,,lett]  ,,to ,,sir ,,samuel ,,%eph]d1  
,,knt4 ,,8 ,,maje/y',s                  
,,attorney-,,g5]al  ,,^u ,,! ,,subject  
,,( ,,8 ,,prosecutions ,,( ,,ri*>d      
,,c>lile1  ,,= ,,publi%+ ,,pa9e',s ,,age
 ,,( ,,reason4   ,,london4  ,,pr9t$ ,,& 
,,publi%$ ,,by ,r4 ,,c>lile1 #ee1       
,,fleet ,,/reet4     ,,lett]1  ,sir1  ,z
 y h comm5c$ ! prosecution ( ,c>lile1 a 
pr9t]1 = publi%+ an edition ( ,pa9e's   
,age ( ,reason1 9 conjunction ) !       
self-/yl$ ,society = ! ,suppression (   
,vice1 ,i take ! lib]ty to submit to y\r
 consid]ation a few rem>ks1 ^u ! nature 
& t5d5cy ( ?is purpos$ suit4 ,s9ce      
prosecutions ( ?is k9d are n novel1 & z 
x may be fairly conjectur$ t y w foll[ !
 ord9>y r\t9e ( m5 9 y\r (fice 9 ^!     
causes1 & moreov] z ! accus$ w be       
subject$ to ! usual disadvantage ( meet+
 ?ree plead+s to ! "o :i* w be all[$    
him1 besides ! probable int]ruptions f !
 ,judge on ! b5*1 ,i ?9k x ne$ful &     
reasonable to anticipate & meet be=eh&  
^? hackni$ argum5ts1 :i* x seems to me  

mo/ probable t y w advance 9 ! c\rt on !
 days ( trial4  ,t ! accus] %\ld be     
p]mitt$ to plead ?ree times to ! once ) 
:i* ! accus$ is b imp]fectly indulg$1   
?\gh x may be law1 is mo/ flagrant      
inju/ice4 ,b1 p]haps1 y may n be q      
satisfi$ ) my ari?metic1 & may ask me1  
h[ ,i make out my ?ree plead+s to "o4 ,x
 7 mu* to ! hon\r ( ?is c\ntry1 & its   
laws1 if ,i %\ld be mi/ak5 9 my         
calculation1 b ,i fe> to be put to !    
blu% z an ,engli%man1 7if y s]jeants at 
law are n17 by my computation1 be+ f\nd 
to be b too true4  ,9 ! fir/ place1 y   
op5 ! case4 ,?is y d n reckon plead+3 b 
z y are all[$ to say :atev] y ?9k prop]1
 x becomes z truly a plead+ 9 reality z 
y\r latt] spee*1 :i* alone y call by t  
"n4 ,! second is :at is /yl$ s on bo?   
sides4 ,& ?is w\ld be inju/ice1 if ,i   
/opp$ "h2 b hav+ engag$ to reckon up    
?ree plead+s1 ,i fix ^u ! mo/ unfit     
p]son t c\ld be nam$2 t is1 my ,"l      
,judge1 to plead on ! ?ird occasion4    
,?is spee* ( ! ,judge1 y cr[n-lawy]s t]m

 summ+ up ! evid5ce2 b ,i believe y c   
nev] adduce "o solit>y in/ance 9 a cr[n 
prosecution1 9 :i* ! ,judge has n act$  
completely ! "p ( a reta9$ c\nsel = !   
cr[n4  ,t my ,"l ,judge %\ld be unable  
to dive/ himself ( ! habit ( plead+ z an
 advocate1 s9ce he has =m]ly foll[$ t   
employm5t1 ?\gh f> f equitable or       
decor\s1 is /ill v natural1 l z !       
mail-coa* horse :i* has a=etime be5 a   
hunt]1       ,:5 h\nds & horns ! =e/    
r5d1  pricks up 8 e>s1 & longs to jo9 9 
! pursuit4 ,b ! ,judge also dis*>ges a  
/ill m exceptionable (fice1 t (         
int]rupt] on ! "p ( ! cr[n4  ,he is apt 
to lug 9 8 obs]vation1 t :at ! accus$ is
 say+ 9 8 own def5ce is irrelevant to ! 
"q2 ?\gh a man's p5etration mu/ be      
a/oni%+ :o c det]m9e be=eh& t any       
p>ticul> s5t5ce utt]$ %all n1 by a      
concat5ation ( argum5t1 be br\ght to be>
 =cibly ^u ! po9t 9 "q4  ,if ! accus$   
adduces in/ances ( opposite decisions 9 
simil> proce$+ suits1 ) a view to po9t  
out an inconsi/5cy1 ! ,judge w exclaim1 

,t is n ! cause be=e u2 ?\gh h[ 9 ! _w c
 inconsi/5cy be %ewn )\t br++ =w>d m ?an
 "o p>ticul>8  ,^! ill-tim$             
int]ruptions1 by break+ ! ?read (       
connection ( ! def5ce ( ! accus$1 mu/ s 
maul x1 & put x out ( %ape1 t ! jury    
become unable to make ei!r head or tail 
( x1 ev5 ?\gh x %\ld h be5 previ\sly    
drawn up ) good judgem5t1 & conta9 !    
s\nde/ reason+s4  ,9 trials = all$g$    
blasphemy1 if ! accus$ compla9s t a     
g>bl$ extract made f 8 book does n      
convey its true s5se1 & wi%es to read x 
at l>ge1 ! c\rt object1 & cry out1 t !  
book is too bad to be read 9 t place1 & 
t x w poison ! e>s ( ! audi5ce4  ,if !  
accus$ desires t ! ,bible may be ref]r$ 
to1 9 pro( ( its contradictions or      
blameable passages1 ! c\rt bawls al\d t 
x is too good a book to be produc$ be=e 
! pr(ane4 ,if ref]5ce be ?us object$ to1
 by :at means1 !n1 %all ! tru? be br\ght
 to light8  ,& n[1 ,mr4                 
,attorney-,g5]al1 let u proce$ to y\r   
own probable allegations & argum5ts 9   

c\rt 9 ?is p>ticul> cause2 & ,i w       
suppose y to say to ! g5tlem5 ( ! jury1 
t y h be5 urg$ by ! repres5tations ( a  
respectable body ( m51 ! ,society = !   
,suppression ( ,vice1 to prosecute ,r4  
,c>lile1 :om y h discov]$ & prov$ be=e !
 c\rt to h gone vi et armis1 by viol5ce 
& ) weapons ( w>1 & n hav+ ! fe> ( ,god 
be=e 8 eyes1 to h publi%$ a blasphem\s  
libel1 ! ,age ( ,reason1 by ,?omas      
,pa9e1 :i* libel _h be5 previ\sly       
condemn$ by a ,jury1 & burnt by ! common
 hangman4 ,t ! wick$ t5d5cy ( ?is libel 
0 to induce a g5]al disbelief ( y\r & _!
 mo/ holy religion1 t pure1 pacific1 &  
b5evol5t sy/em1 :i*1 hav+ emanat$ f !   
,deity1 is1 to its adh]5ts1 ! basis ( _!
 com=ts 9 ?is life1 _! solace 9 ! h\rs (
 affliction1 sickness1 & dea?1 _! moral 
in/ruction 9 ?is _w1 & _! providitor (  
ev]la/+ happ9ess 9 a _w to come2 t      
libels ( ?is impi\s description 7 ) a   
malignant zeal ?r[n 9 ! way ( ! "y &    
inexp]i5c$1 too undisc]n+ to detect _!  
sophi/ry1 or suspect ! poison conta9$ 9 

