,,sup]/ition ,,9 ,,all ,,ages  ,by ,jean
 ,mesli]  #agcb   ,a ,,roman ,,ca?olic  
,,prie/1 ,,:o1 ,,aft] ,a ,,pa/oral      
,,s]vice ,,( ,,?irty ,,ye>s ,,at        
,,etrepigny ,,9 ,,*ampagne1 ,,france1   
,,:olly ,,abjur$ ,,religi\s ,,dogmas1   
,,& ,,left ,,z ,,8 ,,la/ ,,w ,,&        
,,te/am5t ,,to ,,8 ,,p>i%ion]s1 ,,& ,,to
 ,,! ,,_w1 ,,to ,,be ,,publi%$ ,,aft]   
,,8 ,,dea?1 ,,! ,,foll[+ ,,pages1       
,,entitl$3 ,,common ,,s5se4   ,translat$
 f ! ,fr5* orig9al by ,miss ,anna ,knoop
   #ahgh     ,,life ,,( ,,jean ,,mesli] 
,,by ,,voltaire4  ,jean ,mesli]1 born   
#afgh1 9 ! village ( ,maz]ny1 dep5d5cy (
 ! du*y ( ,re!l1 0 ! son ( a s]ge weav]2
 br\ght up 9 ! c\ntry1 he nev]!less     
pursu$ 8 /udies & succe$$ to !          
prie/hood4 ,at ! sem9>y1 :]e he liv$ )  
mu* regul>ity1 he devot$ himself to !   
sy/em ( ,desc>tes4  ,becom+ curate (    
,etrepigny 9 ,*ampagne & vic> ( a little
 annex$ p>i% nam$ ,bue1 he 0 rem>kable =
 ! au/]ity ( 8 habits4 ,devot$ 9 all 8  
duties1 e ye> he gave :at rema9$ ( 8    

sal>y to ! poor ( 8 p>i%es2 en?usia/ic1 
& ( rigid virtue1 he 0 v temp]ate1 z mu*
 9 reg>d to 8 appetite z 9 relation to  
wom54  ,,mm4 ,voiri & ,delavaux1 ! "o   
curate ( ,v>q1 ! o!r curate (           
,b\lzic\rt1 7 8 confessors1 & ! only    
ones ) :om he associat$4  ,! curate     
,mesli] 0 a rigid p>tisan ( ju/ice1 &   
sometimes c>ri$ 8 zeal a little too f>4 
,! "l ( 8 village1 ,m4 de ,t\illy1 hav+ 
ill-treat$ "s peasants1 he refus$ to    
pray = him 9 8 s]vice4 ,m4 de ,mailly1  
,ar*bi%op ( ,rheims1 be=e :om ! case 0  
br\ght1 condemn$ him4 ,b ! ,sunday :i*  
foll[$ ?is decision1 ! abbot ,mesli]    
/ood 9 8 pulpit & compla9$ ( ! s5t5ce ( 
! c>d9al4 ,?is is1 said he1 ! g5]al fate
 ( ! poor c\ntry prie/2 ! ar*bi%ops1 :o 
are great lords1 scorn !m & d n li/5 to 
!m4 ,!re=e1 let u pray = ! "l ( ?is     
place4 ,we w pray = ,anto9e de ,t\illy1 
t he may be conv]t$ & grant$ ! grace t  
he may n wrong ! poor & despoil !       
orphans4 ,8 lord%ip1 :o 0 pres5t at ?is 
mortify+ supplication1 br\ght new       

compla9ts be=e ! same ar*bi%op1 :o ord]$
 ! curate ,mesli] to come to ,don*]y1   
:]e he ill-treat$ him ) abusive         
language4  ,!re h be5 sc>cely any o!r   
ev5ts 9 8 life1 nor o!r b5efice1 ?an t (
 ,etrepigny4 ,he di$ 9 ! odor ( sanctity
 9 ! ye> #agcc1 fifty-five ye>s old4 ,x 
is believ$ t1 disgu/$ ) life1 he        
expressly refus$ necess>y food1 because 
dur+ 8 sickness he 0 n will+ to take    
any?+1 n ev5 a glass ( w9e4  ,at 8 dea? 
he gave all he possess$1 :i* 0          
inconsid]able1 to 8 p>i%ion]s1 & desir$ 
to be buri$ 9 8 g>d54  ,!y 7 greatly    
surpris$ to f9d 9 8 h\se ?ree           
manuscripts1 ea* conta9+ ?ree hundr$ &  
sixty-six pages1 all writt5 by 8 h&1    
sign$ & entitl$ by him1 ,my ,te/am5t4   
,?is "w1 :i* ! au?or address$ to 8      
p>i%ion]s & to ,m4 ,l]\x1 advocate &    
procurator = ! p>liam5t ( ,mezi]s1 is a 
simple refutation ( all ! religi\s      
dogmas1 )\t except+ "o4 ,! gr& vic> (   
,rheims reta9$ "o ( ! ?ree copies2 ano!r
 0 s5t to ,monsieur ,*auvel91 gu>dian ( 

! ,/ate's seal2 ! ?ird rema9$ at !      
cl]k's (fice ( ! ju/ici>y ( ,/4         
,m9eh\ld4 ,! ,c\nt de ,caylus _h "o ( ^?
 ?ree copies 9 8 possession = "s "t1 &  
soon aft]w>d m ?an "o hundr$ 7 at ,p>is1
 sold at t5 ,l\is-d'or apiece4 ,a dy+   
prie/ accus+ himself ( hav+ pr(ess$ &   
taught ! ,*ri/ian religion1 made a deep]
 impression ^u ! m9d ?an ! ,?\ghts (    
,pascal4  ,! curate ,mesli] _h writt5 ^u
 a gray pap] :i* envelop$ ! copy de/9$ =
 8 p>i%ion]s ^! rem>kable words3 ,i h   
se5 & recogniz$ ! errors1 ! abuses1 !   
follies1 & ! wick$ness ( m54 ,i h hat$ &
 despis$ !m4 ,i did n d>e say x dur+ my 
life1 b ,i w say x at lea/ 9 dy+1 & aft]
 my dea?2 & x is t x may be kn[n1 t ,i  
write ?is pres5t memorial 9 ord] t x may
 s]ve z a witness ( tru? to all ^? :o   
may see & read x if !y *oose4  ,at !    
beg9n+ ( ?is "w is f\nd ?is docum5t 7a  
k9d ( honorable am5d1 :i* 9 8 lett] to !
 ,c\nt ( d',arg5tal ( ,may #ca1 #agfb1  
,voltaire qualifies z a preface71       
address$ to 8 p>i%ion]s4  ,y "k1 said   

he1 my bre?r51 my dis9t]e/$ness2 ,i d n 
sacrifice my belief to any vile int]e/4 
,if ,i embrac$ a pr(ession s directly   
oppos$ to my s5tim5ts1 x 0 n ?r\gh      
cupidity4 ,i obey$ my p>5ts4 ,i w\ld h  
pref]r$ to enlight5 y soon] if ,i c\ld h
 done x safely4 ,y are witnesses to :at 
,i ass]t4 ,i h n disgrac$ my m9i/ry by  
exact+ ! requitals1 :i* are a "p ( x4   
,i call heav5 to witness t ,i also      
?or\ghly despis$ ^? :o laugh$ at !      
simplicity ( ! bl9d p1 ^? :o furni%$    
pi\sly consid]able sums ( money to buy  
pray]s4 ,h[ horrible ?is monopoly6 ,i d 
n blame ! disda9 :i* ^? :o gr[ ri* by   
y\r sweat & y\r pa9s1 %[ = _! my/]ies & 
_! sup]/itions2 b ,i dete/ _! insatiable
 cupidity & ! signal pleasure su* fell[s
 take 9 rail+ at ! ignorance ( ^? :om !y
 c>efully keep 9 ?is /ate ( bl9dness4   
,let !m cont5t !mselves ) laugh+ at _!  
own ease1 b at lea/ let !m n multiply _!
 errors by abus+ ! bl9d piety ( ^? :o1  
by _! simplicity1 procur$ !m su* an easy
 life4 ,y r5d] unto me1 my bre?r51 !    

ju/ice t is due me4 ,! sympa?y :i* ,i   
manife/$ = y\r tr\bles saves me f ! lea/
 suspicion4 ,h[ (t5 h ,i p]=m$          
gratuit\sly ! functions ( my m9i/ry4 ,h[
 (t5 also has my he>t be5 griev$ at n   
be+ able to assi/ y z (t5 & z abundantly
 z ,i c\ld h wi%$6 ,h ,i n always prov$ 
to y t ,i took m pleasure 9 giv+ ?an 9  
receiv+8 ,i c>efully avoid$ exhort+ y to
 bigotry1 & ,i spoke to y z r>ely z     
possible ( our un=tunate dogmas4 ,x 0   
necess>y t ,i %\ld acquit myself z a    
prie/ ( my m9i/ry1 b h[ (t5 h ,i n      
suff]$ )9 myself :5 ,i 0 =c$ to prea* to
 y ^? pi\s lies :i* ,i despis$ 9 my     
he>t4 ,:at a disda9 ,i _h = my m9i/ry1 &
 p>ticul>ly = t sup]/iti\s ,mass1 & ^?  
ridicul\s adm9i/rations ( sacram5ts1    
especially if ,i 0 compell$ to p]=m !m )
 ! solemnity :i* awak5$ all y\r piety & 
all y\r good fai?4 ,:at remorse ,i _h = 
excit+ y\r cr$ulity6 ,a ?\s& times ^u ! 
po9t ( bur/+ =? publicly1 ,i 0 go+ to   
op5 y\r eyes1 b a fe> sup]ior to my     
/r5g? re/ra9$ me & =c$ me to sil5ce     

until my dea?4  ,! abbot ,mesli] _h     
writt5 two lett]s to ! curates ( 8      
neighborhood to in=m !m ( 8 ,te/am5t2 he
 told !m t he _h consign$ to ! *anc]y ( 
,/4 ,m9neh\ld a copy ( 8 manuscript 9   
#cff leaves 9 octavo2 b he fe>$ x w\ld  
be suppress$1 accord+ to ! bad cu/om    
e/abli%$ to prev5t ! poor f be+ in/ruct$
 & kn[+ ! tru?4  ,! curate ,mesli]1 !   
mo/ s+ul> ph5om5on ev] se5 among all !  
meteors fatal to ! ,*ri/ian religion1   
work$ 8 :ole life secretly 9 ord] to    
attack ! op9ions he believ$ false4 ,to  
compose 8 manuscript aga9/ ,god1 aga9/  
all religion1 aga9/ ! ,bible & ! ,*ur*1 
he _h no o!r assi/ance ?an ! ,bible     
itself1 ,mor]i ,montaigne1 & a few      
fa!rs4  ,:ile ! abbot ,mesli] naively   
ackn[l$g$ t he did n wi% to be burn$    
till aft] 8 dea?1 ,?omas ,wool/on1 a    
doctor ( ,cambridge1 publi%$ & sold     
publicly at ,london1 9 8 own h\se1 sixty
 ?\s& copies ( 8 ,disc\rses aga9/ !     
miracles ( ,jesus ,*ri/4  ,x 0 a v      
a/oni%+ ?+ t two prie/s %\ld at ! same  

"t write aga9/ ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,!  
curate ,mesli] has gone fur!r yet ?an   
,wool/on2 he d>es to treat ! transport (
 our ,savi\r by ! devil ^u ! m\nta91 !  
w$d+ ( ,cana1 ! bread & ! fi%es1 z      
absurd fables1 injuri\s to div9ity1 :i* 
7 ignor$ dur+ ?ree hundr$ ye>s by ! :ole
 ,roman ,empire1 & f9ally pass$ f ! l[] 
class to ! palace ( ! emp]ors1 :5 policy
 oblig$ !m to adopt ! follies ( ! p 9   
ord] ! m easily to subjugate !m4 ,!     
d5unciations ( ! ,engli% prie/ d n      
approa* ^? ( ! ,*ampagne prie/4 ,wool/on
 is sometimes indulg5t1 ,mesli] nev]4   
,he 0 a man pr(\ndly embitt]$ by !      
crimes he witness$1 = :i* he holds !    
,*ri/ian religion responsible4 ,!re is  
no miracle :i* to him is n an object (  
contempt & horror2 no prophecy t he does
 n comp>e to ^? ( ,no/r$amus4 ,he wrote 
?us aga9/ ,jesus ,*ri/ :5 9 ! arms (    
dea?1 at a "t :5 ! mo/ dissimulat+ d>e n
 lie1 & :5 ! mo/ intrepid tremble4      
,/ruck ) ! difficulties :i* he f\nd 9   
,scripture1 he inveigh$ aga9/ x m       

bitt]ly ?an ! ,aco/a & all ! ,jews1 m   
?an ! fam\s ,porphyre1 ,celse1          
,iamblique1 ,julian1 ,libanius1 & all ! 
p>tisans ( human reason4  ,!re 7 f\nd   
among ! books ( ! curate ,mesli] a pr9t$
 manuscript ( ! ,treatise ( ,f5elon1    
,ar*bi%op ( ,cambray1 ^u ! exi/5ce (    
,god & ,8 attributes1 & ! reflections ( 
! ,jesuit ,t\rnem9e ^u ,a!ism1 to :i*   
treatise he add$ m>g9al notes sign$ by 8
 h&4   ,,decree  ( ! ,,national         
,,conv5tion ^u ! proposition to erect a 
/atue to ! curate ,jean ,mesli]1 ! #bg  
,brumaire1 9 ! ye> ,,ii4 7,novemb] #ag1 
#agic74 ,! ,national ,conv5tion s5ds to 
! ,committee ( ,public ,in/ruction !    
proposition made by "o ( its memb]s to  
erect a /atue to ,jean ,mesli]1 curate  
at ,etrepigny1 9 ,*ampagne1 ! fir/ prie/
 :o _h ! c\rage & ! hone/y to abjure    
religi\s errors4  ,,presid5t ,,&        
,,secret>ies4  ,,sign$--,p4 ,a4 ,laloy1 
,presid5t2 ,bazire1 ,*>les ,duval1      
,philippeaux1 ,frec9e1 & ,m]l9 7de      
,?ionville71 ,secret>ies4  ,c]tifi$     

accord+ to ! orig9al4  ,,memb]s ,,( ,,! 
,,committee ,,( ,,decrees ,,&           
,,process-,,v]bal4  ,,sign$--,batelli]1 
,e*ass]iaux1 ,monnel1 ,beck]1 ,v]netey1 
,pr>d1 ,v9et1 ,b\ill]ot1 ,aug]1 ,cordi]1
 ,delecloy1 & ,cosn>d4     ,,preface ,,(
 ,,! ,,au?or4  ,:5 we wi% to exam9e 9 a 
cool1 calm way ! op9ions ( m51 we are v 
mu* surpris$ to f9d t 9 ^? :i* we       
consid] ! mo/ ess5tial1 no?+ is m r>e   
?an to f9d !m us+ common s5se2 t is to  
say1 ! portion ( judgm5t suffici5t to "k
 ! mo/ simple tru?s1 to reject ! mo/    
/rik+ absurdities1 & to be %ock$ by     
palpable contradictions4 ,we h an       
example ( ?is 9 ,!ology1 a sci5ce rev]$ 
9 all times1 9 all c\ntries1 by !       
greate/ numb] ( mortals2 an object      
consid]$ ! mo/ important1 ! mo/ useful1 
& ! mo/ indisp5sable to ! happ9ess (    
society4 ,if !y w\ld b take ! tr\ble to 
s\nd ! pr9ciples ^u :i* ?is pret5d$     
sci5ce re/s itself1 !y w\ld be compell$ 
to admit t ! pr9ciples :i* 7 consid]$   
inconte/able1 are b haz>d\s             

suppositions1 conceiv$ 9 ignorance1     
propagat$ by en?usiasm or bad int5tion1 
adopt$ by timid cr$ulity1 pres]v$ by    
habit1 :i* nev] reasons1 & rev]$ solely 
because x is n compreh5d$4 ,"s1 says    
,montaigne1 make ! _w believe t :i* !y d
 n !mselves believe2 a great] numb] (   
o!rs make !mselves believe1 n compreh5d+
 :at x is to believe4 ,9 a ^w1 :oev] w  
consult common s5se ^u religi\s op9ions1
 & w c>ry into ?is exam9ation ! att5tion
 giv5 to objects ( ord9>y int]e/1 w     
easily p]ceive t ^! op9ions h no solid  
f\ndation2 t all religion is b a ca/le 9
 ! air2 t ,!ology is b ignorance (      
natural causes r$uc$ to a sy/em2 t x is 
b a long tissue ( *im]as &              
contradictions2 t x pres5ts to all !    
diff]5t nations ( ! e>? only romances   
devoid ( probability1 ( :i* ! h]o       
himself is made up ( qualities          
impossible to reconcile1 8 "n hav+ ! p[]
 to excite 9 all he>ts respect & fe>1 is
 f\nd to be b a vague ^w1 :i* m5        
cont9ually utt]1 be+ able to atta* to x 

only su* ideas or qualities z are beli$ 
by ! facts1 or :i* evid5tly contradict  
ea* o!r4 ,! notion ( ?is imag9>y be+1 or
 r ! ^w by :i* we designate him1 w\ld be
 ( no consequ5ce did x n cause ravages  
)\t numb] ^u ! e>?4 ,born into ! op9ion 
t ?is phantom is = !m a v int]e/+       
reality1 m51 in/ead ( wisely conclud+ f 
its incompreh5sibility t !y are exempt f
 ?9k+ ( x1 on ! contr>y1 conclude t !y c
 n occupy !mselves en\gh ab\t x1 t !y   
mu/ m$itate ^u x )\t ceas+1 reason )\t  
end1 & nev] lose sight ( x4 ,! inv9cible
 ignorance 9 :i* !y are kept 9 ?is      
respect1 f> f disc\rag+ !m1 does b      
excite _! curiosity2 in/ead ( putt+ !m  
on gu>d aga9/ _! imag9ation1 ?is        
ignorance makes !m positive1 dogmatic1  
imp]i\s1 & causes !m to qu>rel ) all ^? 
:o oppose d\bts to ! rev]ies :i* _!     
bra9s h br\ght =?4 ,:at p]plexity1 :5 we
 attempt to solve an unsolvable problem6
 ,anxi\s m$itations ^u an object        
impossible to grasp1 & :i*1 h[ev]1 is   
suppos$ to be v important to him1 c b   

put a man into bad humor1 & produce 9 8 
bra9 dang]\s transports4 ,:5 int]e/1    
vanity1 & ambition are jo9$ to su* a    
morose disposition1 society necess>ily  
becomes tr\bl$4 ,?is is :y s _m nations 
h (t5 become ! !at]s ( extravagances    
caus$ by nons5sical visioni/s1 :o1      
publi%+ _! %all[ speculations = ! et]nal
 tru?1 h k9dl$ ! en?usiasm ( pr9ces & ( 
p1 & h prep>$ !m = op9ions :i* !y       
repres5t$ z ess5tial to ! glory (       
div9ity & to ! happ9ess ( empires4 ,we h
 se51 a ?\s& times1 9 all p>ts ( our    
globe1 infuriat$ fanatics slaught]+ ea* 
o!r1 light+ ! fun]al piles1 committ+ )\t
 scruple1 z a matt] ( duty1 ! greate/   
crimes4 ,:y8 ,to ma9ta9 or to propagate 
! imp]t95t conjectures ( en?usia/s1 or  
to sanction ! knav]ies ( impo/ors on    
acc\nt ( a be+ :o exi/s only 9 _!       
imag9ation1 & :o is kn[n only by !      
ravages1 ! disputes1 & ! follies :i* he 
has caus$ ^u ! e>?4  ,orig9ally1 savage 
nations1 f]oci\s1 p]petually at w>1     
ador$1 "u v>i\s names1 "s ,god con=m$ to

 _! ideas2 t is to say1 cruel1          
c>nivor\s1 selfi%1 gre$y ( blood4 ,we   
f9d 9 all ! religions ( ! e>? a ,god (  
armies1 a jeal\s ,god1 an av5g+ ,god1 an
 ext]m9at+ ,god1 a ,god :o enjoys c>nage
 & ^: wor%ip]s make x a duty to s]ve him
 to 8 ta/e4 ,lambs1 bulls1 *ildr51 m51  
h]etics1 infidels1 k+s1 :ole nations1   
are sacrific$ to him4 ,! zeal\s s]vants 
( ?is b>b>\s ,god g s f> z to believe t 
!y are oblig$ to (f] !mselves z a       
sacrifice to him4 ,ev]y:]e we see       
zealots :o1 aft] hav+ sadly m$itat$ ^u  
_! t]rible ,god1 imag9e t1 9 ord] to    
please him1 !y mu/ d !mselves all ! h>m 
possible1 & inflict ^u !mselves1 9 8    
honor1 all imag9able torm5ts4 ,9 a ^w1  
ev]y:]e ! baneful ideas ( ,div9ity1 f> f
 consol+ m5 = mis=tunes incid5t to _!   
exi/5ce1 h fill$ ! he>t ) tr\ble1 & giv5
 bir? to follies de/ructive to !m4 ,h[  
c\ld ! human m9d1 fill$ ) frightful     
phantoms & guid$ by m5 int]e/$ 9        
p]petuat+ its ignorance & its fe>1 make 
progress8 ,man 0 compell$ to vegetate 9 

8 primitive /upidity2 he 0 pres]v$ only 
by invisible p[]s1 ^u :om 8 fate 0      
suppos$ to dep5d4 ,solely occupi$ ) 8   
al>ms & 8 un9telligible rev]ies1 he 0   
always at ! m]cy ( 8 prie/s1 :o res]v$ =
 !mselves ! "r ( ?9k+ = him & ( regulat+
 8 conduct4  ,?us man 01 & always       
rema9$1 a *ild )\t exp]i5ce1 a slave )\t
 c\rage1 a logg]head :o fe>$ to reason1 
& :o c\ld nev] escape f ! labyr9? into  
:i* 8 ance/ors _h misl$ him2 he felt    
compell$ to groan "u ! yoke ( 8 ,gods1 (
 :om he knew no?+ except ! fabul\s      
acc\nts ( _! m9i/]s4 ,^!1 aft] hav+     
fett]$ him by ! ties ( op9ion1 h rema9$ 
8 ma/]s or deliv]$ him up def5seless to 
! absolute p[] ( tyrants1 no less       
t]rible ?an ! ,gods1 ( :om !y 7 !       
repres5tatives ^u ! e>?4 ,oppress$ by ! 
d\ble yoke ( spiritual & temporal p[]1 x
 0 impossible = ! p to in/ruct !mselves 
& to "w = _! own welf>e4 ,?us1 religion1
 politics1 & morals became sanctu>ies1  
into :i* ! pr(ane 7 n p]mitt$ to ent]4  
,m5 _h no o!r morality ?an t :i* _!     

legislators & _! prie/s claim$ z desc5d$
 f unkn[n empyrean regions4 ,! human    
m9d1 p]plex$ by ^! !ological op9ions1   
misund]/ood itself1 d\bt$ its own p[]s1 
mi/ru/$ exp]i5ce1 fe>$ tru?1 disda9$ its
 reason1 & left x to bl9dly foll[       
au?ority4 ,man 0 a pure ma*9e 9 ! h&s ( 
8 tyrants & 8 prie/s1 :o alone _h ! "r  
to regulate 8 movem5ts4 ,always treat$ z
 a slave1 he _h at all times & 9 all    
places ! vices & dispositions ( a slave4
  ,^! are ! true s\rces ( ! corruption (
 habits1 to :i* religion nev] opposes   
any?+ b ideal & ineffectual ob/acles2   
ignorance & s]vitude h a t5d5cy to make 
m5 wick$ & unhappy4 ,sci5ce1 reason1    
lib]ty1 alone c re=m !m & r5d] !m m     
happy2 b ev]y?+ conspires to bl9d !m &  
to confirm !m 9 _! bl9dness4 ,! prie/s  
deceive !m1 tyrants corrupt !m 9 ord] to
 subjugate !m m easily4 ,tyranny has    
be51 & w always be1 ! *ief s\rce ( !    
deprav$ morals & habitual calamities ( !
 p4 ,^!1 almo/ always fasc9at$ by _!    
religi\s notions or by metaphysical     

fictions1 in/ead ( look+ ^u ! natural & 
visible causes ( _! mis]ies1 attribute  
_! vices to ! imp]fections ( _! nature1 
& _! mis=tunes to ! ang] ( _! ,gods2 !y 
(f] to ,heav5 v[s1 sacrifices1 &        
pres5ts1 9 ord] to put an end to _!     
mis=tunes1 :i* are really due only to ! 
neglig5ce1 ! ignorance1 & to ! p]v]sity 
( _! guides1 to ! folly ( _!            
in/itutions1 to _! fooli% cu/oms1 to _! 
false op9ions1 to _! unreasonable laws1 
& especially to _! want ( enlight5m5t4  
,let ! m9d be fill$ e>ly ) true ideas2  
let man's reason be cultivat$2 let      
ju/ice gov]n him2 & !re w be no ne$ (   
oppos+ to 8 passions ! p[]less b>ri] ( !
 fe> ( ,gods4 ,m5 w be good :5 !y are   
well taught1 well gov]n$1 *a/is$ or     
c5sur$ = ! evil1 & ju/ly rew>d$ = ! good
 :i* !y h done to _! fell[-citiz5s4 ,x  
is idle to pret5d to cure mortals ( _!  
vices if we d n beg9 by cur+ !m ( _!    
prejudices4 ,x is only by %[+ !m ! tru? 
t !y c "k _! be/ int]e/s & ! real       
motives :i* w lead !m to happ9ess4 ,long

 en\gh h ! in/ructors ( ! p fix$ _! eyes
 on heav52 let !m at la/ br+ !m back to 
! e>?4 ,tir$ ( an incompreh5sible       
!ology1 ( ridicul\s fables1 (           
imp5etrable my/]ies1 ( pu]ile c]emonies1
 let ! human m9d occupy itself ) natural
 ?+s1 intelligible objects1 s5sible     
tru?s1 & useful k4 ,let ! va9 *im]as :i*
 beset ! p be dissipat$1 & v soon       
rational op9ions w fill ! m9ds ( ^? :o 7
 believ$ fat$ to be always 9 error4 ,to 
annihilate religi\s prejudices1 x w\ld  
be suffici5t to %[ t :at is             
inconceivable to man c n be ( any use to
 him4 ,does x ne$1 !n1 any?+ b simple   
common s5se to p]ceive t a be+ mo/      
cle>ly irreconcilable ) ! notions (     
mank9d1 t a cause cont9ually oppos$ to !
 effects attribut$ to him2 t a be+ ( :om
 n a ^w c be said )\t fall+ into        
contradictions2 t a be+ :o1 f> f expla9+
 ! my/]ies ( ! univ]se1 only r5d]s !m m 
inexplicable2 t a be+ to :om = s _m     
c5turies m5 address$ !mselves s va9ly to
 obta9 _! happ9ess & deliv]ance f _!    

suff]+s2 does x ne$1 ,i say1 m ?an      
simple common s5se to und]/& t ! idea ( 
su* a be+ is an idea )\t model1 & t he  
is himself evid5tly n a reasonable be+8 
,does x require m ?an common s5se to    
feel t !re is at lea/ delirium & fr5zy 9
 hat+ & torm5t+ ea* o!r = un9telligible 
op9ions ( a be+ ( ?is k9d8 ,f9ally1 does
 x n all prove t morality & virtue are  
totally incompatible ) ! idea ( a ,god1 
^: m9i/]s & int]pret]s h pa9t$ him 9 all
 c\ntries z ! mo/ fanta/ic1 ! mo/ unju/1
 & ! mo/ cruel ( tyrants1 ^: pret5d$    
wi%es are to s]ve z rules & laws = !    
inhabitants ( ! e>?8 ,to discov] ! true 
pr9ciples ( morality1 m5 h no ne$ (     
!ology1 ( revelation1 or ( ,gods2 !y ne$
 b common s5se2 !y h only to look )9    
!mselves1 to reflect ^u _! own nature1  
to consult _! obvi\s int]e/s1 to consid]
 ! object ( society & ( ea* ( ! memb]s  
:o compose x1 & !y w easily und]/& t    
virtue is an advantage1 & t vice is an  
injury to be+s ( _! species4 ,let u tea*
 m5 to be j1 b5evol5t1 mod]ate1 &       

sociable1 n because _! ,gods exact x1 b 
to please m52 let u tell !m to ab/a9 f  
vice & f crime1 n because !y w be puni%$
 9 ano!r _w1 b because !y w suff] 9 !   
pres5t _w4 ,!re are1 says ,montesquieu1 
means to prev5t crime1 !y are suff]+s2  
to *ange ! mann]s1 ^! are good examples4
 ,tru? is simple1 error is complicat$1  
unc]ta9 9 its gait1 full ( by-ways2 !   
voice ( nature is intelligible1 t (     
falsehood is ambigu\s1 enigmatical1 &   
my/]i\s2 ! road ( tru? is /raight1 t (  
impo/ure is oblique & d>k2 ?is tru?1    
always necess>y to man1 is felt by all j
 m9ds2 ! lessons ( reason are foll[$ by 
all hone/ s\ls2 m5 are unhappy only     
because !y are ignorant2 !y are ignorant
 only because ev]y?+ conspires to prev5t
 !m f be+ enlight5$1 & !y are wick$ only
 because _! reason is n suffici5tly     
develop$4     ,,common ,,s5se4  ,detexit
 quo dolose ,vatic9&i furore sac]dotes  
my/]ia1 illis spe ignota1 audactur      
publicant4--,,petron4 ,,satyr4          
,i4--,,apologue4  ,!re is a va/ empire  

gov]n$ by a mon>*1 ^: conduct does b    
conf\nd ! m9ds ( 8 subjects4 ,he desires
 to be kn[n1 lov$1 respect$1 & obey$1 b 
he nev] %[s himself2 ev]y?+ t5ds to make
 unc]ta9 ! notions :i* we are able to =m
 ab\t him4 ,! p subject$ to 8 p[] h only
 su* ideas ( ! "* & ! laws ( _!         
invisible sov]eign z 8 m9i/]s give !m2  
^! suit1 h[ev]1 because !y !mselves h no
 idea ( _! ma/]1 = 8 ways are           
imp5etrable1 & 8 views & 8 qualities are
 totally incompreh5sible2 moreov]1 8    
m9i/]s disagree among !mselves 9 reg>d  
to ! ord]s :i* !y pret5d emanat$ f !    
sov]eign ^: organs !y claim to be2 !y   
ann\nce !m div]sely 9 ea* prov9ce ( !   
empire2 !y discr$it & treat ea* o!r z   
impo/ors & li>s2 ! decrees & ord9ances  
:i* !y promulgate are obscure2 !y are   
enigmas1 made n to be und]/ood or div9$ 
by ! subjects = ^: in/ruction !y 7      
int5d$4 ,! laws ( ! invisible mon>* ne$ 
int]pret]s1 b ^? :o expla9 !m are always
 qu>rel+ among !mselves ab\t ! true way 
( und]/&+ !m2 m ?an ?is1 !y d n agree   

among !mselves2 all :i* !y relate ( _!  
hidd5 pr9ce is b a tissue (             
contradictions1 sc>cely a s+le ^w t is n
 contradict$ at once4 ,he is call$      
supremely good1 nev]!less n a p]son b   
compla9s ( 8 decrees4 ,he is suppos$ to 
be inf9itely wise1 & 9 8 adm9i/ration   
ev]y?+ seems contr>y to reason & good   
s5se4 ,!y boa/ ( 8 ju/ice1 & ! be/ ( 8  
subjects are g5]ally ! lea/ favor$4 ,we 
are assur$ t he sees ev]y?+1 yet 8      
pres5ce rem$ies no?+4 ,x is said t he is
 ! fri5d ( ord]1 & ev]y?+ 9 8 univ]se is
 9 a /ate ( confusion & disord]2 all is 
creat$ by him1 yet ev5ts r>ely happ5    
accord+ to 8 projects4 ,he =esees       
ev]y?+1 b 8 =esight prev5ts no?+4 ,he is
 impati5t if any (f5d him2 at ! same "t 
he puts e "o 9 ! way ( (f5d+ him4 ,8 k  
is admir$ 9 ! p]fection ( 8 works1 b 8  
works are full ( imp]fections1 & (      
little p]man5ce4 ,he is cont9ually      
occupi$ 9 creat+ & de/roy+1 !n repair+  
:at he has done1 nev] appe>+ to be      
satisfi$ ) 8 "w4 ,9 all 8 ent]prises he 

seeks b 8 own glory1 b he does n succe$ 
9 be+ glorifi$4 ,he works b = ! good ( 8
 subjects1 & mo/ ( !m lack ! necessities
 ( life4 ,^? :om he seems to favor1 are 
g5]ally ^? :o are ! lea/ satisfi$ ) _!  
fate2 we see !m all cont9ually revolt+  
aga9/ a ma/] ^: greatness !y admire1 ^: 
wisdom !y extol1 ^: goodness !y wor%ip1 
& ^: ju/ice !y fe>1 rev]+ ord]s :i* !y  
nev] foll[4 ,?is empire is ! _w2 its    
mon>* is ,god2 ,8 m9i/]s are ! prie/s2  
_! subjects are m54     ,,ii4--,,:at    
,,is ,,!ology8  ,!re is a sci5ce :i* has
 = its object only incompreh5sible ?+s4 
,unlike all o!rs1 x occupies itself b ) 
?+s unse54 ,hobbes calls x ! k+dom (    
d>kness4 ,9 ?is l& all obey laws oppos$ 
to ^? :i* m5 ackn[l$ge 9 ! _w !y        
inhabit4 ,9 ?is m>vel\s region light is 
b d>kness1 evid5ce becomes d\btful or   
false1 ! impossible becomes cr$ible1    
reason is an unfai?ful guide1 & common  
s5se *ang$ into delirium4 ,?is sci5ce is
 nam$ ,!ology1 & ?is ,!ology is a       
cont9ual insult to human reason4        

,,iii4  ,by frequ5t repetition ( if1 b1 
& p]haps1 we succe$ 9 =m+ an imp]fect & 
brok5 sy/em :i* p]plexes m5's m9ds to ! 
ext5t ( mak+ !m =get ! cle>e/ notions1 &
 to r5d] unc]ta9 ! mo/ palpable tru?s4  
,by ! aid ( ?is sy/ematic nons5se1 all  
nature has become an inexplicable enigma
 = man2 ! visible _w has disappe>$ to   
give place to invisible regions2 reason 
is oblig$ to give place to imag9ation1  
:i* c lead u only to ! l& ( *im]as :i*  
%e h]self has inv5t$4     ,,iv4--,,man  
,,born ,,nei!r ,,religi\s ,,nor         
,,dei/ical4  ,all religi\s pr9ciples are
 f\nd$ ^u ! idea ( a ,god1 b x is       
impossible = m5 to h true ideas ( a be+ 
:o does n act ^u any "o ( _! s5ses4 ,all
 our ideas are b pictures ( objects :i* 
/rike u4 ,:at c ! idea ( ,god repres5t  
to u :5 x is evid5tly an idea )\t an    
object8 ,is n su* an idea z impossible z
 an effect )\t a cause8 ,an idea )\t a  
prototype1 is x any?+ b a *im]a8 ,"s    
!ologians1 h[ev]1 assure u t ! idea (   
,god is innate1 or t m5 h ?is idea f !  

"t ( _! bir?4 ,e pr9ciple is a judgm5t2 
all judgm5t is ! effect ( exp]i5ce2     
exp]i5ce is n acquir$ b by ! ex]cise ( !
 s5ses3 f :i* x foll[s t religi\s       
pr9ciples are drawn f no?+1 & are n     
innate4     ,v4--,,x ,,is ,,n ,,necess>y
 ,,to ,,believe ,,9 ,a ,,god1 ,,& ,,!   
,,mo/ ,,reasonable ,,?+ ,,is ,,n ,,to   
,,?9k ,,( ,,him4  ,no religi\s sy/em c  
be f\nd$ o!rwise ?an ^u ! nature ( ,god 
& ( m51 & ^u ! relations !y be> to ea*  
o!r4 ,b1 9 ord] to judge ( ! reality (  
^! relations1 we mu/ h "s idea ( !      
,div9e nature4 ,b ev]ybody tells u t !  
ess5ce ( ,god is incompreh5sible to man2
 at ! same "t !y d n hesitate to assign 
attributes to ?is incompreh5sible ,god1 
& assure u t man c n disp5se ) a k ( ?is
 ,god s impossible to conceive (4 ,! mo/
 important ?+ = m5 is t :i* is ! mo/    
impossible = !m to compreh5d4 ,if ,god  
is incompreh5sible to man1 x w\ld seem  
rational nev] to ?9k ( ,him at all2 b   
religion concludes t man is crim9al if  
he ceases = a mom5t to rev]e ,him4      

,,vi4--,,religion ,,is ,,f\nd$ ,,^u     
,,cr$ulity4  ,we are told t ,div9e      
qualities are n ( a nature to be grasp$ 
by limit$ m9ds4 ,! natural consequ5ce ( 
?is pr9ciple ought to be t ! ,div9e     
qualities are n made to employ limit$   
m9ds2 b religion assures u t limit$ m9ds
 %\ld nev] lose sight ( ?is             
inconceivable be+1 ^: qualities c n be  
grasp$ by !m3 f :i* we see t religion is
 ! art ( occupy+ limit$ m9ds ) t :i* is 
impossible = !m to compreh5d4           
,,vii4--,,e ,,religion ,,is ,,an        
,,absurdity4  ,religion unites man )    
,god or puts !m 9 communication2 b d y  
say t ,god is inf9ite8 ,if ,god is      
inf9ite1 no f9ite be+ c h communication 
or any relation ) ,him4 ,:]e !re are no 
relations1 !re c be no union1 no        
correspond5ce1 no duties4 ,if !re are no
 duties betwe5 man & 8 ,god1 !re exi/s  
no religion = man4 ,?us by say+ t ,god  
is inf9ite1 y annihilate1 f t mom5t1 all
 religion = man1 :o is a f9ite be+4 ,!  
idea ( inf9ity is = u 9 idea )\t model1 

)\t prototype1 )\t object4              
,,viii4--,,! ,,notion ,,( ,,god ,,is    
,,impossible4  ,if ,god is an inf9ite   
be+1 !re c be nei!r 9 ! actual _w or 9  
ano!r any proportion betwe5 man & 8     
,god2 ?us ! idea ( ,god w nev] ent] !   
human m9d4 ,9 ! supposition ( a life :]e
 m5 w be m enlight5$ ?an 9 ?is "o1 !    
inf9ity ( ,god w always place su* a     
di/ance betwe5 8 idea & ! limit$ m9d (  
man1 t he w n be able to conceive ( ,god
 any m 9 a future life ?an 9 ! pres5t4  
,h5ce1 x evid5tly foll[s t ! idea ( ,god
 w n be bett] suit$ to man 9 ! o!r life 
?an 9 ! pres5t4 ,god is n made = man2 x 
foll[s also t intellig5ces sup]ior to   
man--su* z angels1 ar*angels1 s]aphims1 
& sa9ts--c h no m complete notions (    
,god ?an has man1 :o does n und]/& any?+
 ab\t ,him "h bel[4     ,,ix4--,,orig9  
,,( ,,sup]/ition4  ,h[ is x t we h      
succe$$ 9 p]suad+ reasonable be+s t ! ?+
 mo/ impossible to und]/& 0 ! mo/       
ess5tial = !m4 ,x is because !y 7       
greatly fright5$2 x is because :5 m5 are

 kept 9 fe> !y cease to reason2 x is    
because !y h be5 expressly enjo9$ to    
di/ru/ _! reason4 ,:5 ! bra9 is tr\bl$1 
we believe ev]y?+ & exam9e no?+4        
,x4--,,orig9 ,,( ,,all ,,religion4      
,ignorance & fe> are ! two pivots ( all 
religion4 ,! unc]ta9ty att5d+ man's     
relation to 8 ,god is precisely ! motive
 :i* atta*es him to 8 religion4 ,man is 
afraid :5 9 d>kness--physical or moral4 
,8 fe> is habitual to him & becomes a   
necessity2 he w\ld believe t he lack$   
some?+ if he _h no?+ to fe>4            
,,xi4--,,9 ,,! ,,"n ,,( ,,religion      
,,*>latans ,,take ,,advantage ,,( ,,!   
,,weakness ,,( ,,m54  ,he :o f 8        
*ildhood has _h a habit ( trembl+ e "t  
he he>d c]ta9 words1 ne$s ^! words1 &   
ne$s to tremble4 ,9 ?is way he is m     
dispos$ to li/5 to ! "o :o enc\rages 8  
fe>s ?an to ! "o :o w\ld dispel 8 fe>s4 
,! sup]/iti\s man wants to be afraid2 8 
imag9ation dem&s x4 ,x seems t he fe>s  
no?+ m ?an hav+ no object to fe>4 ,m5   
are imag9>y pati5ts1 :om int]e/$        

*>latans take c>e to enc\rage 9 _!      
weakness1 9 ord] to h a m>ket = _!      
rem$ies4 ,physicians :o ord] a great    
numb] ( rem$ies are m li/5$ to ?an ^? :o
 recomm5d a good regim51 & :o leave     
nature to act4     ,,xii4--,,religion   
,,entices ,,ignorance ,,by ,,! ,,aid ,,(
 ,,! ,,m>vel\s4  ,if religion 0 cle>1 x 
w\ld h few] attractions = ! ignorant4   
,!y ne$ obscurity1 my/]ies1 fables1     
miracles1 incr$ible ?+s1 :i* keep _!    
bra9s p]petually at "w4 ,romances1 idle 
/ories1 tales ( gho/s & wit*es1 h m *>ms
 = ! vulg> ?an true n>rations4          
,,xiii4--,,cont9uation4  ,9 ! matt] (   
religion1 m5 are b ov]gr[n *ildr54 ,! m 
absurd a religion is1 & ! full] (       
m>vels1 ! m p[] x ex]ts2 ! devotee ?9ks 
himself oblig$ to place no limits to 8  
cr$ulity2 ! m inconceivable ?+s are1 ! m
 div9e !y appe> to him2 ! m incr$ible !y
 are1 ! m m]it he gives himself =       
believ+ !m4     ,,xiv4--,,!re ,,w\ld    
,,nev] ,,h ,,be5 ,,any ,,religion ,,if  
,,!re ,,_h ,,nev] ,,be5 ,,any ,,d>k ,,& 

,,b>b>\s ,,ages4  ,! orig9 ( religi\s   
op9ions dates1 z a g5]al ?+1 f ! "t :5  
savage nations 7 yet 9 a /ate ( infancy4
 ,x 0 to co>se1 ignorant1 & /upid m5 t !
 f\nd]s ( religion address$ !mselves 9  
all ages1 9 ord] to pres5t !m ) ,gods1  
c]emonies1 hi/ories ( fabul\s           
,div9ities1 m>vel\s & t]rible fables4   
,^! *im]as1 adopt$ )\t exam9ation by !  
fa!rs1 h be5 transmitt$ ) m or less     
*anges to _! poli%$ *ildr51 :o (t5 d n  
reason m ?an _! fa!rs4     ,,xv4--,,all 
,,religion ,,0 ,,born ,,( ,,! ,,desire  
,,to ,,dom9ate4  ,! fir/ legislators (  
nations _h = _! object to dom9ate1 ,!   
easie/ means ( succe$+ 0 to fright5 ! p 
& to prev5t !m f reason+2 !y l$ !m by   
tortu\s pa?s 9 ord] t !y %\ld n p]ceive 
! designs ( _! guides2 !y compell$ !m to
 look into ! air1 = fe> !y %\ld look to 
_! feet2 !y amus$ !m ^u ! road by       
/ories2 9 a ^w1 !y treat$ !m 9 ! way (  
nurses1 :o employ songs & m5aces to put 
! *ildr5 to sleep1 or to =ce !m to be   
quiet4     ,,xvi4--,,t ,,:i* ,,s]ves ,,z

 ,a ,,basis ,,= ,,all ,,religion ,,is   
,,v ,,unc]ta94  ,! exi/5ce ( a ,god is !
 basis ( all religion4 ,few p seem to   
d\bt ?is exi/5ce1 b ?is fundam5tal      
pr9ciple is precisely ! "o :i* prev5ts e
 m9d f reason+4 ,! fir/ "q ( e cate*ism 
01 & w always be1 ! mo/ difficult "o to 
answ]4     ,,xvii4--,,x ,,is            
,,impossible ,,to ,,be ,,conv9c$ ,,( ,,!
 ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,,god4  ,c "o hone/ly say
 t he is conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+ ^: 
nature is n kn[n1 :o rema9s inaccessible
 to all our s5ses1 & ( ^: qualities we  
are con/antly assur$ t !y are           
incompreh5sible to u8 ,9 ord] to p]suade
 me t a be+ exi/s1 or c exi/1 he mu/    
beg9 by tell+ me :at ?is be+ is2 9 ord] 
to make me believe ! exi/5ce or !       
possibility ( su* a be+1 he mu/ tell me 
?+s ab\t him :i* are n contradictory1 & 
:i* d n de/roy "o ano!r2 f9ally1 9 ord] 
to conv9ce me fully ( ! exi/5ce ( ?is   
be+1 he mu/ tell me ?+s ab\t him :i* ,i 
c compreh5d1 & prove to me t x is       
impossible t ! be+ to :om he attributes 

^! qualities does n exi/4               
,,xviii4--,,cont9uation4  ,a ?+ is      
impossible :5 x is compos$ ( two ideas s
 antagoni/ic1 t we c n ?9k ( !m at !    
same "t4 ,evid5ce c be reli$ on only :5 
confirm$ by ! con/ant te/imony ( our    
s5ses1 :i* alone give bir? to ideas1 &  
enable u to judge ( _! con=mity or ( _! 
incompatibility4 ,t :i* exi/s           
necess>ily1 is t ( :i* ! non-exi/5ce    
w\ld imply contradiction4 ,^! pr9ciples1
 univ]sally recogniz$1 are at fault :5 !
 "q ( ! exi/5ce ( ,god is consid]$2 :at 
has be5 said ( ,him is ei!r             
un9telligible or p]fectly contradictory2
 & = ?is reason mu/ appe> impossible to 
e man ( common s5se4     ,,xix4--,,!    
,,exi/5ce ,,( ,,god ,,is ,,n ,,prov$4   
,all human intellig5ces are m or less   
enlight5$ & cultivat$4 ,by :at fatality 
is x t ! sci5ce ( ,god has nev] be5     
expla9$8 ,! mo/ civiliz$ nations & ! mo/
 pr(\nd ?9k]s are ( ! same op9ion 9     
reg>d to ! matt] z ! mo/ b>b>\s nations 
& ! mo/ ignorant & ru/ic p4 ,z we exam9e

 ! subject m closely1 we w f9d t !      
sci5ce ( div9ity by means ( rev]ies &   
subtleties has b obscur$ x m & m4 ,?us  
f>1 all religion has be5 f\nd$ on :at is
 call$ 9 logic1 a begg+ ( ! "q2 x       
supposes freely1 & !n proves1 f9ally1 by
 ! suppositions x has made4             
,,xx4--,,to ,,say ,,t ,,god ,,is ,a     
,,_s1 ,,is ,,to ,,speak ,,)\t ,,say+    
,,any?+ ,,at ,,all4  ,by metaphysics1   
,god is made a pure _s1 b has mod]n     
!ology advanc$ "o /ep fur!r ?an ! !ology
 ( ! b>b>ians8 ,!y recogniz$ a gr& _s z 
ma/] ( ! _w4 ,! b>b>ians1 l all ignorant
 m51 attribute to spirits all ! effects 
( :i* _! inexp]i5ce prev5ts !m f        
discov]+ ! true causes4 ,ask a b>b>ian  
:at causes y\r wat* to move1 he w answ]1
 a _s6 ,ask our philosoph]s :at moves ! 
univ]se1 !y w tell y x is a _s4         
,,xxi4--,,spirituality ,,is ,a ,,*im]a4 
,! b>b>ian1 :5 he speaks ( a _s1 atta*es
 at lea/ "s s5se to ?is ^w2 he und]/&s  
by x an ag5t simil> to ! w9d1 to !      
agitat$ air1 to ! brea?1 :i* produces1  

invisibly1 effects t we p]ceive4 ,by    
subtiliz+1 ! mod]n !ologian becomes z   
little intelligible to himself z to     
o!rs4 ,ask him :at he means by a _s8 ,he
 w answ]1 t x is an unkn[n sub/ance1 :i*
 is p]fectly simple1 :i* has no?+       
tangible1 no?+ 9 common ) matt]4 ,9 good
 fai?1 is !re any mortal :o c =m ! lea/ 
idea ( su* a sub/ance8 ,a _s 9 !        
language ( mod]n !ology is !n b an      
abs5ce ( ideas4 ,! idea ( spirituality  
is ano!r idea )\t a model4              
,,xxii4--,,all ,,:i* ,,exi/s ,,spr+s ,,f
 ,,! ,,bosom ,,( ,,matt]4  ,is x n m    
natural & m intelligible to d$uce all   
:i* exi/s1 f ! bosom ( matt]1 ^: exi/5ce
 is demon/rat$ by all our s5ses1 ^:     
effects we feel at e mom5t1 :i* we see  
act1 move1 communicate1 motion1 &       
con/antly br+ liv+ be+s into exi/5ce1   
?an to attribute ! =mation ( ?+s to an  
unkn[n =ce1 to a spiritual be+1 :o c n  
draw f 8 gr\nd t :i* he has n himself1 &
 :o1 by ! spiritual ess5ce claim$ = him1
 is incapable ( mak+ any?+1 & ( putt+   

any?+ 9 motion8 ,no?+ is pla9] ?an t !y 
w\ld h u believe t an intangible _s c   
act ^u matt]4     ,,xxiii4--,,:at ,,is  
,,! ,,metaphysical ,,god ,,( ,,mod]n    
,,!ology8  ,! mat]ial ,jupit] ( !       
anci5ts c\ld move1 build up1 de/roy1 &  
propagate be+s simil> to himself2 b !   
,god ( mod]n !ology is a /]ile be+4     
,accord+ to 8 suppos$ nature he c nei!r 
occupy any place1 nor move matt]1 nor   
produce a visible _w1 nor propagate ei!r
 m5 or ,gods4 ,! metaphysical ,god is a 
workman )\t h&s2 he is able b to produce
 cl\ds1 suspicions1 rev]ies1 follies1 & 
qu>rels4     ,,xxiv4--,,x ,,w\ld ,,be   
,,m ,,rational ,,to ,,wor%ip ,,! ,,sun  
,,?an ,a ,,spiritual ,,god4  ,s9ce x 0  
necess>y = m5 to h a ,god1 :y did !y n h
 ! sun1 ! visible ,god1 ador$ by s _m   
nations8 ,:at be+ _h m "r to ! homage ( 
mortals ?an ! /> ( ! day1 :i* gives     
light & heat2 :i* invigorates all be+s2 
^: pres5ce reanimates & rejuv5ates      
nature2 ^: abs5ce seems to plunge h]    
into sadness & languor8 ,if "s be+ be/[$

 ^u m5 p[]1 activity1 b5evol5ce1 /r5g?1 
x 0 no d\bt ! sun1 :i* %\ld be recogniz$
 z ! fa!r ( nature1 z ! s\l ( ! _w1 z   
,div9ity4 ,at lea/ "o c\ld n )\t folly  
dispute 8 exi/5ce1 or refuse to         
recognize 8 influ5ce & 8 b5efits4       
,,xxv4--,a ,,spiritual ,,god ,,is       
,,incapable ,,( ,,will+ ,,& ,,( ,,act+4 
,! !ologian tells u t ,god does n ne$   
h&s or arms to act1 & t ,he acts by ,8 w
 alone4 ,b :at is ?is ,god :o has a w8  
,& :at c be ! subject ( ?is div9e w8 ,is
 x m ridicul\s or m difficult to believe
 9 fairies1 9 sylphs1 9 gho/s1 9 wit*es1
 9 7-wolfs1 ?an to believe 9 ! magical  
or impossible action ( ! _s ^u ! body8  
,z soon z we admit ( su* a ,god1 !re are
 no long] fables or visions :i* c n be  
believ$4 ,! !ologians treat m5 l *ildr51
 :o nev] cavil ab\t ! possibilities ( ! 
tales :i* !y li/5 to4     ,,xxvi4--,,:at
 ,,is ,,god8  ,to unsettle ! exi/5ce ( a
 ,god1 x is only necess>y to ask a      
!ologian to speak ( ,him2 z soon z he   
utt]s "o ^w ab\t ,him1 ! lea/ reflection

 makes u discov] at once t :at he says  
is incompatible ) ! ess5ce :i* he       
attributes to 8 ,god4 ,!re=e1 :at is    
,god8 ,x is an ab/ract ^w1 co9$ to      
designate ! hidd5 =ces ( nature2 or1 x  
is a ma!matical po9t1 :i* has nei!r     
l5g?1 bread?1 nor ?ickness4 ,a          
philosoph] ,david ,hume has v +5i\sly   
said 9 speak+ ( !ologians1 t !y h f\nd !
 solution to ! fam\s problem (          
,ar*im$es2 a po9t 9 ! heav5s f :i* !y   
move ! _w4     ,,xxvii4--,,rem>kable    
,,contradictions ,,( ,,!ology4          
,religion puts m5 on _! knees be=e a be+
 )\t ext5sion1 & :o1 not)/&+1 is        
inf9ite1 & fills all space ) 8 imm5sity2
 be=e an almighty be+1 :o nev] executes 
t :i* he desires2 be=e a be+ supremely  
good1 & :o causes b displeasure2 be=e a 
be+1 ! fri5d ( ord]1 & 9 ^: gov]nm5t    
ev]y?+ is 9 disord]4 ,aft] all ?is1 let 
u conjecture :at ?is ,god ( !ology is4  
,,xxviii4--,,to ,,adore ,,god ,,is ,,to 
,,adore ,a ,,fiction4  ,9 ord] to avoid 
all emb>rassm5t1 !y tell u t x is n     

necess>y to "k :at ,god is2 t we mu/    
adore )\t kn[+2 t x is n p]mitt$ u to   
turn an eye ( tem]ity ^u ,8 attributes4 
,b if we mu/ adore a ,god )\t kn[+ ,him1
 %\ld we n be assur$ t ,he exi/s8       
,moreov]1 h[ be assur$ t ,he exi/s )\t  
hav+ exam9$ :e!r x is possible t !      
div]se qualities claim$ = ,him1 meet 9  
,him8 ,9 tru?1 to adore ,god is to adore
 no?+ b fictions ( "o's own bra91 or r1 
x is to adore no?+4     ,,xxix4--,,!    
,,inf9ity ,,( ,,god ,,& ,,!             
,,impossibility ,,( ,,kn[+ ,,! ,,div9e  
,,ess5ce1 ,,occasions ,,& ,,ju/ifies    
,,a!ism4  ,)\t d\bt ! m to p]plex       
matt]s1 !ologians h *os5 to say no?+    
ab\t :at _! ,god is2 !y tell u :at ,he  
is n4 ,by negations & ab/ractions !y    
imag9e !mselves compos+ a real & p]fect 
be+1 :ile !re c result f x b a be+ (    
human reason4 ,a _s has no body2 an     
inf9ite be+ is a be+ :i* is n f9ite2 a  
p]fect be+ is a be+ :i* is n imp]fect4  
,c any "o =m any real notions ( su* a   
multitude ( defici5cies or abs5ce (     

ideas8 ,t :i* excludes all idea1 c x be 
any?+ b no?+ness8 ,to pret5d t ! div9e  
attributes are beyond ! und]/&+ ( !     
human m9d is to r5d] ,god unfit = m54   
,if we are assur$ t ,god is inf9ite1 we 
admit t !re c be no?+ 9 common betwe5   
,him & ,8 creatures4 ,to say t ,god is  
inf9ite1 is to de/roy ,him = m51 or at  
lea/ r5d] ,him useless to !m4  ,god1 we 
are told1 creat$ m5 intellig5t1 b ,he   
did n create !m omnisci5t3 t is to say1 
capable ( kn[+ all ?+s4 ,we conclude t  
,he 0 n able to end[ him ) intellig5ce  
suffici5t to und]/& ! div9e ess5ce4 ,9  
?is case x is demon/rat$ t ,god has     
nei!r ! p[] nor ! wi% to be kn[n by m54 
,by :at "r c\ld ?is ,god become angry ) 
be+s ^: own ess5ce makes x impossible to
 h any idea ( ! div9e ess5ce8 ,god w\ld 
evid5tly be ! mo/ unju/ & ! mo/         
unacc\ntable ( tyrants if ,he %\ld puni%
 an a!i/ = n kn[+ t :i* 8 nature made x 
impossible = him to "k4     ,,xxx4--,,x 
,,is ,,nei!r ,,less ,,nor ,,m ,,crim9al 
,,to ,,believe ,,9 ,,god ,,?an ,,n ,,to 

,,believe ,,9 ,,him4  ,= ! g5]ality ( m5
 no?+ r5d]s an argum5t m conv9c+ ?an    
fe>4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is fact1 !ologians
 tell u t ! safe/ side mu/ be tak52 t   
no?+ is m crim9al ?an incr$ulity2 t ,god
 w puni% )\t m]cy all ^? :o h ! tem]ity 
to d\bt ,8 exi/5ce2 t ,8 sev]ity is j2  
s9ce x is only madness or p]v]sity :i*  
que/ions ! exi/5ce ( an angry mon>* :o  
rev5ges himself cruelly ^u a!i/s4 ,if we
 exam9e ^! m5aces calmly1 we %all f9d t 
!y assume always ! ?+ 9 "q4 ,!y mu/     
comm5ce by prov+ to our satisfaction !  
exi/5ce ( a ,god1 be=e tell+ u t x is   
saf] to believe1 & t x is horrible to   
d\bt or to d5y x4 ,!n !y mu/ prove t x  
is possible = a j ,god to puni% m5      
cruelly = hav+ be5 9 a /ate ( madness1  
:i* prev5t$ !m f believ+ 9 ! exi/5ce ( a
 be+ :om _! enlight5$ reason c\ld n     
compreh5d4 ,9 a ^w1 !y mu/ prove t a    
,god t is said to be full ( equity1 c\ld
 puni% beyond measure ! inv9cible &     
necess>y ignorance ( man1 caus$ by 8    
relation to ! div9e ess5ce4 ,is n !     

!ologians' mann] ( reason+ v s+ul>8 ,!y 
create phantoms1 !y fill !m )           
contradictions1 & f9ally assure u t !   
safe/ way is n to d\bt ! exi/5ce ( ^?   
phantoms1 :i* !y h !mselves inv5t$4 ,by 
foll[+ out ?is me?od1 !re is no         
absurdity :i* x w\ld n be saf] to       
believe ?an n to believe4  ,all *ildr5  
are a!i/s--!y h no idea ( ,god2 are !y1 
!n1 crim9al on acc\nt ( ?is ignorance8  
,at :at age d !y beg9 to be oblig$ to   
believe 9 ,god8 ,x is1 y say1 at ! age (
 reason4 ,at :at "t does ?is age beg98  
,besides1 if ! mo/ pr(\nd !ologians lose
 !mselves 9 ! div9e ess5ce1 :i* !y boa/ 
( n compreh5d+1 :at ideas c common p    
h8--wom51 me*anics1 &1 9 %ort1 ^? :o    
compose ! mass ( ! human race8          
,,xxxi4--,,! ,,belief ,,9 ,,god ,,is    
,,no?+ ,,b ,a ,,me*anical ,,habitude ,,(
 ,,*ildhood4  ,m5 believe 9 ,god only ^u
 ! ^w ( ^? :o h no m idea ( ,him ?an !y 
!mselves4 ,our nurses are our fir/      
!ologians2 !y talk to *ildr5 ( ,god z !y
 talk to !m ( 7-wolfs2 !y tea* !m f !   

mo/ t5d] age to jo9 ! h&s me*anically4  
,h ! nurses cle>] notions ( ,god ?an !  
*ildr51 :om !y compel to pray to ,him8  
,,xxxii4--,,x ,,is ,a ,,prejudice ,,:i* 
,,has ,,be5 ,,h&$ ,,f ,,fa!r ,,to       
,,*ildr54  ,religion is h&$ d[n f fa!rs 
to *ildr5 z ! prop]ty ( a family ) !    
burd5s4 ,v few p 9 ! _w w\ld h a ,god if
 c>e _h n be5 tak5 to give !m "o4 ,ea*  
"o receives f 8 p>5ts & 8 in/ructors !  
,god :i* !y !mselves h receiv$ f !irs2  
only1 accord+ to 8 own temp]am5t1 ea* "o
 arranges1 modifies1 & pa9ts ,him       
agreeably to 8 ta/e4                    
,,xxxiii4--,,orig9 ,,( ,,prejudices4  ,!
 bra9 ( man is1 especially 9 infancy1 l 
a s(t wax1 ready to receive all !       
impressions we wi% to make on x2        
education furni%es ne>ly all 8 op9ions1 
at a p]iod :5 he is incapable ( judg+ = 
himself4 ,we believe t ! ideas1 true or 
false1 :i* at a t5d] age 7 =c$ into our 
heads1 7 receiv$ f nature at our bir?2 &
 ?is p]suasion is "o ( ! greate/ s\rces 
( our errors4     ,,xxxiv4--,,h[ ,,!y   

,,take ,,root ,,& ,,spread4  ,prejudice 
t5ds to confirm 9 u ! op9ions ( ^? :o   
are *>g$ ) our in/ruction4 ,we believe  
!m m skillful ?an we are2 we suppose !m 
?or\ghly conv9c$ !mselves ( ! ?+s !y    
tea* u4 ,we h ! greate/ confid5ce 9 !m4 
,aft] ! c>e !y h tak5 ( u :5 we 7 unable
 to assi/ ourselves1 we judge !m        
incapable ( deceiv+ u4 ,^! are ! motives
 :i* make u adopt a ?\s& errors )\t o!r 
f\ndation ?an ! dang]\s ^w ( ^? :o h    
educat$ u2 ev5 ! be+ =bidd5 to reason ^u
 :at !y tell u1 does n dim9i% our       
confid5ce1 b contributes (t5 to increase
 our respect = _! op9ions4              
,,xxxv4--,,m5 ,,w\ld ,,nev] ,,h         
,,believ$ ,,9 ,,! ,,pr9ciples ,,(       
,,mod]n ,,!ology ,,if ,,!y ,,_h ,,n     
,,be5 ,,taught ,,at ,,an ,,age ,,:5 ,,!y
 ,,7 ,,incapable ,,( ,,reason+4  ,!     
in/ructors ( ! human race act v prud5tly
 9 tea*+ m5 _! religi\s pr9ciples be=e  
!y are able to di/+ui% ! true f ! false1
 or ! left h& f ! "r4 ,x w\ld be z      
difficult to tame ! _s ( a man =ty ye>s 

old ) ! extravagant notions :i* are giv5
 u ( ,div9ity1 z to bani% ^! notions f !
 head ( a man :o has imbib$ !m s9ce 8   
t5d]e/ infancy4     ,,xxxvi4--,,!       
,,wond]s ,,( ,,nature ,,d ,,n ,,prove   
,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,,god4  ,we are assur$
 t ! wond]s ( nature are suffici5t to a 
belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 & to       
conv9ce u fully ( ?is important tru?4 ,b
 h[ _m p]sons are !re 9 ?is _w :o h !   
leisure1 ! capacity1 ! necess>y ta/e1 to
 contemplate nature & to m$itate ^u its 
progress8 ,! majority ( m5 pay no       
att5tion to x4 ,a peasant is n at all   
mov$ by ! beauty ( ! sun1 :i* he sees e 
day4 ,! sailor is n surpris$ by ! regul>
 movem5ts ( ! ocean2 he w draw f !m no  
!ological inductions4 ,! ph5om5a (      
nature d n prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1    
except to a few =ew>n$ m51 to :om has   
be5 %[n 9 advance ! f+] ( ,god 9 all !  
objects ^: me*anism c\ld emb>rass !m4 ,!
 unprejudic$ philosoph] sees no?+ 9 !   
wond]s ( nature b p]man5t & inv>iable   
law2 no?+ b ! necess>y effects ( diff]5t

 comb9ations ( div]sifi$ sub/ance4      
,,xxxvii4--,,! ,,wond]s ,,( ,,nature    
,,expla9 ,,!mselves ,,by ,,natural      
,,causes4  ,is !re any?+ m surpris+ ?an 
! logic ( s _m pr(\nd doctors1 :o1      
in/ead ( ackn[l$g+ ! little light !y h  
^u natural ag5cies1 seek outside (      
nature--t is to say1 9 imag9>y          
regions--an ag5t less und]/ood ?an ?is  
nature1 ( :i* !y c at lea/ =m "s idea8  
,to say t ,god is ! au?or ( ! ph5om5a t 
we see1 is x n attribut+ !m to an occult
 cause8 ,:at is ,god8 ,:at is a _s8 ,!y 
are causes ( :i* we h no idea4 ,sages6  
/udy nature & h] laws2 & :5 y c f !m    
unravel ! action ( natural causes1 d n g
 9 se>* ( sup]natural causes1 :i*1 v f> 
f enlight5+ y\r ideas1 w b entangle !m m
 & m & make x impossible = y to und]/&  
y\rselves4     ,,xxxviii--,,cont9uation4
  ,nature1 y say1 is totally            
inexplicable )\t a ,god2 t is to say1 9 
ord] to expla9 :at y und]/& s little1 y 
ne$ a cause :i* y d n und]/& at all4 ,y 
pret5d to make cle> t :i* is obscure1 by

 magnify+ its obscurity4 ,y ?9k y h     
unti$ a knot by multiply+ knots4        
,en?usia/ic philosoph]s1 9 ord] to prove
 to u ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 y copy        
complete treatises on botany2 y ent]    
into m9ute details ( ! p>ts ( ! human   
body2 y asc5d into ! air to contemplate 
! revolutions ( ! />s2 y return !n to   
e>? to admire ! c\rse ( ! wat]s2 y fly  
into ec/asies ov] butt]flies1 insects1  
polyps1 organiz$ atoms1 9 :i* y ?9k to  
f9d ! greatness ( y\r ,god2 all ^! ?+s w
 n prove ! exi/5ce ( ?is ,god2 !y w only
 prove t y h n ! ideas :i* y %\ld h ( ! 
imm5se v>iety ( causes & effects t c    
produce ! inf9itely div]sifi$           
comb9ations1 ( :i* ! univ]se is !       
assemblage4 ,?is w prove t y ignore     
nature1 t y h no idea ( h] res\rces :5 y
 judge h] incapable ( produc+ a         
multitude ( =ms & be+s1 ( :i* y\r eyes1 
ev5 by ! aid ( ! microscope1 see b !    
lea/ "p2 f9ally1 ?is w prove1 t n be+   
able to "k ! s5sible & compreh5sible    
ag5ts1 y f9d x easi] to h rec\rse to a  

^w1 by :i* y designate an ag5t1 ( :om x 
w always be impossible = y to =m any    
true idea4     ,,xxxix4--,,! ,,_w ,,has 
,,n ,,be5 ,,creat$1 ,,& ,,matt] ,,moves 
,,by ,,itself4  ,!y tell u gravely t !re
 is no effect )\t a cause2 !y repeat to 
u v (t5 t ! _w did n create itself4 ,b !
 univ]se is a cause1 n an effect2 x is n
 a "w1 has n be5 made1 because x 0      
impossible t x %\ld be made4 ,! _w has  
always be51 its exi/5ce is necess>y4 ,x 
is ! cause ( itself4 ,nature1 ^: ess5ce 
is visibly act+ & produc+1 9 ord] to    
fulfill h] functions1 z we see %e does1 
ne$s no invisible motor f> m unkn[n ?an 
h]self4 ,matt] moves by its own en]gy1  
by ! necess>y result ( its het]og5eity2 
! div]sity ( its movem5ts or ( its ways 
( act+1 con/itute only ! div]sity (     
sub/ances2 we di/+ui% "o be+ f ano!r b  
by ! div]sity ( ! impressions or        
movem5ts :i* !y communicate to our      
organs4     ,,xl4--,,cont9uation4  ,y   
see t ev]y?+ 9 nature is 9 a /ate (     
activity1 & y pret5d t nature ( itself  

is dead & )\t en]gy6 ,y believe t all   
?is1 act+ ( itself1 has ne$ ( a motor6  
,well6 :o is ?is motor8 ,x is a _s1 t is
 to say1 an absolutely incompreh5sible &
 contradictory be+4 ,conclude !n1 ,i say
 to y1 t matt] acts ( itself1 & cease to
 reason ab\t y\r spiritual motor1 :i*   
has no?+ t is necess>y to put x into    
motion4 ,return f y\r useless           
excursions2 come d[n f an imag9>y into a
 real _w2 take hold ( second causes2    
leave to !ologians _! ,fir/ ,cause1 (   
:i* nature has no ne$ 9 ord] to produce 
all ! effects :i* y see4                
,,xli4--,,o!r ,,pro(s ,,t ,,motion ,,is 
,,9 ,,! ,,ess5ce ,,( ,,matt]1 ,,& ,,t   
,,x ,,is ,,n ,,necess>y ,,to ,,suppose  
,a ,,spiritual ,,motor4  ,x is b by !   
div]sity ( impressions or ( effects :i* 
sub/ances or bodies make ^u u1 t we feel
 !m1 t we h p]ceptions & ideas ( !m1 t  
we di/+ui% !m "o f ano!r1 t we assign to
 !m peculi>ities4 ,moreov]1 9 ord] to   
p]ceive or to feel an object1 ?is object
 mu/ act ^u our organs2 ?is object c n  

act ^u u )\t excit+ "s motion 9 u2 x c n
 produce any motion 9 u if x is n itself
 9 motion4 ,z soon z ,i see an object1  
my eyes mu/ be /ruck by x2 ,i c n       
conceive ( light & ( vision )\t a motion
 9 ! lum9\s1 ext5d$1 & color$ body :i*  
communicates itself to my eye1 or :i*   
acts ^u my ret9a4 ,z soon z ,i smell a  
body1 my olfactory n]ve mu/ be irritat$ 
or put into motion by ! p>ts exhal$ f an
 odor\s body4 ,z soon z ,i he> a s\nd1 !
 tympanum ( my e> mu/ be /ruck by ! air 
put 9 motion by a sonor\s body1 :i* c\ld
 n act if x 0 n mov$ ( itself4 ,f :i* x 
foll[s1 evid5tly1 t )\t motion ,i c     
nei!r feel1 see1 di/+ui%1 comp>e1 nor   
judge ! body1 nor ev5 occupy my ?\ght ) 
any matt] :atev]4 ,x is said 9 ! s*ools1
 t ! ess5ce ( a be+ is t f :i* fl[ all !
 prop]ties ( t be+4 ,n[ !n1 x is evid5t 
t all ! prop]ties ( bodies or (         
sub/ances ( :i* we h ideas1 are due to !
 motion :i* alone in=ms u ( _! exi/5ce1 
& gives u ! fir/ conceptions ( x4 ,i c n
 be in=m$ or assur$ ( my own exi/5ce b  

by ! motions :i* ,i exp]i5ce )9 myself4 
,i am compell$ to conclude t motion is z
 ess5tial to matt] z its ext5sion1 & t x
 c n be conceiv$ ( )\t x4 ,if "o p]si/s 
9 cavil+ ab\t ! evid5ces :i* prove to u 
t motion is an ess5tial prop]ty ( matt]1
 he mu/ at lea/ ackn[l$ge t sub/ances   
:i* seem$ dead or depriv$ ( all en]gy1  
take motion ( !mselves z soon z !y are  
br\ght )9 ! prop] di/ance to act ^u ea* 
o!r4 ,pyrophorus1 :5 enclos$ 9 a bottle 
or depriv$ ( contact ) ! air1 c n take  
fire by itself1 b x burns z soon z      
expos$ to ! air4 ,fl\r & wat] cause     
f]m5tation z soon z !y are mix$4 ,?us   
dead sub/ances eng5d] motion ( !mselves4
 ,matt] has !n ! p[] to move itself1 &  
nature1 9 ord] to act1 does n ne$ a     
motor ^: ess5ce w\ld h9d] its activity4 
,,xlii4--,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,,man ,,does 
,,n ,,prove ,,t ,,( ,,god4  ,:5ce comes 
man8 ,:at is 8 orig98 ,is he ! result ( 
! =tuit\s meet+ ( atoms8 ,0 ! fir/ man  
=m$ ( ! du/ ( ! e>?8 ,i d n "k6 ,man    
appe>s to me to be a production ( nature

 l all o!rs %e embraces4 ,i %\ld be j z 
mu* emb>rass$ to tell y :5ce came ! fir/
 /ones1 ! fir/ trees1 ! fir/ elephants1 
! fir/ ants1 ! fir/ acorns1 z to expla9 
! orig9 ( ! human species4 ,recognize1  
we are told1 ! h& ( ,god1 ( an inf9itely
 intellig5t & p[]ful workman1 9 a "w s  
wond]ful z ! human ma*9e4 ,i w\ld admit 
)\t "q t ! human ma*9e appe>s to me     
surpris+2 b s9ce man exi/s 9 nature1 ,i 
d n believe x "r to say t 8 =mation is  
beyond ! =ces ( nature4 ,i w add1 t ,i  
c\ld conceive f> less ( ! =mation ( !   
human ma*9e1 :5 to expla9 x to me !y    
tell me t a pure _s1 :o has nei!r eyes1 
nor feet1 nor h&s1 nor head1 nor lungs1 
nor m\?1 nor brea?1 has made man by tak+
 a little du/ & bl[+ ^u x4 ,! savage    
inhabitants ( ,p>aguay pret5d to be     
desc5d$ f ! moon1 & appe> to u z        
simpletons2 ! !ologians ( ,europe pret5d
 to be desc5d$ f a pure _s4 ,is ?is     
pret5sion m s5sible8  ,man is           
intellig5t1 h5ce x is conclud$ t he mu/ 
be ! "w ( an intellig5t be+1 & n ( a    

nature devoid ( intellig5ce4 ,al?\gh    
no?+ is m r>e ?an to see man use ?is    
intellig5ce1 ( :i* he appe>s s pr\d1 ,i 
w admit t he is intellig5t1 t 8         
necessities develop 9 him ?is faculty1 t
 ! society ( o!r m5 contributes         
especially to cultivate x4 ,b 9 ! human 
ma*9e & 9 ! intellig5ce ) :i* x is      
end[$1 ,i see no?+ t %[s 9 a precise    
mann] ! inf9ite intellig5ce ( ! workman 
:o has ! honor ( mak+ x4 ,i see t ?is   
admirable ma*9e is subject to d]angem5t2
 t at t "t ?is wond]ful intellig5ce is  
disord]$1 & sometimes totally disappe>s2
 f ?is ,i conclude t human intellig5ce  
dep5ds ^u a c]ta9 disposition ( !       
mat]ial organs ( ! body1 & t1 because   
man is an intellig5t be+1 x is n well to
 conclude t ,god mu/ be an intellig5t   
be+1 any m ?an because man is mat]ial1  
we are compell$ to conclude t ,god is   
mat]ial4 ,! intellig5ce ( man no m      
proves ! intellig5ce ( ,god ?an ! malice
 ( m5 proves ! malice ( ?is ,god1 ( :om 
!y pret5d t man is ! "w4 ,9 :atev] way  

!ology is tak51 ,god w always be a cause
 contradict$ by its effects1 or ( :om x 
is impossible to judge by ,8 works4 ,we 
%all always see evil1 imp]fections1 &   
follies result+ f a cause claim$ to be  
full ( goodness1 ( p]fections1 & (      
wisdom4     ,,xliii4--,,h[ev]1 ,,nei!r  
,,man ,,nor ,,! ,,univ]se ,,is ,,!      
,,effect ,,( ,,*ance4  ,!n y w say t    
intellig5t man & ev5 ! univ]se & all x  
encloses1 are ! effects ( *ance4 ,no1 ,i
 answ]1 ! univ]se is n an effect2 x is !
 cause ( all effects2 all ! be+s x      
embraces are ! necess>y effects ( ?is   
cause :i* sometimes %[s to u its mann] (
 act+1 out :i* (t5 hides f u its way4   
,m5 may use ! ^w *ance to cov] _!       
ignorance ( ! true causes2 nev]!less1   
al?\gh !y may ignore !m1 ^! causes act1 
b by c]ta9 laws4 ,!re is no effect )\t a
 cause4  ,nature is a ^w :i* we make use
 ( to designate ! imm5se assemblage (   
be+s1 div]se sub/ances1 inf9ite         
comb9ations1 & all ! v>i\s motions :i*  
we see4 ,all bodies1 :e!r organiz$ or n 

organiz$1 are ! necess>y results ( c]ta9
 causes1 made to produce necess>ily !   
effects :i* we see4 ,no?+ 9 nature c be 
made by *ance2 all foll[ fix$ laws2 ^!  
laws are b ! necess>y union ( c]ta9     
effects ) _! causes4 ,an atom ( matt]   
does n meet ano!r atom by accid5t or by 
haz>d2 ?is r5c\nt] is due to p]man5t    
laws1 :i* cause ea* be+ to act by       
necessity z x does1 & c n act o!rwise "u
 ! same circum/ances4 ,to speak ab\t !  
accid5tal com+ toge!r ( atoms1 or to    
attribute any effects to *ance1 is to   
say no?+1 if n to ignore ! laws by :i*  
bodies act1 meet1 comb9e1 or sep>ate4   
,ev]y?+ is made by *ance = ^? :o d n    
und]/& nature1 ! prop]ties ( be+s1 & !  
effects :i* mu/ necess>ily result f !   
concurr5ce ( c]ta9 causes4 ,x is n *ance
 t has plac$ ! sun 9 ! c5t] ( our       
planet>y sy/em2 x is by its v ess5ce1 ! 
sub/ance ( :i* x is compos$1 t x        
occupies ?is place1 & f !nce diffuses   
itself to invigorate ! be+s :o live 9 ^!
 planets4     ,,xliv4--,,nei!r ,,does   

