the World. Even VIRTUE it-self he takes
to be no other than a noble Enthusiasm justly directed, and regulated
by that high Standard which he supposes in the Nature of
Things.
He seems to assert, *``That there are certain moral Species or Appearances
so striking, and of such force overour Natures, that when
they present themselves, they bear down all contrary Opinion or
Conceit, all opposite Passion, Sensation,or mere bodily Affection.''
Of this kind he makes VIRTUE it-self to be the chief: since of all
Views or Contemplations, this, in his account, is the most naAtu-[34]
rally and strongly affecting. The exalted part of Love is only borrow'd
hence.That of pure Friendship is its immediate Self. He who
yields his Life a Sacrifice to his Prince or Country; the Lover who
for his Paramour performs as much; the heroick, the amorous, the
religious Martyrs, who draw their Views, whether visionary or real,
from this Pattern and Exemplar of DIVINITY: all these, according
to our Author's Sentiment, are alike actuated by this Passion, and
prove themselves in effect so many different Enthusiasts.
Nor is thorow Honesty, in his Hypothesis, any other than this
Zeal, or Passion, moving strongly upon the Species or View of the
DECORUM, and SUBLIME of Actions. Others may pursue different
Forms, and fix their Eye on different Species, (as all Men
do on one or other): The real honest Man, however plain or simple
he appears, has that highest Species, Honesty it-self, in view; and
other Allusion to the same word,  '   , '  
 . [Or can a certain order subsist within thee, and none in the universe?]
Below, pag. 264. in the Notes.
* VOL. I. pag. 138, 139, &c.VOL. II. pag. 100, 104, 5, 6.
 VOL. II. pag. 429, 430.
 The Honestum, Pulchrum,  ,  [the beautiful, the fitting]. Infra,
pag. 182, &c.
REFLECTIONS 23
Chap. 1.instead of outward Forms or Symmetrys, is struck with that of inward
Character, the Harmony and Numbers of the Heart, and
Beauty of the Affections, which form the Manners and Conduct
of a truly social Life.A [35]
'Tis indeed peculiar to the Genius of that cool Philosophy
*above describ'd; that as it denies the Order or Harmony of Things
in general, so by a just Consequence and Truth of Reasoning, it
rejects the Habit of admiring or being charm'd with whatever is
call'd Beautiful in particular. According to the Regimen prescrib'd
by this Philosophy, it must be acknowledg'd that the Evils of Love,
Ambition, Vanity, Luxury, with other Disturbances deriv'd from
the florid, high, and elegant Ideas of Things, must in appearance
be set in a fair way of being radically cur'd.
It need not be thought surprizing, that Religion it-self shou'd in
the account of these Philosophers be reckon'd among those Vices
and Disturbances, which it concerns us after this manner to extirpate.
If the Idea of Majesty and Beauty in other inferior Subjects be
in reality distracting; it must chiefly prove so, in that principal Subject,
the Basis and Foundation of this Conceit. Now if the Subject
it-self be not in Nature, neither the Idea nor the Passion grounded
on it can be properly esteem'd natural: And thus all Admiration
ceases; and ENTHUSIASM is at an end. ButA if there be naturally [36]
such a Passion; 'tis evident that RELIGION it-self is of the kind,
and must be therefore natural to Man.
We can admire nothing profoundly, without a certain religious
Veneration. And because this borders so much on Fear, and raises
a certain Tremor or Horror of like appearance; 'tis easy to give that
Turn to the Affection, and represent all ENTHUSIASM and religious
Extasy as the Product or mere Effect of FEAR:
The first fear fashioned the gods on earth.1
But the original Passion, as appears plainly, is of another kind, and
in effect is so confess'd by those who are the greatest Opposers
* Supra, pag. 32. And VOL. I. pag. 48, 49, 117, &c.
1 Primus in orbe deos fecit timor.
24 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. of Religion, and who, as our Author observes, have shewn themselves
sufficiently convinc'd, *``That altho these Ideas of Divinity
and Beauty were vain; they were yet in a manner innate, or such as
Men were really born to, and cou'd hardly by any means avoid.''
Now as all Affections have their Excess, and require Judgment
and Discretion to moderate and govern them; so this high and
noble Affection, which raisesA Man to Action, and is his Guide[37]
in Business as well as Pleasure, requires a steddy Rein and strict
Hand over it. All Moralists, worthy of any Name, have recogniz'd
the Passion; tho among these the wisest have prescrib'd Restraint,
press'd Moderation, and to all TYRO's in Philosophy forbid the forward
Use of Admiration, Rapture, or Extasy, even in the Subjects
they esteem'd the highest, and most divine. They knew very well
that the first Motion, Appetite, and Ardour of the Youth in general
towards Philosophy and Knowledg, depended chiefly on this
Turn of Temper: Yet were they well appriz'd, withal, That in the
Progress of this Study, as well as in the affairs of Life, the florid
Ideas and exalted Fancy of this kind became the Fuel of many incendiary
Passions; and that, in religious Concerns particularly, the
Habit of Admiration and contemplative Delight, wou'd, by overIndulgence,
too easily mount into high Fanaticism, or degenerate
into abject Superstition.
Upon the whole therefore, according to our Author, ENTHUSIASM
is, in it-self, a very natural honest Passion; and hasA prop-[38]
erly nothing for its Object but what is Good and Honest. 'Tis apt
indeed, he confesses, to run astray. And by modern example we
know, perhaps yet better than by any antient, that, in Religion,
the ENTHUSIASM which works by Love, is subject to many strange
Irregularitys; and that which works by Fear, to many monstrous
* Letter of ENTHUSIASM, VOL. I. pag. 49.
 So The Stagirite:           
 . [For it was through wonder that men first began, and do still
begin, to philosophise.] Metaph. Lib. i. Cap. 2. See below, pag. 202, 203 in the
Notes.
     [the beautiful and good].
REFLECTIONS 25
Chap. 1.and horrible Superstitions. Mysticks and Fanaticks are known to
abound as well in our Reform'd, as in the Romish Churches. The
pretended Floods of Grace pour'd into the Bosoms of the Quietists,
Pietists, and those who favour the extatick way of Devotion,
raise such Transports, as by their own Proselytes are confess'd to
have something strangely agreeable, and in common with what
ordinary Lovers are us'd to feel. And it has been remark'd by many,
That the Female Saints have been the greatest Improvers of this soft
part of Religion. What truth there may be in the related Operations
of this pretended Grace and amorous Zeal,or in the Accounts
of what has usually past between the Saints of each Sex, in these
devout Extasys, I shall leave the Reader to examine: supposing he
will find credible Accounts, sufficient to convince him of the dangerous
progress of ENTHUSIASM in this amorous Lineage.A [39]
There are many Branches indeed more vulgar, as that of FEAR,
MELANCHOLY, CONSTERNATION, SUSPICION, DESPAIR. And
when the Passion turns more towards the astonishing and frightful,
than the amiable and delightful side, it creates rather what we call
SUPERSTITION than ENTHUSIASM. I must confess withal, that
what we commonly style Zeal in matters of Religion, is seldom
without a mixture of both these Extravagancys. The extatick Motions
of Love and Admiration, are seldom un-accompany'd with
the Horrors and Consternations of a lower sort of Devotion. These
Paroxysms of Zeal are in realityas the hot and cold Fits of an Ague,
and depend on the different and occasional Views or Aspects of the
DIVINITY; according as the Worshiper is *guided from without,
or affected from within, by his particular Constitution. Seldom
are those Aspects so determinate and fix'd, as to excite constantly
one and the same Spirit of Devotion. In Religions therefore,which
hold most of Love, there is generally room left for Terrors of the
deepest kind. Nor is there any Religion so diabolical, as, in its representation
of DIVINITY, to leave no room for Admiration and
Esteem. Whatever Personage orASpecter of DIVINITY is worship'd; a [40]
* Infra, pag. 130.
26 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. certain Esteem and Love is generally affected by his Worshipers. Or
if, in the Devotion paid him, there be in truth no real or absolute
Esteem; there is however a certain astonishing Delight or Ravishment
excited.
This Passion is experienc'd, in common, by every Worshiper of
the Zealot-kind. The Motion, when un-guided, and left wholly to
it-self, is in its nature turbulent and incentive. It disjoints the natural
Frame, and relaxes the ordinary Tone or Tenor of the Mind.
In this Disposition the Reins are let loose to all Passion which
arises: And the Mind, as far as it is able to act or think in such a
State, approves the Riot, and justifies the wild Effects, by the suppos'd
Sacredness of the Cause. Every Dream and Frenzy is made
INSPIRATION; every Affection, ZEAL. And in this Persuasion the
Zealots, no longer self-govern'd, but set adrift to the wide Sea of
Passion, can in one and the same Spirit of Devotion, exert the
opposite Passions of Love and Hatred; unite affectionately, and abhor
furiously; curse, bless, sing, mourn, exult, tremble, caress, assassinate,
inflict and suffer *MARTYRDOM, withA a thousand other[41]
the most vehement Efforts of variable and contrary Affection.
THE common Heathen Religion, especially in its latter Age, when
adorn'd with the most beautiful Temples, and render'd more illustrious
by the Munificence of the ROMAN Senate and succeeding
* A Passage of History comes to my mind, as it is cited by an eminent Divine of
our own Church, with regard to that Spirit of MARTYRDOM which furnishes,
it seems, such solid Matter for the Opinion and Faith of many Zealots. The Story,
in the words of our Divine, and with his own Reflections on it, is as follows: ``Two
Franciscans offer'd themselves to the Fire to prove Savanorola to be a Heretick. But
a certain Jacobine offer'd himself to the Fire to prove that Savanorola had true Revelations,
and was no Heretick. In the mean time Savanorola preach'd; but made no
such confident Offer, nor durst he venture at that new kind of Fire-Ordeal. And
put Case, all four had pass'd thro' the Fire, and died in the flames; What wou'd that
have prov'd? Had he been a Heretick, or no Heretick, the more, or the less, for the
Confidence of these zealous Idiots? If we mark it, a great many Arguments whereon
many Sects rely, are no better Probation than this comes to.'' Bishop Taylor in his
dedicatory Discourse, before his Liberty of Prophesying. See Letter of Enthusiasm,
VOL. I. pag. 26, &c.
REFLECTIONS 27
Chap. 1.Emperors, ran wholly into Pomp, and was supported chiefly by
that sort of ENTHUSIASM, which is rais'd from the *external Objects
of Grandure, Majesty, and what we call August. On the other
side, the EGYPTIAN or SYRIAN Religions, which lay more in Mystery
and conceal'd Rites; having less Dependence on the Magistrate,
and less of that Decorum of Art,A Politeness, and Magnifi- [42]
cence, ran into a more pusillanimous, frivolous, and mean kind of
SUPERSTITION; ``The Observation of Days, the Forbearance of
Meats, and the Contention about Traditions, Seniority of Laws,
and Priority of Godships.''
Hence a raging madness is abroad on both sides, because each
place hates its neighbours' deities, since it believes that only
its own objects of worship are Gods.2
History, withal, informs us of a certain Establishment in EGYPT,
which was very extraordinary, and must needs have had a very uncommon
effect; no way advantageous to that Nation in particular,
or to the general Society of Mankind. We know very well, that
nothing is more injurious to the Police, or municipal Constitution
of any Cityor Colony, than the forcing of a particularTrade: Nothing
more dangerous than the over-peopling any Manufacture, or
multiplying the Traders, or Dealers, of whatever Vocation, beyond
their natural Proportion, and the publick Demand. Now it happen'd
of old, in this Mother-Land of Superstition,Athat the Sons of [43]
* Infra, p. 90, 91.
 Juvenal. Sat. xv. ver. 35. See VOL. II. p. 387, 388.
2 Summus utrinque
Inde furor vulgo, quod numina vicinorum
Odit uterque locus, quum solos credat habendos
Esse deos, quos ipse colit.
         , ,  , 
.--     ,    -
  ,    . [The Egyptians are divided
into seven classes--one of priests, one of warriors, etc. . . . The warriors may not
practise any craft, but only that of war, which they inherit by birth.] Herodot. L. ii.
§. 164.
      ,   . .    ,
28 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. certain Artists were by Law oblig'd always to follow the same Calling
with their Fathers. Thus the Son of a Priest was always a Priest
by Birth, as was the whole Lineage after him, without interruption.
Nor was it a Custom with this Nation, as with others, to have
only *one single Priest or Priestess to a Temple: but as the Number
of Gods and Temples was infinite; so was that of theA Priests.[44]
The Religious Foundations were without Restriction: and to one
single Worship or Temple, as many of the Holy Order might be
Retainers, as cou'd raise a Maintenance from the Office.
   . [Not one priest, but a whole college of priests, is
consecrated to each god, . . . and when one priest dies his son is consecrated in his
place.] Ibid. §. 37.
*        , &c. Cum tota regio in tres
partes divisa sit, primam sibi portionem vendicat ordo sacerdotum, magnâ apud indigenas
auctoritate pollens, tum ob pietatem in deos, tum quod multam ex eruditione
scientiam ejusmodi homines asserunt. Ex reditibus autem suis cuncta per AEgyptum
sacrificia procurant, ministros alunt; & propriis commoditatibus ancillantur,  
 . Non enim (AEgyptii) existimant fas esse deorum honores mutari,
sed semper ab eisdem eodem ritu peragi, neque eos necessariorum copiâ destituti qui
in commune omnibus consulunt. In universum namque de maximis rebus consulentes,
indesinenter Regi praest sunt, in nonnullis tanquam participes imperii, in aliis reges,
duces & magistri (, , ) existentes. Ex astrologia quoque
& sacrorum inspectione, futura praedicunt, atque  sacrorum librorum scriptis res gestas
cum utilitate conjunctas praelegunt. Non enim, ut apud Graecos, unus tantummodo vir,
aut foemina una, sacerdotio fungitur; sed complures sacrificia & honores dem obeuntes,
liberis suis candem vitae rationem quasi per manus tradunt. Hi autem cunctis oneribus
sunt immunes, & primos post Regem honoris & potestatis gradus obtinent. [The whole
country being divided into three parts, the order of priests claims the first part. It
enjoys great authority among the people, both for its piety toward the Gods and
for its profound learning. Out of their revenues the priests find all the sacrifices for
Egypt, pay their servants, and meet their own expenses. For the Egyptians do not
think it lawful to change the rites of the Gods, but hold that they must be carried on
unchanged by the same class of persons, and that those who watch for all must not
lack bread. For the priests, perpetually watching for the general good, are ever by
the king's side; and in some matters they share his power, in some they act as fellowworkers,
advisers, teachers. They also foretell the future from astronomy and from
the examination of victims, and from their sacred books they give useful teaching
in history. For it is not as with the Greeks, among whom one man or one woman
holds a priesthood, but several Egyptian priests attend to sacrifices and ritual, and
they pass on the same way of life by inheritance to their children.They are exempted
from all taxes, and they enjoy the first rank and dignity after the king. (This text was
originally written in Greek; Shaftesbury quotes the opening lines from the Greek, then
proceeds to supply the entire passage in Latin.)] Diod. Sic. lib. i. pag. 66.
REFLECTIONS 29
Chap. 1.Whatever happen'd to other Races or Professions, that of the
Priest, in all likelihood, must, by this Regulation, have propagated
the most of any. 'Tis a tempting Circumstance; to have so easy
a Mastery over the World; to subdue by Wit instead of Force; to
practise on the Passions, and triumph over the Judgment of Mankind;
to influence private Familys, and publick Councils; conquer
Conquerors; controul the Magistrate himself, and govern without
the Envy which attends all other Government or Superiority. No
wonder if such a Profession was apt to multiply: especially when
we consider the easy Living and Security of the Professors, their
Exemption from all Labour, and Hazard; the suppos'd Sacredness
of their Character; and their free Possession of Wealth, Grandure,
Estates, and Women.
There was no need to invest such a Body as this, with rich Lands
and ample Territorys, as it happen'd in EGYPT. The Generation or
Tribe being once set apart as sacred, wou'd, without further encouragement,
be able, no doubt, inA process of time, to establish [45]
themselves a plentiful and growing Fund, or religious Land-Bank.
'Twas a sufficient Donative, to have had only that single Privilege
from the *Law; ``That they might retain what they cou'd get; and
that it might be lawful for their Order to receive such Estates by
voluntary Contribution, as cou'd never afterwards be converted to
other Uses.''
Now if, besides the Method of Propagation by Descent, other
Methods of Increase were allow'd in this Order of Men; if Volunteers
were also admitted at pleasure, without any Stint or Confinement
to a certain Number; 'tis not difficult to imagine how
enormous the Growth wou'd be of such a Science or Profession,
thus recogniz'd by the Magistrate, thus invested with Lands and
Power, and thus intitled to whatever extent of Riches or Possession
cou'd be acquir'd by Practice and Influence over the superstitious
part of Mankind.
There were, besides, in EGYPT some natural Causes of Super*
Infra, p. 79.
30 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. stition, beyond those which were common to other Regions. This
Nation might well abound in Prodigys, when even their Country
and Soil it-self was a kind of Prodigy in Nature. Their solitary
idle Life, whilst shutA up in their Houses by the regular Inun-[46]
dations of the NILE; the unwholesom Vapours arising from the
new Mud, and slimy Relicts of their River, expos'd to the hot
Suns; their various Meteors and Phaenomena; with the long Vacancy
they had to observe and comment on them; the necessity,
withal,which,on the account of their Navigation, and the Measure
of their yearly drowned Lands, compell'd them to promote the
Studys of Astronomy and other Sciences, of which their Priesthood
cou'd make good advantages: All these may be reckon'd, perhaps,
as additional Causes of the immense Growth of Superstition, and
the enormous Increase of the Priesthood in this fertile Land.
'Twill however, as I conceive, be found unquestionably true,
according to political Arithmetick, in every Nation whatsoever;
``That the Quantity of SUPERSTITION (if I may so speak) will, in
proportion, nearly answer the Number of Priests, Diviners, Soothsayers,
Prophets, or such who gain their Livelihood, or receive Advantages
by officiating in religious Affairs.'' For if these Dealers are
numerous, they will force a Trade. And as the liberal Hand of the
Magistrate can easily raise Swarms of this kind, where they are
already but in a moderate proportion; so where, thro'Aany other[47]
cause, the Number of these increasing still, by degrees, is suffer'd
to grow beyond a certain measure, they will soon raise such a Ferment
in Mens Minds, as will at least compel the Magistrate, however
sensible of the Grievance, to be cautious in proceeding to a
Reform.
We may observe in other necessary Professions, rais'd on the
Infirmitys and Defects of Mankind, (as for instance, in Law and
Physick) ``That with the least help from the Bounty or Beneficence
of the Magistrate, the Number of the Professors, and the Subjectmatter
of the Profession, is found over and above increasing.'' New
Difficultys are started: New Subjects of Contention: Deeds and
Instruments of Law grow more numerous and prolix: Hypotheses,
REFLECTIONS 31
Chap. 1.Methods, Regimens, more various; and the Materia Medica more
extensive and abundant. What, in process of time, must therefore
naturally have happen'd in the case of Religion, among the
EGYPTIANS, may easily be gather'd.
Nor is it strange that we shou'd find the *Property and Power of
the EgyptianA Priesthood, in antient days, arriv'd to such a height, [48]
as in a manner to have swallow'd up the State and Monarchy. A
worse Accident befel the Persian Crown, of which the Hierarchy
having got absolute possession, had once a fair Chance for Universal
Empire. Now that the Persian or Babylonian Hierarchy was
much after the Model of the Egyptian, tho different perhaps in
Rites and Ceremonys,we may well judg; not only from the History
of the MAGI, but from what is recorded of antient Colonys sent
long before by the Egyptians into Chaldea and the adjacent Countrys.
And whether the Ethiopian Model was from that of EGYPT,
or the Egyptian from that of ETHIOPIA, (for **each Nation had its
pretence) we know by remarkable Effects, that the Ethiopian Em*
Which was one Third.    , &c. Sed cum ISIS lucro etiam
Sacerdotes invitare vellet ad cultus istos, (nempe OSIRIDIS, mariti fato functi) tertiam
eis terrae partem  , ad Deorum ministeria & sacra munia, fruendam
donavit. [But as Isis wished to encourage the priests by gain also to the worship of
her dead husband Osiris, she granted them one-third of the country, to employ its
revenues for divine duties and sacrifices. (Again, Shaftesbury quotes the introductory
words in Greek, then quotes the entire passage in Latin.)] Diod. Sic. lib. i. A remarkable
Effect of Female Superstition! See also the Passage of the same Historian, cited
above, pag. 43. in the Notes.
 See Treatise II. viz. Sensus Communis, (VOL. I.) pag. 85, &c. Herodotus gives
us the History at length in his third Book.
 Diod. Sic. lib. i. p. 17, & 73.
** Herodot. Euterpe; & Diod. Sic. lib. iii.
             
, &c. Qui in Meroe (urbe, & insula primaria AEthiopum) Deorum cultus &
honores administrant sacerdotes, (ordo autem hic maximâ pollet auctoritate) quandocumque
ipsis in mentem venerit, misso ad Regem nuncio, vitâ se illum abdicare jubent.
Oraculis enim Deorum hoc edici: nec fas esse ab ullo mortalium, quod Dii immortales
jusserint, contemni. [The priests who look after the ritual and worship of the Gods
at Meröe (and very great is the authority of this order) send word to the king, whenever
they think fit, that he must die; for so (they say) the oracles of the Gods enjoin,
and what Gods command no mortal must disobey.--Diod. Sic. iii. 6.]--So
32 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. pire was once in the sameACondition: the State having been wholly
swallow'd in the exorbitant Power of their landed Hierarchy. So[49]
true it is, ``That Dominion must naturally follow Property.'' Nor is
it possible, as I conceive, for any State or Monarchy to withstand
the Encroachments of a growing Hierarchy, founded on the Model
of these Egyptian and Asiatick Priesthoods. No SUPERSTITION will
ever be wanting among the Ignorant and Vulgar, whilst the Able
and Crafty have a power to gain Inheritances and Possessions by
working on this human Weakness. This is a Fund which, by these
Allowances, will prove inexhaustible. New Modes of Worship, new
Miracles, new Heroes, Saints, Divinitys (which, serve as new Occasions
for sacred DONATIVES) will be easily supply'd on the part
of the reliAgious Orders; whilst the Civil Magistrate authorizes the[50]
accumulative DONATION, and neither restrains the Number or
Possessions of the Sacred Body.
We find, withal, that in the early days of this antient Priestly
Nation of whom we have been speaking, 'twas thought expedient
also, for the increase of Devotion, to enlarge their System of
DEITY; and either by mystical Genealogy, Consecration, or Canonmuch
for their Kings. For as to Subjects, the Manner was related a little before.
Unus ex lictoribus ad reum mittitur, signum mortis praeferens: quo ille viso, domum
abiens sibi mortem consciscit. [One of their attendants is sent to the accused, bearing
a sign of death; whereupon the accused goes home and kills himself.--Diod.
Sic. iii. 5.] This, the People of our days wou'd call Passive-Obedience and Priestcraft,
with a witness. But our Historian proceeds--Et per superiores quidem aetates,
non armis aut vi coacti, sed merae superstitionis,     fascino,
mente capti reges sacerdotibus morem gesserunt: donec ERGAMENES, AEthiopum rex,
(PTOLOMAEO secundo rerum potiente) Graecorum disciplinae & philosophiae particeps,
mandata illa primus adspernari ausus fuit. Nam hic animo, qui regem deceret, sumto,
cum militum manu in locum inaccessum, ubi aureum fuit templum AEthiopum, profectus;
omnes illos sacrificos jugulavit, & abolito more pristino, sacra pro arbitrio suo
instauravit. [In former generations the kings, not forced by arms, but simply bewitched
by superstition, obeyed the priests. But Ergamenes, king of the Ethiopians
in the time of Ptolemy II., who was initiated into Greek philosophy, was the first to
despise their orders.With kingly courage he marched his soldiers upon the inaccessible
spot where stood the golden temple of the Ethiopians, cut down all the priests,
abolished the old usage, and rearranged the ritual to his own liking. (In each of these
Greek and Latin references, Shaftesbury opens the quotation in Greek and completes it
in Latin.)] Diod. Sic. lib. iii.
REFLECTIONS 33
Chap. 1.ization, to multiply their reveal'd Objects of Worship, and raise
new Personages of DIVINITY in their Religion. They proceeded, it
seems, in process of time, to increase the *Number of their Gods,
so far that, at last, they became in a manner numberless.What odd
Shapes, Species, and Forms of Deity were in latter times exhibited,
is well known. Scarce an Animal or Plant but was adopted into
some share of Divinity.
O pious nation, for whom Gods like these grow in the garden!
No wonder if by a Nation so abounding in religious Orders,
spiritual ConquestsAwere sought in foreign Countrys, Colonys led [51]
abroad, and Missionarys detach'd, on Expeditions, in this prosperous
Service. 'Twas thus a Zealot-People, influenc'd of old by their
very Region and Climate, and who thro' a long Tract of Time,
under a peculiar Policy, had been rais'd both by Art and Nature
to an immense Growth in religious Science and Mystery; came by
degrees to spread their variety of Rites and Ceremonys, their distinguishing
Marks of separate Worships and secrete Communitys,
thro' the distant World; but chiefly thro' their neighbouring and
dependent Countrys.
*    ,        ,
         . [By the Egyptians'
own story it is 17,000 years from the time when the eight Gods grew into twelve
down to the reign of Amasis.] Herodot. lib. ii. sect. 43.
 O sanctas Gentes, quibus haec nascuntur in hortis
Numina!-- Juvenal. Sat. xv. ver. 10.
    , &c. AEgyptii plurimas colonias ex AEgypto in orbem terrarum
disseminatas fuisse dicunt. In Babylonem colonos deduxit Belus, qui Neptuni
& Libyae filius habetur: & positâ ad Euphratem sede, instituit sacerdotes ad morem
AEgyptiorum exemptos impensis & oneribus publicis, quos Babylonii vocant Chaldaeos,
qui, exemplo Sacerdotum & Physicorum, Astrologorumque in AEgypto,observant stellas.
[The Egyptians say that very many colonies were scattered over the world from
Egypt. Belus, who is reputed son of Poseidon and Libya, led colonists to Babylon.
After planting his town on the Euphrates, he instituted priests after the Egyptian
fashion, exempt from taxes and public burdens; these, whom the Babylonians call
Chaldeans, like the priests and the men of science and the astronomers in Egypt,
watch the stars. (Again, the passage is introduced with the Greek, then offered in its
entirety in Latin.)] Diod. Sic. lib. i. p. 17. Ibid. p. 73.
34 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. We understand from History, that even when the EGYPTIAN
State was least powerful in Arms, it was still respected for its Religion
and Mysterys. It drew Strangers from all Parts to behold its
Wonders. And the Fertility of its Soil forc'd the adjacent People,
and wandring Nations, who liv'd dispers'd in single Tribes, to visit
them, court their Alliance, and sollicit aTrade and Commercewith
them, on whatsoever Terms. The Strangers, no doubt, might well
receive religious RitesA and Doctrines from those, to whom they[52]
ow'd their Maintenance and Bread.
Before the time that ISRAEL was constrain'd to go down to
EGYPT, and sue for Maintenance to these powerful Dynastys or
Low-Land States, the Holy Patriarch *ABRAHAM himself had been
necessitated to this Compliance on the same account. He apply'd
in the same manner to the EGYPTIAN Court. Hewas at first well receiv'd,
and handsomly presented; but afterwards ill us'd, and out of
favour with the Prince, yet suffer'd to depart the Kingdom, and retire
with his Effects; without any attempt of recalling him again by
force, as it happen'd in the case of his Posterity. 'Tis certain that if
this holy Patriarch, who first instituted the sacred Rite of Circumcision
within his own Family or Tribe, had no regard to any Policy
or Religion of the EGYPTIANS; yet he had formerly been a Guest
and Inhabitant in EGYPT (where Historians mention this to have
* Gen. cap. xii. ver. 10, &c.
 Abramus, quando AEgyptum ingressus est, nondum circumcisus erat, neque per
annos amplius viginti post reditum.--Illius posteri circumcisi sunt, & ante introitum,
& dum in AEgypto commorati sunt: post exitum ver non sunt circumcisi, quamdiu
vixit Moses.--Fecit itaque Josue cultros lapideos, & circumcidit filios Israel in Colle
Praeputiorum. Factum Deus ratum habuit, dixitque, Hodie   
  , abstuli opprobrium AEgypti  vobis. Josue cap. 5. ver. 3. Tam
AEgyptiis qum Judaeis opprobrio erant incircumcisi.--Apud AEgyptios circumcidendi
ritus vetustissimus fuit, &   ab ipso initio institutus. Illi nullorum
aliorum hominum institutis uti volunt. [Abram, when he went into Egypt, had not
yet been circumcised nor for more than twenty years after his return. . . . His descendants
were not circumcised as long as Moses lived. Thus Joshua made polished
stones and Israel circumcised its sons on the Hill of Foreskins. God held the deed
valid and he said, Today I have taken away the censure of Egypt from you. Joshua
ch. 5, v. 3. So they were uncircumcised as a disgrace to the Egyptians rather than
the Judeans. Among the Egyptians the rite of circumcision was very long stand-
REFLECTIONS 35
Chap. 1.been a nationalARite); long *ere he had receiv'd any divine Notice
or Revelation, concerning this Affair. Nor was it in Religion merely [53]
that this reverend Guest was said to have deriv'd Knowledg and
Learning from the EGYPTIANS. 'Twas from this Parent-Country of
occult Sciences, that he was presum'd, together with other Wisdom,
to have learnt that of judicial Astrology; as his Successors did afterwards
other prophetical and miraculous Arts, proper to the MAGI,
or Priesthood of this Land.
One cannot indeed but observe, in after times, the strange Adherence
and servile Dependency of the whole HEBREW Race on
the EGYPTIAN Nation. It appears that tho they were of old abus'd
in the Person of their grand Patriarch; tho afterwards held in bondage,
and treated as the most abject Slaves; tho twice expel'd, or
necessitated to save themselves by flight, out of this oppressive Region;
yet in the very instant of their last Retreat,A whilst they were [54]
yet on their March, conducted by visible Divinity, supply'd and
fed from Heaven, and supported by continual Miracles; they notwithstanding
inclin'd so strongly to the Manners, the Religion,
Rites, Diet, Customs, Laws, and Constitutions of their tyrannical
Masters, that it was with the utmost difficulty they could be withheld
from returning again into the same Subjection. Nor could
ing and they were willing to use the practices no other men use.] Herodot. lib. 2.
cap. 91.        ,     
  . [The Egyptians practise circumcision, but no other
people do so except those who have learned it from the Egyptians.] Herod. lib. ii.
cap. 36. Marshami Chronicus Canon, p. 72.
* Gen. cap. xvii.
 Julius Firmicus, apud Marshamum, p. 452, 453.
 It can scarce be said in reality, from what appears in Holy Writ, that their Retreat
was voluntary: And for the Historians of other Nations, they have presum'd
to assert that this People was actually expel'd EGYPT on account of their Leprosy;
to which the Jewish Laws appear to have so great a Reference. Thus TACITUS:
Plurimi auctores consentiunt, ortâ per AEgyptum tabe, quae corpora foedaret, regem
Occhorim, adito Hammonis oraculo, remedium petentem, purgare regnum, & id genus
hominum ut invisum Deis, alias in terras avehere jussum. Sic conquisitum collectumque
vulgus,--Mosen unum monuisse, &c. [Several authors agree that when a disfiguring
disease spread among the Egyptians, king Bocchoris consulted the oracle of
Hammon, and was bidden to purge the kingdom and remove from it that class of
36 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. their great Captains and Legislators prevent their *reAlapsing perpetually
into the same Worship to which they had been so long[55]
accustom'd.
How far the divine Providence might have indulg'd the stubborn
Habit and stupid Humourof this People, by giving them Laws
(as the Prophet says) whichAhe himself approv'd not, I have no Inten-[56]
men (the sick) as offensive to the Gods. So when the mob was hunted up and got
together . . . Moses alone advised.] Hist. lib. v. c. 3. AEgyptii, quum scabiem & vitiliginem
paterentur, responso moniti eum (Mosen) cum aegris, ne pestis ad plures serperet,
terminis AEgypti pellunt. Dux igitur exulum factus, sacra AEgyptiorum furto abstulit:
quae repetentes armis AEgyptii, domum redire tempestatibus compulsi sunt. [When the
Egyptians were suffering from leprosy they were warned by an oracle to expel Moses
and the sick from Egypt, lest the disease should spread further. Becoming therefore
leader of the exiles, Moses stole the sacred objects of the Egyptians; and when
the Egyptians tried to recapture these, they were driven home by storms.] Justin.
lib. xxxvi. c. 2. And in Marsham we find this remarkable Citation from Manetho:
Amenophin regem affectasse   ,      
, Deorum esse contemplatorem, sicut Orum quendam Regum priorum.
Cui responsum est,    , qud posset videre Deos, si Regionem
 leprosis & immundis hominibus purgaret. [That king Amenophis desired to see the
Gods, like Orus, an earlier king, and received the answer from an oracle that he
might see the Gods if he cleared the country of filthy lepers.] Chronicus Canon,
p. 52.
* See what is cited above ( p. 52. in the Notes from Marsham) of the Jews returning
to Circumcision under JOSHUA, after a Generation's Intermission: This being
approv'd by God, for the reason given, ``That it was taking from them the Reproach
of the Egyptians, or what render'd them odious and impious in the eyes of that
People.'' Compare with this the Passage concerning MOSES himself, Exod. iv. 18, 25,
26. (together with Acts vii. 30, 34.) where in regard to the Egyptians, to whom he
was now returning when fourscore years of Age, he appears to have circumcis'd his
Children, and taken off this National Reproach: ZIPPORAH his Wife, nevertheless,
reproaching him with the Bloodiness of the Deed; to which she appears to have
been a Party only thro' Necessity, and in fear rather of her Husband, than of GOD.
 Ezek. xx. 25. Acts xv. 10. Of these AEgyptian Institutions receiv'd amongst the
Jews, see our SPENCER. Cum morum quorundam antiquorum toleratio vi magnâ polleret,
ad Hebraeorum animos Dei legi & cultui conciliandus, &  reformatione Mosaicâ
invidiam omnem amoliretur; maxim conveniebat, ut Deus ritus aliquos antiquits
usitatos in sacrorum suorum numerum assumeret, & lex  Mose data speciem aliquam
cultus olim recepti ferret.--Ita nempe nati factique erant Israelitae, ex AEgypto recens
egressi, quod Deo pen necesse esset (humanits loqui fas sit) rituum aliquorum veterum
usum iis indulgere, & illius instituta ad eorum morem & modulum accommodare.
Nam populus erat  teneris AEgypti moribus assuetus, & in iis multorum annorum usu
confirmatus.--Hebraei, non tantum AEgypti moribus assueti, sed etiam refractarii fue-
REFLECTIONS 37
Chap. 1.tion to examine. This only I pretend to infer from what has been
advanc'd; ``That the Manners, Opinions, Rites and Customs of
the EGYPTIANS, had, in the earliest times, and from Generation to
runt.--Quemadmodum cujusque regionis & terrae populo sua sunt ingenia, moresque
proprii, ita natura gentem Hebraeorum, praeter caeteres orbis incolas, ingenio moroso,
difficili, & ad infamiam usque pertinaci, finxit.--Cum itaque veteres Hebraei moribus
essent asperis & efferatis ade, populi conditio postulavit, ut Deus ritus aliquos usu veteri
firmatos iis concederet, &       (uti
loquitur Theodoretus) cultum legalem eorum infirmitati accommodatum instituerit.
--Hebraei superstitiosa gens erant, & omni pene literaturá destituti. Quam alt Gentium
superstitionibus immergebantur,  legibus intelligere licet, quae populo tanquam
remedia superstitionis imponebantur. Contumax autem bellua superstitio, si praesertim
ab ignorantiae tenebris novam ferociam & contumaciam hauserit. Facil ver credi
potest, Israelitas, nuper  servorum domo liberatos, artium humaniorum rudes fuisse,
& vix quicquam supra lateres atque allium AEgypti sapuisse. Quando itaque Deo jam
negotium esset, cum populo tam barbaro, & superstitioni tam impens dedito; pen
necesse fuit, ut aliquid eorum infirmitati daret, eosque dolo quodam (non argumentis) ad
scripsum alliceret. Nullum animal superstitioso, rudi praecipu, morosius est, aut majori
arte tractandum. [When the acceptance of the old-fashioned morals was prevailing
with great strength to reconcile the minds of the Hebrews to the laws and sacrificial
rites of God and was removing all the ill-will from the Mosaic reformation, it was
especially appropriate that God received some rites customary in former times into
the number of his own sacred rituals and that the law given by Moses carried some
aspect of these assimilated practices. Certainly the Israelites had been so born and
reared, having departed from Egypt only recently, that it was almost necessary to
God (it is right to say humane) to indulge them in the practice of some of their
former rituals and to adapt his laws to their habit and standard. For they were a
people habituated from childhood to the customs of the Egyptians and confirmed
in them by the practice of many years. . . . The Hebrews were accustomed not only to
the manners of the Egyptians but also to their obstinacies. . . . Just as a people from
whatever locale and country have their own distinct character and habits peculiar
to them, so nature fashioned the race of the Hebrews in distinction from the rest of
the inhabitants of the world in disposition: capricious, difficult and stubborn even
to the point of disgrace. . . . Therefore since the old Hebrews had such harsh and
savage manners, the character of the people demanded that God would allow them
some rituals of long-standing usage and a lawful servitude happened to them due to
their own weakness; (just as Theodorus says) he established the ritual law suited to
their weaknesses. . . . The Hebrews were a race full of superstitions and were almost
destitute of all writing. How deeply they were immersed in the superstitions of the
race you may understand from the laws which were being imposed on the people
as if they were antidotes for superstitions. Moreover stiff-necked superstition is a
monster, especially if from blind ignorance it will have drunk in a new ferocity and
obstinacy. In truth it can easily be believed that the Israelites recently freed from
slavery were untutored in civilized arts and scarcely had a taste for anything beyond
38 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Generation, strongly influenc'd the HEBREW People (their Guests,
and Subjects) and had undoubtedly gain'd a powerful Ascendency
over their Natures.''
How extravagant soever the multitude of the EGYPTIAN Superstitions
mayappear, 'tis certain that their Doctrine and Wisdom were
in high repute; since it is taken notice of in Holy Scripture, as no
small Advantage even to MOASES himself, *``That he had imbib'd[57]
the Wisdom of this Nation''; which, as is well known, lay chiefly
among their Priests and MAGI.
Before the Time that the great Hebrew Legislator receiv'd his
Education among these Sages, a Hebrew Slave, who came a Youth
into the Egyptian Court, had already grown so powerful in this
kind of Wisdom, as to outdo the chief Diviners, Prognosticators,
and Interpreters of EGYPT. He rais'd himself to be chief Minister
to a Prince, who, following his Advice, obtain'd in a manner the
whole Property, and consequently the absolute Dominion of that
Land. But to what height of Power the establish'd Priesthood was
arriv'd even at that time, may be conjectur'd hence; ``That the
Crown (to speak in a modern Style) offer'd not to meddle with
the bricks and garlic of the Egyptians. And so since now God had a duty to people
so barbarous and so thoroughly dedicated to superstition it was almost necessary
that he give something to the inconstancy of those weak men and would draw them
to himself by a certain trick (not by arguments). No animal is more full of dread, so
especially ignorant, more wayward or in need of being taken in hand with greater
skill.] SPENCERUS de Leg. Hebr. pag. 627, 628, 629.
* (1.)           
  . Act. Apost. cap. vii. ver. 22. [( is in the Loeb edition, but not in
Shaftesbury's.--ES) And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.
And he was powerful in speeches and in deeds. (Loosely paraphrased/translated by
Shaftesbury in the main text.)]
(2.) Exod. cap. vii. ver. 11, & 22.
(3.) Ibid. cap. viii. ver. 7.
(4.) Justin. lib. xxxvi. cap. 2.
 Gen. cap. xxxix, &c. Minimus aetate inter fratres Joseph fuit, cujus excellens
ingenium veriti fratres clam interceptum peregrinis mercatoribus vendiderunt. A quibus
deportatus in AEgyptum, cm magicas ibi artes solerti ingenio percepisset, brevi ipsi
Regi percarus fuit [Joseph was the youngest of the brothers, and they, fearing his
cleverness, kidnapped him and sold him to foreign merchants. These men carried
him to Egypt, where he quickly learned magic and rose to high favour even with
the king.] Justin. lib. xxxvi. c. 2.
REFLECTIONS 39
Chap. 1.the Church-Lands''; and that in this great Revolution nothing wasA
attempted, so much as by way of Purchase or Exchange,* in preju- [58]
dice of this Landed Clergy: The prime Minister himself having
join'd his Interest with theirs, and enter'd by Marriage into their
Alliance. And in this he was follow'd by the great Founder of the
Hebrew-State; for he also match'd himself with the Priesthood of
some of the neighbouring Nations, and Traders **into EGYPT, long
ere his Establishment of the HEBREW Religion and Commonwealth.
Nor had he perfected his Model, till he consulted the foreign
Priest his Father-in-law, to whose Advice he paid such remarkable
Deference.
BUT TO resume the Subject of our Speculation, concerning the
wide Diffusion of the Priestly Science or Function; it appears from
what has been said, that notwithstanding the EGYPTIAN Priesthood
was, byantient Establishment, hereditary; the Skill of Divining,
Soothsaying, and Magick was communicated to others besides
their national sacred Body: and that the Wisdom of the MAGICIANS,
the PowerA of Miracles, their Interpretation of Dreams and [59]
Visions, and their Art of administring in Divine Affairs, were entrusted
even to Foreigners who resided amongst them.
It appears, withal, from these Considerations, how apt the religious
Profession was to spread it-self widely in this Region of the
World; and what Efforts wou'd naturally be made by the more
necessitous of these unlimited Professors, towards a Fortune, or
Maintenance, for themselves and their Successors.
Common Arithmetick will, in this Case, demonstrate to us,
``That as the Proportion of so many Lay-men to each Priest grew
every day less and less, so the Wants and Necessitys of each Priest
must grow more and more.'' The Magistrate too, who according to
this EGYPTIAN Regulation had resign'd his Title or share of Right
* Gen. xlvii. ver. 22, 26.
 Gen. xli. ver. 45.
 Exod. chap. iii. ver. 1. and chap. xviii. ver. 1, &c.
** Such were the Midianites, Gen. xxxvii. ver. 28, 36.
 Exod. xviii. ver. 17­24.
40 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. in sacred Things, cou'd no longer govern, as he pleas'd, in these
Affairs,orcheck the growing Numberof these Professors. The spiritual
Generations were left to prey on others, and (like Fish of Prey)
even on themselves, when destitute of other Capture, and confin'd
within too narrow Limits.What Method, therefore,was there
left to heighten the ZEAL of Worshipers, and augment their Liberality,
but ``to foment their EmulaAtion, prefer Worship to Worship,[60]
Faith to Faith; and turn the Spirit of ENTHUSIASM to the side
of sacred Horror, religious Antipathy, and mutual Discord between
Worshipers?''
Thus Provinces and Nations were divided by the most contrary
Rites and Customs which cou'd be devis'd, in order to create the
strongest Aversion possible between Creatures of a like Species. For
when all other Animositys are allay'd, and Anger of the fiercest
kind appeas'd, the religious Hatred, we find, continues still, as it
began, without Provocation or voluntary Offence. The presum'd
Misbeliever and Blasphemer, as one rejected and abhor'd of GOD,
is thro' a pious Imitation, abhor'd by the adverse Worshiper, whose
Enmity must naturally increase as his religious Zeal increases.
From hence the Opposition rose of Temple against Temple,
Proselyte against Proselyte.The most zealousWorship of one GOD,
was best express'd (as they conceiv'd) by the open defiance of another.
SIR-Names and Titles of DIVINITY pass'd as Watch-words.
He who had not the SYMBOL, nor cou'd give the Word, receiv'd
the Knock.A[61]
Down with him! Kill him! Merit Heaven thereby;
As our *Poet has it, in his AMERICAN Tragedy.
Nor did PHILOSOPHY, when introduc'd into Religion, extinguish,
but rather inflame this Zeal: as we may shew perhaps in our
following Chapter more particularly; if we return again, as is likely,
to this Subject. For this, we perceive, is of a kind apt enough to
grow upon our hands.We shall here, therefore,observe only what is
* Dryden, Indian Emperor, Act v. Scene 2.
 Infra, pag. 81.
REFLECTIONS 41
Chap. 2.obvious to every Student in sacred Antiquitys, That from the contentious
Learning and Sophistry of the antient Schools (when true
Science, Philosophy, and Arts were already deep in their *Decline)
religious Problems of a like contentious Form sprang up; and certain
Doctrinal TESTS were fram'd, by which religious Partys were ingag'd
and lifted against one another, with more Animosity than in any
other Cause or Quarrel had been ever known. Thus religious Massacres
began, and were carry'd on; Temples were demolish'd; holy
UtenAsils destroy'd; the sacred Pomp trodden under-foot, insulted; [62]
and the Insulters in their turn expos'd to the same Treatment, in
their Persons as well as in their Worship. Thus Madness and Confusion
were brought upon the World, like that CHAOS, which the
Poet miraculously describes in the mouth of his mad Hero: When
even in Celestial Places, Disorder and Blindness reign'd:--``No
Dawn of Light'';
-- ``No Glimpse or starry Spark,
But Gods met Gods, and jostled in the Dark.''A [63]
C H A P T E R I I
Judgment of Divines and grave Authors concerning
Enthusiasm.--Reflections upon Scepticism.--A SceptickChristian.--Judgment
of the Inspir'd concerning their own
Inspirations.--Knowledg and Belief.--History of Religion
resum'd.--ZEAL Offensive and Defensive.--A Church in
Danger.--Persecution.--Policy of the Church of ROME.
WHAT I had to remark of my own concerning ENTHUSIASM,
I have thus dispatch'd: What Others have remark'd
on the same Subject, I may, as an Apologist to another Author, be
allow'd to cite; especially if I take notice only of what has been
* VOL. I. pag. 221, 222, & 350. in the Notes. And Infra, pag. 79, 80, 1, 2, &c.
 OEDIPUS of Dryden and Lee.
42 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. dropt very naturally by some of our most approv'd Authors, and
ablest Divines.
It has been thought an odd kind of Temerity, in our Author, to
assert, *``That even ATHEISM it-self was not wholAly exempt from[64]
Enthusiasm; That there have been in reality Enthusiastical Atheists;
and That even the Spirit of Martyrdom cou'd, upon occasion, exert
it-self as well in this Cause, as in any other.'' Now, besides what has
been intimated in the preceding Chapter, and what in fact may be
demonstrated from the Examples of VANINUS and other Martyrs
of a like Principle, we may hear an excellent and learned Divine,
of highest Authority at home, and Fame abroad; who after having
describ'd an Enthusiastical Atheist and one atheistically inspir'd, says
of this very sort of Men, ``That theyare Fanaticks too; however that
word seem to have a more peculiar respect to something of a DEITY:
All Atheists being that blind Goddess-NATURE'S Fanaticks.''
And again: ``All Atheists (says he) are possess'd with a certain
kind of Madness, that may be call'd Pneumatophobia, that makes
* Viz. In his Letter concerning Enthusiasm,VOL. I.
 Dr. CUDWORTH's Intellectual System, pag. 134.
 The good Doctor makes use, here, of a Stroke of Raillery against the overfrighted
anti-superstitious Gentlemen, with whom our Author reasons at large in
his second Treatise (viz. VOL. I. pag. 85, 86, &c. and 88, 89, &c.). 'Tis indeed the
Nature of Fear, as of all other Passions, when excessive, to defeat its own End, and
prevent us in the execution of what we naturally propose to our-selves as our Advantage.
SUPERSTITION it-self is but a certain kind of Fear, which possessing us
strongly with the apprehended Wrath or Displeasure of Divine Powers, hinders us
from judging what those Powers are in themselves, or what Conduct of ours may,
with best reason, be thought sutable to such highly rational and superior Natures.
Now if from the Experience of many gross Delusions of a superstitious kind, the
Course of this Fear begins to turn; 'tis natural for it to run, with equal violence,
a contrary way. The extreme Passion for religious Objects passes into an Aversion.
And a certain Horror and Dread of Imposture causes as great a Disturbance as even
Imposture it-self had done before. In such a Situation as this, the Mind may easily
be blinded; as well in one respect, as in the other. 'Tis plain, both these Disorders
carry something with them which discover us to be in some manner beside our
Reason, and out of the right use of Judgment and Understanding. For how can we
be said to intrust or use our Reason, if in any case we fear to be convinc'd? How
are we Masters of our-selves, when we have acquir'd the Habit of bringing Horror,
Aversion, Favour, Fondness, or any other Temper than that of mere Indifference and
Impartiality, into the Judgment of Opinions, and Search of Truth?
REFLECTIONS 43
Chap. 2.them have an irraAtional but desperate Abhorrence from Spirits or
incorporal Substances; they being acted also, at the same time, [65]
with an Hylomania, whereby they madly dote upon Matter, and
devoutly worship it, as the only NUMEN.''
What the Power of EXTASY is, whether thro' Melancholy,Wine,
Love, or other natural Causes, another learned *Divine of our
Church, in a Discourse upon Enthusiasm, sets forth: bringing an
Example from ARISTOTLE, ``of a Syracusean Poet, who never versify'd
so well, as when he was in his distracted Fits.'' But as to Poets
in general, compar'd with theA religious Enthusiasts, he says: There [66]
is this Difference; ``That a Poet is an Enthusiast in jest: and an
Enthusiast is a Poet in good earnest.''
`` 'Tis a strong Temptation (says the Doctor) with a Melancholist,
when he feels a Storm of Devotion and Zeal come upon
him like a mighty Wind; his Heart being full of Affection, his Head
pregnant with clear and sensible Representations, and his Mouth
flowing and streaming with fit and powerful Expressions, such as
would astonish an ordinary Auditory; 'tis, I say, a shreud Temptation
to him, to think it the very Spirit of God that then moves
supernaturally in him; whenas all that Excess of Zeal and Affection,
and Fluency of Words, is most palpably to be resolv'd into
the power of Melancholy, which is a kind of natural Inebriation.''
The learned Doctor, with much pains afterwards, and by help
of the PeripatetickAPhilosophy, explains this Enthusiastick Inebria- [67]
tion, and shews in particular,** ``How the Vapours and Fumes of
Melancholy partake of the nature of Wine.''
One might conjecture from hence, that the malicious Opposers
* Dr. MORE, §. 11, 19, 20, and so on.
 §. 16.
 It appears from hence, that in the Notion which this learned Divine gives us of
ENTHUSIASM, he comprehends the social or popular Genius of the Passion; agreeably
with what our Author in his Letter concerning Enthusiasm (p. 15, 16, 44, 45.)
has said of the Influence and Power of the Assembly and Auditory it-self, and of the
communicative Force and rapid Progress of this extatick Fervor, once kindled, and
set in action.
** §. 20, 21, 23, 26.
44 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. of early Christianity were not unvers'd in this Philosophy; when
they sophistically objected against the apparent Force of the Divine
Spirit speaking in divers Languages, and attributed it ``To the
Power of new *Wine.''
But our devout and zealous Doctor seems to go yet further. For
besides what he says of the Enthusiastick Power of Fancy in Atheists,
he calls Melancholy a pertinacious and religious Complexion;
and asserts, ``That there is not any true spiritual Grace from God,
but this mere natural Constitution, according to the several Tempers
and Workings of it, will not only resemble, but sometimes
seem to outstrip.'' And after speaking of **Prophetical ENTHUSIASM,
and establishing (as our Author does) a Legitimate and a
Bastard-sort, he asserts and justifies the Devotional ENTHUSIASM
(as he callsA it) of holy and sincere Souls, and ascribes this also to[68]
MELANCHOLY.
He allows, ``That the Soul may sink so far into Phantasms, as
not to recover the use of her free Facultys; and that this enormous
Strength of Imagination does not only beget the Belief of mad internal
Apprehensions, but is able to assure us of the Presence of
external Objects which are not.'' He adds, ``That what Custom and
Education do by degrees, distemper'd FANCY may do in a shorter
time.'' And speaking (a)of EXTASY and the Powerof MELANCHOLY
in Extatick Fancys, he says, ``That what the Imagination then puts
forth, of herself, is as clear as broad day; and the Perception of
the Soul at least as strong and vigorous, as at any time in beholding
things awake.''
From whence the Doctor infers, ``That the Strength of Perception
is no sure Ground of Truth.''
* Acts ii. 13.
 §. 1.
 §. 15.
** §. 30, & 57.
 VOL. I. p. 53.
 §. 63.
(a) §. 28.
REFLECTIONS 45
Chap. 2.Had any other than a reverend Father of our Church express'd
himself in this manner, he must have been contented perhaps to
bear a sufficient Charge of Scepticism.A [69]
'Twas good fortune in my Lord BACON's Case, that he shou'd
have escap'd being call'd an ATHEIST, ora SCEPTICK, when speaking
in a solemn manner of the religious Passion, the Ground of
SUPERSTITION, or ENTHUSIASM, (which he also terms *a Panick)
he derives it from an Imperfection in the Creation, Make, or natural
Constitution of Man. How far the Author of the Letter differs
from this Author in his Opinion both of the End and Foundation
of this Passion, may appear from what has been said above.
And, in general, from what we read in the other succeeding TreatisesAof
our Author, we may venture to say of him with Assurance, [70]
``That he is as little a SCEPTICK (according to the vulgar Sense of
that word) as he is Epicurean, or Atheist.'' This may be prov'd sufficiently
from his Philosophy: And for any thing higher, 'tis what he
* NATURA RERUM omnibus viventibus indidit metum & formidinem, vitae
atque essentiae suae conservatricem, ac mala ingruentia vitantem & depellentem.Veruntamen
eadem Natura modum tenere nescia est, sed timoribus salutaribus semper vanos &
inanes admiscet: ade ut omnia (si intus conspici darentur)PanicisTerroribus plenissima
sint, praesertim humana; & maxim omnium apud vulgum, qui superstitione (quae
ver nihil aliud qum Panicus Terror est) in immensum laborat & agitatur; praecipu
temporibus duris & trepidis, & adversis. Franciscus Bacon de Augment. Scient. lib.
ii. c. 13. [The nature of things, she who defends life and her own being, avoiding
evil attacks and repelling them, gives to all living creatures dread and awe. Nevertheless
the same nature does not know how to keep within a limit but mixes vain
and empty alarms with advantageous ones to such an extent that all creatures, especially
human beings are very full of panicky fears (if they were allowed to be seen
within ourselves) and especially in the mind of the common crowd, the sort who
of all men struggle and are troubled exceedingly by superstition (which is actually
nothing other than panic) principally in harsh times and in anxious and unfortunate
moments.]
The Author of the Letter, I dare say, wou'd have expected no quarter from his
Criticks, had he express'd himself as this celebrated Author here quoted; who, by his
Natura Rerum, can mean nothing less than the Universal Dispensing Nature, erring
blindly in the very first Design, Contrivance, or original Frame of Things; according
to the Opinion of EPICURUS himself, whom this Author, immediately after, cites
with Praise.
 Viz. The Letter concerning ENTHUSIASM, above,VOL. I.
46 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. no-where presumes to treat; having forborn in particular to mention
any Holy Mysterys of our Religion, or Sacred Article of our
Belief.
As for what relates to *Revelation in general, if I mistake not
our Author's meaning, he professes to believe, as far as is possible
for any one who himself had never experienc'd any Divine Communication,
whether by Dream,Vision, Apparition, or other supernatural
Operation; nor was ever present as Eye-witness of any Sign,
Prodigy, or Miracle whatsoever. Many of these, he observes, are
at this day pretendedly exhibited in the World, with an Endeavour
of giving them the perfect Air and exact Resemblance of those
recorded in Holy Writ. He speaks indeed with Contempt of the
Mockery of modern Miracles and Inspiration. And as to all Pretences
to things of this kind in ourA present Age; he seems inclin'd[71]
to look upon 'em as no better than mere Imposture or Delusion.
But for what is recorded of Ages heretofore, he seems to resign his
Judgment, with intire Condescension, to his Superiors. He pretends
not to frame any certain or positive Opinion of his own, notwithstanding
his best Searches into Antiquity, and the Nature of
religious Record and Tradition: but on all occasions submits most
willingly, and with full Confidence and Trust, to the Opinions by
Law establish'd. And if this be not sufficient to free him from the
Reproach of SCEPTICISM, he must, for ought I see, be content to
undergo it.
To say truth, I have often wonder'd to find such a Disturbance
rais'd about the simple name of **SCEPTICK. 'Tis certain that, in
its original and plain signification, the word imports no more than
barely, ``That State or Frame of Mind in which every one remains,
on every Subject of which he is not certain.'' He who is certain,
or presumes to say he knows, is in that particular, whether he be
* Infra, pag. 315.
 VOL. I. pag. 44, 45, &c. And VOL. II. pag. 322, 323, &c.
 VOL. I. pag. 360, 1, 2, &c. And Infra, pag. 103, 231, 315, 316.
** VOL. II. pag. 205, 206, & 323, &c. And Infra, pag. 317, 318, &c.
REFLECTIONS 47
Chap. 2.mistaken or in the right, a DOGMATIST. Between these two States
or Situations of AMind, there can be no medium. For he who says, [72]
``That he believes for certain, or is assur'd of what he believes''; either
speaks ridiculously, or says in effect, ``That he believes strongly, but
is not sure.'' So that whoever is not conscious of Revelation, nor
has certain Knowledg of any Miracle or Sign, can be no more than
SCEPTICK in the Case: And the best Christian in the World, who
being destitute of the means of Certainty, depends only on History
and Tradition for his Belief in these Particulars, is at best but
a Sceptick-Christian. He has no more than a nicely critical *Historical
Faith, subject to various Speculations, and a thousand different
Criticisms of Languages and Literature.
This he will naturally find to be the Case, if he attempts to
search into Originals, in order to be his own Judg, and proceed on
the bottom of his own Discernment, and Understanding. If, on
the other hand, he is no Critick, nor competently learned in these
ORIGINALS; 'tis plain he can have no original Judgment of his
own; but must rely still on the Opinion of those who have opportunity
to examine such matters, and whom he takes to be the unbias'd
and disinterested JudgesA of these religious Narratives. His [73]
Faith is not in antient Facts or Persons, nor in the antient Writ, or
Primitive Recorders; nor in the successive Collators or Conservators
of these Records (for of these he is unable to take cognizance): But
his Confidence and Trust must be in those modern Men, or Societys
of Men, to whom the Publick, or He himself, ascribes the Right
to judg of these Records, and commits the Determination of sacred
Writ and genuine Story.
Let the Person seem ever so positive or dogmatical in these high
Points of Learning; he is yet in reality no Dogmatist, nor can any
way free himself from a certain kind of SCEPTICISM. He must
know himself still capable of Doubting: Or if, for fear of it, he
strives to banish everyoppositeThought, and resolves not so much
as to deliberate on the Case; this still will not acquit him. So far
* VOL. I. pag. 146, 147. And Infra, pag. 316, 317, 320, &c.
48 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. are we from being able to be sure when we have a mind; that indeed
we can never be thorowly sure, but then only when we can't
help it, and find of necessity we must be so, whether we will or
not. Even the highest implicit Faith is in reality no more than a
kind of passive SCEPTICISM; ``A Resolution to examine, recollect,
consider, or hear, as little as possible to the prejudice of that Belief,A[74]
which having once espous'd we are ever afterwards afraid to lose.''
If I might be allow'd to imitate our Author, in daring to touch
now and then upon the Characters of our Divine Worthys, I shou'd,
upon this Subject of BELIEF, observe how fair and generous the
great Christian Convert, and learned APOSTLE, has shewn himself
in his Sacred Writings. Notwithstanding he had himself an original
Testimonyand Revelation from Heaven,on which he grounded
his Conversion; notwithstanding he had in his own Person the Experience
of outward Miracles and inward Communications; he condescended
still, on many occasions, to speak sceptically, and with
some Hesitation and Reserve, as to the Certainty of these Divine
Exhibitions. In his account of someTransactions of this kind, himself
being the Witness, and speaking (as we may presume) of his
own Person, and properVision, *he says only that ``He knewa Man:
whether in the Body or out of it, he cannot tell. But such a one caught
up to the third Heaven, he knew formerly (he says) above fourteen
years before his then Writing.'' And when in another Capacity the
same inspir'd Writer, giving Precepts to his Disciples, distinguishesA[75]
what he writes by Divine Commission from what he delivers as his
own Judgment and private Opinion, he condescends nevertheless to
speak as one noway positive,or Masterof anyabsolute Criterion in
the Case. And in several subsequent Passages, he expresses himself
as under some kind of Doubt how to judg or determine certainly,
``Whether he writes by Inspiration or otherwise.'' He only ``thinks
he has the Spirit.'' He ``is not sure,'' nor wou'd have us to depend
on him as positive or certain in a matter of so nice Discernment.
* 2 Cor. xii, ver. 2, 3.
 1 Cor. vii. 10, 12.
 1 Cor. vii. 40.
REFLECTIONS 49
Chap. 2.The holy Founders and inspir'd Authors of our Religion requir'd
not, it seems, so strict an Assent, or such implicit Faith in behalf of
their original Writings and Revelations, as later un-inspir'd Doctors,without
the help of DivineTestimony,orany Miracle on their
side, have requir'd in behalf of their own Comments and Interpretations.
The earliest and worst of Hereticks, 'tis said, were those
call'd Gnosticks, who took their name from an audacious Pretence
to certain Knowledg and Comprehension of the greatest Mysterys of
Faith. If the most dangerous State of Opinion was this dogmatical
and presumpAtuous sort; the safest, in all likelihood, must be the [76]
sceptical and modest.
There is nothing more evident than that our Holy RELIGION,
in its original Constitution, was set so far apart from all Philosophy
or refin'd Speculation, that it seem'd in a manner diametrically oppos'd
to it. A Man might have been not only a Sceptick in all the
controverted Points of the Academys, or Schools of Learning, but
even a perfect Stranger to all of this kind; and yet compleat in his
Religion, Faith, and Worship.
Among the polite Heathens of the antient World, these different
Provinces of Religion and Philosophy were upheld, we know,
without the least interfering with each other. If in some barbarous
Nations the Philosopher and Priest were join'd in one, 'tis observable
that the Mysterys, whatever they were, which sprang from this extraordinary
Conjunction, were kept secret and undivulg'd. 'Twas
Satisfaction enough to the Priest-Philosopher, if the initiated Party
preserv'd his Respect and Veneration for the Tradition and Worship
of the Temple, by complying in every respect with the requisite
Performances and Rites of Worship. No Account was afterwards
taken of the Philosophick Faith of the Proselyte,orWorshiper.
His OpiAnions were left to himself, and he might philosophize ac- [77]
cording to what foreign School or Sect he fansy'd. Even amongst
the Jews themselves, the SADDUCEE (a Materialist, and Denyer of
the Soul's Immortality) was as well admitted as the PHARISEE; who
from the Schools of PYTHAGORAS, PLATO, orother latter Philosophers
of GREECE, had learnt to reason upon immaterial Substances,
and the natural Immortality of Souls.
50 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. 'Tis no astonishing Reflection to observe how fast the World
declin'd in *Wit and Sense, in Manhood, Reason, Science, and in
every Art,when once the ROMAN Empire had prevail'd, and spread
an universal Tyranny and Oppression over Mankind. Even the
Romans themselves, after the early Sweets of one peaceful and long
Reign, began to groan under that Yoke, of which they had been
themselves the Imposers. How much more must other Nations,
and mighty Citys, at a far distance, have abhor'd this Tyranny, and
detested their common Servitude under a People, who were themselves
no better than mere Slaves?
It may be look'd upon, no doubt, as providential, that at this
time, and inAthese Circumstances of the World, there shou'd arise[78]
so high an expectation of a divine Deliverer; and that from the Eastern
Parts and Confines of JUDEA the Opinion shou'd spread it-self
of such a Deliverer to come, with Strength from Heaven sufficient
to break that Empire, which no earthly Power remaining cou'd
be thought sufficient to encounter. Nothing cou'd have better dispos'd
the generality of Mankind, to receive the Evangelical Advice;
whilst they mistook the News, as many of the first Christians
plainlydid, and understood the Promises of a MESSIAS in this temporal
Sense, with respect to his second Coming, and sudden Reign
here upon Earth.
SUPERSTITION, in the mean while, cou'd not but naturally
prevail, as Misery and Ignorance increas'd. The ROMAN Emperors,
as they grew more barbarous, grew so much the more superstitious.
The Lands and Revenues, as well as the Numbers of the Heathen
Priests grew daily. And when the season came, that by means
of a Convert-Emperor, the Heathen Church-Lands, with an In*
VOL. I. pag. 220, &c. And in the preceding Chapter, pag. 61.
 VOL. I. pag. 133. And below, pag. 90.
 How rich and vast these were, especially in the latter times of that Empire, may
be judg'd from what belong'd to the single Order of the Vestals, and what we read of
the Revenues belonging to the Temples of the Sun, (as in the time of the Monster
HELIOGABALUS) and of other Donations by other Emperors. But what may give
us yet a greater Idea of these Riches, is, That in the latter Heathen Times, which
grew more and more superstitious, the restraining Laws (or Statues of Mort-main) by
which Men had formerly been with-held from giving away Estates by Will, or other-
REFLECTIONS 51
Chap. 2.crease ofAPower, became transfer'd to the Christian Clergy, 'twas
no wonder if by such Riches and Authority they were in no small [79]
measure influenc'd and corrupted; as may be gather'd even from
the Accounts given us of these matters by themselves.
When, together with this, the Schools of the antient *Philosophers,
which had been long in their Decline, came now to be
dissolv'd, and their sophistick TeachersA became Ecclesiastical In- [80]
structors; the unnatural Union of Religion and Philosophy was compleated,
and the monstrous Product of this Match appear'd soon
in the World. The odd exterior Shapes of Deitys, Temples, and
holy Utensils, which by the EGYPTIAN Sects had been formerly
set in battel against each other, were now metamorphos'd into
philosophical Forms and Phantoms; and, like Flags and Banners,
display'd in hostile manner, and borne offensively, by one Party
against another. In former times those barbarous Nations above
mention'd were the sole Warriors in these religious Causes; but
now the whole World became engag'd: when instead of Storks and
Crocodiles, other Ensigns were erected; when sophistical Chimeras,
crabbed Notions, bombastick Phrases, Solecisms, Absurditys, and a
thousand Monsters of a scholastick Brood, were set on foot, and
made the Subject of vulgar Animosity and Dispute.
Here first began that Spirit of Bigotry, which broke out in a
wise, to Religious Uses, were repeal'd; and the Heathen-Church left, in this manner,
as a bottomless Gulph and devouring Receptacle of Land and Treasure. Senatsconsulto,
& Constitutionibus Principum, Haeredes instituere concessum est Apollinem
Didymaeum, Dianam Ephesiam, Matrem Deorum, &c. [By decree of the Senate and
by the imperial orders of the Emperor it is granted to establish as heirs Didymean
Apollo, Ephesian Diana, mother of the gods, etc.]
This answers not amiss to the modern Practice and Expression of Making our
Soul our Heir: Giving to God what has been taken sometimes with freedom enough
from Man; and conveying Estates in such a manner in this World, as to make good
Interest of them in another. The Reproach of the antient Satirist is at present out
of doors. 'Tis no affront to Religion now-a-days to compute its Profits. And a Man
might well be accounted dull, who, in our present Age, shou'd ask the Question,
Dicite, Pontifices, in sacro quid facit Aurum? Pers. Sat. ii. ver. 69. [Reverend pontiffs,
tell us what good gold can do in a holy place?] See below, pag. 90, and 125. in the
Notes, and 88. ibid.
* As above, pag. 61.
 Supra, pag. 42, 46, 47, 60. And VOL. I. pag. 350. in the Notes.
52 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. more raging manner than had been ever known before, and was
less capable of Temper or Moderation than any Species, Form, or
Mixture of Religion in the antient World.A Mysterys, which were[81]
heretofore treated with profound respect, and lay unexpos'd to
vulgar Eyes, became publick and prostitute; being enforc'd with
Terrors, and urg'd with Compulsion and Violence, on the unfitted
Capacitys and Apprehensions of Mankind. The very Jewish Traditions,
and Cabalistick Learning underwent this Fate. That which
was naturally the Subject of profound Speculation and Inquiry,
was made the necessary Subject of a strict and absolute Assent.
The allegorical, mythological Account of Sacred Things,was wholly
inverted: Liberty of Judgment and Exposition taken away: No
Ground left for Inquiry, Search, or Meditation: No Refuge from
the dogmatical Spirit let loose. Every Quarter was taken up; every
Portion prepossess'd. All was reduc'd to *Article and Proposition.
Thus a sort of philosophical ENTHUSIASM overspread theWorld.
And BIGOTRY (a Species of Superstition hardly known before)
took place in Mens Affections, and arm'd 'em with a new Jealousy
against each other. BarbarousA Terms and Idioms were every day[82]
introduc'd: Monstrous Definitions invented and impos'd: New
Schemes of Faith erected from time to time; and Hostilitys, the
fiercest imaginable, exercis'd on these occasions. So that the ENTHUSIASM
or ZEAL, which was usually shewn by Mankind in behalf
of their particular Worships, and which for the most part had
been hitherto defensive only, grew now to be universally of the
offensive kind.
IT MAY be expected of me perhaps, that being fallen thus from
remote Antiquity to later Periods, I shou'd speak on this occasion
with more than ordinary Exactness and Regularity. It may
* Infra, pag. 323, 3, 4. in the Notes. Et supra, p. 61.
 Let any one who considers distinctly the Meaning and Force of the word BIGOTRY,
endeavour to render it in either of the antient Languages, and he will find
how peculiar a Passion it implies; and how different from the mere Affection of
Enthusiasm or Superstition.
REFLECTIONS 53
Chap. 2.be urg'd against me, that I talk here, as at random, and withoutbook:
neglecting to produce my Authoritys, or continue my Quotations,
according to the profess'd Style and Manner in which I
began this present Chapter. But as there are many greater Privileges
by way of Variation, Interruption, and Digression, allow'd to
us Writers of MISCELLANY; and especially to such as are Commentators
upon other Authors; I shall be content to remain mysterious
in this respect, and explain my-self no further than by a noted
Story; which seems to sute our Author's purpose, and the present
Argument.A [83]
'Tis observable from Holy Writ, that the antient EPHESIAN
Worshipers, however zealous or enthusiastick they appear'd, had
only a defensive kind of Zeal in behalf of their *Temple; whenever
they thought in earnest, it was brought in danger. In the Tumult
which happen'd in that City near the time of the holy Apostle's
Retreat, we have a remarkable instance of what our Author calls a
religious Panick. As little Bigots as the People were, and as far from
any offensive Zeal, yet when their establish'd Church came to be
call'd in question, we see in what a manner their Zeal began to
operate. ``All with one voice, about the space of two hours, cried out,
saying,AGreat is DIANA of the Ephesians.'' At the same time this As- [84]
* The Magnificence and Beauty of that Temple is well known to all who have
form'd any Idea of the antient Grecian Arts and Workmanship. It seems to me to be
remarkable in our learned and elegant Apostle, that tho an Enemy to this mechanical
Spirit of Religion in the EPHESIANS; yet according to his known Character, he accommodates
himself to their Humour, and the natural Turn of their ENTHUSIASM;
by writing to his Converts in a kind of Architect-Style, and almost with a perpetual
Allusion to Building, and to that Majesty, Order, and Beauty, of which their
Temple was a Master-piece.      
 ,          
      ,     
     . [You are built upon the foundations of
the apostles and the prophets, with Jesus Christ himself being the cornerstone on
which the entire framed-together structure grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
In this, even you will be built in together into a dwelling place for God in spirit.]--
Eph. ch. ii. ver. 20, 21, 22. And so Ch. iii. ver. 17, 18, &c. And Ch. iv. ver. 16, 29.
 Act. Apost. chap. xix. ver. 23.
 Ibid. ver. 28, & 34.
54 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. sembly was so confus'd, that *the greater part knew not wherefore
they were come together; and consequently cou'd not understand
why their Church was in any Danger. But the ENTHUSIASM was
got up, and a PANICK Fear for the Church had struck the Multitude.
It ran into a popular Rage or epidemical Phrenzy, and was
communicated (as our Author expresses it) ``by Aspect, or, as it
were, by Contact, or Sympathy.''
It must be confess'd, that there was, besides these Motives,
a secret Spring which forwarded this ENTHUSIASM. For certain
Partys concern'd, Men of Craft, and strictly united in Interest, had
been secretly call'd together, and told, ``Gentlemen! (or Sirs!) Ye
know that by this Mystery, or Craft, we have our Wealth. Ye see
withal, and have heard, that not only here at EPHESUS, but almost
thro'out all ASIA, this PAUL has persuaded and turn'd away many
People, by telling them, They are no real Gods who are figur'd, or
wrought with hands: so thatA not only this our Craft is in danger;[85]
but also the Temple it-self.''
Nothing cou'd be more moderate and wise, nothing more agreeable
to that magisterial Science or Policy, which our Author **recommends,
than the Behaviourof the Town-Clerk or Recorder of the
City, as he is represented on this occasion, in Holy Writ. I must
confess indeed, he went pretty far in the use of this moderating
Art. He ventur'd to assure the People, ``That every one acquiesc'd
in their antient Worship of the great Goddess, and in their Tradition
of the Image, which fell down from JUPITER: That these were
Facts undeniable: and That the new Sect neither meant the pulling
down of their Church, nor so much as offer'd to blaspheme or
speak amiss of their Goddess.''
This, no doubt, was stretching the point sufficiently; as may be
understood by the Event, in after time. One might perhaps have
* Act. Apost. chap. xix. ver. 32.
 Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. pag. 15.
 Act. Apost. chap. xix. ver. 25, &c.
** Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. pag. 16, &c.
REFLECTIONS 55
Chap. 2.suspected this Recorder to have been himself a Dissenter, or at least
an Occasional Conformist, who cou'd answer so roundly for the new
Sect, and warrant the Church in Being secure of Damage, and out
of all Danger for the future. MeanAwhile the Tumult was appeas'd: [86]
No harm befel the Temple for that time. The new Sect acquiesc'd
in what had been spoken on their behalf.Theyallow'd the Apology
of the Recorder. Accordingly the Zeal of the Heathen Church,
which was only defensive, gave way: And the new Religionists were
prosecuted no further.
Hitherto, it seems, the Face of PERSECUTION had not openly
shewn it-self in the wide World. 'Twas sufficient Security for every
Man, that he gave no disturbance to what was publickly establish'd.
But when offensive Zeal came to be discover'd in one Party,
the rest became in a manner necessitated to be Aggressors in their
turn. They who observ'd, or had once experienc'd this intolerating
Spirit, cou'd no longer tolerate on their part.* And they who
* Thus the Controversy stood before the Time of the Emperor JULIAN, when
Blood had been so freely drawn, and Crueltys so frequently exchang'd not only between
Christian and Heathen, but between Christian and Christian; after the most
barbarous manner.What the Zeal was of many early Christians against the Idolatry
of the old Heathen Church (at that time the establish'd one) may be comprehended
by any Person who is ever so slenderly vers'd in the History of those Times. Nor
can it be said indeed of us Moderns, that in the quality of good Christians (as that
Character is generally understood) we are found either backward or scrupulous in
assigning to Perdition such Wretches as we pronounce guilty of Idolatry. The name
Idolater is sufficient Excuse for almost any kind of Insult against the Person, and
much more against the Worship of such a Mis-Believer. The very word Christian is
in common Language us'd for Man, in opposition to Brute-Beast, without leaving
so much as a middle place for the poor Heathen or Pagan: who, as the greater Beast
of the two, is naturally doom'd to Massacre, and his Gods and Temples to Fracture
and Demolishment. Nor are we masters of this Passion, even in our best humour.
The French Poets, we see, can with great Success, and general Applause, exhibit this
primitive Zeal even on the publick Stage: POLYEUCTE, Act II. Sc. 6.
Ne perdons plus de temps, le Sacrifice est prt.
Allons y du vray Dieu soutenir l'intért,
Allons fouler aux piés ce Foudre ridicule
Dont arme un bois pourri ce Peuple trop credule;
Allons en éclairer l'aveuglement fatal,
Allons briser ces Dieux de Pierre & de Metau:
56 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. hadAonce exerted it over others, cou'd expect no better Quarter for
themselves. So that nothing less than mutual Extirpation became[87]
the Aim, and almost open Profession of each religious Society.A[88]
Abandonnons nos jours  cette ardeur celeste,
Faisons triompher Dieu; qu'il dispose du reste.
[Let us lose no more time, the Sacrifice is ready.
Let us go to sustain the true God's interest,
Let us trample underfoot this ridiculous Thunder
With which this too credulous people arms a rotten wood [i.e., an idol];
Let us go to enlighten its fatal blindness,
Let us destroy these gods of stone and metal;
Let us give up our lives to this celestial ardor,
Let us make God triumph; let Him dispose of the rest!]
I shou'd scarce have mention'd this, but that it came into my mind how ill a
Construction some People have endeavour'd to make of what our Author, stating
the Case of Heathen and Christian Persecution, in his Letter of Enthusiasm, has said
concerning the Emperor JULIAN. It was no more indeed than had been said of that
virtuous and gallant Emperor by his greatest Enemys; even by those who, to the
shame of Christianity, boasted of his having been most insolently affronted on all
occasions, and even treacherously assassinated by one of his Christian Soldiers. As
for such Authors as these, shou'd I cite them in their proper invective Style and
Saint-like Phrase, they wou'd make no very agreeable appearance, especially in Miscellanys
of the kind we have here undertaken. But a Letter of that elegant and witty
Emperor, may not be improperly plac'd amongst our Citations, as a Pattern of his
Humour and Genius, as well as of his Principle and Sentiments, on this occasion.
JULIAN's Epistles, Numb. 52.
JULIAN to the BOSTRENS.
``I should have thought, indeed, that the Galilaean Leaders wou'd have esteem'd themselves
more indebted to me, than to him who preceded me in the Administration of the
Empire. For in his time, many of them suffer'd Exile, Persecution, and Imprisonment.
Multitudes of those whom in their Religion they term Hereticks, were put to the sword.
Insomuch that in Samosata, Cyzicum, Paphlagonia, Bithynia, Galatia, and many
other Countrys,wholeTowns were level'd with the Earth.The just Reverse of this has been
observ'd in my time. The Exiles have been recall'd; and the Proscrib'd restor'd to the lawful
Possession of their Estates. But to that height of Fury and Distraction are this People
arriv'd, that being no longer allow'd the Privilege to tyrannize over one another, or persecute
either their own Sectarys, or the Religious of the lawful Church, they swell with rage,
and leave no stone unturn'd, no opportunity unimploy'd, of raising Tumult and Sedition.
So little regard have they to true Piety; so little Obedience to our Laws and Constitutions;
however humane and tolerating. For still do we determine and steddily resolve, never to
suffer one of them to be drawn involuntarily to our Altars. * * * As for the mere
People, indeed, they appear driven to these Riots and Seditions by those amongst them
REFLECTIONS 57
Chap. 2.In this extremity, it might well perhaps have been esteem'd the
happiest Wish for Mankind, That one of these contending Partys
of incompatible ReligionistsAshou'd at last prevail over the rest; so [89]
as by an universal and absolute Power to *determine Orthodoxy,
and make that Opinion effectually Catholick, which in their particular
Judgment had the best right to that Denomination. And
thus by force of Massacre and Desolation, Peace in WorAship, and [90]
Civil Unity by help of the Spiritual, might be presum'd in a fair
way of being restor'd to Mankind.
I shall concludewith observing howably the ROMAN-Christian,
and once Catholick Church, by the assistance of their converted
whom they call CLERICKS: who are now enrag'd to find themselves restrain'd in the
use of their former Power and intemperate Rule. * * * They can no longer act the
Magistrate or Civil Judg, nor assume Authority to make Peoples Wills, supplant Relations,
possess themselves of other Mens Patrimonys, and by specious Pretences transfer all
into their own possession. * * * For this reason I have thought fit, by this Publick
EDICT, to forewarn the People of this sort, that they raise no more Commotions, nor
gather in a riotous manner about their seditious CLERICKS, in defiance of the Magistrate,
who has been insulted and in danger of being ston'd by these incited Rabbles. In
their Congregations they may, notwithstanding, assemble as they please, and croud about
their Leaders, performing Worship, receiving Doctrine, and praying, according as they
are by them taught and conducted: But if with any Tendency to Sedition; let them beware
how they hearken, or give assent; and remember, 'tis at their peril, if by these means
they are secretly wrought up to Mutiny and Insurrection. * * * Live, therefore,
in Peace and Quietness! neither spitefully opposing, or injuriously treating one another.
You misguided People of the new way, Beware, on your side! And you of the antient and
establish'd Church, injure not your Neighbours and Fellow-Citizens, who are enthusiastically
led away, in Ignorance and Mistake, rather than with Design or Malice! 'Tis
by DISCOURSE and REASON, not by Blows, Insults, or Violence, that Men are
to be inform'd of Truth, and convinc'd of Error. Again therefore and again I enjoin and
charge the zealous Followers of the true Religion, no way to injure, molest, or affront the
Galilaean People.''
Thus the generous and mild Emperor; whom we may indeed call Heathen, but
not so justly Apostate: since being, at different times of hisYouth, transfer'd to different
Schools or Universitys, and bred under Tutors of each Religion, as well Heathen
as Christian; he happen'd, when of full age, to make his choice (tho very unfortunately)
in the former kind, and adher'd to the antient Religion of his Country
and Forefathers. See the same Emperor's Letters to ARTABIUS, Numb. 7. and to
HECEBOLUS, Numb. 43. and to the People of Alexandria, Numb. 10. See VOL. I.
pag. 25.
* Infra, pag. 343.
58 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. *Emperors, proceeded in the Establishment of their growing Hierarchy.
They consider'd wisely the various Superstitions and Enthusiasms
of Mankind; and prov'd the different Kinds and Force of
each. All these seeming Contrarietys of human Passion they knew
how to comprehend in their political Model and subservient System
of Divinity. They knew how to make advantage both from
the high Speculations of Philosophy, and the grossest Ideas of vulgar
Ignorance. They saw there was nothing more different than that
ENTHUSIASM which ran upon Spirituals, according to the simpler
Views of the divine Existence, and that which ran upon external
Proportions, Magnificence of Structures, Ceremonys, Processions,
Quires, and those other Harmonys which captivate the Eye and
Ear. On this account they even added to this latter kind, and display'd
Religion in a yet more gorgeous Habit of Temples, Statues,
PaintAings, Vestments, Copes, Miters, Purple, and the Cathedral[91]
Pomp. With these Arms they cou'd subdue the victorious Goths,
and secure themselves an ATTILA,** when their CAESARS fail'd
them.
The truth is, 'tis but a vulgar Species of ENTHUSIASM, which is
mov'd chiefly by Shew and Ceremony, and wrought upon by Chalices
and Candles, Robes, and figur'd Dances. Yet this, we may believe,
was lookt upon as no slight Ingredient of Devotion in those
Days; since, at this hour, the Manner is found to be of considerable
Efficacy with some of the Devout amongst our-selves,who pass the
least for superstitious, and are reckon'd in the Number of the polite
* VOL. I. pag. 133. Supra, 78, 79.
 VOL. II. pag. 270, 271.
 Supra, pag. 41.
** When this victorious Ravager was in full March to ROME, St. LEO (the then
Pope) went out to meet him in solemn Pomp. The Goth was struck with the Appearance,
obey'd the Priest, and retir'd instantly with his whole Army in a panick
Fear; alledging that among the rest of the Pontifical Train, he had seen one of an extraordinary
Form, who threaten'd him with Death, if he did not instantly retire. Of
this important Encounter there are in St. PETER's Church, in the Vatican, and elsewhere,
at ROME, many fine Sculptures, Paintings, and Representations, deservingly
made, in honour of the Miracle.
REFLECTIONS 59
Chap. 2.World. This the wise Hierarchy duly preponderating; but being
satisfy'd withal that there were other Tempers and Hearts which
cou'd not so easily be captivated by this exterior Allurement, they
assign'd another Part of Religion to Proselytes of another CharacterA [92]
and Complexion, who were allow'd to proceed on a quite different
bottom; by the inward way of Contemplation, and Divine Love.
Theyare indeed so far from being jealous of mereENTHUSIASM,
or the extatick manner of Devotion, that they allow their Mysticks
to write and preach in the most rapturous and seraphick Strains.
They suffer them, in a manner, to supersede all external Worship,
and triumph over outward Forms; till the refin'd Religionists proceed
so far as either expresly or seemingly to dissuade the Practice
of the vulgar and establish'd Ceremonial Dutys. And then,
indeed,* they check the suppos'd exorbitant ENTHUSIASM, which
wou'd prove dangerous to their Hierarchal State.
If modern Visions, Prophecys, and Dreams, Charms, Miracles,
Exorcisms, and the rest of this kind, be comprehended in that
which we call FANATICISM or SUPERSTITION; to this Spirit they
allowa full Career; whilst to ingenuousWriters theyafford the Liberty,
on the other side, in a civil manner, to call inA question these [93]
spiritual Feats perform'd in Monasterys, or up and down by their
mendicant or itinerant Priests, and ghostly Missionarys.
This is that antient Hierarchy, which in respect of its first Foundation,
its Policy, and the Consistency of its whole Frame and
Constitution, cannot but appear in some respect august and venerable,
even in such as we do not usually esteem weak Eyes. These
are the spiritual Conquerors, who, like the first CAESARS, from
small Beginnings, establish'd the Foundations of an almost Universal
Monarchy. No wonder if at this day the immediate View
of this Hierarchal Residence, the City and Court of ROME, be
found to have an extraordinary Effect on Foreigners of other latter
Churches. No wonder if the amaz'd Surveyors are for the future
* Witness the Case of MOLINOS, and of the pious, worthy and ingenious Abbé
FENELON, now Archbishop of Cambray.
60 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. so apt either to conceive the horridest Aversion to all Priestly Government;
or, on the contrary, to admire it, so far as even to wish a
Coalescence or Re-union with this antient Mother-Church.
In reality, the Exercise of Power, however arbitrary or despotick,
seems less intolerable under such a spiritual Sovereignty, so extensive,
antient, and of such a long Succession, than under the petty
Tyrannys and mimical Politys of some new PretenAders.The former[94]
may even *persecute with a tolerable Grace: The latter, who wou'd
willingly derive their Authority from the former, and graft on their
successive Right, must necessarily make a very aukard Figure. And
whilst they strive to give themselves the same Air of Independency
on the Civil Magistrate; whilst they affect the same Authority
in Government, the same Grandure, Magnificence, and
Pomp in Worship, they raise the highest Ridicule, in the Eyes of
those who have real Discernment, and can distinguish Originals
from Copys:
O imitators, a slavish herd!A[95]
C H A P T E R I I I
Of the Force of Humour in Religion.--Support of our
Author's Argument in his Essay on the Freedom of Wit and
Raillery.--ZEAL discuss'd. Spiritual Surgeons: Executioners:
Carvers.--Original of human Sacrifice.--Exhilaration of
Religion.--Various Aspects, from outward Causes.
