,,good ,,s5se ,,)\t ,,god3 ,,or ,,free?\ghts ,,oppos$ ,,to ,,sup]natural ,,ideas ,by ,b>on ,d'holba* ,free?9k]'s ,libr>y ,s]ies ,london3 ,w4 ,/ew>t ,co4 ,a ,translation ,( ,b>on ,d'holba*'s ,le ,bon ,s5s ,transcrib]'s note3 ?is e-text is bas$ on an undat$ ,engli% translation ( ,le ,bon ,s5s publi%$ c4 #aijj4 ,! "n ( ! translator 0 n /at$4 ,a!ism leaves m5 to ,s5se1 to ,philosophy1 to ,laws1 to ,reputation1 all :i* may be guides to moral ,virtue1 ?o' ,religion 7 n3 b ,sup]/ition dism\nts all ^!1 & erects an absolute ,mon>*y 9 ! ,m9ds ( ,m54 ,!re=e1 ,a!ism did nev] p]turb ,/ates2 b ,sup]/ition ha? be5 ! confusion ( _m4 ,! causes ( ,sup]/ition are pleas+ & s5sual rights1 & ,c]emonies2 ,excess ( ,ph>isaical & outside hol9ess1 ,rev]5ce to ,traditions & ! /ratagems ( ,prelates = _! own ,ambition & ,lucre4--,"l ,bacon4 ,,cont5ts #a4 ,,apologue #b4 ,:at is ,!ology8 #c4 ,:at is ,!ology8 #d4 ,man is n born ) any ideas ( ,religion #e4 ,x is n necess>y to believe 9 a ,god #f4 ,religion is f\nd$ on cr$ulity #g4 ,all religion is an absurdity #h4 ,! idea ( ,god is impossible #i4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( ,sup]/ition #aj4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( all ,religion #aa4 ,religi\s fe>s expose m5 to become a prey to impo/]s #ab4 ,religion s$uces ignorance by ! aid ( ! m>vell\s #ac4 ,religion s$uces ignorance by ! aid ( ! m>vell\s #ad4 ,no ,religion1 if n ages ( ,/upidity & ,b>b>ism #ae4 ,all ,religion 0 produc$ by ! desire ( dom9ation #af4 ,:at s]ves z a basis to ,religion is mo/ unc]ta9 #ag4 ,x is impossible to be conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #ah4 ,x is impossible to be conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #ai4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,god is n prov$ #bj4 ,x expla9s no?+ to say1 t ,god is a _s #ba4 ,spirituality is an absurdity #bb4 ,:atev] exi/s is d]iv$ f ,matt] #bc4 ,:at is ! metaphysical ,god ( mod]n ,!ology8 #bd4 ,less unreasonable to adore ! ,sun1 ?an adore a spiritual ,deity #be4 ,a spiritual ,deity is incapable ( volition & action #bf4 ,:at is ,god8 #bg4 ,"s rem>kable ,contradictions 9 ,!ology #bh4 ,to adore ,god1 is to adore a fiction #bi4 ,a!ism is au?oris$ by ! inf9ity ( ,god #cj4 ,believ+ n saf] ?an n believ+ 9 ,god #ca4 ,belief 9 ,god is a habit acquir$ 9 infancy #cb4 ,belief 9 ,god is a prejudice ov successive g5]ations #cc4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( ,prejudices #cd4 ,on ! effects ( ,prejudices #ce4 ,!ology mu/ be in/ill$ be=e ! age ( reason #cf4 ,! wond]s ( nature d n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god #cg4 ,nature may be expla9$ by natural causes #ch4 ,nature may be expla9$ by natural causes #ci4 ,! _w has nev] be5 creat$3 ,matt] moves ( itself #dj4 ,! _w has nev] be5 creat$3 ,matt] moves ( itself #da4 ,motion is ess5tial to ,matt]3 no ,spiritual ,mov] #db4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,man does n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god #dc4 ,nei!r ,man nor ! ,univ]se are ! effects ( *ance #dd4 ,ord] ( ! ,univ]se does n prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #de4 ,ord] ( ! ,univ]se does n prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #df4 ,absurd to adore a div9e intellig5ce #dg4 ,qualities giv5 ,god contr>y to ! ,ess5ce attribut$ to him #dh4 ,qualities giv5 ,god contr>y to ! ,ess5ce attribut$ to him #di4 ,absurd to say t ! human race is ! object ( ! ,univ]se #ej4 ,god is n made = ,man1 nor ,man = ,god #ea4 ,untrue t ! object ( ! ,univ]se 0 to r5d] ,man happy #eb4 ,:at is call$ ,provid5ce is a ^w )\t mean+ #ec4 ,?is pret5d$ ,provid5ce is ! enemy ( ,man #ed4 ,! _w is n gov]n$ by an intellig5t be+ #ee4 ,god _c be consid]$ immutable #ef4 ,good & evil are ! necess>y effects ( natural causes #eg4 ,! consolations ( ,!ology & p>adise are imag9>y #eh4 ,ano!r romantic rev]ie #ei4 ,va9 t ,!ology attempts to cle> its ,god f human defects #fj4 ,impossible to believe ,god is ( inf9ite goodness & p[] #fa4 ,impossible to believe ,god is ( inf9ite goodness & p[] #fb4 ,!ology's ,god a mon/] ( absurdity & inju/ice #fc4 ,all ,religion inspires contemptible fe>s #fd4 ,religion1 ! same z ! mo/ somb] & s]vile ,sup]/ition #fe4 ,! love ( ,god is impossible #ff4 ,an et]nally torm5t+ ,god is a mo/ dete/able be+ #fg4 ,!ology is a tissue ( palpable contradictions #fh4 ,! pret5d$ works ( ,god d n prove ,div9e ,p]fections #fi4 ,! p]fection ( ,god & ! pret5d$ creation ( angels #gj4 ,!ology prea*es ,omnipot5ce ( its ,god1 yet makes impot5t #ga4 ,p] all religi\s sy/ems1 ,god is caprici\s & fooli% #gb4 ,x is absurd to say t ,evil does n proce$ f ,god #gc4 ,! =ekn[l$ge ( ,god proves 8 cruelty #gd4 ,absurdity ( ! /ories conc]n+ ,orig9al ,s91 & ,satan #ge4 ,! ,devil1 l ,religion1 0 inv5t$ to enri* ! prie/s #gf4 ,god has no "r to puni% man #gg4 ,x is absurd to say1 t ! conduct ( ,god a my/]y #gh4 ,ought we look = consolation1 f ! au?or ( our mis]y8 #gi4 ,god :o puni%es ! faults :i* he might h prev5t$ #hj4 ,:at is call$ ,free ,w is an absurdity #ha4 ,b we mu/ n conclude t ,society has no "r to puni% #hb4 ,refutation ( ! argum5ts 9 fav\r ( ,free ,w #hc4 ,refutation ( ! argum5ts 9 fav\r ( ,free ,w #hd4 ,god1 if !re 7 a ,god1 w\ld n be free #he4 ,accord+ to ,!ology1 man is n free a s+le in/ant #hf4 ,!re is no evil1 & no s91 b mu/ be attribut$ to ,god #hg4 ,! pray]s prove dissatisfaction ( ! div9e w #hh4 ,absurd to imag9e repair ( mis=tune 9 ano!r _w #hi4 ,!ology ju/ifies ! evil p]mitt$ by its ,god #ij4 ,jehovah1 ext]m9ations prove an unju/ & b>b>\s ,god #ia4 ,is ,god a g5]\s1 equitable1 & t5d] fa!r8 #ib4 ,man's life1 deposes aga9/ goodness ( a pret5d$ ,god #ic4 ,we owe no gratitude to :at is call$ ,provid5ce #id4 ,x is folly to suppose t ,man is ! fav\rite ( ,god #ie4 ,a comp>ison betwe5 ,man & brutes #if4 ,!re are no animals s dete/able z ,tyrants #ig4 ,a refutation ( ! excell5ce ( ,man #ih4 ,an ori5tal ,tale #ii4 ,x is madness to see no?+ b ! goodness ( ,god #ajj4 ,:at is ! ,s\l8 #aja4 ,! exi/5ce ( a ,s\l is an absurd supposition #ajb4 ,x is evid5t t ,man dies 9 toto #ajc4 ,inconte/ible argum5ts aga9/ ! ,spirituality ( ! ,s\l #ajd4 ,on ! absurdity ( ! sup]natural causes #aje4 ,x is false t ,mat]ialism degrades #ajf4 ,x is false t ,mat]ialism degrades #ajg4 ,idea ( future life only useful to prie/'s trade #ajh4 ,x is false t ! idea ( a future life is consol+ #aji4 ,all religi\s pr9ciples are d]iv$ f ! imag9ation #aaj4 ,religion a sy/em to reconciles contradictions by my/]ies #aaa4 ,absurdity ( all ,my/]ies1 inv5t$ = ! int]e/s ( ,prie/s #aab1 ,absurdity ( all ,my/]ies1 inv5t$ = ! int]e/s ( ,prie/s #aac4 ,absurdity ( all ,my/]ies1 inv5t$ = ! int]e/s ( ,prie/s #aad4 ,an univ]sal ,god ought to h reveal$ an univ]sal ,religion #aae4 ,religion is unnecess>y1 z x is un9telligible #aaf4 ,all ,religions are r5d]$ ridicul\s by ! multitude ( cre$s #aag4 ,op9ion ( a fam\s ,!ologian #aah4 ,! ,god ( ! ,dei/s is n less contradictory #aai4 ,ag$ belief 9 a ,deity does n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god #abj4 ,all ,gods are savage3 all ,religions are monum5ts ( ignorance #aba4 ,all religi\s usages be> m>ks ( /upidity & b>b>ism #abb4 ,! m a religion is anci5t & g5]al1 ! m suspect #abc4 ,scepticism 9 religi\s matt]s f v sup]ficial /udy #abd4 ,revelations exam9$ #abe4 ,:]e is ! pro( t ,god ev] %ew$ himself or spoke to ,m5 #abf4 ,!re is no?+ t proves miracles to h be5 ev] p]=m$ #abg4 ,/range t ,god spoke diff]5tly to diff]5t sects #abh4 ,obscurity & suspici\s orig9 ( oracles #abi4 ,absurdity ( all miracles #acj4 ,refutation ( ! reason+ ( ,pascal on miracles #aca4 ,e new revelation is necess>ily false #acb4 ,blood ( m>tyrs te/ifies aga9/ ! tru? ( miracles #acc4 ,fanaticism ( m>tyrs1 & ! int]e/$ zeal ( mission>ies #acd4 ,!ology makes its ,god an enemy to ,reason & ,common ,s5se #ace4 ,fai? irreconcilable ) ,reason2 & ,reason pref]able to ,fai? #acf4 ,to :at absurd & ridicul\s sophisms ! religi\s are r$uc$ #acg4 ,ought a man to believe1 on ! assurance ( ano!r man #ach4 ,fai? c take root only 9 feeble1 ignorant1 or slo?ful m9ds #aci4 ,t "o ,religion has great] pret5sions to tru? an absurdity #adj4 ,religion is unnecess>y to ,morality #ada4 ,religion ! weake/ b>ri] t c be oppos$ to ! passions #adb4 ,hon\r is a m salut>y & p[]ful bond ?an ,religion #adc4 ,religion does n re/ra9 ! passions ( k+s #add4 ,orig9 ( ! div9e "r ( k+s #ade4 ,religion is fatal to political ameliorations #adf4 ,*ri/ianity prea*+ implicit ob$i5ce to despotism #adg4 ,"o object ( religi\s pr9ciples3 et]nize ! tyranny ( k+s #adh4 ,fatal x is to p]suade k+s !y are responsible to ,god alone #adi4 ,a dev\t k+ is ! sc\rge ( 8 k+dom #aej4 ,tyranny f9ds ,religion a weak ob/acle to ! despair ( ! p #aea4 ,religion fav\rs ! wick$ness ( pr9ces #aeb4 ,:at is an enlight5$ ,sov]eign8 #aec4 ,( ! prevail+ passions & crimes ( ! prie/hood #aed4 ,! quack]y ( prie/s #aee4 ,religion has corrupt$ ,morality1 & produc$ innum]able evils #aef4 ,e ,religion is intol]ant #aeg4 ,! evils ( a /ate ,religion #aeh4 ,religion legitimates & au?orizes crime #aei4 ,! argum5t1 t evils attribut$ to ,religion are faults ( m5 #afj4 ,religion is incompatible ) ,morality #afa4 ,! ,morality ( ! ,gospel is impracticable #afb4 ,a society ( ,sa9ts w\ld be impossible #afc4 ,human nature is n deprav$ #afd4 ,conc]n+ ! effects ( ,jesus ,*ri/'s mission #afe4 ,! remission ( s9s 0 inv5t$ = ! int]e/ ( prie/s #aff4 ,:o fe> ,god8 #afg4 ,hell is an absurd inv5tion #afh4 ,! bad f\ndation ( religi\s morals #afi4 ,*ri/ian ,*>ity1 z prea*$ & practis$ by ,!ologians666 #agj4 ,confession1 prie/craft's gold m9e #aga4 ,supposition ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god unnecess>y to ,morality #agb4 ,sup]natural ,morality are fatal to ! public welf>e #agc4 ,! union ( ,*ur* & ,/ate is a calamity #agd4 ,national ,religions are ru9\s #age4 ,religion p>alyses ,morality #agf4 ,fatal consequ5ces ( ,devotion #agg4 ,! idea ( a future life is n consol+ to man #agh4 ,an ,a!i/ is fully z consci5ti\s z a religi\s man #agi4 ,an ,a!i/ical k+ f> pref]able to a religi\s k+ #ahj4 ,philosophy produces ,morality #aha4 ,religi\s op9ions h little influ5ce ^u conduct #ahb4 ,reason leads man to ,a!ism #ahc4 ,fe> alone makes ,!i/s #ahd4 ,c we1 & ought we1 to love ,god8 #ahe4 ,god & ,religion are prov$ to be absurdities #ahf4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,god1 has n yet be5 demon/rat$ #ahg4 ,prie/s are m actuat$ by self-int]e/1 ?an unbeliev]s #ahh4 ,presumption1 & badness1 m 9 prie/s1 ?an 9 ,a!i/s #ahi4 ,prejudices la/ b = a "t #aij4 ,:at if prie/s ! apo/les ( reason #aia4 ,if ,philosophy 7 sub/itut$ = ,religion6 #aib4 ,recantation ( an unbeliev] at ! po9t ( dea? proves no?+ #aic4 ,x is n true t ,a!ism breaks ! bonds ( society #aid4 ,refutation ( ! op9ion1 t ,religion necess>y = ! vulg> #aie4 ,logical sy/ems are n adapt$ to ! capacity ( ! vulg> #aif4 ,on ! futility & dang] ( ,!ology #aig4 ,on ! evils produc$ by implicit fai? #aih4 ,on ! evils produc$ by implicit fai? #aii4 ,all ,religions 7 e/abli%$ by impo/ors1 9 days ( ignorance #bjj4 ,all ,religions borr[ f "o ano!r ridicul\s c]emonies #bja4 ,!ology has always div]t$ philosophy f its "r pa? #bjb4 ,!ology expla9s no?+ #bjc4 ,!ology has always fett]$ ,morality1 & ret>d$ progress #bjd4 ,!ology has always fett]$ ,morality1 & ret>d$ progress #bje4 ,religion is an extravagance & a calamity #bjf4 ,religion prev5ts u f see+ ! true causes ( mis=tunes ,,publi%]',s ,,note ,! *ief design 9 repr9t+ ?is translation1 is to pres]ve ! /ronge/ a!i/ical "w = pres5t & future g5]ations ( ,engli% ,free?9k]s4 ,! real au?or 01 unque/ionably1 ,paul ,?yry2 ,b>on ,d',holba*1 & n ,john ,mesli]1 to :om ?is "w has be5 wrongly attribut$1 "u ! title ( ,le ,bon ,s5s 7,common ,s5se74 ,9 #aggj1 ,b>on ,d',holba* publi%$ 8 ma/]piece1 ,sy/eme de la ,nature1 :i* = a long "t pass$ z ! po/hum\s "w ( ,m4 de ,mirabaud4 ,t text-book ( ,a!i/ical ,philosophy caus$ a great s5sation1 & two ye>s lat]1 #aggb1 ! ,b>on publi%$ ?is excell5t abridgm5t ( x1 fre$ f arbitr>y ideas2 & by its cle>ness ( expression1 facility1 & precision ( /yle1 r5d]$ x mo/ suitable = ! av]age /ud5t4 ,le ,bon ,s5s 0 privately pr9t$ 9 ,am/]dam1 & ! au?or's "n 0 kept a pr(\nd secret2 h5ce1 ,b>on ,d',holba* escap$ p]secution4 ,,! ,,au?or',s ,,preface ,:5 we exam9e ! op9ions ( m51 we f9d t no?+ is m uncommon1 ?an common s5se2 or1 9 o!r words1 !y lack judgm5t to discov] pla9 tru?s1 or to reject absurdities1 & palpable contradictions4 ,we h an example ( ?is 9 ,!ology1 a sy/em rev]$ 9 all c\ntries by a great numb] ( m52 an object reg>d$ by !m z mo/ important1 & indisp5sable to happ9ess4 ,an exam9ation ( ! pr9ciples ^u :i* ?is pret5d$ sy/em is f\nd$1 =ces u to ackn[l$ge1 t ^! pr9ciples are only suppositions1 imag9$ by ignorance1 propagat$ by en?usiasm or knav]y1 adopt$ by timid cr$ulity1 pres]v$ by cu/om :i* nev] reasons1 & rev]$ solely because n und]/ood4 ,9 a ^w1 :oev] uses common s5se ^u religi\s op9ions1 & w be/[ on ?is inquiry ! att5tion t is commonly giv5 to mo/ subjects1 w easily p]ceive t ,religion is a m]e ca/le 9 ! air4 ,!ology is ignorance ( natural causes2 a tissue ( fallacies & contradictions4 ,9 e c\ntry1 x pres5ts romances void ( probability1 ! h]o ( :i* is compos$ ( impossible qualities4 ,8 "n1 excit+ fe> 9 all m9ds1 is only a vague ^w1 to :i*1 m5 affix ideas or qualities1 :i* are ei!r contradict$ by facts1 or inconsi/5t4 ,notions ( ?is be+1 or r1 ! ^w by :i* he is designat$1 w\ld be a matt] ( indiff]5ce1 if x did n cause innum]able ravages 9 ! _w4 ,b m51 prepossess$ ) ! op9ion t ?is phantom is a reality ( ! greate/ int]e/1 in/ead ( conclud+ wisely f its incompreh5sibility1 t !y are n b\nd to reg>d x1 inf] on ! contr>y1 t !y mu/ contemplate x1 )\t ceas+1 & nev] lose sight ( x4 ,_! inv9cible ignorance1 ^u ?is subject1 irritates _! curiosity2 in/ead ( putt+ !m ^u gu>d aga9/ _! imag9ation1 ?is ignorance r5d]s !m decisive1 dogmatic1 imp]i\s1 & ev5 exasp]ates !m aga9/ all1 :o oppose d\bts to ! rev]ies :i* !y h begott54 ,:at p]plexity arises1 :5 x is requir$ to solve an insolvable problem2 unceas+ m$itation ^u an object1 impossible to und]/&1 b 9 :i* h[ev] he ?9ks himself mu* conc]n$1 _c b excite man1 & produce a fev] 9 8 bra94 ,let int]e/1 vanity1 & ambition1 co-op]ate ev] s little ) ?is un=tunate turn ( m9d1 & society mu/ necess>ily be di/urb$4 ,?is is ! reason t s _m nations h (t5 be5 ! sc5e ( extravagances ( s5seless vision>ies1 :o1 believ+ _! empty speculations to be et]nal tru?s1 & publi%+ !m z su*1 h k9dl$ ! zeal ( pr9ces & _! subjects1 & made !m take up arms = op9ions1 repres5t$ to !m z ess5tial to ! glory ( ! ,deity4 ,9 all p>ts ( our globe1 fanatics h cut ea* o!r's ?roats1 publicly burnt ea* o!r1 committ$ )\t a scruple & ev5 z a duty1 ! greate/ crimes1 & %$ torr5ts ( blood4 ,= :at8 ,to /r5g!n1 support1 or propagate ! imp]t95t conjectures ( "s en?usia/s1 or to give validity to ! *eats ( impo/ors1 9 ! "n ( a be+1 :o exi/s only 9 _! imag9ation1 & :o has made himself kn[n only by ! ravages1 disputes1 & follies1 he has caus$4 ,savage & furi\s nations1 p]petually at w>1 adore1 "u div]s names1 "s ,god1 con=mable to _! ideas1 t is to say1 cruel1 c>nivor\s1 selfi%1 blood-?ir/y4 ,we f9d1 9 all ! religions1 a ,god ( armies1 a jeal\s ,god1 an av5g+ ,god1 a de/roy+ ,god1 a ,god1 :o is pleas$ ) c>nage1 & :om 8 wor%ipp]s consid] x a duty to s]ve4 ,lambs1 bulls1 *ildr51 m51 & wom51 are sacrific$ to him4 ,zeal\s s]vants ( ?is b>b>\s ,god ?9k !mselves oblig$ ev5 to (f] up !mselves z a sacrifice to him4 ,madm5 may ev]y:]e be se51 :o1 aft] m$itat+ ^u _! t]rible ,god1 imag9e t to please him !y mu/ inflict on !mselves1 ! mo/ exquisite torm5ts4 ,! gloomy ideas =m$ ( ! deity1 f> f consol+ !m1 h e :]e disquiet$ _! m9ds1 & prejudic$ follies de/ructive to happ9ess4 ,h[ c\ld ! human m9d progress1 :ile torm5t$ ) frightful phantoms1 & guid$ by m51 int]e/$ 9 p]petuat+ its ignorance & fe>s8 ,man has be5 =c$ to vegetate 9 8 primitive /upidity3 he has be5 taught /ories ab\t invisible p[]s ^u :om 8 happ9ess 0 suppos$ to dep5d4 ,occupi$ solely by 8 fe>s1 & by un9telligible rev]ies1 he has always be5 at ! m]cy ( prie/s1 :o h res]v$ to !mselves ! "r ( ?9k+ = him1 & ( direct+ 8 actions4 ,?us1 man has rema9$ a slave )\t c\rage1 fe>+ to reason1 & unable to extricate himself f ! labyr9?1 9 :i* he has be5 w&]+4 ,he believes himself =c$ "u ! yoke ( 8 gods1 kn[n to him only by ! fabul\s acc\nts giv5 by 8 m9i/]s1 :o1 aft] b9d+ ea* unhappy mortal 9 ! *a9s ( prejudice1 rema9 8 ma/]s1 or else ab&on him def5celess to ! absolute p[] ( tyrants1 no less t]rible ?an ! gods1 ( :om !y are ! repres5tatives4 ,oppress$ by ! d\ble yoke ( spiritual & temporal p[]1 x has be5 impossible = ! p to be happy4 ,religion became sacr$1 & m5 h _h no o!r ,morality1 ?an :at _! legislators & prie/s br\ght f ! unkn[n regions ( heav54 ,! human m9d1 confus$ by !ological op9ions1 ceas$ to "k its own p[]s1 mi/ru/$ exp]i5ce1 fe>$ tru? & disda9$ reason1 9 ord] to foll[ au?ority4 ,man has be5 a m]e ma*9e 9 ! h&s ( tyrants & prie/s4 ,always treat$ z a slave1 man has contract$ ! vices ( slav]y4 ,su* are ! true causes ( ! corruption ( morals4 ,ignorance & s]vitude are calculat$ to make m5 wick$ & unhappy4 ,k1 ,reason1 & ,lib]ty1 c alone re=m & make m5 happi]4 ,b e ?+ conspires to bl9d !m1 & to confirm _! errors4 ,prie/s *eat !m1 tyrants corrupt & enslave !m4 ,tyranny ev] 01 & ev] w be1 ! true cause ( man's depravity1 & also ( 8 calamities4 ,almo/ always fasc9at$ by religi\s fiction1 poor mortals turn n _! eyes to ! natural & obvi\s causes ( _! mis]y2 b attribute _! vices to ! imp]fection ( _! natures1 & _! unhapp9ess to ! ang] ( ! gods4 ,!y (f] to heav5 v[s1 sacrifices1 & pres5ts1 to obta9 ! end ( suff]+s1 :i* 9 reality1 are attributable only to ! neglig5ce1 ignorance1 & p]v]sity ( _! guides1 to ! folly ( _! cu/oms1 & above all1 to ! g5]al want ( k4 ,let m5's m9ds be fill$ ) true ideas2 let _! reason be cultivat$2 & !re w be no ne$ ( oppos+ to ! passions1 su* a feeble b>ri]1 z ! fe> ( gods4 ,m5 w be good1 :5 !y are well in/ruct$2 & :5 !y are despis$ = evil1 or ju/ly rew>d$ = good1 :i* !y d to _! fell[ citiz5s4 ,9 va9 %\ld we attempt to cure m5 ( _! vices1 unless we beg9 by cur+ !m ( _! prejudices4 ,x is only by %[+ !m ! tru?1 t !y w p]ceive _! true int]e/s1 & ! real motives t ought to incl9e !m to d good4 ,in/ructors h long en\gh fix$ m5's eyes ^u heav52 let !m n[ turn !m ^u e>?4 ,an incompreh5sible !ology1 ridicul\s fables1 imp5etrable my/]ies1 pu]ile c]emonies1 are to be no long] endur$4 ,let ! human m9d apply itself to :at is natural1 to intelligible objects1 tru?1 & useful k4 ,does x n suffice to annihilate religi\s prejudice1 to %ew1 t :at is inconceivable to man1 _c be good = him8 ,does x require any ?+1 b pla9 common s5se1 to p]ceive1 t a be+1 incompatible ) ! mo/ evid5t notions--t a cause cont9ually oppos$ to ! effects :i* we attribute to x--t a be+1 ( :om we c say no?+1 )\t fall+ into contradiction--t a be+1 :o1 f> f expla9+ ! enigmas ( ! univ]se1 only makes !m m inexplicable--t a be+1 :om = s _m ages m5 h va9ly address$ to obta9 _! happ9ess1 & ! end ( suff]+s--does x require1 ,i say1 any ?+ b pla91 common s5se1 to p]ceive--t ! idea ( su* a be+ is an idea )\t model1 & t he himself is m]ely a phantom ( ! imag9ation8 ,is any ?+ necess>y b common s5se to p]ceive1 at lea/1 t x is folly & madness = m5 to hate & damn "o ano!r ab\t un9telligible op9ions conc]n+ a be+ ( ?is k9d8 ,9 %ort1 does n e ?+ prove1 t ,morality & ,virtue are totally incompatible ) ! notions ( a ,god1 :om 8 m9i/]s & int]pret]s h describ$1 9 e c\ntry1 z ! mo/ caprici\s1 unju/1 & cruel ( tyrants1 ^: pret5d$ w1 h[ev]1 mu/ s]ve z law & rule ! inhabitants ( ! e>?8 ,to discov] ! true pr9ciples ( ,morality1 m5 h no ne$ ( !ology1 ( revelation1 or ( gods3 ,!y h ne$ only ( common s5se4 ,!y h only to commune ) !mselves1 to reflect ^u _! own nature1 to consid] ! objects ( society1 & ( ! individuals1 :o compose x2 & !y w easily p]ceive1 t virtue is advantage\s1 & vice disadvantage\s to !mselves4 ,let u p]suade m5 to be j1 b5efic5t1 mod]ate1 sociable2 n because su* conduct is dem&$ by ! gods1 b1 because x is pleasant to m54 ,let u advise !m to ab/a9 f vice & crime2 n because !y w be puni%$ 9 ano!r _w1 b because !y w suff] = x 9 ?is4--,^! are1 says ,montesquieu1 means to prev5t crimes--^! are puni%m5ts2 ^! re=m mann]s--^! are good examples4 ,! way ( tru? is /raight2 t ( impo/ure is crook$ & d>k4 ,tru?1 ev] necess>y to man1 mu/ necess>ily be felt by all upright m9ds2 ! lessons ( reason are to be foll[$ by all hone/ m54 ,m5 are unhappy1 only because !y are ignorant2 !y are ignorant1 only because e ?+ conspires to prev5t _! be+ enlight5$2 !y are wick$ only because _! reason is n suffici5tly develop$4 ,by :at fatality !n1 h ! fir/ f\nd]s ( all sects giv5 to _! gods f]oci\s *>act]s1 at :i* nature revolts8 ,c we imag9e a conduct m abom9able1 ?an t :i* ,moses tells u 8 ,god %[$ t[>ds ! ,egyptians1 :]e t assass9 proce$s boldly to decl>e1 9 ! "n & by ! ord] ( 8 ,god1 t ,egypt %all be afflict$ ) ! greate/ calamities1 t c happ5 to man8 ,( all ! diff]5t ideas1 :i* !y give u ( a supreme be+1 ( a ,god1 creator & pres]v] ( mank9d1 !re are none m horrible1 ?an ^? ( ! impo/ors1 :o repres5t$ !mselves z inspir$ by a div9e _s1 & ,?us sai? ! ,"l4 ,:y1 ,o !ologians6 d y presume to inquire into ! imp5etrable my/]ies ( a be+1 :om y consid] inconceivable to ! human m9d8 ,y are ! blasphem]s1 :5 y imag9e t a be+1 p]fect accord+ to y1 c\ld be guilty ( su* cruelty t[>ds creatures :om he has made out ( no?+4 ,confess1 y\r ignorance ( a creat+ ,god2 & cease m$dl+ ) my/]ies1 :i* are repugnant to ,common ,s5se4 ,,detail$ ,,table ,,( ,,cont5ts ,,giv5 ,,9 ,,! ,,fr5* ,,edition ,section #a4 ,,apologue #b1 #c4 ,:at is ,!ology8 #d4 ,man is n born ) any ideas ( ,religion #e4 ,x is n necess>y to believe 9 a ,god #f4 ,religion is f\nd$ on cr$ulity #g4 ,all religion is an absurdity #h4 ,! idea ( ,god is impossible #i4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( ,sup]/ition #aj4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( all ,religion #aa4 ,religi\s fe>s expose m5 to become a prey to impo/]s #ab1 #ac4 ,religion s$uces ignorance by ! aid ( ! m>vell\s #ad4 ,!re w\ld nev] h be5 any ,religion1 if !re _h n be5 ages ( ,/upidity & ,b>b>ism #ae4 ,all ,religion 0 produc$ by ! desire ( dom9ation #af4 ,:at s]ves z a basis to ,religion is mo/ unc]ta9 #ag1 #ah4 ,x is impossible to be conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #ai4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,god is n prov$ #bj4 ,x expla9s no?+ to say1 t ,god is a _s #ba4 ,spirituality is an absurdity #bb4 ,:atev] exi/s is d]iv$ f ,matt] #bc4 ,:at is ! metaphysical ,god ( mod]n ,!ology8 #bd4 ,x w\ld be less unreasonable to adore ! ,sun1 ?an to adore a spiritual ,deity #be4 ,a spiritual ,deity is incapable ( volition & action #bf4 ,:at is ,god8 #bg4 ,"s rem>kable ,contradictions 9 ,!ology #bh4 ,to adore ,god1 is to adore a fiction #bi4 ,a!ism is au?oris$ by ! inf9ity ( ,god1 & ! impossibility ( kn[+ ! ,div9e ess5ce #cj4 ,believ+ 9 ,god is nei!r saf] nor less crim9al ?an n believ+ 9 him #ca4 ,belief 9 ,god is a habit acquir$ 9 infancy #cb4 ,belief 9 ,god is a prejudice e/abli%$ by successive g5]ations #cc4 ,on ! ,orig9 ( ,prejudices #cd4 ,on ! effects ( ,prejudices #ce4 ,! ,religi\s pr9ciples ( mod]n ,!ology c\ld n be believ$ if !y 7 n in/ill$ into ! m9d be=e ! age ( reason #cf4 ,! wond]s ( nature d n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god #cg1 #ch4 ,nature may be expla9$ by natural causes #ci1 #dj4 ,! _w has nev] be5 creat$3 ,matt] moves ( itself #da4 ,additional pro(s t motion is ess5tial to ,matt]1 & t consequ5tly x is unnecess>y to imag9e a ,spiritual ,mov] #db4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,man does n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god #dc4 ,nev]!less1 nei!r ,man nor ! ,univ]se are ! effects ( *ance #dd1 #de4 ,! ord] ( ! ,univ]se does n prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god #df4 ,a ,_s _c be intellig5t x is absurd to adore a div9e intellig5ce #dg1 #dh4 ,all ! qualities1 :i* ,!ology gives to its ,god are contr>y to ! ,ess5ce :i* is attribut$ to him #di4 ,x is absurd to say t ! human race is ! object & end ( ! =mation ( ! ,univ]se #ej4 ,god is n made = ,man1 nor ,man = ,god #ea4 ,x is n true t ! object ( ! =mation ( ! ,univ]se 0 to r5d] ,man happy #eb4 ,:at is call$ ,provid5ce is a ^w )\t mean+ #ec4 ,?is pret5d$ ,provid5ce is ! enemy ( ,man #ed4 ,! _w is n gov]n$ by an intellig5t be+ #ee4 ,god _c be consid]$ immutable #ef4 ,good & evil are ! necess>y effects ( natural causes4 ,:at is a ,god t _c *ange any ?+8 #eg4 ,! consolations ( ,!ology & ! hope ( p>adise & ( a future life1 are imag9>y #eh4 ,ano!r romantic rev]ie #ei4 ,x is 9 va9 t ,!ology attempts to cle> its ,god f human defects3 ei!r ?is ,god is n free1 or else he is m wick$ ?an good #fj1 #fa4 ,x is impossible to believe t !re exi/s a ,god ( inf9ite goodness & p[] #fb4 ,!ology makes its ,god a mon/] ( absurdity1 inju/ice1 malice1 & atrocity #fc4 ,all ,religion inspires contemptible fe>s #fd4 ,!re is no diff]5ce betwe5 ,religion1 & ! mo/ somb] & s]vile ,sup]/ition #fe4 ,to judge f ! ideas :i* ,!ology gives ( ! ,deity1 ! love ( ,god is impossible #ff4 ,an et]nally torm5t+ ,god is a mo/ dete/able be+ #fg4 ,!ology is a tissue ( palpable contradictions #fh4 ,! pret5d$ works ( ,god d n prove ,div9e ,p]fections #fi4 ,! p]fection ( ,god is n r5d]$ m evid5t by ! pret5d$ creation ( angels #gj4 ,!ology prea*es ! ,omnipot5ce ( its ,god1 yet con/antly makes him appe> impot5t #ga4 ,accord+ to all religi\s sy/ems1 ,god w\ld be ! mo/ caprici\s & mo/ fooli% ( be+s #gb4 ,x is absurd to say t ,evil does n proce$ f ,god #gc4 ,! =ekn[l$ge attribut$ to ,god w\ld give m5 a "r to compla9 ( 8 cruelty #gd4 ,absurdity ( ! !ological /ories conc]n+ ,orig9al ,s91 & conc]n+ ,satan #ge4 ,! ,devil1 l ,religion1 0 inv5t$ to enri* ! prie/s #gf4 ,if ,god has be5 unable to r5d] human nature incapable ( s91 he has no "r to puni% man #gg4 ,x is absurd to say1 t ! conduct ( ,god ought to be a my/]y = man #gh4 ,ought ! un=tunate look = consolation1 to ! sole au?or ( _! mis]y #gi4 ,a ,god1 :o puni%es ! faults :i* he might h prev5t$1 is a mad tyrant1 :o jo9s inju/ice to folly #hj4 ,:at is call$ ,free ,w is an absurdity #ha4 ,b we mu/ n conclude t ,society has no "r to puni% #hb1 #hc4 ,refutation ( ! argum5ts 9 fav\r ( ,free ,w #hd4 ,god himself1 if !re 7 a ,god1 w\ld n be free3 h5ce ! inutility ( all ,religion #he4 ,accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( ,!ology1 man is n free a s+le in/ant #hf4 ,!re is no evil1 no disord]1 & no s91 b mu/ be attribut$ to ,god3 consequ5tly ,god has no "r ei!r to puni% or recomp5ce #hg4 ,! pray]s (f]$ to ,god suffici5tly prove dissatisfaction ( ! div9e w #hh4 ,x is ! height ( absurdity to imag9e1 t ! injuries & mis=tunes1 endur$ 9 ?is _w1 w be repair$ 9 ano!r _w #hi4 ,!ology ju/ifies ! evil & ! wick$ness1 p]mitt$ by its ,god1 only by attribut+ to him ! pr9ciple1 t ,might makes ,"r1 :i* is ! violation ( all ,"r #ij4 ,! absurd doctr9e ( ,r$emption1 & ! frequ5t ext]m9ations attribut$ to ,jehovah1 impress "o ) ! idea ( an unju/ & b>b>\s ,god #ia4 ,c a be+1 :o has call$ u into exi/5ce m]ely to make u mis]able1 be a g5]\s1 equitable1 & t5d] fa!r8 #ib4 ,man's life1 & all t occurs1 deposes aga9/ ! lib]ty ( ,man1 & aga9/ ! ju/ice & goodness ( a pret5d$ ,god #ic4 ,x is n true1 t we owe any gratitude to :at is call$ ,provid5ce #id4 ,x is folly to suppose t ,man is ! k+ ( nature1 ! fav\rite ( ,god1 & unique object ( 8 lab\rs #ie4 ,a comp>ison betwe5 ,man & brutes #if4 ,!re are no animals s dete/able z ,tyrants #ig4 ,a refutation ( ! excell5ce ( ,man #ih4 ,an ori5tal ,tale #ii4 ,x is madness to see no?+ b ! goodness ( ,god1 or to ?9k t ?is univ]se is only made = ,man #ajj4 ,:at is ! ,s\l8 #aja4 ,! exi/5ce ( a ,s\l is an absurd supposition2 & ! exi/5ce ( an immortal ,s\l /ill m absurd #ajb4 ,x is evid5t t ,man dies 9 toto #ajc4 ,inconte/ible argum5ts aga9/ ! ,spirituality ( ! ,s\l #ajd4 ,on ! absurdity ( ! sup]natural causes1 to :i* ,!ologians are con/antly hav+ rec\rse #aje1 #ajf4 ,x is false t ,mat]ialism degrades #ajg4 ,! idea ( a future life is only useful to ^?1 :o trade on public cr$ulity #ajh4 ,x is false t ! idea ( a future life is consol+ #aji4 ,all religi\s pr9ciples are d]iv$ f ! imag9ation4 ,god is a *im]a2 & ! qualities1 attribut$ to him1 reciprocally de/roy "o ano!r #aaj4 ,religion is b a sy/em imag9$ 9 ord] to reconcile contradictions by ! aid ( my/]ies #aaa1 #aab1 #aac4 ,absurdity & inutility ( all ,my/]ies1 :i* 7 only inv5t$ = ! int]e/s ( ,prie/s #aad4 ,an univ]sal ,god ought to h reveal$ an univ]sal ,religion #aae4 ,:at proves1 t ,religion is unnecess>y1 is1 t x is un9telligible #aaf4 ,all ,religions are r5d]$ ridicul\s by ! multitude ( cre$s1 all opposite to "o ano!r1 & all equally fooli% #aag4 ,op9ion ( a fam\s ,!ologian #aah4 ,! ,god ( ! ,dei/s is n less contradictory1 nor less *im]ical ?an ! ,god ( ! ,*ri/ians #aai4 ,x by no means proves ! exi/5ce ( ,god to say1 t1 9 e age1 all nations h ackn[l$g$ "s ,deity or o!r #abj4 ,all ,gods are ( a savage orig93 all ,religions are monum5ts ( ! ignorance1 sup]/ition1 & f]ocity ( =m] times3 mod]n ,religions are b anci5t follies1 re-edit$ ) additions & corrections #aba4 ,all religi\s usages be> m>ks ( /upidity & b>b>ism #abb4 ,! m a religi\s op9ion is anci5t & g5]al1 ! m x ought to be suspect$ #abc4 ,m]e scepticism 9 religi\s matt]s1 c only be ! effect ( a v sup]ficial exam9ation #abd4 ,revelations exam9$ #abe4 ,:]e is ! pro( t ,god ev] %ew$ himself to ,m51 or ev] spoke to !m8 #abf4 ,!re is no?+ t proves miracles to h be5 ev] p]=m$ #abg4 ,if ,god has spok51 is x n /range t he %\ld h spok5 s diff]5tly to ! diff]5t religi\s sects8 #abh4 ,obscurity & suspici\s orig9 ( oracles #abi4 ,absurdity ( all miracles #acj4 ,refutation ( ! reason+ ( ,pascal conc]n+ ! mann] 9 :i* we mu/ judge ( miracles #aca4 ,e new revelation is necess>ily false #acb4 ,! blood ( m>tyrs te/ifies aga9/ ! tru? ( miracles1 & aga9/ ! div9e orig9 attribut$ to ,*ri/ianity #acc4 ,! fanaticism ( m>tyrs1 & ! int]e/$ zeal ( mission>ies1 by no means prove ! tru? ( ,religion #acd4 ,!ology makes its ,god an enemy to ,reason & ,common ,s5se #ace4 ,fai? is irreconcilable ) ,reason2 & ,reason is pref]able to ,fai? #acf4 ,to :at absurd & ridicul\s sophisms e "o is r$uc$1 :o w\ld sub/itute ,fai? = ,reason6 #acg4 ,ought a man to believe1 on ! assurance ( ano!r man1 :at is ( ! greate/ importance to himself #ach4 ,fai? c take root only 9 feeble1 ignorant1 or slo?ful m9ds #aci4 ,to tea*1 t any "o ,religion has great] pret5sions to tru? ?an ano!r1 is an absurdity1 & cause ( tumult #adj4 ,religion is unnecess>y to ,morality #ada4 ,religion is ! weake/ b>ri] t c be oppos$ to ! passions #adb4 ,hon\r is a m salut>y & p[]ful bond ?an ,religion #adc4 ,religion does n re/ra9 ! passions ( k+s #add4 ,orig9 ( ! div9e "r ( k+s1 ! mo/ absurd1 ridicul\s1 & odi\s1 ( usurpations #ade4 ,religion is fatal to political ameliorations3 x makes despots lic5ti\s & wick$1 & _! subjects abject & mis]able #adf4 ,*ri/ianity has propagat$ itself by prea*+ implicit ob$i5ce to despotism #adg4 ,"o object ( religi\s pr9ciples is to et]nize ! tyranny ( k+s #adh4 ,h[ fatal x is to p]suade k+s t !y are responsible = _! actions to ,god alone #adi4 ,a dev\t k+ is ! sc\rge ( 8 k+dom #aej4 ,tyranny sometimes f9ds ! aegis ( ,religion a weak ob/acle to ! despair ( ! p #aea4 ,religion fav\rs ! wick$ness ( pr9ces by deliv]+ !m f fe> & remorse #aeb4 ,:at is an enlight5$ ,sov]eign8 #aec4 ,( ! prevail+ passions & crimes ( ! prie/hood #aed4 ,! quack]y ( prie/s #aee4 ,religion has corrupt$ ,morality1 & produc$ innum]able evils #aef4 ,e ,religion is intol]ant #aeg4 ,! evils ( a /ate ,religion #aeh4 ,religion legitimates & au?orizes crime #aei4 ,refutation ( ! argum5t1 t ! evils attribut$ to ,religion are b ! bad effects ( human passions #afj4 ,religion is incompatible ) ,morality #afa4 ,! ,morality ( ! ,gospel is impracticable #afb4 ,a society ( ,sa9ts w\ld be impossible #afc4 ,human nature is n deprav$ #afd4 ,conc]n+ ! effects ( ,jesus ,*ri/'s mission #afe4 ,! dogma ( ! remission ( s9s 0 inv5t$ = ! int]e/ ( prie/s #aff4 ,:o fe> ,god8 #afg4 ,hell is an absurd inv5tion #afh4 ,! bad f\ndation ( religi\s morals #afi4 ,*ri/ian ,*>ity1 z prea*$ & practis$ by ,!ologians666 #agj4 ,confession1 prie/craft's gold m9e1 & ! de/ruction ( ! true pr9ciples ( ,morality #aga4 ,! supposition ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god is by no means necess>y to ,morality #agb4 ,religion & its sup]natural ,morality are fatal to ! public welf>e #agc4 ,! union ( ,*ur* & ,/ate is a calamity #agd4 ,national ,religions are ru9\s #age4 ,religion p>alyses ,morality #agf4 ,fatal consequ5ces ( ,devotion #agg4 ,! idea ( a future life is n consol+ to man #agh4 ,an ,a!i/ is fully z consci5ti\s z a religi\s man1 & has bett] motives = do+ good #agi4 ,an ,a!i/ical k+ w\ld be f> pref]able to a religi\s k+ #ahj4 ,philosophy produces ,morality #aha4 ,religi\s op9ions h little influ5ce ^u conduct #ahb4 ,reason leads man to ,a!ism #ahc4 ,fe> alone makes ,!i/s #ahd4 ,c we1 & ought we1 to love ,god8 #ahe4 ,god & ,religion are prov$ to be absurdities by ! diff]5t ideas =m$ ( !m #ahf4 ,! exi/5ce ( ,god1 :i* is ! basis ( ,religion1 has n yet be5 demon/rat$ #ahg4 ,prie/s are m actuat$ by self-int]e/1 ?an unbeliev]s #ahh4 ,pride1 presumption1 & badness1 are m (t5 f\nd 9 prie/s1 ?an 9 ,a!i/s #ahi4 ,prejudices la/ b = a "t3 no p[] is durable :i* is n f\nd$ ^u tru? #aij4 ,:at an hon\rable p[] m9i/]s ( ! ,gods w\ld obta91 if !y became ! apo/les ( reason & ! def5d]s ( lib]ty6 #aia4 ,:at a glori\s & happy revolution x w\ld be = ! _w1 if ,philosophy 7 sub/itut$ = ,religion6 #aib4 ,! recantation ( an unbeliev] at ! po9t ( dea? proves no?+ aga9/ ! reasonabl5ess ( unbelief #aic4 ,x is n true t ,a!ism breaks ! bonds ( society #aid4 ,refutation ( ! (t5 repeat$ op9ion1 t ,religion is necess>y = ! vulg> #aie4 ,logical & argum5tative sy/ems are n adapt$ to ! capacity ( ! vulg> #aif4 ,on ! futility & dang] ( ,!ology #aig1 #aih4 ,on ! evils produc$ by implicit fai? #aii4 ,hi/ory tea*es u1 t all ,religions 7 e/abli%$ by impo/ors1 9 days ( ignorance #bjj4 ,all ,religions1 anci5t or mod]n1 h borr[$ f "o ano!r ridicul\s c]emonies #bja4 ,!ology has always div]t$ philosophy f its "r pa? #bjb4 ,!ology expla9s no?+ #bjc1 #bjd4 ,!ology has always fett]$ ,morality1 & ret>d$ progress #bje4 ,x _c be too (t5 repeat$ & prov$1 t ,religion is an extravagance & a calamity #bjf4 ,religion prev5ts u f see+ ! true causes ( mis=tunes ,,good ,,s5se ,,)\t ,,god ,,apologue #a4 ,!re is a va/ empire1 gov]n$ by a mon>*1 ^: /range conduct is to conf\nd ! m9ds ( 8 subjects4 ,he wi%es to be kn[n1 lov$1 respect$1 obey$2 b nev] %[s himself to 8 subjects1 & ev]y?+ conspires to r5d] unc]ta9 ! ideas =m$ ( 8 "*4 ,! p1 subject$ to 8 p[]1 h1 ( ! "* & laws ( _! invisible sov]eign1 su* ideas only1 z 8 m9i/]s give !m4 ,!y1 h[ev]1 confess1 t !y h no idea ( _! ma/]2 t 8 ways are imp5etrable2 8 views & nature totally incompreh5sible4 ,^! m9i/]s1 likewise1 disagree ^u ! comm&s :i* !y pret5d h be5 issu$ by ! sov]eign1 ^: s]vants !y call !mselves4 ,!y defame "o ano!r1 & mutually treat ea* o!r z impo/ors & false tea*]s4 ,! decrees & ord9ances1 !y take ^u !mselves to promulgate1 are obscure2 !y are enigmas1 little calculat$ to be und]/ood1 or ev5 div9$1 by ! subjects1 = ^: in/ruction !y 7 int5d$4 ,! laws ( ! conceal$ mon>* require int]pret]s2 b ! int]pret]s are always disput+ ^u ! true mann] ( und]/&+ !m4 ,besides1 !y are n consi/5t ) !mselves2 all !y relate ( _! conceal$ pr9ce is only a /r+ ( contradictions4 ,!y utt] conc]n+ him n a s+le ^w t does n imm$iately confute itself4 ,!y call him supremely good2 yet _m compla9 ( 8 decrees4 ,!y suppose him inf9itely wise2 & "u 8 adm9i/ration ev]y?+ appe>s to contradict reason4 ,!y extol 8 ju/ice2 & ! be/ ( 8 subjects are g5]ally ! lea/ fav\r$4 ,!y ass]t1 he sees ev]y?+2 yet 8 pres5ce avails no?+4 ,he is1 say !y1 ! fri5d ( ord]2 yet ?r\gh\t 8 dom9ions1 all is 9 confusion & disord]4 ,he makes all = himself2 & ! ev5ts seldom answ] 8 designs4 ,he =esees ev]y?+2 b _c prev5t any?