,,reason1  ,,! ,,only ,,oracle ,,(      
,,man2  ,,or ,a ,,comp5dius  ,,sy/em ,,(
 ,,natural ,,religion4  ,by ,col4 ,e?an 
,all54  ,bo/on3  ,j4 ,p4 ,m5dum1        
,cornhill4  #ahed4     ,,reason         
,,introduction4  ,colonel ,e?an ,all51 !
 au?or ( ,oracles ( ,reason1 0 ! son (  
,joseph ,all51 a native ( ,cov5try1     
,connecticut1 a f>m] 9 mod]ate          
circum/ances4 ,he aft]w>ds resid$ 9     
,lit*field1 :]e ,e?an 0 born 9 ! ye>    
#agci4 ,! family consi/$ ( eight *ildr51
 ( :om our au?or 0 ! elde/4 ,b few      
incid5ts connect$ ) 8 e>ly life are     
kn[n4 ,we are appris$1 h[ev]1 t not)/&+ 
8 education 0 v limit$1 8 ambition to   
prove himself wor?y ( t att5tion :i*    
sup]ior intellect ev] comm&s1 induc$ him
 dilig5tly to explore e subject t came  
"u 8 notice4 ,a /rang] to fe>1 8 op9ions
 7 ev] giv5 )\t disguise or hesitation2 
& an enemy to oppression1 he s\ght e    
opportunity to r$ress ! wrongs ( !      
oppress$4  ,at ! break+ out ( !         
,revolution>y ,w>1 he rais$ 9 ,v]mont1  

:]e he _h resid$1 a company ( volunte]s1
 consi/+ ( two hundr$ & ?irty1 ) :i* he 
surpris$ ! =tress ( ,ticond]oga1 ,may   
#aj1 #agge1 conta9+ ab\t =ty m51 & "o   
hundr$ pieces ( cannon4 ,he 0           
un=tunately tak5 prison] 9 ,septemb]    
foll[+1 9 an attempt on ,montreal1 &    
suff]r$ a cruel imprisonm5t = sev]al    
ye>s4 ,= an acc\nt ( :i*1 ! read] is    
ref]r$ to 8 n>rative1 conta9$ 9 a memoir
 ( ! au?or1 by ,mr4 ,hugh ,moore1       
,plattsburg1 #ahcd4  ,soon aft] ! close 
( ! revolution1 ,col4 ,all5 compos$ !   
foll[+ "w2 :i*1 on acc\nt ( ! bold &    
unusual mann]1 p>ticul>ly 9 ?is c\ntry1 
t ! subject ( religion is treat$1 he _h 
great difficulty to get publi%$4 ,x lay 
a long "t 9 ! h&s ( a pr9t] at ,h>t=d1  
:o _h n ! moral c\rage to pr9t x4 ,x 0  
f9ally pr9t$ by a ,mr4 ,haswell1 (      
,b5n+ton1 ,vt4 9 #aghd4 ,n long aft] its
 publication1 a "p ( ! edition1 compris+
 ! entire ( sev]al signatures1 0        
accid5tally consum$ by fire4 ,:e!r ,mr4 
,h4 deem$ ?is fire a judgm5t ^u him =   

hav+ pr9t$ ! "w or n1 is unkn[n--b1 !   
fact is1 he soon aft] committ$ ! rema9d]
 ( ! edition to ! flames1 & jo9$ !      
,me?odi/ ,connection2 s t b few copies 7
 circulat$4  ,col4 ,all5 di$ 9 ! t[n (  
,burl+ton1 ,vt41 on ! #ab? ( ,febru>y1  
#aghi1 ( apoplexy4     ,,preface4  ,an  
apology appe>s to me to be imp]t95t 9   
writ]s :o v5ture _! works to public     
inspection1 = ?is obvi\s reason1 t if !y
 ne$ x1 !y %\ld h be5 /ifl$ 9 ! bir?1 & 
n p]mitt$ a public exi/5ce4 ,i !re=e (f]
 my composition to ! c&id judgm5t ( !   
imp>tial _w )\t x1 tak+ x = grant$ t ,i 
h z good a natural "r to expose myself  
to public c5sure1 by endeav\r+ to       
subs]ve mank9d1 z any ( ! species :o h  
publi%$ _! productions s9ce ! creation2 
& ,i ask no favor at ! h&s (            
philosoph]s1 div9es or critics1 b hope &
 expect !y w sev]ely *a/ise me = my     
errors & mi/akes1 lea/ !y may h a %>e 9 
p]v]t+ ! tru?1 :i* is v f> f my         
int5tion4  ,9 ! circle ( my acqua9tance1
 7:i* has n be5 small17 ,i h g5]ally be5

 d5om9at$ a ,dei/1 ! reality ( :i* ,i   
nev] disput$1 be+ consci\s ,i am no     
,*ri/ian1 except m]e infant baptism make
 me "o2 & z to be+ a ,dei/1 ,i "k n1    
/rictly speak+1 :e!r ,i am "o or n1 = ,i
 h nev] read _! writ+s2 m9e w !re=e     
det]m9e ! matt]2 = ,i h n 9 ! lea/      
disguis$ my s5tim5ts1 b h writt5 freely 
)\t any consci\s k ( prejudice =1 or    
aga9/ any man1 sect>y or p>ty :atev]2 b 
wi% t good s5se1 tru? & virtue may be   
promot$ & fl\ri% 9 ! _w1 to ! detection 
( delusion1 sup]/ition1 & false         
religion2 & !re=e my errors 9 ! succe$+ 
treatise1 :i* may be rationally po9t$   
out1 w be readily resc9d$4  ,by !       
public's mo/ ob$i5t & humble s]vant4    
,,e?an ,,all54     ,,oracles ,,(        
,,reason1     ,,*apt] ,i4     ,,secton  
,i4 ,,! ,,duty ,,( ,,re=m+ ,,mank9d ,,f 
,,sup]/ition ,,& ,,error444  ,,& ,,!    
,,good ,,consequ5ces ,,( ,,x  ,! desire 
( k has engag$ ! att5tion ( ! wise &    
curi\s among mank9d 9 all ages :i* has  
be5 productive ( ext5d+ ! arts & sci5ces

 f> & wide 9 ! sev]al qu>t]s ( ! globe1 
& excit$ ! contemplative to explore     
nature's laws 9 a gradual s]ies (       
improvem5t1 until philosophy1 a/ronomy1 
geography1 & hi/ory1 ) _m o!r bran*es ( 
sci5ce1 h arriv$ to a great degree (    
p]fection4  ,x is nev]!less to be       
regrett$1 t ! bulk ( mank9d1 ev5 9 ^?   
nations :i* are mo/ celebrat$ = le>n+ & 
wisdom1 are /ill c>ri$ d[n ! torr5t (   
sup]/ition1 & ent]ta9 v unwor?y         
appreh5sions ( ! be+1 p]fections1       
creation1 & provid5ce ( ,god1 & _! duty 
to him1 :i* lays an indisp5sable        
obligation on ! philosophic fri5ds (    
human nature1 unanim\sly to ex]t        
!mselves 9 e lawful1 wise1 & prud5t     
me?od1 to endeavor to reclaim mank9d f  
_! ignorance & delusion1 by enlight5+ _!
 m9ds 9 ^? great & sublime tru?s conc]n+
 ,god & 8 provid5ce1 & _! obligations to
 moral rectitude :i* 9 ?is _w1 & t :i*  
is to come1 _c fail greatly to affect _!
 happ9ess & well be+4  ,?\gh none by    
se>*+ c f9d out ,god1 or ! ,almighty to 

p]fection1 yet ,i am p]suad$1 t if      
mank9d w\ld d>e to ex]cise _! reason z  
freely on ^? div9e topics z !y d 9 !    
common conc]ns ( life1 !y w\ld1 9 a     
great measure1 rid !mselves ( _!        
bl9dness & sup]/ition1 ga9 m exalt$     
ideas ( ,god & _! obligations to him &  
"o ano!r1 & be proportionally delight$ &
 bless$ ) ! views ( 8 moral gov]nm5t1   
make bett] memb]s ( society1 & acquire  
_m p[]ful inc5tives to ! practice (     
morality1 :i* is ! la/ & greate/        
p]fection t human nature is capable (4  
,,secton ,,ii4 ,,( ,,! ,,be+ ,,( ,a     
,,god  ,! laws ( nature hav+ subject$   
mank9d to a /ate ( absolute dep5d5ce on 
some?+ out ( x1 & manife/ly beyond      
!mselves1 or ! comp\nd ex]tion ( _!     
natural p[]s1 gave !m ! fir/ conception 
( a sup]ior pr9ciple exi/+2 o!rwise !y  
c\ld h _h no possible conception ( a    
sup]9t5d+ p[]4 ,b ?is s5se ( dep5d5cy1  
:i* results f exp]i5ce & reason+ on !   
facts1 :i* e day _c fail to produce1 has
 uni=mly e/abli%$ ! k ( our dep5d5ce to 

e individual ( ! species :o are         
rational1 :i* necess>ily involves1 or   
conta9s 9 x1 ! idea ( a rul+ p[]1 or t  
!re is a ,god1 :i* ideas are synonym\s4 
,! globe ) its productions1 ! planets 9 
_! motions1 & ! />ry heav5s 9 _!        
magnitudes1 surprise our s5ses & conf\nd
 our reason1 9 _! munific5t lessons (   
in/ruction conc]n+ ,god1 by means :]e(1 
we are apt to be m or less lo/ 9 our    
ideas ( ! object ( div9e adoration1 ?\gh
 at ! same "t e "o is truly s5sible t _!
 be+ & pres]vation is f ,god4 ,we are   
too apt to conf\nd our ideas ( ,god ) 8 
works1 & take ! latt] = ! =m]4 ,?us     
b>b>\s & unle>n$ nations h imag9$1 t    
inasmu* z ! sun 9 its influ5ce is       
b5eficial to !m 9 br++ =w>d ! spr+ ( !  
ye>1 caus+ ! production ( vegetation1 & 
food = _! subsi/5ce1 t !re=e x is _!    
,god3 :ile o!rs h locat$ o!r p>ts (     
creation1 & ascribe to !m pr]ogatives ( 
,god2 & m]e creatures & images h be5    
sub/itut$ = ,gods by ! wick$ness or     
weakness ( man1 or bo? toge!r4 ,x seems 

t mank9d 9 mo/ ages & p>ts ( ! _w h be5 
fond ( corporeal ,deities ) :om _!      
outw>d s5ses might be gratifi$1 or z    
fanta/ically div]t$ f ! j appreh5sion ( 
! true ,god1 by a suppos$ sup]natural   
int]c\rse ) invisible & m]e spiritual   
be+s1 to :om !y ascribe div9ity1 s t    
?r\gh "o means or o!r1 ! "* ( ! true    
,god has be5 mu* neglect$1 to ! great   
detrim5t ( tru?1 ju/ice1 & morality 9 ! 
_w2 nor is x possible t mank9d c be     
uni=m 9 _! religi\s op9ions1 or wor%ip  
,god accord+ to k1 except !y c =m a     
consi/5t arrangem5t ( ideas ( ! ,div9e  
"*4  ,al?\gh we ext5d our ideas         
retrospectively ev] s f> ^u !           
succession1 yet no "o cause 9 ! ext5d$  
ord] ( succession1 :i* dep5ds ^u ano!r  
prior to itself1 c be ! indep5d5t cause 
( all ?+s3 nor is x possible to trace ! 
ord] ( ! succession ( causes back to t  
self-exi/5t cause1 inasmu* z x is et]nal
 & inf9ite1 & _c !re=e be trac$ out by  
succession1 :i* op]ates accord+ to !    
ord] ( "t1 consequ5tly c be> no m       

proportion to ! et]nity ( ,god1 ?an "t  
itself may be suppos$ to d1 :i* has no  
proportion at all2 z ! succe$+ argum5ts 
respect+ ! et]nity & inf9ity ( ,god w   
ev9ce4 ,b not)/&+ ! s]ies ( ! succession
 ( causes _c be foll[$ 9 a retrospective
 succession up to ! self-exi/5t or      
et]nal cause1 x is nev]!less a p]petual 
& conclusive evid5ce ( a ,god4--,= a    
succession ( causes consid]$            
collectively1 c be no?+ m ?an effects ( 
! indep5d5t cause1 & z mu* dep5d5t on x 
z ^? dep5d5t causes are ^u "o ano!r2 s t
 we may ) c]ta9ty conclude t ! sy/em (  
nature1 :i* we call by ! "n ( natural   
causes1 is z mu* dep5d5t on a           
self-exi/5t cause1 z an individual ( !  
species 9 ! ord] ( g5]ation is dep5d5t  
on its prog5itors = exi/5ce4 ,su* "p ( !
 s]ies ( nature's op]ations1 :i* we     
und]/&1 has a regul> & necess>y         
connection )1 & dep5d5ce on its p>ts1   
:i* we d5om9ate by ! names ( cause &    
effect4 ,f h5ce we are au?oris$ f reason
 to conclude1 t ! va/ sy/em ( causes &  

effects are ?us necess>ily connect$1    
7speak+ ( ! natural _w only17 & ! :ole  
regul>ly & necess>ily dep5d5t on a      
self-exi/5t cause3 s t we are oblig$ to 
admit an indep5d5t cause1 & ascribe     
self-exi/5ce to x1 o!rwise x c\ld n be  
indep5d5t1 & consequ5tly n a ,god4 ,b ! 
et]nity or mann] ( ! exi/5ce ( a        
self-exi/5t & indep5d5t be+ is to all   
f9ite capacities utt]ly incompreh5sible2
 yet ?is is s f> f an objection aga9/ ! 
reality ( su* a be+1 t x is ess5tially  
necess>y to support ! evid5ce ( x2 = if 
we c\ld compreh5d t be+ :om we call     
,god1 he w\ld n be ,god1 b mu/ h be5    
f9ite & t 9 ! same degree z ^? may be   
suppos$ to be :o c\ld compreh5d him2    
!re=e s c]ta9 t ,god is1 we _c compreh5d
 8 ess5ce1 et]nity1 or mann] ( exi/5ce4 
,?is %\ld always be premis$1 :5 we assay
 to reason on ! be+1 p]fection1 et]nity1
 & inf9ity ( ,god1 or ( 8 creation &    
provid5ce4 ,z f> z we und]/& nature1 we 
are become acqua9t$ ) ! "* ( ,god1 = ! k
 ( nature is ! revelation ( ,god4 ,if we

 =m 9 our imag9ation a comp5di\s idea ( 
! h>mony ( ! univ]se1 x is ! same z     
call+ ,god by ! "n ( h>mony1 = !re c\ld 
be no h>mony )\t regulation1 & no       
regulation )\t a regulator1 :i* is      
expressive ( ! idea ( a ,god4 ,nor c\ld 
x be possible1 t !re c\ld be ord] or    
disord]1 except we admit ( su* a ?+ z   
creation1 & creation conta9s 9 x ! idea 
( a creator1 :i* is ano!r appellation = 
! ,div9e ,be+1 di/+ui%+ ,god f 8        
creation4 ,fur!rmore1 !re c\ld be no    
proportion1 figure1 or motion1 )\t      
wisdom & p[]2 wisdom to plan1 & p[] to  
execute1 & ^! are p]fections1 :5 appli$ 
to ! works ( nature1 :i* signify ! ag5cy
 or sup]9t5d5cy ( ,god4 ,if we consid]  
nature to be matt]1 figure1 & motion1 we
 include ! idea ( ,god 9 t ( motion2 =  
motion implies a mov] z mu* z creation  
does a creator4 ,if f ! composition1    
texture1 & t5d5cy ( ! univ]se 9 g5]al1  
we =m a complex idea ( g5]al good       
result+ !refrom to mank9d1 we implicitly
 admit a ,god by ! "n ( good1 includ+ ! 

idea ( 8 provid5ce to man4 ,& f h5ce    
arises our obligations to love & adore  
,god1 because he provides =1 & is       
b5efic5t to u4 ,ab/ract ! idea (        
goodness f ! "* ( ,god1 & x w\ld cancel 
all our obligations to him1 & excite u  
to hate & dete/ him z a tyrant3 h5ce x  
is1 t ignorant p are sup]/iti\sly misl$ 
into a conceit t !y hate ,god1 :5 at !  
same "t x is only ! idol ( _! own       
imag9ation1 :i* !y truly ought to hate &
 be a%am$ (2 b 7 su* p]sons to connect !
 ideas ( p[]1 wisdom1 goodness1 & all   
possible p]fection 9 ! "* ( ,god1 _!    
hatr$ t[>ds him w\ld be turn$ into love 
& adoration4  ,by ext5d+ our ideas 9 a  
l>g] circle1 we %all p]ceive our        
dep5d5ce on ! e>? & wat]s ( ! globe :i* 
we inhabit1 & f :i* we are b\ntifully f$
 & gorge\sly array$2 & next ext5d our   
ideas to ! sun1 ^: fi]y mass d>ts its   
brilliant rays ( light to our t]raque\s 
ball ) amaz+ velocity1 & ^: region (    
inexhau/ible fire supplies x ) f]v5t    
heat1 :i* causes vegetation1 & gilds !  

v>i\s seasons ( ! ye> ) t5 ?\s& *>ms3   
?is is n ! a*ievem5t ( man1 b !         
workman%ip & provid5ce ( ,god4 ,b h[ !  
sun is suppli$ ) mat]ials1 ?us to       
p]petuate its k9d influ5ces1 we "k n4 ,b
 w any "o d5y ! reality ( ^? b5eficial  
influ5ces1 because we d n und]/& ! mann]
 ( ! p]petuality ( t fi]y _w1 or h[ x   
became su* a body ( fire8 or w any "o   
d5y ! reality ( nutrition by food1      
because we d n und]/& ! secret op]ation 
( ! dige/+ p[]s ( animal nature1 or !   
m9ute p>ticul>s ( its *]i%+ influ5ce8   
,none w be s /upid z to d x4 ,equally   
absurd w\ld x be = u to d5y ! provid5ce 
( ,god1 by :om we live1 move1 & h our   
be+1 because we _c compreh5d x4  ,we "k 
t e>?1 wat]1 fire & air1 9 _! v>i\s     
compositions subs]ve u1 & we also "k t  
^! elem5ts are devoid ( reflection1     
reason1 or design2 f :5ce we may easily 
inf]1 t a wise1 und]/&+1 & design+ be+  
has orda9$ !m to be ?us subs]vi5t4 ,c\ld
 bl9d *ance con/itute ord] & decorum1 & 
consequ5tly a provid5ce8 ,t wisdom1     

ord]1 & design %\ld be ! production (   
non5tity1 or ( *aos1 confusion1 & old   
night1 is too absurd to des]ve a s]i\s  
confutation1 = x suppose? t !re may be  
effects )\t a cause1 viz43 produc$ by   
non5tity1 or t *aos & confusion c\ld    
produce ! effects ( p[]1 wisdom1 &      
goodness4 ,su* absurdities z ^! we mu/  
ass5t to1 or subscribe to ! doctr9e ( a 
self-exi/5t & provid5tial be+4          
,,secton ,,iii4 ,,! ,,mann] ,,(         
,,discov]+ ,,! ,,moral ,,p]fections444  
,,& ,,attributes ,,( ,,god  ,hav+ 9 a   
concise mann] (f]$ a v>iety (           
indisputable reasons to ev9ce ! c]ta9ty 
( ! be+ & provid5ce ( ,god1 & ( 8       
goodness to man ?r\gh ! int]v5tion ( !  
s]ies ( nature's op]ations1 :i* are     
commonly describ$ by ! "n ( natural     
causes1 we come n[ m p>ticul>ly to !    
consid]ation ( 8 moral p]fections2 &    
?\gh all f9ite be+s fall z mu* %ort ( an
 adequate k !re( z !y d ( p]fection     
itself1 nev]!less ?r\gh ! intellig5ce ( 
our own s\ls we may h some?+ ( a        

prospective idea ( ! div9e p]fections4  
,= ?\gh ! human m9d be>s no proportion  
to ! div9e1 yet !re is und\bt$ly a      
resemblance betwe5 !m4 ,= in/ance1 ,god 
kn[s all ?+s1 & we "k "s ?+s1 & 9 ! ?+s 
:i* we d und]/&1 our k agrees ) t ( !   
div9e1 & _c fail necess>ily correspond+ 
) x4 ,to m ?an "k a ?+1 speak+ ( t ?+   
only1 is impossible ev5 to omnisci5ce   
itself2 = k is b ! same 9 bo? ! inf9ite 
& f9ite m9ds4 ,to "k a ?+ is ! same z to
 h "r ideas ( x1 or ideas accord+ to    
tru?1 & tru? is uni=m 9 all rational    
m9ds1 ! div9e m9d n except$4 ,x w n be  
disput$ b t mank9d 9 pla9 & common      
matt]s und]/& ju/ice f inju/ice1 tru? f 
falsehood1 "r f wrong1 virtue f vice1 & 
praise-wor?9ess f blame-wor?9ess1 = o!r 
wise !y c\ld n be acc\ntable creatures4 
,?is be+ admitt$1 we are capable ( =m+ a
 complex idea ( a moral "*1 :i* :5 done 
9 ! mo/ delib]ate1 ! wise/1 & mo/       
rational mann] 9 our p[]1 we are c]ta9  
be>s a resemblance to ! div9e           
p]fections4 ,= z we le>n f ! worlds (   

nature an idea ( ! p[] & wisdom ( ,god1 
s f our own rational nature we le>n an  
idea ( 8 moral p]fections4  ,f :at has  
be5 obs]v$ on ! moral p]fections ( ,god1
 we inf] t all rational be+s1 :o h an   
idea ( ju/ice1 goodness1 & tru?1 h at ! 
same "t ei!r a great] or less idea ( !  
moral p]fections ( ,god4 ,x is by reason
 t we are able to comp\nd an idea ( a   
moral "*1 :e!r appli$ to ,god or man2 x 
is t :i* gives u ! supremacy ov] !      
irrational "p ( ! creation4     ,,secton
 ,,iv4 ,,! ,,cause ,,( ,,idolatry1 ,,&  
,,! ,,rem$y ,,( ,,x  ,inasmu* z ,god is 
n corporeal1 & consequ5tly does n & _c  
come )9 ! notice ( our bodily s5sations1
 we are !re=e oblig$ to d$uce inf]5ces f
 8 provid5ce1 & p>ticul>ly f our own    
rational nature1 9 ord] to =m our       
conceptions ( ! div9e "*1 :i* ?r\gh     
inatt5tion1 want ( le>n+1 or ?r\gh !    
natural imbecility ( mank9d1 or ?r\gh ! 
artifice ( design+ m51 or all toge!r1 !y
 h be5 greatly divid$ & subdivid$ 9 _!  
notions ( a ,god4 ,_m h s grop$ 9 ! d>k 

z :olly to mi/ake ! prop] object ( div9e
 wor%ip1 & n di/+ui%+ ! creator f 8     
creation1 h paid adoration to f\r foot$ 
bea/s & creep+ ?+s4 ,& "s h ascrib$     
div9e honors to ! sun1 moon1 or />s2    
:ile o!rs h be5 infatuat$ to wor%ip     
dumb1 s5seless1 & un9tellig5t idols1 :i*
 d]iv$ _! exi/5ce z ,gods1 p>tly f      
me*anics1 :o gave !m _! figure1         
proportion1 & beauty1 & p>tly f _!      
prie/s1 :o gave !m _! attributes2 ^:    
believ]s1 x appe>s1 7 s wr\ght ^u1 t !y 
cri$ out 9 ! ec/asy ( _! delud$ zeal1   
,great is ,diana4 ,:atev] delusions h   
tak5 place 9 ! _w relative to ! object (
 div9e wor%ip1 or respect+ ! indec5cies 
or immoralities ( ! respective          
sup]/itions !mselves1 or by :at means   
soev] introduc$ or p]petuat$1 :e!r by   
design+ m5 ^: int]e/ x has always be5 to
 impose on ! weakness ( ! great mass ( !
 vulg>2 or z x is probable1 t "p ( ^?   
delusions took place 9 consequ5ce ( !   
weakness ( uncultivat$ reason1 9 d$uc+ a
 visible in/ead ( an invisible ,god f ! 

works ( nature4 ,be t z x w1 mank9d are 
g5]ally possess$ ( an idea t !re is a   
,god1 h[ev] !y may h be5 mi/ak5 or misl$
 z to ! object4 ,?is notion ( a ,god1 z 
has be5 be=e obs]v$1 mu/ h orig9at$ f a 
univ]sal s5se ( dep5d5ce1 :i* mank9d h  
on some?+ t is m wise1 p[]ful1 &        
b5efic5t ?an !mselves1 or !y c\ld h _h  
no appreh5sions ( any sup]9t5d+ pr9ciple
 9 ! univ]se1 & consequ5tly w\ld nev] h 
s\ght aft] a ,god1 or h _h any          
conception ( 8 exi/5ce1 nor c\ld design+
 m5 h impos$ on _! cr$ulity by obtrud+  
false ,gods ^u !m2 b tak+ advantage ( ! 
common belief t !re is a ,god1 !y       
artfully deceive _! adh]5ts ) reg>d to !
 object to be ador$4 ,!re are o!r sorts 
( idols :i* h no exi/5ce b 9 ! m]e      
imag9ation ( ! human m9d2 & ^! are va/ly
 ! mo/ num]\s1 & univ]sally 7ei!r 9 !   
great] or less degree7 disp]s$ ov] ! _w2
 ! wise/ ( mank9d are n & _c be :olly   
exempt f !m1 inasmu* z e wrong          
conception ( ,god is 7z f> z ! error    
takes place 9 ! m9d7 idolatr\s4 ,to give

 a sample1 an idea ( a jeal\s ,god is ( 
?is sort4 ,jeal\sy is ! (fspr+ ( f9ite  
m9ds1 proce$+ f ! want ( k2 :i* 9 dubi\s
 matt]s makes u suspici\s & di/ru/ful2 b
 9 matt]s :i* we cle>ly und]/&1 !re c be
 no jeal\sy1 = k excludes x1 s t to     
ascribe x to ,god is a manife/ infr+em5t
 on 8 omnisci5ce499       99 ,! ,"l ?y  
,god is a jeal\s ,god4  ,! idea ( a     
rev5geful ,god is likewise "o ( t sort1 
b ?is idea ( div9ity be+ borr[$ f a     
savage nature1 ne$s no fur!r            
confutation4 ,! repres5tation ( a ,god1 
:o 7z we are told by c]ta9 div9es7 f all
 et]nity elect$ an inconsid]able "p (   
mank9d to et]nal life1 & reprobat$ ! re/
 to et]nal damnation1 m]ely f 8 own     
sov]eignty1 adds ano!r to ! numb]2--?is 
repres5tation ( ! ,deity und\bt$ly took 
its rise f t :i* we discov]$ 9 great1   
p[]ful1 & wick$ tyrants among m51 h[ev] 
tradition may s9ce h contribut$ to its  
support1 ?\gh ,i am appreh5sive t a     
belief 9 ^? :o adh]e to t doctr9e1 t !y 
!mselves con/itute t bless$ elect numb]1

 has be5 a great] inducem5t to !m to    
close ) x1 ?an all o!r motives add$     
toge!r4 ,x is a selfi% & inf]ior notion 
( a ,god void ( ju/ice1 goodness1 &     
tru?1 & has a natural t5d5cy to imp$e ! 
cause ( true religion & morality 9 ! _w1
 & diametrically repugnant to ! tru? ( !
 div9e "*1 & :i*1 if admitt$ to be true1
 ov]turns all religion1 :olly preclud+ !
 ag5cy ( mank9d 9 ei!r _! salvation or  
damnation1 resolv+ ! :ole into !        
sov]eign disposal ( a tyrannical & unju/
 be+1 :i* is (f5sive to reason & common 
s5se1 & subv]sive ( moral rectitude 9   
g5]al4 ,b z x 0 n my design s mu* to    
confute ! multiplicity ( false          
repres5tations ( a ,god1 z to repres5t j
 & consi/5t ideas ( ! true ,god1 ,i %all
 !re=e omit any fur!r obs]vation on !m 9
 ?is place1 ) ?is rem>k1 t all unju/    
repres5tations1 or ideas ( ,god1 are s  
_m detractions f 8 "* among mank9d4 ,to 
rem$y ^! idolatr\s notions ( a ,god1 x  
is requisite to =m "r & consi/5t ideas 9
 _! /ead4  ,! discov]y ( tru? necess>ily

 excludes error f ! m9d1 :i* no?+ else c
 possibly d2 = "s sort ( ,god or o!r w  
cr[d itself into ! conceptions ( dep5d5t
 creatures1 & if !y are n s happy z to  
=m j ones1 !y w sub/itute errone\s &    
delusive ones 9 _! /ead2 s t x s]ves no 
valuable purpose to mank9d1 to confute  
_! idolatr\s op9ions conc]n+ ,god1 )\t  
communicat+ to !m j notions conc]n+ !   
true "o1 = if ?is is n effect$1 no?+ is 
done to ! purpose4 ,=1 z has be5 be=e   
obs]v$1 mank9d w =m to !mselves1 or     
receive f o!rs1 an idea ( ,div9ity ei!r 
"r or wrong3 ?is is ! univ]sal voice (  
intellig5t nature1 f :5ce a weighty &   
conclusive argum5t may be drawn ( !     
reality ( a ,god1 h[ev] inconsi/5t mo/1 
( _! conceptions ( him may be4 ,! fact  
is1 mank9d readily p]ceives t !re is a  
,god1 by feel+ _! dep5d5ce on him1 & z  
!y explore 8 works1 & obs]ve 8          
provid5ce1 :i* is too sublime = f9ite   
capacities to und]/& b 9 "p1 !y h be5 m 
or less conf\nd$ 9 _! discov]ies ( a j  
idea ( a ,god & ( 8 moral gov]nm5t4     

,!re=e we %\ld ex]cise great            
applications & c>e :5ev] we assay to    
speculate ^u ! ,div9e "*1 accompani$ ) a
 s9c]e desire aft] tru?1 & n ascribe    
any?+ to 8 p]fections ( gov]nm5t :i* is 
inconsi/5t ) reason or ! be/ in=mation  
:i* we are able to appreh5d ( moral     
rectitude1 & be at lea/ wise en\gh n to 
*>ge ,god ) inju/ice & contradictions   
:i* we %\ld scorn to be *>g$ )          
ourselves4 ,no k+1 gov]nor1 or p>5t w\ld
 l to be accus$ ( p>tiality 9 _!        
respective gov]nm5ts1 ,is x fit to say  
unto ,pr9ces1 ye are ungodly1 h[ mu*    
less to him t reg>de? n ! p]sons (      
pr9ces1 or ! ri* m ?an ! poor1 = !y are 
all ! "w ( 8 h&s4     ,,*apt] ,,ii4     
,,secton ,i4 ,,( ,,! ,,et]nity ,,(      
,,creation  ,z creation 0 ! result (    
et]nal & inf9ite wisdom1 ju/ice1        
goodness1 & tru?1 & effect$ by inf9ite  
p[]1 x is l its great au?or1 my/]i\s to 
u4 ,h[ x c\ld be accompli%$1 or 9 :at   
mann] p]=m$1 c nev] be compreh5d$ by any
 capacity4  ,et]nal1 :e!r appli$ to     

duration1 exi/5ce1 action1 or creation1 
is incompreh5sible to u1 b implies no   
contradiction 9 ei!r ( !m2 = t :i* is   
above compreh5sion we _c p]ceive to be  
contradictory1 nor on ! o!r h& c we     
p]ceive its rationality or consi/5cy4   
,we are c]ta9 t ,god is a rational1     
wise1 und]/&+ ,be+1 because he has 9    
degree made u s1 & 8 wisdom p[]1 &      
goodness is visible to u 9 8 creation1 &
 gov]nm5t ( ! _w4 ,f ^! facts we are    
rationally induc$ to ackn[l$ge him1 & n 
because we c compreh5d 8 be+1           
p]fections1 creation1 or provid5ce4     
,c\ld we compreh5d ,god1 he w\ld cease  
to be :at he is4 ,! ignorant among m5 _c
 compreh5d ! und]/&+ ( ! wise among _!  
own species1 mu* less ! p]fection ( a   
,god2 nev]!less1 9 our ratioc9ation ^u !
 works & h>mony ( nature1 we are oblig$ 
to conc$e to a self-exi/5t & et]nal     
cause ( all ?+s1 z has be5 suffici5tly  
argu$1 ?\gh at ! same "t x is my/]i\s to
 u1 t !re %\ld be su* a be+ z a         
self-exi/5t & et]nally indep5d5t        

"o2--?us we believe 9 ,god1 al?\gh we _c
 compreh5d any?+ ( ! h[1 :y or :]e=e x 0
 possible = him to be2 & z creation 0 ! 
ex]tion ( su* an incompreh5sible &      
p]fect be+1 x mu/ ( necess>y consequ5ce 
be1 9 a great measure1 my/]i\s to u4 ,we
 c nev]!less be c]ta91 t x has be5 ( an 
equal et]nity & inf9itude ( ext5sion )  
,god4  ,imm5sity be+ replete ) creation1
 ! omnisci5t1 omnipres5t1 omnipot5t1    
et]nal1 & inf9ite ex]tion ( ,god 9      
creation1 is incompreh5sible to !       
und]/&+ or ! weakness ( man1 & w        
et]nally rema9 ! pr]ogative ( inf9ite   
p5etration1 sagacity1 & uncreat$        
intellig5ce to und]/&4     ,,secton     
,,ii4 ,,obs]vations ,,( ,,moses',s      
,,acc\nt ,,( ,,creation  ,! =ego+ !ory (
 creation & provid5ce w probably be     
reject$ by mo/ p 9 ?is c\ntry1 inasmu* z
 !y are prepossess$ ) ! !ology ( ,moses1
 :i* repres5ts creation to h a beg9n+4  
,9 ! beg9n+ ,god creat$ ! heav5s & !    
e>?4 ,9 ! prec$+ "p ( ?is *apt] x has   
be5 ev9c$ t creation & provid5ce c\ld n 

h _h a beg9n+1 & t !y are n             
circumscrib$1 b unlimit$2 yet x seems t 
,moses limit$ creation by a prospective 
view ( ! heav5s1 or firmam5t f ?is      
globe1 & if creation 0 ?us limit$1 x    
w\ld consequ5tly h circumscrib$ !       
dom9ion & display ( ! div9e provid5ce or
 p]fection2 b if ,moses's idea ( !      
creation ( ! heav5s & ! e>?1 0 imm5se1  
ev] s _m days ( progressive "w c\ld nev]
 h f9i%$ su* a b\ndless creation2 = a   
progressive creation is ! same z a      
limit$ "o2 z ea* progressive day's "w   
w\ld be b\nd$ by a successive           
admeasurem5t1 & ! :ole six days' "w add$
 toge!r c\ld be b local1 & be> no mann] 
( proportion to inf9itude1 b w\ld limit 
! dom9ion1 & consequ5tly ! display ( !  
div9e p]fections or provid5ce1 :i* is   
incompatible ) a j idea ( et]nity &     
inf9ity ( ,god1 z has be5 argu$ 9 !     
=ego+ pages4  ,!re are a v>iety ( o!r   
blund]s 9 ,moses's description (        
creation1 "o ( :i* ,i %all m5tion1 :i*  
is to be f\nd 9 8 hi/ory ( ! fir/ & f\r?

 day's "w ( ,god3 ,& ,god said1 ,let !re
 be light1 & !re 0 light2 & ,god call$ !
 light day1 & ! d>kness he call$ night3 
& ! ev5+ & ! morn+ 7 ! fir/ day4 ,!n he 
proce$s to ! second & ?ird day's "w1 & s
 on to ! six?2 b 9 8 *ronicle ( ! f\r?  
day's "w1 he says t ,god made two great 
lights1 ! great] light to rule ! day1 & 
! less] light to rule ! night4 ,?is     
appe>s to be an inconsi/5t hi/ory ( !   
orig9 ( light4 ,day & night 7 orda9$ !  
fir/ day1 & on ! f\r? day ! great] &    
less lights 7 made to s]ve ! same       
purposes2 b x is likely t _m errors h   
crept into 8 writ+s1 ?r\gh !            
vicissitudes ( le>n+1 & p>ticul>ly f !  
corruptions ( translations1 ( 8 z well z
 ! writ+s ( o!r anci5t au?ors2 besides1 
x mu/ be ackn[l$g$ t ^? anci5t writ]s   
labor$ "u great difficulties 9 writ+ to 
po/]ity1 m]ely f ! consid]ation ( !     
infant /ate ( le>n+ & k !n 9 ! _w1 &    
consequ5tly we %\ld n act ! "p ( sev]e  
critics1 ) _! writ+s1 any fur!r ?an to  
prev5t _! obtrusion on ! _w z be+       

infallible4     ,,secton ,,iii4 ,,( ,,! 
,,et]nity ,,& ,,inf9itude ,,( ,,div9e   
,,provid5ce  ,:5 we consid] our sol>    
sy/em1 attract$ by its fi]y c5tre1 &    
mov+ 9 its sev]al orbits1 ) regul>1     
maje/ic1 & p]iodical revolutions1 we are
 *>m$ at ! prospect & contemplation ( ^?
 worlds ( motions1 & adore ! wisdom &   
p[] by :i* !y are attract$1 & _!        
velocity regulat$ & p]petuat$4 ,& :5 we 
reflect t ! bless+s ( life are d]iv$ f1 
& dep5d5t on1 ! prop]ties1 qualities1   
con/ructions1 proportions & movem5ts1 ( 
t /up5d\s ma*9e1 we gratefully ackn[l$ge
 ! div9e b5efic5ce4 ,:5 we ext5d our    
?\ghts 7?r\gh our ext]nal s5sations7 to 
! va/ regions ( ! />ry heav5s1 we are   
lo/ 9 ! imm5sity ( ,god's works4 ,"s />s
 appe> fair & lum9\s1 & o!rs sc>cely    
disc]nible to ! eye1 :i* by ! help (    
glasses make a brilliant appe>ance1 br++
 ! k ( o!rs f> remote1 )9 ! v]ge ( our  
feeble discov]ies1 :i* m]ely by ! eye   
c\ld n h be5 disc]n$ or di/+ui%$4 ,^!   
discov]ies ( ! works ( ,god naturally   

prompt ! inquisitive m9d to conclude t !
 au?or ( ?is a/oni%+ "p ( creation :i*  
is display$ to our view1 has /ill ext5d$
 8 creation2 s t if x 7 possible t any (
 u c\ld be transport$ to ! f>!/ ext5d$  
/>1 :i* is p]ceptible to u "h1 we %\ld f
 !nce survey worlds z di/ant f t z t is 
f ?is1 & s on ad inf9itum4  ,fur!rmore1 
x is altoge!r reasonable to conclude t !
 heav5ly bodies1 alias worlds1 :i* move 
or are situate )9 ! circle ( our k1 z   
well all o!rs ?r\gh\t imm5sity1 are ea* 
& e "o ( !m possess$ or inhabit$ by "s  
intellig5t ag5ts or o!r1 h[ev] diff]5t  
_! s5sations or mann]s ( receiv+ or     
communicat+ _! ideas may be f ours1 or  
h[ev] diff]5t f ea* o!r4 ,= :y w\ld x n 
h be5 z wise or z consi/5t ) !          
p]fections :i* we adore 9 ,god1 to h    
neglect$ giv+ be+ to intellig5ce 9 ?is  
_w z 9 ^? o!r worlds1 int]sp]s$ ) ae!r (
 v>i\s qualities 9 8 imm5se creation8 ,&
 inasmu* z ?is _w is ?us repl5i%$1 we   
may1 ) ! highe/ rational c]ta9ty inf]1 t
 z ,god has giv5 u to rejoice1 & adore  

him = our be+1 he has act$ consi/5t ) 8 
goodness1 9 ! display ( 8 provid5ce     
?r\gh\t ! univ]sity ( worlds4  ,to      
suppose t ,god ,almighty has conf9$ 8   
goodness to ?is _w1 to ! exclusion ( all
 o!rs1 is mu* simil> to ! idle fancies (
 "s individuals 9 ?is _w1 t !y1 & ^? (  
_! communion or fai?1 are ! favorites ( 
heav5 exclusively2 b ^! are n>r[ &      
bigot$ conceptions1 :i* are degrad+ to a
 rational nature1 & utt]ly unwor?y (    
,god1 ( :om we %\ld =m ! mo/ exalt$     
ideas4  ,x may be object$ t a man _c    
subsi/ 9 ! sun2 b does x foll[ f !nce1 t
 ,god _c or has n con/itut$ a nature    
peculi> to t fi]y region1 & caus$ x to  
be z natural & necess>y = x to suck 9 & 
brea! out flames ( fire1 z x is = u to d
 ! l 9 air4 ,num]\s are ! k9ds ( fi%y   
animals :i* c no o!r way subsi/ b 9 !   
wat]1 9 :i* o!r animals w\ld p]i%1      
7amphibi\s ones except$17 :ile o!r      
animals1 9 a v>iety ( =ms1 ei!r swift]  
or sl[] move on ! surface ( ! e>?1 or w+
 ! air4 ,( ^! !re are sundry k9ds1 :i*  

dur+ ! season ( w9t] live )\t food2 & _m
 ( ! insects :i* are really possess$ (  
animal life1 rema9 froz51 & z soon z !y 
are let loose by ! k9d influ5ce ( ! sun1
 !y aga9 assume _! wont$ animal life2 & 
if animal life may diff] s mu* 9 ! same 
_w1 :at inconceivable v>iety may be     
possible 9 worlds innum]able1 z         
applicable to m5tal1 cogitative1 &      
organiz$ be+s4 ,c]ta9 x is1 t any       
suppos$ ob/ructions1 conc]n+ ! quality  
or temp]ature ( any or e "o ( ^? worlds1
 c\ld n h be5 any b> 9 ! way ( ,god     
,almighty1 ) reg>d to 8 repl5i%+ 8      
univ]sal creation ) moral ag5ts4 ,!     
unlimit$ p]fection ( ,god c\ld p]fectly 
well adapt e "p ( 8 creation to ! design
 ( :atev] rank or species ( con/itut$   
be+s1 8 ,godlike wisdom & goodness saw  
fit8 to imp>t exi/5ce to2 s t z !re is  
no defici5cy ( absolute p]fection 9     
,god1 x is rationally demon/rative t !  
imm5se creation is repl5i%$ ) rational  
ag5ts1 & t x has be5 et]nally s1 & t !  
display ( div9e goodness mu/ h be5 z    

p]fect & complete1 9 ! antec$5t1 z x is 
possible to be 9 ! subsequ5t et]nity4   
,f ?is !ological way ( argu+ on !       
creation & provid5ce ( ,god1 x appe>s t 
! :ole1 :i* we d5om9ate by ! t]m nature1
 :i* is ! same z creation p]fectly      
regulat$1 0 et]nally connect$ toge!r by 
! creator to answ] ! same all glori\s   
purpose1 to wit3 ! display ( ! div9e    
nature1 ! consequ5ces ( :i* are exi/5ce 
& happ9ess to be+s 9 g5]al1 s t         
creation1 ) all its productions op]ates 
accord+ to ! laws ( nature1 & is su/a9$ 
by ! self-exi/5t et]nal cause1 9 p]fect 
old] & decorum1 agreeable to ! et]nal   
wisdom1 unalt]able rectitude1 imp>tial  
ju/ice1 & imm5se goodness ( ! div9e     
nature1 :i* is a summ>y ( ,god's        
provid5ce4 ,x is f ! e/abli%$ ord] (    
nature1 t summ] & w9t]1 ra9y & fair     
seasons1 moon%9e1 refre%+ breezes1 se$  
"t & h>ve/1 day & night1 int]*angeably  
succe$ ea* o!r1 & diffuse _! ext5sive   
bless+s to man4 ,e enjoym5t & support ( 
life is f ,god1 deliv]$ to 8 creatures 9