THE celebrated Wits of the MISCELLANARIAN Race, the EssayWriters,
casual Discoursers, Reflection-Coiners, MeditationFounders,
and others of the irregular kind of Writers, may plead
it as their peculiar Advantage, ``That they follow the Variety of
* Infra, pag. 110.
 O Imitatores, servum pecus! Horat. Lib. i. Ep. 19. ver. 19.
REFLECTIONS 61
Chap. 3.NATURE.'' And in such a Climate as ours, their Plea, no doubt, may
be very just.We Islanders, fam'd for other Mutabilitys, are particularly
noted for the Variableness and Inconstancy of our Weather.
And if our Taste in Letters be found answerable to this Temperature
of our Climate; 'tis cerAtain a Writer must, in our Account, [96]
be the more valuable in his kind, as he can agreeably surprize his
Reader, by sudden Changes, and Transports, from one Extreme to
another.
Were it not for the known Prevalency of this Relish, and the
apparent Deference paid to those Genius's who are said to elevate
and surprize; the Author of these MISCELLANYS might, in all
probability, be afraid to entertain his Reader with this multifarious,
complex, and desultory kind of Reading. 'Tis certain, that if
we consider the Beginning and Process of our present Work, we
shall find sufficient Variation in it. From a profess'd Levity, we are
laps'd into a sort of Gravity unsutable to our manner of setting
out.We have steer'd an adventurous Course, and seem newlycome
out of a stormy and rough Sea. 'Tis time indeed we shou'd enjoy
a Calm, and instead of expanding our Sails before the swelling
Gusts, it befits us to retire under the Lee-shore, and ply our Oars
in a smooth Water.
'Tis the Philosopher, the Orator, or the Poet, whom we may compare
to some First-Rate Vessel, which launches out into the wide
Sea, and with a proud Motion insults the encountering Surges.
WeAESSAY-Writers are of the Small-Craft, or Galley-kind. We move [97]
chiefly by Starts and Bounds; according as our Motion is by frequent
Intervals renew'd.We have no great Adventure in view; nor
can tell certainly Whither we are bound.We undertake no mighty
Voyage, by help of Stars or Compass; but row from Creek to Creek,
keep up a coasting Trade, and are fitted only for fair Weather and
the Summer Season.
Happy therefore it is for us in particular, that having finish'd our
Course of ENTHUSIASM, and pursu'd our Author into his *second
* Viz. Essay on the Freedom of Wit and Humour, VOL. I.
62 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. Treatise, we are now, at last, oblig'd to turn towards pleasanter Reflections,
and have such Subjects in view as must naturally reduce
us to a more familiar Style. WIT and HUMOUR (the profess'd Subject
of the Treatise now before us) will hardly bear to be examin'd
in ponderous Sentences and pois'd Discourse.We might now perhaps
do best, to lay aside the Gravity of strict Argument, and resume
the way of Chat; which, thro' Aversion to a contrary formal
manner, is generally relish'd with more than ordinary Satisfaction.
Forexcess of Physick, we know, has often made Men hate the name
of wholesom. And an abundancy of forc'dAInstruction, and solemn[98]
Counsel, may have made Men full as averse to any thing deliver'd
with an Airof high Wisdom and Science; especially if it be so high as
to be set above all human Art of Reasoning, and even above Reason
it-self, in the account of its sublime Dispensers.
However, since it may be objected to us by certain Formalists
of this sort, ``That we can prove nothing duly without proving it
in form'': we may for once condescend to their Demand; state our
Case formally; and divide our Subject into Parts, after the precise
manner, and according to just Rule and Method.
Our purpose, therefore, being to defend an Author, who has
been charg'd as too presumptuous for introducing the way of WIT
and HUMOUR into religious Searches; we shall endeavour to make
appear:
1st, That WIT and HUMOUR are corroborative of Religion, and
promotive of true Faith.
2ly, That they are us'd as proper Means of this kind by the holy
Founders of Religion.
3ly, That notwithstanding the dark Complexion and sour Humour
of some reAligious Teachers, we may be justly said to have in[99]
the main, A witty and good-humour'd Religion.
Among the earliest Acquaintance of my Youth, I remember, in
particular, a Club of three or four merry Gentlemen, who had long
kept Company with one another, and were seldom separate in any
Party of Pleasure or Diversion. They happen'd once to be upon a
travelling Adventure, and came to a Country,where they were told
REFLECTIONS 63
Chap. 3.for certain, they should find the worst Entertainment, as well as
the worst Roads imaginable. One of the Gentlemen, who seem'd
the least concern'd for this Disaster, said slightly and without any
seeming Design, ``That the best Expedient for them in this Extremity
wou'd be to keep themselves in high Humour, and endeavour
to commend every thing which the Place afforded.'' The other
Gentlemen immediately took the hint; but, as it happen'd, kept
silence, pass'd the Subject over, and took no further notice of what
had been propos'd.
Being enter'd into the dismal Country, in which they proceeded
without the least Complaint; 'twas remarkable, that if by great
chance they came to any tolerable Bit of Road, or any ordinary
ProsApect, they fail'd not to say something or other in its praise, and [100]
wou'd light often on such pleasant Fancys and Representations, as
made the Objects in reality agreeable.
When the greatest part of the Day was thus spent, and our
Gentlemen arriv'd where they intended to take their Quarters, the
first of 'em who made trial of the Fare, or tasted either Glass or
Dish, recommended it with such an air of Assurance, and in such
lively Expressions of Approbation, that the others came instantly
over to his Opinion, and confirm'd his Relish with many additional
Encomiums of their own.
Many ingenious Reasons were given for the several odd Tastes
and Looks of Things,which were presented to 'em at Table. ``Some
Meats were wholesom: Others of a high Taste: Others according
to the manner of eating in this or that foreign Country.'' Every
Dish had the flavour of some celebrated Receit in Cookery; and the
Wine, and other Liquors, had, in their turn, the advantage of being
treated in the same elegant strain. In short, our Gentlemen eat and
drank heartily, and took up with their indifferent Fare so well, that
'twas apparent they had wrought upon themselves to believe they
were tolerably well serv'd.A [101]
Their Servants, in the mean time, having laid no such Plot as
this against themselves, kept to their Senses, and stood it out, ``That
their Masters had certainly lost theirs. For how else cou'd they
64 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. swallow so contentedly, and take all for good which was set before
'em?''--
Had I to deal with a malicious Reader; he might perhaps pretend
to infer from this Story of my travelling Friends, that I intended
to represent it as an easy matter for People to persuade
themselves into what Opinion or Belief they pleas'd. But it can
never surely be thought, that Men of true Judgment and Understanding
shou'd set about such a Task as that of perverting their
own Judgment, and giving a wrong Bias to their REASON. They
must easily foresee that an Attempt of this kind, shou'd it have the
least Success, wou'd prove of far worse Consequence to them than
any Perversion of their Taste, Appetite, or ordinary Senses.
I must confess it, however, to be my Imagination, that where
fit Circumstances concur, and many inviting Occasions offer from
the side of Mens Interest, their Humour, or their Passion; 'tis no
extraordinary Case to see 'em enter into such a Plot as this against
their own UnderstandAings, and endeavour by all possible means to[102]
persuade both themselves and others of what they think convenient
and useful to believe.
If in many particular Cases, where Favour and Affection prevail,
it be found so easy a thing with us, to impose upon ourselves;
it cannot surely be very hard to do it, where we take for granted,
our highest Interest is concern'd. Now it is certainly no small Interest
or Concern with Men, to believe what is by Authority establish'd;
since in the Case of Disbelief there can be no Choice left but either
to live a Hypocrite, or be esteem'd profane. Even where Men are left
to themselves, and allow'd the Freedom of their Choice, they are
still forward enough in believing; and can officiously endeavour to
persuade themselves of the Truth of any flattering Imposture.
Nor is it unusual to find Men successful in this Endeavour: As,
among other Instances, may appear by the many religious Faiths or
Opinions, however preposterous or contradictory, which, Age after
Age, we know to have been rais'd on the Foundation of Miracles
and pretended Commissions from Heaven.These have been as generally
espous'd and passionately cherish'd as the greatest Truths
REFLECTIONS 65
Chap. 3.and most cerAtain Revelations. 'Tis hardly to be suppos'd that such
Combinations shou'd be form'd, and Forgerys erected with such [103]
Success and Prevalency over the Understandings of Men, did not
they themselves co-operate,of theirown accord, towards the Imposture,
and shew, ``That by a good-Will and hearty Desire of believing,
they had in reality a considerable Hand in the Deceit.''
'Tis certain that in a Country, where FAITH has, for a long time,
gone by Inheritance, and Opinions are entail'd by Law, there is little
room left for the Vulgar to alter their Persuasion, or deliberate on
the Choice of their religious Belief. Whensoever a Government
thinks fit to concern it-self with Mens Opinions, and by its absolute
Authority impose any particular Belief, there is none perhaps
ever so ridiculous or monstrous in which it needs doubt of having
good Success. This we may see thorowly effected in certain Countrys,
bya steddy Policy, and sound Application of Punishment and
Reward: with the Assistance of particular Courts erected to this
end; peculiar Methods of Justice; peculiar Magistrates and Officers;
proper Inquests, and certain wholesom Severitys, not slightlyadminister'd,
and play'd with, (as certain Triflers propose) but duly and
properly inforc'd; as is absolutely requisite to this endAof strict Con- [104]
formity, and Unity in one and the same Profession, and manner of
Worship.
But shou'd it happen to be the TRUTH it-self which was thus
effectually propagated by the Means we have describ'd; the very
Nature of such Means can, however, allow but little Honour to
the Propagators, and little Merit to the Disciples and Believers. 'Tis
certain that MAHOMETISM, PAGANISM, JUDAISM, or any other
BELIEF may stand, as well as the truest, upon this Foundation. He
who is now an Orthodox CHRISTIAN, wou'd by virtue of such a
Discipline have been infallibly as true a MUSSULMAN, or as errant
a HERETICK; had his Birth happen'd in another place.
For this reason there can be no rational Belief but where Comparison
is allow'd, Examination permitted, and a sincere Toleration
establish'd. And in this case, I will presume to say, ``That Whatever
BELIEF is once espous'd or countenanc'd by the Magistrate,
66 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. it will have a sufficient advantage; without any help from Force or
Menaces on one hand, or extraordinary Favour and partial Treatment
on the other.'' If the BELIEF be in any measure consonant to
Truth and Reason, it will find as much favour in the Eyes of Mankind,
as Truth and Reason need desire.A Whatever Difficultys there[105]
may be in any particular Speculations or Mysterys belonging to it;
the better sort of Men will endeavour to pass 'em over. They will
believe (as our *Author says) to the full stretch of their REASON, and
add Spurs to their FAITH, in order to be the more sociable; and conform
the better with what their Interest, in conjunction with their
Good-Humour, inclines them to receive as credible, and observe as
their religious Duty and devotional Task.
Here it is that GOOD HUMOUR will naturally take place, and
the Hospitable Disposition of our travelling Friends above-recited
will easily transfer it-self into Religion, and operate in the same
manner with respect to the establish'd Faith (however miraculous
or incomprehensible) under a tolerating, mild, and gentle Govern-
ment.
Every one knows, indeed, That by HERESY is understood a
Stubbornness in theWill, not a Defect merely in the Understanding.
On this account 'tis impossible that an honest and good-humour'd
Man shou'd be a Schismatick or Heretick, and affect to separate
from his national Worship on slight Reason, or without severe
Provocation.A[106]
To be pursu'd by petty INQUISITORS; to be threatned with Punishment,
or penal Laws; to be mark'd out as dangerous and suspected;
to be rail'd at in high Places, with all the study'd Wit and
Art of Calumny; are indeed sufficient Provocations to ill Humour,
and may force People to divide, who at first had never any such
Intention. But the Virtue of Good-Humour in RELIGION is such,
that it can even reconcile Persons to a Belief, in which they were
never bred, or to which they had conceiv'd a former Prejudice.
From these Considerations we cannot but of course conclude,
* Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. pag. 34.
REFLECTIONS 67
Chap. 3.``That there is nothing so ridiculous in respect of Policy, or so
wrong and odious in respect of common Humanity, as a moderate
and half-way PERSECUTION.'' It only frets the Sore; it raises the
Ill-humour of Mankind; excites the keener Spirits; moves Indignation
in Beholders; and sows the very Seeds of Schism in Mens
bosoms. A resolute and bold-fac'd PERSECUTION leaves no time or
scope for these engendring Distempers, or gathering Ill-humours.
It does the work at once; by Extirpation, Banishment, or Massacre;
and like a bold Stroke in Surgery, dispatches by one short Amputation,
what a bungling Hand wou'd make worse and worse, toA the [107]
perpetual Sufferance and Misery of the Patient.
If there be on earth a proper way to render the most sacred Truth
suspected, 'tis by supporting it with Threats, and pretending to
terrify People into the Belief of it. This is a sort of daring Mankind
in a Cause, where they know themselves superior, and out of
reach. The weakest Mortal finds within himself, that tho he may
be out-witted and deluded, he can never be forc'd in what relates
to his Opinion or Assent. And there are few Men so ignorant of
human Nature, and of what they hold in common with their Kind,
as not to comprehend, ``That where great Vehemence is express'd
by any-one in what relates solely to another, 'tis seldom without
some private Interest of his own.''
In common Matters of Dispute, the angry Disputant makes the
best Cause to appear the worst. A Clown once took a fancy to hear
the Latin Disputes of Doctors at a University. He was ask'd what
pleasure he could take in viewing such Combatants,when he could
never know so much as which of the Partys had the better. ``For
that matter,'' reply'd the Clown, ``I a'n't such a Fool neither, but
I can see who's the first that puts t'otherA into a Passion.'' Nature [108]
her-self dictated this Lesson to the Clown; ``That he who had the
better of the Argument, wou'd be easy and well-humour'd: But he
who was unable to support his Cause by Reason, wou'd naturally
lose his Temper, and grow violent.''
Were twoTravellers agreed to tell their Story separate in publick:
the one being a Man of Sincerity, but positive and dogmatical; the
68 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. other less sincere, but easy and good-humour'd: tho it happen'd that
the Accounts of this latter Gentleman were of the more miraculous
sort; they wou'd yet sooner gain Belief, and be more favourably
receiv'd by Mankind, than the stronglyasserted Relations and
vehement Narratives of the other fierce Defender of the Truth.
That GOOD HUMOUR is a chief Cause of Compliance, or
Acquiescence in matters of Faith, may be prov'd from the very
Spirit of those, whom we commonly call CRITICKS. 'Tis a known
Prevention against the Gentlemen of this Character; ``That they
are generally ill-humour'd, and splenetick.'' The World will needs
have it, That their Spleen disturbs 'em. And I must confess I think
the World in general to be so far right in this Conceit, That tho all
Criticks perhapsA are not necessarily splenetick; all splenetick People[109]
(whether naturally such, or made so by ill Usage) have a necessary
Propensity to Criticism and Satir. When Men are easy in themselves,
they let others remain so; and can readily comply with what
seems plausible, and is thought conducing to the Quiet or good
Correspondence of Mankind. They study to raise no Difficultys or
Doubts. And in religious Affairs, 'tis seldom that they are known
forward to entertain ill Thoughts or Surmises, whilst they are unmolested.
But if disturb'd by groundless Arraignments and Suspicions,
by unnecessary Invectives, and bitter Declamations, and by
a contentious quarrelsom Aspect of Religion; they naturally turn
Criticks, and begin to question every thing.The Spirit of Satir rises
with the ill Mood: and the chief Passion of Men thus diseas'd and
thrown out of Good Humour, is to find fault, censure, unravel,
confound, and leave nothing without exception and controversy.
These are the Scepticks or Scrupulists, against whom there is such
a Clamor rais'd. 'Tis evident, in the mean while, that the very
Clamor it-self, join'd with the usual Menaces and Shew of Force,
is that which chiefly raises this sceptical Spirit, and helps to multiply
the number of these inquisitive and ill-humour'd CRIATICKS.[110]
Mere Threats, without power of Execution, are only exasperating
and provocative. They *who are Masters of the carnal as well as
* Supra, pag. 94.
REFLECTIONS 69
Chap. 3.spiritual Weapon, may apply each at their pleasure, and in what
proportion they think necessary. But where the Magistrate resolves
steddily to reserve his Fasces for his own proper Province, and keep
the Edg-Tools and deadly Instruments out of other Hands, 'tis in
vain for spiritual Pretenders to take such magisterial Airs. It can
then only become them to brandish such Arms, when they have
strength enough to make the Magistrate resign his Office, and become
Provost or Executioner in their service.--
Shou'd any one who happens to read these Lines, perceive in
himself a rising Animosity against the Author, for asserting thus
zealously the Notion of a religious Liberty, and mutual Toleration;
'tis wish'd that he wou'd maturely deliberate on the Cause of his
Disturbance and Ill-humour.Wou'd he deign to look narrowly into
himself, he wou'd undoubtedly find that it is not ZEAL for Religion
or the Truth, which moves him on this occasion. For had he
happen'd to be in a Nation where he was no Conformist, nor had
any Hope or Expectation of obtaining the PreceAdency for his own [111]
Manner of Worship, he wou'd have found nothing preposterous
in this our Doctrine of Indulgence. 'Tis a Fact indisputable, that
whatever Sect or Religion is undermost, tho it may have persecuted
at any time before; yet as soon as it begins to suffer Persecution in
its turn, it recurs instantly to the Principles of MODERATION, and
maintains this our Plea for Complacency, Sociableness, and GOOD
HUMOUR in Religion. The Mystery therefore of this Animosity, or
rising Indignation of my devout and zealous Reader, is only this;
``That being devoted to the Interest of a Party already in possession
or expectation of the temporal Advantages annex'd to a particular
Belief; he fails not, as a zealous Party-Man, to look with jealousyon
every unconformable Opinion, and is sure to justify those Means
which he thinks proper to prevent its growth.'' He knows that if in
Matters of Religion any one believes amiss, 'tis at his own peril. If
Opinion damns; Vice certainly does as much. Yet will our Gentleman
easily find, if he inquires the least into himself, that he has
no such furious Concern for the Security of Mens Morals, nor any
such violent Resentment of their Vices, when they are such as noway
incommode him. And from hence it will be easy for him to
70 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. infer, ``That the PassionAhe feels on this occasion, is not from pure
ZEAL, but private INTEREST, and worldly EMULATION.''[112]
COME we now (as authentick Rhetoricians express themselves)
to our second Head: which we shou'd again subdivide into Firsts
and Seconds, but that this manner of carving is of late days grown
much out of fashion.
'Twas the Custom of our Ancestors, perhaps as long since as the
days of our hospitable King ARTHUR, to have nothing serv'd at
Table but what was intire and substantial. 'Twas a whole Boar, or
solid Ox which made the Feast.The Figure of the Animal was preserv'd
intire, and the Dissection made in form by the appointed
Carver, a Man of Might as well as profound Craft and notable
Dexterity; who was seen erect, with goodly Mein and Action, displaying
Heads and Members, dividing according to Art, and distributing
his Subject-matter into proper Parts, sutable to the Stomachs
of those he serv'd. In latter days 'tis become the Fashion to
eat with less Ceremony and Method. Every-one chuses to carve for
himself. The learned Manner of Dissection is out of request; and
a certain Method of Cookery has been introduc'd; byA which the[113]
anatomical Science of the Table is intirely set aside. Ragouts and
Fricassees are the reigning Dishes, in which every thing is so dismember'd
and thrown out of all Order and Form, that no Part of
the Mass can properly be divided, or distinguish'd from another.
Fashion is indeed a powerful Mistress, and by her single Authority
has so far degraded the carving Method and Use of Solids,
even in Discourse and Writing, that our religious Pastors themselves
have many of 'em chang'd their Manner of distributing to us
their spiritual Food. They have quitted their substantial Service,
and uniform Division into Parts and Under-Parts; and in order to
become fashionable, they have run into the more savoury way of
learned Ragout and Medley. 'Tis the unbred rustick Orator alone,
who presents his clownish Audience with a divisible Discourse. The
elegant Court-Divine exhorts in MISCELLANY, and is asham'd to
bring his Two's and Three's before a fashionable Assembly.
REFLECTIONS 71
Chap. 3.Shou'd I therefore, as a mere Miscellanarian or Essay-Writer, forgetting
what I had premis'd, be found to drop a Head, and lose
the connecting Thred of my present Discourse; the Case perhaps
wou'd not be so preposterous. For fear howeverA lest I shou'd be [114]
charg'd for being worse than my word, I shall endeavour to satisfy
my Reader, by pursuing my Method propos'd: if peradventure he
can call to mind, what that Method was. Or if he cannot, the matter
is not so very important, but he may safely pursue his reading,
without further trouble.
To proceed, therefore.Whatever Means or Methods may be employ'd
at any time in maintaining or propagating a religious Belief
already current and establish'd, 'tis evident that the first Beginnings
must have been founded in that natural Complacency, and
GOOD HUMOUR, which inclines toTrust and Confidence in Mankind.
Terrors alone, tho accompany'd with Miracles and Prodigys
of whatever kind, are not capable of raising that sincere Faith
and absolute Reliance which is requir'd in favour of the divinely
authoriz'd Instructor, and spiritual Chief. The Affection and Love
which procures a true Adherence to the new religious Foundation,
must depend eitheron a real orcounterfeit *GOODNESS in the religious
Founder. Whatever ambitious Spirit may inspire him; whatever
savage Zeal or persecuting Principle may lie in reserve, ready
to disclose it-self when Authority andAPower is once obtain'd; the [115]
First Scene of Doctrine, however, fails not to present us with the
agreeableViews of Joy, Love, Meekness, Gentleness, and Moderation.
In this respect, RELIGION, according to the common Practice
in many Sects, may be compar'd to that sort of Courtship, of which
the Fair Sex are known often to complain. In the Beginning of an
Amour,when these innocent Charmers are first accosted, they hear
of nothing but tender Vows, Submission, Service, Love. But soon
afterwards, when won by this Appearance of Gentleness and Humility,
they have resign'd themselves, and are no longer their own,
they hear a different Note, and are taught to understand Submis*
VOL. I. pag. 94. and VOL. II. pag. 334.
72 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. sion and Service in a sense they little expected. Charity and Brotherly
Love are very engaging Sounds: But who wou'd dream that out
of abundant Charity and Brotherly Love shou'd come Steel, Fire,
Gibbets, Rods, and such a sound and hearty Application of these
Remedys as shou'd at once advance the worldly Greatness of religious
Pastors, and the particular Interest of private Souls, for which
they are so charitably concern'd?
It has been observ'd by our *Author, ``That the JEWS were naturally
a veryAcloudy People.'' That they had certainly in Religion,[116]
as in every thing else, the least Good-Humour of any People in the
World, is very apparent. Had it been otherwise, their holy Legislator
and Deliverer, who was declar'd the meekest Man on Earth,
and who for many years together had by the most popular and
kind Acts endeavour'd to gain their Love and Affection, wou'd in
all probability have treated them afterwards with more Sweetness,
and been ablewith less Blood and Massacre to retain them in their
religious Duty.This however we may observe,That if the first Jewish
Princes and celebrated Kings acted in reality according to the
Institutions of their great Founder, not only MUSICK, but even
PLAY and DANCE, were of holy Appointment, and divine Right.
The first Monarch of this Nation, tho of a melancholy Complexion,
join'd MUSICK with his spiritual Exercises, and even us'd it as a
Remedy under that dark ENTHUSIASM or **evil Spirit; which how
far it might resemble that of Prophecy, experienc'd by him even
after hisA Apostacy, our Author pretends not to determine. 'Tis[117]
certain that the Successor of this Prince was a hearty Espouser of
the merry Devotion, and by his example has shewn it to have been
fundamental in the religious Constitution of his People. (a)The
* Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. pag. 29. And above, pag. 55, 56.
 Numb. Ch. xii. ver. 3.
 Exod. Ch. xxxii. ver. 27, &c. And Numb. Ch. xvi. ver. 41.
** 1 Sam. Ch. xviii. ver. 10. And Ch. xix. ver. 9.
 Ibid. ver. 23, 24.
 Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. pag. 45.
(a) 2 Sam. Ch. vi. ver. 5, 14, & 16.
REFLECTIONS 73
Chap. 3.famous Entry or high Dance perform'd by him, after so conspicuous
a manner, in the Procession of the sacred Coffer, shews that he was
not asham'd of expressing any Extasy of Joy or *playsom Humour,
which was practis'd by the meanest of the Priests or People on
such an occasion.A [118]
Besides the many Songs and Hymns dispers'd in Holy Writ, the
Book of Psalms it-self, Job, Proverbs, Canticles, and other intireVolumes
of the sacred Collection, which are plainly Poetry, and full
of humorous Images, and jocular Wit, may sufficiently shew how
readily the inspir'd Authors had recourse to HUMOUR and DIVERSION,
as a proper Means to promote Religion, and strengthen
the establish'd Faith.
When the Affairs of the Jewish Nation grewdesperate, and every
thing seem'd tending to a total Conquest and Captivity, the Style
of their holy Writers and Prophets might well vary from that of
earlier days, in the Rise and Vigor of their Common-wealth, or
during the first Splendor of their Monarchy, when the Princes
themselves prophesy'd, and potent Kings were of the number of
the Sacred Pen-men. This still we may be assur'd of; That however
melancholy or ill-humour'd any of the Prophets may appear at
any time, 'was not that kind of Spirit, which God was wont to encourage
in them.Witness the Case of the Prophet JONAH; whose
Character is so naturally describ'd in Holy Writ.A [119]
* Ibid. ver. 22.
 Tho this Dance was not perform'd quite naked, the Dancers, it seems, were so
slightly cloth'd, that in respect of Modesty, they might as well have wore nothing:
their Nakedness appearing still by means of their high Caperings, Leaps, and violent
Attitudes, which were proper to this Dance. The Reader, if he be curious, may
examine what relation this religious Extasy and naked Dance had to the naked and
processional Prophecy; (1 Sam. Ch. xix. ver. 23, & 24.) where Prince, Priest, and People
prophesy'd in conjunction: the Prince himself being both of the itinerant and naked
Party. It appears that even before he was yet advanc'd to the Throne, he had been
seiz'd with this prophesying Spirit errant, processional, and saltant, attended, as we
find, with a sort of Martial Dance perform'd in Troops or Companys, with Pipe and
Tabret accompanying the March, together with Psaltry, Harp, Cornets, Timbrels,
and other variety of Musick. See 1 Sam. Ch. x. ver. 5. and Ch. xix. ver. 23, 24, &c.
and 2 Sam. Ch. vi. ver. 5. And above, Letter of Enthusiasm, VOL. I. pag. 45.
74 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. Pettish as this Prophet was, unlike a Man, and resembling rather
some refractory boyish Pupil; it may be said that GOD, as a kind
Tutor, was pleas'd to humour him, bear with his Anger, and in a
lusory manner, expose his childish Frowardness, and shew him to
himself.
*``Arise (said his gracious Lord) and go to NINIVE.'' ``No such
matter,'' says our Prophet to himself; but away over-Sea for TARSHISH.
He fairly plays the Truant, like an arch School-Boy; hoping
to hide out of the way. But his Tutor had good Eyes, and a long
Reach. He overtook him at Sea; where a Storm was ready prepar'd
for his Exercise, and a Fish's Belly for his Lodging. The Renegade
found himself in harder Durance than any at Land. He was sufficiently
mortify'd: He grew good, pray'd, moraliz'd, and spoke
mightily against Lying Vanitys.
Again, the Prophet is taken into favour, and bid go to NINIVE,
to foretel Destruction. He foretels it. NINIVE repents: God pardons:
and the Prophet is angry.A[120]
**``Lord!--Did I not foresee what this wou'd come to? Was not
this my Saying, when I was safe and quiet at home?--What else
shou'd I have run away for?--As if I knew not how little dependence
there was on the Resolution of those, who are always so
ready to forgive, and repent of what they have determin'd.--No!--
Strike me dead!--Take my Life, this moment. 'Tis better for me.--
If ever I prophesy again.'' * * * * * *
``And Dost thou well then to be thus angry, JONAH? Consider
with thy-self.--Come!--Since thou wilt needs retire out of the
City, to see at a distance what will come of it; here, Take a better
Fence than thy own Booth against the hot Sun which incommodes
Thee. Take this tall Plant as a shady Covering for thy Head. Cool
thy-self, and be deliver'd from thy Grief.''
* Jonah, Ch. i, &c.
 Ibid. Ch. ii. ver. 8.
 Ch. iii. ver. 1, &c.
** Jonah, Ch. iv. ver. 1, 2, 3.
 Ver. 4, 5, 6.
REFLECTIONS 75
Chap. 3.When the Almighty had shown this Indulgence to the Prophet, he
grew better-humour'd, and pass'd a tolerable Night. But the *next
morning the Worm came,Aand an East-Wind: the Arbor was nip'd: [121]
the Sun shone vehemently, and the Prophet's Head was heated, as
before. Presently the ill Mood returns, and the Prophet is at the
old pass. ``Better die, than live at this rate.--Death, Death alone can
satisfy me. Let me hear no longer of Living.--No!--'Tis in vain
to talk of it.''--
Again GOD expostulates; but is taken up short, and answer'd
churlishly, by the testy Prophet. ``Angry he is; angry he ought to
be, and angry he will be, to his Death.'' But the ALMIGHTY, with
the utmost pity towards him, in this melancholy and froward Temper,
lays open the Folly of it; and exhorts to Mildness, and GOOD
HUMOUR, in the most tender manner, and under the most familiar
and pleasant Images; whilst he shews expressly more Regard and
Tenderness to the very CATTEL and Brute-Beasts, than the Prophet
to his own HUMAN KIND, and to those very Disciples whom by
his Preaching he had converted.
In the antienter Parts of Sacred Story, where the Beginning of
things, and Origin of human Race are represented to us,Athere are [122]
sufficient Instances of this Familiarityof Style, this popular pleasant
Intercourse, and Manner of Dialogue between **GOD and Man:
I might add even between Man and Beast; and what is still more
extraordinary, between GOD and SATAN.
Whatsoever of this kind may be allegorically understood, or in
the way of PARABLE or FABLE; this I am sure of,That the Accounts,
Descriptions, Narrations, Expressions, and Phrases are in themselves
many times exceedingly pleasant, entertaining, and facetious. But
* Ver. 7, 8.
 Ver. 9.
 See the last Verse of this Prophet.
** Gen. Ch. iii. ver. 9, &c.
 Numb. Ch. xxii. ver. 28, &c.
 (1.) Job, Ch. i, & ii.
(2.) 2 Chron. Ch. xviii. ver. 18, 19, &c.
76 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. fearing lest I might be mis-interpreted, shou'd I offer to set these
Passages in their proper Light, (which however has been perform'd
by undoubted good Christians, and most learned and *eminent
Divines of our own Church) I forbear to go any further into the
Examination or Criticism of this sort.
As for our Saviour's Style, 'tis not more vehement and majestick
in his gravest Animadversions ordeclamatory Discourses; than it is
sharp, humorous, and witty inA his Repartees, Reflections, fabulous[123]
Narrations,or Parables, Similes, Comparisons, and other Methods
of milder Censure and Reproof. His Exhortations to his Disciples;
his particular Designation of their Manners; the pleasant Images
under which he often couches his Morals and prudential Rules;
even his Miracles themselves (especially the first he ever wrought)
carry with them a certain Festivity, Alacrity, and GOOD HUMOUR
so remarkable, that I shou'd look upon it as impossible not to be
mov'd in a pleasant manner at their Recital.
Now, if what I have here asserted in behalf of PLEASANTRY and
HUMOUR, be found just and real in respect of the Jewish and Christian
Religions; I doubt not, it will be yielded to me, in respect
of the antient Heathen Establishments; that the highest Care was
taken by their original Founders, and following Reformers, to exhilarate
Religion, and correct that Melancholy and Gloominess to
which it is subject; according to those different Modifications of
ENTHUSIASM above specify'd.A[124]
Our Author, as I take it, has **elsewhere shewn that these Founders
were real Musicians, and Improvers of Poetry, Musick, and the
entertaining Arts; which they in a manner incorporated with Religion:
Not without good reason; as I am apt to imagine. For to me
it plainly appears, That in the early times of all Religions, when
Nations were yet barbarous and savage, there was ever an Aptness
or Tendency towards the dark part of Superstition, which among
* See BURNET, Archaeol. cap. 7. p. 280, &c.
 St JOHN, Chap. ii. ver. 11.
 Above, Chap. i, ii.
** VOL. I. pag. 237.
REFLECTIONS 77
Chap. 3.many other Horrors produc'd that of human Sacrifice. Something
of this nature might possibly be deduc'd even from *Holy Writ.
AndAin other Historys we are inform'd of it more at large. [125]
Every one knows how great a Part of the old Heathen Worship
consisted in Play, Poetry, and Dance. And tho some of the more
melancholy and superstitious Votarys might approach the Shrines
of their DIVINITYS with mean Grimaces, Crouchings, and other
fawning Actions, betraying the low Thoughts they had of the Divine
Nature; yet 'tis well known, that in those times the illiberal
sycophantick mannerof Devotion was by thewiser sort contemn'd,
and oft suspected, as knavish and indirect.A [126]
* Gen. chap. xxii. ver. 1, 2, &c. and Judg. chap. xi. ver. 30, 31, &c.
These Places relating to ABRAHAM and JEPHTHAH, are cited only with respect
to the Notion which these Primitive Warriors may be said to have entertain'd concerning
this horrid Enormity, so common among the Inhabitants of the Palestine
and other neighbouring Nations. It appears that even the elder of these Hebrew
Princes was under no extreme Surprize on this trying Revelation. Nor did he think
of expostulating, in the least, on this occasion; when at another time he cou'd be so
importunate for the Pardon of an inhospitable, murderous, impious and incestuous
City; Gen. xviii. 23, &c. See Marsham's Citations, pag. 76, 77. Ex istis satius est
colligere hanc Abrahami Tentationem non fuisse  , actionem
innovatam; non recens excogitatam, sed ad pristinos Cananaeorum mores designatam.
[From these facts it is preferable to deduce that the trial of Abraham was not a new
action, not a new action, not a recent invention but one chosen in accordance with
the former customs of the Canaanites.] See the learned CAPEL's Dissertation upon
JEPHTHAH; ``Ex hujus voti Lege (Lev. xxvii. ver. 28, 29.) JEPHTE Filiam omnino videtur
immolasse, hoc est, morte affecisse, & executus est in eâ votum quod ipsevoyerat,
Jud. xi. 39.'' [From the law of this hold promise Jephthah is understood to have sacrificed
his daughter completely, that is, to have bound her by death, and the pledge
was carried out against her which he himself had vowed.]
 See VOL. I. pag. 35.
 --Non tu prece poscis emaci, &c.
Haud cuivis promptum est, murmurque humilesque su surros,
Tollere de Templis.--
De JOVE quid sentis? Estne, ut praeponere cures
Hunc cuinam?--
--Quâ tu mercede Deorum
Emeris auriculas?--
O curvae in terris animae, & coelestium inanes!
Quid juvat hoc, Templis nostros immittere mores,
Et bona Diis ex hâc scelerata ducere pulpâ?
Pers. Sat. ii. ver. 3.
78 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. How different an Air and Aspect the good and virtuous were
presum'd to carry with them to the Temple, let PLUTARCH singly,
instead of many others, witness, in his excellent Treatise of *SuAper-[127]
[You are not the man to make higgling prayers. . . . It is not everyone who
is ready to do away with muttering and whispering from our temples. . . .
What is your view of Jupiter? May I assume that you would think of
putting him above--`above whom?' . . . What is the price you pay for the
ears of the Gods? . . . O ye souls that cleave to earth and have nothing heavenly
in you! How can it answer to introduce the spirit of the age into the
temple-service, and infer what the Gods like from this sinful pampered
flesh of ours?]
Non est meum, si mugiat Africis
Malus procellis, ad miseras preces
Decurrere.--
Hor. lib. iii. Od. 29. ver. 57.
[It is not for me to betake myself to pitiful entreaties if my mast roar with
the south-west wind.]
 See VOL. I. pag. 133. And above, pag. 79. in the Notes.
*      [Note: In the Loeb edition of Plutarch's
Moralia, vol. 2, ``On Superstition,'' this reads , not ],  ,
, , ,    , ,
 , &c. [Note: In the Loeb edition, ``wicked''
() is preceded by a comma, rather than being followed by a comma.] ``O
wretched GREEKS!'' (says he, speaking to his then declining Countrymen) ``who in
a way of Superstition run so easily into the Relish of barbarous Nations, and bring into
Religion that frightful Mein of sordid and vilifying Devotion, ill-favour'd Humiliation
and Contrition, abject Looks and Countenances, Consternations, Prostrations, Disfigurations,
and, in the Act of Worship, Distortions, constrain'd and painful Postures of the
Body, wry Faces, beggerly Tones, Mumpings, Grimaces, Cringings, and the rest of this
kind--A shame indeed to us Grecians!--For to us, we know, 'tis prescrib'd from of old
by our peculiar Laws concerning Musick, and the publick Chorus's, that we shou'd perform
in the handsomest manner, and with a just and manly Countenance, avoiding
those Grimaces and Contortions of which some Singers contract a Habit. And shall we
not in the more immediate Worship of the DEITY preserve this liberal Air and manly
Appearance? Or, on the contrary, whilst we are nicely observant of other Forms and Decencys
in the Temple, shall we neglect this greater Decency inVoice,Words, and Manners;
and with vile Cries, Fawnings, and prostitute Behaviour, betray the natural Dignity
and Majesty of that Divine Religion and National Worship deliver'd down to us by our
Forefathers, and purg'd from every thing of a barbarous and savage kind?''
What PLUTARCH mentions here,of the just Countenance or liberal Air, the 
, of the Musical Performer, is agreeably illustrated in his ALCIBIADES. 'Twas
that heroick Youth, who, as appears by this Historian, first gave occasion to the
 Plutarchi Oper. T. II. pag. 166. Ed. Fran.
REFLECTIONS 79
Chap. 3.stition; and in another against the Epicurean Atheism, where it will
plainlyAenough appear *what a share GOOD HUMOUR had in that [128]
which the politer Antients esteem'd as Piety, and true Religion.A [129]
ATHENIANS of the higher Rank wholly to abandon the use of Flutes; which had
before been highly in favour with them. The Reason given, was ``the illiberal Air
which attended such Performers, and the unmanly Disfiguration of their Looks and
Countenance, which this Piping-work produc'd.'' As for the real Figure or Plight of
the superstitious Mind, our Author thus describes it: ``Gladly wou'd the poor comfortless
Mind, by whiles, keep Festival and rejoice: But such as its Religion is, there can be no
free Mirth or Joy belonging to it. PublickThanksgivings are but private Mournings. Sighs
and Sorrows accompany its Praises. Fears and Horrors corrupt its best Affections.When
it assumes the outward Ornaments of best Apparel for the Temple, it even then strikes
Melancholy, and appears in Paleness and ghastly Looks. While it worships, it trembles.
It sends up Vows in faint and feeble Voices, with eager Hopes, Desires, and Passions, discoverable
in thewhole Disorderof the outward Frame: and, in the main, it evinces plainly
by Practice, that the Notion of PYTHAGORAS was but vain, who dar'd assert, That we
were then in the best State, and carry'd our most becoming Looks with us, when we
approach'd the Gods. For then, above all other Seasons, are the Superstitious found in
the most abject miserable State of Mind, and with the meanest Presence and Behaviour;
approaching the Sacred Shrines of the Divine Powers in the same manner as they wou'd
the Dens of Bears or Lions, the Caves of Basilisks or Dragons, or other hideous Recesses
of wild Beasts or raging Monsters. To me therefore it appears wonderful, that we shou'd
arraign Atheism as impious; whilst Superstition escapes the Charge. Shall he who holds
there are no Divine Powers, be esteem'd impious; and shall not he be esteem'd far more
impious, who holds the Divine Beings such in their Nature as the Superstitious believe
and represent? For my own part, I had rather Men shou'd say of me, &c.'' See VOL. I.
pag. 41. in the Notes. Nothing can be more remarkable than what our Author says
again, a little below. ``The Atheist believes there is no Deity; the Religionist, or superstitious
Believer, wishes there were none. If he believes, 'tis against his Will: mistrust he
dares not, nor call his Thought in question. But cou'd he with Security, at once, throw
off that oppressive Fear, which like the Rock of TANTALUS impends, and presses over
him, he wou'd with equal Joy spurn his inslaving Thought, and embrace the Atheist's
State and Opinion as his happiest Deliverance. Atheists are free of Superstition, but the
Superstitious are ever willing Atheists, tho impotent in their Thought, and unable to
believe of the Divine Being as they gladly wou'd.      
 ,       ,   
     '' See VOL. I. pag. 35, 36, 40, 41.
* Where speaking of Religion, as it stood in the Heathen Church, and in his own
time; he confesses, ``That as to the vulgar Disposition, there was no Remedy. Many
even of the better sort wou'd be found, of course, to intermix with their Veneration
and Esteem something of Terror or Fear in their religious Worship, which might
give it perhaps the Character of SUPERSTITION: But that this Evil was a thousand
times over-balanc'd by the Satisfaction, Hope, Joy, and Delight which attended
 Ibid. 170.
80 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. BUT NOW, methinks, I have been sufficiently grave and serious,
in defense of what is directly contrary to Seriousness and Gravity. I
have very solemnly pleaded for Gaity and GOOD HUMOUR: I have
declaim'd against Pedantry in learned Language, and oppos'd Formality
in Form. I now find my-self somewhat impatient to get loose
from the Constraint of Method: And I pretend lawfully to exercise
the Privilege which I have asserted, of rambling from Subject
to Subject, from Style to Style, in my MISCELLANEOUS manner,
according to my present Profession and Character.
I may, in the mean while, be censur'd probably for passing over
my Third Head. But the methodical Reader, if he be scrupulous
about it, may content himself with looking back: And if possibly
he can pick it out of my Second, he will forgive this Anticipation,
in a Writing which is govern'd less by Form than Humour. I had
indeed resolv'd with my-self to make a large Collection of Passages
from our most eminent and learned Divines, in order to have
set forth this Latter Head of my Chapter; and by better Authority
than my own to have evinc'd, ``That we had in the main a goodhumour'd
ReliAgion.'' But after considering a little while, I came to[130]
this short Issue with my-self: ``That it was better not to cite at all,
than to cite partially.'' Now if I cited fairly what was said as well
on the melancholy as the chearful side of our Religion, the Matter,
I found, wou'd be pretty doubtfully balanc'd: And the Result
at last wou'd be this; ``That, generally speaking, as oft as a Divine
religious Worship. This, says he, is plain and evident from the most demonstrable
Testimonys. For neither the Societys, or Publick Meetings in the Temples, nor the
Festivals themselves, nor any other diverting Partys, Sights, or Entertainments, are
more delightful or rejoicing than what we our-selves behold, and act in the Divine
Worship, and in the Holy Sacrifices and Mysterys which belong to it. Our Disposition
and Temper is not, on this occasion, as if we were in the Presence of worldly
Potentates, dread Sovereigns, and despotick Princes. Nor are we here found meanly
humbling our-selves, crouching in Fearand Awe, and full of Anxietyand Confusion,
as wou'd be natural to us in such a Case. But where the Divinity is esteem'd the nearest,
and most immediately present, there Horrors and Amazements are the furthest
banish'd; there the Heart, we find, gives freest way to Pleasure, to Entertainment,
to Play, Mirth, Humour, and Diversion; and this even to an Excess.''
REFLECTIONS 81
Chap. 3.was in good Humour, we shou'd find RELIGION the sweetest and
best-humour'd thing in Nature: But at other times (and that, pretty
often) we shou'd find a very different Face of Matters.''
Thus are we alternately exalted and humbled, chear'd and dejected,
according as our spiritual *Director is himself influenc'd:
And this, peradventure, for our Edification and Advantage; ``That
by these Contrarietys and Changes we may be render'd more
supple and compliant.'' If we are very low, and down; we are taken
up. If we are up, and high; we are taken down.--This is Discipline.
This is Authority and Command.--Did Religion carry constantly
one and the same Face, and were it always represented to us alike in
every respect; we might perhaps be overbold, and make Acquaintance
with it, inAtoo familiar a manner: We might think our-selves [131]
fully knowing in it, and assur'd of its true Character and Genius.
From whence perhaps we might become more refractory towards
the Ghostly Teachers of it, and be apt to submit our-selves the less
to those who, by Appointment and Authority, represent it to us,
in such Lights, as they esteem most proper and convenient.
I shall therefore not only conclude abruptly, but even sceptically
on this my last Head: referring my Reader to what has been said
already, on my preceding Heads, for the bare probability ``of our
having, in the main, a witty and good-humour'd RELIGION.''
This, however, I may presume to assert; That there are undoubtedly
some Countenances or Aspects of our Religion, which are humorous
and pleasant in them-selves; and that the sadder Representations
of it are many times so over-sad and dismal, that they are
apt to excite a very contrary Passion to what is intended by the
Representers.A [132]
* Supra, pag. 39.
82 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1.
MISCELLANY III
C H A P T E R I
Further Remarks on the Author of the Treatises.--His Order
and Design.--His Remarks on the SUCCESSION of Wit, and
Progress of Letters, and Philosophy.--Of Words, Relations,
Affections.--Country-Men and Country.--Old
ENGLAND.--Patriots of the Soil.--Virtuosi, and
Philosophers.--A TASTE.
HAVING already asserted my Privilege, as a MISCELLANEOUS
or ESSAY-Writer of the modern Establishment; to
write on every Subject, and in every Method, as I fansy; to use
Order,or lay it aside, as I think fit; and to treat of Order and Method
in other Works, tho free perhaps and unconfin'd as to my own: I
shall presume, in this place,A to consider the present Method and[133]
Order of my Author's Treatises, as in this joint-Edition they are
rang'd.
Notwithstanding the high Airs of SCEPTICISM which our Author
assumes in his first Piece; I cannot, after all, but imagine that
even there he proves himself, at the bottom, a real DOGMATIST,
and shews plainly that he has his private Opinion, Belief, or Faith,
as strong as any Devotee or Religionist of 'em all.Tho he affects perhaps
to strike at other Hypotheses and Schemes; he has something
of his own still in reserve, and holds a certain Plan or System peculiar
to him-self, or such, at least, in which he has at present but few
Companions or Followers.
On this account I look upon his Management to have been
much after the rate of some ambitious ARCHITECT; who being
call'd perhaps to prop a Roof, redress a leaning Wall, or add to
some particular Apartment, is not contented with this small Speci-
REFLECTIONS 83
Chap. 1.men of his Mastership: but pretending to demonstrate the Unserviceableness
and Inconvenience of the old Fabrick, forms the
Design of a new Building, and longs to shew his Skill in the principal
Parts of Architecture and Mechanicks.A [134]
'Tis certain that in matters of Learning and Philosophy, the
Practice of pulling down is far pleasanter, and affords more Entertainment,
than that of building and setting up. Many have succeeded,
to a miracle, in the first, who have miserably fail'd in the
latter of these Attempts.We may find a thousand Engineers, who
can sap, undermine, and blow up, with admirable Dexterity, for
one single-one, who can build a Fort, or lay the Plat-form of a
Citadel. And tho Compassion in real War may make the ruinous
Practice less delightful, 'tis certain that in the literate warringWorld,
the springing of Mines, the blowing up of Towers, Bastions,
and Ramparts of PHILOSOPHY, with Systems, Hypotheses,
Opinions, and Doctrines into the Air, is a Spectacle of all other, the
most naturally rejoicing.
Our Author, we suppose, might have done well to consider this.
We have fairly conducted him thro' his first and second LETTER,
and have brought him, as we see here, into his third Piece. He has
hitherto, methinks, kept up his sapping Method, and unravelling
Humour, with tolerable good Grace. He has given only some few,
and very slender *Hints of going furAther, or attempting to erect [135]
any Scheme or Model, which may discover his Pretence to a real
Architect-Capacity. Even in this his Third Piece he carrys with him
the same sceptical Mein: and what he offers by way of Project or
Hypothesis, is very faint, hardly spoken aloud; but mutter'd to him*
Viz. In the Letter of Enthusiasm, which makes Treatise I. See VOL. I. pag. 41,
43, 44, 49. at the end.--And 54. concerning the previous Knowledg.--So again,Treatise
II. VOL. I. pag. 81, and 116.--And again, Treatise III. VOL. I. pag. 294, 295,
297. where the INQUIRY is propos'd, and the System and Genealogy of the Affections
previously treated; with an Apology (pag. 312.) for the examining Practice, and
seeming Pedantry of the Method.--And afterwards the Apology for Treatise IV. in
Treatise V.VOL. II. pag. 263, 264. Concerning this Series and Dependency of these
joint Treatises, see more particularly below, pag. 189, 190, 191, 284, &c.
84 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. self, in a kind of dubiousWhisper,or feign'd SOLILOQUY. What he
discovers of Form and Method, is indeed so accompany'd with the
random Miscellaneous Air, that it may pass for Raillery, rather than
good Earnest. 'Tis in his following *Treatise that he discovers himself
openly, as a plain Dogmatist, a Formalist, and Man of Method;
with his Hypotheses tack'd to him, and his Opinions so closesticking,
as wou'd force one to call to mind the Figure of some
precise and strait-lac'd Professor in a University.
What may be justly pleaded in his behalf, when we come in
company withA him, to inquire into such solemn and profound[136]
Subjects, seems very doubtful. Mean while, as his Affairs stand
hitherto in this his Treatise of Advice, I shall be contented to yoke
with him, and proceed, in my miscellaneous Manner, to give my
ADVICE also to Men of Note; whether they are Authors or Politicians,Virtuosi
or Fine-Gentlemen; comprehending Him, the said
Author, as one of the Number of the Advis'd, and My-self too (if
occasion be) after his own example of Self-Admonition and private
Address.
BUT FIRST as to our Author's Dissertation in this third Treatise,where
his Reflections upon Authors in general, and the Rise and
Progress of Arts, make the Inlet or Introduction to his Philosophy;
we may observe, That it is not without some appearance of Reason
that he has advanc'd this Method. It must be acknowledg'd,
that tho, in the earliest times, there may have been divine Men of
a transcending Genius, who have given Laws both in Religion and
Government, to the great Advantage and Improvement of Mankind;
yet PHILOSOPHY it-self, as a Science and known Profession
worthy of that name, cannot with any probability be suppos'd to
have risen (as our Author shews) till otherA Arts had been rais'd,[137]
and, in a certain proportion, advanc'd before it. As this was of the
greatest Dignity and Weight, so it came last into Form. It was long
* Viz. Treatise V. The INQUIRY concerning Virtue,VOL. II.
 VOL. I. pag. 236, 7, 8, 9, &c.
REFLECTIONS 85
Chap. 1.clearing it-self from the affected Dress of Sophists, or Enthusiastick
Air of Poets; and appear'd late in its genuine, simple, and just
Beauty.
The Reader perhaps may justlyexcuse our Author for having *in
this place so over-loaded his Margin with thoseweighty Authoritys
and antient Citations, when he knows that there are many grave
Professors in Humanity and Letters among the Moderns, who are
puzzled in this Search, and write both repugnantly to one another,
and to the plain and natural Evidence of the Case. The real Lineage
and SUCCESSION of Wit, is indeed plainly founded in Nature:
as our Author has endeavour'd to make appear both from History
and Fact. The GREEK Nation, as it is Original to us, in respect
to these polite Arts and Sciences, so it was in reality original to itself.
For whether the EGYPTIANS, PHENICIANS, THRACIANS, or
BARBARIANS of any kind, may have hit fortunately on this or that
particular Invention, either in Agriculture, Building, Navigation,
or Letters; which-ever may have introduc'd this Rite of Worship,
this Title of a Deity, this or that Instrument of MuAsick, this or that [138]
Festival, Game, or Dance, (for on this matter there are high Debates
among the Learned) 'tis evident, beyond a doubt, that the
Arts and Sciences were form'd in GREECE it-self. 'Twas there that
Musick, Poetry, and the rest came to receive some kind of shape,
and be distinguish'd into their several Orders and Degrees.Whatever
flourish'd, or was rais'd to any degree of Correctness, or real
Perfection in the kind, was by means of GREECE alone, and in the
hand of that sole polite, most civiliz'd, and accomplish'd Nation.
Nor can this appear strange, when we consider the fortunate
Constitution of that People. For tho compos'd of different Nations,
distinct in Laws and Governments, divided by Seas and
Continents, dispers'd in distant Islands; yet being originally of the
same Extract, united by one single Language, and animated by
that social, publick and free Spirit,which notwithstanding the Animosity
of their several warring States, induc'd them to erect such
* Viz. VOL. I. pag. 242, &c.
86 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. heroick Congresses and Powers as those which constituted the
AMPHICTONIAN Councils, the OLYMPICK, ISTHMIAN, and other
Games; they cou'd not but naturally polish and refine each other.
'Twas thus they brought their beautiful and comprehensive Language
to a just Standard,A leaving only such Variety in the Dialects[139]
as render'd their Poetry, in particular, so much the more agreeable.
The Standard was in the same proportion carry'd into other
Arts. The Secretion was made. The several Species found, and set
apart. The Performers and Masters in every kind, honour'd and
admir'd. And, last of all, even CRITICKS themselves acknowledg'd
and receiv'd as Masters overall the rest. From Musick, Poetry, Rhetorick,
down to the simple Prose of History, thro' all the plastick Arts
of Sculpture, Statuary, Painting, Architecture, and the rest; every
thing Muse-like, graceful and exquisite, was rewarded with the
highest Honours, and carry'd on with the utmost Ardor and Emulation.
Thus GREECE, tho she exported Arts to other Nations, had
properly for her own share no Import of the kind. The utmost
which cou'd be nam'd, wou'd amount to no more than raw Materials,
of a rude and barbarous form. And thus the Nation was
evidently Original in Art; and with them every noble Study and
Science was (as the great Master, so often cited by our Author, says
of certain kinds of Poetry) *self-Aform'd, wrought out of Nature, and[140]
drawn from the necessary Operation and Course of things, working,
as it were, of their own accord, and proper inclination. Now
according to this natural Growth of Arts, peculiar to GREECE, it
wou'd necessarily happen; That at the beginning, when the Force
of Language came to be first prov'd; when the admiring World
*  [the art of improvisation]. VOL. I. pag. 244. 'Tis in this
sense of the natural Production, and Self-Formation of the Arts, in this Free State
of antient GREECE, that the same great Master uses this Word a little before, in
the same Chapter of his Poeticks, (viz. the 4th) speaking in general of the Poets:
  ,   ,   . [Advancing
step by step they produced poetry out of their improvisations.--Arist. Poet.
iv. 6.] And presently after,   ,      
. [When dialogue was introduced, Nature herself found out the appropriate
metre.--Ib. iv. 14.]
REFLECTIONS 87
Chap. 1.made their first Judgment, and essay'd their Taste in the Elegancys
of this sort; the Lofty, the Sublime, the Astonishing and Amazing
wou'd be the most in fashion, and prefer'd. Metaphorical Speech,
Multiplicity of Figures and high-sounding Words wou'd naturally
prevail. Tho in the Common-wealth it-self, and in the Affairs of
Government, Men were us'd originally to plain and direct Speech;
yet when Speaking became an Art, and was taught by Sophists, and
other pretended Masters, the high-poetick, and the figurative Way
began to prevail, even at the Bar, and in the Publick Assemblys:
Insomuch that the Grand-Master, in the *above-cited part of his
Rhetoricks, where he extols the Tragick Poet EURIPIDES, upbraids
the Rhetoricians of his own Age, who retain'd that very bombastick
Style, which even Poets, and those too of the tragick kind,
had already thrown off, or at least considerablyAmitigated. But the [141]
Taste of GREECE was now polishing. A better Judgment was soon
form'd, when a DEMOSTHENES was heard, and had found success.
The People themselves (as our Author has shewn) came now
to reform their COMEDY, and familiar Manner, after TRAGEDY,
and the higher Style, had been brought to its perfection under the
last hand of an EURIPIDES. And now in all the principal Works of
Ingenuity and Art, SIMPLICITY and NATURE began chiefly to be
sought: And this was the TASTE which lasted thro' so many Ages,
till the Ruin of all things, under a Universal Monarchy.
If the Reader shou'd peradventure be led by his Curiosity to seek
some kind of Comparison between this antient Growth of TASTE,
and that which we have experienc'd in modern days, and within
our own Nation; he may look back to the Speeches of our Ancestors
in Parliament. He will find 'em generally speaking, to have been
very short and plain, but coarse, and what we properly call homespun;
till Learning came in vogue, and Science was known amongst
us. When our Princes and Senators became Scholars, they spoke
scholastically. And the pedantick Style was prevalent, from the first
Dawn of Letters, about the Age of the Reformation, tillAlong after- [142]
* VOL. I. pag. 245. in the Notes.
88 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. wards.Witness the best written Discourses, the admir'd Speeches,
Orations, or Sermons, thro' several Reigns, down to these latter,
which we compute within the present Age. 'Twill undoubtedly be
found, That till very late days, the Fashion of speaking, and the
Turn of Wit, was after the figurative and florid Manner. Nothing
was so acceptable as the high-sounding Phrase, the far-fetch'd
Comparison, the capricious Point, and Play of Words; and nothing
so despicable as what was merely of the plain or natural kind.
So that it must either be confess'd, that in respect of the preceding
Age, we are fallen very low in TASTE; or that, if we are in reality
improv'd, the natural and simple Manner which conceals and covers
ART, is the most truly artful, and of the genteelest, truest, and
best-study'd Taste: as has *above been treated more at large.
NOW, THEREFORE, as to our Author's PHILOSOPHY it-self,
as it lies conceal'd in this Treatise, but more profess'd and formal in
his next; we shall proceed graduallyaccording to his own Method:
since it becomes not one whoA has undertaken the part of his airy[143]
Assistant and humorous Paraphrast, to enter suddenly, without
good preparation, into his dry Reasonings and moral Researches
about the social Passions and natural Affections, of which he is such
a punctilious Examiner.
Of all human Affections, the noblest and most becoming human
Nature, is that of LOVE to one's Country. This, perhaps, will
easily be allow'd by all Men, who have really a COUNTRY, and are
of the number of those who may be call'd **A PEOPLE, as enjoying
the Happiness of a real Constitution and Polity, by which they
* Page 21. and VOL. I. pag. 257, 258.
 Viz. Soliloquy, or Advice to an Author: Treatise III.VOL. I.
 Viz. INQUIRY, &c. Treatise IV.VOL. II.
** A Multitude held together by Force, tho under one and the same Head, is not
properly united: Nor does such a Body make a People. 'Tis the social Ligue, Confederacy,
and mutual Consent, founded in some common Good or Interest, which
joins the Members of a Community, and makes a People ONE. Absolute Power annuls
the Publick: And where there is no Publick, or Constitution, there is in reality
no Mother-COUNTRY, or NATION. See VOL. I. pag. 105, 6, 7.
REFLECTIONS 89
Chap. 1.are free and independent. There are few such Country-men or Freemen
so degenerate, as directly to discountenance or condemn this
Passion of Love to their Community and national Brotherhood.
The indirect Manner of opposing this Principle, is the most usual.
We hear it commonly, as a Complaint, ``That there is little of this
LOVE extant in the World.'' From whence 'tis hastily concluded,
``That there is little or nothing of friendly or social AAffection inher- [144]
ent in our Nature, or proper to our Species.'' 'Tis however apparent,
That there is scarce a Creature of human Kind, who is not
possess'd at least with some inferior degree or meaner sort of this
natural Affection to a Country.
*Our own country charms and draws us with a certain sweet-
ness.
'Tis a wretched Aspect of Humanity which we figure to ourselves,
when we wou'd endeavour to resolve the very Essence and
Foundation of this generous Passion into a Relation to mere Clay
and Dust, exclusively of any thing sensible, intelligent, or moral.
'Tis, I must own, on certain Relations, or respective Proportions,
that all natural Affection does in some measure depend. And in
this View it cannot, I confess, be deny'd, that we have each of us a
certain Relation to the mere Earth it-self, the very Mould or Surface
of that Planet, in which, with other Animals of various sorts,
We (poor Reptiles!) were also bred and nourish'd. But had it happen'd
to one of us British-Men to have been born at Sea, cou'd we
not therefore properly be call'd British-Men? Cou'd we be allow'd
Country-Men of no sort, as having no disAtinct relation to any cer- [145]
tain Soil or Region; no original Neighbourhood but with the watry
Inhabitants and Sea-Monsters? Surely, if we were born of lawful
Parents, lawfully employ'd, and under the Protection of Law;
* Nescio quâ Natale Solum dulcedine captos
Ducit.
Ovid. Pont. Lib. i. Eleg. iii. ver. 35.
     . [The circumstances are measured
according to their nature.]
90 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. wherever they might be then detain'd, to whatever Colonys sent,
or whither-soever driven by any Accident, or in Expeditions or Adventures
in the Publick Service, or that of Mankind, we shou'd
still find we had a Home, and Country, ready to lay claim to us.
We shou'd be oblig'd still to consider our-selves as Fellow-Citizens,
and might be allow'd to love our Country or Nation as honestly and
heartily as the most inland Inhabitant or Native of the Soil. Our
political and social Capacity wou'd undoubtedly come in view, and
be acknowledg'd full as natural and essential in our Species, as the
parental and filial kind, which gives rise to what we peculiarly call
natural Affection. Or supposing that both our Birth and Parents
had been unknown, and that in this respect we were in a manner
younger Brothers in Society to the rest of Mankind; yet from
our Nurture and Education we shou'd surely espouse some Country
or other; and joyfully embracing the Protection of a Magistracy,
shou'd of necessity and by force of Nature join our-selves
to the general Society of Mankind, and those in particular, with
whom we had enter'd into aA nearer Communication of Benefits,[146]
and closer Sympathy of Affections. It may therefore be esteem'd
no better than a mean Subterfuge of narrow Minds, to assign this
natural Passion for Society and a Country, to such a Relation as that
of a mere Fungus or common Excrescence, to its Parent-Mould, or
nursing Dung-hill.
The RELATION of Country-man, if it be allow'd any thing at all,
must imply something moral and social. The Notion it-self presupposes
a naturally civil and political State of Mankind, and has
reference to that particular part of Society, to which we owe our
chief Advantages as Men, and rational Creatures, such as are *naturally
and necessarily united foreach other's Happiness and Support,
and for the highest of all Happiness and Enjoyments; ``The Intercourse
of Minds, the free Use of our Reason, and the Exercise of
mutual Love and Friendship.''
An ingenious Physician among the Moderns, having in view the
* VOL. I. p. 109, &c. and VOL. II. p. 310, &c.
REFLECTIONS 91
Chap. 1.natural Dependency of the vegetable and animal Kinds on their
common Mother-EARTH, and observing that both the one and the
other draw from her their continual Sustenance, (some rooted and
fix'd down to their firstA abodes, others unconfin'd, and wandring [147]
from place to place to suck their Nourishment): He accordingly,
as I remember, styles this latteranimal-Race, her releas'd Sons; Filios
Terrae emancipatos. Now if this be our only way of reckoning for
Mankind, we may call our-selves indeed, The Sons of EARTH, at
large; but not of any particular SOIL, or District. The Division
of Climates and Regions is fantastick and artificial: much more
the Limits of particular Countrys, Citys or Provinces. Our Natale
Solum, or Mother-Earth, must by this account be the real GLOBE
it-self which bears us, and in respect of which we must allow the
common Animals, and even the Plants of all degrees, to claim an
equal Brotherhood with us, under this common PARENT.
According to this Calculation we must of necessity carry our
Relation as far as to the whole material World or Universe; where
alone it can prove compleat. But for the particular District or Tract
of Earth, which in a vulgar sense we call our COUNTRY, however
bounded or geographically divided, we can never, at this rate,
frame any accountable Relation to it, nor consequently assign any
natural or proper Affection towards it.
If unhappily a Man had been born either at an Inn, or in some
dirty Village; heAwou'd hardly, I think, circumscribe himself so nar- [148]
rowlyas to accept a Denomination or Character from those nearest
Appendices, or local Circumstances of his Nativity. So far shou'd
one be from making the Hamlet or Parish to be characteristical in
the Case, that hardly wou'd the Shire it-self, or County, however
rich or flourishing, be taken into the honorary Term or Appellation
of one's COUNTRY. ``What, then, shall we presume to call our
COUNTRY? Is it ENGLAND it-self?'' ``But what of SCOTLAND? Is it
therefore BRITAIN?'' ``But what of the other Islands, the Northern
ORCADES, and the Southern JERSEY and GUERNSEY? What of the
Plantations, and poor IRELAND?''--Behold, here, a very dubious
Circumscription!
92 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. But what, after all, if there be a Conquest or Captivity in the case?
a Migration? a national Secession, or Abandonment of our native
Seats for some other Soil or Climate? This has happen'd, we know,
to our Forefathers. And as great and powerful a People as we have
been of late, and have ever shewn our-selves under the influence
of free Councils, and a tolerable Ministry; shou'd we relapse again
into slavish Principles, or be administer'd long under such Heads
as havingA no Thought of Liberty for themselves, can have much[149]
less for EUROPE or their Neighbours; we may at last feel a War at
home, become the Seat of it, and in the end a Conquest. We might
then gladly embrace the hard Condition of our Predecessors, and
exchange our beloved native Soil for that of some remote and uninhabited
part of the World. Now shou'd this possibly be our Fate;
shou'd some considerable Colony or Body be form'd afterwards
out of our Remains, or meet, as it were by Miracle, in some distant
Climate; wou'd there be, for the future, no English-man remaining?
No common Bond of Alliance and Friendship, by which we
cou'd still call Country-men, as before? Howcamewe, I pray, byour
antient name of English-men? Did it not travel with us over Land
and Sea? Did we not, indeed, bring it with us heretofore from as
far as the remoter Parts of GERMANY to this Island?
I MUST confess, I have been apt sometimes to be very angry with
our Language, for having deny'd us the use of the word PATRIA,
and afforded us no other name to express our native Community,
than that of Country; which already bore *two different Significations,
abstractedAfrom Mankind or Society. Reigning words are[150]
many times of such force, as to influence us considerably in our
Apprehension of things. Whether it be from any such Cause as
this, I know not: but certain it is, that in the Idea of a CIVIL
State or NATION, we English-men are apt to mix somewhat more
than ordinary gross and earthy. No People who ow'd so much
to A CONSTITUTION, and so little to A SOIL or CLIMATE, were
ever known so indifferent towards one, and so passionately fond
* Rus & Regio. In French Campagne & Pas.
REFLECTIONS 93
Chap. 1.of the other. One wou'd imagine from the common Discourse of
our Country-men, that the finest Lands near the EUPHRATES, the
BABYLONIAN or PERSIAN Paradises, the rich Plains of EGYPT, the
Grecian TEMPE, the Roman CAMPANIA, LOMBARDY, PROVENCE,
the Spanish ANDALUSIA, or the most delicious Tracts in the Eastern
or Western INDIES, were contemptible Countrys in respect of
OLD ENGLAND.
Now by the good leave of theseworthy Patriots of the Soil, I must
take the liberty to say, I think OLD ENGLAND to have been in every
respect a very indifferent Country: and that Late ENGLAND, of an
Age or two old, even since Queen BESS'S days, is indeed very much
mended for the better. We were, in the beginning of her Grandfather's
Reign, unAder a sort of Polish Nobility; and had no other [151]
Libertys, than what were in common to us with the then fashionable
Monarchys and Gothick Lordships of EUROPE. For Religion,
indeed, we were highly fam'd, above all Nations; by being the most
subject to our Ecclesiasticks at home, and the best Tributarys and
Servants to the Holy See abroad.
I must go further yet, and own, that I think Late ENGLAND,
since the Revolution, to be better still than Old ENGLAND, by many
degrees; and that, in the main, we make somewhat a better Figure
in EUROPE, than we did a few Reigns before. But however our
People may of late have flourish'd, our Name, or Credit have risen;
our Trade, and Navigation, our Manufactures, or our Husbandry
been improv'd; 'tis certain that our Region, Climate, and Soil, is,
in its own nature, still one and the same. And to whatever Politeness
we may suppose our-selves already arriv'd; we must confess,
that we are the latest barbarous, the last civiliz'd or polish'd People of
EUROPE. We must allow that our first Conquest by the ROMANS
brought us out of a State hardly equal to the Indian Tribes; and
that our last Conquest by the NORMANS brought us only into the
capacityof receiving Arts and civil AccomplishmentsAfrom abroad. [152]
They came to us by degrees, from remote distances, at second
or third hand; from other Courts, States, Academys, and foreign
Nurserys of Wit and Manners.
Notwithstanding this, we have as over-weaning an Opinion of
94 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. our-selves, as if we had a claim to be Original and Earth-born.
As oft as we have chang'd Masters, and mix'd Races with our
several successive Conquerors, we still pretend to be as legitimate
and genuine Possessors of our Soil, as the antient ATHENIANS accounted
themselves to have been of theirs. 'Tis remarkable however
in that truly antient, wise, and witty People, That as fine
Territorys and noble Countrys as they possess'd, as indisputable
Masters and Superiors as they were in all Science,Wit, Politeness,
and Manners; they were yet so far from a conceited, selfish, and
ridiculous Contempt of others, that they were even, in a contrary
Extreme, ``Admirers of whatever was in the least degree ingenious
or curious in foreign Nations.'' Their Great Men were constant
Travellers. Their Legislators and Philosophers made their Voyages
into EGYPT, pass'd into CHALDEA, and PERSIA; and fail'd not to
visit most of the dispers'd Grecian Governments and Colonys thro'
the Islands of the AEGEAN, in ITALY, and on theA Coasts of ASIA[153]
and AFRICA. 'Twas mention'd as a Prodigy, in the case of a great
Philosopher, tho known to have been always poor; ``That he shou'd
never have travel'd, nor had ever gone out of ATHENS for his Improvement.''
How modest a Reflection in those who were themselves
ATHENIANS!
For our part, we neither care that *Foreigners shou'd travel to
* An ill Token of our being thorowly civiliz'd: since in the Judgment of the
Polite and Wise, this inhospitable Disposition was ever reckon'd among the principal
Marks of Barbarism. So STRABO, from other preceding Authors,  
      , L.xvii. p. 802. [The expulsion of
foreigners is a common measure with all barbarians.]
The   [Zeus, god of strangers] of the Antients was one of the solemn
Characters of Divinity: the peculiar Attribute of the supreme DEITY, benign to
Mankind, and recommending universal Love, mutual Kindness, and Benignity between
the remotest and most unlike of human Race. Thus their Divine Poet in
Harmony with their Sacred Oracles, which were known frequently to confirm this
Doctrine.
,    ,     ,
      
. . .
[My guest, I may not slight a stranger, even if he were a meaner man
REFLECTIONS 95
Chap. 1.us, nor any of ours shou'd travel into foreign Countrys. Our best
Policy and Breeding is, itA seems, ``To look abroad as little as pos- [154]
sible; contract our Views within the narrowest Compass; and despise
all Knowledg, Learning,or Manners,which are not of a Home
Growth.'' For hardly will the Antients themselves be regarded by
those, who have so resolute a Contempt of what the politest Moderns
of any Nation, besides their own, may have advanc'd in the
way of Literature, Politeness, or PHILOSOPHY.
THIS Disposition of our Country-men, from whatever Causes it
may possibly be deriv'd, is, I fear, a very prepossessing Circumstance
against our Author; whose Design is to advance something
new, or at least something different from what is commonly current
in PHILOSOPHY and MORALS. To support this Design of his,
he seems intent chiefly on this single Point; ``To discover, how we
may, to best advantage, form within our-selves what in the polite
World is call'd a Relish, or Good TASTE.''A [155]
He begins, it's true, as near home as possible, and sends us to
the narrowest of all Conversations, that of SOLILOQUY or Selfdiscourse.
But this Correspondence, according to his Computathan
thou art; for from Zeus are all strangers.''--Homer, Odyssey, xiv, 56,
58.] Again,--
     .
      ,
        
. . .
[And no other mortals hold intercourse with us. But this is some luckless
man who has come hither in his wanderings, and we must tend him well,
for from Zeus are all strangers.--Odyssey, vi. 205­208.] And again,--
 ,    
      . . .
[Rich he was, and beloved among men, for he lived by the roadside and
entertained all.''--Homer, Iliad, vi. 14, 15.]
See also Odys. lib. iii. ver. 34, &c. and 67, &c. lib. iv. ver. 30, &c. and 60.
Such was antient Heathen CHARITY, and pious Duty towards the Whole of
Mankind; both those of different Nations, and different Worships. See VOL. II. pag.
165, 166.
96 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. tion, is wholly impracticable, without a previous Commerce with
the World: And the larger this Commerce is, the more practicable
and improving the other, he thinks, is likely to prove. The Sources
of this improving Art of Self-correspondence he derives from the
highest Politeness and Elegance of antient Dialogue, and Debate,
in matters of Wit, Knowledg, and Ingenuity. And nothing, according
to our Author, can so well revive this self-corresponding
Practice, as the same Search and Study of the highest Politeness
in modern Conversation. For this, we must necessarily be at the
pains of going further abroad than the Province we call HOME.
And, by this Account, it appears that our Author has little hopes of
being either relish'd orcomprehended byanyotherof his Countrymen,
than those who delight in the open and free Commerce of
theWorld, and are rejoic'd to gatherViews, and receive Light from
every Quarter; in order to judg the best of what is perfect, and
according to a just Standard, and true TASTE in every kind.A[156]
It may be proper for us to remark in favour of our Author,
that the sort of Ridicule or Raillery, which is apt to fall upon
PHILOSOPHERS, is of the same kind with that which falls commonly
on the VIRTUOSI, or refin'd Wits of the Age. In this latter
general Denomination we include the real fine Gentlemen, the
Lovers of Art and Ingenuity; such as have seen the World, and
inform'd themselves of the Manners and Customs of the several
Nations of EUROPE, search'd into their Antiquitys, and Records;
consider'd their Police, Laws, and Constitutions; observ'd the Situation,
Strength, and Ornaments of their Citys, their principal Arts,
Studys, and Amusements; their Architecture, Sculpture, Painting,
Musick, and their Taste in Poetry, Learning, Language, and Con-
versation.
Hitherto there can lie no Ridicule, nor the least Scope for Satirick
Wit or Raillery. But when we push this Virtuoso-CHARACTER
a little further, and lead our polish'd Gentleman into more nice
Researches; when from the view of Mankind and their Affairs, our
speculative Genius, and minute Examiner of Nature's Works, proceeds
with equal or perhaps superior Zeal in the Contemplation
REFLECTIONS 97
Chap. 1.of the Insect-Life, the Conveniencys, HaAbitations and OEconomy
of a Race of Shell-Fish; when he has erected a Cabinet in due form, [157]
and made it the real Pattern of his Mind, replete with the same
Trash and Trumperyof correspondent empty Notions, and chimerical
Conceits; he then indeed becomes the Subject of sufficient
Raillery, and is made the Jest of common Conversations.
A worse thing than this happens commonly to these inferior
VIRTUOSI. In seeking so earnestly for Raritys, they fall in love with
RARITY for Rareness-sake. Now the greatest Raritys in theWorld are
MONSTERS. So that the Study and Relish of these Gentlemen, thus
assiduously imploy'd, becomes at last in reality monstrous: And
their whole Delight is found to consist in selecting and contemplating
whatever is most monstrous, disagreeing, out of the way,
and to the least purpose of any thing in Nature.
In Philosophy, Matters answer exactly to this Virtuoso-Scheme.
Let us suppose a Man, who having this Resolution merely, how to
employ his Understanding to the best purpose, considers ``Who or
What he is; Whence he arose, or had his Being; to what End he was
design'd; and to what Course of Action he is by his natural Frame
and Constitution deAstin'd:'' shou'd he descend on this account into [158]
himself, and examine his inward Powers and Facultys; or shou'd
he ascend beyond his own immediate Species, City, or Community,
to discover and recognize his higher Polity, or Community,
(that common and universal-one, of which he is born a Member);
nothing, surely, of this kind, cou'd reasonably draw upon him the
least Contempt or Mockery. On the contrary, the finest Gentleman
must after all be consider'd but as an IDIOT, who talking much
of the knowledg of the World and Mankind, has never so much
as thought of the Study or Knowledg of himself, or of the Nature
and Government of that real Publick and WORLD, from whence
he holds his Being.
*What are we and for what kind of life are we born?
* Quid sumus, & quidnam victuri gignimur? Pers. Sat. iii. ver. 67.
98 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. ``Where are we? Under what Roof? Or on board what Vessel?
Whither bound? On what Business? Under whose Pilotship, Government,
or Protection?'' are Questions which every sensible Man
wou'd naturally ask, if he were on a sudden transported into a new
Scene of Life. 'Tis admirable, indeed, to consider, That a Man
shou'd have been long come into aA World, carry'd his Reason and[159]
Sense about with him, and yet have never seriously ask'd himself
this single Question, ``WHERE am I? or WHAT?'' but, on the contrary,
shou'd proceed regularly to every other Study and Inquiry,
postponing this alone, as the least considerable; or leaving the Examination
of it to others, commission'd, as he supposes, to understand
and think for him, upon this Head. To be bubbled, or put
upon by any sham-Advices in this Affair, is, it seems, of no consequence!
We take care to examine accurately, byour own Judgment,
the Affairs of other People, and the Concerns of the World which
least belong to us: But what relates more immediately to our-selves,
and is our chief SELF-Interest, we charitably leave to others to examine
for us, and readily take up with the first Comers; on whose
Honesty and good Faith 'tis presum'd we may safely rely.
Here, methinks, the Ridicule turns more against the PhilosophyHaters
than the Virtuosi or Philosophers. Whilst PHILOSOPHY is
taken (as in its prime Sense it ought) for Mastership in LIFE and
MANNERS, 'tis like to make no ill Figure in the World, whatever
Impertinencys may reign, or however extravagant the Times may
prove. But let us view PHILOSOAPHY, like mere Virtuoso-ship, in its[160]
usual Career, and we shall find the Ridicule rising full as strongly
against the Professors of the higher as the lower kind. Cockleshell
abounds with each. Many things exterior, and without our-selves,
of no relation to our real Interests or to those of Society and Mankind,
are diligently investigated: Nature's remotest Operations,
deepest Mysterys, and most difficult Phaenomena discuss'd, and
whimsically explain'd; Hypotheses and fantastick Systems erected; a
Universe anatomiz'd; and by some *notable Scheme so solv'd and
reduc'd, as to appear an easy Knack or Secret to those who have
* VOL. II. pag. 184, 185.
REFLECTIONS 99
Chap. 1.the Clew. Creation it-self can, upon occasion, be exhibited; Transmutations,
Projections, and other Philosophical ARCANA, such as in
the corporeal World can accomplish all things; whilst in the intellectual,
a set Frame of metaphysical Phrases and Distinctions can
serve to solve whatever Difficultys may be propounded either in
Logicks, Ethicks, or any real Science, of whatever kind.
It appears from hence, that the Defects of PHILOSOPHY, and
those of Virtuoso-ship are of the same nature. Nothing can be more
dangerous than a wrong Choice, or Misapplication in these Affairs.A [161]
But as ridiculous as these Studys are render'd by their sensless Managers;
it appears, however, that each of 'em are, in their nature,
essential to the Character of a Fine Gentleman and Man of Sense.
To philosophize, in a just Signification, is but to carry Goodbreeding
a step higher. For the Accomplishment of Breeding is, To
learn whatever is decent in Company, or beautiful in Arts; and the
Sum of Philosophy is,To learn what is just in Society, and beautiful
in Nature, and the Order of the World.
'Tis not Wit merely, but a Temper which must form the WELLBRED
MAN. In the same manner, 'tis not a Head merely, but
a Heart and Resolution which must compleat the real PHILOSOPHER.
Both Characters aim at what is excellent, aspire to a just
Taste, and carry in view the Model of what is beautiful and becoming.
Accordingly, the respective Conduct and distinct Manners
of each Party are regulated; The one according to the perfectest
Ease, and good Entertainment of COMPANY; the other according
to the strictest Interest of MANKIND and SOCIETY: The one according
to a Man's Rank and Quality in his private Nation; the
other according to his Rank and Dignity in NATURE.A [162]
Whether each of these Offices, of social Parts, are in themselves
as convenient as becoming, is the great Question which must someway
be decided. The WELL-BRED MAN has already decided this,
in his own Case, and declar'd on the side of what is Handsom: For
whatever he practises in this kind,* he accounts no more than what
he owes purely to himself; without regard to any further Advan*
VOL. I. pag. 129, 130.
100 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. tage. The Pretender to PHILOSOPHY, who either knows not how
to determine this Affair, or if he has determin'd, knows not how
to pursue his Point, with Constancy, and Firmness, remains in respect
of Philosophy, what a Clown or Coxcomb is in respect of
Breeding and Behaviour. Thus, according to our Author, the TASTE
of Beauty, and the Relish of what is decent, just, and amiable, perfects
the Character of the GENTLEMAN, and the PHILOSOPHER.
And the Study of such a TASTE or Relish will, as we suppose, be
ever the great Employment and Concern of him, who covets as
well to be wise and good, as agreeable and polite.
*I care about and I ask what is true and fitting and I am completely
occupied in this.A[163]
C H A P T E R I I
Explanation of a TASTE continu'd.--Ridiculers of it.--Their
Wit, and Sincerity.--Application of the Taste to Affairs of
Government and Politicks.--Imaginary CHARACTERS in the
State.--Young Nobility, and Gentry.--Pursuit of
BEAUTY.--Preparation for Philosophy.
BY this time, surely, I must have prov'd my-self sufficiently
engag'd in the Project and Design of our Self-discoursing
AUTHOR, whose Defence I have undertaken. His Pretension, as
plainly appears in this third Treatise, is to recommend MORALS
on the same foot, with what in a lower sense is call'd Manners; and
to advance PHILOSOPHY (as harsh a Subject as it may appear) on
the very Foundation of what is call'd agreeable and polite. And 'tis
in this Method and Management that, as his Interpreter, or Para*
Quid VERUM atque DECENS, curo,
& rogo, & omnis in hoc sum.
Horat. lib. i. Ep. 1. ver. 11.
 VOL. I. pag. 336, &c.
REFLECTIONS 101
Chap. 2.phrast, I have propos'd to imiAtate and accompany him, as far as
my Miscellaneous CHARACTER will permit. [164]
Our joint Endeavour, therefore, must appear this: To shew,
*``That nothing which is found charming ordelightful in the polite
World, nothing which is adopted as Pleasure, or Entertainment,
of whatever kind, can any way be accounted for, supported, or
establish'd, without the Pre-establishment or Supposition of a certain
TASTE.'' Now a TASTE or Judgment, 'tis suppos'd, can hardly
come ready form'd with us into the World. Whatever Principles
or Materials of this kind we may possibly bring with us; whatever
good Facultys, Senses, or anticipating Sensations, and Imaginations,
may be of Nature's Growth, and arise properly, of themselves,
without our Art, Promotion, or Assistance; the general Idea
which is form'd of all this Management, and the clear Notion we
attain of what is preferable and principal in all these Subjects of
Choice and Estimation, will not, as I imagine, by any Person, be
taken for in-nate. Use, Practice and Culture must precede the Understanding
and Wit of such an advanc'd Size and Growth as this.
A legitimate and just TASTE can neither be begotten, made, conceiv'd,A
or produc'd, without the antecedent Labour and Pains of [165]
CRITICISM.
For this reason we presume not only to defend the Cause of
CRITICKS; but to declare open War against those indolent supine
Authors, Performers, Readers, Auditors, Actors, or Spectators; who
making their HUMOUR alone the Rule of what is beautiful and
agreeable, and having no account to give of such their HUMOUR or
odd FANCY, reject the criticizing or examining Art, by which alone
they are able to discover the true BEAUTY and WORTH of every
Object.
According to that affected Ridicule which these insipid Remarkers
pretend to throw upon just CRITICKS, the Enjoyment of
all real Arts or natural Beautys wou'd be intirely lost: Even in Behaviour
and Manners, we shou'd at this rate become in time as
* VOL. I. pag. 336, &c.
102 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. barbarous, as in our Pleasures and Diversions. I wou'd presume it,
however, of these Critick-Haters, that they are not yet so unciviliz'd,
or void of all social Sense, as to maintain, ``That the most
barbarous Life, or brutish Pleasure, is as desirable as the most polish'd
or refin'd.''
For my own part, when I have sometimes heard Men of reputed
Ability join inAwith that effeminate plantiveTone of Invective[166]
against CRITICKS, I have really thought they had it in their Fancy,
to keep down the growing Genius's of the Youth, their Rivals, by
turning them aside from that Examination and Search, on which
all good Performance as well as good Judgment depends. I have
seen many a time a well-bred Man, who had him-self a real good
TASTE, give way, with a malicious Complaisance, to the Humour
of a Company, where, in favour chiefly of the tender Sex, this soft
languishing Contempt of Criticks, and their Labours, has been the
Subject set a-foot. ``Wretched Creatures! (says one) impertinent
Things, these Criticks, as ye call 'em!--As if one cou'dn't know
what was agreeable or pretty,without their help.--'Tis fine indeed,
that one shou'dn't be allow'd to fansy for one's-self.--Now shou'd
a thousand Criticks tell me that Mr. A 's new Play wan't the
wittiest in the World, I wou'dn't mind 'em one bit.''
This our real Man of Wit hears patiently; and adds, perhaps
of his own, ``That he thinks it, truly, somewhat hard, in what relates
to People's Diversion and Entertainment, that they shou'd
be oblig'd to chuse what pleas'd others, and not themselves.'' Soon
after thisA he goes himself to the Play, finds one of his effeminate[167]
Companions commending or admiring at a wrong place. He turns
to the next Person who sits by him, and asks privately, ``What he
thinks of his Companion's Relish.''
Such is the Malice of the World! They who by Pains and Industry
have acquir'd a real TASTE in Arts, rejoice in their Advantage
over others, who have either none at all, or such as renders 'em
ridiculous. At an Auction of Books,or Pictures,you shall hear these
Gentlemen persuading every one ``To bid for what he fansys.'' But,
at the same time, they wou'd be soundly mortify'd themselves, if
REFLECTIONS 103
Chap. 2.by such as theyesteem'd good Judges, they shou'd be found to have
purchas'd by a wrong Fancy, or ill TASTE. The same Gentleman
who commends his Neighbour for ordering his Garden or Apartment,
as his HUMOUR leads him, takes care his own shou'd be so
order'd as the best Judgments wou'd advise. Being once a Judg himself,
or but tolerably knowing in these Affairs, his Aim is not ``To
change the Being of Things, and bring TRUTH and NATURE to
his Humour: but, leaving NATURE and TRUTH just as he found
'em, to accommodate his Humour and Fancy to their STANDARD.''