+4 ,he impati5tly suff]s (f5ce1 yet gives ev]yone ! p[] ( (f5d+ him4 ,m5 admire ! wisdom & p]fection ( 8 works2 yet 8 works1 full ( imp]fection1 are ( %ort duration4 ,he is cont9ually do+ & undo+2 repair+ :at he has made2 b is nev] pleas$ ) 8 "w4 ,9 all 8 und]tak+s1 he proposes only 8 own glory2 yet is nev] glorifi$4 ,8 only end is ! happ9ess ( 8 subjects2 & 8 subjects1 = ! mo/ "p want necess>ies4 ,^?1 :om he seems to fav\r are g5]ally lea/ satisfi$ ) _! fate2 almo/ all appe> 9 p]petual revolt aga9/ a ma/]1 ^: greatness !y nev] cease to admire1 ^: wisdom to extol1 ^: goodness to adore1 ^: ju/ice to fe>1 & ^: laws to rev]5ce1 ?\gh nev] obey$6 ,?is ,,empire is ! ,,_w2 ?is ,,mon>* ,,god2 8 ,,m9i/]s are ! ,,prie/s2 8 ,,subjects ,,mank9d4 #b4 ,!re is a sci5ce t has = its object only ?+s incompreh5sible4 ,contr>y to all o!r sci5ces1 x treats only ( :at _c fall "u our s5ses4 ,hobbes calls x ! k+dom ( d>kness4 ,x is a c\ntry1 :]e e ?+ is gov]n$ by laws1 contr>y to ^? :i* mank9d are p]mitt$ to "k 9 ! _w !y inhabit4 ,9 ?is m>vell\s region1 light is only d>kness2 evid5ce is d\btful or false2 impossibilities are cr$ible3 reason is a deceitful guide2 & good s5se becomes madness4 ,?is sci5ce is call$ !ology1 & ?is !ology is a cont9ual insult to ! reason ( man4 #c4 ,by ! magical p[] ( ifs1 buts1 p]haps's1 :at d we "k1 etc41 heap$ toge!r1 a %apeless & unconnect$ sy/em is =m$1 p]plex+ mank9d1 by oblit]at+ f _! m9ds1 ! mo/ cle> ideas & r5d]+ unc]ta9 tru?s mo/ evid5t4 ,by reason ( ?is sy/ematic confusion1 nature is an enigma2 ! visible _w has disappe>$1 to give place to regions invisible2 reason is compell$ to yield to imag9ation1 :o leads to ! c\ntry ( h] self-inv5t$ *im]as4 #d4 ,! pr9ciples ( e religion are f\nd$ ^u ! idea ( a ,,god4 ,n[1 x is impossible to h true ideas ( a be+1 :o acts ^u none ( our s5ses4 ,all our ideas are repres5tations ( s5sible objects4 ,:at !n c repres5t to u ! idea ( ,god1 :i* is evid5tly an idea )\t an object8 ,is n su* an idea z impossible1 z an effect )\t a cause8 ,c an idea )\t an ar*etype be any?+1 b a *im]a8 ,!re are1 h[ev]1 div9es1 :o assure u t ! idea ( ,god is innate2 or t we h ?is idea 9 our "m's womb4 ,e pr9ciple is ! result ( reason2 all reason is ! effect ( exp]i5ce2 exp]i5ce is acquir$ only by ! ex]cise ( our s5ses3 !re=e1 religi\s pr9ciples are n f\nd$ ^u reason1 & are n innate4 #e4 ,e sy/em ( religion c be f\nd$ only ^u ! nature ( ,god & man2 & ^u ! relations1 :i* subsi/ betwe5 !m4 ,b to judge ( ! reality ( ^? relations1 we mu/ h "s idea ( ! div9e nature4 ,n[1 ! _w exclaims1 ! div9e nature is incompreh5sible to man2 yet ceases n to assign attributes to ?is incompreh5sible ,god1 & to assure u1 t x is our indisp5sable duty to f9d out t ,god1 :om x is impossible to compreh5d4 ,! mo/ important conc]n ( man is :at he c lea/ compreh5d4 ,if ,god is incompreh5sible to man1 x w\ld seem reasonable nev] to ?9k ( him2 b religion ma9ta9s1 man _c ) impunity cease a mom5t to ?9k 7or r dream7 ( 8 ,god4 #f4 ,we are told1 t div9e qualities are n ( a nature to be compreh5d$ by f9ite m9ds4 ,! natural consequ5ce mu/ be1 t div9e qualities are n made to occupy f9ite m9ds4 ,b religion tells u1 t ! poor f9ite m9d ( man ought nev] to lose sight ( an inconceivable be+1 ^: qualities he c nev] compreh5d4 ,?us1 we see1 religion is ! art ( turn+ ! att5tion ( mank9d ^u subjects !y c nev] compreh5d4 #g4 ,religion unites man ) ,god1 or =ms a communication betwe5 !m2 yet d !y n say1 ,god is inf9ite8 ,if ,god be inf9ite1 no f9ite be+ c h communication or relation ) him4 ,:]e !re is no relation1 !re c be no union1 communication1 or duties4 ,if !re be no duties betwe5 man & 8 ,god1 !re is no religion = man4 ,?us1 9 say+ ,god is inf9ite1 y annihilate religion = man1 :o is a f9ite be+4 ,! idea ( inf9ity is to u an idea )\t model1 )\t ar*etype1 )\t object4 #h4 ,if ,god be an inf9ite be+1 !re _c be1 ei!r 9 ! pres5t or future _w1 any relative proportion betwe5 man & 8 ,god4 ,?us1 ! idea ( ,god c nev] ent] ! human m9d4 ,9 supposition ( a life1 9 :i* man w\ld be mu* m enlight5$1 ?an 9 ?is1 ! idea ( ! inf9ity ( ,god w\ld ev] rema9 ! same di/ance f 8 f9ite m9d4 ,?us ! idea ( ,god w be no m cle> 9 ! future1 ?an 9 ! pres5t life4 ,?us1 intellig5ces1 sup]ior to man1 c h no m complete ideas ( ,god1 ?an man1 :o has n ! lea/ conception ( him 9 8 pres5t life4 #i4 ,h[ has x be5 possible to p]suade reasonable be+s1 t ! ?+1 mo/ impossible to compreh5d1 0 mo/ ess5tial to !m8 ,x is because !y h be5 greatly t]rifi$2 because1 :5 !y fe>1 !y cease to reason2 because1 !y h be5 taught to mi/ru/ _! own und]/&+2 because1 :5 ! bra9 is tr\bl$1 !y believe e ?+1 & exam9e no?+4 #aj4 ,ignorance & fe> are ! two h+es ( all religion4 ,! unc]ta9ty 9 :i* man f9ds himself 9 relation to 8 ,god1 is precisely ! motive t atta*es him to 8 religion4 ,man is fe>ful 9 ! d>k--9 moral1 z well z physical d>kness4 ,8 fe> becomes habitual1 & habit makes x natural2 he w\ld ?9k t he want$ some?+1 if he _h no?+ to fe>4 #aa4 ,he1 :o f infancy has habituat$ himself to tremble :5 he he>s pron\nc$ c]ta9 words1 requires ^? words & ne$s to tremble4 ,he is !re=e m dispos$ to li/5 to "o1 :o ent]ta9s him 9 8 fe>s1 ?an to "o1 :o dissuades him f !m4 ,! sup]/iti\s man wi%es to fe>2 8 imag9ation dem&s x2 "o might say1 t he fe>s no?+ s mu*1 z to h no?+ to fe>4 ,m5 are imag9>y invalids1 ^: weakness empirics are int]e/$ to enc\rage1 9 ord] to h sale = _! drugs4 ,!y li/5 r to ! physician1 :o prescribes a v>iety ( rem$ies1 ?an to him1 :o recomm5ds good regim51 & leaves nature to h]self4 #ab4 ,if religion 7 m cle>1 x w\ld h less *>ms = ! ignorant1 :o are pleas$ only ) obscurity1 t]rors1 fables1 prodigies1 & ?+s incr$ible4 ,romances1 silly /ories1 & ! tales ( gho/s & wiz>ds1 are m pleas+ to vulg> m9ds ?an true hi/ories4 #ac4 ,9 po9t ( religion1 m5 are only great *ildr54 ,! m a religion is absurd & fill$ ) wond]s1 ! great] asc5dancy x acquires ov] !m4 ,! dev\t man ?9ks himself oblig$ to place no b\nds to 8 cr$ulity2 ! m ?+s are inconceivable1 !y appe> to him div9e2 ! m !y are incr$ible1 ! great] m]it1 he imag9es1 !re is 9 believ+ !m4 #ad4 ,! orig9 ( religi\s op9ions is g5]ally dat$ f ! "t1 :5 savage nations 7 yet 9 infancy4 ,x 0 to gross1 ignorant1 & /upid p1 t ! f\nd]s ( religion h 9 all ages address$ !mselves1 :5 !y wi%$ to give !m _! ,gods1 _! mode ( wor%ip1 _! my?ology1 _! m>vell\s & frightful fables4 ,^! *im]as1 adopt$ )\t exam9ation by p>5ts1 are transmitt$1 ) m or less alt]ation1 to _! *ildr51 :o seldom reason any m ?an _! p>5ts4 #ae4 ,! object ( ! fir/ legislators 0 to gov]n ! p2 & ! easie/ me?od to effect x 0 to t]rify _! m9ds1 & to prev5t ! ex]cise ( reason4 ,!y l$ !m ?r\gh w9d+ bye-pa?s1 le/ !y might p]ceive ! designs ( _! guides2 !y =c$ !m to fix _! eyes 9 ! air1 = fe> !y %\ld look at _! feet2 !y amus$ !m on ! way ) idle /ories2 9 a ^w1 !y treat$ !m z nurses d *ildr51 :o s+ lullabies1 to put !m to sleep1 & scold1 to make !m quiet4 #af4 ,! exi/5ce ( a ,god is ! basis ( all religion4 ,few appe> to d\bt 8 exi/5ce2 yet ?is fundam5tal article utt]ly emb>rasses e m9d t reasons4 ,! fir/ "q ( e cate*ism has be51 & ev] w be1 ! mo/ difficult to resolve4 7,9 ! ye> #agja1 ! holy fa!rs ( ! oratory ( ,v5dome ma9ta9$ 9 a !sis1 ?is proposition--t1 accord+ to ,/4 ,?omas1 ! exi/5ce ( ,god is n1 & _c be1 a subject ( fai?47 #ag4 ,c we imag9e ourselves s9c]ely conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+1 ^: nature we "k n2 :o is inaccessible to all our s5ses2 ^: attributes1 we are assur$1 are incompreh5sible to u8 ,to p]suade me t a be+ exi/s or c exi/1 ,i mu/ be fir/ told :at t be+ is4 ,to induce me to believe ! exi/5ce or ! possibility ( su* a be+1 x is necess>y to tell me ?+s conc]n+ him t are n contradictory1 & d n de/roy "o ano!r4 ,9 %ort1 to fully conv9ce me ( ! exi/5ce ( t be+1 x is necess>y to tell me ?+s t ,i c und]/&4 #ah4 ,a ?+ is impossible1 :5 x includes two ideas t mutually de/roy "o ano!r1 & :i* c nei!r be conceiv$ nor unit$ 9 ?\ght4 ,conviction c be f\nd$ only ^u ! con/ant te/imony ( our s5ses1 :i* alone give bir? to our ideas1 & enable u to judge ( _! agreem5t or disagreem5t4 ,t1 :i* exi/s necess>ily1 is t1 ^: non-exi/5ce implies a contradiction4 ,^! pr9ciples1 univ]sally ackn[l$g$1 become errone\s1 :5 appli$ to ! exi/5ce ( a ,god4 ,:atev] has be5 hi!rto said ^u ! subject1 is ei!r un9telligible1 or p]fect contradiction1 & mu/ !re=e appe> absurd to e rational man4 #ai4 ,all human k is m or less cle>4 ,by :at /range fatality h we nev] be5 able to elucidate ! sci5ce ( ,god8 ,! mo/ civiliz$ nations1 & among !m ! mo/ pr(\nd ?9k]s1 are 9 ?is respect no m enlight5$ ?an ! mo/ savage tribes & ignorant peasants2 &1 exam9+ ! subject closely1 we %all f9d1 t1 by ! speculations & subtle ref9em5ts ( m51 ! div9e sci5ce has be5 only m & m obscur$4 ,e religion has hi!rto be5 f\nd$ only ^u :at is call$1 9 logic1 begg+ ! "q2 x takes ?+s = grant$1 & !n proves1 by suppositions1 in/ead ( pr9ciples4 #bj4 ,metaphysics tea* u1 t ,god is a pure _s4 ,b1 is mod]n !ology sup]ior to t ( ! savages8 ,! savages ackn[l$ge a great _s1 = ! ma/] ( ! _w4 ,! savages1 l all ignorant p1 attribute to spirits all ! effects1 ( :i* _! exp]i5ce _c discov] ! true causes4 ,ask a savage1 :at works y\r wat*8 ,he w answ]1 x is a _s4 ,ask ! div9es1 :at moves ! univ]se8 ,!y answ]1 x is a _s4 #ba4 ,! savage1 :5 he speaks ( a _s1 affixes1 at lea/1 "s idea to ! ^w2 he means !reby an ag5t1 l ! air1 ! breeze1 ! brea?1 t invisibly produces disc]nible effects4 ,by subtiliz+ e ?+1 ! mod]n !ologian becomes z un9telligible to himself z to o!rs4 ,ask him1 :at he und]/&s by a _s8 ,he w answ] y1 t x is an unkn[n sub/ance1 p]fectly simple1 t has no ext5sion1 t has no?+ common ) matt]4 ,inde$1 is !re any "o1 :o c =m ! lea/ idea ( su* a sub/ance8 ,:at !n is a _s1 to speak 9 ! language ( mod]n !ology1 b ! abs5ce ( an idea8 ,! idea ( spirituality is an idea )\t model4 #bb4 ,is x n m natural & intelligible to draw univ]sal exi/5ce f ! matt]1 ^: exi/5ce is demon/rat$ by all ! s5ses1 & ^: effects we exp]i5ce1 :i* we see act1 move1 communicate motion1 & incessantly g5]ate1 ?an to attribute ! =mation ( ?+s to an unkn[n p[]1 to a spiritual be+1 :o _c d]ive f 8 nature :at he has n himself1 & :o1 by 8 spiritual ess5ce1 c create nei!r matt] nor motion8 ,no?+ is m evid5t1 ?an t ! idea !y endeav\r to give u1 ( ! action ( m9d ^u matt]1 repres5ts no object4 ,x is an idea )\t model4 #bc4 ,! mat]ial ,jupit] ( ! anci5ts c\ld move1 compose1 de/roy1 & create be+s1 simil> to himself2 b ! ,god ( mod]n !ology is /]ile4 ,he c nei!r occupy any place 9 space1 nor move matt]1 nor =m a visible _w1 nor create m5 or gods4 ,! metaphysical ,god is fit only to produce confusion1 rev]ies1 follies1 & disputes4 #bd4 ,s9ce a ,god 0 indisp5sably requisite to m51 :y did !y n wor%ip ! ,sun1 t visible ,god1 ador$ by s _m nations8 ,:at be+ _h great] claim to ! homage ( m51 ?an ! day-/>1 :o enlight5s1 w>ms1 & vivifies all be+s2 ^: pres5ce enliv5s & reg5]ates nature1 ^: abs5ce seems to ca/ h] into gloom & languor8 ,if any be+ ann\nc$ to mank9d1 p[]1 activity1 b5efic5ce1 & duration1 x 0 c]ta9ly ! ,sun1 :om !y ought to h reg>d$ z ! p>5t ( nature1 z ! div9ity4 ,at lea/1 !y c\ld n1 )\t folly1 dispute 8 exi/5ce1 or refuse to ackn[l$ge 8 influ5ce4 #be4 ,! !ologian exclaims to u1 t ,god wants nei!r h&s nor arms to act2 t he acts by 8 w4 ,b pray1 :o or :at is t ,god1 :o has a w1 & :at c be ! subject ( 8 div9e w8 ,are ! /ories ( wit*es1 gho/s1 wiz>ds1 hobgobl9s1 etc41 m absurd & difficult to believe ?an ! magical or impossible action ( m9d ^u matt]8 ,:5 we admit su* a ,god1 fables & rev]ies may claim belief4 ,!ologians treat m5 z *ildr51 ^: simplicity makes !m believe all ! /ories !y he>4 #bf4 ,to %ake ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 we ne$ only to ask a !ologian to speak ( him4 ,z soon z he has said a ^w ^u ! subject1 ! lea/ reflection w conv9ce u1 t 8 obs]vations are totally incompatible ) ! ess5ce he ascribes to 8 ,god4 ,:at !n is ,god8 ,x is an ab/ract ^w1 d5ot+ ! hidd5 p[] ( nature2 or x is a ma!matical po9t1 t has nei!r l5g?1 bread?1 nor ?ickness4 ,david ,hume1 speak+ ( !ologians1 has +5i\sly obs]v$1 t !y h discov]$ ! solution ( ! fam\s problem ( ,ar*im$es--a po9t 9 ! heav5s1 :5ce !y move ! _w4 #bg4 ,religion pro/rates m5 be=e a be+1 :o1 )\t ext5sion1 is inf9ite1 & fills all ) 8 imm5sity2 a be+1 all-p[]ful1 :o nev] executes 8 w2 a be+1 sov]eignly good1 :o creates only disquietudes2 a be+1 ! fri5d ( ord]1 & 9 ^: gov]nm5t all is 9 confusion & disord]4 ,:at !n1 c we imag9e1 c be ! ,god ( !ology8 #bh4 ,to avoid all emb>rassm5t1 we are told1 t x is n necess>y to "k :at ,god is2 t we mu/ adore him2 t we are n p]mitt$ to ext5d our views to 8 attributes4 ,b1 be=e we "k t we mu/ adore a ,god1 mu/ we n "k c]ta9ly1 t he exi/s8 ,b1 h[ c we assure ourselves1 t he exi/s1 if we nev] exam9e :e!r ! v>i\s qualities1 attribut$ to him1 d really exi/ & agree 9 him8 ,inde$1 to adore ,god1 is to adore only ! fictions ( "o's own imag9ation1 or r1 x is to adore no?+4 #bi4 ,9 view ( conf\nd+ ?+s ! m1 !ologians h n decl>$ :at _! ,god is2 !y tell u only :at he is n4 ,by means ( negations & ab/ractions1 !y ?9k !y h compos$ a real & p]fect be+4 ,m9d is t1 :i* is n body4 ,an inf9ite be+ is a be+1 :o is n f9ite4 ,a p]fect be+ is a be+1 :o is n imp]fect4 ,inde$1 is !re any "o1 :o c =m real ideas ( su* a mass ( abs5ce ( ideas8 ,t1 :i* excludes all idea1 c x be any ?+ b no?+8 ,to pret5d1 t ! div9e attributes are beyond ! rea* ( human conception1 is to grant1 t ,god is n made = man4 ,to assure u1 t1 9 ,god1 all is inf9ite1 is to own t !re c be no?+ common to him & 8 creatures4 ,if !re be no?+ common to ,god & 8 creatures1 ,god is annihilat$ = man1 or1 at lea/1 r5d]$ useless to him4 ,god1 !y say1 has made man intellig5t1 b he has n made him omnisci5t2 h5ce x is inf]r$1 t he has n be5 able to give him faculties suffici5tly enl>g$ to "k 8 div9e ess5ce4 ,9 ?is case1 x is evid5t1 t ,god has n be5 able nor will+ to be kn[n by 8 creatures4 ,by :at "r !n w\ld ,god be angry ) be+s1 :o 7 naturally incapable ( kn[+ ! div9e ess5ce8 ,god w\ld be evid5tly ! mo/ unju/ & caprici\s ( tyrants1 if he %\ld puni% an ,a!i/ = n hav+ kn[n1 :at1 by 8 nature1 x 0 impossible he %\ld "k4 #cj4 ,to ! g5]ality ( m51 no?+ r5d]s an argum5t m conv9c+ ?an fe>4 ,x is !re=e1 t !ologians assure u1 we mu/ take ! safe/ "p2 t no?+ is s crim9al z incr$ulity2 t ,god w puni% )\t pity e "o :o has ! tem]ity to d\bt 8 exi/5ce2 t 8 sev]ity is j1 s9ce madness or p]v]sity only c make u d5y ! exi/5ce ( an enrag$ mon>*1 :o )\t m]cy av5ges himself on ,a!i/s4 ,if we coolly exam9e ^! ?reat5+s1 we %all f9d1 !y always suppose ! ?+ 9 "q4 ,!y mu/ fir/ prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 be=e !y assure u1 x is safe/ to believe1 & horrible to d\bt or d5y 8 exi/5ce4 ,!y mu/ !n prove1 t x is possible & consi/5t1 t a j ,god cruelly puni%es m5 = hav+ be5 9 a /ate ( madness1 t prev5t$ _! believ+ ! exi/5ce ( a be+1 :om _! p]v]t$ reason c\ld n conceive4 ,9 a ^w1 !y mu/ prove1 t an inf9itely j ,god c inf9itely puni% ! inv9cible & natural ignorance ( man ) respect to ! div9e nature4 ,d n !ologians reason v /rangely8 ,!y inv5t phantoms1 !y compose !m ( contradictions2 !y !n assure u1 x is safe/ n to d\bt ! exi/5ce ( ^! phantoms !y !mselves h inv5t$4 ,accord+ to ?is mode ( reason+1 !re is no absurdity1 :i* x w\ld n be m safe to believe1 ?an n to believe4 ,all *ildr5 are born ,a!i/s2 !y h no idea ( ,god4 ,are !y !n crim9al on acc\nt ( _! ignorance8 ,at :at age mu/ !y beg9 to believe 9 ,god8 ,x is1 y say1 at ! age ( reason4 ,b at :at "t %\ld ?is age comm5ce8 ,besides1 if ! pr(\nde/ !ologians lose !mselves 9 ! div9e nature1 :i* !y d n presume to compreh5d1 :at ideas mu/ man h ( him8 #ca4 ,m5 believe 9 ,god only ^u ! ^w ( ^?1 :o h no m idea ( him ?an !mselves4 ,our nurses are our fir/ !ologians4 ,!y talk to *ildr5 ( ,god z if he 7 a sc>ecr[2 !y tea* !m f ! e>lie/ age to jo9 _! h&s me*anically4 ,h nurses !n m true ideas ( ,god ?an ! *ildr5 :om !y tea* to pray8 #cb4 ,religion1 l a family e/ate1 passes1 ) its incumbrances1 f p>5ts to *ildr54 ,few m5 9 ! _w w\ld h a ,god1 _h n pa9s be5 tak5 9 infancy to give !m "o4 ,ea* w\ld receive f 8 p>5ts & tea*]s ! ,god :om !y receiv$ f !irs2 b ea*1 agreeably to 8 disposition1 w\ld arrange1 modify1 & pa9t him 9 8 own mann]4 #cc4 ,! bra9 ( man1 especially 9 infancy1 is l s(t wax1 fit to receive e impression t is made ^u x4 ,education furni%es him ) almo/ all 8 ideas at a "t1 :5 he is incapable ( judg+ = himself4 ,we believe we h receiv$ f nature1 or h br\ght ) u at bir?1 ! true or false ideas1 :i*1 9 a t5d] age1 _h be5 in/ill$ into our m9ds2 & ?is p]suasion is "o ( ! greate/ s\rces ( errors4 #cd4 ,prejudice contributes to cem5t 9 u ! op9ions ( ^? :o h be5 *>g$ ) our in/ruction4 ,we believe !m mu* m exp]i5c$ ?an ourselves2 we suppose !y are fully conv9c$ ( ! ?+s :i* !y tea* u2 we h ! greate/ confid5ce 9 !m2 by ! c>e !y h tak5 ( u 9 infancy1 we judge !m incapable ( wi%+ to deceive u4 ,^! are ! motives t make u adopt a ?\s& errors1 )\t o!r f\ndation ?an ! haz>d\s au?ority ( ^? by :om we h be5 br\ght up4 ,! prohibition likewise ( reason+ ^u :at !y tea* u1 by no means less5s our confid5ce2 b (t5 contributes to increase our respect = _! op9ions4 #ce4 ,div9es act v wisely 9 tea*+ m5 _! religi\s pr9ciples be=e !y are capable ( di/+ui%+ tru? f falsehood1 or _! left h& f _! "r4 ,x w\ld be z difficult to in/ill into ! m9d ( a man1 =ty ye>s old1 ! extravagant notions t are giv5 u ( ! div9ity1 z to eradicate !m f ! m9d ( him :o _h imbib$ !m f infancy4 #cf4 ,x is obs]v$1 t ! wond]s ( nature are suffici5t to lead u to ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 & fully to conv9ce u ( ?is important tru?4 ,b h[ _m are !re 9 ! _w :o h ! "t1 capacity1 or disposition1 necess>y to contemplate ,nature & m$itate h] progress8 ,m51 = ! mo/ "p1 pay no reg>d to x4 ,! peasant is n /ruck ) ! beauty ( ! sun1 :i* he sees e day4 ,! sailor is n surpris$ at ! regul> motion ( ! ocean2 he w nev] draw f x !ological conclusions4 ,! ph5om5a ( nature prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god only to "s prejudic$ m51 :o h be5 e>ly taught to behold ! f+] ( ,god 9 e ?+ ^: me*anism c\ld emb>rass !m4 ,9 ! wond]s ( nature1 ! unprejudic$ philosoph] sees no?+ b ! p[] ( nature1 ! p]man5t & v>i\s laws1 ! necess>y effects ( diff]5t comb9ations ( matt] inf9itely div]sifi$4 #cg4 ,is !re any ?+ m surpris+ ?an ! logic ( ^! div9es1 :o1 in/ead ( confess+ _! ignorance ( natural causes1 seek beyond nature1 9 imag9>y regions1 a cause mu* m unkn[n ?an t nature1 ( :i* !y c =m at lea/ "s idea8 ,to say1 t ,god is ! au?or ( ! ph5om5a ( nature1 is x n to attribute !m to an occult cause8 ,:at is ,god8 ,:at is a _s8 ,!y are causes ( :i* we h no idea4 ,o wise div9es6 ,/udy nature & h] laws2 & s9ce y c !re discov] ! action ( natural causes1 g n to ^? t are sup]natural1 :i*1 f> f enlight5+1 w only d>k5 y\r ideas1 & make x utt]ly impossible t y %\ld und]/& y\rselves4 #ch4 ,nature1 y say1 is totally inexplicable )\t a ,god4 ,t is to say1 to expla9 :at y und]/& v little1 y h ne$ ( a cause :i* y und]/& n at all4 ,y ?9k to elucidate :at is obscure1 by d\bl+ ! obscurity2 to solve difficulties1 by multiply+ !m4 ,o en?usia/ic philosoph]s6 ,to prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 write complete treatises ( botany2 ent] into a m9ute detail ( ! p>ts ( ! human body2 laun* =? into ! sky1 to contemplate ! revolution ( ! />s2 !n return to ! e>? to admire ! c\rse ( wat]s2 behold ) transport ! butt]flies1 ! insects1 ! polypi1 & ! organiz$ atoms1 9 :i* y ?9k y disc]n ! greatness ( y\r ,god4 ,all ^! ?+s w n prove ! exi/5ce ( ,god2 !y w prove only1 t y h n j ideas ( ! imm5se v>iety ( matt]1 & ( ! effects1 producible by its inf9itely div]sifi$ comb9ations1 t con/itute ! univ]se4 ,!y w prove only y\r ignorance ( nature2 t y h no idea ( h] p[]s1 :5 y judge h] incapable ( produc+ a multitude ( =ms & be+s1 ( :i* y\r eyes1 ev5 ) ! assi/ance ( microscopes1 nev] disc]n b ! smalle/ "p4 ,9 a ^w1 !y w prove1 t1 = want ( kn[+ s5sible ag5ts1 or ^? possible to "k1 y f9d x %ort] to h rec\rse to a ^w1 express+ an inconceivable ag5t4 #ci4 ,we are gravely & repeat$ly told1 t1 !re is no effect )\t a cause2 t1 ! _w did n make itself4 ,b ! univ]se is a cause1 x is n an effect2 x is n a "w2 x has n be5 made1 because x is impossible t x %\ld h be5 made4 ,! _w has always be52 its exi/5ce is necess>y2 x is its own cause4 ,nature1 ^: ess5ce is visibly to act & produce1 requires n1 to dis*>ge h] functions1 an invisible mov]1 mu* m unkn[n ?an h]self4 ,matt] moves by its own en]gy1 by a necess>y consequ5ce ( its het]og5eity4 ,! div]sity ( motion1 or modes ( mutual action1 con/itutes alone ! div]sity ( matt]4 ,we di/+ui% be+s f "o ano!r only by ! diff]5t impressions or motions :i* !y communicate to our organs4 #dj4 ,y see1 t all is action 9 nature1 & yet pret5d t nature1 by itself1 is dead & )\t p[]4 ,y imag9e1 t ?is all1 ess5tially act+1 ne$s a mov]6 ,:at !n is ?is mov]8 ,x is a _s2 a be+ absolutely incompreh5sible & contradictory4 ,ackn[l$ge !n1 t matt] acts ( itself1 & cease to reason ( y\r spiritual mov]1 :o has no?+ t is requisite to put x 9 action4 ,return f y\r useless excursions2 ent] aga9 into a real _w2 keep to second causes1 & leave to div9es _! fir/ cause1 ( :i* nature has no ne$1 to produce all ! effects y obs]ve 9 ! _w4 #da4 ,x c be only by ! div]sity ( impressions & effects1 :i* bodies make ^u u1 t we feel !m2 t we h p]ceptions & ideas ( !m2 t we di/+ui% "o f ano!r2 t we assign !m prop]ties4 ,n[1 to see or feel an object1 ! object mu/ act ^u our organs2 ?is object _c act ^u u1 )\t excit+ "s motion 9 u2 x _c excite motion 9 u1 if x be n 9 motion itself4 ,at ! in/ant ,i see an object1 my eyes are /ruck by x2 ,i c h no conception ( light & vision1 )\t motion1 communicat$ to my eye1 f ! lum9\s1 ext5d$1 col\r$ body4 ,at ! in/ant ,i smell some?+1 my s5se is irritat$1 or put 9 motion1 by ! p>ts t exhale f ! odorif]\s body4 ,at ! mom5t ,i he> a s\nd1 ! tympanum ( my e> is /ruck by ! air1 put 9 motion by a sonor\s body1 :i* w\ld n act if x 7 n 9 motion itself4 ,:5ce x evid5tly foll[s1 t1 )\t motion1 ,i c nei!r feel1 see1 di/+ui%1 comp>e1 judge1 nor occupy my ?\ghts ^u any subject :atev]4 ,we are taught1 t ! ess5ce ( a ?+ is t f :i* all its prop]ties fl[4 ,n[1 x is evid5t1 t all ! prop]ties ( bodies1 ( :i* we h ideas1 are ow+ to motion1 :i* alone in=ms u ( _! exi/5ce1 & gives u ! fir/ conceptions ( !m4 ,i _c be in=m$ ( my own exi/5ce b by ! motions ,i exp]i5ce 9 myself4 ,i am !re=e =c$ to conclude1 t motion is z ess5tial to matt] z ext5sion1 & t matt] _c be conceiv$ )\t x4 ,%\ld any p]son d5y1 t motion is ess5tial & necess>y to matt]2 !y _c1 at lea/1 help ackn[l$g+ t bodies1 :i* seem dead & in]t1 produce motion ( !mselves1 :5 plac$ 9 a fit situation to act ^u "o ano!r4 ,= in/ance2 phosphorus1 :5 expos$ to ! air1 imm$iately takes fire4 ,meal & wat]1 :5 mix$1 f]m5t4 ,?us dead matt] begets motion ( itself4 ,matt] has !n ! p[] ( self-motion2 & nature1 to act1 has no ne$ ( a mov]1 ^: pret5d$ ess5ce w\ld h9d] him f act+4 #db4 ,:5ce comes man8 ,:at is 8 orig98 ,did ! fir/ man spr+1 ready =m$1 f ! du/ ( ! e>?8 ,man appe>s1 l all o!r be+s1 a production ( nature4 ,:5ce came ! fir/ /ones1 ! fir/ trees1 ! fir/ lions1 ! fir/ elephants1 ! fir/ ants1 ! fir/ acorns8 ,we are incessantly told to ackn[l$ge & rev]e ! h& ( ,god1 ( an inf9itely wise1 intellig5t & p[]ful mak]1 9 s wond]ful a "w z ! human ma*9e4 ,i readily confess1 t ! human ma*9e appe>s to me surpris+4 ,b z man exi/s 9 nature1 ,i am n au?oriz$ to say t 8 =mation1 is above ! p[] ( nature4 ,b ,i c mu* less conceive ( ?is =mation1 :5 to expla9 x1 ,i am told1 t a pure _s1 :o has nei!r eyes1 feet1 h&s1 head1 lungs1 m\? nor brea?1 made man by tak+ a little clay1 & brea?+ ^u x4 ,we laugh at ! savage inhabitants ( ,p>aguay1 = call+ !mselves ! desc5dants ( ! moon4 ,! div9es ( ,europe call !mselves ! desc5dants1 or ! creation1 ( a pure _s4 ,is ?is pret5sion any m rational8 ,man is intellig5t2 !nce x is inf]r$1 t he c be ! "w only ( an intellig5t be+1 & n ( a nature1 :i* is void ( intellig5ce4 ,al?\gh no?+ is m r>e1 ?an to see man make use ( ?is intellig5ce1 ( :i* he seems s pr\d1 ,i w grant t he is intellig5t1 t 8 wants develop ?is faculty1 t society especially contributes to cultivate x4 ,b ,i see no?+ 9 ! human ma*9e1 & 9 ! intellig5ce ) :i* x is endu$1 t ann\nces v precisely ! inf9ite intellig5ce ( ! mak] to :om x is ascrib$4 ,i see t ?is admirable ma*9e is liable to be d]ang$2 ,i see1 t 8 wond]ful intellig5ce is !n disord]$1 & sometimes totally disappe>s2 ,i inf]1 t human intellig5ce dep5ds ^u a c]ta9 disposition ( ! mat]ial organs ( ! body1 & t we _c inf] ! intellig5ce ( ,god1 any m f ! intellig5ce ( man1 ?an f 8 mat]iality4 ,all t we c inf] f x1 is1 t ,god is mat]ial4 ,! intellig5ce ( man no m proves ! intellig5ce ( ,god1 ?an ! malice ( man proves ! malice ( t ,god1 :o is ! pret5d$ mak] ( man4 ,9 spite ( all ! argum5ts ( div9es1 ,god w always be a cause contradict$ by its effects1 or ( :i* x is impossible to judge by its works4 ,we %all always see evil1 imp]fection & folly result f su* a cause1 t is said to be full ( goodness1 p]fection & wisdom4 #dc4 ,:at8 y w say1 is intellig5t man1 is ! univ]se1 & all x conta9s1 ! effect ( *ance8 ,no2 ,i repeat x1 ! univ]se is n an effect2 x is ! cause ( all effects2 e be+ x conta9s is ! necess>y effect ( ?is cause1 :i* sometimes %ews u its mann] ( act+1 b g5]ally conceals its op]ations4 ,m5 use ! ^w *ance to hide _! ignorance ( true causes1 :i*1 ?\gh n und]/ood1 act n less accord+ to c]ta9 laws4 ,!re is no effect )\t a cause4 ,nature is a ^w1 us$ to d5ote ! imm5se assemblage ( be+s1 v>i\s matt]1 inf9ite comb9ations1 & div]sifi$ motions1 t we behold4 ,all bodies1 organiz$ or unorganiz$1 are necess>y effects ( c]ta9 causes4 ,no?+ 9 nature c happ5 by *ance4 ,e ?+ is subject to fix$ laws4 ,^! laws are only ! necess>y connection ( c]ta9 effects ) _! causes4 ,"o atom ( matt] _c meet ano!r by *ance2 ?is meet+ is ! effect ( p]man5t laws1 :i* cause e be+ necess>ily to act z x does1 & h9d] x f act+ o!rwise1 9 giv5 circum/ances4 ,to talk ( ! =tuit\s conc\rse ( atoms1 or to attribute "s effects to *ance1 is m]ely say+ t we are ignorant ( ! laws1 by :i* bodies act1 meet1 comb9e1 or sep>ate4 ,^?1 :o are unacqua9t$ ) nature1 ! prop]ties ( be+s1 & ! effects :i* mu/ necess>ily result f ! concurr5ce ( c]ta9 causes1 ?9k1 t e ?+ takes place by *ance4 ,x is n *ance1 t has plac$ ! sun 9 ! c5tre ( our planet>y sy/em2 x is by its own ess5ce1 t ! sub/ance1 ( :i* x is compos$1 mu/ occupy t place1 & !nce be diffus$4 #dd4 ,! wor%ipp]s ( a ,god f9d1 9 ! ord] ( ! univ]se1 an inv9cible pro( ( ! exi/5ce ( an intellig5t & wise be+1 :o gov]ns x4 ,b ?is ord] is no?+ b a s]ies ( movem5ts necess>ily produc$ by causes or circum/ances1 :i* are sometimes fav\rable1 & sometimes hurtful to u3 we approve ( "s1 & compla9 ( o!rs4 ,nature uni=mly foll[s ! same r\nd2 t is1 ! same causes produce ! same effects1 z long z _! action is n di/urb$ by o!r causes1 :i* =ce !m to produce diff]5t effects4 ,:5 ! op]ation ( causes1 ^: effects we exp]i5ce1 is int]rupt$ by causes1 :i*1 ?\gh unkn[n1 are n ! less natural & necess>y1 we are conf\nd$2 we cry out1 a miracle6 & attribute x to a cause mu* m unkn[n1 ?an any ( ^? act+ be=e our eyes4 ,! univ]se is always 9 ord]4 ,x _c be 9 disord]4 ,x is our ma*9e1 t suff]s1 :5 we compla9 ( disord]4 ,! bodies1 causes1 & be+s1 :i* ?is _w conta9s1 necess>ily act 9 ! mann] 9 :i* we see !m act1 :e!r we approve or disapprove ( _! effects4 ,e>?quakes1 volcanoes1 inundations1 pe/il5ces1 & fam9es are effects z necess>y1 or z mu* 9 ! ord] ( nature1 z ! fall ( heavy bodies1 ! c\rses ( riv]s1 ! p]iodical motions ( ! seas1 ! bl[+ ( ! w9ds1 ! fruitful ra9s1 & ! fav\rable effects1 = :i* m5 praise ,god1 & ?ank him = 8 goodness4 ,to be a/oni%$ t a c]ta9 ord] reigns 9 ! _w1 is to be surpris$ t ! same causes con/antly produce ! same effects4 ,to be %ock$ at disord]1 is to =get1 t :5 ?+s *ange1 or are int]rupt$ 9 _! actions1 ! effects c no long] be ! same4 ,to wond] at ! ord] ( nature1 is to wond] t any ?+ c exi/2 x is to be surpris$ at any "o's own exi/5ce4 ,:at is ord] to "o be+1 is disord] to ano!r4 ,all wick$ be+s f9d t e ?+ is 9 ord]1 :5 !y c ) impunity put e ?+ 9 disord]4 ,!y f9d1 on ! contr>y1 t e ?+ is 9 disord]1 :5 !y are di/urb$ 9 ! ex]cise ( _! wick$ness4 #de4 ,^u supposition t ,god is ! au?or & mov] ( nature1 !re c\ld be no disord] ) respect to him4 ,w\ld n all ! causes1 t he %\ld h made1 necess>ily act accord+ to ! prop]ties1 ess5ces1 & impulses giv5 !m8 ,if ,god %\ld *ange ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature1 he w\ld n be immutable4 ,if ! ord] ( ! univ]se1 9 :i* man ?9ks he sees ! mo/ conv9c+ pro( ( ! exi/5ce1 intellig5ce1 p[] & goodness ( ,god1 %\ld happ5 to contradict itself1 "o might suspect 8 exi/5ce1 or1 at lea/1 accuse him ( incon/ancy1 impot5ce1 want ( =esight & wisdom 9 ! arrangem5t ( ?+s2 "o w\ld h a "r to accuse him ( an ov]sight 9 ! *oice ( ! ag5ts & in/rum5ts1 :i* he makes1 prep>es1 & puts 9 action4 ,9 %ort1 if ! ord] ( nature proves ! p[] & intellig5ce ( ! ,deity1 disord] mu/ prove 8 weakness1 in/ability1 & irrationality4 ,y say1 t ,god is omnipres5t1 t he fills ! univ]se ) 8 imm5sity1 t no?+ is done )\t him1 t matt] c\ld n act )\t 8 ag5cy4 ,b 9 ?is case1 y admit1 t y\r ,god is ! au?or ( disord]1 t x is he :o d]anges nature1 t he is ! fa!r ( confusion1 t he is 9 man1 & moves him at ! mom5t he s9s4 ,if ,god is e :]e1 he is 9 me1 he acts ) me1 he is deceiv$ ) me1 he (f5ds ,god ) me1 & combats ) me ! exi/5ce ( ,god6 ,o !ologians6 y nev] und]/& y\rselves1 :5 y speak ( ,god4 #df4 ,9 ord] to h :at we call intellig5ce1 x is necess>y to h ideas1 ?\ghts1 & wi%es2 to h ideas1 ?\ghts1 & wi%es1 x is necess>y to h organs2 to h organs1 x is necess>y to h a body2 to act ^u bodies1 x is necess>y to h a body2 to exp]i5ce disord]1 x is necess>y to be capable ( suff]+4 ,:5ce x evid5tly foll[s1 t a pure _s c nei!r be intellig5t1 nor affect$ by :at passes 9 ! univ]se4 ,div9e intellig5ce1 ideas1 & views1 h1 y say1 no?+ common ) ^? ( m54 ,v well4 ,h[ !n c m5 judge1 "r or wrong1 ( ^! views2 reason ^u ^! ideas2 or admire ?is intellig5ce8 ,?is w\ld be to judge1 admire1 & adore t1 ( :i* we c h no ideas4 ,to adore ! pr(\nd views ( div9e wisdom1 is x n to adore t1 ( :i* we _c possibly judge8 ,to admire ^! views1 is x n to admire )\t kn[+ :y8 ,admiration is always ! daught] ( ignorance4 ,m5 admire & adore only :at !y d n compreh5d4 #dg4 ,all ^? qualities1 ascrib$ to ,god1 are totally incompatible ) a be+1 :o1 by 8 v ess5ce1 is void ( all analogy ) human be+s4 ,x is true1 ! div9es imag9e !y extricate !mselves f ?is difficulty1 by exagg]at+ ! human qualities1 attribut$ to ! ,div9ity2 !y enl>ge !m to inf9ity1 :]e !y cease to und]/& !mselves4 ,:at results f ?is comb9ation ( man ) ,god8 ,a m]e *im]a1 ( :i*1 if any ?+ be affirm$1 ! phantom1 comb9$ ) s mu* pa9s1 in/antly vani%es4 ,dante1 9 8 poem ^u ,p>adise1 relates1 t ! ,deity appe>$ to him "u ! figure ( ?ree circles1 =m+ an iris1 ^: lively col\rs g5]at$ ea* o!r2 b t1 look+ /eadily ^u ! dazzl+ light1 he saw only 8 own figure4 ,:ile ador+ ,god1 x is himself1 t man adores4 #dh4 ,ought n ! lea/ reflection suffice to prove1 t ,god c h none ( ! human qualities1 all ties1 virtues1 or p]fections8 ,our virtues & p]fections are consequ5ces ( ! modifications ( our passions4 ,b has ,god passions z we h8 ,aga93 our good qualities consi/ 9 our dispositions t[>ds ! be+s ) :om we live 9 society4 ,god1 accord+ to y1 is an insulat$ be+4 ,god has no equals--no fell[-be+s4 ,god does n live 9 society4 ,he wants ! assi/ance ( no "o4 ,he enjoys an un*angeable felicity4 ,admit !n1 accord+ to y\r own pr9ciples1 t ,god _c h :at we call virtues1 & t man _c be virtu\s ) respect to him4 #di4 ,man1 wrapp$ up 9 8 own m]it1 imag9es ! human race to be ! sole object ( ,god 9 creat+ ! univ]se4 ,^u :at does he f\nd ?is flatt]+ op9ion8 ,we are told3 t man is ! only be+ endu$ ) intellig5ce1 :i* enables him to "k ! ,deity1 & to r5d] him homage4 ,we are assur$1 t ,god made ! _w only = 8 own glory1 & t x 0 necess>y t ! human species %\ld come into ?is plan1 t !re might be "s "o to admire 8 works1 & glorify him = !m4 ,b1 accord+ to ^! suppositions1 has n ,god evid5tly miss$ 8 object8 #a/4 ,man1 accord+ to y\rselves1 w always lab\r "u ! complete/ impossibility ( kn[+ 8 ,god1 & ! mo/ inv9cible ignorance ( 8 div9e ess5ce4 #bndly4 ,a be+1 :o has no equal1 _c be susceptible ( glory2 = glory c result only f ! comp>ison ( "o's own excell5ce ) t ( o!rs4 #crdly4 ,if ,god be inf9itely happy1 if he be self-suffici5t1 :at ne$ has he ( ! homage ( 8 feeble creatures8 #d?ly4 ,god1 not)/&+ all 8 endeav\rs1 is n glorifi$2 b1 on ! contr>y1 all ! religions 9 ! _w repres5t him z p]petually (f5d$2 _! sole object is to reconcile s9ful1 ungrateful1 rebelli\s man ) 8 angry ,god4 #ej4 ,if ,god be inf9ite1 he has mu* less relation ) man1 ?an man ) ants4 ,w\ld ! ants reason p]t95tly conc]n+ ! int5tions1 desires1 & projects ( ! g>d5]8 ,c\ld !y ju/ly imag9e1 t a p>k 0 plant$ = !m alone1 by an o/5tati\s mon>*1 & t ! sole object ( 8 goodness 0 to furni% !m ) a sup]b resid5ce8 ,b1 accord+ to !ology1 man is1 ) respect to ,god1 f> bel[ :at ! vile/ insect is to man4 ,?us1 by !ology itself1 :i* is :olly devot$ to ! attributes & views ( ! ,div9ity1 !ology appe>s a complete folly4 #ea4 ,we are told1 t1 9 ! =mation ( ! univ]se1 ,god's only object 0 ! happ9ess ( man4 ,b1 9 a _w made purposely = him1 & gov]n$ by an omnipot5t ,god1 is man 9 reality v happy8 ,are 8 enjoym5ts durable8 ,are n 8 pleasures mix$ ) pa9s8 ,are _m p]sons satisfi$ ) _! fate8 ,is n man cont9ually ! victim ( physical & moral evils8 ,is n ! human ma*9e1 :i* is repres5t$ z a ma/]-piece ( ! ,creator's skill1 liable to d]angem5t 9 a ?\s& ways8 ,%\ld we be surpris$ at ! workman%ip ( a me*anic1 :o %\ld %ew u a complex ma*9e1 ready to /op e mom5t1 & :i*1 9 a %ort "t1 w\ld break 9 pieces ( itself8 #eb4 ,! g5]\s c>e1 display$ by ! ,deity 9 provid+ = ! wants1 & wat*+ ov] ! happ9ess ( 8 belov$ creatures1 is call$ ,provid5ce4 ,b1 :5 we op5 our eyes1 we f9d t ,god provides no?+4 ,provid5ce sleeps ov] ! great] "p ( ! inhabitants ( ?is _w4 ,= a v small numb] ( m5 :o are suppos$ to be happy1 :at an imm5se multitude groan "u oppression1 & langui% 9 mis]y6 ,are n nations =c$ to deprive !mselves ( bread1 to adm9i/] to ! extravagances ( a few gloomy tyrants1 :o are no happi] ?an _! oppress$ slaves8 ,at ! same "t t our div9es emphatically expatiate ^u ! goodness ( ,provid5ce1 :ile !y exhort u to repose our confid5ce 9 h]1 d we n he> !m1 at ! sight ( un=ese5 cata/rophes1 exclaim1 t ,provid5ce sports ) ! va9 projects ( man1 t %e fru/rates _! designs1 t %e laughs at _! ef=ts1 t pr(\nd wisdom delights to bewild] ! m9ds ( mortals8 ,b1 %all we put confid5ce 9 a malignant ,provid5ce1 :o laughs at1 & sports ) mank9d8 ,h[ w "o admire ! unkn[n ways ( a hidd5 wisdom1 ^: mann] ( act+ is inexplicable8 ,judge ( x by effects1 y w say4 ,we d2 & f9d1 t ^! effects are sometimes useful1 & sometimes hurtful4 ,m5 ?9k !y ju/ify ,provid5ce1 by say+1 t1 9 ?is _w1 !re is mu* m good ?an evil to e individual ( mank9d4 ,suppos+ ! good1 we enjoy f ,provid5ce1 is to ! evil1 z a hundr$ to t52 w x n /ill foll[1 t1 = a hundr$ degrees ( goodness1 ,provid5ce possesses t5 ( malignity2 :i* is incompatible ) ! suppos$ p]fection ( ! div9e nature4 ,almo/ all books are fill$ ) ! mo/ flatt]+ praises ( ,provid5ce1 ^: att5tive c>e is highly extoll$4 ,x w\ld seem z if man1 to live happily "h bel[1 ne$$ n 8 own ex]tions4 ,yet1 )\t 8 own lab\r1 man c\ld subsi/ h>dly a day4 ,to live1 he is oblig$ to sweat1 toil1 hunt1 fi%1 & lab\r )\t int]mission4 ,)\t ^! second causes1 ! fir/ cause1 at lea/ 9 mo/ c\ntries1 w\ld provide = none ( our wants4 ,9 all p>ts ( ! globe1 we see savage & civiliz$ man 9 a p]petual /ruggle ) ,provid5ce4 ,he is necessitat$ to w>d (f ! /rokes direct$ aga9/ him by ,provid5ce1 9 hurricanes1 tempe/s1 fro/s1 hail-/orms1 inundations1 dr\ghts1 & ! v>i\s accid5ts1 :i* s (t5 r5d] useless all 8 lab\rs4 ,9 a ^w1 we see man cont9ually occupi$ 9 gu>d+ aga9/ ! ill (fices ( t ,provid5ce1 :i* is suppos$ to be att5tive to 8 happ9ess4 ,a bigot admir$ div9e ,provid5ce = wisely ord]+ riv]s to pass ?r\gh ^? places1 :]e m5 h built l>ge cities4 ,is n ?is man's reason+ z rational1 z t ( _m le>n$ m51 :o incessantly talk ( f9al causes1 or :o pret5d t !y cle>ly p]ceive ! b5efic5t views ( ,god 9 ! =mation ( all ?+s8 #ec4 ,d we see !n1 t ,provid5ce s v s5sibly manife/s h]self 9 ! pres]vation ( ^? admirable works1 :i* we attribute to h]8 ,if x is %e1 :o gov]ns ! _w1 we f9d h] z active 9 de/roy+1 z 9 =m+2 9 ext]m9at+1 z 9 produc+4 ,does %e n e mom5t de/roy1 by ?