!m1 & too ignorant yet ( ! _w to be on  
_! gu>d aga9/ ! practices ( bad m53 t   
irreligion &2 immorality are necess>ily 
connect$2 & t ! propagators ( infidelity
 are actuat$ by a malice too virul5t to 
be attribut$ to m]e human passion1 & =  
:i* a motive & /imulus w\ld be 9 va9    
s\ght =1 unless x be assign$ to !       
in/igators ( ! great enemy ( mank9d1 !  
,devil4 ,! jury w be conjur$1 z !y value
 ! pres]vation ( good morals1 ! peace & 
good ord] ( society1 bo? individual &   
public welf>e1 ! happ9ess ( _!          
fell[-subjects bo? 9 ?is _w & 9 a future
 life1 to arre/ ! fatal poison 9 its    
progress1 & give a v]dict ( conviction &
 condemnation aga9/ ! accus$4  ,b1 ,mr4 
,attorney ,g5]al1 y w\ld n take %9+     
p9*beck c\nt]s in/ead ( sov]eigns = a   
fee1 ) z little close exam9ation z y w  
wi% ! jury to admit ! weight & validity 
( y\r argum5ts1 & ! accuracy ( y\r      
ass]tions4  ,! impos+ "n assum$ by !    
,society :o are ! o/5sible mov]s ( !    
prosecution1 might1 at ! fir/ glance1   

seem suffici5t to c>ry all be=e x1 & to 
dispat* ! bus9ess at "o bl[4 ,= :at c\ld
 su* a ,society direct _! ef=ts1 aga9/ b
 vice8 ,h[ev]1 m5 are n to be judg$ ( by
 ! titles !y *oose to give to !mselves1 
)\t "s scrut9y be+ made into _! conduct4
 ,?is self /yl$ ,society = !            
,suppression ( ,vice1 exhibit !mselves  
to u z ! foes to free inquiry1 & /ifl+ !
 argum5ts on "o side ( a "q4 ,9 va9 w !y
 excuse !mselves z prev5t+ ! poison\s   
effects ( reason+s on ! wrong side2 = to
 decide 9 t way :i* side is wrong is a  
petitio propositi1 a begg+ ( ! "q4 ,real
 tru? is be/ e/abli%$ by ! free         
production ( ! argum5ts on bo? sides2 = 
!reby suspicion ( unfairness is re mov$4
 ,s _m absurdities att5d ^u error &     
falsehood1 t tru? has a v prepond]at+   
advantage aga9/ !m1 :]e enquiry is left 
free4 ,! argum5ts !n adduc$ on ! wrong  
side ( a "q1 are n s noxi\s & poison\s z
 dis+5u\s m5 wi% to ins9uate4 ,! tru?   
abhors to be indebt$ to suppression (   
argum5t1 f t x nev] c d]ive advantage2  

!re=e x is only resort$ to by ! p>ty :o 
are 9 ! wrong4 ,?is endeav\r to suppress
 argum5t implies dis+5u\sness1 & ?is la/
 nam$ quality is always at v>iance )    
real tru?4 ,error may be design$1 b     
dis+5u\sness nev] c be2 &1 !re=e1 :5    
accompani$ ) viol5ce1 x is always       
crim9al4 ,dis95u\sness1 z f> z x ext5ds1
 _c consi/ ) ! love ( tru?1 b error may4
 ,n[ z ! love ( tru? is ! basis ( all   
real morality1 ?is dis+5u\s self-/yl$   
,society = ! ,suppression ( ,vice1 are1 
!re=e1 detect$ to be a ,society = !     
,suppression ( ,virtue4  ,i w /ill      
suppose y to proce$ 9 ! beat51 track (  
y\r pr$ecessors 9 (fice1 & omitt+ to    
reply to ! te*nicality vi et armis1 on  
:i*1 ,i imag9e1 y lay no /ress1 ,i take 
! lib]ty to "q ! propriety ( ! accu/om$ 
phrase1 n hav+ ! fe> ( ,god be=e 8 eyes4
 ,y w admit1 ,mr4 ,attorney-,g5]al1 t to
 =ge ! ,great ,seal ( ,engl& w\ld be a  
crim9al deception1 & also1 t to exam9e  
:e!r x 0 =g$ or n1 or to /ate reasons = 
believ+ x to h be5 =g$1 w\ld be         

all[able4 ,n[1 z ! au?ority ( ! ,creator
 is a high] "o ?an ! ,briti% ,gov]nm5t1 
s to =ge a revelation f him w\ld be a m 
crim9al impo/ure ?an ! =m] "o2 & a rigid
 exam9ation & scrut9y into its tru? or  
falsehood1 & all d\bts & rational       
exceptions aga9/ a suppos$ revelation1  
w\ld always be innoc5t1 & might         
sometimes be laudable4 ,!re=e1 z ,pa9e's
 ,age ( ,reason is an objection aga9/ ! 
tru? ( ! suppos$ revelations ( ,moses & 
,jesus1 ! conduct ( ,r4 ,c>lile 9       
publi%+ x mu/ be innoc5t1 at lea/1 if n 
m]itori\s1 & !re=e w\ld consi/ well ) a 
pi\s v5]ation t[>ds ! ,supreme ,be+2 &  
?is invalidates y\r ass]tion4  ,:i*     
libel _h be5 condemn$ by ! legislature4 
,b z ! legislature is compos$ ( fallible
 m51 _! sanction does n prove ! tru? &  
validity ( ,jesus's pret5sions2 & z !   
conduct ( ! legislature 9 sanction+ ?is 
revelation might be direct$ & influ5c$  
by political motives1 _! sanction is an 
argum5t r aga9/ ?an 9 fav\r ( its tru?4 
,& burnt by ! common hangman4 ,jean     

,jaques ,r\sseau says1 & s mu/ e        
reasonable man1 ,brul] un livre n'e/ pas
 y repondre1 ,burn+ a book is n answ]+  
x4  ,! wick$ t5d5cy ( ?is libel 0 to    
induce a g5]al disbelief ( y\r & _! mo/ 
holy religion4 ,! tru? c only be        
asc]ta9$ by leav+ inquiry free1 t       
argum5ts on bo?1 sides ( a "q may be    
br\ght =w>d1 9 ord] t x may be se5 on   
:i* side ! prepond]ance lies4 ,!re=e1 ! 
same objection w\ld hold good aga9/     
produc+ ! argum5ts on ! wrong side ( any
 o!r "q1 z well z ?is be=e u n[2 ?is    
w\ld militate aga9/ tru? 9 g5]al1 & is1 
( c\rse1 absurd4 ,besides1 z ! ,dei/s h 
made ! (f] to argue ) ,jesus's foll[]s  
^u ! tru? or falsehood ( ,jesus's       
pret5sions ^u fair & equal t]ms1 :i* (f]
 ,jesus's foll[]s h ?\ght prop] to      
div9e1 !re=e1 to use a figure borr[$ f  
pugili/ic combats1 ! ,dei/s ?r[ up ! hat
 & claim ! victory4  ,t pure1 pacific1 &
 b5evol5t sy/em1 :i* hav+ emanat$ f !   
,deity4 ,b ! ,dei/s (f] to br+ argum5ts 
to disprove ! purity1 peaceabl5ess1 &   

b5evol5ce ( ,jesus's sy/em1 & likewise  
its orig9 f ! ,supreme ,be+2 & y\r laws 
h9d] ^? argum5ts f appe>+4 ,n[1 ?is     
endeav\r ( y\rs to suppress is          
concealm5t4 ,& if !re is no?+ crim9al 9 
?is sy/em ( ,jesus1 :at c\ld y h to     
conceal8 ,! ,dei/s d n endeav\r to      
conceal any ?+1 x is ! hid+1 hu%+1      
conceal+ p>ty :i* are ! guilty2 :]e     
morality is conc]n$ concealm5t implies  
guilt4 ,if ! ,dei/s v5ture to br+ =w>d  
demon/rations f ! f\r ,gospels aga9/ !  
p]sonal moral "* ( ,jesus1 y call t     
blasphemy4 ,b recollect1 t :5 ! ,dei/s  
make y ! (f] to discuss ! moral "* & !  
pret5sions ( ,jesus to a mission f !    
,almighty ^u hon\rable & fair t]ms1 & y 
*oose to decl9e ?is equitable proposal1 
! *>ge ( blasphemy falls ^u y\rselves2  
y\r sneak+ evasion & concealm5t cause ! 
*>ge ( blasphemy to be br\ght home aga9/
 y1 & y /& convict$ y\rselves z !       
blasphem]s4  ,is to its adh]5ts ! basis 
( _! com=ts 9 ?is life4 ,obs]ve1 t ^? v 
m5 :o lay heavy taxation ^u ?is c\ntry1 