,,! ,,ord] ,,( ,,! ,,univ]se ,,prove ,,!
 ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,a ,,god4  ,! wor%ip]s ( 
a ,god f9d1 especially 9 ! ord] ( !     
univ]se1 an inv9cible pro( ( ! exi/5ce (
 an intellig5t & wise be+ :o rules x4 ,b
 ?is ord] is only a result ( motions    
necess>ily br\ght on by causes or by    
circum/ances :i* are sometimes favorable
 & sometimes injuri\s to ourselves2 we  
approve ! =m] & f9d fault ) ! latt]4    
,nature foll[s con/antly ! same         
progress2 t is to say1 ! same causes    
produce ! same effects1 z long z _!     
action is n int]rupt$ by o!r causes :i* 
occasion ! fir/ ones to produce diff]5t 
effects4 ,:5 ! causes1 ^: effects we    
feel1 are int]rupt$ 9 _! action by      
causes :i*1 al?\gh unkn[n to u1 are no  
less natural & necess>y1 we are /upefi$1
 we cry out miracles3 & we attribute !m 
to a cause f> less kn[n ?an all ^? we   
see op]at+ be=e u4 ,! univ]se is always 
9 ord]2 !re c be no disord] = x4 ,our   
organization alone is suff]+ if we      
compla9 ab\t disord]4 ,bodies1 causes1  

be+s1 :i* ?is _w embraces1 act          
necess>ily 9 ! mann] 9 :i* we see !m    
act1 :e!r we approve or disapprove _!   
action4 ,e>?quakes1 volcanoes1          
inundations1 contagions1 & fam9es are   
effects z necess>y 9 ! ord] ( nature z !
 fall ( heavy bodies1 z ! c\rse ( riv]s1
 z ! p]iodical movem5ts ( ! seas1 ! bl[+
 ( ! w9ds1 ! abundant ra9s1 & !         
favorable effects = :i* we praise & ?ank
 ,provid5ce = its bless+s4  ,to be      
a/oni%$ t a c]ta9 ord] reigns 9 ! _w1 is
 to be surpris$ to see ! same causes    
con/antly produc+ ! same effects4 ,to be
 %ock$ at see+ disord]1 is to =get t !  
causes be+ *ang$ or di/urb$ 9 _! action1
 ! effects c no long] be ! same4 ,to be 
a/oni%$ to see ord] 9 nature1 is to be  
a/oni%$ t any?+ c exi/2 x is to be      
surpris$ at "o's own exi/5ce4 ,:at is   
ord] = "o be+1 is disord] = ano!r4 ,all 
wick$ be+s f9d t ev]y?+ is 9 ord] :5 !y 
c ) impunity put ev]y?+ into disord]2 !y
 f9d1 on ! contr>y1 t ev]y?+ is 9       
disord] :5 !y are prev5t$ f ex]cis+ _!  

wick$ness4     ,,xlv4--,,cont9uation4   
,suppos+ ,god to be ! au?or & ! motor ( 
nature1 !re c\ld be no disord] relat+ to
 ,him2 all causes :i* ,he w\ld h made   
w\ld necess>ily act accord+ to _!       
prop]ties ! ess5ces & ! impulsions t ,he
 _h end[$ !m )4 ,if ,god %\ld *ange !   
ord9>y c\rse ( ?+s1 ,he w\ld n be       
immutable4 ,if ! ord] ( ! univ]se--9 :i*
 we believe we see ! mo/ conv9c+ pro( ( 
,8 exi/5ce1 ( ,8 intellig5ce1 ,8 p[]1 & 
,8 goodness--%\ld be inconsi/5t1 ,8     
exi/5ce might be d\bt$2 or ,he might be 
accus$ at lea/ ( incon/ancy1 (          
inability1 ( want ( =esight1 & ( wisdom 
9 ! fir/ arrangem5t ( ?+s2 we w\ld h a  
"r to accuse ,him ( blund]+ 9 ,8 *oice (
 ag5ts & in/rum5ts4 ,f9ally1 if ! ord] (
 nature proves ! p[] & ! intellig5ce1   
disord] ought to prove ! weakness1      
incon/ancy1 & irrationality ( ,div9ity4 
,y say t ,god is ev]y:]e2 t ,he fills   
all space2 t no?+ 0 made )\t ,him2 t    
matt] c\ld n act )\t ,him z its motor4  
,b 9 ?is case y admit t y\r ,god is !   

au?or ( disord]2 t x is ,he :o d]anges  
nature2 t ,he is ! ,fa!r ( confusion2 t 
,he is 9 man2 & t ,he moves man at !    
mom5t :5 he s9s4 ,if ,god is ev]y:]e1   
,he is 9 me2 ,he acts ) me2 ,he is      
deceiv$ :5 ,i am deceiv$2 ,he que/ions )
 me ! exi/5ce ( ,god2 ,he (f5ds ,god )  
me4 ,oh1 !ologians6 y nev] und]/&       
y\rselves :5 y speak ( ,god4            
,,xlvi4--,a ,,pure ,,_s ,,c ,,n ,,be    
,,intellig5t1 ,,& ,,to ,,adore ,a       
,,div9e ,,intellig5ce ,,is ,a ,,*im]a4  
,to be :at we call intellig5t1 we mu/ h 
ideas1 ?\ghts1 w2 to h ideas1 ?\ghts1 & 
w1 we mu/ h organs2 to h organs1 we mu/ 
h a body2 to act ^u bodies1 we mu/ h a  
body2 to exp]i5ce tr\ble1 we mu/ be     
capable ( suff]+2 f :i* x evid5tly      
foll[s t a pure _s c n be intellig5t1 & 
c n be affect$ by t :i* takes place 9 ! 
univ]se4  ,div9e intellig5ce1 div9e     
ideas1 div9e views1 y say1 h no?+ 9     
common ) ^? ( m54 ,s mu* ! bett]6 ,b 9  
?is case1 h[ c m5 judge ( ^! views--:e!r
 good or evil--reason ab\t ^! ideas1 or 

admire ?is intellig5ce8 ,x w\ld be to   
judge1 to admire1 to adore t ( :i* we c 
=m no idea4 ,to adore ! pr(\nd views (  
div9e wisdom1 is x n to wor%ip t ( :i* x
 is impossible = u to judge8 ,to admire 
^! same views1 is x n admir+ )\t kn[+   
wry8 ,admiration is always ! daught] (  
ignorance4 ,m5 admire & wor%ip only :at 
!y d n und]/&4     ,,xlvii4--,,all ,,!  
,,qualities ,,:i* ,,!ology ,,gives ,,to 
,,its ,,god ,,are ,,contr>y ,,to ,,! ,,v
 ,,ess5ce ,,:i* ,,x ,,supposes ,,him    
,,to ,,h4  ,all ^! qualities :i* are    
giv5 to ,god are n suit$ to a be+ :o1 by
 ,8 own ess5ce1 is devoid ( all         
simil>ity to human be+s4 ,x is true1 !y 
?9k to f9d ?is simil>ity by exagg]at+ ! 
human qualities ) :i* !y h clo!d        
,div9ity2 !y ?ru/ !m ^u ! inf9ite1 & f t
 mom5t cease to und]/& !mselves4 ,:at is
 ! result ( ?is comb9ation ( man ) ,god1
 or ( ?is !an?ropy8 ,its only result is 
a *im]a1 ( :i* no?+ c be affirm$ )\t    
caus+ ! phantom to vani% :i* !y _h tak5 
s mu* tr\ble to conjure up4  ,dante1 9 8

 poem ( ,p>adise1 relates t ! ,div9ity  
appe>$ to him "u ! figure ( ?ree        
circles1 :i* =m$ an iris1 ^: bright     
colors arose f ea* o!r2 b hav+ wi%$ to  
reta9 its brilliant light1 ! poet saw   
only 8 own face4 ,9 wor%ip+ ,god1 man   
adores himself4                         
,,xlviii4--,,cont9uation4  ,! slighte/  
reflection suffices to prove to u t ,god
 c n h any ( ! human qualities1 virtues1
 or p]fections4 ,our virtues & our      
p]fections are ! results ( our temp]am5t
 modifi$4 ,has ,god a temp]am5t l ours8 
,our good qualities are our habits      
relative to ! be+s 9 ^: society we live4
 ,god1 accord+ to y1 is a solit>y be+4  
,god has no "o l ,him2 ,he does n live 9
 society2 ,he has no ne$ ( any "o2 ,he  
enjoys a happ9ess :i* no?+ c alt]4      
,admit1 !n1 ^u y\r own pr9ciples1 t ,god
 c n possess :at we call virtues1 & t   
man c n be virtu\s 9 reg>d to ,him4     
,,xlix4--,,x ,,is ,,absurd ,,to ,,say   
,,t ,,! ,,human ,,race ,,is ,,! ,,object
 ,,& ,,! ,,end ,,( ,,creation4  ,man1   

*>m$ ) 8 own m]its1 imag9es t x is b 8  
own k9d t ,god propos$ z ! object & !   
end 9 ! =mation ( ! univ]se4 ,^u :at is 
?is s flatt]+ op9ion bas$8 ,x is1 we are
 told1 ^u ?is3 t man is ! only be+ end[$
 ) an intellig5ce :i* enables him to "k 
! ,div9e nature1 & to r5d] to x homage  
wor?y ( x4 ,we are assur$ t ,god creat$ 
! _w = ,8 own glory1 & t ! human race 0 
includ$ 9 ,8 plan1 9 ord] t ,he might h 
somebody to admire & glorify ,him 9 ,8  
works4 ,b by ^! int5tions has n ,god    
visibly miss$ ,8 end8  #a4 ,accord+ to  
y1 x w\ld always be impossible = man to 
"k 8 ,god1 & he w\ld be kept 9 ! mo/    
inv9cible ignorance ( ! ,div9e ess5ce4  
#b4 ,a be+ :o has no equals1 c n be     
susceptible ( glory4 ,glory c result b f
 ! comp>ison ( 8 own excell5ce ) t (    
o!rs4  #c4 ,if ,god by ,himself is      
inf9itely happy & is suffici5t unto     
,himself1 :y does ,he ne$ ! homage ( ,8 
feeble creatures8  #d4 ,9 spite ( all ,8
 works1 ,god is n glorifi$2 on !        
contr>y1 all ! religions ( ! _w %[ ,him 

to u z p]petually (f5d$2 _! great object
 is to reconcile s9ful1 ungrateful1 &   
rebelli\s man ) 8 wra?ful ,god4         
,l4--,,god ,,is ,,n ,,made ,,= ,,man1   
,,nor ,,man ,,= ,,god4  ,if ,god is     
inf9ite1 ,he is creat$ /ill less = man1 
?an man is = ! ants4 ,w\ld ! ants ( a   
g>d5 reason p]t95tly ) ref]5ce to !     
g>d5]1 if !y %\ld attempt to occupy     
!mselves ) 8 int5tions1 8 desires1 & 8  
projects8 ,w\ld !y reason correctly if  
!y pret5d$ t ! p>k ( ,v]sailles 0 made b
 = !m1 & t a fa/idi\s mon>* _h _h z 8   
only object to lodge !m sup]bly8 ,b     
accord+ to !ology1 man 9 8 relation to  
,god is f> b5ea? :at ! l[e/ insect is to
 man4 ,?us by ! ackn[l$gm5t ( !ology    
itself1 !ology1 :i* does b occupy itself
 ) ! attributes & views ( ,div9ity1 is !
 mo/ complete ( follies4     ,,li4--,,x 
,,is ,,n ,,true ,,t ,,! ,,object ,,( ,,!
 ,,=mation ,,( ,,! ,,univ]se ,,0 ,,to   
,,r5d] ,,m5 ,,happy4  ,x is pret5d$1 t 9
 =m+ ! univ]se1 ,god _h no object b to  
r5d] man happy4 ,b1 9 a _w creat$       

expressly = him & gov]n$ by an          
all-mighty ,god1 is man aft] all v      
happy8 ,are 8 enjoym5ts durable8 ,are n 
8 pleasures m+l$ ) suff]+s8 ,are !re _m 
p :o are cont5t$ ) _! fate8 ,is n mank9d
 ! cont9ual victim ( physical & moral   
evils8 ,?is human ma*9e1 :i* is %[n to u
 z ! ma/]piece ( ! ,creator's indu/ry1  
has x n a ?\s& ways ( d]ang+ itself8    
,w\ld we admire ! skill ( a me*anic1 :o 
%\ld %[ u a complicat$ ma*9e1 liable to 
be out ( ord] at any mom5t1 & :i* w\ld  
aft] a :ile de/roy itself8              
,,lii4--,,:at ,,is ,,call$ ,,provid5ce  
,,is ,,b ,a ,,^w ,,void ,,( ,,s5se4  ,we
 call ,provid5ce ! g5]\s c>e :i*        
,div9ity %[s 9 provid+ = our ne$s1 & 9  
wat*+ ov] ! happ9ess ( its belov$       
creatures4 ,b1 z soon z we look ar\nd1  
we f9d t ,god provides = no?+4          
,provid5ce neglects ! greate/ "p ( !    
inhabitants ( ?is _w4 ,aga9/ a v small  
numb] ( m51 :o are suppos$ to be happy1 
:at a multitude ( mis]able ones are     
groan+ b5ea? oppression1 & langui%+ 9   

mis]y6 ,:ole nations are compell$ to    
/>ve 9 ord] to indulge ! extravagances (
 a few morose tyrants1 :o are no happi] 
?an ! slaves :om !y oppress6 ,at ! same 
"t t our philosoph]s en]getically p>ade 
! b\nties ( ,provid5ce1 & exhort u to   
place confid5ce 9 x1 d we n see !m cry  
out at un=ese5 cata/rophes1 by :i*      
,provid5ce plays ) ! va9 projects ( m52 
d we n see t x ov]?r[s _! designs1      
laughs at _! ef=ts1 & t its pr(\nd      
wisdom pleases itself 9 mislead+        
mortals8 ,b h[ c we place confid5ce 9 a 
malici\s ,provid5ce :i* laughs at &     
sports ) mank9d8 ,h[ c ,i admire !      
unkn[n c\rse ( a hidd5 wisdom ^: mann] (
 act+ is inexplicable to me8 ,judge x by
 its effects6 y w say2 x is by ^! ,i d  
judge x1 & ,i f9d t ^! effects are      
sometimes useful & sometimes injuri\s to
 me4  ,we ?9k to ju/ify ,provid5ce by   
say+1 t 9 ?is _w !re are m bless+s ?an  
evil = ea* individual man4 ,let u       
suppose t ! bless+s :i* ?is ,provid5ce  
makes u enjoy are z "o hundr$1 & t !    

evils are z t5 p] c5t42 w\ld x n always 
result t aga9/ ^! hundr$ degrees (      
goodness1 ,provid5ce possesses a t5?    
degree ( malignity8--:i* is incompatible
 ) ! p]fection we suppose x to h4  ,all 
! books are fill$ ) ! mo/ flatt]+       
praises ( ,provid5ce1 ^: att5tive c>e is
 extoll$2 x w\ld seem to u1 z if 9 ord] 
to live happy "h bel[1 man w\ld h no ne$
 ( ex]t+ himself4 ,h[ev]1 )\t labor1 man
 c\ld sc>cely live a day4 ,9 ord] to    
live1 ,i see him oblig$ to sweat1 "w1   
hunt1 fi%1 toil )\t relaxation2 )\t ^!  
second>y causes1 ! ,fir/ ,cause 7at lea/
 9 ! majority ( c\ntries7 c\ld provide =
 none ( 8 ne$s4 ,if ,i exam9e all p>ts (
 ?is globe1 ,i see ! unciviliz$ z well z
 ! civiliz$ man 9 a p]petual /ruggle )  
,provid5ce2 he is compell$ to w>d (f !  
bl[s :i* x s5ds 9 ! =m ( hurricanes1    
tempe/s1 fro/1 hail1 inundations1       
/]ility1 & ! div]s accid5ts :i* s (t5   
r5d] all _! labors useless4 ,9 a ^w1 ,i 
see ! human race cont9ually occupi$ 9   
protect+ itself f ! wick$ tricks ( ?is  

,provid5ce1 :i* is said to be busy ) !  
c>e ( _! happ9ess4 ,a devotee admir$    
,div9e ,provid5ce = hav+ wisely made    
riv]s to fl[ ?r\gh all ! places :]e m5  
_h built l>ge cities4 ,is n ?is man's   
way ( reason+ z s5sible z t ( _m le>n$  
m5 :o d n cease f tell+ u ( ,f9al       
,causes1 or :o pret5d to p]ceive cle>ly 
! b5evol5t views ( ,god 9 ! =mation (   
?+s8     ,,liii4--,,?is ,,pret5d$       
,,provid5ce ,,is ,,less ,,occupi$ ,,9   
,,cons]v+ ,,?an ,,9 ,,di/urb+ ,,!       
,,_w--,,m ,,an ,,enemy ,,?an ,a ,,fri5d 
,,( ,,man4  ,d we see1 !n1 t ,div9e     
,provid5ce manife/s itself 9 a s5sible  
mann] 9 ! cons]vation ( its admirable   
works1 = :i* we honor x8 ,if x is ,div9e
 ,provid5ce :i* gov]ns ! _w1 we f9d x z 
mu* occupi$ 9 de/roy+ z 9 creat+2 9     
ext]m9at+ z 9 produc+4 ,does x n at e   
in/ant cause ?\s&s ( ^? same m5 to p]i%1
 to ^: pres]vation & well-be+ x is      
suppos$ to give its cont9ual att5tion8  
,e mom5t x loses sight ( its belov$     
creatures2 sometimes x te>s d[n _!      

dwell+s2 sometimes x de/roys _! h>ve/s1 
inundates _! fields1 deva/ates by a     
dr\ght1 arms all nature aga9/ man1 sets 
man aga9/ man1 & f9i%es by caus+ him to 
expire 9 pa94 ,is ?is :at y call pres]v+
 a univ]se8 ,if we attempt$ to consid]  
)\t prejudice ! equivocal conduct (     
,provid5ce relative to mank9d & to all  
s5ti5t be+s1 we %\ld f9d t v f> f       
resembl+ a t5d] & c>eful "m1 x r        
resembles ^? unnatural mo!rs :o1 =gett+ 
! un=tunate fruits ( _! illicit am\rs1  
ab&on _! *ildr5 z soon z !y are born2 & 
:o1 pleas$ to h conceiv$ !m1 expose !m  
)\t m]cy to ! caprices ( fate4  ,!      
,hott5tots--wis] 9 ?is p>ticul> ?an o!r 
nations1 :o treat !m z b>b>ians--refuse1
 x is said1 to adore ,god1 because if   
,he sometimes does good1 ,he z (t5 does 
h>m4 ,is n ?is reason+ m j & m con=m$ to
 exp]i5ce ?an t ( s _m m5 :o p]si/ 9    
see+ 9 _! ,god b k9dness1 wisdom1 &     
=esight2 & :o refuse to see t ! c\ntless
 evils1 ( :i* ! _w is ! !at]1 mu/ come f
 ! same ,h& :i* !y kiss ) transport8    

,,liv4--,,no6 ,,! ,,_w ,,is ,,n ,,gov]n$
 ,,by ,,an ,,intellig5t ,,be+4  ,! logic
 ( common s5se tea*es u t we %\ld judge 
a cause b by its effects4 ,a cause c n  
be reput$ z con/antly good1 except :5 x 
con/antly produces good1 useful1 &      
agreeable effects4 ,a cause :i* produces
 good at "o "t1 & evil at ano!r1 is a   
cause :i* is sometimes good & sometimes 
bad4 ,b ! logic ( ,!ology de/roys all   
?is4 ,accord+ to x1 ! ph5om5a ( nature1 
or ! effects :i* we see 9 ?is _w1 prove 
to u ! exi/5ce ( an inf9itely good      
,cause1 & ?is ,cause is ,god4 ,al?\gh   
?is _w is full ( evils1 al?\gh disord]  
reigns "h v (t51 al?\gh m5 groan e mom5t
 "u ! fate :i* oppresses !m1 we ought to
 be conv9c$ t ^! effects are due to a   
b5evol5t & immutable ,cause2 & _m p     
believe x1 or pret5d to believe x6      
,ev]y?+ :i* takes place 9 ! _w proves to
 u 9 ! cle>e/ way t x is n gov]n$ by an 
intellig5t be+4 ,we c judge ( !         
intellig5ce ( a be+ b by ! means :i* he 
employs to accompli% 8 propos$ design4  

,! aim ( ,god1 x is said1 is ! happ9ess 
( our race2 h[ev]1 ! same necessity     
regulates ! fate ( all s5ti5t be+s--:i* 
are born to suff] mu*1 to enjoy little1 
& to die4 ,man's cup is full ( joy & (  
bitt]ness2 ev]y:]e good is side by side 
) evil2 ord] is replac$ by disord]2     
g5]ation is foll[$ by de/ruction4 ,if y 
tell me t ! designs ( ,god are my/]ies1 
& t ,8 views are impossible to und]/&1  
,i w answ]1 t 9 ?is case x is impossible
 = me to judge :e!r ,god is intellig5t4 
,,lv4--,,god ,,c ,,n ,,be ,,call$       
,,immutable4  ,y pret5d t ,god is       
immutable6 ,b :at is x t occasions !    
cont9ual in/ability 9 ?is _w1 :i* y     
claim z ,8 empire8 ,is any /ate subject 
to m frequ5t & cruel revolutions ?an t (
 ?is unkn[n mon>*8 ,h[ c we attribute to
 an immutable ,god1 p[]ful en\gh to give
 solidity to ,8 works1 ! gov]nm5t ( a _w
 :]e ev]y?+ is 9 a cont9ual vicissitude8
 ,if ,i ?9k to see a ,god un*ang+ 9 all 
! effects advantage\s to my k9d1 :at    
,god c ,i discov] 9 ! cont9ual mis=tunes

 by :i* my k9d is oppress$8 ,y tell me t
 x is our s9s t =ce ,him to puni% u4 ,i 
w answ] t ,god1 accord+ to y\rselves1 is
 n immutable1 because ! s9s ( m5 compel 
,him to *ange ,8 conduct 9 reg>d to !m4 
,c a be+ :o is sometimes irritat$1 &    
sometimes appeas$1 be con/antly ! same8 
,,lvi4--,,evil ,,& ,,good ,,are ,,!     
,,necess>y ,,effects ,,( ,,natural      
,,causes4 ,,:at ,,is ,a ,,god ,,:o ,,c  
,,*ange ,,no?+8  ,! univ]se is b :at x c
 be2 all s5ti5t be+s enjoy & suff] "h3 t
 is to say1 !y are mov$ sometimes 9 an  
agreeable1 & at o!r times 9 a           
disagreeable way4 ,^! effects are       
necess>y2 !y result f causes t act      
accord+ to _! inh]5t t5d5cies41 ,^!     
effects necess>ily please or displease  
me1 accord+ to my own nature4 ,?is same 
nature compels me to avoid1 to remove1 &
 to combat ! "o1 & to seek1 to desire1 &
 to procure ! o!r4 ,9 a _w :]e ev]y?+ is
 f necessity1 a ,god :o rem$ies no?+1 & 
all[s ?+s to foll[ _! own c\rse1 is ,he 
any?+ else b de/9y or necessity         

p]sonifi$8 ,x is a deaf ,god :o c effect
 no *ange on ! g5]al laws to :i* ,he is 
subject$ ,himself4 ,:at d ,i c>e = !    
inf9ite p[] ( a be+ :o c d b a v few ?+s
 to please me8 ,:]e is ! inf9ite k9dness
 ( a be+ :o is indiff]5t to my happ9ess8
 ,:at good to me is ! favor ( a be+ :o1 
able to be/[ ^u me inf9ite good1 does n 
ev5 give me a f9ite "o8     ,,lvii4--,,!
 ,,vanity ,,( ,,!ological ,,consolations
 ,,9 ,,! ,,tr\bles ,,( ,,?is ,,life4 ,,!
 ,,hope ,,( ,a ,,heav51 ,,( ,a ,,future 
,,life1 ,,is ,,b ,,imag9>y4  ,:5 we ask 
:y1 "u a good ,god1 s _m are wret*$1 we 
are rem9d$ t ! pres5t _w is b a         
pass-way1 design$ to conduct man to a   
happi] sph]e2 we are assur$ t our soj\rn
 on ! e>?1 :]e we live1 is = trial2 !y  
sil5ce u by say+ t ,god w\ld n imp>t to 
,8 creatures ei!r ! indiff]5ce to !     
suff]+s ( o!rs1 or ! inf9ite happ9ess   
:i* ,he res]v$ = ,himself alone4 ,h[ c  
we be satisfi$ ) ^! answ]s8  #a4 ,!     
exi/5ce ( ano!r life has no o!r gu>anty 
?an ! imag9ation ( m51 :o1 9 suppos+ x1 

h b manife/$ _! desire to live aga91 9  
ord] to ent] ^u a pur] & m durable /ate 
( happ9ess ?an t :i* !y enjoy at pres5t4
  #b4 ,h[ c we conceive ( a ,god :o1    
kn[+ all ?+s1 mu/ "k to _! dep?s !      
nature ( ,8 creatures1 & yet mu/ h s _m 
pro(s 9 ord] to assure ,himself ( _!    
proclivities8  #c4 ,accord+ to !        
calculations ( our *ronologi/s1 ! e>?   
:i* we inhabit has exi/$ = six or sev5  
?\s& ye>s2 dur+ ?is "t ! nations h1 "u  
diff]5t =ms1 exp]i5c$ _m vicissitudes & 
calamities2 hi/ory %[s u t ! human race 
9 all ages has be5 torm5t$ & deva/at$ by
 tyrants1 conqu]ors1 h]oes2 by w>s1     
inundations1 fam9es1 epidemics1 etc4 ,is
 ?is long catalogue ( pro(s ( su* a     
nature z to inspire u ) great confid5ce 
9 ! hidd5 views ( ! ,div9ity8 ,d su*    
con/ant evils give u an exalt$ idea ( ! 
future fate :i* ,8 k9dness is prep>+ =  
u8  #d4 ,if ,god is z well-dispos$ z !y 
assure u ,he is1 c\ld ,he n at lea/1 )\t
 be/[+ an inf9ite happ9ess ^u m51       
communicate to !m t degree ( happ9ess ( 

:i* f9ite be+s are susceptible8 ,9 ord] 
to be happy1 d we ne$ an ,inf9ite or    
,div9e happ9ess8  #e4 ,if ,god has n be5
 able to r5d] m5 happi] ?an !y are "h   
bel[1 :at w become ( ! hope ( a         
,p>adise1 :]e x is pret5d$ t ! elect or 
*os5 few w rejoice =ev] 9 ineffable     
happ9ess8 ,if ,god c\ld n or w\ld n     
remove evil f ! e>? 7! only soj\rn+     
place we "k (71 :at reason c\ld we h to 
presume t ,he c or w remove x f ano!r   
_w1 ( :i* we "k no?+8 ,m ?an two ?\s&   
ye>s ago1 accord+ to ,lactance1 ! wise  
epicure said3 ,ei!r ,god wants to prev5t
 evil1 & c n1 or ,he c & w n2 or ,he    
nei!r c nor w1 or ,he w & c4 ,if ,he    
wants to1 )\t ! p[]1 ,he is impot5t2 if 
,he c1 & w n1 ,he is guilty ( malice :i*
 we c n attribute to ,him2 if ,he nei!r 
c nor w1 ,he is bo? impot5t & wick$1 &  
consequ5tly c n be ,god2 if ,he wi%es to
 & c1 :5ce !n comes evil1 or :y does ,he
 n prev5t x8 ,= m ?an two ?\s& ye>s     
hone/ m9ds h wait$ = a rational solution
 ( ^! difficulties2 & our !ologians tea*

 u t !y w n be reveal$ to u until !     
future life4     ,,lviii4--,,ano!r      
,,idle ,,fancy4  ,we are told ( a       
pret5d$ scale = human be+s2 x is suppos$
 t ,god has divid$ ,8 creatures into    
diff]5t classes1 ea* "o enjoy+ ! degree 
( happ9ess ( :i* he is susceptible4     
,accord+ to ?is romantic arrangem5t1 all
 be+s1 f ! oy/] to ! angel1 enjoy !     
happ9ess :i* belongs to !m4 ,exp]i5ce   
contradicts ?is sublime rev]y4 ,9 ! _w  
:]e we are1 we see all s5ti5t be+s liv+ 
& suff]+ 9 ! mid/ ( dang]s4 ,man c n /ep
 )\t w\nd+1 torm5t+1 cru%+ a multitude (
 s5ti5t be+s :i* he f9ds 9 8 pa?1 :ile  
he himself1 at e /ep1 is expos$ to a    
?rong ( evils se5 or unse51 :i* may lead
 to 8 de/ruction4 ,is n ! v ?\ght ( dea?
 suffici5t to m> 8 greate/ enjoym5t8    
,dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( 8 life he is       
subject to suff]+s2 !re is n a mom5t :5 
he feels sure ( pres]v+ 8 exi/5ce1 to   
:i* he is s /rongly atta*$1 & :i* he    
reg>ds z ! greate/ gift ( ,div9ity4     
,,lix4--,,9 ,,va9 ,,does ,,!ology ,,ex]t

 ,,itself ,,to ,,acquit ,,god ,,(       
,,man',s ,,defects4 ,,ei!r ,,?is ,,god  
,,is ,,n ,,free1 ,,or ,,he ,,is ,,m     
,,wick$ ,,?an ,,good4  ,! _w1 x w be    
said1 has all ! p]fection ( :i* x 0     
susceptible2 by ! v reason t ! _w 0 n ! 
,god :o made x1 x 0 necess>y t x %\ld h 
great qualities & great defects4 ,b we w
 answ]1 t ! _w necess>ily hav+ great    
defects1 x w\ld h be5 bett] suit$ to !  
nature ( a good ,god n to create a _w   
:i* ,he c\ld n r5d] completely happy4   
,if ,god1 :o 01 accord+ to y1 supremely 
happy be=e ! _w 0 creat$1 _h cont9u$ to 
be supremely happy 9 ! creat$ _w1 :y did
 ,he n rema9 9 peace8 ,:y mu/ man suff]8
 ,:y mu/ man exi/ ,:at is 8 exi/5ce to  
,god8 ,no?+ or some?+4 ,if 8 exi/5ce is 
n useful or necess>y to ,god1 :y did ,he
 n leave him 9 no?+ness8 ,if man's      
exi/5ce is necess>y to ,8 glory1 ,he !n 
ne$$ man1 ,he lack$ some?+ be=e ?is man 
exi/$6  ,we c =give an unskillful       
workman = do+ imp]fect "w1 because he   
mu/ "w1 well or ill1 or />ve2 ?is       

workman is excusable2 b y\r ,god is n4  
,accord+ to y1 ,he is self-suffici5t2 9 
?is case1 :y does ,he create m58 ,he    
has1 accord+ to y1 all t is necess>y to 
r5d] man happy2 :y1 !n1 does ,he n d x8 
,y mu/ conclude t y\r ,god has m malice 
?an goodness1 or y mu/ admit t ,god 0   
compell$ to d :at ,he has done1 )\t be+ 
able to d o!rwise4 ,h[ev]1 y assure u t 
y\r ,god is free2 y say also t ,he is   
immutable1 al?\gh beg9n+ 9 "t & ceas+ 9 
"t to ex]cise ,8 p[]1 l all ! incon/ant 
be+s ( ?is _w4 ,oh1 !ologians6 y h made 
va9 ef=ts to acquit y\r ,god ( all !    
defects ( man2 !re is always visible 9  
?is ,god s p]fect1 a tip ( ! human e>4  
,,lx4--,,we ,,c ,,n ,,believe ,,9 ,a    
,,div9e ,,provid5ce1 ,,9 ,,an           
,,inf9itely ,,good ,,& ,,p[]ful ,,god4  
,is n ,god ! ma/] ( ,8 favors8 ,has ,he 
n ! "r to disp5se ,8 b5efits8 ,c ,he n  
take !m back aga98 ,8 creature has no "r
 to ask ! reason ( ,8 conduct2 ,he c    
dispose at w ( ! works ( ,8 h&s4        
,absolute sov]eign ( mortals1 ,he       

di/ributes happ9ess or unhapp9ess1      
accord+ to ,8 pleasure4 ,^! are !       
solutions :i* !ologians give 9 ord] to  
console u = ! evils :i* ,god inflicts ^u
 u4 ,we w\ld tell !m t a ,god :o 0      
inf9itely good1 w\ld n be ! ma/] ( ,8   
favors1 b w\ld be by ,8 own nature      
oblig$ to di/ribute !m among ,8         
creatures2 we w\ld tell !m t a truly    
b5evol5t be+ w\ld n believe he _h ! "r  
to ab/a9 f do+ good2 we w\ld tell !m t a
 truly g5]\s be+ does n take back :at he
 has giv51 & any man :o does x1 =feits  
gratitude1 & has no "r to compla9 (     
+ratitude4 ,h[ c ! arbitr>y & :imsical  
conduct :i* !ologians ascribe to ,god1  
be reconcil$ ) ! religion :i* supposes a
 compact or mutual agreem5t betwe5 ?is  
,god & m58 ,if ,god owes no?+ to ,8     
creatures1 !y1 on _! "p1 c n owe any?+  
to _! ,god4 ,all religion is f\nd$ ^u ! 
happ9ess :i* m5 believe !y h a "r to    
expect f ! ,div9ity1 :o is suppos$ to   
tell !m3 ,love1 adore1 obey me1 & ,i w  
r5d] y happy6 ,m5 on _! side say to     

,him3 ,make u happy1 be fai?ful to y\r  
promises1 & we w love y1 we w adore y1  
we w obey y\r laws6 ,9 neglect+ !       
happ9ess ( ,8 creatures1 9 di/ribut+ ,8 
favors & ,8 graces accord+ to ,8        
caprice1 & tak+ back ,8 gifts1 does n   
,god violate ! contract :i* s]ves z a   
base = all religion8  ,cic]o has said ) 
reason t if ,god does n make ,himself   
agreeable to man1 ,he c n be 8 ,god4    
,nisi ,deus hom9i placu]it1 ,deus non   
erit4 ,goodness con/itutes ,div9ity2 ?is
 ,goodness c manife/ itself to man only 
by ! advantages he d]ives f x4 ,z soon z
 he is un=tunate1 ?is ,goodness         
disappe>s & ceases to be ,div9ity4 ,an  
inf9ite ,goodness c be nei!r p>tial nor 
exclusive4 ,if ,god is inf9itely good1  
,he owes happ9ess to all ,8 creatures2  
"o un=tunate be+ alone w\ld be suffici5t
 to annihilate an unlimit$ goodness4 ,"u
 an inf9itely good & p[]ful ,god1 is x  
possible to conceive t a s+le man c\ld  
suff]8 ,an animal1 a mite1 :i* suff]s1  
furni%es inv9cible argum5ts aga9/ ,div9e

 ,provid5ce & its inf9ite b5efactions4  
,,lxi4--,,cont9uation4  ,accord+ to     
!ologians1 ! afflictions & evils ( ?is  
life are *a/isem5ts :i* culpable m5     
receive f ,div9ity4 ,b :y are m5        
culpable8 ,if ,god is ,almighty1 does x 
co/ ,him any m to say1 ,let ev]y?+ rema9
 9 ord]6--let all my subjects be good1  
innoc5t1 =tunate6--?an to say1 ,let     
ev]y?+ exi/8 ,0 x m difficult = ?is ,god
 to d ,8 "w well ?an to d x s badly8 ,0 
x any f>!r f ! nonexi/5ce ( be+s to _!  
wise & happy exi/5ce1 ?an f _!          
non-exi/5ce to _! ins5sate & mis]able   
exi/5ce8 ,religion speaks to u ( a      
hell--t is1 ( a fe>ful place :]e1       
not)/&+ ,8 goodness1 ,god res]ves et]nal
 torm5ts = ! majority ( m54 ,?us1 aft]  
hav+ r5d]$ mortals v mis]able 9 ?is _w1 
religion tea*es !m t ,god c make !m mu* 
m wret*$ 9 ano!r4 ,!y meet our          
objections by say+1 t o!rwise ! goodness
 ( ,god w\ld take ! place ( ,8 ju/ice4  
,b goodness :i* takes ! place ( ! mo/   
t]rible cruelty1 is n inf9ite k9dness4  

,besides1 a ,god :o1 aft] hav+ be5      
inf9itely good1 becomes inf9itely wick$1
 c ,he be reg>d$ z an immutable be+8 ,a 
,god fill$ ) implacable fury1 is ,he a  
,god 9 :om we c f9d a %ad[ ( *>ity or   
goodness8     ,,lxii4--,,!ology ,,makes 
,,( ,,its ,,god ,a ,,mon/] ,,(          
,,nons5se1 ,,( ,,inju/ice1 ,,( ,,malice1
 ,,& ,,atrocity--,a ,,be+ ,,absolutely  
,,hateful4  ,div9e ju/ice1 su* z our    
!ologians pa9t x1 is1 )\t d\bt1 a       
quality int5d$ to make u love ,div9ity4 
,accord+ to ! notions ( mod]n !ology1 x 
appe>s evid5t t ,god has creat$ !       
majority ( m5 ) ! view only ( puni%+ !m 
et]nally4 ,w\ld x n h be5 m 9 con=mity )
 k9dness1 ) reason1 ) equity1 to create 
b /ones or plants1 & n s5ti5t be+s1 ?an 
to create m5 ^: conduct 9 ?is _w w\ld   
cause !m et]nal *a/isem5ts 9 ano!r8 ,a  
,god s p]fidi\s & wick$ z to create a   
s+le man & leave him expos$ to ! p]ils (
 damnation1 c n be reg>d$ z a p]fect    
be+1 b z a mon/] ( nons5se1 inju/ice1   
malice1 & atrocity4 ,f> f =m+ a p]fect  

,god1 ! !ologians h made ! mo/ imp]fect 
( be+s4 ,accord+ to !ological ideas1    
,god resembles a tyrant :o1 hav+ depriv$
 ! majority ( 8 slaves ( _! eyesight1   
w\ld conf9e !m 9 a cell :]e1 9 ord] to  
amuse himself he c\ld obs]ve incognito  
_! conduct ?r\gh a trap-door1 9 ord] to 
h occasion to cruelly puni% all ^? :o 9 
walk+ %\ld hurt ea* o!r2 b :o w\ld rew>d
 spl5didly ! small numb] ( ^? to :om !  
sight 0 sp>$1 = hav+ ! skill to avoid an
 enc\nt] ) _! comrades4 ,su* are ! ideas
 :i* ! dogma ( gratuit\s pr$e/9ation    
gives ( ,div9ity6  ,al?\gh m5 repeat to 
u t _! ,god is inf9itely good1 x is     
evid5t t 9 ! bottom ( _! he>ts !y c     
believe no?+ ( x4 ,h[ c we love any?+ we
 d n "k8 ,h[ c we love a be+1 ! idea (  
:om is b liable to keep u 9 anxiety &   
tr\ble8 ,h[ c we love a be+ ( :om all t 
is told conspires to r5d] him supremely 
hateful8     ,,lxiii4--,,all ,,religion 
,,inspires ,,b ,a ,,c[>dly ,,&          
,,inord9ate ,,fe> ,,( ,,! ,,div9ity4    
,_m p make a subtle di/9ction betwe5    

true religion & sup]/ition2 !y tell u t 
! latt] is b a c[>dly & inord9ate fe> ( 
,div9ity1 t ! truly religi\s man has    
confid5ce 9 8 ,god1 & loves ,him        
s9c]ely2 :ile ! sup]/iti\s man sees 9   
,him b an enemy1 has no confid5ce 9     
,him1 & repres5ts ,him z a suspici\s &  
cruel tyrant1 av>ici\s ( ,8 b5efactions 
& prodigal ( ,8 *a/isem5ts4 ,b does n   
all religion 9 reality give u ^! same   
ideas ( ,god8 ,:ile we are told t ,god  
is inf9itely good1 is x n con/antly     
repeat$ to u t ,he is v easily (f5d$1 t 
,he be/[s ,8 favors b ^u a few1 t ,he   
*a/ises ) fury ^? to :om ,he has n be5  
pleas$ to grant !m8     ,,lxiv4--,,!re  
,,is ,,9 ,,reality ,,no ,,diff]5ce      
,,betwe5 ,,religion ,,& ,,! ,,mo/       
,,sombre ,,& ,,s]vile ,,sup]/ition4  ,if
 we take our ideas ( ,god f ! nature ( !
 ?+s :]e we f9d a mixture ( good & evil1
 ?is ,god1 accord+ to ! good & evil :i* 
we exp]i5ce1 does naturally appe> to u  
caprici\s1 incon/ant1 sometimes good1   
sometimes wick$1 & 9 ?is way1 in/ead (  

excit+ our love1 ,he mu/ produce        
suspicion1 fe>1 & unc]ta9ty 9 our he>ts4
 ,!re is no real diff]5ce betwe5 natural
 religion & ! mo/ sombre & s]vile       
sup]/ition4 ,if ! ,!i/ sees ,god b on ! 
beautiful side1 ! sup]/iti\s man looks  
^u ,him f ! mo/ hide\s side4 ,! folly ( 
! "o is gay ( ! o!r is lugubri\s2 b bo? 
are equally deliri\s4                   
,,lxv4--,,accord+ ,,to ,,! ,,ideas ,,:i*
 ,,!ology ,,gives ,,( ,,div9ity1 ,,to   
,,love ,,god ,,is ,,impossible4  ,if ,i 
take my ideas ( ,god f !ology1 ,god %[s 
,himself to me 9 su* a light z to repel 
love4 ,! devotees :o tell u t !y love _!
 ,god s9c]ely1 are ei!r li>s or fools :o
 see _! ,god b 9 pr(ile2 x is impossible
 to love a be+1 ! ?\ght ( :om t5ds to   
excite t]ror1 & ^: judgm5ts make u      
tremble4 ,h[ c we face )\t fe>1 a ,god  
:om we suppose suffici5tly b>b>\s to wi%
 to damn u =ev]8 ,let !m n speak to u ( 
a filial or respectful fe> m+l$ ) love1 
:i* m5 %\ld h = _! ,god4 ,a son c n love
 8 fa!r :5 he kn[s he is cruel en\gh to 

inflict exquisite torm5ts ^u him2 9     
%ort1 to puni% him = ! lea/ faults4 ,no 
man ^u e>? c h ! lea/ sp>k ( love = a   
,god :o holds 9 res]ve et]nal1 h>d1 &   
viol5t *a/isem5ts = n9ety-n9e hundr$?s (
 ,8 *ildr54     ,,lxvi4--,,by ,,!       
,,inv5tion ,,( ,,! ,,dogma ,,( ,,!      
,,et]nal ,,torm5ts ,,( ,,hell1          
,,!ologians ,,h ,,made ,,( ,,_! ,,god ,a
 ,,dete/able ,,be+1 ,,m ,,wick$ ,,?an   
,,! ,,mo/ ,,wick$ ,,( ,,m51 ,a ,,p]v]se 
,,& ,,cruel ,,tyrant ,,)\t ,,aim4  ,!   
inv5tors ( ! dogma ( et]nal torm5ts 9   
hell1 h made ( ! ,god :om !y call s     
good1 ! mo/ dete/able ( be+s4 ,cruelty 9
 man is ! la/ t]m ( corruption4 ,!re is 
no s5sitive s\l b is mov$ & revolts at !
 recital alone ( ! torm5ts :i* ! greate/
 crim9al endures2 b cruelty m]its !     
great] indignation :5 we consid] x      
gratuit\s or )\t motive4 ,! mo/ sangu9>y
 tyrants1 ,caligula1 ,n]o1 ,domitian1 _h
 at lea/ "s motive 9 torm5t+ _! victims 
& insult+ _! suff]+s2 ^! motives 71 ei!r
 _! own safety1 ! fury ( rev5ge1 !      

design to fright5 by t]rible examples1  
or p]haps ! vanity to make p>ade ( _!   
p[]1 & ! desire to satisfy a b>b>\s     
curiosity4 ,c a ,god h any ( ^! motives8
 ,9 torm5t+ ! victims ( ,8 wra?1 ,he    
w\ld puni% be+s :o c\ld n really endang]
 ,8 immovable p[]1 nor tr\ble ,8        
felicity1 :i* no?+ c *ange4 ,on ! o!r   
h&1 ! suff]+s ( ! o!r life w\ld be      
useless to ! liv+1 :o c n witness !m2 ^!
 torm5ts w\ld be useless to ! damn$1    
because 9 hell is no m conv]sion1 & !   
h\r ( m]cy is pass$2 f :i* x foll[s1 t  
,god1 9 ! ex]cise ( ,8 et]nal v5geance1 
w\ld h no o!r aim ?an to amuse ,himself 
& insult ! weakness ( ,8 creatures4 ,i  
appeal to ! :ole human race6 ,is !re 9  
nature a man s cruel z to wi% 9 cold    
blood to torm5t1 ,i d n say 8           
fell[-be+s1 b any s5ti5t be+ :atev]1 )\t
 fee1 )\t pr(it1 )\t curiosity1 )\t hav+
 any?+ to fe>8 ,conclude1 !n1 ,o        
!ologians6 t accord+ to y\r own         
pr9ciples1 y\r ,god is inf9itely m wick$
 ?an ! mo/ wick$ ( m54 ,y w tell me1    

p]haps1 t inf9ite (f5ses des]ve inf9ite 
*a/isem5ts1 & ,i w tell y t we c n (f5d 
a ,god ^: happ9ess is inf9ite4 ,i w tell
 y fur!r1 t (f5ses ( f9ite be+s c n be  
inf9ite2 t a ,god :o does n want to be  
(f5d$1 c n cons5t to make ,8 creatures' 
(f5ses la/ = et]nity2 ,i w tell y t a   
,god inf9itely good1 c n be inf9itely   
cruel1 nor grant ,8 creatures inf9ite   
exi/5ce solely = ! pleasure ( torm5t+ !m
 =ev]4  ,x c\ld h be5 b ! mo/ cruel     
b>b>ity1 ! mo/ notori\s imposition1 b ! 
bl9de/ ambition :i* c\ld h creat$ !     
dogma ( et]nal damnation4 ,if !re exi/s 
a ,god :o c\ld be (f5d$ or blasphem$1   
!re w\ld n be ^u e>? any great]         
blasphem]s ?an ^? :o d>e to say t ?is   
,god is p]v]se en\gh to take pleasure 9 
doom+ ,8 feeble creatures to useless    
torm5ts = all et]nity4                  
,,lxvii4--,,!ology ,,is ,,b ,a ,,s]ies  
,,( ,,palpable ,,contradictions4  ,to   
pret5d t ,god c be (f5d$ ) ! actions (  
m51 is to annihilate all ! ideas t are  
giv5 to u ( ?is be+4 ,to say t man c    

di/urb ! ord] ( ! univ]se1 t he c grasp 
! lightn+ f ,god's h&1 t he c upset ,8  
projects1 is to claim t man is /rong]   
?an 8 ,god1 t he is ! arbit] ( ,8 w1 t x
 dep5ds on him to *ange ,8 goodness into
 cruelty4 ,!ology does no?+ b de/roy )  
"o h& t :i* x builds ) ! o!r4 ,if all   
religion is f\nd$ ^u a ,god :o becomes  
angry1 & :o is appeas$1 all religion is 
f\nd$ ^u a palpable contradiction4  ,all
 religions agree 9 exalt+ ! wisdom & !  
inf9ite p[] ( ! ,div9ity2 b z soon z !y 
expose ,8 conduct1 we discov] b         
imprud5ce1 want ( =esight1 weakness1 &  
folly4 ,god1 x is said1 creat$ ! _w =   
,himself2 & s f> ,he has n succe$$ 9    
mak+ ,himself prop]ly respect$6 ,god has
 creat$ m5 9 ord] to h 9 ,8 dom9ion     
subjects :o w\ld r5d] ,him homage2 & we 
cont9ually see m5 revolt aga9/ ,him6    
,,lxviii4--,,! ,,pret5d$ ,,works ,,(    
,,god ,,d ,,n ,,prove ,,at ,,all ,,:at  
,,we ,,call ,,div9e ,,p]fection4  ,we   
are cont9ually told ( ! ,div9e          
p]fections2 & z soon z we ask ! pro(s ( 

!m1 we are %[n ! works 9 :i* we are     
assur$ t ^! p]fections are writt5 9     
ineffaceable *>act]s4 ,all ^! works1    
h[ev]1 are imp]fect & p]i%able2 man1 :o 
is reg>d$ z ! ma/]piece1 z ! mo/ m>vel\s
 "w ( ,div9ity1 is full ( imp]fections  
:i* r5d] him disagreeable 9 ! eyes ( !  
,almighty workman :o has =m$ him2 ?is   
surpris+ "w becomes (t5 s revolt+ & s   
odi\s to its ,au?or1 t ,he feels        
,himself compell$ to ca/ him into !     
fire4 ,b if ! *oice/ "w ( ,div9ity is   
imp]fect1 by :at are we to judge ( !    
,div9e p]fections8 ,c a "w ) :i* ! au?or
 himself is s little satisfi$1 cause u  
to admire 8 skill8 ,physical man is     
subject to a ?\s& infirmities1 to       
c\ntless evils1 to dea?2 ! moral man is 
full ( defects2 & yet !y exhau/ !mselves
 by tell+ u t he is ! mo/ beautiful "w (
 ! mo/ p]fect ( be+s4     ,,lxix4--,,!  
,,p]fection ,,( ,,god ,,does ,,n ,,%[   
,,to ,,any ,,m ,,advantage ,,9 ,,!      
,,pret5d$ ,,creation ,,( ,,angels ,,&   
,,pure ,,spirits4  ,x appe>s t ,god1 9  

creat+ m p]fect be+s ?an m51 did n      
succe$ any bett]1 or give /rong] pro(s (
 ,8 p]fection4 ,d we n see 9 _m         
religions t angels & pure spirits       
revolt$ aga9/ _! ,ma/]1 & ev5 attempt$  
to expel ,him f ,8 ?rone8 ,god int5d$ ! 
happ9ess ( angels & ( m51 & ,he has nev]
 succe$$ 9 r5d]+ happy ei!r angels or   
m52 pride1 malice1 s9s1 ! imp]fections (
 ,8 creatures1 h always be5 oppos$ to ! 
wi%es ( ! p]fect ,creator4              
,,lxx4--,,!ology ,,prea*es ,,!          
,,omnipot5ce ,,( ,,its ,,god1 ,,&       
,,cont9ually ,,%[s ,,him ,,impot5t4     
,all religion is visibly f\nd$ ^u !     
pr9ciple t ,god proposes & man disposes4
 ,all ! !ologies ( ! _w %[ u an unequal 
combat betwe5 ,div9ity on ! "o side1 &  
,8 creatures on ! o!r4 ,god nev] relies 
on ,8 honor2 9 spite ( ,8 almighty p[]1 
,he c\ld n succe$ 9 mak+ ! works ( ,8   
h&s z ,he w\ld l !m to be4 ,to complete 
! absurdity1 !re is a religion :i*      
pret5ds t ,god ,himself di$ to r$eem !  
human race2 &1 9 spite ( ,8 dea?1 m5 are

 n 9 ! lea/ z ?is ,god w\ld desire !m to
 be6     ,,lxxi4--,,accord+ ,,to ,,all  
,,! ,,religi\s ,,sy/ems ,,( ,,! ,,e>?1  
,,god ,,w\ld ,,be ,,! ,,mo/ ,,caprici\s 
,,& ,,! ,,mo/ ,,ins5sate ,,( ,,be+s4    
,no?+ c\ld be m extravagant ?an ! role  
:i* 9 e c\ntry !ology makes ,div9ity    
play4 ,if ! ?+ 0 real1 we w\ld be oblig$
 to see 9 x ! mo/ caprici\s & ! mo/     
insane ( be+s2 "o w\ld be oblig$ to     
believe t ,god made ! _w to be ! !at] ( 
di%onor+ w>s ) ,8 creatures2 t ,he      
creat$ angels1 m51 demons1 wick$        
spirits1 b z adv]s>ies1 aga9/ :om ,he   
c\ld ex]cise ,8 p[]4 ,he gives !m lib]ty
 to (f5d ,him1 makes !m wick$ en\gh to  
upset ,8 projects1 ob/9ate en\gh to nev]
 give up3 all = ! pleasure ( gett+      
angry1 & be+ appeas$1 ( reconcil+       
,himself1 & ( repair+ ! confusion !y h  
made4 ,_h ,div9ity =m$ at once ,8       
creatures su* z !y ought to be 9 ord] to
 please ,him1 :at tr\ble ,he might h    
sp>$ ,himself6 or1 at lea/1 h[ mu*      
emb>rassm5t ,he might h sav$ to ,8      

!ologians6 ,accord+ to all ! religi\s   
sy/ems ( ! e>?1 ,god seems to be occupi$
 b 9 do+ ,himself injury2 ,he does x z  
^? *>latans d :o w\nd !mselves1 9 ord]  
to h occasion to %[ ! public ! value (  
_! o9tm5ts4 ,we d n see1 h[ev]1 t s f>  
,div9ity has be5 able to radically cure 
itself ( ! evil :i* is caus$ by m54     
,,lxxii4--,,x ,,is ,,absurd ,,to ,,say  
,,t ,,evil ,,does ,,n ,,come ,,f ,,god4 
,god is ! au?or ( all2 /ill we are      
assur$ t evil does n come f ,god4 ,:5ce1
 !n1 does x come8 ,f m58 ,b :o has made 
m58 ,x is ,god3 !n t evil comes f ,god4 
,if ,he _h n made m5 z !y are1 moral    
evil or s9 w\ld n exi/ 9 ! _w4 ,we mu/  
blame ,god1 !n1 t man is s p]v]se4 ,if  
man has ! p[] to d wrong or to (f5d     
,god1 we mu/ conclude t ,god wi%es to be
 (f5d$2 t ,god1 :o has creat$ man1      
resolv$ t evil %\ld be done by him3 )\t 
?is1 man w\ld be an effect contr>y to ! 
cause f :i* he d]ives 8 be+4            
,,lxxiii4--,,! ,,=esight ,,attribut$    
,,to ,,god1 ,,w\ld ,,give ,,to ,,guilty 

,,m5 ,,:om ,,he ,,puni%es1 ,,! ,,"r ,,to
 ,,compla9 ,,( ,,8 ,,cruelty4  ,!       
faculty ( =esight1 or ! ability to "k 9 
advance all :i* is to happ5 9 ! _w1 is  
attribut$ to ,god4 ,b ?is =esight c     
sc>cely belong to ,8 glory1 nor sp>e    
,him ! reproa*es :i* m5 c\ld            
legitimately heap ^u ,him4 ,if ,god _h !
 =esight ( ! future1 did ,he n =esee !  
fall ( ,8 creatures :om ,he _h de/9$ to 
happ9ess8 ,if ,he resolv$ 9 ,8 decrees  
to all[ ?is fall1 !re is no d\bt t ,he  
desir$ x to take place3 o!rwise x w\ld n
 h happ5$4 ,if ! ,div9e =esight ( ! s9 (
 ,8 creatures _h be5 necess>y or =c$1 x 
might be suppos$ t ,god 0 compell$ by ,8
 ju/ice to puni% ! guilty2 b ,god1      
enjoy+ ! faculty ( =esight & ! p[] to   
pr$e/9ate ev]y?+1 w\ld x n dep5d ^u     
,himself n to impose ^u m5 ^! cruel     
laws8 ,or1 at lea/1 c\ld ,he n h disp5s$
 ) creat+ be+s :om ,he might be compell$
 to puni% & to r5d] unhappy by a        
subsequ5t decree8 ,:at does x matt] :e!r
 ,god de/9$ m5 to happ9ess or to mis]y  

by a previ\s decree1 ! effect ( ,8      
=esight1 or by a subsequ5t decree1 !    
effect ( ,8 ju/ice4 ,does ! arrangem5t (
 ^! decrees *ange ! fate ( ! mis]able8  
,w\ld !y n h ! "r to compla9 ( a ,god   
:o1 hav+ ! p[] ( leav+ !m 9 oblivion1   
br\ght !m =?1 al?\gh ,he =esaw v well t 
,8 ju/ice w\ld =ce ,him soon] or lat] to
 puni% !m8     ,,lxxiv4--,,absurdity ,,(
 ,,! ,,!ological ,,fables ,,^u ,,orig9al
 ,,s9 ,,& ,,^u ,,satan4  ,man1 say y1   
issu+ f ! h&s ( ,god1 0 pure1 innoc5t1 &
 good2 b 8 nature became corrupt$ 9     
consequ5ce ( s94 ,if man c\ld s91 :5 j  
leav+ ! h&s ( ,god1 8 nature 0 !n n     
p]fect6 ,:y did ,god p]mit him to s91 & 
8 nature to become corrupt8 ,:y did ,god
 all[ him to be s$uc$1 kn[+ well t he   
w\ld be too weak to resi/ ! tempt]8 ,:y 
did ,god create a ,satan1 a malici\s _s1
 a tempt]8 ,:y did n ,god1 :o 0 s       
desir\s ( do+ good to mank9d1 :y did ,he
 n annihilate1 once = all1 s _m evil    
g5ii ^: nature r5d]$ !m enemies ( our   
happ9ess8 ,or r1 :y did ,god create evil

 spirits1 ^: victories & t]rible        
influ5ces ^u ! human race ,he mu/ h     
=ese58 ,f9ally1 by :at fatality1 9 all !
 religions ( ! _w1 has ! evil pr9ciple  
su* a m>k$ advantage ov] ! good pr9ciple
 or ov] ,div9ity8     ,,lxxv4--,,!      
,,devil1 ,,l ,,religion1 ,,0 ,,inv5t$   
,,to ,,enri* ,,! ,,prie/s4  ,we are told
 a /ory ( ! simple-he>t$ness ( an       
,italian monk1 :i* does him honor4 ,?is 
good man prea*+ "o day felt oblig$ to   
ann\nce to 8 auditory t1 ?anks to       
,heav51 he _h at la/ discov]$ a sure    
means ( r5d]+ all m5 happy4 ,! devil1   
said he1 tempts m5 b to h !m z comrades 
( 8 mis]y 9 hell4 ,let u address        
ourselves1 !n1 to ! ,pope1 :o possesses 
! keys ( p>adise & ( hell2 let u ask him
 to besee* ,god1 at ! head ( ! :ole     
,*ur*1 to reconcile ,himself ) ! devil2 
to take him back into ,8 favor2 to      
re-e/abli% him 9 ,8 fir/ rank4 ,?is c n 
fail to put an end to 8 s9i/] projects  
aga9/ mank9d4 ,! good monk did n see1   
p]haps1 t ! devil is at lea/ fully z    

useful z ,god to ! m9i/]s ( religion4   
,^! reap too _m b5efits f _! diff]5ces  
to l5d !mselves will+ly to a            
reconciliation betwe5 ! two enemies     
ties1 ^u ^: conte/s _! exi/5ce & _!     
rev5ues dep5d4 ,if m5 w\ld cease to be  
tempt$ & to s91 ! m9i/ry ( prie/s w\ld  
become useless to !m4 ,mani*eism is     
evid5tly ! support ( all religions2 b   
un=tunately ! devil1 be+ inv5t$ to      
remove all suspicion ( malice f         
,div9ity1 proves to u at e mom5t !      
p[]lessness or ! awkw>dness ( 8 cele/ial
 ,adv]s>y4     ,,lxxvi4--,,if ,,god     
,,c\ld ,,n ,,r5d] ,,human ,,nature      
,,s9less1 ,,he ,,has ,,no ,,"r ,,to     
,,puni% ,,man4  ,man's nature1 x is     
said1 mu/ necess>ily become corrupt4    
,god c\ld n end[ him ) s9lessness1 :i*  
is an inali5able portion ( ,div9e       
p]fection4 ,b if ,god c\ld n r5d] him   
s9less1 :y did ,he take ! tr\ble (      
creat+ man1 ^: nature 0 to become       
corrupt1 & :i*1 consequ5tly1 _h to (f5d 
,god8 ,on ! o!r side1 if ,god ,himself 0

 n able to r5d] human nature s9less1 :at
 "r _h ,he to puni% m5 = n be+ s9less8  
,x is b by ! "r ( might4 ,b ! "r ( !    
/ronge/ is viol5ce2 & viol5ce is n suit$
 to ! mo/ ,j ( ,be+s4 ,god w\ld be      
supremely unju/ if ,he puni%$ m5 = n    
hav+ a portion ( ! ,div9e p]fections1 or
 = n be+ able to be ,gods l ,himself4   
,c\ld n ,god h at lea/ end[$ m5 ) t sort
 ( p]fection ( :i* _! nature is         
susceptible8 ,if "s m5 are good or r5d] 
!mselves agreeable to _! ,god1 :y did n 
?is ,god be/[ ! same favor or give !    
same dispositions to all be+s ( our k9d8
 ,:y does ! numb] ( wick$ exce$ s       
greatly ! numb] ( good p8 ,:y1 = e      
fri5d1 does ,god f9d t5 ?\s& enemies 9 a
 _w :i* dep5d$ ^u ,him alone to p )     
hone/ m58 ,if x is true t ,god int5ds to
 =m 9 heav5 a c\rt ( sa9ts1 ( *os5 ones1
 or ( m5 :o h liv$ 9 ?is _w accord+ to  
,8 views1 w\ld ,he n h _h a c\rt m      
num]\s1 m brilliant1 & m honorable to   
,him1 if x 7 compos$ ( all ! m5 to :om1 
9 creat+ !m1 ,he c\ld h grant$ ! degree 

( goodness necess>y to obta9 et]nal     
happ9ess8 ,f9ally1 7 x n easi] n to take
 man f no?+ness ?an to create him full (
 defects1 rebelli\s to 8 ,creator1      
p]petually expos$ to lose himself by a  
fatal abuse ( 8 lib]ty8 ,in/ead ( creat+
 m51 a p]fect ,god ought to h creat$    
only docile & submissive angels4 ,!     
angels1 x is said1 are free2 a few among
 !m h s9n$2 b all ( !m h n s9n$2 all h n
 abus$ _! lib]ty by revolt+ aga9/ _!    
,ma/]4 ,c\ld n ,god h creat$ only angels
 ( ! good k9d8 ,if ,god c\ld create     
angels :o h n s9n$1 c\ld ,he n create m5
 s9less1 or ^? :o w\ld nev] abuse _!    
lib]ty by do+ evil4 ,if ! *os5 ones are 
incapable ( s9n+ 9 heav51 c\ld n ,god h 
made s9less m5 ^u ! e>?8                
,,lxxvii4--,,x ,,is ,,absurd ,,to ,,say 
,,t ,,god',s ,,conduct ,,mu/ ,,be ,a    
,,my/]y ,,to ,,man1 ,,& ,,t ,,he ,,has  
,,no ,,"r ,,to ,,exam9e ,,& ,,judge ,,x4
  ,we are told t ! enorm\s di/ance :i*  
sep>ates ,god f m51 makes ,god's conduct
 necess>ily a my/]y = u1 & t we h no "r 

to int]rogate our ,ma/]4 ,is ?is /atem5t
 satisfactory8 ,b accord+ to y1 :5 my   
et]nal happ9ess is involv$1 h ,i n ! "r 
to exam9e ,god's own conduct8 ,x is b ) 
! hope ( happ9ess t m5 submit to !      
empire ( a ,god4 ,a despot to :om m5 are
 subject$ b ?r\gh fe>1 a ma/] :om !y c n
 int]rogate1 a totally inaccessible     
sov]eign1 c n m]it ! homage ( intellig5t
 be+s4 ,if ,god's conduct is a my/]y to 
me1 x is n made = me4 ,man c n adore1   
admire1 respect1 or imitate a conduct ( 
:i* ev]y?+ is impossible to conceive1 or
 ( :i* he c n =m any b revolt+ ideas2   
unless x is pret5d$ t he %\ld wor%ip all
 ! ?+s ( :i* he is =c$ to be ignorant1 &
 !n all t he does n und]/& becomes      
admirable4  ,prie/s6 y tea* u t !       
designs ( ,god are imp5etrable2 t ,8    
ways are n our ways2 t ,8 ?\ghts are n  
our ?\ghts2 t x is folly to compla9 ( ,8
 adm9i/ration1 ^: motives & secret ways 
are entirely unkn[n to u2 t !re is      
tem]ity 9 accus+ ,him ( unju/ judgm5ts1 
because !y are incompreh5sible to u4 ,b 

d y n see t by speak+ 9 ?is mann]1 y    
de/roy ) y\r own h&s all y\r pr(\nd     
sy/ems :i* h no design b to expla9 !    
ways ( ,div9ity t y call imp5etrable8   
,^! judgm5ts1 ^! ways1 & ^! designs1 h y
 p5etrat$ !m8 ,y d>e n say s2 &1 al?\gh 
y season incessantly1 y d n und]/& !m m 
?an we d4 ,if by *ance y "k ! plan (    
,god1 :i* y tell u to admire1 :ile !re  
are _m p :o f9d x s little wor?y ( a j1 
good1 intellig5t1 & rational be+2 d n   
say t ?is plan is imp5etrable4 ,if y are
 z ignorant z we1 h "s indulg5ce = ^? :o
 +5u\sly confess t !y compreh5d no?+ (  
x1 or t !y see no?+ 9 x ,div9e4 ,cease  
to p]secute = op9ions :i* y d n und]/&  
y\rselves2 cease to sl&] ea* o!r =      
dreams & conjectures :i* are altoge!r   
contradictory2 speak to u ( intelligible
 & truly useful ?+s2 & no long] tell u (
 ! imp5etrable ways ( a ,god1 ab\t :i* y
 d no?+ b /amm] & contradict y\rselves4 
,9 speak+ to u incessantly ( ! imm5se   
dep?s ( ,div9e wisdom1 9 =bidd+ u to    
fa?om ^! dep?s by tell+ u t x is        

insol5ce to call ,god to ! tribunal (   
our humble reason1 9 mak+ x a crime to  
judge our ,ma/]1 ! !ologians only       
confess ! emb>rassm5t 9 :i* !y f9d      
!mselves z soon z !y h to r5d] acc\nt ( 
! conduct ( a ,god1 :i* !y tell u is    
m>vel\s1 only because x is totally      
impossible = !m to und]/& x !mselves4   
,,lxxviii4--,,x ,,is ,,absurd ,,to      
,,call ,,him ,a ,,god ,,( ,,ju/ice ,,&  
,,goodness1 ,,:o ,,inflicts ,,evil      
,,indiscrim9ately ,,on ,,! ,,good ,,&   
,,! ,,wick$1 ,,^u ,,! ,,innoc5t ,,& ,,! 
,,guilty2 ,,x ,,is ,,idle ,,to ,,dem&   
,,t ,,! ,,un=tunate ,,%\ld ,,console    
,,!mselves ,,= ,,_! ,,mis=tunes1 ,,9 ,,!
 ,,v ,,arms ,,( ,,! ,,"o ,,:o ,,alone   
,,is ,,! ,,au?or ,,( ,,!m4  ,physical   
evil commonly passes z ! puni%m5t ( s94 
,calamities1 diseases1 fam9es1 w>s1     
e>?quakes1 are ! means :i* ,god employs 
to *a/ise p]v]se m54 ,!re=e1 !y h no    
difficulty 9 attribut+ ^! evils to !    
sev]ity ( a j & good ,god4 ,h[ev]1 d we 
n see ^! plagues fall indiscrim9ately ^u

 ! good & ! wick$1 ^u ! impi\s & ! pi\s1
 ^u ! innoc5t & ! guilty8 ,h[ c we be   
made to admire1 9 ?is proce$+1 ! ju/ice 
& ! goodness ( a be+1 ! idea ( :om      
appe>s s consol+ to ! un=tunate8        
,d\btless ! bra9 ( ^! un=tunate ones has
 be5 di/urb$ by _! mis=tunes1 s9ce !y   
=get t ,god is ! arbit] ( ?+s1 ! sole   
disp5s] ( ! ev5ts ( ?is _w4 ,9 ?is case 
ought !y n to blame ,him = ! evils = :i*
 !y w\ld f9d consolation 9 ,8 arms8     
,un=tunate fa!r6 y console y\rself 9 !  
bosom ( ,provid5ce = ! loss ( a *]i%$   
*ild or ( a wife1 :o made y\r happ9ess6 
,alas6 d y n see t y\r ,god has kill$   
!m8 ,y\r ,god has r5d]$ y mis]able2 & y 
want ,him to console y = ! fe>ful bl[s  
,he has inflict$ ^u y4  ,! fanta/ic &   
sup]natural notions ( !ology h succe$$ s
 ?or\ghly 9 ov]com+ ! simple/1 ! cle>e/1
 ! mo/ natural ideas ( ! human _s1 t !  
pi\s1 incapable ( accus+ ,god ( malice1 
accu/om !mselves to look ^u ^! sad      
afflictions z indubitable pro(s (       
cele/ial goodness4 ,are !y 9 affliction1

 !y are told to believe t ,god loves !m1
 t ,god visits !m1 t ,god wi%es to try  
!m4 ,?us x is t religion *anges evil    
into good6 ,"s "o has said pr(anely1 b )
 reason3 ,if ! good ,god treats ?us ^?  
:om ,he loves1 ,i besee* ,him v e>ne/ly 
n to ?9k ( me4 ,m5 mu/ h =m$ v s9i/] & v
 cruel ideas ( _! ,god :om !y call s    
good1 9 ord] to p]suade !mselves t ! mo/
 frightful calamities & ! mo/ pa9ful    
afflictions are signs ( ,8 favor6 ,w\ld 
a wick$ ,g5ii or a ,devil be m +5i\s 9  
torm5t+ 8 enemies1 ?an sometimes is ?is 
,god ( goodness1 :o is s (t5 occupi$ )  
inflict+ ,8 *a/isem5ts ^u ,8 de>e/      
fri5ds8     ,,lxxix4--,a ,,god ,,:o     
,,puni%es ,,! ,,faults ,,:i* ,,he ,,c\ld
 ,,h ,,prev5t$1 ,,is ,a ,,fool1 ,,:o    
,,adds ,,inju/ice ,,to ,,fooli%ness4    
,:at w\ld we say or a fa!r :o1 we are   
assur$1 wat*es )\t relaxation ov] !     
welf>e ( 8 feeble & un=esee+ *ildr51 &  
:o1 h[ev]1 w\ld leave !m at lib]ty to g 
a/ray 9 ! mid/ ( rocks1 precipices1 &   
wat]s2 :o w\ld prev5t !m b r>ely f      

foll[+ _! disord]$ appetites2 :o w\ld   
p]mit !m to h&le1 )\t precaution1 deadly
 arms1 at ! risk ( w\nd+ !mselves       
sev]ely8 ,:at w\ld we ?9k ( ?is same    
fa!r1 if1 in/ead ( blam+ himself = ! h>m
 :i* w\ld h happ5$ to 8 poor *ildr51 he 
%\ld puni% !m = _! faults 9 ! mo/ cruel 
way8 ,we w\ld say1 ) reason1 t ?is fa!r 
is a fool1 :o jo9s inju/ice to          
fooli%ness4 ,a ,god :o puni%es ! faults 
:i* ,he c\ld h prev5t$1 is a be+ :o     
lacks wisdom1 goodness1 & equity4 ,a    
,god ( =esight w\ld prev5t evil1 & 9 ?is
 way w\ld be sav$ ! tr\ble ( puni%+ x4  
,a good ,god w\ld n puni% weaknesses :i*
 ,he kn[s to be inh]5t 9 human nature4  
,a j ,god1 if ,he has made man1 w\ld n  
puni% him = n be+ /rong en\gh to resi/ 8
 desires4 ,to puni% weakness1 is ! mo/  
unju/ tyranny4 ,is x n calumniat+ a j   
,god1 to say t ,he puni%es m5 = _!      
faults1 ev5 9 ! pres5t life8 ,h[ w\ld   
,he puni% be+s :om ,he alone c\ld       
correct1 & :o1 z long z !y _h n receiv$ 
grace1 c n act o!rwise ?an !y d8        

,accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( !ologians     
!mselves1 man1 9 8 actual /ate (        
corruption1 c d no?+ b evil1 = )\t      
,div9e grace he has n ! /r5g? to d good4
 ,moreov]1 if man's nature1 ab&on$ to   
itself1 ( de/itute ( ,div9e help1       
incl9es him necess>ily to evil1 or r5d]s
 him incapable ( do+ good1 :at becomes (
 8 free w8 ,accord+ to su* pr9ciples1   
man c m]it nei!r rew>d nor puni%m5t2 9  
rew>d+ man = ! good he does1 ,god w\ld b
 recomp5se ,himself2 9 puni%+ man = !   
evil he does1 ,god puni%es him = n hav+ 
be5 giv5 ! grace1 )\t :i* x 0 impossible
 = him to d bett]4     ,,lxxx4--,,free  
,,w ,,is ,,an ,,idle ,,fancy4           
,!ologians tell & repeat to u t man is  
free1 :ile all _! tea*+s conspire to    
de/roy 8 lib]ty4 ,try+ to ju/ify        
,div9ity1 !y accuse him really ( !      
blacke/ inju/ice4 ,!y suppose t1 )\t    
grace1 man is compell$ to d evil3 & !y  
ma9ta9 t ,god w puni% him = n hav+ be5  
giv5 ! grace to d good6 ,) a little     
reflection1 we w be oblig$ to see t man 