 & by ! t5d5cy1 aptitude1 disposition1 &
 op]ation ( ^? laws4 ,nature is ! m$ium1
 or int]m$iate in/rum5t ?r\gh :i* ,god  
disp5ses 8 b5ignity to mank9d4 ,! air we
 brea! 91 ! light ( ! sun1 & ! wat]s ( !
 murmur+ rills1 ev9ce 8 provid5ce3 &    
well x is1 t !y are giv5 9 s great      
pr(usion1 t !y _c by ! monopoly ( ! ri* 
be engross$ f ! poor4  ,:5 we copi\sly  
pursue ! /udy ( nature1 we are c]ta9 to 
be lo/ 9 ! imm5sity ( ! works & wisdom (
 ,god2 we may nev]!less1 9 a v>iety (   
?+s disc]n _! fitness1 happify+ t5d5cy &
 su/a9+ quality to u w>d1 f all :i*1 z  
rational & contemplative be+s we are    
prompt$ to inf]1 t ,god is univ]sally   
uni=m & consi/5t 9 8 inf9itude (        
creation & provid5ce1 al?\gh we _c      
compreh5d all t consi/5cy1 by reason (  
infirmity2 yet we are morally sure1 (   
all possible plans1 inf9ite wisdom mu/ h
 et]nally adopt$ ! be/1 & inf9ite       
goodness h approv$ x1 & inf9ite p[] h   
p]fect$ x4 ,& z ! good ( be+s 9 g5]al   
mu/ h be5 ! ultimate end ( ,god 9 8     

creation & gov]nm5t ( 8 creatures1 8    
omnisci5ce c\ld n fail to h x always    
pres5t 9 8 view4 ,univ]sal nature mu/   
!re=e be ultimately attract$ to ?is s+le
 po9t1 & inf9ite p]fection mu/ h        
et]nally display$ itself 9 creation &   
provid5ce4 ,f h5ce we inf]1 t ,god is z 
et]nal & inf9ite 9 8 goodness1 z 8      
self-exi/5t & p]fect nature is          
omnipot5tly great4     ,,secton ,,iv4   
,,! ,,provid5ce ,,( ,,god ,,does ,,n    
,,int]f]e444  ,,) ,,! ,,ag5cy ,,( ,,man4
  ,! doctr9e ( ,fate has be5 made use ( 
9 armies z a policy to induce soldi]s to
 face dang]4 ,mahomet taught 8 army t ! 
t]m ( e man's life 0 fix$ by ,god1 & t  
none c\ld %ort5 x1 by any haz>d t he    
might seem to be expos$ to 9 battle or  
o!rwise1 b t x %\ld be introduc$ into   
peaceable & civil life1 & be patroniz$  
by any tea*]s ( religion1 is q /range1 z
 x subv]ts religion 9 g5]al1 & r5d]s !  
tea*+ ( x unnecess>y1 except among o!r  
necess>y ev5ts x may be premis$ t x is  
necess>y !y tea* t doctr9e1 & t ,i      

oppose x f ! influ5ce ( ! same law (    
fate ^u :i* !sis we are all disput+ &   
act+ 9 c]ta9 necess>y circles1 & if s1  
,i make ano!r necess>y movem5t1 :i* is1 
to dis*>ge ! public tea*]s ( ?is        
doctr9e1 & exp5d4 _! sal>ies 9 an       
economical mann]1 :i* might bett] answ] 
! purposes ( our happ9ess1 or lay x out 
9 good w9e or old spirits to make ! he>t
 glad1 & laugh at ! /upidity or cunn+ ( 
^? :o w\ld h made u m]e ma*9es4  ,"s    
advocates = ! doctr9e ( fate w also     
ma9ta9 t we are free ag5ts1 not)/&+ !y  
tell u !re has be5 a concat5ation (     
causes & ev5ts :i* has rea*$ f ,god d[n 
to ?is "t1 & :i* w et]nally be          
cont9u$--t has & w control1 & br+ ab\t e
 action ( our lives1 ?\gh !re is n any?+
 9 nature m c]ta9 ?an t we _c act       
necess>ily & freely 9 ! same action1 &  
at ! same "t2 yet x is h>d = su* p]sons1
 :o h v]ily believ$ t !y are elect$1 7& 
?us by a pr$et]m9ation ( ,god become 8  
special favorites47 to give up _!       
notions ( a pr$et]m9ation ( all ev5ts1  

^u :i* sy/em _! election & ev]la/+      
happ9ess is nons5sically f\nd$2 & on !  
o!r h&1 x is also h>d = !m to g s       
evid5tly aga9/ ! law ( nature 7or       
dictates ( consci5ce7 :i* intuitively   
ev9ces ! c]ta9ty ( human lib]ty1 z to   
reject su* evid5ce2 & !re=e hold to bo? 
p>ts ( ! contradiction1 to wit1 t !y act
 necess>ily1 & freely1 ^u :i*           
contradictory pr9ciple !y endeavor$ to  
ma9ta9 ! dictates ( natural consci5ce1 &
 also _! d>l+ folly ( be+ elect$ly &    
exclusively favorites ( ,god4           
,,*apt] ,,iii4     ,,secton ,i4 ,,!     
,,doctr9e ,,( ,,! ,,inf9ity ,,( ,,evil  
,,& ,,( ,,s9 ,,consid]$  ,t ,god is     
inf9itely good 9 ! et]nal displays ( 8  
provid5ce1 has be5 argu$ 9 ! ?ird       
section ( ! second *apt]1 f :i* we inf] 
t !re _c be an inf9ite evil 9 ! univ]se1
 inasmu* z x w\ld be incompatible )     
inf9ite good2 yet !re are _m :o imbibe !
 doctr9e ( ! inf9ite evil ( s91 & !     
maxim on :i* !y pr$icate _! argum5ts 9  
its support1 are1 t ! greatness ( s91 or

 adequat5ess ( its puni%m5t1 is n to be 
measur$1 or its vici\sness asc]ta9$ by !
 capacity & circum/ances ( ! (f5d]1 b by
 ! capacity & dignity ( ! be+ aga9/ :om 
! (f5ce is committ$2 & z e transgression
 is aga9/ ! au?ority & law ( ,god1 x is 
!re=e aga9/ ,god2 & z ,god is inf9ite1  
!re=e1 s9 is an inf9ite evil1 & f h5ce  
inf] ! inf9ite & v9dictive wra? ( ,god  
aga9/ s9n]s1 & ( 8 ju/ice 9 doom+ !m1 z 
"s say to inf9ite1 & o!rs say to et]nal 
mis]y2 ! "o )\t degree or measure1 & !  
o!r )\t end or duration4  ,admitt+ ?is  
maxim = tru?1 t ! transgressions or s9s 
( mank9d are to be e/imat$ by _!        
he9\sness1 by ! dignity & inf9ity ( !   
div9e nature1 !n x w foll[ t all s9s    
w\ld be equal1 :i* w\ld conf\nd all our 
notions ( ! degrees or aggravations (   
s92 s t ! s9 w\ld be ! same to kill my  
neighbor z x w\ld be to kill 8 horse4 ,=
 ! div9e nature1 by ?is maxim1 be+ !    
rule by :i* man's s9 is to be e/imat$1 &
 always ! same1 !re c\ld !re=e be no    
degrees 9 s9 or guilt1 any m ?an !re are

 degrees ( p]fection 9 ,god1 :om we all 
admit to be inf9ite1 & :o = t reason    
only _c admit ( any degrees or          
enl>gem5t4 ,!re=e z c]ta9 z !re are     
degrees 9 s91 ! inf9ity ( ! div9e nature
 _c be ! /&>d :]eby x is to be asc]ta9$1
 :i* s+le consid]ation is a suffici5t   
confutation ( ! doctr9e ( ! inf9ite evil
 ( s91 z pr$icat$ on t maxim1 inasmu* z 
none are s /upid z n to disc]n t !re are
 degrees & aggravations 9 s94  ,i       
recollect a disc\rse ( a le>n$          
,ecclesia/ic1 :o 0 labor+ 9 support (   
?is doctr9e4 ,8 fir/ proposition 01 ,t  
moral rectitude 0 inf9itely pleas+ to   
,god2 f :i* he d$uc$ ?is inf]5ce1 viz41 
,t a contr>iety to moral rectitude 0    
consequ5tly inf9itely displeas+ to ,god 
& inf9itely evil4 ,t ! absolute moral   
rectitude ( ! div9e nature is inf9itely 
well pleas+ to ,god1 w n be disput$2 =  
?is is none o!r b p]fect & inf9ite      
rectitude2 b !re _c 9 nature be an      
inf9ite contr>iety !reto1 or any be+    
inf9itely evil1 or inf9ite 9 any respect

 :atev]1 except we admit a self-exi/5t &
 inf9ite diabolical nature1 :i* is too  
absurd to des]ve argum5tative           
confutation4 ,!re=e1 z all possible     
moral evil mu/ result f ! ag5cy ( f9ite 
be+s1 consi/+ 9 _! s9ful deviations f ! 
rules ( et]nal un]r+ ord] & reason1 :i* 
is moral rectitude 9 ! ab/ract1 we inf] 
t1 provid$ all f9ite be+s 9 ! univ]se _h
 n done any?+ else b s9 & rebel aga9/   
,god1 reason & moral rectitude 9 g5]al2 
all possible moral evil w\ld fall z mu* 
%ort ( be+ inf9ite1 z all f9ite         
capacities1 complexly consid]$1 w\ld    
fail ( be+ inf9ite1 :i* w be> no        
proportion at all4 ,= ?\gh f9ite m9ds1 z
 has be5 be=e argu$1 be> a resemblance  
to ,god1 yet !y be> no proportion to 8  
inf9ity2 & !re=e !re is n & _c be any   
be+1 be+s or ag5cy ( be+ or be+s1       
complexly consid]$ or o!rwise1 :i* are  
inf9ite 9 capacity1 or :i* are inf9itely
 evil & dete/able 9 ! sight ( ,god1 9 t 
unlimit$ s5se2 = ! actions or ag5cy (   
limit$ be+s1 are also limit$1 :i* is !  

same z f9ite3 s t bo? ! virtues & vices 
( man are f9ite2 !y are n virtu\s or    
vici\s b 9 degree2 !re=e moral evil is  
f9ite & b\nd$4  ,?\gh !re is "o1 & b "o 
inf9ite good1 :i* is ,god1 & !re c be no
 dispute1 b t ,god judges1 & approves or
 disapproves ( all ?+s & be+s1 & ag5cies
 ( be+s1 z 9 tru? !y are1 or 9 o!r words
 judges ( e ?+ z be+ :at x is2 b to     
judge a f9ite evil to be inf9ite1 w\ld  
be inf9itely errone\s &                 
disproportionate2 = s c]ta9 z !re is a  
di/9ction betwe51 inf9ity & inf9itude1 s
 c]ta9 f9ite s9ful ag5cy _c be inf9itely
 evil2 or 9 o!r words f9ite (f5ces _c be
 inf9ite4 ,nor is x possible t ! greate/
 ( s9n]s %\ld 9 ju/ice des]ve inf9ite   
puni%m5t1 or _! nature su/a9 x2 f9ite   
be+s may z well be suppos$ to be capable
 ( inf9ite happ9ess z ( inf9ite mis]y1 b
 ! rank :i* !y hold 9 ! univ]se exempts 
!m f ei!r2 x nev]!less admits !m to a   
/ate ( ag5cy1 probation or trial1       
consequ5tly to int]*angeable            
progressions 9 moral good & evil1 & (   

c\rse to alt]nate happ9ess or mis]y4 ,we
 w dismiss ! doctr9e ( ! inf9ite evil ( 
s9 ) ?is obs]vation1 t z no m]e creature
 c suff] an inf9itude ( mis]y or (      
puni%m5t1 x is !re=e incompatible ) !   
wisdom ( ,god1 s f> to capacitate       
creatures to s91 z 9 8 con/itution ( ?+s
 to =eclose himself f adequately puni%+ 
!m = x4     ,,secton ,,ii4 ,,! ,,moral  
,,gov]nm5t ,,( ,,god ,,z                
,,incompatible444  ,,) ,,et]nal         
,,puni%m5t  ,we may = c]ta9 conclude1 t 
su* a puni%m5t w nev] h ! div9e         
approbation1 or be inflict$ on any      
intellig5t be+ or be+s 9 ! inf9itude ( !
 gov]nm5t ( ,god4 ,= an endless puni%m5t
 defeats ! v end ( its in/itution1 :i* 9
 all wise & good gov]nm5ts is z well to 
reclaim (f5d]s1 z to be examples to     
o!rs2 b a gov]nm5t :i* does n admit (   
re=mation & rep5tance1 mu/ unavoidably  
involve its subjects 9 mis]y2 = !       
weakness ( creatures w always be a s\rce
 ( error & incon/ancy1 & a wise         
,gov]nor1 z we mu/ admit ,god to be1    

w\ld suit 8 gov]nm5t to ! capacity & all
 o!r circum/ances ( ! gov]n$2 & in/ead (
 inflict+ et]nal damnation on 8 (f5d+   
*ildr51 w\ld r int]*angeably ext5d 8    
b5efic5ce ) 8 v9dictive puni%m5ts1 s z  
to ali5ate !m f s9 & wick$ness1 & incl9e
 !m to morality2 conv9c+ !m f exp]im5tal
 suff]+1 t s9 & vanity are _! greate/   
enemies1 & t 9 ,god & moral rectitude _!
 dep5d5ce & true happ9ess consi/s1 & by 
reclaim+ !m f wick$ness & error1 to !   
tru?1 & to ! love & practice ( virtue1  
give !m occasion to glorify ,god = !    
wisdom & goodness ( 8 gov]nm5t1 & to be 
ultimately happy "u x4 ,b we are told t 
! et]nal damnation ( a "p ( mank9d      
greatly augm5ts ! happ9ess ( ! elect1 :o
 are repres5t$ z be+ va/ly ! less       
num]\s1 7a diabolical temp] ( m9d 9 !   
elect37 besides1 h[ n>r[ & contractive  
mu/ su* notions ( inf9ite ju/ice &      
goodness be8 ,:o w\ld imag9e t ! ,deity 
conducts 8 provid5ce simil> to !        
dete/able despots ( ?is _w8 ,oh         
horrible8 mo/ horrible impea*m5t (      

,div9e ,goodness6 ,r let u exalt$ly     
suppose t ,god et]nally _h ! ultimate   
be/ good ( be+s g5]ally & individually 9
 8 view1 ) ! rew>d ( ! virtu\s & !      
puni%m5t ( ! vici\s1 & t no o!r puni%m5t
 w ev] be inflict$1 m]ely by ! div9e    
adm9i/ration1 b t w f9ally t]m9ate 9 !  
be/ good ( ! puni%$1 & !reby subs]ve !  
great & important ends ( ! div9e        
gov]nm5t1 & be productive ( ! re/oration
 & felicity ( all f9ite rational nature4
  ,! mo/ weighty argum5ts d$ucible f !  
div9e nature h be5 already (f]$1 to wit1
 ultimate end ( ,god1 9 creation &      
provid5ce1 to d ! greate/ possible good 
& b5ignity to be+s 9 g5]al1 &           
consequ5tly1 t ! great end & design (   
puni%m5t1 9 ! div9e gov]nm5t1 mu/ be to 
reclaim1 re/ore1 & br+ revolt]s f       
orig9al rectitude back to embrace x & to
 be ultimately happy2 z also1 t an      
et]nal puni%m5t1 w\ld defeat ! v end &  
design ( puni%m5t itself2 & t no good   
consequ5ces to ! puni%$ c\ld arise out (
 a nev] end+ de/ruction2 b t a total1   

ev]la/+1 & irrep>able evil w\ld take    
place on su* "p ( ! moral creation1 z   
may be ?us s5t5c$ to et]nal & rem$iless 
p]dition2 :i* w\ld argue imp]fection    
ei!r 9 ! creation1 or moral gov]nm5t (  
,god1 or 9 bo?4     ,,secton ,,iii4     
,,human ,,lib]ty1 ,,ag5cy ,,&           
,,acc\ntability1 ,,_c444  ,,be ,,att5d$ 
,,) ,,et]nal ,,consequ5ces1 ,,ei!r      
,,good ,,or ,,evil  ,f :at has be5 argu$
 9 ! =ego+ section1 x appe>s t mank9d 9 
?is life are n ag5ts ( trial = et]nity1 
b t !y w et]nally rema9 ag5ts ( trial6  
,to suppose t our et]nal circum/ances w 
be unalt]ably fix$ 9 happ9ess or mis]y1 
9 consequ5ce ( ! ag5cy or transactions (
 ?is tempor>y life1 is inconsi/5t ) !   
moral gov]nm5t ( ,god1 & ! progressive &
 retrospective k ( ! human m9d4 ,god has
 n put x into our p[] to plunge         
ourselves into et]nal woe & p]dition2   
human lib]ty is n s ext5sive1 = ! t]m ( 
human life be>s no proportion to et]nity
 succe$+ x2 s t !re c\ld be no          
proportion betwe5 a mom5t>y ag5cy1 7:i* 

is lib]ty ( action17 or probation1 & any
 suppos$ et]nal consequ5ces ( happ9ess  
or mis]y result+ f x4 ,our lib]ty       
consi/s 9 our p[] ( ag5cy1 & _c fall    
%ort (1 or exce$ x1 = lib]ty is ag5cy   
itself1 or is t by :i* ag5cy or action  
is ex]t$2 x may be t ! curi\s w\ld def9e
 x1 t ag5cy is ! effect ( lib]ty1 & t   
lib]ty is ! cause :i* produces x2 mak+ a
 di/9ction betwe5 action & ! p[] (      
action2 be x s1 yet ag5cy _c surpass its
 lib]ty2 to suppose o!rwise1 w\ld be !  
same z to suppose ag5cy )\t ! p[] (     
ag5cy1 or an effect )\t a cause2 !re=e1 
z our ag5cy does n ext5d to consequ5ces 
( et]nal happ9ess or mis]y1 ! p[] ( t   
ag5cy1 :i* is lib]ty1 does n4 ,suffici5t
 x is = virtu\s m9ds1 :ile 9 ?is life1 t
 !y keep ,consci5ces void ( (f5ce t[>ds 
,god & t[>ds man4 ,& t 9 _! comm5cem5t 9
 ! succe$+ /ate1 !y h a retrospective k 
( _! ag5cy 9 ?is1 & reta9 a consci\sness
 ( a well sp5t life4 ,be+s ?us possess$ 
( a habit ( virtue1 w\ld enjoy a        
rational felicity beyond ! rea* (       

physical evils :i* t]m9ate ) life2 & 9  
all rational probability w\ld be advanc$
 9 ! ord] ( nature1 to a m exalt$ &     
sublime mann] ( be+1 k & action1 ?an at 
pres5t we c conceive (1 :]e no joys or  
pa9s c approa*1 b ( ! m5tal k9d2 9 :i*  
elevat$ /ate virtu\s m9ds w be able1 9 a
 cle>] & m copi\s mann] 9 ?is life1 to  
contemplate ! sup]lative beauties (     
moral fitness2 & ) ec/atic satisfaction 
enjoy x1 not)/&+ imp]fection &          
consequ5tly ag5cy1 pr(ici5cy & trial1 ( 
"s k9d or o!r1 mu/ ev]la/+ly cont9ue )  
f9ite m9ds4  ,& z to ! vici\s1 :o h     
violat$ ! laws ( reason & morality1 liv$
 a life ( s9 & wick$ness1 & are at z    
great a remove f a rational happ9ess z f
 moral rectitude2 su* incorrigible      
s9n]s1 at _! comm5c+ exi/5ce 9 ! _w (   
spirits1 w und\bt$ly h op5$ to !m a     
trem5d\s sc5e ( horror1                 
self-condemnation & guilt1 ) an angui% (
 m9d2 ! m s1 z no s5sual delights c !re1
 7z 9 ?is _w17 div]t ! m9d f its        
consci\s guilt2 ! cle> s5se ( :i* w be !

 m pung5t1 z ! m9d 9 t /ate w be greatly
 enl>g$1 & consequ5tly m capaci\sly     
susceptible ( sorr[1 grief1 & consci\s  
woe1 f a retrospective reflection ( a   
wick$ life4     ,,secton ,,iv4 ,,(      
,,physical ,,evils4  ,physical evils are
 9 nature insep>able f animal life1 !y  
comm5c$ exi/5ce ) x1 & are its          
concomitants ?r\gh life2 s t ! same     
nature :i* gives be+ to ! "o1 gives bir?
 to ! o!r also2 ! "o is n be=e or aft] !
 o!r1 b !y are coexi/5t toge!r1 &       
cotempor>ies2 & z !y began exi/5ce 9 a  
necess>y dep5d5ce on ea* o!r1 s !y      
t]m9ate toge!r 9 dea? & dissolution4    
,?is is ! orig9al ord] to :i* animal    
nature is subject$1 z appli$ to e       
species ( x4 ,! bea/s ( ! field1 ! f[ls 
( ! air1 ! fi%es ( ! sea1 ) reptiles1 & 
all mann] ( be+s1 :i* are possess$ )    
animal life2 nor is pa91 sickness1 or   
mortality any "p ( ,god's puni%m5t = s94
 ,on ! o!r h& s5sual happ9ess is no "p (
 ! rew>d ( virtue3 to rew>d moral       
actions ) a glass ( w9e or a %\ld] (    

mutton1 w\ld be z inadequate1 z to      
measure a triangle ) s\nd1 = virtue &   
vice p]ta9 to ! m9d1 & _! m]its or      
dem]its h _! j effects on ! consci5ce1 z
 has be5 be=e ev9c$3 b animal           
gratifications are common to ! human    
race indiscrim9ately1 & also1 to ! bea/s
 ( ! field3 & physical evils z          
promiscu\sly & univ]sally ext5d to !    
:ole1 s ,t !re is no kn[+ good or evil  
by all t is be=e u1 = all is vanity4 ,x 
0 n among ! numb] ( possibles1 t animal 
life %\ld be exempt$ f mortality3       
omnipot5ce itself c\ld n h made x       
capable ( et]nalization &               
indissolubility2 = ! self same nature   
:i* con/itutes animal life1 subjects x  
to decay & dissolution2 s t ! "o _c be  
)\t ! o!r1 any m ?an !re c\ld be a      
compact numb] ( m\nta9s )\t vallies1 or 
t ,i c\ld exi/ & n exi/ at ! same "t1 or
 t ,god %\ld effect any o!r             
contradiction 9 nature2 all             
contradictions be+ equally impossible1  
inasmu* z !y imply an absolute          

incompatibility ) nature & tru?2 =      
nature is pr$icat$ on tru?1 & ! same    
tru? :i* con/itutes m\nta9s1 made !     
vallies at ! same "t2 nor is x possible 
t !y c\ld h a sep>ate exi/5ce4 ,& ! same
 tru? :i* affirms my exi/5ce1 d5ies its 
negative2 s also ! same law ( nature1   
:i* 9 tru? produce? an animal life &    
supports x = a season1 we>s x out1 & 9  
its natural c\rse r$uces x to its       
orig9al elem5ts aga94 ,! vegetable _w   
also pres5ts u ) a con/ant aspect (     
productions & dissolutions2 & ! bu/le ( 
elem5ts is beyond all conception2 b !   
dissolution ( =ms is n ! dissolution (  
matt]1 or ! annihilation ( x1 nor ( !   
creation1 :i* exi/s 9 all possible =ms &
 fluxilities2 & x is f su* physical     
alt]ations ( ! p>ticles ( matt]1 t      
animal or vegetable life is produc$ &   
de/roy$4 ,elem5ts af=d !m nutrition1 &  
"t br+s !m to maturity1 decay &         
dissolution2 & 9 all ! prolific         
production ( animal life1 or !          
productions ( ^? ( a vegetative nature1 

?r\gh\t all _! gr[?1 decay &            
dissolution1 make no addition or        
dim9ution ( creation2 b et]nal nature   
cont9ues its nev] ceas+ op]ations1 7:i* 
9 mo/ respects are my/]i\s to u7 "u !   
un]r+ guidance ( ! provid5ce ( ,god4    
,animal nature consi/s ( a regul>       
con/itution ( a v>iety ( organic p>ts1  
:i* h a p>ticul> & necess>y dep5dance on
 ea* o!r1 by ! mutual assi/ance :]e( !  
:ole are animat$4 ,blood seems to be !  
s\rce ( life1 & x is requisite t x h a  
prop] circulation f ! he>t to ! extreme 
p>ts ( ! body1 & f !nce to ! he>t aga91 
t x may repeat its tempor>y r\nds ?r\gh 
c]ta9 art]ies & ve9s1 :i* repl5i% e     
m9utia "p ) blood & vital heat2 b ! bra9
 is evid5tly ! seat ( s5sation1 :i*     
?r\gh ! n]v\s sy/em conveys ! animal    
spirits to e "p ( ! body1 imp>t+ to x   
s5sation & motion1 con/itut+ x a liv+   
ma*9e-1 :i* c\ld nev] h be5 produc$1 or 
ex]cis$ its respective functions 9 any  
o!r sort ( _w b ?is2 :i* is 9 a con/ant 
s]ies ( fluxilities1 & :i* cause? x to  

produce food = its inhabitants4 ,an     
un*angeable _w c\ld n admit ( production
 or dissolution1 b w\ld be id5tically ! 
same1 :i* w\ld preclude ! exi/5ce &     
nutrim5t ( su* s5sitive creatures z we  
are4 ,! nutrition extract$ f food by !  
secret aptitudes ( ! dige/+ p[]s 7by :i*
 my/]i\s op]ation x becomes incorporat$ 
) ! circulat+ juices1 supply+ ! animal  
functions ) vital heat1 /r5g? & vigor7  
dem&s a con/ant flux & reflux ( !       
p>ticles ( matt]1 :i* is p]petually     
incorporat+ ) ! body1 & supply+ ! place 
( ! sup]flu\s p>ticles t are con/antly  
dis*>g+ !mselves by ins5sible           
p]spiration2 support+1 & at ! same "t1 9
 its ultimate t5d5cy1 de/roy+ animal    
life4 ,?us x manife/ly appe>s1 t ! laws 
( ! _w 9 :i* we live1 & ! con/itution ( 
! animal nature ( man1 are all b "o     
uni=m arrangem5t ( cause & effect2 & z  
by ! c\rse ( ^? laws1 animal life is    
propagat$ & su/a9$ = a season1 s by !   
op]ation ( ! same laws1 decay &         
mortality are ! necess>y consequ5ces4   

,,*apt] ,,iv4     ,,secton ,i4          
,,speculation ,,on ,,! ,,doctr9e ,,( ,,!
 ,,depravity444  ,,( ,,human ,,reason4  
,9 ! c\rse ( our speculation on ,div9e  
,provid5ce we proce$ next to !          
consid]ation ( ! doctr9e ( ! depravity (
 human reason3 a doctr9e d]ogatory to ! 
nature ( man1 & ! rank & "* ( be+ :i* he
 holds 9 ! univ]se1 & :i*1 if admitt$ to
 be true ov]turns k & sci5ce & r5d]s    
le>n+1 in/ruction & books useless &     
imp]t95t2 inasmu* z reason1 deprav$ or  
spoil$1 w\ld cease to be reason2 z mu* z
 ! m9d ( a rav+ madman w\ld ( c\rse     
cease to be rational3 admitt+ !         
depravity ( reason1 ! consequ5ce w\ld   
unavoidably foll[1 t z f> z x may be    
suppos$ to h tak5 place 9 ! mid/ (      
mank9d1 !re c\ld be no judges ( x1 9    
consequ5ce ( _! suppos$ depravity2 = )\t
 ! ex]cise ( reason1 we c\ld n und]/&   
:at reason is1 :i* w\ld be necess>y = u 
previ\sly to und]/&1 9 ord] to und]/&   
:at x is n2 or to di/+ui% x f t :i* is  
its rev]se4 ,b = u to h ! k ( :at reason

 is1 & ! ability to di/+ui% x f t :i* is
 deprav$1 or is irrational1 is          
incompatible ) ! doctr9e ( ! depravity (
 our reason4 ,inasmu* z to und]/& :at   
reason is1 & to di/+ui% x f t :i* is    
m>r$ or spoil$1 is ! same to all int5ts 
& purposes1 z to h1 ex]cise & enjoy1 !  
pr9ciple ( reason itself1 :i* precludes 
its suppos$ depravity3 s t x is         
impossible = u to und]/& :at reason is1 
& at ! same "t det]m9e t our reason is  
deprav$2 = ?is w\ld be ! same z :5 we "k
 t we are 9 possession & ex]cise (      
reason1 to det]m9e t we are n 9         
possession or ex]cise ( x4  ,x may be1 t
 "s :o embrace ! doctr9e ( ! depravity (
 human reason1 w n admit t x is :olly & 
totally deprav$1 b t x is 9 a great     
measure m>r$ or spoil$4 ,b ! =ego+      
argum5ts are equally applicable to a    
suppos$ depravity 9 p>ts1 z 9 ! :ole2 = 
9 ord] to judge :e!r reason be deprav$ 9
 "p or n1 x w\ld be requisite to h an   
und]/&+ ( :at reason may be suppos$ to h
 be51 previ\s to its premis$ depravity2 

& to h su* a k ( x1 w\ld be ! same z to 
ex]cise & enjoy x 9 its lu/re & purity1 
:i* w\ld preclude ! notion ( a depravity
 9 "p1 z well z 9 ! :ole2 = x w\ld be   
utt]ly impossible = u to judge ( reason 
undeprav$ & deprav$1 b by comp>+ !m     
toge!r4 ,b = deprav$ reason to make su* 
a comp>ison1 is contradictory &         
impossible2 s t1 if our reason _h be5   
deprav$1 we c\ld n h _h any conception (
 x any m ?an a bea/4 ,m5 ( small        
faculties 9 reason+ _c compreh5d !      
ext5sive reason+s ( _! sup]iors1 h[ !n c
 a suppos$ deprav$ reason compreh5d t   
reason :i* is uncorrupt$ & pure8 ,to    
suppose t x c\ld1 is ! same z to suppose
 t deprav$ & undeprav$ reason is alike1 
& if s1 !re ne$s no fur!r dispute ab\t  
x4  ,!re is a manife/ contradiction 9   
apply+ ! t]m deprav$ to t ( reason1 !   
ideas conta9$ 9 _! respective def9itions
 w n admit ( _! association toge!r1 z ! 
t]ms convey het]og5e\s ideas2 = reason  
spoil$1 m>r$1 or robb$ ( its p]fection1 
cease? to be rational1 & %\ld n be call$

 reason2 inasmu* z x is premis$ to be   
deprav$1 or deg5]at$ f a rational       
nature2 & 9 consequ5ce ( ! deprivation (
 its nature1 %\ld also be depriv$ ( its 
"n1 & call$ subt]fuge1 or "s su* l "n1  
:i* might bett] def9e its real "*4  ,^? 
:o invalidate reason1 ought s]i\sly to  
consid]1 :e!r !y argue aga9/ reason1 )  
or )\t reason2 if ) reason1 !n !y       
e/abli% ! pr9ciple1 t !y are labor+ to  
de?rone3 b if !y argue )\t reason1 7:i*1
 9 ord] to be consi/5t ) !mselves1 !y   
mu/ d17 !y are out ( ! rea* ( rational  
conviction1 nor d !y des]ve a rational  
argum5t4  ,we are told t ! k ( !        
depravity ( reason1 0 fir/ communicat$  
to mank9d by ! imm$iate inspiration (   
,god4 ,b inasmu* z reason is suppos$ to 
be deprav$1 :at pr9ciple c\ld !re be 9 !
 human irrational s\l1 :i* c\ld receive 
or und]/& ! inspiration1 or on :i* x    
c\ld op]ate s z to repres5t to ^? :om x 
may be suppos$ 7 inspir$1 ! k ( !       
depravity ( 7_! own & mank9d's7 reason  
79 g5]al37 = a rational inspiration mu/ 

consi/ ( rational ideas1 :i*            
pre-sup-poses t ! m9ds ( ^? :o 7        
inspir$1 7 rational previ\s to su*      
inspiration1 :i* w\ld be a d[nright     
contradiction to ! inspiration itself2 !
 import ( :i* 0 to tea* ! k ( !         
depravity ( human reason1 :i* )\t reason
 c\ld n be und]/ood1 & ) reason x w\ld  
be und]/ood1 t ! inspiration 0 false4   
,w any advocates = ! depravity ( reason 
suppose1 t inspiration +rafts or        
sup]adds ! ess5ce ( reason itself to !  
human m9d8 ,admitt+ x to be s1 yet su*  
inspir$ p]sons c\ld n und]/& any ?+ (   
reason1 be=e ! reception ( su* suppos$  
inspiration2 nor w\ld su* a premis$     
inspiration prove to its possessors or  
receiv]s1 t _! reason _h ev] be5        
deprav$4 ,all t su* premis$ inspir$     
p]sons c\ld und]/&1 or be consci\s (1   
respect+ reason1 w\ld be aft] !         
inspiration may be suppos$ to h tak5    
effect1 & made !m rational be+s1 & !n   
in/ead ( be+ taught by inspiration1 t _!
 reason _h be5 previ\sly deprav$1 !y    

c\ld h _h no mann] ( consci\sness ( !   
exi/5ce or ex]cise ( x1 until ! impair+ 
! pr9ciple ( x by ! suppos$ en]gy (     
inspiration2 nor c\ld su* suppos$       
inspir$ p]sons communicate ! k ( su* a  
premis$ revelation to o!rs ( ! species1 
:o = want ( a rational nature1 c\ld n be
 suppos$1 on ?is position1 to be able to
 receive ! impressions ( reason4  ,t !re
 are degrees 9 ! k ( rational be+s1 &   
also 9 _! capacities to acquire x1 _c be
 disput$1 z x is s v obvi\s among       
mank9d4 ,b 9 all ! retrospect gradations
 f ! exalt$ reason+s ( a ,locke or a    
,newton1 d[n to ! l[e/ ex]cise ( x among
 ! species1 /ill x is reason1 & n       
deprav$2 = a less degree ( reason by no 
means implies a depravity ( x1 nor does 
! imp>t+ ( reason argue its depravity1 =
 :at rema9s ( reason1 or r ( ! ex]cise (
 x1 is reason /ill4 ,b !re is n1 & _c be
 su* a ?+ z deprav$ reason1 = t :i* is  
rational is s1 & = t reason _c be       
deprav$1 :atev] its degree ( ex]cise may
 be suppos$ to be4  ,a bl[ on ! head1 or

 fracture ( ! cranium1 z also palsies & 
_m o!r casualties t await our s5sorium1 
ret>d1 & 9 "s cases :olly prev5t !      
ex]cise ( reason = a long] or %ort]     
p]iod2 & sometimes ?r\gh ! /age ( human 
life2 b 9 su* in/ances z ^!1 reason is n
 deprav$1 b ceases 9 a great] or less   
degree1 or p]haps :olly ceases its      
rational ex]tions or op]ations2 by      
reason ( ! brea*es or disord]s ( !      
organs ( s5se1 b 9 su* in/ances1 :]e9 ! 
organs become rectifi$1 & ! s5ses recov]
 _! usefulness1 ! ex]cise ( reason      
returns1 free f any blemi% or depravity4
 ,= ! cessation ( ! ex]cise ( reason1 by
 no means depraves x4  ,f :at has be5   
argu$ on ?is subject1 9 ?is & ! prec$+  
*apt]s1 x appe>s t reason is n & _c be  
deprav$1 b t x be>s a lik5ess to div9e  
reason1 is ( ! same k9d1 & 9 its own    
nature z uni=m z tru?1 :i* is ! te/ ( x2
 ?\gh 9 ! div9e ess5ce1 x is et]nal &   
inf9ite1 b 9 man x is et]nal only z x   
respects _! immortality1 & f9ite z x    
respects capaci\sness4 ,su* p z c be    

prevail$ ^u to believe1 t _! reason is  
deprav$1 may easily be l$ by ! nose1 &  
dup$ into sup]/ition at ! pleasure ( ^? 
9 :om !y confide1 & !re rema9 f g5]ation
 to g5]ation3 = :5 !y ?r[ by ! law (    
reason ! only "o :i* ,god gave !m to    
direct !m 9 _! speculations & duty1 !y  
are expos$ to ignorant or insidi\s      
tea*]s1 & also to _! own irregul>       
passions1 & to ! folly & en?usiasm ( ^? 
ab\t !m1 :i* no?+ b reason c prev5t or  
re/ra93 nor is x a rational supposition 
t ! commonality ( mank9d w\ld ev] h     
mi/ru/$ t _! reason 0 deprav$1 _h !y n  
be5 told s1 & x is :isp]$ ab\t1 t ! fir/
 ins9uation ( x 0 f ! ,prie/s2 7?\gh !  
,arm5ian ,cl]gym5 9 ! circle ( my       
acqua9tance h explod$ ! doctr9e47 ,%\ld 
we admit ! depravity ( reason1 x w\ld   
equally affect ! prie/hood1 or any o!r  
tea*]s ( t doctr9e1 ) ! re/ ( mank9d2 b 
= deprav$ creatures to receive & give   
cr$it to a deprav$ doctr9e1 />t$ &      
taught by deprav$ creatures1 is !       
greate/ weakness & folly imag9able1 &   

comes ne>] a pro( ( ! doctr9e ( total   
depravity1 ?an any argum5ts :i* h be5   
advanc$ 9 support ( x4     ,,secton     
,,ii4 ,,conta9+ ,a ,,disquisition ,,(   
,,! ,,law ,,( ,,nature444  ,,z ,,x      
,,respects ,,! ,,moral ,,sy/em1         
,,int]sp]s$ ,,) ,,obs]vations ,,on      
,,subsequ5t ,,religions  ,t mank9d are  
by nature end[$ ) s5sation & reflection1
 f :i* results ! p[] ( reason & und]/&+1
 w n be disput$4 ,! s5ses are well      
calculat$ to make discov]ies ( ext]nal  
objects & to communicate ^? notices1 or 
simple images ( ?+s to ! m9d1 ) all !   
magnific5t simplicity ( nature1 :i* op5s
 an ext5sive field ( contemplation to ! 
und]/&+1 enabl+ ! m9d to exam9e into !  
natural causes & consequ5ces ( ?+s1 & to
 inve/igate ! k ( moral good & evil1 f  
:i*1 toge!r ) ! p[] ( ag5cy1 results !  
human consci5ce4 ,?is is ! orig9al (    
moral obligation & acc\ntability1 :i* is
 call$ natural religion2 = )\t ! und]/&+
 ( tru? f falsehood1 & "r f wrong1 :i*  
is ! same z ju/ice f inju/ice1 & a      

lib]ty ( ag5cy1 :i* is ! same z a p[] ( 
pr(ici5cy 9 ei!r moral good or evil3    
mank9d w\ld n be rational or acc\ntable 
creatures4 ,und\bt$ly x 0 ! ultimate    
design ( our ,creator1 9 giv+ u be+1 &  
furni%+ u ) ^? noble compositions (     
m5tal p[]s & s5sitive aptitudes1 t we   
%\ld1 91 by1 & ) t nature1 s]ve & honor 
him2 & ) ^? unit$ capacities1 se>* out &
 und]/& our duty to him1 & to "o ano!r1 
) ! ability ( practis+ ! same z f> z may
 be necess>y = u 9 ?is life4 ,to object 
aga9/ ! suffici5cy ( natural religion1  
to effect ! be/ ultimate good ( mank9d1 
w\ld be d]ogat+ f ! wisdom1 goodness1 & 
ju/ice ( ,god1 :o 9 ! c\rse ( 8         
provid5ce to u1 has adopt$ x3 besides1  
if natural religion may be suppos$ to be
 defici5t1 :at security c we h t any    
subsequ5tly reveal$ religion %\ld n be s
 also8 ,= :y might n a second religion f
 ,god be z insuffici5t or defective z a 
fir/ religion may be suppos$ to be8 ,f  
h5ce we inf] t if natural religion be   
insuffici5t to dictate mank9d 9 ! way ( 

