,,?\ghts ,,on ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion ,,by ,a ,,dei/ ,,to ,,:i* ,,are ,,add$1 ,a ,,few ,,ideas ,,on ,,miracul\s ,,conv]sion1 ,,& ,,religion ,,9 ,,g5]al4 ,by ,a ,!ophilan?ropi/ ,,london3 ,,pr9t$ ,,publi%$ ,,by ,r4 ,,c>lile1 #ee1 ,,fleet ,,/reet4 #ahai4 ,,?\ghts ,religion1 9 "s =m or o!r1 seems to h be5 obs]v$ by mank9d1 9 all ages & all p>ts ( ! _w2 & consid]$ z ! mo/ noble employm5t1 ( ! mo/ div9e nature1 & produc+ ! mo/ b5eficial effects to society1 ( all ! objects t ev] engag$ _! att5tion3 al?\gh f casual circum/ances1 & int]e/$ motives ( individuals1 !re are z _m modes & v>ieties ( wor%ip1 z languages or nations on ! face ( ! e>?4 ,europeans h 9 g5]al embrac$ ,*ri/ianity1 z conta9$ 9 ! ,bible1 :i* !y call ! ,^w ( ,god1 z ! only true & infallible sy/em on e>?1 & :i* only c lead u to et]nal happ9ess4 ,?is ,bible1 we h be5 taught to believe1 is holy1 j1 p]fect1 & sup]ior to ! human und]/&+2 s sacr$1 t to d\bt or disbelieve x1 w\ld entail on u inevitable nev]-end+ mis]y4 ,?is doctr9e1 be+ in/ill$ into *ildr5 by _! nurses1 & en=c$ by t]ror at a rip] age1 has long be5 ass5t$ to by ! g5]ality ( p1 :o seldom ?9k or enquire = !mselves1 b are always m or less ! dupes ( design+ m54 ,b ! times are n[ *ang+2 ! privilege ( reason+ & believ+ = ourselves beg9s to be ex]cis$--fre$om ( enquiry ab\nds2 & ! natural inh]5t "r ( speak+ & act+ accord+ to ! dictates ( our own consci5ce 7)\t injur+ society7 is happily enjoy$4 ,consequ5tly1 impositions ( e k9d1 sup]/iti\s prejudices1 & ! long wor%ipp$ fabrics ( civil & religi\s tyranny1 are daily gr[+ into contempt1 & 9 all probability w soon be torn f _! f\ndations1 & consign$ to t infam\s oblivion :i* !y s highly m]it4 ,to come m imm$iately to ! po9t--! ,*ri/ian religion1 z g5]ally practis$1 pres5ts itself z "o ( ^? monum5ts ( ignorance & cr$ulity1 :i* ! wisdom ( ! pres5t g5]ation is probably de/9$ to ov]?r[1 & to sub/itute a sy/em m simple1 m pure1 & m agreeable to ! dictates ( reason4 ,! ,bible1 ^u exam9ation1 we %all f9d defici5t 9 _m ( ! virtues t h be5 ascrib$ to x4 ,z a human composition1 its m]its h be5 greatly ov]-rat$3 x is exce$$ 9 s5tim5t1 inv5tion1 /yle1 & e o!r lit]>y qualification4 ,! obscurity1 incr$ibility1 & obsc5ity1 s conspicu\s 9 _m p>ts ( x1 w\ld ju/ly condemn ! works ( a mod]n writ]4 ,x conta9s a mixture ( inconsi/5cy & contradiction2 to call :i* ! ^w ( ,god1 is ! highe/ pit* ( extravagance3 x is to attribute to ! ,deity t :i* any p]son ( common s5se w\ld blu% to confess himself ! au?or (4 ,h[ are ! rights & dignity ( human nature insult$1 degrad$1 & trampl$ ^u6 h[ are mank9d bl9d$1 deceiv$1 & l$ away by ?is sy/em6 h[ is ! hon\r & "* ( ! ,almighty affront$ by ! absurd & impi\s doctr9es x conta9s6 ,h[ is ! sacr$ "n ( ,god abus$ & pro/itut$ to ! vile/ & mo/ execrable purposes1 by 8 pret5d$ wor%ipp]s6 ,& all = "o simple1 evid5t end1 to gratify ! pride & av>ice ( unpr9cipl$1 design+ m56 ,b some?+ m ?an declamation is necess>y to support ^! ass]tions4 ,i %all !re=e give ! reasons :y ,i disbelieve ! ,*ri/ian sy/em1 & all ! argum5ts advanc$ 9 its fav\r4 ,z to ! exi/+ pro(s ( ! div9e au?ority ( ! ,bible1 :e!r int]nal or ext]nal1 :e!r ! evid5ce we feel 9 our own m9ds on exam9+ x1 or ! miracles :i* are said to h att5d$ its propagation1 !y are ( no avail 9 conv9c+ u ( its div9e orig93 & ,i d n ?9k1 t indep5d5t ( ! prejudices ( education1 & ! p[] ( eloqu5ce1 !re ev] 0 a reasonable ?9k+ man1 :o felt a suffici5t int]nal evid5ce to conv9ce him ( ! reality ( ! :ole ( its doctr9es4 ,) respect to ! public pro(s exhibit$ by its f\nd]s1 we f9d !m no /rong] ?an ^? 9 fav\r ( ,mahometanism1 or p]haps any o!r sy/em4 ,mahomet is said to h wr\ght z _m miracles1 prea*$ z good doctr9e1 conv]t$ t5 times z _m foll[]s1 & 0 f> m successful 9 all 8 ent]prizes1 h[ev] bold or difficult1 ?an ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! ,*ri/ians say1 ! ,mahometan miracles 7 no?+ b impo/ures2 & ! ,mahometans say1 ) z mu* au?ority1 t ! ,*ri/ian miracles 7 ! same4 ,if ! gospel sy/em 0 s cle>1 s reasonable1 & s p[]ful1 z its advocates ass]t1 :at necessity c\ld !re h be5 = miracles to support x8 ,if x _h any f\ndation 9 reason & nature1 !re w\ld h be5 no occasion = my/]y1 miracle1 or revelation1 to confirm x4 ,a doctr9e t is reasonable & true1 w appe> s to e unprejudic$ m9d1 )\t ! aid ( any ?+ sup]natural4 ,consequ5tly1 t sy/em :i* requires miracul\s assi/ance to e/abli% x1 & _c be prov$ by human means1 is nei!r reasonable nor true4 ,suppos+ ! ,bible to h be5 writt5 by div9e inspiration1 at ! times1 & by ! p]sons m5tion$ 9 x1 /ill x is next to impossible1 t x c\ld h be5 transmitt$ d[n to ! pres5t "t pure & uncontam9at$1 ev5 if !re _h be5 b "o nation & "o language ^u e>?4 ,! v>iety ( translations & editions x has pass$ ?r\gh 9 ! c\rse ( ne> #ahjj ye>s1 if x has exi/$ s long1 7:i* ,i am incl9$ to disbelieve ( _m p>ts7 & ! cont9ual improvem5ts & alt]ations 9 human language1 dur+ t p]iod1 am\nt to a presumptive pro( t ! s5se has be5 unavoidably mi/ak51 or wilfully p]v]t$4 ,a confirmation ( ?is rem>k is op5 to all3 let any "o take ! tr\ble ( comp>+ diff]5t copies ( ! ,bible1 pr9t$ 9 ! la/ & pres5t