\s&s1 ! v m51 to ^: pres]vation & welf>e we suppose h] cont9ually att5tive8 ,e mom5t %e loses sight ( h] belov$ creature4 ,sometimes %e %akes 8 dwell+1 sometimes %e annihilates 8 h>ve/s1 sometimes %e inundates 8 fields1 sometimes %e desolates !m by a burn+ dr\ght4 ,%e arms all nature aga9/ man4 ,%e arms man himself aga9/ 8 own species1 & commonly t]m9ates 8 exi/5ce 9 angui%4 ,is ?is !n :at is call$ pres]v+ ! univ]se8 ,if we c\ld view1 )\t prejudice1 ! equivocal conduct ( ,provid5ce t[>ds ! human race & all s5sible be+s1 we %\ld f9d1 t f> f resembl+ a t5d] & c>eful "m1 %e resembles r ^? unnatural mo!rs1 :o in/antly =gett+ ! un=tunates ( _! lic5ti\s love1 ab&on _! infants1 z soon z !y are born1 & :o1 cont5t ) hav+ borne !m1 expose !m1 helpless1 to ! caprice ( =tune4 ,! ,hott5tots1 9 ?is respect are mu* wis] ?an o!r nations1 :o treat !m z b>b>ians1 & refuse to wor%ip ,god2 because1 !y say1 if he (t5 does good1 he (t5 does evil4 ,is n ?is mann] ( reason+ m j & con=mable to exp]i5ce1 ?an t ( _m m51 :o are det]m9$ to see1 9 _! ,god1 no?+ b goodness1 wisdom1 & =esight1 & :o refuse to see t ! innum]able evils1 ( :i* ?is _w is ! !atre1 mu/ come f ! same h&1 :i* !y kiss ) delight8 #ed4 ,common s5se tea*es1 t we _c1 & ought n1 to judge ( a cause1 b by its effects4 ,a cause c be reput$ con/antly good1 only :5 x con/antly produces good4 ,a cause1 :i* produces bo? good & evil1 is sometimes good1 & sometimes evil4 ,b ! logic ( !ology de/roys all ?is4 ,accord+ to t1 ! ph5om5a ( nature1 or ! effects we behold 9 ?is _w1 prove to u ! exi/5ce ( a cause inf9itely good2 & ?is cause is ,god4 ,al?\gh ?is _w is full ( evils2 al?\gh disord] (t5 reigns 9 x2 al?\gh m5 incessantly rep9e at _! h>d fate2 we mu/ be conv9c$1 t ^! effects are ow+ to a b5efic5t & immutable cause2 & _m p believe x1 or feign believe4 ,e ?+ t passes 9 ! _w1 proves to u1 9 ! cle>e/ mann]1 t x is n gov]n$ by an intellig5t be+4 ,we c judge ( ! intellig5ce ( a be+ only by ! con=mity ( ! means1 :i* he employs to atta9 8 propos$ object4 ,! object ( ,god1 is ! happ9ess ( a man4 ,yet1 a l necessity gov]ns ! fate ( all s5sible be+s1 :o are born only to suff] mu*1 enjoy little1 & die4 ,! cup ( man is fill$ ) joy & bitt]ness2 good is e :]e att5d$ ) evil2 ord] gives place to disord]2 g5]ation is foll[$ by de/ruction4 ,if y say1 t ! designs ( ,god are my/]i\s & t 8 ways are imp5etrable2 ,i answ]1 t1 9 ?is case1 x is impossible to judge :e!r ,god be intellig5t4 #ee4 ,y pret5d1 t ,god is immutable6 ,:at !n produces a cont9ual in/ability 9 ?is _w1 :i* y make 8 empire8 ,is !re a /ate1 subject to m frequ5t & cruel revolutions1 ?an t ( ?is unkn[n mon>*8 ,h[ c we attribute to an immutable ,god1 suffici5tly p[]ful to give solidity to 8 works1 a gov]nm5t1 9 :i* e ?+ is 9 cont9ual vicissitude8 ,if ,i imag9e ,i see a ,god ( uni=m "* 9 all ! effects fav\rable to my species1 :at k9d ( a ,god c ,i see 9 _! cont9ual mis=tunes8 ,y tell me1 x is our s9s1 :i* compel him to puni%4 ,i answ]1 t ,god1 accord+ to y\rselves1 is !n n immutable1 s9ce ! s9s ( m5 =ce him to *ange 8 conduct t[>ds !m4 ,c a be+1 :o is sometimes provok$1 & sometimes appeas$1 be con/antly ! same8 #ef4 ,! univ]se c be only :at x is2 all s5sible be+s 9 x enjoy & suff]2 t is1 are mov$ sometimes 9 an agreeable1 & sometimes 9 a disagreeable mann]4 ,^! effects are necess>y2 !y result necess>ily f causes1 :i* act only accord+ to _! prop]ties4 ,^! effects necess>ily please1 or displease1 by a consequ5ce ( nature4 ,?is same nature compels me to avoid1 av]t1 & resi/ "s ?+s1 & to seek1 desire1 & procure o!rs4 ,9 a _w1 :]e e ?+ is necess>y1 a ,god1 :o rem$ies no?+1 :o leaves ?+s to run 9 _! necess>y c\rse1--is he any ?+ b de/9y1 or necessity p]sonifi$8 ,x is a deaf & useless ,god1 :o c effect no *ange 9 g5]al laws1 to :i* he is himself subject4 ,( :at importance is ! inf9ite p[] ( a be+1 :o w d b v little 9 my fav\r8 ,:]e is ! inf9ite goodness ( a be+1 indiff]5t to happ9ess8 ,( :at s]vice is ! fav\r ( a be+1 :o1 is able to d an inf9ite good1 does n d ev5 a f9ite "o8 #eg4 ,:5 we ask1 :y s _m mis]able objects appe> "u ! gov]nm5t ( a good ,god1 we are told1 by way ( consolation1 t ! pres5t _w is only a passage1 design$ to conduct man to a happi] "o4 ,! div9es assure u1 t ! e>? we inhabit1 is a /ate ( trial4 ,9 %ort1 !y %ut our m\?s1 by say+1 t ,god c\ld communicate to 8 creatures nei!r impossibility nor inf9ite happ9ess1 :i* are res]v$ = himself alone4 ,c su* answ]s be satisfactory8 #a/4 ,! exi/5ce ( ano!r life is gu>ante$ to u only by ! imag9ation ( man1 :o1 by suppos+ x1 h only realiz$ ! desire !y h ( surviv+ !mselves1 9 ord] to enjoy h]eaft] a pur] & m durable happ9ess4 #bndly4 ,h[ c we conceive t a ,god1 :o kn[s e ?+1 & mu/ be fully acqua9t$ ) ! dispositions ( 8 creatures1 %\ld want s _m exp]im5ts1 9 ord] to be sure ( _! dispositions8 #crdly4 ,accord+ to ! calculations ( _! *ronologi/s1 our e>? has exi/$ six or sev5 ?\s& ye>s4 ,dur+ t "t1 nations h exp]i5c$ calamities4 ,hi/ory exhibits ! human species at all times torm5t$ & ravag$ by tyrants1 conqu]ors1 & h]oes2 by w>s1 inundations1 fam9es1 plagues1 etc4 ,are su* long trials !n likely to inspire u ) v great confid5ce 9 ! secret views ( ! ,deity8 ,d su* num]\s & con/ant evils give a v exalt$ idea ( ! future /ate1 8 goodness is prep>+ = u8 #d?ly4 ,if ,god is s k9dly dispos$1 z he is ass]t$ to be1 )\t giv+ m5 inf9ite happ9ess1 c\ld he n at lea/ h communicat$ ! degree ( happ9ess1 ( :i* f9ite be+s are susceptible "h bel[8 ,to be happy1 mu/ we h an inf9ite or div9e happ9ess8 #e?ly4 ,if ,god c\ld n make m5 happi] ?an !y are "h bel[1 :at w become ( ! hope ( a p>adise1 :]e x is pret5d$1 t ! elect w = ev] enjoy ineffable bliss8 ,if ,god nei!r c\ld nor w\ld av]t evil f ! e>?1 ! only resid5ce we c "k1 :at reason h we to presume1 t he c or w av]t evil f ano!r _w1 ( :i* we h no idea8 ,epicurus obs]v$3 ei!r ,god w\ld remove evil out ( ?is _w1 & _c2 or he c1 & w n2 or he has nei!r ! p[] nor w2 or1 la/ly1 he has bo? ! p[] & w4 ,if he has ! w1 & n ! p[]1 ?is %ews weakness1 :i* is contr>y to ! nature ( ,god4 ,if he has ! p[]1 & n ! w1 x is malignity2 & ?is is no less contr>y to 8 nature4 ,if he is nei!r able nor will+1 he is bo? impot5t & malignant1 & consequ5tly _c be ,god4 ,if he be bo? will+ & able 7:i* alone is consonant to ! nature ( ,god7 :5ce comes evil1 or :y does he n prev5t x8 ,reflect+ m9ds are /ill wait+ = a reasonable solution ( ^! difficulties2 & our div9es tell u1 t !y w be remov$ only 9 a future life4 #eh4 ,we are told ( a pret5d$ scale ( be+s4 ,x is suppos$1 t ,god has divid$ 8 creatures into diff]5t classes1 9 :i* ea* enjoys ! degree ( happ9ess1 ( :i* x is susceptible4 ,accord+ to ?is romantic arrangem5t1 f ! oy/] to ! cele/ial angels1 all be+s enjoy a happ9ess1 :i* is suitable to _! nature4 ,exp]i5ce explicitly contradicts ?is sublime rev]ie4 ,9 ?is _w1 all s5sible be+s suff] & live 9 ! mid/ ( dang]s4 ,man _c walk )\t hurt+1 torm5t+1 or kill+ a multitude ( s5sible be+s1 :i* are 9 8 way2 :ile he himself is expos$1 at e /ep1 to a multitude ( evils1 =ese5 or un=ese51 :i* may lead him to de/ruction4 ,dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( 8 life1 he is expos$ to pa9s2 he is n sure1 a mom5t1 ( 8 exi/5ce1 to :i* he is s /rongly atta*$1 & :i* he reg>ds z ! greate/ gift ( ! ,div9ity4 #ei4 ,! _w1 x w be said1 has all ! p]fection1 ( :i* x is susceptible3 s9ce x is n ,god :o made x1 x mu/ h great qualities & great defects4 ,b we answ]1 t1 z ! _w mu/ necess>ily h great defects1 x w\ld h be5 m con=mable to ! nature ( a good ,god1 n to h creat$ a _w1 :i* he c\ld n make completely happy4 ,if ,god 0 supremely happy1 be=e ! creation ( ! _w1 & c\ld h cont9u$ to be supremely happy1 )\t creat+ ! _w1 :y did he n rema9 at re/8 ,:y mu/ man suff]8 ,:y mu/ man exi/8 ,( :at importance is 8 exi/5ce to ,god8 ,no?+1 or some?+8 ,if man's exi/5ce is n useful or necess>y to ,god1 :y did ,god make man8 ,if man's exi/5ce is necess>y to ,god's glory1 he _h ne$ ( man2 he 0 defici5t 9 some?+ be=e man exi/$4 ,we c p>don an unskilful workman = mak+ an imp]fect "w2 because he mu/ "w1 well or ill1 ^u p5alty ( />v+4 ,?is workman is excusable1 b ,god is n4 ,accord+ to y1 he is self-suffici5t2 if s1 :y does he make m58 ,he has1 y say1 e ?+ requisite to make man happy4 ,:y !n does he n d x8 ,confess1 t y\r ,god has m malice ?an goodness1 unless y admit1 t ,god1 0 necessitat$ to d :at he has done1 )\t be+ able to d x o!rwise4 ,yet1 y assure u1 t ,god is free4 ,y say also1 t he is immutable1 al?\gh x 0 9 ,"t t he began & ceas$ to ex]cise 8 p[]1 l ! incon/ant be+s ( ?is _w4 ,o !ologians6 ,va9 are y\r ef=ts to free y\r ,god f defects4 ,?is p]fect ,god has always "s human imp]fections4 #fj4 ,is n ,god ma/] ( 8 fav\rs8 ,c he n give !m8 ,c he n take !m away8 ,x does n belong to 8 creatures to require reasons = 8 conduct4 ,he c dispose ( ! works ( 8 own h&s z he pleases4 ,absolute sov]eign ( mortals1 he di/ributes happ9ess or mis]y1 accord+ to 8 good pleasure4 ,su* are ! solutions giv5 by !ologians to console u = ! evils :i* ,god inflicts ^u u4 ,we reply1 t a ,god1 :o is inf9itely good1 _c be ma/] ( 8 fav\rs1 b w\ld by 8 nature be oblig$ to be/[ !m ^u 8 creatures2 t a be+1 truly b5efic5t1 _c refra9 f do+ good2 t a be+1 truly g5]\s1 does n take back :at he has giv52 & t e man1 :o does s1 disp5ses ) gratitude1 & has no "r to compla9 ( f9d+ ungrateful m54 ,h[ c ! odd & caprici\s conduct1 :i* !ologians ascribe to ,god1 be reconcil$ ) religion1 :i* supposes a cov5ant1 or mutual engagem5ts betwe5 ,god & m58 ,if ,god owes no?+ to 8 creatures1 !y1 on _! "p1 c owe no?+ to _! ,god4 ,all religion is f\nd$ ^u ! happ9ess t m5 ?9k !y h a "r to expect f ! ,deity1 :o is suppos$ to say to !m3 ,love me1 adore me1 obey me3 & ,i w make y happy4 ,m51 on _! "p1 say to him3 ,make u happy1 be fai?ful to y\r promises1 & we w love y1 we w adore y1 & obey y\r laws4 ,by neglect+ ! happ9ess ( 8 creatures1 di/ribut+ 8 fav\rs accord+ to 8 caprice1 & retract+ 8 gifts1 does n ,god break ! cov5ant1 :i* s]ves z ! basis ( all religion8 ,cic]o has ju/ly obs]v$1 t if ,god is n agreeable to man1 he _c be 8 ,god4 ,goodness con/itutes deity2 ?is goodness c be manife/$ to man only by ! bless+s he enjoys2 z soon z he is unhappy1 ?is goodness disappe>s1 & ) x ! div9ity4 ,an inf9ite goodness c be nei!r limit$1 p>tial1 nor exclusive4 ,if ,god be inf9itely good1 he owes happ9ess to all 8 creatures4 ,! unhapp9ess ( a s+le be+ w\ld suffice to annihilate unb\nd$ goodness4 ,"u an inf9itely good & p[]ful ,god1 is x possible to conceive t a s+le man %\ld suff]8 ,"o animal1 or mite1 t suff]s1 furni%es inv9cible argum5ts aga9/ div9e provid5ce & its inf9ite goodness4 #fa4 ,accord+ to !ology1 ! afflictions & evils ( ?is life are *a/isem5ts1 :i* guilty m5 incur f ! h& ( ,god4 ,b :y are m5 guilty8 ,if ,god is omnipot5t1 does x co/ him m to say3 ,let e ?+ 9 ! _w be 9 ord]2 let all my subjects be good1 innoc5t1 & =tunate1 ?an to say3 ,let e ?+ exi/8 ,0 x m difficult = ?is ,god to d 8 "w well1 ?an badly8 ,religion tells u ( a hell2 t is1 a frightful abode1 :]e1 not)/&+ 8 goodness1 ,god res]ves inf9ite torm5ts = ! majority ( m54 ,?us aft] hav+ r5d]$ mortals v unhappy 9 ?is _w1 religion tells !m1 t ,god c r5d] !m /ill m unhappy 9 ano!r6 ,! !ologian gets ov] ?is1 by say+1 t ! goodness ( ,god w !n give place to 8 ju/ice4 ,b a goodness1 :i* gives place to ! mo/ t]rible cruelty1 is n an inf9ite goodness4 ,besides1 c a ,god1 :o1 aft] hav+ be5 inf9itely good1 becomes inf9itely bad1 be reg>d$ z an immutable be+8 ,c we disc]n ! %ad[ ( clem5cy or goodness1 9 a ,god fill$ ) implacable fury8 #fb4 ,div9e ju/ice1 z /at$ by our div9es1 is und\bt$ly a quality v prop] to *]i% 9 u ! love ( ! ,div9ity4 ,accord+ to ! ideas ( mod]n !ology1 x is evid5t1 t ,god has creat$ ! majority ( m51 ) ! sole view ( putt+ !m 9 a fair way to incur et]nal puni%m5t4 ,w\ld x n h be5 m con=mable to goodness1 reason1 & equity1 to h creat$ only /ones or plants1 & n to h creat$ s5sible be+s2 ?an to h =m$ m51 ^: conduct 9 ?is _w might subject !m to endless puni%m5t 9 ! o!r8 ,a ,god p]fidi\s & malici\s en\gh to create a s+le man1 & !n to ab&on him to ! dang] ( be+ damn$1 _c be reg>d$ z a p]fect be+2 b z an unreasonable1 unju/1 & ill-natur$4 ,v f> f compos+ a p]fect ,god1 !ologians h =m$ ! mo/ imp]fect ( be+s4 ,accord+ to !ological notions1 ,god w\ld resemble a tyrant1 :o1 hav+ put out ! eyes ( ! great] "p ( 8 slaves1 %\ld %ut !m up 9 a dungeon1 :]e1 = 8 amusem5t1 he w\ld1 incognito1 obs]ve _! conduct ?r\gh a trap-door1 9 ord] to puni% ) rig\r all ^?1 :o1 :ile walk+ ab\t1 %\ld hit aga9/ ea* o!r2 b :o w\ld magnific5tly rew>d ! few :om he _h n depriv$ ( sight1 9 avoid+ to run aga9/ _! comrades4 ,su* are ! ideas1 :i* ! dogma ( gratuit\s pr$e/9ation gives u ( ! div9ity6 ,al?\gh m5 are cont9ually repeat+ t _! ,god is inf9itely good2 yet x is evid5t1 t 9 reality1 !y c believe no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,h[ c we love :at we d n "k8 ,h[ c we love a be+1 ^: "* is only fit to ?r[ u into inquietude & tr\ble8 ,h[ c we love a be+1 ( :om all t is said t5ds to r5d] him an object ( utt] dete/ation8 #fc4 ,_m p make a subtle di/9ction betwe5 true religion & sup]/ition4 ,!y say1 t ! latt] is only a base & inord9ate fe> ( ! ,deity2 b t ! truly religi\s man has confid5ce 9 8 ,god1 & loves him s9c]ely2 :]eas1 ! sup]/iti\s man sees 9 him only an enemy1 has no confid5ce 9 him1 & repres5ts him to himself z a di/ru/ful1 cruel tyrant1 sp>+ ( 8 b5efits1 lavi% ( 8 *a/isem5ts4 ,b1 9 reality1 does n all religion give u ! same ideas ( ,god8 ,at ! same "t t we are told1 t ,god is inf9itely good1 are we n also told1 t he is v easily provok$1 t he grants 8 fav\rs to a few p only1 & t he furi\sly *a/ises ^?1 to :om he has n be5 pleas$ to grant fav\rs8 #fd4 ,if we take our ideas ( ,god f ! nature ( ?+s1 :]e we f9d a mixture ( good & evil1 ?is ,god1 j l ! good & evil ( :i* we exp]i5ce1 mu/ naturally appe> caprici\s1 incon/ant1 sometimes good1 & sometimes malevol5t2 & !re=e1 in/ead ( excit+ our love1 mu/ g5]ate di/ru/1 fe>1 & unc]ta9ty4 ,!re is !n no real diff]5ce betwe5 natural religion1 & ! mo/ gloomy & s]vile sup]/ition4 ,if ! !i/ sees ,god only 9 a fav\rable light2 ! bigot views him 9 ! mo/ hide\s light4 ,! folly ( ! "o is *e]ful1 t ( ! o!r is melan*oly2 b bo? are equally deliri\s4 #fe4 ,if ,i draw my ideas ( ,god f !ology1 he appe>s to inspire av]sion4 ,devotees1 :o tell u1 t !y s9c]ely love _! ,god1 are ei!r li>s or fools1 :o see _! ,god only 9 pr(ile4 ,x is impossible to love a be+1 ! v idea ( :om /rikes u ) t]ror1 & ^: judgm5ts make u tremble4 ,h[ c we1 )\t be+ al>m$1 look ^u a ,god1 :o is reput$ to be b>b>\s en\gh to damn u8 ,let n div9es talk to u ( a filial1 or respectful fe>1 mix$ ) love1 :i* m5 ought to h = _! ,god4 ,a son c by no means love 8 fa!r1 :5 he kn[s him to be cruel en\gh to inflict ^u him /udi$ torm5ts = ! lea/ faults he may commit4 ,no man ^u e>? c h ! lea/ sp>k ( love = a ,god1 :o res]ves *a/isem5ts1 inf9ite 9 duration & viol5ce1 = n9ety-n9e hundr$?s ( 8 *ildr54 #ff4 ,! inv5tors ( ! dogma ( et]nal hell-torm5ts h made ( t ,god1 :om !y call s good1 ! mo/ dete/able ( be+s4 ,cruelty 9 m5 is ! la/ act ( wick$ness4 ,e s5sible m9d mu/ revolt at ! b>e recital ( ! torm5ts1 inflict$ on ! greate/ crim9al2 b cruelty is mu* m apt to excite indignation1 :5 void ( motives4 ,! mo/ sangu9>y tyrants1 ! ,caligulas1 ! ,n]os1 ! ,domitians1 _h1 at lea/1 "s motives = torm5t+ _! victims4 ,^! motives 71 ei!r _! own safety1 or ! fury ( rev5ge1 or ! design ( fright5+ by t]rible examples1 or p]haps ! vanity ( mak+ a display ( _! p[]1 & ! desire ( satisfy+ a b>b>\s curiosity4 ,c a ,god h any ( ^! motives8 ,9 torm5t+ ! victims ( 8 wra?1 he w\ld puni% be+s1 :o c\ld nei!r endang] 8 immoveable p[]1 nor di/urb 8 un*angeable felicity4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! puni%m5ts ( ! o!r life w\ld be useless to ! liv+1 :o _c be witnesses ( !m4 ,^! puni%m5ts w\ld be useless to ! damn$1 s9ce 9 hell !re is no long] room = conv]sion1 & ! "t ( m]cy is pa/4 ,:5ce x foll[s1 t ,god1 9 ! ex]cise ( 8 et]nal v5geance1 c\ld h no o!r end ?an to amuse himself1 & insult ! weakness ( 8 creatures4 ,i appeal to ! :ole human race2--is !re a man :o feels cruel en\gh coolly to torm5t1 ,i d n say 8 fell[-creature1 b any s5sible be+ :atev]1 )\t emolum5t1 )\t pr(it1 )\t curiosity1 )\t hav+ any ?+ to fe>8 ,confess !n1 ,o !ologians1 t1 ev5 accord+ to y\r own pr9ciples1 y\r ,god is inf9itely m malevol5t ?an ! wor/ ( m54 ,p]haps y w say1 t inf9ite (f5ces des]ve inf9ite puni%m5ts4 ,i answ]1 t we _c (f5d a ,god1 ^: happ9ess is inf9ite2 t ! (f5ces ( f9ite be+s _c be inf9ite2 t a ,god1 :o is unwill+ to be (f5d$1 _c cons5t t ! (f5ces ( 8 creatures %\ld be et]nal2 t a ,god1 inf9itely good1 c nei!r be inf9itely cruel1 nor grant 8 creatures an inf9ite duration1 solely = ! pleasure ( et]nal torm5ts4 ,no?+ b ! mo/ savage b>b>ity1 ! mo/ egregi\s rogu]y1 or ! bl9de/ ambition c\ld h imag9$ ! doctr9e ( et]nal puni%m5ts4 ,if !re is a ,god1 :om we c (f5d or blaspheme1 !re are n ^u e>? great] blasphem]s ?an ^?1 :o d>e to say1 t ?is same ,god is a tyrant1 p]v]se en\gh to delight1 dur+ et]nity1 9 ! useless torm5ts ( 8 feeble creatures4 #fg4 ,to pret5d1 t ,god c be (f5d$ at ! actions ( m51 is to annihilate all ! ideas1 :i* div9es endeav\r to give u1 9 o!r respects1 ( ?is be+4 ,to say1 t man c tr\ble ! ord] ( ! univ]se2 t he c k9dle ! ?und] 9 ! h&s ( 8 ,god2 t he c defeat 8 projects1 is to say1 t man is /rong] ?an 8 ,god1 t he is ! arbit] ( 8 w1 t x dep5ds ^u him to *ange 8 goodness into cruelty4 ,!ology cont9ually pulls d[n1 ) "o h&1 :at x erects ) ! o!r4 ,if all religion is f\nd$ ^u a ,god1 :o is provok$ & appeas$1 all religion is f\nd$ on a palpable contradiction4 ,all religions agree 9 exalt+ ! wisdom & inf9ite p[] ( ! ,deity4 ,b no soon] d !y display 8 conduct1 ?an we see no?+ b imprud5ce1 want ( =esight1 weakness & folly4 ,god1 x is said1 creat$ ! _w = himself2 & yet1 hi!rto1 he has nev] be5 able to make himself suitably hon\r$ by x4 ,god creat$ m5 9 ord] to h1 9 8 dom9ions1 subjects to r5d] him _! homage2 & yet1 we see m5 9 cont9ual revolt aga9/ him4 #fh4 ,!y incessantly extol ! div9e p]fections2 & :5 we dem& pro(s ( !m1 !y po9t to 8 works1 9 :i*1 !y assure u1 ^! p]fections are writt5 9 indelible *>act]s4 ,all ^! works are1 h[ev]1 imp]fect & p]i%able4 ,man1 :o is ev] reg>d$ z ! mo/ m>vell\s "w1 z ! ma/]-piece ( ! ,deity1 is full ( imp]fections1 :i* r5d] him disagreeable to ! eyes ( ! almighty ,be+1 :o =m$ him4 ,?is surpris+ "w (t5 becomes s revolt+ & odi\s to its au?or1 t he is oblig$ to ?r[ x into ! fire4 ,b1 if ! faire/ ( ,god's works is imp]fect1 h[ c we judge ( ! div9e p]fections8 ,c a "w1 ) :i* ! au?or himself is s little pleas$1 induce u to admire ! ability ( its ,mak]8 ,man1 consid]$ 9 a physical s5se1 is subject to a ?\s& infirmities1 to numb]less evils1 & to dea?4 ,man1 consid]$ 9 a moral s5se1 is full ( faults2 yet we are unceas+ly told1 t he is ! mo/ beautiful "w ( ! mo/ p]fect ( be+s4 #fi4 ,9 creat+ be+s m p]fect ?an m51 x appe>s1 t h]et(ore ,god has n bett] succe$$1 nor giv5 /rong] pro(s ( 8 p]fection4 ,d we n see1 9 _m religions1 t angels1 h ev5 attempt$ to de?rone him8 ,god propos$ ! happ9ess ( angels & m52 yet1 he has nev] be5 able to r5d] happy ei!r angels or m52--! pride1 malice1 s9s1 & imp]fections ( ! creatures h always oppos$ ! w ( ! p]fect ,creator4 #gj4 ,all religion is obvi\sly f\nd$ ^u ?is pr9ciple1 t ,god does :at he c1 & man :at he w4 ,e sy/em ( religion pres5ts to u an unequal combat betwe5 ! ,deity on "o "p1 & 8 creatures on ! o!r1 9 :i* ! =m] nev] comes (f to 8 hon\r4 ,not)/&+ 8 omnipot5ce1 he _c succe$ 9 r5d]+ ! works ( 8 h&s su* z he w\ld h !m4 ,to complete ! absurdity1 !re is a religion1 :i* pret5ds1 t ,god himself has di$ to r$eem mank9d2 & yet1 m5 are n f>!r f any ?+1 ?an !y are f :at ,god w\ld h !m4 #ga4 ,no?+ is m extravagant1 ?an ! "p1 !ology makes ! ,div9ity act 9 e c\ntry4 ,did he really exi/1 we %\ld see 9 him ! mo/ caprici\s1 & s5seless be+4 ,we %\ld be compell$ to believe1 t ,god made ! _w only to be ! !atre ( 8 disgraceful w>s ) 8 creatures2 t he creat$ angels1 m51 & demons1 only to make adv]s>ies1 aga9/ :om he might ex]cise 8 p[]4 ,he r5d]s m5 free to (f5d him1 malici\s en\gh to defeat 8 projects1 too ob/9ate to submit2 & all ?is m]ely = ! pleasure ( be+ angry1 appeas$1 reconcil$1 & ( repair+ ! disord] !y h made4 ,_h ! ,deity at once =m$ 8 creatures su* z he w\ld h !m1 :at pa9s w\ld he n h sp>$ himself1 or1 at lea/1 f :at emb>rassm5ts w\ld he n h reliev$ 8 !ologians6 ,e religion repres5ts ,god z busy only 9 do+ himself evil4 ,he resembles ^? empirics1 :o inflict ^u !mselves w\nds1 to h an opportunity ( exhibit+ to ! public ! efficacy ( _! o9tm5t4 ,b we see n1 t ! ,deity has hi!rto be5 able radically to cure himself ( ! evil1 :i* he suff]s f man4 #gb4 ,god is ! au?or ( all2 & yet1 we are assur$ t evil does n come f ,god4 ,:5ce !n does x come8 ,f man4 ,b1 :o made man8 ,god4 ,evil !n comes f ,god4 ,if he _h n made man z he is1 moral evil or s9 w\ld n h exi/$ 9 ! _w4 ,! p]v]sity ( man is !re=e *>geable to ,god4 ,if man has p[] to d evil1 or to (f5d ,god1 we are =c$ to inf]1 t ,god *ooses to be (f5d$2 t ,god1 :o made man1 has resolv$ t man %all d evil2 o!rwise man w\ld be an effect contr>y to ! cause1 f :i* he d]ives 8 be+4 #gc4 ,man ascribes to ,god ! faculty ( =esee+1 or kn[+ be=eh& :atev] w happ52 b ?is presci5ce seldom turns to 8 glory1 nor protects him f ! lawful reproa*es ( man4 ,if ,god =ekn[s ! future1 mu/ he n h =ese5 ! fall ( 8 creatures8 ,if he resolv$ 9 8 decrees to p]mit ?is fall1 x is und\bt$ly because x 0 8 w t ?is fall %\ld take place1 o!rwise x c\ld n h happ5$4 ,if ,god's =ekn[l$ge ( ! s9s ( 8 creatures _h be5 necess>y or =c$1 "o might suppose1 t he has be5 con/ra9$ by 8 ju/ice to puni% ! guilty2 b1 enjoy+ ! faculty ( =esee+1 & ! p[] ( pr$et]m9+ e ?+1 did x n dep5d ^u ,god n to impose ^u himself cruel laws1 or1 at lea/1 c\ld he n disp5se ) creat+ be+s1 :om he might be "u ! necessity ( puni%+1 & r5d]+ unhappy by a subsequ5t decree8 ,( :at consequ5ce is x1 :e!r ,god has de/9$ m5 to happ9ess or mis]y by an ant]ior decree1 an effect ( 8 presci5ce1 or by a po/]ior decree1 an effect ( 8 ju/ice8 ,does ! arrangem5t ( 8 decrees alt] ! fate ( ! unhappy8 ,w\ld !y n h ! same "r to compla9 ( a ,god1 :o1 be+ able to omit _! creation1 has not)/&+ creat$ !m1 al?\gh he pla9ly =esaw t 8 ju/ice w\ld oblige him1 soon] or lat]1 to puni% !m8 #gd4 ,man1 y say1 :5 he came f ! h& ( ,god1 0 pure1 innoc5t1 & good2 b 8 nature has be5 corrupt$1 z a puni%m5t = s94 ,if man1 :5 j out ( ! h&s ( 8 ,god1 c\ld s91 8 nature 0 imp]fect4 ,:y did ,god suff] him to s91 & 8 nature to be corrupt$8 ,:y did ,god p]mit him to be s$uc$1 well kn[+ t he 0 too feeble to resi/ temptation8 ,:y did ,god create satan1 an evil _s1 a tempt]8 ,:y did n ,god1 :o wi%es s mu* good to ! human race1 annihilate once = all s _m evil g5ii1 :o are naturally enemies ( our happ9ess2 or r1 :y did ,god create evil spirits1 ^: victories & fatal influ5ce ov] mank9d1 he mu/ h =ese58 ,9 f9e1 by :at /range fatality 9 all religions ( ! _w1 has ! evil pr9ciple su* a decid$ advantage ov] ! good pr9ciple1 or ! div9ity8 #ge4 ,!re is relat$ an in/ance ( simplicity1 :i* does hon\r to ! he>t ( an ,italian monk4 ,"o day1 :ile prea*+1 ?is pi\s man ?\ght he mu/ ann\nce to 8 audi5ce1 t he _h1 ?ank heav51 at la/ discov]$1 by d9t ( m$itation1 a sure way ( r5d]+ all m5 happy4 ,! devil1 said he1 tempts m5 only to h 9 hell companions ( 8 mis]y4 ,let u !re=e apply to ! ,pope1 :o has ! keys ( heav5 & hell2 let u prevail ^u him to pray to ,god1 at ! head ( ! :ole *ur*1 to cons5t to a reconciliation ) ! devil1 to re/ore him to fav\r1 to re9/ate him 9 8 =m] rank1 :i* _c fail to put an end to 8 malici\s projects aga9/ mank9d4 ,p]haps ! hone/ monk did n see1 t ! devil is at lea/ z useful z ,god to ! m9i/]s ( religion4 ,!y h too mu* int]e/ 9 _! diss5sions1 to be in/rum5tal 9 an accommodation betwe5 two enemies1 ^u ^: combats _! own exi/5ce & rev5ues dep5d4 ,let m5 cease to be tempt$ & to s91 & ! m9i/ry ( prie/s w be useless4 ,mani*eism is evid5tly ! h+e ( e religion2 b unhappily1 ! devil1 inv5t$ to cle> ! deity f ! suspicion ( malice1 proves to u1 e mom5t1 ! impot5ce or unskilfulness ( 8 cele/ial adv]s>y4 #gf4 ,! nature ( man1 x is said1 0 necess>ily liable to corruption4 ,god c\ld n communicate to him impeccability1 :i* is an inali5able attribute ( 8 div9e p]fection4 ,b if ,god c\ld n make man impeccable1 :y did he give himself ! pa9s to make man1 ^: nature mu/ necess>ily be corrupt$1 & :o mu/ consequ5tly (f5d ,god8 ,on ! o!r h&1 if ,god himself c\ld n make human nature impeccable1 by :at "r does he puni% m5 = n be+ impeccable8 ,x c be only by ! "r ( ! /ronge/2 b ! "r ( ! /ronge/ is call$ viol5ce1 & viol5ce _c be compatible ) ! ju/e/ ( be+s4 ,god w\ld be supremely unju/1 %\ld he puni% m5 = n %>+ ) him 8 div9e p]fections1 or = n be+ able to be gods l him4 ,c\ld n ,god1 at lea/1 h communicat$ to all m5 t k9d ( p]fection1 ( :i* _! nature is susceptible8 ,if "s m5 are good1 or r5d] !mselves agreeable to _! ,god1 :y has n t ,god done ! same fav\r1 or giv5 ! same dispositions to all be+s ( our species8 ,:y does ! numb] ( ! wick$ s mu* exce$ ! numb] ( ! good8 ,:y1 = "o fri5d1 has ,god t5 ?\s& enemies1 9 a _w1 :i* x dep5d$ entirely ^u him to p ) hone/ m58 ,if x be true1 t1 9 heav51 ,god designs to =m a c\rt ( sa9ts1 ( elect1 or ( m5 :o %all h liv$ ^u e>? con=mably to 8 views1 w\ld he n h _h a m num]\s1 brilliant1 & hon\rable assembly1 _h he compos$ x ( all m51 to :om1 9 creat+ !m1 he c\ld grant ! degree ( goodness1 necess>y to atta9 et]nal happ9ess8 ,f9ally1 w\ld x n h be5 %ort] n to h made man1 ?an to h creat$ him a be+ full ( faults1 rebelli\s to 8 creator1 p]petually expos$ to cause 8 own de/ruction by a fatal abuse ( 8 lib]ty8 ,in/ead ( creat+ m51 a p]fect ,god ought to h creat$ only angels v docile & submissive4 ,angels1 x is said1 are free2 "s h s9n$2 b1 at any rate1 all h n abus$ _! lib]ty by revolt+ aga9/ _! ma/]4 ,c\ld n ,god h creat$ only angels ( ! good k9d8 ,if ,god has creat$ angels1 :o h n s9n$1 c\ld he n h creat$ impeccable m51 or m5 :o %\ld nev] abuse _! lib]ty8 ,if ! elect are incapable ( s9n+ 9 heav51 c\ld n ,god h made impeccable m5 ^u e>?8 #gg4 ,div9es nev] fail to p]suade u1 t ! enorm\s di/ance :i* sep>ates ,god & man1 necess>ily r5d]s ! conduct ( ,god a my/]y to u1 & t we h no "r to int]rogate our ma/]4 ,is ?is answ] satisfactory8 ,s9ce my et]nal happ9ess is at /ake1 h ,i n a "r to exam9e ! conduct ( ,god himself8 ,x is only 9 hope ( happ9ess t m5 submit to ! au?ority ( a ,god4 ,a despot1 to :om m5 submit only ?r\gh fe>1 a ma/]1 :om !y _c int]rogate1 a sov]eign totally inaccessible1 c nev] m]it ! homage ( intellig5t be+s4 ,if ! conduct ( ,god is a my/]y1 x is n made = u4 ,man c nei!r adore1 admire1 respect1 nor imitate conduct1 9 :i* e ?+ is inconceivable1 or1 ( :i* he c (t5 =m only revolt+ ideas2 unless x is pret5d$1 t we ought to adore e ?+ ( :i* we are =c$ to be ignorant1 & t e ?+1 :i* we d n "k1 becomes = t reason an object ( admiration4 ,div9es6 ,y nev] cease tell+ u1 t ! designs ( ,god are imp5etrable2 t 8 ways are n our ways1 nor 8 ?\ghts our ?\ghts2 t x is absurd to compla9 ( 8 adm9i/ration1 ( ! motives & spr+s ( :i* we are totally ignorant2 t x is presumption to tax 8 judgm5ts ) inju/ice1 because we _c compreh5d !m4 ,b :5 y speak 9 ?is /ra91 d y n p]ceive1 t y de/roy ) y\r own h&s all y\r pr(\nd sy/ems1 ^: only end is to expla9 to u ! ways ( ! div9ity1 :i*1 y say1 are imp5etrable8 ,h y p5etrat$ 8 judgm5ts1 8 ways1 8 designs8 ,y d>e n ass]t x1 & ?\gh y reason ab\t !m )\t end1 y d n compreh5d !m any m ?an we d4 ,if1 by *ance1 y "k ! plan ( ,god1 :i* y wi% u to admire1 :ile mo/ p f9d x s little wor?y ( a j1 good1 intellig5t1 & reasonable be+1 no long] say1 ?is plan is imp5etrable4 ,if y are z ignorant ( x z we are1 h "s indulg5ce = ^? :o +5u\sly confess1 !y compreh5d no?+ 9 x1 or t !y see 9 x no?+ div9e4 ,cease to p]secute = op9ions1 ( :i* y und]/& no?+ y\rselves2 cease to defame ea* o!r = dreams & conjectures1 :i* e ?+ seems to contradict4 ,talk to u ( ?+s intelligible & really useful to m52 & no long] talk to u ( ! imp5etrable ways ( ,god1 ab\t :i* y only /amm] & contradict y\rselves4 ,by cont9ually speak+ ( ! imm5se dep?s ( div9e wisdom1 =bidd+ u to s\nd !m1 say+ x is insol5ce to cite ,god be=e ! tribunal ( our feeble reason1 mak+ x a crime to judge our ma/]1 div9es tea* u no?+ b ! emb>rassm5t !y are 91 :5 x is requir$ to acc\nt = ! conduct ( a ,god1 ^: conduct !y ?9k m>vell\s only because !y are utt]ly incapable ( compreh5d+ x !mselves4 #gh4 ,physical evil is commonly reg>d$ z a puni%m5t = s94 ,diseases1 fam9es1 w>s1 e>?quakes1 are means :i* ,god uses to *a/ise wick$ m54 ,?us1 !y make no scruple ( attribut+ ^! evils to ! sev]ity ( a j & good ,god4 ,b1 d n ^! sc\rges fall indiscrim9ately ^u ! good & bad1 ^u ! impi\s & dev\t1 ^u ! innoc5t & guilty8 ,h[1 9 ?is proce$+1 w\ld !y h u admire ! ju/ice & goodness ( a be+1 ! idea ( :om seems com=t+ to s _m wret*es1 ^: bra9 mu/ und\bt$ly be disord]$ by _! mis=tunes1 s9ce !y =get1 t _! ,god is ! arbit]1 ! sole dispos] ( ! ev5ts ( ?is _w4 ,?is be+ ! case1 ought !y n to impute _! suff]+s to him1 into ^: arms !y fly = com=t8 ,un=tunate fa!r6 ,?\ console/ ?yself 9 ! bosom ( ,provid5ce1 = ! loss ( a de> *ild1 or belov$ wife1 :o made ?y happ9ess4 ,alas6 ,do/ ?\ n see1 t ?y ,god has kill$ !m8 ,?y ,god has r5d]$ !e mis]able1 & ?\ desire/ ?y ,god to com=t !e = ! dreadful afflictions he has s5t !e6 ,! *im]ical or sup]natural notions ( !ology h s succe$$ 9 de/roy+1 9 ! m9ds ( m51 ! mo/ simple1 de>1 & natural ideas1 t ! dev\t1 unable to accuse ,god ( malice1 accu/om !mselves to reg>d ! sev]al /rokes ( fate z indubitable pro(s ( cele/ial goodness4 ,:5 9 affliction1 !y are ord]$ to believe t ,god loves !m1 t ,god visits !m1 t ,god wi%es to try !m4 ,?us religion has atta9$ ! art ( conv]t+ evil into good6 ,a pr(ane p]son said ) reason--,if ,god ,almighty ?us treats ^? :om he loves1 ,i e>ne/ly besee* him nev] to ?9k ( me4 ,m5 mu/ h receiv$ v gloomy & cruel ideas ( _! ,god1 :o is call$ s good1 to believe t ! mo/ dreadful calamities & pi]c+ afflictions are m>ks ( 8 fav\r6 ,w\ld an evil g5ius1 a demon1 be m +5i\s 9 torm5t+ 8 enemies1 ?an ! ,god ( goodness sometimes is1 :o s (t5 ex]cises 8 sev]ity ^u 8 de>e/ fri5ds8 #gi4 ,:at %all we say ( a fa!r1 :o1 we are assur$1 wat*es )\t int]mission ov] ! pres]vation & happ9ess ( 8 weak & %ort-sight$ *ildr51 & :o yet leaves !m at lib]ty to w&] at r&om among rocks1 precipices1 & wat]s2 :o r>ely h9d]s !m f foll[+ _! inord9ate appetites2 :o p]mits !m to h&le1 )\t precaution1 murd]\s arms1 at ! risk ( _! life8 ,:at %\ld we ?9k ( ! same fa!r1 if1 in/ead ( imput+ to himself ! evil t happ5s to 8 poor *ildr51 he %\ld puni% !m = _! w&]+s 9 ! mo/ cruel mann]8 ,we %\ld say1 ) reason1 t ?is fa!r is a madman1 :o unites inju/ice to folly4 ,a ,god1 :o puni%es faults1 :i* he c\ld h prev5t$1 is a be+ defici5t 9 wisdom1 goodness1 & equity4 ,a =esee+ ,god w\ld prev5t evil1 & !reby avoid hav+ to puni% x4 ,a good ,god w\ld n puni% weaknesses1 :i* he knew to be inh]5t 9 human nature4 ,a j ,god1 if he made man1 w\ld n puni% him = n be+ made /rong en\gh to resi/ 8 desires4 ,to puni% weakness is ! mo/ unju/ tyranny4 ,is x n calumniat+ a j ,god1 to say1 t he puni%es m5 = _! faults1 ev5 9 ! pres5t life8 ,h[ c\ld he puni% be+s1 :om x belong$ to him alone to re=m1 & :o1 :ile !y h n grace1 _c act o!rwise ?an !y d8 ,accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( !ologians !mselves1 man1 9 8 pres5t /ate ( corruption1 c d no?+ b evil1 s9ce1 )\t div9e grace1 he is nev] able to d good4 ,n[1 if ! nature ( man1 left to itself1 or de/itute ( div9e aid1 necess>ily det]m9es him to evil1 or r5d]s him incapable ( good1 :at becomes ( ! free-w ( man8 ,accord+ to su* pr9ciples1 man c nei!r m]it nor dem]it4 ,by rew>d+ man = ! good he does1 ,god w\ld only rew>d himself2 by puni%+ man = ! evil he does1 ,god w\ld puni% him = n giv+ him grace1 )\t :i* he c\ld n possibly d bett]4 #hj4 ,!ologians repeat$ly tell u1 t man is free1 :ile all _! pr9ciples conspire to de/roy 8 lib]ty4 ,by endeav\r+ to ju/ify ! ,div9ity1 !y 9 reality accuse him ( ! blacke/ inju/ice4 ,!y suppose1 t )\t grace1 man is necessitat$ to d evil4 ,!y affirm1 t ,god w puni% him1 because ,god has n giv5 him grace to d good6 ,little reflection w suffice to conv9ce u1 t man is necessitat$ 9 all 8 actions1 t 8 free w is a *im]a1 ev5 9 ! sy/em ( !ologians4 ,does x dep5d ^u man to be born ( su* or su* p>5ts8 ,does x dep5d ^u man to imbibe or n to imbibe ! op9ions ( 8 p>5ts or in/ructors8 ,if ,i _h be5 born ( idolatr\s or ,mahometan p>5ts1 w\ld x h dep5d$ ^u me to become a ,*ri/ian8 ,yet1 div9es gravely assure u1 t a j ,god w damn )\t pity all ^?1 to :om he has n giv5 grace to "k ! ,*ri/ian religion6 ,man's bir? is :olly indep5d5t ( 8 *oice4 ,he is n ask$ :e!r he is will+1 or n1 to come into ! _w4 ,nature does n consult him ^u ! c\ntry & p>5ts %e gives him4 ,8 acquir$ ideas1 8 op9ions1 8 notions true or false1 are necess>y fruits ( ! education :i* he has receiv$1 & ( :i* he has n be5 ! director4 ,8 passions & desires are necess>y consequ5ces ( ! temp]am5t giv5 him by nature4 ,dur+ 8 :ole life1 8 volitions & actions are det]m9$ by 8 connections1 habits1 occupations1 pleasures1 & conv]sations2 by ! ?\ghts1 t are involunt>ily pres5t$ to 8 m9d2 9 a ^w1 by a multitude ( ev5ts & accid5ts1 :i* x is out ( 8 p[] to =esee or prev5t4 ,incapable ( look+ into futurity1 he kn[s n :at he w d4 ,f ! in/ant ( 8 bir? to t ( 8 dea?1 he is nev] free4 ,y w say1 t he wills1 delib]ates1 *ooses1 det]m9es2 & y w h5ce conclude1 t 8 actions are free4 ,x is true1 t man wills1 b he is n ma/] ( 8 w or 8 desires2 he c desire & w only :at he judges advantage\s to himself2 he c nei!r love pa91 nor dete/ pleasure4 ,x w be said1 t he sometimes pref]s pa9 to pleasure2 b !n he pref]s a mom5t>y pa9 ) a view ( procur+ a great] & m durable pleasure4 ,9 ?is case1 ! prospect ( a great] good necess>ily det]m9es him to =ego a less consid]able good4 ,! lov] does n give 8 mi/ress ! features :i* captivate him2 he is n !n ma/] ( lov+1 or n lov+ ! object ( 8 t5d]ness2 he is n ma/] ( 8 imag9ation or temp]am5t4 ,:5ce x evid5tly foll[s1 t man is n ma/] ( 8 volitions & desires4 ,b man1 y w say1 c resi/ 8 desires2 !re=e he is free4 ,man resi/s 8 desires1 :5 ! motives1 :i* div]t him f an object1 are /rong] ?an ^?1 :i* incl9e him t[>ds x2 b !n 8 resi/ance is necess>y4 ,a man1 ^: fe> ( di%on\r or puni%m5t is great] ?an 8 love ( money1 necess>ily resi/s ! desire ( /eal+4 ,are we n free1 :5 we delib]ate8 ,b1 are we ma/]s ( kn[+ or n kn[+1 ( be+ 9 d\bt or c]ta9ty8 ,delib]ation is a necess>y effect ( our unc]ta9ty respect+ ! consequ5ces ( our actions4 ,:5 we are sure1 or ?9k we are sure1 ( ^! consequ5ces1 we necess>ily decide1 & we !n act necess>ily accord+ to our true or false judgm5t4 ,our judgm5ts1 true or false1 are n free2 !y are necess>ily det]m9$ by ! ideas1 we h receiv$1 or :i* our m9ds h =m$4 ,man is n free 9 8 *oice2 he is evid5tly necessitat$ to *oose :at he judges mo/ useful & agreeable4 ,nei!r is he free1 :5 he susp5ds 8 *oice2 he is =c$ to susp5d x until he kn[s1 or ?9ks he kn[s1 ! qualities ( ! objects pres5t$ to him1 or1 until he has weigh$ ! consequ5ces ( 8 actions4 ,man1 y w say1 (t5 decides 9 fav\r ( actions1 :i* he kn[s mu/ be detrim5tal to himself2 man sometimes kills himself2 !re=e he is free4 ,i d5y x4 ,is man ma/] ( reason+ well or ill8 ,d n 8 reason & wisdom dep5d ^u ! op9ions he has =m$1 or ^u ! con=mation ( 8 ma*9e8 ,z nei!r "o nor ! o!r dep5ds ^u 8 w1 !y are no pro( ( lib]ty4 ,if ,i lay a wag]1 t ,i %all d1 or n d a ?+1 am ,i n free8 ,does x n dep5d ^u me to d x or n8 ,no1 ,i answ]2 ! desire ( w9n+ ! wag] w necess>ily det]m9e y to d1 or n to d ! ?+ 9 "q4 ,b1 suppos+ ,i cons5t to lose ! wag]8 ,!n ! desire ( prov+ to me1 t y are free1 w h become a /rong] motive ?an ! desire ( w9n+ ! wag]2 & ?is motive w h necess>ily det]m9$ y to d1 or n to d1 ! ?+ 9 "q4 ,b1 y w say1 ,i feel free4 ,?is is an illusion1 t may be comp>$ to t ( ! fly 9 ! fable1 :o1 light+ ^u ! pole ( a heavy c>riage1 applaud$ himself = direct+ its c\rse4 ,man1 :o ?9ks himself free1 is a fly1 :o imag9es he has p[] to move ! univ]se1 :ile he is himself unkn[+ly c>ri$ along by x4 ,! inw>d p]suasion t we are free to d1 or n to d a ?