_! duty & make !m ultimately happy1 !re 
is an end to religion 9 g5]al4 ,b z     
c]ta9 z ,god is p]fect 9 wisdom &       
goodness1 natural religion is suffici5t 
& complete2 & hav+ _h ! div9e           
approbation1 & naturally result+ f a    
rational nature1 is z univ]sally        
promulgat$ to mank9d z reason itself4 ,b
 to ! disadvantage ( ! claim ( all      
subsequ5t religions1 call$ revelations1 
:e!r d5om9at$ inspir$1 ext]nal1         
sup]natural1 or :at n1 !y came too late 
into ! _w to be ess5tial to ! well be+ (
 mank9d1 or to po9t out to !m ! only way
 to heav5 & ev]la/+ bless$ness3 inasmu* 
z = ! greate/ "p ( mank9d :o h ev] liv$ 
9 ?is _w1 h dep>t$ ?is life previ\s to !
 eras & promulgations ( su* revelations4
 ,besides1 ^? subsequ5t revelations to !
 law ( nature1 began z human traditions 
h ev] done 9 v small circumf]5ces1 9 !  
respective p>ts ( ! _w :]e !y h be5     
inculcat$1 & made _! progress1 z "t1    
*ance1 & opportunity pres5t$4 ,does ?is 
look l ! contrivance ( heav51 & ! only  

way ( salvation8 ,or is x n m l ?is _w &
 ! contrivance ( man8 ,und\bt$ly ! great
 p>5t ( mank9d laid a j & suffici5t     
f\ndation ( salvation = e "o ( !m2 =    
o!rwise su* ( !m1 :o may be suppos$ n to
 be ?us provid$ = w\ld n h :]e( to      
glorify ,god = _! be+1 b on ! contr>y   
w\ld h j matt] ( compla9t aga9/ 8       
provid5ce or moral gov]nm5t =           
involunt>ily necessitat+ !m into a      
wret*$ & mis]able exi/5ce1 & t )\t end  
or rem$y3 :i* w\ld be ascrib+ to ,god a 
m ext5sive inju/ice ?an is possible to  
be *>g$ on ! mo/ b>b>\s despots t ev] 7 
among mank9d4  ,b to return to our      
speculations on ! law ( nature4 ,t ?is  
div9e ,law surpasses all positive       
in/itutions1 t h ev] be5 u%]$ into ! _w 
s9ce its creation z mu* z ! wisdom &    
goodness ( ,god exce$s t ( man1 is      
beautifully illu/rat$ 9 ! foll[+        
quotation3 ,b x may be said :at is      
virtue8 ,x is ! fai?ful dis*>ge ( ^?    
obligations :i* reason dictates4 ,& :at 
is wisdom itself1 b a portion (         

intellig5ce8 ) :i* ! creator has furni%$
 u1 9 ord] to direct u 9 our duty8 ,x   
may be fur!r ask$1 :at is ?is duty8 :5ce
 does x result8 & by :at law is x       
prescrib$8 ,i answ] t ! law :i*         
prescrib$ x is ! immutable w ( ,god2 to 
:i* "r reason obliges u to con=m        
ourselves1 & 9 ?is con=mity virtue      
consi/s4 ,no law :i* has comm5c$ s9ce ! 
creation1 or :i* may ev] cease to be 9  
=ce1 c con/itute virtue2 = be=e !       
exi/5ce ( su* a law1 mank9d c\ld n be   
b\nd to obs]ve x2 b !y 7 c]ta9ly "u an  
obligation to be virtu\s f ! beg9n+4    
,pr9ces may make laws & repeal !m1 b !y 
c nei!r make nor de/roy virtue1 & h[    
inde$ %\ld !y be able to d :at is       
impossible to ! ,deity himself8 ,virtue 
be+ z immutable 9 its nature z ! div9e w
 :i* is ! gr\nd ( x499       99 ,virtue 
did n d]ive its nature m]ely f !        
omnipot5t w ( ,god1 b also f ! et]nal   
tru? &      moral fitness ( ?+s2 :i* 0 !
 et]nal reason :y      !y 7 et]nally    
approv$ ( by ,god1 & immutably          

e/abli%$ by him1 to be :at !y are2 & s  
f> z our      duty is connect$ ) ^?     
et]nal measures ( moral      fitness1 or
 we are able to act on !m1 we give su*  
actions      or habits ! "n ( virtue or 
morality4 ,b :5 we1 9      writ+ or     
conv]sation1 say t virtue is gr\nd$ on !
      div9e w1 we %\ld at ! same "t     
include 9 !      complex idea ( x1 t !  
div9e w :i* con/itut$      virtue1 0    
et]nally & inf9itely reasonable4  ,a    
,pr9ce may comm& 8 subjects to pay taxes
 or subsidies1 may =bid !m to export    
c]ta9 commodities1 or to introduce ^? ( 
a =eign c\ntry4 ,! fai?ful obs]vance (  
^! laws make ob$i5t subjects1 b does n  
make virtu\s m52 & w\ld any "o s]i\sly  
?9k himself possess$ ( a virtue ! m = n 
hav+ dealt 9 pa9t$ calico2 or if !      
,pr9ce %\ld by 8 au?ority abrogate ^!   
laws1 w\ld any "o say he _h abrogat$    
virtue8 ,x is ?us ) all positive laws2  
!y all _h a beg9n+--are all liable to   
exceptions1 & may be disp5s$ ) & ev5    
aboli%$4 ,t law alone :i* is engrav5 on 

our he>ts by ! h& ( our creator1 is     
un*angeable & ( univ]sal & et]nal       
obligation4 ,! law1 says ,cic]o1 is n a 
human inv5tion1 nor an arbitr>y         
political in/itution1 x is 9 its nature 
et]nal & ( univ]sal obligation4 ,!      
viol5ce ,t>qu9 (f]$ to ,lucretia1 0 a   
brea* ( t et]nal law1 & ?\gh ! ,romans  
at t "t might h no writt5 law :i*       
condemn$ su* k9d ( crimes1 8 (f5ce 0 n !
 less he9\s2 = ?is law ( reason did n !n
 beg91 :5 x 0 fir/ committ$ to writ+2   
its orig9al is z anci5t z ! div9e m9d4  
,= ! true1 primitive & supreme law1 is  
no o!r ?an ! un]r+ reason ( ! great     
,jupit]4 ,& 9 ano!r place he says1 ?is  
law is f\nd$ 9 nature1 x is univ]sal1   
immutable1 & et]nal1 x is subject to no 
*ange f any diff]5ce ( place1 or "t1 x  
ext5ds inv>iably to all ages & nations1 
l ! sov]eign dom9ion ( t ,be+1 :o is    
au?or ( x4  ,! promulgation ( ?is       
supreme law to creatures1 is co-ext5sive
 & co-exi/5t ) reason1 & b9d+ on all    
intellig5t be+s 9 ! univ]se2 & is t     

et]nal rule ( fitness1 z applicable to  
,god1 by :i* ! creator ( all ?+s        
conducts 8 inf9itude ( provid5ce1 & by  
:i* he gov]ns ! moral sy/em ( be+1      
accord+ to ! absolute p]fection ( 8     
nature4 ,f h5ce we inf]1 t admitt+ ^?   
subsequ5t revelations1 :i* h m or less  
obta9$ cr$it 9 ! _w1 z ! inspir$ laws ( 
,god1 to be consonant to ! laws (       
nature1 yet !y c\ld be consid]$ z none  
o!r b m]e transcripts !refrom1          
promulgat$ to c]ta9 favorite nations1 :5
 at ! same "t all mank9d 0 favor$ ) !   
orig9al4  ,! moral precepts conta9$ 9   
,moses' decalogue to ! p ( ,israel1 0   
previ\sly kn[n to e nation "u heav51 & 9
 all probability by !m z mu* practis$ z 
by ! tribes ( ,israel4 ,_! keep+ ! sev5?
 day ( ! week z a sabba? 0 an arbitr>y  
imposition ( ,moses1 7z _m o!r ( 8      
edicts 77 & n includ$ 9 ! law ( nature4 
,b z to su* laws ( 81 or ^? ( any o!r   
legislator1 :i* are morally fit1 agree  
)1 & are a "p ( ! natural law1 z =      
in/ance2 ,?\ %alt n covet1 or kill4 ,^! 

positive injunctions _c add any?+ to !  
law ( nature1 inasmu* z x conta9s an    
entire & p]fect sy/em ( morality2 nor c 
any positive injunctions or comm&s en=ce
 ! au?ority ( x1 or conf] any additional
 moral obligation on ^? to :om !y are   
giv5 to obey2 ! previ\s obligation (    
natural religion1 hav+ ev] be5 z b9d+ z 
reason c possibly conceive (1 or ! ord] 
& con/itution ( ! moral rectitude ( ?+s1
 z result+ f ,god1 c make x to be4  ,to 
illu/rate ! argum5t ( ! obligatory      
nature ( ! natural law let u rev]se !   
comm&m5ts ( ! decalogue1 by premis+ t   
,moses _h said ?\ %alt covet2 ?\ %alt   
/eal & murd]2 w\ld any "o conclude1 t ! 
injunctions w\ld h be5 obligatory8      
surely !y w\ld n1 = a positive comm& to 
violate ! law ( nature c\ld n be b9d+ on
 any rational be+4 ,h[ !n came !        
injunctions ( ,moses1 or any o!rs1 to be
 b9d+ 9 su* cases1 9 :i* !y co9cide ) ! 
law ( nature8 ,we answ]1 m]ely 9        
consequ5ce ( ! obligatory sanctions ( ! 
natural law1 :i* does n at all dep5d on 

! au?ority ( ,moses or ( any o!r        
legislator1 %ort ( him :o is et]nal &   
inf9ite2 nor is x possible t ! ,jews1 :o
 adh]e to ! law ( ,moses1 %\ld be "u    
great] obligation to ! moral law1 ?an ! 
,japanese2 or ! ,*ri/ians ?an ! ,*9ese2 
= ! same ,god ext5ds ! same moral       
gov]nm5t ov] univ]sal rational nature1  
indep5d5t ( ,popes1 ,prie/s & ,levites4 
,b ) respect to all m]e positive        
in/itutions1 injunctions1 rites &       
c]emonies1 t d n come )9 ! jurisdiction 
( ! law ( nature1 !y are political      
matt]s1 & may be enact$1 p]petuat$1     
disp5s$ )1 aboli%$1 re-enact$1 comp\nd$ 
or div]sifi$1 z conv5i5cy1 p[]1         
opportunity1 incl9ation1 or int]e/1 or  
all toge!r may dictate2 inasmu* z !y are
 n f\nd$ on any /able or univ]sal       
pr9ciple ( reason1 b *ange ) ! cu/oms1  
fa%ions1 traditions & revolutions ( !   
_w2 hav+ no c5tre ( attraction1 b       
int]e/1 p[] & advantages ( a tempor>y   
nature4  ,0 ! creator & gov]nor ( !     
univ]se to erect a p>ticul> academy (   

arts & sci5ces 9 ?is _w1 "u 8 imm$iate  
inspection1 ) tutors rightly organiz$1 &
 intellectually qualifi$ to c>ry on !   
bus9ess ( tea*+1 x might l o!r colleges1
 7& possibly 9 a sup]ior mann]17 in/ruct
 its s*ol>s4 ,b t ,god %\ld h giv5 a    
revelation ( 8 w to mank9d1 z 8 law1 &  
to be cont9u$ to ! late/ po/]ity z su*1 
:i* is premis$ to be above ! capacity ( 
_! und]/&+1 is contradictory & 9 its'   
own nature impossible4 ,nor c\ld a      
revelation to mank9d1 :i* comes )9 !    
circle ( _! k1 be edify+ or in/ruct+ to 
!m1 = x is a contradiction to call t :i*
 is above my compreh5sion1 or t :i* ,i  
already1 7f natural sagacity7 und]/&1 a 
revelation to me3 to tell me1 or inspire
 me1 ) ! k ( t :i* ,i knew be=e1 w\ld   
reveal no?+ to me1 & to reveal t to me  
:i* is sup]natural or above my          
compreh5sion1 is contradictory &        
impossible4 ,b ! tru? ( ! matt] is1 t   
mank9d are re/rict$ by ! law ( nature to
 acquire k or sci5ce progressively1 z   
be=e argu$4 ,f :i* we inf] !            

impropriety1 & consequ5tly !            
impossibility ( ,god's hav+ ev] giv5 u  
any manuscript copy ( 8 et]nal law3 = t 
to reveal x at fir/ w\ld br+ x on a     
level ) ! infancy ( k !n 9 ! _w1 or     
7fi%]m51 %eph]ds1 & illit]ate p c\ld n h
 und]/ood x17 :i* w\ld h br\ght x s l[ t
 x c\ld n be in/ructive or b5eficial to 
aft] g5]ations 9 _! progressive advances
 9 sci5ce & wisdom4     ,,*apt] ,v4     
,,secton ,i4 ,,argum5tative             
,,reflections ,,on ,,sup]natural444  ,,&
 ,,my/]i\s ,,revelation ,,9 ,,g5]al4    
,!re is n any?+ :i* has contribut$ s mu*
 to delude mank9d 9 religi\s matt]s1 z  
mi/ak5 appreh5sions conc]n+ sup]natural 
inspiration or revelation2 n consid]+ t 
all true religion orig9ates f reason1 & 
c no o!rwise be und]/ood b by ! ex]cise 
& improvem5t ( x2 !re=e !y are apt to   
confuse _! m9ds ) su* inconsi/5cies4 ,9 
! subsequ5t reason+s on ?is subject1 we 
%all argue aga9/ sup]natural revelation 
9 g5]al1 :i* w compreh5d ! doctr9e (    
inspiration or imm$iate illum9ation ( ! 

m9d4 ,& fir/--we w premise1 t a         
revelation consi/s ( an assemblage (    
rational ideas1 intelligibly arrang$ &  
und]/ood by ^? to :om x may be suppos$  
to be reveal$1 = o!rwise x c\ld n exi/ 9
 _! m9ds z su*4 ,to suppose a           
revelation1 void ( rationality or       
und]/&+1 or ( communicat+ rational      
intellig5ce to ^?1 to :om x maybe       
suppos$ to be giv51 w\ld be a           
contradiction2 = t x c\ld conta9 no?+   
except x 7 un9telligibl5ess :i* w\ld be 
! same z to reveal & n to reveal2 !re=e1
 a revelation mu/ consi/ ( an assemblage
 ( rational ideas1 intelligibly         
communicat$ to ^? :o are suppos$ to h   
be5 ! p>tak]s or receiv]s ( x f ! fir/  
suppos$ inspiration1 d[n to ?is or any  
o!r p]iod ( "t4 ,b su* a revelation z   
?is1 c\ld be no?+ m or less ?an a       
transcript ( ! law ( nature1 pr$icat$ on
 reason1 & w\ld be no m sup]natural1 ?an
 ! reason ( man may be suppos$ to be4 ,!
 simple def9ition ( sup]natural is1 t   
:i* is beyond or above ! p[]s ( nature1 

:i* nev] 0 or c be und]/ood by mank9d2 !
 fir/ promulgators ( revelation n       
except$2 = su* revelation1 doctr9e1     
precept or in/ruction only1 z comes )9 !
 p[]s ( our nature1 is capable ( be+    
appreh5d$1 contemplat$ or und]/ood by u1
 & su* z does n1 is to u incompreh5sible
 & unkn[n1 & consequ5tly _c = u compose 
any "p ( revelation4  ,! au?or ( human  
nature impress$ x ) c]ta9 s5sitive      
aptitudes & m5tal p[]s1 s t appreh5sion1
 reflection or und]/&+ c\ld no o!rwise  
be ex]t$ or produc$ 9 ! comp\nd nature (
 man1 b 9 ! ord] prescrib$ by ! creator4
 ,x w\ld !re=e be a contradiction 9     
nature1 & consequ5tly impossible = ,god 
to inspire1 infuse1 or communicate !    
appreh5sion1 reflection or und]/&+ ( any
 ?+ :atev] into human nature1 out (1    
above1 or beyond ! natural aptitudes1 & 
m5tal p[]s ( t nature1 :i* 0 ( 8 own    
production & con/itution2 = x w\ld be ! 
same z to inspire1 infuse1 or reveal    
appreh5sion1 reflection or und]/&+1 to t
 :i* is n2 inasmu* z out (1 beyond or   

above ! p[]s ( nature1 !re c\ld be no?+ 
to op]ate ^u1 z a pr]equisite pr9ciple  
to receive ! inspiration or infusion ( !
 revelation1 :i* might !re=e z well be  
inspir$ into1 or reveal$ to non5tity1 z 
to man4 ,= ! ess5ce ( man is t1 :i* we  
d5om9ate to be 8 nature1 out ( or above 
:i* he is z void ( s5sation1            
appreh5sion1 reflection & und]/&+1 z    
non5tity may be suppos$ to be2 !re=e su*
 revelation z is adapt$ to ! nature &   
capacity ( man1 & comes )9 8 p[]s (     
p]ception & und]/&+1 is ! only          
revelation1 :i* he is able to receive f 
,god or man4 ,sup]natural revelation is 
z applicable to bea/s1 birds & fi%es1 z 
x is to u2 = nei!r we nor !y are capable
 ( be+ act$ ^u sup]naturally1 z all !   
possible ex]tions & op]ations ( nature1 
:i* respect ! natural or moral _w1 are  
truly natural4 ,nor does ,god deviate f 
8 rectitude ( nature 9 matt]s (         
inspiration1 revelation or in/ruction to
 ! moral _w1 any m ?an 9 t ( 8 gov]nm5t 
( ! natural4 ,! inf9itude ( ! wisdom (  

,god's creation1 provid5ce & moral      
gov]nm5t w et]nally rema9 sup]natural to
 all f9ite capacities1 & = t v reason we
 c nev] arrive to ! compreh5sion ( x1 9 
any /ate ( be+ & improvem5t :atev]2     
inasmu* z progression c nev] atta9 to t 
:i* is inf9ite1 s t an et]nal pr(ici5cy 
9 k c\ld n be sup]natural1 b on ! o!r h&
 w\ld come )9 ! limits & p[]s ( our     
nature1 = o!rwise su* pr(ici5cy w\ld be 
impossible to u2 nor is ?is inf9ite k ( 
,god sup]natural to him1 = t 8 p]fection
 is also inf9ite4 ,b if we c\ld break   
ov] ! limits ( our capacity1 s z to     
und]/& any "o sup]natural ?+1 :i* is    
above or beyond ! p[] ( our natures1 we 
might by t rule z well und]/& all ?+s1 &
 ?us by break+ ov] ! conf9es ( f9ite    
nature & ! rank ( be+ :i* we hold 9 !   
univ]se1 compreh5d ! k ( inf9ity4 ,f    
h5ce we inf]1 t e k9d & degree ef       
appreh5sion1 reflection & und]/&+1 :i*  
we c atta9 to 9 any /ate ( improvem5t   
:atev]1 is no m sup]natural ?an ! nature
 ( man1 f :5ce p]ception & und]/&+ is   

produc$1 may be suppos$ to be s3 nor has
 or c\ld ,god ,almighty ev] h reveal$   
himself to mank9d 9 any o!r way or      
mann]1 b :at is truly natural4          
,,secton ,,ii4 ,,conta9+ ,,obs]vations  
,,on ,,! ,,provid5ce444  ,,& ,,ag5cy ,,(
 ,,god1 ,,z ,,x ,,respects ,,! ,,natural
 ,,& ,,moral ,,_w1 ,,) ,,/rictures ,,on 
,,revelation ,,9 ,,g5]al4  ,! idea ( a  
,god we inf] f our exp]im5tal dep5d5ce  
on some?+ sup]ior to ourselves 9 wisdom1
 p[] & goodness1 :i* we call ,god2 our  
s5ses discov] to u ! works ( ,god :i* we
 call nature1 & :i* is a manife/        
demon/ration ( 8 invisible ess5ce4 ,?us 
x is f ! works ( nature t we d$uce ! k (
 a ,god1 & n because we h1 or c h any   
imm$iate k (1 or revelation f him4 ,b on
 ! o!r h&1 all our und]/&+ (1 or        
intellig5ce f ,god1 is communicat$ to u 
by ! int]v5tion ( natural causes1 7:i*  
is n ( ! div9e ess5ce27 ?is we d5om9ate 
to be natural revelation1 = t x is      
m$iately made kn[n to ,u by our s5ses1 &
 f our s5sations ( ext]nal objects 9    

g5]al1 s t all & e "p ( ! univ]se1 ( :i*
 we h any conception1 is ext]ior f !    
nature or ess5ce ( ,god2 nor is x 9 !   
nature ( ?+s possible = u to receive1 or
 = ,god to communicate any inspiration  
or revelation to u1 b by ! in/rum5tality
 ( int]m$iate causes1 z has be5 be=e    
obs]v$4 ,!re=e all our notions ( !      
imm$iate int]position ( div9e           
illum9ations1 inspiration1 or infusion (
 ideas or revelations into our m9ds1 is 
m]e en?usiasm & deception2 = t nei!r !  
div9e m9d1 nor ^? ( any f9ite           
intellig5ces c make any repres5tation   
to1 or impression on our ext]nal s5ses  
)\t ! assi/ance ( "s adequate1          
int]m$iate cause4 ,! same is ! case     
betwe5 man & man1 or ) mank9d 9 g5]al2  
we c no o!rwise hold a correspond5ce b  
by ! aptitude1 & ?r\gh ! m$ium ( our    
s5ses4 ,s9ce ?is is ! only possible way 
9 nature by :i* we c receive any        
notices1 p]ceptions1 or intellig5ce f   
,god or man4  ,no?+ c be m unreasonable 
?an to suppose1 because ,god is         

inf9itely p[]ful1 t he c !re=e inspire  
or infuse p]ception1 reflection or      
revelation into ! m9d ( man 9 su* a way 
or mann] z is incompatible ) ! aptitudes
 & p[]s ( _! nature3 su* a revelation   
w\ld be z impossible to be reveal$ by   
,god1 z by a m]e creature4 ,= ?\gh x is 
a maxim ( tru?1 ,t ) ,god all ?+s are   
possible1 yet x %\ld be consid]$1 t     
contradictions1 & consequ5tly           
impossibilities are n compreh5d$ 9 !    
def9ition ( ?+s1 b are diametrically !  
rev]se ( !m1 z may be se5 9 ! def9ition 
( ! ^w ?+s1 to wit3 :atev] is4 ,!re is  
no contradiction 9 nature or tru?1 :i*  
compreh5ds or conta9s all ?+s1 !re=e !  
maxim is j1 ,t ) ,god all ?+s are       
possible1 viz3 all ?+s 9 nature are     
possible ) ,god2 b contradictions are   
falsehoods :i* h no positive exi/5ce1 b 
are ! negatives to ?+s1 or to nature1   
:i* compreh5ds1 ,:atev] is2 s t         
contradictions are oppos$ to nature &   
tru?1 & are no ?+s1 b ! *im]as ( weak1  
un9tellig5t m9ds :o make false          

application ( ?+s to p]sons1 or ascribe 
su* p[]s1 qualities1 dispositions &     
aptitudes to ?+s z nature nev] inve/$ !m
 )2 su* are our delud$ notions ( !      
imm$iate op]ations ( ! holy _s1 or ( any
 m]e _s1 on our m9ds indep5d5t ( !      
int]v5tion ( "s adequate1 natural or    
int]m$iate cause4 ,to make a triangle   
f\r squ>e1 or to make a v>iety ( m\nta9s
 contigu\sly situat$1 )\t vallies1 or to
 give exi/5ce to a ?+ & n to give       
exi/5ce to x at ! same "t1 or to reveal 
any?+ to u incompatible ) our capacity (
 receiv+ ! p]ception ( x1 p]ta9s to ^?  
negatives to nature & tru?1 & are n ?+s 
reveal$1 nor h !y any positive exi/5ce z
 has be5 be=e argu$2 = !y are inconsi/5t
 ) !mselves1 & ! relations & effects :i*
 !y are suppos$ to h ^u & ) ea* o!r4 ,x 
d]ogates no?+ f ! p[] & absolute        
p]fection ( ,god t he _c make bo? p>ts (
 a contradiction to be true4  ,b let u  
rev]se ! position conc]n+ revelation1 & 
premise t x is accommodat$ to our       
capacity ( receiv+ & und]/&+ x1 & 9 ?is 

case x w\ld be natural1 & !re=e possible
 = u to receive & und]/& x2 = ! same    
tru? :i* is pr$icat$ on ! suffici5cy (  
our capacity to receive & und]/& a      
revelation1 affirms at ! same "t !      
possibility ( our receiv+ & und]/&+ x4  
,b to suppose t ,god c make bo? p>ts ( a
 contradiction to be true1 to reveal & n
 reveal1 w\ld be ! same z ascrib+ a     
falsehood to him & to call x by ! "n (  
p[]4  ,t ,god c d any?+ & ev]y?+1 t is  
consonant to 8 moral p]fections1 & :i*  
does n imply a contradiction to ! nature
 ( ! ?+s !mselves1 & ! ess5tial relation
 :i* !y be> to ea* o!r1 none w dispute4 
,b to suppose1 t inasmu* z ,god is      
all-p[]ful1 he c !re=e d ev]y?+1 :i* we 
9 our ignorance ( nature or ( moral     
fitness may ascribe to him1 )\t und]/&+1
 :e!r x is ei!r consonant to moral      
rectitude1 or to ! nature ( ! ?+s       
!mselves1 & ! immutable relations &     
connections :i* !y be> to ea* o!r1 or n1
 is great weakness & folly4 ,t ,god _c 9
 ! ex]cise ( 8 provid5ce or moral       

gov]nm5t1 c\nt]act ! p]fections ( 8     
nature1 or d any mann] ( inju/ice1 is   
manife/ly c]ta92 nor is x possible =    
,god to effect a contradiction 9 !      
natural _w1 any m ?an 9 ! moral4 ,!     
impossibility ( ! "o results f ! moral  
p]fections ( ,god1 & ! impossibility ( !
 o!r f ! immutable prop]ties1 qualities1
 relations & nature ( ! ?+s !mselves1 z 
9 ! in/ances ( ! m\nta9s1 vallies1 c41  
be=e allud$ to1 & 9 numb]less o!r su* l 
cases4  ,admitt+ a revelation to be f   
,god1 x mu/ be all[$ to be infallible1  
!re=e ^? to :om x may be suppos$ to h   
be5 fir/ reveal$ f ,god1 mu/ h _h an    
infallible c]ta9ty ( _! inspiration3 s  
likewise ! re/ ( mank9d1 to :om x is    
propos$ z a ,div9e ,law1 or rule ( duty1
 %\ld h an infallible c]ta9ty1 t its    
fir/ promulgators 7 ?us truly inspir$ by
 ! imm$iate int]position ( ! _s ( ,god1 
& t ! revelation has be5 pres]v$ ?r\gh  
all ! *anges & revolutions ( ! _w to _! 
"t1 & t ! copies extant pres5t !m ) its 
orig9al inspiration & un]r+ composure1  

or are p]fectly agreeable to x4 ,all ?is
 we mu/ h an infallible c]ta9ty (1 or we
 fail ( an infallible c]ta9ty (         
revelation1 & are liable to be impos$ ^u
 by impo/ors1 or by ignorant & insidi\s 
tea*]s1 ^: int]e/ x may be to obtrude _!
 own sy/ems on ! _w = infallible tru?1 z
 9 ! in/ance ( ,mahomet4  ,b let u      
consult our own con/itutions & ! _w 9   
:i* we live1 & we %all f9d t inspiration
 is1 9 ! v nature ( ?+s1 impossible to  
be und]/ood by u1 & ( consequ5ce n 9    
fact true4 ,:at c]ta9ty c we h ( ! ag5cy
 ( ! div9e m9d on ours8 ,or h[ c we     
di/+ui% ! suppos$ div9e illum9ations or 
ideas f ^? ( our own :i* are natural to 
u8 ,9 ord] = u to be c]ta9 ( !          
int]position ( imm$iate div9e           
inspiration 9 our m9ds we mu/ be able to
 analyze1 di/+ui%1 & di/9ctly sep>ate ! 
premis$ div9e reflections1 illum9ations 
or inspiration f our own natural        
cogitations1 = o!rwise we %\ld be liable
 to mi/ake our reflections & reason+s = 
,god's inspiration1 z is ! case )       

en?usia/s1 or fanatics1 & ?us impose on 
ourselves1 & obtrude our romantic       
notions on mank9d1 z ,god's revelation4 
,none w1 x is presum$1 pret5d t !       
natural reflections ( our m9ds are      
dictat$ by ! imm$iate ag5cy ( ! div9e   
_s2 = if !y 7 ?us dictat$1 !y w\ld be ( 
equal au?ority ) any suppos$ inspir$    
revelation4 ,h[ !n %all we be able to   
di/+ui% or und]/& our natural           
p]ceptions1 reflections or reason+s1 f  
any premis$ imm$iately inspir$ ones8    
,%\ld ,god make kn[n to u1 or to any (  
u1 a revelation by a voice1 & t 9 a     
language :i* we und]/&1 & admitt+ t !   
propositions1 doctr9es1 or subject matt]
 ( x1 %\ld n exce$ our capacity1 we c\ld
 und]/& x ! same z we d 9 conv]sation ) 
"o ano!r2 b ?is w\ld be an ext]nal &    
natural revelation1 9 :i* ,god is       
suppos$ to make use ( language1 gramm>1 
logic & s\nd1 alias ( int]m$iate causes1
 9 ord] to communicate or reveal x1 :i* 
w\ld diff] z mu* f an imm$iately inspir$
 revelation1 z ?is book may be suppos$  

to d2 = ! v def9ition ( imm$iate        
inspiration precludes all natural or    
imm$iate causes4 ,t ,god is et]nally    
p]fect 9 k1 & !re=e kn[s all ?+s1 n by  
succession or by p>ts1 z we und]/& ?+s  
by degrees1 has be5 already ev9c$2      
nev]!less all tru?1 :i* we arrive at !  
und]/&+ (1 accords ) ! div9e omnisci5ce1
 b we d n come at ! compreh5sion ( ?+s  
by imm$iate infusion1 or inspiration1 b 
f reason+2 = we _c see or he> ,god ?9k  
or reason any m ?an man1 nor are our    
s5ses susceptible ( a m]e m5tal         
communion ) him1 nor is x 9 nature      
possible = ! human m9d to receive any   
in/antane\s or imm$iate illum9ations or 
ideas f ! div9e _s 7z be=e argu$17 b we 
mu/ illum9ate & improve our m9ds by a   
close application to ! /udy ( nature1   
?r\gh ! s]ies :]e( ,god has be5 pleas$  
to reveal himself to man1 s t we may    
truly say1 t ! k ( nature is !          
revelation ( ,god4 ,9 ?is !re c be no   
delusion1 x is natural1 & c\ld come f   
none o!r b ,god4  ,unless we c\ld d ?is1

 we %\ld comp\nd !m toge!r at a v5ture1 
& =m a revelation l ,nebu*adnezz>'s     
idol1 p>tly iron & p>tly clay1 alias    
p>tly div9e & p>tly human4 ,! ,apo/le   
,paul in=ms u1 t sometimes he spake1 & n
 ! ,"l1 & at o!r times speaks d\btfully 
ab\t ! matt]1 say+1 & ,i ?9k also t ,i h
 ! _s ( ,god1 & if he 0 at a loss ab\t 8
 inspiration1 well may we be di/ru/ful (
 x4 ,f ! =ego+ speculations on ! subject
 ( sup]natural inspiration1 x appe>s1 t 
!re are insup]able difficulties 9 a m]e 
m5tal disc\rse ) ! div9e _s2 x is :at we
 are unacqua9t$ )1 & ! law ( our nature 
=bids x4 ,our me?od ( conv]sation is    
vocal1 or by writ+1 or by "s sort (     
ext]nal symbols :i* are ! m$iate gr\nd (
 x1 & we are liable to errors & mi/akes 
9 ?is natural & ext]nal way (           
correspond5ce2 b :5 we h ! vanity to    
rely on dreams & visions to in=m        
ourselves ( ?+s1 or attempt to commune )
 invisible f9ite be+s1 or ) ! holy _s1  
our deceptions1 blund]s & confusions are
 increas$ to fanaticism itself2 z !     

div]se suppos$ influ5ce ( ! _s1 on !    
respective sect>ies1 ev5 among          
,*ri/ians1 may witness1 z x manife/ly1 9
 _! empty conceit ( x1 con=ms to e ( _! 
traditions4 ,:i* ev9ces1 t ! :ole bu/le 
( x is m]e en?usiasm1 = 0 x dictat$ by !
 _s ( tru? & uni=mity itself1 x w\ld    
influ5ce all alike1 h[ev] zealots       
p]suade !mselves & "o ano!r t !y h      
sup]natural communion ) ! ,holy ,gho/1 f
 :5ce !y tell u !y d]ive _! notions (   
religion1 & 9 _! fr5zy are pro( aga9/   
reason & argum5t1 :i* if we t5d] !m1 !y 
tell u1 t x is c>nal & deprav$ reason+1 
b t _! tea*+s are imm$iately f ,god1 &  
!n proce$ to v5t ^u u all ! curses &    
puni%m5ts1 :i* are writt5 9 ! book ( !  
law4  ,!re has 9 ! diff]5t p>ts & ages (
 ! _w1 be5 a multiplicity ( imm$iate &  
wond]ful discov]ies1 said to h be5 made 
to godly m5 ( old by ! special          
illum9ation or sup]natural inspiration (
 ,god1 e ( :i* h1 9 doctr9e1 precept &  
in/ruction1 be5 ess5tially diff]5t f ea*
 o!r1 :i* are consequ5tly z repugnant to

 tru?1 z ! div]sity ( ! influ5ce ( ! _s 
on ! multiplicity ( sect>ies has be5    
repres5t$ to be4  ,^! facts1 toge!r ) ! 
premises & inf]5ces z already d$uc$1 are
 too evid5t to be d5i$1 & op]ate        
conclusively aga9/ imm$iate or          
sup]natural revelation 9 g5]al2 nor w   
su* revelation hold good 9 !ory any m   
?an 9 practice4 ,0 a revelation to be   
made kn[n to u1 x mu/ be accommodat$ to 
our ext]nal s5ses1 & also to our reason1
 s t we c\ld come at ! p]ception &      
und]/&+ ( x1 ! same z we d to t ( ?+s 9 
g5]al4 ,we mu/ p]ceive by our s5ses1    
be=e we c reflect ) ! m9d4 ,our s5sorium
 is t ess5tial m$ium betwe5 ! div9e &   
human m9d1 ?r\gh :i* ,god reveals to man
 ! k ( nature1 & is our only door (     
correspond5ce ) ,god or ) man4  ,a      
premis$ revelation1 adapt$ to our       
ext]nal s5ses1 w\ld enable our m5tal    
p[]s to reflect ^u1 exam9e into1 &      
und]/& x4 ,always provid$ nev]!less1 t !
 subject matt] ( su* revelation1 or t ( 
! doctr9es1 precepts or injunctions !re9

 conta9$1 d n exce$ our reason1 b are   
adapt$ to x z well z to our ext]nal     
s5ses4 ,to suppose t ,god1 m]ely f 8    
omnipot5ce1 )\t ! int]v5tion ( "s       
adequate int]m$iate cause c\ld make use 
( s\nd1 or grammatical & logical        
language1 or ( writ+1 s z to correspond 
) u1 or to reveal any ?+ to u1 w\ld run 
into ! same sort ( absurdity1 :i* we h  
already confut$2 = x is ! same z to     
suppose an effect )\t a suitable or a   
proportionable cause1 or an effect )\t a
 cause2 :]eas1 effects mu/ h adequate   
causes or !y c\ld n be produc$4 ,god is 
! self-exi/5t & et]nal cause ( all ?+s1 
b ! et]nal cause c no o!rwise op]ate on 
! et]nal succession ( causes & effects1 
b by ! mutual op]ation ( ^? causes on   
ea* o!r1 accord+ to ! fix$ laws (       
nature4 ,= z we h frequ5tly obs]v$ be=e 
t ( all possible sy/ems1 inf9ite wisdom 
compreh5d$ ! be/2 & inf9ite goodness &  
p[] mu/ h adopt$ & p]fect$ x2 & be+ once
 e/abli%$ into an ord9ance ( nature1 x  
c\ld n be deviat$ f by ,god3 = t x w\ld 

necess>ily imply a manife/ imp]fection 9
 ,god1 ei!r 9 its et]nal e/abli%m5t1 or 
9 its premis$ subsequ5t alt]ation1 :i* w
 be m p>ticul>ly consid]$ 9 ! next      
*apt]4  ,to suppose t ,almighty p[] c\ld
 produce a voice1 language1 gramm>1 or  
logic1 s z to communicate a revelation  
to u1 )\t "s sort ( organic or          
in/rum5tat$ ma*9e or int]m$iate vehicle1
 or adequate con/itut$ ext]nal cause1   
w\ld imply a contradiction to ! ord] (  
nature & consequ5tly to ! p]fection (   
,god1 :o e/abli%$ x2 !re=e1 provid$ ,god
 has ev] giv5 u any p>ticul> revelation1
 we mu/ suppose1 t he has made use ( a  
regul> & natural con/itut$ & m$iate     
cause1 compreh5d$ 9 ! ext]nal ord] (    
nature1 rightly fitt$ & abilitat$ to    
make use ( ! vocal p[] ( language1 :i*  
comprises t ( *>act]s1 or?ography1      
gramm> & logic1 all :i* mu/ h be5 made  
use (1 9 communicat+ a suppos$          
revelation to mank9d1 :i* =ecloses      
inspiration4  ,fur!rmore1 ?is heav5ly   
dictat+ voice %\ld h be5 accommodat$ to 

all languages1 gramm>s & logical ways ( 
speak+1 9 :i* a revelation may h be5    
divulg$1 z x w\ld be ne$ful to h be5    
cont9u$ f ! beg9n+ to e receiv]1        
compil]1 translator1 pr9t]1 comm5tator  
on & tea*] ( su* revelation1 9 ord] to h
 in=m$ mank9d 9 e in/ance1 :]e9 at any  
"t !y may h be5 impos$ ^u by any spuri\s
 adult]ations or int]polations1 & h[ x 0
 9 ! orig9al4 ,^!1 ) ! ref9em5ts (      
languages & translations1 are a summ>y (
 ! _m ways1 :]e9 we may h be5 deceiv$ by
 giv+ cr$it to antiquat$ writt5         
revelation1 :i* w\ld ne$ a s]ies (      
miracles to promulgate & p]petuate x 9 !
 _w free f mi/akes & frauds ( "o k9d or 
o!r1 & :i* leads me to ! consid]ation ( 
! doctr9e ( miracles4     ,,*apt] ,,vi4 
,,secton ,i4 ,,( ,,miracles  ,previ\s to
 ! argum5ts conc]n+ miracles1 x is      
requisite t we give a def9ition ( !m1 t 
! argum5ts may be cle>ly oppos$ to !    
doctr9e ( miracles1 ! reality ( :i* we  
mean to negative2 s t we d n dispute    
ab\t matt]s 9 :i* we are all agre$1 b t 

we may direct our speculations to !     
subject matt] or ess5ce ( ! controv]sy4 
,we w !re=e premise1 t miracles are     
oppos$ to1 & c\nt]act ! laws ( nature1  
or t !y imply an absolute alt]ation 9   
ei!r a great] or less degree1 ! et]nal  
ord]1 disposition & t5d5cy ( x2 ?is1 we 
conclude1 is a j def9ition (            
miracul\sness1 & is t = :i* ! advocates 
= miracles cont5d1 9 _! def9+ (         
miracles4 ,= if !y 7 suppos$ to make no 
alt]ation 9 ! natural ord] ( ?+s1 !y    
c\ld h no positive exi/5ce1 b ! laws (  
nature w\ld produce _! effects1 :i* w\ld
 preclude _! reality1 & r5d] !m altoge!r
 fictiti\s1 inasmu* z _! v exi/5ce is   
premis$ to consi/ 9 _! opposition to1 & 
alt]ation ( ! laws ( nature3 s t if ?is 
is n effect$1 miracles c h no positive  
exi/5ce1 any m ?an non5tity itself2     
!re=e1 if 9 ! c\rse ( ! succe$+         
argum5ts1 we %\ld ev9ce t ! laws (      
nature h n & _c be p]v]t$1 alt]$ or     
susp5d$1 x w =eclose miracles by mak+   
all ?+s natural4 ,hav+ ?us def9$        

miracles1 & /at$ ! dispute1 we proce$ to
 ! argum5ts4  ,%\ld !re ev] h be5 a     
miracul\s susp5sion & alt]ation ( ! laws
 ( nature1 ,god mu/ h be5 ! imm$iate    
au?or ( x1 z no f9ite be+s may be       
suppos$ to be able to alt] ^? laws or   
regulations1 :i* 7 e/abli%$ by omnipot5t
 p[] & inf9ite p]fection1 & :i* no?+    
%ort ( su* p[] & p]fection c p]petuate4 
,?is !n is ! s+le po9t at issue1 viz3   
:e!r ,god has1 or c1 consi/5t ) 8 nature
 z ,god1 9 any in/ance :atev]1 alt] or  
deviate f ! laws1 ) :i* he has et]nally 
impress$ ! univ]se1 or n4  ,to suppose t
 ,god %\ld subv]t 8 laws1 7:i* is ! same
 z *ang+ !m7 w\ld be to suppose him to  
be mutable2 = t x w\ld necess>ily imply1
 ei!r t _! et]nal e/abli%m5t 0 imp]fect1
 or t a premis$ alt]ation !re( is s4 ,to
 alt] or *ange t :i* is absolutely      
p]fect1 w\ld necess>ily make x cease to 
be p]fect1 inasmu* z p]fection c\ld n be
 alt]$ = ! bett]1 b = ! worse1 &        
consequ5tly an alt]ation c\ld n meet ) !
 div9e approbation2 :i* t]m9ates ! issue

 ( ! matt] 9 "q aga9/ miracles1 &       
au?orizes u to d$uce ! foll[+ conclusive
 inf]5ce1 to wit3 t ,almighty ,god1 hav+
 et]nally impress$ ! univ]se ) a c]ta9  
sy/em ( laws1 = ! same et]nal reason t  
!y 7 inf9itely p]fect & be/1 !y c\ld    
nev] admit ( ! lea/ alt]ation1 b are z  
un*angeable1 9 _! nature1 z ,god _!     
immutable au?or4 ,to =m ! =ego+ argum5t 
into syllogisms1 x w\ld be ?us3--  ,god 
is p]fect--! laws ( nature 7 e/abli%$ by
 ,god2 !re=e1 ! laws ( nature are       
p]fect4  ,b admitt+ miracles1 !         
syllogism %\ld be ?us3--  ,! laws (     
nature 7 9 _! et]nal e/abli%m5t         
p]fect2--! laws ( nature h be5 alt]$2   
!re=e1 ! alt]ation ( ! laws ( nature is 
imp]fect4  ,or ?us3 ! laws ( nature h   
be5 alt]$2--! alt]ation has be5 = !     
bett]2 !re=e1 ! et]nal e/abli%m5t !re( 0
 imp]fect4  ,?us x appe>s1 f a          
syllogi/ical z well z o!r me?ods (      
reason+1 t provid$ we admit ( miracles1 
:i* are synonym\s to ! alt]ations (     
nature1 we by s do+ d]ogate f !         

p]fection ( ,god1 ei!r 9 8 et]nal       
con/itution ( nature1 or 9 a suppos$    
subsequ5t miracul\s alt]ation ( x1 s t  
take ! argum5t ei!r way1 & x            
prepond]ates aga9/ miracles4            
,fur!rmore1 0 x possible1 t ! et]nal    
ord] ( nature %\ld h be5 imp]fect1 !re  
w\ld be an end to all p]fection4 ,= ,god
 might be z imp]fect 9 any suppos$      
miracul\s works1 z 9 ^? ( nature2 nor   
c\ld we ev] h any security "u 8 natural 
or moral gov]nm5t1 if !y 7 liable to    
*ange2 = mutability is b ano!r t]m =    
imp]fection1 or is insep>ably connect$ )
 x4  ,god1 ! great ar*itect ( nature1   
has s con/ruct$ its ma*9]y1 t x nev]    
ne$s to be alt]$ or rectifi$4 ,9 va999  
we endeavor to se>* out ! hidd5 my/]y ( 
a p]petual motion1 9 ord] to copy       
nature1 = aft] all our rese>*es we mu/  
be cont5t$ ) su* me*anism z w run d[n1 &
 ne$ rectification aga92 b ! ma*9e ( !  
univ]se admits ( no rectification1 b    
cont9ues its nev] ceas+ op]ations1 "u ! 
un]r+ guidance ( ! provid5ce ( ,god4    

