BOOKII：OFTHERELIGIONSOFTHEUTOPIANS
　　THEREareseveralsortsofreligions，notonlyindifferentparts
　　oftheisland，butevenineverytown;someworshippingthesun，
　　othersthemoonoroneoftheplanets：someworshipsuchmenas
　　havebeeneminentinformertimesforvirtueorglory，notonlyas
　　ordinarydeities，butasthesupremeGod：yetthegreaterand
　　wisersortofthemworshipnoneofthese，butadoreoneeternal，
　　invisible，infinite，andincomprehensibleDeity;asabeingthat
　　isfaraboveallourapprehensions，thatisspreadoverthewhole
　　universe，notbyHisbulk，butbyHispowerandvirtue;Himthey
　　calltheFatherofAll，andacknowledgethatthebeginnings，the
　　increase，theprogress，thevicissitudes，andtheendofall
　　thingscomeonlyfromHim;nordotheyofferdivinehonorstoany
　　buttoHimalone。Andindeed，thoughtheydifferconcerningother
　　things，yetallagreeinthis，thattheythinkthereisone
　　SupremeBeingthatmadeandgovernstheworld，whomtheycallin
　　thelanguageoftheircountryMithras。Theydifferinthis，that
　　onethinksthegodwhomheworshipsisthisSupremeBeing，and
　　anotherthinksthathisidolisthatGod;buttheyallagreein
　　oneprinciple，thatwhoeveristhisSupremeBeing，Heisalsothat
　　greatEssencetowhosegloryandmajestyallhonorsareascribed
　　bytheconsentofallnations。
　　Bydegrees，theyfallofffromthevarioussuperstitionsthatare
　　amongthem，andgrowuptothatonereligionthatisthebestand
　　mostinrequest;andthereisnodoubttobemadebutthatallthe
　　othershadvanishedlongago，ifsomeofthosewhoadvisedthemto
　　layasidetheirsuperstitionshadnotmetwithsomeunhappy
　　accident，whichbeingconsideredasinflictedbyheaven，madethem
　　afraidthattheGodwhoseworshiphadliketohavebeenabandoned，
　　hadinterposed，andrevengedthemselvesonthosewhodespised
　　theirauthority。Aftertheyhadheardfromusanaccountofthe
　　doctrine，thecourseoflife，andthemiraclesofChrist，andof
　　thewonderfulconstancyofsomanymartyrs，whoseblood，so
　　willinglyofferedupbythem，wasthechiefoccasionofspreading
　　theirreligionoveravastnumberofnations;itisnottobe
　　imaginedhowinclinedtheyweretoreceiveit。Ishallnot
　　determinewhetherthisproceededfromanysecretinspirationof
　　God，orwhetheritwasbecausetseemedsofavorabletothat
　　communityofgoods，whichisanopinionsoparticularaswellas
　　sodeartothem;sincetheyperceivedthatChristandhis
　　followerslivedbythatruleandthatitwasstillkeptupinsome
　　communitiesamongthesincerestsortofChristians。From
　　whichsoeverofthesemotivesitmightbe，trueitisthatmanyof
　　themcameovertoourreligion，andwereinitiatedintoitby
　　baptism。Butastwoofournumberweredead，sononeofthefour
　　thatsurvivedwereinpriest’sorders;wethereforecouldonly
　　baptizethem;sothattoourgreatregrettheycouldnotpartake
　　oftheothersacraments，thatcanonlybeadministeredbypriests;
　　buttheyareinstructedconcerningthem，andlongmostvehemently
　　forthem。Theyhavehadgreatdisputesamongthemselves，whether
　　onechosenbythemtobeapriestwouldnotbetherebyqualified
　　todoallthethingsthatbelongtothatcharacter，eventhoughhe
　　hadnoauthorityderivedfromthePope;andtheyseemedtobe
　　resolvedtochoosesomeforthatemployment，buttheyhadnotdone
　　itwhenIleftthem。
　　Thoseamongthemthathavenotreceivedourreligion，donot
　　frightanyfromit，andusenoneillthatgoesovertoit;sothat
　　allthewhileIwasthere，onemanwasonlypunishedonthis
　　occasion。Hebeingnewlybaptized，did，notwithstandingallthat
　　wecouldsaytothecontrary，disputepubliclyconcerningthe
　　Christianreligionwithmorezealthandiscretion;andwithso
　　muchheat，thathenotonlypreferredourworshiptotheirs，but
　　condemnedalltheirritesasprofane;andcriedoutagainstall
　　thatadheredtothem，asimpiousandsacrilegiouspersons，that
　　weretobedamnedtoeverlastingburnings。Uponhishaving
　　frequentlypreachedinthismanner，hewasseized，andaftertrial
　　hewascondemnedtobanishment，notforhavingdisparagedtheir
　　religion，butforhisinflamingthepeopletosedition：forthis
　　isoneoftheirmostancientlaws，thatnomanoughttobe
　　punishedforhisreligion。Atthefirstconstitutionoftheir
　　government，Utopushavingunderstoodthatbeforehiscomingamong
　　themtheoldinhabitantshadbeenengagedingreatquarrels
　　concerningreligion，bywhichtheyweresodividedamong
　　themselves，thathefounditaneasythingtoconquerthem，since
