,,*ri/ianity ,,unveil$ ,be+ ,an ,exam9ation ( ,! ,pr9ciples ,& ,effects ( ,! ,*ri/ian ,religion ,by ,nicolas-,anto9e ,b\lang] ,translat$ ,f ,! ,fr5* ,by ,w4 ,m4 ,johnson4 ,slave to no ,sect1 :o takes no private read1 ,b looks ?r\gh ,nature up to ,nature's ,god2 ,& kn[s :]e fai?1 law1 morals1 all began1 ,all end 9 love ( ,god1 & love ( ,man4 ,pope ,london ,pr9t$ ,publi%$ ,by ,r4 ,c>lile1 #ef1 ,fleet ,/reet4 #ahai ,,translator',s ,,preface4 ,9 ?is philosophic age1 :5 nature1 reason1 & ! rights ( man h resum$ _! empire2 :5 ! g5ius ( a great1 g5]\s1 & brave p is giv+ ! la/ bl[ to sup]/ition & despotism1 ! publication ( a "w :i* has greatly contribut$ to ^! glori\s ev5ts1 mu/ be highly acceptable1 n only to ! lit]>y _w1 b ev5 to ! community at l>ge1 :o eag]ly seek aft] in/ruction1 ! mom5t !y believe x necess>y = _! happ9ess4 ,?is publication be>s a conspicu\s rank among ^? works ^: free & indep5d5t s5tim5ts h introduc$ a happy *ange 9 ! public m9d1 & concurr$ ) ! writ+s ( ,r\sseau1 ,mably1 ,raynal1 & ,voltaire1 9 br++ =w>d ! ,fr5* ,revolution3 a revolution :i* w probably prove ! h>b+] ( ! complete triumph ( reason4 ,p]secutions & w>s w !n cease = ev] ?r\gh\t ! civiliz$ _w4 ,9 (f]+ ?is translation to ! public1 ,i pay a tribute t e memb] ( society owes to 8 fell[-citiz5s1 t ( endeav\r+ to acqua9t !m ) _! true rights & duties1 &1 consequ5tly1 ! means mo/ conducive to _! happ9ess4 ,new ,york1 #ahjd4 ,,lett] ,,f ,,! ,,au?or ,,to ,a ,,fri5d4 ,i receive1 ,sir1 ) gratitude1 ! rem>ks :i* y s5d me ^u my "w4 ,if ,i am s5sible to ! praises y condesc5d to give x1 ,i am too fond ( tru? to be displeas$ ) ! frankness ) :i* y propose y\r objections4 ,i f9d !m suffici5tly weighty to m]it all my att5tion4 ,he b ill des]ves ! title ( philosoph]1 :o has n ! c\rage to he> 8 op9ions contradict$4 ,we are n div9es2 our disputes are ( a nature to t]m9ate amicably2 !y 9 no way resemble ^? ( ! apo/les ( sup]/ition1 :o endeav\r to ov]rea* ea* o!r by capti\s argum5ts1 & :o1 at ! exp5ce ( good fai?1 cont5d only to advocate ! cause ( _! vanity & _! prejudices4 ,we bo? desire ! happ9ess ( mank9d1 we bo? se>* aft] tru?2 ?is be+ ! case1 we _c disagree4 ,y beg9 by admitt+ ! necessity ( exam9+ religion1 & submitt+ op9ions to ! decision ( reason4 ,y ackn[l$ge t ,*ri/ianity _c su/a9 ?is trial1 & t 9 ! eye ( good s5se x c nev] appe> to be any ?+ b a tissue ( absurdities1 ( unconnect$ fables1 s5seless dogmas1 pu]ile c]emonies1 & notions borr[$ f ! ,*aldeans1 ,egyptians1 ,ph5icians1 ,grecians1 & ,romans4 ,9 "o ^w1 y confess t ?is religi\s sy/em is only1 ! de=m$ (fspr+ ( almo/ all anci5t sup]/itions1 begott5 by ori5tal fanaticism1 & div]sely modifi$ by ! circum/ances & prejudices ( ^? :o h s9ce pret5d$ to be ! inspir$ ambassadors ( ,god1 & ! int]pret]s ( 8 w4 ,y tremble at ! horrors :i* ! intol]ant _s ( ,*ri/ians has caus$ !m to commit1 :5ev] !y _h p[] to d x2 y feel t a religion f\nd$ on a sangu9>y deity mu/ be a religion ( blood4 ,y lam5t t phr5zy1 :i* 9 infancy takes possession ( pr9ces & p1 & r5d]s !m equally ! slaves ( sup]/ition & h] prie/s2 :i* prev5ts _! acqua9tance ) _! true int]e/s1 r5d]s !m deaf to reason1 & turns !m aside f ! great objects by :i* !y ought to be occupi$4 ,y confess t a religion f\nd$ ^u en?usiasm or impo/ure c h no sure pr9ciples2 t x mu/ prove an et]nal s\rce ( disputes1 & always end 9 caus+ tr\bles1 p]secutions1 & ravages2 especially :5 political p[] conceives itself indisp5sibly oblig$ to ent] into its qu>rels4 ,9 f9e1 y g s f> z to agree t a good ,*ri/ian :o foll[s lit]ally ! conduct prescrib$ to him z ! mo/ p]fect by ! gospel1 kn[s n 9 ?is _w any ?+ ( ^? duties on :i* true morality is f\nd$2 & t if he wants en]gy he mu/ prove an useless misan?rope1 or if 8 temp] be w>m a turbul5t fanatic4 ,aft] ackn[l$g+ all ?is1 h[ c\ld x happ5 t y %\ld pron\nce my "w a dang]\s "o6 ,y tell me t a-wise man ought to ?9k only = himself2 t to ! populace a religion is necess>y1 be x good or bad2 t x is a re/ra9t necess>y to gross & ignorant m9ds1 :i*1 )\t x1 w\ld h no long] any motive = ab/a9+ f vice4 ,y look ^u a re=m ( religi\s prejudices z impossible1 because x is ! int]e/ ( _m ( ^? p]sons :o alone c effect x1 to cont9ue mank9d 9 t ignorance ( :i* !mselves reap ! advantage4 ,^!1 if ,i mi/ake n1 are ! weightie/ ( y\r objections4 ,i w endeav\r to remove !m4 ,books are g5]ally writt5 = t "p ( a nation ^: circum/ances1 education1 & s5tim5ts1 place !m above ! commission ( crimes4 ,?is enlight5$ portion ( society1 :i* gov]ns ! o!r1 reads & judges ( writ+s2 if !y conta9 maxims false or injuri\s1 !y are soon ei!r condemn$ to oblivion1 or held up to public execration2 if !y conta9 only tru?1 !y are n 9 dang]4 ,fanatics & ignorant p are ! di/urb]s ( society4 ,s5sible1 enlight5$1 & dis9t]e/$ p]sons are ev] ! fri5ds ( peace4 ,y are n1 ,sir1 ( ! numb] ( pusillanim\s ?9k]s1 :o believe t tru? is capable ( do+ h>m4 ,x does h>m to ^? only :o deceive mank9d1 & to ! re/ ( ! human species x w always be useful4 ,y ought long to h be5 conv9c$ t ! evils ) :i* mank9d are afflict$1 arise only f our errors1 our prejudices1 our int]e/s misund]/ood1 & ! false ideas we atta* to objects4 ,9 f9e1 x is easy to see t ! policy & morality ( man h be5 p>ticul>ly corrupt$ by _! religi\s prejudices4 ,0 x n religi\s & sup]natural ideas :i* caus$ sov]eigns to be look$ ^u z gods8 ,x is !n religion :i* rais$ up tyrants & despots2 tyrants & despots made wick$ laws2 _! example corrupt$ ! great1 ! great corrupt$ ! l[] classes ( mank9d2 ^! vitiat$ be+s became unhappy slaves1 employ$ ei!r 9 injur+ !mselves1 flatt]+ ! great1 or /ruggl+ to get cle> ( _! mis]y4 ,k+s 7 /yl$ images ( ,god3 !y 7 absolute l him !y creat$ ju/ice & inju/ice2 _! wills (t5 sanctifi$ oppression1 viol5ce1 & rap9e4 ,! means ( obta9+ _! fav\rs 7 vice & meanness4 ,?us nations became fill$ ) p]v]t$ citiz5s1 :o1 "u lead]s corrupt$ by religi\s notions1 made cont9ually a w>1 ei!r op5 or cl&e/9e1 & 7 left de/itute ( any motive = practis+ virtue4 ,has ?is religion influ5c$ ! mann]s ( sov]eigns1 :o d]ive _! div9e p[] f x8 ,d we n behold pr9ces1 ov]fl[+ ) fai?1 cont9ually und]tak+ ! mo/ unju/ w>s2 wa/+ ! blood & treasure ( _! subjects2 wr5*+ ! bread f ! h&s ( ! poor2 p]mitt+ & ev5 comm&+ e species ( inju/ice8 ,does ?is religion1 consid]$ by s _m sov]eigns z ! support ( _! ?rones1 r5d] !m m humane1 temp]ate1 *a/e1 or fai?ful to _! oa?s8 ,alas6 :5 we consult hi/ory1 we !re f9d sov]eigns :o 7 or?odox1 zeal\s1 & religi\s to a scruple1 & at ! same "t guilty ( p]jury1 usurpation1 adult]y1 robb]y1 & murd]2 m5 :o1 9 f9e1 behav$ z if !y fe>$ n ! ,god :om !y hon\r$ ) _! m\?s4 ,among ! c\rti]s :o surr\nd$ !m1 we see a cont9ual alliance ( ,*ri/ianity & vice1 devotion & iniquity1 religion & treason4 ,among ! prie/s ( a poor & crucifi$ ,god1 :o f\nd _! exi/5ce ^u religion1 & pret5d t )\t x !re c\ld be no morality1 d we n see reign+ among/ !m1 pride1 av>ice1 wantonness1 & rev5ge8 ,among/ u1 education is v little att5d$ to by ! gov]nm5t1 :i* %ews ! mo/ pr(\nd indiff]5ce conc]n+ an object ! mo/ ess5tial to ! happ9ess ( /ates4 ,) mo/ mod]n nations public education is conf9$ to tea*+ ( languages1 useless to mo/ :o le>n !m4 ,*ri/ians1 in/ead ( morality1 inculcate ! m>vell\s fables & incompreh5sible dogmas ( a religion extremely repugnant to "r reason4 ,at ! fir/ /ep a "y man makes 9 8 /udies1 he is taught t he ought to r5\nce ! te/imony ( 8 s5ses1 to reject 8 reason z an unfai?ful guide1 & bl9dly con=m himself to ! dictates ( 8 ma/]s8 ,b :o are ^! ma/]s8 ,prie/s1 ^: int]e/ x is to cont9ue mank9d 9 errors1 ( :i* !y alone reap ! advantage4 ,c ! abject & isolat$ m9d ( ^! m]c5>y p$agogues be capable ( in/ruct+ _! pupils 9 t ( :i* !mselves are ignorant8 ,w !y tea* !n to love ! public good1 to s]ve _! c\ntry1 to "k ! duties ( ! man & citiz58 ,c]ta9ly n2 we c expect no?+ f ! h&s ( su* tea*]s b ignorant & sup]/iti\s pupils1 :o1 if !y h pr(it$ ( ! lessons !y h receiv$1 are unacqua9t$ ) e ?+ necess>y 9 society1 ( :i* !y mu/ consequ5tly become useless memb]s4 ,on :atev] side we ca/ our eyes1 we see ! /udy ( ! object mo/ important to man totally neglect$4 ,morality1 9 :i* ,i also compreh5d policy1 is consid]$ ( v little importance 9 ,european education4 ,! only morality taught by ,*ri/ians is1 ! en?usia/ic1 impracticable1 contradictory1 & unc]ta9 morality conta9$ 9 ! gospel4 ,?is is calculat$ only to degrade ! m9d1 to r5d] virtue odi\s1 to =m abject slaves1 & break ! spr+ ( ! s\l2 or1 if x is s[n 9 w>m & active m9ds1 to produce turbul5t fanatics1 capable ( %ak+ ! f\ndations ( society4 ,not)/&+ ! inutility & p]v]sity ( ! morality :i* ,*ri/ianity tea*es mank9d1 its p>tisans presume to tell u1 t )\t ?is religion we _c h morals4 ,b :at is x to h morals1 92 ! language ( ,*ri/ians8 ,x is to pray )\t ceas+1 to frequ5t *ur*es1 to d p5ance1 & to3 ab/a9 f pleasure2 x is to live 9 selfi%ness & solitude4 ,:at good results to society f ^! practices1 all ( :i* may be obs]v$ by a man :o has n ! %ad[ ( virtue8 ,if su* morals lead to heav51 !y are v useless on e>?4 ,b c]ta9 x is1 t a man may be a fai?ful obs]v] ( all t ,*ri/ianity enjo9s1 )\t possess+ any ( ! virtues :i* reason %ews to be necess>y to ! support ( political society4 ,x is necess>y1 !n1 to c>efully di/+ui% ,*ri/ian morality f political morality2 ! =m] makes sa9ts1 ! latt] citiz5s3 "o makes m5 useless1 or ev5 hurtful to ! _w2 ! o!r has = its object ! =mation ( memb]s useful to society2 m5 active & vigor\s1 :o are capable ( s]v+ x1 :o fulfil ! duties ( husb&s1 fa!rs1 fri5ds1 & companions1 :atev] may be _! metaphysical op9ions1 :i*1 let !ologi/s say :at !y w1 are mu* less sure ?an ! inv>iable rules ( good s5se4 ,9 fact1 x is c]ta91 t man is a social be+1 :o 9 all ?+s seeks 8 own happ9ess2 t he does good :5 he f9ds x 8 int]e/2 t he is n commonly bad1 because t w\ld be contr>y to 8 welf>e4 ,?is be+ premis$1 let education tea* m5 to "k ! relations :i* exi/ among !mselves1 & ! duties aris+ f ^? relations2 let gov]nm5ts1 call+ to _! aid laws1 rew>ds1 & puni%m5ts1 confirm ! lessons giv5 by education2 let happ9ess accompany useful & virtu\s actions1 let %ame1 contempt1 & *a/isem5t be ! rew>ds ( vice4 ,!n w\ld mank9d h a true morality1 f\nd$ 9 _! own nature ^u _! mutual wants1 & ! int]e/ ( nations at l>ge4 ,?is morality1 indep5d5t ( ! sublime notions ( ,!ology1 might p]haps h v little 9 common ) ,*ri/ian morality2 b society has no?+ to lose f ?is circum/ance1 z has already be5 prov$4 ,:5 ! p receive a prop] education1 :i*1 by inspir+ !m e>ly 9 life ) virtu\s pr9ciples1 w habituate !m to d homage to virtue1 dete/ crimes1 contemn vice1 & %r9k f infamy2 su* an education _c be va91 :5 cont9ual example %all prove to ! citiz5s t tal5ts & virtue are ! only means ( arriv+ at hon\r1 =tune1 di/9ction1 consid]ation1 & fav\r2 & t vice conducts only to contempt & ignom9y4 ,if ! cl]gy h usurp$ f ! sov]eign p[] ! "r ( in/ruct+ ! p1 let ! latt] re-assume its rights1 or at lea/ n suff] ! =m] to enjoy ! exclusive lib]ty ( gov]n+ ! mann]s ( mank9d1 & dictat+ _! morality4 ,let !m tea*1 if !y please1 t _! ,god trans=ms himself into bread1 b let !m nev] tea* t we ought to hate or de/roy ^? :o refuse to believe ?is ineffable my/]y4 ,let no individual 9 society h ! p[] ( excit+ citiz5s to rebellion1 ( s[+ discord1 break+ ! b&s :i* unite ! p among/ "o ano!r1 & di/urb+ ! public tranquillity = ! sake ( op9ions4 ,if x be said t all gov]nm5ts ?9k x _! int]e/ to support religi\s prejudices1 & manage ! cl]gy ?r\gh policy1 al?\gh !y !mselves are undeceiv$2 ,i answ]1 t x is easy to conv9ce enlight5$ gov]nm5t1 t x is _! true int]e/ to gov]n a happy p2 t ^u ! happ9ess x procures ! nation1 dep5ds ! /ability & safety ( ! gov]nm5t2 9 "o ^w1 t a nation compos$ ( wise & virtu\s citiz5s1 are mu* m p[]ful ?an a troop ( ignorant & corrupt$ slaves1 :om ! gov]nm5t is =c$ to deceive 9 ord] to satisfy1 & to deluge ) impositions t x may succe$ 9 any ent]prise4 ,?us let u n despair1 t tru? w "o day =ce its way ev5 to ?rones4 ,if ! light ( reason & sci5ce rea*es pr9ces ) s mu* difficulty1 x is because int]e/$ prie/s & />vel+ c\rti]s endeav\r1 to keep !m 9 a p]petual infancy1 po9t out to !m *im]ical prospects ( p[] & gr&eur1 & ?us turn away _! att5tion f objects necess>y to _! true happ9ess4 ,e gov]nm5t mu/ feel t _! p[] w always be tott]+ & prec>i\s1 s long z x dep5ds = support on ! phantoms ( religion1 ! errors ( ! p1 & ! caprices ( ! prie/hood4 ,x mu/ feel ! inconv5i5cies result+ f fanatic adm9i/rations1 :i* h hi!rto produc$ no?+ b ignorance & presumption1 no?+ b ob/9ate1 weak citiz5s1 incapable ( do+ s]vice to-! /ate1 & ready to receive ! false impressions ( guides :o w\ld lead !m a/ray44 ,x mu/ p]ceive :at imm5se res\rces might be d]iv$ f ! weal?1 :i* has be5 accumulat$ by a body ( useless m51 :o1 "u pret5sions ( tea*+ ! nation1 *eat & dev\r x4#a ,^u ?is f\ndation 7:i* to ! %ame ( mank9d be x said1 has hi!rto s]v$ only to support sac]dotal pride7 a wise gov]nm5t might raise e/abli%m5ts :i* w\ld become useful to ! /ate 9 =m+ ! y\?1 *]i%+ tal5ts1 rew>d+ virtu\s s]vices1 & com=t+ ! p4 ,i flatt] myself1 ,sir1 t ^! reflections w exculpate me 9 y\r eyes4 ,i d n hope = ! suffrages ( ^? :o feel !mselves1 int]e/$ 9 ! cont9uance ( ! evils suff]$ by _! fell[-citiz5s2 x is n su* :om ,i aim to conv9ce no?+ c be made to appe> evid5t to vici\s & unreasonable m54 ,b ,i presume to hope1 t y w cease to look ^u my book z dang]\s1 & my expectations z altoge!r *im]ical4 ,_m immoral m5 h attack$ ! ,*ri/ian religion1 because x oppos$ _! prop5sities2 _m wise m53 h despis$ x1 because to !m x appe>$1 ridicul\s2 _m p]sons h look$ ^u x ) indiff]5ce1 because !y did n feel its real inconv5i5cies4 ,i attack x z a citiz51 because x appe>s to me to be injuri\s to ! welf>e ( ! /ate1 an enemy to ! progress1 ( ! human1 m9d1 & oppos$ to ! pr9ciples ( true morality1 f :i* political int]e/s c nev] be sep>at$4 ,x rema9s only = me to say1 ) a poet1 :o 01 l myself1 an enemy1 to sup]/ition3 444444444,si tibi v]a videtur ,d$e m5us1 et si falsa e/1 acc+]e contra4 ,i am1 c4 #a ,"s h ?\ght t ! cl]gy might "o day s]ve z a b>ri] aga9/ despotism1 b exp]i5ce suffici5tly proves t ?is body always /ipulates = itself alone4 ,,*ri/ianity ,,unveil$ ,,*ap4 ,i4--,,introduction4 ,,( ,,! ,,necessity ,,( ,,an ,,inquiry ,,respect+ ,,religion1 ,,& ,,! ,,ob/acles ,,:i* ,,are ,,met ,,9 ,,pursu+ ,,?is ,,inquiry4 ,a reasonable be+ ought 9 all 8 actions to aim at 8 own happ9ess & t ( 8 fell[-creatures4 ,religion1 :i* is held up z an object mo/ important to our temporal & et]nal felicity1 c be advantage\s to u only s f> z x r5d]s our exi/5ce happy 9 ?is _w1 or z we are assur$ t x w fulfil ! flatt]+ promises :i* x makes u respect+ ano!r4 ,our duty t[>ds ,god1 :om we look ^u z ! rul] ( our de/9ies1 c be f\nd$1 x is said1 only on ! evils :i* we fe> on 8 "p4 ,x is !n necess>y t man %\ld exam9e ! gr\nds ( 8 fe>s4 ,he ought1 = ?is purpose1 to consult exp]i5ce & reason1 :i* are ! only guides to tru?4 ,by ! b5efits :i* he d]ives f religion 9 ! visible _w :i* he inhabits1 he may judge ( ! reality ( ^? bless+s = :i* x leads him to hope 9 t invisible _w1 to :i* x comm&s him to turn 8 views4 ,mank9d1 = ! mo/ "p1 hold to _! religion ?r\gh habit4 ,!y h nev] s]i\sly exam9$ ! reasons :y !y are atta*$ to x1 ! motives ( _! conduct1 or ! f\ndations ( _! op9ions4 ,?us1 :at has ev] be5 consid]$ z mo/ important to all1 has be5 ( all ?+s lea/ subject$ to scrut9y4 ,m5 bl9dly foll[ on 9 ! pa?s :i* _! fa!rs trod2 !y believe1 because 9 infancy !y 7 told !y mu/ believe2 !y hope1 because _! prog5itors hop$2 & !y tremble1 because !y trembl$4 ,sc>cely ev] h !y deign$ to r5d] an acc\nt ( ! motives ( _! belief4 ,v few m5 h leisure to exam9e1 or =titude to analyse1 ! objects ( _! habitual v5]ation1 _! bl9d atta*m5t1 or _! traditional fe>s4 ,nations are c>ri$ away 9 ! torr5t ( habit1 example1 & prejudice4 ,education habituates ! m9d to op9ions ! mo/ mon/r\s1 z x accu/oms ! body to attitudes ! mo/ uneasy4 ,all t has long exi/$ appe>s sacr$ to ! eyes ( man2 !y ?9k x sacrilege to exam9e ?+s /amp$ ) ! seal ( antiquity4 ,prepossess$ 9 fav\r ( ! wisdom ( _! fa!rs1 !y h n ! presumption to inve/igate :at has receiv$ _! sanction4 ,!y see n t man has ev] be5 ! dupe ( 8 prejudices1 8 hopes1 & 8 fe>s2 & t ! same reasons h almo/ al ways r5d]$ ?is enquiry equally impracticable4 ,! vulg>1 busi$ 9 ! lab\rs necess>y to _! subsi/5ce1 place a bl9d confid5ce 9 ^? :o pret5d to guide !m1 give up to !m ! "r ( ?9k+1 & submit )\t murmur+ to all !y prescribe4 ,!y believe !y %all (f5d ,god1 if !y d\bt1 = a mom5t1 ! v]acity ( ^? :o speak to !m 9 8 "n4 ,! great1 ! ri*1 ! m5 ( ! _w1 ev5 :5 !y are m enlight5$ ?an ! vulg>1 h f\nd x _! int]e/ to con=m to receiv$ prejudices1 & ev5 to ma9ta9 !m2 or1 swall[$ up 9 dissipation1 pleasure1 & effem9acy1 !y h no "t to be/[ on a religion1 :i* !y easily accommodate to _! passions1 prop5sities1 & fondness = amusem5t4 ,9 *ildhood1 we receive all ! impressions o!rs wi% to make ^u u2 we h nei!r ! capacity1 exp]i5ce1 or c\rage1 necess>y to exam9e :at is taught u by ^?1 on :om our weakness r5d]s u dep5d5t4 ,9 y\?1 ! ard\r ( our passions1 & ! cont9ual ebriety ( our s5ses1 prev5t our ?9k+ s]i\sly ( a religion1 too au/]e & gloomy to please2 if by *ance a "y man exam9es x1 he does x ) p>tiality1 or )\t p]sev]ance2 he is (t5 disgu/$ ) a s+le glance ( ! eye on an object s disgu/+4 ,9 rip] age1 new passions & c>es1 ideas ( ambition1 greatness1 p[]1 ! desire ( ri*es1 & ! hurry ( bus9ess1 absorb ! :ole att5tion ( man1 or leave him b few mom5ts to ?9k ( religion1 :i* he nev] has ! leisure to scrut9ize4 ,9 old age1 ! faculties are blunt$1 habits become incorporat$ ) ! ma*9e1 & ! s5ses are debilitat$ by "t & infirmity2 & we are no long] able to p5etrate back to ! s\rce ( our op9ions2 besides1 ! fe> ( dea? !n r5d]s an exam9ation1 ov] :i* t]ror commonly presides1 v liable to suspicion4 ,?us1 religi\s op9ions1 once receiv$1 ma9ta9 _! gr\nd1 ?r\gh a long succession ( ages2 ?us nations transmit f g5]ation to g5]ation ideas :i* !y h nev] exam9$3 !y imag9e _! welf>e to be atta*$ to in/itutions 9 :i*1 7 ! tru? kn[n1 !y w\ld behold ! s\rce ( ! great] "p ( _! mis=tunes4 ,civil au?ority also flies to ! support ( ! prejudices ( mank9d1 compels !m to ignorance by =bidd+ inquiry1 & holds itself 9 cont9ual read9ess to puni% all :o attempt to undeceive !mselves4 ,let u n be surpris$1 !n1 if we see error almo/ inextricably int]wov5 ) human nature4 ,all ?+s seem to concur to p]petuate our bl9dness1 & hide ! tru? f u4 ,tyrants dete/ & oppress tru?1 because x d>es to dispute _! unju/ &1 *im]ical titles2 x is oppos$ by ! prie/hood because x annihilates _! sup]/itions4 ,ignorance1 indol5ce1 & passion r5d] ! great "p ( mank9d accomplices ( ^? :o /rive to deceive !m1 9 ord] to keep _! necks b5ea? ! yoke1 & pr(it by _! mis]ies4 ,h5ce nations groan "u h]$it>y evils1 ?\ghtless ( a rem$y2 be+ ei!r ignorant ( ! cause1 or s long accu/om$ to disease1 t !y h lo/ ev5 ! desire ( heal?4 ,if religion be ! object mo/ important to mank9d1 if x ext5ds its influ5ces n only ov] our conduct 9 ?is life1 b also ov] our et]nal happ9ess1 no?+ c dem& f u a m s]i\s exam9ation4 ,yet x is ( all ?+s1 t1 respect+ :i*1 mank9d ex]cise ! mo/ implicit cr$ulity4 ,! same man1 :o exam9es ) scrupul\s nicety ?+s ( little mom5t to 8 welf>e1 :olly neglects inquiry conc]n+ ! motives :i* det]m9e him to believe & p]=m ?+s1 on :i*1 accord+ to 8 own confession1 dep5d bo? 8 temporal & et]nal felicity4 ,he bl9dly ab&ons himself to ^? :om *ance has giv5 him = guides2 he confides to !m ! c>e ( ?9k+ = him1 & ev5 makes a m]it ( 8 own indol5ce & cr$ulity4 ,9 matt]s ( religion1 infancy & b>b>ity seem to be ! boa/ ( ! great] "p ( ! human race4 ,nev]!less1 m5 h 9 all ages appe>$1 :o1 %ak+ (f ! prejudices ( _! fell[s1 h d>$ to lift be=e _! eyes ! light ( tru?4 ,b :at c\ld _! feeble voice effect aga9/ errors imbib$ at ! brea/1 confirm$ by habit1 au?oris$ by example1 & =tifi$ by a policy1 :i* (t5 became ! accomplice ( its own ru98 ,! /5torian clam\rs ( impo/ure soon ov]:elm ! calm exhortations ( ! advocates ( reason4 ,9 va9 %all ! philosoph] endeav\r to inspire mank9d ) c\rage1 s long z !y tremble b5ea? ! rod ( prie/s & k+s4 ,! sure/ means ( deceiv+ mank9d1 & p]petuat+ _! errors1 is to deceive !m 9 infancy4 ,among/ _m nations at ! pres5t day1 education seems design$ only to =m fanatics1 devotees1 & monks2 t is to say1 m5 ei!r useless or injuri\s to society4 ,few are ! places 9 :i* x is calculat$ to =m good citiz5s4 ,pr9ces1 to :om a great "p ( ! e>? is at pres5t unhappily subject$1 are commonly ! victims ( a sup]/iti\s education1 & rema9 all _! lives 9 ! pr(\nde/ ignorance ( _! own duties1 & ! true/ int]e/s ( ! /ates :i* !y gov]n4 ,religion seems to h be5 inv5t$ only to r5d] bo? k+s & p equally ! slaves ( ! prie/hood4 ,! latt] is cont9ually busi$ 9 rais+ ob/acles to ! felicity ( nations4 ,:]ev] ?is reigns1 o!r gov]nm5ts h b a prec>i\s p[]2 & citiz5s become indol5t1 ignorant1 de/itute ( greatness ( s\l1 &1 9 %ort1 ( e quality necess>y to ! happ9ess ( society4 ,if1 9 a /ate :]e ! ,*ri/ian religion is pr(ess$1 we f9d "s activity1 "s sci5ce1 & an approa* to social mann]s2 x is1 because nature1 :5ev] x is 9 h] p[]1 re/ores mank9d to reason1 & obliges !m to lab\r = _! own felicity4 ,7 all ,*ri/ian nations exactly con=m$ to _! pr9ciples1 !y mu/ be plung$ into ! mo/ pr(\nd inactivity4 ,our c\ntries w\ld be inhabit$ by a small numb] ( pi\s savages1 :o w\ld meet only to de/roy ea* o!r4 ,= :y %\ld a man m+le ) ! affairs ( a _w1 :i* 8 religion in=ms him is only a place ( passage8 ,:at c be ! indu/ry ( t p1 :o believe !mselves comm&$ by _! ,god to live 9 cont9ual fe>1 to pray1 to groan1 & afflict !mselves incessantly8 ,h[ c a society exi/ :i* is compos$ ( m5 :o are conv9c$ t1 9 _! zeal = religion1 !y ought to hate & de/roy all ^: op9ions diff] f _! own8 ,h[ c we expect to f9d humanity1 ju/ice1 or any virtue1 among/ a horde ( fanatics1 :o copy 9 _! conduct a cruel1 dissembl+1 & di%one/ ,god8 ,a ,god :o delights 9 ! te>s ( 8 unhappy creatures1 :o sets = !m ! ambu%1 & !n puni%es !m = hav+ fall5 into x8 ,a ,god :o himself orda9s robb]y1 p]secution1 & c>nage8 ,su*1 h[ev]1 are ! traits ) :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion repres5ts ! ,god :i* x has inh]it$ f ! ,jews4 ,?is ,god 0 a sultan1 a despot1 a tyrant1 to :om all ?+s 7 lawful4 ,yet he is held up to u z a model ( p]fection4 ,crimes1 at :i* human nature revolts1 h be5 committ$ 9 8 "n2 & ! greate/ villanies h be5 ju/ifi$ by ! pret5ce ( _! be+ committ$1 ei!r by 8 comm&1 or to m]it 8 fav\r4 ,?us ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :i* boa/s ( be+ ! only true support ( morality1 & ( furni%+ mank9d ) ! /ronge/ motives = ! practice ( virtue1 has prov$ to !m a s\rce ( divisions1 oppressions1 & ! blacke/ crimes4 ,"u ! pretext ( br++ peace on e>?1 x has ov]:elm$ x ) hate1 discord1 & w>4 ,x furni%es ! human race ) a ?\s& +5i\s means ( torm5t+ !mselves1 & scatt]s among/ !m sc\rges unkn[n be=e4 ,! ,*ri/ian1 possess$ ( common s5se1 mu/ bitt]ly regret ! tranquil ignorance ( 8 idolatr\s ance/ors4 ,if ! mann]s ( nations h ga9$ no?