c5turies1 or ev5 9 ! same ye>1 & he w (t5 f9d a /rik+ disagreem5t4 ,admitt+ t ! ,bible conta9s ! only doctr9e by :i* we c obta9 salvation & ev]la/+ life1 :i* ( ! numb]less pr(essions t h sprung out ( x are we to embrace8 ,"o sect tells u t !re is no salvation out ( ! pale ( _! *ur*4 ,ano!r tells u1 t unless we believe & practise _! doctr9es1 we %all surely be damn$4 ,let u believe1 !re=e1 9 :atev] p>ticul> pr(ession we may1 we %all be damn$ accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( ! o!rs4 ,h[ graci\s & b5efic5t is ! ,*ri/ian sy/em6 s p]fect & pure t x creates s _m diff]5t1 di/9ct1 & opposite d5om9ations ( believ]s2 all ( !m "r1 infallibly "r1 9 _! own op9ions1 & prov+ _! doctr9e by ! cle>1 9-conte/ible au?ority ( div9e revelation6 ,_m1 z an excuse = c\nt5anc+ a doctr9e :i* !y confess may n be true1 say1 t if ! ,*ri/ian religion be false1 x is /ill v hurtful to attempt to ov]turn x2 z we h no bett] guide1 & no o!r me?od to re/ra9 ! passions & regulate ! conduct ( mank9d2 z x is ! mo/ p]fect & b5eficial sy/em t c\ld be devis$4 ,to det]m9e ?is1 we mu/ look at its effects4 ,t doctr9e :i* has ! greate/ t5d5cy to secure our pres5t & future happ9ess is ! be/2 x proves itself to be s4 ,t ! ,*ri/ian sy/em does n t5d to make u happi]1 may easily be %ewn1 by trac+ its natural op]ations on ! human m9d4 ,by x we are l$ to believe1 t we are all mis]able & ru9$ wret*es2 corrupt & exce$+ly wick$ f our v bir?2 naturally s9ful1 & oppos$ to ! w ( ,god 9 all our actions1 words1 & ?\ghts2 & s f> f des]v+ ! common bless+s ( life1 t if ju/ice _h be5 done u1 we %\ld long s9ce h be5 ca/ into endless puni%m5t4 ,tribulation1 di/ress1 & sore trials1 are ! common lot ( mank9d1 especially ! good4 ,:om ! ,"l love? he *a/5e?4 ,?is _w1 x tells u1 is a wret*$1 tiresome1 & accurs$ place2 a m]e s9k ( guilt & mis]y2 & all its enjoym5ts vanity & vexation ( _s4 ,?\gh by ! bye1 ^? :o are call$ s9c]e & pi\s ,*ri/ians seem to be z desir\s ( cont9u+ 9 x1 & ta/+ ! good ?+'s x af=ds1 z ! mo/ s5sual & worldly-m9d$ s9n]4 ,x likewise in/ils into its foll[]s su* a s]vile fe>1 & dread ( ! wra? ( heav51 t !y c nei!r lie d[n at night1 nor rise 9 ! morn+1 )\t fir/ attempt+1 by intreaty1 flatt]y1 & fair promises1 to appease ! ,div9e ang]1 & p]suade ! ,almighty to p]mit !m to exi/ 9 peace4 ,e accid5t is a judgem5t1 & a prelude to fur!r puni%m5t4 ,e mis=tune t happ5s to _! neighb\rs is a w>n+ to !m2 & !y are liable e mom5t to be cut (f by an av5g+ ,god1 & s5t to ,hell4 ,:ile on ! "o h&1 !y repres5t ! ,deity z _! s]vant1 to assi/ !m on e occasion1 av]t+ e ill !y br+ ^u !mselves1 & extricat+ !m f e difficulty & di/ress !y plunge !mselves into2 on ! o!r he is suppos$ to be a fi]ce1 rev5geful tyrant1 delight+ 9 cruelty1 puni%+ 8 creatures = ! v s9s :i* he causes !m to commit2 & creat+ numb]less millions ( immortal s\ls1 t c\ld nev] h (f5d$ him1 = ! express purpose ( torm5t+ !m to all et]nity4 ,?us !y are g5]ally mis]able ?r\gh life1 9 m$itat+ on dea? & its suppos$ consequ5ces4 ,! au?ority ( ! ,bible appe>s /ill m d\btful f ! absurdities & contradictions x conta9s2 contradictions :i* all ! sophi/ical +5uity ( rev]5d div9es1 ) _! lit]al mean+ ( ?is text1 & spiritual int]pretation ( t1 c nev] expla9 or reconcile4 ,9 ! v fir/ *apt] ( ! :ole volume1 conta9+ an acc\nt ( ! creation1 we f9d an inexplicable difficulty4 ,9 ,g5esis i4 #bg1 #bh1 we are told1 t ,god creat$ man1 male & female1 bless$ !m1 & said unto !mc4 ,b 9 ii4 #bj1 we f9d t !re 0 n an help meet = ,adam3 !re=e1 v]4 #ah1 ,god said1 x is n good t man %\ld be alone4 ,&1 v]4 #bb1 he made a woman1 & br\ght h] unto ! man4 ,! ,almighty1 accord+ to _m p>ts ( ! ,bible1 is a p]fect1 un*angeable be+4 ,9 ,isaiah1 he is said to decl>e1 t he is n z a man1 t he %\ld rep5t4 ,b 9 o!r places we read ( 8 rep5t+ v frequ5tly4 ,he rep5t$ t he _h made man4 ,hav+ det]m9$ to de/roy ! ,israelites1 & hav+ sla9 sev5ty ?\s& ( !m1 he rep5t$ ( ! evil1 & sp>$ ! re/4 ,he told ,hezekiah t he %\ld surely die1 & n live1 b imm$iately rep5t$1 & gave him fifte5 ye>s long]4 ,jonah prophesi$1 9 8 "n1 t 9 =ty days ,n9eveh %\ld be ov]?r[n2 b ! p believ+ him 7?\gh he did n p]=m 8 promise7 & =sak+ _! s9s1 he rep5t$ ( ! evil t he said he w\ld d unto !m1 & did x n4 ,9 "o place x says1 ,our ,god is a consum+ fire2 & 9 ano!r1 ,god is love4 ,he is said to be ,jeal\s1 rev5geful1 & angry ) ! wick$ e day2 & pleas$ aga9 z (t5 z !y rep5t3 possess+ all ! good & evil qualities ( man1 t un/able1 wick$1 mis]able1 & insignificant worm4 ,not)/&+ all ?is1 he is p]fectly j1 wise1 immutable1 & c nev] rep5t4 ,! ,*ri/ian sy/em1 ,i v5ture to affirm1 has be5 ! cause ( m evil 9 ! _w1 ?an any o!r t ev] appe>$ 9 x4 ,by inculcat+ a belief t ! ,deity 0 a t]rible ,god1 an inexorable judge1 tak+ v5geance on all 8 enemies2 its pr(essors1 wi%+ to con=m z mu* z possible to ! "* & disposition ( _! ,god1 h 9 all ages act$ ) ! same _s1 & ^u ! same pr9ciples3 ,o let ?is /rong1 un]r+ h&1 ,?y bolts = ev] ?r[2 ,& deal damnation r\nd ! l&1 ,on ea* ,i judge ?y foe4 ,inspir$ ) ! mo/ v9dictive hatr$ to all :o d n subscribe to ! pr9ciples !y pr(ess 7:o are1 accord+ to _! fai?1 enemies2 = !y say1 !re is no m$ium or neutrality1 