9 all ?+s acts by compulsion1 & t 8 free
 w is a *im]a1 ev5 accord+ to !         
!ological sy/em4 ,does x dep5d ^u man   
:e!r or n he %all be born ( su* or su*  
p>5ts8 ,does x dep5d ^u man to accept or
 n to accept ! op9ions ( 8 p>5ts & ( 8  
tea*]s8 ,if ,i 7 born ( idolatr\s or    
,mohamm$an p>5ts1 w\ld x h dep5d$ ^u me 
to become a ,*ri/ian8 ,h[ev]1 grave     
,doctors ( ,div9ity assure u t a j ,god 
w damn )\t m]cy all ^? to :om ,he has n 
giv5 ! grace to "k ! religion ( !       
,*ri/ians4  ,man's bir? does n dep5d ^u 
8 *oice2 he 0 n ask$ if he w\ld or w\ld 
n come into ! _w2 nature did n consult  
him ^u ! c\ntry & ! p>5ts t %e gave him2
 ! ideas he acquir$1 8 op9ions1 8 true  
or false notions are ! necess>y fruits (
 ! education :i* he has receiv$1 & ( :i*
 he has n be5 ! ma/]2 8 passions & 8    
desires are ! necess>y results ( !      
temp]am5t :i* nature has giv5 him1 & ( !
 ideas ) :i* he has be5 inspir$2 dur+ ! 
:ole c\rse ( 8 life1 8 wi%es & 8 actions
 are det]m9$ by 8 surr\nd+s1 8 habits1 8

 occupations1 8 pleasures1 8            
conv]sations1 & by ! ?\ghts :i* pres5t  
!mselves involunt>ily to him2 9 %ort1 by
 a multitude ( ev5ts & accid5ts :i* are 
beyond 8 control4 ,incapable ( =esee+ ! 
future1 he kn[s nei!r :at he w wi%1 nor 
:at he w d 9 ! "t :i* mu/ imm$iately    
foll[ ! pres5t4 ,man passes 8 life1 f ! 
mom5t ( 8 bir? to t ( 8 dea?1 )\t hav+  
be5 free "o in/ant4 ,man1 y say1 wi%es1 
delib]ates1 *ooses1 det]m9es2 h5ce y    
conclude t 8 actions are free4 ,x is    
true t man int5ds1 b he is n ma/] ( 8 w 
or ( 8 desires4 ,he c desire & wi% only 
:at he judges advantage\s = himself2 he 
c n love pa9 nor dete/ pleasure4 ,man1 x
 w be said1 sometimes pref]s pa9 to     
pleasure2 b !n1 he pref]s a pass+ pa9 9 
! hope ( procur+ a great] & m durable   
pleasure4 ,9 ?is case1 ! idea ( a great]
 good det]m9es him to deprive himself ( 
"o less desirable4  ,x is n ! lov] :o   
gives to 8 mi/ress ! features by :i* he 
is en*ant$2 he is n !n ! ma/] to love or
 n to love ! object ( 8 t5d]ness2 he is 

n ! ma/] ( ! imag9ation or ! temp]am5t  
:i* dom9ates him2 f :i* x foll[s1       
evid5tly1 t man is n ! ma/] ( ! wi%es & 
desires :i* rise 9 8 s\l1 indep5d5tly ( 
him4 ,b man1 say y1 c resi/ 8 desires2  
!n he is free4 ,man resi/s 8 desires :5 
! motives :i* turn him f an object are  
/rong] ?an ^? :i* draw him t[>d x2 b !n1
 8 resi/ance is necess>y4 ,a man :o fe>s
 di%onor & puni%m5t m ?an he loves      
money1 resi/s necess>ily ! desire to    
take possession ( ano!r's money4 ,are we
 n free :5 we delib]ate8--b has "o ! p[]
 to "k or n to "k1 to be unc]ta9 or to  
be assur$8 ,delib]ation is ! necess>y   
effect ( ! unc]ta9ty 9 :i* we f9d       
ourselves ) ref]5ce to ! results ( our  
actions4 ,z soon z we believe ourselves 
c]ta9 ( ^! results1 we necess>ily       
decide2 & !n we act necess>ily accord+ z
 we %all h judg$ "r or wrong4 ,our      
judgm5ts1 true or false1 are n free2 !y 
are necess>ily det]m9$ by ideas :i* we h
 receiv$1 or :i* our m9d has =m$4 ,man  
is n free 9 8 *oice2 he is evid5tly     

compell$ to *oose :at he judges ! mo/   
useful or ! mo/ agreeable = himself4 ,:5
 he susp5ds 8 *oice1 he is n m free2 he 
is =c$ to susp5d x till he kn[s or      
believes he kn[s ! qualities ( ! objects
 pres5t$ to him1 or until he has weigh$ 
! consequ5ce ( 8 actions4 ,man1 y w say1
 decides e mom5t on actions :i* he kn[s 
w endang] him2 man kills himself        
sometimes1 !n he is free4 ,i d5y x6 ,has
 man ! ability to reason correctly or   
incorrectly8 ,d n 8 reason & 8 wisdom   
dep5d ei!r ^u op9ions t he has =m$1 or  
^u 8 m5tal con/itution8 ,z nei!r ! "o   
nor ! o!r dep5ds ^u 8 w1 !y c n 9 any   
wise prove 8 lib]ty4  ,if ,i make ! wag]
 to d or n to d a ?+1 am ,i n free8     
,does x n dep5d ^u me to d or n to d x8 
,no2 ,i w answ] y1 ! desire to w9 ! wag]
 w necess>ily det]m9e y to d or n to d !
 ?+ 9 "q4 ,b if ,i cons5t to lose !     
wag]8 ,!n ! desire to prove to me t y   
are free w h become to y a /rong] motive
 ?an ! desire to w9 ! wag]2 & ?is motive
 w necess>ily h det]m9$ y to d or n to d

 :at 0 und]/ood betwe5 u4 ,b y w say1 ,i
 feel myself free4 ,x is an illusion :i*
 may be comp>$ to t ( ! fly 9 ! fable1  
:i*1 light+ on ! %aft ( a heavy wagon1  
applaud$ itself z driv] ( ! vehicle :i* 
c>ri$ x4 ,man :o believes himself free1 
is a fly :o believes himself !          
ma/]-motor 9 ! ma*9e ( ! univ]se1 :ile  
he himself1 )\t 8 own volition1 is c>ri$
 on by x4 ,! feel+ :i* makes u believe t
 we are free to d or n to d a ?+1 is b a
 pure illusion4 ,:5 we come to !        
v]itable pr9ciple ( our actions1 we w   
f9d t !y are no?+ b ! necess>y results (
 our wills & ( our desires1 :i* are nev]
 )9 our p[]4 ,y believe y\rselves free  
because y d z y *oose2 b are y really   
free to w or n to w1 to desire or n to  
desire8 ,y\r wills & y\r desires1 are !y
 n necess>ily excit$ by objects or by   
qualities :i* d n dep5d ^u y at all8    
,,lxxxi4--,,we ,,%\ld ,,n ,,conclude ,,f
 ,,?is ,,t ,,society ,,has ,,n ,,! ,,"r 
,,to ,,*a/ise ,,! ,,wick$4  ,if !       
actions ( m5 are necess>y1 if m5 are n  

free1 :at "r has society to puni% !     
wick$ :o infe/ x8 ,is x n v unju/ to    
*a/ise be+s :o c\ld n act o!rwise ?an !y
 did8 ,if ! wick$ act f ! impulse ( _!  
corrupt nature1 society 9 puni%+ !m acts
 necess>ily on its side f ! desire to   
pres]ve itself4 ,c]ta9 objects produce 9
 u ! feel+ ( pa92 !re=e our nature      
compels u to hate !m1 & incites u to    
remove !m4 ,a tig] press$ by hung]1     
attacks ! man :om he wi%es to dev\r2 b !
 man is n ! ma/] ( 8 fe> ( ! tig]1 &    
seeks necess>ily ! means ( ext]m9at+ x4 
,,lxxxii4--,,refutation ,,( ,,!         
,,argum5ts ,,9 ,,favor ,,( ,,free ,,w4  
,if ev]y?+ is necess>y1 if errors1      
op9ions1 & ideas ( m5 are fat$1 h[ or :y
 c we pret5d to re=m !m8 ,! errors ( m5 
are ! necess>y results ( _! ignorance2  
_! ignorance1 _! ob/9acy1 _! cr$ulity1  
are ! necess>y results ( _! inexp]i5ce1 
( _! indiff]5ce1 ( _! lack ( reflection2
 ! same z conge/ion ( ! bra9 or le?>gy  
are ! natural effects ( "s diseases4    
,tru?1 exp]i5ce1 reflection1 reason1 are

 ! prop] rem$ies to cure ignorance1     
fanaticism1 & follies2 ! same z ble$+ is
 good to soo! conge/ion ( ! bra94 ,b y w
 say1 :y does n tru? produce ?is effect 
^u _m ( ! sick heads8 ,!re are "s       
diseases :i* resi/ all rem$ies2 x is    
impossible to cure ob/9ate pati5ts :o   
refuse to take ! rem$ies :i* are giv5   
!m2 ! int]e/ ( "s m5 & ! folly ( o!rs   
naturally oppose !m to ! admission (    
tru?4 ,a cause produces its effect only 
:5 x is n int]rupt$ 9 its action by o!r 
causes :i* are /rong]1 or :i* weak5 !   
action ( ! fir/ cause or r5d] x useless4
 ,x is entirely impossible to h ! be/   
argum5ts accept$ by m5 :o are /rongly   
int]e/$ 9 error2 :o are prejudic$ 9 its 
favor2 :o refuse to reflect2 b x mu/    
necess>ily be t tru? undeceives ! hone/ 
s\ls :o seek x 9 good fai?4 ,tru? is a  
cause2 x produces necess>ily its effect 
:5 its impulse is n int]rupt$ by causes 
:i* susp5d its effects4                 
,,lxxxiii4--,,cont9uation4  ,to take    
away f man 8 free w1 is1 we are told1 to

 make ( him a pure ma*9e1 an automaton  
)\t lib]ty2 !re w\ld exi/ 9 him nei!r   
m]it nor virtue ,:at is m]it 9 man8  ,x 
is a c]ta9 mann] ( act+ :i* r5d]s him   
e/imable 9 ! eyes ( 8 fell[ be+s4 ,:at  
is virtue8 ,x is ! disposition t causes 
u to d good to o!rs4 ,:at c !re be      
contemptible 9 automatic ma*9es capable 
( produc+ su* desirable effects8 ,m>cus 
,aurelius 0 a v useful spr+ to ! va/    
ma*9e ( ! ,roman ,empire4 ,by :at "r w a
 ma*9e despise ano!r ma*9e1 ^: spr+s    
w\ld facilitate its own play8 ,good p   
are spr+s :i* assi/ society 9 its t5d5cy
 to happ9ess2 wick$ m5 are badly-=m$    
spr+s1 :i* di/urb ! ord]1 ! progress1 & 
h>mony ( society4 ,if = its own int]e/s 
society loves & rew>ds ! good1 %e hates1
 despises1 & removes ! wick$1 z useless 
or dang]\s motors4     ,,lxxxiv4--,,god 
,,himself1 ,,if ,,!re ,,0 ,a ,,god1     
,,w\ld ,,n ,,be ,,free2 ,,h5ce ,,!      
,,uselessness ,,( ,,all ,,religion4  ,! 
_w is a necess>y ag5t2 all ! be+s :i*   
compose x are unit$ to ea* o!r1 & c n d 

o!rwise ?an !y d1 s long z !y are mov$  
by ! same causes & possess$ ( ! same    
qualities4 ,if !y lose ^! qualities1 !y 
w act necess>ily 9 a diff]5t way4 ,god  
,himself 7admitt+ ,8 exi/5ce a mom5t7 c 
n be reg>d$ z a free ag5t2 if !re exi/$ 
a ,god1 ,8 mann] ( act+ w\ld necess>ily 
be det]m9$ by ! qualities inh]5t 9 ,8   
nature2 no?+ w\ld be able to alt] or to 
oppose ,8 wi%es4 ,?is consid]$1 nei!r   
our actions nor our pray]s nor our      
sacrifices c\ld susp5d or *ange ,8      
inv>iable progress & ,8 immutable       
designs1 f :i* we are compell$ to       
conclude t all religion w\ld be entirely
 useless4     ,,lxxxv4--,,ev5 ,,accord+ 
,,to ,,!ological ,,pr9ciples1 ,,man ,,is
 ,,n ,,free ,,"o ,,in/ant4  ,if         
!ologians 7 n con/antly contradict+ ea* 
o!r1 !y w\ld "k1 f _! own hypo!ses1 t   
man c n be call$ free = an in/ant4 ,is n
 man suppos$ to be 9 a cont9ual dep5d5ce
 ^u ,god8 ,is "o free1 :5 "o c\ld n h   
exi/$ or c n live )\t ,god1 & :5 "o     
ceases to exi/ at ! pleasure ( ,8       

supreme w8 ,if ,god creat$ man ( no?+1  
if ! pres]vation ( man is a cont9ual    
creation1 if ,god c n lose sight ( ,8   
creature = an in/ant1 if all t happ5s to
 him is a result ( ! ,div9e w1 if man is
 no?+ ( himself1 if all ! ev5ts :i* he  
exp]i5ces are ! effects ( ,div9e        
decrees1 if he c n d any good )\t       
assi/ance f above1 h[ c x be pret5d$ t  
man enjoys lib]ty dur+ "o mom5t ( 8     
life8 ,if ,god did n save him 9 ! mom5t 
:5 he s9s1 h[ c\ld man s98 ,if ,god     
pres]ves him1 ,god1 !re=e1 =ces him to  
live 9 ord] to s94     ,,lxxxvi4--,,all 
,,evil1 ,,all ,,disord]1 ,,all ,,s91 ,,c
 ,,be ,,attribut$ ,,b ,,to ,,god2 ,,&   
,,consequ5tly1 ,,he ,,has ,,no ,,"r ,,to
 ,,puni% ,,or ,,rew>d4  ,div9ity is     
cont9ually comp>$ to a k+1 ! majority ( 
^: subjects revolt aga9/ ,him & x is    
pret5d$ t ,he has ! "r to rew>d ,8      
fai?ful subjects1 & to puni% ^? :o      
revolt aga9/ ,him4 ,?is comp>ison is n j
 9 any ( its p>ts4 ,god presides ov] a  
ma*9e1 ( :i* ,he has made all ! spr+s2  

^! spr+s act accord+ to ! way 9 :i* ,god
 has =m$ !m2 x is ! fault ( ,8          
inaptitude if ^! spr+s d n contribute to
 ! h>mony ( ! ma*9e 9 :i* ! workman     
desir$ to place !m4 ,god is a creat+    
,k+1 :o creat$ all k9ds ( subjects =    
,himself2 :o =m$ !m accord+ to ,8       
pleasure1 & ^: wi%es c nev] f9d any     
resi/ance4 ,if ,god 9 ,8 empire has     
rebelli\s subjects1 x is ,god :o resolv$
 to h rebelli\s subjects4 ,if ! s9s ( m5
 di/urb ! ord] ( ! _w1 x is ,god :o     
desir$ ?is ord] to be di/urb$4 ,nobody  
d>es to d\bt ,div9e ju/ice2 h[ev]1 "u ! 
empire ( a j ,god1 we f9d no?+ b        
inju/ice & viol5ce4 ,p[] decides ! fate 
( nations4 ,equity seems to be bani%$ f 
! e>?2 a small numb] ( m5 enjoy )       
impunity ! repose1 ! =tunes1 ! lib]ty1 &
 ! life ( all ! o!rs4 ,ev]y?+ is 9      
disord] 9 a _w gov]n$ by a ,god ( :om x 
is said t disord] displeases ,him       
exce$+ly4     ,,lxxxvii4--,,m5',s       
,,pray]s ,,to ,,god ,,prove             
,,suffici5tly ,,t ,,!y ,,are ,,n        

,,satisfi$ ,,) ,,! ,,div9e ,,economy4   
,al?\gh m5 incessantly admire ! wisdom !
 goodness1 ! ju/ice1 ! beautiful ord] ( 
,provid5ce1 !y are1 9 fact1 nev] cont5t$
 ) x4 ,! pray]s :i* !y cont9ually (f] to
 ,heav51 prove to u t !y are n at all   
satisfi$ ) ,god's adm9i/ration4 ,pray+  
to ,god1 ask+ a favor ( ,him1 is to     
mi/ru/ ,8 vigilant c>e2 to pray ,god to 
av]t or to suppress an evil1 is to      
endeavor to put ob/acles 9 ! way ( ,8   
ju/ice2 to implore ! assi/ance ( ,god 9 
our calamities1 means to appeal to ! v  
au?or ( ^! calamities 9 ord] to repres5t
 to ,him our welf>e2 t ,he ought to     
rectify 9 our favor ,8 plan1 :i* is n   
b5eficial to our int]e/s4 ,! optimi/1 or
 ! "o :o ?9ks t ev]y?+ is good 9 ! _w1 &
 :o repeats to u incessantly t we live 9
 ! be/ _w possible1 if he 7 consi/5t1   
ought nev] to pray2 /ill less %\ld he   
expect ano!r _w :]e m5 w be happi]4 ,c  
!re be a bett] _w ?an ! be/ possible (  
all worlds8 ,"s ( ! !ologians h treat$ !
 optimi/s z impi\s = hav+ claim$ t ,god 

c\ld n h made a bett] _w ?an ! "o 9 :i* 
we live2 accord+ to ^! doctors x is     
limit+ ! ,div9e p[] & insult+ x4 ,b d n 
!ologians see t x is less (f5sive =     
,god1 to pret5d t ,he did ,8 be/ 9      
creat+ ! _w1 ?an to say t ,he1 hav+ !   
p[] to produce a bett] "o1 _h ! malice  
to make a v bad "o8 ,if ! optimi/1 by 8 
sy/em1 does wrong to ! ,div9e p[]1 !    
!ologian1 :o treats him z impi\s1 is    
himself a reprobate1 :o w\nds ! ,div9e  
goodness "u pretext ( tak+ int]e/ 9     
,god4     ,,lxxxviii4--,,! ,,rep>ation  
,,( ,,! ,,iniquities ,,& ,,! ,,mis]ies  
,,( ,,?is ,,_w ,,9 ,,ano!r ,,_w1 ,,is   
,,an ,,idle ,,conjecture ,,& ,,an       
,,absurd ,,supposition4  ,:5 we compla9 
( ! evils ( :i* ?is _w is ! !at]1 we are
 ref]r$ to ano!r _w2 we are told t !re  
,god w repair all ! iniquities & !      
mis]ies :i* ,he p]mits = a "t "h bel[4  
,h[ev]1 if leav+ ,8 et]nal ju/ice to    
sleep = a "t1 ,god c\ld cons5t to evil  
dur+ ! p]iod ( ! exi/5ce ( our globe1   
:at assurance h we t dur+ ! exi/5ce (   

ano!r globe1 ,div9e ju/ice w n likewise 
sleep dur+ ! mis=tunes ( its            
inhabitants8 ,!y console u 9 our tr\bles
 by say+1 t ,god is pati5t1 & t ,8      
ju/ice1 al?\gh (t5 v sl[1 is n ! less   
c]ta94 ,b d y n see1 t pati5ce c n be   
suit$ to a be+ j1 immutable1 &          
omnipot5t8 ,c ,god tol]ate inju/ice = an
 in/ant8 ,to temporize ) an evil t "o   
kn[s (1 ev9ces ei!r unc]ta9ty1 weakness1
 or collusion2 to tol]ate evil :i* "o   
has ! p[] to prev5t1 is to cons5t t evil
 %\ld be committ$4                      
,,lxxxix4--,,!ology ,,ju/ifies ,,!      
,,evil ,,& ,,inju/ice ,,p]mitt$ ,,by    
,,its ,,god1 ,,only ,,by ,,conc$+ ,,to  
,,?is ,,god ,,! ,,"r ,,( ,,! ,,/ronge/1 
,,t ,,is ,,to ,,say1 ,,! ,,violation ,,(
 ,,all ,,rights1 ,,or ,,9 ,,comm&+ ,,f  
,,m5 ,a ,,/upid ,,devotion4  ,i he> a   
multitude ( !ologians tell me on all    
sides1 t ,god is inf9itely j1 b t ,8    
ju/ice is n t ( m56 ,( :at k9d1 or ( :at
 nature is ?is ,div9e ju/ice !n8 ,:at   
idea c ,i =m ( a ju/ice :i* s (t5       

resembles human inju/ice8 ,is x n       
conf\nd+ all our ideas ( ju/ice & (     
inju/ice1 to tell u t :at is equitable 9
 ,god is iniquit\s 9 ,8 creatures8 ,h[ c
 we take z a model a be+ ^: ,div9e      
p]fections are precisely contr>y to     
human p]fections8 ,god1 y say1 is !     
sov]eign arbit] ( our de/9ies2 ,8       
supreme p[]1 t no?+ c limit1 au?orizes  
,him to d z ,he pleases ) ,8 works2 a   
worm1 su* z man1 has n ! "r to murmur   
aga9/ ,him4 ,?is arrogant tone is       
lit]ally borr[$ f ! language :i* !      
m9i/]s ( tyrants hold1 :5 !y sil5ce ^?  
:o suff] by _! viol5ces2 x c n1 !n1 be !
 language ( ! m9i/]s ( a ,god ( ^:      
equity !y boa/4 ,x c n impose ^u a be+  
:o reasons4 ,m9i/]s ( a j ,god6 ,i tell 
y !n1 t ! greate/ p[] is n able to conf]
 ev5 ^u y\r ,god ,himself ! "r to be    
unju/ to ! vile/ ( ,8 creatures4 ,a     
despot is n a ,god4 ,a ,god :o arrogates
 to ,himself ! "r to d evil1 is a       
tyrant2 a tyrant is n a model = m54 ,he 
ought to be an execrable object 9 _!    

eyes4 ,is x n /range t1 9 ord] to ju/ify
 ,div9ity1 !y made ( ,him ! mo/ unju/ ( 
be+s8 ,z soon z we compla9 ( ,8 conduct1
 !y ?9k to sil5ce u by claim+ t ,god is 
! ,ma/]2 :i* signifies t ,god1 be+ !    
/ronge/1 ,he is n subject$ to ord9>y    
rules4 ,b ! "r ( ! /ronge/ is !         
violation ( all rights2 x c pass z a "r 
b 9 ! eyes ( a savage conqu]or1 :o1 9 ! 
intoxication ( 8 fury1 imag9es he has ! 
"r to d z he pleases ) ! un=tunate ones 
:om he has conqu]$2 ?is b>b>\s "r c     
appe> legitimate only to slaves1 :o are 
bl9d en\gh to ?9k t ev]y?+ is all[$ to  
tyrants1 :o are too /rong = !m to resi/4
  ,by a fooli% simplicity1 or r by a    
pla9 contradiction ( t]ms1 d we n see   
devotees exclaim1 amid/ ! greate/       
calamities1 t ! good ,"l is ! ,ma/]8    
,well1 illogical reason]s1 y believe 9  
good fai? t ! good ,"l s5ds y !         
pe/il5ce2 t y\r good ,"l gives w>2 t !  
good ,"l is ! cause ( fam9e2 9 a ^w1 t !
 good ,"l1 )\t ceas+ to be good1 has ! w
 & ! "r to d y ! greate/ evils y c      

endure6 ,cease to call y\r ,"l good :5  
,he does y h>m2 d n say t ,he is j2 say 
t ,he is ! /ronge/1 & t x is impossible 
= y to av]t ! bl[s :i* ,8 caprice       
inflicts ^u y4 ,god1 y say1 puni%es u = 
our highe/ good2 b :at real b5efit c    
result to a nation 9 be+ ext]m9at$ by   
contagion1 murd]$ by w>s1 corrupt$ by ! 
examples ( p]v]se ma/]s1 cont9ually     
press$ by ! iron scept] ( m]ciless      
tyrants1 subject$ to ! sc\rge ( a bad   
gov]nm5t1 :i* (t5 = c5turies causes     
nations to suff] its de/ructive effects8
 ,! eyes ( fai? mu/ be /range eyes1 if  
we see by _! means any advantage 9 ! mo/
 dreadful mis]ies & 9 ! mo/ durable     
evils1 9 ! vices & follies by :i* our   
k9d is s cruelly afflict$6              
,,xc4--,,r$emption1 ,,& ,,! ,,cont9ual  
,,ext]m9ations ,,attribut$ ,,to         
,,jehovah ,,9 ,,! ,,bible1 ,,are ,,s    
,,_m ,,absurd ,,& ,,ridicul\s           
,,inv5tions ,,:i* ,,presuppose ,,an     
,,unju/ ,,& ,,b>b>\s ,,god4  ,:at /range
 ideas ( ! ,div9e ju/ice mu/ ! ,*ri/ians

 h :o believe t _! ,god1 ) ! view (     
reconcil+ ,himself ) mank9d1 guilty )\t 
k ( ! fault ( _! p>5ts1 sacrific$ ,8 own
 innoc5t & s9less ,son6 ,:at w\ld we say
 ( a k+1 ^: subjects hav+ revolt$ aga9/ 
him1 9 ord] to appease himself c\ld f9d 
no o!r exp$i5t ?an to put to dea? ! heir
 to 8 cr[n1 :o _h tak5 no "p 9 ! g5]al  
rebellion8 ,x is1 ! ,*ri/ian w say1     
?r\gh k9dness = ,8 subjects1 incapable (
 satisfy+ !mselves ( ,8 ,div9e ju/ice1 t
 ,god cons5t$ to ! cruel dea? ( ,8 ,son4
 ,b ! k9dness ( a fa!r to /rang]s does n
 give him ! "r to be unju/ & cruel to 8 
son4 ,all ! qualities t !ology gives to 
its ,god annul ea* o!r4 ,! ex]cise ( "o 
( ,8 p]fections is always at ! exp5se ( 
ano!r4  ,has ! ,jew any m rational ideas
 ?an ! ,*ri/ian ( ,div9e ju/ice8 ,a k+1 
by 8 pride1 k9dles ! wra? ( ,heav54     
,jehovah s5ds pe/il5ce ^u ,8 innoc5t p2 
sev5ty ?\s& subjects are ext]m9at$ to   
expiate ! fault (  a mon>* t ! k9dness (
 ,god resolv$ to sp>e4     ,,xci4--,,h[ 
,,c ,,we ,,discov] ,a ,,t5d]1 ,,g5]\s1  

,,& ,,equitable ,,fa!r ,,9 ,a ,,be+ ,,:o
 ,,has ,,creat$ ,,8 ,,*ildr5 ,,b ,,to   
,,make ,,!m ,,unhappy8  ,9 spite ( !    
inju/ice ) :i* all religions are pleas$ 
to black5 ! ,div9ity1 m5 c n cons5t to  
accuse ,him ( iniquity2 !y fe> t ,he1 l 
! tyrants ( ?is _w1 w be (f5d$ by !     
tru?1 & r$\ble ! weight ( ,8 malice &   
tyranny ^u !m4 ,!y li/51 !n1 to _!      
prie/s1 :o tell !m t _! ,god is a t5d]  
,fa!r2 t ?is ,god is an equitable       
,mon>*1 ^: object 9 ?is _w is to assure 
,himself ( ! love1 ob$i5ce1 & respect ( 
,8 subjects2 :o gives !m ! lib]ty to    
act1 9 ord] to give !m occasion to      
des]ve ,8 favors & to acquire et]nal    
happ9ess1 :i* ,he does n owe !m 9 any   
way4 ,9 :at way c we recognize !        
t5d]ness ( a ,fa!r :o creat$ ! majority 
( ,8 *ildr5 b = ! purpose ( dragg+ out a
 life ( pa91 anxiety1 & bitt]ness ^u ?is
 e>?8 ,is !re any m fatal boon ?an ?is  
pret5d$ lib]ty :i*1 x is said1 m5 c     
abuse1 & !reby expose !mselves to ! risk
 ( et]nal mis]y8     ,,xcii4--,,! ,,life

 ,,( ,,mortals1 ,,all ,,:i* ,,takes     
,,place ,,"h ,,bel[1 ,,te/ifies ,,aga9/ 
,,man',s ,,lib]ty ,,& ,,aga9/ ,,!       
,,ju/ice ,,& ,,goodness ,,( ,a ,,pret5d$
 ,,god4  ,9 call+ mortals into life1 :at
 a cruel & dang]\s game does ! ,div9ity 
=ce !m to play6 ,?ru/ into ! _w )\t _!  
wi%1 provid$ ) a temp]am5t ( :i* !y are 
n ! ma/]s1 animat$ by passions & desires
 inh]5t 9 _! nature1 expos$ to sn>es :i*
 !y h n ! skill to avoid1 l$ away by    
ev5ts :i* !y c\ld nei!r =esee nor       
prev5t1 ! un=tunate be+s are oblig$ to  
foll[ a c>e] :i* conducts !m to horrible
 tortures4  ,travel]s ass]t t 9 "s "p ( 
,asia reigns a sultan full ( phantasies1
 & v absolute 9 8 w4 ,by a /range mania 
?is pr9ce sp5ds 8 "t sitt+ be=e a table1
 on :i* are plac$ six dice & a dice-box4
 ,"o end ( ! table is cov]$ ) a pile (  
gold1 = ! purpose ( excit+ ! cupidity ( 
! c\rti]s & ( ! p by :om ! sultan is    
surr\nd$4 ,he1 kn[+ ! weak po9t ( 8     
subjects1 speaks to !m 9 ?is way3       
,slaves6 ,i wi% y well2 my aim is to    

enri* y & r5d] y all happy4 ,d y see ^! 
treasures8 ,well1 !y are = y6 try to w9 
!m2 let ea* "o 9 turn take ?is box & ^! 
dice2 :oev] %all h ! good luck to raffle
 six1 w be ma/] ( ?is treasure2 b ,i w>n
 y t he :o has n ! luck to ?r[ ! requir$
 numb]1 w be precipitat$ =ev] into an   
obscure cell1 :]e my ju/ice exacts t he 
%all be burn$ by a sl[ fire4 ,^u ?is    
?reat ( ! mon>*1 !y reg>d$ ea* o!r 9    
con/]nation2 no "o will+ to take a risk 
s dang]\s4 ,:at6 said ! angry sultan1 no
 "o wants to play8 ,oh1 ?is does n suit 
me6 ,my glory dem&s t y play4 ,y w      
raffle !n2 ,i wi% x2 obey )\t reply+6 ,x
 is well to obs]ve t ! despot's dice are
 prep>$ 9 su* a way1 t ^u a hundr$ ?\s& 
?r[s !re is b "o t w9s2 ?us ! g5]\s     
mon>* has ! pleasure to see 8 prison    
well fill$1 & 8 treasures seldom c>ri$  
away4 ,mortals6 ?is ,sultan is y\r ,god2
 ,8 treasures are heav52 ,8 cell is     
hell2 & y hold ! dice6     ,,xciii4--,,x
 ,,is ,,n ,,true ,,t ,,we ,,owe ,,any   
,,gratitude ,,to ,,:at ,,we ,,call      

,,provid5ce4  ,we are con/antly told t  
we owe an inf9ite gratitude to          
,provid5ce = ! c\ntless bless+s ,x is   
pleas$ to lavi% ^u u4 ,!y boa/ above all
 t our exi/5ce is a bless+4 ,b1 alas6 h[
 _m mortals are really satisfi$ ) _!    
mode ( exi/5ce8 ,if life has its sweets1
 h[ mu* ( bitt]ness is m+l$ ) x8 ,is n  
"o bitt] tr\ble suffici5t to blight all 
( a sudd5 ! mo/ peaceful & happy life8  
,is !re a great numb] ( m5 :o1 if x     
dep5d$ ^u !m1 w\ld wi% to beg91 at !    
same sacrifice1 ! pa9ful c>e] into :i*1 
)\t _! cons5t1 de/9y has ?r[n !m8 ,y say
 t exi/5ce itself is a great bless+4 ,b 
is n ?is exi/5ce cont9ually tr\bl$ by   
griefs1 fe>s1 & (t5 cruel & undes]v$    
maladies4 ,?is exi/5ce1 m5ac$ on s _m   
sides1 c we n be depriv$ ( x at any     
mom5t8 ,:o is !re1 aft] hav+ liv$ = "s  
"t1 :o has n be5 depriv$ ( a belov$     
wife1 a belov$ *ild1 a consol+ fri5d1 ^:
 loss fills 8 m9d con/antly8 ,!re are v 
few mortals :o h n be5 compell$ to dr9k 
f ! cup ( bitt]ness2 !re are b few :o h 

n (t5 wi%$ to die4 ,f9ally1 x did n     
dep5d ^u u to exi/ or n to exi/4 ,w\ld !
 bird be "u su* great obligations to !  
bird-cat*] = hav+ caught x 9 8 net & =  
hav+ put x into 8 cage1 9 ord] to eat x 
aft] be+ amus$ ) x8     ,,xciv4--,,to   
,,pret5d ,,t ,,man ,,is ,,! ,,belov$    
,,*ild ,,( ,,provid5ce1 ,,god',s        
,,favorite1 ,,! ,,only ,,object ,,( ,,8 
,,labors1 ,,! ,,k+ ,,( ,,nature1 ,,is   
,,folly4  ,9 spite ( ! infirmities1 !   
tr\bles1 ! mis]ies to :i* man is        
compell$ to submit 9 ?is _w2 9 spite ( !
 dang] :i* 8 al>m$ imag9ation creates 9 
reg>d to ano!r1 he is /ill fooli% en\gh 
to believe himself to be ,god's         
favorite1 ! only aim ( all ,8 works4 ,he
 imag9es t ! entire univ]se 0 made =    
him2 he calls himself arrogantly ! k+ ( 
nature1 & ranks himself f> above o!r    
animals4 ,poor mortal6 ^u :at c y       
e/abli% y\r high pret5sions8 ,x is1 y   
say1 ^u y\r s\l1 ^u y\r reason1 ^u y\r  
sublime faculties1 :i* place y 9 a      
condition to ex]cise an absolute        

au?ority ov] ! be+s :i* surr\nd y4 ,b   
weak sov]eign ( ?is _w1 art ?\ sure "o  
in/ant ( ! duration ( ?y reign8 ,! lea/ 
atoms ( matt] :i* y despise1 are !y n   
suffici5t to deprive y ( y\r ?rone &    
life8 ,f9ally1 does n ! k+ ( animals    
t]m9ate always by becom+ food = ! worms8
  ,y speak ( y\r s\l4 ,b d y "k :at y\r 
s\l is8 ,d y n see t ?is s\l is b !     
assemblage ( y\r organs1 f :i* life     
results8 ,w\ld y refuse a s\l to o!r    
animals :o live1 :o ?9k1 :o judge1 :o   
comp>e1 :o seek pleasure1 & avoid pa9   
ev5 z y d1 & :o (t5 possess organs :i*  
are bett] ?an y\r own8 ,y boa/ ( y\r    
intellectual faculties1 b ^! faculties  
:i* r5d] y s pr\d1 d !y make y any      
happi] ?an o!r creatures8 ,d y (t5 make 
use ( ?is reason :i* y glory 91 & :i*   
religion comm&s y n to li/5 to8 ,^?     
animals :i* y disda9 because !y are     
weak] or less cunn+ ?an y\rself1 are !y 
subject to tr\bles1 to m5tal anxieties1 
to a ?\s& frivol\s passions1 to a ?\s&  
imag9>y ne$s1 ( :i* y\r he>t is         

cont9ually ! prey8 ,are !y1 l y1 torm5t$
 by ! pa/1 al>m$ = ! future8  ,limit$   
solely to ! pres5t1 :at y call _!       
in/9ct1 & :at ,i call _! intellig5ce1 is
 x n suffici5t to pres]ve & to def5d !m 
& to provide = _! ne$s8 ,?is in/9ct1 (  
:i* y speak ) disda91 does x n (t5 s]ve 
!m mu* bett] ?an y\r wond]ful faculties8
 ,_! peaceable ignorance1 is x n m      
advantage\s ?an ^! extravagant          
m$itations & ^! futile inve/igations :i*
 r5d] y mis]able1 & = :i* y are driv5 to
 murd]+ be+s ( y\r own noble k9d8       
,f9ally1 ^! animals1 h !y1 l mortals1 a 
tr\bl$ imag9ation :i* makes !m fe> n    
only dea?1 b ev5 et]nal torm5ts8        
,augu/us1 hav+ he>d t ,h]od1 k+ (       
,judea1 _h murd]$ 8 sons1 cri$ out3 ,x  
w\ld be bett] to be ,h]od's pig ?an 8   
son6 ,we c say z mu* ( m52 ?is belov$   
*ild ( ,provid5ce runs mu* great] risks 
?an all o!r animals4 ,aft] hav+ suff]$ a
 great deal 9 ?is _w1 d we n believe    
ourselves 9 dang] ( suff]+ = et]nity 9  
ano!r8     ,,xcv4--,,comp>ison ,,betwe5 

,,man ,,& ,,animals4  ,:at is ! exact   
l9e ( dem>cation betwe5 man & ! o!r     
animals :i* he calls brutes8 ,9 :at way 
does he ess5tially diff] f ! bea/s8 ,x  
is1 we are told1 by 8 intellig5ce1 by ! 
faculties ( 8 m9d1 by 8 reason1 t man is
 sup]ior to all ! o!r animals1 :i* 9 all
 !y d1 act b by physical impulsions1    
reason tak+ no "p4 ,b ! bea/s1 hav+ m   
limit$ ne$s ?an m51 d v well )\t ^!     
intellectual faculties1 :i* w\ld be     
p]fectly useless 9 _! way ( liv+4 ,_!   
in/9ct is suffici5t = !m1 :ile all !    
faculties ( man are h>dly suffici5t to  
r5d] 8 exi/5ce endurable1 & to satisfy !
 ne$s :i* 8 imag9ation1 8 prejudices1 & 
8 in/itutions multiply to 8 torm5t4  ,! 
brute is n affect$ by ! same objects z  
man2 x has nei!r ! same ne$s1 nor ! same
 desires1 nor ! same :ims2 x e>ly rea*es
 maturity1 :ile no?+ is m r>e ?an to see
 ! human be+ enjoy+ all ( 8 faculties1  
ex]cis+ !m freely1 & mak+ a prop] use ( 
!m = 8 own happ9ess4     ,,xcvi4--,,!re 
,,are ,,no ,,m ,,dete/able ,,animals ,,9

 ,,?is ,,_w ,,?an ,,tyrants4  ,we are   
assur$ t ! human s\l is a simple        
sub/ance2 b if ! s\l is su* a simple    
sub/ance1 x ought to be ! same 9 all !  
individuals ( ! human race1 :o all ought
 to h ! same intellectual faculties2    
h[ev]1 ?is is n ! case2 m5 diff] z mu* 9
 qualities ( m9d z 9 ! features ( !     
face4 ,!re are 9 ! human race1 be+s z   
diff]5t f "o ano!r z man is f a horse or
 a dog4 ,:at con=mity or resemblance d  
we f9d betwe5 "s m58 ,:at an inf9ite    
di/ance betwe5 ! g5ius ( a ,locke1 ( a  
,newton1 & t ( a peasant1 ( a ,hott5tot1
 or ( a ,lapl&]6  ,man diff]s f o!r     
animals b by ! diff]5ce ( 8             
organization1 :i* causes him to produce 
effects ( :i* !y are n capable4 ,!      
v>iety :i* we notice 9 ! organs (       
individuals ( ! human race1 suffices to 
expla9 to u ! diff]5ce :i* is (t5 f\nd  
betwe5 !m 9 reg>d to ! intellectual     
faculties4 ,m or less ( delicacy 9 ^!   
organs1 ( heat 9 ! blood1 ( promptitude 
9 ! fluids1 m or less ( suppl5ess or (  

rigidity 9 ! fib]s & ! n]ves1 mu/       
necess>ily produce ! inf9ite div]sities 
:i* are noticeable 9 ! m9ds ( m54 ,x is 
by ex]cise1 by habitude1 by education1 t
 ! human m9d is develop$ & succe$s 9    
ris+ above ! be+s :i* surr\nd x2 man1   
)\t culture & )\t exp]i5ce1 is a be+ z  
devoid ( reason & ( indu/ry z ! brute4  
,a /upid individual is a man ^: organs  
are act$ ^u ) difficulty1 ^: bra9 is h>d
 to move1 ^: blood circulates sl[ly2 a  
man ( m9d is he ^: organs are supple1 :o
 feels v quickly1 ^: bra9 moves         
promptly2 a le>n$ man is "o ^: organs & 
^: bra9 h be5 ex]cis$ a long :ile ^u    
objects :i* occupy him4  ,! man )\t     
culture1 exp]i5ce1 or reason1 is he n m 
despicable & m abom9able ?an ! vile/    
insects1 or ! mo/ f]oci\s bea/s8 ,is !re
 a m dete/able be+ 9 nature ?an a       
,tib]ius1 a ,n]o1 a ,caligula8 ,^!      
de/roy]s ( ! human race1 kn[n by ! "n ( 
conqu]ors1 h !y bett] s\ls ?an ^? (     
be>s1 lions1 & pan!rs8 ,are !re m       
dete/able animals 9 ?is _w ?an tyrants8 

,,xcvii4--,,refutation ,,( ,,man',s     
,,excell5ce4  ,human extravagances soon 
dispel1 9 ! eyes ( reason1 ! sup]iority 
:i* man arrogantly claims ov] o!r       
animals4 ,d we n see _m animals %[ m    
g5tl5ess1 m reflection & reason ?an !   
animal :i* calls itself reasonable p>   
excell5ce8 ,are !re among/ m51 :o are s 
(t5 enslav$ & oppress$1 societies z well
 organiz$ z ^? ( ants1 bees1 or beav]s8 
,d we ev] see f]oci\s bea/s ( ! same k9d
 meet ^u ! pla9s to dev\r ea* o!r )\t   
pr(it8 ,d we see among !m religi\s w>s8 
,! cruelty ( bea/s aga9/ o!r species is 
caus$ by hung]1 ! ne$ ( n\ri%m5t2 !     
cruelty ( man aga9/ man has no o!r      
motive ?an ! vanity ( 8 ma/]s & ! folly 
( 8 imp]t95t prejudices4 ,!ori/s :o try 
to make u believe t ev]y?+ 9 ! univ]se 0
 made = man1 are v mu* emb>rass$ :5 we  
ask !m 9 :at way c s _m mis*iev\s       
animals :i* cont9ually infe/ our life   
"h1 contribute to ! welf>e ( m54 ,:at   
kn[n advantage results = ,god's fri5d to
 be bitt5 by a vip]1 /ung by a gnat1    

dev\r$ by v]m91 torn into pieces by a   
tig]8 ,w\ld n all ^! animals reason z   
wisely z our !ologians1 if !y %\ld      
pret5d t man 0 made = !m8               
,,xcviii4--,,an ,,ori5tal ,,leg5d4  ,at 
a %ort di/ance f ,bagdad a d]vis1       
celebrat$ = 8 hol9ess1 pass$ 8 days     
tranquilly 9 agreeable solitude4 ,!     
surr\nd+ inhabitants1 9 ord] to h an    
int]e/ 9 8 pray]s1 eag]ly br\ght to him 
e day provisions & pres5ts4 ,! holy man 
?ank$ ,god incessantly = ! bless+s      
,provid5ce heap$ ^u him4 ,o ,allah1 said
 he1 h[ ineffable is ,?y t5d]ness t[>d  
,?y s]vants4 ,:at h ,i done to des]ve ! 
b5efactions :i* ,?y lib]ality loads me  
)6 ,oh1 ,mon>* ( ! skies6 oh1 ,fa!r (   
nature6 :at praises c\ld be wor?y to    
celebrate ,?y munific5ce & ,?y pat]nal  
c>es6 ,o ,allah1 h[ great are ,?y gifts 
to ! *ildr5 ( m56 ,fill$ ) gratitude1   
our h]mit made a v[ to und]take = !     
sev5? "t ! pilgrimage to ,mecca4 ,! w>1 
:i* !n exi/$ betwe5 ! ,p]sians & !      
,turks1 c\ld n make him def] ! execution

 ( 8 pi\s ent]prise4 ,full ( confid5ce 9
 ,god1 he began 8 j\rney2 "u !          
inviolable safegu>d ( a respect$ g>b1 he
 pass$ ?r\gh )\t ob/acle ! enemies'     
deta*m5ts2 f> f be+ mole/$1 he receives 
at e /ep m>ks ( v5]ation f ! soldi]s (  
bo? sides4 ,at la/1 ov]come by fatigue1 
he f9ds himself oblig$ to seek a %elt] f
 ! rays ( ! burn+ sun2 he f9ds x b5ea? a
 fre% gr\p ( palm-trees1 ^: roots 7     
wat]$ by a limpid rivulet4 ,9 ?is       
solit>y place1 :]e ! sil5ce 0 brok5 only
 by ! murmur+ ( ! wat]s & ! s++ ( !     
birds1 ! man ( ,god f\nd n only an      
en*ant+ retreat1 b also a delici\s      
repa/2 he _h b to ext5d ! h& to ga!r    
dates & o!r agreeable fruits2 ! rivulet 
c appease 8 ?ir/2 v soon a gre5 plot    
invites him to take sweet repose4 ,z he 
awak5s he p]=ms ! holy cleans+2 & 9 a   
transport ( ec/asy1 he exclaim$3 ,o     
,allah6 ,,h[ ,,great ,,is ,,?y          
,,goodness ,,to ,,! ,,*ildr5 ,,( ,,m56  
,well re/$1 refre%$1 full ( life &      
gayety1 our holy man cont9ues on 8 road2

 x conducts him = "s "t ?r\gh a         
delightful c\ntry1 :i* (f]s to 8 sight b
 bloom+ %ores & trees fill$ ) fruit4    
,s(t5$ by ?is spectacle1 he wor%ips     
incessantly ! ri* & lib]al h& (         
,provid5ce1 :i* is ev]y:]e se5 occupi$ )
 ! welf>e ( ! human race4 ,go+ a little 
f>!r1 he comes across a few m\nta9s1 :i*
 7 q h>d to asc5d2 b hav+ arriv$ at _!  
summit1 a hide\s sight sudd5ly meets 8  
eyes2 8 s\l is all con/]nation4 ,he     
discov]s a va/ pla9 entirely deva/at$ by
 ! sword & fire2 he looks at x & f9ds x 
cov]$ ) m ?an a hundr$ ?\s& corpses1    
deplorable rema9s ( a bloody battle :i* 
_h tak5 place a few days previ\s4       
,eagles1 vultures1 rav5s1 & wolves 7    
dev\r+ ! dead bodies ) :i* ! e>? 0      
cov]$4 ,?is sight plunges our pilgrim   
into a sad rev]ie4 ,heav51 by a special 
favor1 _h made him und]/& ! language (  
bea/s4 ,he he>d a wolf1 gorg$ ) human   
fle%1 exclaim 9 8 excessive joy3 ,o     
,allah6 h[ great is ,?y k9dness = !     
*ildr5 ( wolves6 ,?y =esee+ wisdom takes

 c>e to s5d infatuation ^u ^! dete/able 
m5 :o are s dang]\s to u4 ,?r\gh an     
effect ( ,?y ,provid5ce :i* wat*es ov]  
,?y creatures1 ^!1 our de/roy]s1 murd]  
ea* o!r1 & ?us furni% u ) sumptu\s      
repa/s4 ,o ,allah6 ,,h[ ,,great ,,is    
,,?y ,,goodness ,,to ,,! ,,*ildr5 ,,(   
,,wolves6     ,,xcix4--,,x ,,is ,,fooli%
 ,,to ,,see ,,9 ,,! ,,univ]se ,,only ,,!
 ,,b5efactions ,,( ,,heav51 ,,& ,,to    
,,believe ,,t ,,?is ,,univ]se ,,0 ,,made
 ,,b ,,= ,,man4  ,an exalt$ imag9ation  
sees 9 ! univ]se b ! b5efactions (      
,heav52 a calm m9d f9ds good & evil 9 x4
 ,i exi/1 y w say2 b is ?is exi/5ce     
always a b5efit8 ,y w say1 look at ?is  
sun1 :i* %9es = y2 ?is e>?1 :i* is cov]$
 ) fruits & v]dure2 ^! fl[]s1 :i* bloom 
= our sight & smell2 ^! trees1 :i* b5d  
b5ea? ! weight ( fruits2 ^! pure /reams1
 :i* fl[ b to qu5* y\r ?ir/2 ^! seas1   
:i* embrace ! univ]se to facilitate y\r 
comm]ce2 ^! animals1 :i* a =esee+ nature
 produces = y\r use6 ,yes1 ,i see all ^!
 ?+s1 & ,i enjoy !m :5 ,i c4 ,b 9 "s    

climates ?is beautiful sun is mo/ always
 obscur$ f me2 9 o!rs1 its excessive    
heat torm5ts me1 produces /orm1 gives   
rise to dreadful diseases1 dries up !   
fields2 ! mead[s h no grass1 ! trees are
 fruitless1 ! h>ve/s are scor*$1 ! spr+s
 are dri$ up2 ,i c sc>cely exi/1 & ,i   
sigh "u ! cruelty ( a nature :i* y f9d s
 b5evol5t4 ,if ^! seas br+ me spices1   
ri*es1 & useless ?+s1 d !y n de/roy a   
multitude ( mortals :o are dupes en\gh  
to g aft] !m8  ,man's vanity p]suades   
him t he is ! sole c5t] ( ! univ]se2 he 
creates = himself a _w & a ,god2 he ?9ks
 himself ( suffici5t consequ5ce to      
d]ange nature at 8 w1 b he reasons z an 
a!i/ :5 ! "q ( o!r animals is involv$4  
,does he n imag9e t ! individuals       
diff]5t f 8 species are automatons      
unwor?y ( ! c>es ( univ]sal ,provid5ce1 
& t ! bea/s c n be ! objects ( its      
ju/ice & k9dness8 ,mortals consid]      
=tunate or un=tunate ev5ts1 heal? or    
sickness1 life & dea?1 abundance or     
fam9e1 z rew>ds or puni%m5ts = ! use or 

misuse ( ! lib]ty :i* !y arrogate to    
!mselves4 ,d !y reason on ?is pr9ciple  
:5 animals are tak5 into consid]ation8  
,no2 al?\gh !y see !m "u a j ,god enjoy 
& suff]1 be heal?y & sick1 live & die1 l
 !mselves1 x does n ent] _! m9d to ask  
:at crimes ^! bea/s h committ$ 9 ord] to
 cause ! displeasure ( ! ,arbit] (      
nature4 ,philosoph]s1 bl9d$ by _!       
!ological prejudices1 9 ord] to         
disemb>rass !mselves1 h gone s f> z to  
pret5d t bea/s h no feel+s6  ,w m5 nev] 
r5\nce _! fooli% pret5sions8 ,w !y n    
recognize t nature 0 n made = !m8 ,w !y 
n see t ?is nature has plac$ on equal   
foot+ all ! be+s :i* %e produc$8 ,w !y n
 see t all organiz$ be+s are equally    
made to be born & to die1 to enjoy & to 
suff]8 ,f9ally1 in/ead ( prid+ !mselves 
prepo/]\sly on _! m5tal faculties1 are  
!y n compell$ to admit t !y (t5 r5d] !m 
m unhappy ?an ! bea/s1 9 :i* we f9d     
nei!r op9ions1 prejudices1 vanities1 nor
 ! weaknesses :i* decide at e mom5t !   
well-be+ ( m58     ,c4--,,:at ,,is ,,!  

,,s\l8 ,,we ,,"k ,,no?+ ,,ab\t ,,x4 ,,if
 ,,?is ,,pret5d$ ,,s\l ,,0 ,,( ,,ano!r  
,,ess5ce ,,f ,,t ,,( ,,! ,,body1 ,,_!   
,,union ,,w\ld ,,be ,,impossible4  ,!   
sup]iority :i* m5 arrogate to !mselves  
ov] o!r animals1 is pr9cipally f\nd$ ^u 
! op9ion ( possess+ exclusively an      
immortal s\l4 ,b z soon z we ask :at ?is
 s\l is1 !y beg9 to /amm]4 ,x is an     
unkn[n sub/ance2 x is a secret =ce      
di/+ui%$ f _! bodies2 x is a _s ( :i* !y
 c =m no idea4 ,ask !m h[ ?is _s1 :i* !y
 suppose l _! ,god1 totally depriv$ ( a 
physical sub/ance1 c\ld comb9e itself ) 
_! mat]ial bodies8 ,!y w tell y t !y "k 
no?+ ab\t x2 t x is a my/]y to !m2 t ?is
 comb9ation is ! effect ( ! ,almighty   
p[]4 ,^! are ! cle> ideas :i* m5 =m ( ! 
hidd51 or1 r1 imag9>y sub/ance :i* !y   
consid] ! motor ( all _! actions6 ,if ! 
s\l is a sub/ance ess5tially diff]5t f !
 body1 & :i* c h no aff9ity ) x1 _!     
union w\ld be1 n a my/]y1 b a ?+        
impossible4 ,besides1 ?is s\l1 be+ ( an 
ess5ce diff]5t f t ( ! body1 ought to   

act necess>ily 9 a diff]5t way f x4     
,h[ev]1 we see t ! movem5ts ( ! body are
 felt by ?is pret5d$ s\l1 & t ^! two    
sub/ances1 s diff]5t 9 ess5ce1 always   
act 9 h>mony4 ,y w tell u t ?is h>mony  
is a my/]y2 & ,i w tell y t ,i d n see  
my s\l1 t ,i "k & feel b my body2 t x is
 my body :i* feels1 :i* reflects1 :i*   
judges1 :i* suff]s1 & :i* enjoys1 & t   
all ( its faculties are ! necess>y      
results ( its own me*anism or ( its     
organization4     ,,ci4--,,! ,,exi/5ce  
,,( ,a ,,s\l ,,is ,,an ,,absurd         
,,supposition1 ,,& ,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,(    
,,an ,,immortal ,,s\l ,,is ,a ,,/ill ,,m
 ,,absurd ,,supposition4  ,al?\gh x is  
impossible = m5 to h ! lea/ idea ( !    
s\l1 or ( ?is pret5d$ _s :i* animates   
!m1 !y p]suade !mselves1 h[ev]1 t ?is   
unkn[n s\l is exempt f dea?2 ev]y?+     
proves to !m t !y feel1 ?9k1 acquire    
ideas1 enjoy or suff]1 b by ! means ( ! 
s5ses or ( ! mat]ial organs ( ! body4   
,ev5 admitt+ ! exi/5ce ( ?is s\l1 "o c n
 refuse to recognize t x dep5ds :olly on

 ! body1 & suff]s conjo9tly ) x all !   
vicissitudes :i* x exp]i5ces itself2 &  
h[ev] x is imag9$ t x has by its nature 
no?+ analog\s ) x2 x is pret5d$ t x c   
act & feel )\t ! assi/ance ( ?is body2 t
 depriv$ ( ?is body & robb$ ( its s5ses1
 ?is s\l w be able to live1 to enjoy1 to
 suff]1 be s5sitive ( enjoym5t or (     
rigor\s torm5ts4 ,^u su* a tissue (     
conjectural absurdities ! wond]ful      
op9ion ( ! immortality ( ! s\l is built4
  ,if ,i ask :at gr\nd we h = suppos+ t 
! s\l is immortal3 !y reply1 x is       
because man by 8 nature desires to be   
immortal1 or to live =ev]4 ,b ,i rejo91 
if y desire any?+ v mu*1 is x suffici5t 
to conclude t ?is desire w be fulfill$8 
,by :at /range logic d !y decide t a ?+ 
c n fail to happ5 because !y ard5tly    
desire x to happ58 ,man's *ildi% desires
 ( ! imag9ation1 are !y ! measure (     
reality8 ,impi\s p1 y say1 depriv$ ( !  
flatt]+ hopes ( ano!r life1 desire to be
 annihilat$4 ,well1 h !y n j z mu* "r to
 conclude by ?is desire t !y w be       

annihilat$1 z y to conclude t y w exi/  
=ev] because y desire x8     ,,cii4--,,x
 ,,is ,,evid5t ,,t ,,! ,,:ole ,,( ,,man 
,,dies4  ,man dies entirely4 ,no?+ is m 
evid5t to him :o is n deliri\s4 ,! human
 body1 aft] dea?1 is b a mass1 incapable
 ( produc+ any movem5ts ! union ( :i*   
con/itutes life4 ,we no long] see       
circulation1 respiration1 dige/ion1     
spee*1 or reflection4 ,x is claim$ !n t 
! s\l has sep>at$ itself f ! body4 ,b to
 say t ?is s\l1 :i* is unkn[n1 is !     
pr9ciple ( life1 is say+ no?+1 unless t 
an unkn[n =ce is ! invisible pr9ciple ( 
imp]ceptible movem5ts4 ,no?+ is m       
natural & m simple ?an to believe t !   
dead man lives no m1 no?+ m absurd ?an  
to believe t ! dead man is /ill liv+4   
,we ridicule ! simplicity ( "s nations  
^: fa%ion is to bury provisions ) !     
dead--"u ! idea t ?is food might be     
useful & necess>y to !m 9 ano!r life4   
,is x m ridicul\s or m absurd to believe
 t m5 w eat aft] dea? ?an to imag9e t !y
 w ?9k2 t !y w h agreeable or           

disagreeable ideas2 t !y w enjoy2 t !y w
 suff]2 t !y w be consci\s ( sorr[ or   
joy :5 ! organs :i* produce s5sations or
 ideas are dissolv$ & r$uc$ to du/8 ,to 
claim t ! s\ls ( m5 w be happy or       
unhappy aft] ! dea? ( ! body1 is to     
pret5d t man w be able to see )\t eyes1 
to he> )\t e>s1 to ta/e )\t a palate1 to
 smell )\t a nose1 & to feel )\t h&s &  
)\t sk94 ,nations :o believe !mselves v 
rational1 adopt1 nev]!less1 su* ideas4  
,,ciii4--,,inconte/able ,,pro(s ,,aga9/ 
,,! ,,spirituality ,,( ,,! ,,s\l4  ,!   
dogma ( ! immortality ( ! s\l assumes t 
! s\l is a simple sub/ance1 a _s2 b ,i w
 always ask1 :at is a _s8 ,x is1 y say1 
a sub/ance depriv$ ( expansion1         
incorruptible1 & :i* has no?+ 9 common )
 matt]4 ,b if ?is is true1 h[ came y\r  
s\l into exi/5ce8 h[ did x gr[8 h[ did x
 /r5g!n8 h[ weak5 itself1 get out (     
ord]1 & gr[ old ) y\r body8 ,9 reply to 
all ^! que/ions1 y say t !y are my/]ies2
 b if !y are my/]ies1 y und]/& no?+ ab\t
 !m4 ,if y d n und]/& any?+ ab\t !m1 h[ 

c y positively affirm any?+ ab\t !m8 ,9 
ord] to believe or to affirm any?+1 x is
 necess>y at lea/ to "k :at t consi/s ( 
:i* we believe & :i* we affirm4 ,to     
believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( y\r immat]ial s\l1
 is to say t y are p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce (
 a ?+ ( :i* x is impossible = y to =m   
any true idea2 x is to believe 9 words  
)\t atta*+ any s5se to !m2 to affirm t !
 ?+ is z y claim1 is ! highe/ folly or  
assumption4     ,,civ4--,,! ,,absurdity 
,,( ,,sup]natural ,,causes1 ,,:i*       
,,!ologians ,,con/antly    ,,call ,,to  
,,_! ,,aid4  ,are n !ologians /range    
reason]s8 ,z soon z !y c n guess !      
natural causes ( ?+s1 !y inv5t causes1  
:i* !y call sup]natural2 !y imag9e !m   
spirits1 occult causes1 inexplicable    
ag5ts1 or r words mu* m obscure ?an !   
?+s :i* !y attempt to expla94 ,let u    
rema9 9 nature :5 we desire to und]/&   
its ph5om5a2 let u ignore ! causes :i*  
are too delicate to be seiz$ by our     
organs2 & let u be assur$ t by seek+    
outside ( nature we c nev] f9d !        

solution ( nature's problems4 ,ev5 ^u ! 
!ological hypo!sis--t is to say1 suppos+
 an ,almighty motor 9 matt]--:at "r h   
!ologians to refuse _! ,god ! p[] to    
end[ ?is matt] ) ?\ght8 ,w\ld x be m    
difficult = ,him to create comb9ations (
 matt] f :i* results ?\ght1 ?an spirits 
:i* ?9k8 ,at lea/1 9 suppos+ a sub/ance 
end[$ ) ?\ght1 we c\ld =m "s idea ( !   
object ( our ?\ghts1 or ( :at ?9ks 9 u2 
:ile attribut+ ?\ght to an immat]ial    
be+1 x is impossible = u to =m ! lea/   
idea ( x4     ,,cv4--,,x ,,is ,,false   
,,t ,,mat]ialism ,,c ,,be ,,debas+ ,,to 
,,! ,,human ,,race4  ,mat]ialism1 x is  
object$1 makes ( man a m]e ma*9e1 :i* is
 consid]$ v debas+ to ! human race4 ,b w
 ! human race be m honor$ :5 x c be said
 t man acts by ! secret impulsions ( a  
_s1 or a c]ta9 some?+ :i* animates him  
)\t 8 kn[+ h[8 ,x is easy to p]ceive t !
 sup]iority :i* is giv5 to m9d ov]      
matt]1 or to ! s\l ov] ! body1 is bas$  
^u ! ignorance ( ! nature ( ?is s\l2    
:ile we are m famili>iz$ ) matt] or !   

body1 :i* we imag9e we "k1 & ( :i* we   
believe we h und]/ood ! spr+s2 b ! mo/  
simple movem5ts ( our bodies are1 = e   
?9k+ man1 enigmas z difficult to div9e z
 ?\ght4     ,,cvi4--,,cont9uation4  ,!  
e/eem :i* s _m p h = ! spiritual        
sub/ance1 appe>s to result f !          
impossibility !y f9d 9 def9+ x 9 an     
intelligible way4 ,! contempt :i* our   
metaphysicians %[ = matt]1 comes f !    
fact t famili>ity bre$s contempt4 ,:5 !y
 tell u t ! s\l is m excell5t & noble   
?an ! body1 !y tell u no?+1 except t :at
 !y "k no?+ ab\t mu/ be m beautiful ?an 
t ( :i* !y h "s fa9t ideas4             
,,cvii4--,,! ,,dogma ,,( ,,ano!r ,,life 
,,is ,,useful ,,b ,,= ,,^? ,,:o ,,pr(it 
,,by ,,x ,,at ,,! ,,exp5se ,,( ,,!      
,,cr$ul\s ,,public4  ,we are con/antly  
told ( ! usefulness ( ! dogma ( life    
h]eaft]4 ,x is pret5d$ t ev5 if x %\ld  
be a fiction1 x is advantage\s1 because 
x imposes ^u m5 & leads !m to virtue4 ,b
 is x true t ?is dogma r5d]s m5 wis] & m
 virtu\s8 ,! nations :]e ?is fiction is 

e/abli%$1 are !y rem>kable = ! morality 
( _! conduct8 ,is n ! visible _w always 
pref]r$ to ! invisible _w8 ,if ^? :o are
 *>g$ to in/ruct & to gov]n m5 _h       
!mselves enlight5m5t & virtue1 !y w\ld  
gov]n !m f> bett] by realities ?an by   
va9 *im]as2 b deceitful1 ambiti\s1 &    
corrupt1 ! legislators f\nd x ev]y:]e   
easi] to put ! nations to sleep by      
fables ?an to tea* !m tru?s2 ?an to     
develop _! reason2 ?an to excite !m to  
virtue by s5sible & real motives2 ?an to
 gov]n !m 9 a reasonable way4           
,!ologians1 no d\bt1 h _h reasons = mak+
 ! s\l immat]ial4 ,!y ne$$ s\ls & *im]as
 to populate ! imag9>y regions :i* !y h 
discov]$ 9 ! o!r life4 ,mat]ial s\ls    
w\ld h be5 subject$1 l all bodies1 to   
dissolution4 ,moreov]1 if m5 believe t  
ev]y?+ is to p]i% ) ! body1 ! geograph]s
 ( ! o!r _w w\ld evid5tly lose ! *ance (
 guid+ _! s\ls to ?is unkn[n abode4 ,!y 
w\ld draw no pr(its f ! hopes ) :i* !y  
fea/ !m1 & f ! t]rors ) :i* !y take c>e 
to ov]:elm !m4 ,if ! future is ( no real

 utility to ! human race1 x is at lea/ (
 ! greate/ advantage to ^? :o take ^u   
!mselves ! responsibility ( conduct+    
mank9d ?i!r4     ,,cviii4--,,x ,,is     
,,false ,,t ,,! ,,dogma ,,( ,,ano!r     
,,life ,,c ,,be ,,consol+2 ,,& ,,if ,,x 
,,71 ,,x ,,w\ld ,,be ,,no ,,pro( ,,t    
,,?is ,,ass]tion ,,is ,,true4  ,b1 x w  
be said1 is n ! dogma ( ! immortality ( 
! s\l consol+ = be+s :o (t5 f9d !mselves
 v unhappy "h bel[8 ,if ?is %\ld be an  
illusion1 is x n a sweet & agreeable "o8
 ,is x n a b5efit = man to believe t he 
c live aga9 & enjoy1 sometime1 !        
happ9ess :i* is refus$ to him on e>?8   
,?us1 poor mortals6 y make y\r wi%es !  
measure ( ! tru?6 ,because y desire to  
live =ev]1 & to be happi]1 y conclude f 
!nce t y w live =ev]1 & t y w be m      
=tunate 9 an unkn[n _w ?an 9 ! kn[n _w1 
9 :i* y s (t5 suff]6 ,cons5t1 !n1 to    
leave )\t regret ?is _w1 :i* causes m   
tr\ble ?an pleasure to ! majority ( y4  
,resign y\rselves to ! ord] ( de/9y1 :i*
 decrees t y1 l all o!r be+s1 %\ld n    

endure =ev]4 ,b :at w become ( me8 y    
ask6 ,:at y 7 sev]al millions ( ye>s    
ago4 ,y 7 !n1 ,i d n "k :at2 resign     
y\rselves1 !n1 to become aga9 9 an      
in/ant1 ,i d n "k :at2 :at y 7 !n2      
return peaceably to ! univ]sal home f   
:i* y came )\t y\r k into y\r mat]ial   
=m1 & pass by )\t murmur+1 l all ! be+s 
:i* surr\nd y6  ,we are repeat$ly told t
 religi\s ideas (f] inf9ite consolation 
to ! un=tunate2 x is pret5d$ t ! idea ( 
! immortality ( ! s\l & ( a happi] life 
has a t5d5cy to lift up ! he>t ( man &  
to su/a9 him 9 ! mid/ ( ! adv]sities )  
:i* he is assail$ 9 ?is life4           
,mat]ialism1 on ! contr>y1 is1 we are   
told1 an afflict+ sy/em1 t5d+ to degrade
 man1 :i* ranks him among brutes2 :i*   
de/roys 8 c\rage1 ^: only hope is       
complete annihilation1 t5d+ to lead him 
to despair1 & induc+ him to commit      
suicide z soon z he suff]s 9 ?is _w4 ,! 
gr& policy ( !ologians is to bl[ hot &  
to bl[ cold1 to afflict & to console1 to
 fright5 & to reassure4  ,accord+ to !  

fictions ( !ology1 ! regions ( ! o!r    
life are happy & unhappy4 ,no?+ m       
difficult ?an to r5d] "o wor?y ( ! abode
 ( felicity2 no?+ easi] ?an to obta9 a  
place 9 ! abode ( torm5ts t ,div9ity    
prep>es = ! un=tunate victims ( ,8      
et]nal fury4 ,^? :o f9d ! idea ( ano!r  
life s flatt]+ & s sweet1 h !y !n =gott5
 t ?is o!r life1 accord+ to !m1 is to be
 accompani$ by torm5ts = ! majority (   
mortals8 ,is n ! idea ( total           
annihilation inf9itely pref]able to !   
idea ( an et]nal exi/5ce accompani$ )   
suff]+ & gna%+ ( tee?8 ,! fe> ( ceas+ to
 exi/1 is x m afflict+ ?an ! ?\ght (    
hav+ n always be58 ,! fe> ( ceas+ to be 
is b an evil = ! imag9ation1 :i* alone  
br\ght =? ! dogma ( ano!r life4  ,y say1
 ,o ,*ri/ian philosoph]s1 t ! idea ( a  
happi] life is delightful2 we agree2 !re
 is no "o :o w\ld n desire a m agreeable
 & a m durable exi/5ce ?an ! "o we enjoy
 "h bel[4 ,b1 if ,p>adise is tempt+1 y w
 admit1 also1 t hell is frightful4 ,x is
 v difficult to m]it heav51 & v easy to 

ga9 hell4 ,d y n say t "o /raight & n>r[
 pa? leads to ! happy regions1 & t a    
broad road leads to ! regions ( !       
unhappy8 ,d y n con/antly tell u t !    
numb] ( ! *os5 ones is v small1 & t ( ! 
damn$ is v l>ge8 ,d we n ne$1 9 ord] to 
be sav$1 su* grace z y\r ,god grants to 
b few8 ,well6 ,i tell y t ^! ideas are  
by no means consol+2 ,i pref] to be     
annihilat$ at once r ?an to burn =ev]2  
,i w tell y t ! fate ( bea/s appe>s to  
me m desirable ?an ! fate ( ! damn$2 ,i 
w tell y t ! belief :i* deliv]s me f    
ov]:elm+ fe>s 9 ?is _w1 appe>s to me m  
desirable ?an ! unc]ta9ty 9 :i* ,i am   
left ?r\gh belief 9 a ,god :o1 ma/] ( ,8
 favors1 gives !m b to ,8 favorites1 &  
:o p]mits all ! o!rs to r5d] !mselves   
wor?y ( et]nal puni%m5ts4 ,x c be b bl9d
 en?usiasm or folly t c pref] a sy/em   
:i* evid5tly enc\rages improbable       
conjectures1 accompani$ by unc]ta9ty &  
desolat+ fe>4     ,,cix4--,,all         
,,religi\s ,,pr9ciples ,,are ,,imag9>y4 
,,innate ,,s5se ,,is ,,b ,,! ,,effect   

,,( ,a ,,root$ ,,habit4 ,,god ,,is ,,an 
,,idle ,,fancy1 ,,& ,,! ,,qualities     
,,:i* ,,are ,,lavi%$ ,,^u ,,him ,,de/roy
 ,,ea* ,,o!r4  ,all religi\s pr9ciples  
are a ?+ ( imag9ation1 9 :i* exp]i5ce & 
reason h no?+ to d4 ,we f9d mu*         
difficulty 9 conqu]+ !m1 because        
imag9ation1 :5 once occupi$ 9 creat+    
*im]as :i* a/oni% or excite x1 is       
incapable ( reason+4 ,he :o combats     
religion & its phantasies by ! arms (   
reason1 is l a man :o uses a sword to   
kill flies3 z soon z ! bl[ is /ruck1 !  
flies & ! fancies return to ! m9ds f :i*
 we ?\ght to h bani%$ !m4  ,z soon z we 
refuse ! pro(s :i* !ology pret5ds to    
give ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 !y oppose to 
! argum5ts :i* de/roy !m1 an innate     
conviction1 a pr(\nd p]suasion1 an      
inv9cible incl9ation inh]5t 9 e man1 :i*
 br+s to him1 9 spite ( himself1 ! idea 
( an ,almighty be+ :i* he c n altoge!r  
expel f 8 m9d1 & :i* he is compell$ to  
recognize 9 spite ( ! /ronge/ reasons t 
we c give him4 ,b if we wi% to analyze  

?is innate conviction1 ^u :i* s mu*     
weight is plac$1 we w f9d t x is b !    
effect ( a root$ habit1 :i*1 mak+ !m    
close _! eyes aga9/ ! mo/ demon/rative  
pro(s1 leads ! majority ( m51 & (t5 !   
mo/ enlight5$ ones1 back to ! prejudices
 ( *ildhood4 ,:at c ?is innate s5se or  
?is ill-f\nd$ p]suasion prove aga9/ !   
evid5ce :i* %[s u t :at implies         
contradiction c n exi/8  ,we are told1 v
 gravely1 t x is n demon/rat$ t ,god    
does n exi/4 ,h[ev]1 no?+ is bett]      
demon/rat$1 not)/&+ all t m5 h told u s 
f>1 ?an t ?is ,god is an idle fancy1 ^: 
exi/5ce is totally impossible1 z no?+ is
 m evid5t or m cle>ly demon/rat$ ?an t a
 be+ c n comb9e qualities s dissimil>1 s
 contradictory1 s irreconcilable z ^?   
:i* all ! religions ( ! e>? ascribe to  
,div9ity4 ,! !ologian's ,god1 z well z !
 ,god ( ! !i/1 is ,he n evid5tly a cause
 incompatible ) ! effects attribut$ to  
,him8 ,9 :atev] light we may look ^u x1 
we mu/ ei!r inv5t ano!r ,god1 or        
conclude t ! "o :i*1 = s _m c5turies1   

has be5 reveal$ to mortals1 is at ! same
 "t v good & v wick$1 v p[]ful & v weak1
 immutable & *angeable1 p]fectly        
intellig5t & p]fectly de/itute ( reason1
 ( plan1 & ( means2 ! fri5d ( ord] &    
p]mitt+ disord]2 v j & v unju/2 v       
skillful & v awkw>d4 ,f9ally1 are we n  
oblig$ to admit t x is impossible to    
reconcile ! discordant attributes :i*   
are heap$ ^u a be+ ( :om we c n say a   
s+le ^w )\t fall+ into ! mo/ palpable   
contradictions8 ,let u attempt to       
attribute b a s+le quality to ,div9ity1 
& :at is said ( x w be contradict$      
imm$iately by ! effects we assign to ?is
 cause4     ,,cx4--,,e ,,religion ,,is  
,,b ,a ,,sy/em ,,imag9$ ,,= ,,!         
,,purpose ,,( ,,reconcil+               
,,contradictions ,,by ,,! ,,aid ,,(     
,,my/]ies4  ,!ology c\ld v prop]ly be   
def9$ z ! sci5ce ( contradictions4 ,e   
religion is b a sy/em imag9$ = ! purpose
 ( reconcil+ irreconcilable ideas4 ,by !
 aid ( habitude & t]ror1 we come to     
p]si/ 9 ! greate/ absurdities1 ev5 :5 !y

 are ! mo/ cle>ly expos$4 ,all religions
 are easy to combat1 b v difficult to   
eradicate4 ,reason c d no?+ aga9/ habit1
 :i* becomes1 z is said1 a second       
nature4 ,!re are _m p]sons o!rwise      
s5sible1 :o1 ev5 aft] hav+ exam9$ !     
ru9\s f\ndations ( _! belief1 return to 
x 9 spite ( ! mo/ /rik+ argum5ts4  ,z   
soon z we compla9 ( n und]/&+ religion1 
f9d+ 9 x at e /ep absurdities :i* are   
repulsive1 see+ 9 x b impossibilities1  
we are told t we are n made to conceive 
! tru?s ( ! religion :i* is propos$ to  
u2 t w&]+ reason is b an unfai?ful      
guide1 only capable ( conduct+ u to     
p]dition2 & :at is m1 we are assur$ t   
:at is folly 9 ! eyes ( man1 is wisdom 9
 ! eyes ( ,god1 to :om no?+ is          
impossible4 ,f9ally1 9 ord] to decide by
 a s+le ^w ! mo/ insurm\ntable          
difficulties :i* !ology pres5ts to u on 
all sides1 !y simply cry out3 ,my/]ies6 
,,cxi4--,,absurdity ,,& ,,inutility ,,( 
,,! ,,my/]ies ,,=g$ ,,9 ,,! ,,sole      
,,int]e/ ,,( ,,! ,,prie/s4  ,:at is a   

my/]y8 ,if ,i exam9e ! ?+ closely1 ,i   
discov] v soon t a my/]y is no?+ b a    
contradiction1 a palpable absurdity1 a  
notori\s impossibility1 on :i* !ologians
 wi% to compel m5 to humbly close !     
eyes2 9 a ^w1 a my/]y is :atev] our     
spiritual guides c n expla9 to u4  ,x is
 advantage\s = ! m9i/]s ( religion t ! p
 %\ld n compreh5d :at !y are taught4 ,x 
is impossible = u to exam9e :at we d n  
compreh5d4 ,e "t t we c n see cle>ly1 we
 are oblig$ to be guid$4 ,if religion 0 
compreh5sible1 prie/s w\ld n h s _m     
*>ges "h bel[4  ,no religion is )\t     
my/]ies2 my/]y is its ess5ce2 a religion
 de/itute ( my/]ies w\ld be a           
contradiction ( t]ms4 ,! ,god :i* s]ves 
z a f\ndation to natural religion1 to   
!ism or to deism1 is ,himself ! greate/ 
my/]y to a m9d wi%+ to dwell ^u ,him4   
,,cxii4--,,cont9uation4  ,all ! reveal$ 
religions :i* we see 9 ! _w are fill$ ) 
my/]i\s dogmas1 un9telligible pr9ciples1
 ( incr$ible miracles1 ( a/oni%+ tales  
:i* seem imag9$ b to conf\nd reason4 ,e 

religion ann\nces a conceal$ ,god1 ^:   
ess5ce is a my/]y2 consequ5tly1 x is j z
 difficult to conceive ( ,8 conduct z ( 
! ess5ce ( ?is ,god ,himself4 ,div9ity  
has nev] spok5 to u b 9 an enigmatical &
 my/]i\s way 9 ! v>i\s religions :i* h  
be5 f\nd$ 9 ! diff]5t regions ( our     
globe4 ,x has reveal$ itself ev]y:]e b  
to ann\nce my/]ies1 t is to say1 to w>n 
mortals t x designs t !y %\ld believe 9 
contradictions1 9 impossibilities1 or 9 
?+s ( :i* !y 7 incapable ( =m+ any      
positive idea4  ,! m my/]ies a religion 
has1 ! m incr$ible objects x pres5ts to 
! m9d1 ! bett] fitt$ x is to please !   
imag9ation ( m51 :o f9d 9 x a cont9ual  
pa/urage to fe$ ^u4 ,! m obscure a      
religion is1 ! m x appe>s div9e1 t is to
 say1 9 con=mity to ! nature ( an       
invisible be+1 ( :om we h no idea4  ,x  
is ! peculi>ity ( ignorance to pref] !  
unkn[n1 ! conceal$1 ! fabul\s1 !        
wond]ful1 ! incr$ible1 ev5 ! t]rible1 to
 t :i* is cle>1 simple1 & true4 ,tru?   
does n give to ! imag9ation su* lively  

play z fiction1 :i* ea* "o may arrange z
 he pleases4 ,! vulg> ask no?+ bett] ?an
 to li/5 to fables2 prie/s &            
legislators1 by inv5t+ religions & =g+  
my/]ies f !m1 h s]v$ !m to _! ta/e4 ,9  
?is way !y h attract$ en?usia/s1 wom51 &
 ! illit]ate g5]ally4 ,be+s ( ?is k9d   
resign easily to reasons :i* !y are     
incapable ( exam9+2 ! love ( ! simple & 
! true is f\nd b 9 ! small numb] ( ^? ^:
 imag9ation is regulat$ by /udy & by    
reflection4 ,! inhabitants ( a village  
are nev] m pleas$ ) _! pa/or ?an :5 he  
mixes a good deal ( ,lat9 9 8 s]mon4    
,ignorant m5 always imag9e t he :o      
speaks to !m ( ?+s :i* !y d n und]/&1 is
 a v wise & le>n$ man4 ,?is is ! true   
pr9ciple ( ! cr$ulity ( nations1 & ( !  
au?ority ( ^? :o pret5d to guide !m4    
,,cxiii4--,,cont9uation4  ,to speak to  
m5 to ann\nce to !m my/]ies1 is to give 
& reta91 x is to speak n to be und]/ood4
 ,he :o talks b by enigmas1 ei!r seeks  
to amuse himself by ! emb>rassm5t :i* he
 causes1 or f9ds x to 8 advantage n to  

expla9 himself too cle>ly4 ,e secret    
betrays suspicion1 weakness1 & fe>4     
,pr9ces & _! m9i/]s make a my/]y ( _!   
projects = fe> t _! enemies 9 p5etrat+  
!m w\ld cause !m to fail4 ,c a good ,god
 amuse ,himself by ! emb>rassm5t ( ,8   
creatures8 ,a ,god :o enjoys a p[] :i*  
no?+ 9 ! _w c resi/1 c ,he appreh5d t ,8
 int5tions c\ld be ?w>t$8 ,:at int]e/   
w\ld ,he h 9 putt+ ^u u enigmas &       
my/]ies8 ,we are told t man1 by !       
weakness ( 8 nature1 is n capable (     
compreh5d+ ! ,div9e economy :i* c be to 
him b a tissue ( my/]ies2 t ,god c n    
unveil secrets to him :i* are beyond 8  
rea*4 ,9 ?is case1 ,i reply1 t man is n 
made to tr\ble himself ) ,div9e economy1
 t ?is economy c n int]e/ him 9 ! lea/1 
t he has no ne$ ( my/]ies :i* he c n    
und]/&2 f9ally1 t a my/]i\s religion is 
n made = him1 any m ?an an eloqu5t      
disc\rse is made = a flock ( %eep4      
,,cxiv4--,a ,,univ]sal ,,god ,,%\ld ,,h 
,,reveal$ ,a ,,univ]sal ,,religion4     
,div9ity has reveal$ itself 9 ! diff]5t 

p>ts ( our globe 9 a mann] ( su* little 
uni=mity1 t 9 matt]s ( religion m5 look 
^u ea* o!r ) hatr$ & disda94 ,! p>tisans
 ( ! diff]5t sects see ea* o!r v        
ridicul\s & fooli%4 ,! mo/ respect$     
my/]ies 9 "o religion are laughable =   
ano!r4 ,god1 hav+ reveal$ ,himself to   
m51 ought at lea/ to speak 9 ! same     
language to all1 & relieve _! weak m9ds 
( ! emb>rassm5t ( seek+ :at c be !      
religion :i* truly emanat$ f ,him1 or   
:at is ! mo/ agreeable =m ( wor%ip 9 ,8 
eyes4  ,a univ]sal ,god ought to h      
reveal$ a univ]sal religion4 ,by :at    
fatality are s _m diff]5t religions f\nd
 on ! e>?8 ,:i* is ! true "o among/ !   
great numb] ( ^? ( :i* ea* "o pret5ds to
 be ! "r "o1 to ! exclusion ( all !     
o!rs8 ,we h e reason to believe t n "o (
 !m enjoys ?is advantage4 ,! divisions &
 ! disputes ab\t op9ions are indubitable
 signs ( ! unc]ta9ty & ( ! obscurity ( !
 pr9ciples :i* !y pr(ess4               
,,cxv4--,,! ,,pro( ,,t ,,religion ,,is  
,,n ,,necess>y1 ,,is ,,t ,,x ,,is       

,,un9telligible4  ,if religion 0        
necess>y to all m51 x ought to be       
intelligible to all m54 ,if ?is religion
 0 ! mo/ important ?+ = !m1 ! goodness (
 ,god1 x seems1 ought to make x = !m !  
cle>e/1 ! mo/ evid5t1 & ! be/ demon/rat$
 ( all ?+s4 ,is x n a/oni%+ to see t ?is
 matt]1 s ess5tial to ! salvation (     
mortals1 is precisely ! "o :i* !y und]/&
 ! lea/1 & ab\t :i*1 dur+ s _m c5turies1
 _! doctors h disput$ ! mo/8 ,nev] h    
prie/s1 ( ev5 ! same sect1 come to an   
agreem5t among !mselves ab\t ! mann] (  
und]/&+ ! wi%es ( a ,god :o has truly   
reveal$ ,himself to !m4 ,! _w :i* we    
inhabit c be comp>$ to a public place1 9
 ^: diff]5t p>ts sev]al *>latans are    
plac$1 ea* "o /ra9+ himself to attract  
cu/om]s by depreciat+ ! rem$ies (f]$ by 
8 competitors4 ,ea* /& has its pur*as]s1
 :o are p]suad$ t _! empiric alone      
possesses ! good rem$ies2 not)/&+ !     
cont9ual use :i* !y make ( !m1 !y d n   
p]ceive t !y are no bett]1 or t !y are j
 z sick z ^? :o run aft] ! *>latans (   

ano!r /&4 ,devotion is a disease ( !    
imag9ation1 contract$ 9 infancy2 !      
devotee is a hypo*ondriac1 :o increases 
8 disease by ! use ( rem$ies4 ,! wise   
man takes none ( x2 he foll[s a good    
regim5 & leaves ! re/ to nature4        
,,cxvi4--,,all ,,religions ,,are        
,,ridicul$ ,,by ,,^? ,,( ,,opposite     
,,?\gh ,,equally ,,insane ,,belief4     
,no?+ appe>s m ridicul\s 9 ! eyes ( a   
s5sible man ?an = "o d5om9ation to      
criticize ano!r ^: cre$ is equally      
fooli%4 ,a ,*ri/ian ?9ks t ! ,koran1 !  
,div9e revelation ann\nc$ by ,mohamm$1  
is b a tissue ( imp]t95t dreams &       
impo/ures injuri\s to ,div9ity4 ,!      
,mohamm$an1 on 8 side1 treats ! ,*ri/ian
 z an idolat] & a dog2 he sees b        
absurdities 9 8 religion2 he imag9es he 
has ! "r to conqu] 8 c\ntry & =ce him1  
sword 9 h&1 to accept ! fai? ( 8 ,div9e 
prophet2 he believes especially t no?+  
is m impi\s or m unreasonable ?an to    
wor%ip a man or to believe 9 ! ,tr9ity4 
,! ,prote/ant ,*ri/ian1 :o )\t scruple  

wor%ips a man1 & :o believes firmly 9 ! 
inconceivable my/]y ( ! ,tr9ity1        
ridicules ! ,ca?olic ,*ri/ian because ! 
latt] believes 9 ! my/]y ( !            
transub/antiation4 ,he treats him z a   
fool1 z ungodly & idolatr\s1 because he 
kneels to wor%ip ! bread 9 :i* he       
believes he sees ! ,god ( ! univ]se4    
,all ! ,*ri/ian d5om9ations agree 9     
consid]+ z folly ! inc>nation ( ! ,god (
 ! ,indies1 ,vi%nu4 ,!y cont5d t ! only 
true inc>nation is t ( ,jesus1 ,son ( ! 
,god ( ! univ]se & ( ! wife ( a c>p5t]4 
,! !i/1 :o calls himself a vot>y (      
natural religion1 is satisfi$ to        
ackn[l$ge a ,god ( :om he has no        
conception2 indulges himself 9 je/+ ^u  
o!r my/]ies taught by all ! religions ( 
! _w4     ,,cxvii4--,,op9ion ,,( ,a     
,,celebrat$ ,,!ologian4  ,did n a fam\s 
!ologian recognize ! absurdity ( admitt+
 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god & arre/+ ,8 c\rse8  
,to u1 he said1 :o believe ?r\gh fai? 9 
a true ,god1 an individual sub/ance1 !re
 ought to be no tr\ble 9 believ+ ev]y?+ 

else4 ,?is fir/ my/]y1 :i* is no small  
matt] ( itself1 once admitt$1 our reason
 c n suff] viol5ce 9 admitt+ all ! re/4 
,z = myself1 x is no m tr\ble to accept 
a million ( ?+s t ,i d n und]/&1 ?an to 
believe ! fir/ "o4  ,is !re any?+ m     
contradictory1 m impossible1 or m       
my/]i\s1 ?an ! creation ( matt] by an   
immat]ial ,be+1 :o ,himself immutable1  
causes ! cont9ual *anges t we see 9 !   
_w8 ,is !re any?+ m incompatible ) all !
 ideas ( common s5se ?an to believe t a 
good1 wise1 equitable1 & p[]ful ,be+    
presides ov] nature & directs ,himself !
 movem5ts ( a _w :i* is fill$ ) follies1
 mis]ies1 crimes1 & disord]s1 :i* ,he   
c\ld h =ese51 & by a s+le ^w c\ld h     
prev5t$ or made to disappe>8 ,f9ally1 z 
soon z we admit a ,be+ s contradictory z
 ! !ological ,god1 :at "r h we to refuse
 to accept ! mo/ improbable fables1 !   
mo/ a/oni%+ miracles1 ! mo/ pr(\nd      
my/]ies8     ,,cxviii4--,,! ,,dei/',s   
,,god ,,is ,,no ,,less ,,contradictory1 
,,no ,,less ,,fanciful1 ,,?an ,,!       

