If profaneness were once found the general odium of the people, and a bar to all preferments, it might be hoped, things would quickly al- ter for the better. It was an ancient custom among the heathens, (as learned and excellent Mr. Hale of Eaton, out of Chrysostom observes) That if a man offered himself to contend in the Olympic games, he was not permitted so to do, till proclamation had been first made. Whether any man knew Mm to he either a servant^ or a man ofiiifh- mons life ? And if any such imputation were proved against him. it was sufficient to keep him back, let his skill be what it would.
What care was here taken, that their vanities should not be discre- dited .^ And will neither reason nor religion convince us, that not only equal, but far greater care ought to be taken, to discourage profane- ness among Christians, than the blind heathens ever took, to preserve the reputation of their vain exercises ? Let all subordinate ministers of state, and officers in the church, consider how great a part of this blessed reformation is demanded at their hands.
§ 12. Were kingdoms and commonwealths once purged from that spirit of profaneness and debauchery, which thus defiles and over- flows them, and the people generally reduced but to civility, sobriet}^, and temperance ; experience would quickly shew them the comfort- able effects, and happy fruits thereof.
For though this be much short of what Christianity exacts from
480 THE REASONABLENESS OF PERSONAL HE FORMATION*
all its professors, and insufficient to obtain the happiness of the world to come : yet it is greatly conducent to the civil happiness and flou- rishing of the kingdoms of this world ; and, therefore richly worthy the studies and endeavours of all men, to promote and obtain it.
There is no kingdom or commonwealth in the Christian world, which would not by this means breed and send forth multitudes more than they do, with excellent abilities and qualifications, fitting them to sit at the helm of government, and steer a more prosperous course than they do at present. A Avise and steady direction of the arduous and important affairs of kingdoms, can only be expected from those that are able to govern themselves, and their own affairs with sobriety and discretion.
If the laws of nations take care for the preservation and growth of timber, fit for the building of houses and ships, and every one sees the usefulness and necessity of such acts ; much more ought they to take care for such an education of men, as may render them ser- viceable members to the state, both in camp and council.
Magistrates are (in a sense) the foundation of kingdoms; the strong shoulders that bear the burden of government; And reason will tell, that so great a weight and stress, as the affairs and concerns of kingdoms, ought not to be laid on their shoulders, whose legs, through debauchery, are too weak to bear their own reeling and stag- gering bodies.
Seamen and soldiers are the walls of kingdoms, and (under God) their prudence and courage are the people's defence and safeguard. Plutarch tells us, there were two virtues in Hannibal, which made him prosperous and successful : There was in him, Plurimum auda- via ad capienda perkula, et plurimum consilii hiter ipsa pericula : He was bold in attempting, and prudent in managing the most diffi- cult services. The former had signified little without the latter. Courage may throw men into the midst of difficulties ; but counsel and wisdom helps them to emerge those difficulties ; and I am sure, that cannot be rationally expected from men, that daily dethrone their own reason by debauchery.
But when men, not only sober, just, and temperate, but reUgiously good, are employed in public trusts and services ; we cannot but think the security and prosperity of such a state are abundantly pro- vided for. And our confidence hereof is not only founded upon the maxims of human reason, but of scripture, wisdom, and authority also.
What a renowned, prosperous, and successful captain of the armies of Israel, was good Joshua ! No man was able to stand before him all the days of his life, Josh. i. 5. But what bred those brave, gallant, and undaunted spirits in the breast of this hero, and crowned his noble designs with such admirable success ? If we look into ver. 8. we shall find it was religion, that gave both the edge and point to his jiatural courage; " This book of the law shall not depart out of thy
THE REASONABLENESS OF TEESONAL EEFOItMATION. 4^1
mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do all that is written therein : for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Hezekiah, this way, became a nonsuch among the kings of Judah ; he " he clave to the Lord, and the Lord was with him ; and he prospered, whithersoever he went forth,'"* 2 Kings xviii. 5, 6, 7. And dying David from a whole life of experience, recommended this as the only method of prosperity, unto Solomon his son ; " Keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways ; that thou mayest prosper in all that thou dost, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself,^' 1 Kings ii. 3, 4.
How great a lustre therefore doth this truth cast about it : that the restraint and reformation of vice, and the due encouragement of vir- tue and piety, becomes the very civil interest of kingdoms and nations, by the joint votes and suiFrages both of human and divine wisdom ? Let any kingdom or state make trial of this method, and from that very time they shall date their prosperity. This will make them be- come the terrors of their enemies round about them : Peace and pros- perity shall flourish in the midst of them ; which is the true level and design of this most necessary and seasonable attempt.
Producing one dictate, or rule of right reason, respecting moralifij^ allowed hy mankind ; and passing current through the world, without one negative voice, except only from those men, whose reasons are utterly captivated hy their lusts,