These Jugglers and Impostors _Lucian_ in great measure help'd to chase out of the World, by exposing them in their proper Colours, and by representing them as ridiculous as they were. But in a few Generations after him, a new Race of Men sprung up in the World, well known by the Name of _Monks_ and _Fryars_, different indeed from the former in Religion, Garb, and a few other Circumstances; but in the main, the same sort of Impostors, the same ever-lasting Cobweb-Spinners, as to their nonsensical Controversies, the same abandon'd _Wretches_, as to their Morals; but as to the mysterious Arts of heaping up Wealth, and picking the People's Pockets, infinitely superior to the _Pagan Philosophers_ and _Priests_. These were the sanctify'd Cheats, whose Folly and Vices _Erasmus_ has so effectually lash'd, that some Countries have entirely turn'd these Drones out of their Cells; and in other Places, where they are still kept up, they are in some measure become contemptible, and obliged to be always on their Guard. The Papists say, that these "[44]_Colloquies_, by turning into _Ridicule_ the Devotion to the holy Virgin and Saints, the Worship of Relicks and Images, religious Vows and Pilgrimages, have made more Hereticks than the Works of _Luther_ and _Calvin_." And I find the reverend Mr. _Trapp_ [after calling [45] _Reliques_, FOOLISH] celebrates _Erasmus_ for _having abundantly_ RIDICUL'D _them_. His _Praise of Folly_ treats of _serious_ Matters, in such a gay, familiar, ingenious and pleasant manner, as makes it a Work proper to be read by intelligent People, to remove out of their Minds all Bigotry contracted by Ignorance and an evil Education, all Peevishness, Hatred, and Ill-nature towards one another, on account of different Sentiments in Religion; and to form in them the natural Principles of Moderation, Humanity, Affection and Friendship. Our learned and ingenious Bishop _Kennet_ could not do a more signal Piece of Service to our Country, than by translating into _English_ this Book, which the Ladies have now an Opportunity of understanding no less than the Men; and from whence they may see the pleasant, amiable, and just Disposition of Mind of one of the most learned and ingenious Men that ever liv'd, as well as Author of a great Number of religious and devotional Books; nor could the Bishop well give a heartier Stroke at Popery, than by approving of _Erasmus_'s [46] _laughing_ at it, and applauding his numberless _Taunts on its Impostures, Cheats, and Delusions_.