,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia2 ,,or1 ,a ,,pres]vative ,,aga9/ ,,religi\s ,,prejudices4 ,,by ,,b>on ,d',,holba*1 ,,au?or ,,( ,,! ,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature1 ,,! ,,social ,,sy/em1 ,,good ,,s5se1 ,,*ri/ianity ,,unveil$1 ,,ecce ,,homo1 ,,univ]sal ,,morality1 ,,religi\s ,,cruelty1 c41 c41 c4 ,,translat$ ,,f ,,! ,,fr5*1 ,,by ,,an?ony ,c4 ,,middleton1 ,m4 ,d4 444 ,arctis ,religionum animos nodis exsolv]e p]go4 ,,lucretii ,de ,r]um ,natura1 lib4 iv4 v4 #f1 #g4 ,,bo/on3 ,,publi%$ ,,by ,,josiah ,p4 ,,m5dum1 ,,at ,,! ,,(fice ,,( ,,! ,,bo/on ,,inve/igator4 #aheg4 ,,naigeon',s ,,preface4 #agfh4 ,= _m ye>s ?is "w has be5 kn[n "u ! title ( ,lett]s to ,eug5ia4 ,! secretive "* ( ^?1 h[ev]1 into ^: h&s ! manuscript at fir/ fell2 ! s+ul> & yet actual pleasure t is caus$ g5]ally en\gh 9 ! m9ds ( all m5 by ! exclusive possession ( any object :atev]2 t k9d ( torpor1 s]vitude1 & t]ror 9 :i* ! tyrannical p[] ( ! prie/s !n held all m9ds--ev5 ^? :o by ! sup]iority ( _! tal5ts ought naturally to be ! lea/ dispos$ to b5d "u ! odi\s yoke ( ! cl]gy1--all ^! circum/ances unit$ contribut$ s mu* to /ifle 9 its bir?1 if ,i may s express myself1 ?is important manuscript1 t = a long "t x 0 suppos$ to be lo/2 s mu* did ^? :o possess$ x keep x c>efully conceal$1 & s con/antly did !y refuse to all[ a copy to be tak54 ,! manuscripts1 inde$1 7 s sc>ce1 ev5 9 ! libr>ies ( ! curi\s1 t ! late ,m4 ,de ,boze1 ^: pleasure x 0 to collect ! r>e/ works belong+ to e species ( lit]ature1 c\ld nev] succe$ 9 acquir+ a copy ( ! ,lett]s to ,eug5ia1 & 9 8 "t !re 7 only ?ree 9 ,p>is2 x may h be5 f design1 propt] metum ,judorum2#a x may h be5 !re 7 actually no m kn[n4 #a ,on acc\nt ( fe> ( ! ,jews1 or1 9 o!r words1 ! intol]ant cl]gy ( ! despotic gov]nm5t4 ,x is n till )9 five or six ye>s t ,,mss4 ( ^! lett]s h become m common2 & !re is reason to believe t !y are n[ consid]ably multipli$1 s9ce ! copy f :i* ?is edition is pr9t$ has be5 revis$ & correct$ by collation ) six o!rs1 t h be5 collect$ )\t any great difficulty4 ,unhappily1 all ^! copies sw>m ) faults1 :i* corrupt ! s5se1 & compreh5d _m v>iations1 b :i* also1 to use ! language ( ! ,biblical critics1 h s]v$ sometimes to discov] & to fix ! true read+6 ,m (t51 h[ev]1 !y h r5d]$ x m unc]ta9 ?an x 0 be=e :at "o ought to be foll[$--a new pro( ( ! multiplicity ( copies1 because ! m num]\s are ! manuscripts ( a "w1 ! m !y diff] f ea* o!r1 z any "o may be fully conv9c$ by consult+ ^? ( ! ,lett] ( ,?rasybulus to ,leucippus1 & ! v>i\s read+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t collect$ by ! le>n$ ,mill1 & :i* am\nt to m ?an ?irty ?\s&4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 we h sp>$ no pa9s to re/abli% ! text 9 all its purity2 & we v5ture to say1 t1 ) ! exception ( f\r or five passages1 :i* we f\nd corrupt$ 9 all ! manuscripts t we _h an opportunity to collate1 & :i* we h am5d$ to ! be/ ( our ability1 ! edition ( ^! lett]s t we n[ (f] to ! read] w probably con=m almo/ exactly ) ! orig9al manuscript ( ! au?or4 ,) reg>d to ! au?or's "n & quality we c (f] no?+ b conjectures4 ,! only p>ticul>s ( 8 life ^u :i* !re is a g5]al agreem5t are1 t he liv$ ^u t]ms ( great intimacy ) ! ,m>quis de la ,f>e1 ! ,abb de ,*aulieu1 ! ,abb ,t]rasson1 ,font5elle1 ,m4 de ,lass]1 c4 ,! late ,,mm4 ,du ,m>sais & ,falconnet h (t5 be5 he>d to decl>e t ^! lett]s 7 compos$ by "s "o belong+ to ! s*ool ( ,seaux4 ,all t we c pron\nce ) c]ta9ty is ! fact1 t x is only necess>y to read ! "w to be entirely conv9c$ ! au?or 0 a man ( ext5sive k1 & "o :o _h m$itat$ pr(\ndly conc]n+ ! matt]s ^u :i* he has treat$4 ,8 /yle is cle>1 simple1 easy1 & 9 :i* we may rem>k a c]ta9 urbanity1 t leads u to be sure t he 0 n an obscure individual1 nor "o to :om good company & poli%$ society 7 unfamili>4 ,b :at especially di/+ui%es ?is "w1 & :i* %\ld ende> x to all good & virtu\s p1 is ! signal hone/y :i* p]vades & *>act]izes x f ! v beg9n+ to ! end4 ,x is impossible to read x )\t conceiv+ ! highe/ idea ( ! au?or's probity1 :oev] he may h be5--)\t desir+ to h _h him = a fri5d1 to h liv$ ) him1 &1 9 a ^w1 )\t r5d]+ ju/ice to ! rectitude ( 8 int5tions1 ev5 :5 we d n approve ( 8 s5tim5ts4 ,! love ( virtue1 univ]sal b5evol5ce1 respect to ! laws1 an inviolable atta*m5t to ! duties ( morality1 &1 9 f9e1 all t c contribute to r5d] m5 bett]1 is /rongly recomm5d$ 9 ^! ,lett]s4 ,if1 on ! "o h&1 he completely ov]?r[s ! ru9\s edifice ( ,*ri/ianity1 x is to erect1 on ! o!r h&1 ! immovable f\ndations ( a sy/em ( morality legitimately e/abli%$ ^u ! nature ( man1 ^u 8 physical wants1 & ^u 8 social relations--a base inf9itely bett] & m solid ?an t ( religion1 because soon] or lat] ! lie is discov]$1 reject$1 & necess>ily drags ) x :at s]v$ to su/a9 x4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! tru? subsi/s et]nally1 & consolidates itself z x gr[s old3 ,op9ionum comm5ta delet dies1 natur judicia confirmat4#b #b ,"t effaces ! comm5ts ( op9ion1 b x confirms ! judgm5ts ( nature4--,,cic]o4 ,! motto affix$ to _m ( ! manuscript copies ( ^! lett]s proves t ! wor?y man to :om we owe !m did n desire to be kn[n z _! au?or1 & t x 0 nei!r ! love ( reputation1 nor ! ?ir/ ( glory1 nor ! ambition ( be+ di/+ui%$ by bold op9ions1 :i* ! prie/s1 & ! satellites subject$ to !m by ignorance1 d5om9ate impieties1 :i* guid$ 8 p54 ,x 0 only ! desire ( do+ good to 8 fell[-be+s by enlight5+ !m1 :i* actuat$ him1 & ! wi% to uproot1 s to speak1 religion itself1 z be+ ! s\rce ( all ! woes :i* h afflict$ mank9d = s _m ages4 ,?is is ! motto ( :i* we spoke3-- ,si j'ai raison1 qu'importe qui je suis8 7,if reason's m9e1 no matt] :o ,i am47 ,x is a v]se ( ,corneille1 ^: application is exce$+ly appropriate1 & :i* %\ld be ^u ! frontispiece ( all books ( ?is nature4 ,we are unable to say any ?+ m c]ta9 conc]n+ ! p]son to :om our au?or has address$ 8 "w4 ,x appe>s1 h[ev]1 f _m circum/ances 9 ^! ,lett]s1 t %e 0 n a supposititi\s m>*ioness1 l h] ( ! ,worlds ( ,m4 de ,font5elle1 & t !y h really be5 writt5 to a woman z di/+ui%$ by h] rank z by h] mann]s4 ,p]haps %e 0 a lady ( ! s*ool ( ! ,temple1 or ( ,seaux4 ,b ^! details1 9 reality1 z well z ^? :i* conc]n ! "n & ! life ( our au?or1 ! date ( 8 bir?1 t ( 8 dea?1 c41 are ( little importance1 & c\ld only s]ve to satisfy ! va9 curiosity ( "s idle read]s1 :o avidi\sly collect ^! k9d ( anecdotes1 :o receive f !m a k9d ( exi/5ce 9 ! _w1 & :o feel m satisfaction f be+ in/ruct$ 9 !m ?an f ! discov]y ( a tru?4 ,i "k t !y endeavor to ju/ify _! curiosity by say+ t :5 a p]son reads a book :i* creates a public s5sation1 & ) :i* he is himself mu* pleas$1 x is natural he %\ld desire to "k to :om a grateful homage %\ld be address$4 ,9 ?is case ! desire is s mu* ! m unreasonable because x _c be satisfi$2 fir/1 because :5 dea? & proscription is ! p5alty1 !re has nev] be5 & !re nev] w be a man ( lett]s s imprud5t1 &1 to speak pla9ly1 s /rangely d>+1 z to publi%1 or dur+ 8 life to all[ a book to be pr9t$1 9 :i* he tramples "u foot temples1 alt>s1 & ! /atues ( ! gods1 & :]e he attacks )\t any disguise ! mo/ consecrat$ religi\s op9ions2 secondly1 because x is a matt] ( public notoriety t all ! works ( ?is "* :i* h appe>$ = _m ye>s are ! secret te/am5ts ( numb]s ( great m51 oblig$ dur+ _! lives to conceal _! light "u a bu%el1 ^: heads dea? has )drawn f ! fury ( p]secutors1 & ^: cold a%es1 consequ5tly1 d n he> 9 ! tomb ei!r ! importunate & d5unciatory cries ( ! sup]/iti\s1 or ! j eulogiums ( ! fri5ds ( tru?2 ?irdly & la/ly1 because ?is curiosity1 s un=tunately ent]ta9$1 may compromise 9 ! mo/ cruel mann] ! repose1 ! =tune1 & ! lib]ty ( ! relatives & fri5ds ( ! au?ors ( ^! bold books6 ,?is s+le consid]ation ought1 !n1 to det]m9e ^? haz>d]s ( conjectures1 if !y h really good int5tions1 to wrap 9 ! inmo/ folds ( _! he>ts :atev] suspicions !y may ent]ta9 conc]n+ ! au?or1 h[ev] true or false !y may be1 & to turn _! inquir+ spirits to a use m b5eficial = bo? !mselves & o!rs4 ,,translator',s ,,preface4 ,9 #ahai an anonym\s translation ( ! ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia 0 publi%$ 9 ,london by ,ri*>d ,c>lile4 ,?is translation 9 "s ( its p>ts 0 suffici5tly complete & correct1 b 9 o!rs x 0 at absolute v>iance ) ! orig9al "w2 9 o!r p>ts1 also1 x 0 int]l>d$ ) matt] n writt5 by d',holba*2 & 9 o!rs1 l>ge portions ( ! orig9al ,lett]s 7 entirely omitt$1 z 7 likewise a numb] ( notes & ! :ole ( ! prelim9>y obs]vations1 ) :i* ! volume 0 introduc$ to ! public by ,naigeon1 s long ! intimate fri5d ( bo? d',holba* & ,did]ot4 ,9 aga9 pres5t+ ! "w 9 an ,engli% dress1 ! ,london translation has be5 made ! f\ndation ( ?is1 b ! :ole has be5 ?or\ghly revis$ & collat$ ) ! orig9al4 ,! omitt$ portions h be5 translat$ & ins]t$ 9 _! prop] places1 & ?\gh "s passages ( ! ,london "w1 n entirely fai?ful to ! orig9al1 h be5 all[$ to /&1 yet ! book1 z x n[ appe>s1 is ess5tially a new "o1 & is ! mo/ accurate & complete translation ( ! ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia :i* has ev] be5 made into ! ,engli% language4 ,! "w at fir/ came anonym\sly f ! press1 & ! my/]y ( its au?or%ip 0 s$ul\sly ma9ta9$ 9 ! introductory obs]vations ( ,naigeon1 9 consequ5ce ( ! dang] :i* !n att5d$ ! issue ( ,infidel productions1 n only 9 ,france b ?r\gh\t ,*ri/5dom4 ,! book 0 pr9t$ 9 ,am/]dam1 at d',holba*'s own exp5se1 by ,m>c-,mi*ael ,rey1 a noble pr9t]1 to :om ! _w is greatly indebt$ = ! ine/imable aid he r5d]$ ! philosoph]s4 ,b bold z he 01 & !n liv+ 9 a c\ntry ! mo/ free ( any 9 ! _w1 he d>$ n op5ly s5d ^! ,,lett]s f 8 own press4 ,!y 7 issu$ 9 #agfh1 9 two duodecimo volumes1 )\t any publi%]'s "n1 & ) ! impr9t ( ,london on ! title page1 9 ord] to set ^? p]secutors at bay :o 7 pr[l+ = victims1 & :o s\ght to burn au?or1 pr9t]1 & book at ! same pile4 ,! prud5ce ( ! au?or & pr9t] sav$ !m f ?is fate2 b ! book _h h>dly rea*$ ,france be=e its sale 0 =bidd5 "u p5alty ( f9es & imprisonm5t1 & x 0 condemn$ by an act ( ,p>liam5t to be burnt by ! public execution] 9 ! /reets ( ,p>is1 all ( :i* p>ticul>s w be n>rat$ 9 ! ,,biographical ,,memoir ,,( ,,b>on ,d',,holba*1 :i* ,i am n[ prep>+ = ! press4 ,( ! excell5ce ( ! ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia1 no?+ ne$ "h be said4 ,! "w speaks = itself1 & ab\nds 9 t eloqu5ce peculi> to its au?or1 & ov]fl[s ) k9dly s5tim5ts ( humanity1 b5evol5ce & virtue4 ,l d',holba*'s o!r works1 x is di/+ui%$ by an ard5t love ( lib]ty1 & an inv9cible hatr$ ( despotism2 by an unansw]able logic1 by deep ?\ght1 & by pr(\nd ideas4 ,! tyrant & ! prie/ are bo? display$ 9 _! true colors2 b :ile ! au?or %[s himself inexorable z fate t[>ds oppressive hi]>*ies & false ideas1 he is t5d] z an infant to ! un=tunate1 to ^? ov]burd5$ ) unreasonable impositions1 to ^? :o ne$ consolation & guidance1 & to ^? se>*+ aft] tru?4 ,address$1 z ! ,,lett]s 71 to a lady suff]+ f religi\s falsehoods & t]rors1 ! object ( ! writ] is set =? 9 ! motto f ,lucretius :i* he plac$ on ! title page1 & :i* may ?us be express$ 9 ,engli%3-- ,reason's pure light ,i seek to give ! m9d1 ,& f ,religion's fett]s free mank9d4 ,a4 ,c4 ,m4 ,! "n ( ! lady 0 design$ly kept 9 secrecy1 & 0 unkn[n1 except to a v few1 till "s ye>s aft] d',holba*'s dea?4 ,we n[ "k f ! ,feuilles ,po/humes ( ,lequ9io1 :o _h x f ,naigeon1 t ! ,lett]s 7 writt5 sev]al ye>s be=e _! publication1 = ! in/ruction ( a lady =m]ly di/+ui%$ at ! ,fr5* ,c\rt = h] graces & virtues4 ,!y 7 address$ to ! *>m+ ,m>gu]ite1 ,m>*ioness de ,v]m&ois4 ,h] husb& held ! lucrative po/ ( f>m]-g5]al to ! k+1 & besides inh]it$ l>ge e/ates4 ,he possess$ excell5t natural abilities1 & 8 m9d 0 /r5g!n$ & adorn$ by culture & lett]s4 ,_h 8 mode/y p]mitt$ him to appe> z su*1 he w\ld n[ be kn[n z a poet ( g5ius & m]it1 = he wrote "s poems & plays t 7 mu* admir$ by all :o 7 all[$ to p]use !m4 ,he 0 m>ri$ 9 #agfc1 on ! day he complet$ 8 tw5ty-fir/ ye>1 to ,m>gu]ite ,ju/9e d',e/rades1 !n only n9ete5 ye>s ( age1 & :om he saw = ! fir/ "t 9 8 life only six weeks be=e !y became husb& & wife4 ,l mo/ ( ! mat*es !n made among ! high] classes 9 ,france1 ?is 0 "o ( a purely m]c5>y "*4 ,! fa!r ( ! ,m>quis de ,v]m&ois1 & ! fa!r ( ,m>gu]ite1 z a means ( jo9+ _! e/ates1 contract$ _! *ildr5 )\t deign+ to consult ! wi%es ( ! p>ties1 & ob$i5ce or dis9h]itance 0 ! only alt]native4 ,:5 ! compact 0 conclud$1 ,m>gu]ite 0 tak5 f ! conv5t :]e = five ye>s %e _h liv$ z a bo>d] & s*ol>1 & comm5c$ h] m>ri$ life & h] c\rse 9 ! fa%ionable _w at ! same "t4 ,! mat* 0 f> m =tunate ?an su* mat*es !n g5]ally prov$ to be4 ,m>gu]ite's husb& 0 passionately atta*$ to h]1 & t atta*m5t 0 return$4 ,! ,m>quis 0 a fri5d ( ,b>on d',holba*1 & soon aft] 8 m>riage introduc$ 8 wife to him4 ,among all ! beauties ( ,p>is ! ,m>*ioness 0 "o ( ! mo/ lovely & fasc9at+4 ,h] features 7 rem>kably beautiful1 & ! bloom & cle>ness ( h] complexion 7 su* z absolutely to r5d] necess>y ! old comp>ison ( ! rose & ! lily to d !m ju/ice4 ,to ^! 7 add$ a voluptu\s figure1 agreeable mann]s1 ! graces & vivacity ( wit1 & ! /ill m endur+ attractions ( good humor1 purity1 & b5evol5ce4 ,a female l h] c\ld n b be de> to all :o enjoy$ h] intimacy1 & a /rong fri5d%ip sprang up betwe5 h] & ,b>on d',holba*4 ,greatly pleas$ ) him at fir/1 ,m>gu]ite 0 aft]w>ds z greatly %ock$4 ,:5 _! int]c\rse _h become s famili> z to p]mit t frankness & fre$om ( conv]sation :i* prevails among intimate fri5ds1 %e discov]$ t ! ,b>on 0 an unbeliev] 9 ! ,*ri/ian dogmas :i* %e _h le>n$ at ! conv5t1 :]e1 9 consequ5ce ( h] "m's dea?1 %e _h be5 educat$4 ,%e _h be5 taught t an ,infidel 0 a mon/] 9 all respects1 & %e 0 a/\nd$ to f9d unbeliev]s 9 m5 s agreeable 9 mann]s & p]son1 & s pr(\nd 9 le>n+1 z d',holba*1 ,did]ot1 d',alemb]t1 & o!rs4 ,%e c\ld d5y nei!r _! goodness nor _! intellectual qualities1 & :ile %e admir$ ! individuals %e %udd]$ at _! incr$ulity4 ,especially did %e m\rn ov] ,b>on d',holba*4 ,he _h a wife z *>m+ z h]self1 =m]ly ! lovely ,mademoiselle d',ane1 ^: beautiful features & s$uctive figure pres5t$ ,a comb9ation1 & a =m1 inde$1 ,:]e e god did seem to set 8 seal4 ,no?+ 0 m natural ?an t two su* wom5 %\ld imbibe ! deepe/ t5d]ness = ea* o!r4 ,b alas6 ! ,b>on's wife 0 ta9t$ ) h] husb&'s h]esies2 & yet 9 _! home did ! ,m>*ioness see all ! dome/ic virtues exemplifi$1 & beheld t sweet h>mony & un*angeable affection = :i* ! d',holba*s 7 em95tly di/+ui%$ among _! acqua9tances1 & :i* 0 rem>kable f its /rik+ contra/ ) ! c\rtly & ,*ri/ian habits ( ! day4 ,at a loss :at to d1 ! ,m>*ioness consult$ h] confessor1 & 0 advis$ to )draw entirely f ! society ( ! ,b>on & 8 wife1 unless %e 0 will+ to sacrifice all h] hopes ( heav51 & to plunge headlong d[n to hell4 ,h] natural good s5se & love ( h] fri5ds /ruggl$ ) h] mona/ic education & rev]5ce = ! prie/s4 ,! conflict r5d]$ h] mis]able2 & unable to enjoy happ9ess1 %e brood$ ov] h] wi%es & h] t]rors4 ,9 ?is /ate ( m9d %e at l5g? wrote a t\*+ lett] to ! ,b>on1 & laid op5 h] situation1 reque/+ him to com=t1 console1 & enlight5 h]4 ,su* 0 ! orig9 ( ! book n[ pres5t$ 9 an ,engli% dress to ! read]4 ,x accompli%$ its purpose ) ! ,m>*ioness de ,v]m&ois1 & aft]w>ds its au?or conclud$ to publi% ! "w1 9 hopes x might be equally useful to o!rs4 ,! ,lett]s 7 writt5 9 #agfd1 :5 d',holba* 0 9 ! =ty-second ye> ( 8 age4 ,twelve diff]5t works he _h be=e writt5 & publi%$1 & all )\t ! affix ( 8 "n4 ,elev5 7 ^u m9]alogy1 ! arts & ! sci5ces1 & "o only ^u !ology4 ,t "o _h be5 secretly pr9t$ 9 #agfa1 at ,nancy1 ) ! impr9t ( ,london1 & 0 honor$ ) a p>liam5t>y /atute condemn+ its publication & =bidd+ its sale or circulation4 ,*ri/ian hatr$ be/[$ ^u x ! additional honor ( caus+ x to be burn$ 9 ! /reets ( ,p>is by ! public execution]4 ,b ! prud5ce ( ! au?or protect$ 8 life4 ,he attribut$ ! book to a dead man1 :o _h be5 kn[n to ent]ta9 sceptical views4 ,x 0 entitl$ ,,*ri/ianity ,,unveil$1 & bore on its title page ! "n ( ,,b\lang]4 ,?is 0 d',holba*'s fir/ contribution to ,infidel lit]ature1 & ! second simil> "w writt5 by him 0 ! ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia4 ,^! 7 ! preludes to m ?an a qu>t] ( a hundr$ diff]5t productions numb]+ among !m su* books z ,good ,s5se1 ,! ,sy/em ( ,nature1 ,ecce ,homo1 ,prie/s ,unmask$1 c41 c41 all pr9t$ anonym\sly or pseudonym\sly at 8 own exp5se1 )\t a possibility ( pecuni>y advantage1 & ) su* extraord9>y secrecy z to %[ t he 0 actuat$ by no desire ( lit]>y fame4 ,x 0 love ( tru? alone t impell$ d',holba* to write4 ,brilliant1 pr(\nd1 eloqu5t & excell5t z 7 8 writ+s1 attract+ notice z !y did f ! civil & religi\s p[]s1 comm5t$ ^u z !y 7 by su* m5 z ,voltaire & ,fr$]ick ! ,great1 admir$ z !y 7 by t class :o felt & combat$ ! evils ( tyranny z well z ( religion1 ( k+s z well z ( prie/s1--t class :o almo/ drew _! life f ! books ( him & 8 compe]s1--he 0 nev] s$uc$ f ! rule he orig9ally laid d[n = 8 lit]>y conduct4 ,a v few p]sons he 0 oblig$ to tru/ 9 ord] to get 8 writ+s pr9t$1 & b = t fact ,b>on d',holba* w\ld n[ only be kn[n z a g5tleman ( great weal?1 ext5sive b5evol5ce1 & uncommon lib]ality1 z a man ( pr(\nd le>n+ & agreeable colloquial p[]s1 z ! b\ntiful fri5d ( m5 ( lett]s1 z ! soo!r ( ! di/ress$1 z ! protector ( ! mis]able1 & z ! affectionate husb& & fa!r4 ,s mu* ( him we %\ld h kn[n2 b t he 0 ! au?or ( ^? books :i* r\s$ intol]ant prie/s & corrupt magi/rates1 consi/ories & p>liam5ts1 mon>*s & philosoph]s1 ! p & _! oppressors1--t he 0 ! ,ar*im$es t ?us mov$ ! _w1--w\ld n h be5 kn[n _h he n employ$ ano!r philosoph]1 by ! "n ( ,naigeon1 to c>ry 8 manuscripts to ,am/]dam1 & to direct _! pr9t+ by ,m>c-,mi*el ,rey4 ,x 0 ,naigeon :o c>ri$ ! manuscript ( ! ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia to ,holl&1 toge!r ) a numb] ( o!rs by ! same au?or1 :i* also appe>$ dur+ ! ye> #agfh1--;an ev5tful ye> 9 ! hi/ory ( ,infidel progress4 ,! ,lett]s 7 c>efully revis$ by d',holba* be=e !y 7 s5t to press4 ,all ! passages ( a purely p]sonal "* 7 omitt$1 "s new matt] 0 incorporat$1 & "s s5t5ces 7 add$ purposely to keep ! au?or & ! lady he address$ 9 imp5etrable obscurity4 ,to raise ! veil f a man ( s mu* wor? & g5ius1 z well z to c>ry out 8 idea ( do+ good1 is "o ( ! reasons :i* h l$ to ! pres5t prep>ation & publication ( ?is book4 ,a4 ,c4 ,m4 ,,cont5ts4 ,,lett] ,i4 ,( ! ,s\rces ( ,cr$ulity1 & ( ! ,motives :i* %\ld lead to an ,exam9ation ( ,religion1 ,page #a ,,lett] ,,ii4 ,( ! ,ideas :i* ,religion gives u ( ! ,div9ity1 #bi ,,lett] ,,iii4 ,an ,exam9ation ( ! ,holy ,scriptures1 ( ! ,nature ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion1 & ( ! ,pro(s ^u :i* ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$1 #df ,,lett] ,,iv4 ,( ! fundam5tal ,dogmas ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion1 #gf ,,lett] ,v4 ,( ! ,immortality ( ! ,s\l1 & ( ! ,dogma ( ano!r ,life1 #ia ,,lett] ,,vi4 ,( ! ,my/]ies1 ,sacram5ts1 & ,religi\s ,c]emonies ( ,*ri/ianity1 #abj ,,lett] ,,vii4 ,( ! pi\s ,rites1 ,pray]s1 & ,au/]ities ( ,*ri/ianity1 #acf ,,lett] ,,viii4 ,( ,evangelical ,virtues & ,*ri/ian ,p]fection1 #aed ,,lett] ,,ix4 ,( ! ,advantages contribut$ to ,gov]nm5t by ,religion1 #ahd ,,lett] ,x4 ,( ! ,advantages ,religion conf]s on ^? :o pr(ess x1 #baa ,,lett] ,,xi4 ,( ,human or ,natural ,morality1 #bcc ,,lett] ,,xii4 ,( ! small ,consequ5ce to be atta*$ to ,m5's ,speculations1 & ! ,indulg5ce :i* %\ld be ext5d$ to !m1 #bee ,,lett]s ,,to ,,eug5ia4 ,,lett] ,i4 ,( ! ,s\rces ( ,cr$ulity1 & ( ! ,motives :i* %\ld lead to an ,exam9ation ( ,religion4 ,i am unable1 ,madam1 to express ! griev\s s5tim5ts t ! p]usal ( y\r lett] produc$ 9 my bosom4 ,did n a rigor\s duty reta9 me :]e ,i am1 y w\ld see me fly+ to y\r succor4 ,is x1 !n1 true t ,eug5ia is mis]able8 ,is ev5 %e torm5t$ ) *agr91 scruples1 & inquietudes8 ,9 ! mid/ ( opul5ce & gr&eur2 assur$ ( ! t5d]ness & e/eem ( a husb& :o adores y2 enjoy+ at c\rt ! advantage1 s r>e1 ( be+ s9c]ely belov$ by e "o2 surr\nd$ by fri5ds :o r5d] s9c]e homage to y\r tal5ts1 y\r k1 & y\r ta/es1--h[ c y suff] ! pa9s ( melan*oly & sorr[8 ,y\r pure & virtu\s s\l c surely "k nei!r %ame nor remorse4 ,always s f> remov$ f ! weaknesses ( y\r sex1 on :at acc\nt c y blu%8 ,agreeably occupi$ ) y\r duties1 refre%$ ) useful read+ & ent]ta9+ conv]sation1 & hav+ )9 y\r rea* e div]sity ( virtu\s pleasures1 h[ happ5s x t fe>s1 di/a/es1 & c>es come to assail a he>t = :i* e ?+ %\ld procure cont5tm5t & peace8 ,alas6 ev5 if y\r lett] _h n confirm$ x b too mu*1 f ! tr\ble :i* agitates y ,i %\ld h recogniz$ )\t difficulty ! "w ( sup]/ition4 ,?is fi5d alone possesses ! p[] ( di/urb+ hone/ s\ls1 )\t calm+ ! passions ( ! corrupt2 & :5 once %e ga9s possession ( a he>t1 %e has ! ability to annihilate its repose =ev]4 ,yes1 ,madam1 = a long "t ,i h kn[n ! dang]\s effects ( religi\s prejudices4 ,i 0 myself =m]ly tr\bl$ ) !m4 ,l y ,i h trembl$ "u ! yoke ( religion2 & if a c>eful & delib]ate exam9ation _h n fully undeceiv$ me1 in/ead ( n[ be+ 9 a /ate to console y & to reassure y aga9/ y\rself1 y w\ld see me at ! pres5t mom5t p>tak+ y\r inquietudes1 & augm5t+ 9 y\r m9d ! lugubri\s ideas ) :i* ,i p]ceive y to be torm5t$4 ,?anks to ,reason & ,philosophy1 an unruffl$ s]5ity long ago irradiat$ my und]/&+1 & bani%$ ! t]rors ) :i* ,i 0 =m]ly agitat$4 ,:at happ9ess = me if ! peace :i* ,i enjoy %\ld put x 9 my p[] to break ! *>m :i* yet b9ds y ) ! *a9s ( prejudice8 ,nev]!less1 )\t y\r express ord]s1 ,i %\ld nev] h d>$ to po9t out to y a mode ( ?9k+ widely diff]5t f y\r own1 nor to combat ! dang]\s op9ions to :i* y h be5 p]suad$ y\r happ9ess is atta*$4 ,b = y\r reque/ ,i %\ld h cont9u$ to enclose 9 my own brea/ op9ions odi\s to ! mo/ "p ( m5 accu/om$ to see no?+ except by ! eyes ( judges visibly int]e/$ 9 deceiv+ !m4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 a sacr$ duty obliges me to speak4 ,eug5ia1 unquiet & al>m$1 wi%es me to explore h] he>t2 %e ne$s assi/ance2 %e wi%es to fix h] ideas ^u an object :i* int]e/s h] repose & h] felicity4 ,i owe h] ! tru?4 ,x w\ld be a crime long] to pres]ve sil5ce4 ,al?\gh my atta*m5t = h] did n impose ! necessity ( respond+ to h] confid5ce1 ! love ( tru? w\ld oblige me to make ef=ts to dissipate ! *im]as :i* r5d] h] unhappy4 ,i %all proce$ !n1 ,madam1 to address y ) ! mo/ complete frankness4 ,p]haps at ! fir/ glance my ideas may appe> /range2 b on exam9+ !m ) /ill fur!r c>e & att5tion1 !y w cease to %ock y4 ,reason1 good fai?1 & tru? _c d o!rwise ?an ex]t great influ5ce ov] su* an intellect z y\rs4 ,i appeal1 !re=e1 f y\r al>m$ imag9ation to y\r m tranquil judgm5t2 ,i appeal f cu/om & prejudice to reflection & reason4 ,nature has giv5 y a g5tle & s5sible s\l1 & has imp>t$ an exquisitely lively imag9ation1 & a c]ta9 admixture ( melan*oly :i* disposes to despond5t rev]y4 ,x is f ?is peculi> m5tal con/itution t arise ! woes t n[ afflict y4 ,y\r goodness1 c&or1 & s9c]ity preclude y\r suspect+ 9 o!rs ei!r fraud or malignity4 ,! g5tl5ess ( y\r "* prev5ts y\r contradict+ notions t w\ld appe> revolt+ if y deign$ to exam9e !m4 ,y h *os5 r to def] to ! judgm5t ( o!rs1 & to subscribe to _! ideas1 ?an to consult y\r own reason & rely ^u y\r own und]/&+4 ,! vivacity ( y\r imag9ation causes y to embrace ) avidity ! dismal del9eations :i* are pres5t$ to y2 c]ta9 m51 int]e/$ 9 agitat+ y\r m9d1 abuse y\r s5sibility 9 ord] to produce al>m2 !y cause y to %udd] at ! t]rible words1 dea?1 judgm5t1 hell1 puni%m5t1 & et]nity2 !y lead y to turn pale at ! v "n ( an inflexible judge1 ^: absolute decrees no?+ c *ange2 y fancy t y see ar\nd y ^? demons :om he has made ! m9i/]s ( 8 v5geance ^u 8 weak creatures2 ?us is y\r he>t fill$ ) affright2 y fe> t at e in/ant y may (f5d1 )\t be+ aw>e ( x1 a caprici\s ,god1 always ?reat5+ & always enrag$4 ,9 consequ5ce ( su* a /ate ( m9d1 all ^? mom5ts ( y\r life :i* %\ld only be productive ( cont5tm5t & peace1 are con/antly poison$ by inquietudes1 scruples1 & panic t]rors1 f :i* a s\l z pure z y\rs ought to be =ev] exempt4 ,! agitation into :i* y are ?r[n by ^! fatal ideas susp5ds ! ex]cise ( y\r faculties2 y\r reason is misl$ by a bewild]$ imag9ation1 & y are afflict$ ) p]plexities1 ) despond5cy1 & ) suspicion ( y\rself4 ,9 ?is mann] y become ! dupe ( ^? m5 :o1 address+ ! imag9ation & /ifl+ reason1 long s9ce subjugat$ ! univ]se1 & h actually p]suad$ reasonable be+s t _! reason is ei!r useless or dang]\s4 ,su* is1 ,madam1 ! con/ant language ( ! apo/les ( sup]/ition1 ^: design has always be51 & w always cont9ue to be1 to de/roy human reason 9 ord] to ex]cise _! p[] ) impunity ov] mank9d4 ,?r\gh\t ! globe ! p]fidi\s m9i/]s ( religion h be5 ei!r ! conceal$ or ! decl>$ enemies ( reason1 because !y always see reason oppos$ to _! views4 ,e :]e d !y decry x1 because !y truly fe> t x w de/roy _! empire by discov]+ _! conspiracies & ! futility ( _! fables4 ,e :]e ^u its ru9s !y /ruggle to erect ! empire ( fanaticism & imag9ation4 ,to atta9 ?is end ) m c]ta9ty1 !y h unceas+ly t]rifi$ mortals ) hide\s pa9t+s1 h a/oni%$ & s$uc$ !m by m>vels & my/]ies1 emb>rass$ !m by enigmas & unc]ta9ties1 sur*>g$ !m ) obs]vances & c]emonies1 fill$ _! m9ds ) t]rors & scruples1 & fix$ _! eyes ^u a future1 :i*1 f> f r5d]+ !m m virtu\s & happy "h bel[1 has only turn$ !m f ! pa? ( true happ9ess1 & de/roy$ x completely & =ev] 9 _! bosoms4 ,su* are ! artifices :i* ! m9i/]s ( religion e :]e employ to enslave ! e>? & to reta9 x "u ! yoke4 ,! human race1 9 all c\ntries1 has become ! prey ( ! prie/s4 ,! prie/s h giv5 ! "n ( religion to sy/ems inv5t$ by !m to subjugate m51 ^: imag9ation !y _h s$uc$1 ^: und]/&+ !y _h conf\nd$1 & ^: reason !y _h endeavor$ to ext+ui%4 ,x is especially 9 infancy t ! human m9d is dispos$ to receive :atev] impression is made ^u x4 ,?us our prie/s h prud5tly seiz$ ^u ! y\? to inspire !m ) ideas t !y c\ld nev] impose ^u adults4 ,x is dur+ ! mo/ t5d] & susceptible age ( m5 t ! prie/s h famili>iz$ ! und]/&+ ( our race ) mon/r\s fables1 ) extravagant & disjo9t$ fancies1 & ) ridicul\s *im]as1 :i*1 by degrees1 become objects t are respect$ & t are fe>$ dur+ life4 ,we ne$ only op5 our eyes to see ! unwor?y means employ$ by sac]dotal policy to /ifle ! dawn+ reason ( m54 ,dur+ _! infancy !y are taught tales :i* are ridicul\s1 imp]t95t1 contradictory1 & crim9al1 & to ^! !y are enjo9$ to pay respect4 ,!y are gradually impregnat$ ) inconceivable my/]ies t are ann\nc$ z sacr$ tru?s1 & !y are accu/om$ to contemplate phantoms be=e :i* !y habitually tremble4 ,9 a ^w1 measures are tak5 :i* are ! be/ calculat$ to r5d] ^? bl9d :o d n consult _! reason1 & to r5d] ^? base :o con/antly %udd] :5ev] !y recall ! ideas ) :i* _! prie/s infect$ _! m9ds at an age :5 !y 7 unable to gu>d aga9/ su* sn>es4 ,recall to m9d1 ,madam1 ! dang]\s c>es :i* 7 tak5 9 ! conv5t :]e y 7 educat$1 to s[ 9 y\r m9d ! g]ms ( ^? inquietudes t n[ afflict y4 ,x 0 !re t !y began to speak to y ( fables1 prodigies1 my/]ies1 & doctr9es t y actually rev]e1 :ile1 if ^! ?+s 7 ann\nc$ to-day = ! fir/ "t1 y w\ld reg>d !m z ridicul\s1 & z entirely unwor?y ( att5tion4 ,i h (t5 witness$ y\r laught] at ! simplicity ) :i* y =m]ly cr$it$ ^? tales ( sorc]]s & gho/s1 t1 dur+ y\r *ildhood1 7 relat$ by ! nuns :o _h *>ge ( y\r education4 ,:5 y ent]$ society :]e = a long "t su* *im]as h be5 disbeliev$1 y 7 ins5sibly undeceiv$1 & at pres5t y blu% at y\r =m] cr$ulity4 ,:y h y n ! c\rage to laugh1 9 a simil> mann]1 at an inf9ity ( o!r *im]as ) no bett] f\ndation1 :i* torm5t y ev5 yet1 & :i* only appe> m respectable1 because y h n d>$ to exam9e !m ) y\r own eyes1 or because y see !m respect$ by a public :o h nev] explor$ !m8 ,if my ,eug5ia is enlight5$ & reasonable ^u all o!r topics1 :y does %e r5\nce h] und]/&+ & h] judgm5t :5ev] religion is 9 "q8 ,9 ! mean "t1 at ?is r$\btable ^w h] s\l is di/urb$1 h] /r5g? ab&ons h]1 h] ord9>y p5etration is at fault1 h] imag9ation w&]s1 %e only sees ?r\gh a cl\d1 %e is unquiet & afflict$4 ,on ! wat* aga9/ reason1 %e d>es n call t to h] assi/ance4 ,%e p]suades h]self t ! be/ c\rse = h] to take is to all[ h]self to foll[ ! op9ions ( a multitude :o nev] exam9e1 & :o always suff] !mselves to be conduct$ by bl9d or deceitful guides4 ,to re/abli% peace 9 y\r m9d1 de> ,madam1 cease to despise y\rself2 ent]ta9 a j confid5ce 9 y\r own p[]s ( m9d1 & feel no *agr9 at f9d+ y\rself infect$ ) a g5]al & involunt>y epidemic f :i* x did n dep5d on y to escape4 ,! good ,abb de ,/4 ,pi]re _h reason :5 he said t devotion 0 ! small pox ( ! s\l4 ,i w add t x is r>e ! disease does n leave its pits = life4 ,inde$1 see h[ (t5 ! mo/ enlight5$ p]sons p]si/ =ev] 9 ! prejudices ( _! infancy6 ,^! notions are s e>ly inculcat$1 & s _m precautions are cont9ually tak5 to r5d] !m durable1 t if any ?+ may reasonably surprise u1 x is to see any "o h ! ability to rise sup]ior to su* influ5ces4 ,! mo/ sublime g5iuses are (t5 ! play?+s ( sup]/ition4 ,! heat ( _! imag9ation sometimes only s]ves to lead !m ! f>!r a/ray1 & to atta* !m to op9ions :i* w\ld cause !m to blu% did !y b consult _! reason4 ,pascal con/antly imag9$ t he saw hell yawn+ "u 8 feet2 ,mallebran*e 0 extravagantly cr$ul\s2 ,hobbes _h a great t]ror ( phantoms & demons2#c & ! immortal ,newton wrote a ridicul\s comm5t>y on ! vials & visions ( ! ,apocalypse4 ,9 a ^w1 e ?+ proves t !re is no?+ m difficult ?an to efface ! notions ) :i* we are imbu$ dur+ our infancy4 ,! mo/ s5sible p]sons1 & ^? :o reason ) ! mo/ correctness ^u e o!r matt]1 relapse into _! infancy :5ev] religion is 9 "q4 #c ,on ?is subject see ,bayle's ,dict4 ,crit41 art4 ,hobbes1 ,rem4 ,n4 ,?us1 ,madam1 y ne$ n blu% = a weakness :i* y hold 9 common ) almo/ all ! _w1 & f :i* ! greate/ m5 are n always exempt4 ,let y\r c\rage !n revive1 & fe> n to exam9e ) p]fect composure ! phantoms :i* al>m y4 ,9 a matt] :i* s greatly int]e/s y\r repose1 consult t enlight5$ reason :i* places y z mu* above ! vulg>1 z x elevates ! human species above ! o!r animals4 ,f> f be+ suspici\s ( y\r own und]/&+ & intellectual faculties1 turn y\r j suspicion aga9/ ^? m51 f> less enlight5$ & hone/ ?an y1 :o1 to vanqui% y1 only address !mselves to y\r lively imag9ation2 :o h ! cruelty to di/urb ! s]5ity ( y\r s\l2 :o1 "u ! pretext ( atta*+ y only to heav51 insi/ t y mu/ sund] ! mo/ t5d] & ende>+ ties2 & 9 f9e1 :o oblige y to proscribe ! use ( t b5efic5t reason ^: light guides y\r conduct s judici\sly & s safely4 ,leave inquietude & remorse to ^? corrupt wom5 :o h cause to reproa* !mselves1 or :o h crimes to expiate4 ,leave sup]/ition to ^? silly & ignorant females ^: n>r[ m9ds are incapable ( reason+ or reflection4 ,ab&on ! futile & trivial c]emonies ( an objectionable devotion to ^? idle & peevi% wom51 = :om1 z soon z ! transi5t reign ( _! p]sonal *>ms is f9i%$1 !re rema9s no rational relaxation to fill ! void ( _! days1 & :o seek by sl&] & trea*]y to console !mselves = ! loss ( pleasures :i* !y c no long] enjoy4 ,resi/ t incl9ation :i* seems to impel y to gloomy m$itation1 solitude1 & melan*oly4 ,devotion is only suit$ to in]t & li/less s\ls1 :ile y\rs is =m$ = action4 ,y %\ld pursue ! c\rse ,i recomm5d = ! sake ( y\r husb&1 ^: happ9ess dep5ds ^u y2 y owe x to ! *ildr51 :o w soon1 und\bt$ly1 ne$ all y\r c>e & all y\r in/ructions = ! guidance ( _! he>ts & und]/&+s2 y owe x to ! fri5ds :o honor y1 & :o w value y\r society :5 ! beauty :i* n[ adorns y\r p]son & ! voluptu\sness :i* graces y\r figure h yield$ to ! inroads ( "t2 y owe x to ! circle 9 :i* y move1 & to ! _w :i* has a "r to y\r example1 possess+ z y d virtues t are f> m r>e to p]sons ( y\r rank ?an devotion4 ,9 f9e1 y owe happ9ess to y\rself2 =1 not)/&+ ! promises ( religion1 y w nev] f9d happ9ess 9 ^? agitations into :i* ,i p]ceive y ca/ by ! lurid ideas ( sup]/ition4 ,9 ?is pa? y w only enc\nt] doleful *im]as1 frightful phantoms1 emb>rassm5ts )\t end1 cru%+ unc]ta9ties1 inexplicable enigmas1 & dang]\s rev]ies1 :i* are only calculat$ to di/urb y\r repose1 to deprive y ( happ9ess1 & to r5d] y incapable ( occupy+ y\rself ) t ( o!rs4 ,x is v difficult to make ^? ar\nd u happy :5 we are ourselves mis]able & depriv$ ( peace4 ,if y w ev5 slightly make obs]vations ^u ^? ab\t y1 y w f9d abundant pro(s ( :at ,i advance4 ,! mo/ religi\s p]sons are r>ely ! mo/ amiable or ! mo/ social4 ,ev5 ! mo/ s9c]e devotion1 by subject+ ^? :o embrace x to we>isome & crippl+ c]emonies1 by occupy+ _! imag9ations ) lugubri\s & afflict+ objects1 by excit+ _! zeal1 is b little calculat$ to give to devotees t equality ( temp]1 t sweetness ( an indulg5t disposition1 & t am5ity ( "*1 :i* con/itute ! greate/ *>ms ( p]sonal int]c\rse4 ,a ?\s& examples might be adduc$ to conv9ce y t devotees :o are ! mo/ occupi$ 9 sup]/iti\s obs]vances to please ,god are n ^? wom5 :o succe$ be/ 9 pleas+ ^? by :om !y are surr\nd$4 ,if !re seems to be occasionally an exception to ?is rule1 x is on ! "p ( ^? :o h n all ! zeal & f]vor :i* is exact$ by _! religion4 ,devotion is ei!r a morose & melan*oly passion1 or x is a viol5t & ob/9ate en?usiasm4 ,religion imposes an exclusive & entire reg>d ^u its slaves4 ,all t an acceptable ,*ri/ian gives to a fell[-creature is a robb]y f ! ,creator4 ,a s\l fill$ ) religi\s f]vor fe>s to atta* itself to ?+s ( ! e>?1 le/ x %\ld lose sight ( its jeal\s ,god1 :o wi%es to engross con/ant att5tion1 :o lays x d[n z a duty to 8 creatures t !y %\ld sacrifice to him _! mo/ agreeable & mo/ innoc5t incl9ations1 & :o ord]s t !y %\ld r5d] !mselves mis]able "h bel[1 "u ! idea ( pleas+ him4 ,9 accordance ) su* pr9ciples1 we g5]ally see devotees execut+ ) mu* fidelity ! duty ( torm5t+ !mselves & di/urb+ ! repose ( o!rs4 ,!y actually believe !y acquire great m]it ) ! ,sov]eign ( heav5 by r5d]+ !mselves p]fectly useless1 or ev5 a sc\rge to ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4 ,i am aw>e1 ,madam1 t devotion 9 y does n produce effects injuri\s to o!rs2 b ,i fe> t x is only m injuri\s to y\rself4 ,! goodness ( y\r he>t1 ! sweetness ( y\r disposition1 & ! b5efic5ce :i* displays itself 9 all y\r conduct1 are all s great t ev5 religion does n impel y to any dang]\s excesses4 ,nev]!less1 devotion (t5 causes /range metamorphoses4 ,unquiet1 agitat$1 mis]able )9 y\rself1 x is to be fe>$ t y\r temp]am5t w *ange1 t y\r disposition w become acrimoni\s1 & t ! vexati\s ideas ov] :i* y h s long brood$ w soon] or lat] produce a disa/r\s influ5ce ^u ^? :o approa* y4 ,does n exp]i5ce con/antly %[ u t religion effects *anges ( ?is k9d8 ,:at are call$ conv]sions1 :at devotees reg>d z special acts ( div9e grace1 are v (t5 only lam5table revolutions by :i* real vices & odi\s qualities are sub/itut$ = amiable & useful *>act]i/ics4 ,by a deplorable consequ5ce ( ^! pret5d$ miracles ( grace we frequ5tly see sorr[ succe$ to enjoym5t1 a gloomy & unhappy /ate to "o ( innoc5t gayety1 lassitude & *agr9 to activity & hil>ity1 & sl&]1 intol]ance1 & zeal to indulg5ce & g5tl5ess2 nay1 :at d ,i say8 cruelty itself to humanity4 ,9 a ^w1 sup]/ition is a dang]\s leav51 t is fitt$ to corrupt ev5 ! mo/ hone/ he>ts4 ,d y n see1 9 fact1 ! excesses to :i* fanaticism & zeal drive ! wise/ & be/ mean+ m58 ,pr9ces1 magi/rates1 & judges become inhuman & pitiless z soon z !re is a "q ( ! int]e/s ( religion4 ,m5 ( ! g5tle/ disposition1 ! mo/ indulg5t1 & ! mo/ equitable1 ^u e o!r matt]1 religion trans=ms to f]oci\s bea/s4 ,! mo/ feel+ & compassionate p]sons believe !mselves 9 consci5ce oblig$ to h>d5 _! he>ts1 to d viol5ce to _! bett] in/9cts1 & to /ifle nature1 9 ord] to %[ !mselves cruel to ^? :o are d5\nc$ z enemies to _! own mann] ( ?9k+4 ,recall to y\r m9d1 ,madam1 ! cruelties ( nations & gov]nm5ts 9 alt]nate p]secutions ( ,ca?olics or ,prote/ants1 z ei!r happ5$ to be 9 ! asc5dant4 ,c y f9d reason1 equity1 or humanity 9 ! vexations1 imprisonm5ts1 & exiles t 9 our days are inflict$ ^u ! ,jans5i/s8 ,& ^! la/1 if ev] !y %\ld atta9 9 _! turn ! p[] requisite = p]secution1 w\ld n probably treat _! adv]s>ies ) m mod]ation or ju/ice4 ,d y n daily see individuals :o pique !mselves ^u _! s5sibility unblu%+ly express ! joy !y w\ld feel at ! ext]m9ation ( p]sons to :om !y believe !y owe nei!r b5evol5ce nor indulg5ce1 & ^: only crime is a disda9 = prejudices t ! vulg> reg>d z sacr$1 or t an errone\s & false policy consid]s useful to ! /ate8 ,sup]/ition has s greatly /ifl$ all s5se ( humanity 9 _m p]sons o!rwise truly e/imable1 t !y h no compunctions at sacrific+ ! mo/ enlight5$ m5 ( ! nation because !y c\ld n be ! mo/ cr$ul\s or ! mo/ submissive to ! au?ority ( ! prie/s4 ,9 a ^w1 devotion is only calculat$ to fill ! he>t ) a bitt] rancor1 t bani%es peace & h>mony f society4 ,9 ! matt] ( religion1 e "o believes himself oblig$ to %[ m or less ardor & zeal4 ,h ,i n (t5 se5 y unc]ta9 y\rself :e!r y ought to sigh or smile at ! self-depreciation ( devotees ridicul\sly inflam$ by t religi\s vanity :i* gr[s out ( sect>ian conv5tionalities8 ,y also see !m p>ticipat+ 9 !ological qu>rels1 9 :i*1 )\t compreh5d+ _! nature or purport1 !y believe !mselves consci5ti\sly oblig$ to m+le4 ,i h a hundr$ times se5 y a/\nd$ ) _! clamors1 indignant at _! animosity1 sc&aliz$ at _! cabals1 & fill$ ) disda9 at _! ob/9ate ignorance4 ,yet no?+ is m natural ?an ^! outbreaks2 ignorance has always be5 ! "m ( devotion4 ,to be a devotee has always be5 synonym\s to hav+ an imbecile confid5ce 9 prie/s4 ,x is to receive all impulsions f !m2 x is to ?9k & act only accord+ to !m2 x is bl9dly to adopt _! passions & prejudices2 x is fai?fully to fulfil practices :i* _! caprice imposes4 ,eug5ia is n =m$ to foll[ su* guides4 ,!y w\ld t]m9ate by lead+ h] widely a/ray1 by dazzl+ h] vivid imag9ation1 by infect+ h] g5tle & amiable disposition ) a deadly poison4 ,to ma/] ) m c]ta9ty h] und]/&+1 !y w\ld r5d] h] au/]e1 intol]ant1 & v9dictive4 ,9 a ^w1 by ! magical p[] ( sup]/ition & sup]natural notions1 !y w\ld succe$1 p]haps1 9 trans=m+ to vices ^? happy dispositions t nature has giv5 y4 ,believe me1 ,madam1 y w\ld ga9 no?+ by su* a metamorphosis4 ,r be :at y really are4 ,extricate y\rself z soon z possible f t /ate ( inc]titude & languor1 f t alt]native ( despond5cy & tr\ble1 9 :i* y are imm]s$4 ,if y w only take y\r reason & virtue = guides1 y w soon break ! fett]s ^: dang]\s effects y h begun to feel4 ,assume ! c\rage1 !n1 ,i repeat x1 to exam9e = y\rself ?is religion1 :i*1 f> f procur+ y ! happ9ess x promis$1 w only prove an inexhau/ible s\rce ( inquietudes & al>ms1 & :i* w deprive y1 soon] or lat]1 ( ^? r>e qualities :i* r5d] y s de> to society4 ,y\r int]e/ exacts t y %\ld r5d] peace to y\r m9d4 ,x is y\r duty c>efully to pres]ve t sweetness ( temp]1 t indulg5ce1 & t *e]fulness1 by :i* y are s mu* ende>$ to all ^? :o approa* y4 ,y owe happ9ess to y\rself1 & y owe x to ^? :o surr\nd y4 ,d n1 !n1 ab&on y\rself to sup]/iti\s rev]ies1 b collect all ! /r5g? ( y\r judgm5t to combat ! *im]as :i* torm5t y\r imag9ation4 ,!y w disappe> z soon z y h consid]$ !m ) y\r ord9>y sagacity4 ,d n tell me1 ,madam1 t y\r und]/&+ is too weak to s\nd ! dep?s ( !ology4 ,d n tell me1 9 ! language ( our prie/s1 t ! tru?s ( religion are my/]ies t we mu/ adopt )\t compreh5d+ !m1 & t x is necess>y to adore 9 sil5ce4 ,by express+ !mselves 9 ?is mann]1 d y n see !y really proscribe & condemn ! v religion to :i* !y are s solicit\s y %\ld adh]e8 ,:atev] is sup]natural is unsuit$ to man1 & :atev] is beyond 8 compreh5sion ought n to occupy 8 att5tion4 ,to adore :at we are n able to "k1 is to adore no?+4 ,to believe 9 :at we _c conceive1 is to believe 9 no?+4 ,to admit )\t exam9ation e ?+ we are direct$ to admit1 is to be basely & /upidly cr$ul\s4 ,to say t religion is above reason1 is to recognize ! fact t x 0 n made = reasonable be+s2 x is to av[ t ^? :o tea* x h no m ability to fa?om its dep?s ?an ourselves2 x is to confess t our rev]5d doctors d n !mselves und]/& ! m>vels ) :i* !y daily ent]ta9 u4 ,if ! tru?s ( religion 71 z !y assure u1 necess>y to all m51 !y w\ld be cle> & intelligible to all m54 ,if ! dogmas :i* ?is religion tea*es 7 z important z x is ass]t$1 !y w\ld n only be )9 ! compreh5sion ( ! doctors :o prea* !m1 b ( all ^? :o he> _! lessons4 ,is x n /range t ! v p]sons ^: pr(ession x is to furni% !mselves ) religions k1 9 ord] to imp>t x to o!rs1 %\ld recognize _! own dogmas z beyond _! own und]/&+1 & t !y %\ld ob/9ately inculcate to ! p :at !y ackn[l$ge !y d n compreh5d !mselves8 ,%\ld we h mu* confid5ce 9 a physician1 :o1 aft] confess+ t he 0 utt]ly ignorant ( 8 art1 %\ld nev]!less boa/ ( ! excell5ce ( 8 rem$ies8 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is ! con/ant practice ( our spiritual quacks4 ,by a /range fatality1 ! mo/ s5sible p cons5t to be ! dupes ( ^! empirics :o are p]petually oblig$ to av[ _! own pr(\nd ignorance4 ,b if ! my/]ies ( religion are incompreh5sible = ev5 ^? :o inculcate x1--if among ^? :o pr(ess x !re is no "o :o kn[s precisely :at he believes1 or :o c give an acc\nt ( ei!r 8 conduct or belief1--?is is n s 9 reg>d to ! difficulties ) :i* we oppose ?is religion4 ,^! objections are simple1 )9 ! compreh5sion ( all p]sons ( ord9>y ability1 & capable ( conv9c+ e man :o1 r5\nc+ ! prejudices ( 8 infancy1 w deign to consult ! good s5se t nature has be/[$ ^u all be+s ( ! human race4 ,= a long p]iod ( "t1 subtle !ologians h1 )\t relaxation1 be5 occupi$ 9 w>d+ (f ! attacks ( ! incr$ul\s1 & 9 repair+ ! brea*es made 9 ! ru9\s edifice ( religion by adv]s>ies :o combat$ "u ! flag ( reason4 ,9 all times !re h be5 p :o felt ! futility ( ! titles ^u :i* ! prie/s h arrogat$ ! "r ( enslav+ ! und]/&+s ( m51 & ( subjugat+ & despoil+ nations4 ,not)/&+ all ! ef=ts ( ! int]e/$ & frequ5tly hypocritical m5 :o h tak5 up ! def5ce ( religion1 f :i* !y & _! conf$]ates alone are pr(it$1 ^! apologi/s h nev] be5 able to v9dicate successfully _! div9e sy/em aga9/ ! attacks ( incr$ulity4 ,)\t cessation !y h repli$ to ! objections :i* h be5 made1 b nev] h !y refut$ or annihilat$ !m4 ,almo/ 9 e in/ance ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity h be5 su/a9$ by oppressive laws on ! "p ( ! gov]nm5t2 & x has only be5 by injuries1 by declamations1 by puni%m5ts & p]secutions1 t !y h repli$ to ! allegations ( reason4 ,x is 9 ?is mann] t !y h app>5tly rema9$ ma/]s ( ! field ( battle :i* _! adv]s>ies c\ld n op5ly conte/4 ,yet1 9 spite ( ! disadvantages ( a combat s unequal1 & al?\gh ! p>tisans ( religion 7 acc\tr$ ) e possible weapon1 & c\ld %[ !mselves op5ly1 9 accordance ) law1 :ile _! adv]s>ies _h no arms b ^? ( reason1 & c\ld n appe> p]sonally b at ! p]il ( f9es1 imprisonm5t1 torture1 & dea?1 & 7 re/rict$ f br++ all _! ars5al into s]vice1 yet !y h inflict$ pr(\nd1 imm$icable1 & incurable w\nds ^u sup]/ition4 ,/ill1 if we believe ! m]c5>ies ( religion1 ! excell5ce ( _! sy/em makes x absolutely invuln]able to e bl[ :i* c be inflict$ ^u x2 & !y pret5d !y h a ?\s& times 9 a victori\s mann] answ]$ ! objections :i* are cont9ually r5ew$ aga9/ !m4 ,9 spite ( ?is great security1 we see !m excessively al>m$ e "t a new combatant pres5ts himself1 & ! latt] may well & successfully use ! mo/ common objections1 & ^? :i* h mo/ frequ5tly be5 urg$1 s9ce x is evid5t t up to ! pres5t mom5t ! argum5ts h nev] be5 obviat$ or oppos$ ) satisfactory replies4 ,to conv9ce y1 ,madam1 ( :at ,i "h advance1 y ne$ only comp>e ! mo/ simple & ord9>y difficulties :i* good s5se opposes to religion1 ) ! pret5d$ solutions t h be5 giv54 ,y w p]ceive t ! difficulties1 evid5t ev5 to ! capacities ( a *ild1 h nev] be5 remov$ by div9es ! mo/ practis$ 9 dialectics4 ,y w f9d 9 _! replies only subtle di/9ctions1 metaphysical subt]fuges1 un9telligible v]biage1 :i* c nev] be ! language ( tru?1 & :i* demon/rates ! emb>rassm5t1 ! impot5ce1 & ! bad fai? ( ^? :o are int]e/$ by _! position 9 su/a9+ a desp]ate cause4 ,9 a ^w1 ! difficulties :i* h be5 urg$ aga9/ religion are cle>1 & )9 ! compreh5sion ( e "o1 :ile ! answ]s :i* h be5 giv5 are obscure1 entangl$1 & f> f satisfactory1 ev5 to p]sons mo/ v]s$ 9 su* j>gon1 & pla9ly indicat+ t ! au?ors ( ^! replies d n !mselves und]/& :at !y say4 ,if y consult ! cl]gy1 !y w n fail to set =? ! antiquity ( _! doctr9e1 :i* has always ma9ta9$ itself1 not)/&+ ! cont9ual attacks ( ! ,h]etics1 ! ,mecreans1 & ! ,impi\s g5]ally1 & also 9 spite ( ! p]secutions ( ! ,pagans4 ,y h1 ,madam1 too mu* good s5se n to p]ceive at once t ! antiquity ( an op9ion proves no?+ 9 its favor4 ,if antiquity 0 a pro( ( tru?1 ,*ri/ianity mu/ yield to ,judaism1 & t 9 its turn to ! religion ( ! ,egyptians & ,*aldeans1 or1 9 o!r words1 to ! idolatry :i* 0 greatly ant]ior to ,moses4 ,= ?\s&s ( ye>s x 0 univ]sally believ$ t ! sun revolv$ r\nd ! e>?1 :i* rema9$ immovable2 & yet x is n ! less true t ! sun is fix$1 & ! e>? moves ar\nd t4 ,besides1 x is evid5t t ! ,*ri/ianity ( to-day is n :at x =m]ly 04 ,! cont9ual attacks t ?is religion has suff]$ f h]etics1 comm5c+ ) its e>lie/ hi/ory1 proves t !re nev] c\ld h exi/$ any h>mony betwe5 ! p>tisans ( a pret5d$ div9e sy/em1 :i* (f5d$ all rules ( consi/5cy & logic 9 its v fir/ pr9ciples4 ,"s p>ts ( ?is cele/ial sy/em 7 always d5i$ by devotees :o admitt$ o!r p>ts4 ,if infidels h (t5 attack$ religion )\t app>5t effect1 x is because ! be/ reasons become useless aga9/ ! bl9dness ( a sup]/ition su/a9$ by ! public au?ority1 or aga9/ ! torr5t ( op9ion & cu/om :i* sways ! m9ds ( mo/ m54 ,) reg>d to ! p]secutions :i* ! *ur* suff]$ on ! "p ( ! pagans1 he is b slightly acqua9t$ ) ! effects ( fanaticism & religi\s ob/9acy :o does n p]ceive t tyranny is calculat$ to excite & ext5d :at x p]secutes mo/ viol5tly4 ,y are n =m$ to be ! dupe ( names & au?orities4 ,! def5d]s ( ! popul> sup]/ition w endeavor to ov]:elm y by ! multipli$ te/imony ( _m illu/ri\s & le>n$ m51 :o n only admitt$ ! ,*ri/ian religion1 b :o 7 also its mo/ zeal\s support]s4 ,!y w adduce holy div9es1 great philosoph]s1 p[]ful reason]s1 fa!rs ( ! *ur*1 & le>n$ int]pret]s1 :o h successively advocat$ ! sy/em4 ,i w n conte/ ! und]/&+ ( ! le>n$ m5 :o are cit$1 :i*1 h[ev]1 0 (t5 faulty1 b w cont5t myself ) repeat+ t frequ5tly ! greate/ g5iuses are n m cle> sight$ 9 matt]s ( religion ?an ! p !mselves4 ,!y did n exam9e ! religi\s op9ions !y taught2 x may be because !y reg>d$ !m z sacr$1 or x may be because !y nev] w5t back to fir/ pr9ciples1 :i* !y w\ld h f\nd altoge!r uns\nd1 if !y _h consid]$ !m )\t prejudice4 ,x may also h happ5$ because !y 7 int]e/$ 9 def5d+ a cause ) :i* _! own position 0 alli$4 ,?us _! te/imony is exceptionable1 & _! au?ority c>ries no great weight4 ,) reg>d to ! int]pret]s & comm5tators1 :o = s _m ages h pa9fully toil$ to elucidate ! div9e laws1 to expla9 ! sacr$ books1 & to fix ! dogmas ( ,*ri/ianity1 _! v labors ought to inspire u ) suspicion conc]n+ a religion :i* is f\nd$ ^u su* books & :i* prea*es su* dogmas4 ,!y prove t works emanat+ f ! ,supreme ,be+ are obscure1 un9telligible1 & ne$ human assi/ance 9 ord] to be und]/ood by ^? to :om ! ,div9ity wi%$ to reveal 8 w4 ,! laws ( a wise ,god w\ld be simple & cle>4 ,defective laws alone ne$ int]pret]s4 ,x is n1 !n1 ,madam1 ^u ^! int]pret]s t y %\ld rely2 x is ^u y\rself2 x is y\r own reason t y %\ld consult4 ,x is y\r happ9ess1 x is y\r repose1 t is 9 "q2 & ^! objects are too s]i\s to all[ _! decision to be delegat$ to any o!rs ?an y\rself4 ,if religion is z important z we are assur$1 x und\bt$ly m]its ! greate/ att5tion4 ,if x is ^u ?is religion t dep5ds ! happ9ess ( m5 bo? 9 ?is _w & 9 ano!r1 !re is no subject :i* int]e/s u s /rongly1 & :i* consequ5tly dem&s a m ?or\gh1 c>eful1 & consid]ate exam9ation4 ,c !re be any ?