Wou'd he do thisA in a yet higher Case, he might in reality be- [168]
come as wise and great a Man, as he is already a refin'd and polish'd
GENTLEMAN. By one of these TASTES he understands how to lay
out his Garden, model his House, fansy his Equipage, appoint his
Table: By the other he learns of what Value these Amusements are
in Life, and of what Importance to a Man's Freedom, Happiness,
and Self-enjoyment. For if he wou'd try effectually to acquire the
real Science or TASTE of Life; he wou'd certainly discover, ``That
a RIGHT MIND, and GENEROUS AFFECTION, had more Beauty
and Charm, than all other Symmetrys in the World besides'': And,
``That a Grain of Honesty and nativeWorth, was of more value than
all the adventitious Ornaments, Estates, or Preferments; for the sake
of which some of the better sort so oft turn Knaves; forsaking their
Principles, and quitting their Honour and Freedom, for a mean,
timorous, shifting State of gaudy Servitude.''
A LITTLE better TASTE (were it a very little) in the Affair of Life
it-self, wou'd, if I mistake not, mend the Manners, and secure the
Happiness of some of our noble Countrymen, who come with high
Advantage and a worthy ChaAracter into the Publick. But ere they [169]
have long engag'd in it, their WORTH unhappily becomes venal.
Equipages, Titles, Precedencys, Staffs, Ribbons, and other such glittering
Ware, are taken in exchange for inward MERIT, HONOUR,
and a CHARACTER.
This they may account perhaps a shreud Bargain. But there will
be found very untoward Abatements in it, when the matter comes
104 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. to be experienc'd. They may have descended in reality from ever
so glorious Ancestors, Patriots, and Sufferers for their Country's
Liberty and Welfare: They may have made their Entrance into the
World upon this bottom of anticipated Fame and Honour: They
may have been advanc'd on this account to Dignitys, which they
were thought to have deserv'd. But when induc'd to change their
honest Measures, and sacrifice their Cause and Friends to an imaginary
private Interest; they will soon find, by Experience, that they
have lost the Relish and TASTE of Life; and for insipid wretched
Honours, of a deceitful kind, have unhappily exchang'd an amiable
and sweet Honour, of a sincere and lasting Relish, and good
Savour. They may, after this, act Farces, as they think fit; and hear
Qualitys and Virtues assign'd to 'em, under the Titles of Graces,
Excellencys, HoAnours, and the rest of this mock-Praise and mimical[170]
Appellation. They may even with serious Looks be told of Honour
and Worth, their PRINCIPLE, and their COUNTRY: But they
know better within themselves; and have occasion to find, That,
after all, the World too knows better; and that their few Friends
and Admirers have either a very shallow Wit, or a very profound
Hypocrisy.
'Tis not in one Party alone that these Purchases and Sales of
HONOUR are carry'd on. I can represent to my-self a noted PATRIOT,
and reputed Pillar of the religious Part of our Constitution,
who having by many and long Services, and a steddy Conduct,
gain'd the Reputation of thorow Zeal with his own Party, and of
Sincerityand Honour with his very Enemys,on a sudden (the time
being come that the Fulness of his Reward was set before him)
submits complacently to the propos'd Bargain, and sells himself
for what he is worth, in a vile detestable Old-Age, to which he has
reserv'd the Infamy of betraying both his Friends and Country.
I can imagine, on the other side, one of a contrary Party; a noted
Friend to LIBERTY in Church and State; an Abhorrer of the slavish
Dependency on Courts, and of the narrow Principles of Bigots:A[171]
Such a one, after many publick Services of note, I can see wrought
upon, by degrees, to seek Court-Preferment; and this too under a
Patriot-Character. But having perhaps try'd this way with less suc-
REFLECTIONS 105
Chap. 2.cess, he is oblig'd to change his Character, and become a royal Flatterer,
a Courtier against his Nature; submitting himself, and suing,
in so much the meaner degree, as his inherent Principles are well
known at Court, and to his new-adopted Party, to whom he feigns
himself a Proselyte.
The greater the Genius or Character is of such a Person, the
greater is his Slavery, and heavier his Load. Better had it been that
he had never discover'd such a Zeal for publick Good, or signaliz'd
him-self in that Party; which can with least grace make Sacrifices
of national Interests to a Crown, or to the private Will, Appetite,
or Pleasure of a Prince. For supposing such a Genius as this
had been to act his Part of Courtship in some foreign and absolute
Court; how much less infamous wou'd his Part have prov'd?
How much less slavish, admist a People who were All Slaves? Had
he peradventure been one of that forlorn begging Troop of Gentry
extant in DENMARK, or SWEDEN, since the time that those
Nations lost their Libertys; had he liv'd out of a free Nation, and
happily-balanc'd Constitution; hadA he been either conscious of [172]
no Talent in the Affairs of Government, or of no Opportunity to
exert any such, to the advantage of Mankind: Where had been the
mighty shame, if perhaps he had employ'd some of his Abilitys in
flattering like others, and paying the necessary Homage requir'd
for Safety's sake, and Self-preservation, in absolute and despotick
Governments? The TASTE, perhaps, in strictness, might still be
wrong, even in this hard Circumstance: But how inexcusable in a
quite contrary one! For let us suppose our Courtier not only an
Englishman, but of the Rank and Stem of those old English Patriots,
who were wont to curb the Licentiousness of our Court, arraign
its Flatterers, and purge away those Poisons from the Ear of
Princes; let us suppose him of a competent Fortune and moderate
Appetites, without any apparent Luxury or Lavishment in his Manners:
What shall we, after this, bring in Excuse, or as an Apology,
for such a Choice as his? How shall we explain this preposterous
Relish, this odd Preference of Subtlety and Indirectness, to true Wisdom,
open Honesty, and Uprightness?
'Tis easier, I confess, to give account of this Corruption of TASTE
106 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. in some noble Youth of a more sumptuous gay Fancy; supposing
him born truly Great, andA of honourable Descent; with a gener-[173]
ous free MIND, as well as ample Fortune. Even these Circumstances
themselves may be the very Causes perhaps of his being thus ensnar'd.
The *Elegance of his Fancy in outward things, may have
made him overlook the Worth of inward Character and Proportion:
And the Love of Grandure and Magnificence, wrong turn'd,
may have possess'd his Imagination over-strongly with such things
as Frontispieces, Parterres, Equipages, trim Valets in party-colour'd
Clothes; and others in Gentlemens Apparel.--Magnanimous Exhibitions
of Honour and Generosity!--``In Town, a Palace and sutable
Furniture! In the Country the same; with the addition of such
Edifices and Gardens as were unknown to our Ancestors, and are
unnatural to such a Climate as GREAT BRITAIN!''
Mean while the Year runs on; but the Year's Income answers
not its Expence. For ``Which of these Articles can be retrench'd?
Which way take up, after having thus set out?'' A Princely Fancy
has begot all this; and a Princely Slavery, and Court-Dependence
must maintain it.A[174]
The young Gentleman is now led into a Chace, in which he
will have slender Capture, tho Toil sufficient. He is him-self taken.
Nor will he so easily get out of that Labyrinth, to which he chose
to commit his steps, rather than to the more direct and plainer
Paths in which he trod before. ``Farewel that generous proud Spirit,
which was wont to speak only what it approv'd, commend only
whom it thought worthy, and act only what it thought right! Favourites
must be now observ'd, little Engines of Power attended on,
and loathsomly caress'd: an honest Man dreaded, and every free
Tongue or Pen abhor'd as dangerous and reproachful.'' For till our
Gentleman is become wholly prostitute and shameless; till he is
brought to laugh at publick Virtue, and the very Notion of common
Good; till he has openly renounc'd all Principles of Honour
and Honesty, he must in good Policy avoid those to whom he lies
* VOL. I. pag. 139.
REFLECTIONS 107
Chap. 2.so much expos'd, and shun that Commerce and Familiarity which
was once his chief Delight.
Such is the Sacrifice made to a wrong Pride, and ignorant Selfesteem;
by one whose inward Character must necessarily, after this
manner, become as mean andAabject, as his outward Behaviour [175]
insolent and intolerable.
There are another sort of Suitors to Power, and Traffickers of inward
WORTH and LIBERTY for outward Gain, whom one wou'd
be naturally drawn to compassionate. They are themselves of a
humane, compassionate, and friendly nature,Well-wishers to their
Country and Mankind. They cou'd, perhaps, even embrace POVERTY
contentedly, rather than submit to any thing diminutive
either of their inward Freedom or national Liberty. But what they
can bear in theirown Persons, theycannot bring themselves to bear
in the Persons of such as are to come after them. Here the best and
noblest of Affections are borne down by the Excess of the next best,
those of Tenderness for Relations and near Friends.
Such Captives as these wou'd disdain, however, to devote themselves
to any Prince or Ministry, whose Ends were wholly tyrannical,
and irreconcilable with the true Interest of their Nation. In
other cases of a less Degeneracy, they may bow down perhaps in
theTemple of RIMMON, support theWeight of their supine LORDS,
and prop the Steps and ruining Credit of their corrupt Patrons.A [176]
This is Drudgery sufficient for such honest Natures; such as by
hard Fate alone cou'd have been made dishonest. But as for Pride
or Insolence on the account of their outward Advancement and
seeming Elevation; they are so far from any thing resembling it,
that one may often observe what is very contrary in these fairer
Characters of Men. For tho perhaps they were known somewhat
rigid and severe before; you see 'em now grown in reality submissive
and obliging. Tho in Conversation formerly dogmatical and overbearing,
on the Points of State and Government; they are now the
patientest to hear, the least forward to dictate, and the readiest to
embrace any entertaining Subject of Discourse, rather than that
of the Publick, and their own personal Advancement.
108 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. Nothing is so near Virtue as this Behaviour; and nothing so remote
from it, nothing so sure a Token of the most profligate Manners,
as the contrary. In a free Government, 'tis so much the Interest
of every one in Place, who profits by the Publick, to demean
himself with Modesty and Submission; that to appear immediately
the more insolent and haughty on such an Advancement, is the
mark only of a contemptible Genius, and of a want ofAtrue Under-[177]
standing, even in the narrow Sense of Interest and private Good.
Thus we see, after all, that 'tis not merely what we call Principle,
but a TASTE, which governs Men.They may think forcertain
``This is right, or that wrong'': They may believe ``This a Crime, or
that a Sin; This punishable by Man, or that by God!'' Yet if the
Savor of things lies cross to HONESTY; if the Fancy be florid, and
the Appetite high towards the subaltern Beautys and lower Order
of worldly Symmetrys and Proportions; the Conduct will infallibly
turn this latter way.
Even Conscience, I fear, such as is owing to religious Discipline,
will make but a slight Figure,where this TASTE is set amiss. Among
the Vulgar perhaps it may do wonders. A Devil and a Hell may
prevail, where a Jail and Gallows are thought insufficient. But such
is the Nature of the liberal, polish'd, and refin'd part of Mankind;
so far are they from the mere Simplicity of Babes and Sucklings;
that, instead of applying the Notion of a future Reward or Punishment
to their immediate Behaviour in Society, they are apt, much
rather, thro' the whole Course of their Lives, to shew evidently
that they look on the pious Narrations to beAindeed no better than[178]
Childrens Tales, or the Amusement of the mere Vulgar:
*That our ghosts exist and realms below the earth . . . not even
children believe, except those who are too young to pay at
the baths.
* Esse aliquos Manes, & subterranea regna,
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Nec pueri credunt, nisi qui nondum aere lavantur.
Juven. Sat. 2. ver. 149.
REFLECTIONS 109
Chap. 2.Something therefore shou'd, methinks, be further thought of,
in behalf of our generous Youths, towards the correcting of their
TASTE, or Relish in the Concerns of Life. For this at last is what will
influence. And in this respect the Youth alone are to be regarded.
Some hopes there may be still conceiv'd of These. The rest are confirm'd
and harden'd in their way. A middle-ag'd Knave (however
devout or orthodox) is but a common Wonder: An old-one is no
Wonder at all: But a young-one is still (thank Heaven!) somewhat
extraordinary. And I can never enough admire what was said once
by a worthy Man at the first appearance of one of these young able
Prostitutes, ``That he even trembled at the sight, to find Nature
capable of being turn'd so soon: and That he boded greater Calamity
to his Country from this single Example of young Villany,
than fromA the Practices and Arts of all the old Knaves in being.'' [179]
Let us therefore proceed in this view, addressing our-selves to
the grown Youth of our polite World. Let the Appeal be to these,
whose Relish is retrievable, and whose Taste may yet be form'd
in Morals; as it seems to be, already, in exterior Manners and Be-
haviour.
THAT there is really A STANDARD of this latter kind,will immediately,
and on the first view, be acknowledg'd. The Contest is only,
``Which is right:--Which the un-affected Carriage, and just Demeanour:
And Which the affected and false.'' Scarce is there anyone,
who pretends not to know and to decide What is well-bred
and handsom. There are few so affectedly clownish, as absolutely
to disown Good-breeding, and renounce the Notion of A BEAUTY
in outward Manners and Deportment. With such as these,wherever
they shou'd be found, I must confess, I cou'd scarce be tempted
to bestow the least Pains or Labour, towards convincing 'em of a
Beauty in inward Sentiments and Principles.
Whoever has any Impression of what we call Gentility or Politeness,
is alreadyA so acquainted with the DECORUM and GRACE of [180]
things, that he will readily confess a Pleasure and Enjoyment in
the very Survey and Contemplation of this kind. Now if in the way
110 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. of polite Pleasure, the Study and Love of BEAUTY be essential; the
Study and Love of SYMMETRY and ORDER, on which Beauty depends,
must also be essential, in the same respect.
'Tis impossible we can advance the least in any Relish or Taste
of outward Symmetry and Order; without acknowledging that the
proportionate and regular State is the truly prosperous and natural
in every Subject. The same Features which make Deformity,
create Incommodiousness and Disease. And the same Shapes and
Proportions which make Beauty, afford Advantage, by adapting to
Activity and Use. Even in the imitative or designing Arts, (to which
our Author so often refers) the Truth or Beauty of every Figure or
Statue is measur'd from the Perfection of Nature, in her just adapting
of every Limb and Proportion to the Activity, Strength, Dexterity,
Life and Vigor of the particular Species or Animal design'd.
Thus Beauty and *Truth are plainly join'd with the Notion of
Utility andA Convenience, even in the Apprehension of every in-[181]
genious Artist, the Architect, the Statuary, or the Painter. 'Tis the
same in the Physician's way. Natural Health is the just Proportion,
* VOL. I. pag. 142, &c.
 In GRAECIS Operibus, nemo sub mutulo denticulos constituit, &c. Quod ergo
supra Cantherios & Templa in Veritate debet esse collocatum, id in Imaginibus, si infr
constitutum fuerit, mendosam habebit operis rationem. Etiamque ANTIQUI non
probaverunt, neque instituerunt, &c. Ita quod non potest in Veritate fieri, id non putaverunt
in Imaginibus factum, posse certam rationem habere. Omnia enim certâ proprietate,
&  veris NATURAE deductis Moribus, traduxerunt in Operum perfectiones:
& ea probaverunt quorum explicationes in Disputationibus rationem possunt
habere VERITATIS. Itaque ex eis Originibus Symmetrias & Proportiones uniuscujusque
generis constitutas reliquerunt. [In Greek buildings no one placed denticules
under mutules. . . . What therefore ought in reality to be put above beams and small
timbers will, if in imitations it be put below, be faulty in theory: and so the ancients
did not approve of this or practise it. . . . Thus they thought that what cannot
be done in reality cannot be correct if done in a copy thereof. For they transferred
everything to their perfect works with exact accuracy and attention to the true laws
of Nature, and approved only those points the explanation of which can, when discussed,
show truthfulness. And so from this beginning they left us proportions and
canons ready established in every kind.] VITRUVIUS, lib. iv. cap. 2. whose Commentator
PHILANDER may be also read on this place. See above,VOL. I. pag. 208,
336, &c. 340, 350, &c. And below, pag. 259, 260.
REFLECTIONS 111
Chap. 2.Truth, and regular Course of things, in a Constitution. 'Tis the
inward Beauty of the BODY. And when the Harmony and just Measures
of the rising Pulses, the circulating Humours, and the moving
Airs or Spirits are disturb'd or lost, Deformity enters, and with
it, Calamity and Ruin.
Shou'd not this, one wou'd imagine, be still the same Case, and
hold equally as to the MIND? Is there nothing there which tends
to Disturbance and Dissolution? Is there no natural Tenour,Tone,
or Order of the Passions or Affections? No Beauty, or Deformity in
this moral kind?AOr allowing that there really is; must it not, of [182]
consequence, in the same manner imply Health or Sickliness, Prosperity
or Disaster? Will it not be found in this respect, above all,
``That what is *BEAUATIFUL is harmonious and proportionable; what [183]
* This is the HONESTUM, the PULCHRUM,   [the Beautiful], on
which our Author lays the stress of VIRTUE, and the Merits of this Cause; as
well in his other Treatises, as in this of Soliloquy here commented. This Beauty the
ROMAN Orator, in his rhetorical way, and in the Majesty of Style, cou'd express
no otherwise than as A Mystery. ``HONESTUM igitur id intelligimus, quod tale
est, ut, detractâ omni utilitate, sine ullis praemiis fructibusve, per seipsum possit jure
laudari. Quod quale sit, non tam definitione quâ sum usus intelligi potest (quanquam
aliquantum potest) quam COMMUNI omnium JUDICIO, & optimi cujusque studiis,
atque factis a qui permulta ob eam unam causam faciunt, quia decet, quia rectum,
quia honestum est; etsi nullum consecuturum emolumentum vident.'' [By right therefore
I understand what is such that, apart from expediency, without any reward or
profit, it can properly be praised on its own account. What sort of thing, that is,
may be understood, not so much from the definition I have given (though to some
extent it may be so understood) as from the general agreement of all, and from the
enthusiasm and acts of the best men; they do many a thing for this one reason, that
it is becoming, is proper, is right, even though they see no gain likely to follow.]
Our Author, on the other side, having little of the Orator, and less of the Constraint
of Formality belonging to some graver Characters, can be more familiar on
this occasion: and accordingly descending, without the least scruple, into whatever
Style, or Humour; he refuses to make the least Difficulty or Mystery of this matter.
He pretends, on this head, to claim the Assent not only of Orators, Poets, and the
higher Virtuosi, but even of the Beaux themselves, and such as go no farther than
the Dancing-Master to seek for Grace and Beauty. He pretends, we see, to fetch this
natural Idea from as familiar Amusements as Dress, Equipage, the Tiring-Room, or
Toy-shop. And thus in his proper manner of SOLILOQUY, or Self-Discourse, we
may imagine him running on: beginning perhaps with some particular Scheme or
Cic. de Fin. Bon. & Mal. lib. ii. sect. 14.
112 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. is harmonious and proportionable, is TRUE; and what is at once
both beautiful and true, is, of consequence, agreeable and GOOD?''A[184]
Where then is this BEAUTY or Harmony to be found? How is
fansy'd Scale of BEAUTY, which, according to his Philosophy, he strives to erect;
by distinguishing, sorting, and dividing into Things animate, in-animate, and mixt:
as thus.
In the IN-ANIMATE; beginning from those regular Figures and Symmetrys
with which Children are delighted; and proceeding gradually to the Proportions of
Architecture and the other Arts.--The same in respect of Sounds and MUSICK.
From beautiful Stones, Rocks, Minerals; to Vegetables, Woods, aggregate Parts of
theWorld, Seas, Rivers, Mountains,Vales.--The Globe.--Celestial Bodys, and their
Order. The higher Architecture of Nature.--NATURE her-self, consider'd as inanimate
and passive.
In the ANIMATE; from Animals, and their several Kinds, Tempers, Sagacitys,
to Men.--And from single Persons of Men, their private Characters, Understandings,
Genius's, Dispositions, Manners; to Publick Societys, Communitys, or Commonwealths.--From
Flocks, Herds, and other natural Assemblages or Groups of living
Creatures, to human Intelligencys and Correspondencys, or whatever is higher in
the kind. The Correspondence, Union and Harmony of NATURE her-self, consider'd
as animate and intelligent.
In the MIXT; as in a single Person, (a Body and a Mind) the Union and Harmony
of this kind, which constitutes the real Person: and the Friendship, Love, or
whatever other Affection is form'd on such an Object. A Houshold, a City, or Nation,
with certain Lands, Buildings, and other Appendices, or local Ornaments, which
jointly form that agreeable Idea of Home, Family, Country.--
``And what of this?'' (says an airy Spark, no Friend to Meditation ordeepThought)
``What means this Catalogue, or Scale, as you are pleas'd to call it?'' ``Only, Sir, to satisfy
my-self, That I am not alone, or single in a certain Fancy I have of a thing call'd
BEAUTY; That I have almost the wholeWorld for my Companions; and That each
of us Admirers and earnest Pursuers of BEAUTY (such as in a manner we All are)
if peradventure we take not a certain Sagacity along with us, we must err widely,
range extravagantly, and run ever upon a false Scent. We may, in the Sportsman's
Phrase, have many Hares afoot, but shall stick to no real Game, nor be fortunate in
any Capture which may content us.
``See with what Ardour and Vehemence, the young Man, neglecting his proper
Race and Fellow-Creatures, and forgetting what is decent, handsom, or becoming in
human Affairs, pursues these SPECIES in those common Objects of his Affection,
a Horse, a Hound, a Hawk!--What doting on these Beautys!--What Admiration of
the Kind it-self! And of the particular Animal, what Care, and in a manner Idolatry
and Consecration; when the Beast beloved is (as often happens) even set apart
from use, and only kept to gaze on, and feed the enamour'd Fancy with highest Delight!--See!
in another Youth, not so forgetful of Human Kind, but remembring
it still in a wrong way! a  [a lover of the beautiful] of another sort, a
CHAEREA. Qum elegans formarum Spectator!--See as to other Beautys, where
REFLECTIONS 113
Chap. 2.this SYMMETRY to be discover'd and apply'd? Is it any other Art
than that of PHILOSOPHY, or the Study of inward Numbers and A [185]
Proportions, which can exhibit this in Life? If no other; Who, then,
there is no Possession, no Enjoyment or Reward, but barely seeing and admiring: as
in the Virtuoso-Passion, the Love of Painting, and the Designing Arts of every kind, so
often observ'd.--How fares it with our princely Genius, our Grandee who assembles
all these Beautys, and within the Bounds of his sumptuous Palace incloses all these
Graces of a thousand kinds?--What Pains! Study! Science!--Behold the Disposition
and Order of these finer sorts of Apartments, Gardens, Villas!--The kind of
Harmony to the Eye, from the various Shapes and Colours agreeably mixt, and
rang'd in Lines, intercrossing without confusion, and fortunately co-incident.--
A Parterre, Cypresses, Groves, Wildernesses.--Statues, here and there, of Virtue,
Fortitude,Temperance.--Heroes-Busts, Philosophers-Heads; with sutable Mottos and
Inscriptions.--Solemn Representations of things deeply natural.--Caves, Grottos,
Rocks.--Urns and Obelisks in retir'd places, and dispos'd at proper distances and
points of Sight: with all those Symmetrys which silently express a reigning Order,
Peace, Harmony, and Beauty!--But what is there answerable to this, in the MINDS
of the Possessors?--What Possession or Propriety is theirs? What Constancy or Security
of Enjoyment? What Peace, what Harmony WITHIN.''--
Thus our MONOLOGIST, or self-discoursing Author, in his usual Strain; when
incited to the Search of BEAUTY and the DECORUM, by vulgar Admiration,
and the universal Acknowledgment of the SPECIES in outward Things, and in
the meaner and subordinate Subjects. By this inferior Species, it seems, our strict Inspector
disdains to be allur'd: And refusing to be captivated by any thing less than
the superior, original, and genuine Kind; he walks at leisure, without Emotion, in
deep philosophical Reserve, thro' all these pompous Scenes; passes unconcernedly
by those Court-Pageants, the illustrious and much-envy'd Potentates of the Place;
overlooks the Rich, the Great, and even the Fair: feeling no other Astonishment than
what is accidentally rais'd in him, by the View of these Impostures, and of this specious
Snare. For here he observes those Gentlemen chiefly to be caught and fastest
held, who are the highest Ridiculers of such Reflections as his own; and who in
the very height of this Ridicule prove themselves the impotent Contemners of a
SPECIES, which, whether they will or no, they ardently pursue: Some, in a Face,
and certain regular Lines, or Features: Others, in a Palace and Apartments: Others,
in an Equipage and Dress.--``O EFFEMINACY! EFFEMINACY! Who wou'd
imagine this cou'd be the Vice of such as appear no inconsiderable Men?--But Person
is a Subject of Flattery which reaches beyond the Bloom of Youth. The experienc'd
Senator and aged General, can, in our days, dispense with a Toilet, and take
his outward Form into a very extraordinary Adjustment and Regulation.--All Embellishments
are affected, besides the true. And thus, led by Example, whilst we run
in search of Elegancy and Neatness; pursuing BEAUTY; and adding, as we imagine,
more Lustre, and Value to our own Person; we grow, in our real Character and truer
SELF, deform'd and monstrous, servile and abject; stooping to the lowest Terms of
Courtship; and sacrificing all internal Proportion, all intrinsick and real BEAUTY
114 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. can possibly have a TASTE of this kind, without being beholden to
PHILOSOPHY? Who can admire the outward Beautys, and not recur
instantly to the inward, which are the most real and essential,
the most naturally affecting, and of the highest Pleasure, as well as
Profit and Advantage?A[186]
In so short a compass does that Learning and Knowledge lie, on
which Manners and Life depend. 'Tis We our-selves create and form
our TASTE. If we resolve to have it just; 'tis in our power.We may
esteem and value, approve and disapprove, as we wou'd wish. For
who wou'd not rejoice to be always equal and consonant to himself,
and have constantly that Opinion of things which is natural
and proportionable? But who dares search OPINION to the bottom,
or call in question his early and prepossessing TASTE? Who is
so just to himself, as to recal his FANCY from the power of Fashion
and Education, to that of REASON? Cou'd we, however, be thus
courageous; we shou'd soon settle in our-selves such an Opinion
of GOOD as wou'd secure to us an invariAable, agreeable, and just[187]
TASTE in Life and Manners.
THUS HAVE I endeavour'd to tread in my Author's steps, and
prepare the Reader for the serious and downright Philosophy,
which even in this *last commented Treatise,our Author keeps still
as a Mystery, and dares not formally profess. His Pretence has been
to advise Authors, and polish Styles; but his Aim has been to correct
Manners, and regulate Lives. He has affected SOLILOQUY, as
pretending only to censure Himself; but he has taken occasion to
bring others into his Company, and make bold with Personages and
Characters of no inferior Rank. He has given scope enough to Raillery
and Humour; and has intrench'd very largely on the Province
of us Miscellanarian Writers. But the Reader is now about to see
and WORTH, for the sake of Things which carry scarce a Shadow of the Kind.''
Supra, VOL. II. pag. 394, &c. and VOL. I. pag. 138, &c. and pag. 337.
* Viz. Treatise III. (ADVICE to an Author) VOL. I.
 Viz. In Treatise IV. (The INQUIRY, &c.) Vol. II.
REFLECTIONS 115
Chap. 2.him in a new aspect, ``a formal and profess'd Philosopher, a SystemWriter,
a Dogmatist, and Expounder.''--Habes consitentem reum.
So to his PHILOSOPHY I commit him. Tho, according as my
Genius andApresent Disposition will permit, I intend still to ac- [188]
company him at a distance, keep him in sight, and convoy him,
the best I am able, thro' the dangerous Seas he is about to pass.A [189]
116 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1.
MISCELLANY IV
C H A P T E R I
Connexion and Union of the Subject-Treatises.--
PHILOSOPHY in form.--Metaphysicks.--EGO-ity.
Identity.--Moral Footing.--Proof and Discipline
of the Fancys. Settlement of OPINION.--
Anatomy of the Mind.--A Fable.
WE have already, in the beginning of our preceding Miscellany,
taken notice of our Author's Plan, and the Connection
and Dependency of his *Joint-Tracts, comprehended in two
preceding Volumes. We are now, in our Commentator-Capacity,
arriv'd at length to his second Volume, to which the three Pieces
of his first appear preparatory. That they were really soA design'd,[190]
the Advertisement to the first Edition of his Soliloquy is a sufficient
Proof. He took occasion there, in a line or two, under the Name
of his Printer, or (as he otherwise calls him) his Amanuensis, to
prepare us for a more elaborate and methodical Piece which was to
follow.We have this System now before us. Nor need we wonder,
such as it is, that it came so hardly into the World, and that our
Author has been deliver'd of it with so much difficulty, and after
so long a time. His Amanuensis and he, were not, it seems, heretofore
upon such good Terms of Correspondence. Otherwise such
an unshapen Foetus, or false Birth, as that of which our Author in
his Title-page complains, had not formerly appear'd abroad. Nor
had it ever risen again in its more decent Form, but for the accidental
Publication of our Author's First Letter, which, by a neces*
Above, pag. 135. Again below, 284, 285, &c.
 Viz. To the INQUIRY (Treatise IV.) VOL. II.
 Viz. Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I.
REFLECTIONS 117
Chap. 1.sary Train of Consequences, occasion'd the revival of this abortive
Piece, and gave usherance to its Companions.
It will appear therefore in this Joint-Edition of our Author's Five
Treatises, that the Three former are preparatory to the Fourth, on
which we are now enter'd;Aand the Fifth (with which he concludes) [191]
a kind of Apology for this reviv'd Treatise concerning Virtue and
Religion.
As for his APOLOGY (particularly in what relates to reveal'd Religion,
and a World to come) I commit the Reader to the disputant
Divines, and Gentlemen, whom our Author has introduc'd in that
concluding Piece of Dialogue-Writing, or rhapsodical Philosophy.
Mean while, we have here no other part left us, than to enter into
the dry PHILOSOPHY, and rigid Manner of our Author; without
any Excursions intovarious Literature; without help from the Comick
or Tragick MUSE, or from the Flowers of Poetry or Rhetorick.
Such is our present Pattern, and strict moral Task; which our
more humorous Reader fore-knowing, may immediately, if he
pleases, turn over; skipping (as is usual in many grave Works) a
Chapteror two, as he proceeds.We shall, to make amends, endeavour
afterwards, in our following MISCELLANY, to entertain him
again with more chearful Fare, and afford him a Dessert, to rectify
his Palat, and leave his Mouth at last in good relish.
To the patient and grave READER, therefore, who in order to
moralize, canA afford to retire into his Closet, as to some religious [192]
or devout Exercise, we presume thus to offer a few Reflections, in
the support of our Author's profound INQUIRY. And accordingly,
we are to imagine our Author speaking, as follows.
HOW LITTLE regard soever may be shewn to that moral Speculation
or INQUIRY, which we call the Study of our-selves; it must,
in strictness, be yielded, That all Knowledg whatsoever depends
upon this previous-one: ``And that we can in reality be assur'd of
nothing, till we are first assur'd of What we are OUR-SELVES.'' For
by this alone we can know what Certainty and Assurance is.
That there is something undoubtedly which thinks, our very
118 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Doubt it-self and scrupulous Thought evinces. But in what Subject
that Thought resides, and how that Subject is continu'd one
and the same, so as to answer constantly to the suppos'd Train of
Thoughts or Reflections which seem to run so harmoniously thro'
a long Course of Life, with the same relation still to one single and
self-same PERSON; this is not a Matter so easily or hastily decided,
by those who are nice Self-Examiners, or Searchers after Truth and
Certainty.A[193]
'Twill not, in this respect, be sufficient for us to use the seeming
Logick of a famous *Modern, and say ``We think: therefore We
are.'' Which is a notably invented Saying, after the Model of that
like philosophical Proposition; That ``What is, is.''--Miraculously
argu'd! ``If I am; I am.''--Nothing more certain! For the EGO or I,
being establish'd in the first part of the Proposition, the Ergo, no
doubt, must hold it good in the latter. But the Question is, ``What
constitutes the WE or I?'' And, ``Whether the I of this instant, be
the same with that of any instant preceding, or to come.'' For we
have nothing but Memory towarrant us: and Memory may be false.
We may believe we have thought and reflected thus or thus: but
we may be mistaken.We may be conscious of that, as Truth; which
perhaps was no more than Dream: and we may be conscious of
that as a past Dream, which perhaps was never before so much as
dreamt of.
This is what Metaphysicians mean, when they say, ``That Identity
can be prov'd only by Consciousness; but that Consciousness,
withal, may be as wellAfalse as real, in respect of what is past.'' So[194]
that the same successional We or I must remain still, on this account,
undecided.
To the force of this Reasoning I confess I must so far submit, as
to declare that for my own part, I take my Being upon Trust. Let
others philosophize as they are able: I shall admire their strength,
when, upon this Topick, they have refuted what able Metaphysicians
object, and PYRRHONISTS plead in their own behalf.
* Monsieur DES CARTES.
REFLECTIONS 119
Chap. 1.Mean while, there is no Impediment, Hinderance, or Suspension
of Action, on account of thesewonderfully refin'd Speculations.
Argument and Debate go on still. Conduct is settled. Rules and
Measures are given out, and receiv'd. Nor do we scruple to act as
resolutely upon the mere Supposition that we are, as if we had
effectually prov'd it a thousand times, to the full satisfaction of our
Metaphysical or Pyrrhonean Antagonist.
This to me appears sufficient Ground for a Moralist. Nor do I
ask more, when I undertake to prove the reality of VIRTUE and
MORALS.
If it be certain that I AM; 'tis certain and demonstrable WHO
and WHATAI ought to be, even on my own account, and for the [195]
sake of my own private Happiness and Success. For thus I take the
liberty to proceed.
The Affections, of which I am conscious, are either GRIEF, or
JOY; DESIRE, or AVERSION. For whatever mere Sensation I may
experience; if it amounts to neither of these, 'tis indifferent, and
no way affects me.
That which causes Joy and Satisfaction when present, causes
Grief and Disturbance when absent: And that which causes Grief
and Disturbance when present, does when absent, by the same
necessity occasion Joy and Satisfaction.
Thus LOVE (which implies Desire, with Hope of Good) must afford
occasion to Grief and Disturbance, when it acquires not what
it earnestly seeks. And HATRED (which implies Aversion, and Fear
of Ill ) must, in the same manner, occasion Grief and Calamity,
when that which it earnestly shun'd,or wou'd have escap'd, remains
present, or is altogether unavoidable.
That which being present can never leave the Mind at rest, but
must of necessity cause Aversion, is its ILL. But that which can be
sustain'd without any necesAsary Abhorrence, or Aversion, is not its [196]
ILL; but remains indifferent in its own nature; the ILL being in the
Affection only, which wants redress.
In the same manner, that which being absent, can never leave the
Mind at rest, or without Disturbance and Regret, is of necessity its
120 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. GOOD. But that which can be absent, without any present or future
Disturbance to the Mind, is not its GOOD, but remains indifferent
in its own nature. From whence it must follow, That the Affection
towards it, as suppos'd GOOD, is an ill Affection, and creative only
of Disturbance and Disease. So that the AFFECTIONS of Love and
Hatred, Liking and Dislike, on which the Happiness or Prosperity
of the Person so much depends, being influenc'd and govern'd by
OPINION; the highest Good or Happiness must depend on right
Opinion, and the highest Misery be deriv'd from wrong.
To explain this, I consider, for instance, the Fancy or Imagination
I have of Death, according as I find this Subject naturally passing
in my Mind.To this Fancy, perhaps, I find united an OPINION
or APPREHENSION of Evil and Calamity. Now the more my Apprehension
of this Evil increases; the greater, I find, my Disturbance
proves, not only at theA approach of the suppos'd Evil, but at the[197]
very distant Thought of it. Besides that, the Thought it-self will
of necessity so much the oftner recur, as the Aversion or Fear is
violent, and increasing.
From this suppos'd Evil I must, however, fly with so much the
more earnestness, as the OPINION of the Evil increases. Now if the
Increase of the Aversion can be no Cause of the Decrease or Diminution
of the Evil it-self, but rather the contrary; then the Increase
of the Aversion must necessarily prove the Increase of Disappointment
and Disturbance. And so on the other hand, the Diminution
or Decrease of the Aversion (if this may any way be effected) must
of necessity prove the Diminution of inward Disturbance, and the
better Establishment of inward Quiet and Satisfaction.
Again, I consider with my-self, That I have the *Imagination of
something BEAUTIFUL, GREAT, and BECOMING in Things. This
* Of the necessary Being and Prevalency of some such IMAGINATION or
SENSE (natural and common to all Men, irresistible, of original Growth in the
Mind, the Guide of our Affections, and the Ground of our Admiration, Contempt,
Shame, Honour, Disdain, and other natural and unavoidable Impressions) see
VOL. I. pag. 138, 139, 336, 337.VOL. II. pag. 28, 29, 30, 394, 420, 421, 429, 430. And
above, p. 30, 31, 2, 3, &c. 182, 3, 4, 5, 6. in the Notes.
REFLECTIONS 121
Chap. 1.Imagination I apply perhapsAto such Subjects as Plate, Jewels, Apartments,
Coronets, Patents of Honour, Titles, or Precedencys. I must [198]
therefore naturally seek these, not as mere Conveniencys, Means,
or Helps in Life, (for as such my Passion cou'd not be so excessive
towards 'em) but as EXCELLENT in them-selves, necessarily attractive
of my Admiration, and directly and immediately causing
my Happiness, and giving me Satisfaction. Now if the PASSION
rais'd on this Opinion (call it Avarice, Pride, Vanity, or Ambition)
be indeed incapable of any real Satisfaction, even under the most
successful Course of Fortune; and then too, attended with perpetual
Fears of Disappointment and Loss: how can the Mind be
other than miserable, when possess'd by it? But if instead of forming
thus the Opinion of GOOD; if instead of placing WORTH or
EXCELLENCE in these outward Subjects, we place it, where it is
truest, in the Affections or Sentiments, in the governing Part and inward
Character; we have then the full Enjoyment of it within our
power: The Imagination or Opinion remains steddy and irreversible:
And the Love, Desire and Appetite is answer'd; without Apprehension
of Loss or Disappointment.
Here therefore arisesWork and Employment for us Within: ``To
regulateAFANCY, and rectify *OPINION, on which all depends.'' For [199]
if our Loves, Desires, Hatreds and Aversions are left to themselves;
*    ,    .      , 
    ,     . [What
view you take is everything, and your view is in your power. Remove it then when
you choose, and then, as if you had rounded the cape, come calm serenity, a waveless
bay.] M. Ant. Lib. xii. 22.
     ,   .     
 ,   .     ,     
.        ,    
  ,        , 
. [As is the water-dish, so is the soul; as is the ray which falls on the water, so
are the appearances.When then the water is moved the ray too seems to be moved,
yet is not. And when, accordingly, a man is giddy, it is not the arts and the virtues
which are thrown into confusion, but the spirit to which they belong; and when he
is recovered so are they.] Arrian. Lib. iii. cap. 3. See VOL. I. pag. 185, &c. 294, 5, 6,
324, &c. And VOL. II. pag. 437.
122 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. we are necessarily expos'd to endless Vexation and Calamity: but if
these are found capable of Amendment, or in any measure flexible
or variable by Opinion; we ought, methinks, to make trial, at least,
how far we might by this means acquire Felicity and Content.
Accordingly, if we find it evident, on one hand, that by indulging
any wrong Appetite (as either Debauch, Malice, or Revenge) the
Opinion of the false Good increases; and the Appetite, which is a
real Ill, grows so much the stronger: we may be as fully assur'd, on
the other hand, that by restraining this Affection, and nourishing
a contrary sort in opposition to it; we cannot fail to diminish what
is Ill, and increase what is properly our Happiness and Good.A[200]
On this account, a Man may reasonably conclude, ``That it becomes
him, by working upon his own Mind, towithdraw the Fancy
or Opinion of GOOD or ILL from that towhich justlyand by necessity
it is not join'd; and apply it, with the strongest Resolution, to
that with which it naturally agrees.'' For if the Fancy or Opinion of
Good be join'd to what is not durable, nor in my power either to
acquire or to retain; the more such an Opinion prevails, the more
I must be subject to Disappointment and Distress. But if there
be that to which, whenever I apply the Opinion or Fancy of Good,
I find the Fancy more consistent, and the Good more durable,
solid, and within my Power and Command; then the more such
an Opinion prevails in me, the more Satisfaction and Happiness I
must experience.
Now, if I join the Opinion of Good to the Possessions of the
MIND; if it be in the Affections themselves that I place my highest
Joy, and in those Objects, whatever they are, of inward Worth and
Beauty, (such as Honesty, Faith, Integrity, Friendship, Honour) 'tis
evident I can never possibly, in this respect, rejoice amiss, or indulge
my-self too far in the Enjoyment.The greater my Indulgence
is, the less I have reason to fear either Reverse or Disappointment.A[201]
This, I know, is far contrary in another Regimen of Life. The
Tutorage of FANCY and PLEASURE, and the easy Philosophy of
taking that for Good which *pleases me, or which I fansy merely,
* VOL. I. pag. 308.VOL. II. pag. 227.
REFLECTIONS 123
Chap. 1.will, in time, give me Uneasiness sufficient. 'Tis plain, from what
has been debated,That the less fanciful I am, in what relates to my
Content and Happiness, the more powerful and absolute I must
be, in Self-enjoyment, and the Possession of my Good. And since
'tis Fancy merely, which gives the force of Good, or power of passing
as such, to Things of Chance and outward Dependency; 'tis
evident, that the more I take from Fancy in this respect, the more
I confer upon my-self. As I am less led or betray'd by Fancy to
an Esteem of what depends on others; I am the more fix'd in the
Esteem of what depends on myself alone. And if I have once gain'd
the Taste of *LIBERTY, I shall easily understand the force of this
Reasoning, and know both my true SELF and INTEREST.
The Method therefore requir'd in this my inward OEconomy,
is, to make those Fancys themselves the Objects of my Aversion
which justly deserve it; by being the Cause of a wrong Estimation
and MeasureA of Good and Ill, and consequently the Cause of my [202]
Unhappiness and Disturbance.
Accordingly (as the learned Masters in this Science advise) we
are to begin rather by the averse, than by the prone and forward
* VOL. II. pag. 432. And below, pag. 307, &c.
          ,     
   . [Give up then aversion from all things which are not in our
power; transfer it to the things contrary to nature which are in our power.] Epictet.
Enchirid. cap. vii.
    ,      . [You
must do away with desire altogether, and transferaversion to those things only which
are within the scope of the will.] Arrian. Lib. iii. cap. 22.This subdu'd or moderated
Admiration or Zeal in the highest Subjects of Virtue and Divinity, the Philosopher
calls      [Desire settled and proportioned to
its objects.]; the contrary Disposition,    . [Unreasonable and
pushing.] Lib. ii. cap. 26. The Reason why this over-forward Ardor and Pursuit of
high Subjects runs naturally into Enthusiasm and Disorder, is shewn in what succeeds
the first of the Passages here cited; viz.    ,   
,    . [And of things in our power, such as it would be
well to desire, no one is yet set before you.] And hence the repeated Injunction,
   ,        ,
       . [Keep away altogether from desire, in
order that you may some day have a desire with good reason; and if with good reason,
when you have anything good in you, you will desire well.] Lib. iii. cap. 13. To
this HORACE, in one of his latest Epistles of the deeply philosophical kind, alludes.
124 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Disposition.We are to work rather by the weaning than the ingaging
Passions: since if we give way chiefly to Inclination, by loving,
applauding and admiring what is Great and Good, we may possibly,
it seems, in some high Objects of that kind, be so amus'd
and extasy'd, as toA lose our-selves, and miss our proper Mark, for[203]
want of a steddy and settled Aim. But being more sure and infallible
in what relates to our Ill, we shou'd begin, they tell us, by
applying our Aversion, on that side, and raising our Indignation
against those Meannesses of Opinion and Sentiment, which are
the Causes of our Subjection, and Perplexity.
Thus the COVETOUS FANCY, if consider'd as the Cause of Misery,
(and consequently detested as a real Ill) must of necessity
abate: And the AMBITIOUS FANCY, if oppos'd in the same manner,
with Resolution, by better Thought, must resign it-self, and
leave the Mind free, and disincumber'd in the pursuit of its better
Objects.
Nor is the Case different in the Passion of COWARDICE, or FEAR
OFA DEATH. For if we leave this Passion to it-self, (or to certain[204]
Insani sapiens nomen ferat, aequus iniqui,
Ultra quam satis est Virtutem si petat ipsam.
Lib. i. Ep. vi. ver. 15.
[The wise man must be called mad, the fair man unfair, if he seek even
virtue too keenly.]
And in the beginning of the Epistle:
Nil admirari prop res est una, Numici,
Solaq; quae posset facere & servare beatum.
Ibid. ver. I
[Not to admire is all the art I know,
To make men happy and to keep them so.--Pope's version.]
For tho these first Lines (as many other of HORACE's on the Subject of Philosophy)
have the Air of the EPICUREAN Discipline and LUCRETIAN Style; yet by the
whole taken together, it appears evidentlyon what System of antient Philosophy this
Epistle was form'd. Nor was this Prohibition of the wondering or admiring Habit, in
early Students, peculiar to one kind of Philosophy alone. It was common to many;
however the Reason and Account of it might differ, in one Sect from the other. The
PYTHAGOREANS sufficiently check'd their TYRO's, by silencing them so long on
their first Courtship to Philosophy. And tho Admiration, in the Peripatetick Sense,
as above-mention'd, may be justly call'd the inclining Principle or first Motive to
PHILOSOPHY; yet this Mistress, when once espous'd, teaches us to admire, after
a different manner from what we did before. See above, pag. 37. And VOL. I. pag. 41.
REFLECTIONS 125
Chap. 1.Tutors to manage for us) it may lead us to the most anxious and
tormenting State of Life. But if it be oppos'd by sounder Opinion,
and a just Estimation of things, it must diminish of course: And
the natural Result of such a Practice must be, the Rescue of the
Mind from numberless Fears, and Miserys of other kinds.
Thus at last a MIND, by knowing it-self, and its own proper
Powers and Virtues, becomes free, and independent. It sees its Hindrances
and Obstructions, and finds they are wholly from it-self,
and from Opinions wrong-conceiv'd. The more it conquers in this
respect, (be it in the least particular) the more it is its own Master,
feels its own natural LIBERTY, and congratulates with it-self on its
own Advancement and Prosperity.
Whether some who are call'd Philosophers have so apply'd their
Meditations, as to understand any thing of this Language, I know
not. But well I am assur'd that many an honest and free-hearted Fellow,
among the vulgar Rank of People, has naturally some kind of
Feeling or Apprehension of this Self-enjoyment; when refusing to
act for Lucre or outward Profit, the Thing which from his Soul he
abhors, and thinks below him; he goes on,with harderALabour, but [205]
more Content, in his direct plain Path. He is secure within; free
of what the World calls Policy, or Design; and sings, according to
the old Ballad,
My Mind to me a Kingdom is, &c.
Which in Latin we may translate,
* Et meâ
Virtute me involvo, probamque
Pauperiem sine dote quaero.
BUT I FORGET, it seems, that I am now speaking in the Person
of our grave INQUIRER. I shou'd consider I have no Right to vary
from the Pattern he has set; and that whilst I accompany him in
this particular Treatise, I ought not to make the least Escape out
* I wrap myself in my own merits and seek as my bride honest poverty, undowered.
Horat. Lib. iii. Od. xxix. ver. 54.
126 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. of the high Road of Demonstration, into the diverting Paths of
Poetry, or Humour.
As grave however as MORALS are presum'd in their own nature,
I look upon it as an essential matter in their Delivery, to take now
and then the natural Air of Pleasantry. The first MORALS which
were ever deliver'd in the World, were in Parables, Tales, or Fables.
And the latter and most consummate DistributersA of Morals, in[206]
the very politest times, were great Tale-Tellers, and Retainers to
honest AESOP.
After all the regular Demonstrations and Deductions of our grave
Author, I dare say 'twou'd be a high Relief and Satisfaction to his
Reader, to hear an Apologue, or Fable, well told, and with such
humour as to need no sententious Moral at the end, to make the
application.
As an Experiment in this case, let us at this instant imagine
our grave Inquirer taking pains to shew us, at full length, the unnatural
and unhappy Excursions, Rovings, or Expeditions of our
ungovern'd FANCYS and OPINIONS over a World of Riches, Honours,
and other ebbing and flowing Goods. He performs this, we
will suppose, with great Sagacity, to the full measure and scope
of our Attention. Mean while, as full or satiated as we might find
our-selves of serious and solid Demonstration, 'tis odds but we
might find Vacancy still sufficient to receive Instruction byanother
Method. And I dare answer for success, shou'd a merrier Moralist
of the AESOPAEAN-School present himself; and, hearing of this
Chace describ'd by our Philosopher, beg leave to represent it to the
life, by a homely Cur or two, of his Master's ordinary breed.A[207]
``TWO of this Race'' (he wou'd tell us) ``having been daintily
bred, and in high thoughts of what they call'd Pleasure and good
Living, travel'd once in quest of Game and Raritys, till they came
by accident to the Sea-side. They saw there, at a distance from
the shore, some floating pieces of a Wreck, which they took a
fancy to believe some wonderful rich Dainty, richer than Ambergreese,
or the richest Product of the Ocean. They cou'd prove it, by
their Appetite and Longing, to be no less than Quintessence of the
Main, ambrosial Substance, the Repast of marine Deitys, surpassing
REFLECTIONS 127
Chap. 1.all which Earth afforded.--By these rhetorical Arguments, after
long Reasoning with one another in this florid Vein, they proceeded
from one Extravagance of Fancy to another; till they came
at last to this issue. Being unaccustom'd to Swimming, they wou'd
not, it seems, in prudence, venture so far out of their Depth as
was necessary to reach their imagin'd Prize: But being stout Drinkers,
they thought with themselves, they might compass to drink
all which lay in their way; even The SEA it-self; and that by this
method they might shortly bring their Goods safe to dry Land.To
workA therefore they went; and drank till they were both burst.'' [208]
For my own part, I am fully satisfy'd that there are more Seadrinkers
than one or two, to be found among the principal Personages
of Mankind; and that if these Dogs of ours were silly Curs,
many who pass for wise in our own Race are little wiser; and may
properly enough be said to have the Sea to drink.
'Tis pretty evident that they who live in the highest Sphere of
human Affairs, have a very uncertain View of the thing call'd Happiness
or Good. It lies out at Sea, far distant, in the Offin; where
those Gentlemen ken it but very imperfectly: And the means they
employ in order to come up with it, are very wide of the matter,
and far short of their propos'd End.--``First a general Acquaintance.--Visits,
Levees.--Attendance upon the Great and Little.--
Popularity.--A Place in Parliament.--Then another at Court.--
Then Intrigue, Corruption, Prostitution.--Then a higher Place.
--Then a Title.--Then a Remove.--A new MINISTER!--Fractions
at Court.--Ship-wreck of Ministrys--The new: The old.--
Engage with one: piece up with t'other.--ABargains; Losses; After- [209]
Games; Retrievals.''--Is not this, the Sea to drink?
*But if riches could make you wise, if they could make you
less lustful, less easily frightened, of course you would blush
to have any one alive more avaricious than you.
* At si Divitiae prudentem reddere possent,
Si cupidum timidumque mins te; nempe ruberes,
Viveret in Terris te si quis avarior uno.
Horat. Lib. ii. Epist. ii. ver. 155.
128 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. But lest I shou'd be tempted to fall into a manner I have been
oblig'd to disclaim in this part of my Miscellaneous Performance; I
shall here set a Period to this Discourse, and renew my attempt of
serious Reflection and grave Thought, by taking up my Clew in a
fresh Chapter.A[210]
C H A P T E R I I
Passage from Terra Incognita to the visible World.--
Mistress-ship of NATURE.--Animal-Confederacy, Degrees,
Subordination.--Master-Animal Man. Privilege of his
Birth.--Serious Countenance of the Author.
AS heavily as it went with us, in the deep philosophical part of
our preceding Chapter; and as necessarily engag'd as we still
are to prosecute the same serious INQUIRY, and Search, into those
dark Sources; 'tis hop'd, That our remaining Philosophy may flow
in a more easy Vein; and the second Running be found somewhat
clearer than the first. However it be; we may, at least, congratulate
with our-selves for having thus briefly pass'd over that Metaphysical
part, to which we have paid sufficient deference. Nor shall we
scruple to declare our Opinion, ``That it is, in a manner, necessary
for one who wou'd usefully philosophize, to have a Knowledg
in this part of Philosophy, sufficient to satisfy him thatAthere is no[211]
Knowledg or Wisdom to be learnt from it.'' Forof thisTruth nothing
besides Experience and Study will be able fully to convince him.
When we are even past these empty Regions and Shadows of
Philosophy; 'twill still perhaps appear an uncomfortable kind of
travelling thro' those other invisible Ideal Worlds: such as the Study
of Morals, we see, engages us to visit. Men must acquire a very
peculiar and strong Habit of turning their Eye inwards, in order
to explore the interior Regions and Recesses of the MIND, the hollow
Caverns of deep Thought, the private Seats of Fancy, and the
REFLECTIONS 129
Chap. 2.Wastes and Wildernesses, as well as the more fruitful and cultivated
Tracts of this obscure Climate.
But what can one do? Or how dispense with these darker Disquisitions
and Moon-light Voyages, when we have to deal with a
sort of Moon-blind WITS, who tho very acute and able in their
kind, may be said to renounce Day-light, and extinguish, in a manner,
the bright visible outward World, byallowing us to know nothing
beside what we can prove, by strict and formal Demonstration?
'Tis therefore to satisfy such rigid Inquirers as these, that we
have been necessiAtated to proceed by the inward way; and that in [212]
our preceding Chapter we have built only on such foundations as
are taken from our very Perceptions, Fancys, Appearances, Affections,
and Opinions themselves,without regard to any thing of an exterior
WORLD, and even on the supposition that there is no such World
in being.
Such has been our late dry Task. No wonder if it carrys, indeed,
a meagre and raw Appearance. It may be look'd on, in Philosophy,
as worse than a mere EGYPTIAN Imposition. For to make Brick
without Straw or Stubble, is perhaps an easier labour, than to prove
MORALS without a World, and establish a Conduct of Life without
the Supposition of any thing living or extant besides our immediate
Fancy, and WORLD of Imagination.
But having finished this mysterious Work, we come now to open
Day, and Sunshine: And, as a Poet perhaps might express himself,
we are now ready to quit
The dubious Labyrinths, and Pyrrhonean Cells
Of a Cimmerian Darkness.
We are, henceforward, to trust our Eyes, and take for real the whole
Creation, andAthe fair Forms which lie before us.We are to believe [213]
the Anatomy of our own Body, and in proportionable Order, the
Shapes, Forms, Habits, and Constitutions of other Animal-Races.
Without demurring on the profound modern Hypothesis of animal
Insensibility, we are to believe firmly and resolutely, ``That
other Creatures have their Sense and Feeling, their mere Passions
130 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. and Affections, as well as our-selves.'' And in this manner we proceed
accordingly, on our Author's Scheme, ``To inquire what is
truly natural to each Creature: And Whether that which is natural
to each, and is its Perfection, be not withal its Happiness, or Good.''
To deny there is any thing properly natural, (after the Concessions
already made) wou'd be undoubtedly very preposterous and
absurd. NATURE and the outward World being own'd existent, the
rest must of necessity follow. The Anatomy of Bodys, the Order of
the Spheres, the proper Mechanisms of a thousand kinds, and the
infinite Ends and sutable Means establish'd in the general Constitution
and Orderof Things; all this being once admitted, and allow'd
to pass as certain and unquestionable, 'tis as vain afterwards to
except against the Phrase of natural and unnatural, and question
the ProprietyA of this Speech apply'd to the particular Forms and[214]
Beings in the World, as it wou'd be to except against the common
Appellations of Vigour and Decay in Plants, Health or Sickness in
Bodys, Sobriety or Distraction in Minds, Prosperity or Degeneracy
in any variable part of the known Creation.
We may, perhaps, for Humour sake, or after the known way of
disputant Hostility, in the support of any odd Hypothesis, pretend
to deny this natural and unnatural in Things. 'Tis evident,
however, that tho our Humour or Taste be, by such Affectation,
ever so much deprav'd; we cannot resist our natural *Anticipation
* See what is said above on the word Sensus Communis, in that second Treatise,
VOL. I. pag. 103, &c. and pag. 110, 138, 139, 140. And in the same VOL. p. 336, &c.
and 352, 353, &c. And in VOL. II. p. 307, 411, 412, &c. concerning the natural Ideas,
and the Pre-conceptions or Pre-sensations of this kind; the  [anticipations],
of which a learned Critick and Master in all Philosophy, modern and antient, takes
notice, in his lately publish'd Volume of Socratick Dialogues; where he adds this Reflection,
with respect to some Philosophical Notions much in vogue amongst us, of
late, here in ENGLAND. Obiter dumtaxat addemus, Socraticam, quam exposuimus,
Doctrinam magno usui esse posse, si prob expendatur, dirimendae inter viros doctos
controversiae, ante paucos annos, in BRITANNIA praesertim, exortae, de Ideis Innatis,
quas dicerc possis  . Quamvis enim nullae sint, si adcurat loquamur,
notiones  natura animis nostris infixae; attamen nemo negárit ita esse facultates Animorum
nostrorum naturâ adfectas, ut qum primm ratione uti incipimus, Verum
 Falso, Malum  Bono aliquo modo distinguere incipiamus. Species Veritatis nobis
REFLECTIONS 131
Chap. 2.in behalf ofANATURE; according to whose suppos'd Standard we
perpetually approve and disapprove, and to whom in all natural [215]
Appearances, all moral Actions (whatever we contemplate, whatsemper
placet; displicet contra Mendacii: Imo & HONESTUM INHONESTO
praeferimus; ob Semina nobis indita, quae tum demum in lucem prodeunt, cum ratiocinari
possumus, eoque uberiores fructus proferunt, quo melius ratiocinamur, adcuratioreque
institutione adjuvamur. [Incidentally let us add, precisely speaking, that the
Socratic teaching which we have presented can be of great use, if it should be rightly
estimated, to the divisive controversies among learned men having arisen a few years
ago chiefly in Britain about innate conceptions which you can call [innate ideas].
For although, if we should speak accurately, there may be no conceptions imprinted
on our minds by nature, nevertheless no one would deny that the faculties of our
minds have been shaped by nature so that as soon as we start to use reason we begin
to distinguish in some fashion truth from falsity, evil from good.The appearance of
truth is always pleasing to us; on the other hand that of mendacity is displeasing and
certainly we prefer honor to disgrace on account of the seeds planted in us which
eventually spring up into the light at a time when we are able to reason; and then
when the richer fruits mature by which we reason better, we are guided for public
duty and education.] AEsch. Dial. cum Silvis Philol. Jo. Cler. ann. 1711. pag. 176.
They seem indeed to be but weak Philosophers, tho able Sophists, and artful Confounders
of Words and Notions, who wou'd refute Nature and Common Sense. But
NATURE will be able still to shift for her-self, and get the better of those Schemes,
which need no other Force against them, than that of HORACE's single Verse:
Dente Lupus, cornu Taurus petit. Unde, nisi INTUS Monstratum?
Lib. ii. Sat. 1. ver. 52.
[The wolf bites, the bull tosses you: how did they learn it, but by instinct?]
An ASS (as an English Author says) never butts with his Ears; tho a Creature born
to an arm'd Forehead, exercises his butting Faculty long ere his Horns are come to him.
And perhaps if the Philosopher wou'd accordingly examine himself, and consider his
natural Passions, he wou'd find there were such belong'd to him as Nature had premeditated
in his behalf, and for which she had furnish'd him with Ideas long before
any particular Practice or Experience of his own. Nor wou'd he need be scandaliz'd
with the Comparison of a Goat, or Boar, or other of HORACE's premeditating Animals,
who have more natural Wit, it seems, than our Philosopher; if we may judg of
him by his own Hypothesis, which denies the same implanted SENSE and natural
Ideas to his own Kind.
Cras donaberis Haedo,
Cui Frons turgida Cornibus
Primis, & Venerem & Praelia destinat.
Lib. iii. Od. 13. ver. 3.
[To-morrow a kid shall be sacrificed to you, a kid whose brow just sprouting
with horns promises him a life of love and fighting.]
132 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. ever we have in deAbate) we inevitably appeal, and pay our constant
Homage, with the most apparent Zeal and Passion.[216]
'Tis here, above all other places, that we say with strict Justice,
*You may turn out nature with a pitchfork, yet back she will
keep coming.
The airy Gentlemen, who have never had it in their thoughts
to study NATURE in their own Species; but being taken with other
Loves, have apply'd their Parts and Genius to the same Study in a
Horse, a Dog, a Game-Cock, a Hawk, or any other Animal of that
degree; know very well, that to each Species there belongs a several
Humour,Temper, and Turn of inward Disposition, as real and
peculiar as the Figure and outward Shape, which is with so much
Curiosity beheld and admir'd. If there be any thing ever so little
amiss or wrong in the inward Frame, the Humour or Temper of the
Creature, 'tis readily call'd vicious; and when more than ordinarily
wrong, unnatural. The Humours of the Creatures, in order to their
redress, are attentively observ'd; sometimes indulg'd and flatter'd;A[217]
at other times controul'd and check'd with proper Severitys. In
short, their Affections, Passions, Appetites, and Antipathys, are as
duly regarded as those in Human Kind, under the strictest Discipline
of Education. Such is the SENSE of inward Proportion and
Regularity of Affections, even in our Noble Youths them-selves; who
in this respect are often known expert and able Masters of Education,
tho not so susceptible of Discipline and Culture in their own
case, after those early Indulgences to which their Greatness has
intitled 'em.
As little favourable however as these sportly Gentlemen are pre-
And,
Verris obliquum meditantis Ictum.
Ib. Od. 22. ver. 7.
[The boar who practises his side-long slash.]
* NATURAM expellas Furcâ, tamen usque recurret.
Hor. Lib. i. Ep. 10. ver. 24.
 VOL. II. pag. 92, 93, &c. and 131, &c. and pag. 307, &c.
REFLECTIONS 133
Chap. 2.sum'd to show themselves towards the Care or Culture of their
own Species; as remote as their Contemplations are thought to lie
from Nature and Philosophy; they confirm plainly and establish our
philosophical Foundation of the natural Ranks, Orders, interior
and exterior Proportions of the several distinct Species and Forms
of Animal Beings. Ask one of these Gentlemen, unawares, when
sollicitously careful and busy'd in the great Concerns of his Stable,
or Kennel, ``Whether his Hound or Greyhound-Bitch who eats her
Puppys, is as natural as the other who nurses 'em?'' and he will
think you frantick. Ask him again, ``Whether heA thinks the un- [218]
natural Creature who acts thus, or the natural-one who does otherwise,
is best in its kind, and enjoys it-self the most?'' And he will be
inclin'd to think still as strangely of you. Or if perhaps he esteems
you worthy of better Information; he will tell you, ``That his bestbred
Creatures, and of the truest Race, are ever the noblest and
most generous in their Natures: That it is this chiefly which makes
the difference between the Horse of good Blood, and the errant
Jade of a base Breed; between the Game-Cock, and the DunghilCraven;
between the true Hawk, and the mere Kite or Buzzard; and
between the right Mastiff, Hound, or Spaniel, and the very Mungrel.''
He might, withal, tell you perhaps with a masterly Air in this
Brute-Science, ``That the timorous, poor-spirited, lazy and gluttonous
of his Dogs, were those whom he either suspected to be of
a spurious Race, or who had been by some accident spoil'd in their
Nursing and Management: for that this was not natural to 'em.
That in every Kind, they were still the miserablest Creatures who
were thus spoil'd: And that having each of 'em their proper Chace
or Business, if they lay resty and out of their Game, chamber'd, and
idle, they were the same as if taken out of their Element. That
the saddest CursA in the world, were those who took the Kitchin- [219]
Chimney and Dripping-pan for their Delight; and that the only
happy DOG (were one to be a Dog ONE'S-SELF) was he, who in
his proper Sport and Exercise, his natural Pursuit and Game, endur'd
all Hardships, and had so much delight in Exercise and in
the Field, as to forget Home and his Reward.''
134 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. Thus the natural Habits and Affections of the inferior Creatures
are known; and their unnatural and degenerate part discover'd.
Depravity and Corruption is acknowledg'd as real in their Affections,
as when any thing is mishapen, wrong, or monstrous in their
outward Make. And notwithstanding much of this inward Depravity
is discoverable in the Creatures tam'd by Man, and, for his
Service or Pleasure merely, turn'd from their natural Course into
a contrary Life and Habit; notwithstanding that, by this means,
the Creatures who naturally herd with one another, lose their associating
Humour, and they who naturally pair and are constant to
each other, lose their kind of conjugal Alliance and Affection; yet
when releas'd from human Servitude, and return'd again to their
natural Wilds, and rural Liberty, they instantly resume their natural
and regular Habits, such as are conducingA to the Increase and[220]
Prosperity of their own Species.
Well it is perhaps for Mankind, that tho there are so many
Animals who naturally herd for Company's sake, and mutual Affection,
there are so few who for Conveniency, and by Necessity
are oblig'd to a strict Union, and kind of confederate State. The
Creatures who, according to the OEconomy of their Kind, are
oblig'd to make themselves Habitations of Defense against the
Seasons and other Incidents; they who in some parts of the Year
are depriv'd of all Subsistence, and are therefore necessitated to
accumulate in another, and to provide withal for the Safety of
their collected Stores, are by their Nature indeed as strictly join'd,
and with as proper Affections towards their Publick and Community,
as the looser Kind, of a more easy Subsistence and Support,
are united in what relates merely to their Offspring, and
the Propagation of their Species. Of these thorowly associating and
confederate-Animals, there are none I have ever heard of, who in
Bulk or Strength exceed the BEAVER. The major part of these
political Animals, and Creatures of a joint Stock, are as inconsiderable
as the Race of ANTS or BEES. But had Nature assign'd such
an OEconomy as this to so puissant an Animal, for instance, as
the ELEPHANT,A and made him withal as prolifick as those smaller[221]
REFLECTIONS 135
Chap. 2.Creatures commonly are; it might have gone hard perhaps with
Mankind: And a single Animal, who by his proper Might and
Prowess has often decided the Fate of the greatest Battels which
have been fought by Human Race, shou'd he have grown up into
a Society, with a Genius for Architecture and Mechanicks proportionable
to what we observe in those smaller Creatures; we shou'd,
with all our invented Machines, have found it hard to dispute with
him the Dominion of the Continent.
Were we in a disinterested View, or with somewhat less Selfishness
than ordinary, to consider the OEconomys, Parts, Interests,
Conditions, and Terms of Life, which Nature has distributed and
assign'd to the several Species of Creatures round us, we shou'd not
be apt to think our-selves so hardly dealt with. But Whether our
Lot in this respect be just, or equal, is not the Question with us, at
present. 'Tis enough that we know ``There is certainly an Assignment
and Distribution: That each OEconomy or Part so distributed,
is in it-self uniform, fix'd, and invariable: and That if any thing in
the Creature be accidentally impair'd; if any thing in the inward
Form, the Disposition, Temper or Affections, beA contrary or un- [222]
sutable to the distinct OEconomy or Part, the Creature is wretched
and unnatural.''
The social or natural Affections, which our Author considers as
essential to the Health, Wholeness, or Integrity of the particular
Creature, are such as contribute to the Welfare and Prosperity of
that Whole or Species, to which he is by Nature join'd. All the Affections
of this kind our Author comprehends in that single name
of natural. But as the Design or End of Nature in each AnimalSystem,
is exhibited chiefly in the Support and Propagation of the
particular Species; it happens, of consequence, that those Affections
of earliest Alliance and mutual Kindness between the Parent
and the Offspring, are known more particularly by the name of
*natural Affection. However, since it is evident that all Defect or
*  [love of parents and children]; for which we have no particular Name
in our Language.
136 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. Depravity of Affection, which counterworks or opposes the original
Constitution and OEconomy of the Creature, is unnatural; it
follows, ``That in Creatures who by their particular OEconomy
are fitted to the strictest Society and Rule of common Good, the
most unnatural of all Affections are those which separate from this
Community; and the mostA truly natural, generous and noble, are[223]
those which tend towards Publick Service, and the Interest of the
SOCIETY at large.''
This is the main Problem which our Author in more philosophical
Terms demonstrates, *in this Treatise, ``That for a Creature
whose natural End is Society, to operate as is by Nature appointed
him towards the Good of such his SOCIETY, or WHOLE, is in reality
to pursue his own natural and proper GOOD.'' And ``That to operate
contrary-wise, or by such Affections as sever from that common
Good, or publick Interest, is, in reality, to work towards his
own natural and proper ILL.'' Now if Man, as has been prov'd, be
justly rank'd in the number of those Creatures whose OEconomy
is according to a joint-Stock and publick-Weal; if it be understood,
withal, that the only State of his Affections which answers rightly
to this publick-Weal, is the regular,orderly,or virtuous State; it necessarily
follows, ``That VIRTUE is his natural Good, and VICE his
Misery and Ill.''
As for that further Consideration, ``Whether NATURE has orderly
and justly distributed the several OEconomysA or Parts; and[224]
Whether the Defects, Failures, or Calamitys of particular Systems
are to the advantage of all in general, and contribute to the Perfection
of the one common and universal System''; we must refer
to our Author's profounder Speculations in this his INQUIRY, and
in his following Philosophick DIALOGUE. But if what he advances
in this respect be real, or at least the most probable by far of any
Scheme or Representation which can be made of the Universal
Nature and Cause of things; it will follow, ``That since MAN has
* Viz. The INQUIRY concerning Virtue,VOL. II.
REFLECTIONS 137
Chap. 2.been so constituted, by means of his rational Part, as to be conscious
of this his more immediate Relation to the Universal System,
and Principle of Order and Intelligence; he is not only by
Nature sociable, within the Limits of his own Species, or Kind;
but in a yet more generous and extensive manner. He is not only
born to VIRTUE, Friendship, Honesty, and Faith; but to RELIGION,
Piety, Adoration, and *a generous Surrender of his Mind towhatever
happens from that Supreme CAUSE, or ORDER of Things, which
he acknowledges intirely just, and perfect.''A [225]
THESE ARE our Author's formal and grave Sentiments; which
if they were not truly his, and sincerely espous'd by him, as the
real Result of his best Judgment and Understanding, he wou'd be
guilty of a more than common degree of imposture. For, according
to his own Rule, an affected Gravity, and feign'd Seriousness
carry'd on, thro' any Subject, in such a manner as to leave no Insight
into the Fiction or intended Raillery; is in truth no Raillery,
or Wit, at all; but a gross, immoral, and illiberal way of Abuse, foreign
to the Character of a good Writer, a Gentleman, or Man of
WORTH.
But since we have thus acquitted our-selves of that serious Part,
of which our Reader was before-hand well appriz'd; let him now
expect us again in our original MISCELLANEOUS Manner and Capacity.
'Tis here, as has been explain'd to him, that Raillery and
Humour are permitted: and Flights, Sallys, and Excursions of every
kind are found agreeable and requisite.Without this, there might
be less Safety found, perhaps, in Thinking. Every light Reflection
might run us up to the dangerous State of Meditation.A And in [226]
reality, profound Thinking is many times the Cause of shallow
Thought. To prevent this contemplative Habit and Character, of
which we see so little good effect in the World, we have reason
* VOL. II. pag. 72, 73, &c.
 VOL. I. pag. 63.
138 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. perhaps to be fond of the diverting Manner in Writing, and Discourse,
especially if the Subject be of a solemn kind. There is more
need, in this case, to interrupt the long-spun Thred of Reasoning,
and bring into the Mind, by many different Glances and broken
Views, what cannot so easily be introduc'd by one steddy Bent, or
continu'd Stretch of Sight.A[227]
REFLECTIONS 139
Chap. 1.
MISCELLANY V
C H A P T E R I
Ceremonial adjusted, between AUTHOR and READER.--
Affectation of Precedency in the former.--Various Claim to
Inspiration.--Bards; Prophets: Sibylline Scripture.--Written
Oracles; in Verse and Prose.--Common Interest of antient
Letters, and Christianity.--State of Wit, Elegance, and
Correctness.--Poetick Truth.--Preparation for Criticism
on our Author, in his concluding Treatise.
OF all the artificial Relations, form'd between Mankind, the
most capricious and variable is that of Author and Reader.
Our Author, for his part, has declar'd his Opinion of this,A where [228]
*he gives his Advice to modern Authors. And tho he supposes that
every Author in Form, is, in respect of the particular matter he explains,
superior in Understanding to his Reader; yet he allows not
that any Author shou'd assume the upper hand,or pretend towithdraw
himself from that necessary Subjection to foreign Judgment
and Criticism, which must determine the Place of Honour on the
Reader's side.
'Tis evident that an Author's Art and Labour are for his Reader's
sake alone. 'Tis to his Reader he makes his application, if not
openly and avowedly, yet, at least, with implicit Courtship. Poets
indeed, and especially those of a modern kind, have a peculiar
manner of treating this Affair with a high hand. They pretend to
set themselves above Mankind. ``Their Pens are sacred: Their Style
and Utterance divine.'' They write, often, as in a Language foreign
* Viz. Treatise III.VOL. I.
140 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. to human Kind; and wou'd disdain to be reminded of those poor
Elements of Speech, their Alphabet and Grammar.
But here inferior Mortals presume often to intercept their
Flight, and remind them of their fallible and human part.A Had[229]
those first Poets who began this Pretence to Inspiration, been
taught a manner of communicating their rapturous Thoughts and
high Ideas by some other Medium than that of Style and Language;
the Case might have stood otherwise. But the inspiring DIVINITY
or MUSE having, in the Explanation of her-self, submitted herWit
and Sense to the mechanick Rules of human arbitrary Composition;
she must, in consequence, and by necessity, submit her-self
to human Arbitration, and the Judgment of the literate World. And
thus THE READER is still superior, and keeps the upper hand.
'Tis indeed no small Absurdity, to assert a Work or Treatise,
written in human Language, to be above human Criticism, or Censure.
For if the Art of Writing be from the grammatical Rules
of human Invention and Determination; if even these Rules are
form'd on casual Practice and various Use: there can be no Scripture
but what must of necessity be subject to the Reader's narrow
Scrutiny and strict Judgment; unless a Language and Grammar,
different from any of human Structure, were deliver'd down from
Heaven, and miraculously accommodated to human Service and
Capacity.A[230]
'Tis no otherwise in the grammatical Art of Characters, and
painted Speech, than in the Art of Painting it-self. I have seen, in
certain Christian Churches, an antient Piece or two, affirm'd, on
the solemn Faith of Priestly Tradition, ``to have been Angelically
and Divinely wrought, bya supernatural Hand, and sacred Pencil.''
Had the Piece happen'd to be of a Hand like RAPHAEL's, I cou'd
have found nothing certain to oppose to thisTradition. But having
observ'd the whole Style and Manner of the pretended heavenly
Workmanship to be so indifferent as to vary in many Particulars
from the Truth of Art, I presum'd within my-self to beg pardon
of the Tradition, and assert confidently, ``That if the Pencil had
been Heaven-guided, it cou'd never have been so lame in its per-
REFLECTIONS 141
Chap. 1.formance'': It being a mere contradiction to all Divine and Moral
Truth, that a Celestial Hand, submitting it-self to the Rudiments
of a human Art, shou'd sin against the ART it-self, and express Falshood
and Error, instead of Justness and Proportion.
It may be alledg'd perhaps, ``That there are, however, certain
AUTHORS in the World, who tho, of themselves, they neither
boldly claim the PrivilegeA of Divine Inspiration, nor carry indeed [231]
the least resemblance of Perfection in their Style or Composition;
yet they subdue the READER, gain the ascendent over his
Thought and Judgment, and force from him a certain implicit Veneration
and Esteem.'' To this I can only answer, ``That if there be
neither Spell nor Inchantment in the Case; this can plainly be
no other than mere ENTHUSIASM''; except, perhaps, where the
supreme Powers have given their Sanction to any religious Record, or
pious Writ: And in this Case, indeed, it becomes immoral and profane
in any one, to deny absolutely, or dispute the sacred Authority
of the least Line or Syllable contain'd in it. But shou'd the Record,
instead of being single, short and uniform, appear to be multifarious,
voluminous, and of the most difficult Interpretation; it wou'd be
somewhat hard, if not wholly impracticable in the Magistrate, to
suffer this Record to be universally current, and at the same time
prevent its being variously apprehended and descanted on, by the
several differing Genius's and contrary Judgments of Mankind.
'Tis remarkable, that in the politest of all Nations, the Writings
look'd upon as most sacred, were those of their great POETS; whose
Works indeed were truly divine, in respect of Art, and the PerAfection [232]
of their Frame and Composition. But therewas yet more *Divinity ascrib'd
to them, than what is comprehended in this latter Sense.The
Notions of vulgar Religion were built on their miraculous Narrations.
The wiser and better sort themselves paid a regard to them
in this respect; tho they interpreted them indeed more allegorically.
Even the Philosophers who criticiz'd 'em with most Severity,
* Supra, pag. 153, 154. in the Notes.
142 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. were not their least Admirers; when they *ascrib'd to 'em that divine
Inspiration, or sublime ENTHUSIASM, of which our Author
has largely treated elsewhere.
It wou'd, indeed, ill become any Pretender to Divine Writing,
to publish his Work under a Character of Divinity; if, after all his
Endeavours, he came short of a consummate and just Performance.
In this respect the Cumean SIBYL was not so indiscreet or frantick,
as she might appear, perhaps, by writing her Prophetick Warnings
and pretended Inspirations upon Joint-Leaves; which, immediately
after their elaborate Superscription, were torn in pieces, and scatter'd
by the Wind.A[233]
You will see an inspired prophetess, who chants destiny at the
foot of her rock and entrusts her marks and words to leaves.
Whatever lines the maid has written on the leaves, she sorts
into order and shuts them within her cave.There they remain
unmoved nor shift from their order.Yet when the hinge turns
and a breath of wind has stirred them, and the door has disordered
the light leaves, never thereafter does she trouble to
capture them as they flutter in her cavern or to restore their
orderor join the leaves. Away men gowithout advice and hate
the Sibyl's home.
'Twas impossible to disprove theDIVINITY of such Writings, whilst
they cou'd be perus'd only in Fragments. Had the Sister-Priestess
of DELPHOS, who deliver'd her-self in audible plain Metre, been
* VOL. I. pag. 53, 54.
 Viz. Letter of Enthusiasm,VOL. I. And above, MISC. II. chap. 1, 2.
 Insanam vatem aspicies; quae rupe sub imâ
Fata canit, foliisque notas & nomina mandat.
Quaecunque in foliis descripsit Carmina Virgo,
Digerit in numerum, atque antro seclusa relinquit.
Illa manent immota locis, neque ab ordine cedunt.
Verum eadem, verso tenuis cum cardine ventus
Impulit, & teneras turbavit janua frondes:
Nunquam deinde cavo volitantia prendere saxo,
Nec revocare situs, aut jungere carmina curat.
Inconsulti abeunt, sedemque odere SIBYLLAE.
Virg. AEn. lib. iii. 444.
REFLECTIONS 143
Chap. 1.found at any time to have transgress'd the Rule of Verse, it wou'd
have been difficult in those days to father the lame Poetry upon
APOLLO himself. But where the Invention of the Leaves prevented
the reading of a single Line intire; whatever InAterpretations might [234]
have been made of this fragil and volatil Scripture, no Imperfection
cou'd be charg'd on the Original TEXT it-self.
What those *Volumes may have been, which the disdainful
SIBYL or Prophetess committed to the Flames; or what the remainder
was, which the Roman Prince receiv'd and consecrated;
I will not pretend to judg: Tho it has been admitted for Truth
by the antient Christian Fathers, That these Writings were so far
sacred and divine, as to have prophesy'd of the Birth of our religious
Founder, and bore testimony to that holy Writ which has preserv'd
his Memory, and is justly held, in the highest degree, sacred among
Christians.
The Policy however of Old ROME was such, as not absolutely
to rest the Authority of their Religion on any Composition of Literature.
The SIBYLLINE Volumes were kept safely lock'd, and inspected
only by such as were ordain'd, or deputed for that purpose.
And in this PoAlicy the New ROME has follow'd their Example; in [235]
scrupling to annex the supreme Authority and sacred Character
of Infallibility to SCRIPTURE it-self; and in refusing to submit that
Scripture to publick Judgment, or to any Eye or Ear but what they
qualify for the Inspection of such sacred Mysterys.
The Mahometan Clergy seem to have a different Policy. They
boldly rest the Foundation of their Religion on a Book: Such a one
as (according to their Pretension) is not only perfect, but inimitable.
Were a real Man of Letters, and a just Critick permitted to
examine this Scripture by the known Rules of Art; he wou'd soon
* Libri tres in Sacrarium conditi, Sibyllini appellati. Ad eos quasi ad Oraculum
Quindecimviri adeunt, cum Dii immortales public consulendi sunt. Aul. Gell. lib. i.
c. 19. & Plin. lib. xiii. c. 13. [The three books were placed in a shrine and called
the Sibyl's books. The College of Fifteen consults them, like an oracle, whenever
the Gods have to be consulted by the state.] But of this first Sibylline Scripture,
and of other canoniz'd Books and additional Sacred Writ among the ROMANS; see
what DIONYSIUS HALICARNASSEUS cites (from VARRO's Roman Theologicks) in
his History, lib. iv. c. 62.
144 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. perhaps refute this Plea. But so barbarous is the accompanying
Policy and Temper of these Eastern Religionists, that they discourage,
and in effect extinguish all true Learning, Science, and the
politer Arts, in company with the antient Authors and Languages,
which they set aside; and by this infallible Method, leave their
SACRED WRIT the sole Standard of literate Performance. For being
compar'd to nothing besides it-self, or what is of an inferior kind,
it must undoubtedly be thought incomparable.
'Twill be yielded, surely, to the Honour of the Christian World,
that theirAFaith (especially that of the Protestant Churches) stands[236]
on a more generous Foundation. They not only allow Comparison
of Authors, but are content to derive their Proofs of the Validity of
their sacred Record and Revelation, even from those Authors call'd
Profane; as being well appriz'd, according to the Maxim of *our
Divine Master, ``That in what we bear witness only to our-selves,
our Witness cannot be establish'd as a Truth.'' So that there being
at present no immediate Testimony of Miracle or Sign in behalf of
holy Writ; and there being in its own particular Composition or
Style nothing miraculous, or self-convincing; if the collateral Testimony
of other antient Records, Historians, and foreign Authors,
were destroy'd,or wholly lost; therewou'd be less Argument or Plea
remaining against that natural Suspicion of those who are call'd
Sceptical, ``That the holy Records them-selves were no other than
the pure Invention or artificial Compilement of an interested Party,
in behalf of the richest Corporation and most profitable Monopoly
which cou'd be erected in the World.''
Thus, in reality, the Interest of our pious Clergy is necessarily
join'd with that of antient Letters, and polite Learning.ABy this they[237]
perpetually refute the crafty Arguments of those Objectors.When
they abandon this; they resign their Cause. When they strike at
it; they strike even at the Root and Foundation of our holy Faith,
and weaken that Pillar on which the whole Fabrick of our Religion
depends.
It belongs to mere Enthusiasts and Fanaticks to plead the Suffi*
John, chap. v. ver. 31.
REFLECTIONS 145
Chap. 1.ciency of a reiterate translated Text, deriv'd to 'em thro' so many
Channels, and subjected to so many Variations, of which they are
wholly ignorant. Yet wou'd they persuade us, it seems, that from
hence alone they can recognize the Divine Spirit, and receive it in
themselves, un-subject (as they imagine) to any Rule, and superior
to what they themselves often call the dead Letter, and unprofitable
Science.--This, any one may see, is building Castles in the Air,
and demolishing them again at pleasure; as the exercise of an aerial
Fancy, or heated Imagination.
But the judicious Divines of the establish'd Christian Churches,
have sufficiently condemn'd this Manner.They are far from resting
their Religion on the common Aspect, or obvious Form of their
vulgar BIBLE, as it presents it-self in the printed Copy, or modern
Version. Neither do they in the Original it-self represent it toA us as [238]
a very Master-piece of Writing, or as absolutely perfect in the Purity
and Justness either of Style, or Composition. They allow the Holy
Authors to have written according to their best Facultys, and the
Strength of their natural Genius: ``A Shepherd like a Shepherd; and
a Prince like a Prince: A Man of reading, and advanc'd in Letters,
like a Proficient in the kind; and a Man of meaner Capacity and
Reading, like one of the ordinary sort, in his own common Idiom,
and imperfect manner of Narration.''
'Tis the Substance only of the Narrative, and the principal Facts
confirming the Authority of the Revelation, which our Divines
think themselves concern'd to prove, according to the best Evidence
of which the Matter it-self is capable. And whilst the Sacred
Authors themselves allude not only to the Annals and Historys of
the HEATHEN World, but even to the philosophical Works, the
regular *Poems, the very Plays and Comedys of the learnAed and [239]
polite Antients; it must be own'd, that as those antient Writings
* ARATUS, Acts ch. xvii. ver. 28. And EPIMENIDES, Titus ch. i. ver. 12. Even one
of their own PROPHETS. For so the holy Apostle deign'd to speak of a Heathen
Poet, a Physiologist, and Divine: who prophesy'd of Events, wrought Miracles, and
was receiv'd as an inspir'd Writer, and Author of Revelations, in the chief Citys and
States of GREECE.
 MENANDER, 1 Cor. ch. xv. ver. 33.
