1. These Athenians began to be a people about the year of the World 2496. about 1558 An. before Christs Birth; and when this was written it was the 51st. year of Christ. It was at that time a City 1609 years old under various changes, and grew up to great Trade for Merchants, and as great Learning, for it was through a long course of years the University of the World. And a place that wandering Wits delighted to visit. Now among such Capriccios, so many curious, and inquisitive Humours, succeeding one another, and inventing New things, and glorying in the invention; no wonder that their Inquiries were Vain, or Ridiculous, or Mischievous to others. If sad threatening News were reported, they enquired into it; they betook themselves to their Antiquity, their Power, Wisdom, and their Idols, &c. So did Nineveh of old, so did a City more Ancient than Nineveh, Nah. 2.8, 9, 10. &c. If Tidings affrighted Rome, the Palladium, the duration of the City, Roma aeternum duratura, and such like are enquired after as the security they trust in. Jerusalem, though better taught yet became so brutish as to Enquire after vain and helpless Refuges against bad News: The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, Jer. 7.4. or else they contemn the Rod, and him that useth it. Can the Ancient City, the Glory of the World be destroyed? Or shall the Course of its Prosperity after many hundred years be changed into Misery? This were Athenian like to enquire into the Effects of New Causes. If new Judgments threaten us for our old Sins, and we hear that they approach, a Christian Enquiry should be, How we may prevent the Execution by a speedy return unto God.
1. These Athenians began to be a people about the year of the World 2496. about 1558 An. before Christs Birth; and when this was written it was the 51st. year of Christ. It was at that time a City 1609 years old under various changes, and grew up to great Trade for Merchants, and as great Learning, for it was through a long course of years the University of the World. And a place that wandring Wits delighted to visit. Now among such Capricio's, so many curious, and inquisitive Humors, succeeding one another, and inventing New things, and glorying in the invention; no wonder that their Inquiries were Vain, or Ridiculous, or Mischievous to others. If sad threatning News were reported, they enquir'd into it; they betook themselves to their Antiquity, their Power, Wisdom, and their Idols, &c. So did Niniveh of old, so did a City more Antient than Nineveh, Nah. 2.8, 9, 10. &c. If Tidings affrighted Rome, the Palladium, the duration of the City, Roma aeternum duratura, and such like are enquired after as the security they trust in. Jerusalem, though better taught yet became so brutish as to Enquire after vain and helpless Refuges against bad News: The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, Jer. 7.4. or else they contenm the Rod, and him that useth it. Can the Antient City, the Glory of the World be destroy'd? Or shall the Course of its Prosperity after many hundred years be changed into Misery? This were Athenian like to enquire into the Effects of New Causes. If new Judgments threaten us for our old Sins, and we hear that they approach, a Christian Enquiry should be, How we may prevent the Execution by a speedy return unto God.