,,!ologian',s ,,god4  ,! !i/ exclaims1  
,be c>eful n to wor%ip ! f]oci\s &      
/range ,god ( !ology2 m9e is mu* wis] & 
bett]2 ,he is ! ,fa!r ( m52 ,he is !    
milde/ ( ,sov]eigns2 x is ,he :o fills !
 univ]se ) ,8 b5efactions6 ,b ,i w tell 
him1 d y n see t ev]y?+ 9 ?is _w        
contradicts ! good qualities :i* y      
attribute to y\r ,god8 ,9 ! num]\s      
family ( ?is mild ,fa!r ,i see b        
un=tunate ones4 ,"u ! empire ( ?is j    
,sov]eign ,i see crime victori\s &      
virtue 9 di/ress4 ,among ^! b5efactions1
 :i* y boa/ (1 & :i* y\r en?usiasm alone
 sees1 ,i see a multitude ( evils ( all 
k9ds1 ^u :i* y ob/9ately close y\r eyes4
    ,compell$ to ackn[l$ge t y\r good   
,god1 9 contradiction ) ,himself1       
di/ributes ) ! same h& good & evil1 y w 
f9d y\rself oblig$1 9 ord] to ju/ify    
,him1 to s5d me1 z ! prie/s w\ld1 to !  
o!r life4 ,inv5t1 !n1 ano!r ,god ?an !  
"o ( !ology1 because y\r ,god is z      
contradictory z its ,god is4 ,a good    
,god :o does evil or :o p]mits x to be  

done1 a ,god full ( equity & 9 an empire
 :]e innoc5ce is s (t5 oppress$2 a      
p]fect ,god :o produces b imp]fect &    
wret*$ works2 su* a ,god & ,8 conduct1  
are !y n z great my/]ies z t ( !        
inc>nation8 ,y blu%1 y say1 = y\r fell[ 
be+s :o are p]suad$ t ! ,god ( ! univ]se
 c\ld *ange ,himself into a man & die ^u
 a cross 9 a corn] ( ,asia4 ,y consid] !
 ineffable my/]y ( ! ,tr9ity v absurd   
,no?+ appe>s m ridicul\s to y ?an a ,god
 :o *anges ,himself into bread & :o is  
eat5 e day 9 a ?\s& diff]5t places4     
,well6 are all ^! my/]ies any m %ock+ to
 reason ?an a ,god :o puni%es & rew>ds  
m5's actions8 ,man1 accord+ to y\r      
views1 is he free or n8 ,9 ei!r case y\r
 ,god1 if ,he has ! %ad[ ( ju/ice1 c    
nei!r puni% him nor rew>d him4 ,if man  
is free1 x is ,god :o made him free to  
act or n to act2 x is ,god1 !n1 :o is ! 
primitive cause ( all 8 actions2 9      
puni%+ man = 8 faults1 ,he w\ld puni%   
him = hav+ done t :i* ,he gave him !    
lib]ty to d4 ,if man is n free to act   

o!rwise ?an he does1 w\ld n ,god be !   
mo/ unju/ ( be+s to puni% him = ! faults
 :i* he c\ld n help committ+8 ,_m p]sons
 are /ruck ) ! detail ( absurdities )   
:i* all religions ( ! _w are fill$2 b !y
 h n ! c\rage to seek = ! s\rce :5ce ^! 
absurdities necess>ily sprung4 ,!y d n  
see t a ,god full ( contradictions1 (   
oddities1 ( incompatible qualities1 ei!r
 inflam+ or nurs+ ! imag9ation ( m51    
c\ld create b a long l9e ( idle fancies4
     ,,cxix4--,,we ,,d ,,n ,,prove ,,at 
,,all ,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,a ,,god ,,by   
,,say+ ,,t ,,9 ,,all ,,ages ,,e ,,nation
 ,,has ,,ackn[l$g$ ,,"s ,,k9d ,,(       
,,div9ity4  ,!y believe1 to sil5ce ^? :o
 d5y ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 by tell+ !m t  
all m51 9 all ages & 9 all c5turies1 h  
believ$ 9 "s k9d ( a ,god2 t !re is no p
 on ! e>? :o h n believ$ 9 an invisible 
& p[]ful be+1 :om !y made ! object ( _! 
wor%ip & ( _! v5]ation2 f9ally1 t !re is
 no nation1 no matt] h[ b5ight$ we may  
suppose x to be1 t is n p]suad$ ( !     
exi/5ce ( "s intellig5ce sup]ior to     

human nature4 ,b c ! belief ( all m5    
*ange an error into tru?8 ,a celebrat$  
philosoph] has said ) all reason3 ,nei!r
 g5]al tradition nor ! unanim\s cons5t (
 all m5 c\ld place any injunction ^u    
tru?4 ,bayle4 ,ano!r wise man said be=e 
him1 t an army ( philosoph]s w\ld n be  
suffici5t to *ange ! nature ( error & to
 make x tru?4 ,av]ros  ,!re 0 a "t :5   
all m5 believ$ t ! sun revolv$ ar\nd !  
e>?1 :ile ! latt] rema9$ motionless 9 ! 
c5t] ( ! :ole sy/em ( ! univ]se2 x is   
sc>cely m ?an two hundr$ ye>s s9ce ?is  
error 0 refut$4 ,!re 0 a "t :5 nobody   
w\ld believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( antipodes1 & 
:5 !y p]secut$ ^? :o _h ! c\rage to     
su/a9 x2 to-day no le>n$ man d>es to    
d\bt x4 ,all nations ( ! _w1 except "s  
m5 less cr$ul\s ?an o!rs1 /ill believe 9
 sorc]]s1 gho/s1 app>itions1 spirits2 no
 s5sible man imag9es himself oblig$ to  
adopt ^! follies2 b ! mo/ s5sible p feel
 oblig$ to believe 9 a univ]sal ,_s6    
,,cxx4--,,all ,,! ,,gods ,,are ,,( ,a   
,,b>b>\s ,,orig92 ,,all ,,religions     

,,are ,,antique ,,monum5ts ,,(          
,,ignorance1 ,,sup]/ition1 ,,&          
,,f]ocity2 ,,& ,,mod]n ,,religions ,,are
 ,,b ,,anci5t ,,follies ,,reviv$4  ,all 
! ,gods wor%ip$ by m5 h a b>b>\s orig92 
!y 7 visibly imag9$ by /upid nations1 or
 7 pres5t$ by ambiti\s & cunn+          
legislators to simple & b5ight$ p1 :o _h
 nei!r ! capacity nor ! c\rage to exam9e
 prop]ly ! object :i*1 by means (       
t]rors1 !y 7 made to wor%ip4 ,9 exam9+  
closely ! ,god :i* we see ador$ /ill 9  
our days by ! mo/ civiliz$ nations1 we  
are compell$ to ackn[l$ge t ,he has     
evid5tly b>b>\s features4 ,to be b>b>\s 
is to recognize no "r b =ce2 x is be+   
cruel to excess2 x is b foll[+ "o's own 
caprice2 x is a lack ( =esight1 (       
prud5ce1 & reason4 ,nations1 :o believe 
y\rselves civiliz$6 d y n p]ceive ?is   
frightful "* ( ! ,god to :om y (f] y\r  
inc5se8 ,! pictures :i* are drawn (     
,div9ity1 are !y n visibly borr[$ f !   
implacable1 jeal\s1 v9dictive1          
blood-?ir/y1 caprici\s1 inconsid]ate    

humor ( man1 :o has n yet cultivat$ 8   
reason8 ,oh1 m56 y wor%ip b a great     
savage1 :om y consid] z a model to      
foll[1 z an amiable ma/]1 z a p]fect    
sov]eign4  ,! religi\s op9ions ( m5 9 e 
c\ntry are antique & durable monum5ts ( 
ignorance cr$ulity1 ( ! t]rors & !      
f]ocity ( _! ance/ors4 ,e b>b>ian is a  
*ild ?ir/+ = ! wond]ful1 :i* he imbibes 
) pleasure1 & :o nev] reasons ^u t :i*  
he f9ds prop] to excite 8 imag9ation2 8 
ignorance ( ! ways ( nature makes him   
attribute to spirits1 to en*antm5ts1 to 
magic1 all t appe>s to him extraord9>y2 
9 8 eyes 8 prie/s are sorc]]s1 9 :om he 
supposes an ,almighty p[]2 be=e :om 8   
confus$ reason humiliates itself1 ^:    
oracles are = him infallible decrees1 to
 contradict :i* w\ld be dang]\s4 ,9     
matt]s ( religion ! majority ( m5 h     
rema9$ 9 _! primitive b>b>ity4 ,mod]n   
religions are b follies ( old times     
rejuv5at$ or pres5t$ 9 "s new =m4 ,if ! 
anci5t b>b>ians h wor%ip$ m\nta9s1      
riv]s1 s]p5ts1 trees1 feti%es ( e k9d2  

if ! wise ,egyptians wor%ip$ crocodiles1
 rats1 onions1 d we n see nations :o    
believe !mselves wis] ?an !y1 wor%ip )  
rev]5ce a bread1 into :i* !y imag9e t ! 
en*antm5ts ( _! prie/s cause ! ,div9ity 
to desc5d8 ,is n ! ,god-bread ! feti% ( 
_m ,*ri/ian nations1 z little rational 9
 ?is po9t z t ( ! mo/ b>b>\s nations8   
,,cxxi4--,,all ,,religi\s ,,c]emonies   
,,be> ,,! ,,seal ,,( ,,/upidity ,,or    
,,b>b>ity4  ,9 all times ! f]ocity1 !   
/upidity1 ! folly ( savage m5 7 %[n 9   
religi\s cu/oms :i* 7 (t5 cruel &       
extravagant4 ,a _s ( b>b>ity has come   
d[n to our days2 x intrudes itself into 
! religions :i* are foll[$ by ! mo/     
civiliz$ nations4 ,d we n /ill see human
 victims (f]$ to ,div9ity8 ,9 ord] to   
appease ! wra? ( a ,god :om we suppose z
 f]oci\s1 z jeal\s1 z v9dictive1 z a    
savage1 d n sangu9>y laws cause !       
de/ruction ( ^? :o are believ$ to h     
displeas$ ,him by _! way ( ?9k+8  ,mod]n
 nations1 at ! in/igation ( _! prie/s1 h
 ev5 excell$ ! atroci\s folly ( ! mo/   

b>b>\s nations2 at lea/ d we n f9d t x  
nev] ent]$ into a savage's m9d to torm5t
 = ! sake ( op9ions1 to m$dle 9 ?\ght1  
to tr\ble m5 = ! invisible actions ( _! 
bra9s8 ,:5 we see poli%$ & wise nations1
 su* z ! ,engli%1 ,fr5*1 ,g]man1 etc41  
not)/&+ all _! enlight5m5t1 cont9ue to  
kneel be=e ! b>b>\s ,god ( ! ,jews1 t is
 to say1 ( ! mo/ /upid1 ! mo/ cr$ul\s1 !
 mo/ savage1 ! mo/ unsocial nation :i*  
ev] 0 on ! e>?2 :5 we see ^! enlight5$  
nations divide !mselves into sects1 te> 
"o ano!r1 hate & despise ea* o!r =      
op9ions1 equally ridicul\s1 ^u ! conduct
 & ! int5tions ( ?is irrational ,god2 :5
 we see intellig5t p]sons occupy        
!mselves fooli%ly 9 m$itat+ on ! wi%es (
 ?is caprici\s & fooli% ,god2 we are    
tempt$ to exclaim1 ,oh1 m56 y are /ill  
savages6 ,oh1 m56 y are b *ildr5 9 !    
matt] ( religion6     ,,cxxii4--,,! ,,m 
,,anci5t ,,& ,,g5]al ,a ,,religi\s      
,,op9ion ,,is1 ,,! ,,great] ,,! ,,reason
 ,,= ,,suspect+ ,,x4  ,:oev] has =m$    
true ideas ( ! ignorance1 cr$ulity1     

neglig5ce1 & sotti%ness ( common p1 w   
always reg>d _! religi\s op9ions ) !    
great] suspicion = _! be+ g5]ally       
e/abli%$4 ,! majority ( m5 exam9e no?+2 
!y all[ !mselves to be bl9dly l$ by     
cu/om & au?ority2 _! religi\s op9ions   
are specially ^? :i* !y h ! lea/ c\rage 
& capacity to exam9e2 z !y d n und]/&   
any?+ ab\t !m1 !y are compell$ to be    
sil5t or put an end to _! reason+4 ,ask 
! common man if he believes 9 ,god4 ,he 
w be surpris$ t y c\ld d\bt x4 ,!n ask  
him :at he und]/&s by ! ^w ,god4 ,y w   
confuse him2 y w p]ceive at once t he is
 incapable ( =m+ any real idea ( ?is ^w 
:i* he s (t5 repeats2 he w tell y t ,god
 is ,god1 & y w f9d t he kn[s nei!r :at 
he ?9ks ( ,him1 nor ! motives :i* he has
 = believ+ 9 ,him4  ,all nations speak (
 a ,god2 b d !y agree ^u ?is ,god8 ,no6 
,well1 diff]5ce ( op9ion does n s]ve z  
evid5ce1 b is a sign ( unc]ta9ty &      
obscurity4 ,does ! same man always agree
 ) himself 9 8 ideas ( ,god8 ,no6 ,?is  
idea v>ies ) ! vicissitudes ( 8 life4   

,?is is ano!r sign ( unc]ta9ty4 ,m5     
always agree ) o!r m5 & ) !mselves ^u   
demon/rat$ tru?s1 reg>dless ( ! position
 9 :i* !y f9d !mselves2 except ! insane1
 all agree t two & two make f\r1 t ! sun
 %9es1 t ! :ole is great] ?an any "o (  
its p>ts1 t ,ju/ice is a b5efaction1 t  
we mu/ be b5evol5t to des]ve ! love (   
m51 t inju/ice & cruelty are            
incompatible ) goodness4 ,d !y agree 9 !
 same way if !y speak ( ,god8 ,all t !y 
?9k or say ( ,him is imm$iately         
contradict$ by ! effects :i* !y wi% to  
attribute to ,him4 ,tell sev]al arti/s  
to pa9t a *im]a1 ea* ( !m w =m diff]5t  
ideas ( x1 & w pa9t x diff]5tly2 y w f9d
 no resemblance 9 ! features ea* ( !m w 
h giv5 to a portrait ^: model exi/s     
n[h]e4 ,9 pa9t+ ,god1 d any ( !         
!ologians ( ! _w repres5t ,him o!rwise  
?an z a great *im]a1 ^u ^: features !y  
nev] agree1 ea* "o arrang+ x accord+ to 
8 /yle1 :i* has its orig9 b 9 8 own     
bra98 ,!re are no two individuals 9 ! _w
 :o h or c h ! same ideas ( _! ,god4    

,,cxxiii4--,,skepticism ,,9 ,,! ,,matt] 
,,( ,,religion1 ,,c ,,be ,,! ,,effect   
,,( ,,b ,a ,,sup]ficial ,,exam9ation ,,(
 ,,!ological ,,pr9ciples4  ,p]haps x    
w\ld be m tru?ful to say1 t all m5 are  
ei!r skeptics or a!i/s1 ?an to pret5d t 
!y are firmly conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a   
,god4 ,h[ c we be assur$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a
 be+ :om we nev] h be5 able to exam9e1 (
 :om x is impossible to =m any p]man5t  
idea1 ^: diff]5t effects ^u ourselves   
prev5t u f =m+ an inv>iable judgm5t1 (  
:om no idea c be uni=m 9 two diff]5t    
bra9s8 ,h[ c we claim to be completely  
p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+ to :om we   
are con/antly oblig$ to attribute a     
conduct oppos$ co ! ideas :i* we _h tri$
 to =m ( x8 ,is x possible firmly to    
believe :at we c n conceive8 ,9 believ+ 
?us1 are we n adh]+ to ! op9ions ( o!rs 
)\t hav+ "o ( our own8 ,! prie/s        
regulate ! belief ( ! vulg>2 b d n ^!   
prie/s !mselves ackn[l$ge t ,god is     
incompreh5sible to !m8 ,let u conclude1 
!n1 t ! conviction ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god 

is n z g5]al z x is affirm$ to be4  ,to 
be a skeptic1 is to lack ! motives      
necess>y to e/abli% a judgm5t4 ,9 view (
 ! pro(s :i* seem to e/abli%1 & ( !     
argum5ts :i* combat ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 
"s p]sons pref] to d\bt & to susp5d _!  
judgm5t2 b at ! bottom1 ?is unc]ta9ty is
 ! result ( an insuffici5t exam9ation4  
,is x1 !n1 possible to d\bt evid5ce8    
,s5sible p d]ide1 & ) reason1 an        
absolute pyrrhonism1 & ev5 consid] x    
impossible4 ,a man :o c\ld d\bt 8 own   
exi/5ce1 or t ( ! sun1 w\ld appe> v     
ridicul\s1 or w\ld be suspect$ ( reason+
 9 bad fai?4 ,is x less extravagant to h
 unc]ta9ties ab\t ! non-exi/5ce ( an    
evid5tly impossible be+8 ,is x m absurd 
to d\bt ( "o's own exi/5ce1 ?an to      
hesitate ^u ! impossibility ( a be+ ^:  
qualities de/roy ea* o!r8 ,d we f9d m   
probabilities = believ+ 9 a spiritual   
be+ ?an = believ+ 9 ! exi/5ce ( a /ick  
)\t two ends8 ,is ! notion ( an         
inf9itely good & p[]ful be+ :o p]mits an
 inf9ity ( evils1 less absurd or less   

impossible ?an t ( a squ>e triangle8    
,let u conclude1 !n1 t religi\s         
skepticism c be b ! effect ( a          
sup]ficial exam9ation ( !ological       
pr9ciples1 :i* are 9 a p]petual         
contradiction ( ! cle>e/ & be/          
demon/rat$ pr9ciples6 ,to d\bt is to    
delib]ate ^u ! judgm5t :i* we %\ld pass4
 ,skepticism is b a /ate ( indecision   
:i* results f a sup]ficial exam9ation ( 
subjects4 ,is x possible to be skeptical
 9 ! matt] ( religion :5 we design to   
return to its pr9ciples1 & look closely 
into ! idea ( ! ,god :o s]ves z its     
f\ndation8 ,d\bt arises ord9>ily f      
laz9ess1 weakness1 indiff]5ce1 or       
incapacity4 ,to d\bt1 = _m p1 is to     
dread ! tr\ble ( exam9+ ?+s to :i* "o   
atta*es b little int]e/4 ,al?\gh        
religion is pres5t$ to m5 z ! mo/       
important ?+ = !m 9 ?is _w z well z 9 ! 
o!r1 skepticism & d\bt on ?is subject c 
be = ! m9d b a disagreeable /ate1 & (f]s
 b a com=table cu%ion4 ,no man :o has n 
! c\rage to contemplate )\t prejudice ! 

,god ^u :om e religion is f\nd$1 c "k   
:at religion to accept2 he does n "k :at
 to believe & :at n to believe1 to      
accept or to reject1 :at to hope or fe>2
 f9ally1 he is incompet5t to judge =    
himself4  ,indiff]5ce ^u religion c n be
 conf\nd$ ) skepticism2 ?is indiff]5ce  
itself is f\nd$ ^u ! assurance or ^u !  
probability :i* we f9d 9 believ+ t      
religion is n made to int]e/ u4 ,!      
p]suasion :i* we h t a ?+ :i* is pres5t$
 to u z v important1 is n s1 or is b    
indiff]5t1 supposes a suffici5t         
exam9ation ( ! ?+1 )\t :i* x w\ld be    
impossible to h ?is p]suasion4 ,^? :o   
call !mselves skeptics 9 reg>d to !     
fundam5tal po9ts ( religion1 are g5]ally
 b idle & lazy m51 :o are incapable (   
exam9+ !m4     ,,cxxiv4--,,revelation   
,,refut$4  ,9 all p>ts ( ! _w1 we are   
assur$ t ,god reveal$ ,himself4 ,:at did
 ,he tea* m58 ,does ,he prove to !m     
evid5tly t ,he exi/s8 ,does ,he tell !m 
:]e ,he resides8 ,does ,he tea* !m :at  
,he is1 or ( :at ,8 ess5ce consi/s8     

,does ,he expla9 to !m cle>ly ,8        
int5tions & ,8 plan8 ,:at ,he says ( ?is
 plan1 does x agree ) ! effects :i* we  
see8 ,no6 ,he in=ms u only t ,he is !   
,"o t is1 ,i am t ,i am1 sai? ! ,"l t   
,he is an inv9cible ,god1 t ,8 ways are 
ineffable1 t ,he becomes furi\s z soon z
 "o has ! tem]ity to p5etrate ,8        
decrees1 or to consult reason 9 ord] to 
judge ( ,him or ,8 works4 ,does !       
reveal$ conduct ( ,god correspond ) !   
magnific5t ideas :i* are giv5 to u ( ,8 
wisdom1 goodness1 ju/ice1 ( ,8          
omnipot5ce8 ,n at all2 9 e revelation   
?is conduct %[s a p>tial1 caprici\s be+1
 at lea/1 good to ,8 favorite p1 an     
enemy to all o!rs4 ,if ,he condesc5ds to
 %[ ,himself to "s m51 ,he takes c>e to 
keep all ! o!rs 9 inv9cible ignorance ( 
,8 div9e int5tions4 ,does n e special   
revelation ann\nce an unju/1 p>tial1 &  
malici\s ,god8  ,are ! reveal$ wi%es ( a
 ,god capable ( /rik+ u by ! sublime    
reason or ! wisdom :i* !y conta98 ,d !y 
t5d to ! happ9ess ( ! p to :om ,div9ity 

has decl>$ !m8 ,exam9+ ! ,div9e wi%es1  
,i f9d 9 !m1 9 all c\ntries1 b :imsical 
ord9ances1 ridicul\s precepts1 c]emonies
 ( :i* we d n und]/& ! aim1 pu]ile      
practices1 pr9ciples ( conduct unwor?y (
 ! ,mon>* ( ,nature1 (f]+s1 sacrifices1 
expiations1 useful1 9 fact1 to ! m9i/]s 
( ,god1 b v on]\s to ! re/ ( mank9d4 ,i 
f9d also1 t !y (t5 h a t5d5cy to r5d] m5
 unsocial1 disda9ful1 intol]ant1        
qu>relsome1 unju/1 inhuman t[>d all ^?  
:o h n receiv$ ei!r ! same revelations z
 !y1 or ! same ord9ances1 or ! same     
favors f ,heav54     ,,cxxv4--,,:]e1    
,,!n1 ,,is ,,! ,,pro( ,,t ,,god ,,did   
,,ev] ,,%[ ,,himself ,,to ,,m5 ,,or     
,,speak ,,to ,,!m8  ,are ! precepts (   
morality z ann\nc$ by ,div9ity truly    
,div9e1 or sup]ior to ^? :i* e rational 
man c\ld imag9e8 ,!y are ,div9e only    
because x is impossible = ! human m9d to
 see _! utility4 ,_! virtue consi/s 9 a 
total r5unciation ( human nature1 9 a   
volunt>y oblivion ( "o's reason1 9 a    
holy hatr$ ( self2 f9ally1 ^! sublime   

precepts %[ u p]fection 9 a conduct     
cruel to ourselves & p]fectly useless to
 o!rs4  ,h[ did ,god %[ ,himself8 ,did  
,he ,himself promulgate ,8 laws8 ,did   
,he speak to m5 ) ,8 own m\?8 ,i am told
 t ,god did n %[ ,himself to a :ole     
nation1 b t ,he employ$ always !        
organism ( a few favor$ p]sons1 :o took 
! c>e to tea* & to expla9 ,8 int5tions  
to ! unle>n$4 ,x 0 nev] p]mitt$ to ! p  
to g to ! sanctu>y2 ! m9i/]s ( ! ,gods  
always alone _h ! "r to report to !m :at
 transpir$4     ,,cxxvi4--,,no?+        
,,e/abli%es ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,,miracles4  
,if1 9 ! economy ( all ,div9e           
revelations1 ,i am unable to recognize  
ei!r ! wisdom1 ! goodness1 or ! equity (
 a ,god2 if ,i suspect deceit1 ambition1
 selfi% designs 9 ! great p]sonages :o h
 int]pos$ betwe5 ,heav5 & u1 ,i am      
assur$ t ,god has confirm$1 by spl5did  
miracles1 ! mission ( ^? :o h spok5 =   
,him4 ,b 0 x n mu* easi] to %[ ,himself1
 & to expla9 = ,himself8 ,on ! o!r h&1  
if ,i h ! curiosity to exam9e ^!        

miracles1 ,i f9d t !y are tales void (  
probability1 relat$ by suspici\s p1 :o  
_h ! greate/ int]e/ 9 mak+ o!rs believe 
t !y 7 s5t f ! ,mo/ ,high4  ,:at        
witnesses are ref]r$ to 9 ord] to make u
 believe incr$ible miracles8 ,!y call z 
witnesses /upid p1 :o h ceas$ to exi/ = 
?\s&s ( ye>s1 & :o1 ev5 if !y c\ld atte/
 ! miracles 9 "q1 w\ld be suspect$ (    
hav+ be5 deceiv$ by _! own imag9ation1 &
 ( p]mitt+ !mselves to be s$uc$ by !    
illusions :i* skillful impo/ors p]=m$   
be=e _! eyes4 ,b1 y w say1 ^! miracles  
are record$ 9 books :i* ?r\gh con/ant   
tradition h be5 h&$ d[n to u4 ,by :om 7 
^! books writt58 ,:o are ! m5 :o h      
transmitt$ & p]petuat$ !m8 ,!y are ei!r 
! same p :o e/abli%$ ^! religions1 or ^?
 :o h become _! adh]5ts & _! assi/ants4 
,?us1 9 ! matt] ( religion1 ! te/imony (
 int]e/$ p>ties is irrefragable & c n be
 conte/$6     ,,cxxvii4--,,if ,,god ,,_h
 ,,spok51 ,,x ,,w\ld ,,be ,,/range ,,t  
,,he ,,_h ,,spok5 ,,diff]5tly ,,to ,,all
 ,,! ,,adh]5ts ,,( ,,! ,,diff]5t        

,,sects1 ,,:o ,,damn ,,ea* ,,o!r1 ,,:o  
,,accuse ,,ea* ,,o!r1 ,,) ,,reason1 ,,( 
,,sup]/ition ,,& ,,impiety4  ,god has   
spok5 diff]5tly to ea* nation ( ! globe 
:i* we inhabit4 ,! ,indian does n       
believe "o ^w ( :at ,he said to !       
,*9aman2 ! ,mohamm$an consid]s :at ,he  
has told to ! ,*ri/ian z fables2 ! ,jew 
consid]s ! ,mohamm$an & ! ,*ri/ian z    
sacrilegi\s corruptors ( ! ,holy ,law1  
:i* 8 ,god has giv5 to 8 fa!rs4 ,!      
,*ri/ian1 pr\d ( 8 m mod]n revelation1  
equally damns ! ,indian & ! ,*9aman1 !  
,mohamm$an1 & ev5 ! ,jew1 ^: holy books 
he holds4 ,:o is wrong or "r8 ,ea* "o   
exclaims3 ,x is ,i6 ,e "o claims ! same 
pro(s2 ea* "o speaks ( 8 miracles1 8    
sa9ts1 8 prophets1 8 m>tyrs4 ,s5sible m5
 answ]1 t !y are all deliri\s2 t ,god   
has n spok51 if x is true t ,he is a ,_s
 :o has nei!r m\? nor tongue2 t ! ,god (
 ! ,univ]se c\ld1 )\t borr[+ mortal     
organism1 inspire ,8 creatures ) :at ,he
 desir$ !m to le>n1 & t1 z !y are all   
equally ignorant ( :at !y ought to ?9k  

ab\t ,god1 x is evid5t t ,god did n want
 to in/ruct !m4 ,! adh]5ts ( ! diff]5t  
=ms ( wor%ip :i* we see e/abli%$ 9 ?is  
_w1 accuse ea* o!r ( sup]/ition & (     
ungodl9ess4 ,! ,*ri/ians abhor !        
sup]/ition ( ! hea!n1 ( ! ,*9ese1 ( !   
,mohamm$ans4 ,! ,roman ,ca?olics treat !
 ,prote/ant ,*ri/ians z impi\s2 ! latt] 
incessantly declaim aga9/ ,roman        
sup]/ition4 ,!y are all "r4 ,to be      
impi\s1 is to h unju/ op9ions ab\t !    
,god :o is ador$2 to be sup]/iti\s1 is  
to h false ideas ( ,him4 ,9 accus+ ea*  
o!r ( sup]/ition1 ! diff]5t religioni/s 
resemble humpbacks :o taunt ea* o!r ) _!
 mal=mation4     ,,cxxviii4--,,obscure  
,,& ,,suspici\s ,,orig9 ,,( ,,oracles4  
,! oracles :i* ! ,deity has reveal$ to !
 nations ?r\gh ,8 diff]5t m$iums1 are !y
 cle>8 ,alas6 !re are n two m5 :o und]/&
 !m alike4 ,^? :o expla9 !m to o!rs d n 
agree among !mselves2 9 ord] to make !m 
cle>1 !y h rec\rse to int]pretations1 to
 comm5t>ies1 to allegories1 to p>ables1 
9 :i* is f\nd a my/ical s5se v diff]5t f

 ! lit]al "o4 ,m5 are ne$$ ev]y:]e to   
expla9 ! wi%es ( ,god1 :o c\ld n or w\ld
 n expla9 ,himself cle>ly to ^? :om ,he 
desir$ to enlight54 ,god always pref]s  
to use z m$iums m5 :o c be suspect$ (   
hav+ be5 deceiv$ !mselves1 or hav+      
reasons to deceive o!rs4                
,,cxxix4--,,absurdity ,,( ,,pret5d$     
,,miracles4  ,! f\nd]s ( all religions h
 usually prov$ _! mission by miracles4  
,b :at is a miracle8 ,x is an op]ation  
directly oppos$ to ! laws ( nature4 ,b1 
accord+ to y1 :o has made ^! laws8 ,x is
 ,god4 ,?us y\r ,god1 :o1 accord+ to y1 
has =ese5 ev]y?+1 c\nt]acts ! laws :i*  
,8 wisdom _h impos$ ^u nature6 ,^! laws 
7 !n defective1 or at lea/ 9 c]ta9      
circum/ances !y 7 b 9 accordance ) !    
views ( ?is same ,god1 = y tell u t ,he 
?\ght ,he ought to susp5d or c\nt]act   
!m4  ,an attempt is made to p]suade u t 
m5 :o h be5 favor$ by ! ,mo/ ,high h    
receiv$ f ,him ! p[] to p]=m miracles2 b
 9 ord] to p]=m a miracle1 x is necess>y
 to h ! faculty ( creat+ new causes     

capable ( produc+ effects oppos$ to ^?  
:i* ord9>y causes c produce4 ,c we      
realize h[ ,god c give to m5 !          
inconceivable p[] ( creat+ causes out ( 
no?+8 ,c x be believ$ t an un*angeable  
,god c communicate to man ! p[] to *ange
 or rectify ,8 plan1 a p[] :i*1 accord+ 
to ,8 ess5ce1 an immutable be+ c n h    
himself8 ,miracles1 f> f do+ mu* honor  
to ,god1 f> f prov+ ! ,div9ity (        
religion1 de/roy evid5tly ! idea :i* is 
giv5 to u ( ,god1 ( ,8 immutability1 (  
,8 incommunicable attributes1 & ev5 ( ,8
 omnipot5ce4 ,h[ c a !ologian tell u t a
 ,god :o embrac$ at once ! :ole ( ,8    
plan1 :o c\ld make b p]fect laws1 :o c  
*ange no?+ 9 !m1 %\ld be oblig$ to      
employ miracles to make ,8 projects     
successful1 or grant to ,8 creatures !  
faculty ( p]=m+ prodigies1 9 ord] to    
execute ,8 ,div9e w8 ,is x probable t a 
,god ne$s ! support ( m58 ,an ,omnipot5t
 ,be+1 ^: wi%es are always gratifi$1 a  
,be+ :o holds 9 ,8 h&s ! he>ts & ! m9ds 
( ,8 creatures1 ne$s b to wi%1 9 ord] to

 make !m believe all ,he desires4       
,,cxxx4--,,refutation ,,( ,,pascal',s   
,,mann] ,,( ,,reason+ ,,z ,,to ,,h[ ,,we
 ,,%\ld ,,judge ,,miracles4  ,:at %\ld  
we say ( religions t bas$ _! ,div9ity ^u
 miracles :i* !y !mselves cause to appe>
 suspici\s8 ,h[ c we place any fai? 9 ! 
miracles relat$ 9 ! ,holy ,books ( !    
,*ri/ians1 :]e ,god ,himself boa/s (    
h>d5+ he>ts1 ( bl9d+ ^? :om ,he wi%es to
 ru92 :]e ?is ,god p]mits wick$ spirits 
& magicians to p]=m z wond]ful miracles 
z ^? ( ,8 s]vants2 :]e x is prophesi$ t 
! ,anti-,*ri/ w h ! p[] to p]=m miracles
 capable ( de/roy+ ! fai? ev5 ( ! elect8
 ,?is grant$1 h[ c we "k :e!r ,god wants
 to in/ruct u or to lay a sn>e = u8 ,h[ 
c we di/+ui% :e!r ! wond]s :i* we see1  
proce$ f ,god or ! ,devil8 ,pascal1 9   
ord] to disemb>rass u1 says v gravely1 t
 we mu/ judge ! doctr9e by miracles1 & !
 miracles by ! doctr9e2 t doctr9e judges
 ! miracles1 & ! miracles judge !       
doctr9e4 ,if !re exi/s a defective &    
ridicul\s circle1 x is no d\bt 9 ?is f9e

 reason+ ( "o ( ! greate/ def5d]s ( !   
,*ri/ian religion4 ,:i* ( all !         
religions 9 ! _w does n claim to possess
 ! mo/ admirable doctr9e1 & :i* does n  
br+ to its aid a great numb] ( miracles8
  ,is a miracle capable ( de/roy+ a     
demon/rat$ tru?8 ,al?\gh a man %\ld h ! 
secret ( cur+ all diseases1 ( mak+ !    
lame to walk1 ( rais+ all ! dead ( a    
city1 ( float+ 9 ! air1 ( arre/+ ! c\rse
 ( ! sun & ( ! moon1 w he be able to    
conv9ce me by all ?is t two & two d n   
make f\r2 t "o makes ?ree & t ?ree makes
 b "o2 t a ,god :o fills ! univ]se ) ,8 
imm5sity1 c\ld h trans=m$ ,himself into 
! body ( a ,jew2 t ! et]nal c p]i% l    
man2 t an immutable1 =esee+1 & s5sible  
,god c\ld h *ang$ ,8 op9ion ^u ,8       
religion1 & re=m ,8 own "w by a new     
revelation8     ,,cxxxi4--,,ev5         
,,accord+ ,,to ,,! ,,pr9ciples ,,(      
,,!ology ,,itself1 ,,e ,,new            
,,revelation ,,%\ld ,,be ,,refut$ ,,z   
,,false ,,& ,,impi\s4  ,accord+ to !    
pr9ciples ( !ology itself1 :e!r natural 

or reveal$1 e new revelation ought to be
 consid]$ false2 e *ange 9 a religion   
:i* _h emanat$ f ! ,deity ought to be   
refut$ z ungodly & blasphem\s4 ,does n e
 re=m suppose t ,god did n "k h[ at !   
/>t to give ,8 religion ! requir$       
solidity & p]fection8 ,to say t ,god 9  
giv+ a fir/ law accommodat$ ,himself to 
! gross ideas ( a p :om ,he wi%$ to     
enlight51 is to pret5d t ,god nei!r c\ld
 nor w\ld make ! p :om ,he enlight5$ at 
t "t1 z reasonable z !y ought to be to  
please ,him4     ,*ri/ianity is an      
impiety1 if x is true t ,judaism z a    
religion really emanat$ f a ,holy1      
,immutable1 ,almighty1 grid ,=esee+     
,god4    ,*ri/'s religion implies ei!r  
defects 9 ! law t ,god ,himself gave by 
,moses1 or impot5ce or malice 9 ?is ,god
 :o c\ld n1 or w\ld n make ! ,jews z !y 
ought to be to please ,him4 ,all        
religions1 :e!r new1 or anci5t ones     
re=m$1 are evid5tly f\nd$ on ! weakness1
 ! incon/ancy1 ! imprud5ce1 & ! malice (
 ! ,deity4     ,,cxxxii4--,,ev5 ,,!     

,,blood ,,( ,,! ,,m>tyrs1 ,,te/ifies    
,,aga9/ ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,,miracles ,,&   
,,aga9/ ,,! ,,div9e ,,orig9 ,,:i*       
,,*ri/ianity ,,claims4  ,if hi/ory in=ms
 me t ! fir/ apo/les1 f\nd]s or re=m]s (
 religions1 p]=m$ great miracles1 hi/ory
 tea*es me also t ^! re=m+ apo/les & _! 
adh]5ts h be5 usually despis$1 p]secut$1
 & put to dea? z di/urb]s ( ! peace (   
nations4 ,i am !n tempt$ to believe t !y
 h n p]=m$ ! miracles attribut$ to !m4  
,f9ally1 ^! miracles %\ld h procur$ to  
!m a great numb] ( disciples among ^? :o
 witness$ !m1 :o ought to h prev5t$ !   
p]=m]s f be+ maltreat$4 ,my incr$ulity  
increases if ,i am told t ! p]=m]s (    
miracles h be5 cruelly torm5t$ or sla94 
,h[ c we believe t mission>ies1 protect$
 by a ,god1 inve/$ ) ,8 ,div9e ,p[]1 &  
enjoy+ ! gift ( miracles1 c\ld n p]=m ! 
simple miracle ( escap+ f ! cruelty ( _!
 p]secutors8  ,p]secutions !mselves are 
consid]$ z a conv9c+ pro( 9 favor ( !   
religion ( ^? :o h suff]$ !m2 b a       
religion :i* boa/s ( hav+ caus$ ! dea? (

 _m m>tyrs1 & :i* in=ms u t its f\nd]s h
 suff]$ = its ext5sion unhe>d-( torm5ts1
 c n be ! religion ( a b5evol5t1        
equitable1 & ,almighty ,god4 ,a good    
,god w\ld n p]mit t m5 *>g$ ) reveal+ ,8
 w %\ld be misus$4 ,an omnipot5t ,god   
desir+ to f\nd a religion1 w\ld h       
employ$ simpl] & less fatal means = ,8  
mo/ fai?ful s]vants4 ,to say t ,god     
desir$ t ,8 religion %\ld be seal$ by   
blood1 is to say t ?is ,god is weak1    
unju/1 ungrateful1 & sangu9>y1 & t ,he  
sacrifices unwor?ily ,8 mission>ies to !
 int]e/s ( ,8 ambition4                 
,,cxxxiii4--,,! ,,fanaticism ,,( ,,!    
,,m>tyrs1 ,,! ,,int]e/$ ,,zeal ,,(      
,,mission>ies1 ,,prove ,,9 ,,n[ise ,,!  
,,tru? ,,( ,,religion4  ,to die = a     
religion does n prove x true or ,div9e2 
?is proves at mo/ t we suppose x to be  
s4 ,an en?usia/ 9 dy+ proves no?+ b t   
religi\s fanaticism is (t5 /rong] ?an ! 
love ( life4 ,an impo/or c sometimes die
 ) c\rage2 he makes !n1 z is said1 a    
virtue ( necessity4 ,we are (t5 surpris$

 & affect$ at ! sight ( ! g5]\s c\rage &
 ! dis9t]e/$ zeal :i* h l$ mission>ies  
to prea* _! doctr9e at ! risk ev5 (     
suff]+ ! mo/ rigor\s torm5ts4 ,we draw f
 ?is love1 :i* is exhibit$ = ! salvation
 ( m51 d$uctions favorable to ! religion
 :i* !y h proclaim$2 b 9 tru? ?is       
dis9t]e/$ness is only app>5t4 ,no?+     
v5tur$1 no?+ ga9$6 ,a mission>y seeks   
=tune by ! aid ( 8 doctr9e2 he kn[s t if
 he has ! good =tune to retail 8        
commodity1 he w become ! absolute ma/] (
 ^? :o accept him z _! guide2 he is sure
 to become ! object ( _! c>e1 ( _!      
respect1 ( _! v5]ation2 he has e reason 
to believe t he w be abundantly provid$ 
=4 ,^! are ! true motives :i* k9dle !   
zeal & ! *>ity ( s _m prea*]s &         
mission>ies :o travel all ov] ! _w4  ,to
 die = an op9ion1 proves no m ! tru? or 
! s\ndness ( ?is op9ion ?an to die 9 a  
battle proves ! "r ( ! pr9ce1 = ^:      
b5efit s _m p are fooli% en\gh to       
sacrifice !mselves4 ,! c\rage ( a m>tyr1
 animat$ by ! idea ( ,p>adise1 is n any 

m sup]natural ?an ! c\rage ( a w>rior1  
inspir$ ) ! idea ( glory or held to duty
 by ! fe> ( disgrace4 ,:at diff]5ce d we
 f9d betwe5 an ,iroquois :o s+s :ile he 
is burn$ by a sl[ fire1 & ! m>tyr ,/4   
,lawr5ce1 :o :ile ^u ! gridiron insults 
8 tyrant8  ,! prea*]s ( a new doctr9e   
succumb because !y are n ! /ronge/2 !   
apo/les usually practice a p]il\s       
bus9ess1 ^: consequ5ces !y c =esee2 _!  
c\rage\s dea? does n prove any m ! tru? 
( _! pr9ciples or _! own s9c]ity1 ?an ! 
viol5t dea? ( an ambiti\s man or a brig&
 proves t !y _h ! "r to tr\ble society1 
or t !y believ$ !mselves au?oriz$ to d  
x4 ,a mission>y's pr(ession has be5     
always flatt]+ to 8 ambition1 & has     
enabl$ him to subsi/ at ! exp5se ( !    
common p2 ^! advantages h be5 suffici5t 
to make him =get ! dang]s :i* are       
connect$ ) x4     ,,cxxxiv4--,,!ology   
,,makes ,,( ,,its ,,god ,,an ,,enemy ,,(
 ,,common ,,s5se ,,& ,,( ,,enlight5m5t4 
,y tell u1 ,o !ologians6 t :at is folly 
9 ! eyes ( m51 is wisdom be=e ,god1 :o  

is pleas$ to conf\nd ! wisdom ( ! wise4 
,b d y n pret5d t human wisdom is a gift
 f ,heav58 ,9 tell+ u t ?is wisdom      
displeases ,god1 is b folly 9 ,8 eyes1 &
 t ,he wi%es to conf\nd x1 y proclaim t 
y\r ,god is b ! fri5d ( un5light5$ p1 & 
t ,he makes to s5sible p a fatal gift1 =
 :i* ?is p]fidi\s ,tyrant promises to   
puni% !m cruelly "s day4 ,is x n v      
/range t we c n be ! fri5d ( y\r ,god b 
by decl>+ ourselves ! enemy ( reason &  
common s5se8     ,,cxxxv4--,,fai? ,,is  
,,irreconcilable ,,) ,,reason1 ,,&      
,,reason ,,is ,,pref]able ,,to ,,fai?4  
,fai?1 accord+ to !ologians1 is cons5t  
)\t evid5ce4 ,f ?is x foll[s t religion 
exacts t we %\ld firmly believe1 )\t    
evid5ce1 9 propositions :i* are (t5     
improbable or oppos$ to reason4 ,b to   
*all5ge reason z a judge ( fai?1 is x n 
ackn[l$g+ t reason c n agree ) fai?8 ,z 
! m9i/]s ( religion h det]m9$ to bani%  
reason1 !y mu/ h felt ! impossibility ( 
reconcil+ reason ) fai?1 :i* is visibly 
b a bl9d submission to ^? prie/s ^:     

au?ority1 9 _m m9ds1 appe>s to be ( a   
great] importance ?an evid5ce itself1 & 
pref]able to ! te/imony ( ! s5ses4      
,sacrifice y\r reason2 give up exp]i5ce2
 di/ru/ ! te/imony ( y\r s5ses2 submit  
)\t exam9ation to all t is giv5 to y z  
com+ f ,heav54 ,?is is ! usual language 
( all ! prie/s ( ! _w2 !y d n agree ^u  
any po9t1 except 9 ! necessity ( nev]   
reason+ :5 !y pres5t pr9ciples to u :i* 
!y claim z ! mo/ important to our       
happ9ess4  ,i w n sacrifice my reason1  
because ?is reason alone enables me to  
di/+ui% good f evil1 ! true f ! false4  
,if1 z y pret5d1 my reason comes f ,god1
 ,i w nev] believe t a ,god :om y call s
 good1 _h ev] giv5 me reason b z a sn>e1
 9 ord] to lead me to p]dition4 ,prie/s6
 9 cry+ d[n reason1 d y n see t y sl&]  
y\r ,god1 :o1 z y assure u1 has giv5 u  
?is reason8  ,i w n give up exp]i5ce1   
because x is a mu* bett] guide ?an      
imag9ation1 or ?an ! au?ority ( ! guides
 :om !y wi% to give me4 ,?is exp]i5ce   
tea*es me t en?usiasm & int]e/ c bl9d & 

mislead !m1 & t ! au?ority ( exp]i5ce   
ought to h m weight ^u my m9d ?an !     
suspici\s te/imony ( _m m5 :om ,i "k to 
be capable ( deceiv+ !mselves1 or v mu* 
int]e/$ 9 deceiv+ o!rs4  ,i w n di/ru/  
my s5ses4 ,i d n ignore ! fact t !y c   
sometimes lead me into error2 b on ! o!r
 h&1 ,i "k t !y d n deceive me always4  
,i "k v well t ! eye %[s ! sun mu*      
small] ?an x really is2 b exp]i5ce1 :i* 
is only ! repeat$ application ( ! s5ses1
 tea*es me t objects cont9ually dim9i%  
by reason ( _! di/ance2 x is by ^! means
 t ,i rea* ! conclusion t ! sun is mu*  
l>g] ?an ! e>?2 x is ?us t my s5ses     
suffice to rectify ! ha/y judgm5ts :i*  
!y induc$ me to =m4 ,9 w>n+ me to d\bt !
 te/imony ( my s5ses1 y de/roy = me !   
pro(s ( all religion4 ,if m5 c be dupes 
( _! imag9ation1 if _! s5ses are        
deceiv]s1 :y w\ld y h me believe 9 !    
miracles :i* made an impression ^u !    
deceiv+ s5ses ( our ance/ors8 ,if my    
s5ses are fai?less guides1 ,i le>n t ,i 
%\ld n h fai? ev5 9 ! miracles :i* ,i   

might see p]=m$ "u my own eyes4         
,,cxxxvi4--,,h[ ,,absurd ,,& ,,ridicul\s
 ,,is ,,! ,,sophi/ry ,,( ,,^? ,,:o ,,wi%
 ,,to ,,sub/itute ,,fai? ,,= ,,reason4  
,y tell me cont9ually t ! tru?s (       
religion are beyond reason4 ,d y n      
admit1 !n1 t ^! tru?s are n made =      
reasonable be+s8 ,to pret5d t reason c  
deceive u1 is to say t tru? c be false1 
t usefulness c be injuri\s4 ,is reason  
any?+ else b ! k ( ! useful & ! true8   
,besides1 z we h b our reason1 :i* is m 
or less ex]cis$1 & our s5ses1 su* z !y  
are1 to lead u 9 ?is life1 to claim t   
reason is an unsafe guide1 & t our s5ses
 are deceiv]s1 is to tell u t our errors
 are necess>y1 t our ignorance is       
inv9cible1 & t1 )\t extreme inju/ice1   
,god c n puni% u = hav+ foll[$ ! only   
guides :i* ,he desir$ to give u4 ,to    
pret5d t we are oblig$ to believe 9 ?+s 
:i* are beyond our reason1 is an        
ass]tion z ridicul\s z to say t ,god    
w\ld compel u to fly )\t w+s4 ,to claim 
t !re are objects on :i* reason %\ld n  

be consult$1 is to say t 9 ! mo/        
important affairs1 we mu/ consult b     
imag9ation1 or act by *ance4  ,our      
,doctors ( ,div9ity tell u t we ought to
 sacrifice our reason to ,god2 b :at    
motives c we h = sacrific+ our reason to
 a be+ :o gives u b useless gifts1 :i*  
,he does n int5d t we %\ld make use (8  
,:at confid5ce c we place 9 a ,god :o1  
accord+ to our ,doctors !mselves1 is    
wick$ en\gh to h>d5 he>ts1 to /rike u ) 
bl9dness1 to place sn>es 9 our way1 to  
lead u into temptation8 ,f9ally1 h[ c we
 place confid5ce 9 ! m9i/]s ( ?is ,god1 
:o1 9 ord] to guide u m conv5i5tly1     
comm& u to close our eyes8              
,,cxxxvii4--,,h[ ,,pret5d ,,t ,,man     
,,ought ,,to ,,believe ,,v]bal          
,,te/imony ,,on ,,:at ,,is ,,claim$ ,,to
 ,,be ,,! ,,mo/ ,,important ,,?+ ,,=    
,,him8  ,m5 p]suade !mselves t religion 
is ! mo/ s]i\s affair 9 ! _w = !m1 :ile 
x is ! v ?+ :i* !y lea/ exam9e =        
!mselves4 ,if ! "q arises 9 ! pur*ase ( 
l&1 ( a h\se1 ( ! inve/m5t ( money1 ( a 

transaction1 or ( "s k9d ( an agreem5t1 
y w see ea* "o exam9e ev]y?+ ) c>e1 take
 ! greate/ precautions1 weigh all !     
words ( a docum5t1 to bew>e ( any       
surprise or imposition4 ,x is n ! same )
 religion2 ea* "o accepts x at haz>d1 & 
believes x ^u v]bal te/imony1 )\t tak+ !
 tr\ble to exam9e x4 ,two causes seem to
 concur 9 su/a9+ m5 9 ! neglig5ce & !   
?\ghtlessness :i* !y exhibit :5 ! "q    
comes up ( exam9+ _! religi\s op9ions4  
,! fir/ "o is1 ! hopelessness ( p5etrat+
 ! obscurity by :i* e religion is       
surr\nd$2 ev5 9 its fir/ pr9ciples1 x   
has only a t5d5cy to repel indol5t m9ds1
 :o see 9 x b *aos1 to p5etrate :i*1 !y 
judge impossible4 ,! second is1 t ea* "o
 is afraid to incommode himself by !    
sev]e precepts :i* ev]ybody admires 9 ! 
!ory1 & :i* few p]sons take ! tr\ble (  
practic+4 ,_m p pres]ve _! religion l   
old family titles :i* !y h nev] tak5 !  
tr\ble to exam9e m9utely1 b :i* !y place
 9 _! ar*ives 9 case !y ne$ !m4         
,,cxxxviii4--,,fai? ,,takes ,,root ,,b  

,,9 ,,weak1 ,,ignorant1 ,,or ,,indol5t  
,,m9ds4  ,! disciples ( ,py?agoras _h an
 implicit fai? 9 _! ,ma/]'s doctr9e3    
,,he ,,has ,,said ,,x6 0 = !m ! solution
 ( all problems4 ,! majority ( m5 act ) 
z little reason4 ,a curate1 a prie/1 an 
ignorant monk1 w become 9 ! matt] (     
religion ! ma/] ( "o's ?\ghts4 ,fai?    
relieves ! weakness ( ! human m9d1 = :om
 application is commonly a v pa9ful "w2 
x is mu* easi] to rely ^u o!rs ?an to   
exam9e = "o's self2 exam9ation be+ sl[ &
 difficult1 x is usually unpleasant to  
ignorant & /upid m9ds z well z to v     
ard5t ones2 ?is is1 no d\bt1 :y fai?    
f9ds s _m p>tisans4  ,! less enlight5m5t
 & reason m5 possess1 ! m zeal !y       
exhibit = _! religion4 ,9 all ! religi\s
 factions1 wom51 ar\s$ by _! directors1 
exhibit v great zeal 9 op9ions ( :i* x  
is evid5t !y h n ! lea/ idea4 ,9        
!ological qu>rels p ru% l a f]oci\s bea/
 ^u all ^? aga9/ :om _! prie/ wi%es to  
excite !m4 ,pr(\nd ignorance1 unlimit$  
cr$ulity1 a v weak head1 an irritat$    

imag9ation1 ^! are ! mat]ials ( :i*     
devotees1 zealots1 fanatics1 & sa9ts are
 made4 ,h[ c we make ^? p und]/& reason 
:o all[ !mselves to be guid$ )\t exam9+ 
any?+8 ,! devotees & common p are1 9 !  
h&s ( _! guides1 only automatons :i* !y 
move at _! fancy4     ,,cxxxix4--,,to   
,,tea* ,,t ,,!re ,,exi/s ,,"o ,,true    
,,religion ,,is ,,an ,,absurdity1 ,,& ,a
 ,,cause ,,( ,,mu* ,,tr\ble ,,among ,,! 
,,nations4  ,religion is a ?+ ( cu/om & 
fa%ion2 we mu/ d z o!rs d4 ,b1 among !  
_m religions 9 ! _w1 :i* "o ought we to 
*oose8 ,?is exam9ation w\ld be too long 
& too pa9ful2 we mu/ !n hold to ! fai? (
 our fa!rs1 to t ( our c\ntry1 or to t (
 ! pr9ce1 :o1 possess+ p[]1 mu/ be !    
be/4 ,*ance alone decides ! religion ( a
 man & ( a p4 ,! ,fr5* w\ld be to-day z 
good ,mussulm5 z !y are ,*ri/ians1 if _!
 ance/ors _h n repuls$ ! ef=ts ( !      
,s>ac5s4 ,if we judge ( ! int5tions (   
,provid5ce by ! ev5ts & ! revolutions ( 
?is _w1 we are compell$ to believe t x  
is q indiff]5t ab\t ! diff]5t religions 

:i* exi/ on e>?4 ,dur+ ?\s&s ( ye>s     
,paganism1 ,poly!ism1 & ,idolatry h be5 
! religions ( ! _w2 we are assur$ today1
 t dur+ ?is p]iod ! mo/ fl\ri%+ nations 
_h n ! lea/ idea ( ! ,deity1 an idea :i*
 is claim$1 h[ev]1 to be s important to 
all m54 ,! ,*ri/ians pret5d t1 ) !      
exception ( ! ,jewi% p1 t is to say1 a  
h&ful ( un=tunate be+s1 ! :ole human    
race liv$ 9 utt] ignorance ( its duties 
t[>d ,god1 & _h b imp]fect ideas (      
,div9e maje/y4 ,*ri/ianity1 (f%oot (    
,judaism1 :i* 0 v humble 9 its obscure  
orig91 became p[]ful & cruel "u !       
,*ri/ian emp]ors1 :o1 driv5 by a holy   
zeal1 spread x m>vel\sly 9 _! empire by 
sword & fire1 & f\nd$ x ^u ! ru9s (     
ov]?r[n ,paganism4 ,mohamm$ & 8         
successors1 aid$ by ,provid5ce1 or by _!
 victori\s arms1 succe$$ 9 a %ort "t 9  
expell+ ! ,*ri/ian religion f a "p (    
,asia1 ,africa1 & ev5 ( ,europe itself2 
! ,gospel 0 compell$ to surr5d] to !    
,koran4 ,9 all ! factions or sects :i*  
dur+ a great numb] ( c5turies h lac]at$ 

! ,*ri/ians1 ,,! ,,reason ,,( ,,!       
,,/ronge/ ,,0 ,,always ,,! ,,be/2 ! arms
 & ! w ( ! pr9ces alone decid$ ^u ! mo/ 
useful doctr9e = ! salvation ( !        
nations4 ,c\ld we n conclude by ?is1    
ei!r t ! ,deity takes b little int]e/ 9 
! religion ( m51 or t ,he decl>es       
,himself always 9 favor ( op9ions :i*   
be/ suit ! ,au?orities ( ! e>?1 9 ord] t
 ,he c *ange ,8 sy/ems z soon z !y take 
a notion to *ange8  ,a k+ ( ,macass>1   
tir$ ( ! idolatry ( 8 fa!rs1 took a     
notion "o day to leave x4 ,! mon>*'s    
c\ncil delib]at$ = a long "t to "k :e!r 
!y %\ld consult ,*ri/ian or ,mohamm$an  
,doctors4 ,9 ! impossibility ( f9d+ out 
:i* 0 ! bett] ( ! two religions1 x 0    
resolv$ to s5d at ! same "t = !         
mission>ies ( bo?1 & to accept ! doctr9e
 ( ^? :o w\ld h ! advantage ( arriv+    
fir/4 ,!y did n d\bt t ,god1 :o disposes
 ( ev5ts1 w\ld ?us ,himself expla9 ,8 w4
 ,mohamm$'s mission>ies hav+ be5 m      
dilig5t1 ! k+ ) 8 p submitt$ to ! law   
:i* he _h impos$ ^u himself2 !          

mission>ies ( ,*ri/ 7 dismiss$ by       
default ( _! ,god1 :o did n p]mit !m to 
arrive e>ly en\gh4 ,god evid5tly cons5ts
 t *ance %\ld decide ! religion (       
nations4  ,^? :o gov]n1 always decide ! 
religion ( ! p4 ,! true religion is b ! 
religion ( ! pr9ce2 ! true ,god is !    
,god :om ! pr9ce wi%es !m to wor%ip2 ! w
 ( ! prie/s :o gov]n ! pr9ce1 always    
becomes ! w ( ,god4 ,a je/] once said1 )
 reason1 t ! true fai? is always ! "o   
:i* has on its side '! pr9ce & !        
execution]4'  ,emp]ors & execution]s = a
 long "t su/a9$ ! ,gods ( ,rome aga9/ ! 
,god ( ! ,*ri/ians2 ! latt] hav+ won ov]
 to _! side ! emp]ors1 _! soldi]s & _!  
execution]s succe$$ 9 suppress+ ! wor%ip
 ( ! ,roman ,gods4 ,mohamm$'s ,god      
succe$$ 9 expell+ ! ,*ri/ian's ,god f a 
l>ge "p ( ! c\ntries :i* ,he =m]ly      
occupi$4 ,9 ! ea/]n "p ( ,asia1 !re is a
 l>ge c\ntry :i* is v fl\ri%+1 v        
productive1 ?ickly populat$1 & gov]n$ by
 su* wise laws1 t ! mo/ savage conqu]ors
 adopt$ !m ) respect4 ,x is ,*9a6 ,) !  

exception ( ,*ri/ianity1 :i* 0 bani%$ z 
dang]\s1 !y foll[$ _! own sup]/iti\s    
ideas2 :ile ! m&>9s or magi/rates1      
undeceiv$ long ago ab\t ! popul>        
religion1 d n tr\ble !mselves 9 reg>d to
 x1 except to wat* ov] x1 t ! bonzes or 
prie/s d n use ?is religion to di/urb ! 
peace ( ! ,/ate4 ,h[ev]1 we d n see t   
,provid5ce )holds its b5efactions f a   
nation ^: *iefs take s little int]e/ 9 !
 wor%ip :i* is (f]$ to x4 ,! ,*9ese     
enjoy1 on ! contr>y1 bless+s & a peace  
wor?y ( be+ envi$ by _m nations :i*     
religion divides1 ravages1 & (t5        
de/roys4 ,we c n reasonably expect to   
deprive a p ( its follies2 b we c hope  
to cure ( _! follies ^? :o gov]n ! p2 ^!
 w !n prev5t ! follies ( ! p f becom+   
dang]\s4 ,sup]/ition is nev] to be fe>$ 
except :5 x has ! support ( pr9ces &    
soldi]s2 x is only !n t x becomes cruel 
& sangu9>y4 ,e sov]eign :o assumes !    
protection ( a sect or ( a religi\s     
faction1 usually becomes ! tyrant ( o!r 
sects1 & makes himself ! mu/ cruel      

p]turbator 9 8 k+dom4                   
,,cxl4--,,religion ,,is ,,n ,,necess>y  
,,to ,,morality ,,& ,,to ,,virtue4  ,we 
are con/antly told1 & a good _m s5sible 
p]sons come to believe x1 t religion is 
necess>y to re/ra9 m52 t )\t x !re w\ld 
be no *eck ^u ! p2 t morality & virtue  
are intimately connect$ ) x3 ,! fe> ( ! 
,"l is1 we are told1 ! beg9n+ ( wisdom4 
,! t]rors ( ano!r life are salut>y      
t]rors1 & calculat$ to subdue m5's      
passions4 ,to disabuse u 9 reg>d to !   
utility ( religi\s notions1 x is        
suffici5t to op5 ! eyes & to consid] :at
 are ! morals ( ! mo/ religi\s p4 ,we   
see haughty tyrants1 oppressive m9i/]s1 
p]fidi\s c\rti]s1 c\ntless extortion]s1 
unscrupul\s magi/rates1 impo/ors1       
adult]]s1 lib]t9es1 pro/itutes1 ?ieves1 
& rogues ( all k9ds1 :o h nev] d\bt$ !  
exi/5ce ( a v9dictive ,god1 or !        
puni%m5ts ( hell1 or ! joys ( ,p>adise4 
,al?\gh v useless = ! majority ( m51 !  
m9i/]s ( religion h tri$ to make dea?   
appe> t]rible to ! eyes ( _! vot>ies4   

,if ! mo/ devot$ ,*ri/ians c\ld be      
consi/5t1 !y w\ld pass _! :ole lives 9  
te>s1 & w\ld f9ally die 9 ! mo/ t]rible 
al>ms4 ,:at is m frightful ?an dea? to  
^? un=tunate ones :o are con/antly      
rem9d$ t x is a fe>ful ?+ to fall into !
 h&s ( a liv+ ,god2 t !y %\ld seek      
salvation ) fe> & trembl+6 ,h[ev]1 we   
are assur$ t ! ,*ri/ian's dea? has great
 consolations1 ( :i* ! unbeliev] is     
depriv$4 ,! good ,*ri/ian1 we are told1 
dies ) ! firm hope ( enjoy+ et]nal      
happ9ess1 :i* he has tri$ to des]ve4 ,b 
?is firm assurance1 is x n a puni%able  
presumption 9 ! eyes ( a sev]e ,god8 ,! 
greate/ sa9ts1 are !y n to be 9 d\bt    
:e!r !y are wor?y ( ! love or ( ! hatr$ 
( ,god ,prie/s :o console u ) ! hope ( !
 joys ( ,p>adise1 & close y\r eyes to ! 
torm5ts ( hell1 h y !n _h ! advantage ( 
see+ y\r names & ours inscrib$ 9 ! book 
( life8     ,,cxli4--,,religion ,,is ,,!
 ,,weake/ ,,re/ra9t ,,t ,,c ,,be        
,,oppos$ ,,to ,,! ,,passions4  ,to      
oppose to ! passions & pres5t int]e/s ( 

m5 ! obscure notions ab\t a metaphysical
 ,god :om no "o c conceive (2 !         
incr$ible puni%m5ts ( ano!r life2 !     
pleasures ( ,heav51 ( :i* we c n =m an  
idea1 is x n combat+ realities ) *im]as8
 ,m5 h always b confus$ ideas ( _! ,god2
 !y see ,him only 9 ! cl\ds2 !y nev] ?9k
 ( ,him :5 !y wi% to d wrong4 ,:5ev]    
ambition1 =tune1 or pleasure entices !m 
or leads !m away1 ,god1 & ,8 m5aces1 &  
,8 promises weigh no?+ 9 ! balance4 ,!  
?+s ( ?is life h = m5 a degree (        
c]ta9ty1 :i* ! mo/ lively fai? c nev]   
give to ! objects ( ano!r life4  ,e     
religion1 9 its orig91 0 a re/ra9t      
inv5t$ by legislators :o wi%$ to        
subjugate ! m9ds ( ! common p4 ,l nurses
 :o fright5 *ildr5 9 ord] to put !m to  
sleep1 ambiti\s m5 use ! "n ( ! gods to 
inspire fe> 9 savages2 t]ror seems well 
suit$ to compel !m to submit quietly to 
! yoke :i* is to be impos$ ^u !m4 ,are !
 gho/ /ories ( *ildhood fit = mature    
age8 ,man 9 8 maturity no long] believes
 9 !m1 or if he does1 he is tr\bl$ b    

little by x1 & he keeps on 8 road4      
,,cxlii4--,,honor ,,is ,a ,,m ,,salut>y 
,,& ,a ,,/rong] ,,*eck ,,?an ,,religion4
  ,!re is sc>cely a man :o does n fe> m 
:at he sees ?an :at he does n see2 !    
judgm5ts ( m51 ( :i* he exp]i5ces !     
effects1 ?an ! judgm5ts ( ,god1 ( :om he
 has b float+ ideas4 ,! desire to please
 ! _w1 ! curr5t ( cu/om1 ! fe> ( be+    
ridicul$1 & ( ,,:at ,,w ,,!y ,,say8 h m 
p[] ?an all religi\s op9ions4 ,a w>rior 
) ! fe> ( di%onor1 does he n haz>d 8    
life 9 battles e day1 ev5 at ! risk (   
incurr+ et]nal damnation8  ,! mo/       
religi\s p]sons sometimes %[ m respect =
 a s]vant ?an = ,god4 ,a man t firmly   
believes t ,god sees ev]y?+1 kn[s       
ev]y?+1 is ev]y:]e1 w1 :5 he is alone1  
commit actions :i* he nev] w\ld d 9 !   
pres5ce ( ! meane/ ( mortals4 ,^? ev5 :o
 claim to be ! mo/ firmly conv9c$ ( !   
exi/5ce ( a ,god1 act e in/ant z if !y  
did n believe any?+ ab\t x4             
,,cxliii4--,,religion ,,is ,,c]ta9ly ,,n
 ,a ,,p[]ful ,,*eck ,,^u ,,! ,,passions 

,,( ,,k+s1 ,,:o ,,are ,,almo/ ,,always  
,,cruel ,,& ,,fanta/ic ,,tyrants ,,by   
,,! ,,example ,,( ,,?is ,,same ,,god1   
,,( ,,:om ,,!y ,,claim ,,to ,,be ,,!    
,,repres5tatives2 ,,!y ,,use ,,religion 
,,b ,,to ,,brutalize ,,_! ,,slaves ,,s  
,,mu* ,,! ,,m1 ,,to ,,lull ,,!m ,,to    
,,sleep ,,9 ,,_! ,,fett]s1 ,,& ,,to     
,,prey ,,^u ,,!m ,,) ,,! ,,great]       
,,facility4  ,let u tol]ate at lea/1 we 
are told1 ! idea ( a ,god1 :i* alone c  
be a re/ra9t ^u ! passions ( k+s4 ,b1 9 
good fai?1 c we admire ! m>vel\s effects
 :i* ! fe> ( ?is ,god produces g5]ally  
^u ! m9d ( ! pr9ces :o claim to be ,8   
images8 ,:at idea c we =m ( ! orig9al1  
if we judge x by its duplicates8        
,sov]eigns1 x is true1 call1 !mselves ! 
repres5tatives ( ,god1 ,8 lieut5ants ^u 
e>?4 ,b does ! fe> ( a m p[]ful ma/] ?an
 !mselves make !m att5d to ! welf>e ( ! 
peoples t ,provid5ce has confid$ to _!  
c>e8 ,! idea ( an invisible ,judge1 to  
:om alone !y pret5d to be acc\ntable =  
_! actions1 %\ld inspire !m ) t]ror6 ,b 

does ?is t]ror r5d] !m m equitable1 m   
humane1 less av>ici\s ( ! blood & !     
goods ( _! subjects1 m mod]ate 9 _!     
pleasures1 m att5tive to _! duties8     
,f9ally1 does ?is ,god1 by :om we are   
assur$ t k+s reign1 prev5t !m f vex+ 9 a
 ?\s& ways ! peoples ( :om !y ought to  
be ! lead]s1 ! protectors1 & fa!rs8 ,let
 u op5 our eyes1 let u turn our reg>ds  
^u all ! e>?1 & we %all see1 almo/      
ev]y:]e1 m5 gov]n$ by tyrants1 :o make  
use ( religion b to brutalize _! slaves1
 :om !y oppress by ! weight ( _! vices1 
or :om !y sacrifice )\t m]cy to _! fatal
 extravagances4 ,f> f be+ a re/ra9t to !
 passions ( k+s1 religion1 by its v     
pr9ciples1 gives !m a loose re94 ,x     
trans=ms !m into ,div9ities1 ^: caprices
 ! nations nev] d>e to resi/4 ,at ! same
 "t t x un*a9s pr9ces & breaks = !m !   
ties ( ! social pact1 x en*a9s ! m9ds & 
! h&s ( _! oppress$ subjects4 ,is x     
surpris+1 !n1 t ! gods ( ! e>? believe t
 all is p]mitt$ to !m1 & consid] _!     
subjects z vile in/rum5ts ( _! caprices 

or ( _! ambition8  ,religion1 9 e       
c\ntry1 has made ( ! ,mon>* ( ,nature a 
cruel1 fanta/ic1 p>tial tyrant1 ^:      
caprice is ! rule4 ,! ,god-mon>* is b   
too well imitat$ by ,8 repres5tatives ^u
 ! e>?4 ,ev]y:]e religion seems inv5t$ b
 to lull to sleep ! p 9 fett]s1 9 ord]  
to furni% _! ma/]s ! facility ( dev\r+  
!m1 or to r5d] !m mis]able ) impunity4  
,,cxliv4--,,orig9 ,,( ,,! ,,mo/         
,,absurd1 ,,! ,,mo/ ,,ridicul\s1 ,,& ,,!
 ,,mo/ ,,odi\s ,,usurpation1 ,,call$ ,,!
 ,,div9e ,,"r ,,( ,,k+s4 ,,wise         
,,c\nsels ,,to ,,k+s4  ,9 ord] to gu>d  
!mselves aga9/ ! ent]prises ( a haughty 
,pontiff :o desir$ to reign ov] k+s1 & 9
 ord] to protect _! p]sons f ! attacks (
 ! cr$ul\s p excit$ by _! prie/s1 sev]al
 pr9ces ( ,europe pret5d$ to h receiv$  
_! cr[ns & _! rights f ,god alone1 & t  
!y %\ld acc\nt to ,him only = _!        
actions4 ,civil p[] 9 its battles aga9/ 
spiritual p[]1 hav+ at l5g? ga9$ !      
advantage1 & ! prie/s be+ compell$ to   
yield1 recogniz$ ! ,div9e "r ( k+s &    

prea*$ x to ! p1 res]v+ to !mselves ! "r
 to *ange op9ions & to prea* revolution1
 e "t t ! div9e rights ( k+s did n agree
 ) ! div9e rights ( ! cl]gy4 ,x 0 always
 at ! exp5se ( ! p t peace 0 re/or$     
betwe5 ! k+s & ! prie/s1 b ! latt]      
ma9ta9$ _! pret5sions not)/&+ all       
treaties4  ,_m tyrants & wick$ pr9ces1  
^: consci5ce reproa*es !m = _! neglig5ce
 or _! p]v]sity1 f> f fe>+ _! ,god1 r l 
to b>ga9 ) ?is invisible ,judge1 :o nev]
 refuses any?+1 or ) ,8 prie/s1 :o are  
accommodat+ to ! ma/]s ( ! e>? r ?an to 
_! subjects4 ,! p1 :5 r$uc$ to despair1 
consid] ! div9e rights ( _! *iefs z an  
abuse4 ,:5 m5 become exasp]at$1 ! div9e 
rights ( tyrants are compell$ to yield  
to ! natural rights ( _! subjects2 !y h 
bett] m>ket ) ! gods ?an ) m54 ,k+s are 
responsible = _! actions b to ,god1 !   
prie/s b to !mselves2 !re is reason to  
believe t bo? ( !m h m fai? 9 !         
indulg5ce ( ,heav5 ?an 9 t ( e>?4 ,x is 
mu* easi] to escape ! judgm5ts ( ! gods1
 :o c be appeas$ at little exp5se1 ?an !

 judgm5ts ( m5 ^: pati5ce is exhau/$4   
,if y take away f ! sov]eigns ! fe> ( an
 invisible p[]1 :at re/ra9t w y oppose  
to _! misconduct8 ,let !m le>n h[ to    
gov]n1 h[ to be j1 h[ to respect !      
rights ( ! p1 to recognize ! b5efactions
 ( ! nations f :om !y obta9 _! gr&eur & 
p[]2 let !m le>n to fe> m51 to submit to
 ! laws ( equity1 t no "o c violate )\t 
dang]2 let ^! laws re/ra9 equally !     
p[]ful & ! weak1 ! great & ! small1 !   
sov]eign & ! subjects4  ,! fe> ( !      
,gods1 religion1 ! t]rors ( ano!r       
life--^! are ! metaphysical &           
sup]natural b>ri]s :i* are oppos$ to !  
furi\s passions ( pr9ces6 ,are ^! b>ri]s
 suffici5t8 ,we leave x to exp]i5ce to  
solve ! "q6 ,to oppose religion to !    
wick$ness ( tyrants1 is to wi% t vague  
speculations %\ld be m p[]ful ?an       
incl9ations :i* conspire to =tify !m 9 x
 f day to day4     ,,cxlv4--,,religion  
,,is ,,fatal ,,to ,,politics2 ,,x ,,=ms 
,,b ,,lic5ti\s ,,& ,,p]v]se ,,despots1  
,,z ,,well ,,z ,,abject ,,& ,,unhappy   

,,subjects4  ,we are told con/antly ( ! 
imm5se advantages :i* religion secures  
to politics2 b if we reflect a mom5t1 we
 w see )\t tr\ble t religi\s op9ions    
bl9d & lead a/ray equally ! rul]s & ! p1
 & nev] enlight5 !m ei!r 9 reg>d to _!  
true duties or _! real int]e/s4         
,religion b too (t5 =ms lic5ti\s1       
immoral tyrants1 obey$ by slaves :o are 
oblig$ to con=m to _! views4 ,f lack ( !
 k ( ! true pr9ciples ( adm9i/ration1 ! 
aim & ! rights ( social life1 ! real    
int]e/s ( m51 & ! duties :i* unite !m1 !
 pr9ces are become1 9 almo/ e l&1       
lic5ti\s1 absolute1 & p]v]se2 & _!      
subjects abject unhappy1 & wick$4 ,x 0  
to avoid ! tr\ble ( /udy+ ^! important  
subjects1 t !y felt !mselves oblig$ to h
 rec\rse to *im]as1 :i* s f>1 in/ead (  
be+ a rem$y1 h b increas$ ! evils ( !   
human race & )drawn _! att5tion f ! mo/ 
int]e/+ ?+s4 ,does n ! unju/ & cruel    
mann] 9 :i* s _m nations are gov]n$ "h  
bel[1 furni% ! mo/ visible pro(s1 n only
 ( ! non-effect produc$ by ! fe> ( ano!r

 life1 b ( ! non-exi/5ce ( a ,provid5ce 
int]e/$ 9 ! fate ( ! human race8 ,if !re
 exi/$ a good ,god1 w\ld we n be =c$ to 
admit t ,he /rangely neglects ! majority
 ( m5 9 ?is life8 ,x w\ld appe> t ?is   
,god creat$ ! nations b to be toys = !  
passions & follies ( ,8 repres5tatives  
^u e>?4     ,,cxlvi4--,,*ri/ianity      
,,ext5d$ ,,itself ,,b ,,by ,,enc\rag+   
,,despotism1 ,,( ,,:i* ,,x1 ,,l ,,all   
,,religion1 ,,is ,,! ,,/ronge/          
,,support4  ,if we read hi/ory ) "s     
att5tion1 we %all see t ,*ri/ianity1    
fawn+ at fir/1 ins9uat$ itself among !  
savage & free nations ( ,europe b by %[+
 _! *iefs t its pr9ciples w\ld favor    
despotism & place absolute p[] 9 _! h&s4
 ,we see1 consequ5tly1 b>b>\s k+s       
conv]t+ !mselves ) a miracul\s          
promptitude2 t is to say1 adopt+ )\t    
exam9ation a sy/em s favorable to _!    
ambition1 & ex]t+ !mselves to h x adopt$
 by _! subjects4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ?is     
religion h s9ce (t5 mod]at$ _! s]vile   
pr9ciples1 x is because ! !ory has no   

influ5ce ^u ! conduct ( ! ,"l's m9i/]s1 
except :5 x suits _! temporal int]e/s4  
,*ri/ianity boa/s ( hav+ br\ght to m5 a 
happ9ess unkn[n to prec$+ c5turies4 ,x  
is true t ! ,grecians h n kn[n ! ,div9e 
"r ( tyrants or usurp]s ov] _! native   
c\ntry4 ,"u ! reign ( ,paganism x nev]  
ent]$ ! bra9 ( anybody t ,heav5 did n   
want a nation to def5d itself aga9/ a   
f]oci\s bea/ :i* insol5tly ravag$ x4 ,! 
,*ri/ian religion1 devis$ = ! b5efit (  
tyrants1 0 e/abli%$ on ! pr9ciple t !   
nations %\ld r5\nce ! legitimate def5se 
( !mselves4 ,?us ,*ri/ian nations are   
depriv$ ( ! fir/ law ( nature1 :i*      
decrees t man %\ld resi/ evil & dis>m   
all :o attempt to de/roy him4 ,if !     
m9i/]s ( ! ,*ur* h (t5 p]mitt$ nations  
to revolt = ,heav5's cause1 !y nev]     
all[$ !m to revolt aga9/ real evils or  
kn[n viol5ces4  ,x is f ,heav5 t ! *a9s 
h come to fett] ! m9ds ( mortals4 ,:y is
 ! ,mohamm$an ev]y:]e a slave8 ,x is    
because 8 ,prophet subdu$ him 9 ! "n ( !
 ,deity1 j z ,moses be=e him subjugat$ !