,human ar*itects make & unmake ?+s1 &   
alt] !m z _! inv5tion may dictate1 &    
exp]i5ce may det]m9e to be mo/ conv5i5t 
& be/4 ,b t m9d1 :i* is inf9itely       
p]fect1 ga9s no?+ by exp]i5ce1 b surveys
 ! imm5se univ]sality ( ?+s1 ) all _!   
possible relations1 fitnesses &         
unfitnesses1 ( bo? a natural or moral   
k9d1 ) "o compreh5sive view4            
,,secton ,,ii4 ,a ,,succession ,,( ,,k1 
,,or ,,( ,,! ,,ex]tion ,,( ,,p[]444  ,,9
 ,,god1 ,,incompatible ,,) ,,8          
,,omnisci5ce ,,or ,,omnipot5ce1 ,,& ,,! 
,,et]nal ,,& ,,inf9ite ,,display ,,(    
,,div9e ,,p[] ,,=ecloses ,,any          
,,subsequ5t ,,ex]tion ,,( ,,x           
,,miracul\sly  ,t creation is z et]nal &
 inf9ite z ,god1 has be5 argu$ 9 *apt]  
second2 & t !re c\ld be no succession 9 
creation1 or ! ex]tion ( ! p[] ( ,god1 9
 p]fect+ ! b\ndless "w1 & 9 impress+ !  
univ]se ) h>moni\s laws1 p]fectly well  
adapt$ to _! design1 use & end4  ,fir/4 
,^! argum5ts may be fur!r illu/rat$1 & !
 evid5ce ( ! be+ ( a ,god m fully       

exhibit$1 f ! foll[+ consid]ations1 to  
wit3 dep5d5t be+s & exi/5ces mu/ be     
dep5d5t on "s be+ or cause t is         
indep5d5t1 = dep5d5t be+s1 or exi/5ces1 
c\ld n exi/ indep5d5tly2 &1 9 z mu* z by
 retrospectively trac+ ! ord] ( !       
succession ( causes1 we _c include 9 our
 num]ation ! indep5d5t cause1 z ! sev]al
 successive causes /ill dep5d on _!     
prec$+ cause1 & t prec$+ cause on !     
cause prec$+ x1 & s on beyond num]ical  
calculations1 we are !re=e oblig$ 7z    
rational be+s7 to admit an indep5d5t    
cause ( all ?+s1 = t a m]e succession ( 
dep5d5t causes _c con/itute an indep5d5t
 cause2 & f h5ce we are oblig$ to admit 
a self-exi/5t & suffici5t cause ( all   
?+s1 = o!rwise x w\ld be dep5d5t &      
insuffici5t to h giv5 exi/5ce to itself1
 or to h be5 ! effici5t cause ( all ?+s4
  ,hav+ ?us e/abli%$ ! doctr9e ( a      
self-suffici5t1 self-exi/5t1 &          
consequ5tly all-p[]ful cause ( all ?+s1 
we ascribe an et]nal exi/5ce to ?is     
cause ( all causes & effects1 :om we    

call ,god4 ,&1 inasmu*1 z f ! works (   
nature x is manife/1 t ,god is possess$ 
( almighty p[]1 we f h5ce inf] 8 et]nal 
exi/5ce4 ,s9ce 8 premis$ exi/5ce at 7& n
 be=e7 any giv5 era1 w\ld be a          
conclusive objection to ! omnipot5cy ( 8
 p[]1 t he _h n exi/$ be=e1 or et]nally4
 ,= z ,god is a be+ self-suffici5t1     
self-exi/5t1 & almighty1 7z be=e argu$7 
8 p[] mu/ apply to 8 own exi/5ce z well 
z to ! exi/5ce ( ?+s 9 g5]al1 & !re=e1  
if he did n et]nally exi/1 x mu/ be     
because he _h n ! almighty p[] ( exi/5ce
 9 himself1 & if s1 he nev] c\ld h exi/$
 at all2 s t ,god mu/ h et]nally exi/$  
or n h exi/$ at all2 & inasmu* z ! works
 ( nature ev9ce 8 positive exi/5ce1 & z 
he c\ld n be dep5d5t on ! p[]1 w1 or    
pleasure ( any o!r be+ b himself = 8    
exi/5ce1 & z an exi/5ce1 9 "t w\ld be a 
contradiction to 8 almighty p[] (       
self-exi/5cy1 t he _h n et]nally exi/$2 
!re=e1 8 exi/5ce mu/ h be5 79 tru?7     
et]nal4  ,al?\gh x is to u              
incompreh5sible t any be+ c\ld be       

self-exi/5t or et]nal 7:i* is           
synonym\s17 yet we c compreh5d1 t any   
be+ t is n self-exi/5t & et]nal &       
dep5d5t & f9ite1 & consequ5tly n a ,god4
 ,h5ce we inf]1 t ?\gh we _c compreh5d !
 true ,god 7by reason ( our own         
f9it5ess17 yet we c negatively compreh5d
 t an imp]fect be+ _c be ,god4 ,a       
dep5d5t be+ is f9ite1 & !re=e imp]fect1 
& consequ5tly n a ,god4 ,a be+ t has    
exi/$ at a c]ta9 era 7& n be=e7 is a    
limit$ "o1 = beyond 8 era he 0 n1 &     
!re=e f9ite1 & consequ5tly n a ,god4    
,!re=e1 t be+ only :o is self-exi/5t1   
inf9itely p]fect & et]nal1 is ! true    
,god3 & if et]nally & inf9itely p]fect1 
!re mu/ h be5 an et]nal & inf9ite       
display1 & if an et]nal & inf9ite       
display1 x c\ld be no?+ %ort ( an et]nal
 & inf9ite creation & provid5ce4  ,z to 
! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 previ\s to ,moses's 
era ( ! fir/ day's "w1 he does n in=m u4
 ,! fir/ notice he gives u ( a ,god 0 ( 
8 labori\s work+ by ! day1 a !ory (     
creation 7z ,i %\ld ?9k7 bett] calculat$

 = ! s]vile ,israeliti% ,brick-mak]s1   
?an = m5 ( le>n+ & sci5ce 9 ^! mod]n    
times4     ,,secton ,,iii4 ,,r>e ,,&    
,,wond]ful ,,ph5om5a ,,no ,,evid5ce ,,( 
,,miracles444  ,,nor ,,are ,,diabolical 
,,spirits ,,able ,,to ,,effect ,,!m1    
,,or ,,sup]/iti\s ,,traditions ,,to     
,,confirm ,,!m1 ,,nor ,,c ,,anci5t      
,,miracles ,,prove ,,rec5t              
,,revelations4  ,comets1 e>?quakes1     
volcanoes1 & nor!rn lights 79 ! night17 
) _m o!r extraord9>y ph5om5a or         
appe>ances intimidate weak m9ds1 & are  
by !m ?\ght to be miracul\s1 al?\gh !y  
und\bt$ly h _! prop] natural causes1 :i*
 h be5 9 a great measure discov]$4      
,jack-)-a-lant]n is a frightful         
appe>ance to "s p1 b n s mu* z ! imag9>y
 spectre4 ,b ( all ! sc>ecr[s :i* h made
 human nature tremble1 ! devil has be5  
*ief2 8 family is said to be v num]\s1  
consi/+ ( legions1 ) :i* he has kept our
 _w 9 a t]rible upro>4 ,to tell ( all ! 
feats & diabolical tricks1 :i* ?is      
inf]nal family is said to h play$ ^u our

 race1 w\ld compose a volume ( an       
enorm\s size4 ,all ! magicians1         
necromanc]s1 wiz>ds1 wit*es1 conjurors1 
gypsies1 sybils1 hobgobl9s1 app>itions &
 ! l1 are suppos$ to be "u _! diabolical
 gov]nm5t3 old ,belzebub rules !m all4  
,m5 w face de/ructive cannon & mort>s1  
engage ea* o!r 9 ! cla%+ ( arms1 & meet 
! horrors ( w> undaunt$1 b ! devil & 8  
b&itti ( fi5ds & emiss>ies fright !m out
 ( _! wits1 & h a p[]ful influ5ce 9     
plung+ !m into sup]/ition1 & also 9     
cont9u+ !m !re94  ,?is suppos$ int]c\rse
 betwe5 mank9d & ^? inf]nal be+s1 is by 
"s ?\ght to be miracul\s or sup]natural2
 :ile o!rs laugh at all ! /ories ( _!   
exi/5ce1 conclud+ !m to be m]e juggle & 
deception1 craftily impos$ on ! cr$ul\s1
 :o are always gap+ aft] some?+         
m>vell\s1 miracul\s1 or sup]natural1 or 
aft] t :i* !y d n und]/&3 & are awkw>d &
 unskilful 9 _! exam9ation into nature1 
or into ! tru? or reality ( ?+s1 :i* is 
occasion$ p>tly by natural imbecility1 &
 p>tly by indol5ce & inatt5tion to      

nature & reason4  ,t any magical        
int]c\rse or correspond5ce ( m]e spirits
 ) mank9d1 is contradictory to nature1 &
 consequ5tly impossible1 has be5 argu$ 9
 *apt] six?4 ,& t no?+ %ort ( !         
omnipot5t p[] ( ,god1 c\nt]m&+ 8 et]nal 
ord] ( nature1 & impress+ x ) new &     
contr>y law1 c con/itute a miracle has  
be5 argu$ 9 ?is1 & is an effect surpass+
 ! p[] ( m]e creatures1 ! diabolical    
nature n except$4 ,f h5ce we inf]1 t    
devils _c "w miracles4 ,inatt5tion to   
reason1 & ignorance ( ! nature ( ?+s    
makes _m ( mank9d give cr$it to         
miracles4 ,x seems t by ?is m>vell\s way
 ( acc\nt+ = ?+s1 !y ?9k to come (f )   
reputation 9 _! ignorance2 = if nature 0
 no?+ b a sup]natural :irligig1 or an   
incon/ant & irregul> piece ( me*anism1 x
 w\ld r$uce all le>n+ & sci5ce to a     
level ) ! fanaticism & sup]/ition ( !   
weak & cr$ul\s1 & put ! wise & unwise on
 a level 9 po9t ( k1 z !re w\ld n1 on   
?is !sis1 be any regul> /&>d 9 nature1  
:]eby to asc]ta9 ! tru? & reality ( ?+s4

 ,:at is call$ sleight-(-h&1 is by "s p 
?\ght to be miracul\s4 ,a/rological     
calculations ( nativities1 lucky &      
unlucky days & seasons1 are by "s1      
reg>d$1 & ev5 moles on ! surface ( ! sk9
 are ?\ght to be port5tive ( good or bad
 =tune4  ,! ,sw$i% ,lapl&]s1 ! mo/      
ignorant mortals 9 ,europe1 are *>g$ )  
be+ conjurors1 & are said to h done su* 
feats1 by ! magic art1 z d n at all fall
 f> %ort ( miracles2 t !y w give !      
sailors su* w9ds z !y want 9 any "p ( _!
 voyage2 t !y c inflict & cure diseases 
at any di/ance2 & insure p ( success 9  
_! und]tak+s2 & yet !y are j su* poor   
mis]able wret*es z us$ to be *>g$ )     
wit*craft "h1 viz3 9 ,engl& & 9 ,new    
,engl&1 & _c comm& s mu* z ! necess>ies 
( life3 & inde$1 none b v cr$ul\s &     
ignorant p give cr$it to su* fables at  
?is day1 ?\gh ! :ole _w seems to h be5  
bewit*$ 9 believ+ !m =m]ly4 ,! #bd? (   
,m>*1 #agce1 an act pass$ 9 ! ,p>liam5t 
( ,great ,brita9 to repeal ! /atute ( ,i
 ,jac's1 entitl$ an act aga9/           

conjuration1 wit*craft1 & deal+ ) evil &
 wick$ spirits1 & to repeal an act 9    
,scotl& entitl$ ,am5tis ,wit*craft4 ,x  
is b =ty-six ye>s s9ce ! supreme        
legislature became appriz$ ( ! natural  
impossibility ( any magical int]c\rse   
betwe5 mank9d & evil & wick$ spirits2 9 
consequ5ce :]e( !y repeal$ _! /atute    
laws aga9/ x1 z !y 7 naturally void1    
unnecess>y1 & unwor?y ( _! legislative  
re/riction4 ,= t su* a crime _h no      
possible exi/5ce 9 nature1 & !re=e c\ld 
n be act$ by mank9d2 ?\gh previ\s to !  
repeal ( ^? laws1 m or less ( t isl& _h 
fall5 a sacrifice to !m2 & ! relations (
 ^? imag9>y crim9als 7 /amp$ ) infamy by
 su* executions1 :i* _h ! sanction (    
law1 alias ( ! legislature & ! judges1 &
 9 :i* _m le>n$ attorneys h demon/rat$ !
 turpitude ( su* capital (f5ces1 & ! j  
sanction ( ^? laws 9 extirpat+ su* pe/s 
( society f ! e>?2 to :i* ! cl]gy h     
likewise giv5 _! approbation1 = t ^?    
capital transgressors made too free ) _!
 devils4  ,fur!rmore1 ! repeal ( ^?     

laws1 z f> z ! wisdom & au?ority ( !    
,briti% ,p>liam5t may be suppos$ to g1  
abrogat$ t comm& ( ! law ( ,moses1 :i*  
sai?1 ,?\ %alt n suff] a wit* to live1 &
 n only s1 b ! doctr9e ( ! impossibility
 ( int]c\rse1 or ( deal+ ) wick$        
spirits1 =ecloses ! suppos$ miracul\s   
ca/+ out ( devils1 ( :i* we h sundry    
*ronicles 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4  ,b to     
return to ! annals ( my own c\ntry1 x w 
pres5t u ) a sc5e ( sup]/ition 9 !      
magical way1 :i* w probably equal any t 
is to be met ) 9 hi/ory1 to wit3 !      
,salem wit*craft 9 ,new ,engl&2 great   
numb]s ( ! inhabitants ( bo? sexes 7    
judicially convict$ ( be+ wiz>ds &      
wit*es1 & execut$ accord+ly2 "s ( :om 7 
s infatuat$ ) ! delusion1 t at _!       
execution !y confess$ !mselves guilty ( 
! sorc]y = :i* !y 7 indict$2 nor did !  
fanaticism meet ) a *eck until "s ( !   
fir/ families 7 accus$ ) x1 :o made su* 
an opposition to ! prosecutions1 z      
f9ally to put an end to any fur!r       
execution ( ! ,salemites4  ,^? capital  

(f5d]s suff]$ 9 consequ5ce ( c]ta9 laws1
 :i*1 by way ( d]ision1 h s9ce be5 call$
 ! ,blue ,laws1 9 consequ5ce ( !        
multiplicity ( sup]/ition1 ) :i* !y     
ab\nd$1 mo/ ( :i* are repeal$2 b ^? t   
respect sorc]y h _h favorite legislators
 en\gh to keep !m alive & 9 =ce to ?is  
day4  ,i recollect an acc\nt ( prodigies
 said to h be5 c>ri$ on by ! ,romi%     
,cl]gy 9 ,france1 ^u :i* 8 mo/ ,*ri/ian 
,maje/y s5t "o ( 8 (fic]s to !m ) !     
foll[+ prohibition1 to wit3 by ! comm& (
 ! k+1 ,god is =bid to "w any m miracles
 9 ?is place2 ^u :i* ! m>vell\s "w      
ceas$4  ,!re has be5 s mu* detection ( !
 artifice1 juggle & impo/ure ( !        
pret5d]s to miracles1 9 ! _w1 especially
 9 su* p>ts :]e le>n+ & sci5ce h        
prevail$1 t x %\ld prompt u to be v     
suspici\s ( ! reality ( !m1 ev5 )\t     
ent]+ into any l5g?y argum5ts f ! reason
 & nature ( ?+s to ev9ce ! utt]         
impossibility ( _! exi/5ce 9 ! creation 
& provid5ce ( ,god4  ,we are told1 t !  
fir/ occasion & introduction ( miracles 

into ! _w1 0 to prove ! div9e au?ority (
 revelation1 & ! mission ( its fir/     
tea*]s2 be x s4 ,^u ?is plan ( ev9c+ !  
div9ity ( revelation1 x w\ld be necess>y
 t its tea*]s %\ld always be ve/$ ) !   
p[] ( work+ miracles2 s t :5 _! au?ority
 or ! infallibility ( ! revelation :i*  
!y %\ld tea*1 %\ld at any "t be         
que/ion$1 !y might "w a miracle2 or t 9 
su* a case ,god w\ld d x2 :i* w\ld end !
 dispute1 provid$ mank9d 7 suppos$ to be
 judges ( miracles1 :i* may be          
controv]t$4 ,h[ev]1 admitt+ t !y are    
possible1 & mank9d 9 ! sev]al g5]ations 
( ! _w to be adequate judges ( !m1 &    
also1 t !y 7 necess>y to support ! div9e
 mission ( ! fir/ promulgators (        
revelation1 & ! div9ity :i* !y taught2 f
 ! same p>ity ( reason+1 miracles ought 
to be cont9u$ to ! succe$+ g5]ations (  
mank9d1 co-ext5sive ) its div9e         
au?ority1 or t ( its tea*]s4 ,= :y %\ld 
we 9 ?is age ( ! _w be "u obligation to 
believe ! infallibility ( revelation1 or
 ! heav5ly mission ( its tea*]s1 ^u less

 evid5ce ?an ^? ( mank9d :o liv$ 9 !    
g5]ations be=e u8 ,= t :i* may be       
suppos$ to be a rational evid5ce1 &     
wor?y to ga9 ! belief & ass5t ( mank9d  
at "o p]iod ( "t1 mu/ be s at ano!r2 s t
 x appe>s1 f ! sequel ( ! argum5ts on   
?is subject1 t provid$ miracles 7       
requisite to e/abli% ! div9e au?ority ( 
revelation orig9ally1 x is equally      
requisite t !y be cont9u$ to ! late/    
po/]ity1 to :om ! div9e legislator may  
be suppos$ to cont9ue su* revelation z 8
 law to mank9d4  ,no?+ is m evid5t to ! 
und]/&+ "p ( mank9d1 ?an t 9 ^? p>ts ( !
 _w :]e le>n+ & sci5ce has prevail$1    
miracles h ceas$2 b 9 su* p>ts ( x z are
 b>b>\s & ignorant1 miracles are /ill 9 
vogue2 :i* is ( itself a /rong          
presumption t 9 ! infancy ( lett]s1     
le>n+ & sci5ce1 or 9 ! _w's non-age1 ^? 
:o confid$ 9 miracles1 z a pro( ( !     
div9e mission ( ! fir/ promulgators (   
revelation1 7 impos$ ^u by fictiti\s    
appe>ances in/ead ( miracles4           
,fur!rmore1 ! au?or ( ,*ri/ianity w>ns u

 aga9/ ! impositions ( false tea*]s1 &  
ascribes ! signs ( ! true believ]s1     
say+1 ,&1 ^! signs %all foll[ !m t      
believe1 9 my "n %all !y ca/ out devils1
 !y %all speak ) new tongues1 !y %all   
take up s]p5ts1 & if !y dr9k any deadly 
?+ x %all n hurt !m1 !y %all lay h&s on 
! sick & !y %all recov]4 ,^! are !      
express words ( ! f\nd] ( ,*ri/ianity1 &
 are conta9$ 9 ! v commission1 :i* he   
gave to 8 elev5 ,apo/les1 :o 7 to       
promulgate 8 gospel 9 ! _w2 s t f _! v  
in/itution x appe>s t :5 ! miracul\s    
signs1 !re9 spok5 (1 fail$1 !y 7        
consid]$ z unbeliev]s1 & consequ5tly no 
fai? or tru/ to be any long] repos$ 9 !m
 or _! successors4 ,= ^! signs 7 ^? :i* 
7 to p]petuate _! mission1 & 7 to be    
cont9u$ z ! only evid5ces ( ! validity &
 au!nticity ( x1 & z long z ^! signs    
foll[$1 mank9d c\ld n be deceiv$ 9 adh]+
 to ! doctr9es :i* ! ,apo/les & _!      
successors taught2 b :5 ^! signs fail$1 
_! div9e au?ority end$4 ,n[ if any ( !m 
w dr9k a dose ( deadly poison1 :i* ,i   

c\ld prep>e1 & x does n hurt !m1 ,i w   
subscribe to _! div9e au?ority1 & end ! 
dispute2 n t ,i h a disposition to      
poison anyone1 nor d ,i suppose t !y    
w\ld d>e to take su* a dose z ,i c\ld   
prep>e = !m1 :i*1 if s1 w\ld ev9ce t !y 
7 unbeliev]s !mselves1 ?\gh !y are      
extremely apt to c5sure o!rs = unbelief1
 :i* accord+ to _! s*eme is a damnable  
s94     ,,secton ,,iv4 ,,pray] ,,_c ,,be
 ,,att5d$ ,,) ,,miracul\s ,,consequ5ces 
,pray] to ,god is no "p ( a rational    
religion1 nor did reason ev] dictate x2 
b1 0 x duly att5d$ to1 x w\ld tea* u !  
contr>y4  ,to make kn[n our wants to    
,god by pray]1 or to communicate any    
intellig5ce conc]n+ ourselves or !      
univ]se to him1 is impossible1 s9ce 8   
omnisci5t m9d has a p]fect k ( all ?+s1 
& !re=e is behold5 to none ( our        
correspond5cy to in=m himself ( our     
circum/ances1 or ( :at w\ld be wise/ &  
be/ to d = u 9 all possible conditions &
 modes ( exi/5ce1 9 our nev] end+       
duration ( be+4 ,^!1 ) ! inf9itude (    

?+s1 h be5 et]nally delib]at$ by !      
omnisci5t m9d1 :o c admit ( no          
additional intellig5ce1 :e!r by pray] or
 o!rwise1 :i* r5d]s x nugatory4  ,we    
ought to act up to ! dignity ( our      
nature1 & demean ourselves1 z creatures 
( our rank & capacity1 & n presume to   
dictate any ?+1 less or m1 to ! gov]nor 
( ! univ]se2 :o rules n by our          
proscriptions1 b by et]nal & inf9ite    
reason4 ,to pray to ,god1 or to make    
supplication to him1 reque/+ c]ta9      
favors = ourselves1 or f any1 or all !  
species1 is inconsi/5t ) ! relation :i* 
subsi/s betwe5 ,god & man4 ,:oev] has a 
j s5se ( ! absolute p]fection ( ,god1 & 
( _! own imp]fection1 & natural         
subjection to 8 provid5ce1 _c b f !nce  
inf] ! impropriety ( pray+ or supplicat+
 to ,god1 = ?is1 t1 or ! o!r ?+2 or (   
remon/rat+ aga9/ 8 provid5ce3 inasmu*1 z
 kn[n to ,god are all our wants2 & z we 
"k1 t we ourselves are inadequate judges
 ( :at w\ld be be/ = u1 all ?+s         
consid]$4 ,god looks ?r\gh ! imm5sity ( 

?+s1 & und]/&s ! h>mony1 moral beauty & 
decorum ( ! :ole1 & w by no means *ange 
8 purposes1 or alt] ! nature ( ! ?+s    
!mselves = any ( our entreaties or      
?reats4 ,to pray1 entreat1 or make      
supplication to ,god1 is nei!r m nor    
less ?an dictat+ to et]nal reason1 &    
ent]+ into ! prov9ce & pr]ogative ( !   
,almighty2 if ?is is n ! mean+ & import 
( pray]1 x has none at all1 t ext5ds to 
! f9al ev5ts & consequ5ces ( ?+s4 ,to   
pray to ,god ) a s5se1 t ! pray] we are 
mak+ w n be grant$ any m = our mak+ x1  
or t our pray] w make no alt]ation 9 !  
/ate1 ord] or disposal ( ?+s at all1 or 
t ! reque/s1 :i* we make1 w be no m     
likely to be grant$1 or ! ?+s !mselves  
conf]r$ ^u u by ,god1 ?an z ?\gh we _h n
 pray$ = !m1 w\ld be /upidity or        
outright mock]y1 or to be se5 ( m51 9   
ord] to procure f !m "s tempor>y        
advantages4 ,b on ! o!r h& = u to       
suppose1 t our pray]s or praises d 9 any
 "o in/ance or m alt] ! et]nal          
con/itution ( ?+s1 or ( ! provid5ce (   

,god1 is ! same z to suppose ourselves s
 f> =? to hold a %>e 9 ! div9e gov]nm5t1
 = our pray]s mu/ be suppos$ to effect  
some?+ or no?+1 if !y effect no?+ !y are
 good = no?+2 b t !y %\ld effect any    
alt]ation 9 ! nature ( ?+s1 or provid5ce
 ( ,god1 is inadmissible3 = if !y did1  
we %\ld int]f]e ) ! provid5ce ( ,god 9 a
 c]ta9 degree1 by arrogat+ x to         
ourselves4 ,= if !re are any p>ticul>s 9
 provid5ce1 :i* ,god does n gov]n by 8  
ord] ( nature1 !y d n belong to !       
provid5ce ( ,god1 b ( man2 = if 9 any   
in/ance1 ,god is mov$ by ! pray]s1      
entreaties1 or supplications ( 8        
creatures1 to alt] 8 provid5ce1 or to d 
t 9 con=mity !reto1 :i* o!rwise1 9 !    
c\rse ( 8 provid5ce1 he w\ld n h done2  
!n x w\ld necess>ily foll[1 t z f> z su*
 alt]ation may be suppos$ to take place1
 ,god does n gov]n by et]nal & inf9ite  
reason1 b on ! contr>y is gov]n$ himself
 by ! pray] ( man4  ,our great pr(ici5ts
 9 pray] mu/ ne$ ?9k !mselves to be (   
great importance 9 ! scale ( be+1       

o!rwise !y w\ld n indulge !mselves 9 !  
notion1 t ! ,god ( nature w\ld subv]t 8 
laws1 or b5d 8 provid5ce 9 con=mity to  
_! pray]s4 ,b x may be object$1 t !y    
pray conditionally1 to wit3 t ,god w\ld 
answ] _! pray]s1 provid$ !y are         
agreeable to 8 provid5tial ord] or      
disposal ( ?+s2 b to consid] pray] 9 su*
 a s5se r5d]s x1 n only useless1 b      
imp]t95t2 = ! laws ( nature w\ld produce
 _! natural effects z well )\t x1 z ) x 
,! sum total ( su* conditional pray]    
c\ld am\nt to no m ?an ?is1 viz3 t ,god 
w\ld n reg>d !m at all1 b t he w\ld     
conduct ! k+dom ( 8 provid5ce agreeable 
to ! absolute p]fections ( 8 nature2 &  
:o 9 ! ex]cise ( common s5se w\ld imag9e
 t ,god w\ld d o!rwise8  ,! nature ( !  
imm5se univ]sality ( ?+s hav+ be5       
et]nally adju/$1 con/itut$ & settl$1 by 
! pr(\nd ?\ght1 p]fect wisdom1 imp>tial 
ju/ice1 imm5se goodness1 & omnipot5t p[]
 ( ,god1 x is ! greate/ arrogance 9 u to
 attempt an alt]ation !re(4 ,if we      
demean ourselves wor?y ( a rational     

happ9ess1 ! laws ( ! moral sy/em1       
already e/abli%$1 w af=d x to u2 & z to 
physical evils1 prud5t economy may make 
!m tol]able1 or w>d mo/ ( !m (f = a     
season1 ?\gh !y w unavoidably br+ ab\t !
 sep>ation ( a s\l & body1 & t]m9ate )  
animal life1 :e!r we pray = or aga9/ x4 
,to pray = any ?+1 :i* we c obta9 by !  
due application ( our natural p[]s1 &   
neglect ! means ( procur+ x1 is         
imp]t95ce & laz9ess 9 ! ab/ract2 & to   
pray = t :i* ,god 9 ! c\rse ( 8         
provid5ce1 has put out ( our p[] to     
obta91 is only murmur+ aga9/ ,god1 &    
f9d+ fault ) 8 provid5ce1 or act+ !     
inconsid]ate "p ( a *ild2 = example1 to 
pray = m wisdom1 und]/&+1 grace or fai?2
 = a m robu/ con/itution--h&som] figure1
 or m ( a gigantic size1 w\ld be ! same 
z tell+ ,god1 t we are dissatisfi$ ) our
 inf]iority 9 ! ord] ( be+2 t nei!r our 
s\ls nor bodies suit u2 t he has be5 too
 sp>+ ( 8 b5efic5ce2 t we want m wisdom1
 & organs bett] fitt$ = %[1 agility &   
sup]iority4 ,b we ought to consid]1 t we

 _c add "o cubit to our /ature1 or alt] 
! con/ruction ( our organic frame2 & t  
our m5tal tal5ts are f9ite2 & t 9 a va/ 
v>iety ( proportions & disproportions1 z
 our ,heav5ly ,fa!r 9 8 ord] ( nature1 &
 scale ( be+ saw fit2 :o has nev]!less =
 ! enc\ragem5t ( intellig5t nature      
orda9$1 t x %all be capable (           
improvem5t1 & consequ5tly ( enl>gem5t2  
!re=e1 :osoev] lacke? wisdom in/ead (   
ask+ x ( ,god1 let him improve :at he   
has1 t he may enl>ge ! orig9al /ock2 ?is
 is all ! possible way ( ga9+ 9 wisdom &
 k1 a compet5cy ( :i* w regulate our    
fai?4 ,b x is too common = great fai? & 
little k to unite 9 ! same p]son2 su*   
p]sons are beyond ! rea* ( argum5t & _! 
fai? immovable1 ?\gh x _c remove        
m\nta9s4 ,! only way to procure food1   
raim5t1 or ! necess>ies or conv5i5ces ( 
life1 is by natural means2 we d n get !m
 by wi%+ or pray+ =1 b by actual        
ex]tion2 & ! only way to obta9 virtue or
 morality is to practice & habituate    
ourselves to x1 & n to pray to ,god = x3

 he has naturally furni%$ u ) tal5ts or 
faculties suitable = ! ex]cise &        
enjoym5t ( religion1 & x is our bus9ess 
to improve !m aright1 or we mu/ suff] ! 
consequ5ces ( x4 ,we %\ld con=m         
ourselves to reason1 ! pa? ( moral      
rectitude1 & 9 s do+1 we _c fail (      
recomm5d+ ourselves to ,god1 & to our   
own consci5ces4 ,?is is all ! religion  
:i* reason kn[s or c ev] approve (4     
,moses1 ! celebrat$ prophet & legislator
 ( ! ,israelites1 +ratiat$ himself into 
_! e/eem1 by ! /ratagem ( pray]1 &      
pret5d$ intimacy ) ,god2 he acqua9ts u1 
t he 0 once admitt$ to a sight ( 8      
back-p>ts6 & t no man c see 8 face &    
live2 & at o!r times we are told t he   
talk$ ) ,god1 face to face1 z a man     
talke? ) 8 fri5d2 & also t at times ,god
 wax$1 wro? ) ,israel1 & h[ ,moses pray$
 = !m2 & at o!r times1 t he ord]$ ,a>on 
to (f] sweet inc5se to ,god1 :i* appeas$
 8 wra?1 & prev5t$ 8 de/roy+ ,israel 9 8
 hot displeasure6 ,^! are ! foot/eps1 by
 :i* we may trace sac]dotal dom9ion to  

its s\rce1 & explore its progress 9 !   
_w4 ,& ! ,"l said unto ,moses1 h[ long w
 ?is p provoke me8 ,i w smite !m ) !    
pe/il5ce1 & dis9h]it !m1 & ,i w make (  
!e a great nation1 & mighti] ?an !y1 b  
,moses adv]tises ,god ( ! injury1 :i* s 
ra% a proc$ure w\ld d to 8 "* among !   
nations2 & also rem9ds him ( 8 promise  
to ,israel1 say+1 ,n[ if ?\ %all kill   
all ?is p z "o man1 !n ! nations1 :i* h 
he>d ! fame ( !e w speak1 say+1 because 
! ,"l 0 n able to br+ ?is p into ! l&1  
:i* he swe> unto !m1 !re=e he ha? sla9  
!m 9 ! wild]ness4 ,t ,moses %\ld ?us    
advise ! omnisci5t ,god1 ( di%onorable  
consequ5ces :i* w\ld att5d a brea* (    
promise1 :i* he tells u1 t ,god 0       
unadvis$ly ab\t to make ) ! tribes (    
,israel1 _h n 8 remon/rance prev5t$ x1  
is v extraord9>y & repugnant to reason2 
yet to an eye ( fai? x w\ld exalt ! man 
,moses1 & make him v great2 = if we may 
cr$it 8 hi/ory ( ! matt]1 he n only     
av]t$ ,god's judgm5t aga9/ ,israel1 &   
prev5t$ !m f be+ cut (f z a nation1 b by

 ! same pray] procur$ = !m a p>don ( _! 
s94 ,p>don1 ,i besee* !e1 ! iniquity (  
?is p1 & 9 ! next v]se foll[s ! answ]1 &
 ! ,"l said ,i h p>don$ accord+ to ?y   
^w4 ,x seems t ,god _h ! p[]1 b ,moses  
_h ! dictation ( x1 & sav$ ,israel f !  
wra? & pe/il5tial fury ( a jeal\s ,god2 
& t he procur$ !m a p>don ( _! s91 = !  
,"l ?y ,god is a jeal\s ,god4 ,jeal\sy c
 h no exi/5ce 9 t m9d1 :i* possesses    
p]fect k1 & consequ5tly _c1 )\t !       
greate/ impropriety1 he ascrib$ to ,god1
 :o kn[s all ?+s1 & ne$$ none ( !       
admonitions1 advice or intellig5ce (    
,moses1 or any ( 8 dictatorial pray]s4  
,& ! ,l>d he>k5$ unto me at t "t also2  
intimat+ t x 0 a common ?+ = him to d ! 
l4 ,:5 tea*]s c once make ! p believe t 
,god answ]s _! pray]s1 & t _! et]nal    
int]e/ is dep5d5t on !m1 !y soon raise  
!mselves to opul5cy1 rule & high s\nd+  
titles2 z t ( ,8 ,hol9ess--! ,rev]5d    
,fa!r 9 ,god--,! ,holy ,pok]--,bi%op (  
,s\ls--& a v>iety ( o!r su* l           
appellations1 d]ogatory to ! honor or j 

pr]ogative ( ,god2 z is ,jo%ua's hi/ory 
conc]n+ ! ,"l's he>k5+ unto him at !    
battle ( ! ,amorites1 :]e9 he in=ms u1 t
 he ord]$ ! sun to /& /ill1 say+1 ,sun  
/& ?\ /ill ^u ,gida51 & ?\ ,moon 9 !    
valley ( ,ajalon1 s ! ,sun /ood /ill & !
 ,moon /ay$ until ! p _h av5g$ !mselves 
^u _! enemies2 s ! ,sun /ood /ill 9 !   
mid/ ( ,heav51 & ha/$ n to g d[n ab\t a 
:ole day2 & !n adds1 by way ( supremacy 
to ,himself above all o!rs1 & 9 direct  
contradiction to ! be=e recit$ passages 
( ,moses conc]n+ ! ,"l's he>k5+ unto    
him1 or to any o!r man b himself1 say+1 
,& !re 0 no day l t be=e x1 or aft] x1 t
 ! ,"l he>k5$ unto ! voice ( a man4 ,!re
 is n any ?+ m evid5t ?an t if !        
repres5tation giv5 by ,jo%ua1 z matt] ( 
fact1 is true1 ^? exhibit$ by ,moses    
conc]n+ ! ,"l's he>k5+ unto him are n3  
?\gh ! repres5tations ( fact by ,moses &
 by ,jo%ua1 are all[$ to be bo?         
canonical1 yet x is impossible t bo? c  
be true4 ,h[ev]1 a/ronomy be+ b little  
und]/ood 9 ! age 9 :i* ,jo%ua liv$1 & ! 

e>? be+ 9 8 days ?\ght to be at re/1 & !
 sun to revolve r\nd x1 makes x 9 no way
 /range1 t he caught himself by ord]+ ! 
sun to /& /ill1 :i* hav+ s9ce be5       
discov]$ to h be5 ! orig9al fix$        
position ( t lum9\s body1 eclipses !    
miracul\s int]position ( ,jo%ua4        
,fur!rmore1 if we b reflect t on t v day
 ,israel vanqui%$ ! ,amorites ) a great 
slaught]1 & *as$ !m along ! way t goe?  
to ,be?oron1 & smote !m to ,azekah1 &   
unto ,makk$ah1 9 s great a hurry ( w>1  
cla%+ ( arms1 exasp]ation & elevation ( 
m9d1 9 consequ5ce ( su* triumphant      
victory1 !y c\ld make b a p>tial        
obs]vation on ! l5g? ( ! day2 & be+     
greatly elat$ ) su* an extraord9>y day's
 "w1 ,jo%ua took ! advantage ( x1 & told
 !m t x 0 an uncommon day = duration2 t 
he _h int]pos$ 9 ! sy/em & prescrib$ to 
! sun to /& /ill ab\t a :ole day2 & t !y
 _h two days' "t to accompli% ^? great  
feats4 ,! belief ( su* a miracul\s ev5t 
to h tak5 place 9 ! sol> sy/em1 9       
consequ5ce ( ! influ5ce :i* ,jo%ua      

ins9uat$ t he _h ) ,god1 w\ld mo/       
effectually e/abli% 8 au?ority among !  
p2 = if ,god w\ld he>k5 to 8 voice well 
might man4 ,?is is ! cause :y ! bulk (  
mank9d 9 all ages & c\ntries ( ! _w1 h  
be5 s mu* infatuat$ by _! gho/ly tea*]s1
 :om !y h ev]1 imag9$ to h _h a special 
influ5ce ) ,god ,almighty4     ,,*apt]  
,,vii4     ,,secton ,i4 ,,! ,,vagu5ess  
,,& ,,un9telligibl5ess ,,( ,,!          
,,prophecies444  ,,r5d] ,,!m ,,incapable
 ,,( ,,prov+ ,,revelation4  ,prophecy is
 by "s ?\ght to be miracul\s1 & by o!rs 
to be sup]natural1 & !re are o!rs1 :o   
indulge !mselves 9 an op9ion1 t !y am\nt
 to no m ?an m]e political conjectures4 
,"s nations h feign$ an int]c\rse ) good
 spirits by ! art ( div9ation2 & o!rs ) 
evil ones by ! art ( magic2 & mo/       
nations h pret5d$ to an int]c\rse ) ! _w
 ( spirits bo? ways4  ,! ,romans tru/$  
mu* to _! sibyll9e oracles & soo?say]s2 
! ,babylonians to _! magicians &        
a/rolog]s2 ! ,egyptians & ,p]sians to _!
 magicians2 & ! ,jews to _! se]s or     

prophets2 & all nations & individuals1  
discov] an anxiety = an int]c\rse ) ! _w
 ( spirits2 :i* lays a f\ndation =      
artful & design+ m51 to impose ^u !m4 ,b
 if ! =ego+ argum5ts 9 *apt] six?1      
respect+ ! natural impossibility ( an   
int]c\rse ( any unbodi$ or imp]ceptible 
m5tal be+s ) mank9d1 are true1 !n !     
=etell+ ( future ev5ts c am\nt to no?+  
m4 ?an political illusion4 ,= prophecy z
 well z all o!r sorts ( progno/ication  
mu/ be sup]-naturally inspir$1 or x c\ld
 be no m ?an judg+ ( future ev5ts f m]e 
probability or guess-"w1 z ! a/ronom]s  
+5u\sly confess 9 _! calculations1 by   
say+3 ,judgm5t ( ! wea!r1 c4 ,s also    
respect+ a/rology1 provid$ !re is any   
su* ?+ z futurity to be le>n$ f x1 x    
w\ld be altoge!r a natural discov]y2 =  
nei!r a/ronomy nor a/rology claim any?+ 
( a miracul\s or sup]natural k9d1 b _!  
calculations are meant to be pr$icat$ on
 ! ord] & c\rse ( nature1 ) :i* our     
s5ses are conv]sant1 & ) :i* inspiration
 or ! m]e coop]ation ( spirits is n     

int5d$ to act z "p4 ,s also conc]n+     
prophecy1 if x be consid]$ to be m]ely  
natural1 7we w n at pres5t dispute :e!r 
x is true or false7 ^u ?is position x   
/&s on ! foot+ ( probability or m]e     
conjecture & unc]ta9ty4 ,b z to !       
doctr9e ( any sup]natural ag5cy ( !     
div9e m9d on ours1 :i* is commonly call$
 inspiration1 x has be5 suffici5tly     
confut$ 9 *apt] six?2 :i* argum5ts ne$ n
 be repeat$1 nor does x conc]n my sy/em 
to settle ! "q1 :e!r prophecy %\ld be   
d5om9at$ miracul\s or sup]natural1      
inasmu* z bo? ^! doctr9es h be5 confut$2
 ?\gh x is my op9ion1 t 7 we to trace ! 
notion ( sup]natural to its s\rce1 x    
w\ld f9ally t]m9ate 9 t :i* is d5om9at$ 
miracul\s2 = t :i* is above or beyond   
nature1 if x has any positive exi/5ce1  
mu/ be miracul\s4  ,! writ+s ( !        
prophets are mo/ g5]ally s loose1 vague 
& indet]m9ate 9 _! mean+1 or 9 ! gramm> 
( _! pres5t translation1 t ! prophecies 
w z well answ] to ev5ts 9 "o p]iod ( "t1
 z 9 ano!r2 & are equally applicable to 

a v>iety ( ev5ts1 :i* h & are /ill tak+ 
place 9 ! _w1 & are liable to s _m      
diff]5t int]pretations1 t !y are        
incapable ( be+ und]/ood or expla9$1    
except ^u arbitr>y pr9ciples1 & !re=e _c
 be admitt$ z a pro( ( revelation2 z =  
in/ance1 x %all come to pass 9 ! la/    
days1 sai? ,god4 ,:o c und]/& !         
accompli%m5t ( ! prophecies1 t are      
express$ aft] ?is sort8 = e day 9 its   
turn has be51 & w 9 its succession be ! 
la/ day2 & if we adv]t to ! express     
words ( ! prophecy1 to wit1 ! la/ days1 
!re w be an unc]ta9 plurality ( la/     
days1 :i* mu/ be und]/ood to be %ort ( a
 mon?1 or a ye>2 or x %\ld h be5        
express$ ?us1 & x %all come to pass 9 ! 
la/ mon?s or ye>s1 in/ead ( days3 & if x
 _h m5tion$ la/ ye>s1 x w\ld be a j     
con/ruction to suppose1 t x includ$ a   
less numb] ( ye>s ?an a c5tury2 b z !   
prophecy m5tions la/ days we are at a   
loss1 :i* among ! plurality ( !m to     
assign = ! fulfill+ ( ! prophecy4       
,fur!rmore1 we _c le>n f ! prophecy1 9  

:at mon?1 ye>1 or any o!r "p ( duration 
^? la/ days belong2 s t we c nev] tell  
:5 su* vague prophecies are to take     
place1 !y !re=e rema9 ! arbitr>y        
pr]ogative ( fanatics to prescribe _!   
ev5ts 9 any age or p]iod ( "t1 :5 _!    
di/emp]$ fancies may ?9k mo/ eligible3  
!re are o!r prophecies /ill m ab/ruse2  
to wit1 ,& "o said unto ! man clo!d 9   
l951 :i* 0 ^u ! wat]s ( ! riv]1 h[ long 
%all x be to ! end ( ^! wond]s8 & ,i    
he>d ! man clo!d 9 l951 :i* 0 ^u ! wat]s
 ( ! riv]1 :5 he held up 8 "r h& & 8    
left h& unto ,heav51 & sw>e by him t    
live? =ev]1 t x %\ld be = an "t1 times &
 an half4 ,! "q1 9 ! prophecy is ask$ h[
 long %all x be to ! end ( ^! wond]s8 & 
! answ] is giv5 ) ! solemnity ( an oa?1 
x %all be = a "t1 times & a half4 ,a "t 
is an indef9ite "p ( duration1 & s are  
times1 & ! ?ird description ( "t is z   
indef9ite z ei!r ( ! =m] descriptions ( 
x2 to wit1 & an half2 t is to say1 half 
a "t4 ,!re is no c]ta9 t]m giv5 9 any or
 ei!r ( ! ?ree descriptions ( ! end ( ! 