all :o are n = u are aga9/ u27 !y h nev] fail$1 9 any c\ntry1 & at all times1 :5 !y _h ! p[]1 to ex]cise ! mo/ cruel & dete/able _s t ev] disgrac$ human nature4 ,n cont5t$ ) insult+1 oppress+1 enslav+1 & but*]+ ! poor h]etics "h1 b mo/ humanely & *>itably condemn+ !m to ev]la/+ torm5ts h]eaft]4 ,dur+ ! fir/ #cbj ye>s ( its exi/5ce1 ,*ri/ianity occasion$ ! de/ruction ( _m millions ( mank9d4 ,9 ! fir/ "p ( ?is p]iod1 ! ,*ri/ians 7 ! greate/ suff]]s2 b 9 ! ye> #cab ,max5tius & 8 army ( #bjj1jjj1 7 mo/ ( !m dr[n$ 9 ! ,tib]1 or sla9 by ,con/ant9e1 ! ,*ri/ian emp]or2 :o1 9 ?ree great battles1 9 "o ( :i* #ajj1jjj 7 kill$1 r$uc$ & put to dea? ,lic9us1 ! deputy emp]or ( ! ,ea/2 p]secut$ ! ,hea!ns & de/roy$ _! idols1 ! symbols ( _! div9ities4 ,9 ! twelf? & subsequ5t c5turies1 millions ( ,wald5ses & ,prote/ants 7 murd]$ 9 ! s\? ( ,france4 ,h[ _m millions lo/ _! lives 9 ! mad crusades = ! recov]y ( ! ,holy ,l&6 ,9 ,g]many & ,fl&]s1 9 ,engl&1 ,scotl&1 & ,irel&1 9 ,s\? ,am]ica4 ,b ,i /op1 or ,i c\ld a tale unfold1 ^: lighte/ ^w w\ld h>r[ up ! s\l1 *ill ! blood ) horror1 & draw =? curses f ! grave aga9/ ! v "n ( a religion :i* has be5 made ! pretext = su* cruelties4 ,inde$1 x is impossible to calculate ! mis*ief t has att5d$ ! ,*ri/ian sy/em s9ce its comm5cem5t4 ,b1 say its advocates1 all ?is 0 done by ,anti*ri/1 or ! false *ur*4 ,:i* !n is ! true *ur*8 ,n t :i* p]secutes4 ,& :at *ur* is t8 ,! *ur* ( ,rome8 ,no3 = t1 aft] long /ruggles1 no soon] became e/abli%$ 9 p[]1 ?an x p]secut$ its diss5t+ sons ) all ! zeal & b>b>ity t x _h exp]i5c$ f its enemies4 ,! *ur* ( ,engl&8 ,no3 = al?\gh t sep>at$ f ! *ur* ( ,rome1 & reject$ _m ( ! errors & corruptions :i* _h crept into x2 yet no soon] 0 x fully e/abli%$ 9 ,great ,brita91 ?an x v c>efully trod ov] ! /eps ( ! "m *ur*1 p]secut$ ,roman ,ca?olics1 & all ,diss5t]s4 ,! ,puritans1 :o fl$ to ?is c\ntry = ! sake ( fre$om ( consci5ce & religi\s lib]ty1 7 no soon] settl$1 ?an !y discov]$ ! same illib]al p]secut+ _s :i* drove !m hi!r1 & p]secut$ ! ,quak]s 9 _! turn2 becom+ z corrupt z any ( ! =m] *ur*es4 ,ea* ( !m1 :ile !y 7 weak & def5celess1 suff]$ by ! murd]\s h& ( its oppressors2 &1 :5 become /rong & p[]ful1 p]secut$ & m>tyr$ its feebl] enemies4 ,& ,i believe !re is n a *ur* 9 ,*ri/5dom b w\ld1 if x c\ld n conv]t1 mo/ gladly de/roy all its oppos]s2 _h x t "o ess5tial & only necess>y quality1 p[]4 ,= !y affirm1 t ! _w1 ) all its bless+s1 are no?+ b temptations to draw !m away f _! true int]e/2 & t unbeliev]s ( e k9d are _! natural implacable enemies4 ,! c>nal m9d1 say !y1 is enmity to ,god & 8 p1 7!mselves7 & is 9 cont9ual opposition to e ?+ good & heav5ly2 !y mu/ !n ( necessity wage an et]nal w> aga9/ all :o d n ackn[l$ge _! sy/em1 z ! only sure1 guide to heav54 ,! p[]ful bl[ :i* has be5 aim$ at ?is sy/em ( fai? by ,pa9e's ,age ( ,reason1 has creat$ a g5]al & well-f\nd$ al>m4 ,t "w1 to e bigott$ or int]e/$ foll[] ( ,*ri/ianity1 appe>s 9 a dreadful light inde$1 z x is a direct attack ^u _! fav\rite1 _! de>ly-belov$ sy/em ( gospel fai?1 :i* exalts !m1 9 _! own op9ions1 s mu* above ! re/ ( mank9d4 ,! ,*ri/ian !ology is s fav\rable to ! pride & vanity ( man1 t ! slighte/ attempt to ov]turn x occasions an univ]sal panic 9 its support]s1 :o imm$iately display all ! ensigns ( _! cause1 ! pomp\s1 high-s\nd+ ana!mas ( ,scripture1 to fright5 ! bold invad] ( _! arial t]ritories4 ,s f> !y act consi/5tly2 = :]e !y h no weapons or def5ce f nature & reason1 fe> & hope1 ?\gh unf\nd$ & delusive1 are ! only exp$i5ts left4 ,by repres5t+ ! t]rors ( _! law 9 ! mo/ horrid col\rs1 ! wret*$ victim ( _! designs cries out 9 ! dep? ( despair1 ,"l1 :at %all ,i d to be sav$8 ,! "w is !n 9 a c]ta9 way ( success2 ! conv]t gives himself up to ! direction ( ! *ur* 9 all ?+s1 & is ev] aft] ! passive tool ( its p[]4 ,^! conv]ts are seldom or nev] made by pure reason & s\nd argum5t1 = ^! w\ld nev] answ] ! purpose2 b ! passions1 :i* may be driv5 by e gale t bl[s1 ! fickle & incon/ant passions1 are s influ5c$ by ! p[] ( false eloqu5ce 9 viol5t declamations & vehem5t h>angues1 t ! calm1 ev5 voice ( reason is n he>d1 or is disreg>d$1 amid/ ! bu/le ( j>r+ emotions2 & ! poor fright5$ wret* cat*es hold ( ! fir/ object t is held out to save him f 8 fanci$ p]i%+ & undone condition4 ,)\t ev] once consid]+ :e!r ! pr(ession !y embrace is f\nd$ 9 nature & reason1 !y confide :olly 9 ! piety ( _! spiritual tea*]1 leave _! fai? & hope altoge!r 9 8 h&s1 & tru/ entirely ^u 8 promises & p[]4 ,_! belief he c alt] or aboli% at pleasure2 = :at he prea*es !y mu/ adh]e to2 :at he all[s !y mu/ pr(ess2 :at he approves mu/ be true4 ,9 fact1 ! ,*ri/ian sy/em has nev] yet be5 weigh$ 9 ! imp>tial balance ( reason1 or receiv$ a c&id trial 9 ! ?9k+ _w4 ,=ce1 fraud1 & o!r unfair means h always be5 necess>ily employ$ = its e/abli%m5t4 ,_h x be5 f\nd$ on tru?1 or consi/5t ) common s5se1 its advocates w\ld nev] h refus$ to submit x to reason1 & ! cool1 dispassionate judgem5t ( mank9d4 ,b !y well knew t x c\ld nev] /& ! te/1 & ?is w\ld be ! c]ta9 means ( its de/ruction4 ,!y !re=e boldly & presumptu\sly tell ! _w1 t x is beyond ! rea* ( human reason1 :i* is n compet5t to judge rightly ( x4 ,!y confess t we _c compreh5d a great "p ( x2 b at ! same "t comm& u to believe x1 ?