　　insteadofunitingtheirforcesagainsthim，everydifferentparty
　　inreligionfoughtbythemselves;afterhehadsubduedthem，he
　　madealawthateverymanmightbeofwhatreligionhepleased，
　　andmightendeavortodrawotherstoitbyforceofargument，and
　　byamicableandmodestways，butwithoutbitternessagainstthose
　　ofotheropinions;butthatheoughttousenootherforcebut
　　thatofpersuasion，andwasneithertomixwithitreproachesnor
　　violence;andsuchasdidotherwiseweretobecondemnedto
　　banishmentorslavery。
　　ThislawwasmadebyUtopus，notonlyforpreservingthepublic
　　peace，whichhesawsufferedmuchbydailycontentionsand
　　irreconcilableheats，butbecausehethoughttheinterestof
　　religionitselfrequiredit。Hejudgeditnotfittodetermine
　　anythingrashly，andseemedtodoubtwhetherthosedifferentforms
　　ofreligionmightnotallcomefromGod，whomightinspiremenin
　　adifferentmanner，andbepleasedwiththisvariety;hetherefore
　　thoughtitindecentandfoolishforanymantothreatenand
　　terrifyanothertomakehimbelievewhatdidnotappeartohimto
　　betrue。Andsupposingthatonlyonereligionwasreallytrue，and
　　therestfalse，heimaginedthatthenativeforceoftruthwould
　　atlastbreakforthandshinebright，ifsupportedonlybythe
　　strengthofargument，andattendedtowithagentleand
　　unprejudicedmind;while，ontheotherhand，ifsuchdebateswere
　　carriedonwithviolenceandtumults，asthemostwickedare
　　alwaysthemostobstinate，sothebestandmostholyreligion
　　mightbechokedwithsuperstition，ascorniswithbriarsand
　　thorns。
　　Hethereforeleftmenwhollytotheirliberty，thattheymightbe
　　freetobelieveastheyshouldseecause;onlyhemadeasolemn
　　andseverelawagainstsuchasshouldsofardegeneratefromthe
　　dignityofhumannatureastothinkthatoursoulsdiedwithour
　　bodies，orthattheworldwasgovernedbychance，withoutawise
　　overrulingProvidence：fortheyallformerlybelievedthatthere
　　wasastateofrewardsandpunishmentstothegoodandbadafter
　　thislife;andtheynowlookonthosethatthinkotherwiseas
　　scarcefittobecountedmen，sincetheydegradesonobleabeing
　　asthesoul，andreckonitnobetterthanabeast’s：thustheyare
　　farfromlookingonsuchmenasfitforhumansociety，ortobe
　　citizensofawell-orderedcommonwealth;sinceamanofsuch
　　principlesmustneeds，asoftashedaresdoit，despisealltheir
　　lawsandcustoms：forthereisnodoubttobemadethatamanwho
　　isafraidofnothingbutthelaw，andapprehendsnothingafter
　　death，willnotscrupletobreakthroughallthelawsofhis
　　country，eitherbyfraudorforce，whenbythismeanshemay
　　satisfyhisappetites。Theyneverraiseanythatholdthese
　　maxims，eithertohonorsoroffices，noremploytheminanypublic
　　trust，butdespisethem，asmenofbaseandsordidminds：yetthey
　　donotpunishthem，becausetheylaythisdownasamaximthata
　　mancannotmakehimselfbelieveanythinghepleases;nordothey
　　driveanytodissembletheirthoughtsbythreatenings，sothatmen
　　arenottemptedtolieordisguisetheiropinions;whichbeinga
　　sortoffraud，isabhorredbytheUtopians。Theytakecareindeed
　　topreventtheirdisputingindefenceoftheseopinions，
　　especiallybeforethecommonpeople;buttheysuffer，andeven
　　encouragethemtodisputeconcerningtheminprivatewiththeir
　　priestsandothergravemen，beingconfidentthattheywillbe
　　curedofthosemadopinionsbyhavingreasonlaidbeforethem。
　　Therearemanyamongthemthatrunfartotheotherextreme，
　　thoughitisneitherthoughtanillnorunreasonableopinion，and
　　thereforeisnotatalldiscouraged。Theythinkthatthesoulsof
　　beastsareimmortal，thoughfarinferiortothedignityofthe
　　humansoul，andnotcapableofsogreatahappiness。Theyare
　　almostallofthemveryfirmlypersuadedthatgoodmenwillbe
　　infinitelyhappyinanotherstate;sothatthoughtheyare
　　compassionatetoallthataresick，yettheylamentnoman’s
　　death，excepttheyseehimlothtodepartwithlife;fortheylook
　　onthisasaveryillpresage，asifthesoul，conscioustoitself
　　ofguilt，andquitehopeless，wasafraidtoleavethebody，from
　　somesecrethintsofapproachingmisery。Theythinkthatsucha
　　man’sappearancebeforeGodcannotbeacceptabletohim，whobeing
　　calledon，doesnotgooutcheerfully，butisbackwardand
　　unwilling，andis，asitwere，draggedtoit。Theyarestruckwith
　　horrorwhentheyseeanydieinthismanner，andcarrythemoutin
　　silenceandwithsorrow，andprayingGodthathewouldbemerciful