+1 is b a m]e illusion4 ,if we trace ! true pr9ciple ( our actions1 we %all f9d1 t !y are always necess>y consequ5ces ( our volitions & desires1 :i* are nev] 9 our p[]4 ,y ?9k y\rself free1 because y d :at y w2 b are y free to w1 or n to w2 to desire1 or n to desire8 ,are n y\r volitions & desires necess>ily excit$ by objects or qualities totally indep5d5t ( y8 #ha4 ,if ! actions ( m5 are necess>y1 if m5 are n free1 by :at "r does society puni% crim9als8 ,is x n v unju/ to *a/ise be+s1 :o c\ld n act o!rwise ?an !y h done8 ,if ! wick$ act necess>ily accord+ to ! impulses ( _! evil nature1 society1 9 puni%+ !m1 acts necess>ily by ! desire ( self-pres]vation4 ,c]ta9 objects necess>ily produce 9 u ! s5sation ( pa92 our nature !n =ces u aga9/ !m1 & av]t !m f u4 ,a tig]1 press$ by hung]1 spr+s ^u ! man1 :om he wi%es to dev\r2 b ?is man is n ma/] ( 8 fe>1 & necess>ily seeks means to de/roy ! tig]4 #hb4 ,if e ?+ be necess>y1 ! errors1 op9ions1 & ideas ( m5 are fatal2 &1 if s1 h[ or :y %\ld we attempt to re=m !m8 ,! errors ( m5 are necess>y consequ5ces ( ignorance4 ,_! ignorance1 prejudice1 & cr$ulity are necess>y consequ5ces ( _! inexp]i5ce1 neglig5ce1 & want ( reflection1 9 ! same mann] z delirium or le?>gy are necess>y effects ( c]ta9 diseases4 ,tru?1 exp]i5ce1 reflection1 & reason1 are rem$ies calculat$ to cure ignorance1 fanaticism & follies4 ,b1 y w ask1 :y does n tru? produce ?is effect ^u _m disord]$ m9ds8 ,x is because "s diseases resi/ all rem$ies2 because x is impossible to cure ob/9ate pati5ts1 :o refuse ! rem$ies pres5t$ to !m2 because ! int]e/ ( "s m51 & ! folly ( o!rs1 necess>ily oppose ! admission ( tru?4 ,a cause produces its effect only :5 its action is n int]rupt$ by /rong] causes1 :i* !n weak5s or r5d] useless1 ! action ( ! =m]4 ,x is impossible t ! be/ argum5ts %\ld be adopt$ by m51 :o are int]e/$ 9 error1 prejudic$ 9 its fav\r1 & :o decl9e all reflection2 b tru? mu/ necess>ily undeceive hone/ m9ds1 :o seek h] s9c]ely4 ,tru? is a cause2 x necess>ily produces its effects1 :5 its impulse is n int]cept$ by causes1 :i* susp5d its effects4 #hc4 ,to deprive man ( 8 free w1 x is said1 makes him a m]e ma*9e1 an automaton4 ,)\t lib]ty1 he w no long] h ei!r m]it or virtue4 ,:at is m]it 9 man8 ,x is a mann] ( act+1 :i* r5d]s him e/imable 9 ! eyes ( 8 fell[-be+s4 ,:at is virtue8 ,x is a disposition1 :i* incl9es u to d good to o!rs4 ,:at c !re be contemptible 9 ma*9es1 or automatons1 capable ( produc+ effects s desirable8 ,m>cus ,aurelius 0 useful to ! va/ ,roman ,empire4 ,by :at "r w\ld a ma*9e despise a ma*9e1 ^: spr+s facilitate its action8 ,good m5 are spr+s1 :i* second society 9 its t5d5cy to happ9ess2 ! wick$ are ill-=m$ spr+s1 :i* di/urb ! ord]1 progress1 & h>mony ( society4 ,if1 = its own utility1 society *]i%es & rew>ds ! good1 x also h>asses & de/roys ! wick$1 z useless or hurtful4 #hd4 ,! _w is a necess>y ag5t4 ,all ! be+s1 t compose x1 are unit$ to ea* o!r1 & _c act o!rwise ?an !y d1 s long z !y are mov$ by ! same causes1 & endu$ ) ! same prop]ties4 ,:5 !y lose prop]ties1 !y w necess>ily act 9 a diff]5t way4 ,god himself1 admitt+ 8 exi/5ce1 _c be consid]$ a free ag5t4 ,if !re exi/$ a ,god1 8 mann] ( act+ w\ld necess>ily be det]m9$ by ! prop]ties inh]5t 9 8 nature2 no?+ w\ld be capable ( arre/+ or alt]+ 8 w4 ,?is be+ grant$1 nei!r our actions1 pray]s1 nor sacrifices c\ld susp5d1 or *ange 8 inv>iable conduct & immutable designs2 :5ce we are =c$ to inf]1 t all religion w\ld be useless4 #he4 ,7 n div9es 9 p]petual contradiction ) !mselves1 !y w\ld see1 t1 accord+ to _! hypo!sis1 man _c be reput$ free an in/ant4 ,d !y n suppose man cont9ually dep5d5t on 8 ,god8 ,are we free1 :5 we _c exi/ & be pres]v$ )\t ,god1 & :5 we cease to exi/ at ! pleasure ( 8 supreme w8 ,if ,god has made man out ( no?+2 if 8 pres]vation is a cont9u$ creation2 if ,god _c1 an in/ant1 lose sight ( 8 creature2 if :atev] happ5s to him1 is an effect ( ! div9e w2 if man c d no?+ ( himself2 if all ! ev5ts1 :i* he exp]i5ces1 are effects ( ! div9e decrees2 if he does no good )\t grace f on high1 h[ c !y ma9ta91 t a man enjoys a mom5t's lib]ty8 ,if ,god did n pres]ve him 9 ! mom5t ( s91 h[ c\ld man s98 ,if ,god !n pres]ves him1 ,god =ces him to exi/1 t he may s94 #hf4 ,! ,div9ity is frequ5tly comp>$ to a k+1 ^: revolt$ subjects are ! great] "p ( mank9d2 & x is said1 he has a "r to rew>d ! subjects :o rema9 fai?ful to him1 & to puni% ! rebelli\s4 ,?is comp>ison is n j 9 any ( its p>ts4 ,god presides ov] a ma*9e1 e spr+ ( :i* he has creat$4 ,^! spr+s act agreeable to ! mann]1 9 :i* ,god has =m$ !m2 he ought to impute x to 8 own unskilfulness1 if ^! spr+s d n contribute to ! h>mony ( ! ma*9e1 into :i* x 0 8 w to ins]t !m4 ,god is a creat$ k+1 :o has creat$ to himself subjects ( e description2 :o has =m$ !m accord+ to 8 own pleasure ^: w c nev] f9d resi/ance4 ,if ,god has rebelli\s subjects 9 8 empire1 x is because ,god has resolv$ to h rebelli\s subjects4 ,if ! s9s ( m5 di/urb ! ord] ( ! _w1 x is because x is ! w ( ,god t ?is ord] %\ld be di/urb$4 ,nobody d>es to call 9 "q ! div9e ju/ice2 yet1 "u ! gov]nm5t ( a j ,god1 we see no?+ b acts ( inju/ice & viol5ce4 ,=ce decides ! fate ( nations1 equity seems bani%$ f ! e>?2 a few m5 sport1 unpuni%$1 ) ! peace1 prop]ty1 lib]ty1 & life ( o!rs4 ,all is disord] 9 a _w gov]n$ by a ,god :o is said to be inf9itely displeas$ ) disord]4 #hg4 ,al?\gh m5 are = ev] admir+ ! wisdom1 goodness1 ju/ice1 & beautiful ord] ( ,provid5ce1 !y are1 9 reality1 nev] satisfi$ ) x4 ,d n ! pray]s1 cont9ually address$ to heav51 %ew1 t m5 are by no means satisfi$ ) ! div9e disp5sations8 ,to pray to ,god = a fav\r1 %ews diffid5ce ( 8 wat*ful c>e2 to pray to him to av]t or put an end to an evil1 is to endeav\r to ob/ruct ! c\rse ( 8 ju/ice2 to implore ! assi/ance ( ,god 9 our calamities1 is to address ! au?or himself ( ^! calamities1 to repres5t to him1 t he ought1 = our sake1 to rectify 8 plan1 :i* does n accord ) our int]e/4 ,! ,optimi/1 or he :o ma9ta9s t all is well1 & :o incessantly cries t we live 9 ! be/ _w possible1 to be consi/5t1 %\ld nev] pray2 nei!r ought he to expect ano!r _w1 :]e man w be happi]4 ,c !re be a bett] _w ?an ! be/ _w possible8 ,"s !ologians h treat$ ! ,optimi/s z impi\s1 = hav+ intimat$ t ,god c\ld n produce a bett] _w1 ?an t 9 :i* we live4 ,accord+ to ^! doctors1 x is to limit ! p[] ( ,god1 & to (f] him insult4 ,b d n ^! div9es see1 t x %ews mu* less indignity to ,god1 to ass]t t he has done 8 be/ 9 produc+ ?is _w1 ?an to say1 t1 be+ able to produce a bett]1 he has _h malice en\gh to produce a v bad "o8 ,if ! ,optimi/1 by 8 sy/em1 detracts f ! div9e p[]1 ! !ologian1 :o treats him z a blasphem]1 is himself a blasphem]1 :o (f5ds ! goodness ( ,god 9 esp\s+ ! cause ( 8 omnipot5ce4 #hh4 ,:5 we compla9 ( ! evils1 ( :i* our _w is ! !atre1 we are ref]r$ to ! o!r _w1 :]e x is said1 ,god w make rep>ation = all ! iniquity & mis]y1 :i*1 = a "t1 he p]mits "h bel[4 ,b if ,god1 suff]+ 8 et]nal ju/ice to rema9 at re/ = a long "t1 c\ld cons5t to evil dur+ ! :ole cont9uance ( our pres5t _w1 :at assurance h we1 t1 dur+ ! cont9uance ( ano!r _w1 div9e ju/ice w n1 9 l mann]1 sleep ov] ! mis]y ( its inhabitants8 ,! div9es console u = our suff]+s by say+1 t ,god is pati5t1 & t 8 ju/ice1 ?\gh (t5 sl[1 is n ! less sure4 ,b d !y n see1 t pati5ce is incompatible ) a j1 immutable1 & omnipot5t be+8 ,c ,god !n p]mit inju/ice1 ev5 = an in/ant8 ,to temporize ) a kn[n evil1 ann\nces ei!r weakness1 unc]ta9ty1 or collusion4 ,to tol]ate evil1 :5 "o has p[] to prev5t x1 is to cons5t to ! commission ( evil4 #hi4 ,div9es e :]e exclaim1 t ,god is inf9itely j2 b t 8 ju/ice is n ! ju/ice ( man4 ,( :at k9d or nature !n is ?is div9e ju/ice8 ,:at idea c ,i =m ( a ju/ice1 :i* s (t5 resembles inju/ice8 ,is x n to conf\nd all ideas ( j & unju/1 to say1 t :at is equitable 9 ,god is iniquit\s 9 8 creatures8 ,h[ c we receive = our model a be+1 ^: div9e p]fections are precisely ! rev]se ( human8 ,god1 x is said1 is sov]eign arbit] ( our de/9ies4 ,8 supreme p[]1 :i* no?+ c limit1 ju/ly p]mits him to d ) ! works ( 8 own h&s accord+ to 8 good pleasure4 ,a worm1 l man1 has no "r ev5 to compla94 ,?is arrogant /yle is evid5tly borr[$ f ! language1 us$ by ! m9i/]s ( tyrants1 :5 !y /op ! m\?s ( ^? :o suff] f _! viol5ces4 ,x _c !n be ! language ( ! m9i/]s ( a ,god1 ^: equity is highly extoll$2 x is n made to be impos$ ^u a be+1 :o reasons4 ,m9i/]s ( a j ,god6 ,i w in=m y !n1 t ! greate/ p[] _c conf] ^u y\r ,god himself ! "r ( be+ unju/ ev5 to ! vile/ ( 8 creatures4 ,a despot is n a ,god4 ,a ,god1 :o arrogates to himself ! "r ( do+ evil1 is a tyrant2 a tyrant is n a model = m52 he mu/ be an object execrable to _! eyes4 ,is x n inde$ /range1 t 9 ord] to ju/ify ! ,div9ity1 !y make him e mom5t ! mo/ unju/ ( be+s6 ,z soon z we compla9 ( 8 conduct1 !y ?9k to sil5ce u by alleg+1 t ,god is ma/]2 :i* signifies1 t ,god1 be+ ! /ronge/1 is n b\nd by ord9>y rules4 ,b ! "r ( ! /ronge/ is ! violation ( all rights4 ,x seems "r only to ! eyes ( a savage conqu]or1 :o 9 ! heat ( 8 fury imag9es1 t he may d :atev] he pleases ) ! un=tunate victims1 :om he has conqu]$4 ,?is b>b>\s "r c appe> legitimate only to slaves bl9d en\gh to believe t ev]y?+ is lawful to tyrants :om !y feel too weak to resi/4 ,9 ! greate/ calamities1 d n dev\t p]sons1 ?r\gh a ridicul\s simplicity1 or r a s5sible contradiction 9 t]ms1 exclaim1 t ! ,almighty is ma/]4 ,?us1 inconsi/5t reason]s1 believe1 t ! ,almighty 7a ,be+1 "o ( ^: fir/ attributes is goodness17 s5ds y pe/il5ce1 w>1 & fam9e6 ,y believe t ! ,almighty1 ?is good be+1 has ! w & "r to inflict ! greate/ evils1 y c be>6 ,cease1 at lea/1 to call y\r ,god good1 :5 he does y evil2 say n1 t he is j1 say t he is ! /ronge/1 & t x is impossible = y to w>d (f ! bl[s ( 8 caprice4 ,god1 say y1 *a/ises only = our good4 ,b :at real good c result to a p f be+ ext]m9at$ by ! plague1 ravag$ by w>s1 corrupt$ by ! examples ( p]v]se rul]s1 cont9ually cru%$ "u ! iron sceptre ( a succession ( m]ciless tyrants1 annihilat$ by ! sc\rges ( a bad gov]nm5t1 ^: de/ructive effects are (t5 felt = ages8 ,if *a/isem5ts are good1 !n !y _c h too mu* ( a good ?+6 ,! eyes ( fai? mu/ be /range eyes1 if ) !m !y see advantages 9 ! mo/ dreadful calamities1 9 ! vices & follies ) :i* our species are afflict$4 #ij4 ,:at /range ideas ( div9e ju/ice mu/ ,*ri/ians h1 :o are taught to believe1 t _! ,god1 9 view ( reconcil+ to himself ! human race1 guilty1 ?\gh unconsci\s1 ( ! s9 ( _! fa!rs1 has put to dea? 8 own son1 :o 0 innoc5t & incapable ( s9n+8 ,:at %\ld we say ( a k+1 ^: subjects %\ld revolt1 & :o1 to appease himself1 %\ld f9d no o!r exp$i5t ?an to put to dea? ! heir ( 8 cr[n1 :o _h n p>ticipat$ 9 ! g5]al rebellion8 ,x is1 ! ,*ri/ian w say1 ?r\gh goodness to 8 subjects1 unable ( !mselves to satisfy div9e ju/ice1 t ,god has cons5t$ to ! cruel dea? ( 8 son4 ,b ! goodness ( a fa!r to /rang]s does n give him ! "r ( be+ unju/ & b>b>\s to 8 own son4 ,all ! qualities1 :i* !ology ascribes to ,god1 reciprocally de/roy "o ano!r4 ,! ex]cise ( "o ( 8 p]fections is always at ! exp5se ( ! ex]cise ( ano!r4 ,has ! ,jew m rational ideas ( div9e ju/ice ?an ! ,*ri/ian8 ,! pride ( a k+ k9dles ! ang] ( heav52 ,jehovah causes ! pe/il5ce to desc5d ^u 8 innoc5t p2 sev5ty ?\s& subjects are ext]m9at$ to expiate ! fault ( a mon>*1 :om ! goodness ( ,god resolv$ to sp>e4 #ia4 ,not)/&+ ! v>i\s acts ( inju/ice1 ) :i* all religions delight to black5 ! ,div9ity1 m5 _c cons5t to accuse him ( iniquity4 ,!y fe>1 t1 l ! tyrants ( ?is _w1 tru? w (f5d him1 & r$\ble ^u !m ! weight ( 8 malice & tyranny4 ,!y he>k5 !re=e to _! prie/s1 :o tell !m1 t _! ,god is a t5d] fa!r2 t ?is ,god is an equitable mon>* ^: object 9 ?is _w is to assure himself ( ! love1 ob$i5ce & respect ( 8 subjects2 :o gives !m lib]ty ( act+ only to af=d !m an opportunity ( m]it+ 8 fav\rs1 & ( acquir+ an et]nal happ9ess1 :i* he does n owe !m4 ,by :at signs c m5 discov] ! t5d]ness ( a fa!r1 :o has giv5 life to ! great] "p ( 8 *ildr5 m]ely to drag out ^u ! e>? a pa9ful1 re/less1 bitt] exi/5ce8 ,is !re a m un=tunate pres5t1 ?an t pret5d$ lib]ty1 :i*1 we are told1 m5 are v liable to abuse1 & !reby to incur et]nal mis]y8 #ib4 ,by call+ mortals to life1 :at a cruel & dang]\s "p has n ! ,deity =c$ !m to act8 ,?r[n into ! _w )\t _! cons5t1 provid$ ) a temp]am5t ( :i* !y are n ma/]s1 animat$ by passions & desires inh]5t 9 _! nature1 expos$ to sn>es :i* !y h n p[] to escape1 hurri$ away by ev5ts :i* !y c\ld n =esee or prev5t1 unhappy mortals are compell$ to run a c>e]1 :i* may lead !m to puni%m5ts horrible 9 duration & viol5ce4 ,travell]s in=m u1 t1 9 ,asia1 a ,sultan reign$1 full ( fanta/ical ideas1 & v absolute 9 8 :ims4 ,by a /range madness1 ?is pr9ce sp5t 8 "t seat$ at a table1 ^u :i* 7 plac$ ?ree dice & a dice-box4 ,"o end ( ! table 0 cov]$ ) pieces ( silv]1 design$ to excite ! av>ice ( 8 c\rti]s & p4 ,he1 kn[+ ! foible ( 8 subjects1 addresses !m z foll[s3 ,slaves1 ,i wi% y\r happ9ess4 ,my goodness proposes to enri* y1 & make y all happy4 ,d y see ^! treasures8 ,well1 !y are = y2 /rive to ga9 !m2 let ea*1 9 8 turn1 take ! box & dice2 :oev] has ! =tune to ?r[ sixes1 %all be ma/] ( ! treasure4 ,b1 ,i =ew>n y1 t he :o has n ! happ9ess to ?r[ ! numb] requir$1 %all be precipitat$ = ev] into a d>k dungeon1 :]e my ju/ice dem&s t he be burn$ ) a sl[ fire4 ,^u ?is disc\rse ( ! mon>*1 ! company look at ea* o!r affright$4 ,no "o wi%es to expose himself to s dang]\s a *ance4 ,:at6 says ! enrag$ ,sultan1 does no "o (f] to play8 ,i tell y !n y mu/2 ,my glory requires t y %\ld play4 ,play !n2 obey )\t reply+4 ,x is well to obs]ve1 t ! dice ( ! despot are s prep>$1 t out ( a hundr$ ?\s& ?r[s1 !re is b "o1 :i* c ga9 ! numb] requir$4 ,?us ! g5]\s mon>* has ! pleasure ( see+ 8 prison well fill$1 & 8 ri*es seldom ravi%$ f him4 ,mortals6 ?is ,,sultan is y\r ,,god2 8 ,,treasure ,,is ,,heav52 8 ,,dungeon ,,is ,,hell1 & x is y :o hold ! ,,dice6 #ic4 ,div9es repeat$ly assure u1 t we owe ,provid5ce inf9ite gratitude = ! numb]less bless+s x be/[s4 ,!y l\dly extol ! happ9ess ( exi/5ce4 ,b1 alas6 h[ _m mortals are truly satisfi$ ) _! mode ( exi/5ce8 ,if life has sweets1 ) h[ mu* bitt]ness is x n mix$8 ,does n a s+le *agr9 (t5 suffice sudd5ly to poison ! mo/ peaceable & =tunate life8 ,are !re _m1 :o1 if x 7 9 _! p[] w\ld beg9 aga91 at ! same price1 ! pa9ful c>e]1 9 :i*1 )\t _! cons5t1 de/9y has plac$ !m8 ,!y say1 t exi/5ce is a great bless+4 ,b is n ?is exi/5ce cont9ually tr\bl$ ) fe>s1 & maladies1 (t5 cruel & little des]v$8 ,may n ?is exi/5ce1 ?reat5$ on s _m sides1 be torn f u any mom5t8 ,:]e is ! man1 :o has n be5 depriv$ ( a de> wife1 belov$ *ild1 or consol+ fri5d1 ^: loss e mom5t intrudes ^u 8 ?\ghts8 ,!re are few1 :o h n be5 =c$ to dr9k ( ! cup ( mis=tune2 !re are few1 :o h n desir$ _! end4 ,f9ally1 x did n dep5d ^u u to exi/ or n to exi/4 ,%\ld ! bird !n be v grateful to ! f[l] = tak+ him 9 8 net & conf9+ him 9 8 cage = 8 div]sion8 #id4 ,not)/&+ ! infirmities & mis]y :i* man is =c$ to und]go1 he has1 nev]!less1 ! folly to ?9k himself ! fav\rite ( 8 ,god1 ! object ( all 8 c>es1 ! sole end ( all 8 works4 ,he imag9es1 t ! :ole univ]se is made = him2 he arrogantly calls himself ! k+ ( nature1 & values himself f> above o!r animals4 ,mortal6 ^u :at can/ ?\ f\nd ?y haughty pret5sions8 ,x is1 saye/ ?\1 ^u ?y s\l1 ^u ?y reason1 ^u ! sublime faculties1 :i* enable !e to ex]cise an absolute empire ov] ! be+s1 :i* surr\nd !e4 ,b1 weak sov]eign ( ! _w2 art ?\ sure1 "o mom5t1 ( ! cont9uance ( ?y reign8 ,d n ! smalle/ atoms ( matt]1 :i* ?\ despise/1 suffice to te> !e f ?y ?rone1 & deprive !e ( life8 ,f9ally1 does n ! k+ ( animals at la/ become ! food ( worms8 ,?\ speake/ ( ?y s\l6 ,b do/ ?\ "k :at a s\l is8 ,do/ ?\ n see1 t ?is s\l is only ! assemblage ( ?y organs1 f :i* results life8 ,w\ld/ ?\ !n refuse a s\l to o!r animals1 :o live1 ?9k1 judge1 & comp>e1 l !e2 :o seek pleasure1 & avoid pa91 l !e2 & :o (t5 h organs1 :i* s]ve !m bett] ?an ?9e8 ,?\ boa/e/ ( ?y intellectual faculties2 b d ^! faculties1 ( :i* ?\ art s pr\d1 make !e happi] ?an o!r animals8 ,do/ ?\ (t5 make use ( t reason1 9 :i* ?\ glorie/1 & to :i* religion comm&s !e n to li/58 ,are ^? brutes1 :i* ?\ disda9e/1 because !y are less /rong or less cunn+ ?an ?\ art1 subject to m5tal pa9s1 to a ?\s& frivol\s passions1 to a ?\s& imag9>y wants1 to :i* ?\ art a cont9ual prey8 ,are !y1 l !e1 torm5t$ by ! pa/1 al>m$ at ! future8 ,conf9$ solely to ! pres5t1 does n :at y call _! in/9ct1 & :at ,i call _! intellig5ce1 suffice to pres]ve & def5d !m1 & to supply !m ) all !y want8 ,does n ?is in/9ct1 ( :i* ?\ speake/ ) contempt1 (t5 s]ve !m bett] ?an ?y wond]ful faculties8 ,is n _! peaceful ignorance m advantage\s to !m1 ?an ^? extravagant m$itations & wor?less rese>*es1 :i* r5d] !e unhappy1 & = :i* ?y zeal urges !e ev5 to massacre ! be+s ( ?y noble species8 ,f9ally1 h ^! bea/s1 l s _m mortals1 a tr\bl$ imag9ation1 :i* makes !m fe>1 n only dea?1 b likewise et]nal torm5ts8 ,augu/us1 he>+ t ,h]od1 k+ ( ,judea1 _h put 8 sons to dea?1 exclaim$3 ,x is mu* bett] to be ,h]od's hog1 ?an 8 son4 ,z mu* may be said ( man4 ,?is de> *ild ( ,provid5ce runs f> great] risks ?an all o!r animals2 hav+ suff]$ mu* 9 ?is _w1 does he n imag9e1 t he is 9 dang] ( suff]+ et]nally 9 ano!r8 #ie4 ,:]e is ! precise l9e ( di/9ction betwe5 man & ! animals :om he calls brutes8 ,9 :at does he diff] ess5tially f bea/s8 ,x is1 we are told1 by 8 intellig5ce1 by ! faculties ( 8 m9d1 & by 8 reason1 t man appe>s sup]ior to all o!r animals1 :o1 9 all _! actions1 move only by physical impulses1 9 :i* reason has no %>e4 ,b f9ally1 brutes1 hav+ few] wants ?an man1 easily d )\t 8 intellectual faculties1 :i* w\ld be p]fectly useless 9 _! mode ( exi/5ce4 ,_! in/9ct is suffici5t2 :ile all ! faculties ( man sc>cely suffice to r5d] 8 exi/5ce supportable1 & to satisfy ! wants1 :i* 8 imag9ation & 8 prejudices multiply to 8 torm5t4 ,brutes are n influ5c$ by ! same objects1 z man2 !y h n ! same wants1 desires1 nor fancies2 & !y v soon arrive to maturity1 :ile ! m9d ( man seldom atta9s to ! full enjoym5t & free ex]cise ( its faculties & to su* a use ( !m1 z is conducive to 8 happ9ess4 #if4 ,we are assur$1 t ! human s\l is a simple sub/ance4 ,x %\ld !n be ! same 9 e individual1 ea* hav+ ! same intellectual faculties2 yet ?is is n ! case4 ,m5 diff] z mu* 9 ! qualities ( ! m9d1 z 9 ! features ( ! face4 ,!re are human be+s z diff]5t f "o ano!r1 z man is f a horse or a dog4 ,:at con=mity or resemblance d we f9d betwe5 "s m58 ,:at an inf9ite di/ance is !re betwe5 ! g5ius ( a ,locke or a ,newton1 & t ( a peasant1 ,hott5tot1 or ,lapl&]8 ,man diff]s f o!r animals only 9 8 organization1 :i* enables him to produce effects1 ( :i* animals are n capable4 ,! v>iety1 obs]vable 9 ! organs ( individuals ( ! human species suffices to expla9 ! diff]5ces 9 :at is call$ _! intellectual faculties4 ,m or less delicacy 9 ^! organs1 w>m? 9 ! blood1 mobility 9 ! fluids1 flexibility or /iffness 9 ! fibres & n]ves1 mu/ necess>ily produce ! inf9ite div]sity1 :i* we obs]ve 9 ! m9ds ( m54 ,x is by ex]cise1 habit & education1 t ! m9d is unfold$ & becomes sup]ior to t ( o!rs4 ,man1 )\t culture & exp]i5ce1 is z void ( reason & indu/ry1 z ! brute4 ,a /upid man is "o1 ^: organs move ) difficulty1 ^: bra9 does n easily vibrate1 ^: blood circulates sl[ly4 ,a man ( g5ius is he1 ^: organs are flexible1 ^: s5sations are quick1 ^: bra9 vibrates ) cel]ity4 ,a le>n$ man is he1 ^: organs & bra9 h be5 long ex]cis$ ^u objects to :i* he is devot$4 ,)\t culture1 exp]i5ce1 or reason1 is n man m contemptible & wor?y ( hatr$1 ?an ! vile/ insects or mo/ f]oci\s bea/s8 ,is !re 9 nature a m dete/able be+1 ?an a ,tib]ius1 a ,n]o1 or a ,caligula8 ,h ^? de/roy]s ( ! human race1 kn[n by ! "n ( conqu]ors1 m e/imable s\ls ?an be>s1 lions1 or pan!rs8 ,are !re animals 9 ! _w m dete/able ?an tyrants8 #ig4 ,! sup]iority :i* man s gratuit\sly arrogates to himself ov] o!r animals1 soon vani%es 9 ! light ( reason1 :5 we reflect on human extravagances4 ,h[ _m animals %ew m mildness1 reflection1 & reason1 ?an ! animal1 :o calls himself reasonable above all o!rs8 ,are !re among m51 s (t5 enslav$ & oppress$1 societies z well con/itut$ z ^? ( ! ants1 bees1 or beav]s8 ,d we ev] see f]oci\s bea/s ( ! same species mangle & de/roy "o ano!r )\t pr(it8 ,d we ev] see religi\s w>s among !m8 ,! cruelty ( bea/s t[>ds o!r species arises f hung]1 ! necessity ( n\ri%m5t2 ! cruelty ( man t[>ds man arises only f ! vanity ( 8 ma/]s & ! folly ( 8 imp]t95t prejudices4 ,speculative m51 :o endeav\r to make u believe1 t all 9 ! univ]se 0 made = man1 are mu* emb>rass$1 :5 we ask1 h[ s _m hurtful animals c contribute to ! happ9ess ( man8 ,:at kn[n advantage results to ! fri5d ( ! gods1 f be+ bitt5 by a vip]1 /ung by a gnat1 dev\r$ by v]m91 torn 9 pieces by a tig]1 etc48 ,w\ld n all ^! animals reason z ju/ly z our !ologians1 %\ld !y pret5d t man 0 made = !m8 #ih4 ,,an ,,ea/]n ,,tale4 ,at "s di/ance f ,bagdad1 a h]mit1 r5[n$ = 8 sanctity1 pass$ 8 days 9 an agreeable solitude4 ,! neighb\r+ inhabitants1 to obta9 an int]e/ 9 8 pray]s1 daily flock$ to 8 h]mitage1 to c>ry him provisions & pres5ts4 ,! holy man1 )\t ceas+1 gave ?anks to ,god = ! bless+s1 ) :i* provid5ce load$ him4 ,o ,allah6 said he1 h[ ineffable is ?y love to ?y s]vants4 ,:at h ,i done to m]it ! fav\rs1 t ,i receive f ?y b\nty8 ,o ,mon>* ( ! skies6 ,o ,fa!r ( nature6 :at praises c\ld wor?ily celebrate ?y munific5ce1 & ?y pat]nal c>e6 ,o ,allah6 h[ great is ?y goodness to ! *ildr5 ( m56 ,p5etrat$ ) gratitude1 ! h]mit made a v[ to und]take1 = ! sev5? "t1 a pilgrimage to ,mecca4 ,! w> :i* !n rag$ betwe5 ! ,p]sians & ,turks1 c\ld n induce him to def] 8 pi\s ent]prise4 ,full ( confid5ce 9 ,god1 he sets out "u ! inviolable safegu>d ( a religi\s habit4 ,he passes ?r\gh ! ho/ile troops )\t any ob/acle2 f> f be+ mole/$1 he receives1 at e /ep1 m>ks ( v5]ation f ! soldi]s ( ! two p>ties4 ,at l5g?1 borne d[n ) fatigue1 he is oblig$ to seek refuge aga9/ ! rays ( a scor*+ sun2 he re/s "u ! cool %ade ( a gr\p ( palm-trees4 ,9 ?is solit>y place1 ! man ( ,god f9ds n only an en*ant+ retreat1 b a delici\s repa/4 ,he has only to put =? 8 h& to ga!r dates & o!r pleasant fruits2 a brook af=ds him ! means ( qu5*+ 8 ?ir/4 ,a gre5 turf invites him to sleep2 ^u wak+ he p]=ms ! sacr$ ablution1 & exclaims 9 a transport ( joy3 ,o ,allah6 h[ great is ?y goodness to ! *ildr5 ( m56 ,aft] ?is p]fect refre%m5t1 ! sa9t1 full ( /r5g? & gaiety1 pursues 8 way2 x leads him across a smil+ c\ntry1 :i* pres5ts to 8 eyes fl[]y hillocks1 enamell$ mead[s1 & trees load$ ) fruit4 ,affect$ by ?is sight1 he ceases n to adore ! ri* & lib]al h& ( provid5ce1 :i* appe>s e :]e provid+ = ! happ9ess ( ! human race4 ,go+ a little f>!r1 ! m\nta9s are pretty difficult to pass2 b hav+ once arriv$ at ! summit1 a hide\s spectacle sudd5ly appe>s to 8 view4 ,8 s\l is fill$ ) horror4 ,he discov]s a va/ pla9 laid wa/e ) fire & sword2 he beholds x cov]$ ) hundr$s ( c>cases1 ! deplorable rema9s ( a bloody battle1 lately f\ght ^u ?is field4 ,eagles1 vultures1 rav5s & wolves 7 gre$ily dev\r+ ! dead bodies ) :i* ! gr\nd 0 cov]$4 ,?is sight plunges our pilgrim into a gloomy m$itation4 ,heav51 by special fav\r1 _h enabl$ him to und]/& ! language ( bea/s4 ,he he>d a wolf1 gorg$ ) human fle%1 cry out 9 ! excess ( 8 joy3 ,o ,allah6 h[ great is ?y goodness to ! *ildr5 ( wolves4 ,?y provid5t wisdom takes c>e to craze ! m9ds ( ^! dete/able m51 :o are s dang]\s to our species4 ,by an effect ( ?y ,provid5ce1 :i* wat*es ov] ?y creatures1 ^! de/roy]s cut "o ano!r's ?roats1 & furni% u ) sumptu\s meals4 ,o ,allah6 h[ great is ?y goodness to ! *ildr5 ( wolves6 #ii4 ,a heat$ imag9ation sees 9 ! univ]se only ! bless+s ( heav52 a calm] m9d f9ds 9 x bo? good & evil4 ,i exi/1 say y2 b is ?is exi/5ce always a good8 ,behold1 y say1 t sun1 :i* lights2 ?is e>?1 :i* = y is cov]$ ) crops & v]dure2 ^! fl[]s1 :i* bloom to regale y\r s5ses2 ^! trees1 :i* b5d "u ! weight ( delici\s fruits2 ^! pure wat]s1 :i* run only to qu5* y\r ?ir/2 ^? seas1 :i* embrace ! univ]se to facilitate y\r comm]ce2 ^! animals1 :i* a =esee+ nature provides = y\r use4 ,yes2 ,i see all ^! ?+s1 & ,i enjoy !m4 ,b 9 _m climates1 ?is beautiful sun is almo/ always hidd52 9 o!rs1 its excessive heat torm5ts1 creates /orms1 produces frightful diseases1 & p>*es ! fields2 ! pa/ures are )\t v]dure1 ! trees )\t fruit1 ! crops are scor*$1 ! spr+s are dri$ up2 ,i c only ) difficulty subsi/1 & n[ compla9 ( ! cruelties ( nature1 :i* to y always appe>s s b5efic5t4 ,if ^! seas br+ me spices1 & useless commodities1 d !y n de/roy numb]less mortals1 :o are fooli% en\gh to seek !m8 ,! vanity ( man p]suades him1 t he is ! sole c5t] ( ! univ]se2 he creates = himself a _w & a ,god2 he ?9ks himself ( suffici5t consequ5ce to d]ange nature at 8 pleasure4 ,b1 conc]n+ o!r animals1 he reasons l an a!i/4 ,does he n imag9e1 t ! individuals diff]5t f 8 own are automatons unwor?y ( ! bless+s ( univ]sal provid5ce1 & t brutes _c be objects ( 8 ju/ice or goodness8 ,mortals reg>d ! happy or unhappy ev5ts1 heal? or sickness1 life or dea?1 pl5ty or want1 z rew>ds or puni%m5ts = ! "r use or abuse ( ! lib]ty1 ) :i* !y errone\sly imag9e !mselves end[$4 ,d !y reason 9 ! same mann] conc]n+ ! brutes8 ,no4 ,al?\gh !y see !m1 "u a j ,god1 enjoy & suff]1 equally subject to heal? & sickness1 live & die1 l !mselves1 x nev] occurs to !m to ask by :at crime1 ^! bea/s c\ld h incurr$ ! displeasure ( _! ,creator8 ,h n m51 bl9d$ by _! religi\s prejudices1 9 ord] to free !mselves f emb>rassm5t1 c>ri$ _! folly s f> z to pret5d t bea/s h no feel+8 ,w m5 nev] r5\nce _! fooli% pret5sions8 ,w !y nev] ackn[l$ge t nature is n made = !m8 ,w !y nev] see t nature has plac$ equality among all be+s %e has produc$8 ,w !y nev] p]ceive t all organiz$ be+s are equally made to be born & die1 enjoy & suff]8 ,f9ally1 f> f hav+ any cause to be puff$ up ) _! m5tal faculties1 are !y n =c$ to grant1 t ^! faculties (t5 make !m m unhappy ?an bea/s1 9 :i* we f9d nei!r op9ions1 prejudices1 vanities1 nor follies1 :i* e mom5t decide ! welf>e ( man8 #ajj4 ,! sup]iority :i* m5 arrogate ov] o!r animals1 is *iefly f\nd$ ^u _! op9ion1 t !y h ! exclusive possession ( an immortal s\l4 ,b ask !m :at ?is s\l is1 & !y are puzzl$4 ,!y w say1 x is an unkn[n sub/ance--a secret p[] di/9ct f _! bodies--a _s1 ( :i* !y h no idea4 ,ask !m h[ ?is _s1 :i* !y suppose to be l _! ,god :olly void ( ext5sion1 c\ld comb9e itself ) _! mat]ial bodies1 & !y w tell y1 !y "k no?+ ab\t x2 t x is to !m a my/]y2 t ?is comb9ation is an effect ( ! omnipot5ce ( ,god4 ,^! are ! ideas t m5 =m ( ! hidd51 or r imag9>y sub/ance1 :i* !y consid] z ! ma9 spr+ ( all _! actions6 ,if ! s\l is a sub/ance ess5tially diff]5t f ! body1 & c h no relation to x1 _! union w\ld be1 n a my/]y1 b an impossibility4 ,besides1 ?is s\l be+ ( a nature diff]5t f ! body1 mu/ necess>ily act 9 a diff]5t mann]2 yet we see t ?is pret5d$ s\l is s5sible ( ! motions exp]i5c$ by ! body1 & t ^! two sub/ances1 ess5tially diff]5t1 always acts 9 conc]t4 ,y w say t ?is h>mony is also a my/]y4 ,b ,i w tell y1 t ,i see n my s\l1 t ,i "k & am s5sible ( my body only1 t x is ?is body :i* feels1 ?9ks1 judges1 suff]s1 & enjoys2 & t all ^! faculties are necess>y results ( its own me*anism1 or organization4 #aja4 ,al?\gh x is impossible = m5 to =m ! lea/ idea ( ! s\l1 or ! pret5d$ _s1 :i* animates !m2 yet !y p]suade !mselves t ?is unkn[n s\l is exempt f dea?4 ,e ?+ proves to !m1 t !y feel1 t !y ?9k1 t !y acquire ideas1 t !y enjoy & suff]1 only by means ( ! s5ses1 or mat]ial organs ( ! body4 ,admitt+ ev5 ! exi/5ce ( ?is s\l1 !y _c help ackn[l$g+1 t x dep5ds entirely ^u ! body1 & und]goes1 all its vicissitudes2 & yet x is imag9$1 t ?is s\l has no?+1 9 its nature1 simil> to ! body2 t x c act & feel )\t ! assi/ance ( ! body2 9 a ^w1 t ?is s\l1 fre$ f ! body1 & dis5gag$ f its s5ses1 c live1 enjoy1 suff]1 exp]i5ce happ9ess1 or feel excruciat+ torm5ts4 ,^u su* a tissue ( absurdities is built ! m>vell\s op9ion ( ! immortality ( ! s\l4 ,if ,i ask1 :at are ! motives = believ+ ! s\l immortal1 !y imm$iately answ]1 t x is because man naturally desires to be immortal3 b1 because y desire a ?+ ard5tly1 c y inf] t y\r desire w be fulfill$8 ,by :at /range logic c we d>e affirm1 t a ?+ _c fail to happ51 because we ard5tly desire x8 ,are desires1 begott5 by ! imag9ation1 ! measure ( reality8 ,! impi\s1 y say1 depriv$ ( ! flatt]+ hope ( ano!r life1 wi% to be annihilat$4 ,v well3 may !y n !n z ju/ly conclude1 f _! desire1 t !y %all be annihilat$1 z y may conclude f y\r desire1 t y %all exi/ = ev]4 #ajb4 ,man dies1 & ! human body aft] dea? is no long] any?+ b a mass incapable ( produc+ ^? motions1 ( :i* ! sum total con/itut$ life4 ,we see1 t x has no long] circulation1 respiration1 dige/ion1 spee*1 or ?\ght4 ,x is pret5d$1 t ! s\l is !n sep>at$ f ! body2 b to say1 t ?is s\l1 ) :i* we are unacqua9t$1 is ! pr9ciple ( life1 is to say no?+1 unless t an unkn[n p[] is ! hidd5 pr9ciple ( imp]ceptible movem5ts4 ,no?+ is m natural & simple1 ?an to believe1 t ! dead man no long] lives3 no?+ is m extravagant1 ?an to believe1 t ! dead man is /ill alive4 ,we laugh at ! simplicity ( "s nations1 ^: cu/om is to bury provision ) ! dead1 "u an idea t x w be useful & necess>y to !m 9 ! o!r life4 ,is x !n m ridicul\s or absurd to suppose1 t m5 w eat aft] dea?1 ?an to imag9e1 t !y w ?9k1 t !y w be actuat$ by agreeable or disagreeable ideas1 t !y w enjoy or suff]1 & t !y w exp]i5ce rep5tance or delight1 aft] ! organs1 adapt$ to produce s5sations or ideas1 are once dissolv$4 ,to say t ! s\ls ( m5 w be happy or unhappy aft] dea?1 is 9 o!r words to say1 t m5 w see )\t eyes1 he> )\t e>s1 ta/e )\t palates1 smell )\t noses1 & t\* )\t h&s4 ,& p]sons1 :o consid] !mselves v reasonable1 adopt ^! ideas6 #ajc4 ,! dogma ( ! immortality ( ! s\l supposes ! s\l to be a simple sub/ance2 9 a ^w1 a _s4 ,b ,i ask aga91 :at is a _s8 ,x is1 say y1 a sub/ance void ( ext5sion1 incorruptible1 hav+ no?+ common ) matt]4 ,if s1 h[ is y\r s\l born1 & h[ does x gr[1 h[ does x /r5g!n or weak5 itself1 h[ does x get disord]$ & gr[ old1 9 ! same progression z y\r body8 ,to all ^! que/ions y answ]1 t ^! are my/]ies4 ,if s1 y _c und]/& !m4 ,if y _c und]/& !m1 :y d y decide ab\t a ?+1 ( :i* y are unable to =m ! lea/ idea8 ,to believe or affirm any ?+1 x is necess>y1 at lea/1 to "k 9 :at x consi/s4 ,to believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( y\r immat]ial s\l1 is to say1 t y are p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a ?+1 ( :i* x is impossible = y to =m any true notion2 x is to believe 9 words )\t mean+4 ,to affirm t ! ?+ is z y say1 is ! height ( folly or vanity4 #ajd4 ,are n !ologians /range reason]s8 ,:5ev] !y _c div9e ! natural causes ( ?+s1 !y inv5t :at !y call sup]natural2 su* z spirits1 occult causes1 inexplicable ag5ts1 or r words1 mu* m obscure ?an ! ?+s !y endeav\r to expla94 ,let u rema9 9 nature1 :5 we wi% to acc\nt = ! ph5om5a ( nature2 let u be cont5t to rema9 ignorant ( causes too delicate = our organs2 & let u be p]suad$1 t1 by go+ beyond nature1 we %all nev] solve ! problems :i* nature pres5ts4 ,ev5 ^u ! hypo!sis ( !ology1 7t is1 suppos+ an all-p[]ful mov] ( matt]17 by :at "r w\ld !ologians d5y1 t _! ,god has p[] to give ?is matt] ! faculty ( ?\ght8 ,0 x !n m difficult = him to create comb9ations ( matt]1 f :i* ?\ght might result1 ?an spirits :o c\ld ?9k8 ,at lea/1 by suppos+ matt]1 :i* ?9ks1 we %\ld h "s notions ( ! subject ( ?\ght1 or ( :at ?9ks 9 u2 :]eas1 by attribut+ ?\ght to an immat]ial be+1 x is impossible to =m ! lea/ idea ( x4 #aje4 ,x is object$ aga9/ u1 t mat]ialism makes man a m]e ma*9e1 :i* is said to be v di%on\rable4 ,b1 w x be mu* m hon\rable = man1 if we %\ld say1 t he acts by ! secret impulses ( a _s1 or by a c]ta9 ,i "k n :at1 t animates him 9 a mann] totally inexplicable4 ,x is easy to p]ceive1 t ! suppos$ sup]iority ( _s ov] matt]1 or ( ! s\l ov] ! body1 has no o!r f\ndation ?an m5's ignorance ( ?is s\l1 :ile !y are m famili>iz$ ) matt]1 ) :i* !y imag9e !y are acqua9t$1 & ( :i* !y ?9k !y c disc]n ! orig94 ,b ! mo/ simple movem5ts ( our bodies are to e man1 :o /udies !m1 z inexplicable z ?\ght4 #ajf4 ,! high value1 :i* s _m p set ^u spiritual sub/ance1 has no o!r motive ?an _! absolute inability to def9e x intelligibly4 ,! contempt %ewn = matt] by our metaphysicians1 arises only f ! circum/ance1 t famili>ity begets contempt4 ,:5 !y tell u1 t ! s\l is m excell5t & noble ?an ! body1 !y say :at !y "k n4 #ajg4 ,! dogma ( ano!r life is incessantly extoll$1 z useful4 ,x is ma9ta9$1 t ev5 ?\gh x %\ld be only a fiction1 x is advantage\s1 because x deceives m51 & conducts !m to virtue4 ,b is x true1 t ?is dogma makes m5 wis] & m virtu\s8 ,are ! nations1 :o believe ?is fiction1 rem>kable = purity ( morals8 ,has n ! visible _w ev] ! advantage ov] ! invisible8 ,if ^?1 :o are tru/$ ) ! in/ruction & gov]nm5t ( m51 _h k & virtue !mselves1 !y w\ld gov]n !m mu* bett] by realities1 ?an by fictions4 ,b crafty1 ambiti\s & corrupt legislators1 h e :]e f\nd x bett] to amuse ) fables1 ?an to tea* !m tru?s1 to unfold _! reason1 to excite !m to virtue by s5sible & real motives1 9 f9e1 to gov]n !m 9 a rational mann]4 ,prie/s und\bt$ly _h reasons = mak+ ! s\l immat]ial2 !y want$ s\ls to p ! imag9>y regions1 :i* !y h discov]$ 9 ! o!r life4 ,mat]ial s\ls w\ld1 l all bodies1 h be5 subject to dissolution4 ,n[1 if m5 %\ld believe1 t all mu/ p]i% ) ! body1 ! geograph]s ( ! o!r _w w\ld evid5tly lose ! "r ( guid+ m5's s\ls t[>ds t unkn[n abode2 !y w\ld reap no pr(its f ! hope ) :i* !y fe$ !m1 & ! t]rors ) :i* !y oppress !m4 ,if futurity is ( no real utility to mank9d1 x is1 at lea/1 ( ! greate/ utility to ^?1 :o h assum$ ! (fice ( conduct+ !m ?i!r4 #ajh4 ,b1 x w be said1 is n ! dogma ( ! immortality ( ! s\l com=t+ to be+s1 :o are (t5 v unhappy "h bel[8 ,?\gh x %\ld be an error1 is x n pleas+8 ,is x n a bless+ to man to believe1 t he %all be able to enjoy h]eaft] a happ9ess1 :i* is d5i$ him ^u e>?8 ,?us1 poor mortals6 y make y\r wi%es ! measure ( tru?2 because y desire to live = ev]1 & to be happi]1 y at once conclude1 t y %all live = ev]1 & t y %all be m =tunate 9 an unkn[n _w1 ?an 9 ?is kn[n _w1 :]e y (t5 f9d no?+ b affliction6 ,cons5t !re=e to leave1 )\t regret1 ?is _w :i* gives ! great] "p ( y mu* m torm5t ?an pleasure4 ,submit to ! ord] ( nature1 :i* dem&s t y1 z well z all o!r be+s1 %\ld n endure = ev]4 ,we are incessantly told1 t religion has inf9ite consolations = ! un=tunate1 t ! idea ( ! s\l's immortality1 & ( a happi] life1 is v prop] to elevate man1 & to support him "u adv]sity1 :i* awaits him ^u e>?4 ,x is said1 on ! contr>y1 t mat]ialism is an afflict+ sy/em1 calculat$ to degrade man2 !n x puts him ^u a level ) ! brutes1 breaks 8 c\rage1 & %[s him no o!r prospect ?an frightful annihilation1 capable ( driv+ him to despair & suicide1 :5ev] he is unhappy4 ,! great art ( !ologians is to bl[ hot & cold1 to afflict & console1 to fright5 & enc\rage4 ,x appe>s by !ological fictions1 t ! regions ( ! o!r life are happy & unhappy4 ,no?+ is m difficult ?an to become wor?y ( ! abode ( felicity2 no?+ m easy ?an to obta9 a place 9 ! abode ( torm5t1 :i* ,god is prep>+ = ! un=tunate victims ( et]nal fury4 ,h ^? !n1 :o ?9k ! o!r life s pleasant & flatt]+1 =gott51 t accord+ to !m1 t life is to be att5d$ ) torm5ts to ! great] "p ( mortals8 ,is n ! idea ( total annihilation inf9itely pref]able to ! idea ( an et]nal exi/5ce1 att5d$ ) angui% & gna%+ ( tee?8 ,is ! fe> ( an end m afflict+1 ?an t ( hav+ _h a beg9n+6 ,! fe> ( ceas+ to exi/ is a real evil only to ! imag9ation1 :i* alone begat ! dogma ( ano!r life4 ,*ri/ian m9i/]s say t ! idea ( a happi] life is joy\s4 ,admitt$4 ,e p]son w\ld desire a m agreeable exi/5ce ?an t he enjoys "h4 ,b1 if p>adise is invit+1 y w grant1 t hell is frightful4 ,heav5 is v difficult1 & hell v easy to be m]it$4 ,d y n say1 t a n>r[ way leads to ! happy regions1 & a broad way to ! regions ( mis]y8 ,d y n (t5 say1 t ! numb] ( ! elect is v small1 & t ( ! reprobate v l>ge8 ,is n ,grace1 :i* y\r ,god grants b to a v few1 necess>y to salvation8 ,n[1 ,i assure y1 t ^! ideas are by no means consol+2 t ,i _h r be annihilat$1 once = all1 ?an to burn = ev]2 t ! fate ( bea/s is to me m desirable ?an t ( ! damn$2 t ! op9ion :i* relieves me f afflict+ fe>s 9 ?is _w1 appe>s to me m joy\s1 ?an ! unc]ta9ty aris+ f ! op9ion ( a ,god1 :o1 ma/] ( 8 grace1 grants x to none b 8 fav\rites1 & p]mits all o!rs to become wor?y ( et]nal torm5t4 ,no?+ b en?usiasm or folly c induce a man to pref] improbable conjectures1 att5d$ ) unc]ta9ty & insupportable fe>s4 #aji4 ,all religi\s pr9ciples are ! "w ( pure imag9ation1 9 :i* exp]i5ce & reason h no %>e4 ,x is extremely difficult to combat !m1 because ! imag9ation1 once prepossess$ by *im]as1 :i* a/oni% or di/urb x1 is incapable ( reason+4 ,to combat religion & its phantoms ) ! arms ( reason1 is l us+ a sword to kill gnats2 z soon z ! bl[ is /ruck1 ! gnats & *im]as come hov]+ r\nd aga91 & resume 9 ! m9d ! place1 f :i* !y 7 ?