Part ii

. Of Poetry._

JOHN TILLOTSON. 1630-1694.

If God were not a necessary Being of himself, he might almost seem to be made for the use and benefit of men.[266-2]

FOOTNOTES:

[266-2] If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.--VOLTAIRE: _A l' Auteur du Livre des trois Imposteurs, épître cxl._

WILLIAM STOUGHTON. 1631-1701.

God sifted a whole nation that he might send choice grain over into this wilderness.[266-3]

_Election Sermon at Boston, April 29, 1669._

FOOTNOTES:

[266-3] God had sifted three kingdoms to find the wheat for this planting.--LONGFELLOW: _Courtship of Miles Standish, iv._

JOHN DRYDEN. 1631-1701.

Above any Greek or Roman name.[267-1]

_Upon the Death of Lord Hastings. Line 76._

And threat'ning France, plac'd like a painted Jove, Kept idle thunder in his lifted hand.

_Annus Mirabilis. Stanza 39._

Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 't was natural to please.

_Absalom and Achitophel.