+ by ! ,*ri/ian religion1 gov]nm5ts1 ( :i* x has pret5d$ to be ! support1 h drawn f x advantages equally small4 ,x e/abli%es to itself 9 e /ate a sep>ate p[]1 & becomes ! tyrant or ! enemy ( e o!r p[]4 ,k+s 7 always ! slaves ( prie/s2 or if !y refus$ to b[ ! knee1 !y 7 proscrib$1 /ripp$ ( _! privileges1 & ext]m9at$ ei!r by subjects :om religion _h excit$ to revolt1 or assass9s ^: h&s %e _h arm$ ) h] sacr$ poign>d4 ,be=e ! introduction ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ^? :o gov]n$ ! /ate1 commonly gov]n$ ! prie/hood2 s9ce t p]iod1 sov]eigns h dw9dl$ into ! fir/ slaves ( ! prie/hood1 ! m]e executors ( its v5geance & its decrees4 ,let u !n conclude1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion has no "r to boa/ ( procur+ advantages ei!r by policy or morality4 ,let u te> aside ! veil ) :i* x envelopes itself4 ,let u p5etrate back to its s\rce4 ,let u pursue x 9 its c\rse1 we %all f9d t1 f\nd$ on impo/ure1 ignorance1 & cr$ulity1 x c nev] be useful b to m5 :o wi% to deceive _! fell[-creatures4 ,we %all f9d1 t x w nev] cease to g5]ate ! greate/ evils among mank9d1 & t in/ead ( produc+ ! felicity x promises1 x is =m$ to cov] ! e>? ) outrages1 & deluge x 9 blood2 t x w plunge ! human race 9 delirium & vice1 & bl9d _! eyes to _! true/ int]e/s & _! pla9e/ duties4 ,,*ap4 ,,ii4--,,sket* ,,( ,,! ,,hi/ory ,,( ,,! ,,jews4 ,9 a small c\ntry1 almo/ unkn[n to o!rs1 liv$ a nation1 ! f\nd]s ( :i* hav+ too long be5 slaves among ! ,egyptians1 7 deliv]$1 f _! s]vitude by a prie/ ( ,heliopolis1 :o1 by means ( 8 sup]ior g5ius & k1 ga9$ ! asc5dancy ov] !m4#a ,?is man1 kn[n by ! "n ( ,diodorus ,siculus also relates ! hi/ory ( ,moses--,vide translation ( ,abbe ,t]rasson4 #a ,maneton & ,*]emon1 ,egyptian hi/orians1 respect+ :om te/imonies h be5 transmitt$ to u by ,joseph ! ,jew1 in=m u t a multitude ( lep]s 7 drawn out ( ,egypt by k+ ,am5ophis2 & t ^! exiles elect$ = _! lead] a prie/ ( ,heliopolis ^: "n 0 ,moses1 & :o =m$ = !m a religion & a code ( laws4 ,joseph contre ,appion4 liv4 i4 *ap4 ix4 ,,ii1 #ab4 ,be ?is z x may1 ,moses1 by ! confession ( ! ,bible itself1 began 8 c>e] by assass9at+ an ,egyptian1 :o 0 qu>rell+ ) an ,hebrew2 aft] :i* he fl$ into ,arabia1 & m>ri$ ! daught] ( an idolatr\s prie/1 by :om he 0 (t5 reproa*$ = 8 cruelty4 ,!nce he return$ into ,egypt1 & plac$ himself at ! head ( 8 nation1 :i* 0 dissatisfi$ ) k+ ,ph>aoh4 ,moses reign$ v tyrannically2 ! examples ( ,korah1 ,da?an1 & ,abira91 prove to :at k9d ( p he _h an av]sion4 ,he at la/ disappe>$ l ,romulus1 no "o be+ able to f9d 8 body1 or ! place ( 8 sepulture4 ,moses1 be+ educat$ 9 ! my/]ies ( a religion1 :i* 0 f]tile 9 prodigies1 & ! "m ( sup]/itions1 plac$ himself at ! head ( a b& ( fugitives1 :om he p]suad$ t he 0 an int]pret] ( ! w ( _! ,god1 ^: imm$iate comm&s he pret5d$ to receive4 ,he prov$ 8 mission1 x is said1 by works :i* appe>$ sup]natural to m5 ignorant ( ! op]ations ( nature1 & ! res\rces ( art4 ,! fir/ comm& t he gave !m on ! "p ( 8 ,god 0 to rob _! ma/]s1 :om !y 7 ab\t to des]t4 ,:5 he _h ?us enri*$ !m ) ! spoils ( ,egypt1 be+ sure ( _! confid5ce1 he conduct$ !m into a des]t1 :]e1 dur+ =ty ye>s1 he accu/om$ !m to ! bl9de/ ob$i5ce1 he taught !m ! w ( heav51 ! m>vell\s fables ( _! =efa!rs1 & ! ridicul\s c]emonies to :i* he pret5d$ ! ,mo/ ,high atta*$ 8 fav\rs4 ,he 0 p>ticul>ly c>eful to inspire !m ) ! mo/ env5om$ hatr$ aga9/ ! gods ( o!r nations1 & ! mo/ ref9$ cruelty to ^? :o ador$ !m4 ,by means ( c>nage & sev]ity1 he r5d]$ !m a nation ( slaves1 obsequi\s to 8 w1 ready to second 8 passions1 & sacrifice !mselves to gratify 8 ambiti\s views4 ,9 "o ^w1 he made ! ,hebrews mon/]s ( phr5zy & f]ocity4 ,aft] hav+ ?us animat$ !m ) ! _s ( de/ruction1 he %ew$ !m ! l&s & possessions ( _! neighb\rs1 z an inh]itance assign$ !m by ,god himself4 ,pr\d ( ! protection ( ,jehovah1 ! ,hebrews m>*$ =? to victory4 ,heav5 au?oris$ 9 !m knav]y & cruelty4 ,religion1 unit$ to avidity1 r5d]$ !m deaf to ! cries ( nature2 &1 "u ! conduct ( inhuman *iefs1 !y de/roy$ ! ,canaaniti% nations ) a b>b>ity1 at :i* e man mu/ revolt1 ^: reason is n :olly annihilat$ by sup]/ition4 ,_! fury de/roy$ e ?+1 ev5 infants at ! brea/1 9 ^? cities :i!r ^! mon/]s c>ri$ _! victori\s arms4 ,by ! comm&s ( _! ,god1 or 8 prophets1 good fai? 0 violat$1 ju/ice outrag$1 & cruelty ex]cis$4 ,?is nation ( robb]s1 usurp]s1 & murd]]s1 at l5g? e/abli%$ !mselves 9 a c\ntry1 n inde$ v f]tile1 b :i* !y f\nd delici\s 9 comp>ison ) ! des]t 9 :i* !y _h s long w&]$4 ,"h1 "u ! au?ority ( ! visible prie/s ( _! hidd5 ,god1 !y f\nd$ a /ate1 dete/able to its neighb\rs1 & at all times ! object ( _! contempt or _! hatr$4 ,! prie/hood1 "u ! title ( a !ocracy1 = a long "t gov]n$ ?is bl9d & f]oci\s p4 ,!y 7 p]suad$ t 9 obey+ _! prie/s !y obey$ ,god himself4 ,not)/&+ _! sup]/ition1 ! ,hebrews at l5g?1 =c$ by circum/ances1 or p]haps we>y ( ! yoke ( prie/hood1 det]m9$ to h a k+1 accord+ to ! example ( o!r nations4 ,b 9 ! *oice ( _! mon>* !y ?\ght !mselves oblig$ to h rec\rse to a prophet4 ,?us began ! mon>*y ( ! ,hebrews4 ,_! pr9ces1 h[ev]1 7 always cross$ 9 _! ent]prises by inspir$ prie/s & ambiti\s prophets1 :o cont9ually laid ob/acles 9 ! way ( e sov]eign :om !y did n f9d suffici5tly submissive to _! own wills4 ,! hi/ory ( ! ,jews at all times %ews u no?+ b k+s bl9dly ob$i5t to ! prie/hood1 or at w> ) x1 & p]i%+ "u its bl[s4 ,! f]oci\s & ridicul\s sup]/itions ( ! ,jews r5d]$ !m at once ! natural enemies ( mank9d1 & ! object ( _! contempt4 ,!y 7 always treat$ ) great sev]ity by ^? :o made inroads ^u _! t]ritory4 ,successively enslav$ by ! ,egyptians1 ! ,babylonians1 & ! ,grecians1 !y exp]i5c$ f _! ma/]s ! bitt]e/ treatm5t1 :i* 0 inde$ b too well des]v$4 ,(t5 disob$i5t to _! ,god1 ^: own cruelty1 z well z ! tyranny ( 8 prie/s frequ5tly disgu/$ !m1 !y 7 nev] fai?ful to _! pr9ces4 ,9 va9 7 !y cru%$ b5ea? sceptres ( iron2 x 0 impossible to r5d] !m loyal subjects4 ,! ,jews 7 always ! dupes ( _! prophets1 & 9 _! greate/ di/resses _! ob/9ate fanaticism1 ridicul\s hopes1 & indefatigable cr$ulity1 support$ !m aga9/ ! bl[s ( =tune4 ,at la/1 conqu]$ ) ! re/ ( ! e>?1 ,judah submitt$ to ! ,roman yoke4 ,despis$ by _! new ma/]s1 ! ,jews 7 treat$ h>dly1 & ) great haught9ess2 = _! laws1 z well z _! conduct1 _h inspir$ ! he>ts ( _! conqu]ors ) ! livelie/ dete/ation4 ,s\r$ by mis=tune1 !y became m bl9d1 fanatic1 & s$iti\s4 ,exalt$ by ! pret5d$ promises ( _! ,god2 full ( confid5ce 9 oracles1 :i* h always ann\nc$ to !m a felicity :i* !y h nev] ta/$2 enc\rag$ by en?usia/s1 or by impo/ors1 :o successively pr(it by _! cr$ulity2 ! ,jews h1 to ?is day1 expect$ ! com+ ( a ,messiah1 a mon>*1 a deliv]]1 :o %all free !m f ! yokes b5ea? :i* !y groan1 & cause _! nation to reign ov] all o!r nations 9 ! univ]se4 ,,*ap4 ,,iii4--,,sket* ,,( ,,! ,,hi/ory ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ?is nation1 ?us dispos$ to fe$ on hope & *im]a1 a new prophet arose1 ^: sect>ies 9 process ( "t h *ang$ ! face ( ! e>?4 ,a poor ,jew1 :o pret5d$ to be desc5d$ f ! royal h\se ( ,david1#a aft] be+ long unkn[n 9 8 own c\ntry1 em]ges f obscurity1 & goes =? to make proselytes4 ,he succe$$ among/ "s ( ! mo/ ignorant "p ( ! populace4 ,to !m he prea*$ 8 doctr9es1 & taught !m t he 0 ! ,son ( ,god1 ! deliv]] ( 8 oppress$ nation1 & ! ,messiah ann\nc$ by ! prophets4 ,8 disciples1 be+ ei!r impo/ors1 or !mselves deceiv$1 r5d]$ a clamor\s te/imony ( 8 p[]1 & decl>$ t 8 mission _h be5 prov$ by miracles )\t numb]4 ,! only prodigy :i* he 0 incapable ( effect+1 0 t ( conv9c+ ! ,jews1 :o1 f> f be+ t\*$ ) 8 b5efic5t & m>vell\s works1 caus$ him to suff] an ignom9i\s dea?4 ,?us ! ,son ( ,god di$ 9 ! sight ( all ,j]usalem2 b 8 foll[]s decl>e t he 0 secretly resuscitat$ ?ree days aft] 8 dea?4 ,visible to !m alone1 & invisible to ! nation :i* he came to enlight5 & conv]t to 8 doctr9e1 ,jesus1 aft] 8 resurrection1 say !y1 conv]s$ "s "t ) 8 disciples1 & !n asc5d$ into heav51 :]e1 hav+ aga9 become equal to ,god ! fa!r1 he %>es ) him ! adorations & homages ( ! sect>ies ( 8 law4 ,^! sect>ies1 by accumulat+ sup]/itions1 inv5t+ impo/ures1 & fabricat+ dogmas & my/]ies1 h1 by little & little1 heap$ up a di/ort$ & unconnect$ sy/em ( religion :i* is call$ ,*ri/ianity1 aft] ! "n ( ,*ri/ its f\nd]4 #a ,! ,jews say t ,jesus 0 ! son ( "o ,p&ira1 or ,pan!r1 :o _h s$uc$ 8 "m ,m>y1 a mill9]1 ! wife ( ,jo*anan4 ,accord+ to o!rs1 ,p&ira1 by "s artifice1 enjoy$ h] sev]al times1 :ile %e ?\ght him h] husb&2 aft] :i*1 %e becom+ pregnant1 h] husb&1 suspici\s ( h] fidelity1 retir$ into ,babylon4 ,"s say t ,jesus 0 taught magic 9 ,egypt1 f :5ce he w5t & ex]cis$ 8 art 9 ,galilee1 :]e he 0 put to dea?4--,vide ,peiff]1 ,!ol4 ,jud4 & ,mahom4 c4 ,pr9cipia4 ,lypsiae1 #afhg4 ,! diff]5t nations1 to :i* ! ,jews 7 successively subject$1 _h infect$ !m ) a multitude ( ,pagan dogmas4 ,?us ! ,jewi% religion1 ,egyptian 9 its orig91 adopt$ _m ( ! rites & op9ions ( ! p1 ) :om ! ,jews conv]s$4 ,we ne$ n !n be surpris$1 if we see ! ,jews1 & ! ,*ri/ians _! successors1 fill$ ) notions borr[$ ( ! ,ph5icians1 ! ,magi or ,p]sians1 ! ,greeks1 & ! ,romans4 ,! errors ( mank9d respect+ religion h a g5]al resemblance2 !y appe> to diff] only by _! comb9ations4 ,! comm]ce ( ! ,jews & ,*ri/ians ) ! ,grecians made !m acqua9t$ ) ! philosophy ( ,plato1 s analog\s to ! romantic _s ( ! ori5tals1 & s con=mable to ! g5ius ( a religion :i* boa/s 9 be+ inaccessible to reason4#a ,paul1 ! mo/ ambiti\s & en?usia/ic ( ! apo/les1 c>ri$ 8 doctr9es1 season$ ) ! sublime & m>vell\s1 among ! p ( ,greece & ,asia1 & ev5 ! inhabitants ( ,rome4 ,he ga9$ proselytes1 z e man :o addresses himself to ! imag9ation ( ignorant p may d2 & he may be ju/ly /yl$ ! pr9cipal f\nd] ( a religion1 :i*1 )\t him1 c\ld nev] h spread f>2 = ! re/ ( its foll[]s 7 ignorant m51 f :om he soon sep>at$ himself to become ! lead] ( 8 own sect4#b #a ,orig5 says1 t ,celsus reproa*$ ,*ri/ ) hav+ borr[$ _m ( 8 maxims f ,plato4 ,see ,orig5 contra ,cel4 *ap4 i4 #f4 ,augu/9 confesses1 t he f\nd ! beg9n+ ( ! ,gospel ( ,john1 9 ,plato4 ,see ,s4 ,aug4 ,conf4 ,i4 vii4 *4 #i1 #aj1 #aa4 ,! notion ( ! ^w is evid5tly tak5 f ,plato2 ! *ur* has s9ce f\nd means ( transplant+ a great "p ( ,plato1 z we %all h]eaft] prove4 #b ,! ,ebionites1 or fir/ ,*ri/ians1 look$ ^u ,/4 ,paul z an apo/ate & an h]etic1 because he :olly reject$ ! law ( ,moses1 :i* ! o!r apo/les wi%$ only to re=m4 ,! conque/s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion 71 9 its infancy1 g5]ally limit$ to ! vulg> & ignorant4 ,x 0 embrac$ only by ! mo/ abject among/ ! ,jews & ,pagans4 ,x is ov] m5 ( ?is description t ! m>vell\s has ! greate/ influ5ce4#a ,an un=tunate ,god1 ! innoc5t victim ( wick$ness & cruelty1 & an enemy to ri*es & ! great1 mu/ h be5 an object ( consolation to ! wret*$4 ,! au/]ity1 contempt ( ri*es1 & app>5tly dis9t]e/$ c>es ( ! fir/ prea*]s ( ! gospel1 ^: ambition 0 limit$ to ! gov]nm5t ( s\ls2 ! equality ( rank & prop]ty enjo9$ by _! religion1 & ! mutual succ\rs int]*ang$ by its foll[]s2 ^! 7 objects well calculat$ to excite ! desires ( ! poor1 & multiply ,*ri/ians4 ,! union1 concord1 & reciprocal affection1 recomm5d$ to ! fir/ ,*ri/ians1 mu/ h be5 s$uctive to +5i\s m9ds3 _! submissive temp]1 _! pati5ce 9 indig5ce1 obscurity1 & di/ress1 caus$ _! infant sect to be look$ ^u z little dang]\s 9 a gov]nm5t accu/om$ to tol]ate all sects4 ,?us1 ! f\nd]s ( ,*ri/ianity _h _m adh]5ts among ! p1#b & _! oppos]s & enemies consi/$ *iefly ( "s idolatr\s prie/s & ,jews1 ^: int]e/ x 0 to support ! religion previ\sly e/abli%$4 ,by little & little1 ?is new sy/em1 cov]$ ) ! cl\ds ( my/]y1 took deep root1 & became too /rong & ext5sive to be suppress$4 ,! ,roman gov]nm5t saw too late ! progress ( an association x _h despis$4 ,! ,*ri/ians n[ become num]\s1 d>$ to brave ! ,pagan gods1 ev5 9 _! temples4 ,! emp]ors & magi/rates1 disquiet$ at su* proce$+s1 endeav\r$ to ext+ui% ! sect :i* gave !m umbrage4 ,!y p]secut$ su* z !y c\ld n reclaim by mild] means1 & :om _! fanaticism _h r5d]$ ob/9ate4 ,! feel+s ( mank9d are ev] int]e/$ 9 fav\r ( di/ress2 & ?is p]secution only s]v$ to increase ! numb] ( ! fri5ds ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,! =titude & con/ancy ) :i* !y suff]$ torm5t1 appe>$ sup]natural & div9e 9 ! eyes ( ^? :o 7 witnesses to x2 _! en?usiasm communicat$ itself1 & produc$ new advocates = ! sect1 ^: de/ruction 0 attempt$4 #a ,! fir/ ,*ri/ians 71 by way ( contempt1 call$ ,ebionites1 :i* signifies begg>s or m5dicants4 ,see ,orig5 contra ,celsum1 lib4 ii4 et ,euseb4 ,hi/4 ,eccles4 lib4 iii4 c4 #cg4 ,ebion1 9 ,hebrew1 signifies poor4 ,! ^w ,ebion has s9ce be5 p]sonifi$ into ! mean+ ( an h]etic1 or ! lead] ( a sect1 :o 7 exclud$ f sacr$ ?+s1 & sc>cely consid]$ z m54 ,x promis$ !m t !y %\ld "o day h _! turn1 & t1 9 ! o!r life1 !y %\ld be happi] ?an _! ma/]s4 #b ,le peuple4 ,aft] ?is explanation1 let ,*ri/ians no long] boa/ ! m>vell\s progress ( _! religion4 ,x 0 ! religion ( pov]ty2 x ann\nc$ a ,god :o 0 poor4 ,x 0 prea*$ by ! poor1 to ! poor & ignorant4 ,x gave !m consolation 9 _! mis]y4 ,ev5 its gloomy ideas 7 analog\s to ! disposition ( indig5t & unhappy m54 ,! union & concord s mu* admir$ 9 ! e>li] ,*ri/ians1 is by no means surpris+4 ,an infant & oppress$ sect naturally rema9 unit$1 & dread a sep>ation ( int]e/s4 ,x is a/oni%+ t1 9 ^? e>ly days1 m5 :o 7 !mselves p]secut$ & treat$ z malcont5ts1 %\ld presume to prea* intol]ance & p]secution4 ,! tyranny ex]cis$ aga9/ !m wr\ght no *ange 9 _! s5tim5ts4 ,tyranny only irritates ! human m9d1 :i* is always inv9cible1 :5 ^? op9ions are attack$ to :i* x has atta*$ its welf>e4 ,su* is ! inevitable effect ( p]secution4 ,yet ,*ri/ians1 :o ought to be undeceiv$ by ! example ( _! own sect1 h to ?is day be5 incapable ( dive/+ !mselves ( ! fury ( p]secution4 ,! ,roman emp]ors1 hav+ !mselves become ,*ri/ians1 t is to say1 c>ri$ away by a g5]al torr5t1 :i* oblig$ !m to avail !mselves ( ! support ( a p[]ful sect1 seat$ religion on ! ?rone4 ,!y protect$ ! *ur* & its m9i/]s1 & endeav\r$ to inspire _! c\rti]s ) _! own ideas4 ,!y beheld ) a jeal\s eye ^? :o reta9$ _! atta*m5t to ! anci5t religion4 ,!y1 at l5g?1 int]dict$ ! ex]cise ( x1 & f9i%$ by =bidd+ x "u ! pa9 ( dea?4 ,!y p]secut$ )\t measure ^? :o held to ! wor%ip ( _! ance/ors4 ,! ,*ri/ians n[ repaid ! ,pagans1 ) int]e/1 ! evils :i* !y _h be=e suff]$ f !m4 ,! ,roman empire 0 %ak5 ) convulsions1 caus$ by ! unbridl$ zeal ( sov]eigns & ^? pacific prie/s1 :o _h j be=e prea*$ no?+ b mildness & tol]ation4 ,! emp]ors1 ei!r f policy or sup]/ition1 load$ ! prie/hood ) gifts & b5efactions1 :i* inde$ 7 seldom repaid ) gratitude4 ,!y e/abli%$ ! au?ority ( ! latt]2 & at l5g? respect$ z div9e :at !y _h !mselves creat$4 ,prie/s 7 reliev$ f all civil functions1 t no?+ might div]t _! m9ds f _! sacr$ m9i/ry4#a ,?us ! lead]s ( a once insignificant & oppress$ sect became indep5d5t4 ,be+ at la/ m p[]ful ?an k+s1 !y soon arrogat$ to !mselves ! "r ( comm&+ !m4 ,^! prie/s ( a ,god ( peace1 almo/ cont9ually at v>iance ) ea* o!r1 communicat$ ! fury ( _! passions to _! foll[]s2 & mank9d 7 a/oni%$ to behold qu>rels & mis]ies eng5d]$1 "u ! law ( grace1 :i* !y _h nev] exp]i5c$ "u ! peaceful reign ( ! ,div9ities1 :o _h =m]ly %>$ )\t dispute ! adoration ( mortals4 ,su* 0 ! progress ( a sup]/ition1 innoc5t 9 its orig91 b :i*1 9 its c\rse1 f> f produc+ happ9ess among mank9d1 became a bone ( cont5tion1 & a fruitful s\rce ( calamities4 ,peace ^u e>?1 & good w t[>ds m54 ,?us is ! gospel ann\nc$1 :i* has co/ ! human race m blood ?an all o!r religions ( ! e>? tak5 collectively4 #a ,see ,tillemont's ,life ( ,con/ant9e4 ,vol4 ,,iv4 ,art4 #cb4 ,love ! ,"l ?y ,god ) all ?y /r5g?1 & ?y neighb\r z ?yself4 ,?is1 accord+ to ! ,god & ,legislator ( ! ,*ri/ians1 is ! sum ( _! duties4 ,yet we see x is impossible = ,*ri/ians to love t sev]e & caprici\s ,god :om !y wor%ip4 ,on ! o!r h&1 we see !m et]nally busi$ 9 torm5t+1 p]secut+1 & de/roy+ _! neighb\rs & bre?r54 ,to f9d an explanation ( ^! contradictions1 x is suffici5t to ca/ our eyes ^u ! ,god :i* ! ,*ri/ians inh]it$ f ! ,jews4 ,n cont5t$ ) ! %ock+ col\rs 9 :i* he 0 pa9t$1 ! ,*ri/ians h /ill m disfigur$ 8 portrait4 ,! ,legislator ( ! ,hebrews speaks only ( ! transi5t puni%m5ts ( ?is life2 ! ,*ri/ian repres5ts 8 ,god z p\r+ out unb\nd$ v5geance to all et]nity4 ,9 "o ^w1 ,*ri/ian fanaticism fe$s itself ) ! idea ( an hell1 :]e its ,god1 trans=m$ into a f]oci\s execution]1 z unju/ z implacable1 %all ba! himself 9 ! te>s ( 8 wret*$ creatures1 & p]petuate _! exi/5ce1 to r5d] !m et]nally mis]able4 ,!re1 clo!d 9 v5geance1 he %all mock at ! torm5ts ( s9n]s1 & li/5 ) rapture to ! groans ) :i* !y %all make ! braz5 ro(s ( _! prisons res\nd2 n ! smalle/ hope ( "s di/ant t]m9ation ( _! pa9s %all give !m an int]val ( imag9>y relief4 ,! ,*ri/ians 9 adopt+ ! t]rible ,god ( ! ,jews1 h sublim$ 8 cruelty4 ,!y repres5t him z ! mo/ caprici\s1 wick$1 & cruel tyrant :i* ! human m9d c conceive1 & suppose him to treat 8 subjects ) a b>b>ity & inju/ice truly wor?y ( a demon4 ,9 ord] to be conv9c$ ( ?is tru?1 let u contemplate1 = a mom5t1 a picture ( ! ,jewi% my?ology1 adopt$ & r5d]$ /ill m extravagant by ! ,*ri/ians4 ,,*ap4 ,,iv4--,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,my?ology1 ,,or ,,! ,,ideas ,,( ,,god1 ,,& ,,8 ,,conduct1 ,,giv5 ,,u ,,by ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,god1 by an inconceivable act ( 8 omnipot5ce1 creat$ ! univ]se out ( no?+4#a ,he made ! e>? = ! resid5ce ( man1 :om he creat$ 9 8 own image4 ,sc>cely _h ?is man1 ! prime object ( ! lab\rs ( 8 ,god1 se5 ! light1 :5 8 ,creator set a sn>e = him1 into :i* he und\bt$ly knew t he mu/ fall4 ,a s]p5t1 :o speaks1 s$uces a woman1 :o is n at all surpris$ at ! ph5om5on4 ,%e1 be+ p]suad$ by ! s]p5t1 solicits h] husb& to eat ( a fruit =bidd5 by ,god himself4 ,adam1 ! fa!r ( ! human race1 by ?is light fault1 draws ^u himself & 8 innoc5t po/]ity innum]able evils1 :i* are foll[$1 b n t]m9at$ by dea?4 ,by ! (f5ce ( only "o man1 ! :ole human race incurs ! wra? ( ,god1 & !y are at l5g? puni%$ = involunt>y faults ) an univ]sal deluge4 ,god rep5ts hav+ peopl$ ! e>?1 & he f9ds x easi] to dr[n & de/roy ! human race1 ?an to *ange _! he>ts4 ,a small numb] ( ! j1 h[ev]1 escap$ ?is de/ructive flood2 b ! delug$ e>?1 & ! de/ruction ( mank9d1 did n satiate ! implacable v5geance ( _! ,creator4 ,a new g5]ation appe>$1 ,^!1 al?\gh desc5d$ f ! fri5ds ( ,god1 :om he _h pres]v$ 9 ! g5]al %ipwreck ( ! _w1 inc5se him by new crimes4 ,! almighty is repres5t$ z hav+ be5 incapable ( r5d]+ 8 creature su* z he desir$ him4 ,a new torr5t ( corruption c>ries away mank9d2 & wra? is aga9 excit$ 9 ! bosom ( ,jehovah4 #a ,ex nihilo nihil fit1 0 consid]$ z an axiom by anci5t philosoph]s4 ,! creation1 z admitt$ by ! ,*ri/ians ( ! pres5t day1 t is to say1 ! eduction ( all ?+s f no?+1 is a !ological inv5tion1 n1 inde$1 ( v remote date4 ,! ^w ,b>ah1 :i* is us$ 9 ,g5esis1 signifies to compote1 arranges to dispose matt] already exi/+4 ,p>tial 9 8 affections & 8 pref]5ces1 he1 at l5g?1 ca/s 8 eyes on an idolatr\s ,assyrian4 ,he ent]s into an alliance ) ?is man1 & cov5ants t 8 po/]ity %all be multipli$ to ! numb] ( ! />s ( heav51 or ! s&s ( ! sea1 & t !y %all = ev] enjoy ! fav\r ( ,god4 ,to ?is *os5 race he reveals 8 w2 = !m1 unm9dful ( 8 ju/ice1 he de/roys :ole nations4 ,nev]!less1 ?is fav\r$ race is n ! m happy or ! m atta*$ to _! ,god4 ,!y fly to /range gods1 f :om !y seek succ\rs1 :i* are refus$ to !m by _! own4 ,!y frequ5tly insult ! ,god :o is able to ext]m9ate !m4 ,sometimes he puni%es1 sometimes consoles !m2 "o :ile he hates !m )\t cause1 & ano!r c>esses !m ) z little reason4 ,at la/1 f9d+ x impossible to reclaim ?is p]v]se p1 = :om he cont9ues to feel ! w>me/ t5d]ness1 he s5ds among/ !m 8 own son4 ,to ?is son !y w n li/54 ,:at d ,i say8 ,?is belov$ son1 equal to ,god 8 fa!r1 is put to an ignom9i\s dea? by 8 fav\rite nation4 ,8 fa!r1 at ! same "t1 f9ds x impossible to save ! human race1 )\t ! sacrifice ( 8 own son4 ,?us an innoc5t ,god becomes ! victim ( a j ,god1 by :om he is belov$4 ,bo? cons5t to ?is /range sacrifice1 judg$ necess>y by a ,god1 :o kn[s t x w be useless to an h>d5$ nation1 :i* no?+ c reclaim4 ,we %\ld expect t ! dea? ( ?is ,god1 be+ useless to ,israel1 mu/ s]ve1 at lea/1 to expiate ! s9s ( ! re/ ( ! human race4 ,not)/&+ ! et]nal alliance ) ! ,hebrews1 solemnly sworn to by ! ,mo/ ,high1 & s _m times r5ew$1 t fav\rite nation f9d !mselves at la/ des]t$ by _! ,god1 :o c\ld n r$uce !m to ob$i5ce4 ,! m]its ( ! suff]+s & dea? ( 8 ,son1 are appli$ to ! nations be=e exclud$ f 8 b\nty4 ,^! are reconcil$ to heav51 n[ become m j 9 reg>d to !m1 & return to grace4 ,yet1 9 spite ( all ! ef=ts ( ,god1 8 fav\rs are lavi%$ 9 va94 ,mank9d cont9u$ to s91 enk9dle ! div9e wra?1 & r5d] !mselves wor?y ( ! et]nal puni%m5ts1 previ\sly prep>$ & de/9$ = ! great] "p ( ! human race4 ,su* is ! fai?ful hi/ory ( ! ,god1 on :om ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ri/ian religion is laid4 ,8 conduct be+ s /range1 cruel1 & opposite to all reason1 is x surpris+ to see ! wor%ipp]s ( ?is ,god ignorant ( _! duties1 de/itute ( humanity & ju/ice1 & /riv+ to assimilate !mselves to ! model ( t b>b>\s div9ity :i* !y adore8 ,:at indulg5ce h mank9d a "r to expect f a ,god1 :o sp>$ n ev5 8 own son8 ,:at indulg5ce c ! ,*ri/ian1 :o believes ?is fable1 %ew to 8 fell[-creature8 ,ought he n to imag9e t ! sure/ means ( pleas+ 8 ,god1 is to imitate 8 f]ocity & cruelty8 #a #a ,! sacrifice ( ! ,son ( ,god is m5tion$ z a pro( ( 8 b5evol5ce4 ,is x n r a pro( ( 8 f]ocity1 cruelty1 & implacable v5geance8 ,a good ,*ri/ian1 on 8 dea?-b$ said1 he _h nev] be5 able to conceive h[ a good ,god c\ld put an innoc5t ,god to dea?1 to appease a j ,god4 ,x is at lea/ evid5t1 t ! sect>ies ( su* a ,god mu/ h a prec>i\s morality1 f\nd$ on pr9ciples de/itute ( all firmness4 ,?is ,god1 9 fact1 is n always unju/ & cruel2 8 conduct v>ies4 ,sometimes he appe>s to h creat$ all nature = man alone2 at o!rs1 he seems to h creat$ man only z an object1 :]eon to ex]cise 8 arbitr>y rage4 ,sometimes !y are *]i%$ by him1 not)/&+ all _! faults2 at o!rs1 ! :ole species is condemn$ to et]nal mis]y = an apple4 ,?is un*angeable ,god is alt]nately agitat$ by ang] & love1 rev5ge & pity1 b5evol5ce & fury4 ,8 conduct is cont9ually de/itute ( t uni=mity :i* *>act]ises wisdom4 ,p>tial 9 8 affections1 he makes x ! duty ( 8 fav\rite p to commit delib]ately ! mo/ atroci\s crimes4 ,he comm&s !m to violate good fai?1 & contemn ! rights ( nations4 ,he enjo9s ^u !m ! commission ( robb]y & murd]4 ,on o!r occasions1 we see him =bidd+ ! same crimes1 orda9+ ju/ice1 & prescrib+ to mank9d ab/95ce f :atev] di/urbs ! good ord] ( society4 ,?is ,god1 :o is 9 turn /yl$ ! ,god ( ,v5geance1 ! ,god ( ,m]cies1 ! ,god ( ,arms1 & ! ,god ( ,peace1 is ev] at v>iance ) himself4 ,8 subjects are consequ5tly ea* "o at lib]ty to copy t "p ( 8 conduct :i* he f9ds mo/ cong5ial to 8 hum\r4 ,h5ce _! morality becomes arbitr>y4 ,x is surpris+1 t ,*ri/ians h nev] yet be5 able to agree among/ !mselves1 :e!r x w\ld be mo/ pleas+ to _! ,god to tol]ate ! v>i\s op9ions ( mank9d1 or to ext]m9ate all :o diff] f !mselves4 ,x is1 9 fact1 a problem ) !m1 :e!r x be mo/ exp$i5t to p]secute & assass9ate ^? :o ?9k n z !y d1 or to treat !m ) humanity1 & suff] !m to live 9 peace4 ,*ri/ians1 h[ev]1 d n fail to ju/ify ! /range & (t5 iniquit\s conduct attribut$ to _! ,god 9 ! ,scriptures4 ,?is ,god1 say !y1 be+ ( "r ! absolute ma/] ( 8 creatures1 c dispose1 ( !m at 8 pleasure1 & = ?is no "o c accuse him ( inju/ice1 or dem& an acc\nt ( 8 conduct4 ,8 ju/ice is n ! ju/ice ( mank9d1 & !y h no "r to c5sure any ( 8 actions4 ,x is easy to p]ceive ! insuffici5cy ( ?is answ]4 ,mank9d 9 mak+ ju/ice an attribute ( _! ,god1 c h no idea ( ?is virtue1 b by suppos+ t x resembles ! ju/ice ( _! fell[-creatures4 ,if ,god h a ju/ice1 :i* 9 its ess5ce diff]s f t ( man1 we "k n :at x is1 & we attribute to him a quality ( :i* we h no idea4 ,if x be said1 t ,god owes no?+ to 8 creatures1 he is suppos$ to be a tyrant1 ^: conduct has no rule b 8 own caprice1 & :o _c cont9ue to be a model = u1 hav+ no long] any relation ) u1 see+ all relations mu/ be reciprocal4 ,if no?+ be due f ,god to 8 creatures1 h[ c any ?+ be due f !m to him8 ,if1 z we are cont9ually told1 m5 are to ,god1 z ! clay 9 ! h&s ( ! pott]1 no moral relation c exi/ betwe5 !m4 ,x is1 nev]!less1 ^u ^? relations t all religion is f\nd$4 ,!re=e1 to say t ,god has no duty t[>ds 8 creatures1 & t 8 ju/ice is diff]5t f t ( mank9d1 is to sap ! f\ndations ( all religion & ju/ice1 :i* necess>ily suppose t puni% !m = do+ evil4 ,9 f9e1 h[ c ! foll[]s ( ! ,*ri/ian sy/em reconcile t b>b>\s conduct1 & ^? sangu9>y comm&s1 attribut$ to him 9 ! ,scriptures1 ) 8 goodness or 8 wisdom8 ,& h[ c goodness be an attribute ( a ,god1 :o has creat$ mo/ ( ! human race only to damn !m et]nally8 ,god ought to rew>d mank9d = do+ good4 ,"h we %all be told t ! conduct ( ,god is1 to u1 an imp5etrable my/]y1 t we h no "r to scrut9ize x1 & t our feeble reason mu/ be lo/ :5ev] x attempts to s\nd ! dep? ( div9e wisdom4 ,we are in=m$ t we mu/ adore 9 sil5ce1 & trembl+ly submit to ! oracles ( a ,god1 :o has himself suffici5tly made kn[n 8 w 9 8 holy ,scriptures4 ,?is is :at !y call revelation1 to :i* we proce$ 9 ! next *apt]4 ,,*ap4 ,v4--,,( ,,revelation4 ,h[ c we "k1 )\t ! aid ( reason1 t ,god ha? spok58 ,b1 on ! o!r side1 is n reason proscrib$ by ! ,*ri/ian religion8 ,is n ! use ( reason =bidd51 9 ! exam9ation ( ! m>vell\s dogmas ) :i* we are pres5t$ by ?is religion8 ,does x n cont9ually exclaim aga9/ a pr(ane reason1 :i* x accuses ( insuffici5cy1 & (t5 reg>ds z rebelli\s to heav58 ,9 ord] to be capable ( judg+ ( div9e revelation1 we mu/ h a j idea ( ! ,div9ity4 ,b see+ human reason is too weak & grovell+ to exalt itself to an acqua9tance ) ! ,supreme ,be+1 f :at s\rce %all we d]ive t idea1 beside revelation itself8 ,?us revelation itself is to become ! pro( ( ! au?ority ( revelation4 ,let u pass on f ?is conjuror's circle1 & op5 ! sacr$ books1 de/9$ to enlight5 mank9d1 & be=e :i* reason mu/ fall pro/rate4 ,d !y exhibit any precise ideas ( ! ,god1 ^: oracles !y ann\nce8 ,c we draw f !m any j conceptions ( its attributes8 ,is n ?is ,god repres5t$ z a mass ( extraord9>y qualities1 :i* =m an inexplicable enigma8 ,if ?is revelation be1 z is suppos$1 an emanation f ,god himself1 :o c confide 9 him8 ,does he n pa9t himself z false1 unju/1 deceitful1 & ,cruel2 z sett+ sn>es = mank9d2 s$uc+1 h>d5+1 & lead+ !m a/ray8 #a #a ,by ! ,scriptures & ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,*ur*1 ,god is always repres5t$ z a s$uc]4 ,he p]mits ,eve to be s$uc$ by a s]p5t4 ,he h>d5s ! he>t ( ,ph>aoh4 ,*ri/ himself is a /one ( /umbl+4 ,su* are ! po9ts ( view "u :i* ! ,div9ity is exhibit$ to u4 ,?us ! man1 desir\s ( be+ assur$ ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/ian revelation1 f9ds himself1 at ! fir/ /ep ( enquiry1 plung$ into di/ru/ & p]plexity1 :i* is increas$ by ! indet]m9able disputes ( 8 sacr$ guides1 :o h nev] be5 able to agree ^u ! mann] ( und]/&+ ! oracles ( a ,div9ity :i* !y say has reveal$ itself4 ,! hesitation & fe> ( ! man :o hone/ly exam9es ! revelation adopt$ by ,*ri/ians1 mu/ r$\ble1 :5 he sees _! ,god repres5t$ z reveal+ himself only to a few fav\rites ( ! human race1 :ile he c>efully conceals himself f ! rema9d]1 to :om1 not)/&+ ?is1 revelation is equally necess>y4 ,he mu/ be unc]ta9 :e!r or n he is ( ! numb]1 to :om ?is p>tial ,god deigns to make himself kn[n4 ,mu/ n 8 he>t be tr\bl$ at ! sight ( a ,god1 :o v\*safes to discov] himself1 & ann\nce 8 decrees1 only to a numb] ( m51 inconsid]able 9 comp>ison ) ! :ole human race8 ,is he n tempt$ to accuse ?is ,god ( a malevol5ce too d>k1 :5 he f9ds t = want ( reveal+ himself to s _m millions ( mank9d1 he has caus$ _! inevitable mis]y ?r\gh an endless succession ( ages8 ,:at ideas mu/ he =m to himself ( a ,god :o inflicts ?is puni%m5t ^u !m = _! ignorance ( secret laws1 :i* he has publi%$ by /eal? 9 an obscure & unkn[n corn] ( ,asia8 ,?us ,*ri/ians1 ev5 :5 !y consult ! ,scriptures1 f9d all ?