And as forreign as this Instance may seem, was there any comfort in drawing the _Parallel_, we shou'd find but too great a Similitude between the _Places_ in question, and the _Idolatrous Temples_; while the other difference that is in the case seems to lie on the side I am writing, that if Christians might sin in the use of their _Liberty_ to the offence of their Brethren, much more wou'd they do so in such a Point as we have before us, where their own Consciences can hardly be clear, as we shall think it more difficult for them to be, if we consider yet further what _Mankind_ will come to at last if this _Humour_ prevails. It is confess'd on all hands, that we live in a sad degenerate Age, and though some have suggested other causes of our horrid Declension, yet most considering People have the fairness to own, that the _Stage_ has gon furthest in running us down to this low and almost Brutal condition; nor will there remain much question of this, if we can but agree what _Corruption_ is. If Exposing Religion with the Persons and things design'd for the keeping it up in the World, will pass for disorder; or if the Increase of Pride and Injustice, Blood and Revenge, are any signs of our being _Depraved_; or if want of Modesty, Obedience, and Love, contempt of Marriage, and neglect of it's Bonds may serve to shew the _foundations_ of things to be at all _out of Course_. I think we have sufficient warrant to lay the confusion at that _Door_, which opens to these. That these things are taught there, and found in the World, can be no way deny'd, and then it is not of any great use to enquire, whether strictly speaking they were at first brought from thence, or carryed thither. For when our Bodies and Minds are much out of order at once, 'tis hard saying where the Distemper began; and the less material to know, when both must have their Cures apply'd, and it is to the advantage of neither, that they go on to hurt one another. If the ill humour does not begin in the place we suppose, it is there at least increased to a head, and thrown out again into all parts of the body, many of which to be sure first have it from thence, tho' they afterwards help to keep up the Spring: And if this pestilent Matter, be not only thus suffered to circulate, but assisted to spread, the _Sickness_ will quickly be _unto Death_. For whatever some fancy, a Nation can never live long without any Religion, nor Religion subsist without some to attend it as their principal Care: So that shou'd it indeed come to pass, that no body minded what Men of this Character said, as these _Teachers_ would have it, Darkness with all it's hideous works wou'd soon cover the face of the Land, and make it fit for the Stroke.