 ,jews4 ,9 all p>ts ( ! _w we see t     
prie/s 7 ! fir/ law-giv]s & ! fir/      
sov]eigns ( ! savages :om !y gov]n$4    
,religion seems to h be5 inv5t$ b to    
exalt pr9ces above _! nations1 & to     
deliv] ! p to _! discretion4 ,z soon z !
 latt] f9d !mselves unhappy "h bel[1 !y 
are sil5c$ by m5ac+ !m ) ,god's wra?2 _!
 eyes are fix$ on ,heav51 9 ord] to     
prev5t !m f p]ceiv+ ! real causes ( _!  
suff]+s & f apply+ ! rem$ies :i* nature 
(f]s !m4     ,,cxlvii4--,,! ,,only ,,aim
 ,,( ,,religi\s ,,pr9ciples ,,is ,,to   
,,p]petuate ,,! ,,tyranny ,,( ,,k+s ,,& 
,,to ,,sacrifice ,,! ,,nations ,,to     
,,!m4  ,by incessantly repeat+ to m5 t !
 e>? is n _! true c\ntry2 t ! pres5t    
life is b a passage2 t !y 7 n made to be
 happy 9 ?is _w2 t _! sov]eigns hold _! 
au?ority b f ,god1 & are responsible to 
,him alone = ! misuse ( x2 t x is nev]  
p]mitt$ to !m to resi/1 ! prie/hood     
succe$$ 9 p]petuat+ ! misconduct ( ! k+s
 & ! mis=tunes ( ! p2 ! int]e/s ( !     
nations h be5 c[>dly sacrific$ to _!    

*iefs4 ,! m we consid] ! dogmas & !     
pr9ciples ( religion1 ! m we %all be    
conv9c$ t _! only aim is to give        
advantage to tyrants & prie/s2 n hav+ ! 
lea/ reg>d = ! good ( society4 ,9 ord]  
to mask ! p[]lessness ( ^! deaf ,gods1  
religion has succe$$ 9 mak+ mortals     
believe t x is always iniquity :i*      
excites ! wra? ( ,heav54 ,! p blame     
!mselves = ! disa/]s & ! adv]sities :i* 
!y endure cont9ually4 ,if di/urb$ nature
 sometimes causes ! p to feel its bl[s1 
_! bad gov]nm5ts are b too (t5 !        
imm$iate & p]man5t causes f :i* spr+ !  
cont9ual calamities t !y are oblig$ to  
endure4 ,is x n ! ambition ( k+s & ( !  
great1 _! neglig5ce1 _! vices1 _!       
oppression1 to :i* are g5]ally due      
/]ility1 m5dacity1 w>s1 contagions1 bad 
morals1 & all ! multipli$ sc\rges :i*   
desolate ! e>?8  ,9 cont9ually direct+ !
 eyes ( m5 t[>d ,heav51 mak+ !m believe 
t all _! evils are due to ,div9e wra?1 9
 furni%+ !m b ineffici5t & futile means 
( less5+ _! tr\bles1 x w\ld appe> t !   

only object ( ! prie/s is to prev5t !   
nations f dream+ ( ! true s\rces ( _!   
mis]ies1 & to p]petuate !m4 ,! m9i/]s ( 
religion act l ^? indig5t mo!rs1 :o1 9  
ne$ ( bread1 put _! hungry *ildr5 to    
sleep by songs1 or :o pres5t !m toys to 
make !m =get ! want :i* torm5ts !m4     
,bl9d$ f *ildhood by error1 held by !   
inv9cible ties ( op9ion1 cru%$ by panic 
t]rors1 /upefi$ at ! bosom ( ignorance1 
h[ c\ld ! p und]/& ! true causes ( _!   
tr\bles8 ,!y ?9k to rem$y !m by invok+ !
 gods4 ,alas6 d !y n see t x is x ! "n (
 ^! gods t !y are ord]$ to pres5t _!    
?roat to ! sword ( _! pitiless tyrants1 
9 :om !y w\ld f9d ! mo/ visible cause ( 
! evils "u :i* !y groan1 & = :i* !y     
uselessly implore ! assi/ance ( ,heav58 
,cr$ul\s p6 9 y\r adv]sities r$\ble y\r 
pray]s1 y\r (f]+s1 y\r sacrifices2      
besiege y\r temples1 /rangle c\ntless   
victims1 fa/ 9 sackclo? & 9 a%es1 dr9k  
y\r own te>s2 f9ally1 exhau/ y\rselves  
to enri* y\r gods3 y w d no?+ b enri* _!
 prie/s2 ! gods ( ,heav5 w n be         

propiti\s to y1 except :5 ! gods ( ! e>?
 w recognize t !y are m5 l y\rselves1 & 
w give to y\r welf>e ! c>e :i* is y\r   
due4     ,,cxlviii4--,,h[ ,,fatal ,,x   
,,is ,,to ,,p]suade ,,k+s ,,t ,,!y ,,h  
,,only ,,god ,,to ,,fe> ,,if ,,!y       
,,injure ,,! ,,p4  ,neglig5t1 ambiti\s1 
& p]v]se pr9ces are ! real causes (     
public adv]sities1 ( useless & unju/ w>s
 cont9ually depopulat+ ! e>?1 ( gre$y & 
despotic gov]nm5ts1 de/roy+ !           
b5efactions ( nature = m54 ,! rapacity (
 ! c\rts disc\rages agriculture1 blots  
out indu/ry1 causes fam9e1 contagion1   
mis]y2 ,heav5 is nei!r cruel nor        
favorable to ! wi%es ( ! p2 x is _!     
haughty *iefs1 :o always h a he>t (     
brass4  ,x is a notion de/ructive to    
:olesome politics & to ! morals (       
pr9ces1 to p]suade !m t ,god alone is to
 be fe>$ by !m1 :5 !y injure _! subjects
 or :5 !y neglect to r5d] !m happy4     
,sov]eigns6 ,x is n ! ,gods1 b y\r p :om
 y (f5d :5 y d evil4 ,x is to ^! p1 & by
 retroaction1 to y\rselves1 t y d h>m :5

 y gov]n unju/ly4  ,no?+ is m common 9  
hi/ory ?an to see religi\s tyrants2 no?+
 m r>e ?an to f9d equitable1 vigilant1  
enlight5$ pr9ces4 ,a mon>* c be pi\s1 v 
/rict 9 fulfill+ s]vilely ! duties ( 8  
religion1 v submissive to 8 prie/s1     
lib]al 9 _! behalf1 & at ! same "t      
de/itute ( all ! virtues & tal5ts       
necess>y = gov]n+4 ,religion = ! pr9ces 
is b an in/rum5t int5d$ to keep ! p m   
firmly "u ! yoke4 ,accord+ to !         
beautiful pr9ciples ( religi\s morality1
 a tyrant :o1 dur+ a long reign1 w h    
done no?+ b oppress 8 subjects1 rob !m (
 ! fruits ( _! labor1 sacrifice !m )\t  
pity to 8 insatiable ambition2 a        
conqu]or :o w h usurp$ ! prov9ces (     
o!rs1 :o w h slaught]$ :ole nations1 :o 
w h be5 all 8 life a real sc\rge ( !    
human race1 imag9es t 8 consci5ce c be  
tranquilliz$1 if1 9 ord] to expiate s _m
 crimes1 he w h wept at ! feet ( a      
prie/1 :o w h ! c[>dly complaisance to  
console & reassure a brig&1 :om ! mo/   
frightful despair w\ld puni% too little 

= ! evil :i* he has done ^u e>?4        
,,clxix4--,a ,,religi\s ,,k+ ,,is ,a    
,,sc\rge ,,to ,,8 ,,k+dom4  ,a s9c]ely  
religi\s sov]eign is g5]ally a v dang]\s
 *ief = a ,/ate2 cr$ulity always        
indicates a n>r[ m9d2 devotion g5]ally  
absorbs ! att5tion :i* ! pr9ce ought to 
give to ! rul+ ( 8 p4 ,docile to !      
sugge/ions ( 8 prie/s1 he con/antly     
becomes ! toy ( _! caprices1 ! abettor (
 _! qu>rels1 ! in/rum5t & ! accomplice (
 _! follies1 to :i* he atta*es ! greate/
 importance4 ,among ! mo/ fatal gifts   
:i* religion has be/[$ ^u ! _w1 we mu/  
consid] above all1 ^! devot$ & zeal\s   
mon>*s1 :o1 ) ! idea ( work+ = !        
salvation ( _! subjects1 h made x _!    
sacr$ duty to torm5t1 to p]secute1 to   
de/roy ^? ^: consci5ce made !m ?9k      
o!rwise ?an !y d4 ,a religi\s bigot at !
 head ( an empire1 is "o ( ! greate/    
sc\rges :i* ,heav5 9 its fury c\ld h s5t
 ^u e>?4 ,"o fanatical or deceitful     
prie/ :o has ! e> ( a cr$ul\s & p[]ful  
pr9ce1 suffices to put a ,/ate into     

disord] & ! univ]se into combu/ion4  ,9 
almo/ all c\ntries1 prie/s & dev\t      
p]sons are *>g$ ) =m+ ! m9d & ! he>t ( !
 "y pr9ces de/9$ to gov]n ! nations4    
,:at enlight5m5t c tea*]s ( ?is /amp    
give8 ,fill$ !mselves ) prejudices1 !y w
 hold up to _! pupil sup]/ition z ! mo/ 
important & ! mo/ sacr$ ?+1 its *im]ical
 duties z ! mo/ holy obligations1       
intol]ance1 & ! _s ( p]secution1 z !    
true f\ndations ( 8 future au?ority2 !y 
w try to make him a *ief ( p>ty1 a      
turbul5t fanatic1 & a tyrant2 !y w      
suppress at an e>ly p]iod 8 reason2 !y w
 premoni% him aga9/ x2 !y w prev5t tru? 
f rea*+ him2 !y w prejudice him aga9/   
true tal5ts1 & prepossess him 9 favor ( 
despicable tal5ts2 f9ally !y w make (   
him an imbecile devotee1 :o w h no idea 
( ju/ice or ( inju/ice1 ( true glory or 
( true greatness1 & :o w be devoid ( !  
intellig5ce & virtue necess>y to !      
gov]nm5t ( a great k+dom4 ,"h1 9 brief1 
is ! plan ( education = a *ild de/9$ to 
make1 "o day1 ! happ9ess or ! mis]y (   

sev]al millions ( m54     ,,cl4--,,!    
,,%ield ,,( ,,religion ,,is ,,=         
,,tyranny1 ,a ,,weak ,,ramp>t ,,aga9/   
,,! ,,despair ,,( ,,! ,,p4 ,a ,,despot  
,,is ,a ,,madman1 ,,:o ,,injures        
,,himself ,,& ,,sleeps ,,^u ,,! ,,edge  
,,( ,a ,,precipice4  ,prie/s 9 all times
 h %[n !mselves support]s ( despotism1 &
 ! enemies ( public lib]ty4 ,_!         
pr(ession requires vile & submissive    
slaves1 :o nev] h ! audacity to reason4 
,9 an absolute gov]nm5t1 _! great object
 is to secure control ( ! m9d ( a weak &
 /upid pr9ce1 9 ord] to make !mselves   
ma/]s ( ! p4 ,in/ead ( lead+ ! p to     
salvation1 prie/s h always l$ !m to     
s]vitude4  ,= ! sake ( ! sup]natural    
titles :i* religion has =g$ = ! mo/     
wick$ pr9ces1 ! latt] h g5]ally unit$ ) 
! prie/s1 :o1 sure ( gov]n+ by controll+
 ! op9ion ( ! sov]eign himself1 h *>ge (
 ty+ ! h&s ( ! p & ( keep+ !m "u _!     
yoke4 ,b x is va9 t ! tyrant1 protect$  
by ! %ield ( religion1 flatt]s himself )
 be+ %elt]$ f all ! bl[s ( fate4 ,op9ion

 is a weak ramp>t aga9/ ! despair ( ! p4
 ,besides1 ! prie/ is ! fri5d ( ! tyrant
 only s long z he f9ds 8 pr(it by !     
tyranny2 he prea*es s$ition & demoli%es 
! idol :i* he has made1 :5 he consid]s x
 no long] 9 con=mity ) ! int]e/s (      
,heav51 :i* he speaks ( z he pleases1 & 
:i* nev] speaks b 9 behalf ( 8 int]e/s4 
,no d\bt x w be said1 t ! sov]eigns1    
kn[+ all ! advantages :i* religion      
procures = !m1 are truly int]e/$ 9      
uphold+ x ) all _! /r5g?4 ,if religi\s  
op9ions are useful to tyrants1 x is     
evid5t t !y are useless to ^? :o gov]n  
accord+ to ! laws ( reason & ( equity4  
,is !re any advantage 9 ex]cis+ tyranny8
 ,does n tyranny deprive pr9ces ( true  
p[]1 ! love ( ! p1 9 :i* is safety8     
,%\ld n e rational pr9ce p]ceive t !    
despot is b an insane man :o injures    
himself8 ,w n e enlight5$ pr9ce bew>e ( 
8 flatt]]s1 ^: object is to put him to  
sleep at ! edge ( ! precipice to :i* !y 
lead him8     ,,cli4--,,religion        
,,favors ,,! ,,errors ,,( ,,pr9ces1 ,,by

 ,,deliv]+ ,,!m ,,f ,,fe> ,,& ,,remorse4
  ,if ! sac]dotal flatt]ies succe$ 9    
p]v]t+ pr9ces & *ang+ !m into tyrants1 !
 latt] on _! side necess>ily corrupt !  
great m5 & ! p4 ,"u an unju/ ma/]1 )\t  
goodness1 )\t virtue1 :o kn[s no law b 8
 caprice1 a nation mu/ become necess>ily
 deprav$4 ,w ?is ma/] wi% to h hone/1   
enlight5$1 & virtu\s m5 ne> him8 ,no6 he
 ne$s flatt]]s 9 ^? :o approa* him1     
imitators1 slaves1 base & s]vile m9ds1  
:o give !mselves up to 8 ta/e2 8 c\rt w 
spread ! contagion ( vice to ! inf]ior  
classes4 ,by degrees all w be necess>ily
 corrupt$1 9 a ,/ate ^: *ief is corrupt 
himself4 ,x 0 said a long "t ago t !    
pr9ces seem orda9$ to d all !y d        
!mselves4 ,religion1 f> f be+ a re/ra9t 
^u ! sov]eigns1 entitles !m1 )\t fe> &  
)\t remorse1 to ! errors :i* are z fatal
 to !mselves z to ! nations :i* !y      
gov]n4 ,m5 are nev] deceiv$ ) impunity4 
,tell a pr9ce t he is a ,god1 & v soon  
he w believe t he owes no?+ to anybody4 
,z long z he is fe>$1 he w n c>e mu* =  

love2 he w recognize no rights1 no      
relations ) 8 subjects1 nor obligations 
9 _! behalf4 ,tell ?is pr9ce t he is    
responsible = 8 actions to ,god alone1 &
 v soon he w act z if he 0 responsible  
to nobody4     ,,clii4--,,:at ,,is ,,an 
,,enlight5$ ,,sov]eign8  ,an enlight5$  
sov]eign is he :o und]/&s 8 true        
int]e/s2 he kn[s !y are unit$ to ^? ( 8 
nation2 he kn[s t a pr9ce c be nei!r    
great1 nor p[]ful1 nor belov$1 nor      
respect$1 s long z he w comm& b mis]able
 slaves2 he kn[s t equity1 b5evol5ce1 & 
vigilance w give him m real rights ov]  
m5 ?an fabul\s titles :i* claim to come 
f ,heav54 ,he w feel t religion is      
useful b to ! prie/s2 t x is useless to 
society1 :i* is (t5 tr\bl$ by x2 t x mu/
 be limit$ to prev5t x f do+ injury2    
f9ally1 he w und]/& t1 9 ord] to reign )
 glory1 he mu/ make good laws1 possess  
virtues1 & n base 8 p[] on impositions &
 *im]as4     ,,cliii4--,,! ,,dom9ant    
,,passions ,,& ,,crimes ,,(             
,,prie/craft4 ,,) ,,! ,,assi/ance ,,(   

,,its ,,pret5d$ ,,god ,,& ,,(           
,,religion1 ,,x ,,ass]ts ,,its          
,,passions ,,& ,,commits ,,its ,,crimes4
  ,! m9i/]s ( religion h tak5 great c>e 
to make ( _! ,god a t]rible1 caprici\s1 
& *angeable tyrant2 x 0 necess>y = !m t 
,he %\ld be ?us 9 ord] t ,he might l5d  
,himself to _! v>i\s int]e/s4 ,a ,god :o
 w\ld be j & good1 )\t a mixture (      
caprice & p]v]sity2 a ,god :o w\ld      
con/antly h ! qualities ( an hone/ man  
or ( a compliant sov]eign1 w\ld n suit  
,8 m9i/]s4 ,x is necess>y to ! prie/s t 
we tremble be=e _! ,god1 9 ord] t we h  
rec\rse to !m to obta9 ! means to be    
quiet$4 ,no man is a h]o to 8 valet de  
*ambre4 ,x is n surpris+ t a ,god clo!d 
by ,8 prie/s 9 su* a way z to cause o!rs
 to fe> ,him1 %\ld r>ely impose ^u ^?   
prie/s !mselves1 or ex]t b little       
influ5ce ^u _! conduct4 ,consequ5tly we 
see !m behave !mselves 9 a uni=m way 9 e
 l&2 ev]y:]e !y dev\r nations1 debase   
s\ls1 disc\rage indu/ry1 & s[ discord "u
 ! pretext ( ! glory ( _! ,god4         

,ambition & av>ice 7 at all times !     
dom9at+ passions ( ! prie/hood2 ev]y:]e 
! prie/ places himself above ! sov]eign 
& ! laws2 ev]y:]e we see him occupi$ b )
 ! int]e/s ( 8 pride1 8 cupidity1 8     
despotic & v9dictive mood2 ev]y:]e he   
sub/itutes expiations1 sacrifices1      
c]emonies1 & my/]i\s practices2 9 a ^w1 
inv5tions lucrative to himself = useful 
& social virtues4 ,! m9d is conf\nd$ &  
reason int]dict$ ) ! view ( ridicul\s   
practices & pitiable means :i* ! m9i/]s 
( ! gods inv5t$ 9 e c\ntry to purify    
s\ls & r5d] ,heav5 favorable to nations4
 ,"h1 !y practice circumcision ^u a *ild
 to procure x ,div9e b5evol5ce2 !re1 !y 
p\r wat] ^u 8 head to wa% away ! crimes 
:i* he c\ld n yet h committ$2 9 o!r     
places he is told to plunge himself into
 a riv] ^: wat]s h ! p[] to wa% away all
 8 impurities2 9 o!r places c]ta9 food  
is =bidd5 to him1 ^: use w\ld n fail to 
excite cele/ial indignation2 9 o!r      
c\ntries !y ord] ! s9ful man to come    
p]iodically = ! confession ( 8 faults to

 a prie/1 :o is (t5 a great] s9n] ?an   
he4     ,,cliv4--,,*>latanry ,,( ,,!    
,,prie/s4  ,:at w\ld we say ( a cr[d (  
quacks1 :o e day w\ld exhibit 9 a public
 place1 sell+ _! rem$ies & recomm5d+ !m 
z infallible1 :ile we %\ld f9d !m       
afflict$ ) ! same infirmities :i* !y    
pret5d to cure8 ,w\ld we h mu* confid5ce
 9 ! recipes ( ^! *>latans1 :o w\ld bawl
 out3 ,take our rem$ies1 _! effects are 
infallible--!y cure ev]ybody except u8  
,:at w\ld we ?9k to see ^! same *>latans
 pass _! lives 9 compla9+ t _! rem$ies  
nev] produce any effect ^u ! pati5ts :o 
take !m8 ,f9ally1 :at idea w\ld we =m ( 
! fooli%ness ( ! common man :o1 9 spite 
( ?is confession1 w\ld cont9ue to pay v 
high = rem$ies :i* w n be b5eficial to  
him8 ,! prie/s resemble al*emi/s1 :o    
boldly ass]t t !y h ! secret ( mak+     
gold1 :ile !y sc>cely h clo?+ en\gh to  
cov] _! nudity4  ,! m9i/]s ( religion   
incessantly declaim aga9/ ! corruption (
 ! age1 & compla9 l\dly ( ! little      
success ( _! tea*+s1 at ! same "t !y    

assure u t religion is ! univ]sal rem$y1
 ! true panacea = all human evils4 ,^!  
prie/s are sick !mselves2 h[ev]1 m5     
cont9ue to frequ5t _! /&s & to h fai? 9 
_! ,div9e antidotes1 :i*1 accord+ to _! 
own confession1 cure nobody6            
,,clv4--,,c\ntless ,,calamities ,,are   
,,produc$ ,,by ,,religion1 ,,:i* ,,has  
,,ta9t$ ,,morality ,,& ,,di/urb$ ,,all  
,,j ,,ideas ,,& ,,all ,,s\nd ,,doctr9es4
  ,religion1 especially among mod]n p1 9
 tak+ possession ( morality1 totally    
obscur$ its pr9ciples2 x has r5d]$ m5   
unsocial f a s5se ( duty2 x has =c$ !m  
to be inhuman t[>d all ^? :o did n ?9k z
 !y did4 ,!ological disputes1 equally   
un9telligible = ! p>ties already        
irritat$ aga9/ ea* o!r1 h unsettl$      
empires1 caus$ revolutions1 ru9$        
sov]eigns1 deva/at$ ! :ole ( ,europe2 ^!
 despicable qu>rels c\ld n be ext+ui%$  
ev5 9 riv]s ( blood4 ,aft] ! ext9ction (
 ,paganism ! p e/abli%$ a religi\s      
pr9ciple ( go+ into a fr5zy1 e "t t an  
op9ion 0 br\ght =? :i* _! prie/s        

consid]$ contr>y to ! holy doctr9e4 ,!  
vot>ies ( a religion :i* prea*es        
ext]nally b *>ity1 h>mony1 & peace1 h   
%[n !mselves m f]oci\s ?an cannibals or 
savages e "t t _! in/ructors h excit$ !m
 to ! de/ruction ( _! bre?r54 ,!re is no
 crime :i* m5 h n committ$ 9 ! idea (   
pleas+ ! ,deity or ( appeas+ ,8 wra?4 ,!
 idea ( a t]rible ,god :o 0 repres5t$ z 
a despot1 mu/ necess>ily h r5d]$ ,8     
subjects wick$4 ,fe> makes b slaves1 &  
slaves are c[>dly1 l[1 cruel1 & ?9k !y h
 a "r to d any?+ :5 x is ! "q ( ga9+ !  
good-w or ( escap+ ! puni%m5ts ( ! ma/] 
:om !y fe>4 ,lib]ty ( ?\ght c alone give
 to m5 humanity & gr&eur ( s\l4 ,!      
notion ( a tyrant ,god c create b       
abject1 angry1 qu>relsome1 intol]ant    
slaves4 ,e religion :i* supposes a ,god 
easily irritat$1 jeal\s1 v9dictive1     
punctili\s ab\t ,8 rights or ,8 title1 a
 ,god small en\gh to be (f5d$ at op9ions
 :i* we h ( ,him1 a ,god unju/ en\gh to 
exact uni=m ideas 9 reg>d to ,him1 su* a
 religion becomes necess>ily turbul5t1  

unsocial1 sangu9>y2 ! wor%ip]s ( su* a  
,god nev] believe !y c1 )\t crime1      
disp5se ) hat+ & ev5 de/roy+ all ^? :om 
!y designate z adv]s>ies ( ?is ,god2 !y 
w\ld believe !mselves traitors to !     
cause ( _! cele/ial ,mon>*1 if !y %\ld  
live on good t]ms ) rebelli\s           
fell[-citiz5s4 ,to love :at ,god hates1 
w\ld x n be expos+ "o's self to ,8      
implacable hatr$8 ,infam\s p]secutors1 &
 y1 religi\s cannibals6 w y nev] feel ! 
folly & inju/ice ( y\r intol]ant        
disposition8 ,d y n see t man is no m ! 
ma/] ( 8 religi\s op9ions1 ( 8 cr$ulity 
or incr$ulity1 ?an ( ! language :i* he  
le>ns 9 *ildhood1 & :i* he c n *ange8   
,to tell m5 to ?9k z y d1 is x n ask+ a 
=eign] to express 8 ?\ghts 9 y\r        
language8 ,to puni% a man = 8 errone\s  
op9ions1 is x n puni%+ him = hav+ be5   
educat$ diff]5tly f y\rself8 ,if ,i am  
incr$ul\s1 is x possible = me to bani% f
 my m9d ! reasons :i* h unsettl$ my     
fai?8 ,if ,god all[s m5 ! fre$om to damn
 !mselves1 is x y\r bus9ess8 ,are y wis]

 & m prud5t ?an ?is ,god ^: rights y wi%
 to av5ge8     ,,clvi4--,,e ,,religion  
,,is ,,intol]ant1 ,,& ,,consequ5tly     
,,de/ructive ,,( ,,b5efic5ce4  ,!re is  
no religi\s p]son :o1 accord+ to 8      
temp]am5t1 does n hate1 despise1 or pity
 ! adh]5ts ( a sect diff]5t f 8 own4 ,! 
dom9ant religion 7:i* is nev] b t ( !   
sov]eign & ! armies7 always makes its   
sup]iority felt 9 a v cruel & injuri\s  
mann] t[>d ! weak] sects4 ,!re does n   
exi/ yet ^u e>? a true tol]ance2 ev]y:]e
 a jeal\s ,god is wor%ip$1 & ea* nation 
believes itself ,8 fri5d to ! exclusion 
( all o!rs4  ,e nation boa/s itself (   
wor%ip+ ! true ,god1 ! univ]sal ,god1 ! 
,sov]eign ( ,nature2 b :5 we come to    
exam9e ?is ,mon>* ( ! _w1 we p]ceive t  
ea* organization1 ea* sect1 ea* religi\s
 p>ty1 makes ( ?is p[]ful ,god b an     
inf]ior sov]eign1 ^: c>es & k9dness     
ext5d !mselves b ov] a small numb] ( ,8 
subjects :o pret5d to h ! exclusive     
advantage ( ,8 favors1 & t ,he does n   
tr\ble ,himself ab\t ! o!rs4  ,! f\nd]s 

( religions1 & ! prie/s :o ma9ta9 !m1 h 
int5d$ to sep>ate ! nations :i* !y      
indoctr9at$1 f o!r nations2 !y desir$ to
 sep>ate _! own flock by di/9ctive      
features2 !y gave to _! vot>ies ,gods   
inimical to o!r ,gods z well z ! =ms (  
wor%ip1 dogmas1 c]emonies1 sep>ately2 !y
 p]suad$ !m especially t ! religions (  
o!rs 7 ungodly & abom9able4 ,by ?is     
infam\s contrivance1 ^! ambiti\s        
impo/ors took exclusive possession ( !  
m9ds ( _! vot>ies1 r5d]$ !m unsocial1 & 
made !m consid] z outca/s all ^? :o _h n
 ! same ideas & =m ( wor%ip z _! own4   
,?is is ! way religion succe$$ 9 clos+ !
 he>t1 & 9 bani%+ f x t affection :i*   
man ought to h = 8 fell[-be+4           
,sociability1 tol]ance1 humanity1 ^!    
fir/ virtues ( all morality are totally 
9 compatible ) religi\s prejudices4     
,,clvii4--,,abuse ,,( ,a ,,/ate         
,,religion4  ,e national religion has a 
t5d5cy to make man va91 unsocial1 &     
wick$2 ! fir/ /ep t[>d humanity is to   
p]mit ea* "o to foll[ peacefully !      

wor%ip & ! op9ions :i* suit him4 ,b su* 
a conduct c n please ! m9i/]s (         
religion1 :o wi% to h ! "r to tyrannize 
ov] ev5 ! ?\ghts ( m54 ,bl9d & bigot$   
pr9ces1 y hate1 y p]secute1 y devote    
h]etics to torture1 because y are       
p]suad$ t ^! un=tunate ones displease   
,god4 ,b d y n claim t y\r ,god is full 
( k9dness8 ,h[ c y hope to please ,him  
by su* b>b>\s actions :i* ,he c n help  
disapprov+ (8 ,besides1 :o told y t _!  
op9ions displease y\r ,god8 ,y\r prie/s 
told y6 ,b :o gu>antees t y\r prie/s are
 n deceiv$ !mselves or t !y d n wi% to  
deceive y8 ,x is ^! same prie/s6        
,pr9ces6 x is ^u ! p]il\s ^w ( y\r      
prie/s t y commit ! mo/ atroci\s & ! mo/
 unhe>d-( crimes1 ) ! idea ( pleas+ !   
,deity6     ,,clviii4--,,religion       
,,gives ,,lic5se ,,to ,,! ,,f]ocity ,,( 
,,! ,,p ,,by    ,,legitimiz+ ,,x1 ,,&   
,,au?orizes ,,crime ,,by ,,tea*+ ,,t ,,x
 ,,c ,,be ,,useful ,,to ,,! ,,designs   
,,( ,,god4  ,nev]1 says ,pascal1 d we d 
evil s ?or\ghly & s will+ly z :5 we d x 

?r\gh a false pr9ciple ( consci5ce4     
,no?+ is m dang]\s ?an a religion :i*   
lic5ses ! f]ocity ( ! p1 & ju/ifies 9 _!
 eyes ! blacke/ crimes2 x puts no limits
 to _! wick$ness z soon z !y believe x  
au?oriz$ by _! ,god1 ^: int]e/s1 z !y   
are told1 c ju/ify all _! actions4 ,if  
!re is a "q ( religion1 imm$iately ! mo/
 civiliz$ nations become true savages1 &
 believe ev]y?+ is p]mitt$ to !m4 ,! m  
cruel !y are1 ! m agreeable !y suppose  
!mselves to be to _! ,god1 ^: cause !y  
imag9e c n be su/a9$ by too mu* zeal4   
,all religions ( ! _w h au?oriz$        
c\ntless crimes4 ,! ,jews1 excit$ by !  
promises ( _! ,god1 arrogat$ to !mselves
 ! "r ( ext]m9at+ :ole nations2 !       
,romans1 ^: fai? 0 f\nd$ ^u ! oracles ( 
_! ,gods1 became real brig&s1 & conqu]$ 
& ravag$ ! _w2 ! ,arabians1 enc\rag$ by 
_! ,div9e preceptor1 c>ri$ ! sword & !  
flame among ,*ri/ians & idolat]s4 ,!    
,*ri/ians1 "u pretext ( spread+ _! holy 
religion1 cov]$ ! two hemisph]es a      
hundr$ times ) blood4 ,9 all ev5ts      

favorable to _! own int]e/s1 :i* !y     
always call ! cause ( ,god1 ! prie/s %[ 
u ! f+] ( ,god4 ,accord+ to ^!          
pr9ciples1 religi\s bigots h ! luck (   
see+ ! f+] ( ,god 9 revolts1 9          
revolutions1 massacres1 regicides1      
pro/itutions1 infamies1 &1 if ^! ?+s    
contribute to ! advantage ( religion1 we
 c say1 !n1 t ,god uses all sorts (     
means to secure ,8 ends4 ,is !re any?+  
bett] calculat$ to annihilate e idea (  
morality 9 ! m9ds ( m51 ?an to make !m  
und]/& t _! ,god1 :o is s p[]ful & s    
p]fect1 is (t5 compell$ to use crime to 
accompli% ,8 designs8                   
,,clix4--,,refutation ,,( ,,! ,,argum5t1
 ,,t ,,! ,,evils ,,attribut$ ,,to       
,,religion ,,are ,,b ,,! ,,sad ,,effects
 ,,( ,,! ,,passions ,,( ,,m54  ,:5 we   
compla9 ab\t ! viol5ce & evils :i*      
g5]ally religion causes ^u e>?1 we are  
answ]$ at once1 t ^! excesses are n due 
to religion1 b t !y are ! sad effect (  
m5's passions4 ,i w\ld ask1 h[ev]1 :at  
un*a9$ ^! passions8 ,x is evid5tly      

religion2 x is a zeal :i* r5d]s inhuman1
 & :i* s]ves to cov] ! greate/ infamy4  
,d n ^! disord]s prove t religion1      
in/ead ( re/ra9+ ! passions ( m51 does b
 cov] !m ) a cloak t sanctifies !m2 & t 
no?+ w\ld be m b5eficial ?an to te> away
 ?is sacr$ cloak ( :i* m5 make su* a bad
 use8 ,:at horrors w\ld be bani%$ f     
society1 if ! wick$ 7 depriv$ ( a       
pretext s plausible = di/urb+ x6        
,in/ead ( *]i%+ peace among m51 ! prie/s
 /irr$ up hatr$ & /rife4 ,!y plead$ _!  
consci5ce1 & pret5d$ to h receiv$ f     
,heav5 ! "r to be qu>relsome1 turbul5t1 
& rebelli\s4 ,d n ! m9i/]s ( ,god       
consid] !mselves to be wrong$1 d !y n   
pret5d t ,8 ,div9e ,maje/y is injur$ e  
"t t ! sov]eigns h ! tem]ity to try to  
prev5t !m f do+ injury8 ,! prie/s       
resemble t irritable woman1 :o cri$ out 
fire6 murd]6 assass9s6 :ile h] husb& 0  
hold+ h] h&s to prev5t h] f beat+ him4  
,,clx4--,,all ,,morality ,,is           
,,incompatible ,,) ,,religi\s ,,op9ions4
  ,not)/&+ ! bloody trag$ies :i*        

religion has s (t5 caus$ 9 ?is _w1 we   
are con/antly told t !re c be no        
morality )\t religion4 ,if we judge     
!ological op9ions by _! effects1 we w\ld
 be "r 9 assum+ t all morality is       
p]fectly incompatible ) ! religi\s      
op9ions ( m54 ,imitate ,god1 is         
con/antly repeat$ to u4 ,ah6 :at morals 
w\ld we h if we %\ld imitate ?is ,god6  
,:i* ,god %\ld we imitate8 ,is x !      
dei/'s ,god8 ,b ev5 ?is ,god c n be a   
model ( goodness = u4 ,if ,he is ! au?or
 ( all1 ,he is equally ! au?or ( ! good 
& ( ! bad we see 9 ?is _w2 if ,he is !  
au?or ( ord]1 ,he is also ! au?or (     
disord]1 :i* w\ld n exi/ )\t ,8         
p]mission2 if ,he produces1 ,he de/roys2
 if ,he gives life1 ,he also causes     
dea?2 if ,he grants abundance1 ri*es1   
prosp]ity1 & peace1 ,he p]mits or s5ds  
fam9es1 pov]ty1 calamities1 & w>s4 ,h[ c
 y accept z a model ( p]man5t b5efic5ce 
! ,god ( !ism or ( natural religion1 ^: 
favorable int5tions are at e mom5t      
contradict$ by ev]y?+ t transpires 9 !  

_w8 ,morality ne$s a firm] basis ?an !  
example ( a ,god ^: conduct v>ies1 & :om
 we c n call good b by ob/9ately clos+ !
 eyes to ! evil :i* ,he causes1 or      
p]mits to be done 9 ?is _w4  ,%all we   
imitate ! good & great ,jupit] ( anci5t 
,paganism8 ,to imitate su* a ,god w\ld  
be to take z a model a rebelli\s son1 :o
 wre/s 8 fa!r's ?rone f him & !n        
mutilates 8 body2 x is imitat+ a        
debau*ee & adult]]1 an ince/u\s1        
intemp]ate man1 ^: conduct w\ld cause   
any reasonable mortal to blu%4 ,:at w\ld
 h become ( m5 "u ! control ( ,paganism 
if !y _h imag9$1 accord+ to ,plato1 t   
virtue consi/$ 9 imitat+ ! gods8  ,mu/  
we imitate ! ,god ( ! ,jews8 ,w we f9d a
 model = our conduct 9 ,jehovah8 ,he is 
truly a savage ,god1 really creat$ = an 
ignorant1 cruel1 & immoral p2 ,he is a  
,god :o is con/antly enrag$1 brea?+ only
 v5geance2 :o is )\t pity1 :o comm&s    
c>nage & robb]y2 9 a ^w1 ,he is a ,god  
^: conduct c n s]ve z a model to an     
hone/ man1 & :o c be imitat$ b by a *ief

 ( brig&s4  ,%all we imitate1 !n1 !     
,jesus ( ! ,*ri/ians8 ,c ?is ,god1 :o   
di$ to appease ! implacable fury ( ,8   
,fa!r1 s]ve z an example :i* m5 ought to
 foll[8 ,alas6 we w see 9 ,him b a ,god1
 or r a fanatic1 a misan?rope1 :o be+   
plung$ ,himself into mis]y1 & prea*+ to 
! wret*$1 advises !m to be poor1 to     
combat & ext+ui% nature1 to hate        
pleasure1 to seek suff]+s1 & to despise 
!mselves2 ,he tells !m to leave fa!r1   
"m1 all ! ties ( life1 9 ord] to foll[  
,him4 ,:at beautiful morality6 y w say4 
,x is admirable1 no d\bt2 x mu/ be      
,div9e1 because x is impracticable = m54
 ,b does n ?is sublime morality t5d to  
r5d] virtue despicable8 ,accord+ to ?is 
boa/$ morality ( ! man-,god ( !         
,*ri/ians1 ,8 disciples 9 ?is l[] _w    
are1 l ,tantalus1 torm5t$ ) burn+ ?ir/1 
:i* !y are n p]mitt$ to qu5*4 ,d n su*  
morals give u a wond]ful idea ( nature's
 ,au?or8 ,if ,he has1 z we are assur$1  
creat$ ev]y?+ = ! use ( ,8 creatures1 by
 :at /range caprice does ,he =bid ! use 

( ! good ?+s :i* ,he has creat$ = !m8   
,is ! pleasure :i* man con/antly desires
 b a sn>e t ,god has malici\sly laid 9 8
 pa? to entrap him8     ,,clxi4--,,!    
,,morals ,,( ,,! ,,gospel ,,are         
,,impracticable4  ,! vot>ies ( ,*ri/    
w\ld l to make u reg>d z a miracle !    
e/abli%m5t ( _! religion1 :i* is 9 e    
respect contr>y to nature1 oppos$ to all
 ! incl9ations ( ! he>t1 an enemy to    
physical pleasures4 ,b ! au/]ity ( a    
doctr9e has a t5d5cy to r5d] x m        
wond]ful to ! ignorant4 ,! same reason  
:i* makes u respect1 z ,div9e &         
sup]natural1 inconceivable my/]ies1     
causes u to admire1 z ,div9e &          
sup]natural1 a morality impracticable & 
beyond ! p[] ( man4 ,to admire morals & 
to practice !m1 are two v diff]5t ?+s4  
,all ! ,*ri/ians cont9ually admire !    
morals ( ! ,gospel1 b x is practic$ b by
 a small numb] ( sa9ts2 admir$ by p :o  
!mselves avoid imitat+ _! conduct1 "u ! 
pretext t !y are lack+ ei!r ! p[] or !  
grace4  ,! :ole univ]se is infect$ m or 

less ) a religi\s morality :i* is f\nd$ 
^u ! op9ion t to please ! ,deity x is   
necess>y to r5d] "o's self unhappy ^u   
e>?4 ,we see 9 all p>ts ( our globe     
p5it5ts1 h]mits1 fakirs1 fanatics1 :o   
seem to h /udi$ pr(\ndly ! means (      
torm5t+ !mselves = ! glory ( a ,be+ ^:  
goodness !y all agree 9 celebrat+4      
,religion1 by its ess5ce1 is ! enemy (  
joy & ( ! welf>e ( m54 ,bless$ are ^? :o
 suff]6 ,woe to ^? :o h abundance & joy6
 ,^! are ! r>e revelations :i*          
,*ri/ianity tea*es6     ,,clxii4--,a    
,,society ,,( ,,sa9ts ,,w\ld ,,be       
,,impossible4  ,9 :at consi/s ! sa9t (  
all religions8 ,x is a man :o prays1    
fa/s1 :o torm5ts himself1 :o avoids !   
_w1 :o1 l an owl1 is pleas$ b 9         
solitude1 :o ab/a9s f all pleasure1 :o  
seems fright5$ at e object :i* turns him
 a mom5t f 8 fanatical m$itations4 ,is  
?is virtue8 ,is a be+ ( ?is /amp ( any  
use to himself or to o!rs8 ,w\ld n      
society be dissolv$1 & w\ld n m5        
retrograde into b>b>ism1 if ea* "o %\ld 

be fool en\gh to wi% to be a sa9t8  ,x  
is evid5t t ! lit]al & rigor\s practice 
( ! ,div9e morality ( ! ,*ri/ians w\ld  
lead nations to ru94 ,a ,*ri/ian :o w\ld
 atta9 p]fection1 ought to drive away f 
8 m9d all t c ali5ate him f heav5--8    
true c\ntry4 ,he sees ^u e>? b          
temptations1 sn>es1 & opportunities to g
 a/ray2 he mu/ fe> sci5ce z injuri\s to 
fai?2 he mu/ avoid indu/ry1 z x is a    
means ( obta9+ ri*es1 :i* are fatal to  
salvation2 he mu/ r5\nce pref]m5ts &    
honors1 z ?+s capable ( excit+ 8 pride &
 call+ 8 att5tion away f 8 s\l2 9 a ^w1 
! sublime morality ( ,*ri/1 if x 7 n    
impracticable1 w\ld sev] all ! ties (   
society4  ,a sa9t 9 ! _w is no m useful 
?an a sa9t 9 ! des]t2 ! sa9t has an     
unhappy1 discont5t$1 & (t5 irritable1   
turbul5t disposition2 8 zeal (t5 obliges
 him1 consci5ti\sly1 to di/urb society  
by op9ions or dreams :i* 8 vanity makes 
him accept z inspirations f ,heav54 ,!  
annals ( all religions are fill$ )      
acc\nts ( anxi\s1 intractable1 s$iti\s  

sa9ts1 :o h di/+ui%$ !mselves by ravages
 t1 = ! great] glory ( ,god1 !y h       
scatt]$ ?r\gh\t ! univ]se4 ,if ! sa9ts  
:o live 9 solitude are useless1 ^? :o   
live 9 ! _w are v (t5 dang]\s4 ,! vanity
 ( p]=m+ a role1 ! desire ( di/+ui%+    
!mselves 9 ! eyes ( ! /upid vulg> by a  
/range conduct1 con/itute usually !     
di/9ctive *>act]i/ics ( great sa9ts2    
pride p]suades !m t !y are extraord9>y  
m51 f> above human nature2 be+s :o are m
 p]fect ?an o!rs2 *os5 ones1 :i* ,god   
looks ^u ) m complaisance ?an ! re/ (   
mortals4 ,humility 9 a sa9t is1 is a    
g5]al rule1 b a pride m ref9$ ?an t (   
common m54 ,x mu/ be a v ridicul\s      
vanity :i* c det]m9e a man to cont9ually
 w> ) 8 own nature6                     
,,clxiii4--,,human ,,nature ,,is ,,n    
,,deprav$2 ,,& ,a ,,morality ,,:i*      
,,contradicts ,,?is ,,fact ,,is ,,n     
,,made ,,= ,,man4  ,a morality :i*      
contradicts ! nature ( man is n made =  
him4 ,b y w say t man's nature is       
deprav$4 ,9 :at consi/s ?is pret5d$     

depravity8 ,is x because he has         
passions8 ,b are n passions ! v ess5ce (
 man8 ,mu/ he n seek1 desire1 love t :i*
 is1 or t :i* he believes to be1        
ess5tial to 8 happ9ess8 ,mu/ he n fe> & 
avoid t :i* he judges injuri\s or fatal 
to him8 ,excite 8 passions by useful    
objects2 let him atta* himself to ^!    
same objects1 div]t him by s5sible &    
kn[n motives f t :i* c d him or o!rs    
h>m1 & y w make ( him a reasonable &    
virtu\s be+4 ,a man )\t passions w\ld be
 equally indiff]5t to vice & to virtue4 
,holy doctors6 y con/antly tell u t     
man's nature is p]v]t$2 y tell u t ! way
 ( all fle% is corrupt2 y tell u t      
nature gives u b inord9ate incl9ations4 
,9 ?is case y accuse y\r ,god1 :o has n 
be5 able or will+ to keep ?is nature 9  
its orig9al p]fection4 ,if ?is nature   
became corrupt$1 :y did n ?is ,god      
repair x8 ,! ,*ri/ian assures me t human
 nature is repair$1 t ! dea? ( 8 ,god   
has ree/abli%$ x 9 its integrity4 ,h[   
comes x !n1 t human nature1 not)/&+ !   

dea? ( a ,god1 is /ill deprav$8 ,is x1  
!n1 a pure loss t y\r ,god di$8 ,:at    
becomes ( ,8 omnipot5ce & ,8 victory ov]
 ! ,devil1 if x is true t ! ,devil /ill 
holds ! empire :i*1 accord+ to y1 he has
 always ex]cis$ 9 ! _w8  ,dea?1 accord+ 
to ,*ri/ian !ology1 is ! p5alty ( s94   
,?is op9ion agrees ) t ( "s savage      
,negro nations1 :o imag9e t ! dea? ( a  
man is always ! sup]natural effect ( !  
wra? ( ! ,gods4 ,! ,*ri/ians firmly     
believe t ,*ri/ has deliv]$ !m f s91    
:ile !y see t1 9 _! religion z 9 ! o!rs1
 man is subject to dea?4 ,to say t      
,jesus ,*ri/ has deliv]$ u f s91 is x n 
claim+ t a judge has grant$ p>don to a  
guilty man1 :ile we see him s5t to      
torture8     ,,clxiv4--,,( ,,jesus      
,,*ri/1 ,,! ,,prie/',s ,,god4  ,if1     
clos+ our eyes ^u all t transpires 9 ?is
 _w1 we %\ld rely ^u ! vot>ies ( !      
,*ri/ian religion1 we w\ld believe t !  
com+ ( our ,div9e ,savi\r has produc$ ! 
mo/ wond]ful revolution & ! mo/ complete
 re=m 9 ! morals ( nations4 ,! ,messiah1

 accord+ to ,pascal1 ,see ,?\ghts (     
,pascal ought ( ,himself alone to       
produce a great1 select1 & holy p2      
conduct+ & n\ri%+ x1 & introduc+ x into 
! place ( repose & sanctity1 r5d]+ x    
holy to ,god1 mak+ x ! temple ( ,god1   
sav+ x f ! wra? ( ,god1 deliv]+ x f !   
s]vitude ( s91 giv+ laws to ?is p1      
engrav+ ^! laws ^u _! he>ts1 (f]+       
,himself to ,god = !m1 cru%+ ! head ( ! 
s]p5t1 etc4 ,?is great man has =gott5 to
 %[ u ! p ^u :om ,8 ,div9e ,messiah has 
produc$ ! miracul\s effects ( :i* ,he   
speaks ) s mu* emphasis2 s f>1 x seems1 
!y d n exi/ ^u ! e>?6  ,if we exam9e ev]
 s little ! morals ( ! ,*ri/ian nations1
 & li/5 to ! clamors ( _! prie/s1 we w  
be oblig$ to conclude t _! ,god1 ,jesus 
,*ri/1 prea*$ )\t fruit1 )\t success2 t 
,8 ,almighty w /ill f9ds 9 m5 a         
resi/ance1 ov] :i* ?is ,god ei!r c n or 
does n wi% to triumph4 ,! morality ( ?is
 ,div9e ,doctor :i* ,8 disciples admire 
s mu*1 & practice s little1 is foll[$   
dur+ a :ole c5tury b by half a doz5 (   

obscure sa9ts1 fanatical & ignorant     
monks1 :o alone w h ! glory ( %9+ 9 !   
cele/ial c\rt2 all ! rema9d] ( mortals1 
al?\gh r$eem$ by ! blood ( ?is ,god1 w  
be ! prey ( et]nal flames4              
,,clxv4--,,! ,,dogma ,,( ,,! ,,remission
 ,,( ,,s9s ,,has ,,be5 ,,inv5t$ ,,9 ,,! 
,,int]e/ ,,( ,,! ,,prie/s4  ,:5 a man   
has a great desire to s91 he ?9ks v     
little ab\t 8 ,god2 m ?an ?is1 :atev]   
crimes he may h committ$1 he always     
flatt]s himself t ?is ,god w mitigate ! 
sev]ity ( 8 puni%m5ts4 ,no mortal       
s]i\sly believes t 8 conduct c damn him4
 ,al?\gh he fe>s a t]rible ,god1 :o (t5 
makes him tremble1 e "t he is /rongly   
tempt$ he succumbs & sees b a ,god (    
m]cy1 ! idea ( :om quiets him4 ,does he 
d evil8 ,he hopes to h ! "t to correct  
himself1 & promises e>ne/ly to rep5t "s 
day4  ,!re are 9 ! religi\s ph>macy     
infallible receipts = calm+ ! consci5ce2
 ! prie/s 9 e c\ntry possess sov]eign   
secrets = dis>m+ ! wra? ( ,heav54 ,h[ev]
 true x may be t ! ang] ( ,deity is     

appeas$ by pray]s1 by (f]+s1 by         
sacrifices1 by p5it5tial te>s1 we h no  
"r to say t religion holds 9 *eck !     
irregul>ities ( m52 !y w fir/ s91 &     
aft]w>d seek ! means to reconcile ,god4 
,e religion :i* expiates1 & :i* promises
 ! remission ( crimes1 if x re/ra9s any1
 x enc\rages ! great numb] to commit    
evil4 ,not)/&+ ,8 immutability1 ,god is1
 9 all ! religions ( ?is _w1 a v]itable 
,proteus4 ,8 prie/s %[ ,him n[ arm$ )   
sev]ity1 & !n full ( clem5cy & g5tl5ess2
 n[ cruel & pitiless1 & !n easily       
reconcil$ by ! rep5tance & ! te>s ( !   
s9n]s4 ,consequ5tly1 m5 face ! ,deity 9 
! mann] :i* con=ms ! mo/ to _! pres5t   
int]e/s4 ,an always wra?ful ,god w\ld   
repel ,8 wor%ip]s1 or ca/ !m into       
despair4 ,m5 ne$ a ,god :o becomes angry
 & :o c be appeas$2 if ,8 ang] al>ms a  
few timid s\ls1 ,8 clem5cy reassures !  
det]m9$ wick$ ones :o int5d to h rec\rse
 soon] or lat] to ! means ( reconcil+   
!mselves ) ,him2 if ! judgm5ts ( ,god   
fright5 a few fa9t-he>t$ devotees :o    

already by temp]am5t & by habitude are n
 incl9$ to evil1 ! treasures ( ,div9e   
m]cy reassure ! greate/ crim9als1 :o h  
reason to hope t !y w p>ticipate 9 !m ) 
! o!rs4     ,,clxvi4--,,! ,,fe> ,,(     
,,god ,,is ,,p[]less ,,aga9/ ,,human    
,,passions4  ,! majority ( m5 r>ely ?9k 
( ,god1 or1 at lea/1 d n occupy !mselves
 mu* ) ,him4 ,! idea ( ,god has s little
 /ability1 x is s afflict+1 t x c n hold
 ! imag9ation = a long "t1 except 9 "s  
sad & melan*oly visioni/s :o d n        
con/itute ! majority ( ! inhabitants (  
?is _w4 ,! common man has no conception 
( x2 8 weak bra9 becomes p]plex$ ! mom5t
 he attempts to ?9k ( ,him4 ,! bus9ess  
man ?9ks ( no?+ b 8 affairs2 ! c\rti] ( 
8 intrigues2 worldly m51 wom51 y\?1 ( _!
 pleasures2 dissipation soon dispels !  
we>isome notions ( religion4 ,!         
ambiti\s1 ! av>ici\s1 & ! debau*ee      
s$ul\sly lay aside speculations too     
feeble to c\nt]balance _! div]se        
passions4  ,:om does ! idea ( ,god      
ov]awe8 ,a few weak m5 disappo9t$ &     

disgu/$ ) ?is _w2 "s p]sons ^: passions 
are already ext+ui%$ by age1 by         
infirmities1 or by rev]ses ( =tune4     
,religion is a re/ra9t b = ^? ^:        
temp]am5t or circum/ances h already     
subject$ !m to reason4 ,! fe> ( ,god    
does n prev5t any f committ+ s9 b ^? :o 
d n wi% to s9 v mu*1 or :o are no long] 
9 a condition to s94 ,to tell m5 t      
,div9ity puni%es crime 9 ?is _w1 is to  
claim z a fact t :i* exp]i5ce           
contradicts con/antly ,! mo/ wick$ m5   
are usually ! arbit]s ( ! _w1 & ^? :om  
=tune blesses ) its favors4 ,to conv9ce 
u ( ! judgm5ts ( ,god by s5d+ u to ! o!r
 life1 is to make u accept conjectures 9
 ord] to de/roy facts :i* we c n        
dispute4     ,,clxvii4--,,! ,,inv5tion  
,,( ,,hell ,,is ,,too ,,absurd ,,to     
,,prev5t ,,evil4  ,no "o dreams ab\t    
ano!r life :5 he is v mu* absorb$ 9     
objects :i* he meets on e>?4 ,9 ! eyes (
 a passionate lov]1 ! pres5ce ( 8       
mi/ress ext+ui%es ! fires ( hell1 & h]  
*>ms blot out all ! pleasures (         

,p>adise4 ,woman6 y leave1 y say1 y\r   
lov] = y\r ,god8 ,x is t y\r lov] is no 
long] ! same 9 y\r e/imation2 or y\r    
lov] leaves y1 & y mu/ fill ! void :i*  
is made 9 y\r he>t4 ,no?+ is m common   
?an to see ambiti\s1 p]v]se1 corrupt1 & 
immoral m5 :o are religi\s1 & :o        
sometimes exhibit ev5 zeal 9 its behalf2
 if !y d n practice religion1 !y promise
 !mselves !y w practice x "s day2 !y    
keep x 9 res]ve z a rem$y :i*1 soon] or 
lat]1 w be necess>y to quiet ! consci5ce
 = ! evil :i* !y int5d yet to d4        
,besides1 devotees & prie/s be+ a v     
num]\s1 active1 & p[]ful p>ty1 x is n   
a/oni%+ to see impo/ors & ?ieves seek = 
its support 9 ord] to ga9 _! ends4 ,we w
 be told1 no d\bt1 t _m hone/ p are     
s9c]ely religi\s )\t pr(it2 b is        
uprightness ( he>t always accompani$ )  
intellig5ce8 ,we are cit$ to a great    
numb] ( le>n$ m51 m5 ( g5ius1 :o are v  
religi\s4 ,?is proves t m5 ( g5ius c h  
prejudices1 c be pusillanim\s1 c h an   
imag9ation :i* s$uces !m & prev5ts !m f 

exam9+ objects coolly4 ,pascal proves   
no?+ 9 favor ( religion1 except t a man 
( g5ius c possess a gra9 ( weakness1 &  
is b a *ild :5 he is weak en\gh to li/5 
to prejudices4 ,pascal himself tells u t
 ! m9d c be /rong & n>r[1 & j z ext5d$ z
 x is weak4 ,he says m3 ,we c h our     
s5ses all "r1 & n be equally able 9 all 
?+s2 because !re are m5 :o1 be+ "r 9 a  
c]ta9 sph]e ( ?+s1 lose !mselves 9 o!rs4
     ,,clxviii4--,,absurdity ,,( ,,!    
,,morality ,,& ,,( ,,! ,,religi\s       
,,virtues ,,e/abli%$ ,,solely ,,9 ,,!   
,,int]e/ ,,( ,,! ,,prie/s4  ,:at is     
virtue accord+ to !ology8 ,x is1 we are 
told1 ! con=mity ( m5's actions ) ! w ( 
,god4 ,b :o is ,god8 ,he is a be+ :om no
 "o is able to conceive (1 & :om1       
consequ5tly1 ea* "o modifies 9 8 own    
way4 ,:at is ! w ( ,god8 ,x is :at m5 :o
 h se5 ,god1 or :om ,god has inspir$1 h 
told u4 ,:o are ^? :o h se5 ,god8 ,!y   
are ei!r fanatics1 or sc\ndrels1 or     
ambiti\s m51 ^: ^w we c n rely ^u4 ,to  
f\nd morality ^u a ,god t ea* man       

repres5ts diff]5tly1 t ea* "o composes  
by 8 own idea1 :om ev]ybody arranges    
accord+ to 8 own temp]am5t & 8 own      
int]e/1 is evid5tly f\nd+ morality ^u ! 
caprice & ^u ! imag9ation ( m52 x is    
bas+ x ^u ! :ims ( a sect1 faction1 or  
p>ty1 :o1 exclud+ all o!rs1 claim to h !
 advantage ( wor%ip+ ! true ,god4  ,to  
e/abli% morality1 or ! duties ( man1 ^u 
! ,div9e w1 is f\nd+ x ^u ! wi%es1 !    
rev]ies1 or ! int]e/s ( ^? :o make ,god 
talk )\t fe> ( contradiction4 ,9 e      
religion ! prie/s alone h ! "r to decide
 ^u :at pleases or displeases _! ,god2  
we may re/ assur$ t !y w decide ^u :at  
pleases or displeases !mselves4  ,!     
dogmas1 c]emonies1 ! morality & !       
virtues :i* all religions ( ! _w        
prescribe1 are visibly calculat$ only to
 ext5d ! p[] or to increase ! emolum5ts 
( ! f\nd]s & ( ! m9i/]s ( ^! religions2 
! dogmas are obscure1 inconceivable1    
frightful1 &1 !reby1 v liable to cause !
 imag9ation to w&]1 & to r5d] ! common  
man m docile to ^? :o wi% to dom9e] ov] 

him2 ! c]emonies & practices procure    
=tune or consid]ation to ! prie/s2 !    
religi\s morals & virtues consi/ 9 a    
submissive fai?1 :i* prev5ts reason+2 9 
a dev\t humility1 :i* assures to !      
prie/s ! submission ( _! slaves2 9 an   
ard5t zeal1 :5 ! "q ( religion is       
agitat$2 t is to say1 :5 ! int]e/ ( ^!  
prie/s is consid]$1 all religi\s virtues
 hav+ evid5tly = _! object ! advantage (
 ! prie/s4     ,,clxix4--,,:at ,,does   
,,t ,,*ri/ian ,,*>ity ,,am\nt ,,to1     
,,su* ,,z ,,!ologians ,,tea* ,,&        
,,practice8  ,:5 we reproa* ! !ologians 
) ! /]ility ( _! religi\s virtues1 !y   
praise1 ) emphasis1 *>ity1 t t5d] love (
 our neighbor :i* ,*ri/ianity makes an  
ess5tial duty = its disciples4 ,b1 alas6
 :at becomes ( ?is pret5d$ *>ity z soon 
z we exam9e ! actions ( ! ,"l's m9i/]s8 
,ask if y mu/ love y\r neighbor if he is
 impi\s1 h]etical1 & incr$ul\s1 t is to 
say1 if he does n ?9k z !y d8 ,ask !m if
 y mu/ tol]ate op9ions contr>y to ^? :i*
 !y pr(ess8 ,ask !m if ! ,"l c %[       

indulg5ce to ^? :o are 9 error8         
,imm$iately _! *>ity disappe>s1 & !     
dom9at+ cl]gy w tell y t ! pr9ce c>ries 
! sword b to su/a9 ! int]e/s ( ! ,mo/   
,high2 !y w tell y t = love ( !         
neighbor1 y mu/ p]secute1 imprison1     
exile1 or burn him4 ,y w f9d tol]ance   
among a few prie/s :o are p]secut$      
!mselves1 b :o put aside ,*ri/ian *>ity 
z soon z !y h ! p[] to p]secute 9 _!    
turn4  ,! ,*ri/ian religion :i* 0       
orig9ally prea*$ by begg>s & by v wret*$
 m51 /rongly recomm5ds alms-giv+ "u ! "n
 ( *>ity2 ! fai? ( ,mohamm$ equally     
makes x an indisp5sable duty4 ,no?+1 no 
d\bt1 is bett] suit$ to humanity ?an to 
assi/ ! un=tunate1 to clo! ! nak$1 to   
l5d a *>itable h& to :oev] ne$s x4 ,b   
w\ld x n be m humane & m *>itable to    
=esee ! mis]y & to prev5t ! poor f      
increas+8 ,if religion1 in/ead ( deify+ 
pr9ces1 _h b taught !m to respect !     
prop]ty ( _! subjects1 to be j1 & to    
ex]cise b _! legitimate rights1 we %\ld 
n see su* a great numb] ( m5dicants 9 _!

 realms4 ,a gre$y1 unju/1 tyrannical    
gov]nm5t multiplies mis]y2 ! rigor (    
taxes produces disc\ragem5t1 idl5ess1   
indig5ce1 :i*1 on _! "p1 produce robb]y1
 murd]s1 & all k9ds ( crime4 ,if !      
sov]eigns _h m humanity1 *>ity1 &       
ju/ice1 _! ,/ates w\ld n be peopl$ by s 
_m un=tunate ones ^: mis]y becomes      
impossible to soo!4  ,! ,*ri/ian &      
,mohamm$an ,/ates are fill$ ) va/ &     
ri*ly end[$ hospitals1 9 :i* we admire !
 pi\s *>ity ( ! k+s & ( ! sultans :o    
erect$ !m4 ,w\ld x n h be5 m humane to  
gov]n ! p well1 to procure !m ease1 to  
excite & to favor indu/ry & trade1 to   
p]mit !m to enjoy 9 safety ! fruits ( _!
 labors1 ?an to oppress !m "u a despotic
 yoke1 to impov]i% !m by s5seless w>s1  
to r$uce !m to m5dicity 9 ord] to       
gratify an immod]ate luxury1 & aft]w>d  
build sumptu\s monum5ts :i* c conta9 b a
 v small portion ( ^? :om !y h r5d]$    
mis]able8 ,religion1 by its virtues1 has
 b giv5 a *ange to m52 in/ead ( =esee+  
evils1 x applies b insuffici5t rem$ies4 

,! m9i/]s ( ,heav5 h always kn[n h[ to  
b5efit !mselves by ! calamities ( o!rs2 
public mis]y became _! elem5t2 !y made  
!mselves ! adm9i/rators ( ! goods ( !   
poor1 ! di/ributors ( alms1 !           
deposit>ies ( *>ities2 !reby !y ext5d$ &
 su/a9$ at all times _! p[] ov] !       
un=tunates :o usually compose ! mo/     
num]\s1 ! mo/ anxi\s1 ! mo/ s$iti\s "p (
 society4 ,?us ! greate/ evils are made 
pr(itable to ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l4  ,!      
,*ri/ian prie/s tell u t ! goods :i* !y 
possess are ! goods ( ! poor1 & pret5d  
by ?is title t _! possessions are sacr$2
 consequ5tly1 ! sov]eigns & ! p press   
!mselves to accumulate l&s1 rev5ues1    
treasures = !m2 "u pretext ( *>ity1 our 
spiritual guides h become v opul5t1 &   
enjoy1 9 ! sight ( ! impov]i%$ nations1 
goods :i* 7 de/9$ b = ! mis]able2 !     
latt]1 f> f murmur+ ab\t x1 applaud a   
deceitful g5]osity :i* enri*es ! ,*ur*1 
b :i* v r>ely alleviates ! suff]+s ( !  
poor4  ,accord+ to ! pr9ciples (        
,*ri/ianity1 pov]ty itself is a virtue1 

& x is ?is virtue :i* ! sov]eigns & !   
prie/s make _! slaves obs]ve ! mo/4     
,accord+ to ^! ideas1 a great numb] (   
pi\s ,*ri/ians h r5\nc$ ) good-w !      
p]i%able ri*es ( ! e>?2 h di/ribut$ _!  
patrimony to ! poor1 & h retir$ into a  
des]t to live a life ( volunt>y         
indig5ce4 ,b v soon ?is en?usiasm1 ?is  
sup]natural ta/e = mis]y1 mu/ surr5d] to
 nature4 ,! successors to ^! volunt>y   
poor1 sold to ! religi\s p _! pray]s &  
_! p[]ful int]cession ) ! ,deity2 !y    
became ri* & p[]ful2 ?us1 monks & h]mits
 liv$ 9 idl5ess1 &1 "u ! pretext (      
*>ity1 dev\r$ insult+ly ! sub/ance ( !  
poor4 ,pov]ty ( _s 0 t ( :i* religion   
made always ! greate/ use4 ,! fundam5tal
 virtue ( all religion1 t is to say1 !  
mo/ useful "o to its m9i/]s1 is fai?4 ,x
 consi/s 9 an unlimit$ cr$ulity1 :i*    
causes m5 to believe1 )\t exam9ation1   
all t :i* ! int]pret]s ( ! ,deity wi% !m
 to believe4 ,) ! aid ( ?is wond]ful    
virtue1 ! prie/s became ! arbit]s (     
ju/ice & ( inju/ice2 ( good & ( evil2 !y

 f\nd x easy to commit crimes :5 crimes 
became necess>y to _! int]e/s4 ,implicit
 fai? has be5 ! s\rce ( ! greate/       
outrages :i* h be5 committ$ ^u ! e>?4   
,,clxx4--,,confession1 ,,t ,,gold5 ,,m9e
 ,,= ,,! ,,prie/s1 ,,has ,,de/roy$ ,,!  
,,true ,,pr9ciples ,,( ,,morality4  ,he 
:o fir/ proclaim$ to ! nations t1 :5 man
 _h wrong$ man1 he mu/ ask ,god's p>don1
 appease ,8 wra? by pres5ts1 & (f] ,him 
sacrifices1 obvi\sly subv]t$ ! true     
pr9ciples ( morality4 ,accord+ to ^!    
ideas1 m5 imag9e t !y c obta9 f ! ,k+ ( 
,heav51 z well z f ! k+s ( ! e>?1       
p]mission to be unju/ & wick$1 or at    
lea/ p>don = ! evil :i* !y might commit4
  ,morality is f\nd$ ^u ! relations1 !  
ne$s1 & ! con/ant int]e/s ( !           
inhabitants ( ! e>?2 ! relations :i*    
subsi/ betwe5 m5 & ,god are ei!r        
entirely unkn[n or imag9>y4 ,! religion 
associat+ ,god ) m5 has visibly weak5$  
or de/roy$ ! ties :i* unite m54         
,mortals imag9e t !y c1 ) impunity1     
injure ea* o!r by mak+ a suitable       

rep>ation to ! ,almighty ,be+1 :o is    
suppos$ to h ! "r to remit all !        
injuries done to ,8 creatures4 ,is !re  
any?+ m liable to enc\rage wick$ness &  
to embold5 to crime1 ?an to p]suade m5 t
 !re exi/s an invisible be+ :o has ! "r 
to p>don inju/ice1 rap9e1 p]fidy1 & all 
! outrages !y c inflict ^u society8     
,enc\rag$ by ^! fatal ideas1 we see !   
mo/ p]v]se m5 ab&on !mselves to !       
greate/ crimes1 & expect to repair !m by
 implor+ ,div9e m]cy2 _! consci5ce re/s 
9 peace :5 a prie/ assures !m t ,heav5  
is quiet$ by s9c]e rep5tance1 :i* is v  
useless to ! _w2 ?is prie/ consoles !m 9
 ! "n ( ,deity1 if !y cons5t 9 rep>ation
 ( _! faults to divide ) ,8 m9i/]s !    
fruits ( _! plund]+s1 ( _! frauds1 & (  
_! wick$ness4 ,morality unit$ to        
religion1 becomes necess>ily subord9ate 
to x4 ,9 ! m9d ( a religi\s p]son1 ,god 
mu/ be pref]r$ to ,8 creatures2 ,x is   
bett] to obey ,him ?an m56 ,! int]e/s ( 
! ,cele/ial ,mon>* mu/ be above ^? (    
weak mortals4 ,b ! int]e/s ( ,heav5 are 

evid5tly ! int]e/s ( ! m9i/]s ( ,heav52 
f :i* x foll[s evid5tly1 t 9 all        
religions1 ! prie/s1 "u pretext (       
,heav5's int]e/'s1 or ( ,god's glory1 w 
be able to disp5se ) ! duties ( human   
morals :5 !y d n agree ) ! duties :i*   
,god is entitl$ to impose4  ,besides1   
,he :o has ! p[] to p>don crimes1 has   
,he n ! "r to ord] !m committ$8         
,,clxxi4--,,! ,,supposition ,,( ,,!     
,,exi/5ce ,,( ,a ,,god ,,is ,,n         
,,necess>y ,,to ,,morality4  ,we are    
con/antly told t )\t a ,god1 !re c be no
 moral obligation2 t x is necess>y = m5 
& = ! sov]eigns !mselves to h a lawgiv] 
suffici5tly p[]ful to compel !m to be   
moral2 moral obligation implies a law2 b
 ?is law arises f ! et]nal & necess>y   
relations ( ?+s among !mselves1 :i* h   
no?+ 9 common ) ! exi/5ce ( a ,god4 ,!  
rules :i* gov]n m5's conduct spr+ f _!  
own nature1 :i* !y are suppos$ to "k1 & 
n f ! ,div9e nature1 ( :i* !y h no      
conception2 ^! rules compel u to r5d]   
ourselves e/imable or contemptible1     

amiable or hateful1 wor?y ( rew>d or (  
puni%m5ts1 happy or unhappy1 accord+ to 
! ext5t to :i* we obs]ve !m4 ,! law t   
compels man n to h>m himself1 is inh]5t 
9 ! nature ( a s5sible be+1 :o1 no matt]
 h[ he came into ?is _w1 or :at c be 8  
fate 9 ano!r1 is compell$ by 8 v nature 
to seek 8 welf>e & to %un evil1 to love 
pleasure & to fe> pa94 ,! law :i*       
compels a man n to h>m o!rs & to d good1
 is inh]5t 9 ! nature ( s5sible be+s    
liv+ 9 society1 :o1 by _! nature1 are   
compell$ to despise ^? :o d !m no good1 
& to dete/ ^? :o oppose _! happ9ess4    
,:e!r !re exi/s a ,god or n1 :e!r ?is   
,god has spok5 or n1 m5's moral duties w
 always be ! same s long z !y possess _!
 own nature2 t is to say1 s long z !y   
are s5sible be+s4 ,d m5 ne$ a ,god :om  
!y d n "k1 or an invisible lawgiv]1 or a
 my/]i\s religion1 or *im]ical fe>s 9   
ord] to compreh5d t all excess t5ds     
ultimately to de/roy !m1 & t 9 ord] to  
pres]ve !mselves !y mu/ ab/a9 f x2 t 9  
ord] to be lov$ by o!rs1 !y mu/ d good2 

t do+ evil is a sure means ( incurr+ _! 
hatr$ & v5geance8 ,be=e ! law !re 0 no  
s94 ,no?+ is m false ?an ?is maxim4 ,x  
is en\gh = a man to be :at he is1 to be 
a s5sible be+ 9 ord] to di/+ui% t :i*   
pleases or displeases him4 ,x is en\gh t
 a man kn[s t ano!r man is a s5sible be+
 l himself1 9 ord] = him to "k :at is   
useful or injuri\s to him4 ,x is en\gh t
 man ne$s 8 fell[-creature1 9 ord] t he 
%\ld fe> t he might produce unfavorable 
impressions ^u him4 ,?us a s5ti5t & ?9k+
 be+ ne$s b to feel & to ?9k1 9 ord] to 
discov] t :i* is due to him & to o!rs4  
,i feel1 & ano!r feels1 l myself2 ?is is
 ! f\ndation ( all morality4            
,,clxxii4--,,religion ,,& ,,its         
,,sup]natural ,,morality ,,are ,,fatal  
,,to ,,! ,,p1 ,,& ,,oppos$ ,,to ,,man',s
 ,,nature4  ,we c judge ( ! m]it ( a    
sy/em ( morals b by its con=mity ) man's
 nature4 ,accord+ to ?is comp>ison1 we h
 a "r to reject x1 if we f9d x          
detrim5tal to ! welf>e ( mank9d4 ,:oev] 
has s]i\sly m$itat$ ^u religion & its   

sup]natural morality1 :oev] has weigh$  
its advantages & disadvantages1 w become
 conv9c$ t !y are bo? injuri\s to !     
int]e/s ( ! human race1 or directly     
oppos$ to man's nature4  ,p1 to arms6   
,y\r ,god's cause is at /ake6 ,heav5 is 
outrag$6 ,fai? is 9 dang]6 ,d[n ^u      
infidelity1 blasphemy1 & h]esy6  ,by !  
magical p[] ( ^! valiant words1 :i* ! p 
nev] und]/&1 ! prie/s 9 all ages 7 !    
lead]s 9 ! revolts ( nations1 9 de?ron+ 
k+s1 9 k9dl+ civil w>s1 & 9 imprison+   
m54 ,:5 we *ance to exam9e ! important  
objects :i* h excit$ ! ,cele/ial wra? & 
produc$ s _m ravages ^u ! e>?1 x is f\nd
 t ! fooli% rev]ies & ! /range          
conjectures ( "s !ologian :o did n      
und]/& himself1 or1 ! pret5sions ( !    
cl]gy1 h sev]$ all ties ( society &     
inundat$ ! human race 9 its own blood & 
te>s4     ,,clxxiii4--,,h[ ,,! ,,union  
,,( ,,religion ,,& ,,politics ,,is      
,,fatal ,,to ,,! ,,p ,,& ,,to ,,! ,,k+s4
  ,! sov]eigns ( ?is _w 9 associat+ !   
,deity 9 ! gov]nm5t ( _! realms1 9      

pret5d+ to be ,8 lieut5ants & ,8        
repres5tatives ^u e>?1 9 admitt+ t !y   
hold _! p[] f ,him1 mu/ necess>ily      
accept ,8 m9i/]s z rivals or z ma/]s4   
,is x1 !n1 a/oni%+ t ! prie/s h (t5 made
 ! k+s feel ! sup]iority ( ! ,cele/ial  
,mon>*8 ,h !y n m ?an once made !       
temporal pr9ces und]/& t ! greate/      
physical p[] is compell$ to surr5d] to !
 spiritual p[] ( op9ion8 ,no?+ is m     
difficult ?an to s]ve two ma/]s1        
especially :5 !y d n agree ^u :at !y    
dem& ( _! subjects4 ,! union ( religion 
) politics has necess>ily caus$ a d\ble 
legislation 9 ! ,/ates4 ,! law ( ,god1  
int]pret$ by ,8 prie/s1 is (t5 contr>y  
to ! law ( ! sov]eign or to ! int]e/ ( !
 ,/ate4 ,:5 ! pr9ces are firm1 & sure ( 
! love ( _! subjects1 ,god's law is     
sometimes oblig$ to comply ) ! wise     
int5tions ( ! temporal sov]eign2 b m (t5
 ! sov]eign au?ority is oblig$ to       
retreat be=e ! ,div9e au?ority1 t is to 
say1 be=e ! int]e/s ( ! cl]gy4 ,no?+ is 
m dang]\s = a pr9ce1 ?an to m$dle )     

ecclesia/ical affairs 7to put 8 h&s into
 ! holy-wat] pot71 t is to say1 to      
attempt ! re=m ( abuses consecrat$ by   
religion4 ,god is nev] m angry ?an :5 ! 
,div9e rights1 ! privileges1 !          
possessions1 & ! immunities ( ,8 prie/s 
are int]f]$ )4  ,metaphysical           
speculations or ! religi\s op9ions ( m51
 nev] influ5ce _! conduct except :5 !y  
believe !m con=m$ to _! int]e/s4 ,no?+  
proves ?is tru? m =cibly ?an ! conduct (
 a great numb] ( pr9ces 9 reg>d to !    
spiritual p[]1 :i* we see !m v (t5      
resi/4 ,%\ld n a sov]eign :o is p]suad$ 
( ! importance & ! rights ( religion1   
consci5ti\sly feel himself oblig$ to    
receive ) respect ! ord]s ( 8 prie/s1 & 
consid] !m z comm&m5ts ( ! ,deity8 ,!re 
0 a "t :5 ! k+s & ! p1 m con=mable1 &   
conv9c$ ( ! rights ( ! spiritual p[]1   
became its slaves1 surr5d]$ to x on all 
occasions1 & 7 b docile in/rum5ts 9 its 
h&s2 ?is happy "t is no m4 ,by a /range 
inconsi/5cy1 we sometimes see ! mo/     
religi\s mon>*s oppose ! ent]prises ( ^?