+s conspir+ to put !m on _! gu>d aga9/ ! ,god exhibit$ !re94 ,e ?+ inspires di/ru/ ( 8 moral "*4 ,all ?+s float 9 an unc]ta9ty4 ,?is ,god1 9 conc]t ) ! pret5d$ int]pret]s ( 8 w1 seems to h =m$ ! design ( r$\bl+ ! d>kness ( 8 ignorance4 ,he is1 h[ev]1 told1 9 ord] to appease 8 d\bts1 t ! reveal$ w ( ,god consi/s ( my/]ies2 t is to say1 ?+s inaccessible to human und]/&+4 ,9 ?is case :at ne$ 0 !re ( hav+ spok58 ,ought a ,god to reveal himself to mank9d = ! sole purpose ( n be+ compreh5d$8 ,is n su* conduct z ridicul\s z x is unreasonable8 ,to say t ,god has reveal$ himself only to ann\nce my/]ies1 is to say t he has reveal$ himself 9 ord] to rema9 unkn[n1 to conceal f u 8 views1 emb>rass our und]/&+s1 & augm5t our ignorance & unc]ta9ty4 ,a true revelation1 proce$+ f a j & good ,god1 & necess>y to all mank9d1 ought to be cle> en\gh to be und]/ood by all ! human race4 ,b w ! revelation1 ^u :i* ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity are f\nd$1 be> ! te/ ( ?is crit]ion8 ,! ,elem5ts ( ,euclid are intelligible to all :o endeav\r to und]/& !m4 ,?is "w excites no dispute among geometricians4 ,is x s ) ! ,bible8 & d its reveal$ tru?s occasion no disputes among div9es8 ,by :at fatality h writ+s reveal$ by ,god himself /ill ne$ ( comm5t>ies8 & :y d !y dem& additional lights f on high1 be=e !y c be believ$ or und]/ood8 ,is x n a/oni%+1 t :at 0 int5d$ z a guide = mank9d1 %\ld be :olly above _! compreh5d+8 ,is x n cruel1 t :at is ( mo/ importance to !m %\ld be lea/ kn[n8 ,all is my/]y1 d>kness1 unc]ta9ty1 & matt] ( dispute1 9 a religion int5d$ by ! ,mo/ ,high to enlight5 ! human race4 ,f> f cont5t+ !mselves ) ! pret5d$ my/]ies conta9$ 9 ! ,scriptures1 ! prie/s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion h1 f age to age1 inv5t$ new ones1 :i*1 ?\gh nev] m5tion$ by _! ,god1 _! disciples are =c$ to believe4 ,no ,*ri/ian c ent]ta9 a d\bt conc]n+ ! my/]ies ( ! ,tr9ity1 ! ,inc>nation1 & ! efficacy ( sacram5ts2 & yet ,*ri/ nev] expla9$ ^! subjects4 ,among ,*ri/ians e ?+ seems to be ab&on$ to ! imag9ation1 caprice1 & arbitr>y decision ( prie/s1 :o arrogate to !mselves ! "r ( fabricat+ my/]ies & articles ( fai?1 z _! int]e/s occasionally require4 ,?us1 ?is revelation p]petuates itself by means ( ! ,*ur*1 :i* pret5ds to be inspir$ by ,god1 & :i*1 f> f enlight5+ ! m9ds ( h] *ildr51 delights to conf\nd1 & plunges !m 9 a sea ( unc]ta9ty6 ,su* are ! effects ( ?is revelation1 :i* =ms ! basis ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 & ( ! reality ( :i* we are n p]mitt$ to d\bt4 ,god1 x is said1 has spok5 to mank9d4 ,b :5 has he spok58 ,?\s&s ( ye>s ago1 by prophets & inspir$ m51 :om he has *os5 z organs ( communication ) mank9d4 ,b h[ c x be prov$ to h be5 ,god himself :o spoke1 except by hav+ rec\rse to ! te/imony ( ! v p]sons :o pret5d to h receiv$ 8 comm&s8 ,^! int]pret]s ( ! div9e w 7 !n m52 & are n m5 liable to be deceiv$ !mselves1 & prone to deceive o!rs8 ,h[ !n c we discov] :at confid5ce is due to ! te/imony :i* ^! organs ( heav5 give 9 fav\r ( _! own mission8 ,h[ %all we be made sure t !y h n be5 ! dupes ( "s illusion1 or an ov]heat$ imag9ation8 ,at ?is remote p]iod1 h[ c we be c]ta9 t ,moses conv]s$ ) ,god1 & receiv$ f him ! law :i* he communicat$ to ! ,hebrews8 ,:at 0 ! temp]am5t ( ?is ,moses8 ,0 he phlegmatic or en?usia/ic1 hone/ or knavi%1 ambiti\s or dis9t]e/$1 a practis] ( tru?s or ( falsehood8 ,:at confid5ce c be plac$ 9 ! te/imony ( a man1 :o1 aft] pret5d+ to h p]=m$ s _m miracles1 c\ld n conv]t 8 p f idolatry2 & :o1 aft] hav+ caus$ =ty-sev5 ?\s& ,israelites to p]i% by ! sword1 has ! effront]y to assume ! title ( ! meeke/ ( mank9d8 ,is x c]ta9 t ! books :i* are attribut$ to ,moses1 & report s _m miracul\s circum/ances1 are p]fectly au!ntic8 ,9 f9e1 :at pro( h we ( 8 mission1 except ! te/imony ( a numb] ( sup]/iti\s1 ignorant1 & cr$ul\s ,israelites1 :o 7 probably ! dupes ( a f]oci\s legislator8 ,:at pro(s does ! ,*ri/ian religion give u ( ! mission ( ,jesus ,*ri/8 ,are we acqua9t$ ) 8 "* & temp]am5t8 ,:at degree ( confid5ce c we place 9 ! te/imony ( 8 disciples1 :o1 by _! own confession1 7 ignorant & unle>n$ m51 &1 consequ5tly1 liable to be impos$ ^u by ! artifices ( a dext]\s impo/or8 ,ought n ! te/imony ( ! mo/ le>n$ 9 ,j]usalem to h great] weight ) u1 ?an t ( ! l[e/ vulg>1 ^: ignorance always r5d]s !m ! dupes ( ^? :o endeav\r to deceive !m8 ,^! enquiries br+ u to an exam9ation ( ! pro(s :i* are adduc$ 9 support ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,,*ap4 ,,vi4--,,( ,,! ,,pro(s ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,,miracles1 ,,prophecies1 ,,& ,,m>tyrs4 ,we h se51 9 ! prec$+ *apt]s1 :at j reasons !re are to d\bt ! au!nticity ( ! revelation ( ! ,jews & ,*ri/ians4 ,& fur!r1 relative to ?is article1 ,*ri/ianity has no advantage ov] any o!r religion4 ,all ! religions on e>?1 not)/&+ _! discordance1 decl>e t !y h emanat$ f ,god1 & pret5d to possess an exclusive "r to 8 fav\rs4 ,! ,indian ass]ts1 t ! ,brama himself is ! au?or ( 8 wor%ip4 ,! ,sc&9avian d]ives 8 f ! awful ,od94 ,if ! ,jew & ! ,*ri/ian h receiv$ !irs f ,jehovah by ! m9i/ry ( ,moses & ,jesus1 ! ,mahometan affirms1 t he has receiv$ 8 f 8 prophet1 inspir$ by ! same ,god4 ,?us1 all religions pret5d to a div9e orig92 & !y all int]dict ! use ( reason 9 ! exam9ation ( _! sacr$ titles4 ,ea* pret5ds to be ! only true "o1 to ! exclusion ( all o!rs4 ,all m5ace ) ! wra? ( heav5 ^? :o refuse to submit to _! au?ority1 & all acquire ! "* ( falsehood by ! palpable contradictions ) :i* !y are fill$2 by ! mis-%ap51 obscure1 & (t5 odi\s ideas :i* !y give ( ! ,godhead2 by ! :imsical laws :i* !y attribute to him1 & by ! disputes :i* !y g5]ate among _! sect>ies4 ,9 f9e1 !y all appe> to be a mass ( impo/ures & rev]ies1 equally disgu/+ to reason4 ,?us1 on ! score ( pret5sions1 ! ,*ri/ian religion has no advantage ov] ! o!r sup]/itions ) :i* ! _w is infect$2 & its div9e orig9 is conte/$ by all o!rs ) z mu* propriety z !irs is d5i$ by x4 ,h[ !n %all we decide 9 its fav\r8 ,h[ prove ! validity ( its pret5sions8 ,has x any sup]ior qualities1 by :i* x m]its ! pref]5ce8 ,& if s1 :at are !y8 ,does x1 bett] ?an any o!r1 make u acqua9t$ ) ! nature & ess5ce ( ,god8 ,alas6 x only r5d]s !m m incompreh5sible4 ,x repres5ts him z a caprici\s tyrant1 ^: :imsies are sometimes fav\rable1 b m commonly injuri\s to mank9d4 ,does x r5d] mank9d bett]8 ,alas6 x arms !m aga9/ ea* o!r1 r5d]s !m intol]ant1 & =ces !m to but*] _! bre?r54 ,does x r5d] empires fl\ri%+ & p[]ful8 ,:]ev] x reigns1 d we n see ! p debas$1 de/itute ( en]gy1 & ignorant ( true morality8 ,:at !n are ! pro(s :i* are to e/abli% ! sup]iority ( ! ,*ri/ian religion ov] all o!rs8 ,we are answ]$1 miracles1 prophecies1 & m>tyrs4 ,b ^! are to be f\nd 9 all religions ( ! e>?4 ,!re are 9 all nations m51 :o1 be+ sup]ior to ! vulg> 9 sci5ce & cunn+1 deceive !m ) impo/ure1 & dazzle !m ) p]=mances :i* are judg$ to be sup]natural1 by m5 ignorant ( ! secrets ( nature & ! res\rces ( art4 ,if ! ,jew cite ! miracles ( ,moses1 ,i see !m p]=m$ be=e a p mo/ ignorant1 abject1 & cr$ul\s1 ^: te/imony has no weight ) me4 ,i may1 also1 suspect t ^! pret5d$ miracles h be5 ins]t$ 9 ! sacr$ books ( ! ,hebrews long aft] ! dea? ( ^? :o might h te/ifi$ ! tru? conc]n+ !m4 ,if ! ,*ri/ians cite ,j]usalem1 & ! te/imony ( ,gallilee1 to prove ! miracles ( ,*ri/1 ,i see !m atte/$ only by an ignorant populace2 or ,i dem& h[ x c\ld be possible t an entire p1 :o _h be5 witnesses to ! miracles ( ,*ri/1 %\ld cons5t to 8 dea?1 & ev5 e>ne/ly dem& x8 ,w\ld ! p ( ,london1 or ,p>is1 suff] a man :o _h rais$ ! dead1 re/or$ ! bl9d to sight1 & heal$ ! lame & p>alytic1 to be put to dea? be=e _! eyes8 ,if ! ,jews dem&$ ! dea? ( ,jesus1 all 8 miracles are at once annihilat$ 9 ! m9d ( e unprejudic$ p]son4 ,may n we1 also1 oppose to ! miracles ( ,moses1 & ,*ri/1 ^? p]=m$ by ,mahomet 9 pres5ce ( all ,mecca & ,arabia assembl$8 ,! effect ( 8 miracles 01 at lea/1 to conv9ce ! ,arabians t he 0 a div9e p]son4 ,! miracles ( ,jesus conv9c$ nobody ( 8 mission4 ,sa9t ,paul himself1 :o aft]w>ds became ! mo/ ard5t ( 8 disciples1 0 n conv9c$ by ! miracles1 ( :i*1 9 8 "t1 !re exi/$ s _m witnesses4 ,a new "o 0 necess>y = 8 conviction4 ,& by :at "r d !y at ?is day dem& belief ( miracles2 :i* c\ld n conv9ce ev5 9 ! "t ( ! ,apo/les2 t is to say1 a %ort "t aft] !y 7 wr\ght8 ,let x n be said t ! miracles ( ,*ri/ are z well atte/$ z any fact 9 pr(ane hi/ory1 & t to d\bt !m is z ridicul\s z to d\bt ! exi/5ce1 ( ,scipio or ,cs>1 :i* we believe only on ! report ( ! hi/orians by :om !y are m5tion$4 ,! exi/5ce ( a man1 ( ! g5]al ( an army1 or an h]o1 is n improbable2 nei!r is x a miracle4#a ,we believe ! probable facts1 :il/ we reject1 ) contempt1 ! miracles rec\nt$ by ,titus ,livius4 ,! mo/ /upid cr$ulity is (t5 jo9$ to ! mo/ di/+ui%$ tal5ts4 ,( ?is1 ! ,*ri/ian religion furni%es u ) innum]able examples4 ,9 matt]s ( religion1 all te/imony is liable to suspicion4 ,! mo/ enlight5$ m5 see b ill1 :5 !y are intoxicat$ ) en?usiasm1 & dazzl$ by ! *im]as ( a wild imag9ation4 ,a miracle is a ?+ impossible 9 ! ord] ( nature4 ,if ?is be *ang$ by ,god1 he is n immutable4 ,x w probably be said1 t1 )\t *ang+1 ! ord] ( ?+s1 ,god & 8 fav\rites c\ld n f9d res\rces 9 nature unkn[n to mank9d 9 g5]al4 ,b !n _! works w\ld no long] be sup]natural1 & w\ld h no?+ ( ! m>vell\s4 ,a miracle is an effect contr>y to ! e/abli%$ laws ( nature4 ,god himself1 !re=e1 _c p]=m miracles )\t c\nt]act+ ! in/itutions1 ( 8 own wisdom ,a wise man1 hav+ se5 a miracle1 might ) propriety d\bt ! evid5ce ( 8 own s5ses4 ,he ought c>efully to exam9e1 :e!r1 ! extraord9>y effect1 :i* he does n compreh5d1 proce$s n f "s natural cause1 ^: mann] ( act+ he does n und]/&4 #a ,a sup]natural ev5t requires1 9 ord] to be believ$1 mu* /rong] pro(s ?an a fact 9 no-wise contradictory to probability4 ,x is easy to believe1 ^u ! te/imony ( ,philo/rates1 t ,appollonius exi/$1 because 8 exi/5ce has no?+ 9 x t %ocks reason2 b ,i w n believe ,philo/rates1 :5 he tells me1 t ,appollonius p]=m$ miracles4 ,i believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ di$2 b ,i d n believe t he arose f ! dead4 ,b let u suppose1 = a mom5t1 t miracles may exi/1 & t ^? ( ,*ri/ 7 real1 or1 at lea/1 t !y 7 ins]t$ 9 ! ,gospels by p]sons :o imag9$ !y _h se5 !m4 ,are ! witnesses :o transmitt$1 or ! ,apo/les :o saw !m1 extremely des]v+ ( cr$it8 ,& h we n a "r to refuse _! te/imonies8 ,7 ^? witnesses v des]v+ m58 ,by ! confession ( ! ,*ri/ians !mselves !y 7 ignorant m51 tak5 f ! dregs ( ! p1 & consequ5tly cr$ul\s & incapable ( inve/igation4 ,7 ^? witnesses dis9t]e/$8 ,no2 x 01 und\bt$ly1 _! *ief int]e/ to support ^? miracles1 ^u :i* 7 susp5d$ ! div9ity ( _! ma/]1 & ! tru? ( ! religion !y 7 endeav\r+ to e/abli%4 ,are ^? miracles confirm$ by ! te/imony ( cotempor>y hi/orians8 ,n "o ( !m has m5tion$ ^? extraord9>y facts4 ,we f9d n a s+le ,jew or ,pagan 9 ! sup]/iti\s city ( ,j]usalem :o he>d ev5 a ^w ( ! mo/ m>vell\s facts t ev] 7 record$1 & facts :i* happ5$ 9 ! mid/ ( !m4 ,! miracles ( ,*ri/ 7 ev] atte/$ by ,*ri/ians only4 ,we are reque/$ to believe t1 at ! dea? ( ! ,son ( ,god1 ! e>? quak$1 ! sun 0 d>k5$1 & ! dead arose4 ,h[ does x happ5 t su* extraord9>y ev5ts h be5 notic$ only by a h&ful ( ,*ri/ians8 ,7 !y ! only p]sons :o p]ceiv$ !m8 ,we are told1 also1 t ,*ri/ arose f ! dead2 to prove :i*1 !y appeal to ! te/imony ( 8 ,apo/les & foll[]s4 ,w\ld n "o solemn app>ition1 9 "s public place1 h be5 m decisive ?an all ^? cl&e/9e ones1 made to p]sons int]e/$ 9 ! =mation ( a new sect8 ,! ,*ri/ian fai?1 accord+ to ,/4 ,paul1 is f\nd$ on ! resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,?is1 !n1 ought to h be5 demon/rat$ to mank9d1 9 ! cle>e/ & mo/ indisputable mann]4#a #a ,! ,b>ilidians & ,cor9?ians1 h]etics :o liv$ 9 ! infancy ( ,*ri/ianity1 ma9ta9$ t ,jesus 0 n dead1 & t ,simon ! ,cyr5ian 0 crucifi$ 9 8 place4 ,see ,epiph4 ,ha]4 c4 #bh4 ,?us1 !re 7 m51 f ! bir? ( ! *ur*1 :o d\bt$ ! crucifixion1 &1 consequ5tly1 ! resurrection ( ,*ri/2 & yet we are exhort$ to believe !m at ! pres5t day4 ,h we n room to accuse ! ,savi\r ( ! _w ) want ( b5evol5ce1 9 %ew+ himself only to 8 disciples & fav\rites8 ,x seems t he did n desire t all ! _w %\ld believe 9 him4 ,! ,jews1 x is said1 des]ve to be bl9d$ = putt+ ,*ri/ to dea?4 ,b1 if ?is be ! case1 :y did ! apo/les prea* to !m ! gospel8 ,c\ld x be expect$ t ! ,jews w\ld believe ! report ( ! apo/les1 r ?an _! own eyes8 ,miracles appe> to h be5 inv5t$ to supply ! want ( good reasons4 ,tru? & evid5ce h no ne$ ( miracles to ensure _! reception4 ,is x n v a/oni%+ t ,god ,almighty %\ld f9d x easi] to d]ange ! ord] ( nature1 ?an to conv9ce mank9d ( tru?s ! mo/ evid5t1 & calculat$ to =ce _! ass5t8 ,miracles 7 made to prove ?+s :i* x is impossible to believe4 ,!re is no ne$ ( miracles :5 we talk ( reason4 ,?+s incr$ible are "h adduc$ 9 pro( ( incr$ible ?+s4 ,almo/ all impo/ors :o h fabricat$ religions1 h ann\nc$ incr$ibilities to mank9d4 ,!y h aft]w>ds fabricat$ miracles 9 pro( ( ^? incr$ibilities4 ,y _c compreh5d1 said !y1 :at ,i tell y2 b ,i w cle>ly prove to y t ,i tell ! tru?1 by do+ ?+s t y _c compreh5d4 ,p h 9 all ages be5 ov]come by ?is brilliant reason+4 ,a passion = ! m>vell\s has prev5t$ enquiry4 ,mank9d h n p]ceiv$ t miracles c\ld nei!r prove impossibilities1 nor *ange ! ess5ce ( tru?4 ,:atev] wond]s a man1 or1 if y please1 a ,god may p]=m1 !y c nev] prove t two & two are n f\r1 or t ?ree are no m ?an "o4 ,!y _c prove t an immat]ial be+1 de/itute ( organs1 has spok5 to man2 or t a good1 wise1 & j ,be+ has comm&$ ! execution ( inju/ice1 folly1 & cruelty4 ,x appe>s1 !re=e1 t miracles prove no?+1 unless x be ! address & impo/ures ( ^? :o are desir\s ( pr(it+ by ! /upid cr$ulity ( mank9d1 & endeav\r to s$uce !m into a belief ( ! mo/ extravagant falsehoods4 ,su* m5 h always began by falsely pret5d+ to h an intimate comm]ce ) ,god1 9 ord] to prove :i*1 !y h p]=m$ wond]s t !y attribute to ! ,be+ by :om !y say !y 7 commission$4 ,e man1 :o p]=ms miracles1 endeav\rs to e/abli%1 n tru?1 b falsehood4 ,tru? is simple & evid5t2 ! m>vell\s is ev] to be suspect$4 ,nature is always true to h]self2 %e acts by unv>y+ laws4 ,to say t ,god p]=ms miracles1 is to say t he contradicts himself1 & violates ! laws :i* he has prescrib$ to nature4 ,x is to say1 t he r5d]s useless human reason1 ( :i* he is ! au?or4 ,impo/ors alone c pron\nce x necess>y to discr$it exp]i5ce & reject reason4 ,?us1 ! pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,*ri/ian1 z well z all o!r religions1 h no f\ndation1 b ! ignorance1 cr$ulity1 & en?usiasm ( mank9d1 & ! cunn+ ( impo/ors4 ,! same may be said ( prophecies4 ,mank9d are ev] anxi\s to pry into futurity2 & !re are always "s k9d individuals dispos$ to aid !m 9 ! gratification ( ?is desire4 ,!re h be5 en*ant]s1 div9]s1 & prophets1 9 all ! nations ( ! e>?4 ,! ,jews h n be5 happi]1 9 ?is respect1 ?an o!rs4 ,t>t>s1 ,negroes1 & ,indians h _! %>e ( impo/ors1 ,all societies w f9d deceiv]s en\gh1 s long z !y are will+ to pay = deception4 ,^! inspir$ m5 h n be5 ignorant1 t _! prophecies ought to be extremely vague & ambigu\s1 9 ord] t !y might n1 9 process ( "t1 appe> to h be5 falsehoods4 ,we ne$ n1 !re=e1 be surpris$1 t ! ,jewi% prophecies are v d>k1 & ( su* a nature1 t any ?+ may be f\nd 9 !m :i* int]pret]s ?9k prop] to seek4 ,^? :i* are attribut$ to ,*ri/1 by 8 foll[]s1 are n consid]$ 9 ! same light by ! ,jews1 :o /ill expect ! ,messiah1 :om ! =m] believe to h be5 on e>? eighte5 c5turies ago4 ,! ,jewi% prophecies uni=mly ann\nce ! deliv]] ( a discont5t$ & oppress$ nation4 ,su* a "o 0 also expect$ by ! ,romans1 & almo/ all ! nations ( ! e>?4 ,all mank9d h a natural prop5sity to hope = a t]m9ation ( ! evils !y suff]1 & believe t ,provid5ce _c1 9 ju/ice1 fail to r5d] !m1 "o day1 happy4 ,! ,jews1 ! mo/ sup]/iti\s nation on e>?1 build+ ^u ! suppos$ promise ( _! ,god1 h always expect$ ! com+ ( a mon>* or conqu]or1 :o is to elevate !m f disgrace1 & cr[n !m ) triumph4 ,x 0 impossible = !m to see ?is deliv]] 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus1 :o1 in/ead ( be+ ! re/or] ( ! ,hebrew nation1 0 its de/roy]2 & s9ce ^: com+1 !y seem to h lo/ all fav\r ) ,god4 ,x is ass]t$1 t ! de/ruction ( ! ,jewi% nation1 & ! disp]sion ( ! ,jews1 7 !mselves =etold1 & t !y furni% a conv9c+ pro( ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/ian prophecy4 ,to ?is ,i answ]1 x 0 easy to =etel ! disp]sion & de/ruction ( a re/less1 turbul5t1 & rebelli\s p1 cont9ually torn & convuls$ by inte/9e divisions4 ,besides1 ?is p 0 (t5 conqu]$ & disp]s$4 ,! temple de/roy$ by ,titus1 _h previ\sly suff]$ ! same fate f ,nebu*adnezz>1 :o c>ri$ ! captive tribes into ,assyria1 & spread !m ?r\gh 8 t]ritories4 ,! disp]sion ( ! ,jews is m p]ceptible ?an t ( o!r conqu]$ nations1 because !y h g5]ally1 aft] a c]ta9 "t1 become conf\nd$ ) _! conqu]ors2 :]eas ! ,jews refuse to int]m+le1 by dome/ic connections1 ) ! nations :]e !y reside1 & h religi\sly ma9ta9$ ?is di/9ction4 ,x is n ! same ) ! ,cuebres or ,p>sis1 ( ,p]sia & ,indo/an1 z well z ! ,arm5ians1 :o dwell 9 ,mahometan c\ntries4 ,! ,jews rema9 disp]s$1 because !y are unsocial1 intol]ant1 & bl9dly atta*$ to _! sup]/itions4#a ,?us ,*ri/ians h no reason to boa/ ( ! prophecies conta9$ 9 ! books ( ! ,jews1 nor to make invidi\s applications ( !m to t nation1 because !y dete/ its religion4 ,judea 0 always subject$ to prie/s1 :o _h great influ5ce ov] affairs ( /ate4 ,!y 7 always m$dl+ ) politics1 & und]took to =etel ! ev5ts1 =tunate or un=tunate1 :i* 7 to befal ! nation4 ,no c\ntry 0 ev] m f]tile 9 prophets4 ,?is description ( m5 in/itut$ s*ools1 :]e !y initiat$ into ! my/]ies ( _! art ^? :o prov$ !mselves wor?y ( t hon\r1 by discov]+ a wi% to deceive a cr$ul\s p1 & by su* hone/ means acquire ri*es & respect4#b ,! art ( prophesy+ 0 !n an actual pr(ession1 or an useful & pr(itable bran* ( comm]ce 9 t mis]able nation1 :i* believ$ ,god to be incessantly busi$ 9 _! affairs4 ,! great ga9s result+ f ?is traffic ( impo/ure mu/ h caus$ divisions among ! ,jewi% prophets4 ,accord+ly1 we f9d !m cry+ d[n ea* o!r4 ,ea* "o treat$ 8 rivals z false prophets1 inspir$ by evil spirits4 ,!re h always be5 qu>rels among impo/ors1 to decide :o %\ld h ! exclusive "r ( deceiv+ mank9d4 #a ,! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les evid5tly prove1 t1 ev5 be=e ! "t ( ,jesus1 ! ,jews began to be disp]s$4 ,jews came f ,greece1 ,p]sia1 ,arabia1 c4 to ! fea/ ( ,p5teco/4 ,acts1 c4 ii4 #h4 ,s t1 aft] ,jesus1 ! inhabitants ( ,judea only 7 disp]s$ by ! ,romans4 #b ,sa9t ,j]ome says1 t ! ,sadducees did n adopt ! prophets1 b cont5t$ !mselves ) believ+ ! five books ( ,moses4 ,dodwell1 ,de ,jure ,laicorum1 ass]ts1 t ! prophets prep>$ !mselves to prophesy by dr9k+ w9e4 ,see page #bei4 ,x seems !y 7 juggl]s1 poets1 & musicians1 :o _h made !mselves ma/]s ( _! trades1 & knew h[ to ex]cise !m pr(itably4 ,if we exam9e ! conduct ( ! boa/$ prophets ( ! ,old ,te/am5t1 we %all f9d !m f> f be+ virtu\s p]sons4 ,we see arrogant prie/s cont9ually m$dl+ ) affairs ( /ate1 & int]weav+ !m ) religion4 ,we see 9 !m s$iti\s subjects1 incessantly caball+ aga9/ all sov]eigns1 :o 7 n suffici5tly submissive to !m4 ,!y cross _! projects1 excite _! subjects to rebellion1 effect _! de/ruction1 & ?us accompli% ! fatal pr$ictions1 :i* !y _h be=e made aga9/ !m4#a ,su* is ! "* ( mo/ ( ! prophets1 :o h play$ a "p 9 ! hi/ory ( ! ,jews4 ,! /udi$ obscurity ( ! prophecies is su*1 t ^? :i* are commonly appli$ to ! ,messiah1 or ! deliv]] ( ,israel1 are equally applicable to e en?usia/ or prophet t appe>$ 9 ,j]usalem or ,judea4 ,*ri/ians1 heat$ ) ! idea ( ,*ri/1 ?9k !y meet him 9 all places1 & pret5d to see him 9 ! d>ke/ passages ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,delud+ !mselves by =ce ( allegories1 subtilties1 comm5t>ies1 & =c$ int]pretations1 !y h discov]$ ! mo/ =mal pr$ictions 9 all ! vague oracles & nons5sical tra% ( ! prophets4#b #a ,! prophet ,samuel1 displeas$ ) ,saul1 :o refus$ to second 8 cruelty1 decl>$ t he _h =feit$ ! cr[n1 & rais$ up a rival to him 9 ! p]son ( ,david4 ,elias appe>s to h be5 a s$iti\s subject1 :o1 f9d+ himself unable to succe$ 9 8 rebelli\s designs1 ?\ght prop] to escape due puni%m5t by flight4 ,j]emiah himself gives u to und]/& t he conspir$ ) ! ,assyrians aga9/ 8 besieg$ c\ntry4 ,he seems to h employ$ himself 9 depriv+3 8 fell[-citiz5s ( bo? ! w & ! c\rage to def5d !mselves4 ,he pur*as$ a field ( 8 relations1 at ! v "t :5 he in=m$ 8 c\ntrym5 t !y 7 ab\t to be disp]s$1 & l$ away 9 captivity4 ,! k+ ( ,assyria recomm5ds ?is prophet to 8 g5]al1 ,nebuz>adan1 :om he comm&s to take great c>e ( him4--,see ,j]emiah4 #b ,any ?+ may be f\nd 9 ! ,bible1 if x be read ) ! imag9ation ( ,sa9t ,augu/9e1 :o pret5d$ to see all ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 ! ,old4 ,accord+ to him1 ! dea? ( ,abel is a type ( t ( ,*ri/2 ! two wives ( ,abraham are ! synagogue & ! *ur*2 a piece ( r$ clo? held up by an h>lot1 :o betray$ ,j]i*o1 signifies ! blood ( ,*ri/2 ! lamb1 goat1 & lion1 are figures ( ,jesus ,*ri/2 ! braz5 s]p5t repres5ts ! sacrifice on ! cross4 ,ev5 ! my/]ies ( ! ,*ri/ian religion are ann\nc$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,manna repres5ts ! ,eu*>i/1 c4 ,see ,s4 ,aug4 ,s]m4 #gh4 & ,ep4 #aef4 ,h[ c a man1 9 8 s5ses1 see1 9 ! ,immanuel ann\nc$ by ,isaiah1 ! ,messiah1 ^: "n is ,jesus8 ,isaiah c4 vii4 v4 #ad4 ,h[ discov]1 9 an obscure & crucifi$ ,jew1 a lead] :o %all gov]n ,israel8 ,h[ see a royal deliv]] & re/or] ( ! ,jews1 9 "o1 :o1 f> f deliv]+ 8 nation1 came only to de/roy _! laws2 & aft] ^: com+ _! l& 0 desolat$ by ! ,romans8 ,a man mu/ be %>p-sight$ inde$ to f9d ! ,messiah 9 _! pr$ictions4 ,jesus himself does n seem to h be5 m cle>1 or happy1 9 8 prophecies4 ,9 ! ,gospel ( ,luke1 *ap4 xxi4 he speaks ( ! la/ judgm5t3 he m5tions angels1 :o1 at ! s\nd ( ! trumpet1 assemble mank9d toge!r be=e him4 ,he adds1 ,v]ily ,i say unto y1 ?is g5]ation %all n pass away1 until ^! ?+s are accompli%$4 ,! _w1 h[ev]1 /ill /&s1 & ,*ri/ians h be5 expect+ ! la/ judgm5t = eighte5 hundr$ ye>s4 ,m5 are n scrupul\s respect+ ?+s :i* accord ) _! desires4 ,:5 we exam9e1 )\t prejudice1 ! prophecies ( ! ,hebrews1 we f9d !m to be a mis-%ap5 mass ( rhapsodies1 ! (fspr+ ( fanaticism & delirium4 ,we f9d !m obscure & enigmatical1 l ! oracles ( ! ,pagans4 ,9 f9e1 x is evid5t t ^! pret5d$ div9e oracles are ! vag>ies & impo/ures ( m51 :o impos$ on ! cr$ulity ( a sup]/iti\s nation :i* believes 9 dreams1 visions1 app>itions1 & sorc]ies1 & receiv$ ) avidity any deception1 provid$ x 7 suffici5tly decorat$ ) ! m>vell\s4 ,:]ev] mank9d are ignorant1 !re w be f\nd prophets & work]s ( miracles1 & ^! two bran*es ( comm]ce w always decay 9 ! same proportion z mank9d become enlight5$4 ,among ! pro(s ( ! au!nticity ( _! religion1 ,*ri/ians enum]ate a multitude ( m>tyrs1 :o h seal$ ) _! blood _! belief ( ! op9ions !y _h embrac$4 ,!re is no religion de/itute ( ard5t def5d]s1 :o w\ld sacrifice _! lives = ! op9ions to :i* !y believe _! et]nal happ9ess atta*$4 ,sup]/iti\s & ignorant m5 are ob/9ate 9 _! prejudices4 ,_! cr$ulity prev5ts !m f suspect+ any deception 9 _! spiritual guides4 ,_! vanity p]suades !m t !y are incapable ( wav]+2 & if1 9 f9e1 _! imag9ations be /rong en\gh to see ! heav5s op51 & a recomp5se prep>$ !re9 = _! c\rage1 !re is no torm5t !y w n brave & endure4 ,9 _! intoxication !y w despise all torm5ts ( %ort duration2 !y w smile ^u _! execution]s2 & _! s\ls1 ali5at$ f e>?ly ?+s1 w become ins5sible to pa94 ,9 su* sc5es1 ! he>ts ( spectators are s(t5$2 !y admire ! a/oni%+ firmness ( ! m>tyr2 !y cat* 8 en?usiasm1 & believe 8 cause j4 ,8 c\rage appe>+ to !m sup]natural & div9e1 becomes an indubitable pro( ( ! tru? ( 8 op9ions4 ,?us1 by a sort ( contagion1 en?usiasm communicates itself4 ,m5 are always int]e/$ 9 ! fate ( ^? :o %ew ! greate/ firmness2 & tyranny always multiplies ! fri5ds ( ^? :om x p]secutes4 ,! con/ancy ( ! fir/ ,*ri/ians mu/1 !re=e1 h produc$ proselytes1 by a natural effect ( _! conduct4 ,m>tyrs prove no?