&1 :at 0 unkn[n to ,pagan times1 entail 
^? taxes ^u unborn *ildr51 ^? m5 are    
among ! mo/ zeal\s ass]t]s ( ,jesus's   
pret5sions1 & employ ,jesus's prie/s z  
dilig5t advocates = ! imposition (      
public burd5s on ! l&1 & sundry abuses4 
,s t ! bulk ( ! p ( ?is c\ntry are n mu*
 indebt$ to ,jesus's sy/em = temporal   
com=ts4 ,nay1 x r deprives !m ( _m      
com=ts1 & ev5 necess>ies 9 ?is life4 ,we
 h su* m5 at pres5t 9 (fice1 ( greate/  
p[] & tru/1 :o are ( su* pr9ciples t !y 
w\ld c\nt5ance & patronize no religion b
 :at suit$ _! purpose1 & promot$ _!     
tyranny & oppressive objects & designs4 
,!re=e1 we may see :at ,jesus's religion
 is by its suit+ !m s well4  ,_! solace 
9 ! h\rs ( affliction1 sickness1 & dea?4
 ,jesus's religion has caus$ !          
affliction & dea? ( f> m p ?an x has    
solac$ on su* occasions4  ,_! moral     
in/ructor 9 ?is _w4 ,! real moral t5d5cy
 ( ,jesus's sy/em is "o ( ! po9ts at    
issue betwe5 8 foll[]s & ! ,dei/s2 !re=e
 t position is n to be assum$ z x has n 

be5 fairly prov$4 ,! effect ( ,jesus's  
religion may h be5 to repress "s vices 9
 ! _w1 b x has greatly increas$ o!rs4   
,:5 ! ,pagan ,romans possess$ ,brita91  
!re 0 n z mu* g91 br&y1 & :iskey drank  
"h z !re is n[4 ,nay1 ! ,pagan ,romans  
us$ to mix wat] ) _! w9e mo/ usually4   
,unpaid ,bank notes 7 unkn[n to !m2 &   
?us millions ( inhabitants 7 n employ$ 9
 circulat+ among !mselves falsehood &   
fraud1 :i* horrid practice among u r5d]s
 ^? two la/ crimes famili> to ! view1 & 
abates ! abhorr5ce ( !m4 ,inde$1 p]jury 
0 evid5tly n ne> s frequ5t among !      
,pagan ,romans z x is n[ t ,jesus's     
sy/em has prevail$2 ?is fact we c cle>ly
 inf] f :at rema9s to u ( ,greek &      
,roman writ]s4 ,! unnatural tax on      
unborn *ildr5 0 totally unkn[n to ^?    
anci5ts3 s t ,jesus's morality has n    
done u mu* good4  ,& _! providitor (    
ev]la/+ happ9ess 9 a _w to come4 ,!re   
are "s drawbacks 9 ?is _w1 at any rate1 
if we reckon ! ,sunday's weekly gloom1 &
 ! ty!s on all l&$ prop]ty4 ,:e!r ?is   

future happ9ess be atta9$ to at la/ or n
 by ,jesus's foll[]s1 x is a long1 a v  
melan*oly road1 h[ev]1 t !y g to x4 ,& z
 a t5? levi$ on all l&$ produce & o!r   
*ur* dues are pretty l>ge1 paym5t 9     
advance = an inh]itance 9 an unse5      
c\ntry1 :i* no man liv+ has visit$1 x   
seems unreasonable = ! law to h9d] a    
scrut9y & exam9ation into ! validity ( !
 title-de$s4 ,besides1 z ! l& is rat$   
heavi] ?an o!r prop]ty1 ! paym5t falls v
 unequally on ! hold]s ( %>es 9 ?is     
,t]ra ,incognita4  ,libels ( ?is impi\s 
description are zeal\sly ?r[n 9 ! way ( 
! "y & inexp]i5c$4 ,?is practis+ ^u !   
m9ds ( ! "y & inexp]i5c$1 if x be       
culpable1 is n s *>geable ^u ! ,dei/s z 
^u ,jesus's prie/s4 ,! dei/ical writ+s  
are argum5tative1 & !re=e _c be read by 
! "y till !y are almo/ gr[n up1 & !     
judgem5t is always appeal$ to by !      
,dei/s2 nei!r d !y disc\rage !          
exam9ation ( ! o!r side ( ! "q1 z       
,jesus's foll[]s usually d4 ,on ! o!r   
h&1 ,jesus's prie/s burd5 ! memory (    

*ildr51 n sev5 ye>s old1 ) cre$s &      
cate*isms2 besides1 !y lab\r to         
prejudice ! "y 9 fav\r ( ,jesus's sy/em1
 & to disc\rage all fair inquiry into   
:at conc]ns its tru?2 a conduct :i* !   
,dei/s w\ld abhor to pursue 9 fav\r (   
deism4 ,moreov]1 ! cate*isms & o!r      
ma*9ations ( ,jesus's prie/s are        
calculat$ to impair ! disc]n+ faculty ( 
! "y1 & to blunt its acum54  ,let u     
exam9e ! beg9n+ ( ! *ur* ( ,engl&       
cate*ism z an example4 ,q4 ,:o gave y t 
"n8--,a4 ,my godfa!rs & godmo!rs 9 my   
baptism1 :]e9 ,i 0 made a memb] ( ,*ri/1
 c4 ,h[ %\ld a *ild at sev5 ye>s        
compreh5d ! mean+ ( a memb]%ip ) an     
unse5 metaphysical be+8 ,?is beg9n+ )   
*ildr5 on subjects beyond _!            
compreh5sion is play+ tricks ) _!       
und]/&+4  ,q4 ,:at did y\r godfa!rs1 c4 
!n = y8  ,a4 ,!y did promise & v[ ?ree  
?+s 9 my "n3 fir/1 t ,i %\ld r5\nce !   
devil & all 8 works4 ,x is a mon/r\s    
proposition to in/il into a *ild's m9d t
 "o p]son c\ld swe> to ! c]ta9ty (      

ano!r's conduct4 ,surely ^! prie/ly     
tricks mu/ be meant to incapacitate ^!  
"y *ildr5 ?r\gh\t life f ?9k+ ev]       
acutely on religi\s subjects4 ,& :at    
idea c\ld a *ild h ( ! devil's works8 ,(
 ! devil himself !y might =m "s notion f
 ! picture ( him1 & might       ,dream (
 ! devil1 & wake 9 a fright4  ,!        
processions i4 e4 pomps & empty ?+s (   
?is wick$ _w4 ,w\ld any pi\s man swe> t 
a *ild %\ld n be fond ( processions1    
pomps1 & spl5did %[s8 ,nei!r c\ld a *ild
 di/+ui% empty ?+s or vanities ( ! _w4  
,x is unavail+ = ,jesus's prie/s to say 
t at any age ( maturity ^! di/9ctions w 
be compreh5d$1 = !y h tak5 c>e be=e h&1 
z f> z !y c\ld1 to injure & debilitate !
 disc]n+ faculty3 & if !y %\ld aft]w>ds 
di/+ui% vanities1 !y w\ld /ill be less  
able to exam9e religi\s tru?s2 & to     
place imp$im5ts 9 ! way ( ?is la/1 is ! 
prie/'s object4 ,secondly1 t ,i %\ld    
believe all ! articles ( ! ,*ri/ian     
fai?4 ,h[ c "o p]son swe>1 to :at ano!r 
%all believe8 & :at a notion ?is swe>+  