+1 !n1 m /range ?an ! conduct ( ! great majority ( m58 ,entirely conv9c$ ( ! necessity & importance ( religion1 !y /ill nev] give !mselves ! tr\ble to exam9e x ?or\ghly2 !y foll[ x 9 a _s ( r\t9e & f habit2 !y nev] give any reason = its dogmas2 !y rev]e x1 !y submit to x1 & !y groan "u its weight1 )\t ev] inquir+ :]e=e4 ,9 f9e1 !y rely ^u o!rs to exam9e x2 & !y ^: judgm5t !y s bl9dly receive are precisely ^? p]sons ^u ^: op9ions !y %\ld look ) ! mo/ suspicion4 ,! prie/s arrogate ! possession ( judg+ exclusively & )\t appeal ( a sy/em evid5tly inv5t$ = _! own utility4 ,& :at is ! language ( ^! prie/s8 ,visibly int]e/$ 9 ma9ta9+ ! receiv$ op9ions1 !y exhibit !m z necess>y to ! public good1 z useful & consol+ = u all1 z intimately connect$ ) morality1 z indisp5sable to society1 &1 9 a ^w1 z ( ! v greate/ importance4 ,aft] hav+ ?us prepossess$ our m9ds1 !y next prohibit our exam9+ ! ?+s s important to be kn[n4 ,:at mu/ be ?\ght ( su* conduct8 ,y c only conclude t !y desire to deceive y1 t !y fe> exam9ation only because religion _c su/a9 x1 & t !y dread reason because x is able to unveil ! incalculably dang]\s projects ( ! prie/hood aga9/ ! human race4 ,= ^! reasons1 ,madam1 z ,i _c too (t5 repeat1 exam9e = y\rself2 make use ( y\r own und]/&+2 seek ! tru? 9 ! s9c]ity ( y\r he>t2 r$uce prejudice to sil5ce2 ?r[ (f ! base s]vitude ( cu/om2 be suspici\s ( imag9ation2 & ) ^! precautions1 9 good fai? ) y\rself1 y c weigh ) an imp>tial h& ! v>i\s op9ions conc]n+ religion4 ,f :atev] s\rce an op9ion may come1 acquiesce only 9 t :i* %all be conv9c+ to y\r und]/&+1 satisfactory to y\r he>t1 con=mable to a heal?y morality1 & approv$ by virtue4 ,reject ) disda9 :atev] %ocks y\r reason1 & repulse ) horror ^? notions s crim9al & injuri\s to morality :i* religion endeavors to palm (f = sup]natural & div9e virtues4 ,:at d ,i say8 ,amiable & wise ,eug5ia1 exam9e rigor\sly ! ideas t1 by y\r own desire1 ,i %all h]eaft] pres5t y4 ,let n y\r confid5ce 9 me1 or y\r def]5ce to my weak und]/&+1 bl9d y 9 reg>d to my op9ions4 ,i submit !m to y\r judgm5t4 ,discuss !m1 combat !m1 & nev] give !m y\r ass5t until y are conv9c$ t 9 !m y recognize ! tru?4 ,my s5tim5ts are nei!r div9e oracles nor !ological op9ions :i* x is n p]mitt$ to canvass4 ,if :at ,i say is true1 adopt my ideas4 ,if ,i am deceiv$1 po9t out my errors1 & ,i am ready to recognize !m & to subscribe my own condemnation4 ,x w be v pleasant1 ,madam1 to le>n tru?s ( y :i*1 up to ! pres5t "t1 ,i h va9ly s\ght 9 ! writ+s ( our div9es4 ,if ,i h at ?is mom5t any advantage ov] y1 x is due entirely to t tranquillity :i* ,i enjoy1 & ( :i* at pres5t y are unhappily depriv$4 ,! agitations ( y\r m9d1 ! inquietudes ( y\r body1 & ! attacks ( an exact+ & c]emoni\s devotion1 ) :i* y\r s\l is p]plex$1 prev5t y1 = ! mom5t1 f see+ ?+s coolly1 & h9d] y f mak+ use ( y\r own und]/&+2 b ,i h no d\bt t soon y\r intellect1 /r5g!n$ by reason aga9/ va9 *im]as1 w rega9 its natural vigor & ! sup]iority :i* belongs to x4 ,9 await+ ?is mom5t t ,i =esee & s mu* desire1 ,i %all e/eem myself extremely happy if my reflections %all contribute to r5d] y t tranquillity ( _s s necess>y to judge wisely ( ?+s1 & )\t :i* !re c be no true happ9ess4 ,i p]ceive1 ,madam1 ?\gh r t>dily1 ! l5g? ( ?is lett]2 b ,i hope y w p>don x1 z well z my frankness4 ,!y w at lea/ prove ! lively int]e/ ,i take 9 y\r pa9ful situation1 ! s9c]e desire ,i feel to br+ x to a t]m9ation1 & ! /rong incl9ation :i* actuates me to re/ore y to y\r accu/om$ s]5ity4 ,less press+ motives w\ld nev] h be5 suffici5t to make me break sil5ce4 ,y\r own positive ord]s 7 necess>y to lead me to speak ( objects :i*1 once ?or\ghly exam9$1 give no uneas9ess to a heal?y m9d4 ,x has be5 a law ) me nev] to expla9 myself ^u ! subject ( religion4 ,exp]i5ce has (t5 conv9c$ me t ! mo/ useless ( ent]prises is to seek to undeceive a prejudic$ m9d4 ,i 0 v f> f believ+ t ,i ought ev] to write ^u ^! subjects4 ,y alone1 ,madam1 _h ! p[] to conqu] my indol5ce1 & to impel me to *ange my resolution4 ,eug5ia afflict$1 torm5t$ ) scruples1 & ready to plunge h]self into gloomy au/]ities & sup]/itions1 calculat$ to r5d] h] unamiable to o!rs1 )\t contribut+ happ9ess to h]self1 honor$ me ) h] confid5ce1 & reque/$ c\nsel ( h] fri5d4 ,%e exact$ t ,i %\ld speak4 ,x is en\gh1 ,i said2 let me write = ,eug5ia2 let me endeavor to re/ore ! repose %e has lo/2 let me labor ) ardor = h] ^u ^: happ9ess t ( s _m o!rs is dep5d5t4 ,su*1 ,madam1 are ! motives :i* induce me to take my p5 9 h&4 ,9 look+ =w>d to ! "t :5 y w be undeceiv$1 ,i %all d>e at lea/ to flatt] myself t y w n reg>d me ) ! same eyes ) :i* prie/s & devotees look ^u e "o :o has ! tem]ity to contradict _! ideas4 ,to believe !m1 e man :o decl>es himself aga9/ religion is a bad citiz51 a madman arm$ to ju/ify 8 passions1 a p]turbator ( ! public repose1 & an enemy ( 8 fell[-citiz5s1 t _c be puni%$ ) too mu* rigor4 ,my conduct is kn[n to y2 & ! confid5ce ) :i* y honor me is suffici5t = my apology4 ,x is = y alone t ,i write4 ,x is to dissipate ! cl\ds t obscure y\r m5tal horizon t ,i communicate reflections :i*1 b = reasons s press+1 ,i %\ld h always enclos$ 9 my own bosom4 ,if by *ance !y %all h]eaft] fall into o!r h&s ?an y\rs1 & be f\nd ( "s utility1 ,i %all felicitate myself = hav+ contribut$ to ! e/abli%m5t ( happ9ess by lead+ back to reason m9ds :i* _h w&]$ f x1 by mak+ tru? to be felt & kn[n1 & by unmask+ impo/ures :i* h caus$ s _m mis=tunes ^u ! e>?4 ,9 a ^w1 ,i submit my reason+ to y\r judgm5t1 ,i confide fully 9 y\r discretion1 & ,i all[ myself to conclude t my ideas1 aft] y are disabus$ ( ! va9 t]rors ) :i* y are n[ oppress$1 w fully conv9ce y t ?is religion1 :i* is exhibit$ to m5 z a conc]n ! mo/ important1 ! mo/ true1 ! mo/ int]e/+1 & ! mo/ useful1 is only a tissue ( absurdities1 is calculat$ to conf\nd reason1 to di/urb ! und]/&+1 & c be advantage\s to none save ^? :o make use ( x to gov]n ! human race4 ,i %all ackn[l$ge myself 9 ! wrong if ,i d n prove1 9 ! cle>e/ mann]1 t religion is false1 useless1 & dang]\s1 & t morality1 9 its /ead1 %\ld occupy ! spirits & animate ! s\ls ( all m54 ,i %all ent] m p>ticul>ly into ! subject 9 my next lett]4 ,i %all g back to fir/ pr9ciples1 & 9 ! c\rse ( ?is correspond5ce ,i flatt] myself ,i %all completely demon/rate t ^! objects1 :i* !ology endeavors to r5d] intricate1 & to envelop ) cl\ds1 9 ord] to make !m m respectable & sacr$1 are n only entirely susceptible ( be+ und]/ood by y1 b t !y are likewise )9 ! compreh5sion ( e "o :o possesses ev5 an ord9>y %>e ( good s5se4 ,if my frankness %all appe> too undisguis$1 ,i beg y to consid]1 ,madam1 t x is necess>y ,i %\ld address y explicitly & cle>ly4 ,i n[ consid] x my duty to adm9i/] an en]getic & prompt rem$y = ! malady ) :i* ,i p]ceive y to be attack$4 ,besides1 ,i v5ture to hope t 9 a %ort "t y w feel gratifi$ t ,i h %[n y ! tru? 9 all its integrity & brilliancy4 ,y w p>don me = hav+ dissipat$ ! unreal & yet h>ass+ phantoms :i* infe/$ y\r m9d4 ,b let my success be :at x may1 my ef=ts to conf] tranquillity ^u y w at lea/ be evid5ces ( ! int]e/ ,i take 9 y\r happ9ess1 ( my zeal to s]ve y1 & ( ! respect ) :i* ,i am y\r s9c]e & atta*$ fri5d4 ,,lett] ,,ii4 ,( ! ,ideas :i* ,religion gives u ( ! ,div9ity4 ,e religion is a sy/em ( op9ions & conduct f\nd$ ^u ! notions1 true or false1 t we ent]ta9 ( ! ,div9ity4 ,to judge ( ! tru? ( any sy/em1 x is requisite to exam9e its pr9ciples1 to see if !y accord1 & to satisfy ourselves :e!r all its p>ts l5d a mutual support to ea* o!r4 ,a religion1 to be true1 %\ld give u true ideas ( ,god2 & x is by our reason alone t we are able to decide :e!r :at !ology ass]ts conc]n+ ?is be+ & 8 attributes is true or o!rwise4 ,tru? = m5 is only con=mity to reason2 & ?us ! same reason :i* ! cl]gy proscribe is1 9 ! la/ resort1 our only means ( judg+ ! sy/em t religion proposes = our ass5t4 ,t ,god c only be ! true ,god :o is mo/ con=mable to our reason1 & ! true wor%ip c be no o!r ?an t :i* reason approves4 ,religion is only important 9 accordance ) ! advantages x be/[s ^u mank9d4 ,! be/ religion mu/ be t :i* procures its disciples ! mo/ real1 ! mo/ ext5sive1 & ! mo/ durable advantages4 ,a false religion mu/ necess>ily be/[ ^u ^? :o practise x only a false1 *im]ical1 & transi5t utility4 ,reason mu/ be ! judge :e!r ! b5efits d]iv$ are real or imag9>y4 ,?us1 z we con/antly see1 x belongs to reason to decide :e!r a religion1 a mode ( wor%ip1 or a sy/em ( conduct is advantage\s or injuri\s to ! human race4 ,x is 9 accordance ) ^! inconte/able pr9ciples t ,i %all exam9e ! religion ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,i %all comm5ce by analyz+ ! ideas :i* _! sy/em gives u ( ! ,div9ity1 :i* x boa/s ( pres5t+ to u 9 a m p]fect mann] ?an all o!r religions 9 ! _w4 ,i %all exam9e :e!r ^! ideas accord ) ea* o!r1 :e!r ! dogmas taught by ?is religion are con=mable to ^? fundam5tal pr9ciples :i* are e :]e ackn[l$g$1 :e!r !y are consonant ) !m1 & :e!r ! conduct :i* ,*ri/ianity prescribes answ]s to ! notions :i* itself gives u ( ! ,div9ity4 ,i %all conclude ! inquiry by inve/igat+ ! advantages t ! ,*ri/ian religion procures ! human race--advantages1 accord+ to its p>tisans1 t inf9itely surpass ^? :i* result f all ! o!r religions ( ! e>?4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion1 z ! basis ( its belief1 sets =? an only ,god1 :i* x def9es z a pure _s1 z an et]nal intellig5ce1 z indep5d5t & immutable1 :o has inf9ite p[]1 :o is ! cause ( all ?+s1 :o =esees all ?+s1 :o fills imm5sity1 :o creat$ f no?+ ! _w & all x encloses1 & :o pres]ves & gov]ns x accord+ to ! laws ( 8 inf9ite wisdom1 & ! p]fections ( 8 inf9ite goodness & ju/ice1 :i* are all s evid5t 9 8 works4 ,su* are ! ideas t ,*ri/ianity gives u ( ! ,div9ity4 ,let u n[ see :e!r !y accord ) ! o!r notions pres5t$ to u by ?is religi\s sy/em1 & :i* x pret5ds 7 reveal$ by ,god himself2 or1 9 o!r words1 t ^! tru?s 7 receiv$ directly f ! ,deity1 :o conceal$ !m f ! rema9d] ( mank9d1 & depriv$ !m ( a k ( 8 ess5ce4 ,?us ! ,*ri/ian religion is f\nd$ ^u a special revelation4 ,& to :om 0 ! revelation made8 ,at fir/ to ,abraham1 & !n to 8 po/]ity4 ,! ,god ( ! univ]se1 !n1 ! ,fa!r ( all m51 0 only will+ to be kn[n to ! desc5dants ( a ,*aldean1 :o = a long s]ies ( ye>s 7 ! exclusive possessors ( ! k ( ! true ,god4 ,by an effect ( 8 special k9dness1 ! ,jewi% p 0 = a long "t ! only race favor$ ) a revelation equally necess>y = all m54 ,?is 0 ! only p :i* und]/ood ! relations betwe5 man & ! ,supreme ,be+4 ,all o!r nations w&]$ 9 d>kness1 or possess$ no ideas ( ! ,sov]eign ( nature b su* z 7 crude1 ridicul\s1 or crim9al4 ,?us1 at ! v fir/ /ep1 d we n see t ,*ri/ianity impairs ! goodness & ju/ice ( its ,god8 ,a revelation to a p>ticul> p only ann\nces a p>tial ,god1 :o favors a portion ( 8 *ildr51 to ! prejudice ( all ! o!rs2 :o consults only 8 caprice1 & n real m]it2 :o1 incapable ( conf]r+ happ9ess ^u all m51 %[s 8 t5d]ness solely to "s individuals1 :o h1 h[ev]1 no titles ^u 8 consid]ation n possess$ by ! o!rs4 ,:at w\ld y say ( a fa!r :o1 plac$ at ! head ( a num]\s family1 _h no eyes b = a s+le "o ( 8 *ildr51 & :o nev] all[$ himself to be se5 by any ( !m except t favor$ "o8 ,:at w\ld y say if he 0 displeas$ ) ! re/ = n be+ acqua9t$ ) 8 features1 not)/&+ he w\ld nev] all[ !m to approa* 8 p]son8 ,w\ld y n accuse su* a fa!r ( caprice1 cruelty1 folly1 & a want ( reason1 if he visit$ ) 8 ang] ! *ildr5 :om he _h himself exclud$ f 8 pres5ce8 ,w\ld y n impute to him an inju/ice ( :i* none b ! mo/ brutal ( our species c\ld be guilty if he actually puni%$ !m = n hav+ execut$ ord]s :i* he 0 nev] pleas$ to give !m8 ,conclude1 !n1 ) me1 ,madam1 t ! revelation ( a religion to only a s+le tribe or nation sets =? a ,god nei!r good1 imp>tial1 nor equitable1 b an unju/ & caprici\s tyrant1 :o1 ?\gh he may %[ k9dness & pref]5ce to "s ( 8 creatures1 at any rate acts ) ! greate/ cruelty t[>ds all ! o!rs4 ,?is admitt$1 revelation does n prove ! goodness1 b ! caprice & p>tiality ( ! ,god t religion repres5ts to u z full ( sagacity1 b5evol5ce1 & equity1 & t x describes z ! common fa!r ( all ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4 ,if ! int]e/ & self-love ( ^? :om he favors makes !m admire ! pr(\nd views ( a ,god because he has load$ !m ) b5efits to ! prejudice ( _! bre?r51 he mu/ appe> v unju/1 on ! o!r h&1 to all ^? :o are ! victims ( 8 p>tiality4 ,a hateful pride alone c\ld induce a few p]sons to believe t !y 71 to ! exclusion ( all o!rs1 ! *]i%$ *ildr5 ( ,provid5ce4 ,bl9d$ by _! vanity1 !y d n p]ceive t x is to give ! lie to univ]sal & inf9ite goodness to suppose t ,god 0 capable ( favor+ ) 8 pref]5ce "s m5 or nations1 to ! exclusion ( o!rs4 ,all ought to be equal 9 8 eyes if x is true !y are all equally ! "w ( 8 h&s4 ,x is1 nev]!less1 ^u p>tial revelations t are f\nd$ all ! religions ( ! _w4 ,9 ! same mann] t e individual believes himself ! mo/ important be+ 9 ! univ]se1 e nation ent]ta9s ! idea t x ought to enjoy ! peculi> t5d]ness ( ! ,sov]eign ( nature1 to ! exclusion ( all ! o!rs4 ,if ! inhabitants ( ,h9do/an imag9e t x 0 = !m alone t ,brama spoke1 ! ,jews & ! ,*ri/ians h p]suad$ !mselves t x 0 only = !m t ! _w 0 creat$1 & t x is solely = !m t ,god 0 reveal$4 ,b let u suppose = a mom5t t ,god has really made himself kn[n4 ,h[ c\ld a pure _s r5d] himself s5sible8 ,:at =m did he take8 ,( :at mat]ial organs did he make use 9 ord] to speak8 ,h[ c an inf9ite ,be+ communicate ) ^? :i* are f9ite8 ,i may be assur$ t1 to accommodate himself to ! weakness ( 8 creatures1 he made use ( ! ag5cy ( "s *os5 m5 to ann\nce 8 wi%es to all ! re/1 & t he fill$ ^! ag5ts ) 8 _s1 & spoke by _! m\?s4 ,b c we possibly conceive t an inf9ite ,be+ c\ld unite himself ) ! f9ite nature ( man8 ,h[ c ,i be c]ta9 t he :o pr(esses to be inspir$ by ! ,div9ity does n promulgate 8 own rev]ies or impo/ures z ! oracles ( heav58 ,:at means h ,i ( recogniz+ :e!r ,god really speaks by 8 voice8 ,! imm$iate reply w be1 t ,god1 to give weight to ! decl>ations ( ^? :om he has *os5 to be 8 int]pret]s1 end[$ !m ) a portion ( 8 own omnipot5ce1 & t !y wr\ght miracles to prove _! div9e mission4 ,i !re=e inquire1 ,:at is a miracle8 ,i am told t x is an op]ation contr>y to ! laws ( nature1 :i* ,god himself has fix$2 to :i* ,i reply1 t1 accord+ to ! ideas ,i h =m$ ( ! div9e wisdom1 x appe>s to me impossible t an immutable ,god c *ange ! wise laws :i* he himself has e/abli%$4 ,i !nce conclude t miracles are impossible1 see+ !y are incompatible ) our ideas ( ! wisdom & immutability ( ! ,creator ( ! univ]se4 ,besides1 ^! miracles w\ld be useless to ,god4 ,if he be omnipot5t1 c he n modify ! m9ds ( 8 creatures accord+ to 8 own w8 ,to conv9ce & to p]suade !m1 he has only to w t !y %all be conv9c$ & p]suad$4 ,he has only to tell !m ?+s t are cle> & s5sible1 ?+s t may be demon/rat$2 & to evid5ce ( su* a k9d !y w n fail to give _! ass5t4 ,to d ?is1 he w h no ne$ ei!r ( miracles or int]pret]s2 tru? alone is suffici5t to w9 mank9d4 ,suppos+1 nev]!less1 ! utility & possibility ( ^! miracles1 h[ %all ,i asc]ta9 :e!r ! wond]ful op]ation :i* ,i see p]=m$ by ! int]pret] ( ! ,deity be con=mable or contr>y to ! laws ( nature8 ,am ,i acqua9t$ ) all ^! laws8 ,may n he :o speaks to me 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l execute by natural means1 ?\gh to me unkn[n1 ^? works :i* appe> altoge!r extraord9>y8 ,h[ %all ,i assure myself t he does n deceive me8 ,does n my ignorance ( ! secrets & %ifts ( 8 art expose me to be ! dupe ( an able impo/or1 :o might make use ( ! "n ( ,god to inspire me ) respect1 & to scre5 8 deception8 ,?us 8 pret5d$ miracles ought to make me suspect him1 ev5 ?\gh ,i 7 a witness ( !m2 b h[ w\ld ! case /&1 7 ^! miracles said to h be5 p]=m$ "s ?\s&s ( ye>s be=e my exi/5ce8 ,i %all be told t !y 7 atte/$ by a multitude ( witnesses2 b if ,i _c tru/ to myself :5 a miracle is p]=m+1 h[ %all ,i h confid5ce 9 o!rs1 :o may be ei!r m ignorant or m /upid ?an myself1 or :o p]haps ?\ght !mselves int]e/$ 9 support+ by _! te/imony tales entirely de/itute ( reality8 ,if1 on ! contr>y1 ,i admit ^! miracles1 :at d !y prove to me8 ,w !y furni% me ) a belief t ,god has made use ( 8 omnipot5ce to conv9ce me ( ?+s :i* are 9 direct opposition to ! ideas ,i h =m$ ( 8 ess5ce1 8 nature1 & 8 div9e p]fections8 ,if ,i be p]suad$ t ,god is immutable1 a miracle w n =ce me to believe t he is subject to *ange4 ,if ,i be conv9c$ t ,god is j & good1 a miracle w nev] be suffici5t to p]suade me t he is unju/ & wick$4 ,if ,i possess an idea ( 8 wisdom1 all ! miracles 9 ! _w w\ld n p]suade me t ,god w\ld act l a madman4 ,%all ,i be told t he w\ld cons5t to p]=m miracles t de/roy 8 div9ity1 or t are prop] only to erase f ! m9ds ( m5 ! ideas :i* !y ought to ent]ta9 ( 8 inf9ite p]fections8 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is :at w\ld happ5 7 ,god himself to p]=m1 or to grant ! p[] ( p]=m+1 miracles 9 favor ( a p>ticul> revelation4 ,he w\ld1 9 t case1 d]ange ! c\rse ( nature1 to tea* ! _w t he is caprici\s1 p>tial1 unju/1 & cruel2 he w\ld make use ( 8 omnipot5ce purposely to conv9ce u t 8 goodness 0 insuffici5t = ! welf>e ( 8 creatures2 he w\ld make a va9 p>ade ( 8 p[]1 to hide 8 inability to conv9ce mank9d by a s+le act ( 8 w4 ,9 %ort1 he w\ld int]f]e ) ! et]nal & immutable laws ( nature1 to %[ u t he is subject to *ange1 & to ann\nce to mank9d "s important news1 :i* !y _h hi!rto be5 de/itute (1 not)/&+ all 8 goodness4 ,?us1 "u :atev] po9t ( view we reg>d revelation1 by :atev] miracles we may suppose x atte/$1 x w always be 9 contradiction to ! ideas we h ( ! ,deity4 ,!y w %[ u t he acts 9 an unju/ & an arbitr>y mann]1 consult+ only 8 own :ims 9 ! favors he be/[s1 & cont9ually *ang+ 8 conduct2 t he 0 unable to communicate all at once to mank9d ! k necess>y to _! exi/5ce1 & to give !m t degree ( p]fection ( :i* _! natures 7 susceptible4 ,h5ce1 ,madam1 y may see t ! supposition ( a revelation c nev] be reconcil$ ) ! inf9ite goodness1 ju/ice1 omnipot5ce1 & immutability ( ! ,sov]eign ( ! univ]se4 ,!y w n fail to tell y t ! ,creator ( all ?+s1 ! indep5d5t ,mon>* ( nature is ! ma/] ( 8 favors2 t he owes no?+ to 8 creatures2 t he c dispose ( !m z he pleases1 )\t any inju/ice1 & )\t _! hav+ any "r ( compla9t2 t man is incapable ( s\nd+ ! pr(undity ( 8 decrees2 & t 8 ju/ice is n ! ju/ice ( m54 ,b all ^! answ]s1 :i* div9es h cont9ually 9 _! m\?s1 s]ve only to accel]ate ! de/ruction ( ^? sublime ideas :i* !y h giv5 u ( ! ,deity4 ,! result appe>s to be1 t ,god conducts himself accord+ to ! maxims ( a fanta/ic sov]eign1 :o1 satisfi$ 9 hav+ rew>d$ "s ( 8 favorites1 ?9ks himself ju/ifi$ 9 neglect+ ! re/ ( 8 subjects1 & to leave !m groan+ 9 ! mo/ deplorable mis]y4 ,y mu/ ackn[l$ge1 ,madam1 x is n on su* a model t we c =m a p[]ful1 equitable1 & b5efic5t ,god1 ^: omnipot5ce ought to enable him to procure happ9ess to all 8 subjects1 )\t fe> ( exhau/+ ! treasures ( 8 goodness4 ,if we are told t div9e ju/ice be>s no resemblance to ! ju/ice ( m51 ,i reply1 t 9 ?is case we are n au?oriz$ to say t ,god is j2 see+ t by ju/ice x is n possible = u to conceive any ?+ except a simil> quality to t call$ ju/ice by ! be+s ( our own species4 ,if div9e ju/ice be>s no resemblance to human ju/ice1--if1 on ! contr>y1 ?is ju/ice resembles :at we call inju/ice1--!n all our ideas conf\nd !mselves1 & we "k n ei!r :at we mean or :at we say :5 we affirm t ,god is j4 ,accord+ to human ideas1 7:i* are1 h[ev]1 ! only ones t m5 are possess$ (17 ju/ice w always exclude caprice & p>tiality2 & nev] c we prev5t ourselves f reg>d+ z iniquit\s & vici\s a sov]eign :o1 be+ bo? able & will+ to occupy himself ) ! happ9ess ( 8 subjects1 %\ld plunge ! greate/ numb] ( !m into mis=tune1 & res]ve 8 k9dness = ^? to :om 8 :ims h giv5 ! pref]5ce4 ,) respect to tell+ u t ,god owes no?+ to 8 creatures1 su* an atroci\s pr9ciple is de/ructive ( e idea ( ju/ice & goodness1 & t5ds visibly to sap ! f\ndation ( all religion4 ,a ,god t is j & good owes happ9ess to e be+ to :om he has giv5 exi/5ce2 he ceases to be j & good if he produce !m only to r5d] !m mis]able2 & he w\ld be de/itute ( bo? wisdom & reason 7 he to give !m bir? only to be ! victims ( 8 caprice4 ,:at %\ld we ?9k ( a fa!r br++ *ildr5 into ! _w = ! sole purpose ( putt+ _! eyes out & torm5t+ !m at 8 ease8 ,on ! o!r h&1 all religions are entirely f\nd$ ^u ! reciprocal engagem5ts :i* are suppos$ to exi/ betwe5 ,god & 8 creatures4 ,if ,god owes no?+ to ! latt]1 if he is n "u an obligation to fulfil 8 engagem5ts to !m :5 !y h fulfill$ !irs to him1 ( :at use is religion8 ,:at motives c m5 h to (f] _! homage & wor%ip to ! ,div9ity8 ,:y %\ld !y feel mu* desire to love or s]ve a ma/] :o c absolve himself ( all duty t[>ds ^? :o ent]$ 8 s]vice ) an expectation ( ! recomp5se promis$ "u su* circum/ances8 ,x is easy to see t ! de/ructive ideas ( div9e ju/ice :i* are inculcat$ are only f\nd$ ^u a fatal prejudice preval5t among ! g5]ality ( m51 lead+ !m to suppose t unlimit$ p[] mu/ inevitably exempt its possessor f an accordance ) ! laws ( equity2 t =ce c conf] ! "r ( committ+ bad actions2 & t no "o c\ld prop]ly dem& an acc\nt ( 8 conduct ( a man suffici5tly p[]ful to c>ry out all 8 caprices4 ,^! ideas are evid5tly borr[$ f ! conduct ( tyrants1 :o no soon] f9d !mselves possess$ ( absolute p[] ?an !y cease to recognize any o!r rules ?an _! own fantasies1 & imag9e t ju/ice has no claims ^u pot5tates l !m4 ,x is ^u ?is frightful model t !ologians h =m$ t ,god :om !y1 not)/&+1 ass]t to be a j be+1 :ile1 if ! conduct !y attribute to him 0 true1 we %\ld be con/ra9$ to reg>d him z ! mo/ unju/ ( tyrants1 z ! mo/ p>tial ( fa!rs1 z ! mo/ fanta/ic ( pr9ces1 &1 9 a ^w1 z a be+ ! mo/ to be fe>$ & ! lea/ wor?y ( love t ! imag9ation c\ld devise4 ,we are in=m$ t ! ,god :o creat$ all m5 has be5 unwill+ to be kn[n except to a v small numb] ( !m1 & t :ile ?is favor$ portion exclusively enjoy$ ! b5efits ( 8 k9dness1 all ! o!rs 7 objects ( 8 ang]1 & 7 only creat$ by him to be left 9 bl9dness = ! v purpose ( puni%+ !m 9 ! mo/ cruel mann]4 ,we see ^! p]nici\s *>act]i/ics ( ! ,div9ity p5etrat+ ! entire economy ( ! ,*ri/ian religion2 we f9d !m 9 ! books :i* are pret5d$ to be inspir$1 & we discov] !m 9 ! dogmas ( pr$e/9ation & grace4 ,9 a ^w1 e ?+ 9 religion ann\nces a despotic ,god1 :om 8 disciples va9ly attempt to repres5t to u z j1 :ile all t !y decl>e ( him only proves 8 inju/ice1 8 tyrannical caprices1 8 extravagances1 s frequ5tly cruel1 & 8 p>tiality1 s p]nici\s to ! great] portion ( ! human race4 ,:5 we exclaim aga9/ conduct :i*1 9 ! eyes ( all reasonable m51 mu/ appe> s excessively caprici\s1 x is expect$ t our m\?s w be clos$ by ! ass]tion t ,god is omnipot5t1 t x is = him to det]m9e h[ he w be/[ b5efits1 & t he is "u no obligations to any ( 8 creatures4 ,8 apologi/s end by endeavor+ to intimidate u ) ! frightful & iniquit\s puni%m5ts t he res]ves = ^? :o are s audaci\s z to murmur4 ,x is easy to p]ceive ! futility ( ^! argum5ts4 ,p[]1 ,i d cont5d1 c nev] conf] ! "r ( violat+ equity4 ,let a sov]eign be z p[]ful z he may1 he is n on t acc\nt less blamable :5 9 rew>ds & puni%m5ts he foll[s only 8 caprice4 ,x is true1 we may fe> him1 we may flatt] him1 we may pay him s]vile homage2 b nev] %all we love him s9c]ely2 nev] %all we s]ve him fai?fully2 nev] %all we look up to him z ! model ( ju/ice & goodness4 ,if ^? :o receive 8 k9dness believe him to be j & good1 ^? :o are ! objects ( 8 folly & rigor _c prev5t !mselves f dete/+ 8 mon/r\s iniquity 9 _! he>ts4 ,if we be told t we are only z worms ( e>? relatively to ,god1 or t we are only l a vase 9 ! h&s ( a pott]1 ,i reply 9 ?is case1 t !re c nei!r be connection nor moral duty betwe5 ! creature & 8 ,creator2 & ,i %all h5ce conclude t religion is useless1 see+ t a worm ( e>? c owe no?+ to a man :o cru%es x1 & t ! vase c owe no?+ to ! pott] t has =m$ x4 ,9 ! supposition t man is only a worm or an e>!n vessel 9 ! eyes ( ! ,deity1 he w\ld be incapable ei!r ( s]v+ him1 glorify+ him1 honor+ him1 or (f5d+ him4 ,we are1 h[ev]1 cont9ually told t man is capable ( m]it & dem]it 9 ! sight ( 8 ,god1 :om he is ord]$ to love1 s]ve1 & wor%ip4 ,we are likewise assur$ t x 0 man alone :om ! ,deity _h 9 view 9 all 8 works2 t x is = him alone ! univ]se 0 creat$2 = him alone t ! c\rse ( nature 0 s (t5 d]ang$2 &1 9 %ort1 x 0 ) a view ( be+ honor$1 *]i%$1 & glorifi$ by man t ,god has reveal$ himself to u4 ,accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ,god does n cease1 = a s+le in/ant1 8 occupations = man1 ?is worm ( e>?1 ?is e>!n vessel1 :i* he has =m$4 ,nay1 m3 man is suffici5tly p[]ful to influ5ce ! honor1 ! felicity1 & ! glory ( 8 ,god2 x re/s ) man to please him or to irritate him1 to des]ve 8 favor or 8 hatr$1 to appease him or to k9dle 8 wra?4 ,d y n p]ceive1 ,madam1 ! /rik+ contradictions ( ^? pr9ciples :i*1 nev]!less1 =m ! basis ( all reveal$ religions8 ,inde$1 we _c f9d "o ( !m t is n erect$ on ! reciprocal influ5ce betwe5 ,god & man1 & betwe5 man & ,god4 ,our own species1 :i* are annihilat$ 7if ,i may use ! expression7 e "t t x becomes necess>y to :itewa% ! ,deity f "s reproa*ful /a9 ( inju/ice & p>tiality1--^! mis]able be+s1 to :om x is pret5d$ t ,god owes no?+1 & :o1 we are assur$1 are unnecess>y to him = 8 own felicity1--! human race1 :i* is no?+ 9 8 eyes1 becomes all at once ! pr9cipal p]=m] on ! /age ( nature4 ,we f9d t mank9d are necess>y to support ! glory ( _! ,creator2 we see !m become ! sole objects ( 8 c>e2 we behold 9 !m ! p[] to gladd5 or afflict him2 we see !m m]it+ 8 favor & provok+ 8 wra?4 ,accord+ to ^! contradictory notions conc]n+ ! ,god ( ! univ]se1 ! s\rce ( all felicity1 is he n really ! mo/ wret*$ ( be+s8 ,we behold him p]petually expos$ to ! insults ( m51 :o (f5d him by _! ?\ghts1 _! words1 _! actions1 & _! neglect ( duty4 ,!y incommode him1 !y irritate him1 by ! caprici\sness ( _! m9ds1 by _! actions1 _! desires1 & ev5 by _! ignorance4 ,if we admit ^? ,*ri/ian pr9ciples :i* suppose t ! great] portion ( ! human race excites ! fury ( ! ,et]nal1 & t v few ( !m live 9 a mann] con=mable to 8 views1 w x n necess>ily result !refrom1 t 9 ! imm5se cr[d ( be+s :om ,god has creat$ = 8 glory1 only a v small numb] ( !m glorify & please him2 :ile all ! re/ are occupi$ 9 vex+ him1 excit+ 8 wra?1 tr\bl+ 8 felicity1 d]ang+ ! ord] t he loves1 fru/rat+ 8 designs1 & =c+ him to *ange 8 immutable int5tions8 ,y are1 und\bt$ly1 surpris$ at ! contradictions to be enc\nt]$ at ! v fir/ /ep we take 9 exam9+ ?is religion2 & ,i take ^u myself to pr$ict t y\r emb>rassm5t w increase z y proce$ !re94 ,if y coolly exam9e ! ideas pres5t$ to u 9 ! revelation common bo? to ,jews & ,*ri/ians1 & conta9$ 9 ! books :i* !y tell u are sacr$1 y w f9d t ! ,deity :o speaks is always 9 contradiction ) himself2 t he becomes 8 own de/roy]1 & is p]petually occupi$ 9 undo+ :at he has j done1 & 9 repair+ 8 own workman%ip1 to :i*1 9 ! fir/ in/ance1 he 0 incapable ( giv+ t degree ( p]fection he wi%$ x to possess4 ,he is nev] satisfi$ ) 8 own works1 & _c1 9 spite ( 8 omnipot5ce1 br+ ! human race to ! po9t ( p]fection he int5d$4 ,! books conta9+ ! revelation1 on :i* ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$1 e :]e display to u a ,god ( goodness 9 ! commission ( wick$ness2 an omnipot5t ,god1 ^: projects unceas+ly misc>ry2 an immutable ,god1 *ang+ 8 maxims & 8 conduct2 an omnisci5t ,god1 cont9ually deceiv$ unaw>es2 a resolute ,god1 yet rep5t+ ( 8 mo/ important actions2 a ,god ( wisdom1 ^: arrangem5ts nev] atta9 success4 ,he is a great ,god1 :o occupies himself ) ! mo/ pu]ile trifles2 an all-suffici5t ,god1 yet subject to jeal\sy2 a p[]ful ,god1 yet suspici\s1 v9dictive1 & cruel2 & a j ,god1 yet p]mitt+ & prescrib+ ! mo/ atroci\s iniquities4 ,9 a ^w1 he is a p]fect ,god1 yet display+ at ! same "t su* imp]fections & vices t ! mo/ despicable ( m5 w\ld blu% to resemble him4 ,behold1 ,madam1 ! ,god :om ?is religion ord]s y to adore 9 _s & 9 tru?4 ,i res]ve = ano!r lett] an analysis ( ! holy books :i* y are taught to respect z ! oracles ( heav54 ,i n[ p]ceive = ! fir/ "t t ,i h p]haps made too long a diss]tation2 & ,i d\bt n y h already p]ceiv$ t a sy/em built on a basis possess+ s little solidity z t ( ! ,god :om 8 devotees raise ) "o h& & de/roy ) ! o!r1 c h no /ability atta*$ to x1 & c only be reg>d$ z a long tissue ( errors & contradictions4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,iii4 ,an ,exam9ation ( ! ,holy ,scriptures1 ( ! ,nature ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion1 & ( ! ,pro(s ^u :i* ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$4 ,y h se51 ,madam1 9 my prec$+ lett]1 ! incompatible & contradictory ideas :i* ?is religion gives u ( ! ,deity4 ,y w h se5 t ! revelation :i* is ann\nc$ to u1 in/ead ( be+ ! (fspr+ ( 8 goodness & t5d]ness = ! human race1 is really only a pro( ( inju/ice & p>tiality1 ( :i* a ,god :o is equally j & good w\ld be entirely incapable4 ,let u n[ exam9e :e!r ! ideas sugge/$ to u by ^! books1 conta9+ ! div9e oracles1 are m rational1 m consi/5t1 or m con=mable to ! div9e p]fections4 ,let u see :e!r ! /atem5ts relat$ 9 ! ,bible1 :e!r ! comm&s prescrib$ to u 9 ! "n ( ,god himself1 are really wor?y ( ,god1 & display to u ! *>act]s ( inf9ite wisdom1 goodness1 p[]1 & ju/ice4 ,^! inspir$ books g back to ! orig9 ( ! _w4 ,moses1 ! confidant1 ! int]pret]1 ! hi/orian ( ! ,deity1 makes u 7if we may use su* an expression7 witnesses ( ! =mation ( ! univ]se4 ,he tells u t ! ,et]nal1 tir$ ( 8 inaction1 "o f9e day took x into 8 head to create a _w t 0 necess>y to 8 glory4 ,to effect ?is1 he =ms matt] out ( no?+2 a pure _s produces a sub/ance :i* has no aff9ity to himself2 al?\gh ?is ,god fills all space ) 8 imm5sity1 yet /ill he f\nd room en\gh 9 x to admit ! univ]se1 z well z all ! mat]ial bodies conta9$ !re94 ,^!1 at lea/1 are ! ideas :i* div9es wi% u to =m respect+ ! creation1 if su* a ?+ 7 possible z t ( possess+ a cle> idea ( a pure _s produc+ matt]4 ,b ?is discussion is ?r[+ u into metaphysical rese>*es1 :i* ,i wi% to avoid4 ,x w be suffici5t to y t y may console y\rself = n be+ able to compreh5d x1 see+ t ! mo/ pr(\nd ?9k]s1 :o talk ab\t ! creation or ! eduction ( ! _w f no?+1 h no ideas on ! subject m precise ?an ^? :i* y =m to y\rself4 ,z soon1 ,madam1 z y take ! tr\ble to reflect !reon1 y w f9d t div9es1 in/ead ( expla9+ ?+s1 h done no?+ b inv5t words1 9 ord] to r5d] !m dubi\s1 & to conf\nd all our natural conceptions4 ,i w n1 h[ev]1 tire y by a fa/idi\s display ( ! blund]s :i* fill ! n>rative ( ,moses1 :i* !y ann\nce to u z be+ dictat$ by ! ,deity4 ,if we read x ) a little att5tion1 we %all p]ceive 9 e page philosophical & a/ronomical errors1 unp>donable 9 an inspir$ au?or1 & su* z we %\ld consid] ridicul\s 9 any man1 :o1 9 ! mo/ sup]ficial mann]1 %\ld h /udi$ & contemplat$ nature4 ,y w f9d1 = example1 light creat$ be=e ! sun1 al?\gh ?is /> is visibly ! s\rce ( light :i* communicates itself to our globe4 ,y w f9d ! ev5+ & ! morn+ e/abli%$ be=e ! =mation ( ?is same sun1 ^: pres5ce alone produces day1 ^: abs5ce produces night1 & ^: diff]5t aspects con/itute morn+ & ev5+4 ,y w !re f9d t ! moon is spok5 ( z a body possess+ its own light1 9 a simil> mann] z ! sun possesses x1 al?\gh ?is planet is a d>k body1 & receives its light f ! sun4 ,^! ignorant blund]s are suffici5t to %[ y t ! ,deity :o reveal$ himself to ,moses 0 q unacqua9t$ ) ! nature ( ^? sub/ances :i* he _h creat$ out ( no?+1 & t y at pres5t possess m in=mation respect+ !m ?an 0 once possess$ by ! ,creator ( ! _w4 ,i am n ignorant t our div9es h an answ] always ready to ^? difficulties :i* w\ld attack _! div9e sci5ce1 & place _! k f> bel[ t ( ,galileo1 ,desc>tes1 ,newton1 & ev5 bel[ t ( "y p :o h sc>cely /udi$ ! fir/ elem5ts ( natural philosophy4 ,!y w tell u t ,god1 9 ord] to r5d] himself intelligible to ! savage & ignorant ,jews1 spoke 9 con=mity to _! imp]fect notions1 9 ! false & incorrect language ( ! vulg>4 ,we mu/ n be impos$ ^u by ?is solution1 :i* our doctors reg>d z triumphant1 & :i* !y s frequ5tly employ :5 x becomes necess>y to ju/ify ! ,bible aga9/ ! ignorance & vulg>ities conta9$ !re94 ,we answ] !m1 t a ,god :o kn[s e ?+1 & c p]=m e ?+1 might by a s+le ^w h rectifi$ ! false notions ( ! p he wi%$ to enlight51 & enabl$ !m to "k ! nature ( bodies m p]fectly ?an ! mo/ able m5 :o h s9ce appe>$4 ,if x be repli$ t revelation is n int5d$ to r5d] m5 le>n$1 b to make !m pi\s1 ,i answ] t revelation 0 n s5t to e/abli% false notions2 t x w\ld be unwor?y ( ,god to borr[ ! language ( falsehood & ignorance2 t ! k ( nature1 s f> f be+ an injury to piety1 is1 by ! av[al ( div9es1 ! mo/ prop] /udy to display ! greatness ( ,god4 ,!y tell u t religion w\ld be unmovable1 7 x con=mable to true k2 t we %\ld h no objections to make to ! recital ( ,moses1 nor to ! philosophy ( ! ,holy ,scriptures1 if we f\nd no?+ b :at 0 cont9ually confirm$ by exp]i5ce1 a/ronomy1 & ! demon/rations ( geometry4 ,to ma9ta9 a contr>y op9ion1 & to say t ,god is pleas$ 9 conf\nd+ ! k ( m5 & 9 r5d]+ x useless1 is to pret5d t he is pleas$ ) mak+ u ignorant & *angeable1 & t he condemns ! progress ( ! human m9d1 al?\gh we ought to suppose him ! au?or ( x4 ,to pret5d t ,god 0 oblig$ 9 ! ,scriptures to con=m himself to ! language ( m51 is to pret5d t he )drew 8 assi/ance f ^? he wi%$ to enlight51 & t he 0 unable ( r5d]+ !m susceptible ( compreh5d+ ! language ( tru?4 ,?is is an obs]vation n to be lo/ sight ( 9 ! exam9ation ( revelation1 :]e we f9d 9 ea* page t ,god expresses himself 9 a mann] q unwor?y ( ! ,deity4 ,c\ld n an omnipot5t ,god1 in/ead ( degrad+ himself1 in/ead ( condesc5d+ to speak ! language ( ignorance1 s f> enlight5 !m z to make !m und]/& a language m true1 m noble1 & m con=mable to ! ideas :i* are giv5 u ( ! ,deity8 ,an exp]i5c$ ma/] by degrees enables 8 s*ol>s to und]/& :at he wi%es to tea* !m1 & a ,god ought to be able to communicate to !m imm$iately all ! k he int5d$ to give !m4 ,h[ev]1 accord+ to ,g5esis1 ,god1 aft] creat+ ! _w1 produc$ man f ! du/ ( ! e>?4 ,9 ! mean :ile we are assur$ t he creat$ him 9 8 own image2 b :at 0 ! image ( ,god8 ,h[ c\ld man1 :o is at lea/ p>tly mat]ial1 repres5t a pure _s1 :i* excludes all matt]8 ,h[ c\ld 8 imp]fect m9d be =m$ on ! model ( a m9d possess+ all p]fection1 l t :i* we suppose 9 ! ,creator ( ! univ]se8 ,:at resemblance1 :at proportion1 :at aff9ity c\ld !re be betwe5 a f9ite m9d unit$ to a body1 & ! inf9ite _s ( ! ,creator8 ,^!1 d\btless1 are great difficulties2 hi!rto x has be5 ?\ght impossible to decide !m2 & !y w probably = a long "t employ ! m9ds ( ^? :o /rive to und]/& ! incompreh5sible mean+ ( a book :i* ,god provid$ = our in/ruction4 ,b :y did ,god create man8 ,because he wi%$ to p ! univ]se ) intellig5t be+s1 :o w\ld r5d] him homage1 :o %\ld witness 8 wond]s1 :o %\ld glorify him1 :o %\ld m$itate & contemplate 8 works1 & m]it 8 favors by _! submission to 8 laws4 ,"h we behold man becom+ necess>y to ! dignity ( 8 ,god1 :o )\t him w\ld live )\t be+ glorifi$1 :o w\ld receive no homage1 & :o w\ld be ! melan*oly ,sov]eign ( an empire )\t subjects--a condition n suit$ to 8 vanity4 ,i ?9k x useless to rem>k to y :at little con=mity we f9d betwe5 ^? ideas & su* z are giv5 u ( a self-suffici5t be+1 :o1 )\t ! assi/ance ( any o!r1 is supremely happy4 ,all ! *>act]s 9 :i* ! ,bible portrays ! ,deity are always borr[$ f man1 or f a pr\d mon>*2 & we e :]e f9d t in/ead ( hav+ made man aft] 8 own image1 x is man t has always made ,god aft] ! image ( himself1 t has conf]r$ on him 8 own way ( ?9k+1 8 own virtues1 & 8 own vices4 ,b did ?is man :om ! ,deity has creat$ = 8 glory fai?fully fulfil ! wi%es ( 8 ,creator8 ,?is subject t he has j acquir$--w he be ob$i5t8 w he r5d] homage to 8 p[]8 w he execute 8 w8 ,he has done no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,sc>cely is he creat$ :5 he becomes rebelli\s to ! ord]s ( 8 ,sov]eign2 he eats a =bidd5 fruit :i* ,god has plac$ 9 8 way 9 ord] to tempt him1 & by ?is act draws ! div9e wra? n only on himself1 b on all 8 po/]ity4 ,?us x is t he annihilates at "o bl[ ! great projects ( ! ,omnipot5t1 :o _h no soon] made man = 8 glory ?an he becomes (f5d$ ) t conduct :i* he ought to h =ese54 ,"h he f9ds himself oblig$ to *ange 8 projects ) reg>d to mank9d2 he becomes _! enemy1 & condemns !m & ! :ole ( ! race 7:o _h n yet ! p[] ( s9n+7 to innum]able p5alties1 to cruel calamities1 & to dea?6 ,:at d ,i say8 ,to puni%m5ts :i* dea? itself %all n t]m9ate6 ,?us ,god1 :o wi%$ to be glorifi$1 is n glorifi$2 he seems to h creat$ man only to (f5d him1 t he might aft]w>ds puni% ! (f5d]4 ,9 ?is recital1 :i* is f\nd$ on ! ,bible1 c y recognize1 ,madam1 an omnipot5t ,god1 ^: ord]s are always accompli%$1 & ^: projects are all necess>ily execut$8 ,9 a ,god :o tempts u1 or :o p]mits u to be tempt$1 d y behold a be+ ( b5efic5ce & s9c]ity8 ,9 a ,god :o puni%es ! be+ he has tempt$1 or subject$ to temptation1 d y p]ceive any equity8 ,9 a ,god :o ext5ds 8 v5geance ev5 to ^? :o h n s9n$1 d y behold any %ad[ ( ju/ice8 ,9 a ,god :o is irritat$ at :at he knew mu/ necess>ily happ51 c y imag9e any =esight8 ,9 ! rigor\s puni%m5ts by :i* ?is ,god is de/9$ to av5ge himself ( 8 feeble creatures1 bo? 9 ?is _w & ! next1 c y p]ceive ! lea/ appe>ance ( goodness8 ,x is1 h[ev]1 ?is hi/ory1 or r ?is fable1 on :i* is f\nd$ ! :ole edifice ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,if ! fir/ man _h n be5 disob$i5t1 ! human race _h n be5 ! object ( ! div9e wra?1 & w\ld h _h no ne$ ( a ,r$eem]4 ,if ?is ,god1 :o kn[s all ?+s1 =esees all ?+s1 & possesses all p[]1 _h prev5t$ or =ese5 ! fault ( ,adam1 x w\ld n h be5 necess>y = ,god to sacrifice 8 own innoc5t ,son to appease 8 fury4 ,mank9d1 = :om he creat$ ! univ]se1 w\ld !n h be5 always happy2 !y w\ld n h incurr$ ! displeasure ( t ,deity :o dem&$ _! adoration4 ,9 a ^w1 if ?is apple _h n be5 imprud5tly eat5 by ,adam & 8 sp\se1 mank9d w\ld n h suff]$ s mu* mis]y1 man w\ld h enjoy$ )\t int]ruption ! immortal happ9ess to :i* ,god _h de/9$ him1 & ! views ( ,provid5ce t[>ds 8 creatures w\ld n h be5 fru/rat$4 ,x w\ld be useless to make reflections on notions s :imsical1 s contr>y to ! wisdom1 ! p[]1 & ! ju/ice ( ! ,deity4 ,x is do+ q en\gh to comp>e ! diff]5t objects :i* ! ,bible pres5ts to u1 to p]ceive _! inutility1 absurdities1 & contradictions4 ,we !re see1 cont9ually1 a wise ,god conduct+ himself l a madman4 ,he defeats 8 own projects t he may aft]w>ds repair !m1 rep5ts ( :at he has done1 acts z if he _h =ese5 no?+1 & is =c$ to p]mit proce$+s :i* 8 omnipot5ce c\ld n prev5t4 ,9 ! writ+s reveal$ by ?is ,god1 he appe>s occupi$ only 9 black5+ 8 own "*1 degrad+ himself1 vilify+ himself1 ev5 9 ! eyes ( m5 :om he w\ld excite to wor%ip him & pay him homage2 ov]turn+ & conf\nd+ ! m9ds ( ^? :om he _h design$ to enlight54 ,:at has j be5 said might suffice to undeceive u ) respect to a book :i* w\ld pass bett] z be+ int5d$ to de/roy ! idea ( a ,deity1 ?an z "o conta9+ ! oracles dictat$ & reveal$ by him4 ,no?+ b a heap ( absurdities c\ld possibly result f pr9ciples s false & irrational2 nev]!less1 let u take ano!r glance at ! pr9cipal objects :i* ?is div9e "w cont9ually (f]s to our consid]ation4 ,let u pass on to ! ,deluge4 ,! holy books tell u1 t 9 spite ( ! w ( ! ,almighty1 ! :ole human race1 :o _h already be5 puni%$ by infirmities1 accid5ts1 & dea?1 cont9u$ to give !mselves up to ! mo/ unacc\ntable depravity4 ,god becomes irritat$1 & rep5ts hav+ creat$ !m4 ,d\btless he c\ld n h =ese5 ?is depravity2 yet1 r ?an *ange ! wick$ disposition ( _! he>ts1 :i* he holds 9 8 own h&s1 he p]=ms ! mo/ surpris+1 ! mo/ impossible ( miracles4 ,he at once dr[ns all ! inhabitants1 ) ! exception ( "s favorites1 :om he de/9es to re-p ! e>? ) a *os5 race1 t w r5d] !mselves m agreeable to _! ,god4 ,b does ! ,almighty succe$ 9 ?is new project8 ,! *os5 race1 sav$ f ! wat]s ( ! deluge1 on ! wreck ( ! e>?'s de/ruction1 beg9 aga9 to (f5d ! ,sov]eign ( nature1 ab&on !mselves to new crimes1 give !mselves up to idolatry1 & =gett+ ! rec5t effects ( cele/ial v5geance1 seem int5t only on provok+ heav5 by _! wick$ness4 ,9 ord] to provide a rem$y1 ,god *ooses = 8 favorite ! idolat] ,abraham4 ,to him he discov]s himself2 he ord]s him to r5\nce ! wor%ip ( 8 fa!rs1 & embrace a new religion4 ,to gu>antee ?is cov5ant1 ! ,sov]eign ( nature prescribes a melan*oly1 ridicul\s1 & :imsical c]emony1 to ! obs]vance ( :i* a ,god ( wisdom atta*es 8 favors4 ,! po/]ity ( ?is *os5 man are consequ5tly to enjoy1 = ev]la/+1 ! greate/ advantages2 !y w always be ! mo/ p>tial objects ( t5d]ness1 ) ! ,almighty2 !y w be happi] ?an all o!r nations1 :om ! ,deity w ab&on to occupy himself only = !m4 ,^! solemn promises1 h[ev]1 h n prev5t$ ! race ( ,abraham f becom+ ! slaves ( a vile nation1 t 0 dete/$ by ! ,et]nal2 8 de> fri5ds exp]i5c$ ! mo/ cruel treatm5t on ! "p ( ! ,egyptians4 ,god c\ld n gu>antee !m f ! mis=tune t _h befall5 !m2 b 9 ord] to free !m aga91 he rais$ up to !m a lib]ator1 a *ief1 :o p]=m$ ! mo/ a/oni%+ miracles4 ,at ! voice ( ,moses all nature is conf\nd$2 ,god employs him to decl>e 8 w2 yet he :o c\ld create & annihilate ! _w c\ld n subdue ,ph>aoh4 ,! ob/9acy ( ?is pr9ce defeats1 9 t5 successive trials1 ! div9e omnipot5ce1 ( :i* ,moses is ! deposit>y4 ,aft] hav+ va9ly attempt$ to ov]come a mon>* ^: he>t ,god _h be5 pleas$ to h>d51 ,god has rec\rse to ! mo/ ord9>y me?od ( rescu+ 8 p2 he tells !m to run (f1 aft] hav+ fir/ c\nsell$ !m to rob ! ,egyptians4 ,! fugitives are pursu$2 b ,god1 :o protects ^! robb]s1 ord]s ! sea to swall[ up ! mis]able p :o _h ! tem]ity to run aft] _! prop]ty4 ,! ,deity w\ld1 d\btless1 h reason to be satisfi$ ) ! conduct ( a p t he _h j deliv]$ by su* a great numb] ( miracles4 ,alas6 nei!r ,moses nor ! ,almighty c\ld succe$ 9 p]suad+ ?is ob/9ate p to ab&on ! false gods ( t c\ntry :]e !y _h be5 s mis]able2 !y pref]r$ !m to ! liv+ ,god :o _h j sav$ !m4 ,all ! miracles :i* ! ,et]nal 0 daily p]=m+ 9 favor ( ,israel c\ld n ov]come _! /ubbornness1 :i* 0 /ill m inconceivable & wond]ful ?an ! greate/ miracles4 ,^! wond]s1 :i* are n[ extoll$ z conv9c+ pro(s ( ! div9e mission ( ,moses1 7 by ! confession ( ?is same ,moses1 :o has himself transmitt$ u ! acc\nts1 incapable ( conv9c+ ! p :o 7 witnesses ( !m1 & nev] produc$ ! good effects :i* ! ,deity propos$ to himself 9 p]=m+ !m4 ,! cr$ulity1 ! ob/9acy1 ! cont9ual depravity ( ! ,jews1 ,madam1 are ! mo/ indubitable pro(s ( ! falsity ( ! miracles ( ,moses1 z well z ^? ( all 8 successors1 to :om ! ,scriptures attribute a sup]natural p[]4 ,if1 9 ! face ( ^! facts1 x be pret5d$ t ^! miracles are atte/$1 we %all be compell$1 at lea/1 to agree t1 accord+ to ! ,bible acc\nt1 !y h be5 entirely useless1 t ! ,deity has be5 con/antly baffl$ 9 all 8 projects1 & t he c\ld nev] make ( ! ,hebrews a p submissive to 8 w4 ,we f9d1 h[ev]1 ,god cont9ues ob/9ately employ$ to r5d] 8 p wor?y ( him2 he does n lose sight ( !m = a mom5t2 he sacrifices :ole nations to !m1 & sanctions _! rap9e1 viol5ce1 treason1 murd]1 & usurpation4 ,9 a ^w1 he p]mits !m to d any ?+ to obta9 8 ends4 ,he is cont9ually s5d+ !m *iefs1 prophets1 & wond]ful m51 :o try 9 va9 to br+ !m to _! duty4 ,! :ole hi/ory ( ! ,old ,te/am5t displays no?+ b ! va9 ef=ts ( ,god to vanqui% ! ob/9acy ( 8 p4 ,to succe$ 9 ?is1 he employs k9dnesses1 miracles1 & sev]ity4 ,sometimes he deliv]s up to !m :ole nations1 to be hat$1 pillag$1 & ext]m9at$2 at o!r times he p]mits ^! same nations to ex]cise ov] 8 favorite p ! greate/ ( cruelties4 ,he deliv]s !m into ! h&s ( _! enemies1 :o are likewise ! enemies ( ,god himself4 ,idolatr\s nations become ma/]s ( ! ,jews1 :o are left to feel ! insults1 ! contempt1 & ! mo/ unhe>d-( sev]ities1 & are sometimes compell$ to sacrifice to idols1 & to violate ! law ( _! ,god4 ,! race ( ,abraham becomes ! prey ( impi\s nations4 ,! ,assyrians1 ,p]sians1 ,greeks1 & ,romans make !m successively und]go ! mo/ cruel treatm5t & suff] ! mo/ bloody outrages1 & ,god ev5 p]mits 8 temple to be pollut$ 9 ord] to puni% ! ,jews4 ,to t]m9ate1 at l5g?1 ! tr\bles ( 8 *]i%$ p1 ! pure ,_s t creat$ ! univ]se s5ds 8 own ,son4 ,x is said t he _h already be5 ann\nc$ by 8 prophets1 ?\gh ?is 0 c]ta9ly done 9 a mann] admirably adapt$ to prev5t 8 be+ kn[n on 8 arrival4 ,?is ,son ( ,god becomes a man ?r\gh 8 k9dness = ! ,jews1 :om he came to lib]ate1 to enlight51 & to r5d] ! mo/ happy ( mortals4 ,be+ clo!d ) div9e omnipot5ce1 he p]=ms ! mo/ a/oni%+ miracles1 :i* d n1 h[ev]1 conv9ce ! ,jews4 ,he c d e ?+ b conv]t !m4 ,in/ead ( conv]t+ & lib]at+ ! ,jews1 he is himself compell$1 not)/&+ all 8 miracles1 to und]go ! mo/ infam\s ( puni%m5ts1 & to t]m9ate 8 life l a common malefactor4 ,god is condemn$ to dea? by ! p he came to save4 ,! ,et]nal h>d5$ & bl9d$ ^? among :om he s5t 8 own ,son2 he did n =esee t ?is ,son w\ld be reject$4 ,:at d ,i say8 ,he manag$ matt]s 9 su* a way z n to be recogniz$1 & took su* /eps t 8 favorite p d]iv$ no b5efit f ! com+ ( ! ,messiah4 ,9 a ^w1 ! ,deity seems to h tak5 ! greate/ c>e t 8 projects1 s favorable to ! ,jews1 %\ld be nullifi$ & r5d]$ unpr(itable6 ,:5 we expo/ulate aga9/ a conduct s /range & s unwor?y ( ! ,deity1 we are told x 0 necess>y = e ?