+1 unless x be ! /r5g? ( ! en?usiasm1 error1 & ob/9acy produc$ by sup]/ition1 & ! b>b>\s folly ( ^? :o p]secute _! fell[-creatures = religi\s op9ions4 ,e viol5t passion has its m>tyrs4 ,pride1 vanity1 prejudice1 love1 patriotism1 & ev5 vice itself1 produces m>tyrs2 or1 at lea/1 a contempt ( e k9d ( dang]4 ,is x1 !n1 surpris+1 t en?usiasm & fanaticism1 ! /ronge/ passions ( mank9d1 h s (t5 enabl$ m51 inspir$ ) ! hopes !y give1 to face & despise dea?8 ,besides1 if ,*ri/ians c boa/ a catalogue ( m>tyrs1 ,jews c d ! same4 ,! un=tunate ,jews1 condemn$ to ! flames by ! ,inquisition1 7 m>tyrs to _! religion2 & _! =titude proves z mu* 9 its fav\r1 z t ( ! ,*ri/ians c d 9 fav\r ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,if m>tyrs demon/rate ! tru? ( a religion1 !re is no religion or sect :i* may n be look$ ^u z true4 ,9 f9e1 among ! p]haps exagg]at$ numb] ( m>tyrs1 boa/$ by ,*ri/ians1 _m 7 r ! victims ( an inconsid]ate zeal1 a turbul5t & s$iti\s _s1 ?an a real love ( religion4 ,! *ur* itself does n presume to ju/ify "s1 :o1 transport$ by a volcanic zeal1 h tr\bl$ ! peace ( ! e>?1 & p\r$ out flam+ de/ruction on all :o diff]$ 9 op9ion f !mselves2 until mank9d1 consult+ _! own tranquillity & safety1 h de/roy$ !m4 ,if m5 ( ?is description 7 to be consid]$ z m>tyrs1 e di/urb] ( society1 :5 puni%$1 w\ld acquire a "r to ?is title4 ,,*ap4 ,,vii4--,,( ,,! ,,my/]ies ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,to reveal any ?+ to a man1 is to discov] to him secrets ( :i* he 0 be=e ignorant4 ,if we ask ,*ri/ians :at ! secrets 71 ! importance ( :i* r5d]$ x necess>y t !y %\ld be reveal$ by ,god himself1 we %all be told t ! greate/ ( ^? secrets1 & ! "o mo/ necess>y to mank9d1 is ! ,unity ( ! ,godhead2 a secret :i*1 say !y1 human wisdom c\ld nev] h discov]$1 ( itself4 ,b are we n at lib]ty to d\bt ! tru? ( ?is ass]tion8 ,moses1 und\bt$ly1 decl>$ an only ,god to ! ,hebrews1 & did all 9 8 p[] to r5d] !m enemies to ! idolatry & poly!ism ( o!r surr\nd+ nations1 ^: belief & ^: modes ( wor%ip he repres5t$ z abom9able 9 ! eyes ( ! cele/ial ,mon>*1 :o _h br\ght !m out ( ! l& ( ,egypt4 ,b h n _m wise m5 among ! hea!ns discov]$1 )\t ! assi/ance ( ! ,jewi% revelation1 "o supreme ,god1 sup]ior to all o!rs8 ,moreov]1 0 n ,fate1 to :i* all ! o!r gods ( ! hea!ns 7 subord9ate1 an only ,god1 to ^: sov]eign law all nature 0 subject8 ,z to ! col\rs 9 :i* ,moses pa9ts 8 ,godhead1 nei!r ,jews nor ,*ri/ians h a "r to pride !mselves !re94 ,he is repres5t$ z a caprici\s & irascible despot1 full ( cruelty1 inju/ice1 p>tiality1 & malignity4 ,:at k9d ( be+ %all we contemplate1 :5 we add to ?is ! ineffable attributes ascrib$ to him 9 ! ,*ri/ian !ology8 ,is ! ,godhead describ$ :5 x is said t x is a _s1 an immat]ial be+1 :i* resembles no?+ pres5t$ to u by our s5ses8 ,is n human und]/&+ conf\nd$ ) ! negative attributes ( inf9ity1 imm5sity1 et]nity1 omnipot5ce1 & omnisci5ce1 ) :i* he has be5 decorat$1 only to r5d] him /ill m incompreh5sible8 ,h[ c ! wisdom1 ! goodness1 ju/ice1 & o!r moral qualities ( ?is ,god1 be reconcil$ ) t /range & (t5 atroci\s conduct1 :i* are attribut$ to him 9 almo/ e page ( ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5t8 ,w\ld x n h be5 bett] to h left mank9d 9 entire ignorance ( ! ,godhead1 ?an to reveal to him a ,god made up ( contradictions1 :i* lead to et]nal dispute1 & s]ve only to tr\ble 8 repose8 ,to reveal su* a ,god to mank9d1 is only to discov] to !m ! means to emb>rass & r5d] !mselves wret*$1 & qu>rel ) & injure "o ano!r4 ,b1 be ?is z x may1 is x true t ,*ri/ianity admits b "o ,god1 ! same :i* 0 reveal$ by ,moses8 ,d we n see ,*ri/ians adore a ?reefold div9ity1 "u ! "n ( ! ,tr9ity8 ,! supreme ,god begat f all et]nity a son equal to himself2 f ^! two proce$s a ?ird equal to ! two fir/2 ^! ?ree ,gods1 equal 9 p]fection1 div9ity1 & p[]1 =m1 nev]!less1 only "o ,god4 ,to ov]turn ?is sy/em1 x seems suffici5t only to %ew its absurdity4 ,is x b to reveal su* my/]ies z ^! t ! ,godhead has tak5 pa9s to in/ruct mank9d8 ,h op9ions m absurd & contr>y to reason ev] exi/$ among ! mo/ ignorant & savage nations8l ,9 ! mean "t1 h[ev]1 ! writ+s ( ,moses conta9 no?+ t c\ld au?orise ! con/ruction ( a sy/em s wild4 ,x is only by hav+ rec\rse to ! mo/ =c$ explanations1 t ! doctr9e ( ! ,tr9ity is pret5d$ to be f\nd 9 ! ,bible4 ,z to ! ,jews1 cont5t$ ) ! only ,god :i* _! legislator has decl>$ to !m1 !y h nev] attempt$ to create a ?reefold "o4 #a ,! dogma ( ! ,tr9ity is evid5tly borr[$ f ! rev]ies ( ,plato1 or f ! allegories "u :i* t romantic philosoph] *ose to conceal 8 doctr9e4 ,x appe>s t to him ! ,*ri/ian religion is indebt$ = ! great] "p ( its dogmas4 ,plato admitt$ ?ree ,hypo/ases1 or modes ( be+ 9 ! ,div9ity4 ,! fir/ con/itut$ ! supreme ,god2 ! second ! ,logos1 ,^w1 or div9e intellig5ce proce$+ f ! fir/2 ! ?ird is ! ,_s1 or ,s\l ( ! ,_w4 ,! e>ly tea*]s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion appe> to h be5 ,platonics2 _! en?usiasm probably f\nd 9 ,plato a doctr9e analog\s to _! feel+s2 _h !y be5 grateful1 !y w\ld h record$ him z a prophet1 or1 at lea/1 z "o ( ! fa!rs ( ! *ur*4 ,! ,jesuitical mission>ies f\nd a ,div9ity1 ne>ly simil> to t ( ! ,*ri/ians1 at ,?ibet4 ,among ! ,t>t>s1 ,god is call$ ,kon-cio-cik1 ! only ,god1 & ,kon-cio-sum1 ! ?reefold ,god4 ,!y also give him ! titles ,on1 ,ha1 ,hum1 intellig5ce1 might1 p[] or words1 he>t1 love4 ,! numb] ?ree 0 always rev]$ among ! anci5ts2 because ,salom1 :i* 9 ! ,ori5tal languages signifies ?ree1 signifies also heal?1 safety1 salvation4 ,! second ( ^! ,gods1 or1 accord+ to ! ,*ri/ians1 ! second p]son ( ! ,tr9ity1 hav+ clad himself ) human nature1 & become inc>nate 9 ! womb ( a virg91 he submitt$ himself to ! infirmities ( our species1 & ev5 suff]$ an ignom9i\s dea? to expiate ! s9s ( ! e>?4 ,?is is :at ,*ri/ians call ! my/]y ( ,inc>nation4 ,he mu/ be inde$ bl9d1 :o _c see ^! absurd notions are borr[$ f ! ,egyptians1 ,indians1 & ,grecians1 ^: ridicul\s my?ologies describe gods z possess+ human =ms1 & subject to infirmities1 l mank9d4#a #a ,! ,egyptians appe> to h be5 ! fir/ :o pret5d$ t _! gods _h assum$ mat]ial bodies4 ,foe1 ! ,god ( ! ,*9ese1 0 born ( a virg91 :o 0 fecundat$ by a ray ( ! sun4 ,9 ,indo/an nobody d\bts ! inc>nations ( ,vi/n\4 ,x seems t !ologi/s ( all nations1 despair+ to exalt !mselves to a level ) ,god1 h endeav\r$ to debase him to a level ) !mselves4 ,?us1 we are comm&$ by ,*ri/ianity to believe t a ,god hav+ become man )\t do+ injury to 8 div9e nature1 has suff]$1 di$1 & (f]$ himself a sacrifice to himself2 & all ?is 0 absolutely & indisp5sibly necess>y to appease 8 own wra?4 ,?is is :at ,*ri/ians d5om9ate ! my/]y ( ! r$emption ( ! human race4 ,?is dead ,god1 h[ev]1 0 resuscitat$4 ,?us ! ,adonis ( ! ,ph5icians1 ! ,osiris ( ! ,egyptians1 & ! ,atys ( ! ,phrygians1 are repres5t$ z p]iodically resign+ & re-assum+ life4 ,! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians rises aga91 re-animat$1 & bur/s ! tomb1 triumphant4 ,su* are ! wondr\s secrets1 or sublime my/]ies1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion unfolds to its disciples4 ,s great1 s abject1 & s ev] incompreh5sible are ! ideas x gives u ( ! div9e ,be+4 ,su* is ! illum9ation our m9ds receive f revelation6 ,a revelation :i* only s]ves to r5d] /ill m imp5etrable ! cl\ds :i* veil ! div9e ess5ce f human eyes4 ,god1 we are told1 is will+ to r5d] himself inconsi/5t & ridicul\s1 to conf\nd ! curiosity ( ^? :om1 we are at ! same "t in=m$1 he desires to enlight5 by 8 special grace4 ,:at mu/ we ?9k ( a revelation :i*1 f> f tea*+ u any ?+1 is calculat$ to d>k5 & puzzle ! cle>e/ ideas8 ,?us1 not)/&+ ! boa/$ revelation ( ! ,*ri/ians1 !y "k no?+ ( t ,be+ :om !y make ! basis ( _! religion4 ,on ! contr>y1 x only s]ves to obscure all ! notions :i* might o!rwise be =m$ ( him4 ,9 ,holy ,writ he is call$ an hidd5 ,god4 ,david tells u1 t he places 8 dwell+ 9 d>kness1 t cl\ds & tr\bl$ wat]s =m ! pavilion ) :i* he is cov]$4 ,9 f9e1 ,*ri/ians1 al?\gh enlight5$1 z !y say1 by ,god himself1 h only ridicul\s & inconsi/5t ideas ( him1 :i* r5d] 8 exi/5ce d\btful1 or ev5 impossible1 9 ! eyes ( e man :o consults 8 reason4 ,:at notions1 inde$1 c we =m ( a ,god1 :o1 aft] hav+ creat$ ! _w solely = ! happ9ess ( mank9d1 nev]!less suff]s ! great] "p ( ! human race to be mis]able bo? 9 ?is _w & t :i* is to come8 ,h[ c a ,god1 :o enjoys a supreme felicity1 be (f5d$ ) ! actions ( 8 creatures8 ,?is ,god is !n susceptible ( grief2 8 happ9ess c be di/urb$2 he is !n dep5d5t on man1 :o c1 at pleasure1 delight or afflict him6 ,h[ c a b5evol5t ,god be/[ on 8 creatures a fatal lib]ty by ! abuse ( :i* !y may incur 8 ang]1 & _! own de/ruction8 ,h[ c t ,be+1 :o is himself ! au?or ( life & nature1 suff] dea?8 ,h[ c an only ,god become triple )\t injur+ 8 unity8 ,we %all be answ]$1 t all ^! matt]s are my/]ies2 b su* my/]ies de/roy ev5 ! exi/5ce ( ,god4 ,x w\ld be m reasonable to admit1 ) ,zoroa/]1 or ,manes1 two pr9ciples or opposite p[]s 9 nature1 ?an to believe1 ) ,*ri/ians1 t !re is an omnipot5t ,god1 :o _c prev5t ! exi/5ce ( evil2 a ,god :o is j1 & yet p>tial2 a ,god all-m]ciful1 & yet s implacable1 t he w puni% ?r\gh an et]nity ! crimes ( a mom5t2 an only ,god1 :o is ?reefold2 a ,god1 ! *ief ( be+s1 :o cons5ts to die1 be+ unable to satisfy by any o!r means 8 div9e ju/ice4 ,if1 9 ! same subject1 contr>ies _c subsi/ at ! same "t1 ei!r ! exi/5ce ( ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 or t ( ! ,*ri/ians1 mu/ und\bt$ly be impossible4 ,:5ce we are =c$ to conclude1 t ! tea*]s ( ,*ri/ianity1 by means ( ! attributes ) :i* !y h decorat$1 or r disfigur$ _! ,godhead1 h1 9 fact1 annihilat$ ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 or1 at lea/1 s trans=m$ him1 t he is no long] ! same4 ,?us1 revelation1 ) all its fables & my/]ies1 has only emb>rass$ ! reason ( mank9d1 & r5d]$ unc]ta9 ! simple notions :i* !y might =m to !mselves ( t necess>y ,be+1 :o gov]ns ! univ]se ) immutable laws4 ,?\gh ! exi/5ce ( a ,god _c be d5i$1 x is yet c]ta9 t reason _c admit ! exi/5ce ( ! "o :i* ! ,*ri/ians adore1 & ^: conduct1 comm&s1 & qualities1 _! religion pret5ds to reveal4 ,if !y are ,a!i/s1 :o h no ideas ( ! ,supreme ,be+1 ! ,*ri/ian !ology mu/ be look$ ^u z a project inv5t$ to de/roy 8 exi/5ce4#a #a ,div9es h always disagre$ among !mselves respect+ ! pro(s ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god4 ,!y mutually /yle ea* o!r ,a!i/s1 because _! demon/rations h nev] be5 ! same4 ,few ,*ri/ians h writt5 on ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 )\t draw+ ^u !mselves an accusation ( ,a!ism4 ,desc>tes1 ,cl>ke1 ,pascal1 ,arnauld2 & ,nicole1 h be5 consid]$ z ,a!i/s4 ,! reason is pla94 ,x is impossible to prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,be+ s inconsi/5t z ! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,we %all be told t m5 h no means = judg+ ( ! ,div9ity1 & t our und]/&+s are too n>r[ to =m any idea ( him4 ,:y !n d !y dispute incessantly conc]n+ him8 ,:y assign to him qualities :i* de/roy ea* o!r8 ,:y rec\nt fables conc]n+ him8 ,:y qu>rel & cut ea* o!rs ?roats1 because !y are diff]5tly int]pret$ by diff]5t p]sons8 ,,*ap4 ,,viii4--,,my/]ies ,,& ,,dogmas ,,( ,,*ri/ianity4 ,n cont5t ) hav+ envelop$ _! ,god 9 my/]i\s cl\ds & ,judaic fables1 ! tea*]s ( ,*ri/ianity se5 to be /ill busi$ 9 ! multiplication ( my/]ies1 & emb>rass+ m & m ! reason ( _! disciples4 ,religion1 design$ to enlight5 mank9d1 is only a tissue ( enigmas2 a labyr9? :i* s\nd s5se c nev] explore4 ,t :i* anci5t sup]/itions f\nd mo/ incompreh5sible1 seems n unaptly to be int]wov5 ) a religi\s sy/em1 :i* imposes et]nal sil5ce on reason4 ,! fatalism ( ! ,grecians has be5 trans=m$1 9 ! h&s ( ,*ri/ian prie/s1 into pr$e/9ation4 ,accord+ to ?is tyrannic dogma1 ! ,god ( m]cies has de/9$ ! greate/ "p ( mank9d to et]nal torm5ts4 ,he places !m 9 ?is _w t !y1 by ! abuse ( _! faculties & lib]ty1 may r5d] !mselves wor?y ( ! implacable wra? ( _! ,creator4 ,a b5evol5t & presci5t ,god gives to mank9d a free w1 ( :i* he kn[s !y w make s p]v]se an use1 z to m]it et]nal damnation4 ,?us1 in/ead ( furni%+ !m ) ! prop5sities necess>y to _! happ9ess1 he p]mits !m to act1 only t he may h ! pleasure ( plung+ !m into hell4 ,no?+ c be m horrid ?an ! description giv5 u by ,*ri/ians ( ?is place1 de/9$ to be ! future resid5ce ( almo/ all mank9d4 ,!re a m]ciful ,god w1 ?r\gh\t an et]nity1 ba! himself 9 ! te>s ( wret*es1 :om he creat$ = mis]y4 ,s9n]s1 %ut up 9 ?is awful dungeon1 w be deliv]$ up = ev] to dev\r+ flames4 ,!re %all be he>d weep+1 & wail+1 & gna%+ ( tee?4 ,! torm5ts ( ?is place %all1 at ! end ( millions ( ye>s1 h only begun4 ,! consol+ hope ( a di/ant mitigation ( pa9 %all be unkn[n4 ,9 "o ^w1 ,god1 by an act ( 8 omnipot5ce1 %all r5d] man capable ( mis]ies un9t]rupt$1 & int]m9able4 ,8 ju/ice w puni% f9ite crimes1 ! effects ( :i* are limit$ by "t1 by torm5ts inf9ite 9 degree & duration4 ,su* is ! idea a ,*ri/ian =ms ( ! ,god t dem&s 8 love4 ,?is tyrant1 creates him only to r5d] him mis]able2 he gives him reason to deceive him1 & prop5sities to lead him a/ray4 ,he gives him lib]ty1 t he may incur et]nal ru94 ,he gives him advantages above ! bea/s1 t he may be subject$ to torm5ts1 :i* bea/s1 l inanimate sub/ances1 are incapable ( suff]+4 ,! dogma ( pr$e/9ation repres5ts ! lot ( man z worse ?an t ( brutes & /ones4#a #a ,! doctr9e ( pr$e/9ation 0 also a t5et ( ! ,jews4 ,9 ! writ+s ( ,moses1 a ,god is exhibit$1 :o1 9 8 decrees1 is p>tially fond ( a *os5 p1 & unju/ to all o!rs4 ,! !ology & hi/ory ( ! ,greeks repres5t m5 z puni%$ = necess>y crimes1 =etold by oracles4 ,( ?is ,ore/es1 ,o$ipus1 ,ajax1 c4 are examples4 ,mank9d h always describ$ ,god z ! mo/ unju/ ( all be+s4 ,accord+ to ! ,jans5i/s1 ,god be/[s 8 grace on :om he pleases1 )\t any reg>d to m]it4 ,?is is mu* m con=mable to ! ,*ri/ian1 ,pagan1 & ,jewi% fatalism1 ?an ! doctr9e ( ! ,mol9i/s1 :o say t ,god grants 8 grace to all :o ask & des]ve x4 ,x is c]ta9 t ,*ri/ians 9 g5]al are true fatali/s4 ,!y evade ?is accusation1 by decl>+ t ! designs ( ,god are my/]ies4 ,if s1 :y d !y et]nally dispute ab\t !m8 ,x is true1 ! ,*ri/ian religion promises a blissful resid5ce to ^? :om ,god %all h *os5 to be objects ( 8 love4 ,b ?is place is res]v$ only = a small numb] ( elect1 :o1 )\t any m]it 9 !mselves1 %all1 nev]!less1 h unb\nd$ claims ^u ! grace ( ,god4 ,?us1 ! ,t>t>us & ,elysium ( ! hea!n my?ology1 inv5t$ by impo/ors to awe & s$uce mank9d1 h be5 transplant$ into ! sy/em ( ! ,*ri/ians1 :o h giv5 !m ! new appellation ( ,heav5 & ,hell4 ,! foll[]s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion believe 9 a race ( invisible be+s1 diff]5t f man & subord9ate to ,god1 "p ( :om is employ$ 9 execut+ ! wra? ( ,god ^u (f5d]s2 & "p 9 wat*+ ov] 8 works1 & p>ticul>ly ! pres]vation ( man4 ,! =m]1 be+ malevol5t spirits1 are call$ devils1 demons1 c4 ! latt]1 be+ b5evol5t spirits1 are call$ angels4 ,!y are suppos$ to h ! faculty ( r5d]+ !mselves s5sible1 & tak+ ! human =m4 ,good angels are1 9 ! imag9ation ( ,*ri/ians1 :at ! ,nymphs1 ,l>es1 & ,p5ates1 7 imag9$ to be by ! hea!ns1 & :at ! ,fairies 7 ) writ]s ( romances4 ,! sacr$ books ( ! ,jews & ,*ri/ians are replete ) ^! m>vell\s be+s1 :om ,god has s5t to 8 fav\rites to be _! guides1 protectors1 & tutel> deities4 ,devils are consid]$ z ! enemies & s$uc]s ( ! human race1 & p]petually busi$ 9 draw+ !m into s94 ,a p[] is attribut$ to !m ( p]=m+ miracles1 simil> to ^? wr\ght by ! ,mo/ ,high2 &1 above1 a p[] t c\nt]acts 81 & r5d]s all 8 projects abortive4 ,9 fact1 ! ,*ri/ian religion does n =mally all[ ! same p[] to ! devil z to ,god2 nev]!less1 x supposes t malevol5t be+ prev5ts mank9d f ent]+ into ! enjoym5t ( ! felicity de/9$ !m by ! goodness ( ,god1 & leads mo/ ( !m into et]nal p]dition4 ,*ri/ians1 h[ev]1 d virtually attribute to ! devil an empire mu* m ext5sive ?an t ( ! ,supreme ,be+4 ,! latt]1 ) difficulty1 saves a few elect2 :ile ! =m] c>ries (f1 9 spite ( him1 ! great] "p ( mank9d1 :o li/5 to 8 de/ructive temptations1 r ?an ! absolute comm&s ( ,god4 ,?is ,satan1 ! cause ( s mu* t]ror to ,*ri/ians1 0 evid5tly borr[$ f ! doctr9e ( two pr9ciples1 =m]ly admitt$ 9 ,egypt & all ! ,ea/4 ,! ,osyris & ,typhon ( ! ,egyptians1 ! ,orosmades & ,ah>imanes ( ! ,p]sians & ,*aldeans1 h und\bt$ly giv5 bir? to ! cont9ual w> betwe5 ! ,god ( ,*ri/ians & 8 =midable adv]s>y4 ,by ?is sy/em mank9d h endeav\r$ to acc\nt = all ! good & evil ) :i* life is *equ]$4 ,an ,almighty ,devil s]ves to ju/ify ! ,supreme ,be+ ) respect to all necess>y & unremitt$ evils :i* afflict ! human race4 ,su* are ! dreadful & my/]i\s doctr9es ^u :i* ,*ri/ians 9 g5]al are agre$4 ,!re are _m o!rs :i* are peculi> to diff]5t sects4 ,?us1 a num]\s sect ( ,*ri/ians admit an int]m$iate /ate betwe5 heav5 & hell1 :]e s\ls1 too s9ful = ! =m] & too innoc5t = ! latt]1 are subject$ = a "t1 9 ord] to expiate by _! suff]+s ! s9 !y commit 9 ?is life2 aft] und]go+ ?is puni%m5t1 !y are receiv$ into ! abodes ( et]nal felicity4 ,?is doctr9e1 :i* 0 evid5tly drawn f ! rev]ies ( ,plato1 has1 9 ! h&s ( ! ,roman prie/s1 be5 conv]t$ into an inexhau/ible s\rce ( ri*es4 ,!y h arrogat$ to !mselves ! p[] ( op5+ ! gates ( purgatory1 & pret5d t1 by _! pray]s1 !y c mitigate ! rig\r ( ! div9e decrees1 & abridge ! torm5ts ( ! s\ls1 condemn$ to ?is place by a j ,god4#a #a ,x is evid5t t ! ,roman ,ca?olics are indebt$ to ,plato = _! purgatory4 ,t great philosoph] divid$ s\ls into ?ree classes3 ! pure1 ! curable1 & ! incurable4 ,! fir/ return$1 by refusion1 to ! univ]sal s\l ( ! _w1 or ! div9ity1 f :i* !y _h emanat$2 ! second w5t to hell1 :]e !y pass$ 9 review e ye> be=e ! judges ( t d>k empire1 :o suff]$ !m to return to light :5 !y _h suffici5tly expiat$ _! faults2 ! incurables rema9$ 9 ,t>t>us1 :]e !y 7 to suff] et]nal torm5t4 ,plato1 z well z1 ,*ri/ian casui/s1 describ$ ! crimes1 faults1 c4 :i* m]it ^? diff]5t degrees ( puni%m5t4 ,prote/ant div9es1 jeal\s probably ( ! ri*es ( ! ,ca?olic cl]gy1 h imprud5tly reject$ ! doctr9e ( a purgatory1 :]eby !y h mu* dim9i%$ _! own cr$it4 ,x w\ld1 p]haps1 h be5 wis] to h reject$ ! doctr9e ( an hell1 :5ce s\ls c nev] be releas$1 ?an t ( purgatory1 :i* is m reasonable1 & f :i* ! cl]gy c deliv] s\ls by means ( t all-p[]ful ag5t1 money4 ,! prec$+ rem>ks %ew1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion has be5 (t5 inculcat$ & spread by d9t ( t]ror4 ,by /rik+ mank9d ) horror !y r5d] !m submissive1 & remove all 8 dep5d5ce on 8 reason4#a #a ,mahomet p]ceiv$1 z well z ,*ri/ian div9es1 ! necessity ( fright5+ mank9d1 9 ord] to gov]n !m4 ,^?1 says ! ,koran1 :o d n believe1 %all be clo!d 9 a g>m5t ( fire2 boil+ wat] %all be p\r$ on _! heads2 _! sk9s & _! entrails %all be smitt5 ) rods ( iron4 ,:5ev] !y %all /rive to escape f hell1 & avoid its torm5ts1 !y %all be ?ru/ aga9 into x2 & ! devils say unto !m1 'ta/e ! pa9 ( burn+'4 ,see ,alcoran1 *4 viii4 ,,*ap4 ,,ix4--,,( ,,! ,,rites ,,& ,,my/]i\s ,,c]emonies ,,or ,,!urgy ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ians4 ,if ! doctr9es ( ! ,*ri/ian religion be my/]ies inaccessible to reason2 if ! ,god x ann\nces be inconceivable1 we ought n to be surpris$ at see+ ! rites & c]emonies ( ?is religion my/]i\s & un9telligible4 ,conc]n+ a ,god1 :o ha? reveal$ himself only to conf\nd human reason1 all ?+s mu/ necess>ily be incompreh5sible & unreasonable4 ,! mo/ important c]emony ( ! ,*ri/ian religion is call$ baptism4 ,)\t ?is1 no man1 x is held1 c be sav$4 ,x consi/s 9 p\r+ wat] on ! infant or adult1 ) an invocation on ! "n ( ! ,tr9ity4 ,by ! my/]i\s virtue ( ?is wat]1 & ! words by :i* x is accompani$1 ! p]son is spiritually reg5]at$4 ,he is cleans$ f ! /a9s1 transmitt$ ?r\gh successive g5]ations1 f ! fa!r ( ! human race4 ,9 a ^w1 he becomes a *ild ( ,god1 & is prep>$ to ent] into 8 glory at dea?4 ,n[1 x is said1 t ! dea? ( man is ! effect ( ! s9 ( ,adam2 & if1 by baptism1 s9 be effac$1 :y is man /ill subject to dea?8 ,b "h we are told1 x is f ! spiritual1 n bodily dea?1 t ,*ri/ has deliv]$ mank9d4 ,yet ?is spiritual dea? is only ! dea? ( s9fulness4 ,9 ?is case1 h[ does x happ5 t ,*ri/ians cont9ue to s91 z if !y _h nev] be5 r$eem$ & deliv]$ f s98 ,:5ce x results1 t baptism is a my/]y imp5etrable to reason2 & its efficacy is disprov$ by exp]i5ce4#a ,9 "s ,*ri/ian sects1 a bi%op or pontiff1 by pron\nc+ a few words1 & apply+ a few drops ( oil to ! =ehead1 causes ! _s to desc5d ^u :om he pleases4 ,by ?is c]emony ! ,*ri/ian is confirm$ 9 ! fai?1 & receives invisibly a pr(usion ( graces f ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,^? :o w&]+ f>!/ f reason1 h ent]$ mo/ deeply into ! _s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 n cont5t$ ) ! d>k my/]ies common to o!r sects1 h inv5t$ "o /ill d>k] & m a/oni%+1 :i* !y d5om9ate transub/antiation4 ,at ! all-p[]ful comm& ( a prie/1 ! ,god ( ! ,univ]se is =c$ to desc5d f ! habitation ( 8 glory1 & trans=m himself into a piece ( bread4 ,?is bread is aft]w>ds wor%ipp$ by a p1 :o boa/ _! dete/ation ( idolatry4#b #a ,! c]emony ( baptism 0 practis$ 9 ! my/]ies ( ,my?ias1 & ^? initiat$ 7 !reby reg5]at$4 ,?is ,my?ias 0 also a m$iator4 ,al?\gh ,*ri/ian div9es consid] baptism necess>y to salvation1 we f9d ,paul w\ld n suff] ! ,cor9?ians to be baptis$4 ,we also le>n t he circumcis$ ,timo!os4 #b ,! ,bramas ( ,indo/an di/ribute a k9d ( gra9 9 _! pagodas3 ?is di/ribution is call$ ,prajadnn1 or ,eu*>i/4 ,! ,mexicans believe 9 a k9d ( transub/antiation1 :i* is m5tion$ by fa!r ,aco/a4 ,see 8 ,travels1 *ap4 xxiv4 ,! ,prote/ants h _h ! c\rage to reject transub/antiation1 al?\gh x is =mally e/abli%$ by ,*ri/1 :o says1 ,take1 eat2 ?is is my body4 ,av]oes said1 ,anima mea fit cum philosophie1 non v]o cum ,*ri/ianis1 g5te /olidissima1 qui ,deuni faciunt et com$unt4 ,! ,p]uvians h a religi\s c]emony1 9 :i* aft] sacrific+ a lamb1 !y m+le 8 blood ) fl\r1 & di/ribute x among/ ! p4-- ,aluetanae ,que/1 lib4 ii4 cap4 #bj4 ,9 ! pu]ile c]emonies1 s highly valu$ by ,*ri/ians1 we _c avoid see+ ! pla9e/ traces ( ! ,!urgy practis$ among ! ,ori5tals1 :]e ! ,div9e ,be+1 compell$ by ! magic p[] ( c]ta9 words & c]emonies utt]$1 by prie/s1 or o!r p]sons initiat$ into ! necess>y secret1 desc5ds to e>? & p]=ms miracles4 ,?is sort ( magic is also ex]cis$ among ,*ri/ian prie/s4 ,!y p]suade _! disciples t1 by c]ta9 arbitr>y actions1 & c]ta9 movem5ts ( ! body1 !y c oblige ! ,god ( ,nature to susp5d 8 laws1 give himself up to _! desires1 & load !m ) e fav\r !y *oose to dem&4 ,?us1 9 ?is religion1 ! prie/ assumes ! "r ( comm&+ ,god himself4 ,on ?is empire ov] _! ,god1 ?is real ,!urgy1 or my/]i\s comm]ce ) heav51 are f\nd$ ^? pu]ile & ridicul\s c]emonies :i* ,*ri/ians call sacram5ts4 ,we h already se5 ?is ,!urgy 9 ,baptism1 ,confirmation1 & ! ,eu*>i/4 ,we f9d x1 also1 9 p5it5ce1 or ! p[] :i* ! prie/s ( "s sects arrogate to !mselves1 ( remitt+1 9 ! "n ( ,heav51 all s9s confess$ to !m4 ,x is se5 9 ord]s1 t is to say1 9 ! c]emony :i* impresses on c]ta9 m5 a sacr$ "*1 by :i* !y are ev] aft] di/+ui%$ f pr(ane mortals4 ,x is se5 9 ! rites & functions :i* torture ! la/ mom5ts ( ! dy+4 ,x is se5 9 m>riage1 :i* natural union1 x is suppos$1 _c meet ) ! approbation ( ,heav51 unless ! c]emony ( a prie/ r5d] x valid1 & procure x ! sanction ( ! ,mo/ ,high4#a #a ,! numb] ( ,roman ,ca?olic sacram5ts1 sev52 a cabali/ic1 magic1 & my/]i\s numb]4 ,we see ?is ,!urgy1 or :ite magic1 9 ! pray]s1 =ms1 liturgies1 &1 9 %ort1 9 all ! c]emonies ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,we f9d x 9 _! op9ion1 t words dispos$ 9 a c]ta9 mann] c influ5ce ! w ( ,god1 & oblige him to *ange 8 immutable decrees4 ,its efficacy is se5 9 exorcisms1 t is1 c]emonies1 9 :i*1 by means ( a magic wat] & "s my/]i\s words1 x is pret5d$ t evil spirits :i* infe/ mank9d c be expell$4 ,holy wat]1 :i* has tak5 ! place ( ! aqua lu/ralis ( ! ,romans1 is believ$ by c]ta9 ,*ri/ians to possess a/oni%+ virtues4 ,x r5d]s sacr$1 places & ?+s :i* 7 pr(ane4 ,9 f9e1 ! ,*ri/ian ,!urgy be+ employ$ by a pontiff 9 ! consecration ( a k+1 r5d]s him m respectable 9 ! eyes ( m51 & /amps him ) a div9e "*4 ,?us all is magic & my/]y1 all is incompreh5sible1 9 a religion reveal$ by ,god himself1 to enlight5 ! d>k5$ und]/&+ ( mank9d4 ,,*ap4 ,x4--,,( ,,! ,,inspir$ ,,writ+s ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ians4 ,*ri/ians endeav\r to prove ! div9e orig9 ( _! religion by c]ta9 writ+s1 :i* !y believe to be sacr$1 & to h be5 inspir$ by ,god himself4 ,let u !n see if ^! writ+s d really exhibit m>ks ( t wisdom1 omnisci5ce1 & p]fection :i* we attribute to ! ,div9ity4 ,! ,bible1 e ^w ( :i* ,*ri/ians believe to h be5 dictat$ by inspiration1 is compos$ ( an incongru\s collection ( ! sacr$ writ+s ( ! ,hebrews1 call$ ! ,old ,te/am5t2 to :i* are add$1 a numb] ( works1 m rec5t inde$1 b ( equal inspiration1 kn[n by ! "n ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,at ! head ( ?is collection are five books :i* are attribut$ to ,moses1 :o 01 x is said1 9 writ+ !m1 ! secret>y ( ,god4 ,he !re9 goes back to ! orig9 ( ?