　　totheerrorsofthedepartedsoul，theylaythebodyinthe
　　ground;butwhenanydiecheerfully，andfullofhope，theydonot
　　mournforthem，butsinghymnswhentheycarryouttheirbodies，
　　andcommendingtheirsoulsveryearnestlytoGod：theirwhole
　　behavioristhenrathergravethansad，theyburnthebody，and
　　setupapillarwherethepilewasmade，withaninscriptionto
　　thehonorofthedeceased。
　　Whentheycomefromthefuneral，theydiscourseofhisgoodlife
　　andworthyactions，butspeakofnothingoftenerandwithmore
　　pleasurethanofhisserenityatthehourofdeath。Theythink
　　suchrespectpaidtothememoryofgoodmenisboththegreatest
　　incitementtoengageotherstofollowtheirexample，andthemost
　　acceptableworshipthatcanbeofferedthem;fortheybelievethat
　　thoughbytheimperfectionofhumansighttheyareinvisibleto
　　us，yettheyarepresentamongus，andhearthosediscoursesthat
　　passconcerningthemselves。Theybelieveitinconsistentwiththe
　　happinessofdepartedsoulsnottobeatlibertytobewherethey
　　will，anddonotimaginethemcapableoftheingratitudeofnot
　　desiringtoseethosefriendswithwhomtheylivedonearthinthe
　　strictestbondsofloveandkindness：besidestheyarepersuaded
　　thatgoodmenafterdeathhavetheseaffectionsandallothergood
　　dispositionsincreasedratherthandiminished，andtherefore
　　concludethattheyarestillamongtheliving，andobserveall
　　theysayordo。Fromhencetheyengageinalltheiraffairswith
　　thegreaterconfidenceofsuccess，astrustingtotheir
　　protection;whilethisopinionofthepresenceoftheirancestors
　　isarestraintthatpreventstheirengaginginilldesigns。
　　Theydespiseandlaughatauguries，andtheothervainand
　　superstitiouswaysofdivination，somuchobservedamongother
　　nations;buthavegreatreverenceforsuchmiraclesascannotflow
　　fromanyofthepowersofnature，andlookonthemaseffectsand
　　indicationsofthepresenceoftheSupremeBeing，ofwhichthey
　　saymanyinstanceshaveoccurredamongthem;andthatsometimes
　　theirpublicprayers，whichupongreatanddangerousoccasions
　　theyhavesolemnlyputuptoGod，withassuredconfidenceofbeing
　　heard，havebeenansweredinamiraculousmanner。
　　TheythinkthecontemplatingGodinHisworks，andtheadoringHim
　　forthem，isaveryacceptablepieceofworshiptoHim。
　　Therearemanyamongthem，thatuponamotiveofreligionneglect
　　learning，andapplythemselvestonosortofstudy;nordothey
　　allowthemselvesanyleisuretime，butareperpetuallyemployed。
　　believingthatbythegoodthingsthatamandoeshesecuresto
　　himselfthathappinessthatcomesafterdeath。Someofthesevisit
　　thesick;othersmendhighways，cleanseditches，repairbridges，
　　ordigturf，gravel，orstones。Othersfellandcleavetimber，and
　　bringwood，corn，andothernecessariesoncartsintotheirtowns。
　　Nordotheseonlyservethepublic，buttheyserveevenprivate
　　men，morethantheslavesthemselvesdo;forifthereisanywhere
　　arough，hard，andsordidpieceofworktobedone，fromwhich
　　manyarefrightenedbythelaborandloathsomenessofit，ifnot
　　thedespairofaccomplishingit，theycheerfully，andoftheirown
　　accord，takethattotheirshare;andbythatmeans，astheyease
　　othersverymuch，sotheyafflictthemselves，andspendtheir
　　wholelifeinhardlabor;andyettheydonotvaluethemselves
　　uponthis，norlessenotherpeople’scredittoraisetheirown;
　　butbytheirstoopingtosuchservileemployments，theyaresofar
　　frombeingdespised，thattheyaresomuchthemoreesteemedby
　　thewholenation
　　Ofthesetherearetwosorts;someliveunmarriedandchaste，and
　　abstainfromeatinganysortofflesh;andthusweaningthemselves
　　fromallthepleasuresofthepresentlife，whichtheyaccount
　　hurtful，theypursue，evenbythehardestandpainfullestmethods
　　possible，thatblessednesswhichtheyhopeforhereafter;andthe
　　nearertheyapproachtoit，theyarethemorecheerfulandearnest
　　intheirendeavorsafterit。Anothersortofthemislesswilling
　　toputthemselvestomuchtoil，andthereforepreferamarried
　　statetoasingleone;andastheydonotdenythemselvesthe
　　pleasureofit，sotheythinkthebegettingofchildrenisadebt
　　whichtheyowetohumannatureandtotheircountry;nordothey
　　avoidanypleasurethatdoesnothinderlabor，andthereforeeat
　　fleshsomuchthemorewillingly，astheyfindthatbythismeans
　　theyarethemoreabletowork;theUtopianslookupontheseas
　　thewisersect，buttheyesteemtheothersasthemostholy。They
