Private Vices, Public Benefits; With an Essay on Charity and Charity Schools, and a Search Into the Nature of Society (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1725. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... It is a Happiness that the Prayers as well as W ishes of moil People are insignificant and good for nothing; or else the only thing that could keep Mankind fit for Society, and the World from falling into Confusion, would be the Impossibility that all the Petitions made to Heaven should be granted. A dutiful pretty young Gentleman newly come from his Travels lies at the Briel waiting with Impatience for an Easterly Wind to waft him over to England, where a dying Father, who wants to embrace and give him his Blessing before he yields his Breath, lies hoaning after him, melted with Grief and Tenderness: In the mean while a British Minister, who is to take care of the Protestant Interest in Germany, is riding Post to Harwich, and in violent haste to be at Ratisbon before the Diet breaks up. At the fame time a rich Fleet lies ready for DEGREESMediterranean, and a fine Squadron is Dound for the Baltick. All these things may probably happen at once, at least there is no difficulty in supposing they Ihould. If these People are not Atheists, or very great Reprobates, they will all have some good Thoughts before they go to Sleep, and consequently about Bed-time they must all differently Fray for a fair Wind and a prosperous Voyage, don't fay but it is their Duty, and it is possible they may be all heard, but I am sure they can't be all served at the same time. After this I flatter my self to have demonstrated that, neither the Friendly Qualities and kind Affections that are natural to Man, nor the real Virtues he is capable of acquiring by / Reason and Self-Denial, are the Foundation of Society; but that what we call Evil in this World, Moral as well as Natural, is the grand Principle that makes us sociable Creatures, the solid Basis, the Life and Support of all Trade...