146 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. are impair'd, or lost, not only the Light and Clearness of holy Writ,
but even the Evidence it-self of its main Facts, must in proportion
be diminish'd and brought in question. So ill advis'd were *those
* Even in the sixth Century, the fam'd GREGORIUS Bishop of ROME, who is
so highly celebrated for having planted the Christian Religion, by his Missionary
Monks, in our English Nation of Heathen Saxons, was so far from being a Cultivater
or Supporter of Arts or Letters, that he carry'd on a kind of general Massacre
upon every Product of human Wit. His own Words in a Letter to one of the French
Bishops, a Man of the highest Consideration and Merit, (as a noted modern Critick,
and satirical Genius of that Nation acknowledges) are as follow. Pervenit ad nos quod
sineverecundiâ memorare non possumus, fraternitatem tuam GRAMMATICAM quibusdam
exponere. Quam rem ita molest suscepimus, ac sumus vehementis aspernati,
ut ea quae prius dicta fuerunt, in gemitum & tristitiam verteremus, quia in uno se
ore cum JOVIS laudibus CHRISTI laudes non capiunt. * * * * * Unde si
post hoc evidenter ea quae ad nos perlata sunt, falsa esse claruerint, nec vos NUGIS
& SECULARIBUS LITERIS studere contigerit, Deo nostro gratias agimus, qui cor
vestrum maculari blasphemis nefandorum laudibus non permisit. [A story has reached
me which I am ashamed to mention, that your brotherhood teaches certain pupils
grammar! This news I received with such grief and rejected with such scorn that
I turned what was said before into groans and lamentations; for one mouth cannot
hold the praise of Jupiter and of Christ too. . . . So if hereafter the news proves
false, and you have not spent your time upon trifles and worldly literature, I return
thanks to God, who would not have your hearts stained with the blasphemous
praise of the wicked.] GREGORII Opera, Epist. 48. lib. ix. Paris. Ann. 1533. And in
his Dedication, or first Preface to his Morals, after some very insipid Rhetorick, and
figurative Dialect imploy'd against the Study and Art of Speech, he has another Fling
at the Classick Authors and Discipline; betraying his inveterate Hatred to antient
Learning, as well as the natural Effect of this Zealot-Passion, in his own Barbarity
both of Style and Manners. His words are, Unde & ipsam artem loquendi, quam
Magisteria Disciplinae exterioris insinuant, servare despexi. Nam sicut hujus quoque
Epistolae tenor enunciat, non Metacismi collisionem fugio: non Barbarismi confusionem
devito, situs motusque praepositionum casusque servare contemno: quia indignum vehementer
existimo, ut verba coelestis oraculi restringam sub regulis DONATI. [So I think
scorn of observing even the art of speech, which the wider education is bringing
in upon us. For, as the course of this letter shows, I do not avoid the frequent use
of M; I do not shun barbarisms; I despise rules about the position or the changing
or the cases of prepositions: for I strongly hold it to be unfitting to bind the words
of heaven by the rules of Donatus.] That he carry'd this savage Zeal of his so far
as to destroy (what in him lay) the whole Body of Learning, with all the Classick
Authors then in being, was generally believ'd. And (what was yet more notorious
and unnatural in a ROMAN Pontiff ) the Destruction of the Statues, Sculptures, and
finest Pieces of Antiquity in ROME, was charg'd on him by his Successor in the SEE;
as, besides PLATINA, another Writer of his Life, without the least Apology, confesses.
See in the above-cited Edition of St. GREGORY's Works, at the beginning,
REFLECTIONS 147
Chap. 1.devout Churchmen heretofore,who in the height ofAZeal did their
utmost to destroy all Footsteps of Heathen Literature, and conse- [240]
quently all further use of Learning or Antiquity.
viz.Vita D. Gregorii ex Joan. Laxiardo Coelestino. 'Tis no wonder, therefore, if other
Writers have given account of that Sally of the Prelate's Zeal against the Books and
Learning of the Antients, for which the Reason alledg'd was veryextraordinary; ``That
the holy Scriptures wou'd be the better relish'd, and receive a considerable Advantage
by the Destruction of these Rivals.'' It seems they had no very high Idea of the
holy Scriptures, when they suppos'd them such Losers by a Comparison. However,
'twas thought advisable by other Fathers (who had a like view) to frame new Pieces
of Literature, after the Model of these condemn'd Antients. Hence those ridiculous
Attempts of new heroick Poems, new Epicks and Dramaticks, new HOMERS,
EURIPIDES's, MENANDERS, which were with so much Pains and so little Effect industriously
set afoot by the zealous Priesthood; when Ignorance prevail'd, and the
Hierarchal Dominion was so universal. But tho their Power had well nigh compass'd
the Destruction of those great Originals, they were far from being able to procure
any Reception for their puny Imitations. The Mock-Works have lain in their deserv'd
Obscurity; as will all other Attempts of that kind, concerning which our Author has
already given his Opinion,VOL. I. pag. 356, 357, &c. But as to the ill Policy as well as
Barbarity of this Zealot-Enmity against the Works of the Antients, a foreign Protestant
Divine, and most learned Defender of Religion, making the best Excuse he can
for the GREEK-Fathers, and endeavouring to clear them from this general Charge of
Havock and Massacre committed upon Science and Erudition, has these words: ``Si
cela est,voil encore un nouveau Sujet de mépriser les Patriarches de CONSTANTINOPLE
qui n'étoient d'ailleurs rien moins que gens de bien; mais j'ai de la poine  le croire,
parce qu'il nous est resté de Poetes infiniment plus sales que ceux qui se sont perdus. Personne
ne doute qu' ARISTOPHANE ne soit beaucoup plus sale, que n'etoit MENANDER.
PLUTARQUE en est un bon témoin, dans la Comparaison qu'il a faite de ces deux Poetes.
Il peuvoit tre neanmoins arrivé, que quelques ECCLESIASTIQUES ennemis des Belles
Lettres, en eussent usé comme dit CHALCONDYLE, sans penser qu'en conservant toute
l'Antiquité Grecque, ils conserveroient la Langue de leurs Prédecesseurs, & une infinité
de Faits qui servoient beaucoup  l'intelligence &  la confirmation de l'Histoire Sacrée,
& mme de la Religion Chretienne. Ces gens-l devoient au moins nous conserver les
Histoires Anciennes des Orientaux, comme des Chaldéens, des Tyriens, & des Egyptiens;
mais ils agissoient plus par ignorance & par negligence, que par raison.'' [If that is
(true), behold yet again a new reason to disdain the Patriarchs of Constantinople,
who moreover were nothing less than good men; but I have difficulty believing it,
because there has survived to us Poets infinitely more bawdy than those who were
lost. No one doubts that Aristophanes was not much more dirty than Menander.
Plutarch testifies well to this in the comparison he made of the two Poets. It could
have happened nonetheless that certain Clerics, foes to Belles-Lettres, could have
used them as Chalcondyle says, without thinking that by conserving all of Greek
Antiquity they would conserve the language of their Predecessors, and an infinity of
facts that would aid greatly in the understanding and confirmation of Sacred His-
148 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. But happily the Zeal of this kind is now left as proper only to
those despis'dAand ignorant modern Enthusiasts we have describ'd.[241]
The ROMAN Church it-self is so recover'd from this primitive Fanaticism,
that their Great Men, and even their *Pontiffs, are found
ready to give their helping Hand, and confer their Bounty liberally
towards the advancement of all antient and polite Learning. They
justly observe, that their very Traditions stand in need of some collateral
Proof.TheAConservation of these otherantient and disinter-[242]
ested Authors, they wisely judg essential to the Credibilityof those
principal Facts, on which the whole religious History and Tradition
depend.
'Twou'd indeed be in vain for us, to bring a PONTIUS PILATE
into our Creed, and recite what happen'd under him, in JUDEA, if
we knew not, ``Under whom he himself govern'd, whose Authority
he had, or what Character he bore, in that remote Country, and
amidst a foreign People.'' In the same manner, 'twou'd be in vain
for a ROMAN Pontiff to derive his Title to spiritual Sovereignty
from the Seat, Influence, Power, and Donation of the Roman
CAESARS, and their Successors; if it appear'd not by any History,
or collateral Testimony, ``Who the first CAESARS were; and how
they came possess'd of that universal Power, and long Residence
of Dominion.''
MY READER doubtless, by this time, must begin to wonder
thro' what Labyrinth of Speculation, and odd Texture of capricious
Reflections, I am offering to conduct him. But he will not,
I presume, be altogether displeas'd with me, when I give him to
understand, that being now come into my last MISCELLANY, andA[243]
being sensible of the little Courtship I have paid him, comparatory
and even of the Christian Religion. Those men at least ought to conserve for
us the Ancient Histories of the Orientals, such as the Chaldeans, the Tyrians, and
the Egyptians, but they acted more from ignorance and negligence than by reason.]
BIBL. CHOIS. Tom. XIV. pag. 131, 132, 133.
* Such a one is the present Prince, CLEMENT XI. an Incourager of all Arts and
Sciences.
REFLECTIONS 149
Chap. 1.tively with what is practis'd in that kind by other modern Authors;
I am willing, by way of Compensation, to express my Loyalty or
Homage towards him, and shew, by my natural Sentiments, and
Principles, ``What particular Deference and high Respect I think
to be his Due.''
The Issue therefore of this long Deduction is, in the first place,
with due Compliments, in my Capacityof Author, and in the name
of all modest Work-men willingly joining with me in this Representation,
to congratulate our English READER on the Establishment
of what is so advantageous to himself; I mean, that mutual Relation
between him and our-selves, which naturally turns so much to his
Advantage, and makes us to be in reality the subservient Party. And
in this respect 'tis to be hop'd hewill long enjoy his just Superiority
and Privilege over his humble Servants, who compose and labour
for his sake. The Relation in all likelihood must still continue, and
be improv'd. Our common Religion and Christianity, founded on
Letters and Scripture, promises thus much. Nor is this Hope likely
to fail us, whilst READERS are really allow'd the Liberty to read;
that is to say, to examine, construe, and remark with UnAderstand- [244]
ing. LEARNING and SCIENCE must of necessity flourish, whilst the
Language of the wisest and most learned of Nations is acknowledg'd
to contain the principal and essential part of our holy Revelation.
And CRITICISM, Examinations, Judgments, literate Labours
and Inquirys must still be in Repute and Practice; whilst Antient
Authors, so necessary to the Support of the Sacred Volumes, are in
request, and afford Imployment of such infinite Extent to us Moderns
of whatever degree, who are desirous to signalize our-selves by
any Atchievement in Letters, and be consider'd as the Investigators
of Knowledg and Politeness.
I may undoubtedly, by virtue of my preceding Argument in behalf
of Criticism, be allow'd, without suspicion of Flattery or mere
Courtship, to assert the READER's Privilege above the Author; and
assign to him, as I have done, the upper Hand, and Place of Honour.
As to Fact, we know for certain, that the greatest of Philosophers,
the very Founder of Philosophy it-self, was no Author. Nor
150 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. did the Divine Author, and Founder of our Religion, condescend to
be an Author in this other respect. He who cou'd best have given
us the History of his own Life, with the intire Sermons and divine
Discourses which he made in publick, was pleas'd to leave itA[245]
to others, *``To take in hand'': As there were many, it seems, long
afterwards, who did; and undertook accordingly ``to write in order,
and as seem'd good to them, for the better Information of particular
Persons, what was then believ'd amongA the Initiated or Cate-[246]
chiz'd, from Tradition, and early Instruction in their Youth; or what
had been transmitted, by Report, from such as were the presum'd
Auditors, and Eye-witnesses of those things in former time.''
Whether those sacred Books ascrib'd to the Divine Legislator of
* So LUKE, chap. i. ver. 1, 2, 3, 4. ``(1) For as much as MANY have taken in
hand to set forth, in order, a Declaration (Exposition or Narrative, ) of
those things which are most surely believ'd among (or were fulfill'd in, or among) us;
(2) Even as theydeliver'd them unto us,which from the beginning were Eyewitnesses
and Ministers of theWord: (3) It seem'd good to ME also, having had perfect understanding
of all things from thevery first, (or having look'd back, and search'd accurately
into all Matters from the beginning, or highest time,   
) to write unto Thee in order, most excellent THEOPHILUS, (4) That Thou
mightest know the Certainty (or Validity, sound Discussion, ) of those
things wherein THOU hast been instructed (or catechiz'd)   .''
Whether the words   , in the first Verse, shou'd be render'd
believ'd among, or fulfill'd in, or among us, may depend on the different reading of the
Original. For in some Copys, the  next following is left out. However, the exact
Interpreters or verbal Translators render it fulfill'd, Vid. Ar. Montan. Edit. Plantin.
1584. In Ver. 4. the word CERTAINTY, , is interpreted , Validity,
Soundness, good Foundation, from the Sense of the preceding Verse. See the
late Edition of our learned Dr. MILL, ex recensione KUSTERI, Rot. 1710. For the
word Catechiz'd, , (the last of the fourth Verse) ROB. CONSTANTINE
has this Explanation of it: ``Priscis Theologis apud AEGYPTIOS mos crat, ut Mysteria
voce tantm, veluti per manus, posteris relinquerent. Apud Christianos, qui Baptismatis
erant candidati, iis, vivâ voce, tradebantur fidei Christianae Mysieria, sine scriptis:
quod PAULUS & LUCAS  vocant. Unde qui docebantur, Catechumeni
vocabantur; qui docebant, Catechistae.'' [Among the Egyptians it was the custom of
ancient worship that mysteries were left to future generations with the voice alone,
just as if written by hands. Among the Christians who were candidates for baptism,
to these with the living voice, the mysteries were being handed down to the Christian
believers without written instructions, a practice which Paul and Luke called
to instruct. Thus those who were being taught were called the catechumen; those
who were teaching, the catechists.]
REFLECTIONS 151
Chap. 1.the JEWS, and which treat of his *Death, Burial, and Succession,
as well as of his Life and Actions, are strictly to be understood as
coming from the immediate Pen of that holy Founder, or rather
from some other inspir'd Hand, guided by the same influencing
Spirit; I will not presume so much as to examine or enquire. But
in general we find, That both as to publick Concerns, in Religion,
and in Philosophy, the great and eminent Actors were of a Rank
superior to the Writing-Worthys. The great ATHENIAN Legislator,
tho noted as a poetical Genius, cannot be esteem'd an Author, for
the sake of some few Verses he may occasionally have made. Nor
was the great SPARTAN Founder, a Poet himself, tho Author or Redeemer
(if I may so express it) to the greatest and best of Poets; who
ow'd in a manner his Form and Being to the accurate Searches and
Collections of that greatA Patron. The Politicians and civil SAGES, [247]
whowere fitted in all respects for the great Scene of Business, cou'd
not, it seems, be well taken out of it, to attend the slender and
minute Affairs of Letters, and Scholastick Science.
'Tis true, indeed, that without a Capacity for Action, and a
Knowledg of the World and Mankind, there can be no Author
naturally qualify'd to write with Dignity, or execute any noble or
great Design. But there are many, who with the highest Capacity
forBusiness, are by their Fortune deny'd the Privilege of that higher
Sphere. As there are others,who having once mov'd in it, have been
afterwards, by many Impediments and Obstructions, necessitated
to retire, and exert their Genius in this lower degree.
'Tis to some Catastrophe of this kind that we owe the noblest
Historians (even the two Princes and Fathers of History) as well as
the greatest Philosophical Writers, the Founder of the ACADEMY,
and others, who were also noble in respect of their Birth, and fitted
for the highest Stations in the Publick; but discourag'd from engaging
in it, on account of some Misfortunes, experienc'd either
in their own Persons, or that of their near Friends.A [248]
'Tis to the early Banishment and long Retirement of a heroick
* Deut. ch. xxxiv. ver. 5, 6, 7, &c.
152 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Youth out of his native Country, that we owe an original System
of Works, the politest, wisest, usefullest, and (to those who can
understand the Divineness of a just Simplicity) the most *amiable,
and even the most elevating and exalting of all un-inspir'd and
merely human Authors.
To this Fortune we owe some of the greatest of the antient
Poets. 'Twas this Chance which produc'd the MUSE of an exalted
Grecian LYRICK, and of his Follower HORACE; whose Character,
tho easy to be gather'd from History, and his own Works, is
little observ'd by any of his Commentators: The general Idea, conceiv'd
of him, being drawn chiefly from his precarious and low
Circumstances at Court, after the forfeiture of his Estate, under
the Usurpation and ConAquest of an OCTAVIUS, and the Minis-[249]
try of a MAECENAS; not from his better Condition, and nobler
Employments in earlier days, under the Favour and Friendship of
greater and better Men, whilst the Roman State and Liberty subsisted.
For of this Change he himself, as great a Courtier as he
seem'd afterwards, gives sufficient **Intimation.A[250]
*     , [loosely translated by Shaftesbury in
the text] as Athenaeus calls him, lib. xi. See VOL. I. pag. 255.
 Et te sonantem plenius aureo,
ALCAEE, plectro dura navis,
Dura fugae mala, dura belli.
Horat. Lib. ii. Od. xiii. ver. 26.
[And thou, Alcaeus, who tellest in a fuller tone on a lyre of gold the hardships
of the sea, of exile, and of war.]
 Age, dic Latinum,
Barbite, carmen.
Lesbio primm modulate Civi;
Qui ferox bello, &c.
Horat. Lib. i. Od. xxxii. ver. 3.
[Come, my lyre, utter for me a Latin song, though thou wert first tuned
by a citizen of Lesbos, etc.]
**Dura sed amovere loco me tempora grato,
Civilisque rudem belli tulit aestus in arma,
Caesaris Augusti non responsura lacertis.
Unde simul primum me dimisere Philippi,
Decisis humilem pennis, inopemque paterni
REFLECTIONS 153
Chap. 1.Let AUTHORS therefore know them-selves; and tho conscious
of Worth, Virtue, and a Genius, such as may justly place them
above Flattery or mean Courtship to their READER; yet let them
Et laris & fundi, paupertas impulit audax
Ut versus sacerem.
Horat. Lib. ii. Epist. ii. ver. 46.
[But the cruel times tore me away from that pleasant spot, and civil strife
hurried me, with all my ignorance of war, to take up those arms which
were to be no match for the might of Augustus Caesar. As soon as Philippi
set me free from arms, humbled, my wings clipped, my father's house and
estate lost, the fearlessness of a poor man drove me to write verses.]
At olim
Qud mihi pareret Legio Romana Tribuno.
Lib. i. Sat. vi. ver. 47.
[A legion of Roman soldiers obeyed me as its officer.]
Viz. under BRUTUS. Whence again that natural Boast:
Me primis urbis BELLI placuisse Domique.
Lib. i. Epist. xx. ver. 23.
[I pleased the first men of the city in war and peace.]
And again,
--Cum MAGNIS vixisse invita fatebitur usque
Invidia.
Lib. ii. Sat. i. ver. 77.
[Envy shall confess against her will that I have ever lived with the great.]
Where the vixisse shews plainly whom he principally meant by his MAGNI, his
early Patrons and Great Men in the State: His Apology and Defense here (as well
as in his fourth and sixth Satirs of his first Book, and his 2d Epistle of his second,
and elsewhere) being supported still by the open and bold Assertion of his good
Education, (equal to the highest Senators, and under the best Masters) his Employments
at home and abroad, and his early Commerce and Familiarity with former
Great Men, before these his new Friendships, and this latter Court-Acquaintance,
which was now envy'd him by his Adversarys.
NUNC quia Maecenas, tibi sum convictor: at OLIM
Qud mihi pareret Legio Romana Tribuno.
[Now they envy me because I live familiarly with thee, Maecenas, but formerly
because a legion of Roman soldiers obeyed me as officer.]
The Reproach now was with respect to a MAECENAS or AUGUSTUS. 'Twas the same
formerly with respect to a BRUTUS, and those who were then the principal and leading
Men.The Complaint or Murmur against him on account of his being an Upstart
or Favourite under a MAECENAS and AUGUSTUS, cou'd not be answer'd, by a Vixisse
154 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. reflect, that as Authors merely, they are but of the second Rank of
Men. And let the READER withal consider, ``That when he unworthily
resigns the place of Honour, and surrenders his Taste, or
Judgment, to an Author of ever so great a Name, or venerable Antiquity,
and not to Reason, and Truth, at whatever haAzard; he not[251]
only betrays himself, but withal the common Cause of AUTHOR and
READER, the Interest of Letters and Knowledg, and the chief Liberty,
Privilege, and Prerogative of the rational part of Mankind.''
'Tis related in History of the CAPPADOCIANS, That being offer'd
their Liberty by the ROMANS, and permitted to govern themselves
by their own Laws and Constitutions, they were much terrify'd
at the Proposal; and as if some sore harm had been intended
'em, humbly made it their Request, ``That they might be govern'd
by arbitrary Power, and that an absolute Governour might without
delay be appointed over 'em at the discretion of the ROMANS.''
For such was their Disposition towards mere Slavery and Subjection;
that they dar'd not pretend so much as to chuse their own
MASTER. So essential they thought SLAVERY, and so divine a thing
the Right of MASTERSHIP, that they dar'd not be so free even as
to presume to give themselves that Blessing, which they chose to
relating to the same Persons; any more than his Placuisse, join'd with his BELLI
Domique, cou'd relate to those under whom he never went to War, nor wou'd ever
consent to bearany Honours. For so he himself distinguishes (Sat. vi. toMAECENAS)
--Quia non ut forsit honorem
Jure mihi invideat quivis, ita te quoque amicum.
ver. 49.
[The two reasons are unlike because, though perhaps a man might fairly
grudge me my commission, yet he cannot fairly grudge me your friendship
too.]
He was formerly an Actor, and in the Ministry of Affairs: Now only a FRIEND to a
Minister: Himself still a private and retir'd Man. That he refus'd AUGUSTUS's Offer
of the Secretary-ship, is well known. But in these Circumstances, the Politeness as
well as Artifice of HORACE is admirable; in making Futurity or Posterity to be the
speaking Party in both those places, where he suggests his Intimacy and Favour with
the Great, that there might, in some measure, be room left (tho in strictness there
was scarce any) for an OCTAVIUS and a MAECENAS to be included. See VOL. I.
pag. 269, 270. in the Notes.
REFLECTIONS 155
Chap. 1.leave rather to Providence, Fortune, or A CONQUEROR, to bestow
upon them.They dar'd not make a King; but wou'd rather take one
from their powerful Neighbours. Had they been necessitated to
come to an Election, the Horror of such a Use ofALiberty in Gov- [252]
ernment, wou'd perhaps have determin'd 'em to chuse blindfold,
or leave it to the Decision of the commonest Lot, Cast of Dye,
Cross or Pile, or whatever it were which might best enable them to
clear themselves of the heinous Charge of using the least Foresight,
Choice, or Prudence in such an Affair.
I shou'd think it a great Misfortune, were my READER of the
number of those, who in a kind of Cappadocian Spirit, cou'd easily
be terrify'd with the Proposal of giving him his Liberty, and making
him his own Judg. My Endeavour, I must confess, has been to shew
him his just Prerogative in this respect, and to give him the sharpest
Eye over his Author, invite him to criticize honestly,without favour
or affection, and with the utmost Bent of his Parts and Judgment.
On this account it may be objected to me, perhaps, ``That I am
not a little vain and presumptuous, in my own as well as in my
Author's behalf, who can thus, as it were, challenge my Reader to
a Trial of his keenest Wit.''
But to this I answer, That shou'd I have the good fortune to
raise the masterly Spirit of just CRITICISM in my Readers, and exalt
them ever so little aboveA the lazy, timorous, over-modest, or re- [253]
sign'd State, in which the generality of them remain; tho by this
very Spirit, I my-self might possibly meet my Doom: I shou'd howeverabundantlycongratulatewith
my-self on these my low Flights,
be proud of having plum'd the Arrows of better Wits, and furnish'd
Artillery, or Ammunition of any kind, to those Powers, to which
I my-self had fall'n a Victim.
*I will play the part of a whetstone.
I cou'd reconcile my Ambition in this respect to what I call my
Loyalty to the READER; and say of his Elevation in Criticism and
* Fungar vice Cotis. Horat. de Arte Poet. ver. 304.
156 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Judgment, what a Roman Princess said of her Son's Advancement
to Empire, *``Let him kill me, so long as he comes to the throne.''
Had I been a Spanish CERVANTES, and with success equal to
that comick Author, had destroy'd the reigning Taste of Gothick or
Moorish CHIVALRY, I cou'd afterwards contentedly have seen my
Burlesque-Work it-self despis'd, and set aside; when it had wrought
its intended effect, and destroy'd those Giants and Monsters of the
Brain, against which it was originally design'd. Without regard,
therefore, to the prevailing Relish or Taste which, inA my own Per-[254]
son, I may unhappily experience, when these my Miscellaneous
Works are leisurely examin'd; I shall proceed still in my Endeavour
to refine my Reader's PALATE; whetting and sharpening it, the
best I can, for Use, and Practice, in the lower Subjects: that by this
Exercise it may acquire the greater Keenness, and be of so much
the better effect in Subjects of a higher kind, which relate to his
chief Happiness, his Liberty and Manhood.
SUPPOSING me therefore a mere comick Humourist, in respect
of those inferior Subjects, which after the manner of my familiar
Prose-Satir I presume to criticize; May not I be allow'd to ask,
``Whether there remains not still among us noble BRITONS, something
of that original Barbarous and Gothick Relish, not wholly
purg'd away; when, even at this hour, Romances and Gallantrys of
like sort, together with Works as monstrous of other kinds, are current,
and in vogue, even with the People who constitute our reputed
polite World?'' Need I on this account refer again to our
Author, where he treats in general of the Style and Manner of our
modern Authors, from the Divine to the Comedian? What Person is
there of theA least Judgment or Understanding, who cannot easily,[255]
and without the help of a Divine, or rigid Moralist, observe the
lame Condition of our English STAGE; which nevertheless is found
the Rendevouz and chief Entertainment of our best Company,
* ``Occidat, dum imperet.'' Tacit. Annal. lib. xiv. cap. 9.
 Viz. In his Advice to Authors, Treatise III.VOL. I.
REFLECTIONS 157
Chap. 1.and from whence in all probabilityourYouth will continue to draw
their Notion of Manners, and their Taste of Life, more directly and
naturally, than from the Rehearsals and Declamations of a graver
THEATER?
Let those whose business it is, advance, as they best can, the
Benefit of that sacred Oratory, which we have lately seen and are
still like to see employ'd to various purposes, and further designs
than that of instructing us in Religion or Manners. Let 'em in that
high Scene endeavour to refine our Taste and Judgment in sacred
Matters. 'Tis the good Critick's Task to amend our common STAGE;
nor ought this Dramatick Performance to be decry'd or sentenc'd
by those Criticks of a higher Sphere. The Practice and Art is honest,
in it-self. Our Foundations are well laid. And in the main, our
English STAGE (as *has been remark'd) is capable of the highest Improvement;
as well from the present Genius of our Nation, as from
the rich OarA of our early Poets in this kind. But Faults are easier [256]
imitated than Beautys.
We find, indeed, our THEATER become of late the Subject of
a growing Criticism. We hear it openly complain'd, ``That in our
newer Plays as well as in our older, in Comedy as well as Tragedy, the
Stage presents a proper Scene of Uproar;--Duels fought; Swords
drawn, many of a side; Wounds given, and sometimes dress'd
too; the Surgeon call'd, and the Patient prob'd and tented upon
the Spot. That in our Tragedy, nothing is so common as Wheels,
Racks, and Gibbets properly adorn'd; Executions decently perform'd;
Headless Bodys and Bodiless Heads, expos'd to view: Battels
fought: Murders committed: and the Dead carry'd off in great
Numbers.''--Such is our Politeness!
Norare these Plays, on this account, the less frequented by either
of the Sexes: Which inclines me to favour the Conceit our Author
has suggested concerning the mutual Correspondence and Relation
between our Royal THEATER, and Popular CIRCUS or Bear*
VOL. I. pag. 217, &c. 223, 259, 275, 276.
 VOL. I. pag. 270, &c.
158 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. Garden. For in the former of these Assemblys, 'tis undeniable that
at least the two upper Regions or GallerysA contain such Specta-[257]
tors, as indifferently frequent each Place of Sport. So that 'tis no
wonder we hear such Applause resounded on the Victorys of an
ALMANZOR; when the same Partys had possibly, no later than
the Day before, bestow'd their Applause as freely on the victorious
Butcher, the HERO of another Stage: where amidst various Frays,
bestial and human Blood, promiscuous Wounds and Slaughter;
one Sex are observ'd as frequent and as pleas'd Spectators as the
other, and sometimes not Spectators only, but Actors in the Gladiatorian
Parts.--These Congregations, which we may be apt to call
Heathenish,* (tho in reality never known among the politer Heathens)
are, in our Christian Nation, unconcernedly allow'd and tolerated,
as no way injurious to religious Interests; whatever effect
they may be found to have on national Manners, Humanity, and
Civil Life. Of such Indulgencys as these, we hear no Complaints.
Nor are any Assemblys, tho of the most barbarous and enormous
kind, so offensive, it seems, to Men of Zeal, as religious Assemblys
of a different Fashion or Habit from their own.
I am sorry to say, that, tho in the many parts of Poetry our Attempts
have been high and noble, yet in general theATASTE of Wit[258]
and Letters lies much upon a level with what relates to our Stage.
I can readily allow to our BRITISH Genius what was allow'd to
the ROMAN heretofore:
By nature full of elevation and passion; for he has tragic inspiration
enough and happy boldness.
But then I must add too, that the excessive Indulgence and Favour
shown to our Authors on account of what their mere Genius and
flowing Vein afford, has render'd them intolerably supine, con*
VOL. I. pag. 269, &c.
 Naturâ sublimis & acer:
Nam spirat Tragicum satis, & feliciter audet.
Horat. Lib. ii. Epist. i. ver. 165.
REFLECTIONS 159
Chap. 1.ceited, and Admirers of themselves. The Publick having once suffer'd
'em to take the ascendent, they become, like flatter'd Princes,
impatient of Contradiction or Advice. They think it a disgrace to
be criticiz'd, even by a Friend; or to reform, at his desire, what they
them-selves are fully convinc'd is negligent, and uncorrect.
* . . . wanted or forgot
The last and greatest art, the art to blot.
The Limae Labor is the great Grievance, with our Country-men.
An English AUTHOR wou'd be all GENIUS. He wou'dA reap the [259]
Fruits of Art; but without Study, Pains, or Application. He thinks
it necessary, indeed, (lest his Learning shou'd be call'd in question)
to show the World that he errs knowingly against the Rules of Art.
And for this reason, whatever Piece he publishes at any time, he
seldom fails, in some prefix'd Apology, to speak in such a manner
of Criticism and Art, as may confound the ordinary Reader, and
prevent him from taking up a Part, which, shou'd he once assume,
wou'd prove fatal to the impotent and mean Performance.
'Twere to be wish'd, that when once our Authors had consider'd
of a Model or Plan, and attain'd the Knowledg of a WHOLE and
* Sed turpem putat in scriptis, metuitque Lituram.
Ibid.
 Ars Poet.
          .      
     ,        .
               
,     .          
. Arist. de Poet. cap. 7. [A whole is that which has beginning, middle, and
end. A beginning is that which does not itself follow on anything by necessity, but
after which something else naturally is or arises. On the contrary, an end is that
which naturally follows on something else, either of necessity or as a rule, while it is
followed by nothing. A middle is that which itself follows on something else, and
has something following on it.] And in the following Chapter,    
       , &c. [Unity of plot is not, as some people
think, secured by having unity of hero.]
Denique si quod vis simplex duntaxat & UNUM.
Horat. de Arte Poet. ver. 23.
160 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. PARTS; when from thisA beginning they had proceeded to Morals,
and the Knowledg of what is call'd *POETICK MANNERS, and[260]
[Let it be what you will, provided only it be consistent and uniform.] See
VOL. I. p. 145, 146.
'Tis an infallible proof of the want of just Integrity in every Writing, from the
Epopee or Heroick-Poem, down to the familiar Epistle, or slightest Essay either in
Verse or Prose, if each several Part or Portion fits not its proper place so exactly, that
the least Transposition wou'd be impracticable.Whatever is Episodick, tho perhaps
it be a Whole, and in itself intire, yet being inserted, as a Part, in a Work of greater
length, it must appear only in its due Place. And that Place alone can be call'd its
due-one, which alone befits it. If there be any Passage in the Middle or End, which
might have stood in the Beginning; orany in the Beginning,which might have stood
as well in the Middle or End; there is properly in such a Piece neither Beginning,
Middle, nor End. 'Tis a mere Rhapsody; not a Work. And the more it assumes the
Air or Appearance of a real Work, the more ridiculous it becomes. See above, pag.
25. And VOL. I. pag. 145, 146.
* Respicere exemplar vitae morumque jubebo
Doctum Imitatorem, & VERAS hinc ducere voces.
Horat. de Arte Poet. ver. 317.
[I shall bid the well-trained imitator to look to the pattern which life
presents, and there learn the language of reality.]
The Chief of antient Criticks, we know, extols HOMER, above all things, for understanding
how ``To LYE in perfection'': as the Passage shews which we have cited above,
VOL. I. pag. 346. His LYES, according to that Master's Opinion, and the Judgment
of many of the gravest and most venerable Writers, were, in themselves, the
justest Moral Truths, and exhibitive of the best Doctrine and Instruction in Life and
Manners. It may be ask'd perhaps, ``How comes the Poet, then, to draw no single
Pattern of the kind, no perfect Character, in either of his Heroick Pieces?'' I answer,
that shou'd he attempt to do it, he wou'd, as a Poet, be preposterous and false. 'Tis
not the Possible, but the Probable and Likely, which must be the Poet's Guide in Manners.
By this he wins Attention, and moves the conscious Reader or Spectator; who
judges best from within, by what he naturally feels and experiences in his own Heart.
The Perfection of Virtue is from long Art and Management, Self-controul, and, as
it were, Force on Nature. But the common Auditor or Spectator, who seeks Pleasure
only, and loves to engage his Passion, by view of other Passion and Emotion,
comprehends little of the Restraints, Allays and Corrections, which form this new
and artificial Creature. For such indeed is the truly virtuous Man; whose ART, tho
ever so natural in it-self, or justly founded in Reason and Nature, is an Improvement
far beyond the common Stamp, or known Character of Human Kind. And
thus the compleatly virtuous and perfect Character is unpoetical and false. Effects
must not appear, where Causes must necessarily remain unknown and incomprehensible.
A HERO without Passion, is, in Poetry, as absurd as a HERO without
Life or Action. Now if Passion be allow'd, passionate Action must ensue. The same
Heroick Genius and seeming Magnanimity which transport us when beheld, are
REFLECTIONS 161
Chap. 1.TRUTH;Awhen they had learnt to reject false Thought, embarassing
and mix'd Metaphors, the ridiculous Paint in Comedy,Aand the false [261][262]
Sublime, and Bombast in Heroick; they wou'd at last have some renaturally
transporting in the Lives and Manners of the Great, who are describ'd to
us. And thus the able Designer, who feigns in behalf of Truth, and draws his Characters
after the Moral Rule, fails not to discover Nature's Propensity; and assigns to
these high Spirits their proper Exorbitancy, and Inclination to exceed in that Tone
or Species of Passion, which constitutes the eminent or shining part of each poetical
Character. The Passion of an ACHILLES is towards that Glory which is acquir'd
by Arms and personal Valour. In favour of this Character, we forgive the generous
Youth his Excess of Ardor in the Field, and his Resentment when injur'd and provok'd
in Council, and by his Allies.The Passion of an ULYSSES is towards that Glory
which is acquir'd by Prudence,Wisdom, and Ability in Affairs. 'Tis in favour of this
Character that we forgive him his subtle, crafty, and deceitful Air: since the intriguing
Spirit, the over-reaching Manner, and Over-refinement of Art and Policy, are as
naturally incident to the experienc'd and thorow Politician, as sudden Resentment,
indiscreet and rash Behaviour, to the open undesigning Character of a warlike Youth.
The gigantick Force and military Toil of an AJAX wou'd not be so easily credible,
or engaging, but for the honest Simplicity of his Nature, and the Heaviness of his
Parts and Genius. For Strength of Body being so often noted by us, as un-attended
with equal Parts and Strength of Mind; when we see this natural Effect express'd,
and find our secret and malicious kind of Reasoning confirm'd, on this hand; we
yield to any Hyperbole of our Poet, on the other. He has afterwards his full Scope,
and Liberty of enlarging, and exceeding, in the peculiar Virtue and Excellence of
his Hero. He may lye splendidly, raise wonder, and be as astonishing as he pleases.
Every thing will be allow'd him in return for this frank Allowance.Thus the Tongue
of a NESTOR may work Prodigys, whilst the accompanying Allays of a rhetorical
Fluency, and aged Experience, are kept in view. An AGAMEMNON may be admir'd
as a noble and wise Chief, whilst a certain princely Haughtiness, a Stiffness, and
stately Carriage natural to the Character, are represented in his Person, and noted
in their ill Effects. For thus the Excesses of every Character are by the Poet redress'd.
And the Misfortunes naturally attending such Excesses, being justly apply'd; our
Passions, whilst in the strongest manner engag'd and mov'd, are in the wholesomest
and most effectual manner corrected and purg'd. Were a Man to form himself by
one single Pattern or Original, however perfect; he wou'd himself be a mere Copy.
But whilst he draws from various Models, he is original, natural, and unaffected.
We see in outward Carriage and Behaviour, how ridiculous any one becomes who
imitates another, be he ever so graceful. They are mean Spirits who love to copy
merely. Nothing is agreeable or natural, but what is original. Our Manners, like our
Faces, tho ever so beautiful, must differ in their Beauty. An Over-regularity is next
to a Deformity. And in a Poem, whether Epick or Dramatick, a compleat and perfect
Character is the greatest Monster; and of all poetick Fictions not only the least
engaging, but the least moral and improving.--Thus much by way of Remark upon
poetical TRUTH, and the just Fiction, or artful Lying of the able Poet; according
162 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. gard to Numbers, Harmony, and anA *Ear; and correct, as far as
possible, the harsh Sounds of our Language, in Poetry at least, if[263]
not in Prose.
But so much are our British Poets taken up, in seeking out that
monstrous Ornament which we call Rhyme, that 'tisA no wonder[264]
to the Judgment of the Master-Critick.What HORACE expresses of the same Lying
Virtue, is of an easier sense, and needs no explanation.
Atque ita mentitur, sic veris falsa remiscet;
Primo ne medium, medio ne discrepet imum.
De Arte Poet. ver. 152.
[Such is his use of fiction, such his combination of true and false, that the
middle does not clash with the beginning or the end with the middle.]
The same may be observ'd not only in Heroick Draughts, but in the inferior Characters
of Comedy.
Qum similis uterque est sui!
Ter. Phorm. Act. iii. Sc. 2.
[How like himself each man acts!]
See VOL. I. pag. 4, 142, 143, 337, & 351. in the Notes, at the end.
* VOL. I. pag. 217.
 The Reader, if curious in these matters, may see Is. VOSSIUS deviribus Rhythmi;
and what he says, withal, of antient Musick, and the degrees by which they surpass
us Moderns, (as has been demonstrated by late Mathematicians of our Nation)
contrary to a ridiculous Notion some have had, that because in this, as in all other
Arts, the Antients study'd Simplicity, and affected it as the highest Perfection in their
Performances, they were therefore ignorant of Parts and Symphony. Against this, Is.
VOSSIUS, amongst other Authors, cites the antient Peripatetick   [On
the Cosmos] at the beginning of his fifth Chapter. To which he might have added
another Passage in Chap. 6. The Sutableness of this antient Author's Thought to
what has been often advanc'd in the philosophical Parts of these Volumes, concerning
the universal Symmetry, or Union of the Whole, may make it excusable if
we add here the two Passages together, in their inimitable Original.   
    ,      ,  
 ,        ,   
  ,        ,  
 .          . 
 ,    ,      
,      .  , 
  ,      ,   ,
. , 
 ,      .    
      .     ,
  ,   ,    ,   
REFLECTIONS 163
Chap. 1.if other Ornaments, and real Graces are unthought of, and left
un-attempted. However, since in some Parts of Poetry, especially
in the Dramatick, we have been so happy as to triumph over this
barbarous Taste; 'tis unaccountable that our Poets, who from this
Privilege ought to undertake some further Refinements, shou'd
remain still upon the same level as before. 'Tis a shame to our
Authors, that in their elegant Style and metred Prose there shou'd
not be found a peculiar Grace and Harmony, resulting from a more
natural and easy Disengagement of their Periods, and from a careful
avoiding the Encounter of the shocking Consonants and jarring
Sounds to which our Language is so unfortunately subject.
They have of late, 'tis true, reform'd in some measure the gouty
Joints andA Darning-work of Whereunto's, Whereby's, Thereof's, [265]
Therewith's, and the rest of this kind; by which, complicated Periods
are so curiously strung, or hook'd on, one to another, after the
long-spun manner of the Bar, or Pulpit. But to take into consider.
And in the following Passage,       
   ,    ,    .  
  ,     .     -
 ,     ,    , 
    ,    ,
        . [And perhaps Nature wants
opposites too, and wants to make harmony out of them, not out of similars; as, for
instance, she brings the male to the female and not each of these to one of his or
her own sex; and she made the first concord by means of opposites, not similars. Art
too seems to do this in imitation of nature. For painting, by combining the natures
of black and white, yellow and red, makes its representations correspond with their
types. Music, uniting sharp and grave notes, and long and short syllables, makes
one harmony among different sounds. Grammar too, bringing together vowels and
consonants, builds her whole art upon them. This is the very point which was given
forth by Heraclitus the Obscure, who said, ``combine wholes and parts, that which
is dispersed and that which is united, that which makes discord and that which is
in unison, and out of all comes one and out of one comes all.'' . . . There is one harmony
arising from all the bodies which sound together and circle in the sky, and it
springs from one thing and ends in one.We might with correct etymology call the
universe an order, but not a disorder. And, just as in a chorus, when the leader has
led off, all the band of men (and sometimes women) joins in, making by combination
of different voices, higher and lower, one harmony in unison, so it is also in
the case of the Deity who controls the universe.] See VOL. II. pag. 214. And above,
pag. 182, 3, 4, 5. in the Notes.
164 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 1. ation no real Accent, or Cadency of Words, no Sound or Measure
of Syllables; to put together, at one time, a Set of Compounds,
of the longest Greek or Latin Termination; and at another, to let
whole Verses, and those too of our heroick and longest sort, pass
currently in Monosyllables; is, methinks, no slender Negligence. If
single Verses at the head, or in the most emphatical places, of the
most considerable Works, can admit of such a Structure, and pass
for truly harmonious and poetical in this negligent form; I see no
reason why more Verses than one or two, of the same formation,
shou'd not be as well admitted; or why an un-interrupted Succession
of these well-strung Monosyllables might not be allow'd to
clatter after one another, like the Hammers of a Paper-Mill, without
any breach of Musick, or prejudice to the Harmony of our
Language. But if Persons who have gone no farther than a Smith's
Anvil to gain an Ear, are yet likely, on fair trial, to find a plain
defect in these Ten-Monosyllable Heroicks; it wou'd follow, methinks,
that even a Prose-Author, who attempts to write politely,A[266]
shou'd endeavour to confine himself within those Bounds, which
can never, without breach of Harmony, be exceeded in any just
Metre, or agreeable Pronunciation.
THUS HAVE I ventur'd to arraign the Authority of those selfprivileg'd
Writers, who wou'd exempt themselves from Criticism,
and save their ill-acquir'd Reputation, by the Decrial of an Art,
on which the Cause and Interest of Wit and Letters absolutely depend.
Be it they themselves, or their great Patrons in their behalf,
who wou'd thus arbitrarily support the Credit of ill Writings;
the Attempt, I hope, will prove unsuccessful. Be they Moderns or
Antients, Foreigners or Natives, ponderous and austere Writers,
or airy and of the humorous kind: Whoever takes refuge here, or
seeks Protection hence; whoever joins his Party or Interest to this
Cause; it appears from the very Fact and Endeavour alone, that
there is just ground to suspect some Insufficiency or Imposture at
the bottom. And on this account the READER, if he be wise, will
REFLECTIONS 165
Chap. 1.the rather redouble his Application and Industry, to examine the
Merit of his assuming Author. If, as Reader, and Judg, he dares
once assert that Liberty towhich we have shewn him justly intitled;
he will not easily be threaten'd or ridicul'd out ofAthe use of his [267]
examining Capacity, and native Privilege of CRITICISM.
'Twas to this Art, so well understood and practis'd heretofore,
that the wise Antients ow'd whatever was consummate and perfect
in their Productions. 'Tis to the same Art we owe the Recovery of
Letters in these latter Ages. To this alone we must ascribe the Recognition
of antient Manuscripts, the Discoveryof what is spurious,
and the Discernment of whatever is genuine of those venerable
Remains which have pass'd thro' such dark Periods of Ignorance,
and rais'd us to the Improvements we now make in every Science.
'Tis to this Art, that even the Sacred Authors themselves owe their
highest Purity and Correctness. So sacred ought the Art it-self to
be esteem'd; when from its Supplies alone is form'd that judicious
and learned Strength, by which the Defenders of our Holy Religion
are able so successfully to refute the Heathens, Jews, Sectarians,
Hereticks, and other Enemys or Opposers of our primitive and
antient Faith.
But having thus, after our Author's example, asserted the Use of
CRITICISM, in all literate Works, from the main Frame, or Plan of
everyWriting, down to the minutest Particle; we may now proceed
to exercise this Art upon our Author himself,Aand by his own Rules [268]
examine him in this his last Treatise; reserving still to our-selves the
same Privilege of Variation, and Excursion into other Subjects, the
same Episodick Liberty, and Right of wandering, which we have
maintain'd in the preceding Chapters.A [269]
166 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. C H A P T E R I I
Generation and Succession of our national and modern Wit.--
Manners of the Proprietors.--Corporation and Joint-Stock--
Statute against Criticism. A Coffee-House Committee.--
Mr. BAYS.--Other BAYS's in Divinity.--Censure of
our Author's Dialogue-Piece; and of the Manner
of Dialogue-Writing, us'd by Reverend Wits.
ACCORDING to the common Course of Practice in our Age,
we seldom see the Character of Writer and that of Critick
united in the same Person. There is, I know, a certain Species of
Authors, who subsist wholly by the criticizing or commenting Practice
upon others, and can appear in no other Form besides what
this Employment authorizes them to assume. They have no original
Character, or first Part; but wait for something which may be
call'd a Work, in order to graft upon it, and come in, for Sharers,
at second hand.A[270]
The Pen-men of this Capacity and Degree are, from their Function
and Employment, distinguish'd by the Title of ANSWERERS.
For it happens in theWorld, that there are Readers of a Genius and
Size just fitted to these answering Authors. These, if they teach 'em
nothing else, will teach 'em, they think, to criticize. And tho the
new practising Criticks are of a sort unlikelyever to understand any
original Book or Writing; they can understand, or at least remember,
and quote the subsequent Reflections, Flouts, and Jeers,which
may accidentally be made on such a Piece. Where-ever a Gentleman
of this sort happens, at any time, to be in company, you shall
no sooner hear a new Book spoken of, than 'twill be ask'd, ``Who
has answer'd it?'' or ``When is there an Answer to come out?''--
Now the Answer, as our Gentleman knows, must needs be newer
than the Book. And the newer a thing is, the more fashionable still,
and the genteeler the Subject of Discourse. For this the Bookseller
knows how to fit our Gentleman to a nicety: For he has commonly
REFLECTIONS 167
Chap. 2.an Answer ready bespoke, and perhaps finish'd, by the time his new
Book comes abroad. And 'tis odds but our fashionable Gentleman,
who takes both together, may read the latter first, and drop the
other for good and all.A [271]
But of these answering WITS, and the manner of Rejoinders,
and reiterate Replies, we have said what is sufficient *in a former
MISCELLANY. We need only remark in general, ``That 'tis necessary
a writing CRITICK shou'd understand how to write. And
tho every Writer is not bound to shew himself in the capacity of
CRITICK, every writing Critick is bound to shew himself capable
of being a WRITER. For if he be apparently impotent in this latter
kind, he is to be deny'd all Title or Character in the other.''
To censure merely what another Person writes; to twitch, snap,
snub up, or banter; to torture Sentences and Phrases, turn a few
Expressions into Ridicule, or write what is now-a-days call'd an
Answer to any Piece, is not sufficient to constitute what is properly
esteem'd a WRITER, or AUTHOR, in due form. For this reason,
tho there are many ANSWERERS seen abroad, there are few or no
CRITICKS or SATIRISTS. But whatever may be the State of Controversy
in our Religion, or politick Concerns; 'tis certain that in
the mere literate World, Affairs are manag'd with a better Understanding
between theA principal Partys concern'd. The WRITERS [272]
or AUTHORS in possession have an easier time than any Ministry,
or religious Party, which is uppermost. They have found a way, by
decrying all CRITICISM in general, to get rid of their Dissenters,
and prevent all Pretences to further Reformation in their State. The
CRITICK is made to appear distinct, and of another Species; wholly
different from the Writer. None who have a GENIUS for Writing,
and can perform with any Success, are presum'd so ill-natur'd or
illiberal as to endeavour to signalize themselves in CRITICISM.
'Tis not difficult, however, to imagine why this practical Difference
between Writer and Critick has been so generally establish'd
* Viz. Supra, MISC. I. chap. 2.
168 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. amongst us, as to make the Provinces seem wholly distinct, and
irreconcilable. The forward WITS, who without waiting their due
time, or performing their requisite Studys, start up in the World
as AUTHORS, having with little Pains or Judgment, and by the
strength of Fancy merely, acquir'd a Name with Mankind, can on
no account afterwards submit to a Decrial or Disparagement of
those rawWorks, towhich theyow'd theirearly Characterand Distinction.
Ill wou'd it fare with 'em, indeed, if on these tenacious
Terms they shou'd venture upon CRITIACISM, or offer to move that[273]
Spirit which wou'd infallibly give such Disturbance to their establish'd
Title.
Now we may consider, That in our Nation, and especially in
our present Age, whilst Wars, Debates, and publick Convulsions
turn our Minds so wholly upon Business and Affairs; the better
Genius's being in a manner necessarily involv'd in the active Sphere,
on which the general Eye of Mankind is so strongly fixt; there must
remain in the Theatre of Wit a sufficient Vacancy of Place: and
the quality of Actor upon that Stage must of consequence be very
easilyattainable, and at a low Price of Ingenuityor Understanding.
The Persons thereforewho are in possession of the prime Parts in
this deserted Theatre, being suffer'd to maintain their Ranks and
Stations in full Ease, have naturally a good Agreement and Understanding
with their Fellow-Wits. Being indebted to the Times for
this Happiness, that with so little Industry or Capacity they have
been able to serve the Nation with Wit, and supply the Place of
real Dispensers and Ministers of the MUSES Treasures; they must,
necessarily, as they have any Love for themselves,or fatherly Affection
for their Works, conspire with one another to preserve their
common Interest of InAdolence, and justify their Remisness, Un-[274]
correctness, Insipidness, and downright Ignorance of all literate
Art, or just poetick Beauty.
*Great is the unity of the effeminate.
* Magna inter molles Concordia. Juven. Sat. ii. ver. 47.
REFLECTIONS 169
Chap. 2.For this reason you see 'em mutually courteous, and benevolent;
gracious and obliging, beyond measure; complimenting one
another interchangeably, at the head of their Works, in recommendatory
Verses, or in separate Panegyricks, Essays, and Fragments of
Poetry; such as in the Miscellaneous Collections (our yearly Retail
of Wit) we see curiously compacted, and accommodated to the
Relish of the World. Here the Tyrocinium of Genius's is annually
display'd. Here, if you think fit, you may make acquaintance with
the young Offspring of WITS, as they come up gradually under the
old; with due Courtship, and Homage, paid to those high Predecessors
of Fame, in hope of being one day admitted, by turn, into
the noble Order, and made WITS by Patent and Authority.
This is the young Fry which you may see busily surrounding the
grown Poet, or chief Play-house-Author, at a Coffee-House. They
are his Guards; ready to take upA Arms for him; if by some pre- [275]
sumptuous Critick he is at any time attack'd. They are indeed the
very Shadows of their immediate Predecessor, and represent the
same Features, with some small Alteration perhaps for the worse.
They are sure to aim at nothing above or beyond their Master; and
wou'd on no account give him the least Jealousy of their aspiring
to any Degree or Order of writing above him. From hence that
Harmony and reciprocal Esteem, which, on such a bottom as this,
cannot fail of being perfectly well establish'd among our Poets: The
Age, mean while, being after this manner hopefully provided, and
secure of a constant and like Succession of meritorious Wits, in
every kind!
If by chance a Man of Sense, un-appriz'd of the Authority of
these high Powers, shou'd venture to accost the Gentlemen of this
Fraternity, at some Coffee-house Committee,whilst they were taken
up, in mutual Admiration, and the usual Praise of their national
and co-temporaryWits; 'tis possible he might be treated with some
Civility, whilst he inquir'd, for Satisfaction sake, into the Beautys
of those particular Works so unanimously extoll'd. But shou'd he
presume to ask, in general, ``Why is our Epick or Dramatick, our
Essay, or common Prose noAbetter executed?'' Or, ``Why in particu- [276]
170 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. lar does such or such a reputed Wit write so incorrectly, and with
so little regard to Justness of Thought or Language?'' The Answer
wou'd presently be given, ``That we Englishmen are not ty'd up to
such rigid Rules as those of the antient Grecian, or modern French
Criticks.''
``Be it so (Gentlemen!) 'Tis your good Pleasure. Nor ought any
one to dispute it with you.You are Masters, no doubt, in your own
Country. But (Gentlemen!) the Question here, is not What your
Authority may be over your own Writers. You may have them of
what Fashion or Size of Wit you please; and allow them to entertain
you at the rate you think sufficient, and satisfactory. But can
you, by your good Pleasure, or the Approbation of your highest
Patrons, make that to be either Wit, or Sense, which wou'd otherwise
have been Bombast and Contradiction? If your Poets are still
*Mr. BAYS'S, and your Prose-Authors Sir ROGERS,A without offer-[277]
ing at a better Manner; must it follow that the Manner it-self is
* To see the Incorrigibleness of our Poets in their pedantick Manner, theirVanity,
Defiance of Criticism, their Rhodomontade, and poetical Bravado; we need only
turn to our famous Poet-Laureat (the very Mr. BAYS himself ) in one of his latest
and most valu'd Pieces, writ many years after the ingenious Author of the Rehearsal
had drawn his Picture. ``I have been listening'' (says our Poet, in his Preface to Don
Sebastian) ``what Objections had been made against the Conduct of the Play, but
found them all so trivial, that if I shou'd name them, a true Critick wou'd imagine
that I plaid booty--Some are pleas'd to say the Writing is dull. But aetatem
habet, de se loquatur. [But he is mature, let him speak for himself.] Others, that
the double Poison is unnatural. Let the common receiv'd Opinion, and Ausonius's
famous Epigram answer that. Lastly, a more ignorant sort of Creatures than either
of the former, maintain that the Character of DORAX is not only unnatural, but
inconsistent with it-self. Let them read the Play, and think again.--A longer Reply
is what those Cavillers deserve not. But I will give them and their Fellows to understand,
that the Earl of * * * was pleas'd to read the Tragedy twice over before
it was acted, and did me the favour to send me word, that I had written beyond any
of my former Plays, and that he was displeas'd any thing shou'd be cut away. If I
have not reason to prefer his single Judgment to a whole Faction, let the World be
judge: For the Opposition is the same with that of LUCAN's Hero against an Army,
concurrere Bellum atque Virum [they run together the war and the man.] I think I
may modestly conclude, &c.''
Thus he goes on, to the very end, in the self-same Strain. Who, after this, can
ever say of the Rehearsal-Author, that his Picture of our Poet was over-charg'd, or
the national Humour wrong describ'd?''
REFLECTIONS 171
Chap. 2.good, or the Wit genuine?--What say you (Gentlemen!) to this
new Piece?--Let us examine these Lines which you call shining!
This String of Sentences which you call clever! This Pile of Metaphors
which you call sublime!--Are you unwilling (Gentlemen!)
to stand the Test? Do you despise the Examination?A [278]
``Sir!--Since you are pleas'd to take this Liberty with us; May
we presume to ask you a Question?'' ``O Gentlemen! as many as
you please: I shall be highly honour'd.'' ``Why then (pray Sir!) inform
us,Whether you have ever writ?'' ``Very often (Gentlemen!)
especially on a Post-night.'' ``But have you writ (for instance, Sir!) a
Play, a Song, an Essay, or a PAPER, as, by way of Eminence, the current
Pieces of our Weekly Wits are generally styl'd?'' ``Something of
this kind I may perhaps (Gentlemen!) have attempted, thowithout
publishing my Work. But pray (Gentlemen!) what is my writing,
or not writing to the question in hand?'' ``Only this, (Sir!) and you
may fairly take our words for it: That, whenever you publish, you
will find the Town against you. Your Piece will infallibly be condemn'd.''
``So let it. But for what reason, Gentlemen? I am sure,
you never saw the Piece.'' ``No, Sir. But you are a CRITICK. And we
know by certain Experience, that, when a Critick writes according
to Rule and Method, he is sure never to hit the English Taste. Did
not Mr. R , who criticiz'd our English Tragedy, write a sorry
one of his own?'' ``If he did (Gentlemen!)A 'twas his own fault, not [279]
to know his Genius better. But is his Criticism the less just on this
account? If a Musician performs his Part well in the hardest Symphonys,
he must necessarily know the Notes, and understand the
Rules of Harmony and Musick. But must a Man, therefore, who
has an Ear, and has study'd the Rules of Musick, of necessity have
a Voice or Hand? Can no one possibly judg a Fiddle, but who is
himself a Fiddler? Can no one judg a Picture, but who is himself a
Layer of Colours?''--
Thus far our rational Gentleman perhaps might venture, before
his Coffee-house Audience. Had I been at his Elbow to prompt
him as a Friend, I shou'd hardly have thought fit to remind him
of any thing further. On the contrary, I shou'd have rather taken
172 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. him aside, to inform him of this Cabal, and establish'd Corporation
of Wit; of their declar'd Aversion to Criticism, and of their
known Laws and Statutes in that Case made and provided. I
shou'd have told him, in short, that learned Arguments wou'd be
mispent on such as these: And that he wou'd find little Success,
tho he shou'd ever so plainly demonstrate to the Gentlemen of this
Size of Wit and Understanding, ``That the greatest Masters of Art,
in every kind of WriAting, were eminent in the critical Practice.''[280]
But that they really were so, witness, among the Antients, their
greatest *PHILOSOPHERS, whose critical Pieces lie intermixt with
their profound philosophical Works, and other politer Tracts ornamentally
writ, for publick use. Witness in History and Rhetorick,
ISOCRATES, DIONYSIUS HALICARNASSEUS, PLUTARCH, and the
corrupt LUCIAN himself; the only one perhaps of these Authors,
whom our Gentlemen may, in some modern Translation, have
look'd into, with any Curiosity or Delight. To these among the
Romans we may add CICERO, VARRO, HORACE, QUINTILIAN,
PLINY, and many more.
Among the Moderns, a BOILEAU and a CORNEILLE are sufficient
Precedents in the Case before us.They apply'd their Criticism with
just Severity, even to their own Works. This indeed is a Manner
hardly practicable with the Poets of our own Nation. It wou'd be
unreasonable to expect of 'em that they shou'd bring such Measures
in use, as being apply'd to their Works, wou'd discoAver 'em to[281]
be wholly deform'd and disproportionable. 'Tis no wonder therefore
if we have so little of this critical Genius extant, to guide us
in our Taste. 'Tis no wonder if what is generally current in this
kind, lies in a manner bury'd, and in disguise under Burlesque, as
particularly in the witty Comedy of a noble Author of this last
Age. To the Shame, however, of our profess'd Wits and Enterpriz*
Viz. PLATO, ARISTOTLE. See, in particular, the PHAEDRUS of the former;
where an entire Piece of the Orator LYSIAS is criticiz'd in form.
 The distinction of Treatises was into the  and  [esoteric
. . . [versus] . . . exoteric].
 The Rehearsal. See VOL. I. pag. 259. and just above, pag. 277. in the Notes.
REFLECTIONS 173
Chap. 2.ers in the higher Spheres of Poetry, it may be observ'd, that they
have not wanted good Advice and Instruction of the graver kind,
from as high a Hand in respect of Quality and Character: Since
one of the justest of our modern Poems, and so confess'd even by
our Poets themselves, is a short Criticism, An ART of POETRY; by
which, if they themselves were to be judg'd, they must in general
appear no better than mere Bunglers, and void of all true Sense
and Knowledg in their Art. But if in reality both Critick and Poet,
confessing the Justice of these Rules of Art, can afterwards, in Practice,
condemn and approve, perform and judg, in a quite different
manner from what they acknowledg just and true: it plainly
shews,That, tho perhaps we are not indigent in Wit; we want what
is of moreA consequence, and can alone raise Wit to any Dignity [282]
or Worth; even plain HONESTY, MANNERS, and a Sense of that
MORAL TRUTH, on which (as has been often express'd in these
*Volumes) poetick TRUTH and Beauty must naturally depend.
The man who has learned what are his duties to his fatherland
or to his friends; what affection is due to a father, a brother,or
a guest; what is the duty of a senator, what of a juryman, . . .
he to be sure knows how to find suitable language for each
character.
As for this Species of Morality which distinguishes the Civil
Offices of Life, and describes each becoming Personage or Character
in this Scene; so necessary it is for the Poet and polite Author
to be appriz'd of it, that even the Divine himself may with juster
pretence be exempted from the knowledg of this sort. The Com*
Viz. VOL. I. pag. 207, 208. and 277, 278. and 336, &c. So above, pag. 260. and
in the Notes.
 Qui didicit Patriae quid debeat, & quid Amicis,
Quo sit amore parens, quo frater amandus & hospes,
Quod sit Conscripti, quod Judicis officium,
ille profect
Reddere personae scit convenientia cuique.
Horat. de Arte Poet. ver. 312, &c.
174 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. poser of religious Discourses has the advantage of that higher Scene
of Mystery, which is above the level of human Commerce. 'Tis
not so much his Concern, or Business, to beA agreeable. And often[283]
when he wou'd endeavour it, he becomes more than ordinarily displeasing.
His Theater, and that of the polite World, are very different:
Insomuch that in a Reverend AUTHOR, or DECLAIMER of
this sort, we naturally excuse the Ignorance of ordinary Decorum,
in what relates to the Affairs of our inferior temporal World. But
for the POET or genteel WRITER, who is of this World merely, 'tis
a different Case. He must be perfect in this moral Science.We can
easily bear the loss of indifferent POETRY or ESSAY. A good Bargain
it were, cou'd we get rid of every moderate Performance in
this kind. But were we oblig'd to hear only excellent SERMONS,
and to read nothing, in the way of Devotion, which was not well
writ; it might possibly go hard with many Christian People, who
are at present such attentive Auditors and Readers. Establish'd Pastors
have a right to be indifferent. But voluntary Discourses and
Attempters in Wit or Poetry, are as intolerable, when they are indifferent,
as either Fiddlers or Painters:
*Because a dinner could be carried on without them.
Other BAYS's and Poetasters may be lawfully baited; tho we patiently
submit to our BAYS's in Divinity.A[284]
Had the Author of our Subject-Treatises consider'd thorowly of
these literate Affairs, and found how the Interest of Wit stood at
present in our Nation, he wou'd have had so much regard surely
to his own Interest, as never to have writ unless either in the single
Capacity of mere CRITICK, or that of AUTHOR in form. If he had
resolv'd never to produce a regular or legitimate Piece, he might
pretty safely have writ on still after the rate of his first Volume,
and mixt manner. He might have been as critical, as satirical, or as
full of Raillery as he had pleas'd. But to come afterwards as a grave
* Poterat duci quia Coena sine istis. Hor. Ars Poet. ver. 376.
 Supra, p. 135, 189.
REFLECTIONS 175
Chap. 2.Actor upon the Stage, and expose himself to Criticism in his turn,
by giving us a Work or two in form, after the regular manner of
Composition, as we see in his second Volume; this, I think, was
no extraordinary Proof of his Judgment or Ability, in what related
to his own Credit and Advantage.
One of these formal Pieces (the INQUIRY already examin'd) we
have found to bewhollyafter the Manner,which in one of his critical
Pieces he calls the Methodick. But his next Piece (the MORALISTS,
which we have now before us)A must, according to his own [285]
*Rules, be reckon'd as an Undertaking of greater weight. 'Tis not
only at the bottom, as systematical, didactick and preceptive, as that
other Piece of formal Structure; but it assumes withal another
Garb, and more fashionable Turn of Wit. It conceals what is scholastical,
under the appearance of a polite Work. It aspires to Dialogue,
and carrys with it not only those poetick Features of the
Pieces antiently call'd MIMES; but it attempts to unite the several
Personages and Characters in ONE Action, or Story, within a determinate
Compass of Time, regularlydivided, and drawn into different
and proportion'd Scenes: And this, too, with variety of STYLE;
the simple, comick, rhetorical, and even the poetick or sublime; such
as is the aptest to run into Enthusiasm and Extravagance. So much
is our Author, by virtue of this Piece, a POET in due form, and by
* VOL. I. pag. 193, &c. and pag. 257.
 That he is conscious of this, we may gather from that Line or two of Advertisement,
which stands at the beginning of his first Edition. ``As for the Characters, and
Incidents, they are neither wholly feign'd (says he) nor wholly true: but according to
the Liberty allow'd in the way of DIALOGUE, the principal Matters are founded
upon Truth; and the rest as near resembling as may be. 'Tis a Sceptick recites: and
the Hero of the Piece passes for an Enthusiast. If a perfect Character be wanting; 'tis
the same Case here, as with the Poets in some of their best Pieces. And this surely
is a sufficient Warrant for the Author of a PHILOSOPHICAL ROMANCE.''--
Thus our Author himself; who to conceal, however, his strict Imitation of the antient
poetick DIALOGUE, has prefix'd an auxiliary Title to his Work, and given it the
Sirname of RHAPSODY: As if it were merelyof that Essay or mix'd kind of Works,
which come abroad with an affected Air of Negligence and Irregularity. But whatever
our Author may have affected in his Title-Page, 'twas so little his Intention
to write after that Model of incoherent Workmanship, that it appears to be sorely
against his Will, if this Dialogue-Piece of his has not the just Character, and cor-
176 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. aA more apparent claim, than if he had writ a PLAY, or dramatick
Piece, in as regular a manner, at least, as any known at present on[286]
our Stage.
It appears, indeed, that as high as our Author, in his critical
Capacity, wou'd pretend to carry the refin'd Manner and accurate
SIMPLICITY of the Antients;A he dares not, in his own Model[287]
and principal Performance, attempt to unite his Philosophy in one
solid and uniform Body, nor carry on his Argument in one continu'd
Chain or Thred. Here our Author's Timorousness is visible.
In the very Plan or Model of his Work, he is apparently put to
a hard shift, to contrive how or with what probability he might
introduce Men of any Note or Fashion, *reasoning expresly and
purposely, without play or trifling, for two or three hours together,
on mere PHILOSOPHY and MORALS. He finds these Subjects (as
he confesses) so wide of common Conversation, and, by long Custom,
so appropriated to the School, the University-Chair, or Pulpit,
that he thinks it hardly safe or practicable to treat of them elsewhere,
or in a different Tone. He is forc'd therefore to raise particular
Machines, and constrain his principal Characters, in order
to carry a better Face, and bear himself out, against the appearance
of Pedantry. Thus his Gentleman-Philosopher THEOCLES, before
he enters into his real Character, becomes a feign'd Preacher. And
rect Form of those antient Poems describ'd. He wou'd gladly have constituted ONE
single Action and Time, sutable to the just Simplicity of those Dramatick Works.
And this, one wou'd think, was easy enough for him to have done. He needed only
to have brought his first Speakers immediately into Action, and sav'd the narrative
or recitative Part of PHILOCLES to PALEMON, by producing them as speaking Personages
upon his Stage. The Scene all along might have been the Park. From the
early Evening to the late Hour of Night, that the two Galants withdrew to their
Town-Apartments, there was sufficient time for the Narrator PHILOCLES, to have
recited the whole Transaction of the second and third Part; which wou'd have stood
thro'out as it now does: only at the Conclusion, when the narrative or recitative Part
had ceas'd, the simple and direct DIALOGUE wou'd have again return'd, to grace
the Exit. By this means the temporal as well as local Unity of the Piece had been
preserv'd. Nor had our Author been necessitated to commit that Anachronism, of
making his first Part, in order, to be last in time.
* VOL. I. pag. 202, &c.
REFLECTIONS 177
Chap. 2.even when his real Character comes on, he hardly dares stand it
out; but to deal the better with his Sceptick-Friend, he falls again
to personating, and takes up theA Humour of the Poet and Enthu- [288]
siast. PALEMON the Man of Quality, and who is first introduc'd as
Speaker in the Piece, must, for fashion-sake, appear in Love, and
under a kind of Melancholy, produc'd by some Mis-adventures in
the World. How else shou'd he be suppos'd so serious? PHILOCLES
his Friend (an airy Gentleman of the World, and a thorow Raillier)
must have a home Charge upon him, and feel the Anger of
his grave Friend, before he can be suppos'd grave enough to enter
into a philosophical Discourse. A quarterof an hour's reading must
serve to represent an hour or two's Debate. And a new Scene presenting
it self, ever and anon, must give Refreshment, it seems, to
the faint Reader, and remind him of the Characters and Business
going on.
'Tis in the sameview that we MISCELLANARIAN Authors, being
fearful of the natural Lassitude and Satiety of our indolent Reader,
have prudently betaken ourselves to the way of Chapters and Contents;
that as the Reader proceeds, by frequent Intervals of Repose,
contriv'd on purpose for him, he may from time to time be advertis'd
of what is yet to come, and be tempted thus to renew his
Application.
Thus in our modern Plays we see, almost in every other Leaf,
Descriptions orAIllustrations of the Action, not in the Poem it-self, [289]
or in the mouth of the Actors; but by the Poet, in his own Person;
in order, as appears, to help out a Defect of the Text, by a kind of
marginal Note,or Comment: which renders these Pieces of a mix'd
kind between the narrative and dramatick. 'Tis in this fashionable
Style, or manner of dumb Shew, that the Reader finds the Action
of the Piece more amazingly express'd, than he possibly cou'd by
the Lines of the Drama it-self; where the Partys alone are suffer'd
to be Speakers.
'Tis out of the same regard to Ease, both in respect of Writerand
Reader, that we see long Characters and Descriptions at the head
of most dramatick Pieces, to inform us of the Relations, Kindred,
178 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. Interests, and Designs of the Dramatis Personae: This being of the
highest importance to the Reader, that he may the better understand
the Plot, and find out the principal Characters and Incidents
of the Piece; which otherways cou'd not possibly discover themselves,
as they are read in their due order. And to do justice to our
Play-Readers, they seldom fail to humour our Poets in this respect,
and read over the Characters with strict application, as a sort of
Grammar, or Key, before they enter on the Piece it-self. I know not
whether theyAwou'd do so much for any philosophical Piece in the[290]
world. Our Author seems very much to question it; and has therefore
made that part easyenough,which relates to the distinction of
his Characters, by making use of the narrative Manner.Tho he had
done, as well, perhaps, not to have gone out of the natural plain
way, on this account. For with those to whom such philosophical
Subjects are agreeable, it cou'd be thought no laborious Task
to give the same attention to Characters in Dialogue, as is given at
the first entrance by every Reader to the easiest Play, compos'd of
fewest and plainest Personages. But for those who read these Subjects
with mere Supineness, and Indifference; they will as much
begrudg the pains of attending to the Characters thus particularly
pointed out, as if they had only been discernible by Inference and
Deduction from the mouth of the speaking Partys themselves.
MORE REASONS are given by our *Author himself, for his
avoiding the direct way of DIALOGUE; which at present lies so
low, and is us'd only now and then, in our Party-Pamphlets, or
new-fashion'd theological Essays. For of late,A it seems, the Manner[291]
has been introduc'd into Church-Controversy, with an Attempt of
Raillery and Humour, as a more successful Method of dealing with
Heresy and Infidelity. The Burlesque-Divinity grows mightily in
vogue. And the cry'd-up Answers to heterodox Discourses are generally
such as are written in Drollery, or with resemblance of the
facetious and humorous Language of Conversation.
* VOL. II. pag. 187, 188.
REFLECTIONS 179
Chap. 2.Joy to the reverend Authors, who can afford to be thus gay,
and condescend to correct us, in this Lay-Wit. The Advances they
make in behalf of Piety and Manners, by such a popular Style,
are doubtless found, upon experience, to be very considerable. As
these Reformers are nicely qualify'd to hit the Air of Breeding and
Gentility, they will in time, no doubt, refine their Manner, and improve
this jocular Method, to the Edification of the polite World;
who have been so long seduc'd by the way of Raillery and Wit.
They may do wonders by their comick MUSE, and may thus, perhaps,
find means to laugh Gentlemen into their Religion,who have
unfortunately been laugh'd out of it. For what reason is there to
suppose that Orthodoxy shou'd not be able to laugh as agreeably,
and with as much Refinedness, as Heresy or Infidelity?A [292]
At present, it must be own'd, the Characters, or Personages,
employ'd byour neworthodox Dialogists, carry with 'em little Proportion
or Coherence; and in this respect may be said to sute perfectly
with that figurative metaphorical Style and rhetorical Manner,
in which their Logick and Arguments are generally couch'd.
Nothing can be more complex or multiform than their moral
Draughts or Sketches of Humanity. These, indeed, are so far from
representing any particular MAN, or Order of MEN, that they
scarce resemble any thing of the Kind. 'Tis by their Names only
that these Characters are figur'd. Tho they bear different Titles,
and are set up to maintain contrary Points; they are found, at the
bottom, to be all of the same side; and, notwithstanding their
seemingVariance, to co-operate in the most officious manner with
the Author, towards the display of his own proper Wit, and the
establishment of his private Opinion and Maxims. They are indeed
his very legitimate and obsequious Puppets; as like real Men in
Voice, Action, and Manners, as those wooden or wire Engines of
the lower Stage. PHILOTHEUS and PHILATHEUS, PHILAUTUS and
PHILALETHES are of one and the same Order: Just Tallys to one
another: Questioning and Answering inA concert, and with such [293]
a sort of Alternative as is known in a vulgar Play, where one Person
lies down blindfold, and presents himself, as fair as may be, to
180 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 2. another, who by favour of the Company, or the assistance of his
Good-fortune, deals his Companion many a sound Blow, without
being once challeng'd, or brought into his Turn of lying down.
There is the same curious Mixture of Chance, and elegant Vicissitude,
in the Style of these Mock-Personages of our new Theological
Drama: with this difference only, ``That after the poor Phantom
or Shadow of an Adversary has said as little for his Cause as can
be imagin'd, and given as many Opens and Advantages as cou'd
be desir'd, he lies down for good and all, and passively submits to
the killing Strokes of his unmerciful Conqueror.''
Hardly, as I conceive, will it be objected to our MORALIST, (the
Author of the philosophick Dialogue above) ``That the Personages
who sustain the sceptical or objecting Parts, are over-tame and tractable
in their Disposition.'' Did I perceive any such foul dealing in
his Piece; I shou'd scarce think it worthy of the Criticism here bestow'd.
For in this sort of Writing, where Personages are exhibiAted,[294]
and natural Conversation set in view; if Characters are neither tolerably
preserv'd, nor Manners with any just Similitude describ'd;
there remains nothing but what is too gross and monstrous for
Criticism or Examination.
'Twill be alledg'd, perhaps, in answer to what is here advanc'd,
``That shou'd A DIALOGUE bewrought up to the Exactness of these
Rules; it ought to be condemn'd, as the worse Piece, for affording
the Infidel or Sceptick such good quarter, and giving him the full
advantage of his Argument and Wit.''
But to this I reply, That either DIALOGUE shou'd never be attempted;
or, if it be, the Partys shou'd appear natural, and such
as they really are. If we paint at all; we shou'd endeavour to paint
like Life, and draw Creatures as they are knowable, in their proper
Shapes and better Features; not in Metamorphosis, not mangled,
lame, distorted, aukard Forms, and impotent Chimeras. Atheists
have their Sense and Wits, as other Men; or why is ATHEISM so
often challeng'd in those of the better Rank? Why charg'd so often
to the account of Wit and subtle Reasoning?A[295]
Were I to advise these Authors, towards whom I am extremely
well-affected on account of their good-humour'd Zeal, and the
REFLECTIONS 181
Chap. 2.seeming Sociableness of their Religion; I shou'd say to 'em,
``Gentlemen! Be not so cautious of furnishing your representative
SCEPTICK with too good Arguments, or too shreud a Turn of Wit
or Humour. Be no so fearful of giving quarter. Allow your Adversary
his full Reason, his Ingenuity, Sense, and Art.Trust to the chief
Character or HERO of your Piece. Make him as dazling bright, as you
are able. He will undoubtedly overcome the utmost Force of his
Opponent, and dispel the Darkness or Cloud, which the Adversary
may unluckily have rais'd. But if when you have fairly wrought
up your Antagonist to his due Strength and cognizable Proportion,
your chief Character cannot afterwards prove a match for him, or
shine with a superior Brightness; Whose Fault is it?--The Subject's?--This,
I hope, you will never allow.--Whose, therefore, beside
yourown?--Beware then; and consider well your Strength and
Mastership in this manner of Writing, and in the qualifying Practice
of the polite World, ere you attempt these accurate and refin'd
Limnings or Portraitures of Mankind, or offer to bring GentlemenA [296]
on the Stage. For if real Gentlemen, seduc'd, as you pretend, and
made erroneous in their Religion or Philosophy, discover not the
least Feature of their real Faces in your Looking-glass, nor know
themselves, in the least, by your Description; they will hardly be
apt to think they are refuted. How wittily soever your Comedy
may be wrought up, they will scarce apprehend any of that Wit
to fall upon themselves. They may laugh indeed at the Diversion
you are pleas'd to give 'em: But the Laugh perhaps may be different
from what you intend. They may smile secretly to see themselves
thus encounter'd; when they find, at last, your Authority laid by,
and your scholastick Weapons quitted, in favour of this weak Attempt,
To master them by their own Arms, and proper Ability.''
THUS WE have perform'd our critical Task, and try'd our
Strength, both on our Author, and those of his Order, who attempt
to write in Dialogue, after the active dramatick, *mimical, or
personating Way; according to which a Writer is properly poetical.
* See VOL. I. pag. 193, &c.
182 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. What remains, we shall examine in our succeeding and last
Chapter.A[297]
C H A P T E R I I I
Of Extent or Latitude of Thought.--Free-Thinkers.--
Their Cause, and Character.--Dishonesty, a HalfThought.--Short-Thinking,
Cause of Vice and Bigotry.--
Agreement of Slavery and Superstition.--LIBERTY, civil,
moral, spiritual.--Free-thinking Divines.--Representatives
incognito.--Embassadors from the Moon.--Effectual
Determination of Christian Controversy and Religious Belief.
BEING now come to the Conclusion of my Work; after having
defended the Cause of Criticks in general, and employ'd what
Strength I had in that Science upon our adventurous Author in
particular; I may, according to Equity, and with the better grace,
attempt a line or two, in defense of that Freedom of Thought which
our Author has us'd, particularly in one of the Personages of his
last Dialogue-Treatise.A[298]
There is good reason to suppose, that however equally fram'd,
or near alike, the Race of Mankind may appear in other respects,
they are not always equal Thinkers, or of a like Ability in the management
of this natural Talent which we call THOUGHT. The Race,
on this account, may therefore justly be distinguish'd, as theyoften
are, by the Appellation of the Thinking, and the Unthinking sort.
The mere Unthinking are such as have not yet arriv'd to that happy
Thought, by which they shou'd observe, ``How necessaryThinking
is, and how fatal the want of it must prove to 'em.'' The Thinking
part of Mankind, on the other side, having discover'd the Assiduity
and Industry requisite to right-Thinking, and being already
commenc'd THINKERS upon this Foundation; are, in the progress
of the Affair, convinc'd of the necessity of thinking to good purpose,
REFLECTIONS 183
Chap. 3.and carrying the Work to a thorow Issue. They know that if they
refrain or stop once, upon this Road, they had done as well never
to have set out. They are not so supine as to be with-held by mere
Laziness; when nothing lies in the way to interrupt the free Course
and Progress of their Thought.
Some Obstacles, 'tis true, may, on this occasion, be pretended.
Specters mayA come a-cross; and Shadows of Reason rise up against [299]
REASON it-self. But if Men have once heartily espous'd the reasoning
or thinking Habit; they will not easily be induc'd to lay the Practice
down; they will not at an instant be arrested, or made to stand,
and yield themselves, when they come to such a certain Boundary,
Land-Mark, Post, or Pillar, erected here or there (for what reason
may probably be guess'd) with the Inscription of a Ne plus ultr.
'Tis not, indeed, any Authority on Earth, as we are well assur'd,
can stop us on this Road, unless we please to make the Arrest, or
Restriction, of our own accord. 'Tis our own Thought which must
restrain ourThinking. And whether the restrainingThought be just,
how shall we ever judge, without examining it freely, and out of
all constraint? How shall we be sure that we have justly quitted
REASON, as too high and dangerous, too aspiring or presumptive;
if thro' Fear of any kind, or submitting to mere Command, we quit
our very examining Thought, and in the moment stop short, so as
to put an end to further Thinking on the matter? Is there much
difference between this Case, and that of the obedient Beasts of
Burden, who stop precisely at their appointed Inn, or at whatever
Point the Charioteer, orA Governour of the Reins, thinks fit to give [300]
the signal for a Halt?
I cannot but from hence conclude, That of all Species of Creatures
said commonly to have Brains; the most insipid, wretched
and preposterous are those, whom in just Propriety of Speech, we
call Half-thinkers.
I have often known Pretenders to WIT break out into admiration,
on the sight of some raw, heedless, unthinking Gentleman;
declaring on this occasion,That they esteem'd it the happiest Case
in the World, ``Never to think, or trouble one's Head with Study
184 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. or Consideration.'' This I have always look'd upon as one of the
highest Airs of Distinction, which the self-admiring Wits are us'd
to give them-selves, in publick Company. Now the Echo or Antiphony
which these elegant Exclaimers hope, by this Reflection,
to draw necessarily from their Audience, is, ``That they themselves
are over-fraighted with this Merchandize of THOUGHT; and have
not only enough for Ballast, but such a Cargo over and above, as
is enough to sink 'em by its Weight.'' I am apt however to imagine
of these Gentlemen, That it was never their over-thinking which
oppress'd them; and that if their Thought had ever really become
oppressiveAto 'em, they might thank themselves, for having under-[301]
thought, or reason'd short, so as to rest satisfy'd with a very superficial
Search into Matters of the first and highest Importance.
If, for example, they over-look'd the chief Enjoyments of Life,
which are founded in Honesty and a good Mind; if they presum'd
mere Life to be fully worth what its tenacious Lovers are pleas'd
to rate it at; if they thought publick Distinction, Fame, Power, an
Estate, or Title, to be of the same value as is vulgarly conceiv'd,
or as they concluded, on a first Thought, without further Scepticism
or After-deliberation; 'tis no wonder, if being in time become
such mature Dogmatists, and well-practis'd Dealers in the Affairs
of what they call a Settlement or Fortune, they are so hardly put to
it, to find ease or rest within themselves.
These are the deeply-loaded and over-pensive Gentlemen, who
esteeming it the truest Wit to pursue what they call their Interest,
wonder to find they are still as little at ease when they have
succeeded, as when they first attempted to advance.
There can never be less Self-enjoyment than in these suppos'd
wise Characters, these selfish Computers of Happiness andAprivate[302]
Good; whose Pursuits of Interest, whether for this World or another,
are attended with the same steddy Vein of cunning and low
Thought, sordid Deliberations, perverse and crooked Fancys, ill
Dispositions, and false Relishes of Life and Manners. The most
negligent undesigning thoughtless Rake has not only more of
Sociableness, Ease,Tranquillity, and Freedom from worldly Cares,
REFLECTIONS 185
Chap. 3.but in reality more of Worth, Virtue, and Merit, than such grave
Plodders, and thoughtful Gentlemen as these.
If it happens, therefore, that these graver, more circumspect,
and deeply interested Gentlemen, have, for their Soul's sake, and
thro' a careful Provision for Hereafter, engag'd in certain Speculations
of RELIGION; their Taste of VIRTUE, and Relish of LIFE is
not the more improv'd, on this account. The Thoughts they have
on these new Subjects of Divinity are so biass'd, and perplex'd, by
those Half-Thoughts and raw Imaginations of Interest, and worldly
Affairs; that they are still disabled in the rational Pursuit of Happiness
and Good: And being necessitated thus to remain ShortThinkers,
they have the Power to go no further than they are led
by those to whom, under such Disturbances and Perplexitys, they
apply themselves for Cure and Comfort.A [303]
IT HAS been the main Scope and principal End of these Volumes,
``To assert the Reality of a BEAUTY and CHARM in moral as
well as natural Subjects; and to demonstrate the Reasonableness
of a proportionate TASTE, and determinate CHOICE, in Life and
Manners.'' The STANDARD of this kind, and the noted Character
of Moral TRUTH appear so firmly establish'd in Nature it-self,
and so widely display'd thro' the intelligent World, that there is
no Genius, Mind, or thinking Principle, which (if I may say so) is
not really conscious in the case. Even the most refractory and obstinate
Understandings are by certain Reprises or Returns of Thought,
on every occasion, convinc'd of this Existence, and necessitated,
in common with others, to acknowledg the actual RIGHT and
WRONG.
'Tis evident that whensoever the Mind, influenc'd by Passion
or Humour, consents to any Action, Measure, or Rule of Life,
contrary to this governing STANDARD and primary MEASURE of
Intelligence, it can only be thro' a weak Thought, a Scantiness of
Judgment, and a Defect in the application of that unavoidable Impression
and first natural Rule of Honesty and Worth;Aagainst which, [304]
whatever is advanc'd, will be of no other moment than to render a
186 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. Life distracted, incoherent, full of Irresolution, Repentance, and
Self-disapprobation.
Thus every Immorality and Enormity of Life can only happen
from a partial and narrowViewof Happiness and Good.Whatever
takes from the Largeness or Freedom of Thought, must of necessity
detract from that first Relish, or TASTE, on which Virtue and
Worth depend.
For instance, when the Eye or Appetite is eagerly fix'd on Treasure,
and the money'd Bliss of Bags and Coffers; 'tis plain there is a
kind of Fascination in the case.The Sight is instantly diverted from
all other Views of Excellence or Worth. And here, even the Vulgar,
as well as the more liberal part of Mankind, discover the contracted
Genius, and acknowledg the Narrowness of such a Mind.
In Luxury and Intemperance we easily apprehend how far
Thought is oppress'd, and the Mind debar'd from just Reflection,
and from the free Examination and Censure of its own Opinions
or Maxims, on which the Conduct of a Life is form'd.
Even in that complicated Good of vulgar kind, which we commonly
call INATEREST, in which we comprehend both Pleasure,[305]
Riches, Power, and other exterior Advantages; we may discern how
a fascinated Sight contracts a Genius, and by shortning the View
even of that very Interest which it seeks, betrays the KNAVE, and
necessitates the ablest and wittiest Proselyte of the kind, to expose
himself on every Emergency and sudden Turn.
But above all other enslaving Vices, and Restrainers of Reason
and just Thought, the most evidently ruinous and fatal to the
Understanding is that of SUPERSTITION, BIGOTRY, and vulgar
ENTHUSIASM. This Passion, not contented like other Vices to deceive,
and tacitly supplant our Reason, professes open War, holds
up the intended Chains and Fetters, and declares its Resolution to
enslave.
The artificial Managers of this human Frailty declaim against
Free-Thought, and Latitude of Understanding.To go beyond those
Bounds of thinking which they have prescrib'd, is by them declar'd
a Sacrilege. To them, FREEDOM of Mind, a MASTERY of Sense, and
REFLECTIONS 187
Chap. 3.a LIBERTY in Thought and Action, imply Debauch, Corruption,
and Depravity.