　　wouldindeedlaughatanyman，whofromtheprinciplesofreason
　　wouldpreferanunmarriedstatetoamarried，oralifeoflabor
　　toaneasylife;buttheyreverenceandadmiresuchasdoitfrom
　　themotivesofreligion。Thereisnothinginwhichtheyaremore
　　cautiousthaningivingtheiropinionpositivelyconcerningany
　　sortofreligion。Thementhatleadthoseseverelivesarecalled
　　inthelanguageoftheircountryBrutheskas，whichanswersto
　　thosewecallreligiousorders。
　　Theirpriestsaremenofeminentpiety，andthereforetheyarebut
　　fewforthereareonlythirteenineverytown，oneforevery
　　temple;butwhentheygotowar，sevenofthesegooutwiththeir
　　forces，andsevenothersarechosentosupplytheirroomintheir
　　absence;buttheseenteragainupontheiremploymentwhenthey
　　return;andthosewhoservedintheirabsenceattenduponthe
　　high-priest，tillvacanciesfallbydeath;forthereisoneset
　　overalltherest。Theyarechosenbythepeopleastheother
　　magistratesare，bysuffragesgiveninsecret，forpreventingof
　　factions;andwhentheyarechosentheyareconsecratedbythe
　　CollegeofPriests。Thecareofallsacredthings，theworshipof
　　God，andaninspectionintothemannersofthepeople，are
　　committedtothem。Itisareproachtoamantobesentforbyany
　　ofthem，orforthemtospeaktohiminsecret，forthatalways
　　givessomesuspicion。Allthatisincumbentonthemisonlyto
　　exhortandadmonishthepeople;forthepowerofcorrectingand
　　punishingillmenbelongswhollytothePrinceandtotheother
　　magistrates。Theseverestthingthatthepriestdoesisthe
　　excludingthosethataredesperatelywickedfromjoiningintheir
　　worship。Thereisnotanysortofpunishmentmoredreadedbythem
　　thanthis，forasitloadsthemwithinfamy，soitfillsthemwith
　　secrethorrors，suchistheirreverencetotheirreligion;nor
　　willtheirbodiesbelongexemptedfromtheirshareoftrouble;
　　foriftheydonotveryquicklysatisfythepriestsofthetruth
　　oftheirrepentance，theyareseizedonbytheSenate，and
　　punishedfortheirimpiety。Theeducationofyouthbelongstothe
　　priests，yettheydonottakesomuchcareofinstructingthemin
　　lettersasinformingtheirmindsandmannersaright;theyuseall
　　possiblemethodstoinfuseveryearlyintothetenderandflexible
　　mindsofchildrensuchopinionsasarebothgoodinthemselvesand
　　willbeusefultotheircountry。Forwhendeepimpressionsof
　　thesethingsaremadeatthatage，theyfollowmenthroughthe
　　wholecourseoftheirlives，andconducemuchtopreservethe
　　peaceofthegovernment，whichsuffersbynothingmorethanby
　　vicesthatriseoutofill-opinions。Thewivesoftheirpriests
　　arethemostextraordinarywomenofthewholecountry;sometimes
　　thewomenthemselvesaremadepriests，thoughthatfallsoutbut
　　seldom，norareanybutancientwidowschosenintothatorder。
　　Noneofthemagistrateshasgreaterhonorpaidhimthanispaid
　　thepriests;andiftheyshouldhappentocommitanycrime，they
　　wouldnotbequestionedforit。TheirpunishmentislefttoGod，
　　andtotheirownconsciences;fortheydonotthinkitlawfulto
　　layhandsonanyman，howwickedsoeverheis，thathasbeenina
　　peculiarmannerdedicatedtoGod;nordotheyfindanygreat
　　inconvenienceinthis，bothbecausetheyhavesofewpriests，and
　　becausethesearechosenwithmuchcaution，sothatitmustbea
　　veryunusualthingtofindonewhomerelyoutofregardtohis
　　virtue，andforhisbeingesteemedasingularlygoodman，was
　　raiseduptosogreatadignity，degenerateintocorruptionand
　　vice。Andifsuchathingshouldfallout，formanisachangeable
　　creature，yettherebeingfewpriests，andthesehavingno
　　authoritybutwhatrisesoutoftherespectthatispaidthem，
　　nothingofgreatconsequencetothepubliccanproceedfromthe
　　indemnitythatthepriestsenjoy。
　　Theyhaveindeedveryfewofthem，lestgreaternumberssharingin
　　thesamehonormightmakethedignityofthatorderwhichthey
　　esteemsohighlytosinkinitsreputation。Theyalsothinkit
　　difficulttofindoutmanyofsuchanexaltedpitchofgoodness，
　　astobeequaltothatdignitywhichdemandstheexerciseofmore
　　thanordinaryvirtues。Norarethepriestsingreaterveneration
　　amongthemthantheyareamongtheirneighboringnations，asyou
　　mayimaginebythatwhichIthinkgivesoccasionforit。
　　WhentheUtopiansengageinbattle，thepriestswhoaccompanythem
　　tothewar，apparelledintheirsacredvestments，kneeldown
　　duringtheaction，inaplacenotfarfromthefield;andlifting
