_This discourse is but a necessary consequence of the preceding. The
whole no other than an essay, toward investigating the true nature of the
wonderful appearance of an earthquake. And something is done toward it,
if only by eradicating an old error. In attaining the proposed end, I
have endeavour'd to lay all the necessary circumstances together, which
to our great amazement we have seen, and felt. That they may not be as
soon forgotten, as they generally were, by the giddy multitude; equally
thoughtless of what they knew to be past, as childishly fearful of an
imaginary one, subsequent: for which there could not be the least ground
of apprehension. By sober persons it was, with great reason, thought a
judicial infatuation, and as much to be wonder'd at, as an earthquake
itself; a real panic. When a third part of this immense city ran out into
the fields for half a cold night; alarm'd with the silly prediction of a
distemper'd fellow!_
_Nothing could tempt one to commemorate the follies of our cotemporaries,
but the hope, it may be useful hereafter: and to show the true cause
of this senseless terror; the want of a true sense of religion; and an
universal degeneracy, and corruption of manners: begun by the great ones,
and now propagated thro' all degrees to the lowest: begun in this great
city; and now advancing apace to every great town in the kingdom._
_'Tis from the great ones alone, that we can hope for a reformation:
and_ that _by a strict observance of the sabbatical duty. Example, we
know, governs the actions of mankind_. That _must restore the practice,
and the influence of religion: which alone can prevent the dangers that
infest every corner of our streets; every road in the kingdom. We mistake
the point, and betray our ignorance in human nature, when we think,
acts of parliament, laws, and executions will do it. They are very weak
in comparison of the impressions of religion, and conscience: as all
philosophy both natural and religious, has hitherto thought, and known._