Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/77

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56
A Diſcourſe
Book I.

unto our Country is commonly call'd Piety; which for my part as I do not understand, so neither am I able to endure. For how comes it to be Piety? Which I acknowledge to be an excellent Virtue, and properly no­thing else but A LAWFUL, DUE, HONOUR AND LOVE TO GOD, AND OUR PARENTS. With what Fore head now doth our Country seat it self in the midst of these? Because say they it is that which is our most Ancient and Reverend Parent. Ah silly Souls! And herein injurious not only to Reason but also unto Nature it self. Is that a Parent? Upon what account, or in what respect? For I profess I see not, if you Lipsius are any sharper sighted, help to enlighten me. Is it because it hath entertain'd us (for that you seem'd to insinuate but now) the like hath been done to us often by an Host or Inkeeper. Hath it cherish'd us? So have our Nurses, and

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