+s4 ,he attempts to initiate u into ! my/]y ( ! creation ( ! _w1 ( :i* he has only ! mo/ vague & confus$ ideas4 ,he betrays at e ^w a pr(\nd ignorance ( ! laws ( ,nature4 ,god1 accord+ to ,moses1 creat$ ! sun1 :i*1 9 our planet>y sy/em1 is ! s\rce ( light1 sev]al days aft] he _h creat$ ! light4 ,god1 :o c be repres5t$ by no image1 creat$ man 9 8 own image4 ,he creates him male & female2 b1 soon =gett+ :at he _h done1 he creates woman f "o ( ! ribs ( ! man4 ,9 "o ^w1 we see1 at ! v entrance ( ! ,bible1 no?+ b ignorance & contradiction4#a ,x appe>s1 at once1 t ! cosmogony ( ! ,hebrews is only a tissue ( fables & allegories1 incapable ( giv+ any true idea ( ?+s1 & calculat$ to please only a savage & ignorant p1 de/itute ( sci5ce1 & unqualifi$ = reason+4 ,9 ! re/ ( ! writ+s ( ,moses1 we see little b a /r+ ( m>vell\s & improbable /ories1 & a mass ( ridicul\s & arbitr>y laws4 ,! au?or concludes ) giv+ an acc\nt ( 8 own dea?4 ,! books po/]ior to ,moses exhibit equal ignorance4 ,jo%ua /ops ! sun1 :i* did n move4 ,sampson1 ! ,jewi% ,h]cules1 has /r5g? to ov]?r[ a temple4--,b we %\ld nev] f9i% ! enum]ation ( ! fables & falsehoods ( ^! books1 :i* are audaci\sly attribut$ to ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,! /ory ( ! ,hebrews pres5ts u only ) a mass ( tales1 unwor?y ! gravity ( hi/ory & ! maje/y ( ,div9ity ridicul\s to reason1 x appe>s to h be5 inv5t$ only to amuse ! cr$ulity ( a /upid & infant p4 #a ,/4 ,augu/9 confesses t !re is no way ( pres]v+ ! true s5se ( ! ?ree fir/ *apt]s ( ,g5esis )\t wrong+ religion & attribut+ ?+s to ,god :i* are unwor?y ( him2 & decl>es1 t rec\rse mu/ be _h to allegory4 ,aug4 de ,g5esi1 contra ,ma*9eos4 ,orig51 also1 grants1 if we take ! hi/ory ( ! ,bible lit]ally1 x is absurd & contradictory4--,philos4 p4 #ab4 ,?is /range compilation is int]m+l$ ) obscure1 & unconnect$ oracles1 ) :i* diff]5t prophets h1 f "t to "t1 enri*$ ,jewi% sup]/ition4 ,e ?+ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t brea!s en?usiasm1 fanaticism1 & delirium1 (t5 decorat$ ) pomp\s language4 ,!re1 e ?+ is to be f\nd1 except good s5se1 good logic1 & reason1 :i* seems to be absolutely exclud$ f ! books :i* guide ! conduct ( ! ,hebrews & ,*ri/ians4 ,we h already m5tion$ ! abject1 & (t5 absurd ideas ( ,god1 :i* are exhibit$ 9 ! ,bible4 ,9 ?is book1 all 8 conduct appe>s ridicul\s4 ,he bl[s hot & cold1 & contradicts himself e mom5t4 ,he acts imprud5tly1 & !n rep5ts ( :at he _h done4 ,he supports ) "o h&1 & de/roys ) ! o!r4 ,aft] hav+ puni%$ all ! human race ) dea?1 = ! s9s ( man1 he decl>es1 by ,ezekiel1 t he is j1 & w n r5d] *ildr5 responsible = ! iniquities ( _! fa!rs4 ,he comm&s ! ,hebrews1 by ! m\? ( ,moses1 to rob ! ,egyptians4 ,9 ! decalogue1 publi%$ by ,moses1 !ft & murd] are =bidd54 ,9 %ort1 ,jehovah1 ev] 9 contradiction ) himself1 v>ies ) circum/ances1 pres]ves no uni=mity ( conduct1 & is repres5t$ 9 ! books1 said to be inspir$ by 8 _s1 z a tyrant1 :i* ! mo/ decid$ villa9 w\ld blu% to be4 ,:5 we ca/ our eyes ov] ! ,new ,te/am5t1 !re1 also1 we see no?+ *>act]i/ic ( t _s ( tru? :i* is said to h dictat$ ?is "w4 ,f\r hi/orians1 or fabuli/s1 h writt5 ! m>vell\s hi/ory ( ! ,messiah4 ,seldom agree+ ) respect to ! circum/ances ( 8 life1 !y sometimes contradict ea* o!r 9 ! mo/ palpable mann]4 ,! g5ealogy ( ,*ri/1 giv5 u by ,mat!w1 diff]s widely f t giv5 u by ,luke4 ,"o ( ! ,evangeli/s says1 t ,*ri/ 0 c>ri$ into ,egypt2 :il/1 by ano!r1 ?is ev5t is n ev5 h9t$ at4 ,"o makes ! duration ( 8 mission ?ree ye>s1 :ile ano!r repres5ts x z only z _m mon?s4 ,we d n f9d !m at all bett] accord respect+ ! facts 9 g5]al :i* !y report4 ,m>k says t ,*ri/ di$ at ! ?ird h\r1 t is to say1 n9e o'clock 9 ! morn+3 ,john says t he di$ at ! six? h\r1 t is1 at noon4 ,accord+ to ,mat!w & ,m>k1 ! wom5 :o1 aft] ! dea? ( ,jesus1 w5t to 8 sepul*re1 saw only "o angel2 :]eas1 accord+ to ,luke & ,john1 !y saw two4 ,^! angels 71 by "s1 said to be )9 ! tomb2 by o!rs1 )\t4 ,sev]al ( ! miracles ( ,jesus are also diff]5tly report$ by ! ,evangeli/s4 ,?is is likewise ! case ) 8 appe>ances aft] 8 resurrection4 ,ought n all ^! ?+s to excite a d\bt ( ! infallibility ( ! ,evangeli/s1 & ! reality ( _! div9e inspirations8 ,:at %all we say ( ! false & =g$ prophecies1 appli$ to ,*ri/ 9 ! gospel8 ,mat!w pret5ds t ,j]emy =etold t ,*ri/ %\ld be betray$ = ?irty pieces ( silv]2 yet no su* prophecy is to be f\nd 9 ,j]emiah4 ,no?+ is m s+ul> ?an ! mann] 9 :i* ,*ri/ian div9es evade ^! difficulties4 ,_! solutions are calculat$ to satisfy only ^? :o conceive x _! duty to rema9 9 bl9dness4#a #a ,j]ome himself says1 t ! quotations ( ,mat!w d n agree ) ! ,greek v]sion ( ! ,bible4 ,erasmus is oblig$ to confess t ! ,holy ,_s p]mitt$ ! ,apo/les to g a/ray4 ,e man ( s5se mu/ feel1 t all ! indu/ry & sophism on e>? c nev] reconcile su* palpable contradictions2 & ! ef=ts ( int]pret]s s]ve only to %ew ! weakness ( _! cause4 ,is x1 !n by subt]fuges1 subtilties1 & falsehoods1 t we are to r5d] s]vice to ,god8 ,we f9d equal errors & contradictions 9 ! pomp\s gasconade & declamatory bomba/ ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,! epi/les & h>angues ( ?is man1 inspir$ by ! ,_s ( ,god1 appe> to be ! en?usia/ic rav+s ( a madman4 ,! mo/ lab\r$ comm5t>ies h1 9 va91 endeav\r$ to reconcile ! contradictions ) :i* 8 "w are fill$1 & ! inconsi/5cy ( 8 conduct1 :i* sometimes fav\r$ & sometimes oppos$ ,judaism4#a ,we d n f9d ourselves m enlight5$ by ! works attribut$ to ! o!r ,apo/les4 ,x seems z if ^! p]sons1 inspir$ by ! ,holy ,gho/1 came on ! e>? only to prev5t _! disciples f compreh5d+ :at !y _h be5 s5t to tea* !m4 #a ,/4 ,paul himself in=ms u1 t he 0 ravi%$ up to ! ?ird heav54 ,:y 0 he transport$ ?i!r1 & :at did he le>n by 8 j\rney8 ,?+s unspeakable1 :i* no man c\ld1 compreh5d4 ,:at advantage are mank9d to d]ive f all ?is8 ,/4 ,paul1 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 is guilty ( a falsehood1 9 say+ be=e ! high-prie/1 t he is p]secut$1 because he is a ,ph>isee1 & on acc\nt ( ! resurrection4 ,"h3 are two untru?s4 ,fir/1 because ,paul 01 at t "t1 ! mo/ zeal\s ,apo/le ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 & consequ5tly a ,*ri/ian4 ,secondly1 because ! accusations br\ght aga9/ him did n ref] to 8 op9ion on resurrection4 ,if we "k t ! ,apo/les sometimes w&]$ f ! tru?1 h[ %all we believe !m at o!rs8 ,fur!r1 we see ?is great ,apo/le cont9ually *ang+ 8 c\nsels & conduct4 ,at ,j]usalem1 he po9t-blank opposes ,pet]1 :o fav\r$ ,judaism2 :]eas he himself aft]w>ds compli$ ) ,jewi% rites4 ,9 f9e1 he always accommodates himself to ! circum/ances ( ! "t1 & becomes all ?+s to all m54 ,he seems to h set an example to ! ,jesuits1 ( _! conduct 9 ! ,indies1 ) :i* !y are reproa*$1 :]e !y unite ! wor%ip ( ! ,pagans to t ( ,*ri/4 ,at ! foot ( ! collection1 :i* =ms ! ,new ,te/am5t1 we f9d ! my/ic "w kn[n by ! "n ( ! ,revelation ( ,/4 ,john4 ,?is is an un9telligible ?+1 9 :i* ! au?or has endeav\r$ to collect & conc5trate all ! gloomy & dreadful ideas conta9$ 9 ! re/ ( ! ,bible4 ,x exhibits to ! wret*$ race ( ,man ! awful & approa*+ end ( a p]i%+ _w4 ,x is fill$ ) horrid pictures1 by gaz+ on :i*1 ! trembl+ ,*ri/ian becomes petrifi$ ) fe> & wond]1 indiff]5t to life1 & useless1 or an incumbrance to society4 ,?us1 9 a mann] n unwor?y ( itself1 t]m9ates ?is compilation1 s ine/imable & adorable to ,*ri/ians1 s ridicul\s & contemptible to ! man ( reason1 s unwor?y ( a good & b\nte\s ,god2 s dete/able to him :o contemplates ! unp>allel$ evils x has occasion$ on ! e>?4 ,hav+ tak5 = ! rule ( _! conduct & op9ions a book s full ( blasphem\s fables & /rik+1 contradictions conc]n+ ,god1 ,*ri/ians h nev] agre$ 9 ! int]pretation ( 8 w1 or precisely kn[n :at he exact$ f !m4 ,?us !y h made ?is obscure "w a bone ( cont5tion1 an inexhau/ible s\rce ( qu>rels1 a common ars5al1 :]e all cont5d+ p>ties h suppli$ !mselves ) arms = mutual de/ruction4 ,geometricians dispute n conc]n+ ! fundam5tal pr9ciples ( _! sci5ce4 ,by :at fatality does x happ5 t ,*ri/ian revelation1 ! f\ndation ( a religion on :i* dep5ds ! et]nal felicity ( man1 %\ld be un9telligible1 subject to disputes1 & (t5 deluge ! e>? ) blood8 ,to judge by effects1 su* a revelation ought r to be ?\ght ! "w ( a malign _s1 a g5ius ( d>kness & falsehood1 ?an ( a ,god desir\s to pres]ve1 enlight51 & beautify mank9d4 ,,*ap4 ,,xi4--,,( ,,*ri/ian ,,morality4 ,7 we to believe ,*ri/ians1 !re c\ld h be5 no true morality on e>? be=e ! com+ ( ! f\nd] ( _! sect4 ,!y repres5t ! _w is hav+ be5 plung$ 9 d>kness & vice at all times & places :]e ,*ri/ 0 unkn[n4 ,yet morality 0 always necess>y to mank9d2 =1 )\t x1 no society c exi/4 ,we f9d1 t be=e ! "t ( ,*ri/1 !re 7 fl\ri%+ & virtu\s nations1 & enlight5$ philosoph]s1 :o cont9ually rem9d$ mank9d ( _! duties4 ,! precepts ( ,socrates1 ,confucius1 & ! ,gymnosophi/s ( ,india1 are by no means inf]ior to ^? ( ! ,messiah ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,we f9d1 among/ hea!ns1 innum]able in/ances ( equity1 humanity1 temp]ance1 dis9t]e/$ness1 pati5ce1 & meekness1 :i* flatly contradict ! pret5sions ( ! ,*ri/ians1 & prove t1 be=e ,*ri/ 0 kn[n on e>?1 virtues fl\ri%$1 :i* 7 = m real ?an ^? he came to tea* to m54 ,0 a sup]natural revelation necess>y to in=m mank9d t society _c exi/ )\t virtue1 & t1 by ! admission ( vice1 societies cons5t to _! own de/ruction8 ,0 x necess>y t a ,god %\ld speak1 to %ew t !y h ne$ ( mutual aid & mutual love8 ,0 assi/ance f on ,high necess>y to discov] t rev5ge is an evil1 & an outrage ^u ! laws1 :i*1 :5 !y are j1 assume to !mselves ! "r ( retribution8 ,is n ! =giv5ess ( injuries connect$ ) ?is pr9ciple8 ,& is n hatr$ et]naliz$ :]e implacable rev5ge is ex]cis$8 ,is n ! p>don+ ( our enemies a greatness ( s\l1 :i* gives u an advantage ov] ^? :o (f5d u8 ,:5 we d good to our enemies does x n give u a sup]iority ov] !m8 ,is n su* conduct calculat$ to multiply our fri5ds8 ,does n e man1 :o is desir\s to live1 p]ceive t vice1 intemp]ance1 & voluptu\sness mu/ %ort5 ! p]iod ( life8 ,has n exp]i5ce demon/rat$ to e ?9k+ be+1 t vice is injuri\s & dete/able1 ev5 to ^? :o are n free f its empire1 & t ! practice ( virtue is ! only means1 ( acquir+ real e/eem & love8 ,h[ev] little mank9d may reflect on :at !y !mselves1 _! true int]e/s1 & ! end ( society are1 !y mu/ feel :at !y ought to be to ea* o!r4 ,good laws w r5d] !m good2 & :]e ^! exi/1 !re is no ne$ ( fly+ to heav5 = rules = ! pres]vation & happ9ess ( society4 ,reason is suffici5t to tea* u our duties to our fell[-creatures4 ,:at assi/ance c x receive f a religion by :i* x is cont9ually contradict$ & degrad$8 ,x is said1 t ,*ri/ianity1 f> f c\nt]act+ morality1 is its *ief support1 & r5d]s its obligations m sacr$1 by giv+ !m ! sanction ( ,god4 ,9 my op9ion1 h[ev]1 ! ,*ri/ian religion1 in/ead ( support+ morality r5d]s x weak & prec>i\s4 ,x _c possibly h any solid f\ndation on ! comm&s ( a ,god1 :o is *ang+1 p>tial1 & caprici\s2 & orda9s ) ! same m\?1 ju/ice & inju/ice1 concord & c>nage1 tol]ation & p]secution4 ,x is impossible to foll[ ! precepts ( a rational morality1 "u ! empire ( a religion1 :i* makes a m]it ( ! mo/ de/ructive zeal1 en?usiasm1 & fanaticism4 ,a religion1 :i* comm&s u to imitate ! conduct ( a despot :o delights to ensn>e 8 creatures1 :o is implacable 9 8 v5geance1 & devotes to flam+ de/ruction all :o h ! mis=tune to displease him1 is incompatible ) all morality4 ,! innum]able crimes ) :i* ! ,*ri/ian1 m ?an any o!r religion1 has /a9$ itself1 h always be5 committ$ "u ! pretext ( pleas+ ! f]oci\s ,god :om ! ,*ri/ians h inh]it$ f ! ,jews4 ,! moral "* ( ?is ,god1 mu/1 ( necessity1 gov]n ! moral conduct ( ^? :o adore him4 ,h5ce arises ! unc]ta9ty ( ,*ri/ians1 :e!r x be mo/ con=mable to ! _s ( _! religion to tol]ate1 or to p]secute1 ^? :o diff] f !m 9 op9ion4 ,! two p>ties f9d !mselves equally au?oris$ 9 modes ( conduct :i* are diametrically opposite4 ,at "o "t1 ,jehovah decl>es 8 dete/ation ( idolat]s1 & makes x a duty to ext]m9ate !m2 at ano!r "t ,moses =bids 8 p to speak ill ( ! ,god ( nations4 ,! ,son ( ,god =bids p]secution1 aft] hav+ said t m5 mu/ be con/ra9$ to ent] into 8 k+dom4 ,yet1 z ! idea ( a sev]e & cruel ,god makes a mu* deep] impression ?an t ( a b\nte\s "o1 true ,*ri/ians h g5]ally ?\ght x _! duty to ex]t _! zeal aga9/ ^? :om !y h suppos$ to be enemies to _! ,god4 ,!y h imag9$ x impossible to (f5d him by esp\s+ 8 cause ) too mu* ard\r4 ,tol]ation has seldom be5 practis$1 except by indol5t & phlegmatic ,*ri/ians1 ( a temp]am5t little analog\s to t ( ! ,god :om !y s]ve4 ,mu/ n a true ,*ri/ian1 to ^: imitation ! example ( ! sa9ts & h]oes ( ! ,old ,te/am5t are propos$1 become f]oci\s & sangu9>y8 ,w he n f9d motives = cruelty 9 ! conduct ( ,moses1 :o twice caus$ ! blood ( ,israel to /ream1 & immolat$ to 8 ,god m ?an =ty ?\s& victims8 ,to ju/ify 8 own1 w he n appeal to ! p]fidi\s cruelty ( ,ph9eas1 ,jabel1 & ,judi?8 ,w he n see ,david to be a mon/] ( b>b>ity1 adult]y1 & rebellion1 :i* nev]!less does n prev5t 8 be+ a man aft] ,god's own he>t8 ,9 %ort1 ! :ole ,bible in=ms ! ,*ri/ian t 8 ,god is delight$ ) a furi\s zeal 9 8 s]vice2 & ?is zeal is suffici5t to close 8 eyes on e species ( crime4 ,let u n1 !n1 be surpris$ to see ,*ri/ians incessantly p]secut+ ea* o!r4 ,if !y are at any "t tol]ant1 x is only :5 !y are !mselves p]secut$1 or too weak to p]secute o!rs4 ,:5ev] !y h p[] !y become ! t]ror & de/ruction ( ea* o!r4 ,s9ce ,*ri/ianity fir/ appe>$ on e>?1 its diff]5t sects h incessantly qu>rell$4 ,!y h mutually ex]cis$ ! mo/ ref9$ cruelty4 ,sov]eigns1 9 imitation ( ,david1 h esp\s$ ! qu>rels ( discordant prie/s1 & s]v$ ,god by fire & sword4 ,k+s !mselves h (t5 p]i%$ ! victims ( religi\s fanaticism1 :i* tramples on e moral duty 9 ob$i5ce to its ,god4 ,9 a ^w1 ! religion1 :i* boa/s ( hav+ br\ght peace on e>?1 & good w t[>ds m51 has = eighte5 c5turies caus$ m ravages1 & great] effusions ( blood1 ?an all ! sup]/itions ( hea!nism4 ,x has rais$ walls ( sep>ation betwe5 ! citiz5s ( ! same /ate4 ,x has ab&on$ concord & affection f families4 ,x has made a duty ( inju/ice & inhumanity4 ,! foll[]s ( a ,god1 :o 0 unju/ly (f5d$ at mank9d1 became z unju/ z he4 ,! s]vants ( a jeal\s & v9dictive ,god1 conceiv$ x _! duty to ent] into 8 qu>rels & av5ge 8 injuries4 ,"u a ,god ( cruelty1 x 0 judg$ m]itori\s to cause ! e>? to e*o ) groans1 & float 9 blood4 ,su* are ! important s]vices :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion has r5d]$ to morality4 ,let x n be said1 t x is ?r\gh a %ameful abuse ( ?is religion1 t ^! horrors h happ5$4 ,a _s ( p]secution & intol]ance is ! _s ( a religion orda9$ by a ,god1 jeal\s ( 8 p[]1 a ,god :o has =mally comm&$ ! commission ( murd]2 a ,god1 :o1 9 ! excess ( 8 ang]1 has n sp>$ ev5 8 own ,son6 ,! s]vant ( su* a ,god is mu* sur] to please him by ext]m9at+ 8 enemies1 ?an by p]mitt+ !m to (f5d him 9 peace4 ,su* a ,god mu/ necess>ily s]ve z a pretext to ! mo/ de/ructive excesses4 ,a zeal = 8 glory is us$ z a veil to conceal ! passions ( all impo/ors & fanatics :o pret5d to be int]pret]s ( ! w ( heav52 & ! en?usia/ic hopes to wa% away ! greate/ crimes by ba?+ 8 h&s 9 ! blood ( ! enemies ( 8 ,god4 ,by a natural consequ5ce ( ! same pr9ciples1 an intol]ant religion c be only conditionally submissive to ! au?ority ( temporal sov]eigns4 ,jews & ,*ri/ians _c be ob$i5t to a temporal gov]nm5t1 unless its laws be con=m$ to ! arbitr>y & (t5 ridicul\s comm&s ( _! ,god4 ,b :o %all decide :e!r ! laws1 mo/ advantage\s to society1 are con=m$ to ! w ( ?is ,god8 ,)\t d\bt1 8 m9i/]s1 ! confidants ( 8 secrets & int]pret]s ( 8 oracles4 ,?us1 9 a ,*ri/ian /ate1 ! citiz5s mu/ be subject r to spiritual ?an temporal gov]nm5t1 to ! prie/ r ?an ! magi/rate4 ,h5ce mu/ arise civil w>1 blood%$1 proscription1 & all t inspires ! human brea/ ) horror4 ,su* is ! support af=d$ to morality by a religion1 ! fir/ pr9ciple ( :i* is to admit ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 t is1 a tyrant1 ^: fanta/ic comm&s annihilate e rule necess>y to ! tranquil exi/5ce ( society4 ,?is ,god creates ju/ice & inju/ice1 8 supreme w *anges good into bad1 & vice into virtue4 ,8 caprice ov]turns ! laws :i* he himself _h giv5 to nature4 ,he de/roys at 8 pleasure ! moral relations among mank9d4 ,9 8 own conduct he disp5ses ) all duties t[>ds 8 creatures4 ,he seems to au?orise !m to foll[ no c]ta9 laws1 except ^? prescrib$ to !m1 9 diff]5t circum/ances1 by ! voice ( 8 m9i/]s & prophets4 ,^!1 :5 9 p[]1 prea* no?+ b submission4 ,if an attempt be made to abridge t p[]1 !y prea* arms & rebellion4 ,are !y weak8 ,!y prea* tol]ation1 pati5ce1 & meekness4 ,are !y /rong8 ,!y prea* p]secution1 rev5ge1 rap9e1 ,& cruelty4 ,!y always f9d 9 ,holy ,writ argum5ts to au?orise ^! diff]5t modes ( conduct1 ,!y f9d 9 ! oracles ( _! j & immutable ,god1 argum5ts amply suffici5t to ju/ify actions diametrically opposite 9 _! nature & (f5ce4 ,to lay ! f\ndation ( morality on su* a ,god1 or op5 books :i* conta9 laws s contradictory1 is to give x an un/able base2 x is to f\nd x on ! caprice ( ^? :o speak 9 ! "n ( ,god2 x is to f\nd x on ! temp]am5t ( ea* "o ( 8 ador]s4 ,morality %\ld be f\nd$ ^u inv>iable rules4 ,a ,god :o de/roys ^! rules de/roys 8 own "w4 ,if ,god be ! creator ( man1 if he int5ds _! happ9ess & pres]vation1 he w\ld h !m to be j1 humane1 & b5evol5t1 & av]se to inju/ice1 fanaticism1 & cruelty4 ,f :at has be5 said1 we may see :at we ought to ?9k ( ^? div9es :o pret5d t1 )\t ! ,*ri/ian religion !re c\ld be nei!r morality nor virtue among mank9d4 ,! conv]se ( ?is proposition w\ld mu* high] approa* ! tru?2 & x might be ma9ta9$1 t e ,*ri/ian :o imitates 8 ,god1 & practises all 8 comm&s1 mu/ necess>ily be an immoral p]son4 ,if x be said1 t ^? comm&s are n always unju/1 & t ! ,scriptures (t5 brea! b5evol5ce1 h>mony1 & equity1 ,i answ]1 ,*ri/ians mu/ h an incon/ant morality1 sometimes good & sometimes bad1 accord+ to int]e/ & individuals4 ,x appe>s t ,*ri/ians mu/ ei!r be :olly de/itute ( true morality1 ,or vibrate cont9ually f virtue to vice1 & f vice to virtue4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion is b a rott5 prop to morality4 ,x w n be> exam9ation1 & e man :o discov]s its defects w be ready to believe t ! morality f\nd$ on su* a basis c be only a *im]a4 ,?us we (t5 behold m51 :o h c\*$ ! neck b5ea? ! yoke ( religion1 break loose at once & ab&on !mselves to debau*]y1 intemp]ance1 & e k9d ( vice4 ,escap+ f ! slav]y ( sup]/ition1 !y fly to complete an>*y1 & disbelieve ! exi/5ce ( all moral duties1 because !y h f\nd religion to be b a fable4 ,h5ce1 among ,*ri/ians1 ! words infidel & lib]t9e h become synonym\s4 ,all ^! inconv5i5ces w\ld be avoid$ if mank9d1 in/ead ( be+ taught a !ological1 7 taught a natural morality4 ,in/ead ( int]dict+ intemp]ance & vice1 because !y are (f5sive to ,god & religion1 !y %\ld be prev5t$1 by conv9c+ man t !y are de/ructive to 8 exi/5ce1 & r5d] him contemptible 9 society3 t !y are disapprov$ & =bidd5 by reason & nature1 :o aim at 8 pres]vation1 & direct him to take ! pa? t leads to p]man5t felicity4 ,:atev] may be ! w ( ,god1 & indep5d5tly ( ! future rew>ds & puni%m5ts ann\nc$ by religion1 x is easy to prove to e man t x is1 9 ?is _w1 8 int]e/ to pres]ve 8 heal?1 to respect virtue1 acquire ! e/eem ( 8 fell[-creatures1 &1 9 f9e1 to be *a/e1 temp]ate1 & virtu\s4 ,^? ^: passions w n suff] !m to att5d to pr9ciples s cle> & reasonable1 w n be m docile to ! voice ( a religion1 :i* !y w cease to believe ! mom5t x opposes _! misguid+ prop5sities4 ,let1 !n1 ! pret5d$ advantages :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion l5ds morality be no long] boa/$4 ,! pr9ciples drawn f revelation t5d to its de/ruction4 ,we h frequ5t examples ( ,*ri/ian nations1 ^: morals are f> m corrupt$ ?an ^? ( p :om !y /yle infidels & hea!ns4 ,! =m] are1 at lea/1 mo/ subject to religi\s fanaticism1 a passion calculat$ to bani% ju/ice & all ! social virtues f society4 ,*ri/ianity creates intol]ants & p]secutors1 :o are mu* m injuri\s to society ?an ! mo/ ab&on$ debau*ees4 ,x is1 at lea/1 c]ta91 t ! mo/ ,*ri/ian nations ( ,europe1 are n ^? :]e true morality is mo/ felt & practis$4 ,9 ,spa91 ,portugal1 & ,italy1 :]e ! mo/ sup]/iti\s sect ( ,*ri/ians has fix$ its resid5ce1 p live 9 ! mo/ %ameful ignorance ( _! duties4 ,robb]y1 assass9ation1 debau*]y1 & p]secution1 are !re c>ri$ to _! wor/ extreme2 & yet all m5 are full ( religion4 ,few virtu\s m5 exi/ 9 ^? c\ntries4 ,religion itself !re becomes an accomplice to vice1 furni%es crim9als ) an asylum1 & procures to !m easy means ( reconciliation ) ,god4 ,pres5ts1 pray]s1 & c]emonies1 !re furni% mank9d ) a disp5sation f ! practice ( virtue4 ,among/ nations1 :o boa/ ( possess+ ,*ri/ianity 9 all its purity1 religion has s entirely absorb$ ! att5tion ( its sect>ies1 t morality ent]s n into _! ?\ght2 & !y ?9k !y fulfil all _! duties by a scrupul\s obs]vation ( ! m9utiae ( sup]/iti\s c]emonies1 :il/ !y are /rang]s to all social affections1 & lab\r = ! de/ruction ( human happ9ess4 ,,*ap4 ,,xii4--,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,virtues4 ,:at has be5 said is suffici5t to %ew :at we ought to ?9k ( ,*ri/ian morality4 ,if we exam9e ! virtues recomm5d$ 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion1 we f9d !m b ill calculat$ = mank9d4 ,!y lift him above 8 sph]e1 are useless to society1 & (t5 ( dang]\s consequ5ce4 ,9 ! boa/$ precepts1 :i* ,jesus ,*ri/ came to give mank9d1 we f9d little b extravagant maxims1 ! practice ( :i* is impossible1 & rules :i*1 lit]ally foll[$1 mu/ prove injuri\s to society4 ,9 ^? ( 8 precepts t are practicable1 we f9d no?+ :i* 0 n z well or bett] kn[n to ! sages ( antiquity1 )\t ! aid ( ,revelation4 ,accord+ to ! ,messiah1 ! :ole duty ( man consi/s 9 lov+ ,god above all ?+s1 & 8 neighb\r z himself4 ,is x possible to obey ?is precept8 ,c man love a ,god above all ?+s1 :o is repres5t$ z wra?ful1 caprici\s1 unju/1 & implacable8 :o is said to be cruel en\gh to damn 8 creatures et]nally8 ,c man love1 above all ?+s1 an object ! mo/ dreadful t human imag9ation c\ld ev] conceive8 ,c su* an object excite 9 ! human he>t a s5tim5t ( love8 ,h[ c we love t :i* we dread8 ,h[ c we delight 9 ! ,god "u ^: rod we tremble8 ,d we n deceive ourselves1 :5 we ?9k we love a be+ s t]rible1 & s calculat$ to excite no?+ b horror8#a #a ,s5eca says1 ) mu* tru?1 t a man ( s5se _c fe> ! ,gods1 because no man c love :at he fe>s4 ,de ,b5ef4 #d4 ,! ,bible says1 ! fe> ( ! ,"l is ! beg9n+ ( wisdom4 ,i ?9k x r ! beg9n+ ( folly4 ,is x ev5 practicable = mank9d to love _! neighb\rs z !mselves8 ,e man naturally loves himself 9 pref]5ce to all o!rs4 ,he loves 8 fell[-creatures only 9 proportion z !y contribute to 8 happ9ess4 ,he ex]cises virtue 9 do+ good to 8 neighb\r4 ,he acts g5]\sly :5 he sacrifices 8 self love to 8 love = ano!r4 ,yet he w nev] love 8 fell[ creatures b = ! useful qualities he f9ds 9 !m4 ,he c love !m no f>!r ?an !y are kn[n to him1 & 8 love = !m mu/ ev] be gov]n$ by ! good he receives f !m4 ,to love "o's enemies is !n impossible4 ,a man may ab/a9 f do+ evil to ! p]son by :om he is injur$2 b love is an affection :i* c be excit$ 9 our he>ts only by an object :i* we suppos$ fri5dly to u4 ,politic nations1 :o h enact$ j & wise laws1 h always =bidd5 individual to rev5ge1 or d ju/ice to !mselves1 ,a s5tim5t ( g5]osity1 ( greatness ( s\l1 or h]oism1 may induce mank9d to d good to ^? f :om !y suff] injuries4 ,by su* means !y exalt !mselves above _! enemies1 & may ev5 *ange ! disposition ( _! he>ts4 ,?us1 )\t hav+ rec\rse to a sup]natural morality1 we feel t x is our int]e/ to /ifle 9 our he>ts ! lu/ ( rev5ge4 ,*ri/ians may1 !re=e1 cease to boa/ ! =giv5ess ( injuries1 z a precept t c\ld be giv5 only by _! ,god1 & :i* proves ! div9e orig9 ( _! morality4 ,py?agoras1 long be=e ! "t ( ,*ri/1 _h said1 let m5 rev5ge !mselves ^u _! enemies1 only by lab\r+ to conv]t !m into fri5ds4 ,socrates taught t x 0 n lawful = a man1 :o _h receiv$ an injury1 to rev5ge x by do+ ano!r injury4 ,*ri/ mu/ h =gott5 t he spoke to m51 :51 9 ord] to conduct !m to p]fection1 he comm&$ !m to ab&on _! possessions to ! avidity ( ! fir/ :o %\ld dem& !m2 to turn ! o!r *eek to receive a new insult2 to oppose no resi/ance to ! mo/ outrage\s viol5ce2 to r5\nce ! p]i%able ri*es ( ?is _w2 to =sake h\ses1 possessions1 relations1 & fri5ds to foll[ him2 & to reject ev5 ! mo/ innoc5t pleasures4 ,:o does n see1 9 ^! sublime precepts1 ! language ( en?usiasm & hyp]bole8 ,are n !y calculat$ to disc\rage man1 & ?r[ him into despair8 ,if lit]ally practis$1 w\ld !y n prove ru9\s to society8 ,:at %all we say ( ! morality1 :i* comm&s ! human he>t to deta* itself f objects :i* reason comm&s x to love8 ,:5 we refuse ! bless+s (f]$ u by nature1 d we n despise ! b5efactions ( ! ,"o ,supreme8 ,:at real good c result to society f ! melan*oly & f]oci\s virtues :i* ,*ri/ians consid] indisp5sible8 ,c a man cont9ue useful to society1 :5 8 m9d is p]petually agitat$ ) imag9>y t]rors1 gloomy ideas1 & black inquietudes1 :i* incapacitate him = ! p]=mance ( 8 duties to 8 family1 8 c\ntry1 & mank9d8 ,if ! ,*ri/ian adh]e /rictly to ! gloomy pr9ciples ( 8 religion1 mu/ he n become equally insupportable to himself1 & ^? by :om he is surr\nd$8 ,x _c be said1 t1 9 g5]al1 fanaticism & en?usiasm are ! bases ( ! morality ( ,*ri/4 ,! virtues :i* he recomm5ds t5d to r5d] m5 unsocial1 to plunge !m into melan*oly1 & (t5 to r5d] !m injuri\s to _! fell[-creatures4 ,among human be+s1 human virtues are necess>y2 ,*ri/ian virtues are n calculat$ on ! scale ( real life4 ,society has ne$ ( real virtues1 f :i* x may d]ive en]gy1 activity1 & support4 ,vigilance1 lab\r1 & affection1 are necess>y to families4 ,a desire ( enjoy+ lawful pleasures1 & augm5t+ ! sum ( _! happ9ess1 is necess>y to all mank9d4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion is p]petually busi$ 9 degrad+ mank9d by ?reat5+ !m ) dismay+ t]rors1 or div]t+ !m ) frivol\s hopes2 s5tim5ts equally prop] to turn !m f _! true duties4 ,if ! ,*ri/ian lit]ally obey ! precepts ( 8 legislator1 he w ev] be ei!r an useless or injuri\s memb] ( society4#a #a ,not)/&+ ! eulogies lavi%$ by ,*ri/ians on ! precepts ( _! div9e ma/]1 "s ( !m are :olly contr>y to equity & "r reason4 ,:5 ,jesus says1 make to y\rselves fri5ds 9 heav5 ) ! mammon ( unrighte\sness1 does he n pla9ly ins9uate1 t we may take f o!rs :]e)al to give alms to ! poor8 ,div9es w say t he spoke 9 p>ables2 ^! p>ables are1 h[ev]1 easily unfold$4 ,9 ! mean "t1 ?is precept is b too well foll[$4 ,_m ,*ri/ians *eat & sw9dle dur+ all _! lives1 to h ! pleasure ( mak+ donations at _! dea? to *ur*es1 mona/]ies1 c4 ,! ,messiah1 at ano!r "t1 treat$ 8 "m1 :o ) p>5tal solicitude 0 seek+ him1 extremely ill4 ,he comm&s 8 disciples to /eal an ass4 ,he dr[ns an h]d ( sw9e1 c4 ,x mu/ be confess$1 ^! ?