\gh we _c und]/& x4 ,x has be5 ! peculi>ly hon\rable lot ( ,?omas ,pa9e1 ! firm advocate ( tru?1 ! undaunt$ *ampion ( reason1 & ! resolute & unconqu]able enemy ( tyranny1 bigotry1 & prejudice1 to op5 ! door to free & imp>tial enquiry4 ,he has boldly ent]$ ! field himself1 & taught ! _w1 t no true sy/em ( pr9ciples1 h[ev] sacr$ !y may be held 9 ! public op9ion1 & h[ev] /rongly protect$ & en=c$ by ! t]rors ( man's v5geance "h1 & et]nal puni%m5t h]eaft]1 is too awful to be canvass$ by reason1 or too sublime to be compreh5d$ by common s5se4 ,! ,*ri/ian sy/em1 z x is n consi/5t ) reason1 is decl>$ to be above x2 & %\ld be receiv$ ev5 if x does n appe> cle> & intelligible to our human capacities4 ,?is by prohibit+ enquiry1 effectually prev5ts detection ( falsehood & confirmation ( tru?4 ,! doctr9e is receiv$ ^u tru/1 ^u ! cr$it ( our =efa!rs2 because1 !y taught1 or r said s1 we mu/ implicitly believe s1 all ! remon/rances ( reason & exp]i5ce to ! contr>y not)/&+4 ,?is is c]ta9ly a v great absurdity4 ,= !re once 0 a beg9n+ to e sy/em or !ory 9 be+2 & at t beg9n+ x 0 necess>y to ex]cise reason z ! un]r+ guide to direct 9 ! *oice or rejection !re(4 ,if mank9d 7 n only all[$1 b necessitat$ to weigh e doctr9e 9 ! infallible balance ( reason1 at any "t1 :y are we n entitl$ to ! same privilege at pres5t8 ,is our reason deg5]at$8 ,are our faculties impair$8 ,or r1 are we n f> m wise & enlight5$ ?an mank9d 7 c5turies ago1 & mu* m compet5t to und]/& & judge ( ?+s ?an !y 78 ,by ! practice be=e m5tion$1 by t tyranny ov] ! m9ds ( m51 :i* has ev] be5 ex]cis$ 9 despotic /ates1 ! grosse/ falsehoods h be5 =c$ ^u ! _w = realities1 & ! mo/ dete/able impositions e/abli%$ & ma9ta9$ 9 all ! /r5g? & vig\r ( immutable tru?4 ,b ^! arts1 h[ long soev] !y may prosp]1 & by :atev] au?ority !y may be support$2 ?\gh !y may call to _! aid all ! p[]s ( sup]/ition & prejudices ( education1 & be assi/$ by ! pride & deceit ( hypocritical bigots & m]c5>y tyrants2 /ill mu/ !y f9ally fall1 & s9k into contemptu\s oblivion4 ,! pres5t /ate ( society seems peculi>ly adapt$ to ! advancem5t ( tru?1 & de/ruction ( error4 ,! sun ( reason has begun to appe>1 dispell+ ! ?ick & almo/ imp5etrable mi/s ( ignorance & sup]/ition1 illum9at+ ! mo/ secret recesses ( ! m9d1 & w cont9ue to increase 9 spl5d\r1 till x %9e =? 9 "o cle>1 uncl\d$1 & et]nal day4 ,! writ+s ( mod]n philosoph]s h s]v$ greatly to illum9ate ! m9ds ( ! pres5t g5]ation4 ,i w "h1 quote ,pope's beautiful description ( t sublime & heav5ly religion1 :i* mank9d 9 a /ate ( nature pr(ess$1 contra/$ ) t di/ort$1 gloomy religion :i* has be5 impos$ on mank9d by p[] & fraud4 ,man1 l 8 ,mak]1 saw t all 0 "r1 ,to virtue1 9 ! pa?s ( pleasure1 trod1 ,& own'd a fa!r :5 he own'd a ,god4 ,love all ! fai?1 & all ?' allegiance !n2 ,= ,nature knew no light div9e 9 m51 ,no ill c\ld fe> 9 ,god2 & und]/ood ,a sov'reign be+ b a sov'reign good4 ,sup]/ition taught ! tyrant awe1 ,!n %>'d ! tyranny1 !n l5t x aid1 ,& ,gods ( conq'rors1 slaves ( subjects made3 ,%e1 'mid/ ! lightn+'s blaze & ?und]'s s\nd1 ,:5 rock'd ! m\nta9s1 & :5 groan'd ! gr\nd1 ,%e taught ! weak to b5d1 ! pr\d to pray1 ,to p['r unse51 & mighti] f> ?an !y3 ,%e1 f ! r5d+ e>? & bur/+ skies1 ,saw ,gods desc5d & fi5ds inf]nal rise3 ,"h fix'd ! dreadful1 !re ! ble/ abodes2 ,fe> made h] devils1 & weak hope h] gods2 ,gods p>tial1 *angeful1 passionate1 unju/1 ,^: attributes 7 rage1 rev5ge1 or lu/2 ,su* z ! s\ls ( c[>ds might conceive1 ,&1 =m'd l tyrants1 tyrants w\ld believe4 ,zeal1 !n1 n *>ity1 became ! guide1 ,& hell 0 built on spite1 & heav'n on pride4 ,!n sacr$ se5e? e!real vault no m2 ,alt>s grew m>ble !n1 & reek'd ) gore3 ,!n fir/ ! ,flam5 ta/$ liv+ food2 ,next 8 grim idol sme>'d ) human blood2 ,) heav'n's own ?und]s %ook ! _w bel[2 ,& play'd ! god an eng9e on 8 foe4 ,f an att5tive p]usal ( su* lib]al1 enlight5$ writ]s z ,pope1 ,locke1 ,hume1 c4 :o 7 n int]e/$ 9 =c+ any unnatural sy/ems ^u mank9d1 ^: only aim 0 ! happ9ess ( ! human race1 & f my own reflections1 ,i h adopt$ ! foll[+ cre$1 :i* ,i "h submit to ! imp>tial consid]ation ( my fell[-citiz5s ( all d5om9ations4 #a4 ,i believe 9 "o ,god1 or fir/ cause1 wise1 p[]ful1 & good2 & too f> above ! influ5ce ( human actions to be affect$ by any ?+ t c be done on e>?4 #b4 ,i believe 9 ! equality ( m5 by nature 7?\gh s diff]5t by accid5t7 ! univ]sal p[] ( consci5ce1 & ! un]r+ au?ority ( natural reason4 #c4 ,i believe ! :ole duty ( man is compris$ 9 ?is "o great republican pr9ciple--,d j z y w\ld be done unto4--,my reasons = believ+ ?us are1 9 ! fir/ place1 t ?is fir/ 'cause is wise & p[]ful beyond our conception1 is cle>ly ev9c$ 9 ! wond]ful =mation & disposition ( nature1 exhibit$ 9 e ?+ t we h any p]ception (4 ,t he is good1 ! :ole creation proves3 = we f9d no?+ made b :at is useful1 b5eficial1 & conducive to ! happ9ess ( ! :ole4 ,& t he is too f> above ! rea* ( human actions to be affect$ by any ?