A new edition of Toland's History of the druids: - Free History Ebooks

112 THE HISTORYiiill of Knock-a-loiv : but particularly Sneafeld,where it is not unpleasant (continues he) when theweather is clear and serene, to see three noble nationssurrounding one of the most obscure in theiniiverse: which is, as it were, the center of theBrittish empire."These heaps our author thoughtthe work of chance, tho' artfully contrive! inthe Celtic countries; as Dr. Martin thou2:ht aearn in the ile of Saint Kilda, whereof presently,to be a signal effect of Providence:allBut as for theMaimiar. nation (which is visibly the center of theBrittish world) it is very undeservedly become obscure,whether we consider what has been transactedin former ages, it havingbeen the theater ofmanysurprizing revolutions: or tiie particular usagesin religious and civil affairs", that even now obtainthere, especially their laws, which still continuemostly unvv^ritten(for which reason they call 'eml^reast-laivs) being without expense or delay, andundoubted remains of the justice of the Druids.For, wherever they were not themselves a party,neither the Egyptians, nor Persians, nor Greecs,nor Romans, did surpass the wisdom, equity, andstrictness of the Druids in the sanction or executionof their laws; which made all sorts of menleave their controversies of every kind to their determination,without any further appeal. Norwithout some regard in fact, and a vast deal morein profession, to moral virtue, cou'd any set of impostorsin uny country possibly support th.cir false