+ to take place 9 su* a mann]1 = ! accompli%m5t ( prophecies :i* _h ann\nc$ t ! ,messiah %\ld be dis[n$1 reject$1 & put to dea?4 ,b :y did ,god1 :o kn[s all1 & :o =esaw ! fate ( 8 de> ,son1 =m ! project ( s5d+ him among ! ,jews1 to :om he mu/ h kn[n t 8 mission w\ld be useless8 ,w\ld x n h be5 easi] nei!r to ann\nce him nor s5d him8 ,w\ld x n h be5 m con=mable to div9e omnipot5ce to sp>e himself ! tr\ble ( s _m miracles1 s _m prophecies1 s mu* useless labor1 s mu* wra?1 & s _m suff]+s to 8 own ,son1 by giv+ at once to ! human race t degree ( p]fection he int5d$ = !m8 ,we are told x 0 necess>y t ! ,deity %\ld h a victim2 t to repair ! fault ( ! fir/ man1 no exp$i5t w\ld be suffici5t b ! dea? ( ano!r ,god2 t ! only ,god ( ! univ]se c\ld n be appeas$ b by ! blood ( 8 own ,son4 ,i reply1 9 ! fir/ place1 t ,god _h only to prev5t ! fir/ man f committ+ a fault2 t ?is w\ld h sp>$ him mu* *agr9 & sorr[1 & sav$ ! life ( 8 de> ,son4 ,i reply1 likewise1 t man is incapable ( (f5d+ ,god unless ,god ei!r p]mitt$ x or cons5t$ to x4 ,i %all n exam9e h[ x is possible = ,god to h a ,son1 :o1 be+ z mu* a ,god z himself1 c be subject to dea?4 ,i reply1 also1 t x is impossible to p]ceive su* a grave fault & s9 9 tak+ an apple1 & t we c f9d v little proportion betwe5 ! crime committ$ aga9/ ! ,deity by eat+ an apple & 8 ,son's dea?4 ,i "k well en\gh ,i %all be told t ^! are all my/]ies2 b ,i1 9 my turn1 %all reply1 t my/]ies are impos+ words1 imag9$ by m5 :o "k n h[ to get !mselves out ( ! labyr9? into :i* _! false reason+s & s5seless pr9ciples h once plung$ !m4 ,be ?is z x may1 we are assur$ t ! ,messiah1 or ! deliv]] ( ! ,jews1 _h be5 cle>ly pr$ict$ & describ$ by ! prophecies conta9$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,9 ?is case1 ,i dem& :y ! ,jews h dis[n$ ?is wond]ful man1 ?is ,god :om ,god s5t to !m4 ,!y answ] me1 t ! incr$ulity ( ! ,jews 0 likewise pr$ict$1 & t div]s inspir$ writ]s _h ann\nc$ ! dea? ( ! ,son ( ,god4 ,to :i* ,i reply1 t a s5sible ,god ought n to h s5t him "u su* circum/ances1 t an omnipot5t ,god ought to h adopt$ measures m efficaci\s & c]ta9 to br+ 8 p into ! way 9 :i* he wi%$ !m to g4 ,if he wi%$ n to conv]t & lib]ate ! ,jews1 x 0 q useless to s5d 8 ,son among !m1 & !reby expose him to a dea? t 0 bo? c]ta9 & =ese54 ,!y w n fail to tell me1 t 9 ! end ! div9e pati5ce became tir$ ( ! excesses ( ! ,jews2 t ! immutable ,god1 :o _h sworn an et]nal alliance ) ! race ( ,abraham1 wi%$ at l5g? to break ! treaty1 :i* he _h1 h[ev]1 assur$ !m %\ld la/ =ev]4 ,x is pret5d$ t ,god _h det]m9$ to reject ! ,hebrew nation1 9 ord] to adopt ! ,g5tiles1 :om he _h hat$ & despis$ ne>ly f\r ?\s& ye>s4 ,i reply1 t ?is disc\rse is v little con=mable to ! ideas we ought to h ( a ,god :o *anges n1 ^: m]cy is inf9ite1 & ^: goodness is inexhau/ible4 ,i %all tell !m1 t 9 ?is case ! ,messiah ann\nc$ by ! ,jewi% prophets 0 de/9$ = ! ,jews1 & t he ought to h be5 _! lib]ator1 in/ead ( de/roy+ _! wor%ip & _! religion4 ,if x be possible to unravel any ?+ 9 ^! obscure1 enigmatical1 & symbolical oracles ( ! prophets ( ,judea1 z we f9d !m 9 ! ,bible1--if !re be any means ( guess+ ! mean+ ( ! obscure riddles1 :i* h be5 decorat$ ) ! pomp\s "n ( prophecies1 we %all p]ceive t ! inspir$ writ]s1 :5 !y are 9 a good humor1 always promis$ ! ,jews a man t w r$ress _! grievances1 re/ore ! k+dom ( ,judah1 & n "o t %\ld de/roy ! religion ( ,moses4 ,if x 7 = ! ,g5tiles t ! ,messiah %\ld come1 he is no long] ! ,messiah promis$ to ! ,jews & ann\nc$ by _! prophets4 ,if ,jesus be ! ,messiah ( ! ,jews1 he c\ld n be ! de/roy] ( _! nation4 ,%\ld ,i be told t ,jesus himself decl>$ t he came to fulfil ! law ( ,moses1 & n to aboli% x1 ,i ask :y ,*ri/ians d n obs]ve ! law ( ! ,jews8 ,?us1 9 :atev] light we reg>d ,jesus ,*ri/1 we p]ceive t he c\ld n be ! man :om ! prophets h pr$ict$1 s9ce x is evid5t t he came only to de/roy ! religion ( ! ,jews1 :i*1 ?\gh in/itut$ by ,god himself1 _h nev]!less become disagreeable to him4 ,if ?is incon/ant ,god1 :o 0 we>i$ ) ! wor%ip ( ! ,jews1 _h at l5g? rep5t$ ( 8 inju/ice t[>ds ! ,g5tiles1 x 0 to !m t he ought to h s5t 8 ,son4 ,by act+ 9 ?is way he w\ld at lea/ h sav$ 8 old fri5ds f a frightful deicide1 :i* he =c$ !m to commit1 because !y 7 n able to recognize ! ,god he s5t among/ !m4 ,besides1 ! ,jews 7 v p>donable 9 n ackn[l$g+ _! expect$ ,messiah 9 an artisan ( ,galilee1 :o 0 de/itute ( all ! *>act]i/ics :i* ! prophets _h relat$1 & dur+ ^: lifetime 8 fell[-citiz5s 7 nei!r lib]at$ nor happy4 ,we are told t he p]=m$ miracles4 ,he heal$ ! sick1 caus$ ! lame to walk1 gave sight to ! bl9d1 & rais$ ! dead4 ,at l5g? he accompli%$ 8 own resurrection4 ,x might be s believ$2 yet he has visibly fail$ 9 t miracle = :i* alone he came ^u e>?4 ,he 0 nev] able ei!r to p]suade or to conv]t ! ,jews1 :o witness$ all ! daily wond]s t he p]=m$4 ,not)/&+ ^? prodigies1 !y plac$ him ignom9i\sly on ! cross4 ,9 spite ( 8 div9e p[]1 he 0 incapable ( escap+ puni%m5t4 ,he wi%$ to die1 to r5d] ! ,jews culpable1 & to h ! pleasure ( ris+ aga9 ! ?ird day1 9 ord] to conf\nd ! +ratitude & ob/9acy ( 8 fell[-citiz5s4 ,:at is ! result8 ,did 8 fell[-citiz5s conc$e to ?is great miracle1 & h !y at l5g? ackn[l$g$ him8 ,f> f x2 !y nev] saw him4 ,! ,son ( ,god1 :o arose f ! dead 9 secrecy1 %[$ himself only to 8 adh]5ts4 ,!y alone pret5d to h conv]s$ ) him2 !y alone h furni%$ u ) ! p>ticul>s ( 8 life & miracles2 & yet by su* suspici\s te/imony !y wi% to conv9ce u ( ! div9ity ( 8 mission eighte5 hundr$ ye>s aft] ! ev5t1 al?\gh he c\ld n conv9ce 8 contempor>ies1 ! ,jews4 ,we are !n told t _m ,jews h be5 conv]t$ to ,jesus ,*ri/2 t aft] 8 dea? _m o!rs 7 conv]t$2 t ! witnesses ( ! life & miracles ( ! ,son ( ,god h seal$ _! te/imony ) _! blood2 t m5 w n die to atte/ falsehood2 t by a visible effect ( ! div9e p[]1 ! p ( a great "p ( ! e>? h adopt$ ,*ri/ianity1 & /ill p]si/ 9 ! belief ( ?is div9e religion4 ,9 all ?is ,i p]ceive no?+ l a miracle4 ,i see no?+ b :at is con=mable to ! ord9>y progress ( ! human m9d4 ,an en?usia/1 a dext]\s impo/or1 a crafty juggl]1 c easily f9d adh]5ts 9 a /upid1 ignorant1 & sup]/iti\s populace4 ,^! foll[]s1 captivat$ by c\nsels1 or s$uc$ by promises1 cons5t to quit a pa9ful & labori\s life1 to foll[ a man :o gives !m to und]/& t he w make !m fi%]s ( m52 t is to say1 he w enable !m to subsi/ by 8 cunn+ tricks1 at ! exp5se ( ! multitude :o are always cr$ul\s4 ,! juggl]1 ) ! assi/ance ( 8 rem$ies1 c p]=m cures :i* seem miracul\s to ignorant spectators4 ,^! simple creatures imm$iately reg>d him z a sup]natural be+4 ,he adopts ?is op9ion himself1 & confirms ! high notions :i* 8 p>tisans h =m$ respect+ him4 ,he feels himself int]e/$ 9 ma9ta9+ ?is op9ion among 8 sect>ies1 & f9ds out ! secret ( excit+ _! en?usiasm4 ,to accompli% ?is po9t1 our empiric becomes a prea*]2 he makes use ( riddles1 obscure s5t5ces1 & p>ables to ! multitude1 t always admire :at !y d n und]/&4 ,to r5d] himself m agreeable to ! p1 he declaims among poor1 ignorant1 fooli% m51 aga9/ ! ri*1 ! great1 ! le>n$2 b above all1 aga9/ ! prie/s1 :o 9 all ages h be5 av>ici\s1 imp]i\s1 un*>itable1 & burd5some to ! p4 ,if ^! disc\rses be eag]ly receiv$ among ! vulg>1 :o are always morose1 envi\s1 & jeal\s1 !y displease all ^? :o see !mselves ! objects ( ! invective & satire ( ! popul> prea*]4 ,!y consequ5tly wi% to *eck 8 progress1 !y lay sn>es = him1 !y seek to surprise him 9 a fault1 9 ord] t !y may unmask him & h _! rev5ge4 ,by d9t ( impo/ure1 he outwits !m2 yet1 9 consequ5ce ( 8 miracles & illusions1 he at l5g? discov]s himself4 ,he is !n seiz$ & puni%$1 & none ( 8 adh]5ts abide by him1 except a few idiots1 t no?+ c undeceive2 none b p>tisans1 accu/om$ to lead ) him a life ( idl5ess2 none b dext]\s knaves1 :o wi% to cont9ue _! impositions on ! public1 by deceptions simil> to ^? ( _! old ma/]1 by obscure1 unconnect$1 confus$1 & fanatical h>angues1 & by declamations aga9/ magi/rates & prie/s4 ,^!1 :o h ! p[] 9 _! own h&s1 f9i% by p]secut+ !m1 imprison+ !m1 flogg+ !m1 *a/is+ !m1 & putt+ !m to dea?4 ,poor wret*es1 habituat$ to pov]ty1 und]go all ^! suff]+s ) a =titude :i* we frequ5tly meet ) 9 malefactors4 ,9 "s we f9d _! c\rage =tifi$ by ! zeal ( fanaticism4 ,?is =titude surprises1 agitates1 excites pity1 & irritates ! spectators aga9/ ^? :o torm5t m5 ^: con/ancy makes !m look$ ^u z be+ innoc5t1 :o1 x is suppos$1 may possibly be "r1 & = :om compassion likewise int]e/s itself4 ,x is ?us t en?usiasm is propagat$1 & t p]secution always augm5ts ! numb] ( ! p>tisans ( ^? :o are p]secut$4 ,i %all leave to y1 ,madam1 ! tr\ble ( apply+ ! hi/ory ( our juggl]1 & 8 adh]5ts1 to t ( ! f\nd]1 ! apo/les1 & ! m>tyrs ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,) :atev] art !y h writt5 ! life ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :i* we hold only f 8 apo/les1 or _! disciples1 x furni%es a suffici5cy ( mat]ials on :i* to f\nd our conjectures4 ,i %all only obs]ve to y1 t ! ,jewi% nation 0 rem>kable = its cr$ulity2 t ! companions ( ,jesus 7 *os5 f among ! dregs ( ! p2 t ,jesus always gave a pref]5ce to ! populace1 ) :om he wi%$1 und\bt$ly1 to =m a ramp>t aga9/ ! prie/s2 & t1 at la/1 ,jesus 0 seiz$ imm$iately aft] ! mo/ spl5did ( 8 miracles4 ,we see him put to dea? imm$iately aft] ! resurrection ( ,laz>us1 :i*1 ev5 accord+ to ! gospel acc\nt1 be>s ! mo/ evid5t *>act]s ( fraud1 :i* are visible to e "o :o exam9es x )\t prejudice4 ,i imag9e1 ,madam1 t :at ,i h j /at$ w suffice to %[ y :at op9ion y ought to ent]ta9 respect+ ! f\nd] ( ,*ri/ianity & 8 fir/ sect>ies4 ,^! h be5 ei!r dupes or fanatics1 :o p]mitt$ !mselves to be s$uc$ by deceptions1 & by disc\rses con=mable to _! desires1 or by dext]\s impo/ors1 :o knew h[ to make ! be/ ( ! tricks ( _! old ma/]1 to :om !y h become su* able successors4 ,9 ?is way did !y e/abli% a religion :i* enabl$ !m to live at ! p's exp5se1 & :i* /ill ma9ta9s 9 abundance ^? we pay1 at su* a high rate1 = transmitt+ f fa!r to son ! fables1 visions1 & wond]s :i* 7 born & nurs$ 9 ,judea4 ,! propagation ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?1 & ! con/ancy ( _! m>tyrs1 h no?+ surpris+ 9 !m4 ,! p flock aft] all ^? t %[ !m wond]s1 & receive )\t reason+ on x e ?+ t is told !m4 ,!y transmit to _! *ildr5 ! tales !y h he>d relat$1 & by degrees ^! op9ions are adopt$ by k+s1 by ! great1 & ev5 by ! le>n$4 ,z = ! m>tyrs1 _! con/ancy has no?+ sup]natural 9 x4 ,! fir/ ,*ri/ians1 z well z all new sect>ies1 7 treat$1 by ! ,jews & pagans1 z di/urb]s ( ! public peace4 ,!y 7 already suffici5tly intoxicat$ ) ! fanaticism ) :i* _! religion inspir$ !m1 & 7 p]suad$ t ,god held himself 9 read9ess to cr[n !m1 & to receive !m into 8 et]nal dwell+4 ,9 a ^w1 see+ ! heav5s op5$1 & be+ conv9c$ t ! end ( ! _w 0 approa*+1 x is n surpris+ t !y _h c\rage to set puni%m5t at defiance1 to endure x ) con/ancy1 & to despise dea?4 ,to ^! motives1 f\nd$ on _! religi\s op9ions1 _m o!rs 7 add$1 :i* are always ( su* a nature z to op]ate /rongly ^u ! m9ds ( m54 ,^? :o1 z ,*ri/ians1 7 imprison$ & ill-treat$ on acc\nt ( _! fai?1 7 visit$1 consol$1 enc\rag$1 honor$1 & load$ ) k9dnesses by _! bre?r51 :o took c>e ( & succor$ !m dur+ _! det5tion1 & :o almo/ ador$ !m aft] _! dea?4 ,^?1 on ! o!r h&1 :o display$ weakness1 7 despis$ & dete/$1 & :5 !y gave way to rep5tance1 !y 7 compell$ to und]go a rigor\s p5it5ce1 :i* la/$ z long z !y liv$4 ,?us 7 ! mo/ p[]ful motives unit$ to inspire ! m>tyrs ) c\rage2 & ?is c\rage has no?+ m sup]natural ab\t x ?an t :i* det]m9es u daily to enc\nt] ! mo/ p]il\s dang]s1 ?r\gh ! fe> ( di%onor+ ourselves 9 ! eyes ( our fell[-citiz5s4 ,c[>dice w\ld expose u to infamy all ! re/ ( our days4 ,!re is no?+ miracul\s 9 ! con/ancy ( a man to :om an (f] is made1 on ! "o h&1 ( et]nal happ9ess & ! highe/ honors1 & :o1 on ! o!r h&1 sees himself m5ac$ ) hatr$1 contempt1 & ! mo/ la/+ regret4 ,y p]ceive1 !n1 ,madam1 t no?+ c be easi] ?an to ov]?r[ ! pro(s by :i* ,*ri/ian doctors e/abli% ! revelation :i* !y pret5d is s well au!nticat$4 ,miracles1 m>tyrs1 & prophecies prove no?+4 ,7 all ! wond]s true t are relat$ 9 ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5t1 !y w\ld af=d no pro( 9 favor ( div9e omnipot5ce1 b1 on ! contr>y1 w\ld prove ! inability "u :i* ! ,deity has cont9ually labor$1 ( conv9c+ mank9d ( ! tru?s he wi%$ to ann\nce to !m4 ,on ! o!r h&1 suppos+ ^! miracles to h produc$ all ! effects :i* ! ,deity _h a "r to expect f !m1 we h no long] any reason to believe !m1 except on ! tradition & recitals ( o!rs1 :i* are (t5 suspici\s1 faulty1 & exagg]at$4 ,! miracles ( ,moses are atte/$ only by ,moses1 or by ,jewi% writ]s int]e/$ 9 mak+ !m believ$ by ! p !y wi%$ to gov]n4 ,! miracles ( ,jesus are atte/$ only by 8 disciples1 :o s\ght to obta9 adh]5ts1 9 relat+ to a cr$ul\s p prodigies to :i* !y pret5d$ to h be5 witnesses1 or :i* "s ( !m1 p]haps1 believ$ !y _h really se54 ,all ^? :o deceive mank9d are n always *eats2 !y are frequ5tly deceiv$ by ^? :o are knaves 9 reality4 ,besides1 ,i believe ,i h suffici5tly prov$1 t miracles are repugnant to ! ess5ce ( an immutable ,god1 z well z to 8 wisdom1 :i* w n p]mit him to alt] ! wise laws he has himself e/abli%$4 ,9 %ort1 miracles are useless1 s9ce ^? relat$ 9 ,scripture h n produc$ ! effects :i* ,god expect$ f !m4 ,! pro( ( ! ,*ri/ian religion tak5 f prophecy has no bett] f\ndation4 ,:oev] w exam9e )\t prejudice ^! oracles pret5d$ to be div9e w f9d only an ambigu\s1 un9telligible1 absurd1 & unconnect$ j>gon1 entirely unwor?y ( a ,god :o int5d$ to display 8 presci5ce1 & to in/ruct 8 p ) reg>d to future ev5ts4 ,!re does n exi/ 9 ! ,holy ,scriptures a s+le prophecy suffici5tly precise to be lit]ally appli$ to ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,to conv9ce y\rself ( ?is tru?1 ask ! mo/ le>n$ ( our doctors :i* are ! =mal prophecies :]e9 !y h ! happ9ess to discov] ! ,messiah4 ,y w !n p]ceive t x is only by ! aid ( =c$ explanations1 figures1 p>ables1 & my/ical int]pretations1 by :i* !y are enabl$ to br+ =w>d any ?+ s5sible & applicable to ! god-made-man :om !y tell u to adore4 ,x w\ld seem z if ! ,deity _h made pr$ictions only t we might und]/& no?+ ab\t !m4 ,9 ^! equivocal oracles1 ^: mean+ x is impossible to p5etrate1 we f9d no?+ b ! language ( intoxication1 fanaticism1 & delirium4 ,:5 we fancy we h f\nd some?+ intelligible1 x is easy to p]ceive t ! prophets int5d$ to speak ( ev5ts t took place 9 _! own age1 or ( p]sonages :o _h prec$$ !m4 ,x is ?us t our doctors apply gratuit\sly to ,*ri/ prophecies or r n>ratives ( :at happ5$ respect+ ,david1 ,solomon1 ,cyrus1 c4 ,we imag9e we see ! *a/isem5t ( ! ,jewi% p ann\nc$ 9 recitals :]e x is evid5t ! only matt] 9 "q 0 ! ,babyloni% captivity4 ,9 ?is ev5t1 s long prior to ,jesus ,*ri/1 !y h imag9$ f9d+ a pr$iction ( ! disp]sion ( ! ,jews1 suppos$ to be a visible puni%m5t = _! deicide1 & :i* !y n[ wi% to pass (f z an indubitable pro( ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,x is n1 !n1 a/oni%+ t ! anci5t & mod]n ,jews d n see 9 ! prophets :at our doctors tea* u1 & :at !y !mselves imag9e !y h se54 ,jesus himself has n be5 m happy 9 8 pr$ictions ?an 8 pr$ecessors4 ,9 ! gospel he ann\nces to 8 disciples 9 ! mo/ =mal mann] ! de/ruction ( ! _w & ! la/ judgm5t1 z ev5ts t 7 at h&1 & :i* mu/ take place be=e ! exi/+ g5]ation _h pass$ away4 ,yet ! _w /ill endures1 & appe>s 9 no dang] ( f9i%+4 ,x is true1 our doctors pret5d t1 9 ! pr$iction ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 he spoke ( ! ru9 ( ,j]usalem by ,vespasian & ,titus2 b none b ^? :o h n read ! gospel w\ld submit to su* a *ange1 or satisfy !mselves ) su* an evasion4 ,besides1 9 adopt+ x we mu/ confess at lea/ t ! ,son ( ,god himself 0 unable to prophesy ) great] precision ?an 8 obscure pr$ecessors4 ,inde$1 at e page ( ^! sacr$ books1 :i* we are assur$ 7 inspir$ by ,god himself1 ?is ,god seems to h made a revelation only to conceal himself4 ,he does n speak b to be misund]/ood4 ,he ann\nces 8 oracles 9 su* a way only t we c nei!r compreh5d !m nor make any application ( !m4 ,he p]=ms miracles only to make unbeliev]s4 ,he manife/s himself to mank9d only to /upefy _! judgm5t & bewild] ! reason he has be/[$ on !m4 ,! ,bible cont9ually repres5ts ,god to u z a s$uc]1 an entic]1 a suspici\s tyrant1 :o kn[s n :at k9d ( conduct to obs]ve ) respect to 8 subjects2 :o amuses himself by lay+ sn>es = 8 creatures1 & :o tries !m t he may h ! pleasure ( inflict+ a puni%m5t = yield+ to 8 temptations4 ,?is ,god is occupi$ only 9 build+ to de/roy1 9 demoli%+ to rebuild4 ,l a *ild disgu/$ ) its play?+s1 he is cont9ually undo+ :at he has done1 & break+ :at 0 ! object ( 8 desires4 ,we f9d no =esight1 no con/ancy1 no consi/5cy 9 8 conduct2 no connection1 no cle>ness 9 8 disc\rses4 ,:5 he p]=ms any ?+1 he sometimes approves :at he has done1 & at o!r times rep5ts ( x4 ,he irritates & vexes himself ) :at he has p]mitt$ to be done1 &1 9 spite ( 8 inf9ite p[]1 he suff]s man to (f5d him1 & cons5ts to let ,satan1 8 creature1 d]ange all 8 projects4 ,9 a ^w1 ! revelations ( ! ,*ri/ians & ,jews seem to h be5 imag9$ only to r5d] unc]ta9 & to annihilate ! qualities attribut$ to ! ,deity1 & :i* are decl>$ to con/itute 8 ess5ce4 ,! :ole ,scripture1 ! entire sy/em ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 appe>s to be f\nd$ only on ! incapability ( ,god1 :o 0 unable to r5d] ! human race z wise1 z good1 & z happy z he wi%$ !m4 ,! dea? ( 8 innoc5t ,son1 :o 0 immolat$ to 8 v5geance1 is entirely useless = ! mo/ num]\s portion ( ! e>?'s inhabitants2 almo/ ! :ole human race1 9 spite ( ! cont9ual ef=ts ( ! ,deity1 cont9ue to (f5d him1 to fru/rate 8 designs1 resi/ 8 w1 & to p]sev]e 9 _! wick$ness4 ,x is on notions s fatal1 s contradictory1 & s unwor?y ( a ,god :o is j1 wise1 & good1 ( a ,god t is rational1 indep5d5t1 immutable1 & omnipot5t1 on :om ! ,*ri/ian religion is f\nd$1 & :i* religion is said to be e/abli%$ =ev] by ,god1 :o1 nev]!less1 became disgu/$ ) ! religion ( ! ,jews1 ) :om he _h made & sworn an et]nal cov5ant4 ,"t mu/ prove :e!r ,god be m con/ant & fai?ful 9 fulfill+ 8 engagem5ts ) ! ,*ri/ians ?an he has be5 to fulfil ^? he made ) ,abraham & 8 po/]ity4 ,i confess1 ,madam1 t 8 pa/ conduct al>ms me z to :at he may f9ally p]=m4 ,if he himself ackn[l$g$ by ! m\? ( ,ezekiel t ! laws he _h giv5 to ! ,jews 7 n good1 he may v possibly1 "s day or o!r1 f9d fault ) ^? :i* he has giv5 to ,*ri/ians4 ,our prie/s !mselves seem to p>take ( my suspicions1 & to fe> t ,god w be we>i$ ( t protection :i* he has s long grant$ to 8 *ur*4 ,! inquietudes :i* !y ev9ce1 ! ef=ts :i* !y make to h9d] ! civilization ( ! _w1 ! p]secutions :i* !y raise aga9/ all ^? :o contradict !m1 seem to prove t !y mi/ru/ ! promises ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & t !y are n c]ta9ly conv9c$ ( ! et]nal durability ( a religion :i* does n appe> to !m div9e1 b because x gives !m ! "r to comm& l gods ov] _! fell[-citiz5s4 ,!y w\ld und\bt$ly consid] ! de/ruction ( _! empire a v griev\s ?+2 b yet if ! sov]eigns ( ! e>? & _! p %\ld once gr[ we>y ( ! sac]dotal yoke1 we may be sure ! ,sov]eign ( heav5 w\ld n require a long] "t to become equally disgu/$4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 ,madam1 ,i v5ture to hope ! p]usal ( ?is lett] w fully undeceive y ( a bl9d v5]ation = books :i* are call$ div9e1 al?\gh !y appe> z if inv5t$ to degrade & de/roy ! ,god :o is ass]t$ to be _! au?or4 ,my fir/ lett]1 ,i feel confid5t1 enabl$ y to p]ceive t ! dogmas e/abli%$ by ^! same books1 or subsequ5tly fabricat$ to ju/ify ! ideas ?us giv5 ( ,god1 are n less contr>y to all notions ( a ,deity inf9itely p]fect4 ,a sy/em :i* 9 ! outset is bas$ ^u false pr9ciples c nev] become any ?+ else ?an a mass ( falsehoods4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,iv4 ,( ! fundam5tal ,dogmas ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion4 ,y are aw>e1 ,madam1 t our !ological doctors pret5d ^! reveal$ books1 :i* ,i summ>ily exam9$ 9 my prec$+ lett]1 d n include a s+le ^w t 0 n inspir$ by ! ,_s ( ,god4 ,:at ,i h already said to y is suffici5t to %[ t 9 sett+ out ) ?is supposition1 ! ,div9ity has =m$ a "w ! mo/ %apeless1 imp]fect1 contradictory1 & un9telligible :i* ev] exi/$2 a "w1 9 a ^w1 ( :i* any man ( s5se w\ld blu% ) %ame to be ! au?or4 ,if any prophecy ha? v]ifi$ itself = ! ,*ri/ians1 x is t ( ,isaiah1 :i* sai?1 ,he>+ ye %all he>1 b %all n und]/&4 ,b 9 ?is case we reply t x 0 suffici5tly useless to speak n to be compreh5d$2 to reveal t :i* _c be compreh5d$ is to reveal no?+4 ,we ne$ n1 !n1 be surpris$ if ! ,*ri/ians1 not)/&+ ! revelation ( :i* !y assure u !y h be5 ! favorites1 h no precise ideas ei!r ( ! ,div9ity1 or ( 8 w1 or ! way 9 :i* 8 oracles are to be int]pret$4 ,! book f :i* !y %\ld be able to d s s]ves only to conf\nd ! simple/ notions1 to ?r[ !m into ! greate/ inc]titude1 & create et]nal disputations4 ,if x 0 ! project ( ! ,div9ity1 x w\ld1 )\t d\bt1 be att5d$ ) p]fect success4 ,! tea*]s ( ,*ri/ianity nev] agree on ! mann] 9 :i* !y are to und]/& ! tru?s t ,god has giv5 himself ! tr\ble to reveal2 all ! ef=ts :i* !y h employ$ to ?is "t h n yet be5 capable ( mak+ any ?+ cle>1 & ! dogmas :i* !y h successively inv5t$ h be5 insuffici5t to ju/ify to ! und]/&+ ( "o man ( good s5se ! conduct ( an inf9itely p]fect ,be+4 ,h5ce1 _m among !m1 p]ceiv+ ! inconv5i5ces :i* w\ld result f ! read+ ( ! holy books1 h c>efully kept !m out ( ! h&s ( ! vulg> & illit]ate2 = !y pla9ly =esaw t if !y 7 read by su* !y w\ld necess>ily br+ on !mselves reproa*1 s9ce x w\ld nev] fail t e hone/ man ( good s5se w\ld discov] 9 ^? books only a cr[d ( absurdities4 ,?us ! oracles ( ,god are n ev5 made = ^? = :om !y are address$2 x is requisite to be initiat$ 9 ! my/]ies ( a prie/hood1 to h ! privilege ( disc]n+ 9 ! holy writ+s ! light :i* ! ,div9ity de/9$ to all 8 de> *ildr54 ,b are ! !ologians !mselves able to make pla9 ! difficulties :i* ! sacr$ books pres5t 9 e page8 ,by m$itat+ on ! my/]ies :i* !y conta91 h !y giv5 u ideas m pla9 ( ! int5tions ( ! ,div9ity8 ,no2 )\t d\bt !y expla9 "o my/]y by cit+ ano!r2 !y scatt] new obscurities on previ\s obscurities2 r>ely d !y agree among !mselves2 & :5 by *ance _! op9ions co9cide1 we are n m enlight5$1 nor is our judgm5t m conv9c$2 on ! o!r h&1 our reason is ! m conf\nd$4 ,if !y d agree on "s po9t1 x is only to tell u t human reason1 ( :i* ,god is ! au?or1 is deprav$2 b :at is ! purport ( ?is co9cid5ce 9 _! op9ions1 if x be n to tax ! ,deity ) imbecility1 inju/ice1 & malignity8 ,= :y %\ld ,god1 9 creat+ a reasonable be+1 n h giv5 him an und]/&+ :i* no?+ c\ld corrupt8 ,!y reply to u by say+ t ! reason ( man is necess>ily limit$2 t p]fection c\ld n be ! portion ( a creature2 t ! designs ( ,god are n l ^? ( man4 ,b1 9 ?is case1 :y %\ld ! ,div9ity be (f5d$ by ! necess>y imp]fections :i* he discov]s 9 8 creatures8 ,h[ c a j ,god require t our m9d mu/ admit :at x 0 n made to compreh5d8 ,c he :o is above our reason be und]/ood by u1 ^: reason is s limit$8 ,if ,god be inf9ite1 h[ c a f9ite creature reason respect+ him8 ,if ! my/]ies & hidd5 designs ( ! ,div9ity are ( su* a nature z n to be compreh5d$ by man1 :at good c we d]ive f _! inve/igation8 ,_h ,god design$ t we %\ld occupy our ?\ghts ) 8 purposes1 w\ld he n h giv5 u an und]/&+ proportionate to ! ?+s he wi%$ u to p5etrate8 ,y see1 !n1 ,madam1 t 9 depress+ our reason1 9 suppos+ x corrupt$1 our prie/s1 at ! same "t1 annihilate ev5 ! necessity ( religion1 :i* _c be ei!r useful or important to u1 if above our compreh5sion4 ,!y d m 9 suppos+ human reason deprav$2 !y accuse ,god ( inju/ice1 9 requir+ t our reason %\ld conceive :at _c be conceiv$4 ,!y accuse him ( imbecility 9 n r5d]+ ?is reason m p]fect4 ,9 a ^w1 9 degrad+ man !y degrade ,god1 & rob him ( ^? attributes :i* compose 8 ess5ce4 ,w\ld y call him a j & good p>5t1 :o1 wi%+ t 8 *ildr5 %\ld walk by an obscure r\te1 fill$ ) difficulties1 w\ld only give !m = _! conduct a light too weak to f9d _! way1 & to avoid ! cont9ual dang]s by :i* !y are surr\nd$8 ,%\ld y consid] t ! fa!r _h adequately provid$ = _! security by giv+ !m 9 writ+ un9telligible in/ructions1 :i* !y c\ld n deciph] by ! weak light he _h giv5 !m8 ,our spiritual directors w n fail to tell u t ! corruption ( reason & ! weakness ( ! human und]/&+ are ! consequ5ces ( s94 ,b :y has man become s9ful8 ,h[ has ! good ,god p]mitt$ 8 de> *ildr51 = :om he creat$ ! univ]se1 & ( :om he exacts ob$i5ce1 to (f5d him1 & !reby ext+ui%1 or1 at lea/1 weak5 ! light he _h giv5 !m8 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! reason ( ,adam ought to be1 )\t d\bt1 completely p]fect be=e 8 fall4 ,9 ?is case1 :y did x n prev5t t fall & its consequ5ces8 ,0 ! reason ( ,adam corrupt$ ev5 be=eh& by incurr+ ! wra? ( 8 ,god8 ,0 x deprav$ be=e he _h done any ?+ to deprave x8 ,to ju/ify ?is /range conduct ( ,provid5ce1 to cle> him f pass+ z ! au?or ( s91 to save him ! ridicule ( be+ ! cause or ! accomplice ( (f5ces :i* he did aga9/ himself1 ! !ologians h imag9$ a be+ subord9ate to ! div9e p[]4 ,x is ! second>y be+ !y make ! au?or ( all ! evil :i* is committ$ 9 ! univ]se4 ,9 ! impossibility ( reconcil+ ! cont9ual disord]s ( :i* ! _w is ! !atre ) ! purposes ( a ,deity replete ) goodness1 ! ,creator & ,pres]v] ( ! univ]se1 :o delights 9 ord]1 & :o seeks only ! happ9ess ( 8 creatures1 !y h trump$ up a de/ructive g5ius1 imbu$ ) wick$ness1 :o conspires to r5d] m5 mis]able1 & to ov]?r[ ! b5efic5t views ( ! ,et]nal4 ,?is bad & p]v]se be+ !y call ,satan1 ! ,devil1 ! ,evil ,"o2 & we see him play a great game 9 all ! religions ( ! _w1 ! f\nd]s ( :i* h f\nd 9 ! impot5ce ( ,deity ! s\rces ( bo? good & evil4 ,by ! aid ( ?is imag9>y be+ !y h be5 enabl$ to resolve all _! difficulties2 yet !y c\ld n =esee t ?is inv5tion1 :i* w5t to annihilate or abridge ! p[] ( ,deity1 0 a sy/em fill$ ) palpable contradictions1 & t if ! ,devil 7 really ! au?or ( s91 x w\ld be he1 9 all ju/ice1 :o ought to und]go all its puni%m5t4 ,if ,god is ! au?or ( all1 x is he :o creat$ ! ,devil2 if ! ,devil is wick$1 if he /rives to c\nt]act ! projects ( ! ,div9ity1 x is ! ,div9ity :o has all[$ ! ov]?r[ ( 8 projects1 or :o has n _h suffici5t au?ority to prev5t ! ,devil f ex]cis+ 8 p[]4 ,if ,god _h wi%$ t ! ,devil %\ld n h exi/$1 ! ,devil w\ld n h exi/$4 ,god c\ld annihilate him at "o ^w1 or1 at lea/1 ,god c\ld *ange 8 disposition if injuri\s to u1 & contr>y to ! projects ( a b5efic5t ,provid5ce4 ,s9ce1 !n1 ! ,devil does exi/1 & does su* m>vell\s ?+s z are attribut$ to him1 we are compell$ to conclude t ! ,div9ity has f\nd x good t he %\ld exi/ & agitate1 z he does1 all 8 works by a p]petual int]ruption & p]v]sion ( 8 designs4 ,?us1 ,madam1 ! inv5tion ( ! ,devil does n rem$y ! evil2 on ! contr>y1 x b entangles ! prie/s m & m4 ,by plac+ to ,satan's acc\nt all ! evil :i* he commits 9 ! _w1 !y exculpate ! ,deity ( no?+2 all ! p[] ) :i* !y h suppos$ ! ,devil inve/$ is tak5 f t assign$ to ! ,div9ity2 & y "k v well t accord+ to ! notions ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ! ,devil has m adh]5ts ?an ,god himself2 !y are always /irr+ _! fell[-creatures up to revolt aga9/ ,god2 )\t ceas+1 9 despite ( ,god1 ,satan leads !m into p]dition1 except "o man only1 :o refus$ to foll[ him1 & :o f\nd grace 9 ! eyes ( ! ,"l4 ,y are n ignorant t ! millions t foll[ ! /&>d ( ,beelzebub are to be plung$ ) him into et]nal mis]y4 ,b !n has ,satan himself incurr$ ! disgrace ( ! ,all-p[]ful8 ,by :at =feit has he m]it$ becom+ ! et]nal object ( ! ang] ( t ,god :o creat$ him8 ,! ,*ri/ian religion w expla9 all4 ,x in=ms u t ! ,devil 0 9 8 orig9 an angel2 t is to say1 a pure _s1 full ( p]fections1 creat$ by ! ,div9ity to occupy a di/+ui%+ situation 9 ! cele/ial c\rt1 de/9$1 l ! o!r m9i/]s ( ! ,et]nal1 to receive 8 ord]s1 & to enjoy p]petual bless$ness4 ,b he lo/ himself ?r\gh ambition2 8 pride bl9d$ him1 & he d>$ to revolt aga9/ 8 ,creator2 he engag$ o!r spirits1 z pure z himself1 9 ! same s5seless ent]prise2 9 consequ5ce ( 8 ra%ness1 he 0 hurl$ headlong out ( heav51 8 mis]able adh]5ts 7 involv$ 9 8 fall1 &1 hav+ be5 h>d5$ by ! div9e pleasure 9 _! fooli% dispositions1 !y h no o!r occupation assign$ !m 9 ! univ]se ?an to tempt mank9d1 & endeavor to augm5t ! numb] ( ! enemies ( ,god1 & ! victims ( 8 wra?4 ,x is by ! assi/ance ( ?is fable t ! ,*ri/ian doctors p]ceive ! fall ( ,adam1 prep>$ by ! ,almighty himself ant]ior to ! creation ( ! _w4 ,0 x necess>y t ! ,div9ity %\ld ent]ta9 a great desire t man might s91 s9ce he w\ld !reby h an opportunity ( provid+ ! means ( mak+ him s9ful8 ,9 effect1 x 0 ! ,devil :o1 9 process ( "t1 cov]$ ) ! sk9 ( a s]p5t1 solicit$ ! "m ( ! human race to disobey ,god1 & involve h] husb& 9 h] rebellion4 ,b ! difficulty is n remov$ by ^! inv5tions4 ,if ,satan1 9 ! "t he 0 an angel1 liv$ 9 innoc5ce1 & m]it$ ! good w ( 8 ,mak]1 h[ came ,god to suff] him to ent]ta9 ideas ( pride1 ambition1 & rebellion8 ,h[ came ?is angel ( light s bl9d z n to see ! folly ( su* an ent]prise8 ,did he n "k t 8 ,creator 0 all-p[]ful8 ,:o 0 x t tempt$ ,satan8 ,:at reason _h ! ,div9ity = select+ him to be ! object ( 8 fury1 ! de/roy] ( 8 projects1 ! enemy ( 8 p[]8 ,if pride be a s91 if ! idea itself ( rebellion is ! greate/ ( crimes1 s9 01 !n1 ant]ior to s91 & ,lucif] (f5d$ ,god1 ev5 9 8 /ate ( purity2 =1 9 f9e1 a be+ pure1 innoc5t1 agreeable to 8 ,god1 :o _h all ! p]fections ( :i* a creature c\ld be susceptible1 ought to be exempt f ambition1 pride1 & folly4 ,we ought1 also1 to say z mu* = our fir/ p>5t1 :o1 not)/&+ 8 wisdom1 8 innoc5ce1 & ! k infus$ into him by ,god himself1 c\ld n prev5t himself f fall+ into ! temptation ( a demon4 ,h5ce1 9 e %ift1 ! prie/s inv>iably make ,god ! au?or ( s94 ,x 0 ,god :o tempt$ ,lucif] be=e ! creation ( ! _w2 ,lucif]1 9 8 turn1 became ! tempt] ( man & ! cause ( all ! evil our race suff]s4 ,x appe>s1 !re=e1 t ,god creat$ bo? angels & m5 to give !m an opportunity ( s9n+4 ,x is easy to p]ceive ! absurdity ( ?is sy/em1 to save :i* ! !ologians h inv5t$ ano!r /ill m absurd1 t x might become ! f\ndation ( all _! religi\s revelations1 & by means ( :i* !y idly imag9e !y c fully ju/ify ! div9e provid5ce4 ,! sy/em ( tru? supposes ! free w ( man--t he is 8 own ma/]1 capable ( do+ good or ill1 & ( direct+ 8 own plans4 ,at ! words free w1 ,i already p]ceive1 ,madam1 t y tremble1 & d\btless anticipate a metaphysical diss]tation4 ,re/ assur$ ( ! contr>y2 = ,i flatt] myself t ! "q w be simplifi$ & r5d]$ cle>1 ,i %all n m]ely say = y1 b = all y\r sex :o are n resolv$ to be wilfully bl9d4 ,to say t man is a free ag5t is to detract f ! p[] ( ! ,supreme ,be+2 x is to pret5d t ,god is n ! ma/] ( 8 own w2 x is to advance t a weak creature c1 :5 x pleases him1 revolt aga9/ 8 ,creator1 d]ange 8 projects1 di/urb ! ord] :i* he loves1 r5d] 8 labors useless1 afflict him ) *agr91 cause him sorr[1 act ) effect aga9/ him1 & ar\se 8 ang] & 8 passions4 ,?us1 at ! fir/ glance1 y p]ceive t ?is pr9ciple gives rise to a cr[d ( absurdities4 ,if ,god is ! fri5d ( ord]1 e ?+ p]=m$ by 8 creatures w\ld necess>ily conduce to ! ma9t5ance ( ?is ord]1 because o!rwise ! div9e w w\ld fail to h its effect4 ,if ,god has plans1 !y mu/ ( necessity be always execut$2 if man c afflict 8 ,god1 man is ! ma/] ( ?is ,god's happ9ess1 & ! league he has =m$ ) ! ,devil is pot5t en\gh to ?w>t ! plans ( ! ,div9ity4 ,9 a ^w1 if man is free to s91 ,god is no long] ,omnipot5t4 ,9 reply1 we are told t ,god1 )\t detrim5t to 8 ,omnipot5ce1 might make man a free ag5t1 & t ?is lib]ty is a b5efit by :i* ,god places man 9 a situation :]e he may m]it ! heav5ly b\nty2 b1 on ! o!r h&1 ?is lib]ty likewise exposes him to enc\nt] ,god's hatr$1 to (f5d him1 & to be ov]:elm$ by inf9ite suff]+s4 ,f ?is ,i conclude t ?is lib]ty is n a b5efit1 & t x evid5tly is inconsi/5t ) div9e goodness4 ,?is goodness w\ld be m real if m5 _h always suffici5t resolution to d :at is pleas+ to ,god1 con=mably to ord]1 & conducive to ! happ9ess ( _! fell[-creatures4 ,if m51 9 virtue ( _! lib]ty1 d ?+s contr>y to ! w ( ,god1 ,god1 :o is suppos$ to h ! presci5ce ( =esee+ all1 ought to h tak5 measures to prev5t m5 f abus+ _! lib]ty2 if he =esaw !y w\ld s91 he ought to h giv5 !m ! means ( avoid+ x2 if he c\ld n prev5t !m f do+ ill1 he has cons5t$ to ! ill !y h done2 if he has cons5t$1 he %\ld n be (f5d$2 if he is (f5d$1 or if he puni% !m = ! evil !y h done ) 8 p]mission1 he is unju/ & cruel2 if he suff] !m to ru% on to _! de/ruction1 he is b\nd aft]w>ds to take !m to himself2 & he _c ) reason f9d fault ) !m = ! abuse ( _! lib]ty1 9 be+ deceiv$ or s$uc$ by ! objects :i* he himself _h plac$ 9 _! way to s$uce !m1 to tempt !m1 & to det]m9e _! wills to d evil4#d #d ,see :at ,bayle says1 ,dict4 ,crit41 art4 ,origne1 ,rem4 ,e41 art4 ,paulici5s1 ,rem4 ,e41 ,f41 ,m41 & tom4 iij4 ( ! ,rponses aux ,que/ions d'un ,prov9cial4 ,:at w\ld y say ( a fa!r :o %\ld give to 8 *ildr51 9 ! infancy ( age1 & :5 !y 7 )\t exp]i5ce1 ! lib]ty ( satisfy+ _! disord]$ appetites1 till !y %\ld conv9ce !mselves ( _! evil t5d5cy8 ,w\ld n su* a p>5t be 9 ! "r to feel uneasy at ! abuse :i* !y %\ld make ( _! lib]ty :i* he _h giv5 !m8 ,w\ld x n be acc\nt$ malice 9 ?is p>5t1 :o %\ld h =ese5 :at 0 to happ51 n to h furni%$ 8 *ildr5 ) ! capacity ( direct+ _! own conduct s z to avoid ! evils !y might be assail$ )8 ,w\ld x n %[ 9 him ! height ( madness 7 he to puni% !m = ! evil :i* he _h done1 & ! *agr9 :i* !y occasion$ him8 ,w\ld x n be to himself t we %\ld ascribe ! sotti%ness & wick$ness ( 8 *ildr58 ,y see1 !n1 ! po9ts ( view "u :i* ?is sy/em ( m5's free w %[s u ! ,deity4 ,?is free w becomes a pres5t ! mo/ dang]\s1 s9ce x puts man 9 ! condition ( do+ evil t is truly frightful4 ,we may !nce conclude t ?is sy/em1 f> f ju/ify+ ,god1 makes him capable ( malice1 imprud5ce1 & inju/ice4 ,b ?is is to ov]turn all our ideas ( a be+ p]fectly1 nay1 inf9itely wise & good1 cons5t+ to puni% 8 creatures = s9s :i* he gave !m ! p[] ( committ+1 or1 :i* is ! same1 suff]+ ! ,devil to inspire !m ) evil4 ,all ! subtilties ( !ology h really only a t5d5cy to de/roy ! v notions itself inculcates conc]n+ ! ,div9ity4 ,?is !ology is evid5tly ! tub ( ! ,danaides4 ,x is a fact1 h[ev]1 t our !ologians h imag9$ exp$i5ts to support _! ru9\s suppositions4 ,y h (t5 he>d m5tion made ( pr$e/9ation & grace--t]rible words1 :i* con/antly excite disputes among u1 = :i* reason w\ld be =c$ to blu% if ,*ri/ians did n make x a duty to r5\nce reason1 & :i* conte/s are att5d$ ) consequ5ces v dang]\s to society4 ,b let n ?is surprise y2 ^! false & obscure pr9ciples h ev5 among ! !ologians produc$ diss5sions2 & _! qu>rels w\ld be indiff]5t if !y did n atta* m importance to !m ?an !y really des]ve4 ,b to proce$4 ,! sy/em ( pr$e/9ation supposes t ,god1 9 8 et]nal secrets1 has resolv$ t "s m5 %\ld be elect$1 &1 be+ ?us 8 favorites1 receive special grace4 ,by ?is grace !y are suppos$ to be made agreeable to ,god1 & meet = et]nal happ9ess4 ,b !n an inf9ite numb] ( o!rs are de/9$ to p]dition1 & receive n ! grace necess>y to et]nal salvation4 ,^! contradictory & opposite propositions make x pretty evid5t t ! sy/em is absurd4 ,x makes ,god1 a be+ inf9itely p]fect & good1 a p>tial tyrant1 :o has creat$ a va/ numb] ( human be+s to be ! sport ( 8 caprice & ! victims ( 8 v5geance4 ,x supposes t ,god w puni% 8 creatures = n hav+ receiv$ t grace :i* he did n deign to give !m2 x pres5ts ?is ,god to u "u traits s revolt+ t ! !ologians are =c$ to av[ t ! :ole is a pr(\nd my/]y1 into :i* ! human m9d _c p5etrate4 ,b if man is n made to lift 8 inquisitive eye on ?is frightful my/]y1 t is to say1 on ?is a/oni%+ absurdity1 :i* our tea*]s h idly endeavor$ to squ>e to _! views ( ,deity1 or to reconcile ! atroci\s inju/ice ( _! ,god ) 8 inf9ite goodness1 by :at "r d !y wi% u to adore ?is my/]y :i* !y w\ld compel u to believe1 & to subscribe to an op9ion t saps ! div9e goodness to its v f\ndation8 ,h[ d !y reason ^u a dogma1 & qu>rel ) acrimony ab\t a sy/em ( :i* ev5 !mselves c compreh5d no?+8 ,! m y exam9e religion1 ! m occasion y w h to be conv9c$ t ^? ?+s :i* our div9es call my/]ies are no?+ else b ! difficulties ) :i* !y are !mselves emb>rass$1 :5 !y are unable to avoid ! absurdities into :i* _! own false pr9ciples necess>ily involve !m4 ,nev]!less1 ?is ^w is n en\gh to impose ^u u2 ! rev]5d doctors d n !mselves und]/& ! ?+s ab\t :i* !y incessantly speak4 ,!y inv5t words f an inability to expla9 ?+s1 & !y give ! "n ( my/]ies to :at !y compreh5d no bett] ?an ourselves4 ,all ! religions 9 ! _w are f\nd$ ^u pr$e/9ation1 & all ! pret5d$ revelations among m51 z has be5 already po9t$ out to y1 inculcate ?is odi\s dogma1 :i* makes ,provid5ce an unju/ "m-9-law1 :o %[s a bl9d pref]5ce = "s ( h] *ildr5 to ! prejudice ( all ! o!rs4 ,!y make ,god a tyrant1 :o puni%es ! inevitable faults to :i* he has impell$ !m1 or into :i* he has all[$ !m to be s$uc$4 ,?is dogma1 :i* s]v$ z ! f\ndation ( ,paganism1 is n[ ! gr& pivot ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ^: ,god %\ld excite no less hatr$ ?an ! mo/ wick$ div9ities ( idolatr\s p4 ,) su* notions1 is x n a/oni%+ t ?is ,god %\ld appe>1 to ^? :o m$itate on 8 attributes1 an object suffici5tly t]rible to agitate ! imag9ation1 & to lead "s to indulge 9 dang]\s follies8 ,! dogma ( ano!r life s]ves also to exculpate ! ,deity f ^! app>5t inju/ices or ab]rations1 ) :i* he might naturally be accus$4 ,x is pret5d$ t x has pleas$ him to di/+ui% 8 fri5ds on e>?1 see+ he has amply provid$ = _! future happ9ess 9 an abode prep>$ = _! s\ls4 ,b1 z ,i believe ,i h already h9t$1 ^! pro(s t ,god makes "s good1 & leaves o!rs wick$1 ei!r ev9ce inju/ice on 8 "p1 at lea/ tempor>y1 or !y contradict 8 omnipot5ce4 ,if ,god c d all ?+s1 if he is privy to all ! ?\ghts & actions ( m51 :at ne$ has he ( any pro(s8 ,if he has resolv$ to give !m grace necess>y to save !m1 has he n assur$ !m !y w n p]i%8 ,if he is unju/ & cruel1 ?is ,god is n immutable1 & belies 8 "*2 at lea/ = a "t he d]ogates f ! p]fections :i* we %\ld expect to f9d 9 him4 ,:at w\ld y ?9k ( a k+1 :o1 dur+ a p>ticul> "t1 w\ld discov] to 8 favorites traits ! mo/ frightful1 9 ord] t !y might incur 8 disgrace1 & :o %\ld aft]w>ds insi/ on _! believ+ him a v good & amiable man1 to obta9 8 favor aga98 ,w\ld n su* a pr9ce be pron\nc$ wick$1 fanciful1 & tyrannical8 ,nev]!less1 ?is suppos$ pr9ce might be p>don$ by "s1 if = 8 own int]e/1 & ! bett] to assure himself ( ! atta*m5t ( 8 fri5ds1 he might give !m "s smiles ( 8 favor4 ,x is n s ,god1 :o kn[s all1 :o c d all1 :o has no?+ to fe> f ! dispositions ( 8 creatures4 ,f all ^! reason+s1 we may see t ! ,deity1 :om ! prie/s h conjur$ up1 plays a great game1 v ridicul\s1 v unju/1 on ! supposition t he tries 8 s]vants1 & t he all[s !m to suff] 9 ?is _w1 to prep>e !m = ano!r4 ,! !ologians h n fail$ to discov] motives 9 ?is conduct ( ,god :i* !y c z readily ju/ify2 b ^! pret5d$ motives are borr[$ f ! omnipot5ce ( ?is be+1 by 8 absolute p[] ov] 8 creatures1 to :om he is n oblig$ to r5d] an acc\nt ( 8 actions2 b especially 9 ?is !ology1 :i* pr(esses to ju/ify ,god1 d we n see x make him a despot & tyrant m hateful ?an any ( 8 creatures8 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,v4 ,( ! ,immortality ( ! ,s\l1 & ( ! ,dogma ( ano!r ,life4 ,we1 h n[1 ,madam1 come to ! exam9ation ( ! dogma ( a future life1 9 :i* x is suppos$ t ! ,div9ity1 aft] caus+ m5 to pass ?r\gh ! temptations1 ! trials1 & ! difficulties ( ?is life1 = ! purpose ( satisfy+ himself :e!r !y are wor?y ( 8 love or 8 hatr$1 w be/[ ! recomp5ses or inflict ! *a/isem5ts :i* !y des]v$4 ,?is dogma1 :i* is "o ( ! capital po9ts ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 is f\nd$ on a great _m hypo!ses or suppositions1 :i* we h already glanc$ at1 & :i* we h %[n to be absurd & incompatible ) ! notions :i* ! same religion gives u ( ! ,deity4 ,9 effect1 x supposes u capable ( (f5d+ or pleas+ ! ,au?or ( ,nature1 ( influ5c+ 8 humor1 or excit+ 8 passions2 afflict+1 torm5t+1 resi/+1 & ?w>t+ ! plans ( ,deity4 ,x supposes1 moreov]1 ! free-w ( man--a sy/em :i* we h se5 incompatible ) ! goodness1 ju/ice1 & omnipot5ce ( ! ,deity4 ,x supposes1 fur!r1 t ,god has occasion ( prov+ 8 creatures1 & mak+ !m1 if ,i may s speak1 pass a novitiate to "k :at !y are wor? :5 he %all squ>e acc\nts ) !m4 ,x supposes 9 ,god1 :o has creat$ m5 = happ9ess only1 ! inability to put1 by "o gr& ef=t1 all m5 9 ! road1 :5ce !y may infallibly arrive at p]man5t felicity4 ,x supposes t man w survive himself1 or t ! same be+1 aft] dea?1 w cont9ue to ?9k1 to feel1 & act z he did 9 ?is life4 ,9 a ^w1 x supposes ! immortality ( ! s\l--an op9ion unkn[n to ! ,jewi% lawgiv]1 :o is totally sil5t on ?is topic to ! p to :om ,god _h manife/$ himself2 an op9ion :i* ev5 9 ! "t ( ,jesus ,*ri/ "o sect at ,j]usalem admitt$1 :ile ano!r sect reject$2 an op9ion ab\t :i* ! ,messiah1 :o came to in/ruct !m1 deign$ to fix ! ideas ( ^? :o might deceive !mselves 9 ?is respect2 an op9ion :i* appe>s to h be5 eng5d]$ 9 ,egypt1 or 9 ,india1 ant]ior to ! ,jewi% religion1 b :i* 0 unkn[n among ! ,hebrews till !y took occasion to in/ruct !mselves 9 ! ,pagan philosophy ( ! ,greeks1 & doctr9es ( ,plato4 ,:atev] might be ! orig9 ( ?is doctr9e1 x 0 eag]ly adopt$ by ! ,*ri/ians1 :o judg$ x v conv5i5t to _! sy/em ( religion1 all ! p>ts ( :i* are f\nd$ on ! m>vell\s1 & :i* made x a crime to admit any tru?s agreeable to reason & common s5se4 ,?us1 )\t go+ back to ! inv5tors ( ?is inconceivable dogma1 let u exam9e dispassionately :at ?is op9ion really is2 let u endeavor to p5etrate to ! pr9ciples on :i* x is support$2 let u adopt x1 if we %all f9d x an idea con=mable to reason2 let u reject x1 if x %all appe> de/itute ( pro(1 & at v>iance ) common s5se1 ev5 ?\gh x _h be5 receiv$ z an e/abli%$ tru? 9 all antiquity1 ?\gh x may h be5 adopt$ by _m millions ( mank9d4 ,^? :o ma9ta9 ! op9ion ( ! s\l's immortality1 reg>d x--t is1 ! s\l--z a be+ di/9ct f ! body1 z a sub/ance1 or ess5ce1 totally diff]5t f ! corporeal frame1 & !y designate x by ! "n ( _s4 ,if we ask !m :at a _s is1 !y tell u x is n matt]2 & if we ask !m :at !y und]/& by t :i* is n matt]1 :i* is ! only ?+ ( :i* we _c =m an idea1 !y tell u x is a _s4 ,9 g5]al1 x is easy to see t m5 ! mo/ savage1 z well z ! mo/ subtle ?9k]s1 make use ( ! ^w _s to designate all ! causes ( :i* !y _c =m cle> notions2 h5ce ! ^w _s ha? be5 us$ to designate a be+ ( :i* none c =m any idea4 ,not)/&+1 ! div9es pret5d t ?is unkn[n be+1 entirely diff]5t f ! body1 ( a sub/ance :i* has no?+ con=mable ) itself1 is1 nev]!less1 capable ( sett+ ! body 9 motion2 & ?is1 d\btless1 is a my/]y v inconceivable4 ,we h notic$ ! alliance betwe5 ?is spiritual sub/ance & ! mat]ial body1 ^: functions x regulates4 ,z ! div9es h suppos$ t matt] c\ld nei!r ?9k1 nor w1 nor p]ceive1 !y h believ$ t x might conceive mu* bett] ^? op]ations attribut$ to a be+ ( :i* !y _h ideas less cle> ?an !y c =m ( matt]4 ,9 consequ5ce1 !y h imag9$ _m gratuit\s suppositions to expla9 ! union ( ! s\l ) ! body4 ,9 f9e1 9 ! impossibility ( ov]com+ ! insurm\ntable b>ri]s :i* oppose !m1 ! prie/s h made man tw(old1 by suppos+ t he conta9s some?+ di/9ct f himself2 !y h cut ?r\gh all difficulties by say+ t ?is union is a great my/]y1 :i* man _c und]/&2 & !y h ev]la/+ rec\rse to ! omnipot5ce ( ,god1 to 8 supreme w1 to ! miracles :i* he has always wr\ght2 & ^? la/ are nev]-fail+1 f9al res\rces1 :i* ! !ologians res]ve = e case :]e9 !y c f9d no o!r mode ( escap+ gracefully f ! argum5t ( _! adv]s>ies4 ,y see1 !n1 to :at we r$uce all ! j>gon ( ! metaphysicians1 all ! pr(\nd rev]ies :i* = s _m ages h be5 s indu/ri\sly hawk$ ab\t 9 def5ce ( ! s\l ( man2 an immat]ial sub/ance1 ( :i* no liv+ be+ c =m an idea2 a _s1 t is to say1 a be+ totally diff]5t f any ?+ we "k4 ,all ! !ological v]biage ends "h1 by tell+ u1 9 a r\nd ( pomp\s t]ms1--fool]ies t impose on ! ignorant1--t we d n "k :at ess5ce ! s\l is (2 b we call x a _s because ( its nature1 & because we feel ourselves agitat$ by "s unkn[n ag5t2 we _c compreh5d ! me*anism ( ! s\l2 yet c we feel ourselves mov$1 z x 71 by an effect ( ! p[] ( ,god1 ^: ess5ce is f> remov$ f ours1 & m conceal$ f u ?an ! human s\l itself4 ,by ! aid ( ?is language1 f :i* y _c possibly le>n any ?+1 y w be z wise1 ,madam1 z all ! !ologians 9 ! _w4 ,if y w\ld desire to =m ideas ! mo/ precise ( y\rself1 bani% f y ! prejudices ( a va9 !ology1 :i* only consi/s 9 repeat+ words )\t atta*+ any new ideas to !m1 & :i* are insuffici5t to di/+ui% ! s\l f ! body1 :i* appe> only capable ( multiply+ be+s )\t reason1 ( r5d]+ m incompreh5sible & m obscure1 notions less di/9ct ?an we already h ( ourselves4 ,^! notions %\ld be at lea/ ! mo/ simple & ! mo/ exact1 if we consult our nature1 exp]i5ce1 & reason4 ,!y prove t man kn[s no?+ b by 8 mat]ial s5sible organs1 t he sees only by 8 eyes1 t he feels by 8 t\*1 t he he>s by 8 e>s2 & t :5 ei!r ( ^! organs is actually d]ang$1 or has be5 previ\sly want+1 or imp]fect1 man c h none ( ! ideas t organ is capable ( furni%+ him )1--nei!r ?\ghts1 memory1 reflection1 judgm5t1 desire1 nor w4 ,exp]i5ce %[s u t corporeal & mat]ial be+s are alone capable ( be+ mov$ & act$ ^u1 & t )\t ^? organs we h enum]at$ ! s\l ?9ks n1 feels n1 wills n1 nor is mov$4 ,e ?+ %[s u t ! s\l und]goes always ! same vicissitudes z ! body2 x gr[s to maturity1 ga9s /r5g?1 becomes weak1 & puts on old age1 l ! body2 9 f9e1 e ?+ we c und]/& ( x goes to prove t x p]i%es ) ! body4 ,x is inde$ folly to pret5d t man w feel :5 he has no organs appropriate = t s5tim5t2 t he w see & he> )\t eyes or e>s2 t he w h ideas )\t hav+ s5ses to receive impressions f physical objects1 or to give rise to p]ceptions 9 8 und]/&+2 9 f9e1 t he w enjoy or suff] :5 he has no long] ei!r n]ves or s5sibility4 ,?us e ?+ conspires to prove t ! s\l is ! same ?+ z ! body1 view$ relatively to "s ( its functions1 :i* are m obscure ?an o!rs4 ,e ?+ s]ves to conv9ce u t )\t ! body ! s\l is no?