wond]s allud$ to1 :]eby any or all ( !m 
toge!r are capable ( computation1 z !re 
is no c]ta9 p]iod m>k$ out to beg9 or   
end a calculation4 ,to compute an       
indef9ite "t 9 ! s+le numb] or quantity 
( duration is impossible1 & to compute  
an unc]ta9 plurality ( su* indef9ite    
times is equally p]plex+ &              
impracticable2 & la/ly1 to def9e half a 
"t by any possible succession ( its     
p>ts1 is a contradiction1 = half a "t   
includes no "t at all2 inasmu* z !      
smalle/ conception or possible mom5t or 
crit]ion ( duration1 is a "t1 or        
o!rwise1 by ! addition ( ev] s _m ( ^?  
p>ts toge!r1 !y w\ld n prolong a p]iod2 
s t !re is n1 & _c be su* a "p ( "t1 z  
half a "t1 = be x suppos$ to be ev] s   
mom5t\s1 yet if includes any "p (       
duration1 x is a "t1 & n half a "t4 ,_h 
! prophet said half a ye>1 half a day1  
or half a m9ute1 he w\ld h spok5        
intelligibly2 b half a "t has no exi/5ce
 at all1 & consequ5tly no p]iod c\ld ev]
 possibly arrive 9 ! succession or ord] 

( "t1 :5 !re c\ld be an end to ! wond]s 
allud$ to2 & 9 ?is s5se only1 ! prophecy
 is intelligible2 to wit1 t x w nev]    
come to pass4  ,! revelation ( ,/4 ,john
 ! div9e1 involves ! subject ( "t1 if   
possible1 9 /ill great] inconsi/5cies1  
viz3 ,& to ! woman 0 giv5 two w+s ( a   
great eagle1 t %e might fly into !      
wild]ness1 into h] place3 ,:]e %e is    
n\ri%$ = a "t1 & times & half a "t4 ,& !
 angel :i* ,i saw /& ^u ! sea & ^u ! e>?
 lift$ up 8 h&s to heav51 & sw>e by him 
t live? =ev] & ev]1 :o creat$ heav5 & ! 
?+s t !re9 are1 & ! e>? & ! ?+s t !re9  
are1 & ! sea & ! ?+s :i* are !re91 t !re
 %\ld be "t no long]4 ,_h ?is trem5d\s  
oa? be5 v]ifi$ !re c\ld h be5 no f>!r   
disputations on ! calculation ( "t &    
times & half a "t1 7or ab\t any ?+ else7
 = its succession w\ld h rea*$ its la/ &
 f9al p]iod at t important crisis :5 "t 
%\ld h be5 no long]4 ,! sol> sy/em mu/ h
 ceas$ its motions1 f :i* we compute !  
succession ( "t1 & ! race ( man w\ld h  
be5 ext9ct2 = z long z !y may be suppos$

 to exi/1 "t mu/ ( necess>y consequ5ce h
 exi/$ also2 & s9ce ! c\rse ( nature1   
includ+ ! g5]ations ( mank9d1 has be5   
cont9u$ f ! "t ( ! positive d5unciation 
( ! angel to ?is day1 we may safely     
conclude1 t 8 int]f]5ce 9 ! sy/em (     
nature1 0 p]fectly romantic4  ,! apo/le 
,pet]1 at ! fir/ ,*ri/ian p5teco/1      
object+ to ! accusation ( _! be+ drunk )
 new w9e1 expla9s ! prophecy ( ! prophet
 ,joel1 :o prophesi$ ( ! ev5ts :i* 7 to 
take place 9 ! la/ days1 z com+ to pass 
at t e>ly p]iod2 8 words are h&$ d[n to 
u z foll[s3 ,b ?is is t :i* is spok5 by 
! prophet ,joel1 & x %all come to pass 9
 ! la/ days1 sai? ,god1 t ,i w p\r out  
my _s ^u all fle%1 & y\r sons & y\r     
daught]s %all prophecy1 & y\r "y m5 %all
 see visions1 & y\r old m5 %all dream   
dreams4  ,! hi/ory ( ! out-p\r+ ( ! _s  
at ! ,p5teco/1 admitt+ x to h be5 a     
fact1 w\ld h be5 v inadequate to !      
prophetical pr$iction1 viz3 ,i w p\r out
 my _s ^u all fle%2 ! mo/ favorable     
con/ruction is t ! prophet meant human  

fle%1 i4 e4 all human fle%2 b in/ead ( a
 univ]sal effusion ( ! _s1 x appe>s to h
 be5 re/rict$ to a select numb]1 :o 7   
collect$ toge!r at ,j]usalem1 & !       
conc\rse ( spectators ?\ght !m to be    
deliri\s2 ,x may h[ev] be suppos$1 t ,/4
 ,pet] 0 a bett] judge ( ! accompli%m5t 
( ! prophecy ?an ,i am3 well !n1 admitt+
 8 application ( ! prophecy ( ! la/ days
 to take place at ! fir/ p5teco/2 x be+ 
n[ m ?an sev5te5 hundr$ ye>s ago1 !y    
consequ5tly c\ld n h be5 ! la/ days4    
,/ill a qu]y arises1 :e!r e ( !         
prophecies1 :i* 7 pr$ict$ to be fulfill$
 9 ! la/ days1 mu/ n h be5 accompli%$ at
 t "t2 or :e!r any ( ! prophecies ?us   
express$ are /ill to be complet$ by any 
ev5ts :i* may 9 future take place2 or by
 any :i* h tak5 place s9ce ^? la/ days  
call$ p5teco/2 or :e!r any prophecy     
:atev] c be fulfill$ m ?an once2 & if s1
 h[ _m times2 or h[ is x possible = u1  
out ( ! va/ v>iety ( ev5ts 79 :i* !re is
 s great a simil>ity7 :i* "o 9 p>ticul> 
to ascribe to its "r pr$iction among !  

num]\s prophecies8  ,fur!rmore1 provid$ 
"s ( ! prophecies %\ld po9t out "s      
p>ticul> ev5ts1 :i* h s9ce tak5 place1  
!re might h be5 previ\s gr\nds (        
probability1 t su* or su* ev5ts w\ld 9 !
 ord9>y c\rse ( ?+s come to pass2 =     
in/ance1 x is no ways extraord9>y1 t !  
prophet ,j]emiah %\ld be able to pr$ict 
t ,nebu*adnezz>1 k+ ( ,babylon1 %\ld    
take ,j]usalem1 :5 we consid] ! p[] ( ! 
,babyloni% empire at t "t1 & ! feebl5ess
 ( ! ,jews4 ,! ^w1 :i* came to ,j]emiah 
f ! ,"l1 :5 ,nebu*adnezz> k+ ( ,babylon 
& all 8 army1 & all ! k+doms ( ! e>? ( 8
 dom9ion1 & all ! p f\ght aga9/         
,j]usalem1 & aga9/ all ! cities !re(1   
say+1 ?us sai? ! ,"l ! ,god ( ,israel1 g
 & speak unto ,z$ekiah k+ ( ,judah1 &   
tell him ?us sai? ! ,"l1 behold1 ,i w   
give ?is city ( ,j]usalem into ! h& ( ! 
k+ ( ,babylon4 ,no politicians c\ld at !
 "t ( ! pr$iction be mu* at a loss      
respect+ ! fate ( ,j]usalem4 ,nor w\ld x
 be at all evid5tial to any c&id & +5i\s
 enquir]1 t ,god _h any mann] ( ag5cy 9 

fabricat+ ! prophecies1 ?\gh1 "s ( !m   
%\ld seem to decyph] future ev5ts1 z !y 
might1 to human appe>ance1 turn out "r1 
m]ely f accid5t or cont+5cy4 ,x is v    
improbable1 or r incompatible ) human   
nature1 t ! prophecy ( ,micah w ev] come
 to pass1 :o pr$icts t !y1 speak+ (     
mank9d1 %all beat _! swords into        
pl\gh-%>es1 & _! spe>s into prun+-hooks2
 nation %all n lift up sword aga9/      
nation1 nei!r %all !y le>n w> any m4 ,"s
 ( ! prophecies are s app>5tly          
contradictory1 t !y conta9 _! own       
confutation2 z = in/ance1 ! prophecy (  
,micaiah conta9$ 9 ! book ( ,*ronicles1 
:i* probably is z absurd z any ?+ t is  
to be met ) 9 /ory3 ,& :5 he 0 come unto
 ! k+1 ! k+ said unto him1 ,micaiah1    
%all we g to ,ramo? ,gilead to battle1  
or %all ,i =be>8 & he said g ye up &    
prosp]1 & !y %all be deliv]$ into y\r   
h&1 & ! k+ said unto him1 h[ _m times   
%all ,i adjure !e1 t ?\ %alt tell me    
no?+1 b t :i* is true 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l8 !n
 he said ,i did see all ,israel scatt]$ 

^u ! m\nta9s1 z %eep t h no %eph]d1 & ! 
,"l said1 ^! h no ma/]1 let !m return1  
!re=e1 e man to 8 h\se 9 peace3 & ! k+  
said unto ,jeho%aphat1 did n ,i tell !e1
 t he w\ld prophecy no good conc]n+ me1 
b evil8 ,aga9 he said1 !re=e1 he> ! ^w (
 ! ,"l--,i saw ! ,"l sitt+ ^u 8 ?rone1 &
 all ! ho/ ( ,heav5 /&+ on 8 "r h& & on 
8 left1 & ! ,"l said :o %all entice     
,ahab1 ,k+ ( ,israel1 t he may g up &   
fall at ,ramo? ,gilead1 & "o spake say+ 
aft] ?is mann]1 & ano!r say+ aft] t     
mann]2 !n !re came out a _s & /ood be=e 
! ,"l1 & said ,i w entice him1 & ! ,"l  
said unto him :]e)8 ,& he said ,i w g =?
 & be a ly+ _s 9 ! m\? ( all 8 prophets1
 & ! ,"l said ?\ %alt entice him & ?\   
%alt prevail2 g out & d ev5 s4 ,n[      
!re=e1 behold ! ,"l ha? put a ly+ _s 9 !
 m\? ( ^! ?y prophets & ! ,"l ha? spok5 
evil aga9/ !e4 ,x is obs]vable t !      
prophet at fir/ pr$ict$ ! prosp]ity (   
,ahab1 say+1 g ye up & prosp]1 & !y %all
 be deliv]$ into y\r h&1 b aft] a little
 adjurem5t by ! k+1 he alt]s 8 pr$iction

 & prophecies diametrically ! rev]se4   
,:at is m c]ta9 ?an t ! ev5t ( !        
exp$ition aga9/ ,ramo? ,gilead mu/ h    
comport$ ) ! "o or ! o!r ( 8 prophecies8
 ,c]ta9 x 01 t ,ahab w\ld take x or n   
take x1 he mu/ ei!r prosp] or n prosp]1 
z !re w\ld be no ?ird way or means      
betwe5 ^! two2 & x appe>s t ! prophet 0 
det]m9$ to be 9 ! "r ( x by 8 prophecy  
bo? ways4 ,x fur!r appe>s f 8 prophecy1 
t !re 0 a great consultation 9 ,heav5 to
 entice ,ahab ,k+ ( ,israel to 8        
de/ruction1 & t a c]ta9 ly+ _s came &   
/ood be=e ! ,"l1 & propos$ to him to g  
out & be a ly+ _s 9 ! m\? ( ! k+'s      
prophets4 ,b :at is ! mo/ incr$ible is1 
t ,god %\ld c\nt5ance x1 & give him     
positive ord]s to falsify ! tru? to !   
o!r prophets4 ,x appe>s t ,micaiah 9 8  
fir/ prophecy1 viz3 ,g up to ,ramo?     
,gilead & prosp]1 & !y %all be deliv]$  
into y\r h&1 act$ 9 conc]t ) ! ly+ _s   
:i* /ood be=e ! ,"l1 b aft]w>ds act$ !  
trea*]\s "p by prophecy+ ! tru?1 :i*1 if
 we may cr$it 8 acc\nt1 0 9 direct      

opposition to ! s*eme ( ,heav54         
,,secton ,,ii4 ,,! ,,cont5tions ,,:i*   
,,subsi/$ ,,betwe5 ,,! ,,prophets444    
,,respect+ ,,_! ,,v]acity1 ,,& ,,_!     
,,inconsi/5cies ,,) ,,"o ,,ano!r1 ,,&   
,,) ,,! ,,nature ,,( ,,?+s1 ,,& ,,_!    
,,omission ,,9 ,,tea*+ ,,! ,,doctr9e ,,(
 ,,immortality1 ,,precludes ,,!         
,,div9ity ,,( ,,_! ,,prophecies4  ,:oev]
 exam9es ! writ+s ( ! prophets w discov]
 a _s ( /rife & cont5tion among !m2 !y  
w\ld *>ge ea* o!r ) fallacy & deception2
 disputations ( ?is k9d are pl5tifully  
int]sp]s$ ?r\gh ! writ+s ( ! prophets2  
we w transcribe a few ( ^? passages out 
( _m3 ,?us sai? ! ,"l to ! fooli%       
prophets t foll[ _! own _s1 & h f\nd    
no?+1 !y h se5 vanity & ly+ div9ation1  
say+ ! ,"l sai?1 & ! ,"l ha?1 n s5t !m1 
& !y h made o!rs to hope t !y w\ld      
confirm ! ^w4 ,& 9 ano!r place1 ,i h n  
s5t ^! prophets1 yet !y ran2 ,i h n     
spok5 unto !m1 yet !y prophecy4 ,aga91  
,i h he>d :at ! prophets said1 t        
prophecy lies 9 my "n1 say+1 ,i h       

dream$1 ,i h dream$1 yet !y are !       
prophets ( ! deceit ( _! own he>ts4 ,&  
aga91 ,yea1 !y are gre$y dogs1 :i* c    
nev] h en\gh1 & !y are %eph]ds t _c     
und]/&2 !y all look to _! own way1 e "o 
= 8 ga9 f 8 qu>t]4 ,x be+ ! case t !re 0
 su* a /rife among ! prophets to        
recomm5d !mselves to ! p1 & e art &     
dissimulation hav+ be5 practis$ by !m to
 ga9 p[] & sup]iority1 all :i* artifice 
0 to be judg$ ( by ! great vulg>1 or 9  
"s in/ances by ! political views ( !    
,jewi% ,sanh$rim1 h[ c\ld ^? :o 7       
cotempor>ies ) ! sev]al prophets1       
di/+ui% ! premis$ true prophets f !     
false8 ,mu* less1 h[ c we1 :o live m ?an
 sev5te5 hundr$ ye>s s9ce ! la/ ( !m1 be
 able to di/+ui% !m ap>t8 ,& yet1 )\t ! 
k ( ?is di/9ction1 we _c ) propriety    
give cr$it to any ( !m1 ev5 admitt+ !re 
7 "s true prophets among !m4 ,nor is x  
possible = u to "k b t _! v in/itution 0
 m]ely a rea* ( policy ( ! ,israeliti% &
 ,judaic gov]nm5ts1 ! m easily1         
implicitly & effectually to keep _! p 9 

subord9ation1 by inculcat+ a belief t !y
 7 rul$ ) special directions f heav51   
:i* 9 fact orig9at$ f ! ,sanh$rim4 ,_m  
o!r nations h made use ( mu* ! same k9d 
( policy4  ,9 ! #bb;d *apt] ( ,g5esis1  
we h a hi/ory ( a v extraord9>y comm& f 
,god to ,abraham1 & ( a v unnatural     
attempt ( 8 to obey x4 ,& x came to pass
 aft] ^! ?+s t ,god did tempt ,abraham1 
& he said unto him1 ,abraham1 & he said 
behold "h ,i am1 & he said take n[ ?y   
son ,isaac1 :om ?\ love/1 & get !e to ! 
l& ( ,moriah1 & (f] him !re = a burnt   
(f]+ ^u "o ( ! m\nta9s :i* ,i w tell !e 
(2 ,& !y came to ! place :i* ,god _h    
told him (1 & ,abraham built an alt>    
!re1 & laid ! wood 9 ord]1 & b\nd ,isaac
 8 son1 & laid him on ! alt> ^u ! wood2 
& ,abraham /ret*$ =? 8 h& & took ! knife
 to slay 8 son4 ,%ock+ attempt6 ,murd]  
is all[$ by mank9d 9 g5]al to be ! mo/  
capital crime t is possible to be act$  
among m52 x w\ld !re=e be incompatible )
 ! div9e nature to h enjo9$ x by a      
positive comm& to ,abraham to h kill$ 8 

son2 a murd] ( all o!rs ! mo/ unnatural 
& cruel & att5d$ ) ! mo/ aggravat+      
circum/ances1 n m]ely f a prescrib$     
brea* ( ! ties ( p>5tal affection1 b f !
 consid]ation t ! *ild 0 to be 7if we   
may cr$it ! comm&17 (f]$ to ,god z a    
religi\s sacrifice4 ,:at c\ld h be5 a m 
complicat$ wick$ness ?an ! ob$i5ce ( ?is
 comm& w\ld h be58 & :at c be m absurd  
?an to suppose t x came f ,god8 ,x is   
argu$1 9 v9dication ( ! injunction to   
,abraham to kill 8 son1 t x 0 m]ely = a 
trial ( 8 ob$i5ce1 & t ,god nev] design$
 to h him d x2 to prev5t :i* an angel f 
heav5 call$ to him & gave him c\nt]     
ord]s1 n to slay 8 son2 b to suppose t  
,god ne$$ su* an exp]im5t1 or any o!r1 9
 ord] to "k :e!r ,abraham w\ld be ob$i5t
 to 8 comm&s1 is utt]ly incompatible ) 8
 omnisci5ce1 :o )\t public exhibitions  
und]/&s all ?+s2 s t _h ! injunction be5
 9 itself1 fit & reasonable1 & also f   
,god1 ! compliance or non-compliance (  
,abraham !reto1 c\ld n h communicat$ any
 new idea to ! div9e m9d4 ,e "p ( !     

conduct ( mank9d is a trial ( _! ob$i5ce
 & is kn[n to ,god1 z well z ! p>ticul> 
conduct ( ,abraham2 besides 9 !         
canonical writ+s1 we read t ,god _c be  
tempt$ ) evil1 nei!r tempte? he any man4
 ,h[ !n c x be1 t ,god did tempt        
,abraham8 a sort ( employm5t :i*1 9     
scripture1 is commonly ascrib$ to !     
devil4 ,x is a v common ?+ to he>       
,abraham extoll$ = attempt+ to comply ) 
! suppos$ comm& ( sacrific+ 8 son2 b x  
appe>s to me1 t x _h be5 wis] & m becom+
 ! "* ( a virtu\s man1 = ,abraham to h  
repli$ 9 answ] to ! injunction z foll[s1
 to wit1 t x c\ld n possibly h come f   
,god2 :o 0 ! f\nta9 ( goodness &        
p]fection1 & un*angeable 9 8 nature1 :o 
_h end[$ him ) reason & und]/&+1 :]eby  
he knew 8 duty to ,god1 8 son1 & to     
himself1 bett] ?an to kill 8 only son1 &
 (f] him z a religi\s sacrifice to ,god1
 = ,god w\ld nev] h implant$ 9 8 m9d su*
 a /rong affection t[>ds him1 nor su* a 
consci\s s5se ( duty to provide =1      
protect & succor him 9 all duties1 & to 

promote 8 happ9ess & well be+1 provid$  
he _h design$ t he %\ld h laid viol5t   
h&s on 8 life4 ,& inasmu* z ! comm& 01 9
 itself1 morally speak+1 unfit1 &       
altoge!r unwor?y ( ,god1 he presum$ t x 
nev] orig9at$ f him1 b f "s inhuman1    
cruel & de/ructive be+1 :o delight$ 9   
wo1 & pung5t grief2 = ,god c\ld n h be5 
! au?or ( s base an injunction1 nor c\ld
 he be pleas$ ) s inhuman & s9ful a     
sacrifice4  ,moses 9 8 la/ *apt] (      
,deut]onomy cr[ns 8 hi/ory ) ! p>ticul> 
acc\nt ( 8 own dea? & burial4 ,s ,moses1
 ! s]vant ( ! ,"l1 di$ !re1 9 ! l& (    
,moab1 accord+ to ! ^w ( ! ,"l1 & he    
buri$ him 9 a valley1 9 ! l& ( ,moab1   
ov] aga9/ ,be?peor1 b no man knew ( 8   
sepul*re unto ?is day2 & ,moses 0 an    
hundr$ & tw5ty ye>s old :5 he di$1 8    
eyes 7 n dim1 nor 8 natural =ce abat$1 &
 ! *ildr5 ( ,israel wept = ,moses 9 !   
pla9s ( ,moab ?irty days4 ,?is is ! only
 hi/orian 9 ! circle ( my read+1 :o has 
ev] giv5 ! public a p>ticul> acc\nt ( 8 
own dea?1 & h[ old he 0 at t decisive   

p]iod1 :]e he di$1 :o buri$ him1 & :]e  
he 0 buri$1 & )al ( ! numb] ( days 8    
fri5ds & acqua9tances m\rn$ & wept =    
him4 ,i mu/ confess ,i d n expect to be 
able to advise ! public ( ! t]m ( my    
life1 nor ! circum/ances ( my dea? &    
burial1 nor ( ! days ( ! weep+ or laugh+
 ( my survivors4  ,"p ( ! laws ( ,moses 
7 arbitr>y impositions ^u ! tribes (    
,israel1 & h no f\ndation 9 ! reason &  
fitness ( ?+s1 p>ticul>ly t 9 :i* he    
inculcates puni%+ ! *ildr5 = !          
iniquities ( ! fa!r2 visit+ ! iniquities
 ( ! fa!rs ^u ! *ildr51 & ^u ! *ildr5's 
*ildr5 unto ! ?ird & f\r? g5]ation4 ,!re
 is no reason to be giv51 :y ! iniquity 
( ! fa!r might n z well h involv$ !     
fif?1 six? & sev5? g5]ations1 & s on to 
! late/ po/]ity 9 guilt & puni%m5t1 z ! 
fir/ f\r g5]ations2 = if x 0 possible1 t
 ! iniquity ( ! fa!r c\ld be ju/ly      
visit$ ^u any ( 8 po/]ity1 :o 7 n       
accomplices ) him 9 ! iniquity1 or 7 n  
"s way or o!r aid+ or access>y 9 x1 !n !
 iniquity might z ju/ly be visit$ ^u any

 "o ( ! succe$+ g5]ations z ^u ano!r1 or
 ^u ! g5]ation ( any indiff]5t p]son3 = 
arbitr>y imputations ( iniquity are     
equally absurd 9 all supposable cases2 s
 t if we once admit ! possibility (     
visit+ iniquity ^u any o!rs ?an !       
p]petrators1 be !y :o !y w1 we ov]turn  
our natural & sci5tifical notions ( a   
p]sonal retribution ( ju/ice among      
mank9d4 ,x is1 9 pla9 ,engli%1 puni%+ ! 
innoc5t = ! s9 ( ! guilty4 ,b virtue or 
vice _c be ?us visit$ or imput$ f !     
fa!rs to ! un(f5d+ *ildr51 or to        
*ildr5's *ildr52 or :i* is ! same ?+1 f 
! guilty to ! innoc5t2 = moral good or  
evil is m5tal & p]sonal1 :i* _c be      
transf]r$1 *ang$ or alt]$ f "o p]son to 
ano!r1 b is inh]5tly connect$ ) its     
respective p]sonal actors1 & con/itutes 
a quality or habit1 & is ! m]it or      
dem]it ( ! respective ag5ts or pr(ici5ts
 9 moral good or evil1 & is by nature   
inali5able1 ,! righte\sness ( ! righte\s
 %all be ^u him1 & ! wick$ness ( ! wick$
 %all be ^u him4 ,b z we %all h occasion

 to argue ?is matt] at l>ge 9 ! twelf?  
*apt] ( ?is treatise1 :]e we %all treat 
( ! imput$ s9 ( ,adam to 8 po/]ity1 & ( 
imputative righte\sness1 we w discuss ! 
subject ( imputation no f>!r 9 ?is      
place4 ,h[ev]1 ! unju/ practice ( puni%+
 ! *ildr5 = ! iniquity ( ! fa!r hav+ be5
 an ord9ance ( ,moses1 0 m or less      
cont9u$ by ! ,israelites1 z 9 ! case (  
,a*an & 8 *ildr54 ,& ,jo%ua & all       
,israel ) him took ,a*an ! son ( ,zorah1
 & ! silv] & ! g>m5t1 & ! w$ge ( gold1 &
 8 sons1 & 8 daught]s1 & 8 ox51 & 8     
asses1 & 8 %eep1 & 8 t5t1 & all t he _h1
 & br\ght !m to ! valley ( ,a*or1 & all 
,israel /on$ him ) /ones1 & burn$ !m )  
fire1 aft] !y _h /on$ !m ) /ones1 & !y  
rais$ ov] him a great heap ( /ones unto 
?is day2 s ! ,"l turn$ f ! fi]c5ess ( 8 
ang]4 ,fi]ce ang] is incompatible ) !   
div9e p]fection1 nor is ! cruel         
extirpation ( ! innoc5t family1 & live  
/ock ( ,a*an1 to be acc\nt$ = on        
pr9ciples ( reason4 ,?is flagrant       
inju/ice ( puni%+ ! *ildr5 = ! iniquity 

( ! fa!r _h introduc$ a prov]b 9        
,israel1 viz3 ,! fa!rs h eat5 s\r grapes
 & ! *ildr5's tee? are set on edge4 ,b !
 prophet ,ezekiel 9 ! #ah? *apt] ( 8    
prophecies1 has confut$ ,moses's /atutes
 ( visit+ ! iniquities ( ! fa!r ^u !    
*ildr51 & repeal$ !m ) ! au?ority ( ?us 
sai? ! ,"l1 :i* 0 ! mann] ( expression  
by :i* !y 7 promulgat$4 ,b ! prophet    
,ezekiel did n repeal ^? /atutes (      
,moses m]ely by ! au?ority ( ?us sai? ! 
,"l1 b ov] & above gives ! reason = x1  
o!rwise he c\ld n h repeal$ !m2 = ,moses
 enact$ !m z he relates1 f z high       
au?ority z ,ezekiel c\ld pret5d to 9    
nullify+ !m2 s t _h he n produc$ reason 
& argum5t1 x w\ld h be5 ?us sai? ! ,"l1 
aga9/ ?us sai? ! ,"l4 ,b ,ezekiel       
reasons conclusively1 viz3 ,! ^w ( ! ,"l
 came unto me aga91 say+1 :at meat ye t 
ye use ?is prov]b conc]n+ ! l& (        
,israel1 say+1 ! fa!rs h eat5 s\r grapes
 & ! *ildr5's tee? are set on edge2 z ,i
 live1 sai? ! ,"l ,god1 ye %all n h     
occasion any m to use ?is prov]b 9      

,israel4 ,behold all s\ls are m9e1 z !  
s\l ( ! fa!r s also ! s\l ( ! son is    
m9e2 ! s\l t s9ne? x %all die1 ! son    
%all n be> ! iniquity ( ! fa!r1 nei!r   
%all ! fa!r be> ! iniquity ( ! son1 !   
righte\sness ( ! righte\s %all be ^u    
him1 & ! wick$ness ( ! wick$ %all be ^u 
him1 !re=e1 ,i w judge y1 ,o h\se (     
,israel1 e "o accord+ to _! ways sai? ! 
,"l ,god4 ,x is obs]vable1 t ! prophet  
+5i\sly says1 ,ye %all n h occasion any 
m to use ?is prov]b 9 ,israel1          
implicitly ackn[l$g+ t ! law ( ,moses _h
 giv5 occasion to t prov]b1 nor 0 x     
possible to remove t prov]b or grievance
 to :i* ! ,israelites 7 liable on acc\nt
 ( visit+ ! iniquities ( ! fa!rs ^u !   
*ildr51 b by ! repeal ( ! /atute (      
,moses 9 t case made & provid$2 :i* 0   
effectually done by ,ezekiel3 9         
consequ5ce :]e( ! adm9i/ration ( ju/ice 
became dis5cumb]$ ( ! emb>rassm5ts "u   
:i* x _h labor$ = _m c5turies4 ,?us x   
appe>s1 t ^? laws1 d5om9at$ ! laws (    
,god1 are n infallible1 b h _!          

exceptions & may be disp5s$ )4  ,"u !   
disp5sation ( ! law a brea* ( ! ,sabba? 
0 a capital (f5ce4 ,& :ile ! *ildr5 (   
,israel 7 9 ! wild]ness1 !y f\nd a man t
 ga!r$ /icks on ! ,sabba? day1 & ! ,"l  
said unto ,moses1 ! man %all surely be  
put to dea?1 & all ! congregation %all  
/one him ) /ones )\t ! camp2 & all !    
congregation br\ght him )\t ! camp &    
/on$ him ) /ones1 & he di$1 z ! ,"l     
comm&$ ,moses4 ,! v in/itution ( !      
,sabba? 0 9 itself arbitr>y1 o!rwise x  
w\ld n h be5 *ang$ f ! la/ to ! fir/ day
 ( ! week4 ,= ^? ord9ances :i* are      
pr$icat$ on ! reason & fitness ( ?+s c  
nev] *ange3 z t :i* is once morally fit1
 always rema9s s1 & is immutable1 nor   
c\ld ! same crime1 9 ju/ice1 des]ve dea?
 9 ,moses's "t 7z 9 ! in/ance ( !       
,israelite's ga!r+ /icks71 & b a        
pecuni>y f9e 9 ours2 z 9 ! in/ance ( !  
brea* ( ,sabba? 9 ^! times4  ,fur!rmore1
 ! ord] ( nature respect+ day & night1  
or ! succession ( "t1 is su*1 z r5d]s x 
impossible t any id5tical "p ( "t1 :i*  

con/itutes "o day1 c d x to all !       
inhabitants ( ! globe at ! same "t1 or 9
 ! same p]iod4 ,day is p]petually dawn+1
 & night comm5c+ to "s or o!r ( !       
inhabitants ( ! t]raque\s ball )\t      
int]mission4 ,at ! di/ance ( fifte5     
degrees ( longitude to ! ea/ ( u1 ! day 
beg9s an h\r soon] ?an x does ) u "h 9  
,v]mont1 & ) u an h\r soon] ?an x does  
fifte5 degrees to ! we/w>d1 & ?us x     
cont9ues 9 succession r\nd ! globe1 &   
night z regul>ly revolv+ aft] x1 succe$+
 ea* o!r 9 _! alt]nate r\nds2 s t :5 x  
is mid-day ) u1 x is mid-night ) our    
species1 d5om9at$ ! ,p]iaeci1 :o live "u
 ! same p>allel ( latitude ) u1 b "u a  
directly opposite m]idian2 s likewise1  
:5 x is mid-day ) !m1 x is mid-night )  
u4 ,?us x appe>s t ! same id5tical "p ( 
"t1 :i* composes our days1 compose _!   
nights1 & :ile we are keep+ ,sunday1 !y 
are 9 _! midnight dreams2 nor is x      
possible 9 nature1 t ! same id5tical "p 
( "t1 :i* makes ! fir/ day ( ! week ) u1
 %\ld make ! fir/ day ( ! week ) !      

inhabitants on ! opposite side ( !      
globe4 ,! apo/le ,james speaks c&idly on
 ?is subject1 say+1 ,"s e/eem "o day    
above ano!r1 o!rs e/eem e day alike1 let
 e "o be fully p]suad$ 9 8 own m9d1 &   
keep ! laws ( ! l&4 ,x 0 un=tunate = !  
,israelite :o 0 accus$ ( ga!r+ /icks on 
! ,israeliti% ,sabba?1 t he 0 convict$ (
 x2 = ?\gh by ! law ( 8 p he mu/ h di$1 
yet ! act = :i* he suff]$ 0 no brea* ( !
 law ( nature4 ,suppos+ t v del9qu5t    
%\ld come to ?is _w aga91 & ga!r /icks  
on ,saturday 9 ?is c\ntry1 he might z an
 hirel+ receive 8 wages = x1 )\t be+    
expos$ to a simil> prosecution ( t (    
,moses2 & provid$ he %\ld ga!r /icks on 
our ,sunday1 8 wages w\ld atone = 8     
crime in/ead ( 8 life1 s9ce mod]n       
legislators h abat$ ! rigor ( ! law =   
:i* he di$4  ,! b>b>\s zeal ( ! prophet 
,samuel 9 hew+ ,agag to pieces aft] he 0
 made prison] by ,saul1 k+ ( ,israel1   
c\ld n proce$ f a good _s1 nor w\ld su* 
cruelty be p]mitt$ t[>ds a prison] 9 any
 civiliz$ nation at ?is day4 ,& ,samuel 

hew$ ,agag to pieces be=e ! ,"l 9       
,gilgal4 ,! unmanly de$ seems to be     
m5tion$ ) a phiz ( religion1 viz3 t x 0 
done be=e ! ,"l2 b t _c alt] ! nature ( 
! act itself1 = e act ( mank9d1 :e!r    
good or evil1 is done be=e ! ,"l1 z mu* 
z ,samuel's hew+ ,agag to pieces4 ,!    
ord]s :i* ,samuel gave unto ,saul1 7z he
 says by ! ^w ( ! ,"l7 to cut (f !      
po/]ity ( ! ,amalekites1 & to de/roy !m 
utt]ly1 toge!r ) ! cause ( ,god's       
displeasure ) !m1 are unwor?y ( ,god z  
may be se5 at l>ge 9 ! #ae? *apt] ( !   
,book ( ,samuel1 ,sp>e !m n1 b slay bo? 
man & woman1 infant & suckl+1 ox & %eep1
 camel & ass4 ,! o/5sible reason = all  
?is1 01 because ! ance/ors ( !          
,amalekites1 z long be=e ! days (       
,samuel z :5 ! *ildr5 ( ,israel came out
 ( ,egypt1 :i* 0 ne> five hundr$ ye>s1  
_h ambu%$ & f\ght aga9/ ,israel1 9 _!   
passage f !nce to ! l& :i* !y aft]w>ds  
inhabit$4 ,al?\gh x appe>s f ! hi/ory ( 
,moses & ,jo%ua1 t ,israel 0 go+ to     
disposess !m ( _! c\ntry1 :i* is ?\ght  

to be a suffici5t cause ( w> 9 ^! days4 
,x is true !y ins9uate t ! ,"l _h giv5 !
 l& to ! *ildr5 ( ,israel1 yet x appe>s 
t !y _h to fight = x & get x by ! h>de/1
 not)/&+1 z is ! case ) nations 9 ^!    
days1 & ev] has be5 s9ce ! k ( hi/ory4  
,b be ! old qu>rel betwe5 ,israel &     
,amalek z x w1 x _c on any pr9ciple be  
suppos$1 ! successors ( ^? ,amalekites1 
9 ! days ( ,samuel1 c\ld be guilty ( any
 premis$ transgressions ( _!            
pr$ecessors4 ,! sangu9>y laws ( ,moses  
did n admit ( visit+ ! iniquities ( !   
fa!rs ^u ! *ildr5 9 ! l9e ( succession1 
f>!r ?an to ! f\r? g5]ation1 b !        
,amalekites aga9/ :om ,samuel _h d5\nc$ 
! wra? ( ,god1 by ! h& ( ,saul1 7 at a  
mu* great] remove f ^? _! prog5itors1 :o
 7 *>g$ ) ! crime = :i* !y 7 cut (f z a 
nation4 ,nor is x compatible ) reason to
 suppose1 t ,god ev] direct$ ei!r ,moses
 or ,jo%ua to extirpate ! ,canaaniti%   
nations4 ,& we took all 8 cities at t   
"t1 & utt]ly de/roy$ ! m5 & ! wom51 & ! 
little ones ( e city1 we left none to   

rema94 ,!re is n m propriety 9 ascrib+  
^! cruelties to ,god1 ?an ^? t 7        
p]petrat$ by ! ,spani>ds aga9/ !        
,mexican & ,p]uvian ,indians or natives 
( ,am]ica4 ,e "o :o d>es to ex]cise 8   
reason1 free f bias1 w readily disc]n1 t
 ! inhumanities ex]cis$ t[>ds !         
,canaanites & ,amorites1 ,mexicans &    
,p]uvians1 7 dete/ably wick$1 & c\ld n  
be approbat$ by ,god1 or by rational &  
good m54 ,und\bt$ly av>ice & dom9ation 7
 ! causes ( ^? ab\nd+ cruelties1 9 :i*  
religion _h z little to d z 9 ! crusades
 ( ! holy l& 7s call$47  ,! writ+s ( !  
prophets ab\nd ) prodigies1 /range &    
unnatural ev5ts4 ,! walls ( ,j]i*o are  
repres5t$ to h fall5 to ! gr\nd 9       
consequ5ce ( a bla/ ( ram's horns2      
,balaam's ass to speak to 8 ma/]1 & !   
prophet ,elijah is said to h be5 c>ri$  
(f bodily into heav5 by a *>iot1 9 a    
:irlw9d4 ,/range /ories6 ,b o!r         
scriptures tell u1 ,fle% & blood _c     
inh]it ! k+dom ( ,god4 ,! hi/ory ( !    
affront1 :i* ! little *ildr5 ( ,be!l    

gave ! prophet ,eli%a1 8 curs+ !m1 & _! 
de/ruction by ! be>s1 has ! appe>ance ( 
a fable4 ,t ,eli%a %\ld be s exasp]at$  
at ! *ildr5 = call+ him bald head1 &    
tell+ him to g up1 0 r a sample ( ill   
bre$+2 mo/ g5tlem5 w\ld h laugh$ at !   
joke1 in/ead ( curs+ !m1 or be+         
in/rum5tal 9 _! de/ruction1 by m]ciless1
 wild & voraci\s bea/s4 ,?\gh ! *ildr5 7
 saucy1 yet a man ( any consid]able     
c&or1 w\ld h made all[ance = _! non-age1
 = *ildhood & y\? are vanity4 ,& he w5t 
up f !nce unto ,be!l1 & z he 0 go+ up by
 ! way1 !re came =? little *ildr5 out ( 
! city & mock$ him1 & said unto him1 g  
up ?\ bald-head1 g up ?\ bald-head1 & he
 turn$ back & look$ on !m1 & he curs$ !m
 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l1 & !re came =? two %e   
be>s out ( ! wood1 & t>e =ty & two      
*ildr5 ( !m4 ,x seems by ! *ildr5's     
address to ,eli%a1 t he 0 an old        
bald-head$ man1 & t !y _h he>d1 t 8     
mate1 ,elijah1 _h gone up a little be=e2
 & z x 0 an uncommon ?+ = m5 to kite    
away into ! air1 & leave ! _w aft] t    

sort1 x is likely t x excit$ a curiosity
 9 ! *ildr5 to see ,eli%a g (f ) himself
 9 ! same mann]1 :i* occasion$ _!       
p>ticul> mode ( spee* to him1 say+1 g up
 bald head4 ,! writ+s ( ,solomon1 ,song 
( ,israel1 mu/ ne$s h be5 foi/$ into !  
canonical volume by "s means or o!r1 =  
no "o passage !re9 gives ! lea/         
intimation ( inspiration1 or t he _h any
 imm$iate dictation f ,god 9 8          
compositions1 b oh ! contr>y1 he in=ms  
u1 t he acquir$ 8 k by apply+ himself to
 wisdom1 to seek & to se>* out conc]n+  
all ?+s t are done "u ! sun4 ,?is sore  
travail1 says he1 has ,god giv5 to !    
sons ( m5 to be ex]cis$ !re)4 ,& s9ce   
,solomon nev] pret5d$ to inspiration1   
o!rs _c ju/ly claim 8 writ+s to h be5   
any?+ m ?an natural reason+s1 = :o c1 ) 
propriety /amp 8 writ+s ) div9e         
au?ority1 :5 he pret5d$ no su* ?+1 b !  
contr>y8 ,8 song ( songs appe>s to be r 
( ! amor\s k9d1 & is suppos$ to h be5   
writt5 at ! "t he 0 mak+ love to !      
daught] ( ,ph>aoh1 ,k+ ( ,egypt1 :o is  

said to h be5 a pr9cess ( exquisite     
beauty & exce$+ coy1 & s captivat$ 8    
affections t x made him light head$ & s+
 ab\t ! jo9ts ( h] ?ighs1 & h] belly4   
,! div9e legation ( ,moses & ! prophets 
is r5d]$ que/ionable f ! consid]ation t 
!y nev] taught ! doctr9e ( immortality1 
_! rew>ds & puni%m5ts are altoge!r      
tempor>y1 t]m9at+ at dea?2 !y h n s mu* 
z exhibit$ any speculation ( surviv+ !  
grave2 to ?is is ascrib$ ! unbelief ( ! 
,sadducees ( ! resurrection ( ! dead1 or
 ( an angel or _s1 z !y /r5u\sly adh]$  
to ! law ( ,moses1 = !y c\ld n imag9e1 b
 t _! great prophet & law giv] w\ld h   
appris$ !m ( a /ate ( immortality _h x  
be5 true2 & 9 ?is ! ,sadducees seem to  
argue ) =ce on _! position ( ! div9e    
legation ( ,moses4 ,= admitt+ ! reality 
( man's immortality1 x appe>s incr$ible 
to suppose1 t ,god %\ld h specially     
commission$ ,moses1 z 8 prophet &       
in/ructor to ! tribes ( ,israel1 & n )al
 to h in/ruct$ !m 9 ! important doctr9e 
( a future exi/5ce4  ,,secton ,,iii4    