mu/ give to "y m9ds ( ! rev]5ce due to  
an oa?6 ,descant1 ,mr4 ,attorney-,g5]al1
 z y ?9k prop] ^u ! good moral t5d5cy ( 
! religion z by law e/abli%$1 b y w f9d 
x v difficult to prove y\r ass]tions 9  
its fav\r1 :5ev] y may please to advance
 !m4 ,! oa? ext5ds s f> z t ! *ild %all 
believe n "o article only b all !       
articles ( ,jesus's religion1 & t )\t   
ev5 compreh5d+ !m all1 = "s1 z t ( !    
,tr9ity1 are q un9telligible2 & "s ( ^! 
articles conta9 o!r articles s z to     
embrace ! :ole volume ( ! ,bible1 all & 
s+ul> e passage ( x4  ,& ?irdly1 t ,i   
%\ld keep ,god's holy w & comm&m5ts4 ,!n
 !y mu/ swe> t ! boy %all nev] be a     
godfa!r4  ,all ?is is done to impair !  
intellect1 & acc\nts1 9 "p1 = ! extreme 
ob/9acy & prejudice ( ,jesus's foll[]s4 
,somebody mu/ h sworn1 ,mr4 ,attorney   
,g5]al1 t y %\ld nev] be an             
,attorney-,g5]al2 = ?is ex]cise ( y\r   
(fice h]e9 describ$1 is n compatible )  
mu* scrupulosity4 ,z = its be+ said t ! 
*ild aft]w>ds takes ! oa? ^u itself1    

oa?s _c be s transf]r$2 !re=e t plea is 
futile4 ,no description ( p1 besides    
,jesus's foll[]s1 ev] admitt$ !         
execrable pr9ciple ( ! transf] ( an oa?4
 ,9 fact1 if ! godfa!rs _h sworn t ! boy
 %\ld turn out a pickle1 aft] all ! re/ 
( prie/ly managem5t1 !y w\ld h /ood a   
pretty good *ance ( hav+ no?+ fall ^u _!
 consci5ce f t qu>t]4  ,jesus's prie/s  
are apt to injure ! intellect ( "y p by 
tell+ !m1 t if !y d n believe ,jesus's  
religion !y w be damn$ to et]nal        
puni%m5ts4 ,n[ z 9 all natural belief1  
:5 ! intellect is s\nd & heal?y1 ! m9d  
is always passive 9 ! act ( giv+ its    
ass5t to any proposition1 ?is trick (   
,jesus's prie/s di/urbs1 impairs1 &     
disord]s ! und]/&+2 & by ?is means also 
p are r5d]$ incapable1 ?r\gh\t life1 to 
reason & inquire ) p5etration1          
disc]nm5t1 & imp>tiality on religi\s    
subjects4 ,! natural belief ( a s\nd m9d
 is n det]m9$ by ! w4 ,if m5 c\ld1 9 all
 cases1 believe :atev] !y pleas$1 _!    
m9ds w\ld be a complete *aos2 yet h     

,jesus's prie/s1 9 all ages s9ce ! days 
( ! f\nd] ( _! religion1 (f]$ ?is       
viol5ce to ! human intellect4 ,?us1 ,i  
?9k1 t ,i h %ewn y1 ,mr4                
,attorney-,g5]al1 t ! "y & inexp]i5c$   
are n m 9 dang] ( imbib+ absurd notions 
& deprav$ pr9ciples f ! ,dei/s ?an f    
,jesus's prie/s4  ,i n[ proce$ to exam9e
 a suppos$ ass]tion1 rife en\gh among ^?
 ( y\r side ( ! "q t infidelity &       
immorality are necess>ily connect$4 ,t !
 ,dei/s & o!r unbeliev]s are m immoral  
?an ,jesus's foll[]s1 is m ?an c be     
prov$4 ,& :5 we consid] t ,jesus's      
religion is always tak5 up z a          
prejudice1 & is ma9ta9$ 9 ! _w by       
viol5ce1 & by a p]t9aci\s det]m9ation ( 
,jesus's adh]5ts to he> ! reasons only  
on "o side ( ! "q1 t side :i* is        
fav\rable to 8 pret5sions1 a proc$ure   
:i* is utt]ly repugnant to ! love (     
tru?1 ! mo/ probable conjecture is1 t ! 
unbeliev]s %\ld be1 ^u ! :ole1 ! m moral
 p>ty4 ,b x mu/ be all[$ to be a        
difficult matt] to det]m9e su* a "q z t 

to any ?+ l c]ta9ty4 ,until x be        
det]m9$1 h[ev]1 y h no "r to make !     
ass]tion allud$ to4  ,:5 y declaim ^u ! 
too great preval5ce ( infidelity1 y     
speak a language :i* implies ! insane & 
mon/r\s notion t natural belief is      
dep5d5t ^u ! w2 :]eas x is ! kn[n &     
sugge/$ reasons :i* always naturally    
det]m9e ! ass5t4 ,a man is no m culpable
 m]ely = :at he believes1 ?an he is =   
discov]+ by ! ta/e t sug> is sweet &    
aloes bitt]4 ,y\r slang :5 y speak (    
infidelity & belief1 z virtues or vices1
 repreh5sible or laudable1 w\ld be q    
un9telligible to u1 if we 7 n already   
acqua9t$ ) ! tricks & ma*9ations (      
prie/s to create prejudice1 or fright5 p
 into an ass5t to po9ts1 :i* !y d>e n   
tru/ & submit to ! te/ ( fair inquiry4  
,if ! ,creator 7 to require an ass5t )\t
 a suffici5t reason to det]m9e x1 he    
w\ld dem& :at is contr>y to ! /ructure (
 ! human m9d1 :i* 0 =m$ by himself3 ?us 
he w\ld disord] 8 own "w1 :i* is a ?+   
incr$ible4 ,if he has sugge/$ reasons   

:i* w\ld n h be5 o!rwise ?\ght (1 let   
,jesus's prie/s produce !m1 & let !m be 
exam9$4 ,!n ! prosecutions ( ,dei/s w\ld
 be sup]flu\s1 = !y w\ld be =c$ to3     
believe :5 ! reasons 7 f\nd cog5t en\gh4
 ,b no su* reasons h be5 hi!rto produc$3
 reason or no reason1 ! ass5t is /ill   
requir$4 ,& h[ %all su* an ass5t )\t    
reasons suffici5t be di/+ui%$ f :at is  
univ]sally all[$1 by physicians & all   
o!rs1 to be insanity & m5tal d]angem5t8 
,t ! propagators ( infidelity are       
in/igat$ by ! ,devil4 ,?is ass]tion1 v  
usual f m5 9 y\r (fice1 ,mr4            
,attorney-,g5]al1 y are unable to prove4
 ,& h]eby y rem9d u1 t ,jesus's foll[]s 
univ]sally admit ! v absurd notion ( two
 pr9ciples 9 ! univ]se1 a good & a bad  
"o4  ,i "k t ! mod]ns be+ a%am$ ( x1 wi%
 to abrogate x1 & to ?r[ x (f f !mselves
 ^u ! e>ly h]etics4 ,b we %all n all[ y 
to escape t way4 ,if y advance any      
pr9ciple1 y mu/ admit all ! consequ5ces 
:i* necess>ily fl[ f x2 & we w n suff]  
y\r evasions 9 ?is p>ticul>4 ,:5 press$ 

