,,! ,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature2  or1  ,,!     
,,laws ( ! ,,moral ,,& ,,physical ,,_w4 
,,translat$ ,,f ,,! ,,orig9al ,,fr5* ,,(
 ,m4 ,,de ,,mirabaud    ,,vol4 ,,ii4    
,,production ,,notes3 ,fir/ publi%$ 9   
,fr5* 9 #aggj "u ! pseudonym (          
,mirabaud4 ,?is e-book bas$ on a        
facsimile repr9t ( an ,engli%           
translation orig9ally publi%$ #ahbj-ba4 
,?is e-text cov]s ! second ( ! orig9al  
two volumes4      ,,cont5ts         ,,"p
 ,,ii4  ,( ! ,div9ity4--,pro(s ( 8      
exi/5ce4--       ,( 8 attributes4--,( 8 
influ5ce ov] ! happ9ess ( man4   ,,*ap4 
,i4 ,! orig9 ( man's ideas ^u !         
,div9ity4  ,,*ap4 ,,ii4 ,( my?ology4--,(
 !ology  ,,*ap4 ,,iii4 ,( ! confus$ &   
contradictory ideas ( !ology4  ,,*ap4   
,,iv4 ,exam9ation ( ! pro(s ( ! exi/5ce 
( ! ,div9ity1 z giv5 by ,cl>ke4  ,,*ap4 
,v4 ,exam9ation ( ! pro(s (f]$ by       
,desc>tes1 ,malebran*e1 ,newton1 c4     
,,*ap4 ,,vi4 ,( ,pan!ism2 or ( ! natural
 ideas ( ! ,div9ity4  ,,*ap4 ,,vii4 ,(  
,!ism--,( ! ,sy/em ( ,optimism--,( ,f9al

 ,causes  ,,*ap4 ,,viii4 ,exam9ation ( !
 ,advantages :i* result f ,man's        
,notions on ! ,div9ity2--( _! ,influ5ce 
^u ,morals2--^u ,politics2--^u          
,sci5ce2--^u ! ,happ9ess ( ,nations1 & t
 ( individuals4  ,,*ap4 ,,ix4 ,!ological
 ,notions _c be ! ,basis (              
,morality4--,comp>ison betwe5 ,!ological
 ,e?ics & ,natural ,morality--,!ology   
prejudicial to ! ,human ,m9d4  ,,*ap4   
,x4 ,man c =m no ,conclusion f ! ,ideas 
:i* are (f]$ him ( ! ,div9ity4--,( _!   
want ( j ,inf]5ce4--,( ! ,inutility ( 8 
,conduct4  ,,*ap4 ,,xi ,def5ce ( !      
,s5tim5ts conta9$ 9 ?is ,"w4--,(        
,impiety4--,d !re exi/ ,a!i/s8  ,,*ap4  
,,xii4 ,is :at is t]m$ ,a!ism1          
compatible ) ,morality8  ,,*ap4 ,,xiii4 
,( ! motives :i* lead to :at is falsely 
call$ ,a!ism4--,c ?is ,sy/em be         
dang]\s8--,c x be embrac$ by !          
,illit]ate8  ,,*ap4 ,,xiv4 ,a summ>y ( !
 ,code ( ,nature4   ,a ,brief ,sket* ( !
 ,life & ,writ+s ( ,m4 de ,mirabaud     
,,mirabaud',s ,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature      

,translat$ f ! ,orig9al ,,by ,,samuel   
,,wilk9son           ,,"p ,,ii4         
,,on ,,! ,,div9ity3--,,pro(s ,,( ,,8    
,,exi/5ce3--,,( ,,8 ,,attributes3       
,,( ,,8 ,,influ5ce ,,ov] ,,! ,,happ9ess 
,,( ,,man4    ,,*ap4 ,i4  ,! ,orig9 (   
,man's ,ideas ^u ! ,div9ity4   ,if man  
possess$ ! c\rage1 if he _h ! requisite 
indu/ry to recur to ! s\rce ( ^? op9ions
 :i* are mo/ deeply engrav5 on 8 bra92  
if he r5d]$ to himself a fai?ful acc\nt 
( ! reasons :i* make him hold ^! op9ions
 z sacr$2 if he coolly exam9$ ! basis ( 
8 hopes1 ! f\ndation ( 8 fe>s1 he w\ld  
f9d t x v frequ5tly happ5s1 ^? objects1 
or ^? ideas :i* move him mo/ p[]fully1  
ei!r h no real exi/5ce1 or are words    
devoid ( mean+1 :i* t]ror has conjur$ up
 to expla9 "s sudd5 disa/]2 t !y are (t5
 phantoms eng5d]$ by a disord]$         
imag9ation1 modifi$ by ignorance2 !     
effect ( an ard5t m9d di/ract$ by       
cont5d+ passions1 :i* prev5t him f ei!r 
reason+ ju/ly1 or consult+ exp]i5ce 9 8 
judgm5t2 t ?is m9d (t5 lab\rs ) a       

precipitancy t ?r[s 8 intellectual      
faculties into confusion2 t bewild]s 8  
ideas2 t consequ5tly he gives a sub/ance
 & a =m to *im]as1 to airy no?+s1 :i* he
 aft]w>ds idolizes f slo?1 rev]5ces f   
prejudice4  ,a s5sible be+ plac$ 9 a    
nature :]e e "p is 9 motion1 has v>i\s  
feel+s1 9 consequ5ce ( ei!r ! agreeable 
or disagreeable effects :i* he is oblig$
 to exp]i5ce f ?is cont9u$ action &     
re-action2 9 consequ5ce he ei!r f9ds    
himself happy or mis]able2 accord+ to ! 
quality ( ! s5sations excit$ 9 him1 he w
 love or fe>1 seek aft] or fly f1 ! real
 or suppos$ causes ( su* m>k$ effects   
op]at$ on 8 ma*9e4 ,b if he is ignorant 
( nature1 if he is de/itute ( exp]i5ce1 
he w frequ5tly deceive himself z to ^!  
causes2 = want ( ei!r capability or     
incl9ation to recur back to !m1 he w    
nei!r h a true k ( _! en]gy1 nor a cle> 
idea ( _! mode ( act+3 ?us until        
reit]at$ exp]i5ce %all h =m$ 8 ideas1   
until ! mirror ( tru? %all h %ewn him ! 
judgm5t he ought to make1 he w be       

involv$ 9 tr\ble1 a prey to inc]titude1 
a victim to cr$ulity4  ,man is a be+ :o 
br+s ) him no?+ into ! _w save an       
aptitude to feel+ 9 a mann] m or less   
lively accord+ to 8 individual          
organization3 he has no innate k ( any (
 ! causes t act ^u him3 by degrees 8    
faculty ( feel+ discov]s to him _! v>i\s
 qualities2 he le>ns to judge ( !m2 "t  
famili>izes him ) _! prop]ties2 he      
atta*es ideas to !m1 accord+ to ! mann] 
9 :i* !y h affect$ him2 ^! ideas are    
correct or o!rwise1 9 a ratio to !      
s\ndness ( 8 organic /ructure3 8 judgm5t
 is faulty or n1 z ^! organs are ei!r   
well or ill-con/itut$2 9 proportion z !y
 are compet5t to af=d him sure &        
reit]at$ exp]i5ce4  ,! fir/ mom5ts ( man
 are m>k$ by 8 wants2 t is to say1 !    
fir/ impulse he receives is to cons]ve 8
 exi/5ce2 ?is he w\ld n be able to      
ma9ta9 )\t ! concurr5ce ( _m analog\s   
causes3 ^! wants 9 a s5sible be+1       
manife/ !mselves by a g5]al languor1 a  
s9k+1 a confusion 9 8 ma*9e1 :i* gives  

him ! consci\sness ( a pa9ful s5sation3 
?is d]angem5t subsi/s1 is ev5 augm5t$1  
until ! cause suitable to remove x      
re-e/abli%es ! h>mony s necess>y to !   
exi/5ce ( ! human frame4 ,want1 !re=e1  
is ! fir/ evil man exp]i5ces2 nev]!less 
x is requisite to ! ma9t5ance ( 8       
exi/5ce4 ,0 x n = ?is d]angem5t ( 8     
body1 :i* obliges him to furni% its     
rem$y1 he w\ld n be w>n$ ( ! necessity (
 pres]v+ ! exi/5ce he has receiv$4 ,)\t 
wants man w\ld be an ins5sible ma*9e1   
simil> to a vegetable2 l t he w\ld be   
incapable ( pres]v+ himself2 he w\ld n  
be compet5t to us+ ! means requir$ to   
cons]ve 8 be+4 ,to 8 wants are to be    
ascrib$ 8 passions2 8 desires2 ! ex]cise
 ( 8 corporeal functions2 ! play ( 8    
intellectual faculties3 !y are 8 wants t
 oblige him to ?9k2 t det]m9e 8 w1 t    
induce him to act2 x is to satisfy !m or
 r to put an end to ! pa9ful s5sations  
excit$ by _! pres5ce1 t accord+ to 8    
capacity1 to ! natural s5sibility ( 8   
s\l1 to ! en]gies :i* are peculi> to    

himself1 he gives play to 8 faculties1  
ex]ts ! activity ( 8 bodily /r5g?1 or   
displays ! ext5sive p[]s ( 8 m9d4 ,8    
wants be+ p]petual1 he is oblig$ to     
lab\r )\t relaxation1 to procure objects
 compet5t to satisfy !m4 ,9 a ^w1 x is  
ow+ to 8 multipli$ wants t man's en]gy  
is kept 9 a /ate ( cont9ual activity3 z 
soon z he ceases to h wants1 he falls   
into inaction--becomes li/less--decl9es 
into apa?y--s9ks into a languor t is    
incommodi\s to 8 feel+s or prejudicial  
to 8 exi/5ce3 ?is le?>gic /ate ( we>9ess
 la/s until new wants1 by giv+ him fre% 
activity1 r\se 8 dormant faculties--?r[ 
(f 8 /upor--re-animate 8 vig\r1 & de/roy
 ! sluggi%ness to :i* he _h become a    
prey4  ,f h5ce x w be obvi\s t evil is  
necess>y to man2 )\t x he w\ld nei!r be 
9 a condition to "k t :i* injures him2  
to avoid its pres5ce2 or to seek 8 own  
welf>e3 )\t ?is /imulus1 he w\ld diff] 9
 no?+ f ins5sible1 unorganiz$ be+s3 if  
^? evanesc5t evils :i* he calls wants1  
did n oblige him to call =? 8 faculties1

 to set 8 en]gies 9 motion1 to cull     
exp]i5ce1 to comp>e objects1 to         
discrim9ate !m1 to sep>ate ^? :i* h !   
capabilities to injure him1 f ^? :i*    
possess ! means to b5efit him1 he w\ld  
be ins5sible to happ9ess--inadequate to 
enjoym5t4 ,9 %ort1 )\t evil man w\ld be 
ignorant ( good2 he w\ld be cont9ually  
expos$ to p]i% l ! leaf on a tree4 ,he  
w\ld resemble an infant1 :o1 de/itute ( 
exp]i5ce1 runs ! risque ( meet+ 8       
de/ruction at e /ep he takes1 ungu>d$ by
 8 nurse4 ,:at ! nurse is to ! *ild1    
exp]i5ce is to ! adult2 :5 ei!r are     
want+1 ^! *ildr5 ( diff]5t lu/res       
g5]ally g a/ray3 frequ5tly enc\nt]      
disa/]4 ,)\t evil he w\ld be unable to  
judge ( any ?+2 he w\ld h no pref]5ce2 8
 w w\ld be )\t volition1 he w\ld be     
de/itute ( passions2 desire w\ld f9d no 
place 9 8 he>t2 he w\ld n revolt at !   
mo/ disgu/+ objects2 he w\ld n /rive to 
put !m away2 he w\ld nei!r h /imuli to  
love1 nor motives to fe> any ?+2 he w\ld
 be an ins5sible automaton2 he w\ld no  

long] be a man4  ,if no evil _h exi/$ 9 
?is _w1 man w\ld nev] h dreamt ( ^?     
num]\s div9ities1 to :om he has r5d]$   
su* v>i\s modes ( wor%ip4 ,if nature _h 
p]mitt$ him easily to satisfy all 8     
reg5]at+ wants1 if %e _h giv5 him none b
 agreeable s5sations1 8 days w\ld h     
un9t]rupt$ly roll$ on 9 "o p]petual     
uni=mity2 he w\ld nev] h discov]$ 8 own 
nak$ness2 he w\ld nev] h _h motives to  
se>* aft] ! unkn[n causes ( ?+s--to     
m$itate 9 pa94 ,!re=e man1 always       
cont5t$1 w\ld only h occupi$ himself )  
satisfy+ 8 wants2 ) enjoy+ ! pres5t1 )  
feel+ ! influ5ce ( objects1 t w\ld      
unceas+ly w>n him ( 8 exi/5ce 9 a mode t
 he mu/ necess>ily approve2 no?+ w\ld   
al>m 8 he>t2 e ?+ w\ld be analog\s to 8 
exi/5ce3 he w\ld nei!r "k fe>1 exp]i5ce 
di/ru/1 nor h inquietude = ! future3 ^! 
feel+s c only be ! consequ5ce ( "s      
tr\blesome s5sation1 :i* mu/ h ant]iorly
 affect$ him1 or :i* by di/urb+ ! h>mony
 ( 8 ma*9e1 has int]rupt$ ! c\rse ( 8   
happ9ess2 :i* has %ewn him he is nak$4  

,indep5d5t ( ^? wants :i* 9 man r5ew    
!mselves e in/ant2 :i* he frequ5tly f9ds
 x impossible to satisfy2 e individual  
exp]i5ces a multiplicity ( evils--he    
suff]s f ! inclem5cy ( ! seasons--he    
p9es 9 p5ury--he is infect$ ) plague--he
 is sc\rg$ by w>--he is ! victim (      
fam9e--he is afflict$ ) disease--he is !
 sport ( a ?\s& accid5ts1 c4 ,?is is !  
reason :y all m5 are fe>ful2 :y ! :ole  
human race are diffid5t4 ,! k he has (  
pa9 al>ms him ^u all unkn[n causes1 t is
 to say1 ^u all ^? ( :i* he has n yet   
exp]i5c$ ! effect2 ?is exp]i5ce made )  
precipitation1 or if x be pref]r$1 by   
in/9ct1 places him on 8 gu>d aga9/ all  
^? objects f ! op]ation ( :i* he is     
ignorant :at consequ5ces may result to  
himself4  ,8 inquietude is 9 proportion2
 8 fe>s keep pace ) ! ext5t ( ! disord] 
:i* ^! objects produce 9 him2 !y are    
measur$ by _! r>ity1 t is to say1 by !  
inexp]i5ce he has ( !m2 by ! natural    
s5sibility ( ! s\l2 & by ! ard\r ( 8    
imag9ation4 ,! wore ignorant man is1 !  

less exp]i5ce he has1 ! m he is         
susceptible ( fe>2 solitude1 ! obscurity
 ( a =e/1 sil5ce1 & ! d>kness ( night1  
desolate ru9s1 ! ro>+ ( ! w9d1 sudd51   
confus$ noises1 are objects ( t]ror to  
all :o are unaccu/om$ to ^! ?+s4 ,!     
un9=m$ man is a *ild :om e ?+ a/oni%es2 
:o trembles at e ?+ he enc\nt]s3 8 al>ms
 disappe>1 8 fe>s dim9i%1 8 m9d becomes 
calm1 9 proportion z exp]i5ce           
famili>izes him1 m or less1 ) natural   
effects2 8 fe>s cease entirely1 z soon z
 he und]/&s1 or believes he und]/&s1 !  
causes t act2 or :5 he kn[s h[ to avoid 
_! effects4 ,b if he _c p5etrate !      
causes :i* di/urb him1 if he _c discov] 
! ag5ts by :om he suff]s1 if he _c f9d  
to :at acc\nt to place ! confusion he   
exp]i5ces1 8 inquietude augm5ts2 8 fe>s 
r$\ble2 8 imag9ation leads him a/ray2 x 
exagg]ates 8 evil2 pa9ts 9 a disord]ly  
mann] ^! unkn[n objects ( 8 t]ror2      
magnifies _! p[]s2 !n mak+ an analogy   
betwe5 !m & ^? t]rific objects1 ) :om he
 is already acqua9t$1 he sugge/s to     

himself ! means he usually takes to     
mitigate _! ang]2 to conciliate _!      
k9dness2 he employs simil> measures to  
s(t5 ! ang]1 to dis>m ! p[]1 to av]t !  
effects ( ! conceal$ cause :i* gives    
bir? to 8 inquietudes1 :i* fills him )  
anxiety1 :i* al>ms 8 fe>s4 ,x is ?us 8  
weakness1 aid$ by ignorance1 r5d]s him  
sup]/iti\s4  ,!re are v few m51 ev5 9   
our own day1 :o h suffici5tly /udi$     
nature1 :o are fully appris$ ( physical 
causes1 or ) ! effects !y mu/ necess>ily
 produce4 ,?is ignorance1 )\t d\bt1 0   
mu* great] 9 ! m remote ages ( ! _w1 :5 
! human m9d1 yet 9 its infancy1 _h n    
collect$ t exp]i5ce1 tak5 t expansion1  
made ^? /rides t[>ds improvem5t1 :i*    
di/+ui%es ! pres5t f ! pa/4 ,savages    
disp]s$1 erratic1 ?9ly scatt]$ up & d[n1
 knew ! c\rse ( nature ei!r v imp]fectly
 or n at all2 society alone p]fects     
human k3 x requires n only multipli$ b  
comb9$ ef=ts to unravel ! secrets (     
nature4 ,?is grant$1 all natural causes 
7 my/]ies to our w&]+ ance/ors2 ! entire

