From John Dryden’s Religio Laici
[Some proofs of the divinity of Scripture �though by no means all Dryden mentions]
Whether from length of Time its worth we draw,
The World is scarce more Antient than the Law:
Heav’ns early Care prescib’d for every Age;
First, in the Soul, and after, in the Page.
Or, whether more abstractedly we look,
Or on the Writers, or the written Book,
Whence, but from Heav’n, cou’d Men unskill’d in arts,
In several Ages born, in several parts,
Weave such agreeing Truths? or how or why
Shou’d all conspire to cheat us with a Lye?
Unask’d their Pains, ungrateful their Advice,
Starving their Gain, and Martyrdom their Price.