+s d n agree extremely well ) good morality4 ,:at real advantage c mank9d d]ive f ^? ideal virtues1 :i* ,*ri/ians /yle evangelic1 div9e1 c4 & :i* !y pref] to ! social1 humane1 & sub/antial virtues1 & )\t :i* !y pret5d no man c please ,god1 or ent] into 8 glory8 ,let u exam9e ^? boa/$ virtues 9 detail4 ,let u see ( :at utility !y are to society1 & :e!r !y truly m]it ! pref]5ce :i* is giv5 !m1 to ^? :i* are po9t$ out by reason z necess>y to ! welf>e ( mank9d4 ,! fir/ ( ! ,*ri/ian virtues is fai?1 :i* s]ves z a f\ndation = all ! o!rs4 ,x consi/s 9 an impossible conviction ( ! reveal$ doctr9es & absurd fables :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion comm&s its disciples to believe4 ,h5ce x appe>s t ?is virtue exacts a total r5unciation ( reason1 & impracticable ass5t to improbable facts2 & a bl9d submission to ! au?ority ( prie/s1 :o are ! only gu>antees ( ! tru? ( ! doctr9es & miracles t e ,*ri/ian mu/ believe "u p5alty ( damnation4 ,?is virtue1 al?\gh necess>y to all mank9d1 is nev]!less1 a gift ( ,heav51 & ! effect ( a special grace4 ,x =bids all d\bt & enquiry2 & x deprives man ( ! lib]ty ( ex]cis+ 8 reason & reflection4 ,x r$uces him to ! passive acquiesc5ce ( bea/s 9 matt]s :i* he is1 at ! same "t1 told are ( all ?+s ! mo/ important to 8 happ9ess4 ,h5ce x is pla91 t fai? is a virtue inv5t$ by m51 :o1 %r9k+ f ! light ( reason1 deceiv$ _! fell[-creatures1 to subject !m to _! own au?ority1 & degrad$ !m t !y might ex]cise an empire ov] !m4 ,if fai? be a virtue1 x is c]ta9ly useful only to ! spiritual guides ( ! ,*ri/ians1 = !y alone ga!r its fruits4 ,x _c b be injuri\s to o!r m51 :o are taught by x to despise t reason1 :i* di/+ui%es !m f brutes1 & is _! only fai?ful guide 9 ?is _w4 ,*ri/ians1 h[ev]1 repres5t ?is reason z p]v]t$1 & z unfai?ful guide2 by :i* !y seem to intimate t x 0 n made = reasonable be+s4 ,may we n1 h[ev]1 ask !m h[ f> ?is r5unciation ( reason ought to be c>ri$8 ,d n !y !mselves1 9 c]ta9 cases1 h rec\rse to reason8 ,d !y n appeal to reason1 :5 !y endeav\r to prove ! exi/5ce ( _! ,god8 ,be ?is z x may1 x is an absurdity to say we believe t ( :i* we h no conception4 ,:at1 !n1 are ! motives ( ! ,*ri/ian1 = pret5d+ to su* a belief8 ,8 confid5ce 9 8 spiritual guides4 ,b :at is ! f\ndation ( ?is confid5ce8 ,revelation4 ,on :at1 !n1 is ,revelation itself f\nd$8 ,on ! au?ority ( spiritual guides4 ,su* is ! mann] 9 :i* ,*ri/ians reason4 ,_! argum5ts 9 fav\r ( fai? are compris$ 9 ! foll[+ s5t5ce4 ,to believe our religion x is necess>y to h fai?1 & to h fai? y mu/ believe 9 our religion4 ,or1 x is necess>y to h fai? already1 9 ord] to believe 9 ! necessity ( fai?4#a #a ,_m div9es h ma9ta9$1 t fai? )\t works is suffici5t = salvation4 ,?is is ! virtue :i* is1 9 g5]al1 mo/ cri$ up by !m4 ,x is1 at lea/1 ! "o mo/ necess>y to _! exi/5ce4 ,x is n1 !re=e1 surpris+ t !y h endeav\r$ to e/abli% x by fire & sword1 x 0 = ! support ( fai? t ! ,inquisition burn$ h]etics & ,jews4 ,k+s & prie/s p]secute = ! e/abli%m5t ( fai?4 ,*ri/ians h de/roy$ ^? :o 7 de/itute ( fai?1 9 ord] to demon/rate to !m _! error4 ,o wondr\s virtue1 & wor?y ( ! ,god ( m]cies6 ,8 m9i/]s puni% mank9d1 :5 he refuses !m 8 grace666 ,! phantom ,fai? vani%es at ! approa* ( ! sun ( ,reason4 ,x c nev] su/a9 a calm exam9ation4 ,h5ce x arises1 t c]ta9 ,*ri/ian div9es are s mu* at enmity ) sci5ce4 ,! f\nd] ( _! religion decl>$1 t 8 law 0 made = ignorant m5 & *ildr54 ,fai? is ! effect ( a grace :i* ,god seldom grants to enlight5$ p]sons1 :o are accu/om$ to consult _! reason4 ,x is adapt$ only to ! m9ds ( m5 :o are incapable ( reflection1 t5d]$ insane by en?usiasm1 or inv9cibly atta*$ to ! prejudices ( ,*ildhood4 ,sci5ce mu/ ev] be at enmity ) ?is religion2 = 9 proportion z ei!r ( !m ga9s gr\nd1 ! o!r mu/ lose4 ,ano!r ,*ri/ian virtue1 proce$+ f ! =m]1 is ,hope4 ,f\nd$ on ! flatt]+ promises giv5 by ?is religion to ^? :o r5d] !mselves wret*$ 9 ?is life1 x fe$s _! en?usiasm4 ,x induces !m firmly to believe t ,god w rew>d1 9 heav51 _! gloom9ess1 inutility1 indol5ce1 pray]s1 & dete/ation ( pleasures on e>?4 ,h[ c a man1 :o1 be+ intoxicat$ ) ^! pomp\s hopes1 becomes indiff]5t to 8 own happ9ess1 conc]n himself ) t ( 8 fell[-creatures8 ,! ,*ri/ian believes t he pleases 8 ,god by r5d]+ himself mis]able 9 ?is life2 & h[ev] flatt]+ 8 hopes may be = ! future1 !y are "h empoison$ by ! idea ( a jeal\s ,god1 :o comm&s him to "w out 8 own salvation ) fe> & trembl+1 & :o w plunge him into et]nal torture1 if he = a mom5t has ! weakness to be a man4 ,ano!r ( ! ,*ri/ian virtues is ,*>ity4 ,x consi/s 9 lov+ ,god & our neighb\r4 ,we h always se5 h[ difficult1 n to say impossible1 x is to feel s5tim5ts ( t5d]ness = any be+ :om we fe>4 ,x w1 und\bt$ly1 be said1 t ! fe> ( ,*ri/ians is a filial fe>4 ,b words _c *ange ! ess5ce ( ?+s4 ,fe> is a passion totally opposite to love4 ,a son1 :o fe>s ! ang]1 & dreads ! caprices ( a fa!r1 c nev] love him s9c]ely4 ,! love1 !re=e1 ( a ,*ri/ian to 8 ,god c nev] be true4 ,9 va9 he endeav\rs to feel s5tim5ts ( t5d]ness = a rigor\s ma/]1 at ^: idea 8 he>t %r9ks back 9 t]ror4 ,he c nev] love him b z a tyrant1 to :om 8 m\? r5d]s ! homage t 8 he>t refuses4 ,! devotee is n hone/ to himself1 :5 he pret5ds to love 8 ,god4 ,8 affection is a dissembl$ homage1 l t :i* m5 are =c$ to r5d] to c]ta9 inhuman despots1 :o1 :ile !y tread _! subjects 9 ! du/1 dem& f !m ! ext]ior m>ks ( atta*m5t4 ,if "s t5d] m9ds1 by =ce ( illusion1 feel s5tim5ts ( div9e love1 x is !n a my/ic & romantic passion1 produc$ by a w>m temp]am5t1 & an ard5t imag9ation1 :i* pres5t _! ,god to !m dress$ 9 smiles1 ) all 8 imput$ faults conceal$4#a ,! love ( ,god is n ! lea/ incompreh5sible my/]y ( ?is religion4 #a ,x is an ard5t & t5d] temp]am5t t produces my/ic devotion4 ,hy/]ical wom5 are ^? :o commonly love ,god ) mo/ vivacity1 !y love him to di/raction1 z !y w\ld love a man4 ,9 mona/]ies1 p>ticul>ly ,/e4 ,!rese1 ,madele9e de ,pazzy1 ,m>ie a la ,coque1 mo/ ( ! devotees are ( ?is description4 ,_! imag9ation gr[s wild1 & !y give to _! ,god1 :om !y pa9t 9 ! mo/ captivat+ col\rs1 t t5d]ness :i* !y are n p]mitt$ to be/[ on be+s ( _! own species4 ,x requires a /rong imag9ation to be smitt5 ) an object unkn[n4 ,*>ity1 consid]$ z ! love ( mank9d1 is a virtu\s & necess>y disposition4 ,x !n becomes no m ?an t t5d] humanity :i* atta*es u to our fell[s1 & incl9es u to love & assi/ !m4 ,b h[ %all we reconcile ?is atta*m5t ) ! comm&s ( a jeal\s ,god1 :o w\ld h u to love none b himself1 & :o came to sep>ate ! fri5d f ! fri5d1 & ! son f ! fa!r8 ,accord+ to ! precepts ( ! gospel1 x w\ld be crim9al to (f] ,god a he>t %>$ by an e>?ly object4 ,x w\ld be idolatry ?us to conf\nd ! creature ) ! ,creator4 ,& fur!r1 h[ c ! ,*ri/ian love be+s :o cont9ually (f5d 8 ,god8 ,be+s :o w\ld cont9ually betray himself into (f5ce8 ,h[ c he love s9n]s8 ,exp]i5ce1 tea*es u t ! dev\t1 oblig$ by pr9ciple to hate !mselves1 h v little m affection = o!rs4 ,if ?is be n ! case1 !y h n arriv$1 at ! p]fection ( div9e love4 ,we d n f9d t ^? :o are suppos$ to love ! ,creator mo/ ard5tly1 %ew mu* affection = 8 creatures4 ,on ! contr>y1 we see !m fill ) bitt]ness all :o surr\nd !m2 !y criticise ) sev]ity ! faults ( o!rs1 & make x a crime to speak ( human frailty ) indulg5ce4#a ,a s9c]e love = ,god mu/ be accompani$ ) zeal4 ,a true ,*ri/ian mu/ be enrag$ :5 he sees 8 ,god (f5d$4 ,he mu/ aim himself ) a j & holy sev]ity to repress ! (f5d]s4 ,he mu/ h an ard5t desire to ext5d ! empire ( 8 religion4 ,a zeal1 orig9at+ 9 ?is div9e love1 has be5 ! s\rce ( ! t]rible p]secutions ( :i* ,*ri/ians h s (t5 be5 guilty4 ,zeal produces murd]]s z well z m>tyrs4 ,x is ?is zeal t prompts intol]ant man to wre/ ! ?und] f ! h& ( ! ,mo/ ,high to av5ge him ( 8 enemies4 ,x is ?is zeal t causes memb]s ( ! same /ate1 & ! same family1 to dete/ & torm5t ea* o!r = op9ions1 & pu]ile c]emonies1 :i* !y are l$ to e/eem z ( ! la/ importance4 ,x is ?is zeal t has a ?\s& times1 k9dl$ ^? religi\s w>s s rem>kable = _! atrocity4 ,f9ally1 x is ?is zeal = religion :i* ju/ifies calumny1 treason1 c>nage1 &1 9 %ort1 ! disord]s mo/ fatal to society4 ,x has always be5 consid]$ z lawful to employ artifice1 falsehood1 & =ce1 9 support ( ! cause ( ,god4 ,! mo/ *ol]ic & corrupt$ m5 are commonly ! mo/ zeal\s4 ,!y hope t1 = ! sake ( _! zeal1 ,heav5 w p>don ! depravity ( _! mann]s1 be x ev] s excessive4 #a ,devotees are g5]ally consid]$ z sc\rges ( society4 ,a dev\t woman has seldom ! tal5t ( conciliat+ ! love ( h] husb& & 8 dome/ics4 ,a gloomy & melan*oly religion _c r5d] its disciples v amiable4 ,a sad & sull5 mon>* mu/ h sad & sull5 subjects3 ,*ri/ians h judici\sly rem>k$1 t ,jesus ,*ri/ wept1 b nev] smil$4 ,x is f an effect ( ! same zeal t en?usia/ic ,*ri/ians fly ov] e sea1 & ,cont95t to ext5d ! empire ( _! ,god & make new proselytes4 ,/imulat$ by ?is zeal1 mission>ies g to tr\ble ! repose ( :at !y call hea!n nations1 :il/ !y w\ld be a/oni%$ & enrag$ to f9d mission>ies f ^? nations endeav\r+ to propagate a new religion 9 _! c\ntry4#a ,:5 ^! propagators ( ! fai? h _h p[] 9 _! h&s1 !y h excit$ ! mo/ horrid rebellions2 & h1 9 conqu]$ c\ntries1 ex]cis$ cruelties calculat$ only to r5d] ! ,god dete/able :om !y pret5d$ to s]ve4 ,!y h ?\ght t m5 :o h s long be5 /rang]s to _! ,god c\ld be little bett] ?an bea/s2 &1 !re=e1 judg$ x lawful to ex]cise e k9d ( viol5ce ov] !m4 ,9 ! eyes ( a ,*ri/ian1 an infidel is seldom wor?i] ?an a dog4 ,x is app>5tly 9 imitation ( ! ,jews t ,*ri/ian nations h usurp$ ! possessions ( ! inhabitants ( ! new _w4 ,! ,ca/ilians & ,portuguese _h ! same "r to ! possession ( ,am]ica & ,africa1 t ! ,hebrews _h to make !mselves ma/]s ( ! l& ( ,canaan1 & ext]m9ate its inhabitants1 or r$uce !m to slav]y4 ,h n ,popes arrogat$ ! "r ( dispos+ ( di/ant empires to _! fav\rite ,mon>*s 9 ,europe8 ,^! manife/ violations ( ! law ( nature & ( nations appe>$ j to ^? ,*ri/ian ,pr9ces1 9 fav\r ( :om religion sanctifi$ av>ice1 cruelty1 & usurpation4#b #a ,kambi1 ,emp]or ( ,*9a1 ask$ ! ,jesuit mission>ies at ,pek91 :at !y w\ld say1 if he %\ld s5d mission>ies to _! nation4 ,! revolts excit$ by ! ,jesuits 9 ,japan & ,e?iopia are well kn[n4 ,a holy mission>y has be5 he>d to say1 t )\t muskets1 mission>ies c\ld nev] make proselytes4 #b ,/4 ,augu/9 says1 t ( "r div9e1 all ?+s belong to ! j4 ,a maxim :i* is f\nd$ on a passage 9 ! ,psalms1 :i* says1 ! j %all eat ! fruit ( ! lab\r ( ! unrighte\s4 ,x is kn[n t ! ,pope1 by a bull giv5 9 fav\r ( ! k+s ( ,ca/ile1 ,arragon1 & ,portugal1 fix$ ! l9e ( dem>cation :i* 0 to rule ! conque/s :i* ea* _h ga9$ ov] ! infidels4 ,aft] su* pr9ciples1 is n ! :ole e>? to become a prey to ,*ri/ian rapacity8 ,humility is1 also1 consid]$ by ,*ri/ians z a sublime virtue1 & ( ine/imable value4 ,no sup]-natural & div9e revelations are necess>y to tea* u t pride does n become man1 & t x r5d]s him disagreeable to o!rs4 ,all mu/ be conv9c$1 on a mom5t's reflection1 t arrogance1 presumption1 & vanity1 are disgu/+ & contemptible qualities4 ,b ,*ri/ian humility is c>ri$ to a m ref9$ extreme4 ,! ,*ri/ian mu/ r5\nce 8 reason1 mi/ru/ 8 virtues1 refuse to d ju/ice to 8 own good actions1 & repress all self-e/eem1 h[ev] well m]it$4 ,:5ce x appe>s1 t ?is pret5d$ virtue only degrades & debases man 9 8 own eyes1 deprives him ( all en]gy1 & /ifles 9 him e desire ( r5d]+ himself useful to society4 ,to =bid mank9d to e/eem !mselves & m]it ! e/eem ( o!rs1 is to break ! only p[]ful /r+ t incl9es !m to /udy1 indu/ry1 & noble actions4 ,?is ,*ri/ian virtue is calculat$ only to r5d] !m abject slaves1 :olly useless to ! _w1 & make all virtue give place 9 !m1 to a bl9d submission to _! spiritual guides4 ,let u n be surpris$1 t a religion :i* boa/s ( be+ sup]natural %\ld endeav\r to unnaturalize man4 ,?is religion1 9 ! delirium ( its en?usiasm1 =bids mank9d to love !mselves4 ,x comm&s !m to hate pleasures & c\rt grief4 ,x makes a m]it ( all volunt>y evils !y d unto !mselves4 ,h5ce ^? au/]ities & p5ances s de/ructive to heal?2 ^? extravagant mortifications1 cruel privations1 & gradual suicides1 by :i* fanatic ,*ri/ians ?9k !y m]it heav54 ,x mu/ be confess$1 all ,*ri/ians d n feel !mselves capable ( su* m>vell\s p]fections1 b all believe !mselves m or less oblig$ to mortify ! fle%1 & r5\nce ! bless+s prep>$ = !m by a b\nte\s ,god1 :o1 !y suppose1 (f]s 8 good ?+s only t !y may be refus$1 & w\ld be (f5d$ %\ld 8 creatures presume to t\* !m4 ,reason _c approve virtues :i* are de/ructive to ourselves1 nor admit a ,god :o is delight$ :5 mank9d r5d] !mselves mis]able1 & volunt>ily submit to torm5ts4 ,reason & exp]i5ce1 )\t ! aid ( sup]/ition1 are suffici5t to prove1 t passions & pleasures1 pu%$ to excess1 de/roy u2 & t ! abuse ( ! be/ ?+s becomes a real evil4 ,nature h]self inculcates ^u u ! privation ( ?+s :i* prove injuri\s to u4 ,a be+1 solicit\s = 8 own pres]vation1 mu/ re/ra9 irregul> prop5sities1 & fly :atev] t5ds to 8 de/ruction4 ,x is pla91 t by ! ,*ri/ian religion1 suicide is1 at lea/1 indirectly au?oris$4 ,x 0 9 consequ5ce ( ^! fanatical ideas t1 9 ! e>lie/ ages ( ,*ri/ianity1 ! =e/s & des]ts 7 peopl$ ) p]fect ,*ri/ians1 :o by fly+ f ! _w1 left _! families de/itute ( support1 & _! c\ntry ( citiz5s1 to ab&on !mselves to an idle & contemplative life4 ,h5ce ^? legions ( monks & c5obites1 :o1 "u ! /&>ds ( diff]5t en?usia/s1 h enroll$ !mselves into a militia1 bur!nsome & injuri\s to society4 ,!y ?\ght to m]it heav51 by bury+ tal5ts1 :i* might be s]viceable to _! fell[-citiz5s1 & v[+ a life ( indol5ce & celibacy4 ,?us1 9 nations :i* are ! mo/ fai?ful to ,*ri/ianity1 a multitude ( m5 r5d] !mselves useless & wret*$ all _! lives4 ,:at he>t is s h>d z to refuse a te> to ! lot ( ! hapless victims tak5 f t en*ant+ sex :i* 0 de/9$ to give happ9ess to our own6 ,un=tunate dupes ( y\?ful en?usiasm1 or sacrific$ to ! ambiti\s views ( imp]i\s families1 !y are = ev] exil$ f ! _w6 ,!y are b\nd by ra% oa?s to un5d+ slav]y & mis]y4 ,engagem5ts1 contradict$ by e precept ( nature1 =ce !m to p]petual virg9ity4 ,x is 9 va9 t rip] feel+s1 soon] or lat]1 w>m _! brea/s1 & make !m groan "u ! weight ( _! imprud5t v[s4 ,!y regret _! volunt>y /]ility1 & f9d !mselves =gott5 9 society4 ,cut (f f _! families1 & subject$ to tr\blesome & despotic gaol]s1 !y s9k into a life ( disgu/1 ( bitt]ness1 & te>s4 ,9 f9e1 ?us exil$ f society1 ?us unrelat$ & unbelov$1 !re only rema9s = !m ! %ock+ consolation ( s$uc+ o!r victims to %>e ) !m ! torm5ts ( _! solitude & mortifications4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion seems to h und]tak5 to combat nature & reason 9 e ?+4 ,if x admits "s virtues1 approv$ by reason1 x always c>ries !m to a vici\s excess4 ,x nev] obs]ves t j mean1 :i* is ! po9t ( p]fection4 ,all illicit & %ameful pleasures w be avoid$ by e man1 :o is desir\s ( 8 own pres]vation1 & ! e/eem ( 8 fell[-creatures4 ,! hea!ns knew & taught ?is tru?1 not)/&+ ! depravity ( morals ) :i* !y are reproa*$ by ,*ri/ians4#a ,! *ur* ev5 recomm5ds celibacy z a /ate ( p]fection1 & consid]s ! natural tie ( m>riage z an approa* to s94 ,god1 h[ev]1 decl>es 9 ,g5esis1 t x is n good = man to be alone4 ,he also =mally comm&$ all creatures to increase & multiply4 ,8 ,son1 9 ! gospel1 comes to annul ^? laws4 ,he tea*es t1 to atta9 to p]fection1 x is necess>y to avoid m>riage1 & resi/ ! /ronge/ desire ) :i* ! brea/ ( man is inspir$--t ( p]petuat+ 8 exi/5ce by a po/]ity1 & provid+ supports = 8 old age & infirmities4 #a ,ari/otle & ,epictetus recomm5d *a/ity ( spee*4 ,m5&] said1 t a good man c\ld nev] cons5t to debau* a virg9 or commit adult]y4 ,tibullus said1 ca/a plac5t sup]is4 ,m>k ,an?ony ?anks ! ,gods1 t he _h pres]v$ 8 *a/ity 9 8 y\?4 ,! ,romans made laws aga9/ adult]y4 ,fa!r ,ta*>d in=ms u1 t ! ,siamans =bid n only di%one/ actions1 b also impure ?\ghts & desires4 ,:5ce x appe>s1 t *a/ity & purity ( mann]s 7 e/eem$ ev5 be=e ! ,*ri/ian religion exi/$4 ,if we consult reason1 we f9d1 t ! pleasures ( love are always injuri\s :5 tak5 9 excess2 & t !y are always crim9al :5 !y prove injuri\s4 ,we %all p]ceive1 t to debau* a woman is to condemn h] to di/ress & infamy1 & annihilate to h] all ! advantages ( society2 t adult]y is de/ructive to ! greate/ felicity ( human life1 conjugal union4 ,h5ce we %all be conv9c$1 t m>riage1 be+ ! only means ( satisfy+ our desire ( increas+ ! species & provid+ filial supports1 is a /ate f> m respectable & sacr$1 ?an ! de/ructive celibacy & volunt>y ca/ration recomm5d$ z a virtue by ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,nature1 or its au?or1 invites man1 by ! attraction ( pleasure1 to multiply himself4 ,he has unequivocally decl>$1 t wom5 are necess>y to m54 ,exp]i5ce %ews1 t !y are =m$ = society1 n solely = ! purpose ( a transi5t pleasure1 b to give mutual assi/ance 9 ! mis=tunes ( life1 to produce & educate *ildr51 =m !m into citiz5s1 & provide 9 !m support = !mselves 9 old age4 ,9 giv+ man sup]ior /r5g?1 nature has po9t$ out 8 duty ( lab\r+ = ! support ( 8 family2 ! weak] organs ( 8 companion are de/9$ to functions less viol5t1 b n less necess>y4 ,9 giv+ h] a s\l m s(t & s5sible1 nature has1 by a t5d] s5tim5t1 atta*$ h] m p>ticul>ly to h] *ildr54 ,su* are ! sure b&s :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion w\ld te> asund]4 ,su* ! bless+s x w\ld wre/ f man1 :ile x sub/itutes 9 _! place an unnatural celibacy1 :i* r5d]s man selfi% & useless1 depopulates society1 & :i* c be advantage\s only to ! odi\s policy ( "s ,*ri/ian prie/s1 :o1 sep>at+ f _! fell[-citiz5s1 h =m$ a de/ructive body1 :i* et]nalizes itself )\t po/]ity4 ,g5s ot]na 9 qua nemo nascitur4 ,if ?is religion has p]mitt$ m>riage to "s sects1 :o h n ! tem]ity to so> to ! highe/ p9nacle ( p]fection1 x seems to h suffici5tly puni%$ !m = ?is indulg5ce1 by ! unnatural %ackles x has fix$ on ! connubial /ate4 ,?us1 among !m1 we see divorce =bidd51 & ! mo/ wret*$ unions indissoluble4 ,p]sons once m>ri$1 are =c$ to groan "u ! weight ( w$lock1 ev5 :5 affection & e/eem are dead1 & ! place ( ^! ess5tials to conjugal happ9ess is suppli$ by hatr$ & contempt4 ,temporal laws also conspir+ ) religion1 =bid ! wret*$ prison]s to break _! *a9s4 ,x seems z if ! ,*ri/ian religion ex]t$ all its p[]s to make u view m>riage ) disgu/1 & give ! pref]5ce to a celibacy :i* is pregnant ) debau*]y1 adult]y1 & dissolution4 ,yet ! ,god ( ! ,hebrews made divorce lawful1 & ,i "k n by :at "r 8 ,son1 :o came to accompli% ! law ( ,moses1 revok$ an indulg5ce s reasonable4 ,su* are ! p]fections :i* ,*ri/ianity inculcates on h] *ildr51 & su* ! virtues %e pref]s to ^? :i* are contemptu\sly /yl$ human virtues4 ,%e ev5 rejects ^!1 & calls !m false & s9ful1 because _! possessors are1 =soo?1 n fill$ ) fai?4 ,:at6 ! virtues ( ,greece & ,rome1 s amiable1 & s h]oic1 7 !y n true virtues8 ,if ju/ice1 humanity1 g5]osity1 temp]ance1 & pati5ce be n virtues1 to :at c ! "n be giv58 ,& are ! virtues less because pr(ess$ by hea!ns8 ,are n ! virtues ( ,socrates1 ,cato1 ,epictetus1 & ,anton9e1 real & pref]able to ! zeal ( ! ,cyrills1 ! ob/9acy ( ,a?anasius1 ! uselessness ( ,an?ony1 ! rebellion ( ,*ryso/om1 ! f]ocity ( ,dom9ic1 & ! meanness ( ,francis8 ,all ! virtues admitt$ by ,*ri/ians1 are ei!r ov]/ra9$ & fanatic1 t5d+ to r5d] man useless1 abject1 & mis]able2 or ob/9ate1 haughty1 cruel1 & de/ructive to society4 ,su* are ! effects ( a religion1 :i* contemn+ ! e>?1 hesitates n to ov]:elm x ) tr\ble1 provid$ x !reby height5s ! triumph ( its ,god ov] 8 enemies4 ,no true morality c ev] be compatible ) su* a religion4 ,,*ap4 ,,xiii4--,,( ,,! ,,practice ,,& ,,duties ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,if ! ,*ri/ian virtues be de/itute ( solidity1 & produce no effect :i* reason c approve1 we %all f9d no?+ m e/imable 9 a multitude ( incommodi\s1 useless1 & (t5 dang]\s practices1 :i* ,*ri/ians consid] z _! sacr$ duties1 & by means ( :i* !y are confid5t ( obta9+ ! p>don & fav\r ( ,god1 & an et]nal abode ) him 9 unspeakable glory & felicity4 ,! fir/ & mo/ ess5tial duty ( ,*ri/ians is pray]4 ,to cont9ual pray] _! religion atta*es its felicity4 ,_! ,god1 :om !y suppose to be ov]fl[+ ) b\nty1 refuses to be/[ 8 bless+s unsolicit$4 ,he grants !m only to importunity4 ,s5sible to flatt]y1 l ! k+s ( ! e>?1 he exacts an etiquette1 & he>s no petitions unless !y are pres5t$ 9 a c]ta9 =m4 ,:at %\ld we say ( a fa!r :o1 kn[+ ! wants ( 8 *ildr51 %\ld refuse to give !m necess>y food1 until we>i$ out ) f]v5t supplications8 ,b 9 ano!r view1 does n x imply mi/ru/ ( ! wisdom ( ,god to prescribe rules = 8 conduct8 ,does x n imply a d\bt ( 8 immutability1 to believe he c be prevail$ on by 8 creatures to alt] 8 designs8 ,if he kn[s all ?+s1 :at ne$ is !re ( cont9ually in=m+ him :at are ! dispositions & desires ( 8 subjects8 ,if he is almighty1 h[ c he be flatt]$ ) ! submissions1 adorations1 & =malities ) :i* ,*ri/ians pro/rate !mselves be=e him8 ,9 "o ^w1 pray] supposes a caprici\s ,god1 defici5t 9 memory1 voraci\s ( praise1 fond ( see+ 8 creatures abas$ 9 ! du/1 & anxi\s to receive at e in/ant ! mo/ abject m>ks ( _! submission4 ,c ^! ideas1 borr[$ f e>?ly pr9ces1 be ) propriety appli$ to an omnipot5t ,be+1 :o creat$ ! univ]se = man1 & desires only t he %\ld be happy8 ,c x be suppos$ t su* a ,be+1 )\t equal & )\t rival1 %\ld be jeal\s ( 8 glory8 ,c ! pray]s ( man add glory to a ,be+ beyond comp>ison sup]ior to all o!rs8 ,_c ,*ri/ians see1 t1 9 endeav\r+ to hon\r & exalt _! ,god1 !y only degrade & debase him8 ,x is also ! op9ion ( ,*ri/ians1 t ! pray]s ( "o man may be s]viceable to o!rs4 ,p>tial to 8 fav\rites1 ,god he>s petitions only f _! lips4 ,he li/5s n to 8 p1 unless _! pray]s be (f]$ up to him ?r\gh 8 m9i/]s4 ,he becomes a sultan1 accessible only to 8 m9i/]s1 vizirs1 eunu*s1 & ! wom5 ( 8 s]aglio4 ,h5ce ! millions ( prie/s & c5obites1 :o h no bus9ess on e>? b to raise _! idle h&s to ,heav51 & pray night & day = its bless+s on society4 ,nations pay de>ly = ^! important s]vices1 & ^! pi\s impo/ors live 9 spl5d\r & ease1 :ile real m]it1 lab\r1 & indu/ry langui% 9 mis]y4 ,"u ! pret5ce ( devot+ himself to pray] & o!r c]emonies ( 8 wor%ip1 ! ,*ri/ian1 p>ticul>ly 9 "s ( ! m sup]/iti\s sects1 is oblig$ to rema9 idle1 & /& ) arms across dur+ a great "p ( ! ye>4 ,he is p]suad$ t he hon\rs ,god by 8 inutility4 ,fea/s & fa/s1 multipli$ by ! int]e/s ( prie/s & ! cr$ulity ( ! p1 (t5 susp5d$ = long int]vals ! lab\rs necess>y to ! subsi/5ce ( society4 ,m5 fly to temples to pray :5 !y %\ld /ay at home & cultivate _! fields4 ,!re _! eyes are f$ ) *ildi% c]emonies1 & _! e>s are fill$ ) fables & doctr9es1 ( :i* !y c compreh5d no?+4 ,?is tyrannical religion makes x a crime = ! poor lab\r] to endeav\r1 dur+ consecrat$ days1 to procure subsi/5ce = a num]\s & indig5t family4 ,& civil au?ority1 9 conc]t ) religion1 puni%es ^? :o h ! audacity to e>n bread1 in/ead ( pray+ or be+ idle4 ,c reason subscribe to ! ridicul\s obligation ( ab/a9+ f c]ta9 alim5ts & meats :i* is impos$ by "s sects ( ,*ri/ians8 ,9 consequ5ce ( ^! laws1 p1 :o live by _! lab\r1 are =c$ to cont5t !mselves1 dur+ long int]vals'1 ) de> & un:olesome provisions1 m prop] to g5]ate disease ?an repair /r5g?4 ,:at abject & ridicul\s ideas mu/ !y ent]ta9 ( ,god1 :o believe he c be (f5d$ by ! quality ( ! food t ent]s into ! /oma*s ( 8 creatures6 ,heav51 h[ev]1 = a c]ta9 sum ( money becomes sometimes m accommodat+4 ,prie/s h be5 cont9ually busi$ 9 /rait5+ ! pa? ( _! sect>ies1 t !y might transgress m frequ5tly2 & t ! rev5ue aris+ f _! transgressions might ?us become m ample4 ,all ?