 ( nature 0 an enigma to !m2 all its    
ph5om5a 0 m>vell\s1 e ev5t inspir$ t]ror
 to be+s :o 7 de/itute ( exp]i5ce2 almo/
 e ?+1 !y saw mu/ h appe>$ to !m /range1
 unusual1 contr>y to _! idea ( ! ord] ( 
?+s4  ,x _c !n furni% matt] = surprise1 
if we behold m5 9 ! pres5t day trembl+  
at ! sight ( ^? objects :i* h =m]ly     
fill$ _! fa!rs ) dismay4 ,eclipse1      
comets1 meteors1 71 9 anci5t days1      
subjects ( al>m to all ! p ( ! e>?3 ^!  
effects1 s natural 9 ! eyes ( ! s\nd    
philosoph]1 :o has by degrees fa?om$ _! 
true causes1 h yet ! "r1 possess ! p[]1 
to al>m ! mo/ num]\s1 to excite ! fe>s (
 ! lea/ in/ruct$ "p ( mod]n nations4 ,! 
p ( ! pres5t day1 z well z _! ignorant  
ance/ors1 f9d some?+ m>vell\s1 believe  
!re is a sup]natural ag5cy 9 all ^?     
objects to :i* _! eyes are unaccu/om$2  
!y consid] all ^? unkn[n causes z       
wond]ful1 t act ) a =ce ( :i* _! m9d has
 no idea x is possible ! kn[n ag5ts are 
capable4 ,! ignorant see wond]s         
prodigies1 miracles1 9 all ^? /rik+     

effects ( :i* !y are unable to r5d]     
!mselves a satisfactory acc\nt2 all !   
causes :i* produce !m !y ?9k            
sup]natural2 ?is1 h[ev]1 really implies 
no?+ m ?an t !y are n famili> to !m1 or 
t !y h n hi!rto witness$ natural ag5ts1 
^: en]gy 0 equal to ! production (      
effects s r>e1 s a/oni%+1 z ^? ) :i* _! 
sight has be5 appall$4  ,besides !      
ord9>y ph5om5a to :i* nations 7         
witnesses )\t be+ compet5t to unravel ! 
causes1 !y h 9 times v remote f ours1   
exp]i5c$ calamities1 :e!r g5]al or      
local1 :i* fill$ !m ) ! mo/ cruel       
inquietude2 :i* plung$ !m into an abyss 
( con/]nation4 ,! traditions ( all p1 ! 
annals ( all nations1 recal1 ev5 at ?is 
day1 melan*oly ev5ts1 physical disa/]s1 
dreadful cata/rophes1 :i* _h ! effect ( 
spread+ univ]sal t]ror among our        
=efa!rs1 ,b :5 hi/ory %\ld be sil5t on  
^! /up5d\s revolutions1 w\ld n our own  
reflection on :at passes "u our eyes be 
suffici5t to conv9ce u1 t all p>ts ( our
 globe h be51 & foll[+ ! c\rse ( ?+s1 w 

necess>ily be aga9 viol5tly agitat$1    
ov]turn$1 *ang$1 ov]fl[$1 9 a /ate (    
conflagration8 ,va/ cont95ts h be5      
inundat$1 seas break+ _! limits h usurp$
 ! dom9ion ( ! e>?2 at l5g? retir+1 ^!  
wat]s h left /rik+1 pro(s ( _! pres5ce1 
by ! m>9e ve/iges ( %ells1 skeletons (  
sea fi%1 c4 :i* ! att5tive obs]v] meets 
) at e /ep1 9 ! b[els ( ^? f]tile       
c\ntries we n[ inhabit--subt]rane\s     
fires h op5$ to !mselves ! mo/ frightful
 volcanoes1 ^: crat]s frequ5tly issue   
de/ruction on e side4 ,9 %ort1 ! elem5ts
 unloos$1 h at v>i\s times1 disput$     
among !mselves ! empire ( our globe2 ?is
 exhibits evid5ce ( ! fact1 by ^? va/   
heaps ( wreck1 ^? /up5d\s ru9s spread   
ov] its surface4 ,:at1 !n1 mu/ h be5 !  
fe>s ( mank9d1 :o 9 ^? c\ntries believ$ 
he beheld ! entire ( nature arm$ aga9/ 8
 peace1 m5ac+ ) de/ruction 8 v abode8   
,:at mu/ h be5 ! inquietude ( a p tak5  
?us unprovid$1 :o fanci$ !y saw nature  
cruelly lab\r+ to _! annihilation8 ,:o  
beheld a _w ready to be da%$ into atoms2

 :o witness$ ! e>? sudd5ly r5t asund]2  
^: yawn+ *asm 0 ! grave ( l>ge cities1  
:ole prov9ces1 entire nations8 ,:at     
ideas mu/ mortals1 ?us ov]:elm$ ) t]ror1
 =m to !mselves ( ! irresi/ible cause t 
c\ld produce su* ext5d$ effects8 ,)\t   
d\bt !y did n attribute ^! wide spread+ 
calamities to nature2 nei!r did !y      
conceive !y 7 m]e physical causes2 !y   
c\ld n suspect %e 0 ! au?or1 !          
accomplice ( ! confusion %e h]self      
exp]i5c$2 !y did n see t ^! trem5d\s    
revolutions1 ^! ov]p[]+ disord]s1 7 !   
necess>y result ( h] immutable laws2 t  
!y contribut$ to ! g5]al ord] by :i* %e 
subsi/s2 t1 9 po9t ( fact1 !re 0 no?+ m 
surpris+ 9 ! inundation ( l>ge portions 
( ! e>?1 9 ! swall[+ up an entire       
nation1 9 a volcanic conflagration      
spread+ de/ruction ov] :ole prov9ces1   
?an !re is 9 a /one fall+ to ! e>?1 or !
 dea? ( a fly2 t ea* equally has its    
spr+ 9 ! necessity ( ?+s4  ,x 0 "u ^!   
a/\nd+ circum/ances1 t nations1 ba!d 9 !
 mo/ bitt] te>s1 p]plex$ ) ! mo/        

frightful visions1 electrifi$ ) t]ror1 n
 believ+ !re exi/$ on ?is mundane ball1 
causes suffici5tly p[]ful to op]ate !   
gigantic ph5om5a t fill$ _! m9ds )      
dismay1 c>ri$ _! /ream+ eyes t[>ds      
heav51 :]e _! tremul\s fe>s l$ !m to    
suppose ^! unkn[n ag5ts1 ^: unprovok$   
enmity de/roy$1 _! e>?ly felicity1 c\ld 
alone reside4  ,x 0 9 ! lap ( ignorance1
 9 ! season ( al>m1 9 ! bosom (         
calamity1 t mank9d ev] =m$ 8 fir/       
notions ( ! ,div9ity4 ,f h5ce x is      
obvi\s t 8 ideas on ?is subject are to  
be suspect$1 t 8 notions are 9 a great  
measure false1 t !y are always afflict+4
 ,inde$1 ^u :atev] "p ( our sph]e we ca/
 our eyes1 :e!r x be ^u ! froz5 climates
 ( ! nor?1 ^u ! p>*+ regions ( ! s\?1 or
 "u ! m temp]ate zones1 we e :]e behold 
! p :5 assail$ by mis=tunes1 h ei!r made
 to !mselves national gods1 or else h   
adopt$ ^? :i* h be5 giv5 !m by _!       
conqu]ors2 be=e ^! be+s1 ei!r ( _! own  
creation or adoption1 !y h trembl+ly    
pro/rat$ !mselves 9 ! h\r ( calamity1   

solicit+ relief2 h ignorantly attribut$ 
to blocks ( /one1 or to m5 l !mselves1  
^? natural effects :i* 7 above _!       
compreh5sion2 ! inhabitants ( _m        
nations1 n cont5t$ ) ! national gods1   
made ea* to himself "o or m gods1 :i* he
 suppos$ presid$ exclusively ov] 8 own  
h\sehold1 f :om he suppos$ he d]iv$ 8   
own peculi> happ9ess1 to :om he         
attribut$ all 8 dome/ic mis=tunes4 ,!   
idea ( ^! p[]ful ag5ts1 ^! suppos$      
di/ributors ( good & evil1 0 always     
associat$ ) t ( t]ror2 _! "n 0 nev]     
pron\nc$ )\t recall+ to man's w9d ei!r 8
 own p>ticul> calamities or ^? ( 8      
fa!rs4 ,9 _m places man trembles at ?is 
day1 because 8 prog5itors h trembl$ =   
?\s&s ( ye>s pa/4 ,! ?\ght ( 8 gods     
always awak5$ 9 man ! mo/ afflict+      
ideas4 ,if he recurr$ to ! s\rce ( 8    
actual fe>s1 to ! comm5cem5t ( ^?       
melan*oly impressions t /amp !mselves 9 
8 m9d :5 _! "n is ann\nc$1 he w\ld f9d x
 9 ! conflagrations1 9 ! revolutions1 9 
^? ext5d$ disa/]s1 t h at v>i\s times   

de/roy$ l>ge portions ( ! human race2 t 
ov]:elm$ ) dismay ^? mis]able be+s :o   
escap$ ! de/ruction ( ! e>?2 ^! 9       
transmitt+ to po/]ity1 ! tradition ( su*
 afflict+ ev5ts1 h also transmitt$ to   
him _! fe>s2 h deliv]$ d[n to _!        
successors1 ^? gloomy ideas :i* _!      
bewild]$ imag9ations1 c\pl$ ) _! b>b>\s 
ignorance ( natural causes1 _h =m$ to !m
 ( ! ang] ( _! irritat$ gods1 to :i* _! 
al>m falsely attribut$ ^! sweep+        
disa/]s4  ,if ! gods ( nations _h _!    
bir? 9 ! bosom ( al>m1 x 0 aga9 9 t (   
despair t ea* individual =m$ ! unkn[n   
p[] t he made exclusively = himself4    
,ignorant ( physical causes1 unpractis$ 
9 _! mode ( action1 unaccu/om$ to _!    
effects1 :5ev] he exp]i5c$ any s]i\s    
mis=tune1 :5ev] he 0 afflict$ ) any     
griev\s s5sation1 he 0 at a loss h[ to  
acc\nt = x2 he !re=e attribut$ x to 8   
h\sehold gods1 to :om he made an        
imm$iate supplication = assi/ance1 or r 
= =be>ance ( fur!r affliction3 ?is      
disposition 9 man has be5 f9ely p\rtray$

 by ,aesop 9 8 fable ( ! ,waggon] &     
,h]cules4 ,! motion :i* 9 despight (    
himself 0 excit$ 9 8 ma*9e1 8 diseases1 
8 tr\bles1 8 passions1 8 inquietude1 !  
pa9ful alt]ations 8 frame und]w5t1 )\t 8
 be+ able to fa?om ! true causes2 at    
l5g? dea?1 ( :i* ! aspect 9 s =midable  
to a be+ /rongly atta*$ to exi/5ce1 7   
effects he look$ ^u ei!r z sup]natural1 
or else he conceiv$ !y 7 repugnant to 8 
actual nature2 he attribut$ !m to "s    
mighty cause1 :i* maugre all 8 ef=ts1   
dispos$ ( him at ea*1 mom5t4 ,?us palsi$
 ) al>m1 b5umb$ ) t]ror1 he p5sively    
m$itat$ ^u 8 sorr[s2 agitat$ ) fe>1 he  
s\ght = means to av]t ! calamities t    
?reat5$ him ) de/ruction2 8 imag9ation1 
?us r5d]$ desp]ate by 8 endurance (     
evils :i* he f\nd inevitable1 =m$ to him
 ^? phantoms :i* he call$ gods2 be=e :om
 he trembl$ f a consci\sness ( 8 own    
weakness2 ?us dispos$1 he endeav\r$ by  
pro/ration1 by sacrifices1 by pray]s1 to
 dis>m ! ang] ( ^! imag9>y be+s to :i* 8
 trepidation _h giv5 bir?2 :om he       

ignorantly imag9$ to be ! cause ( 8     
mis]y1 :om 8 fancy pa9t$ to him z end[$ 
) ! p[] ( alleviat+ 8 suff]+s3 x 0 ?us 9
 ! extremity ( 8 grief1 9 ! exac]bation 
( 8 m9d1 weigh$ d[n ) mis=tune1 t       
unhappy man fa%ion$ ^? *im]as :i* fill$ 
him ) ! mo/ gloomy ideas1 :i* he        
transmitt$ to 8 po/]ity1 z ! sure/ means
 ( avoid+ ! evils to :i* he _h be5      
himself subject$4  ,man nev] judges ( ^?
 objects ( :i* he is ignorant1 b ?r\gh !
 m$ium ( ^? :i* come )9 8 k3 ?us man1   
tak+ himself = ! model1 ascrib$ w1      
intellig5ce1 design1 projects1 passions2
 9 a ^w1 qualities analog\s to 8 own1 to
 all ^? unkn[n causes ( :i* he exp]i5c$ 
! action4 ,z soon z a visible or suppos$
 cause affects him 9 an agreeable mann]1
 or 9 a mode fav\rable to 8 exi/5ce1 he 
concludes x to be good1 to be well      
int5tion$ t[>ds him3 on ! contr>y1 he   
judges all ^? to be bad 9 _! nature1    
evilly dispos$1 to h ! int5tion ( injur+
 him1 :i* cause him any pa9ful          
s5sations4 ,he attributes views1 plans1 

a sy/em ( conduct l 8 own1 to e ?+ :i*  
to 8 limit$ ideas appe>s ( itself to    
produce connect$ effects2 to act )      
regul>ity2 to con/antly op]ate 9 ! same 
mann]2 t uni=mly produces ! same        
s5sations 9 8 own p]son4 ,accord+ to ^! 
notions1 :i* he always borr[s f himself1
 f 8 own peculi> mode ( action1 he ei!r 
loves or fe>s ^? objects :i* h affect$  
him2 he 9 consequ5ce approa*es !m )     
confid5ce or timidity2 seeks aft] !m or 
flies f !m 9 proportion z ! feel+s !y h 
excit$ are ei!r pleasant or pa9ful4     
,hav+ travell$ ?us f>1 he pres5tly      
addresses !m2 he invokes _! aid2 prays  
to !m = succ\r2 conjures !m to cease 8  
afflictions2 to =be> torm5t+ him2 z he  
f9ds himself s5sible to pres5ts1 pleas$ 
) submission1 he tries to w9 !m to 8    
int]e/s by humiliation1 by sacrifices2  
he ex]cises t[>ds !m ! hospitality he   
himself loves2 he gives !m an asylum2 he
 builds !m a dwell+2 he furni%es !m )   
co/ly raim5t2 he makes _! alt>s smoke ) 
delici\s food2 he pr(f]s to _!          

acceptance ! e>lie/ fl[]s ( spr+2 ! f9e/
 fruits ( autumn2 ! ri* gra9 ( summ]2 9 
%ort he sets be=e !m all ^? ?+s :i* he  
?9ks w please !m ! mo/1 because he      
himself places ! highe/ value on !m4 ,^!
 dispositions enable u to acc\nt = !    
=mation ( tutel>y gods1 ( l>es1 ( l>vae1
 :i* e man makes to himself 9 savage &  
unpoli%$ nations4 ,?us we p]ceive t weak
 sup]/iti\s mortals1 ignorant ( tru?1   
devoid ( exp]i5ce1 reg>d z ! arbit]s (  
_! fate1 z ! disp5s]s ( good & evil1    
animals1 /ones1 un=m$ inanimate         
sub/ances1 :i* ! ef=t ( _! heat$        
imag9ations trans=m into gods1 :om !y   
inve/ ) intellig5ce1 :om !y clo! )      
desires1 to :om !y give volition4       
,ano!r disposition :i* s]ves to deceive 
! savage man1 :i* w equally deceive ^?  
:om reason %all n enlight5 on ^!        
subjects1 is 8 atta*m5t to om5s2 or !   
=tuit\s concurr5ce ( c]ta9 effects1 )   
causes :i* h n produc$ !m2 ! co-exi/5ce 
( ^! effects ) c]ta9 causes1 :i* h n !  
slighte/ connection ) !m1 has frequ5tly 

l$ a/ray v intellig5t be+s2 nations :o  
consid]$ !mselves v enlight5$2 :o h ei!r
 be5 dis9cl9$ or unable to dis5tangle ! 
"o f ! o!r3 ?us ! savage attributes     
b\nty or ! w to r5d] him s]vice1 to any 
object :e!r animate or inanimate1 su* z 
a /one ( a c]ta9 =m1 a rock1 a m\nta91 a
 tree1 a s]p5t1 an owl1 c4 if e "t he   
enc\nt]s ^! objects 9 a c]ta9 position1 
x %\ld s happ5 t he is m ?an ord9>ily   
successful 9 hunt+1 t he %\ld take an   
unusual quantity ( fi%1 t he %\ld be    
victori\s 9 w>1 or t he %\ld compass any
 ent]prize :atev] t he may at t mom5t   
und]take3 ! same savage w be q z        
gratuit\s 9 atta*+ malice1 wick$ness1 ! 
det]m9ation to injure him1 to ei!r !    
same object 9 a diff]5t position1 or any
 o!rs 9 a giv5 po/ure1 :i* way h met 8  
eyes on ^? days :5 he %all h suff]$ "s  
griev\s accid5t1 h be5 v unsuccessful 9 
8 und]tak+s1 un=tunate 9 ! *ace1        
disappo9t$ 9 8 draught ( fi%3 incapable 
( reason+ he connects ^! effects )      
causes1 t reflection w\ld conv9ce him h 

no?+ 9 common ) ea* o!r2 t are entirely 
due to physical causes1 to necess>y     
circum/ances1 ov] :i* nei!r himself nor 
8 om5s h ! lea/ contr\l3 nev]!less he   
f9ds x mu* easi] to attribute !m to ^!  
imag9>y causes2 he !re=e deifies !m2    
looks ^u !m z ei!r 8 gu>dian angels1 or 
else z 8 mo/ invet]ate enemies4 ,hav+   
inve/$ !m ) sup]natural p[]s1 he becomes
 anxi\s to expla9 to himself _! mode (  
action2 8 self-love prev5ts 8 seek+     
else:]e = ! model3 ?us he assigns !m all
 ^? motives t actuate himself2 he end[s 
!m ) passions2 he gives !m              
design--intellig5ce--w--imag9es !y c    
ei!r injure him or b5efit him1 z he may 
r5d] !m propiti\s or o!rwise to 8 views3
 he ends ) wor%ipp+ !m2 ) pay+ !m div9e 
hon\rs2 he appo9ts !m prie/s2 or at lea/
 always consults !m be=e he und]takes   
any object ( mom5t3 su* is _! influ5ce1 
t if !y put on ! evil position1 he w lay
 aside ! mo/ important und]tak+4 ,!     
savage 9 ?is is nev] m ?an an infant1 t 
is angry ) ! object t displeases him2 j 

l ! dog :o gnaws ! /one by :i* he has   
be5 w\nd$1 )\t recurr+ to ! h& by :i* x 
0 ?r[n4  ,su* is ! f\ndation ( man's    
fai?1 9 ei!r happy or unhappy om5s3     
devoid ( exp]i5ce1 unaccu/om$ to reason 
) precision1 fe>+ to call 9 ! evid5ce ( 
tru?1 he looks ^u !m ei!r z gods        
!mselves1 or else z w>n+s giv5 him by 8 
o!r gods1 to :om he attributes !        
faculties ( sagacity & =esight1 ( :i* he
 is himself mis]ably defici5t4          
,ignorance1 :5 involv$ 9 disa/]1 :5     
imm]s$ 9 tr\ble1 believes a /one1 a     
reptile1 a bird1 mu* bett] in/ruct$ ?an 
himself4 ,! sl5d] obs]vation ( !        
ignorant only s]ves to r5d] him m       
sup]/iti\s2 he sees c]ta9 birds ann\nce 
by _! flight1 by _! cries1 c]ta9 *anges 
9 ! wea!r1 su* z cold1 heat1 ra91 /orms2
 he beholds at c]ta9 p]iods1 vap\rs     
arise f ! bottom ( "s p>ticul> cav]ns8  
!re ne$s no?+ fur!r to impress ^u him ! 
belief1 t ^! be+s possess ! k ( future  
ev5ts2 enjoy ! gifts ( prophecy3 he     
looks ^u !m z sup]natural ag5ts1 employ$

 by 8 gods3 x is ?us he becomes ! dupe  
to 8 own cr$ulity4  ,if by degrees !    
tru? fla%+ occasionally on 8 m9d1       
exp]i5ce & reflection arrive at         
undeceiv+ him1 ) respect to ! p[]1 !    
intellig5ce1 ! virtues actually resid+ 9
 ^! objects2 he at lea/ supposes !m put 
9 activity by "s secret1 "s hidd5 cause2
 t !y are ! in/rum5ts1 employ$ by "s    
invisible ag5t1 :o is ei!r fri5dly or   
inimical to 8 welf>e4 ,to ?is conceal$  
ag5t1 !re=e1 he addresses himself2 pays 
him 8 v[s2 emplores 8 assi/ance2        
deprecates 8 wra?2 seeks to propitiate  
him to 8 int]e/s2 is will+ to s(t5 8    
ang]2 = ?is purpose he employs ! same   
means1 ( :i* he avails himself1 ei!r to 
appease or ga9 ov] ! be+s ( 8 own       
species4  ,societies 9 _! orig91 see+   
!mselves frequ5tly afflict$ by nature1  
suppos$ ei!r ! elem5ts1 or ! conceal$   
p[]s :o regulat$ !m1 possess$ a w1      
views1 wants1 desires1 simil> to _! own4
 ,f h5ce1 ! sacrifices imag9$ to n\ri%  
!m2 ! libations p\r$ out to !m2 ! /eams1