h>d1 y foll[]s ( ,jesus want to pass (f 
! ,devil ^u u = a m]e angel1 & tell u ( 
8 w> 9 ,heav51 & t he 0 ca/ out ^u !    
e>?4 ,?is w n d1 we %all n all[ y ?is   
subt]fuge1 = 9 o!r places y\r receiv$   
canon ( ,scripture ma9ta9s ! ubiquity ( 
! ,devil2 ?is extravagant notion ) :i*  
we *>ge y1 we %all br+ home to y4 ,9 #b 
,cor4 *ap4 iv4 v]4 #d1 y h1 ,9 :om !    
,god ( ?is _w ha? bl9d$ ! eyes ( !m t   
believe n4 imply+1 t ! ,devil1 i4 e4 !  
,god ( ?is _w1 is pres5t 9 all          
unbeliev]s4 ,?is is /ill fur!r confirm$ 
by #a ,john *ap4 v4 v]4 #ai1 ,! :ole _w 
lie? 9 ! wick$ "o1 i4e4 ! ,devil4 ,i "k 
t x is translat$1 lie? 9 wick$ness4 ,b  
?is is a sneak+ evasion ( ,jesus's      
foll[]s1 :o are a%am$ ( ! notion ( ! two
 pr9ciples4 ,t is an extraord9>y vici\s 
translation ( ! passage4 ,a man :o kn[s 
! lea/ ( ,greek at all mu/ be s5sible t 
! passage w only admit ( ! r5d]+ :i* ,i 
h "h1 & o!rs h be=e me1 giv5 to x4 ,!   
,devil is said by ,jesus's foll[]s to   
p]vade ! :ole unbeliev+ _w4 ,if y       

compla91 ,mr4 ,attorney-,g5]al1 t ?is is
 press+ a lawy] too f> on a !ological   
"q1 ,i %all lay ! blame on y1 & ^? :o h 
held y\r (fice1 = />t+ ?is p>ticul>     
subject2 & :5ev] an ,attorney-,g5]al    
advances a position he takes ! risks    
att5d+ x4 ,! /ory ( ! ,devil's fall f   
,heav5 9 ,revelations1 *ap4 xii4 may    
e/abli% & %[ an inconsi/5cy 9 ,jesus's  
religion1 b x does n get y nor 8 foll[]s
 cle> ( ! silly notion ( ! two          
pr9ciples1 :5 y\r canon ( ,scripture has
 once advanc$ :at cle>ly implies t      
gr\ndless notion4  ,! jury are conjur$4 
,s9ce ! detection & exposition ( t      
infam\s li/ ( jurors1 out ( :i* a jury  
us$ to be pack$ = ! ,cr[n :5ev] x 0     
prosecutor1 "s sort ( re=mation has tak5
 place 9 ! mann] ( appo9t+ a jury1 s z  
to leave a bett] *ance ( hav+ dis9t]e/$ 
m5 on ! jury4 ,be=e ,hone's trial ! sc5e
 :i* us$ to take place 9 prosecutions = 
all$g$ blasphemy 0 sc&al\s & dete/able4 
,! legislature take ^u !mselves to      
assign a revelation to ! ,almighty1 b z 

a revelation is a del9eation ( 8 "*1 !y 
assign to him a "* ( _! own *oos+2 & z  
!y lab\r to suppress & hide ! objections
 />t$ aga9/ x1 t "* :i* !y h giv5 to !  
,supreme ,be+ mu/ ( c\rse be a bad "o1  
because concealm5t 9 ?is case implies   
guilt 9 ! conceal+ p>ty3 s t ! *>ge (   
blasphemy is ju/ly retort$ ^u !         
legislature & ^u ! prosecut+ p>ty 9 ?is 
case ( ,r4 ,c>lile1 & also 9 ! prec$+   
cases ( ,h\/on1 ! reput$ au?or ( ,ecce  
,homo1 ( ,williams1 :o 0  ,pa9e's pr9t] 
( ! ,age ( ,reason1 ( ,daniel ,isaac    
,eaton1 too1 & o!rs4 ,! legislative     
bodies1 ,i repeat1 & _! accomplices1 are
 ! real blasphem+ p>ty1 :o h giv51 z !y 
te/ify by _! conceal+ practices1 a bad &
 sl&]\s "* to ! ,almighty1 & ^: guilt is
 aggravat$ by _! endeav\rs to h9d] o!r  
m5 f v9dicat+ him f _! f\l asp]sions4   
,! jury on all ^? above-m5tion$         
occasions inv>iably gave up ! "* ( !    
,mak] ( ! univ]se to be traduc$ &       
calumniat$ by ! legislative bodies & _! 
accomplices2 & ?is ab&onm5t ( all       

rectitude & dec5cy 0 by bad m5 t]m$ a   
v]dict1 i4 e4 a v]e dictum1 :]eby       
infallibility 0 attribut$ to twelve     
mortal m5 at ! same "t t x 0 d5i$ to !  
,anci5t ( ,days1 ! real proprietor ( all
 worlds4 ,if p]sons1 sitt+ judici\sly ^u
 ! "* ( ?is exalt$ ,be+1 gave x up ?us  
to be revil$1 !y ought1 at lea/1 to h   
be5 ,gods ^: judgem5t 0 to h be5 ?us    
appeal$ to2 9 fact1 ?is sort ( appeal ( 
! prosecut+ p>ty to twelve mortals 0    
erect+ !m to some?+ f> above ! human    
nature2 & ^! twelve mortals 7 induc$ by 
a gratuity ( "o or m gu9eas a piece1 a  
good d9n]1 ) pl5ty ( jovial nect>1 at ! 
exp5ce ( ! c\ntry1 to consign ov] ! "* (
 ! ,almighty to revil+ & insult1 !reby  
op5+ a door = a supposititi\s sy/em (   
morality1       ,& rais$ to gods confess
 ev5 virtue va94      --,pope4  ,z !y   
value ! pres]vation ( good morals4 ,?is1
 z ,i h %ewn1 mu/ be m]ely ironical1 ^! 
prosecutions hav+ ! opposite t5d5cy4  ,!
 peace & good ord] ( society4 ,?is is to
 obta9 a submission to tyranny2 :i*     

submission ,jesus 9 8 religion          
inculcates by 8 ,apo/le ,pet]1 #a ,cph4 
*ap4 ii4 v]4 #ac3 ,submit y\rselves to e
 ord9ance ( man4 ,& ?is w acc\nt = zeal 
( ! rul+ au?orities to support ,jesus's 
pret5sions3  ,individual & public       
welf>e4 ,?is1 aft] :at has be5 %ewn1 mu/
 be all rant4  ,! happ9ess ( _!         
fell[-subjects "h & h]eaft]4 ,?is c nev]
 be promot$ by suppress+ argum5t & /ifl+
 inquiry4  ,arre/ ! fatal poison4 ,"h ! 
fair & free inve/igation & exam9ation ( 
propositions is call$ poison4 ,yet1 :o b
 ! wick$ c h any ?+ to dread f inquiry8 
,i appreh5d1 ,mr4 ,%eph]d1 t y & ! self'
 /yl$ ,society = ! ,suppression ( ,vice 
c>ry on sep>ate prosecutions1 b ,i h    
class$ y bo? toge!r1 because y are bo? (
 y aid+1 abett+1 & assi/+ 9 ! same      
design4 ,( :at individuals t ,society is
 compos$ is n kn[n to me1 b z ! ,bi%ops 
( ,durham & ,ro*e/] are ! presid5ts1 ,i 
conclude1 t _m prie/s ( ,jesus are among
 ! numb]1 & t1 at any rate1 ! p>sons are
 ! *ief in/ructors 9 ?is bus9ess4 ,t    