 :om !y reg>d z ,god's m9i/]s4 ,a       
sov]eign :o is fill$ ) religion or      
respect = 8 ,god1 ought to be con/antly 
pro/rate be=e 8 prie/s1 & reg>d !m z 8  
true sov]eigns4 ,is !re a p[] ^u ! e>?  
:i* has ! "r to measure itself ) t ( !  
,mo/ ,high8     ,,clxxiv4--,,cre$s ,,are
 ,,burd5some ,,& ,,ru9\s ,,to ,,!       
,,majority ,,( ,,nations4  ,h ! pr9ces  
:o believe !mselves int]e/$ 9 propagat+ 
! prejudices ( _! subjects1 reflect$    
well ^u ! effects :i* are produc$ by    
privileg$ demagogues1 :o h ! "r to speak
 :5 !y *oose1 & excite 9 ! "n ( ,heav5 !
 passions ( _m millions ( _! subjects8  
,:at ravages w\ld n ^! holy h>angu]s    
cause %\ld !y conspire to di/urb a      
,/ate1 z !y h s (t5 done8  ,no?+ is m   
on]\s & m ru9\s = ! greate/ "p ( !      
nations ?an ! wor%ip ( _! ,gods6        
,ev]y:]e _! m9i/]s n only rank z ! fir/ 
ord] 9 ! ,/ate1 b also enjoy ! great]   
portion ( society's b5efits1 & h ! "r to
 levy cont9ual taxes ^u _!              
fell[-citiz5s4 ,:at real advantages d ^!

 organs ( ! ,mo/ ,high procure = ! p 9  
ex*ange = ! imm5se pr(its :i* !y draw f 
!m8 ,d !y give !m 9 ex*ange = _! weal? &
 _! c\rtesies any?+ b my/]ies1 hypo!ses1
 c]emonies1 subtle que/ions1 int]m9able 
qu>rels1 :i* v (t5 _! ,/ates mu/ pay = )
 _! blood8     ,,clxxv4--,,religion     
,,p>alyzes ,,morality4  ,religion1 :i*  
claims to be ! firme/ support (         
morality1 evid5tly deprives x ( its true
 motor1 to sub/itute imag9>y motors1    
inconceivable *im]as1 :i*1 be+ obvi\sly 
contr>y to common s5se1 c n be firmly   
believ$ by any "o4 ,ev]ybody assures u t
 he believes firmly 9 a ,god :o rew>ds &
 puni%es2 ev]ybody claims to be p]suad$ 
( ! exi/5ce ( a hell & ( a ,p>adise2    
h[ev]1 d we see t ^! ideas r5d] m5 bett]
 or c\nt]balance 9 ! m9ds ( ! greate/   
numb] ( !m ! slighte/ int]e/8 ,ea* "o   
assures u t he is afraid ( ,god's       
judgm5ts1 al?\gh ea* "o gives v5t to 8  
passions :5 he believes himself sure (  
escap+ ! judgm5ts ( m54 ,! fe> (        
invisible p[]s is r>ely z great z ! fe> 

( visible p[]s4 ,unkn[n or di/ant       
suff]+s make less impression ^u p ?an ! 
erect$ gall[s1 or ! example ( a hang$   
man4 ,!re is sc>cely any c\rti] :o fe>s 
,god's ang] m ?an ! displeasure ( 8     
ma/]4 ,a p5sion1 a title1 a ribbon1 are 
suffici5t to make "o =get ! torm5ts (   
hell & ! pleasures ( ! cele/ial c\rt4 ,a
 woman's c>esses expose him e day to !  
displeasure ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,a joke1 a  
bant]1 a bon-mot1 make m impression ^u !
 man ( ! _w ?an all ! grave notions ( 8 
religion4 ,are we n assur$ t a true     
rep5tance is suffici5t to appease       
,div9ity8 ,h[ev]1 we d n see t ?is true 
rep5tance is s9c]ely express$2 at lea/1 
we v r>ely see great ?ieves1 ev5 9 ! h\r
 ( dea?1 re/ore ! goods :i* !y "k !y h  
unju/ly acquir$4 ,m5 p]suade !mselves1  
no d\bt1 t !y w submit to ! et]nal fire1
 if !y c n gu>antee !mselves aga9/ x4 ,b
 z settlem5ts c be made ) ,heav5 by giv+
 ! ,*ur* a portion ( _! =tunes1 !re are 
v few religi\s ?ieves :o d n die        
p]fectly quiet$ ab\t ! mann] 9 :i* !y   

ga9$ _! ri*es 9 ?is _w4                 
,,clxxvi4--,,fatal ,,consequ5ces ,,(    
,,piety4  ,ev5 by ! confession ( ! mo/  
ard5t def5d]s ( religion & ( its        
usefulness1 no?+ is m r>e ?an s9c]e     
conv]sions2 to :i* we might add1 no?+ is
 m useless to society4 ,m5 d n become   
disgu/$ ) ! _w until ! _w is disgu/$ )  
!m2 a woman gives h]self to ,god only :5
 ! _w no long] wants h]4 ,h] vanity f9ds
 9 religi\s devotion a role :i* occupies
 h] & consoles h] = ! ru9 ( h] *>ms4 ,%e
 passes h] "t 9 ! mo/ trifl+ practices1 
p>ties1 intrigues1 invectives1 & sl&]2  
zeal furni%es h] ! means ( di/+ui%+     
h]self & becom+ an object ( consid]ation
 9 ! religi\s circle4 ,if ! bigots h !  
tal5t to please ,god & ,8 prie/s1 !y    
r>ely possess t ( pleas+ society or (   
r5d]+ !mselves useful to x4 ,religion = 
a devotee is a veil :i* cov]s & ju/ifies
 all 8 passions1 8 pride1 8 bad humor1 8
 ang]1 8 v5geance1 8 impati5ce1 8       
bitt]ness4 ,religion arrogates to itself
 a tyrannical sup]iority :i* bani%es f  

comm]ce all g5tl5ess1 gaiety1 & joy2 x  
gives ! "r to c5sure o!rs2 to capture & 
to ext]m9ate ! infidels = ! glory (     
,god2 x is v common to be religi\s & to 
h none ( ! virtues or ! qualities       
necess>y to social life4                
,,clxxvii4--,,! ,,supposition ,,(       
,,ano!r ,,life ,,is ,,nei!r ,,consol+   
,,to ,,man ,,nor ,,necess>y ,,to        
,,morality4  ,we are assur$ t ! dogma ( 
ano!r life is ( ! greate/ importance to 
! peace ( society2 x is imag9$ t )\t x  
m5 w\ld h no motives = do+ good4 ,:y d  
we ne$ t]rors & fables to tea* any      
reasonable man h[ he ought to conduct   
himself ^u e>?8 ,does n ea* "o ( u see t
 he has ! greate/ int]e/ 9 des]v+ !     
approbation1 e/eem1 & k9dness ( ! be+s  
:i* surr\nd him1 & 9 avoid+ all t c     
cause ! c5sure1 ! contempt1 & ! res5tm5t
 ( society8 ,no matt] h[ %ort ! duration
 ( a fe/ival1 ( a conv]sation1 or ( a   
visit may be1 does n ea* "o ( u wi% to  
act a befitt+ "p 9 x1 agreeable to      
himself & to o!rs8 ,if life is b a      

passage1 let u try to make x easy2 x c n
 be s if we lack ! reg>ds ( ^? :o travel
 ) u4  ,religion1 :i* is s sadly occupi$
 ) its gloomy rev]ies1 repres5ts man to 
u z b a pilgrim ^u e>?2 x concludes t 9 
ord] to travel ) m safety1 he %\ld      
travel alone2 r5\nce ! pleasures :i* he 
meets & deprive himself ( ! amusem5ts   
:i* c\ld console him = ! fatigues & !   
we>9ess ( ! road4 ,a /oical & morose    
philosophy sometimes gives u c\nsels z  
s5seless z religion2 b a m rational     
philosophy inspires u to /rew fl[]s on  
life's pa?way2 to dispel melan*oly &    
panic t]rors2 to l9k our int]e/s ) ^? ( 
our travel+ companions2 to div]t        
ourselves by gaiety & hone/ pleasures f 
! pa9s & ! crosses to :i* we are s (t5  
expos$4 ,we are made to feel1 t 9 ord]  
to travel pleasantly1 we %\ld ab/a9 f t 
:i* c\ld become injuri\s to ourselves1 &
 to avoid ) great c>e t :i* c\ld make u 
odi\s to our associates4                
,,clxxviii4--,,an ,,a!i/ ,,has ,,m      
,,motives ,,= ,,act+ ,,uprightly1 ,,m   

,,consci5ce1 ,,?an ,a ,,religi\s        
,,p]son4  ,x is ask$ :at motives has an 
a!i/ = do+ "r4 ,he c h ! motive ( pleas+
 himself & 8 fell[-creatures2 ( liv+    
happily & tranquilly2 ( mak+ himself    
lov$ & respect$ by m51 ^: exi/5ce & ^:  
dispositions are bett] kn[n ?an ^? ( a  
be+ impossible to und]/&4 ,c he :o fe>s 
n ! ,gods1 fe> any?+8 ,he c fe> m51 _!  
contempt1 _! disrespect1 & ! puni%m5ts  
:i* ! laws inflict2 f9ally1 he c fe>    
himself2 he c be afraid ( ! remorse t   
all ^? exp]i5ce ^: consci5ce reproa*es  
!m = hav+ des]v$ ! hatr$ ( _!           
fell[-be+s4 ,consci5ce is ! inw>d       
te/imony :i* we r5d] to ourselves = hav+
 act$ 9 su* a mann] z to des]ve ! e/eem 
or ! c5sure ( ^? ) :om we associate4    
,?is consci5ce is bas$ ^u ! k :i* we h (
 m51 & ( ! s5tim5ts :i* our actions mu/ 
awak5 9 !m4 ,a religi\s p]son's         
consci5ce p]suades him t he has pleas$  
or displeas$ 8 ,god1 ( :om he has no    
idea1 & ^: obscure & d\btful int5tions  
are expla9$ to him only by suspici\s m51

 :o "k no m ( ! ess5ce ( ,div9ity ?an he
 does1 & :o d n agree ^u :at c please or
 displease ,god4 ,9 a ^w1 ! consci5ce ( 
a cr$ul\s man is guid$ by m5 ^: own     
consci5ce is 9 error1 or ^: int]e/      
ext+ui%es intellig5ce4     ,c an a!i/ h 
consci5ce8 ,:at are 8 motives = ab/a9+ f
 secret vices & crimes ( :i* o!r m5 are 
ignorant1 & :i* are beyond ! rea* (     
laws8 ,he c be assur$ by con/ant        
exp]i5ce t !re is no vice :i*1 9 !      
nature ( ?+s1 does n br+ its own        
puni%m5t4 ,if he wi%es to pres]ve       
himself1 he w avoid all ^? excesses :i* 
c be injuri\s to 8 heal?2 he w\ld n     
desire to live & l+]1 ?us becom+ a burd5
 to himself & o!rs4 ,9 reg>d to secret  
crimes1 he w\ld avoid !m ?r\gh fe> ( be+
 a%am$ ( himself1 f :om he c n hide4 ,if
 he has reason1 he w "k ! price ( !     
e/eem t an hone/ man %\ld h = himself4  
,he w "k1 besides1 t unexpect$          
circum/ances c unveil to ! eyes ( o!rs !
 conduct :i* he feels int]e/$ 9         
conceal+4 ,! o!r _w gives no motive =   

do+ well to him :o f9ds no motive = x   
"h4     ,,clxxix4--,,an ,,a!i/ical ,,k+ 
,,w\ld ,,be ,,pref]able ,,to ,,"o ,,:o  
,,is ,,religi\s ,,& ,,wick$1 ,,z ,,we   
,,(t5 ,,see ,,!m4  ,! speculat+ a!i/1 ! 
!i/ w tell u1 may be an hone/ man1 b 8  
writ+s w cause a!ism 9 politics4 ,pr9ces
 & m9i/]s1 be+ no long] re/ra9$ by ! fe>
 ( ,god1 w give !mselves up )\t scruple 
to ! mo/ frightful excesses4 ,b no matt]
 :at we c suppose ( ! depravity ( an    
a!i/ on a ?rone1 c x ev] be any great]  
or m injuri\s ?an t ( s _m conqu]ors1   
tyrants1 p]secutors1 ( ambiti\s & p]v]se
 c\rti]s1 :o1 )\t be+ a!i/s1 b :o1 be+ v
 (t5 religi\s1 d n cease to make        
humanity groan "u ! weight ( _! crimes8 
,c an a!i/ical k+ inflict m evil on ! _w
 ?an a ,l\is ,,xi41 a ,philip ,,ii41 a  
,ri*elieu1 :o h all alli$ religion )    
crime8 ,no?+ is r>] ?an a!i/ical pr9ces1
 & no?+ m common ?an v bad & v religi\s 
tyrants4     ,,clxxx4--,,! ,,morality   
,,acquir$ ,,by ,,philosophy ,,is        
,,suffici5t ,,to ,,virtue4  ,any man :o 

reflects c n fail ( kn[+ 8 duties1 (    
discov]+ ! relations :i* subsi/ betwe5  
m51 ( m$itat+ ^u 8 own nature1 ( disc]n+
 8 ne$s1 8 incl9ations1 & 8 desires1 & (
 p]ceiv+ :at he owes to ! be+s necess>y 
to 8 own happ9ess4 ,^! reflections      
naturally lead to ! k ( ! morality :i*  
is ! mo/ ess5tial = society4 ,e man :o  
loves to retire )9 himself 9 ord] to    
/udy & seek = ! pr9ciples ( ?+s1 has no 
v dang]\s passions2 8 greate/ passion w 
be to "k ! tru?1 & 8 greate/ ambition to
 %[ x to o!rs4 ,philosophy is b5eficial 
9 cultivat+ ! he>t & ! m9d4 ,9 reg>d to 
morals1 has n he :o reflects & reasons !
 advantage ov] him :o does n reason8    
,if ignorance is useful to prie/s & to !
 oppressors ( humanity1 x is v fatal to 
society4 ,man1 depriv$ ( intellig5ce1   
does n enjoy ! use ( 8 reason2 man1     
depriv$ ( reason & intellig5ce1 is a    
savage1 :o is liable at any mom5t to be 
l$ into crime4 ,morality1 or ! sci5ce ( 
moral duties1 is acquir$ b by ! /udy (  
man & 8 relations4 ,he :o does n reflect

 = himself does n "k true morals1 & c n 
walk ! road ( virtue4 ,! less m5 reason1
 ! m wick$ !y are4 ,! b>b>ians1 !       
pr9ces1 ! great1 & ! dregs ( society1   
are g5]ally ! mo/ wick$ because !y are  
^? :o reason ! lea/4 ,! religi\s man    
nev] reflects1 & avoids reason+2 he fe>s
 exam9ation2 he foll[s au?ority2 & v (t5
 an errone\s consci5ce makes him consid]
 x a holy duty to commit evil4 ,!       
incr$ul\s man reasons1 consults         
exp]i5ce1 & pref]s x to prejudice4 ,if  
he has reason$ ju/ly1 8 consci5ce       
becomes cle>2 he f9ds m real motives =  
"r-do+ ?an ! religi\s man1 :o has no    
motives b 8 *im]as1 & :o nev] li/5s to  
reason4 ,are n ! motives ( ! incr$ul\s  
man /rong en\gh to c\nt]balance 8       
passions8 ,is he bl9d en\gh n to        
recognize ! int]e/s :i* %\ld re/ra9 him8
 ,well6 he w be vici\s & wick$2 b ev5 !n
 he w be no worse & no bett] ?an _m     
cr$ul\s m5 :o1 not)/&+ religion & its   
sublime precepts1 cont9ue to lead a life
 :i* ?is v religion condemns4 ,is a     

cr$ul\s murd]] less to be fe>$ ?an a    
murd]] :o does n believe any?+8 ,is a   
religi\s tyrant any less a tyrant ?an an
 irreligi\s "o8     ,,clxxxi4--,,op9ions
 ,,r>ely ,,influ5ce ,,conduct4  ,!re is 
no?+ m r>e 9 ! _w ?an consi/5t m54 ,_!  
op9ions d n influ5ce _! conduct1 except 
:5 !y con=m to _! temp]am5t1 _!         
passions1 & to _! int]e/s4 ,religi\s    
op9ions1 accord+ to daily exp]i5ce1     
produce mu* m evil ?an good2 !y are     
injuri\s1 because !y v (t5 agree ) !    
passions ( tyrants1 fanatics1 & prie/s2 
!y produce no effect1 because !y h n !  
p[] to balance ! pres5t int]e/s ( !     
majority ( m54 ,religi\s pr9ciples are  
always put aside :5 !y are oppos$ to    
ard5t desires2 )\t be+ incr$ul\s1 !y act
 z if !y believ$ no?+4 ,we risk be+     
deceiv$ :5 we judge ! op9ions ( m5 by _!
 conduct or _! conduct by _! op9ions4 ,a
 v religi\s man1 not)/&+ ! au/]e & cruel
 pr9ciples ( a bloody religion1 w       
sometimes be1 by a =tunate inconsi/5cy1 
humane1 tol]ant1 mod]ate2 9 ?is case !  

pr9ciples ( 8 religion d n agree ) !    
mildness ( 8 disposition4 ,a lib]t9e1 a 
debau*ee1 a hypocrite1 an adult]]1 or a 
?ief w (t5 %[ u t he has ! cle>e/ ideas 
( morals4 ,:y d !y n practice !m8 ,x is 
because nei!r _! temp]am5t1 _! int]e/s1 
nor _! habits agree ) _! sublime !ories4
 ,! rigid pr9ciples ( ,*ri/ian morality1
 :i* s _m attempt to pass (f z ,div9e1 h
 b v little influ5ce ^u ! conduct ( ^?  
:o prea* !m to o!rs4 ,d !y n tell u e   
day to d :at !y prea*1 & n :at !y       
practice8  ,! religi\s p>tisans g5]ally 
designate ! incr$ul\s z lib]t9es4 ,x may
 be t _m incr$ul\s p are immoral2 ?is   
immorality is due to _! temp]am5t1 & n  
to _! op9ions4 ,b :at has _! conduct to 
d ) ^! op9ions8 ,c n an immoral man be a
 good physician1 a good ar*itect1 a good
 geomet]1 a good logician1 a good       
metaphysician8 ,) an irreproa*able      
conduct1 "o c be ignorant ^u _m ?+s1 &  
reason v badly4 ,:5 tru? is pres5t$1 x  
matt]s n f :om x comes4 ,let u n judge  
m5 by _! op9ions1 or op9ions by m52 let 

u judge m5 by _! conduct2 & _! op9ions  
by _! con=mity ) exp]i5ce1 reason1 & _! 
usefulness = mank9d4                    
,,clxxxii4---,,reason ,,leads ,,m5 ,,to 
,,irreligion ,,& ,,to ,,a!ism1 ,,because
 ,,religion ,,is ,,absurd1 ,,& ,,! ,,god
 ,,( ,,! ,,prie/s ,,is ,a ,,malici\s ,,&
 ,,f]oci\s ,,be+4  ,e man :o reasons    
soon becomes incr$ul\s1 because reason+ 
proves to him t !ology is b a tissue (  
falsehoods2 t religion is contr>y to all
 pr9ciples ( common s5se2 t x gives a   
false color to all human k4 ,! rational 
man becomes incr$ul\s1 because he sees t
 religion1 f> f r5d]+ m5 happi]1 is !   
fir/ cause ( ! greate/ disord]s1 & ( !  
p]man5t calamities ) :i* ! human race is
 afflict$4 ,! man :o seeks 8 well-be+ & 
8 own tranquillity1 exam9es 8 religion &
 is undeceiv$1 because he f9ds x        
inconv5i5t & useless to pass 8 life 9   
trembl+ at phantoms :i* are made b to   
intimidate silly wom5 or *ildr54 ,if1   
sometimes1 lib]t9age1 :i* reasons b     
little1 leads to irreligion1 ! man :o is

 regul> 9 8 morals c h v legitimate     
motives = exam9+ 8 religion1 & = bani%+ 
x f 8 m9d4 ,too weak to intimidate !    
wick$1 9 :om vice has become deeply     
root$1 religi\s t]rors afflict1 torm5t1 
& burd5 imag9ative m9ds4 ,if s\ls h     
c\rage & ela/icity1 !y %ake (f a yoke   
:i* !y be> unwill+ly4 ,if weak or       
timor\s1 !y we> ! yoke dur+ _! :ole     
life1 & !y gr[ old1 trembl+1 or at lea/ 
!y live "u burd5some unc]ta9ty4  ,!     
prie/s h made ( ,god su* a malici\s1    
f]oci\s be+1 s ready to be vex$1 t !re  
are few m5 9 ! _w :o d n wi% at ! bottom
 ( _! he>ts t ?is ,god did n exi/4 ,we c
 n live happy if we are always 9 fe>4 ,y
 wor%ip a t]rible ,god1 ,o religi\s p6  
,alas6 ,& yet y hate ,him2 y wi% t ,he 0
 n4 ,c we avoid wi%+ ! abs5ce or !      
de/ruction ( a ma/]1 ! idea ( :om c b   
torm5t ! m9d8 ,x is ! d>k colors 9 :i* !
 prie/s pa9t ! ,deity :i* revolt m51    
mov+ !m to hate & reject ,him4          
,,clxxxiii4--,,fe> ,,alone ,,creates    
,,!i/s ,,& ,,bigots4  ,if fe> has creat$

 ! ,gods1 fe> /ill holds _! empire 9 !  
m9d ( mortals2 !y h be5 s e>ly accu/om$ 
to tremble ev5 at ! "n ( ! ,deity1 t x  
has become = !m a spect]1 a gobl91 a    
7-wolf :i* torm5ts !m1 & ^: idea        
deprives !m ev5 ( ! c\rage to attempt to
 reassure !mselves4 ,!y are afraid t ?is
 invisible spect] w /rike !m if !y cease
 to be afraid4 ,! religi\s p fe> _! ,god
 too mu* to love ,him s9c]ely2 !y s]ve  
,him z slaves1 :o c n escape ,8 p[]1 &  
take ! "p ( flatt]+ _! ,ma/]2 & :o1 by  
cont9ually ly+1 p]suade !mselves t !y   
love ,him4 ,!y make a virtue (          
necessity4 ,! love ( religi\s bigots =  
_! ,god1 & ( slaves = _! despots1 is b a
 s]vile & simulat$ homage :i* !y r5d] by
 compulsion1 9 :i* ! he>t has no "p4    
,,clxxxiv4--,,c ,,we1 ,,or ,,%\ld ,,we1 
,,love ,,or ,,n ,,love ,,god8  ,!       
,*ri/ian ,doctors h made _! ,god s      
little wor?y ( love1 t sev]al among !m h
 ?\ght x _! duty n to love ,him2 ?is is 
a blasphemy :i* makes less s9c]e doctors
 tremble4 ,sa9t ,?omas1 hav+ ass]t$ t we

 are "u obligation to love ,god z soon z
 we c use our reason1 ! ,jesuit ,sirmond
 repli$ to him t t 0 v soon2 ! ,jesuit  
,vasquez claims t x is suffici5t to love
 ,god 9 ! h\r ( dea?2 ,hurtado says t we
 %\ld love ,god at all times2 ,h5riquez 
is cont5t ) lov+ ,him e five ye>s2      
,sotus1 e ,sunday4 ,^u :at %all we rely8
 asks ,fa!r ,sirmond1 :o adds3 t ,su>ez 
desires t we %\ld love ,god sometimes4  
,b at :at "t8 ,he all[s y to judge ( x2 
he kn[s no?+ ab\t x himself2 = he adds3 
',:at a le>n$ doctor does n "k1 :o c    
"k8' ,! same ,jesuit ,sirmond cont9ues1 
by say+3 t ,god does n comm& u to love  
,him ) human affection1 & does n promise
 u salvation b on condition ( giv+ ,him 
our he>ts2 x is en\gh to obey ,him & to 
love ,him1 by fulfill+ ,8 comm&m5ts2 t  
?is is ! only love :i* we owe ,him1 &   
,he has n comm&$ s mu* to love ,him z n 
to hate ,him4 ,see ,apology1 ,des       
,lettres ,prov9ciales1 ,tome ,,ii4 ,?is 
doctr9e appe>s h]etical1 ungodly1 &     
abom9able to ! ,jans5i/s1 :o1 by !      

revolt+ sev]ity :i* !y attribute to _!  
,god1 r5d] ,him /ill less lovable ?an _!
 adv]s>ies1 ! ,jesuits4 ,! latt]1 9 ord]
 to make conv]ts1 repres5t ,god 9 su* a 
light z to give confid5ce to ! mo/      
p]v]se mortals4 ,?us1 no?+ is less      
e/abli%$ among ! ,*ri/ians ?an !        
important "q1 :e!r we c or %\ld love or 
n love ,god4 ,among _! spiritual guides 
"s pret5d t we mu/ love ,god ) all !    
he>t1 not)/&+ all ,8 sev]ity2 o!rs1 l ! 
,fa!r ,daniel1 ?9k t an act ( pure love 
( ,god is ! mo/ h]oic act ( ,*ri/ian    
virtue1 & t human weakness c sc>cely    
rea* s high4 ,! ,jesuit ,p9t]eau goes   
/ill fur!r2 he says3 ,! deliv]ance f !  
griev\s yoke ( ,div9e love is a         
privilege ( ! new alliance4             
,,clxxxv4--,,! ,,v>i\s ,,&              
,,contradictory ,,ideas ,,:i* ,,exi/    
,,ev]y:]e ,,^u ,,god ,,& ,,religion1    
,,prove ,,t ,,!y ,,are ,,b ,,idle       
,,fancies4  ,x is always ! "* ( man :i* 
decides ^u ! "* ( 8 ,god2 ea* "o creates
 a ,god = himself1 & 9 8 own image4 ,!  

*e]ful man :o indulges 9 pleasures &    
dissipation1 c n imag9e ,god to be an   
au/]e & rebukeful be+2 he requires a    
facile ,god ) :om he c make an agreem5t4
 ,! sev]e1 s\r1 bili\s man wants a ,god 
l himself2 "o :o inspires fe>2 & reg>ds 
z p]v]se ^? t accept only a ,god :o is  
yield+ & easily won ov]4 ,h]esies1      
qu>rels1 & s*isms are necess>y4 ,c m5   
diff]5tly organiz$ & modifi$ by div]se  
circum/ances1 agree 9 reg>d to an       
imag9>y be+ :i* exi/s b 9 _! own bra9s8 
,! cruel & int]m9able disputes          
cont9ually aris+ among ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l1
 h n a t5d5cy to attract ! confid5ce (  
^? :o take an imp>tial view ( !m4 ,h[ c 
we help our incr$ulity1 :5 we see       
pr9ciples ab\t :i* ^? :o tea* !m to     
o!rs1 nev] agree8 ,h[ c we avoid d\bt+ !
 exi/5ce ( a ,god1 ! idea ( :om v>ies 9 
su* a rem>kable way 9 ! m9d ( ,8 m9i/]s8
 ,h[ c we avoid reject+ totally a ,god  
:o is full ( contradictions8 ,h[ c we   
rely ^u prie/s :om we see cont9ually    
cont5d+1 accus+ ea* o!r ( be+ infidels &

 h]etics1 r5d+ & p]secut+ ea* o!r )\t   
m]cy1 ab\t ! way 9 :i* !y und]/& !      
pret5d$ tru?s :i* !y reveal to ! _w8    
,,clxxxvi4--,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,( ,,god1    
,,:i* ,,is ,,! ,,basis ,,( ,,all        
,,religion1 ,,has ,,n ,,yet ,,be5       
,,demon/rat$4  ,h[ev]1 s f>1 ?is        
important tru? has n yet be5 demon/rat$1
 n only to ! incr$ul\s1 b 9 a           
satisfactory way to !ologians !mselves4 
,9 all times1 we h se5 pr(\nd ?9k]s :o  
?\ght !y _h new pro(s ( ! tru? mo/      
important to m54 ,:at h be5 ! fruits (  
_! m$itations & ( _! argum5ts8 ,!y left 
! ?+ at ! same po9t2 !y h demon/rat$    
no?+2 ne>ly always !y h excit$ ! clamors
 ( _! colleagues1 :o accuse !m ( hav+   
badly def5d$ ! be/ ( causes4            
,,clxxxvii4--,,prie/s1 ,,m ,,?an        
,,unbeliev]s1 ,,act ,,f ,,int]e/4  ,!   
apologi/s ( religion repeat to u e day t
 ! passions alone create unbeliev]s4 ,x 
is1 !y say1 pride1 & a desire to di/+ui%
 !mselves1 t make a!i/s2 !y seek also to
 efface ! idea ( ,god f _! m9ds1 because

 !y h reason to fe> ,8 rigor\s judgm5ts4
 ,:atev] may be ! motives :i* cause m5  
to be irreligi\s1 ! ?+ 9 "q is :e!r !y h
 f\nd tru?4 ,no man acts )\t motives2   
let u fir/ exam9e ! argum5ts--we %all   
exam9e ! motives aft]w>d--& we %all f9d 
t !y are m legitimate1 & m s5sible1 ?an 
^? ( _m cr$ul\s devotees :o all[        
!mselves to be guid$ by ma/]s little    
wor?y ( m5's confid5ce4  ,y say1 ,o     
prie/s ( ! ,"l6 t ! passions cause      
unbeliev]s2 y pret5d t !y r5\nce        
religion ?r\gh int]e/1 or because x     
int]f]es ) _! irregul> incl9ations2 y   
ass]t t !y attack y\r ,gods because !y  
fe> _! puni%m5ts4 ,ah6 y\rselves 9      
def5d+ ?is religion & its *im]as1 are y1
 !n1 really exempt f passions & int]e/s8
 ,:o receive ! fees ( ?is religion1 on  
^: behalf ! prie/s are s zeal\s8 ,x is !
 prie/s4 ,to :om does religion procure  
p[]1 cr$it1 honors1 weal?8 ,to ! prie/s6
 ,9 all c\ntries1 :o make w> ^u reason1 
sci5ce1 tru?1 & philosophy & r5d] !m    
odi\s to ! sov]eigns & to ! p8 ,:o pr(it

 by ! ignorance ( m5 & _! va9           
prejudices8 ,! prie/s6 ,y are1 ,o       
prie/s1 rew>d$1 honor$1 & paid = deceiv+
 mortals1 & y puni% ^? :o undeceive !m4 
,! follies ( m5 procure y bless+s1      
(f]+s1 expiations2 ! mo/ useful tru?s   
br+ to ^? :o ann\nce !m1 *a9s1 suff]+s1 
/akes4 ,let ! _w judge betwe5 u4        
,,clxxxviii4--,,pride1 ,,presumption1   
,,& ,,corruption ,,( ,,! ,,he>t ,,are   
,,m ,,(t5 ,,f\nd ,,among ,,prie/s ,,?an 
,,among ,,a!i/s ,,& ,,unbeliev]s4       
,pride & vanity always 7 & always w be !
 inh]5t vices ( ! prie/hood4 ,is !re    
any?+ t has a t5d5cy to r5d] m5 haughty 
& va9 m ?an ! assumption ( ex]cis+      
,heav5ly p[]1 ( possess+ a sacr$ "*1 (  
be+ ! mess5g]s ( ! ,mo/ ,high8 ,are n ^!
 dispositions cont9ually increas$ by !  
cr$ulity ( ! p1 by ! def]5ce & ! respect
 ( ! sov]eigns1 by ! immunities1 !      
privileges1 & ! di/9ctions :i* ! cl]gy  
enjoy8 ,! common man is1 9 e c\ntry1 m  
devot$ to 8 spiritual guides1 :om he    
consid]s z ,div9e m51 ?an to 8 temporal 

sup]iors1 :om he consid]s z ord9>y m54  
,village prie/s enjoy m honor ?an ! "l  
or ! judge4 ,a ,*ri/ian prie/ believes  
himself f> above a k+ or an emp]or4 ,a  
,spani% gr&ee hav+ spok5 ha/ily to a    
monk1 ! latt] said to him1 arrogantly1  
,le>n to respect a man :o has e day y\r 
,god 9 8 h&s & y\r que5 at 8 feet4  ,h !
 prie/s any "r to accuse ! unbeliev]s ( 
pride8 ,d !y di/+ui% !mselves by a r>e  
mode/y or pr(\nd humility8 ,is x n      
evid5t t ! desire to dom9e] ov] m5 is ! 
ess5ce ( _! pr(ession8 ,if ! ,"l's      
m9i/]s 7 truly mode/1 w\ld we see !m s  
gre$y ( respect1 s easily irritat$ by   
contradictions1 s prompt & s cruel 9    
rev5g+ !mselves ^u ^? ^: op9ions (f5d   
!m8 ,does n mode/ sci5ce impress u ) !  
difficulty ( unravel+ tru?8 ,:at o!r    
passion ?an fr5zi$ pride c r5d] m5 s    
f]oci\s1 s v9dictive1 s devoid (        
tol]ation & g5tl5ess8 ,:at is m         
presumptu\s ?an to arm nations & cause  
riv]s ( blood1 9 ord] to e/abli% or to  
def5d futile conjectures8  ,y say1 ,o   

,doctors ( ,div9ity6 t x is presumption 
alone :i* makes a!i/s4 ,tea* !m1 !n1 :at
 y\r ,god is2 in/ruct !m ab\t ,8 ess5ce2
 speak ( ,him 9 an intelligible way2    
tell ( ,him reasonable ?+s1 :i* are n   
contradictory or impossible6 ,if y are n
 9 ! condition to satisfy !m2 if1 s f>1 
none ( y h be5 able to demon/rate !     
exi/5ce ( a ,god 9 a cle> & conv9c+ way2
 if1 accord+ to y\r own confession1 ,8  
ess5ce is z mu* hidd5 f y z f ! re/ (   
mortals1 p>don ^? :o c n admit t :i* !y 
c nei!r und]/& nor reconcile4 ,d n      
accuse ( presumption & vanity ^? :o h ! 
s9c]ity to confess _! ignorance2 accuse 
n ( folly ^? :o f9d x impossible to     
believe 9 contradictions4 ,y %\ld blu%  
at ! ?\ght ( excit+ ! hatr$ ( ! p & !   
v5geance ( ! sov]eigns aga9/ m5 :o d n  
?9k z y d ^u a ,be+ ( :om y h no idea   
y\rselves4 ,is !re any?+ m audaci\s & m 
extravagant ?an to reason ab\t an object
 :i* x is impossible to conceive (8  ,y 
tell u x is corruption ( ! he>t :i*     
produces a!i/s2 t !y %ake (f ! yoke ( ! 

,deity because !y fe> ,8 t]rible        
judgm5ts4 ,b :y d y pa9t y\r ,god 9 su* 
black colors8 ,:y does ?is p[]ful ,god  
p]mit t su* corrupt he>ts %\ld exi/8 ,:y
 %\ld we n make ef=ts to break ! yoke ( 
a ,tyrant :o1 be+ able to make ( ! he>ts
 ( m5 :at ,he pleases1 all[s !m to      
become p]v]t$ & h>d5$2 bl9ds !m2 refuses
 !m ,8 grace1 9 ord] to h ! satisfaction
 ( puni%+ !m et]nally = hav+ be5 h>d5$1 
bl9d$1 & n hav+ receiv$ ! grace :i* ,he 
refus$ !m8 ,! !ologians & ! prie/s mu/  
feel !mselves v sure ( ,heav5's grace & 
( a happy future1 9 ord] n to dete/ a   
,ma/] s caprici\s z ! ,god :om !y       
ann\nce to u4 ,a ,god :o damns et]nally 
mu/ be ! mo/ odi\s ,be+ t ! human m9d   
c\ld imag9e4                            
,,clxxxix4--,,prejudices ,,are ,,b ,,=  
,a ,,"t1 ,,& ,,no ,,p[] ,,is ,,durable  
,,except ,,x ,,is ,,bas$ ,,^u ,,tru?1   
,,reason1 ,,& ,,equity4  ,no man on e>? 
is truly int]e/$ 9 su/a9+ error2 soon]  
or lat] x is compell$ to surr5d] to     
tru?4 ,g5]al int]e/ t5ds to !           

enlight5m5t ( mortals2 ev5 ! passions   
sometimes contribute to ! break+ ( "s ( 
! *a9s ( prejudice4 ,h n ! passions ( "s
 sov]eigns de/roy$1 )9 ! pa/ two        
c5turies 9 "s c\ntries ( ,europe1 !     
tyrannical p[] :i* a haughty ,pontiff   
=m]ly ex]cis$ ov] all ! pr9ces ( 8 sect8
 ,politics1 becom+ m enlight5$1 has     
despoil$ ! cl]gy ( an imm5se am\nt (    
prop]ty :i* cr$ulity _h accumulat$ 9 _! 
h&s4 ,%\ld n ?is memorable example make 
ev5 ! prie/s realize t prejudices are b 
= a "t1 & t tru? alone is capable (     
assur+ a sub/antial well-be+8  ,h n !   
m9i/]s ( ! ,"l se5 t 9 pamp]+ !         
sov]eigns1 9 =g+ ,div9e rights = !m1 & 9
 deliv]+ to !m ! p1 b\nd h& & foot1 !y 7
 mak+ tyrants ( !m8 ,h !y n reason to   
fe> t ^! gigantic idols1 :om !y h rais$ 
to ! skies1 w cru% !m also "s day8 ,d n 
a ?\s& examples prove t !y ought to fe> 
t ^! un*a9$ lions1 aft] hav+ dev\r$     
nations1 w 9 turn dev\r !m8  ,we w      
respect ! prie/s :5 !y become citiz5s4  
,let !m make use1 if !y c1 ( ,heav5's   

au?ority to create fe> 9 ^? pr9ces :o   
incessantly desolate ! e>?2 let !m      
deprive !m ( ! "r ( be+ unju/2 let !m   
recognize t no subject ( a ,/ate enjoys 
liv+ "u tyranny2 let !m make ! sov]eigns
 feel t !y !mselves are n int]e/$ 9     
ex]cis+ a p[] :i*1 r5d]+ !m odi\s1      
injures _! own safety1 _! own p[]1 _!   
own gr&eur2 f9ally1 let ! prie/s & !    
undeceiv$ k+s recognize t no p[] is safe
 t is n bas$ ^u tru?1 reason1 & equity4 
,,cxc4--,,h[ ,,mu* ,,p[] ,,&            
,,consid]ation ,,! ,,m9i/]s ,,( ,,!     
,,gods ,,w\ld ,,h1 ,,if ,,!y ,,became   
,,! ,,apo/les ,,( ,,reason ,,& ,,!      
,,def5d]s ,,( ,,lib]ty6  ,! m9i/]s ( !  
,gods1 9 w>r+ aga9/ human reason1 :i* !y
 ought to develop1 act aga9/ _! own     
int]e/4 ,:at w\ld be _! p[]1 _!         
consid]ation1 _! empire ov] ! wise/ m52 
:at w\ld be ! gratitude ( ! p t[>d !m   
if1 in/ead ( occupy+ !mselves ) _! va9  
qu>rels1 !y _h appli$ !mselves to !     
useful sci5ces2 if !y _h s\ght ! true   
pr9ciples ( physics1 ( gov]nm5t1 & (    

morals4 ,:o w\ld d>e reproa* ! opul5ce &
 cr$it ( a corporation :i*1 consecrat+  
its leisure & its au?ority to ! public  
good1 %\ld use ! "o = /udy+ & m$itat+1 &
 ! o!r = enlight5+ equally ! m9ds ( !   
sov]eigns & ! subjects8  ,prie/s6 lay   
aside y\r idle fancies1 y\r             
un9telligible dogmas1 y\r despicable    
qu>rels2 bani% to imag9>y regions ^!    
phantoms1 :i* c\ld be ( use to y only 9 
! infancy ( nations2 take ! tone (      
reason1 in/ead ( s\nd+ ! tocs9 (        
p]secution aga9/ y\r adv]s>ies2 in/ead (
 ent]ta9+ ! p ) fooli% disputes1 (      
prea*+ useless & fanatical virtues1     
prea* to !m humane & social morality2   
prea* to !m virtues :i* are really      
useful to ! _w2 become ! apo/les (      
reason1 ! lights ( ! nations1 ! def5d]s 
( lib]ty1 re=m]s ( abuses1 ! fri5ds (   
tru?1 & we w bless y1 we w honor y1 we w
 love y1 & y w be sure ( hold+ an et]nal
 empire ov] ! he>ts ( y\r fell[-be+s4   
,,cxci4--,,:at ,a ,,happy ,,& ,,great   
,,revolution ,,w\ld ,,take ,,place ,,9  

,,! ,,univ]se1 ,,if ,,philosophy ,,0    
,,sub/itut$ ,,= ,,religion6             
,philosoph]s1 9 all ages1 h tak5 ! "p t 
seem$ de/9$ = ! m9i/]s ( religion4 ,!   
hatr$ ( ! latt] = philosophy 0 nev] m   
?an pr(essional jeal\sy4 ,all m5        
accu/om$ to ?9k1 in/ead ( seek+ to      
injure ea* o!r1 %\ld unite _! ef=ts 9   
combat+ errors1 9 seek+ tru?1 &         
especially 9 dispell+ ! prejudices f :i*
 ! sov]eigns & subjects suff] alike1 &  
^: uphold]s !mselves f9i%1 soon] or     
lat]1 by becom+ ! victims4  ,9 ! h&s (  
an enlight5$ gov]nm5t ! prie/s w\ld     
become ! mo/ useful ( citiz5s4 ,c\ld m5 
) ri* /ip5ds f ! ,/ate1 & reliev$ ( !   
c>e ( provid+ = _! own subsi/5ce1 d     
any?+ bett] ?an to in/ruct !mselves 9   
ord] to be able to in/ruct o!rs8 ,w\ld n
 _! m9ds be bett] satisfi$ 9 discov]+   
tru? ?an 9 w&]+ 9 ! labyr9?s ( d>kness8 
,w\ld x be any m difficult to unravel ! 
pr9ciples ( man's morals1 ?an ! imag9>y 
pr9ciples ( ,div9e & !ological morals8  
,w\ld ord9>y m5 h z mu* tr\ble 9 und]/&+

 ! simple notions ( _! duties1 z 9 *>g+ 
_! memories ) my/]ies1 un9telligible    
words1 & obscure def9itions :i* are     
impossible = !m to und]/&8 ,h[ mu* "t & 
tr\ble is lo/ 9 try+ to tea* m5 ?+s :i* 
are ( no use to !m4 ,:at res\rces = !   
public b5efit1 = enc\rag+ ! progress ( !
 sci5ces & ! advancem5t ( k1 = !        
education ( y\?1 are pres5t$ to         
well-mean+ sov]eigns ?r\gh s _m         
mona/]ies1 :i*1 9 a great numb] (       
c\ntries dev\r ! p's sub/ance )\t an    
equival5t4 ,b sup]/ition1 jeal\s ( its  
exclusive empire1 seems to h =m$ b      
useless be+s4 ,:at advantage c\ld n be  
drawn f a multitude ( c5obites ( bo?    
sexes :om we see 9 s _m c\ntries1 & :o  
are s well paid to d no?+4 ,in/ead (    
occupy+ !m ) /]ile contemplations1 )    
me*anical pray]s1 ) monoton\s practices2
 in/ead ( burd5+ !m ) fa/s & au/]ities1 
let !re be excit$ among !m a salut>y    
emulation t w\ld inspire !m to seek !   
means ( s]v+ usefully ! _w1 :i* _! fatal
 v[s oblige !m to r5\nce4 ,in/ead (     

fill+ ! y\?ful m9ds ( _! pupils )       
fables1 dogmas1 & pu]ilities1 :y n      
invite or oblige ! prie/s to tea* !m    
true ?+s1 & s make ( !m citiz5s useful  
to _! c\ntry8 ,! way 9 :i* m5 are br\ght
 up makes !m useful b to ! cl]gy1 :o    
bl9d !m1 & to ! tyrants1 :o plund] !m4  
,,cxcii4--,,! ,,retraction ,,( ,,an     
,,unbeliev] ,,at ,,! ,,h\r ,,( ,,dea?1  
,,proves ,,no?+ ,,aga9/ ,,incr$ulity4   
,! adh]5ts ( cr$ulity (t5 accuse !      
unbeliev]s ( bad fai? because !y        
sometimes wav] 9 _! pr9ciples1 *ang+    
op9ions dur+ sickness1 & retract+ !m at 
! h\r ( dea?4 ,:5 ! body is diseas$1 !  
faculty ( reason+ is g5]ally di/urb$    
also4 ,! infirm & decrepit man1 9       
approa*+ 8 end1 sometimes p]ceives      
himself t reason is leav+ him1 he feels 
t prejudice returns4 ,!re are diseases  
:i* h a t5d5cy to less5 c\rage1 to make 
pusillanim\s1 & to enfeeble ! bra92 !re 
are o!rs :i*1 9 de/roy+ ! body1 d n     
affect ! reason4 ,h[ev]1 an unbeliev] :o
 retracts 9 sickness1 is n m r>e or m   

extraord9>y ?an a devotioni/ :o p]mits  
himself1 :ile 9 heal?1 to neglect !     
duties t 8 religion prescribes = him 9 !
 mo/ =mal mann]4  ,cleom5es1 ,k+ (      
,sp>ta1 hav+ %[n little respect = !     
,gods dur+ 8 reign1 became sup]/iti\s 9 
8 la/ days2 ) ! view ( int]e/+ ,heav5 9 
8 favor1 he call$ ar\nd him a multitude 
( sacrific+ prie/s4 ,"o ( 8 fri5ds      
express+ 8 surprise1 ,cleom5es said3    
,:at are y a/oni%$ at8 ,i am no long]   
:at ,i 01 & n be+ ! same1 ,i c n ?9k 9 !
 same way4  ,! m9i/]s ( religion 9 _!   
daily conduct1 (t5 belie ! rigor\s      
pr9ciples :i* !y tea* to o!rs1 s t !    
unbeliev]s 9 _! turn ?9k !y h a "r to   
accuse !m ( bad fai?4 ,if "s unbeliev]s 
contradict1 9 sight ( dea? or dur+      
sickness1 ! op9ions :i* !y ent]ta9$ 9   
heal?1 d n ! prie/s 9 heal? belie       
op9ions ( ! religion :i* !y hold8 ,d we 
see a great multitude ( humble1 g5]\s   
prelates devoid ( ambition1 enemies (   
pomp & gr&eur1 ! fri5ds ( pov]ty8 ,9    
%ort1 d we see ! conduct ( _m ,*ri/ian  

prie/s correspond+ ) ! au/]e morality ( 
,*ri/1 _! ,god & _! model8              
,,cxciii4--,,x ,,is ,,n ,,true ,,t      
,,a!ism ,,sund]s ,,all ,,! ,,ties ,,(   
,,society4  ,a!ism1 we are told1 breaks 
all social ties4 ,)\t belief 9 ,god1 :at
 becomes ( ! sacr$ness ( ! oa?8 ,h[ c we
 b9d an a!i/ :o c n s]i\sly atte/ !     
,deity8 ,b does ! oa? place u "u /rong] 
obligations to ! engagem5ts :i* we make8
 ,:oev] d>es to lie1 w he n d>e to      
p]jure himself8 ,he :o is base en\gh to 
violate 8 ^w1 or unju/ en\gh to break 8 
promises 9 contempt ( ! e/eem ( m51 w n 
be m fai?ful = hav+ tak5 all ! ,gods z  
witnesses to 8 oa?s4 ,^? :o rank        
!mselves above ! judgm5ts ( m51 w soon  
put !mselves above ! judgm5ts ( ,god4   
,are n pr9ces1 ( all mortals1 ! mo/     
prompt 9 tak+ oa?s1 & ! mo/ prompt 9    
violat+ !m8     ,,cxciv4--,,refutation  
,,( ,,! ,,ass]tion ,,t ,,religion ,,is  
,,necess>y ,,= ,,! ,,masses4  ,religion1
 !y tell u1 is necess>y = ! masses2 t   
?\gh enlight5$ p]sons may n ne$ re/ra9t 

^u _! op9ions1 x is necess>y at lea/ = !
 common p1 9 :om education has n        
develop$ reason4 ,is x true1 !n1 t      
religion is a re/ra9t = ! p8 ,d we see t
 ?is religion prev5ts !m f intemp]ance1 
drunk5ness1 brutality1 viol5ce1 frauds1 
& all k9ds ( excesses8  ,c\ld a p :o _h 
no idea ( ! ,deity1 conduct itself 9 a m
 dete/able mann] ?an _m believ+ p 9 :om 
we see dissolute habits1 & ! vices mo/  
unwor?y ( rational be+s8 ,d we n see !  
artisan or ! man ( ! p g f 8 *ur* &     
plunge headlong into 8 usual excesses1  
p]suad+ himself all ! :ile t 8 p]iodical
 homage to ,god gives him ! "r to foll[ 
)\t remorse 8 vici\s practices &        
habitual incl9ations8 ,if ! p are gross 
& ignorant1 is n _! /upidity due to !   
neglig5ce ( ! pr9ces :o d n att5d to !  
public education1 or :o oppose !        
in/ruction ( _! subjects8 ,f9ally1 is n 
! irrationality ( ! p pla9ly ! "w ( !   
prie/s1 :o1 in/ead ( int]e/+ !m 9 a     
rational morality1 d no?+ b ent]ta9 !m )
 fables1 phantoms1 intrigues1           

obs]vances1 idle fancies1 & false       
virtues1 ^u :i* !y claim t ev]y?+       
dep5ds8  ,religion is1 = ! p1 b a va9   
att5dance ^u c]emonies1 to :i* !y cl+ f 
habit1 :i* amuses _! eyes1 :i* enliv5s  
tempor>ily _! sleepy m9ds1 )\t influ5c+ 
! conduct1 & )\t correct+ _! morals4 ,by
 ! confession ev5 ( ! m9i/]s at ! alt>s1
 no?+ is m r>e ?an ! int]ior & spiritual
 religion1 :i* is alone capable (       
regulat+ ! life ( man1 & ( triumph+ ov] 
8 incl9ations4 ,9 good fai?1 among ! mo/
 num]\s & ! mo/ devotional p1 are !re _m
 capable ( und]/&+ ! pr9ciples ( _!     
religi\s sy/em1 & :o f9d !m ( suffici5t 
/r5g? to /ifle _! p]v]se incl9ations8   
,_m p w tell u t x is bett] to h "s k9d 
( a re/ra9t ?an none at all4 ,!y w      
pret5d t if religion does n control !   
great mass1 x s]ves at lea/ to re/ra9 "s
 individuals1 :o1 )\t x1 w\ld ab&on     
!mselves to crime )\t remorse4 ,no d\bt 
x is necess>y = m5 to h a re/ra9t2 b !y 
d n ne$ an imag9>y "o2 !y ne$ true &    
visible re/ra9ts2 !y ne$ real fe>s1 :i* 

are mu* bett] to re/ra9 !m ?an panic    
t]rors & idle fancies4 ,religion        
fright5s b a few pusillanim\s m9ds1 ^:  
weakness ( "* already r5d]s !m little to
 be dread$ by _! fell[-citiz5s4 ,an     
equitable gov]nm5t1 sev]e laws1 a s\nd  
morality1 w apply equally to ev]ybody2 e
 "o w\ld be =c$ to believe 9 x1 & w\ld  
feel ! dang] ( n con=m+ to x4           
,,cxcv4--,,e ,,rational ,,sy/em ,,is ,,n
 ,,made ,,= ,,! ,,multitude4  ,we may be
 ask$ if a!ism c suit ! multitude8 ,i   
reply1 t e sy/em :i* dem&s discussion is
 n = ! multitude4 ,:at use is !re1 !n1 9
 prea*+ a!ism8 ,x c at lea/ make ^? :o  
reason1 feel t no?+ is m extravagant ?an
 to make ourselves uneasy1 & no?+ m     
unju/ ?an to cause anxiety to o!rs on   
acc\nt ( conjectures1 de/itute ( all    
f\ndation4 ,z to ! common man1 :o nev]  
reasons1 ! argum5ts ( an a!i/ are no    
bett] suit$ to him ?an a philosoph]'s   
hypo!sis1 an a/ronom]'s obs]vations1 a  
*emi/'s exp]im5ts1 a geomet]'s          
calculations1 a physician's exam9ations1

 an ar*itect's designs1 or a lawy]'s    
plead+s1 :o all labor = ! p )\t _! k4   
,! metaphysical argum5ts ( !ology1 & !  
religi\s disputes :i* h occupi$ = s long
 _m pr(\nd visioni/s1 are !y made any m 
= ! common man ?an ! argum5ts ( an a!i/8
 ,m ?an ?is1 ! pr9ciples ( a!ism1 f\nd$ 
^u common s5se1 are !y n m intelligible 
?an ^? ( a !ology :i* we see bri/l+ )   
insolvable difficulties1 ev5 = ! mo/    
active m9ds8 ,! p 9 e c\ntry h a        
religion :i* !y d n und]/&1 :i* !y d n  
exam9e1 & :i* !y foll[ b by r\t9e2 _!   
prie/s alone occupy !mselves ) ! !ology 
:i* is too sublime = !m4 ,if1 by        
accid5t1 ! p %\ld lose ?is unkn[n       
!ology1 !y c\ld console !m selves = !   
loss ( a ?+ :i* is n only entirely      
useless1 b :i* produces among !m v      
dang]\s ebullitions4  ,x w\ld be v      
fooli% to write = ! common man or to    
attempt to cure 8 prejudices all at     
once4 ,we write b = ^? :o read & reason2
 ! p read b little1 & reason less4      
,s5sible & peaceable p enlight5         

!mselves2 _! light spreads itself       
gradually1 & 9 "t rea*es ! p4 ,on ! o!r 
h&1 ^? :o deceive m51 d !y n (t5 take ! 
tr\ble !mselves ( undeceiv+ !m8         
,,cxcvi4--,,futility ,,& ,,dang] ,,(    
,,!ology4 ,,wise ,,c\nsels ,,to         
,,pr9ces4  ,if !ology is a bran* (      
comm]ce useful to !ologians1 x has be5  
demon/rat$ to be sup]flu\s & injuri\s to
 ! re/ ( society4 ,! int]e/s ( m5 w     
succe$ 9 op5+ _! eyes soon] or lat]4 ,! 
sov]eigns & ! p w "s day discov] !      
indiff]5ce & ! contempt t a futile      
sci5ce des]ves :i* s]ves b to tr\ble m5 
)\t mak+ !m bett]4 ,!y w feel !         
uselessness ( _m exp5sive practices1 :i*
 d n at all contribute to public welf>e2
 !y w blu% at _m pitiful qu>rels1 :i* w 
cease to di/urb ! tranquillity ( !      
,/ates z soon z !y cease to atta* any   
importance to !m4  ,pr9ces6 in/ead (    
tak+ "p 9 ! s5seless cont5tions ( y\r   
prie/s1 in/ead ( esp\s+ fooli%ly _!     
imp]t95t qu>rels1 in/ead ( /riv+ to br+ 
all y\r subjects to uni=m op9ions1      

occupy y\rselves ) _! happ9ess 9 ?is _w1
 & d n tr\ble y\rselves ab\t ! fate :i* 
awaits !m 9 ano!r4 ,gov]n !m ju/ly1 give
 !m good laws1 respect _! lib]ty & _!   
prop]ty1 sup]9t5d _! education1 enc\rage
 !m 9 _! labors1 rew>d _! tal5ts & _!   
virtues1 repress _! lic5ti\sness1 & d n 
tr\ble y\rselves ^u :at !y ?9k ab\t     
objects useless to !m & to y4 ,!n y w no
 long] ne$ fictions to make y\rselves   
obey$2 y w become ! only guides ( y\r   
subjects2 _! ideas w be uni=m ab\t !    
feel+s ( love & respect :i* w be y\r    
due4 ,!ological fables are useful b to  
tyrants1 :o d n und]/& ! art ( rul+ ov] 
reasonable be+s4     ,,cxcvii4--,,fatal 
,,effects ,,( ,,religion ,,^u ,,! ,,p   
,,& ,,! ,,pr9ces4  ,does x require !    
ef=ts ( g5ius to compreh5d t :at is     
beyond man1 is n made = m52 t :at is    
sup]natural1 is n made = natural be+s2 t
 imp5etrable my/]ies are n made = limit$
 m9ds8 ,if !ologians are fooli% en\gh to
 dispute ab\t subjects :i* !y ackn[l$ge 
to be un9telligible to !mselves1 %\ld   

society take a "p 9 _! fooli% qu>rels8  
,mu/ human blood fl[ 9 ord] to give     
value to ! conjectures ( a few ob/9ate  
visioni/s8 ,if x is v difficult to cure 
! !ologians ( _! mania & ! p ( _!       
prejudices1 x is at lea/ v easy to      
prev5t ! extravagances ( ! "o & ! folly 
( ! o!r f produc+ p]nici\s effects4 ,let
 ea* "o be all[$ to ?9k z he *ooses1 b  
let him n be all[$ to annoy o!rs = _!   
mode ( ?9k+4 ,if ! *iefs ( nations 7 m j
 & m s5sible1 !ological op9ions w\ld n  
di/urb ! public tranquillity any m ?an !
 disputes ( philosoph]s1 physicians1    
gramm>ians1 & ( critics4 ,x is ! tyranny
 ( pr9ces :i* makes !ological qu>rels h 
s]i\s consequ5ces4 ,:5 k+s %all cease to
 m$dle ) !ology1 !ological qu>rels w no 
long] be a ?+ to fe>4  ,^? :o boa/ s mu*
 ^u ! importance & usefulness (         
religion1 ought to %[ u its b5eficial   
results1 & ! advantages t ! disputes &  
ab/ract speculations ( !ology c br+ to  
port]s1 to artisans1 to f>m]s1 to       
fi%mong]s1 to wom51 & to s _m deprav$   

s]vants1 ) :om ! l>ge cities are fill$4 
,p ( ?is k9d are all religi\s1 !y h     
implicit fai?2 _! prie/s believe = !m2  
!y accept a fai? unkn[n to _! guides2 !y
 li/5 assidu\sly to s]mons2 !y assi/    
regul>ly 9 c]emonies2 !y ?9k x a great  
crime to transgress ! ord9ances to :i* f
 *ildhood !y h be5 taught to con=m4 ,:at
 good to morality results f all ?is8    
,none :atev]2 !y h no idea ( morality1 &
 y see !m indulge 9 all k9ds ( rogu]ies1
 frauds1 rap9e1 & excesses :i* ! law    
does n puni%4 ,! masses1 9 tru?1 h no   
idea ( religion2 :at is call$ religion1 
is b a bl9d atta*m5t to unkn[n op9ions &
 my/]i\s deal+s4 ,9 fact1 to deprive ! p
 ( religion1 is depriv+ !m ( no?+4 ,if  
we %\ld succe$ 9 de/roy+ _! prejudices1 
we w\ld b dim9i% or annihilate ! dang]\s
 confid5ce :i* !y h 9 self-int]e/$      
guides1 & tea* !m to bew>e ( ^? :o1 "u !
 pretext ( religion1 v (t5 lead !m into 
fatal excesses4                         
,,cxcviii4--,,cont9uation4  ,"u pretext 
( in/ruct+ & enlight5+ m51 religion     

really holds !m 9 ignorance1 & deprives 
!m ev5 ( ! desire ( und]/&+ ! objects   
:i* int]e/ !m ! mo/4 ,!re exi/s = ! p no
 o!r rule ( conduct ?an t :i* _! prie/s 
indicate to !m4 ,religion takes ! place 
( ev]y?+2 b be+ 9 d>kness itself1 x has 
a great] t5d5cy to misguide mortals1 ?an
 to guide !m 9 ! way ( sci5ce &         
happ9ess4 ,philosophy1 morality1        
legislation1 & politics are to !m       
enigmas4 ,man1 bl9d$ by religi\s        
prejudices1 f9ds x impossible to und]/& 
8 own nature1 to cultivate 8 reason1 to 
make exp]im5ts2 he fe>s tru? z soon z x 
does n agree ) 8 op9ions4 ,ev]y?+ t5ds  
to r5d] ! p dev\t1 b all is oppos$ to _!
 be+ humane1 reasonable1 & virtu\s4     
,religion seems to h = its object only  
to blunt ! feel+ & to dull ! intellig5ce
 ( m54  ,! w> :i* always exi/$ betwe5 ! 
prie/s & ! be/ m9ds ( all ages1 comes f 
?is1 t ! wise m5 p]ceiv$ ! fett]s :i*   
sup]/ition wi%$ to place ^u ! human m9d1
 :i* x fa9 w\ld keep 9 et]nal infancy1 t
 x might be occupi$ ) fables1 burd5$ )  

t]rors1 & fright5$ by phantoms :i* w\ld 
prev5t x f progress+4 ,incapable (      
p]fect+ itself1 !ology oppos$           
insurm\ntable b>ri]s to ! progress (    
true k2 x seem$ to be occupi$ b ) ! c>e 
to keep ! nations & _! *iefs 9 ! mo/    
pr(\nd ignorance ( _! true int]e/s1 ( _!
 relations1 ( _! duties1 ( ! real       
motives :i* c lead !m to prosp]ity2 x   
does b obscure morality2 r5d]s its      
pr9ciples arbitr>y1 subjects x to !     
caprices ( ! ,gods1 or ( _! m9i/]s2 x   
conv]ts ! art ( gov]n+ m5 into a my/]i\s
 tyranny :i* becomes ! sc\rge ( nations2
 x *anges ! pr9ces into unju/ & lic5ti\s
 despots1 & ! p into ignorant slaves1 :o
 corrupt !mselves 9 ord] to obta9 !     
favor ( _! ma/]s4     ,,cxcix4--,,hi/ory
 ,,tea*es ,,u ,,t ,,all ,,religions ,,7 
,,e/abli%$ ,,by ,,! ,,aid ,,(           
,,ignorance1 ,,& ,,by ,,m5 ,,:o ,,_h    
,,?u ,,effront]y ,,to ,,/yle ,,!mselves 
,,! ,,envoys ,,( ,,div9ity4  ,if we take
 ! tr\ble to foll[ ! hi/ory ( ! human   
m9d1 we w discov] t !ology took c>e n to

 ext5d its limits4 ,x began by repeat+  
fables1 :i* x claim$ to be sacr$ tru?s2 
x gave bir? to poesy1 :i* fill$ ! p's   
imag9ation ) pu]ile fictions2 x ent]ta9$
 !m b ) its ,gods & _! incr$ible feats2 
9 a ^w1 religion always treat$ m5 l     
*ildr51 :om !y put to sleep ) tales t _!
 m9i/]s w\ld l /ill to pass z           
inconte/able tru?s4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( !    
,gods sometimes made useful discov]ies1 
!y always took c>e to hide !m 9 enigmas 
& to envelope !m 9 %ad[s ( my/]y4 ,!    
,py?agorases & ! ,platos1 9 ord] to     
acquire "s futile atta9m5ts1 7 oblig$ to
 crawl to ! feet ( ! prie/s1 to become  
initiat$ into _! my/]ies1 to submit to !
 te/s :i* !y desir$ to impose ^u !m2 x  
is at ?is co/ t !y 7 p]mitt$ to draw f !
 f\nta9-head _! exalt$ ideas1 s s$uc+   
/ill to all ^? :o admire :at is         
un9telligible4 ,x 0 among ,egyptian1    
,indian1 ,*aldean prie/s2 x 0 9 ! s*ools
 ( ^! dream]s1 int]e/$ by pr(ession 9   
de?ron+ human reason1 t philosophy 0    
oblig$ to borr[ its fir/ rudim5ts4      

,obscure or false 9 its pr9ciples1 m+l$ 
) fictions & fables1 solely made to     
s$uce imag9ation1 ?is philosophy        
progress$ b wav]+ly1 & in/ead (         
enlight5+ ! m9d1 x bl9d$ x1 & turn$ x   
away f useful objects4 ,! !ological     
speculations & my/ical rev]ies ( !      
anci5ts h1 ev5 9 our days1 ! mak+ ( !   
law 9 a great "p ( ! philosophical _w4  
,adopt$ by mod]n !ology1 we c sc>cely   
deviate f !m )\t h]esy2 !y ent]ta9 u )  
a]ial be+s1 ) spirits1 angels1 demons1  
g5ii1 & o!r phantoms1 :i* are ! object (
 ! m$itations ( our mo/ pr(\nd ?9k]s1 & 
:i* s]ve z a basis to metaphysics1 an   
ab/ract & futile sci5ce1 ^u :i* !       
greate/ g5iuses h va9ly ex]cis$ !mselves
 = ?\s&s ( ye>s4 ,?us hypo!ses1 inv5t$  
by a few visioni/s ( ,memphis & (       
,babylon1 cont9ue to be ! basis ( a     
sci5ce rev]$ = ! obscurity :i* makes x  
pass z m>vel\s & ,div9e4 ,! fir/        
legislators ( nations 7 prie/s2 ! fir/  
my?ologi/s & poets 7 prie/s2 ! fir/     
philosoph]s 7 prie/s2 ! fir/ physicians 

7 prie/s4 ,9 _! h&s sci5ce became a     
sacr$ ?+1 prohibit$ to ! pr(ane2 !y     
spoke only by allegories1 emblems1      
enigmas1 & ambigu\s oracles--means      
well-suit$ to excite curiosity1 to put  
to "w ! imag9ation1 & especially to     
inspire 9 ! ignorant man a holy respect 
= ^? :om he believ$ in/ruct$ by ,heav51 
capable ( read+ ! de/9ies ( e>?1 & :o   
boldly pret5d$ to be ! organs (         
,div9ity4     ,,cc4--,,all ,,religions1 
,,anci5t ,,& ,,mod]n1 ,,h ,,mutually    
,,borr[$ ,,_! ,,ab/ract ,,rev]ies ,,&   
,,_! ,,ridicul\s ,,practices4  ,!       
religions ( ^! anci5t prie/s h          
disappe>$1 or1 r1 !y h *ang$ _! =m4     
,al?\gh our mod]n !ologians reg>d !     
anci5t prie/s z impo/ors1 !y h tak5 c>e 
to ga!r up ! scatt]$ fragm5ts ( _!      
religi\s sy/ems1 ! :ole ( :i* does n    
exi/ any long] = u2 we w f9d 9 our mod]n
 religions1 n only ! metaphysical dogmas
 :i* !ology has b dress$ 9 ano!r =m1 b  
we /ill f9d rem>kable rema9s ( _!       
sup]/iti\s practices1 ( _! !urgy1 ( _!  