In consequence of their moral Maxims, and political Establishments,
they can inAdeed advance no better Notion of human [306]
Happiness and Enjoyment, than that which is in every respect
the most opposite to Liberty. 'Tis to them doubtless that we owe
the Opprobriousness and Abuse of those naturally honest Appellations
of Free-Livers, Free-Thinkers, Latitudinarians, or whatever
other Character implies a Largeness of Mind, and generous
Use of Understanding. Fain wou'd they confound Licentiousness
in Morals, with Liberty in Thought and Action; and make the Libertine,
who has the least Mastery of himself, resemble his direct
Opposite. For such indeed is the Man of resolute Purpose and immovable
Adherence to REASON, against every thing which Passion,
Prepossession, Craft, or Fashion can advance in favour of ought else.
But here, it seems, the Grievance lies. 'Tis thought dangerous for
us to be over-rational, or too much Masters of our-selves, in what
we draw, by just Conclusions, from Reason only. Seldom therefore
do these Expositors fail of bringing the Thought of LIBERTY into
disgrace. Even at the expence of Virtue, and of that very Idea of
GOODNESS on which they build the Mysterys of their profitable
Science, they derogate from Morals, and reverse all true Philosophy;
they refine on Selfishness, and explode Generosity; promote a
slavish Obedience in the room of voluntary Duty, and free SerAvice; [307]
exalt blind Ignorance for Devotion, recommend low Thought, decry
Reason, extol *Voluptuousness,Wilfulness,Vindicativeness, Arbitrariness,Vain-Glory;
and even deify those weak Passions which are the
Disgrace rather than Ornament of human Nature.
But so far is it from the Nature of LIBERTY to indulge such
Passions as these, that whoever acts at any time under the power of
any single-one, may be said to have already provided for himself an
* VOL. II. pag. 256. And below, pag. 310.
 VOL. I. pag. 38.
 VOL. II. pag. 252, 432.
188 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. absolute Master. And hewho lives under the powerof a whole Race,
(since 'tis scarce possible to obey one without the other) must of
necessity undergo the worst of Servitudes, under the most capricious
and domineering Lords.
That this is no Paradox, even the Writers for Entertainment can
inform us; however others may moralize, who discourse or write,
as they pretend, for Profit and Instruction. The POETS even of the
wanton sort, give ample Testimony of this Slavery and Wretchedness
of Vice. They may extol Voluptuousness to the Skies, and
point their Wit as sharply as they are able against a virtuous State.
But when theyA come afterwards to pay the necessary Tribute to[308]
their commanding Pleasures; we hear their pathetick Moans, and
find the inward Discord and Calamity of their Lives. Their Example
is the best of Precepts; since they conceal nothing, are sincere,
and speak their Passion out aloud. And 'tis in this that thevery
worst of Poets may justly be prefer'd to the generality of modern
Philosophers, or other formal Writers of a yet more specious name.
The MUSES Pupils never fail to express their Passions, and write
just as they feel. 'Tis not, indeed, in their nature to do otherwise;
whilst they indulge their Vein, and are under the power of that
natural Enthusiasm which leads 'em to what is highest in their Performance.
They follow Nature. They move chiefly as she moves in
'em; without thought of disguising her free Motions, and genuine
Operations, for the sake of any Scheme or Hypothesis, which they
have form'd at leisure, and in particular narrow Views. On this
account, tho at one time they quarrel perhaps with VIRTUE, for
restraining 'em in their forbidden Loves, they can at another time
make her sufficient amends; when with indignation theycomplain,
``That MERIT is neglected, and their *worthless Rival prefer'd before
them.''A[309]
To think that the honest heart of a poor man should have no
weight against gold!
* VOL. I. pag. 141.
 Contrane lucrum nil valere candidum Pauperis ingenium?
HORAT. Epod. xi. ver. 16.
REFLECTIONS 189
Chap. 3.And thus even in common Elegiack, in Song, Ode, or Epigram, consecrated
to Pleasure it-self, we may often read the dolorous Confession
in behalf of Virtue, and see, at the bottom, how the Case
stands:
For then and then only are the words of truth drawn from
the bottom of a man's heart.3
The airy Poets, in these Fits, can, as freelyas the Tragedian, condole
with VIRTUE, and bemoan the case of suffering MERIT;
Th' Oppressor's Wrong, the proud Man's Contumely,
The Insolence of Office, and the Spurns
That patient MERIT of th' Unworthy takes.
The Poetick Chiefs may give what reason they think fit for
their Humour of representing our mad Appetites (especially that
of LOVE) under the shape of Urchins and wanton Boys, scarce
out of their State of Infancy. The original Design, and Moral of
this Fiction, I am persuaded, was to shew us, how little there was
of great and heroick in the Government of theseA Pretenders, how [310]
truly weak and childish they were in themselves, and how much
lower than mere Children we then became, when we submitted
our-selves to their blind Tutorage. There was no fear left in this
Fiction the boyish Nature shou'd be misconstru'd as innocent and
gentle. The Storms of Passion, so well known in every kind, kept
the tyrannick Quality of this wanton Race sufficiently in view. Nor
cou'd the poetical Description fail to bring to mind their mischievous
and malignant Play. But when the Image of imperious
Threatning, and absolute Command, was join'd to that of Ignorance,
Puerility, and Folly; the Notion was compleated, of that wretched
slavish State, which modern Libertines, in conjunction with some
of a graver Character, admire, and represent, as the most eligible
of any.--``Happy Condition! (says one) ``Happy Life, that of the
indulg'd PASSIONS; might we pursue it!--Miserable Condition!
3 Nam verae Voces tum demum pectore ab imo Eliciuntur.
190 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. Miserable Life, that of REASON and VIRTUE, which we are *bid
pursue!''
'Tis the same, it seems, with Men, in Morals, as in Politicks.
When they have been unhappily born and bred to SLAVERY, they
are so far from being sensible of their slavish Course of Life, or of
that illAUsage, Indignity and Misery they sustain; that they even[311]
admire their own Condition: and being us'd to think short, and
carry their Views no further than those Bounds which were early
prescrib'd to 'em; they look upon TYRANNY as a natural Case,
and think Mankind in a sort of dangerous and degenerate State,
when under the power of Laws, and in the possession of a free
Government.
We may by these Reflections come easily to apprehend What
Men they were who first brought Reason and Free-Thought under
disgrace, and made the noblest of Characters, that of a FreeThinker,
to become invidious. 'Tis no wonder if the same Interpreters
wou'd have those also to be esteem'd free in their Lives,
and Masters of good Living, who are the least Masters of themselves,
and the most impotent in Passion and Humour, of all their
Fellow-Creatures. But far be it, and far surely will it ever be, from
any worthy Genius, to be consenting to such a treacherous Language,
and Abuse of Words. For my own part, I thorowly confide
in the good Powers of REASON, ``That LIBERTY and FREEDOM
shall never, by any Artifice or Delusion, be made to pass with me
as frightful Sounds, or as reproachful, or invidious, in any sense.''A[312]
I can no more allow that to be Free-living, where unlimited Passion,
and unexamin'd Fancy govern, than I can allow that to be
a Free Government, where the mere People govern, and not the
LAWS. For no People in a Civil State can possibly be free, when
they are otherwise govern'd than by such Laws as they themselves
have constituted, or to which they have freely given consent. Now
to be releas'd from these, so as to govern themselves by each Day's
Will or Fancy, and to vary on every Turn the Rule and Measure
* VOL. II. pag. 256.
REFLECTIONS 191
Chap. 3.of Government, without respect to any antient Constitutions or
Establishments, or to the stated and fix'd Rules of Equity and Justice;
is as certain Slavery, as it is Violence, Distraction, and Misery;
such as in the Issue must prove the Establishment of an irretrievable
State of Tyranny, and absolute Dominion.
In the Determinations of Life, and in the Choice and Government
of Actions, he alone is free who has within himself no
Hindrance,or Controul, in acting what he himself, by his best Judgment,
and most deliberate Choice, approves. Cou'd VICE agree possibly
with it-self; or cou'd the vicious any way reconcile the various
Judgments of their inward Counsellors; they might with Justice perhaps
assert their Liberty and Independency. But whilst theyA are [313]
necessitated to follow least, what, in their sedate hours, they most
approve; whilst they are passively assign'd, and made over from
one Possessor to *another, in contrary Extremes, and to different
Ends and Purposes, of which they are them-selves wholly ignorant;
'tis evident, That the more they turn their Eyes (as many
times theyare oblig'd) towards Virtue and a free Life, the more they
must confess their Misery and Subjection. They discern their own
Captivity, but not with Force and Resolution sufficient to redeem
themselves, and become their own. Such is the real Tragick State,
as the old Tragedian represents it:
* Hunccine an hunc sequeris? Subeas alternus oportet
Ancipiti obsequio Dominos.
Pers. Sat. v. ver. 155.
[Are you for following this hook or that? You must submit to each master
in turn, with wavering allegiance.]
See VOL. I. pag. 285, 309, 323, &c.
 Magne Pater divm, saevos punire Tyrannos
Haud aliâ ratione velis, cm dira libido
Moverit ingenium ferventi tincta veneno,
Virtutem videant, intabescantque relictâ.
Pers. Sat. iii. ver. 35.
[Great father of the Gods, condescend to punish the cruelty of tyrants in
no other way, when fierce passion dipped in fiery poison has stirred their
souls. Let them look upon virtue and pine to think that they have abandoned
her.]
            -
192 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3.
4I see and I esteem the better course, I follow the worse.
And thus the highest Spirits, and most refractory Wills, contribute
to the lowest Servitude and most submissive State. Reason and
Virtue alone can bestow LIBERTY. Vice is unworthy, and unhappy,
onA this account only, ``That it is slavish and debasing.''[314]
THUS HAVE we pleaded the Cause of LIBERTY in general; and
vindicated, withal, our Author's particular Freedom, in taking the
Person of a Sceptick, as he has done in this *last Treatise, on which
we have so largely paraphras'd. We may now perhaps, in compliance
with general Cusstom, justly presume to add something in
defense of the same kind of Freedom we our-selves have assum'd
in these latter Miscellaneous Comments; since it wou'd doubtless be
very unreasonable and unjust, for those who had so freely play'd
the Critick, to expect any thing less than the same free Treatment,
and thorow Criticism in return.
As for the STYLE or Language us'd in these Comments; 'tis very
different, we find; and varys in proportion with the Author commented,
and with the different Characters and Persons frequently
introduc'd in the original Treatises. So that there will undoubtedly
be Scope sufficient for Censure and Correction.A[315]
As for the Observations on ANTIQUITY; we have in most Passages,
except the very common and obvious, produc'd our Vouchers
and Authoritys in our own behalf. What may be thought of
our Judgment or Sense in the Application of these Authoritys, and
in the Deductions and Reasonings we have form'd from such
learned Topicks, must be submitted to the Opinion of the Wise
and Learned.
In MORALS, of which the very Force lies in a love of Discipline,
. Eurip. Med. Act. iv. 1078. [And well I know the crime I shall commit, yet
rage is stronger than all counsel.]
4 Video meliora proboque, Deteriora sequor.
* Viz. The MORALISTS, or Philosophick Dialogue, recited in the Person of a Sceptick,
under the name of PHILOCLES. See Treatise V.VOL. II. pag. 206, 207, &c.
REFLECTIONS 193
Chap. 3.and in a willingness to redress and rectify false Thought, and erring
Views; we cannot but patiently wait Redress and amicable Censure
from the sole competent Judges, the Wise and Good; whose
Interest it has been our whole Endeavour to advance.
The only Subject on which we are perfectly secure, and without
fear of any just Censure or Reproach, is that of FAITH, and Orthodox
BELIEF. For in the first place, it will appear, that thro' a profound
Respect, and religiousVeneration, we have forborn so much
as to name any of the sacred and solemn Mysterys of *Revelation.
And, in the next place, as we can with confidence declare, that we
have never in anyWriting, publick or private, attempted such high
Researches, nor have ever in Practice acquitted our-selves otherwise
than as just Conformists to the lawful Church; so weAmay, in a [316]
proper Sense, be said faithfully and dutifully to embrace those holy
Mysterys, even in their minutest Particulars, and without the least
Exception on account of theiramazing Depth. And thowe are sensible
that it wou'd be no small hardship to deprive others of a liberty
of examining and searching, with due Modesty and Submission,
into the nature of those Subjects; yet as for our-selves, who have
not the least scruple whatsoever, we pray not any such Grace or
Favour in our behalf: being fully assur'd of our own steddy Orthodoxy,
Resignation, and intire Submission to the truly Christian and
Catholick Doctrines of our Holy Church, as by Law establish'd.
'Tis true, indeed, that as to CRITICAL Learning, and the Examination
of Originals,Texts, Glosses,various Readings, Styles, Compositions,
Manuscripts, Compilements, Editions, Publications, and
other Circumstances, such as are common to the Sacred Books with
all other Writings and Literature; this we have confidently asserted
to be a just and lawful Study.We have even represented this Species
of Criticism as necessary to the Preservation and Purity of Scripture;
that Sacred Scripture, which has been so miraculously preserv'd
in its successive Copys and Transcriptions,A under the Eye [317]
* Supra, pag. 70, 71.
 VOL. I. pag. 146, 147.
194 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. (as we must needs suppose) of holy and learned Criticks, thro' so
many dark Ages of Christianity, to these latter Times; in which
Learning has been happily reviv'd.
But if this critical Liberty raises any jealousy against us, we shall
beg leave of our offended Reader to lay before him our Case, at the
very worst: That if on such a naked Exposition, it be found criminal,
we may be absolutely condemn'd; if otherwise, acquitted, and
with the same favour indulg'd, as others in the same Circumstances
have been before us.
On this occasion therefore, we may be allow'd to borrow something
from the Form or Manner of our Dialogue Author, and represent
a Conversation of the same free nature as that recited by
him in his *Night-Scene; where the suppos'd SCEPTICK, or FreeThinker,
delivers his Thoughts, and reigns in the Discourse.
'TWAS IN a more considerable Company, and before a more
numerous Audience, that not long since, a Gentleman of some
Rank, (onewhowas generallyesteem'd to carrya sufficient Caution
andAReserve in religious Subjects of Discourse, as well as an ap-[318]
parent Deference to Religion, and in particular to the national and
establish'd Church) having been provok'd by an impertinent Attack
of a certain violent bigotted Party,was drawn into an open and
free Vindication not only of Free-Thinking, but Free-Professing,
and Discoursing, in Matters relating to Religion and Faith.
Some of the Company, it seems, after having made bold with
him, as to what they fansy'd to be his Principle, began to urge
``The Necessity of reducing Men to one Profession and Belief.''
And several Gentlemen, even of those who pass'd for moderate in
their way, seem'd so far to give into this Zealot-Opinion as to agree,
``That notwithstanding the right Method was not yet found, 'twas
highly requisite that some way shou'd be thought on, to reconcile
Differences in Opinion; since so long as this Variety shou'd last,
RELIGION, they thought, cou'd never be successfully advanc'd.''
* VOL. II. pag. 321, 2, 3, 4, &c.
REFLECTIONS 195
Chap. 3.To this our Gentleman, at first, answer'd coldly,That ``What was
impossible to be done, cou'd not, he thought, be properly pursu'd,
as necessary to be done.'' But the Raillery being ill taken, he was
forc'd at last to defend himself the best heA cou'd, upon this Point; [319]
``That Variety of Opinions was not to be cur'd.'' And ``That 'twas
impossible All shou'd be of one Mind.''
I well know, said he, ``That many pious Men, seeing the Inconveniences
which the Dis-union of Persuasions and Opinions
accidentally produces, have thought themselves oblig'd to stop this
Inundation of Mischiefs, and have made Attempts accordingly.
Some have endeavour'd to unite these Fractions, by propounding
such a GUIDE, as they were all bound to follow; hoping that the
Unity of a Guide wou'd have produc'd Unity of Minds. But who
this GUIDE shou'd be, afterall, became such a Question, that 'twas
made part of that Fire it-self which was to be extinguish'd. Others
thought of a RULE.--This was to be the effectual Means of Union!
This was to do the Work, or nothing cou'd!--But supposing all
the World had been agreed on this RULE, yet the Interpretation of
it was so full of Variety, that this also became part of the Disease.''
The Company, upon this Preamble of our Gentleman, press'd
harder upon him than before; objecting the Authority of Holy
Scripture against him, and a Affirming this to be of it-self a sufficient [320]
Guide and Rule. They urg'd again and again that known Saying of
a fam'd Controversial Divine of our Church against the Divines
of another, ``That the Scripture, the Scripture was the Religion of
Protestants.''
To this our Gentleman, at first, reply'd only, by desiring them to
explain their word SCRIPTURE, and by inquiring into the Original
of this Collection of antienter and later Tracts, which in general
they comprehended under that Title: Whether it were the apocryphal
SCRIPTURE, or the more canonical? The full or the halfauthoriz'd?
The doubtful, or the certain? The controverted, or uncontroverted?
The singly-read, or that of various Reading? The Text
of these Manuscripts, or of those? The Transcripts, Copys, Titles,
Catalogues of this Church and Nation, or of that other? of this Sect
196 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. and Party,orof another? of those in one Age call'd ORTHODOX, and
in possession of Power, or of those who in another overthrew their
Predecessors Authority, and in their turn also assum'd the Guardianship
and Powerof holyThings? For how these sacred Records were
guarded in those Ages, might easily, he said, be imagin'd byanyone
who had the least Insight into the History of those TIMESA which[321]
we call'd primitive, and the CHARACTERS of those Men, whom we
styl'd FATHERS of the Church.
``It must be confess'd, continu'd he, 'twas a strange Industry
and unlucky Diligence which was us'd, in this respect, by these
Ecclesiastical Fore-FATHERS. Of all those Heresys which gave them
Imployment, we have absolutely no Record, or Monument, but
what them-selves who were Adversarys have transmitted to us;
and we know that Adversarys, especially such who observe all Opportunitys
to discredit both the Persons and Doctrines of their
Enemys, are not always the best Recorders or Witnesses of such
Transactions.'' We see it (continu'd he, in a very emphatical, but
somewhat embarass'd Style) ``We see it now in this very Age, in the
present Dis-temperatures, that Partys are no good Registers of the
Actions of the adverse Side: And if we cannot be confident of
the Truth of a Story now, (now, I say, that it is possible for any
Man, especially for the interested Adversary, to discover the Imposture)
it is far more unlikely, that After-Ages shou'd know any other
Truth than such as serves the ends of the Representers.''A[322]
Our Gentleman by these Expressions had already given considerable
Offense to his Zealot-Auditors. They ply'd him faster
with passionate Reproaches, than with Arguments or rational Answers.
This, however, serv'd only to animate him the more, and
made him proceed the more boldly, with the same assum'd Formality,
and air of Declamation, in his general CRITICISM of Holy
Literature.
``There are, said he, innumerable Places that contain (no doubt)
great Mysterys, but so wrap'd in Clouds, or hid in Umbrages, so
heighten'd with Expressions, or so cover'd with Allegorys and Garments
of Rhetorick; so profound in the matter, or so alter'd and
REFLECTIONS 197
Chap. 3.made intricate in the manner; that they may seem to have been
left as Trials of our Industry, and as Occasions and Opportunitys for
the exercise of mutual Charity and Toleration, rather than as the
Repositorys of FAITH, and Furniture of Creeds. For when there are
found in the Explications of these Writings, so many Commentarys;
so many Senses and Interpretations; so many Volumes in all
Ages, and all like Mens Faces, no one exactly like another: either
this Difference is absolutely no fault at all; or if it be, it is excusable.
There are, beAsides, so many thousands of Copys that were writ by [323]
Persons of several Interests and Persuasions, such different Understandings
and Tempers, such distinct Abilitys and Weaknesses,
that 'tis no wonder there is so great variety of Readings:--whole
Verses in one, that are not in another:--whole Books admitted by
one Church or Communion, which are rejected by another: and
whole Storys and Relations admitted by some Fathers, and rejected
by others.--I consider withal, that there have been many Designs
and Views in expounding these Writings; many Senses in which
theyare expounded: and when the Grammatical Sense is found out,
we are many times never the nearer. Now there being such variety
of Senses in Scripture, and but few Places so mark'd out, as not to
be capable of more than one; if Men will write Commentarys by
Fancy, what infallible Criterion will be left to judg of the certain
Sense of such Places as have been the matter of Question? I consider
again, that there are indeed divers Places in these sacred Volumes
containing in them Mysterys and Questions of great Concernment;
yet such is the Fabrick and Constitution of the Whole,
that there is no certain Mark to determine whether the Sense of
these Passages shou'd be taken as literal or fiAgurative. There is noth- [324]
ing in the nature of the thing to determine the Sense or Meaning:
but it must be gotten out as it can. And therefore 'tis unreasonably
requir'd, That what is of it-self ambiguous, shou'd be understood
in its own prime Sense and Intention, under the pain of either a
Sin, or an Anathema. Very wise Men, even the antient Fathers, have
expounded things allegorically, when they shou'd have expounded
them literally. Others expound things literally, when they shou'd
198 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. understand them in Allegory. If such great Spirits cou'd be deceiv'd
in finding out what kind of Senses were to be given to Scriptures,
it may well be endur'd that we, who sit at their Feet, shou'd be
subject at least to equal Failure. If we follow any ONE Translation,
or any ONE Man's Commentary, what Rule or Direction shall we
have, by which to chuse that ONE aright? Or is there any one Man,
that hath translated perfectly, or expounded infallibly? If we resolve
to follow any one as far only as we like, or fansy; we shall then only
dowrong or right by Chance. If we resolve absolutely to follow anyone,
whither-soever he leads,we shall probablycome at last,where,
if we have any Eyes left, we shall see our-selves become sufficiently
ridiculous.''A[325]
The Reader may here perhaps, by his natural Sagacity, remark
a certain air of study'd Discourse and Declamation, not so very
proper or natural in the mouth of a mere Gentleman, nor sutable
to a Company where alternate Discourse is carry'd on, in
un-concerted Measure, and un-premeditated Language. Something
there was so very emphatical, withal, in the delivery of these
words, by the sceptical Gentleman; that some of the Company who
were still more incens'd against him for these Expressions, began to
charge him as a Preacher of pernicious Doctrines, one who attack'd
Religion in form, and carry'd his Lessons or Lectures about with
him, to repeat by rote, at any time, to the Ignorant and Vulgar, in
order to seduce them.
'Tis true indeed, said he, Gentlemen! that what I have here ventur'd
to repeat, is address'd chiefly to those you call Ignorant; such,
I mean, as being otherwise engag'd in the World, have had little
time perhaps to bestow upon Inquirys into Divinity-Matters. As
for you, Gentlemen! in particular, who are so much displeas'd with
my Freedom; I am well assur'd, you are in effect so able and knowing,
that the Truth of every Assertion I have advanc'd is sufficiently
understood and acknowledg'd by you; however itA may happen,[326]
that, in your great Wisdom, you think it proper to conceal these
Matters from such Persons as you are pleas'd to style the Vulgar.
REFLECTIONS 199
Chap. 3.'Tis true,withal, Gentlemen! continu'd he, I will confess toyou,
That the words you have heard repeated, are not my own.They are
no other than what have been publickly and solemnly deliver'd,
even by *one of the Episcopal Order, a celebrated Churchman, and
* The pious and learned Bishop TAYLOR, in his Treatise on the Liberty of Prophesying,
printed in his Collection of Polemical and Moral Discourses, Anno 1657.
The Pages answering to the Places above-cited are 401, 402, (and in the EpistleDedicatory,
three or four Leaves before) 438, 439­444, 451, 452. After which, in
the succeeding Page, he sums up his Sense on this Subject of sacred Literature, and
the Liberty of Criticism, and of private Judgment and Opinion in these Matters,
in the following words: ``Since there are so many Copys, with infinite Varietys of
Reading; since a various Interpunction, a Parenthesis, a Letter, an Accent may much
alter the Sense; since some Places have divers literal Senses, many have spiritual, mystical,
and allegorical Meanings; since there are so many Tropes, Metonymys, Ironys,
Hyperboles, Proprietys and Improprietys of Language, whose understanding depends
upon such Circumstances, that it is almost impossible to know the proper
Interpretation, now that the knowledg of such Circumstances and particular Storys
is irrecoverably lost: since there are some Mysterys, which at the best Advantage of
Expression, are not easy to be apprehended, and whose Explication, by reason of our
Imperfections, must needs be dark, sometimes weak, sometimes unintelligible: And
lastly, since those ordinary means of expounding Scripture, as searching the Originals,
Conference of Places, Parity of Reason, and Analogy of Faith, are all dubious,
uncertain, and very fallible; he that is the wisest, and by consequence the likeliest
to expound truest, in all probability of Reason, will be very far from Confidence;
because every one of these, and many more, are like so many degrees of Improbability
and Incertainty, all depressing our Certainty of finding out Truth, in such
Mysterys, and amidst so many Difficultys. And therefore a wise Man that considers
this, wou'd not willingly be prescrib'd to by others; for it is best every Man shou'd be
left in that liberty, from which no Man can justly take him, unless he cou'd secure
him from Error.'' The Reverend Prelate had but a few Pages before (viz. pag. 427.)
acknowledg'd, indeed, ``That we had an Apostolical Warrant to contend earnestly
for the Faith.'' But then, (says the good Bishop, very candidly and ingenuously) ``As
these Things recede farther from the Foundation, our Certainty is the less.--And
therefore it were very fit that our Confidence shou'd be according to our Evidence,
and our Zeal according to our Confidence.'' He adds, pag. 507. ``All these Disputes
concerning Tradition, Councils, Fathers, &c. are not Arguments against or besides
Reason, but Contestations and Pretenses of the best Arguments, and the most certain
Satisfaction of our Reason. But then all these coming into question, submit
themselves to Reason, that is, to be judg'd by human Understanding, upon the best
Grounds and Information it can receive. So that Scripture,Tradition, Councils, and
Fathers, are the Evidence in a Question, but Reason is the Judg: That is, we being
the Persons that are to be persuaded, we must see that we be persuaded reasonably;
and it is unreasonable to assent to a lesser Evidence, when a greater and clearer is
200 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. one of the highest sort; as appears by his manyAdevotional Works,
which carry the Rites, Ceremonys and Pomp of Worship, with[327]
the Honour and Dignity of the Priestly and Episcopal Order, to
the highest Degree. In effect, we see the Reverend Doctor's Treatises
standing, as it were, in the Front of this Order of Authors,
andAas the foremost of those Good-Books us'd by the politest and[328]
most refin'd Devotees of either Sex. They maintain the principal
Place in the Study of almost every elegant and high Divine. They
stand in Folio's and other Volumes, adorn'd with variety of Pictures,
Gildings, and other Decorations, on the advanc'd Shelves
or Glass-Cupboards of the Ladys Closets. They are in use at all
Seasons, and for all Places, as well for Church-Service as ClosetPreparation;
and, in short, may vie with any devotional Books in
British Christendom. And for the Life and Character of the Man
himself; I leave it to you, Gentlemen, (you, I mean, of the Zealotkind)
to except against it, if you think proper. 'Tis your Manner,
I know, and what you never fail to have recourse to, when any
Authority is produc'd against you. Personal Reflection is always
seasonable, and at hand, on such an occasion. No matter what
Virtue, Honesty, or Sanctity may lie in the Character of the Person
cited. No matter tho he be ever so much, in other respects, of your
own Party, and devoted to your Interest. If he has indiscreetly spoken
some Home-Truth, or discover'd some Secret which strikes at
the temporal Interests of certain spiritual Societys; he is quickly
doom'd to Calumny and Defamation.A[329]
I shall try this Experiment, however, once more, (continu'd our
Gentleman) and as a Conclusion to this Discourse, will venture to
produce toyou a further Authorityof the same kind.You shall have
it before you, in the exact Phrase and Words of the great Author,
in his theological Capacity; since I have now no further occasion to
propounded: but of that every Man for himself is to take cognizance, if he be able
to judg; if he be not, he is not bound under the tie of necessity to know any thing
of it.''
REFLECTIONS 201
Chap. 3.conceal my Citations, and accommodate them to the more familiar
Style and Language of Conversation.
Ourexcellent *Archbishop, and late Fatherof our Church,when
expresly treating that very Subject of a RULE in matters of Belief, in
opposition to Mr. S . . . and Mr. R . . . . . his Romish Antagonists,
shews plainly how great a shame it is, for us Protestants at least,
(whatever the Case may be with Romanists) to disallow Difference
of Opinions, and forbid private Examination, and Search into matters
of antient RECORD, and scriptural TRADITION; when, at the
same time, we have no pretence to oral or verbal; no Claim to
any absolute superior Judg, or decisive Judgment in the Case; no
Polity, Church, or Community; no particularA Man, or number of [330]
Men, who are not, even by our own Confession, plainly fallible,
and subject to Error and Mistake.
``The Protestants'' (says his Grace, speaking in the Person of
Mr. S . . . and the Romanists) ``cannot know how many the Books of
Scripture ought to be; and Which of the many controverted ones
may be securely put in that Catalogue; Which not.--But I shall
tell him, replies his Grace, That we know that just so many ought
to be receiv'd as un-controverted Books, concerning which it cannot
be shewn there was ever any Controversy.'' It was not incumbent
perhaps on my Lord Archbishop to help Mr. S . . . . . so far in his
Objection, as to add, That in reality the burning, suppressing, and
interpolating Method, so early in fashion, and so tightly practis'd
on the Epistles, Comments, Historys, and Writings of the Orthodox
and Hereticks of old, made it impossible to say with any kind of
Assurance, ``What Books, Copys, or Transcripts those were, concerning
which there was never any Controversy at all.'' This indeed wou'd
be a Point not so easily to be demonstrated. But his Grace proceeds,
in shewing theWeakness of the Romish Pillar, TRADITION.
``For it must either,'' says he, ``acknowledg some Books to have been
controverted, or not. If Anot, why doth he make a Supposition of [331]
* Viz. Archbishop TILLOTSON in his Rule of Faith, pag. 677.
202 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. controverted Books? If Oral Tradition acknowledges some Books
to have been controverted; then it cannot assure us that they have
not been controverted; nor consequently that they ought to be receiv'd
as never having been controverted; but only as such, concerning
which those Churches who did once raise a Controversy about
them, have been since satisfy'd that they are *Canonical.--Where is
then the Infallibility of Oral Tradition? How does the living Voice
of the present Church assure us, that what Books are now receiv'd by
Her, were ever receiv'd by Her? And if it cannot do this, but the
matter must come to be try'd by the best Records of former Ages,
(which the Protestants are willing to have the Catalogue try'd by)
then it seems the Protestants have a better way to know what Books
are Canonical, than is the infallible wayAof Oral Tradition. And so[332]
long as 'tis better, no matter tho it be not call'd Infallible.''--
Thus the free and generous Archbishop. For, indeed, what
greater Generosity is there, than in owning TRUTH frankly and
openly, even where the greatest Advantages may be taken by an
Adversary? Accordingly, our worthy Archbishop, speaking again
immediately in the Person of his Adversary, ``The Protestants,'' says
he, ``cannot know that the very Original, or a perfectly true Copy of
these Books, hath been preserv'd.'' ``Nor is it necessary,'' replies the
Archbishop, ``that they shou'd know either of these. It is sufficient
that they know that those Copys which they have, are not materially
corrupted.--But how do the Church of Rome know that
they have perfectly true Copys of the Scriptures in the original Languages?
They do not pretend to know this. The learned Men of
* His Grace subjoins immediately: ``The Traditionary Church now, receives the
Epistle to the Hebrews as Canonical. I ask, Do they receive it as ever deliver'd for
such? That they must, if they receive it from Oral Tradition, which conveys things
to them under this Notion as ever deliver'd; and yet St. Hierom (speaking not as a
Speculator, but a Testifier) says expressly of it, That the Custom of the Latin Church
doth not receive it among the Canonical Scriptures. What saith Mr. S . . . . to this?
It is clear from this Testimony, that the Roman Church in St. Hierom's time did
not acknowledg this Epistle for Canonical; and 'tis as plain, that the present Roman
Church doth receive it for Canonical.''
 Pag. 678.
REFLECTIONS 203
Chap. 3.that Church acknowledg the various Readings as well as we, and
do not pretend to know, otherwise than by probable Conjecture, (as
we also may do) Which of those Readings is the true-one.''*--A [333]
And thus, continu'd our Lay-Gentleman, I have finish'd my
Quotations, which I have been necessitated to bring in my own
Defense; to prove to you That I have asserted nothing on this
Head of Religion, Faith, or the Sacred Mysterys, which has not been
justify'd and confirm'd by the most celebrated Church-Men and
* The Reader perhaps may find it worth while to read after this, what the Archbishop
represents (pag. 716, &c.) of the plausible Introduction of the grossest Article
of Belief, in the times when the Habit of making Creeds came in fashion. And
accordingly it may be understood, of what effect the dogmatizing Practice in Divinity
has ever been. ``We will suppose then, that about the time, when universal
Ignorance, and the genuine Daughter of it, (call her Devotion or Superstition) had
over-spread the World, and the generality of People were strongly inclin'd to believe
strange things; and even the greatest Contradictions were recommended to them
under the notion of MYSTERYS, being told by their Priests and Guides, That the
more contradictious any thing is to Reason, the greater merit there is in believing
it: I say, let us suppose, that in this state of things, one or more of the most
Eminent then in the Church, either out of Design, or out of superstitious Ignorance
and Mistake of the Sense of our Saviour's Words used in the Consecration of
the Sacrament, shou'd advance this new Doctrine, that the words of Consecration,
&c. * * * Such a Doctrine as this was very likely to be advanc'd by the ambitious
Clergy of that time, as a probable means to draw in the People to a greater
Veneration of them. * * * Nor was such a Doctrine less likely to take and
prevail among the People, in an Age prodigiously ignorant and strongly inclin'd to
Superstition, and thereby well-prepar'd to receive the grossest Absurdities under the
notion of Mysterys. * * * Now supposing such a Doctrine as this, so fitted
to the Humour and Temper of the Age, to be once asserted either by chance or
out of design, it wou'd take like Wild-fire; especially if by some one or more who
bore sway in the Church, it were but recommended with convenient Gravity and
Solemnity. * * * * And for the Contradictions contain'd in this Doctrine, it
was but telling the People then, (as they do in effect now) That Contradictions ought
to be no Scruple in the way of Faith; That the more impossible any thing is, 'tis the
fitter to be believ'd; That it is not praise-worthy to believe plain Possibilitys, but this
is the Gallantry and heroical Power of Faith, this is the way to oblige God Almighty
for ever to us, to believe flat and downright Contradictions. * * * The more
absurd and unreasonable any thing is, it is for that very reason the more proper matter
for an Article of Faith. And if any of these Innovations be objected against, as
contrary to former Belief and Practice, it is but putting forth a lusty Act of Faith,
and believing another Contradiction, That tho they be contrary, yet they are the
same.'' Above, pag. 80, 1, 2.
204 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. respected Divines. You may now proceed in your Invectives; bestowing
as free Language of that kind, as your Charity and Breeding
will permit. And You, Reverend SIRS! who have assum'd a
Character which setsA you above that of the mere Gentleman, and[334]
releases you from those Decorums, and constraining Measures of
Behaviour to which we of an inferior sort are bound; You may
liberally deal your religious Compliments and Salutations in what
Dialect you think fit; since for my own part, neither the Names
of HETERODOX, SCHISMATICK, HERETICK, SCEPTICK, noreven
INFIDEL, or ATHEIST it-self, will in the least scandalize me, whilst
the Sentence comes only from your mouths. On the contrary, I
rather strive with my-self to suppress whatever Vanity might naturally
arise in me, from such Favour bestow'd. For whatever may, in
the botAtom, be intended me, by such a Treatment; 'tis impossible[335]
for me to term it other than Favour; since there are certain Enmitys,
which it will be ever esteem'd a real Honour to have merited.
If, contrary to the Rule and Measure of Conversation, I have
drawn the Company's Attention towards me thus long, without
affording them an Intermission, during my Recital; they will, I
hope, excuse me, the rather, because they heard the other Recitals,
and were Witnesses to the heavy Charge and personal Reflection,
which without any real Provocation was made upon me in publick,
by these Zealot-Gentlemen, to whom I have thus reply'd. And
notwithstanding they may, after such Breaches of Charity as are
usual with them, presume me equally out of Charity, on my own
side; I will take upon me however to give them this good Advice,
at parting: ``That since they have of late been so elated by some
seeming Advantages, and a Prosperity, which they are ill fitted to
bear; they wou'd at least beware of accumulating too hastily those
high Characters, Appellations,Titles, and Ensigns of Power, which
may be Tokens, perhaps, of what they expect hereafter, but which,
as yet, do not answer the real Power and Authority bestow'd on
them.''A The Garb and Countenance will be more graceful, when[336]
the Thing it-self is secur'd to 'em, and in their actual possession.
REFLECTIONS 205
Chap. 3.Mean while, the Anticipation of high Titles, Honours, and nominal
Dignitys, beyond the common Style and antient Usage; tho it
may be highly fashionable at present, may not prove beneficial or
advantageous in the end.
I wou'd, in particular, advise my elegant Antagonists of this
Zealot-kind; That among the many Titles they assume to themselves,
they wou'd be rather more sparing in that high-one of EMBASSADOR,
till such time as they have just Means and Foundation
to join that of PLENIPOTENTIARY together with it. For as matters
stand hitherto in our British World, neither their Commission
from the Sovereign, nor that which they pretend from Heaven,
amounts to any absolute or determining Power.
The first holy MESSENGERS (for That I take to be the highest
apostolick Name) brought with them their proper Testimonials,
in their Lives, their Manners and Behaviour; as well as in powerful
Works, MIRACLES, and SIGNS from Heaven. And tho indeed
it might well be esteem'd a Miracle in the kind, shou'd our present
MESSENGERS go about toA represent their Predecessors in any part [337]
of their Demeanour or Conversation; yet there are further Miracles
remaining for 'em to perform, ere they can in modesty plead the
Apostolick or Messenger-Authority. For tho, in the torrent of a sublime
and figurative Style, a holy Apostle may have made use, perhaps,
of such a Phrase as that of EMBASSY or EMBASSADOR, to express
the Dignity of his Errand; 'twere to be wish'd that some who
were never sent of any Errand or Message at all from GOD himself,
wou'd use a modester Title to express their voluntary Negotiation
between US and HEAVEN.
I must confess, for my own part, that I think the Notion of an
EMBASSY from thence to be at best somewhat high-strain'd, in the
metaphorical way of Speech. But certain I am, that if there be any
such Residentship or Agentship now establish'd; 'tis not immediately
from GOD himself, but thro' the Magistrate, and by the Prince
or Sovereign Power here on Earth, that these Gentlemen-Agents
are appointed, distinguish'd, and set over us. They have undoubt-
206 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. edlya *legal CHARTER, and Character, legal Titles, and Precedencys,
legal Habits, Coats of Arms, Colours, Badges.A But they may do well[338]
to consider, That a thousand Badges or Liverys bestow'd by MEN
merely, can never be sufficient to entitle 'em to the same Authority
as Theirs, who bore the immediate Testimony and MIRACULOUS
SIGNS of Power, from ABOVE. For in this case, there was need only
of Eyes, and ordinary Senses, to distinguish the COMMISSION, and
acknowledg the EMBASSY or MESSAGE as divine.
But allowing it ever so certain a Truth, ``That there has been a
thousand or near two thousand Years Succession in this Commission
of EMBASSY'': Where shall we find this Commission to have
lain?--How has it been supply'd still,or renew'd?--Howoften dormant?--How
often divided, even in one and the same Species of
Claimants?--What Partyare they, among Moderns,who by virtue
of any immediate Testimonial from Heaven are thus intitled?--
Where are the LETTERS-PATENT? The CREDENTIALS? For these
shou'd, in the nature of the thing, be open, visible, and apparent.
A certain INDIAN of the Train of the Embassador-Princes sent
to us lately from some of those Pagan Nations, being engag'd, one
Sunday, in visiting our Churches, and happening to ask his Interpreter,A
``Who the eminent Persons were whom he observ'd ha-[339]
ranguing so long, with such Authority from a high Place?'' was
answer'd, ``They were Embassadors from the ALMIGHTY, or (according
to the Indian Language) from the SUN.'' Whether the
INDIAN took this seriouslyor in raillery, did not appear. But having
afterwards call'd in, as he went along, at the Chapels of some of his
Brother-Embassadors, of the Romish Religion, and at some other
Christian Dissenting Congregations, where Matters, as he perceiv'd,
were transacted with greater Privacy, and inferior State; he
ask'd, ``Whether These alsowere Embassadors from the same Place.''
He was answer'd, ``That they had indeed been heretofore of the
Embassy, and had Possession of the same chief Places he had seen:
But they were now succeeded there, by Others.'' ``If those there*
VOL. I. pag. 362.
REFLECTIONS 207
Chap. 3.fore,'' reply'd the INDIAN, ``were Embassadors from the SUN; these,
I take for granted, are from the MOON.''
Supposing, indeed, one had been no Pagan, but a good Christian;
conversant in the original Holy Scriptures, but unacquainted
with the Rites, Titles, Habits and Ceremonials, of which there
is no mention in those Writings: Might one not have inquir'd,
with humble Submission, inAto this Affair? Might one not have [340]
softly, and at a distance, apply'd for information concerning this
high EMBASSY; and addressing perhaps to some inferior Officer or
Livery-Man of the Train, ask'd modestly, ``How and Whence they
came? Whose Equipage they appear'd in? At Whose Charges they
were entertain'd? and by Whose Suffrage or Command appointed
and authoriz'd?--Is it true, pray SIRS! that their Excellencys of the
present Establishment, are the sole-commission'd? Or are there as
many real Commissioners as there are Pretenders? If so; there can
be no great danger for us, which-ever way we apply our-selves.We
have ample Choice, and may adhere to which COMMISSION we
like best. If there be only ONE single TRUE-one; we have then, it
seems, good reason to look about us, search narrowly into the Affair,
be scrupulous in our Choice, and (as the current Physick-Bills
admonish us) beware of Counterfeits; since there are so many of
these abroad, with earthly Powers, and temporal COMMISSIONS,
to back their spiritual Pretenses.''--
'Tis to be fear'd, in good earnest, that the Discernment of this
kind will prove pretty difficult; especially amidst this universal
Contention, Embroil, and Fury of religiousA Challengers, these high [341]
Defiances of contrary Believers, this zealous Opposition of Commission
to Commission; and this Din of Hell, Anathema's, and Damnations,
rais'd every where by one religious Party against another.
So far are the pretendedly commission'd Partys from producing
their Commission openly, or proving it from the original Record,
or Court-Rolls of Heaven, that they deny us inspection into these
very Records they plead, and refuse to submit their Title to human
Judgment or Examination.
A Poet of our Nation insinuates indeed in their behalf,That they
208 MISCELLANEOUS
Chap. 3. are fair enough in this respect. For when the murmuring People,
speaking by their chosen ORATOR, or Spokes-man, to the Priests,
says to 'em,
With Ease you take what we provide with Care,
And we who your LEGATION must
maintain,
Find all your Tribe in the Commission are,
And none but HEAV'N cou'd send so
large a TRAIN;
The APOLOGIST afterwards excusing this Boldness of the People,
and soothing the incens'd Priests with fairer Words,A says to 'em,[342]
on a foot of Moderation, which he presumes to be their Character:
*You with such Temper their Intemperance bear,
To shew your solid Science does rely
So on it-self, as you no Trial fear:
For Arts are weak that are of SCEPTICKS shy.
The Poet, it seems, never dreamt of a time when the very Countenance
of Moderation shou'd be out of fashion with the Gentlemen
of this Order, and the Word it-self exploded as unworthy of their
Profession. And, indeed, so far are they at present from bearing
with any SCEPTICK, or Inquirer, ever so modest or discreet, that
to hear an Argument on a contrary side to theirs, or read whatever
may be writ in answer to their particular Assertions, is made
the highest Crime.Whilst they have among themselves such Differences,
and sharp Debates, about their heavenly COMMISSION,
and are even in one and the same Community or Establishment,
divided into different Sects and Headships; they will allow no particular
Survey or Inspection into the Foundations of their controverted
Title. They wou'd have us inferior passive Mortals, amaz'dA[343]
as we are, and beholding with astonishment from afar these tremendous
Subjects of Dispute, wait blindfold the Event and final
* GONDIBERT, Book ii. Canto 1.
REFLECTIONS 209
Chap. 3.Decision of the Controversy. Nor is it enough that we are merely
passive. 'Tis requir'd of us, That in the midst of this irreconcilable
Debate concerning heavenly Authoritys and Powers, we shou'd be
as confident of the Veracity of some one, as of the Imposture and
Cheat of all the other Pretenders: and that believing firmly there
is still A real COMMISSION at the bottom, we shou'd endure the
Misery of these Conflicts, and engage on one side or the other, as
we happen to have our Birth or Education; till by Fire and Sword,
Execution, Massacre, and a kind of Depopulation of this Earth, it be
*determin'd at last amongst us, ``Which is the true COMMISSION,
exclusive of all others, and superior to the rest.''
HERE our secular GENTLEMAN, who in the latter end of his Discourse
had already made several Motions and Gestures which betoken'd
a Retreat, made his final Bow in form, and quitted the
Place and Company for that time; till (as he told his Auditors) he
had another OpAportunity, and fresh Leisure to hear, in his turn, [344]
whatever his Antagonists might anew object to him, in a Manner
more favourable and moderate; or, if they so approv'd, in the same
Temper, and with the same Zeal as they had done before.A [345]
* Supra, pag. 89.
TREATISE VII
V I Z.
A Notion of the
Historical Draught or Tablature
of the Judgment of Hercules,
According to PRODICUS, Lib. II. Xen. de Mem. Soc.
With a Letter concerning
DESIGN.
ind more important Herculean tasks, hard labors,
than all the loves, the banquets, and the featherly
comforts of Sardanapolus.* Juv. Sat. 10.
Printed first in the Year M.DCC.XIII.
*Potiores
HERCULIS aerumnas credat, saevosque Labores,
Et Venere, & coenis, & plumâ SARDANAPALI.
THE
Judgment of Hercules
I N T RO D U C T I O N
B
EFORE we enter on the Examination of our Historical
Sketch, it may be proper to remark, that by the word Tablature
(for which we have yet no name in English, besides the
general one of Picture) we denote, according to the original word
TABULA, a Work not only distinct from a mere Portraiture, but
from all those wilder sorts of Painting whichAare in a manner abso- [348]
lute, and independent; such as the Paintings in Fresco upon the
Walls, the Cielings, the Stair-Cases, the Cupolo's, and other remarkable
Places either of Churches or Palaces.
(2.) Accordingly we are to understand, that it is not merely the
213
214 THE JUDGMENT
Intro. Shape or Dimension of a Cloth, or Board, which denominates the
Piece or Tablature; since a Work of this kind may be compos'd of
any colour'd Substance, as it may of any Form; whether square,
oval or round. But 'tis then that in Painting we may give to any particular
Work the Name of Tablature, when the Work is in reality
``a Single Piece, comprehended in one View, and form'd according
to one single Intelligence, Meaning, or Design; which constitutes
a real WHOLE, by a mutual and necessary Relation of its Parts,
the same as of the Members in a natural Body.'' So that one may
say of a Picture compos'd of any number of Figures differently
rang'd, and without any regard to this Correspondency or Union
describ'd,That it is no more a real Piece or Tablature, than a Picture
wou'd be a Man's Picture, or proper Portraiture, which represented
on the same Cloth, in different places, the Legs, Arms, Nose, and
Eyes of such a Person, without adjusting them according to the
true Proportion, Air, and Character which belong'd to him.A[349]
(3.) This Regulation has place even in the inferior degrees of
Painting; since the mere Flower-Painter is, we see, oblig'd to study
the Form of Festons, and to make use of a peculiar Order, or Architecture
of Vases, Jars, Cannisters, Pedestals, and other Inventions,
which serve as Machines, to frame a certain proportionate Assemblage,
or united Mass; according to the Rules of Perspective; and
with regard as well to the different shapes and sizes of his several
Flowers, as to the harmony of Colours resulting from the whole:
this being the only thing capable of rendering his Work worthy
the name of a Composition or real Piece.
(4.) So much the more, therefore, is this Regulation applicable
to History-Painting, where not only Men, but Manners, and human
Passions are represented. Here the Unity of Design must with more
particular exactness be preserv'd, according to the just Rules of
poetick Art; that in the Representation of any Event,or remarkable
Fact, the Probability, or seeming Truth, which is the real Truth of
Art, may with the highest advantage be supported and advanc'd:
as we shall better understand in the Argument which follows on
the historical Tablature of The Judgment of HERCULES; who being
young, and reAtir'd to a solitary place in order to deliberate on[350]
OF HERCULES 215
Chap. 1.the Choice he was to make of the different ways of Life, was accosted
(as our Historian relates) by the two Goddesses, VIRTUE
and PLEASURE. 'Tis on the issue of the Controversy between these
Two, that the Character of HERCULES depends. So that we may
naturally give to this Piece and History, as well the Title of The
Education, as the Choice or Judgment of HERCULES.
C H A P T E R I
Of the general Constitution or Ordonnance of the Tablature
THIS Fable or History may be variously represented, according
to the Order of Time:
Either in the instant when the two Goddesses, VIRTUE and
PLEASURE, accost HERCULES;
Or when they are enter'd on their Dispute;
Or when their Dispute is already far advanc'd, and VIRTUE
seems to gain her Cause.
(2.) According to the first Notion, HERCULES must of necessity
seemA surpriz'd on the first appearance of such miraculous Forms. [351]
He admires, he contemplates; but is not yet ingag'd or interested.
According to the second Notion, he is interested, divided, and in
doubt. According to the third, he is wrought, agitated, and torn
by contrary Passions. 'Tis the last Effort of the vitious one, striving
for possession over him. He agonizes, and with all his Strength of
Reason endeavours to overcome himself:
And the spirit is overwhelmed by reason, and it struggles to
be conquered.1
(3.) Of these different Periods of Time, the latter has been
chosen; as being the only one of the three, which can well serve to
express the grand Event, or consequent Resolution of HERCULES,
and the Choice he actually made of a Life full of Toil and Hard-
1 Et premitur ratione animus, vincique laborat.
216 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 1. ship, under the conduct of VIRTUE, for the deliverance of Mankind
from Tyranny and Oppression. And 'tis to such a Piece, or
Tablature, as represents this Issue of the Balance, in our pondering
Hero, that we may justly give the Title of the Decision or Judgment
of HERCULES.
(4.) The same History may be represented yet according to a
fourth Date or Period: as at the time when HERCULES is intirely
won by Virtue. But then the signs of this resolute Determination
reignAing absolutely in the Attitude, and Air of our young Hero;[352]
therewou'd be no room left to represent his Agony,or inward Conflict,
which indeed makes the principal Action here; as it wou'd
do in a Poem, were this Subject to be treated by a good Poet.
Nor wou'd there be any more room left in this case, either for the
persuasive Rhetorick of VIRTUE, who must have already ended
her Discourse, or for the insinuating Address of PLEASURE, who
having lost her Cause, must necessarily appear displeas'd, or out of
humour: a Circumstance which wou'd no way sute her Character.
(5.) In the original Story or Fable of this Adventure of our young
HERCULES, 'tis particularly noted, that PLEASURE, advancing
hastily before VIRTUE, began her Plea, and was heard with prevention;
as being first in turn. And as this Fable is wholly philosophical
and moral, this Circumstance in particular is to be consider'd as
essential.
(6.) In this third Period therefore of our History (dividing it,
as we have done, into four successive Dates or Points of Time)
HERCULES being Auditor, and attentive, speaks not. PLEASURE
has spoken. VIRTUE is still speaking. She is about the middle, or
towards the end ofAher Discourse; in the place where, according[353]
to just Rhetorick, the highest Tone of Voice and strongest Action
are employ'd.
(7.) 'Tis evident, that every Master in Painting, when he has
made choice of the determinate Date or Point of Time, according
to which he wou'd represent his History, is afterwards debar'd
the taking advantage from any other Action than what is immediately
present, and belonging to that single Instant he describes.
For if he passes the present only for a moment, he may as well
OF HERCULES 217
Chap. 1.pass it for many years. And by this reckoning he may with as good
right repeat the same Figure several times over, and in one and the
same Picture represent HERCULES in his Cradle, struggling with
the Serpents; and the same HERCULES of full Age, fighting with
the Hydra, with Anteus, and with Cerberus: which wou'd prove a
mere confus'd Heap,or Knot of Pieces, and not a single intire Piece,
or Tablature, of the historical kind.
(8.) It may however be allowable, on some occasions, to make
use of certain enigmatical or emblematical Devises, to represent a
future Time: as when HERCULES, yet a mere Boy, is seen holding
a small Club, or wearing the Skin of a young Lion. For so we often
find him inA the best Antiques. And tho History had never related [354]
of HERCULES, that being yet very young, he kill'd a Lion with
his own hand; this Representation of him wou'd nevertheless be
intirely conformable to poetick Truth; which not only admits, but
necessarily presupposes Prophecy or Prognostication, with regard to
the Actions, and Lives of Heroes and Great Men. Besides that as to
our Subject, in particular, the natural Genius of HERCULES, even
in his tenderest Youth, might alone answer for his handling such
Arms as these, and bearing, as it were in play, these early tokens
of the future Hero.
(9.) To preserve therefore a just Conformity with historical
Truth, and with the Unity of Time and Action, there remains no
other way by which we can possibly give a hint of any thing future,
or call to mind any thing past, than by setting in view such Passages
or Events as have actually subsisted, or according to Nature
might well subsist, or happen together in one and the same instant.
And this is what we may properly call The Rule of Consistency.
(10.) How is it therefore possible, says one, to express a Change
of Passion in any Subject, since this Change is made by Succession;
and that in this case the Passion which is understood as present,
will reAquire a Disposition of Body and Features wholly different [355]
from the Passion which is over, and past? To this we answer, That
notwithstanding the Ascendencyor Reign of the principal and immediate
Passion, the Artist has power to leave still in his Subject
the Tracts or Footsteps of its Predecessor: so as to let us behold not
218 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 1. only a rising Passion together with a declining one; but, what is
more, a strong and determinate Passion, with its contrary already
discharg'd and banish'd. As for instance, when the plain Tracts of
Tears new fallen, with other fresh tokens of Mourning and Dejection,
remain still in a Person newly transported with Joy at the
sight of a Relation or Friend, who the moment before had been
lamented as one deceas'd or lost.
(11.) Again, by the same means which are employ'd to call to
mind the Past, we mayanticipate the Future: as wou'd be seen in the
case of an able Painter, who shou'd undertake to paint this History
of HERCULES according to the third Date or Period of Time propos'd
for our historical Tablature. For in this momentary Turn of
Action, HERCULES remaining still in a situation expressive of Suspense
and Doubt, wou'd discover nevertheless that the Strength
of this inward Conflict was over, and that Victory began now to
declare her-self in favour of Virtue. ThisA Transition, which seems[356]
at first so mysterious a Performance, will be easily comprehended,
if one considers, That the Body, which moves much slower than
the Mind, is easily out-strip'd by this latter; and that the Mind
on a sudden turning it-self some new way, the nearer situated and
more sprightly parts of the Body (such as the Eyes, and Muscles
about the Mouth and Forehead) taking the alarm, and moving in
an instant, may leave the heavier and more distant Parts to adjust
them-selves, and change their Attitude some moments after.
(12.) This different Operation may be distinguish'd by the names
of Anticipation and Repeal.
(13.) If by any other method an Artist shou'd pretend to introduce
into this Piece any portion of Time, future or past, he must
either sin directlyagainst the LawofTruth and Credibility, in representing
things contrary and incompatible; or against that Law of
Unity and Simplicity of Design, which constitutes the very Being of
his Work. This particularly shews it-self in a Picture, when one is
necessarily left in doubt, and unable to determine readily, Which
of the distinct successive parts of the Historyor Action is that veryone
represented in the Design. For even here theAcase is the same as[357]
OF HERCULES 219
Chap. 2.in the other Circumstances of Poetry and Painting: ``That what is
principal orchief, shou'd immediately shew it-self,without leaving
the Mind in any uncertainty.''
(14.) According to this Rule of the Unity of Time, if one shou'd
ask an Artist, who had painted this History of The Judgment of
HERCULES, *``Which of these four Periods or Dates of Time above
propos'd he intended in his Picture to represent''; and it shou'd
happen that he cou'd not readily answer, 'Twas this, or that: It
wou'd appear plainly he had never form'd a real Notion of hisWorkmanship,
or of the History he intended to represent. So that when
he had executed even to a Miracle all those other Beautys requisite
in a Piece, and had fail'd in this single one, he wou'd from henceA [358]
alone be prov'd to be in truth no History-Painter, or Artist in the
kind, who understood not so much as how to form the real Design
of a historical Piece.
C H A P T E R I I
Of the First or Principal Figure
TO apply therefore what has been said above to our immediate
Design or Tablature in hand; we may observe, in the first
place, with regard to HERCULES, (the first or principal Figure of
our Piece) that being plac'd in the middle, between the two Goddesses,
he shou'd by a skilful Master be so drawn, as even setting
* If the same Question concerning the instantaneous Action, or present Moment
of Time, were apply'd to many famous historical Paintings much admir'd in the
World, they wou'd be found very defective: as we may learn by the Instance of that
single Subject of ACTEON, one of the commonest in Painting. Hardly is there
any where seen a Design of this poetical History, without a ridiculous Anticipation
of the Metamorphosis. The Horns of ACTEON, which are the Effect of a Charm,
shou'd naturally wait the execution of that Act in which the Charm consists.Till the
Goddess therefore has thrown her Cast, the Hero's Person suffers not any Change.
Even while the Water flies, his Forehead is still sound. But in the usual Design we
see it otherwise. The Horns are already sprouted, if not full grown: and the Goddess
is seen watering the Sprouts.
220 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 2. aside the Air and Features of the Face, it shou'd appear by the very
Turn, or Position of the Body alone, that this young Hero had not
wholly quitted the balancing or pondering part. For in the manner
of his turn towards the worthier of these Goddesses, he shou'd
by no means appear so averse or separate from the other, as not
to suffer it to be conceiv'd of him, that he had ever any inclination
for her, or had ever hearken'd to her Voice. On the contrary,
there ought to be some hopes yet remaining for this latter Goddess
PLEASURE, and some regret apparent in HERACULES. Otherwise[359]
we shou'd pass immediately from the third to the fourth Period; or
at least confound one with the other.
(2.) HERCULES, in this Agony describ'd, may appear either sitting,
or standing: tho it be more according to probability for him
to appear standing; in regard to the presence of the two Goddesses,
and by reason the case is far from being the same here as in The
Judgment of PARIS; where the interested Goddesses plead their
Cause before their Judg. Here the Interest of HERCULES himself
is at stake. 'Tis his own Cause which is trying. He is in this respect
not so much the Judg, as he is in reality the Party judg'd.
(3.) The superior and commanding Passion of HERCULES may
be express'd either by a strong Admiration, or by an Admiration
which holds chiefly of Love.
Excited by an amorous love.2
(4.) If the latter be us'd, then the reluctant Passion, which is
not yet wholly overcome, may shew it-self in Pity and Tenderness,
mov'd in our Hero by the thought of those Pleasures and Companions
of his Youth, which he is going for ever to abandon. And
in this sense HERCULES may look either on the one or theAother of[360]
the Goddesses, with this difference; That if he looks on Pleasure,
it shou'd be faintly, and as turning his Eyes back with Pity; having
still his Action and Gesture turn'd the other way towards Virtue.
If, on the contrary, he looks on Virtue; it ought to be earnestly,
2 Ingenti perculsus amore.
OF HERCULES 221
Chap. 2.and with extreme attention, having some part of the Action of his
Body, inclining still towards Pleasure, and discovering by certain
Features of Concern and Pity, intermix'd with the commanding
or conquering Passion, that the Decision he is about to make in
favour of Virtue, cost him not a little.
(5.) If it be thought fit rather to make use of Admiration, merely
to express the commanding Passion of HERCULES: then the reluctant-one
may discover it-self in a kind of Horror, at the thought
of the Toil and Labour, to be sustain'd in the rough rocky way
apparent on the side of VIRTUE.
(6.) Again, HERCULES may be represented as looking neither
towards VIRTUE nor PLEASURE, but as turning his Eyes either
towards the mountainous rocky Way pointed out to him by VIRTUE,
or towards the flowry Way of the Vale and Meadows, recommended
to him by PLEASURE. And to these different Attitudes
may be apply'd the sameA Rules for the Expression of the Turn or [361]
Balance of Judgment in our pensive Hero.
(7.) Whatever may be the manner chosen for the designing of
this Figure of HERCULES, according to that part of the History
in which we have taken him; 'tis certain he shou'd be so drawn,
as neither by the opening of his mouth, or by any other sign, to
leave it in the least dubious whether he is speaking or silent. For 'tis
absolutely requisite that Silence shou'd be distinctly characteriz'd
in HERCULES, not only as the natural effect of his strict Attention,
and the little leisure he has from what passes at this time within
his breast; but in order withal to give that appearance of Majesty
and Superiority becoming the Person and Character of pleading
VIRTUE; who by her Eloquence and other Charms has ere this
made her-self mistress of the Heart of our enamour'd Hero:
*And again she hangs on the lips of the storyteller.
This Image of the Sublime in the Discourse and Manner of VIRTUE,
wou'd be utterly lost, if in the instant that she employ'd the
* Pendetque iterum narrantis ob ore. Virg. AEn. Lib. iv. ver. 79.
222 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 3. greatest Force of Action, she shou'd appear to be interrupted by
the ill-tim'd Speech, Reply, or Utterance of her Auditor. Such a
Design or Representation as this, wou'd prove contrary to Order,A[362]
contrary to the History, and to the Decorum, or Decency of Manners.
Nor can one well avoid taking notice here, of that general
Absurdity committed by many of the esteem'd great Masters in
Painting; who in one and the same Company, or Assembly of Persons
jointly employ'd, and united according to the History, in one
single orcommon Action, represent to us not only two or three, but
several, and sometimes all speaking at once.Which must naturally
have the same effect on the Eye, as such a Conversation wou'd have
upon the Ear, were we in reality to hear it.
C H A P T E R I I I
Of the Second Figure
AFTER what has been said on the Subject of HERCULES, it
appears plainly what the Attitude must be of our second Figure,
VIRTUE; who, as we have taken her in this particular Period
of our History, must of necessity be speaking with all the Force of
Action, such as wou'd appear in an excellent Orator, when at the
height, and in the most affecting part of his Discourse.
(2.) She ought therefore to be drawn standing; since 'tis contrary
to all probableA Appearance, and even to Nature it-self, that in the[363]
very Heat and highest Transport of Speech, the Speaker shou'd be
seen sitting, or in any Posture which might express Repose.
(3.) She may be habited either as an AMAZON, with the Helmet,
Lance, and in the Robe or Vest of PALLAS; or as any other of
the Virtues, Goddesses, or Heroines, with the plain original Crown,
without Rays, according to genuine Antiquity. Our History makes
no mention of a Helmet, or any other Armour of VIRTUE. It gives
us only to understand, that she was dress'd neither negligently, nor
with much study or ornament. If we follow this latter method, we
OF HERCULES 223
Chap. 3.need give her only in her hand the Imperial or *Magisterial Sword;
which is her true characteristick Mark, and wou'd sufficiently distinguish
her, without the Helmet, Lance, or other military Habit.
And in this manner, the opposition between her-self and her Rival
wou'd be still more beautiful and regular.--``But this Beauty, says
one,wou'd be discoverable only by the Learned.''--Perhaps so. But
then again, there wou'd be no loss for others: since no-one wou'd
find this Piece the less intelligible on the account of this Regulation.
On the contrary,Aone who chanc'd to know little of Antiquity [364]
in general, or of this History in particular, wou'd be still further
to seek, if upon seeing an armed Woman in the Piece, he shou'd
represent to himself either a PALLAS, a BELLONA, or any other
warlike Form, or Deity of the female kind.
(4.) As for the Shape, Countenance, or Person of VIRTUE; that
which is usually given to PALLAS may fitly serve as a Model for
this Dame; as on the other side, that which is given to VENUS may
serve in the same manner for her Rival. The Historian whom we
follow, represents VIRTUE to us as a Lady of a goodly Form, tall
and majestick. And by what he relates of her, he gives us sufficiently
to understand, that tho shewas neither lean, norof a tann'd
Complexion, she must have discover'd however, by the Substance
and Colour of her Flesh, that she was sufficiently accustom'd to
exercise. PLEASURE, on the other hand, by an exact Opposition, is
represented in bettercase, and of a Softness of Complexion; which
speaks her Manners, and gives her a middle Character between the
Person of a VENUS, and that of a BACCHINAL Nymph.
(5.) As for the Position, or Attitude of VIRTUE; tho in a historical
Piece, such as ours is design'd, 'twou'd on no accountA be proper [365]
to have immediate recourse to the way of Emblem; one might, on
this occasion, endeavour nevertheless by some artifice to give our
Figure, as much as possible, the resemblance of the same Goddess,
as she is seen on Medals, and other antient emblematick Pieces of
like nature. In this view, she shou'd be so design'd, as to stand firm
* Parazonium.
224 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 3. with her full poise upon one foot, having the othera little advanc'd,
and rais'd on a broken piece of ground or rock, instead of the Helmet
or little Globe on which we see her usually setting her foot, as
triumphant, in those Pieces of the emblematick kind. A particular
advantage of this Attitude, so judiciously assign'd to VIRTUE by
antient Masters, is, that it expresses as well her aspiring Effort, or
Ascent towards the Stars and Heaven, as her Victory and Superiority
over Fortune and the World. For so the Poets have, of old,
describ'd her.
*Attempts a course by a path denied.
And deserts the path of difficult virtue.
And in our Piece particularly, where the arduous and rocky way
of VIRTUE requires to be emphatically represented; the ascending
Posture of this Figure, with one Foot advanc'd, in a sort of climbing
Action, overAthe rough and thorny Ground, must of necessity,[366]
if well executed, create a due effect, and add to the Sublime of this
antient Poetick Work.
(6.) As for the Hands or Arms, which in real Oratory, and during
the strength of Elocution, must of necessity be active; 'tis
plain in respect of our Goddess, that the Arm in particular which
she has free to her-self, and is neither incumber'd with Lance or
* Negatâ tentat iter viâ. Horat. Lib. iii. Od. ii. ver. 22.
 Virtutisque viam deserit arduae. Idem ibid. Od. xxiv. ver. 44.
 As antient as the Poet HESIOD: which appears by the following Verses, cited by our
Historian, as the Foundation, or first Draught of this HERCULEAN Tablature.
       
.   ,    .
      
.       ,
   .     
   ,   .
Oper. & Dier. Lib. i. ver. 285.
[For abundant wickedness is easy to prefer; the road of plunder lies close
by. But the immortal gods placed sweat in front of virtue. And it is a long
uphill path to virtue, and rough at first. Later, as you approach the peak,
you will then move easily, no matter how difficult it is.]
OF HERCULES 225
Chap. 3.Sword, shou'd be employ'd another way, and come in, to second
the Discourse, and accompany it, with a just Emphasis and
Action. Accordingly, VIRTUE wou'd then be seen with this Hand,
turn'd either upwards to the rocky Way mark'd out by her with approbation;
or to the Sky, or Stars, in the same sublime sense; or
downwards to the flowery Way and Vale, as in a detesting manner,
and with abhorrence of what passes there; or last of all (in a
disdainful sense, and with the same appearance of Detestation)
against PLEASURE herself. Each Manner wou'd have its peculiarA [367]
advantage. And the best Profit shou'd be made of this Arm and
Hand at liberty, to express either the Disapprobation or the Applause
propos'd. It might prove, however, a considerable advantage
to our Figure of VIRTUE, if holding the Lance, or Imperial Sword,
slightly, with one of her Hands stretch'd downwards, she cou'd, by
that very Hand and Action, be made to express the latter meaning;
opening for that purpose some of the lower Fingers of this Hand,
in a refusing or repelling manner; whilst with the other Arm and
Hand at liberty, she shou'd express as well the former meaning, and
point out to HERCULES the way which leads to Honour, and the
just Glory of heroick Actions.
(7.) From all these Circumstances of History, and Action, accompanying
this important Figure, the difficulty of the Design
will sufficiently appear, to those who carry their Judgment beyond
the mere Form, and are able to consider the Character of the Passion
to which it is subjected. For where a real Character is mark'd,
and the inward Form peculiarly describ'd, 'tis necessary the outward
shou'd give place.Whoever shou'd expect to see our Figure of
VIRTUE, in the exact Mein of a fine Talker, curious in her Choice
of Action, and forming it according to the usual Decorum, and
regular Movement of one of theA fair Ladys of our Age, wou'd cer- [368]
tainly be far wide of the Thought and Genius of this Piece. Such
study'd Action, and artificial Gesture, may be allow'd to the Actors
and Actrices of the Stage. But the good Painter must come a little
nearer to TRUTH, and take care that his Action be not theatrical,
or at second hand; but original, and drawn from NATURE her-
226 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 4. self. Now altho in the ordinary Tenour of Discourse, the Action
of the Party might be allow'd to appear so far govern'd and compos'd
by Art, as to retain that regular Contraste, and nice Balance
of Movement, which Painters are apt to admire as the chief Grace
of Figures; yet in this particular case, where the natural Eagerness
of Debate, supported by a thorow Antipathy and Animosity,
is join'd to a sort of enthusiastick Agitation incident to our prophetick
Dame, there can be little of that fashionable Mein, or genteel
Air admitted. The Painter who, in such a Piece as we describe,
is bound to preserve the heroick Style, will doubtless beware of
representing his Heroine as a mere Scold. Yet this is certain, That
it were better for him to expose himself to the Meanness of such
a Fancy, and paint his Lady in a high Rant, according to the common
Weakness of the Sex, than to engage in the Embelishment of
the mere Form; and, forgetting the Character of Severity and Reprimand
belonging to the illustrious Rival, presentA her to us a fair[369]
specious Personage, free of Emotion, and without the least Bent
or Movement, which shou'd express the real Pathetick of the kind.
C H A P T E R I V
Of the Third Figure
CO N C E R N I N G PLEASURE there needs little to be said,
after what has been already remark'd in relation to the two
preceding Figures. The Truth of Appearance, that of History, and
even the Decorum it-self, (according to what has been explain'd
above) require evidently that in this Period or Instant describ'd,
PLEASURE shou'd be found silent. She can have no other Language
allow'd her than that merely of the Eyes. And 'twou'd be a happy
Management for her in the Design, if in turning her Eyes to meet
those of HERCULES, she shou'd find his Head and Face already
turn'd so much on the contrary side, as to shew it impossible for
her as yet to discover the growing Passion of this Hero in favour of
OF HERCULES 227
Chap. 4.her Rival. By this means she might still with good right retain her
fond Airs of Dalliance and Courtship; as having yet discover'd no
reason she has to be dissatisfy'd.A [370]
(2.) She may be drawn either standing, leaning, sitting, or lying;
without a Crown, or crown'd either with Roses, or with Myrtle;
according to the Painter's Fancy. And since in this third Figure the
Painter has so great a liberty left him, he may make good advantage
of it for the other two, to which this latter may be subjected,
as the last in order, and of least consequence.
(3.) That which makes the greatest difficulty in the Disposition
or Ordonnance of this Figure PLEASURE, is, that notwithstanding
the supine Air and Character of Ease and Indolence, which shou'd
be given her, she must retain still so much Life and Action, as is
sufficient to express her persuasive Effort, and Manner of Indication
towards her proper Paths; those of the flowery kind, and Vale
below, whither she wou'd willingly guide our Hero's steps. Now
shou'd this Effort be over-strongly express'd; not only the supine
Character and Air of Indolence wou'd be lost in this Figure of
PLEASURE; but, what is worse, the Figure wou'd seem to speak,
or at least appear so, as to create a double Meaning, or equivocal
Sense in Painting: which wou'd destroy what we have establish'd
as fundamental, concerning the absolute Reign of Silence thro'out
the rest of the Piece, in favour of VIRTUE, theAsole speaking Party [371]
at this Instant, or third Period of our History.
(4.) According to a Computation, which in this way of Reasoning
might be made, of the whole Motion or Action to be given to
our Figure of PLEASURE; she shou'd scarce have one fifth reserv'd
for that which we may properly call active in her, and have already
term'd her persuasive or indicative Effort. All besides shou'd be employ'd
to express, if one may say so, her Inaction, her Supineness,
Effeminacy, and indulgent Ease. The Head and Body might intirely
favour this latter Passion. One Hand might be absolutely resign'd
to it; serving only to support,with much ado, the lolling lazy Body.
And if the other Hand be requir'd to express some kind of Gesture
or Action toward the Road of Pleasures recommended by this
228 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 5. Dame; the Gesture ought however to be slight and negligent, in
the mannerof onewho has given over speaking, and appears weary
and spent.
(5.) For the Shape, the Person, the Complexion,and what else may
be further remark'd as to the Air and Manner of PLEASURE; all
this is naturally comprehended in the Opposition, as above stated,
between Her-self and VIRTUE.A[372]
C H A P T E R V
Of the Ornaments of the Piece;
and chiefly of the Drapery, and Perspective
TIS sufficiently known, how great a liberty Painters are us'd to
take, in the colouring of their Habits, and of other Draperys
belonging to their historical Pieces. If they are to paint a Roman
People, they represent 'em in different Dresses; tho it be certain
the common People among 'em were habited very near alike, and
much after the same colour. In like manner, the Egyptians, Jews,
and other antient Nations, as we may well suppose, bore in this
particular their respective Likeness or Resemblance one to another;
as at present the Spaniards, Italians, and several other People of
Europe. But such a Resemblance as this wou'd, in the way of Painting,
produce a very untoward effect; as mayeasily be conceiv'd. For
this reason the Painter makes no scruple to introduce Philosophers,
and even Apostles, in various Colours, after a very extraordinary
manner. 'Tis here that the historical Truth must of necessity indeed
give way to that which we call poetical, as being govern'd not so
much by Reality, as by Probability,Aor plausible Appearance, So that a[373]
Painter, who uses his Privilege or Prerogative in this respect, ought
however to do it cautiously, and with discretion. And when occasion
requires that he shou'd present us his Philosophers or Apostles
thus variously colour'd, he must take care at least so to mortify his
Colours, that these plain poor Men may not appear, in his Piece,
adorn'd like so many Lords or Princes of the modern Garb.
OF HERCULES 229
Chap. 5.(2.) If, on the other hand, the Painter shou'd happen to take for
his Subject some solemn Entry or Triumph, where, according to
the Truth of Fact, all manner of Magnificence had without doubt
been actually display'd, and all sorts of bright and dazling Colours
heap'd together and advanc'd, in emulation, one against another;
he ought on this occasion, in breach of the historical Truth, or
Truth of Fact, to do his utmost to diminish and reduce the excessive
Gaiety and Splendor of those Objects, which wou'd otherwise
raise such a Confusion, Oppugnancy, and Riot of Colours,
as wou'd to any judicious Eye appear absolutely intolerable.
(3.) It becomes therefore an able Painter in this, as well as in the
other parts of his Workmanship, to have regard principally, and
above all, to the Agreement orA Correspondency of things. And to [374]
that end 'tis necessary he shou'd form in his Mind a certain Note or
Character of Unity, which being happily taken, wou'd, out of the
many Colours of his Piece, produce (if one may say so) a particular
distinct Species of an original kind: like those Compositions in
Musick, where among the different Airs, (such as Sonatas, Entrys,
or Sarabands) there are different and distinct Species; of which we
may say in particular, as to each, ``That it has its own proper Character
or Genius, peculiar to it-self.''
(4.) Thus the Harmony of Painting requires, ``That in whatever
Key the Painter begins his Piece, he shou'd be sure to finish it in
the same.''
(5.) This Regulation turns on the principal Figure, or on the two
or threewhich are eminent, in aTablature compos'd of many. For if
the Painter happens to give a certain Height or Richness of colouring
to his principal Figure; the rest must in proportion necessarily
partake this Genius. But if,on the contrary, the Painter shou'd have
chanc'd to give a softer Air, with more Gentleness and Simplicity
of colouring, to his principal Figure; the rest must bear a Character
proportionable, and appear in an extraordinary Simplicity;A [375]
that one and the same Spirit may, without contest, reign thro' the
whole of his Design.
(6.) Our Historical Draught of HERCULES will afford us a very
clear example in the case. For considering that the Hero is to ap-
230 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 5. pear on this occasion retir'd and gloomy; being withal in a manner
naked, and without anyother Covering than a Lion's Skin,which is
it-self of a yellowand duskycolour; it wou'd be really impracticable
for a Painter to represent this principal Figure in any extraordinary
brightness or lustre. From whence it follows, that in the other inferior
Figures or subordinate parts of the Work, the Painter must
necessarily make use of such still quiet Colours, as may give to
thewhole Piece a Characterof Solemnityand Simplicity, agreeable
with it-self. Now shou'd our Painter honestly go about to follow
his Historian, according to the literal Sense of the History, which
represents VIRTUE to us in a resplendent Robe of the purest and
most glossy White; 'tis evident he must after this manner destroy
his Piece. The good Painter in this, as in all other occasions of like
nature, must do as the good Poet; who undertaking to treat some
common and known Subject, refuses however to follow strictly,
like a mere Copyist or Translator, any preceding Poet or HistoArian;[376]
but so orders it, that his Work in it-self becomes really new and
original.
*A public subject will be a private right to you if you will not
linger around worthless and common matters nor will endeavor
to return word for word as a conscientious interpreter.
(7.) As for what relates to the Perspective or Scene of our historical
Piece, it ought so to present it-self, as to make us instantly
conceive that 'tis in the Country, and in a place of Retirement,
near some Wood or Forest, that this whole Action passes. For
'twou'd be impertinent to bring Architecture or Buildings of whatever
kind in view, as tokens of Company, Diversion, or Affairs, in
a Place purposely chosen to denote Solitude, Thoughtfulness, and
premeditated Retreat. Besides, that according to the Poets (our
* Publica materies privati juris erit, si
Nec circa vilem patulumque moraberis orbem;
Nec verbum verbo curabis reddere fidus
Interpres.
Horat. de Art. Poet. ver. 131.
OF HERCULES 231
Chap. 5.Guides and Masters in this Art) neither the Goddesses, nor other
divine Forms of whatever kind, car'd ever to present themselves
to human Sight, elsewhere than in these deep Recesses. And 'tis
worth observing here, how particularly our philosophical Historian
affects to speak, by way of prevention, of the solitary place
where HERCULES was retir'd, and of his Thoughtfulness preceding
this Apparition: which from these Circumstances may be constru'dAhence-forward
as a mere Dream; but as such, a truly rational, [377]
and divine one.
(8.) As to the Fortress, Temple, or Palace of VIRTUE, situated on
a Mountain, after the emblematical way; as we see represented
in some Pieces form'd upon this Subject; there is nothing of this
kind express'd by our Historian. And shou'd this, or any thing of
a like nature, present it-self in our Design, it wou'd fill the Mind
with foreign Fancys, and mysterious Views, no way agreeable to
the Taste and Genius of this Piece. Nor is there any thing, at the
same time, on PLEASURE's side, to answer, by way of opposition,
to this Palace of VIRTUE; which, if express'd,wou'd on this account
destroy the just Simplicity and Correspondency of our Work.
(9.) Another Reason against the Perspective-part, the Architecture,
orother study'd Ornaments of the Landskip-kind, in this particular
Piece of ours, is, That in reality there being no occasion for
these Appearances, they wou'd prove a mere Incumbrance to the
Eye, and wou'd of necessity disturb the Sight, by diverting it from
that which is principal, the History and Fact. Whatsoever appears
in a historical Design, which is not essential to the Action, serves
only to confound the Representation, and perplex the Mind: moreA [378]
particularly, if these Episodick parts are so lively wrought, as to vie
with the principal Subject, and contend for Precedency with the
Figures and human Life. A just Design, or Tablature, shou'd, at first
view, discover, What Nature it is design'd to imitate; what Life,
whether of the higher or lower kind, it aims chiefly to represent.
The Piece must by no means be equivocal or dubious; but must
with ease distinguish it-self, either as historical and moral, or as
perspective and merely natural. If it be the latter of these Beautys,
232 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 5. which we desire to see delineated according to its perfection, then
the former must give place. The higher Life must be allay'd, and
in a manner discountenanc'd and obscur'd; whilst the lower displays
it-self, and is exhibited as principal. Even that,which according
to a Term of Art we commonly call Still-Life, and is in reality
of the last and lowest degree of Painting, must have its Superiority
and just Preference in a Tablature of its own Species. 'Tis
the same in Animal-Pieces; where Beasts, or Fowl are represented.
In Landskip, Inanimates are principal: 'Tis the Earth, the Water,
the Stones and Rocks which live. All other Life becomes subordinate.
Humanity, Sense, Manners, must in this place yield, and
become inferior. 'Twou'd be a fault even to aim at the Expression
of any real Beauty in this kind, or go about to animateAor heighten[379]
in any considerable degree the accompanying Figures of Men, or
Deitys, which are accidentally introduc'd, as Appendices, or Ornaments,
in such a Piece. But if, on the contrary, the human Species
be that which first presents it-self in a Picture; if it be the intelligent
Life, which is set to view; 'tis the other Species, the other Life, which
must then surrender and become subservient. The merely natural
must pay homage to the historical or moral. Every Beauty, every
Grace must be sacrific'd to the real BEAUTY of this first and highest
Order. For nothing can be more deform'd than a Confusion of
many Beautys: And the Confusion becomes inevitable, where the
Subjection is not compleat.
(10.) By the word MORAL are understood, in this place, all Sorts
of judicious Representations of the human Passions; as we see even
in Battel-Pieces; excepting those of distant Figures, and the diminutive
kind; which may rather be consider'd as a sort of Landskip. In
all other martial Pieces,we see express'd in lively Action, the several
degrees of Valor, Magnanimity, Cowardice,Terror, Anger, according
to the several Characters of Nations, and particular Men. 'Tis
here that we may see Heroes and Chiefs (such as the ALEXANDERS
or CONSTANTINES) appear, even in the hottest of the Action,A[380]
with aTranquillityand Sedateness of Mind peculiar to themselves:
which is, indeed, in a direct and proper sense, profoundly moral.
(11.) But as the Moral part is differently treated in a Poem, from
OF HERCULES 233
Chap. 5.what it is in History, or in a philosophical Work; so must it, of
right, in Painting be far differently treated, from what it naturally
is, either in the History, or Poem. For want of a right understanding
of this Maxim, it often happens that, by endeavouring to render
a Piece highly moral and learned, it becomes thorowly ridiculous
and impertinent.
(12.) For the ordinary Works of SCULPTURE, such as the LowRelieves,
and Ornaments of Columns and Edifices, great allowance
is made. The very Rules of Perspective are here wholly revers'd,
as necessity requires; and are accommodated to the Circumstance
and Genius of the Place or Building, according to a certain
OEconomy or Order of a particular and distinct kind; as will easily
be observ'd by those who have thorowly study'd the TRAJAN and
ANTONINUS-Pillars, and other Relieve-Works of the Antients. In
the same manner, as to Pieces of ingrav'd Work, Medals, or whatever
shews it-self in one Substance, (as Brass or Stone) or only by
Shade and Light, (as in ordinaryADrawings, or Stamps) much also [381]
is allow'd, and many things admitted, of the fantastick, miraculous,
or hyberbolical kind. 'Tis here, that we have free scope, withal, for
whatever is learned, emblematical, or enigmatick. But for the compleatly
imitative and illusive Art of PAINTING, whose Character it
is to employ in her Works the united Force of different Colours;
and who, surpassing by so many Degrees, and in so many Privileges,
all other human Fiction,or imitative Art, aspires in a directer
manner towards Deceit, and a Command over our very Sense; she
must of necessity abandon whatever is over-learned, humorous, or
witty; to maintain her-self in what is natural, credible, and winning
of our Assent: that she may thus acquit her-self of what is
her chief Province, the specious Appearance of the Object she represents.
Otherwise we shall naturally bring against her the just Criticism
of HORACE, on the scenical Representation so nearly ally'd
to her:
Whatsoever you show me, disbelieving it, I despise it.3
3 Quodcunque ostendis mihi sic, incredulus odi.
234 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 5. (13.) We are therefore to consider this as a sure Maxim or Observation
in Painting, ``That a historical and moral Piece must of
necessity lose much of its natural Simplicity and Grace, if any
thing of the emblematical or enigmatick kind beAvisiblyand directly[382]
intermix'd.'' As if for instance, the Circle of the *Zodiack, with
its twelve Signs, were introduc'd. Now this being an Appearance
which carrys not any manner of similitude or colourable resemblance
to any thing extant in real Nature; it cannot possibly pretend
towin the Sense,or gain Belief, by the help of any poetical Enthusiasm,
religious History, or Faith. For by means of these, indeed,
we are easily induc'd to contemplate as Realitys those divine Personages
and miraculous Forms,which the leading Painters, antient
and modern, have speciously design'd, according to the particular
Doctrine or Theology of their several religious and national Beliefs.
But for our Tablature in particular, it carrys nothing with it of
the mere emblematical or enigmatick kind: since for what relates to
the double Way of the Vale and Mountain, this may naturally and
with colourable appearance be represented at the Mountain's foot.
But if on the Summit or highest Point of it, we shou'd place the
Fortress, or Palace of Virtue, rising above the Clouds, this wou'd
immediately give the enigmatical mysteriousA Air to our Picture,[383]
and of necessity destroy its persuasive Simplicity, and natural Ap-
pearance.
(14.) In short, we are to carry this Remembrance still along with
us, ``That the fewer the Objects are, besides those which are absolutely
necessary in a Piece, the easier it is for the Eye, by one simple
Act and in one View, to comprehend the Sum or Whole.'' The
multiplication of Subjects, tho subaltern, renders the Subordination
more difficult to execute in the Ordonnance or Composition
of a Work. And if the Subordination be not perfect, the Order
* This is what RAPHAEL himself has done, in his famous Design of The Judgment
of PARIS. But this Piece having never been painted, but design'd only for MARO
ANTONIO's engraving, it comes not within our Censure; as appears by what is said
in the Paragraph just preceding.
OF HERCULES 235
Chap. 6.(which makes the Beauty) remains imperfect. Now the Subordination
can never be perfect, except *``When the Ordonnance is
such, that the Eye not only runs over with ease the several Parts
of the Design, (reducing still its View each moment to the principal
Subject on which all turns) but when the same Eye, without
the least detainment in any of the particular Parts, and resting, as
it were, immovable in the middle, or center of the Tablature, may
see at once, in an agreeable and perfect Correspondency, all which
is there exhibited to the Sight.''A [384]
C H A P T E R V I
Of the Casual or Independent Ornaments
THERE remains for us now to consider only of the separate
Ornaments, independent both of Figures and Perspective;
such as the Machine-Work, or Divinitys in the Sky, the Winds,
Cupids, Birds, Animals, Dogs, or other loose Pieces, which are introduc'd
without any absolute necessity, and in a way of Humour.
But as these belong chiefly to the ordinary Life, and to the comick,
or mix'd kind; ourTablature,which on the contrary is wholly epick,
heroick, and in the tragick Style, wou'd not so easily admit of any
thing in this light way.