free inquiry %\ld n g5]ally take place  
is mu* _! int]e/1 = !reby _! ga9s w\ld  
be gone4 ,!y w\ld mu* wi% t ! ignorance 
( anci5t days1 s pr(itable to p>sons1   
c\ld be br\ght back2 & ,i s5d y a v]se  
or two ^u a desire express$ 9 !         
,g5tleman's1 or z x ought to be call$1 f
 its treat+ s mu* ( ecclesia/ical       
matt]s1 & express+ ! wi% ( ! p>sons1 !  
,p>son's ,magaz9e1 t ! level ne> ,/4    
,&rew's *ur* %\ld be fill$ up4          
,prie/s1 :o ?r\gh fiats _! trade su/a9  
,wi% level ,holborn ,hill2      ,& wi% !
 _w 7 flat aga9      ,z er/ :5 x /ood   
/ill4 #a  ,! self-/yl$ ,society = !     
,suppression ( ,vice1 are zeal\s to     
sub/itute useless or absurd obs]vances z
 p>ts ( religion1 in/ead ( real true    
morality2 & h tak5 great pa9s to prev5t 
amusem5ts1 & produce a gloom ?r\gh\t    
,sunday1 ! only holiday = _m p4 ,!re are
 n less spirits drank on am\nt ( a      
sabbatical gloom2 = h>mless *e>fulness  
is r a pres]vative ( innoc5ce4 ,i h     
!re=e s5t y1 ,mr4 ,attorney-,g5]al1 a   

song1 :i* ,i beg y to deliv] to ! p>sons
 ( t ,society1 & to any o!r p>sons1 to  
help !m to keep up _! spirits4       #a 
,jo%ua1 *ap4 x4   ,,song1  ,to ! tune ( 
,come1 bu/le1 hu/le1 dr9k ab\t1 & let u 
m]ry be1 ( ,george ,alex&] ,/ev5s4      
,s9ce ,paul affirms t ,heav5 has *ose   
,! ?\ghtless fooli% ?+s1 #a      ,&     
bless'd ) ,p>adise all ^?      ,= pay+  
prie/s & k+s3 #b      ,!n a prea*+ we w 
g1 w g1 w g1      ,!n a prea*+ we w g4  
,fanatic h]ds1 z if ) /r+s      ,at _!  
nose1 by prie/s are l$2      ,& "k n t !
 knavi% ?+s      ,made t *oice 9 ,god's 
/ead4      ,!n a prea*+1 c4       ,z    
cr[ds believe ! heav5s reject      ,!   
pry+1 %rewd1 & wise1      ,no fe> le/ he
 our fraud detect1      ,^: fai? has    
clos$ 8 eyes4      ,!n a prea*+1 c4     
,n[ ,sion is rubi$1 gilt1 & pe>l'd1     
,z ! seat ( blockheads' bliss2      ,our
 flocks may take t future _w1      ,give
 u ! joys ( ?is4      ,!n a prea*+1 c4  
#a ,cor4 *ap4 i4 v]4 #bg4            #b 
,rom4 *ap4 xiii4 v]4 #d4       ,our     

muttons1 gull$ & ignorant1      ,d>e    
nev] close inquire1      ,le/ if !y     
disbelieve our cant1      ,!y fall to   
,hell's hot fire4      ,!n a prea*+1 c4 
,?us dolts suck 9 ?r\gh panic dread     
,! ,gospel's milk #a & crumbs1      ,& )
 all nons5se fill _! heads1      ,le/   
,hell %\ld scor* _! bums4      ,!n a    
prea*+1 c4       ,m>* #b1ahaj4          
,,philale!s4             #a #a ,cor4    
*ap4 iii4 v]4 #b4             & ,heb4   
*ap4 i4 v]4 #ac4     ,,lett] ,,to ,,mr4 
,,c>lile1  ,london1 #bh? ,febru>y1      
#ahai4   ,sir1  ,y are ab\t to be plac$ 
9 a situation1 & to p]=m a "p1 :i* w    
int]weave y\r "n 9 ! page ( hi/ory3--n1 
h[ev]1 9 t species ( hi/ory :i* records 
! w>s1 blood%$1 or mis]y ( nations1 z   
oppos$ to "o ano!r2 b 9 t :i* exhibits !
 cruelties ( gov]nm5ts t[>ds individuals
 among _! own subjects1 :o see+1 or ?9k+
 !y see1 _! fell[ m5 suff]+ afflictions 
?r\gh ! ignorance1 prejudice1 & misrule 
( _! gov]nm5ts1 endeav\r to remove !    
causes ( su* oppressions & mis]y1 by    

disclos+ !m1 & sett+ _! fell[-m5 to ?9k 
= !mselves4 ,y h _h ! virtue &          
intrepidity to engage 9 ?is hon\rable   
c>e]1 & are1 consequ5tly1 a prom95t     
object 9 ! public eye4 ,e fri5d to !    
progress ( k1 reason1 & tru?1 z well z (
 s9c]e humanity1 is w>mly int]e/$ 9 !   
nature & result ( ^? sev]e proce$+s     
in/itut$ aga9/ y4 ,!y dev\tly hope t y\r
 "* z a man & a neighb\r w af=d no h&le 
= disp>agem5t ( y & y\r conduct2 t y\r  
moral pr9ciples are good1 & y\r         
integrity unque/ion$2 t y\r deportm5t 9 
! relations ( private & dome/ic life is 
amiable3 & t consci\s ( ! purity ( y\r  
motives1 y w n %r9k be=e ! ?reats ( y\r 
adv]s>ies2 b1 on ! contr>y1 display t   
manly firmness ( c\rage :i* w enable y  
to enc\nt] & defeat ! num]ical1 ?\gh n  
=midable1 sup]iority ( =ce to be array$ 
aga9/ y4 ,if1 h[ev]1 contr>y to our     
hopes & expectations1 ! abettors (      
p]secution 9 *ur* & /ate %\ld1 by _!    
arts & ma*9ations1 succe$ 9 obta9+ a    
v]dict = ! p]secutor1 be y assur$ t !   

respect1 sympa?y1 & support ( e         
enlight5$1 lib]al1 & b5evol5t m9d1 w    
foll[ y1 :]ev] y\r oppressors may convey
 y\r p]son4 ,yet1 ,i _c b *]i%          
anticipations ( a v diff]5t t]m9ation ( 
^! proce$+s1 eng5d]$ z !y are betwe5    
religi\s bigotry & political folly1 :5  
submitt$ by bo? sides to a jury ( our   
c\ntrym54 ,i tru/ t imp>tial ju/ice w   
guide _! decision4  ,z a fri5d to !     
univ]sal fre$om ( mank9d1 civil &       
religi\s1 ,i take leave to address y1 = 
! purpose ( contribut+ my s9c]e         
congratulations on ! hon\rs t await y1 &
 ! f9e opportunity pres5t$ to y (       
b5efit+ mank9d4 ,i regret t ! nature (  
my situation con/ra9s me to conceal my  
"n4 ,to disclose x w\ld1 9 all          
probability1 prove my ru9 9 worldly     
circum/ances1 & ?us bo? my pres5t &     
future usefulness 9 ?is v cause be      
de/roy$4 ,i "k _m individuals1 em95t =  
public & private virtue1 :o ent]ta9 !   
same s5tim5ts z myself1 :o1 by !        
prejudices s assidu\sly kept up1 are    