\ght to h be5 = ev] bani%$4 ,:5 we reject1 z too weak1 ! pro(s giv5 ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 !y in/antly oppose to ! argum5ts1 :i* de/roy t exi/5ce1 an inw>d s5se1 a deep p]suasion1 an inv9cible incl9ation1 born 9 e man1 :i* holds up to 8 m9d1 9 spite ( himself1 ! idea ( an almighty be+1 :om he _c entirely expel f 8 m9d1 & :om he is compell$ to ackn[l$ge1 9 spite ( ! /ronge/ reasons t c be urg$4 ,b :oev] w analyse ?is inw>d s5se1 ^u :i* su* /ress is laid1 w p]ceive1 t x is only ! effect ( a root$ habit1 :i*1 %utt+ _! eyes aga9/ ! mo/ demon/rative pro(s1 subjects ! great] "p ( m51 & (t5 ev5 ! mo/ enlight5$1 to ! prejudices ( *ildhood4 ,:at avails ?is inw>d s5se1 or ?is deep p]suasion1 aga9/ ! evid5ce1 :i* demon/rates1 t :atev] implies a contradiction _c exi/8 ,we are gravely assur$1 t ! non-exi/5ce ( ,god is n demon/rat$4 ,yet1 by all t m5 h hi!rto said ( him1 no?+ is bett] demon/rat$1 ?an t ?is ,god is a *im]a1 ^: exi/5ce is totally impossible2 s9ce no?+ is m evid5t1 ?an t a be+ _c possess qualities s unlike1 s contradictory1 s irreconcilable1 z ^?1 :i* e religion ^u e>? attributes to ! ,div9ity4 ,is n ! !ologian's ,god1 z well z t ( ! dei/1 a cause incompatible ) ! effects attribut$ to x8 ,let !m d :at !y w1 x is necess>y ei!r to inv5t ano!r ,god1 or to grant1 t he1 :o1 = s _m ages1 has be5 held up to ! t]ror ( mortals1 is at ! same "t v good & v bad1 v p[]ful & v weak1 un*angeable & fickle1 p]fectly intellig5t & p]fectly void ( reason1 ( ord] & p]mitt+ disord]1 v j & mo/ unju/1 v skilful & unskilful4 ,9 %ort1 are we n =c$ to confess1 t x is impossible to reconcile ! discordant attributes1 heap$ ^u a be+1 ( :om we _c speak )\t ! mo/ palpable contradictions8 ,let any "o attribute a s+le quality to ! ,div9ity1 & x is univ]sally contradict$ by ! effects1 ascrib$ to ?is cause4 #aaj4 ,!ology might ju/ly be def9$ ! sci5ce ( contradictions4 ,e religion is only a sy/em1 inv5t$ to reconcile irreconcilable notions4 ,by ! aid ( habit & t]ror1 man becomes ob/9ate 9 ! greate/ absurdities1 ev5 aft] !y are expos$ 9 ! cle>e/ mann]4 ,all religions are easily combat$1 b ) difficulty extirpat$4 ,reason avails no?+ aga9/ cu/om1 :i* becomes1 says ! prov]b1 a second nature4 ,_m p]sons1 9 o!r respects s5sible1 ev5 aft] hav+ exam9$ ! rott5 f\ndation ( _! belief1 adh]e to x 9 contempt ( ! mo/ /rik+ argum5ts4 ,:5ev] we compla9 ( religion1 its %ock+ absurdities1 & impossibilities1 we are told t we are n made to und]/& ! tru?s ( religion2 t reason goes a/ray1 & is capable ( lead+ u to p]dition2 & moreov]1 t :at is folly 9 ! eyes ( man1 is wisdom 9 ! eyes ( ,god1 to :om no?+ is impossible4 ,9 %ort1 to surm\nt1 by a s+le ^w1 ! mo/ insurm\ntable difficulties1 pres5t$ on all sides by !ology1 !y get rid ( !m by say+1 ^! are my/]ies6 #aaa4 ,:at is a my/]y8 ,by exam9+ ! ?+ closely1 ,i soon p]ceive1 t a my/]y is no?+ b a contradiction1 a palpable absurdity1 a manife/ impossibility1 ov] :i* !ologians w\ld oblige m5 humbly to %ut _! eyes4 ,9 a ^w1 a my/]y is :atev] our spiritual guides _c expla94 ,x is pr(itable to ! m9i/]s ( religion1 t p und]/& no?+ ( :at !y tea*4 ,x is impossible to exam9e :at we d n compreh5d2 :5 we d n see1 we mu/ suff] ourselves to be l$4 ,if religion 7 cle>1 prie/s w\ld f9d less bus9ess4 ,)\t my/]ies !re c be no religion2 my/]y is ess5tial to x2 a religion void ( my/]ies1 w\ld be a contradiction 9 t]ms4 ,! ,god1 :o s]ves z ! f\ndation ( natural religion1 or deism1 is himself ! greate/ ( my/]ies4 #aab4 ,e reveal$ religion is fill$ ) my/]i\s dogmas1 un9telligible pr9ciples1 incr$ible wond]s1 a/oni%+ recitals1 :i* appe> to h be5 inv5t$ solely to conf\nd reason4 ,e religion ann\nces a hidd5 ,god1 ^: ess5ce is a my/]y2 consequ5tly1 ! conduct1 ascrib$ to him1 is no less inconceivable ?an 8 ess5ce4 ,! ,deity has nev] spok5 only 9 an enigmatical & my/]i\s mann]1 9 ! v>i\s religions1 :i* h be5 f\nd$ 9 diff]5t regions ( our globe2 he has ev]y:]e reveal$ himself only to ann\nce my/]ies2 t is1 to in=m mortals1 t he int5d$ !y %\ld believe contradictions1 impossibilities1 & ?+s to :i* !y 7 incapable ( affix+ any cle> ideas4 ,! m my/]i\s & incr$ible a religion is1 ! m p[] x has to please ! imag9ation ( m54 ,! d>k] a religion is1 ! m x appe>s div9e1 t is1 con=mable to ! nature ( a hidd5 be+1 ( :om !y h no ideas4 ,ignorance pref]s ! unkn[n1 ! hidd51 ! fabul\s1 ! m>vell\s1 ! incr$ible1 or ev5 ! t]rible1 to :at is cle>1 simple1 & true4 ,tru? does n op]ate ^u ! imag9ation 9 s lively a mann] z fiction1 :i*1 9 o!r respects1 ev]yone is able to arrange 9 8 own way4 ,! vulg> l to li/5 to fables4 ,prie/s & legislators1 by inv5t+ religions & =g+ my/]ies h s]v$ ! vulg> p well4 ,!y h !reby ga9$ en?usia/s1 wom5 & fools4 ,be+s ( ?is /amp are easily satisfi$ ) ?+s1 :i* !y are incapable ( exam9+4 ,! love ( simplicity & tru? is to be f\nd only among ! few1 ^: imag9ation is regulat$ by /udy & reflection4 ,! inhabitants ( a village are nev] bett] pleas$ ) _! p>son1 ?an :5 he introduces ,lat9 into 8 s]mon4 ,! ignorant always imag9e1 t he1 :o speaks to !m ( ?+s !y d n und]/&1 is a le>n$ man4 ,su* is ! true pr9ciple ( ! cr$ulity ( ! p1 & ( ! au?ority ( ^?1 :o pret5d to guide nations4 #aac4 ,to ann\nce my/]ies to m51 is to give & )hold2 x is to talk 9 ord] n to be und]/ood4 ,he1 :o speaks only obscurely1 ei!r seeks to amuse himself by ! emb>rassm5t1 :i* he causes1 or f9ds 8 int]e/ 9 n expla9+ himself too cle>ly4 ,all secrecy indicates di/ru/1 impot5ce1 & fe>4 ,pr9ces & _! m9i/]s make a my/]y ( _! projects1 = fe> _! enemies %\ld discov] & r5d] !m abortive4 ,c a good ,god amuse himself by p]plex+ 8 creatures8 ,:at int]e/ !n c\ld he h 9 comm&+ 8 m9i/]s to ann\nce riddles & my/]ies8 ,x is said1 t man1 by ! weakness ( 8 nature1 is totally incapable ( und]/&+ ! div9e disp5sations1 :i* c be to him only a s]ies ( my/]ies2 ,god _c disclose to him secrets1 necess>ily above 8 rea*4 ,if s1 ,i answ] aga91 t man is n made to att5d to ! div9e disp5sations2 t ^! disp5sations are to him by no means int]e/+2 t he has no ne$ ( my/]ies1 :i* he _c und]/&2 & consequ5tly1 t a my/]i\s religion is no m fit = him1 ?an an eloqu5t disc\rse is = a flock ( %eep4 #aad4 ,! ,deity has reveal$ himself ) s little uni=mity 9 ! diff]5t c\ntries ( our globe1 t 9 po9t ( religion1 m5 reg>d "o ano!r ) hatr$ & contempt4 ,! p>tisans ( ! diff]5t sects ?9k ea* o!r v ridicul\s & fooli%4 ,my/]ies1 mo/ rev]$ 9 "o religion1 are objects ( d]ision to ano!r4 ,god1 9 reveal+ himself to mank9d1 ought at lea/1 to h spok5 ! same language to all1 & sav$ _! feeble m9ds ! p]plexity ( inquir+ :i* religion really emanat$ f him1 or :at =m ( wor%ip is mo/ acceptable 9 8 sight4 ,a univ]sal ,god ought to h reveal$ a univ]sal religion4 ,by :at fatality !n are !re s _m diff]5t religions ^u e>?8 ,:i* is really "r1 among ! great numb] ( ^?1 ea* ( :i* exclusively pret5ds to be ! true "o8 ,!re is great reason to believe1 t no religion enjoys ?is advantage4 ,division & disputes ^u op9ions are indubitable signs ( ! unc]ta9ty & obscurity ( ! pr9ciples1 ^u :i* !y build4 #aae4 ,if religion 7 necess>y at all1 x ought to be intelligible to all4 ,if ?is religion 7 ! mo/ important conc]n ( m51 ! goodness ( ,god w\ld seem to dem&1 t x %\ld be to !m ( all ?+s ! mo/ cle>1 evid5t1 & demon/rative4 ,is x n !n a/oni%+1 t ?is ?+ s ess5tial to ! happ9ess ( mortals1 is precisely t1 :i* !y und]/& lea/1 & ab\t :i*1 = s _m ages1 _! tea*]s h mo/ disput$8 ,prie/s h nev] agre$ ^u ! mann] ( und]/&+ ! w ( a ,god1 :o has reveal$ himself4 ,! _w1 may be comp>$ to a public fair1 9 :i* are sev]al empirics1 ea* ( :om endeav\rs to attract ! pass5g]s by decry+ ! rem$ies sold by 8 bro!rs4 ,ea* %op has its cu/om]s1 :o are p]suad$1 t _! quacks possess ! only true rem$ies2 & not)/&+ a cont9ual use ( !m1 !y p]ceive n ! inefficacy ( ^! rem$ies1 or t !y are z infirm z ^?1 :o run aft] ! quacks ( a diff]5t %op4 ,devotion is a disord] ( ! imag9ation contract$ 9 infancy4 ,! dev\t man is a hypo*ondriac1 :o only augm5ts 8 malady by ! application ( rem$ies4 ,! wise man ab/a9s f !m entirely2 he pays att5tion to 8 diet1 & 9 o!r respects leaves nature to h] c\rse4 #aaf4 ,to a man ( s5se1 no?+ appe>s m ridicul\s1 ?an ! op9ions1 :i* ! p>tisans ( ! diff]5t religions ) equal folly ent]ta9 ( ea* o!r4 ,a ,*ri/ian reg>ds ! ,koran1 t is1 ! div9e revelation ann\nc$ by ,mahomet1 z no?+ b a tissue ( imp]t95t rev]ies1 & impo/ures insult+ to ! div9ity4 ,! ,mahometan1 on ! o!r h&1 treats ! ,*ri/ian z an idolat] & a dog4 ,he sees no?+ b absurdities 9 8 religion4 ,he imag9es he has a "r to subdue ! ,*ri/ian1 & to =ce him1 sword 9 h&1 to receive ! religion ( 8 div9e prophet4 ,f9ally1 he believes1 t no?+ is m impi\s & unreasonable1 ?an to wor%ip a man1 or to believe 9 ! ,tr9ity4 ,! prote/ant ,*ri/ian :o )\t scruple wor%ips a man1 & firmly believes ! inconceivable my/]y ( ! tr9ity1 ridicules ! ca?olic ,*ri/ian = believ+ 9 ! my/]y ( transub/antiation2 he consid]s him mad1 impi\s1 & idolatr\s1 because he kneels to wor%ip "s bread1 9 :i* he ?9ks he sees ,god4 ,*ri/ians ( e sect reg>d1 z silly /ories1 ! inc>nations ( ,vi%nu1 ! ,god ( ! ,indies2 !y ma9ta91 t ! only true inc>nation is t ( ,jesus1 son ( a c>p5t]4 ,! dei/1 :o calls himself ! foll[] ( a religion1 :i* he supposes to be t ( nature1 cont5t ) admitt+ a ,god1 ( :om he has no idea1 makes a je/ ( all ! my/]ies1 taught by ! v>i\s religions 9 ! _w4 #aag4 ,is !re any ?+ m contradictory1 impossible1 or my/]i\s1 ?an ! creation ( matt] by an immat]ial be+1 :o1 ?\gh immutable1 op]ates cont9ual *anges 9 ! _w8 ,is any ?+ m incompatible ) e notion ( common s5se1 ?an to believe1 t a supremely good1 wise1 equitable & p[]ful be+ presides ov] nature1 & by himself directs ! movem5ts ( a _w1 full ( folly1 mis]y1 crimes & disord]s1 :i* by a s+le ^w1 he c\ld h prev5t$ or remov$8 ,9 f9e1 :5ev] we admit a be+ z contradictory z ! ,god ( !ology1 h[ c we reject ! mo/ improbable fables1 a/oni%+ miracles1 & pr(\nd my/]ies4 #aah4 ,! ,dei/ exclaims3 ,ab/a9 f wor%ipp+ ! cruel & caprici\s ,god ( !ology2 m9e is a be+ inf9itely wise & good2 he is ! fa!r ( m51 ! milde/ ( sov]eigns2 x is he :o fills ! univ]se ) 8 b5efits4 ,b d y n see t e ?+ 9 ?is _w contradicts ! good qualities1 :i* y ascribe to y\r ,god8 ,9 ! num]\s family ( ?is t5d] fa!r1 almo/ all are unhappy4 ,"u ! gov]nm5t ( ?is j sov]eign1 vice is triumphant1 & virtue 9 di/ress4 ,among ^? bless+s y extol1 & :i* only en?usiasm c see1 ,i behold a multitude ( evils1 aga9/ :i* y ob/9ately %ut y\r eyes4 ,=c$ to ackn[l$ge1 t y\r b5efic5t ,god1 9 contradiction ) himself1 di/ributes good & evil ) ! same h&1 = 8 ju/ification y mu/1 l ! prie/1 ref] me to ! regions ( ano!r life4 ,inv5t1 !re=e1 ano!r ,god2 = y\rs is no less contradictory ?an t ( !ologians4 ,a good ,god1 :o does evil1 or cons5ts to ! commission ( evil2 a ,god full ( equity1 & 9 ^: empire innoc5ce is (t5 oppress$2 a p]fect ,god1 :o produces none b imp]fect & mis]able works2 are n su* a ,god & 8 conduct z great my/]ies1 z t ( ! inc>nation8 ,y blu% = y\r fell[-citiz5s1 :o all[ !mselves to be p]suad$1 t ! ,god ( ! univ]se c\ld *ange himself into a man1 & die ^u a cross 9 a corn] ( ,asia4 ,! my/]y ( ! inc>nation appe>s to y v absurd4 ,y ?9k no?+ m ridicul\s1 ?an a ,god1 :o trans=ms himself into bread1 & causes himself daily to be eat5 9 a ?\s& diff]5t places4 ,b are all ^! my/]ies m contradictory to reason ?an a ,god1 ! av5g] & rew>d] ( ! actions ( m58 ,is man1 accord+ to y1 free1 or n free8 ,9 ei!r case1 y\r ,god1 if he has ! %ad[ ( equity1 c nei!r puni% nor rew>d him4 ,if man is free1 x is ,god1 :o has made him free2 !re=e ,god is ! primitive cause ( all 8 actions2 9 puni%+ him = 8 faults1 he w\ld puni% him = hav+ execut$ :at he _h giv5 him lib]ty to d4 ,if man is n free to act o!rwise ?an he does1 w\ld n ,god be mo/ unju/1 9 puni%+ man = faults1 :i* he c\ld n help committ+4 ,! m9or1 or second>y1 absurdities1 ) :i* all religions ab\nd1 are to _m p truly /rik+2 b !y h n ! c\rage to trace ! s\rce ( ^! absurdities4 ,!y see n1 t a ,god full ( contradictions1 caprices & inconsi/5t qualities1 has only s]v$ to disord] m5's imag9ations1 & to produce an endless succession ( *im]as4 #aai4 ,! !ologian w\ld %ut ! m\?s ( ^? :o d5y ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 by say+1 t all m51 9 all ages & c\ntries1 h ackn[l$g$ "s div9ity or o!r2 t e p h believ$ 9 an invisible & p[]ful be+1 :o has be5 ! object ( _! wor%ip & v5]ation2 9 %ort1 t !re is no nation1 h[ev] savage1 :o are n p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce ( "s intellig5ce sup]ior to human nature4 ,b1 c an error be *ang$ into tru? by ! belief ( all m58 ,! great philosoph] ,bayle has ju/ly obs]v$1 t g5]al tradition1 or ! unanim\s cons5t ( mank9d1 is no crit]ion ( tru?4 ,!re 0 a "t1 :5 all m5 believ$ t ! sun mov$ r\nd ! e>?1 b ?is error 0 detect$4 ,!re 0 a "t1 :5 nobody believ$ ! exi/5ce ( ! antipodes1 & :5 e "o 0 p]secut$1 :o _h tem]ity en\gh to ma9ta9 x4 ,at pres5t1 e in=m$ man firmly believes x4 ,all nations1 ) ! exception ( a few m5 :o are less cr$ul\s ?an ! re/1 /ill believe 9 gho/s & spirits4 ,no s5sible man n[ adopts su* nons5se4 ,b ! mo/ s5sible p consid] x _! duty to believe 9 a univ]sal _s6 #abj4 ,all ! gods1 ador$ by m51 are ( savage orig94 ,!y h evid5tly be5 imag9$ by /upid p1 or pres5t$1 by ambiti\s & crafty legislators1 to ignorant & unciviliz$ nations1 :o _h nei!r capacity nor c\rage to exam9e ! objects1 :i* ?r\gh t]ror !y 7 made to wor%ip4 ,by closely exam9+ ,god1 we are =c$ to ackn[l$ge1 t he evid5tly be>s m>ks ( a savage nature4 ,to be savage is to ackn[l$ge no "r b =ce2 x is to be cruel beyond measure2 to foll[ only "o's own caprice2 to want =esight1 prud5ce1 & reason4 ,ye nations1 :o call y\rselves civiliz$6 ,d y n disc]n1 9 ?is hide\s "*1 ! ,god1 on :om y lavi% y\r inc5se8 ,are n ! descriptions giv5 y ( ! div9ity1 visibly borr[$ f ! implacable1 jeal\s1 rev5geful1 sangu9>y1 caprici\s inconsid]ate hum\r ( man1 :o has n cultivat$ 8 reason8 ,o m56 ,y adore only a great savage1 :om y reg>d1 h[ev]1 z a model to imitate1 z an amiable ma/]1 z a sov]eign full ( p]fection4 ,religi\s op9ions are anci5t monum5ts ( ignorance1 cr$ulity1 c[>dice1 & b>b>ism ( _! ance/ors4 ,e savage is a *ild fond ( ! m>vell\s1 :o believes e ?+1 & exam9es no?+4 ,ignorant ( nature1 he attributes to spirits1 en*antm5ts1 & to magic1 :atev] appe>s to him extraord9>y4 ,8 prie/s appe> to him sorc]]s1 9 :om he supposes a p[] purely div9e1 be=e :om 8 conf\nd$ reason humbles itself1 ^: oracles are to him infallible decrees :i* x w\ld be dang]\s to contradict4 ,9 religion1 m5 h1 = ! mo/ "p1 rema9$ 9 _! primitive b>b>ity4 ,mod]n religions are only anci5t follies reviv$1 or pres5t$ "u "s new =m4 ,if ! savages ( antiquity ador$ m\nta9s1 riv]s1 s]p5ts1 trees1 & idols ( e k9d2 if ! ,,egyptians paid homage to crocodiles1 rats1 & onions1 d we n see nations1 :o ?9k !mselves wis] ?an !y1 wor%ip bread1 into :i* !y imag9e1 t ?r\gh ! en*antm5ts ( _! prie/s1 ! div9ity has desc5d$4 ,is n ! ,bread-,god ! idol ( _m ,*ri/ian nations1 :o1 9 ?is respect1 are z irrational1 z ! mo/ savage8 #aba4 ,! f]ocity1 /upidity1 & folly ( unciviliz$ man h ev] disclos$ !mselves 9 religi\s practices1 ei!r cruel or extravagant4 ,a _s ( b>b>ity /ill survives1 & p5etrates ! religions ev5 ( ! mo/ poli%$ nations4 ,d we n /ill see human victims (f]$ to ! div9ity8 ,to appease ! ang] ( a ,god1 :o is always suppos$ z f]oci\s1 jeal\s & v9dictive1 z a savage1 d n ^?1 ^: mann] ( ?9k+ is suppos$ to displease him1 expire "u /udi$ torm5ts1 by ! comm& ( sangu9>y laws8 ,mod]n nations1 at ! in/igation ( _! prie/s1 h p]haps improv$ ^u ! atroci\s folly ( b>b>\s nations2 at lea/1 we f9d1 t x has ev] ent]$ ! heads ( savages to torm5t = op9ions1 to se>* ! ?\ghts1 to mole/ m5 = ! invisible movem5ts ( _! bra9s8 ,:5 we see le>n$ nations1 su* z ! ,engli%1 ,fr5*1 ,g]man1 etc41 cont9ue1 not)/&+ _! k1 to kneel be=e ! b>b>\s ,god ( ! ,jews2 :5 we see ^! enlight5$ nations divide into sects1 defame1 hate1 & despise "o ano!r = _! equally ridicul\s op9ions conc]n+ ! conduct & int5tions ( ?is unreasonable ,god2 :5 we see m5 ( ability fooli%ly devote _! "t to m$itate ! w ( ?is ,god1 :o is full ( caprice & folly1 we are tempt$ to cry out3 ,o m51 y are /ill savage666 #abb4 ,:oev] has =m$ true ideas ( ! ignorance1 cr$ulity1 neglig5ce1 & /upidity ( ! vulg>1 w suspect op9ions ! m1 z he f9ds !m g5]ally e/abli%$4 ,m51 = ! mo/ "p1 exam9e no?+3 !y bl9dly submit to cu/om & au?ority4 ,_! religi\s op9ions1 above all o!rs1 are ^? :i* !y h ! lea/ c\rage & capacity to exam9e3 z !y compreh5d no?+ ab\t !m1 !y are =c$ to be sil5t1 or at lea/ are soon de/itute ( argum5ts4 ,ask any man1 :e!r he believes 9 a ,god8 ,he w be mu* surpris$ t y c d\bt x4 ,ask him aga91 :at he und]/&s by ! ^w ,god4 ,y ?r[ him into ! greate/ emb>rassm5t2 y w p]ceive imm$iately1 t he is incapable ( affix+ any real idea to ?is ^w1 he incessantly repeats4 ,he w tell y1 t ,god is ,god4 ,he kn[s nei!r :at he ?9ks ( x1 nor 8 motives = believ+ 9 x4 ,all nations speak ( a ,god2 b d !y agree ^u ?is ,god8 ,by no means4 ,b division ^u an op9ion proves n its evid5ce2 x is r a sign ( unc]ta9ty & obscurity4 ,does ! same man always agree ) himself 9 ! notions he =ms ( 8 ,god8 ,no4 ,8 idea v>ies ) ! *anges1 :i* he exp]i5ces2--ano!r sign ( unc]ta9ty4 ,m5 always agree 9 demon/rative tru?s4 ,9 any situation1 except t ( insanity1 e "o kn[s t two & two make f\r1 t ! sun %9es1 t ! :ole is great] ?an its "p2 t b5evol5ce is necess>y to m]it ! affection ( m52 t inju/ice & cruelty are incompatible ) goodness4 ,are !y ?us agre$ :5 !y speak ( ,god8 ,:atev] !y ?9k1 or say ( him1 is imm$iately de/roy$ by ! effects !y attribute to him4 ,ask sev]al pa9t]s to repres5t a *im]a1 & ea* w pa9t x 9 a diff]5t mann]4 ,y w f9d no resemblance betwe5 ! features1 ea* has giv5 x a portrait1 t has no orig9al4 ,all !ologians1 9 giv+ u a picture ( ,god1 give u "o ( a great *im]a1 9 ^: features !y nev] agree1 :om ea* arranges 9 8 own way1 & :o exi/s only 9 _! imag9ations4 ,!re are n two individuals1 :o h1 or c h1 ! same ideas ( _! ,god4 #abc4 ,x might be said ) m tru?1 t m5 are ei!r skeptics or a!i/s1 ?an t !y are conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( ,god4 ,h[ c we be assur$ ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+1 :om we c\ld nev] exam9e1 & ( :om x is impossible to conceive any p]man5t idea8 ,h[ c we conv9ce ourselves ( ! exi/5ce ( a be+1 to :om we are e mom5t =c$ to attribute conduct1 oppos$ to ! ideas1 we _h endeav\r$ to =m ( him8 ,is x !n possible to believe :at we _c conceive8 ,is n su* a belief ! op9ions ( o!rs )\t hav+ any ( our own8 ,prie/s gov]n by fai?2 b d n prie/s !mselves ackn[l$ge t ,god is to !m incompreh5sible8 ,confess !n1 t a full & entire conviction ( ! exi/5ce ( ,god is n s g5]al1 z is imag9$4 ,scepticism arises f a want ( motives suffici5t to =m a judgm5t4 ,^u exam9+ ! pro(s :i* seem to e/abli%1 & ! argum5ts :i* combat1 ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 "s p]sons h d\bt$ & )held _! ass5t4 ,b ?is unc]ta9ty arises f n hav+ suffici5tly exam9$4 ,is x possible to d\bt any ?+ evid5t8 ,s5sible p ridicule an absolute scepticism1 & ?9k x ev5 impossible4 ,a man1 :o d\bt$ 8 own exi/5ce1 or t ( ! sun1 w\ld appe> ridicul\s4 ,is ?is m extravagant ?an to d\bt ! non-exi/5ce ( an evid5tly impossible be+8 ,is x m absurd to d\bt "o's own exi/5ce1 ?an to hesitate ^u ! impossibility ( a be+1 ^: qualities reciprocally de/roy "o ano!r8 ,d we f9d great] probability = believ+ ! exi/5ce ( a spiritual be+1 ?an ! exi/5ce ( a /ick )\t two ends8 ,is ! notion ( an inf9itely good & p[]ful be+1 :o causes or p]mits an inf9ity ( evils1 less absurd or impossible1 ?an t ( a squ>e triangle8 ,let u conclude !n1 t religi\s scepticism c result only f a sup]ficial exam9ation ( !ological pr9ciples1 :i* are 9 p]petual contradiction ) ! mo/ cle> & demon/rative pr9ciples4 ,to d\bt1 is to delib]ate4 ,scepticism is only a /ate ( indet]m9ation1 result+ f an insuffici5t exam9ation ( ?+s4 ,is x possible = any "o to be sceptical 9 matt]s ( religion1 :o w deign to rev]t to its pr9ciples1 & closely exam9e ! notion ( ,god1 :o s]ves z its basis8 ,d\bt g5]ally arises ei!r f indol5ce1 weakness1 indiff]5ce1 or incapacity4 ,) _m p1 to d\bt is to fe> ! tr\ble ( exam9+ ?+s1 :i* are ?\ght un9t]e/+4 ,b religion be+ pres5t$ to m5 z _! mo/ important conc]n 9 ?is & ! future _w1 skepticism & d\bt on ?is subject mu/ occasion p]petual anxiety & mu/ really con/itute a b$ ( ?orns4 ,e man :o has n c\rage to contemplate1 )\t prejudice1 ! ,god ^u :om all religion is f\nd$1 c nev] "k = :at religion to decide3 he kn[s n :at he %\ld believe or n believe1 admit or reject1 hope or fe>4 ,indiff]5ce ^u religion mu/ n be conf\nd$ ) scepticism4 ,?is indiff]5ce is f\nd$ ^u ! absolute assurance1 or at any rate ^u ! probable belief1 t religion is n int]e/+4 ,a p]suasion t a ?+ :i* is pret5d$ to be important is n s1 or is only indiff]5t1 supposes a suffici5t exam9ation ( ! ?+1 )\t :i* x w\ld be impossible to h ?is p]suasion4 ,^? :o call !mselves sceptics 9 ! fundam5tal po9ts ( religion1 are commonly ei!r indol5t or incapable ( exam9+4 #abd4 ,9 e c\ntry1 we are assur$1 t a ,god has reveal$ himself4 ,:at has he taught m58 ,has he prov$ evid5tly t he exi/s8 ,has he in=m$ !m :]e he resides8 ,has he taught !m :at he is1 or 9 :at 8 ess5ce consi/s8 ,has he cle>ly expla9$ to !m 8 int5tions & plan8 ,does :at he says ( ?is plan correspond ) ! effects1 :i* we see8 ,no4 ,he in=ms !m solely1 t he is :at he is2 t he is a hidd5 ,god2 t 8 ways are unspeakable2 t he is exasp]at$ aga9/ all :o h ! tem]ity to fa?om 8 decrees1 or to consult reason 9 judg+ him or 8 works4 ,does ! reveal$ conduct ( ,god answ] ! magnific5t ideas :i* !ologians w\ld give u ( 8 wisdom1 goodness1 ju/ice1 & omnipot5ce8 ,by no means4 ,9 e revelation1 ?is conduct ann\nces a p>tial & caprici\s be+1 ! protector ( fav\rite p1 & ! enemy ( all o!rs4 ,if he deigns to appe> to "s m51 he takes c>e to keep all o!rs 9 an inv9cible ignorance ( 8 div9e int5tions4 ,e private revelation evid5tly ann\nces 9 ,god1 inju/ice1 p>tiality & malignity4 ,d ! comm&s1 reveal$ by any ,god1 a/oni% u by _! sublime reason or wisdom8 ,d !y evid5tly t5d to promote ! happ9ess ( ! p1 to :om ! ,div9ity discloses !m8 ,^u exam9+ ! div9e comm&s1 "o sees 9 e c\ntry1 no?+ b /range ord9ances1 ridicul\s precepts1 imp]t95t c]emonies1 pu]ile cu/oms1 oblations1 sacrifices1 & expiations1 useful inde$ to ! m9i/]s ( ,god1 b v bur!nsome to ! re/ ( ! citiz5s4 ,i see likewise1 t ^! laws (t5 t5d to make m5 unsociable1 disda9ful1 intol]ant1 qu>relsome1 unju/1 & inhuman1 to ^? :o h n receiv$ ! same revelations1 ! same ord9ances1 or ! same fav\rs f heav54 #abe4 ,are ! precepts ( morality1 ann\nc$ by ! ,deity1 really div9e1 or sup]ior to ^? :i* e reasonable man might imag9e8 ,!y are div9e solely because x is impossible = ! human m9d to discov] _! utility4 ,!y make virtue consi/ 9 a total r5unciation ( nature1 9 a volunt>y =getfulness ( reason1 a holy hatr$ ( ourselves4 ,f9ally1 ^! sublime precepts (t5 exhibit p]fection 9 a conduct1 cruel to ourselves1 & p]fectly useless to o!rs4 ,has a ,god appe>$8 ,has he himself promulgat$ 8 laws8 ,has he spok5 to m5 ) 8 own m\?8 ,i am told1 t ,god has n appe>$ to a :ole p2 b t he has always manife/$ himself ?r\gh ! m$ium ( "s fav\rite p]sonages1 :o h be5 intru/$ ) ! c>e ( ann\nc+ & expla9+ 8 int5tions4 ,! p h nev] be5 p]mitt$ to ent] ! sanctu>y2 ! m9i/]s ( ! gods h alone _h ! "r to relate :at passes !re4 #abf4 ,if 9 e sy/em ( div9e revelation1 ,i compla9 ( n see+ ei!r ! wisdom1 goodness1 or equity ( ,god2 if ,i suspect knav]y1 ambition1 or int]e/2 x is repli$1 t ,god has confirm$ by miracles ! mission ( ^?1 :o speak 9 8 "n4 ,b 0 x n m simple = him to appe> 9 p]son1 to expla9 8 nature & w8 ,aga91 if ,i h ! curiosity to exam9e ^! miracles1 ,i f9d1 t !y are improbable tales1 relat$ by suspect$ p1 :o _h ! greate/ int]e/ 9 giv+ out t !y 7 ! mess5g]s ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,:at witnesses are appeal$ to 9 ord] to induce u to believe incr$ible miracles8 ,weak p1 :o exi/$ ?\s&s ( ye>s ago1 & :o1 ev5 ?\gh !y c\ld atte/ ^! miracles1 may be suspect$ ( be+ dup$ by _! own imag9ation1 & impos$ ^u by ! tricks ( dext]\s impo/ors4 ,b1 y w say1 ^! miracles are writt5 9 books1 :i* by tradition h be5 transmitt$ to u4 ,by :om 7 ^! books writt58 ,:o are ! m5 :o h transmitt$ !m8 ,!y are ei!r ! f\nd]s ( religions !mselves1 or _! adh]5ts & assigns4 ,?us1 9 religion1 ! evid5ce ( int]e/$ p>ties becomes irrefragable & inconte/able4 #abg4 ,god has spok5 diff]5tly to e p4 ,! ,indian believes n a ^w ( :at ,he has reveal$ to ! ,*9ese2 ! ,mahometan consid]s z fables :at ,he has said to ! ,*ri/ian2 ! ,jew reg>ds bo? ! ,mahometan & ,*ri/ian z sacrilegi\s corrupt]s ( ! sacr$ law1 :i* 8 ,god _h giv5 to 8 fa!rs4 ,! ,*ri/ian1 pr\d ( 8 m mod]n revelation1 indiscrim9ately damns ! ,indian1 ,*9ese1 ,mahometan1 & ev5 ! ,jew1 f :om he receives 8 sacr$ books4 ,:o is wrong or "r8 ,ea* exclaims1 ,i am 9 ! "r6 ,ea* adduces ! same pro(s3 ea* m5tions 8 miracles1 div9]s1 prophets1 & m>tyrs4 ,! man ( s5se tells !m1 !y are all deliri\s2 t ,god has n spok51 if x is true t he is a _s1 & c h nei!r m\? nor tongue2 t )\t borr[+ ! organ ( mortals1 ,god c\ld inspire 8 creatures ) :at he w\ld h !m le>n2 & t1 z !y are all equally ignorant :at to ?9k ( ,god1 x is evid5t t x has n be5 ! w ( ,god to in=m !m on ! subject4 ,! foll[]s ( diff]5t =ms ( wor%ip :i* are e/abli%$1 accuse "o ano!r ( sup]/ition & impiety4 ,*ri/ians look ) abhorr5ce ^u ! ,pagan1 ,*9ese1 & ,mahometan sup]/ition4 ,roman ,ca?olics treat1 z impi\s1 ,prote/ant ,*ri/ians2 & ! latt] incessantly declaim aga9/ ! sup]/ition ( ! ,ca?olics4 ,!y are all "r4 ,to be impi\s1 is to h op9ions (f5sive to ! ,god ador$2 to be sup]/iti\s1 is to h ( him false ideas4 ,9 accus+ "o ano!r ( sup]/ition1 ! diff]5t religioni/s resemble humpbacks1 :o reproa* "o ano!r ) _! de=mity4 #abh4 ,are ! oracles1 :i* ! ,div9ity has reveal$ by 8 diff]5t mess5g]s1 rem>kable = cle>ness8 ,alas6 no two m5 int]pret !m alike4 ,^? :o expla9 !m to o!rs are n agre$ among !mselves4 ,to elucidate !m1 !y h rec\rse to int]pretations1 to comm5t>ies1 to allegories1 to explanations3 !y discov] my/ical s5se v diff]5t f ! lit]al s5se4 ,m5 are e :]e want$ to expla9 ! comm&s ( a ,god1 :o c\ld n1 or w\ld n1 ann\nce himself cle>ly to ^?1 :om he wi%$ to enlight54 #abi4 ,! f\nd]s ( religion1 h g5]ally prov$ _! missions by miracles4 ,b :at is a miracle8 ,x is an op]ation directly opposite to ! laws ( nature4 ,b :o1 accord+ to y1 made ^? laws8 ,god4 ,?us1 y\r ,god1 :o1 accord+ to y1 =esaw e ?+1 c\nt]acts ! laws1 :i* 8 wisdom prescrib$ to nature6 ,^! laws 7 !n defective1 or at lea/ 9 c]ta9 circum/ances !y did n accord ) ! views ( ! same ,god1 s9ce y in=m u t he judg$ x necess>y to susp5d or c\nt]act !m4 ,x is said1 t a few m51 fav\r$ by ! ,mo/ ,high1 h receiv$ p[] to p]=m miracles4 ,b to p]=m a miracle1 x is necess>y to h ability to create new causes capable ( produc+ effects contr>y to ^? ( common causes4 ,is x easy to conceive1 t ,god c give m5 ! inconceivable p[] ( creat+ causes out ( no?+8 ,is x cr$ible1 t an immutable ,god c communicate to m5 p[] to *ange or rectify 8 plan1 a p[]1 :i* by 8 ess5ce an immutable be+ _c save himself8 ,miracles1 f> f do+ mu* hon\r to ,god1 f> f prov+ ! div9ity ( a religion1 evid5tly annihilate ! ,god idea4 ,h[ c a !ologian tell u1 t ,god1 :o mu/ h embrac$ ! :ole ( 8 plan1 :o c\ld h made none b p]fect laws1 & :o _c alt] !m1 is =c$ to employ miracles to accompli% 8 projects1 or c grant 8 creatures ! p[] ( work+ prodigies to execute 8 div9e w8 ,an omnipot5t be+1 ^: w is always fulfill$1 :o holds 9 8 h& 8 creatures1 has only to w1 to make !m believe :atev] he desires4 #acj4 ,:at %all we say ( religions t prove _! div9ity by miracles8 ,h[ c we cr$it miracles record$ 9 ! sacr$ books ( ! ,*ri/ians1 :]e ,god boa/s ( h>d5+ ! he>ts & bl9d+ ^? :om he wi%es to de/roy2 :]e he p]mits malici\s spirits & magicians to "w miracles z great z ^? ( 8 s]vants2 :]e x is pr$ict$1 t ,anti*ri/ %all h p[] to p]=m prodigies capable ( %ak+ ! fai? ev5 ( ! elect8 ,9 ?is case1 by :at signs %all we "k :e!r ,god means to in/ruct or ensn>e u8 ,h[ %all we di/+ui% :e!r ! wond]s1 we behold1 come f ,god or devil8 ,to remove our p]plexity1 ,pascal gravely tells u1 t x is necess>y to judge ! doctr9e by ! miracles1 & ! miracles by ! doctr9e2 t ! doctr9e proves ! miracles1 & ! miracles ! doctr9e4 ,if !re exi/ a vici\s & ridicul\s circle1 x is und\bt$ly 9 ?is spl5did reason+ ( "o ( ! greate/ def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,:]e is ! religion1 t does n boa/ ( ! mo/ admirable doctr9e1 & :i* does n produce num]\s miracles = its support8 ,is a miracle capable ( annihilat+ ! evid5ce ( a demon/rat$ tru?8 ,al?\gh a man %\ld h ! secret ( heal+ all ! sick1 ( mak+ all ! lame to walk1 ( rais+ 9 all ! dead ( a city1 ( asc5d+ into ! air1 ( /opp+ ! c\rse ( ! sun & moon1 c he !reby conv9ce me1 t two & two d n make f\r1 t "o makes ?ree1 & t ?ree make only "o2 t a ,god1 ^: imm5sity fills ! univ]se1 c\ld h be5 conta9$ 9 ! body ( a ,jew2 t ! ,,et]nal c die l a man2 t a ,god1 :o is said to be immutable1 provid5t1 & s5sible1 c\ld h *ang$ 8 m9d ^u 8 religion1 & re=m$ 8 own "w by a new revelation8 #aca4 ,accord+ to ! v pr9ciples ei!r ( natural or reveal$ !ology1 e new revelation %\ld be reg>d$ z false2 e *ange 9 a religion emanat$ f ! ,deity %\ld be reput$ an impiety & blasphemy4 ,does n all re=m suppose1 t1 9 8 fir/ ef=t1 ,god c\ld n give 8 religion ! solidity & p]fection requir$8 ,to say1 t ,god1 9 giv+ a fir/ law1 con=m$ to ! rude ideas ( ! p :om he wi%$ to enlight51 is to pret5d t ,god 0 nei!r able nor will+ to r5d] ! p1 :om he 0 enlight5+1 s reasonable z 0 necess>y 9 ord] to please him4 ,*ri/ianity is an impiety1 if x is true t ,judaism is a religion :i* has really emanat$ f a holy1 immutable1 omnipot5t1 & =esee+ ,god4 ,! religion ( ,*ri/ supposes ei!r defects 9 ! law :i* ,god himself _h giv5 by ,moses1 or impot5ce or malice 9 ! same ,god1 :o 0 ei!r unable or unwill+ to r5d] ! ,jews su* z !y ought to h be5 9 ord] to please him4 ,e new religion1 or re=m ( anci5t religions1 is evid5tly f\nd$ ^u ! impot5ce1 incon/ancy1 imprud5ce1 or malice ( ! ,div9ity4 #acb4 ,if hi/ory in=ms me1 t ! fir/ apo/les1 ! f\nd]s or re=m]s ( religions1 wr\ght great miracles2 hi/ory also in=ms me1 t ^! re=m]s & _! adh]5ts 7 commonly buffet$1 p]secut$1 & put to dea?1 z di/urb]s ( ! peace ( nations4 ,i am !re=e tempt$ to believe1 t !y did n p]=m ! miracles ascrib$ to !m2 inde$1 su* miracles mu/ h ga9$ !m num]\s p>tisans among ! eye-witnesses1 :o ought to h protect$ ! op]ators f abuse4 ,my incr$ulity r$\bles1 :5 ,i am told1 t ! work]s ( miracles 7 cruelly torm5t$1 or ignom9i\sly execut$4 ,h[ is x possible to believe1 t mission>ies1 protect$ by ,god1 inve/$ ) 8 div9e p[]1 & enjoy+ ! gift ( miracles1 c\ld n h wr\ght su* a simple miracle1 z to escape ! cruelty ( _! p]secutors8 ,prie/s h ! art ( draw+ f ! p]secutions !mselves1 a conv9c+ pro( 9 fav\r ( ! religion ( ! p]secut$4 ,b a religion1 :i* boa/s ( hav+ co/ ! lives ( _m m>tyrs1 & in=ms u1 t its f\nd]s1 9 ord] to ext5d x1 h suff]$ puni%m5ts1 _c be ! religion ( a b5efic5t1 equitable & omnipot5t ,god4 ,a good ,god w\ld n p]mit m51 intru/$ ) ann\nc+ 8 comm&s1 to be ill-treat$4 ,an all-p[]ful ,god1 wi%+ to f\nd a religion1 w\ld proce$ 9 a mann] m simple & less fatal to ! mo/ fai?ful ( 8 s]vants4 ,to say t ,god w\ld h 8 religion seal$ ) blood1 is to say t he is weak1 unju/1 ungrateful1 & sangu9>y2 & t he is cruel en\gh to sacrifice 8 mess5g]s to ! views ( 8 ambition4 #acc4 ,to die = religion proves n t ! religion is true1 or div9e2 x proves1 at mo/1 t x is suppos$ to be su*4 ,an en?usia/ proves no?+ by 8 dea?1 unless t religi\s fanaticism is (t5 /rong] ?an ! love ( life4 ,an impo/or may sometimes die ) c\rage2 he !n makes1 9 ! language ( ! prov]b1 a virtue ( necessity4 ,p are (t5 surpris$ & affect$ at sight ( ! g5]\s c\rage & dis9t]e/$ zeal1 :i* has prompt$ mission>ies to prea* _! doctr9e1 ev5 at ! risk ( suff]+ ! mo/ rigor\s treatm5t4 ,f ?is ard\r = ! salvation ( m51 are drawn inf]5ces fav\rable to ! religion !y h ann\nc$4 ,b 9 reality1 ?is dis9t]e/$ness is only app>5t4 ,he1 :o v5tures no?+ %\ld ga9 no?+4 ,a mission>y seeks to make 8 =tune by 8 doctr9e4 ,he kn[s t1 if he is =tunate en\gh to sell 8 commodity1 he w become absolute ma/] ( ^? :o receive him = _! guide2 he is sure ( becom+ ! object ( _! att5tion1 respect1 & v5]ation4 ,su* are ! true motives1 :i* k9dle ! zeal & *>ity ( s _m prea*]s & mission>ies4 ,to die = an op9ion1 proves ! tru? or goodness ( t op9ion no m ?an to die 9 battle proves ! ju/ice ( a cause1 9 :i* ?\s&s h ! folly to devote _! lives4 ,! c\rage ( a m>tyr1 elat$ ) ! idea ( p>adise1 is n m sup]natural1 ?an ! c\rage ( a soldi]1 intoxicat$ ) ! idea ( glory1 or impell$ by ! fe> ( disgrace4 ,:at is ! diff]5ce betwe5 an ,iroquois1 :o s+s :ile he is burn+ by in*es1 & ! m>tyr ,,/4 ,,laur5ce1 :o ^u ! gridiron insults 8 tyrant8 ,! prea*]s ( a new doctr9e fail1 because !y are ! weake/2 apo/les g5]ally practise a p]il\s trade4 ,_! c\rage\s dea? proves nei!r ! tru? ( _! pr9ciples nor _! own s9c]ity1 any m ?an ! viol5t dea? ( ! ambiti\s man1 or ( ! robb]1 proves1 t !y 7 "r 9 di/urb+ society1 or t !y ?\ght !mselves au?oris$ 9 s do+4 ,! trade ( a mission>y 0 always flatt]+ to ambition1 & =m$ a conv5i5t me?od ( liv+ at ! exp5se ( ! vulg>4 ,^! advantages h (t5 be5 en\gh to efface e idea ( dang]4 #acd4 ,y tell u1 !ologians6 t :at is folly 9 ! eyes ( m51 is wisdom be=e ,god1 :o delights to conf\nd ! wisdom ( ! wise4 ,b d y n say1 t human wisdom is a gift ( heav58 ,9 say+ ?is wisdom displeases ,god1 is b folly 9 8 sight1 & t he is pleas$ to conf\nd x1 y decl>e t y\r ,god is ! fri5d only ( ignorant p1 & t he makes s5sible p a fatal pres5t = :i* ?is p]fidi\s tyrant promises to puni% !m cruelly at "s future day4 ,is x n /range1 t "o c be ! fri5d ( y\r ,god1 only by decl>+ "o's self ! enemy ( reason & good s5se8 #ace4 ,accord+ to ! div9es1 fai? is an ass5t )\t evid5ce4 ,:5ce x foll[s1 t religion requires u firmly to believe inevid5t ?+s1 & propositions (t5 improbable or contr>y to reason4 ,b :5 we reject reason z a judge ( fai?1 d we n confess1 t reason is incompatible ) fai?8 ,z ! m9i/]s ( religion h resolv$ to bani% reason1 !y mu/ h felt ! impossibility ( reconcil+ x ) fai?1 :i* is visibly only a bl9d submission to prie/s1 ^: au?ority seems to _m p]sons m weighty ?an evid5ce itself1 & pref]able to ! te/imony ( ! s5ses4 ,sacrifice y\r reason2 r5\nce exp]i5ce2 mi/ru/ ! te/imony ( y\r s5ses2 submit )\t enquiry to :at we ann\nce to y 9 ! "n ( heav54 ,su* is ! uni=m language ( prie/s ?r\gh\t ! _w2 !y agree ^u no po9t1 except ^u ! necessity ( nev] reason+ ^u ! pr9ciples :i* !y pres5t to u z mo/ important to our felicity6 ,i w n sacrifice my reason2 because ?is reason alone enables me to di/+ui% good f evil1 tru? f falsehood4 ,if1 z y say1 my reason comes f ,god1 ,i %all nev] believe t a ,god1 :om y call good1 has giv5 me reason1 z a sn>e1 to lead me to p]dition4 ,prie/s6 d y n see1 t1 by decry+ reason1 y calumniate y\r ,god1 f :om y decl>e x to be a gift4 ,i w n r5\nce exp]i5ce2 because x is a guide mu* m sure ?an ! imag9ation or au?ority ( spiritual guides4 ,exp]i5ce tea*es me1 t en?usiasm & int]e/ may bl9d & lead !m a/ray !mselves2 & t ! au?ority ( exp]i5ce ought to h mu* m influ5ce ^u my m9d1 ?an ! suspici\s te/imony ( _m m51 :o ,i "k are ei!r v liable to be deceiv$ !mselves1 or o!rwise are v mu* int]e/$ 9 deceiv+ o!rs4 ,i w mi/ru/ my s5ses2 because ,i am s5sible !y sometimes mislead me4 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 ,i "k t !y w n always deceive me4 ,i well "k1 t ! eye %ews me ! sun mu* small] ?an x really is2 b exp]i5ce1 :i* is only ! repeat$ application ( ! s5ses1 in=ms me1 t objects always appe> to dim9i%1 z _! di/ance increases2 ?us ,i atta9 to a c]ta9ty1 t ! sun is mu* l>g] ?an ! e>?2 ?us my s5ses suffice to rectify ! ha/y judgm5ts1 :i* !y !mselves _h caus$4 ,9 w>n+ u to mi/ru/ ! te/imony ( our s5ses1 ! prie/s annihilate ! pro(s ( all religion4 ,if m5 may be dupes ( _! imag9ation2 if _! s5ses are deceitful1 h[ %all we believe ! miracles1 :i* /ruck ! trea*]\s s5ses ( our ance/ors8 ,if my s5ses are unfai?ful guides1 ,i ought n to cr$it ev5 ! miracles wr\ght be=e my eyes4 #acf4 ,y incessantly repeat t ! tru?s ( religion are above reason4 ,if s1 d y n p]ceive1 t ^! tru?s are n adapt$ to reasonable be+s8 ,to pret5d t reason c deceive u1 is to say1 t tru? c be false2 t ! useful c be hurtful4 ,is reason any ?