+1 & t all ! op]ations :i* are attribut$ to ! s\l _c be ex]cis$ any long] :5 ! body is de/roy$4 ,our body is a ma*9e1 :i*1 s long z we live1 is susceptible ( produc+ ! effects :i* h be5 designat$ "u diff]5t names1 "o f ano!r2 s5tim5t is "o ( ^! effects1 ?\ght is ano!r1 reflection a ?ird4 ,?is la/ passes sometimes by o!r names1 & our bra9 appe>s to be ! seat ( all our organs2 x is t :i* is ! mo/ susceptible4 ,?is organic ma*9e once de/roy$ or d]ang$1 is no long] capable ( produc+ ! same effects1 or ( ex]cis+ ! same functions4 ,x is ) our body z x is ) a wat* :i* indicates ! h\rs1 & :i* goes n if ! spr+ or a p9ion be brok54 ,cease1 ,eug5ia1 cease to torm5t y\rself ab\t ! fate :i* %all att5d y :5 dea? w h sep>at$ y f all t is de> on e>?4 ,aft] ! dissolution ( ?is life1 ! s\l %all cease to exi/2 ^? dev\r+ flames ) :i* y h be5 ?reat5$ by ! prie/s w h no effect ^u ! s\l1 :i* c nei!r be susceptible !n ( pleasures nor pa9s1 ( agreeable or sorr[ful ideas1 ( lively or doleful reflections4 ,x is only by means ( ! bodily organs t we feel1 ?9k1 & are m]ry or sad1 happy or mis]able2 ?is body once r$uc$ to du/1 we w h nei!r p]ceptions nor s5sations1 &1 by consequ5ce1 nei!r memory nor ideas2 ! disp]s$ p>ticles w no long] h ! same qualities !y possess$ :5 unit$2 nor w !y any long] conspire to produce ! same effects4 ,9 a ^w1 ! body be+ de/roy$1 ! s\l1 :i* is m]ely a result ( all ! p>ts ( ! body 9 action1 w cease to be :at x is2 x w be r$uc$ to no?+ ) ! life's brea?4 ,our tea*]s pret5d to und]/& ! s\l well2 !y pr(ess to be able to di/+ui% x f ! body2 9 %ort1 !y c d no?+ )\t x2 & !re=e1 to keep up ! f>ce1 !y h be5 compell$ to admit ! ridicul\s dogma ( ! ,p]sians1 kn[n by ! "n ( ! resurrection4 ,?is sy/em supposes t ! p>ticles ( ! body :i* h be5 scatt]$ at dea? w be collect$ at ! la/ day1 to be replac$ 9 _! primitive condition4 ,b t ?is /range ph5om5on may take place1 x is necess>y t ! p>ticles ( our de/roy$ bodies1 ( :i* "s1 h be5 conv]t$ into e>?1 o!rs h pass$ into plants1 o!rs into animals1 "s ( "o species1 o!rs ( ano!r1 ev5 ( our own2 x is requisite1 ,i say1 t ^! p>ticles1 ( :i* "s h be5 mix$ ) ! wat]s ( ! deep1 o!rs h be5 c>ri$ on ! w+s ( ! w9d1 & :i* h successively belong$ to _m diff]5t m51 %\ld be reunit$ to reproduce ! individual to :om !y =m]ly belong$4 ,if y _c get ov] ?is impossibility1 ! !ologians w expla9 x to y by say+1 v briefly1 ,ah6 x is a pr(\nd my/]y1 :i* we _c compreh5d4 ,!y w in=m y t ! resurrection is a miracle1 a sup]natural effect1 :i* is to result f ! div9e p[]4 ,x is ?us !y ov]come all ! difficulties :i* ! good s5se ( a few opposes to _! rhapsodies4 ,if1 p]*ance1 ,madam1 y d n wi% to rema9 cont5t ) ^! sublime reasons1 aga9/ :i* y\r good s5se w naturally revolt1 ! cl]gy w endeavor to s$uce y\r imag9ation by vague pictures ( ! ineffable delights :i* w be enjoy$ 9 ,p>adise by ! s\ls & bodies ( ^? :o h adopt$ _! rev]ies2 !y w av] t y _c refuse to believe !m ^u _! m]e ^w )\t enc\nt]+ ! et]nal indignation ( a ,god ( pity2 & !y w attempt to al>m y\r fancy by frightful del9eations ( ! cruel torm5ts :i* a ,god ( goodness has prep>$ = ! great] numb] ( 8 creatures4 ,b if y consid] ! ?+ coolly1 y w p]ceive ! futility ( _! flatt]+ promises & ( _! puny ?reat5+s1 :i* are utt]$ m]ely to cat* ! unw>y4 ,y may easily discov] t if x c\ld be true t man %all survive himself1 ,god1 9 recomp5s+ him1 w\ld only recomp5se himself = ! grace :i* he _h grant$2 & :5 he puni%$ him1 he puni%$ him = n receiv+ ! grace :i* he _h h>d5$ him aga9/ receiv+4 ,?is l9e ( conduct1 s cruel & b>b>\s1 appe>s equally unwor?y ( a wise ,god z x is ( a be+ p]fectly good4 ,if y\r m9d1 pro( aga9/ ! t]rors ) :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion p5etrates its sect>ies1 is capable ( contemplat+ ^! frightful circum/ances1 :i* x is imag9$ w accompany ! c>efully-inv5t$ puni%m5ts :i* ,god has de/9$ = ! victims ( 8 v5geance1 y w f9d t !y are impossible1 & totally incompatible ) ! ideas :i* !y !mselves h put =? ( ! ,div9ity4 ,9 a ^w1 y w p]ceive t ! *a/isem5ts ( ano!r life are b a cr[d ( *im]as1 inv5t$ to di/urb human reason1 to subjugate x b5ea? ! feet ( impo/ure1 to annihilate =ev] ! repose ( slaves :om ! prie/hood w\ld in?rall & reta9 "u its yoke4 ,9 %ort1 ,eug5ia1 ! prie/s w\ld make y believe t ^! torm5ts w be horrible1--a ?+ :i* accords n ) our ideas ( ,god's goodness2 !y tell y !y w be et]nal1--a ?+ :i* accords n ) our ideas ( ! ju/ice ( ,god1 :o1 "o w\ld v naturally suppose1 w proportion *a/isem5ts to faults1 & :o1 by consequ5ce1 w n puni% )\t end ! be+s ^: actions are b\nd$ by "t4 ,!y tell u t ! (f5ces aga9/ ,god are inf9ite1 &1 by consequ5ce1 t ! ,div9ity1 )\t do+ viol5ce to 8 ju/ice1 may av5ge himself z ,god1 t is to say1 av5ge himself to inf9ity4 ,9 ?is case ,i %all say t ?is ,god is n good2 t he is v9dictive1 a "* :i* always ann\nces fe> & weakness4 ,9 f9e1 ,i %all say t among ! imp]fect be+s :o compose ! human species1 !re is n1 p]haps1 a s+le "o :o1 )\t "s advantage to himself1 )\t p]sonal fe>1 9 a ^w1 )\t folly1 w\ld cons5t to puni% ev]la/+ly ! wret* :o might h ! mis=tune to (f5d him1 b :o no long] _h ei!r ! ability or ! incl9ation to commit ano!r (f5ce4 ,caligula f\nd1 at lea/1 "s little amusem5t to =sake = a "t ! c>es ( gov]nm5t1 & enjoy ! spectacle ( puni%m5t :i* he inflict$ on ^? un=tunate m5 :om he _h an int]e/ 9 de/roy+4 ,b :at advantage c x be to ,god to heap on ! damn$ ev]la/+ torm5ts8 ,w ?is amuse him8 ,w _! frightful puni%m5ts correct _! faults8 ,c ^! examples ( ! div9e sev]ity be ( any s]vice to ^? on e>?1 :o witness n _! fri5ds 9 hell8 ,w x n be ! mo/ a/oni%+ ( all ! miracles ( ,deity to make ! bodies ( ! damn$ invuln]able1 to resi/1 ?r\gh ! ceaseless ages ( et]nity1 ! frightful torm5ts de/9$ = !m8 ,y see1 !n1 ,madam1 t ! ideas :i* ! prie/s give u ( hell make ( ,god a be+ inf9itely m ins5sible1 m wick$ & cruel ?an ! mo/ b>b>\s ( m54 ,!y add to all ?is t x w be ! ,devil & ! apo/ate angels1 t is to say1 ! enemies ( ,god1 :om he w employ z ! m9i/]s ( 8 implacable v5geance4 ,^! wick$ spirits1 !n1 w execute ! comm&s :i* ?is sev]e judge w pron\nce aga9/ m5 at ! la/ judgm5t4 ,= y mu/ "k1 ,madam1 t a ,god :o kn[s all w at "s future "t take an acc\nt ( :at he already kn[s4 ,s1 !n1 n cont5t ) judg+ m5 at dea?1 he w assemble ! :ole human race ) great pomp at ! la/ or g5]al judgm5t1 9 :i* he w confirm 8 s5t5ce 9 ! view ( ! :ole human race1 assembl$ to receive _! doom4 ,?us on ! wreck ( ! _w w he pron\nce a def9itive judgm5t1 f :i* !re w be no appeal4 ,b1 9 att5d+ ?is memorable judgm5t1 :at w become ( ! s\ls ( m51 sep>at$ f _! bodies1 :i* h n yet be5 resuscitat$8 ,! s\ls ( ! j w g directly to enjoy ! bless+s ( ,p>adise2 b :at is to become ( ! imm5se cr[d ( s\ls imbu$ ) faults or crimes1 & on :om ! infallible p>sons1 :o are s well in/ruct$ 9 :at is pass+ 9 ano!r _w1 _c speak ) c]ta9ty z to _! fate8 ,accord+ to "s ( ^! wiseacres1 ,god w place ! s\ls ( su* z are n :olly displeas+ to him 9 a place ( puni%m5t1 :]e1 by rigor\s torm5ts1 !y %all h ! m]it ( expiat+ ! faults ) :i* !y may /& *>geable at dea?4 ,accord+ to ?is f9e sy/em1 s pr(itable to our spiritual guides1 ,god has f\nd x ! mo/ simple me?od to build a fi]y furnace = ! special purpose ( torm5t+ a c]ta9 proportion ( s\ls :o h n be5 suffici5tly purifi$ at dea? to ent] ,p>adise1 b :o1 aft] leav+ !m "s ye>s unit$ ) ! body1 & giv+ !m "t necess>y to arrive at t am5dm5t ( life by :i* !y may become p>tak]s ( ! supreme felicity ( heav51 orda9s t !y %all expiate _! (f5ces 9 torm5t4 ,x is on ?is ridicul\s notion t our prie/s h bottom$ ! doctr9e ( purgatory1 :i* e good ,ca?olic is oblig$ to believe = ! b5efit ( ! prie/s1 :o res]ve to !mselves1 z is v reasonable1 ! p[] ( compell+ by _! pray]s a j & immutable ,god to relax 9 8 /]nness1 & lib]ate ! captive s\ls1 :i* he _h only condemn$ to und]go ?is purgation 9 ord] t !y might be made meet = ! joys ( ,p>adise4 ,) respect to ! ,prote/ants1 :o are1 z e "o kn[s1 h]etics & impi\s1 y w obs]ve t !y pret5d n to ^? lucrative views ( ! ,roman doctors4 ,on ! contr>y1 !y ?9k t1 at ! in/ant ( dea?1 e man is irrevocably judg$2 t he goes directly to glory or into a place ( puni%m5t1 to suff] ! aw>d ( evil by ! endur+ ( puni%m5ts = :i* ,god _h et]nally prep>$ bo? ! suff]] & 8 torm5ts6 ,ev5 be=e ! reunion ( s\l & body at ! f9al judgm5t1 !y fancy t ! s\l ( ! wick$ 7:i*1 on ! pr9ciple ( all s\ls be+ spirits1 mu/ be ! same 9 ess5ce z ! s\l ( ! elect17 w1 ?\gh depriv$ ( ^? organs by :i* x felt1 & ?\ght1 & act$1 be capable ( und]go+ ! ag5cy or action ( a fire6 ,x is true t "s ,prote/ant !ologians tell u t ! fire ( hell is a spiritual fire1 &1 by consequ5ce1 v diff]5t f ! mat]ial fire vomit$ out ( ,vesuvius1 & tna1 & ,hecla4 ,nor ought we to d\bt t ^! in=m$ doctors ( ! ,prote/ant fai? "k v well :at !y say1 & t !y h z precise & cle> ideas ( a spiritual fire z !y h ( ! ineffable joys ( ,p>adise1 :i* may be z spiritual z ! puni%m5t ( ! damn$ 9 hell4 ,su* are1 ,madam1 9 a few words1 ! absurdities1 n less revolt+ ?an ridicul\s1 :i* ! dogmas ( a future life & ( ! immortality ( ! s\l h eng5d]$ 9 ! m9ds ( m54 ,su* are ! phantoms :i* h be5 inv5t$ & propagat$1 to s$uce & al>m mortals1 to excite _! hopes & _! fe>s2 su* ! illusions t s p[]fully op]ate on weak & feel+ be+s4 ,b z melan*oly ideas h m effect ^u ! imag9ation ?an ^? :i* are agreeable1 ! prie/s h always insi/$ m =cibly on :at m5 h to fe> on ! "p ( a t]rible ,god ?an on :at !y h to hope f ! m]cy ( a =giv+ ,deity1 full ( goodness4 ,pr9ces ! mo/ wick$ are inf9itely m respect$ ?an ^? :o are fam$ = indulg5ce & humanity4 ,! prie/s h _h ! art to ?r[ u into unc]ta9ty & mi/ru/ by ! tw(old "* :i* !y h giv5 ! ,div9ity4 ,if !y promise u salvation1 !y tell u t we mu/ "w x out = ourselves1 ) fe> & trembl+4 ,x is ?us t !y h contriv$ to inspire ! m9ds ( ! mo/ hone/ m5 ) dismay & d\bt1 repeat+ )\t ceas+ t "t only mu/ disclose :o are wor?y ( ! div9e love1 or :o are to be ! objects ( ! div9e wra?4 ,t]ror has be5 & always w be ! mo/ c]ta9 means ( corrupt+ & enslav+ ! m9d ( man4 ,!y w tell u1 d\btless1 t ! t]rors :i* religion inspires are salut>y t]rors2 t ! dogma ( ano!r life is a bridle suffici5tly p[]ful to prev5t ! commission ( crimes & re/ra9 m5 )9 ! pa? ( duty4 ,to undeceive "o's self ( ?is maxim1 s (t5 ?und]$ 9 our e>s1 & s g5]ally adopt$ on ! au?ority ( ! prie/s1 we h only to op5 our eyes4 ,nev]!less1 we see "s ,*ri/ians ?or\ghly p]suad$ ( ano!r life1 :o1 not)/&+1 conduct !mselves z if !y _h no?+ to fe> on ! "p ( a ,god ( v5geance1 nor any ?+ to hope f a ,god ( m]cy4 ,:5 any ( ^! are engag$ 9 "s great project1 at all times !y are tempt$ by "s /rong passion or by "s bad habit1 !y %ut _! eyes on ano!r life1 !y see n ! enrag$ judge1 !y suff] !mselves to s91 & :5 x is committ$1 !y com=t !mselves by say+1 t ,god is good4 ,besides1 !y console !mselves by ! same contradictory religion :i* %[s !m also ?is same ,god1 :om x repres5ts s susceptible ( wra?1 z full ( m]cy1 be/[+ 8 grace on all ^? :o are s5sible ( _! evils & rep5t4 ,9 a ^w1 ,i see none :om ! fe>s ( hell w re/ra9 :5 passion or int]e/ solicit ob$i5ce4 ,! v prie/s :o make s _m ef=ts to conv9ce u ( _! dogmas too (t5 ev9ce m wick$ness ( conduct ?an we f9d 9 ^? :o h nev] he>d "o ^w ab\t ano!r life4 ,^? :o f infancy h be5 taught ^! t]rify+ lessons are nei!r less debau*$1 nor less pr\d1 nor less passionate1 nor less unju/1 nor less av>ici\s ?an o!rs :o h liv$ & di$ ignorant ( ,*ri/ian purgatory & ,p>adise4 ,9 f9e1 ! dogma ( ano!r life has little or no influ5ce on !m2 x annihilates none ( _! passions2 x is a bridle m]ely ) "s few timid s\ls1 :o1 )\t its k1 w\ld nev] h ! h>dihood to be guilty ( any great excesses4 ,?is dogma is v fit to di/urb ! quiet ( "s hone/1 timor\s p]sons1 & ! cr$ul\s1 ^: imag9ation x inflames1 )\t ev] /ay+ ! h& ( great rogues1 )\t impos+ on !m m ?an ! dec5cy ( civilization & a speci\s morality ( life1 re/ra9$ *iefly by ! co]cion ( public laws4 ,9 %ort1 to sum all up 9 "o ?\ght1 ,i behold a religion gloomy & =midable to make impressions v lively1 v deep1 & v dang]\s on a m9d su* z y\rs1 al?\gh x makes b v mom5t>y impressions on ! m9ds ( su* z are h>d5$ 9 crime1 or ^: dissipation de/roys con/antly ! effects ( its ?reats4 ,m lively affect$ ?an o!rs by y\r pr9ciples1 y h be5 b too (t5 & too s]i\sly occupi$ = y\r happ9ess by gloomy & h>ass+ objects1 :i* h p[]fully affect$ y\r s5sible imag9ation1 ?\gh ! same phantoms t h pursu$ y h be5 altoge!r bani%$ f ! m9d ( ^? :o h _h nei!r y\r virtues1 y\r und]/&+1 nor y\r s5sibility4 ,accord+ to 8 pr9ciples1 a ,*ri/ian mu/ always live 9 fe>2 he c nev] "k ) c]ta9ty :e!r he pleases or displeases ,god2 ! lea/ movem5t ( pride or ( covet\sness1 ! lea/ desire1 w suffice to m]it ! div9e ang]1 & lose 9 "o mom5t ! fruits ( ye>s ( devotion4 ,x is n surpris+ t1 ) ^! frightful pr9ciples be=e !m1 _m ,*ri/ians %\ld endeavor to f9d 9 solitude employm5t = _! lugubri\s reflections1 :]e !y may avoid ! occasions t solicit !m to d wrong1 & embrace su* means z are mo/ likely1 accord+ to _! notions ( ! likelihood ( ! ?+1 to expiate ! faults :i* !y fancy might incur ! et]nal v5geance ( ,god4 ,?us ! d>k notions ( a future life leave ^? only 9 peace :o ?9k slightly ^u x2 & !y are v disconsolate to all ^? ^: temp]am5t det]m9es !m to contemplate x4 ,!y are b ! atroci\s ideas1 h[ev]1 :i* ! prie/s /udy to give u ( ! ,deity1 & by :i* !y h compell$ s _m wor?y p to ?r[ !mselves into ! arms ( incr$ulity4 ,if "s lib]t9es1 incapable ( reason+1 abjure a religion tr\blesome to _! passions1 or :i* abridges _! pleasures1 !re are v _m :o h maturely exam9$ x1 t h be5 disgu/$ ) x1 because !y c\ld n cons5t to live 9 ! fe>s x eng5d]$1 nor to n\ri% ! despair x creat$4 ,!y h !n abjur$ ?is religion1 fit only to fill ! s\l ) inquietudes1 t !y might f9d 9 ! bosom ( reason ! repose :i* x insures to good s5se4 ,times ( ! greate/ crimes are always times ( ! greate/ ignorance4 ,x is 9 ^! times1 or usually s1 t ! greate/ noise is made ab\t religion4 ,m5 !n foll[ me*anically1 & )\t exam9ation1 ! t5ets :i* _! prie/s impose on !m1 )\t ev] div+ to ! bottom ( _! doctr9es4 ,9 proportion z mank9d become enlight5$1 great crimes become m r>e1 ! mann]s ( m5 are m poli%$1 ! sci5ces are cultivat$1 & ! religion :i* !y h coolly & c>efully exam9$ loses s5sibly its cr$it4 ,x is ?us t we see s _m incr$ul\s p 9 ! bosom ( society become m agreeable & complac5t n[ ?an =m]ly1 :5 x dep5d$ on ! caprice ( a prie/ to involve !m 9 tr\bles1 & to invite ! p to crimes 9 ! hope ( !reby m]it+ heav54 ,religion is consol+ only to ^? :o h no emb>rassm5t ab\t x2 ! indef9ite & vague recomp5se :i* x promises1 )\t giv+ ideas ( x1 is made to deceive ^? :o make no reflections on ! impati5t1 v>iable1 false1 & cruel "* :i* ?is religion gives ( its ,god4 ,b h[ c x make any promises on ! "p ( a ,god :om x repres5ts z a tempt]1 a s$uc]--:o appe>s1 moreov]1 to take pleasure 9 lay+ ! mo/ dang]\s sn>es = 8 weak creatures8 ,h[ c x reckon on ! favors ( a ,god full ( caprice1 :o x alt]nately in=ms u is replete ) t5d]ness or ) hatr$8 ,by :at "r does x hold out to u ! rew>ds ( a despotic & tyrannical ,god1 :o does or does n *oose m5 = happ9ess1 & :o consults only 8 own fantasy to de/9e "s ( 8 creatures to bliss & o!rs to p]dition8 ,no?+1 d\btless1 b ! bl9de/ en?usiasm c\ld induce mortals to place confid5ce 9 su* a ,god z ! prie/s h feign$2 x is to folly alone we mu/ attribute ! love "s well-mean+ p pr(ess to ! ,god ( ! p>sons2 x is mat*less extravagance alone t c\ld prevail on m5 to reckon on ! unkn[n rew>ds :i* are promis$ !m by ?is religion1 at ! same "t t x assures u t ,god is ! au?or ( grace1 b t we h no "r to expect any ?+ f him4 ,9 a ^w1 ,madam1 ! notions ( ano!r life1 f> f consol+1 are fit only to imbitt] all ! sweets ( ! pres5t life4 ,aft] ! sad & gloomy ideas :i* ,*ri/ianity1 always at v>iance ) itself1 pres5ts u ) ( its ,god1 x !n affirms1 t we are mu* m likely to incur 8 t]rible *a/isem5ts1 ?an possess$ ( p[] by :i* we may m]it ineffable rew>ds2 & x proce$s to in=m u1 t ,god w give grace to :omsoev] he pleases1 yet x rema9s ) !mselves :e!r !y escape damnation2 & a life ! mo/ spotless _c w>rant !m to presume t !y are wor?y ( 8 favor4 ,9 good tru?1 w\ld n total annihilation be pref]able to su* be+s1 r ?an fall+ into ! h&s ( a ,deity s h>d-he>t$8 ,w\ld n e man ( s5se pref] ! idea ( complete annihilation to t ( a future exi/5ce1 9 ord] to be ! sport ( ! et]nal caprice ( a ,deity1 s cruel z to damn & torm5t1 )\t end1 ! un=tunate be+s :om he creat$ s weak1 t he might puni% !m = faults insep>able f _! nature8 ,if ,god is good1 z we are assur$1 not)/&+ ! cruelties ( :i* ! prie/s suppose him capable1 is x n m consonant to all our ideas ( a be+ p]fectly good1 to believe t he did n create !m to sport ) !m 9 a /ate ( et]nal damnation1 :i* !y _h n ! p[] ( *oos+1 or ( reject+ & %unn+8 ,has n ,god treat$ ! bea/s ( ! field m favorably ?an he has treat$ man1 s9ce he has exempt$ !m f s91 & by consequ5ce has n expos$ !m to suff] an et]nal unhapp9ess8 ,! dogma ( ! immortality ( ! s\l1 or ( a future life1 pres5ts no?+ consol+ 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,on ! contr>y1 x is calculat$ expressly to fill ! he>t ( ! ,*ri/ian1 foll[+ out 8 pr9ciples1 ) bitt]ness & cont9ual al>m4 ,i appeal to y\rself1 ,madam1 :e!r ^! sublime notions h any ?+ consol+ 9 !m8 ,:5ev] ?is unc]ta9 idea has pres5t$ itself to y\r m9d1 has x n fill$ y ) a cold & secret horror8 ,has ! consci\sness ( a life s virtu\s & s spotless z y\rs1 secur$ y aga9/ ^? fe>s :i* are inspir$ by ! idea ( a be+ jeal\s1 sev]e1 caprici\s1 ^: et]nal disgrace ! lea/ fault is sure ( incurr+1 & 9 ^: eyes ! smalle/ weakness1 or fre$om ! mo/ involunt>y1 is suffici5t to cancel ye>s ( /rict obs]vance ( all ! rules ( religion8 ,i "k v well :at y w advance to support y\rself 9 y\r prejudices4 ,! m9i/]s ( religion possess ! secret ( temp]+ ! al>ms :i* !y h ! art to excite4 ,!y /rive to inspire confid5ce 9 ^? m9ds :i* !y discov] accessible to fe>4 ,!y balance1 ?us1 "o passion aga9/ ano!r4 ,!y hold 9 susp5se ! m9ds ( _! slaves1 9 ! appreh5sion t too mu* confid5ce w\ld only r5d] !m less pliable1 or t despair w\ld =ce !m to ?r[ (f ! yoke4 ,to p]sons t]ribly fright5$ ab\t _! /ate aft] dea?1 !y speak only ( ! hopes :i* we may ent]ta9 ( ! goodness ( ,god4 ,to ^? :o h too mu* confid5ce1 !y prea* up ! t]rors ( ! ,"l1 & ! judgm5ts ( a sev]e ,god4 ,by ?is *ican]y !y contrive to subject or reta9 "u _! yoke all ^? :o are weak en\gh to be l$ by ! contradictory doctr9es ( ^! bl9d guides4 ,!y tell y1 besides1 t ! s5tim5t ( ! immortality ( ! s\l is inh]5t 9 man2 t ! s\l is consum$ by b\ndless desires1 & t s9ce !re is no?+ on ?is e>? capable ( satisfy+ x1 ^! are indubitable pro(s t x is de/9$ to subsi/ et]nally4 ,9 a ^w1 t z we naturally desire to exi/ always1 we may naturally conclude t we %all always exi/4 ,b :at ?9k y1 ,madam1 ( su* reason+s8 ,to :at d !y lead8 ,d we desire ! cont9uation ( ?is exi/5ce1 because x may be bless$ & happy1 or because we "k n :at may become ( u8 ,b we _c desire a mis]able exi/5ce1 or1 at lea/1 "o 9 :i* x is m ?an probable we may be mis]able r ?an happy4 ,if1 z ! ,*ri/ian religion s (t5 repeats1 ! numb] ( ! elect is v small1 & salvation v difficult1 ! numb] ( ! reprobate v great1 & damnation v easily obta9$1 :o is he :o w\ld desire to exi/ always ) s evid5t a risk ( be+ et]nally damn$8 ,w\ld x n h be5 bett] = u n to h be5 born1 ?an to h be5 compell$ aga9/ our nature to play a game s fraught ) p]il8 ,does n annihilation itself pres5t to u an idea pref]able to t ( an exi/5ce :i* may v easily lead u to et]nal tortures8 ,suff] me1 ,madam1 to appeal to y\rself4 ,if1 be=e y _h come into ?is _w1 y _h _h y\r *oice ( be+ born1 or ( n see+ ! light ( ?is fair sun1 & y c\ld h be5 made to compreh5d1 b = "o mom5t1 ! hundr$ ?\s&? "p ( ! risks y run to be et]nally unhappy1 w\ld y n h det]m9$ nev] to enjoy life8 ,x is an easy matt]1 !n1 to p]ceive ! pro(s on :i* ! prie/s pret5d to f\nd ?is dogma ( ! immortality ( ! s\l & a future life4 ,! desire :i* we might h ( x c\ld only be f\nd$ on ! hope ( enjoy+ et]nal happ9ess4 ,b does religion give u ?is assurance8 ,yes1 say ! cl]gy1 if y submit fai?fully to ! rules x prescribes4 ,b to con=m "o's self to ^! rules1 is x n necess>y to h grace f ,heav58 ,&1 are we !n sure we %all obta9 t grace1 or if we d1 m]it ,heav58 ,d ! prie/s n repeat to u1 )\t ceas+1 t ,god is ! au?or ( grace1 & t he only gives x to a small numb] ( ! elect8 ,d !y n daily tell u t1 except "o man1 :o r5d]$ himself wor?y ( ?is et]nal happ9ess1 !re are millions go+ ! high road to damnation8 ,?is be+ admitt$1 e ,*ri/ian1 :o reasons1 w\ld be a fool to desire a future exi/5ce :i* he has s _m motives to fe>1 or to reckon on a happ9ess :i* e ?+ conspires to %[ him is z unc]ta91 z difficult to be obta9$1 z x is unequivocally dep5d5t on ! fantasies ( a caprici\s ,deity1 :o sports ) ! mis=tunes ( 8 creatures4 ,"u e po9t ( view 9 :i* we reg>d ! dogma ( ! s\l's immortality1 we are compell$ to consid] x z a *im]a inv5t$ by m5 :o h realiz$ _! wi%es1 or :o h n be5 able to ju/ify ,provid5ce f ! transitory inju/ices ( ?is _w4 ,?is dogma 0 receiv$ ) avidity1 because x flatt]$ ! desires1 & especially ! vanity ( man1 :o arrogat$ to himself a sup]iority above all ! be+s t enjoy exi/5ce1 & :i* he w\ld pass by & r$uce to m]e clay2 :o believ$ himself ! favorite ( ,god1 )\t ev] tax+ 8 att5tion ) ?is o!r fact--t ,god makes him e in/ant exp]i5ce vicissitudes1 calamities1 & trials1 z all s5ti5t natures exp]i5ce2 t ,god made him1 9 f9e1 to und]go dea?1 or dissolution1 :i* is an inv>iable law t all t exi/s mu/ f9d v]ifi$4 ,?is haughty creature1 :o fancies himself a privileg$ be+1 alone agreeable to 8 ,mak]1 does n p]ceive t !re are /ages 9 8 life :5 8 exi/5ce is m unc]ta9 & mu* m weak ?an t ( ! o!r animals1 or ev5 ( "s inanimate ?+s4 ,man is unwill+ to admit t he possesses n ! /r5g? ( ! lion1 nor ! swiftness ( ! /ag1 nor ! durability ( an oak1 nor ! solidity ( m>ble or metal4 ,he believes himself ! greate/ favorite1 ! mo/ sublime1 ! mo/ noble2 he believes himself sup]ior to all o!r animals because he possesses ! faculties ( ?9k+1 judg+1 & reason+4 ,b 8 ?\ghts only r5d] him m wret*$ ?an all ! animals :om he supposes depriv$ ( ?is faculty1 or :o1 at lea/1 he believes1 d n enjoy x 9 ! same degree ) himself4 ,d n ! faculties ( ?9k+1 ( rememb]+1 ( =esight1 too (t5 r5d] him unhappy by ! v idea ( ! pa/1 ! pres5t1 & ! future8 ,d n 8 passions drive him to excesses unkn[n to ! o!r animals8 ,are 8 judgm5ts always reasonable & wise8 ,is reason s l>gely develop$ 9 ! great mass ( m5 t ! prie/s %\ld int]dict its use z dang]\s8 ,are mank9d suffici5tly advanc$ 9 k to be able to ov]come ! prejudices & *im]as :i* r5d] !m unhappy dur+ ! greate/ "p ( _! lives8 ,9 f9e1 h ! bea/s "s species ( religi\s impressions1 :i* inspire cont9ual t]rors 9 _! brea/1 mak+ !m look ^u "s awful ev5t1 :i* imbitt]s _! s(te/ pleasures1 :i* enjo9s !m to torm5t !mselves1 & :i* ?reat5s !m ) et]nal damnation8 ,no6 ,9 tru?1 ,madam1 if y weigh 9 an equitable balance ! pret5d$ advantages ( man above ! o!r animals1 y w soon see h[ evanesc5t is ?is fictiti\s sup]iority :i* he has arrogat$ to himself4 ,we f9d t all ! productions ( nature are submitt$ to ! same laws2 t all be+s are only born to die2 !y produce _! l to de/roy !mselves2 t all s5ti5t be+s are compell$ to und]go pleasures & pa9s2 !y appe> & !y disappe>2 !y are & !y cease to be2 !y ev9ce "u "o =m t !y w quit x to produce ano!r4 ,su* are ! cont9ual vicissitudes to :i* e ?+ t exi/s is evid5tly subject$1 & f :i* man is n exempt1 any m ?an ! o!r be+s & productions t he appropriates to 8 use z "l ( ! creation4 ,ev5 our globe itself und]goes *ange2 ! seas *ange _! place2 ! m\nta9s are ga!r$ 9 heaps or levell$ into pla9s2 e ?+ t brea!s is de/roy$ at la/1 & man alone pret5ds to an et]nal duration4 ,x is unnecess>y to tell me t we degrade man :5 we comp>e him ) ! bea/s1 depriv$ ( s\ls & intellig5ce2 ?is is no levell+ doctr9e1 b "o :i* places him exactly :]e nature places him1 b f :i* 8 pu]ile vanity has un=tunately driv5 him4 ,all be+s are equals2 "u v>i\s & diff]5t =ms !y act diff]5tly2 !y are gov]n$ 9 _! appetites & passions by laws :i* are inv>iably ! same = all ( ! same species2 e ?+ :i* is compos$ ( p>ts w be dissolv$2 e ?+ :i* has life mu/ "p ) x at dea?2 all m5 are equally compell$ to submit to ?is fate2 !y are equal at dea?1 al?\gh dur+ life _! p[]1 _! tal5ts1 & especially _! virtues1 e/abli% a m>k$ diff]5ce1 :i*1 ?\gh real1 is only mom5t>y4 ,:at w !y be aft] dea?8 ,!y w be exactly :at !y 7 t5 ye>s be=e !y 7 born4 ,bani%1 !n1 ,eug5ia1 f y\r m9d =ev] ! t]rors :i* dea? has hi!rto fill$ y )4 ,x is = ! wret*$ a safe hav5 aga9/ ! mis=tunes ( ?is life4 ,if x appe>s a cruel alt]native to ^? :o enjoy ! good ?+s ( ?is _w1 :y d !y n console !mselves ) ! idea ( :at !y d actually enjoy8 ,let !m call reason to _! aid2 x w calm ! inquietudes ( _! imag9ation1 b too greatly al>m$2 x w disp]se ! cl\ds :i* religion spreads ov] _! m9ds2 x w tea* !m t ?is dea?1 s t]rible 9 appreh5sion1 is really no?+1 & t x w nei!r be accompani$ ) remembrance ( pa/ pleasures nor ( sorr[ n[ no m4 ,live1 !n1 happy & tranquil1 amiable ,eug5ia6 ,pres]ve c>efully an exi/5ce s int]e/+ & s necess>y to all ^? ) :om y live4 ,all[ n y\r heal? to be injur$1 nor tr\ble y\r quiet ) melan*oly ideas4 ,)\t be+ teas$ by ! prospect ( an ev5t :i* has no "r to di/urb y\r repose1 cultivate virtue1 :i* has always be5 y\r favorite1 s necess>y to y\r int]nal peace1 & :i* has r5d]$ y s de> to all ^? :o h ! happ9ess ( be+ y\r fri5ds4 ,let y\r rank1 y\r cr$it1 y\r ri*es1 y\r tal5ts be employ$ to make o!rs happy1 to support ! oppress$1 to succor ! un=tunate1 to dry up ! te>s ( ^? :om y may h an opportunity ( com=t+6 ,let y\r m9d be occupi$ ab\t su* agreeable & pr(itable employm5ts z are likely to please y6 ,call 9 ! aid ( y\r reason to dissipate ! phantoms :i* al>m y1 to efface ! prejudices :i* y h imbib$ 9 e>ly life6 ,9 a ^w1 com=t y\rself1 & rememb] t 9 practis+ virtue1 z y d1 y _c become an object ( hatr$ to ,god1 :o1 if he has res]v$ 9 et]nity rigor\s puni%m5ts = ! social virtues1 w be ! /range/1 ! mo/ cruel1 & ! mo/ ins5sible ( be+s6 ,y dem& ( me1 p]haps1 ,9 de/roy+ ! idea ( ano!r _w1 :at is to become ( ! remorse1 ^? *a/isem5ts s useful to mank9d1 & s well calculat$ to re/ra9 !m )9 ! b\nds ( propriety8 ,i reply1 t remorse w always subsi/ z long z we %all be capable ( feel+ its pangs1 ev5 :5 we cease to fe> ! di/ant & unc]ta9 v5geance ( ! ,div9ity4 ,9 ! commission ( crimes1 9 all[+ "o's self to be ! sport ( passion1 9 injur+ our species1 9 refus+ to d !m good1 9 /ifl+ pity1 e man ^: reason is n totally d]ang$ p]ceives cle>ly t he w r5d] himself odi\s to o!rs1 t he ought to fe> _! enmity4 ,he w blu%1 !n1 if he ?9ks he has r5d]$ himself hateful & dete/able 9 _! eyes4 ,he kn[s ! cont9ual ne$ he has ( _! e/eem & assi/ance4 ,exp]i5ce proves to him t vices ! mo/ conceal$ are injuri\s to himself4 ,he lives 9 p]petual fe> le/ "s mi%ap %\ld unfold 8 weaknesses & secret faults4 ,x is f all ^! ideas t we are to look = regret & remorse1 ev5 9 ^? :o d n believe 9 ! *im]as ( ano!r _w4 ,) reg>d to ^? ^: reason is d]ang$1 ^? :o are en]vat$ by _! passions1 or p]haps l9k$ to vice by ! *a9s ( habit1 ev5 ) ! prospect ( hell op5 be=e !m1 !y w nei!r live less vici\s nor less wick$4 ,an av5g+ ,god w nev] inflict on any man su* a total want ( reason z may make him reg>dless ( public op9ion1 trample dec5cy "u foot1 brave ! laws1 & expose himself to d]ision & human *a/isem5ts4 ,e man ( s5se easily und]/&s t 9 ?is _w ! e/eem & affection ( o!rs are necess>y = 8 happ9ess1 & t life is b a burd5 to ^? :o by _! vices injure !mselves1 & r5d] !mselves repreh5sible 9 ! eyes ( society4 ,! true means1 ,madam1 ( liv+ happy 9 ?is _w is to d good to y\r fell[-creatures2 to labor = ! happ9ess ( y\r species is to h virtue1 & ) virtue we c peaceably & )\t remorse approa* ! t]m :i* nature has fix$ equally = all be+s--a t]m t y\r y\? causes y n[ to see only at a di/ance--a t]m t y ought n to accel]ate by y\r fe>s--a t]m1 9 f9e1 t ! c>es & desires ( all ^? :o "k y w seek to put (f till1 full ( days & cont5t$ ) ! "p y h play$ 9 ! sc5e ( ! _w1 y %all y\rself desire to g5tly rent] ! bosom ( nature4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,vi4 ,( ! ,my/]ies1 ,sacram5ts1 & ,religi\s ,c]emonies ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! reflections1 ,madam1 :i* ,i h already (f]$ y 9 ^! lett]s ought1 ,i conceive1 to h suffic$ to undeceive y1 9 a great measure1 ( ! lugubri\s & afflict+ notions ) :i* y h be5 inspir$ by religi\s prejudices4 ,h[ev]1 to fulfil ! task :i* y h impos$ on me1 & to assi/ y 9 free+ y\rself f ! unfavorable ideas y may h imbib$ f a sy/em replete ) irrelevancies & contradictions1 ,i %all cont9ue to exam9e ! /range my/]ies ) :i* ,*ri/ianity is g>ni%$4 ,!y are f\nd$ on ideas s odd & s contr>y to reason1 t if f infancy we _h n be5 famili>iz$ ) !m1 we %\ld blu% at our species 9 hav+ = "o in/ant believ$ & adopt$ !m4 ,! ,*ri/ians1 sc>cely cont5t ) ! cr[d ( enigmas ) :i* ! books ( ! ,jews are fill$1 h besides fanci$ !y mu/ add to !m a great _m incompreh5sible my/]ies1 = :i* !y h ! mo/ pr(\nd v5]ation4 ,_! imp5etrable obscurity appe>s to be a suffici5t motive among !m = add+ ^!4 ,_! prie/s1 enc\rag$ by _! cr$ulity1 :i* no?+ c outdo1 seem to be /udi\s to multiply ! articles ( _! fai?1 & ! numb] ( inconceivable objects :i* !y h said mu/ be receiv$ ) submission1 & ador$ ev5 if n und]/ood4 ,! fir/ ( ^! my/]ies is ! ,tr9ity1 :i* supposes t "o ,god1 self-exi/5t1 :o is a pure _s1 is1 nev]!less1 compos$ ( ?ree ,div9ities1 :i* h obta9$ ! names ( p]sons4 ,^! ?ree ,gods1 :o are designat$ "u ! respective names ( ! ,fa!r1 ! ,son1 & ! ,holy ,gho/1 are1 nev]!less1 b "o ,god only4 ,^! ?ree p]sons are equal 9 p[]1 9 wisdom1 9 p]fections2 yet ! second is subord9ate to ! fir/1 9 consequ5ce ( :i* he 0 compell$ to become a man1 & be ! victim ( ! wra? ( 8 ,fa!r4 ,?is is :at ! prie/s call ! my/]y ( ! inc>nation4 ,not)/&+ 8 innoc5ce1 8 p]fection1 8 purity1 ! ,son ( ,god became ! object ( ! v5geance ( a j ,god1 :o is ! same z ! ,son 9 "q1 b :o w\ld n cons5t to appease himself b by ! dea? ( 8 own ,son1 :o is a portion ( himself4 ,! ,son ( ,god1 n cont5t ) becom+ man1 di$ )\t hav+ s9n$1 = ! salvation ( m5 :o _h s9n$4 ,god pref]r$ to ! puni%m5t ( imp]fect be+s1 :om he did n *oose to am5d1 ! puni%m5t ( 8 only ,son1 full ( div9e p]fections4 ,! dea? ( ,god became necess>y to reclaim ! human k9d f ! slav]y ( ,satan1 :o )\t t w\ld n h quitt$ 8 prey1 & :o has be5 f\nd suffici5tly p[]ful aga9/ ! ,omnipot5t to oblige him to sacrifice 8 ,son4 ,?is is :at ! prie/s designate by ! "n ( ! my/]y ( r$emption4 ,x is assur$ly suffici5t to expose su* op9ions to demon/rate _! absurdity4 ,x is evid5t1 if !re exi/s only a s+le ,god1 !re _c be ?ree4 ,we may1 x is true1 contemplate ! ,deity aft] ! mann] ( ,plato1 :o1 be=e ! bir? ( ,*ri/ianity1 exhibit$ him "u ?ree diff]5t po9ts ( view1 t is to say1 z all-wise1 z all-p[]ful1 z full ( reason1 & z inf9ite 9 goodness2 b x 0 v]ily ! excess ( delirium to p]sonify ^! ?ree div9e qualities1 or trans=m !m into real be+s4 ,we c readily imag9e ^! moral attributes to be unit$ 9 ! same ,god1 b x is egregi\s folly to fa%ion !m into ?ree diff]5t ,gods2 nor w x rem$y ?is metaphysical poly!ism to ass]t t ^! ?ree are "o4 ,besides1 ?is rev]y nev] ent]$ ! head ( ! ,hebrew legislator4 ,! ,et]nal1 9 reveal+ himself to ,moses1 did n ann\nce himself z triple4 ,!re is n "o syllable 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ab\t ?is ,tr9ity1 al?\gh a notion s biz>re1 s m>vell\s1 & s little consonant ) our ideas ( a div9e be+1 des]v$ to h be5 =mally ann\nc$1 especially z x is ! f\ndation & corn] /one ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :i* 0 f all et]nity an object ( ! div9e solicitude1 & on ! e/abli%m5t ( :i*1 if we may cr$it our sapi5t prie/s1 ,god seems to h ent]ta9$ s]i\s ?\ghts long be=e ! creation ( ! _w4 ,nev]!less1 ! second p]son1 or ! second ,god ( ! ,tr9ity1 is reveal$ 9 fle%2 ! ,son ( ,god is made man4 ,b h[ c\ld ! pure ,_s :o presides ov] ! univ]se beget a son8 ,h[ c\ld ?is son1 :o be=e 8 inc>nation 0 only a pure _s1 comb9e t e!real ess5ce ) a mat]ial body1 & envelop himself ) x8 ,h[ c\ld ! div9e nature amalgamate itself ) ! imp]fect nature ( man1 & h[ c\ld an imm5se & inf9ite be+1 z ! ,deity is repres5t$1 be =m$ 9 ! womb ( a virg98 ,aft] :at mann] c\ld a pure _s fecundate ?is favorite virg98 ,did ! ,son ( ,god enjoy 9 ! womb ( 8 "m ! faculties ( omnipot5ce1 or 0 he l o!r *ildr5 dur+ 8 infancy1--weak1 liable to infirmities1 sickness1 & intellectual imbecility1 s conspicu\s 9 ! ye>s ( *ildhood2 & if s1 :at1 dur+ ?is p]iod1 became ( ! div9e wisdom & p[]8 ,9 f9e1 h[ c\ld ,god suff] & die8 ,h[ c\ld a j ,god cons5t t a ,god exempt f all s9 %\ld endure ! *a/isem5ts :i* are due to s9n]s8 ,:y did he n appease himself )\t immolat+ a victim s preci\s & s innoc5t8 ,:at w\ld y ?9k ( t sov]eign :o1 9 ! ev5t ( 8 subjects rebell+ aga9/ him1 %\ld =give !m all1 or a select numb] ( !m1 by putt+ to dea? 8 only & belov$ son1 :o _h n rebell$8 ,! prie/s tell u t x 0 out ( t5d]ness = ! human k9d t ,god wi%$ to accompli% ?is sacrifice4 ,b ,i /ill ask if x w\ld n h be5 m simple1 m con=mable to all our ideas ( ,deity1 = ,god to p>don ! iniquities ( ! human race1 or to h prev5t$ !m committ+ transgressions1 by plac+ !m 9 a condition 9 :i*1 by _! own w1 !y %\ld nev] h s9n$8 ,accord+ to ! entire sy/em ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 x is evid5t t ,god did only create ! _w to h an opportunity ( immolat+ 8 ,son = ! rebelli\s be+s he might h =m$ & pres]v$ immaculate4 ,! fall ( ! rebelli\s angels _h no visible end to s]ve b to effect & ha/5 ! fall ( ,adam4 ,x appe>s f ?is sy/em t ,god p]mitt$ ! fir/ man to s9 t he might h ! pleasure ( %[+ 8 goodness 9 sacrific+ 8 only begott5 ,son to reclaim m5 f ! ?raldom ( ,satan4 ,he intru/$ to ,satan z mu* p[] z might enable him to "w ! ru9 ( our race1 ) ! view ( aft]w>ds *ang+ ! projects ( ! great mass ( mank9d1 by mak+ "o ,god to die1 & !reby de/roy ! p[] ( ! ,devil on ! e>?4 ,b has ,god succe$$ 9 ^! projects to ! end he propos$8 ,are m5 entirely rescu$ f ! dom9ion ( ,satan8 ,are !y n /ill ! slaves ( s98 ,d !y f9d !mselves 9 ! happy impossibility ( k9dl+ ! div9e wra?8 ,has ! blood ( ! ,son ( ,god wa%$ away ! s9s ( ! :ole _w8 ,d ^? :o are reclaim$1 ^? to :om he has made himself kn[n1 ^? :o believe1 (f5d n aga9/ heav58 ,has ! ,deity1 :o ought1 )\t d\bt1 to be p]fectly satisfi$ ) s memorable a sacrifice1 remitt$ to !m ! puni%m5t ( s98 ,is x n necess>y to d some?+ m = !m8 ,& s9ce ! dea? ( 8 ,son1 d we f9d ! ,*ri/ians exempt f disease & f dea?8 ,no?+ ( all ?is has happ5$4 ,! measures tak5 f all et]nity by ! wisdom & presci5ce ( a ,god :o %\ld f9d aga9/ 8 plans no ob/acles h be5 ov]?r[n4 ,! dea? ( ,god himself has be5 ( no utility to ! _w4 ,all ! div9e projects h militat$ aga9/ ! free-w ( man1 b !y h n de/roy$ ! p[] ( ,satan4 ,man cont9ues to s9 & to die2 ! ,devil keeps possession ( ! field ( battle2 & x is = a v small numb] ( ! elect t ! ,deity cons5t$ to die4 ,y d inde$ smile1 ,madam1 at my be+ oblig$ s]i\sly to combat su* *im]as4 ,if !y h some?+ ( ! m>vell\s 9 !m1 x is q adapt$ to ! heads ( *ildr51 n ( m51 & ought n to be admitt$ by reasonable be+s4 ,all ! notions we c =m ( ^? ?+s mu/ be my/]i\s2 yet !re is no subject m demon/rable1 accord+ to ^? ^: int]e/ x is to h x believ$1 ?\gh !y are z incapable z ourselves to compreh5d ! matt]4 ,= ! prie/s to say t !y believe su* absurdities1 is to be guilty ( manife/ falsehood2 because a proposition to be believ$ mu/ necess>ily be und]/ood4 ,to believe :at !y d n compreh5d is to adh]e sotti%ly to ! absurdities ( o!rs2 to believe ?+s :i* are n compreh5d$ by ^? :o gossip ab\t !m is ! height ( folly2 to believe bl9dly ! my/]ies ( ! ,*ri/ian religion is to admit contradictions ( :i* !y :o decl>e !m are n conv9c$4 ,9 f9e1 is x necess>y to ab&on "o's reason among absurdities t h be5 receiv$ )\t exam9ation f anci5t prie/s1 :o 7 ei!r ! dupes ( m kn[+ m51 or !mselves ! impo/ors :o fabricat$ ! tales 9 "q8 ,if y ask ( me h[ m5 h n long ago be5 %ock$ by su* absurd & un9telligible rev]ies1 ,i %all proce$1 9 my turn1 to expla9 to y ?is secret ( ! *ur*1 ?is my/]y ( our prie/s4 ,x is n necess>y1 9 do+ ?is1 to pay any att5tion to ^? g5]al dispositions ( man1 especially :5 he is ignorant & incapable ( reason+4 ,all m5 are curi\s1 inquisitive2 _! curiosity spurs !m on to inquiry1 & _! imag9ation busies itself to clo! ) my/]y e ?+ ! fancy conjures up z important to happ9ess4 ,! vulg> mi/ake ev5 :at !y h ! means ( kn[+1 or1 :i* is ! same ?+1 :at !y are lea/ practis$ 9 !y are dazzl$ )2 !y proclaim x1 accord+ly1 m>vell\s1 prodigi\s1 extraord9>y2 x is a ph5om5on4 ,!y nei!r admire nor respect mu* :at is always visible to _! eyes2 b :atev] /rikes _! imag9ation1 :atev] gives scope to ! m9d1 becomes itself ! fruitful s\rce ( o!r ideas f> m extravagant4 ,! prie/s h _h ! art to prevail on ! p to believe 9 _! secret correspond5ce ) ! ,deity2 !y h be5 !nce mu* respect$1 & 9 all c\ntries _! pr(ess$ int]c\rse ) an unse5 ,div9ity has giv5 room = _! ann\ncem5t ( ?+s ! mo/ m>vell\s & my/]i\s4 ,besides1 ! ,div9ity be+ a be+ ^: imp5etrable ess5ce is veil$ f mortal sight1 x has be5 commonly admitt$ by ! ignorant1 t :at c\ld n be se5 by mortal eye mu/ necess>ily be div9e4 ,h5ce sacr$1 my/]i\s1 & div9e1 are synonym\s t]ms2 & ^! impos+ words h suffic$ to place ! human race on _! knees to adore :at seeks n _! inflat$ devotion4 ,! ?ree my/]ies :i* ,i h exam9$ are receiv$ unanim\sly by all sects ( ,*ri/ians2 b !re are o!rs on :i* ! !ologians are n agre$4 ,9 f9e1 we see m51 :o1 aft] !y h admitt$1 )\t repugnance1 a c]ta9 numb] ( absurdities1 /op all ( a sudd5 9 ! way1 & refuse to admit m4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,prote/ants are 9 ?is case4 ,!y reject1 ) disda91 ! my/]ies = :i* ! ,*ur* ( ,rome %[s ! greate/ respect2 & yet1 9 ! matt] ( my/]ies1 x is inde$ difficult to designate ! po9t :]e ! m9d ought to /op4 ,see+1 !n1 t our doctors1 bett] advis$1 und\bt$ly1 ?an ^? ( ! ,prote/ants1 h adroitly multipli$ my/]ies1 "o is naturally l$ to conclude1 !y despair$ ( gov]n+ ! m9d ( man1 if !re 0 any ?+ 9 _! religion t 0 cle>1 intelligible1 & natural4 ,m my/]i\s ?an ! prie/s ( ,egypt itself1 !y h f\nd means to *ange e ?+ into my/]y2 ! v movem5ts ( ! body1 usages ! mo/ indiff]5t1 c]emonies ! mo/ frivol\s1 h become1 9 ! p[]ful h&s ( ! prie/s1 sublime & div9e my/]ies4 ,9 ! ,roman religion all is magic1 all is prodigy1 all is sup]natural4 ,9 ! decisions ( our !ologians1 ! side :i* !y esp\se is almo/ always t :i* is ! mo/ abhorr5t to reason1 ! mo/ calculat$ to conf\nd & ov]?r[ common s5se4 ,9 consequ5ce1 our prie/s are by f> ! mo/ ri*1 p[]ful1 & consid]able4 ,! cont9ual want :i* we h ( _! aid to obta9 f ,heav5 t grace :i* x is _! prov9ce to br+ d[n = u1 places u 9 cont9ual dep5d5ce on ^? m>vell\s m5 :o h receiv$ _! commission to treat ) ! ,deity1 & become ! ambassadors betwe5 ,heav5 & u4 ,ea* ( our sacram5ts envelops a great my/]y4 ,!y are c]emonies to :i* ! ,div9ity1 !y say1 atta*es "s secret virtue1 by unse5 views1 ( :i* we c =m no ideas4 ,9 baptism1 )\t :i* no man c be sav$1 ! wat] spr9kl$ on ! head ( ! *ild wa%es 8 spiritual s\l1 & c>ries away ! defilem5t :i* is a consequ5ce ( ! s9 committ$ 9 ! p]son ( ,adam1 :o s9n$ = all m54 ,by ! my/]i\s virtue ( ?is wat]1 & ( "s words equally un9telligible1 ! infant f9ds itself reconcil$ to ,god1 z 8 fir/ fa!r _h made him guilty )\t 8 k & cons5t4 ,9 all ?is1 ,madam1 y _c1 by possibility1 compreh5d ! complication ( ^! my/]ies1 ) :i* no ,*ri/ian c disp5se1 ?\gh1 assur$ly1 !re is n "o believ] :o kn[s :at ! virtue ( ! m>vell\s wat] consi/s 91 :i* is necess>y = 8 reg5]ation4 ,nor c y conceive h[ ! supreme & equitable ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se c\ld impute faults to ^? :o h nev] be5 guilty ( transgressions4 ,nor c y compreh5d h[ a wise ,deity c atta* 8 favor to a futile c]emony1 :i*1 )\t *ang+ ! nature ( ! be+ :o has d]iv$ an exi/5ce x nei!r comm5c$ nor 0 consult$ 91 mu/1 if adm9i/]$ 9 w9t]1 be att5d$ ) s]i\s consequ5ces to ! heal? ( ! *ild4 ,9 ,confirmation1 a sacram5t or c]emony1 :i*1 to h any value1 ought to be adm9i/]$ by a bi%op1 ! lay+ ( ! h&s on ! head ( ! "y confirmant makes ! ,holy ,_s desc5d ^u him1 & procures ! grace ( ,god to uphold him 9 ! fai?4 ,y see1 ,madam1 t ! efficacy ( ?is sacram5t is un=tunately lo/ 9 my p]son2 =1 al?\gh 9 my y\? ,i _h be5 duly confirm$1 ,i h n be5 pres]v$ aga9/ smil+ at ?is fai?1 nor h ,i be5 kept invuln]able 9 ! cr$5ce ( my prie/s & =efa!rs4 ,9 ! sacram5t ( ,p5it5ce1 or confession1 a c]emony :i* consi/s 9 putt+ a prie/ 9 possession ( all "o's faults1 public or private1 y w discov] my/]ies equally m>vell\s4 ,9 favor ( ?is submission1 to :i* e good ,ca?olic is necess>ily oblig$ to submit1 a prie/1 himself a s9n]1 *>g$ ) full p[]s by ! ,deity1 p>dons & remits1 9 ,8 "n1 ! s9s aga9/ :i* ,god is enrag$4 ,god reconciles himself ) e man :o humbles himself be=e ! prie/1 & 9 accordance ) ! ord]s ( ! latt]1 he op5s heav5 to ! wret* :om he _h be=e det]m9$ to exclude4 ,if ?is sacram5t do? n always procure grace1 v di/+ui%+ to ^? :o use x1 x has1 at all ev5ts1 ! advantage ( r5d]+ !m pliable to ! cl]gy1 :o1 by its means1 f9d an easy sway 9 _! spiritual empire ov] ! human m9d1 an empire t enables !m1 n unfrequ5tly1 to di/urb society1 & m (t5 ! repose ( families1 & ! v consci5ce ( ! p]son confess+4 ,!re is among ! ,ca?olics ano!r sacram5t1 :i* conta9s ! mo/ /range my/]ies4 ,x is t ( ! ,eu*>i/4 ,our tea*]s1 "u pa9 ( be+ damn$1 enjo9 u to believe t ! ,son ( ,god is compell$ by a prie/ to quit ! abodes ( glory1 & to come & mask himself "u ! appe>ance ( bread6 ,?is bread becomes =?) ! body ( ,god--?is ,god multiplies himself 9 all places1 & at all times1 :5 & :]e ! prie/s1 scatt]$ ov] ! face ( ! e>?1 f9d x necess>y to comm& 8 pres5ce 9 ! %ape ( bread--yet we see only "o & ! same ,god1 :o receives ! homage & adoration ( all ^? good p :o f9d x v ridicul\s 9 ! ,egyptians to adore lup9es & onions4 ,b ! ,ca?olics are n simply cont5t ) wor%ipp+ a bit ( bread1 :i* !y consid] by ! conjurations ( a prie/ z div9e2 !y eat ?is bread1 & !n p]suade !mselves t !y are n\ri%$ by ! body or sub/ance ( ,god himself4 ,! ,prote/ants1 x is true1 d n admit a my/]y s v odd1 & reg>d ^? :o d z real idolat]s4 ,:at !n8 ,?is m>vell\s dogma is1 )\t d\bt1 ( ! greate/ utility to ! prie/s4 ,9 ! eyes ( ^? :o admit x1 !y become v important g5tlem51 :o h ! p[] ( dispos+ ( ! ,deity1 :om !y make to desc5d betwe5 _! h&s2 & ?us a ,ca?olic prie/ is1 9 fact1 ! creator ( 8 ,god6 ,!re is1 also1 ,extreme ,unction1 a sacram5t :i* consi/s 9 ano9t+ ) oil ^? sick p]sons :o are ab\t to dep>t into ! o!r _w1 & :i* n only soo!s _! bodily pa9s1 b also takes away ! s9s ( _! s\ls4 ,if x produces ^! good effects1 x is an invisible & my/]i\s me?od ( manife/+ obvi\s results2 = we frequ5tly behold sick p]sons h _! fe>s ( dea? allay$1 ?\gh ! op]ation may b too (t5 accel]ate _! dissolution4 ,b our prie/s are s full ( *>ity1 & !y int]e/ !mselves s greatly 9 ! salvation ( s\ls1 t !y l r to risk _! own heal? beside ! sick b$ ( p]sons afflict$ ) ! mo/ contagi\s diseases1 ?an lose ! opportunity ( adm9i/]+ _! salut>y o9tm5t4 ,ord9ation is ano!r v my/]i\s c]emony1 by :i* ! ,deity secretly be/[s 8 invisible grace on ^? :om he has select$ to fill ! (fice ( ! holy prie/hood4 ,accord+ to ! ,ca?olic religion1 ,god gives to ! prie/s ! p[] ( mak+ ,god himself1 z we h %[n above2 a privilege :i* )\t d\bt _c be suffici5tly admir$4 ,) respect to ! s5sible effects ( ?is sacram5t1 & ( ! visible grace :i* x conf]s1 !y are enabl$1 by ! help ( "s words & c]ta9 c]emonies1 to *ange a pr(ane man into "o t is sacr$2 t is to say1 :o is n pr(ane any long]4 ,by ?is spiritual metamorphosis1 ?is man becomes capable ( enjoy+ consid]able rev5ues )\t be+ oblig$ to d any ?+ useful = society4 ,on ! contr>y1 heav5 itself conf]s on him ! "r ( deceiv+1 ( annoy+1 & ( pillag+ ! pr(ane citiz5s1 :o labor = 8 ease & luxury4 ,f9ally1 ,m>riage is a sacram5t t conf]s my/]i\s & invisible graces1 ( :i* we 9 tru? h no v precise ideas4 ,prote/ants & ,infidels1 :o look ^u m>riage z a civil contract1 & n z a sacram5t1 receive nei!r m nor less ( its visible grace ?an ! good ,ca?olics4 ,! =m] see n t ^? :o are m>ri$ enjoy by ?is sacram5t any secret virtue1 :5ce !y may become m con/ant & fai?ful to ! engagem5ts !y h contract$4 ,& ,i believe bo? y & ,i1 ,madam1 h kn[n _m p on :om x has only conf]r$ ! grace ( cordially dete/+ ea* o!r4 ,i w n n[ ent] ^u ! consid]ation ( a multitude ( o!r magic c]emonies1 admitt$ by "s ,*ri/ian sect>ies & reject$ by o!rs1 b to :i* ! devotees :o embrace !m1 atta* ! mo/ l(ty ideas1 9 ! firm p]suasion1 t ,god w1 on t acc\nt1 visit !m ) 8 invisible grace4 ,all ^! c]emonies1 d\btless1 conta9 great my/]ies1 & ! me?od ( h&l+ or speak+ ( !m is exce$+ly my/]i\s4 ,x is ?us t ! wat] on :i* a prie/ has pron\nc$ a few words1 conta9$ 9 8 conjur+ book1 acquires ! invisible virtue ( *as+ away wick$ spirits1 :o are invisible by _! nature4 ,x is ?us t ! oil1 on :i* a bi%op has mutt]$ "s c]ta9 =mula1 becomes capable ( communicat+ to m51 & ev5 to "s inanimate sub/ances1 su* z wood1 /one1 metals1 & walls1 ^? invisible virtues :i* !y did n previ\sly possess4 ,9 f9e1 9 all ! c]emonies ( ! *ur*1 we discov] my/]ies1 & ! vulg>1 :o compreh5d no?+ ( !m1 are n ! less dispos$ to admire1 to be fasc9at$ )1 & to respect ) a bl9d devotion4 ,b soon w\ld !y cease to h ?is v5]ation = ^! fool]ies1 if !y compreh5d$ ! design & end ! prie/s h 9 view by en=c+ _! obs]vance4 ,! prie/s ( all nations h begun by be+ *>latans1 ca/le build]s1 div9es1 & sorc]]s4 ,we f9d m5 ( ^! *>act]s 9 nations ! mo/ ignorant & savage1 :]e !y live by ! ignorance & cr$ulity ( o!rs4 ,!y are reg>d$ by _! ignorant c\ntrym5 z sup]ior be+s1 end[$ ) sup]natural gifts1 favorites ( ! v ,gods1 because ! un9quir+ multitude see !m p]=m ?