equally oblig$ to be sil5t4  ,i h felt  
desir\s1 too1 ( s5d+ y a few unconnect$ 
?\ghts :i* h occurr$ to me on y\r case4 
,x is v likely t !y are q common1 & may 
h be5 mu* bett] express$ by o!rs2 yet1  
nev]!less1 ,i %all /ate !m4  ,i c easily
 suppose1 t1 ev5 if y _h an int5tion to 
employ c\nsel 9 y\r def5ce1 y w\ld f9d  
"s difficulty1 9 ! pres5t s]vility ( !  
b> to ! p[]s t be1 to obta9 any         
assi/ance4 ,b y require none1 & y w be  
y\r own be/ advocate4 ,i am n a lawy]1 &
 !re=e am ,i nei!r deeply read 9 mu/y   
/atutes1 nor skill$ 9 legal subtleties4 
,i appreh5d1 h[ev]1 t !re is n a law 9 !
 /atute book =bidd+ !ological           
controv]sy4 ,! crime ) :i* y are *>g$ is
 call$ a libel4 ,n[1 :at a libel is ,i d
 n "k1 nor c any body tell me2 yet y are
 d\btless pretty well aw>e1 t y\r       
prosecutors w1 9 a /ra9 ( inflat$       
declamation & bomba/1 describe ?is libel
 z a ?+ ( ! mo/ atroci\s & diabolical   
nature & t5d5cy4 ,y\r mode ( def5ce     
aga9/ ?is attack is obvi\s4 ,s9ce ! "q  

at issue betwe5 y & y\r accus]s is n "o 
( law1 b ( fact1 y\r object is to get   
beh9d _! ambuscade ( words1 & beat d[n  
_! phillippics by t irresi/ible weapon1 
common s5se1 wield$ by an hone/ man4  ,x
 has always appe>$ to my und]/&+ t ! mo/
 p[]ful argum5t t c be us$ ) well-mean+ 
p :o assi/$ 91 or approve (1            
prosecutions to support ! asc5dancy ( _!
 religion1 is1 t :i* %ews su*           
prosecutions to h a directly opposite   
t5d5cy4 ,p]secution is ! v sc&al (      
religion3 x confesses weakness at once1 
& is a complete admission t ! orig91    
doctr9es1 & progress ( t religion _c be>
 inve/igation4  ,x proves t ! pr(essors 
( & believ]s 9 x1 are n !mselves conv9c$
 ( its tru? & div9e nature4 ,b a sy/em (
 ?+s be+ e/abli%$1 ( :i* ^! p]sons =m   
ap>t1 9 :i* !y live1 move1 & h _! be+1  
!y wi% x to be true4 ,!y !mselves take x
 = grant$1 & live v com=tably "u t sy/em
 ( ma*9]y ( :i* x is a :eel1 & s _!     
int]e/ & indol5ce comb9e 9 prompt+ !m to
 wi% e "o else to h ! same belief4 ,!re 

are p1 h[ev]1 :o _c1 & w n1 believe :at 
appe>s to _! judgem5ts to be false2 b1  
%\ld !y g f>!r ?an ?is1 & consci\sly    
wi%+ _! fell[-creatures to p]ceive !    
tru?1 endeav\r to %ew by writ+s on :at  
gr\nds !y _c1 & o!rs ought n1 to believe
 9 falsehood & impositions1 !n1 9       
default ( c\nt] argum5t1 or refutation  
by ! same in/rum5t ( reason1 c\rts ( law
 & arm$ au?ority are call$ on1 to compel
 ^? unbeliev]s ei!r to believe1 & (     
c\rse su* belief w\ld be aga9/ _!       
consci5ces1 or to hold _! tongues4 ,9   
=m] ages1 %oot+1 /abb+1 burn+1 & flay+  
alive1 7 ! means us$ = propagat+        
religion = ! good ( m5's s\ls2 n[ !y are
 imprisonm5t1 f9e1 pillory3 b ^!        
remnants ( b>b>ity are also fa/ s9k+    
into disgrace & disuse1 & ,i _c help    
?9k+ t y are de/9$ to give ! f9i%+ bl[1 
9 ?is c\ntry at lea/1 to ! cruelties (  
bigotry4  ,n[1 z inspiration or direct  
revelation f ,heav5 is n believ$ ev5 by 
,*ri/ians 7at lea/ ! m rational7 ( ?is  
day1 ?\gh 9 ! e>ly & middle ages (      

,*ri/ianity prie/s & monks w\ld h sworn 
t ,god communicat$ ) !m e day1 let me   
sugge/ t1 9 ! c\rse ( y\r def5ce1 y ask 
! ,jury try+ y\r guilt or innoc5ce z a  
libell] ( t religion1 :e!r !y believe x 
to be f\nd$ on tru?8 ,& s9ce x w\ld be  
to insult !m1 y c add1 to suppose !y    
%\ld pr(ess belief ( a subject d\btless 
consid]$ by !m ( ! highe/ importance to 
_! pres5t & future welf>e1 )\t hav+     
?or\ghly exam9$ x1 aga9 ask--:e!r 9 _!  
he>ts & consci5ces !y ?9k t any         
sophi/ical reason+1 :i* e ?+ contr>y to 
x !y mu/ deem s1 c\ld %ake _! pr9ciples 
?us e/abli%$ on ! basis ( demon/ration8 
,if s e/abli%$1 :at c hurt x--:at c be a
 libel on x8 ,unless _! religion be     
capable ( demon/ration1 x is at be/ b   
d\btful1 & may1 !re=e1 be at lea/       
susceptible ( confutation4 ,if1 9 spite 
( ! objections & attacks to :i* x has   
be5 expos$1 x c be %ewn to be ! true    
religion aft] all1 su* discussion1      
in/ead ( do+ h>m1 mu/ d good1 inasmu* z 
x fixes ! religion on a firm] basis4 ,on

 a subject :]e s _m m5 ( ! mo/ acute    
intellect & mo/ respectable "* diff] 9  
op9ion1 y1 z a humble inquir] aft] tru?1
 may be all[$ to h y\rs4 ,speculative   
op9ions on religion1 y c tell ! jury1   
are no?+3 :e!r y are a ,roman ,ca?olic1 
a ,prote/ant1 a ,mohamm$an1 a wor%ipp] (
 ,vi%nu1 or a ,free ,?9k]1 or none ( all
 ^!1 is ( no consequ5ce to mank9d1 ei!r 
gov]n+ or gov]n$--,x is a matt] betwe5 y
 & y\r ,mak] only4 ,all t gov]nm5ts c h 
to d ) individuals1 is _! conduct z     
memb]s ( ! /ate t[>ds _! neighb\rs4 ,_h 
y be5 *>g$ ) any acts ( di/urbance1 ) ! 
violation ( any ( ! laws = ! protection 
( p]sons & prop]ty1 !n x w\ld h be5     
intelligible2 y might h be5 a fit object
 = trial1 &1 if f\nd guilty1 ( puni%m5t4
 ,n "o ( ! books :i* y h publi%$ h !    
slighte/ t5d5cy to promote disord]1 b1  
on ! contr>y d !y pr(ess & are calculat$
 by a diffusion ( _! pr9cipes to ext5d &
 consolidate univ]sal peace1 virtue1    
happ9ess1 & prosp]ity4  ,if1 !n1 !      
g5tlem5 ( ! ,jury's religion be f\nd$ on