+ t c be done on e>?1 is inf]r$ f nature1 reason1 & exp]i5ce3 = ! only idea t we c =m ( ! ,deity is1 t he is a p]fect1 un*angeable be+2 & if we suppose t he s p>ticul>ly notices ! conduct ( mank9d z to be diff]5tly affect$ by _! diff]5t actions1 we mu/ all[ t he is an imp]fect1 *angeable be+1 liable to be pleas$ or vex$ at ! m]e w & pleasure ( 8 creatures1 & dep5d5t ^u ! :im & caprice ( man4 ,9 ! second place1 x appe>s f ! exp]i5ce ( mank9d 9 all ages1 t ,nature1 9 ! creation ( man1 acts imp>tially & equally2 b leaves 8 tal5ts1 disposition1 c4 to be regulat$ by m]e accid5tal circum/ances4 ,t consci5ce has an univ]sal p[]1 is evid5t f ! dislike & abhorr5ce1 ) :i* all mank9d look ^u actions t t5d to ! injury ( society4 ,& n to believe 9 ! un]r+ au?ority ( natural reason1 w\ld be to accuse ! ,deity ( inju/ice = n creat+ u capable ( di/+ui%+ good f evil1 & !n puni%+ u = ! evil we commit4 ,9 ! ?ird place1 t ! :ole duty ( man is compris$ 9 ?is "o great republican pr9ciple1 ,d z y w\ld be done unto1 has appe>$ s notori\s to ! _w 9 all ages1 t x has be5 univ]sally agre$ ^u1 z ! un]r+ rule ( action1 & ! basis ( happ9ess3 by ! obs]v+ ( :i* !re c be nei!r oppression1 deceit1 or inju/ice ( any k9d4 ,! duty ( man is 8 int]e/2 8 int]e/ is to make himself happy2 & ! sure/ & be/ way ( do+ ?is is to promote ! prosp]ity ( ! :ole4 ,f9ally1 t sy/em ( religion :i* contradicts itself1 _c be :olly true4--,t :i* is n consi/5t ) reason1 or agreeable to ! ord] ( nature1 mu/ be false1 z diff]5t f ! w ( ! ,deity1 display$ 9 all 8 works3--,&1 t :i* t5ds to promote discord1 pride1 & deceit1 is prejudicial to society1 & ought to be disc\nt5anc$ & oppos$ by e good man4 ,,on ,,miracul\s ,,conv]sions4 ,x appe>s to be ! g5]al op9ion among ! le>n$1 t all matt] is1 m or less1 9 a cont9ual /ate ( transmutation2 t !re is a p]petual repulsion & attraction 9 nature4 ,x is also ! op9ion ( _m philosoph]s1 t ! human m9d is nev] q /ation>y4 ,t locality1 e>ly habits1 examples1 affections1 & associations h ! greate/ effect 9 =m+ ! *>act]s & op9ions ( m51 is evid5t to our s5ses2 & t aft] ! "* may be consid]$ to be =m$1 a contr>y c\rse ( habits1 c4 ( equally long or long] cont9uance w g5]ally produce a contr>y "*4 ,e att5tive obs]v] mu/ p]ceive1 t we sometimes dislike & ent]ta9 an unfav\rable op9ion ( :at we at ano!r "t approve & cordially agree to4 ,to a cursory exam9] ^! alt]ations may appe> to take place arbitr>ily3 b to "o acqua9t$ ) ! philosophy ( ! human m9d1 accu/om$ m9utely to trace ! diff]5t l9ks & associations :i* bias our ideas1 !y w appe>1 s f> f be+ arbitr>y or sup]natural1 to be p]fectly natural & agreeable to ! wise ord] ( ?+s4 ,x w\ld seem t mo/ p>ties agree to ! reasons giv5 by ! le>n$ = su* alt]ations1 c41 except !y be 9 matt]s ( religion2 "h ea* p>ty ab&ons ! usual me?ods ( philosophis+1 & has rec\rse to ! sup]natural int]f]5ce ( div9e ag5cy4 ,t extraord9>y in/ances ( conv]sion f vice to virtue1 f error to tru?1 sometimes take place1 = :i* ! mo/ pr(\nd & subtle reason]s fail to give satisfactory causes1 is mo/ readily grant$2 b /ill x may be said1 t our n be+ able to trace a natural cause is no pro( ( !re be+ none2 = pa/ exp]i5ce has abundantly prov$ to ! _w ! folly ( su* k9d ( inf]5ces4 ,_m ?+s 9 sci5ce & philosophy are n[ ev5 demon/rable1 t =m]ly 71 ) equally good reason1 consid]$ to be miracul\s or sup]natural4 ,!re are _m reasons = consid]+ ! religi\s conv]sions n sup]natural4 ,!re are no human crit]ia to det]m9e :5 !y are f ,god & :5 !y are n4 ,s _m & s frequ5t impositions & deceptions take place1 t !re is no di/+ui%+ ! false f ! true4 ,^! enlight5m5ts are equally claim$ by e sect1 h[ev] diff]5t 9 op9ion4 ,n[1 suppos+ !m to be f ,god1 we are "u ! necessity ( believ+ t !re c be only "o sect :i* c really h !m2 = x w\ld be absurd to suppose ! ,immutable ,creator ( all ?+s w\ld inspire 8 creatures to believe1 z true1 opposite & diff]5t doctr9es2 & ! conf9+ ( ! div9e influ5ce to "o sect only1 c]ta9ly appe>s to be p>tial & arbitr>y1 & contr>y to ! say+1 t ,god is no respect] ( p]sons4 ,p pr(ess+ to be conv]t$ c nev] give a satisfactory explanation ( _! /ate1 ei!r to o!rs or !mselves1 s z to d away all appreh5sion t !y may n be actuat$ by impulse1 fe>1 affections1 c41 ) a v>iety ( o!r natural causes :i* e day make a/oni%+ alt]ations 9 ! m9ds ( m54 ,we sometimes meet ) individuals :o at "o "t consid]$ !mselves to be inspir$1 & %ew$ e outw>d sign1 & aft]w>ds decl>e !y conceive !y nev] 74 ,sudd5 & extraord9>y *anges frequ5tly take place = ! worse2 b ^! are nev] acc\nt$ z sup]natural4 ,x appe>s t conv]sions mo/ frequ5tly take place aft] "s circum/ances :i* naturally h a t5d5cy to fix ! att5tion1 s(t5 ! affections1 affect ! passions1 & subdue ! w2 su* z att5d+ religi\s disc\rses1 ! dea?b$ ( a fri5d1 extreme pa91 pov]ty1 & di/ress1 c4 ,n[1 may n ^! be said to acc\nt = ! fir/ natural l9k8 ,!n :y %\ld ! re/ ( ! *a9 be miracul\s8 ,if ^! obs]vations 7 untrue1 we might expect to f9d conv]sions occur z frequ5tly among "o sort ( society z among ano!r2 b t is n ! case4 ,x is obs]vable 9 religi\s z well z 9 o!r op]ations ( ! m9d1 t ^? alt]ations :i* are ! mo/ sudd5 & vehem5t1 are g5]ally m transi5t ?an ^? :i* take place m gradually & aft] acc\ntable associations4 ,we might naturally expect t ^? div9ely inspir$ w\ld be sup]ior to ! weaknesses ( passion & imp]fections ( nature incid5tal to o!rs2 b our conv]ts appe> n to be4 ,^! sup]natural affections are unatt5d$ ) any disc]nibly sup]natural effects2 ! possessors ( !m nev] p]=m miracles6 ,f ^! obs]vations x is presum$1 t !re is abundant reason = appreh5d+ t ^? conv]sions t]m$ sup]natural are no?