+ b a k ( ! useful & true8 ,besides1 z our reason & s5ses are our only guides 9 ?is life1 to say !y are unfai?ful1 is to say1 t our errors are necess>y1 our ignorance inv9cible1 & t1 )\t ! extreme ( inju/ice1 ,god _c puni% u = foll[+ ! only guides x 0 8 supreme w to give4 ,to say1 we are oblig$ to believe ?+s above our reason1 is ridicul\s4 ,to assure u1 t ^u "s objects we are n all[$ to consult reason1 is to say1 t1 9 ! mo/ int]e/+ matt]1 we mu/ consult only imag9ation1 or act only at r&om4 ,our div9es say1 we mu/ sacrifice our reason to ,god4 ,b :at motives c we h to sacrifice our reason to a be+1 :o makes u only useless pres5ts1 :i* he does n int5d u to use8 ,:at confid5ce c we put 9 a ,god1 :o1 accord+ to our div9es !mselves1 is malici\s en\gh to h>d5 ! he>t1 to /rike ) bl9dness1 to lay sn>es = u1 to lead u into temptation8 ,9 f9e1 :at confid5ce c we put 9 ! m9i/]s ( ?is ,god1 :o1 to guide u m conv5i5tly1 comm&s u to %ut our eyes8 #acg4 ,m5 are p]suad$1 t religion is to !m ( all ?+s ! mo/ s]i\s1 :ile x is precisely :at !y lea/ exam9e = !mselves4 ,9 pursuit ( an (fice1 a piece ( l&1 a h\se1 a place ( pr(it2 9 any transaction or contract :atev]1 e "o c>efully exam9es all1 takes ! greate/ precaution1 weighs e ^w ( a writ+1 is gu>d$ aga9/ e surprise4 ,n s 9 religion2 e "o receives x at a v5ture1 & believes x ^u ! ^w ( o!rs1 )\t ev] tak+ ! tr\ble to exam9e4 ,two causes concur to fo/] ! neglig5ce & c>elessness ( m51 ) reg>d to _! religi\s op9ions4 ,! fir/ is ! despair ( ov]com+ ! obscurity1 9 :i* all religion is necess>ily envelop$4 ,_! fir/ pr9ciples are only adapt$ to disgu/ lazy m9ds1 :o reg>d !m z a *aos impossible to be und]/ood4 ,! second cause is1 t e "o is av]se to be+ too mu* b\nd by sev]e precepts1 :i* all admire 9 !ory1 b v few c>e to practice ) rig\r4 ,! religion ( _m p is l old family ties1 :i* !y h nev] tak5 pa9s to exam9e1 b :i* !y deposit 9 _! ar*ives to h rec\rse to !m occasionally4 #ach4 ,! disciples ( ,py?agoras paid implicit fai? to ! doctr9e ( _! ma/]2 he has said x1 0 to !m ! solution ( e problem4 ,! g5]ality ( m5 are n m rational4 ,9 matt]s ( religion1 a curate1 a prie/1 an ignorant monk becomes ma/] ( ! ?\ghts4 ,fai? relieves ! weakness ( ! human m9d1 to :i* application is commonly pa9ful2 x is mu* m conv5i5t to dep5d ^u o!rs1 ?an to exam9e = "o's self4 ,inquiry1 be+ sl[ & difficult1 equally1 displeases ! /upidity ( ! ignorant1 & ! ard\r ( ! enlight5$4 ,su* is und\bt$ly ! reason :y ,fai? has s _m p>tisans4 ,! m m5 are defici5t 9 k & reason1 ! m zeal\s !y are 9 religion4 ,9 !ological qu>rels1 ! populace1 l f]oci\s bea/s1 fall ^u all ^?1 aga9/ :om _! prie/ is desir\s ( excit+ !m4 ,a pr(\nd ignorance1 b\ndless cr$ulity1 weak intellect1 & w>m imag9ation1 are ! mat]ials1 ( :i* are made bigots1 zealots1 fanatics1 & sa9ts4 ,h[ c ! voice ( reason be he>d by !m :o make x a pr9ciple nev] to exam9e = !mselves1 b to submit bl9dly to ! guidance ( o!rs8 ,! sa9ts & ! populace are1 9 ! h&s ( _! directors1 automatons1 mov$ at pleasure4 #aci4 ,religion is an affair ( cu/om & fa%ion4 ,we mu/ d z o!rs d4 ,b1 among ! num]\s religions 9 ! _w1 :i* %\ld m5 *oose8 ,?is inquiry w\ld be too pa9ful & long4 ,!y mu/ !re=e adh]e to ! religion ( _! fa!rs1 to t ( _! c\ntry1 :i*1 hav+ =ce on its side1 mu/ be ! be/4 ,if we judge ( ! int5tions ( ,provid5ce by ! ev5ts & revolutions ( ?is _w1 we are compell$ to believe1 t ,he is v indiff]5t ab\t ! v>i\s religions ^u e>?4 ,= ?\s&s ( ye>s1 paganism1 poly!ism1 idolatry1 7 ! prevail+ religions4 ,we are n[ assur$1 t ! mo/ fl\ri%+ nations _h n ! lea/ idea ( ,god2 an idea1 reg>d$ z s ess5tial to ! happ9ess ( man4 ,*ri/ians say1 all mank9d liv$ 9 ! grosse/ ignorance ( _! duties t[>ds ,god1 & _h no notions ( him1 b :at 7 insult+ to 8 ,div9e ,maje/y4 ,*ri/ianity1 gr[+ out ( ,judaism1 v humble 9 its obscure orig91 became p[]ful & cruel "u ! ,*ri/ian emp]ors1 :o1 prompt$ by holy zeal1 rapidly spread x 9 _! empire by means ( fire & sword1 & e/abli%$ x ^u ! ru9s ( paganism4 ,mahomet & 8 successors1 second$ by ,provid5ce or _! victori\s arms1 9 a %ort "t bani%$ ! ,*ri/ian religion f a "p ( ,asia1 ,africa1 & ev5 ,europe2 & ! gospel 0 !n =c$ to yield to ! ,koran4 ,9 all ! factions or sects1 :i*1 = _m ages h di/ract$ ,*ri/ianity1 ! be/ argum5t has be5 always t ( ! /ronge/ p>ty2 arms h decid$ :i* doctr9e is mo/ conducive to ! happ9ess ( nations4 ,may we n h5ce inf]1 ei!r t ! ,deity feels little int]e/$ 9 ! religion ( m51 or t he always decl>es 9 fav\r ( ! op9ions1 :i* be/ suit ! int]e/ ( e>?ly p[]s2 9 f9e1 t he *anges 8 plan to accommodate _! fancy8 ,rul]s infallibly decide ! religion ( ! p4 ,! true religion is always ! religion ( ! pr9ce2 ! true ,god is ! ,god1 :om ! pr9ce desires 8 p to adore2 ! w ( ! prie/s1 :o gov]n ! pr9ce1 always becomes ! w ( ,god4 ,a wit ju/ly obs]v$1 t ! true religion is always t1 on ^: side are ! pr9ce & ! hangman4 ,emp]ors & hangm5 long support$ ! gods ( ,rome aga9/ ! ,god ( ,*ri/ians2 ! latt]1 hav+ ga9$ to 8 int]e/ ! emp]ors1 _! soldi]s1 & _! hangm51 succe$$ 9 de/roy+ ! wor%ip ( ! ,roman gods4 ,! ,god ( ,mahomet has dispossess$ ! ,god ( ,*ri/ians ( a great "p ( ! dom9ions1 :i* he =m]ly occupi$4 ,9 ! ea/]n "p ( ,asia1 is a va/1 fl\ri%+1 f]tile1 popul\s c\ntry1 gov]n$ by su* wise laws1 t ! fi]ce/ conqu]ors h adopt$ !m ) respect4 ,i mean ,*9a4 ,except+ ,*ri/ianity1 :i* 0 bani%$ z dang]\s1 ! p !re foll[ su* sup]/itions z !y please1 :ile ! m&>9s1 or magi/rates1 hav+ long kn[n ! errors ( ! popul> religion1 are vigilant to prev5t ! bonzes or prie/s f us+ x z an in/rum5t ( discord4 ,yet we see n1 t ,provid5ce refuses 8 bless+ to a nation1 ^: *iefs are s indiff]5t ab\t ! wor%ip t is r5d]$ to him4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! ,*9ese enjoy a happ9ess & repose wor?y to be envi$1 by ! _m nations :om religion divides1 & (t5 deva/ates4 ,we _c reasonably propose to dive/ ! p ( _! follies2 b we may p]haps cure ! follies ( ^? :o gov]n ! p1 & :o w !n prev5t ! follies ( ! p f becom+ dang]\s4 ,sup]/ition is to be fe>$ only :5 pr9ces & soldi]s rally r\nd h] /&>d2 !n %e becomes cruel & sangu9>y4 ,e sov]eign1 :o is ! protector ( "o sect or religi\s faction1 is commonly ! tyrant ( o!rs1 & becomes himself ! mo/ cruel di/urb] ( ! peace ( 8 dom9ions4 #adj4 ,x is incessantly repeat$1 & _m s5sible p]sons are induc$ to believe1 t religion is a re/ra9t necess>y to m52 t )\t x1 !re w\ld no long] exi/ ! lea/ *eck = ! vulg>2 & t morality & religion are intimately connect$ ) x4 ,! fe> ( ! ,"l1 cries ! prie/1 is ! beg9n+ ( wisdom4 ,! t]rors ( ano!r life are salut>y1 & are prop] to curb ! passions ( m54 ,to p]ceive ! inutility ( religi\s notions1 we h only to op5 our eyes & contemplate ! morals ( ^? nations1 :o are ! mo/ "u ! dom9ion ( religion4 ,we !re f9d pr\d tyrants1 oppressive m9i/]s1 p]fidi\s c\rti]s1 %ameless extortion]s1 corrupt magi/rates1 knaves1 adult]]s1 debau*ees1 pro/itutes1 ?ieves1 & rogues ( e k9d1 :o h nev] d\bt$ ei!r ! exi/5ce ( an av5g+ & rew>d+ ,god1 ! torm5ts ( hell1 or ! joys ( p>adise4 ,)\t ! lea/ utility to ! great] "p ( mank9d1 ! m9i/]s ( religion h /udi$ to r5d] dea? t]rible to ! eyes ( _! foll[]s4 ,if dev\t ,*ri/ians c\ld b be consi/5t1 !y w\ld pass _! :ole life 9 te>s1 & die "u ! mo/ dreadful appreh5sions4 ,:at c be m t]rible ?an dea?1 to ! un=tunate :o are told1 t x is horrible to fall into ! h&s ( ! liv+ ,god2 t we mu/ "w out our salvation ) fe> & trembl+6 ,yet we are assur$1 t ! dea? ( ! ,*ri/ian is att5d$ ) inf9ite consolations1 ( :i* ! unbeliev] is depriv$4 ,! good ,*ri/ian1 x is said1 dies 9 ! firm hope ( an et]nal happ9ess :i* he has /riv$ to m]it4 ,b is n ?is firm assurance itself a presumption puni%able 9 ! eyes ( a sev]e ,god8 ,ought n ! greate/ sa9ts to be ignorant :e!r !y are wor?y ( love or hatr$8 ,ye ,prie/s6 :ile consol+ u ) ! hope ( ! joys ( p>adise2 h y !n _h ! advantage to see y\r names & ours inscrib$ 9 ! book ( life8 #ada4 ,to oppose ! passions & pres5t int]e/s ( m5 ! obscure notions ( a metaphysical1 inconceivable ,god1--! incr$ible puni%m5ts ( ano!r life1--or ! pleasures ( ! heav51 ( :i* nobody has ! lea/ idea1--is n ?is combat+ realities ) fictions8 ,m5 h nev] any b confus$ ideas ( _! ,god3 !y see him only 9 cl\ds4 ,!y nev] ?9k ( him :5 !y are desir\s to d evil3 :5ev] ambition1 =tune1 or pleasure allures !m1 ,god's ?reat5+s & promises are =gott54 ,9 ! ?+s ( ?is life1 !re is a degree ( c]ta9ty1 :i* ! mo/ lively fai? _c give to ! ?+s ( ano!r life4 ,e religion 0 orig9ally a curb inv5t$ by legislators1 :o wi%$ to e/abli% _! au?ority ov] ! m9ds ( rude nations4 ,l nurses :o fright5 *ildr5 to oblige !m to be quiet1 ! ambiti\s us$ ! "n ( ! gods to fright5 savages2 & _h rec\rse to t]ror 9 ord] to make !m support quietly ! yoke !y wi%$ to impose4 ,are !n ! bugbe>s ( infancy made = rip] age8 ,at ! age ( maturity1 no man long] believes !m1 or if he does1 !y excite little emotion 9 him1 & nev] alt] 8 conduct4 #adb4 ,almo/ e man fe>s :at he sees mu* m ?an :at he does n see2 he fe>s ! judgm5ts ( m5 ( :i* he feels ! effects1 m ?an ! judgm5ts ( ,god ( :om he has only fluctuat+ ideas4 ,! desire ( pleas+ ! _w1 ! =ce ( cu/om1 ! fe> ( ridicule1 & ( c5sure1 h m =ce ?an all religi\s op9ions4 ,does n ! soldi]1 ?r\gh fe> ( disgrace1 daily expose 8 life 9 battle1 ev5 at ! risk ( incurr+ et]nal damnation8 ,! mo/ religi\s p]sons h (t5 m respect = a v>let1 ?an = ,god4 ,a man :o firmly believes1 t ,god sees e ?+1 & t he is omnisci5t & omnipres5t1 w be guilty1 :5 alone1 ( actions1 :i* he w\ld nev] d 9 pres5ce ( ! meane/ ( mortals4 ,^?1 :o pret5d to be ! mo/ fully conv9c$ ( ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 e mom5t act z if !y believ$ ! contr>y4 #adc4 ,let u1 at lea/1 x w be said1 *]i% ! idea ( a ,god1 :i* alone may s]ve z a b>ri] to ! passions ( k+s4 ,b1 c we s9c]ely admire ! wond]ful effects1 :i* ! fe> ( ?is ,god g5]ally produces ^u ! m9ds ( pr9ces1 :o are call$ 8 images8 ,:at idea %all we =m ( ! orig9al1 if we judge ( x by ! copies6 ,sov]eigns1 x is true1 call !mselves ! repres5tatives ( ,god1 8 viceg]5ts ^u e>?4 ,b does ! fe> ( a ma/]1 m p[]ful ?an !y are1 incl9e !m s]i\sly to /udy ! welf>e ( ! nations1 :om ,provid5ce has intru/$ to _! c>e8 ,does ! pret5d$ t]ror1 :i* ought to be inspir$ into !m by ! idea ( an invisible judge1 to :om alone !y ackn[l$ge !mselves acc\ntable = _! actions1 r5d] !m m equitable1 m compassionate1 m sp>+ ( blood & treasure ( _! subjects1 m temp]ate 9 _! pleasures1 m att5tive to _! duties8 ,9 f9e1 does ?is ,god1 by ^: au?ority k+s reign1 det] !m f inflict+ a ?\s& evils ^u ! p to :om !y ought to act z guides1 protectors1 & fa!rs8 ,alas6 ,if we survey ! :ole e>?1 we %all see m5 almo/ e :]e gov]n$ by tyrants1 :o use religion m]ely z an in/rum5t to r5d] m /upid ! slaves1 :om !y ov]:elm "u ! weight ( _! vices1 or :om !y sacrifice )\t m]cy to _! extravagancies4 ,f> f be+ a *eck ^u ! passions ( k+s1 ,religion1 by its v pr9ciples1 frees !m f all re/ra9t4 ,x trans=ms !m into div9ities1 ^: caprice ! p are nev] p]mitt$ to resi/4 ,:ile x gives up ! re9s to pr9ces1 & on _! "p breaks ! bonds ( ! social compact1 x endeav\rs to *a9 ! m9ds & h&s ( _! oppress$ subjects4 ,is x !n surpris+1 t ! gods ( ! e>? imag9e e ?+ lawful = !m1 & reg>d _! subjects only z in/rum5ts ( _! caprice or ambition8 ,9 e c\ntry1 ,religion has repres5t$ ! ,mon>* ( nature z a cruel1 fanta/ical1 p>tial tyrant1 ^: caprice is law2 ! ,mon>* ,god1 is b too fai?fully imitat$ by 8 repres5tatives ^u e>?4 ,religion seems e :]e inv5t$ solely to lull ! p 9 ! lap ( slav]y1 9 ord] t _! ma/]s may easily oppress !m1 or r5d] !m wret*$ ) impunity4 #add4 ,to gu>d aga9/ ! ent]prises ( a haughty pontiff :o wi%$ to reign ov] k+s1 to %elt] _! p]sons f ! attempts ( cr$ul\s nations excit$ by ! prie/s1 sev]al ,european pr9ces h pret5d$ to hold _! cr[ns & rights f ,god alone1 & to be acc\ntable only to him = _! actions4 ,aft] a long conte/ betwe5 ! civil & spiritual p[]1 ! =m] at l5g? triumph$2 & ! prie/s1 =c$ to yield1 ackn[l$g$ ! div9e "r ( k+s & prea*$ !m to ! p1 res]v+ ! lib]ty ( *ang+ _! m9ds & ( prea*+ revolt1 :5ev] ! div9e rights ( k+s cla%$ ) ! div9e rights ( ! cl]gy4 ,x 0 always at ! exp5se ( nations1 t peace 0 conclud$ betwe5 k+s & prie/s2 b ! latt]1 9 spite ( treaties1 always pres]v$ _! pret5sions4 ,tyrants & wick$ pr9ces1 ^: consci5ces cont9ually reproa* !m ) neglig5ce or p]v]sity1 f> f fe>+ _! ,god1 _h r deal ) ?is invisible judge :o nev] opposes any ?+1 or ) 8 prie/s :o are always condesc5d+ to ! rul]s ( ! e>?1 ?an ) _! own subjects4 ,! p1 r$uc$ to despair1 might probably appeal f ! div9e "r ( _! *iefs4 ,m5 :5 oppress$ to ! la/ degree1 sometimes become turbul5t2 & ! div9e rights ( ! tyrant are !n =c$ to yield to ! natural rights ( ! subjects4 ,x is *eap] deal+ ) gods ?an m54 ,k+s are acc\ntable = _! actions to ,god alone2 prie/s are acc\ntable only to !mselves4 ,!re is mu* reason to believe1 t bo? are m confid5t ( ! indulg5ce ( heav51 ?an ( t ( e>?4 ,x is mu* easi] to escape ! v5geance ( gods :o may be *eaply appeas$1 ?an ! v5geance ( m5 ^: pati5ce is exhau/$4 ,if y remove ! fe> ( an invisible p[]1 :at re/ra9t w y impose ^u ! passions ( sov]eigns8 ,let !m le>n to reign2 let !m le>n to be j2 to respect ! rights if ! p2 & to ackn[l$ge ! k9dness ( ! nations1 f :om !y hold _! greatness & p[]4 ,let !m le>n to fe> m51 & to submit to ! laws ( equity4 ,let nobody transgress ^! laws ) impunity2 & let !m be equally b9d+ ^u ! p[]ful & ! weak1 ! great & ! small1 ! sov]eign & ! subjects4 ,! fe> ( gods1 ,religion1 & ! t]rors ( ano!r life1 are ! metaphysical & sup]natural bulw>ks1 oppos$ to ! impetu\s passions ( pr9ces6 ,are ^! bulw>ks effectual8 ,let exp]i5ce resolve ! "q4 ,to oppose ,religion to ! wick$ness ( tyrants1 is to wi%1 t vague1 unc]ta91 un9telligible speculations may be /rong] ?an prop5sities :i* e ?+ conspires daily to /r5g!n4 #ade4 ,! imm5se s]vice ( religion to politics is incessantly boa/$2 b1 a little reflection w conv9ce u1 t religi\s op9ions equally bl9d bo? sov]eigns & p1 & nev] enlight5 !m ^u _! true duties or int]e/s4 ,religion b too (t5 =ms lic5ti\s1 immoral despots1 obey$ by slaves1 :om e ?+ obliges to con=m to _! views4 ,= want ( hav+ /udi$ or kn[n ! true pr9ciples ( adm9i/ration1 ! objects & rights ( social life1 ! real int]e/s ( m5 & _! reciprocal duties1 pr9ces1 9 almo/ e c\ntry1 h become lic5ti\s1 absolute1 & p]v]se2 & _! subjects abject1 wick$1 & unhappy4 ,x 0 to avoid ! tr\ble ( /udy+ ^! important objects1 t rec\rse 0 _h to *im]as1 :i*1 f> f rem$y+ any ?+1 h hi!rto only multipli$ ! evils ( mank9d1 & div]t$ !m f :atev] is mo/ ess5tial to _! happ9ess4 ,does n ! unju/ & cruel mann] 9 :i* s _m nations are gov]n$1 manife/ly furni% "o ( ! /ronge/ pro(s1 n only ( ! small effect produc$ by ! fe> ( ano!r life1 b also ( ! non-exi/5ce ( a ,provid5ce1 busi$ ) ! fate ( ! human race8 ,if !re exi/$ a good ,god1 %\ld we n be =c$ to admit1 t 9 ?is life he /rangely neglects ! great] "p ( mank9d8 ,x w\ld seem1 t ?is ,god has creat$ nations only to be ! sport ( ! passions & follies ( 8 repres5tatives ^u e>?4 #adf4 ,by read+ hi/ory ) att5tion1 we %all p]ceive t ,*ri/ianity1 at fir/ weak & s]vile1 e/abli%$ itself among ! savage & free nations ( ,europe only intimat+ to _! *iefs1 t its religi\s pr9ciples fav\r$ despotism & r5d]$ !m absolute4 ,consequ5tly1 we see b>b>\s pr9ces sudd5ly conv]t$2 t is1 we see !m adopt1 )\t exam9ation1 a sy/em s fav\rable to _! ambition1 & use e art to induce _! subjects to embrace x4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ?is religion h s9ce (t5 d]ogat$ f _! fav\rite pr9ciples1 x is because ! !ory influ5ces ! conduct ( ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l1 only :5 x suits _! temporal int]e/s4 ,*ri/ianity boa/s ( procur+ m5 a happ9ess unkn[n to prec$+ ages4 ,x is true1 ! ,greeks knew n ! div9e rights ( tyrants or ( ! usurp]s ( ! rights ( _! c\ntry4 ,"u paganism1 x nev] ent]$ ! head ( any man to suppose1 t x 0 aga9/ ! w ( heav5 = a nation to def5d !mselves aga9/ a f]oci\s bea/1 :o _h ! audacity to lay wa/e _! possessions4 ,! religion ( ! ,*ri/ians 0 ! fir/ t scre5$ tyrants f dang]1 by lay+ d[n z a pr9ciple t ! p mu/ r5\nce ! legitimate def5ce ( !mselves4 ,?us ,*ri/ian nations are depriv$ ( ! fir/ law ( nature1 :i* ord]s man to resi/ evil1 & to dis>m :oev] is prep>+ to de/roy him6 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ! *ur* h (t5 p]mitt$ ! p to revolt = ! int]e/ ( heav51 !y h nev] p]mitt$ !m to revolt = _! own deliv]ance f real evils or kn[n viol5ces4 ,f heav5 came ! *a9s1 t 7 us$ = fett]+ ! m9ds ( mortals4 ,:y is ! ,mahometan e :]e a slave8 ,because 8 prophet enslav$ him 9 ! "n ( ! ,deity1 z ,moses _h be=e subdu$ ! ,jews4 ,9 all p>ts ( ! e>?1 we see1 t ! fir/ legislators 7 ! fir/ sov]eigns & ! fir/ prie/s ( ! savages1 to :om !y gave laws4 ,religion seems inv5t$ solely to exalt pr9ces above _! nations1 & rivet ! fett]s ( slav]y4 ,z soon z ! p are too unhappy "h bel[1 prie/s are ready to sil5ce !m by ?reat5+ !m ) ! ang] ( ,god4 ,!y are made to fix _! eyes ^u heav51 le/ !y %\ld p]ceive ! true causes ( _! mis=tunes1 & apply ! rem$ies :i* nature pres5ts4 #adg4 ,by d9t ( repeat+ to m51 t ! e>? is n _! true c\ntry2 t ! pres5t life is only a passage2 t !y are n made to be happy 9 ?is _w2 t _! sov]eigns hold _! au?ority f ,god alone1 & are acc\ntable only to him = ! abuse ( x2 t x is n lawful to resi/ !m1 etc41 prie/s h et]niz$ ! misgov]nm5t ( k+s & ! mis]y ( ! p2 ! int]e/s ( nations h be5 basely sacrific$ to _! *iefs4 ,! m we consid] ! dogmas & pr9ciples ( religion1 ! m we %all be conv9c$1 t _! sole object is ! advantage ( tyrants & prie/s1 )\t reg>d to t ( societies4 ,to mask ! impot5ce ( its deaf gods1 religion has p]suad$ mortals1 t iniquities always k9dle ! wra? ( heav54 ,p impute to !mselves alone ! disa/]s t daily befal !m4 ,if nations sometimes feel ! /rokes ( convuls$ nature1 _! bad gov]nm5ts are b too (t5 ! imm$iate & p]man5t causes1 f :5ce proce$ ! cont9ual calamities :i* !y are =c$ to endure4 ,are n ! ambition1 neglig5ce1 vices1 & oppressions ( k+s & nobles1 g5]ally ! causes ( sc>city1 begg>y1 w>s1 pe/il5ces1 corrupt morals1 & all ! multipli$ sc\rges :i* desolate ! e>?8 ,9 fix+ m5's eyes cont9ually ^u heav52 9 p]suad+ !m1 t all _! mis=tunes are effects ( div9e ang]2 9 provid+ none b ineffectual & futile means to put an end to _! suff]+s1 we might ju/ly conclude1 t ! only object ( prie/s 0 to div]t nations f ?9k+ ab\t ! true s\rces ( _! mis]y1 & ?us to r5d] x et]nal4 ,! m9i/]s ( religion conduct !mselves almo/ l ^? indig5t mo!rs1 :o1 = want ( bread1 s+ _! />v$ *ildr5 to sleep1 or give !m play?+s to div]t _! ?\ghts f afflict+ hung]4 ,bl9d$ by error f _! v infancy1 re/ra9$ by ! invisible bonds ( op9ion1 ov]come by panic t]rors1 _! faculties blunt$ by ignorance1 h[ %\ld ! p "k ! true causes ( _! wret*$ness8 ,!y imag9e t !y c av]t x by invok+ ! gods4 ,alas6 d !y n see1 t x is1 9 ! "n ( ^! gods1 t !y are ord]$ to pres5t _! ?roats to ! sword ( _! m]ciless tyrants1 9 :om !y might f9d ! obvi\s cause ( ! evils "u :i* !y groan1 & = :om !y cease n to implore1 9 va91 ! assi/ance ( heav58 ,ye cr$ul\s p6 ,9 y\r mis=tunes1 r$\ble y\r pray]s1 (f]+s1 & sacrifices2 ?rong to y\r temples2 fa/ 9 sack-clo? & a%es2 ba! y\rselves 9 y\r own te>s2 & above all1 completely ru9 y\rselves to enri* y\r gods6 ,y w only enri* _! prie/s4 ,! gods ( heav5 w be propiti\s1 only :5 ! gods ( ! e>? %all ackn[l$ge !mselves1 m51 l y1 & %all devote to y\r welf>e ! att5tion y des]ve4 #adh4 ,neglig5t1 ambiti\s1 & p]v]se ,pr9ces are ! real causes ( public mis=tunes4 ,useless1 unju/ ,w>s depopulate ! e>?4 ,encroa*+ & despotic ,gov]nm5ts absorb ! b5efits ( nature4 ,! rapacity ( ,c\rts disc\rages agriculture1 ext+ui%es indu/ry1 produces want1 pe/il5ce & mis]y4 ,heav5 is nei!r cruel nor propiti\s to ! pray]s ( ! p2 x is _! pr\d *iefs1 :o h almo/ always he>ts ( /one4 ,x is de/ructive to ! morals ( pr9ces1 to p]suade !m t !y h ,god alone to fe>1 :5 !y injure _! subjects1 or neglect _! happ9ess4 ,sov]eigns6 ,x is n ! gods1 b y\r p1 t y (f5d1 :5 y d evil4 ,x is y\r p & y\rselves t y injure1 :5 y gov]n unju/ly4 ,9 hi/ory1 no?+ is m common ?an to see ,religi\s ,tyrants2 no?+ m r>e ?an to f9d equitable1 vigilant1 enlight5$ pr9ces4 ,a mon>* may be pi\s1 punctual 9 a s]vile dis*>ge ( ! duties ( 8 religion1 v submissive & lib]al to 8 prie/s1 & yet at ! same "t be de/itute ( e virtue & tal5t necess>y = gov]n+4 ,to pr9ces1 ,religion is only an in/rum5t de/9$ to keep ! p m completely "u ! yoke4 ,by ! excell5t pr9ciples ( religi\s morality1 a tyrant :o1 dur+ a long reign1 has done no?+ b oppress 8 subjects1 wre/+1 f !m ! fruits ( _! lab\r1 sacrific+ !m )\t m]cy to 8 insatiable ambition1--a conqu]or1 :o has usurp$ ! prov9ces ( o!rs1 slaught]$ :ole nations1 & :o1 dur+ 8 :ole life1 has be5 a sc\rge to mank9d1--imag9es 8 consci5ce may re/1 :51 to expiate s _m crimes1 he has wept at ! feet ( a prie/1 :o g5]ally has ! base complaisance to console & enc\rage a robb]1 :om ! mo/ hide\s despair w\ld too lightly puni% = ! mis]y he has caus$ ^u e>?4 #adi4 ,a sov]eign1 s9c]ely dev\t1 is commonly dang]\s to ! /ate4 ,cr$ulity always supposes a contract$ m9d2 devotion g5]ally absorbs ! att5tion1 :i* a pr9ce %\ld pay to ! gov]nm5t ( 8 p4 ,obsequi\s to ! sugge/ions ( 8 prie/s1 he becomes ! sport ( _! caprices1 ! fav\r] ( _! qu>rels1 & ! in/rum5t & accomplice ( _! follies1 :i* he imag9es to be ( ! greate/ importance4 ,among ! mo/ fatal pres5ts1 :i* religion has made ! _w1 ought to be reckon$ ^? dev\t & zeal\s mon>*s1 :o1 "u an idea ( work+ = ! welf>e ( _! subjects1 h made x a sacr$ duty to torm5t1 p]secute1 & de/roy ^?1 :o ?\ght diff]5tly f !mselves4 ,a bigot1 at ! head ( an empire1 is "o ( ! greate/ sc\rges4 ,a s+le fanatical or knavi% prie/1 li/5$ to by a cr$ul\s & p[]ful pr9ce1 suffices to put a /ate 9 disord]4 ,9 almo/ all c\ntries1 prie/s & pi\s p]sons are intru/$ ) =m+ ! m9ds & he>ts ( "y pr9ces1 de/9$ to gov]n nations4 ,:at qualifications h in/ructors ( ?is /amp6 ,by :at int]e/s c !y be animat$8 ,full ( prejudices !mselves1 !y w tea* _! pupil to reg>d sup]/ition1 z mo/ important & sacr$2 its *im]ical duties1 z mo/ indisp5sable1 intol]ance & p]secution1 z ! true f\ndation ( 8 future au?ority4 ,!y w endeav\r to make him a p>ty lead]1 a turbul5t fanatic1 a tyrant2 !y w e>ly /ifle 8 reason1 & =ew>n him aga9/ ! use ( x2 !y w prev5t tru? f rea*+ 8 e>s2 !y w exasp]ate him aga9/ true tal5ts1 & prejudice him 9 fav\r ( contemptible ones2 9 %ort1 !y w make him a weak devotee1 :o w h no idea ei!r ( ju/ice or inju/ice1 nor ( true glory1 nor ( true greatness1 & :o w be de/itute ( ! k & virtues necess>y to ! gov]nm5t ( a great nation4 ,su* is ! plan ( ! education ( a *ild1 de/9$ "o day to create ! happ9ess or mis]y ( millions ( m56 #aej4 ,prie/s h ev] %ewn !mselves ! fri5ds ( despotism1 & ! enemies ( public lib]ty3 _! trade requires abject & submissive slaves1 :o h nev] ! audacity to reason4 ,9 an absolute gov]nm5t1 :o ev] ga9s an asc5dancy ov] ! m9d ( a weak & /upid pr9ce1 becomes ma/] ( ! /ate4 ,in/ead ( conduct+ ! p to salvation1 prie/s h always conduct$ !m to s]vitude4 ,9 consid]ation ( ! sup]natural titles1 :i* religion has =g$ = ! wor/ ( pr9ces1 ! latt] h commonly unit$ ) prie/s1 :o1 sure ( gov]n+ by op9ion ! sov]eign himself1 h und]tak5 to b9d ! h&s ( ! p & to hold !m "u ! yoke4 ,b ! tyrant1 cov]$ ) ! %ield ( religion1 9 va9 flatt]s himself t he is secure f e /roke ( fate2 op9ion is a weak ramp>t aga9/ ! despair ( ! p4 ,besides1 ! prie/ is a fri5d ( ! tyrant only :ile he f9ds 8 acc\nt 9 tyranny2 he prea*es s$ition1 & demoli%es ! idol he has made1 :5 he f9ds x no long] suffici5tly con=mable to ! int]e/ ( ,god1 :om he makes to speak at 8 w1 & :o nev] speaks except accord+ to 8 int]e/s4 ,x w no d\bt be said1 t sov]eigns1 kn[+ all ! advantages :i* religion procures !m1 are truly int]e/$ 9 support+ x ) all _! /r5g?4 ,if religi\s op9ions are useful to tyrants1 x is v evid5t1 t !y are useful to ^?1 :o gov]n by ! laws ( reason & equity4 ,is !re !n any advantage 9 ex]cis+ tyranny8 ,are pr9ces truly int]e/$ 9 be+ tyrants8 ,does n tyranny deprive !m ( true p[]1 ( ! love ( ! p1 & ( all safety8 ,ought n e reasonable pr9ce to p]ceive1 t ! despot is a madman1 & an enemy to himself8 ,%\ld n e enlight5$ pr9ce bew>e ( flatt]]s1 ^: object is to lull him to sleep ^u ! br9k ( ! precipice :i* !y =m b5ea? him8 #aea4 ,if sac]dotal flatt]ies succe$ 9 p]v]t+ pr9ces & mak+ !m tyrants2 tyrants1 on _! "p1 necess>ily corrupt bo? ! great & ! humble4 ,"u an unju/ rul]1 void ( goodness & virtue1 :o kn[s no law b 8 caprice1 a nation mu/ necess>ily be deprav$4 ,w ?is rul] wi% to h1 ab\t 8 p]son1 hone/1 enlight5$1 & virtu\s m58 ,no4 ,he wants none b flatt]]s1 approv]s1 imitators1 slaves1 base & s]vile s\ls1 :o con=m !mselves to 8 incl9ations4 ,8 c\rt w propagate ! contagion ( vice among ! l[] ranks4 ,all w gradually become corrupt$ 9 a /ate1 ^: *ief is corrupt4 ,x 0 long s9ce said1 t ,pr9ces seem to comm& o!rs to d :atev] !y d !mselves4 ,religion1 f> f be+ a re/ra9t ^u sov]eigns1 enables !m to indulge )\t fe> or remorse1 9 acts ( lic5ti\sness z injuri\s to !mselves1 z to ! nations :om !y gov]n4 ,x is nev] ) impunity1 t m5 are deceiv$4 ,tell a sov]eign1 t he is a god2 he w v soon believe t he owes no?+ to any "o4 ,provid$ he is fe>$1 he w c>e v little ab\t be+ lov$3 he w obs]ve nei!r rules1 nor relations ) 8 subjects1 nor duties t[>ds !m4 ,tell ?is pr9ce1 t he is acc\ntable = 8 actions to ,god alone1 & he w soon act z if he 7 acc\ntable to no "o4 #aeb4 ,an enlight5$ sov]eign is he1 :o kn[s 8 true int]e/s2 :o kn[s1 t !y are connect$ ) ! int]e/s ( 8 nation2 t a pr9ce _c be great1 p[]ful1 belov$1 or respect$1 :ile he comm&s only unhappy slaves2 t equity1 b5efic5ce1 & vigilance w give him m real au?ority ov] 8 p1 ?an ! fabul\s titles1 said to be d]iv$ f heav54 ,he w see1 t ,religion is useful only to prie/s1 t x is useless to society & (t5 tr\bles x1 & t x ought to be re/ra9$ 9 ord] to be prev5t$ f do+ injury4 ,f9ally1 he w p]ceive1 t1 to reign ) glory1 he mu/ h good laws & inculcate virtue1 & n f\nd 8 p[] ^u impo/ures & fallacies4 #aec4 ,! m9i/]s ( religion h tak5 great c>e to make ( _! ,god1 a =midable1 caprici\s1 & fickle tyrant4 ,su* a ,god 0 necess>y to _! v>iable int]e/s4 ,a ,god1 :o %\ld be j & good1 )\t mixture ( caprice or p]v]sity2 a ,god1 :o _h con/antly ! qualities ( an hone/ man1 or ( a k9d sov]eign1 w\ld by no means suit 8 m9i/]s4 ,x is useful to prie/s1 t m5 %\ld tremble be=e _! ,god1 9 ord] t !y may apply to !m to obta9 relief f _! fe>s4 ,no man is a h]o be=e 8 valet de *ambre4 ,x is n surpris+1 t a ,god1 dress$ up by 8 prie/s s z to be t]rible to o!rs1 %\ld r>ely impose ^u !m1 or %\ld h b v little influ5ce ^u _! conduct4 ,h5ce1 9 e c\ntry1 _! conduct is v mu* ! same4 ,"u pretext ( ! glory ( _! ,god1 !y e :]e prey ^u ignorance1 degrade ! m9d1 disc\rage indu/ry1 & s[ discord4 ,ambition & av>ice h at all times be5 ! rul+ passions ( ! prie/hood4 ,! prie/ e :]e rises sup]ior to sov]eigns & laws2 we see him e :]e occupi$ ) ! int]e/s ( 8 pride1 ( 8 cupidity1 & ( 8 despotic1 rev5geful hum\r4 ,9 ! room ( useful & social virtues1 he ev]y:]e sub/itutes expiations1 sacrifices1 c]emonies1 my/]i\s practices1 9 a ^w1 inv5tions lucrative to himself & ru9\s to o!rs4 ,! m9d is conf\nd$ & ! reason is amaz$ ^u view+ ! ridicul\s cu/oms & pitiful means1 :i* ! m9i/]s ( ! gods h inv5t$ 9 e c\ntry to purify s\ls1 & r5d] heav5 fav\rable4 ,"h !y cut (f "p ( a *ild's prepuce1 to secure = him div9e b5evol5ce2 !re1 !y p\r wat] ^u 8 head1 to cleanse him ( crimes1 :i* he c\ld n z yet h committ$4 ,9 "o place1 !y comm& him to plunge into a riv]1 ^: wat]s h ! p[] ( wa%+ away all /a9s2 9 ano!r1 he is =bidd5 to eat c]ta9 food1 ! use ( :i* w n fail to excite ! cele/ial wra?2 9 o!r c\ntries1 !y enjo9 ^u s9ful man to come p]iodically & confess 8 faults to a prie/1 :o is (t5 a great] s9n] ?an himself1 etc41 etc41 etc4 #aed4 ,:at %\ld we say ( a set ( empirics1 :o1 resort+ e day to a public place1 %\ld extol ! goodness ( _! rem$ies1 & v5d !m z infallible1 :ile !y !mselves 7 full ( ! infirmities1 :i* !y pret5d to cure8 ,%\ld we h mu* confid5ce 9 ! recipes ( ^! quacks1 ?\gh !y /un u ) cry+1 take our rem$ies1 _! effects are infallible2 !y cure e body2 except u4 ,:at %\ld we aft]w>ds ?9k1 %\ld ^? quacks sp5d _! lives 9 compla9+1 t _! rem$ies nev] produc$ ! desir$ effect ^u ! sick1 :o take !m8 ,9 f9e1 :at idea %\ld we =m ( ! /upidity ( ! vulg>1 :o1 not)/&+ ^! confessions1 %\ld n cease to pay de>ly = rem$ies1 ! inefficacy ( :i* e ?+ t5ds to prove8 ,prie/s resemble ^! al*ymi/s1 :o boldly tell u1 !y h ! secret ( mak+ gold1 :ile !y h sc>cely clo!s to cov] _! nak$ness4 ,! m9i/]s ( religion incessantly declaim aga9/ ! corruption ( ! age1 & l\dly compla9 ( ! little effect ( _! lessons1 :ile at ! same "t !y assure u1 t religion is ! univ]sal rem$y1 ! true panacea aga9/ ! wick$ness ( mank9d4 ,^! prie/s are v sick !mselves1 yet m5 cont9ue to frequ5t _! %ops1 & to h fai? 9 _! div9e antidotes1 :i*1 by _! own confession1 nev] effect a cure6 #aee4 ,religion1 especially ) ! mod]ns1 has tri$ to id5tify itself ) ,morality1 ! pr9ciples ( :i* x has !reby totally obscur$4 ,x has r5d]$ m5 unsociable by duty1 & =c$ !m to be inhuman to ev]yone :o ?\ght diff]5tly f !mselves4 ,!ological disputes1 equally un9telligible to ea* ( ! enrag$ p>ties1 h %ak5 empires1 caus$ revolutions1 be5 fatal to sov]eigns1 & desolat$ all ,europe4 ,^! contemptible qu>rels h n be5 ext+ui%$ ev5 9 riv]s ( blood4 ,s9ce ! ext9ction ( paganism1 ! p h made x a religi\s pr9ciple to become outrage\s1 :5ev] any op9ion is advanc$ :i* _! prie/s ?9k contr>y to s\nd doctr9e4 ,! sect>ies ( a religion1 :i* prea*es1 9 appe>ance1 no?+ b *>ity1 concord1 & peace1 h prov$ !mselves m f]oci\s ?an cannibals or savages1 :5ev] _! div9es excit$ !m to de/roy _! bre?r54 ,!re is no crime1 :i* m5 h n committ$ "u ! idea ( pleas+ ! ,div9ity1 or appeas+ 8 wra?4 ,! idea ( a t]rible ,god1 :om we pa9t to ourselves z a despot1 mu/ necess>ily r5d] 8 subjects wick$4 ,fe> makes only slaves1 & slaves are c[>dly1 base1 cruel1 & ?9k e ?+ lawful1 9 ord] to ga9 ! fav\r or escape ! *a/isem5ts ( ! ma/] :om !y fe>4 ,lib]ty ( ?9k+ alone c give m5 humanity & greatness ( s\l4 ,! notion ( a tyrant-god t5ds only to make !m abject1 morose1 qu>relsome1 intol]ant slaves4 ,e religion1 :i* supposes a ,god easily provok$1 jeal\s1 rev5geful1 punctili\s ab\t 8 rights or ! etiquette ) :i* he is treat$2--a ,god little en\gh to be hurt by ! op9ions :i* m5 c =m ( him2--a ,god unju/ en\gh to require t we h uni=m notions ( 8 conduct2 a religion :i* supposes su* a ,god necess>ily becomes re/less1 unsociable1 & sangu9>y2 ! wor%ipp]s ( su* a ,god w\ld nev] ?9k1 t !y c\ld1 )\t (f5ce1 =be> hat+ & ev5 de/roy+ e "o1 :o is po9t$ out to !m1 z an adv]s>y ( ?is ,god2 !y w\ld ?9k1 t x w\ld be to betray ! cause ( _! cele/ial ,mon>*1 to live 9 fri5dly int]c\rse ) rebelli\s fell[-citiz5s4 ,if we love :at ,god hates1 d we n expose ourselves to 8 implacable hatr$8 ,infam\s p]secutors1 & dev\t m5-hat]s6 ,w y nev] disc]n ! folly & inju/ice ( y\r intol]ant disposition8 ,d y n see1 t man is no m ma/] ( 8 religi\s op9ions1 8 belief or unbelief1 ?an ( ! language1 :i* he le>ns f infancy8 ,to puni% a man = 8 errors1 is x n to puni% him = hav+ be5 educat$ diff]5tly f y8 ,if ,i am an unbeliev]1 is x possible = me to bani% f my m9d ! reasons t h %ak5 my fai?8 ,if y\r ,god gives m5 leave to be damn$1 :at h y to m$dle )8 ,are y m prud5t & wise1 ?an ?is ,god1 ^: rights y w\ld av5ge8 #aef4 ,!re is no devotee1 :o does n1 accord+ to 8 temp]am5t1 hate1 despise1 or pity ! adh]5ts ( a sect1 diff]5t f 8 own4 ,! e/abli%$ religion1 :i* is nev] any o!r ?an t ( ! sov]eign & ! armies1 always makes its sup]iority felt 9 a v cruel & injuri\s mann] by ! weak] sects4 ,z yet !re is no true tol]ation ^u e>?2 m5 e :]e adore a jeal\s ,god1 ( :om ea* nation believes itself ! fri5d1 to ! exclusion ( all o!rs4 ,e sect boa/s ( ador+ alone ! true ,god1 ! univ]sal ,god1 ! ,sov]eign ( all nature4 ,b :5 we come to exam9e ?is ,mon>* ( ! _w1 we f9d t e society1 sect1 p>ty1 or religi\s cabal1 makes ( ?is p[]ful ,god only a pitiful sov]eign1 ^: c>e & goodness ext5d only to a small numb] ( 8 subjects1 :o pret5d t !y alone h ! happ9ess to enjoy 8 fav\rs1 & t he is n at all conc]n$ ab\t ! o!rs4 ,! f\nd]s ( religions1 & ! prie/s :o support !m1 evid5tly propos$ to sep>ate ! nations1 :om !y taught1 f ! o!r nations2 !y wi%$ to sep>ate _! own flock by di/+ui%+ m>ks2 !y gave _! foll[]s gods1 :o 7 ho/ile to ! o!r gods2 !y taught !m modes ( wor%ip1 dogmas & c]emonies ap>t2 & above all1 !y p]suad$ !m1 t ! religion ( o!rs 0 impi\s & abom9able4 ,by ?is unwor?y artifice1 ! ambiti\s knaves e/abli%$1 _! usurpation ov] ! m9ds ( _! foll[]s1 r5d]$ !m unsociable1 & made !m reg>d ) an evil eye all p]sons :o _h n ! same mode ( wor%ip & ! same ideas z !y _h4 ,?us x is1 t ,religion has %ut up ! he>t & = ev] bani%$ f x ! affection t man ought to h = 8 fell[-creature4 ,sociability1 indulg5ce1 humanity1 ^? fir/ virtues ( all morality1 are totally incompatible ) religi\s prejudices4 #aeg4 ,e national religion is calculat$ to make man va91 unsociable1 & wick$2 ! fir/ /ep t[>ds humanity is to p]mit e "o peaceably to embrace ! mode ( wor%ip & op9ions1 :i* he judges to be "r4 ,b ?is conduct _c be pleas+ to ! m9i/]s ( religion1 :o wi% to h ! "r ( tyranniz+ ov] m5 ev5 9 _! ?\ghts4 ,bl9d & bigot$ pr9ces6 ,y hate & p]secute h]etics1 & ord] !m to execution1 because y are told1 t ^! wret*es displease ,god4 ,b d y n say1 t y\r ,god is full ( goodness8 ,h[ !n c y expect to please him by acts ( b>b>ity1 :i* he mu/ necess>ily disapprove8 ,besides1 :o has in=m$ y1 t _! op9ions displease y\r ,god8 ,y\r prie/s8 ,b1 :o assures y1 t y\r prie/s are n !mselves deceiv$ or wi% to deceive y8 ,! same prie/s8 ,pr9ces6 ,x is !n ^u ! haz>d\s ^w ( y\r prie/s1 t y commit ! mo/ atroci\s crimes1 "u ! idea ( pleas+ ! ,div9ity6 #aeh4 ,pascal says1 t man nev] does evil s fully & *e]fully1 z :5 he acts f a false pr9ciple ( consci5ce4 ,no?+ is m dang]\s ?an a religion1 :i* lets loose ! f]ocity ( ! multitude1 & ju/ifies _! blacke/ crimes4 ,!y w set no b\nds to _! wick$ness1 :5 !y ?9k x au?oriz$ by _! ,god1 ^: int]e/s1 !y are told1 c make e action legitimate4 ,is religion 9 dang]8--! mo/ civiliz$ p imm$iately becomes true savages1 & ?9k no?+ =bidd54 ,! m cruel !y are1 ! m agreeable !y suppose !y are to _! ,god1 ^: cause !y imag9e _c be support$ ) too mu* w>m?4 ,all religions h au?oriz$ innum]able crimes4 ,! ,jews1 intoxicat$ ) ! promises ( _! ,god1 arrogat$ ! rights ( ext]m9at+ :ole nations4 ,rely+ on ! oracles ( _! ,god1 ! ,romans conqu]$ & ravag$ ! _w4 ,! ,arabians1 enc\rag$ by _! div9e prophet1 c>ri$ fire & sword among ! ,*ri/ians & ! idolat]s4 ,! ,,*ri/ians1 "u pretext ( ext5d+ _! holy religion1 h (t5 delug$ bo? hemisph]es 9 blood4 ,9 all ev5ts fav\rable to _! own int]e/1 :i* !y always call ! cause ( ,god1 prie/s %[ u ! f+] ( ,god4 ,accord+ to ^! pr9ciples1 ! dev\t h ! happ9ess to see ! f+] ( ,god 9 revolts1 revolutions1 massacres1 regicides1 crimes1 pro/itutions1 horrors2 &1 if ^! ?+s contribute ev] s little to ! triumph ( religion1 we are told1 t ,god uses all sorts ( means to atta9 8 ends4 ,is any ?+ m capable ( effac+ e idea ( morality f ! m9ds ( m51 ?an to in=m !m1 t _! ,god1 s p[]ful & p]fect1 is (t5 =c$ to make use ( crim9al actions 9 ord] to accompli% 8 designs8 #aei4 ,no soon] d we compla9 ( ! extravagancies & evils1 :i* ,religion has s (t5 caus$ ^u ! e>?1 ?an we are rem9d$1 t ^! excesses are n ow+ to ,religion2 b t !y are ! sad effects ( ! passions ( m54 ,b ,i w\ld ask1 :at has let loose ^! passions8 ,x is evid5tly ,religion2 x is zeal1 t r5d]s m5 inhuman1 & s]ves to conceal ! greate/ atrocities4 ,d n ^! disord]s !n prove1 t religion1 f> f re/ra9+ ! passions ( m51 only cov]s !m ) a veil1 :i* sanctifies !m1 & t no?+ w\ld be m useful1 ?an to te> away ?is sacr$ veil ( :i* m5 (t5 make su* a t]rible use8 ,:at horrors w\ld be bani%$ f society1 if ! wick$ 7 depriv$ ( s plausible a pretext = di/urb+ x6 ,in/ead ( be+ angels ( peace among m51 prie/s h be5 demons ( discord4 ,!y h pret5d$ to receive f heav5 ! "r ( be+ qu>relsome1 turbul5t1 & rebelli\s4 ,d n ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l ?9k !mselves aggriev$1 & pret5d t ! div9e ,maje/y is (f5d$1 :5ev] sov]eigns h ! tem]ity to prev5t !m f do+ evil8 ,prie/s are l ! spiteful woman :o cri$ fire6 murd]6 assass9ation6 :ile h] husb& held h] h&s to prev5t h] f /rik+ him4 #afj4 ,not)/&+ ! bloody trag$ies1 :i* ,religion (t5 acts1 x is insi/$1 t1 )\t ,religion1 !re c be no ,morality4 ,if we judge !ological op9ions by _! effects1 we may confid5tly ass]t1 t all ,morality is p]fectly incompatible ) m5's religi\s op9ions4 ,imitate ,god1 exclaim ! pi\s4 ,b1 :at w\ld be our ,morality1 %\ld we imitate ?is ,god6 & :at ,god ought we to imitate8 ,! ,god ( ! ,dei/8 ,b ev5 ?is ,god _c s]ve u z a v con/ant model ( goodness4 ,if he is ! au?or ( all ?