　　uptheirhandstoheaven，pray，firstforpeace，andthenfor
　　victorytotheirownside，andparticularlythatitmaybegained
　　withouttheeffusionofmuchbloodoneitherside;andwhenthe
　　victoryturnstotheirside，theyruninamongtheirownmento
　　restraintheirfury;andifanyoftheirenemiesseethem，orcall
　　tothem，theyarepreservedbythatmeans;andsuchascancomeso
　　nearthemastotouchtheirgarments，havenotonlytheirlives，
　　buttheirfortunessecuredtothem;itisuponthisaccountthat
　　allthenationsroundaboutconsiderthemsomuch，andtreatthem
　　withsuchreverence，thattheyhavebeenoftennolessableto
　　preservetheirownpeoplefromthefuryoftheirenemies，thanto
　　savetheirenemiesfromtheirrage;forithassometimesfallen
　　out，thatwhentheirarmieshavebeenindisorder，andforcedto
　　fly，sothattheirenemieswererunningupontheslaughterand
　　spoil，thepriestsbyinterposinghaveseparatedthemfromone
　　another，andstoppedtheeffusionofmoreblood;sothatbytheir
　　mediationapeacehasbeenconcludedonveryreasonableterms;nor
　　isthereanynationaboutthemsofierce，cruel，orbarbarousas
　　nottolookupontheirpersonsassacredandinviolable。
　　Thefirstandthelastdayofthemonth，andoftheyear，isa
　　festival。Theymeasuretheirmonthsbythecourseofthemoon，and
　　theiryearsbythecourseofthesun。Thefirstdaysarecalledin
　　theirlanguagetheCynemernes，andthelasttheTrapemernes;which
　　answersinourlanguagetothefestivalthatbegins，orends，the
　　season。
　　Theyhavemagnificenttemples，thatarenotonlynoblybuilt，but
　　extremelyspacious;whichisthemorenecessary，astheyhaveso
　　fewofthem;theyarealittledarkwithin，whichproceedsnot
　　fromanyerrorinthearchitecture，butisdonewithdesign;for
　　theirprieststhinkthattoomuchlightdissipatesthethoughts，
　　andthatamoremoderatedegreeofitbothrecollectsthemindand
　　raisesdevotion。Thoughtherearemanydifferentformsofreligion
　　amongthem，yetallthese，howvarioussoever，agreeinthemain
　　point，whichistheworshippingoftheDivineEssence;and
　　thereforethereisnothingtobeseenorheardintheirtemplesin
　　whichtheseveralpersuasionsamongthemmaynotagree;forevery
　　sectperformsthoseritesthatarepeculiartoit，intheir
　　privatehouses，noristhereanythinginthepublicworshipthat
　　contradictstheparticularwaysofthosedifferentsects。There
　　arenoimagesforGodintheirtemples，sothateveryonemay
　　representHimtohisthoughts，accordingtothewayofhis
　　religion;nordotheycallthisoneGodbyanyothernamethan
　　thatofMithras，whichisthecommonnamebywhichtheyall
　　expresstheDivineEssence，whatsoeverotherwisetheythinkitto
　　be;norarethereanyprayersamongthembutsuchaseveryoneof
　　themmayusewithoutprejudicetohisownopinion。
　　Theymeetintheirtemplesontheeveningofthefestivalthat
　　concludesaseason：andnothavingyetbroketheirfast，they
　　thankGodfortheirgoodsuccessduringthatyearormonth，which
　　isthenatanend;andthenextdaybeingthatwhichbeginsthe
　　newseason，theymeetearlyintheirtemples，toprayforthe
　　happyprogressofalltheiraffairsduringthatperioduponwhich
　　theythenenter。Inthefestivalwhichconcludestheperiod，
　　beforetheygotothetemple，bothwivesandchildrenfallon
　　theirkneesbeforetheirhusbandsorparents，andconfess
　　everythinginwhichtheyhaveeithererredorfailedintheir
　　duty，andbegpardonforit。Thusalllittlediscontentsin
　　familiesareremoved，thattheymayofferuptheirdevotionswith
　　apureandserenemind;fortheyholditagreatimpietytoenter
　　uponthemwithdisturbedthoughts，orwithaconsciousnessof
　　theirbearinghatredorangerintheirheartstoanyperson
　　whatsoever;andthinkthattheyshouldbecomeliabletosevere
　　punishmentsiftheypresumedtooffersacrificeswithoutcleansing
　　theirhearts，andreconcilingalltheirdifferences。Inthe
　　temples，thetwosexesareseparated，themengototheright
　　hand，andthewomentotheleft;andthemalesandfemalesall
　　placethemselvesbeforetheheadandmasterormistressofthat
　　familytowhichtheybelong;sothatthosewhohavethegovernment
　　ofthemathomemayseetheirdeportmentinpublic;andthey
　　interminglethemso，thattheyoungerandtheoldermaybesetby
　　oneanother;foriftheyoungersortwereallsettogether，they
　　wouldperhapstrifleawaythattimetoomuchinwhichtheyought
　　tobegetinthemselvesthatreligiousdreadoftheSupremeBeing，
　　whichisthegreatestandalmosttheonlyincitementtovirtue。
