Page:Works of Plato, vol. 1 (Dacier,1701).pdf/15

      A Discourse on Plato. Conversion, that a Heathen in the most Idolatrous City in the World, and almost 400 years before the light of the Gospel illuminated the Universe, should declare and prove a good part of the Truths of the Christian Religion.

The Circumstance of the Time is remarkable, for Plato to write immediately after the three last Prophets that were in Israel. So that as soon as the Prophets ceased among the Jews, God raises up Philosophers to enlighten the Gentiles; and divers of the Principles of the Gospel are taught at Athens. Where 'tis prov’d,

That there is but one God, that we ought to love and serve him, and to endeavour to resemble him in Holiness and Righteousness; that this God rewards Humility, and punishes Pride.

That the true: Happiness of Man consists in being united to God, and his only Misery in being separated from him.

That the Soul is mere Darkness, unless it be illuminated by God, that Men are uncapable even of praying well, unless God teaches 'em that Prayer, which alone can be useful to ’em.

That there is nothing solid and subsantial but Piety, that this is the Source of Vertues, and that it is the gift of God.

That ’tis better to die than to sin.

That we ought continually to be learning to die, and yet to endure life, in obedience to God.

That 'tis a Crime to hurt our Enemies, and to revenge our selves for the Injuries we have received.

That 'tis better to suffer wrong than to do it. That God is the sole Cause of Good, and cannot be the Cause of Evil, which always proceeds only from our Disobedience, and the ill use we make of our Liberty.

That Self-love produces that Discord and Division which reign among Men, and is the cause of their Sins ; that the love of our Neighbours, which proceeds from the love of God as its Principle, produces that sacred Union which makes Families, Republicks, and Kingdoms happy. That