magic1 ( _! en*antm5ts4  ,*ri/ians are  
/ill comm&$ to reg>d ) respect !        
monum5ts ( ! legislators1 ! prie/s1 & ! 
prophets ( ! ,hebrew religion1 :i*1     
accord+ to appe>ances1 has borr[$ f     
,egypt ! fanta/ic notions ) :i* we see x
 fill$4 ,?us ! extravagances inv5t$ by  
frauds or idolatr\s visioni/s1 are /ill 
reg>d$ z sacr$ op9ions by ! ,*ri/ians6  
,if we b look at hi/ory1 we see /rik+   
resemblances 9 all religions4 ,ev]y:]e  
on e>? we f9d religi\s ideas p]iodically
 afflict+ & rejoic+ ! p2 ev]y:]e we see 
rites1 practices (t5 abom9able1 &       
=midable my/]ies occupy+ ! m9d1 & becom+
 objects ( m$itation4 ,we see ! diff]5t 
sup]/itions borr[+ f ea* o!r _! ab/ract 
rev]ies & _! c]emonies4 ,religions are  
g5]ally un=m$ rhapsodies comb9$ by new  
,doctors ( ,div9ity1 :o1 9 compos+ !m1 h
 us$ ! mat]ials ( _! pr$ecessors1 res]v+
 ! "r ( add+ or subtract+ :at suits or  
does n suit _! pres5t views4 ,! religion
 ( ,egypt s]v$ evid5tly z a basis = !   
religion ( ,moses1 :o expung$ f x !     

wor%ip ( idols4 ,moses 0 b an ,egyptian 
s*ismatic1 ,*ri/ianity is b a re=m$     
,judaism4 ,mohamm$anism is compos$ (    
,judaism1 ( ,*ri/ianity1 & ( ! anci5t   
religion ( ,arabia4     ,,cci4--,,!ology
 ,,has ,,always ,,turn$ ,,philosophy ,,f
 ,,its ,,true ,,c\rse4  ,f ! mo/ remote 
p]iod !ology alone regulat$ ! m>* (     
philosophy4 ,:at aid has x l5t x8 ,x    
*ang$ x into an un9telligible j>gon1 :i*
 only _h a t5d5cy to r5d] ! cle>e/ tru? 
unc]ta92 x conv]t$ ! art ( reason+ into 
a sci5ce ( words2 x ?rew ! human m9d    
into ! a]ial regions ( metaphysics1 :]e 
x unsuccessfully occupi$ itself 9 s\nd+ 
useless & dang]\s abysses4 ,= physical &
 simple causes1 ?is philosophy sub/itut$
 sup]natural causes1 or1 r1 causes truly
 occult2 x expla9$ difficult ph5om5a by 
ag5ts m inconceivable ?an ^! ph5om5a2 x 
fill$ disc\rse ) words void ( s5se1     
incapable ( giv+ ! reason ( ?+s1 bett]  
suit$ to obscure ?an to enlight51 & :i* 
seem inv5t$ b to disc\rage man1 to gu>d 
him aga9/ ! p[]s ( 8 own m9d1 to make   

him di/ru/ ! pr9ciples ( reason &       
evid5ce1 & to surr\nd ! tru? ) an       
insurm\ntable b>ri]4                    
,,ccii4---,,!ology ,,nei!r ,,expla9s    
,,nor ,,enlight5s ,,any?+ ,,9 ,,! ,,_w  
,,or ,,9 ,,nature4  ,if we w\ld believe 
! adh]5ts ( religion1 no?+ c\ld be      
explicable 9 ! _w )\t x2 nature w\ld be 
a cont9ual enigma2 x w\ld be impossible 
= man to compreh5d himself4 ,b1 at !    
bottom1 :at does ?is religion expla9 to 
u8 ,! m we exam9e x1 ! m we f9d t       
!ological notions are fit b to p]plex   
all our ideas2 !y *ange all into        
my/]ies2 !y expla9 to u difficult ?+s by
 impossible ?+s4 ,is x1 !n1 expla9+ ?+s 
to attribute !m to unkn[n ag5cies1 to   
invisible p[]s1 to immat]ial causes8 ,is
 x really enlight5+ ! human m9d :51 9   
its emb>rassm5t1 x is direct$ to ! dep?s
 ( ! treasures ( ,div9e ,wisdom1 ^u :i* 
!y tell u x is 9 va9 = u to turn our    
bold reg>ds8 ,c ! ,div9e ,nature1 :i* we
 "k no?+ ab\t1 make u und]/& man's      
nature1 :i* we f9d s difficult to       

expla98  ,ask a ,*ri/ian philosoph] :at 
is ! orig9 ( ! _w4 ,he w answ] t ,god   
creat$ ! univ]se4 ,:at is ,god8 ,we d n 
"k any?+ ab\t x4 ,:at is x to create8   
,we h no idea ( x6 ,:at is ! cause (    
pe/il5ces1 fam9es1 w>s1 /]ility1        
inundations1 e>?quakes8 ,x is ,god's    
wra?4 ,:at rem$ies c prev5t ^!          
calamities8 ,pray]s1 sacrifices1        
processions1 (f]+s1 c]emonies1 are1 we  
are told1 ! true means to dis>m         
,cele/ial fury4 ,b :y is ,heav5 angry8  
,because m5 are wick$4 ,:y are m5 wick$8
 ,because _! nature is corrupt4 ,:at is 
! cause ( ?is corruption8 ,x is1 a      
!ologian ( enlight5$ ,europe w reply1   
because ! fir/ man 0 s$uc$ by ! fir/    
woman to eat ( an apple :i* 8 ,god _h   
=bidd5 him to t\*4 ,:o induc$ ?is woman 
to d su* a folly8 ,! ,devil4 ,:o creat$ 
! ,devil8 ,god6 ,:y did ,god create ?is 
,devil de/9$ to p]v]t ! human race8 ,we 
"k no?+ ab\t x2 x is a my/]y hidd5 9 !  
bosom ( ! ,deity4  ,does ! e>? revolve  
ar\nd ! sun8 ,two c5turies ago a dev\t  

philosoph] w\ld h repli$ t su* a ?\ght 0
 blasphemy1 because su* a sy/em c\ld n  
agree ) ! ,holy ,book1 :i* e ,*ri/ian   
rev]es z inspir$ by ! ,deity ,himself4  
,:at is ! op9ion to-day ab\t x8 ,not)/&+
 ,div9e ,inspiration1 ! ,*ri/ian        
philosoph]s f9ally conclud$ to rely ^u  
evid5ce r ?an ^u ! te/imony ( _! inspir$
 books4  ,:at is ! hidd5 pr9ciple ( !   
actions & ( ! motions ( ! human body8 ,x
 is ! s\l4 ,:at is a s\l8 ,x is a _s4   
,:at is a _s8 ,x is a sub/ance :i* has  
nei!r =m1 color1 expansion1 nor p>ts4   
,h[ c we conceive ( su* a sub/ance8 ,h[ 
c x move a body8 ,we "k no?+ ab\t x4 ,h 
brutes s\ls8 ,! ,c>?usian assures y t !y
 are ma*9es4 ,b d we n see !m act1 feel1
 & ?9k 9 a mann] :i* resembles t ( m58  
,?is is a pure illusion1 y say4 ,b :y d 
y deprive ! brutes ( s\ls1 :i*1 )\t     
und]/&+ x1 y attribute to m58 ,x is t ! 
s\ls ( ! brutes w\ld emb>rass our       
!ologians1 :o1 cont5t ) ! p[] ( fright5+
 & damn+ ! immortal s\ls ( m51 d n take 
! same int]e/ 9 damn+ ^? ( ! brutes4    

,su* are ! pu]ile solutions :i*         
philosophy1 always guid$ by ! lead+-/r+s
 ( !ology1 0 oblig$ to br+ =? to expla9 
! problems ( ! physical & moral _w4     
,,cciii4--,,h[ ,,!ology ,,has ,,fett]$  
,,human ,,morals ,,& ,,ret>d$ ,,!       
,,progress ,,( ,,enlight5m5t1 ,,(       
,,reason1 ,,& ,,( ,,tru?4  ,h[ _m       
subt]fuges & m5tal gymna/ics all !      
anci5t & mod]n ?9k]s h employ$1 9 ord]  
to avoid fall+ out ) ! m9i/]s ( ! ,gods1
 :o 9 all ages 7 ! true tyrants ( ?\ght6
 ,h[ ,desc>tes1 ,malebran*e1 ,leibnitz1 
& _m o!rs h be5 compell$ to inv5t       
hypo!ses & evasions 9 ord] to reconcile 
_! discov]ies ) ! rev]ies & ! blund]s   
:i* religion _h r5d]$ sacr$6 ,) :at     
prev>ications h n ! greate/ philosoph]s 
gu>d$ !mselves ev5 at ! risk ( be+      
absurd1 inconsi/5t1 & un9telligible     
:5ev] _! ideas did n correspond ) !     
pr9ciples ( !ology6 ,vigilant prie/s 7  
always ready to ext+ui% sy/ems :i* c\ld 
n be made to tally ) _! int]e/s4 ,!ology
 9 e age has be5 ! b$ ( ,procru/es ^u   

:i* ?is brig& ext5d$ 8 victims2 he cut  
(f ! limbs :5 !y 7 too long1 or /ret*$  
!m by horses :5 !y 7 %ort] ?an ! b$ ^u  
:i* he plac$ !m4  ,:at s5sible man :o   
has a love = sci5ce1 & is int]e/$ 9 !   
welf>e ( humanity1 c reflect )\t sorr[ &
 pa9 ^u ! loss ( s _m pr(\nd1 labori\s1 
& subtle heads1 :o1 = _m c5turies1 h    
fooli%ly exhau/$ !mselves ^u idle       
fancies t prov$ to be injuri\s to our   
race8 ,:at light c\ld h be5 ?r[n into ! 
m9ds ( _m fam\s ?9k]s1 if1 in/ead (     
occupy+ !mselves ) a useless !ology1 &  
its imp]t95t disputes1 !y _h turn$ _!   
att5tion ^u intelligible & truly        
important objects4 ,half ( ! ef=ts t x  
co/ ! g5ius t 0 able to =ge _! religi\s 
op9ions1 half ( ! exp5se :i* _! frivol\s
 wor%ip co/ ! nations1 w\ld h suffic$ to
 enlight5 !m p]fectly ^u morality1      
politics1 philosophy1 m$ic9e1           
agriculture1 etc4 ,sup]/ition ne>ly     
always absorbs ! att5tion1 ! admiration1
 & ! treasures ( ! p2 !y h a v exp5sive 
religion2 b !y h = _! money1 nei!r      

light1 virtue1 nor happ9ess4            
,,cciv4--,,cont9uation4  ,"s anci5t &   
mod]n philosoph]s h _h ! c\rage to      
accept exp]i5ce & reason z _! guides1 & 
to %ake (f ! *a9s ( sup]/ition4         
,lucippe1 ,democritus1 ,epicurus1       
,/raton1 & "s o!r ,greeks1 d>$ to te>   
away ! ?ick veil ( prejudice1 & to      
deliv] philosophy f !ological fett]s4 ,b
 _! sy/ems1 too simple1 too s5sible1 &  
too /ripp$ ( wond]s = ! lov]s ( fancy1 7
 oblig$ to surr5d] to ! fabul\s         
conjectures ( ,plato1 ,socrates1 & ,z5o4
 ,among ! mod]ns1 ,hobbes1 ,sp9oza1     
,bayle1 & o!rs h foll[$ ! pa? (         
,epicurus1 b _! doctr9e f\nd b few      
vot>ies 9 a _w /ill too mu* infatuat$ ) 
fables to li/5 to reason4  ,9 all ages  
"o c\ld n1 )\t imm95t dang]1 lay aside !
 prejudices :i* op9ion _h r5d]$ sacr$4  
,no "o 0 p]mitt$ to make discov]ies (   
any k9d2 all t ! mo/ enlight5$ m5 c\ld d
 0 to speak & write ) hidd5 mean+2 &    
(t51 by a c[>dly complaisance1 to       
%amefully ally falsehood ) tru?4 ,a few 

( !m _h a d\ble doctr9e--"o public & !  
o!r secret4 ,! key ( ?is la/ hav+ be5   
lo/1 _! true s5tim5ts (t5 became        
un9telligible &1 consequ5tly1 useless to
 u4 ,h[ c\ld mod]n philosoph]s :o1 be+  
?reat5$ ) ! mo/ cruel p]secution1 7     
call$ ^u to r5\nce reason & to submit to
 fai?--t is to say1 to prie/ly          
au?ority--,i say1 h[ c\ld m5 ?us fett]$ 
give free flight to _! g5ius1 p]fect    
reason1 or ha/5 human progress8 ,x 0 b 9
 fe> & trembl+ t ! greate/ m5 obta9$    
glimpses ( tru?2 !y r>ely _h ! c\rage to
 ann\nce x2 ^? :o d>$ to d x h g5]ally  
be5 puni%$ = _! tem]ity4 ,?anks to      
religion1 x 0 nev] p]mitt$ to ?9k al\d  
or to combat ! prejudices ( :i* man is  
ev]y:]e ! victim or ! dupe4             
,,ccv4--,,we ,,c\ld ,,n ,,repeat ,,too  
,,(t5 ,,h[ ,,extravagant ,,& ,,fatal    
,,religion ,,is4  ,e man :o has !       
boldness to ann\nce tru?s to ! _w1 is   
sure to receive ! hatr$ ( ! prie/s2 !   
latt] l\dly call ^u ! p[]s t be1 =      
assi/ance2 !y ne$ ! assi/ance ( k+s to  

su/a9 _! argum5ts & _! ,gods4 ,^!       
clamors %[ ! weakness ( _! cause4  ,!y  
are 9 emb>rassm5t :5 !y cry = help4  ,x 
is n p]mitt$ to err 9 ! matt] (         
religion2 on e o!r subject we c be      
deceiv$ ) impunity2 we pity ^? :o g     
a/ray1 & we h "s lik+ = ! p]sons :o     
discov] tru?s new to u4 ,b z soon z     
!ology supposes itself conc]n$1 be x 9  
errors or discov]ies1 a holy zeal is    
k9dl$2 ! sov]eigns ext]m9ate2 ! p fly   
into fr5zy2 & ! nations are all /irr$ up
 )\t kn[+ :y4 ,is !re any?+ m afflict+  
?an to see public & individual welf>e   
dep5d ^u a futile sci5ce1 :i* is void ( 
pr9ciples1 :i* has no /&+ gr\nd b       
imag9ation1 & :i* pres5ts to ! m9d b    
words void ( s5se8 ,:at good is a       
religion :i* no "o und]/&s2 :i*         
cont9ually torm5ts ^? :o tr\ble !mselves
 ab\t x2 :i* is incapable ( r5d]+ m5    
bett]2 & :i* (t5 gives !m ! cr$it ( be+ 
unju/ & wick$8 ,is !re a m deplorable   
folly1 & "o t ought m to be abat$1 ?an t
 :i*1 f> f do+ any good to ! human race1

 does b bl9d x1 cause transports1 & r5d]
 x mis]able1 depriv+ x ( tru?1 :i* alone
 c s(t5 ! rigor ( fate8                 
,,ccvi4--,,religion ,,is ,,p&ora',s     
,,box1 ,,& ,,?is ,,fatal ,,box ,,is     
,,op54  ,religion has 9 e age kept !    
human m9d 9 d>kness & held x 9 ignorance
 ( its true relations1 ( its real duties
 & its true int]e/s4 ,x is b 9 remov+   
its cl\ds & phantoms t we may f9d !     
s\rces ( tru?1 reason1 morality1 & !    
actual motives :i* inspire virtue4 ,?is 
religion puts u on ! wrong track = !    
causes ( our evils1 & ! natural rem$ies 
:i* we c apply4 ,f> f cur+ !m1 x c b    
multiply !m & r5d] !m m durable4  ,let  
u1 !n1 say1 ) ! celebrat$ ,"l           
,bol+broke1 9 8 po/hum\s works3 ,!ology 
is ! ,box ( ,p&ora2 & if x is impossible
 to close x1 x is at lea/ useful to give
 w>n+ t ?is fatal box is op54           
9999999999  ,i believe1 my de> fri5ds1 t
 ,i h giv5 y a suffici5t prev5tative    
aga9/ all ^! follies4 ,y\r reason w d m 
?an my disc\rses1 & ,i s9c]ely wi% t we 

_h only to compla9 ( be+ deceiv$6 ,b    
human blood has fl[$ s9ce ! "t (        
,con/ant9e = ! e/abli%m5t ( ^! horrible 
impositions4 ,! ,roman1 ! ,greek1 & !   
,prote/ant *ur*es by va91 ambiti\s1 &   
hypocritical disputes h ravag$ ,europe1 
,asia1 & ,africa4 ,add to ^! m51 :om ^! 
qu>rels murd]$1 ! multitudes ( monks & (
 nuns1 :o became /]ile by _! pr(ession1 
& y w p]ceive t ! ,*ri/ian religion has 
de/roy$ half ( ! human race4  ,i        
conclude ) ! desire t we may return to  
,nature1 ^: decl>$ enemy ! ,*ri/ian     
religion is1 & :i* necess>ily in/ructs u
 to d unto o!rs z we w\ld wi% !m to d   
unto u4 ,!n ! univ]se w be compos$ (    
good citiz5s1 j fa!rs1 ob$i5t *ildr51   
t5d] fri5ds4 ,nature has giv5 u ?is     
,religion1 9 giv+ u ,reason4 ,may       
fanaticism p]v]t x no m6 ,i die fill$ ) 
^! desires m ?an ) hope4  ,,etrepigny1  
,m>* #ae1 #agcb  ,,john ,,mesli]        
,,ab/ract ,,( ,,! ,,te/am5t ,,( ,,john  
,,mesli]  ,by ,voltaire2  ,,or1         
,,s5tim5ts ,,( ,,! ,,curate ,,(         

,,etrepigny ,,address$ ,,to ,,8         
,,p>i%ion]s4     ,i4--,,( ,,religions4  
,z !re is no "o religi\s d5om9ation :i* 
does n pret5d to be truly f\nd$ ^u !    
au?ority ( ,god1 & entirely exempt f all
 ! errors & impositions :i* are f\nd 9 !
 o!rs1 x is = ^? :o purpose to e/abli% !
 tru? ( ! fai? ( _! sect1 to %[1 by cle>
 & conv9c+ pro(s1 t x is ( ,div9e orig92
 z ?is is lack+1 we mu/ conclude t x is 
b ( human inv5tion1 & full ( errors &   
deceptions2 = x is incr$ible t an       
,omnipot5t & ,inf9itely good ,god w\ld h
 desir$ to give laws & ord9ances to m51 
& n h wi%$ !m to be> bett] au!nticat$   
m>ks ( tru?1 ?an ^? ( ! num]\s impo/ors4
 ,moreov]1 !re is n "o ( our            
,*ri/-wor%ip]s1 ( :atev] sect he may be1
 :o c make u see1 by conv9c+ pro(s1 t 8 
religion is exclusively ( ,div9e orig92 
& = want ( su* pro( !y h be5 = _m       
c5turies conte/+ ?is subject among      
!mselves1 ev5 to p]secut+ ea* o!r by    
fire & sword to ma9ta9 _! op9ions2 !re  
is1 h[ev]1 n "o sect ( !m all :i* c\ld  

conv9ce & p]suade ! o!rs by su*         
witnesses ( tru?2 ?is c]ta9ly w\ld n be1
 if !y _h1 on "o side or ! o!r1 conv9c+ 
pro(s ( ,div9e orig94 ,=1 z no "o ( any 
religi\s sect1 enlight5$ & ( good fai?1 
pret5ds to hold & to favor error &      
falsehood2 & z1 on ! contr>y1 ea*1 on 8 
side1 pret5ds to su/a9 tru?1 ! true     
means ( bani%+ all errors1 & ( unit+ all
 m5 9 peace 9 ! same s5tim5ts & 9 ! same
 =m ( religion1 w\ld be to produce      
conv9c+ pro(s & te/imonies ( ! tru?2 &  
?us %[ t su* religion is ( ,div9e orig91
 & n any ( ! o!rs2 !n ea* "o w\ld accept
 ?is tru?2 & no p]son w\ld d>e to "q ^! 
te/imonies1 or su/a9 ! side ( error &   
imposition1 le/ he %\ld be1 at ! same   
"t1 conf\nd$ by contr>y pro(s3 b1 z ^!  
pro(s are n f\nd 9 any religion1 x gives
 to impo/ors occasion to inv5t & boldly 
su/a9 all k9ds ( falsehoods4  ,"h are   
/ill o!r pro(s1 :i* w n be less evid5t1 
( ! falsity ( human religions1 &        
especially ( ! falsity ( our own4 ,e    
religion :i* relies ^u my/]ies z its    

f\ndation1 & :i* takes1 z a rule ( its  
doctr9e & its morals1 a pr9ciple (      
errors1 & :i* is at ! same "t a s\rce ( 
tr\ble & et]nal divisions among m51 c n 
be a true religion1 nor a ,div9e        
,in/itution4 ,n[1 human religions1      
especially ! ,ca?olic1 e/abli% z ! basis
 ( _! doctr9e & ( _! morals1 a pr9ciple 
( errors2 !n1 x foll[s t ^! religions c 
n be true1 or ( ,div9e orig94 ,i d n see
 t we c d5y ! fir/ proposition ( ?is    
argum5t2 x is too cle> & too evid5t to  
admit ( a d\bt4 ,i pass to ! pro( ( !   
second proposition1 :i* is1 t ! ,*ri/ian
 religion takes = ! rule ( its doctr9e &
 its morals :at !y call fai?1 a bl9d    
tru/1 b yet firm1 & secur$ by "s laws or
 revelations ( "s ,deity4 ,we mu/       
necess>ily suppose t x is ?us1 because x
 is ?is belief 9 "s ,deity & 9 "s ,div9e
 ,revelations1 :i* gives all ! cr$it &  
all ! au?ority t x has 9 ! _w1 & )\t :i*
 we c\ld make no use ( :at x prescribes4
 ,?is is :y !re is no religion :i* does 
n expressly recomm5d its vot>ies to be  

firm 9 _! fai?4 ,e/ate =tes 9 fide6 ,?is
 is ! reason t all ,*ri/ians accept z a 
maxim1 t fai? is ! comm5cem5t & ! basis 
( salvation1 t x is ! root ( all ju/ice 
& ( all sanctification1 z x is express$ 
at ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t4--,sess4 #f1 ,*4   
,,viii4  ,n[ x is evid5t t a bl9d fai? 9
 all :i* is propos$ 9 ! "n & au?ority ( 
,god1 is a pr9ciple ( errors &          
falsehoods4 ,z a pro(1 we see t !re is  
no impo/or 9 ! matt] ( religion1 :o does
 n pret5d to be clo!d ) ! "n & !        
au?ority ( ,god1 & :o does  n claim to  
be especially inspir$ & s5t by ,god4 ,n 
only is ?is fai? & bl9d belief :i* !y   
accept z a basis ( _! doctr9e1 a        
pr9ciple ( errors1 etc41 b x is also a  
s\rce ( tr\ble & division among m5 = !  
ma9t5ance ( _! religion4 ,!re is no     
cruelty :i* !y d n practice ^u ea* o!r  
"u ?is speci\s pretext4  ,n[ !n1 x is n 
cr$ible t an ,almighty1 ,all-,k9d1 &    
,all-,wise ,god desir$ to use su* means 
or su* a deceitful way to in=m m5 ( ,8  
wi%es2 = ?is w\ld be manife/ly desir+ to

 lead !m into error & to lay sn>es 9 _! 
way1 9 ord] to make !m accept ! side (  
falsehood4 ,x is impossible to believe t
 a ,god :o lov$ unity & peace1 ! welf>e 
& ! happ9ess ( m51 w\ld ev] h e/abli%$ z
 ! basis ( ,8 religion1 su* a fatal     
s\rce ( tr\ble & ( et]nal divisions     
among !m4 ,su* religions c n be true1   
nei!r c\ld !y h be5 in/itut$ by ,god4 ,b
 ,i see t our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s w n fail to
 h rec\rse to _! pret5d$ motives =      
cr$ulity1 & t !y w say1 t al?\gh _! fai?
 & belief may be bl9d 9 "o s5se1 !y are 
nev]!less support$ by su* cle> & conv9c+
 te/imonies ( tru?1 t x w\ld be n only  
imprud5ce1 b tem]ity & folly n to       
surr5d] "o's self4 ,!y g5]ally r$uce ^! 
pret5d$ motives to ?ree or f\r lead+    
features4 ,! fir/1 !y draw f ! pret5d$  
hol9ess ( _! religion1 :i* condemns     
vice1 & :i* recomm5ds ! practice (      
virtue4 ,its doctr9e is s pure1 s       
simple1 accord+ to :at !y say1 t x is   
evid5t x c\ld spr+ b f ! sanctity ( an  
inf9itely good & wise ,god4  ,! second  

motive = cr$ulity1 !y draw f ! innoc5ce 
& ! hol9ess ( life 9 ^? :o embrac$ x )  
love1 & def5d$ x by suff]+ dea? & ! mo/ 
cruel torm5ts1 r ?an =sake x3 x n be+   
cr$ible t su* great p]sonages w\ld all[ 
!mselves to be deceiv$ 9 _! belief1 t !y
 w\ld r5\nce all ! advantages ( life1 & 
expose !mselves to su* cruel torm5ts &  
p]secutions1 9 ord] to ma9ta9 errors &  
impositions4 ,_! ?ird motive = cr$ulity1
 !y draw f ! oracles & prophecies :i* h 
s long be5 r5d]$ 9 _! favor1 & :i* !y   
pret5d h be5 accompli%$ 9 a mann] :i*   
p]mits no d\bt4 ,f9ally1 _! f\r? motive 
= cr$ulity1 :i* is ! mo/ important (    
all1 is drawn f ! gr&eur & ! multitude (
 ! miracles p]=m$1 9 all ages1 & 9 e    
place1 9 favor ( _! religion4  ,b x is  
easy to refute all ^! useless reason+s &
 to %[ ! falsity ( all ^! evid5ces4 ,=1 
fir/ly1 ! argum5ts :i* our              
,*ri/-wor%ip]s draw f _! pret5d$ motives
 = cr$ulity c s]ve to e/abli% & confirm 
falsehood z well z tru?2 = we see t !re 
is no religion1 no matt] h[ false x may 

be1 :i* does n pret5d to h a s\nd & true
 doctr9e1 & :i*1 9 its way1 does n      
condemn all vices & recomm5d ! practice 
( all virtues2 !re is n "o :i* has n _h 
firm & zeal\s def5d]s :o h suff]$       
p]secution 9 ord] to ma9ta9 _! religion2
 &1 f9ally1 !re is none :i* does n      
pret5d to h wond]s & miracles t h be5   
p]=m$ 9 _! favor4 ,! ,mohamm$ans1 !     
,indians1 ! hea!n1 z well z ! ,*ri/ians1
 claim miracles 9 _! religions4 ,if our 
,*ri/-wor%ip]s make use ( _! miracles & 
_! prophecies1 !y are f\nd no less 9 !  
,pagan religions ?an 9 !irs4 ,?us !     
advantage we might draw f all ^! motives
 = cr$ulity1 is f\nd ab\t ! same 9 all  
sorts ( religions4 ,?is be+ e/abli%$1 z 
! hi/ory & practice ( all religions     
demon/rate1 x evid5tly foll[s t all ^!  
pret5d$ motives = cr$ulity1 ^u :i* our  
,*ri/-wor%ip]s place s mu* value1 are   
f\nd equally 9 all religions2 &1        
consequ5tly1 c n s]ve z reliable        
evid5ces ( ! tru? ( _! religion m ?an ( 
! tru? ( any o!r4 ,! result is cle>4    

,secondly4 ,9 ord] to give an idea ( !  
resemblance ( ! miracles ( ,paganism to 
^? ( ,*ri/ianity1 c\ld we n say1 =      
example1 t !re w\ld be m reason to      
believe ,philo/ratus 9 :at he recites ( 
! life ( ,apollonius ?an to believe all 
! evangeli/s 9 :at !y say ( ! miracles (
 ,jesus ,*ri/2 because we "k1 at lea/ t 
,philo/ratus 0 a man ( intellig5ce1     
eloqu5ce1 & flu5cy2 t he 0 ! secret>y ( 
! ,empress ,julia1 wife ( ! ,emp]or     
,sev]us1 & t he 0 reque/$ by ?is empress
 to write ! life & ! wond]ful acts (    
,apollonius8 ,x is evid5t t ,apollonius 
r5d]$ himself fam\s by great &          
extraord9>y de$s1 s9ce an empress 0     
suffici5tly int]e/$ 9 !m to desire a    
hi/ory ( 8 life4 ,?is is :at c n be said
 ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 nor ( ^? :o h furni%$ u
 ,8 biography1 = !y 7 b ignorant m5 ( ! 
common p1 poor workm51 fi%]m51 :o _h n  
ev5 ! s5se to relate consi/5tly ! facts 
:i* !y speak (1 & :i* !y mutually       
contradict v (t54 ,9 reg>d to ! ,"o ^:  
life & actions !y describe1 if ,he _h   

really p]=m$ ! miracles attribut$ to    
,him1 ,he w\ld h r5d]$ ,himself notable 
by ,8 beautiful acts2 e "o w\ld h admir$
 ,him1 & !re w\ld be /atues erect$ to   
,him z 0 done = ! ,gods2 b in/ead ( t1  
,he 0 reg>d$ z a man ( no consequ5ce1 z 
a fanatic1 etc4 ,josephus1 ! hi/orian1  
aft] hav+ spok5 ( ! great miracles p]=m$
 9 favor ( 8 nation & 8 religion1       
imm$iately dim9i%es _! cr$ibility &     
r5d]s x suspici\s by say+ t he leaves to
 ea* "o ! lib]ty ( believ+ :at he       
*ooses2 ?is evid5tly %[s t he _h n mu*  
fai? 9 !m4 ,x also gives occasion to ! m
 judici\s to reg>d ! hi/ories :i* speak 
( ?is k9d ( ?+s z fabul\s n>rations4    
,see ,montaigne1 & ! au?or ( ! ,apology 
= ,great ,m54 ,all t c be said ^u ?is   
subject %[s u cle>ly t pret5d$ miracles 
c be inv5t$ to favor vice & falsehood z 
well z ju/ice & tru?4  ,i prove x by !  
evid5ce ( :at ev5 our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s    
call ! ,^w ( ,god1 & by ! evid5ce ( !   
,"o !y adore2 = _! books1 :i* !y claim  
conta9 ! ,^w ( ,god1 & ,*ri/ ,himself1  

:om !y adore z a ,god-made man1 %[ u    
explicitly t !re are n only false       
prophets--t is to say1 impo/ors--:o     
claim to be s5t by ,god1 & :o speak 9 ,8
 "n1 b :i* %[ z explicitly t ^! false   
prophets c p]=m su* great & prodigi\s   
miracles z %all deceive ! v elect4 ,see 
,mat!w1 *apt] xxiv41 v]ses #e1 #ba-bg4  
,m ?an ?is1 all ^! pret5d$ p]=m]s (     
miracles wi% u to put fai? only 9 !m1 & 
n 9 ^? :o belong to an opposite p>ty4   
,on "o occasion "o ( ^! pret5d$         
prophets1 nam$ ,s$ecias1 be+ contradict$
 by ano!r1 nam$ ,mi*ea1 ! =m] /ruck !   
latt] & said to him1 pleasantly1 ,by :at
 way did ! ,_s ( ,god pass f me to y8   
,b h[ c ^! pret5d$ miracles be !        
evid5ces ( tru?8 = x is cle> t !y 7 n   
p]=m$4 ,= x w\ld be necess>y to "k3     
,fir/ly1 ,if ^? :o are said to be ! fir/
 au?ors ( ^! n>rations truly are su*4   
,secondly1 ,if !y 7 hone/ m51 wor?y (   
confid5ce1 wise & enlight5$2 & to "k if 
!y 7 n prejudic$ 9 favor ( ^? ( :om !y  
speak s favorably4 ,?irdly1 ,if !y h    

exam9$ all ! circum/ances ( ! facts :i* 
!y relate2 if !y "k !m well2 & if !y    
make a fai?ful report ( !m4 ,f\r?ly1 ,if
 ! books or ! anci5t hi/ories :i* relate
 all ^! great miracles h n be5 falsifi$ 
& *ang$ 9 c\rse ( "t1 z _m o!rs h be58  
,if we consult ,tacitus & _m o!r        
celebrat$ hi/orians1 9 reg>d to ,moses &
 8 nation1 we %all see t !y are consid]$
 z a horde ( ?ieves & b&its4 ,magic &   
a/rology 7 9 ^? days ! only fa%ionable  
sci5ces2 & z ,moses 01 x is said1       
in/ruct$ 9 ! wisdom ( ! ,egyptians1 x 0 
n difficult = him to inspire v5]ation & 
atta*m5t = himself 9 ! ru/ic & ignorant 
*ildr5 ( ,jacob1 & to induce !m to      
accept1 9 _! mis]y1 ! discipl9e he wi%$ 
to give !m4 ,t is v diff]5t f :at !     
,jews & our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s wi% to make u
 believe4 ,by :at c]ta9 rule c we "k t  
we %\ld put fai? 9 ^! r ?an 9 ! o!rs8   
,!re is no s\nd reason = x4 ,!re is z   
little ( c]ta9ty & ev5 ( probability 9 !
 miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t z 9 ^? ( !  
,old4  ,x w s]ve no purpose to say t !  

hi/ories :i* relate ! facts conta9$ 9 ! 
,gospels h be5 reg>d$ z true & sacr$2 t 
!y h always be5 fai?fully pres]v$ )\t   
any alt]ation ( ! tru?s :i* !y conta92  
s9ce ?is is p]haps ! v reason :y !y %\ld
 be ! m suspect$1 hav+ be5 corrupt$ by  
^? :o drew pr(it f !m1 or :o fe>$ t !y 7
 n suffici5tly favorable to !m4         
,g5]ally1 au?ors :o transcribe ?is k9d (
 hi/ories1 take ! "r to enl>ge or to    
retr5* all !y please1 9 ord] to s]ve _! 
own int]e/s4 ,?is is :at ev5 our        
,*ri/-wor%ip]s c n d5y2 =1 )\t m5tion+  
sev]al o!r important p]sonages :o       
recogniz$ ! additions1 ! retr5*m5ts1 & !
 falsifications :i* h be5 made at       
diff]5t times 9 _! ,holy ,scriptures1 _!
 sa9t ,j]ome1 a fam\s philosoph] among  
!m1 =mally said 9 sev]al passages ( 8   
,prologues1 t !y _h be5 corrupt$ &      
falsifi$2 be+1 ev5 9 8 day1 9 ! h&s (   
all k9ds ( p]sons1 :o add$ & suppress$  
:atev] !y pleas$2 s1 ,?us !re 71 said   
he1 z _m diff]5t models z diff]5t copies
 ( ! ,gospels4  ,9 reg>d to ! books ( ! 

,old ,te/am5t1 ,esdras1 a prie/ ( ! law1
 te/ifies himself to hav+ correct$ &    
complet$ :olly ! pret5d$ sacr$ books ( 8
 law1 :i* _h p>tly be5 lo/ & p>tly      
corrupt$4 ,he divid$ !m into tw5ty-two  
books1 accord+ to ! numb] ( ! ,hebraic  
lett]s1 & wrote sev]al o!r books1 ^:    
doctr9e 0 to be reveal$ to ! le>n$ m5   
alone4 ,if ^! books h be5 p>tly lo/ &   
p>tly corrupt$1 z ,esdras & ,/4 ,j]ome  
te/ify 9 s _m passages1 !re is !n no    
c]ta9ty 9 reg>d to :at !y conta92 & z = 
,esdras say+ he _h correct$ & compil$ !m
 by ! inspiration ( ,god ,himself !re is
 no c]ta9ty ( t1 s9ce !re is no impo/or 
:o w\ld n make ! same claim4 ,all !     
books ( ! law ( ,moses & ( ! prophets   
:i* c\ld be f\nd1 7 burn$ 9 ! days (    
,antio*us4 ,! ,talmud1 consid]$ by !    
,jews z a holy & sacr$ book1 & :i*      
conta9s all ! ,div9e laws1 ) ! s5t5ces &
 notable say+s ( ! ,rabb9s1 ( _!        
int]pretation ( ! ,div9e & ( ! human    
laws1 & a prodigi\s numb] ( o!r secrets 
& my/]ies 9 ! ,hebraic language1 is     

consid]$ by ! ,*ri/ians z a book made up
 ( rev]ies1 fables1 impositions1 &      
ungodl9ess4 ,9 ! ye> #aeei !y burn$ 9   
,rome1 accord+ to ! comm& ( !           
inquisitors ( ! fai?1 twelve hundr$ ( ^!
 ,talmuds1 :i* 7 f\nd 9 a libr>y 9 !    
city ( ,cremona4 ,! ,ph>isees1 a fam\s  
sect among ! ,jews1 accept$ b ! five    
books ( ,moses1 & reject$ all !         
prophets4 ,among ! ,*ri/ians1 ,m>cion & 
8 vot>ies reject$ ! books ( ,moses & !  
prophets1 & introduc$ o!r fa%ionable    
,scriptures4 ,c>pocrates & 8 foll[]s did
 ! same1 & reject$ ! :ole ( ! ,old      
,te/am5t1 & cont5d$ t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 b a
 man l all o!rs4 ,! ,m>cionites         
repudiat$ z bad1 ! :ole ( ! ,old        
,te/am5t1 & reject$ ! great] "p ( ! f\r 
,gospels & ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,!   
,ebionites accept$ b ! ,gospel ( ,/4    
,mat!w1 reject+ ! ?ree o!rs1 & !        
,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,! ,m>cionites    
publi%$ a ,gospel "u ! "n ( ,/4         
,mat?ias1 9 ord] to confirm _! doctr9e4 
,! apo/les introduc$ o!r ,scriptures 9  

ord] to ma9ta9 _! errors2 & to c>ry out 
?is1 !y made use ( c]ta9 ,acts1 :i* !y  
attribut$ to ,/4 ,&rew & to ,/4 ,?omas4 
,! ,mani*eans wrote a gospel ( _! own   
/yle1 & reject$ ! ,scriptures ( !       
prophets & ! apo/les4 ,! ,etzaites sold 
a c]ta9 book :i* !y claim$ to h come f  
,heav52 !y cut up ! o!r ,scriptures     
accord+ to _! fancy4 ,orig5 himself1 )  
all 8 great m9d1 corrupt$ ! ,scriptures 
& =g$ *anges 9 ! allegories :i* did n   
suit him1 ?us corrupt+ ! s5se ( !       
prophets & apo/les1 & ev5 "s ( !        
pr9cipal po9ts ( doctr9e4 ,8 books are  
n[ mutilat$ & falsifi$2 !y are b        
fragm5ts collect$ by o!rs :o h appe>$   
s9ce4 ,! ,ellogians attribut$ to !      
h]etic ,cor9?us ! ,gospel & !           
,apocalypse ( ,/4 ,john2 ?is is :y !y   
reject !m4 ,! h]etics ( our la/ c5turies
 reject z apocryphal sev]al books :i* ! 
,roman ,ca?olics consid] z true &       
sacr$--su* z ! books ( ,tobias1 ,judi?1 
,e/h]1 ,b>u*1 ! ,song ( ! ,?ree ,*ildr5 
9 ! ,furnace1 ! ,hi/ory ( ,susannah1 & t

 ( ! ,idol ,bel1 ! ,wisdom ( ,solomon1  
,ecclesia/icus1 ! fir/ & second book (  
,maccabees2 to :i* unc]ta9 & d\btful    
books we c\ld add sev]al o!rs t h be5   
attribut$ to ! o!r apo/les2 z1 =        
example1 ! ,acts ( ,/4 ,?omas1 8        
,circuits1 8 ,gospel1 & 8 ,apocalypse2 !
 ,gospel ( ,/4 ,b>?olomew1 t ( ,/4      
,mat?ias1 ( ,/4 ,jacques1 ( ,/4 ,pet] & 
( ! ,apo/les1 z also ! ,de$s ( ,/4      
,pet]1 8 book on ,prea*+1 & t ( 8       
,apocalypse2 t ( ! ,judgm5t1 t ( !      
,*ildhood ( ! ,savi\r1 & sev]al o!rs ( !
 same k9d1 :i* are all reject$ z        
apocryphal by ! ,roman ,ca?olics1 ev5 by
 ! ,pope ,gelasee1 & by ! ,s4 ,s4 ,f4   
,f4 ( ! ,romi% ,communion4 ,t :i* mo/   
confirms t !re is no f\ndation ( tru? 9 
reg>d to ! au?ority giv5 to ^! books1 is
 t ^? :o ma9ta9 _! ,div9ity are compell$
 to ackn[l$ge t !y h no c]ta9ty z a     
basis1 if _! fai? did n assure !m &     
oblige !m to believe x4 ,n[1 z fai? is b
 a pr9ciple ( error & impo/ure1 h[ c    
fai?1 t is to say1 a bl9d belief1 r5d] !

 books reliable :i* are !mselves !      
f\ndation ( ?is bl9d belief8 ,:at a pity
 & :at insanity6 ,b let u see if ^!     
books h ( !mselves any feature ( tru?2  
z1 = example1 ( erudition1 ( wisdom1 & (
 hol9ess1 or "s o!r p]fections :i* are  
suit$ only to a ,god2 & if ! miracles   
:i* are cit$ agree ) :at we ought to ?9k
 ( ! gr&eur1 goodness1 ju/ice1 & inf9ite
 wisdom ( an ,omnipot5t ,god4  ,!re is  
no erudition1 no sublime ?\ght1 nor any 
production :i* surpasses ! ord9>y       
capacities ( ! human m9d4 ,on ! contr>y1
 we %all see on "o side fabul\s tales   
simil> to t ( a woman =m$ ( a man's rib2
 ( ! pret5d$ t]re/rial ,p>adise2 ( a    
s]p5t :i* spoke1 :i* reason$1 & :i* 0 m 
cunn+ ?an man2 ( an ass :i* spoke1 &    
reprim&$ its ma/] = ill-treat+ x2 ( a   
univ]sal deluge1 & ( an ark :]e animals 
( all k9ds 7 inclos$2 ( ! confusion (   
languages & ( ! division ( ! nations1   
)\t speak+ ( num]\s o!r useless         
n>rations ^u l[ & frivol\s subjects :i* 
important au?ors w\ld scorn to relate4  

,all ^! n>rations appe> to be fables1 z 
mu* z ^? inv5t$ ab\t ! indu/ry (        
,prome!us1 ! box ( ,p&ora1 ! w> ( !     
,giants aga9/ ! ,gods1 & simil> o!rs :i*
 ! poets h inv5t$ to amuse ! m5 ( _! "t4
  ,on ! o!r h& we w see a mixture ( laws
 & ord9ances1 or sup]/iti\s practices   
conc]n+ sacrifices1 ! purifications ( ! 
old law1 ! s5seless di/9ctions 9 reg>d  
to animals1 ( :i* x supposes "s to be   
pure & o!rs to be impure4 ,^! laws are  
no m respectable ?an ^? ( ! mo/         
idolatr\s nations4 ,we %all see b simple
 /ories1 true or false1 ( sev]al k+s1   
pr9ces1 or individuals1 :o liv$ "r or   
wrong1 or :o p]=m$ noble or mean        
actions1 ) o!r l[ & frivol\s ?+s also   
relat$4  ,f all ?is1 x is evid5t t no   
great g5ius 0 requir$1 nor ,div9e       
,revelations to produce ^! ?+s4 ,x w\ld 
n be cr$itable to a ,god4  ,f9ally1 we  
see 9 ^! books b ! disc\rses1 ! conduct1
 & ! actions ( ^? r5[n$ prophets :o     
proclaim$ !mselves especially inspir$ by
 ,god4 ,we w see _! way ( act+ & speak+1

 _! dreams1 _! illusions1 _! rev]ies2 & 
x w be easy to judge :e!r !y d n        
resemble vision>ies & fanatics mu* m ?an
 wise & enlight5$ p]sons4  ,!re are1    
h[ev]1 9 a few ( ^! books1 sev]al good  
tea*+s & beautiful maxims ( morals1 z 9 
! ,prov]bs attribut$ to ,solomon1 9 !   
book ( ,wisdom & ( ,ecclesia/es2 b ?is  
same ,solomon1 ! wise/ ( _! writ]s1 is  
also ! mo/ incr$ul\s2 he d\bts ev5 !    
immortality ( ! s\l1 & concludes 8 works
 by say+ t !re is no?+ good b to enjoy 9
 peace ! fruits ( "o's labor1 & to live 
) ^? :om we love4  ,h[ sup]ior are !    
au?ors :o are call$ pr(ane1 su* z       
,x5ophon1 ,plato1 ,cic]o1 ! ,emp]or     
,anton9us1 ! ,emp]or ,julian1 ,virgil1  
etc41 to ! books :i* we are told are    
inspir$ ( ,god4 ,i c truly say t !      
fables ( ,aesop1 = example1 are c]ta9ly 
m +5i\s & m in/ructive ?an all ^! r\gh &
 poor p>ables :i* are relat$ 9 !        
,gospels4  ,b :at %[s u t ?is k9d (     
books is n ( ,div9e ,inspiration1 is1 t 
aside f ! l[ ord]1 co>s5ess ( /yle1 & ! 

lack ( sy/em 9 ! n>rations ( ! diff]5t  
facts1 :i* are v badly arrang$1 we d n  
see t ! au?ors agree2 !y contradict ea* 
o!r 9 sev]al ?+s2 !y _h n ev5 suffici5t 
enlight5m5t or natural tal5ts to write a
 hi/ory4  ,"h are "s examples ( !       
contradictions :i* are f\nd among !m4 ,!
 ,evangeli/ ,mat!w claims t ,jesus ,*ri/
 desc5d$ f k+ ,david by 8 son ,solomon  
?r\gh ,joseph1 reput$ to be ,8 fa!r2 &  
,luke claims t ,he is desc5d$ f ! same  
,david by 8 son ,na?an ?r\gh ,joseph4   
,mat!w says1 9 speak+ ( ,jesus1 t1 x be+
 report$ 9 ,j]usalem t a new k+ ( !     
,jews 0 born1 & t ! wise m5 _h come to  
adore ,him1 ! k+ ,h]od1 fe>+ t ?is      
pret5d$ new k+ w\ld rob him ( 8 cr[n "s 
day1 caus$ ! murd] ( all ! new-born     
*ildr5 "u two ye>s1 9 all ! neighborhood
 ( ,be?lehem1 :]e he _h be5 told t ?is  
new k+ 0 born2 & t ,joseph & ! "m (     
,jesus1 hav+ be5 w>n$ 9 a dream by an   
angel1 ( ?is wick$ int5tion1 took flight
 imm$iately to ,egypt1 :]e !y /ay$ until
 ! dea? ( ,h]od1 :i* happ5$ _m ye>s     

aft]w>d4  ,on ! contr>y1 ,luke ass]ts t 
,joseph & ! "m ( ,jesus liv$ peaceably  
dur+ six weeks 9 ! place :]e _! *ild    
,jesus 0 born2 t ,he 0 circumcis$       
accord+ to ! law ( ! ,jews1 eight days  
aft] ,8 bir?2 & :5 ! "t prescrib$ by !  
law = ! purification ( ,8 "m _h arriv$1 
%e & ,joseph1 h] husb&1 c>ri$ ,him to   
,j]usalem 9 ord] to pres5t ,him to ,god 
9 ,8 temple1 & to (f] at ! same "t a    
sacrifice :i* 0 orda9$ by ,god's law2   
aft] :i* !y return$ to ,galilee1 into _!
 t[n ( ,naz>e?1 :]e _! *ild ,jesus grew 
e day 9 grace & 9 wisdom4 ,luke goes on 
to say t ,8 fa!r & ,8 "m w5t e ye> to   
,j]usalem on ! solemn days ( _! ,ea/]   
fea/1 b makes no m5tion ( _! flight into
 ,egypt1 nor ( ! cruelty ( ,h]od t[>d ! 
*ildr5 ( ! prov9ce ( ,be?lehem4 ,9 reg>d
 to ! cruelty ( ,h]od1 z nei!r !        
hi/orians ( t "t speak ( x1 nor         
,josephus1 ! hi/orian :o wrote ! life ( 
?is ,h]od1 & z ! o!r ,evangeli/s d n    
m5tion x1 x is evid5t t ! j\rney ( ^?   
wise m51 guid$ by a />1 ?is massacre (  

little *ildr51 & ?is flight to ,egypt1 7
 b absurd falsehoods4 ,= x is n cr$ible 
t ,josephus1 :o blam$ ! vices ( ?is k+1 
c\ld h be5 sil5t on su* a d>k &         
dete/able action1 if :at ! ,evangeli/   
said _h be5 true4  ,9 reg>d to !        
duration ( ! public life ( ,jesus ,*ri/1
 accord+ to :at ! fir/ ?ree ,evangeli/s 
say1 !re c\ld be sc>cely m ?an ?ree     
mon?s f ! "t ( ,8 baptism until ,8 dea?1
 suppos+ ,he 0 ?irty ye>s old :5 ,he 0  
baptiz$ by ,john1 accord+ to ,luke1 & t 
,he 0 born on ! #be? ( ,decemb]4 ,=1 f  
?is baptism1 :i* 0 9 ! ye> #ae (        
,tib]ius ,caes>1 & 9 ! ye> :5 ,anne &   
,caiaphas 7 high-prie/s1 to ! fir/ ,ea/]
 foll[+1 :i* 0 9 ! mon? ( ,m>*1 !re 0 b 
ab\t ?ree mon?s2 accord+ to :at ! fir/  
?ree ,evangeli/s say1 ,he 0 crucifi$ on 
! eve ( ! fir/ ,ea/] foll[+ ,8 baptism1 
& ! fir/ "t ,he w5t to ,j]usalem ) ,8   
disciples2 because all t !y say ( ,8    
baptism1 ( ,8 travels1 ( ,8 miracles1 ( 
,8 prea*+1 ( ,8 dea? & passion1 mu/ h   
tak5 place 9 ! same ye> ( ,8 baptism1 = 

! ,evangeli/s speak ( no o!r ye> foll[+1
 & x appe>s ev5 by ! n>ration ( ,8 acts 
t ,he p]=m$ !m consecutively imm$iately 
aft] ,8 baptism1 & 9 a v %ort "t1 dur+  
:i* we see b an int]val ( six days be=e 
8 ,transfiguration2 dur+ ^! six days we 
d n see t ,he did any?+4 ,we see by ?is 
t ,he liv$ b ab\t ?ree mon?s aft] ,8    
baptism1 f :i*1 if we subtract ! =ty    
days & =ty nights :i* ,he pass$ 9 !     
des]t imm$iately aft] ,8 baptism1 x w\ld
 foll[ t ! l5g? ( ,8 public life f ,8   
fir/ prea*+ till ,8 dea?1 w\ld h la/$ b 
ab\t six weeks2 & accord+ to :at ,john  
says1 x w\ld h la/$ at lea/ ?ree ye>s & 
?ree mon?s1 because x appe>s by !       
,gospel ( ?is apo/le1 t1 dur+ ! c\rse ( 
,8 public life ,he might h be5 ?ree or  
f\r times at ,j]usalem at ! ,ea/] fea/  
:i* happ5$ b once a ye>4  ,n[ if x is   
true t ,he _h be5 !re ?ree or f\r times 
aft] ,8 baptism1 z ,john te/ifies1 x is 
false t ,he liv$ b ?ree mon?s aft] ,8   
baptism1 & t ,he 0 crucifi$ ! fir/ "t   
,he w5t to ,j]usalem4  ,if x is said t  

^! fir/ ?ree ,evangeli/s really mean b  
"o ye>1 b t !y d n indicate di/9ctly !  
o!rs :i* elaps$ s9ce ,8 baptism2 or t   
,john und]/ood t !re 0 b "o ,ea/]1      
al?\gh he speaks ( sev]al1 & t he only  
anticipat$ ! "t :5 he repeat$ly tells u 
t ! ,ea/] fea/ ( ! ,jews 0 ne> at h&1 & 
t ,jesus w5t to ,j]usalem1 &1           
consequ5tly1 t !re is b an app>5t       
contradiction ^u ?is subject betwe5 !   
,evangeli/s1 ,i am will+ to accept ?is2 
b x is c]ta9 t ?is app>5t contradiction 
spr+s f ! fact1 t !y d n expla9 !mselves
 9 all ! circum/ances t are not$ 9 !    
n>ration :i* !y make4 ,be t z x may1 !re
 w always be ?is inf]5ce made1 t !y 7 n 
inspir$ by ,god :5 !y wrote _!          
biographies ( ,*ri/4  ,"h is ano!r      
contradiction 9 reg>d to ! fir/ ?+ :i*  
,jesus  ,*ri/ did imm$iately aft] ,8    
baptism2 = ! fir/ ?ree ,evangeli/s /ate1
 t ,he 0 transport$ imm$iately by ! ,_s 
into ! des]t1 :]e ,he fa/$ =ty days &   
=ty nights1 & :]e ,he 0 sev]al times    
tempt$ by ! ,devil2 &1 accord+ to :at   

,john says1 ,he dep>t$ two days aft] ,8 
baptism to g into ,galilee1 :]e ,he     
p]=m$ ,8 fir/ miracle by *ang+ wat] into
 w9e at ! w$d+ ( ,cana1 :]e ,he f\nd    
,himself ?ree days aft] ,8 arrival 9    
,galilee1 m ?an ?irty leagues f ! place 
9 :i* ,he _h be54  ,9 reg>d to ! place (
 ,8 fir/ retreat aft] ,8 dep>ture f !   
des]t1 ,mat!w says t ,he return$ to     
,galilee1 & t leav+ ! city ( ,naz>e?1   
,he w5t to live at ,cap]naum1 a m>itime 
city2 & ,luke says1 t ,he came at fir/  
to ,naz>e?1 & aft]w>d w5t to ,cap]naum4 
,!y contradict ea* o!r 9 reg>d to ! "t &
 mann] 9 :i* ! apo/les foll[$ ,him2 = ! 
fir/ ?ree say t ,jesus1 pass+ on ! %ore 
( ! ,sea ( ,galilee1 saw ,simon & ,&rew 
8 bro!r1 & t ,he saw at a little di/ance
 ,james & 8 bro!r ,john ) _! fa!r1      
,zeb$ee4 ,john1 on ! contr>y1 says t x 0
 ,&rew1 bro!r ( ,simon ,pet]1 :o fir/   
foll[$ ,jesus ) ano!r disciple ( ,john !
 ,bapti/1 hav+ se5 ,him pass be=e !m1 :5
 !y 7 ) _! ,ma/] on ! %ores ( ! ,jordan4
  ,9 reg>d to ! ,"l's ,supp]1 ! fir/    

?ree ,evangeli/s note t ,jesus ,*ri/    
in/itut$ ! ,sacram5t ( ,8 body & ,8     
blood1 9 ! =m ( bread & w9e1 ! same z   
our ,roman ,*ri/-wor%ip]s say2 & ,john  
does n m5tion ?is my/]i\s sacram5t4     
,john says t aft] ?is supp]1 ,jesus wa%$
 ,8 apo/les' feet1 & comm&$ !m to d !   
same ?+ to ea* o!r1 & relates a long    
disc\rse :i* ,he deliv]$ !n4 ,b ! o!r   
,evangeli/s d n speak ( ! wa%+ ( ! feet1
 nor ( ! long disc\rse ,he gave !m !n4  
,on ! contr>y1 !y te/ify t imm$iately   
aft] ?is supp]1 ,he w5t ) ,8 apo/les ^u 
! ,m\nt ( ,olives1 :]e ,he gave up ,8   
,_s to sadness1 & 0 9 angui% :ile ,8    
apo/les slept1 at a %ort di/ance4 ,!y   
contradict ea* o!r ^u ! day on :i* !y   
say ! ,"l's ,supp] took place2 because  
on "o side1 !y note t x took place      
,ea/]-eve1 t is1 ! ev5+ ( ! fir/ day (  
,azymes1 or ( ! fea/ ( unleav5$ bread2 z
 x is not$ 7#a7 9 ,exodus1 7#b7 9       
,leviticus1 & 7#c7 9 ,numb]s2 &1 on !   
o!r h&1 !y say t ,he 0 crucifi$ ! day   
foll[+ ! ,"l's ,supp]1 ab\t midday aft] 

! ,jews _h ,8 trial dur+ ! :ole night & 
morn+4 ,n[1 accord+ to :at !y say1 ! day
 aft] ?is supp] took place1 ought n to  
be ,ea/]-eve4 ,!re=e1 if ,he di$ on !   
eve ( ,ea/]1 t[>d midday1 x 0 n on ! eve
 ( ?is fea/ t ?is supp] took place4 ,!re
 is consequ5tly a manife/ error4  ,!y   
contradict ea* o!r1 also1 9 reg>d to !  
wom5 :o foll[$ ,jesus f ,galilee1 = !   
fir/ ?ree ,evangeli/s say t ^! wom51 &  
^? :o knew ,him1 among :om 7 ,m>y       
,magdal5e1 & ,m>y1 "m ( ,james &        
,joseph1 & ! "m ( ,zeb$ee's *ildr51 7   
look+ on at a di/ance :5 ,he 0 hang$ &  
nail$ ^u ! cross4 ,john says1 on !      
contr>y1 t ! "m ( ,jesus & ,8 "m's si/]1
 & ,m>y ,magdal5e 7 /&+ ne> ,8 cross )  
,john1 ,8 apo/le4 ,! contradiction is   
manife/1 =1 if ^! wom5 & ?is disciple 7 
ne> ,him1 !y 7 n at a di/ance1 z ! o!rs 
say !y 74  ,!y contradict ea* o!r ^u !  
pret5d$ app>itions :i* !y relate t      
,jesus made aft] ,8 pret5d$             
resurrection2 = ,mat!w speaks ( b two   
app>itions3 ! "o :5 ,he appe>$ to ,m>y  

,magdal5e & to ano!r woman1 also nam$   
,m>y1 & :5 ,he appe>$ to ,8 elev5       
disciples :o _h return$ to ,galilee ^u !
 m\nta9 :]e ,he _h appo9t$ to meet !m4  
,m>k speaks ( ?ree app>itions3 ,! fir/1 
:5 ,he appe>$ to ,m>y ,magdal5e2 !      
second1 :5 ,he appe>$ to ,8 two         
disciples1 :o w5t to ,emmaus2 & ! ?ird1 
:5 ,he appe>$ to ,8 elev5 disciples1 :om
 ,he reproa*es = _! incr$ulity4 ,luke   
speaks ( b two app>itions ! same z      
,mat!w2 & ,john ! ,evangeli/ speaks (   
f\r app>itions1 & adds to ,m>k's ?ree1 !
 "o :i* ,he made to sev5 or eight ( ,8  
disciples :o 7 fi%+ ^u ! %ores ( !      
,tib]ian ,sea4  ,!y contradict ea* o!r1 
also1 9 reg>d to ! place ( ^!           
app>itions2 = ,mat!w says t x 0 9       
,galilee1 ^u a m\nta92 ,m>k says t x 0  
:5 !y 7 at table2 ,luke says t ,he      
br\ght !m out ( ,j]usalem z f> z        
,be?any1 :]e ,he left !m by ris+ to     
,heav52 & ,john says t x 0 9 ! city (   
,j]usalem1 9 a h\se ( :i* !y _h clos$ ! 
doors1 & ano!r "t ^u ! bord]s ( !       

,tib]ian ,sea4  ,?us is mu*             
contradiction 9 ! report ( ^! pret5d$   
app>itions4 ,!y contradict ea* o!r 9    
reg>d to ,8 pret5d$ asc5sion to heav52 =
 ,luke & ,m>k say positively t ,he w5t  
to heav5 9 pres5ce ( ! elev5 apo/les1 b 
nei!r ,mat!w nor ,john m5tions at all   
?is pret5d$ asc5sion4 ,m ?an ?is1 ,mat!w
 te/ifies suffici5tly t ,he did n asc5d 
to heav52 = he said positively t ,jesus 
,*ri/ assur$ ,8 apo/les t ,he w\ld be & 
rema9 always ) !m until ! end ( ! _w4 ,g
 ye1 ,he said to !m1 9 ?is pret5d$      
app>ition1 & tea* all nations1 & be     
assur$ t ,i am ) y always1 ev5 unto !   
end ( ! _w4 ,luke contradicts himself ^u
 ! subject2 = 9 8 ,gospel he says t x 0 
9 ,be?any :]e ,he asc5d$ to heav5 9 !   
pres5ce ( ,8 apo/les1 & 9 8 ,acts ( !   
,apo/les 7suppos+ him to h be5 ! au?or7 
he says t x 0 ^u ! ,m\nt ( ,olives4 ,he 
contradicts himself aga9 ab\t ?is       
asc5sion2 = he notes 9 8 ,gospel t x 0 !
 v day ( ,8 resurrection1 or ! fir/     
night foll[+1 t ,he asc5d$ to heav52 & 9

 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les he says t x 0 =ty 
days aft] ,8 resurrection2 ?is c]ta9ly  
does n correspond4 ,if all ! apo/les _h 
really se5 _! ,ma/] glori\sly rise to   
heav51 h[ c\ld x be possible t ,mat!w & 
,john1 :o w\ld h se5 x z well z ! o!rs1 
pass$ 9 sil5ce su* a glori\s my/]y1 &   
:i* 0 s advantage\s to _! ,ma/]1        
consid]+ t !y relate _m o!r circum/ances
 ( ,8 life & ( ,8 actions :i* are mu*   
less important ?an ?is "o8 ,h[ is x t   
,mat!w does n m5tion ?is asc5sion8 ,& :y
 does ,*ri/ n expla9 cle>ly h[ ,he w\ld 
live ) !m always1 al?\gh ,he left !m    
visibly to asc5d to heav58 ,x is n easy 
to compreh5d by :at secret ,he c\ld live
 ) ^? :om ,he left4  ,i pass 9 sil5ce _m
 o!r contradictions2 :at ,i h said is   
suffici5t to %[ t ^! books are n (      
,div9e ,inspiration1 nor ev5 ( human    
wisdom1 &1 consequ5tly1 d n des]ve t we 
%\ld put any fai? 9 !m4     ,,ii4--,,(  
,,miracles4  ,b by :at privilege d ^!   
f\r ,gospels1 & "s o!r simil> books1    
pass = ,holy & ,div9e m ?an sev]al o!rs1

 :i* be> no less ! title ( ,gospels1 &  
:i* h be5 publi%$ "u ! "n ( "s o!r      
apo/les8 ,if x is said t ! reput$       
,gospels are falsely attribut$ to !     
apo/les1 we c say ! same ( ! fir/ ones2 
if we suppose ! fir/ ones to be falsifi$
 & *ang$1 we c ?9k ! same ( ! o!rs4 ,?us
 !re is no positive pro( to make u      
disc]n ! "o f ! o!r2 9 spite ( ! ,*ur*1 
:i* assumes to d]ide ! matt]1 x is n    
cr$ible4  ,9 reg>d to ! pret5d$ miracles
 relat$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t1 !y c\ld h be5
 p]=m$ b to indicate on ! "p ( ,god an  
unju/ & odi\s discrim9ation betwe5      
nations & betwe5 individuals2 purposely 
injur+ ! "o 9 ord] to especially favor !
 o!r4 ,! vocation & ! *oice :i* ,god    
made ( ! ,patri>*s1 ,abraham1 ,isaac1 & 
,jacob1 9 ord] to make = ,himself ( _!  
po/]ity a p :i* ,he w\ld sanctify &     
bless above all o!r peoples ( ! e>?1 is 
a pro( ( x4 ,b x w be said ,god is !    
absolute ma/] ( ,8 favors & ( ,8        
b5efits2 ,he c grant !m to :omsoev] ,he 
pleases1 )\t any "o hav+ ! "r to compla9

 or to accuse ,him ( inju/ice4 ,?is     
reason is useless2 = ,god1 ! ,au?or (   
nature1 ! ,fa!r ( all m51 ought to love 
!m all alike z ,8 own "w1 &1            
consequ5tly1 ,he ought to be equally _! 
protector & _! b5efactor2 giv+ !m life1 
,he ought to give all t is necess>y = ! 
well-be+ ( ,8 creatures4  ,if all ^!    
pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,old & ( ! ,new    
,te/am5t 7 true1 we c\ld say t ,god w\ld
 h _h m c>e 9 provid+ = ! lea/ good ( m5
 ?an = _! greate/ & pr9cipal good2 t ,he
 w\ld h puni%$ m sev]ely trifl+ faults 9
 c]ta9 p]sons ?an ,he w\ld h puni%$     
great crimes 9 o!rs2 &1 f9ally1 t ,he   
w\ld n h desir$ to %[ ,himself z        
b5efic5t 9 ! mo/ press+ ne$s z 9 ! lea/4
 ,?is is easy en\gh to %[ z mu* by !    
miracles :i* x is pret5d$ t ,he p]=m$1 z
 by ^? :i* ,he did n p]=m1 & :i* ,he    
w\ld h p]=m$ r ?an any o!r1 if x is true
 t ,he p]=m$ any at all4 ,= example1 x  
is claim$ t ,god _h ! k9dness to s5d an 
angel to console & to assi/ a simple    
maid1 :ile ,he left1 & /ill leaves e    

day1 a c\ntless numb] ( innoc5ts to     
langui% & />ve to dea?2 x is claim$ t   
,he miracul\sly pres]v$ dur+ =ty ye>s ! 
clo!s & ! %oes ( a few p1 :ile ,he w n  
wat* ov] ! natural pres]vation ( ! va/  
quantities ( goods :i* are useful &     
necess>y = ! subsi/5ce ( great nations1 
& t are lo/ e day by diff]5t accid5ts4  
,x is claim$ t ,he s5t to ! fir/ be+s ( 
! human race1 ,adam & ,eve1 a devil1 or 
a simple s]p5t1 to s$uce !m1 & by ?is   
means ru9 all m54 ,?is is n cr$ible6 ,x 
is claim$1 t by a special provid5ce1 ,he
 prev5t$ ! ,k+ ( ,g]ais1 a ,pagan1 f    
committ+ s9 ) a /range woman1 al?\gh !re
 w\ld be no results to foll[2 & yet ,he 
did n prev5t ,adam & ,eve f (f5d+ ,him &
 fall+ into ! s9 ( disob$i5ce--a s9 :i*1
 accord+ to our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s 0 to be  
fatal1 & cause ! de/ruction ( ! human   
race4 ,?is is n cr$ible6  ,let u come to
 ! pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4  
,!y consi/1 z is pret5d$1 9 ?is3 t      
,jesus ,*ri/ & ,8 apo/les cur$1 ?r\gh ! 
,deity1 all k9ds ( diseases &           

infirmities1 giv+ sight to ! bl9d1 he>+ 
to ! deaf1 spee* to ! dumb1 mak+ ! lame 
to walk1 cur+ ! p>alytics1 driv+ !      
devils f ^? :o 7 possess$1 & br++ ! dead
 to life4  ,we f9d sev]al ( ^! miracles 
9 ! ,gospels1 b we see a good _m m ( !m 
9 ! books t our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s h writt5 
( ! admirable lives ( _! sa9ts2 = 9 ^!  
lives we ne>ly ev]y:]e read t ^! pret5d$
 bless$ ones cur$ diseases &            
infirmities1 expell$ ! devils :]ev] !y  
enc\nt]$ !m1 solely 9 ! "n ( ,jesus or  
by ! sign ( ! cross2 t !y controll$ !   
elem5ts2 t ,god favor$ !m s mu* t ,he   
ev5 pres]v$ to !m ,8 ,div9e p[] aft] _! 
dea?1 & t ?is ,div9e p[] c\ld be        
communicat$ ev5 to ! lea/ ( _! clo?+1   
ev5 to _! %ad[s1 & ev5 to ! infam\s     
in/rum5ts ( _! dea?4 ,x is said t ! %oe 
( ,/4 ,honorius rais$ a dead man on !   
six? ( ,janu>y2 t ! /aff ( ,/4 ,pet]1 t 
( ,/4 ,james1 & t ( ,/4 ,b]n>d p]=m$    
miracles4 ,! same is said ( ! cord ( ,/4
 ,francis1 ( ! /aff ( ,/4 ,john ( ,god1 
& ( ! girdle ( ,/4 ,melanie4 ,x is said 

t ,/4 ,gracili5 0 div9ely in/ruct$ z to 
:at he ought to believe & to tea*1 & t  
he1 by ! influ5ce ( 8 pray]1 remov$ a   
m\nta9 :i* prev5t$ him f build+ a *ur*2 
t f ! sepul*re ( ,/4 ,&rew fl[$         
incessantly a liquor :i* cur$ all sorts 
( diseases2 t ! s\l ( ,/4 ,b5$ict 0 se5 
asc5d+ to ,heav5 clo!d ) a preci\s cloak
 & surr\nd$ by burn+ lamps2 t ,/4       
,dom9ic said t ,god nev] refus$ him     
any?+ he ask$2 t ,/4 ,francis comm&$ !  
swall[s1 swans1 & o!r birds to obey him1
 & t (t5 ! fi%es1 rabbits1 & ! h>es came
 & plac$ !mselves on 8 h&s & on 8 lap2 t
 ,/4 ,paul & ,/4 ,pantaleon1 hav+ be5   
behead$1 !re fl[$ milk in/ead ( blood2 t
 ! bless$ ,pet] ( ,luxemb\rg1 9 ! fir/  
two ye>s aft] 8 dea? 7#achh & #achi71   
p]=m$ two ?\s& f\r hundr$ miracles1     
among :i* =ty-two dead 7 br\ght to life1
 n includ+ m ?an ?ree ?\s& o!r miracles 
:i* he has p]=m$ s9ce2 t ! fifty        
philosoph]s :om ,/4 ,ca!r9e conv]t$1    
hav+ all be5 ?r[n into a great fire1 _! 
:ole bodies 7 aft]w>d f\nd & n a s+le   

hair 0 scor*$2 t ! body ( ,/4 ,ca!r9e 0 
c>ri$ (f by angels aft] h] dea?1 & buri$
 by !m ^u ,m\nt ,s9ai2 t ! day ( !      
canonization ( ,/4 ,anto9e de ,padua1   
all ! bells ( ! city ( ,lisbon rang (   
!mselves1 )\t any "o kn[+ h[ x 0 done2 t
 ?is sa9t be+ once ne> ! sea-%ore1 &    
call+ ! fi%es1 !y came to him 9 a great 
multitude1 & rais$ _! heads out ( ! wat]
 & li/5$ to him att5tively4 ,we %\ld    
nev] come to an end if we _h to report  
all ?is idle talk2 !re is no subject1   
h[ev] va91 frivol\s1 & ev5 ridicul\s1 on
 :i* ! au?ors ( ^! ,,lives ,,( ,,!      
,,sa9ts d n take pleasure 9 heap+       
miracles ^u miracles1 = !y are skillful 
9 =g+ absurd falsehoods4  ,x is c]ta9ly 
n )\t reason t we consid] ^! ?+s z lies2
 = x is easy to see t all ^! pret5d$    
miracles h be5 inv5t$ b by imitat+ !    
fables ( ! ,pagan poets4 ,?is is        
suffici5tly obvi\s by ! resemblance :i* 
!y be> "o to ano!r4                     
,,iii4--,,simil>ity ,,betwe5 ,,anci5t   
,,& ,,mod]n ,,miracles4  ,if our        

,*ri/-wor%ip]s claim t ,god end[$ _!    
sa9ts ) p[] to p]=m ! miracles relat$ 9 
_! lives1 "s ( ! ,pagans claim also t ! 
daught]s ( ,anius1 high-prie/ ( ,apollo1
 _h really receiv$ f ! god ,bac*us ! p[]
 to *ange all !y desir$ into :eat1 into 
w9e1 or into oil1 etc42 t ,jupit] gave  
to ! nymphs :o took c>e ( 8 education1 a
 horn ( ! goat :i* nurs$ him 9 8        
infancy1 ) ?is virtue1 t x c\ld give !m 
an abundance ( all !y wi%$ =4  ,if our  
,*ri/-wor%ip]s ass]t t _! sa9ts _h ! p[]
 ( rais+ ! dead1 & t !y _h ,div9e       
revelations1 ! ,pagans _h said be=e !m t
 ,a?alide1 son ( ,m]cury1 _h obta9$ f 8 
fa!r ! gift ( liv+1 dy+1 & com+ to life 
:5ev] he wi%$1 & t he _h also ! k ( all 
t transpir$ 9 ?is _w z well z 9 ! o!r2 &
 t ,esculapius1 son ( ,apollo1 _h rais$ 
! dead1 &1 among o!rs1 he br\ght to life
 ,hyppolites1 son ( ,!seus1 by ,diana's 
reque/2 & t ,h]cules1 also1 rais$ f !   
dead ,alce/e1 wife ( ,admetus1 ,k+ (    
,!ssalia1 to return h] to h] husb&4  ,if
 our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s say t ,*ri/ 0       

miracul\sly born ( a virg91 ! ,pagans _h
 said be=e !m t ,remus & ,romulus1 !    
f\nd]s ( ,rome1 7 miracul\sly born ( a  
ve/al virg9 nam$ ,ilia1 or ,silvia1 or  
,rhea ,silvia2 !y _h already said t     
,m>s1 ,argus1 ,vulcan1 & o!rs 7 born ( !
 goddess ,juno )\t sexual union2 &1     
also1 t ,m9]va1 goddess ( ! sci5ces1    
sprang f ,jupit]'s bra91 & t %e came out
 ( x1 all arm$1 by means ( a bl[ :i* ?is
 god gave to 8 own head4  ,if our       
,*ri/-wor%ip]s claim t _! sa9ts made    
wat] gu% f rocks1 ! ,pagans pret5d also 
t ,m9]va made a f\nta9 ( oil spr+ =? f a
 rock z a recomp5se = a temple :i* _h   
be5 d$icat$ to h]4  ,if our             
,*ri/-wor%ip]s boa/ ( hav+ receiv$      
images f ,heav5 miracul\sly1 z1 =       
example1 ^? ( ,notre-,dame de ,loretto1 
& ( ,liesse & sev]al o!r gifts f ,heav51
 z ! pret5d$ ,holy ,vial ( ,rheims1 z ! 
:ite ,*asuble :i* ,/4 ,ildefonse receiv$
 f ! ,virg9 ,m>y1 & o!r simil> ?+s3 !   
,pagans boa/$ be=e !m ( hav+ receiv$ a  
sacr$ %ield z a m>k ( ! pres]vation ( _!

 city ( ,rome1 & ! ,trojans boa/$ be=e  
!m ( hav+ receiv$ miracul\sly f ,heav5  
_! ,palladium1 or _! ,idol ( ,pallas1   
:i* came1 !y said1 to takes its place 9 
! temple :i* !y _h erect$ 9 honor ( ?is 
,goddess4  ,if our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s pret5d
 t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 se5 by ,8 apo/les     
asc5d+ to ,heav51 & t sev]al ( _!       
pret5d$ sa9ts 7 transport$ to ,heav5 by 
angels1 ! ,roman ,pagans _h said be=e   
!m1 t ,romulus1 _! f\nd]1 0 se5 aft] 8  
dea?2 t ,ganym$e1 son ( ,troas1 k+ (    
,troy1 0 transport$ to ,heav5 by ,jupit]
 to s]ve him z cup-be>] t ! hair (      
,b]5ice1 be+ consecrat$ to ! temple (   
,v5us1 0 aft]w>d c>ri$ to ,heav52 !y say
 ! same ?+ ( ,cassiope & ,&rom$es1 & ev5
 ( ! ass ( ,sil5us4  ,if our            
,*ri/-wor%ip]s pret5d t sev]al ( _!     
sa9ts' bodies 7 miracul\sly sav$ f      
decomposition aft] dea?1 & t !y 7 f\nd  
by ,div9e ,revelations1 aft] hav+ be5   
lo/ = a long "t1 ! ,pagans say ! same ( 
! holy ( ,ore/es1 :i* !y pret5d to h    
f\nd ?r\gh an oracle1 etc4  ,if our     

,*ri/-wor%ip]s say t ! sev5 sleep+      
bro!rs slept dur+ "o hundr$ &           
sev5ty-sev5 ye>s1 :ile !y 7 %ut up 9 a  
cave1 ! ,pagans claim t ,epim5ides1 !   
philosoph]1 slept dur+ fifty-sev5 ye>s 9
 a cave :]e he fell asleep4  ,if our    
,*ri/-wor%ip]s claim t sev]al ( _! sa9ts
 cont9u$ to speak aft] los+ ! head1 or  
hav+ ! tongue cut out1 ! ,pagans claim t
 ! head ( ,gambi5us recit$ a long poem  
aft] sep>ation f 8 body4  ,if our       
,*ri/-wor%ip]s glorify !mselves t _!    
temples & *ur*es are ornam5t$ ) sev]al  
pictures & ri* gifts :i* %[ miracul\s   
cures p]=m$ by ! int]cession ( _! sa9ts1
 we also see1 or at lea/ we =m]ly saw 9 
! temple ( ,esculapius at ,epidaurus1 _m
 pa9t+s ( miracul\s cures :i* he _h     
p]=m$4  ,if our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s claim t  
sev]al ( _! sa9ts h be5 miracul\sly     
pres]v$ 9 ! flames )\t hav+ receiv$ any 
injury to _! bodies or _! clo?+1 !      
,pagans claim t ! ,holy wom5 ( ! temple 
( ,diana walk$ ^u burn+ coals b>efoot$  
)\t burn+ or hurt+ _! feet1 & t ! prie/s

 ( ! ,goddess ,f]onie & ( ,hirpicus     
walk$ 9 ! same way ^u burn+ coals 9 !   
fires :i* 7 made 9 honor ( ,apollo4  ,if
 ! angels built a *apel = ,/4 ,clem5t at
 ! bottom ( ! sea1 ! little h\se (      
,baucis & ( ,philemon 0 miracul\sly     
*ang$ into a sup]b temple z a rew>d ( _!
 piety4 ,if sev]al ( _! sa9ts1 z ,/4    
,james & ,/4 ,maurice1 appe>$ sev]al    
times 9 _! armies1 m\nt$ & equipp$ 9    
anci5t /yle1 & f\ght = !m1 ,ca/or &     
,pollux appe>$ sev]al times 9 battles & 
f\ght = ! ,romans aga9/ _! enemies2 if a
 ram 0 miracul\sly f\nd to be (f]$ z a  
sacrifice 9 ! place ( ,isaac1 :om 8 fa!r
 ,abraham 0 ab\t to sacrifice1 !        
,goddess ,ve/a also s5t a heif] to be   
sacrific$ 9 ! place ( ,metella1 daught] 
( ,metellus3 ! ,goddess ,diana s5t a h9d
 9 ! place ( ,iphig5ie :5 %e 0 at ! /ake
 to be sacrific$ to h]1 & by ?is means  
,iphig5ie 0 sav$4  ,if ,/4 ,joseph w5t  
into ,egypt by ! w>n+ ( an angel1       
,simonides1 ! poet1 avoid$ sev]al great 
dang]s by miracul\s w>n+s :i* _h be5    

giv5 to him4  ,if ,moses =c$ a /ream (  
wat] to fl[ f a rock by /rik+ x ) 8     
/aff1 ! horse ,pegasus did ! same3 by   
/rik+ a rock ) 8 foot a f\nta9 issu$4   
,if ,/4 ,v9c5t ,f]ri] br\ght to life a  
dead man hack$ into pieces1 ^: body 0   
already half roa/$ & half broil$1       
,pelops1 son ( ,tantalus k+ ( ,phrygia1 
hav+ be5 torn to pieces by 8 fa!r to be 
sacrific$ to ! ,gods1 !y ga!r$ all !    
pieces1 jo9$ !m1 & br\ght !m to life4   
,if sev]al crucifixes & o!r images h    
miracul\sly spok5 & answ]$1 ! ,pagans   
say t _! oracles h spok5 & giv5 answ]s  
to ^? :o consult$ !m1 & t ! head (      
,orpheus & t ( ,policrates gave oracles 
aft] _! dea?4  ,if ,god reveal$ by a    
voice f ,heav5 t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ,8 ,son1
 z ! ,evangeli/s say1 ,vulcan %[$ by !  
app>ition ( a miracul\s flame1 t        
,coceculus 0 really 8 son4  ,if ,god has
 miracul\sly n\ri%$ "s ( ,8 sa9ts1 !    
,pagan poets pret5d t ,triptolemus 0    
miracul\sly n\ri%$ ) ,div9e milk by     
,c]es1 :o gave him also a *>iot drawn by

 two dragons1 & t ,ph9eus1 son ( ,m>s1  
be+ born aft] 8 "m's dea?1 0 nev]!less  
miracul\sly n\ri%$ by h] milk4  ,if     
sev]al sa9ts miracul\sly tam$ ! f]ocity 
( ! mo/ cruel bea/s1 x is said t        
,orpheus attract$ to him1 by ! sweetness
 ( 8 voice & by ! h>mony ( 8 in/rum5ts1 
lions1 be>s1 & tig]s1 & s(t5$ ! f]ocity 
( _! nature2 t he attract$ rocks &      
trees1 & t ev5 ! riv]s /opp$ _! c\rse to
 li/5 to 8 song4  ,f9ally1 to           
abbreviate1 because we c\ld report _m   
o!rs1 if our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s pret5d t !  
walls ( ! city ( ,j]i*o fell by ! s\nd (
 _! trumpets1 ! ,pagans say t ! walls ( 
! city ( ,!bes 7 built by ! s\nd ( !    
musical in/rum5ts ( ,amphion2 ! /ones1 z
 ! poets say1 arrang+ !mselves to !     
sweetness ( 8 h>mony2 ?is w\ld be mu* m 
miracul\s & m admirable ?an to see !    
walls demoli%$4  ,!re is c]ta9ly a great
 simil>ity betwe5 ! ,pagan miracles &   
our own4 ,z x w\ld be great folly to    
give cr$5ce to ^! pret5d$ miracles (    
,paganism1 x is n any ! less s to h fai?