+s :i* !y take to be mighty m>vell\s1 or :i* ! ignorant h always consid]$ m>vell\s4 ,9 nations ! mo/ poli%$1 ! p are always ! same2 p]sons ! mo/ s5sible are n (t5 ( ! same ideas1 especially on ! subject ( religion2 & ! prie/s1 au?oriz$ by ! anci5t folly ( ! multitude1 cont9ue _! old tricks1 & receive univ]sal applause4 ,y are n1 !n1 to be surpris$1 ,madam1 if y /ill behold our pontiffs & our prie/s ex]cise _! magical rites1 or re> ca/les be=e ! eyes ( p prejudic$ 9 favor ( _! anci5t illusions1 & :o atta* to ^! my/]ies a degree ( consequ5ce1 see+ !y are n 9 a condition to compreh5d ! motives ( ! fabricators4 ,e ?+ t is my/]i\s has *>ms = ! ignorant2 ! m>vell\s captivates all m52 p]sons ! mo/ enlight5$ f9d x difficult to def5d !mselves aga9/ ^! illusions4 ,h5ce y may discov] t ! prie/s are always op9ionatively atta*$ to ^! rites & c]emonies ( _! wor%ip2 & x has nev] be5 )\t "s viol5t revolution t !y h be5 dim9i%$ or abrogat$4 ,! annihilation ( a trifl+ c]emony has (t5 caus$ riv]s ( blood to fl[4 ,! p h believ$ !mselves lo/ & undone :5 "o bold] ?an ! re/ wi%$ to innovate 9 matt]s ( religion2 !y h fanci$ t !y 7 to be depriv$ ( ine/imable advantages & invisible b sav+ grace1 :i* !y h suppos$ to be atta*$ by ! ,div9ity himself to "s movem5ts ( ! body4 ,prie/s ! mo/ adroit h ov]*>g$ religion ) c]emonies1 & practices1 & my/]ies4 ,!y fanci$ t all ^! 7 s _m cords to b9d ! p to _! int]e/1 to allure !m by en?usiasm1 & r5d] !m necess>y to _! idle & luxuri\s exi/5ce1 :i* is n sp5t )\t mu* money extract$ f ! h>d e>n+s ( ! p1 & mu* ( t respect :i* is b ! homage ( slaves to spiritual tyrants4 ,y _c any long]1 ,i p]suade myself1 ,madam1 be made ! dupe ( ^! holy juggl]s1 :o impose on ! vulg> by _! m>vell\s tales4 ,y mu/ n[ be conv9c$ t ! ?+s :i* ,i h t\*$ ^u z my/]ies are pr(\nd absurdities1 ( :i* _! inv5tors c r5d] no reasonable acc\nt ei!r to !mselves or to o!rs4 ,y mu/ n[ be c]tifi$ t ! movem5ts ( ! body & o!r religi\s c]emonies mu/ be matt]s p]fectly indiff]5t to ! wise ,be+ :om !y describe to u z ! great mov] ( all ?+s4 ,y conclude1 !n1 t all ^! m>vell\s rites1 9 :i* our prie/s ann\nce s mu* my/]y1 & 9 :i* ! p are taught to consid] ! :ole ( religion z consi/+1 are no?+ m ?an pu]ilities1 to :i* p ( und]/&+ ought nev] to submit4 ,t !y are usages calculat$ pr9cipally to al>m ! m9ds ( ! weak1 & keep 9 bondage ^? :o h n ! c\rage to ?r[ (f ! yoke ( prie/s4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,vii4 ,( ! pi\s ,rites1 ,pray]s1 & ,au/]ities ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,y n[ "k1 ,madam1 :at y ought to atta* to ! my/]ies & c]emonies ( t religion y propose to m$itate on1 & adore 9 sil5ce4 ,i proce$ n[ to exam9e "s ( ^? practices to :i* ! prie/s tell u ! ,deity atta*es 8 complaisance & 8 favors4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! false1 s9i/]1 contradictory1 & incompatible ideas1 :i* all reveal$ religions give u ( ! ,deity1 ! prie/s h inv5t$ a cr[d ( unreasonable usages1 b :i* are con=mable to ^! errone\s notions t !y h fram$ ( ?is ,be+4 ,god is always reg>d$ z a man full ( passion1 s5sible to pres5ts1 to flatt]ies1 & m>ks ( submission2 or r z a fanta/ic & punctili\s sov]eign1 :o is v s]i\sly angry :5 we neglect to %[ him t respect & obeisance :i* ! vanity ( e>?ly pot5tates exacts f _! vassals4 ,x is aft] ^! notions s little agreeable to ! ,deity1 t ! prie/s h conjur$ up a cr[d ( practices & /range inv5tions1 ridicul\s1 inconv5i5t1 & (t5 cruel2 b by :i* !y in=m u we %all m]it ! good favor ( ,god1 or dis>m ! wra? ( ! ,univ]sal ,"l4 ,) "s1 all consi/s 9 pray]s1 (f]+s1 & sacrifices1 ) :i* !y fancy ,god is well pleas$4 ,!y =get t a ,god :o is good1 :o kn[s all ?+s1 has no ne$ to be solicit$2 t a ,god :o is ! au?or ( all ?+s has no ne$ to be pres5t$ ) any "p ( 8 workman%ip2 t a ,god :o kn[s 8 p[] has no ne$ ( ei!r flatt]ies or submissions1 to rem9d him ( 8 gr&eur1 8 p[]1 or 8 rights2 t a ,god :o is ,"l ( all has no ne$ ( (f]+s :i* belong to himself2 t a ,god :o has no ne$ ( any ?+ _c be won by pres5ts1 nor grudge to 8 creatures ! goods :i* !y h receiv$ f 8 div9e b\nty4 ,= ! want ( mak+ ^! reflections1 simple z !y are1 all ! religions 9 ! _w are fill$ ) an inf9ite numb] ( frivol\s practices1 by :i* m5 h long /rove to r5d] !mselves acceptable to ! ,deity4 ,! prie/s :o are always decl>$ to be ! m9i/]s1 ! favorites1 ! int]pret]s ( ,god's w1 h discov]$ h[ !y might mo/ easily pr(it by ! errors ( mank9d1 & ! pres5ts :i* !y (f] to ! ,deity4 ,!y are !nce int]e/$ to ent] into ! false ideas ( ! p1 & ev5 to r$\ble ! d>kness ( _! m9ds4 ,!y h inv5t$ means to please unkn[n p[]s :o dispose ( _! fate--to excite _! devotion & _! zeal = ^? invisible be+s ( :om !y 7 !mselves ! visible repres5tatives4 ,^! prie/s soon p]ceiv$ t 9 labor+ = ! ,gods !y labor$ = !mselves1 & t !y c\ld appropriate ! major "p ( ! pres5ts1 sacrifices1 & (f]+s1 :i* 7 made to be+s :o nev] %[$ !mselves 9 ord] to claim :at _! devotees int5d$ = !m4 ,y ?us p]ceive1 ,madam1 h[ ! prie/s h made common cause ) ! ,div9ity4 ,_! policy !nce oblig$ !m to favor & increase ! errors ( ! human k9d4 ,!y talk ( ?is ineffable ,be+ z ( an int]e/$ mon>*1 jeal\s1 full ( vanity1 :o gives t x may be re/or$ to him aga92 :o exacts cont9ual signs ( submission & respect2 :o desires1 )\t ceas+1 t m5 may reit]ate _! m>ks ( respect = him2 :o wi%es to be solicit$2 :o be/[s no grace unless x be accord$ to importunity = ! purpose ( mak+ x m valuable2 &1 above all1 :o all[s himself to be appeas$ & propitiat$ by gifts f :i* 8 m9i/]s d]ive ! greate/ advantage4 ,x is evid5t t x is ^u ^! ideas borr[$ f mon>*ical c\rts "h bel[ t are f\nd$ all ! practices1 c]emonies1 & rites t we see e/abli%$ 9 all ! religions ( ! e>?4 ,ea* sect has endeavor$ to make its ,god a mon>* ! mo/ r$\btable1 ! greate/1 ! mo/ despotic1 & ! mo/ selfi%4 ,! p acqua9t$ simply ) human op9ions1 & full ( debasem5t1 h adopt$ )\t exam9ation ! inv5tions :i* ! ,deity has %[n !m z ! fitte/ to obta9 8 favor & s(t5 8 wra?4 ,! prie/s fail n to adapt ^! practices1 :i* !y h inv5t$1 to _! own sy/em ( religion & p]sonal int]e/2 & ! ignorant & vulg> h all[$ !mselves to be bl9dly l$ by ^! guides4 ,habit has famili>iz$ !m ) ?+s ^u :i* !y nev] reason1 & !y make a duty ( ! r\t9e :i* has be5 transmitt$ to !m f age to age1 & f fa!r to *ild4 ,! infant1 z soon z x c be made to und]/& any ?+1 is taught me*anically to jo9 its little h&s 9 pray]4 ,8 tongue is =c$ to lisp a =mula :i* x does n compreh5d1 address$ to a ,god :i* its und]/&+ c nev] conceive4 ,9 ! arms ( its nurse x is c>ri$ into ! temple or *ur*1 :]e its eyes are habituat$ to contemplate spectacles1 c]emonies1 & pret5d$ my/]ies1 ( :i*1 ev5 :5 x %all h arriv$ at mature age1 x w /ill und]/& no?+4 ,if at ?is latt] p]iod any "o %\ld ask ! reason ( 8 conduct1 or desire to "k :y he made ?is conduct a sacr$ & important duty1 he c\ld give no explanation1 except t he 0 in/ruct$ 9 8 t5d] ye>s to respectfully obs]ve c]ta9 usages1 :i* he mu/ reg>d z sacr$1 z !y 7 un9telligible to him4 ,if an attempt 0 made to undeceive him 9 reg>d to ^! habitual futilities1 ei!r he w\ld n li/51 or he w\ld be irritat$ aga9/ :oev] d5i$ ! notions root$ 9 8 bra94 ,any man :o wi%$ to lead him to good s5se1 & :o reason$ aga9/ ! habits he _h contract$1 w\ld be reg>d$ by him z ridicul\s & extravagant1 or he w\ld repulse him z an infidel & blasphem]1 because 8 in/ructions lead him ?us to designate e man :o fails to pursue ! same r\t9e z himself1 or :o does n atta* ! same ideas z ! devotee to ?+s :i* ! latt] has nev] exam9$4 ,:at horror does x n fill ! ,*ri/ian devotee ) if y tell him t 8 prie/ is unnecess>y6 ,:at w\ld be 8 surprise if y 7 to prove to him1 ev5 on ! pr9ciples ( 8 religion1 t ! pray]s :i* 9 8 infancy he _h be5 taught to consid] z ! mo/ agreeable to 8 ,god1 are unwor?y & unnecess>y to ?is ,deity6 ,= if ,god kn[s all1 :at ne$ is !re to rem9d him ( ! wants ( 8 creatures :om he loves8 ,if ,god is a fa!r full ( t5d]ness & goodness1 is x necess>y to ask him to give u day by day our daily bread8 ,if ?is ,god1 s good1 =esaw ! wants ( 8 *ildr51 & knew mu* bett] ?an !y :at !y c\ld n "k ( !mselves1 :5ce is x he bids !m importune him to grant !m _! reque/s8 ,if ?is ,god is immutable & wise1 h[ c 8 creatures *ange ! fix$ resolution ( ! ,deity8 ,if ?is ,god is j & good1 h[ c he injure u1 or place u 9 a situation to require ! use ( t pray] :i* entreats ! ,deity n to lead u into temptation8 ,y see by ?is1 ,madam1 t !re is b a v small portion ( :at ! ,*ri/ians pret5d !y und]/& & consid] absolutely necess>y t accords at all ) :at !y tell u has be5 dictat$ by ,god himself4 ,y see t ! ,"l's pray] itself conta9s _m absurdities & ideas totally contr>y to ^? :i* e ,*ri/ian ought to h ( 8 ,god4 ,if y ask a ,*ri/ian :y he repeats )\t ceas+ ?is va9 =mula1 on :i* he nev] reflects1 he c assign little o!r reason ?an t he 0 taught 9 8 infancy to clasp 8 h&s1 repeat words ! mean+ ( :i* 8 prie/1 n himself1 is alone b\nd to und]/&4 ,he may probably add t he has ev] be5 taught to consid] ?is =mula requisite1 z x 0 ! mo/ sacr$ & ! mo/ prop] to m]it ! favor ( ,heav54 ,we %\ld1 )\t d\bt1 =m ! same judgm5t ( t multitude ( pray]s :i* our tea*]s recomm5d to u daily4 ,& if we believe !m1 man1 to please ,god1 ought to pass a l>ge portion ( 8 exi/5ce 9 supplicat+ ,heav5 to p\r d[n its bless+s on him4 ,b if ,god is good1 if he *]i%es 8 creatures1 if he kn[s _! wants1 x seems sup]flu\s to pray to him4 ,if ,god *anges n1 he has nev] promis$ to alt] 8 secret decrees1 or1 if he has1 he is v>iable 9 8 fancies1 l man2 to :at purpose are all our petitions to him8 ,if ,god is (f5d$ ) u1 w he n reject pray]s :i* insult 8 goodness1 8 ju/ice1 & inf9ite wisdom8 ,:at motives1 !n1 h our prie/s to inculcate con/antly ! necessity ( pray]8 ,x is t !y may !reby hold ! m9ds ( mank9d 9 op9ions m advantage\s to !mselves4 ,!y repres5t ,god to u "u ! traits ( a mon>* difficult ( access1 :o _c be easily pacifi$1 b ( :om !y are ! m9i/]s1 ! favorites1 & s]vants4 ,!y become int]cessors betwe5 ?is invisible ,sov]eign & 8 subjects ( ?is ne!r _w4 ,!y sell to ! ignorant _! int]cession ) ! ,all-p[]ful2 !y pray = ! p1 & by society !y are recomp5s$ ) real advantages1 ) ri*es1 honors1 & ease4 ,x is on ! necessity ( pray] t our prie/s1 our monks1 & all religi\s m5 e/abli% _! lazy exi/5ce2 t !y pr(ess to w9 a place 9 heav5 = _! foll[]s & payma/]s1 :o1 )\t ?is int]cession1 c\ld nei!r obta9 ! favor ( ,god1 nor av]t 8 *a/isem5ts & ! calamities ! _w is s (t5 visit$ )4 ,! pray]s ( ! prie/s are reg>d$ z a univ]sal rem$y = all evils4 ,all ! mis=tunes ( nations are laid be=e ^! spiritual guides1 :o g5]ally f9d public calamities a s\rce ( pr(it to !mselves1 z x is !n !y are amply paid = _! suppos$ m$iation betwe5 ! ,deity & 8 suff]+ creatures4 ,!y nev] tea* ! p t ^! ?+s spr+ f ! c\rse ( nature & ( laws !y _c control4 ,o1 no4 ,!y make ! _w believe !y are ! judgm5ts ( an angry ,god4 ,! evils = :i* !y c f9d no rem$y are pron\nc$ m>ks ( ! div9e wra?2 !y are sup]natural1 & ! prie/s mu/ be appli$ to4 ,god1 :om !y call s good1 appe>s sometimes ob/9ately deaf to _! entreaties4 ,_! common ,p>5t1 s t5d]1 appe>s to d]ange ! ord] ( nature to manife/ 8 ang]4 ,! ,god :o is s j1 sometimes puni%es m5 :o _c div9e ! cause ( 8 v5geance4 ,!n1 9 _! di/ress1 !y flee to ! prie/s1 :o nev] fail to f9d motives = ! div9e wra?4 ,!y tell !m t ,god has be5 (f5d$2 t he has be5 neglect$2 t he exacts pray]s1 (f]+s1 & sacrifices2 t he requires1 9 ord] to be appeas$1 t 8 m9i/]s %\ld receive m consid]ation1 %\ld be he>d m att5tively1 & %\ld be m enri*$4 ,)\t ?is1 !y ann\nce to ! vulg> t _! h>ve/s w fail1 t _! fields w be inundat$1 t pe/il5ce1 fam9e1 w>1 & contagion w visit ! e>?2 & :5 ^! mis=tunes h arriv$1 !y decl>e !y may be remov$ by means ( pray]s4 ,if fe> & t]ror p]mitt$ m5 to reason1 !y w\ld discov] t all ! evils1 z well z ! good ?+s ( ?is life1 are necess>y consequ5ces ( ! ord] ( nature4 ,!y w\ld p]ceive t a wise ,god1 immutable 9 8 conduct1 _c all[ any ?+ to transpire b accord+ to ^? laws ( :i* he is reg>d$ z ! au?or4 ,!y w\ld discov] t ! calamities1 /]ility1 maladies1 contagions1 & ev5 dea? itself are effects z necess>y z happ9ess1 abundance1 heal?1 & life itself4 ,!y w\ld f9d t w>s1 wants1 & fam9e are (t5 ! effects ( human imprud5ce2 t !y w\ld submit to accid5ts :i* !y c\ld n prev5t1 & gu>d aga9/ ^? !y c\ld =esee2 !y w\ld rem$y by simple & natural means ^? aga9/ :i* !y possess$ res\rces2 & !y w\ld undeceive !mselves 9 reg>d to ^? sup]natural means & ^? useless pray]s ( :i* ! exp]i5ce ( s _m ages ought to h disabus$ m51 if !y 7 capable ( correct+ _! religi\s prejudices4 ,?is w\ld n1 inde$1 r$\nd to ! advantage ( ! prie/s1 s9ce !y w\ld become useless if m5 p]ceiv$ ! inefficacy ( _! pray]s1 ! futility ( _! practices1 & ! abs5ce ( all rational f\ndation = ^? ex]cises ( piety :i* place ! human race ^u _! knees4 ,!y compel _! vot>ies always to run d[n ^? :o discr$it _! pret5sions4 ,!y t]rify ! weak m9d$ by frightful ideas :i* !y hold out to !m ( ! ,deity4 ,!y =bid !m to reason2 !y make !m deaf to reason1 by con=m+ !m to ord9ances ! mo/ out ( ! way1 ! mo/ unreasonable1 & ! mo/ contradictory to ! v pr9ciples on :i* !y pret5d to e/abli% !m4 ,!y *ange practices1 arbitr>y 9 !mselves1 or1 at mo/1 indiff]5t & useless1 into important duties1 :i* !y proclaim ! mo/ ess5tial ( all duties1 & ! mo/ sacr$ & moral4 ,!y "k t man ceases to reason 9 proportion z he suff]s or is wret*$4 ,h5ce1 if he exp]i5ces real mis=tunes1 ! prie/s make sure ( him2 if he is n un=tunate !y m5ace him2 !y create imag9>y fe>s & tr\bles4 ,9 f9e1 ,madam1 :5 y wi% to exam9e ) y\r own eyes1 & n by ! help ( ! pret5sions set up & impos$ on y by ! m9i/]s ( religion1 y w be compell$ to ackn[l$ge ! ?+s we h be5 consid]+ z useful to ! prie/s alone2 !y are useless to ! ,deity1 & to society !y are (t5 v obvi\sly p]nici\s4 ,( :at utility c x be 9 any family to behold an excess ( devotion 9 ! "m ( t family8 ,"o w\ld suppose x is n necess>y = a lady to pass all h] "t 9 pray]s & 9 m$itations1 to ! neglect ( o!r duties4 ,mu* less is x ! "p ( a ,ca?olic "m to be closet$ 9 my/ic conv]sation ) h] prie/4 ,w h] husb&1 h] *ildr51 & h] fri5ds applaud h] :o loses mo/ ( h] "t 9 pray]s1 & m$itations1 & practices1 :i* c t5d only to r5d] h] s\r1 unhappy1 & discont5t$8 ,w\ld x n be mu* bett] t a fa!r or a "m ( a family %\ld be occupi$ ) :at belong$ to _! dome/ic affairs ?an to sp5d _! "t 9 masses1 9 he>+ s]mons1 9 m$itat+ on my/]i\s & un9telligible dogmas1 or boa/+ ab\t ex]cises ( piety t t5d to no?+8 ,madam1 d y n f9d 9 ! c\ntry y inhabit a great _m devotees :o are sunk 9 debt1 ^: =tune is squ&]$ away on prie/s1 & :o are incapable ( retriev+ x8 ,cont5t to put _! consci5ce to rights on religi\s matt]s1 !y nei!r tr\ble !mselves ab\t ! education ( _! *ildr51 nor ! arrangem5t ( _! =tune1 nor ! dis*>ge ( _! debts4 ,su* m5 z w\ld be ?r[n into despair did !y omit "o mass1 w cons5t to leave _! cr$itors )\t _! money1 ru9$ by _! neglig5ce z mu* z by _! pr9ciples4 ,9 tru?1 ,madam1 on :at side soev] y survey ?is religion1 y w f9d x good = no?+4 ,:at %all we say ( ^? ftes :i* are s multipli$ among/ u8 ,are !y n evid5tly p]nici\s to society8 ,are n all days ! same to ! ,et]nal8 ,are !re gala days 9 heav58 ,c ,god be honor$ by ! bus9ess ( an artisan or a m]*ant1 :o1 9 place ( e>n+ bread on :i* 8 family may subsi/1 squ&]s away 8 "t 9 ! *ur*1 & aft]w>ds goes to sp5d 8 money 9 ! public h\se8 ,x is necess>y1 ! prie/s w tell y1 = man to h repose4 ,b w he n seek repose :5 he is fatigu$ by ! labor ( 8 h&s8 ,is x n m necess>y t e man %\ld labor 9 8 vocation ?an g to a temple to *ant ov] a s]vice :i* b5efits only ! prie/s1 or he> a s]mon ( :i* he c und]/& no?+8 ,& d n su* z f9d great scruple 9 do+ a necess>y labor on ,sunday frequ5tly sit d[n & get drunk on t day1 consum+ 9 a few h\rs ! receipts ( _! week's labor8 ,b x is = ! int]e/ ( ! cl]gy t all o!r %ops %\ld be %ut :5 !irs are op54 ,we may !nce easily discov] :y ftes are necess>y4 ,is x n contr>y to all ! notions :i* we c =m ( ! goodness & wisdom ( ! ,div9ity1 t religion %\ld =m into duties bo? ab/95ce & privations1 or t p5it5ces & au/]ities %\ld be ! sole pro(s ( virtue8 ,:at %\ld be said ( a fa!r :o %\ld place 8 *ildr5 at a table load$ ) ! fruits ( ! e>?1 b :o1 nev]!less1 %\ld deb> !m f t\*+ c]ta9 ( !m1 ?\gh bo? nature & reason dictat$ _! use & nutrim5t8 ,c we1 !n1 suppose t a ,deity wise & good int]dicts to 8 creatures ! enjoym5t ( innoc5t pleasures1 :i* may contribute to r5d] life agreeable1 or t a ,god :o has creat$ all ?+s1 e object ! mo/ desirable to ! n\ri%m5t & heal? ( man1 %\ld nev]!less =bid him _! use8 ,! ,*ri/ian religion appe>s to doom its vot>ies to ! puni%m5t ( ,tantalus4 ,! mo/ "p ( ! sup]/itions 9 ! _w h made ( ,god a caprici\s & jeal\s sov]eign1 :o amuses himself by tempt+ ! passions & excit+ ! desires ( 8 slaves1 )\t p]mitt+ !m ! gratification ( ! "o or ! enjoym5t ( ! o!r4 ,we see among all sects ! portraiture ( a *agr9$ ,deity1 ! enemy ( innoc5t amusem5ts1 & (f5d$ at ! well be+ ( 8 creatures4 ,we see 9 all c\ntries _m m5 s fooli% z to imag9e !y w m]it heav5 by fight+ aga9/ _! nature1 refus+ ! goods ( =tune1 & torm5t+ !mselves "u an idea t !y w !reby r5d] !mselves agreeable to ,god4 ,especially d !y believe t !y w by ^! means dis>m ! fury ( ,god1 & prev5t ! inflictions ( 8 *a/isem5ts1 if !y immolate !mselves to a be+ :o always requires victims4 ,we f9d ^! atroci\s1 fanatical1 & s5seless ideas 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :i* supposes its ,god z cruel to exact suff]+s f m5 z dea? f 8 only ,son4 ,if a ,god exempt f all s9 is himself also ! suff]] = ! s9s ( all1 :i* is ! doctr9e ( ^? :o ma9ta9 univ]sal r$emption1 x is n surpris+ to see m5 t are s9n]s mak+ x a duty to assemble 9 l>ge meet+s1 & inv5t ! means ( r5d]+ !mselves mis]able4 ,^! gloomy notions h bani%$ m5 to ! des]t4 ,!y h fanatically r5\nc$ society & ! pleasures ( life1 to be buri$ alive1 believ+ !y w\ld m]it heav5 if !y afflict$ !mselves ) /ripes & pass$ _! exi/5ce 9 mummical c]emonies1 z injuri\s to _! heal? z useless to _! c\ntry4 ,& ^! are ! false ideas by :i* ! ,div9ity is trans=m$ into a tyrant z b>b>\s z ins5sible1 :o1 agreeably to prie/craft1 has prescrib$ h[ bo? m5 & wom5 might live 9 ennui1 p5it5ce1 sorr[1 & te>s2 = ! p]fection ( mona/ic in/itutions consi/s 9 ! +5i\s art ( self-torture4 ,b sac]dotal pride f9ds its acc\nt 9 ^! au/]ities4 ,rigid monks glory 9 b>b>\s rules1 ! obs]vance ( :i* attracts ! respect ( ! cr$ul\s1 :o imag9e t m5 :o torm5t !mselves are inde$ ! favorites ( heav54 ,b ^! monks1 :o foll[ ^! au/]e rules1 are fanatics1 :o sacrifice !mselves to ! pride ( ! cl]gy :o live 9 luxury & 9 weal?1 al?\gh _! dup$1 imbecile bre?r5 h be5 kn[n to make x a po9t ( honor to die ( fam9e4 ,h[ (t51 ,madam1 has y\r att5tion n be5 ar\s$ :5 y recall$ to m9d ! fate ( ! poor religi\s m5 ( ! des]t1 :om an unnecess>y v[ has condemn$1 z x 7 volunt>ily1 to a life z rigor\s z if sp5t 9 a prison6 ,s$uc$ by ! en?usiasm ( y\?1 or =c$ by ! ord]s ( inhuman p>5ts1 !y h be5 oblig$ to c>ry to ! tomb ! *a9s ( _! captivity4 ,!y h be5 oblig$ to submit )\t appeal to a /]n sup]ior1 :o f9ds no consolation 9 ! dis*>ge ( 8 slavi% task b 9 mak+ 8 empire m h>d to ^? b5ea? him4 ,y h se5 un=tunate "y ladies oblig$ to r5\nce _! rank 9 society1 ! innoc5t pleasures ( y\?1 ! joys ( _! sex1 to groan =ev] "u a rigor\s despotism1 to :i* indiscreet v[s _h b\nd !m4 ,all mona/]ies pres5t to u an odi\s gr\p ( fanatics1 :o h sep>at$ !mselves f society to pass ! rema9d] ( _! lives 9 unhapp9ess4 ,! society ( ^! devotees is calculat$ solely to r5d] _! lives mutually m unsupportable4 ,b x seems /range t m5 %\ld expect to m]it heav5 by suff]+ ! torm5ts ( hell on e>?2 yet s x is1 & reason has too (t5 prov$ insuffici5t to conv9ce !m ( ! contr>y4 ,if ?is religion does n call all ,*ri/ians to ^! sublime p]fections1 x nev]!less enjo9s on all its vot>ies suff]+ & mortify+ ( ! body4 ,! *ur* prescribes privations to all h] *ildr51 & ab/95ces & fa/s2 ^! ?+s !y practise among u z duties2 & ! devotees imag9e !y r5d] !mselves v agreeable to ! ,div9ity :5 !y h scrupul\sly fulfill$ ^? m9ute & pu]ile practices1 by :i* !y tell u t ! prie/s h pro( :e!r _! pati5ce & ob$i5ce be su* z are dictat$ by & acceptable to ,heav54 ,:at a ridicul\s idea is x1 = example1 to make ( ! ,deity a trio ( p]sons2 to tea* ! fai?ful t ?is ,deity takes notice ( :at k9ds ( food 8 p eat2 t he is displeas$ if !y eat beef or mutton1 b t he is delight$ if !y eat beans & fi%6 ,9 good soo?1 ,madam1 our prie/s1 :o sometimes give u v l(ty ideas ( ,god1 please !mselves b too (t5 ) mak+ him /rangely contemptible6 ,! life ( a good ,*ri/ian or ( a devotee is cr[d$ ) a ho/ ( useless practices1 :i* w\ld be at lea/ p>donable if !y procur$ any good = society4 ,b x is n = t purpose t our prie/s make s mu* ado ab\t !m2 !y only wi% to h submissive slaves1 suffici5tly bl9d to respect _! caprices z ! ord]s ( a wise ,god2 suffici5tly /upid to reg>d all _! practices z div9e duties1 & !y :o scrupul\sly obs]ve !m z ! real favorites ( ! ,omnipot5t4 ,:at good c !re result to ! _w f ! ab/95ce ( meats1 s mu* enjo9$ on "s ,*ri/ians1 especially :5 o!r ,*ri/ians judge ?is injunction a v ridicul\s law1 & contr>y to reason & ! ord] ( ?+s e/abli%$ 9 nature8 ,x is n difficult to p]ceive among/ u t ?is injunction1 op5ly violat$ by ! ri*1 is an oppression on ! poor1 :o are compell$ to pay de>ly = an indiff]5t1 (t5 an un:olesome diet1 t injures r ?an repairs ! natural /r5g? ( _! con/itution4 ,besides1 d n ! prie/s sell ?is p]mission to ! ri*1 to transgress an injunction ! poor mu/ n violate ) impunity8 ,9 f9e1 !y seem to h multipli$ our practices1 our duties1 & our tortures1 to h ! advantage ( multiply+ our faults1 & mak+ a good b>ga9 out ( our pret5d$ crimes4 ,! m we exam9e religion ! m reason %all we h to be conv9c$ t x is b5eficial to ! prie/s alone4 ,e "p ( ?is religion conspires to r5d] u submissive to ! fantasies ( our spiritual guides1 to labor = _! gr&eur1 to contribute to _! ri*es4 ,!y appo9t u to p]=m disadvantage\s duties2 !y prescribe impossible p]fections1 purposely t we may transgress2 !y h !reby eng5d]$ 9 pi\s m9ds scruples & difficulties :i* !y condesc5d+ly appease = money4 ,a devotee is oblig$ to obs]ve1 )\t ceas+1 ! useless & frivol\s rules ( 8 prie/1 & ev5 !n he is subject to cont9ual reproa*es2 he is p]petually 9 want ( 8 prie/ to expiate 8 pret5d$ faults ) :i* he *>ges himself1 & ! omission ( duties t he reg>ds z ! mo/ important acts ( 8 life1 b :i* are r>ely su* z int]e/ society or b5efit x by _! p]=mance4 ,by a tra9 ( religi\s prejudices ) :i* ! prie/s infect ! m9d ( _! weak devotees1 ^! believe !mselves inf9itely m culpable :5 !y h omitt$ "s useless practice1 ?an if !y _h committ$ "s great inju/ice or atroci\s s9 aga9/ humanity4 ,x is commonly suffici5t = ! devotees to be on good t]ms ) ,god1 :e!r !y be consi/5t 9 _! actions ) man1 or 9 ! practice ( ^? duties !y owe to _! fell[ be+s4 ,besides1 ,madam1 :at real advantage does society d]ive f repeat$ pray]s1 ab/95ces1 privations1 seclusions1 m$itations1 & au/]ities1 to :i* religion atta*es s mu* value8 ,d all ! my/]i\s practices ( ! prie/s produce any real good8 ,are !y capable ( calm+ ! passions1 ( correct+ vices1 & ( giv+ virtue to ^? :o mo/ scrupul\sly obs]ve !m8 ,d we n daily see p]sons :o believe !mselves damn$ if !y =get a mass1 if !y eat a f[l on ,friday1 if !y neglect a confession1 ?\gh !y are guilty at ! same "t ( great d]eliction to society8 ,d !y n hold ! conduct ( ^? v unju/1 & v cruel1 :o happ5 to h ! mis=tune ( n ?9k+ & do+ z !y ?9k & act8 ,^! practices1 out ( :i* a great numb] ( m5 h creat$ ess5tial duties1 b too commonly absorb all moral duties2 = if ! devotees are ov]-religi\s1 x is r>e to f9d !m virtu\s4 ,cont5t ) do+ :at religion requires1 !y tr\ble !mselves v little ab\t o!r matt]s4 ,!y believe !mselves ! favor$ ( ,god1 & t x is a pro( ( ?is if !y are dete/$ by m51 ^: good op9ion !y are seldom anxi\s to des]ve4 ,! :ole life ( a devotee is sp5t 9 fulfill+1 ) scrupul\s exactitude1 duties indiff]5t to ,god1 unnecess>y to himself1 & useless to o!rs4 ,he fancies he is virtu\s :5 he has p]=m$ ! rites :i* 8 religion prescribes2 :5 he has m$itat$ on my/]ies ( :i* he und]/&s no?+2 :5 he has /ruggl$ ) sadness to d ?+s 9 :i* a man ( s5se c p]ceive no advantage2 9 f9e1 :5 he has endeavor$ to practise1 z mu* z 9 him lies1 ! ,evangelical or ,*ri/ian virtues1 9 :i* he ?9ks all morality ess5tially consi/s4 ,i %all proce$ 9 my next lett] to exam9e ^! virtues1 & to prove to y t !y are contr>y to ! ideas we ought to =m ( ,god1 useless to ourselves1 & (t5 dang]\s to o!rs4 ,9 ! mean "t1 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,viii4 ,( ,evangelical ,virtues & ,*ri/ian ,p]fection4 ,if we believe ! prie/s1 we %all be p]suad$1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion1 by ! beauty ( its morals1 excels philosophy & all ! o!r religi\s sy/ems 9 ! _w4 ,accord+ to !m1 ! unassi/$ reason ( ! human m9d c\ld nev] h conceiv$ s\nd] doctr9es ( morality1 m h]oical virtues1 or precepts m b5eficial to society4 ,b ?is is n all2 ! virtues kn[n or practis$ among ! hea!ns are consid]$ z false virtues2 f> f des]v+ our e/eem1 & ! favor ( ! ,almighty1 !y are entitl$ to no?+ b contempt2 &1 inde$1 are flagrant s9s 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,9 %ort1 ! prie/s labor to conv9ce u1 t ! ,*ri/ian e?ics are purely div9e1 & ! lessons inculcat$ s sublime1 t !y c\ld proce$ f no?+ less ?an ! ,deity4 ,if1 inde$1 we call t div9e :i* m5 c nei!r conceive nor p]=m2 if by div9e virtues we are to und]/& virtues to :i* ! m9d ( man _c possibly atta* ! lea/ idea ( utility2 if by div9e p]fections are meant ^? qualities :i* are n only =eign to ! nature ( man1 b :i* are irreconcilably repugnant to x1--!n1 inde$1 we %all be compell$ to ackn[l$ge t ! morals ( ,*ri/ianity are div9e2 at lea/ we %all be assur$ t !y h no?+ 9 common ) t sy/em ( morality :i* arises out ( ! nature & relations ( m51 b on ! contr>y1 t !y1 9 _m in/ances1 conf\nd ! be/ conceptions we are able to =m ( virtue4 ,guid$ by ! light ( reason1 we compreh5d "u ! "n ( virtue ^? habitual dispositions ( ! he>t :i* t5d to ! happ9ess & ! real advantage ( ^? ) :om we associate1 & by ! ex]cise ( :i* our fell[-creatures are induc$ to feel a reciprocal int]e/ 9 our welf>e4 ,"u ! ,*ri/ian sy/em ! "n ( virtues is be/[$ ^u dispositions :i* x is impossible to possess )\t sup]natural grace2 & :i*1 :5 possess$1 are useless1 if n injuri\s1 bo? to ourselves & o!rs4 ,! morality ( ,*ri/ians is1 9 good tru?1 ! morality ( ano!r _w4 ,l ! philosoph] ( antiquity1 !y keep _! eyes fix$ ^u ! />s till !y fall into a well1 unp]ceiv$1 at _! feet4 ,! only object :i* _! s*eme ( morals proposes to itself is1 to disgu/ _! m9ds ) ! ?+s ( ?is _w1 9 ord] t !y may place _! entire affections ^u ?+s above1 ( :i* !y h no k :atev]2 _! happ9ess "h bel[ =ms no "p ( _! consid]ation2 ?is life1 9 ! view ( a ,*ri/ian1 is no?+ b a pilgrimage1 lead+ to ano!r exi/5ce1 inf9itely m int]e/+ to 8 hopes1 because inf9itely beyond ! rea* ( 8 und]/&+4 ,besides1 be=e we c des]ve to be happy 9 ! _w :i* we d n "k1 we are in=m$ t we mu/ be mis]able 9 ! _w :i* we d "k2 &1 above all ?+s1 9 ord] to secure to ourselves happ9ess h]eaft]1 x is especially necess>y t we altoge!r resign ! use ( our own reason2 t is to say1 we mu/ seal up our eyes 9 utt] d>kness1 & surr5d] ourselves to ! guidance ( our prie/s4 ,^! are ! pr9ciples ^u :i* ! fabric ( ,*ri/ian morals is evid5tly con/ruct$4 ,let u n[ proce$1 ,madam1 to a m detail$ exam9ation ( ! virtues ^u :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion is built4 ,^! virtues are ,evangelical1 c4 ,if de/itute ( !m1 we are assur$ t x is 9 va9 = u to seek ! favor ( ! ,deity4 ,( ^! virtues ! fir/ is ,,fai?4 ,accord+ to ! doctr9e ( ! *ur*1 fai? is ! gift ( ,god1 a sup]natural virtue1 by means ( :i* we are inspir$ ) a firm belief 9 ,god1 & 9 all t he has v\*saf$ to reveal to man1 al?\gh our reason is utt]ly unable to compreh5d x4 ,fai? is1 says ! *ur*1 f\nd$ ^u ! ^w ( ,god1 :o c nei!r deceive nor be deceiv$4 ,?us fai? supposes1 t ,god has spok5 to man--b :at evid5ce h we t ,god has spok5 to man8 ,! ,holy ,scriptures4 ,:o is x t assures u ! ,holy ,scriptures conta9 ! ^w ( ,god8 ,x is ! *ur*4 ,b :o is x t assures u ! *ur* _c & w n deceive u8 ,! ,holy ,scriptures4 ,?us ! ,scriptures be> witness to ! infallibility ( ! *ur*--& ! *ur*1 9 return1 te/ifies ! tru? ( ! ,scriptures4 ,f ?is /atem5t ( ! case1 y mu/ p]ceive1 t fai? is no?+ m ?an an implicit belief 9 ! prie/s1 ^: assurances we adopt z ! f\ndation ( op9ions 9 !mselves incompreh5sible4 ,x is true1 t z a confirmation ( ! tru? ( ,scripture1 we are ref]r$ to miracles--b x is ^! id5tical ,scriptures :i* report to u & te/ify ( ^? v miracles4 ,( ! absolute impossibility ( any miracles1 ,i flatt] myself t ,i h already conv9c$ y4 ,besides1 ,i _c b ?9k1 ,madam1 t y mu/ be1 by ?is "t1 ?or\ghly satisfi$ h[ absurd x is to say t ! und]/&+ is conv9c$ ( any ?+ :i* x does n compreh5d2 ! insight ,i h giv5 y into ! books :i* ! ,*ri/ians call sacr$1 mu/ h left ^u y\r m9d a firm p]suasion1 t !y nev] c\ld h proce$$ f a wise1 a good1 an omnisci5t1 a j1 & all-p[]ful ,god4 ,if1 !n1 we _c yield !m a real belief1 :at we call fai? c be no?+ m ?an a bl9d & irrational adh]5ce to a sy/em devis$ by prie/s1 ^: crafty selfi%ness has made !m c>eful f ! e>lie/ infancy to fill our t5d] m9ds ) prepossessions 9 favor ( doctr9es :i* !y judg$ favorable to _! own int]e/s4 ,int]e/$1 h[ev]1 z !y are 9 ! op9ions :i* !y endeavor to =ce ^u u z tru?1 is x possible = ^! prie/s to believe !m !mselves8 ,unque/ionably n--! ?+ is out ( nature4 ,!y are m5 l ourselves1 furni%$ ) ! same faculties1 & nei!r !y nor we c be conv9c$ ( any ?+ :i* lies equally beyond ! scope ( u all4 ,if !y possess$ an additional s5se1 we %\ld p]haps all[ t !y might compreh5d :at is un9telligible to u2 b z we cle>ly see t !y h no intellectual privileges above ! re/ ( ! species1 we are compell$ to conclude1 t _! fai?1 l ! fai? ( o!r ,*ri/ians1 is a bl9d acquiesc5ce 9 op9ions d]iv$1 )\t exam9ation1 f _! pr$ecessors2 & t !y mu/ be hypocrites :5 !y pret5d to believe 9 doctr9es ( ! tru? ( :i* !y _c be conv9c$1 s9ce ^! doctr9es h be5 %[n to be de/itute ( t degree ( evid5ce :i* is necess>y to impress ! m9d ) a feel+ ( _! probability1 mu* less ( _! c]ta9ty4 ,x w be said t fai?1 or ! faculty ( believ+ ?+s incr$ible1 is ! gift ( ,god1 & c only be kn[n to ^? ^u :om ,god has be/[$ ! favor4 ,my answ] is1 t1 if t be ! case1 we h no alt]native b to wait till ! grace ( ,god %all be %$ ^u u--& t 9 ! mean "t we may be all[$ to d\bt :e!r cr$ulity1 /upidity1 & ! p]v]sion ( reason c proce$1 z favors1 f a rational ,deity :o has end[$ u ) ! p[] ( ?9k+4 ,if ,god be inf9itely wise1 h[ c folly & imbecility be pleas+ to him8 ,if !re 7 su* a ?+ z fai?1 proce$+ f grace1 x w\ld be ! privilege ( see+ ?+s o!rwise ?an z ,god has made !m2 & if t 7 s1 x foll[s1 t ! :ole creation w\ld be a m]e *eat4 ,no man c believe ! ,bible to be ! production ( ,god )\t do+ viol5ce to e consi/5t notion t he is able to =m ( ,deity6 ,no man c believe t "o ,god is ?ree ,gods1 & t ^? ?ree ,gods are "o ,god1 )\t r5\nc+ all pret5sion to common s5se1 & p]suad+ himself t !re is no su* ?+ z c]ta9ty 9 ! _w4 ,?us1 ,madam1 we are b\nd to suspect t :at ! *ur* calls a gift f above1 a sup]natural grace1 is1 9 fact1 a p]fect bl9dness1 an irrational cr$ulity1 a bruti% submission1 a vague unc]ta9ty1 a /upid ignorance1 by :i* we are l$ to acquiesce1 )\t inve/igation1 9 e dogma t our prie/s ?9k fit to impose ^u u--by :i* we are l$ to adopt1 )\t kn[+ :y1 ! pret5d$ op9ions ( m5 :o c h no bett] means ( arriv+ at ! tru? ?an we h4 ,9 %ort1 we are au?oriz$ 9 suspect+ t no motive b t ( bl9d+ u1 9 ord] m effectually to deceive u1 c actuate ^? m5 :o are et]nally prea*+ to u ab\t a virtue :i*1 if x c\ld exi/1 w\ld ?r[ into utt] confusion ! simple/ & cle>e/ p]ceptions ( ! human m9d4 ,?is supposition is amply confirm$ by ! conduct ( our ecclesia/ics--=gett+ :at !y h told u1 t grace is ! gratuit\s pres5t ( ,god1 be/[$ or )held at 8 sov]eign pleasure1 !y nev]!less indulge _! wra? aga9/ all ^? :o h n receiv$ ! gift ( fai?2 !y keep up "o incessant ana!ma aga9/ all unbeliev]s1 & no?+ less ?an absolute ext]m9ation ( h]esy c appease _! ang] :]ev] !y h ! /r5g? to accompli% x4 ,s t h]etics & unbeliev]s are made acc\ntable = ! grace ( ,god1 al?\gh !y nev] receiv$ x2 !y are puni%$ 9 ?is _w = ^? advantages :i* ,god has n be5 pleas$ to ext5d to !m 9 _! j\rney to ! next4 ,9 ! e/imation ( prie/s & devotees1 ! want ( fai? is ! mo/ unp>donable ( all (f5ces--x is precisely t (f5ce :i*1 9 ! cruelty ( _! absurd inju/ice1 !y visit ) ! la/ rigors ( puni%m5t1 = y _c be ignorant1 ,madam1 t 9 all c\ntries :]e ! cl]gy possess suffici5t influ5ce1 ! flames ( prie/ly *>ity are light$ up to consume all ^? :o are defici5t 9 ! prescrib$ all[ance ( fai?4 ,:5 we inquire ! motive = _! unju/ & s5seless proce$+s1 we are told t fai? is ! mo/ necess>y ( all ?+s1 t fai? is ( ! mo/ ess5tial s]vice to morals1 t )\t fai? a man is a dang]\s & wick$ wret*1 a pe/ to society4 ,&1 aft] all1 is x our own *oice to h fai?8 ,c we believe j :at we please8 ,does x dep5d ^u ourselves n to ?9k a proposition absurd :i* our und]/&+ %[s u to be absurd8 ,h[ c\ld we avoid receiv+1 9 our infancy1 :atev] impressions & op9ions our tea*]s & relations *ose to implant 9 u8 ,& :]e is ! man :o c boa/ t he has fai?--t he is fully conv9c$ ( my/]ies :i* he _c conceive1 & wond]s :i* he _c compreh5d8 ,"u ^! circum/ances h[ c fai? be s]viceable to morals8 ,if no "o c h fai? b ^u ! assurance ( ano!r1 & consequ5tly _c ent]ta9 a real conviction1 :at becomes ( ! social virtues8 ,admitt+ t fai? 7 possible1 :at connection c exi/ betwe5 su* occult speculations & ! manife/ duties ( mank9d1 duties :i* are palpable to e "o :o1 9 ! lea/1 consults 8 reason1 8 int]e/1 or ! welf>e ( ! society to :i* he belongs8 ,be=e ,i c be satisfi$ ( ! advantages ( ju/ice1 temp]ance1 & b5evol5ce1 mu/ ,i fir/ believe 9 ! ,tr9ity1 ! ,inc>nation1 ! ,eu*>i/1 & all ! fables ( ! ,old ,te/am5t8 ,if ,i believe 9 all ! atroci\s murd]s attribut$ by ! ,bible to t ,god :om ,i am b\nd to consid] z ! f\nta9 ( ju/ice1 wisdom1 & goodness1 is x n likely t ,i %all feel enc\rag$ to ! commission ( crimes :5 ,i f9d !m sanction$ by su* an example8 ,al?\gh unable to discov] ! value ( s _m my/]ies :i* ,i _c und]/&1 or ( s _m fanciful & cumb]some c]emonies prescrib$ by ! *ur*1 am ,i1 on t acc\nt1 to be d5\nc$ z a m dang]\s citiz5 ?an ^? :o p]secute1 torm5t1 & de/roy e "o ( _! fell[-creatures :o does n ?9k & act at _! dictation8 ,! evid5t result ( all ^! consid]ations mu/ be1 t he :o has a lively fai? & a bl9d zeal = op9ions contradictory to common s5se1 is m irrational1 & consequ5tly m wick$ ?an ! man ^: m9d is unta9t$ by su* dete/able doctr9es2 = :5 once ! prie/s h ga9$ _! fatal asc5d5cy ov] 8 m9d1 & h p]suad$ him t1 by committ+ all sorts ( enormities1 he is do+ ! "w ( ! ,"l1 !re c be no d\bt t he w make great] havoc 9 ! happ9ess ( ! _w1 ?an ! man ^: reason tells him t su* excesses _c be acceptable 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,! advocates ( ! *ur* w "h int]rupt me1 by alleg+ t if dive/$ ( ^? s5tim5ts :i* religion inspires1 m5 w\ld no long] live "u ! influ5ce ( motives /rong en\gh to induce an ab/95ce f vice1 or to urge !m on 9 ! c>e] ( virtue :5 ob/ruct$ by pa9ful sacrifices4 ,9 a ^w1 x w be affirm$ t unless m5 are conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( an av5g+ & remun]at+ ,god1 !y are releas$ f e motive to fulfil _! duties to ea* o!r 9 ! pres5t life4 ,y are1 d\btless1 ,madam1 q s5sible ( ! futility ( su* pret5ces1 put =? by prie/s :o1 9 ord] to r5d] !mselves m necess>y1 are indefatigable 9 endeavor+ to p]suade u t _! sy/em is indisp5sable to ! ma9t5ance ( social ord]4 ,to annihilate _! sophi/ries x is suffici5t to reflect ^u ! nature ( man1 8 true int]e/s1 & ! end = :i* society is =m$4 ,man is a feeble be+1 ^: necessities r5d] him con/antly dep5d5t ^u ! support ( o!rs1 :e!r x be = ! pres]vation or ! pleasure ( 8 exi/5ce2 he has no means ( int]e/+ o!rs 9 8 welf>e except by 8 mann] ( conduct+ himself t[>ds !m2 t conduct :i* r5d]s him an object ( affection to o!rs is call$ virtue--:atev] is p]nici\s to society is call$ crime--& :]e ! consequ5ces are injuri\s only to ! individual himself1 x is call$ vice4 ,?us e man mu/ imm$iately p]ceive t he consults 8 own happ9ess by advanc+ t ( o!rs--t vices1 h[ev] cauti\sly disguis$ f public obs]vation1 are1 nev]!less1 fraught ) ru9 to him :o practises !m--& t crimes are sure to r5d] ! p]petrator odi\s or contemptible 9 ! eyes ( 8 associates1 :o are necess>y to 8 own happ9ess4 ,9 %ort1 education1 public op9ion1 & ! laws po9t out to u our mutual duties mu* m cle>ly ?an ! *im]as ( an incompreh5sible religion4 ,e man on consult+ ) himself w feel indubitably t he desires 8 own cons]vation2 exp]i5ce w tea* him bo? :at he ought to d & :at to avoid to arrive at ?is end2 9 consequ5ce he w %r9k f ^? excesses :i* endang] 8 be+2 he w deb> himself f ^? gratifications :i* 9 _! c\rse w\ld r5d] 8 exi/5ce mis]able2 & he w\ld make sacrifices1 if x 0 necess>y1 9 ! view ( procur+ himself advantages m real ?an ^? ( :i* he mom5t>ily depriv$ himself4 ,?us he w\ld "k :at he owes to himself & :at he owes to o!rs4 ,"h1 ,madam1 y h a %ort b p]fect summ>y ( all morals1 d]iv$1 z !y mu/ be1 f ! nature ( man1 ! uni=m exp]i5ce & ! univ]sal reason ( mank9d4 ,^! precepts are compulsory ^u our m9ds1 = !y %[ u t ! consequ5ces ( our conduct fl[ f our actions ) z natural & inevitable a c]ta9ty z ! return ( a /one to ! e>? aft] ! impetus is exhau/$ :i* deta9$ x 9 ! air4 ,x is natural & inevitable t ! man :o employs himself 9 do+ good mu/ be pref]r$ to ! man :o does mis*ief4 ,e ?9k+ be+ mu/ be p5etrat$ ) ! tru? ( ?is incontrov]tible maxim1 & all ! pond]\s volumes ( !ology t ev] 7 compos$ c add no?+ to ! =ce ( 8 conviction2 e ?9k+ be+ w1 !re=e1 avoid a conduct calculat$ to injure ei!r himself or o!rs2 he w feel himself "u ! necessity ( do+ good to o!rs1 z ! only me?od ( obta9+ solid happ9ess = himself1 & ( conciliat+ to himself ^? s5tim5ts on ! "p ( o!rs1 )\t :i* he c\ld d]ive no *>ms f society4 ,y p]ceive1 !n1 ,madam1 t fai? _c 9 any mann] contribute to ! correction ( social conduct1 & y w feel t ! popul> sup]natural notions _c add any ?+ to ! obligations t our nature imposes ^u u4 ,9 fact1 ! m my/]i\s & incompreh5sible are ! dogmas ( ! *ur*1 ! m likely are !y to draw u aside f ! pla9 dictates ( ,nature & ! /raight-=w>d directions ( ,reason1 ^: voice is incapable ( mislead+ u4 ,a c&id survey ( ! causes :i* produce an inf9ity ( evils t afflict society w quickly po9t out ! speculative t5ets ( !ology z _! mo/ fruitful s\rce4 ,! intoxication ( en?usiasm & ! fr5zy ( fanaticism concur 9 ov]p[]+ reason1 & by r5d]+ m5 bl9d & unreflect+1 conv]t !m into enemies bo? ( !mselves & ! re/ ( ! _w4 ,x is impossible = ! wor%ipp]s ( a tyrannical1 p>tial1 & cruel ,god to practise ! duties ( ju/ice & philan?ropy4 ,z soon z ! prie/s h succe$$ 9 /ifl+ )9 u ! comm&s ( ,reason1 !y h already conv]t$ u into slaves1 9 :om !y c k9dle :atev] passions x may please !m to inspire u )4 ,_! int]e/1 inde$1 requires t we %\ld be slaves4 ,!y exact f u ! surr5d] ( our reason1 because our reason contradicts _! impo/ures1 & w\ld ru9 _! plans ( aggr&izem5t4 ,fai? is ! in/rum5t by :i* !y enslave u & make u subs]vi5t to _! own ambition4 ,h5ce arises _! zeal = ! propagation ( ! fai?2 h5ce arises _! implacable ho/ility to sci5ce1 & to all ^? :o refuse submission to _! yoke2 h5ce arises _! incessant endeavor to e/abli% ! dom9ion ( ,fai?1 7t is to say1 _! own dom9ion17 ev5 by fire & sword1 ! only argum5ts !y condesc5d to employ4 ,x mu/ be confess$ t society d]ives b little advantage f ?is sup]natural fai? :i* ! *ur* has exalt$ into ! fir/ ( virtues4 ,z x reg>ds ,god1 x is p]fectly useless to him1 s9ce if he wi%es mank9d to be conv9c$1 x is suffici5t t he wills !m to be s4 ,x is utt]ly unwor?y ( ! supreme wisdom ( ,god1 :o _c exhibit himself to mortals 9 a mann] contradictory to ! reason ) :i* he has end[$ !m4 ,x is unwor?y ( ! div9e ju/ice1 :i* _c require f mank9d to be conv9c$ ( t :i* !y _c und]/&4 ,x d5ies ! v exi/5ce ( ,god himself1 by inculcat+ a belief totally subv]sive ( ! only rational idea we are able to =m ( ! ,div9ity4 ,z x reg>ds morality1 fai? is also useless4 ,fai? _c r5d] x ei!r m sacr$ or m necess>y ?an x already is by its own inh]5t ess5ce1 & by ! nature ( man4 ,fai? is n only useless1 b injuri\s to society1 s9ce1 "u ! plea ( its pret5d$ necessity1 x frequ5tly fills ! _w ) deplorable tr\bles & horrid crimes4 ,9 %ort1 fai? is self-contradictory1 s9ce by x we are requir$ to believe 9 ?+s inconsi/5t ) ea* o!r1 & ev5 incompatible ) ! pr9ciples laid d[n 9 ! books :i* we h already inve/igat$1 & :i* conta9 :at we are comm&$ to believe4 ,to :om1 !n1 is fai? f\nd to be advantage\s8 ,to a few m51 only1 :o1 avail+ !mselves ( its influ5ce to degrade ! human m9d1 contrive to r5d] ! labor ( ! :ole _w tribut>y to _! own luxury1 spl5dor1 & p[]4 ,are ! nations ( ! e>? any happi] = _! fai?1 or _! bl9d reliance on prie/s8 ,c]ta9ly n4 ,we d n !re f9d m morality1 m virtue1 m indu/ry1 or m happ9ess2 b1 on ! contr>y1 :]ev] ! prie/s are p[]ful1 !re ! p are sure to be f\nd abject 9 _! m9ds & squalid 9 _! condition4 ,b ,hope--,hope1 ! second 9 ord] ( ! ,*ri/ian p]fections1 is ev] at h& to console u = ! evils inflict$ by ,fai?4 ,we are comm&$ to be firmly conv9c$ t ^? :o h fai?1 t is to say1 ^? :o believe 9 prie/s1 %all be amply rew>d$ 9 ! o!r _w = _! m]itori\s submission 9 ?is4 ,?us hope is f\nd$ on fai?1 9 ! same mann] z fai? is e/abli%$ ^u hope2 fai? enjo9s u to ent]ta9 a dev\t hope t our fai? w be rew>d$4 ,& :at is x we are told to hope =8 ,= unspeakable b5efits2 t is1 b5efits = :i* language conta9s no expression4 ,s t1 aft] all1 we "k n :at x is we are to hope =4 ,& h[ c we feel a hope or ev5 a wi% = any object t is undef9able8 ,h[ c prie/s incessantly speak to u ( ?+s ( :i* !y1 at ! same "t1 ackn[l$ge x is impossible = u to =m any ideas8 ,x ?us appe>s t hope & fai? h "o common f\ndation2 ! same bl[ :i* ov]turns ! "o necess>ily levels ! o!r ) ! gr\nd4 ,b let u pause a mom5t1 & endeavor to discov] ! advantages ( ,*ri/ian hope among/ m54 ,x enc\rages to ! practice ( virtue2 x supports ! un=tunate "u ! /roke ( affliction2 & consoles ! believ] 9 ! h\r ( adv]sity4 ,b :at enc\ragem5t1 :at support1 :at consolation c be imp>t$ to ! m9d f ^! undef9$ & undef9able %ad[s8 ,no "o1 inde$1 w d5y t hope is suffici5tly useful to ! prie/s1 :o nev] fail to call 9 its assi/ance = ! v9dication ( ,provid5ce1 :5ev] any ( ! elect h occasion to compla9 ( ! unm]it$ h>d%ip or ! transi5t inju/ice ( 8 disp5sations4 ,besides1 ^! prie/s1 not)/&+ _! beautiful sy/ems1 f9d !mselves unable to fulfil ! high-s\nd+ promises !y s lib]ally make to all ! fai?ful1 & are frequ5tly at a loss to expla9 ! evils :i* !y br+ ^u _! flocks by means ( ! qu>rels !y engage 91 & ! false notions ( religion !y ent]ta92 on ^! occasions ! prie/s h a /&+ appeal to hope1 tell+ _! dupes t man 0 n creat$ = ?is _w1 t heav5 is 8 home1 & t 8 suff]+s "h w be c\nt]balanc$ by indescribable bliss h]eaft]4 ,?us1 l quacks1 ^: no/rums h ru9$ ! heal? ( _! pati5ts1 !y h /ill left to !mselves ! advantage ( sell+ hopes to ^? :om !y "k !mselves unable to cure4 ,our prie/s resemble "s ( our physicians1 :o beg9 by fright5+ u into our compla9ts1 9 ord] t !y may make u cu/om]s = ! hopes :i* !y aft]w>ds sell to u = _! weight 9 gold4 ,?is traffic con/itutes1 9 reality1 all t is call$ religion4 ,! ?ird ( ! ,*ri/ian virtues is ,*>ity2 t is1 to love ,god above all ?+s1 & our neighbors z ourselves4 ,b be=e we are requir$ to love ,god above all ?+s1 x seems reasonable t religion %\ld condesc5d to repres5t him z wor?y ( our love4 ,9 good fai?1 ,madam1 is x possible to feel t ! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians is entitl$ to our love8 ,is x possible to feel any o!r s5tim5ts ?an ^? ( av]sion t[>ds a p>tial1 caprici\s1 cruel1 rev5geful1 jeal\s1 & sangu9>y tyrant8 ,h[ c we s9c]ely love ! mo/ t]rible ( be+s1--! liv+ ,god1 into ^: h&s x is dreadful to ?9k ( fall+1--! ,god :o c consign to et]nal damnation ^? v creatures :o1 )\t 8 own cons5t1 w\ld nev] h exi/$8 ,are our !ologians aw>e ( :at !y say1 :5 !y tell u t ! fe> ( ,god is ! fe> ( a *ild = its p>5t1 :i* is m+l$ ) love8 ,are we n b\nd to hate1 c we by any means avoid dete/+1 a b>b>\s fa!r1 ^: inju/ice is s b\ndless z to puni% ! :ole human race1 ?\gh innoc5t1 9 ord] to rev5ge himself ^u two individuals = ! s9 ( ! apple1 :i* s9 he himself might h prev5t$ if he _h ?\ght prop]8 ,9 %ort1 ,madam1 x is a physical impossibility to love above all ?+s a ,god ^: :ole conduct1 z describ$ 9 ! ,bible1 fills u ) a freez+ horror4 ,if1 !re=e1 ! love ( ,god1 z ! ,jans5i/s ass]t1 is indisp5sable to salvation1 we _c wond] to f9d t ! elect are s few4 ,inde$1 !re are n _m p]sons :o c re/ra9 !mselves f hat+ ?is ,god2 & ! doctr9e ( ! ,jesuits is1 t to ab/a9 f hat+ him is suffici5t = salvation4 ,! p[] ( lov+ a ,god :om religion pa9ts z ! mo/ dete/able ( be+s w\ld1 d\btless1 be a pro( ( ! mo/ sup]natural grace1 t is1 a grace ! mo/ contr>y to nature2 to love t :i* we d n "k1 is1 assur$ly1 suffici5tly difficult2 to love t :i* we fe>1 is /ill m difficult2 b to love t :i* is exhibit$ to u 9 ! mo/ repulsive colors1 is manife/ly impossible4 ,we mu/1 aft] all ?is1 be ?or\ghly conv9c$ t1 except by means ( an invisible grace nev] communicat$ to ! pr(ane1 no ,*ri/ian 9 8 sob] s5ses c love 8 ,god2 ev5 ^? devotees :o pret5d to t happ9ess are apt to deceive !mselves2 _! conduct resembles t ( hypocritical flatt]]s1 :o1 9 ord] to +ratiate !mselves ) an odi\s tyrant1 or to escape 8 res5tm5t1 make e pr(ession ( atta*m5t1 :il/1 at ! bottom ( _! he>ts1 !y execrate him2 or1 on ! o!r h&1 !y mu/ be condemn$ z en?usia/s1 :o1 by means ( a heat$ imag9ation1 become ! dupes ( _! own illusions1 & only view ! favorable side ( a ,god decl>$ to be ! f\nta9 ( all good1 yet1 nev]!less1 con/antly del9eat$ to u ) e feature ( wick$ness4 ,devotees1 :5 s9c]e1 are l wom5 giv5 up to ! infatuation ( a bl9d passion by :i* !y are enam\r$ ) lov]s reject$ by ! re/ ( ! sex z unwor?y ( _! affection4 ,x 0 said by ,madame de ,svign t %e lov$ ,god z a p]fectly well-br$ g5tleman1 ) :om %e _h nev] be5 acqua9t$4 ,b c ! