its full extent or force, as that they did not generally own, and but
very imperfectly discern, its prescriptions or obligation. 'Tis also
alike evident that as Christianity has prevail'd, it has together with
Polytheism, and (in great measure) Idolatry, beaten out likewise the
allow'd Practice of gross Immorality; which in the Heathen World was
countenanc'd, and incourag'd by the examples of their very Gods
themselves; and by being frequently made even a part in Religious
Worship. For the Truth of this effect of Christianity we must appeal
to History; from whence if any one should imagine they could oppose
any contrary example, it could (I think) be taken but from one only
Country; wherein (if the Historian says right) Morality was more
exemplary than in any other that we know of for near 400 Years that
its Pagan Natives possess'd it; whose exterminators (calling
themselves Christians) made it a most deplorable Scene of Injustice,
Cruelty and Oppression, bringing thither Vices unknown to those former
Inhabitants. But what only can follow from this example is, That a
People, having a continu'd Succession of Princes, who study to advance
the good of the Community, making that the sole Aim of their
Government; and directing all their Laws, and Institutions to that
End (which was the peculiar felicity of those happy _Americans_) will
without other than Natural Light much better practice all social
Vertues, than Men set loose from Law and Shame; who tho' Baptiz'd into
the Name of Christ have not yet so much as a true Notion of
Christianity, to the which, may certainly be added, or than any other
People, who tho' they have the Light of the Gospel among them, yet are
not govern'd by the Laws thereof; and a truly Christian Common-wealth
in this sense, remains yet to be seen in the World; which when it is,
the Vertue, and Felicity of such a People will be found much to
surpass the (perhaps partial) account which we have of that of the
_Peruvians_; whose so long uninterrupted Succession of Excellent