 :at !y h satisfi$ _! und]/&+ to be     
tru?1 no?+ c injure x2 s9ce1 if x really
 come f ,god1 to imag9e t any writ+s1   
:e!r argum5tative or satirical1 c\ld    
ma9ta9 a d\btful conte/ ) books said to 
conta9 a revelation ( ! div9e w1 is     
actually to raise ! au?or ( su* writ+s1 
& y _! publi%]1 to a level ) ,god       
himself6 or1 r1 to degrade t ,almighty1 
wise1 & good ,be+1 y\r ,creator1 to a   
level ) y1 ! creature4 ,h5ce x foll[s1 t
 p]secution may de/roy1 b nev] c support
 any religion4  ,y _c h a bett] gr\nd-"w
 = y\r def5ce ?an ! !ological works (   
,pa9e1 :i*1 inde$1 settle ! "q ab\t !   
inspiration ( ! scriptures & ! div9ity (
 ,*ri/4 ,on ! subject ( religion g5]ally
 !re is a book :i* e lov] ( tru? mu/    
regret is n s well kn[n z x w infallibly
 be 9 no long "t--,i allude to a "w     
entitl$ ,pr9ciples ( ,morality1 by      
,george ,ensor1 ,esq4 ,x displays ! mo/ 
ext5sive rese>* & erudition1 comb9$ )   
good s5se & an amiable disposition2 !   
subject is pursu$ ) mu* p]spicuity (    

ord]1 & express$ 9 an easy1 neat1       
appropriate /yle4 ,! book =ms a v useful
 companion to ,hume's +5i\s &           
philosophical ,essays on ! ,natural     
,hi/ory ( ,religion4  ,i h n[ to adv]t  
to :at y w d\btless consid] ! mo/       
valuable "p ( ?is communication4 ,at !  
p]iod ( ! late ,mr4 ,eaton's cruel &    
abom9able treatm5t "u ! *ief            
p]secutor%ip ( ,"l ,ell5bor\gh & 8 high 
prie/1 ,sir ,vic>y ,gibbs1 a lett]      
appe>$ 9 ! ,morn+ ,*ronicle on ! subject
 ( t un=tunate g5tleman's unm]it$       
puni%m5t4 ,x purport$ to be writt5 by "o
 :o believ$ 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion2 b x  
ev9c$ s5tim5ts s lib]al1 reason+ s j &  
=cible2 x plac$ ! "r ( consci5ce1 ev5 z 
good policy1 9 s /rik+ a po9t ( view2   
argu+ ! subject 9 su* good temp]1 & )   
su* concis5ess1 z to appe> to me a      
ma/]piece ( its k9d1 & a /&>d to :i* e  
memb] ( ! ,*ri/ian *ur* ought to be     
ref]r$4 ,i pres]v$ a copy ( x at ! "t1 &
 n[ s5d y "o transcrib$1 believ+ t x may
 be useful to y1 or t x may at lea/ be  

int]e/+ to y 9 ! p]usal4  ,! public m9d 
has1 ( late ye>s1 be5 mak+ rapid        
progress t[>ds a true k ( its rights4   
,prie/craft & bigotry mu/ & w be        
de/roy$4 ,once trampl$ ^u by man 9 !    
en]gy ( 8 wra?1 ^! mon/]s c nev] aga9   
re> _! ,gorgon heads4 ,l ! ,apollo      
repres5t$ by ! ,grecian sculptor1 9 !   
act ( de/roy+ ! ,py?ian s]p5t1 man w !n 
/& z ,god creat$ him1 ! impress ( 8 own 
image1 erect1 free1 noble1 & gr&4 ,we h 
se5 ! glori\s result ( ! attempt to     
cru%1 n ,hone1 b 9 him ! _s ( a free    
press1 & x is n p]mitt$ u to d\bt t a   
simil> triumph & rew>d awaits y4  ,i am1
  ,y\r s9c]e 7?\gh anonym\s7 fri5d1  ,a 
,,fell[-,,inquir] ,,aft] ,,tru?4        
7,copy47  ,to ! ,editor ( ! ,morn+      
,*ronicle4  ,sir1  ,i 0 "o ( ^? :o saw  
,mr4 ,eaton /& 9 ! pillory = :at has be5
 call$ an attempt to ov]turn ! religion 
( 8 c\ntry4 ,! mann] 9 :i* ! spectators 
behav$ dur+ ! execution ( ?is sev]e     
puni%m5t1 01 9 my op9ion1 highly        
cr$itable to ! lib]ality ( ! age4 ,i ?9k

 ,i may v5ture to say1 !re 0 h>dly an   
individual pres5t :o did n sympa?ise ) !
 un=tunate man2 he 0 *e]$ by numb]s dur+
 ! :ole "t ( ! puni%m5t2 & _m ef=ts 7   
made to convey v>i\s k9ds ( refre%m5ts  
to him4  ,z "o ( ^? :o wi% well to !    
int]e/s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 ,i own ,i
 0 %ock$ ^u ?is occasion4 ,i h always   
conceiv$ ?is religion to be p]fectly    
indep5d5t ( ! arm ( au?ority = its      
support1 & to require only to be he>d & 
exam9$ to be> d[n e species (           
opposition4 ,i _c b consid] t x has made
 its way aga9/ p[]1 le>n+1 & philosophy1
 unit$ to de/roy x2 nor c ,i refuse to  
draw f ?is ! d$uction1 t x w equally )/&
 all ! ef=ts ( abuse1 sophi/ry1 &       
calumny4 ,:5 ,i see any set ( m5 resort 
to puni%m5t1 in/ead ( argum5t1 9 its    
def5ce1 ,i c ) difficulty conceive !y   
are s]i\s 9 ! belief ( its doctr9es1 = !
 smalle/ reflection might conv9ce !m1 t 
su* a c\rse is ! mo/ effectual me?od !y 
c\ld take to l[] its e/imation1 & to    
cov] x ) discr$it4 ,x betrays t         

diffid5ce & fe> = ! result :i* a man    
?or\ghly impress$ ) ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian 
doctr9es w\ld surely n be ! mo/ likely  
to ent]ta94 ,i _c br+ myself1 !re=e1 to 
believe1 t ^? :o manife/ a zeal to cru% 
! enemies ( ,*ri/ianity by ! arm ( !    
law1 are !mselves acqua9t$ ) t religion4
 ,i imag9e !m1 on ! contr>y1 to be m5 ^:
 "t & att5tion h be5 completely +ross$  
by secul> affairs1 & :o believe !       
,*ri/ian religion z !y w\ld believe !   
,mohamm$an1 m]ely because _! fa!rs      
believ$ x be=e !m4  ,let ^? cruel       
p]secutors reflect = a mom5t on ! injury
 !y are ?us do+ to ! v cause !y are     
pret5d+ to support4 ,let !m consid] t   
religion c be def5d$ only by argum5t1 or
 by =ce2 & t x _c be def5d$ by ! union (
 bo?2 = x is 9 va9 to say1 x may be     
def5d$ by argum5t1 :5 ! reason+s on "o  
side only c be he>d al\d1 :ile ^? on !  
o!r draw d[n on ! head ( ! us] ( !m     
pillory & imprisonm5t4 ,x is c]ta9ly a v
 unequal conflict :5 "o ( ! combatants  
may make use ( an argum5t or a halt] at 

8 discretion4 ,x is l a battle betwe5 a 
pugili/ & "o arm$ ) a /iletto1 :i*1 ?\gh
 he may n use at fir/1 he kn[s he c use 
if h>d pu%$4 ,su* def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity 
w\ld d well to rememb]1 t ! means !y are
 resort+ to are ^? :i* s successfully   
promot$ ! cause ( infidelity 9 ,france4 
,_h ! same pa9s be5 be/[$ 9 refut+ !    
productions ( ,r\sseau1 ,did]ot1 &      
,voltaire1 :i* 7 employ$ 9 burn+ _!     
books & puni%+ ! au?ors1 ,france & !    
:ole ( ,europe might1 at ?is day1 h     
exhibit$ v diff]5t spectacle4  ,!       
progress ( lib]al op9ion has be5 v      
rapid1 inde$1 ( late ye>s2 & ?\gh       
,judges & ,attorney-,g5]als1 ^: daily   
pursuits1 c]ta9ly s unfav\rable to      
lib]al & compreh5sive reason+s1 are     
g5]ally among ! la/ p]sons to %ake (f   
antiquat$ prejudices1 yet !y too1 h[ev] 
sl[ly1 w1 unque/ionably1 at la/1 be     
borne d[n by ! tide ( public op9ion4