(2.) We may besides consider, that whereas the Mind is naturally
led to fansy Mystery in a Work of such a Genius or Style of
Painting as ours, and to confound with each other the two distinct
kinds of the emblematick, and merely historical, or poetick; we
shou'd take care not to affordAit this occasion of Error and Devia- [385]
tion, by introducing into a Piece of so uniform a Design, such Ap*
This is what the Grecian Masters so happily express'd, by the single word
. See VOL. I. pag. 143, &c.
 This is understood of the Machine-Work, when it is merely ornamental, and not
essential in the Piece; by making part of the History, or Fable it-self.
236 THE JUDGMENT
Chap. 6. pendices, or supplementary Parts, as, under pretext of giving light
to the History, or characterizing the Figures, shou'd serve only to
distract or dissipate the Sight, and confound the Judgment of the
more intelligent Spectators.
(3.) ``Will it then,'' says one, ``be possible to make out the Story
of these two Dames in company with HERCULES, without otherwise
distinguishing them than as above describ'd?''--We answer,
it is possible; and not that only, but certain and infallible, in the
case of one who has the least Genius, or has ever heard in general
concerning HERCULES, without so much as having ever heard
this History in particular. But if, notwithstanding this, we wou'd
needs add some exterior marks, more declaratory and determinative
of these two Personages, VIRTUE and PLEASURE; it may
be perform'd, however, without any necessary recourse to what is
absolutely of the Emblem-kind. The Manner of this may be explain'd
as follows.
(4.) The Energy or natural Force of Virtue, according to the
moral Philosophy of highest note among the Antients, was express'd
in the double effect ofA*Forbearance and Indurance, or what[386]
we may otherwise call Refrainment and Support. For the former,
the Bit or Bridle, plac'd somewhere on the side of Virtue, may serve
as Emblem sufficient; and for the second, the Helmet may serve in
the same manner; especially since they are each of them Appurtenances
essential to Heroes, (who, in the quality of Warriors, were
also Subduers or Managers of Horses) and that at the same time
these are really portable Instruments, such as the martial Dame,
who represents Virtue, may be well suppos'd to have brought along
with her.
(5.) On the side of PLEASURE, certain Vases, and other Pieces of
imboss'd Plate,wrought in the figures of Satyrs, Fauns, and Baccha*
, : They were describ'd as Sisters in the emblematick Moral
Philosophy of the Antients.Whence that known Precept,   , SUSTINE
& ABSTINE [bear up and abstain (The Latin and Greek are given, but not the English.)]
 CASTOR, POLLUX; all the Heroes of HOMER; ALEXANDER the Great, &c.
OF HERCULES 237
Conc.nals, may serve to express the Debauches of the Table-kind. And
certain Draperys thrown carelesly on the ground, and hung upon
a neighbouring Tree, forming a kind of Bower and Couch for this
luxurious Dame, may serve sufficiently to suggest the Thought of
other Indulgences, and to support the Image of the effeminate,
indolent, and amorous Passions.A Besides that, for this latter kind, [387]
we may rest satisfy'd, 'tis what the Painter will hardly fail of representing
to the full. The fear is, lest he shou'd overdo this part, and
express the Affection too much to the life.The Appearancewill, no
doubt, be strongly wrought in all the Features and Proportions of
this third Figure; which is of a relish far more popular, and vulgarly
ingaging, than that other oppos'd to it, in our historical Design.
C O N C LU S I O N
WE may conclude this Argument with a general Reflection,
which seems to arise naturally from what has been said
on this Subject in particular: ``That in a real History-Painter, the
same Knowledg, the same Study, and Views, are requir'd, as in a
real Poet.'' Never can the Poet, whilst he justly holds that name,
become a Relator, or Historian at large. He is allow'd only to describe
a single Action; not the Actions of a single Man, or People.
The Painter is a Historian at the same rate, but still more narrowly
confin'd, as in fact appears; since it wou'd certainly prove a more
ridiculous Attempt to comprehend two or three distinct Actions
or Parts of History in one Picture,A than to comprehend ten times [388]
the number in one and the same Poem.
(2.) Tis well known, that to each Species of Poetry, there are
natural Proportions and Limits assign'd. And it wou'd be a gross
Absurdity indeed to imagine, that in a Poem there was nothing
which we cou'd call Measure or Number, except merely in theVerse.
An Elegy, and an Epigram, have each of 'em their Measure, and
Proportion, as well as a Tragedy, or Epick Poem. In the same manner,
as to Painting, Sculpture,or Statuary, there are particular Mea-
238 THE JUDGMENT
Conc. sures which form what we call a Piece: as for instance, in mere Portraiture,
a Head, or Bust: the former of which must retain always
the whole, or at least a certain part of the Neck; as the latter the
Shoulders, and a certain part of the Breast. If any thing be added
or retrench'd, the Piece is destroy'd. 'Tis then a mangled Trunk,
or dismember'd Body, which presents it-self to our Imagination;
and this too not thro' use merely, or on the account of custom,
but of necessity, and by the nature of the Appearance: since there
are such and such parts of the human Body, which are naturally
match'd, and must appear in company: the Section, if unskilfully
made, being in reality horrid, and representing rather an Amputation
in Surgery, than a seemly Division or SeparaAtion according to[389]
Art. And thus it is, that in general, thro' all the plastick Arts, or
Works of Imitation, ``Whatsoever is drawn from Nature, with the
intention of raising in us the Imagination of the natural Species or
Object, according to real Beauty and Truth, shou'd be compriz'd
in certain compleat Portions or Districts, which represent the Correspondency
or Union of each part of Nature, with intire NATURE
her-self.'' And 'tis this natural Apprehension, or anticipating Sense
of Unity, which makes us give even to the Works of our inferior
Artizans, the name of Pieces by way of Excellence, and as denoting
the Justness and Truth of Work.
(3.) In order therefore to succeed rightly in the Formation of
any thing truly beautiful in this higher Order of Design; 'twere to
be wish'd that the Artist, who had Understanding enough to comprehend
what a real Piece or Tablature imported, and who, in order
to this, had acquir'd the Knowledg of a Whole and Parts, wou'd
afterwards apply himself to the Study of moral and poetick Truth:
that by this means the Thoughts, Sentiments, or Manners, which
hold the first rank in his historical Work, might appear sutable to
the higher and nobler Species of Humanity in which he practis'd,
to the Genius of the AgeA which he describ'd, and to the principal[390]
or main Action which he chose to represent. He wou'd then naturally
learn to reject those false Ornaments of affected Graces, exaggerated
Passions, hyperbolical and prodigious Forms; which, equally
OF HERCULES 239
Conc.with the mere capricious and grotesque, destroy the just Simplicity,
and Unity, essential in a PIECE. And for his Colouring; he wou'd
then soon find how much it became him to be reserv'd, severe, and
chaste, in this particular of his Art; where Luxury and Libertinism
are, by the power of Fashion and the modern Taste, become
so universally establish'd.
(4.) 'Tis evident however from Reason it-self, as well as from
*History and Experience, that nothing is more fatal, either to
Painting, Architecture, or the other Arts, than this false Relish,
which is govern'd rather by what immediately strikes the Sense,
than by what consequentially and by reflection pleases the Mind,
and satisfies the Thought and Reason. So that whilst we look on
Painting with the same Eye, as we view commonly the rich Stuffs,
and colour'd Silks worn by our Ladys, and admir'd in Dress, Equipage,or
Furniture; we must of necessity be effeminate in ourTaste,
and utterly set wrong as to allA Judgment and Knowledg in the [391]
kind. For of this imitative Art we may justly say; ``That tho It borrows
help indeed from Colours, and uses them, as means, to execute
its Designs; It has nothing, however, more wide of its real
Aim, or more remote from its Intention, than to make a shew of
Colours, or from their mixture, to raise a separate and flattering
Pleasure to the SENSE.''A [392]
* See VITRUVIUS, and PLINY.
 The Pleasure is plainly foreign and separate, as having no concern or share in the
proper Delight or Entertainment which naturally arises from the Subject, and Workmanship
it-self. For the Subject, in respect of Pleasure, as well as Science, is absolutely
compleated, when the Design is executed, and the propos'd Imitation once accomplish'd.
And thus it always is the best, when the Colours are most subdu'd, and made subservient.
A LETTER
CONCERNING THE
ART, or SCIENCE
of DESIGN,
Written from ITALY,
On the occasion of the
Judgment of HERCULES,
TO
My Lord * * * *
he Muses before all things.* Vir. Georg. Lib. ii.
*Ante omnia Musae.
A LETTER
CONCERNING
DESIGN
MY LORD,
T
HIS Letter comes to your Lordship, accompany'd with
a small Writing intitled A NOTION: for such alone can
that Piece deservedly be call'd, which aspires no higher
than to the forming of a Project, and that too in so vulgar a Science
as Painting. But whatever the Subject be, if it can prove any way
entertaining to you, it will sufficiently answer my Design. And if
possibly it may have that good success, I shou'd have no ordinary
opinion of my Project; since I know how hard it wou'd be to give
your Lordship a real Entertainment by any thing which was not
in some respect worthy and useful.A [396]
On this account I must, by way of prevention, inform your
Lordship, that after I had conceiv'd my NOTION such as you see it
upon paper, I was not contented with this, but fell directly towork;
and by the Hand of a Master-Painter brought it into Practice, and
form'd a real Design. This was not enough. I resolv'd afterwards
to see what effect it wou'd have, when taken out of mere Blackand-White,
into Colours: And thus a Sketch was afterwards drawn.
This pleas'd so well, that being incourag'd by the Virtuosi, who are
so eminent in this part of the World, I resolv'd at last to engage my
Painter in the great Work. Immediately a Cloth was bespoke of a
sutable Dimension, and the Figures taken as big or bigger than the
common Life; the Subject being of the Heroick kind, and requiring
rather such Figures as shou'd appear above ordinary human
Stature.
243
244 A LETTER
Thus my NOTION, as light as it may prove in the Treatise, is
become very substantial in the Workmanship. The Piece is still in
hand; and like to continue so for some time. Otherwise the first
Draught or Design shou'd have accompany'd the Treatise; as the
Treatise does this Letter. But the Design having grown thus into
a Sketch, and the Sketch afterwards into aAPicture; I thought it fit[397]
your Lordship shou'd either see the several Pieces together, or be
troubled only with that which was the best; as undoubtedly the
great one must prove, if the Master I employ sinks not very much
below himself, in this Performance.
Far surely shou'd I be, my Lord, from conceiving any Vanity or
Pride in Amusements of such an inferior kind as these; especially
were they such as they may naturally at first sight appear. I pretend
not here to apologize either for them, or for my-self. Your Lordship
however knows, I have naturally Ambition enough to make me
desirous of employing my-self in Business of a higher Order: since
it has been my fortune in publick Affairs to act often in concert
with you, and in the same Views, on the Interest of EUROPE and
Mankind. There was a Time, and that a very early one of my Life,
when I was not wanting to my Country, in this respect. But after
some years of hearty Labour and Pains in this kind of Workmanship,
an unhappy Breach in my Health drove me not only from
the Seat of Business, but forc'd me to seek these foreign Climates;
where, as mild as the Winters generally are, I have with much ado
liv'd out this latter-one; and am now, as your Lordship finds, employAing
my-self in such easy Studys as are most sutable to my state[398]
of Health, and to the Genius of the Country where I am confin'd.
This in the mean time I can, with some assurance, say to your
Lordship in a kind of spirit of Prophecy, from what I have observ'd
of the rising Genius of our Nation,That if we live to see a Peace any
way answerable to that generous Spirit with which this War was
begun, and carry'd on, for our own Liberty and that of EUROPE;
the Figure we are like to make abroad, and the Increase of Knowledg,
Industry and Sense at home, will render united BRITAIN the
principal Seat of Arts; and by her Politeness and Advantages in this
CONCERNING DESIGN 245
kind, will shew evidently, how much she owes to those Counsels,
which taught her to exert herself so resolutely in behalf of the common
Cause, and that of her own Liberty, and happy Constitution,
necessarily included.
I can my-self remember the Time, when, in respect of MUSICK,
our reigning Taste was in many degrees inferior to the French. The
long Reign of Luxury and Pleasure under King CHARLES the Second,
and the foreign Helps and study'd Advantages given to Musick
in a following Reign, cou'd not raise our Genius the leastAin this re- [399]
spect. But when the Spirit of the Nation was grown more free, tho
engag'd at that time in the fiercest War, and with the most doubtful
Success, we no sooner began to turn our-selves towards Musick,
and enquire what ITALY in particular produc'd, than in an instant
we outstrip'd our Neighbours the FRENCH, enter'd into a Genius
far beyond theirs, and rais'd our-selves an Ear, and Judgment, not
inferior to the best now in the World.
In the same manner, as to PAINTING. Tho we have as yet nothing
of our own native Growth in this kind worthy of being mention'd;
yet since the Publick has of late begun to express a Relish
for Ingravings, Drawings, Copyings, and for the original Paintings
of the chief Italian Schools, (so contrary to the modern French) I
doubt not that, in very few years, we shall make an equal progress
in this other Science. And when our Humour turns us to cultivate
these designing Arts, our Genius, I am persuaded, will naturally
carry us over the slighter Amusements, and lead us to that higher,
more serious, and noble Part of Imitation, which relates to History,
Human Nature, and the chief Degree or Order of BEAUTY; I mean
that of the rational Life, distinct from the merely vegetable and sensible,
asA in Animals, or Plants; according to those several Degrees [400]
or Orders of Painting, which your Lordship will find suggested in
this extemporary Notion I have sent you.
As for ARCHITECTURE, 'tis nowonder if so many noble Designs
of this kind have miscarry'd amongst us; since the Genius of our
Nation has hitherto been so little turn'd this way, that thro' several
Reigns we have patiently seen the noblest publick Buildings perish
246 A LETTER
(if I may say so) under the Hand of one single Court-Architect;
who, if he had been able to profit by Experience, wou'd long since,
at our expence, have prov'd the greatest Master in the World. But
I question whether our Patience is like to hold much longer. The
Devastation so long committed in this kind, has made us begin to
grow rude and clamorous at the hearing of a new Palace spoilt, or
a new Design committed to some rash or impotent Pretender.
'Tis the good Fate of our Nation in this particular, that there remain
yet two of the noblest Subjects for Architecture; our Prince's
Palace, and our House of Parliament. For I can't but fansy that when
Whitehall is thought of, the neighbouring Lords and Commons will
at the same timeA be plac'd in better Chambers and Apartments,[401]
than at present; were it only for Majesty's sake, and as a Magnificence
becoming the Person of the Prince, who here appears in
full Solemnity. Nor do I fear that when these new Subjects are attempted,
we shou'd miscarry as grosly as we have done in others
before. Our State, in this respect, may prove perhaps more fortunate
than our Church, in having waited till a national Taste was
form'd, before these Edifices were undertaken. But the Zeal of the
Nation cou'd not, it seems, admit so long a Delay in their Ecclesiastical
Structures, particularly their Metropolitan. And since a Zeal
of this sort has been newly kindled amongst us, 'tis like we shall
see from afar the many Spires arising in our great City, with such
hasty and sudden growth, as may be the occasion perhaps that our
immediate Relish shall be hereafter censur'd, as retaining much of
what Artists call the Gothick Kind.
Hardly, indeed, as the Publick now stands, shou'd we bear to see
a Whitehall treated like a Hampton-Court, oreven a new Cathedral
like St. PAUL's. Almost every-one now becomes concern'd, and
interests himself in such publick Structures. Even those Pieces too
are brought under the common Censure, which, tho rais'dAby pri-[402]
vate Men, are of such a Grandure and Magnificence, as to become
National Ornaments. The ordinary Man may build his Cottage,
or the plain Gentleman his Country-house according as he fansys:
but when a great Man builds, he will find little Quarter from the
CONCERNING DESIGN 247
Publick, if instead of a beautiful Pile, he raises, at a vast expence,
such a false and counterfeit Piece of Magnificence, as can be justly
arraign'd for its Deformity by so many knowing Men in Art, and
by the whole People, who, in such a Conjuncture, readily follow
their Opinion.
In reality the People are no small Partys in this Cause. Nothing
moves successfully without 'em. There can be no PUBLICK, but
where they are included. And without a Publick Voice, knowingly
guided and directed, there is nothing which can raise a true Ambition
in the Artist; nothing which can exalt the Genius of the
Workman, or make him emulous of after-Fame, and of the approbation
of his Country, and of Posterity. For with these he naturally,
as a Freeman, must take part: in these he has a passionate Concern,
and Interest, rais'd in him by the same Genius of Liberty, the same
Laws and Government, by which his Property, and the Rewards of
his Pains and Industry are secur'd to him, and to his Generation
after him.A [403]
Every thing co-operates, in such a State, towards the Improvement
of Art and Science. And for the designing Arts in particular,
such as Architecture, Painting, and Statuary, they are in a manner
link'd together. The Taste of one kind brings necessarily that of
the others along with it.When the free Spirit of a Nation turns itself
this way, Judgments are form'd; Criticks arise; the publick Eye
and Ear improve; a right Taste prevails, and in a manner forces its
way. Nothing is so improving, nothing so natural, so con-genial
to the liberal Arts, as that reigning Liberty and high Spirit of a
People, which from the Habit of judging in the highest Matters
for themselves, makes 'em freely judg of other Subjects, and enter
thorowly into the Characters as well of Men and Manners, as of
the Products or Works of Men, in Art and Science. So much, my
Lord, do we owe to the Excellence of our National Constitution,
and Legal Monarchy; happily fitted for Us, and which alone cou'd
hold together so mightya People; all sharers (tho at so fara distance
from each other) in the Government of themselves; and meeting
under one Head in one vast Metropolis; whose enormous Growth,
248 A LETTER
however censurable in other respects, is actually a Cause that
Workmanship andAArts of so many kinds arise to such perfection.[404]
What Encouragement our higher Powers may think fit to give
these growing Arts, I will not pretend to guess. This I know, that
'tis so much for their advantage and Interest to make themselves
the chief Partys in the Cause, that I wish no Court or Ministry,
besides a truly virtuous and wise one, may ever concern themselves
in the Affair. For shou'd they do so, they wou'd in reality do
more harm than good; since 'tis not the Nature of a Court (such as
Courts generally are) to improve, but rather corrupt a Taste. And
what is in the beginning set wrong by their Example, is hardly ever
afterwards recoverable in the Genius of a Nation.
Content therefore I am, my Lord, that BRITAIN stands in this
respect as she now does. Nor can one, methinks, with just reason
regret her having hitherto made no greater advancement in these
affairs of Art. As her Constitution has grown, and been establish'd,
she has in proportion fitted her-self forother Improvements.There
has been no Anticipation in the Case. And in this surely she must
be esteem'd wise, as well as happy; that ere she attempted to raise
her-self any other Taste or Relish, she secur'd her-self aA right one[405]
in Government. She has now the advantage of beginning in other
Matters,on a new foot. She has her Models yet to seek, her Scale and
Standard to form,with deliberation and good choice. Able enough
she is at present to shift for her-self; however abandon'd or helpless
she has been left by those whom it became to assist her. Hardly,
indeed, cou'd she procure a single Academy for the training of her
Youth in Exercises. As good Soldiers as we are, and as good Horses
as our Climate affords, our Princes, rather than expend their Treasure
this way, have suffer'd ourYouth to pass into a foreign Nation,
to learn to ride. As for other Academys, such as those for Painting,
Sculpture, or Architecture, we have not so much as heard of the
Proposal; whilst the Prince of our rival Nation raises Academys,
breeds Youth, and sends Rewards and Pensions into foreign Countrys,
to advance the Interest and Credit of his own. Now if, notwithstanding
the Industry and Pains of this foreign Court, and the
CONCERNING DESIGN 249
supine Un-concernedness of our own, the National Taste however
rises, and already shews it-self in many respects beyond that of our
so highly-assisted Neighbours; what greater Proof can there be of
the Superiority of Genius in one of these Nations above the other?A [406]
'Tis but this moment that I chance to read in an Article of one
of the Gazettes from PARIS, that 'tis resolv'd at Court to establish
a new Academy for political Affairs. ``In it the present ChiefMinister
is to preside; having under him six Academists, douëz
des Talens nécessaires1--No Person to be receiv'd under the age of
twenty five. A thousand Livres Pension for each Scholar--Able
Masters to be appointed for teaching them the necessary Sciences,
and instructing them in the Treatys of Peace and Alliances, which
have been formerly made--The Members to assemble three times
a Week--C'est de ce Seminaire (says the Writer) qu'on tirera les Secretaires
d'Ambassade; qui par degrez pourront monter  de plus hauts
Emplois.''2
I must confess, my Lord, as great an Admirer as I am of these
regular Institutions, I can't but look upon an Academy for Ministers
as a very extraordinary Establishment; especially in such a Monarchy
as FRANCE, and at such a Conjuncture as the present. It looks
as if the Ministers of that Court had discover'd lately some new
Methods of Negotiation, such as their Predecessors RICHELIEUA [407]
and MAZARINE never thought of; or that, on the contrary, they
have found themselves so declin'd, and at such a loss in the Management
of this present Treaty, as to be forc'd to take their Lesson
from some of those Ministers with whom they treat: a Reproach,
of which, no doubt, they must be highly sensible.
But 'tis not my design here, to entertain your Lordship with
any Reflections upon Politicks,or the Methods which the FRENCH
may take to raise themselves new Ministers, or new Generals; who
may prove a better Match for us than hitherto, whilst we held our
1 endowed with the necessary Talents
2 It is from this group (says the Writer) that will be drawn Secretaries of Ambassadors
and gradually they will rise to the highest Offices.
250 A LETTER
old. I will only say to your Lordship on this Subject of Academys;
that indeed I have less concern for the Deficiency of such a one as
this, than of any other which cou'd be thought of, for ENGLAND;
and that as for a Seminary of Statesmen, I doubt not but, without
this extraordinary help, we shall be able, out of our old Stock, and
the common course of Business, constantly to furnish a sufficient
Number of well-qualify'd Persons to serve upon occasion, either
at home, or in our foreign Treatys; as often as such Persons accordingly
qualify'd shall duly, honestly, and bonâ fide be requir'd
to serve.A[408]
I return therefore to my Virtuoso-Science; which being my chief
Amusement in this Place and Circumstance, your Lordship has
by it a fresh Instance that I can never employ my Thoughts with
satisfaction on any Subject, without making you a Party. For even
this very NOTION had its rise chiefly from the Conversation of a
certain Day, which I had the happiness to pass a few years since in
the Country with your Lordship. 'Twas there you shew'd me some
Ingravings,which had been sent you from ITALY. One in particular
I well remember; of which the Subject was the very same with that
of my written NOTION inclos'd. But by what Hand it was done, or
after what Master, or how executed, I have quite forgot. 'Twas the
Summer-season, when you had Recess from Business. And I have
accordingly calculated this Epistle and Project for the same Recess
and Leisure. For by the time this can reach ENGLAND, the Spring
will be far advanc'd, and the national Affairs in a manner over, with
those who are not in the immediate Administration.
Were that indeed your Lordship's Lot, at present; I know not
whether in regard to my Country I shou'd dare throw such Amusements
as these in your way.A Yet even in this Case, I wou'd ven-[409]
ture to say however, in defense of my Project, and of the Cause
of Painting; that cou'd my young Hero come to your Lordship as
well represented as he might have been, either by the Hand of a
*MARAT or a JORDANO, (the Masters who were in being, and in
* Carlo Marat was yet alive, at the time this Letter was written; but had been
long super-annuated, and incapable of any considerable Performance.
CONCERNING DESIGN 251
repute, when I first travel'd here in ITALY) the Picture it-self, whatever
the Treatise prov'd, wou'd have been worth notice, and might
have become a Present worthy of our Court, and Prince's Palace;
especially were it so bless'd as to lodge within it a royal Issue of her
Majesty's. Such a Piece of Furniture might well fit the Gallery, or
Hall of Exercises, where our young Princes shou'd learn their usual
Lessons. And to see VIRTUE in this Garb and Action, might perhaps
be no slight Memorandum hereafter to a Royal Youth, who
shou'd one day come to undergo this Trial himself; on which his
own Happiness, as well as the Fate of EUROPE and of the World,
wou'd in so great a measure depend.
This, my Lord, is making (as you see) the most I can of my
Project, andAsetting off my Amusements with the best Colour I am [410]
able; that I may be the more excusable in communicating them to
your Lordship, and expressing thus, with what Zeal I am,
MY LORD,
Your Lordship's
most faithful
humble Servant,
SHAFTESBURY.
Naples, March 6
N.S. 1712.
INDEX
[N.B. The Letters shew the Volume: The Figures, the Pages of each.]
A
ABRAHAM, Patriarch, his Character and Life. Vol. iii. pag. 52, 53, 124
Absolute Power. See Arbitrary.
Absolute Princes. i. 203. Seem to act by Counsel and Advice. i. 210, 11. Their Education and
Manners. ibid. No real Society in Absolute Government. i. 105, 6. No Publick, or Sense
of publick Good. 107. No social or common Affection. ibid. No Community or MotherCountry.
iii. 143. Absolute Monarchy, debauching in religious and moral Principles. i. 107.
iii. 310, 11. Necessary Subjection and Homage in Absolute Government. i. 219. iii. 172
Academick Philosophy. i. 18, 253. Its Excellence. i. 81, 256. ii. 189, 191, 230, 31, &c. 305, 6.
See Sceptick.
Academick Founder and Successor. ii. 253, 4
Academick Discipline amongst the Antients. i. 122. ii. 191
Academists: their way of arguing unsutable to the impatient Humour of our Age. ii. 189, 191
Academys for Exercise, wanted for our Youth. Unhappily neglected. i. 333, 4. iii. 405. One
propos'd at Paris, for Political Affairs. iii. 406. Reflections thereupon. ibid. See Exercises,
School, University.
ACTEON: a common Absurdity in the Pictures of his Metamorphosis. iii. 357
Actions: Spring of Actions. ii. 86
Activity, or Action, how necessary to Mankind. ii. 131, 32
Actor (Stage) i. 7
In the Publick. i. 8
Admiration, Weakness of the Passion. i. 144, &c. ii. 324, &c. See Miracle,Wonder.
Just Admiration. ii. 29
Admiration founded in the natural and necessary Imagination of a sublime and beautiful
in things. i. 138, 9, 336, 7. ii. 28, &c. 394, 420, 21, 29, 30. iii. 30, &c. 182, &c.
Admiration, Motive, or Incentive to Philosophy. iii. 37. Restraint of it in Philosophy. iii. 35,
&c. 202, 3
Admiration, a strong one, distinguish'd from that of Love. iii. 359
Advice. See Treatise of: viz. Vol. I. 153, &c.
AEGYPT, its Description. ii. 386. Origin and enormous Growth of Superstition from
AEGYPT. ii. 387, 8. iii. 42, &c. Natural as well as Political Causes. iii. 45, 6. Unsociableness
of Religion, mutual Abhorrence of Worshipers, and Persecution of Sects begun from hence.
ii. 387, 8. iii. 42, 59, &c. 80, &c. Unhappy Settlement, Cantonment, and Agrarian of the
primitive AEgyptians. iii. 42, &c. AEgyptian Mysterys. iii. 245. See Hierarchy, Priest-
hood.
AEgyptian Loan. i. 358. Catechism and Catechumens originally AEgyptian. iii. 245. See
Circumcision.
AETHIOPIA, its Empire and Priesthood. iii. 48, 9
AEthiopian Spectator. i. 82, 3, 5
253
254 INDEX
Affectation in Behaviour opposite to Grace. i. 190
Affectation in Belief, Faith, Religion, Praise. i. 6, 7, 34, &c. 41, &c.
Affection: Natural Affection towards Moral Beauty. i. 280, 81
Social Affection: Enjoyment. i. 310, 11. Social Affection confess'd in Love of Country, &c.
iii. 143, &c. In Parental, Filial Affection. iii. 145. Strength of Social Affection. i. 16. Conjugal
Affection. ii. 132. iii. 219
'Tis by Affection merely that a Creature is esteem'd good or ill. ii. 21, 22
Private or Self-Affection. ii. 22. When vitious. ii. 22, &c. When good. ii. 23, 24
Reflex Affection. ii. 28. Unequal Affection, or Iniquity. ii. 31. Opposition of the Affections.
ii. 52
Religious Affection. ii. 75. See Devotion, Enthusiasm.
System of the Affections. ii. 85. That System explain'd. ii. 86
Three kinds of Affections. ii. 86, 87
Degrees of Affections. ii. 87, 88, &c.
Affection: Private Affection too weak, when? ii. 89. Affections towards private Good, necessary.
ii. 90
Energy of Natural Affections. ii. 101, 2, &c.
What Pleasure attends the very Disturbances belonging to Natural Affection. ii. 106, 7.
Effects of Natural Affection. ii. 107, 8, &c. Partial Affection has no foundation in Reason.
iii. 111. How slender Satisfaction it affords. ii. 112, 13
Intire Affection, its Advantages. ii. 113, 14
Analysis or Plan of the Affections, as they relate to human Happiness or Unhappiness.
iii. 195, 96, &c.
Natural Affection, . iii. 222. The same parental or filial kind. iii. 145
Balance of the Affections. ii. 92, 95, 130, 31, &c.
Exercise of the Social or Natural Affections, how necessary to Man. ii. 134, 5, 6
Of the Affections which relate to the immediate Self, or private Interest of the Creature.
ii. 139
Unnatural Affections. ii. 163, 4, &c. Their Consequences. ii. 168, 9, &c.
Age, the present: improving, in our Nation: Why? i. 9, 10
Agrarian: untoward-one in the AEgyptian State. iii. 43. How occasion'd. iii. 47, 48, 57, 58
Air of Person: See Grace.
Alchymy. ii. 184, 190, 377. iii. 160
Alchymists: why their Philosophy still prevails so much in our Age. ii. 189, 90
ALCIBIADES. iii. 126
ALEXANDER the Great. i. 249, 325
Modern Alexanders. i. 227
Amanuensis, the Author's. i. 305. iii. 16, 190
Ambition. i. 320, 21, 25, &c. ii. 157, 433, 40, 41
Amble: common Amble, Pace, or Canterbery of Writers. iii. 25, 26
Amorous Passion: What Occasion of Disorder. ii. 151, 52, &c.
Amour. Manner of it with the Fair Sex. iii. 115. History of an Amour. i. 176, &c. See Gallantry,
Novel, Love.
Amphictonian Counsel. iii. 138
Amphitheater. See Gladiator.
Amphitheatrical Spectacles. i. 270
ANACHARSIS. i. 89
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 255
Anatomy of the Mind. i. 206, 7. Of the Body. ii. 302, &c.
ANDREW: Merry-Andrew and Executioner: a Picture. i. 66
Angels: Angelical Company. i. 7
Anger: Use of the Passion in the inferior Orders of Creatures, and in the ordinary Characters
of Men. ii. 144, 45. Its ill Effects, when indulg'd. ii. 145, 6, 7. Void in the highest and most
virtuous Characters. ii. 144. Anger an Acknowledgment of Just and Unjust. ii. 419, 20
Animal: How becomes a Part of another System. ii. 18
Animal System. ibid.
Wild and Tame Animals of the same Species, how different. ii. 132
Answers to Books. iii. 9, 10, &c. Answer-Writers. ibid. and 270, 71
Ant. ii. 96. iii. 220
Anticipation. ii. 420. See Pre-conception.
Anticipation and Repeal. iii. 356
Antidote to Enthusiasm: See Enthusiasm.
Antients, their Discipline of Youth. i. 122. ii. 191. See Academy.
Antient Policy, in the Affairs of Religion and Philosophy. i. 17, 18. ii. 262
ANTIPATER. i. 249
Antipathy, religious. See Religion.
APELLES. i. 227. See Painter.
APOLLO. iii. 233. Apollo and Muses. i. 5, 6, 7. See Muses, Pythian, Delphick.
Apologue. iii. 206, 7. See Fable, Mythology, Esop.
Apology, practice of. i. 329, 30. See Preface.
Appearances: See Species.
Appetites high, eager. iii. 177
Appetite, elder Brother to Reason. i. 187
Applause: See Praise.
ARATUS, Poet. iii. 238
Arbitrary Power, i. 220. The sweet and bitter. ibid.
Arbitrary Power, or absolute Monarchy, destructive of Arts. i. 219, 20, 21, 237, 38, &c. iii. 23.
See Absolute Power, Tyranny,Will.
ARCADIA. i. 21
Architecture, Barbarous, Gothick. i. 353. True and natural, independent of Fancy. ibid.
Founded in Truth and Nature. iii. 181. Why it has succeeded no better in England. iii. 400
Architect ambitious. iii. 133
ARISTIDES. i. 267
ARISTOPHANES. i. 245
ARISTOTLE cited. i. 142, 3, 242, &c. iii. 66, 139, 259, 80. See Peripatetick.
Arm: Secular-Arm, deliver over. i. 66. iii. 110
Arms and Hands, expressive in Oratory. iii. 366
ARTHUR King. iii. 112
Articles of Belief. See Belief, Divinity.
Artisans. i. 192. Artisan honest, resolute. i. 262
Artists rejoice in Criticism. i. 235, 61. Virtue and Generosity of Artists. i. 261, &c. See Poet,
Painter, Architect.
Arts and Sciences how rais'd and improv'd. i. 239, &c. 248, &c. iii. 136, &c. Encourag'd by
Liberty. iii. 403. 'Tis the Interest of great Men to encourage them. iii. 404
Arts and Virtues mutual Friends. i. 338
256 INDEX
Assemblys, Publick, demand Respect. i. 75
Atellan, Plays. i. 251
Atheism: its Consequences with respect to Virtue. ii. 69, 70
Compar'd in that respect with Theism. ii. 72, 3, 4
Atheism from Superstition. ii. 335, 6, &c. Martyrs for Atheism. iii. 64. Atheism preferable
to Superstition. i. 41. iii. 126, 7, 8. Faith of Atheism. ii. 357
Atheism charg'd on the People of the better Rank and Fashion. ii. 264. iii. 294. Charg'd upon
Wit and subtle Reasoning. ibid.
Atheism. See Ill-Humour, Chance.
Atheist, a compleat one: His Belief or Faith. ii. 11, 298, 357, 8. Hard to pronounce certainly
of any Man, that he is an Atheist. ii. 12. Atheist personated. iii. 294, 95
Atheists. Best Writers against 'em. ii. 259. Two sorts of People call'd Atheists. ii. 260. Different
in themselves; and to be us'd differently. ii. 260, 61
Atheists miscall'd. i. 345
Atheists Enthusiasts. i. 52. iii. 64, 5
Atheist, a strong Believer. ii. 357
Atheistical Hypothesis. ii. 298
Certain Principles common to Atheists with the Devout, or Zealots. i. 97, 117, 18, 23, 24,
&c. 132, 345, 52. ii. 68, 80, 81, 256. iii. 310
Atheistical Writers or Talkers, no genuine Atheists. i. 89, 90, 92, &c.
ATHENIANS. i. 30. Their Antiquity, Genius. iii. 152, 3.
Manners, Modesty. ibid. (See Greece.) Progress of Arts and Letters amongst them. i. 248,
49, 50
Attick Elegance. i. 233
ATTICUS. iii. 21
ATTILA, Gothick Prince. iii. 91
Avarice. i. 319, 20. iii. 197, 98, 304. Avaritious Temper, how miserable. ii. 155, 6, &c.
Audience. i. 264, 65, 77. See Stage.
AUGUSTUS. i. 220, 28, 269, 70. iii. 21, 250
Authors: Saint-Authors. i. 164, 5. iii. 239, 40. Author in Solitude. i. 175. Prince-Authors.
i. 213, 14. Author's Courtship to the Reader. i. 200, 330. Selfishness of Authors. i. 200.
Coquetry of an Author. ibid.
Author once an honourable Name. iii. 3, 4. A Character or Note of Understanding. ibid.
Jealousy of free Authors. ii. 7, 8, 262, &c.
Author Orthodox. i. 358, 59, 60. Orthodoxy of our Author in particular. iii. 70, 71, 315
Authors not excusable for their ill Performance, because neglected by the Great. i. 222, 3, 4,
30. Or because of Criticism and Censure. i. 231, &c. Or because of the publick Genius or
Ear. i. 261, 2, 78
Author and Reader, their mutual Relation, Interest. iii. 227, &c. Their Pretensions, Privileges,
Place, Ceremonial. ibid.
Divinest Characters and Personages, no Authors, either in Sacred or Profane Letters. iii.
244, &c. Great Authors capable of Business, tho out of it. iii. 247, &c. 273
Authors of narrow Genius's, incapable of Action or Speculation. iii. 272, 3, &c. Bookseller
makes the Author. i. 264. iii. 27. Modern Author professes Laziness, Precipitancy, Carelessness.
i. 233, 4. In doubt about his own Work. iii. 27. See Piece, Penman, Miscellany.
Author of these Treatises: accidentally engag'd in them. iii. 190. His first Treatise (viz. Letter
of Enthusiasm) a real Letter. ibid. And before. 12, 13, 19, 20
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 257
Authority: Divine Authority judg'd by Morals. i. 298
Awe: Its Effect on Mens Understandings. i. 96. See Fear.
B
BABYLONIAN Empire and Hierarchy. iii. 48. See Hierarchy.
BACON, Lord, cited. iii. 69
Banter: Fashionable with modern Politicians and Negotiators. i. 62
Banter from Persecution. i. 72
Barbarian. See Goth, Indian.
Barbarism, chief Mark of. iii. 153
Barbarism from Universal Monarchy. i. 221, 22
Bart'lemy-Fair. i. 28
Mr. BAYS. iii. 274, 5, 6, &c. Other Bays's in Divinity. iii. 282, &c.
Bear-Garden. i. 270, 71. iii. 256, 7
Beasts. Beast or Brute-Science. iii. 184, 218. Passionate Love and Fondness towards the Bestial
or Animal-Forms,Virtues, Beautys. iii. 184, 216, &c.
Oeconomy or Order of Nature in the Beasts. See Oeconomy.
Beasts: their natural Instincts. ii. 307, 8
Beaver. iii. 220
Beauty: where to be found. ii. 404, &c. Mysterious Charms of Beauty. ii. 211, &c. Knowledg
in the Degrees and Orders of Beauty. ibid. Three Degrees or Orders of Beauty. ii. 406,
&c. Scale or Scheme of Beauty. iii. 182, &c. Moral Beauty. ii. 409. Confess'd. i. 280, 81.
ii. 419, &c. iii. 179, 80. Moral Beauty and Deformity. ii. 29, 30. Beauty of Sentiments,
Character, Mind. i. 136, 207. iii. 303. See Character, Mind,Virtue, Heart.
Beauty, is Truth. i. 142, 3. iii. 180, 1, &c.
Beauty of Virtue. i. 315, &c. Beauty of the Soul. ii. 414, 15
Beauty of the Body. ii. 414
Beauty dangerous. i. 183. Outward Beauty expressive of inward. i. 138. Natural Health, the
inward Beauty of the Body. iii. 181. Mechanick Beautys, in opposition to Moral and Intellectual.
i. 139
Beauty in Animals. iii. 218. How attractive, enchanting. iii. 216, 17, &c.
Scale of Beauty. iii. 182, 3
The Odd and Pretty in the room of the Graceful and Beautiful. iii. 5, 6, &c.
Beauty: its Idea natural. ii. 415
Beauty and Good the same. ii. 399, 422. Not the Object of the Sense. ii. 423, 4. Its Extent.
ii. 211, 12, 13
The Beautiful, Honestum, Pulchrum,  . See Fair, Decorum, Enthusiasm.
Bee. ii. 94, 96. iii. 220
Beggars. i. 35, 36. Beggarly Religion. ibid. and iii. 126, &c.
Belief. (See Faith.) Belief at a venture. i. 35. No Merit in believing on weak Grounds. i. 34.
Affectation of Belief. ibid. Articles of Belief. i. 361. iii. 60, 1, 2, 79, 80, 1, 2. Grossest Article
of Belief, how introduc'd of old into the Church. iii. 333, 4. Sacred and indisputable Articles
of Belief. iii. 70. Whether a Man can be accountable for his wrong Belief. ii. 326, 7, 8.
Men persuade themselves into any Opinion or Belief whatever. iii. 101, 2, &c. Belief at the
Stretch of Reason. i. 34. iii. 105
Believer against his Will. i. 35. iii. 127. Superstitious Believer wishes there were no God. iii.
127, 8
258 INDEX
Belly. Gluttonous Imagination, or Belly-Sense. i. 283
Bibliotheque Choisie. iii. 18, 20, 241. See Monsieur LE CLERC.
Bigotry: its Spirit. i. 74. First Rise. iii. 80. Force of the Word. iii. 81, 2
Bird. ii. 302, &c.
Bit or Bridle, proper Emblem for the Figure of Virtue. iii. 386
Body-Politick, Head and Members. i. 113, 14. See Constitution.
BOILEAU: French Satirist. i. 218. iii. 280
Bombast. i. 232, 41. iii. 262
Books. See Reading, Scholar, Burning.
Good-Books so call'd. i. 165. iii. 327. Books of Chivalry, Gallantry, Prodigys, Travels, barbarous
Nations, and Customs. i. 341, &c. Interpolating, suppressing Practice on Books.
iii. 330. See Scripture, Fathers.
Bookseller. i. 304. (See Author, Amanuensis.) Begets a Fray or learned Scuffle. iii. 10, 11, 15,
&c. Booksellerand Glazier. iii. 15. Bookseller's Shop and Trade. ibid. Booksellerdetermines
Titles. iii. 27. Fits his Customers. iii. 270
BOSSU: Pere Bossu, du Poeme Epique. i. 142
Breeding. See Academy, University.
Good-Breeding. i. 64, 5. ii. 242. Leading Character toVirtue. i. 129, 35, 333. iii. 161, 62, 68
Good-Breeding, and Liberty, necessarily join'd. i. 76. Man of Good-Breeding incapable of
a brutal Action. i. 129. Acts from his Nature,without Reflection, and bya kind of Necessity.
i. 129, 30. Compar'd with the thorow honest Man. ibid. See Gentleman.
BRITAIN: its Advantages. i. 219. Has secur'd a right Taste in Government, Arts, &c. iii. 404,
5. Old Britain. i. 272
British Liberty. i. 216, 22. British Sense in Politicks. i. 80
British Countrymen, Fellow-Citizens. iii. 144, &c.
BRITONS: their Sense of Government, and a Constitution. i. 108. See England, Englishmen.
Brute. ii. 305. See Beast.
BRUTUS. iii. 249
Buffoons. i. 72. See Laugh, Italian, Banter, Burlesque.
Build: easier to demolish than build. iii. 134
Burlesque: its principal Source. i. 71. (See Banter.) Mere Burlesque rejected by the Antients.
i. 73. See Parodys, Comedy.
Burlesque-Wit and Buffoonery on the Stage. iii. 281
Burlesque Divinity. See Divinity.
BURNET Archaeol. cited. iii. 122
Burning Zeal See Zeal.
Burning and Destruction of Books, Learning, &c. iii. 239, &c. See Fathers of the Church.
Business. Man of Business. i. 309
C
Cabalistick Learning. iii. 81
CAESAR, Julius. i. 272. Caesar's Commentarys. i. 224. His Ability. i. 228
CAESARS, Roman. i. 24, 25, 133, 221. iii. 41, 86, 90, 91
Cake: not eat and have. i. 130
Camp. i. 335
Cantonizing. i. 113
Canterbery. See Amble.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 259
CAPPADOCIANS. iii. 251
Carnival. i. 82, &c.
Carver, carnal, spiritual. iii. 112, &c.
Catechism, Theological, Metaphysical. i. 306, 7. Moral, Philosophical. i. 307, &c.
Catechism, and Catechumens, originally AEgyptian. iii. 245. See Circumcision.
Catholick Church. See Church, Rome, Pope.
Catholick Opinion, how form'd. iii. 86, &c. See Uniformity.
CATULLUS. i. 228
Cause: common Cause. i. 222
CEBES. ii. 254
Censors of Manners. i. 240. Censure free. i. 9
Ceremony. i. 203, 4. See Compliments.
Ceremonial, between Author and Reader. iii. 227, &c.
Ceremonys. See Rites.
CERVANTES, Michael. iii. 253
CHALDEA. iii. 48
Challenge. (See Duel.) Spiritual Challengers, Lists, Combatants. i. 363. iii. 341. See Religion,
Priests.
Chance, prefer'd to Providence, by the superstitious. i. 40. iii. 126, &c. See Atheism.
Chaos, and Darkness, from Universal Monarchy. i. 222
Chaos of the English Poets. iii. 62
Characters. Dealer in Characters must know his own. i. 189
Sacred Characters. i. 281
Character, Divine. i. 23, 37. In God, in Man. i. 38, 41. Beauty of Character. i. 136. See
Beauty.
Character with one's self, and others. i. 130, 294, 5
Character, generous, and vile, set in opposition. i. 141
Real Characters and Manners. i. 194, 99, 200, &c. See Manners.
Perfect Character, veil'd. i. 194. Perfect Character unartificial in Poetry. i. 337. Monstrous
in Epick, or on the Stage. iii. 260, &c.
Homer's Characters. See Homer.
Principal Characters and Under-Parts. i. 195
Characters in Holy Writ, not Subjects for a Poem. i. 356
Characters or Personages in Dialogue. iii. 292, 3, &c. See Dialogue.
Sublime of Characters. i. 336
Inward Character. i. 339. iii. 34
Character from Circumstances of Nativity. iii. 147, 8
Characters in the State. iii. 163, 70, &c.
Inward Character and Worth. iii. 174, 5
Character of a Critick. See Critick.
Characteristick of Understandings. i. 201
Charity and good Will: Pretexts to what Ends. i. 87, 133. iii. 115, 33, 4. See Morals.
Christian Charity. i. 99. Charitable Foundations, to whose Benefit. i. 133. Supernatural
Charity. i. 18. iii. 115. Heathen Charity. iii. 153, 4
Charm of Nature, in Moral Objects. See Nature, Beauty, Harmony, Taste.
Childrens Play. i. 66
Chivalry. i. 272, 3. Originally Moorish, Gothick. i. 344, &c. iii. 253. Books of Chivalry.
i. 344. Dregs of it. ii. 195. See Gallantry.
260 INDEX
Christian Author. i. 67. Good Christian. i. 99. Christian, Mahometan, Pagan. i. 352. iii. 104.
Sceptick-Christian. iii. 72
Christianity no way concern'd in modern Miracles. ii. 326, 30, &c. Not founded in Miracle
merely. ibid. and i. 297, 8
A Church. i. 10. See Hierarchy, Catholick.
Roman Christian and Catholick Church. iii. 90. See Monarchy.
National Church. i. 17, 28. Its Interest asserted. i. 17.Panick Fear for the Church.iii. 83, &c.
Church-Lands. i. 25, 133. iii. 45, 79
Writing Church-Militant. iii. 9, &c. and 290, &c.
Antient Heathen-Church. i. 50. iii. 126, &c.
Church of England. iii. 15, &c. See Divines.
Church-Patriot. iii. 170, 71
Chymistry. See Alchymy.
CICERO. i. 208, 334. iii. 20, 21, 182, 280
Circumcision, its Origin among the AEgyptians. iii. 52, 3. Receiv'd by the Hebrew Patriarch,
their Guest. ibid. By MOSES on his Return. 55. Laid down again, on his Retreat.
52. Again renew'd by JOSHUA, with regard to the same AEgyptians. 52, 4, 5
City: Heavenly City Jerusalem. i. 282
Clan. See Tribe.
Cleanliness. i. 125
CLERC (Mr. Le Clerc, Sylv. Phil.) iii. 214, 15. See Bibliotheque Choisie.
Clergy, Benefit of. i. 305. Interest of Christian Clergy in antient and polite Learning. iii. 236,
7. Management and Practices of the antient Clergy. iii. 333, 4. See Clericks, Priesthood,
Fathers of the Church.
Clericks seditious. iii. 88, 9. See Magistrate, Civil Government.
Climates, Regions, Soils, compar'd. iii. 150
Closet-Thoughts. i. 139
Clown, judges Philosophers. iii. 107. Better Philosopher than some so call'd. iii. 204
Club, Liberty of the Club. i. 75. (See Committee.) Club-Method. i. 267
Coffee-House. iii. 15, 274, &c. Coffee-House Committee. iii. 274, &c. Coffee-House Hero.
ibid.
College. i. 334. ii. 184, 91
Collision amicable. i. 64
Comedy. i. 198. Posterior to Tragedy. i. 244, &c. See Farce, Play, Theater, Drama, Bur-
lesque.
Comedy, antient. First, Second, Third. i. 245, &c. 252, &c.
Comick Style. i. 257, &c. See Style, Satir.
Commission: sole Commission for Authorship. i. 335. Heavenly Commission, Pretences to it
examin'd. iii. 102, 59, 336, &c.
Committee. iii. 275, &c. See Club.
Common Sense. (See Sense, Nature.) Men not to be reason'd out of it. i. 96
Company, provocative to Fancy. i. 159. See Assemblys, Conversations.
Complexions, religious. i. 84. See Salvation, Persecution.
Compliments. i. 203, 4. See Ceremony.
Comprehension in Religion. See Uniformity.
Conference, free. i. 70, 3, 5
Conformity in Religion. iii. 315. See Uniformity.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 261
Conformist Occasional. iii. 85
Conjurer, a wise and able one. i. 318. Conjurers. i. 87, 175, 348. See Magi, Priest, Enchanter.
Conquest, National. iii. 148
Conscience, Moral: ii. 119. Its Effects. ii. 120, 1, 2. Religious Conscience supposes Moral Conscience.
ii. 120. False Conscience, its Effects. ii. 122, 3, 4
Conscience from Interest. ii. 125
Consecration of Opinions, Notions. i. 60
Consistency, Rule of. iii. 354
Constitution, State or Government. i. 108, 239. English Constitution. i. 212, 16. iii. 150
Contemplation. ii. 75. See Meditation.
Controversy. Controversial Writings. iii. 9, &c. 270, 71. Church-Controversy. iii. 290, &c.
Religious Controversy, and Decision of the Cause, according to modern Priesthood. iii.
341, &c.
Conversation. i. 68, &c. 75, 6. iii. 335, 6. Life of Conversation. i. 75, 6. Sterility of the best
Conversations: the Cause. i. 77. Remedy. ibid. Modern Conversation, effeminate, enervate.
ii. 186
Convocation (Synod, Council) what Candour, Temper ? i. 360, &c.
Coquetry, see Author.
CORNEILLE, French Tragedian, cited. iii. 87, 280
Corporation of Wit. iii. 279. See Wit.
Correctness (See Genius, Critick) in writing. i. 232, &c. 241. iii. 227. Incorrectness. iii. 2,
3, &c. 258. Cause of Incorrectness in our English Writers. ibid. & 272, 3, &c.
Covetousness. See Avarice.
Counsellor. Privy Counsellors, of wise aspect. i. 211
Countenances. See Complexions.
Cowardice. i. 314. ii. 140, &c. See Fear.
Country. Love of native Country. iii. 143. See Love.
Native Country, Name wanting. iii. 149. Higher City or Country recogniz'd. iii. 158, 9
A Court. i. 10, 335. Court-Power. iii. 23. Grandeur of a Court, what influence on Art and
Manners. i. 219, &c. 239, &c. 341, 2. iii. 23. Spirit of a Court. i. 104, &c. Specters
met with there. i. 139. Place at Court. iii. 169, &c. 203. Court-Slavery. iii. 168, &c. See
Slavery.
Court-Engines. iii. 174. See Favourites.
Courtier. i. 192. Honest Courtier. iii. 24, 175, 6
Creature. Every one a private Interest. ii. 15, &c. Private Ill of every Creature. ibid.
No Creature good, if by his Nature injurious to his Species, or to the whole in which he
is included. ii. 17. When a Creature is suppos'd good. ii. 21, 22, 26. What makes an ill
Creature. ii. 26, 27. What makes a Creature worthy or virtuous. ii. 30, 31
Creature void of natural Affection. ii. 81, 82
Creature when too good. ii. 90, 91
Creed. iii. 242. Furniture of Creeds. iii. 322. Creed-making. iii. 60, 61, 80, &c. 332, 3, 4.
See Belief, Article,Watch-word.
Credulity and Incredulity. i. 345. Credulity, how dangerous. ii. 326, &c.
Criterion of Truth. i. 61
Critical Truth. See Truth.
Critical Liberty. iii. 316
Critical Art, Support of Sacred Writ. iii. 236, &c. 241, &c. 267
262 INDEX
Criticism, rejoices the real Artist. i. 234, &c. Toleration of Criticism, essential to Wit. i. 260.
Sacred Criticism. iii. 72, 3, 229, 30, &c. Prevention against. iii. 166, 276
Criticks : the ingenious and fair sort. i. 81. Formidable to the Author or Poet, why? i. 231, 2.
iii. 272, 73, &c.
French Criticks. iii. 280. See BOSSU, Journalists.
Critick-haters. i. 235, 6. iii. 165, 6, 7, 258, 272, 74, &c.
Self-Critick. i. 168
Interest, Party, Cause, or Writing, to be suspected, which declares against Criticism, or
declines the Proof. iii. 266, 342
Criticks, Pillars of State in Wit and Letters. i. 236, &c. 240, 41. iii. 267. Criticks, Notarys,
Expositors, Prompters. i. 241. Treated as whimsical. i. 272. Their Cause defended. iii.
165, 66
Criticks by fashion. i. 272
Writing-Criticks, or Satirists. iii. 271, 2
Criticks, Satirists, Scepticks, Scrupulists. iii. 109
Crocodile, worship'd. ii. 32. iii. 80. Emblem of Superstition. ii. 387
Crocodiles, Chimeras, Scholastick. iii. 80
Crowns, how purchas'd on some occasions. i. 133
Crudities. i. 164, &c.
CUDWORTH (Dr.) his Character. ii. 262. Why accus'd of being a Friend to Atheists. ibid.
Cited. iii. 64
Custom and Fashion powerful Seducers. i. 355. Custom vitious. ii. 35
CYBELE, Goddess. ii. 253
D
Daemon, or Guardian Spirit. i. 168, 9. iii. 28
Daemon, to what that Name belongs. ii. 11. See Witch.
Daemonist, who, what. ii. 11, 12
Dancer. i. 193
Figur'd Dances. iii. 91. High Dance in Religion and Prophecy. iii. 117
Death, King of Terrors. i. 314. ii. 253. See Fear.
Debate, free. i. 71. iii. 155. See Conference, Freedom.
Debauch, has a reference to Society. i. 310, 11. ii. 127
Declamation. i. 70. See Preaching.
Decorum. i. 138, 9, 337. ii. 415. iii. 180, 85, 97, 8. Decorum and Sublime of Actions. iii. 34.
(See Beauty, Grace.)
Dulce & Decorum. i. 102, 23
Dedication. See Preface.
Defender of the Faith. i. 213
Deist, the Name set in opposition to Christianity. ii. 209
Deity, when view'd amiss. i. 32, 3. Deity sought in Chaos and Confusion, not in Order and
Beauty. ii. 336, &c. Various Combinations of Opinions concerning Deity. ii. 13. How Men
are influenc'd by the Belief of a Deity. ii. 54, &c. Terror of the Deity implies not moral
Conscience. ii. 119. Different Characters, Aspects, or Views of Deity. iii. 39, 40. Species
multiply'd. iii. 47, 49, 50, 80. Heathen Attributes of Deity. iii. 153. See Genius, Mind.
Deity, the sovereign Beauty, and Source of all Beautys. ii. 294, 5. See God.
Delphick Inscription. i. 170
DEMOSTHENES. i. 161, 208. iii. 141
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 263
DENMARK and SWEDEN. iii. 171
Despotick. See Arbitrary, Absolute.
Devil. See Hell.
Devotion of the dismal sort; its Effects. ii. 116, 17. The abject, beggarly, illiberal, sycophantick,
knavish kind. i. 34, 35. iii. 125, &c.
Dialogue: Manner of Writing us'd by the Antients. i. 73. Preliminary Science to Poetry and
just Writing. i. 191, &c. Moderns, why so sparing and unsuccessful in the way of DialogueWriting.
ii. 187, 8. How practis'd by some modern Divines. iii. 291, &c. Dialogue between
an Author and his Bookseller. iii. 16. Between GOD and Man. iii. 122. Between Man and
Beast. ibid. Between GOD and Satan. ibid. Between GOD and JONAH. iii. 119, &c.
DIANA. iii. 79, 83, &c.
DIODORUS SICULUS cited. iii. 43, 47, &c.
DION CASSIUS, wretched Historian. i. 270. iii. 24
DIONYSIUS HALICARN. iii. 234, 80
Discourse continu'd and alternate. i. 70. Vicissitude in Discourse, a Law. i. 70, 76
Dishonesty, a Half-Thought. iii. 297, 302, 4. See Knavery, Thinking.
Disinterestedness in Friendship. i. 100, 1. See Friendship. Disinterestedness in Religion, and
its holy Founders. i. 281, &c. See Reward, Love.
Distraction, real. i. 322, &c.
Divine, or God-like. i. 33, 38. See Character, Theogony, Theology.
Divine Example. ii. 56
Divine Presence. ii. 57
Divines (Theologists) iii. 122, 235, 237, &c. 282, 90, 91, 93, &c. 305, 6, 316, 325, &c. Why
incautious, and ill Managers, in the Cause of Religion. ii. 258, 9
Divine, in humour, out of humour. iii. 130
Divinity-Doctor, combatant in Print. iii. 10, &c.
Polemick Divinity. iii. 9, &c.
Burlesque Divinity. iii. 291, &c. Sirnames and Titles of Divinity. iii. 60. See Deity, The-
ology.
Doctrine. See Hypothesis.
Dog. See Fable, Beast.
Dogmatists, why so fashionable in this Age. ii. 190, 91. Dogmatizing in Religion and on a
future State. ibid. and 236, 7, 297. See Sceptick.
Dominion, founded in Property. iii. 49
Drama: English Drama, lame Support of it. iii. 289, 90. Dramatis Personae. ibid. See Play,
Stage, Tragedy, Comedy, Mr. Bays.
Theological Drama. iii. 293
Drapery, Rules concerning it. iii. 372, 3
DRYDEN. iii. 61, 2. See BAYS.
Duels. i. 273, 363. See Challenges.
E
EAR in Musick. i. 42, 135, 217, 18, 35, 336, 38
Ear lost. i. 344. Publick Ear. i. 264, 275, 6. See Audience.
Distemper in the Ear. i. 324, 5
Ears to hear, &c. i. 63
Ear in Poetry. i. 217, 275. iii. 262, &c.
264 INDEX
Earth: System of the Earth, how a part of some other System. ii. 19. Another Earth, or World.
i. 282. Our Relation to mere Earth and Soil. iii. 144, &c. Sons of Earth. iii. 146, 7
Education. See University, Academy, School, Tutor.
Effeminacy. i. 314. ii. 186. iii. 186
Effeminate Wit. iii. 166, 7
EGYPT. See AEGYPT.
Elephant. iii. 221
Eloquence. i. 8. Leprosy of. i. 160. Corruption of. iii. 22
Eloquence and other Arts depend on Liberty. i. 219, 20. See Liberty.
Embassadors from Heaven, in what sense, iii. 336, &c. From the Moon. iii. 339, &c. Apostolick
Commission, Embassy, Succession. iii. 337, &c.
Emblematical, nothing of that kind to be directly mingled in an Historical Piece. iii. 381. An
Instance from RAPHAEL. iii. 382
Emperors, Roman. i. 24, 133, 222, 28. Convert Emperors. i. 133. iii. 78
Empirick. i. 163, 235
Enchanter. i. 348, 49. See Conjurer, Priest, Magi.
Engineer of Letters. iii. 16, 17. In Philosophy and Sciences. iii. 134
Engine: Court-Engines. iii. 174
ENGLAND, a Conquest: whence to be fear'd. iii. 148, 9
Old-England. iii. 150, 51. Late England. ibid. See Britain.
Church of England. See Church, Divines.
Englishmen, Fellow-Citizens, Countrymen. iii. 144, &c. Name whence brought. iii. 149
English, inhospitable Humour. iii. 152, 3
English Authors in general. i. 265. Speeches and admir'd Wit of our English Ancestors.
iii. 141, 2
English Liberty. i. 216, 22
English Poetry. (See Muses.) Uncorrectness of English Poets. i. 263. iii. 258, 59, 64, &c.
English Divines. iii. 122. See Divines.
Enjoyment: deceitful kind. i. 309. Sincere. i. 311. Social. i. 310, 11
Enthusiasm: Definition of the natural sort, &c. iii. 30, 31. Enthusiasm of holy Souls. iii. 68.
Legitimate and bastard sort. i. 53. iii. 67. Rais'd from Internals. ii. 270, 71. iii. 90. From
Externals. iii. 41, 90, 91. Philosophical Enthusiasm. iii. 81. Prophetical. iii. 67, 8. Poetical.
i. 21. Mathematical. ii. 104, 5. Enthusiasm of the Lover, Hero,Virtuoso, &c. ii. 400, &c.
430. iii. 31. Universal, or in all. i. 54. iii. 29
Enthusiasms of different sorts. iii. 41. Comprehended in the Romish Church. iii. 90, &c.
Vulgar sort, and more refin'd. ibid. Enthusiasm divine. i. 53
Modification of Enthusiasm. i. 17. Various Operation. i. 48, &c. Enthusiasm at second
hand. i. 43
Enthusiasm justify'd. i. 53, &c. ii. 57, 394, 5, 400, 1, 8. iii. 28, &c. Ravage of Enthusiasm.
i. 89. Antidote to Enthusiasm. i. 55
Virtue it-self a noble Enthusiasm. iii. 33, 4
Enthusiasm a natural and honest Passion. iii. 37, 8. Soft and lovely. ii. 218, 19. Enthusiasm
works differently, by Fear, by Love. iii. 38, 9. Its amorous Lineage. iii. 38. Contrary and
miraculous Effects of Enthusiasm. iii. 40
Enthusiasm catching, communicable, imparted. i. 44, 5. iii. 29, 30, 84. See Melancholy,
Prophecy.
Sociable Enthusiast. ii. 218
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 265
Enthusiast itinerant. i. 287. Epicureans, Enthusiastical Atheists. i. 52. iii. 64, 5
Enthusiastick Inebriation. iii. 66, 7
Envy, unnatural Passion. ii. 165
Ephesian Worshipers. iii. 83, &c. Zeal for their Church. ibid.
EPICURUS, his Connivance in matters of Vision and Fanaticism. i. 48, &c. Recognition of
the Force of Nature, and Natural Affection. i. 117, 18. Toleration of Natural Enthusiasm.
i. 48, &c. iii. 32, &c.
Epicurus, primitive Father to some conceal'd Moderns. i. 117. Love and Religion cruelly
treated by Epicurus. iii. 31, &c.
Nature, a Deity to the Epicurean Atheist. i. 52. iii. 64. See Enthusiasm, Atheism.
Epicurean Atomist. i. 301
Epicurean Hypothesis. iii. 32, 35, 69
Epicurean Sect tolerated. i. 18
Vulgar Epicurism. ii. 126
EPIMENIDES. iii. 238
Epistles: TULLY's Epistles. iii. 20. SENECA's Epistles. iii. 22, &c.
Epistolar Style. iii. 17, &c.
Epistle Dedicatory. See Preface.
ERGAMENES (King) destroys a Hierarchy. iii. 49
ESOP. iii. 206
Essays. i. 163. Essay-Writing. ibid. See Miscellany.
ETHIOPIA. See AETHIOPIA.
EUPHRANOS, Painter. i. 144, 340
EURIPEDES. i. 244, &c. iii. 141, 240, 313
Executioner. See Magistrate.
Excellency. See Titles.
Exemplars, in the Writing-Art. i. 192, 206
Exercises. i. 191. See Academy.
Eyes: fitted to certain Lights. i. 62
Eye in Painting. i. 135, 235, 336. Eye in Painting lost, how? i. 344
Distemper in the Eye. i. 324, 5
Harmony to the Eye. iii. 4
Eye debauch'd. iii. 5
F
FABLES us'd by Wisemen and Moralists. i. 63. iii. 205, 6. See Parable, Mythology.
Fable of the Man and Lion. ii. 188. Of the Travelling Dogs. iii. 207, 8
Truth of Fable. See Truth.
Fact. Matterof Fact, how judg'd by Zealots. i. 43, 4, 55, 147, 8. Matterof Fact, in the Language
of the Superstitious. i. 44
Matters of Fact, unably tho sincerely related, prove the worst sort of Deceit. i. 346. See
Truth.
Faction, Spirit of. i. 114
Fair, Bartl'my. i. 28
Fair, Beautiful. i. 139. See Beauty, Decorum, Numbers.
Fair, Species of. i. 139
Fairys. i. 6
266 INDEX
Faith (religious) antient, modern. i. 6, 7. Implicit Faith. i. 94. iii. 231. Definition. iii. 73,
4. Extension of Faith. i. 5, &c. Act of Faith. ibid. Faith on any Terms. i. 36. Heroick
Faith. iii. 334. Religious Faith, dependent on what? i. 39. Historical Faith. iii. 72. Personal.
iii. 73. Faith National, Hereditary, entail'd by Law. i. 344, 62. iii. 103. Faith in
Travellers, Romancers, Legends. i. 344, &c. Rule of Faith. iii. 318, 19, 22, &c. See Belief.
Rule of Faith (Treatise of Archbishop Tillotson) cited. iii. 329, &c.
Chinese, or Indian Faith. i. 344, 5. Historical, Critical Faith. iii. 22
Confession of Faith, the Author's. iii. 315. Gradual Decay of the Evidence relating to the Matters
of our Faith. iii. 238, &c.
Fanaticks, antient. i. 47, &c. Compar'd with modern. ibid. Fanatick errant. ii. 330. See
Lymphaticks.
Fanaticks in all Churches and Religions. i. 50. iii. 38. Fanaticism, its true Character. ii. 329,
30. Fanatick Sense and Judgment of Scripture. iii. 237. Popish Fanaticism. iii. 92, 3,
239, &c.
Fancys apostrophiz'd. i. 188. Sophisters, Impostors. ibid. Government of Fancy. i. 308, &c.
ii. 231. Fancy: her Assault, Combat, Fortress. i. 311, &c. 320, &c.
Fancys, Sollicitresses, Enchantresses. i. 312, 13. Reprimanded, question'd, examin'd, dismiss'd.
i. 325, &c. Disagreement with Fancy, makes the Man himself; Agreement, not himself.
i. 325, &c. Lady-Fancy cross'd by a What next ? i. 326. Fancys in a Tribe. i. 321, 27. Florid
Fancy. iii. 177. Power of Fancy in Religion. iii. 68. See Humour.
Farce. i. 150. iii. 6, &c. See Fescennin, Atellan, Parody.
Fasces. i. 16. See Magistrate.
Fashion. See Modes, Custom.
Father of a Country. i. 37, 321
Fathers of the Church disputing and disputed. iii. 327. Industrious in suppressing all Scripture
or Arguments of their Adversarys which made against them. iii. 320, &c. 330, &c.
Burning Method of Roman and Greek Fathers, Bishops, &c. iii. 239, &c.
Favourites. i. 192. ii. 138. See Court.
Fear, Passion of. i. 294. ii. 55, &c. Description by Des Cartes. i. 294. Its Root and Cure.
i. 295, &c.
Fear of Death. ii. 140, &c. How improv'd or abated. i. 314, &c. iii. 196, 7, 203, 4
Fear and Hope in Religion. ii. 55. See Future State, Rewards and Punishments.
Ferments. See Humours.
Fescennin (Plays.) i. 251
Fiction. See Fable.
Figure, principal in a Picture, to govern the rest. iii. 374
Flattery in Devotion. i. 34. See Devotion, Sycophant.
Fly. ii. 18. See Spider.
Fools: the greatest, who? ii. 231
Foot-ball. i. 187. iii. 15
Force and Arbitrary Power destructive of all Arts. i. 219, &c. 237, &c.
Form, outward, in a Figure, to give place where the inward is describ'd. iii. 367
Formality. i. 11, 12, 74
Formalists. i. 12, 13, 174, 335. iii. 97, 8. The Author himself a Formalist. iii. 135
Foreigners: Treatment of them by different Nations. iii. 152, &c. See Hospitality.
Free Thought.
Free Thinker. }See Thought.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 267
Free Writer. ii. 7.
Free States. i. 238, &c.
Freedom of Wit. i. 69. (See Wit, Discourse, Debate.) Consequence of a Restraint. i. 71, 2
French Authors. i. 335. Theater. iii. 6, 7, 8
French Criticks. See BOSSU, Criticks.
Friend: knowable, unknowable. i. 284. Friend of Mankind. ii. 247
Friendship: real Good. ii. 238, &c. Comprehends Society and Mankind. ii. 239, &c. Friendship
how prevalent and diffusive. ii. 109
Friendship, Christian, Heathen. i. 98, &c. (See Charity, Hospitality, Disinterestedness.)
Friendship its own Reward. i. 100
Fucus, Mask or Vizard of Superstition. i. 84
Fungus. iii. 146
Future State. i. 18, 97, &c. ii. 236, 7. iii. 302. See Rewards and Punishments.
G
A Galante. i. 192
Gallantry, Original and Progress. i. 272, 3, 331, 2. ii. 194, &c. iii. 253. Devout Gallantry.
i. 20, 362, 3. Gallantry and Heroick Power of Faith. iii. 334. Merit in the Gallant World.
i. 331. See Ladys, Chivalry, Novel.
Gallows. i. 127. iii. 177. See Jail.
Gardens. iii. 167. See Palace.
Aulus GELLIUS cited. iii. 234
Generation: Natural Instinct in the Case. ii. 412
Genius, or Guardian-Angel. i. 168, 9
Genius of the World. ii. 245, 284, 95, 343, 47, 352, &c. See Deity.
Genius, not sufficient to form a Writer or Poet. i. 193. iii. 258. English Author wou'd be all
Genius. i. 233. iii. 258. Fashionable Affectation of a Genius, without Correctness, in our
English Writers. i. 263. iii. 258, 9, 64, &c. See English Poets.
Gentleman: Character of a Gentleman. i. 135. iii. 156, &c. (See Breeding.) Amusements of
Gentlemen more improving than the profound Researches of Pedants. i. 335. iii. 168
Fine Gentleman, owing to Masters. i. 191
Gibbet. i. 125. See Jail, Gallows, Hell.
Gibbets and Rods succeed to Charity and Love, when. iii. 115
Giddiness in Life. i. 322
Gladiators: Barbarity of Gladiatorian Spectacles. i. 269, 70. iii. 256, 7
Gladiatorian Penmen. iii. 12
Glass. See Looking-Glass.
Glazier. iii. 15
Glory: Acting for Glory's sake, how far divine ? i. 38
GNOSTICKS, antient Hereticks. iii. 75, 6
God: God and Goodness the same. i. 33, &c. 40, &c. Nothing in God but what is Godlike.
i. 33, &c. Question concerning his Being, what Issue? ibid. and 39, 40. See Deity,
Attributes, Praise.
God, what ? ii. 10. What Idea given of God in certain Religions. ii. 13, 14. Ill Character of a
God: Its Consequences in respect to Morality. ii. 47, &c. How God can be said to witness
for himself to Men. ii. 333, 4
Belief of a God, consider'd as Powerful. ii. 55. As Worthy and Good. ii. 56
268 INDEX
GONDIBERT. iii. 341, 2
Good: how predominant in Nature. ii. 216, 17. What is truly Good. ii. 225, 237, &c.
Good of the Whole. i. 40. Private Good, what? i. 203. See Interest, Pleasure.
Good, what? Where found? i. 308, &c. Good and Happiness. ii. 227. iii. 196, &c. Opinion
of Good. ibid.
Goods of Fortune, and Goods of the Mind compar'd. ii. 432, &c.
Goodness, Divine. i. 23. Opinion of Goodness creates Trust. i. 94. ii. 334. iii. 114
Goodness: what, in a sensible Creature ? ii. 21
GORGIAS LEONTINUS. i. 74
GOTH. i. 86, 89. Gothick Influence in Philosophy and Religion as well as Arts. i. 350, 51.
Gothick Government. iii. 150, 51. Gothick Notion. i. 86, 9. Gothick Poetry. i. 217, 18.
Gothick Architecture. i. 236
Gothick Conqueror, conquer'd by spiritual Arms. iii. 90, 91
Gothicism. See Barbarism, Barbarians.
Government absolute. (See Absolute.) Free Government or Constitution. i. 216. Definition.
iii. 311, 12. Origin or Rise of Civil Government: Ridiculous Account. i. 109. (See State
of Nature.) Natural Account. i. 110, &c. 236, &c. Civil Government conforming and
subordinate. i. 110, 336. Defy'd, insulted, embroil'd. i. 363. iii. 89
Grace. (See Decorum.) The naturally graceful. i. 135. (See Beauty, Numbers.) Grace and
Action in Human Bodys. i. 190
Grace. See Titles.
Grammar: Grammatical Rules necessarily applicable to Scripture of whatever kind. iii.
229, &c.
Grandees. See Ministers.
Grapes not from Thorns. i. 286
Gratitude. ii. 240, 41
Gratuity. i. 126. See Reward.
Gravity, try'd, prov'd. i. 11, 12. True and false. ibid. Of the Essence of Imposture. i. 11. Convenient
Gravity of this sort. iii. 334. See Grimace, Formality, Solemnity.
GREAT BRITAIN, like to be the principal Seat of Arts. iii. 398
Great Men. See Ministers.
The Great (Great People) their Influence on Wit, and in the literate World. i. 8, 210, &c.
Their Character. ii. 137, 8
GREECE, Fountain of Arts, Science, and Politeness. i. 219. iii. 138, &c. Early Writers of
Greece form'd the publick Taste. i. 263, 4. Grecian Religion. iii. 126, &c. 153, 4. Manners.
ibid. 152, &c. See Athenians.
Greek Language, original Beauty and Refinement. iii. 138, &c.
GREGORIUS the Great. iii. 239, 40
Grimace, religious and zealot-kind. i. 65, 6, 74, 149. See Gravity.
Grimace, from Constraint and Persecution. i. 84
Grotesque-Figures. i. 149
Guardian honest, when? i. 125
H
Half-Jesters. i. 81
Half-Knave, thorow Fool. i. 131, 2
Half-Thinkers. iii. 300. See Thought.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 269
Harmony, such by Nature, not by Fashion or Will. i. 353. Natural Harmony, how advanc'd.
i. 238. Harmony, Rules of. i. 140. See Musick.
Haunt. See Specter.
Heart, unfound, hollow. i. 43. A Heart in Lover's Language. i. 137. Descent on the Territorys
of the Heart. i. 355. Heart merely human. i. 358. Heart after the Pattern of God Almighty.
ibid. Numbers of the Heart. iii. 34. Wisdom of. i. 277. See Beauty, Character.
Heart makes the Philosopher. iii. 161
Heathen-Charity. See Charity.
Heathen-Church. See Church.
Hell. iii. 177, 8. See Devil, Gallows, Jail.
Heraldry. i. 362, 3
Herald of Fame. i. 225
HERCULES. ii. 188
Judgment of Hercules, the Subject of it. iii. 349, 50. The principal Figure in the Piece.
iii. 358. His different Appearance in the several Parts of the Dispute. iii. 350, 51, 59, 60
Herculean Law. i. 267
Hereafter: A Question with a Sceptick. ii. 236, 7. See Future State.
Heretick by Birth. iii. 104. Good-humour'd Man properly no Heretick. iii. 105
Hermit, never by himself. i. 175
Hero: Philosophick Hero. i. 194, 98. Hero of the black Tribe. i. 349
Heroick Prince: a Character and Story. i. 176, &c.
Heroick Virtue. See Virtue.
Heroick Sign-Post. i. 225
Heroism and Philanthropy. i. 113. Heroism in Faith. See Volunteer, Faith.
HERODOTUS. iii. 247. Cited. iii. 43
Hierarchy. i. 86. iii. 48. (See Magi, Priest.) Its Power in Persia, Ethiopia, Egypt. ibid. Its
Growth over the Civil Magistrate. ibid. Acquisition of Lands and consequent Dominion.
ibid. Certain Law, Permission, or Indulgence, necessarily producing this Effect, and
fatal to the Civil Magistrate. iii. 44, 5, 78, 9. Establishment of the Hierarchy over the
Monarchy, or State in the Egyptian, Ethiopian, Babylonian Empires. iii. 48, 9. Parallel
Effect in the Roman. iii. 78, 9, 88, &c. Roman-Christian and Catholick Hierarchy: its
Growth under the Universal Roman Monarchy. iii. 90. And afterwards over the barbarous
Nations. iii. 91. Its Prevalency, Policy, Comprehensiveness, Majesty and Grandeur.
iii. 92, &c. Affected Pretenders, Imitators, and Copists after these Originals. ibid. and 106
History compar'd with Poetry. i. 145
Historian. i. 122, 189. Disinterested. i. 224, 5. See Poet.
Historical Truth. See Truth.
History of Criticks. i. 240, &c.
Mr. HOBBES. i. 88, &c. 94
HOMER. ii. 205, 221. His Character. i. 208. iii. 32, 334. Cited. iii. 153. Character of his
Works. i. 196, &c. iii. 32, 153. Father and Prince of Poets. iii. 32. and i. 244. Age when he
rose. i. 243, &c. Revolution made by him. ibid.
Homerical Characters or Personages. 196, 7, 207. iii. 260, &c. Homer understood how to
lye in Perfection. i. 346. iii. 260, &c.
Honest in the dark. i. 125
Honesty, itsValue. i. 121. Honestyand Harmony reside together. i. 208. See Virtue, Integrity.
Honesty the best Policy. i. 132. iii. 204, 5
270 INDEX
Honours. See Titles.
Point of Honour. ii. 194, 5
Auctions or Sales of Honour. iii. 168, 9, 208, 9
Hope and Fear in Religion. ii. 55, 57, &c. See Future State, Reward and Punishment.
HORACE cited, passim--Passages of Horace explain'd. i. 51. (viz. Sat. v. ver. 97.) iii. 202.
(Epist. vi. lib. i. bis) iii. 249. (Epist. xx. Sat. I. lib. ii, &c.) Also his Epistle to Augustus
(lib. 2.) i. 269, 70
Horace, best Genius, and most Gentleman-like of Roman Poets. i. 328. His History, Character.
ii. 224. iii. 202, 248, &c.
Horse. Hound, Hauk, &c. See Beast.
Hobby-Horse. i. 217
Horseman and Horsemanship. i. 193
Hospitality: what kind of Virtue. ii. 166. Antient, Heathen. iii. 143, 4. (See Charity, Friendship.)
Inhospitable Disposition or Hatred of Foreigners, what Sign? iii. 153. Inhospitality,
English. iii. 152, 3
Hot-cockles. iii. 293
Hound, Horse. See Beast.
Humility, what Virtue, in Religion, and Love. i. 331, 2
Humour: Good-Humour, best Security against Enthusiasm. i. 22, 55. Force of Humour in
Religion. iii. 95, 98, 108, &c. Ill-Humour, Cause of Atheism. i. 23
Good-Humour and Imposture, Enemys. i. 32. Good Humour, Proof of Religion. ibid. Of
Wit. 74. A natural Lenitive against Vice. i. 128. Specifick against Superstition and Enthusiasm.
ibid. and 55
Humour and Fancy, ill Rule of Taste. i. 338, &c. iii. 165, &c.
Ill Rule of Good and Ill. ibid. and iii. 200­201
Humours, as in the Body, so in the Mind. i. 14
Hydrophobia. i. 50
Hylomania. iii. 65
Hypocrites. i. 94
Hypothesis. See System.
Fantastick Hypothesis. ii. 190. iii. 160
Hypotheses, Systems, destroy'd, blown up. i. 88
Religious Hypotheses multiply'd. iii. 47, &c.
I
JAIL. i. 125. iii. 177. See Gallows.
JANUS: Janus-Face of Zealot-Writers. i. 66
Ideal World. iii. 211
Ideas, simple, complex, adequate, &c. i. 287, 8, 299, &c. (See Metaphysicks.) Comparison
of mere Ideas and articulate Sounds, equally important. i. 288, 303. Examination of our
Ideas not pedantick, when? i. 312. True and useful Comparison, Proof, and Ascertainment
of Ideas. i. 299, &c.
Ideas innate. i. 49, 354. ii. 43, &c. 412. iii. 36, 214, &c.
Not innate, of what kind. iii. 164
Ideas of the World, Pleasure, Riches, &c. what? i. 301. See Opinion, Fancy.
Identity. ii. 350, &c. iii. 192, &c.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 271
Idol; Idol-Notions, Idolaters. i. 60, 357
JEPHTHAH. iii. 124
Jest: true, false. i. 74, 81, 128, 9. See Ridicule.
JEWS, a cloudy People. i. 29, 30, 282. iii. 55, &c. 115, 16. Sullen, bitter, persecuting. ibid. Their
Character by God himself. iii. 55. Jewish Understanding. i. 282, 3. Disposition towards the
darker Superstitions. iii. 124. Jews, a chosen People. i. 357. iii. 282. Left to Philosophy for
Instruction in Virtue. i. 101
Jewish People, originally dependent on the Egyptians. iii. 51, &c. Their Rites, Ceremonys,
Learning, Science, Manners, how far deriv'd thence. ibid. How tenacious and bigotted
in this respect. ibid. Spirit of Persecution and Religious Massacre, propagated from hence.
ibid. iii. 60, &c. 80, &c. 86, &c. (See Persecution.) Jewish Princes. iii. 116, 24
Ill, whether really existent in the Universe. ii. 9, 10. Absolute Ill, what? ii. 20. Relative Ill.
ibid. & 21. The Appearances of Ill no Argument against the Existence of a perfect sovereign
Mind. ii. 363, 4. No real Ill in Things. ii. 364.
Appearance of Ill necessary. ii. 288, 9
Imitation Poetical. i. 193. See Poet. Works of Imitation, how to be regulated. iii. 389, 90
Imperium in Imperio. i. 114
Impostors, speak the best of Human Nature. i. 94. See Goodness.
Imposture arraign'd. i. 10. Hid under Formality. i. 74. Essence of Imposture. i. 11. Imposture
fears not a grave Enemy. i. 31. Strangely mix'd with Sincerity, Hypocrisy, Zeal, and Bigotry.
ii. 324, 5
Indian Musick and Painting. i. 242, 340. Indian Princes late Embassadors. iii. 339
Indolence. i. 310, 18, 19. Its dangerous Consequences. ii. 158, &c.
Informers. i. 126
Ingratitude, a negative Vice. ii. 167
Inhumanity not compatible with Good-Breeding. ii. 163. Unnatural. ii. 164
Inquiry concerning Virtue, Deity, &c. See Vol. ii. Treatise I. & i. 297. Occasion of this Treatise.
ii. 5, &c. Its Defense. ii. 263, &c.
Inquiry, Freedom of. i. 34
Inquisition. i. 20, 186. iii. 103
Inquisitors. i. 65. Self-Inquisitor. i. 186
Inspiration. i. 7, 45. (See Prophets, Poets.) Inspiration a Divine Enthusiasm. i. 53. Atheistical
Inspiration. iii. 64. True and False, alike in their outward Symptoms. i. 53. Inspiration
credited, how? iii. 40
Judgment of the Inspir'd concerning their own Inspiration. iii. 63, 74, 5, 245. See Poets,
Sibyls.
Instinct, from Nature. ii. 411, 12. See Ideas.
Intelligent Being: What contributes most to his Happiness. ii. 100, 1
Interest governs the World, a false Maxim. i. 115, 17, 18.
Self-Interest. ii. 80. Rightly and wrong taken. i. 281, &c. iii. 302, 4, 5. Unwisely committed
to the care of others. iii. 159. How form'd. i. 296. Vary'd, steer'd. ibid.
True Interest either wholly with Honesty or Villany. i. 131, 172, &c. Judgment of true
Interest. i. 307, 8. iii. 201
Disinterestedness real, if Virtue and Goodness be such. i. 98
JOB. ii. 34, 123
JONAH, Prophet. iii. 118, &c.
272 INDEX
JOSEPH, Patriarch, his Education, Character. iii. 57, 8
JOSHUA. i. 356, &c.
JOVE. ii. 47, 8, 203
Journalists: Journal des Savans de Paris. iii. 18, 20. Histoire des Ouvrages des Savans. 18.
Nouvelles de la Republique des Lettres. ibid. Bibliotheque Choisie. ibid. & 20. See
Bibliotheque Choisie.
Irony. i. 71. See Banter, Raillery.
ISIS. iii. 47
ISOCRATES. iii. 280
ITALIANS, Buffoons. i. 72, 129. Italian Wit and Authors. i. 335, 46
Italian Taste, the best in Painting, Musick, &c. i. 338, 40
Judgment, preliminary Right. i. 12. Previous Judgment. i. 54
JULIAN (Emperor) i. 25. iii. 86, &c. His Letter to the Bostrens. ibid.
JUPITER. See JOVE.
Just and Unjust acknowledg'd. ii. 420
JUSTIN, (Historian.) iii. 54, 7
JUVENAL, explain'd. i. 103, &c. Cited. i. 70, 106, 126, 253. iii. 23, 4, 42, 50, 178, 274
K
KIND (Species) Union with a Kind. ii. 78. Oppos'd by Self-Interest. ii. 79
Kings. See Princes, Monarchy, the Great, a Court.
Knave, natural and civil. i. 109. By what Principle different from the Saint: or how distinguish'd
from the honest Man. i. 102, 126, 7, 130, 31, 172, 3
Knave incapable of Enjoyment. i. 130. Betrays himself, however able. iii. 305
Knaves in Principle, in Practice. i. 93, 4. Knave, has no Quarrel with Religion. ibid. HalfKnave,
thorow-Fool. i. 131, 2. ii. 173. Zealot-Knave. i. 132, 3. (See Zeal.) Court-Knaves.
iii. 168, 69, &c. Knaves, Friends to Moderation, in what sense. i. 115. Knaveyoung, middleag'd,
old. iii. 178
Knavery, mere Dissonance and Disproportion. i. 207, 8. See Dishonesty.
Knavish Indulgence, the Consequences. i. 121, 130, &c. 172, 310, 11. iii. 302, 5. Knavish
Religion. iii. 125. See Religion.
Knight-Errantry. i. 20. See Chivalry, Gallantry.
Knights-Templar, growing to be an Overmatch for the Magistrate. i. 86. Extirpated. ibid.
See Magophony, Hierarchy.
Knowledg: first Principle, previous. i. 41, &c. 54, 269, 334
Knowledg of Men and Things, true Philosophy, how learnt. i. 122, 3
L
Ladys, fainted, worship'd, deify'd. i. 273, 331, 2. ii. 195. (See Gallantry, Chivalry.) English
Ladys seduc'd by Tales and Impostures. i. 347, &c. Type or Prophecy of this in our antient
Stage-Poet. ibid. See Superstition, Sex,Women.