 ! inc5se to gratify _! olfactory n]ves4
 ,_! sup]/ition l$ !m to believe ^!     
elem5ts or _! irritat$ mov]s 7 to be    
appeas$ l irritat$ man1 by pray]s1 by   
humiliation1 by pres5ts4 ,_! imag9ation 
0 ransack$ to discov] ! pres5ts t w\ld  
be mo/ acceptable 9 _! eyes2 to asc]ta9 
! oblations t w\ld be mo/ agreeable1 !  
sacrifices t w\ld mo/ surely propitiate 
_! k9dness3 z ^! did n make kn[n _!     
incl9ations1 man diff]$ ) 8 fell[ on ^? 
mo/ suitable2 ea* foll[$ 8 own          
disposition2 or r ea* (f]$ :at 0 mo/    
e/imable 9 8 own eyes2 h5ce arose       
diff]5ces nev] to be reconcil$ ! bitt]e/
 animosities2 ! mo/ unconqu]able        
av]sions2 ! mo/1 de/ructive jeal\sies6  
,?us "s br\ght ! fruits ( ! e>?1 o!rs   
(f]$ %eaves ( corn3 "s /rew$ fl[]s ov]  
_! fanes2 "s decorat$ !m ) ! mo/ co/ly  
jewels2 "s s]v$ !m ) meats2 o!rs        
sacrific$ lambs1 heif]s1 bulls2 at l5g? 
su* 0 _! delirium1 su* ! wildness ( _!  
imag9ations1 t !y /a9$ _! alt>s ) human 
gore1 made oblations ( "y *ildr5        

immolat$ virg9s1 to appease ! ang] ( ^! 
suppos$ deities4  ,! old m51 z hav+ !   
mo/ exp]i5ce1 7 usually *>g$ ) ! conduct
 ( ^! peace-(f]+s1 f :5ce1 ! "n ,,prie/2
 ,greek lett]s1 presbos1 9 ! ,greek     
mean+ an old man4 ,^! accompani$ !m )   
c]emonies1 in/itut$ rites1 us$          
precautions by consult+ om5s2 adopt$    
=malities1 retrac$ to _! fell[ citiz5s !
 notions transmitt$ to !m by _! =efa!rs2
 collect$ ! obs]vations made by _!      
ance/ors2 repeat$ ! fables !y _h        
receiv$2 add$ comm5t>ies ( _! own2      
subjo9$ supplications to ! idols at ^:  
%r9e !y 7 sacrific+4 ,x is ?us !        
sac]dotal ord] 0 e/abli%$2 ?us t public 
wor%ip 0 e/abli%$2 by degrees ea*       
community =m$ a body ( t5ets to be      
obs]v$ by ! citiz5s2 ^! 7 transmitt$ f  
race to race2 held sacr$ out ( rev]5ce =
 _! fa!rs2 at l5g? x 0 deem$ sacrilege  
to d\bt ^! p&ects 9 any "o p>ticul>2 ev5
 ! errors1 t _h crept into !m ) "t1 7   
beheld ) rev]5tial awe2 he t v5tur$ to  
reason ^u !m1 0 look$ ^u z an enemy to !

 commonweal?2 z "o ^: impiety drew d[n  
^u !m ! v5geance ( ^! ador$ be+s1 to :i*
 alone imag9ation _h giv5 bir?2 n       
cont5t$ ) adopt+ ! rituals1 ) foll[+ !  
c]emonies inv5t$ by !mselves1 "o        
community wag$ w> aga9/ ano!r1 to oblige
 x to receive _! p>ticul> cre$s2 :i* !  
old m5 :o regulat$ !m1 decl>$ w\ld      
infallibly w9 !m ! favor ( _! tutel>y   
deities3 ?us v (t5 to conciliate _!     
favor1 ! victori\s p>ty immolat$ on !   
alt>s ( _! gods1 ! bodies ( _! unhappy  
captives2 frequ5tly !y c>ri$ _! savage  
b>b>ity ! l5g? ( ext]m9at+ :ole nations1
 :o happ5$ to wor%ip gods diff]5t f _!  
own3 ?us x frequ5tly happ5$1 t ! fri5ds 
( ! s]p5t1 :5 victori\s1 cov]$ 8 alt>s )
 ! mangl$ c>cases ( ! wor%ipp]s ( !     
/one1 :om ! =tune ( w> _h plac$ 9 _!    
h&s3 su* 7 ! un=m$1 ! prec>i\s elem5ts (
 :i* rude nations e :]e avail$ !mselves 
to compose _! sup]/itions3 !y 7 always a
 sy/em ( conduct inv5t$ by imag9ation3  
conceiv$ 9 ignorance1 organiz$ 9        
mis=tune1 to r5d] ! unkn[n p[]s1 to :om 

!y believ$ nature 0 submitt$1 ei!r      
favorable to _! views1 or to1 induce !m 
to cease ^? afflictions1 :i* natural    
causes1 = ! wise/ purposes1 7 cont9ually
 heap+ ^u !m2 ?us "s irascible1 at !    
same "t placable be+1 0 always *os5 = ! 
basis ( ! adopt$ sup]/ition2 x 0 ^u ^!  
pu]ile t5ets1 ^u ^! absurd notions1 t ! 
old m5 or ! prie/s re/$ _! doctr9es2    
f\nd$ _! rights2 e/abli%$ _! au?ority3 x
 0 to r5d] ^! fanciful be+s fri5dly to !
 race ( man1 t !y erect$1 temples1 rais$
 alt>s1 load$ !m ) weal?2 9 %ort1 x 0 f 
su* rude f\ndations1 t arose !          
magnific5t /ructure ( sup]/ition2 "u :i*
 man trembl$ = ?\s&s ( ye>s3 :i* gov]n$ 
! condition ( society1 :i* det]m9$ !    
actions ( ! p1 gave ! tone to ! "*1     
delug$ ! e>? ) blood1 = su* a long s]ies
 ( ages4 ,b al?\gh ^! sup]/itions 7     
orig9ally inv5t$ by savages1 !y /ill h !
 p[] ( regulat+ ! fate ( _m civiliz$    
nations1 :o are n less t5aci\s ( _!     
*im]as1 ?an _! rude prog5itors4 ,^!     
sy/ems1 s ru9\s 9 _! pr9ciples1 h be5   

v>i\sly modifi$ by ! human m9d1 ( :i* x 
is ! ess5ce1 to lab\r incessantly on    
unkn[n objects2 x always1 comm5ces by   
atta*+ to ^!1 a v fir/-rate importance1 
:i* x aft]w>ds nev] d>es coolly to      
exam9e4  ,su* 0 ! c\rse ( man's         
imag9ation1 9 ! successive ideas :i* he 
ei!r =m$ to himself1 or :i* he receiv$ f
 8 fa!rs1 ^u ! div9ity4 ,! fir/ !ology (
 man 0 gr\nd$ on fe>1 modell$ by        
ignorance3 ei!r afflict$ or b5efitt$ by 
! elem5ts1 he ador$ ^! elem5ts !mselves2
 by a p>ity ( reason+1 if reason+ x c be
 call$1 he ext5d$ 8 rev]5ce to e        
mat]ial1 co>se object2 he aft]w>ds r5d]$
 8 homage to ! ag5ts he suppos$ presid+ 
ov] ^! elem5ts2 to p[]ful g5ii2 to      
inf]ior g5ii2 to h]oes2 to m5 end[$ )   
ei!r great or /rik+ qualities4 ,"t1 aid$
 by reflection1 ) "h & !re a slight     
corruscation ( tru?1 induc$ him 9 "s    
places to rel9qui% 8 orig9al ideas2 he  
believ$ he simplifi$ ! ?+ by less5+ !   
numb] ( 8 gods1 b he a*iev$ no?+ by ?is 
t[>ds atta9+ to ! tru?2 9 recurr+ f     

cause to cause man f9i%$ by los+ sight (
 e ?+2 9 ?is obscurity1 9 ?is d>k abyss1
 8 m9d /ill lab\r$1 he =m$ new *im]as1  
he made new gods1 or r he =m$ a v       
complex ma*9]y2 /ill1 z be=e1 :5ev] he  
c\ld n acc\nt = any ph5om5on t /ruck 8  
sight1 he 0 unwill+ to ascribe x to     
physical causes2 & ! "n ( 8 ,div9ity1   
:atev] t might happ5 to be1 0 always    
br\ght 9 to supply 8 own ignorance (    
natural causes4  ,if a fai?ful acc\nt 0 
r5d]$ ( man's ideas ^u ! ,div9ity1 he   
w\ld be oblig$ to ackn[l$ge1 t = ! mo/  
"p ! ^w ,gods has be5 us$ to express !  
conceal$1 remote1 unkn[n causes ( !     
effects he witness$2 t he applies ?is   
t]m :5 ! spr+ ( natural1 ! s\rce ( kn[n 
causes ceases to be visible3 z soon z he
 loses ! ?read ( ^! causes1 or z soon z 
8 m9d c no long] foll[ ! *a91 he solves 
! difficulty1 t]m9ates 8 rese>*1 by     
ascrib+ x to 8 gods2 ?us giv+ a vague   
def9ition to an unkn[n cause1 at :i*    
ei!r 8 idl5ess1 or 8 limit$ k1 obliges  
him to /op4 ,:51 !re=e1 he ascribes to 8

 gods ! production ( "s ph5om5on1 !     
novelty or ! ext5t ( :i* /rikes him )   
wond]1 b ( :i* 8 ignorance precludes him
 f unravell+ ! true cause1 or :i* he    
believes ! natural p[]s ) :i* he is     
acqua9t$ are inadequate to br+ =?2 does 
he1 9 fact1 d any ?+ m ?an sub/itute = !
 d>kness ( 8 own m9d1 a s\nd to :i* he  
has be5 accu/om$ to li/5 ) rev]5tial    
awe8 ,ignorance may be said to be !     
inh]itance ( ! g5]ality ( m52 ^!        
attribute to _! gods n only ^? uncommon 
effects t bur/ ^u _! s5ses ) an a/\nd+  
=ce1 b also ! mo/ simple ev5ts1 ! causes
 ( :i* are ! mo/ easy to be kn[n to     
:oev] %all be will+ to m$itate ^u !m4 ,9
 %ort1 man has always respect$ ^? unkn[n
 causes1 ^? surpris+ effects :i* 8      
ignorance prev5t$ him f fa?om+4  ,b does
 ?is af=d u "o s+le1 correct idea ( !   
,div9ity8 ,c x be possible we are act+  
rationally1 ?us et]nally to make him !  
ag5t ( our /upidity1 ( our slo?1 ( our  
want ( in=mation on natural causes8 ,d  
we1 9 fact1 pay any k9d ( adoration to  

?is be+1 by ?us br++ him =? on e trifl+ 
occasion1 to solve ! difficulties       
ignorance ?r[s 9 our way8 ,( :atev]     
nature ?is great cause ( causes may be1 
x is evid5t to ! slighte/ reflection t  
he has be5 s$ul\s to conceal himself f  
our view2 t he has r5d]$ x impossible = 
u to h ! lea/ acqua9tance ) him1 except 
?r\gh ! m$ium ( nature1 :i* he has      
unque/ionably r5d]$ compet5t to e ?+3   
?is is ! ri* banquet spread be=e man2 he
 is invit$ to p>take1 ) a welcome he has
 no "r to dispute2 to enjoy !re=e is to 
obey2 to be happy is to r5d] t wor%ip   
:i* mu/ make him mo/ acceptable2 to be  
happy himself is to make o!rs happy2 to 
make o!rs happy is to be virtu\s2 to be 
virtu\s he mu/ rev]e tru?3 to "k :at    
tru? is1 he mu/ exam9e ) caution1       
scrut9ize ) sev]ity1 e op9ion he adopts3
 ?is grant$1 is x at all consi/5t ) !   
maje/y ( ! ,div9ity1 is x n insult+ to  
su* a be+ to clo! him ) our wayw>d      
passions2 to ascribe to him designs     
simil> to our n>r[ view ( ?+s2 to give  

him our fil?y desires2 to suppose he c  
be guid$ by our f9ite conceptions2 to   
br+ him on a level ) frail humanity1 by 
inve/+ him ) our qualities1 h[ev] mu* we
 may exagg]ate !m2 to indulge an op9ion 
t he c ei!r act or ?9k z we d2 to imag9e
 he c 9 any mann] resemble su* a feeble 
play-?+1 z is ! greate/1 ! mo/ di/+ui%$ 
man8 ,no6 x is to degrade him 9 ! eye ( 
reason2 to violate e reg>d = tru?2 to   
set moral dec5cy at defiance2 to fall   
back into ! dep? ( cimm]ian d>kness4    
,let man !re=e sit d[n *e]fully to !    
fea/2 let him cont5t$ly p>take ( :at he 
f9ds2 b let him n worry ! ,div9ity ) 8  
useless pray]s1 ) 8 %all[-sight$        
reque/s1 to solicit at 8 h&s t :i*1 if  
grant$1 w\ld 9 all probability be ! mo/ 
injuri\s = himself2 ^! supplications    
are1 9 fact1 at once to say1 t ) our    
limit$ exp]i5ce1 ) our sl5d] k1 we bett]
 und]/& :at is suitable to our          
condition1 :at is conv5i5t to our       
welf>e1 ?an ! mighty ,cause ( all causes
 :o has left u 9 ! h&s ( nature3 x is to

 be presumptu\s 9 ! highe/ degree (     
presumption2 x is impi\sly to endeav\r  
to lift up a veil :i* x is evid5tly     
=bidd5 man to t\*2 t ev5 8 mo/ /r5u\s   
ef=ts attempt 9 va94  ,x rema9s1 !n1 to 
inquire1 if man c reasonably flatt]     
himself ) obta9+ a p]fect k ( ! p[] (   
nature2 ( ! prop]ties ( ! be+s %e       
conta9s2 ( ! effects :i* may result f _!
 v>i\s comb9ations8 ,d we "k :y ! magnet
 attracts iron8 ,are we bett] acqua9t$ )
 ! cause ( pol> attraction8 ,are we 9 a 
condition to expla9 ! ph5om5a ( light1  
electricity1 ela/icity8 ,d we und]/& !  
me*anism by :i* t modification ( our    
bra91 :i* we tall volition1 puts our arm
 or our legs into motion8 ,c we r5d] to 
ourselves an acc\nt ( ! mann] 9 :i* our 
eyes behold objects1 9 :i* our e>s      
receive s\nds1 9 :i* our m9d conceives  
ideas8 ,all we "k ^u ^! subjects is1 t  
!y are s4 ,if !n we are incapable (     
acc\nt+ = ! mo/ ord9>y ph5om5a1 :i*     
nature daily exhibits to u1 by :at *a9 (
 reason+ d we refuse to h] ! p[] (      

produc+ o!r effects equally             
incompreh5sible to u8 ,%all we be m     
in/ruct$1 :5 e "t we behold an effect ( 
:i* we are n 9 a capacity to develope ! 
cause1 we may idly say1 ?is effect is   
produc$ by ! p[]1 by ! w ( ,god8        
,und\bt$ly x is ! great ,cause ( causes 
mu/ h produc$ e ?+2 b is x n less5+ !   
true dignity ( ! ,div9ity1 to introduce 
him z int]f]+ 9 e op]ation ( nature2    
nay1 9 e action ( s insignificant a     
creature z man8 ,z a m]e ag5t execut+ 8 
own et]nal1 immutable laws2 :5 exp]i5ce1
 :5 reflection1 :5 ! evid5ce ( all we   
contemplate1 w>rants ! idea1 t ?is      
ineffable be+ has r5d]$ nature compet5t 
to e effect1 by giv+ h] ^? irrevocable  
laws1 t et]nal1 un*angeable sy/em1      
accord+ to :i* all ! be+s %e conta9s mu/
 et]nally act8 ,is x n m wor?y ! exalt$ 
m9d ( ! ,,great ,,p>5t ,,( ,,p>5ts1 ens 
entium1 m consi/5t ) tru?1 to suppose t 
8 wisdom 9 giv+ ^! immutable1 ^! et]nal 
laws to ! macrocosm1 =esaw e ?+ t c\ld  
possibly be requisite = ! happ9ess ( !  