+ m ?an nature act+ ^u ! m9d ( man1 agreeably to ^? wise & immutable laws laid d[n by ! adorable ,mak] ( all ?+s2 & ! reason ( our t]m+ !m miracul\s is1 because we are unable ) our weak faculties to trace ! wond]ful concat5ations1 & view ! inf9ite v>iety ( %ades ( :i* ! intellectual "p ( man is susceptible4 ,at ! same "t x is confess$1 t x be+ a matt] ( int]nal feel+1 & :at _c p]haps be demon/rat$ ei!r way1 no argum5ts on ! subject c be hop$ ( any mat]ial b5efit1 ei!r to ! p]son :o supposes himself to h x1 b _c expla9 x1 or to him t has x n1 & _c conceive x4 ,bri/ol1 ,,!ophilan?ropi/4 ,feb4 #ah1ahai4 ,a ,,few ,,ideas ,,on ,,! ,,*ri/ian ,,religion4 ,x appe>s1 t at lea/ #ii p]sons 9 #ajj take _! religi\s op9ions f _! p>5ts1 & accord+ to education1 c4 )\t ev] aft]w>ds exam9+ = !mselves4 ,n[1 z ?is belief arises f causes t are v>iable & q indep5d5t ( ! believ]s1 x foll[s1 t !re is no security :atev] = its be+ true1 ! *ance be+ always aga9/ x3 consequ5tly1 su* p]sons' op9ions are ( no weight 9 ! dispute4 ,a due att5tion to ?is consid]ation w1 x is presum$1 r5d] ! numb] ( real believ]s & unbeliev]s 9 ,*ri/ian c\ntries mu* less unequal ?an at fir/ we may be incl9$ to suppose4 ,! evid5ce = ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$ on probabilities by a process ( reason+1 n be+ intuitive or self-evid5t4 ,! contr>y ( its be+ true c easily be conceiv$ & does n imply a contradiction4 ,ow+ to ! diff]5t con/itutions ( ! human m9d1 !re always is1 m or less1 a c]ta9 diff]5ce ( op9ion ^u all subjects 9 proportion to _! want ( self-evid5t pro(4 ,!n1 :5 a subject confess$ly has x n1 ought we to expect f x ^? univ]sal results :i* x c\ld only produce by hav+ x8 ,t !re %\ld be _m :o are n satisfi$ ) ! evid5ce ( ! ,*ri/ian religion is n to be wond]$ at1 s9ce x is n ( t nature to produce univ]sal acquiesc5ce4 ,:]e !n c be ! propriety ( inveigh+ s bitt]ly aga9/ "s = reject+ :at1 accord+ to ! nature ( ?+s1 all _c be expect$ to receive8 ,assur$ly1 ! s9 ( d\bt+ mu/ be proportional to ! evid5ce2 !n :y %\ld we atta* ! same puni%m5t = disbeliev+ ?+s t are n self-evid5t z we d = ?+s t are8 ,) reg>d to ! ass]tions1 t 'tis _! pride prev5ts _! belief1 t !y make a ,deity ( _! reason1 & put !mselves 9 opposition to ,heav51 c4 x may be s]i\sly ask$1 ,are ^! ass]tors s9c]e 9 :at !y say1 or is x m]ely sple5 !y1 or any "o1 = an in/ant conceive x to be possible = a man 9 8 s5ses1 :o has any idea ( 8 ,mak]1 or ( himself1 & is s deeply int]e/$ 9 ! subject1 to act 9 su* a way8 ,!re may be "s reason = consid]+ t doctr9e to be false :i* might cause u to ?9k exi/5ce a curse1 r ?an a bless+1 & to ent]ta9 views inconsi/5t ) ! ,div9e ,nature4 ,if ! or?odox op9ions be correct1 h[ few among pr(essors really pr(ess6 ,h[ small a proportion ( mank9d pr(ess at all6 ,x foll[s1 accord+ to ev5 probability1 t ! numb] ( ! sav$ w be extremely small 9 proportion to t :i* is lo/4 ,!n1 :5 a *ild is born1 accord+ to ! laws ( *ances1 !re are v great odds aga9/ its be+ sav$4 ,qu]y1 ,:e!r x be a bless+ to be born1 to run any risk at all ( endless mis]y1 ev5 7 !y v contr>y ( :at !y appe> to be1 greatly 9 fav\r ( ev]la/+ bliss8 ,bri/ol1 ,,!ophilan?ropi/4 ,feb4 #ah1ahaj4 ,,deism ,,exam9$ ,by ,a ,*ri/ian ,x has (t5 be5 said1 t if ,*ri/ianity is n compet5t to )/& ! te/ ( reason1 x ought to fall4 ,to ?is op9ion ,i will+ly subscribe2 & s confid5t am ,i ( our succe$+ aga9/ our adv]s>ies1 ! ,dei/s1 t ,i am = truly putt+ ,*ri/ianity to ?is trial4 ,t is1 ,i w\ld t !re %\ld be all[$ z p]fectly free discussion 9 all !ological matt]s1 t ! ,age ( ,reason1 & o!r works ( a simil> nature1 %\ld be all[$ to be publi%$4 ,let ! enemies ( our religion br+ =w>d _! objections z fa/ z !y l2 h we n1 or our "p1 a ready refutation = e "o ( !m8 ,! ,dei/s1 ,i "k1 h /rongly cont5d$1 t _m actions record$ 9 ! ,bible1 said to h be5 done by ! express comm& ( ,god1 are %ock+ to humanity1 & 9 contradiction to all our ideas ( moral ju/ice4 ,su* z putt+ :ole nations to ! sword2 sp>+ nei!r age nor infancy2 utt]ly de/roy+ m51 wom51 & *ildr52 leav+ n a s\l to brea!1 c4 c4 ,b does n ! ,bi%op ( ,ll&aff reconcile ?is seem+ incongruity1 & v9dicate ! morality ( ! sacr$ writ+s by expla9+1 t1 z ! ,almighty con/antly sup]9t5ds all ! actions ( nature1 & 9 s do+ p]mits1 or r causes smil+ infants s to be swall[$ up by e>?quakes1 or de/roy$ by o!r natural means2 x is evid5t t ^! %ock+ transactions 7z !y are call$7 record$ 9 ! ,bible1 d n militate 9 ! lea/ aga9/ ! "* ( ! ,deity4 ,! unbeliev]s c]ta9ly may br+ a pu]ile argum5t aga9/ ?is pr(\nd ass]tion ( ! ,bi%op's2 b ! ,*ri/ian :o truly appreciates ! real value ( an unwav]+ fai?1 w h = su* argum5t a ?or\gh contempt1 ev5 be=e he reads x4 ,!y may tell u1 if !y *oose1 t nature be+ actuat$ by g5]al & unv>y+ laws1 x is n to be suppos$ ! ,almighty1 9 ord] to save a human creature1 w p]=m a miracle4 ,or 7to /ate ! case m p>ticul>ly7 if a society ( human be+s w be s un?9k+ & imprud5t1 z to make _! resid5ce at ! bottom ( ,m\nt ,vesuvius1 or ,etna1 t ! ,creator w p>tially susp5d ! laws ( nature1 9 ord] t ! burn+ lavas may n ov]:elm !m 9 de/ruction2 or1 t if mortals w be s presumptu\s z to build _! dwell+s on ! site ( =m] desolations1 z ,lisbon = in/ance1 t ! ,almighty w int]pose1 9 ord] to prev5t ! recurr5ce ( ano!r e>?quake2 or t ,god w 9 any case p>tially susp5d ! et]nal laws ( ! univ]se1 9 ord] to pres]ve a mortal t may be accid5tally liable to be de/roy$ by _! effects4 ,!y may tell u all ?is if !y *oose1 & likewise1 t ?is is q ano!r ?