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians be e/eem$ a well-br$ g5tleman8 ,unless h] head 0 turn$1 "o w\ld ?9k t %e mu/ h be5 cur$ ( h] passion by ! slighte/ ref]5ce to h] imag9>y lov]'s portrait z drawn 9 ! ,bible1 or z x is spread ^u ! canvas ( our !ological arti/s4 ,) reg>d to ! love ( our neighbor1 :]e 0 ! necessity ( religion to tea* u our duty1 :i* z m5 we _c b feel1 ( *]i%+ s5tim5ts ( good w t[>ds ea* o!r8 ,x is only by %[+ 9 our conduct an affectionate disposition to o!rs t we c produce 9 !m correspond5t feel+s t[>ds ourselves4 ,! simple circum/ance ( be+ m5 is q suffici5t to give u a claim ^u ! he>t ( e man :o is susceptible ( ! sweet s5sibilities ( our nature4 ,:o is bett] acqua9t$ ?an y\rself1 ,madam1 ) ?is tru?8 ,does n y\r compassionate s\l exp]i5ce at e mom5t ! delightful satisfaction ( solac+ ! unhappy8 ,sett+ aside ! sup]flu\s precepts ( religion1 ?9k y t y c\ld by any ef=ts /eel y\r he>t aga9/ ! te>s ( ! un=tunate8 ,is x n by r5d]+ our fell[-creatures happy t we e/abli% an empire 9 _! he>ts8 ,enjoy1 !n1 ,madam1 ?is delightful sov]eignty2 cont9ue to bless ) y\r b5efic5ce all t surr\nd y2 ! consci\sness ( be+ ! disp5s] ( s mu* good w always su/a9 y\r m9d ) ! mo/ gratify+ self-applause2 ^? :o h receiv$ y\r k9dness w rew>d y ) _! bless+s1 & af=d y ! tribute ( affection :i* mank9d are ev] eag] to lay at ! feet ( _! b5efactors4 ,*ri/ianity1 n satisfi$ ) recomm5d+ ! love ( our neighbor1 sup]adds ! injunction ( lov+ our enemies4 ,?is precept1 attribut$ to ! ,son ( ,god himself1 =ms ! gr\nd on :i* our div9es claim = _! religion a sup]iority ( moral doctr9e ov] all t ! philosoph]s ( antiquity 7 kn[n to tea*4 ,let u1 !re=e1 exam9e h[ f> ?is precept admits ( be+ r$uc$ to practice4 ,true1 an elevat$ m9d may easily place itself above a s5se ( injuries2 a noble _s reta9s no res5tful recollections2 a great s\l rev5ges itself by a g5]\s clem5cy2 b x is an absurd contradiction to require t a man %all ent]ta9 feel+s ( t5d]ness & reg>d = ^? :om he kn[s to be b5t on 8 de/ruction2 ?is love ( our enemies1 :i* ,*ri/ianity is s va9 ( hav+ promulgat$1 turns out1 !n1 to be an impracticable comm&m5t1 beli$ & d5i$ by e ,*ri/ian at e mom5t ( 8 life4 ,h[ prepo/]\s to talk ( lov+ t :i* annoys u6--( *]i%+ an atta*m5t = t :i* gives u pa96--( receiv+ an outrage ) joy6--( lov+ ^? :o subject u to mis]y & suff]+6 ,no2 9 ! mid/ ( ^! trials our firmness may p]haps be /r5g!n$ by ! hope ( a rew>d h]eaft]2 b x is a m]e fallacy to talk ( our ent]ta9+ a s9c]e love = ^? :om we deem ! au?ors ( our afflictions2 ! lea/ t we c d is to avoid !m1 :i* w n be look$ ^u z a v /rong indication ( our love4 ,not)/&+ ! solemn =mality ) :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion obtrudes ^u u ^! vaunt$ precepts ( love ( our neighbor1 love ( our enemies1 & =giv5ess ( injuries1 x _c escape ! obs]vation ( ! weake/ among u1 t ^? v m5 :o are ! l\de/ 9 prais+ are also ! fir/ & mo/ con/ant 9 violat+ !m4 ,our prie/s especially seem to consid] !mselves exempt f ! tr\blesome necessity ( adopt+ = _! own conduct a too lit]al int]pretation ( ?is div9e law4 ,!y h inv5t$ a mo/ conv5i5t salvo1 s9ce !y affect to exclude all ^? :o d n pr(ess to ?9k z !y dictate1 n only f ! k9dness ( neighbors1 b ev5 f ! rights ( fell[-creatures4 ,on ?is pr9ciple !y defame1 p]secute1 & de/roy e "o :o displeases !m4 ,:5 d y see a prie/ =give8 ,:5 rev5ge is out ( 8 rea*6 ,b x is nev] _! own injuries !y puni%2 x is nev] _! own enemies !y seek to ext]m9ate4 ,_! dis9t]e/$ indignation burns ) res5tm5t aga9/ ! enemies ( ! ,mo/ ,high1 :o1 )\t _! assi/ance1 w\ld be incapable ( adju/+ 8 own qu>rels6 ,by an unacc\ntable co9cid5ce1 h[ev]1 x is sure to happ5 t ! enemies ( ! *ur* are ! enemies ( ! ,mo/ ,high1 :o nev] fails to make common cause ) ! m9i/]s ( ! fai?1 & :o w\ld take x extremely ill if 8 m9i/]s %\ld relax 9 ! measure ( puni%m5t due to _! common enemy4 ,?us our prie/s are cruel & rev5geful f pure zeal2 !y w\ld ard5tly wi% to =give _! own enemies1 b h[ c\ld !y ju/ify !mselves to ! ,god ( ,m]cies if !y ext5d$ ! lea/ indulg5ce to 8 enemies8 ,a true ,*ri/ian loves ! ,creator above all ?+s1 & consequ5tly he mu/ love him 9 pref]5ce to ! creature4 ,we feel a lively int]e/ 9 e ?+ t conc]ns ! object ( our love2 f all :i*1 x foll[s t we mu/ ev9ce our zeal1 & ev51 :5 necess>y1 we mu/ n hesitate to ext]m9ate our neighbor1 if he says or does :at is displeas+ or injuri\s to ,god4 ,9 su* a case1 indiff]5ce w\ld be crim9al2 a s9c]e love ( ,god breaks out into a holy ardor 9 8 cause1 & our m]it rises 9 proportion to our viol5ce4 ,^! notions1 absurd z !y are1 h be5 suffici5t 9 e age to produce 9 ! _w a multitude ( crimes1 extravagances1 & follies1 ! legitimate (fspr+ ( a religi\s zeal4 ,infatuat$ fanatics1 exasp]at$ by prie/s aga9/ ea* o!r1 h be5 driv5 into mutual hatr$1 p]secution1 & de/ruction2 !y h ?\ght !mselves call$ ^u to av5ge ! ,almighty2 !y h c>ri$ _! insane delusions s f> z to p]suade !mselves t ! ,god ( clem5cy & goodness c\ld look on ) pleasure :ile !y murd]$ _! bre?r52 9 ! a/oni%+ bl9dness ( _! /upidity1 !y h imag9$ t 9 def5d+ ! temporalities ( ! *ur*1 !y 7 def5d+ ,god himself4 ,9 pursuance ( ^! errors1 contradict$ ev5 by ! description :i* !y !mselves give u ( ! ,div9ity1 ! prie/s ( e age h f\nd means to introduce confusion into ! peaceful habitations ( m51 & to de/roy all :o d>$ to resi/ _! tyranny4 ,"u ! laughable idea ( rev5g+ ! all-p[]ful ,creator1 ^! prie/s h discov]$ ! secret ( rev5g+ !mselves1 & t1 too1 )\t draw+ d[n ^u !mselves ! hatr$ & execration s ju/ly due to _! v9dictive fury & unfeel+ selfi%ness4 ,9 ! "n ( ! ,god ( nature1 !y /ifl$ ! voice ( nature 9 ! brea/s ( m52 9 ! "n ( ! ,god ( goodness1 !y incit$ m5 to ! fury ( wild bea/s2 9 ! "n ( ! ,god ( m]cies1 !y prohibit$ all =giv5ess6 ,x is ?us1 ,madam1 t ! e>? has nev] ceas$ to groan ) ! ravages committ$ by maniacs "u ! influ5ce ( t zeal :i* spr+s f ! ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! love ( ,god4 ,! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians1 l ! ,janus ( ,roman my?ology1 has two faces2 sometimes he is repres5t$ ) ! b5ign features ( m]cy & goodness2 sometimes murd]1 rev5ge1 & fury issue f 8 no/rils4 ,& :at is ! consequ5ce ( ?is d\ble aspect b t ! ,*ri/ians are mu* m easily t]rifi$ at 8 frightful l9eam5ts ?an !y are recov]$ f _! fe>s by 8 aspect ( m]cy6 ,hav+ be5 taught to view him z a caprici\s be+1 !y are naturally mi/ru/ful ( him1 & imag9e t ! safe/ "p !y c act = !mselves is to set ab\t ! "w ( v5geance ) great zeal2 !y conclude t a cruel ma/] _c f9d fault ) cruel imitators1 & t 8 s]vants _c r5d] !mselves m acceptable ?an by extirpat+ all 8 enemies4 ,! prec$+ rem>ks %[ v cle>ly1 ,madam1 ! highly p]nici\s consequ5ces :i* result f ! zeal eng5d]$ by ! love ( ,god4 ,if ?is love is a virtue1 its b5efits are conf9$ to ! prie/s1 :o arrogate to !mselves ! exclusive privilege ( decl>+ :5 ,god is (f5d$2 :o absorb all ! (f]+s & monopolize all ! homage ( ! dev\t2 :o decide ^u ! op9ions t please or displease him2 :o und]take to in=m mank9d ( ! duties ?is virtue requires f !m1 & ( ! prop] "t & mann] ( p]=m+ !m2 :o are int]e/$ 9 r5d]+ ^? duties cruel & intimidat+ 9 ord] to fright5 mank9d into a pr(itable subjection2 :o conv]t x into ! in/rum5t ( gratify+ _! own malignant passions1 by inspir+ m5 ) a _s ( headlong & rag+ intol]ance1 :i*1 9 its furi\s c\rse ( indiscrim9ate de/ruction1 holds no?+ sacr$1 & :i* has inflict$ incr$ible ravages ^u all ,*ri/ian c\ntries4 ,9 con=mity ) su* abom9able pr9ciples1 a ,*ri/ian is b\nd to dete/ & de/roy all :om ! *ur* may po9t out z ! enemies ( ,god4 ,hav+ admitt$ ! p>am\nt duty ( yield+ _! entire affections to a rigor\s ma/]1 quick to res5t1 & (f5d$ ev5 ) ! involunt>y ?\ghts & op9ions ( 8 creatures1 !y ( c\rse feel !mselves b\nd1 by ent]+ ) zeal into 8 qu>rels1 to obta9 = him a v5geance wor?y ( a ,god--t is to say1 a v5geance t kn[s no b\nds4 ,a conduct l ?is is ! natural (fspr+ ( ^? revolt+ ideas :i* our prie/s give u ( ! ,deity4 ,a good ,*ri/ian is !re=e necess>ily intol]ant4 ,x is true t ,*ri/ianity 9 ! pulpit prea*es no?+ b mildness1 meekness1 tol]ation1 peace1 & concord2 b ,*ri/ianity 9 ! _w is a /rang] to all ^! virtues2 nor does %e ev] ex]cise !m except :5 %e is defici5t 9 ! necess>y p[] to give effect to h] de/ructive zeal4 ,! real tru? ( ! matt] is1 t ,*ri/ians ?9k !mselves absolv$ f e tie ( humanity except ) ^? :o ?9k z !y d1 :o pr(ess to believe ! same cre$2 !y h a repugnance1 m or less decid$1 aga9/ all ^? :o disagree ) _! prie/s 9 !ological speculation4 ,h[ common x is to see p]sons ( ! milde/ "* & mo/ b5evol5t disposition reg>d ) av]sion ! adh]5ts ( a diff]5t sect f _! own6 ,! reign+ religion--t is1 ! religion ( ! sov]eign1 or ( ! prie/s 9 ^: favor ! sov]eign decl>es himself--cru%es all rival sects1 or1 at lea/1 makes !m fully s5sible ( its sup]iority & its hatr$1 9 a mann] extremely insult+1 & calculat$ to raise _! indignation4 ,by ^! means x frequ5tly happ5s t ! def]5ce ( ! pr9ce to ! wi%es ( ! prie/s has ! effect ( ali5at+ ! he>ts ( 8 mo/ fai?ful subjects1 & br+s him t execration :i* ought 9 ju/ice to be heap$ exclusively ^u 8 sanctimoni\s in/igators4 ,9 %ort1 ,madam1 ! private rights ( consci5ce are n[h]e s9c]ely respect$2 ! lead]s ( ! v>i\s religi\s sects beg91 9 ! v cradle1 to tea* all ,*ri/ians to hate & despise ea* o!r ab\t "s !ological po9t :i* nobody c und]/&4 ,! cl]gy1 :5 ve/$ ) p[]1 nev] prea* tol]ation2 on ! contr>y1 !y consid] e man z an enemy :o is a fri5d to religi\s fre$om1 accus+ him ( lukew>mness1 infidelity1 & secret ho/ility2 9 %ort1 he is d5om9at$ a false bro!r4 ,! ,sorbonne decl>$1 9 ! sixte5? c5tury1 t x 0 h]etical to say t h]etics ought n to be burn$4 ,! f]oci\s ,/4 ,au/9 prea*$ tol]ation at "o p]iod1 b x 0 be=e he 0 duly initiat$ 9 ! my/]ies ( ! sac]dotal policy1 :i* is ev] repugnant to tol]ation4 ,p]secution is necess>y to our prie/s1 to det] mank9d f oppos+ !mselves to _! av>ice1 _! ambition1 _! vanity1 & _! ob/9acy4 ,! sole pr9ciple :i* holds ! *ur* toge!r is t ( a sleepless wat*fulness on ! "p ( all its memb]s to ext5d its p[]1 to increase ! multitude ( its slaves1 to fix odium on all :o hesitate to b5d _! necks to its yoke1 or :o refuse _! ass5t to its arbitr>y decisions4 ,our div9es h1 !re=e1 y see1 v good reasons = rais+ humility into ! rank ( virtue4 ,an amiable mode/y1 a diffid5t mildness ( demeanor1 are unque/ionably calculat$ to promote ! pleasures & ! advantages ( society2 x is equally c]ta9 t insol5ce & arrogance are disgu/+1 t !y w\nd our self-love & excite our av]sion by _! repulsive conduct2 b t amiable mode/y :i* *>ms all :o come )9 its influ5ce is a f> diff]5t quality f t :i* is designat$ humility 9 ! vocabul>y ( ,*ri/ians4 ,a truly humble ,*ri/ian despises 8 own unwor?9ess1 avoids ! e/eem ( o!rs1 mi/ru/s 8 own und]/&+1 submits ) docility to ! un]r+ guidance ( 8 spiritual ma/]s1 & pi\sly resigns to 8 prie/ ! cle>e/ & mo/ irrefutable conclusions ( reason4 ,b to :at advantage c ?is pret5d$ virtue lead its foll[]s8 ,h[ c a man ( s5se & integrity despise himself8 ,is n public op9ion ! gu>dian ( private virtue8 ,if y deprive m5 ( ! love ( glory1 & ! desire ( des]v+ ! approbation ( _! fell[-citiz5s1 are y n dive/+ !m ( ! noble/ & mo/ p[]ful incitem5ts by :i* !y c be impell$ to b5efit _! c\ntry8 ,:at recomp5se w rema9 to ! b5efactors ( mank9d1 if1 fir/ ( all1 we are unju/ en\gh to refuse !m ! praise !y m]it1 & aft]w>ds deb> !m f ! satisfaction ( self-applause1 & ! happ9ess !y w\ld feel 9 ! consci\sness ( hav+ done good to an ungrateful _w8 ,:at infatuation1 :at amaz+ infatuation1 to require a man ( upright "*1 ( tal5ts1 intellig5ce1 & le>n+1 to ?9k himself on a level ) a selfi% prie/1 or a /upid fanatic1 :o deal out _! absurd fables & incoh]5t dreams6 ,our prie/s are nev] we>y ( tell+ _! flocks t pride leads on to infidelity1 & t a humble & submissive _s is alone fitt$ to receive ! tru?s ( ! gospel4 ,9 good e>ne/1 %\ld we n be utt]ly b]eft ( e claim to ! "n ( rational be+s1 if we cons5t to surr5d] our judgm5t & our k at ! comm& ( a hi]>*y1 :o h no?+ to give u 9 ex*ange b ! mo/ palpable absurdities8 ,) :at face c a rev]5d ,doctor ( ,nons5se d>e to exact f my und]/&+ a humble acquiesc5ce 9 a bundle ( my/]i\s op9ions1 = :i* he is unable to (f] me a s+le solid reason8 ,is x1 !n1 presumptu\s to ?9k "o's self sup]ior to a class ( pret5d]s1 ^: sy/ems are a mass ( falsities1 absurdities1 & inconsi/5cies1 ( :i* !y contrive to make mank9d at once ! dupes & ! victims8 ,c pride or vanity be1 ) ju/ice1 imput$ to y1 ,madam1 if y see reason to pref] ! dictates ( y\r own und]/&+ to ! au?oritative decrees ( ,mrs4 ,d----1 ^: s5seless malignity is obvi\s to all h] acqua9tance8 ,if ,*ri/ian humility is a virtue at all1 x c be "o only 9 ! cloi/]2 society c d]ive no sort ( b5efit f x2 x en]vates ! m9d2 x b5efits nobody b prie/s1 :o1 "u ! pretext ( r5d]+ m5 humble1 seek1 9 reality1 only to degrade !m1 to /ifle 9 _! s\ls e sp>k ( sci5ce & ( c\rage1 t !y may ! m easily impose ! yoke ( fai?1 t is to say1 _! own yoke4 ,conclude1 !n1 ) me1 t ! ,*ri/ian virtues are *im]ical1 always useless1 & sometimes p]nici\s to m51 & att5d$ ) advantage to none b prie/s4 ,conclude t ?is religion1 ) all ! boa/$ beauty ( its morality1 recomm5ds to u a set ( virtues1 & enjo9s a l9e ( conduct1 at v>iance ) good s5se4 ,conclude t1 9 ord] to be moral & virtu\s1 x is f> f necess>y to adopt ! un9telligible cre$ ( ! prie/s1 or to pride ourselves ^u ! empty virtues !y prea*1 & /ill less to annihilate all s5se ( dignity 9 ourselves1 by a degrad+ subjection to ! duties !y require4 ,conclude1 9 %ort1 t ! fri5d ( virtue is n1 ( necessity1 ! fri5d ( prie/craft1 & t a man may be adorn$ ) e human p]fection1 )\t possess+ "o ( ! ,*ri/ian virtues4 ,all :o exam9e ?is matt] ) a c&id & intellig5t eye1 _c fail to see t true morality--t is to say1 a morality really s]viceable to mank9d--is absolutely incompatible ) ! ,*ri/ian religion1 or any o!r pr(ess$ revelation4 ,:oev] imag9es himself ! favor$ object ( ! ,creator's love1 mu/ look d[n ) disda9 ^u 8 less =tunate fell[-creatures1 especially if he reg>ds t ,creator z p>tial1 *ol]ic1 rev5geful1 & fickle1 easily inc5s$ aga9/ u1 ev5 by our involunt>y ?\ghts1 or our mo/ innoc5t words & actions2 su* a man naturally conducts himself ) contempt & pride1 ) h>%ness & b>b>ity t[>ds all o!rs :om he may deem obnoxi\s to ! res5tm5t ( 8 ,heav5ly ,k+4 ,^? m51 ^: folly leads !m to view ! ,deity 9 ! light ( a caprici\s1 irritable1 & unappeasable despot1 c be no?+ b gloomy & trembl+ slaves1 ev] eag] to anticipate ! v5geance ( ,god ^u all ^: conduct or op9ions !y may conceive likely to provoke ! cele/ial wra?4 ,z soon z ! prie/s h succe$$ 9 r$uc+ m5 to a /ate ( /upidity gross en\gh to make !m believe t _! gho/ly fa!rs are ! fai?ful organs ( ! div9e w1 !y naturally commit e species ( crime1 :i* _! spiritual tea*]s may please to tell !m is calculat$ to pacify ! ang] ( _! (f5d$ ,god4 ,m51 silly en\gh to accept a sy/em ( morals f guides ?us holl[ 9 reason+1 & ?us discordant 9 op9ion1 mu/ necess>ily be un/able 9 _! pr9ciples1 & subject to e v>iation t ! int]e/ ( _! guides may sugge/4 ,9 %ort1 x is impossible to con/ruct a solid morality1 if we take = our f\ndation ! attributes ( a deity s unju/1 s caprici\s1 & s *angeable z ! ,god ( ! ,bible1 :om we are comm&$ to imitate & adore4 ,p]sev]e1 !n1 my de> ,madam1 9 ! practice ( ^? virtues :i* y\r own unsophi/icat$ he>t approves2 !y w insure y a ri* h>ve/ ( happ9ess 9 ! pres5t exi/5ce2 !y w insure y a ri* return ( gratitude1 respect1 & love f all :o enjoy _! b5ign influ5ce2 !y w insure y ! solid satisfaction ( a well-f\nd$ self-e/eem1 & ?us provide y ) t unfail+ s\rce ( inw>d gratification :i* arises f ! consci\sness ( hav+ contribut$ to ! welf>e ( ! human race4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,,ix4 ,( ! ,advantages contribut$ to ,gov]nm5t by ,religion4 ,hav+ already %[n y1 ,madam1 ! feebl5ess ( ^? succors :i* religion furni%es to morals1 ,i %all n[ proce$ to exam9e :e!r x procure advantages 9 !mselves really politic1 & :e!r x be true1 z has s (t5 be5 urg$ by ! prie/s1 t x is absolutely necess>y to ! exi/5ce ( e gov]nm5t4 ,7 we dispos$ to %ut our eyes1 & deliv] ourselves up to ! language ( our prie/s1 we %\ld believe t _! op9ions are necess>y to ! public tranquillity1 & ! repose & security ( ! ,/ate2 t pr9ces c\ld n1 )\t _! aid1 gov]n ! p1 & ex]t !mselves = ! prosp]ity ( _! empire4 ,nor is ?is all2 our spiritual pilots approa* ! ?rone1 & ga9+ ! e> ( ! sov]eign1 make him also believe t he has ! greate/ int]e/ 9 con=m+ to _! caprices1 9 ord] to subject m5 to ! div9e yoke ( royalty4 ,^! prie/s m+le 9 all important political qu>rels1 & !y too (t5 p]suade ! rul]s ( ! e>? t ! enemies ( ! *ur* are ! enemies ( all p[]1 & t 9 sapp+ ! f\ndations ( ! alt>1 ! f\ndations ( ! ?rone are likewise necess>ily ov]?r[n4 ,we h1 !n1 only to op5 our eyes & consult hi/ory1 to be conv9c$ ( ! falsity ( ^! pret5sions1 & to appreciate ! important s]vices :i* ! ,*ri/ian prie/s h r5d]$ to _! sov]eigns4 ,ev] s9ce ! e/abli%m5t ( ,*ri/ianity1 we h se51 9 all ! c\ntries 9 :i* ?is religion has ga9$ gr\nd1 t two rival p[]s are p]petually at w> "o ) ! o!r4 ,we f9d a gov]nm5t )9 ! gov]nm5t2 t is to say1 we f9d ! ,*ur*1 a body ( prie/s1 cont9ually oppos$ to ! sov]eign p[]1 & 9 virtue ( _! pret5d$ div9e mission & sacr$ (fice1 pret5d+ to give laws to all ! sov]eigns ( ! e>?4 ,we f9d ! cl]gy1 puff$ up & besott$ ) ! titles !y h giv5 !mselves1 labor+ to exact ! ob$i5ce due to ! sov]eign1 pret5d+ to *im]ical & dang]\s pr]ogatives1 :i* none are suff]$ to "q1 )\t risk+ ! displeasure ( ! ,almighty4 ,& s well h ! prie/hood manag$ ?is matt]1 t 9 _m c\ntries we actually see ! p m incl9$ to lean to ! au?ority ( ! ,vic>s ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ?an to t ( ! civil gov]nm5t4 ,! prie/hood claim ! "r ( comm&+ mon>*s !mselves1 & su/a9$ by _! emiss>ies & ! cr$ulity ( ! p1 _! ridicul\s pret5sions h engag$ pr9ces 9 ! mo/ s]i\s affairs1 s[n tr\ble & discord 9 k+doms1 & s %ook ?rones z to compel _! occupants to make submission to an intol]ant hi]>*y4 ,su* are ! important s]vices :i* religion has a ?\s& times r5d]$ to k+s4 ,! p1 bl9d$ by sup]/ition1 c\ld hesitate b little betwe5 ,god & ! pr9ces ( ! e>?4 ,! prie/s1 be+ ! visible organs ( an invisible mon>*1 h acquir$ an imm5se cr$it ) prejudic$ m9ds4 ,! ignorance ( ! p places !m1 z well z _! sov]eigns1 at ! m]cy ( ! prie/s4 ,nations h cont9ually be5 dragg$ into _! futile ?\gh bloody qu>rels2 pr9ces1 = a long s]ies ( ye>s1 h ei!r _h to dispute _! au?ority ) ! cl]gy1 or become _! tools or dupes4 ,! cont9ual att5tion :i* ! pr9ces ( ,europe h be5 =c$ to pay to ! cl]gy has prev5t$ !m f occupy+ _! ?\ghts ab\t ! welf>e ( _! subjects1 :o1 9 _m in/ances ! dupes ( ! prie/hood1 h oppos$ ev5 ! good _! rul]s desir$ to procure !m4 ,9 l mann]1 ! heads ( ! p1 _! k+s & gov]nors1 too weak to resi/ ! torr5t ( op9ions propagat$ by ! cl]gy1 h be5 =c$ to yield1 to b[1 nay1 ev5 to c>ess ! prie/hood1 & to cons5t to grant x all its dem&s4 ,:5ev] !y h wi%$ to resi/ ! encroa*m5ts ( ! cl]gy1 !y h enc\nt]$ conceal$ sn>es or op5 opposition1 z ! holy p[] 0 ei!r too weak to act 9 ! face ( day1 or /rong en\gh to cont5d 9 ! sun%9e4 ,:5 pr9ces h wi%$ to be li/5$ to by ! cl]gy1 ^! la/ h inv>iably contriv$ to make !m c[>dly1 & to sacrifice ! happ9ess & respect ( _! p4 ,(t5 h ! h&s ( p>ricides & rebels be5 arm$1 by a pr\d & v9dictive prie/hood1 aga9/ sov]eigns ! mo/ wor?y ( reign+4 ,! prie/s1 "u pretext ( av5g+ ,god1 inflict _! ang] ^u mon>*s !mselves1 :5ev] ! latt] are f\nd indispos$ to b5d "u _! yoke4 ,9 a ^w1 9 all c\ntries we p]ceive t ! m9i/]s ( religion h ex]cis$ 9 all ages ! mo/ unbridl$ lic5se4 ,we e :]e see empires torn by _! diss5sions2 ?rones ov]turn$ by _! ma*9ations2 pr9ces immolat$ to _! p[] & rev5ge2 subjects animat$ to revolt aga9/ ! pr9ce t ought to give !m m happ9ess ?an !y actually enjoy$2 & :5 we take ! retrospect ( ^!1 we f9d t ! ambition1 ! cupidity1 & vanity ( ! cl]gy h be5 ! true causes & motives ( all ^! outrages on ! peace ( ! univ]se4 ,& x is ?us t _! religion has s (t5 produc$ an>*y1 & ov]turn$ ! v empires !y pret5d$ to support by its influ5ce4 ,sov]eigns h nev] enjoy$ peace b :51 %amefully devot$ to prie/s1 !y submitt$ to _! caprices1 became enslav$ to _! op9ions1 & all[$ !m to gov]n 9 place ( !mselves4 ,!n 0 ! sov]eign p[] subord9ate to ! sac]dotal1 & ! pr9ce 0 only ! fir/ s]vant ( ! *ur*2 %e degrad$ him to su* a degree z to make him h] hangman2 %e oblig$ him to execute h] sangu9>y decrees2 %e =c$ him to dip 8 h&s 9 ! blood ( 8 own subjects :om ! cl]gy _h proscrib$2 %e made him ! visible in/rum5t ( h] v5geance1 h] fury1 & h] conceal$ passions4 ,in/ead ( occupy+ himself ) ! happ9ess ( 8 p1 ! sov]eign has _h ! complaisance to torm5t1 to p]secute1 & to immolate hone/ citiz5s1 ?us excit+ ! j hatr$ ( a portion ( 8 p1 to :om he %\ld h be5 a fa!r1 to gratify ! ambition & ! selfi% malevol5ce ( "s prie/s1 always ali5s 9 ! /ate :i* n\ri%es !m1 & :o only /yle !mselves memb]s ( ! realm 9 ord] to dom9e]1 to di/ract1 to plund]1 & to dev\r ) impunity4 ,h[ little soev] y are dispos$ to reflect1 y w be conv9c$1 ,madam1 t ,i d n exagg]ate ^! ?+s4 ,rec5t examples prove to y t ev5 9 ?is age1 s ambiti\s ( be+ consid]$ enlight5$1 nations are n secure f ! %ocks t ! prie/s h ev] caus$ nations to suff]4 ,y h a hundr$ times sigh$ at ! sight ( ! sad follies :i* pu]ile que/ions h produc$ among u4 ,y h %udd]$ at ! frightful consequ5ces :i* h result$ f ! unreasonable squabbles ( ! cl]gy4 ,y h trembl$ ) all good citiz5s at ! sight ( ! tragical effects :i* h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! furi\s wick$ness ( a fanaticism = :i* no?+ is sacr$4 ,9 f9e1 y h se5 ! sov]eign au?ority compell$ to /ruggle incessantly aga9/ rebelli\s subjects1 :o pret5d t _! consci5ce or ! int]e/s ( religion h oblig$ !m to resi/ op9ions ! mo/ agreeable to common s5se1 & ! mo/ equitable4 ,our fa!rs1 m religi\s & less enlight5$ ?an ourselves1 7 witnesses ( sc5es yet m t]rible4 ,!y saw civil w>s1 leagues op5ly =m$ aga9/ _! sov]eign1 & ! capital subm]g$ 9 ! blood ( murd]$ citiz5s2 two mon>*s successively immolat$ to ! fury ( ! cl]gy1 :o k9dl$ 9 all p>ts ! fire ( s$ition4 ,!y aft]w>ds saw k+s at w> ) _! own subjects2 a fam\s sov]eign1 ,l\is ,,xiv41 t>ni%+ all 8 glory by p]secut+1 contr>y to ! fai? ( treaties1 subjects :o w\ld h liv$ tranquil1 if !y _h only be5 all[$ to enjoy 9 peace ! lib]ty ( consci5ce2 & !y saw1 9 f9e1 ?is same pr9ce1 ! dupe ( a false policy1 dictat$ by intol]ance1 bani%1 along ) ! exil$ ,prote/ants1 ! indu/ry ( 8 /ates1 & =c+ ! arts & manufactures ( our nation to take refuge 9 ! dom9ions ( our mo/ implacable enemies4 ,we see religion ?r\gh\t ,europe1 )\t cessation1 ex]t+ a baleful influ5ce ^u temporal affairs2 we see x direct ! int]e/s ( pr9ces2 we see x divide & make ,*ri/ian nations enemies ( ea* o!r1 because _! spiritual guides d n all ent]ta9 ! same op9ions4 ,g]many is divid$ into two religi\s p>ties ^: int]e/s are p]petually at v>iance4 ,we e :]e p]ceive t ,prote/ants are born ! enemies ( ! ,ca?olics1 & are always 9 antagonism to !m2 :ile1 on ! o!r h&1 ! ,ca?olics are leagu$ ) _! prie/s aga9/ all ^? ^: mode ( ?9k+ is less abject & less s]vile ?an _! own4 ,behold1 ,madam1 ! signal advantages t nations d]ive f religion6 ,b we are c]ta9 to be told t ^! t]rible effects are due to ! passions ( m51 & n to ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :i* incessantly inculcates *>ity1 concord1 indulg5ce1 & peace4 ,if1 h[ev]1 we reflect ev5 a mom5t on ! pr9ciples ( ?is religion1 we %\ld imm$iately p]ceive t !y are incompatible ) ! f9e maxims t h nev] be5 practis$ by ! ,*ri/ian prie/s1 except :5 !y lack$ ! p[] to p]secute _! enemies & inflict ^u !m ! weight ( _! rage4 ,! ador]s ( a jeal\s ,god1 v9dictive & sangu9>y1 z is obvi\sly ! "* ( ! ,god ( ! ,jews & ,*ri/ians1 c\ld n ev9ce 9 _! conduct mod]ation1 tranquillity1 & humanity4 ,! ador]s ( a ,god :o takes (f5ce at ! op9ions ( 8 weak creatures1 :o reprobates & glories 9 ! ext]m9ation ( all :o d n wor%ip him 9 a p>ticul> way1 = ! :i*1 by ! by1 he gives !m nei!r ! means nor ! incl9ation1 mu/ necess>ily be intol]ant p]secutors4 ,! ador]s ( a ,god :o has n ?\ght fit to illum9ate ) an equal portion ( light ! m9ds ( all 8 creatures1 :o reveals 8 favor & be/[s 8 k9dness on a few only ( ^? creatures1 :o leaves ! rema9d] 9 bl9dness & unc]ta9ty to foll[ _! passions1 or adopt op9ions aga9/ :i* ! favor$ wage w>1 mu/ ( necessity be et]nally at odds ) ! re/ ( ! _w1 cant+ ab\t _! oracles & my/]ies1 sup]natural precepts1 inv5t$ purely to torm5t ! human m9d1 to en?ral x1 & leave man answ]able = :at he c\ld n obey1 & puni%able = :at he 0 re/ra9$ f p]=m+4 ,we ne$ n !n be a/oni%$ if1 s9ce ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity1 our prie/s h nev] be5 a s+le mom5t )\t disputes4 ,x appe>s t ,god only s5t 8 ,son ^u e>? t 8 m>vell\s doctr9es might prove an apple ( discord bo? = 8 prie/s & 8 ador]s4 ,! m9i/]s ( a *ur* f\nd$ by ,*ri/ himself1 :o promis$ to s5d !m 8 ,holy ,_s to lead !m into all ! tru?1 h nev] be5 9 unison ) _! dogmas4 ,we h se5 ?is infallible *ur* = :ole ages envelop$ 9 error4 ,y "k1 ,madam1 t 9 ! f\r? c5tury1 by ! ackn[l$gm5t ( ! prie/s !mselves1 ! great body ( ! *ur* foll[$ ! op9ions ( ! ,arians1 :o disav[$ ev5 ! div9ity ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! _s ( ,god mu/ !n h ab&on$ 8 *ur*2 else :y did its m9i/]s fall into ?is error1 & dispute aft]w>ds ab\t s fundam5tal a dogma ( ! ,*ri/ian religion8 ,not)/&+ ^! cont9ual qu>rels1 ! *ur* arrogates to itself ! "r ( fix+ ! fai? ( ! true believ]s1 & 9 ?is x pret5ds to infallibility2 & if ! ,prote/ant p>sons h r5\nc$ ! l(ty & ridicul\s pret5sions ( _! ,ca?olic bre?r51 !y are n less c]ta9 9 ! infallibility ( _! decisions2 = !y talk ) ! au?ority ( oracles1 & s5d to hell & damnation all :o d n yield submission to _! dogmas4 ,?us on bo? sides ( ! cross !y wi% _! ass]tions to be receiv$ by _! adh]5ts z if !y came direct f heav54 ,! prie/s h always be5 at discord among !mselves1 & h p]petually curs$1 ana!matiz$1 & doom$ ea* o!r to hell4 ,! vanity ( ea* holy clique has caus$ x to adh]e ob/9ately to its own peculi> op9ions1 & to treat its adv]s>ies z h]etics4 ,viol5ce alone has g5]ally decid$ ! discussions1 t]m9at$ ! disputes1 & fix$ ! /&>d ( belief4 ,^? pugnaci\s1 brawl+ prie/s :o 7 artful en\gh to enli/ sov]eigns on _! side 7 or?odox1 or1 9 o!r words1 boa/$ t !y 7 ! exclusive possessors ( ! true doctr9e4 ,!y made use ( _! cr$it to cru% _! adv]s>ies1 :om !y always treat$ ) ! greate/ b>b>ity4 ,b1 aft] all1 :atev] ! cl]gy may say1 we %all f9d1 ev5 ) a small %>e ( att5tion1 t x has ev] be5 k+s & emp]ors :o1 9 ! la/ resort1 fix$ ! fai? ( ! disputati\s ,*ri/ians4 ,x has be5 by d[nright bl[s ( ! sword t ^? !ological notions mo/ pleas+ to ! ,deity h be5 su/a9$ 9 all c\ntries4 ,! true belief has inv>iably be5 t :i* _h pr9ces = its adh]5ts4 ,! fai?ful 7 ^? :o _h /r5g? suffici5t to ext]m9ate _! enemies1 :om !y nev] fail$ to treat z ! enemies ( ,god4 ,9 a ^w1 pr9ces h be5 truly infallible2 we %\ld reg>d !m z ! true f\nd]s ( religi\s fai?2 !y are ! judges :o h decid$1 9 all ages1 :at doctr9es %\ld be admitt$ or reject$2 & !y are1 9 f9e1 ! au?orities :i* h always fix$ ! religion ( _! subjects4 ,ev] s9ce ,*ri/ianity has be5 adopt$ by "s nations1 h we n se5 t religion has almo/ entirely occupi$ ! att5tion ( sov]eigns8 ,ei!r ! pr9ces1 bl9d$ by sup]/ition1 7 devot$ to ! prie/s1 or ! rul]s ( nations believ$ t prud5ce exact$ a concession on _! "p to ! cl]gy1 ! true ma/]s ( _! p1 :o consid]$ no?+ m sacr$ or m great ?an ! m9i/]s ( _! ,god4 ,9 nei!r case 0 ! body politic ev] consult$2 x 0 c[>dly sacrific$ to ! int]e/s ( ! c\rt1 or ! vanity & luxury ( ! prie/s4 ,x is by a cont9uation ( sup]/ition on ! "p ( ! pr9ces t we behold ! *ur* s ri*ly end[$ 9 times ( ignorance2 :5 m5 believ$ !y w\ld enri* ,deity by putt+ all _! weal? into ! h&s ( ! prie/s ( a good ,god ! decl>$ enemy ( ri*es4 ,savage w>riors1 de/itute ( ! mann]s ( m51 flatt]$ !mselves t !y c\ld expiate all _! s9s by f\nd+ mona/]ies & giv+ imm5se weal? to a set ( m5 :o _h made v[s ( pov]ty4 ,x 0 believ$ t !y w\ld m]it f ! ,all-p[]ful a great advantage by recomp5s+ laz9ess1 :i*1 9 ! prie/s1 0 reg>d$ z a great good1 & t ! bless+s procur$ by _! pray]s w\ld be 9 proportion to ! cont9ual & press+ dem&s _! pov]ty made on ! weal?y4 ,x is ?us t by ! sup]/ition ( pr9ces1 by t ( ! p[]ful classes1 & ( ! p !mselves1 ! cl]gy h become opul5t & p[]ful2 t mona*ism 0 honor$1 & citiz5s ! mo/ useless1 ! lea/ submissive1 & ! mo/ dang]\s1 7 ! be/ recomp5s$1 ! mo/ consid]$1 & ! be/ paid4 ,!y 7 load$ ) b5efits1 privileges1 & immunities2 !y enjoy$ indep5d5ce1 & !y _h t great p[] :i* fl[$ f s great lic5se4 ,?us 7 prie/s plac$ above sov]eigns !mselves by ! imprud5t devotion ( ! latt]1 & ! =m] 7 enabl$ to give ! law & tr\ble ! /ate ) impunity4 ,! cl]gy1 arriv$ at ?is elevation ( p[] & gr&eur1 became r$\btable ev5 to mon>*s4 ,!y 7 oblig$ to b5d "u ! yoke or be at way ) cl]ical p[]4 ,:5 ! sov]eigns yield$1 !y became m]e slaves to ! prie/s1 ! in/rum5ts ( _! passions1 & ! vile ador]s ( _! p[]4 ,:5 !y refus$ to yield1 ! prie/s involv$ !m 9 ! mo/ cruel emb>rassm5ts2 !y laun*$ aga9/ !m ! ana!mas ( ! *ur*2 ! p 7 incit$ aga9/ !m 9 ! "n ( heav52 ! nations divid$ !mselves betwe5 ! cele/ial & ! t]re/rial mon>*1 & ! latt] 0 r$uc$ to great extremities to su/a9 a ?rone :i* ! prie/s c\ld %ake or ev5 de/roy at pleasure4 ,!re 0 a "t 9 ,europe :5 bo? ! welf>e ( ! pr9ce & ! repose ( 8 k+dom dep5d$ solely ^u ! caprice ( a prie/4 ,9 ^! times ( ignorance1 ( devotion1 & ( commotions s favorable to ! cl]gy1 a weak & poor mon>*1 surr\nd$ by a mis]able nation1 0 at ! m]cy ( a ,roman pontiff1 :o c\ld at any in/ant de/roy 8 felicity1 excite 8 subjects aga9/ him1 & precipitate him into ! abyss ( mis]y4 ,9 g5]al1 ,madam1 we f9d t 9 c\ntries :]e religion holds dom9ion1 ! sov]eign is necess>ily dep5d5t ^u ! prie/s2 he has no p[] except by ! cons5t ( ! cl]gy2 t p[] disappe>s z soon z he displeases ! self-/yl$ viceg]5ts ( ,god1 :o are v soon able to array 8 subjects aga9/ him4 ,! p1 9 accordance ) ! pr9ciples ( _! religion1 _c hesitate betwe5 ,god & _! sov]eign4 ,god nev] says any ?+ except :at 8 prie/s say = him2 & ! ignorance & folly 9 :i* !y are kept by _! spiritual guides prev5t !m f inquir+ :e!r ,god's ambassadors fai?fully r5d] 8 decrees4 ,conclude1 !n1 ) me1 t ! int]e/s ( a sov]eign :o w\ld rule equitably are unable to accord ) ^? ( ! m9i/]s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :o 9 all ages h be5 ! mo/ turbul5t citiz5s1 ! mo/ rebelli\s1 ! mo/ difficult to r5d] subs]vi5t to law & ord]1 & ^: resi/ance has ext5d$ to ! v assass9ation ( obnoxi\s rul]s4 ,we %all be told t ,*ri/ianity is a firm support ( gov]nm5t2 t x reg>ds magi/rates z ! images ( ! ,deity2 & t x tea*es t all p[] comes f on high4 ,^! maxims ( ! cl]gy are1 h[ev]1 be/ calculat$ to lull k+s on ! c\* ( slumb]2 !y are calculat$ to flatt] ^? on :om ! cl]gy c rely1 & :o w s]ve _! ambition2 & _! flatt]]s c soon *ange _! tone :5 ! pr9ces h ! tem]ity to "q ! p]nici\s t5d5cy ( prie/ly influ5ce1 or :5 !y d n bl9dly l5d !mselves to all _! views4 ,!n ! sov]eign is an impi\s wret*1 a h]etic2 8 de/ruction is laudable2 heav5 rejoices 9 8 ov]?r[4 ,& all ?is is ! religion ( ! ,bible6 ,y "k1 ,madam1 t ^! odi\s maxims h be5 a ?\s& times en=c$ by ! prie/s1 :o say ! pr9ce has encroa*$ ^u ! au?ority ( ! *ur*2 & ! p respond t x is bett] to obey ,god ?an man4 ,! prie/s are only devot$ to ! pr9ces :5 ! pr9ces are bl9dly l$ by ! prie/s4 ,^! la/ prea* arrogantly t ! =m] ought to be ext]m9at$1 :5 !y refuse to obey ! *ur*1 t is to say1 ! prie/s2 yet1 h[ t]rible soev] may be ^! maxims1 h[ dang]\s soev] _! practice to ! security ( ! sov]eign & ! tranquillity ( ! /ate1 !y are ! imm$iate consequ5ces drawn f ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity4 ,we f9d 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t t ! regicide is applaud$2 t treason & rebellion are approv$4 ,z soon z x is suppos$ t ,god is (f5d$ ) ! ?\ghts ( m51--z soon z x is suppos$ t h]etics are displeas+ to him1--x is v natural to conclude t an impi\s & h]etical sov]eign1 t is to say1 "o :o does n obey a cl]ical body t set !mselves up z ! directors ( 8 belief1 :o opposes ! sacr$ views ( an infallible *ur*1 & :o might occasion ! loss & apo/asy ( a l>ge "p ( ! nation1--x is natural t ! prie/s %\ld conclude x to be legitimate = subjects to attack su* a pr9ce1 alleg+ _! religion to be ! mo/ important ?+ 9 ! _w1 & de>] ?an life itself4 ,actuat$ by su* pr9ciples1 x is impossible t a ,*ri/ian zealot %\ld n ?9k he r5d]$ a s]vice to heav5 by puni%+ its enemy1 & a s]vice to 8 c\ntry by disemb>rass+ x ( a *ief :o might int]pose an ob/acle to 8 et]nal happ9ess4 ,! ob$i5ce ( ! cl]gy is nev] o!rwise ?an conditional4 ,! prie/s submit to a pr9ce1 !y flatt] 8 p[]1 & !y su/a9 8 au?ority1 provid$ he submits to _! ord]s1 makes no ob/acles to _! projects1 t\*es none ( _! int]e/s1 & *anges none ( ! dogmas ^u :i* ! m9i/]s ( ! *ur* h f\nd$ _! own gr&eur4 ,9 f9e1 provid$ a gov]nm5t recognizes1 z div9e1 cl]ical privileges t are pla9ly oppos$ to popul> rights1 & t5d to subv]t !m1 ! hi]>*y w submit to x4 ,^! consid]ations prove h[ dang]\s are ! prie/hood1 s9ce ! end !y purpose by all _! projects is dom9ion ov] ! m9d ( mank9d1 & by subjugat+ x to enslave _! p]sons1 & r5d] !m ! creatures ( despotism & tyranny4 ,& we %all f9d1 ^u exam9ation1 t1 ) "o or two exceptions1 ! pi\s h be5 ! enemies ( ! progress ( sci5ce & ! developm5t ( ! human und]/&+2 = by brutaliz+ mank9d !y h inv>iably /riv5 to b9d !m to _! yoke4 ,_! av>ice1 _! ?ir/ ( p[] & weal?1 h l$ !m to plunge _! fell[-citiz5s 9 ignorance1 9 mis]y1 & unhapp9ess4 ,!y disc\rage ! cultivation ( ! e>? by _! sy/em ( ti!s1 _! extortions1 & _! secret projects2 !y annihilate activity1 tal5ts1 & indu/ry2 _! pride is to reign on ! ru9 ( ! re/ ( _! species4 ,! f9e/ c\ntries 9 ,europe h1 :5 bl9dly submissive to ! prie/1 be5 ! wor/ cultivat$1 ! ?9ne/ peopl$1 & ! mo/ wret*$4 ,! ,inquisition 9 ,spa91 ,italy1 & ,portugal has only t5d$ to impov]i% ^? c\ntries1 to debase ! m9d1 & r5d] _! subjects ! v]ie/ slaves ( sup]/ition4 ,& 9 c\ntries :]e we see heav5 %[]+ d[n abundance1 ! p are poor & fami%$1 :ile ! prie/s & monks are opul5t & bloat$4 ,_! k+s are )\t p[] & )\t glory2 _! subjects langui% 9 indig5ce & wret*$ness4 ,! prie/s boa/ ( ! utility ( _! (fice4 ,indep5d5tly ( _! pray]s1 f :i* ! _w has = s _m ages d]iv$ nei!r in/ruction nor peace1 prosp]ity nor happ9ess1 _! pret5sions to tea* ! ris+ g5]ations are (t5 frivol\s1 & sometimes arrogant1 s9ce we h f\nd o!rs equally well calculat$ to ! dis*>ge ( ^? functions1 :o h be5 good citiz5s1 t h n drawn f ! pockets ( _! neighbors ! t5? ( _! e>n+s4 ,?us1 9 :at light soev] we view !m1 ! pret5sions ( ! prie/s are r$uc$ to a non5tity1 comp>$ to ! diss]vice !y r5d] ! community by _! exactions & dissolute lives4 ,9 :at consi/s1 9 effect1 ! education t our spiritual guides h1 unhappily = society1 assum$ ! vocation ( imp>t+ to y\?8 ,does x t5d to make reasonable1 c\rage\s1 & virtu\s citiz5s8 ,no2 x is inconte/able t x creates ignoble m51 ^: entire lives are torm5t$ ) imag9>y t]rors2 x creates sup]/iti\s slaves1 :o only possess mona/ic virtues1 & :o1 if !y foll[ fai?fully ! in/ructions ( _! ma/]s1 mu/ be p]fectly useless to society2 x =ms intol]ant devotees1 ready to dete/ all ^? :o d n ?9k l !mselves2 & x makes fanatics1 :o are ready to rebel aga9/ any gov]nm5t z soon z !y are p]suad$ x is rebelli\s to ! *ur*4 ,:at d ! prie/s tea* _! pupils8 ,!y cause !m to lose mu* preci\s "t 9 recit+ pray]s1 9 me*anically repeat+ !ological dogmas1 ( :i*1 ev5 9 mature life1 !y compreh5d no?+4 ,!y tea* !m ! dead languages1 :i*1 at ! be/1 only s]ve = ent]ta9m5t1 be+ by no means necess>y 9 ! pres5t =m ( society4 ,!y t]m9ate ^! f9e /udies by a philosophy :i*1 9 cl]ical h&s1 has become a m]e play ( words1 a j>gon void ( s5se1 & :i* is exactly calculat$ to fit !m = ! un9telligible sci5ce call$ !ology4 ,b is ?is !ology itself useful to nations8 ,are ! int]m9able disputes :i* arise betwe5 pr(\nd metaphysicians ( su* a "* z to be int]e/+ to ! p :o d n compreh5d !m8 ,are ! p ( ,p>is & ! prov9ces mu* advanc$ 9 heav5ly k :5 ! prie/s dispute among !mselves ab\t :at %\ld really be ?\ght ( grace8 ,9 reg>d to ! in/ruction imp>t$ by ! cl]gy1 x is inde$ necess>y to h fai? 9 ord] to discov] its utility4 ,_! boa/$ in/ruction consi/s 9 tea*+ ineffable my/]ies1 m>vell\s dogmas1 n>rations & fables p]fectly ridicul\s1 panic t]rors1 fanatical & lugubri\s pr$ictions1 frightful m5aces1 & above all1 sy/ems s pr(\nd t !y :o ann\nce are n able to compreh5d !m4 ,9 tru?1 ,madam1 9 all ?is ,i c see no?+ useful4 ,%\ld nations feel any extraord9>y obligations to tea*]s :o concoct doctr9es t mu/ always rema9 imp5etrable = ! :ole human race8 ,x mu/ be confess$ t our prie/s1 :o s pa9fully occupy !mselves 9 arrang+ a pure cre$ = u1 mu/ signally lose all _! labor4 ,at any rate1 ! p are n mu* 9 ! situation to pr(it by su* sublime toils4 ,v frequ5tly ! pulpit becomes ! !atre ( discord2 ! sacr$ disclaim]s laun* injuries at ea* o!r1 infus+ _! own passions into ! bosoms ( _! ,*ri/ian auditors1 k9dl+ _! zeal aga9/ ! enemies ( ! *ur*1 & becom+ !mselves ! trumpets ( p>ty _s1 fury1 & s$ition4 ,if ^! prea*]s tea* morality1 x is a k9d ( sup]natural morality1 little adapt$ to ! nature ( man4 ,if !y inculcate virtue1 x is t !ological virtue ^: inutility we h suffici5tly %[n4 ,if by *ance "s "o among !m all[s himself to prea* t morality & virtue :i* is practical1 human1 & social1 y "k1 ,madam1 t he is proscrib$ by 8 conf$]ates1 & becomes an object ( _! acrimoni\s criticisms & _! deadly hatr$4 ,he is also disda9$ by devotees :o are atta*$ to evangelical virtues t !y _c compreh5d1 & :o consid] no?+ z m important ?an my/]i\s =ms & c]emonies1 9 :i* zealots make morality to consi/4 ,see1 !n1 9 :at limits are ent]ta9$ ! important s]vices t ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l h = s _m c5turies r5d]$ to nations6 ,!y are n wor?1 9 all consci5ce1 ! excessive price :i* is paid = !m4 ,on ! contr>y1 if prie/s 7 treat$ accord+ to _! real m]it1 if _! functions 7 appreciat$ at _! j value1 x w\ld1 p]haps1 be f\nd t !y did n m]it a l>g] sal>y ?an ^? empirics :o1 at ! corn]s ( ! /reets1 v5d rem$ies m dang]\s ?an ! evils !y promise to cure4 ,x is by subject+ ! imm5se rev5ues1 l&s1 abbeys1 & e/ates1 :i* cl]ical bodies h levi$ ^u ! cr$ulity ( m51 to j & equal taxation1 z ) o!r prop]ty2 x is by r5d]+ ! *ur* & /ate entirely di/9ct2 x is by /ripp+ ! hi]>*y ( immunities n possess$ by o!r citiz5s1 & ( privileges bo? *im]ical & injuri\s2 x is by rigor\sly exact+ ! same civil ob$i5ce alike f prie/s & p1--t gov]nm5t c be rightly adm9i/]$1 t ju/ice c be imp>tially r5d]$1 & t ! nation1 z a :ole1 c be tra9$ to c\rage1 activity1 indu/ry1 intellig5ce1 tranquillity1 & patriotism4 ,s long z !re are two p[]s 9 a /ate1 !y w necess>ily be at v>iance1 & ! "o :i* arrogates ! favor ( ! ,almighty w h imm5se advantages ov] t :i* claims no au?ority above ! e>?4 ,if bo? pret5d to emanate f ! same s\rce1 ! p w\ld n "k :i* to believe2 !y w\ld range !mselves on ea* side2 ! combat w\ld be furi\s1 & ! p[] ( ! gov]nm5t w\ld be unable to ma9ta9 itself aga9/ ! _m heads ( ! ecclesia/ical hydra4 ,! magicians ( ,ph>aoh yield$ to ! ,jewi% prie/s1 & 9 conflicts betwe5 ! *ur* & /ate1 ! immunities ( ! prie/s1 ,l ,a>on's s]p5t1 swall[$ all ! re/4 ,if su* is ! case1 y w inquire1 ,madam1 h[ c an enlight5$ civil p[] ev] make ob$i5t citiz5s ( rebelli\s prie/s1 :o h s long possess$ ! confid5ce ( ! p1 & :o c ) impunity r5d] !mselves =midable to any gov]nm5t8 ,i reply1 t 9 spite ( ! vigilant c>es & ! r$\bl$ ef=ts ( ! prie/hood1 ! p h begun to be m enlight5$2 !y are becom+ we>y ( ! heavy yoke1 :i* !y w\ld n h borne s long _h !y n believ$ x 0 impos$ ^u !m by ! ,mo/ ,high1 & t x 0 necess>y to _! happ9ess4 ,x is impossible = error to be et]nal2 x mu/ give way to ! p[] ( tru?4 ,! prie/s1 :o ?9k1 "k ?is well1 & ! :ole ecclesia/ical body cont9ually declaim aga9/ all ^? :o wi% to enlight5 ! human race & unveil ! conspiracies ( _! spiritual guides4 ,!y fe> ! pi]c+ eyes ( philosophy2 !y fe> ! reign ( reason1 :i* w nev] be t ( tyranny or an>*y4 ,gov]nm5ts1 !n1 ought n to %>e ! fe>s ( ! cl]gy1 nor r5d] !mselves ! executors ( _! v5geance2 !y injure !mselves :5 !y su/a9 ! cause ( _! turbul5t rivals1 :o h ev] be5 ! enemies ( civil polity & p]turb]s ( ! public repose4 ,! magi/rates ( a /ate league !mselves ) _! enemies :5 !y =m an alliance ) ! prie/hood1 or prev5t ! p f recogniz+ _! errors4 ,gov]nm5ts are m int]e/$ ?an individuals 9 ! de/ruction ( errors t (t5 lead to confusion1 an>*y1 & rebellion4 ,if m5 _h n become gradually enlight5$1 nations w\ld n[1 z =m]ly1 be "u ! yoke ( ! ,roman pontiff1 :o c\ld occasion revolution 9 _! mid/1 ov]turn ! laws1 & subv]t ! gov]nm5t4 ,b = ! ins5sible progress ( reason1 /ates w\ld n[ be fill$ ) a tumultu\s cr[d ( devotees1 ready to revolt at ! signal ( an unquiet prie/ or a s$iti\s monk4 ,y p]ceive1 !n1 ,madam1 t m5 :o ?9k1 & :o tea* o!rs to ?9k1 are m useful to gov]nm5ts ?an ^? :o wi% to /ifle reason & to proscribe =ev] ! lib]ty ( ?\ght4 ,y see t ! true fri5ds ( a /able gov]nm5t are ^? :o seek mo/ s$ul\sly to enlight51 educate1 & elevate ! p4 ,y feel t by bani%+ k & p]secut+ philosophy1 gov]nm5t sacrifices its de>e/ int]e/s to a s$iti\s cl]gy1 ^: ambition & av>ice pu% !m to usurp b\ndless au?ority1 & ^: pride always makes !m indignant at be+ 9 subjection to a p[] :i* !y cont5d %\ld be subord9ate to !mselves4 ,!re is no prie/ :o does n consid] himself sup]ior to ! highe/ rul] ( any c\ntry4 ,we h (t5 se5 ! prie/hood av[ pret5sions ( ?is "*4 ,! cl]gy are always enrag$ :5 an attempt is made to subject !m to ! secul> p[]4 ,su* an attempt !y reg>d z pr(ane1 & !y d5\nce x z tyranny :5ev] x is s\ght to be en=c$4 ,!y pret5d t 9 all times ! prie/hood has be5 sacr$1 t its rights come f ,god himself1 & t no gov]nm5t c1 )\t sacrilege1 or )\t outrag+ ! ,div9ity1 t\* ! prop]ty1 ! privileges1 or ! immunities :i* h be5 snat*$ f ignorance & cr$ulity4 ,:5ev] ! civil au?ority w\ld t\* ! objects consid]$ inviolable & sacr$ 9 ! h&s ( ! prie/s1 _! clamors _c be appeas$2 !y make ef=ts to excite ! p aga9/ ! gov]nm5t2 !y d5\nce all au?ority z tyrannical :5 x has ! tem]ity to ?9k ( subject+ !m to ! laws1 ( re=m+ _! abuses1 & neutraliz+ _! p[] to injure4 ,b !y consid] au?ority legitimate :5 x cru%es _! enemies1 ?\gh x appe>s insupportable z soon z x is reasonable & favorable to ! p4 ,! prie/s are ess5tially ! mo/ wick$ ( m51 & ! wor/ citiz5s ( a /ate4 ,a miracle w\ld be necess>y to r5d] !m o!rwise4 ,9 all c\ntries !y are ! spoil$ *ildr5 ( nations4 ,!y are pr\d & haughty1 s9ce !y pret5d x is f ,god himself !y receiv$ _! mission & _! p[]4 ,!y are +rates1 s9ce !y assume to owe only to ,god b5efits :i* !y visibly hold f ! g5]osity ( gov]nm5ts & ! p4 ,!y are audaci\s1 because = _m ages !y h enjoy$ supremacy ) impunity4 ,!y are unquiet & turbul5t1 because !y are nev] )\t ! desire ( play+ a great "p4 ,!y are qu>relsome & facti\s1 because !y are nev] able to f9d out a me?od ( enabl+ m5 to und]/& ! pret5d$ tru?s !y tea*4 ,!y are suspici\s1 defiant1 & cruel1 because !y s5sibly feel t !y may well dread ! discov]y ( _! impo/ures4 ,!y are ! spontane\s enemies ( tru?1 because !y ju/ly appreh5d x w annihilate _! pret5sions4 ,!y are implacable 9 _! v5geance1 because x w\ld be dang]\s to p>don ^? :o wi% to cru% _! doctr9es1 ^: weakness !y "k4 ,!y are hypocrites1 because mo/ ( !m possess too mu* s5se to believe ! rev]ies !y retail to o!rs4 ,!y are ob/9ate 9 _! ideas1 because !y are inflat$ ) vanity1 & because !y c\ld n consi/5tly deviate f a me?od ( ?9k+ ( :i* !y pret5d ,god is ! au?or4 ,we (t5 see !m unbridl$ & lic5ti\s 9 _! mann]s1 because x is impossible t idl5ess1 effem9acy1 & luxury %\ld n corrupt ! he>t4 ,we sometimes see !m au/]e & rigid 9 _! conduct 9 ord] to impose on ! p & accompli% _! ambiti\s views4 ,if !y are hypocrites & rogues1 !y are extremely dang]\s2 & if !y are fanatical 9 good fai?1 or imbecile1 !y are n less to be fe>$4 ,9 f9e1 we almo/ always see !m rebelli\s & s$iti\s1 because an au?ority d]iv$ f ,god is n dispos$ to b5d to au?ority d]iv$ f m54 ,y h "h1 ,madam1 a fai?ful portrait ( ! memb]s ( a p[]ful body1 9 ^: favor gov]nm5ts1 = a long "t1 h believ$ x _! duty to sacrifice ! o!r int]e/s ( ! /ate4 ,y "h see ! citiz5s :om prejudice mo/ ri*ly recomp5ses1 :om pr9ces honor 9 ! eyes ( ! p1 to :om !y give _! confid5ce1 :om !y reg>d z ! support ( _! p[]1 & :om !y consid] z necess>y to ! happ9ess & security ( _! k+doms4 ,y c judge y\rself :e!r ! lik5ess del9eat$ is correct4 ,y are 9 a position to discov] _! intrigues1 _! und]plots1 _! conduct1 & _! disc\rse1 & y w always f9d t _! con/ant object is to flatt] pr9ces = ! purpose ( gov]n+ !m & keep+ nations 9 slav]y4 ,x is to please citiz5s s dang]\s t sov]eigns m+le 9 !ological que/ions1 take ! "p ( ^? :o succe$ 9 s$uc+ !m1 p]secute all ^? :o d n submit1 proscribe ) fury ! fri5ds ( reason1 & by repress+ k injure _! own p[]4 ,because ! prie/s1 :o urge pr9ces to sacrilege :5 !y combat = !m1 are indignant aga9/ ! same pr9ces :5 !y refuse to de/roy ! enemies ( _! own p>ticul> cl]ical body4 ,!y likewise d5\nce sov]eigns z impi\s if ! latt] treat !ological disputes ) ! indiff]5ce !y m]it4 ,:5 h]eaft]1 reclaim$ f _! prejudices1 pr9ces wi% to gov]n = ! good ( all1 let !m cease to he> ! int]e/$ & (t5 sangu9>y c\ncils ( ^! pret5d$ div9e m51 :o1 reg>d+ !mselves z ! c5tre ( all ?