The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 3Browne, Thomas, Sir
Religion
The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 3
Browne, Thomas, Sir
Christianity; Ethics; Religion and medicine
That is, When that advantageous Island shall be well peopled, it may
become so strong and potent as to over-power the neighbouring Isles, and
also a part of the main Land, especially the Maritime parts. And already
in their infancy they have given testimony of their power and courage in
their bold attempts upon _Campeche_ and _Santa Martha_; and in that
notable attempt upon _Panama_ on the Western side of _America_:
especially considering this Island is sufficiently large to contain a
numerous people, of a Northern and warlike descent, addicted to martial
affairs both by Sea and Land, and advantageously seated to infest their
neighbours both of the Isles and the Continent, and like to be a
receptacle for Colonies of the same originals from _Barbadoes_ and the
neighbour Isles.
_When_ Spain _shall be in_ America _hid;
And_ Mexico _shall prove a_ Madrid.
That is, When _Spain_, either by unexpected disasters, or continued
emissions of people into _America_, which have already thinned the
Country, shall be farther exhausted at home: or when, in process of
time, their Colonies shall grow by many accessions more than their
Originals, then _Mexico_ may become a _Madrid_, and as considerable in
people, wealth and splendour; wherein that place is already so well
advanced, that accounts scarce credible are given of it. And it is so
advantageously seated, that, by _Acapulco_ and other Ports on the South
Sea, they may maintain a communication and commerce with the Indian
Isles and Territories, and with _China_ and _Japan_, and on this side,
by _Porto Belo_ and others, hold correspondence with _Europe_ and
_Africa_.
_When_ Mahomet's _Ships in the Baltick shall ride._
Of this we cannot be out of all fear; for, if the Turk should master
_Poland_, he would be soon at this Sea. And from the odd constitution of
the Polish Government, the divisions among themselves, jealousies
between their Kingdom and Republick; vicinity of the Tartars, treachery
of the Cossacks, and the method of Turkish Policy, to be at Peace with
the Emperour of _Germany_ when he is at War with the Poles, there may be
cause to fear that this may come to pass. And then he would soon
endeavour to have Ports upon that Sea, as not wanting Materials for
Shipping. And, having a new acquist of stout and warlike men, may be a
terrour unto the confiners on that Sea, and to Nations which now
conceive themselves safe from such an Enemy.
_When_ Africa _shall no more sell out their Blacks._
That is, When African Countries shall no longer make it a common Trade
to sell away the people to serve in the drudgery of American
Plantations. And that may come to pass when ever they shall be well
civilized, and acquainted with Arts and Affairs sufficient to employ
people in their Countries: if also they should be converted to
Christianity, but especially unto Mahometism; for then they would never
sell those of their Religion to be Slaves unto Christians.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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