be+s conta9$ 9 x2 t !re=e he left x to !
 inv>iable op]ation ( a sy/em1 :i* nev] 
c produce any effect t is n ! be/       
possible t circum/ances h[ev] view$ w   
admit3 t consequ5tly ! natural activity 
( ! human m9d1 :i* is itself ! result ( 
?is et]nal action1 0 purposely giv5 to  
man1 t he might endeav\r to fa?om1 t he 
might /rive to unravel1 t he might seek 
out ! concat5ation ( ^! laws1 9 ord] to 
furni% rem$ies aga9/ ! evils produc$ by 
ignorance4 ,h[ _m discov]ies 9 ! great  
sci5ce ( natural philosophy has mank9d  
progressively made1 :i* ! ignorant      
prejudices ( our =efa!rs on _! fir/     
ann\ncem5t consid]$ z impi\s1 z         
displeas+ to ! ,div9ity1 z h]etical     
pr(anations1 :i* c\ld only be expiat$ by
 ! sacrifice ( ! enquir+ individuals2 to
 ^: lab\r _! po/]ity owes su* an inf9ity
 ( gratitude8 ,ev5 9 mod]n days we h se5
 a ,,socrates de/roy$1 a ,,gallileo     
condemn$1 :il/ multitudes ( o!r         
b5efactors to mank9d h be5 held 9       
contempt by _! un9=m$ cotempor>ies1 = ^?

 v rese>*es into nature :i* ! pres5t    
g5]ation hold 9 ! highe/ v5]ation4      
,:5ev] ignorant prie/s are p]mitt$ to   
guide ! op9ions ( nations1 sci5ce c make
 b a v sl5d] progress3 natural          
discov]ies w be always held inimical to 
! int]e/ ( bigott$ sup]/iti\s m54 ,x    
may1 to ! m9ds ( infatuat$ mortals1 to !
 %all[ compreh5sion ( prejudic$ be+s1   
appe> v pi\s to reply on e occasion our 
gods d ?is1 our gods d t2 b to !        
contemplative philosoph]1 to ! man (    
reason1 to ! real ador]s ( ! great      
,cause ( causes1 x w nev] be conv9c+1 t 
a s\nd1 a m]e ^w1 c atta* ! reason (    
?+s2 c h m ?an a fix$ s5se2 c suffice to
 expla9 problems4 ,! ^w ,,god is = ! mo/
 "p us$ to d5ote ! imp5etrable cause (  
^? effects :i* a/oni% mank9d2 :i* man is
 n compet5t to expla94 ,b is n ?is      
wilful idl5ess8 ,is x n inconsi/5t ) our
 nature8 ,is x n be+ truly impi\s1 to   
sit d[n ) ^? f9e faculties we h receiv$1
 & give ! answ] ( a *ild to e ?+ we d n 
und]/&2 or r :i* our own slo?1 or our   

own want ( indu/ry has prev5t$ u f kn[+8
 ,ought we n r to r$\ble our ef=ts to   
p5etrate ! cause ( ^? ph5om5a :i* /rike 
our m9d8 ,is n ?is1 9 fact1 ! duty we   
owe to ! great1 ! univ]sal ,p>5t8 ,:5 we
 h giv5 ?is answ]1 :at h we said8 no?+ b
 :at e "o kn[s4 ,c\ld ! great ,cause (  
causes make ! :ole1 )\t also mak+ its   
"p8 ,b does x ( necessity foll[ t he    
executes e trifl+ op]ation1 :5 he has s 
noble an ag5t z 8 own nature1 ^: laws he
 has r5d]$ un*angeable1 ^: scale (      
op]ations c nev] deviate f ! et]nal     
r\t9e he has m>k$ out = h] & all ! be+s 
%e embraces8 ,^: secrets1 if s\ght out1 
conta9 ! true balsam ( life--! sov]eign 
rem$y = all ! diseases ( man4  ,:5 we   
%all be +5u\s ) ourselves1 we %all be   
oblig$ to agree t x 0 uni=mly !         
ignorance 9 :i* our ance/ors 7 involv$1 
_! want ( k ( natural causes1 _!        
un5light5$ ideas on ! p[]s ( nature1 :i*
 gave bir? to ! gods !y wor%ipp$2 t x   
is1 aga91 ! impossibility :i* ! great]  
"p ( mank9d f9d to )draw1 !mselves out (

 ?is ignorance1 ! difficulty !y         
consequ5tly f9d to =m to !mselves simple
 ideas ( ! =mation ( ?+s1 ! lab\r t is  
requir$ to discov] ! true s\rces ( ^?   
ev5ts1 :i* !y ei!r admire or fe>1 t     
makes !m believe ^! ideas are necess>y  
to enable !m to r5d] an acc\nt ( ^?     
ph5om5a1 to :i* _! own sluggi%ness r5d]s
 !m incompet5t to recur4 ,"h1 )\t d\bt1 
is ! reason !y treat all ^? z irrational
 :o d n see ! necessity ( admitt+ an    
unkn[n ag5t1 or "s secret en]gy1 :i* =  
want ( be+ acqua9t$ ) ,nature1 !y h     
plac$ out ( h]self4  ,! ph5om5a ( nature
 necess>ily bre$ v>i\s s5tim5ts 9 man3  
"s he ?9ks favorable to him1 "s         
prejudicial1 :ile ! :ole is only :at x c
 be4 ,"s excite 8 love1 8 admiration1 8 
gratitude2 o!rs fill him ) tr\ble1 cause
 av]sion1 drive him to despair4 ,accord+
 to ! v>i\s s5sations he exp]i5ces1 he  
ei!r loves or fe>s ! causes to :i* he   
attributes ! effects1 :i* produce 9 him 
^! diff]5t passions3 ^! s5tim5ts are    
comm5surate ) ! effects he exp]i5ces2 8 

admiration is enhanc$1 8 fe>s are       
augm5t$1 9 ! same ratio z ! ph5om5a :i* 
/rikes 8 s5ses are m or less ext5sive1 m
 or less irresi/ible or int]e/+ to him4 
,man necess>ily makes himself ! c5tre ( 
nature2 inde$ he c only judge ( ?+s1 z  
he is himself affect$ by !m2 he c only  
love t :i* he ?9ks favorable to 8 be+2  
he hates1 he fe>s e ?+ :i* causes him to
 suff]3 9 %ort1 z we h se5 9 ! =m]      
volume1 he calls confusion e ?+ t       
d]anges ! economy ( 8 ma*9e2 he believes
 all is 9 ord]1 z soon z he exp]i5ces   
no?+ b :at is suitable to 8 peculi> mode
 ( exi/5ce4 ,by a necess>y consequ5ce ( 
^! ideas1 man firmly believes t ! entire
 ( nature 0 made = him alone2 t x 0 only
 himself :i* %e _h 9 view 9 all h]      
works2 or r t ! p[]ful cause to :i* ?is 
nature 0 subord9ate1 _h only = object   
man & 8 conv5i5ce1 9 all ! /up5d\s      
effects :i* are produc$ 9 ! univ]se4    
,if !re exi/$ on ?is e>? o!r ?9k+ be+s  
besides man1 !y w\ld fall exactly into  
simil> prejudices ) himself2 x is a     

s5tim5t f\nd$ ^u t pr$ilection :i* ea*  
individual necess>ily has = himself2 a  
pr$ilection t w subsi/ until reason1    
aid$ by exp]i5ce1 9 po9t+ out ! tru?1   
%all h rectifi$ 8 errors4  ,?us1 :5ev]  
man is cont5t$1 :5ev] e ?+ is 9 ord] )  
respect to himself1 he ei!r admires or  
loves ! causes to :i* he believes he is 
indebt$ = 8 welf>e2 :5 he becomes       
discont5t$ ) 8 mode ( exi/5ce1 he ei!r  
fe>s or hates ! cause :i* he supposes   
has produc$ ^! afflict+ effects4 ,b 8   
welf>e conf\nds itself ) 8 exi/5ce2 x   
ceases to make itself felt :5 x has     
become habitual1 :5 x has be5 ( long    
cont9uance2 he !n ?9ks x is inh]r5t to 8
 ess5ce2 he concludes f x t he is =m$ to
 be always happy2 he f9ds x natural t e 
?+ %\ld concur to ! ma9t5ance ( 8 be+4  
,x is by no means ! same :5 he exp]i5ces
 a mode ( exi/5ce t is displeas+ to     
himself3 ! man :o suff]s is q a/oni%$ at
 ! *ange :i* 8 tak5 place 9 8 ma*9e2 he 
judges x to be contr>y to ! entire (    
nature1 because x is incommodi\s to 8   

own p>ticul> nature2 he1 imag9es ^?     
ev5ts by :i* he is w\nd$1 to be contr>y 
to ! ord] ( ?+s2 he believes t nature is
 d]ang$ e "t %e does n procure = him t  
mode ( feel+ :i* is suitable to 8 ideas3
 he concludes f ^! suppositions t       
nature1 or r t ! ag5t :o moves h]2 is   
irritat$ aga9/ him4  ,x is ?us t man1   
almo/ ins5sible to good1 feels evil 9 a 
v lively mann]2 ! fir/ he believes      
natural1 ! o!r he ?9ks oppos$ to nature4
 ,he is ei!r ignorant1 or =gets1 t he   
con/itutes "p ( a :ole1 =m$ by !        
assemblage ( sub/ances1 ( :i* "s are    
analog\s1 o!rs het]og5e\s2 t ! v>i\s    
be+s ( :i* nature is compos$1 are end[$ 
) a v>iety ( prop]ties1 by virtue ( :i* 
!y act div]sely on ! bodies :o f9d      
!mselves )9 ! sph]e ( _! action2 t "s h 
an aptitude to attraction1 :il/ x is ( !
 ess5ce ( o!rs to repel2 t ev5 ^? bodies
 t attract at "o di/ance1 repel at      
ano!r2 t ! peculi> attractions &        
repulsions ( ! p>ticles ( bodies        
p]petually oppose1 inv>iably c\nt]act ! 

g5]al ones ( ! masses ( matt]3 he does n
 p]ceive t ^! be+s1 z de/itute (        
goodness1 z devoid ( malice1 act only   
accord+ to _! respective ess5ces2 foll[ 
! laws _! prop]ties impose ^u !m2 )\t   
be+ 9 capacity to act o!rwise ?an !y d4 
,x is1 !re=e1 = want ( be+ acqua9t$ ) ^!
 ?+s1 t he looks ^u ! great ,au?or (    
nature1 ! great ,cause ( causes1 z !    
imm$iate cause ( ^? evils to :i* he is  
submitt$2 t he judges errone\sly :5 he  
imag9es t ! ,div9ity is exasp]at$ aga9/ 
him4  ,! fact is1 man believes t 8      
welf>e is a debt due to him f nature2 t 
:5 he suff]s evil %e does him an        
inju/ice2 fully p]suad$ t ?is nature 0  
made solely = himself1 he _c conceive %e
 w\ld make him1 :o is h] "l p>am\nt1    
suff]1 if %e 0 n mov$ !reto by a p[] :o 
is inimical to 8 happ9ess2 :o has       
reasons ) :i* he is unacqua9t$ =        
afflict+1 :o has motives :i* he wi%es to
 discov]1 = puni%+ him4 ,f h5ce x w be  
obvi\s1 t evil1 mu* m ?an good1 is !    
true motive ( ^? rese>*es :i* man has   

made conc]n+ ! ,div9ity--( ^? ideas :i* 
he has =m$ to himself--( ! conduct he   
has held t[>ds him4 ,! admiration ( !   
works ( nature1 or ! ackn[l$gem5t ( its 
goodness1 seem nev] alone to h det]m9$ !
 human species to recur pa9fully by     
?\ght to ! s\rce ( ^! ?+s2 famili>iz$ at
 once ) all ^? effects :i* are fav\rable
 to 8 exi/5ce1 he does n by any means   
give himself ! same tr\ble to seek !    
causes1 t he does to discov] ^? :i*     
disquiet him1 or by :i* he is afflict$4 
,?us1 9 reflect+ ^u ! ,div9ity1 x 0     
g5]ally ^u ! cause ( 8 evils t man      
m$itat$2 8 m$itations 7 fruitless1      
because ! evil he exp]i5ces1 z well z ! 
good he p>takes1 are equally necess>y   
effects ( natural causes1 to :i* 8 m9d  
ought r to h b5t its =ce1 ?an to h      
inv5t$ fictiti\s causes ( :i* he nev]   
c\ld =m to himself any b false ideas2   
see+ t he always borr[$ !m1 f 8 own     
peculi> m>9] ( exi/+1 act+1 & feel+4    
,ob/9ately refus+ to see any ?+1 b      
himself1 he nev] became acqua9t$ ) t    

univ]sal nature ( :i* he con/itutes su* 
a v feeble "p4  ,! slighte/ reflection1 
h[ev]1 w\ld h be5 suffici5t to undeceive
 him on ^! errone\s ideas4 ,ev]y?+ t5ds 
to prove t good & evil are modes (      
exi/5ce t dep5d ^u causes by :i* a man  
is mov$2 t a s5sible be+ is oblig$ to   
exp]i5ce !m4 ,9 a nature compos$ ( a    
multitude ( be+s inf9itely v>i$1 ! %ock 
occasion$ by ! collision ( discordant   
matt] mu/ necess>ily di/urb ! ord]1     
d]ange ! mode ( exi/5ce ( ^? be+s :o h  
no analogy ) !m3 ^! act 9 e ?+ !y d aft]
 c]ta9 laws1 :i* are 9 !mselves         
immutable2 ! good or evil1 !re=e1 :i*   
man exp]i5ces1 are necess>y consequ5ces 
( ! qualities inh]5t to ! be+s1 )9 ^:   
sph]e ( action he is f\nd4 ,our bir?1   
:i* we call a b5efit1 is an effect z    
necess>y z our dea?1 :i* we contemplate 
z an inju/ice ( fate3 x is ( ! nature ( 
all analog\s be+s to unite !mselves to  
=m a :ole3 x is ( ! nature ( all comp\nd
 be+s to be de/roy$1 or to dissolve     
!mselves2 "s ma9ta9 _! union = a long]  

p]iod ?an o!rs2 "s disp]se v quickly1 z 
! ephem]on2 "s endure = ages1 z !       
planets2 e be+ 9 dissolv+ itself gives  
bir? to new be+s2 ^! are de/roy$ 9 _!   
turn2 to execute ! et]nal1 ! immutable  
laws ( a nature t only exi/s by !       
cont9ual *anges t all its p>ts und]go4  
,?us nature _c be accus$ ( malice1 s9ce 
e ?+ t takes place 9 x is necess>y--is  
produc$ by an inv>iable sy/em1 to :i* e 
o!r be+1 z well z h]self1 is et]nally   
subject$4 ,! same igne\s matt] t 9 man  
is ! pr9ciple ( life1 frequ5tly becomes 
! pr9ciple ( 8 de/ruction1 ei!r by !    
conflagration ( a city1 ! explosion ( a 
volcano1 or 8 mad passion = w>4 ,!      
aque\s fluid t circulates ?r\gh 8 ma*9e1
 s ess5tially necess>y to 8 actual      
exi/5ce1 frequ5tly becomes too abundant1
 & t]m9ates him by suffocation2 is !    
cause ( ^? inundations :i* sometimes    
swall[ up bo? ! e>? & its inhabitants4  
,! air1 )\t :i* he is n able to respire1
 is ! cause ( ^? hurricanes1 ( ^?       
tempe/s1 :i* frequ5tly r5d] useless !   

lab\r ( mortals4 ,^! elem5ts are oblig$ 
to bur/ _! bonds1 :5 !y are comb9$ 9 a  
c]ta9 mann]2 _! necess>y b fatal        
consequ5ces are ^? ravages1 ^?          
contagions1 ^? fam9es1 ^? diseases1 ^?  
v>i\s sc\rges1 aga9/ :i* man1 ) /ream+  
eyes & viol5t emotions1 va9ly implores !
 aid ( ^? p[]s :o are deaf to 8 cries3 8
 pray]s are nev] grant$2 b ! same       
necessity :i* afflict$ him1 ! same      
immutable laws :i* ov]:elm$ him )       
tr\ble1 replaces ?+s 9 ! ord] he f9ds   
suitable to 8 species3 a relative ord] (
 ?+s :i* 01 is1 & always w be ! only    
/&>d ( 8 judgm5t4  ,man1 h[ev]1 made no 
su* simple reflections3 he ei!r did n or
 w\ld n p]ceive t e ?+ 9 nature act$ by 
inv>iable laws2 he cont9u$ /$fa/ 9      
contemplat+ ! good ( :i* he 0 p>tak]1 z 
a favor2 9 consid]+ ! evil he exp]i5c$1 
z a sign ( ang] 9 ?is nature1 :i* he    
suppos$ to be animat$ by ! same passions
 z himself or at lea/ t x 0 gov]n$ by   
secret ag5ts1 :o act$ aft] 8 own mann]1 
:o oblig$ x to execute _! w1 t 0        

sometimes fav\rable1 sometimes inimical 
to ! human species4 ,x 0 to ^! suppos$  
ag5ts1 ) :om 9 ! sun%9e ( 8 prosp]ity he
 0 b little occupi$1 t 9 ! bosom ( 8    
calamity he address$ 8 pray]s2 he ?ank$ 
!m1 h[ev]1 = _! fav\rs1 fe>+ le/ _!     
+ratitude might f>!r provoke _! fury3   
?us :5 assail$ by disa/]1 :5 afflict$ ) 
disease1 he invok$ !m ) f]vor3 he       
requir$ !m to *ange 9 8 favor ! mode (  
act+ :i* 0 ! v ess5ce ( be+s2 he 0 will+
 t to make ! slighte/ evil he exp]i5c$  
cease1 t ! et]nal *a9 ( ?+s might be    
brok52 & ! un]r+1 undeviat+ c\rse (     
nature might he arre/$4  ,x 0 ^u su*    
ridicul\s pret5sions1 t 7 f\nd$ ^?      
supplications1 ^? f]v5t pray]s1 :i*     
mortals1 almo/ always discont5t$ ) _!   
fate1 nev] 9 accord 9 _! respective     
desires1 address$ to _! gods4 ,!y 7     
unceas+ly ^u _! knees be=e ! alt>s1 7   
ev] pro/rate be=e ! p[] ( ! be+s1 :om !y
 judg$ _h ! "r ( comm&+ nature2 :o !y   
suppos$ to h suffici5t en]gy to div]t h]
 c\rse2 :o !y consid]$ to possess !     