,,dreams ,,or ,,visions ,,unc]ta9 ,,&   
,,*im]ical ,,*annel444  ,,= ,,!         
,,conveyance ,,( ,,revelation2 ,,)      
,,rem>ks ,,on ,,! ,,communication ,,(   
,,! ,,holy ,,gho/ ,,to ,,! ,,disciples1 
,,by ,,! ,,pray]s ,,& ,,lay+ ,,on ,,(   
,,! ,,apo/les ,,h&s1 ,,) ,,obs]vations  
,,on ,,! ,,div9e ,,dictations ,,( ,,!   
,,fir/ ,,promulgators ,,( ,,! ,,gospel1 
,,& ,,an ,,acc\nt ,,( ,,! ,,elect       
,,lady1 ,,& ,,h] ,,new ,,sect>y ,,(     
,,%ak]s4  ,x appe>s f ! writ+s ( !      
prophets & apo/les1 t "p ( _!           
revelations 7 communicat$ to !m by      
dreams & visions1 :i* h no o!r exi/5ce b
 9 ! imag9ation1 & are def9$ to be !    
images :i* appe> to ! m9d dur+ sleep1   
figuratively1 a *im]a1 a gr\ndless fancy
 or conceit1 )\t reason4 ,our exp]i5ce  
agrees ) ?is def9ition1 & ev9ces t !re  
is no tru/ to be repos$ 9 !m4 ,!y are   
fictiti\s images ( ! m9d1 n "u ! control
 ( ! und]/&+1 & !re=e n reg>d$ at ?is   
day except by ! cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s1 :o
 /ill reta9 a v5]ation = !m4 ,b t a     

revelation f ,god to man1 to be cont9u$ 
to ! late/ po/]ity z a div9e & p]fect   
rule ( duty or law1 %\ld be communicat$ 
?r\gh su* a fictiti\s & *im]ical *annel1
 c>ries ) x ! evid5t m>ks ( deception   
itself1 or ( un9telligibl5ess1 z appe>s 
f ! vision ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,x is n exp$i5t 
= me d\btless to glory1 ,i w come to    
visions & revelations ( ! ,"l2 ,i knew a
 man 9 ,*ri/ above f\rte5 ye>s ago1 :e!r
 9 ! body ,i _c tell1 or :e!r out ( !   
body ,i _c tell1 ,god kn[e? su* an "o   
caught up to ! ?ird heav5s4 ,& ,i knew  
su* a man1 :e!r 9 ! body or out ( ! body
 ,i _c tell1 ,god kn[e? h[ t he 0 caught
 up into ,p>adise & he>d unspeakable    
words :i* x is n lawful = a man to utt]4
 ,t ,god kn[e? ! :ole affair1 w n be    
disput$1 b t we %\ld und]/& x is        
impossible1 = ! apo/le's acc\nt ( 8     
vision is un9telligible2 x appe>s t he 0
 r 9 a delirium or a /upor1 s t he knew 
n t :e!r he 0 9 or out ( ! body3 he says
 he he>d unspeakable words1 b ?is       
communicates no intellig5ce ( !         

subject-matt] ( !m to u2 & t !y 7 n     
lawful = a man to utt]1 b :at !y 71 or  
:]e9 _! unlawfulness to be utt]$ by man 
consi/$1 he does n in=m u4 ,8 revelation
 f 8 own /ory 0 unspeakable & unlawful1 
& s he told u no?+ :at x 01 nor does x  
compose any "p ( revelation1 :i* is to  
make kn[n4 ,he is explicit z to 8 be+   
caught up to ! ?ird heav51 b h[ he c\ld 
und]/& t is incr$ible1 :5 at ! same "t  
he knew n :e!r he 0 9 ! body or out ( ! 
body2 & if he 0 9 su* a delirium t he   
did n "k s dome/ic a matt] z t1 x is n  
to be suppos$ t he c\ld be a compet5t   
judge :e!r he 0 at ! fir/1 second1 ?ird1
 or f\r? heav51 or :e!r he 0 advanc$    
above ! surface ( ! e>?1 or n4  ,t !    
apo/les 9 _! m9i/ry 7 dictat$ by ! ,holy
 ,gho/1 9 ! settlem5t ( disputable      
doctr9es1 is highly que/ionable4 ,=asmu*
 z we h he>d t c]ta91 :i* w5t out f u h 
tr\bl$ y ) words1 subv]t+ y\r s\ls1     
say+1 ye mu/ be circumcis$ & keep ! law1
 to :om we gave no su* comm&m5t1 = x    
seem$ good to ! ,holy ,gho/1 & to u1 to 

lay ^u y no o!r burd5 ?an ^! necess>y   
?+s4 ,acts #ae4 ,& aft] hav+ giv5 a     
hi/ory ( ! disputations conc]n+         
circumcision1 & ( keep+ ! law ( ,moses1 
& ( ! result ( ! c\ncil1 ! same *apt]   
in=ms u1 t a cont5tion happ5$ s %>p     
betwe5 ,paul & ,b>nabas1 t !y p>t$      
asund] ! "o f ! o!r4 ,_h ! ,holy ,gho/  
be5 ! dictator ( ! fir/ tea*]s (        
,*ri/ianity1 z individuals1 !re c\ld h  
be5 no disputable doctr9es or           
controv]sies1 respect+ ! religion :i* !y
 7 promulgat+ 9 ! _w or 9 ! mann] ( do+ 
x1 to be ref]r$ to a g5]al c\ncil ( !   
apo/les & eld]s held at ,j]usalem1 = _h 
!y be5 direct$ by ! ,holy ,gho/1 !re    
c\ld h be5 no controv]sies among !m to h
 ref]r$ to ! c\ncil4 ,& inasmu* z !     
,holy ,gho/ neglect$ !m z individuals1  
:y is x n z likely t x neglect$ to      
dictate ! c\ncil held at ,j]usalem or   
else:]e8 ,x seems t ! ,holy ,gho/ no    
o!rwise direct$ !m 9 _! plan ( religion1
 ?an by ! g5]al c\ncil ( ! apo/les &    
eld]s1 ! same z all o!r communities are 

gov]n$4 ,paul hav+ pass$ ?r\gh ! upp]   
coa/s came to ,ephesus1 & f9d+ c]ta9    
disciples1 he said unto !m h ye receiv$ 
! ,holy ,gho/ s9ce ye believ$8 & !y said
 unto him we h n s mu* z he>d :e!r !re  
be any ,holy ,gho/2 & :5 ,paul _h laid 8
 h&s ^u !m1 ! ,holy ,gho/ came on !m1 & 
!y spoke ) tongues & prophesi$4  ,! _s (
 ,god is t :i* con/itutes ! div9e       
ess5ce1 & makes him to be :at he is1 b t
 he %\ld be dictat$1 or 8 _s be         
communicat$ by any acts or c]emonies ( !
 apo/les1 is by no means admissible2 =  
su* ex]tions ( ! apo/les1 s f> z !y may 
be suppos$ to communicate ! holy _s to  
_! disciples1 w\ld h made ,god passive 9
 ! premis$ act ( ! gift ( ! _s2 = x mu/ 
h be5 ei!r ! imm$iate act ( ,god or ( ! 
apo/les1 & if x 0 ! imm$iate act ( ! "o1
 x c\ld n h be5 ! imm$iate act ( ! o!r4 
,to suppose t ! act ( ! gift ( ! _s 0 ! 
m]e act ( ,god1 & at ! same "t ! m]e act
 ( ! apo/les1 are propositions          
diametrically oppos$ to ea* o!r1 & _c   
bo? be true4 ,b x may be suppos$ t !    

gift ( ! _s 0 p>tly ! act ( ,god & p>tly
 ! act ( ! apo/les2 admitt+ ?is to h be5
 ! case ! consequ5ces w\ld foll[1 t !   
act ( ! gift ( ! _s 0 p>tly div9e &     
p>tly human1 & !re=e ! b5efic5ce & glory
 ( ! grant ( ! gift ( ! _s unto !       
disciples1 w\ld belong p>tly to ,god &  
p>tly to ! apo/les1 & 9 an exact        
proportion to t :i* ,god & !y may be    
suppos$ to h respectively contribut$    
t[>ds ! m>vell\s act ( ! gift ( ! _s4 ,b
 t ,god %\ld act 9 p>tn]%ip ) man1 or   
%>e 8 provid5ce & glory ) him1 is too   
absurd to dem& argum5tative confutation1
 especially 9 an act :i* imm$iately     
respects ! display or ex]tion ( ! div9e 
_s on ! spirits ( m54  ,su* delusions h 
tak5 place 9 e age ( ! _w s9ce hi/ory   
has atta9$ to any consid]able degree (  
intellig5ce2 nor is !re at pres5t a     
nation on e>?1 b :at is m or less       
infatuat$ ) delusory notions ( !        
imm$iate influ5ce ( good or evil spirits
 on _! m9ds4 ,a rec5t in/ance ( x appe>s
 9 ! ,elect ,lady 7z %e has se5 fit to  

/yle h]self7 & h] foll[]s1 call$ ,%ak]s2
 ?is pret5d$ holy woman began h]        
religi\s s*eme at ,conne/aguna2 9 !     
nor?we/>dly "p ( ! ,/ate ( ,new ,york1  
ab\t ! ye> #agfi1 & has add$ a new      
sect>y to ! religi\s catalogue4 ,aft]   
hav+ in/ill$ h] t5ets among !           
,conne/agunites1 & ! adjac5t            
inhabitants1 %e rambl$ into sev]al p>ts 
( ! c\ntry1 promulgat+ h] religion1 &   
has ga9$ a consid]able numb] ( scatt]+  
proselytes1 n only 9 ! ,/ate ( ,new     
,york1 b "s 9 ! ,new ,engl& ,/ates4 ,%e 
has s wr\ght on ! m9ds ( h] female      
devotees1 respect+ ! fad+ nature1 vanity
 & tempt+ allurem5ts ( _! ornam5ts 7:i* 
by ! by are n pl5ty among h] foll[]s17 &
 ! deceitfulness ( ri*es1 t %e has      
procur$ f !m a consid]able numb] ( /r+s 
( gold beads & jewels1 & amass$ a small 
treasure2 & l mo/ sect>ies engrosses !  
k+dom ( heav5 to h]self & h] foll[]s1 to
 ! seclusion ( all o!rs4 ,%e gives out t
 h] mission is imm$iately f heav51 t %e 
travails 9 pa9 = h] elect1 & pret5ds to 

talk 9 sev5ty-two unkn[n languages1 9   
:i* %e conv]ses ) ^? :o h dep>t$ ?is    
life1 & says1 t !re has1 n be5 a true   
*ur* on e>? s9ce ! apo/les days until %e
 _h erect$ h]s4 ,t bo? ! liv+ & ! dead  
mu/ be sav$ 91 by1 & ?r\gh h]1 & t !y   
mu/ confess _! s9s unto h] & procure h] 
p>don1 or _c be sav$4 ,t e ( ! human    
race :o h di$ s9ce ! apo/le's "t1 until 
h] *ur* 0 set up has be5 damn$1 & t !y  
are cont9ually mak+ int]cession to h] = 
salvation1 :i* is ! occasion ( h] talk+ 
to !m 9 ^? unkn[n tongues2 & t %e ga!rs 
h] elect f e>? & hell4 ,%e :olly refuses
 to give a reason = :at %e does or says3
 b says t x is ! duty ( mank9d to       
believe 9 h]1 & receive h] in/ructions1 
= !y are infallible4  ,= a "t %e        
prohibit$ h] disciples f propagat+ _!   
species1 b soon aft] gave !m ample      
lic5se1 re/rict+ !m1 indiscrim9ately1 to
 ! pale ( h] sanctifi$ *ur*1 = t %e ne$$
 m s\ls to complete ! numb] ( h] elect4 
,among o!r ?+s1 %e in/ructs ^? :o are "y
 & sprightly among h] pupils1 to        

practise ! mo/ wild1 freaki%1 wanton &  
romantic ge/ures1 z to t ( indec5tly    
/ripp+ !mselves1 twirl+ r\nd1 extort+ _!
 features1 %ak+ & twit*+ _! bodies &    
limbs into a v>iety ( odd & unusual     
ways1 & _m o!r extravagancies ( ext]nal 
behavior1 9 ! practice ( :i* !y are said
 to be v al]t ev5 to ! a/oni%m5t (      
spectators1 hav+ by use acquir$ an      
uncommon agility 9 su* twirl+1 freaki% &
 romantic practices4 ,! old ,lady hav+  
su* an asc5dancy ov] !m z to make !m    
believe t ^? extravagant actions 7      
occasion$ by ! imm$iate p[] ( ,god1 x   
s]ves among !m z a pro( ( ! div9ity ( h]
 doctr9es4  ,a m p>ticul> acc\nt ( ?is  
new sect>y has be5 lately publi%$ 9 a   
pamphlet by a ,mr4 ,ra?burn1 :o1 z he   
relates1 0 = a "t1 "o ( h] delud$       
disciples1 b aft] a :ile apo/atis$ f !  
fai?1 & has s9ce ann\nc$ to ! _w !      
p>ticul>s ( _! doctr9e & conduct4       
,probably !re nev] 0 any p or c\ntry1   
s9ce ! era ( hi/orical k1 :o 7 m        
confid5t ?an !y t !y are act$ ^u by !   

imm$iate ag5cy ( ! div9e _s2 & z !re are
 facts n[ exi/+ 9 a consid]able tract ( 
c\ntry1 & are notori\sly kn[n 9 ?is "p (
 ,am]ica1 ,i take ! lib]ty to m5tion !m1
 z a k ( ^! facts1 toge!r ) ! concurr5t 
te/imony ( ! hi/ory ( su* deceptions 9  
all ages & nations1 might induce my     
c\ntrym5 to exam9e /rictly into ! claim 
& reality ( gho/ly intellig5ce 9 g5]al4 
,,*apt] ,,viii4     ,,secton ,i4 ,,( ,,!
 ,,nature ,,( ,,fai? ,,& ,,:]e9 ,,x     
,,consi/s  ,fai? 9 ,jesus ,*ri/ & 9 8   
,gospel ?r\gh\t ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is     
repres5t$ to be an ess5tial condition ( 
! et]nal salvation ( mank9d4 ,kn[+ t a  
man is n ju/ifi$ by ! works ( ! law1 b  
by ! fai? ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ev5 we h      
believ$ 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 t we might be   
ju/ifi$ by ! fai? ( ,*ri/1 & n by !     
works ( ! law1 = by ! works ( ! law %all
 no fle% be ju/ifi$4 ,aga91 ,if ?\ %alt 
confess ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/1 & believe 9 
?9e he>t t ,god ha? rais$ him f ! dead1 
?\ may/ be sav$4 ,& aga91 ,he t believe?
 & is baptiz$ %all be sav$1 b he t      

believe? n %all be damn$4 ,fai? is ! la/
 result ( ! und]/&+1 or ! same :i* we   
call ! conclusion1 x is ! consequ5ce ( a
 great] or less d$uction ( reason+ f    
c]ta9 premises previ\sly laid d[n2 x is 
! same z believ+ or ,judg+ ( any matt] (
 fact1 or ass5t+ to or diss5t+ f ! tru? 
( any doctr9e1 sy/em or position2 s t to
 =m a judgm5t1 or to come to a          
det]m9ation 9 "o's own m9d1 or to       
believe1 or to h fai?1 is 9 reality !   
same ?+1 & is synonym\sly appli$ bo? 9  
writ+ & speak+1 = example1 ,abraham     
believ$ 9 ,god4 ,aga91 = he1 speak+ (   
,abraham1 judg$ him fai?ful :o _h       
promis$1 & aga9 8 fai? 0 c\nt$ unto him 
= righte\sness4 ,x is n only 9 scripture
 t we meet ) examples ( ! ?ree words1 to
 wit1 belief1 judgm5t1 & fai?1 to /& = !
 m>ks ( our ideas = ! same ?+1 b also   
all intelligible writ]s & speak]s apply 
^! phrases synonym\sly1 & x w\ld be good
 gramm> & s5se1 = u to say t we h fai? 9
 a univ]sal provid5ce1 or t we judge t  
!re is a univ]sal provid5ce4 ,^! ?ree   

diff]5t phrases1 9 communicat+ our ideas
 ( provid5ce1 d e "o ( !m exhibit ! same
 idea1 to all p]sons ( common und]/&+1  
:o are acqua9t$ ) ! ,engli% language4 ,9
 f9e1 e "o's exp]i5ce may conv9ce !m t  
!y _c ass5t to1 or diss5t f ! tru? ( any
 matt] ( fact1 doctr9e or proposition   
:atev]1 contr>y to _! judgm5t2 = ! act (
 ! m9d 9 ass5t+ to or diss5t+ f any     
position1 or 9 hav+ fai? or belief 9    
favor (1 or aga9/ any doctr9e1 sy/em1 or
 proposition1 c\ld n am\nt to any?+ m or
 less1 ?an ! act ( ! judgm5t1 or la/    
dictate ( ! und]/&+1 :e!r ! und]/&+ be  
suppos$ to be rightly in=m$ or n3 s t   
our fai? 9 all cases is z liable to err1
 z our reason is to misjudge ( ! tru?2 &
 our m9ds act fai? 9 disbeliev+ any     
doctr9e or sy/em ( religion to be true1 
z mu* z 9 believ+ x to be s4 ,f h5ce x  
appe>s1 t ! m9d _c act fai? 9 opposition
 to its judgm5t1 b t x is ! resolution (
 ! und]/&+ itself committ$ to memory or 
writ+1 & c nev] be consid]$ di/9ct f x4 
,& inasmu* z fai? necess>ily results f  

reason+1 =c+ itself ^u our m9ds by !    
evid5ce ( tru?1 or ! mi/ak5 appreh5sion 
( x1 )\t any act ( *oice ( ours1 !re _c 
be any ?+1 :i* p]ta9s to1 or p>takes ( !
 nature ( moral good or evil 9 x4 ,= u  
to believe su* doctr9es1 or sy/ems (    
religion1 z appe>s to be cr$ibly        
recomm5d$ to our reason1 c no m p>take (
 ! nature ( goodness or morality1 ?an   
our natural eyes may be suppos$ to      
p>take ( x 9 _! p]ception ( colors2 = ! 
fai? ( ! m9d1 & ! sight ( ! eye are bo? 
( !m necess>y consequ5ces1 ! "o results 
f ! reason+s ( ! m9d1 & ! o!r f !       
p]ception ( ! eye4 ,to suppose a        
rational m9d )\t ! ex]cise ( fai? w\ld  
be z absurd z to suppose a prop] &      
complete eye )\t sight1 or ! p]ception (
 ! common objects ( t s5se4 ,! %ort ( ! 
matt] is ?is1 t )\t reason we c\ld n h  
fai?1 & )\t ! eye or eyes we c\ld n see1
 b once admitt+ t we are rational1 fai? 
foll[s ( c\rse1 naturally result+ f !   
dictates ( reason4     ,,secton ,,ii4   
,,( ,,! ,,traditions ,,( ,,our ,,=efa!rs

  ,x may be object$1 t ! f> great] "p ( 
mank9d believe accord+ to ! tradition ( 
_! =efa!rs1 )\t exam9+ into ! gr\nds (  
x1 & t argum5tative d$uctions f ! reason
 & nature ( ?+s1 h1 ) ! bulk ( !m1 b    
little or no influ5ce on _! fai?4       
,admitt+ ?is to h be5 too mu* ! case1 & 
t _m ( !m h be5 blameable = ! omission (
 cultivat+ or improv+ _! reason1 & = n  
=m+ a bett] judgm5t conc]n+ _!          
respective traditions1 or a ju/] & m    
exalt$ fai?2 yet ?is does n at all      
invalidate ! =ego+ argum5ts respect+ !  
nature ( fai?3 = ?\gh x be admitt$ t mo/
 ( ! human race d n1 or w n reason1 )   
any consid]able degree ( propriety1 on !
 traditions ( _! =efa!rs1 b receive !m  
implicitly1 !y nev]!less e/abli% ?is "o 
proposition 9 _! m9ds1 "r or wrong1 t _!
 respective traditions are "r1 = none   
c\ld believe 9 !m 7 !y possess$ ( ! k t 
!y 7 wrong4 ,& z we h a natural bias 9  
favor ( our prog5itors1 to ^: memory a  
tribute ( reg>d is ju/ly due1 & ^: c>e 9
 h&+ d[n f fa!r to son su* notions (    

religion & mann]s1 z !y suppos$ w\ld be 
= ! well be+ & happ9ess ( _! po/]ity 9  
?is & ! com+ _w1 naturally ende>s       
tradition to u1 & prompts u to receive &
 v5]ate x4 ,add to ?is1 t ! prie/s ( e  
d5om9ation are in/ant 9 season & out (  
season1 9 inculcat+ & in/ill+ ! same    
t5ets1 :i*1 ) ! =ego+ consid]ations1    
induces mank9d 9 g5]al to give at lea/ a
 tacit cons5t to _! respective          
traditions1 & )\t a ?or\gh inve/igation 
!re(1 believe !m to be "r & v commonly  
infallible1 al?\gh _! exam9ations are n 
att5d$ ) argum5tative reason+s1 f !     
nature ( ?+s2 & 9 ! same proportion z !y
 may be suppos$ to fall %ort (          
conclusive argu+ on _! respective       
traditions !y _c fail to be deceiv$ 9 ! 
rationality ( _! fai?4  ,b aft] all x   
may be t "s ( ! human race may h be5    
traditionally or accid5tally "r1 9 _m or
 mo/ respects4 ,admitt+ x to be s1 yet  
!y _c h any rational enjoym5t ( x1 or   
und]/& :]e9 ! tru? ( ! premis$ "r       
tradition consi/s1 or d$uce any m       

satisfaction f x1 ?an o!rs ^: traditions
 may be suppos$ to be wrong2 = x is ! k 
( ! discov]y ( tru? alone1 :i* is       
gratify+ to t m9d :o contemplates its   
sup]lative beauty4  ,t tradition has _h 
a p[]ful influ5ce on ! human m9d is     
univ]sally admitt$1 ev5 by ^? :o are    
gov]n$ by x 9 ! articles or discipl9e ( 
_! fai?2 = ?\gh !y are bl9d ) respect to
 _! own sup]/ition1 yet !y c p]ceive &  
despise x 9 o!rs4 ,prote/ants v readily 
disc]n & expose ! weak side ( ,pop]y1 & 
,papi/s are z ready & acute 9 discov]+ !
 errors ( h]etics4 ,) equal facility d  
,*ri/ians & ,mahometans spy out ea* o!rs
 inconsi/5cies & bo? h an admirable     
sagacity to descry ! sup]/ition ( !     
hea!n nations4 ,nor are ! ,jews2 :olly  
sil5t 9 ?is matt]2 ,o ,god ! hea!n are  
come into ?9e inh]itance1 ?y holy temple
 h !y defil$4 ,:at abom9ation mu/ ?is h 
be5 9 ! op9ion ( a nation :o _h         
monopoliz$ all religion to !mselves6    
,mon/r\s vile hea!n1 t !y %\ld presume  
to approa* ! sanctum sanctorum6 ,!      

,*ri/ians call ! ,mahometans by ! odi\s 
"n ( infidels1 b ! ,musslem51 9 _!      
op9ion1 _c call ! ,*ri/ians by a worse  
"n ?an t :i* !y h giv5 !mselves1 !y     
!re=e call !m ,*ri/ians4  ,:at has be5  
already obs]v$ ^u tradition1 is         
suffici5t to admoni% u ( its errors &   
sup]/itions1 & ! prejudices to :i* a    
bigot$ atta*m5t !reto exposes u1 :i* is 
abundantly suffici5t to excite u to a   
c>eful exam9ation ( our respective      
traditions1 & n to re/ satisfi$ until we
 h regulat$ our fai? by reason4         
,,secton ,,iii4 ,,our ,,fai? ,,is       
,,gov]n$ ,,by ,,our ,,reason+s444       
,,:e!r ,,!y ,,are ,,suppos$ ,,to ,,be   
,,conclusive ,,or ,,inconclusive1 ,,&   
,,n ,,m]ely ,,by ,,our ,,own ,,*oice  ,x
 is writt5 t ,fai? is ! gift ( ,god4 ,be
 x s1 b is fai? any m ! gift ( ,god ?an 
reflection1 memory or reason are 8      
gifts8 ,0 x n = memory1 we c\ld n reta9 
9 our m9ds ! judgm5t :i* we h pass$ ^u  
?+s2 & 0 x n = reason+1 9 ei!r a regul> 
or irregul> mann]1 or p>tly bo?1 !re    

c\ld be no su* ?+ z judg+ or believ+2 s 
t ,god c\ld n be/[ ! gift ( fai? sep>ate
 f ! gift ( reason1 fai? be+ ! m]e      
consequ5ce ( reason+1 ei!r "r or wrong1 
or 9 a great] or less degree1 z has be5 
previ\sly argu$4  ,/ill !re is a knotty 
text ( scripture to surm\nt1 viz3 ,he t 
believe? %all be sav$1 b he t believe? n
 %all be damn$4 ,?is text is consid]$ z 
cr[d+ h>d ^u unbeliev]s 9 ,*ri/ianity2 b
 :5 x is critically exam9$1 x w be f\nd 
n to militate at all aga9/ !m1 b is     
m]ely a ,jesuitical fet* to ov]awe "s & 
make o!rs wond]4 ,we w premise1 t an    
unbeliev] is de/itute ( fai?1 :i* is !  
cause ( 8 be+ ?us d5om9at$4 ,! ,*ri/ian 
believes ! gospel to be true & ( div9e  
au?ority1 ! ,dei/ believes t x is n true
 & n ( div9e au?ority2 s t ! ,*ri/ian & 
,dei/ are bo? ( !m believ]s1 & accord+  
to ! express words ( ! text1 %all be    
sav$1 & a ,dei/ may z well retort ^u a  
,*ri/ian & call him an infidel1 because 
he diff]s 9 fai? f him1 z a ,*ri/ian may
 ^u ! ,dei/2 = !re is ! same impropriety

 9 apply+ ! cant ( infidelity to ei!r1 z
 bo? are believ]s2 & x is impossible = u
 to believe contr>y to our judgm5ts or !
 dictates ( und]/&+1 :e!r x be rightly  
in=m$ or n4 ,:y !n may !re n 9 bo?      
d5om9ations be hone/ m51 :o are seek+   
aft] ! tru?1 & :o may h an equal "r to  
expect ! favor & salvation ( ,god4      
,,*apt] ,,ix4     ,,secton ,i4 ,a       
,,tr9ity ,,( ,,p]sons ,,_c ,,exi/ ,,9   
,,! ,,div9e ,,ess5ce444  ,,:e!r ,,!     
,,p]sons ,,be ,,suppos$ ,,to ,,be       
,,f9ite ,,or ,,inf9ite3 ,,) ,,rem>ks    
,,on ,,/4 ,,a!nasius',s ,,cre$  ,( all  
errors :i* h tak5 place 9 religion1 none
 h be5 s fatal to x z ^? t imm$iately   
respect ! div9e nature4 ,wrong notions (
 a ,god1 or ( 8 provid5ce1 sap its v    
f\ndation 9 !ory & practice1 z is evid5t
 f ! sup]/ition discov]able among !     
major "p ( mank9d2 :o1 in/ead ( wor%ipp+
 ! true ,god1 h be5 by "s means or o!r  
infatuat$ to pay div9e homage to m]e    
creatures1 or to idols made ) h&s1 or to
 su* z h no exi/5ce b 9 _! own f]tile   

imag9ations4  ,god be+ incompreh5sible  
to u1 we _c und]/& all t p]fection 9 :i*
 ! div9e ess5ce consi/s1 we c nev]!less 
7negatively7 compreh5d _m ?+s1 9 :i*    
7positively7 ! div9e ess5ce does n & _c 
consi/4  ,t x does n consi/ ( ?ree      
p]sons1 or ( any o!r numb] ( p]sons1 is 
z easily demon/rat$1 z t ! :ole is bigg]
 ?an a "p1 or any o!r proposition 9     
ma!matics4  ,we w premise1 t ! ?ree     
p]sons 9 ! suppos$ ,tr9ity are ei!r     
f9ite or inf9ite2 = !re _c 9 ! scale (  
be+ be a ?ird sort ( be+s betwe5 ^! two2
 = ev] s _m & exalt$ degrees 9 f9it5ess 
is /ill f9ite1 & t be+ :o is inf9ite    
admits ( no degrees ( enl>gem5t2 & z all
 be+s :atev] mu/ be limit$ or unlimit$1 
p]fect or imp]fect1 !y mu/ !re=e be     
d5om9at$ to be f9ite or inf9ite3 we w   
!re=e premise ! ?ree p]sons 9 ! ,tr9ity 
to be m]ely f9ite1 consid]$ p]sonally & 
individually f ea* o!r1 & ! "q w\ld     
arise :e!r ! suppos$ ,tr9ity ( f9ites   
?\gh unit$ 9 "o ess5ce1 c\ld be m ?an   
f9ite /ill4 ,inasmu* z ?ree imp]fect &  

circumscrib$ be+s unit$ toge!r c\ld n   
con/itute a be+ p]fect or inf9ite1 any m
 ?an absolute p]fection c\ld consi/ (   
?ree imp]fections2 :i* w\ld be ! same z 
to suppose t inf9ity c\ld be made up or 
comp\nd$ ( f9it5ess2 or t absolute1     
uncreat$ & inf9ite p]fection1 c\ld      
consi/ ( ?ree p]sonal & imp]fect        
natures4 ,b on ! o!r h&1 to consid] e ( 
! ?ree p]sons 9 ! suppos$ ,tr9ity z be+ 
absolutely inf9ite1 x w\ld be a d[nright
 contradiction to "o inf9ite & all      
compreh5d+ ess5ce4 ,admitt+ t ,god !    
,fa!r is inf9ite1 x w\ld necess>ily     
preclude ! suppos$ ,god ! ,son1 & ,god !
 ,holy ,gho/ f ! god-head1 or ess5ce (  
,god2 "o inf9ite ess5ce compreh5d+ e    
p[]1 excell5cy & p]fection1 :i* c       
possibly exi/ 9 ! div9e nature4 ,0 x    
possible t ?ree absolute inf9ites1 :i*  
is ! same z ?ree ,gods1 c\ld be conta9$ 
9 "o & ! self-same ess5ce1 :y n z well  
any o!r numb] ( inf9ites8 ,b z c]ta9 z  
inf9ity _c admit ( addition1 s c]ta9 a  
plurality ( inf9ites _c exi/ 9 ! same   

ess5ce2 = real inf9ity is /rict &       
absolute inf9ity1 & only t1 & _c be     
comp\nd$ ( inf9ities or ( p>ts1 b       
=ecloses all addition4 ,a p]sonal or    
circumscrib$ ,god1 implies z great &    
manife/ a contradiction z ! m9d ( man c 
conceive (2 x is ! same z a limit$      
omnipres5ce1 a weak ,almighty1 or a     
f9ite ,god4  ,f ! =ego+ argum5ts on !   
,tr9ity1 we inf]1 t ! div9e ess5ce _c   
consi/ ( a ,tr9ity ( p]sons1 :e!r !y are
 suppos$ to be ei!r f9ite or inf9ite4   
,! cre$-mong]s h exhibit$ ! doctr9e ( ! 
,tr9ity 9 an al>m+ po9t ( light1 viz43  
,:oev] w\ld be sav$ be=e all ?+s x is   
necess>y t he hold ! ,ca?olic fai?1 :i* 
fai?1 except e "o do? keep :ole &       
undefil$1 )\t d\bt he %all p]i%         
ev]la/+ly4 ,we next proce$ to ! doctr9e1
 ,! ,fa!r is et]nal1 ! ,son is et]nal1 &
 ! ,holy ,gho/ is et]nal1 & yet !re are 
n ?ree et]nals b "o et]nal4 ,! pla9     
,engli% is1 t ! ?ree p]sons 9 ! ,tr9ity 
are ?ree et]nals1 individually consid]$1
 & yet !y are n ?ree et]nals b "o       

et]nal4  ,to say t !re are ?ree et]nals 
9 ! ,tr9ity1 & yet t !re are n ?ree     
et]nals !re91 is a contradiction 9 t]ms1
 z mu* z to say1 t !re are ?ree p]sons 9
 ! ,tr9ity & yet !re are n ?ree p]sons 9
 ! ,tr9ity4  ,! fir/ proposition 9 !    
cre$ affirms1 t ! ,fa!r is et]nal1 !    
second affirms t ! ,son is et]nal1 !    
?ird affirms t ! ,holy ,gho/ is et]nal1 
! f\r? affirms t !re are n ?ree et]nals1
 & ! fif? t !re is b "o et]nal4  ,!     
read] w obs]ve1 t ! ?ree fir/           
propositions are d5i$ by ! f\r?1 :i*    
d5ies t !re are ?ree et]nals1 ?\gh !    
?ree fir/ propositions affirm$1 t !re 7 
?ree et]nals by "n1 viz4 ! ,fa!r1 ,son &
 ,holy ,gho/4 ,! fif? proposition is    
unconnect$ ) ei!r ( ! =m]1 & is         
und\bt$ly true1 viz4 b !re is "o et]nal4
 ,! ,fa!r is ,god1 ! ,son is ,god1 & !  
,holy ,gho/ is ,god1 & yet !re are n    
?ree ,gods b "o ,god4 ,"h aga9 we h ?ree
 ,gods by "n1 affirm$ to h an exi/5ce by
 ! ?ree fir/ propositions1 by ! f\r? !y 
are negativ$1 & ! fif? affirms ! tru?   

aga91 viz4 t !re is b "o ,god4  ,admitt+
 ! ?ree fir/ propositions to be true1 to
 wit1 t !re are ?ree ,gods1 ! ?ree c\ld 
n be "o & ! same ,god1 any m ?an ,diana1
 ,dagan & ,molo* may be suppos$ to be ! 
same2 & if ?ree ,gods1 _! ess5ces &     
provid5ces w\ld int]f]e & make univ]sal 
confusion & disord]4  ,! ,fa!r is       
,almighty1 ! ,son is ,almighty1 & !     
,holy ,gho/ is ,almighty1 & yet !re are 
n ?ree ,almighties b "o ,almighty4 ,"h  
we h ?ree ,almighties & at ! same "t b  
"o ,almighty4 ,s t ! po9t at issue is   
br\ght to ?is simple "q1 viz4 :e!r ?ree 
units c be "o1 or "o unit ?ree or n8    
,:i* is submitt$ to ! curi\s to det]m9e4
 ,our cre$ fur!r in=ms u1 t ! ?ree      
p]sons 9 ! ,tr9ity are co-et]nal toge!r 
& co-equal1 b 9 its sequel we are told t
 "o 0 begott5 ( ! o!r2 & :5 we adv]t to 
! hi/ory ( t transaction1 we f9d x to be
 n q eighte5 hundr$ ye>s ago1 & took    
place 9 ! reign ( ,h]od1 ! ,k+ ( ,judea1
 :i* fai? except we keep :ole & undef9$1
 we h a ?reat1 t )\t d\bt we %all p]i%  

ev]la/+ly4     ,,secton ,,ix4 ,,ess5ce  
,,be+ ,,! ,,cause ,,( ,,id5tity444  ,,is
 ,,inconsi/5t ,,) ,,p]sonality ,,9 ,,!  
,,div9e ,,nature  ,"o ,god c h b "o     
ess5ce1 :i* mu/ h be5 et]nal & inf9ite1 
& = t reason precludes all o!rs f a     
p>ticipation ( 8 nature1 glory1 &       
univ]sal & absolute p]fection4  ,:5 we  
speak ( any be+ :o by nature is capable 
( be+ rightfully d5om9at$ an individual1
 we conceive ( x to exi/ b 9 "o ess5ce2 
s t ess5ce z appli$ to ,god1 d5om9ates !
 div9e nature2 & z appli$ to man1 x     
d5otes an individual3 = al?\gh ! human  
race is ) propriety d5om9at$ ! race (   
man1 & ?\gh e male ( ! species1 is )    
equal propriety call$ man1 = t !y p>take
 ( "o common sort ( nature & lik5ess1   
yet ! respective individuals are n "o & 
! same4 ,! p]son ( ,a is n ! p]son ( ,b1
 nor are !y consci\s ( ea* o!r's        
consci\sness1 & !re=e ! joy or grief (  
,a1 is n & _c be ! joy or grief ( ,b2   
?is is :at we "k to be a fact f our own 
exp]i5ce4 ,! reason ( ?is p]sonal       

di/9ction is f\nd$ 9 nature1 = ?\gh we  
p>take ( "o common nature & lik5ess1 yet
 we d n p>take ( "o & ! same ess5ce4    
,ess5ce is !re=e1 9 ! ord] ( nature1 !  
prim>y cause ( id5tity or sam5ess & _c  
be divid$4  ,f h5ce we inf]1 t ! doctr9e
 ( ! ,tr9ity is de/itute ( f\ndation1 & 
t5ds manife/ly to sup]/ition & idolatry4
     ,,secton ,,iii4 ,,! ,,imp]fection  
,,( ,,k444  ,,9 ,,! ,,p]son ,,( ,,jesus 
,,*ri/1 ,,incompatible ,,) ,,8 ,,div9ity
  ,t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 n ,god is evid5t f 8
 own words1 :]e1 speak+ ( ! day (       
judgm5t1 he says1 ,( t day & h\r kn[e?  
no man1 no n ! angels :i* are 9 ,heav51 
nei!r ! ,son1 b ! ,fa!r4 ,?is is giv+ up
 all pret5tion to div9ity1 ackn[l$g+ 9 !
 mo/ explicit mann]1 t he did n "k all  
?+s1 b comp>es 8 und]/&+ to t ( man &   
angels2 ( t day & h\r kn[e? no man1 no n
 ! angels :i* are 9 heav51 nei!r ! ,son4
 ,?us he ranks himself ) f9ite be+s1 & )
 !m ackn[l$ges1 t he did n "k ! day &   
h\r ( judgm5t1 & at ! same "t ascribes a
 sup]iority ( k to ! la!r1 = t he knew !

 day & h\r ( judgm5t4  ,t he 0 a m]e    
creature is fur!r evid5t f 8 pray] to ! 
fa!r1 say+1 fa!r if x be possible1 let  
?is cup pass f me1 nev]!less1 n my w b  
?9e be done4 ,^! expressions speak =? ! 
mo/ humble submission to 8 fa!r's w1    
au?ority & gov]nm5t1 & h[ev] becom+ s   
submissive a disposition to ! div9e     
gov]nm5t w\ld be1 9 a creature1 x is    
utt]ly inconsi/5t & unwor?y ( a ,god1 or
 ( ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 admitt+ him  
to h be5 a div9e p]son1 or ( ! ess5ce ( 
,god4     ,,*apt] ,x4     ,,secton ,i4  
,,obs]vations ,,on ,,! ,,/ate ,,( ,,man1
 ,,9 ,,moses',s ,,p>adise444  ,,on ,,!  
,,tree ,,( ,,k ,,( ,,good ,,& ,,evil1   
,,& ,,on ,,! ,,tree ,,( ,,life3 ,,)     
,,speculations ,,on ,,! ,,div9e         
,,prohibition ,,to ,,man1 ,,n ,,to ,,eat
 ,,( ,,! ,,fruit ,,( ,,! ,,=m] ,,( ,,^? 
,,trees1 ,,int]sp]s$ ,,) ,,rem>ks ,,on  
,,! ,,mortality ,,( ,,innoc5t ,,man4  ,!
 mortality ( animal life1 & !           
dissolution ( t ( ! vegetable1 has be5  
p>ticul>ly consid]$ 9 *apt] ?ree1       

section f\r1 treat+ on physical evils4  
,we n[ proce$ to make an application (  
^? argum5ts1 9 ! case ( our reput$ fir/ 
p>5ts1 ^: mortality is repres5t$ by     
,moses to h tak5 place 9 consequ5ce ( _!
 eat+ ( ! =bidd5 fruit4  ,moses 9 8     
description ( ! g>d5 ( ,ed5 acqua9ts u )
 two *im]ical k9ds ( fruit trees1 :i*1  
among o!rs1 he tells u 7 plant$ by ,god 
9 ! place appo9t$ = ! resid5ce ( ! new  
made c\ple2 ! "o he calls by ! "n ( !   
tree ( k ( good & evil1 & ! o!r by ! "n 
( ! tree ( life4 ,& previ\s to 8 acc\nt 
( ! apo/acy1 he in=ms u1 t ,god         
expressly comm&$ ! man & woman1 say+1 be
 fruitful & multiply & repl5i% ! e>? &  
subdue x1 & h dom9ion ov] ! fi% ( ! sea1
 & ov] ! f[l ( ! air1 & ov] e liv+ ?+ t 
move? ^u ! e>?2 & ,god said1 behold ,i h
 giv5 y e h]b be>+ se$1 :i* is ^u1 !    
face ( all ! e>?1 & e tree1 9 :i* is !  
fruit ( a tree yield+ se$1 to y x %all  
be = meat4 ,aga91 & ! ,"l comm&$ ! man  
say+1 ( e tree ( ! g>d5 ?\ maye/ freely 
eat1 b ( ! tree ( k ( good & evil ?\    

%alt n eat ( x1 = 9 ! day t ?\ eate/    
!re( ?\ %alt surely die4 ,& ! ,"l said1 
x is n good = man to be alone1 ,i w make
 him an help meet = him2 & ! ,"l ,god   
caus$ a deep sleep to fall ^u ,adam1 &  
he slept1 & he took out "o ( 8 ribs1 &  
clos$ up ! fle% in/ead !re(1 & ! rib :i*
 ! ,"l ,god _h tak5 f man made he a     
woman4  ,?us x appe>s f ,moses's        
repres5tation ( ! /ate ( man's innoc5cy1
 t he 0 comm&$ by ,god to labor1 & to   
repl5i% ! e>?2 & t to him 0 giv5 !      
dom9ion ov] ! creatures1 & t at two     
sev]al times he 0 lic5s$ by ,god himself
 to eat ( e ( ! fruit ( ! trees1 & ( !  
h]bage1 except ( ! tree ( k ( good &    
evil2 & because x 0 n good t ! man %\ld 
be alone1 b t he might multiply &       
repl5i% ! e>?1 our amor\s "m ,eve1 x    
seems1 0 =m$1 :o ,i d>e say well        
comp5sat$ fa!r ,adam = ! loss ( 8 rib4  
,?is %ort description ( man's /ate &    
condition 9 innoc5cy1 agrees ) ! /ate & 
circum/ances ( human nature at pres5t4  
,innoc5t man 0 requir$ to labor & subdue

 ! e>?1 out ( :i* he 0 to be subsi/$2 _h
 a lic5se to eat ( ! fruit ( ! trees1 or
 h]bage ( ! g>d51 :i* pre-suppose? t 8  
nature ne$$ refre%m5t ! same z ours     
does2 = o!rwise x w\ld h be5 imp]t95t to
 h grant$ him a privilege incompatible )
 8 nature1 z x w\ld h be5 no privilege  
at all1 b an outright mock]y1 except we 
admit1 t innoc5t human nature 0 liable  
to decay1 ne$$ nutrition by food1 & _h !
 quality ( dige/ion & p]spiration2 or 9 
f9e1 _h ! same sort ( nature z we h2 =  
o!rwise he c\ld eat b "o belly-full1 :i*
 )\t dige/ion w\ld rema9 ! same1 & is   
too romantic to h be5 ! orig9al end &   
design ( eat+4 ,& ?\gh !re is no?+      
m5tion$ by ,moses conc]n+ 8 dr9k+1 yet x
 is altoge!r probable1 t he _h wit en\gh
 to dr9k :5 he 0 ?ir/y4 ,t he consi/$ ( 
animal nature is manife/1 n only f 8 be+
 subject$ to subdue ! e>?1 out ( :i* he 
0 to be subsi/$1 & f 8 eat+ & dr9k+1 or 
8 susceptibility ( nutrition by food1 b 
also f 8 prop5sity to propagate 8 k9d2 =
 :i* purpose a helpmate 0 made = him4   

