In _Euripides's Bacchæ, Pentheus_ is pull'd in pieces for using _Bacchus_ with Disrespect. And the _Chorus_ observes that God never fails to punish Impiety, and Contempt of Religion.[196] _Polyphemus_ blusters Atheistically, and pretends to be as great as _Jupiter_: But then his Eye is burnt out in the fifth Act.[197] And the _Chorus_ in _Heraclidæ_ affirm it next to Madness not to worship the Gods. I grant he has some profane Passages stand uncorrected, and what wonder is it to see a _Pagan_ Miscarry? _Seneca_, as he was inferiour in Judgment to the _Greeks_, so he is more frequent, and uncautious, in his Flights of extravagance. His Hero's and Heroines, are excessively bold with the Superior Beings. They rave to Distraction, and he does not often call them to an account for't. 'Tis true _Ajax Oileus_ is made an Example for Blaspheming in a Storm. He is first struck with Thunder, and then carried to the Bottom.[198] The Modern _Poets_, proceed upon the Liberties of _Seneca_, Their Madmen are very seldom reckon'd with. They are profane without Censure, and defie the _Living God_ with success. Nay, in some respect they exceed even _Seneca_ himself. He flies out only under Impatience; And never falls into these Fits without Torture, and hard Usage. But the _English Stage_ are unprovok'd in their Irreligion, and Blaspheme for their Pleasure. But supposing the _Theatres_ of _Rome_, and _Athens_ as bad as possible, what Defence is all This? Can we argue from _Heathenism_ to _Christianity_? How can the _practise_ be the same, where the _Rule_ is so very different? Have we not a clearer Light to direct us, and greater Punishments to make us afraid. Is there no Distinction between Truth and Fiction, between Majesty and a Pageant? Must God be treated like an Idol, and the _Scriptures_ banter'd like _Homers Elysium_, and _Hesiods Theogonia_? Are these the Returns we make Him for his Supernatural Assistance? For the more perfect Discovery of Himself, the stooping of his Greatness, and the Wonders of his Love. Can't we refuse the Happiness without affronting the Offer? Must we add Contempt to Disobedience, and Out-rage to Ingratitude? Is there no Diversion without Insulting the God that made us, the Goodness that would save us, and the Power that can damn us? Let us not flatter our selves, _Words_ won't go for Nothing. Profaness is a most Provoking Contempt, and a Crime of the deepest dye. To break through the Laws of a Kingdom is bad enough; But to make _Ballads_ upon the _Statute-Book_, and a Jest of Authority, is much worse. Atheists may fancy what they please, but God will _Arise and Maintain his own Cause_, and Vindicate his Honour in due time.