+s1 ev5 s9 itself1 among ,*ri/ians1 contribute to ! pr(it ( ! prie/s4 ,no religion ev] plac$ its sect>ies 9 m complete & cont9ual dep5dance on prie/s1 ?an ! ,*ri/ian4 ,^? h>pies nev] lose sight ( _! prey4 ,!y take infallible measures = subject+ mank9d1 & mak+ all contribute to _! p[]1 ri*es1 & dom9ion4 ,hav+ assum$ ! (fice ( m$iator betwe5 ! heav5ly mon>* & 8 subjects1 ^! prie/s 7 look$ ^u z c\rti]s 9 fav\r1 m9i/]s commission$ to ex]cise p[] 9 8 "n1 & fav\rites to :om he c\ld refuse no?+4 ,?us !y became absolute ma/]s ( ! de/9y ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,!y ga9$ e/abli%m5ts & r5d]$ !mselves necess>y by ! introduction ( innum]able practices & duties1 :i*1 ?\gh pu]ile & ridicul\s1 !y _h ! address to make _! flocks look ^u z indisp5sibly necess>y to _! salvation4 ,!y repres5t$ ! omission ( ^! pret5d$ duties z a crime inf9itely great] ?an an op5 violation ( all ! laws ( morality & reason4 ,let u n !n be surpriz$1 t1 9 ! mo/ zeal\s1 t is to say ! mo/ sup]/iti\s sects1 we see mank9d p]petually infe/$ ) prie/s4 ,sc>cely are !y born1 :51 "u ! pretext ( wa%+ away orig9al s91 _! prie/s impose on !m a m]c5>y baptism1 & pret5d to reconcile !m ) a ,god :om !y h z yet be5 unable to (f5d4 ,by means ( a few words & magical c]emonies !y are ?us snat*$ f ! dom9ion ( ,satan4 ,f ! t5d]e/ infancy _! education is frequ5tly entru/$ to prie/s1 ^: pr9cipal c>e is to in/il into !m e>ly ! prejudices z necess>y to ! views ( ! *ur*4 ,t]rors are n[ introduc$ into _! m9ds :i* increase dur+ _! :ole lives4 ,!y are in/ruct$ 9 ! fables1 absurd doctr9es1 & incompreh5sible my/]ies ( a m>vell\s religion4 ,9 "o ^w1 !y are =m$ into sup]/iti\s ,*ri/ians1 & r5d]$ incapable ( be+ useful citiz5s or enlight5$ m54 ,only "o ?+ is repres5t$ to !m z necess>y1 :i* is to be 9 all ?+s dev\tly submissive to 8 religion4 ,be dev\t1 say 8 tea*]s1 be bl9d1 despise ?y reason1 att5d to ,heav51 & neglect e>?2 ?is is all ?y ,god dem&s to conduct !e to et]nal felicity4 ,to ma9ta9 ! abject & fanatic ideas ) :i* ! prie/ has fill$ 8 pupils 9 _! *ildhood1 he comm&s !m to come frequ5tly1 & deposit 9 8 bosom _! hidd5 faults1 _! mo/ secret actions & ?\ghts4 ,he obliges !m to humiliate !mselves at 8 feet1 & r5d] homage to 8 p[]4 ,he fright5s ! crim9als1 & aft]w>ds1 if !y are judg$ wor?y1 he reconciles !m to ,god1 :o on ! comm& ( 8 m9i/]s remits _! s9s4 ,! ,*ri/ian sects t admit ?is practice1 boa/ ( x z extremely useful 9 regulat+ ! mann]s & re/ra9+ ! passions ( m52 b exp]i5ce proves1 t ! c\ntries 9 :i* ?is usage is mo/ fai?fully obs]v$1 are di/+ui%$ r = ! dissolution ?an ! purity ( _! mann]s4 ,by su* easy expiations !y are only embold5$ 9 vice4 ,! lives ( ,*ri/ians are circles ( successive (f5ces & concessions4 ,! prie/hood reap ! pr(it ( ?is practice1 by means ( :i* !y ex]cise an absolute dom9ion ov] ! consci5ces ( mank9d4 ,h[ great mu/ be ! p[] ( an ord] ( m51 :o possess all ! secrets ( families1 c k9dle at pleasure ! de/ructive flame ( fanaticism1 & op5 or %ut ! gates ( heav56 ,)\t ! cons5t ( 8 prie/s1 ! ,*ri/ian _c p>ticipate 9 ! k ( ! my/]ies ( 8 religion1 f :i* !y h a "r to exclude him entirely4 ,?is privation1 h[ev]1 he has no great reason to lam5t4 ,b ! ana!mas or excommunications ( ! prie/s g5]ally d a real mis*ief to mank9d4 ,^! spiritual puni%m5ts produce temporal effects1 & e citiz5 :o incurs ! disgrace ( ! *ur* is 9 dang] ( t ( ! gov]nm5t1 & becomes odi\s to 8 fell[-citiz5s4 ,we h already rem>k$ t prie/s h tak5 ^u !mselves ! managem5t ( m>riages4 ,)\t _! cons5t1 a ,*ri/ian _c1 become a fa!r4 ,he mu/ fir/ submit to ! caprici\s =malities ( 8 religion1 )\t :i* 8 *ildr5 mu/ be exclud$ f ! rank ( citiz5s4 ,dur+ all 8 life1 ! ,*ri/ian is oblig$ to assi/ 9 ! c]emonies ( wor%ip "u ! direction ( 8 prie/s4 ,:5 he has p]=m$ ?is important duty1 he e/eems himself ! fav\rite ( ,god1 & p]suades himself t he no long] owes any ?+ to society4 ,?us frivol\s practices take place ( morality1 :i* is always r5d]$ subord9ate to religion4 ,:5 dea? approa*es1 ! ,*ri/ian1 /ret*$ 9 agony on 8 b$1 is /ill assail$ 9 ^? di/ressful mom5ts by prie/s4 ,9 "s sects religion seems to h be5 inv5t$ to r5d] ! bitt] dea? ( man t5 ?\s& times m bitt]4 ,a malici\s prie/ comes to ! c\* ( ! dy+ man1 & holds be=e him ! spectacle ( 8 approa*+ end1 array$ 9 m ?an all its t]rors4 ,al?\gh ?is cu/om is de/ructive to citiz5s1 x is extremely pr(itable to ! prie/hood1#a :o owe mu* ( _! ri*es to legacies procur$ by x4 ,morality is n q s highly advantag$ by x4 ,exp]i5ce proves1 t mo/ ,*ri/ians live 9 security & po/pone till dea? _! reconciliation ) ,god4 ,by means ( a late rep5tance1 & l>gesses to ! prie/hood1 _! faults are expiat$1 & !y are p]mitt$ to hope t ,heav5 w =get ! accumulat$ crimes ( a long & wick$ life4 #a ,9 ,ca?olic c\ntries4 ,dea? itself does n t]m9ate ! empire ( ! prie/hood 9 c]ta9 sects1 :i* f9ds means to make money ev5 out ( ! dead bodies ( _! foll[]s4 ,^!1 = a suffici5t sum1 are p]mitt$ to be deposit$ 9 temples1 :]e !y h ! privilege ( spread+ infection & disease4 ,! sac]dotal p[] ext5ds /ill fur!r4 ,! pray]s ( ! *ur* are pur*as$ at a de> rate1 to deliv] ! s\ls ( ! dead f _! pret5d$ torm5ts 9 ! o!r _w1 inflict$ = _! purification4 ,happy !y :o are ri* 9 a religion1 ^: prie/s be+ fav\rites ) ,god1 c be hir$ to prevail on him to remit ! puni%m5ts :i* 8 immutable ju/ice _h int5d$ to inflict6 ,su* are ! pr9cipal duties recomm5d$ by ! ,*ri/ians2 & ^u ! obs]vation ( ^! !y believe _! salvation to dep5d4 ,su* are ! arbitr>y1 ridicul\s1 & hurtful practices sub/itut$ = ! real duties ( morality4 ,we %all n combat ! diff]5t sup]/iti\s practices1 admitt$ by "s sects & reject$ by o!rs2 su* z ! hon\rs r5d]$ to ! memory ( ^? pi\s fanatics & obscure contemplators :om ,roman pontiffs h rank$ among ! sa9ts4 ,we say no?+ ( ^? pilgrimages :i* sup]/ition has s (t5 produc$1 nor ^? indulg5ces by means ( :i* s9s are remitt$4 ,we %all only obs]ve1 t ^! ?+s are commonly' m respect$ :]e !y are admitt$1 ?an ! duties ( morality1 :i* 9 ^? places frequ5tly1 are :olly unkn[n4 ,mank9d f9d _! natural prop5sities mu* less ?w>t$ by su* rites1 c]emonies1 & practices1 ?an by be+ virtu\s4 ,a good ,*ri/ian is a man :o con=ms exactly to all t 8 prie/s exact f him2 ^! sub/itute bl9dness & submission 9 ! place ( all virtues4 ,,*ap4 ,,xiv4--,,( ,,! ,,political ,,effects ,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,aft] hav+ se5 ! inutility & ev5 dang] ( ! p]fections1 virtues1 & duties propos$ by ! ,*ri/ian religion1 let u enquire :e!r its political influ5ces be m happy1 & :e!r x c 9 reality promote ! welf>e ( nations among :om x is e/abli%$ & fai?fully obs]v$4 ,we at once f9d1 t :]ev] ?is religion is admitt$1 two opposite legislations1 ev] at v>iance ) ea* o!r1 e/abli% !mselves4 ,al?\gh ?is religion prea*es love & peace1 x soon annihilates ! effects ( ^? precepts by ! divisions :i* x necess>ily s[s among its sect>ies1 :o unavoidably int]pret div]sely ! ambigu\s oracles ann\nc$ 9 ,holy ,writ4 ,we f9d1 t f ! infancy ( religion ! mo/ acrimoni\s disputes h cont9ually tak5 place among div9es4 ,! successive ages ( ,*ri/ianity h be5 /a9$ ) s*isms1 h]esies1 p]secutions1 & conte/s1 widely discordant f its boa/$ _s ( peace & concord2 :i* is 9 fact incompatible ) a religion ^: precepts are s d>k & equivocal4 ,9 all religi\s disputes1 ea* p>ty believes t ,god is on its side1 & consequ5tly !y are ob/9ate4 ,inde$1 h[ c x be o!rwise1 :5 !y conf\nd ! cause ( ,god ) t ( _! own vanity8 ,?us1 mutually av]se to concession1 !y qu>rel & fight until =ce has decid$ a conte/ 9 :i* !y nev] appeal to reason1 9 fact1 political au?orities h ev] be5 =c$ to int]f]e 9 all ! diss5sions :i* h aris5 among ,*ri/ians4 ,gov]nm5ts h always tak5 9 ! frivol\s disputes ( prie/s1 & fooli%ly consid]$ !m z objects ( ! la/ importance4 ,!y h conceiv$1 t 9 a religion e/abli%$ by ,god himself !re c\ld be no?+ ( a trifl+ nature4 ,?us1 pr9ces h arm$ !mselves aga9/ _! own subjects1 ^: op9ions diff]$ f !irs4 ,! way ( ?9k+ at c\rt has decid$ ! cre$ & ! fai? ( subjects4 ,op9ions support$ by k+s & prie/s h be5 ! only true ones4 ,_! creatures h be5 ! gu>dians ( or?odoxy1 & 7 commission$ to ext]m9ate all :om !y *ose to d5om9ate h]etics & rebels4 ,! prejudices ( pr9ces or _! false policy1 h caus$ !m to look ^u ^? ( _! subjects1 :o diff] f !mselves 9 religi\s op9ions1 z bad citiz5s1 dang]\s to ! /ate1 & enemies to _! p[]4 ,if1 leav+ to prie/s ! bus9ess ( f9i%+ _! own imp]t95t disputes1 !y _h n assi/$ _! qu>rels & p]secutions1 !y w\ld h di$ away ( !mselves1 & nev] h di/urb$ ! peace ( nations4 ,if ^? k+s _h imp>tially recomp5s$ ! good & puni%$ ! bad1 )\t reg>d to _! wor%ip1 c]emonies1 & speculative op9ions1 !y w\ld n h made _m ( _! subjects su* enemies to t p[]1 by :i* !y f\nd !mselves oppress$4 ,*ri/ians h always attempt$ to reclaim h]etics by inju/ice1 viol5ce1 & p]secution4 ,ought n !y to h p]ceiv$1 t ?is conduct 0 calculat$ only to produce hypocrites & hidd5 enemies1 ( op5 rebellions8 ,b ^! reflections are n design$ = pr9ces1 :o f _! infancy1 h be5 fill$ ) fanaticism & prejudices2 ,!y1 in/ead ( be+ actuat$ by virtu\s motives1 h =m$ ob/9ate atta*m5ts to frivolities1 & impetu\s ard\r = doctr9es =eign to ! welf>e ( _! /ates1 & a b\ndless wra? aga9/ all :o refuse to b5d to _! despotic op9ions4 ,su* sov]eigns f9d x a %ort] way to de/roy mank9d ?an reclaim !m by mild means4 ,_! haughty despotism w n condesc5d to reason4 ,religion assures !m t tyranny is lawful1 & cruelty m]itori\s :5 !y are employ$ 9 ! cause ( heav54 ,! ,*ri/ian religion1 9 fact1 always makes despots & tyrants ( all ! sov]eigns by :om x is adopt$4 ,x repres5ts !m z gods ^u e>?2 x causes _! v caprices to be respect$ z ! w ( heav5 itself4 ,x deliv]s mank9d into _! h&s z an h]d ( slaves1 ( :om !y may dispose at _! pleasure4 ,9 return = _! zeal = religion1 all ! outrages ^u ju/ice t !y c commit are =giv51 & _! subjects are comm&$1 "u pa9 ( ! wra? ( ! ,mo/ ,high1 to submit )\t a murmur to ! sword t /rikes in/ead ( protect+ !mselves4 ,x is n1 !re=e1 matt] ( surprise1 t s9ce ! e/abli%m5t ( ?is religion1 we see s _m nations groan+ "u dev\t tyrants1 :o1 al?\gh ob/9ately atta*$ to religion1 h be5 unju/1 lic5ti\s1 & cruel4 ,:atev] 7 ! oppressions & ravages ( ^! religi\s or hypocritical pr9ces1 ! prie/s h n fail$ to prea* submission to _! subjects3 ,on ! o!r h&1 let u n be surpris$ to see s _m weak & wick$ pr9ces1 support 9 _! turns ! int]e/ ( a religion1 :i* _! false policy judg$ necess>y to ! ma9t5ance ( _! au?ority4 ,if k+s 7 enlight5$1 j & virtu\s1 & knew & practis$ _! real duties1 !y w\ld h _h no ne$ ( ! aid ( sup]/ition 9 gov]n+ nations4 ,b z x is m easy to con=m to rites ?an to acquire tal5ts or practise virtue1 ?is religion has1 9 pr9ces1 too (t5 f\nd support = itself1 & de/ruction = its enemies4 ,! m9i/]s ( religion h n _h ! same complaisance = pr9ces1 :o refus$ to make a common cause ) !m1 esp\se _! qu>rels1 & become subs]vi5t to _! passions4 ,!y h aris5 aga9/ ^? :o h ?w>t$ _! views1 puni%$ _! excesses1 t\*$ _! immunities1 endeav\r$ to subject !m to reason1 or repress _! ambiti\s designs4 ,! prie/s on su* occasions1 cry out1 ,impiety6 ,sacrilege6 ,!n !y pret5d t ! sov]eign puts 8 h& to ! c5sor1 & usurps ! rights grant$ !m by ,god himself4 ,!n !y endeav\r to excite nations to rebellion4 ,!y arm fanatics aga9/ sov]eigns1 :om !y decl>e tyrants1 = hav+ be5 want+ 9 submission to ! *ur*4 ,heav5 is always ready to rev5ge any inju/ice done to its m9i/]s4 ,!y are !mselves submissive1 & prea* submission to o!rs1 only :5 !y are p]mitt$ to %>e ! au?ority1 or are too feeble to resi/ x4 ,?is is ! reason :y ! apo/les1 9 ! infancy ( ,*ri/ianity1 be+ de/itute ( p[]1 prea*$ subord9ation4 ,no soon] _h ?is religion ga9$ suffici5t /r5g?1 ?an x prea*$ resi/ance & rebellion2 de?ron+ "s k+s & assass9at+ o!rs4 ,9 e political body1 :]e ?is religion is e/abli%$1 !re are two rival p[]s1 :i*1 by incessant cont5tion1 convulse & w\nd ! /ate4 ,! citiz5s divide into opposite p>ties1 ea* ( :i* fights1 or ?9ks x fights1 = ,god4 ,^! conte/s at diff]5t times t]m9ate diff]5tly1 b ! triumphant p>ty is always 9 ! "r4 ,by att5tive exam9ation ( su* ev5ts1 we %all escape ! dom9ion ( fanaticism4 ,x is by /imulat+ mank9d to enquiry1 t !y mu/ be fre$ f ! %ackles ( sup]/ition4 ,let mank9d ?9k till !y h ?r[n aside _! prejudices1 & !y w ?9k ju/ly4 ,! reign ( ! prie/hood w cease :5 m5 cease to be ignorant & cr$ul\s4 ,cr$ulity is ! (fspr+ ( ignorance1 & sup]/ition is ! *ild ( cr$ulity4 ,b mo/ k+s dread t mank9d %\ld be enlight5$4 ,accomplices ) ! prie/hood1 !y h =m$ a league ) !m to /ifle reason1 & p]secute all :o confide 9 its guidance4 ,bl9d to _! own int]e/s1 & ^? ( _! subjects1 !y wi% only to comm& slaves1 =gett+ ^? slaves are always at ! disposal ( ! prie/s4 ,?us we see sci5ce neglect$1 & ignorance triumphant1 9 ^? c\ntries :]e ?is religion holds ! mo/ absolute dom9ion4 ,arts & sci5ces are ! *ildr5 ( lib]ty1 & sep>at$ f _! p>5t !y langui% & die4 ,among ,*ri/ian nations1 ! lea/ sup]/iti\s are ! mo/ free1 p[]ful1 & happy4 ,9 c\ntries :]e spiritual & temporal despotism are leagu$1 ! p grovel 9 ! mo/ %ameful ignorance & le?>gic inactivity4 ,! ,european nations1 :o boa/ ( possess+ ! pure/ fai?1 are n surely ! mo/ fl\ri%+ & p[]ful4 ,_! k+s1 enslav$ !mselves by prie/s1 h n en]gy & c\rage en\gh to make a s+le /ruggle = _! own welf>e or t ( _! subjects4 ,prie/s1 9 su* /ates1 are ! only ord] ( m5 :o are ri*2 o!r citiz5s langui% 9' ! deepe/ indig5ce4 ,b ( :at importance are ! p[] & happ9ess ( nations to ! sect>ies ( a religion :o seek n = happ9ess 9 ?is _w1 :o believe ri*es injuri\s1 prea* a ,god ( pov]ty1 & recomm5d abasem5t to ! s\l1 & mortification ( ! fle%8 ,x is )\t d\bt to oblige p to practise ^! maxims1 t ! cl]gy1 9 _m ,*ri/ian /ates1 h tak5 possession ( mo/ ( ! ri*es1 & live 9 spl5d\r1 :ile _! fell[-citiz5s are set =w>d 9 ! road to heav51 un9cumb]$ ) any bur!n ( e>?ly weal?4 ,su* are ! advantages political society d]ives f ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,x =ms an indep5d5t /ate )9 a /ate4 ,x r5d]s ! p slaves4 ,:5 sov]eigns are ob$i5t to x1 x fav\rs _! tyranny4 ,:5 !y are disob$i5t1 x r5d]s _! subjects fanatic & rebelli\s4 ,:5 x accords ) political p[]1 x convulses1 debases1 & impov]i%es nations2 :5 n1 x makes citiz5s unsocial1 turbul5t1 intol]ant1 & mut9\s4 ,if we exam9e 9 detail ! precepts ( ?is religion1 & ! maxims :i* fl[ f its pr9ciples1 we %all f9d x int]dicts e ?+ t c make a nation fl\ri%4 ,we h already se5 ! ideas ( imp]fection t x atta*es to m>riage1 & its e/eem ( celibacy4 ,^! notions are highly unfav\rable to population1 :i* is1 incontrov]tibly1 ! fir/ s\rce ( p[] 9 a /ate4 ,comm]ce is n less contradictory to ! _s ( a religion1 ! f\nd] ( :i* pron\nc$ an ana!ma aga9/ ri*es1 & exclud$ !m f 8 k+dom4 ,all indu/ry is int]dict$ to p]fect ,*ri/ians2 !y live a provisory life on e>?1 & nev] conc]n !mselves ) ! morr[4 ,mu/ x n be a great tem]ity & s9 = a ,*ri/ian to s]ve 9 w>8 ,is n ! man1 :o has nev] ! "r to believe himself absolutely 9 a /ate ( grace1 extremely ra% :5 he exposes himself to et]nal damnation8 ,is n ! ,*ri/ian1 :o ought to h *>ity = all m51 & love ev5 8 enemies1 guilty ( an enorm\s crime1 :5 he kills a man ( ^: dispositions he is ignorant1 & :om he1 p]haps1 precipitates at once into hell8 ,a ,*ri/ian soldi] is a mon/]2 unless1 inde$1 he fights 9 ! cause ( religion4 ,!n1 if he dies1 he dies a bless$ m>tyr4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion has always decl>$ w> aga9/ sci5ce & all human k4 ,^! h be5 look$ ^u z ob/acles to salvation4 ,nei!r reason nor /udy are necess>y to m51 :o are to submit _! reason to ! yoke ( fai?4 ,f ! confession ( ,*ri/ians !mselves1 ! f\nd]s ( _! religion 7 simple & ignorant m54 ,_! disciples mu/ be z little enlight5$ z !y 7 to admit ! fables & rev]ies !y h receiv$ f !m4 ,x has always be5 rem>k$1 t ! mo/ enlight5$ m5 seldom make ! be/ ,*ri/ians4 ,sci5ce is apt to emb>rass fai?2 & x moreov] turns ! att5tion f ! great "w ( salvation1 :i* is repres5t$ z ! only necess>y "o4 ,if sci5ce be s]viceable to political society1 ignorance is mu* m s to religion & its m9i/]s44 ,^? ages1 de/itute ( sci5ce & indu/ry1 7 ! g>d5 age ( ! *ur* ( ,*ri/4 ,!n 7 k+s dutifully submissive to prie/s2 !n ! c(f]s ( prie/s held all ! ri*es ( society4 ,! prie/s ( a v num]\s sect h kept f ! eyes ( _! foll[]s ev5 ! sacr$ pages :i* conta9 ! laws ( _! religion4 ,?is conduct is1 und\bt$ly1 v discreet4 ,read+ ! ,bible is ! sure/ ( all means to prev5t its be+ respect$4 ,9 "o ^w1 if ! maxims ( ! ,*ri/ian religion 7 rigor\sly & univ]sally foll[$1 no political society c\ld subsi/4 ,if ?is ass]tion be d\bt$1 li/5 to :at 0 said by ! e>lie/ doctors ( ! *ur*1 & x w be ackn[l$g$1 t _! precepts are :olly incompatible ) ! p[] & pres]vation ( /ates4 ,accord+ to ,lactantius1 no ,*ri/ian c become a soldi]4 ,accord+1 to ,/4 ,ju/91 no ,*ri/ian c be a magi/rate4 ,accord+ to ,/4 ,*ryso/om1 no ,*ri/ian c m$dle ) comm]ce4 ,&1 accord+ to a great numb]1 no man ought to /udy4 ,9 f9e1 jo9 ^! maxims to ^? ( ,*ri/1 apply !m 9 practice1 & ! result w be a p]fect ,*ri/ian1 useless to 8 family1 8 c\ntry1 & mank9d2 an idle contemplator1 unconc]n$ 9 ! int]e/s ( ?is _w1 & occupi$ entirely ) ! o!r1 :i!r x is 8 mo/ important bus9ess to g4 ,let u look into ,eusebius1 & see if ! ,*ri/ian be n a real fanatic1 f :om society c d]ive no advantage4 ,! mann] ( life1 says he1 9 ! ,*ri/ian *ur*1 surpasses our pres5t nature1 & ! ord9>y life ( man4 ,!re !y seek nei!r m>riages1 *ildr51 nor ri*es4 ,9 fact1 x is :olly =eign to ! human mann] ( liv+4 ,! *ur* is giv5 up to an imm5se love ( heav5ly ?+s4 ,! memb]s1 deta*$ f e>?ly exi/5ce1 & leav+ only _! bodies bel[1 transf] _! s\ls to heav51 :]e !y already dwell z pure & cele/ial intellig5ces1 & despise ! life ( o!r m54 ,a man /rongly p]suad$ ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity _c1 9 fact1 atta* himself to any ?+ bel[4 ,e ?+ "h is to him a cause ( /umbl+1 & calls away 8 att5tion f ! great "w ( 8 salvation4 ,if ,*ri/ians 7 n1 =tunately1 inconsi/5t ) !mselves1 & w&]$ n incessantly f _! fanatical p]fections & sublime speculations1 no ,*ri/ian society c\ld subsi/1 & ! nations illum9at$ by ! gospel w\ld return to _! pri/9e b>b>ity4 ,we %\ld see only wild be+s1 brok5 loose f e social tie1 & w&]+ 9 solitude ?r\gh ?is vale ( te>s1 ^: only employm5t w\ld be to groan1 to weep1 & pray1 & r5d] !mselves & o!rs wret*$1 9 ord] to m]it heav54 ,9 f9e1 a religion ^: maxims t5d to r5d] mank9d 9 g5]al intol]ant1 to make k+s p]secutors1 & _! subjects slaves or rebels2 a religion1 ! obscure doctr9es ( :i* give bir? to et]nal disputes2 a religion :i* debases mank9d1 & turns !m aside f _! true int]e/s2 su* a religion1 ,i say1 is de/ructive to e society4 ,,*ap4 ,,xv4--,,( ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,*ur*1 ,,or ,,prie/hood4 ,!re h be51 9 all ages1 m5 :o "k h[ to pr(it by ! errors ( mank9d4 ,prie/s ( all religions1 h laid ! f\ndations ( _! greatness1 p[]1 & ri*es1 on ! fe>s ( ! vulg>4 ,no religion has1 h[ev]1 _h s _m reasons z ! ,*ri/ian1 = subject+ p to ! prie/hood4 ,! fir/ prea*]s ( ! gospel1 ! ,apo/les1 are repres5t$ z div9e m51 inspir$ by ,god1 & %>+ 8 omnipot5ce4 ,if ea* individual among _! successors has n enjoy$ ! same privileges 9 ! op9ion ( all ,*ri/ians1 yet ! body ( prie/s1 or ,*ur*1 is nev] ab&on$ by ! ,holy ,gho/1 b always illum9at$ !reby4 ,!y collectively1 at all times1 possess infallibility1 & consequ5tly _! decisions become p]petual revelations1 equally sacr$ ) ^? ( ,god himself4 ,su* be+ ! attributes ( ! prie/hood1 ?is body mu/ 9 virtue ( ! pr]ogatives !y hold f ,*ri/ himself h a "r to unconditional submission f m5 & nations4 ,! enorm\s p[] !y h s long ex]cis$ is n1 !re=e1 surpris+4 ,x %\ld be unlimit$1 s9ce x is f\nd$ on ! au?ority ( ! ,almighty4 ,x %\ld be despotic1 because m5 h no "r to resi/ div9e p[]4 ,x mu/ deg5]ate into abuse1 = ! prie/hood is ex]cis$ by m5 :om impunity always r5d]s lic5ti\s & corrupt4 ,9 ! infancy ( ,*ri/ianity1 ! ,apo/les1 commission$ by ,jesus ,*ri/1 prea*$ ! gospel to ,jews & ,g5tiles4 ,! novelty ( _! doctr9e1 z we h already se51 procur$ !m _m proselytes among ! vulg>4 ,! new ,*ri/ians1 inflam$ ) ard\r = _! new op9ions1 =m$ 9 e city p>ticul> congregations1 "u ! gov]nm5t ( m5 appo9t$ by ! ,apo/les4 ,! latt] hav+ receiv$ ! fai? at fir/ h&1 reta9$ ! inspection & direction ( ! diff]5t ,*ri/ian societies !y _h =m$4 ,su* appe>s to h be5 ! orig9 ( ,bi%ops or inspectors1 :i* are p]petuat$ 9 ! ,*ur* to ?is day2#a an orig9 9 :i* ! pr9ces ( mod]n ,*ri/ianity suffici5tly pride !mselves4 ,x is kn[n t1 9 ?is infant sect1 ! associates held1 _! goods 9 common4 ,?is duty appe>s to h be5 rigor\sly exact$2 =1 by ! comm& ( ,/4 ,pet]1 two new ,*ri/ians 7 smitt5 to dea?1 = hav+ )held "s "p ( _! own prop]ty4 ,! funds result+ f ?is practice1 7 at ! disposal ( ! ,apo/les2 to ?is1 commission ! ,bi%ops1 inspectors1 or prie/s succe$$1 :5 !y became successors ( ! ,apo/les2 & z ! prie/s mu/ live by ! alt>1 we may suppose t !y paid !mselves1 & n illib]ally1 = _! in/ructions1 out ( ! public treasury4 ,^? :o attempt$ new spiritual conque/s 71 probably1 oblig$ to cont5t !mselves ) ! volunt>y contributions ( _! conv]ts4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 ! treasures accumulat$1 ?r\gh ! cr$ul\s piety ( ! fai?ful1 became an object ( ! av>ice ( prie/s1 & begat discord among !m4 ,ea* "o wi%$ to gov]n1 & h ! disposal ( ! ri*es ( ! community4 ,h5ce ! cabals & factions :i* we f9d gr[+ up ) ! *ur* ( ,god4 ,! prie/s 7 always fir/ to w&] f ! pr9ciples ( _! religion4 ,_! own ambition & av>ice always contradict ! dis9t]e/$ maxims !y tea* to o!rs4 #a ,sa9t ,j]ome highly disapprov$ ! di/9ction ( bi%ops & prie/s or curates4 ,he pret5ds1 t prie/s & bi%ops 7 accord+ to ,/4 ,paul1 ! same ?+1 be=e1 says he1 by ! in/igation ( ! ,devil1 !re 7 de/9ations 9 religion4 ,at ?is day1 bi%ops1 :o d no?+1 enjoy great rev5ues2 :ile innum]able curates1 :o lab\r1 are dy+ ) hung]4 ,s long z ! ,*ri/ian3 religion 0 mu* depress$ & p]secut$1 discordant ,bi%ops & prie/s combat$ 9 secret1 & ! noise ( _! qu>rels did n spread f> abroad4 ,b :5 ,con/ant9e wi%$ to secure to himself a p>ty1 ! obscurity ( :i* _h fav\r$ its increase1 until n[ become v num]\s1 ! face ( e ?+ 9 ! *ur* 0 *ang$4 ,*ri/ian lead]s1 trans=m$ to c\rti]s2 & s$uc$ by au?ority1 f\ght op5ly4 ,!y engag$ sov]eigns 9 _! qu>rels1 & p]secut$ _! rivals4 ,lad5 by degrees ) ri*es & hon\rs2 !y w\ld no long] be recogniz$ z ! successors ( ! poor & humble ,apo/les1 s5t by ,*ri/ to prea* 8 doctr9e44 ,!y became pr9ces1 &1 support$1 by ! /ronge/ arms1 op9ions1 !y f\nd !mselves able to give laws to nations1 & put ! _w 9 confusion4 ,"u ,con/ant9e ! ,pontificate _h be5 by a %ameful imprud5ce sep>at$ f ! empire4 ,! ,emp]ors soon f\nd !y _h cause to rep5t ?is ov]sight4 ,! ,bi%op ( ,rome1 t =m] mi/ress ( ! _w1 ^: "n /ill s\nd$ awful 9 ! e>s ( nations1 knew h[ to make a skilful advantage ( ! tr\bles ( ! empire1 invad$ by b>b>ians1 & ! weakness ( ,emp]ors1 too remote to wat* ov] 8 conduct4 ,by d9t ( plots & intrigues1 ! ,roman pontiff at l5g? seat$ himself on ! ?rone ( ! ,cs>s4 ,x 0 = him t ,emilius & ,scipio _h f\ght4 ,he 01 9 f9e1 look$ ^u 9 ! we/1 z ! mon>* ( ! ,*ur*1 ! univ]sal ,bi%op1 ! ,vic> ( ,jesus4 ,*ri/ ^u e>?1 & ! infallible organ ( ,god4 ,al?\gh ^! haughty titles 7 reject$ 9 ! ,ea/1 ! ,roman1 pontiff reign$1 )\t conte/1 9 ! great] "p ( ! ,*ri/ian _w4 ,he 0 a ,god ^u e>?2 ?r\gh ! imbecility ( k+s1 he became arbit] ( _! de/9ies1 & f\nd$ a !ocracy or div9e gov]nm5t1 ( :i* himself 0 *ief1 & !y 7 8 lieut5ants4 ,:5 !y _h ! audacity to become disob$i5t to him1 he de?ron$ !m1 or excit$ _! subjects to rebellion4 ,9 a ^w1 8 spiritual arms 71 ?r\gh a long succession ( ages1 /rong] ?an ! temporal ones ( 8 oppon5ts4 ,nations _h ! /upidity to obey him1 & ! di/ribution ( cr[ns 0 9 8 p[]4 ,to secure 8 dom9ion ov] pr9ces1 he s[$ divisions among !m2 & 8 empire w\ld /ill reta9 its ext5t & vig\r1 if a gradual increase ( k _h n1 9 spite ( religi\s opposition1 made its way among mank9d1 & k+s1 act+ inconsi/5tly ) _! religion1 li/5$ to ambition r ?an duty4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ! *ur* h receiv$ _! p[] f ,*ri/ himself1 to resi/ ^! 