means to make h] subs]vi5t to _!        
p>ticul> views2 ?us ea* hop$ by pres5ts1
 by humiliation1 to induce !m to oblige 
?is nature1 to satisfy ! discordant     
desires ( _! race4 ,! sick man1 expir+ 9
 8 b$1 asks t ! hum\rs accumulat$ 9 8   
body %\ld 9 an in/ant lose ^? prop]ties 
:i* r5d]s !m injuri\s to 8 exi/5ce2 t by
 an act ( _! puissance1 8 gods %\ld r5ew
 or recreate ! spr+s ( a ma*9e worn out 
by infirmities4 ,! cultivator ( a l[    
swampy c\ntry1 makes compla9t ( !       
abundance ( ra9 ) :i* 8 fields are      
inundat$2 :il/ ! inhabitant ( ! hill1   
raises 8 ?anks = ! favors he receives1  
solicits a cont9uance ( t :i* causes !  
despair ( 8 neighb\r4 ,9 ?is1 ea* is    
will+ to h a god = himself1 & asks      
accord+ to 8 mom5t>y caprices1 to 8     
fluctuat+ wants1 t ! inv>iable ess5ce ( 
?+s1 %\ld be cont9ually *ang$ 9 8 fav\r4
  ,f ?is x mu/ be obvi\s1 t man e mom5t 
asks a miracle to be wr\ght 9 8 support4
 ,x is n1 !re=e1 at all surpris+ t he   
display$ su* ready cr$ulity1 t he adopt$

 ) su* facility ! relation ( ! m>vell\s 
de$s :i* 7 univ]sally ann\nc$ to him z !
 acts ( ! p[]1 or ! effects ( !         
b5evol5ce1 ( ! v>i\s gods :i* presid$   
ov] ! nations ( ! e>?3 ^! wond]ful      
tales1 :i* 7 (f]$ to 8 acceptance1 z !  
mo/ indubitable pro(s ( ! empire ( ^!   
gods ov] nature1 :i* man always f\nd    
deaf to 8 entreaties1 7 readily accr$it$
 by him2 9 ! expectation1 t if he c\ld  
ga9 !m ov] to 8 int]e/1 ?is nature1 :i* 
he f\nd s sull51 s little dispos$ to l5d
 h]self to 8 views1 w\ld !n be contr\l$ 
9 8 own favor4  ,by a necess>y          
consequ5ce ( ^! ideas1 nature 0 despoil$
 ( all p[]2 %e 0 contemplat$ only z a   
passive in/rum5t1 :o act$ at ! w1 "u !  
influ5ce ( ! num]\s1 all-p[]ful ag5ts to
 :om ! v>i\s sup]/itions _h r5d]$ h]    
subord9ate4 ,x 0 ?us = want (           
contemplat+ nature "u h] true po9t (    
view1 t man has mi/ak5 h] entirely1 t he
 believ$ h] incapable ( produc+ any ?+  
by h]self2 t he ascrib$ ! honor ( all ^?
 productions1 :e!r advantage\s or       

disadvantage\s to ! human species1 to   
fictiti\s p[]s1 :om he always clo!d ) 8 
own peculi> dispositions1 only he       
aggr&iz$ _! =ce4 ,9 %ort1 x 0 ^u ! ru9s 
( nature1 t man erect$ ! imag9>y        
colossus ( sup]/ition1 t he re>$ ! alt>s
 ( a ,jupit]1 ! temples ( an ,apollo4   
,if ! ignorance ( nature gave bir? to   
su* a v>iety ( gods1 ! k ( ?is nature is
 calculat$ to de/roy !m4 ,z soon z man  
becomes enlight5$1 8 p[]s augm5t1 8     
res\rces increase 9 a ratio ) 8 k2 !    
sci5ces1 ! protect+ arts1 indu/ri\s     
application1 furni% him assi/ance2      
exp]i5ce enc\rages 8 progress1 tru?     
procures = him ! means ( resi/+ ! ef=ts 
( _m causes1 :i* cease to al>m him z    
soon z he obta9s a correct k ( !m4 ,9 a 
^w1 8 t]rors dissipate 9 proportion z 8 
m9d becomes enlight5$1 because 8        
trepidation is ev] comm5surate ) 8      
ignorance1 & furni%es ?is great lesson1 
t man1 in/ruct$ by tru?1 ceases to be   
sup]/iti\s4      ,,*ap4 ,,ii4  ,(       
,my?ology1 & ,!ology4   ,! elem5ts (    

nature 71 z we h %ewn1 ! fir/ div9ities 
( man2 he has g5]ally comm5c$ ) ador+   
mat]ial be+s2 ea* individual1 z we h    
already said1 z may be /ill se5 9 savage
 nations1 made to himself a p>ticul>    
god1 ( "s physical object1 :i* he       
suppos$ to be ! cause ( ^? ev5ts1 9 :i* 
he 0 himself int]e/$2 he nev] w&]$ to   
seek out ( visible nature1 ! s\rce ei!r 
( :at happ5$ to himself1 or ( ^? ph5om5a
 to :i* he 0 a witness4 ,z he e :]e saw 
only mat]ial effects1 he attribut$ !m to
 causes ( ! same g5us2 incapable 9 8    
infancy ( ^? pr(\nd rev]ies1 ( ^? subtle
 speculations1 :i* are ! fruit ( "t1 !  
result ( leisure1 he did n imag9e any   
cause di/+ui%$ f ! objects t met 8      
sight1 nor ( any ess5ce totally diff]5t 
f e ?+ he beheld4  ,! obs]vation (      
nature 0 ! fir/ /udy ( ^? :o _h leisure 
to m$itate3 !y c\ld n avoid be+ /ruck ) 
! ph5om5a ( ! visible _w4 ,! ris+ &     
sett+ ( ! sun1 ! p]iodical return ( !   
seasons1 ! v>iations ( ! atmosph]e1 !   
f]tility & /]ility ( ! e>?1 ! advantages

 ( irrigation1 ! damage caus$ by floods1
 ! useful effects ( fire1 ! t]rible     
consequ5ces ( conflagration1 7 prop] &  
suitable objects to occupy _! ?\ghts4 ,x
 0 natural = !m to believe t ^? be+s !y 
saw move ( !mselves1 act$ by _! own     
peculi> en]gies2 accord+ z _! influ5ce  
ov] ! inhabitants ( ! e>? 0 ei!r        
favorable or o!rwise1 !y conclud$ !m to 
h ei!r ! p[] to injure !m1 or !         
disposition to conf] b5efits4 ,^? :o    
fir/ acquir$ ! k ( ga9+ an asc5dancy ov]
 man1 !n savage1 w&]+1 unpoli%$1 or     
disp]s$ 9 woods1 ) b little atta*m5t to 
! soil1 ( :i* he _h n yet le>n$ to reap 
! advantage1 7 always m practis$        
obs]v]s--individuals m in/ruct$ 9 ! ways
 ( nature1 ?an ! p1 or r ! scatt]$      
hordes1 :om !y f\nd ignorant & de/itute 
( exp]i5ce3 _! sup]ior k plac$ !m 9 a   
capacity to r5d] ^! s]vices--to discov] 
to !m useful inv5tions1 :i* attract$ !  
confid5ce ( ! unhappy be+s to :om !y    
came to (f] an assi/+ h&2 savages :o 7  
nak$1 half fami%$1 expos$ to ! injuries 

( ! wea!r1 obnoxi\s to ! attacks (      
f]oci\s bea/s1 disp]s$ 9 cav]ns1 scatt]$
 9 =e/s1 occupi$ ) hunt+1 pa9fully      
lab\r+ to procure !mselves a v prec>i\s 
subsi/5ce1 _h n suffici5t leisure to    
make discov]ies calculat$ to facilitate 
_! lab\r1 or to r5d] x less incessant4  
,^! discov]ies are g5]ally ! fruit (    
society3 isolat$ be+s1 deta*$ families1 
h>dly ev] make any discov]ies--sc>cely  
ev] ?9k ( mak+ any4 ,! savage is a be+  
:o lives 9 a p]petual /ate ( infancy1 :o
 nev] rea*es maturity unless "s "o comes
 to draw him out ( 8 mis]y4 ,at fir/    
repulsive1 unsociable1 intractable1 he  
by degrees famili>izes himself ) ^? :o  
r5d] him s]vice2 once ga9$ by _!        
k9dness1 he readily l5ds !m 8 confid5ce2
 9 ! end he goes ! l5g? ( sacrific+ to  
!m 8 lib]ty4  ,x 0 commonly f ! bosom ( 
civiliz$ nations t h issu$ ^? p]sonages 
:o h c>ri$ sociability1 agriculture1    
art1 laws1 gods1 sup]/ition1 =ms (      
wor%ip1 to ^? families or hordes z yet  
scatt]$2 :o unit$ !m ei!r to ! body ( "s

 o!r nations1 or =m$ !m into new        
nations1 ( :i* !y !mselves became !     
lead]s1 sometimes ! k+1 frequ5tly ! high
 prie/1 & (t5 _! god4 ,^! s(t5$ _!      
mann]s--ga!r$ !m toge!r--taught !m to   
reap ! advantages ( _! own p[]s--to r5d]
 ea* o!r reciprocal assi/ance--to       
satisfy _! wants ) great] facility4 ,9  
?us r5d]+ _! exi/5ce m com=table1 ?us   
augm5t+ _! happ9ess1 !y attract$ _!     
love2 obta9$ _! v5]ation1 acquir$ ! "r (
 prescrib+ op9ions to !m1 made !m adopt 
su* z !y _h ei!r inv5t$ !mselves1 or    
else drawn up 9 ! civiliz$ c\ntries f   
:5ce !y came4 ,hi/ory po9ts out to u !  
mo/ fam\s legislators z m51 :o1 enri*$ )
 useful k !y _h glean$ 9 ! bosom (      
poli%$ nations1 c>ri$ to savages )\t    
indu/ry1 ne$+ assi/ance1 ^? arts1 ( :i*1
 until !n1 ^! rude p 7 ignorant3 su* 7 !
 ,bac*us's1 ! ,orpheus's1 !             
,triptolemus's1 ! ,numa's1 !            
,zamolixis's2 9 %ort1 all ^? :o fir/    
gave to nations _! gods--_! wor%ip--!   
rudim5ts ( agriculture1 ( sci5ce1 (     

sup]/ition1 ( jurisprud5ce1 ( religion1 
c4  ,x w p]haps be enquir$1 ,if ^?      
nations :i* at ! pres5t day we see      
assembl$1 7 all orig9ally disp]s$8 ,we  
reply1 t ?is disp]sion may h be5 produc$
 at v>i\s times1 by ^? t]rible          
revolutions1 ( :i* x has be=e be5 rem>k$
 our globe has m ?an once be5 ! !atre2 9
 times s remote1 t hi/ory has n be5 able
 to transmit u ! detail4 ,p]haps !      
approa* ( m ?an "o comet may h produc$  
on our e>? sev]al univ]sal ravages1 :i* 
h at ea* "t annihilat$ ! great] portion 
( ! human species4  ,^! hypo!ses w      
unque/ionably appe> bold to ^? :o h n   
suffici5tly m$itat$ on nature1 b to !   
philosophic enquir] !y are by no means  
inconsi/5t4 ,!re may n only h be5 "o    
g5]al deluge1 b ev5 a great numb] s9ce !
 exi/5ce ( our planet2 ?is globe itself 
may h be5 a new production 9 nature2 x  
may n always h occupi$ ! place x does at
 pres5t4 ,:atev] idea may be adopt$ on  
?is subject1 if x is v c]ta9 t1         
indep5d5t ( ^? ext]ior causes1 :i* are  

compet5t to totally *ange its face1 z ! 
impulse ( a comet may d1 ?is globe      
conta9s )9 itself1 a cause adequate to  
alt] x entirely1 s9ce1 besides ! diurnal
 & s5sible motion ( ! e>?1 x has "o     
extremely sl[1 almo/ imp]ceptible1 by   
:i* e ?+ mu/ ev5tually be *ang$ 9 x3 ?is
 is ! motion f :5ce dep5ds ! precession 
( ! equ9octial po9ts1 obs]v$ by         
,hipp>*us & o!r ma!maticians1 n[ well   
und]/ood by a/ronom]s2 by ?is motion1 ! 
e>? mu/ at ! end ( sev]al ?\s& ye>s     
*ange totally3 ?is motion w at l5g?     
cause ! ocean to occupy t space :i* at  
pres5t =ms ! l&s or cont95ts4 ,f ?is x w
 be obvi\s t our globe1 z well z all !  
be+s 9 nature1 has a cont9ual           
disposition to *ange4 ,?is motion 0 kn[n
 to ! anci5ts1 & 0 :at gave rise to :at 
!y call$ _! great ye>1 :i* ! ,egyptians 
fix$ at ?irty-six ?\s& five hundr$ &    
tw5ty-five ye>s3 ! ,sab9es at ?irty-six 
?\s& f\r hundr$ & tw5ty-five1 :il/ o!rs 
h ext5d$ x to "o hundr$ ?\s&1 "s ev5 to 
sev5 hundr$ & fifty-?ree ?\s& ye>s4     

,aga91 to ^? g5]al revolutions :i* our  
planet has at diff]5t times exp]i5c$1   
way he add$ ^? t h be5 p>tial1 su* z    
inundations ( ! sea1 e>?quakes1         
subt]rane\s conflagrations1 :i* h       
sometimes _h ! effect ( disp]s+ p>ticul>
 nations1 & to make !m =get all ^?      
sci5ces ) :i* !y 71 be=e acqua9t$4 ,x is
 also probable t ! fir/ volcanic fires1 
hav+ _h no previ\s v5t1 7 m c5tral1 &   
great] 9 quantity1 be=e !y bur/ ! cru/ (
 e>?2 z ! sea wa%$ ! :ole1 x mu/ h      
rapidly sunk d[n into e op5+1 :]e1 fall+
 on ! boil+ lava1 x 0 in/antly exp&$    
into /eam1 produc+ irresi/ible          
explosion3 :5ce x is reasonable to      
conclude1 t ! primaeval e>?quakes wore m
 widely ext5d$1 & ( mu* great] =ce1 ?an 
^? :i* occur 9 our days4 ,o!r vap\rs may
 be produc$ by int5se heat1 possess+ a  
mu* great] ela/icity1 f sub/ances t     
evaporate1 su* z m]cury1 diamonds1 c42 !
 expansive =ce ( ^! vap\rs w\ld be mu*  
great] ?an ! /eam ( wat]1 ev5 at r$ hot 
heat consequ5tly !y1 way h _h suffici5t 

en]gy to raise isl&s1 cont95ts1 or ev5  
to h deta*$ ! moon f ! e>?2 if ! moon1 z
 has be5 suppos$ by "s philosoph]s1 0   
?r[n out ( ! great cavity :i* n[ conta9s
 ! ,s\? ,sea2 ! imm5se quantity ( wat]  
fl[+ 9 f ! orig9al ocean1 & :i* !n cov]$
 ! e>?1 w\ld mu* contribute to leave !  
cont95ts & isl&s1 :i* might be rais$ at 
! same "t1 above ! surface ( ! wat]4 ,9 
lat] days we h acc\nts ( huge /ones     
fall+1 f ! firmam5t1 :i* may h be5 ?r[n 
by explosion f "s di/ant e>?quake1 )\t  
hav+ be5 impell$ ) a =ce suffici5t to   
cause !m to circulate r\nd ! e>?1 & ?us 
produce num]\s small moons or           
satellites4  ,^? :o 7 able to escape f !
 ru9 ( ! _w1 fill$ ) con/]nation1 plung$
 9 mis]y1 7 b little condition$ to      
pres]ve to _! po/]ity a k1 effac$ by ^? 
mis=tunes1 ( :i* !y _h be5 bo? ! victims
 & ! witnesses3 ov]:elm$ ) dismay1      
trembl+ ) fe>1 !y 7 n able to h& d[n !  
hi/ory ( _! frightful adv5tures1 except 
by obscure traditions2 mu* less to      
transmit to u ! op9ions1 ! sy/ems1 !    

arts1 ! sci5ces1 ant]ior to ^! petrify+ 
revolutions ( our sph]e4 ,!re h be5     
p]haps m5 ^u ! e>? f all et]nity2 b at  
diff]5t p]iods !y may h be5 ne>ly       
annihilat$1 toge!r ) _! monum5ts1 _!    
sci5ces1 & _! arts2 ^? :o outliv$ ^!    
p]iodical revolutions1 ea* "t =m$ a new 
race ( m51 :o by d9t ( "t1 lab\r1 &     
exp]i5ce1 h by degrees )drawn f oblivion
 ! inv5tions ( ! primitive races4 ,x is1
 p]haps1 to ^! p]iodical revolutions ( !
 human species1 t is to be ascrib$ !    
pr(\nd ignorance 9 :i* we see man yet   
plung$1 ^u ^? objects t are ! mo/       
int]e/+ to him4 ,?is is1 p]haps1 ! true 
s\rce ( ! imp]fection ( 8 k--( ! vices (
 8 political in/itutions--( ! defect 9 8
 religion--( ! gr[? ( sup]/ition1 ov]   
:i* t]ror has always presid$2 "h1 9 all 
probability1 is ! cause ( t pu]ile      
inexp]i5ce1 ( ^? jejune prejudices1 :i* 
almo/ e :]e keep man 9 a /ate ( infancy1
 & :i* r5d] him s little capable ( ei!r 
li/5+ to reason or ( consult+ tru?4 ,to 
judge by ! sl[ness ( 8 progress1 by !   

feebl5ess ( 8 advance1 9 a numb] (      
respects1 we %\ld be incl9$ to say1 !   
human race has ei!r j quitt$ its cradle1
 or t he 0 nev] de/9$ to atta9 ! age (  
virility--to corroborate 8 reason4      
,h[ev] x may be ) ^! conjectures1 :e!r !
 human race may always h exi/$ ^u ! e>?1
 :e!r x may h be5 a rec5t production (  
nature1 :e!r ! l>g] animals we n[ behold
 7 orig9ally d]iv$ f ! smalle/          
microscopic ones1 :o h increas$ 9 bulk )
 ! progression ( "t1 or :e!r1 z !       
,egyptian philosoph]s ?\ght1 mank9d 7   
orig9ally h]maphrodites1 :o l ! aphis   
produc$ ! sexual di/9ction aft] "s      
g5]ations1 :i* 0 also ! op9ion ( ,plato1
 & seems to h be5 t ( ,moses1 :o 0      
educat$ among/ ^! ,egyptians1 z may be  
ga!r$ f ! #bg? & #bh? v]ses ( ! fir/    
*apt] ( ,,g5esis3 ,s ,god creat$ man 9 8
 own image1 9 ! image ( ,god creat$ he  
him2 male & female creat$ he !m--,&     
,,god bless$ !m1 & ,,god said unto !m1  
be fruitful1 & multiply1 & repl5i% !    
e>?1 & subdue x3 & h dom9ion ov] ! fi% (