+s1 he is ! au?or bo? ( good & evil4 ,if he is ! au?or ( ord]1 he is also ! au?or ( disord]1 :i* c\ld n take place )\t 8 p]mission4 ,if he produces1 he de/roys2 if he gives life1 he takes x away2 if he grants abundance1 ri*es1 prosp]ity1 & peace1 he p]mits or s5ds sc>city1 pov]ty1 calamities1 & w>s4 ,h[ !n c we receive z a model ( p]man5t b5efic5ce1 ! ,god ( ,deism or natural religion1 ^: fav\rable dispositions are e in/ant contradict$ by all ! effects we behold8 ,morality mu/ h a basis less tott]+ ?an ! example ( a ,god1 ^: conduct v>ies1 & :o _c be call$ good1 unless we ob/9ately %ut our eyes aga9/ ! evil :i* he causes or p]mits 9 ?is _w4 ,%all we imitate ! b5efic5t1 mighty ,jupit] ( hea!n antiquity8 ,to imitate su* a god1 is to admit z a model1 a rebelli\s son1 :o ravi%es ! ?rone f 8 fa!r4 ,x is to imitate a debau*ee1 an adult]]1 "o guilty ( ince/ & ( base passions1 at ^: conduct e reasonable mortal w\ld blu%4 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! condition ( m5 "u paganism1 _h !y imag9$1 l ,plato1 t virtue consi/$ 9 imitat+ ! gods6 ,mu/ we imitate ! ,god ( ! ,jews6 ,%all we f9d 9 ,jehovah a model = our conduct8 ,?is is a truly savage god1 made = a /upid1 cruel1 & immoral p2 he is always furi\s1 brea!s no?+ b v5geance1 comm&s c>nage1 !ft1 & unsociability4 ,! conduct ( ?is god _c s]ve z a model to t ( an hone/ man1 & c be imitat$ only by a *ief ( robb]s4 ,%all we !n imitate ! ,jesus ( ! ,*ri/ians8 ,does ?is ,god1 :o di$ to appease ! implacable fury ( 8 fa!r1 furni% u an example :i* m5 ought to foll[8 ,alas6 we %all see 9 him only a ,god1 or r a fanatic1 a misan?rope1 :o1 himself plung$ 9 wret*$ness & prea*+ to wret*es1 w advise !m to be poor1 to combat ) & /ifle nature1 to hate pleasure1 seek grief1 & dete/ !mselves4 ,he w tell !m to leave fa!r1 "m1 relations1 fri5ds1 etc41 to foll[ him4 ,f9e morality6 y say4 ,x is1 und\bt$ly1 admirable3 x mu/ be div9e1 = x is impracticable to m54 ,b is n su* sublime morality calculat$ to r5d] virtue odi\s8 ,accord+ to ! s mu* boa/$ morality ( ! man-,god ( ! ,*ri/ians1 a disciple ( 8 9 ?is _w mu/ be l ,tantalus1 torm5t$ ) a burn+ ?ir/1 :i* he is n all[$ to qu5*4 ,does n su* morality give u a wond]ful idea ( ! au?or ( nature8 ,if1 z we are assur$1 he has creat$ all ?+s = 8 creatures1 by :at /range :im does he =bid !m ! use ( ! goods he has creat$ = !m8 ,is pleasure !n1 :i* man cont9ually desires1 only a sn>e1 :i* ,god has malici\sly laid to surprise 8 weakness8 #afa4 ,! foll[]s ( ,*ri/ w\ld h u reg>d1 z a miracle1 ! e/abli%m5t ( _! ,religion1 :i* is totally repugnant to nature1 opposite to all ! prop5sities ( ! he>t1 & inimical to s5sual pleasures4 ,b ! au/]ity ( a doctr9e r5d]s x ! m m>vell\s 9 ! eyes ( ! vulg>4 ,! same disposition1 :i* respects inconceivable my/]ies z div9e & sup]natural1 admires1 z div9e & sup]natural1 a ,morality1 t is impracticable1 & beyond ! p[]s ( man4 ,to admire a sy/em ( ,morality1 & to put x 9 practice1 are two v diff]5t ?+s4 ,all ,*ri/ians admire & extol ! ,morality ( ! gospel2 :i* !y d n practise4 ,! :ole _w is m or less infect$ ) a ,religi\s morality1 f\nd$ ^u ! op9ion1 t to please ! ,div9ity1 x is absolutely necess>y to r5d] ourselves unhappy ^u e>?4 ,9 all p>ts ( our globe1 we see p5it5ts1 fakirs1 & fanatics1 :o seem to h pr(\ndly /udi$ ! means ( torm5t+ !mselves1 9 hon\r ( a be+ ^: goodness all agree 9 celebrat+4 ,religion1 by its ess5ce1 is an enemy to ! joy & happ9ess ( m54 ,bless$ are ! poor1 bless$ are !y1 :o weep2 bless$ are !y1 :o suff]2 mis]y to ^?1 :o are 9 abundance & joy4 ,su* are ! r>e discov]ies1 ann\nc$ by ,*ri/ianity6 #afb4 ,:at is a ,sa9t 9 e religion8 ,a man1 :o prays1 & fa/s1 :o torm5ts himself1 & %uns ! _w2 :o l an owl1 delights only 9 solitude1 ab/a9s f all pleasure1 & seems fright5$ ( e object1 :i* may div]t him f 8 fanatical m$itations4 ,is ?is virtue8 ,is a be+ ( ?is type1 k9d to himself1 or useful to o!rs8 ,w\ld n society be dissolv$1 & man return to a savage /ate1 if e "o 7 fool en\gh to be a ,sa9t8 ,x is evid5t1 t ! lit]al & rigor\s practice ( ! div9e ,morality ( ! ,*ri/ians w\ld prove ! infallible ru9 ( nations4 ,a ,*ri/ian1 aim+ at p]fection1 ought to free 8 m9d f :atev] c div]t x f heav51 8 true c\ntry4 ,^u e>?1 he sees no?+ b temptations1 sn>es1 & rocks ( p]dition4 ,he mu/ fe> sci5ce1 z hurtful to fai?2 he mu/ avoid indu/ry1 z a means ( obta9+ ri*es1 too fatal to salvation2 he mu/ r5\nce (fices & hon\rs1 z capable ( excit+ 8 pride1 & call+ (f 8 att5tion f ! c>e ( 8 s\l4 ,9 a ^w1 ! sublime ,morality ( ,*ri/1 7 x practicable1 w\ld break all ! bonds ( society4 ,a ,sa9t 9 society is z useless1 z a ,sa9t 9 ! des]t2 8 hum\r is morose1 discont5t$1 & (t5 turbul5t2 8 zeal sometimes obliges him 9 consci5ce to tr\ble society by op9ions or dreams1 :i* 8 vanity makes him consid] z inspirations f on high4 ,! annals ( e religion are full ( re/less ,sa9ts1 intractable ,sa9ts1 & s$iti\s ,sa9ts1 :o h become fam\s by ! ravages1 ) :i*1 = ! great] glory ( ,god1 !y h desolat$ ! univ]se4 ,if ,sa9ts1 :o live 9 retirem5t1 are useless1 ^? :o live 9 ! _w1 are (t5 v dang]\s4 ,! vanity ( act+1 ! desire ( appe>+ illu/ri\s & peculi> 9 conduct1 commonly con/itute ! di/+ui%+ "* ( ,sa9ts4 ,pride p]suades !m1 t !y are extraord9>y m5 f> above human nature1 be+s mu* m p]fect ?an o!rs1 fav\rites :om ,god reg>ds ) mu* m complaisance ?an ! re/ ( mortals4 ,humility1 9 a ,sa9t1 is commonly only a m ref9$ pride ?an t ( ! g5]ality ( m54 ,no?+ b ! mo/ ridicul\s vanity c induce man to wage cont9ual w> aga9/ 8 own nature4 #afc4 ,a morality1 :i* contradicts ! nature ( man1 is n made = man4 ,b1 say y1 ! nature ( man is deprav$4 ,9 :at consi/s ?is pret5d$ depravity8 ,9 hav+ passions8 ,b1 are n passions ess5tial to man8 ,is he n oblig$ to seek1 desire1 & love :at is1 or :at he ?9ks is1 conducive to 8 happ9ess8 ,is he n =c$ to fe> & avoid :at he judges disagreeable or fatal8 ,k9dle 8 passions = useful objects2 connect 8 welf>e ) ^? objects2 div]t him1 by s5sible & kn[n motives1 f :at may injure ei!r him or o!rs1 & y w make him a reasonable & virtu\s be+4 ,a man )\t passions w\ld be equally indiff]5t to vice & to virtue4 ,holy ,doctors6 y are always repeat+ to u t ! nature ( man is p]v]t$2 y exclaim1 t all fle% has corrupt$ its way1 t all ! prop5sities ( nature h become inord9ate4 ,9 ?is case1 y accuse y\r ,god2 :o 0 ei!r unable1 or unwill+1 t ?is nature %\ld pres]ve its primitive p]fection4 ,if ?is nature is corrupt$1 :y has n ,god repair$ x8 ,! ,*ri/ian imm$iately assures me1 t human nature is repair$2 t ! dea? ( 8 ,god has re/or$ its integrity4 ,h[ !n1 ,i w\ld ask1 d y pret5d t human nature1 not)/&+ ! dea? ( a ,god1 is /ill deprav$8 ,is !n ! dea? ( y\r ,god :olly fruitless8 ,:at becomes ( 8 omnipot5ce & ( 8 victory ov] ! ,devil1 if x is true t ! ,devil /ill pres]ves ! empire1 :i*1 accord+ to y1 he has always ex]cis$ 9 ! _w8 ,accord+ to ,*ri/ian !ology1 ,dea? is ! wages ( s94 ,?is op9ion is con=mable to t ( "s negro & savage nations1 :o imag9e t ! ,dea? ( a man is always ! sup]natural effect ( ! ang] ( ! ,gods4 ,*ri/ians firmly believe1 t ,*ri/ has deliv]$ !m f s92 ?\gh !y see1 t1 9 _! ,religion1 z 9 o!rs1 man is subject to ,dea?4 ,to say t ,jesus ,*ri/ has deliv]$ u f s91 is x n to say1 t a judge has p>don$ a crim9al1 :ile we see t he leaves him = execution8 #afd4 ,if %utt+ our eyes ^u :atev] passes 9 ! _w1 we w\ld cr$it ! p>tisans ( ! ,*ri/ian ,religion1 we %\ld believe1 t ! com+ ( _! div9e ,savi\r produc$ ! mo/ wond]ful & complete re=m 9 ! morals ( nations4 ,if we exam9e ! ,morals ( ,*ri/ian nations1 & li/5 to ! clam\rs ( _! prie/s1 we %all be =c$ to conclude1 t ,jesus ,*ri/1 _! ,god1 prea*$ & di$1 9 va92 8 omnipot5t w /ill f9ds 9 m51 a resi/ance1 ov] :i* he _c1 or w n triumph4 ,! ,morality ( ?is div9e ,tea*]1 :i* 8 disciples s mu* admire & s little practise1 is foll[$1 9 a :ole c5tury only by half a doz5 obscure sa9ts1 & fanatics1 & unkn[n monks1 :o alone w h ! glory ( %9+ 9 ! cele/ial c\rt1 :ile all ! re/ ( mortals1 ?\gh r$eem$ by ! blood ( ?is ,god1 w be ! prey ( et]nal flames4 #afe4 ,:5 a man is /rongly incl9$ to s91 he ?9ks v little ab\t 8 ,god4 ,nay m1 :atev] crimes he has committ$1 he always flatt]s himself1 t ?is ,god w s(t51 9 8 fav\r1 ! rig\r ( 8 decrees4 ,no mortal s]i\sly believes1 t 8 conduct c damn him4 ,?\gh he fe>s a t]rible ,god1 :o (t5 makes him tremble1 yet1 :5ev] he is /rongly tempt$1 he yields2 & he aft]w>ds sees only ! ,god ( m]cies1 ! idea ( :om calms 8 appreh5sions4 ,if a man commits evil1 he hopes1 he %all h "t to re=m1 & promises to rep5t at a future day4 ,9 religi\s ph>macy1 !re are infallible prescriptions to quiet consci5ces3 prie/s1 9 e c\ntry1 possess sov]eign secrets to dis>m ! ang] ( heav54 ,yet1 if x be true t ! ,deity is appeas$ by pray]s1 (f]+s1 sacrifices1 & p5ances1 x c no long] be said1 t ,religion is a *eck to ! irregul>ities ( m52 !y w fir/ s91 & !n seek ! means to appease ,god4 ,e ,religion1 :i* expiates crime & promises a remission ( !m1 if x re/ra9 "s p]sons1 enc\rages ! majority to commit evil4 ,not)/&+ 8 immutability1 ,god1 9 e ,religion1 is a true ,proteus4 ,8 prie/s repres5t him at "o "t arm$ ) sev]ity1 at ano!r full ( clem5cy & mildness2 sometimes cruel & unm]ciful1 & sometimes easily melt$ by ! sorr[ & te>s ( s9n]s4 ,consequ5tly1 m5 see ! ,div9ity only on ! side mo/ con=mable to _! pres5t int]e/s4 ,a ,god always angry w\ld disc\rage 8 wor%ipp]s1 or ?r[ !m into despair4 ,m5 mu/ h a ,god1 :o is bo? irritable1 & placable4 ,if 8 ang] fright5s "s timor\s s\ls1 8 clem5cy enc\rages ! resolutely wick$1 :o dep5d ^u recurr+1 soon] or lat]1 to ! means ( accommodation4 ,if ! judgm5ts ( ,god t]rify "s fa9t-he>t$ pi\s p]sons1 :o by con/itution & habit are n prone to evil1 ! treasures ( div9e m]cy enc\rage ! greate/ crim9als1 :o h reason to hope !y p>ticipate !re9 equally ) ! o!rs4 #aff4 ,mo/ m5 seldom ?9k ( ,god1 or1 at lea/1 be/[ on him s]i\s att5tion4 ,! only ideas we c =m ( him are s devoid ( object1 & are at ! same "t s afflict+1 t ! only imag9ations !y c arre/ are ^? ( melan*oly hypo*ondriacs1 :o d n con/itute ! majority ( ! inhabitants ( ?is _w4 ,! vulg> h no conception ( ,god2 _! weak bra9s are confus$1 :5ev] !y ?9k ( him4 ,! man ( bus9ess ?9ks only ( 8 bus9ess2 ! c\rti] ( 8 intrigues2 m5 ( fa%ion1 wom51 & "y p ( _! pleasures2 dissipation soon effaces 9 !m all ! fatigu+ notions ( ,religion4 ,! ambiti\s man1 ! mis] & ! debau*ee c>efully avoid speculations too feeble to c\nt]balance _! v>i\s passions4 ,:o is aw$ by ! idea ( a ,god8 ,a few enfeebl$ m51 morose & disgu/$ ) ! _w2 a few1 9 :om ! passions are already dead5$ by age1 by infirmity1 or by ! /rokes ( =tune4 ,religion is a *eck1 to ^? alone :o by _! /ate ( m9d & body1 or by =tuit\s circum/ances1 h be5 already br\ght to reason4 ,! fe> ( ,god h9d]s f s9 only ^?1 :o are n mu* incl9$ to x1 or else ^? :o are no long] able to commit x4 ,to tell m51 t ! ,deity puni%es crimes 9 ?is _w1 is to advance an ass]tion1 :i* exp]i5ce e mom5t contradicts4 ,! wor/ ( m5 are commonly ! arbit]s ( ! _w1 & are ^? :om =tune loads ) h] fav\rs4 ,to ref] u to ano!r life1 9 ord] to conv9ce u ( ! judgm5ts ( ,god1 is to ref] u to conjectures1 9 ord] to de/roy facts1 :i* _c be d\bt$4 #afg4 ,nobody ?9ks ( ! life to come1 :5 he is /rongly smitt5 ) ! objects he f9ds "h bel[4 ,9 ! eyes ( a passionate lov]1 ! pres5ce ( 8 mi/ress ext+ui%es ! flames ( hell1 & h] *>ms efface all ! pleasures ( p>adise4 ,woman6 y leave1 say y1 y\r lov] = y\r ,god4 ,?is is ei!r because y\r lov] is no long] ! same 9 y\r eyes1 or because he leaves y4 ,no?+ is m common1 ?an to see ambiti\s1 p]v]se1 corrupt1 & immoral m51 :o h "s ideas ( ,religion1 & sometimes appe> ev5 zeal\s = its int]e/4 ,if !y d n practise x at pres5t1 !y hope to 9 ! future4 ,!y lay x up1 z a rem$y1 :i* w be necess>y to salve ! consci5ce = ! evil !y int5d to commit4 ,besides1 ! p>ty ( devotees & prie/s be+ v num]\s1 active1 & p[]ful1 is x n a/oni%+1 t rogues & knaves seek its support to atta9 _! ends8 ,x w und\bt$ly be said1 t _m hone/ p are s9c]ely religi\s1 & t )\t pr(it2 b is uprightness ( he>t always accompani$ ) k8 ,x is urg$1 t _m le>n$ m51 _m m5 ( g5ius h be5 /rongly atta*$ to ,religion4 ,?is proves1 t m5 ( g5ius may h prejudices1 be pusillanim\s1 & h an imag9ation1 :i* misleads !m & prev5ts !m f exam9+ subjects coolly4 ,pascal proves no?+ 9 fav\r ( ,religion1 unless t a man ( g5ius may be fooli% on "s subjects1 & is b a *ild1 :5 he is weak en\gh to li/5 to 8 prejudices4 ,pascal himself tells u1 t ! m9d may be /rong & contract$1 enl>g$ & weak4 ,he previ\sly obs]ves1 t a man may h a s\nd m9d1 & n und]/& e subject equally well2 = !re are "s1 :o1 hav+ a s\nd judgm5t 9 a c]ta9 ord] ( ?+s1 are bewild]$ 9 o!rs4 #afh4 ,:at is virtue accord+ to !ology8 ,x is1 we are told1 ! con=mity ( ! actions ( man to ! w ( ,god4 ,b1 :at is ,god8 ,a be+1 ( :om nobody has ! lea/ conception1 & :om e "o consequ5tly modifies 9 8 own way4 ,:at is ! w ( ,god8 ,x is :at m51 :o h se5 ,god1 or :om ,god has inspir$1 h decl>$ to be ! w ( ,god4 ,:o are ^?1 :o h se5 ,god8 ,!y are ei!r fanatics1 or rogues1 or ambiti\s m51 :om we _c believe4 ,to f\nd ,morality ^u a ,god1 :om e man pa9ts to himself diff]5tly1 composes 9 8 way1 & arranges accord+ to 8 own temp]am5t & int]e/1 is evid5tly to f\nd ,morality ^u ! caprice & imag9ation ( m52 x is to f\nd x ^u ! :ims ( a sect1 a faction1 a p>ty1 :o believe !y h ! advantage to adore a true ,god to ! exclusion ( all o!rs4 ,to e/abli% ,morality or ! duties ( man ^u ! div9e w1 is to f\nd x ^u ! w1 ! rev]ies & ! int]e/s ( ^?1 :o make ,god speak1 )\t ev] fe>+ t he w contradict !m4 ,9 e ,religion1 prie/s alone h a "r to decide :at is pleas+ or displeas+ to _! ,god1 & we are c]ta9 !y w always decide1 t x is :at pleases or displeases !mselves4 ,! dogmas1 ! c]emonies1 ! morals1 & ! virtues1 prescrib$ by e ,religion1 are visibly calculat$ only to ext5d ! p[] or augm5t ! emolum5ts ( ! f\nd]s & m9i/]s ( ^! ,religions4 ,! dogmas are obscure1 inconceivable1 frightful1 & are !re=e well calculat$ to bewild] ! imag9ation & to r5d] ! vulg> m obsequi\s to ! w ( ^? :o wi% to dom9e] ov] !m4 ,! c]emonies & practices procure ! prie/s1 ri*es or respect4 ,religion consi/s 9 a submissive fai?1 :i* prohibits ! ex]cise ( reason2 9 a dev\t humility1 :i* insures prie/s ! submission ( _! slaves2 9 an ard5t zeal1 :5 ,religion1 t is1 :5 ! int]e/ ( ^! prie/s1 is 9 dang]4 ,! only object ( all religions is evid5tly ! advantage ( its m9i/]s4 #afi4 ,:5 we reproa* !ologians ) ! b>r5ness ( _! div9e virtues1 !y emphatically extol *>ity1 t t5d] love ( "o's neighb\r1 :i* ,*ri/ianity makes an ess5tial duty ( its disciples4 ,b1 alas6 :at becomes ( ?is pret5d$ *>ity1 :5 we exam9e ! conduct ( ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l8 ,ask !m1 :e!r we mu/ love or d good to our neighb\r1 if he be an impi\s man1 a h]etic1 or an infidel1 t is1 if he d n ?9k l !m8 ,ask !m1 :e!r we mu/ tol]ate op9ions contr>y to ^? ( ! religion1 !y pr(ess8 ,ask !m1 :e!r ! sov]eign c %[ indulg5ce to ^? :o are 9 error8 ,_! *>ity in/antly disappe>s1 & ! e/abli%$ cl]gy w tell y1 t ! pr9ce be>s ! sword only to support ! cause ( ! ,mo/ ,high3 !y w tell y t1 ?r\gh love = our neighb\r1 we mu/ prosecute1 imprison1 exile1 & burn him4 ,y w f9d no tol]ation except among a few prie/s1 p]secut$ !mselves1 :o w lay aside ,*ri/ian *>ity ! in/ant !y h p[] to p]secute 9 _! turn4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion1 9 its orig9 prea*$ by begg>s & mis]able m51 "u ! "n ( *>ity1 /rongly recomm5ds alms4 ,! religion ( ,mahomet also enjo9s x z an indisp5sable duty4 ,no?+ und\bt$ly is m con=mable to humanity1 ?an to succ\r ! un=tunate1 to clo! ! nak$1 to ext5d ! h& ( b5efic5ce to e "o 9 di/ress4 ,b w\ld x n be m humane & *>itable to prev5t ! s\rce ( mis]y & pov]ty8 ,if ,religion1 in/ead ( deify+ pr9ces1 _h taught !m to respect ! prop]ty ( _! subjects1 to be j1 to ex]cise only _! lawful rights1 we %\ld n be %ock$ by ! sight ( su* a multitude ( begg>s4 ,a rapaci\s1 unju/1 tyrannical gov]nm5t multiplies mis]y2 heavy taxes produce disc\ragem5t1 slo?1 & pov]ty1 :i* 9 _! turn beget robb]ies1 assass9ations1 & crimes ( e description4 ,_h sov]eigns m humanity1 *>ity1 & equity1 _! dom9ions w\ld n be peopl$ by s _m wret*es1 ^: mis]y x becomes impossible to alleviate4 ,*ri/ian & ,mahometan /ates are full ( l>ge hospitals1 ri*ly end[$1 9 :i* we admire ! pi\s *>ity ( ! k+s & sultans1 :o erect$ !m4 ,b w\ld x n h be5 m humane to gov]n ! p ju/ly1 to r5d] !m happy1 to excite & fav\r indu/ry & comm]ce1 & to let m5 enjoy 9 safety ! fruit ( _! lab\rs1 ?an to cru% !m "u a despotic yoke1 to impov]i% !m by fooli% w>s1 to r$uce !m to begg>y1 9 ord] t luxury may be satisfi$1 & !n to erect spl5did build+s1 :i* c conta9 b a v small portion ( ^?1 :o h be5 r5d]$ mis]able8 ,religion has only delud$ m52 in/ead ( prev5t+ evils1 x always applies ineffectual rem$ies4 ,! m9i/]s ( heav5 h always kn[n h[ to pr(it by ! calamities ( o!rs4 ,public mis]y is _! elem5t4 ,!y h e :]e become adm9i/rators ( ! prop]ty ( ! poor1 di/ributors ( alms1 deposit>ies ( *>itable donations2 & !reby !y h at all times ext5d$ & support$ _! p[] ov] ! unhappy1 :o g5]ally compose ! mo/ num]\s1 re/less1 & s$iti\s "p ( society4 ,?us ! greate/ evils turn to ! pr(it ( ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l4 ,*ri/ian prie/s tell u1 t ! prop]ty !y possess is ! prop]ty ( ! poor1 & t x is !re=e sacr$4 ,consequ5tly !y h eag]ly accumulat$ l&s1 rev5ues1 & treasures4 ,"u col\r ( *>ity1 spiritual guides h become extremely opul5t1 & 9 ! face ( impov]i%$ nations enjoy weal?1 :i* 0 de/9$ solely = ! un=tunate2 :ile ! latt]1 f> f murmur+1 applaud a pi\s g5]osity1 :i* enri*es ! *ur*1 b r>ely contributes to ! relief ( ! poor4 ,accord+ to ! pr9ciples ( ,*ri/ianity1 pov]ty itself is a virtue2 inde$1 x is ! virtue1 :i* sov]eigns & prie/s oblige _! slaves to obs]ve mo/ rigor\sly4 ,) ?is idea1 _m pi\s ,*ri/ians h ( _! own accord r5\nc$ ri*es1 di/ribut$ _! patrimony among ! poor1 & retir$ into des]ts1 !re to live 9 volunt>y indig5ce4 ,b ?is en?usiasm1 ?is sup]natural ta/e = mis]y1 has be5 soon =c$ to yield to nature4 ,! successors ( ^! volunte]s 9 pov]ty sold to ! dev\t p _! pray]s1 & _! int]cessions ) ! ,deity4 ,!y became ri* & p[]ful4 ,?us monks & h]mits liv$ 9 indol5ce1 & "u col\r ( *>ity1 impud5tly dev\r$ ! sub/ance ( ! poor4 ,! species ( pov]ty1 mo/ e/eem$ by ,religion1 is pov]ty ( m9d4 ,! fundam5tal virtue ( e ,religion1 mo/ useful to its m9i/]s1 is fai?4 ,x consi/s 9 unb\nd$ cr$ulity1 :i* admits1 )\t enquiry1 :atev] ! int]pret]s ( ! ,deity are int]e/$ 9 mak+ m5 believe4 ,by ! aid ( ?is wond]ful virtue1 prie/s became ! arbit]s ( "r & wrong1 ( good & evil3 !y c\ld easily cause ! commission ( crimes to advance _! int]e/4 ,implicit fai? has be5 ! s\rce ( ! greate/ outrages t h be5 committ$4 #agj4 ,he1 :o fir/ taught nations1 t1 :5 we wrong ,man1 we mu/ ask p>don ( ,god1 appease him by pres5ts1 & (f] him sacrifices1 evid5tly de/roy$ ! true pr9ciples ( ,morality4 ,accord+ to su* ideas1 _m p]sons imag9e t !y may obta9 ( ! k+ ( heav51 z ( k+s ( ! e>?1 p]mission to be unju/ & wick$1 or may at lea/ obta9 p>don = ! evil !y may commit4 ,morality is f\nd$ ^u ! relations1 wants1 & con/ant int]e/s ( mank9d2 ! relations1 :i* subsi/ betwe5 ,god & ,m51 are ei!r p]fectly unkn[n1 or imag9>y4 ,religion1 by associat+ ,god ) ,man1 has wisely weak5$1 or de/roy$1 ! bonds1 :i* unite !m4 ,mortals imag9e1 !y may injure "o ano!r ) impunity1 by mak+ suitable satisfaction to ! almighty be+1 :o is suppos$ to h ! "r ( remitt+ all (f5ces committ$ aga9/ 8 creatures4 ,is any ?+ bett] calculat$ to enc\rage ! wick$ or h>d5 !m 9 crimes1 ?an to p]suade !m t !re exi/s an invisible be+1 :o has a "r to =give acts ( inju/ice1 rap9e1 & outrage committ$ aga9/ society8 ,by ^! de/ructive ideas1 p]v]se m5 p]petrate ! mo/ horrid crimes1 & believe !y make rep>ation by implor+ div9e m]cy2 _! consci5ce is at re/1 :5 a prie/ assures !m t heav5 is dis>m$ by a rep5tance1 :i*1 ?\gh s9c]e1 is v useless to ! _w4 ,9 ! m9d ( a dev\t man1 ,god mu/ be reg>d$ m ?an 8 creatures2 x is bett] to obey him1 ?an m54 ,! int]e/s ( ! cele/ial mon>* mu/ prevail ov] ^? ( weak mortals4 ,b ! int]e/s ( heav5 are obvi\sly ^? ( its m9i/]s2 :5ce x evid5tly foll[s1 t 9 e religion1 prie/s1 "u pretext ( ! int]e/s ( heav5 or ! glory ( ,god1 c disp5se ) ! duties ( human ,morality1 :5 !y cla% ) ! duties1 :i* ,god has a "r to impose4 ,besides1 mu/ n he1 :o has p[] to p>don crimes1 h a "r to enc\rage ! commission ( crimes8 #aga4 ,we are p]petually told1 t1 )\t a ,god !re w\ld be no moral obligation2 t ! p & ev5 ! sov]eigns require a legislator p[]ful en\gh to con/ra9 !m4 ,moral con/ra9t supposes a law2 b ?is law arises f ! et]nal & necess>y relations ( ?+s ) "o ano!r2 relations1 :i* h no?+ common ) ! exi/5ce ( a ,god4 ,! rules ( ,man's conduct are d]iv$ f 8 own nature :i* he is capable ( kn[+1 & n f ! ,div9e nature ( :i* he has no idea4 ,^! rules con/ra9 or oblige u2 t is1 we r5d] ourselves e/imable or contemptible1 amiable or dete/able1 wor?y ( rew>d or ( puni%m5t1 happy or unhappy1 accord+ly z we con=m to1 or deviate f ^! rules4 ,! law1 :i* obliges man n to hurt himself1 is f\nd$ ^u ! nature ( a s5sible be+1 :o1 9 :atev] way he came into ?is _w1 is =c$ by 8 actual ess5ce to seek good & %un evil1 to love pleasure & fe> pa94 ,! law1 :i* obliges man n to injure1 & ev5 to d good to o!rs1 is f\nd$ ^u ! nature ( s5sible be+s1 liv+ 9 society1 ^: ess5ce compels !m to despise ^? :o are useless1 & to dete/ ^? :o oppose _! felicity4 ,:e!r !re exi/s a ,god or n1 :e!r ?is ,god has spok5 or n1 ! moral duties ( m5 w be always ! same1 s long z !y are s5sible be+s4 ,h m5 !n ne$ ( a ,god :om !y "k n1 ( an invisible legislator1 ( a my/]i\s religion & ( *im]ical fe>s1 9 ord] to le>n t e excess evid5tly t5ds to de/roy !m1 t to pres]ve heal? !y mu/ be temp]ate2 t to ga9 ! love ( o!rs x is necess>y to d !m good1 t to d !m evil is a sure means to incur _! v5geance & hatr$8 ,be=e ! law !re 0 no s94 ,no?+ is m false ?an ?is maxim4 ,x suffices t man is :at he is1 or t he is a s5sible be+1 9 ord] to di/+ui% :at gives him pleasure or displeasure4 ,x suffices t "o man kn[s t ano!r man is a s5sible be+ l himself1 to p]ceive :at is useful or hurtful to him4 ,x suffices t man ne$s 8 fell[-creature1 9 ord] to "k t he mu/ fe> to excite s5tim5ts unfav\rable to himself4 ,?us ! feel+ & ?9k+ be+ has only to feel & ?9k1 9 ord] to discov] :at he mu/ d = himself & o!rs4 ,i feel1 & ano!r feels l me2 ?is is ! f\ndation ( all morals4 #agb4 ,we c judge ( ! goodness ( a sy/em ( ,morals1 only by its con=mity to ! nature ( man4 ,by ?is comp>ison1 we h a "r to reject x1 if contr>y to ! welf>e ( our species4 ,:oev] has s]i\sly m$itat$ ,religion2 :oev] has c>efully weigh$ its advantages & disadvantages1 w be fully conv9c$1 t bo? are injuri\s to ! int]e/s ( ,man1 or directly opposite to 8 nature4 ,to arms6 ! cause ( y\r ,god is at /ake6 ,heav5 is outrag$6 ,! fai? is 9 dang]6 ,impiety6 blasphemy6 h]esy6 ,! magical p[] ( ^! =midable words1 ! real value ( :i* ! p nev] und]/&1 h at all times enabl$ prie/s to excite revolts1 to de?rone k+s1 to k9dle civil w>s1 & to lay wa/e4 ,if we exam9e ! important objects1 :i* h produc$ s _m ravages ^u e>?1 x appe>s1 t ei!r ! fooli% rev]ies & :imsical conjectures ( "s !ologian :o did n und]/& himself1 or else ! pret5sions ( ! cl]gy1 h brok5 e social bond & delug$ mank9d ) blood & te>s4 #agc4 ,! sov]eigns ( ?is _w1 by associat+ ! ,div9ity 9 ! gov]nm5t ( _! dom9ions1 by proclaim+ !mselves 8 viceg]5ts & repres5tatives ^u e>?1 & by ackn[l$g+ !y hold _! p[] f him1 h necess>ily con/itut$ 8 m9i/]s _! own rivals or ma/]s4 ,is x !n a/oni%+1 t prie/s h (t5 made k+s feel ! sup]iority ( ! ,cele/ial ,mon>*8 ,h !y n m ?an once conv9c$ temporal pr9ces1 t ev5 ! greate/ p[] is compell$ to yield to ! spiritual p[] ( op9ion8 ,no?+ is m difficult ?an to s]ve two ma/]s1 especially :5 !y are n agre$ ^u :at !y require4 ,! association ( ,religion ) ,politics necess>ily introduc$ d\ble legislation4 ,! law ( ,god1 int]pret$ by 8 prie/s1 0 (t5 repugnant to ! law ( ! sov]eign1 or ! int]e/ ( ! /ate4 ,:5 pr9ces h firmness & are confid5t ( ! love ( _! subjects1 ! law ( ,god is sometimes =c$ to yield to ! wise int5tions ( ! temporal sov]eign2 b g5]ally ! sov]eign au?ority is oblig$ to give way to ! div9e au?ority1 t is1 to ! int]e/s ( ! cl]gy4 ,no?+ is m dang]\s to a pr9ce1 ?an to encroa* ^u ! au?ority ( ! ,*ur*1 t is1 to attempt to re=m abuses consecrat$ by religion4 ,god is nev] m angry ?an :5 we t\* ! div9e rights1 privileges1 possessions1 or immunities ( 8 prie/s4 ,! metaphysical speculations or religi\s op9ions ( m5 influ5ce _! conduct1 only :5 !y judge !m con=mable to _! int]e/4 ,no?+ proves ?is tru? m cle>ly1 ?an ! conduct ( _m pr9ces ) respect to ! spiritual p[]1 :i* !y (t5 resi/4 ,ought n a sov]eign1 p]suad$ ( ! importance & rights ( ,religion1 to believe himself 9 consci5ce b\nd to receive respectfully ! ord]s ( its prie/s1 & to reg>d !m z ! ord]s ( ! ,div9ity8 ,!re 0 a "t1 :5 k+s & p1 m consi/5t 9 _! conduct1 7 conv9c$ ( ! rights ( spiritual p[]1 & becom+ its slaves1 yield$ to x ^u e occasion1 & 7 b docile in/rum5ts 9 its h&s4 ,t happy "t is pass$4 ,by a /range inconsi/5cy ! mo/ dev\t mon>*s are sometimes se5 to oppose ! ent]prises ( ^?1 :om !y yet reg>d z ! m9i/]s ( ,god4 ,a sov]eign1 deeply religi\s1 ought to rema9 pro/rate at ! feet ( 8 m9i/]s1 & reg>d !m z true sov]eigns4 ,is !re ^u e>? a p[] :i* has a "r to put itself 9 competition ) t ( ! ,mo/ ,high8 #agd4 ,h pr9ces !n1 :o imag9e !mselves int]e/$ 9 *]i%+ ! prejudices ( _! subjects1 s]i\sly reflect$ ^u ! effects1 :i* h be51 & may be aga9 produc$ by c]ta9 privileg$ demagogues1 :o h a "r to speak at pleasure1 & 9 ! "n ( heav5 to inflame ! passions ( millions ( subjects8 ,:at ravages w\ld n ^! sacr$ h>angu]s cause1 if !y %\ld conspire1 z !y h s (t5 done1 to di/urb ! tranquillity ( a /ate6 ,to mo/ nations1 no?+ is m bur!nsome & ru9\s ?an ! wor%ip ( _! gods4 ,n only d ! m9i/]s ( ^! gods e :]e con/itute ! fir/ ord] 9 ! /ate1 b !y also enjoy ! l>ge/ portion ( ! goods ( society1 & h a "r to levy p]man5t taxes ^u _! fell[-citiz5s4 ,:at real advantages !n d ^! organs ( ! ,mo/ ,high procure ! p1 = ! imm5se pr(its extort$ f _! indu/ry8 ,9 ex*ange = _! ri*es & b5efits1 :at d !y give !m b my/]ies1 hypo!ses1 c]emonies1 subtle que/ions1 & endless qu>rels1 :i* /ates are aga9 compell$ to pay ) blood8 #age4 ,religion1 ?\gh said to be ! firme/ prop ( ,morality1 evid5tly de/roys its true spr+s1 9 ord] to sub/itute imag9>y ones1 inconceivable *im]as1 :i*1 be+ obvi\sly contr>y to reason1 nobody firmly believes4 ,all nations decl>e t !y firmly believe 9 a ,god1 :o rew>ds & puni%es2 all say !y are p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce ( hell & p>adise2 yet1 d ^! ideas r5d] m5 bett] or c\nt]act ! mo/ trifl+ int]e/s8 ,e "o assures u1 t he trembles at ! judgm5ts ( ,god2 yet e "o foll[s 8 passions1 :5 he ?9ks himself sure ( escap+ ! judgm5ts ( ,man4 ,! fe> ( invisible p[]s is seldom s /rong z ! fe> ( visible ones4 ,unkn[n or remote puni%m5ts /rike ! multitude f> less =cibly ?an ! sight ( ! gall[s4 ,few c\rti]s fe> ! ang] ( _! ,god s mu* z ! displeasure ( _! ma/]4 ,a p5sion1 a title1 or a rib& suffices to efface ! remembrance bo? ( ! torm5ts ( hell1 & ( ! pleasures ( ! cele/ial c\rt4 ,! c>esses ( a woman repeat$ly prevail ov] ! m5aces ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,a je/1 a /roke ( ridicule1 a witticism1 make m impression ^u ! man ( ! _w1 ?an all ! grave notions ( 8 ,religion4 ,are we n assur$ t a true rep5tance is en\gh to appease ! ,deity8 ,yet we d n see t ?is true rep5tance is v s9c]e2 at lea/1 x is r>e to see not$ ?ieves1 ev5 at ! po9t ( dea?1 re/ore goods1 :i* !y h unju/ly acquir$4 ,m5 are und\bt$ly p]suad$1 t !y %all fit !mselves = et]nal fire1 if !y _c insure !mselves aga9/ x4 ,b1 ,"s useful compacts may be made ) heav54 ,by giv+ ! *ur* a "p ( 8 =tune1 almo/ e dev\t rogue may die 9 peace1 )\t conc]n+ himself 9 :at he ga9$ 8 ri*es4 #agf4 ,by ! confession ( ! w>me/ def5d]s ( ,religion & ( its utility1 no?+ is m r>e ?an s9c]e conv]sions1 &1 we might add1 no?+ m unpr(itable to society4 ,m5 are n disgu/$ ) ! _w1 until ! _w is disgu/$ ) !m4 ,if ! dev\t h ! tal5t ( pleas+ ,god & 8 prie/s1 !y h seldom t ( be+ agreeable or useful to society4 ,to a devotee1 ,religion is a veil1 :i* cov]s all passions2 pride1 ill-hum\r1 ang]1 rev5ge1 impati5ce1 & ranc\r4 ,devotion arrogates a tyrannical sup]iority1 :i* bani%es g5tl5ess1 indulg5ce1 & gaiety2 x au?orizes p to c5sure _! neighb\rs1 to reprove & revile ! pr(ane = ! great] glory ( ,god4 ,x is v common to be dev\t1 & at ! same "t de/itute ( e virtue & quality necess>y to social life4 #agg4 ,x is ass]t$1 t ! dogma ( ano!r life is ( ! utmo/ importance to peace & happ9ess2 t )\t x1 m5 w\ld be de/itute ( motives to d good4 ,:at ne$ is !re ( t]rors & fables to make man s5sible h[ he ought to conduct himself8 ,does n e "o see1 t he has ! greate/ int]e/1 9 m]it+ ! approbation1 e/eem1 & b5evol5ce ( ! be+s :o surr\nd him1 & 9 ab/a9+ f e ?+1 by :i* he may incur ! c5sure1 contempt1 & res5tm5t ( society8 ,h[ev] %ort an ent]ta9m5t1 a conv]sation1 or visit1 does n ea* desire to act 8 "p dec5tly1 & agreeably to himself & o!rs8 ,if life is b a passage1 let u /rive to make x easy2 :i* we _c effect1 if we fail 9 reg>d = ^? :o travel ) u4 ,religion1 occupi$ ) its gloomy rev]ies1 consid]s man m]ely z a pilgrim ^u e>?2 & !re=e supposes t1 9 ord] to travel ! m securely1 he mu/ =sake company1 & deprive himself ( pleasure & amusem5ts1 :i* might console him = ! t$i\sness & fatigue ( ! j\rney4 ,a /oical & morose philosoph] sometimes gives u advice z irrational z t ( ,religion4 ,b a m rational philosophy invites u to spread fl[]s ^u ! way ( life1 to dispel melan*oly & bani% t]rors1 to connect our int]e/ ) t ( our fell[-travell]s1 & by gaiety & lawful pleasures1 to div]t our att5tion f difficulties & accid5ts1 to :i* we are (t5 expos$2 x tea*es u1 t1 to travel agreeably1 we %\ld ab/a9 f :at might be injuri\s to ourselves1 & c>efully %un :at might r5d] u odi\s to our associates4 #agh4 ,x is ask$1 :at motives an ,a!i/ c h to d good8 ,! motive to please himself & 8 fell[-creatures2 to live happily & peaceably2 to ga9 ! affection & e/eem ( m54 ,c he1 :o fe>s n ! gods1 fe> any ?+8 ,he c fe> m52 he c fe> contempt1 di%on\r1 ! puni%m5t ( ! laws2 9 %ort1 he c fe> himself1 & ! remorse felt by all ^? :o are consci\s ( hav+ incurr$ or m]it$ ! hatr$ ( _! fell[-creatures4 ,consci5ce is ! int]nal te/imony1 :i* we be> to ourselves1 ( hav+ act$ s z to m]it ! e/eem or blame ( ! be+s1 ) :om we live2 & x is f\nd$ ^u ! cle> k we h ( m51 & ( ! s5tim5ts :i* our actions mu/ produce 9 !m4 ,! ,consci5ce ( ! religi\s man consi/s 9 imag9+ t he has pleas$ or displeas$ 8 ,god1 ( :om he has no idea1 & ^: obscure & d\btful int5tions are expla9$ to him only by m5 ( d\btful v]acity1 :o1 l him1 are utt]ly unacqua9t$ ) ! ess5ce ( ! ,deity1 & are little agre$ ^u :at c please or displease him4 ,9 a ^w1 ! consci5ce ( ! cr$ul\s is direct$ by m51 :o h !mselves an errone\s consci5ce1 or ^: int]e/ /ifles k4 ,c an ,a!i/ h a ,consci5ce8 ,:at are 8 motives to ab/a9 f hidd5 vices & secret crimes ( :i* o!r m5 are ignorant1 & :i* are beyond ! rea* ( laws8 ,he may be assur$ by con/ant exp]i5ce1 t !re is no vice1 :i*1 by ! nature ( ?+s1 does n puni% itself4 ,w\ld he pres]ve ?is life8 he w avoid e excess1 t may impair 8 heal?2 he w n wi% to lead a langui%+ life1 :i* w\ld r5d] him a burd5 to himself & o!rs4 ,z = secret crimes1 he w ab/a9 f !m1 = fe> he %all be =c$ to blu% at himself1 f :om he _c flee4 ,if he has any reason1 he w "k ! value ( ! e/eem :i* an hone/ man ought to h = himself4 ,he w see1 t un=ese5 circum/ances may unveil ! conduct1 :i* he feels int]e/$ 9 conceal+ f o!rs4 ,! o!r _w furni%es no motives = do+ good1 to him1 :o f9ds none on e>?4 #agi4 ,! speculative ,a!i/1 says ! ,!i/1 may be an hone/ man1 b 8 writ+s w make political ,a!i/s4 ,pr9ces & m9i/]s1 no long] re/ra9$ by ! fe> ( ,god1 w ab&on !mselves1 )\t scruple1 to ! mo/ horrid excesses4 ,b1 h[ev] great ! depravity ( an ,a!i/ ^u ! ?rone1 c x be /rong] & m de/ructive1 ?an t ( ! _m conqu]ors1 tyrants1 p]secutors1 ambiti\s m51 & p]v]se c\rti]s1 :o1 ?\gh n ,a!i/s1 b (t5 v religi\s & dev\t1 h not)/&+ made humanity groan "u ! weight ( _! crimes8 ,c an a!i/ical pr9ce d m h>m to ! _w1 ?an a ,l\is ,,xi41 a ,philip ,,ii41 a ,ri*elieu1 :o all unit$ ,religion ) crime8 ,no?+ is m r>e1 ?an a!i/ical pr9ces2 no?+ m common1 ?an tyrants & m9i/]s1 :o are v wick$ & v religi\s4 #ahj4 ,a man ( reflection _c be incapable ( 8 duties1 ( discov]+ ! relations subsi/+ betwe5 m51 ( m$itat+ 8 own nature1 ( disc]n+ 8 own wants1 prop5sities1 & desires1 & ( p]ceiv+ :at he owes to be+s1 :o are necess>y to 8 happ9ess4 ,^! reflections naturally lead him to a k ( ! ,morality mo/ ess5tial to social be+s4 ,dang]\s passions seldom fall to ! lot ( a man :o loves to commune ) himself1 to /udy1 & to inve/igate ! pr9ciples ( ?+s4 ,! /ronge/ passion ( su* a man w be to "k tru?1 & 8 ambition to tea* x to o!rs4 ,philosophy cultivates ! m9d4 ,on ! score ( morals & hone/y1 has n he :o reflects & reasons1 evid5tly an advantage ov] him1 :o makes x a pr9ciple nev] to reason8 ,if ignorance is useful to prie/s1 & to ! oppressors ( mank9d1 x is fatal to society4 ,man1 void ( k1 does n enjoy reason2 )\t reason & k1 he is a savage1 liable to commit crimes4 ,morality1 or ! sci5ce ( duties1 is acquir$ only by ! /udy ( ,man1 & ( :at is relative to ,man4 ,he1 :o does n reflect1 is unacqua9t$ ) true ,morality1 & walks ) prec>i\s /eps1 9 ! pa? ( virtue4 ,! less m5 reason1 ! m wick$ !y are4 ,savages1 pr9ces1 nobles1 & ! dregs ( ! p1 are commonly ! wor/ ( m51 because !y reason ! lea/4 ,! dev\t man seldom reflects1 & r>ely reasons4 ,he fe>s all enquiry1 scrupul\sly foll[s au?ority1 & (t51 ?r\gh an error ( consci5ce1 makes x a sacr$ duty to commit evil4 ,! ,a!i/ reasons3 he consults exp]i5ce1 :i* he pref]s to prejudice4 ,if he reasons ju/ly1 8 consci5ce is enlight5$2 he f9ds m real motives to d good ?an ! bigot ^: only motives are 8 fallacies1 & :o nev] li/5s to reason4 ,are n ! motives ( ! ,a!i/ suffici5tly p[]ful to c\nt]act 8 passions8 ,is he bl9d en\gh to be unm9dful ( 8 true int]e/1 :i* ought to re/ra9 him8 ,b he w be nei!r worse nor bett]1 ?an ! num]\s believ]s1 :o1 not)/&+ ,religion & its sublime precepts1 foll[ a conduct :i* ,religion condemns4 ,is a cr$ul\s assass9 less to be fe>$1 ?an an assass9 :o believes no?+8 ,is a v dev\t tyrant less tyrannical ?an an undev\t tyrant8 #aha4 ,no?+ is m uncommon1 ?an to see m5 consi/5t4 ,_! op9ions nev] influ5ce _! conduct except :5 con=mable to _! temp]am5ts1 passions1 & int]e/s4 ,daily exp]i5ce %[s1 t religi\s op9ions produce mu* evil & little good4 ,!y are hurtful1 because !y (t5 fav\r ! passions ( tyrants1 ( ambiti\s m51 ( fanatics1 & ( prie/s2 !y are ( no effect1 because incapable ( c\nt]-balanc+ ! pres5t int]e/s ( ! great] "p ( mank9d4 ,religi\s pr9ciples are ( no avail1 :5 !y act 9 opposition to ard5t desires2 ?\gh n unbeliev]s1 m5 !n conduct !mselves z if !y believ$ no?+4 ,we %all always be liable to err1 :5 we judge ( ! op9ions ( m5 by _! conduct1 or ( _! conduct by _! op9ions4 ,a religi\s man1 not)/&+ ! unsociable pr9ciples ( a sangu9>y religion1 w sometimes by a happy inconsi/5cy1 be humane1 tol]ant1 & mod]ate2 ! pr9ciples ( 8 religion d n !n agree ) ! g5tl5ess ( 8 "*4 ,lib]t9es1 debau*ees1 hypocrites1 adult]]s1 & rogues1 (t5 appe> to h ! be/ ideas ^u morals4 ,:y d !y n r$uce !m to practice8 ,because _! temp]am5t1 _! int]e/1 & _! habits d n accord ) _! sublime !ories4 ,! rigid pr9ciples ( ,*ri/ian morality1 :i* _m p reg>d z div9e1 h b little influ5ce ^u ! conduct ( ^?1 :o prea* !m to o!rs4 ,d !y n daily tell u1 to d :at !y prea*1 & n :at !y practise8 ,! p>tisans ( ,religion (t5 d5ote an infidel by ! ^w lib]t9e4 ,x is possible t _m unbeliev]s may h loose morals1 :i* is ow+ to _! temp]am5t1 & n to _! op9ions4 ,b h[ does _! conduct affect _! op9ions8 ,_c !n an immoral man be a good physician1 ar*itect1 geometrician1 logician1 or metaphysician8 ,a man ( irreproa*able conduct may be extremely defici5t 9 k & reason4 ,9 que/ ( tru?1 x little conc]ns u f :om x comes4 ,let u n judge m5 by _! op9ions1 nor op9ions by m52 let u judge m5 by _! conduct1 & _! op9ions by _! con=mity ) exp]i5ce & reason & by _! utility to mank9d4 #ahb4 ,e man1 :o reasons1 soon becomes an unbeliev]2 = reason %[s1 t !ology is no?