　　Theyofferupnolivingcreatureinsacrifice，nordotheythink
　　itsuitabletotheDivineBeing，fromwhosebountyitisthat
　　thesecreatureshavederivedtheirlives，totakepleasurein
　　theirdeaths，ortheofferingupoftheirblood。Theyburnincense
　　andothersweetodors，andhaveagreatnumberofwaxlights
　　duringtheirworship;notoutofanyimaginationthatsuch
　　oblationscanaddanythingtothedivinenature，whicheven
　　prayerscannotdo;butasitisaharmlessandpurewayof
　　worshippingGod，sotheythinkthosesweetsavorsandlights，
　　togetherwithsomeotherceremonies，byasecretandunaccountable
　　virtue，elevatemen’ssouls，andinflamethemwithgreaterenergy
　　andcheerfulnessduringthedivineworship。
　　Allthepeopleappearinthetemplesinwhitegarments，butthe
　　priest’svestmentsareparti-colored，andboththeworkandcolors
　　arewonderful。Theyaremadeofnorichmaterials，fortheyare
　　neitherembroiderednorsetwithpreciousstones，butarecomposed
　　oftheplumesofseveralbirds，laidtogetherwithsomuchartand
　　soneatly，thatthetruevalueofthemisfarbeyondthecostliest
　　materials。Theysaythatintheorderingandplacingthoseplumes
　　somedarkmysteriesarerepresented，whichpassdownamongtheir
　　priestsinasecrettraditionconcerningthem;andthattheyare
　　ashieroglyphics，puttingtheminmindoftheblessingsthatthey
　　havereceivedfromGod，andoftheirdutiesbothtoHimandto
　　theirneighbors。Assoonasthepriestappearsinthoseornaments，
　　theyallfallprostrateontheground，withsomuchreverenceand
　　sodeepasilencethatsuchaslookoncannotbutbestruckwith
　　it，asifitweretheeffectoftheappearanceofadeity。After
　　theyhavebeenforsometimeinthisposture，theyallstandup，
　　uponasigngivenbythepriest，andsinghymnstothehonorof
　　God，somemusicalinstrumentsplayingallthewhile。Theseare
　　quiteofanotherformthanthoseusedamongus：butasmanyof
　　themaremuchsweeterthanours，soothersaremadeuseofbyus。
　　Yetinonethingtheyverymuchexceedus;alltheirmusic，both
　　vocalandinstrumental，isadaptedtoimitateandexpressthe
　　passions，andissohappilysuitedtoeveryoccasion，thatwhether
　　thesubjectofthehymnbecheerfulorformedtosootheortrouble
　　themind，ortoexpressgrieforremorse，themusictakesthe
　　impressionofwhateverisrepresented，affectsandkindlesthe
　　passions，andworksthesentimentsdeepintotheheartsofthe
　　hearers。Whenthisisdone，bothpriestsandpeopleofferupvery
　　solemnprayerstoGodinasetformofwords;andtheseareso
　　composed，thatwhatsoeverispronouncedbythewholeassemblymay
　　belikewiseappliedbyeverymaninparticulartohisown
　　condition;inthesetheyacknowledgeGodtobetheauthorand
　　governoroftheworld，andthefountainofallthegoodthey
　　receive，andthereforeofferuptoHimtheirthanksgiving;andin
　　particularblessHimforHisgoodnessinorderingitsothatthey
　　arebornunderthehappiestgovernmentintheworld，andareofa
　　religionwhichtheyhopeisthetruestofallothers：butifthey
　　aremistaken，andifthereiseitherabettergovernmentora
　　religionmoreacceptabletoGod，theyimploreHimgoodnesstolet
　　themknowit，vowingthattheyresolvetofollowHimwhithersoever
　　Heleadsthem。Butiftheirgovernmentisthebestandtheir
　　religionthetruest，thentheypraythatHemayfortifythemin
　　it，andbringalltheworldbothtothesamerulesoflife，andto
　　thesameopinionsconcerningHimself;unless，accordingtothe
　　unsearchablenessofHismind，Heispleasedwithavarietyof
　　religions。ThentheypraythatGodmaygivethemaneasypassage
　　atlasttoHimself;notpresumingtosetlimitstoHim，howearly
　　orlateitshouldbe;butifitmaybewishedfor，without
　　derogatingfromHissupremeauthority，theydesiretobequickly
　　delivered，andtobetakentoHimself，thoughbythemostterrible
　　kindofdeath，ratherthantobedetainedlongfromseeingHimby
　　themostprosperouscourseoflife。Whenthisprayerisended，
　　theyallfalldownagainupontheground，andafteralittlewhile
　　theyriseup，gohometodinner，andspendtherestofthedayin
　　diversionormilitaryexercises。
　　ThushaveIdescribedtoyou，asparticularlyasIcould，the
　　constitutionofthatcommonwealth，whichIdonotonlythinkthe
　　bestintheworld，butindeedtheonlycommonwealththattruly
　　deservesthatname。Inallotherplacesitisvisible，thatwhile
　　peopletalkofacommonwealth，everymanonlyseekshisown
　　wealth;butthere，wherenomanhasanyproperty，allmen
