Wesley Corpus

3. Before we consider the truth of these suppositions, let us inquire into the rise of them. And as to the general supposition, that the world was once in a far more excellent state than it is, may we not easily believe that this arose (as did all the fabulous accounts of the golden age) from some confused traditions concerning our first parents and their paradisiacal state To this refer man of the fragments of ancient writings which men of learning have gleaned up. Therefore, we may allow that there is some truth in the supposition; seeing it is certain, the days which dam and Eve spent in Paradise were far better than any which have been spent by their descendants, or ever will be till Christ returns to reign upon earth. 4. But whence could that supposition arise, that men were formerly of a larger stature than they are now This has been a generally prevailing opinion, almost in all nations and in all ages. Hence near two thousand years ago, the well-known line of Virgil, -- Qualia nunc hominum producit corpora tellus. [Thus translated by Pitt: -- "Scarce twelve strong men the ponderous mass could raise, Such as disgrace these dark degenerate days." -- Edit.]