,no?+ c\ld m fully ev9ce1 t ,moses's    
innoc5t prog5itors ( mank9d1 9 t /ate1 7
 ( a simil> nature to ours1 ?an _!      
susceptibility ( propagat+ ! species2 & 
z !y requir$ nutrition1 _! nature mu/ h 
_h ! quality or aptitude ( dige/ion &   
p]spiration1 & e prop]ty t at pres5t we 
ascribe to an animal nature2 f h5ce we  
inf]1 t dea?1 or mortality1 mu/ h be5 ! 
necess>y consequ5ce4 ,:at w\ld h prev5t$
 !m f hav+ be5 cru%$ to dea? by a fall f
 a precipice1 or f suff]+ dea? by any   
o!r casualty1 to :i* human nature is at 
pres5t liable8 w any suppose t ! bodies 
( ^? premis$ innoc5t prog5itors ( !     
human race 7 invuln]able2 7 !y n fle% & 
blood8 surely !y 71 = o!rwise !y c\ld n 
h be5 male & female2 z x 0 writt51 male 
& female creat$ he !m3 & inasmu* z      
animal life has1 f its orig9al1 consi/$ 
( ! same sort ( nature1 & be5 propagat$ 
& support$ 9 ! same mann]1 & obnoxi\s to
 ! same fate1 x w\ld und\bt$ly1 9 !     
premis$ day ( ,adam1 requir$ ! same ord]
 9 ! ext]nal sy/em ( nature1 :i* x does 

at pres5t1 to answ] ! purposes ( animal 
life4  ,0 x possible t ! laws ( nature1 
:i* m]ely respect gravitation1 c\ld be &
 7 susp5d$1 s z n to be influ5tial on   
matt]1 our _w w\ld be imm$iately        
disjo9t$ & out ( ord]1 & confusion w\ld 
succe$ its pres5t regul>ity2 9 !        
convulsions :]e( animal life c\ld n     
subsi/4 ,s t n only ! laws :i*          
imm$iately respect animal nature 9      
p>ticul>1 b ! laws :i* respect our sol> 
sy/em1 mu/ h be5 ! same 9 man's         
innoc5cy1 z 9 8 :imsically suppos$ /ate 
( apo/acy2 & consequ5tly1 8 mortality ! 
same4 ,f h5ce we inf]1 t ! curses1 :i*  
,moses in=ms u ( 9 *apt] ?ree3 z be+ by 
,god pron\nc$ ^u man1 say+1 du/ ?\ art1 
& unto du/ ?\ %alt return1 c\ld n h be5 
any puni%m5t1 inflict$ z a p5alty = eat+
 ! =bidd5 fruit2 = turn to du/ he mu/ h 
done1 :e!r he eat ( x or n2 = t dea? &  
dissolution 0 ! inevitable & irrev]sible
 condition ( ! law ( nature1 :i* :olly  
precludes ! curse1 ( :i* ,moses in=ms u1
 f hav+ any effect on mank9d4  ,! /ory (

 ! tree ( life is unnatural4 ,& !re be+ 
b "o ( ! k9d1 x may be call$ an only    
tree1 ! _w n hav+ produc$ ano!r ( !     
sort2 ! fruit ( :i*1 accord+ to ,moses1 
_h su* an efficaci\s quality1 t _h ,adam
 & ,eve b eat5 !re(1 !y w\ld h liv$     
=ev]4 ,& n[ le/ he put =? 8 h& & take   
also ( ! tree ( life1 & eat1 & live     
=ev]4 ,to prev5t :i*1 !y are said to be 
driv5 out ( ! g>d51 t ! eat+ !re( might 
n h rev]s$ ! s5t5ce ( ,god1 :i* he _h   
previ\sly pron\nc$ aga9/ !m1 d5\nc+ _!  
mortality4 ,s he drove out ! man1 & he  
plac$ at ! ea/ ( ! g>d5 ( ,ed51 *]ubims1
 & a flam+ sword1 :i* turne? e way to   
keep ! way ( ! tree ( life4 ,a bite (   
?is fruit x seems w\ld h re9/at$ mank9d1
 & spoil$ prie/craft4 ,yet x is         
obs]vable1 t !re are no travell]s or    
hi/orians1 :o h giv5 any acc\nts ( su* a
 tree1 or ( ! *]ubims or flam+ sword1   
:i* r5d]s its exi/5ce disputable1 & !   
reality ( x d\btful & improbable2 ! m s1
 z t "p ( ! c\ntry1 9 :i* x is said to h
 be5 plant$1 has = a long secession (   

ages be5 popul\sly inhabit$4  ,yet x may
 be object$1 t ! tree may h rott$ d[n & 
consum$ by "t4 ,b su* conjectures       
d]ogate f ! "* ( ! quality ( ! tree4 ,x 
seems1 t s m>vell\s a tree1 ! fruit (   
:i* w\ld h pres]v$ animal life et]nally1
 w\ld h laugh$ at "t1 & bid defiance to 
decay & dissolution1 & et]nally h rema9$
 9 its pri/9e /ate "u ! protection ( !  
flam+ sword1 z a p]petual evid5ce ( !   
div9e legation ( ,moses1 & ! reality (  
man's apo/acy = ev]4 ,b alas6 x is no   
:]e to be f\nd1 x is p]i%$ f (f ! face (
 ! e>?1 & su* a m>vell\s fruit is no m1 
& consequ5tly no rem$y aga9/ mortality  
rema9s4     ,,secton ,,ii4 ,,po9t+ ,,out
 ,,! ,,natural ,,impossibility ,,( ,,all
 ,,& ,,e444  ,,( ,,! ,,div]se ,,species 
,,( ,,bip$ ,,animals1 ,,commonly ,,t]m$ 
,,man1 ,,to ,,h ,,l9eally ,,desc5d$ ,,f 
,,adam ,,& ,,eve1 ,,or ,,f ,,! ,,same   
,,orig9al ,,prog5itors4  ,x is altoge!r 
improbable & manife/ly contradictory to 
suppose1 t ! v>i\s & div]se nations &   
tribes ( ! e>?1 :o walk ^u two legs1 &  

are includ$ "u ! t]m man1 h or possibly 
c\ld h desc5d$ by ord9>y g5]ation1 f !  
same p>5ts1 be !y suppos$ to be :o !y w4
  ,^? adv5tur]s1-:o h sail$ or travell$ 
to ! sev]al p>ts ( ! globe1 in=m u1 9 _!
 respective hi/ories1 t !y f9d !        
habitable "p ( x m or less populat$ by  
"o k9d or o!r ( rational animals1 & t   
consid]$ z tribes or nations1 !re is    
evid5tly a gradation ( intellectual     
capacity among !m1 "s m exalt$ & o!rs   
l[] 9 ! scale ( be+2 & t !y are         
specially div]se f ea* o!r ) respect to 
_! sev]al animal natures1 ?\gh 9 mo/    
respects !y appe> to h "o sort ( nature 
) u1 viz3 m l u t l ! brute creation2 z 
!y walk erect1 speak ) man's voice1 &   
make use ( language ( "o sort or o!r1   
?\gh _m ( !m are m or less in>ticulate 9
 _! mann] ( speak+3 & 9 _m o!r p>ticul>s
 be> a g5]al lik5ess to u4 ,!y are      
nev]!less consid]$ z di/9ct tribes or   
nations1 are ( diff]5t sizes1 & z to    
complexion1 !y v>y f ! two extremes (   
:ite & black1 9 a v>iety ( tawny m$iums4

  ,! le>n$ nations c trace _!           
g5ealogies1 7?\gh some:at incorrect7 = a
 consid]able "t1 b are c]ta9 to be soon]
 or lat] lo/ 9 ! retrospect !reon1 & ^? 
t are ( an inf]ior k9d1 or de/itute (   
le>n+ or sci5ce h no o!r k ( _!         
g5ealogies1 ?an !y reta9 by _!          
respective traditions1 :i* are v        
inconsid]able4 ,!y are likewise div]se f
 ea* o!r 9 _! features & 9 ! %ape ( _!  
bodies & limbs1 & "s are di/+ui%$ f o!rs
 by _! rank smell & ! diff]5ce 9 _!     
hair1 eyes & visage1 b to po9t out !    
di/9ctions w\ld exce$ my design4  ,!    
,e?iopians1 ?\gh ( a %9+ black          
complexion1 h regul> & beautiful        
features1 & long black hair 7"o ( ^?    
female beauties captivat$ ! affections (
 ,moses7 !y diff] v mat]ially f ! negro 
blacks1 s t x appe>s impossible t !y    
%\ld h desc5d$ 9 a l9eal succession f ! 
same ance/ors4 ,!y are uni=mly 9 _!     
respective g5]ations ess5tially div]se f
 ea* o!r1 s t an issue f a male & female
 ( ! two nations w\ld be a mongrel1     

p>tak+ p>tly ( ! k9d ( bo? nations4 ,s  
also conc]n+ ! diff]5ce :i* subsi/s     
betwe5 u & ! negroes2 _! black sk9 is b 
"o ( ! p>ticul>s 9 :i* !y are diff]5t f 
u2 _! _m & v ess5tial diff]5ces fully   
ev9ce1 t ! :ite nations1 & !y1 c\ld n   
accord+ to ! law ( _! respective        
g5]ations1 h _h "o & ! same l9eal       
orig9al1 b t !y h _h _! div]se k9d (    
orig9al prog5itors4  ,x is true t !     
sev]al nations & tribes ( ! e>?1        
compreh5d$ "u ! g5]al t]m man1 not)/&+  
_! div]sity to ea* o!r 9 bodily %ape &  
m5tal p[]s1 be> a ne>] resemblance to "o
 ano!r ?an ! brute k9d1 = :i* reason !y 
are kn[n by "o common appellation3 ?\gh 
x is manife/ t !y c\ld nev] h l9eally   
desc5d$ f ! same fir/ p>5ts1 :e!r _!    
names 7 ,adam & ,eve1 or :at n4  ,b     
inasmu* z our g5ealogies are :olly      
insuffici5t = ! purpose ( expla9+ our   
respective orig9als or any or ei!r ( !m1
 or to give u or any ( u1 consid]$ z    
individuals or nations1 :o fall "u !    
d5om9ation ( ! t]m man1 any mann] (     

insight or k f :om we are l9eally       
desc5d$1 or :o 7 our respective orig9al 
ance/ors1 or :at _! names 73 we mu/     
!re=e reason on ?is subject f ! facts & 
causes n[ exi/+1 :i* abundantly ev9ce1 t
 we are ( diff]5t k9ds1 & consequ5tly   
are n ( ! same l9eage4  ,! acqua9tance1 
:i* we h _h ) ! negro nation 9 p>ticul>1
 fully ev9ces ! absurdity ( suppos+ !m  
to be ( ! same blood & k9dr$ )          
ourselves4 ,b t !re are "s orig9al      
intr9sic & h]$it>y div]sity or ess5tial 
diff]5ce betwe5 u & !m1 :i* _c be       
ascrib$ to "t1 climate1 or to m]e       
cont+5ce4  ,= t we & !y are 9 nature    
inh]5tly & uni=mly div]se f ea* o!r 9   
our respective con/itutions & g5]ations1
 & h be5 s "t immemorial4 ,s t ! negroes
 are ( a diff]5t species ( rational be+s
 f u1 & consequ5tly mu/ h _h _! di/9ct  
l9eal orig9al2 0 x n s1 !re c\ld be no  
su* ?+ z a mongrel or a mulatto1 :o is  
occasion$ by a copulation betwe5 ! males
 & ! females ( ! respective div]se      
species1 ! issue p>tak+ ( bo? natures4  

,_h all ! nations & tribes ( ! _w1 :o   
are d5om9at$ rational1 be5 l9eally      
desc5d$ f ! same prog5itors1 mongrelism 
c\ld nev] h tak5 place among !m1 z 9 ?is
 case !y w\ld h be5 all ( ! same k9d3 f 
h5ce we inf]1 t !y h _h _! respective   
orig9al prog5itors4 ,! ,dut* colony at !
 ,cape ( ,good ,hope h enact$ laws to   
puni% ) dea? su* ( _! ,dut* subjects z  
may be convict$ ( copulat+ ) !          
,hott5tots3 = t _! nature is adju/$ to  
be ( an inf]ior species to !irs1 s t    
mix+ _! nature ) !m w\ld ess5tially     
deg5]ate & debase _! own4     ,,secton  
,,iii4 ,,( ,,! ,,orig9 ,,( ,,! ,,devil  
,,or ,,( ,,moral ,,evil444  ,,& ,,( ,,! 
,,devil',s ,,talk+ ,,) ,,eve2 ,,) ,a    
,,rem>k ,,t ,,! ,,doctr9e ,,( ,,apo/acy 
,,is ,,! ,,f\ndation ,,( ,,*ri/ianity   
,inasmu* z ! devil is repres5t$ to h _h 
s great & undue an influ5ce 9 br++ ab\t 
! apo/acy ( ,adam1 & /ill to cont9ue 8  
temptations to mank9d1 x may be wor? our
 :ile to exam9e into ! nature & mann] ( 
8 be+ & ! mode ( 8 exhibit+ 8           

temptations4  ,john's gospel1 v]se #a & 
#c1 ! ,*ri/ian's ,god is ! creator ( !  
devil & consequ5tly ! orig9al cause (   
evil 9 heav5--& among m5 he plant$ !    
tree ( k ( good & evil1 & knew at ! "t  
he plant$ x ( ! awful consequ5ces t w\ld
 foll[4  ,b if x be admitt$1 t !        
creature call$ ! devil 7:o mu/ be       
suppos$ to be "u ! div9e gov]nm5t1 z mu*
 z any o!r creature7 c\ld become        
inflexible1 & p]petually rebelli\s &    
wick$1 incapable ( a re/oration1 &      
consequ5tly subject$ to et]nal puni%m5t 
7:i* to me appe>s to be inconsi/5t ) !  
wisdom & goodness ( ! div9e gov]nm5t1 & 
! nature1 end & design ( a probation>y  
ag5t7 yet x w\ld by no means foll[ f    
h5ce1 t s /ubbornly wick$ & incorrigible
 a creature w\ld h be5 p]mitt$1 by !    
provid5ce ( ,god1 to tempt1 ensn>e or   
s$uce mank9d1 by ply+ 8 temptations to  
_! weak side4 ,"o ?+ we are c]ta9 (1    
viz4 t ! devil does n visit our _w 9 a  
bodily or organiz$ %ape1 & !re is n 9   
nature a second way1 9 :i* x is possible

 = him to make kn[n himself to u1 or t  
he c\ld h done x to our prog5itors1 nor 
c\ld he ev] h communicat$ to !m or to u1
 any temptations or ideas :atev]1 any   
o!rwise ?an by mak+ a prop] application 
to our ext]nal s5ses1 s t we c\ld und]/&
 him1 or receive ! ideas ( 8 temptations
 9 a natural way4 ,= sup]natural        
int]c\rse ) ! _w ( spirits or invisible 
be+s has be5 %[n to be contradictory &  
impossible 9 ! argum5ts conta9$ 9 ! six?
 *apt]1 to :i* ! read] is ref]r$4 ,^?   
argum5ts w hold equally good z appli$ to
 ei!r good or evil spirits1 & are       
demon/rative ( ! utt] impossibility (   
mank9d's hold+ any mann] ( int]c\rse or 
intellig5ce ) !m4  ,b %\ld we premise1  
t1 accord+ to ! hi/ory ( ,moses1 x 0 9 !
 p[] ( ! devil to assume a bodily %ape1 
& t he did 9 v de$ trans=m himself into 
! figure1 lik5ess & organization ( a    
snake1 yet by & ) t organ he c\ld n h   
spok5 or utt]$ ! foll[+ articulate      
words1 :i* ,moses *>g$ him )1 to wit1 ,&
 ! s]p5t said unto ! woman1 ye %all n   

surely die1 = ,god do? "k1 t 9 ! day ye 
eat !re(1 t y\r eyes %all be op5$1 & ye 
%all be z ,gods kn[+ good & evil4  ,:o  
speaks ! tru? 9 ! above passages1 !     
devil1 = nei!r ! man nor ! woman di$ =  
_m ye>s aft] !y are said to h eat5 ( !  
=bidd5 fruit1 = dea? is ! annihilation (
 life1 & !y did n die on ! day !y eat4  
,z ! s]p5t is by nature incapable (     
spee*1 x mu/ h put ! devil into ! same  
pr$icam5t2 admitt+ t he trans=m$ himself
 into ! same figure or lik5ess1 &       
consequ5tly = want ( ! prop] & adequate 
organs ( spee*1 he mu/ necess>ily h be5 
incapable ( any o!r language ?an t (    
rattl+ 8 tail1 & !re=e c\ld nev] h spok5
 ^? recit$ words unto ,eve1 or          
communicat$ any ( 8 temptations unto h] 
by language1 :ile 9 t similitude4       
,h[ev]1 admitt+ t ! fir/ p>5ts ( mank9d 
7 beguil$ by ! wiles ( ! devil to       
transgress ! div9e law1 yet ( all       
transgressions x w\ld h be5 ! mo/       
trivial 7consid]$ "u all ! p>ticul>     
circum/ances ( x7 t ! m9d ( man c       

conceive (4  ,:o 9 ! ex]cise ( reason c 
believe1 t ,adam & ,eve by eat+ ( su* a 
spontane\s fruit c\ld h incurr$ ! et]nal
 displeasure ( ,god1 z individuals8 ,or 
t ! div9e v9dictive ju/ice %\ld ext5d to
 _! un(f5d+ (fspr+ !n unborn8 ,& s5t5ce 
! human prog5y to ! late/ po/]ity to    
ev]la/+ de/ruction8 ,z *im]ical z       
,moses's repres5tation ( ! apo/acy ( man
 manife/ly appe>s to be1 yet x is ! v   
basis1 on :i* ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$1 & is
 ann\nc$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t to be ! v    
cause :y ,jesus ,*ri/ came into ?is _w1 
t he might de/roy ! works ( ! devil1 &  
r$eem fall5 man1 alias1 ! elect1 f !    
condemnation ( ! apo/acy2 :i* leads me  
to ! consid]ation ( ! doctr9e (         
imputation4     ,,*apt] ,,xi4           
,,secton ,i4 ,,imputation ,,_c ,,*ange1 
,,ali5ate ,,or ,,transf]444  ,,!        
,,p]sonal ,,dem]it ,,( ,,s92 ,,&        
,,p]sonal ,,m]it ,,( ,,virtue ,,to      
,,o!rs1 ,,:o ,,7 ,,n ,,active ,,!re91   
,,al?\gh ,,?is ,,doctr9e ,,supposes ,,an
 ,,ali5ation ,,!re(  ,! doctr9e (       

imputation accord+ to ! ,*ri/ian s*eme1 
consi/s ( two p>ts2 fir/1 ( imputation (
 ! apo/acy ( ,adam & ,eve to _! po/]ity1
 commonly call$ orig9al s92 & secondly1 
( ! imputation ( ! m]its or righte\sness
 ( ,*ri/1 :o 9 scripture is call$ !     
second ,adam1 to mank9d1 or to ! elect4 
,?is is a concise def9ition ( ! doctr9e1
 & :i* w und\bt$ly be admitt$ to be a j 
"o by e d5om9ation ( m51 :o are acqua9t$
 ) ,*ri/ianity1 :e!r !y adh]e to x or n 
,i !re=e proce$ to illu/rate & expla9 ! 
doctr9e by transcrib+ a %ort1 b v p]t95t
 conv]sation1 :i* 9 ! e>ly ye>s ( my    
manhood1 ,i _h ) a ,calv9i/ical div9e3 b
 previ\sly rem>k1 t ,i 0 educat$ 9 :at  
is commonly call$ ! ,arm5ian pr9ciples1 
& among o!r t5ets to reject ! doctr9e ( 
orig9al s91 ?is 0 ! po9t at issue betwe5
 ! cl]gyman & me4 ,9 my turn ,i oppos$ !
 doctr9e ( orig9al s9 ) philosophical   
reason+s1 & z ,i ?\ght _h confut$ !     
doctr9e4 ,! rev]5d g5tleman he>d me     
?r\gh pati5tly1 & ) c&or repli$1 y\r    
metaphysical reason+s are n to !        

purpose2 inasmu* z y are a ,*ri/ian1 &  
hope & expect to be sav$ by ! imput$    
righte\sness ( ,*ri/ to y2 = y may z    
well be imput$ly s9ful z imput$ly       
righte\s4 ,nay1 said he1 if y hold to ! 
doctr9e ( satisfaction & atonem5t by    
,*ri/1 by s do+ y pre-suppose ! doctr9e 
( apo/acy or orig9al s9 to be 9 fact    
true2 = said he1 if mank9d 7 n 9 a ru9$ 
& condemn$ /ate by nature1 !re c\ld h   
be5 no ne$ ( a r$eem]1 b ea* individual 
w\ld h be5 acc\ntable to 8 creator &    
judge1 ^u ! basis ( 8 own moral ag5cy4  
,fur!r obs]v+1 t ^u philosophical       
pr9ciples x 0 difficult to acc\nt = !   
doctr9e ( orig9al s91 or orig9al        
righte\sness1 yet z !y 7 pla9 fundam5tal
 doctr9es ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?1 we ought to
 ass5t to ! tru? ( !m1 & t f ! div9e    
au?ority ( revelation4 ,not)/&+1 said   
he1 if y w give me a philosophical      
explanation ( orig9al imput$            
righte\sness1 :i* y pr(ess to believe1 &
 expect salvation by1 !n ,i w return y a
 philosophical explanation ( ! doctr9e (

 orig9al s92 = x is pla91 said he1 t y\r
 objections lie ) equal weight aga9/    
orig9al imput$ righte\sness1 z aga9/    
orig9al imput$ s94 ,^u :i* ,i _h ! c&or 
to ackn[l$ge to ! wor?y ecclesia/ic1 t  
^u ! ,*ri/ian plan1 ,i p]ceiv$ t !      
argum5t _h fairly t]m9at$ aga9/ me4 ,=  
at t "t ,i d>$ n di/ru/ ! infallibility 
( revelation1 mu* m to dispute x4       
,h[ev]1 ?is conv]sation 0 upp]mo/ 9 my  
m9d = sev]al mon?s aft]1 & aft] _m      
pa9ful se>*es & rese>*es aft] ! tru?    
respect+ ! doctr9e ( imputation1 resolv$
 at all ev5ts to abide ! decision (     
rational argum5t 9 ! premises1 & on a   
full exam9ation ( bo? p>ts ( ! doctr9e1 
reject$ ! :ole2 = on a fair scrut9y ,i  
f\nd1 t ,i mu/ conc$e to x entirely or n
 at all1 or else believe inconsi/5tly z 
! cl]gyman _h argu$4  ,hav+ op5$ &      
expla9$ ! doctr9e1 we proce$            
argum5tatively to consid] x4 ,imputation
 ( s9 or righte\sness includes an       
alt]ation or transf]r+ ( ! p]sonal m]its
 or dem]its ( s9 or righte\sness1 f ^?  

:o may be suppos$ to h be5 active 9 ! "o
 or ! o!r1 to o!rs1 :o are premis$ n to 
h be5 active !re91 o!rwise x w\ld n     
answ] ! ,bible notion ( imputation4 ,=  
if s9 or righte\sness1 vice or virtue1  
are imputable only to _! respective     
p]sonal pr(ici5ts or actors1 9 ?is case 
orig9al s9 mu/ h be5 imput$ to ,adam &  
,eve1 to ! exclusion ( _! po/]ity1 & !  
righte\sness ( ,*ri/ z exclusively      
imput$ to himself1 preclud+ all o!rs    
!refrom2 s t bo? ! s9 ( ! fir/ ,adam & !
 righte\sness ( ! second1 w\ld1 on ?is  
/at+ ( imputation1 h be5 matt]s :i*     
respect m]ely ! ag5cy1 ( ! dem]its or   
m]its ( ! two respective ,adams         
!mselves1 & 9 :i* we c\ld h _h no blame1
 rew>d or conc]n1 any m ?an 9 ! build+ (
 ,babel4  ,?is !n is ! "q t det]m9es !  
sequel ( ! dispute = or aga9/ ! doctr9e 
( imputation1 viz4 :e!r ! p]sonal m]it  
or dem]it ( mank9d1 t is to say1 _!     
virtue or vice1 righte\sness or         
wick$ness c be ali5at$1 imput$ to1 or   
transf]r$ f "o p]son to ano!r1 or n8 ,if

 any %\ld object aga9/ ?is /at+ ( ! "q  
n[ 9 dispute1 x w\ld be ! same 9 reality
 z disput+ aga9/ ! doctr9e ( imputation 
itself1 = imputation mu/ transf] or     
*ange ! p]sonal m]it or dem]it ( ! s9 or
 righte\sness ( mank9d or n d x2 if x   
does n d x1 ! :ole notion ( orig9al s9  
or ( righte\sness1 z be+ imput$ f ! fir/
 & second ,adams to mank9d1 is )\t      
f\ndation1 consequ5tly1 if !re is any   
reality 9 ! doctr9e ( imputation1 x mu/ 
ne$s transf] or *ange ! guilt ( orig9al 
s91 or ( ! apo/acy ( ,adam & ,eve1 to _!
 po/]ity1 or o!rwise !y c\ld ne$ no     
atonem5t or imputative righte\sness1 z a
 rem$y !refrom1 b e individual ( mank9d 
w\ld h /ood acc\ntable to _! creator &  
judge on ! basis ( _! own moral ag5cy1  
:i* is und\bt$ ! true /ate ( ! case1    
respect+ all rational & acc\ntable be+s2
 s t if ! transf]r+ ( ! individual m]its
 or dem]its ( "o p]son to ano!r1 is n   
conta9$ 9 ! act or doctr9e ( imputation1
 x conta9s no?+ at all1 b is a s\nd )\t 
a mean+1 & aft] all ! talk :i* has be5 9

 ! _w ab\t x1 we mu/ f9ally adopt to old
 prov]b1 viz4 e tub /&s ^u its own      
bottom4     ,,secton ,,ii4 ,,! ,,moral  
,,rectitude ,,( ,,?+s ,,=ecloses444  ,,!
 ,,act ,,( ,,imputation4  ,imputation   
conf\nds virtue & vice1 & saps ! v      
f\ndation ( moral gov]nm5t1 bo? div9e & 
human4 ,ab/ract ! idea ( p]sonal m]it & 
dem]it1 f ! individuals ( mank9d1 ju/ice
 w\ld be totally bl9d1 & tru? w\ld be   
nullifi$1 or at lea/ exclud$ f any %>e 9
 ! adm9i/ration ( gov]nm5t4 ,admitt+ t  
moral good & evil has tak5 place 9 !    
sy/em ( rational ag5ts1 yet1 on !       
position ( imputation1 x w\ld be        
impossible1 t a retribution ( ju/ice    
%\ld be made to !m by ,god or by man1   
except x be accord+ to _! respective    
p]sonal m]its & dem]its2 :i* w\ld fix ^u
 ! basis ( our own moral ag5cy &        
acc\ntability1 & preclude ! imputation (
 righte\snes4  ,tru? respects ! reality 
( ?+s1 z !y are 9 _! v>i\s complicat$ & 
di/9ct natures1 & necess>ily con=ms to  
all facts & realities4 ,x exi/s 91 by & 

) e ?+ t does exi/1 & t :i* does n & _c 
exi/1 is fictiti\s & void ( tru?1 z is !
 doctr9e ( imputation4 ,x is a tru? t "s
 ( ! individuals ( mank9d are virtu\s1 &
 t o!rs are vici\s1 & x is a tru?1 t !  
=m] m]it peace ( consci5ce & praise1 & !
 latt] horror ( consci5ce & blame2 =    
,god has s con/itut$ ! nature ( ?+s1 t  
moral goodness1 naturally & necess>ily  
t5ds to happ9ess 9 a moral s5se1 & moral
 evil z necess>ily t5ds to ! contr>y2 & 
z tru? respects e ?+1 z be+ :at x is1 x 
respects nature1 z ,god has con/itut$ x1
 ) its t5d5cies1 dispositions1 aptitudes
 & laws2 & z ! t5d5cy ( virtue is to    
m5tal happ9ess1 & vice ! contr>y1 !y    
fall "u ! cognizance ( tru?1 z all o!r  
facts necess>ily d2 :i* t5d5cies w = ev]
 preclude imputation1 by mak+ u morally 
happy or mis]able accord+ to our works4 
,tru? respects ! et]nal rules (         
unalt]able rectitude & fitness1 :i*     
compreh5ds all virtue1 goodness & true  
happ9ess2 & z s9 & wick$ness is no o!r b
 a deviation f ! rules ( et]nal un]r+   

ord] & reason1 s tru? respects x z      
unreasonable1 unfit1 unrighte\s &       
unhappy deviation f moral rectitude1    
naturally t5d+ to mis]y4 ,?is ord] (    
nature1 compreh5d$ "u ! t]ms ( tru?1 mu/
 h be5 ( all o!rs ! wise/ & be/2 9 f9e x
 mu/ h be5 absolutely p]fect2 = ?is ord]
 & h>mony ( ?+s1 c\ld n h result$ f     
any?+ %ort ( inf9ite wisdom1 goodness & 
p[]1 by :i* x is also upheld2 & all j   
ideas ( equity1 or ( natural & moral    
fitness mu/ be le>n$ f nature1 &        
pr$icat$ on x2 & nature pr$icat$ on !   
immutable p]fection ( a ,god2 & to      
suppose t imputation1 9 any "o in/ance  
has tak5 place1 is ! same z to suppose1 
t ! et]nal ord]1 tru?1 ju/ice1 equity & 
fitness ( ?+s has be5 *ang$1 & if s1 !  
,god ( nature mu/ ne$s h be5 a *angeable
 be+1 & liable to alt] 8 ju/ice or ord] 
( nature1 :i* is ! same ?+2 = )\t !     
alt]ation ( nature1 & ! t5d5cy ( x1 !re 
c\ld be no su* ?+ z imputation1 b e ( ! 
individuals ( mank9d w\ld be ultimately 
happy or mis]able1 accord+ z _!         

respective pr(ici5cies may be suppos$ to
 be ei!r good or evil1 agreeable to !   
ord] & t5d5cy ( nature be=e allud$ to4  
,= all rational & acc\ntable ag5ts mu/  
/& or fall ^u ! pr9ciples ( ! law (     
nature1 except imputation alt]s ! nature
 & t5d5cy ( ?+s2 ( :i* ! immutability ( 
a ,god _c admit4 ,f :at has be5 already 
argu$ on ?is subject1 we inf]1 t z c]ta9
 z ! individuals ( mank9d are !         
proprietors ( _! own virtues or vices1 s
 c]ta91 ! doctr9e ( imputation _c be    
true4 ,fur!rmore1 ! suppos$ act or ag5cy
 ( imput+ or transf]r+ ! p]sonal m]it or
 dem]it ( moral good or evil1 alias1 !  
s9 ( ! fir/ ,adam1 or ! righte\sness ( !
 second ,adam1 to o!rs ( mank9d1 _c be !
 act or ex]tion ( ei!r ! fir/ or second 
,adam1 f :om orig9al s9 & righte\sness  
is said to h be5 imput$4 ,nor c x be !  
act or do+s ( ^? individuals1 to :om !  
suppos$ m]it or dem]it ( orig9al s9 or  
righte\s is premis$ to be imput$2 s t   
bo? ,adam & ea* individual ( mank9d are 
:olly exclud$ f act+ any "p 9 ! premis$ 

act ( imputation2 & are suppos$ to be   
altoge!r passive 9 ! matt]1 &           
consequ5tly x necess>ily foll[s1 t if   
!re ev] 0 su* an act z t ( imputation1 x
 mu/ h be5 ! imm$iate & sov]eign act (  
,god1 to ! preclusion ( ! praise or     
blame ( man ,b to suppose1 t ,god c     
impute ! virtue or vice ( ! p]son ( ,a1 
to be ! virtue or vice ( ! p]son ( ,b1  
is ! same z to suppose t ,god c impute  
or *ange tru? into falsehood1 or        
falsehood into tru?1 or t he c rev]se ! 
nature ( moral rectitude itself1 :i* is 
inadmissable4 ,b admitt+1 t imputation 0
 9 ! p[] & at ! option ( man1 x is      
altoge!r probable t !y w\ld h be5 v sp>+
 9 imput+ m]it & happ9ess1 b might      
nev]!less h be5 va/ly lib]al 9 imput+   
dem]it & mis]y1 f "o to ano!r1 :i* is   
too f>cical4     ,,secton ,,iii4        
,,conta9+ ,,rem>ks ,,on ,,!             
,,atonem5t444  ,,& ,,satisfaction ,,=   
,,orig9al ,,s9  ,! doctr9e ( imputation 
is 9 e po9t ( view incompatible ) !     
moral p]fections ( ,god4 ,we w premise1 

t ! race ( ,adam 9 _! respective        
g5]ations 0 guilty ( ! apo/acy1 &       
obnoxi\s to ! v9dictive ju/ice &        
puni%m5t ( ,god1 & accord+ly doom$ to   
ei!r an et]nal or tempor>y puni%m5t     
!re=e1 :i* is ! ,bible repres5tation ( !
 matt]4 ,:at possibility c\ld !re h be5 
( rev]s+ ! div9e decree8 ,x mu/ be      
suppos$ to h be5 j1 or x c\ld n h _h !  
div9e sanction1 & if s1 a rev]sal ( x   
w\ld be unju/4 ,b x w\ld be /ill a      
great] inju/ice to lay ! blame &        
v9dictive puni%m5t ( a guilty race (    
condemn$ s9n]s ^u an innoc5t & in(f5sive
 be+1 = 9 ?is case ! guilty w\ld be     
exempt$ f _! j puni%m5t1 & ! innoc5t    
unju/ly suff] = x1 :i* holds up to view 
two manife/ inju/ices2 ! fir/ consi/s 9 
n do+ ju/ice to ! guilty1 & ! second 9  
actually puni%+ ! innoc5t1 :i* in/ead ( 
aton+ = s91 w\ld add s9 to s91 or       
inju/ice to inju/ice2 & aft] all1 if x 0
 ev] j1 t ! race ( ,adam %\ld h be5     
puni%$ = ! imput$ s9 ( _! premis$       
orig9al ance/or1 be t puni%m5t :at x w1 

x is s /ill1 not)/&+ ! atonem5t1 = !    
et]nal ju/ice & reason ( ?+s c nev]1 be 
alt]$4 ,?is ju/ice always defeats !     
possibility ( satisfaction = s9 by way (
 a m$iator4  ,t physical evils may & h  
be5 propagat$ by natural g5]ation1 none 
c dispute1 = t ! facts !mselves are     
obvi\s4 ,b t moral evil c be ?us        
propagat$1 is altoge!r *im]ical1 = we   
are n born crim9als4     ,,secton ,,iv4 
,,rem>ks ,,on ,,r$emption1 ,,wr\ght     
,,out ,,by ,,inflict+444  ,,! ,,dem]its 
,,( ,,s9 ,,^u ,,! ,,innoc5t1 ,,w\ld ,,be
 ,,unju/1 ,,& ,,t ,,x ,,c\ld ,,conta9   
,,no ,,m]cy ,,or ,,goodness ,,to ,,!    
,,univ]sality ,,( ,,be+  ,! practice (  
imput+ "o p]son's crime to ano!r1 9     
capital (f5ces among m51 s t ! innoc5t  
%\ld suff] = ! guilty1 has nev] yet be5 
introduc$ into any c\rt ( judicature 9 !
 _w1 or s mu* z practis$ 9 any civiliz$ 
c\ntry2 & ! manife/ reason 9 ?is1 z 9   
all o!r cases ( imputation1 is ! same1  
viz4 x conf\nds p]sonal m]it & dem]it4  
,! murd]] ought to suff] = ! dem]it ( 8 

crime1 b if ! c\rt exclude ! idea (     
p]sonal dem]it 7guilt be+ always !      
inh]5t prop]ty ( ! guilty & ( !m only7  
!y might z well s5t5ce "o p]son to dea? 
= ! murd] z ano!r3 = ju/ice w\ld be     
:olly bl9d 0 x n pr$icat$ on ! idea ( ! 
fact ( a p]sonal dem]it1 on ! id5tical  
p]son :o 0 guilty ( ! murd]3 nor is x   
possible to rew>d m]it ab/ractly        
consid]$ f its p]sonal ag5ts4 ,^! are   
facts t univ]sally hold good 9 human    
gov]nm5t4 ,! same reasons _c fail to    
hold good 9 ! div9e m9d z 9 t ( ! human1
 = ! rules ( ju/ice are ess5tially !    
same :e!r appli$ to ! "o or to ! o!r1   
hav+ _! uni=mity 9 ! et]nal tru? &      
reason ( ?+s4  ,b x is frequ5tly        
object$1 t inasmu* z "o p]son c pay1    
satisfy & dis*>ge a ca% debt = ano!r1   
r$eem him f prison & set him at lib]ty1 
!re=e ,jesus ,*ri/ might become         
responsible = ! s9s ( mank9d1 or ( !    
elect1 & by suff]+ _! puni%m5ts atone = 
!m & free !m f _! condemnation4 ,b x    
%\ld be consid]$1 t comp>isons d>k5 or  

reflect light ^u an argum5t accord+ z !y
 are ei!r p]t95t or imp]t95t !reto2 we w
 !re=e exam9e ! comp>ison1 & see if x w 
) propriety apply to ! atonem5t4  ,^u ! 
,*ri/ian s*eme1 ,*ri/ ! ,son 0 ,god1 &  
equal ) ,god ! ,fa!r1 or ) ,god ! ,holy 
,gho/1 & !re=e orig9al s9 mu/ be        
consid]$ to be an (f5ce equally aga9/   
ea* ( ! p]sons ( ! premis$ ,tr9ity1 &   
be+ ( a crim9al nature c\ld n be dis*>g$
 or satisfi$ by ca% or produce1 z debts 
( a civil contract are1 b by suff]+2 & x
 has already be5 prov$ to be inconsi/5t 
) ! div9e or human gov]nm5t1 to inflict 
! puni%m5t ( ! guilty ^u ! innoc5t1 ?\gh
 "o man may dis*>ge ano!r's debt 9 cases
 :]e l&s1 *attels or ca% are adequate to
 x2 b :at capital (f5d] 0 ev] dis*>g$ by
 su* commodities8  ,/ill !re rema9s a   
difficulty on ! "p ( ,*ri/ianity1 9     
acc\nt+ = "o ( ! p]sons 9 ! premis$     
,tr9ity satisfy+ a debt due to !        
imp>tial ju/ice ( ! unity ( ! ?ree      
p]sons4 ,= ,god ! ,son to suff] !       
condemnation ( guilt 9 behalf ( man1    

w\ld n only be unju/ 9 itself1 b        
incompatible ) 8 div9ity1 & !           
retribution ( ! ju/ice ( ! premis$      
,tr9ity ( p]sons 9 ! god-head 7( :om    
,god ! ,son mu/ be admitt$ to be "o7    
t[>d mank9d2 = ?is w\ld be ! same z to  
suppose ,god to be judge1 crim9al &     
execution]1 :i* is inadmissible4  ,b    
%\ld we admit = argum5t's sake1 t ,god  
suff]$ = orig9al s91 yet tak+ into "o   
complex idea ! :ole m5tal sy/em ( be+s1 
univ]sally1 bo? f9ite & inf9ite1 !re    
c\ld h be5 no display ( grace1 m]cy1 or 
goodness to be+ 9 g5]al1 9 su* a suppos$
 r$emption ( mank9d2 inasmu* z ! same   
quantity or degree ( evil is suppos$ to 
h tak5 place ^u be+1 univ]sally         
consid]$1 z w\ld h tak5 place1 _h f9ite 
individuals1 or ! race ( ,adam1 suff]$  
accord+ to _! respective dem]its4  ,%\ld
 we admit t !re is a ,tr9ity ( p]sons 9 
! div9e ess5ce1 yet ! "o c\ld n suff]   
)\t ! o!r1 = ess5ce _c be divid$ 9      
suff]+1 any m ?an 9 enjoym5t4 ,! ess5ce 
( ,god is t :i* includes ! div9e nature1

 & ! same id5tical nature mu/ necess>ily
 p>take ( ! same glory1 honor1 p[]1     
wisdom1 goodness & absolute uncreat$ &  
unlimit$ p]fection1 & is equally exempt$
 f weakness & suff]+4 ,!re=e1 z c]ta9 z 
,*ri/ suff]$ he 0 n ,god1 b :e!r he is  
suppos$ to be ,god or man1 or bo?1 he   
c\ld n 9 ju/ice h suff]$ = orig9al s91  
:i* mu/ h be5 ! dem]it ( its p]petrators
 z be=e argu$4  ,suppos+ ,*ri/ to h be5 
bo? ,god & man1 he mu/ h exi/$ 9 two    
di/9ct ess5ces1 viz4 ! ess5ce ( ,god & !
 ess5ce ( man4 ,& if he exi/$ 9 two     
di/9ct & sep>ate ess5ces1 !re c\ld be no
 union betwe5 ! div9e & human natures4  
,b if !re is any su* ?+ z an hypo/atical
 union betwe5 ! div9e & human natures1 x
 mu/ unite bo? 9 "o ess5ce1 :i* is      
impossible3 = ! div9e nature be+        
inf9ite1 c\ld admit ( no addition or    
enl>gem5t & consequ5tly _c all[ ( a     
union ) any nature :atev]4 ,0 su* an    
union possible 9 itself1 yet1 = a       
sup]ior nature to unite ) an inf]ior "o 
9 ! same ess5ce1 w\ld be degrad+ to !   

