Page:The Hunterian Oration, delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons ... February 14, 1817 (IA b22009358).pdf/22

14 ence of crafty or bigotted priests. By the former, mens’ property and lives are de- stroyed; and the Jaws and liberties of nations are overthrown—by the latter, the intellectual faculties are stupified and benumbed. Either of these causes is sufliciently afflictive ; but when both are united, as was the case during the period alluded to, nothing short of the power of the Almighty can stem or prevent the baleful effects of such. monstrous alliance. To enumerate the enormities and the cruelties, the tricks and cunning devices from thence arising, would be as difficult as to count the stars; and as to attempt it would be very unprofitably to occupy your time, let us leap over that horrid gulf, and hasten to the contemplation of brighter scenes. �