+s1 wi% to h sacrific$ = ?is object ! happ9ess1 ! repose1 ! ri*es1 & ! honors ( ! /ate4 ,let ! sov]eign nev] ent] into _! diss5sions1 let him nev] p]secute = religi\s op9ions1 :i*1 among sect>ies1 are commonly on bo? sides equally ridicul\s & de/itute ( f\ndation4 ,!y w\ld nev] involve ! gov]nm5t if ! sov]eign _h n ! weakness to m+le 9 !m4 ,let him give unlimit$ fre$om to ! c\rse ( ?9k+1 :ile he directs by j laws ! c\rse ( act+ on ! "p ( 8 subjects4 ,let him p]mit e "o to dream or speculate z he pleases1 provid$ he conducts himself o!rwise z an hone/ man & a good citiz54 ,at lea/ let ! pr9ce n oppose ! progress ( k1 :i* alone is capable ( extricat+ 8 p f ignorance1 b>b>ity1 & sup]/ition1 :i* h made victims ( s _m ,*ri/ian rul]s4 ,let him be assur$ t enlight5$ & in/ruct$ citiz5s are m law-abid+1 indu/ri\s1 & peaceable ?an /upid slaves )\t k & )\t reason1 :o w always be ready to take all ! passions ) :i* a fanatic wi%es to inspire !m4 ,let ! sov]eign especially occupy himself ) ! education ( 8 subjects1 nor leave ! cl]gy unob/ruct$ly to impregnate 8 p ) my/ic notions1 fooli% rev]ies1 & sup]/iti\s practices1 :i* are only prop] = fanatics4 ,let him at lea/ c\nt]balance ! inculcation ( ^! follies by tea*+ a morality con=mable to ! good ( ! /ate1 useful to ! happ9ess ( its memb]s1 & social & reasonable4 ,?is morality w\ld in=m a man :at he ow$ to himself1 to society1 to 8 fell[-citiz5s1 & to ! magi/rates :o adm9i/]$ ! laws4 ,?is morality w\ld n =m m5 :o w\ld hate ea* o!r = speculative op9ions1 nor dang]\s en?usia/s1 nor devotees bl9dly submissive to ! prie/s4 ,x w\ld create a tranquil1 intellig5t1 & indu/ri\s community2 a body ( inhabitants submissive to reason & ob$i5t to j & legitimate au?ority4 ,9 a ^w1 f su* morality w\ld spr+ virtu\s m5 & good citiz5s1 & x w\ld be ! sure/ antidote aga9/ sup]/ition & fanaticism4 ,9 ?is mann] ! empire ( ! cl]gy w\ld be dim9i%$1 & ! sov]eign w\ld h a less port5t\s rival2 he w\ld1 )\t opposition1 be assur$ ( all rational & enlight5$ citiz5s2 ! ri*es ( ! cl]gy w\ld 9 "p rent] society1 & be ( use 9 b5efit+ ! p2 in/itutions n[ useless w\ld be put to advantage\s uses2 a portion ( ! possessions ( ! *ur*1 orig9ally de/9$ = ! poor1 & s long appropriat$ by av>ici\s prie/s1 w\ld come into ! h&s ( ! suff]+ & ! indig5t1 _! legitimate proprietors4 ,support$ by a nation :o 7 s5sible ( ! advantages he _h procur$ !m1 ! pr9ce w\ld no long] fe> ! cries ( fanaticism1 & !y w\ld soon be no long] he>d4 ,! prie/s1 ! lazy monks1 & turbul5t p]sons liv+ 9 =c$ celibacy1 c\ld no long] calculate on ! future1 &1 ali5s 9 ! /ate :i* n\ri%$ !m1 !y w\ld visibly dim9i%4 ,! gov]nm5t1 m ri* & p[]ful1 w\ld be 9 a bett] situation to diffuse its b5efits2 & enlight5$1 virtu\s1 & b5efic5t m5 w\ld con/itute ! support1 ! glory1 & ! gr&eur ( ! /ate4 ,su*1 ,madam1 are ! ends :i* all gov]nm5ts w\ld propose :o op5$ _! eyes to _! own true int]e/s4 ,i flatt] myself t ^! designs w n appe> to y ei!r impossible or *im]ical4 ,k & sci5ce1 :i* beg9 to be g5]ally diffus$1 are already advanc+ ^! results2 !y are giv+ an impulse to ! m>* ( ! human m9d1 & 9 "t1 gov]nm5ts & p1 )\t tumult or revolution1 w be fre$ f ! yoke :i* has oppress$ !m s long4 ,d we see any ?+ useful 9 ! pi\s end[m5ts ( our ance/ors8 ,we f9d !m to consi/ ( in/itutions inv5t$ to cont9ue a lazy1 mona/ic life2 co/ly temples elevat$ & enri*$ by indig5t p to augm5t ! pride ( ! prie/s1 & to erect alt>s & palaces4 ,f ! f\ndation ( ,*ri/ianity ! :ole object ( religion has be5 to aggr&ize ! prie/hood on ! ru9s ( nations & gov]nm5ts4 ,a jeal\s religion has exclusively seiz$ on ! m9ds ( m51 & p]suad$ !m t !y live ^u e>? m]ely to occupy !mselves ) _! future happ9ess 9 ! unkn[n regions ( ! empyrean4 ,x is "t t ?is pre/ige %\ld cease2 x is "t t ! human race %\ld occupy itself ) its own true int]e/s4 ,! int]e/s ( ! p w always be incompatible ) ^? ( ! guides :o believe !y h acquir$ an imprescriptible "r to lead m5 a/ray4 ,! m y exam9e ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ! m w y be conv9c$ t x c be advantage\s only to ^? ^: object x is easily to guide mank9d aft] hav+ plung$ !m into d>kness4 ,i am1 c4 ,,lett] ,x4 ,( ! ,advantages ,religion conf]s on ^? :o pr(ess x4 ,i d>e flatt] myself1 ,madam1 t ,i h cle>ly demon/rat$ to y1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion1 f> f be+ ! support ( sov]eign au?ority1 is its greate/ enemy2 & ( hav+ pla9ly conv9c$ y1 t its m9i/]s are1 by ! v nature ( _! functions1 ! rivals ( k+s1 & adv]s>ies ! mo/ to be fe>$ by all :o value or ex]cise temporal p[]4 ,9 a ^w1 ,i ?9k ,i h p]suad$ y1 t society might1 )\t damage1 disp5se ) ! s]vices !y r5d]1 or at lea/ disp5se ) pay+ = !m s extravagantly4 ,let u n[ exam9e ! advantages :i* ?is religion procures to individuals1 :o are mo/ /rongly conv9c$ ( its pret5d$ tru?s1 & :o con=m ! mo/ rigidly to its precepts4 ,let u see if x is calculat$ to r5d] its disciples m cont5t$1 m happy1 & m virtu\s ?an !y w\ld be )\t ! burd5 ( its m9i/]s4 ,to decide ! "q1 x is suffici5t to look ar\nd u1 & to consid] ! effects t religion produces on m9ds really p5etrat$ ) its pret5d$ tru?s4 ,we %all g5]ally f9d 9 ^? :o ! mo/ s9c]ely pr(ess & ! mo/ exactly practise !m1 a joyless & melan*oly disposition1 :i* ann\nces no cont5tm5t1 nor t int]ior peace ( :i* !y speak s incessantly1 )\t ev] exhibit+ any und\bt$ manife/ations ( x4 ,:oev] is 9 ! enjoym5t ( peace )91 %[s "s ext]ior m>ks ( x2 b ! int]nal satisfaction ( devotees is commonly s conceal$1 t we may well suspect x ( be+ no?+ b a m]e *im]a4 ,_! int]ior peace1 :i* !y allege gives !m a good consci5ce1 is visible to o!rs only by a bili\s & petulant humor1 t is n usually mu* applaud$ by ^? :o come "u its influ5ce4 ,if1 h[ev]1 !re are occasionally "s devotees :o actually display ! s]5e c\nt5ance ( satisfaction & enjoym5t1 x is because ! dismal ideas ( religion are r5d]$ inop]ative by a happy temp]am5t2 or t su* p]sons h n fully become impregnat$ ) _! sy/em ( fai?1 ^: legitimate effect is to plunge its devotees into t]rible inquietudes & sombre *agr9s4 ,?us1 ,madam1 we are br\ght back to ! contradictory disc\rses ( ^? prie/s :o1 aft] hav+ caus$ t]ror by _! desolat+ dogmas1 attempt to reassure u by vague hopes1 & exhort u to place confid5ce 9 a ,god :om !y h !mselves s repulsively del9eat$4 ,x is idle = !m to tell u ! yoke ( ,jesus ,*ri/ is light4 ,x is insupportable to ^? :o consid] x prop]ly4 ,x is only light = ^? :o be> x )\t reflection1 or = ^? :o assume x 9 ord] to impose x ^u o!rs1 )\t int5d+ to suff] its annoyances !mselves4 ,suff] me1 ,madam1 to ref] y to y\rself4 ,7 y happy1 cont5t$1 or gay1 :5 y made me ! depository ( ! secret inquietudes inflict$ ^u y by prejudices1 & :i* _h comm5c$ tak+ t fatal empire ov] y\r m9d :i* ,i h endeavor$ to de/roy8 ,0 n y\r s\l involv$ 9 woe 9 spite ( y\r judgm5t8 ,7 y n tak+ measures to )] all y\r happ9ess8 ,9 favor ( religion1 7 y n ready to r5\nce ! _w1 & disreg>d all y owe to society8 ,if ,i 0 afflict$1 ,i 0 n surpris$4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion inevitably de/roys ! happ9ess & repose ( ^? :o are subject$ by x2 al>ms & t]rors are ! objects ( its pleasures2 x _c make ^? happy :o fully receive x4 ,x w\ld c]ta9ly h plung$ y into di/ress4 ,all y\r faculties w\ld h be5 injur$1 & y\r too susceptible imag9ation w\ld h be5 c>ri$ to su* dang]\s extremes1 t _m o!rs w\ld h griev$ at ! result4 ,a g5tle & b5efic5t _s1 l y\rs1 c\ld nev] receive peace f ,*ri/ianity4 ,! evils ( religion are sure1 :ile its consolations are contradictory & vague4 ,!y _c give t temp] & tranquillity to ! m9d :i* is necess>y to enable m5 to labor = _! own happ9ess & t ( o!rs4 ,9 effect1 z ,i h already obs]v$1 x is v difficult = an individual to occupy himself ) ! happ9ess ( ano!r :5 he is himself mis]able4 ,! devotee1 :o imposes p5ances on 8 own head1 :o is suspici\s ( e ?+1 :o is full ( self-reproa*es1 & :o is heat$ by vision>y m$itation1 by fa/+ & seclusion1 mu/ naturally be irritat$ aga9/ all ^? :o d n believe x _! duty to make su* absurd sacrifices4 ,he c sc>cely avoid be+ enrag$ at ^? audaci\s p]sons :o neglect practices or duties t are claim$ z ! exactions ( ,god4 ,he w desire to be ) ^? only :o view ?+s z he does himself2 he w keep himself ap>t f all o!rs1 & w end by hat+ !m4 ,he believes himself oblig$ to make a l\d & public p>ade ( 8 mode ( ?9k+1 & he signalizes 8 zeal ev5 at ! risk ( appe>+ ridicul\s4 ,if he %[$ indulg5ce1 he w\ld d\btless fe> he %\ld r5d] himself an accomplice 9 a neglect ( 8 ,god4 ,he w\ld repreh5d su* s9n]s1 & x w\ld be ) acrimony1 because 8 own s\l 0 fill$ ) x4 ,9 f9e1 if zeal\s1 he w\ld always be "u ! dom9ion ( ang]1 & w\ld only be indulg5t 9 proportion z he 0 n bigot$4 ,religi\s devotion t5ds to ar\se fi]ce s5tim5ts1 t soon] or lat] manife/ !mselves 9 a mann] disagreeable = o!rs4 ,! my/ical devotees cle>ly illu/rate ?is4 ,!y are vex$ ) ! _w1 & x c\ld n exi/ if ! extravagances requir$ by religion 7 altoge!r c>ri$ out4 ,! _w _c be unit$ to ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,god dem&s our entire he>t1 & no?+ is all[$ to rema9 = 8 weak creatures4 ,to produce ! little zeal = heav5 :i* ,*ri/ians h1 x is requisite to torm5t !m1 & ?us lead !m to ! practice ( ^? m>vell\s virtues 9 :i* !y imag9e is plac$ all _! safety4 ,a /range religion1 :i*1 practis$ 9 all its rigor1 w\ld drag society to ru96 ,! s9c]e devotee proposes impossible atta9m5ts1 ( :i* human nature is n capable2 & z1 9 spite ( all 8 endeavors1 he is unable to succe$ 9 _! acquisition1 he is always discont5t$ ) himself4 ,he reg>ds himself z ! object ( ,god's ang]2 he reproa*es himself ) all t he does2 he suff]s remorse = all ! pleasures he exp]i5ces1 & fe>s t !y may occasion a fall f grace4 ,= 8 great] security1 he (t5 avoids society :i* may at any mom5t turn him f 8 pret5d$ duties1 excite him to s91 & r5d] him ! witness or accomplice ( :at is (f5sive to zealots4 ,9 f9e1 if ! devotee is v zeal\s1 he _c prev5t himself f avoid+ or dete/+ be+s1 :o1 accord+ to 8 gloomy notions ( religion1 are p]petually occupi$ 9 irritat+ ,god4 ,on ! o!r h&1 y "k1 ,madam1 t x is *agr9 & melan*oly t lead to devotion4 ,x is usually n till ! _w ab&ons & displeases m5 t !y h rec\rse to heav52 x is 9 ! arms ( religion t ! ambiti\s seek to console !mselves = _! disgraces & disappo9t$ projects2 dissolute & loose wom5 turn devotees :5 ! _w disc>ds !m1 & !y (f] to ,god he>ts wa/$1 & *>ms t are no long] 9 repute4 ,! ru9 ( _! attractions admoni%es !m t _! empire is no long] ( ?is _w2 fill$ ) vexation1 consum$ ) *agr91 & irritat$ aga9/ a society :]e !y 7 depriv$ ( enact+ an agreeable "p1 !y yield !mselves up to devotion1 & di/+ui% !mselves by religi\s follies1 aft] hav+ run ! race ( fa%ionable vices1 & be5 engag$ 9 worldly sc&als4 ,) rancor 9 _! he>ts1 !y (f] a gloomy adoration to a ,god :o indemnifies !m mo/ mis]ably = _! ascetic wor%ip4 ,9 a ^w1 x is passion1 affliction1 & despair to :i* mo/ conv]sions mu/ be attribut$2 & !y are p]sons ( su* "* :o deliv] !mselves to ! prie/s1 & ^! m5tal ab]rations & physical afflictions are ! m>vell\s /rokes ( grace ( :i* ,god makes use to lead m5 to himself4 ,x is n1 !n1 surpris+ if we see p]sons subject to ?is devotion mo/ commonly rul$ by sorr[ & passion4 ,^! m5tal moods are p]petually aggravat$ by religion1 :i* is exactly calculat$ to imbitt] m & m ! s\ls ?us fill$ ) vexations4 ,! conv]sation ( a spiritual director is a weak consolation = ! loss ( a lov]2 ! remote & flatt]+ hopes ( ano!r _w r>ely make up = ! realities ( ?is2 nor d ! fictiti\s occupations ( religion suffice to satisfy s\ls accu/om$ to intrigues1 dissipation1 & sc&al\s pleasures4 ,?us1 ,madam1 we see t ! effects ( ^! brilliant conv]sions1 s well adapt$ to give pleasure to ! ,omnipot5t & to 8 c\rt1 pres5t no?+ advantage\s = ! inhabitants ( ?is l[] _w4 ,if ! *anges produc$ by grace d n r5d] ^? m happy ^u :om !y are op]at$1 !y _c cause mu* admiration on ! "p ( ^? :o witness !m4 ,inde$1 :at advantages does society reap f ! great] "p ( conv]sions8 ,d ! p]sons s t\*$ by grace become bett]8 ,d !y make am5ds = ! evil !y h done1 or are !y he>tily & g5]\sly engag$ 9 do+ good to ^? by :om !y are surr\nd$8 ,a mi/ress1 = example1 :o has be5 arrogant & pr\d1--does conv]sion r5d] h] humble & g5tle8 ,does ! unju/ & cruel man recomp5se ^? to :om he has done evil8 ,does ! robb] return to society ! prop]ty ( :i* he has plund]$ x8 ,does ! dissipat$ & lic5ti\s woman repair by h] vigilant c>es ! wrongs t h] disord]s & dissipations h occasion$8 ,no1 f> f x4 ,^! p]sons s t\*$ & conv]t$ by ,god ord9>ily cont5t !mselves ) pray+1 fa/+1 religi\s (f]+s1 frequ5t+ *ur*es1 clamor+ 9 favor ( _! prie/s1 intrigu+ to su/a9 a sect1 decry+ all :o disagree ) _! p>ticul> spiritual director1 & exhibit+ an ard5t & ridicul\s zeal = que/ions t !y d n und]/&4 ,9 ?is mann] !y imag9e !y get absolution f ,god1 & give indemnification to m52 b society ga9s no?+ f _! miracul\s conv]sion4 ,on ! o!r h&1 devotion (t5 exalts1 infuriates1 & /r5g!ns ! passions :i* =m]ly animat$ ! conv]ts4 ,x turns ^! passions to new objects1 & religion ju/ifies ! intol]ant & cruel excesses into :i* !y ru% = ! int]e/ ( _! sect4 ,x is ?us t an ambiti\s p]sonage becomes a pr\d & turbul5t fanatic1 & believes himself ju/ifi$ by 8 zeal2 x is ?us t a disgrac$ c\rti] cabals 9 ! "n ( heav5 aga9/ 8 own enemies2 & x is ?us t a malignant & v9dictive man1 "u ! pretext ( av5g+ ,god1 seeks ! means ( av5g+ himself4 ,?us1 also1 x happ5s t a woman1 to indemnify h]self = hav+ quitt$ r\ge1 consid]s %e has ! "r to outrage ) h] acrid humor a husb& :om %e _h previ\sly1 9 a diff]5t mann]1 outrag$ _m times4 ,%e pi\sly d5\nces ^? :o all[ !mselves ! indulg5ce ( ! mo/ innoc5t pleasures2 9 ! belief ( manife/+ religi\s e>ne/ness1 %e exhales d[nright passion1 envy1 jeal\sy1 & spite2 & 9 l5d+ h]self w>mly to ! int]e/s ( heav5 %e %[s an excess ( ignorance1 insanity1 & cr$ulity4 ,b is x necess>y1 ,madam1 to insi/ ^u ?is8 ,y live 9 a c\ntry :]e y see _m devotees1 & few virtu\s p among !m4 ,if y w b slightly exam9e ! matt]1 y w f9d t among ^! p]sons s p]suad$ ( _! religion1 s conv9c$ ( its importance & utility1 :o speak incessantly ( its consolations1 its sweets1 & its virtues1--y w f9d t among ^! p]sons !re are v few :o are r5d]$ happi]1 & yet few] :o are r5d]$ bett]4 ,are !y vividly p5etrat$ ) ! s5tim5ts ( _! afflict+ & t]rible religion8 ,y w f9d !m atrabili\s1 disoblig+1 & fi]ce4 ,are !y m lightly affect$ by _! cre$8 ,y w !n f9d !m less bigot$1 m b5efic5t1 social1 & k9d4 ,! religion ( ! c\rt1 z y "k1 is a cont9ual mixture ( devotion & pleasure1 a circle ( ! ex]cises ( piety & dissipation1 ( mom5t>y f]vor & cont9u\s irregul>ities4 ,?is religion connects ,jesus ,*ri/ ) ! pomps ( ,satan4 ,we !re see sumptu\s display1 pride1 ambition1 intrigue1 v5geance1 envy1 & lib]t9ism all amalgamat$ ) a religion ^: maxims are au/]e4 ,pi\s casui/s1 int]e/$ = ! great1 approve ?is alliance1 & give ! lie to _! own religion 9 ord] to d]ive advantage f circum/ances & f ! passions & vices ( m54 ,if ^! c\rt div9es 7 too rigid1 !y w\ld affright _! fa%ionable disciples seek+ to rea* heav5 on fl[]y b$s ( ease1 & :o embrace religion ) ! und]/&+ t !y are to be all[$ no inconsid]able latitude4 ,?is is d\btless ! reason :y ,jans5ism1 :i* wi%$ to r5ew ! au/]e pr9ciples ( primitive ,*ri/ianity1 obta9$ no g5]al influ5ce at ! ,p>isian c\rt4 ,! monki% precepts ( e>ly ,*ri/ianity c\ld only suit m5 ( ! temp] ( ^? :o fir/ embrac$ x4 ,!y 7 adapt$ = p]sons :o 7 abject1 bili\s1 & discont5t$1 :o1 depriv$ ( luxury1 p[]1 & honors1 became ! enemies ( gr&eurs f :i* !y 7 exclud$4 ,! devotees _h ! art ( mak+ a m]it ( _! av]sion & disda9 = :at !y c\ld n obta94 ,nev]!less1 a ,*ri/ian1 9 consonance ) 8 pr9ciples1 %\ld take no ?\ght = ! morr[2 %\ld h no individual possessions2 %\ld flee f ! _w & its pomps2 %\ld give 8 coat to ! ?ief :o /ole 8 cloak2 &1 if smitt5 on "o *eek1 %\ld turn ! o!r to ! aggressor4 ,x is ^u ,/oicism t religi\s fanatics built _! gloomy philosophy4 ,! s-call$ p]fections :i* ,*ri/ianity proposes place man 9 a p]petual w> ) himself1 & mu/ r5d] him mis]able4 ,! true ,*ri/ian is an enemy bo? ( himself & ! human race1 & = 8 own consi/5cy %\ld live seclud$ 9 d>kness1 l an owl4 ,8 religion r5d]s him ess5tially unsocial1 & z useless to himself z he is disagreeable to o!rs4 ,:at advantage c society receive f a man :o trembles )\t cessation1 :o is 9 a /ate ( sup]/iti\s p5ance1 :o prays1 & :o indulges 9 solitude8 ,or :at bett] is ! devotee :o flies f ! _w & deprives himself ev5 ( innoc5t pleasures1 9 ! fe> t ,god might damn him = p>ticipation 9 !m8 ,:at results f ^! maxims ( a moral fanaticism8 ,x happ5s t laws s atroci\s & cruel are enact$1 t bigots alone are will+ to execute !m4 ,yes1 ,madam1 blameless z y "k my :ole life to h be51 consonant to integrity & hone/y z y "k my conduct to be1 & free z ,i h ev] be5 f intol]ance1 my exi/5ce w\ld be endang]$ 7 ^! lett]s ,i am n[ writ+ to y to appe> 9 pr9t1 or ev5 be circulat$ 9 manuscript ) my "n atta*$ to !m z au?or4 ,yes1 ,*ri/ians h made laws1 n[ dom9ant "h 9 ,france1 :i* w\ld tie me to ! /ake1 consume my body ) fire1 bore my tongue ) a r$ hot iron1 deprive me ( sepulture1 /rip my family ( my prop]ty1 & = no o!r cause ?an = my op9ions conc]n+ ,*ri/ianity & ! ,bible4 ,su* is ! horrid cruelty eng5d]$ by ,*ri/ianity4 ,x has sometimes be5 call$ 9 "q :e!r a society ( a!i/s c\ld exi/2 b we might ) m propriety ask if a society ( fi]ce1 impracticable1 vision>y1 & fanatical ,*ri/ians1 9 all ! pl5itude ( _! ridicul\s sy/em1 c\ld long subsi/4#e ,:at w\ld become ( a nation all ( ^: inhabitants wi%$ to atta9 p]fection by deliv]+ !mselves ov] to fanatical contemplation1 to ascetical p5ance1 to monki% pray]s1 & to t /ate ( ?+s set =? 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les8 ,:at w\ld be ! condition ( a nation :]e no "o took any ?\ght = ! morr[8--:]e all 7 occupi$ solely ) heav51 & all totally neglect$ :atev] relat$ to ?is transitory & pass+ life8--:]e all made a m]it ( celibacy1 accord+ to ! precepts ( ,/4 ,paul8--& :]e1 9 consequ5ce ( con/ant occupation 9 ! c]emonials ( piety1 no "o _h leisure to devote to ! well-be+ ( m5 9 _! worldly & temporal conc]ns8 ,x is evid5t t su* a society c\ld only exi/ 9 ! ,!baid1 & ev5 !re only = a limit$ "t1 z x mu/ soon be annihilat$4 ,if "s en?usia/s exhibit examples ( ?is sort1 we "k t conv5ts & nunn]ies are support$ by t portion ( society :i* !y d n enclose4 ,b :o w\ld provide = a c\ntry t ab&on$ e ?+ else = ! purpose ( heav5ly contemplations8 #e ,^u ?is topic consult :at ,bayle says1 ,cont9uation des ,p5ses div]ses sur la ,comte1 ,sections #abd1 #abe1 tome iv41 ,r\sseau de ,g5ve1 9 8 ,contrat ,social1 l4 #d1 *4 #h4 ,see also ! ,lettres crites de la ,montague1 lett] fir/1 pp4 #de to #ed1 edit4 #hvo4 ,! au?or discusses ! same matt]1 & confirms 8 op9ions by new reason+s1 :i* p>ticul>ly des]ve p]usal4--,note ( ! ,editor1 7,,naigeon47 ,we may !re=e legitimately conclude t ! ,*ri/ian religion is n fitt$ = ?is _w2 t x is n calculat$ to insure ! happ9ess ei!r ( societies or individuals2 t ! precepts & c\nsels ( its ,god are impracticable1 & m adapt$ to disc\rage ! human race1 & to plunge m5 into despair & apa?y1 ?an to r5d] !m happy1 active1 & virtu\s4 ,a ,*ri/ian is compell$ to make an ab/raction ( ! maxims ( 8 religion if he wi%es to live 9 ! _w2 he is no long] a ,*ri/ian :5 he devotes 8 c>es to 8 e>?ly good2 &1 9 a ^w1 a real ,*ri/ian is a man ( ano!r _w1 & is n adapt$ = ?is4 ,?us we see t ,*ri/ians1 to humanize !mselves1 are con/antly oblig$ to dep>t f _! sup]natural & div9e speculations4 ,_! passions are n repress$1 b on ! contr>y are (t5 ?us r5d]$ m fi]ce & m calculat$ to di/urb society4 ,mask$ "u ! veil ( religion1 !y g5]ally produce m t]rible effects4 ,x is !n t ambition1 v5geance1 cruelty1 ang]1 calumny1 envy1 & p]secution1 cov]$ by ! deceptive "n ( zeal1 cause ! greate/ ravages1 range )\t b\nds1 & ev5 delude ^? :o are transport$ by ^! dang]\s passions4 ,religion does n annihilate ^! viol5t agitations ( ! m9d 9 ! he>ts ( its devotees1 b (t5 excites & ju/ifies !m2 & exp]i5ce proves t ! mo/ rigid ,*ri/ians are v f> f be+ ! be/ ( m51 & t !y h no "r to reproa* ! incr$ul\s ei!r conc]n+ ! pret5d$ consequ5ces ( _! pr9ciples1 or = ! passions :i* are falsely alleg$ to spr+ f unbelief4 ,inde$1 ! *>ity ( ! peaceful m9i/]s ( religion & ( _! pi\s adh]5ts does n prev5t _! black5+ _! adv]s>ies ) a view ( r5d]+ !m odi\s1 & ( draw+ d[n ^u _! heads ! malevol5ce ( a sup]/iti\s community1 & ! p]secution ( tyrannical & oppressive laws2 _! zeal = ,god's glory p]mits !m to employ indiff]5tly all k9ds ( weapons2 & calumny1 especially1 furni%es !m always a mo/ p[]ful aid4 ,accord+ to !m1 !re are no irregul>ities ( ! he>t :i* are n produc$ by incr$ulity2 to r5\nce religion1 say !y1 is to give a free c\rse to unbridl$ passions1 & he :o does n believe surely indicates a corrupt he>t1 deprav$ mann]s1 & frightful lib]t9ism4 ,9 a ^w1 !y decl>e t e man :o refuses to admit _! rev]ies or _! m>vell\s morality1 has no motives to d good1 & v p[]ful ones to commit evil4 ,x is ?us t our *>itable div9es c>icature & misrepres5t ! oppon5ts ( _! supremacy1 & describe !m z dang]\s brig&s1 :om society1 = its own int]e/1 ought to proscribe & de/roy4 ,x results f ^! imputations t ^? :o r5\nce prejudices & consult reason are consid]$ ! mo/ unreasonable ( m52 t !y :o condemn religion on acc\nt ( ! crimes x has produc$ ^u ! e>?1 & = :i* x has s]v$ z an et]nal pretext1 are reg>d$ z bad citiz5s2 t !y :o compla9 ( ! tr\bles t turbul5t prie/s h s (t5 excit$1 are set d[n z p]turbators ( ! repose ( nations2 & t !y :o are %ock$ at ! contemplation ( ! inhuman & unju/ p]secutions :i* h be5 excit$ by prie/ly ambition & rascality1 are m5 :o h no idea ( ju/ice1 & 9 ^: bosoms ! s5tim5ts ( humanity are necess>ily /ifl$4 ,!y :o despise ! false & deceitful motives by :i*1 to ! pres5t "t1 x has be5 va9ly attempt$ ?r\gh ! o!r _w to make m5 virtu\s1 equitable1 & b5efic5t1 are d5\nc$ z hav+ no real motives to practise ! virtues necess>y = _! well-be+ "h4 ,9 f9e1 ! prie/s sc&alize ^? :o wi% to de/roy sac]dotal tyranny1 & impo/ures dang]\s alike to nations & p1 z enemies ( ! /ate s dang]\s t ! laws ought to puni% !m4 ,b ,i believe1 ,madam1 t y are n[ ?or\ghly conv9c$ t ! true fri5ds ( ! human race & ( gov]nm5ts _c also be ! fri5ds ( religion & ( prie/s4 ,:atev] may be ! motives or ! passions :i* det]m9e m5 to incr$ulity1 :atev] may be ! pr9ciples :i* fl[ f x1 !y _c be s p]nici\s z ^? :i* emanate directly & necess>ily f a religion s absurd & s atroci\s z ,*ri/ianity4 ,incr$ulity does n claim extraord9>y privileges z fl[+ f a p>tial ,god2 x pret5ds to no "r ( despotism ov] m5's consci5ces2 x has no pretexts = do+ viol5ce to ! m9ds ( mank9d2 & x does n hate & p]secute = a diff]5ce ( op9ion4 ,9 a ^w1 ! incr$ul\s h n an inf9ity ( motives1 int]e/s1 & pretexts to injure1 ) :i* ! zeal\s p>tisans ( religion are abundantly provid$4 ,! unbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity1 :o reflects1 p]ceives t )\t go+ out ( ?is _w !re are press+ & real motives :i* invite to virtu\s conduct2 he feels ! int]e/ t he has 9 self-pres]vation1 & ( avoid+ :atev] is calculat$ to injure ano!r2 he sees himself unit$ by physical & reciprocal wants ) m5 :o w\ld despise him if he _h vices1 :o w\ld dete/ him if he 0 guilty ( any action contr>y to ju/ice & virtue1 & :o w\ld puni% him if he committ$ any crimes1 or if he outrag$ ! laws4 ,! idea ( dec5cy & ord]1 ! desire ( m]it+ ! approbation ( 8 fell[-citiz5s1 & ! fe> ( be+ subject$ to blame & puni%m5t1 are suffici5t to gov]n ! actions ( e rational man4 ,if1 h[ev]1 a citiz5 is 9 a sort ( delirium1 all ! cr$ulity 9 ! _w w n be able to re/ra9 him4 ,if he is p[]ful en\gh to h no fe> ( m5 on ?is e>?1 he w n reg>d ! div9e law m ?an ! hatr$ & ! disda9 ( ! judges he has con/antly be=e 8 eyes4 ,b ! prie/s may p]haps tell u t ! fe> ( an av5g+ ,god at lea/ s]ves to repress a great numb] ( lat5t crimes t w\ld appe> b = ! influ5ce ( religion4 ,is x true1 h[ev]1 t religion itself prev5ts ^! lat5t crimes8 ,are n ,*ri/ian nations full ( knaves ( all k9ds1 :o secretly plot ! ru9 ( _! fell[-be+s8 ,d n ! mo/ o/5sibly cr$ul\s p]sons indulge 9 an inf9ity ( vices = :i* !y w\ld blu% if !y 7 by *ance br\ght to light8 ,a man :o is ! mo/ p]suad$ t ,god sees all 8 actions frequ5tly does n blu% to commit de$s 9 secret f :i* he w\ld refra9 if beheld by ! meane/ ( human be+s4 ,:at1 !n1 avails ! p[]ful *eck on ! passions :i* religion is said to int]pose8 ,if we c\ld place any reliance on :at is said by our prie/s1 x w\ld appe> t nei!r public nor secret crimes c\ld be committ$ 9 c\ntries :]e _! in/ructions are receiv$2 ! prie/s w\ld appe> l a bro!rhood ( angels1 & e religi\s man to be )\t faults4 ,b m5 =get _! religi\s speculations :5 !y are "u ! dom9ion ( viol5t passions1 :5 !y are b\nd by ! ties ( habit1 or :5 !y are bl9d$ by great int]e/s4 ,"u su* circum/ances !y d n reason4 ,:e!r a man is virtu\s or vici\s dep5ds on temp]am5t1 habit1 & education4 ,an unbeliev] may h /rong passions1 & may reason v ju/ly on ! subject ( religion1 & v errone\sly 9 reg>d to 8 conduct4 ,! religi\s dupe is a poor metaphysician1 & if he also acts badly he is bo? imbecile & wick$4 ,x is true ! prie/s d5y t unbeliev]s ev] reason correctly1 & pret5d !y mu/ always be 9 ! wrong to pref] natural s5se to _! au?ority4 ,b 9 ?is decision !y occupy ! place ( bo? judges & p>ties1 & ! v]dict %\ld be r5d]$ by dis9t]e/$ p]sons4 ,9 ! mean "t ! prie/s !mselves seem to d\bt ! s\ndness ( _! own allegations2 !y call ! secul> arm to ! aid ( _! argum5ts2 !y m>%al on _! side f9es1 imprisonm5t1 confiscation ( goods1 bor+ & br&+1 ) hot irons1 & dea? at ! /ake1 at ?is "t 9 ,france1 & 9 o!r & 9 mo/ c\ntries ( ,*ri/5dom2 !y use ! sc\rge to drive m5 into p>adise2 !y enlight5 m5 by ! blaze ( ! fagot2 !y inculcate fai? by furi\s & bloody /rokes ( ! sword2 & !y h ! bas5ess to /& 9 dread ( m5 :o _c ann\nce !mselves or op5ly promulgate _! op9ions )\t runn+ ! risk ( puni%m5t1 & ev5 dea?4 ,?is conduct does n manife/ t ! prie/s are /rongly p]suad$ ( ! p[] ( _! argum5ts4 ,if our cl]ical !ologians act$ 9 good fai?1 w\ld !y n rejoice to op5 a free c\rse to ?or\gh discussion8 ,w\ld !y n be gratifi$ to all[ d\bt]s to propose difficulties1 ! solution ( :i*1 if ,*ri/ianity is s pla9 & cle>1 w\ld s]ve to r5d] x m firm & solid8 ,!y f9d x answ]s _! ends bett] to use _! adv]s>ies z ! ,mexicans d _! slaves1 :om !y %ackle be=e attack+1 & !n kill = d>+ to def5d !mselves4 ,x is v probable unbeliev]s may be f\nd ^: conduct is blamable1 & ?is is because !y 9 ?is respect foll[ ! same l9e ( reason+ z ! devotee4 ,! mo/ fanatical p>tisans ( religion are =c$ to confess t among _! adh]5ts a small numb] ( ! elect only are r5d]$ virtu\s4 ,by :at "r1 !n1 d !y exact t incr$ulity1 :i* pret5ds to no?+ sup]natural1 %\ld produce effects :i*1 accord+ to _! own admissions1 _! pret5d$ div9e religion fails to accompli%8 ,if all believ]s 7 inv>iably good m51 ! cause ( religion w\ld be provid$ ) an adamant9e bulw>k1 & especially if unbeliev]s 7 p]sons )\t morality or virtue4 ,b :atev] ! prie/s may av]1 ! unbeliev]s are m virtu\s ?an ! devotees4 ,a happy temp]am5t1 a judici\s education1 ! desire ( liv+ a peaceable life1 ! dislike to attract hatr$ or blame1 & ! habit ( fulfill+ ! moral duties1 always furni% motives to ab/a9 f vice & to practise virtue m p[]ful & m true ?an ^? pres5t$ by religion4 ,besides1 ! incr$ul\s p]son has n an inf9ity ( res\rces :i* ,*ri/ianity be/[s ^u its sup]/iti\s foll[]s4 ,! ,*ri/ian c at any "t expiate 8 crimes by confession & p5ance1 & c ?us reconcile himself ) ,god1 & give repose to 8 consci5ce2 ! unbeliev]1 on ! o!r h&1 :o has p]petrat$ a wrong1 c reconcile himself nei!r ) society1 :i* he has outrag$1 nor ) himself1 :om he is compell$ to hate4 ,if he expects no rew>d 9 ano!r life1 he has no int]e/ b to m]it ! homage t 9 all enlight5$ c\ntries is r5d]$ to virtue1 to probity1 & to a conduct con/antly hone/2 he has no inducem5t b to avoid ! p5alties & ! disda9 t society decrees aga9/ ^? :o tr\ble its well-be+1 & :o refuse to contribute to its welf>e4 ,x appe>s evid5t t e man :o consults 8 und]/&+ %\ld be m reasonable ?an "o :o only consults 8 imag9ation4 ,x is evid5t t he :o consults 8 own nature & t ( ! be+s :o surr\nd him1 ought to h tru] ideas ( good & evil1 ( ju/ice & inju/ice1 & ( hone/y & di%one/y1 ?an he :o1 to regulate 8 conduct1 consults only ! records ( a conceal$ ,god1 :om 8 prie/s picture z wick$1 unju/1 *angeable1 contradict+ himself1 & :o has sometimes ord]$ actions ! mo/ contr>y to morality & to all ! ideas t we h ( virtue4 ,x is evid5t t he :o regulates 8 conduct ^u sac]dotal morality w only foll[ ! caprice & passions ( ! prie/s1 & w be a v dang]\s man1 :ile believ+ himself v virtu\s4 ,9 f9e1 x is evid5t t :ile con=m+ himself to ! precepts & c\nsels ( religion1 a man may be extremely pi\s )\t possess+ ! %ad[ ( a virtue4 ,exp]i5ce has prov$ t x is q possible to adh]e to all ! un9telligible dogmas ( ! prie/s1 to obs]ve mo/ scrupul\sly all ! =ms1 & c]emonies1 & s]vices !y recomm5d1 & orally to pr(ess all ! ,*ri/ian virtues1 )\t hav+ any ( ! qualities necess>y to 8 own happ9ess1 & to t ( ! be+s ) :om he lives4 ,! sa9ts1 inde$1 :o are propos$ to u z models1 7 useless memb]s ( society4 ,we see !m to h be5 ei!r gloomy fanatics1 :o sacrific$ !mselves to ! desolat+ ideas ( _! religion1 or excit$ fanatics1 :o1 "u pretext ( s]v+ religion1 h p]petually di/urb$ ! repose ( nations1 or en?usia/ic !ologians1 :o f _! own dreams h d$uc$ sy/ems exactly calculat$ to infuriate ! bra9s ( _! adh]5ts4 ,a sa9t1 :5 he is tranquil1 proposes no?+ ^: accompli%m5t w b5efit mank9d1 & only aims to keep himself safe & seclud$ 9 8 retreat4 ,a sa9t1 :5 he is active1 only appe>s to promulgate rev]ies dang]\s to ! _w1 & to uphold ! int]e/s ( ! *ur*1 t he conf\nds ) ! int]e/ ( ,god4 ,9 a ^w1 ,madam1 ,i _c too (t5 repeat x1 e sy/em ( religion appe>s to be design$ = ! utility ( ! prie/s2 ! morality ( ,*ri/ianity has 9 view only ! int]e/s ( ! prie/hood2 all ! virtues t x tea*es h solely = an object ! *ur* & its m9i/]s2 & ^! ends are always to subject ! p1 to draw a pr(it f _! toil1 & to inspire !m ) a bl9d cr$ulity4 ,we ought1 !re=e1 to practise morality & virtue )\t ent]+ into ^! conspiracies4 ,if ! prie/s disapprove ( ^? :o d n agree ) !m1 & refuse to aw>d any probity to ! ?9k]s :o reject _! injuri\s & useless notions1 society1 :i* ne$s = its own su/5ance real & human virtues1 w n adopt ! s5tim5ts nor esp\se ! qu>rels ( ^! m51 visibly leagu$ toge!r aga9/ x4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( religion require _! dogmas1 _! my/]ies1 & _! fanatical virtues to support _! usurp$ empire1 ! civil gov]nm5t has a ne$ ( reasonable virtues1 ( an evid5t1 & above all1 ( a pacific morality1 9 ord] to ex]cise its legitimate rights4 ,9 f9e1 ! individuals1 :o compose e society1 dem& a morality :i* w r5d] !m happy 9 ?is _w1 )\t emb>rass+ !mselves ) :at only pret5ds to secure _! felicity 9 an imag9>y sph]e1 ( :i* !y h no ideas except ^? receiv$ f ! prie/s !mselves4 ,! prie/s h _h ! art to unite _! religi\s sy/em ) "s moral t5ets :i* are really good4 ,?is r5d]s _! my/]ies m sacr$1 & l5ds au?ority to _! ambigu\s dogmas4 ,by ! aid ( ?is artifice1 !y h giv5 curr5cy to ! op9ion t )\t religion !re c be nei!r morality nor virtue4 ,i hope1 ,madam1 9 my next lett]1 to complete ! exposure ( ?is prejudice1 & to demon/rate1 to :oev] w reflect1 h[ unc]ta91 ab/ract1 & deceitful are ! notions :i* religion has inspir$4 ,i %all cle>ly %[1 t !y h (t5 infect$ philosoph]s !mselves2 t up to ! pres5t "t1 !y h ret>d$ ! progress ( morality2 & t !y h trans=m$ a sci5ce ! mo/ c]ta91 pla91 & s5sible to e ?9k+ man1 into a sy/em at once d\btful & enigmatical1 & full ( difficulties4 ,i am1 ,madam1 c4 ,,lett] ,,xi4 ,( ,human or ,natural ,morality4 ,by ?is "t1 ,madam1 y w h reflect$ on :at ,i _h ! honor to address to y1 & p]ceiv$ h[ impossible x is to f\nd a c]ta9 & inv>iable morality on a religion en?usia/ic1 ambigu\s1 my/]i\s1 & contradictory1 & :i* nev] agre$ ) itself4 ,y "k t ! ,god :o appe>s to h tak5 pleasure 9 r5d]+ himself un9telligible1 t ! ,god :o is p>tial & *angeable1 t ! ,god ^: precepts are at v>iance "o ) ano!r1 c nev] s]ve z ! base on :i* to re> a morality t %all become practicable among ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4 ,9 %ort1 h[ c we f\nd ju/ice & goodness on attributes t are unju/ & evil2 yet attributes ( a ,be+ :o tempts man1 :om he creat$1 = ! purpose ( puni%+ him :5 tempt$8 ,h[ c we "k :5 we d ! w ( a ,god :o has said1 ,?\ %alt n kill1 & :o yet all[s 8 p to ext]m9ate :ole nations8 ,:at idea c we =m ( ! morality ( t ,god :o decl>es himself pleas$ ) ! sangu9>y conduct ( ,moses1 ( ! rebel1 ! assass91 ! adult]]1 ,david8 ,is x possible to f\nd ! holy duties ( humanity on a ,god ^: favorites h be5 inhuman p]secutors & cruel mon/]s8 ,h[ c we d$uce our duties f ! lessons ( ! prie/s ( a ,god ( peace1 :o1 nev]!less1 brea!s only s$ition1 v5geance1 & c>nage8 ,h[ c we take z models = our conduct sa9ts1 :o 7 useless en?usia/s1 or turbul5t fanatics1 or s$iti\s apo/ates2 :o1 "u ! pretext ( def5d+ ! cause ( ,god1 h /irr$ up ! greate/ ravages on ! e>?8 ,:at :olesome morality c we reap f ! adoption ( impracticable virtues1 f _! be+ sup]natural1 :i* are visibly useless to ourselves1 to ^? among :om we live1 & 9 _! consequ5ces (t5 dang]\s8 ,h[ c we take z guides 9 our conduct prie/s1 ^: lessons are a tissue ( un9telligible op9ions1 7= all religion is b op9ion17 pu]ile & frivol\s practices1 :i* ^! g5tlem5 pref] to real virtues8 ,9 f9e1 h[ c we be taught ! tru?1 conduct$ 9 an un]r+ pa?1 by m5 ( a *angeable morality1 calculat$ ^u & actuat$ by _! pres5t int]e/s1 & :o1 al?\gh !y pret5d to prea* good-w to m51 humanity1 & peace1 h1 z _! text-book1 a volume /a9$ ) ! records ( inju/ice1 inhumanity1 s$ition1 & p]fidy8 ,y "k1 ,madam1 t x is impossible to f\nd morality on notions t are s unfix$ & s contr>y to all our natural ideas ( virtue4 ,by virtue1 we ought to und]/& ! habitual dispositions to d :atev] w procure u ! happ9ess ( ourselves & our species4 ,by virtue1 religion und]/&s only t :i* may contribute to r5d] u favorable to a hidd5 ,god1 :o atta*es 8 favor to practices & op9ions t are too (t5 hurtful to ourselves1 & little b5eficial to o!rs4 ,! morality ( ! ,*ri/ians is a my/ic morality1 :i* resembles ! dogmas ( _! religion2 x is obscure1 un9telligible1 unc]ta91 & subject to ! int]pretation ( frail creatures4 ,?is morality is nev] fix$1 because x is subord9ate to a religion :i* v>ies incessantly its pr9ciples1 & :i* is regulat$ accord+ to ! pleasure ( a despotic div9ity1 &1 m especially1 accord+ to ! pleasure ( prie/s1 ^: int]e/s are *ang+ daily1 ^: caprices are z v>iable z ! h\rs ( _! exi/5ce1 & :o are1 consequ5tly1 n always 9 agreem5t ) "o ano!r4 ,! writ+s :i* are ! s\rces :5ce ! ,*ri/ians h drawn _! morality1 are n only an abyss ( obscurity1 b dem& cont9ual explications f _! ma/]s1 ! prie/s1 :o1 9 expla9+1 make !m /ill m obscure1 /ill m contradictory4 ,if ^! oracles ( heav5 prescribe to u 9 "o place ! virtues truly useful1 9 ano!r "p !y approve1 or prescribe1 actions entirely oppos$ to all ! ideas t we h ( virtue4 ,! same ,god :o ord]s u to be good1 equitable1 & b5efic5t1 :o =bids ! rev5g+ ( injuries1 :o decl>es himself to be ! ,god ( clem5cy & ( goodness1 %[s himself to be implacable 9 8 rage2 ann\nces himself z br++ ! sword1 & n peace2 tells u t he is come to set mank9d at v>iance2 &1 f9ally1 9 ord] to rev5ge 8 wrongs1 ord]s rap9e1 treason1 usurpation1 & c>nage4 ,9 a ^w1 x is impossible to f9d 9 ! ,scriptures any c]ta9 pr9ciples or sure rules ( morality4 ,y !re see1 9 "o "p1 a small numb] ( precepts1 useful & intelligible1 & 9 ano!r "p maxims ! mo/ extravagant1 & ! mo/ de/ructive to ! good & happ9ess ( all society4 ,x is 9 punctuality to fulfil ! sup]/iti\s & frivol\s duties1 t ! morality ( ! ,jews 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t writ+s is *iefly conspicu\s2 legal obs]vances1 rites1 c]emonies1 are all t occupi$ ! p ( ,israel4 ,9 recomp5se = _! scrupul\s exactness to fulfil ^! duties1 !y 7 p]mitt$ to commit ! mo/ frightful ( crimes4 ,! virtues recomm5d$ by ! ,son ( ,god1 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 are n 9 reality ! same z ^? :i* ,god ! ,fa!r _h made obs]vable 9 ! =m] case4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t contradicts ! ,old4 ,x ann\nces t ,god is n pacifi$ by sacrifices1 nor by (f]+s1 nor by frivol\s rites4 ,x sub/itutes 9 place ( ^!1 sup]natural virtues1 ( :i* ,i believe ,i h suffici5tly prov$ ! inutility1 ! impossibility1 & ! incompatibility ) ! well-be+ ( man liv+ 9 society4 ,! ,son ( ,god1 by ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is set at v>iance ) himself2 = he de/roys 9 "o place :at he e/abli%es 9 ano!r2 &1 moreov]1 ! prie/s h appropriat$ to !mselves all ! pr9ciples ( 8 mission4 ,!y are 9 unison only ) ,god :5 ! precepts ( ! ,deity accord ) _! pres5t int]e/4 ,is x _! int]e/ to p]secute8 ,!y f9d t ,god orda9s p]secution4 ,are !y !mselves p]secut$8 ,!y f9d t ?is pacific ,god =bids p]secution1 & views ) abhorr5ce ! p]secution ( 8 s]vants4 ,d !y f9d t sup]/iti\s practices are lucrative to !mselves8 ,not)/&+ ! av]sion ( ,jesus ,*ri/ f (f]+s1 rites1 & c]emonies1 !y impose !m on ! p1 !y sur*>ge !m ) my/]i\s rites3 !y respect ^! m ?an ^? duties :i* are ( ess5tial b5efit to society4 ,if ,jesus has n wi%$ t !y %\ld av5ge !mselves1 !y f9d t 8 ,fa!r has delight$ 9 v5geance4 ,if ,jesus has decl>$ t 8 k+dom is n ( ?is _w1 & if he has %[n contempt ( ri*es1 !y nev]!less f9d 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t suffici5t reasons = e/abli%+ a hi]>*y = ! gov]n+ ( ! _w 9 a spiritual s5se1 z k+s d 9 a political "o1--= ! disput+ ) k+s ab\t _! p[]1--= ex]cis+ 9 ?is _w an au?ority ! mo/ unlimit$1 a lic5se ! mo/ t]rific4 ,9 a ^w1 if !y h f\nd 9 ! ,bible "s precepts ( a moral t5d5cy & practical utility1 !y h also f\nd o!rs to ju/ify crimes ! mo/ atroci\s4 ,?us1 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion1 morality uni=mly dep5ds on ! fanaticism ( prie/s1 _! passions1 _! int]e/s3 its pr9ciples are nev] fix$2 !y v>y accord+ to circum/ances3 ! ,god ( :om !y are ! organs1 & ! int]pret]s1 has n said any ?+ b :at agrees be/ ) _! views1 & :at nev] contrav5es _! int]e/4 ,foll[+ _! caprices1 he *anges 8 advice cont9ually2 he approves1 & disapproves1 ( ! same actions3 he loves1 or dete/s1 ! same conduct2 he *anges crime into virtue1 & virtue into crime4 ,:at is ! result f all ?is8 ,x is t ! ,*ri/ians h n sure pr9ciples 9 morality3 x v>ies ) ! policy ( ! prie/s1 :o are 9 a situation to comm& ! cr$ulity ( mank9d1 & :o1 by =ce ( m5aces & t]rors1 oblige m5 to %ut _! eyes on _! contradictions1 & m9ds ! mo/ hone/ to commit faults ! greate/ :i* c be committ$ aga9/ religion4 ,x is ?us t "u a ,god :o recomm5ds ! love ( our neighbor1 ! ,*ri/ians accu/om !mselves f infancy to dete/ an h]etical neighbor1 & are almo/ always 9 a disposition to ov]:elm him by a cr[d ( argum5ts receiv$ f _! prie/s4 ,x is ?us t1 "u a ,god :o orda9s we %\ld love our enemies & =give _! (f5ces1 ! ,*ri/ians hate & de/roy ! enemies ( _! prie/s1 & take v5geance1 )\t measure1 = injuries :i* !y pret5d to h receiv$4 ,x is ?us1 t "u a j ,god1 a ,god :o nev] ceases to boa/ ( 8 goodness1 ! ,*ri/ians1 at ! signal ( _! spiritual guides1 become unju/ & cruel1 & make a m]it ( hav+ /ifl$ ! cries ( nature1 ! voice ( humanity1 ! c\nsels ( wisdom1 & ( public int]e/4 ,9 a ^w1 all ! ideas ( ju/ice & ( inju/ice1 ( good & evil1 ( happ9ess & ( mis=tune1 are necess>ily conf\nd$ 9 ! head ( a ,*ri/ian4 ,8 despotic prie/ comm&s him1 9 ! "n ( ,god1 to put no reliance on 8 reason1 & ! man :o is compell$ to ab&on x = ! guidance ( a tr\bl$ imag9ation w be f> m likely to consult & admit ! mo/ /upid fanaticism z ! inspiration ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,9 8 bl9dness1 he ca/s at 8 feet duties ! mo/ sacr$1 & he believes himself virtu\s 9 outrag+ e virtue4 ,has he remorse8 8 prie/ appeases x spe$ily1 & po9ts out "s easy practices by :i* he may soon recomm5d himself to ,god4 ,has he committ$ inju/ice1 viol5ce1 & rap9e8 he may repair all by giv+ to ! *ur* ! goods ( :i* he has despoil$ wor?y citiz5s2 or by repay+ by l>gesses1 :i* w procure him ! pray]s ( ! prie/s & ! favor ( heav54 ,= ! prie/s nev] reproa* m51 :o give !m ( ?is _w's goods1 ) ! inju/ice1 ! cruelties1 & ! crimes !y h be5 guilty1 to support ! *ur* & befri5d h] m9i/]s2 ! faults :i* h almo/ always be5 f\nd ! mo/ unp>donable1 h always be5 ^? ( mo/ diss]vice to ! cl]gy4 ,to "q ! fai? & reject ! au?ority ( ! prie/hood1 h always be5 ! mo/ frightful crimes2 !y are truly ! s9 aga9/ ! ,holy ,gho/1 :i* c nev] be =giv5 ei!r 9 ?is _w or 9 t :i* is to come4 ,to despise ^! objects :i* ! prie/s h an int]e/ 9 mak+ to be respect$1 is suffici5t to qualify "o = ! appellation ( a blasphem] & an impi\s man4 ,^! vague words1 void ( s5se1 suffice to excite horror 9 ! m9d ( ! weak vulg>4 ,! t]rible ^w sacrilege designates an attempt on ! p]son1 ! goods1 & ! rights ( ! cl]gy4 ,! omission ( "s useless practice is exagg]at$ & repres5t$ z a crime m dete/able ?an actions :i* injure society4 ,9 favor ( fidelity to fulfil ! duties ( religion1 ! prie/ easily p>dons 8 slave submitt+ to vices1 crim9al debau*]ies1 & excesses ! mo/ horrible4 ,y p]ceive1 !n1 ,madam1 t ! ,*ri/ian morality has really 9 view b ! utility ( ! prie/s4 ,:y1 !n1 %\ld y be surpris$ t !y endeavor to make !mselves arbitr>y & sov]eign2 t !y deem z faults1 & z crim9al1 all ! virtues :i* agree n ) _! m>vell\s sy/ems8 ,! ,*ri/ian morality appe>s only to h be5 propos$ to bl9d m51 to di/urb _! reason1 to r5d] !m abject & timid1 to plunge !m into vassalage1 to make !m lose sight ( ! e>? :i* !y inhabit1 = visions ( bliss 9 heav54 ,by ! aid ( ?is morality1 ! prie/s h become ! true ma/]s "h bel[2 !y h imag9$ virtues & practices useful only to !mselves2 !y h proscrib$ & int]dict$ ^? :i* 7 truly useful to society2 !y h made slaves ( _! disciples1 :o make virtue to consi/ 9 bl9d submission to _! caprices4 ,to lay ! f\ndations ( a good morality1 x is absolutely necess>y to de/roy ! prejudices :i* ! prie/s h inspir$ 9 u2 x is necess>y to beg9 by r5d]+ ! m9d ( man en]getic1 & free+ x f ^? va9 t]rors :i* h en?rall$ x2 x is necess>y to r5\nce ^? sup]natural notions :i* h1 till n[1 h9d]$ m5 f consult+ ! volume ( nature1 :i* h subject$ reason to ! yoke ( au?ority2 x is necess>y to enc\rage man1 to undeceive him z to ^? prejudices :i* h enslav$ him2 to annihilate 9 8 bosom ^? false !ories :i* corrupt 8 nature1 & :i* are1 9 fact1 infidel guides1 de/ructive ( ! real happ9ess ( ! species4 ,x is necess>y to undeceive him z to ! idea ( 8 loa?+ himself1 & especially t o!r idea1 t "s ( 8 fell[-creatures are n to labor ) _! h&s = _! support1 b 9 spiritual matt]s = 8 happ9ess4 ,9 f9e1 x is necess>y to influ5ce him ) self-love1 t he may m]it ! e/eem ( ! _w1 ! b5evol5ce & consid]ation ( ^? ) :om he is associat$ by ! ties ( nature or public economy4 ,! morality ( religion appe>s calculat$ to conf\nd society & replunge its memb]s into ! savage /ate4 ,! ,*ri/ian virtues t5d evid5tly to isolate man1 to deta* him f ^? to :om nature has unit$ him1 & to unite him to ! prie/s--to make him lose sight ( a happ9ess ! mo/ solid1 to occupy himself only ) dang]\s *im]as4 ,we only live 9 society to procure ! m easily ^? k9dnesses1 succors1 & pleasures1 :i* we c\ld n obta9 liv+ by ourselves4 ,if x _h be5 de/9$ t we %\ld live mis]ably 9 ?is _w1 t we %\ld dete/ ourselves1 fly ! e/eem ( o!rs1 volunt>ily afflict ourselves1 h no atta*m5t = any "o1 society w\ld h be5 "o heap ( confusion1 ! human k9d savages & /rang]s to "o ano!r4 ,h[ev]1 if x is true t ,god is ! au?or ( man1 x is ,god :o r5d]s man sociable2 x is ,god :o wi%es man to live 9 society :]e he c obta9 ! greate/ good4 ,if ,god is good1 he _c approve t m5 %\ld leave society to become mis]able2 if ,god is ! au?or ( reason1 he c only wi% t m5 :o are possess$ ( reason %\ld employ ?is di/+ui%+ gift to procure = !mselves all ! happ9ess its ex]cise c br+ !m4 ,if ,god has reveal$ himself1 x is n 9 "s obscure way1 b 9 a revelation ! mo/ evid5t & cle> ( all ^? suppos$ revelations1 :i* are visibly contr>y to all ! notions we c =m ( ! ,div9ity4 ,we are n1 h[ev]1 oblig$ to dive into ! m>vell\s to e/abli% ! duties man owes to man1 s9ce ,god has v pla9ly %[n !m 9 ! wants ( "o & ! good (fices ( ano!r p]son4 ,b x is only by consult+ our reason t we c arrive at ! means ( contribut+ to ! felicity ( our species4 ,x is !n evid5t t 9 reg>d+ man z ! creature ( ,god1 ,god mu/ h design$ t man %\ld consult 8 reason1 t x might procure him ! mo/ solid happ9ess1 & ^? pr9ciples ( virtue :i* nature approves4 ,:at1 !n1 might n our op9ions be 7 we to sub/itute ! morality ( reason = ! morality ( religion8 ,9 place ( a p>tial & res]v$ morality = a small numb] ( m51 let u sub/itute a univ]sal morality1 intelligible to all ! inhabitants ( ! e>?1 & ( :i* all c f9d ! pr9ciples 9 nature4 ,let u /udy ?is nature1 its wants1 & its desires2 let u exam9e ! means ( satisfy+ x2 let u consid] :at is ! end ( our exi/5ce 9 society2 we %all see t all ^? :o are ?us associat$ are compell$ by _! natures to practise affection "o to ano!r1 b5evol5ce1 e/eem1 & relief1 if desir$2 we %all see :at is t l9e ( conduct :i* necess>ily excites hatr$1 ill-w1 & all ^? mis=tunes :i* exp]i5ce makes famili> to mank9d2 our reason w tell u :at actions are ! mo/ calculat$ to excite real happ9ess & good w ! mo/ solid & ext5sive2 let u weigh ^! ) ^? t are f\nd$ on vision>y !ories2 _! diff]5ce w at once be p]ceptible2 ! advantages :i* are p]man5t we w n sacrifice = ^? t are mom5t>y2 we w employ all our faculties to augm5t ! happ9ess ( our species2 we w labor ) p]sev]ance & c\rage to extirpate evil f ! e>?2 we w assi/ z mu* z we c ^? :o are )\t fri5ds2 we w seek to alleviate _! di/resses & _! pa9s2 we w m]it _! reg>d1 & ?us fulfil ! end ( our be+ on e>?4 ,9 conduct+ ourselves 9 ?is mann]1 our reason prescribes a morality agreeable to nature1 reasonable to all1 con/ant 9 its op]ation1 effective 9 its ex]cise 9 b5efit+ all1 9 contribut+ to ! happ9ess ( society1 collectively & individually1 9 di/9ction to ! my/icism prea*$ up by prie/s4 ,we %all f9d 9 our reason & 9 our nature ! sure/ guides1 sup]ior to ! cl]gy1 :o only tea* u to b5efit !mselves4 ,we %all ?us enjoy a morality z durable z ! race ( man4 ,we %all h precepts f\nd$ on ! necessity ( ?