Lampoons. i. 265
Lands. (See Property, Agrarian.) Religious Land-Bank. iii. 44, &c.
Latitude of Thought. iii. 297, &c.
Latitudinarians. ibid.
Laugh half-way. i. 81. Both ways. i. 129. Laugh wrong-turn'd. iii. 296. (See Ridicule.) Men
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 273
not to be laugh'd out of their Wits. i. 96. Men laugh'd out of, and into Religion. iii. 291.
Difference in seeking what to laugh at, and what deserves Laughter. i. 128
Laugh, mutual, and in turn. i. 149
Laws, Royal Counsellors in our English Constitution. i. 212. Guardian-Laws. i. 219. Religion
by Law establish'd. i. 362. iii. 71, 103, 231, 315, 16, 337, 38. (See Rites, Mysteries,
Revelation.) Heraldry by Law establish'd. i. 362
Herculean Law. i. 267
Laziness. i. 310. See Indolence.
Learning: Passion for Learning or Science, rank'd with natural Affection. ii. 104, 5
Legitimate Work or Piece, in Writing. i. 336. iii. 2, 26
LEO (St.) iii. 91
Letters. See Epistles.
Leviathan-Hypothesis. i. 88. See Mr. HOBBES. Wolf.
Liberal Arts. See Arts. Liberal Education. ii. 65. Liberal and illiberal Service. ii. 55, 65
Liberty of Criticism. iii. 266, 316. See Criticks.
Liberty civil, philosophical or moral, personated. ii. 252, 3. Abuse of the Notion of Liberty in
Morals and Government. iii. 305, &c. Liberty of the Will. i. 178, &c. 184, &c. Liberty or
free Disposition to follow the first Motion of the Will, is the greatest Slavery. i. 211. ii. 231
Liberty Philosophical, Moral. ii. 252, &c. 432, &c. iii. 201, 4, 307, &c.
Protestant Liberty. See Protestant.
Liberty: (See Government, Constitution, English, British.) Its Patrons,Well-wishers. i. 8.
Consequence of its Rise and Fall. i. 219, &c.
Liberty in Conversation. i. 75. Falsly censur'd. i. 10. See Wit, Freedom.
Prejudice against Liberty. i. 89. Arts, Sciences, and Virtues, its Dependents. i. 64, 72, 96,
220, 21. See Arts, Science,Virtue.
Life--itsValue. i. 121, 24, 302.--Living well or good Living, false sense of the Phrase. i. 124.
Living fast, false application of the Phrase. i. 315, 16. ii. 126, 7. Life sometimes a Misery.
ii. 141. Over-Love of Life, contrary to the Interest of a Creature. ii. 141, &c.
Future Life: The Belief, of what advantage? ii. 60, &c.
Lineage of Philosophy and Poetry. i. 239, 40, 253, &c. iii. 132, 37, &c.
LIVY, the Historian. i. 47, 8
Logick, of modern Schools. i. 286, 7, 334, 50, 51
Looking-glass, vocal. i. 171. Magical Pocket-Looking-glasses. i. 195. Looking-glass to the Age.
i. 99, 202, 5. False Looking-glass. iii. 296
Love. (See Charity.) Love of Friends. ii. 238, 9
Love of Mankind. ii. 241, 2
Love of one's Country. iii. 143, &c. Love of Order and Perfection. ii. 212
Love imperfect and narrow, generous and equal. iii. 143, &c. (See Affection.) Publick Love.
i. 37. (See Publick.) Love, highest, noblest. ii. 211, &c. Divine Love. ii. 244, 5. See En-
thusiasm.
Love, dangerous Sophister. i. 183, 4. Passion of Love in the Sexes. i. 176, &c. Subject the
most affecting, in the Passion of Love between the Sexes. ii. 105, 6. Flattery of Love. i. 138.
Religious Love between the Sexes. iii. 38. Love cruelly treated by Epicurus. iii. 31, 2
Self-Love. ii. 58. Its Effects in Religion. ii. 58, 9. Silly reasoning about Self-Love, by pretended
Wits. i. 90, 118. &c. See Self.
Religion and Love. i. 331, 2. Galante Love, and religious Charity of a certain kind, compar'd.
iii. 115
274 INDEX
Lover, Martyr. See Martyr.
Lover solitary. i. 174. Story of a Heroick Lover. i. 176, &c. Lover's Pursuit and Enjoyment,
of what kind. i. 309. See Enjoyment.
LUKE (St.) cited, commented iii. 245
LUCRETIUS. i. 52, 118. iii. 32
Luxury. i. 310, 15, 319, &c. ii. 147, &c. iii. 199, 200, 304, 5
LYCURGUS. iii. 246
Lyes, judiciously compos'd, teach Truth in the best manner. i. 346. Homer perfect in this
Science. ibid. and iii. 260, 61, 2
Lymphaticks. i. 50, 51. See Fanaticks, Enthusiasm.
LYSIAS, Orator. iii. 280
M
Machine (in Epick and Dramatick.) i. 359. World a Machine. ii. 337
Madness: real Madman, who? i. 321, &c.
MAECENAS. i. 220, 270. iii. 21, 249, 50
Magi of Persia, &c. i. 85. Their Power. iii. 48. See Hierarchy.
Magicians. See Magi.
Magick, moral. i. 136. Magick of Enthusiasm. iii. 29
Magistrate, his Duty and becoming Part in Religion. i. 10, 16, 19. ii. 261. iii. 104, &c. Executioner
to the Priest, when? i. 66. iii. 110. A Dresser. i. 83. Dress'd in his turn. ibid. See
Government, Hierarchy.
Civil Magistrate, insulted. i. 363. iii. 89. Controul'd. iii. 44. Over-aw'd. iii. 47. Depos'd,
sentenc'd. iii. 48, 9
Magnificence, true and false. i. 139
Magophony, Persian. i. 85, &c. Ethiopian. iii. 49. European and Christian. i. 85, 6
Mahometism. iii. 104. Mahometan Clergy. iii. 235
Malice, only where Interests are oppos'd. i. 39, 40. None in the general Mind--nor in mere
Nature. ibid.
Malignity, Passion unnatural. ii. 165
Man: a good, an ill. ii. 21. Formidable, in what sense. ii. 94. Subject to Nature. ii. 302. Why
no Wings. iii. 302, 3. Man's Excellency different from that of a Brute. ii. 304, 5. Why Man
has not the same Instincts which are in Brutes. ii. 308, 9. Whether sociable by Nature.
ii. 311, &c. Whether a Man can be accounted a Wolf to a Man. ii. 320. Absurdity of that
Saying. ibid. Man's Dignity and Interest. ii. 425. Different Manners of Men. ii. 429, &c.
Mankind, how corrupt. ii. 198, 201
Manners: Poetic Manners and Truth. iii. 260, &c. See Poet, Truth.
MARSHAM. Chron. Can. iii. 52, &c. 124
Martyrdom. i. 26, &c. iii. 40, 1
Martyrs for Atheism. i. 90. iii. 64--Pro and Con, for any Opinion. iii. 40, 41. Amorous,
Heroick, Religious Martyrs. ii. 106. iii. 34
Mask. See Carnival.
Mass. i. 26
Massacre. See Magophony.
Masters in Exercises and Philosophy. i. 191. Masters in Mechanicks. See Mechanicks.
Young Masters of the World. i. 106, 211
Mathematical Demonstration in Morals. See Morals.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 275
Mathematicks. i. 19. Delightful, whence. ii. 104, 5. Necessary. i. 289, 90. Modest. ibid.
Matter, Whole and Parts. ii. 368. Not capable of real Simplicity. ii. 351, 2. Not constitutive
of Identity. ibid. Substance material, immaterial. ii. 353, 4
Matter and Thought, how mutually affecting or productive. ii. 296, 7, 369
MAXIMUS TYRIUS, cited. ii. 295. iii. 32
Mechanicks, Masters in. i. 235
Mechanick Forms, Beautys. i. 137. See Palaces.
Mechanism--human. i. 115, 294. Divine. ii. 336, 7
MEDEA. iii. 313
Meditation Rural-Philosophical. ii. 344, &c.
Meditations publish'd. i. 164. Meditation imposing, conceited, pedantick. i. 164, 5, 343
Meditation in the praise of a Deity. ii. 344, &c. Upon the Works of Nature. ii. 366, &c.
Upon the Elements. ii. 376, &c. Upon the Variety of Seasons and Climates. ii. 383, &c.
Melancholy, a pertinacious and religious Complexion. iii. 67
Melancholy in Religion, Love. i. 13. Power of Melancholy in Religion. iii. 66. Devout Melancholy.
i. 22, 32, 44. iii. 67, 8. Treatises of Melancholy. iii. 30. See Religion, Enthusiasm.
Memoirs. i. 163. Memoir-Writing. i. 200, 224, 346. See Miscellany.
Memory,  . i. 143
MENANDER. i. 246. iii. 238
Mental Enjoyment, whence. ii. 101, 117, &c.
Mercenariness. i. 126. See Reward.
Merit in believing. See Belief.
MESSIAS. iii. 78. See Monarchy.
Metaphor, or Metaphorick Style or Manner. i. 243, &c. iii. 140
Metaphysicks. i. 289, 299, 301. ii. 354. iii. 193, 4
Metaphysicks, necessary Knowledge of nothing knowable or known. iii. 210, 11
Metaphysicians, their Character. i. 291
Metaphysical Articles of Belief. i. 306, 7
MILO. ii. 304
MILTON. i. 276, 358, 9
Mimes. i. 193. iii. 285. See Imitation, Mimickery.
Mimickery. i. 196. Mimographer. ibid.
Mind, free. i. 130. a Kingdom. iii. 205. Beauty of the Mind. i. 137. Value of a Mind.
ii. 440. iii. 168, 205. Its inward Proportion. ii. 83
Mind: particular Minds prove an Universal one. ii. 355, &c. Universal Mind, how prov'd.
ii. 290, 91
Minister of State. i. 37, 192. Ministers of State concern'd for their Character and Memory.
i. 225. Conduct necessary to preserve them. i. 225, &c. Claim of the People over them.
i. 227. Dangerous Conceit of Ministers and Great Men. i. 229, 30
Ministers MAECENAS's. i. 215, 16
Good Minister, how to be valu'd and judg'd. i. 23, 4
Ministry: good Ministry in England. iii. 148. The new, the old. iii. 208. Ill and slavish Ministry,
of what consequence. iii. 148, 9
Miracles, scriptural, traditional. i. 6. Modern. i. 44. iii. 70. Christian, Moorish, Pagan.
i. 345, 47, &c. Past, present. ii. 331. The Danger of believing new Miracles. ii. 328, &c.
Whether Miracles can witness for God or Men. ii. 331, &c. Mere Miracles insufficient Proof
of Divinity, or Revelation. ii. 333, 4. iii. 114. Merry Miracle. iii. 123
276 INDEX
Mirrour. See Looking-glass.
Misanthropy: what kind of Passion. ii. 165. Sometimes, in a manner, national. ii. 166. iii. 153
Miscellanarian Authors, their Policy and Art. iii. 288, 9
MISCELLANYS. Vol. iii. p. 1, 2, &c.
Miscellaneous Memoir, Essay-Writing, Style and Manner. ibid. and iii. 95, &c. 225, 6. See
Essay, Memoir.
Miscellaneous Collections, annual. iii. 274
Mode: Modes of Religion. i. 84
Model: current Models of Religion. i. 84. Models for Poetry and Writing. i. 206. See Exem-
plar.
Moderation Philosophical. iii. 37. When in fashion with the Zealots of every Party. iii. 110,
11. Moderation disclaim'd. iii. 342
Moderation in a Writer. i. 166
Monarch: Grand Monarch now; and of old in Greece. i. 223
Monarchy. See Hierarchy.
Monarchy universal. i. 216, 17, 220, &c. iii. 23. (See Barbarians, Tyranny.) Absolute Monarchy,
destructive of Arts, Manhood, Reason, Sense. i. 219, &c. 237, &c. iii. 23, 77, &c.
World groaning under the Roman Monarchy. iii. 77, 8. Hopes of a Divine Deliverer or
Messias from hence. ibid. See Emperor, Roman.
Monarchs. ii. 137
Monosyllables in files or strings. iii. 265. Clash or clattering Rencounter of them in our Language.
ibid.
Monster: Monstrous Imaginations. i. 60. Monstrous Objects and Taste. i. 344, 47, &c. iii. 157
Moon: Embassadors from the Moon. iii. 339. Moon and Planets. ii. 373, &c. Traveller from
the Moon. ii. 198
Moor: Moorish Hero. i. 347, 8
Moor of Venice (Play.) i. 347, &c.
Morals: Rule and Distinction of Revelation. i. 298. Difference about Morals. i. 70. Morals
interwove with political religious Institutions. i. 87. Brought into disgrace. i. 90. (See
Charity.) New Forgers of Morals. i. 133. Moral Magick. i. 136
Morals and Government how related. i. 106, 8. Morals essential to Poetical Performance.
i. 278. See Manners, Poetick Truth.
Morals mathematicallydemonstrated. ii. 173, &c. and iii. 194, &c. 212, &c. See Philosophy.
Moral Sense, Rise of it. ii. 28, &c. 53, &c. Foundation in Nature. ii. 413, &c. Whether it
can be perfectly lost in any rational Creature. ii. 41, &c. Impair'd by opposite Affection.
ii. 44. Not by Opinion merely. ii. 45. Corruption of moral Sense. ii. 45, 6. Causes of this
Corruption. ii. 46, &c. Rise of moral Sense, antecedent to the Belief of a God. ii. 53, 4
Moral Inquirys, why out of fashion. ii. 185
Moral Excellence. i. 39. Moral Venus and Graces. i. 337, 8. Moral Species. See Species.
Moral, the Word, in Painting, signifys the Representation of the Passions. iii. 379
The MORALISTS (viz. Treatise V. p. 181, &c.) criticiz'd. iii. 284, &c.
Moralists, the fashionable sort. i. 80, 124. See Virtue, Philosophy.
MORE (Dr.) iii. 65, &c.
Moroseness. i. 23
MOSES. i. 356, &c. Character and Life. iii. 52, 5, 7, 8, 116, 246
Mountebanks, modern Prometheus's. ii. 205
Mountebanks. See Empiricks.
MUMMIUS. i. 272
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 277
MUSE. i. 4, 8. Divine, Orthodox. i. 359. iii. 229. Muses what; in the Heathen Creed. i. 6, 7.
British Muses. i. 215, &c. In their Cradle. i. 217, 262, 3. Lisping Speech. ibid. Hobby-Horse
and Rattle. ibid.
Muses, Tutoresses. i. 220. Favourites. i. 224. Chief Recorders. ibid.
Muses degraded by Epicurus. iii. 32
MUSES personating the Passions,Virtues, and Vices. i. 313, &c. Profane Mistresses in respect
of sacred Letters. i. 358
Musick, Barbarian. i. 242. Just, real, independent on Caprice or Will. i. 353. When best
relish'd by the English. iii. 398. See Harmony.
Musician, asham'd of Praise from the Unskilful. i. 42. Delighted with Examination and
Criticism. i. 234, 5
Musician-Legislators. i. 237, 8
Mystery makes any Opinion become considerable. i. 91. Gives rise to Partys, Sects. ibid.
Mysterys by Law establish'd. i. 359, 60. Religious Mysterys. i. 361
Mystery debated. iii. 10, 11
Sacred Mysterys inviolable with our Author, and, as such, un-nam'd by him. iii. 70, 71, 315
Mysterys the most absurd, how introduc'd into the Church. iii. 333, 4
Mystical Love. ii. 211, 243
Mysticks. ibid. Consequences of their indiscreet Zeal. ii. 271
Mysticks. i. 175. See Quietists.
Mythology. i. 359. Mythological or Fabulous Style of our Blessed Saviour. iii. 122, 3
N
Nastiness. See Cleanliness.
National Church. i. 17. See Church.
National Opinion. i. 9
Natural Affection, confess'd. i. 92. See Affection.
The Natural and Unnatural in Things. iii. 213, &c.
Natural Ideas. See Ideas, Instinct.
Nature, its Energy. ii. 359, 60. Nature in Man. ii. 300. In Brutes. ibid.
Nature's admirable Distribution. ii. 306, 7
State of Nature, imaginary, fantastical. i. 109. ii. 310, &c. See Society.
Nature, Divinity with Epicurus. iii. 64. See Epicurus.
Power of Nature in moral Actions and Behaviour. i. 92. ii. 128. Naturam expellas Furca.
iii. 216. Nature will not be mock'd. i. 354. Has a strong Party within ourselves. ibid. Makes
reprisals on her Antagonists. ibid. Prerogative of Nature. ibid.
NERO. i. 25, 105. iii. 23
Nobility, Polish-English. iii. 150. Young Noblemen. i. 103, &c. Young Noblemen, English.
iii. 168, 9, 172, &c. 216, &c.
Nose: a Nose (Discernment or Sense) in Morals, Life, &c. i. 125 (See Sense, Taste.) Noses
counted. i. 148
Novels, sweet natural Pieces, highly in vogue. ii. 194. iii. 254. See Gallantry, Chivalry.
Numbers and Proportion. i. 139, 336. Numbers of Life. i. 141. See Proportion, Beauty.
Nympholepti. i. 50. See Fanaticks.
O
OEconomy of the Animal Races. ii. 92, &c. 131, &c. 300, &c. 318, &c. iii. 220, &c. See
Society.
278 INDEX
Olympicks, antient, modern. i. 269. Olympick Games, and Congress of Greece. iii. 138
Omnipotence, what? i. 39, 40. ii. 10, 11, 57, 71, &c. 203, 359, 60, 64. What not. i. 107.
ii. 14
Opinion (see Doctrine, Hypothesis) National, or by Inheritance. i. 9. ii. 103. Governour,
and Govern'd. i. 185. Ground of Passion. i. 294, &c. Principle of Conduct. i. 307, 8. Opinion
all in all. ii. 435, 37, &c. iii. 186, 7, 196, &c. Freedom in examining ourown Opinions,
as well as the Opinions of others. i. 60, 61. Corrupt Opinion, Cause of Wrong. ii. 32, 3.
Opinion and Fashion, suppos'd measure of Virtue and Vice. i. 80, 352, 3. ii. 417, 18. Life
regulated by Opinion. ii. 435, &c.
Oracle. i. 126. Divine Oracles Guardianship. i. 360. Heathen and Christian Oracles. ii. 330,
31. iii. 232, &c.
Oration. See Rhetorick, Declamation, Preaching.
Orator. i. 161. Orators. i. 268
Order: Principle of Order Universal. ii. 362. Love of Order. ii. 212. Studyand Contemplation
of it, a natural Joy, Inclination, and Affection in Man. ii. 105
Order and Providence. ii. 276
Order in Writing. See Style.
Ornament independent, to be cautiously employ'd in the Action of Hercules. iii. 384. The
Emblematick and Historical not to be confounded. iii. 384, 5. An Objection concerning it
answer'd. iii. 385. False Ornaments to be avoided. iii. 390
Orthodoxy: casual, fortunate. iii. 104, &c. Orthodox Muse. i. 359
Orthodox, Divine, or Churchman. iii. 10, 11
Orthodoxy of the Author. iii. 70, 71, 315
OSIRIS. iii. 47
OVID, cited. iii. 144
P
PACE. See Amble.
Pageant of State. i. 204. Court-Pageant. iii. 185
Pain and Pleasure mix'd. ii. 234, 5
Paint. See Fucus.
Painter of History, to fix his Date. iii. 353. Not at liberty to mingle Actions of different Dates.
ibid. Test of his Judgment. iii. 357. Not to make his Action Theatrical, but according to
Nature. iii. 368. The same Qualifications necessary in him as in a Poet. iii. 387
Painters: Ill Painters compar'd with like Poets: i. 225, 6. Painter put to his shift. i. 204, 5
Painters: Raphael. i. 338. iii. 230. Carache i. 338
Painters after the Life. iii. 294. Face-Painters. i. 144, 5. Painting and Painters. i. 142, &c.
Master-Painter. i. 197, 206, 227. Battel-Painter. i. 202. See Artists, Statuary.
Painting. False Taste in Painting. i. 338. True Taste how gain'd. i. 338, 9. Dignity, Severity,
Austerity of the Art. i. 340, &c. Style in Painting. ii. 186. Simplicity and Unity of Style
and Colouring. i. 143, 4, 341, 2. Unity and Truth of Design. The  ibid. and
354. Greatness. i. 144. Antient Masters. i. 144, 340, &c. False Taste and Corruption of the
Art, whence. ibid. Grotesque Painting. iii. 6. Imposture in Painting. iii. 230. Pretended
Heavenly Style, and Divine Hand disprov'd. ibid. The Progress Painting is like to make in
England. iii. 399
Painting of History, the Regulation of it. iii. 349
Palaces and their Ornaments. i. 139. iii. 173, 184, &c. See Beauty.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 279
PALESTINE, the Country: its Superstitions. iii. 124. See Syria, Jew.
PAN. i. 15, 16. Panick Fear. ibid. Panick Rage or popular Fury. ibid. Religious Panick. ibid.
and iii. 66, 69. Panick Fear for the Church. iii. 83, &c. Panick Zeal. ibid. & 69. i. 43, 4
Panegyricks theworst of Satires. i. 226. Panegyricks, English. i. 266, &c. Panegyrick Games.
i. 269. Herculean Law, or Club-Method in Panegyrick. i. 267. Panegyricks modern.
iii. 274
Parables, double-meaning to amuse. i. 63
PARACELSUS. i. 287
Parasites. i. 35. See Sycophants.
PARIS, Judgment of, how distinguish'd from that of Hercules. iii. 359
Parody. i. 198, 246. See Comedy.
Parterre. See Palace.
Passion: Genealogy of the Passions. i. 116, 295. Study of the Passions. i. 295, 97. iii. 31. Belle
Passion. i. 5. Heroick Passion of the Devout. i. 19. OEconomy of the Passions. ii. 92, &c.
See OEconomy.
Passion too strong or too weak. ii. 91
Human and weak Passions deify'd. i. 38, ii, 256. iii. 306, 7
Passion, how the Change of it may be express'd in a Subject. iii. 355, 6
Patch-work. iii. 5
Patent: Letters-Patent. iii. 338
Patentees for Authorship. i. 335. For Religion. iii. 338
Patria: Non ille, &c. i. 123. Dulce & Decorum. i. 102.
The word wanting in our Language. iii. 149
Patriot. i. 101, 2. Bought and sold. iii. 170, &c. Patriots of the Soil. iii. 150
Patrons, modern. i. 229, 68, 304
PAUL (St.) his Character. i. 30. iii. 74, 75, 83, &c. Style. iii. 83, &c. 337. Cited. i. 26, 102,
281. iii. 238, 45
St. Paul allows to the Heathen their own Prophets. iii. 238. Cites their Poets with Honour.
ibid.
Pedagogue. i. 72, 3. See Tutor, Pedant.
Pedant baited. iii. 14
Pedant and Pupil. i. 64, 122, 3
Pedant. See Pedagogue, Zealot, Scholastick, University.
Pedantry a Milstone. i. 67. Pedantry in Conversation. i. 70
Pedantry oppos'd to true Knowledg. i. 122, 3
Pencil, Sacred, or Heaven-guided. iii. 230. See Painting.
Penmen, Gladiatorian. iii. 12
People, naturally good Judges of the Poet. i. 278. Also of Architecture, Painting, &c. iii. 402, 3
Perfection, of Workmanship. i. 332, 37
Peripatetick Philosophy. Genius. i. 256. Author de Mundo. ii. 214. iii. 263, 4
Persecution. ii. 35. iii. 115. In Arcadia. i. 21. Unknown to the polite Heathen-World. ii. 166.
iii. 154, 5. How begun. i. 25. iii. 60, 86, &c. See AEgypt, Jews.
Romish Persecution, of any other the most tolerable, and of best Grace and Countenance.
iii. 93, 4, 103, 6
Persecution of Features, Airs, Complexions, Miens. i. 84
PERSIAN Empire and Hierarchy. iii. 48. See Hierarchy.
PERSIUS. i. 162, 170, 71, 89, 315, 30. iii. 158, 312, 13
280 INDEX
Perspective, the Rules of it revers'd in Sculpture. iii. 380
Persuasion, Goddess. i. 237, &c. Mother of Musick, Poetry and other Arts. ibid. Sister to
Liberty. ibid. Men persuade themselves into whatever Opinions. iii. 310
PETRONIUS, cited. i. 192
Petulancy: wanton Mischievousness unnatural. ii. 164
Phaenomena in Scripture. i. 282. Moral Phaenomena. ibid.
Phallico. i. 250. See Farce.
Phenix-Sect. i. 27
PHILIP. i. 249
Philologists. i. 241, 46. ii. 295
Philosophers, savage. i. 90, 94, 350, &c. See Clown. Moral Philosophers of a modern sort,
more ignorant and corrupt than the mere Vulgar. i. 132, 352. iii. 204, 5. Run a Talegathering.
i. 350
Philosophers, their Original and Rise. i. 240. Posterior in Birth to Poets, Musicians, Criticks,
Sophists. ibid. iii. 136, 7. Philosophers themselves, Criticks of a double kind. i. 240.
&c. Philosophers, their antient Schools dissolv'd. iii. 79
Philosophers and Bear-Garden. iii. 9, 11, &c.
Philosophy-modern. i. 122, &c. iii. 308.--Antient. i. 18, 122, 3.--Home-spun. i. 43, 364.
Mastership in Life and Manners. iii. 159. Its State and Liberty in the antient World. i. 18.
Philosophical Speculations innocent. i. 96. See Hypothesis, Doctrine.
Philosophy, where confin'd now-a-days. i. 333. ii. 184. Its Study incumbent on every Man.
i. 322, &c. ii. 438, &c. Philosophy speculative and practical. i. 292, &c. Vain, or solid.
i. 297, &c. Guide to Virtue in all Religions. i. 101, 2.--Balance against Superstition. i. 18.
Philosophy Judg of Religion. i. 297, 8.--Of her-self, and of every thing besides. ibid. Majesty
of Philosophy. i. 298, 99. Philosophy appeal'd to by all. i. 285. Standard or Measure
of Trust, Friendship and Merit in Men. ibid. &c. Genuine and false Fruits. i. 286, 7.
Unhappy Mixture or Conjunction of Philosophy with Religion. iii. 61, 76, 7. Monstrous
Issue and Product of this Union. iii. 79, &c. 86, &c.
Dry Philosophy. iii. 191. Vocal Philosophy. i. 287. Ideal Philosophy. See Idea.
Lineage of Philosophy and Poetry. (See Lineage.) Philosophy of the Woods. ii. 428
Physician. iii. 181
Physicians in the Body-Politick. i. 14, 16
Physiologists. See Metaphysicians.
Piece (Work, Treatise) legitimate, illegitimate. i. 336. iii. 2
PILATE (Pontius.) iii. 242
Planets: see Moon. Planetary System. ii. 19, 370, &c.
Plate, emboss'd with Satyrs, Fauns, &c. proper to accompany the Figure of Pleasure. iii. 386
PLATO. i. 54, iii. 77, 247, 80. Cited. i. 53, 4
Platonists, latter sort. i. 18
Plays (Theatrical) how frequented. i. 265. See Comedy, Tragedy, Theatre. Plays (vulgar)
see Foot-ball, Hot-cockles.
Pleasing Sensations. i. 123, 4, 315
Pleasure: whether our Good. i. 308. ii. 226, &c. iii. 200, &c. All Pleasure not to be reckon'd
as Good. ii. 229, 30. Enjoyments of Reason, not really comprehended in the Notion of Pleasure.
ii. 232, 3. Pleasure no Rule of Good. i. 309, 339, 40. Pleasures of the Mind greater
than those of the Body. ii. 99, 100. Sensual Pleasure, who the properest Judg of it. ii. 102,
3. Sensual Pleasures dependent on social and natural Affection. ii. 126, &c. Distasteful,
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 281
inconstant, and insupportable without it. ii. 129, 30. Unnatural Pleasure in general, its
Effects. ii. 168, 9. Pleasure (Luxury) ii. 147, 8. See Luxury.
Understanding in Pleasure. i. 140. Rule and Order in Pleasure. ibid.
Men of Pleasure, forc'd to acknowledg Virtue. i. 140. See Poets.
Pleasure, sollicites Hercules in opposition to Virtue. iii. 350. Is first heard. iii. 352. Her
Figure to be drawn silent. iii. 369. Her Posture and Ornament. iii. 370, 71
PLINY cited. i. 144, iii. 280
Plum: Cant-word among rich Knaves. i. 130
PLUTARCH. i. 334. Cited. i. 41, 54. iii. 126, 27, &c. 280
Pneumatophobia. iii. 64
Poem Heroick, Epick. (See Homer.) i. 356, &c. iii. 259, &c. Not to be model'd on Holy Writ.
i. 356, &c.
Poet: Character of a Poet and Poetry from Strabo. i. 208, 252. Poet, second Maker. i. 207.
Poet, Herald of Fame. i. 225. Ill Poets worse than ill Painters. i. 225, 6
Poets preferable to most Philosophers. i. 122. iii. 307, 8.--More instructive than Historians.
i. 346. Morality of Poets. i. 137. iii. 308, 9. Poets acknowledg Virtue. i. 136, 7. Strongest
Party on Virtue's side. i. 316, 17
Poets, Enthusiasts. i. 4, &c. iii. 66, 232. Friends to Revelation. i. 4, &c. French Poets. i. 218.
Modern Poets or poetical Writers affected, and false in their Draughts or Imitations. i. 204.
iii. 289, &c. Conceited, combin'd. iii. 273, &c. Injudicious. i. 207. Impotent. ibid. English
Poets, of a preceding Age. i. 275, 6. Of the present. iii. 276, &c.
Audience forms the Poet. i. 264. Poet, how far of necessity a Philosopher, and true to Virtue
and Morals. i. 278. iii. 282
Divine or Orthodox Poets. i. 7, 359. iii. 118, 231, &c. Orthodox Mock-Poets. iii. 240, 41.
Poets Fanaticks. i. 51
Poets inspir'd. i. 7, 51. iii. 66, 228, &c. 238
Poet. See Author.
Poetess, English. ii. 235
Poetical Enthusiasm. i. 21. Poetical Genius. i. 161. Poetical Imitation. i. 193, &c. Poetical
Truth. See Truth.
Poetick Science. i. 141, &c.
Poetry: (See Muses.) Lineage of Poetryand Philosophy. (See Lineage.) Sacred Wit and Poetry.
iii. 118. Indifferent Poetry, detestable. iii. 283. Art of Poetry (an English Poem.) iii. 281
Poetry Epick or Dramatick, incompatible with orthodox Divinity. i. 356, &c.
Point, Gingle or Pun. i. 335
Points of Wit. iii. 5, 261
Point of Honour. ii. 194, 5. See Gallantry, Duel.
Poison to Reason. i. 91
Policy, British and Dutch: Turkish and French. i. 80
Politeness, owing to Liberty. i. 64, 72, 96. (See Liberty.) Flux and Reflux of Politeness.
i. 271, 2
Politicians. i. 188, 9
Politicks, part of Morals. ii. 184, 5
Polytheist: Definition. ii. 11
Pope (Clement XI.) iii. 241. See Gregorius, Leo.
Popery. See Rome, Church, Priest, Mass.
Post-way of Writers. See Writers, Correctness.
282 INDEX
Power, Balance of. i. 94, 95
Praise of the Deity. i. 41, &c. Qualifications for such Praise. ibid. Value of Praise or Glory
from the Ignorant. ibid. Value of forc'd Praise or Applause. ibid. True Praise how learnt.
ibid.
Preaching. i. 70, 73, 4, 134, 166. iii. 97, 8, 287. Elegant and gross. iii. 112, 13. Fashionable
and unfashionable. ibid. Solemn, melancholy. i. 134. Variously humour'd, alternate, high
and low. iii. 130. See Declaration, Pulpit.
Pre-conception. ii. 307, 412. See Anticipation.
Prefaces, Dedications, &c. i. 200, 231, 304. iii. 27. Preface become a word to signify Excuse.
i. 329, 30
Prelate. i. 6. See Bishop.
Pre-sensation. See Pre-conception.
Press: Printing-Press. i. 305. See Printer.
Priests, consecrated by the Magistrate. i. 362. iii. 337. Their Faction, Sedition, and Engagement
of Mankind in their Quarrels. iii. 51, 59, 60, 80, 86, &c. 342. Their Love of Blood.
i. 28. Propagation and Increase of the Priesthood: Manner and Consequence. iii. 44, &c.
Model of the AEgyptian and Asiatick Priesthoods; and Difference from the European, or
that of Greece or Rome. iii. 43, 49. See Hierarchy.
Prince: see Absolute. Story of an Heroick Prince. i. 176, &c.
Princes, use the plural Style, whence. i. 210, &c. Prince-Authors. i. 213, 14
Princely: see Royal.
Principle: one universally active Principle. ii. 364, 5
Printer. iii. 16. See Bookseller, Amanuensis.
Printing, free. i. 305, 6
PRODICUS. ii. 253
PROMETHEUS, poetical Solution of the Phaenomenon of ILL. ii. 192, 201, 2
Poet a Prometheus. i. 207
Proof. See Criterion, Test.
Prophet, the name allow'd to Heathens. iii. 238
Prophets, passive Organs. i. 28. Modern Prophets. i. 46, &c. Compar'd with antient. ibid.
Prophecy catching. i. 45.--The evil as well as the good Spirit. ibid. iii. 116
Prophecy or Prophet-errant, processional, saltant. iii. 117. Naked Prophecy. ibid.
Property, Dominion founded in. iii. 49
Proportion, and Symmetry founded in Nature; not in Opinion or Fancy. i. 353. See Symmetry,
Architecture.
Protestant Authors. iii. 18
Protestant Liberty. iii. 235, 6, 319, 330, &c.
Publick. i. 37. See Constitution.
Publick Assemblys. See Assemblys.
Pulpit. i. 31. iii. 255, 265, 287. See Preaching.
Punishments and Rewards, of what use in the State. i. 126. ii. 63, 4. In Familys. ii. 65. In
Religion. ii. 65, 6
Puns: see University, Point.
Pupil: see Royal, Pedant, Tutor.
Puppets, in Dialogue. iii. 292. See Dialogue.
Puppet-show. i. 28, 9
PYRRHO, PYRRHONIST. ii. 355. iii. 194, 212. See Sceptick.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 283
PYRRHUS. i. 325, 6
PYTHAGORAS. iii. 77, 127, 203
Pythagorean Sect. i. 18
Pythian-God. i. 126.--Prophetess: see Sibyl.
Q
QUEEN Elizabeth. iii. 150
Quibble. See Pun, Point.
Quietists. iii. 38, 92
R
Raillery, sober Use of it. i. 128. Defensive Raillery. i. 62. Opposition to Banter. i. 63. iii. 225.
Gross sort and refin'd. i. 63, 5. iii. 225. (See Ridicule.) Socratick Raillery. i. 194, 5, 98
Raillery affected by grave Doctors. i. 65. iii. 291. Grim Raillery. ibid. (See Burlesque.) Spirit
of Raillery why prevalent in certain Conversations. i. 95. Why carry'd into the Extreme.
i. 72. Nothing proof against Raillery but what is honest and just. i. 74
Rake, a better Character than that of certain grave and thoughtful Gentlemen. iii. 302
Reader courteous, uncourteous. i. 303, 4
Reading, wrong Choice and Manner. i. 341, &c. Multiplicity of Reading. i. 342, 3. Taskreading.
ibid. Surfeiting. i. 344. Polite Reading and Converse, chief Qualifications in a
Character. i. 364. Gothick and barbarous Reading. i. 344, &c.
Realist in Morality. ii. 267, 8
Reason, its Nourishment, Health. i. 69, &c. Its Antidote, Poison. i. 91. Reason Correctrix of
the Fancys, &c. i. 322, &c. Intendant, Mistress, House-keeper. ibid. Reason quitted: for
what Reason? When? How? iii. 299, &c. Reason confin'd: what effect? i. 71, 77
Reasoning: Habit of Reasoning alone can make a Reasoner. i. 69, 71, 77
Records: Recorders, Compilers, Registers in sacred Matters. i. 360. iii. 231, &c. Rul'd by
Law. ibid.
Rehearsal (Comedy.) i. 259. iii. 277, 81
Religion, Virtue, how ally'd, founded, deriv'd, maintain'd. See Treatise IV. viz. The INQUIRY,
first of Vol. ii. Religion: a publick Leading, or National Church. i. 17. Religion
by Law establish'd. i. 362. iii. 71. (See Law.) Differences in Religion. i. 79. (See Modes,
Models.) Religious Antipathy. i. 18. ii. 96. iii. 40, 60, 80, 257. Religious Passion. iii. 35, 6.
Different Aspects of Religion, according to the Views or Aspects of Divinity. iii. 39. Power
of Fancy or Imagination in Religion. iii. 68. Religion consider'd as a Passion. ii. 88, 9. Its
Influence. ii. 51. Religion antient-Grecian. iii. 126, &c. Roman, Egyptian, Syrian. iii. 41,
2. Where first it grew unsociable. ii. 387, 8. Religion cruel Enemy toVirtue, by what means.
ii. 256. Religion liberal, illiberal. ii. 272, 73. Knavish Religion. i. 126, 7, 132, 3. iii. 125,
&c. True Foundation of Religion. ii. 269, 70. Religion betray'd. ii. 279. Over-laid. i. 97.
Exhilaration of Religion. iii. 95, 123. Different Faces or Representations of Religion, with
what design. iii. 130, 31. Uniformity in Religion. See Uniformity.
Relish, false, fatal to Painting and the other Arts. iii. 390
Resignation, devout, false. ii. 59
Resolution: see Will.
Retirement, agreeable, necessary. ii. 223, 4
Revelation judg'd by Morals. i. 298. What previous and antecedent. i. 39. ii. 333, 4. See
Authority.
284 INDEX
Revolution, the late happy one. i. 216. iii. 151
Revolution in the World and Nature. ii. 20, 214, 15, 367, 380, 81. In our-selves, i. 284, 5.
ii. 236, 350. See Self.
Rewards and Punishments, of what use in the State. ii. 63, 64. In Familys. ii. 65. In Religion.
ii. 65, 6, 273
Future Rewards and Punishments: wrong inforcement. i. 97, 8. ii. 69. Virtue for Reward,
not worth rewarding. ibid.
Reward most deserv'd, when unsought. i. 100. No Goodness or Virtue in Nature, if no Motive
besides Reward. i. 98. A Knave not the less such, when Reward and Punishment alone
make him honest in outward Behaviour. i. 125, &c. 171, &c. Consciousness, only Reward
of Friendship. i. 100. See Mercenariness, Disinterestedness.
Rhetoricians. iii. 140
Rhetorick: see Declamation, Preaching.
Rhetorick, in what part of a Discourse its greatest Energy shou'd be employ'd. iii. 353
Rhythmus: false and true. i. 217, 18. iii. 263, 4
Ridicule, its Rule, Measure, Test. i. 11, 12. (See Test.) Appeal to Ridicule. i. 61. Affectation
of it by Pedants. i. 65. See Banter.
Ridicule ridiculous, when half-way, lame, or leaning to one side. i. 81. Injudicious and
imposing, when far strain'd, and beyond its size. i. 83. &c. Nonsensical, when rais'd from
Contrarys, i. 129
Nothing ridiculous, but what is deform'd. i. 128. Virtue not capable of being ridicul'd.
ibid. & 129
Right and Wrong. ii. 33, 4. In Nature, not from Opinion,Will, or Law. ii. 35. See Opinion,
Virtue.
Rites or Rituals by Law establish'd. i. 360
Rites, Ceremonys, Habits, Processions, Pomp, their use and effect in Religion. iii. 91, 2
ROGER, Sir Roger. iii. 276
Roman Eloquence, corrupted. iii. 22, 3
Roman Monarchy. See Monarchy.
Roman Empire, Rise and Fall. i. 219, &c.
Roman Emperors. iii. 41, 78, 90, 242. (See Caesars) Roman Worthys. i. 267, 8
Romance: see Novel.
Romans old, rais'd from Barbarity by Greece. i. 223, 269, 270, 72. Their gradual Refinement.
i. 251. Growth of Heathen Religion under the Romans. iii. 41
ROME old. i. 219, 21. iii. 234. Rome modern. i. 338. iii. 91, 3, 235. See or Court of Rome.
iii. 241, 2
Royal Preceptor. i. 214. See Prince.
Royal Pupils. i. 106, 211, 12
Rule. (See Law.) Rule of Dispatch. i. 267
Rusticks. i. 190
S
Sacrifice human. ii. 35. Familiar to the Inhabitants of the Palestine. iii. 124. (See Abraham,
Jephtha.) Sacrifice of Forms, Natures. See Subordination.
Sadducee. iii. 77
Saint--on what terms? iii. 129. Female Saints. iii. 38. Saint-Protectrices. i. 273
Saint-Errantry. i. 20
SALOMON British. i. 214
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 285
Salvation: see Saving.
Saracen's Head. i. 362
Satirs, Roman: their Origin. i. 258, 9. See Atellan, Fescennin.
Satir, English. i. 266. Spirit of Satir. iii. 109
Satirick and Comick Genius, Style. i. 258, &c.
Satirists, true to Virtue. i. 141. iii. 23. See Poet.
Savage: see Goth.
Savages. i. 90, 94
Savageness, Inroad whence. i. 96. See Barbarians.
Saving--of Souls. i. 19--of Complexions. i. 85
SAUL. i. 45. iii. 116, 17
Scandal. i. 265
Scene, of the Story of Hercules, to be laid in the Country. iii. 376. To have nothing in it to
call the Eye off from the Subject. iii. 377
Sceptical Conversation. i. 68, 9, 78, &c.
Scepticism, Support to Reason. ibid. See Reason.
Scepticism, fashionable sort. ii. 206. Defence of Scepticism. iii. 71, &c. Partial Scepticism
cause of Vice and Folly. i. 81. (See Thinking.)
Scepticism, Remedy against the Dogmatical Spirit. i. 95. Sceptical Wit, Apology. i. 96
Scepticism of a Reverend Divine. iii. 68
Scepticks, the Advantages of their Philosophy. ii. 206, 7
Sceptick personated. iii. 295. Modern Scepticks dogmatize. ii. 230, 31. Real Sceptick. ibid.
& 236, 7. Christian-Sceptick. iii. 72. See Academy, Pyrrho.
Scholar and Gentleman. i. 333, &c. Scholar, ill-read. i. 342. True Scholar, or Man well-read,
reads few Authors. i. 342, 3
Scholastick. i. 67. (See Style.) Scholastick Brood. iii. 80. Scholastick Weapons. iii. 296
School: inferior Schools of Arts and Exercises, teach Truth and Nature better than some
higher. i. 333, &c.
Sciences in general. i. 289, 90. Mock-Science. i. 287. Science of Articulation. ibid. Science:
see Art.
Scripture, Judgment of. i. 146, 7.--Criticism. iii. 72, 3. Scripture Sacred and Profane. iii. 231,
&c. Sacred History, Characters, Scripture, subject to human Criticism, Philosophy, and
Rules of Art. i. 147. ii. 268, 69, 333. iii. 229, &c. Scripture interpolated, suppress'd, controverted,
manag'd. iii. 320, &c. 330, &c. (See Fathers of the Church.) Variety of Readings,
controverted Passages, Books, Copys, Catalogues. iii. 322, 3, 326, 7
Scripture, fragil, volatil. iii. 234
SCYTHIAN. See Goth, Anacharsis.
Sea: Sea to drink. iii. 207, 8
Secular. See Arm.
Sedition. See Faction.
Self: A Man when himself; when not himself. i. 324, 5. (See Revolution, Identity.) What
makes a Man himself. ii. 253, 4. (Self-Love. See Love.) True Self-Love depends on Knowledg
of Self. i. 121, 282, &c. Self-Knowledg. i. 170. iii. 189, 192, &c.
Selfishness. i. 115, 117, &c. ii. 23, 291. Destructive of Self-Enjoyment. i. 315. iii. 302. Improv'd
by certain Philosophers. i. 124, &c. Folly of the Endeavour. ii. 128
Self-Inspection. i. 196. Acknowledgment of a better Self. i. 281. Self-Reverence. i. 171, &c.
Self-Abasement. i. 331, 2. iii. 125, &c. See Sycophants, Interest.
SENECA, his Character, Genius, Style. iii. 22, &c.
286 INDEX
Sensations. See Pleasure, Pain.
Sense impair'd. ii. 32. Sense in Morals, Life. i. 132. iii. 204, 5. See Taste, Nose.
Common Sense, various Signification. i. 78, &c. Common Sense, honest Sense. i. 132.
iii. 204, 5
Sense, equivocal, in Painting, to be avoided in the Story of Hercules. iii. 370
Sensus Communis interpreted. i. 103, &c.
Sermon, Law of. ii. 282. See Preaching.
Sexes. See Love,Women.
Fair-Sex, seduc'd by Tales, Impostures. i. 347, &c. Inclin'd to monstrous Loves, according
to our antient Poet. ibid. (See Superstition, Ladys.) Won by appearance of Submission
and Tenderness. iii. 115. Exposition of the Modesty of the Sex in barbarous Nations. i. 273,
4. Better Conduct of the more polite. ibid. Prerogatives of the Fair-Sex. ii. 194. Writings.
ii. 194, 5. iii. 254. Taste and Humour. ii. 271, 73. iii. 166, 256
SEXTUS EMPIRICUS cited. i. 87
Shepherds: see Arcadia.
SIBYL. i. 46. iii. 232. Sibylline Scripture. iii. 227, 232, &c.
Sight, single, simple.  . i. 143
Silence, to be distinctlycharacteriz'd in the Figure of Hercules, during the Contention. iii. 361
Simplicity: see Style.
Sinner against Good-Breeding. i. 166. Against Grammar. ibid.
Sins. i. 166. iii. 177
Slavery: Court-Slavery. i. 139. ii. 116, 17. iii. 168, &c. 208, 9. Slavery of Vice. iii. 307, &c.
311. Slavish Principles and Spirit. iii. 148, 168, 251, 2, 306, 310, &c.
Smithfield. i. 28
Social Animals. iii. 220, 21
Social Enjoyment: see Enjoyment.
Social Affection: see Affection.
Society (see Tribe, Government) Early State and Progress of Society. i. 236. Natural Growth
of a Society, or National Community. i. 110, 11. Principle of Society, natural. i. 107, &c.
Prov'd from Sedition, War. i. 112, 13. From the greatest Opposers of this Principle. i. 89,
90, 92. From its force in ill, as well as in good Passions. i. 16. Society in Nature; not from
Art or Compact. i. 109. (See Nature.)
Religious Orders, or Societys. i. 114
SOCRATES. i. 31, 254. iii. 214, 244. See Raillery.
Chartae Socraticae. i. 192, &c. 205, 6
Socraticks: their Characters. i. 254, &c.
Soil, Climate, Region. iii. 146, &c.
Patriots of the Soil. iii. 150
Solemnity: Follys and Amusements become solemn. i. 81. See Gravity, Imposture.
Soliloquy, see Treatise of, viz.Vol. i. p. 153.
Solitude, &c. i. 174. ii. 223, &c.
SOLON. iii. 246
SOPHOCLES. i. 244
Sophists once honourable, and of highest Dignity. i. 240. Sophists Language-Masters. iii. 140.
First Teachers of Philosophy. iii. 137. Sophistry. i. 74. See Imposture.
Sot: Sottishness. i. 309, 10
Soul: two Souls in Man. i. 184, 5
Sounds articulate. i. 288, 303
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 287
Space, Vacuum. i. 301. Space, Plenitude, Substance, Mode, Matter, Immateriality. See Meta-
physicks.
Species: Interest of a Species. ii. 16. A whole Species, subservient to some other. ii. 18. Species of
Fair. i. 139, 41. (See Fair, Beauty, Decorum.) Moral Species or Appearances, overbearing
all other. ii. 100. iii. 33, &c.
Specters. i. 60. iii. 299
SPENCER, de Legibus Heb. iii. 55, 6
Spider. ii. 18
Spirits: Judgment of others. i. 54.--of our own. ibid. Fear of Spirits, in an odd sense. See
Pneumatophobia.
Animal Spirits confin'd. i. 71
Spleen. i. 20. Objected to Criticks and Satirists. iii. 108, 9
Stage of the World. ii. 184
Stage, English. i. 271, 75, 6. iii. 255, 6, 289, 90. See Drama.
Stage allow'd to instruct as well as the Pulpit. i. 361. iii. 255
Standard of Manners, Breeding, Gentility. iii. 179, &c. Standard of Wit, English. i. 265.
iii. 272, &c. Standard of moral Rectitude. i. 107, 298, 353. iii. 303, 4
Statuary, LYSIPPUS. i. 227
Statuary and Statuarys. See Painters.
Statuary, with other Arts and Letters, destroy'd by antient Bishops of Rome and Greece.
iii. 239, &c.
Statute against Criticism. iii. 269, 278, 9
Statute of Mortmain, and Repeal, among the Antients. iii. 45, 49, 50, 79. See Hierarchy.
Statutes. See Laws.
Storys (Old Wives.) i. 6. Told up and down. i. 37
Storks. iii. 80
STRABO cited. i. 208, 252. iii. 153
Styles and Manners of writing, the several kinds. i. 242, &c. 255, &c. Didactive, Preceptive
Style. i. 25. iii. 285. Scholastick, Pedantick. i. 256, &c. iii. 141. Metaphorick. i. 242, 3.
iii. 140, 261, 2, 337. Methodick. i. 256, &c. Simple. ibid. and iii. 21, 2, 141, &c. Sublime.
i. 256, &c. 276. iii. 285. See Sublime, Comick, Tragick, Farce, Bombast.
Heavenly Style in Painting. iii. 220. See Painting, Painter. Style of our blessed Saviour.
iii. 122, 3
English Style in Prose and Verse. iii. 264, &c. 276, &c. Gouty Joints, Darning-Work, &c.
iii. 264, 5. Discord, Dissonance. ibid. See Monosyllables.
Subjects, Multiplication of them in a Piece perplexes the Ordonnance of a Work. iii. 383
Sublime. iii. 140
Sublime in speaking. i. 8, 335. False and True. i. 241, &c. (See Bombast.) Sublime of Characters.
i. 336. Of Actions. iii. 34. Sublime in Things. See Beauty, Admiration.
Subordination necessary in Nature. ii. 214, &c. What requir'd to make it perfect. iii. 383
Succession: Church-Succession. i. 360. iii. 338
Succession of Wit and Humour. i. 253, &c. See Lineage and Genealogy.
Superstition. ii. 166. (See Enthusiasm, Priest, Miracle, Magi, AEGYPT, Hierarchy,Tales.)
Difference between Superstition and Enthusiasm. iii. 39. Anti-superstitious Passion, or
Counter-Enthusiasm. i. 88, &c. iii. 64, 5
Superstition, Fear. i. 295. iii. 65. Superstition the most enslaving and worst of Vices. iii. 305
Female Superstition. i. 348, 9. iii. 48. See Ladys.
Picture or Character of Superstition. iii. 125, &c.
288 INDEX
Superstition destructive of Moral Rectitude. ii. 46, &c. The Superstitious arewilling Atheists.
i. 126, 28. Unable to believe as they desire. ibid.
Quantity of Superstition answers to the number of religious Dealers. iii. 46, &c.
Supineness, proper for the Figure of Pleasure. iii. 371
Surgeons, spiritual. iii. 95, 106
Surgery in Politicks and Religion. i. 16, 17. iii. 106. Inward Surgery. i. 156, &c.
SWEDEN. See DENMARK.
Sycophants in Religion. i. 35. iii. 125, &c. See Beggars, Flattery.
Symbol. See Test, Creed,Watch-word.
Symmetry. i. 353. iii. 263. Real. iii. 168, 180. See Beauty, Decorum.
Synods. i. 360, &c.
SYRIA: its Religion. iii. 41, 2. See Palestine, Jews, AEgypt.
System: a Fool by Method and System. i. 290. See Hypothesis.
Systems impos'd by Authority. i. 96
System of the World. ii. 287. Particular Systems, and their single Parts united in one System.
ii. 19, &c. 286
T
Tablature, specifically distinguish'd. iii. 347, 8. The Design of it shou'd be immediately apparent.
iii. 378
TACITUS cited. iii. 53, 4, 253
Tail: Works or Pieces without Head or Tail. See Works.
A Tale: its Use, upon occasion. ii. 202, 3
Tales: Love of Tales and monstrous Storys; its Affinity with the Passion of Superstition. i. 348,
9. Tremendous Tale-tellers. ibid.
Talkers. i. 167
TARTAR. See Goth.
Tartar-Notion. i. 86
Taste: Explanation of a right Taste in Manners, Morals, Government. iii. 163, &c. In Wit
and Ingenuity, how rais'd and improv'd. i. 239, &c. 250, &c. A Taste in Morals, Life. i.
355. iii. 176, &c. (See Sense, Nose.) Moral Taste or Sense, how acquir'd. ii. 401
Taste in inward Beauty and Characters, founded in Nature. i. 336. iii. 303
True Taste or Judgment in Life, how gain'd. i. 338, 9. Lies in our own power. iii. 186
Virtuoso-Taste. i. 135
Ruin of Taste from Multiplicity of Reading. i. 342, &c. Taste barbariz'd. i. 344
Reformation of Taste, great Work. i. 354
Good Taste in the polite World. iii. 154, &c.
TAYLOR, Bishop, cited. i. 99, 100. iii. 40, 41, 318, &c. 326, 7
Temper, the truly divine. i. 37. Best or worst in Man. ii. 96. What makes a good Temper.
ii. 114, 15, 17. The fittest Temper for Judgment. i. 12, 32, 3
Temperance: how valuable. ii. 248, &c. Set in opposition to Avarice and Ambition. ii. 251, 2
TERENCE. i. 334. iii. 184, 263
Terra Incognita. i. 344. iii. 210
Test: Religious Tests, Problems, &c. i. 60, 61. See Symbol, Creed.
Test of Ridicule. i. 11, 30, 31, 61. (See Criterion.) Test of Gravity. i. 74
Testimony, human. i. 45, 148. ii. 331. Divine. ii. 333, 4
Theater: See Stage-Play.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 289
Theism: how it tends to promote Virtue. ii. 71, 2. Compar'd in that respect with Atheism.
ii. 72, &c. Theism to what oppos'd. ii. 209. Faith of Theism. ii. 358
Theist: the Belief of a perfect Theist. ii. 11. Theists, nominal, real. ii. 267, &c.
Theogony, Theology, Heathen and Christian. i. 359, &c. See Divinity.
Theology. i. 359
Thinking: Free-Thinking. iii. 297, &c. Free-Thinkers. ibid. Half-Thinkers, a sorry Species.
iii. 300. Dishonesty a Half-Thought. iii. 297, &c. Under-thinking, or Short-thinking, its
Nature, Cause and Consequences. iii. 301, &c. See Scepticism.
Thorns: Grapes not from Thorns. i. 286
Thought, whether able to produce Matter. ii. 296, 7
THUCYDIDES. iii. 247
TIBERIUS. i. 105
TILLOTSON (Archbishop) cited. iii. 329, &c.
Time, Points of; the Judgment of Hercules capable of being divided into three. iii. 350. The
proper Circumstances of each. iii. 351. Objections against a fourth. ibid.
Time, a future, may be express'd by enigmatical Devices. iii. 353
Tire-men. i. 84
Title of a Work, last determin'd. iii. 26, 7
Titles. i. 203, 4
Toilette, a General's. iii. 186
Toleration, (See Persecution, Liberty) when and on what account oppos'd. iii. 110, 11. When
admir'd and recommended. ibid. See Charity.
Top (Child's Top) i. 187. Works without Top or Bottom. See Works.
Tragedy, Genius of. i. 218, 19. (See Euripides.) Prior to Comedy. i. 244, &c. iii. 140, 41
Tragedy, modern: Love and Honour. i. 276. (See Play, Theater.) English Tragedy. iii. 61, 2.
Moral and Virtue of Tragedy. i. 317, 18. iii. 309
Tragi-Comedy. iii. 7
Tragick Aspect of certain Divines. i. 66, 74
TRAJAN. i. 228
Traveller, or Travel-Writer in form. i. 346, 7. History of certain travelling Gentlemen.
iii. 99, &c.
Treachery: Negative Vice. ii. 167
Treatise. See Piece.
Trial. See Proof, Criterion, Test.
Tribe: Formation of a Clan or Tribe. i. 110, 11. Of federate Tribes, mixt Colonys, &c. ibid.
and 236, &c.
Trustee. See Guardian.
Truth bears all Lights. i. 11, 30, 31, 61.--Ridicule, a Light, or Criterion to Truth. i. 61. Truth
injur'd by over-much Discovery. i. 62. Face of Truth suffers by Masks. i. 84, 5
Truth (See Beauty) powerful. i. 4. Principal even in Fable and Fiction. ibid. Poetick Truth.
i. 142, &c. 193, &c. 336, 7, 354, 5. iii. 180, &c. 259, &c. 282. Plastick or Graphical Truth.
i. 146. iii. 181. Historical, Critical, Moral, Philosophical and Religious Truth. ibid. and
iii. 181, &c. (See Revelation, History.) Magna, & praevalebit. i. 148
Truth of Work. i. 261, &c. Truth of Actions. ibid.Verum atque Decens. iii. 162. Strength
of Perception no sure Ground of Truth. iii. 68
Truth, Historical, to give way to Poetick or Probable in Painting. iii. 372, 3, 5
Truth, Poetick, presupposes Prognostication. iii. 354
290 INDEX
TURKS. i. 26. Turkish Policy, destructive of Letters. i. 226. iii. 235
Turn. See Vicissitude.
Tutor. See Pedagogue.
Tutor and Pupil. i. 211. The Age not to be tutor'd. i. 67
Tyranny. i. 107. Worship'd. i. 219. See Absolute, Arbitrary, Force.
Tyro's in Philosophy. iii. 37
U
Undermining or sapping Method in Wit and Philosophy. iii. 134
Understanding and Eyes fitted to so much Light, and no more. i. 62. Plot of Mankind against
their own Understanding. iii. 101, &c.
Uniformity in Religion, hopeful Project. i. 19. How practicable. iii. 89, 90, 103, 4, 6, 318,
19, 343
Unity in the Universe. ii. 347
Universe. ii. 212. iii. 224
University-Wit. i. 64. See Pedant.
University-Learning. ii. 286, 298, 334, &c. University-Chair. ii. 258. iii. 287
Modern Universitys not very fortunate in the Education of Youth. i. 333, &c.
Urbanity. i. 72
V
Vanity. i. 206
VARRO. iii. 234, 280
VENUS: the Venus, Venustum, or Grace in Things. i. 138, 337. See Decorum. Every one a
VENUS. i. 138, 9
Vice: Artifice of Vice. i. 174. Vice in Opinion. ii. 34, 5. Causes of Vice. ii. 40. Most essential
Part of Vice. ii. 97, 8
Vice. See Slavery.
Vicissitude; Law of Discourse and Conversation. i. 70, 76
View. See Sight.
VIRGIL. i. 46, 7. ii. 223, 343. iii. 233
Virtue, Honesty, and Justice in Nature; not from Will or Law. i. 109, 353. Nothing to do
with Fashion or Vogue. ibid. and ii. 35. Independent of Opinion, and above the World.
i. 262. Virtue, the Truth and Symmetry of Manners. See Symmetry, Musick, Harmony,
Proportion.
Beauty of Virtue. i. 140
Virtue, Fashion and Name only in the Sense of some fashionable Moralists. i. 80, 92, 124,
&c. 352.--Less a Sufferer by being contested than betray'd. i. 96, 7. Over-laid by its Nurses.
ibid. Under-prop'd. ibid. Forfeited. ii. 34. Trial of Virtue. ii. 36, 7. Degrees of Virtue.
ii. 38, 9. Causes of Virtue. ii. 40. Virtue degraded and defac'd. ii. 254, 5. See Religion.
Virtue made mercenary. i. 97. Heroick Virtue. i. 101
Virtue and Morals demonstrated. See in Vol. II. Treatise IV. and in Vol. III. pag. 194, &c.
Virtue incapable of being ridicul'd. i. 128, 9. See Jest, Raillery, Ridicule.
Virtue, her Figure in the Piece. iii. 364. To be drawn standing. iii. 362. How habited. iii. 363.
Her proper Attitude. iii. 364. Her Palace not to be inserted. iii. 377
Virtuosi. iii. 156, &c. 182. ii. 183, 394. Mock-Virtuoso, or Pedant of the kind. i. 341. iii. 156, 7
Virtuosi and Philosophers compar'd. iii. 156, &c.
SHAFTESBURY'S INDEX 291
Virtuoso-Lovers. i. 137, 185, 6. ii. 183, 394
Virtuoso-Passion. iii. 184
Virtuoso-Taste. See Taste.
Virtuosoship, a step towards Virtue. i. 333. iii. 161. Science of Virtuoso, and that of Virtue,
almost the same. i. 338
Visionarys: See Fanaticks.
VITRUVIUS. iii. 181
Volunteer in Faith. i. 6. In Morals. i. 194
VOSSIUS (Is.) de Viribus Rhythmi. iii. 263
W
WAR: Passion of Heroick Spirits, why? i. 112, 13. England Seat of War, whence fear'd.
iii. 148, 9
Watch-maker. i. 293
Watch-word in Divinity. iii. 60
Whitehall, when to be rebuilt, a noble Subject for Architecture. iii. 400, 401
Whole. A Whole and Parts. i. 143, 207. ii. 284. iii. 259. The WHOLE, a System compleat.
ii. 286, 7. iii. 348
Will, Freedom of. i. 185. Resolution and Will, a Nose of Wax. ibid. Top or Foot-ball. i. 187.
Will insur'd, ascertain'd. ibid. Readiness to obey the first Motion of Will, is Impotence and
Slavery. ii. 231
Will and Power no Rule of Good or Just. i. 107, 124. See Arbitrary.
Will (Testament) Power and Practice of the Priesthood, in making Peoples Wills. iii. 79, 88
Wisdom, in permitting Folly. i. 13, 14. Wisdom as well as Charity begins at home. i. 189
Wise-men of Greece. i. 89
Wit: mere or sheer Wit. iii. 2, 3. Mannerly Wit can hurt no honest Cause. i. 96. Orthodox
Wit. iii. 291. Lay-Wit. ibid. Bottom of Wit enlarg'd. iii. 4. Lineage of Wit. See Lineage.
Separate Provinces of Wit and Wisdom. iii. 6. Generation and Succession of our National
and Modern Wit. iii. 269, &c.
Freedom of Wit, a Cure to falseWit. i. 19, 64. Liberty of Wit. i. 69. See Liberty, Freedom.
Liberty of Wit and Trade parallel. i. 69. False Wit, how prov'd. i. 74. Men frighted, not
laugh'd out of their Wits. i. 96
Wit and Humour. See Treatise II. viz. Vol. I. pag. 59, &c. and iii. 97, &c.
Wits or Poets, Offspring of. iii. 274. Wits by Patent. ibid. Stratagem of affected Wits. iii. 300
Witches. i. 148
Wolf: Silly Comparison of Man and Wolves. i. 88, 93, 118. ii. 320
Women. See Sex, Lady.
Women Spectators, Judges of Combats, Duels, Amphitheatrical Spectacles, Masculine Games.
i. 272, &c. ii. 195. Judges of the State, and Poetical Performance. i. 271, &c. Flattery of
their Taste by Poets. i. 271, 76. iii. 259, 60
Silly Women won by Preachers. i. 348, 9. Forsake courteous Knights for black Enchanters.
ibid. Follow the Hero of a black Tribe. ibid.
Women who live by Prostitution. ii. 128
Wonder, Wonderment. i. 144, &c. ii. 324, &c. See Admiration.
Work. (See Piece.) Truth of Work. i. 261, &c.
Works without Head or Tail, Beginning or End. i. 145, 6. iii. 8, 25. What contributes to the
Perfection of a Work. ii. 186
292 INDEX
Workman. See Artisan.
World. iii. 33. See Universe.
Worship, vitious. ii. 35
Worth and Baseness acknowledg'd. ii. 420, 21
Wrestler. i. 193
Writer. See Author.
Antient Writer de Mundo. iii. 263, 4
Just Writer, an able Traveller, or Horseman. iii. 26. Modern Writers: their Foundation,
Polity, State, Mystery. iii. 2, 3, &c. 272, &c. See-saw of modern Writers. iii. 26. Postway.
ibid.
Writings: See Memoir, Essay, Miscellany.
Writing: Fashionable Model of Writing. iii. 25. See Correctness, Incorrectness, Critick,
Penmen.
Wrong: Right and Wrong, what. ii. 31, &c. See Right,Virtue.
X
XENOCRATES. i. 252, 3
XENOPHON. i. 334. iii. 248. His Commentarys. i. 224. His Genius, Character, Style. i. 254,
5. iii. 248
Z
ZEAL and Knavery. i. 132, 3. ii. 325. iii. 125. Imprudent Zeal. ii. 68
Zeal, Compound of Superstition and Enthusiasm. iii. 39. Offensive and Defensive. iii. 82, 3,
6, &c. See Bigotry, Persecution.
Amorous Zeal. iii. 38
Zealots, bear no raillery. i. 60. Pretend to railly others. i. 61.
Character of modern Zealots. iii. 218, 19
Zealot-Writers, their Grimace. i. 65, 6.--Picture. ibid. Affectation of Pleasantry and
Humour. ibid. and iii. 291.
Character of a Zealot Author. i. 67. Anti-Zealots. i. 91. iii. 64, 5.
Zealous Charity for the Conversion of our Neighbour, how far suspicious. iii. 107, 8, 110, 11
The End of the TABLE
INDEX
[N.B. Page numbers followed by (n) indicate footnotes.Volume numbers
(I, II, III) precede the page numbers for that volume.]