+1 to an express comm& f ,god himself to "o set ( human be+s to annihilate ano!r4--,?us we refute x all3 su* argum5ts are built on human reason1 :i* x behoves e pi\s ,*ri/ian to di/ru/6 ,let !m ass]t1 t ,jesus ,*ri/ himself1 7if !re 0 su* a p]son7 has prov$ ! delusion he lab\r$ "u1 s9ce he actually & di/9ctly pr$ict$1 9 m places ?an "o1 t 8 second com+ w\ld be 9 ! days ( ! la/ surviv+ apo/les1 & t ! apo/les !mselves suffici5tly %ew by _! writ+s1 t su* 0 _! op9ion4 ,let !m descant ^u ! description ( 8 com+ 9 ! cl\ds 7z relat$ 9 ! gospel7 ) ! trumpets s\nd+ be=e him1 & call x a m]e repres5tation ( human pageantry1 & unwor?y ( be+ imput$ to ! ,almighty ,creator1 :o has millions ( millions ( worlds at 8 comm&6 ,we ?us refute ! fir/ "p ( ?is misrepres5tation4 ,jesus1 aft] pr$ict+ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 z we f9d x n[ relat$1 speaks ( 8 second com+1 & gives a description h[ he w appe> 9 ! cl\ds1 ) ! angels s\nd+ _! trumpets be=e him1 c4 c4 & !n cont9ues ?us3 ,v]ily ,i say unto y1 ?is g5]ation %all n pass away1 till all ^! ?+s be fulfill$4 ,n[ x is evid5t1 t ?is la/ v]se c only allude to ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 & t ! passage is misplac$ by _m s5t5ces4 ,x is true1 we h no v\*]s = ?is1 nor c we p]ceive :at in/ance !re c\ld h be5 = any "o to h made ! alt]ation2 b z m ?an sev5te5 c5turies h revolv$ s9ce ! dea? ( ,*ri/1 & no second com+ yet tak5 place1 we are fully ju/ifi$ 9 ma9ta9+ ! passage to be misplac$4 ,! ,dei/s accuse u ( all along suppress+ _! works1 & c]ta9ly1 9 ?is respect1 ,i mu/ ackn[l$ge we h act$ unfairly4 ,!y say t mo/ ( ! anci5t productions on _! side ! "q are lo/2 :ile ! answ]s to !m are /ill extant4 ,f ?is circum/ance !y inf]1 design+ & sup]/iti\s monks & prie/s1 9 ord] to remove e ?+ out ( ! way t might militate aga9/ _! doctr9e1 de/roy$ all ! writ+s ( _! oppon5ts1 :ile !y c>efully pres]v$ ^? ( _! own p>ty4 ,x is likewise affirm$1 ! book entitl$ ! ,age ( ,reason1 is a m =midable enemy to ,*ri/ianity ?an any "w ev] be=e publi%$1 & ?reat5s1 %\ld x become popul>1 to %ake its flimsy fabric 7= ?us !y speak ( our religion7 to its v f\ndation2 t ! *>ge ( blasphemy is br\ght aga9/ x to suppress x1 solely f fe> ( ?is consequ5ce1 & t our (t repeat$ ass]tion1 if ,*ri/ianity _c )/& ! te/ ( reason x ought to fall1 is a m]e mock]y1 =1 9 fact1 we fully prove our int5tion is1 nev] to br+ our doctr9e to su* a tribunal4 ,i am v sorry t ?is la/ *>ge aga9/ u is n altoge!r unf\nd$4 ,:y %\ld n ! argum5ts ( our oppon5ts be all[$ to be publi%$8 _! au?ors w\ld v soon1 ,i am fully p]suad$1 meet ) a total discomfiture1 & f9d our ,polemics m ?an compet5t to ju/ify _! own cause4 ,e "o kn[s t ,mr4 ,pa9e 0 illit]ate1 t is1 he only knew 8 own language p]fectly1 & _h a smatt]+ ( ,fr5*4 ,n[1 h we n bi%ops1 deacons1 lectur]s1 curates1 c4 :o are acqua9t$ ) ,hebrew1 ,greek1 ,syriac1 ,arabic1 ,lat91 & sev]al o!r tongues1 liv+ z well z dead2 & surely1 x w\ld be /range1 if1 ) all ?is v>i\s le>n+1 aid$ by _! labori\s rese>*es into ! antiquat$ writ+s ( ! primitive ,*ri/ians1 7^? cr$ible atte/]s ( miracles & wit*craft17 t !y %\ld n be able to ov]turn su* a paltry antagoni/ z ,?omas ,pa9e2 :o1 alas6 made use ( no o!r weapon b human reason2 :o ridicul$ ,fai? z a m]e *im]a2 & ma9ta9$1 t a /rict obs]vance ( moral virtue con/itut$ ! only wor%ip t 0 9 reality pleas+ to ! ,deity4 ,physiologi/s h ass]t$1 ,i "k1 t ! human bra9 is only capable ( a c]ta9 degree ( active en]gy1 & t e additional tal5t we may acquire mu/ be ga9$ at ! exp5ce ( all ! o!r p[]s2 & t1 consequ5tly1 he :o is famili> ) a v>iety ( languages _c possibly ?9k v pr(\ndly 9 any1 ! :ole ( 8 intellect be+ absorb$1 & ! pure ideal "p ( x absolutely ext+ui%$1 9 ! complicat$ matt] ( grammatical con/ruction1 & ! endless lab\r ( committ+ to memory ! v>i\s *>act]s & innum]able quantity ( words necess>y = obta9+ su* k4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x is boldly av]r$1 t he :o kn[s 8 own language p]fectly1 & no o!r1 may become1 z x 71 9 8 v ess5ce1 a comp\nd ( ?