8 repres5tatives is1 9 feet1 to revolt aga9/ him4 ,k+s1 z well z subjects1 _c ?r[ (f allegiance to ,god )\t a crime4 ,! spiritual au?ority proce$+ f ,god1 mu/1 ( "r1 h jurisdiction ov] temporal au?ority proce$+ f man4 ,a pr9ce1 :o is a true ,*ri/ian1 mu/ become a s]vant ( ! *ur*1 &1 at be/1 ! fir/ slave ( ! cl]gy4 ,let u n1 !n1 be surpriz$1 t1 9 ! ages ( ignorance1 prie/s1 be+ mo/ readily obey$ by p1 m atta*$ to heav5ly ?an e>?ly int]e/s1 7 m p[]ful ?an k+s4 ,among sup]/iti\s nations ! pret5d$ voice ( ,god & 8 int]e/s is m li/5$ to ?an t ( duty1 ju/ice1 & reason4 ,a good ,*ri/ian1 pi\sly submissive to ! *ur*1 mu/ be bl9d & unreasonable1 :5ev] ! *ur* comm&s him to be s4 ,! p[] t has a "r to r5d] u absurd1 has ! "r to r5d] u crim9al4 ,besides1 ^? t d]ive _! p[] f ,god c be subject to no o!r p[]4 ,?us1 ! indep5d5ce ( ! ,*ri/ian cl]gy is f\nd$ ^u ! pr9ciples ( _! religion4 ,( ?is circum/ance1 !y h tak5 c>e to pr(it1 & impress$ ) ?is idea1 !y1 aft] be+ enri*$ by ! g5]osity ( k+s & p1 h always prov$ ungrateful to ! true s\rces ( _! own opul5ce & privileges4 ,:at _h be5 giv5 ?is body1 ?r\gh surprize or impud5ce1 x 0 f\nd impossible to recov] f _! h&s4 ,!y =esaw1 t future g5]ations1 break+ loose f ! fett]s ( prejudice1 might te> f !m ! donations !y _h ga9$ by ! extortions ( t]ror1 & ! evils ( impo/ure4 ,!y1 !re=e1 p]suad$ mank9d t !y held f ,god alone :at _h be5 giv5 !m by _! fell[-mortals3 & by a miracle ( cr$ulity1 !y 7 believ$ on _! ^w4 ,?us ! int]e/s ( ! cl]gy became sep>at$ f ^? ( society4 ,m5 devot$ to ,god1 & *os5 to be 8 m9i/]s1 7 no long] conf\nd$ ) ! pr(ane4 ,laws & civil tribunals r5\nc$ all p[] ov] !m4 ,!y c\ld be judg$ only by memb]s ( _! own body4 ,h5ce ! greate/ excesses 7 (t5 committ$ by !m ) impunity2 & _! p]sons1 at ! disposal ( ,god alone1 7 sacr$ & inviolable4 ,_! possessions1 al?\gh !y contribut$ no?+ to public *>ges1 or1 at lea/1 no m ?an !y pleas$2 7 def5d$ & enl>g$ by fanatic sov]eigns1 :o hop$ !reby to conciliate ! fav\r ( ,heav54 ,9 fact1 ^? rev]5d wolves 9 %eph]ds' clo?+1 "u pret5ce ( fe$+ ) in/ruction1 dev\r$ ) av>ice1 &1 secure 9 _! disguise1 fatt5$ on ! blood ( _! flocks1 unpuni%$ & unsuspect$4 ,f _! in/ructions = eighte5 hundr$ ye>s pa/1 :at advantages h nations d]iv$8 ,h ^! infallible m5 f\nd x possible to agree among !mselves1 on ! mo/ ess5tial po9ts ( a religion1 reveal$ by ,god himself8 ,/range1 inde$1 is t revelation1 :i* ne$s cont9ual comm5t>ies1 & int]pretations4 ,:at mu/ be ?\ght ( ^! div9e writ+s1 :i* e sect und]/&s s diff]5tly8 ,^? :o are incessantly f$ ) ! gospel1 d n und]/& ^! matt]s bett]1 nor are !y m virtu\s ?an o!rs4 ,!y are comm&$ to obey ! ,*ur*1 & ! ,*ur* is nev] at accord ) itself4 ,%e is et]nally busi$ 9 re=m+1 expla9+1 pull+ d[n1 & build+ up h] holy doctr9es4 ,h] m9i/]s h1 at w1 creat$ new doctr9es unkn[n to ,*ri/ & ! ,apo/les4 ,e age has br\ght =? new my/]ies1 new c]emonies1 & new articles ( fai?4 ,not)/&+ ! inspirations ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 ?is religion has nev] atta9$ to t cle>ness1 simplicity1 & consi/5cy1 :i* are ! only indubitable pro(s ( a good sy/em4 ,nei!r c\ncils1 nor canons1 nor ! mass ( decrees & laws1 :i* =m ! code ( ! ,*ur*1 h ev] yet be5 able to fix ! objects ( h] belief4 ,7 a s5sible hea!n desir\s ( embrac+ ,*ri/ianity1 he w\ld be1 at ! fir/ /ep1 ?r[n into p]plexity1 at ! sight ( ! num]\s v>iety ( sects1 ea* ( :i* pret5ds to con=m precisely to ! ^w ( ,god1 & travel 9 ! only sure road to salvation4 ,:5 he f9ds t ^! diff]5t-sects reg>d ea* o!r ) horror t !y all deal out damnation3 to all ^: op9ions diff] f _! own2 t !y all unite _! ef=ts to bani% peace-f society2 t always1 :5 p[] is 9 _! h&s1 !y p]secute & inflict ! mo/ ref9$ cruelties on ea* o!r1 = :i* %all he det]m9e8 ,=1 let u n be deceiv$--,*ri/ians1 n satisfi$ ) en=c+ by viol5ce an ext]ior submission to ! c]emonies ( _! religion1 h inv5t$ an art unkn[n to hea!n sup]/itions1 t ( torm5t+ ! consci5ce1 & ex]cis+ a tyranny ov] ! m9d itself4 ,! zeal ( ! m9i/]s ( ! *ur* is n limit$ to ext]iors2 !y /eal into ! fold+s ( ! he>t1 & insol5tly violate ! mo/ secret sanctu>ies ( ?\ght4#a ,&-= ?is sacrilege1 _! ju/ification is a pret5d$ int]e/ 9 ! salvation ( s\ls4 #a ,spok5 ( ! ,romi% cl]gy4 ,su* are ! effects :i* necess>ily result f ! pr9ciples ( a religion1 :i* tea*es mank9d t involunt>y error is a crime t m]its ! wra? ( ,god4 ,x is 9 consequ5ce ( su* ideas1 t 9 c]ta9 c\ntries1 prie/s1 ) ! p]mission ( ! civil gov]nm5ts1 pret5d to a commission = ma9ta9+ ! fai? 9 its purity4 ,judges 9 _! own cause1 !y condemn to ! flames all ^: op9ions appe> to !m dang]\s4#a ,s]v$ by innum]able spies1 !y wat* ! m9ute/ actions ( ! p1 & inhumanly sacrifice all t h ! mis=tune to give !m ! smalle/ umbrage4 ,to excite suspicions 9 _! m9ds1 is to ru% ^u inevitable de/ruction4 ,su* are ! bless+s :i* ! ,holy ,inquisition1 all mild & g5tle1 p\rs ^u mank9d4 #a ,civil tribunals1 :5 !y are j1 h a maxim to look = e ?+ t c contribute to ! def5ce ( ! accus$4 ,9 ! ,inquisition a me?od directly opposite has be5 adopt$4 ,! accus$ is nei!r told ! cause ( 8 det5tion nor confront$ ) 8 accus]4 ,he is ignorant ( 8 crime1 yet he is comm&$ to confess4 ,su* are ! maxims ( ,*ri/ian prie/s4 ,! ,inquisition1 h[ev]1 condemns nobody to die4 ,prie/s _c !mselves %$ blood4 ,t function is res]v$ = ! secul> arm2 & !y h ev5 ! effront]y to int]c$e = crim9als1 sure1 h[ev]1 ( n be+ he>d4 ,inde$1 x is probable1 !y w\ld make no small clam\r1 %\ld ! magi/rate take !m at _! ^w4 ,?is conduct becomes m5 9 :om ,almighty int]e/ /ifles humanity1 s9c]ity1 & mode/y4 ,su* are ! pr9ciples ( ?is sangu9>y tribunal :i* p]petuates ! ignorance & infatuation ( ! p :]ev] ! false policy ( gov]nm5ts p]mits its horrors to be ex]cis$4 ,! disputes betwe5 ,*ri/ian prie/s h be5 s\rces ( animosity1 hatr$1 & h]esy4 ,we f9d ^! to h exi/$ f ! infancy ( ! *ur*4 ,a religion f\nd$ on wond]s1 fables1 & obscure oracles1 c\ld only be a fruitful s\rce ( qu>rels4 ,prie/s att5d$ to ridicul\s doctr9es in/ead ( useful k2 & :5 !y %\ld h /udi$ true morality1 & taught mank9d _! real duties1 !y only /rove to ga9 adh]5ts4 ,!y busi$ !mselves 9 useless speculations 9 a b>b>\s & enigmatical sci5ce1 :i*1 "u ! pomp\s title ( ! sci5ce ( ,god1 or !ology1 excit$ 9 ! vulg> a rev]5tial awe4 ,!y inv5t$ a sy/em1 bigot$1 presumptu\s1 ridicul\s1 & z incompreh5sible z ! ,god :om !y affect$ to wor%ip4 ,h5ce arose disputes on disputes conc]n+ pu]ile subtilties1 odi\s que/ions1 & arbitr>y op9ions1 :i* f> f be+ useful1 only s]v$ to poison ! peace ( society4 ,9 ^! bick]+s we f9d pr(\nd g5iuses busi$2 & we are =c$ to reject ! pro/itution ( tal5ts wor?y a bett] cause4 ,! vulg>1 ev] fond ( riot1 ent]$ into qu>rels !y c\ld n und]/&4 ,pr9ces und]took ! def5ce ( ! prie/s !y wi%$ to fav\r1 & or?odoxy 0 decid$ by ! longe/ sword4 ,_! assi/ance ! *ur* nev] hesitat$ to receive 9 "t ( dang]2 = on su* occasions ! *ur* relies r on human assi/ance ?an ! promise ( ,god1 :o decl>$ t ! sceptre ( ! wick$ %\ld n re/ ^u ! lot ( ! righte\s4 ,! h]oes1 f\nd 9 ! annals ( ! *ur*1 h be5 ob/9ate fanatics1 facti\s rebels1 or furi\s p]secutors4 ,!y 7 mon/]s ( madness1 faction1 & cruelty4 ,! _w 9 ! days ( our ance/ors1 0 depopulat$ 9 def5ce ( extravagancies :i* excite laught] 9 a po/]ity1 n inde$ mu* wis] ?an !y 74 ,9 almo/ all ages compla9ts h be5 made ( abuses 9 ! *ur*1 & re=mation has be5 talk$ (4 ,not)/&+ ?is pret5d$ re=m1 9 ! head1 & 9 ! memb]s ( ! *ur*1 x has always be5 corrupt$4 ,av>ici\s1 turbul5t1 & s$iti\s prie/s h made nations to groan "u ! weight ( _! vices1 :ile pr9ces 7 too weak to reclaim !m to reason4 ,! divisions & qu>rels :i* took place among ^? ecclesia/ical tyrants did inde$ at l5g? dim9i% ! weight ( ! yoke !y _h impos$ on k+s & nations4 ,! empire ( ! ,roman pontiff1 :i* endur$ _m ages1 0 at la/ %ak5 by irritat$ en?usia/s1 & rebelli\s subjects1 :o presum$ to exam9e ! rights ( ?is =midable despot4 ,"s pr9ces1 we>y ( _! slav]y & pov]ty1 readily embrac$ op9ions :i* w\ld au?orise !m to enri* !mselves ) ! spoils ( ! cl]gy4 ,?us ! unity ( ! *ur* 0 de/roy$1 sects 7 multipli$1 & ea* f\ght = ! def5ce ( 8 own sy/em4 ,^! f\nd]s ( ^! new sects 7 treat$ by ! ,roman pontiff z innovators1 h]etics1 & blasphem]s4 ,!y1 x is true1 r5\nc$ "s ( _! old op9ions2 b cont5t ) hav+ made a few /eps t[>ds reason1 !y d>$ n to %ake (f entirely ! yoke ( sup]/ition4 ,!y cont9u$ to respect ! sacr$ writ ( ! ,*ri/ian1 :i* !y /ill look$ ^u z ! only fai?ful guide4 ,^u !m !y pret5d$ to f\nd all _! op9ions4 ,9 f9e1 ^! books1 9 :i* e man may f9d :at he pleases1 z !y became m common f "t to "t1 produc$ new sects4 ,m5 7 lo/ 9 a d>k labyr9?1 :]e ea* "o grop$ 8 way 9 error1 & yet judg$ all b himself to be wrong4 ,! lead]s ( ^! sects1 ! pret5d$ re=m]s ( ! *ur*1 ga9$ b a glimpse at ! tru?1 & att5d$ to no?+ b m9utiae4 ,!y cont9u$ to respect ! sacr$ oracles ( ! ,*ri/ians1 & believe 9 _! cruel & caprici\s ,god4 ,!y admitt$ _! extravagant my?ology1 & mo/ ( _! unreasonable doctr9es4 ,9 f9e1 al?\gh !y reject$ "s my/]ies t 7 incompreh5sible1 !y admitt$ o!rs n less s4 ,let u n be surpriz$1 !re=e1 t1 not)/&+ ^! re=ms1 fanaticism1 controv]sy1 p]secution1 & w>1 cont9u$ to rage ?r\gh\t ,europe4 ,! rev]ies ( innovators only s]v$ to plunge nations into new mis=tunes4 ,blood cont9u$ to /ream1 & p grew nei!r m reasonable nor m happy4 ,prie/s ( all sects h ev] wi%$ to gov]n mank9d & impose on !m _! decisions z infallible & sacr$4 ,!y 7 always p]secutors :5 9 p[]1 involv$ nations 9 _! fury1 & %ook ! _w by _! fatal op9ions4 ,! _s ( intol]ance & p]secution w ev] be ! ess5ce ( e sect f\nd$ on ! ,bible4 ,a mild & humane religion c nev] belong to a p>tial & cruel ,god8 :om ! op9ion ( m5 c fill ) wra?4 ,:]ev] ,*ri/ian sects exi/1 prie/s w ex]cise a p[] :i* may prove fatal to ! /ate1 & bodies ( fanatical en?usia/s w be =m$1 always ready to ru% to slaught]1 :5 _! spiritual guides cry1 ! *ur* or ! cause ( ,god is 9 dang]4 ,?us1 9 ,*ri/ian c\ntries1 we see ! temporal p[] s]vilely submissive to ! cl]gy1 execut+ _! comm&s1 ext]m9at+ _! enemies1 & support+ _! rights1 ri*es1 & immunities4 ,9 almo/ all nations :]e ! *ur* prevails1 ! mo/ idle1 useless1 s$iti\s1 & dang]\s m5 are mo/ lib]ally hon\r$ & rew>d$4 ,sup]/ition ?9ks %e c nev] d en\gh = ! m9i/]s ( h] gods4 ,^! s5tim5ts are ! same 9 all sects4#a ,prie/s e :]e endeav\r to in/il !m into k+s1 & to make policy b5d to religion1 9 do+ :i* !y (t5 oppose ! be/ in/itutions4 ,!y 9 all places aim at ! sup]9t5dance ( education1 & !y fill _! adh]5ts ) _! fatal prejudices f _! infancy4 #a ,except ! ,quak]4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 9 places t rema9$ subject to ! ,roman pontiff1 t ! cl]gy h wall[$ 9 ! greate/ pr(usion ( ri*es & p[]4 ,cr$ulity has ev5 enli/$ k+s among _! subjects1 & debas$ !m into m]e execution]s ( _! w4 ,!y 7 9 read9ess to un%ea? ! sword :5ev] ! prie/ comm&$ x4 ,! mon>*s ( ! ,roman sect1 bl9d] ?an all o!rs1 _h an unb\nd$ confid5ce 9 ! cl]gy ( _! *ur* t g5]ally r5d]$ !m m]e tools ( t body4 ,?is sect1 by means ( furi\s intol]ation & atroci\s p]secutions1 became m num]\s ?an any o!r "o2 & _! turbul5t & cruel temp] has ju/ly r5d]$ !m odi\s to ! mo/ reasonable1 t is to say1 lea/ ,*ri/ian nations4 ,! ,romi% sy/em 01 9 fact1 inv5t$ to ?r[ all ! p[] into ! h&s ( ! cl]gy4 ,its prie/s h _h ! address to id5tify !mselves ) ,god4 ,_! cause 0 always 82 _! glory became ! glory ( ,god4 ,_! decisions 7 div9e oracles2 _! possessions app]ta9$ to ! k+dom ( heav54 ,_! pride1 av>ice1 & cruelty1 7 r5d]$ lawful1 because !y 7 nev] actuat$ by o!r motives ?an ! int]e/ ( _! heav5ly ma/]4 ,9 ?is sect1 ! prie/ saw 8 k+ at 8 feet1 humbly confess+ 8 s9s1 & besee*+ ! holy man t he might be reconcil$ to 8 ,god4 ,seldom 0 ! prie/ kn[n to r5d] 8 sacr$ m9i/ry subs]vi5t to ! good ( mank9d4 ,he ?\ght n ( reproa*+ mon>*s ) ! abuse ( _! p[]1 ! mis]y ( _! subjects1 & ! te>s ( ! oppress$4 ,too timid1 or too mu* ( a c\rti] to ?und] tru? 9 _! e>s1 he m5tion$ n to !m ! insupportable oppressions1 ! gall+ tyranny1 & useless w>s "u :i* _! subjects groan$4 ,b su* objects nev] int]e/ ! *ur*1 :i* might inde$ be ( "s utility1 if its influ5ce 7 ex]cis$ 9 bridl+ ! excesses ( sup]/iti\s tyrants4 ,! t]rors ( ! o!r _w w\ld n be unp>donable falsehoods1 c\ld !y make ! h]d ( wick$ k+s to tremble4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 has n be5 ! object ( ! m9i/]s ( religion4 ,!y nev] /ickl$ = ! int]e/ ( mank9d4 ,!y always burn$ inc5se at ! alt> ( tyranny1 look$ ^u its crimes ) indulg5ce1 & devis$ = !m easy means ( expiation4 ,tyrants 7 sure ( ! p>don & fav\r ( heav51 if !y ent]$ w>mly into ! qu>rels ( ! cl]gy4 ,?us1 among ! ,ca?olics1 prie/s gov]n$ k+s1 & consequ5tly all _! subjects4 ,sup]/ition & despotism =m$ an int]nal alliance1 & unit$ _! ef=ts1 to plunge mank9d into slav]y & wret*$ness4 ,prie/s fright5$ nations ) religi\s t]ror1 t !y might be prey$ ^u by _! sov]eigns at leisure2 &1 9 return1 ^? sov]eigns load$ ! prie/s ) opul5ce & p[]1 & und]took1 f "t to "t1 to ext]m9ate _! enemies4 ,:at %all we say ( ^? subtle g5iuses :i* ,*ri/ians call casui/s1 ^? pret5d$ morali/s :o h comput$ ! numb] ( s9s aga9/ ,god :i* a man c commit )\t risk+ 8 salvation8 ,^! m5 ( pr(\nd wisdom h enri*$ ,*ri/ian morality ) a ridicul\s t>if ( s9s2 !y "k precisely ! degree ( wra? :i* ea* excites 9 ! brea/ ( ! ,almighty4 ,true morality has b "o crit]ion = judg+ ! s9s ( man2 ! greate/ are ^? t injure society mo/4 ,! conduct :i* injures ourselves is imprud5t & unreasonable4 ,t :i* injures o!rs is unju/ & crim9al4 ,e ?+1 ev5 to idl5ess itself1 is rew>d$ 9 ,*ri/ian prie/s4 ,multitudes ( ^! drones are ma9ta9$ 9 ease & afflu5ce1 :ile1 in/ead ( s]v+ society1 !y only prey ^u x4 ,!y are paid ) pr(usion = useless pray]s :i* !y make ) neglig5ce4 ,& :ile monks & lazy prie/s1 ^? blood-suck]s ( society1 wall[ 9 an abundance %ameful to ! /ates by :om !y are tol]at$1 ! man ( tal5ts1 ! man ( sci5ce1 & ! brave soldi] are suff]$ to langui% 9 indig5ce1 & poorly exi/ on ! m]e necess>ies ( life4 ,9 a ^w1 ,*ri/ianity makes nations accomplices 9 all ! evils :i* are heap$ ^u !m by ! ,cl]gy4 ,nei!r ! uselessness ( _! pray]s demon/rat$ by ! exp]i5ce ( s _m ages1 ! bloody effects ( _! fatal controv]sies1 nor ev5 _! lic5ti\s excesses1 h yet be5 suffici5t to conv9ce mank9d h[ %amefully !y are dup$ by t infallible ,*ur*1 to ! exi/5ce ( :i*1 !y h _h ! simplicity to believe1 _! salvation4 ,,*ap4 ,,xvi4--,,conclusion4 ,all :i* has hi!rto be5 said1 demon/rates1 9 ! cle>e/ mann]1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion is contr>y to true policy1 & ! welf>e ( mank9d4 ,x c be advantage\s only to ignorant & vici\s pr9ces1 :o are desir\s to reign ov] slaves1 & :o1 9 ord] to /rip & tyrannize ov] !m ) impunity1 =m a league ) ! prie/hood1 ^: function x has ev] be5 to deceive 9 ! "n ( heav54 ,b su* imprud5t pr9ces %\ld rememb]1 t1 9 ord] to succe$ 9 _! projects1 !y mu/ !mselves become ! slaves ( ! prie/hood1 :o 7%\ld ! =m] fail 9 due submission1 or refuse to be subs]vi5t to _! passions7 w infallibly turn _! sacr$ arms aga9/ _! royal heads4 ,we h se51 above1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion is n1 on acc\nt ( its fanatic virtues1 bl9d zeal1 & pret5d$ p]fections1 ! less injuri\s to s\nd morality1 "r reason1 ! happ9ess ( individuals1 & dome/ic h>mony4 ,x is easy to p]ceive t a ,*ri/ian1 :o proposes to himself z a model1 a gloomy & suff]+ ,god1 mu/ take pa9s to afflict & r5d] himself wret*$4 ,if ?is _w be only a passage1 if ?is life be only a pilgrimage1 x mu/ be ridicul\s = a man to atta* himself to any ?+ "h bel[4 ,if 8 ,god be (f5d$ ) ei!r ! actions or op9ions ( 8 fell[-creatures1 he mu/ d e ?+ 9 8 p[] to puni% !m ) sev]ity1 or be want+ 9 zeal & affection to 8 ,god4 ,a good ,*ri/ian mu/ fly ! _w1 or become a torm5t to himself & o!rs4 ,^! reflections are suffici5t to answ] ^? :o pret5d t ! ,*ri/ian religion is ! f\ndation ( true policy & morality1 & t :]e x is n pr(ess$1 !re c be nei!r good m5 nor good citiz5s4 ,! conv]se ( ?is proposition is und\bt$ly mu* tru]2 = we may ass]t1 t a p]fect ,*ri/ian1 :o con=ms to all ! pr9ciples ( 8 religion1 :o fai?fully imitates ! div9e m5 propos$ to him z a model1 & practises _! au/]ities 9 solitude1 or c>ries _! fanatic en?usiasm & bigotry into society1 mu/ be ei!r useless to mank9d1 or a tr\blesome & dang]\s citiz54#a #a ,! cl]gy incessantly cry out aga9/ unbeliev]s & philosoph]s1 :om !y /yle dang]\s subjects4 ,yet1 if we op5 hi/ory1 we d n f9d t philosoph]s are ^? :o h embroil$ /ates & empires2 b t su* ev5ts' h g5]ally be5 produc$ by ! religi\s4 ,! ,dom9ican1 :o poison$ ! emp]or ,h5ry ,,xi4 ,james ,clem5t1 & ,ruvaillac1 7 n unbeliev]s4 ,!y 7 n philosoph]s1 b fanatic ,*ri/ians4 ,7 we to believe ! advocates ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 x w\ld appe>1 t no morality c exi/ :]e ?is religion is n e/abli%$4 ,yet we may p]ceive1 at a s+le glance1 t !re are virtues 9 e corn] ( ! e>?4 ,no political society c\ld exi/ )\t !m4 ,among ! ,*9ese1 ! ,indians1 & ! ,mahometans1 !re are1 und\bt$ly1 good citiz5s1 t5d] fa!rs1 affectionate husb&s1 & dutiful *ildr54 ,& good p !re1 z well z ) u1 w\ld be m num]\s1 if !y 7 gov]n$ by a wise policy1 :i*1 in/ead ( caus+ *ildr5 to be taught a s5seless religion1 %\ld give !m equitable laws1 tea* !m a pure morality uncontam9at$ ) fanaticism1 det] !m f vice by suitable puni%m5ts1 & invite !m to ! practice ( virtue by prop] rew>ds4 ,9 tru?1 x seems 7,i repeat x7 t religion has be5 inv5t$ to relieve gov]nm5ts f ! c>e ( be+ j1 & reign+ ov] equitable laws4 ,religion is ! art ( inspir+ mank9d ) an en?usiasm1 :i* is design$ to div]t _! att5tion f ! evils ) :i* !y are ov]:elm$ by ^? :o gov]n !m4 ,by means ( ! invisible p[]s ) :i* !y are ?reat5$1 !y are =c$ to suff] 9 sil5ce ! mis]ies ) :i* !y are afflict$ by visible ones4 ,!y are taught to hope t1 if !y cons5t to become mis]able 9 ?is _w1 !y w = t reason be happy 9 ! next4 ,?us religion has become ! mo/ p[]ful support ( a %ameful & iniquit\s policy1 :i* holds x necess>y to deceive mank9d1 t !y may ! m easily be gov]n$4 ,f> f enlight5$ & virtu\s gov]nm5ts be res\rces s base6 ,let !m le>n _! true int]e/s1 & "k t ^! _c be sep>at$ f t ( ! p4 ,let !m "k t no /ate c be truly pot5t1 except ! citiz5s :o compose x be c\rage\s1 active1 indu/ri\s1 virtu\s1 & atta*$ to _! gov]nm5t4 ,let gov]nm5ts "k1 t ! atta*m5t ( _! con/itu5ts c h no o!r f\ndation ?an ! happ9ess :i* ! =m] procures ! latt]4 ,if gov]nm5ts 7 p5etrat$ ) ^! important tru?s1 !y w\ld ne$ ! aid ( nei!r religion nor prie/s4 ,let !m be j & equitable---let !m be c>eful to rew>d tal5ts & virtue1 to disc\rage inutility & puni% vice1 & _! /ates w soon be fill$ ) wor?y & s5sible citiz5s1 :o w feel x _! own int]e/ to s]ve & def5d _! c\ntry1 & support ! gov]nm5t :i* is ! in/rum5t ( _! felicity4 ,!y w d _! duties1 )\t ! influ5ce ( revelation1 or my/]ies ( p>adise or hell4 ,morality w be prea*$ 9 va91 if x is n support$ by ! example ( influ5tial *>act]s4 ,x belongs to magi/rates to tea* morality1 by practis+ x1 by incit+ to virtue1 & repress+ vice 9 e =m4 ,_! p[] is weak5$ ! mom5t !y suff] a p[] to arise1 9 ! /ate1 ^: influ5ce is ex]t$ to r5d] morality subs]vi5t to sup]/ition & fanaticism4 ,9 /ates :]e education is entru/$ to a fanatic1 en?usia/ic cl]gy1 we f9d citiz5s ov]:elm$ ) sup]/ition1 & de/itute ( e virtue1 except a bl9d fai?1 a f]oci\s zeal1 a ridicul\s submission to pu]ile c]emonies1 &1 9 "o ^w1 fanta/ic notions1 :i* nev] r5d] !m bett] m54 ,not)/&+ ! happy influ5ces attribut$ to ! ,*ri/ian religion1 d we f9d m virtues 9 ^? :o pr(ess x1 ?an 9 ^? :o are /rang]s to x8 ,are ! m51 r$eem$ by ! blood ( ev5 a ,deity1 m hone/ ?an o!rs8 ,among ,*ri/ians1 impress$ ) _! religion1 "o w\ld imag9e we %\ld se>* 9 va9 = rap9e1 =nication1 adult]y1 & oppression4 ,among ! or?odox c\rti]s1 :o surr\nd ,*ri/ian ?rones1 d we see intrigues1 calumny1 or p]fidy8 ,among ! cl]gy1 :o ann\nce to o!rs su* r$\btable dogmas1 & su* t]rible *a/isem5ts1 d we f9d crimes t %un ! day1 & e species ( iniquity8 ,all ^! m5 are ,*ri/ians1 :o1 unbridl$ by _! religion1 cont9ually violate ! pla9e/ duties ( morality1 & kn[+ly (f5d a ,god1 :om !y are consci\s ( hav+ irritat$4 ,yet !y flatt] !mselves t !y %all be able1 by a t>dy rep5tance at dea?1 to appease t div9e ju/ice :i* !y h insult$ dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( _! lives4 ,9 ! mean "t1 we %all n d5y1 t ! ,*ri/ian religion sometimes proves a re/ra9t to timor\s m9ds1 :i* are incapable ( t fanaticism1 & de/itute ( t de/ructive en]gy1 :i* lead to ! commission ( great crimes4 ,b su* m9ds w\ld h be5 hone/ & h>mless )\t ?is re/ra9t4 ,! fe> ( r5d]+ !mselves odi\s to mank9d1 ( incurr+ contempt1 & los+ _! reputation1 w\ld h be5 a *a9 ( equal /r5g?1 on ! actions ( su* m54 ,^? :o are s bl9d z to tread ^! consid]ations "u foot1 w\ld nev] be det]r$ f x by ! m5aces ( religion4 ,e man1 :o has receiv$ a prop] education1 exp]i5ces )9 himself a pa9ful s5tim5t ( m+l$ %ame & fe>1 :5ev] he soils himself ) ! guilt ( a di%one/ action4 ,he ev5 condemns himself frequ5tly1 ) great] sev]ity ?an o!rs d4 ,he dreads1 & %uns ! eyes ( 8 fell[-creatures2 he ev5 wi%es to fly f himself4 ,?is is :at con/itutes remorse4 ,9 a ^w1 ,*ri/ianity puts no re/ra9t ^u ! passions ( mank9d1 :i* might n be m efficaci\sly appli$ to !m by reason1 education1 & s\nd morality4 ,if ! wick$ 7 sure ( be+ puni%$1 z (t5 z !y ?9k ( committ+ di%one/ actions1 !y w\ld be =c$ to desi/4 ,9 a society well con/itut$1 contempt w always foll[ vice1 & crimes w produce puni%m5t4 ,education1 guid$ only by ! good ( society1 ought ev] to tea* mank9d to e/eem !mselves1 to dread ! contempt ( o!rs1 & fe> infamy m ?an dea? itself4 ,b ?is k9d ( morality c nev] be consi/5t ) a religion :i* comm&s m5 to despise !mselves1 avoid ! e/eem ( o!rs1 & attempt to please only a ,god1 ^: conduct is inexplicable4 ,9 f9e1 if ! ,*ri/ian religion be1 z is pret5d$1 a re/ra9t to ! crimes ( m51 if x produces salut>y effects on "s individuals2 c ^! advantages1 s r>e1 s weak & d\btful1 be comp>$ ) ! evid5t & imm5se evils :i* ?is religion has produc$ on ! e>?8 ,c "s few trifl+ crimes prev5t$1 "s conv]sions useless to society1 "s /]ile & t>dy rep5tances1 ent] into ! balance aga9/ ! cont9ual diss5sions1 bloody w>s1 horrid massacres1 p]secutions1 & cruelties1 ( :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion has be5 a cont9ual cause & pretext8 ,= "o secret s9ful ?\ght suppress$ by x1 !re are ev5 :ole nations arm$ = reciprocal de/ruction2 ! he>ts ( millions ( fanatics are inflam$2 families & /ates are plung$ into confusion2 & ! e>? is b$ew$ ) te>s & blood4#a ,aft] ?is1 let common s5se decide ! magnitude ( ! advantages :i* mank9d d]ive2 f ! glad tid+s :i* ,*ri/ians pret5d to h receiv$ f _! ,god4 #a ,witness1 ev5 9 ?is enlight5$ age1 ! ,holy ,crusade aga9/ ,france1 = ! purpose ( re/or+ ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,_m hone/ p1 al?\gh n ignorant ( ! ills produc$ among mank9d by ?is religion1 nev]!less consid] x a necess>y evil1 & ?9k x dang]\s to attempt to uproot x4 ,mank9d1 say !y1 are naturally sup]/iti\s2 !y mu/ be amus$1 ) *im]as1 & become outrage\s :5 depriv$ ( !m4 ,b1 ,i answ]1 mank9d are sup]/iti\s only because1 9 infancy1 e ?+ contributes to r5d] !m s4 ,he is l$ to expect 8 happ9ess1 f1 *im]as1 because he is =bidd5 to seek = x f realities4 ,9 f9e1 x is = philosoph]s & = magi/rates to conduct mank9d back1 to reason4 ,! =m] w obta9 ! confid5ce & love ( ! latt]1 :5 !y endeav\r to promote ! public good4 ,undeceiv$ !mselves1 !y may undeceive o!rs by degrees4 ,gov]nm5ts w prev5t sup]/ition f do+ h>m1 :5 !y despise x & /& alo( f its ridicul\s disputes4 ,:5 !y tol]ate all sects1 & side ) none1 ^? sects1 aft] qu>rell+ a:ile1 w drop _! masks1 & become contemptible ev5 to !mselves4 ,sup]/ition falls b5ea? its own weight :51 fre$om ( consci5ce be+ re/or$ to mank9d1 reason is at lib]ty to attack _! follies4 ,true tol]ation & fre$om ( ?\ght are ! mo/ prop] in/rum5ts = ! de/ruction ( religi\s fanaticism4 ,impo/ure is 9 nature timid1 & :5 %e f9ds h]self confront$ ) tru?1 h] arms fall f h] h&s4 ,if a crim9al & undisc]n+ policy has1 hi!rto1 9 almo/ all p>ts ( ! e>?1 _h rec\rse to ! aid ( religion1 to enslave mank9d & r5d] !m mis]able1 let a virtu\s & m enlight5$ policy h]eaft] de/roy x by little & little to r5d] !m happy4 ,if education has hi!rto =m$ en?usia/s & fanatics1 let x be h]eaft] calculat$ to =m good citiz5s4 ,if a morality f\nd$ on miracles1 & look+ to futurity1 has be5 unable to re/ra9 ! passions ( mank9d1 let a morality e/abli%$ ^u _! pres5t & real wants demon/rate t1 9 a well con/itut$ society1 happ9ess is always ! rew>d ( virtue3 %ame1 contempt1 & puni%m5t ! companions ( vice1 & ! wages ( s94 ,if error be an evil1 to x let tru? be oppos$4 ,if en?usiasm produce disord]s 9 society1 let x be suppress$4 ,let u leave to ,asia a religion begott5 by ! ard5t imag9ations ( ! ori5tals4 ,let our mild] climates be m reasonable1 m free1 & m happy4 ,let u make !m ! resid5ce ( hone/y1 activity1 indu/ry1 social affections1 & exalt$ m9ds4 ,may n reason be p]mitt$ to hope1 t %e %all "o day re-assume ! p[] s long usurp$ f h] by error1 illusion1 & deceit8 ,:5 w nations r5\nce *im]ical hopes1 to contemplate _! true int]e/s8 ,w !y nev] %ake (f ! yokes ( ^? hypocritical tyrants1 :o are int]e/$ only 9 ! errors ( mank9d8 ,let u hope x4 ,tru? mu/ at la/ triumph ov] falsehood4--,mank9d1 fatigu$ ) _! own cr$ulity1 w return to h] arms4--,reason w break _! *a9s--,reason1 :i* 0 creat$ to reign1 ) undivid$ empire1 ov] all intellig5t be+s4 ,,am54