=m]1 z x w\ld put bo? natures on a level
 by con/itut+ an id5tity ( nature3 !    
consequ5ces :]e( w\ld ei!r deify man1 or
 dive/ ,god ( 8 div9ity1 & r$uce him to 
! rank & condition ( a creature2 inasmu*
 z ! unit$ ess5ce mu/ be d5om9at$ ei!r  
div9e or human4     ,,*apt] ,,xii4      
,,secton ,i4 ,,( ,,! ,,impossibility ,,(
 ,,translat+ ,,an ,,infallible444       
,,revelation ,,f ,,its ,,orig9al        
,,copies1 ,,& ,,pres]v+ ,,x ,,entire    
,,?r\gh ,,all ,,! ,,revolutions ,,( ,,! 
,,_w1 ,,& ,,vicissitudes ,,( ,,human    
,,le>n+ ,,to ,,our ,,"t  ,admitt+ =     
argum5t sake t ! ,scriptures ( ! ,old & 
,new ,te/am5t 7 orig9ally ( div9e       
sup]natural inspiration1 & t _! fir/    
manuscript copies 7 ! infallible        
in/itutions ( ,god1 yet to trace !m f _!
 respective anci5t dead languages1 &    
diff]5t & div]se translations1 f !      
obscure hi]oglyphical pictures (        
*>act]s1 9 :i* !y 7 fir/ writt51 ?r\gh  
all ! vicissitudes & alt]ations ( human 
le>n+1 prejudices1 sup]/itions1         

en?usiasms & div]sities ( int]e/s &     
mann]s1 to our "t1 s z to pres5t u ) a  
p]fect edition f its premis$ infallible 
orig9al manuscript copies w\ld be       
impossible4 ,! v>i\s & progressive      
me?ods ( le>n+1 ) ! insurm\ntable       
difficulties ( translat+ any suppos$    
antiquat$ writt5 revelation w\ld n admit
 ( x1 z ! succe$+ obs]vations on        
language & gramm> w fully ev9ce4  ,9 ^? 
e>ly ages ( le>n+1 hi]oglyphics 7       
expressive ( ideas2 = in/ance1 a snake  
quirl$ 7a position common to t v5om\s   
reptile7 0 an emblem ( et]nity1 & !     
picture ( a lion1 a repres5tation ( p[]1
 & s e bea/1 bird1 reptile1 insect &    
fi%1 _h 9 _! respective pictures1       
p>ticul> ideas annex$ to !m1 :i* v>i$ ) 
! arbitr>y cu/om & common cons5t ( !    
sev]al sep>ate nations1 among :om ?is   
way ( communicat+ ideas 0 practis$1 9 "s
 s5se analog\s to :at is practis$ at ?is
 day by diff]5t nations1 9 connect+     
p>ticul> ideas to c]ta9 s\nds or words  
writt5 9 *>act]s1 :i* accord+ to c]ta9  

rules ( gramm> con/itute ! sev]al       
languages4 ,b ! hi]oglyphical mann] (   
writ+ by liv+ emblems1 & p]haps 9 "s    
in/ances by o!r pictures1 0 v ab/ruse1 &
 inadequate to communicate t            
multiplicity & div]sity ( ideas :i* are 
requisite = ! purpose ( hi/ory1         
argum5tation or g5]al k 9 any ( !       
sci5ces or conc]ns ( life2 :i* my/ical  
way ( communicat+ ideas und]w5t a v>iety
 ( alt]ations & improvem5ts1 ?\gh n s   
mu* z t ( *>act]s & gramm> has done2 = 9
 ! hi]oglyphical way ( communicat+ _!   
ideas1 !re 0 no su* ?+ z spell+1 or :at 
is n[ call$ or?ography1 :i* has be5     
p]petually ref9+ & alt]+1 ev] s9ce      
*>act]s1 syllables1 words or gramm> h   
be5 br\ght into use1 & :i* w admit (    
correction & improvem5t z long z mank9d 
cont9ue 9 ! _w4 ,= :i* reason ! orig9al 
( all languages is absorb$ & lo/ 9 !    
multiplicity ( alt]ations & ref9em5ts1  
:i* h 9 all ages tak5 place1 s t x is   
out ( ! p[] ( all ,etymologi/s &        
,lexieoni/s n[ liv+1 to expla9 ! ideas1 

:i* 7 anci5tly connect$ ) ^?            
hi]oglyphical figures or words1 & :i*   
may h compos$ ! orig9al ( any language1 
writt5 9 *>act]s1 9 ^? obsolete &       
antiquat$ ages1 :5 le>n+ & sci5ce 7 9 _!
 infancy3 s9ce ! b5eficial1 art ( pr9t+ 
has arriv$ to any consid]able degree (  
p]fection1 ! etymology ( words1 9 !     
sci5tifical & le>n$ languages1 has be5  
consid]ably well und]/ood3 ?\gh         
imp]fectly1 z ! v>i\s op9ions ( ! le>n$ 
conc]n+ x may witness4 ,b s9ce ! era (  
pr9t+1 ! k ( ! anci5t le>n+ has be5 9 a 
great measure1 or 9 mo/ respects1 :olly 
lo/2 & inasmu* z ! mod]n sub/itute is   
mu* bett]1 x is no loss at all4 ,"s ( ! 
old ,engli% au?ors are at ?is day q     
un9telligible1 & o!rs 9 _! respective   
latt] publications1 m or less s4 ,! la/ 
c5tury & a half has done m t[>ds !      
p]fect+ ( gramm>1 & purify+ ! languages 
?an ! _w _h ev] done be=e4  ,i d n      
und]/& ,lat91 ,greek or ,hebrew1 9 :i*  
languages1 x is said1 t ! sev]al orig9al
 manuscripts ( ! ,scriptures 7 writt52 b

 ,i am in=m$ by ! le>n$ !re91 t1 ! o!r  
languages1 !y h gone ?r\gh _! respective
 alt]ations & ref9em5ts1 :i* mu/ h be5 !
 case1 except !y rea*$ _! greate/       
p]fection 9 _! fir/ composition2 ( :i* !
 progressive condition ( man c\ld n     
admit4 ,s t ! le>n$ 9 ^? languages1 at  
?is day1 "k b little or no?+ h[ !y 7    
spok5 or writt5 :5 ! fir/ manuscript    
copies ( ! ,scriptures 7 compos$2 &     
consequ5tly1 are n able to in=m u1 :e!r 
_! pres5t translations d1 any ( !m1     
p]fectly agree ) _! respective orig9al  
premis$ infallible manuscript copies or 
n4 ,& inasmu* z ! sev]al ,engli%        
translations ( ! ,bible d mat]ially     
diff] f ea* o!r1 x ev9ces ! confus$ &   
blund]+ condition 9 :i* x has be5 h&$   
d[n to u4  ,! cl]gy (t5 in=ms u f !     
desk1 t ! translation ( ! ,bible1 :i* is
 n[ 9 use 9 ?is c\ntry1 is errone\s1    
aft] hav+ read su* & su* a passage ( x1 
9 ei!r ,lat91 ,greek or ,hebrew1 !y     
frequ5tly give u to und]/&1 t in/ead ( !
 pres5t translation1 x %\ld h be5 r5d]$ 

?us & ?us 9 ,engli%1 b nev] repres5t to 
u h[ x 0 read & und]/ood 9 ! antiquat$ &
 my/ical figures or *>act]s ( ^?        
languages1 :5 ! manuscripts ( ,scripture
 7 fir/ writt51 or h[ x has be5 pres]v$ 
& h&$ d[n entire1 ?r\gh e ref9em5t ( ^? 
languages1 to ! pres5t condition (      
,lat91 ,greek & ,hebrew4 ,probably ?is  
is too ab/ruse a s]ies ( retrospective  
le>n+ = _! s*ol>%ip1 & ne> or q z =eign 
f _! k z f t ( _! he>]s499  ,x is n to  
be suppos$ t all ! alt]ations :i* h tak5
 place 9 language1 h be5 m]ely by       
improv+ x4 ,9 _m in/ances1 ignorance1   
accid5t or cu/om has v>i$ x to its      
disadvantage1 b x has nev]!less be5     
subject to correction1 & g5]ally speak+ 
has be5 alt]$ = ! bett]1 yet1 by "o     
means or o!r has be5 s fluctuat+ &      
un/able1 z t an infallible revelation   
c\ld n h be5 g5u9ely pres]v$1 ?r\gh all 
! vicissitudes & revolutions ( le>n+1 = 
m ?an sev5te5 hundr$ ye>s la/ pa/ to ?is
 day4  ,! div]sity ( ! ,engli% language 
is repres5t$ ) great accuracy by ,mr4   

,samuel ,johnson1 ! celebrat$           
lexicograph]1 9 ! samples ( diff]5t     
ages1 9 8 hi/ory ( ! ,engli% language1  
subjo9$ to ! preface ( ! diction>y1 to  
:i* ! curi\s are ref]r$ = ! obs]vance ( 
! v>i\s specim5s4     ,,secton ,,ii4 ,,!
 ,,v>iety ,,( ,,annotations ,,&         
,,expositions444  ,,( ,,! ,,scriptures1 
,,toge!r ,,) ,,! ,,div]sity ,,(         
,,sect>ies ,,ev9ces ,,_! ,,fallibility4 
,e comm5t>y & annotation on ! ,bible1   
implicitly decl>es its fallibility2 = if
 ! ,scriptures rema9$ g5u9e & entire1 !y
 w\ld n /& 9 ne$ ( comm5t>ies &         
expositions1 b w\ld %9e 9 _! infallible 
lu/re & purity )\t !m4 ,:at an idle     
phantom x is = mortals to assay to      
illu/rate & expla9 to mank9d1 t :i* ,god
 may be suppos$ to h und]tak5 to d1 by !
 imm$iate inspiration ( 8 _s8 ,d !y     
und]/& h[ to def9e or expla9 x bett] ?an
 ,god may be suppos$ to h done8 ,?is is 
n supposable2 ^u :at gr\nd !n d ^!      
multiplicity ( comm5ts arise1 except x  
be pre-suppos$ t ! pres5t translations (

 ! ,bible h1 by "s means or o!r1 become 
fallible & imp]fect1 & !re=e ne$ to be  
rectifi$ & expla9$8 & if s1 x has lo/ ! 
/amp ( div9e au?ority2 provid$ 9 its    
orig9al composition x may be suppos$ to 
h be5 possess$ ( x4  ,to con/rue or     
spiritualize tie ,bible is ! same z to  
inspire x ov] aga91 by ! judgm5t1 fancy 
or en?usiasm ( m52 & ?us ! common p1 by 
receiv+ ,god's suppos$ revelation at    
second>y h&s 7:e!r at ! ?\s&? or t5     
?\s&? remove f its fir/ premis$         
inspiration !y "k n7 _c 9 fact be taught
 by ! revelation ( ,god4 ,add to ?is !  
div]se & cla%+ expositions ( ! ,bible1  
among :i* are s _m flagrant pro(s ( !   
fallibility & unc]ta9ty ( su* tea*+s1 z 
mu/ conv9ce ev5 bigots1 t e "o ( ^!     
expositions are errone\s1 except _! own6
  ,x has be5 ow+ to diff]5t comm5ts on !
 ,scriptures1 t ,*ri/ians h be5 divid$  
into sect>ies4 ,e comm5tator1 :o c\ld   
influ5ce a p>ty to embrace 8 comm5t1 put
 himself1 at ! head ( a division (      
,*ri/ians2 z ,lu!r1 ,calv91 & ,arm9ius1 

laid ! f\ndation ( ! sect>ies :o be> _! 
names2 & ! ,soc9ians 7 call$ aft] !     
,scismatical ,soc9ius2 ! same may be    
said ( ea* ( ! sect>ies4 ,?us x is t    
diff]5t comm5t>ies or acceptations ( !  
orig9al mean+ ( ! ,scriptures1 h divid$ 
! ,*ri/ian _w into divisions &          
subdivisions ( :i* x consi/s at pres5t4 
,nor 0 !re ev] a division or subdivision
 among ,jews1 ,*ri/ians or ,mahometans1 
respect+ _! notions or op9ions (        
religion1 b :at 0 occasion$ by comm5tat+
 on ! ,scriptures1 or else by latt]     
pret5d$ inspir$ revelations f ,god 9    
addition !reto4 ,! law ( ,moses 0 ! fir/
 pret5d$ imm$iate revelation f ,god1 :i*
 respects ! ,bible1 & aft] t 9          
succession ! sev]al revelations ( !     
prophets1 & la/ ( all 79 ! ,*ri/ian     
sy/em7 ! revelations ( ,jesus ,*ri/ &   
apo/les1 :o *all5g$ a "r ( aboli%+ !    
prie/hood ( ,moses2 ,*ri/ claim+ to be !
 antitype ( :i* ! in/itution (          
sacrifices & c]emonial "p ( ! law (     
,moses 0 emblematical2 b ?is infr+em5t (

 ! pr]ogative ( ! ,levitical prie/s gave
 su* (f5ce1 n only to !m1 b to ! ,jews z
 a nation1 t !y reject$ ,*ri/ianity1 & h
 n subscrib$ to ! div9e au?ority ( x to 
?is day1 hold+ to ! law ( ,moses & !    
prophets4 ,h[ev] ,*ri/ianity made a     
great progress 9 ! _w1 & has be5 v mu*  
divid$ into sect>ies1 by ! causes       
previ\sly assign$4  ,mahomet tak+ notice
 ( ! num]\s sects & divisions among     
,*ri/ians1 9 8 j\rnies to ,pale/9e1 c1  
?\ght x w\ld n be difficult to introduce
 a new religion1 & make himself high    
prie/ & sov]eign ( ! p4 ,?is he f9ally  
effect$1 prosecut+ 8 s*eme s f>1 t he   
new modell$ ! ,scriptures1 pres5t+ !m1  
7z he said17 9 _! orig9al purity1 &     
call$ 8 disciples aft] 8 own "n4 ,he    
ga9$ great numb]s ( proselytes & became 
_! sov]eign 9 civil1 milit>y & spiritual
 matt]s1 in/itut$ ! ord] ( my/ical      
prie/hood1 & gave ! _w a new ,bible by !
 "n ( ! ,alcoran2 :i* he gives u to     
und]/& 0 communicat$ to him f ,god1 by !
 int]m$iate ag5cy ( ! angel ,gabriel1   

*apt] by *apt]4 ,8 disciples at ?is day 
inhabit a great "p ( ! ri*e/ c\ntries 9 
! _w1 & are suppos$ to be m num]\s ?an !
 ,*ri/ians1 & are z mu*1 if n m1 divid$ 
into sect>ies1 f causes simil> to ^? :i*
 produc$ ! division ( ,*ri/ians1 viz43 !
 diff]5t comm5tators on1 & expositions (
 ! ,alcoran4 ,! ,mufti1 or prie/s1      
repres5t$ ! doctr9es & precepts ( !     
,alcoran 9 a v>iety ( lights diff]5t f  
ea* o!r1 ea* ( !m claim+ ! purity ( !   
orig9al & infallible tru?s prescrib$ to 
! _w by ,mahomet1 _! great re=m] (      
,*ri/ianity4 ,= ?\gh ! sev]al sect>ies (
 ,mahometans diff]1 respect+ ! mean+ (  
_! ,alcoran1 yet !y all hold to ! tru? &
 div9e au?ority !re(1 ! same z !        
,*ri/ian sect>ies d conc]n+ _! ,bible3 s
 t all ! diff]5t op9ions :i* ev] did1 or
 at pres5t d subsi/1 betwe5 ,jews1      
,*ri/ians & ,mahometans1 may be resolv$ 
into "o consid]ation1 viz43 ! want ( a  
"r und]/&+ ( ! orig9al ( ! ,scriptures4 
,all sat out at fir/1 z !y imag9$1 f !  
tru? ( ,god's ^w1 7except ! impo/ors17  

conclud$ t !y _h an infallible guide1 & 
h1 by "o means or o!r1 be5 guid$ into z 
_m opposite fai?s z human ,inv5tion has 
be5 capa-ble ( fabricat+2 ea* sect among
 ! :ole1 exult+ 9 _! happy ignorance1   
believ+ t !y are favor$ ) an infallible 
revelation = _! direction4  ,x alt]s n !
 pres5t argum5t1 :e!r ! ,scriptures 7   
orig9ally true or n2 = ?\gh !y be       
suppos$ to h be5 ei!r true or false1 or 
a mixture ( bo?1 yet !y c\ld nev] h be5 
h&$ d[n entire & uncorrupt$ to ! pres5t 
"t1 ?r\gh ! v>i\s *anges & p]petual     
ref9em5ts ( le>n+ & language2 ?is is n  
m]ely a matt] ( speculative &           
argum5tative demon/ration1 ! palpable   
c]ta9ty ( x /&s confess$ 9 e ,jewi%1    
,*ri/ian & ,mahometan sect>y4           
,,secton ,,iii4 ,,on ,,! ,,compil+ ,,op 
,,! ,,manuscripts ,,( ,,!               
,,scriptures444  ,,into ,,"o ,,volume1  
,,& ,,( ,,its ,,sev]al ,,translations4  
,,! ,,infallibility ,,( ,,! ,,popes1 ,,&
 ,,( ,,_! ,,*>t]$ ,,rights ,,to ,,remit 
,,or ,,reta9 ,,s9s1 ,,& ,,( ,,!         

,,impropriety ,,( ,,_! ,,be+ ,,tru/$ ,,)
 ,a ,,revelation ,,f ,,god4  ,!         
manuscripts ( ,scripture1 :i* are said  
to h be5 orig9ally writt5 on scrolls (  
b>k1 long be=e ! inv5tion ( pap] or     
pr9t+1 & are said to compose our pres5t 
,bible1 7 9 a loose & confus$ condition1
 scatt]$ ab\t 9 ! _w1 deposit$ nobody   
kn[s h[ or :]e1 & at diff]5t times 7    
compil$ into "o volume4 ,! f\r gospels  
are by ! le>n$ g5]ally admitt$ to h be5 
wrote _m ye>s aft] ,*ri/1 p>ticul>ly t (
 ,/4 ,john3 & sundry o!r gospels 9 !    
primitive ages ( ,*ri/ianity 7 receiv$ z
 div9e by "s ( its !n sect>ies1 :i* h   
un=tunately n met ) approbation 9       
subsequ5t eras ( ! despotism ( ! *ur*4  
,! translation ( ! ,scriptures by       
,ptolemy ,phila-delphus1 k+ ( ,egypt1 0 
be=e ,*ri/1 & !re=e c\ld n include !    
writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 8            
translation1 & :e!r by sev5ty-two       
int]pret]s1 & 9 ! mann] z is commonly   
relat$1 is ju/ly que/ion$4 ,b :]e1 at   
:at "t1 & by :om1 ! ,scriptures ( ! ,old

 & ,new ,te/am5t 7 fir/ compil$ into "o 
volume1 is :at ,i d n und]/&3 b 0 x a   
long] or %ort] p]iod aft] ,*ri/1 x alt]s
 n ! pres5t argum5t mat]ially1 s9ce !   
scatt]$ manuscripts 7 9 a loose &       
confus$ condition = a long "t2 & ! gr&  
qu]y is1 :5 ! compil]s ( ^? manuscripts 
collect$ !m toge!r 9 ord] to =m !m into 
"o volume1 h[ !y c\ld h und]/ood !      
suppos$ div9e writ+s1 or symbolical     
figures1 ) ! ideas orig9ally connect$ ) 
!m1 & di/+ui% !m f ^? :i* 7 m]ely human1
 & 9 comp>ison ( ! o!rs are call$       
pr(ane4 ,to und]/& ?is di/9ction w\ld   
require a new revelation1 z mu* z may be
 suppos$ necess>y = compos+ ! orig9al   
manuscripts !mselves2 b x is n pret5d$ t
 ! compil]s or translators ( ! ,bible 7 
inspir$ by ! div9e _s 9 ! do+ & complet+
 _! respective bus9ess2 s t human       
reason1 fancy1 or "s lat5t design1 mu/  
ne$s h be5 sub/itut$1 9 di/+ui%+ !      
suppos$ div9e & human writ+s ap>t1 & 9  
giv+ a p]fect transcript ( ! orig9al    
manuscripts4 ,n[ admitt+ t ! compil]s 7 

really hone/ pr9cipl$ m51 7:i* is m ?an 
we are c]ta9 (17 x w\ld foll[1 t !y w\ld
 be oblig$ to cull out ( ! mix$ mass (  
premis$ div9e & human writ+s1 su* z to  
!m appe>$ to be div9e1 :i* w\ld make !m 
to be ! sole arbitrators ( ! div9ity t  
!y 7 compil+ to be h&$ d[n to po/]ity z 
! infallible ^w ( ,god1 :i* is a great  
/ret* ( pr]ogative = mortal & fallible  
man to und]take1 & z great a weakness 9 
o!rs to subscribe to x1 z ( div9e       
au?ority4  ,mr4 ,f5n+1 9 8 diction>y    
def9ition ( ! ^w ,bible1 subjo9s !      
foll[+ hi/ory ( its translations3  ,!   
translation ( ?is sacr$ volume 0 begun v
 e>ly 9 ?is k+dom1 ,engl&1 & "s "p ( x 0
 done by ,k+ ,alfr$4 ,adelmus translat$ 
! ,psalms into ,saxon 9 #gji1 o!r p>ts 7
 done by ,edfrid or ,ecb]t 9 #gcj1 !    
:ole by ,b$e 9 #gca ,trevisa publi%$ !  
:ole 9 ,engli% 9 #aceg4 ,t9dal's 0      
br\ght high] 9 #aecd1 revis$ & alt]$ 9  
#aech1 publi%$ ) a preface ( ,cranm]s 9 
#aedi4 ,9 #aeea1 ano!r translation 0    
publi%$1 :i* 0 revis$ by sev]al bi%ops1 

0 pr9t$ ) _! alt]ations 9 #aefj4 ,9     
#afjg1 a new translation 0 publi%$ by   
au?ority1 :i* is t 9 pres5t use4 ,f ?is 
acc\nt x appe>s1 t f ! fir/ translation 
( ! ,bible by ,trevisa1 into ,engli%1 9 
#aceg1 x has be5 revis$ alt]$1 & pass$  
?r\gh six diff]5t publications1 ! la/ ( 
:i* is said to h be5 done by au?ority1  
:i* ,i conclude means t ( ! k+1 ^:      
pr]ogative 9 giv+ u a div9e revelation1 
c no m be e/eem$ valid ?an t ( o!r m51  
?\gh he may be possess$ ( an arbitr>y   
p[] )9 ! limits ( 8 realm to prev5t any 
fur!r correction & publication ( x4 ,z  
to ! *anges x und]w5t previ\s to        
,trevisa's translation1 9 :i* "t x 0 mo/
 expos$ to corruptions ( e k9d1 we1 w n 
at pres5t p>ticul>ly consid]1 b only    
obs]ve t ^? translations c\ld n1 e "o ( 
!m1 be p]fect1 s9ce !y 7 div]se f ea*   
o!r1 9 consequ5ce ( _! respective       
revisions & corrections2 nor is x       
possible t ! ,bible1 9 any ( its v>i\s  
editions c\ld be p]fect1 any m ?an all &
 e "o ( ^? p]sons :o h act$ a "p 9      

transmitt+ !m d[n to our "t may be      
suppos$ to be s3 = p]fection does n     
p]ta9 to man1 b is ! ess5tial pr]ogative
 ( ,god4  ,! ,roman ,ca?olics1 to avoid 
! evils ( imp]fection1 fallibility &    
impo/ure ( man1 h set up ! ,pope to be  
infallible2 ?is is _! security aga9/ be+
 misguid$ 9 _! fai?1 & by ascrib+       
hol9ess to him1 secure !mselves f       
impo/ure2 a deception :i* is            
incompatible ) hol9ess4 ,s t 9 matt]s ( 
fai?1 !y h no?+ m to d1 b to believe z  
_! *ur* believes4 ,_! au?ority = absolv+
 or reta9+ s9s is v extraord9>y2 h[ev]1 
_! *>t] is f ,*ri/1 7admitt+ !m to be 8 
vic>s1 & ! successors ( ,/4 ,pet]17 & ! 
pres5t ,engli% translation ( ! ,bible   
w>rants x4 ,! commission is 9 ^! words3 
,& ,i w give unto !e ! keys ( ! k+dom ( 
heav51 & :oev] ?\ %alt b9d on e>?1 %all 
be b\nd 9 heav52 & :atsoev] ?\ %all     
loose on e>?1 %all be loos$ 9 heav54    
,:osesoev] s9s ye remit1 !y are remitt$ 
unto !m1 & :osesoev] s9s ye reta91 !y   
are reta9$4 ,t ,/4 ,pet] or 8 successors

 %\ld h a p[] ( b9d+ & det]m9+ ! /ate & 
condition ( mank9d 9 ! _w to come by    
remitt+ or reta9+ s9s1 is too great a   
p[] to be intru/$ to m51 z x int]f]es ) 
! provid5ce & pr]ogative ( ,god1 :o on  
?is position w\ld be exempt$ f judg+ !  
_w1 7z x w\ld int]f]e ) ! *>t]$         
pr]ogative ( ! ,popes 9 _! remitt+ or   
reta9+ ( s9s1 admitt+ x to h be5 g5u9e17
 preclud+ ! div9e retribution ( ju/ice2 
we may1 !re=e1 f ! au?ority ( reason1   
conclude x to be spuri\s4 ,x 0 a long   
succession ( ages t all ,*ri/5dom 7     
dupes to ! ,see ( ,rome1 9 :i* "t x is  
too evid5t to be d5i$1 t ! holy fa!rs   
obtrud$ a great deal ( pi\s fraud on _! 
devotees2 all public wor%ip 0 real to ! 
p 9 unkn[n languages1 z x is to ?is day 
9 ,roman ,ca?olic c\ntries4 ,nor has !  
,bible1 9 ^? c\ntries1 to ?is "t1 be5   
p]mitt$ to be publi%$ 9 any b ! le>n$   
languages1 :i* af=ds great opportunity  
to ! ,romi% *ur* to fix x to answ] _!   
lucrative purposes4 ,nor is x to be     
suppos$ t !y want ! incl9ation to d x4  

,! be=e recit$ grant ( ! p[] ( !        
absolution ( s91 to ,/ ,pet] 9 p>ticul>1
 0 und\bt$ly ( _! contrivance4  ,9 %ort1
 reason w\ld prompt u to conclude1 t _h 
,god1 9 v de$1 made a revelation ( 8 m9d
 & w to mank9d1 z a rule ( duty &       
practice to !m1 & to be cont9u$ z su* to
 ! late/ po/]ity1 he w\ld 9 ! c\rse ( 8 
provid5ce h ord]$ matt]s s t x %\ld h   
be5 deposit$1 translat$1 & kept1 9 ! h&s
 ( m5 ( a m unexceptionable "* ?an ^?   
holy *eats c pret5d to4  ,wit*craft &   
prie/craft1 7 introduc$ into ?is _w     
toge!r1 9 its non-age2 & has gone on1 h&
 9 h& toge!r1 until ab\t half a c5tury  
pa/1 :5 wit*craft began to be discr$it$1
 & is at pres5t almo/ explod$1 bo? 9    
,europe & ,am]ica4 ,?is discov]y has    
depreciat$ prie/craft1 on ! scale ( at  
lea/ fifty p] c5t1 p] annum1 & r5d]$ x  
highly probable t ! improvem5t ( succe$+
 g5]ations1 9 ! k ( nature & sci5ce1 w  
exalt ! reason ( mank9d1 above ! tricks 
& impo/ures ( prie/s1 & br+ !m back to !
 religion ( nature & tru?2 ennoble _!   

m9ds1 & be ! means ( cultivat+ concord1 
& mutual love 9 society1 & ( ext5d+     
*>ity1 & good w to all intellig5t be+s  
?r\gh\t ! univ]se2 exalt ! div9e "*1 &  
lay a p]man5t f\ndation = tru? &        
reliance on provid5ce2 e/abli% our hopes
 & prospects ( immortality1 & be        
condusive to e desirable consequ5ce1 9  
?is _w1 & t :i* is to come2 :i* w cr[n !
 sc5e ( human felicity 9 ?is sublun>y   
/ate ( be+ & probation2 ':i* c nev] be  
complet$ :ile we are "u ! p[] & tyranny 
( prie/s1 s9ce z x ev] has1 x ev] w be  
_! int]e/1 to invalidate ! law ( nature 
& reason1 9 ord] to e/abli% sy/ems      
incompatible !re)4     ,,*apt] ,,xiii4  
,,secton ,i4 ,,morality ,,d]iv$ ,,f     
,,natural ,,fitness444  ,,& ,,n ,,f     
,,tradition4  ,su* p>ts or passages ( ! 
,scriptures z inculcate morality1 h a   
t5d5cy to subs]ve mank9d1 ! same z all  
o!r public inve/igations or tea*+s ( x1 
may be suppos$ to h2 b are nei!r bett]  
or worse = hav+ a place 9 ! volume ( ^? 
writ+s d5om9at$ canonical2 = morality   

does n d]ive its nature f books1 b f !  
fitness ( ?+s2 & ?\gh x may be m or     
less1 int]sp]s$ ?r\gh ! pages ( !       
,alcoran1 its purity & rectitude w\ld   
rema9 ! same2 = x is f\nd$ 9 et]nal "r2 
& :atev] writ+s1 books or oral          
speculations1 be/ illu/rate or tea* ?is 
moral sci5ce1 %\ld h ! pref]5ce4 ,! k ( 
?is z well z all o!r sci5ces1 is acquir$
 f reason & exp]i5ce1 & 7z x is         
progressively obta9$7 may ) propriety be
 call$1 ! revelation ( ,god1 :i* he has 
reveal$ to u 9 ! con/itution ( our      
rational natures2 & z x is cong5ial )   
reason & tru?1 _c 7l o!r revelations7   
p>take ( impo/ure4 ,?is is natural      
religion1 & c\ld be d]iv$ f none o!r b  
,god4 ,i h endeavor$1 9 ?is treatise1 to
 prune ?is religion f ^? excresc5ces1 ) 
:i* craft on ! "o h&1 & ignorance on !  
o!r1 h load$ x2 & to hold x up to view 9
 its native simplicity1 free f alloy2 & 
h ?r\gh\t ! cont5ts ( ! volume1 address$
 ! reason ( mank9d1 & n _! passions1    
traditions or prejudices2 = :i* cause1 x

 is n[ays probable t x w meet ) any     
consid]able approbation4  ,mo/ ( ! human
 race1 by "o means or o!r are           
prepossess$ ) pr9ciples oppos$ to !     
religion ( reason4 ,9 ^! p>ts ( ,am]ica1
 !y are mo/ g5]ally taught1 t !y are    
born into ! _w 9 a /ate ( enmity to ,god
 & moral good1 & are "u 8 wra? & curse1 
t ! way to heav5 & future bless$ness is 
out ( _! p[] to pursue1 & t x is        
incumb]$ ) my/]ies :i* none b ! prie/s c
 unfold1 t we mu/ be born aga91 h a     
special k9d ( fai?1 & be reg5]at$2 or 9 
f9e1 t human nature1 :i* !y call ! old  
man1 mu/ be de/roy$1 p]v]t$1 or *ang$ by
 !m1 & by !m new modell$1 be=e x c be   
admitt$ into ! heav5ly k+dom4 ,su* a    
plan ( sup]/ition1 z f> z x obta9s cr$it
 9 ! _w1 subjects mank9d to sac]dotal   
empire2 :i* is erect$ on ! imbecility ( 
human nature4 ,su* ( mank9d1 z break !  
fett]s ( _! education1 remove su* o!r   
ob/acles z are 9 _! way1 & h ! confid5ce
 publicly to talk rational1 exalt reason
 to its j supremacy1 & v9dicate tru? & !

 ways ( ,god's provid5ce to m51 are sure
 to be /amp$ ) ! epi!t ( irreligi\s1    
infidel1 pr(ane1 & ! l4 ,b x is (t5     
obs]v$ ( su* a man1 t he is morally     
hone/1 & z (t5 repli$1 :at ( t8         
,morality w c>ry no man to heav54 ,s t  
all ! satisfaction ! hone/ man c h :ile 
! sup]/iti\s are squibbl+ hell fire at  
him1 is to retort back ^u !m t !y are   
prie/ ridd54  ,! mann] ( ! exi/5ce1 &   
int]c\rse ( human s\ls1 aft] !          
dissolution ( _! bodies by dea?1 be+    
inconceiveable to u 9 ?is life1 & fill  
mann] ( intellig5ce betwe5 u & dep>t$   
s\ls impracticable1 ! prie/s h x 9 _!   
p[] to amuse u ) a great v>iety (       
vision>y appreh5sions ( ?+s 9 ! _w to   
come1 :i*1 :ile 9 ?is life1 we _c       
contradict f exp]i5ce1 ! te/ ( great "p 
( our c]ta9ty 7especially to ^? ( ord9>y
 und]/&+s7 & hav+ introduc$ my/]ies into
 _! religion1 make x z incompreh5sible  
to u1 79 ?is natural /ate7 z ! mann] (  
our future exi/5ce2 & f ,scripture      
au?ority1 hav+ invalidat$ reason z be+  

c>nal & deprav$1 !y proce$ fur!r to tea*
 u f ! same au?ority1 t1 ! natural man  
kn[e? n !-?+s ( ! _s1 = !y are          
fooli%ness unto him1 nei!r c he "k !m = 
!y are spiritually disc]n$4 ,a          
spiritualiz+ tea*] is ne>ly z well      
acqua9t$ ) ! k+dom ( heav51 z a man c be
 ) 8 home lot4 ,he kn[s ! road to heav5 
& et]nal bless$ness1 to :i* happy       
regions1 ) ! greate/ assurance1 he      
presumes to pilot 8 de> disciples &     
unfold to !m ! my/]ies ( ! canonical    
writ+s1 & ( ! _w to come2 !y cat* !     
en?usiasm & see ) ! same sort (         
spiritual eyes1 ) :i* !y c pi]ce        
religion ?r\gh & ?r\gh1 & und]/& !      
spiritual mean+ ( ! ,scriptures1 :i*    
be=e _h be5 a dead lett] to !m1         
p>ticul>ly ! revelations ( ,/4 ,john !  
div9e1 & ! allusion ( ! horns !re9      
m5tion$4 ,! mo/ obscure & un9telligible 
passages ( ! ,bible1 come )9 ! compass (
 _! spiritual disc]n+ z app>5tly z      
figures d to a ma?metician3 !n !y c s+  
songs out ( ! ,canticles1 say+1 ,i am my

 belov$'s & my belov$ is m9e2 & be+ at a
 loose f ! gov]nm5t ( reason1 please    
!mselves ) any fanaticisms !y l be/1 z t
 ( _! be+ snat*$ z br&s out ( ! burn+1  
to enjoy ! special & et]nal favor (     
,god1 n f any wor?9ess or m]it 9 !m1 b  
m]ely f ! sov]eign w & pleasure ( ,god1 
:ile millions ( millions1 z good by     
nature & practice z !y1 7 left to welt] 
et]nally1 "u ! scald+ drops ( div9e     
v5geance2 n consid]+1 t if x 0 consi/5t 
) ! p]fections ( ,god to save !m1 8     
salvation c\ld n fail to h be5 uni=mly  
ext5d$ to all o!rs1 ^: circum/ances may 
be suppos$ to be simil> to1 or m des]v+ 
?an !irs1 = equal ju/ice _c fail to     
apply 9 all cases 9 :i* equal ju/ice    
dem&s x4 ,b ^! delud$ p resolve ! div9e 
gov]nm5t altoge!r into sov]eignty3 ev5 s
 ,fa!r1 = s x seem$ good 9 ?y sight4 ,& 
z !y exclude reason & ju/ice f _!       
imag9>y notions ( religion1 !y also     
exclude x f ! provid5ce or moral        
gov]nm5t ( ,god4 ,no?+ is m common1 9 ! 
"p ( ! c\ntry :]e ,i 0 educat$1 ?an to  

he> ^? infatuat$ p1 9 _! public &       
private addresses1 ackn[l$ge to _!      
creator1 f ! desk & else:]e1 had/ ?\1 ,o
 ,"l1 laid judgm5t to ! l9e &           
righte\sness to ! plummet1 we _h be5 9 !
 grave ) ! dead & 9 hell ) ! damn$1 long
 be=e ?is "t4 ,su* expressions f !      
creature to ! creator are pr(ane1 &     
utt]ly incompatible ) ! div9e "*4       
,und\bt$ly1 7all ?+s complexly consid]$7
 ! provid5ce ( ,god to man is j1 inasmu*
 z x has ! div9e approbation4  ,!       
sup]/iti\s ?us set up a spiritual       
disc]n+1 indep5d5t (1 & 9 opposition to 
reason1 & _! m]e imag9ations pass ) ea* 
o!r1 & ) !mselves1 = infallible tru?4   
,h5ce x is1 t !y despise ! progressive &
 we>isome reason+s ( philosoph]s 7:i*   
mu/ be admitt$ to be a pa9ful me?od (   
arriv+ at tru?7 b z x is ! only way 9   
:i* we c acquire x1 ,i h pursu$ ! old   
natural road ( ratioc9ation1 conclud+1 t
 z ?is spiritual disc]n+ is altoge!r    
inadequate to ! managem5t ( any ( !     
conc]ns ( life1 or ( contribut+ any     

assi/ance or k t[>ds ! p]fect+ ( ! arts 
& sci5ces1 x is equally un9telligible & 
insignificant 9 matt]s ( religion3 &    
!re=e conclude1 t if ! human race 9     
g5]al1 c\ld be prevail$ ^u to ex]cise   
common s5se 9 religi\s conc]ns1 ^?      
spiritual fictions w\ld cease1 & be     
succe$$ by reason & tru?4     ,,secton  
,,ii4 ,,( ,,! ,,importance ,,( ,,!      
,,ex]cise ,,( ,,reason444  ,,&          
,,practice ,,( ,,morality1 ,,9 ,,ord]   
,,to ,,! ,,happ9ess ,,( ,,mank9d4  ,!   
p]iod ( life is v unc]ta91 & at ! longe/
 is b %ort2 a few ye>s br+ u f infancy  
to manhood1 a few m to a dissolution2   
pa91 sickness & dea? are ! necess>y     
consequ5ces ( animal life4 ,?r\gh life  
we /ruggle ) physical evils1 :i*        
ev5tually are c]ta9 to de/roy our e>?ly 
composition2 & well w\ld x be = u did   
evils end "h2 b alas6 moral evil has be5
 m or less pr$om9ant 9 our ag5cy1 & ?\gh
 natural evil is unavoidable1 yet moral 
evil may be prev5t$ or rem$i$ by !      
ex]cise ( virtue4 ,morality is !re=e ( m

 importance to u ?an any or all o!r     
atta9m5ts2 z x is a habit ( m9d1 :i*1 f 
a retrospective consci\sness ( our ag5cy
 9 ?is life1 we %\ld c>ry ) u into our  
succe$+ /ate ( exi/5ce1 z an acquir$    
app5dage ( our rational nature1 & z !   
necess>y means ( our m5tal happ9ess4    
,virtue & vice are ! only ?+s 9 ?is _w1 
:i*1 ) our s\ls1 are capable ( surviv+  
dea?2 ! =m] is ! rational & only procur+
 cause ( all intellectual happ9ess1 & ! 
latt] ( consci\s guilt & mis]y2 & !re=e1
 our indisp5sable duty & ultimate int]e/
 is1 to love1 cultivate & improve ! "o1 
z ! means ( our greate/ good1 & to hate 
& ab/a9 f ! o!r1 z productive ( our     
greate/ evil4 ,& 9 ord] !reto1 we %\ld s
 f> dive/ ourselves ( ! incumbrances (  
?is _w1 7:i* are too apt to engross our 
att5tion7 z to inquire a consi/5t sy/em 
( ! k ( religi\s duty1 & make x our     
con/ant endeavor 9 life to act con=mably
 to x4 ,! k ( ! be+1 p]fections1        
creation & provid5ce ( ,god1 & ( !      
immortality ( our s\ls1 is ! f\ndation (

 religion2 :i* has be5 p>ticul>ly       
illu/rat$ 9 ! f\r fir/ *apt]s ( ?is     
disc\rse4 ,& z ! ,pagan1 ,jewi%1        
,*ri/ian & ,mahometan c\ntries ( ! _w h 
be5 ov]:elm$ ) a multiplicity (         
revelations div]se f ea* o!r1 & :i*1 by 
_! respective promulgators1 are said to 
h be5 imm$iately inspir$ into _! s\ls by
 ! _s ( ,god1 or imm$iately communicat$ 
to !m by ! int]v5+ ag5cy ( angels 7z 9 !
 in/ance ( ! invisible ,gabriel to      
,mahomet7 & z ^? revelations h be5      
receiv$ & cr$it$1 by af> ! great] "p ( !
 inhabitants ( ! sev]al c\ntries ( ! _w 
7on :om !y h be5 obtrud$7 z             
sup]-naturally reveal$ by ,god or       
angels1 & :i*1 9 doctr9e & discipl9e1   
are 9 mo/ respects repugnant to ea* o!r1
 x fully ev9ces _! impo/ure1 & au?orizes
 u1 )\t a l5g?y c\rse ( argu+1 to       
det]m9e ) c]ta9ty1 t n "o ( !m _h _!    
orig9al f ,god2 z !y cla% ) ea* o!r1 :i*
 is gr\nd ( high probability aga9/ !    
au!nticity ( ea* ( !m4  ,a revelation1 t
 may be suppos$ to be really ( !        

in/itution ( ,god1 mu/ also be suppos$  
to be p]fectly consi/5t or uni=m1 & to  
be able to /& ! te/ ( tru?2 !re=e su*   
pret5d$ revelations1 z are t5d]$ to u z 
! contrivance ( heav51 :i* d n te> t    
te/1 we may be morally c]ta91 0 ei!r    
orig9ally a deception1 or has s9ce1 by  
adult]ation become spuri\s4  ,reason    
!re=e mu/ be ! /&>d by :i* we det]m9e ! 
respective claims ( revelation2 =       
o!rwise we may z well subscribe to !    
div9ity ( ! "o z ( ! o!r1 or to ! :ole (
 !m1 or to none at all4 ,s likewise on  
?is !sis1 if reason rejects ! :ole ( ^? 
revelations1 we ought to return to !    
religion ( nature & reason4  ,und\bt$ly 
x is our duty1 & = our be/ good1 t we   
occupy & improve ! faculties1 ) :i* our 
creator has end[$ u1 b s f> z prejudice1
 or prepossession ( op9ion prevails ov] 
our m9ds1 9 ! same proportion1 reason is
 exclud$ f our !ory or practice4 ,!re=e 
if we w\ld acquire useful k1 we mu/ fir/
 dive/ ourselves ( ^? imp$im5ts2 &      
s9c]ely endeavor to se>* out ! tru?3 &  

draw our conclusions f reason & j       
argum5t1 :i* w nev] con=m to our        
incl9ation1 int]e/ or fancy2 b we mu/   
con=m to t if we w\ld judge rightly4 ,z 
c]ta9 z we det]m9e contr>y to reason1 we
 make a wrong conclusion2 !re=e1 our    
wisdom is1 to con=m to ! nature & reason
 ( ?+s1 z well 9 religi\s matt]s1 z 9   
o!r sci5ces4 ,prepo/]\sly absurd w\ld x 
be1 to negative ! ex]cise ( reason 9    
religi\s conc]ns1 & yet1 be actuat$ by x
 9 all o!r & less occurr5ces ( life4    
,all our k ( ?+s is d]iv$ f ,god1 9 & by
 ! ord] ( nature1 out ( :i* we _c       
p]ceive1 reflect or und]/& any ?+       
:atsoev]2 our ext]nal s5ses are natural2
 & ^? objects are also natural2 s t     
ourselves1 & all ?+s ab\t u1 & our k    
collect$ !refrom1 is natural1 & n       
sup]natural2 z argu$ 9 ! fif? *apt]4    
,an unju/ composition nev] fails to     
conta9 error & falsehood4 ,!re=e an     
unju/ connection ( ideas is n d]iv$ f   
nature1 b f ! imp]fect composition (    
man4 ,misconnection ( ideas is ! same z 

misjudg+1 & has no positive exi/5ce1 be+
 m]ely a creature ( ! imag9ation2 b     
nature & tru? are real & uni=m2 & !     
rational m9d by reason+1 disc]ns !      
uni=mity1 & is !reby enabl$ to make a j 
composition ( ideas1 :i* w /& ! te/ (   
tru?4 ,b ! fanta/ical illum9ations ( !  
cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s "p ( mank9d1 proce$
 f weakness1 & z f> z !y take place 9 ! 
_w subv]t ! religion ( reason1 nature & 
tru?4  ,e?an ,all54