　　zealouslypursuethegoodofthepublic：and，indeed，itisno
　　wondertoseemenactsodifferently;forinothercommonwealths，
　　everymanknowsthatunlessheprovidesforhimself，how
　　flourishingsoeverthecommonwealthmaybe，hemustdieofhunger;
　　sothatheseesthenecessityofpreferringhisownconcernsto
　　thepublic;butinUtopia，whereeverymanhasarightto
　　everything，theyallknowthatifcareistakentokeepthepublic
　　storesfull，noprivatemancanwantanything;foramongthem
　　thereisnounequaldistribution，sothatnomanispoor，nonein
　　necessity;andthoughnomanhasanything，yettheyareallrich;
　　forwhatcanmakeamansorichastoleadasereneandcheerful
　　life，freefromanxieties;neitherapprehendingwanthimself，nor
　　vexedwiththeendlesscomplaintsofhiswife？Heisnotafraidof
　　themiseryofhischildren，norishecontrivinghowtoraisea
　　portionforhisdaughters，butissecureinthis，thatbothheand
　　hiswife，hischildrenandgrandchildren，toasmanygenerations
　　ashecanfancy，willalllivebothplentifullyandhappily;since
　　amongthemthereisnolesscaretakenofthosewhowereonce
　　engagedinlabor，butgrowafterwardunabletofollowit，than
　　thereiselsewhereofthesethatcontinuestillemployed。
　　Iwouldgladlyhearanymancomparethejusticethatisamongthem
　　withthatofallothernations;amongwhom，mayIperish，ifIsee
　　anythingthatlookseitherlikejusticeorequity：forwhat
　　justiceisthereinthis，thatanobleman，agoldsmith，abanker，
　　oranyotherman，thateitherdoesnothingatall，oratbestis
　　employedinthingsthatareofnousetothepublic，shouldlive
　　ingreatluxuryandsplendor，uponwhatissoillacquired;anda
　　meanman，acarter，asmith，oraploughman，thatworksharder
　　eventhanthebeaststhemselves，andisemployedinlaborsso
　　necessary，thatnocommonwealthcouldholdoutayearwithout
　　them，canonlyearnsopooralivelihood，andmustleadso
　　miserablealife，thattheconditionofthebeastsismuchbetter
　　thantheirs？Forasthebeastsdonotworksoconstantly，sothey
　　feedalmostaswell，andwithmorepleasure;andhavenoanxiety
　　aboutwhatistocome，whilstthesemenaredepressedbyabarren
　　andfruitlessemployment，andtormentedwiththeapprehensionsof
　　wantintheiroldage;sincethatwhichtheygetbytheirdaily
　　labordoesbutmaintainthematpresent，andisconsumedasfast
　　asitcomesin，thereisnooverpluslefttolayupforoldage。
　　Isnotthatgovernmentbothunjustandungrateful，thatisso
　　prodigalofitsfavorstothosethatarecalledgentlemen，or
　　goldsmiths，orsuchotherswhoareidle，orliveeitherby
　　flattery，orbycontrivingtheartsofvainpleasure;andonthe
　　otherhand，takesnocareofthoseofameanersort，suchas
　　ploughmen，colliers，andsmiths，withoutwhomitcouldnot
　　subsist？Butafterthepublichasreapedalltheadvantageof
　　theirservice，andtheycometobeoppressedwithage，sickness，
　　andwant，alltheirlaborsandthegoodtheyhavedoneis
　　forgotten;andalltherecompensegiventhemisthattheyareleft
　　todieingreatmisery。Therichersortareoftenendeavoringto
　　bringthehireoflaborerslower，notonlybytheirfraudulent
　　practices，butbythelawswhichtheyprocuretobemadetothat
　　effect;sothatthoughitisathingmostunjustinitself，to
　　givesuchsmallrewardstothosewhodeservesowellofthe
　　public，yettheyhavegiventhosehardshipsthenameandcolorof
　　justice，byprocuringlawstobemadeforregulatingthem。
　　ThereforeImustsaythat，asIhopeformercy，Icanhaveno
　　othernotionofalltheothergovernmentsthatIseeorknow，than
　　thattheyareaconspiracyoftherich，whoonpretenceof
　　managingthepubliconlypursuetheirprivateends，anddeviseall
　　thewaysandartstheycanfindout;first，thattheymay，without
　　danger，preserveallthattheyhavesoillacquired，andthenthat
　　theymayengagethepoortotoilandlaborforthemataslow
　　ratesaspossible，andoppressthemasmuchastheyplease。Andif
　　theycanbutprevailtogetthesecontrivancesestablishedbythe
　　showofpublicauthority，whichisconsideredasthe
　　representativeofthewholepeople，thentheyareaccountedlaws。
　　Yetthesewickedmenaftertheyhave，byamostinsatiable
　　covetousness，dividedthatamongthemselveswithwhichallthe
　　restmighthavebeenwellsupplied，arefarfromthathappiness
　　thatisenjoyedamongtheUtopians：fortheuseaswellasthe
　　desireofmoneybeingextinguished，muchanxietyandgreat
　　occasionsofmischiefiscutoffwithit。Andwhodoesnotsee
　　thatthefrauds，thefts，robberies，quarrels，tumults，