 ! sea1 & ov] ! f[l ( ! air1 & ov] e    
liv+ ?+ t move? ^u ! e>?3 x is n !re=e  
presum+ too mu* to suppose1 z !         
,egyptians 7 a nation v fond ( expla9+  
_! op9ions by hi]oglyphics1 t t "p :i*  
describes ,eve z tak5 out ( ,adam's rib1
 0 an hi]oglyphic emblem3 %[+ t mank9d 0
 9 ! primitive /ate ( bo? sexes1 unit$1 
:o 0 aft]w>ds divid$ into males &       
females4 ,h[ev]1 ,i say1 ?is may be1 x  
is extremely easy to recur to ! orig9 ( 
_m exi/+ nations3 we %all f9d !m always 
9 ! savage /ate2 t is1 to say1 disp]s$2 
compos$ ( families deta*$ f ea* o!r2 (  
w&]+1 hordes2 ^! 7 collect$ toge!r1     
approximat$ at ! voice ( "s mission>y or
 legislator1 f :om !y receiv$ great     
b5efits1 :o gave !m gods1 op9ions1 &    
laws4 ,^! p]sonages1 ( :om ! p newly    
congregat$ readily ackn[l$g$ !          
sup]iority1 fix$ ! national gods1 leav+ 
to ea* individual1 ^? :i* he _h =m$ to  
himself1 accord+ to 8 own peculi> ideas1
 or else sub/itut+ o!rs br\ght f ^?     
regions1 f :5ce !y !mselves _h emigrat$4

  ,! bett] to impr9t _! lessons on !    
m9ds ( _! new subjects1 ^! m5 became !  
guides1 ! prie/s1 ! sov]eigns1 ! ma/]s (
 ^! infant societies2 !y =m$ disc\rses  
by :i* !y spoke to ! imag9ation ( _!    
will+ auditors4 ,,poetry seem be/ adapt$
 to /rike ! m9d ( ^! rude p1 to engrave 
on _! memory ^? ideas ) :i* !y 7 will+  
to imbue !m3 its images1 its fictions1  
its numb]s1 its rhyme its h>mony1 all   
conspir$ to please _! fancy1 to r5d]    
p]man5t ! impressions x made3 ?us1 !    
entire ( nature1 z well z all its p>ts1 
0 p]sonifi$1 by its beautiful           
allegories3 at its soo?+ voice1 trees1  
/ones1 rocks1 e>?1 air1 fire1 wat]1 by  
imag9ation took intellig5ce1 held       
conv]sation ) man1 & ) !mselves2 !      
elem5ts 7 deifi$ by its songs1 e ?+ 0   
figuratively detail$ 9 h>moni\s lays4 ,!
 sky1 :i* accord+ to ! !n philosophy1 0 
an ar*$ concave1 spread+ ov] ! e>?1 :i* 
0 suppos$ to be a level pla92 7= !      
doctr9e ( antipodes is ( r mod]n date7 0
 itself made a god2 0 consid]$ a m      

suitable resid5ce1 z mak+ a great]      
di/9ction = ^! imag9>y deities ?an ! e>?
 on :i* man himself resid$4 ,?us !      
firmam5t 0 fill$ ) deities4  ,"t1 "u !  
"n ( ,saturn1 0 pictur$ z ! son ( heav52
 or ,coelus by e>?1 call$ ,t]ra1 or ,!a2
 he 0 repres5t$ z an inexorable         
div9ity--naturally artful1 :o dev\r$ 8  
own *ildr5--:o rev5g$ ! ang] ( 8 "m ^u 8
 fa!r2 = :i* purpose %e arm$ him ) a    
scy!1 =m$ ( metals drawn f h] own b[els1
 ) :i* he /ruck ,coelus1 9 ! act ( unit+
 himself to ,!a1 & s mutilat$ him1 t he 
0 ev] aft] incapacitat$ to increase !   
numb] ( 8 *ildr53 he 0 said to h divid$ 
! ?rone ) ,janus k+ ( ,italy1 8 reign   
seems to h be5 s mild1 s b5efic5t1 t x 0
 call$ ! gold5 age2 human victims 7     
sacrific$ on 8 alt>s1 until aboli%$ by  
,h]cules1 :o sub/itut$ small images (   
clay4 ,fe/ivals 9 honor ( ?is god1 call$
 ,saturnalia1 7 in/itut$ long antec$5t  
to ! f\ndation ( ,rome !y 7 celebrat$   
ab\t ! middle ( ,decemb]1 ei!r on !     
#af?1 #ag?1 or #ah?2 !y la/$ 9 latt]    

times sev]al days1 orig9ally b "o4      
,univ]sal lib]ty prevail$ at !          
celebration1 slaves 7 p]mitt$ to        
ridicule _! ma/]s--to speak freely on e 
subject--no crim9als 7 execut$--w> nev] 
decl>$2 ! prie/s made _! human (f]+s )  
_! heads uncov]$2 a circum/ance peculi> 
to ! ,saturnalia1 n adopt$ at o!r       
fe/ivals4  ,! igne\s matt]1 ! e!rial    
electric fluid1 t invisible fire :i*    
vivifies nature1 t p5etrates all be+s1 t
 f]tilizes ! e>?1 :i* is ! great        
pr9ciple ( motion1 ! s\rce ( heat1 0    
deifi$ "u ! "n ( ,jupit]3 8 comb9ation )
 e be+ 9 nature 0 express$ by 8         
metamorphoses--by ! frequ5t adult]ies   
imput$ to him4 ,he 0 arm$ ) ?und]1 to   
indicate he produc$ meteors1 to typify !
 electric fluid t is call$ lightn+4 ,he 
m>ri$ ! w9ds1 :i* 7 designat$ "u ! "n ( 
,juno1 !re=e call$ ! ,goddess ( ! ,w9ds1
 _! nuptials 7 celebrat$ ) great        
solemnity2 all ! gods1 ! entire brute   
creation1 ! :ole ( mank9d att5d$1 except
 "o "y woman nam$ ,*elone1 :o laugh$ at 

! c]emonies1 = :i* impiety %e 0 *ang$ by
 ,m]cury into a tortoise1 & condemn$ to 
p]petual sil5ce4 ,he 0 ! mo/ p[]ful (   
all ! gods1 & consid]$ z ! k+ & fa!r bo?
 ( gods & m53 8 wor%ip 0 v ext5d$1 p]=m$
 ) great] solemnity1 ?an t ( any o!r    
god4 ,^u 8 alt>s smok$ goats1 %eep1 &   
:ite bulls1 9 :i* he is said to h       
p>ticul>ly delight$2 ! oak 0 r5d]$ sacr$
 to him1 because he taught mank9d to    
live ^u acorns2 he _h _m oracles :]e 8  
precepts 7 deliv]$1 ! mo/ celebrat$ ( ^!
 7 at ,dodona & ,ammon 9 ,lybia2 he 0   
suppos$ to be invisible to ! inhabitants
 ( ! e>?2 ! ,lac$emonians erect$ 8 /atue
 ) f\r heads1 !reby indicat+1 t he li/5$
 readily to ! solicitations ( e qu>t] ( 
! e>?4 ,m9]va is repres5t$ z hav+ no "m1
 b to h come completely arm$ f 8 bra9s1 
:5 8 head 0 op5$ by ,vulcan2 by :i* x is
 meant to inf] t wisdom is ! result (   
?is e!real fluid4 ,?us1 foll[+ ! same   
fictions1 ! sun1 t b5efic5t /> :i* has  
su* a m>k$ influ5ce ov] ! e>?1 became an
 ,osiris1 a ,belus1 a ,mi?ras1 an       

,adonis1 an ,apollo4 ,nature1 r5d]$     
sorr[ful by 8 p]iodical abs5ce1 0 an    
,isis1 an ,a/>te1 a ,v5us1 a ,cybele4   
,a/>te _h a magnific5t temple at        
,hi]opolis s]v$ by ?ree hundr$ prie/s1  
:o 7 always employ$ 9 (f]+ sacrifices4  
,! prie/s ( ,cybele1 call$ ,corybantes1 
also ,galli1 7 n admitt$ to _! sacr$    
functions )\t previ\s mutilation4 ,9 !  
celebration ( _! fe/ivals ^! prie/s us$ 
all k9ds ( indec5t expressions1 beat    
drums1 cymbals1 & behav$ j l madm53 8   
wor%ip ext5d$ all ov] ,phrygia1 & 0     
e/abli%$ 9 ,greece "u ! "n ( ,eleus9ian 
my/]ies4 ,9 %ort1 e ?+ 0 p]sonifi$3 !   
sea 0 "u ! empire ( ,neptune2 fire 0    
ador$ by ! ,egyptians "u ! "n ( ,s]apis2
 by ! ,p]sians1 "u t ( ,ormus or        
,oromaze2 & by ! ,romans1 "u t ( ,ve/a &
 ,vulcan4  ,su* 0 ! orig9 ( my?ology3 x 
may be said to be ! daught] ( natural   
philosophy1 embelli%$ by poetry2 only   
de/9$ to describe nature & its p>ts4 ,if
 antiquity is consult$1 x w be p]ceiv$  
)\t mu* tr\ble1 t ^! fam\s sages1 ^?    

legislators1 ^? prie/s1 ^? conqu]ors1 :o
 7 ! in/ructors ( infant nations1       
!mselves ador$ active nature1 or ! great
 :ole consid]$ relatively to its diff]5t
 op]ations or qualities2 t ?is 0 :at !y 
caus$ ! ignorant savages :om !y _h ga!r$
 toge!r to adore4 ,x 0 ! great :ole !y  
deifi$2 x 0 its v>i\s p>ts :i* !y made  
_! inf]ior gods2 x 0 f ! necessity ( h] 
laws !y made fate4 ,! ,greeks call$ x   
,nature1 a div9ity :o _h a ?\s& names4  
,v>ro says1 ,i believe t ,god is ! s\l (
 ! univ]se1 & t ! univ]se is ,god4      
,cic]o says t 9 ! my/]ies ( ,samo?racia1
 ( ,lemnos1 ( ,eleusis1 x 0 nature mu* m
 ?an ! gods1 !y expla9$ to ! initiat$4  
,pl9y says1 we mu/ believe t ! _w1 or t 
:i* is conta9$ "u ! va/ ext5t ( !       
heav5s1 is ! ,div9ity2 ev5 et]nal1      
inf9ite1 )\t beg9n+ or end4 ,x 0 ^!     
diff]5t modes ( consid]+ nature t gave  
bir? to ,poly!ism1 to idolatry4         
,allegory masqu$ its mode ( action3 x 0 
at l5g? p>ts ( ?is great :ole1 t        
idolatry repres5t$ by /atues & symbols4 

,to complete ! pro(s ( :at has be5 said2
 to %ew di/9ctly t x 0 ! great :ole1 !  
univ]se1 ! nature ( ?+s1 :i* 0 ! real   
object ( ! wor%ip ( ,pagan antiquity1   
h>dly any ?+ c be m decisive ?an !      
beg9n+ ( ! hymn ( ,orpheus address$ to !
 god ,pan4  ,o ,pan6 ,i invoke !e1 ,o   
p[]ful god6 ,o univ]sal nature6 !       
heav5s1 ! sea1 ! e>?1 :o n\ri% all1 & ! 
et]nal fire1 because ^! are ?y memb]s1  
,o all p[]ful ,pan1 c4 ,no?+ c be m     
suitable to confirm ^! ideas1 ?an !     
+5i\s explanation :i* is giv5 ( ! fable 
( ,pan1 z well z ( ! figure "u :i* he is
 repres5t$4 ,x is said1 ,pan1 accord+ to
 ! signification ( 8 "n1 is ! emblem by 
:i* ! anci5ts h designat$ ! great       
assemblage ( ?+s or be+s3 he repres5ts !
 univ]se2 &1 9 ! m9d ( ! wise/          
philosoph]s ( antiquity1 he pass$ = !   
greate/ & mo/ anci5t ( ! gods4 ,!       
features "u :i* he is del9eat$ =m !     
portrait ( nature1 & ( ! savage /ate 9  
:i* %e 0 f\nd 9 ! beg9n+4 ,! spott$ sk9 
( ! leop>d1 :i* s]ves him = a mantle1   

imag9$ ! heav5s fill$ ) />s &           
con/ellations4 ,8 p]son 0 comp\nd$ (    
p>ts1 "s ( :i* 7 suitable to a          
reasonable animal1 t is to say1 to man2 
& o!rs to ! animal de/itute ( reason1   
su* z ! goat4 ,x is ?us1 says he1 t !   
univ]se is compos$ ( an intellig5ce t   
gov]ns ! :ole1 & ( ! prolific1 fruitful 
elem5ts ( fire1 wat]1 e>?1 air4 ,pan1   
lov$ to dr9k & to foll[ ! nymphs2 ?is   
ann\nces ! occasion nature has =        
humidity 9 all h] productions1 & t ?is  
god1 l nature1 is /rongly incl9$ to     
propagation4 ,accord+ to ! ,egyptians1 &
 ! mo/ anci5t ,grecian philosoph]s1 ,pan
 _h nei!r fa!r nor "m2 he came out (    
,demogorgon at ! same mom5t ) !         
,de/9ies1 8 fatal si/]s2 a f9e me?od (  
express+ t ! univ]se 0 ! "w ( an unkn[n 
p[]1 & t x 0 =m$ aft] ! inv>iable       
relations1 ! et]nal laws ( necessity2 b 
8 mo/ significant symbol1 t mo/ suitable
 to express ! h>mony ( ! univ]se1 is 8  
my/]i\s pipe1 compos$ ( sev5 unequal    
tubes1 b calculat$ to produce ! nice/1 !

 mo/ p]fect concord4 ,! orbs :i* compose
 ! sev5 planets ( our sol> sy/em1 are ( 
diff]5t diamet]s2 be+ bodies ( unequal  
mass1 !y describe _! revolutions r\nd ! 
sun 9 v>i\s p]iods2 nev]!less x is f !  
ord] ( _! motion t results ! h>mony ( ! 
sph]es1 c4  ,"h !n is ! great macrocosm1
 ! mighty :ole1 ! assemblage ( ?+s ador$
 & deifi$ by ! philosoph]s ( antiquity2 
:il/ ! un9=m$ /opp$ at ! emblem "u :i*  
?is nature 0 depict$2 at ! symbols "u   
:i* its v>i\s p>ts1 its num]\s functions
 7 p]sonifi$2 8 n>r[ m9d1 8 b>b>\s      
ignorance1 nev] p]mitt$ him to m\nt     
high]2 !y alone 7 deem$ wor?y ( be+1    
initiat$ into ! my/]ies1 :o knew !      
realities masqu$ "u ^! emblems4 ,inde$1 
x is n to be d\bt$ = an in/ant1 t !     
wise/ among ! ,pagans ador$ nature2 :i* 
e?nic !ology designat$ "u a great v>iety
 ( nom5clature1 "u an imm5se numb] (    
diff]5t emblems4 ,apuleius1 al?\gh a    
decid$ ,platoni/1 accu/om$ to ! my/]i\s1
 un9telligible notions ( 8 ma/]1 calls  
,nature ! p>5t ( all2 ! "m ( ! elem5ts1 

! fir/ (fspr+ ( ! _w2 aga91 ! "m ( !    
/>s1 ! p>5t ( ! seasons1 & ! gov]ness ( 
! :ole _w4--,%e 0 wor%ipp$ by _m "u !   
appellation ( ! "m ( ! gods4 ,inde$1 !  
fir/ in/itutors ( nations1 & _! imm$iate
 successors 9 au?ority1 only spoke to ! 
p by fables1 allegories1 enigmas1 ( :i* 
!y res]v$ to !mselves ! "r ( giv+ an    
explanation3 ?is1 9 fact1 con/itut$ !   
my/]ies ( ! v>i\s wor%ip paid to !      
,pagan div9ities4 ,?is my/]i\s tone !y  
consid]$ necess>y1 :e!r x 0 to mask _!  
own ignorance1 or :e!r x 0 to pres]ve _!
 p[] ov] ! un9=m$1 :o = ! mo/ "p only   
respect t :i* is above _! compreh5sion4 
,_! explications 7 g5]ally dictat$ ei!r 
by int]e/1 or by a deliri\s imag9ation1 
frequ5tly by impo/ure2 ?us f age to age1
 !y did no m ?an r5d] nature & its p>ts1
 :i* !y _h orig9ally depict$1 m unkn[n1 
until !y completely lo/ sight ( !       
primitive ideas2 ^! 7 replac$ by a      
multitude ( fictiti\s p]sonages1 "u ^:  
features ?is nature _h prim>ily be5     
repres5t$ to !m4 ,! p1 ei!r unaccu/om$  

to ?9k1 or deeply /eep$ 9 ignorance1    
ador$ ^! p]sonages1 )\t p5etrat+ into ! 
true s5se ( ! emblematical fables       
rec\nt$ to !m4 ,^! ideal be+s1 ) mat]ial
 figures1 9 :om !y believ$ !re resid$ a 
my/]i\s virtue1 a div9e p[]1 7 ! objects
 ( _! wor%ip1 ! s\rce ( _! fe>s1 !      
f\nta9 ( _! hopes4 ,! wond]ful1 !       
incr$ible actions ascrib$ to ^! fanci$  
div9ities1 7 an inexhau/ible fund (     
admiration1 :i* gave p]petual play to ! 
fancy2 :i* delight$ n only ! p ( ^?     
days1 b ev5 ! *ildr5 ( latt] ages4 ,?us 
7 transmitt$ f age to age1 ^? m>vell\s  
acc\nts1 :i*1 al?\gh necess>y to !      
exi/5ce ( ! p[] usurp$ by ! m9i/]s ( ^! 
gods1 did1 9 fact1 no?+ m ?an confirm ! 
bl9dness ( ! ignorant3 ^! nev] suppos$ t
 x 0 nature1 its v>i\s op]ations1 its   
num]\s compon5t p>ts--t x 0 ! passions (
 man & 8 div]se faculties t lay buri$ "u
 an heap ( allegories2 !y did n p]ceive 
t ! passions & faculties ( human nature 
7 us$ z emblems1 because man 0 ignorant 
( ! true cause ( ! ph5om5a he beheld4 ,z