+s1 t w puni% ^? transgress+ !m1 & rew>d+ ^? :o obey !m4 ,e man :o %all prove himself to be j1 useful1 b5efic5t1 w be an object ( love to 8 fell[-citiz5s2 e man :o %all prove himself unju/1 useless1 & wick$ w become an object ( hatr$ to himself z well z to o!rs2 he w be =c$ to tremble at ! violation ( ! laws2 he w be compell$ to d t :i* is good to ga9 ! good w ( mank9d & pres]ve ! reg>d ( ^? :o h ! p[] ( oblig+ him to be a useful memb] ( ! /ate4 ,?us1 ,madam1 if x %\ld be dem&$ ( y :at y w\ld sub/itute = ! b5efit ( society1 9 place ( vision>y rev]ies1 ,i reply1 a s5sible morality1 a good education1 pr(itable habits1 self-evid5t pr9ciples ( duty1 wise laws1 :i* ev5 ! wick$ _c misund]/&1 b :i* may correct _! evil purposes1 & recomp5ses t may t5d to ! promotion ( virtue4 ,! education ( ! pres5t day t5ds only to make y\? ! slaves ( sup]/ition2 ! virtues :i* x inculcates on !m are only ^? ( fanaticism1 to r5d] ! m9d subject to ! prie/s = ! rema9d] ( life2 ! motives to duty are only fictiti\s & imag9>y2 ! rew>ds & puni%m5ts :i* x exhibits 9 an obscure glimm]+1 produce no o!r effect ?an to make useless en?usia/s & dang]\s fanatics4 ,! pr9ciples on :i* en?usiasm e/abli%es morality are *ang+ & ru9\s2 ^? on :i* ! morality ( reason is e/abli%$ are fix$1 & _c be ov]turn$4 ,see+1 !n1 t man1 a reasonable be+1 %\ld be *iefly occupi$ ab\t 8 pres]vation & happ9ess--t he %\ld love virtue--t he %\ld be s5sible ( its advantages--t he %\ld fe> ! consequ5ces ( crime--is x to be wond]$ ,i %\ld insi/ s mu* on ! practice ( virtue z 8 *ief good8 ,m5 ought to hate crime because x leads to mis]y4 ,society1 to exi/1 mu/ receive ! unit$ virtue ( its memb]s1 ob$i5ce to good laws1 ! activity & intellig5ce ( citiz5s to def5d its privileges & its rights4 ,laws are good :5 !y invite ! memb]s ( society to labor = reciprocal good (fices4 ,laws are j :5 !y recomp5se or puni% 9 proportion to ! good or evil :i* is done to society4 ,laws support$ by a visible au?ority %\ld be f\nd$ on pres5t motives2 & ?us !y w\ld h m =ce ?an ^? ( religion1 :i* are f\nd$ on unc]ta9 motives1 imag9>y & remov$ f ?is _w1 & :i* exp]i5ce proves _c suffice to curb ! passions ( bad m51 nor %[ !m _! duty by ! fe> ( puni%m5ts aft] dea?4 ,if 9 place ( /ifl+ human reason1 z is too mu* done1 its p]fectibility 7 /udi$2 if 9 place ( delug+ ! _w ) vision>y notions1 tru? 7 inculcat$2 if 9 place ( plead+ a sup]natural morality1 a morality agreeable to humanity & result+ f exp]i5ce 7 prea*$1 we %\ld no long] be ! dupes ( imag9>y !ories1 nor ( t]rify+ fables z ! bases ( virtue4 ,e "o w\ld !n p]ceive t x is to ! practice ( virtue1 to ! fai?ful obs]vation ( ! duties ( morality1 t ! happ9ess ( individuals & ( society is to be trac$4 ,is he a husb&8 ,he w p]ceive t 8 ess5tial happ9ess is to %[ k9dness1 atta*m5t1 & t5d]ness to ! companion ( 8 life1 de/9$ by 8 own *oice to %>e 8 pleasures & endure 8 mis=tunes4 ,&1 on ! o!r h&1 %e1 by consult+ h] true int]e/s1 w p]ceive t !y consi/ 9 r5d]+ homage to h] husb&1 9 int]dict+ e ?\ght t c\ld ali5ate h] affections1 dim9i% h] e/eem & confid5ce 9 him4 ,fa!rs & mo!rs w p]ceive t _! *ildr5 are de/9$ to be "o day _! consolation & support 9 old age1 & t by consequ5ce !y h ! greate/ int]e/ 9 inspir+ !m 9 e>ly life ) s5tim5ts ( :i* !y may !mselves reap ! b5efit :5 age or mis=tune may require ! fruits ( ^? advantages t result f a good education4 ,_! *ildr5 e>ly taught to reflect on ^! ?+s1 w f9d _! int]e/ to lie 9 m]it+ ! k9dness ( _! p>5ts1 & 9 giv+ !m pro(s t ! virtues !y are taught w be communicat$ to _! po/]ity4 ,! ma/] w p]ceive t1 to be s]v$ ) affection1 he owes good w1 k9dness1 & indulg5ce to ^? at ^: h&s he w\ld reap advantages1 & by ^: labor he w\ld increase 8 prosp]ity2 & s]vants w discov] h[ mu* _! happ9ess dep5ds on fidelity1 indu/ry1 & good temp] 9 _! situations4 ,fri5ds w f9d ! advantages ( a k9dr$ he>t = fri5d%ip1 & ! reciprocity ( good (fices4 ,! memb]s ( ! same family w p]ceive ! necessity ( pres]v+ t union :i* nature has e/abli%$ among !m1 to r5d] mutual b5efits 9 prosp]ity or 9 adv]sity4 ,societies1 if !y reflect on ! end ( _! association1 w p]ceive t to secure x !y mu/ obs]ve good fai? & punctuality 9 _! engagem5ts4 ,! citiz51 :5 he consults 8 reason1 w p]ceive h[ mu* x is necess>y1 = ! good ( ! nation to :i* he belongs1 t he %\ld ex]t himself to advance its prosp]ity1 or1 9 its mis=tunes1 to retrieve its glory4 ,by consequ5ce e "o 9 8 sph]e1 & us+ 8 faculties = ?is great end1 w f9d 8 own advantage 9 re/ra9+ ! bad z dang]\s1 & oppos+ enemies to ! /ate z enemies to himself4 ,9 a ^w1 e man :o w reflect = himself w be compell$ to ackn[l$ge ! necessity ( virtue = ! happ9ess ( ! _w4 ,x is s obvi\s t ju/ice is ! basis ( all society2 t good w & good (fices necess>ily procure = m5 affection & respect2 t e man :o respects himself ought to seek ! e/eem ( o!rs2 t x is necess>y to m]it ! good op9ion ( society2 t he ought to be jeal\s ( 8 reputation2 t a weak be+1 :o is e in/ant expos$ to mis=tunes1 ought to "k :at are 8 duties1 & h[ he %\ld practise !m = ! b5efit ( himself & ! assembly ( :i* he is a memb]4 ,if we reflect = "o mom5t on ! effects ( ! passions1 we %all p]ceive ! necessity ( repress+ !m1 if we w\ld sp>e ourselves va9 regrets & useless sorr[s1 :i* c]ta9ly always afflict ^? :o obey n ! laws4 ,?us1 a s+le reflection w suffice to %[ ! impropriety ( ang]1 ! dreadful consequ5ces ( rev5ge1 calumny1 & backbit+4 ,e "o mu/ p]ceive t 9 giv+ a free c\rse to unbridl$ desires1 he becomes ! enemy ( society1 & !n x is ! "p ( ! laws to re/ra9 him :o r5\nces 8 reason & despises ! motives t ought to guide him4 ,if x is object$ t man is n a free ag5t1 & !re=e is unable to re/ra9 8 passions1 & t consequ5tly ! law ought n to puni% him1 ,i reply t ! community are impell$ by ! same necessity to hate :at is injuri\s1 & = _! own cons]vation & happ9ess h ! "r to re/ra9 an unhappily organiz$ individual :o is impell$ to injure himself & o!rs4 ,! inevitable faults ( m5 necess>ily excite ! hatr$ ( ^? :o suff] f !m4 ,if ! man :o consults 8 reason has real & p[]ful motives = do+ good to o!rs & ab/a9+ f injur+ !m1 he has pres5t motives equally urg5t to re/ra9 him f ! commission ( vice4 ,exp]i5ce may suffice to %[ him t if he becomes soon] or lat] ! victim ( 8 excesses1 he ceases to be ! fri5d ( virtue1 & exi/s only to s]ve vice1 :i* w infallibly puni% him4 ,?is be+ all[$1 prud5ce1 or ! desire ( pres]v+ "o's self free f ! contam9ation ( evil1 ought to inculcate to e man 8 pa? ( duty2 &1 unless bl9d$ by 8 passions1 he mu/ p]ceive h[ mu* mod]ation 9 8 pleasures1 temp]ance1 *a/ity1 contribute to happ9ess2 t ^? :o transgress 9 ^! respects are necess>ily ! victims ( ill heal?1 & too (t5 pass a life bo? infirm & un=tunate1 :i* t]m9ates soon 9 dea?4 ,h[ is x possible1 !n1 ,madam1 f vision>y !ories to arrive at ^! conclusions1 & e/abli% f sup]natural phantasms ! pr9ciples ( private & public virtue8 ,%all we laun* into unkn[n regions to asc]ta9 our duty & to keep our /ation 9 society8 ,is x n suffici5t if we wi% to be happy t we %\ld endeavor to pres]ve ourselves 9 ^? maxims :i* reason approves1 & on :i* virtue is f\nd$8 ,e man :o w\ld p]i%1 :o w\ld r5d] 8 exi/5ce mis]able1 :oev] w\ld sacrifice p]man5t happ9ess = pres5t pleasure1 is a fool1 :o reflects n on ! int]e/s t are de>e/ to him4 ,if !re are any pr9ciples s cle> z ! morality ( humanity has be5 & is /ill prov$ to be1 !y are su* z m5 ought to obs]ve4 ,!y are n obscure notions1 my/icism1 contradictions1 :i* h made ( a sci5ce ! mo/ obvi\s & be/ demon/rat$1 an un9telligible sci5ce1 my/]i\s & unc]ta9 to ^? = :om x is design$4 ,9 ! h&s ( ! prie/s1 morality has become an enigma2 !y h f\nd$ our duties on ! attributes ( a ,deity :om ! m9d ( man _c compreh5d1 9 place ( f\nd+ !m on ! "* ( man himself4 ,!y h ?r[n 9 among !m ! f\ndations ( an edifice :i* is made = ?is e>?4 ,!y h desir$ to regulate our mann]s agreeably to equivocal oracles :i* e in/ant contradict !mselves1 & :i* too (t5 r5d] _! devotees useless to society & to !mselves4 ,!y h pret5d$ to r5d] _! morality m sacr$ by invit+ u to look = recomp5ses & puni%m5ts remov$ beyond ?is life1 b :i* !y ann\nce 9 ! "n ( ! ,div9ity4 ,9 f9e1 !y h made man a be+ :o may n ev5 /rive at p]fection1 by a preord9ation ( "s to bliss1 & consequ5t damnation ( o!rs1 ^: ins5sibility is ! result ( ?is selection4 ,ne$ we n1 !n1 wond] t ?is sup]natural morality %\ld be s contr>y to ! nature & ! m9d ( man8 ,x is 9 va9 t x aims at ! annihilation ( human nature1 :i* is s mu* /rong]1 s mu* m p[]ful1 ?an imag9ation4 ,9 despite ( all ! subtile & m>vell\s speculations ( ! prie/s1 man cont9ues always to love himself1 to desire 8 well be+1 & to flee mis=tune & sorr[4 ,he has !n always be5 actuat$ by ! same passions4 ,:5 ^! passions h be5 mod]ate1 & h t5d$ to ! public good1 !y are legitimate1 & we approve ^? actions :i* are _! effects4 ,:5 ^! passions h be5 disord]$1 hurtful to society1 or to ! individual1 he condemns !m2 !y puni% him2 he is dissatisfi$ ) 8 conduct :i* o!rs _c approve4 ,man always loves 8 pleasures1 because 9 _! enjoym5t he fulfils ! end ( 8 exi/5ce2 if he exce$s _! j b\nds he r5d]s himself mis]able4 ,! morality ( ! cl]gy1 on ! o!r h&1 appe>s calculat$ to keep nature always at v>iance ) h]self1 = x is almo/ always )\t effect ev5 on ! prie/hood4 ,_! *im]as s]ve b to torture weak m9ds1 & to set ! passions at w> ) nature & _! dogmas4 ,:5 ?is morality pr(esses to re/ra9 ! wick$1 to curb ! passions ( m51 x op]ates 9 opposition to ! e/abli%$ laws ( natural religion2 = by pres]v+ all its rigor1 x becomes impracticable2 & x meets ) real devotees only 9 "s few fanatics :o h r5\nc$ nature1 & :o w\ld be s+ul>1 ev5 if _! oddities 7 injuri\s to society4 ,?is morality1 adopt$ = ! mo/ "p by devotees1 )\t eradicat+ _! habits or _! natural defects1 keeps !m always 9 a /ate ( opposition ev5 ) !mselves4 ,_! life is a r\nd ( faults & ( scruples1 ( s9s & remorse1 ( crimes & expiations1 ( pleasures :i* !y enjoy1 b = :i* !y aga9 reproa* !mselves = hav+ ta/$4 ,9 a ^w1 ! morality ( sup]/ition necess>ily c>ries ) x into ! he>t & ! family ( its devotees inw>d di/ress & affliction2 x makes ( en?usia/s & fanatics scrupul\s devotees2 x makes a great _m ins5sible & mis]able2 x r5d]s none p]fect1 few good2 & ^? only tol]able :om nature1 education1 & habit _h m\ld$ = happ9ess4 ,x is our temp]am5t :i* decides our condition2 ! acquisition ( mod]ate passions1 ( hone/ habits1 s5sible op9ions1 laudable examples1 & practical virtues1 is a difficult task1 b n impossible :5 und]tak5 ) reason = "o's guide4 ,x is difficult to be virtu\s & happy ) a temp]am5t s ard5t z to sway ! passions to its w4 ,"o mu/ 9 calmness consult reason z to 8 duty4 ,nature1 9 giv+ u lively passions & a susceptible imag9ation1 has made u capable ( suff]+ ! in/ant we transgress h] b\nds4 ,%e !n r5d]s u necess>y to ourselves1 & we _c proce$ to consult our real int]e/ if we cont9ue 9 indulg5ce t %e =bids4 ,! passions :i* reason _c re/ra9 are n to be bridl$ by religion4 ,x is 9 va9 t we hope to d]ive succors f religion if we despise & refuse :at nature (f]s u4 ,religion leaves m5 j su* z nature & habit h made !m2 & if x produce any *anges on "s few1 ,i believe ,i h prov$ t ^? *anges are n always = ! bett]4 ,congratulate y\rself1 !n1 ,madam1 on be+ born ) good dispositions1 ( hav+ receiv$ hone/ pr9ciples1 :i* %all c>ry y ?r\gh life 9 ! practice ( virtue1 & 9 ! love ( a f9e & exalt$ ta/e = ! rational pleasures ( our nature4 ,cont9ue to be ! happ9ess ( y\r family1 :i* e/eems & honors y4 ,cont9ue to diffuse ar\nd y ! bless+s y enjoy2 cont9ue to p]=m only ^? actions :i* are e/eem$ by all ! _w1 & all m5 w respect y4 ,respect y\rself1 & o!rs w respect y4 ,^! are ! legitimate s5tim5ts ( virtue & ( happ9ess4 ,labor = y\r own happ9ess1 & y w promote t ( y\r family1 :o w love y 9 proportion to ! good y d x4 ,all[ me to congratulate myself if1 9 all ,i h said1 ,i h 9 any measure swept f y\r m9d ^? cl\ds ( fanaticism :i* obscure ! reason2 & to felicitate y on y\r hav+ escap$ f vague !ories ( imag9ation4 ,abjure sup]/ition1 :i* is calculat$ only to make y mis]able2 let ! morality ( humanity be y\r uni=m religion2 t y\r happ9ess may be con/ant1 let reason be y\r guide2 t virtue may be ! idol ( y\r s\l1 cultivate & love only :at is virtu\s & good 9 ! _w2 & if !re be a ,god :o is int]e/$ 9 ! happ9ess ( 8 creatures1 if !re be a ,god full ( ju/ice & goodness1 he w n be angry ) y = hav+ consult$ y\r reason2 if !re be ano!r life1 y\r happ9ess 9 x _c be d\btful1 if ,god rew>ds e "o accord+ to ! good done "h4 ,i am1 ) respect1 c4 ,,lett] ,,xii4 ,( ! small ,consequ5ce to be atta*$ to ,m5's ,speculations1 & ! ,indulg5ce :i* %\ld be ext5d$ to !m4 ,p]mit me1 ,madam1 to felicitate y on ! happy *ange :i* y say has tak5 place 9 y\r op9ions4 ,conv9c$ by reasons z simple z obvi\s1 y\r m9d has become s5sible ( ! futility ( ^? notions :i* h = a long "t agitat$ x2 & ! inefficacy ( ^? pret5d$ succors :i* religi\s m5 boa/$ !y c\ld furni%1 is n[ app>5t to y4 ,y p]ceive ! evid5t dang]s :i* result f a sy/em t s]ves only to r5d] m5 enemies to individual & g5]al happ9ess4 ,i see ) pleasure t reason has n lo/ its au?ority ov] y\r m9d1 & t x is suffici5t to %[ y ! tru? t y may embrace x4 ,y may congratulate y\rself on ?is1 :i* proves ! solidity ( y\r judgm5t4 ,= x is glori\s to give "o's self up to reason1 & to be ! vot>y ( common s5se4 ,prejudice s arms mank9d t ! _w is full ( p :o slight _! judgm5t2 nay1 :o resi/ ! mo/ obvi\s pleas ( _! und]/&+4 ,_! eyes1 long %ut to ! light ( tru?1 are unable to be> its rays2 b !y c endure ! glimm]+s ( sup]/ition1 :i* plunges !m 9 /ill d>k] obscurity4 ,i am n1 h[ev]1 a/oni%$ at ! emb>rassm5t y h hi!rto felt1 nor at y\r cauti\s exam9ation ( my op9ions1 :i* are bett] und]/ood ! m ?or\ghly !y are exam9$ & comp>$ ) ^? !y oppose4 ,x is impossible to annihilate at once deep-root$ prejudices4 ,! m9d ( man appe>s to wav] 9 a void :5 ^? ideas are attack$ on :i* x has long re/$4 ,x f9ds itself 9 a new _w1 :]e9 all is unkn[n4 ,e sy/em ( op9ion is b ! effect ( habit4 ,! m9d has z great difficulty to dis5gage itself f its cu/om ( ?9k+1 & reflect on new ideas1 z ! body has to rema9 quiesc5t aft] x has long be5 accu/om$ to ex]cise4 ,%\ld y1 = in/ance1 propose to y\r fri5d to leave (f snuff1 z a practice nei!r heal?ful nor agreeable 9 company1 he w n probably li/5 to y1 or if he %\ld1 x w be ) extreme pa9 t he c br+ himself to r5\nce a habit long famili>iz$ to him4 ,x is precisely ! same ) all our prejudices2 ^? ( religion h ! mo/ p[]ful hold ( u4 ,f infancy we h be5 famili>iz$ ) !m2 habit has made !m a sort ( want we _c disp5se )3 our mode ( ?9k+ is =m$1 & famili> to u2 our m9d is accu/om$ to engage itself ) c]ta9 classes ( objects2 & our imag9ation fancies t x w&]s 9 *aos :5 x is n f$ ) ^? *im]as to :i* x _h be5 long accu/om$4 ,phantoms ! mo/ horrible are ev5 cle> to x2 objects ! mo/ famili> to x1 if view$ ) ! calm eye ( reason1 are disagreeable & revolt+4 ,religion1 or r its sup]/itions1 9 consequ5ce ( ! m>vell\s & biz>re notions x eng5d]s1 gives ! m9d cont9ual ex]cise2 & its vot>ies fancy !y are doom$ to a dang]\s inaction :5 !y are sudd5ly depriv$ ( ! objects on :i* _! imag9ation ex]t$ its p[]s4 ,yet is ?is ex]cise s mu* ! m necess>y z ! imag9ation is by f> ! mo/ lively faculty ( ! m9d4 ,h5ce1 )\t d\bt1 x becomes necess>y m5 %\ld replace /ale fool]ies by ^? :i* are novel4 ,?is is1 moreov]1 ! true reason :y devotion s (t5 af=ds consolation 9 great disgraces1 gives div]sion = *agr91 & replaces ! /ronge/ passions1 :5 !y h be5 qu5*$ by excess ( pleasure & dissipation4 ,! m>vell\s argum5ts1 *im]as multiply z religion furni%es activity & occupation to ! fancy2 habit r5d]s !m famili>1 & ev5 necess>y2 t]rors !mselves ev5 m9i/] food to ! imag9ation2 & religion1 ! religion ( prie/craft1 is full ( t]rors4 ,active & unquiet spirits cont9ually require ?is n\ri%m5t2 ! imag9ation requires to be alt]nately al>m$ & consol$2 & !re are ?\s&s :o _c accu/om !mselves to tranquillity & ! sobriety ( reason4 ,_m p]sons also require phantoms to make !m religi\s1 & !y f9d ^! succors 9 ! dogmas ( prie/craft4 ,^! reflections w s]ve to expla9 to y ! cont9ual v>iations to :i* _m p]sons are subject1 especially on ! subject ( religion4 ,s5sible1 l b>omet]s1 y behold !m wav]+ )\t ceas+2 _! imag9ation floats1 & is nev] fix$2 s (t5 z y f9d !m freely giv5 up to ! blackness ( sup]/ition1 s (t5 may y behold !m ! slaves ( p]nici\s prejudices4 ,:5ev] !y tremble at ! feet ( _! prie/s1 !n are _! necks "u ! yoke4 ,ev5 p ( _s & und]/&+ 9 o!r affairs are n altoge!r exempt f ^! v>iations ( m5tal religi\s temp]am5t2 b _! judgm5t is too frequ5tly ! dupe ( ! imag9ation4 ,& o!rs1 aga91 timid & d\bt+1 )\t _s1 are 9 p]petual torm5t4 ,:at d ,i say8 ,man is n1 & _c always be1 ! same4 ,8 frame is expos$ to revolutions & p]petual vicissitudes2 ! ?\ghts ( 8 m9d necess>ily v>y ) ! diff]5t degrees ( *anges to :i* 8 body is expos$4 ,:5 ! body is languid & fatigu$1 ! m9d has n usually mu* incl9ation to vigor & gayety4 ,! debility ( ! n]ves commonly annihilates ! en]gies ( ! s\l1 al?\gh x be s rem>kably di/+ui%$ f ! body2 p]sons ( a bili\s & melan*oly temp]am5t are r>ely ! subjects ( joy2 dissipation importunes "s1 gayety fatigues o!rs4 ,exactly aft] ! same fa%ion1 !re are "s :o love to n\ri% sombre ideas1 & ^! religion supplies !m4 ,devotion affects !m l ! vapors2 sup]/ition is an invet]ate malady1 = :i* !re is no cure 9 m$ic9e4 ,& x is impossible to keep him free f sup]/ition1 ^: brea/1 ! slave ( fe>1 0 nev] s5sible ( c\rage2 nay1 soldi]s & sailors1 ! brave/ ( m51 h too (t5 be5 ! victims ( sup]/ition4 ,x is education alone t op]ates 9 radically cur+ ! human m9d ( its errors4 ,^? :o ?9k x suffici5t1 ,madam1 to r5d] a reason = ! v>iations :i* we s frequ5tly rem>k 9 ! ideas ( m51 ackn[l$ge t !re is a secret b5t ( ! m9ds ( religi\s p]sons to prejudices1 f :i* we %all almo/ 9 va9 endeavor to rescue _! und]/&+s4 ,y p]ceive1 at pres5t1 :at y ought to ?9k ( ^? secret transitions :i* our prie/s w\ld =ce on y1 z ! inspirations ( heav51 z div9e solicitations1 ! effects ( grace2 ?\gh !y are1 nev]!less1 only ! effects ( ^? vicissitudes to :i* our con/itution is liable1 & :i* affect ! robu/1 z well z ! feeble2 ! man ( heal?1 z well z ! valetud9>ian4 ,if we might =m a judgm5t ( ! correctness ( ^? notions :i* our tea*]s boa/ (1 9 respect to our dissolution at dea?1 we %all f9d reason to be satisfi$1 t !re is little or no occasion t we %\ld h our m9ds di/urb$ dur+ our la/ mom5ts4 ,x is !n1 say !y1 t x is necess>y to att5d to ! condition ( man2 x is !n t man1 undeceiv$ z to ! ?+s ( ?is life1 ackn[l$ges 8 errors4 ,b !re is1 p]haps1 no idea 9 ! :ole circle ( !ology m unreasonable ?an ?is1 ( :i* ! cr$ul\s1 9 all ages1 h be5 ! dupes4 ,is x n at ! "t ( a man's dissolution t he is ! lea/ capable ( judg+ ( 8 true int]e/8 ,8 bodily frame rack$1 x may be1 ) pa91 8 m9d is necess>ily weak5$ or *af$2 or if he %\ld be free f excruciat+ pa91 ! lassitude & yield+ ( nature to ! irrevocable decrees ( fate at dea?1 unfit a man = reason+ & judg+ ( ! sophisms t are propos$ z panaceas = all 8 errors4 ,!re are1 )\t d\bt1 z /range notions z ^? ( religion2 b :o kn[s t body & s\l s9k alike at dea?8 ,x is 9 ! case ( heal? t we c promise ourselves to reason ) ju/ness2 x is !n t ! s\l1 nei!r tr\bl$ by fe>1 nor alt]$ by disease1 nor l$ a/ray by passion1 c judge s\ndly ( :at is b5eficial to man4 ,! judgm5ts ( ! dy+ c h no weight ) m5 9 good heal?2 & !y are ! v]ie/ impo/ors :o l5d !m belief4 ,! tru? c alone be kn[n1 :5 bo? body & m9d are 9 good heal?4 ,no man1 )\t ev9c+ an ins5sible & ridicul\s presumption1 c answ] = ! ideas he is occupi$ )1 :5 worn out ) sickness & disease2 yet h ! inhuman prie/s ! effront]y to p]suade ! cr$ul\s to take z _! examples ! words & actions ( m5 necess>ily d]ang$ 9 intellect by ! d]angem5t ( _! corporeal frame4 ,9 %ort1 s9ce ! ideas ( m5 necess>ily v>y ) ! diff]5t v>iations ( _! bodies1 ! man :o presumes to reason on 8 dea? b$ ) ! man 9 heal?1 arrogates :at ought n to be conc$$4 ,d n1 !n1 ,madam1 be disc\rag$ nor surpris$1 if y %\ld sometimes ?9k ( anci5t prejudices reclaim+ ! rights !y h = a long "t ex]cis$ ov] y\r reason2 attribute1 !n1 ^! vacillations to "s d]angem5t 9 y\r frame--to "s disord]$ movem5ts ( m9d1 :i*1 = a "t1 susp5d y\r reason4 ,?9k t !re are few p :o are con/antly ! same1 & :o see ) ! same eyes4 ,our frame be+ subject to cont9ual v>iations1 x necess>ily foll[s t our modes ( ?9k+ w v>y4 ,we ?9k "o cu/om ! result ( pusillanimity1 :5 ! n]ves are relax$ & our bodies fatigu$4 ,we ?9k ju/ly :5 our body is 9 heal?2 t is to say1 :5 all its p>ts are fulfill+ _! v>i\s functions4 ,!re is "o mode ( ?9k+1 or "o /ate ( m9d1 :i* 9 heal? we call unc]ta9ty1 & :i* we r>ely exp]i5ce :5 our frame is 9 its ord9>y condition4 ,we d n !n reason ju/ly1 :5 our frame is n 9 a condition to leave our m9d subject to incr$ulity4 ,:at1 !n1 is to be done1 :5 we w\ld calm our m9d1 :5 we wi% to reflect1 ev5 = an in/ant8 ,let reason be our guide1 & we %all soon arrive at t mode ( ?9k+ :i* %all be advantage\s to ourselves4 ,9 effect1 ,madam1 h[ c a ,god :o is j1 good1 & reasonable1 be irritat$ by ! mann] 9 :i* we %all ?9k1 see+ t our ?\ghts are always involunt>y1 & t we _c believe z we w\ld1 b z our convictions increase1 or become weak5$8 ,man is n1 !n1 = "o in/ant1 ! ma/] ( 8 ideas1 :i* are e mom5t excit$ by objects ov] :i* he has no control1 & causes :i* dep5d n on 8 w or ex]tions4 ,/4 ,augu/9e himself be>s te/imony to ?is tru?3 ,!re is n1 says he1 "o man :o is at all times ma/] ( t :i* pres5ts itself to 8 _s4 ,h we n1 !n1 good reason to conclude1 t our ?\ghts are entirely indiff]5t to ,god1 see+ !y are excit$ by objects ov] :i* we h no control1 &1 by consequ5ce1 t !y _c be (f5sive to ! ,deity8 ,if our tea*]s pique !mselves on _! pr9ciples1 !y ought to c>ry along ) !m ?is tru?1 t a j ,god _c be (f5d$ by ! *anges :i* take place 9 ! m9ds ( 8 creatures4 ,!y ought to "k t ?is ,god1 if he is wise1 has no occasion to be tr\bl$ ) ! ideas t ent] ! m9d ( man2 t if !y d n compreh5d all 8 p]fections1 x is because _! compreh5sion is limit$4 ,!y ought to recollect1 t if ,god is all-p[]ful1 8 glory & 8 p[] _c be affect$ by ! op9ions & ideas ( weak mortals1 any m ?an ! notions !y =m ( him c alt] 8 ess5tial attributes4 ,9 f9e1 if our tea*]s _h n made x a duty to r5\nce common s5se1 & to close ) notions t c>ry 9 _! consequ5ces ! contradictory evid5ce ( _! premises1 !y w\ld n refuse to av[ t ,god w\ld be ! mo/ unju/1 ! mo/ unreasonable1 ! mo/ cruel ( tyrants1 if he %\ld puni% be+s :om he himself creat$ imp]fect1 & possess$ ( a defici5cy ( reason & common s5se4 ,let u reflect a little long]1 & we %all f9d t ! !ologians h /udi$ to make ( ! ,div9ity a f]oci\s ma/]1 unreasonable & *ang+1 :o exacts f 8 creatures qualities !y h n1 & s]vices !y _c p]=m4 ,! ideas !y h =m$ ( ?is unkn[n be+ are almo/ always borr[$ f ^? ( m5 ( p[]1 :o1 jeal\s ( _! p[] & respect f _! subjects1 pret5d t x is ! duty ( ^! la/ to h = !m s5tim5ts ( submission1 & puni% ) rigor ^? :o1 by _! conduct or _! disc\rse1 ann\nce s5tim5ts n suffici5tly respectful to _! sup]iors4 ,?us y see1 ,madam1 t ,god has be5 fa%ion$ by ! cl]gy on ! model ( an uneasy despot1 suspici\s ( 8 subjects1 jeal\s ( ! op9ions !y may ent]ta9 ( him1 & :o1 to secure 8 p[]1 cruelly *a/ises ^? :o h n littl5ess ( m9d suffici5t to flatt] 8 vanity1 nor c\rage en\gh to resi/ 8 p[]4 ,x is evid5t1 t x is on ideas s ridicul\s1 & s contr>y to ^? :i* nature (f]s u ( ! ,div9ity1 t ! absurd sy/em ( ! prie/s is f\nd$1 :i* !y p]suade !mselves is v s5sible & agreeable to ! op9ions ( mank9d2 & :i* is v s]i\sly insult$1 !y say1 if m5 ?9k diff]5tly2 & :i* w puni% ) sev]ity ^? :o ab&on !mselves to ! guidance ( reason1 ! glory ( man4 ,no?+ c be m p]nici\s to ! human k9d ?an ?is fatal madness1 :i* d]anges all our ideas ( a j ,god--( a ,god1 good1 wise1 all-p[]ful1 & ^: glory & p[] nei!r ! devotion nor rebellion ( 8 creatures c affect4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ^! imp]t95t suppositions ( ! prie/hood1 m5 h ev] be5 afraid to =m notions agreeable to ! my/]i\s ,sov]eign ( ! univ]se1 on :om !y are dep5d5t2 _! m9d is put to ! torture to div9e 8 incompreh5sible nature1 &1 9 _! fe> ( displeas+ him1 !y h assign$ to him human attributes1 )\t p]ceiv+ t :5 !y pret5d to honor him1 !y di%onor ,deity1 & t be+ compell$ to be/[ on him qualities t are incompatible ) ,deity1 !y actually annihilate f _! m9d ! pure repres5tation ( ,deity1 z witness$ 9 all nature4 ,x is ?us1 t 9 almo/ all ! religions on ! face ( ! e>?1 "u ! pretext ( mak+ kn[n ! ,div9ity1 & expla9+ 8 views t[>ds mortals1 ! prie/s h r5d]$ him incompreh5sible1 & h actually promulgat$1 "u ! g>b ( religion1 no?+ save absurdities1 by :i*1 if we admit !m1 we %all de/roy ^? notions :i* nature gives u ( ,deity4 ,:5 we reflect on ! ,div9ity1 d we n see t mank9d h plung$ f>!r & f>!r into d>kness1 z !y assimilat$ him to !mselves2 t _! judgm5t is always di/urb$ :5 !y w\ld make _! ,deity ! object ( _! m$itations2 t !y _c reason ju/ly1 because !y nev] h any b obscure & absurd ideas2 t !y are almo/ always 9 unc]ta9ty1 & nev] agree ) !mselves1 because _! pr9ciples are replete ) d\bt2 t !y always tremble1 because !y imag9e t x is v dang]\s to be deceiv$2 t !y dispute )\t ceas+1 because t x is impossible to be conv9c$ ( any ?+1 :5 !y reason on objects ( :i* !y "k no?+1 & :i* ! imag9ations ( m5 are =c$ to pa9t diff]5tly2 9 f9e1 t !y cruelly torm5t "o ano!r ab\t op9ions equally un9t]e/+1 ?\gh !y atta* to !m ! greate/ importance1 & because ! vanity ( ! "o p>ty nev] all[s x to subscribe to ! rev]ies ( ! o!r8 ,x is ?us t ! ,div9ity has become to u a s\rce ( evil1 division1 & qu>rels2 x is ?us t 8 "n alone inspires t]ror2 x is ?us t religion has become ! signal ( s _m combats1 & has always be5 ! true apple ( discord among unquiet mortals1 :o always dispute ) ! greate/ heat1 on subjects ( :i* !y c nev] h any true ideas4 ,!y make x a duty to ?9k & reason on 8 attributes2 & !y c nev] arrive at any j conclusions1 because _! m9d is nev] 9 a condition to =m true notions ( :at /rikes _! s5ses4 ,9 ! impossibility ( kn[+ ! ,deity by !mselves1 !y h rec\rse to ! op9ion ( o!rs1 :om !y consid] m adroit 9 !ology1 & :o pret5d to an intimate acqua9tance ) ,god1 be+ inspir$ by him1 & hav+ secret intellig5ce ( 8 purposes ) reg>d to ! human k9d4 ,^? privileg$ m5 tea* no?+ to ! nations ( ! e>?1 except :at _! rev]ies h r$uc$ to a sy/em1 )\t giv+ !m ideas t are cle> & def9ite4 ,!y pa9t ,god "u *>act]s ! mo/ agreeable to _! own int]e/s2 !y make ( him a good mon>* = ^? :o bl9dly submit to _! t5ets1 b t]rible to ^? :o refuse to bl9dly foll[ !m4 ,?us y p]ceive1 ,madam1 :at ^? m5 are :o h obvi\sly made ( ! ,deity an object s biz>re z !y ann\nce him1 & :o1 to r5d] _! op9ions ! m sacr$1 h pret5d$ t he is griev\sly (f5d$ :5 we d n admit implicitly ! ideas !y promulgate ( ,god4 ,9 ! books ( ,moses ,god def9es himself1 ,i am t ,i am2 yet does ?is inspir$ writ] detail ! hi/ory ( ?is ,god z a tyrant :o tempts m51 & :o puni%es !m = be+ tempt$2 :o ext]m9at$ all ! human k9d by a deluge1 except a few ( "o family1 because "o man _h fall52 9 a ^w1 :o1 9 all 8 conduct1 behaves z a despot1 ^: p[] disp5ses ) all ! rules ( ju/ice1 reason1 & goodness4 ,h ! successors ( ,moses transmitt$ to u ideas m cle>1 m s5sible1 m compreh5sible ( ! ,div9ity8 ,has ! ,son ( ,god made 8 ,fa!r p]fectly kn[n to u8 ,has ! *ur*1 p]petually boa/+ ( ! light %e diffuses among m51 become m fix$ & c]ta91 to d away our unc]ta9ty8 ,alas6 9 spite ( all ^! sup]natural succors1 we "k no?+ 9 nature beyond ! grave2 ! ideas :i* are communicat$ to u1 ! recitals ( our infallible tea*]s1 are calculat$ only to conf\nd our judgm5t1 & r$uce our reason to sil5ce4 ,!y make ( ,god a pure _s2 t is to say1 a be+ :o has no?+ 9 common ) matt]1 & :o1 nev]!less1 has creat$ matt]1 :i* he has produc$ f 8 own fiat--8 ess5ce or sub/ance4 ,!y h made him ! mirror ( ! univ]se1 & ! s\l ( ! univ]se4 ,!y h made him an inf9ite be+1 :o fills all space by 8 imm5sity1 al?\gh ! mat]ial _w occupies "s "p 9 space4 ,!y h made him a be+ all p[]ful1 b ^: projects are incessantly v>y+1 :o nei!r c nor w ma9ta9 man 9 good ord]1 nor p]mit ! fre$om ( action necess>y = rational be+s1 & :o is alt]nately pleas$ & displeas$ ) ! same be+s & _! actions4 ,!y make him an inf9ite good ,fa!r1 b :o av5ges himself )\t measure4 ,!y make ( him a mon>* inf9itely j1 b :o conf\nds ! innoc5t ) ! guilty1 :o has m+l$ inju/ice & cruelty1 9 caus+ 8 own ,son to be put to dea? to expiate ! crimes ( ! human k9d2 ?\gh !y are incessantly s9n+ & rep5t+ = p>don4 ,!y make ( him a be+ full ( wisdom & =esight1 yet ins5sible to ! folly & %ortsight$ness ( mortals4 ,!y make him a reasonable be+ :o becomes angry at ! ?\ghts ( 8 creatures1 ?\gh involunt>y1 & consequ5tly necess>y2 ?\ghts :i* he himself puts into _! heads2 & :o condemns !m to et]nal puni%m5ts if !y believe n 9 rev]ies t are incompatible ) ! div9e attributes1 or :o d>e to d\bt :e!r ,god c possess qualities t are n capable ( be+ reconcil$ among !mselves4 ,is x1 !n1 surpris+ t s _m good p are %ock$ at ! revolt+ ideas1 s contradictory & s appall+1 :i* hurl mortals into a /ate ( unc]ta9ty & d\bt z to ! exi/5ce ( ! ,deity1 or ev5 to =ce !m into absolute d5ial ( ! same8 ,x is impossible to admit1 9 effect1 ! doctr9e ( ! ,deity ( prie/craft1 9 :i* we con/antly see inf9ite p]fections1 alli$ ) imp]fections ! mo/ /rik+2 9 :i*1 :5 we reflect b mom5t>ily1 we %all f9d t x _c produce b disord] 9 ! imag9ation1 & leaves x w&]+ among errors t r$uce x to despair1 or "s impo/ors1 :o1 to subjugate mank9d1 h wi%$ to ?r[ !m into emb>rassm5t1 conf\nd _! reason1 & fill !m ) t]ror4 ,su* appe>1 9 effect1 to be ! motives ( ^? :o h ! arrogance to pret5d to a secret k1 :i* !y di/ribute among mank9d1 ?\gh !y h no k ev5 ( !mselves4 ,!y always pa9t ,god "u ! traits ( an inaccessible tyrant1 :o nev] %[s himself b to 8 m9i/]s & favorites1 :o please to veil him f ! eyes ( ! vulg>2 & :o are viol5tly irritat$ :5 !y f9d any :o oppose _! pret5sions1 or :5 !y refuse to believe ! prie/s & _! un9telligible f>ragoes4 ,if1 z ,i h (t5 said1 x be impossible to believe :at we _c compreh5d1 or to be intimately conv9c$ ( t ( :i* we c =m no di/9ct & cle> ideas1 we may !nce conclude t1 :5 ! ,*ri/ians assure u !y believe t ,god has ann\nc$ himself 9 "s secret & peculi> way to !m t he has n done to o!r m51 ei!r !y are !mselves deceiv$1 or !y wi% to deceive u4 ,_! fai?1 or _! belief 9 ,god1 is m]ely an acceptance ( :at _! prie/s h taught !m ( a ,be+ ^: exi/5ce !y h r5d]$ m ?an d\btful to ^? :o w\ld reason & m$itate4 ,! ,deity _c1 assur$ly1 be ! be+ :om ! ,*ri/ians admit on ! ^w ( _! !ologians4 ,is !re1 9 good tru?1 a man 9 ! _w :o c =m any idea ( a _s8 ,if we ask ! prie/s :at a _s is1 !y w tell u t a _s is an immat]ial be+ :o has none ( ! passions ( :i* m5 are ! subjects4 ,b :at is an immat]ial _s8 ,x is a be+ t has none ( ! qualities :i* we c fa?om2 t has nei!r =m1 nor ext5sion1 nor color4 ,b h[ c we be assur$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+ :o has none ( ^! qualities8 ,x is by fai?1 say ! prie/s1 t we mu/ be assur$ ( 8 exi/5ce4 ,b :at is ?is fai?8 ,x is to adh]e1 )\t exam9ation1 to :at ! prie/s tell u4 ,b :at is x ! prie/s tell u ( ,god8 ,!y tell u ( ?+s :i* we c nei!r compreh5d nor !y reconcile among !mselves4 ,! exi/5ce1 ev5 ( ,god1 has1 9 _! h&s1 become ! mo/ imp5etrable my/]y 9 religion4 ,b d ! prie/s !mselves compreh5d ?is ineffable ,god1 :om !y ann\nce to o!r m58 ,h !y j ideas ( him8 ,are !y !mselves s9c]ely conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+ :o unites incompatible qualities :i* reciprocally exclude ! "o or ! o!r8 ,we _c admit x2 & we are au?oriz$ to conclude1 t :5 ! prie/s pr(ess to believe 9 ,god1 ei!r !y "k n :at !y say1 or !y wi% to deceive u4 ,d n !n be surpris$1 ,madam1 if y %\ld f9d t !re are1 9 fact1 p :o h v5tur$ to d\bt ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,deity ( ! !ologians1 because1 on m$itat+ on ! descriptions giv5 ( him1 !y h discov]$ !m to be incompreh5sible1 or replete ) contradiction4 ,d n be a/oni%$ if !y nev] li/51 9 reason+1 to any argum5ts t oppose !mselves to common s5se1 & seek1 = ! exi/5ce ( ! prie/s' ,deity1 o!r pro(s ?an h yet be5 (f]$ mank9d4 ,8 exi/5ce _c be demon/rat$ 9 revelations1 :i* we discov]1 on exam9ation1 to be ! "w ( impo/ure2 revelations sap ! f\ndations laid d[n = belief 9 a ,div9ity1 :i* !y w\ld wi% to e/abli%4 ,?is exi/5ce _c be f\nd$ on ! qualities :i* our prie/s h assign$ to ! ,div9ity1 see+ t1 9 ! association ( ^! qualities1 !re only results a ,god :om we _c compreh5d1 & by consequ5ce ( :om we c =m no c]ta9 ideas4 ,?is exi/5ce _c be f\nd$ on ! moral qualities :i* our prie/s attribute to ! ,div9ity1 see+ ^! are irreconcilable 9 ! same subject1 :o _c be at once good & evil1 j & unju/1 m]ciful & implacable1 wise & ! enemy ( human reason4 ,on :at1 !n1 ought we to f\nd ! exi/5ce ( ,god8 ,! prie/s !mselves tell u t x is on reason1 ! spectacle ( nature1 & on ! m>vell\s ord] :i* appe>s 9 ! univ]se4 ,^? to :om ^! motives = believ+ 9 ! exi/5ce ( ! ,div9ity d n appe> conv9c+1 f9d n1 9 any ( ! religions 9 ! _w1 motives m p]suasive2 = all sy/ems ( !ology1 fram$ = ! ex]cise ( ! imag9ation1 plunge u into m unc]ta9ty respect+ _! evid5ce1 :5 !y appeal to nature = pro(s ( :at !y advance4 ,:at1 !n1 are we to ?9k ( ! ,god ( ! cl]gy8 ,c we ?9k t he exi/s1 )\t reason+ on t exi/5ce8 ,& :at %all we ?9k ( ^? :o are ignorant ( ?is ,god1 or h no belief 9 8 exi/5ce2 :o _c discov] him 9 ! works ( nature1 ei!r z good or evil2 :o behold only ord] & disord] succe$+ alt]nately8 ,:at idea %all we =m ( ^? m5 :o reg>d matt] z et]nal1 z actuat$ on by laws1 peculi> to itself2 z suffici5tly p[]ful to produce itself "u all ! =ms we behold2 z p]petually ex]t+ itself 9 n\ri%+ & de/roy+ itself1 9 comb9+ & dissolv+ itself2 z incapable ( love or ( hatr$2 z depriv$ ( ! faculties ( intellig5ce & s5tim5t kn[n to belong to be+s ( our species1 b capable ( support+ ^? be+s ^: organization has made !m intellig5t1 s5sible1 & reasonable8 ,:at %all we say ( ^? ,free?9k]s :o f9d nei!r good nor evil1 nei!r ord] nor disord]1 9 ! univ]se2 t all ?+s are b relative to diff]5t conditions ( be+s1 ( :i* !y h evid5ce2 & t all t happ5s 9 ! univ]se is necess>y1 & subject$ to de/9y8 ,9 a ^w1 :at %all we ?9k ( ^! m58 ,%all we say t !y h only a diff]5t mann] ( view+ ?+s1 or t !y use diff]5t words 9 express+ !mselves8 ,!y call t ,nature :i* o!rs call ! ,div9ity2 !y call t ,necessity :i* all o!rs call ! ,div9e decrees2 !y call t ! ,en]gy ( ,nature :i* o!rs call ! ,au?or ( ,nature2 !y call t ,de/9y1 or ,fate1 :i* o!rs call ,god1 ^: laws are always go+ =w>d4 ,h we1 !n1 any "r to hate & to ext]m9ate !m8 ,no1 )\t d\bt2 at lea/1 we _c admit t we h any reason t ^? %\ld p]i%1 :o speak only ! same language ) ourselves1 & :o are reciprocally b5eficial to u4 ,nev]!less1 x is to ?is degree ( extravagance t ! baneful ideas ( religion h c>ri$ ! human m9d4 ,h>ass$1 & set on by _! prie/s1 m5 h hat$ & assass9at$ ea* o!r1 because t 9 religi\s matt]s !y agree n to "o cre$4 ,vanity has made "s imag9e t !y are bett] ?an o!rs1 m intelligible1 al?\gh !y see t !ology is a language :i* !y nei!r und]/&1 nor :i* !y !mselves c\ld inv5t4 ,! v "n ( ,free?9k] suffices to irritate !m1 & to arm ! fury ( o!rs1 :o repeat1 )\t ceas+1 ! "n ( ,god1 )\t hav+ any precise idea ( ! ,deity4 ,if1 by *ance1 !y imag9e t !y h any notions ( him1 !y are only confus$1 contradictory1 incompatible1 & s5seless notions1 :i* h be5 inspir$ 9 _! infancy by _! prie/s1 & ^? :o1 z we h se51 h pa9t$ ,god 9 all ^? traits :i* _! imag9ation furni%$1 or ^? :o appe> m con=m$ to _! passions & int]e/s ?an to ! well-be+ ( _! fell[-creatures4 ,! lea/ reflection w1 nev]!less1 suffice to make any "o p]ceive1 t ,god1 if he is j & good1 _c exi/ z a be+ kn[n to "s1 b unkn[n to o!rs4 ,if ,free?9k]s are m5 void ( reason1 ,god w\ld be unju/ to puni% !m = be+ bl9d & ins5sible1 or = hav+ too little p5etration & und]/&+ to p]ceive ! =ce ( ^? natural pro(s on :i* ! exi/5ce ( ! ,deity has be5 f\nd$4 ,a ,god full ( equity _c puni% m5 = hav+ be5 bl9d or devoid ( reason4 ,! ,free?9k]s1 z fooli% z !y are suppos$1 are be+s less ins5sible ?an ^? :o make pr(essions ( believ+ 9 a ,god full ( qualities t de/roy "o ano!r2 !y are less dang]\s ?an ! ador]s ( a *angeable ,deity1 :o1 !y imag9e1 is pleas$ ) ! ext]m9ation ( a l>ge portion ( mank9d1 on acc\nt ( _! op9ions4 ,our speculations are indiff]5t to ,god1 ^: glory man _c t>ni%--^: p[] mortals _c abridge4 ,!y may1 h[ev]1 be advantage\s to ourselves2 !y may be p]fectly indiff]5t to society1 ^: happ9ess !y may n affect2 or !y may be ! rev]se ( all ?is4 ,= x is evid5t t ! op9ions ( m5 d n influ5ce ! happ9ess ( society4 ,h5ce1 ,madam1 let u leave m5 to ?9k z !y please1 provid$ t !y act 9 su* a mann] z promotes ! g5]al good ( society4 ,! ?\ghts ( m5 injure n o!rs2 _! actions may--_! rev]ies nev]4 ,our ideas1 our ?\ghts1 our sy/ems1 dep5d n on u4 ,he :o is fully conv9c$ on "o po9t1 is n satisfi$ on ano!r4 ,all m5 h n ! same eyes1 nor ! same bra9s2 all h n ! same ideas1 ! same education1 or ! same op9ions2 !y nev] agree :olly1 :5 !y h ! tem]ity to reason on matt]s t are envelop$ 9 ! obscurity ( imag9ative fiction1 & :i* _c be subject to ! usual evid5ce accompany+ matt]s ( report1 or hi/oric relation4 ,m5 d n long dispute on objects t are cognizable to _! s5ses1 & :i* !y c submit to ! te/ ( exp]i5ce4 ,! numb] ( self-evid5t tru?s on :i* m5 agree is v small2 & ! fundam5tals ( morality are among ?is numb]4 ,x is obvi\s to all m5 ( s5se1 t be+s1 unit$ 9 society1 require to be regulat$ by ju/ice1 t !y ought to respect ! happ9ess ( ea* o!r1 t mutual succor is indisp5sable2 9 a ^w1 t !y are oblig$ to practise virtue1 & to be useful to society1 = p]sonal happ9ess4 ,x is evid5t to demon/ration1 t ! int]e/ ( our pres]vation excites u to mod]ate our desires1 & put a bridle on our passions2 to r5\nce dang]\s habits1 & to ab/a9 f vices :i* c only injure our =tune1 & und]m9e our heal?4 ,^! tru?s are evid5t to e be+ ^: passions h n dom9ion ov] 8 reason2 !y are totally indep5d5t ( !ological speculations1 :i* h nei!r evid5ce nor demon/ration1 & :i* our m9d c nev] v]ify2 !y h no?+ 9 common ) ! religi\s op9ions on :i* ! imag9ation so>s f e>? to sky1 nor ) ! fanaticism & cr$ulity :i* are s frequ5tly produc+ among mank9d ! mo/ opposite pr9ciples to morality & ! well-be+ ( society4 ,!y :o are ( ! ,free?9k]s' op9ions are n m dang]\s ?an !y :o are ( ! prie/s' op9ions4 ,9 %ort1 ,*ri/ianity has produc$ effects m appall+ ?an hea!nism4 ,! speculative pr9ciples ( ! ,free?9k]s h done no injury to society2 ! contagi\s pr9ciples ( fanaticism & en?usiasm h only s]v$ to spread disord] on ! e>?4 ,if !re are dang]\s notions & fatal speculations 9 ! _w1 !y are ^? ( ! devotees1 :o obey a religion t divides m51 & excites _! passions1 & :o sacrifice ! int]e/s ( society1 ( sov]eigns1 & _! subjects1 to _! own ambition1 _! av>ice1 _! v5geance & fury4 ,!re is no "q t ! ,free?9k] has motives to be good1 ev5 ?\gh he admit n notions t bridle 8 passions4 ,x is true t ! ,free?9k] has no invisible motives1 b he has motives1 & a visible re/ra9t1 :i*1 if he reflects1 _c fail to regulate 8 actions4 ,if he d\bts ab\t religion1 he does n "q ! laws ( moral obligation2 nor t x is 8 duty to mod]ate 8 passions1 to labor = 8 happ9ess & t ( o!rs1 to avoid hatr$1 disda91 & discord z crimes2 & t he %\ld %un vices :i* may injure 8 con/itution1 reputation1 & =tune4 ,?us1 relatively to 8 morality1 ! ,free?9k] has pr9ciples m sure ?an ^? ( sup]/ition & fanaticism4 ,9 f9e1 if no?+ c re/ra9 ! ,free?9k]1 a ?\s& =ces unit$ w\ld n prev5t ! fanatic f ! commission ( crimes1 & ! violation ( duties ! mo/ sacr$4 ,besides1 ,i believe t ,i h already prov$ t ! morality ( sup]/ition has no c]ta9 pr9ciples2 t x v>ies ) ! int]e/s ( ! prie/s1 :o expla9 ! int5tions ( ! ,div9ity1 z !y f9d ^! accordant or discordant to _! views & int]e/s2 :i*1 alas6 are too (t5 ! result ( cruel & wick$ purposes4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! ,free?9k]1 :o has no morality b :at he draws f ! nature & "* ( man1 & ! con/ant ev5ts :i* transpire 9 society1 has a c]ta9 morality t is n f\nd$ ei!r on ! caprice ( circum/ances or ! prejudices ( mank9d2 a morality t tells him :5 he does evil1 & blames him = ! evil s done1 & t is sup]ior to ! morality ( ! intol]ant fanatic & p]secutor4 ,y ?us p]ceive1 ,madam1 on :i* side ! morality ( ! ,free?9k]s leans1 :at advantages x possesses ov] t inculcat$ on ! sup]/iti\s devotee1 :o kn[s no o!r rule ?an ! caprice ( 8 prie/1 nor any o!r morality ?an :at suits ! int]e/ ( ! cl]gy1 nor any o!r virtues ?an su* z make him ! slave ( _! w1 & :i* are too (t5 9 opposition to ! great int]e/s ( mank9d4 ,?us y p]ceive1 t :at is und]/ood by ! natural morality ( ! ,free?9k]1 is mu* m con/ant & m sure ?an t ( ! sup]/iti\s1 :o believe !y c r5d] !mselves agreeable to ,god by ! int]cession ( prie/s4 ,if ! ,free?9k] is bl9d or corrupt$1 by n kn[+ 8 duties :i* nature prescribes to him1 x is precisely 9 ! same way z ! sup]/iti\s1 ^: invisible motives & sacr$ guides prev5t him n f go+ occasionally a/ray4 ,^! reflections w s]ve to confirm :at ,i h already said1 to prove t morality has no?+ 9 common ) religion2 & t religion is its own enemy1 ?\gh x pret5ds to disp5se ) support f o!r s\rces4 ,true morality is f\nd$ on ! nature ( man2 ! morality ( religion is f\nd$ only on ! *im]as ( imag9ation1 & on ! caprice ( ^? :o speak ( ! ,deity 9 a language too (t5 contr>y to nature & "r reason4 ,all[ me1 !n1 ,madam1 to repeat to y1 t morality is ! only natural religion = man2 ! only object wor?y 8 notice on e>?2 ! only wor%ip :i* he is requir$ to r5d] to ! ,deity4 ,x is uni=m1 & replete ) obvi\s duties1 :i* re/ n on ! dictation ( prie/s1 blabb+ *it-*at !y d n und]/&4 ,if x be ?is morality :i* ,i h def9$1 t makes u :at we are1 ought we n to labor /r5u\sly = ! happ9ess ( our race8 ,if x be ?is morality t makes u reasonable2 t enables u to di/+ui% good f evil1 ! useful f ! hurtful2 t makes u sociable1 & enables u to live 9 society to receive & repay mutual b5efits2 we ought at lea/ to respect all ^? :o are its fri5ds4 ,if x be ?is morality :i* sets b\nds to our temp]1 x is t :i* int]dicts ! commission 9 ?\ght1 ^w1 or action1 ( :at w\ld injure ano!r1 or di/urb ! happ9ess ( society4 ,if x atta* u to ! pres]vation ( all t is de> to u1 x po9ts out h[ by a c]ta9 l9e ( conduct we may pres]ve ourselves2 = its laws1 cle> & ( easy practice1 inflict on ^? :o disobey !m in/ant puni%m5t1 fe>1 & remorse2 on ! o!r h&1 ! obs]vance ( its duties is accompani$ ) imm$iate & real advantages1 & not)/&+ ! depravity :i* prevails on e>?1 vice always f9ds itself puni%$1 & virtue is n always depriv$ ( ! satisfaction x yields1 ( ! e/eem ( m51 & ! recomp5se ( society2 ev5 if m5 are 9 o!r respects unju/1 !y w conc$e to ! virtu\s ! due me$ ( praise4 ,behold1 ,madam1 to :at ! dogmas ( natural religion r$uce u3 9 m$itat+ on x1 & 9 practis+ its duties1 we %all be truly religi\s1 & fill$ ) ! _s ( ! ,div9ity2 we %all be admir$ & respect$ by m52 we %all be 9 ! "r way to be lov$ by ^? :o rule ov] u1 & respect$ by ^? :o s]ve u2 we %all be truly happy 9 ?is _w1 & we %all h no?+ to fe> 9 ! next4 ,^! are laws s cle>1 s demon/rable1 & ^: infraction is s evid5tly puni%$1 ^: obs]vance is s surely recomp5s$1 t !y con/itute ! code ( nature ( all liv+ be+s1 s5ti5t & reason+2 all ackn[l$ge _! au?ority2 all f9d 9 !m ! evid5ce ( ,deity1 & consid] ^? z sceptics :o d\bt _! efficacy4 ,! ,free?9k] does n refuse to ackn[l$ge z fundam5tal laws1 ^? :i* are obvi\sly f\nd$ on ! ,god ( ,nature1 & on ! immutable & necess>y circum/ances ( ?+s cognizable to ! faculties ( s5ti5t natures4 ,! ,indian1 ! ,*9ese1 ! savage1 p]ceives ^! self-evid5t laws1 :5ev] he is n c>ri$ headlong by 8 passions into crime & error4 ,9 f9e1 ^! laws1 s true1 & s evid5t1 nev] c appe> unc]ta91 obscure1 or false1 z are ^? sup]/iti\s *im]as ( ! imag9ation1 :i* knaves h sub/itut$ = ! tru?s ( nature & ! dicta ( common s5se2 & ^? devotees :o "k no o!r laws ?an ^? ( ! caprices ( _! prie/s1 necess>ily obey a morality little calculat$ to produce p]sonal or g5]al happ9ess1 b mu* calculat$ to lead to extravagance & inconv5i5t practices4 ,h5ce1 *>m+ ,eug5ia1 y w all[ mank9d to ?9k z !y please1 & judge ( !m aft] _! actions4 ,oppose reason to _! sy/ems1 :5 !y are p]nici\s to !mselves or o!rs2 remove _! prejudices if y c1 t !y may n become ! victims ( _! caprices2 %[ !m ! tru?1 :i* may always remove error2 bani% f _! m9ds ! phantoms :i* di/urb !m2 advise !m n to m$itate on ! my/]ies ( _! prie/s2 bid !m r5\nce all ^? illusions !y h sub/itut$ = morality2 & advise !m to turn _! ?\ghts on t :i* conduces to _! happ9ess4 ,m$itate y\rself on y\r own nature1 & ! duties :i* x imposes on y4 ,fe> ^? *a/isem5ts :i* foll[ inatt5tion to ?is law4 ,be ambiti\s to be approv$ by y\r own und]/&+1 & y w r>ely fail to receive ! applauses ( ! human k9d1 z a good memb] ( society4 ,if y wi% to m$itate1 ?9k ) ! greate/ /r5g? ( y\r m9d on y\r nature4 ,nev] ab&on ! tor* ( reason2 *]i% tru? s9c]ely4 ,:5 y are 9 unc]ta9ty1 pause1 or foll[ :at appe>s ! mo/ probable1 always ab&on+ op9ions t are de/itute ( f\ndation1 or evid5ce ( _! tru? & b5efit to society4 ,!n w y1 9 good tru?1 yield to ! impulse ( y\r he>t :5 reason is y\r guide2 !n w y consult 9 ! calmness ( passion1 & c\nsel y\rself on ! advantages ( virtue1 & ! consequ5ces ( its want2 & y may flatt] y\rself t y _c be displeas+ to a wise ,god1 ?\gh y disbelieve absurdities1 nor agreeable to a good ,god 9 do+ ?+s hurtful to y\rself or to o!rs4 ,leav+ y n[ to y\r own reflections1 ,i %all t]m9ate ! s]ies ( ,lett]s y h all[$ me to address y4 ,bidd+ y an affectionate f>ewell1 ,i am truly y\rs4