That _Socrates_ was no Atheist is clear from Instances enough. To mention but one. The Confidence he had in his _Dæmon_, or _Genius_ by which he governed his Affairs puts it beyond all dispute.[72] However 'tis plain _Aristophanes_ was not of his Religion. The _Comedian_ was by no means for correcting the Common Perswasion. So that he must either be an Orthodox Heathen or nothing at all. Let us see then with what Respect he treats the Receiv'd _Divinities_. This _Play_, where one would not expect it, discovers somewhat of his Devotion. In the beginning of it _Phidippides_, who was a sort or _New-Market_ Spark, swears by _Jocky Neptune_,[73] that he had a strange Kindness for his Father _Strepsiades_. upon this the old Man replies; _No Jocky, if you love me; that Deity has almost undone me_. This was making somewhat bold with _Neptune_ who was _Jupiters_ Brother, _Soveraign_ of a whole _Element_, and had no less than the Third Share of the Universe! Certainly _Aristophanes_ had no Venture at Sea, or else must think the _Trident_ signified but very little. But this is meer Ceremony to what follows. In his first _Play_ _Plutus_ pretends he had a mind to oblige only Men of Probity, but _Jupiter_ had made him blind on purpose that he might not distinguish Honest men from Knaves: For to be plain _Jupiter_ had a Pique against Good people. Towards the end of this _Comedy Mercury_ is abused by _Cario_,[74] and acts a ridiculous, and lessening part himself. Afterwards he complains heavily that since _Plutus_ was cured of his Blindness, the business of Sacrifing fell off, and the Gods were ready to starve. This _Mercury_ has the same ill Usage with the _Poets_ Knaves, Informers, and Lewd Women; From all this stuff put together, his meaning is pretty plain, _viz._ That Religion was no better than an Imposture supported by Art, and Ignorance: And that when Men's Understandings were awake, and their Eyes a little open, they would have more discretion than to be at any expence about the Gods.