 /rong passions seem$ to hurry man      
along1 9 despite ( himself1 !y ei!r     
attribut$ ^! passions to a god1 or      
deifi$ !m2 frequ5tly !y did bo?3 x 0 ?us
 love became a deity2 t eloqu5ce1       
poetry1 indu/ry1 7 trans=m$ into gods1  
"u ! names ( ,h]mes1 ,m]cury1 ,apollo2 !
 /+s ( consci5ce 7 call$ ! ,furies3 ! p1
 b[$ d[n 9 /upid ignorance1 _h no eyes b
 = ^! emblematical p]sons1 "u :i* nature
 0 mask$3 !y attribut$ to _! influ5ce ! 
good1 to _! displeasure ! evil1 :i* !y  
exp]i5c$3 !y ent]$ into e k9d ( folly1  
into ! mo/ deliri\s acts ( madness1 to  
r5d] !m propiti\s to _! views2 ?us1 =   
want ( be+ acqua9t$ ) ! reality ( ?+s1  
_! wor%ip frequ5tly deg5]at$ into ! mo/ 
cruel extravagance1 into ! mo/ ridicul\s
 folly4  ,?us x is obvi\s1 t e ?+ proves
 nature & its v>i\s p>ts to h e :]e be5 
! fir/ div9ities ( man4 ,natural        
philosoph]s /udi$ ^! deities1 ei!r      
sup]ficially or pr(\ndly1--expla9$ "s ( 
_! prop]ties1 detail$ "s ( _! modes (   
action4 ,poets pa9t$ !m to ! imag9ation 

( mortals1 ei!r 9 ! mo/ fasc9at+ col\rs1
 or "u ! mo/ hide\s de=mities2 embodi$  
!m--furni%$ !m ) reason+                
faculties--rec\nt$ _! exploits--record$ 
_! w4 ,! /atu>y execut$ sometimes ) !   
mo/ enraptur+ art1 ! ideas ( !          
poets1--gave sub/ance to _! %ad[s--=m to
 _! airy no?+s4 ,! prie/ decorat$ ^!    
unit$ works ) a ?\s& m>vell\s           
qualities--) ! mo/ t]rible passions--) !
 mo/ inconceivable attributes2 gave !m1 
a local habitation & a "n4 ,! p ador$   
!m2 pro/rat$ !mselves be=e ^! gods1 :o 7
 nei!r susceptible ( love or hatr$1     
goodness1 or malice2 !y became p]secut+1
 malevol5t1 cruel1 unju/1 9 ord] to r5d]
 !mselves acceptable to p[]s g5]ally    
describ$ to !m "u ! mo/ odi\s features4 
,by d9t ( reason+ ^u ^! emblems1 by     
m$itat+ ^u nature1 ?us decorat$1 or r   
disfigur$1 subsequ5t speculators no     
long] recollect$ ! s\rce f :5ce _!      
pr$ecessors _h drawn _! gods1 nor !     
fanta/ic ornam5ts ) :i* !y _h embelli%$ 
!m4 ,natural philosoph]s & poets 7      

trans=m$ by leisure into metaphysicians 
& !ologians2 tir$ ) contemplat+ :at !y  
c\ld h und]/ood1 !y believ$ !y _h made  
an important discov]y by subtilly       
di/+ui%+ nature f h]self--f h] own      
peculi> en]gies--f h] faculty ( action4 
,by degrees !y made an incompreh5sible  
be+ ( ?is en]gy1 :i* z be=e !y          
p]sonifi$1 ?is !y call$ ! mov] ( nature1
 divid$ x into two1 "o cong5ial to man's
 happ9ess1 ! o!r inimical to 8 welf>e2  
^! !y deifi$ 9 ! same mann] z !y _h be=e
 done nature ) h] v>i\s p>ts4 ,^!       
ab/ract1 metaphysical be+s1 became !    
sole object ( _! ?\ghts2 7 ! subject (  
_! cont9ual contemplation2 !y look$ ^u  
!m z realities ( ! highe/ importance3   
?us nature q disappe>$2 %e 0 despoil$ ( 
h] rights2 %e 0 consid]$ z no?+ m ?an an
 unwieldy mass1 de/itute ( p[]2 devoid (
 en]gy1 z an heap ( ignoble matt] purely
 passive3 :o1 incapable ( act+ by       
h]self1 0 n compet5t to any ( !         
op]ations !y beheld1 )\t ! direct1 !    
imm$iate ag5cy ( ! mov+ p[]s !y _h      

associat$ ) h]3 :i* !y _h made ! fulcrum
 necess>y to ! action ( ! lev]4 ,!y ei!r
 did n or w\ld n p]ceive1 t ! great     
,cause ( causes1 ens entium1 ,p>5t (    
p>5ts1 _h1 9 unravell+ *aotic matt]1 ) a
 wisdom = :i* man c nev] be suffici5tly 
grateful1 ) a sagacity :i* he c nev]    
suffici5tly admire1 =ese5 e ?+ t c\ld   
contribute n only to 8 own individual   
happ9ess1 b also to t ( all ! be+s 9    
nature2 t he _h giv5 ?is nature         
immutable laws1 accord+ to :i* %e is =  
ev] regulat$2 aft] :i* %e is oblig$     
inv>iably to act2 t he has describ$ = h]
 an et]nal c\rse1 f :i* x is n p]mitt$  
h] to deviate1 ev5 = an in/ant2 t %e is 
!re=e1 r5d]$ compet5t to ! production ( 
e ph5om5a1 n only t he beholds1 b ( an  
inf9ity t he has nev] yet contemplat$2 t
 %e ne$s n any ext]ior en]gy = ?is      
purpose1 hav+ receiv$ h] p[]s f a h& f> 
sup]ior to any ! feeble weak imag9ation 
( man is able to =m2 t :5 ?is nature    
appe>s to afflict him1 x is only f !    
contraction ( 8 own views1 f ! n>r[ness 

( 8 own ideas1 t he judges2 t1 9 fact1  
:at he consid]s ! evils ( nature1 are ! 
greate/ possible b5efits he c receive1  
if he 0 b 9 a condition to be acqua9t$ )
 previ\s causes1 ) subsequ5t effects4 ,t
 ! evils result+ to him f 8 own vices1 h
 equally _! rem$ies 9 ?is nature1 :i* x 
is 8 duty to /udy2 :i* if he does he w  
f9d1 t ! same omnipot5t goodness1 :o    
gave h] irrefragable laws1 also plant$ 9
 h] bosom1 balsams = all 8 maladies1    
:e!r physical or moral3 b t x is n giv5 
him to "k :at ?is great1 ?is univ]sal   
cause is1 = purposes ( :i* he ought n to
 dispute ! wisdom1 :5 he contemplates ! 
mighty wond]s t surr\nd him4  ,?us man  
ev] pref]r$ an unkn[n p[]1 to t ( :i* he
 0 enabl$ to h "s k1 if he _h only      
deign$ to consult 8 exp]i5ce2 b he      
pres5tly ceases to respect t :i* he     
und]/&s2 to e/imate ^? objects :i* are  
famili> to him3 he figures to himself   
some?+ m>vell\s 9 e ?+ he does n        
compreh5d2 8 m9d1 above all1 lab\rs to  
seize ^u t :i* appe>s to escape 8       

consid]ation2 9 default ( exp]i5ce1 he  
no long] consults any ?+1 b 8           
imag9ation1 :i* fe$s him ) *im]as4 ,9   
consequ5ce1 ^? speculators :o h subtilly
 di/+ui%$ nature f h] own p[]s1 h       
successively lab\r$ to clo! ! p[]s ?us  
sep>at$ )1 a ?\s& incompreh5sible       
qualities3 z !y did n see ?is p[]1 :i*  
is only a mode1 !y made x a _s--an      
intellig5ce--an incorporeal be+2 t is to
 say1 ( a sub/ance totally diff]5t f e  
?+ ( :i* we h a k4 ,!y nev] p]ceiv$ t   
all _! inv5tions1 t all ! words :i* !y  
imag9$1 only s]v$ to mask _! real       
ignorance2 t all _! pret5d$ sci5ce 0    
limit$ to say+1 9 :at mann] nature act$1
 by a ?\s& subt]fuges :i* !y !mselves   
f\nd x impossible to compreh5d4 ,man    
always deceives himself = want ( /udy+  
nature2 he leads himself a/ray1 e "t he 
is dispos$ to g out ( x2 he is always   
quickly necessitat$ to return2 he is ev5
 9 error :5 he sub/itutes words :i* he  
does n himself und]/&1 = ?+s :i* he w\ld
 mu* bett] compreh5d if he 0 will+ to   

look at !m )\t prejudice4  ,c a !ologian
 +5u\sly believe himself m enlight5$1 = 
hav+ sub/itut$ ! vague words _s1        
incorporeal sub/ance1 c4 to ! m         
intelligible t]ms nature1 matt]1        
mobility1 necessity8 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 
^! obscure words once imag9$1 x 0       
necess>y to atta* ideas to !m2 9 do+    
?is1 he has n be5 able to draw !m f any 
o!r s\rce ?an ! be+s ( ?is despis$      
nature1 :i* are ev] ! only be+s ( :i* he
 is enabl$ to h any k4 ,man1            
consequ5tly1 drew !m up 9 himself2 8 own
 s\l s]v$ = ! model ( ! univ]sal s\l1 ( 
:i* inde$ accord+ to "s x only =m$ a    
portion2 8 own m9d 0 ! /&>d ( ! m9d t   
regulat$ nature2 8 own passions1 8 own  
desires1 7 ! prototypes ( ^? by :i* he  
actuat$ ?is be+2 8 own intellig5ce 0 t f
 :i* he =m$ t ( ! mov] ( nature2 t :i* 0
 suitable to himself1 he call$ ! ord] ( 
nature2 ?is pret5d$ ord] 0 ! scale by   
:i* he measur$ ! wisdom ( ?is be+2 9    
%ort1 ^? qualities :i* he calls         
p]fections 9 himself1 7 ! ar*etypes 9   

m9iature1 ( ! p]fections ( ! be+1 he ?us
 gratuit\sly suppos$ to be ! ag5t1 :o   
op]at$ ! ph5om5a ( nature4 ,x 0 ?us1 t 9
 despite ( all _! ef=ts1 ! !ologians 71 
p]haps always w be1 true                
,an?ropomorphites4 ,a sect ( ?is        
d5om9ation appe>$ 9 #cei1 9 ,egypt1 !y  
held ! doctr9e t _! god _h a bodily     
%ape4 ,inde$ x is v difficult1 if n     
impossible to prev5t man f mak+ himself 
! sole model ( 8 div9ity4 ,montaigne    
says man is n able to be o!r ?an he is1 
nor imag9e b aft] 8 capacity2 let him   
take :at pa9s he may1 he w nev] h a k ( 
any s\l b 8 own4 ,x5ophanes said1 if !  
ox or ! elephant und]/ood ei!r sculpture
 or pa9t+1 !y w\ld n fail to repres5t ! 
div9ity "u _! own peculi> figure t 9    
?is1 !y w\ld h z mu* reason z           
,polyclitus or ,phidias1 :o gave him !  
human =m4 ,x 0 said to a v celebrat$ man
 t ,god made man aft] 8 own image2 man  
has return$ ! complim5t1 repli$ !       
philosoph]4 ,inde$1 man g5]ally sees 9 8
 ,god1 no?+ b a man4 ,let him subtilize 

z he w1 let him ext5d 8 own p[]s z he   
may1 let him swell 8 own p]fections to !
 utmo/1 he w h done no?+ m ?an make a   
gigantic1 exagg]at$ man1 :om he w r5d]  
illusory by d9t ( heap+ toge!r          
incompatible qualities4 ,he w nev] see 9
 su* a god1 b a be+ ( ! human species1 9
 :om he w /rive to aggr&ize !           
proportions1 until he has =m$ a be+     
totally inconceivable4 ,x is accord+ to 
^! dispositions t he attributes         
intellig5ce1 wisdom1 goodness1 ju/ice1  
sci5ce1 p[]1 to 8 div9ity1 because he is
 himself intellig5t2 because he has !   
idea ( wisdom 9 "s be+s ( 8 own species2
 because he loves to f9d 9 !m ideas     
fav\rable to himself3 because he e/eems 
^? :o display equity2 because he has a  
k1 :i* he holds m ext5sive 9 "s         
individuals ?an himself2 9 %ort1 because
 he enjoys c]ta9 faculties :i* dep5d on 
8 own organization4 ,he pres5tly ext5ds 
or exagg]ates all ^! qualities 9 =m+ 8  
god2 ! sight ( ! ph5om5a ( nature1 :i*  
he feels he is himself incapable ( ei!r 

produc+ or imitat+1 obliges him to make 
?is diff]5ce betwe5 ! be+ he p\rtrays & 
himself2 b he kn[s n at :at po9t to /op2
 he fe>s le/ he %\ld deceive himself1 if
 he %\ld see any limits to ! qualities  
he assigns1 ! ^w inf9ite1 !re=e1 is !   
ab/ract1 ! vague t]m :i* he uses to     
*>act]ize !m4 ,he says t 8 p[] is       
inf9ite1 :i* signifies t :5 he beholds  
^? /up5d\s effects :i* nature produces1 
he has no conception at :at po9t 8 p[] c
 re/2 t 8 goodness1 8 wisdom1 8 k are   
inf9ite3 ?is ann\nces t he is ignorant  
h[ f> ^! p]fections ma be c>ri$ 9 a be+ 
^: p[] s mu* surpasses 8 own2 t he is ( 
inf9ite duration1 because he is n       
capable ( conceiv+ he c\ld h _h a beg9n+
 or c ev] cease to be2 because ( ?is he 
consid]s a defect 9 ^? transitory be+s (
 :om he beholds ! dissolution1 :om he   
sees are subject$ to dea?4 ,he presumes 
! cause ( ^? effects to :i* he is a     
witness1 ( ^? /rik+ ph5om5a t assail 8  
sight1 is immutable1 p]man5t1 n subject$
 to *ange1 l all ! evanesc5t be+s :om he

 kn[s are submitt$ to dissolution1 to   
de/ruction1 to *ange ( =m4 ,?is mov] (  
nature be+ always invisible to man1 8   
mode ( action be+1 imp5etrable1 he      
believes t1 l 8 s\l or ! conceal$       
pr9ciple :i* animates 8 own body1 :i* he
 calls spiritual1 a _s1 is ! mov+ p[] ( 
! univ]se2 9 consequ5ce he makes a _s ! 
s\l1 ! life1 ! pr9ciple ( motion 9      
nature4 ,?us :5 by d9t ( subtiliz+1 he  
has arriv$ at believ+ ! pr9ciple by :i* 
8 body is mov$ is a spiritual1 immat]ial
 sub/ance1 he makes ! _s ( ! univ]se    
immat]ial 9 l mann]3 he makes x imm5se1 
al?\gh )\t ext5t2 immoveable1 al?\gh    
capable ( mov+ nature3 immutable1 al?\gh
 he supposes him to be ! au?or ( all !  
*anges1 op]at$ 9 ! univ]se4  ,! idea ( !
 unity ( ,god1 :i* co/ ,socrates 8 life1
 because ! ,a!nians consid]$ ^? ,a!i/s  
:o believ$ b 9 "o1 0 ! t>dy fruit (     
human m$itation4 ,plato himself did n   
d>e to break entirely ! doctr9e (       
,poly!ism2 he pres]v$ ,v5us1 an         
all-p[]ful ,jupit]1 & a ,pallas1 :o 0 ! 

goddess ( ! c\ntry4 ,! sight ( ^?       
opposite1 frequ5tly contradictory       
effects1 :i* man saw take place 9 ! _w1 
_h a t5d5cy to p]suade him !re mu/ be a 
numb] ( di/9ct p[]s or causes indep5d5t 
( ea* o!r4 ,he 0 unable to conceive t ! 
v>i\s ph5om5a he beheld1 sprung f a     
s+le1 f an unique cause2 he !re=e       
admitt$ _m causes or gods1 act+ ^u      
diff]5t pr9ciples2 "s ( :i* he consid]$ 
fri5dly1 o!rs z inimical to 8 race4 ,su*
 is ! orig9 ( t doctr9e1 s anci5t1 s    
univ]sal1 :i* suppos$ two pr9ciples 9   
nature1 or two p[]s ( opposite int]e/s1 
:o 7 p]petually at w> ) ea* o!r2 by !   
assi/ance ( :i* he expla9$1 t con/ant   
mixture ( good & evil1 t bl5d+ (        
prosp]ity ) mis=tune1 9 a ^w1 ^? et]nal 
vicissitudes to :i* 9 ?is _w ! human    
be+1 is subject$4 ,?is is ! s\rce ( ^?  
combats :i* all antiquity has suppos$ to
 exi/ betwe5 good & wick$ gods1 betwe5  
an ,osiris & a ,typhoeus2 betwe5 an     
,orosmadis & an ,arimanis2 betwe5 a     
,jupit] & ! ,titanes2 9 ^! r5c\nt]s man 

= 8 own peculi> int]e/ always gave !    
palm ( victory to ! b5efic5t deity2 ?is1
 accord+ to all ! traditions h&$ d[n1   
ev] rema9$ 9 possession ( ! field (     
battle2 x 0 s f> "r1 z x is evid5tly = !
 b5efit ( mank9d t ! good %\ld prevail  
ov] ! wick$4  ,:51 h[ev]1 man ackn[l$g$ 
only "o ,god1 he g5]ally suppos$ !      
diff]5t dep>tm5ts ( nature 7 confid$ to 
p[]s subord9ate to 8 supreme ord]s1 "u  
:om ! sov]eign ( ! gods dis*>g$ 8 c>e 9 
! adm9i/ration ( ! _w4 ,^! subalt]n gods
 7 prodigi\sly multipli$2 ea* man1 ea*  
t[n1 ea* c\ntry1 _h _! local1 _! tutel>y
 gods2 e ev5t1 :e!r =tunate or          
un=tunate1 _h a div9e cause2 0 !        
consequ5ce ( a sov]eign decree2 ea*     
natural effect1 e op]ation ( nature1 ea*
 passion1 dep5d$ ^u a div9ity1 :i* a    
!ological imag9ation1 dispos$ to see    
gods e :]e1 mi/ak+ nature1 ei!r         
embelli%$ or disfigur$4 ,poetry tun$ its
 h>moni\s lays1 on ^! occasions1        
exagg]at$ ! details1 animat$ its        
pictures2 cr$ul\s ignorance receiv$ !   

