Ceremonies the chief Subjects of their Fancies; by that means their Religions had a more awful impression, became more popular, and lasted longer in force than else they would have done; and why may not Christianity admit the same thing, if it be practis'd with Sobriety and Reverence? What Irreligion can there be in applying some Scripture-Expressions to Natural Things? Why are not the one rather exalted and purify'd, than the other defil'd by such Applications? The very Enthusiasts themselves, who are wont to start at such Wit as Atheistical, and more guilty of its Excesses than any other sort of Men: For whatever they alledge out of the Historical, Prophetical, or Evangelical Writings, and apply it to themselves, their Enemies, or their Country, though they call it the Mind of God, yet it is nothing else but Scripture-Comparison and Similitude.
The Sciences of Mens Brains are none of the best materials for this kind of Wit. Very few have happily succeeded in Logical, Metaphysical, Grammatical, nay even scarce in Mathematical Comparisons; and the reason is, because they are most of them conversant about Things remov'd from the Senses, and so cannot surprize the Fancy with very obvious, or quick, or sensible Delights.
The Wit that is founded on the Arts of Mens Hands, is masculine and durable: It consists of Images that are generally observ'd, and such visible Things which are familiar to Mens Hands. This therefore I will reckon as the first sort, which is still improvable by the Advancement of Experiments.
And to this I will add the Works of Nature, which are one of the best and mod fruitful Soils for the growth of Wit. It is apparent, that the Defect of