\ght & reflection1 capable ( draw+1 f ! lum9\s /ores ( 8 own und]/&+ alone1 argum5ts t %all put to flight all ! s*ola/ic quibbl+ ( ! m]e ,*ri/ian l+ui/1 caus+ ! gloom eng5d]$ by 8 subtilties to vani% l mi/ be=e ! sun4 ,! ,dei/s accuse u ( di/urb+ ! la/ mom5ts ( ! virtu\s1 & t]rify+ _! imag9ations ) ! prospect ( et]nal damnation4 ,!y say1 t :5 su* infatuat$ p]sons 7^: bodily weakness r5d]s !m m ?an *ildi%7 become ov]:elm$ ) ! dreadful picture1 & give way to ! weakness ( humanity1 t we !n inf]1 !y _h a prop] s5se ( ! enormity ( _! guilt be=e !y di$2 & t we !n exclaim1 9 ! gloomy pomposity ( ! fanatic ,"y1 ,m5 may live fools1 b fools !y _c die6 ,?is quotation1 :5 appli$ to ! case 9 "q1 ! ,dei/s ma9ta9 to be unju/1 & are = mak+ a new read+1 z be+ r m applicable1 viz4 ,m5 may live wisely1 b fools !y (t5 die6 ,%ame6 ! ,dei/s cry1 =be> to di/urb ! dep>t+ morali/ ) y\r /range dogmas6 ,8 sole tru/ is 9 8 ,creator1 !re=e let 8 la/ h\rs be sp5t 9 peace6 ,y\r int]f]5ce is useless1 & z x adds to ! suff]+s ( expir+ humanity1 may well be t]m$ impi\s & cruel4 ,& fur!r1 :at conviction c be ga9$ f mak+ public ! imbecile & t]ror-extort$ confessions made by ! dy+2 = z ,r\sseau rightly obs]ves1 x is 'our reason t det]m9es our belief1 & :51 ?r\gh sickness1 t fa9tly becomes impair$1 :at dep5d5ce c be plac$ on any op9ion we may !n adopt8' ,all ?is seems at ! fir/ glance v /rik+ & impos+1 b is easily refut$4 ,i %all conf9e myself1 h[ev]1 to only answ]+ ! latt] "p ( ! above4 ,i ma9ta91 !n1 t ev5 %\t+ our dogmas 9 ! e>s ( ! dy+1#a & !reby di/urb+ _! la/ mom5ts1 is a m]e trifle1 :5 put 9 competition ) ! et]nal advantages t may by ?is means accrue to _! s\ls4 ,x is well kn[n1 t ,*ri/ians =m]ly1 m g5]ally ?an at pres5t1 did n scruple to compel m5 to become conv]ts2 & :5 ! h]etics1 z !y 7 t]m$1 ob/9ately held out1 !y actually burnt !m = ! love ( ,*ri/6 ,?is mann] ( proce$+ ,dr4 ,paley has1 9 "s measure1 ju/ifi$1 #b by affirm+1 t z ! salvation ( ! s\l is a matt] ( inf9itely m importance ?an ! well-be+ ( ! body1 s ^! conv]t]s1 :o actually believ$ salvation to exclusively dep5d on ! reception ( _! dogmas1 may be said to be 9 "s sort excusable1 = endeav\r+ by all ! means )9 _! p[] to save a man's s\l1 ?\gh 8 body1 9 consequ5ce1 might be devot$ to ! flames4 #a ,vide ,life ( ,m4 de ,voltaire4 #b ,vide ,haley's ,evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity1 ,"p ,,iii4 ,*ap4 vii4 ,"s1 ,i "k1 w\ld g fur!r1 & urge1 t ev5 ! burn+ ( ^? :o 7 conv]t$ by ! ?reats ( ! holy fa!rs1 0 n impolitic1 s9ce x may be ju/ifi$ z ! above pr9ciple1 ( pref]r+ ! welf>e ( ! s\l to t ( ! body4 ,= might n a new-made conv]t1 made s aga9/ ! evid5ce ( 8 own reason1 recant1 & ?us r5d] all ! pi\s zeal ( ^? s\l-pres]v]s q abortive8 ,no?+ m likely1 & !re=e to make sure ( 8 et]nal felicity1 !y 7 equally excusable 9 committ+ him to ! flames4 ,a simil> pr9ciple influ5c$ ! pi\s ,monk t[>ds ! un=tunate ,jew1 z relat$ 9 a well-kn[n b some:at anci5t /ory1 conclud+ ) ^! l9es3 ,drag1 drag me out--,i freeze--,i die4 ,y\r peace1 my fri5d1 is made on high2 ,full absolution "h ,i give2 ,sa9t ,pet] w y\r s\l receive3 ,wa%'d clean f s91 & duly %riv51 ,new conv]ts always g to heav52 ,no h\r = dea? s fit z ?is2 ,?us1 ?us ,i laun* y into bliss6 ,s said--! ,fa!r 9 a trice ,8 conv]t laun*'d b5ea? ! ice4 ,b en\gh ( ?is br++ =w>d accusations & objections ( ! ,dei/s1 & answ]+ !m myself4 ,let !m be br\ght aga9/ u 9 ! regul> way1 & we w readily refute !m4 ,9 fact1 !re w be "s novelty 9 su* an occupation to _m ( our div9es1 :o h pass$ _m ye>s 9 ! cont9u$ sam5ess ( prea*+ to congregations :o are mu* too passive & ob$i5t ev] to diss5t a s+le syllable f ! doctr9e laid d[n4 ,x is n[ sev]al ye>s s9ce our ,doctors ( ,div9ity really ex]t$ _! tal5ts1 viz4 ev] s9ce ! fir/ publicacation ( ! ,age ( ,reason4 ,i ?9k x d[nright inconsi/5cy = our au?orities to prosecute ^? :o publi% works ( ?is k9d1 see+ ^? works absolutely b5efit ,*ri/ianity4 ,= did n ! above production give rise to innum]able answ]s1 ea* ( :i* 0 suffici5t 9 itself1 to prove ! div9e orig9 & infalibillity ( ! sacr$ ,scriptures6 ,read ,bi%op ,watson's ,apology = ! ,bible1 = in/ance1 a "w replete ) g5ius2 a "w :i* w conf] la/+ hon\r on its rev]5d au?or2 & :]e9 we _c p]ceive ! lea/ traces ( :at our adv]s>ies t]m prie/craft1 & n a s+le s5t5ce :i* may be call$ a quibble4 ,ano!r answ] to ! ,age ( ,reason1 by a wit1 nam$ ,rob]t ,?ompson1 also des]ves to be made hon\rable m5tion (1 z be+ nei!r scurril\s nor contemptible2 z does likewise an answ]1 by a layman ( ! "n ( ,padman1 a "w ( va/ pr(undity1 & 9 :i* !re is n to be f\nd any p]v]sion or pitiful misrepres5tation ( passages 9 ,mr4 ,pa9e's book4 ,%\ld ^! two la/ g5tlem5 be /ill 9 exi/5ce1 & *ance to p]use ?is1 !y w be extremely grateful1 ,i am sure1 = my ?us notic+ !m2 b !y may res]ve all ?anks1 = ! encomiums ,i h pass$ ^u !m are no?+ m ?an _! real des]ts4 #a ,b to conclude4 ,see+1 ,i say1 t dei/ical works are b5eficial to our holy & only true religion1 by mak+ its m9i/]s ex]t _! tal5ts1 let !m be pr9t$ & freely circulat$1 & 9 s do+ we %all no long] lay "u ! vile odium ( be+ oppressors & p]secutors = righte\sness sake4 ,a firm ,believ] 9 ! only true ,god1 & a future /ate ( ,retribution4 ,london1 ,jan4 #cj1 #ahai4 #a ,!re is also a ,mr4 ,s4 ,?ompson1 a memb] ( ! sect call$ ,free ,?9k+ ,*ri/ians1 :o 9 a "w entitl$ ,evid5ces ( ,reveal$ ,religion on a new ,plan1 has attempt$ to answ] "s ( ! objections ( ,mr4 ,pa9e2 b z 8 argum5ts1 ?\gh said to be q inconclusive1 h too mu* ! appe>ance ( human reason1 ,i h n ?\ght prop] to m5tion him z a p]son :o has mu* b5efit$ our cause2 & especially z ,i und]/& t implicit fai? =ms no "p ( ! cre$ ( ! above sect4 ,,! ,,end4