A
Abraham, III:34­35, 34(n)­35(n), 39,
39(n)
Absolute degeneracy, II:48
Absolute government: disposition toward
slavery and, III:154­55; free government
contrasted, I:147­48; patronage
of arts and, I:141
Absolute ill, II:12, 23
Absolute immorality, II:48
Academics, philosophy of, II:107­9
Academies: English, status of, III:248­
49; for ministers, III:249(n), 249­50
Action(s): capacity for, writing and,
III:151­52; contemplation of, II:60­
61; fitness and decency in, II:232; ill,
dissolute state and, II:49­50; necessary
to body, II:91; workmanship in, I:163
Actors: exalted by audience, I:6; studied
gestures of, III:225
Advice, III:84; manner of giving,
I:97­99; princes' custom of asking,
I:130­31; qualification for giving,
I:223­24
Advisers: princes as, I:132­33; professional,
I:131­32
Aemilius, I:166
Aeneas, I:219­20
Aeschylus, I:153, 153(n)
Aesop, III:126
Aesthetic experience, I:vii­viii
Affectations: of authors, I:124­25;
feigned zeal, I:4; unpardonable, II:151
Affection, intire (whole); II:64, 65­66
Affection(s): balance in, II:75­76, 78;
degrees of, II:51­52; fear and hope
and, II:33; good or ill and, II:12, 52;
III:119; governing systems, II:50­57;
immoderate, II:16; III:24; influenced
by opinion, III:120; kinds of, II:50;
love and, II:61, 75; love of country,
III:88(n), 88­92; misery and, II:57, 80,
97­98; in misfortune, II:42­43; moral
sense, opposition to, II:30­44; natural
(See Natural affections); opposition of,
II:30­44; partial, II:63­65; presence
or absence of, III:119­20; proportion
in, II:51­53; public (See Public
affections); reflected, II:16; religious,
II:43, 43(n); sensible or rational, II:21;
social (See Social affection); system of,
II:49­50; toward species, II:45­46;
unequal, iniquity and, II:18, 20; whole,
II:64, 65­66 (See also Self-affection;
Unnatural affections; Virtue)
Air, pure, enjoyment of, II:211
Alchemists, philosophy of, II:108,
108(n)
Alexander, I:140, 154, 200; II:243­44
Allegory: literal meaning and, III:197­
98, 199(n); in painting, emblematic
devices as, III:217
Ambassadors: heavenly, III:205­8; from
moon, III:206­7
Ambition, II:113; consequences of,
II:90­91; grandeur of, III:20­21
America, wealth of, II:219
Amorous appetite, consequences of,
II:87­89
Anatomy, purpose and, II:170­71
Anger, II:234; effects of, II:83­85; failure
of reason and, III:67; ill effects of,
II:84­85; of Jonah, III:73­75, 74(n),
75(n)
293
294 INDEX
Animals (creatures): constancy of temper
in, II:55­56; fear as advantage to,
II:53­54; good breeding in, III:133;
good or vicious, II:9, 13­15; III:132,
132(n); herding in, III:134; instinct
in, II:173, 173(n); III:131(n); lack of
balance in, II:75­76, 75(n); nature
of, II:169­70; III:129­30, 132­37;
offspring of, II:173­74, 179; purpose
of, II:8­9; relation to species, II:10;
revered as holy, II:19; sea-drinkers,
parable of, III:126­27; system of, II:11,
162; void of public affections, II:47­48
(See also Species)
Answerers, originality lacking in, III:166­
67
Anticipation, in history-painting, III:218
Antipater, I:154
Antipathy, moral sense and, II:26
Anti-zealots, I:58­59
Apelles, I:140
Apollo, I:4, 5
Appetite(s): amorous, II:87­89; conduct
and, III:108; control of, I:116­17; II:88;
III:122; false and unnatural, II:85­86,
95; oppression of thought by, III:186;
poetry consecrated to, III:188­89;
suitable, II:166
Architecture, I:87; English, failures of,
III:245­47; process of pulling down,
III:82­83; standards of beauty in,
III:110, 110(n)
Argument, knack of, I:98­99
Aristides, I:166
Aristophanes, I:152, 152(n)
Aristotle, I:viii, 149­50, 149(n)­152(n),
155, 155(n)
Arrogance, II:95­96
Art(s): artifice of, III:15; barbarism
and, I:135, 137; criticism as, III:165;
designing arts, linked, III:247­48;
effects of peace on, I:138; III:244­
45; in England, state of, III:245­49;
government and, I:140­41, 147­
48; III:247­48; of Greece, ancient,
I:153­54; III:85, 86, 86(n); liberty and,
I:133, 136, 137; models of perfection
in, I:208; moral truth in, III:238­39;
originality of, III:86, 86(n); origins
in ancient Greece, III:86; perfection
of, I:204; perspective in, III:230­31;
persuasion as mother of, I:146­47;
as pleasure to senses, III:239, 239(n);
poetic truth in, III:238­39; poetry
and, I:128, 163; pretense of inspiration
in, III:140­41; proportion in,
I:90(n); prostitution of, I:162­63; in
religious worship, III:72­73, 73(n),
76(n), 76­77; rigid rules of, I:209­
10, 209(n)­210(n); of Rome, ancient,
I:138, 141; as soul of beauty, II:226;
standards of beauty in, III:110, 110(n);
truth in, I:89­90, 89(n)­90(n); voice
of public and, III:247; writing, resemblance
to, I:128 (See also specific forms
of art)
Articulation, science of, I:178­79
Artifice: of art, III:15; in morality, I:55­
56; nature confused with, I:52­53, 54;
in simple (natural) style, I:144, 160
Association, inclination toward: in
animals, III:134; in man, I:69­72
Astonishment, I:149
Astrology: mathematics and, I:179; as
wisdom of Egypt, III:35, 35(n)
Atheism, II:6, 7; on creation, II:168,
200­201; deficiency of, II:33; effects
of misfortune and, II:42; enthusiasm
in, I:34; III:42­44, 42(n)­44(n);
melancholy and, I:15; moral sense
and, II:27, 30; natural tendency of,
II:40­41; perfect, excluded by religion,
II:7; sprung from superstition,
II:189; theism compared, II:41­43,
119, 119(n); virtue and, II:3­5; writers
against, II:146­47
Atheists: as fanatics, III:42, 42(n);
impossibility of virtue in, II:5; madness
of, III:42(n), 42­43; martyrdom
of, III:42; moral, II:4; reasoning with,
II:149­50; taste of, I:212; two sorts of,
II:147; view of virtue, II:144; wit of,
III:180
Athenians: restraint of licentious wit,
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 295
I:154(n), 154­55; ridicule of Christianity,
I:19; taste and manners in,
III:94 (See also Greeks, ancient)
Attila, III:58, 58(n)
Audience: exalted, inspiration of, I:5­6;
influence on authors, I:162­73
Augustus, I:141
Author(s): advice given by, I:97­98;
affectations of, I:124­25; audience,
influence of, I:162­73; capacity for
action and, III:151­52; of catechism,
III:150, 150(n); commercial, I:188; controversial
writing encouraged, III:9; as
copyist of nature, I:218; critics, influence
of, I:142­62, 172; critics as, I:148;
dialogue, mastery of, I:122­23, 125­
27; dialogue, study of, I:124; English,
failure of effort, III:159, 159(n); English
princes as, I:132­33; feigned correspondence,
III:14; freedom of, I:142;
III:192­93; gentlemen compared to,
I:120­21; as honorable title, III:4­
5; indulgence shown to, III:158­59;
influences on, I:130­73; as instructors,
I:222; jealousy of, II:148; judgments of
enthusiasm, III:42­46, 42(n)­46(n);
mastery of understanding, I:98; as
moral artists, I:129­30, 129(n)­130(n);
morality necessary for, III:173­74;
orators as, I:105; patrons, influence
of, I:130­42, 172; perfection of art,
I:204; philosopher as master to, I:119;
princes as, I:132­33; prostitution of
art, I:162­63; reader and (See Reader);
refutation of, as compliment, III:10;
religion, attitudes toward, II:5; for
self-entertainment, I:187­89; selfexamination
and, I:101­3, 117­18,
118(n), 130; on self-love, I:75(n), 75­
76; understanding of truth, I:206,
206(n); value of praise of, I:173­74; as
zealots, I:43­44; II:145
Authors, criticism of, II:146­58; answerers,
III:166­67; poor writing,
III:139­64
Authors, modern: fear of critics, I:142­
44; imposture of, I:164; lazy and
negligent, I:164­65; style and manner
of, III:156
Authors, religious: immoderation of,
I:104­5; manners lacking in, I:104­
5; on principles of religion, II:146­58;
sacred writing and, I:219­23 (See also
Clergy, writings of )
Avarice, I:81, 191; attractions of, I:197;
consequences of, II:89­90; panic
caused by, III:54
Aversion: for fancy, developing, III:123­
24, 123(n)­124(n); to government by
priests, III:59­60; presence or absence
of, III:119­20
B
Bacchus, I:10
Bacon, Francis, III:45, 45(n)
Balaam, I:28
Balance: in affections, II:75­76, 78;
order and, II:78, 171­72; in painting,
III:226; in passions, II:55, 166
Balance of power, liberty and, I:60
Barbarism: arts and, I:135, 137; loss of
taste and, I:211
Barbarity, II:95
Bards: legacy of, I:134­35 (See also Poetry;
Poets)
Baseness, acknowledgment of, II:235
Mr. Bays: pedantic manner of, III:170,
170(n); rightful criticism of, III:174
Beauty: appreciation of, I:84­85; of
body, II:231; contemplation of, II:43;
in design, not matter, II:226; desire
to possess, II:221­22; of divinity,
II:166; enjoyment of, as good, II:235­
36; enthusiasm and, III:20, 21, 21(n);
first order of, II:226­27; of form,
II:226­28, 231; free will and, I:112; in
harmony, III:111­14, 111(n)­114(n);
of heavens, II:112; of honesty, I:88;
inward, health as, III:110­11; love
and, I:86; II:120; of manners, III:109;
mind and, I:86; II:238; III:111; moral
(See Moral beauty); morality as part
of, I:85­86; most perfect, II:138­
39; natural, II:220; III:233; nature
296 INDEX
Beauty (continued)
and, I:85­86; II:230­31; III:110; as
one with good, II:223, 232; original,
representatives of, II:220­21, 225;
passions and, I:85; II:220; poetry
and, I:85­86; power of, I:111­12, 114;
preconceptions of, II:230; of principle,
III:109; pursuit of, I:86­87; II:220;
refinement of taste and, II:224; science
and, II:224; second order of, II:227;
self-knowledge and, II:238; senses and,
II:16­18; in society, II:120; soliloquy
on, III:111(n)­114(n); of soul, discernment
of, II:230­31; standards of (See
Standard of beauty); supreme, God as,
II:121; in symmetry and proportion,
III:111­14, 111(n)­114(n); third (highest)
order of, II:227­28; true beauty,
search for, II:225, 238­39; as truth,
I:89­93; of universe, II:112; of virtue,
II:166; of water, II:211­12; of women,
I:86; II:222
Beavers, III:134­35
Belief, II:31­33; in fairies, by clergy, I:5;
fanaticism and, II:186; fear and, II:31­
32; in future life, as advantage, II:34,
35­36, 153; imposition by law, III:65;
inconsistency in, II:6­7; merit and,
II:31, 32­33; in miracles (See Miracles,
belief in); mixture of beliefs, II:7,
7(n)­8(n); perfection of virtue and,
II:44; punishment or reward and,
II:32, 153­54; rational, toleration and,
III:65­66; reasons for, II:31­33; safety
in, II:35; self-interest and, III:62­64;
skepticism co-existent with, III:49;
social affection and, III:66; systems
of, II:5­8; variety in, III:194­95;
virtue and, II:41; weak, fatal to virtue,
II:5­8, 35­36, 39(n), 39­40 (See also
Credulity; Faith)
Better self: nature of, I:174­75; selfinterest
contrasted, I:175(n), 175­76
(See also Self )
Bigotry: freedom of thought and,
III:186­87; religious animosity and,
III:51­52; as species of superstition,
III:52, 52(n)
Biographers, I:138­39
Blood sports: English theater as, III:157­
58, 158(n); Roman taste for, I:167­68,
167(n)
Body: action necessary to, II:91; beauty
of, II:231; enjoyment of senses, II:236;
mind as ruler of, II:192, 201; pleasure
of, II:57
Boileau, Nicolas, I:135, 135(n); III:172
Booksellers, profit from controversy,
III:9, 11, 12
Bounty: as act of friendship, II:136; of
God, II:205­6
Bravery, I:81
Breeding. See Good breeding
Brutes, without reason, II:237
Buffoonery: base passions and, I:81;
spiritual tyranny and, I:46­47
Building, difficulty of, III:83, 83(n)
Burke, Edmund, I:viii
Burlesque, I:161, 161(n)
C
Caesar, I:139, 141, 168­69
Calliope, I:194­95
Cannibalism, moral sense and, II:27
Canonical scripture, III:202, 202(n)
Cappadocians, III:154­55
Capriciousness, of partial affection, II:64,
65
Catechism, authors of, III:150, 150(n)
Catiline, I:141
Cato, I:166
Catullus, I:141
Censure: criticism contrasted, III:167;
freedom of, I:6­14, 40; malicious,
II:181; mutual, by men, II:240
Ceremony, as vulgar enthusiasm,
III:58(n), 58­59
Cervantes, Miguel de, III:156
Chaerilus, I:140
Chance, in order of universe, II:5­6
Change: compliance and, III:81; in self,
II:196­97
Chaos: harmony and, II:192; religious
war as, III:41, 41(n)
Character, I:76; of artist, perfection
and, I:207; changes in, I:176­77;
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 297
components of, I:81; corruption of,
III:106­7; court-preferment and,
III:104­5; of deity(ies), II:27­29;
effect of passions on, I:182; of knaves,
I:81­83; of man, I:76; perfection of,
I:163; vacillation in, I:82(n), 82­83;
worth of, III:121
Characters, dramatic: new style of
dialogue and, III:178, 179­81; in
philosophical writings, I:121­22,
123; III:178; strength of, III:181;
understanding of plot and, III:177­78
Charity: application of, II:149; breaches
of, III:204; Christian, I:62­63,
I:62(n)­63(n)
Charles II, King of England, III:245
Children: infants, helplessness of, II:173­
74, 179; of mind, II:228­29; rewards
and punishments of, II:37
Chivalry: gallantry derived from, II:111;
standard of manners under, I:169;
stories of, astonishing, I:211­12
Christian charity, I:62­63, I:62(n)­63(n)
Christianity: end of miracles and, II:186;
enthusiasm in, I:vi; infallibility of
scripture, III:144­48, 150­51; persecution
and, I:18; III:55­57, 55(n)­57(n);
ridicule of, I:19; theism as foundation,
II:118­19 (See also Religion; specific
churches)
Cicero, I:185, 185(n); III:14, 172
Cincinnatus, I:166
Circumcision, III:34­35, 34(n)­35(n)
Civility, I:42
Civil liberty, II:142
Clergy: belief in fairies, I:5; commission
by earthly power, III:205­6, 206(n);
judgments of enthusiasm, III:42­46,
42(n)­46(n)
Clergy, writings of, II:146; comedy in,
III:179; discourse in, III:178­79; ignorance
excused, III:174; as theological
drama, III:179­81 (See also Authors,
religious)
Climates, meditation on, II:214­15
Clio, I:195
Coffee-house committee, III:169­71
Cold, meditation on, II:214
Colonization: by Egypt, III:33, 33(n); by
empire, I:71
Comedy: instruction by, I:222; mastery
of, I:123; origins of, I:150, 151(n),
152(n), 152­53; parody, I:152, 152(n);
in writings of clergy, III:179 (See also
Drama; Humor; Theater; Tragedy)
Comic philosophy, I:157, 157(n)
Comic style, I:160, 161
Common sense, I:50­51; association and,
I:69­72; courts (nobility) and, I:64­
67; defined, I:50­51; honesty and,
I:80­84; self-interest and, I:65(n)­
66(n), 72­76; as sense of public good,
I:64­69; unity of view and, I:91; virtue
unseen and, I:76­80; wit and, I:49­52
Communication, enjoyment of, II:62
Community, love of, I:70
Company, as provocation to fancy,
I:100
Compliance: change and, III:81; good
humor and, III:67­68
Composing, resemblance to raving,
I:102; II:194
Composition: form of, III:214; rules of,
III:140
Conformity: in appearance and opinion,
I:53­54; with unity, III:217
Conscience: false, II:70­71; interest
and, II:72­73; moral, II:69­70; as
reflection, II:69; reproach of false
conscience, II:72; wrong taste and,
III:108
Consciousness, as proof of identity,
III:118
Consistency, rule of, III:217
Contemplation, II:126, 127; achievement
of understanding and, II:68­69; of
becoming action, II:60­61; of being
and purpose, III:97­98, 97(n); of
decorum, III:109­10; of existence of
deity, II:31; of God, self-examination
and, I:21, 26; of grace, III:109­10;
of mathematics, II:60; of order and
beauty, II:43; regulation of opinion
and fancy by, III:121(n), 121­25
Contentment: constant, good as,
II:134­35; fancy and, II:244
298 INDEX
Controversy: over scripture, III:201­2;
as temporary diversion, III:10­11; as
writing style, III:8­12
Conversation. See Discourse
Corneille, Thomas, III:172
Corruption, iniquity and, II:19­20
Country: definition of term, III:92­93;
loss of, common bonds and, III:92;
love of, III:88(n), 88­92 (See also
Patriotism)
Country life, praises of, II:159
Courage: economy of passions and, II:54;
nature of, I:74­75, 75(n); safety in,
II:82
Court-education, I:169
Court-preferment, character and,
III:104­5
Courts (nobility): common sense and,
I:64­67; corruption of taste, III:248;
philosophy and, III:16(n)
Courtship, religion compared, III:71­72
Covetousness, consequences of, II:89­90
Cowardice, I:81, 193; avarice and, I:197;
consequences of, II:82; controlling,
III:124­25; courage compared, I:75;
false shame and, II:233
Creation: atheism's hypothesis of, II:168;
consequences of, II:116; omnipotence
and, II:115­16; theism's hypothesis of,
II:167­68
Creative forms, beauty of, II:227
Creatures. See Animals
Credulity, punishment for, II:184­85
Criminals, fear of punishment, I:79­80
Critic(s): ability to write, necessary,
III:167, 171­72; accuracy of workmanship
and, I:145; answerers as poor sort
of, III:166­67; distinguished from
writers, III:167­68; fancies of, III:101;
fear of, I:142­43; foreign, III:13, 13(n),
14; formation of taste and, III:101­2;
humor as proof against, III:68; illhumor
of, III:68­69; influence on
authors, I:142­62, 172; journalistcritics,
III:13, 13(n), 14; origin of,
I:148­49; philosophers as, I:148;
III:172(n), 172­73; ridiculed, III:101­3;
writers distinguished from, III:167­68
Critical truth, I:92
Critic-haters: condemned, I:145­46;
III:101­3; English writers as, III:166­
72
Criticism: advancement of wit by, I:161­
62; as art, III:165; censure contrasted,
III:167; in comic style, I:161; elevation
of, in reader, III:155(n), 155­56;
of English theater, III:157­58; of
English writers, III:166­82; freedom
of thought and, III:193­94; of holy
literature, III:193­94, 196­98; mastery
and, I:145; of modern moralists, I:215­
18, 215(n)­218(n); of philosophers,
II:244; of poets, I:128­29, 172; III:173;
of poor writers, III:139­64; as reflection
(mirror); II:68; self-criticism,
I:104, 105; subdivisions of, I:148­49;
taste and, III:101­3; timidity of writers
and, III:4; value to literature, III:140
Crocodiles, II:216­17
Custom: corruption of moral sense
and, II:27; in opposition to nature,
II:26­30
D
Dance, in religious worship, III:72­73,
73(n)
Daniel, I:28
David, I:28
Dead forms, beauty of, II:226­27
Death: fear of (See Fear of death); misery
of life and, II:81
Debate: vigorous, II:172; on virtue,
nature of, II:3­8
Debauch, II:73­74, 240
Decency, in actions, II:232
Declamations, I:45­46
Decorum: contemplation of, III:109­
10; representation of, in tablature,
III:221­22
Defects: as cause of good, II:174; of
mankind, II:114­15; of nature, II:114;
of philosophy, III:99­100; professions
founded on, III:30­31
Defensive ridicule, I:41­42
Deformity: moral (See Moral deformity);
senses and, II:16­18
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 299
Degeneracy: absolute, II:48; enjoyment
of, II:129­30; misanthropy as,
II:112­13
Deism, II:118­19
Deity(ies): belief in (See Belief ); benevolent,
II:32­33; character of, II:27­29;
conscience and, II:69, 70; contemplation
of, II:31; corruption of moral
sense and, II:26­30; creation by,
II:167; demonstration of existence,
II:167­68; excellence of, II:154­55;
increasing numbers of, III:32­33,
33(n); influence of, virtue and, II:23­
44; justice and, II:28; loss of moral
sense and, II:23­26; miracles no proof
of, II:188; omnipotence, breach of,
II:115­16; opposition of affections and,
II:30­44; order as proof of, II:155, 156,
157­58; principles of virtue and, II:151;
questioned, II:168­69; in systems,
search for deity in, II:189­90 (See also
God)
Delphic oracle, divine inspiration of,
III:142­43
Demon, ill nature of, II:6
Demonism, II:6, 7, 8
Demosthenes, I:166
Depravity, II:95; moral sense and, II:20­
21, 27; principles of right and wrong
and, II:20­21
Descartes, René, I:182, 182(n); III:118,
118(n)
Desdemona, I:213, 213(n), 214
Deserts, II:216, 217
Design: active principle of, II:204­5;
higher order of, III:238­39; in order
of universe, II:5­6; as soul of beauty,
II:226; unity of (See Unity of design)
Desire, presence or absence of, III:119­20
Devotion: ceremony as ingredient of,
III:58­59; ill humor and, II:67
Dialogists, poets as, I:122
Dialogue: attention to characters in,
III:178; comment on new style,
III:178­81; decline of, II:106­7; end
of, in modern writing, I:127­28; on
faith, III:194­209; between God and
man, III:73­75, 74(n), 75(n); mastery
of, I:122­23, 122(n)­123(n), 125­28;
study of, advantageous, I:124; style of,
III:175(n)­176(n) (See also Discourse)
Disappointment, effect on temper,
II:67­68
Discontent, with sensual pleasures, II:74
Discourse: boldness in, II:106; effeminate
style of, II:106; formal, I:49;
personated, I:121, 121(n), 122; privilege
of skepticism in, II:118; with self
(See Soliloquy); in writings of clergy,
III:178­79 (See also Dialogue)
Discourse, freedom of, I:42; private
conversation, I:47(n), 47­49; reason
and, I:44­47
Disease, indolence and, II:91
Disinterestedness: enthusiasm and,
II:153; virtue and, I:62­64, 62(n)­
63(n)
Disposition, kindly: compliance and,
III:67­68; extent and power of,
II:136­37; faith and, III:66; as proof
against critics, III:68; religious enthusiasm
and, I:14­20, 35; understanding
goodness and, I:21
Dissolution, idleness and, II:76­77
Distribution of justice: in family, II:37;
by government, II:36­37; in religion,
II:38; in theistic view, II:41
Divine(s). See Clergy
Divine inspiration, I:34(n)­35(n), 34­
36; III:141­43; of oracles, III:142(n),
142­43; of Sibylline scripture, III:143,
143(n); of writing, III:48(n), 48­49
Divine love, enthusiasm and, II:152­53
Divinity: in all of nature, II:213­18;
aspects of, III:25­26; beauty of, II:166;
enthusiasm and, III:22, 22(n); miracles
no proof of, II:188; order as proof of,
II:189­90
Dogmatism, III:82, 84
Dogmatists: mysteries exposed by, III:52,
52(n); philosophy of, II:108; skeptics
contrasted, III:46­48
Dogs: right and wrong natures of, III:133;
sea-drinkers, parable of, III:126­27
Dominion, following from property,
III:31­32
300 INDEX
Donations, religious: in Roman Empire,
III:50­51, 50(n)­51(n); superstition
and, III:32
Doubt: denial compared, II:147; faith
and, III:47­48
Drama, I:135; modern, narrative mixed
with, III:177­78; morality in, I:171(n),
171­72; theological, new style of,
III:179­81 (See also Characters,
dramatic; Comedy; Theater; Tragedy)
Dramatists: instruction by, I:222;
``Roman'' taste of, I:167(n), 168
Dreams: as fancy or truth, II:182­83;
represented in painting, III:231
Dual nature of man, I:106­7, 110­15
E
Earth: as parent to mankind, III:91; relation
of man to, II:210­11; III:89­90;
system of, II:11
Eating: cooking, fashions in, III:70;
enjoyment of, II:236­37
Economy of passions, II:53­55
Ecstasies, religious: amorous ecstasies,
III:25; caused by fear, III:23; poetic
ecstasies and, III:43; prophetic
ecstasies, I:27­33; III:43(n), 43­44,
44(n)
Education: court-education, I:169;
decline of philosophy and, II:105;
discipline of, youth and, III:132;
distorted, effects of, I:216(n); of
gentlemen, I:76­77; good breeding
and, I:205(n); liberal, II:37; in opposition
to nature, II:26­30; perfection
of grace and, I:118­19; in philosophy,
I:189; of scholar or gentleman,
I:205­6, 205(n)­206(n)
Effeminacy, I:193
Ego, nature of, III:118
Egypt, II:215­16; deities of, increase in,
III:32­33, 33(n); foreign missionaries
of, III:33, 33(n); Israelites and (See
Israelites); priests of, III:27(n)­28(n),
27­29, 31, 31(n), 38­39, 39(n); religious
strife in, III:51, 51(n); respect
for, III:34, 38; superstition in, III:27,
29­30, 38
Elements, meditation on, II:210­12
Elephants, III:134­35
Elizabeth, Queen of England, III:93
Eloquence, ``leprosy'' of, I:100­101
Emblematic devices: caution against, in
painting, III:234; in engraving, III:233;
in tablature, III:217; III:223, 224, 231
Empires, unwieldiness of, I:71­72
Encomium. See Panegyric
England: ascendance of liberty in,
I:137­38; climate and literature of,
III:60­61; improvement in taste,
III:247­49; inhospitable, III:94­95,
94(n)­95(n); modern, improvements
in, III:92; Old England, fame of,
III:92; palace and House of Parliament,
III:246; panegyric as sport in,
I:167(n), 167­68; princes of, I:131­33;
proper appellation of, III:91; state of
arts in, III:245­49; success of comic
criticism in, I:161
English academies, status of, III:248­49
English architecture, failures of, III:245­
47
English authors, I:132­33; III:159, 159(n)
English language, grace of, lacking,
III:162­64
English tastes, improvement in, III:247­
49
English theater, as gladiatorial combat,
III:157­58, 158(n)
English writers, criticism of, III:166­82
Engraving, III:233
Enigmatic ornamentation. See
Emblematic devices
Enjoyment(s): of beauty, as good,
II:235­36; of communication, II:62;
of degeneracy, II:129­30; of earth,
II:210­11; enthusiasm for, II:223­24;
examining subjects of, II:225; of mind
(See Mental enjoyments); rational
mind and, II:221; regard for grandeur
and, III:20­21; of senses, II:220­21,
235­36; shared, of fellowship, II:62; of
social pleasures, II:127, 237­38
Enmity, honor of meriting, III:203­4
Enthusiasm, I:1­36; in atheism, I:34;
III:42­44, 42(n)­44(n); beauty and,
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 301
III:20, 21, 21(n); as cure of skepticism,
II:123­24; disinterestedness and, II:153;
enchantment of, III:19­20; freedom
of censure and, I:6­14, 40; Homer on,
III:21, 21(n); honesty and, III:22(n),
22­23, 24, 24(n); inspiration of audience,
I:5­6; judgments of, III:42­46,
42(n)­46(n); love and, I:4­5, 9;
II:223­24; III:22, 22(n); majesty and,
III:21, 27; melancholy and, I:9; II:220,
220(n); as natural and just, III:22, 24­
25; nature and, II:124; III:21, 21(n), 23;
for pleasure, II:223­24; of reader for
author, III:141; tempered, II:209­10;
III:24; true v. false, I:33­36; vulgar,
III:58(n), 58­59, 186­87
Enthusiasm, religious, I:9; in Christianity,
I:vi; divine love and, II:152­53;
divinity and, III:22, 22(n); ecstasies,
kinds of, I:27­33; III:25, 43­44;
enemies of, II:153; fanaticism and,
III:24, 25; goodness and, I:24­27;
inspiration distinguished from,
I:34(n)­35(n), 34­36; love v. fear in,
III:24­25; for miracles, II:181­82; of
mystics, III:25, 59; nature of God and,
I:20­24; scriptural infallibility and,
III:144­45; second-hand, I:27­28;
suppression of, I:12; temperament
and, I:14­20, 35; toleration and, I:vi,
12­13
Envy, II:94
Ephesians, temple of, III:53(n), 53­55,
54(n)
Epic poetry, I:135
Epictetus, I:ix
Epicures: fancies of, II:130­31; mental
enjoyments, false praise of, II:131­32;
temperate men compared, II:140­41
Epicurism, II:73
Epicurus, I:30­31; II:140, 151
Episcopal Church, III:199, 200
Epistolary style, person addressed,
III:13­14, 14(n)
Equivocal sense, in painting, III:227
Erato, I:194
Essay, as lower wit, III:5
Essayists, self-absorption of, I:103­4
Esteem: merited, pleasures of, II:62­63;
partial affection and, II:65
Ethiopia, power of priests in, III:31­32,
31(n)­32(n)
Euripides, I:151(n); III:87
Euterpe, I:195
Excess: moderation contrasted, II:80­
81; of natural affections, II:52­53;
of pleasure, intolerable, II:87; of
self-affection, as vice, II:56, 57
Exchange, philosophy of, II:245
Executions, public, II:37
Exercise: of natural affection, II:77;
necessary to body, II:91
Existence, random or planned, II:198
Ezekiel, I:28
F
Fables. See Parables; Tales
Fabricius, I:166
Factions: as abuse of social love, I:71­72;
religious, unifying guide and, III:195
Faith: desire to believe and, III:64­65;
dialogue on, III:194­209; disposition
and, III:66, 68; in divine inspiration,
III:48(n), 48­49; doubt and,
III:47­48; freedom of thought and,
III:194­209; goodness and, I:24­27;
grounds for, I:21­22, 22(n); historical,
III:47, 47(n); inconstant, I:27; opinion
of God and, I:23; orthodoxy of,
adherence to, III:193­94; reason and,
I:20­24; II:118; revelation and, II:188,
188(n); III:193; self-deception and, I:5;
skepticism and, III:47­48; of theism,
II:201 (See also Belief )
False conscience, II:70­71
False taste, I:210(n)
Fame, good and, II:241
Family: distribution of justice in, II:37;
human and animal compared, II:173­
74, 179; natural affection in, III:135(n),
135­36
Fanaticism, I:32(n), 32­33, 33(n), 34;
of atheists, III:42, 42(n); belief
in miracles as, II:186; enthusiasm
becomes, III:24, 25; hydrophobia
compared, I:32; miracles and visions
302 INDEX
Fanaticism (continued)
and, II:186; III:59; of Roman Catholic
Church, III:145­47, 146(n)­148(n)
Fanatics: poets as, I:32(n), 32­33, 33(n);
religious enthusiasm of, III:24, 25
Fancy(ies): betrayal by, III:122­23;
company as provocation to, I:100;
contentment and, II:244; control of,
I:115­16, 191, 198­202; III:121(n), 121­
25; covetous, absurdity of, II:221­22;
of critics, III:101; desire for luxury,
II:222; dreams as, II:182­83; ecstatic,
III:44, 44(n); of epicures, II:130­
31; examination of, II:243­44; fear
of death and, I:193­96, 194(n); free
will governed by, I:115, 115(n); goodness
and, II:243­44; government by,
III:190­91; of lovers, I:191; mind and,
I:198, 201; Moorish fancy, I:213(n),
213­15; moral fortress against, I:192;
parable of, III:126­27; power of,
I:193; regulation of, by contemplation,
III:121(n), 121­25; slavery and,
III:105­6; will subjected to, II:130­31
Farce, obscene (phallica), I:152(n), 155
Fashion (vogue): conformity in, I:53­54;
gentlemen of, I:119; in literary style,
III:156; moderation out of, III:208­9;
in morality, I:51; pedantry contrasted,
I:205(n); power of, III:70; in writing,
I:126­27
Favorites, of princes, II:79­80
Fear, I:11; as aspect of divinity, III:25;
belief and, II:31­32; compulsion of
worship by, II:27; of critics, I:142­
44; imposture and, I:20; III:42(n); of
liberty, I:48, 56(n), 56­57; nature of,
I:182; of punishment, I:79­80; II:34;
of reality, I:127­28; religious ecstasy
produced by, III:23; in religious enthusiasm,
III:24­25; of ridicule, I:7­8, 20;
of self-knowledge, I:109, 127­28; as
serviceable passion, II:53­54; superstitious,
I:182­83; III:42(n); virtue and,
I:78­80; II:33 (See also Panics)
Fear of death, II:81­82; controlling,
III:124­25; as fancy, I:193­96, 194(n);
opinion and, III:120; pleasure and,
I:194
Fellowship: inclination toward, I:69­72;
sensual pleasures and, II:73­75; shared
enjoyment of, II:62
Fitness, in actions, II:232
Flattery: panegyrics as, I:166­67;
self-examination and, II:68
Fletcher, John, I:134
Folly, ridicule of, I:84
Football, controversy as, III:11
Foppishness, condemnation of, II:111
Force: inability to change opinion,
III:67; reason and, II:146­47; truth
propagated by, dishonor of, III:65
Foreigners, III:94(n), 94­95
Forgiveness, rewards of, II:36
Form: beauty of, II:226­28, 231; of composition,
III:214; inward and outward,
III:225­26; of matter, II:197; orders of
beauty and, II:226­28; purpose, relation
to, II:170­71; of writing, III:80,
176­77
Formalism, III:84; imposture of, I:8­9;
rule and method of, III:62
France: academies, establishment of,
III:249, 249(n); literature of, I:135,
135(n); theater of, miscellany in,
III:6­7
Free choice: in social compact, I:69;
virtue as, I:64 (See also Free will)
Freedom: spirit of, in ancient Greece,
III:85­86 (See also Liberty; specific
forms of freedom)
Freedom of censure, I:6­14, 40
Freedom of conversation, I:42
Freedom of inquiry, I:15­16; III:149
Freedom of thought, III:182­209;
criticism and, III:193­94; faith
and, III:194­209; moral truth and,
III:185­86; self-restraint and, III:183;
superstition opposed to, III:186­87;
tyranny and, III:190­92; vice opposed
to, III:187­90
Free-thinkers. See Freedom of thought
Free will: beauty and, I:112; governed by
fancy and opinion, I:115, 115(n); rela-
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 303
tion to reason and appetite, I:116­17
(See also Free choice)
Friendship: bounty and gratitude as,
II:136; capricious, II:65; definitions
of, I:62­63, I:62(n)­63(n); false,
II:79­80, 113; good in, II:135; natural
affections and, II:112­13; as noble
enthusiasm, III:22, 22(n); pleasure
of, II:63; as private good, II:135­36;
universal and individual, II:139; virtue
and, II:139­40
Future life (hereafter): belief in, II:34,
35­36, 153; present concerns and,
II:133­34; proofs of, II:155­56; selfknowledge
and, II:134; supposed,
II:155; virtue and, II:156­57
G
Gallantry, condemnation of, II:110­11
General good. See Good; Public good
Generative capability: mental, II:228­29;
physical, II:230
Generosity, I:81
Genius: virtue of, I:162­63; in writing,
I:121­22, 122(n)­123(n)
Gentlemen: authors compared to, I:120­
21; education of, I:76­77; of fashion
(See Virtuosos); scholars compared,
I:205­6, 205(n)­206(n); virtue of, I:78
Gentleness, in giving advice, I:99
Giordano, Luca (Jordano); III:250­51
Gladiatorial combat: controversial
writing as, III:9; English theater as,
III:157­58, 158(n); Roman taste for,
I:167­68, 167(n)
Gnostics, III:49
God: ambassadors from, III:205­8;
basis of faith in, I:24­25; creation
and, II:167­68; existence of, I:21­22;
handiwork of, II:164; heavenly inspiration
and, I:5­6; humor of, III:73­75,
74(n), 75(n); immensity of, II:194;
meditation on, II:205­7; meditation
on nature and, II:213­18; moral sense
and (See Moral sense); nature of, I:20­
24; as sovereign genius, II:197­98; as
supreme beauty, II:121; testimony of,
II:187; universal conflagration and,
II:213 (See also Deity(ies))
Good: appearance of ill and, II:204;
beauty and, II:223, 232, 235­36; constant
contentment and, II:134­35;
different notions of, II:239; fancy
and, II:243­44; general (public),
II:202; III:136; ill yielding to, II:121­
23; inconstancy of, II:127­28; of
mind, II:242­43; nature of, II:135­
37; presence or absence of affections
as, III:119­20; relation of pleasure to,
II:128­30, 131; true representation of,
II:133; view of, III:127, 127(n)
Good breeding: accomplishment of,
III:99­100; in animals, III:133; beauty
of manners and, III:109; civility, I:42;
development of taste and, III:102­3;
education and, I:205(n); human nature
and, I:81­83; nature of, II:94; wit and,
I:42, 44
Good humor. See Disposition, kindly
Good-nature. See Disposition, kindly
Goodness (of man): through affection,
II:12; deficiency as occasion of,
II:174; easiness of trust and, I:59­
60; faith and, I:24­27; fancy and,
II:243­44; freedom of inquiry and,
I:15­16, 21­22; freedom of thought
and, III:186; inducements to, II:14­15;
as object of enthusiasm, III:24, 24(n);
as pledge of truth, II:188, 188(n);
private good, II:9­10, 13; religion
founded on, III:71; reputation and,
I:23­24; ridicule as proof of, I:19­
20; self-affections necessary to, II:52;
understanding and, I:21, 26­27 (See
also Good; Universal good; Virtue)
Gothicism. See Barbarism
Government(s): absolute v. free, I:147­
48; allegiance to, I:68; of ancient
Rome, III:16(n); arts and, I:140­
41, 147­48; III:247­48; by fancy,
as tyranny, III:190­91; free, I:134;
III:247­49; intrusion in spiritual
affairs, I:12­13; by law, as freedom,
III:190; morality and, I:67; persecu-
304 INDEX
Government(s) (continued)
tion by, III:60; by priests, aversion
to, III:59­60; role in liberty and
letters, I:135­36 (See also Absolute
government)
Grace: contemplation of, III:109­10; of
English language, lacking, III:162­64;
nature v. art and, I:118­19; in writing,
lacking, III:163­64
Grammar, I:179; III:139­40
Grandees. See Princes
Gratitude, as act of friendship, II:136
Gravity: as essence of imposture, I:8;
humor as test of, I:48, 48(n)
Greeks, ancient: art of, I:153­54; III:85,
86, 86(n); as fortunate people, III:85­
86; mastery of dialogue, I:126­28;
nympholeptics, I:32(n), 32­33;
origins of science and, III:85; poets,
conformation to truth, I:163­64;
religion of, humor in, III:78­79,
78(n)­79(n); respect for soliloquy,
I:107, 107(n); treatment of women,
I:169(n)­170(n) (See also Athenians)
Grief, presence or absence of, III:119­20
H
Half-thinkers, III:183­85
Halicarnasseus, Dionysius, III:172
Hamlet (Shakespeare), I:171, 171(n)
Happiness: mental pleasures as source,
II:73; philosophy as study of, II:244­
47; self-deception and, I:4­5; social
love as source, II:62­63; view of,
III:127, 127(n); virtue and, II:99, 100
Harangues, absurdity of, I:105
Hardship, as proof of virtue, II:156
Harmony, I:217­18; beauty in, III:111­
14, 111(n)­114(n); chaos and, II:192;
enthusiasm for, III:20; with nature,
II:242; in painting, III:229; study of,
I:146­47; thought and, II:199, 201
Hatred, presence or absence of, III:119
Health: breach of, III:244; natural, as
inward beauty, III:110­11
Heathen: desire for miracles, II:186; persecution
and, III:55­57, 55(n)­57(n);
religion of, enthusiasm in, III:26­27;
separation of religion and philosophy,
III:49; sycophantic manner of
worship, III:77, 77(n); treatment of,
I:220
Heaven, ambassadors from, III:205­8
Hebrews. See Jews
Heinsius, I:33, 33(n)
Helen of Troy, I:165
Heraldry, religion compared, I:222­23
Herculean law, I:166
Hercules, judgment of: order of time in,
III:218­19; principal figure in, III:229­
30; story of, III:214­15; tablature
depicting, III:211­39; unity of time in,
III:219(n)
Heresy, meaning of, III:66
Heroes, II:239­40; biblical, I:219­20;
heroic poetry, III:160(n)­161(n);
representation of, I:138­40; III:217
Heroism: chroniclers of, I:138­40;
philanthropy and, I:71
Historical faith, III:47, 47(n)
Historical truth, I:91, 92; III:217; poetic
truth and, III:228; truth of fact and,
III:229
History: muse of, I:195; poetry preferable
to, I:91, 91(n); scriptural infallibility
and, III:148
History-painting: moral beauty in,
III:232­33; ornamentation in, III:231­
32; past and future in, III:218; poetry
compared, III:237­38; unity of design
in, III:214­15; unity of time in,
III:218­19, 219(n)
Hobbes, Thomas, I:56(n), 56­57
Homer, I:165; III:87, 87(n); enthusiasm
and, III:21, 21(n); mastery of dialogue,
I:122­23, 122(n)­123(n); natural
(simple) style, I:150, 150(n); as poetic
sire, I:158, 158(n)
Honesty: beauty of, I:88; common
sense and, I:80­84; enthusiasm and,
III:22(n), 22­23, 24, 24(n); importance
of, I:76; philosophy and, I:83; as
pleasure, I:191­92; as self-love, I:74;
skepticism in defense of, I:59­60;
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 305
unseen, I:78­79; value of, I:78; wit
and, I:80­81
Honor: conceptions of, II:233­35; sold,
III:104­5; taste of life and, III:103­9
(See also Virtue)
Horace, II:126; III:15, 172; knowledge,
writing and, I:119, 119(n), 121; misfortunes
of, III:152, 152(n)­154(n); poets
as fanatics, I:32(n), 32­33, 33(n)
Hospitality, II:95; III:94(n)­95(n)
Hudibras, I:161, 161(n)
Human frailties, love of mankind and,
II:136­37
Human nature: abuse of, I:59­60; effects
of passions on, I:181; good breeding
and, I:81­83; inclination toward
association, I:69­72; shown in poetry,
I:121­22, 122(n)­123(n); soliloquy as
control on, I:116­17; wolfish, II:180
Human sacrifice, III:76­77, 77(n)
Hume, David, I:v, viii
Humor: false jest, I:51­52; as force in religion,
III:60­81; gravity as test of, I:48,
48(n); of high style, I:154; licentious,
I:154(n), 154­55, 156, 156(n); moralizing
by, I:93; to promote religion, III:73
(See also Comedy)
Hutcheson, Francis, I:v, viii
Hydrophobia, fanaticism compared,
I:32
Hylomania, III:43
I
Ideas: examination of, I:186, 187, 192­93;
innate, II:229; III:24, 24(n); as mental
children, II:228­29
Identity: change and, II:197; consciousness
as proof of, III:118
Idleness, dissolution and, II:76­77
Ill: absolute and relative, II:12, 23, 133;
appearance of, II:203­4; causes of,
II:113­16, 114(n); good arising from,
II:116; illness of temperament, II:14;
mankind as cause, II:164; misery following
from, II:49; natural and moral,
II:121; necessity of, II:163; order of
universe and, II:5­6, 11­12, 47, 163;
pain as, II:132­33; presence or absence
of affections as, III:119; vice as, III:136;
yielding to good, II:121­23
Ill humor. See Melancholy
Ill-will, II:94
Imagination, I:viii; control of, I:116; perception
and, III:44; proper application
of, III:120(n), 120­21
Immoral state: absolute and relative,
II:48; natural affections lacking,
II:47­48
Immortality, II:196
Impaired sense, iniquity and, II:19
Impartiality, in reasoning, II:150
Imperfection: in nature, II:160; in state
of man, II:165
Impostors, abuse of human nature,
I:59­60
Imposture: credulity as aid to, II:184­85;
fear of, III:42(n); good humor, fear of,
I:20; of modern authors, I:164; modern
miracles as, III:46, 46(n); ridicule
as test of, I:6­14; zeal and, II:183
Inconsistency of character, I:82(n), 82­83
Inconstancy of pleasure, II:128
Incredulity, wonderment and, II:183­84
India, II:215
Individuality, II:196­97
Indolence: attractions of, I:196­97; consequences
of, II:91­92; representation
of, III:227­28; of writers, III:168
Indulgence, consequences of, II:86
Inebriation, enthusiastic, III:43(n),
43­44
Infallibility: of oral tradition, III:202; of
scripture (See Scriptural infallibility)
Ingratitude, II:96
Inhumanity, II:93­94
Injustice, anger based on, II:234
Innate ideas, II:229; III:24, 24(n)
Inquiry: freedom of, I:15­16, 20­
24, 45; into scriptural infallibility,
III:198­200, 199(n)­200(n)
``An Inquiry Concerning Virtue, or
Merit'' (Shaftesbury), I:v, 73(n);
commentary, III:117­28; text of,
II:1­100
306 INDEX
Inspiration, I:33; divine (See Divine inspiration);
of exalted audience, I:5­6;
poets' pretense to, III:140; pretense to,
III:140­41
Instinct: in animals, II:173, 173(n);
III:131(n); nature of, II:229­30
Integrity of mind, II:64, 65­66
Inward beauty, natural health as, III:110­
11
Inward concerns, value of, II:245­46;
III:121, 122
Inward proportion, order and, II:48­49
Isocrates, III:172
Israelites, in Egypt: circumcision,
practice of, III:34­35, 34(n)­35(n);
expulsion of, III:35­36, 35(n)­36(n);
influences on, III:36­38, 36(n)­38(n);
treatment of, III:34, 34(n) (See also
Jews)
J
Jealousy, II:192
Jesus, writings about, III:149­50
Jews: melancholy of, I:19, 19(n); III:72;
need for signs and wonders, II:186;
Pharisees and Sadducees, III:49; selfinterest
of, I:175(n), 175­76 (See also
Israelites)
Job, I:21­22, 22(n)
Johnson (dramatist), I:134
Jonah, story of, III:73­75, 74(n), 75(n)
Jordano (Luca Giordano), III:250­51
Joseph, captivity in Egypt, III:38, 38(n)
Joshua, I:219­20
Journalist-critics, III:13, 13(n), 14
Journal of the Warburg and Courtnauld
Institutes, I:x
Jove, I:5; II:115
Joy, presence or absence of, III:119­20
Judgment: balance of, III:220­21; faith
and, III:47; lacking in knavery, I:129­
30, 129(n)­130(n); philosophy and,
II:246; right of, I:8­9; taste and,
III:102­3
``The Judgment of Hercules'' (Shaftesbury),
I:x; commentary on, III:243­51;
text of, III:211­39
Jupiter, character of, II:27­28
Justice: deity and, II:28; distribution of
(See Distribution of justice); love of,
II:234; as proof of future life, II:155­56
K
Knaves: character of, I:81­83; true
judgment lacking in, I:129­30,
129(n)­130(n) (See also Villains)
Knowledge: of metaphysics, III:128; as
requisite for writing, I:119(n), 119­
21; self-examination and, III:117; of
world, morals and, III:129­38
L
Labor, lack of, dissolution and, II:76­77
Landscape painting, III:231, 232
Language: of ancient Greece, III:86; ear
for, in poetry, III:162, 162(n), 164;
English, lacking in grace, III:162­64;
maturity of societies and, I:146
Laughter, at self, I:99
Law, profession of, III:30­31
Law(s): Athenian, limiting licentious wit,
I:154(n), 154­55; government by, as
freedom, III:190; imposition of belief
by, III:65; of nature, II:122; privilege
from, III:29, 29(n)
Laziness, I:191
Leontinus, Gorgias, I:48, 48(n)
``A Letter Concerning Enthusiasm''
(Shaftesbury), I:vi; commentary on,
III:10, 12­14, 19­24, 142, 142(n); text
of, I:1­36
``A Letter Concerning the Art, or Science
of Design'' (Shaftesbury), I:x,
III:241­51
Leviathan (Hobbes), I:56(n)
Libertines, III:188­90
Liberty, I:48­49; aid of, in life, II:241­
42; arts and, I:133, 136, 137; ascendance
in England, I:137­38; balance of power
and, I:60; civil, II:142; civility due
to, I:42; concern for posterity and,
III:247; by control of fancy, III:123,
123(n), 125; of criticism, III:193­
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 307
94; disposition toward slavery and,
III:154­55; fear of, I:48, 56­57, 56(n);
freedom of censure, I:6­14, 40;
freedom of conversation, I:44­47;
Hobbes's view of, I:56(n), 56­57; love
and, I:112; moral, picture of, II:142­
43, 241; philosophical, II:148­49;
public liberty, I:59­60; religious,
animosity toward, III:69­70; restraint
of licentious wit and, I:154(n), 154­55;
role of government in, I:135­36; sold
for personal gain, III:107­8; use of,
I:7; vice opposed to, III:187
Licentiousness: gallantry and, II:111; in
humor, I:154(n), 154­55, 156, 156(n)
Lies, as teachers of truth, I:213(n), 213­14
Life: beauty drawn from, I:85; character
and value of, I:76; as concern of philosophy,
I:186­87; future (hereafter)
(See Future life); half-thinkers, idea
of, III:184; happy, measure of, I:195;
love of (See Love of life); as misery,
II:133; of pleasure and reward, I:77­78;
preservation of, II:81­82; quality of,
II:82; regard for good taste in, I:208
Literate world: judgment of, III:140;
mastery of, I:119; sparring in, III:83;
writer and critic separate in, III:167­
68
Literature: ancient, massacre of, III:145­
47, 146(n)­148(n); extirpation of,
I:56(n), 56­57; miscellaneous writing,
III:3­7, 17, 53; value of criticism to,
III:140
Livy, I:30(n), 32
Love: beauty and, I:86; II:120; divine,
II:152­53; III:25­26; enthusiasm and,
I:4­5, 9; II:223­24; III:22, 22(n);
grandeur of, III:20­21; individual,
II:137­38; kind affections in, II:61;
liberty and, I:112; power of, I:114; presence
or absence of, III:119; in religious
enthusiasm, III:24­25; story of, I:110­
15; supported by natural affection,
II:75; universal, II:137­39
Love of life: excessive, misery of, II:81­
83; false resignation and, II:34; good
and, II:241; submission and, II:34;
virtue and, II:38
Lovers: fancies of, I:191; inability to
examine self, I:109­10; philosophers
compared, II:104; pretension and,
I:203­4
Lucian, III:172
Lucretius, I:31(n), 33, 33(n)
Lusts, unnatural, II:95
Luxury: desire for, as fancy, II:222; as
sensual pleasure, II:85­87
Lysippus, I:140
M
Machine, god-governed, II:189­90
Machine-work, in tablature, III:235
Madness: control of fancies and, I:198­
201; resemblance of composing to,
I:102; II:194
Maecenas, I:134, 136, 136(n); III:152,
153(n)­154(n)
Magi (Zoroastrian priests): abhorrent
practices of, I:54(n), I:54­56; control
of Persia, III:31, 31(n)
Magic: Egyptian, III:38, 38(n); religion
as, II:119; spread of, from Egypt, III:39
Magisterial sword, III:223, 223(n)
Magistrate: philosopher compared,
II:147­48; punishment of unbelievers,
II:147
Majesty: enthusiasm from, III:21, 27;
regard for, enjoyment and, III:20­21
Malefactors. See Villains
Malice, II:94; interests and, I:25; in men
of taste, III:102­3
Man: changeability of temper in, II:55­
56; character of, I:76; conceptions
of honor and worth in, II:233­35;
creatures compared, II:171­72; as
disturbance of order, II:164; dominion
over elements, II:170; dual nature of,
I:106­7, 110­15; enjoyment of Earth
and, II:210­11; good or ill in, II:12;
loss of sense and feeling, II:78­79;
nature in, II:169, 170; origins of, proposed,
II:177­78; preconceptions in,
II:230; revenge in, II:54­55; sociable or
308 INDEX
Man (continued)
unsociable, II:175(n), 175­76; source of
excellence of, II:172; study of, II:105;
superiority of, II:214; testimony of,
II:187; thought and reason in, II:173;
virtue allowed only to, II:16; weakness
of, society and, II:174, 179
Mankind: affection for order, I:68; civil
and political state of, III:90; common
sense and, I:50­51; contrary pursuits
of, II:239­40; defects of, II:114­15; enthusiasms
in, I:9­10; friend of, II:139;
hatred of, II:94­95; love of, II:136­
37, 137­39; religion as natural passion
of, III:23; representation of, II:138;
social state natural to, II:176­81; state
of, II:109­19; thought, unequal in,
III:182­83; vanity of, I:144
Manners: lacking in saint-authors, I:104­
5; morals and, I:172, 172(n); III:100;
poetic, III:160, 160(n)­162(n); regard
for good taste in, I:208; relation to
philosophy, I:177­78; standard of (See
Standard of manners)
Marat, Carlo, III:250(n), 250­51
Marcus Aurelius, I:ix, 156­57, 156(n)­
157(n)
Marius, I:141
Martyrdom: of atheists, III:42; persecution
and, I:16­17; religious zeal and,
III:26, 26(n)
Mastery: of comedy, I:123; criticism and,
I:145; of dialogue, I:122­23, 122(n)­
123(n), 125­28; of literate world,
I:119; of morality by philosopher,
I:172­73; of passion by virtue, II:22;
of poetry, I:123; refinement of taste
and, I:172; temptations of, III:29; of
understanding, I:98
Mathematics, I:179­80; II:246; enthusiasm
for, III:20; order and, II:160;
pleasure in contemplation of, II:60
Matter: creation of, II:167; identity and,
II:197; immaterial to beauty, II:226;
mind as ruler of, II:199; nature of,
II:206
Mazarin, Jules, III:249
Medicine, profession of, III:30­31
Meditation, I:211; on elements, II:210­
12; on God, II:205­6; on map of
nature, II:213­18; on nature, II:193­94
Melancholy, II:119­20; accounts of,
III:20; atheism and, I:15; critics as
ill-humored, III:68­69; effects on
temperament, II:66­67; enthusiasms
and, I:9; II:220, 220(n); of Jews, I:19,
19(n); III:72; as natural inebriation,
III:43, 43(n); prophetic ecstasies
caused by, III:43(n), 43­44, 44(n);
solitude and, II:79
Melpomene, I:193
Memoirs: affectation in, I:125; of
travelers, I:213; writers of, selfabsorbed,
I:103­4
Menander, I:152, 159
Mental children, II:228­29
Mental enjoyments, II:57­58, 60; affections
and, II:62­63; falsely praised by
epicures, II:131­32; happiness derived
from, II:73; natural affections and,
II:58, 61­62; partial affection and,
II:65; as pleasure, II:131­32; preferable
to sensual, II:99; of senses, II:236
Merit: belief in deity and, II:31, 32­33;
ill placing of rewards and, I:141­42;
merited esteem, pleasures of, II:62­63;
neglected, III:188­89; pretension and,
I:203­4; pride and, II:234­35; sense of,
II:24­25 (See also Virtue)
Metaphoric style, I:149­50, 149(n)­
150(n)
Metaphysics: as delusive study, I:179;
of identity, III:118­19; knowledge of,
III:128; of mode and substance, II:199
Methodic style, I:159­60; III:175
Military heroes, chroniclers of, I:138­39
Milton, John, I:134, 171, 171(n), 221
Mimes, I:121, 121(n), 122; III:175
Mind: beauty and, I:86; II:238; III:111;
discernment of, II:16­18; effects of
pleasure and pain, II:132; enjoyment
of senses and, II:220­21, 235­37; examination
of, III:128­29; God as, I:25;
goods of, II:242­43; improvement of,
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 309
II:165; mathematics and, I:179­80;
offspring of, II:228­29; pleasures of,
II:57­58, 60; as ruler of body, II:199,
201; as ruler of whole, II:199­200,
201; search for perfection, II:120­21;
symmetry of, I:87; temperament and,
II:66; united structure of, II:99­100;
universal mind (See God); worth of,
II:245­46 (See also Thought)
Mind, fancies and, I:198; control of
fancy, III:121(n), 121­25, 123, 123(n),
125; domination of, I:201
Mineral treasures, II:211
Ministers: academies for, III:249(n),
249­50; representation of, I:139­40
Miracles: enthusiasm for, II:181­82;
modern, II:186­87; III:46, 46(n),
59; not proof of divinity, II:188; as
testimony, II:187
Miracles, belief in, II:184, 185­86;
fanaticism and, II:186; religion and,
II:181­90
Misanthropy, II:94­95, 112­13
``Miscellaneous Reflections'' (Shaftesbury),
I:v, vii, viii­xi, III:1­209
Miscellaneous writing: author's freedom
in, III:192­93; fashion of, as medley,
III:70; form in, III:177; liberties permitted
to, III:53, 60­61, 80; origin and
nature of, III:3­7; random style of,
III:17
Mischievousness, II:94
Misconception, iniquity and, II:19­20
Misery: affections and, II:57, 80; anger as,
II:84; of avarice, II:89­90; following
from ill action, II:49; lack of conscience
and, II:70­71; life as, II:133;
of selfishness, II:93; self-passions
and, II:80­93; unnatural affections
and, II:97­98; of vice, II:98­99, 100;
III:136
Misfortune: of ancient poets, III:152,
152(n); effects of, II:42­43
Missionaries, Egyptian, III:33, 33(n)
Mistake of right, II:20
Mode, substance and, II:198­99
Moderation: bigotry incapable of, III:51­
52; excess contrasted, II:80­81; out of
fashion, III:208­9; self-interest and,
I:72
Monsters, II:78, 122; crocodiles, II:216­
17; miracles and, II:181­82; search for,
III:97
Moon, ambassadors from, III:206­7
Moorish fancy, I:213(n), 213­15
Moral arithmetic, II:99
Moral artists, I:129­30, 129(n)­130(n)
Moral beauty, II:16­17, 25, 228; acknowledgment
of, II:234; in historypainting,
III:232­33
Moral conscience, II:69­70
Moral deformity, II:16­17, 25, 122­23;
acknowledgment of, II:234; sense of,
II:72
Moral delinquency, II:100
Moral inquiry, shyness in, II:105­6
Moralists: modern, criticism of, I:215­18,
215(n)­218(n); nominal v. real, II:145;
role of, I:107­8, 108(n)
``The Moralists, A Philosophical Rhapsody''
(Shaftesbury): commentary,
III:175(n)­176(n), 175­77; text of,
II:101­247
Morality: common sense and, I:50, 51;
concealment of practice and, I:55­56;
disposition of public and, I:170­
72; necessary for poets and authors,
III:173­74; as part of beauty, I:85­86;
philosophy and, I:83­84, 172­73; in
poetry, I:121; rewards of virtue and,
I:61­62, 63­64
Moral liberty, II:142­43, 241
Moral principles, religion and, II:4
Moral rectitude, as standard of true
philosophy, I:184
Morals: knowledge of world and,
III:129­38; manners and, III:100;
philosophical study of, III:128­29;
proof of, III:119­27
Moral sense: consciousness of, II:23­26,
24; corruption of, II:26­30; depravity
and, II:20­21, 27; formation of, II:30­
31; impaired, II:19, 25­26; nature of
wrong and, II:18­20; notion of deity
310 INDEX
Moral sense (continued)
and, II:31; opposition of affections to,
II:30­44; passions contrary to, II:35;
virtue and, II:18, 20, 23­26; wrong or
false, II:26­30
``Moral sense'' school of ethical theory,
I:v
Moral truth, I:91­92; in art, III:238­39;
freedom of thought and, III:185­86;
lacking, III:173, 173(n); as standard of
life, III:185
Moroseness, II:94­95
Moses, I:220
Motion: God as ruler of, II:208; nature
of, II:206
Motives for obedience, II:154
Mountains, II:217­18
Mountebanks, II:116­17
Mummius, I:169
Muse(s): address to, I:3­6; aid of, I:194­
96; perfection of, I:133­35; rules of
composition and, III:140 (See also
specific Muses)
Music: English taste in, elevated, III:245;
measure and tone in, II:55; persuasion
and, I:146­47; in religious worship,
III:72, 72(n), 78­79, 78(n)­79(n);
understanding of, I:26
Musicians: ear of critic and, I:145; study
of speech and harmony, I:146­47
Mysteries: exposed by dogmatism, III:52,
52(n); of holy literature, III:196­98;
veneration of, III:193
Mystics: inability to examine self, I:110;
religious enthusiasm of, III:25, 59; zeal
of, II:153
N
Natural affections, II:25­26; attempts to
conquer, I:73(n), 73­74, 74(n); balance
in, II:75­76; as basis of society, I:73;
charm of, II:60; effect of opinion on,
II:26; effects of, II:62­63; excess of,
II:52­53; exercise of, II:77; in family,
III:135(n), 135­36; good of society
and, III:135­36; integral to life, II:80;
lacking in immoral state, II:47­48;
loss of, II:98; mental enjoyments
and, II:58, 61­62; as opposite to
melancholy, II:66­67; for order, I:68;
pleasure and, II:61­62; proportion
in, II:56, 57, 59­60; self-enjoyment
and, II:57­80; self-passions contrasted,
II:80­93; sensual pleasures and, II:73,
74­75; social pleasures and, II:58;
unnatural affections and, II:93­98 (See
also Affection(s); Friendship; Public
affections; Self-affection)
Natural beauty: in painting, truth of,
III:233; passion for, II:220
Naturalists: authorized forms and,
I:223; understanding of organization,
II:159­60
Nature: of animals, II:169­70; III:129­
30, 132­37; artifice confused with,
I:52­53, 54; attack on, II:168­69;
beauty and, I:85­86; II:230­31; III:110;
defects of, II:114, 160; designs of, II:52;
distribution and economy of, II:172­
73; disturbances in, II:201­2; divinity
in, II:213­18; education in opposition
to, II:26­30; elements of, II:170;
energy of, II:201­2; enjoyment from,
II:220­23; enthusiasm and, II:124;
III:21, 21(n), 23; flawed, II:110­19;
foundation of taste and, I:207; grace
and, I:118­19; harmony with, II:242;
idea of God and, II:205­7; ill yielding
to good in, II:121­23; inability to deny,
III:130­32, 131(n); of inferior creatures,
III:132­37; laws of, II:122; life from,
II:229­30; lineage of wit in, III:85;
in man, II:169, 170; meditation on,
II:193­94, 213­18; miscellany far from,
III:6; mutual sacrifice in, II:121­22,
121(n); order of, III:130; origins of wit
in, III:85; perfection of, as standard
of beauty, III:110; representation of,
II:138; song of, II:192­93; structure
of, II:159­81; subject to mind, II:200;
sympathizing of parts, II:195­96; system
of, II:10; taste and, I:207; III:87;
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 311
truth in, I:91, 218; II:182; unity of
design in, II:200; unity of whole and
parts in, III:238; want of order and
perfection, II:160 (See also Universe)
Nature, state of: defined, II:176;
examined, II:177­78; society, role in,
II:178­79; as state of war, II:175(n),
175­76, 180
Nero, I:66
Nile River, II:216; III:30
Nobles: as patrons of wit, I:133­34, 138,
140­41 (See also Courts; Princes)
``A Notion of the Historical Draught or
Tablature of the Judgment of Hercules''
(Shaftesbury), I:x, III:211­39
O
Obedience: servile, fear and, II:32 (See
also Submission)
Objects, alluring to mind and sense,
II:237
Octavius, III:152, 154(n)
Offensiveness, in ridicule, I:41­42
Olympic Games, I:170(n); III:86
Omnipotence, breach of, II:115­16
Opinion: analysis of, I:187; conformity
in, I:53­54; corrupt, iniquity and,
II:19; differences of, in matter of faith,
III:194­95; effect of persuasion on,
III:62­64; effect on natural affections,
II:26; examination of, I:197(n), 197­
98; force unable to change, III:67;
free will governed by, I:115, 115(n); as
grounds for fear, I:182­83; imagination
and, III:121; inconsistency in belief
and, II:7; influence on affections,
III:120; passions caused by, I:183­84,
184(n); regulation of, by contemplation,
III:121(n), 121­25; ridicule as test
of, I:39­40; as sole measure of value,
II:233, 243, 244; taste and, III:114
Oral tradition, infallibility of, III:202
Orations: art of speaking and, III:87­88;
declamations, I:45, 46
Orators: manner of, represented, III:222­
23, 224­25; pompous style of, I:152­53;
practice of soliloquy and, I:102, 105­6;
writer compared to, III:61
Order: balance in affections and, II:78;
contemplation of, II:43; of epistolary
style, III:15; exercise essential to,
II:77­78; importance of balance to,
II:171­72; inward proportion and,
II:48­49; in kind or species, II:76;
man's natural affection for, I:68; in
pleasure, I:87­88; principle of, II:203;
as proof of divinity, II:155, 156, 157­58,
189­90; simplicity and, in painting,
III:234­35, 239; study and love of,
III:109­10; system of all animals, II:11;
in theistic view, II:42; united view and,
I:89­90, 89(n)­90(n); unity of design
and, II:161(n), 161­64; universal,
reason for, II:203; of universe, II:5­6,
11­12, 47, 159­81, 163
Orders of beauty: first, II:226­27; second,
II:227; third (highest); II:227­28
Original forms, beauty of, II:227­28
Originality: of arts in ancient Greece,
III:86, 86(n); difficulty of, III:5; in
painting, III:230
Ornamentation: casual, III:235­37; false,
III:238­39; in painting, III:228­37; in
sculpture, III:233
Orthodoxy, determined by persecution,
III:55­57, 55(n)­57(n)
P
Pain, relative to pleasure, II:133
Painter, eye of critic and, I:145
Painting: as declining art, I:209(n)­
210(n); English talent in, progressing,
III:245; equivocal sense in, III:227;
history-painting (See Historypainting);
morality depicted in,
III:232­33; ornamentation and
perspective, III:228­35; project,
development of, III:243­44, 250­51;
tablature (See Tablature); united view
in, I:89­90, 89(n)­90(n); unity and
harmony in, III:229
Paknadel, Felix, I:x
312 INDEX
Pallas (Athena), III:223
Pan, I:10, 10(n)
Panegyric (encomium): praise by
detraction, I:165­68; as worst of satire,
I:140
Panics, I:10­11; religious, example of,
III:53(n), 53­55, 54(n); religious passion
as, III:45, 45(n); second-hand,
I:27­28
Parables: as first morals, III:126; of Jonah,
III:73­75, 74(n), 75(n); use of, I:41 (See
also Tales)
Paracelsus, I:178
Paradise Lost (Milton), I:171, 171(n)
Parazonium, III:223, 223(n)
Parody, I:123, 152, 152(n)
Partial affection, worthlessness of,
II:63­65
Parties: place in body politic, I:70­
71; purchases and sales of honor
in, III:104­5; religious, contention
between, III:41, 207­9; writings
espoused by, III:8
Parts: dominance of one over another,
II:170­71; relation to whole, II:159­
60, 162­63, 171; III:160(n), 214,
237­38; sympathizing of, II:195­96
Passion(s): anger, II:83­85; balance
of, II:166; beauty drawn from, I:85;
change of, representing, III:217­
18; complexity of, I:73; contrary to
moral sense, II:35; as deceiver, II:130­
31; divine, II:43­44; economy of,
II:53­55; effects on human nature,
I:181; freedom of, as tyranny, III:190;
hateful, II:15­16; of Hercules, III:220­
21; ill, corruption of, II:99­100;
infectious nature of, I:27­28; for
natural beauty, II:220; for novelty,
II:182­83; opinion as cause of, III:121;
panics, I:10­11, 27­28; as poison to
reason, I:58; proportion in, II:53; religion
as, II:51; III:23; self-deception
and, I:4­5; against self-interest, II:81;
self-knowledge and, I:183­84, 184(n);
serviceability of, II:53­55; slavery to,
II:88­89; social, as self-love, I:74(n),
74­75; superstitious fear, I:182­83;
virtue's mastery of, II:22; war as, I:71;
weaning from, III:123(n)­124(n),
123­25 (See also Affection(s))
Patchwork cloth, miscellany as, III:5­6
Patriotism, I:63; false, loss of honor and,
III:104­5; nature of, III:88(n), 88­92;
as social affection, III:89(n) (See also
Country)
Patrons and patronage: ill placing of rewards,
I:141­42; influence on authors,
I:130­42, 172; princes as, I:133­34, 138,
140­41
Paul (Apostle): epistles of, III:48, 48(n);
visit to Ephesians, III:53(n), 53­55,
54(n)
Peace, improvement of arts and, I:138;
III:244­45
Pedagogues: moral inquiry by, II:105­6;
temperament of, I:44, 47
Pedantry, I:42­44, 205(n)
Perception, truth and, III:44
Perfection: in art, I:208; character of
artist and, I:207; muse of, I:133­35;
search for, II:120­21; sought in universe,
II:120­21; in whole and parts,
II:160
Persecution: denial of, I:17(n), 17­18;
martyrdom and, I:16­17; moderate
v. resolute, III:67; as offensive zeal,
III:55­57, 55(n)­57(n); political and
religious, III:60, 60(n)
Persia, controlled by priests, III:31, 31(n)
Perspective: in art, III:230­31;
ornamentation and, III:228­35
Persuasion: effect on opinion, III:62­
64; as mother of arts, I:146­47;
representation of, III:227
Petulance, II:94
Phallica (obscene farce), I:152(n), 155
Pharisees, III:49
Philip of Macedonia, I:154
Philosopher(s): criticism of, II:244;
as critics, I:148; III:172(n), 172­73;
education of gentlemen by, I:76­
77; evasions of, I:83­84; heathen, as
priests, III:49; instruction by, I:222;
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 313
magistrate compared, II:147­48; as
master to author, I:119; mastery of
morality, I:172­73; modern moralists
criticized, I:215­18, 215(n)­218(n);
practice of soliloquy, I:102, 102(n);
role of, I:107­8, 108(n); schools
of, dissolved, III:51, 51(n); selfexamination
by, I:110; writer compared
to, III:61
Philosophical dispute, fairness in, II:152
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of
Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful
(Burke), I:viii
Philosophical truth, I:92
Philosophy: affectation in, II:151; attention
to characters in, I:121­22, 123;
III:178; comic, I:157, 157(n); comprehension
of self and, I:176­77; decline
of, II:104­5; defects of, III:99­100;
destruction of, in hatred, I:54­55;
dual nature of man, I:106­7, 110­15;
early instruction in, I:189; enthusiasm
for, restraining, III:24; honesty and,
I:83; later origins of, III:84­85; malicious
censure as, II:181; manners and,
III:100; mock-philosophy, I:177­79;
modern, kinds of, II:107­9; muse of,
I:195; open exercise of, II:109; origins
of, I:157­59; passion for, II:109­10;
of pleasure and reward, I:77­78; as
portrait, II:107, 109; pretenders to,
III:100; process of pulling down in,
III:83; as requisite knowledge for writing,
I:120­21; ridicule of, III:97­99;
standards of beauty from, III:111(n)­
114(n), 112­14; as study of happiness,
II:244­47; study of morals and,
III:128­29; taste owing to, III:114;
virtuosity compared, III:98
Philosophy, religion and: as balance
against superstition, I:12; separation
of, III:49; unnatural union of, III:51,
51(n); zeal and, III:40­41, 41(n)
Pietists, religious enthusiasm of, III:25
Piety: as completion of virtue, II:44;
foundation of, I:15; obstacles to,
II:33­34
Pindar, I:165
Planetary system, II:11
Planets, order of, II:208
Plato, I:35(n), 153(n), 158­59, 166
Pleasure, I:77­78; of body, II:57; degrees
of sensation, II:87­88; of entire
(whole) affection, II:65; false relish,
III:239, 239(n); fear of death and,
I:194; good and, II:241; highest, due
to temperance, II:140; lacking in
half-thinkers, III:184­85; of luxury,
lessened, II:86; of merited esteem,
II:62­63; of mind (See Mental enjoyments);
moral, I:191­92; natural
affections and, II:57­80; order in,
I:87­88; poetry consecrated to,
III:188­90; relative to pain, II:133;
rightness of, I:208­9; self-interest and,
I:190(n), 190­92; sensual (See Sensual
pleasures); of social affection, II:62;
sordid, I:193­94; synonymous with
will, II:128­29; in unnatural affections,
II:96, 129­30; values of, relative, II:131
(See also Self-passions)
Pleasure, goddess of, III:214­15, 216,
220, 221; casual ornamentation of,
III:236­37; depiction of, III:223, 225,
226­28
du Plessis, Armand-Jean (Richelieu),
III:249
Pliny, III:172
Plutarch, I:25(n), 34(n)­35(n); III:78­79,
78(n)­79(n), 172
Pneumatophobia, III:42(n), 42­43
Poetic manners, III:160, 160(n)­162(n)
Poetic truth, I:91; III:160­62, 160(n)­
162(n); in art, III:238­39; historical
truth and, III:228; perfection of, I:89,
89(n)
Poetry: beauty and, I:85­86; contemplative
nature and, II:126; gothic model
of, I:135; heroic, III:160(n)­161(n);
history-painting compared, III:237­
38; human nature shown in, I:121­22,
122(n)­123(n); as imitation of men and
manners, I:122­23; level of taste and,
III:158; liberty of thought in, I:220;
314 INDEX
Poetry (continued)
mastery of, I:123; moral, I:171(n), 171­
72; III:232­33; origins of, I:157­59;
persuasion and, I:146; philosophy as,
I:121, 121(n); preferable to history, I:91,
91(n); resemblance to art, I:128; rhyme
in, III:162, 162(n)­163(n); truth as perfection
of, I:89, 89(n); understanding
of, I:26; united view in, I:89(n)­90(n)
Poets: address to Muse, I:3­5; ancient,
misfortunes of, III:152, 152(n); disdain
for grammar, III:139­40; divine
inspiration ascribed to, III:141­42;
failures of, III:159(n)­163(n), 159­
64; as fanatics, I:32(n), 32­33, 33(n);
instruction by, I:222; low level of
refinement in, III:162­64; modern,
criticism of, I:128­29, 172; practice of
soliloquy, I:102, 102(n); rules of art
and, I:163; as sages, I:98, 122; satirists,
I:88; self-criticism by, III:173;
stage-poets (See Dramatists); virtue
of, I:129­30, 129(n)­130(n); wanton,
as slaves to vice, III:188­90; writer
compared to, III:61
Polemics, religious, III:8­9
Policy, common sense and, I:51
Political arithmetic, III:30
Politics, II:104, 105; common sense in,
I:68; enthusiasms in, I:9­10; political
capacity, patriotism and, III:90;
role of parties in, I:70­71 (See also
Government(s))
Polyhymnia, I:195
Polytheism, II:6, 119, 119(n)
Pompous (sublime) style, I:149­50,
152­53, 160
Popes, learning and, III:145­47, 146(n)­
148(n)
Portraiture, III:213, 214
Possession, desire for, as fancy, II:221­22
Power: belief in deity and, II:31­32;
morality and, I:83­84; public liberty
and, I:59­60; suitors to, III:107;
tyranny and, I:67(n), 67­68
Praise: of country life, II:159; by
detraction, panegyric as, I:165­68; love
of, II:90­91; of mental enjoyments,
false, II:131­32; mock-praise, III:104;
mutual admiration among writers,
II:169; value of, I:173­74; of virtue, by
satirists, I:88
Preconceptions, in humankind, II:230
Preface: as excuse, I:203; fear of critics
and, I:143, 143(n); as soliloquy, I:xvii
Pretension, merit and, I:203­4
Pride: arrogance and tyranny, II:95­96;
consequences of, II:90­91; self-worth
and, II:234­35
Priest-philosophers, heathen, III:49
Priests: of Egypt, hereditary, III:27(n)­
28(n), 27­29, 31, 31(n), 38­39, 39(n);
government by, aversion to, III:59­
60; numbers of, growing, III:29­30,
39­40
Princes: arbitrary power of, I:67, 67(n);
as authors, I:132­33; custom of asking
advice, I:130­31; false friendships of,
II:79­80; as patrons of wit, I:133­34,
138, 140­41
Printing press, I:188­89
Privacy, self-examination and, I:101­3
Private good: friendship as, II:135­36;
public good and, II:13­14, 34, 100
Privy-counsellors, I:131­32
Prometheus, I:129; II:109­10, 114­16
Promise, social obligation and, I:69
Property, dominion follows from,
III:31­32
Prophecy, I:27­33; III:43(n), 43­44
Prophetic ecstasies, I:28(n), 28­29, 29(n);
caused by melancholy, III:43(n),
43­44, 44(n); of oracles, I:29, 29(n)
Proportion: in affections, II:51­53, 56,
57, 59­60; in art, I:90(n); beauty in,
III:111­14, 111(n)­114(n); enthusiasm
for, III:20; force of, II:160­61; inward,
II:48­49; in passions, II:55; truth and,
I:91
Prostitutes, II:74
Provocation, anger and, II:83­84
Pseudo-ascetics, I:104­5
Public: disposition toward morality,
I:170­72; indifference of, I:145; influ-
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 315
ence as audience, I:162­73; refinement
of tastes, I:148; solicited by writers,
I:188; voice of, art and, III:247
Public affections: creatures void of,
II:47­48; degrees of, II:51­52; friendship,
II:135­36; public good and,
II:50; toward species, II:45 (See also
Affection(s); Natural affections)
Public conversation, violation of, I:48­49
Public good: consciousness of, II:24;
natural temper and, II:15; opposition
from self-interest, II:46­47; private
good and, II:13­14, 100; prosecution
of crime and, I:79; sense of (See
Common sense)
Publicola, I:166
Punishment: belief in deity and, II:32,
153­54; fear of, I:78­80; II:34; as
provocation to ill humor, III:66;
of unbelievers, II:147; virtue and,
II:139­40 (See also Reward)
Punning, I:42
Purpose: of creatures, II:8­9; form
related to, II:170­71
Pyrrhonists. See Skepticism; Skeptics
Q
Quietists, religious enthusiasm of, III:25
Quintilian, III:172
R
Raillery. See Ridicule
Rancor, II:96
Rarities, search for, III:97
Rationalism, belief and, II:118
Rational objects, II:21
Rational religion, insincerity of, II:153
Reader: elevation of criticism in,
III:155(n), 155­56; enthusiasm for
author, III:141; judgment of, III:155,
164­65; relation to author, III:139­
40, 153­54; superiority over author,
III:149­50; treatment of, I:204
Reading, as hazard to taste, I:210­11
Reality: fear of, I:127­28; in historical or
moral painting, III:234
Reason: adherence to, III:187; control of
appetite and, I:116­17; doubt yielding
to, II:205; faith and, I:20­24; II:118;
fitness to judge and, I:35; force and,
II:146­47; free exercise of, I:45­46, 50;
passion as poison to, I:58; principal in
man, II:173; as proof of belief, III:65­
66; relation to philosophy, I:177­78;
virtue and, II:20; wit as proof of,
I:47­48
Reasoning: impartiality in, II:150; selfpersuasion,
honest, II:232­33; wit and,
I:44­46
Refinement of tastes, I:148, 155, 164;
beauty and, II:224; mastery and, I:172;
in poets, lack of, III:162­64
Reflection. See Contemplation
Reflection (as mirror): affection reflected,
II:16; conscience as, II:69; criticism
as, II:68; of human nature, writing as,
I:121­22, 124; writing as, III:181
Reformers, skepticism of, I:58­59
``The Rehearsal,'' I:161, 161(n)
Relative ill, II:12, 23, 133
Relief (sculpture); III:233
Religion: aid in controlling passions,
II:35; amorous ecstasies in, III:25;
attitudes of authors toward, II:5;
capability of good or ill, II:30; common
sense and, I:50, 51; contradictions
in, III:81; courtship compared,
III:71­72; debt to zealots, I:92­93; distribution
of justice in, II:38; effects of
self-interest, II:33­34; feigned zeal in,
I:4; half-thinkers and, III:185; heathen,
enthusiasms of, III:26­27; heraldry
compared, I:222­23; Hobbes's view
of, I:57; human sacrifice in, III:76­77,
77(n); humor as force in, III:60­
81; liberal and illiberal, II:153­54;
as magic, II:119; mercenariness in,
II:153­54; miracles, belief in, II:181­
90; national church, I:11­12; as natural
passion, III:23; notice taken of God,
II:198; panics, I:10­11, 27­28; III:45,
45(n); as passion, II:51; practices of
Israelites in Egypt, III:35­36, 35(n)­
316 INDEX
Religion (continued)
37(n); prophesying sects, I:27­33;
religious affection, II:43, 43(n), 67;
scripture, infallibility of, III:143­48;
separation from philosophy, III:49;
skepticism and, II:117­18; superstitious,
II:181­82; sycophants in, I:22(n),
22­23; teaching of, I:20­21; terrors of,
III:25; virtue, relation to, II:3­5, 143­
45, 157; writing and, I:219­23; III:8­9
(See also Enthusiasm, religious)
Religion, good humor and: founding of,
III:71; importance of, III:62; virtue of,
III:66; in worship, III:72(n), 72­73,
73(n)
Religion, philosophy and: separation
of, III:49; unnatural union of, III:51,
51(n); zeal and, III:40­41, 41(n)
Religious affection, as remedy for ill
humor, II:67
Religious conscience, II:69
Religious toleration: animosity toward,
III:69­70; denial of persecution,
I:17­18; enthusiasm and, I:vi, 12­13;
rational belief and, III:65­66
Religious war: causes of, III:40, 40(n),
51, 51(n); persecution as, III:55­57,
55(n)­57(n)
Repeal, in history-painting, III:218
Reproach of false conscience, II:72
Reputation, love of fame and, I:23­24
Revelation: faith and, II:188, 188(n);
III:193; foundations of theology
and, II:151­52, 156; modern miracles,
skepticism of, III:46, 46(n)
Revenge, II:96; anger as cause, II:84; in
man, II:54­55; sense of justice and,
II:234
Reward, I:77­78, 79; belief in deity and,
II:32, 153­54; future, hope of, II:33, 34,
35­36; of virtue, I:61­62, 63­64 (See
also Punishment)
Rhetoric, I:146, 179
Rhetorical style, I:150(n)
Rhyme, III:162, 162(n)­163(n)
Richelieu (Armand-Jean du Plessis);
III:249
Ridicule: appearance of conceit and,
I:99; of enthusiasts, I:18; fear of, I:7­8,
20; of gallantry, II:111; kinds of, I:41­
42; as necessary diversion, III:137­38;
real and false, III:137; sober use of,
I:80; as test of imposture, I:6­14; as
test of opinion, I:39­40; virtuosos as
subject of, III:96­97
Right and wrong, sense of. See Moral
sense
Roman Catholic Church: establishment
of hierarchy, III:57­59, 58(n);
primitive fanaticism of, III:145­47,
146(n)­148(n); scriptural infallibility
and, III:201­3, 202(n), 203(n); as
spiritual conqueror, III:59­60
Roman Empire: decline of wit and sense
in, III:50­52, 50(n)­52(n); fall of,
I:136(n), 136­37
Romans, ancient: improvement of arts,
I:138; infallibility of scripture in,
III:143, 143(n); literature of, III:15­
17, 15(n)­17(n); lymphatics, I:32(n),
32­33; patronage of arts, I:141; refinement
of styles and manners, I:155­57,
156(n)­157(n); ridicule of Christianity,
I:19; taste for blood sports, I:167­
68, 167(n); treatment of women,
I:169(n)­170(n)
Rule of consistency, III:217
S
Sadducees, III:49
Safety: in anger, II:83; in belief, II:35; in
courage, II:82
Sages: poets as, I:98, 122; selfexamination
by, I:110
Satire: addiction to, II:181; dull,
panegyric as, I:165­68; style of, III:15
Satirists, praise of virtue, I:88
Satisfaction. See Pleasure
Saul, I:28, 28(n), 63
Scholars, gentlemen compared, I:205­6,
205(n)­206(n)
Science: beauty and, II:224; origins of,
III:85; true philosophy compared,
I:177­81
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 317
Scipio, I:166
Scriptural infallibility: ancient literature
and, III:145­47, 146(n)­148(n);
Christian, III:144­48, 150­51; criticism
as necessary to, III:193­94; inquiry
into, III:198­200, 199(n)­200(n);
literary style and, III:145; Mahometan
(Mohammedan); III:143­44; Sybilline,
III:143, 143(n)
Scripture: authority of, III:195; copies,
translations and versions of, III:196­
98, 199(n), 201­3, 202(n), 203(n);
criticism and interpretation of,
III:196­98; guardianship of, III:195­
96; infallibility of (See Scriptural
infallibility)
Sculpture, ornamentation of, III:233
Sea-drinkers, parable of, III:126­27
Sedition, I:71
Self: anger as advantage to, II:83; command
of, I:192; discourse with (See
Soliloquy); genuine, value of, I:174­75;
parts of, II:196; reverence for, I:108­9
Self-abasement, I:204, 204(n)
Self-affection, II:13­14; degrees of, II:51;
excess of, as vice, II:56, 57; private
good and, II:50; wanting, as vice, II:52
(See also Natural affections)
Self-censure, II:240
Self-deception, happiness and, I:4­5
Self-enjoyment. See Pleasure
Self-examination, I:x­xi; art of writing
and, I:201­2, 202(n); benefits of,
I:103­6, 172; contemplation of God
and, I:21, 26; as dark task, III:128­
29; dual nature of man and, I:106­7;
fancy and opinion and, I:115­16;
III:121(n), 121­25; fitness to judge and,
I:35; importance to authors, I:117­
18, 118(n), 130; knowledge dependent
upon, III:117; mystics incapable of,
I:110; poetry and, I:99­100, 121­22;
privacy for, I:101­3; wisdom and, I:224
Self-good. See Private good
Self-interest: animosity and, III:69­
70; association and, I:72; belief and,
III:62­64; cautions in following, II:39;
common sense contrasted, I:65(n)­
66(n); conscience and, II:72­73;
consequences of luxury to, II:86­
87; effects of, II:33­34; elusiveness of
definition, I:75(n), 75­76; examination
of, III:98; hope of reward and,
II:38; indolence contrary to, II:92;
narrow view of, III:186; opposition to
public good, II:46­47; pleasure and,
I:190(n), 190­92; as security to virtue,
II:38­39; self-examination and, I:108­
9; true nature of, I:72­76; value of self
and, I:174­75
Selfishness, II:13, 13(n); disturbance of
order by, II:164; misery of, II:93
Self-knowledge: difficulty of attaining,
I:107; fear of, I:109, 127­28; freedom
and, III:123, 123(n), 125; future life
and, II:134; knowledge of beauty and,
II:238; passions and, I:183­84, 184(n);
understanding and, III:97
Self-love: as obstacle to piety, II:33­
34; social passions as, I:74(n), 74­75;
writings on, I:75(n), 75­76
Self-passions: amorous appetite, II:87­
89; anger, II:83­85; avarice, II:89­90;
consequences of, II:92; indolence,
II:91­92; intense, misery and, II:80­
93; love of life, II:81­83; luxury,
II:85­87; pride (ambition), II:90­91
(See also Pleasure)
Self-possession, madness and, I:200
Self-restraint, of thought, III:183
Self-sacrifice, enthusiasm and, III:22,
22(n)
Self-worth, pride and, II:234­35
Seneca, epistles of, III:15­17, 15(n)­17(n)
Sense(s): art as pleasure to, III:239,
239(n); beauty or deformity and,
II:16­18; enjoyment of object of,
II:236; nature of, II:206­7; pleasures
of (See Sensual pleasures)
Sensible objects, II:21
Sensualism, I:81
Sensual pleasures, I:77­78; II:73­75;
amorous appetite, II:87­89; enjoyment
of, II:222; luxury, II:85­87;
318 INDEX
Sensual pleasures (continued)
social pleasure contrasted, II:59 (See
also Pleasure; Self-passions)
``Sensus Communis: An Essay on the
Freedom of Wit and Humour''
(Shaftesbury): commentary on,
III:60­81, 130­32, 130(n)­132(n); text
of, I:37­93
Sentiment, I:viii
Servility, obedience from, II:32, 153­54
Shadow, mistaken for substance, II:220­
21
``Shaftesbury's Illustrations of Characteristics''
(Paknadel), I:x
Shakespeare,William, I:134, 171, 171(n),
213, 213(n)
Shame, II:70; false, cowardice as cause,
II:233; notion of, II:233­34
Sibyl: divine inspiration of, III:142(n),
142­43; prophetic ecstasies of, I:29,
29(n)
Sibylline scripture, divine inspiration of,
III:143, 143(n)
Silkworms, II:215
Simple (natural) style: artifice in, I:144,
160; of Homer, I:150, 151(n)
Simplicity: in painting, III:234­35,
239; taste and, III:87; veneration of,
I:210(n)
Skepticism, III:82; becoming, II:172; coexistent
with belief, III:49; as defense
against power, I:59­60; enthusiasm
as cure of, II:123­24; of miracles and
monsters, II:182, 182(n); moderation
and, III:208; of modern miracles,
III:46, 46(n); partial, I:52; as philosophy,
II:117­19; privilege of, in
discourse, II:118; of religious passion,
III:45(n), 45­46; of scriptural infallibility,
III:144­45; truth v. falsehood
and, I:52­59; virtue and, I:60­64,
62(n)­63(n)
Skeptics: dogmatists contrasted, III:46­
48; on foundations of theology,
II:151­52; future life and, II:134; as
ill-humored critics, III:68­69
Slavery: disposition toward, III:154­55;
insensibility to, III:190; to passions,
II:88­89, 240­41; rewards and
punishments in, II:37; of venality,
III:105­7; to vice, III:187­92
Smith, Adam, I:v, viii
Social affection: belief and, III:66; importance
to species, III:135­36; as
natural unity, III:90; need for, II:68;
patriotism as, III:89, 89(n); pleasure
of, II:62; weakness of man and, II:174,
179; of wolves, II:180
Social compact: as foundation of society,
I:69; free choice in, I:69
Social passions, as self-love, I:74(n),
74­75
Social pleasures: enjoyment of, II:237­38;
superiority of, II:58
Society(ies): abstinence from, II:127;
beauty in, II:120; complexity of, I:72­
73; effect of factions on, I:71­72;
formation of, I:70; good of, natural
affections and, III:135­36; maturity of,
language and, I:146; as natural state
of mankind, II:176­81; persuasion
as guide, I:147; relation of parties to,
I:70­71; sensual pleasures and, II:73­
75; social capacity, patriotism and,
III:90; value of self in, I:174
Socrates, I:119, 119(n), 158­59
Soliloquy: on beauty, III:111(n)­114(n);
control of fancies by, I:115­16, 172,
198­202, 199(n), 202(n); memoirs and
essays as, I:103­4; in poetry, I:99­
100; preface as, I:xvii; privacy suited
for, I:101­3, 178; between reason and
appetite, I:116­17; recommended
to saint-authors, I:104­5; as remedy
against verbosity, I:100­106; sources
of practice of, III:95­96; speculative
philosophy and, I:180­81
``Soliloquy: Or, Advice to an Author''
(Shaftesbury): commentary on, III:84­
88; style of, III:15, 15(n); text of,
I:95­224
Solitude: enjoyment of society and,
II:127; misery of, II:78­79
Sophists, I:148, 159
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 319
Sophocles, I:151(n)
Soul: beauty of, II:230­31; capacity of,
II:25; effect of ill actions on, II:48­
50; effect of indolence on, II:92; God
inhabiting, II:207
Space, nature of, II:206
Species: advantage or injury to, II:13­14;
affection toward, II:45­46; relation of
creatures to, II:10; social affections in,
III:135­36
Speculation: speciousness of, I:185­86;
true philosophy compared, I:177­81
Speculative pleasure, II:60
Standard of beauty, II:232; in arts,
III:110, 110(n); from philosophy,
III:111(n)­114(n), 112­14
Standard of manners: current age as,
I:168­69; taste and, III:109­15
Statesmen: academies for, III:249(n),
249­50; representation of, I:139­40
Still-life painting, III:232
Story-telling, taste for, I:213­14
Strabo, I:156, 156(n)
Styles of writing: boldness in, II:106;
comic, I:160, 161; metaphoric, I:149­
50, 149(n)­150(n); methodic, I:159­60;
III:175; mimes, I:121, 121(n), 122;
III:175; poetic, III:175­76; rhetorical,
I:150(n); simple (natural), I:144,
150, 150(n), 160; sublime (pompous),
I:149­50, 152­53, 160; unity of,
III:17­18
Sublime (pompous) style, I:149­50,
152­53, 160
Submission: demeaning, III:107­8; fear
and, II:32; love of life and, II:34
Subordination, in painting, III:234­35
Substance: mode and, II:198­99; shadow
mistaken for, II:220­21
Summer, meditation on, II:214­15
Sun: enjoyment of, II:211, 212; as
representative of God, II:208
Superstition, II:95; atheism sprung from,
II:189; bigotry a species of, III:52,
52(n); corruption of moral sense
and, II:27; dark parts of, III:76­
77, 77(n); in Egypt, III:27, 29­30,
38; enthusiasm becomes, III:24; as
excess of religious passion, II:51; as
fear, III:42(n); modern miracles and
visions as, III:59; nature of, II:202;
philosophy as balance against, I:12;
played upon by priests, III:32; religious
zeal as, III:25­26; in Roman Empire,
III:50­51, 50(n)­51(n); tales and, I:214
Surgery, advice-giving as, I:98­99
Sycophants, religious, I:22(n), 22­23
Symbols, in visual images, I:x
Symmetry: beauty in, III:111­14, 111(n)­
114(n); study and love of, III:109­10
System(s): affections governing, II:50­
57; animal-systems (See Species);
coordination of, II:208­9; failures
of, good of whole and, III:136­37;
good or ill in, II:10, 11­12; immoral
state, effects of, II:47­50; kinds of,
II:11; as part or whole, II:200; private,
self-passions and, II:80­81; private
v. public interest in, II:45­47; relation
of species to, II:10­11; search for
deity in, II:189­90; unity of design
in, II:161(n), 161­64; universal, man's
relation to, III:136­37
T
Tablature: casual ornaments in, III:235­
37; change of passion in, III:217­18;
composition of, III:213­14; constitution
of, III:215­19; defined, III:213;
emblematic devices in, III:217, 223,
224, 231, 234; ornamentation in,
III:228­35; past and future in, III:218;
principal figure in, III:219­22, 229­
30; reflections on, III:237­39; second
figure in, III:222­26; third figure in,
III:226­28
Tales: as first morals, III:126; judgment
of Hercules, III:215, 216; taste
for, I:213­14; uses of, II:115 (See also
Parables)
Taste: art of speaking and, III:87, 87(n);
conscience and, III:108; corruption
of, III:104­6; criticism and, III:101­3;
English, improvement in, III:247­49;
320 INDEX
Taste (continued)
establishment of, III:101; explanation
of, III:100­115; false, I:210(n); formation
of, III:95­96; foundation in
nature, I:207; III:87; learned, regard
for beauty and, II:224; loss of, I:211;
III:88; owing to philosophy, III:114;
in philosopher or virtuoso, III:100;
of reader, refining, III:156; reading
as hazard to, I:210­11; refinement of
(See Refinement of tastes); regard for,
in life and manners, I:208; rude and
unpolished, III:4; for simplicity and
nature, III:87; standard of manners
and, III:109­15; standard of nature
and, I:218­19; of virtuosos, I:207­8
Taste of life, loss of honor and, III:103­9
Taylor, Jeremy (Bishop); III:199­200,
199(n)­200(n)
Temper (temperament): of animals, good
or vicious, III:132, 132(n); change of,
goodness and, II:14­15; effects of disappointment
on, II:67­68; ill humor,
II:14, 66­67; mind and, II:66; natural
temper, II:15; of pedagogues, I:44, 47;
religious enthusiasm and, I:14­20; as
trial of virtue, II:21­22; ungoverned,
II:165­66; in well-bred man, III:99
Temperance, I:81; highest pleasures due
to, II:140; intemperance compared,
II:140­41; rewards of, II:36, 141; virtue
and, II:142
Terpsychore, I:195
Testimony: divine, II:187­88; miracles as,
II:187
Thalia, I:195
Theater: English, state of, III:156­58;
French, miscellany in, III:6­7 (See also
Comedy; Drama; Tragedy)
Theism, II:6, 7; advantages of virtue
and, II:41; atheism compared, II:41­
43, 119, 119(n); effects of misfortune
and, II:42­43; faith of, II:201; as
foundation of Christianity, II:118­19;
nominal v. real, II:151­52; perfection
of, II:33
Theology: foundations of, revelation
and, II:151­52, 156; rightful authors of,
I:221­22
Thespis, I:153, 153(n)
Thought: clarification of, I:107­8;
creation of matter by, II:167; halfthinkers,
wretched, III:183­85; mankind
unequal in, III:182­83; nature
of, II:206­7; III:117­18; principal in
man, II:173; as ruler of body, II:192,
201; weakness of, III:185­86 (See also
Freedom of thought)
Threats, ill-humor and, III:68­69
Tiberius, I:66
Tillotson, John (Archbishop), III:201­3,
202(n), 203(n)
Time: nature of, II:206; order of, in
history-painting, III:215­17, 218­19
Titles: accumulation of, III:204­5;
honorable, author as, III:4­5
Toleration: animosity toward, III:69­70;
of rational belief, III:65­66; religious
(See Religious toleration)
Torrentius, I:33(n)
Tragedy, I:150­52, 151(n)­152(n); spirit of
liberty and, I:135; theatrical, miscellany
following, III:6­7 (See also Comedy;
Drama; Theater)
Trajan, I:141
Treachery, II:96
Treatise, letter compared, III:14, 14(n)
Trust, temperance and, II:140­41
Truth: in art, I:89­90, 89(n)­90(n);
authors' understanding of, I:206,
206(n); beauty as, I:89­93; in dreams,
II:182­83; goodness as pledge of,
II:188, 188(n); historical (See Historical
truth); kinds of, I:91­92; moral (See
Moral truth); natural, I:91, 218; II:152;
perception and, III:44; poetic (See
Poetic truth); power of, I:4; skepticism
and, I:52­59; taught by lies, I:213(n),
213­14; use of parables and, I:41; wit
and, I:41­42
Tully, I:166; III:14
Tyranny, II:95­96; advantages of persecution
and, I:16; buffoonery and,
I:46­47; corruption of, I:67­68;
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 321
poetry and, I:135, 136; thought natural
by slaves, III:190
U
Understanding: importance of, I:117­18,
118(n); self-knowledge and, III:97
Unity: conformity with, III:217; natural,
social affection as, III:90; of universe,
II:195­96; of view, common sense and,
I:91
Unity in writing: of plot, III:159­60,
159(n)­160(n); of styles, III:17­18
Unity of design: in nature, II:200; in
tablature, III:213­14; in whole and
parts, II:161(n), 161­64
Unity of time, in tablature, III:218­19,
219(n)
Universal conflagration, II:213
Universal good, remoteness of, I:70
Universal mind. See God
Universe: atheistic view of, II:40­41;
beauty of, II:112; frame of, II:8­9;
immensity of, God and, II:207­8;
order and perfection sought, II:120­
21; order of, II:5­6, 159­81; as perfect
work of God, II:209; relation of man
to, III:91; system of, II:11, 161(n),
161­64; unity of, II:195­96
Universities, ineffectiveness of, I:77
Unnatural affections, II:50, 57; consequences
of, II:97­98; indulgence in,
II:97; kinds of, II:93­96; pleasure in,
II:96, 129­30
Urania, I:195
V
Value: of inward concerns, II:245­46;
III:121, 122; opinion as sole measure,
II:233
Vanity: caused by opinion, I:183; selfexamination
and, II:68
Variety: in belief, III:194­95; in scripture,
III:196­98
Varro, III:172
Venality, worth and, III:103­9
Venus, I:165, 207; III:223
Verbosity, soliloquy as remedy against,
I:100­106
Vice: appearing as virtue, I:217; causes
of, II:23, 98; denial of order as, III:23,
23(n); essential part of, II:56; fear of
self-knowledge, I:109, 127­28; force
of virtue and, II:165; misery of (See
Misery); opinion as sole measure,
II:233; slavery of, III:191(n)­192(n);
slavery to, III:187­92; unnatural passions
as, II:93­98; virtue mixed with,
II:22
Villains: degrees of virtue in, II:22­23;
false conscience in, II:71; pleasures
of mind in, II:58; virtue in, II:22­23;
youth as, III:109 (See also Knaves)
Violence, anger and, II:83
Virgil, I:29, 29(n); II:126
Virtue: arduous way of, III:224, 225(n);
atheism and, II:40­41; beauty of,
II:166; belief and, II:5­8, 35­36, 39(n),
39­40; causes of, II:23; degrees of,
II:22­23; deity, influence of, II:23­
44; disinterestedness and, I:62­64,
62(n)­63(n); distribution of justice
and, II:36­38; fixed standard for, I:218;
forfeited, ill affections and, II:20; as
freedom, III:191­92, 191(n)­192(n); of
genius, I:162­63; of gentlemen, I:78;
half-thinkers and, III:185; happiness
and, II:99, 100; hardship and, II:156;
love of, II:157; love of life and, II:38;
mankind and, II:120, 139­40; moral
sense and, II:18, 20, 23­30; natural
affections and, II:57­80; as natural
good, III:136; nature of debate on,
II:3­8; as noble enthusiasm, III:22;
obligation toward, II:45­47; opinion
as sole measure, II:233; order and,
II:156; piety as completion of, II:44; of
poets, I:129­30, 129(n)­130(n); power
of vice and, II:165; praised by poets,
I:88; principles of, II:150­51; proof
of, III:119­27; public good and, I:67;
II:18, 47, 100; punishment and reward
and, II:139­40; religion, relation to,
II:3­5; religion v. atheism and, II:3­5;
322 INDEX
Virtue (continued)
rewards of, I:61­62, 63­64; as rule of
love, II:65; self-affections and, II:80­
93; self-interest and, II:38­39, 55­56,
100; trial of, II:21­22; unnatural affections
and, II:93­98; unseen, I:76­80;
as victim of religion, II:143­45 (See also
Goodness)
Virtue, goddess of, III:214­16, 218, 220­
22; casual ornamentation of, III:236;
depiction of, III:222­26
Virtuosos: beauty and, I:85­86, 86­87;
defects of, III:99­100; foundations
of taste in, I:207­8; inferior, III:97;
philosophers compared, III:98;
philosophy, treatment of, III:176,
176(n); scholar compared, I:205­6,
205(n)­206(n); as subject of ridicule,
III:96­97
Vision, imperfect, appearance of ill and,
II:203­4
Visions, inclination toward, I:31­32
Visual images, I:viii­ix
W
War: battles, paintings of, III:232;
England engaged in, III:244­45;
fellowship in, I:71; grandeur of,
III:20­21; muses and, I:134; state of
nature as, II:175(n), 175­76, 180
War, religious: causes of, III:40, 40(n),
51, 51(n); persecution as, III:55­57,
55(n)­57(n)
Warmth, meditation on, II:214­15
Water, beauty of, II:211­12
Wealth: admiration of, II:225­26; good
and, II:240
Whitehall, architecture of, III:246
Whole: comprehension of, simplicity
and, III:234­35; constant nature of,
II:202; defined, III:159(n); individual
as part of, II:197­98; mind as ruler of,
II:199­200, 201; principle of order in,
II:203; relation of parts, II:159­60,
162­63, 171; III:160(n), 214, 237­38;
unity of design, II:161(n), 161­64 (See
also Unity)
Wilderness, II:217
Will: pleasure as, II:128­29; of princes,
I:131; subjected to fancy, II:130­31
Winter, meditation on, II:214
Wisdom: distinguished from wit, III:6;
self-examination and, I:224
Wit: buffoonery contrasted, I:46­
47; common sense and, I:49­52;
distinguished from wisdom, III:6;
enigmatic, on self-love, I:75(n), 75­
76; free discourse and, I:47(n), 47­49;
honesty and, I:80­81; lower, essay as,
III:5; miscellaneous writing and, III:3­
4; moral truth and, III:173, 173(n);
origins in nature, III:85; pedantry
contrasted, I:42­44; reasoning and,
I:44­46; skeptical (See Skepticism); as
trial of opinion, I:39­40; truth and,
I:41­42 (See also Ridicule)
Wolves, human nature compared, II:180
Women: beauty of, I:86; II:222; common
weakness of, III:226; courtship
of, III:71­72; female saints, III:25;
hatred and anger in, I:75; manners
of, affecting, II:106; modern gallantry
and, II:110­11; prostitutes, II:74; taste
for tales, I:214; treatment of, I:168,
169­70, 169(n)­170(n)
Wonderment, love of, II:183­84
Woods, stillness of, II:218
Workmanship: accuracy of, I:145; in
actions, I:163; artifice in, I:144
World: charm of, resisting, II:239;
knowledge of, morals and, III:129­
38; moral and natural, II:166; system
and, II:162, 209; without intelligence,
II:200­201
Worth: acknowledgment of, II:235;
venality and, III:103­9
Writers: critics distinguished from,
III:167­68; indolent and ignorant,
III:168; ships at sea, compared to,
III:61 (See also Author(s))
Writing: aesthetic quality of, I:vii­viii;
ancient and modern compared, I:126­
27, 144; art of, self-examination and,
I:201­2, 202(n); concealment of
INDEX TO THIS EDITION 323
method in, III:15; controversial, III:8­
12; divine inspiration of, III:48(n), 48­
49; epistolary style, III:13­14, 14(n);
genius in, I:121­22, 122(n)­123(n);
integrity in, III:160(n); knowledge as
requisite for, I:119(n), 119­21; manner
of, I:188­89; miscellaneous, III:3­
7; novels, condemnation of, II:111;
pace of, III:18; philosophical, II:148;
recapitulation, I:203; as reflection of
human nature, I:121­22, 124; religion
and, I:219­23; III:8­9; resemblance
to art, I:128; sacred, I:219­23; styles
of (See Styles of writing); subtlety
in, I:vii; translations of, III:13; unity
of style in, III:17­18; variation in,
III:60­61 (See also Drama; Poetry)
Wrong, nature of, II:18­20
X
Xenophon, I:139
Y
Youth: discipline of education and,
III:132; taste of, correcting, III:109
Z
Zeal: in architecture, III:246; defensive,
III:53(n), 53­55, 54(n); divine love and,
II:153; as enthusiasm perverted, III:40;
excess of, effect of, II:51; feigned, I:4;
imposture and, II:183; as inebriation,
III:43, 43(n); religious, as superstition,
III:25­26; religious war and, III:40(n),
40­41, 41(n)
Zeal, offensive: bigotry as, III:52, 52(n);
persecution as, III:55­57, 55(n)­57(n)
Zealots: awkwardness as writers, I:43­
44; enmity of, III:203­4; enthusiast
contrasted, II:124; fear of liberty, I:48,
I:56(n), I:56­57; growing numbers of
priests and, III:39­40; harmlessness
of, I:93; lacking knowledge of truth,
I:92; narrowness of spirit, II:33­34; as
prosecutors of superstition, I:57­58;
religious passions of, III:26; skepticism
of, I:58­59; virtue as victim of, II:145;
writings of, III:12­13
Zodiac, circle of, III:234, 234(n)
This book is set in Adobe Garamond. Robert Slimbach modeled
his design of Claude Garamond's type on sixteenth-century
original manuscripts. The companion italic was drawn from the
types of Robert Granjon, a contemporary of Garamond.
This book is printed on paper that is acid-free and meets the
requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence
of Paper for Printed Library Materials, Z39.48-1992.
Book design by Louise OFarrell,
Gainesville, Florida
Typography by Tseng Information Systems, Inc.,
Durham, North Carolina
Printed and bound by Edwards Brothers, Inc.,
Ann Arbor, Michigan