Occasional Thoughts in Reference to a Vertuous or Cristian life | Page 2

suggested to me by others. The which taking
their rise from a particular Enquiry, and thence proceeding to a general
Consideration of the Folly and Madness of Rational Creature's acting,

as if they had no other Principle to direct or determin them, than the
Incitements of their Passions and Appetites, comprehended at once the
unhappiness of Mankind, both Here and Hereafter. Since those
Breaches of the Eternal Law of Reason, which disorder
Common-wealths and Kingdoms; disturb the Peace of Families; and
make by far the greatest part of the Private Infelicities of Particular
Persons in this World, are what the Sovereign Disposer of all things has
ordain'd, shall render Men miserable in a future Life also.
A survey of which Moral Irregularities, as bringing into view a large
Scene of Human Depravity, does indeed furnish matter for melancholy,
rather than pleasing Contemplations: But the Mind is sometimes no less
affected with Delight, wherein there is a mixture of sadness on Subjects,
which in themselves consider'd are ungrateful, than on occasions the
most welcome to us: And such a just zeal in any for the interests of
Vertue, as makes them, with a Charitable concern, reflect on the
miscarriages of others, and thence take occasion to examine their own
Actions by the true Rules and Measures of their Duty, expresses a
disposition of Mind too becoming Rational Creatures, and too seldom
met withal, not to please, tho' excited by Representations which are
disagreeable; provided they are of such a matter as is not then new to
our Thoughts.
That the Gross of Mankind do every where live in opposition to that
Rule of Nature which they ought to obey, is a sad Truth; but that we
who have this Rule enforc'd by a clearer Light, are included herein, and
do in this find the source of many Evils, not only fear'd, but which we
actually feel, are Considerations yet more affecting, and not a little
aggravated in that, within Memory, this heretofore sober Nation has
been debauch'd from Principles of Vertue and Religion, to such an
excess of Vice and Prophaneness, that it has been Fashionable to have
no shame of the grossest Immoralities; and Men have thought even to
recommend themseves by avow'd Impiety. A Change which could not
be consider'd without extream regret by all who either were in earnest
Christians, or who truly lov'd the Prosperity of their Country: And as
upon this occasion there was reason to be sensible that nothing operates
so powerfully as the example of Princes; some have been of later Years
induc'd to hope for a revolution in our Manners, no less advantageous
than what has hitherto secur'd those Civil and Religious Liberties,

without which it is impossible for Vertue to subsist among any People
whatsoever. But Experience shows that Humane Nature is much easier
led into Evil, than reduc'd from it; and that inveterate Maladies are
difficultly cur'd.
When Men's Practices have infected their Principles and Opinions; and
these have had time again reciprocally to confirm them in their Vicious
Habits and Customs, the whole Constitution is corrupted; and the
Personal Vertue then of the Prince (however conspicuous) will not,
without a concurrence of other means, influence farther than to make (it
may be) some change in the Garb, or Fashion of Men's Vices.
A due and vigorous Execution of proper Laws against Immorality and
Prophaneness, is that alone which will effectually restrain them: And a
right care had of Education, is the only humane means of making
People truly Vertuous. Whenever our inferiour Magistrates shall be
such as will be _a terror to Evil doers, and encouragers of those who do
well_, and when Parents shall be perswaded that it is in their power to
procure to their Children more valuable Treasures than Riches and
Honours; the ancient Vertue of our Ancestors will then quickly be
equall'd, if not surpass'd, by that of their Posterity: But till then, it is in
vain to expect that any great Advances should be made towards an
Amendment, as necessary to our present and National, as to our
Personal and Future Happiness.
What the force of Education is upon our Minds, and how by a due
regard had to it, Common-wealths and Kingdoms have flourished, and
become famous; and how much this has been recommended by Wise
Men in all Ages, requires but a small consideration of Humane Nature,
and Acquaintance with History to inform us; nor is any thing more
obvious to observe than the power of Education. This matter yet has no
where been ordinarily look'd after, proportionably to the moment it is
visibly of: And even the most sollicitous about it, have usually
employ'd their care herein but by halves with respect to the Principal
Part in so great a concernment; for the information