+ b a tissue ( *im]as2 t religion is contr>y to e pr9ciple ( good s5se1 t x t9ctures all human k ) falsity4 ,! s5sible man is an unbeliev]1 because he sees1 t1 f> f mak+ m5 happi]1 religion is ! *ief s\rce ( ! greate/ disord]s1 & ! p]man5t calamities1 ) :i* man is afflict$4 ,! man1 :o seeks 8 own welf>e & tranquillity1 exam9es & ?r[s aside religion1 because he ?9ks x no less tr\blesome ?an useless1 to sp5d 8 life 9 trembl+ be=e phantoms1 fit to impose only ^u silly wom5 or *ildr54 ,if lic5ti\sness1 :i* reasons b little1 sometimes leads to irreligion1 ! man ( pure morals may h v good motives = exam9+ 8 religion1 & bani%+ x f 8 m9d4 ,religi\s t]rors1 too weak to impose ^u ! wick$ 9 :om vice is deeply root$1 afflict1 torm5t & ov]:elm re/less imag9ations4 ,c\rage\s & vigor\s m9ds soon %ake (f ! insupportable yoke4 ,b ^?1 :o are weak & timor\s1 langui% "u x dur+ life2 & z !y gr[ old _! fe>s increase4 ,prie/s h repres5t$ ,god z s malici\s1 au/]e1 & t]rible a be+1 t mo/ m5 w\ld cordially wi%1 t !re 0 no ,god4 ,x is impossible to be happy1 :ile always trembl+4 ,ye dev\t6 y adore a t]rible ,god6 ,b y hate him2 y w\ld be glad1 if he did n exi/4 ,c we refra9 f desir+ ! abs5ce or de/ruction ( a ma/]1 ! idea ( :om de/roys our happ9ess8 ,! black col\rs1 9 :i* prie/s pa9t ! ,div9ity1 are truly %ock+1 & =ce u to hate & reject him4 #ahc4 ,if fe> creat$ ! gods1 fe> supports _! empire ov] ! m9ds ( mortals4 ,s e>ly are m5 accu/om$ to %udd] at ! m]e "n ( ! ,deity1 t !y reg>d him z a spectre1 a hobgobl91 a bugbe>1 :i* torm5ts & deprives !m ( c\rage ev5 to wi% relief f _! fe>s4 ,!y appreh5d1 t ! invisible spectre1 w /rike !m ! mom5t !y cease to be afraid4 ,bigots are too mu* 9 fe> ( _! ,god to love him s9c]ely4 ,!y s]ve him l slaves1 :o1 unable to escape 8 p[]1 resolve to flatt] _! ma/]1 & :o1 by d9t ( ly+1 at l5g? p]suade !mselves1 t !y 9 "s measure love him4 ,!y make a virtue ( necessity4 ,! love ( devotees = _! ,god1 & ( slaves = _! despots1 is only a feign$ homage4 #ahd4 ,*ri/ian div9es h repres5t$ _! ,god s t]rible & s little wor?y ( love1 t sev]al ( !m h ?\ght !y mu/ disp5se ) lov+ him2 a blasphemy1 %ock+ to o!r div9es1 :o 7 less +5u\s4 ,/4 ,?omas hav+ ma9ta9$1 t we are oblig$ to love ,god z soon z we atta9 ! use ( reason1 ! ,jesuit ,sirmond answ]$ him1 t is v soon4 ,! ,jesuit ,vasquez assures u1 t x is en\gh to love ,god at ! po9t ( dea?4 ,hurtado1 m rigid1 says1 we mu/ love ,god v ye>4 ,h5riquez is cont5t$ t we love him e five ye>s2 ,sotus1 e ,sunday4 ,^u :at are ^! op9ions gr\nd$8 asks fa!r ,sirmond2 :o adds1 t ,su>ez requires u to love ,god sometimes4 ,b :58 ,he leaves t to u2 he kn[s no?+ ab\t x himself4 ,n[1 says he1 :o w be able to "k t1 ( :i* su* a le>n$ div9e is ignorant8 ,! same ,jesuit ,sirmond fur!r obs]ves1 t ,god does n comm& u to love him ) an affectionate love1 nor does he promise u salvation ^u condition t we give him our he>ts2 x is en\gh to obey & love him ) an effective love by execut+ 8 ord]s2 ?is is ! only love we owe him2 & he has n s mu* comm&$ u to love him1 z n to hate him4 ,?is doctr9e appe>s h]etical1 impi\s1 & abom9able to ! ,jans5i/s1 :o1 by ! revolt+ sev]ity !y attribute to _! ,god1 make him f> less amiable1 ?an ! ,jesuits1 _! adv]s>ies4 ,! latt]1 to ga9 adh]5ts1 pa9t ,god 9 col\rs capable ( enc\rag+ ! mo/ p]v]se ( mortals4 ,?us no?+ is m undecid$ ) ! ,*ri/ians1 ?an ! important "q1 :e!r !y c1 ought1 or ought n to love ,god4 ,"s ( _! spiritual guides ma9ta91 t x is necess>y to love him ) all "o's he>t1 not)/&+ all 8 sev]ity2 o!rs1 l fa!r ,daniel1 ?9k t1 an act ( pure love to ,god is ! mo/ h]oic act ( ,*ri/ian virtue1 & almo/ beyond ! rea* ( human weakness4 ,! ,jesuit ,p9t]eau goes f>!r2 he says1 a deliv]ance f ! griev\s yoke ( lov+ ,god is a privilege ( ! new cov5ant4 #ahe4 ,! "* ( ! ,man always decides t ( 8 ,god2 e body makes "o = himself & l himself4 ,! man ( gaiety1 involv$ 9 dissipation & pleasure1 does n imag9e1 t1 ,god c be /]n & cross2 he wants a good-natur$ ,god1 ) :om he c f9d reconciliation4 ,! man ( a rigid1 morose1 bili\s1 s\r disposition1 mu/ h a ,god l himself1 a ,god ( t]ror2 & he reg>ds1 z p]v]se1 ^?1 :o admit a placable1 indulg5t ,god4 ,z m5 are con/itut$1 organiz$1 & modifi$ 9 a mann]1 :i* _c be precisely ! same1 h[ c !y agree ab\t a *im]a1 :i* exi/s only 9 _! bra9s8 ,! cruel & endless disputes betwe5 ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l1 are n su* z to attract ! confid5ce ( ^?1 :o imp>tially consid] !m4 ,h[ c we avoid complete infidelity1 ^u view+ pr9ciples1 ab\t :i* ^? :o tea* !m to o!rs are nev] agre$8 ,h[ c we help d\bt+ ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 ( :om x is evid5t t ev5 8 m9i/]s c only =m v fluctuat+ ideas8 ,h[ c we 9 %ort avoid totally reject+ a ,god1 :o is no?+ b a %apeless heap ( contradictions8 ,h[ c we ref] ! matt] to ! decision ( prie/s1 :o are p]petually at w>1 treat+ ea* o!r z impi\s & h]etical1 defam+ & p]secut+ ea* o!r )\t m]cy1 = diff]+ 9 ! mann] ( und]/&+ :at !y ann\nce to ! _w8 #ahf4 ,! exi/5ce ( a ,god is ! basis ( all ,religion4 ,nev]!less1 ?is important tru? has n z yet be5 demon/rat$1 ,i d n say s z to conv9ce unbeliev]s1 b 9 a mann] satisfactory to !ologians !mselves4 ,pr(\nd ?9k]s h at all times be5 occupi$ 9 inv5t+ new pro(s4 ,:at are ! fruits ( _! m$itations & argum5ts8 ,!y h left ! subject 9 a worse condition2 !y h demon/rat$ no?+2 !y h almo/ always excit$ ! clam\rs ( _! bre?r51 :o h accus$ !m ( hav+ poorly def5d$ ! be/ ( causes4 #ahg4 ,! apologi/s ( religion daily repeat1 t ! passions alone make unbeliev]s4 ,pride1 say !y1 & ! desire ( signaliz+ !mselves1 make m5 ,a!i/s4 ,!y endeav\r to efface f _! m9ds ! idea ( ,god1 only because !y h reason to fe> 8 t]rible judgm5ts4 ,:atev] may be ! motives1 :i* incl9e m5 to ,a!ism1 x is our bus9ess to exam9e1 :e!r _! s5tim5ts are f\nd$ 9 tru?4 ,no man acts )\t motives4 ,let u fir/ exam9e ! argum5ts & aft]w>ds ! motives4 ,we %all see :e!r ^! motives are n legitimate1 & m rational ?an ^? ( _m cr$ul\s bigots1 :o suff] !mselves to be guid$ by ma/]s little wor?y ( ! confid5ce ( m54 ,y say !n1 ,prie/s ( ! ,"l6 t ! passions make unbeliev]s2 t !y r5\nce ,religion only ?r\gh int]e/1 or because x contradicts _! inord9ate prop5sities2 y ass]t1 t !y attack y\r gods only because !y fe> _! sev]ity4 ,b1 are y y\rselves1 9 def5d+ ,religion & its *im]as1 truly exempt f passions & int]e/s8 ,:o reap advantages f ?is ,religion1 = :i* prie/s display s mu* zeal8 ,prie/s4 ,to :om does ,religion procure p[]1 influ5ce1 ri*es1 & hon\rs8 ,to ,prie/s4 ,:o wage w>1 9 e c\ntry1 aga9/ reason1 sci5ce1 tru?1 & philosophy1 & r5d] !m odi\s to sov]eigns & p8 ,prie/s4 ,:o pr(it by ! ignorance & va9 prejudices ( m58 ,prie/s4--,prie/s6 y are rew>d$1 hon\r$ & paid = deceiv+ mortals1 & y cause ^? to be puni%$ :o undeceive !m4 ,! follies ( m5 procure y b5efices1 (f]+s1 & expiations2 :ile ^?1 :o ann\nce ! mo/ useful tru?s1 are rew>d$ only ) *a9s1 gibbets & fun]al-piles4 ,let ! _w judge betwe5 u4 #ahh4 ,pride & vanity h be51 & ev] w be1 inh]5t 9 ! prie/hood4 ,is any ?+ m capable ( r5d]+ m5 haughty & va91 ?an ! pret5ce ( ex]cis+ a p[] d]iv$ f heav51 ( be>+ a sacr$ "*1 ( be+ ! mess5g]s & m9i/]s ( ! ,mo/ ,high8 ,are n ^! dispositions p]petually n\ri%$ by ! cr$ulity ( ! p1 ! def]5ce & respect ( sov]eigns1 ! immunities1 privileges1 & di/9ctions enjoy$ by ! cl]gy8 ,9 e c\ntry1 ! vulg> are mu* m devot$ to _! spiritual guides1 :om !y reg>d z div9e1 ?an to _! temporal sup]iors1 :om !y consid] z no m ?an ord9>y m54 ,! p>son ( a village acts a mu* m conspicu\s "p1 ?an ! "l ( ! manor or ! ju/ice ( ! peace4 ,among ! ,*ri/ians1 a prie/ ?9ks himself f> above a k+ or an emp]or4 ,a ,spani% gr&ee hav+ spok5 r haughtily to a monk1 ! latt] arrogantly said1 ,le>n to respect a man1 :o daily has y\r ,god 9 8 h&s1 & y\r ,que5 at 8 feet4 ,h prie/s !n a "r to accuse unbeliev]s ( pride8 ,are !y !mselves rem>kable = uncommon mode/y or pr(\nd humility8 ,is x n evid5t1 t ! desire ( dom9e]+ ov] m5 is ess5tial to _! trade8 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ! ,"l 7 truly mode/1 %\ld we see !m s gre$y ( respect1 s impati5t ( contradiction1 s positive 9 _! decisions1 & s unm]cifully rev5geful to ^? ^: op9ions (f5d !m8 ,has n ,sci5ce ! mode/y to ackn[l$ge h[ difficult x is to discov] tru?8 ,:at o!r passion b ungov]nable pride c make m5 s savage1 rev5geful1 & void ( indulg5ce & g5tl5ess8 ,:at c be m presumptu\s1 ?an to arm nations & deluge ! _w 9 blood1 9 ord] to e/abli% or def5d futile conjectures8 ,y say1 t presumption alone makes ,a!i/s4 ,in=m !m !n :at y\r ,god is2 tea* !m 8 ess5ce2 speak ( him intelligibly2 say some?+ ab\t him1 :i* is reasonable1 & n contradictory or impossible4 ,if y are unable to satisfy !m1 if hi!rto none ( y h be5 able to demon/rate ! exi/5ce ( a ,god 9 a cle> & conv9c+ mann]2 if by y\r own confession1 8 ess5ce is completely veil$ f y1 z f ! re/ ( mortals1 =give ^?1 :o _c admit :at !y c nei!r und]/& nor make consi/5t ) itself2 d n tax ) presumption & vanity ^? :o are s9c]e en\gh to confess _! ignorance2 d n accuse ( folly ^? :o f9d !mselves incapable ( believ+ contradictions2 & = once1 blu% at excit+ ! hatr$ & fury ( sov]eigns & p aga9/ m51 :o ?9k n l y conc]n+ a be+1 ( :om y h no idea4 ,is any ?+ m ra% & extravagant1 ?an to reason conc]n+ an object1 kn[n to be inconceivable8 ,y say1 t ! corruption ( ! he>t produces ,a!ism1 t m5 %ake (f ! yoke ( ! ,deity only because !y fe> 8 =midable judgm5ts4 ,b1 :y d y pa9t y\r ,god 9 col\rs s %ock+1 t he becomes insupportable8 ,:y does s p[]ful a ,god p]mit m5 to be s corrupt8 ,h[ c we help endeav\r+ to %ake (f ! yoke ( a tyrant1 :o1 able to d z he pleases ) m51 cons5ts to _! p]v]sion1 :o h>d5s1 & bl9ds !m1 & refuses !m 8 grace1 t he may h ! satisfaction to puni% !m et]nally1 = hav+ be5 h>d5$1 & bl9d$1 & = n hav+ ! grace :i* he refus$8 ,!ologians & prie/s mu/ be v confid5t ( ! grace ( heav5 & a happy futurity1 to refra9 f dete/+ a ma/] s caprici\s z ! ,god !y ann\nce4 ,a ,god1 :o damns et]nally1 is ! mo/ odi\s ( be+s t ! human m9d c inv5t4 #ahi4 ,no man ^u e>? is truly int]e/$ 9 ! support ( error1 :i* is =c$ soon] or lat] to yield to tru?4 ,! g5]al good mu/ at l5g? op5 ! eyes ( mortals3 ! passions !mselves sometimes contribute to break ! *a9s ( prejudices4 ,did n ! passions ( sov]eigns1 c5turies ago1 annihilate 9 "s c\ntries ( ,europe ! tyrannical p[]1 :i* a too haughty pontiff once ex]cis$ ov] all pr9ces ( 8 sect8 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! progress ( political sci5ce1 ! cl]gy 7 !n /ripp$ ( imm5se ri*es1 :i* cr$ulity _h accumulat$ ^u !m4 ,ought n ?is memorable example to conv9ce prie/s1 t prejudices triumph b = a "t1 & t tru? alone c insure solid happ9ess8 ,by c>ess+ sov]eigns1 by fabricat+ div9e rights = !m1 by deify+ !m1 & by ab&on+ ! p1 b\nd h& & foot1 to _! w1 ! m9i/]s ( ! ,mo/ ,high mu/ see1 t !y are lab\r+ to make !m tyrants4 ,h !y n reason to appreh5d1 t ! gigantic idols1 :i* !y rais$ to ! cl\ds1 w "o day cru% !m by _! enorm\s weight8 ,d n a ?\s& examples rem9d !m t ^! tyrants1 aft] prey+ ^u ! p1 may prey ^u !m 9 _! turn4 ,we w respect prie/s1 :5 !y become s5sible m54 ,let !m1 if !y please1 use ! au?ority ( heav5 to fright5 ^? pr9ces :o are cont9ually desolat+ ! e>?2 b let !m no m adjudge to !m ! horrid "r ( be+ unju/ ) impunity4 ,let !m ackn[l$ge1 t no man is int]e/$ 9 liv+ "u tyranny2 & let !m tea* sov]eigns1 t !y !mselves are n int]e/$ 9 ex]cis+ a despotism1 :i*1 by r5d]+ !m odi\s1 exposes !m to dang]1 & detracts f _! p[] & greatness4 ,f9ally1 let prie/s & k+s become s f> enlight5$ z to ackn[l$ge1 t no p[] is secure :i* is n f\nd$ ^u tru?1 reason1 & equity4 #aij4 ,by wag+ w> aga9/ ,reason1 :i* !y ought to h protect$ & develop$1 ! m9i/]s ( ! gods evid5tly act aga9/ _! own int]e/4 ,:at p[]1 influ5ce1 & respect might !y n h ga9$ among ! wise/ ( m51 :at gratitude w\ld !y n h excit$ 9 ! p1 if1 in/ead ( wa/+ _! "t ab\t _! va9 disputes1 !y _h appli$ !mselves to really useful sci5ce1 & inve/igat$ ! true pr9ciples ( philosophy1 gov]nm5t1 & morals6 ,:o w\ld d>e to reproa* a body ) its opul5ce or influ5ce1 if ! memb]s d$icat+ !mselves to ! public good1 employ$ _! leisure 9 /udy1 & ex]cis$ _! au?ority 9 enlight5+ ! m9ds bo? ( sov]eigns & subjects8 ,prie/s6 ,=sake y\r *im]as1 y\r un9telligible dogmas1 y\r contemptible qu>rels6 ,bani% ^? phantoms :i* c\ld be useful only 9 ! infancy ( nations4 ,assume1 at l5g?1 ! language ( reason4 ,in/ead ( excit+ p]secution2 in/ead ( ent]ta9+ ! p ) silly disputes2 in/ead ( prea*+ useless & fanatical dogmas1 prea* human & social morality2 prea* virtues really useful to ! _w2 become ! apo/les ( reason1 ! def5d]s ( lib]ty1 & ! re=m]s ( abuses4 #aia4 ,philosoph]s h e :]e tak5 ^u !mselves a "p1 :i* seem$ de/9$ to ! m9i/]s ( ,religion4 ,! hatr$ ( ! latt] = philosophy 0 only a jeal\sy ( trade4 ,b1 in/ead ( endeav\r+ to injure & decry ea* o!r1 all m5 ( good s5se %\ld unite _! ef=ts to combat error1 seek tru?1 & especially to put to flight ! prejudices1 t are equally injuri\s to sov]eigns & subjects1 & ( :i* ! abettors !mselves soon] or lat] become ! victims4 ,9 ! h&s ( an enlight5$ gov]nm5t1 ! prie/s w\ld become ! mo/ useful ( ! citiz5s4 ,already ri*ly paid by ! /ate1 & free f ! c>e ( provid+ = _! own subsi/5ce1 h[ c\ld !y be bett] employ$ ?an 9 qualify+ !mselves = ! in/ruction ( o!rs8 ,w\ld n _! m9ds be bett] satisfi$ ) discov]+ lum9\s tru?s1 ?an 9 w&]+ ?r\gh ! ?ick d>kness ( error8 ,w\ld x be m difficult to disc]n ! cle> pr9ciples ( ,morality1 ?an ! imag9>y pr9ciples ( a div9e & !ological ,morality8 ,w\ld m5 ( ord9>y capacities f9d x z difficult to fix 9 _! heads ! simple notions ( _! duties1 z to load _! memories ) my/]ies1 un9telligible words & obscure def9itions1 ( :i* !y c nev] =m a cle> idea8 ,:at "t & pa9s are lo/ 9 le>n+ & tea*+ ?+s1 :i* are n ( ! lea/ real utility6 ,:at res\rces = ! enc\ragem5t ( ! sci5ces1 ! advancem5t ( k1 & ! education ( y\?1 well dispos$ sov]eigns might f9d 9 ! _m mona/]ies1 :i* 9 sev]al c\ntries live ^u ! p )\t 9 ! slighte/ degree pr(it+ !m6 ,b sup]/ition1 jeal\s ( its exclusive empire1 seems resolv$ to =m only useless be+s4 ,to :at advantage might we n turn a multitude ( c5obites ( bo? sexes1 :o1 9 _m c\ntries1 are amply end[$ = do+ no?+8 ,in/ead ( ov]:elm+ !m ) fa/+ & au/]ities2 in/ead ( b>r5 contemplations1 me*anical pray]s1 & trifl+ c]emonies2 :y %\ld we n excite 9 !m a salut>y emulation1 :i* may incl9e !m to seek ! means1 n ( be+ dead to ! _w1 b ( be+ useful to x8 ,in/ead ( fill+ ! y\?ful m9ds ( _! pupils ) fables1 /]ile dogmas1 & pu]ilities1 :y are n prie/s oblig$1 or invit$ to tea* !m tru?s1 & to r5d] !m useful citiz5s ( _! c\ntry8 ,"u ! pres5t sy/em1 m5 are only useful to ! cl]gy :o bl9d !m1 & to ! tyrants :o fleece !m4 #aib4 ,! p>tisans ( cr$ulity (t5 accuse unbeliev]s ( ins9c]ity1 because !y sometimes wav] 9 _! pr9ciples1 alt] _! m9ds 9 sickness1 & retract at dea?4 ,:5 ! body is disord]$1 ! faculty ( reason+ is commonly disord]$ ) x4 ,at ! approa* ( dea?1 man1 weak & decay$1 is sometimes himself s5sible t ,reason ab&ons him1 & t ,prejudice returns4 ,!re are "s diseases1 :i* t5d to weak5 ! bra92 to create despond5cy & pusillanimity2 & !re are o!rs1 :i* de/roy ! body1 b d n di/urb ! reason4 ,at any rate1 an unbeliev] :o recants 9 sickness is n m extraord9>y1 ?an a devotee :o neglects 9 heal? ! duties :i* 8 religion explicitly enjo9s4 ,m9i/]s ( ,religion op5ly contradict 9 _! daily conduct ! rigor\s pr9ciples1 !y tea* to o!rs2 9 consequ5ce ( :i*1 unbeliev]s1 9 _! turn1 may ju/ly accuse !m ( ins9c]ity4 ,is x easy to f9d _m prelates humble1 g5]\s1 void ( ambition1 enemies ( pomp & gr&eur1 & fri5ds ( pov]ty8 ,9 %ort1 is ! conduct ( ,*ri/ian m9i/]s con=mable to ! au/]e morality ( ,*ri/1 _! ,god1 & _! model8 #aic4 ,a!ism1 x is said1 breaks all ! ties ( society4 ,)\t ! belief ( a ,god1 :at w become ( ! sacr$ness ( oa?s8 ,h[ %all we oblige a man to speak ! tru?1 :o _c s]i\sly call ! ,deity to witness :at he says8 ,b1 does an oa? /r5g!n our obligation to fulfil ! engagem5ts contract$8 ,w he1 :o is n fe>ful ( ly+1 be less fe>ful ( p]jury8 ,he1 :o is base en\gh to break 8 ^w1 or unju/ en\gh to violate 8 engagem5ts1 9 contempt ( ! e/eem ( m51 w n be m fai?ful !re9 = hav+ call$ all ! gods to witness 8 oa?s4 ,^?1 :o disreg>d ! judgm5ts ( m51 w soon disreg>d ! judgm5ts ( ,god4 ,are n pr9ces1 ( all m51 ! mo/ ready to swe>1 & ! mo/ ready to violate _! oa?s8 #aid4 ,! vulg>1 x is repeat$ly said1 mu/ h a ,religion4 ,if enlight5$ p]sons h no ne$ ( ! re/ra9t ( op9ion1 x is at lea/ necess>y to rude m51 ^: reason is uncultivat$ by education4 ,b1 is x inde$ a fact1 t religion is a re/ra9t ^u ! vulg>8 ,d we see1 t ?is religion pres]ves !m f intemp]ance1 drunk5ness1 brutality1 viol5ce1 fraud1 & e k9d ( excess8 ,c\ld a p :o h no idea ( ! ,deity conduct !mselves 9 a m dete/able mann]1 ?an ^! believ+ p1 among :om we f9d dissipation & vices1 ! mo/ unwor?y ( reasonable be+s8 ,^u go+ out ( ! *ur*es1 d n ! work+ classes1 & ! populace1 plunge )\t fe> into _! ord9>y irregul>ities1 "u ! idea1 t ! p]iodical homage1 :i* !y r5d] to _! ,god1 au?orizes !m to foll[1 )\t remorse1 _! vici\s habits & p]nici\s prop5sities8 ,f9ally1 if ! p are s l[-m9d$ & unreasonable1 is n _! /upidity *>geable to ! neglig5ce ( _! pr9ces1 :o are :olly reg>dless ( public education1 or :o ev5 oppose ! in/ruction ( _! subjects8 ,is n ! want ( reason 9 ! p evid5tly ! "w ( ! prie/s1 :o1 in/ead ( in/ruct+ m5 9 a rational morality1 ent]ta9 !m ) fables1 rev]ies1 c]emonies1 fallacies1 & false virtues :i* !y ?9k ( ! greate/ importance8 ,to ! p1 ,religion is b a va9 display ( c]emonies1 to :i* !y are atta*$ by habit1 :i* ent]ta9s _! eyes1 & produces a transi5t emotion 9 _! torpid und]/&+s1 )\t influ5c+ _! conduct or re=m+ _! morals4 ,ev5 by ! confession ( ! m9i/]s ( ! alt>s1 no?+ is m r>e ?an t int]nal & spiritual ,religion1 :i* alone is capable ( regulat+ ! life ( man & ( triumph+ ov] 8 evil prop5sities4 ,9 ! mo/ num]\s & dev\t nation1 are !re _m p]sons1 :o are really capable ( und]/&+ ! pr9ciples ( _! religi\s sy/em1 & :o f9d !m p[]ful en\gh to /ifle _! p]v]se incl9ations8 ,_m p]sons w say1 t any re/ra9t :atev] is bett] ?an none4 ,!y w ma9ta91 t if religion awes n ! great] "p1 x s]ves at lea/ to re/ra9 "s individuals1 :o w\ld o!rwise )\t remorse ab&on !mselves to crime4 ,m5 ought und\bt$ly to h a re/ra9t1 b n an imag9>y "o4 ,religion only fright5s ^? ^: imbecility ( "* has already prev5t$ !m f be+ =midable to _! fell[-citiz5s4 ,an equitable gov]nm5t1 sev]e laws1 & s\nd morality h an equal p[] ov] all2 at lea/1 e p]son mu/ believe 9 !m1 & p]ceive ! dang] ( n con=m+ to !m4 #aie4 ,p]haps x w be ask$1 :e!r ,a!ism c be prop] = ! multitude8 ,i answ]1 t any sy/em1 :i* requires discussion1 is n made = ! multitude4 ,:at purpose !n c x s]ve to prea* ,a!ism8 ,x may at lea/ s]ve to conv9ce all ^? :o reason1 t no?+ is m extravagant ?an to fret "o's self1 & no?+ m unju/ ?an to vex o!rs1 = m]e gr\ndless conjectures4 ,z = ! vulg> :o nev] reason1 ! argum5ts ( an ,a!i/ are no m fit = !m ?an ! sy/ems ( a natural philosoph]1 ! obs]vations ( an a/ronom]1 ! exp]im5ts ( a *emi/1 ! calculations ( a geometrician1 ! rese>*es ( a physician1 ! plans ( an ar*itect1 or ! plead+s ( a lawy]1 :o all lab\r = ! p )\t _! k4 ,are ! metaphysical reason+s & religi\s disputes1 :i* h s long engross$ ! "t & att5tion ( s _m pr(\nd ?9k]s1 bett] adapt$ to ! g5]ality ( m5 ?an ! reason+ ( an ,a!i/8 ,nay1 z ! pr9ciples ( ,a!ism are f\nd$ ^u pla9 common s5se1 are !y n m intelligible1 ?an ^? ( a !ology1 beset ) difficulties1 :i* ev5 ! p]sons ( ! greate/ g5ius _c expla98 ,9 e c\ntry1 ! p h a religion1 ! pr9ciples ( :i* !y are totally ignorant1 & :i* !y foll[ f habit )\t any exam9ation3 _! prie/s alone are engag$ 9 !ology1 :i* is too d5se = vulg> heads4 ,if ! p %\ld *ance to lose ?is unkn[n !ology1 !y mighty easily console !mselves = ! loss ( a ?+1 n only p]fectly useless1 b also productive ( dang]\s commotions4 ,x w\ld be madness to write = ! vulg>1 or to attempt to cure _! prejudices all at once4 ,we write = ^? only1 :o read & reason2 ! multitude read b little1 & reason /ill less4 ,calm & rational p]sons w require new ideas1 & k w be gradually diffus$4 #aif4 ,if !ology is a bran* ( comm]ce pr(itable to !ologians1 x is evid5tly n only sup]flu\s1 b injuri\s to ! re/ ( society4 ,self-int]e/ w soon] or lat] op5 ! eyes ( m54 ,sov]eigns & subjects w "o day adopt ! pr(\nd indiff]5ce & contempt1 m]it$ by a futile sy/em1 :i* s]ves only to make m5 mis]able4 ,all p]sons w be s5sible ( ! inutility ( ! _m exp5sive c]emonies1 :i* contribute no?+ to public felicity4 ,contemptible qu>rels w cease to di/urb ! tranquility ( /ates1 :5 we blu% at hav+ consid]$ !m important4 ,in/ead ( ,p>liam5t m$dl+ ) ! s5seless combats ( y\r cl]gy2 in/ead ( fooli%ly esp\s+ _! imp]t95t qu>rels1 & attempt+ to make y\r subjects adopt uni=m op9ions--/rive to make !m happy 9 ?is _w4 ,respect _! lib]ty & prop]ty1 wat* ov] _! education1 enc\rage !m 9 _! lab\rs1 rew>d _! tal5ts & virtues1 repress lic5ti\sness2 & d n conc]n y\rselves ) _! mann] ( ?9k+4 ,!ological fables are useful only to tyrants & ! ignorant4 #aig4 ,does x !n require an extraord9>y ef=t ( g5ius to compreh5d1 t :at is above ! capacity ( man1 is n made = him2 t ?+s sup]natural are n made = natural be+s2 t imp5etrable my/]ies are n made = limit$ m9ds8 ,if !ologians are fooli% en\gh to dispute ^u objects1 :i* !y ackn[l$ge to be un9telligible ev5 to !mselves1 ought society to take any "p 9 _! silly qu>rels8 ,mu/ ! blood ( nations fl[ to enhance ! conjectures ( a few infatuat$ dream]s8 ,if x is difficult to cure !ologians ( _! madness & ! p ( _! prejudices1 x is at lea/ easy to prev5t ! extravagancies ( "o p>ty1 & ! sill9ess ( ! o!r f produc+ p]nici\s effects4 ,let e "o be p]mitt$ to ?9k z he pleases2 b nev] let him be p]mitt$ to injure o!rs = _! mann] ( ?9k+4 ,7 ! rul]s ( nations m j & rational1 !ological op9ions w\ld n affect ! public tranquillity1 m ?an ! disputes ( natural philosoph]s1 physicians1 gramm>ians1 & critics4 ,x is tyranny :i* causes !ological qu>rels to be att5d$ ) s]i\s consequ5ces4 ,^?1 :o extol ! importance & utility ( ,religion1 ought to %ew u its happy effects1 ! advantages = in/ance1 :i* ! disputes & ab/ract speculations ( !ology c be to port]s1 artisans1 & lab\r]s1 & to ! multitude ( un=tunate wom5 & corrupt s]vants ) :i* great cities ab\nd4 ,all ^! be+s are religi\s2 !y h :at is call$ an implicit fai?4 ,_! p>sons believe = !m2 & !y /upidly adh]e to ! unkn[n belief ( _! guides4 ,!y g to he> s]mons1 & w\ld ?9k x a great crime to transgress any ( ! ord9ances1 to :i*1 9 *ildhood1 !y are taught to con=m4 ,b ( :at s]vice to morals is all ?is8 ,none at all4 ,!y h n ! lea/ idea ( ,morality1 & are ev5 guilty ( all ! rogu]y1 fraud1 rap9e1 & excess1 t is out ( ! rea* ( law4 ,! populace h no idea ( _! ,religion2 :at !y call ,religion is no?+ b a bl9d atta*m5t to unkn[n op9ions & my/]i\s practices4 ,9 fact1 to deprive p ( ,religion is to deprive !m ( no?+4 ,by ov]?r[+ _! prejudices1 we %\ld only less5 or annihilate ! dang]\s confid5ce !y put 9 int]e/$ guides1 & %\ld tea* !m to mi/ru/ ^?1 :o1 "u ! pretext ( ,religion1 (t5 lead !m into fatal excesses4 #aih4 ,:ile pret5d+ to in/ruct & enlight5 m51 ,religion 9 reality keeps !m 9 ignorance1 & /ifles ! desire ( kn[+ ! mo/ int]e/+ objects4 ,! p h no o!r rule ( conduct1 ?an :at _! prie/s are pleas$ to prescribe4 ,religion supplies ! place ( e ?+ else3 b be+ 9 itself ess5tially obscure1 x is m prop] to lead mortals a/ray ?an to guide !m 9 ! pa? ( sci5ce & happ9ess4 ,religion r5d]s enigmatical all ,natural ,philosophy1 ,morality1 ,legislation & ,politics4 ,a man bl9d$ by religi\s prejudices1 fe>s tru?1 :5ev] x cla%es ) 8 op9ions3 he _c "k 8 own nature he _c cultivate 8 reason1 he _c p]=m exp]im5ts4 ,ev]y?+ concurs to r5d] ! p dev\t2 b e ?+ t5ds to prev5t !m f be+ humane1 reasonable & virtu\s4 ,religion seems to h no o!r object1 ?an to /upefy ! m9d4 ,prie/s h be5 ev] at w> ) g5ius & tal5t1 because well-in=m$ m5 p]ceive1 t sup]/ition %ackles ! human m9d1 & w\ld keep x 9 et]nal infancy1 occupi$ solely by fables & fright5$ by phantoms4 ,incapable ( improvem5t itself1 ,!ology oppos$ insurm\ntable b>ri]s to ! progress ( true k2 its sole object is to keep nations & _! rul]s 9 ! mo/ pr(\nd ignorance ( _! duties1 & ( ! real motives1 t %\ld incl9e !m to d good4 ,x obscures ,morality1 r5d]s its pr9ciples arbitr>y1 & subjects x to ! caprice ( ! gods or ( _! m9i/]s4 ,x conv]ts ! art ( gov]n+ m5 into a my/]i\s tyranny1 :i* is ! sc\rge ( nations4 ,x *anges pr9ces into unju/1 lic5ti\s despots1 & ! p into ignorant slaves1 :o become corrupt 9 ord] to m]it ! fav\r ( _! ma/]s4 #aii4 ,by trac+ ! hi/ory ( ! human m9d1 we %all be easily conv9c$1 t ,!ology has cauti\sly gu>d$ aga9/ its progress4 ,x began by giv+ out fables z sacr$ tru?3 x produc$ poetry1 :i* fill$ ! imag9ation ( m5 ) its pu]ile fictions3 x ent]ta9$ !m ) its gods & _! incr$ible de$s4 ,9 a ^w1 ,religion has always treat$ m51 l *ildr51 :om x lull$ to sleep ) tales1 :i* its m9i/]s w\ld h u /ill reg>d z inconte/able tru?s4 ,if ! m9i/]s ( ! gods h sometimes made useful discov]ies1 !y h always be5 c>eful to give !m a dogmatical tone1 & envelope !m 9 ! %ades ( my/]y4 ,py?agoras & ,plato1 9 ord] to acquire "s trifl+ k1 7 oblig$ to c\rt ! fav\r ( prie/s1 to be initiat$ 9 _! my/]ies1 & to und]go :atev] trials !y 7 pleas$ to impose4 ,at ?is price1 !y 7 p]mitt$ to imbibe ^? exalt$ notions1 /ill s bewit*+ to all ^? :o admire only :at is p]fectly un9telligible4 ,x 0 f ,egyptian1 ,indian1 & ,*aldean prie/s1 f ! s*ools ( ^! vision>ies1 pr(essionally int]e/$ 9 bewild]+ human reason1 t philosophy 0 oblig$ to borr[ its fir/ rudim5ts4 ,obscure & false 9 its pr9ciples1 mix$ ) fictions & fables1 & made only to dazzle ! imag9ation1 ! progress ( ?is philosophy 0 prec>i\s1 & its !ories un9telligible2 in/ead ( enlight5+1 x blight$ ! m9d1 & div]t$ x f objects truly useful4 ,! !ological speculations & my/ical rev]ies ( ! anci5ts are /ill law 9 a great "p ( ! philosophic _w2 & be+ adopt$ by mod]n !ology1 x is h]esy to ab&on !m4 ,!y tell u ( a]ial be+s1 ( spirits1 angels1 demons1 g5ii1 & o!r phantoms1 :i* are ! object ( _! m$itations1 & s]ve z ! basis ( metaphysics1 an ab/ract & futile sci5ce1 :i* = ?\s&s ( ye>s ! greate/ g5iuses h va9ly /udi$4 ,hypo!sis1 imag9$ by a few vision>ies ( ,memphis & ,babylon1 con/itute ev5 n[ ! f\ndations ( a sci5ce1 ^: obscurity makes x rev]$ z m>vell\s & div9e4 ,! fir/ legislators 7 prie/s2 ! fir/ my?ologi/s1 poets1 le>n$ m51 & physicians 7 prie/s4 ,9 _! h&s sci5ce became sacr$ & 0 )held f ! pr(ane4 ,!y spoke only 9 allegories1 emblems1 enigmas1 & ambigu\s oracles--means well calculat$ to excite curiosity1 & above all to inspire ! a/oni%$ vulg> ) a holy respect = m51 :o :5 !y 7 ?\ght to be in/ruct$ by ! gods1 & capable ( read+ 9 ! heav5s ! fate ( ! e>?1 boldly proclaim$ !mselves ! oracles ( ! ,deity4 #bjj4 ,! religions ( anci5t prie/s h only *ang$ =m4 ,al?\gh our mod]n !ologians reg>d _! pr$ecessors z impo/ors1 yet !y h collect$ _m scatt]$ fragm5ts ( _! religi\s sy/ems4 ,9 mod]n ,religions we f9d1 n only _! metaphysical dogmas1 :i* !ology has m]ely clo!d 9 a new dress1 b also "s rem>kable rema9s ( _! sup]/iti\s practices1 _! magic1 & _! en*antm5ts4 ,*ri/ians are /ill comm&$ to respect ! rema9+ monum5ts ( ! legislators1 prie/s1 & prophets ( ! ,hebrew ,religion1 :i* _h borr[$ its /range practices f ,egypt4 ,?us extravagancies1 imag9$ by knaves or idolatr\s vision>ies1 are /ill sacr$ among ,*ri/ians6 ,if we exam9e hi/ory1 we %all f9d a /rik+ resemblance among all ,religions4 ,9 all p>ts ( ! e>?1 we see1 t religi\s notions1 p]iodically depress & elevate ! p4 ,! att5tion ( man is e :]e engross$1 by rites (t5 abom9able1 & by my/]ies always =midable1 :i* become ! sole objects ( m$itation4 ,! diff]5t sup]/itions borr[1 f "o ano!r1 _! ab/ract rev]ies & c]emonies4 ,religions are 9 g5]al m]e un9telligible rhapsodies1 comb9$ by new tea*]s1 :o use ! mat]ials ( _! pr$ecessors1 res]v+ ! "r ( add+ or retr5*+ :atev] is n con=mable to ! pres5t age4 ,! religion ( ,egypt 0 evid5tly ! basis ( ! religion ( ,moses1 :o bani%$ ! wor%ip ( idols3 ,moses 0 m]ely a s*ismatic ,egyptian4 ,*ri/ianism is only re=m$ ,judaism4 ,mahometanism is compos$ ( ,judaism1 ,*ri/ianity1 & ! anci5t religion ( ,arabia1 etc4 #bja4 ,!ology1 f ! remote/ antiquity to ! pres5t "t1 has _h ! exclusive privilege ( direct+ philosophy4 ,:at assi/ance has be5 d]iv$ f its lab\rs8 ,x *ang$ philosophy into an un9telligible j>gon1 calculat$ to r5d] unc]ta9 ! cle>e/ tru?s2 x has conv]t$ ! art ( reason+ into a j>gon ( words2 x has c>ri$ ! human m9d into ! airy regions ( metaphysics1 & !re employ$ x 9 va9ly fa?om+ an obscure abyss4 ,in/ead ( physical & simple causes1 ?is trans=m$ philosophy has sub/itut$ sup]natural1 or r1 occult causes2 x has expla9$ ph5om5a difficult to be conceiv$ by ag5ts /ill m inconceivable4 ,x has fill$ language ) words1 void ( s5se1 incapable ( acc\nt+ = ?+s1 bett] calculat$ to obscure ?an enlight51 & :i* seems inv5t$ expressly to disc\rage man1 to gu>d him aga9/ ! p[]s ( 8 m9d1 to make him mi/ru/ ! pr9ciples ( reason & evid5ce1 & to raise an insurm\ntable b>ri] betwe5 him & tru?4 #bjb4 ,7 we to believe ! p>tisans ( ,religion1 no?+ c\ld be expla9$ )\t x2 nature w\ld be a p]petual enigma1 & man w\ld be incapable ( und]/&+ himself4 ,b1 :at does ?is ,religion 9 reality expla98 ,! m we exam9e x1 ! m we are conv9c$ t its !ological notions are fit only to confuse our ideas2 !y *ange e ?+ into my/]y3 !y expla9 difficult ?+s by ?+s t are impossible4 ,is x a satisfactory explanation ( ph5om5a1 to attribute !m to unkn[n ag5ts1 to invisible p[]s1 to immat]ial causes8 ,does ! human m9d receive mu* light by be+ ref]r$ to ! dep?s ( ! treasures ( div9e wisdom1 to :i*1 we are repeat$ly told1 x is va9 to ext5d our ra% enquiries8 ,c ! div9e nature1 ( :i* we h no conception1 enable u to conceive ! nature ( man8 ,ask a ,*ri/ian1 :at is ! orig9 ( ! _w8 ,he w answ]1 t ,god creat$ x4 ,:at is ,god8 ,he _c tell4 ,:at is x to create8 ,he kn[s n4 ,:at is ! cause ( pe/il5ce1 fam9e1 w>s1 dr\ghts1 inundations & e>?quakes8 ,! ang] ( ,god4 ,:at rem$ies c be appli$ to ^! calamities8 ,pray]s1 sacrifices1 processions1 (f]+s1 & c]emonies are1 x is said1 ! true means ( dis>m+ cele/ial fury4 ,b :y is heav5 enrag$8 ,because m5 are wick$4 ,:y are m5 wick$8 ,because _! nature is corrupt4 ,:at is ! cause ( ?is corruption8 ,x is1 says ! !ologian1 because ! fir/ man1 beguil$ by ! fir/ woman1 ate an apple1 :i* ,god _h =bidd5 him to t\*4 ,:o beguil$ ?is woman into su* folly8 ,! devil4 ,:o made ! devil8 ,god4 ,b1 :y did ,god make ?is devil1 de/9$ to p]v]t mank9d8 ,?is is unkn[n2 x is a my/]y :i* ! ,deity alone is acqua9t$ )4 ,x is n[ univ]sally ackn[l$g$1 t ! e>? turns r\nd ! sun4 ,c5turies ago1 ?is op9ion 0 blasphemy1 z be+ irreconcileable ) ! sacr$ books :i* e ,*ri/ian rev]es z inspir$ by ! ,deity himself4 ,not)/&+ div9e revelation1 a/ronom]s n[ dep5d r ^u evid5ce1 ?an ^u ! te/imony ( _! inspir$ books4 ,:at is ! hidd5 pr9ciple ( ! motions ( ! human body8 ,! s\l4 ,:at is a s\l8 ,a _s4 ,:at is a _s8 ,a sub/ance1 :i* has nei!r =m1 nor col\r1 nor ext5sion1 nor p>ts4 ,h[ c we =m any idea ( su* a sub/ance8 ,h[ c x move a body8 ,t is n kn[n2 x is a my/]y4 ,h bea/s s\ls8 ,b1 d !y n act1 feel1 & ?9k1 9 a mann] v simil> to man8 ,m]e illusion6 ,by :at "r d y deprive bea/s ( a s\l1 :i* y attribute to man1 ?\gh y "k no?+ at all ab\t x8 ,because ! s\ls ( bea/s w\ld emb>rass our !ologians1 :o are satisfi$ ) ! p[] ( t]rify+ & damn+ ! immat]ial s\ls ( m51 & are n s mu* int]e/$ 9 damn+ ^? ( bea/s4 ,su* are ! pu]ile solutions1 :i* philosophy1 always 9 ! lead+ /r+s ( !ology1 0 oblig$ to inv5t1 9 ord] to expla9 ! problems ( ! physical & moral _w8 #bjc4 ,h[ _m evasions h be5 us$1 bo? 9 anci5t & mod]n times1 9 ord] to avoid an engagem5t ) ! m9i/]s ( ! gods1 :o h ev] be5 ! tyrants ( ?\ght8 ,h[ _m hypo!ses & %ifts 7 su* m5 z ,desc>tes1 ,mallebran*e1 & ,leibnitz1 =c$ to inv5t1 9 ord] to reconcile _! discov]ies ) ! fables & mi/akes :i* ,religion _h consecrat$6 ,9 :at gu>d$ phrases h ! greate/ philosoph]s express$ !mselves1 ev5 at ! risk ( be+ absurd1 inconsi/5t1 or un9telligible1 :5ev] _! ideas did n accord ) ! pr9ciples ( !ology6 ,prie/s h be5 always att5tive to ext+ui% sy/ems :i* oppos$ _! int]e/4 ,!ology 0 ev] ! b$ ( ,procru/es1 to be adapt$ to :i*1 ! limbs ( travell]s1 if too long 7 cut (f1 & if too %ort 7 l5g!n$4 ,c any s5sible man1 delight$ ) ! sci5ces & atta*$ to ! welf>e ( 8 fell[-creatures1 reflect1 )\t vexation & angui%1 h[ _m pr(\nd1 labori\s1 & subtle bra9s h be5 = ages fooli%ly occupi$ 9 ! /udy ( absurdities8 ,:at a treasure ( k might h be5 diffus$ by _m celebrat$ ?9k]s1 if in/ead ( engag+ 9 ! imp]t95t disputes ( va9 !ology1 !y _h devot$ _! att5tion to intelligible objects really important to mank9d8 ,half ! ef=ts :i* religi\s op9ions h co/ g5ius1 & half ! weal? :i* frivol\s =ms ( wor%ip h co/ nations w\ld h suffic$ to in/ruct !m p]fectly 9 morality1 politics1 natural philosophy1 m$ic9e1 agriculture1 etc4 ,sup]/ition g5]ally absorbs ! att5tion1 admiration1 & treasures ( ! p2 _! ,religion co/s !m v de>2 b !y h nei!r k1 virtue1 nor happ9ess1 = _! money4 #bjd4 ,"s anci5t & mod]n philosoph]s h be5 bold en\gh to assume exp]i5ce & reason = _! guides1 & to %ake (f ! *a9s ( sup]/ition4 ,democritus1 ,epicurus1 & o!r ,greeks presum$ to te> away ! veil ( prejudice1 & to deliv] philosophy f !ological %ackles4 ,b _! sy/ems1 too simple1 too s5sible1 & too free f ! m>vell\s1 = imag9ations enam\r$ ) *im]as1 7 oblig$ to yield to ! fabul\s conjectures ( su* m5 z ,plato & ,socrates4 ,among ! mod]ns1 ,hobbes1 ,sp9osa1 ,bayle1 etc41 h foll[$ ! /eps ( ,epicurus2 b _! doctr9e has f\nd v few foll[]s1 9 a _w1 /ill intoxicat$ ) fables1 to li/5 to reason4 ,9 e age1 x has be5 dang]\s to dep>t f prejudices4 ,discov]ies ( e k9d h be5 prohibit$4 ,all t enlight5$ m5 c\ld d1 0 to speak ambigu\sly1 h5ce !y (t5 conf\nd$ falsehood ) tru?4 ,sev]al _h a d\ble doctr9e1 "o public & ! o!r secret2 ! key ( ! latt] be+ lo/1 _! true s5tim5ts1 h (t5 become un9telligible & consequ5tly useless4 ,h[ c\ld mod]n philosoph]s1 :o1 "u pa9 ( cruel p]secution1 7 comm&$ to r5\nce reason1 & to subject x to fai?1 t is1 to ! au?ority ( prie/s2 h[1 ,i say1 c\ld m51 ?us b\nd1 give free scope to _! g5ius1 improve reason1 & accel]ate ! progress ( ! human m9d8 ,x 0 ) fe> & trembl+ t ev5 ! greate/ m5 obta9$ a glimpse ( tru?2 r>ely _h !y ! c\rage to ann\nce x2 & ^?1 :o did1 7 t]ribly puni%$4 ,) ,religion1 x has ev] be5 unlawful to ?9k1 or to combat ! prejudices ( :i* man is e :]e ! victim & ! dupe4 #bje4 ,e man1 suffici5tly intrepid to ann\nce tru?s to ! _w1 is sure ( incurr+ ! hatr$ ( ! m9i/]s ( ,religion1 :o l\dly call to _! aid secul> p[]s2 & want ! assi/ance ( laws to support bo? _! argum5ts & _! gods4 ,_! clam\rs expose too evid5tly ! weakness ( _! cause4 ,none call = aid b ^? :o feel di/ress$4 ,9 ,religion1 man is n p]mitt$ to err4 ,9 g5]al1 ^? :o err are piti$1 & "s k9dness is %ewn to p]sons :o discov] new tru?s2 b1 :5 ,religion is ?\ght to be int]e/$ ei!r 9 ! errors or ! discov]ies1 a holy zeal is k9dl$1 ! populace become frantic1 & nations are 9 an upro>4 ,c any ?+ be m afflict+1 ?an to see public & private felicity dep5d+ ^u a futile sy/em1 :i* is de/itute if pr9ciples1 f\nd$ only on a di/emp]$ imag9ation1 & incapable ( pres5t+ any ?+ b words void ( s5se8 ,9 :at consi/s ! s mu* boa/$ utility ( a ,religion1 :i* nobody c compreh5d1 :i* cont9ually torm5ts ^? :o are weak en\gh to m$dle ) x1 :i* is incapable ( r5d]+ m5 bett]1 & :i* (t5 makes !m consid] x m]itori\s to be unju/ & wick$8 ,is !re a folly m deplorable1 & m ju/ly to be combat$1 ?an t1 :i* f> f do+ any s]vice to ! human race1 only makes !m bl9d1 deliri\s1 & mis]able1 by depriv+ !m ( ,tru?1 ! sole cure = _! wret*$ness4 #bjf4 ,religion has ev] fill$ ! m9d ( man ) d>kness1 & kept him 9 ignorance ( 8 real duties & true int]e/s4 ,x is only by dispell+ ! cl\ds & phantoms ( ,religion1 t we %all discov] ,tru?1 ,reason1 & ,morality4 ,religion div]ts u f ! causes ( evils1 & f ! rem$ies :i* nature prescribes2 f> f cur+1 x only aggravates1 multiplies1 & p]petuates !m4 ,let u obs]ve ) ! celebrat$ ,"l ,bol+broke1 t !ology is ! box ( ,p&ora2 & if x is impossible to %ut x1 x is at lea/ useful to in=m m51 t ?is fatal box is op54 ,,! ,,end4