　　contentions，seditions，murders，treacheries，andwitchcrafts，
　　whichareindeedratherpunishedthanrestrainedbytheseverities
　　oflaw，wouldallfalloff，ifmoneywerenotanymorevaluedby
　　theworld？Men’sfears，solicitudes，cares，labors，andwatchings，
　　wouldallperishinthesamemomentwiththevalueofmoney：even
　　povertyitself，forthereliefofwhichmoneyseemsmost
　　necessary，wouldfall。But，inordertotheapprehendingthis
　　aright，takeoneinstance。
　　Consideranyyearthathasbeensounfruitfulthatmanythousands
　　havediedofhunger;andyetifattheendofthatyearasurvey
　　wasmadeofthegranariesofalltherichmenthathavehoardedup
　　thecorn，itwouldbefoundthattherewasenoughamongthemto
　　havepreventedallthatconsumptionofmenthatperishedin
　　misery;andthatifithadbeendistributedamongthem，nonewould
　　havefelttheterribleeffectsofthatscarcity;soeasyathing
　　woulditbetosupplyallthenecessitiesoflife，ifthatblessed
　　thingcalledmoney，whichispretendedtobeinventedfor
　　procuringthem，wasnotreallytheonlythingthatobstructed
　　theirbeingprocured！
　　Idonotdoubtbutrichmenaresensibleofthis，andthatthey
　　wellknowhowmuchagreaterhappinessitistowantnothing
　　necessarythantoaboundinmanysuperfluities，andtoberescued
　　outofsomuchmiserythantoaboundwithsomuchwealth;andI
　　cannotthinkbutthesenseofeveryman’sinterest，addedtothe
　　authorityofChrist’scommands，whoasHewasinfinitelywise，
　　knewwhatwasbest，andwasnotlessgoodindiscoveringittous，
　　wouldhavedrawnalltheworldovertothelawsoftheUtopians，
　　ifpride，thatplagueofhumannature，thatsourceofsomuch
　　misery，didnothinderit;forthisvicedoesnotmeasure
　　happinesssomuchbyitsownconveniencesasbythemiseriesof
　　others;andwouldnotbesatisfiedwithbeingthoughtagoddess，
　　ifnonewereleftthatweremiserable，overwhomshemightinsult。
　　Pridethinksitsownhappinessshinesthebrighterbycomparingit
　　withthemisfortunesofotherpersons;thatbydisplayingitsown
　　wealth，theymayfeeltheirpovertythemoresensibly。Thisis
　　thatinfernalserpentthatcreepsintothebreastsofmortals，and
　　possessesthemtoomuchtobeeasilydrawnout;andthereforeIam
　　gladthattheUtopianshavefallenuponthisformofgovernment，
　　inwhichIwishthatalltheworldcouldbesowiseastoimitate
　　them;fortheyhaveindeedlaiddownsuchaschemeandfoundation
　　ofpolicy，thatasmenlivehappilyunderit，soitisliketobe
　　ofgreatcontinuance;fortheyhavingrootedoutofthemindsof
　　theirpeoplealltheseedsbothofambitionandfaction，thereis
　　nodangerofanycommotionathome;whichalonehasbeentheruin
　　ofmanyStatesthatseemedotherwisetobewellsecured;butas
　　longastheyliveinpeaceathome，andaregovernedbysuchgood
　　laws，theenvyofalltheirneighboringprinces，whohaveoften
　　thoughinvainattemptedtheirruin，willneverbeabletoput
　　theirStateintoanycommotionordisorder。
　　WhenRaphaelhadthusmadeanendofspeaking，thoughmanythings
　　occurredtome，bothconcerningthemannersandlawsofthat
　　people，thatseemedveryabsurd，aswellintheirwayofmaking
　　war，asintheirnotionsofreligionanddivinematters;together
　　withseveralotherparticulars，butchieflywhatseemedthe
　　foundationofalltherest，theirlivingincommon，withoutthe
　　useofmoney，bywhichallnobility，magnificence，splendor，and
　　majesty，which，accordingtothecommonopinion，arethetrue
　　ornamentsofanation，wouldbequitetakenaway;——yetsinceI
　　perceivedthatRaphaelwasweary，andwasnotsurewhetherhe
　　couldeasilybearcontradiction，rememberingthathehadtaken
　　noticeofsomewhoseemedtothinktheywereboundinhonorto
　　supportthecreditoftheirownwisdom，byfindingoutsomething
　　tocensureinallothermen’sinventions，besidestheirown;I
　　onlycommendedtheirconstitution，andtheaccounthehadgivenof
　　itingeneral;andsotakinghimbythehand，carriedhimto
　　supper，andtoldhimIwouldfindoutsomeothertimefor
　　examiningthissubjectmoreparticularly，andfordiscoursingmore
　　copiouslyuponit;andindeedIshallbegladtoembracean
　　opportunityofdoingit。Inthemeanwhile，thoughitmustbe
　　confessedthatheisbothaverylearnedman，andapersonwhohas
　　obtainedagreatknowledgeoftheworld，Icannotperfectlyagree
　　toeverythinghehasrelated;however，therearemanythingsin
　　theCommonwealthofUtopiathatIratherwish，thanhope，tosee
　　followedinourgovernments。