 9 ^? ( ,*ri/ianity1 because !y all come
 f ! same s\rce ( error4 ,x 0 = ?is t ! 
,mani*eans & ! ,arians1 :o exi/$ at !   
comm5cem5t ( ! ,*ri/ian ,era1 d]id$ ^!  
pret5d$ miracles p]=m$ by ! invocation (
 sa9ts1 & blam$ ^? :o invok$ !m aft]    
dea? & honor$ _! relics4  ,let u return 
at pres5t to ! pr9cipal end :i* ,god    
propos$ to ,himself1 9 s5d+ ,8 ,son into
 ! _w to become man2 x mu/ h be51 z !y  
say1 to r$eem ! _w f s9 & to de/roy     
entirely ! works ( ! pret5d$ ,devil1    
etc4 ,?is is :at our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s     
claim also1 t ,jesus ,*ri/ di$ = !m     
accord+ to ,8 ,fa!r's int5tion1 :i* is  
pla9ly /at$ 9 all ! pret5d$ ,holy       
,books4 ,:at6 an ,almighty ,god1 :o 0   
will+ to become a mortal man = ! love ( 
m51 & to %$ ,8 blood to ! la/ drop1 to  
save !m all1 w\ld yet h limit$ ,8 p[] to
 only cur+ a few diseases & physical    
infirmities ( a few individuals :o 7    
br\ght to ,him2 & w\ld n h employ$ ,8   
,div9e goodness 9 cur+ ! infirmities ( !
 s\l6 t is to say1 9 cur+ all m5 ( _!   

vices & _! depravities1 :i* are worse   
?an ! diseases ( _! bodies6 ,?is is n   
cr$ible4 ,:at6 su* a good ,god w\ld     
desire to pres]ve dead corpses f decay &
 corruption2 & w\ld n keep f ! contagion
 & corruption ( vice & s9 ! s\ls ( a    
c\ntless numb] ( p]sons :om ,he s\ght to
 r$eem at ! price ( ,8 blood1 & to      
sanctify by ,8 grace6 ,:at a pitiful    
contradiction6     ,,iv4--,,( ,,!       
,,falsity ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 
,let u proce$ to ! pret5d$ visions &    
,div9e ,revelations1 ^u :i* our         
,*ri/-wor%ip]s e/abli% ! tru? & !       
c]ta9ty ( _! religion4  ,9 ord] to give 
a j idea ( x1 ,i believe x is be/ to say
 9 g5]al1 t !y are su*1 t if any "o %\ld
 d>e n[ to boa/ ( simil> ones1 or wi% to
 make !m valu$1 he w\ld c]ta9ly be      
reg>d$ z a fool or a fanatic4  ,"h is   
:at ! pret5d$ ,visions & ,div9e         
,revelations are3  ,god1 z ^! pret5d$   
,holy ,books claim1 hav+ appe>$ = ! fir/
 "t to ,abraham1 said to him3 ,get !e   
out ( ?y c\ntry1 & f ?y k9dr$ & f ?y    

fa!r's h\se1 into a l& t ,i w %[ !e4    
,abraham1 hav+ gone !re1 ,god1 says !   
,bible1 appe>$ ! second "t to him1 &    
said1 ,unto ?y se$ w ,i give ?is l&1 &  
!re build$ he an alt> unto ! ,"l1 :o    
appe>$ unto him4 ,aft] ! dea? ( ,isaac1 
8 son1 ,jacob go+ "o day to ,mesopotamia
 to look = a wife t w\ld suit him1 hav+ 
walk$ all ! day1 & be+ tir$ f ! long    
di/ance1 desir$ to re/ t[>d ev5+2 ly+ ^u
 ! gr\nd1 ) 8 head re/+ ^u a few /ones1 
he fell asleep1 & dur+ 8 sleep he saw a 
ladd] set ^u ! e>?1 & ! top ( x rea*$ to
 ,heav52 & beheld ! angels ( ,god asc5d+
 & desc5d+ on x4 ,& behold1 ! ,"l /ood  
above x1 & said3 ,i am ! ,"l1 ,god (    
,abraham ?y fa!r1 & ! ,god ( ,isaac2 !  
l& :]eon ?\ lie/1 to !e w ,i give x1 &  
to ?y se$4 ,& ?y se$ %all be z ! du/ ( !
 e>?1 & ?\ %alt spread abroad to ! we/ &
 to ! ea/1 & to ! nor? & to ! s\? & 9 !e
 & 9 ?y se$ %all all ! nations ( ! e>?  
be bless$4 ,& behold1 ,i am ) !e & w    
keep !e 9 all places :i!r ?\ goe/1 & w  
br+ !e aga9 into ?is l&3 = ,i w n leave 

!e until ,i h done t :i* ,i h spok5 to  
!e (4 ,& ,jacob awak$ out ( 8 sleep1 &  
he said3 ,surely ! ,"l is 9 ?is place1 &
 ,i knew x n4 ,& he 0 afraid1 & said3   
,h[ dreadful is ?is place6 ?is is none  
o!r ?an ! h\se ( ,god1 & ?is is ! gate (
 ,heav54 ,& ,jacob rose up e>ly 9 !     
morn+1 & took ! /one t he _h put = 8    
pill[1 & set x up = a pill>1 & p\r$ oil 
on ! top ( x1 & made at ! same "t a v[  
to ,god1 t if he %\ld return safe &     
s\nd1 he w\ld give ,him a ti! ( all he  
might possess4  ,"h is yet ano!r vision4
 ,wat*+ ! flocks ( 8 fa!r-9-law1 ,laban1
 :o _h promis$ him t all ! speckl$ lambs
 produc$ by 8 %eep %\ld be 8 recomp5se1 
he dream$ "o night t he saw all ! males 
leap ^u ! females1 & all ! lambs !y     
br\ght =? 7 speckl$4 ,9 ?is beautiful   
dream1 ,god appe>$ to him1 & said3 ,lift
 up n[ ?9e eyes & see t ! rams :i* leap 
^u ! cattle are r+-/reak$1 speckl$1 &   
grizzl$2 = ,i h se5 all t ,laban does   
unto !e4 ,n[ arise1 get !e out f ?is l&1
 & return unto ! l& ( ?y k9dr$4 ,z he 0 

return+ ) 8 :ole family1 & ) all he     
obta9$ f 8 fa!r-9-law1 he _h1 says !    
,bible1 a wre/le ) an unkn[n man dur+ ! 
:ole night1 until ! break+ ( ! day1 & z 
?is man _h n be5 able to subdue him1 ,he
 ask$ him :o he 04 ,jacob told ,him 8   
"n2 & ,he said3 ,?y "n %all be call$ no 
m ,jacob1 b ,israel2 = z a pr9ce ha/ ?\ 
p[] ) ,god & ) m51 & ha/ prevail$4  ,?is
 is a specim5 ( ! fir/ ( ^! pret5d$     
,visions & ,div9e ,revelations4 ,we c   
judge ( ! o!rs by ^!4 ,n[1 :at appe>ance
 ( ,div9ity is !re 9 dreams s gross &   
illusions s va98 ,z if "s =eign]s1      
,g]mans1 = in/ance1 %\ld come into our  
,france1 &1 aft] see+ all ! beautiful   
prov9ces ( our k+dom1 %\ld claim t ,god 
_h appe>$ to !m 9 _! c\ntry1 t ,he _h   
told !m to g into ,france1 & t ,he w\ld 
give to !m & to _! po/]ity all !        
beautiful l&s1 doma9s1 & prov9ces ( ?is 
k+dom :i* ext5d f ! riv]s ,rh9e &       
,rhone1 ev5 to ! sea2 t ,he w\ld make an
 ev]la/+ alliance ) !m1 t ,he w\ld      
multiply _! race1 t ,he w\ld make _!    

po/]ity z num]\s z ! />s ( ,heav5 & z ! 
s&s ( ! sea1 etc41 :o w\ld n laugh at   
su* folly1 & consid] ^! /rang]s z insane
 fools6  ,n[ !re is no reason to ?9k    
o!rwise ( all t has be5 said by ^!      
pret5d$ ,holy ,patri>*s1 ,abraham1      
,isaac1 & ,jacob1 9 reg>d to ! ,div9e   
,revelations :i* !y claim to h _h4 ,z to
 ! in/itution ( bloody sacrifices1 !    
,holy ,scriptures attribute x to ,god4  
,z x w\ld be too we>isome to g into !   
disgu/+ details ( ?is k9d ( sacrifices1 
,i ref] ! read] to ,exodus4 ,see *apt]s 
xxv41 xxvii41 xxyiii41 & xxix4  ,7 n m5 
insane & bl9d to believe !y 7 honor+    
,god by te>+ into pieces1 but*]+1 &     
burn+ ,8 own creatures1 "u ! pretext (  
(f]+ !m z sacrifices to ,him8 ,& ev5 n[1
 h[ is x t our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s are s     
extravagant z to expect to please ,god !
 ,fa!r1 by (f]+ up to ,him ! sacrifice (
 ,8 ,div9e ,son1 9 remembrance ( ,8 be+ 
%amefully nail$ to a cross ^u :i* ,he   
di$8 ,c]ta9ly ?is c spr+ only f an      
ob/9ate bl9dness ( m9d4  ,9 reg>d to !  

detail ( ! sacrifices ( animals1 x      
consi/s b 9 color$ clo?+1 blood1 plucks1
 liv]s1 birds' crops1 kidneys1 claws1   
sk9s1 9 ! dung1 smoke1 cakes1 c]ta9     
measures ( oil & w9e1 ! :ole be+ (f]$ & 
infect$ by dirty c]emonies z fil?y &    
contemptible z ! mo/ extravagant        
p]=mances ( magic4 ,:at is mo/ horrible 
( all ?is is1 t ! law ( ?is dete/able   
,jewi% p comm&$ t ev5 m5 %\ld be (f]$ up
 z sacrifices4 ,! b>b>ians1 :oev] !y 71 
:o introduc$ ?is horrible law1 comm&$ to
 put to dea? any man :o _h be5          
consecrat$ to ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 :om !y  
call$ ,adonai3 & x is accord+ to ?is    
execrable precept t ,jeph?ah sacrific$ 8
 daught]1 & t ,saul want$ to sacrifice 8
 son4  ,b "h is yet ano!r pro( ( !      
falsity ( ^! revelations ( :i* we h     
spok54 ,x is ! lack ( ! fulfillm5t ( !  
great & magnific5t promises by :i* !y 7 
accompani$1 = x is evid5t t ^! promises 
nev] h be5 fulfill$4  ,! pro( ( ?is     
consi/s 9 ?ree pr9cipal po9ts3  ,fir/ly4
 ,_! po/]ity 0 to be m num]\s ?an all ! 

o!r nations ( ! _w4  ,secondly4 ,! p :o 
%\ld spr+ f _! race 7 to be ! happie/1 !
 holie/1 & ! mo/ victori\s ( all ! p ( !
 e>?4  ,?irdly4 ,8 cov5ant 0 to be      
ev]la/+1 & !y %\ld possess =ev] ! c\ntry
 ,he %\ld give !m4 ,n[ x is pla9 t ^!   
promises-nev] 7 fulfill$4  ,fir/ly4 ,x  
is c]ta9 t ! ,jewi% p1 or ! p (         
,israel--:i* is ! only "o t c be reg>d$ 
z hav+ desc5d$ f ! ,patri>*s ,abraham1  
,isaac1 & ,jacob1 & ! only ones to :om  
^! promises %\ld h be5 fulfill$--h nev] 
be5 s num]\s t x c\ld be comp>$ ) ! o!r 
nations ( ! e>?1 mu* less ) ! s&s ( !   
sea1 etc41 = we see t 9 ! v "t :5 x 0 ! 
mo/ num]\s & ! mo/ fl\ri%+1 x nev]      
occupi$ m ?an ! little /]ile prov9ces ( 
,pale/9e & its environs1 :i* are almo/  
no?+ 9 comp>ison ) ! va/ ext5t ( a      
multitude ( fl\ri%+ k+doms :i* are on   
all sides ( ! e>?4  ,secondly4 ,!y h    
nev] be5 fulfill$ conc]n+ ! great       
bless+s ) :i* !y 7 to be favor$2 =1     
al?\gh !y won a few small victories ov] 
"s poor nations :om !y plund]$1 ?is did 

n prev5t !m f be+ conqu]$ & r$uc$ to    
s]vitude2 _! k+dom de/roy$ z well z _!  
nation1 by ! ,roman army2 & ev5 n[ !    
rema9d] ( ?is un=tunate nation is look$ 
^u z ! vile/ & mo/ contemptible ( all ! 
e>?1 hav+ no c\ntry1 no dom9ion1 no     
sup]iority4  ,f9ally1 ^! promises h n   
be5 fulfill$ 9 respect to ?is ev]la/+   
cov5ant1 :i* ,god ought to h fulfill$ to
 !m2 because we d n see n[1 & we h nev] 
se51 any evid5ce ( ?is cov5ant2 &1 on ! 
contr>y1 !y h be5 = _m c5turies exclud$ 
f ! possession ( ! small c\ntry !y      
pret5d$ ,god _h promis$ t !y %\ld enjoy 
=ev]4 ,?us1 s9ce ^! pret5d$ promises 7  
nev] fulfill$1 x is c]ta9 evid5ce ( _!  
falsity2 :i* proves1 pla9ly1 t ^!       
pret5d$ ,holy ,books :i* conta9 !m 7 n (
 ,div9e inspiration4 ,!re=e x is useless
 = our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s to pret5d to make 
use ( !m z infallible te/imony to prove 
! tru? ( _! religion4     ,,! ,,holy    
,,scriptures4     ,v4--7#a7 ,,( ,,!     
,,old ,,te/am5t4  ,our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s   
add to _! reasons = cr$ulity & to !     

pro(s ( ! tru? ( _! te/imony1 !         
prophecies :i* are1 z !y pret5d1 sure   
evid5ces ( ! tru? ( ! revelations or    
inspirations ( ,god1 !re be+ no "o b    
,god :o c\ld pr$ict future ev5ts s long 
be=e !y came to pass1 z ^? :i* h be5    
pr$ict$ by ! prophets4  ,let u see1 !n1 
:o ^! pret5d$ prophets are1 & if we     
ought to consid] !m z important z our   
,*ri/-wor%ip]s pret5d !y are4 ,^! m5 7 b
 vision>ies & fanatics1 :o act$ & spoke 
accord+ to ! impulsions ( _! rul+       
passions1 & :o imag9$ t x 0 ! ,_s ( ,god
 by :i* !y spoke & act$2 or !y 7        
impo/ors :o feign$ to be prophets1 & :o1
 9 ord] to m easily deceive ! ignorant &
 simple-m9d$1 boa/$ ( act+ & speak+ by !
 ,_s ( ,god4 ,i w\ld l to "k h[ an      
,ezekiel w\ld be receiv$ :o %\ld say t  
,god made him eat = 8 breakfa/ a roll ( 
p>*m5t2 comm&$ him to be ti$ l an insane
 man1 & lie ?ree hundr$ & n9ety days ^u 
8 "r side1 & =ty days ^u 8 left1 &      
comm&$ him to eat man's dung ^u 8 bread1
 & aft]w>d1 z an accommodation1 c['s    

dung8 ,i ask h[ su* a fil?y /atem5t w\ld
 be receiv$ by ! mo/ /upid p ( our      
prov9ces8  ,:at c be yet a great] pro( (
 ! falsity ( ^! pret5d$ prophecies1 ?an 
! viol5ce ) :i* ^! prophets reproa* ea* 
o!r = speak+ falsely 9 ! "n ( ,god1     
reproa*es :i* !y claim to make 9 behalf 
( ,god4 ,all ( !m say1 ,bew>e ( ! false 
prophets6 z ! quacks say1 ,bew>e ( !    
c\nt]feit pills6 ,h[ c\ld ^! insane     
impo/ors tell ! future8 ,no prophecy 9  
favor ( _! ,jewi% nation 0 ev] fulfill$4
 ,! numb] ( prophecies :i* pr$ict !     
prosp]ity & ! greatness ( ,j]usalem is  
almo/ innum]able2 9 explanation ( ?is1 x
 w be said t x is v natural t a subdu$ &
 captive p %\ld com=t !mselves 9 _! real
 afflictions by imag9>y hopes--z a ye>  
aft] ,k+ ,james 0 depos$1 ! ,iri% p ( 8 
p>ty =g$ sev]al prophecies 9 reg>d to   
him4  ,b if ^! promises made to ! ,jews 
_h be5 really true1 ! ,jewi% nation long
 ago w\ld h be51 & w\ld /ill be1 ! mo/  
num]\s1 ! mo/ p[]ful1 ! mo/ bless$1 & ! 
mo/ victori\s ( all nations4            

,,vi4--7#b7 ,,! ,,new ,,te/am5t4  ,let u
 exam9e ! pret5d$ prophecies :i* are    
conta9$ 9 ! ,gospels4  ,fir/ly4 ,an     
angel hav+ appe>$ 9 a dream to a man    
nam$ ,joseph1 fa!r1 or at lea/ s reput$1
 ( ,jesus1 son ( ,m>y1 said unto him3   
,joseph1 ?\ son ( ,david fe> n to take  
unto !e ,m>y ?y wife1 = t :i* is        
conceiv$ 9 h] is ( ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,& %e 
%all br+ =? a ,son1 & ?\ %alt call ,8 "n
 ,,jesus2 = ,he %all save ,8 p f _! s9s4
 ,?is angel said also to ,m>y3  ,fe> n1 
,m>y1 = ?\ ha/ f\nd favor ) ,god4 ,&    
behold1 ?\ %alt conceive 9 ?y womb & br+
 =? a ,son1 & %alt call ,8 "n ,jesus4   
,he %all be great1 & %all be call$ !    
,son ( ! ,highe/3 & ! ,"l ,god %all give
 unto ,him ! ?rone ( ,8 fa!r ,david4 ,& 
,he %all reign ov] ! h\se ( ,jacob =ev]2
 & ( ,8 k+dom !re %all be no end6 ,jesus
 began to prea* & to say3  ,rep5t1 = !  
k+dom ( ,heav5 is at h&4 ,take no ?\ght 
= y\r life1 :at ye %all eat1 or :at ye  
%all dr9k1 nor yet = y\r body :at ye    
%all put on4 ,is n ! life m ?an meat1 & 

! body ?an raim5t1 = y\r ,heav5ly ,fa!r 
kn[e? t ye h ne$ ( all ^! ?+s4 ,b seek  
ye fir/ ! k+dom ( ,god & ,8             
righte\sness1 & all ^! ?+s %all be add$ 
unto y4  ,n[1 let e man :o has n lo/    
common s5se1 exam9e if ?is ,jesus ev] 0 
a k+1 or if ,8 disciples _h abundance ( 
all ?+s4 ,?is ,jesus promis$ to deliv] !
 _w f s94 ,is !re any prophecy :i* is m 
false8 ,is n our age a /rik+ pro( ( x8  
,x is said t ,jesus came to save ,8 p4  
,9 :at way did ,he save x8 ,x is !      
greate/ numb] :i* rules any p>ty4 ,=    
example1 "o doz5 or two ( ,spani>ds or  
,fr5*m5 d n con/itute ! ,fr5* or ,spani%
 p2 & if an army ( a hundr$ & tw5ty ?\s&
 m5 7 tak5 prison]s ( w> by an army (   
enemies :i* 0 /rong]1 & if ! *ief ( ?is 
army %\ld r$eem only a few m51 z t5 or  
twelve soldi]s or (fic]s1 by pay+ _!    
ransom1 x c\ld n be claim$ t he _h      
deliv]$ or r$eem$ 8 army4 ,!n1 :o is ?is
 ,god :o has be5 sacrific$1 :o di$ to   
save ! _w1 & leaves s _m nations damn$8 
,:at a pity6 & :at horror6  ,jesus ,*ri/

 says t we h b to ask & we %all receive1
 & to seek & we %all f9d4 ,he assures u 
t all we ask ( ,god 9 ,8 "n %all be     
grant$1 & t if we h fai? z a gra9 (     
mu/>d-se$1 we c\ld by "o ^w remove      
m\nta9s4 ,if ?is promise is true1 no?+  
appe>s impossible to our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s 
:o h fai? 9 ,jesus4 ,h[ev]1 ! contr>y   
happ5s4 ,if ,mohamm$ _h made ! promises 
to 8 vot>ies t ,*ri/ made to ,81 )\t    
success1 :at w\ld n be said ab\t x4 ,!y 
w\ld cry out1 ,ah1 ! *eat6 ah1 !        
impo/or6 ,^! ,*ri/-wor%ip]s are 9 ! same
 condition3 !y h be5 bl9d1 & h n ev5 yet
 recov]$ f _! bl9dness2 on ! contr>y1 !y
 are s +5i\s 9 deceiv+ !mselves1 t !y   
pret5d t ^! promises h be5 fulfill$ f ! 
beg9n+ ( ,*ri/ianity2 t at t "t x 0     
necess>y to h miracles1 9 ord] to       
conv9ce ! incr$ul\s ( ! tru? ( religion2
 b t ?is religion be+ suffici5tly       
e/abli%$1 ! miracles 7 no long]         
necess>y4 ,:]e1 !n1 is _! pro( ( all    
?is8  ,besides1 ,he :o made ^! promises 
did n limit !m to a c]ta9 "t1 or to     

c]ta9 places1 or to c]ta9 p]sons2 b ,he 
made !m g5]ally to ev]ybody4 ,! fai? (  
^? :o believe1 says ,he1 %all be foll[$ 
by ^! miracles2 ,!y %all ca/ out devils 
9 ,my "n1 !y %all speak 9 div]s tongues1
 !y %all h&le s]p5ts1 etc4  ,9 reg>d to 
! removal ( m\nta9s1 ,he positively says
 t :oev] %all say to a m\nta93 ',be ?\  
remov$1 & be ?\ ca/ into ! sea2' x %all 
be done2 provid$ t he does n d\bt 9 8   
he>t1 b believes all he comm&s w be     
done4 ,are n all ^! promises giv5 9 a   
g5]al way1 )\t re/riction z to "t1      
place1 or p]sons8  ,x is said t all !   
sects :i* are f\nd$ 9 errors & impo/ure 
w come to a %ameful end4 ,b if ,jesus   
,*ri/ int5ds to say t ,he has e/abli%$ a
 society ( foll[]s :o w n fall ei!r into
 vice or error1 ^! words are absolutely 
false1 z !re is 9 ,*ri/5dom no sect1 no 
society1 & no *ur* :i* is n full (      
errors & vices1 especially ! ,roman     
,*ur*1 al?\gh x claims to be ! pure/ & !
 holie/ ( all4 ,x 0 born into error1 or 
r x 0 conceiv$ & =m$ 9 error2 & ev5 n[ x

 is full ( delusions :i* are contr>y to 
! int5tions1 ! s5tim5ts1 or ! doctr9e ( 
its ,f\nd]1 because x has1 contr>y to ,8
 int5tion1 aboli%$ ! laws ( ! ,jews1 :i*
 ,he approv$1 & :i* ,he came ,himself1 z
 ,he said1 to fulfill & n to de/roy4 ,x 
has fall5 into ! errors & idolatry (    
,paganism1 z is se5 by ! idolatr\s      
wor%ip :i* is (f]$ to its ,god ( d\gh1  
to its sa9ts1 to _! images1 & to _!     
relics4  ,i "k well t our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s
 consid] x a lack ( intellig5ce to      
accept lit]ally ! promises & prophecies 
z !y are express$2 !y reject ! lit]al & 
natural s5se ( ! words1 to give !m a    
my/ical & spiritual s5se :i* !y call    
allegorical & figurative2 claim+1 =     
example1 t ! p ( ,israel & ,judea1 to   
:om ^! promises 7 made1 7 n und]/ood z !
 ,israelites aft] ! body1 b !           
,israelites 9 _s3 t is to say1 !        
,*ri/ians :i* are ! ,israel ( ,god1 !   
true *os5 p t by ! promise made to ?is  
enslav$ p1 to deliv] x f captivity1 x is
 und]/ood to be n ! corporal deliv]ance 

( a s+le captive p1 b ! spiritual       
deliv]ance ( all m5 f ! s]vitude ( !    
,devil1 :i* 0 to be accompli%$ by _!    
,div9e ,savi\r2 t by ! abundance (      
ri*es1 & all ! temporal bless+s promis$ 
to ?is p1 is meant ! abundance (        
spiritual graces2 & f9ally1 t by ! city 
( ,j]usalem1 is meant n ! t]re/rial     
,j]usalem1 b ! spiritual ,j]usalem1 :i* 
is ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4  ,b x is easy to   
see t ^! spiritual & allegorical mean+s 
hav+ only a /range1 imag9>y s5se1 be+ a 
subt]fuge ( ! int]pret]s1 c n s]ve to %[
 ! tru? or ! falsehood ( a proposition1 
or ( any promises :atev]4 ,x is         
ridicul\s to =ge su* allegorical mean+s1
 s9ce x is only by ! relations ( !      
natural & true s5se t we c judge ( _!   
tru? or falsehood4 ,a proposition1 a    
promise1 = example1 :i* is consid]$ true
 9 ! prop] & natural s5se ( ! t]ms 9 :i*
 x is express$1 w n become false 9      
itself "u cov] ( a /range s5se1 "o :i*  
does n belong to x4 ,by ! same reason+1 
t :i* is manife/ly false 9 its prop] &  

natural s5se1 w n become true 9 itself1 
al?\gh we give x a /range s5se1 "o =eign
 to ! true4  ,we c say t ! prophecies ( 
! ,old ,te/am5t adju/$ to ! ,new1 w\ld  
be v absurd & pu]ile ?+s4 ,= example1   
,abraham _h two wives1 ( :i* ! "o1 :o 0 
b a s]vant1 repres5t$ ! synagogue1 & !  
o!r "o1 8 lawful wife1 repres5t$ !      
,*ri/ian ,*ur*2 & t ?is ,abraham _h two 
sons1 ( :i* ! "o born ( ,hag>1 ! s]vant1
 repres5t$ ! ,old ,te/am5t2 & ! o!r1    
born ( ,s>ah1 ! wife1 repres5t$ ! ,new  
,te/am5t4 ,:o w\ld n laugh at su* a     
ridicul\s doctr9e8  ,is x n amus+ t a   
piece ( r$ clo?1 exhibit$ by a pro/itute
 z a signal to spies1 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t 
is made to repres5t ! blood ( ,jesus    
,*ri/ %$ 9 ! ,new8 ,if--accord+ to ?is  
mann] ( int]pret+ allegorically all t is
 said1 done1 & practic$ 9 ! anci5t law (
 ! ,jews--we %\ld int]pret 9 ! same     
allegorical way all ! disc\rses1 !      
actions1 & ! adv5tures ( ! fam\s ,don   
,quixote de la ,man*a1 we w\ld f9d !    
same sort ( my/]ies & ridicul\s figures4

  ,x is nev]!less ^u ?is absurd         
f\ndation t ! :ole ,*ri/ian religion    
re/s4 ,?us x is t !re is sc>cely any?+ 9
 ?is anci5t law t ! ,*ri/-wor%ip+       
doctors d n try to expla9 9 a my/ical   
way to build up _! sy/em4 ,! mo/ false &
 ! mo/ ridicul\s prophecy ev] made is t 
( ,jesus1 9 ,luke1 :]e x is pret5d$ t   
!re w be signs 9 ! sun & 9 ! moon1 & t !
 ,son ( ,man w appe> 9 a cl\d to judge  
m52 & ?is is pr$ict$ = ! g5]ation liv+  
at t "t4 ,has x come to pass8 ,did !    
,son ( ,man appe> 9 a cl\d8             
,,vii4--,,errors ,,( ,,doctr9e ,,& ,,(  
,,morality4  ,! ,*ri/ian ,apo/olical    
,roman ,religion tea*es1 & compels      
belief1 t !re is b "o ,god1 &1 at ! same
 "t1 t !re are ?ree ,div9e p]sons1 ea*  
"o be+ ,god4 ,?is is absurd2 = if !re   
are ?ree :o are truly ,god1 !n !re are  
?ree ,gods4 ,x is false1 !n1 to say t   
!re is b "o ,god2 or if ?is is true1 x  
is false to say t !re are really ?ree :o
 are ,god1 = "o & ?ree c n be claim$ to 
be "o & ! same numb]4 ,x is also said t 

! fir/ ( ^! pret5d$ ,div9e p]sons1 call$
 ! ,fa!r1 has br\ght =? ! second p]son1 
:i* is call$ ! ,son1 & t ^! fir/ two    
p]sons toge!r h produc$ ! ?ird1 :i* is  
call$ ! ,holy ,gho/1 &1 nev]!less1 ^!   
?ree pret5d$ ,div9e p]sons d n dep5d !  
"o ^u ! o!r1 & ev5 t "o is n old] ?an ! 
o!r4 ,?is1 too1 is manife/ly absurd2    
because "o ?+ c n receive its exi/5ce f 
ano!r ?+ )\t "s dep5d5ce on ?is o!r2 & a
 ?+ mu/ necess>ily exi/ 9 ord] to give  
bir? to ano!r4 ,if1 !n1 ! ,second & !   
,?ird p]sons ( ,div9ity h receiv$ _!    
exi/5ce f ! ,fir/ p]son1 !y mu/         
necess>ily dep5d = _! exi/5ce on ?is    
,fir/ p]son1 :o gave !m bir?1 or :o     
begot !m1 & x is necess>y also t ! ,fir/
 p]son ( ! ,div9ity1 :o gave bir? to !  
two o!r p]sons1 %\ld h exi/$ be=e !m2   
because t :i* does n exi/ c n beget     
any?+4 ,nev]!less1 x is repugnant z well
 z absurd to claim t any?+ c\ld be      
begott5 or born )\t hav+ _h a beg9n+4   
,n[1 accord+ to our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s1 !   
,second & ,?ird p]sons ( ,div9ity 7     

begott5 & born2 !n !y _h a beg9n+1 & !  
,fir/ p]son _h none1 n be+ begott5 by   
ano!r2 x !re=e foll[s necess>ily t "o   
exi/$ be=e ! o!r4  ,our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s1 
:o feel ^! absurdities & c n avoid !m by
 any good reason+1 h no o!r res\rce ?an 
to say t we mu/ ignore human reason &   
humbly adore ^! sublime my/]ies )\t wi%+
 to und]/& !m2 b t :i* !y call fai? is  
refut$ :5 !y tell u t we mu/ submit2 x  
is tell+ u t we mu/ bl9dly believe t :i*
 we d n believe4 ,our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s    
condemn ! bl9dness ( ! anci5t ,pagans1  
:o wor%ip$ sev]al ,gods2 !y d]ide !     
g5ealogy ( ^? ,gods1 _! bir?1 _!        
m>riages1 & ! g5]at+ ( _! *ildr52 yet !y
 d n obs]ve t !y !mselves say ?+s :i*   
are mu* m ridicul\s & absurd4  ,if !    
,pagans believ$ t !re 7 ,goddesses z    
well z ,gods1 t ^! ,gods & ,goddesses   
m>ri$ & begat *ildr51 !y ?\ght ( no?+1  
!n1 b :at is natural2 = !y did n believe
 yet t ! ,gods 7 )\t body or feel+2 !y  
believ$ !y 7 simil> to m54 ,:y %\ld !re 
n be females z well z males8 ,x is n m  

reasonable to d5y or to recognize ! "o  
?an ! o!r2 & suppos+ !re 7 ,gods &      
,goddesses1 :y %\ld !y n beget *ildr5 9 
! ord9>y way8 ,!re w\ld be c]ta9ly no?+ 
ridicul\s or absurd 9 ?is doctr9e1 if x 
7 true t _! ,gods exi/$4 ,b 9 ! doctr9e 
( our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s !re is some?+      
absolutely ridicul\s & absurd2 = besides
 claim+ t "o ,god =ms ,?ree1 & t ^!     
,?ree =m b ,"o1 !y pret5d t ?is ,triple 
& ,unique ,god has nei!r body1 =m1 nor  
face2 t ! ,fir/ p]son ( ?is ,triple &   
,unique ,god1 :om !y call ! ,fa!r1 begot
 ( ,himself a ,second p]son1 :i* !y call
 ! ,son1 & :i* is ! same z ,8 ,fa!r1    
be+1 l ,him1 )\t body1 =m1 or face4 ,if 
?is is true1 :y is x t ! ,fir/ "o is    
call$ ,fa!r r ?an "m1 or ! ,second call$
 ,son r ?an daught]8 ,= if ! ,fir/ "o is
 really fa!r in/ead ( "m1 & if ! ,second
 is son in/ead ( daught]1 !re mu/ be    
some?+ 9 bo? ( ^! two p]sons :i* causes 
! "o to be fa!r r ?an "m1 & ! o!r to be 
son r ?an daught]4 ,n[ :o c ass]t t !y  
are males & n females8 ,b h[ %\ld !y be 

r males ?an females1 z !y h nei!r body1 
=m1 nor face8 ,t is n an imag9able ?+1 &
 de/roys itself4 ,no matt]1 !y claim *at
 ^! two ,p]sons1 )\t body1 =m1 or face1 
&1 consequ5tly1 )\t diff]5ce ( sex1 are 
nev]!less ,fa!r & ,son1 & t !y produc$  
by _! mutual love a ?ird p]son1 :om !y  
call$ ! ,holy ,gho/1 :o has1 l ! o!r    
two1 no body1 no =m1 & no face4 ,:at    
abom9able nons5se6  ,z our              
,*ri/-wor%ip]s limit ! p[] ( ,god !     
,fa!r to begett+ b "o ,son1 :y d !y n   
desire t ?is ,second p]son1 & ! ,?ird1  
%\ld h ! same p[] to beget a ,son l     
!mselves8  ,if ?is p[] to beget a son is
 p]fection 9 ! ,fir/ p]son1 x is1 !n1 a 
p]fection & a p[] :i* does n exi/ 9 !   
,second & 9 ! ,?ird p]son4 ,?us ^! two  
,p]sons1 lack+ a p]fection & a p[] :i*  
is f\nd 9 ! ,fir/ "o1 !y are consequ5tly
 n equal ) ,him4 ,if1 on ! contr>y1 !y  
say t ?is p[] to beget a son is no      
p]fection1 !y %\ld n attribute x1 !n1 to
 ! ,fir/ p]son any m ?an to ! o!r two2 =
 we %\ld attribute p]fections only to an

 absolutely p]fect be+4 ,besides1 !y    
w\ld n d>e to say t ! p[] to beget a    
,div9e p]son is n a p]fection2 & if !y  
claim t ?is ,fir/ p]son c\ld h begott5  
sev]al sons & daught]s1 b t ,he desir$ b
 ?is only ,son1 & t ! two o!r p]sons did
 n desire to beget any o!rs1 we c\ld ask
 !m1 fir/ly1 f :5ce !y "k ?is1 = we d n 
see 9 _! pret5d$ ,holy ,scriptures t any
 ,"o ( ^! ,div9e p]sonages reveals any  
su* ass]tions2 h[1 !n1 c our            
,*ri/-wor%ip]s "k any?+ ab\t x8 ,!y     
speak b accord+ to _! ideas & to _!     
holl[ imag9ations4 ,secondly1 we c\ld n 
avoid say+1 t if ^! pret5d$ ,div9e      
p]sonages _h ! p[] ( begett+ sev]al     
*ildr51 & did n wi% to make use ( x1 !  
consequ5ce w\ld be t ?is ,div9e p[] 0   
ineffectual4 ,x w\ld be entirely )\t    
effect 9 ! ,?ird p]son1 :o did n beget  
or produce any1 & w\ld be almo/ )\t     
effect 9 ! two o!rs1 because !y limit$  
x4 ,!n ?is p[] ( begett+ or produc+ an  
unlimit$ numb] ( *ildr5 w\ld rema9 idle 
& useless2 x w\ld be inconsi/5t to      

suppose ?is ( ,div9e ,p]sonages1 ,"o (  
:om _h already produc$ a ,son4  ,our    
,*ri/-wor%ip]s blame & condemn ! ,pagans
 because !y attribute ,div9ity to mortal
 m51 & wor%ip !m z ,gods aft] _! dea?2  
!y are "r 9 do+ ?is4 ,b ^! ,pagans did  
only :at our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s /ill d 9    
attribut+ ,div9ity to _! ,*ri/2 do+ :i*1
 !y condemn !mselves also1 because !y   
are 9 ! same error z ^! ,pagans1 9 t !y 
wor%ip a man :o 0 mortal1 & s v mortal t
 ,he di$ %amefully ^u a cross4  ,x w\ld 
be ( no use = our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s to say 
t !re 0 a great diff]5ce betwe5 _!      
,jesus ,*ri/ & ! ,pagan ,gods1 "u !     
pret5se t _! ,*ri/ 01 z !y claim1 really
 ,god & man at ! same "t1 :ile !        
,div9ity 0 inc>nat$ 9 ,him1 by means (  
:i*1 ! ,div9e nature f\nd itself unit$  
p]sonally1 z !y say1 ) human nature2 ^! 
two natures w\ld h made ( ,jesus ,*ri/ a
 true ,god & a true man2 ?is is :at nev]
 happ5$1 !y claim1 9 ! ,pagan ,gods4  ,b
 x is easy to %[ ! weakness ( ?is reply2
 =1 on ! "o h&1 0 x n z easy to !       

,pagans z to ! ,*ri/ians1 to say t !    
,div9ity 0 inc>nat$ 9 ! m5 :om !y       
wor%ip$ z ,gods8 ,on ! o!r h&1 if !     
,div9ity want$ to inc>nate & unite 9 !  
human nature ( _! ,jesus ,*ri/1 h[ did  
!y "k t ?is ,div9ity w\ld n wi% to also 
inc>nate & unite ,himself p]sonally to !
 human nature ( ^? great m5 & ^?        
admirable wom51 :o1 by _! virtue1 by _! 
good qualities1 or by _! noble actions1 
h excell$ ! g5]ality ( p1 & made        
!mselves wor%ip$ z ,gods & ,goddesses8  
,& if our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s d n wi% to     
believe t ,div9ity ev] inc>nat$ 9 ^!    
great p]sonages1 :y d !y wi% to p]suade 
u t ,he 0 inc>nat$ 9 _! ,jesus8 ,:]e is 
! pro(8 ,_! fai? & _! belief2 b z !     
,pagans rely on ! same pro(1 we conclude
 bo? to be equally 9 error4  ,b :at is m
 ridicul\s 9 ,*ri/ianity ?an 9          
,paganism1 is t ! ,pagans h g5]ally     
attribut$ ,div9ity b to great m51 au?ors
 ( arts & sci5ces1 & :o excell$ 9       
virtues useful to _! c\ntry4 ,b to :om d
 our ,god-,*ri/-wor%ip]s attribute      

,div9ity8 ,to a nobody1 to a vile &     
contemptible man1 :o _h nei!r tal5t1    
sci5ce1 nor ability2 born ( poor p>5ts1 
& :o1 :ile ,he figur$ 9 ! _w1 pass$ b = 
a monomaniac & a s$iti\s fool1 :o 0     
disda9$1 ridicul$1 p]secut$1 :ipp$1 &1  
f9ally1 0 hang$ l mo/ ( ^? :o desir$ to 
act ! same "p1 :5 !y _h nei!r ! c\rage  
nor skill4 ,ab\t t "t !re 7 sev]al o!r  
impo/ors :o claim$ to be ! true promis$ 
,messiah2 among/ o!rs a c]ta9 ,judas1 a 
,galilean1 a ,!odorus1 a ,b>con1 & o!rs 
:o1 "u ?is va9 pretext1 abus$ ! p1 &    
tri$ to excite !m1 9 ord] to w9 !m1 b !y
 all p]i%$4  ,let u pass n[ to ,8       
disc\rses & to "s ( ,8 actions1 :i* are 
! mo/ s+ul> ( ?is k9d3 ,rep5t1 said ,he 
to ! p1 = ! k+dom ( ,heav5 is at h&2    
believe ^! good tid+s4 ,& ,he w5t all   
ov] ,galilee prea*+ ?is pret5d$ approa* 
( ! k+dom ( ,heav54 ,z no "o has se5 !  
arrival ( ?is k+dom ( ,heav51 x is      
evid5t t x 0 b imag9>y4 ,b let u see o!r
 pr$ictions1 ! praise1 & ! description (
 ?is beautiful k+dom4  ,behold :at ,he  

said to ! p3  ,! k+dom ( ,heav5 is lik5$
 unto a man :o s[$ good se$ 9 8 field4  
,b :ile he slept1 8 enemy came & s[$    
t>es among ! :eat1 & w5t 8 way4 ,aga91 !
 k+dom ( ,heav5 is l unto treasure hidd5
 9 a field1 ! :i*1 :5 a man has f\nd1 he
 hide? aga91 & = joy !re( goes & sells  
all t he has1 & buys t field4 ,aga91 !  
k+dom ( ,heav5 is l unto a m]*antman    
seek+ goodly pe>ls1 :o1 :5 he _h f\nd "o
 pe>l ( great price1 w5t & sold all he  
_h1 & b\ght x4 ,aga91 ! k+dom ( ,heav5  
is l unto a net t 0 ca/ into ! sea1 &   
ga!r$ ( e k9d2 :i*1 :5 x 0 full1 !y drew
 to %ore1 & sat d[n & ga!r$ ! good into 
vessels1 b ca/ ! bad away4 ,x is l a    
gra9 ( mu/>d-se$1 :i* a man took & s[$ 9
 8 field :i*1 inde$1 is ! lea/ ( all    
se$s1 b :5 x is gr[n x is ! greate/     
among h]bs1 etc4  ,is ?is a language    
wor?y ( a ,god8 ,we w pass ! same       
judgm5t ^u ,him if we exam9e ,8 actions 
m closely4 ,because1 fir/ly1 ,he is     
repres5t$ z runn+ all ov] a c\ntry      
prea*+ ! approa* ( a pret5d$ k+dom2     

,secondly1 z hav+ be5 transport$ by !   
,devil ^u a high m\nta91 f :i* ,he      
believ$ ,he saw all ! k+doms ( ! _w2 ?is
 c\ld only happ5 to a visioni/2 = x is  
c]ta91 !re is no m\nta9 ^u ! e>? f :i*  
,he c\ld see ev5 "o entire k+dom1 unless
 x 0 ! little k+dom ( ,yvetot1 :i* is 9 
,france2 ?us x 0 only 9 imag9ation t ,he
 saw all ^! k+doms1 & 0 transport$ ^u   
?is m\nta91 z well z ^u ! p9nacle ( !   
temple4 ,?irdly1 :5 ,he cur$ !          
deaf-mute1 spok5 ( 9 ,/4 ,m>k1 x is said
 t ,he plac$ ,8 f+]s 9 ! e>s1 spit1 &   
t\*$ 8 tongue1 !n ca/+ ,8 eyes up to    
,heav51 ,he sigh$ deeply1 & said unto   
him3 ,ephpha?a6 ,f9ally1 let u read all 
t is relat$ ( ,him1 & we c judge :e!r   
!re is any?+ 9 ! _w m ridicul\s4  ,hav+ 
consid]$ "s ( ! silly ?+s attribut$ to  
,god by our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s1 let u look a
 little fur!r into _! my/]ies4 ,!y      
wor%ip "o ,god 9 ?ree p]sons1 or ?ree   
p]sons 9 "o ,god1 & !y attribute to     
!mselves ! p[] ( =m+ ,gods out ( d\gh1 &
 ( mak+ z _m z !y want4 ,=1 accord+ to  

_! pr9ciples1 !y h only to say f\r words
 ov] a c]ta9 quantity ( w9e or ov] ^!   
little images ( pa/e1 to make z _m ,gods
 ( !m z !y desire4 ,:at folly6 ,) all ! 
pret5d$ p[] ( _! ,*ri/1 !y w\ld n be    
able to make ! smalle/ fly1 & yet !y    
claim ! ability to produce millions (   
,gods4 ,"o mu/ be /ruck by a /range     
bl9dness to ma9ta9 su* pitiable ?+s1 & t
 ^u su* va9 f\ndation z ! equivocal     
words ( a fanatic4 ,d n ^! bl9d         
!ologians see t x means op5+ a wide door
 to all sorts ( idolatries1 to adore ^! 
pa/e images "u ! pretext t ! prie/s h ! 
p[] ( consecrat+ !m & *ang+ !m into     
,gods8  ,c n ! prie/s ( ! idols boa/ (  
hav+ a simil> ability8  ,d !y n see1    
also1 t ! same reason+ :i* demon/rates !
 vanity ( ! gods or idols ( wood1 (     
/one1 etc41 :i* ! ,pagans wor%ip$1 %[s  
exactly ! same vanity ( ! ,gods & idols 
( pa/e or ( fl\r :i* our ,*ri/-wor%ip]s 
adore8 ,by :at "r d !y d]ide ! fals5ess 
( ! ,pagan ,gods8 ,is x n because !y are
 b ! "w ( human h&s1 mute & ins5sible   

images8 ,& :at k9d ( ,gods are ^? :i* we
 pres]ve 9 boxes = fe> ( ! mice8  ,:at  
are ^! boa/$ res\rces ( !               
,*ri/-wor%ip]s8 ,_! morality8 ,x is !   
same z 9 all religions1 b _! cruel      
dogmas produc$ & taught p]secution &    
tr\ble4 ,_! miracles8 ,b :at p has n its
 own1 & :at wise m5 d n disda9 ^!       
fables8 ,_! prophecies8 ,h we n %[n _!  
falsity8 ,_! morals8 ,are !y n (t5      
infam\s8 ,! e/abli%m5t ( _! religion8 b 
did n fanaticism beg91 & has n intrigue 
visibly su/a9$ ?is edifice8 ,! doctr9e8 
b is x n ! height ( absurdity8  ,end ,( 
,! ,ab/ract ,by ,voltaire4              
,,publi%]',s ,,preface4  ,by translat+  
into bo? ! ,engli% & ,g]man languages   
,le ,bon ,s5s1 conta9+ ! ,la/ ,w &      
,te/am5t ( ! ,fr5* curate ,,jean        
,,mesli]1 ,miss ,anna ,knoop has p]=m$ a
 mo/ useful & m]itori\s task1 & 9 issu+ 
a new edition ( ?is "w1 x is b ju/ice to
 h] memory ,miss ,knoop di$ ,jan4 #aa1  
#ahhi4 to /ate t h] translation has     
receiv$ ! endorsem5t ( our mo/ compet5t 

critics4  ,9 a lett] dat$ ,newburyport1 
,mass41 ,sep4 #bc1 #ahgh1 ,mr4 ,james   
,p>ton1 ! celebrat$ au?or1 comm5ds ,miss
 ,knoop = translat+ ,mesli]'s book s    
well1 & says t3  ,?is "w ( ! hone/ pa/or
 is ! mo/ curi\s & ! mo/ p[]ful ?+ ( !  
k9d :i* ! la/ c5tury produc$4 4 4 4 4   
,pa9e & ,voltaire _h res]ves1 b ,jean   
,mesli] _h none4 ,he keeps no?+ back2 & 
yet1 aft] all1 ! wond] is n t !re %\ld h
 be5 "o prie/ :o left t te/imony at 8   
dea?1 b t all prie/s d n4 ,true1 !re is 
a great deal m to be said ab\t religion1
 :i* ,i believe to be an et]nal         
necessity ( human nature1 b no man has  
utt]$ ! negative side ( ! matt] ) s mu* 
c&or & complet5ess z ,jean ,mesli]4  ,! 
value ( ! te/imony ( a ca?olic prie/1 :o
 9 8 la/ mom5ts recant$ ! errors ( 8    
fai? & ask$ ,god's p>don = hav+ taught !
 ca?olic religion1 0 fully appreciat$ by
 ,voltaire1 :o highly comm5d$ ?is gr& "w
 ( ,mesli]4 ,he volunt>ily made e ef=t  
to increase its circulation1 & ev5      
compla9$ to ,d' ,alemb]t t !re 7 n z _m 

copies 9 all ,p>is z he himself _h      
disp]s$ ?r\gh\t ! m\nta9s ( ,switz]l&4  
,see ,lett] #ejd1 ,voltaire to          
,d',alemb]t ,he e>ne/ly entreats 8      
associates to pr9t & di/ribute 9 ,p>is  
an edition ( at lea/ f\r or five ?\s&   
copies1 & at ! sugge/ion ( ,d',alemb]t1 
made an ab/ract or abridgm5t ( ,!       
,te/am5t s small z to co/ no m ?an five 
p5ce1 & ?us to be fitt$ = ! pocket &    
read+ ( e workman4 ,lett] #adf1 f       
,d',alemb]t4  ,! ,abb ,b>ruel claims 9 8
 ,memoirs ,see ,hi/ory ( ,jacob9ism by !
 ,abb ,b>ruel1 #d vols4 #h ,,vo1        
translat$ by ! ,hon4 ,rob]t ,clif=d1 ,f4
 ,r4 ,s41 & pr9t$ 9 ,london 9 #agih4 ,! 
le>n$ ,abb def9es ,jacob9ism z ! error (
 e man :o1 judg+ ( all ?+s by ! /&>d ( 8
 own reason1 rejects 9 religi\s matt]s e
 au?ority t is n d]iv$ f ! light (      
nature4 ,x is ! error ( e man :o d5ies !
 possibility ( any my/]y beyond ! limits
 ( 8 reason1 ( e "o :o1 disc>d+         
revelation 9 def5ce ( ! pret5d$ rights (
 ,reason1 ,equality1 & ,lib]ty1 seeks to

 subv]t ! :ole fabric ( ! ,*ri/ian      
religion4 ,b4 #d4 to detect 9 ! writ+s (
 ,voltaire & ( ! lead+ ,encyclop$i/s1 a 
conspiracy n only aga9/ ! ,alt> b also  
aga9/ ! ,?rone4 ,he sev]ely d5\nces !   
,la/ ,w ( ,jean ,mesli]1--t fam\s       
,curate ( ,etrepigni1--^:  apo/asy &    
blasphemies made s /rong an impression  
on ! m9ds ( ! populace1 & he /yles !    
plan ( ,d',alemb]t = circulat+ a few    
?\s& copies ( ! ,ab/ract ( ! ,w1 z a    
base project aga9/ ! doctr9es ( !       
,gospel4 ,ibid1 page #ade ,he ev5 ass]ts
 8 belief t3  ,! ,jacob9s w "o day      
decl>e t all m5 are free1 t all m5 are  
equal2 & z a consequ5ce ( ?is ,equality 
& ,lib]ty !y w conclude t e man mu/ be  
left to ! light ( reason4 ,t e religion 
subject+ man's reason to my/]ies1 or to 
! au?ority ( any revelation speak+ 9    
,god's "n1 is a religion ( con/ra9t &   
slav]y2 t z su* x %\ld be annihilat$ 9  
ord] to ree/abli% ! indefeasible rights 
( ,equality & ,lib]ty z to ! belief or  
disbelief ( all t ! reason ( man        

approves or disapproves3 & !y w call ?is
 ,equality & ,lib]ty ! reign ( ,reason &
 ! empire ( ,philosophy4 ,hi/ory (      
,jacob9ism1 page #ea4  ,! results :i* ! 
,abb ,b>ruel s cle>ly =esaw h at l5g?   
be5 realiz$4 ,! labors ( ! ,jacob9s h n 
be5 9 va91 & ! ,revolution !y incit$ has
 re/or$ ,france to ! gov]nm5t ( ! p6  ,)
 ard5t hope = ! future1 says ,presid5t  
,c>not 9 8 c5t5nial address1 ,may #e1   
#ahhi1 ,i greet 9 ! palace ( ! mon>*y ! 
repres5tatives ( a nation t is n[ 9     
complete possession ( h]self1 t is      
mi/ress ( h] de/9ies1 & t is 9 ! full   
spl5dor & /r5g? ( lib]ty4 ,! fir/ ?\ghts
 on ?is solemn meet+ turn to our fa!rs4 
,! immortal g5]ation  ( #aghi1 by d9t ( 
c\rage & _m sacrifices1 secur$ = u      
b5efits :i* we mu/ bequea? to our sons z
 a mo/ preci\s inh]itance4 ,nev] c our  
gratitude equal ! gr&eur ( ! s]vices    
r5d]$ by our fa!rs to ,france & to !    
human race4 4 4 4 ,! ,revolution 0 bas$ 
^u ! rights ( man4 ,x creat$ a new era 9
 hi/ory & f\nd$ mod]n society4  ,?is is 

lit]ally true4 ,! free?9k]s ( ,france h 
taught mank9d ! doctr9es ( ,lib]ty1     
,equality1 & ,frat]nity4 ,!y h taught ! 
dignity ( human reason1 & ! sacr$ness ( 
human rights4 ,!y h brok5 ! bondage ( ! 
alt>1 & sev]$ ! %ackles ( ! ?rone2 & x  
is to be regrett$ t at ! c5t5nial       
celebration held 9 ?is city on ,april   
#cj?1 #ahhi1 ! appo9t$ orator ,see !    
,c5t5nial ,address ( ! ,hon4 ,*auncey   
,m4 ,depew4 did n realize ! gr&eur ( !  
occasion1 & did n1 l ,c>not1 pay a j    
tribute to our allies1 ! re=m]s (       
,europe1 z well z to ! fa!rs ( !        
republic4 ,b ! p ( ,am]ica w rememb] :at
 ! politician has =gott54 ,!y w rememb] 
! names & de$s ( _! =eign b5efactors z  
well z ( ! ,am]ican patriots ( '#gf4 ,:5
 !y recall ! illu/ri\s ,europeans :o    
f\ght = our lib]ties !y w rememb] ! "n (
 ,lafayette2 :5 !y ?9k ( ! ,decl>ation (
 ,indep5d5ce !y w n =get ! "n ( ,?omas  
,jeff]son2 & :5 !y speak ( ! times t    
tri$ m5's s\ls !y w recall ) gratitude !
 "n ( ,?omas ,pa9e4  ,al?\gh !          

ecclesia/ical conclave at ,rome claims !
 p[] ( work+ miracles 9 defiance (      
,nature's laws1 yet ) or )\t miracles1  
!y h nev] answ]$ ! simple argum5ts      
advanc$ by ,jean ,mesli]2 al?\gh !y     
claim to hold ! keys ( ,p>adise1 & b9d  
on e>? ! s\ls t are to be b\nd 9 heav51 
yet ye> by ye> _! wan+ p[] refutes _!   
s5seless boa/2 al?\gh !y boldly ass]t ! 
dogma ( popi% infallibility1 yet ! loss 
( ! temporal p[] once wield$ by ,rome1 &
 ! dea? ( ea* succe$+ pontiff1 atte/ bo?
 ! ,pope's fallibility & ! ,pope's      
mortality4 ,inde$1 ! successor ( ,/4    
,pet] is b human--! sacr$ college at    
,rome is b mortal2 & fai? & dogma _c    
=ev] resi/ ! influ5ce ( light & k4 ,!   
p[] ( ,ca?olicism is surely decl9+      
?r\gh\t ,europe2 & if x has become      
aggressive 9 our ,am]ican cities1 is x n
 because ! fri5ds ( fre$om h =gott5 !   
well-kn[n axiom t et]nal vigilance is ! 
price ( lib]ty8  ,,pet] ,,eckl]4  ,new  
,york1 ,may #ba1 #ahhi4     ,,prefatory 
,,note ,,by ,,! ,,translator  ,"s ye>s  

ago a copy ( ,john ,mesli] fell into my 
h&s4 ,i 0 /ruck ) ! simple tru?fulness (
 8 argum5ts1 & ! ?\ght nev] left me ( ! 
happy *ange t w\ld be produc$ all ov] ! 
_w :5 ! religi\s prejudices %\ld be     
dispell$1 & :5 all ! diff]5t nations &  
sects w\ld unite & l5d ea* o!r a fri5dly
 h&4  ,s9ce ,i _h ! opportunity ( he>+ !
 spee*es & lectures ( lib]al m51 x has  
seem$ to me t ! "t has come = ?is "w (  
,john ,mesli] to be appreciat$1 & ,i    
conclud$ to translate x into ! language 
( my adopt$ c\ntry1 presum+ t _m w\ld be
 happy to /udy x4  ,9 ?is fai? ,i (f] x 
n[ to ! public1 & ,i hope t ! "n ( ,john
 ,mesli] w be honor$ z "o ( ! greate/   
b5efactors ( humanity4  ,,anna ,,knoop4 
,,preface ,,( ,,! ,,editor ,,( ,,!      
,,fr5* ,,edition ,,( #ahcj4  ,x is said 
t tru? is g5]ally reveal$ by dy+ lips4  
,:5 m5 full ( heal? & enjoy+ all !      
pleasures ( life1 ex]t !mselves )\t     
ceas+1 to excite m9ds & to take         
advantage ( _! fanaticism by we>+ ! mask
 ( religion1 x w n be )\t int]e/ or     

importance to "k :at o!r m51 inve/$ ) ! 
same m9i/ry1 h taught "u ! impulse ( a  
consci5ce quick5$ by ! approa* ( ! f9al 
h\r4 ,_! confessions are m valuable     
because !y c>ry ) !m ! _s ( contrition4 
,x is !n t ! tru?1 :i* is no long]      
obscur$ by n>r[ passions & sordid       
int]e/s1 pres5ts itself 9 all its       
brilliancy1 & imposes ^u him :o has kept
 x hidd5 dur+ 8 life1 ! duty1 & ev5 !   
necessity1 ( unveil+ x fully at 8 dea?4 
,x is !n t human spee*1 los+ 9 a measure
 its t]re/rial nature1 becomes p]suasive
 & conv9c+4  ,we "k ?is fact ( a        
celebrat$ prea*] :o 9 ! beg9n+ ( !      
,revolution /ood 9 ! same pulpit :i* we 
are pleas$ to call ! pulpit ( tru?1 & ) 
8 h& ^u 8 he>t decl>$ t till !n he _h   
taught only falsehood4 ,he did m2 he    
implor$ 8 p>i%ion]s to =give him = !    
gross errors 9 :i* he _h kept !m1 &     
congratulat$ !m ^u hav+ at la/ arriv$ at
 a p]iod :5 x 0 p]mitt$ to e/abli% !    
empire ( reason ^u ! ru9s ( prejudice4  
,times h *ang$ v mu*1 x is true2 h[ev]1 

s long z ! press %all be able to combat 
! fatal errors ( religi\s fanaticism1 & 
p]haps ev5 to "s ext5t prev5t its       
viol5ce1 x w be ! duty ( e fri5d (      
humanity to reproduce cont9ually ! full 
retractions :i* oppos$ ! s9c]ity &      
consci5ce ( ! dy+ to ! bad fai? &       
hypocritical avidity ( ! liv+4 ,guid$ by
 ?is int5tion1 & a%am$ to see ! human   
race1 9 a l& j fre$ f ! yoke (          
prejudice1 give bir? to a disgraceful   
juggl+ :i* w t]m9ate 9 dom9at+ au?ority1
 & associate itself ) ! p]secutions (   
:i* our incr$ul\s or diss5t+ ance/ors 7 
! sad victims1 we believe x useful to   
repr9t ! la/ lessons ( a prie/--an hone/
 man--bequea!d to 8 fell[-citiz5s & to  
po/]ity4 ,! s]vice we r5d] to           
,philosophy w be s mu* ! great] :5 we c 
consid] z immutable1 p]petual1 p]man5t1 
& ready to appe> 9 ! h\r ( ne$1 !       
edition :i* we are prep>+ ( ,,common    
,,s5se1 ,,by ,,! ,,prie/ ,,jean         
,,mesli]1 ,,& ,,8 ,,dy+ ,,confession4   
,to d ju/ice to ^! two works1 to :i* we 

h add$ analytical notes1 :i* w greatly  
facilitate our rese>*es1 we w limit     
ourselves by giv+ ! impos+ approbation (
 two philosoph]s ( ! eighte5?           
c5tury--,voltaire & d',alemb]t4 ,!y     
c]ta9ly und]/ood mu* bett] ! sublimity (
 evangelical morality1 & spoke ( x 9 a  
mann] m wor?y ( its au?or1 ?an did ^? :o
 deifi$ x to pr(it by its div9ity1 & :o 
abus$ s cruelly ! ignorance & b>b>ity ( 
! fir/ c5turies1 to e/abli%1 9 ! int]e/ 
( _! =tunes & p[]1 s _m base prejudices1
 s _m pu]ile & sup]/iti\s practices4    
,"h is :at ,voltaire & d',alemb]t ?\ght 
( ! curate ,mesli] & ( 8 "w4 ,_! lett]s 
are pres5t$ "h 9 ord] to excite         
curiosity & conv9ce ! judgm5t3          
,,voltaire ,,to ,d',,alemb]t4  ,,f]ney1 
,febru>y1 #agfb4  ,!y h pr9t$ 9 ,holl& !
 ,te/am5t ( ,jean ,mesli]4 ,i trembl$ ) 
horror 9 read+ x4 ,! te/imony ( a prie/1
 :o1 9 dy+1 asks ,god's p>don = hav+    
taught ,*ri/ianity1 mu/ be a great      
weight 9 ! balance ( ,lib]als4 ,i w s5d 
y a copy ( ?is ,te/am5t ( ! anti-,*ri/1 

because y desire to refute x4 ,y h b to 
tell me by :at mann] x w rea* y4 ,x is  
writt5 ) great simplicity1 :i*          
un=tunately resembles c&or4   ,,voltaire
 ,,to ,,! ,,same4  ,,f]ney1 ,febru>y    
#be1 #agfb4  ,mesli] also has ! wisdom (
 ! s]p5t4 ,he sets an example = y2 !    
good gra9 0 hidd5 9 ! *aff ( 8 book4 ,a 
good ,swiss has made a fai?ful ab/ract &
 ?is ab/ract c d a great deal ( good4   
,:at an answ] to ! insol5t fanatics :o  
treat philosoph]s l lib]t9es4 ,:at an   
answ] to y1 wret*es t y are1 ?is        
te/imony ( a prie/1 :o asks ,god's p>don
 = hav+ be5 a ,*ri/ian6                 
,d',,alemb]t',s ,,answ]4  ,,p>is1 ,m>*  
#ca1 #agfb4  ,a misund]/&+ has be5 !    
cause1 my de> philosoph]1 t ,i receiv$ b
 a few days s9ce ! "w ( ,jean ,mesli]1  
:i* y _h s5t almo/ a mon? ago4 ,i wait$ 
till ,i receiv$ x to write to y4 ,x     
seems to me t we c\ld inscribe ^u !     
tomb/one ( ?is curate3 ,"h lies a v     
hone/ prie/1 curate ( a village 9       
,*ampagne1 :o1 9 dy+1 asks ,god's p>don 

= hav+ be5 a ,*ri/ian1 & :o has prov$ by
 ?is1 t n9ety-n9e %eep & "o native (    
,*ampagne d n make a hundr$ bea/s4 ,i   
suspect t ! ab/ract ( 8 "w is writt5 by 
a ,swiss1 :o und]/&s ,fr5* v well1 ?\gh 
he affects to speak x badly4 ,?is is    
neat1 e>ne/1 & concise1 & ,i bless !    
au?or ( ! ab/ract1 :oev] he may be4 ,x  
is ( ! ,"l to cultivate ! v9e4 ,aft]    
all1 my de> philosoph]1 a little long]1 
& ,i d n "k :e!r all ^! books w be      
necess>y1 & :e!r man w n h en\gh s5se to
 compreh5d by himself t ?ree d n make   
"o1 & t bread is n ,god4 ,! enemies (   
reason are play+ a v fooli% "p at ?is   
mom5t1 & ,i believe t we c say z 9 !    
song3  ,to de/roy all ^! p ,y %\ld let  
!m alone4  ,i d n "k :at w become ( !   
religion ( ,*ri/1 b its pr(essors are 9 
false g>b4 ,:at ,pascal1 ,nicole1 &     
,arnaud c\ld n d1 !re is an appe>ance t 
?ree or f\r absurd & ignorant fanatics w
 accompli%4 ,! nation w give ?is vigor\s
 bl[ )91 :ile %e is do+ s little        
outside1 & we w put 9 ! abbreviat$      

*ronological pages ( ! ye> #agfb3 ,?is  
ye> ,france lo/ all its colonies &      
expell$ ! ,jesuits4 ,i "k no?+ b p[d]1  
:i* ) s little app>5t =ce1 c\ld produce 
su* great results4   ,,voltaire ,,to    
,d',,alemb]t4  ,,delices1 ,july #ab1    
#agfb4  ,x appe>s to me t ! ,te/am5t (  
,jean ,mesli] has a great effect2 all ^?
 :o read x are conv9c$2 ?is man         
discusses & proves4 ,he speaks 9 ! mom5t
 ( dea?1 at ! mom5t :5 ev5 li>s tell !  
tru? fully4 ,?is is ! /ronge/ ( all     
argum5ts4 ,jean ,mesli] is to conv]t !  
_w4 ,:y is 8 gospel 9 s few h&s8 ,h[    
lukew>m y are at ,p>is6 ,y hide y\r     
light "u a bu%el6   ,d',,alemb]t',s     
,,answ]4  ,,p>is1 ,july #ca1 #agfb4  ,y 
reproa* u ) lukew>mness1 b ,i believe ,i
 h told y already t ! fe> ( ! fagot is v
 cool+4 ,y w\ld l u to pr9t ! ,te/am5t (
 ,jean ,mesli] & di/ribute f\r or five  
?\s& copies4 ,! infam\s fanaticism1 =   
infam\s x is1 w\ld lose little or no?+1 
& we %\ld be treat$ z fools by ^? :om we
 w\ld h conv]t$4 ,man is s little       

enlight5$ to-day only because we _h !   
precaution or ! good =tune to enlight5  
him little by little4 ,if ! sun %\ld    
appe> all ( a sudd5 9 a cave1 !         
inhabitants w\ld p]ceive only ! h>m x   
w\ld d _! eyes4 ,! excess ( light w\ld  
result only 9 bl9d+ !m4   ,d',,alemb]t  
,,to ,,voltaire4  ,,p>is1 ,july #i1     
#agfd4  ,apropos1 !y h l5t me t "w      
attribut$ to ,/4 ,evremont1 & :i* is    
said to be by ,dum>sais1 ( :i* y spoke  
to me "s "t ago2 x is good1 b ! ,te/am5t
 ( ,mesli] is /ill bett]6   ,,voltaire  
,,to ,d',,alemb]t4  ,,f]ney1 ,july #af1 
#agfd4  ,! ,te/am5t ( ,mesli] ought to  
be 9 ! pocket ( all hone/ m52 a good    
prie/1 full ( c&or1 :o asks ,god's p>don
 = deceiv+ himself1 mu/ enlight5 ^? :o  
deceive !mselves4   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,! 
,,c\nt ,d',,arg5tal4  ,,aux ,,delices1  
,febru>y #f1 #agfb4  ,b no little bird  
told me ( ! inf]nal book ( t curate1    
,jean ,mesli]2 a v important "w to !    
angels ( d>kness4 ,an excell5t cate*ism 
= ,beelzebub4 ,"k t ?is book is v r>e2 x

 is a treasure6   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,!   
,,same4  ,,aux ,,deuces1 ,may #ca1      
#agfb4  ,x is j t ,i %\ld s5d y a copy (
 ! second edition ( ,mesli]4 ,9 ! fir/  
edition !y =got ! preface1 :i* is v     
/range4 ,y h wise fri5ds :o w\ld n be   
sorry to h ?is book 9 _! secret cab9et4 
,x is excell5t to =m y\?ful m9ds4 ,!    
book1 :i* 0 sold 9 manuscript =m = eight
 ,l\is-d'or1 is illegible4 ,?is little  
ab/ract is v edify+4 ,let u ?ank ! good 
s\ls :o give x gratuit\sly1 & let u pray
 ,god to ext5d ,8 b5$ictions ^u ?is     
useful read+4   ,,voltaire ,,to         
,d',,amilaville4  ,,aux ,,deuces1       
,febru>y #h1 #agfb4  ,my bro!r %all h a 
,mesli] soon z ,i %all h receiv$ ! ord]2
 x w\ld seem t my bro!r has n ! facts4  
,fifte5 to tw5ty ye>s ago ! manuscript (
 ?is "w sold = eight ,l\is-d'or2 x 0 a v
 l>ge qu>to4 ,!re are m ?an a hundr$    
copies 9 ,p>is4 ,bro!r ,?iriot und]/&s !
 facts4 ,x is n kn[n :o made ! ab/ract1 
b x is tak5 :olly1 ^w = ^w1 f ! orig9al4
 ,!re are /ill _m p]sons :o h se5 !     

curate ,mesli]4 ,x w\ld be v useful to  
make a new edition ( ?is little "w 9    
,p>is2 x c be done easily 9 ?ree or f\r 
days4   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,! ,,same4     
,,f]ney1 ,decemb] #f1 #agfb4  ,b ,i     
believe !re w nev] be ano!r impression (
 ! little book ( ,mesli]4 ,?9k ( !      
weight ( ! te/imony ( "o dy+1 ( a prie/1
 ( a good man4   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,!    
,,same4  ,,f]ney1 ,july #f1 #agfd4      
,?ree hundr$ ,mesli]s di/ribut$ 9 a     
prov9ce h caus$ _m conv]sions4 ,ah1 if  
,i 0 assi/$6   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,!      
,,same4  ,,f]ney1 ,septemb] #bi1 #agfd4 
,!re are too few ,mesli]s & too _m      
sw9dl]s4   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,! ,,same4  
,,aux ,,delices1 ,octob] #h1 #agfd4     
,names injure ! cause2 !y awak5         
prejudice4 ,only ! "n ( ,jean ,mesli] c 
d good1 because ! rep5tance ( a good    
prie/ 9 ! h\r ( dea? mu/ make a great   
impression4 ,?is ,mesli] %\ld be 9 ! h&s
 ( all ! _w4   ,,voltaire ,,to ,,madam  
,,de ,,florian4  ,,aux ,,delices1 ,may  
#bj1 #agfb4  ,my de> niece1 x is v sad  

to be s f> f y4 ,read & read aga9 ,jean 
,mesli]2 he is a good curate4           
,,voltaire ,,to ,,! ,,m>quis            
,d',,arg5ce4  ,m>* #b1 #agfc4  ,i h f\nd
 a ,te/am5t ( ,jean ,mesli]1 :i* ,i s5d 
y4 ,! simplicity ( ?is man1 ! purity ( 8
 mann]s1 ! p>don :i* he asks ( ,god1 & !
 au!nticity ( 8 book1 mu/ produce a     
great effect4 ,i w s5d y z _m copies z y
 want ( ! ,te/am5t ( ?is good curate4   
,,voltaire ,,to ,,helvetius4  ,,aux     
,,deuces1 ,may #a1 #agfc4  ,!y h s5t me 
! two ab/racts ( ,jean ,mesli]4 ,x is   
true t x is writt5 9 ! /yle ( a         
c>riage-horse1 b x is well suit$ to !   
/reet4 ,& :at te/imony6 t ( a prie/ :o  
asks p>don 9 dy+1 = hav+ taught absurd &
 horrible ?+s6 ,:at an answ] to !       
platitudes ( fanatics :o h ! audacity to
 ass]t t philosophy is b ! fruit (      
lib]t9age6