portraits ) eag]ness--he>d ! doctr9es ) 
submission4  ,su* is ! orig9 (          
,poly!ism3 inde$ ! ,greek ^w ,!os1      
,greek lett]s1 is d]iv$ f ,!aomai1      
,greek lett]s1 :i* implies to           
contemplate1 or take a view ( secret or 
hidd5 ?+s4 ,su* are ! f\ndations1 su* ! 
titles ( ! hi]>*y1 :i* man e/abli%$     
betwe5 himself & 8 gods1 because he     
g5]ally believ$ he 0 incapable ( !      
exalt$ privilege ( imm$iately address+  
himself to ! incompreh5sible ,be+ :om he
 _h ackn[l$g$ = ! only sov]eign (       
nature1 )\t ev5 hav+ any di/9ct idea on 
! subject3 su* is ! true g5ealogy ( ^?  
inf]ior gods :om ! un9=m$ place z1 a    
proportional means betwe5 !mselves & !  
fir/ ( all o!r causes4 ,9 consequ5ce1   
among ! ,greeks & ! ,romans1 we see !   
deities divid$ into two classes1 ! "o 7 
call$ great gods1 because ! :ole _w 7   
ne>ly 9 accord 9 deify+ ! mo/ /rik+ p>ts
 ( nature1 su* z ! sun1 fire2 ! sea1 "t1
 c4 ^! =m$ a k9d ( ari/ocratic ord]1 :o 
7 di/+ui%$ f ! m9or gods1 or f !        

multitude ( e?nic div9ities1 :o 7       
entirely local2 t is to say1 7 rev]5c$  
only 9 p>ticul> c\ntries1 or by         
individuals2 z 9 ,rome1 :]e e citiz5 _h 
8 famili> _s1 call$ l>es2 & h\sehold    
god1 call$ p5ates4 ,nev]!less1 ! fir/   
rank ( ^! ,pagan div9ities1 l ! latt]1 7
 submitt$ to ,fate1 t is1 to de/9y1 :i* 
obvi\sly is no?+ m ?an nature act+ by   
immutable1 rigor\s1 necess>y laws2 ?is  
de/9y 0 look$ ^u z ! god ( gods2 x is   
evid5t1 t ?is 0 no?+ m ?an necessity    
p]sonifi$2 t !re=e x 0 a weakness 9 !   
hea!ns to fatigue ) _! sacrifices1 to   
solicit ) _! pray]s1 ^? div9ities :om !y
 !mselves believ$ 7 submitt$ to !       
decrees ( an inexorable de/9y1 ( :i* x 0
 nev] possible = !m to alt] ! m&ates4 ,b
 man1 g5]ally1 ceases to reason1 :5ev] 8
 !ological notions are ei!r br\ght into 
"q1 or are ! subject ( 8 inquiry4  ,:at 
has be5 already said1 s]ves to %[ !     
common s\rce ( t multitude ( int]m$iate 
p[]s1 subord9ate to ! gods1 b sup]ior to
 man1 ) :i* he fill$ ! univ]se3 !y 7    

v5]at$ "u ! names ( nymphs1 demi-gods1  
angels1 daemons1 good & evil g5ii1      
spirits1 h]oes1 sa9ts1 c4 ,among !      
,romans !y 7 call$ ,dei m$ioxumi1       
int]m$iate angels2 !y 7 look$ ^u z      
int]cessors1 z m$iators1 z p[]s :om x 0 
necess>y to rev]5ce1 9 ord] ei!r to     
obta9 _! fav\r1 appease _! ang]1 or     
div]t _! malignant int5tions2 ^!        
con/itute diff]5t classes ( int]m$iate  
div9ities1 :o became ei!r ! f\ndation ( 
_! hopes1 ! object ( _! fe>s1 ! means ( 
consolation1 or ! s\rce ( dread to ^? v 
mortals :o only inv5t$ !m :5 !y f\nd x  
impossible to =m to !mselves di/9ct1    
p]spicu\s ideas ( ! incompreh5sible ,be+
 :o gov]n$ ! _w 9 *ief2 or :5 !y        
despair$ ( be+ able to hold             
communication ) him directly4           
,m$itation & reflection dim9i%$ ! numb] 
( ^? deities :i* compos$ ! e?nic        
poly!ism3 "s :o gave ! subject m        
consid]ation ?an o!rs1 r$uc$ ! :ole to  
"o all-p[]ful ,jupit]2 b /ill !y pa9t$  
?is be+ 9 ! mo/ hide\s col\rs1 gave him 

! mo/ revolt+ features1 because !y 7    
/ill ob/9ately b5t on mak+ man1 8 action
 & 8 passions1 ! model3 ?is folly l$ !m 
into cont9ual p]plexities1 because x    
heap$ toge!r contradictory1             
incompatible1 extravagant qualities2 x 0
 q natural x %\ld d s3 ! limit$ views1 !
 sup]ficial k1 ! irregul> desires (     
frail1 feeble mortals1 7 b little       
calculat$ to typify ! m9d ( ! real      
,div9ity2 ( t great ,cause ( causes1 t  
,p>5t ( p>5ts1 f :om e ?+ mu/ h emanat$4
 ,al?\gh !y p]suad$ !mselves x 0 s9n+ to
 give him rivals1 yet !y describ$ him z 
a jeal\s mon>* :o c\ld n be> a division 
( empire2 ?us tak+ ! vanity ( e>?ly     
pr9ces = _! emblem1 z if x 0 possible   
su* a be+ c\ld h a competitor l a       
t]re/rial mon>*4 ,n hav+ contemplat$ !  
immutable laws ) :i* he has inve/$      
nature1 to :i* e ?+ x conta9s is        
subject$1 :i* are ! result ( ! mo/      
p]fect wisdom1 !y 7 puzzl$ to acc\nt = !
 contr>iety ( ^? effects :i* _! weak    
m9ds l$ !m to suppose z evils2 see+ t   

sometimes ^? :o fulfill$ 9 ! mo/ fai?ful
 mann] _! duties 9 ?is life1 7 involv$ 9
 ! same ru9 ) ! bolde/1 ! mo/           
inconsid]ate violat]s3 ?us 9 mak+ him ! 
imm$iate ag5t1 in/ead ( ! fir/ au?or1 ! 
executive in/ead ( ! =mative p[]1 !y    
caus$ him to appe> caprici\s1 z         
unreasonably v9dictive aga9/ 8          
creatures1 :5 !y ought to h kn[n t 8    
wisdom 0 unlimit$1 8 k9dness )\t b\nds1 
:5 he infus$ into nature t p[] :i*      
produces ^! app>5tly contradictory      
effects2 :i*1 al?\gh !y seem injuri\s to
 man's int]e/s1 are1 if he 0 b          
capacitat$ to judge fairly1 ! mo/       
b5eficial advantages t he c possibly    
d]ive4 ,?us !y made ! ,div9ity appe>    
improvid5t1 by cont9ually employ+ him to
 de/roy ! "w ( 8 own h&s3 !y1 9 fact1   
tax$ him ) impot5ce1 by ! p]petual      
non-p]=mance ( ^? projects ( :i* _! own 
imbecillity1 _! own err+ judgm5t1 _h    
va9ly suppos$ him to be ! contriv]4  ,to
 solve ^! difficulties1 man creat$      
enemies to ! ,div9ity1 :o al?\gh        

subord9ate to ! supreme ,god1 7         
nev]!less compet5t to di/urb 8 empire1  
to fru/rate 8 views4 ,c any ?+ be worse 
conceiv$1 c any ?+ be m truly d]ogatory 
to ! great ,p>5t ( p>5ts1 ?an ?us to    
make him resemble a k+1 :o is surr\nd$ )
 adv]s>ies1 will+ to dispute ) him 8    
diadem8 ,su*1 h[ev]1 is ! orig9 ( !     
,fable ( ! ,titanes1 or ( ! rebelli\s   
angels1 ^: presumption caus$ !m to be   
plung$ into ! abyss ( mis]y--:o 7 *ang$ 
into demons1 or into evil g5ii3 ^!      
accord+ to _! my?ology1 _h no o!r       
functions1 ?an to r5d] abortive !       
projects ( ! ,div9ity2 to s$uce1 to     
raise to rebellion1 ^? :o 7 8 subjects4 
,mis]able inv5tion1 feeble subt]fuge1 = 
! vices ( mank9d1 al?\gh decorat$ ) all 
! beauty ( language4 ,c !n sublimity (  
v]sification1 ! h>mony ( numb]s1        
reconcile man to ! idea t ! puny (fspr+ 
( natural causes is adequate = a s+le   
in/ant to dispute ! comm&s1 to ?w>t !   
desires1 to r5d] nugatory ! decrees ( a 
,be+ ^: wisdom is ( ! mo/ poli%$        

p]fection2 ^: goodness is b\ndless2 ^:  
p[] mu/ be m capaci\s ?an ! human m9d c 
possibly conceive8  ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is 
,fable ( ! ,titanes1 ! mon>* ( nature 0 
repres5t$ z p]petually 9 a scuffle ) !  
enemies he _h himself creat$2 z unwill+ 
totally to subdue ^? ) :om ^! fabuli/s h
 describ$ him z divid+ 8                
au?ority--p>tak+ 8 supreme p[]4 ,?is    
aga9 0 borr[$ f ! conduct ( e>?ly       
mon>*s1 :o1 :5 !y f9d a pot5t enemy1    
make a treaty ) him2 b ?is 0 q          
unnecess>y = ! great ,cause ( causes2 & 
only %[s t man is utt]ly incapable ( =m+
 any o!r ideas ?an ^? :i* he d]ives f ! 
situation ( ^? ( 8 own race1 or ( ! be+s
 by :om he is surr\nd$4 ,accord+ to ?is 
fable ! subjects ( ! univ]sal ,mon>* 7  
nev] prop]ly submitt$ to 8 au?ority2 l  
an e>?ly k+1 he 0 9 a cont9ual /ate (   
ho/ility1 & puni%$ ^? :o _h ! mis=tune  
to ent] into ! conspiracies ( ! enemies 
( 8 glory3 see+ t human legislators put 
=? laws1 issu$ decrees1 !y e/abli%$     
simil> in/itutions = ! ,div9ity2        

e/abli%$ oracles2 8 m9i/]s pret5d$1     
?r\gh ^! my/]i\s m$iums1 to convey to ! 
p 8 heav5ly m&ates1 to unveil 8 conceal$
 int5tions3 ! ignorant multitude receiv$
 ^! )\t exam9ation1 !y did n p]ceive t x
 0 man1 & n ! ,div9ity1 :o ?us spoke to 
!m2 !y did n feel t x mu/ be impossible 
= weak creatures to act contr>y to ! w (
 ,god4  ,! ,fable ( ! ,titanes1 or      
rebelli\s angels1 is extremely anci5t2 v
 g5]ally diffus$ ov] ! _w2 x s]ves = !  
f\ndation ( ! !ology ( ! ,bra*m9s (     
,h9do/an3 accord+ to ^!1 all liv+ bodies
 are animat$ by fall5 angels1 :o "u ^!  
=ms expiate _! rebellion4 ,^!           
contradictory notions 7 ! basis ( ne>ly 
all ! sup]/itions ( ! _w2 by ^! means !y
 imag9$ !y acc\nt$ = ! orig9 (          
evil--demon/rat$ ! cause :y ! human     
species exp]i5ce mis]y4 ,9 %ort1 !      
conduct ( ! mo/ arbitr>y tyrants ( ! e>?
 0 b too frequ5tly br\ght =?1 too (t5   
act$ ^u1 9 =m+ ! "* ( ! ,div9ity1 held  
=? to ! wor%ip ( man3 _! imp]fect       
jurisprud5ce 0 ! s\rce f :5ce !y drew t 

:i* !y ascrib$ to _! god4 ,pagan !ology 
0 rem>kable = display+ 9 ! "* ( _!      
div9ities ! mo/ dissolute vices2 = mak+ 
!m v9dictive2 = caus+ !m to puni% )     
extreme rig\r ^?1 crimes :i* ! oracles  
pr$ict$2 to doom to ! mo/ la/+ torm5ts  
^? :o s9n$ )\t kn[+ _! transgression2 to
 hurl v5geance on ^? :o 7 ignorant ( _! 
obscure w1 deliv]$ 9 language :i* set   
compreh5sion at defiance2 unless x 0 by 
! prie/ :o bo? made & fulm9at$ x4 ,x 0  
^u ^! unreasonable notions1 t !         
!ologians f\nd$ ! wor%ip :i* man ought  
to r5d] to ! ,div9ity4 ,d n !n let u be 
at all surpris$ if ! sup]/iti\s man 0 9 
a /ate ( cont9ual al>m3 if he exp]i5c$  
trances--if 8 m9d 0 ev] 9 ! mo/ torm5t+ 
dread2 ! idea ( 8 gods recall$ to him   
unceas+ly1 t ( a pitiless tyrant :o     
sport$ ) ! mis]ies ( 8 subjects2 :o1 )\t
 be+ consci\s ( _! own wrong1 might at  
ea* mom5t incur 8 displeasure3 he c\ld n
 avoid feel+ t al?\gh !y _h =m$ !       
univ]se entirely = man1 yet ju/ice did n
 regulate ! actions ( ^! p[]ful be+s1 or

 r ^? ( ! prie/s2 b he also believ$ t _!
 elevat$ rank plac$ !m inf9itely above !
 human species1 t !re=e !y might afflict
 him at _! pleasure4  ,x is !n = want ( 
consid]+ good & evil z equally necess>y2
 x is = want ( attribut+ !m to _! true  
causes1 t man has creat$ to himself     
fictiti\s p[]s1 malici\s div9ities1     
respect+ :om x is f\nd s difficult to   
undeceive him4 ,nev]!less1 9 contemplat+
 nature1 he w\ld h be5 able to h        
p]ceiv$1 t physical evil is a necess>y  
consequ5ce ( ! peculi> prop]ties ( "s   
be+s2 he w\ld h ackn[l$g$ t plague1     
contagion1 disease1 are due to physical 
causes "u p>ticul> circum/ances2 to     
comb9ations1 :i*1 al?\gh extremely      
natural1 are fatal to 8 species2 he w\ld
 h s\ght--9 ! bosom ( nature h]self !   
rem$ies suitable to dim9i% ^! evils1 or 
to h caus$ ! cessation ( ^? effects "u  
:i* he suff]$3 he w\ld h se5 9 l mann] t
 moral evil 0 ! necess>y consequ5ce (   
defective in/itutions2 t x 0 n to !     
,div9ity1 b to ! inju/ice ( 8 fell[s he 

ought to ascribe ^? w>s1 t pov]ty1 ^?   
fam9es1 ^? rev]ses ( =tune1 ^?          
multitud9\s calamities1 ^? vices1 ^?    
crimes1 "u :i* he s frequ5tly groans4   
,?us to rid himself ( ^! evils he w\ld n
 h uselessly ext5d$ 8 trembl+ h&s t[>ds 
%ad[s incapable ( reliev+ him2 t[>ds    
be+s :o 7 n ! au?ors ( 8 sorr[s2 he w\ld
 h s\ght rem$ies = ^! mis=tunes 9 a m   
rational adm9i/ration ( ju/ice--9 m     
equitable laws--9 m ,i reasonable       
in/itutions--9 a great] degree (        
b5evol5ce t[>ds 8 fell[ man--9 a m      
punctual p]=mance ( 8 own duties4  ,z ^!
 gods 7 g5]ally depict$ to man z        
implacable to 8 frailties z !y d5\nc$   
no?+ b ! mo/ dreadful puni%m5ts aga9/ ^?
 :o involunt>ily (f5d$1 x is n at all   
surpris+ t ! s5tim5t ( fe> prevail$ ov] 
t ( love3 ! gloomy ideas pres5t$ to 8   
m9d 7 calculat$ to make him tremble1 )\t
 mak+ him bett]2 an att5tion to ?is tru?
 w s]ve to expla9 ! f\ndation ( t       
fanta/ical1 irrational1 frequ5tly cruel 
wor%ip1 :i* 0 paid to ^! div9ities2 he  

(t5 committ$ ! mo/ cruel extravagancies 
aga9/ 8 own p]son1 ! mo/ hide\s crimes  
aga9/ ! p]son ( o!rs1 "u ! idea t 9 s   
do+1 he dis>m$ ! ang]1 appeas$ ! ju/ice1
 recall$ ! clem5cy1 des]v$ ! m]cy ( 8   
gods4  ,9 g5]al1 ! sup]/iti\s sy/ems (  
man1 8 human & o!r sacrifices1 8 pray]s1
 8 c]emonies1 8 cu/oms2 h _h only = _!  
object ei!r to div]t ! fury ( 8 gods1   
:om he believ$ he _h (f5d$2 to r5d] !m  
propiti\s to 8 own selfi% views2 or to  
excite 9 !m t good disposition t[>ds    
himself1 :i* 8 own p]v]se mode ( ?9k+   
made him imag9e !y be/[$ exclusively on 
o!rs3 on ! o!r h&1 ! ef=ts1 ! subtilties
 ( !ology1 h seldom _h any o!r end1 ?an 
to reconcile 9 ! div9ities x has        
p\rtray$1 ^? discordant ideas :i* its   
own dogmas has rais$ 9 ! m9ds ( mortals4
 ,f :at has prec$$1 x may fairly be     
conclud$ t e?nic !ology und]m9$ itself  
by its own inconsi/5cies2 t ! art (     
compos+ *im]as may !re=e ) great ju/ice 
be def9$ to be t ( comb9+ ^? qualities  
:i* are impossible to be reconcil$ ) ea*

 o!r4      ,,*ap4 ,,iii4  ,( ! confus$ &
 contradictory ,ideas ( ,!ology4   ,e ?+
 t has be5 said1 proves pretty cle>ly1  
t1 9 despite ( all 8 ef=ts1 man has nev]
 be5 able to prev5t himself f draw+     
toge!r f 8 own peculi> nature1 !        
qualities he has assign$ to ! ,be+ :o   
gov]ns ! univ]se4 ,! contradictions     
necess>ily result+ f ! incompatible     
assemblage ( ^! human qualities1 :i* _c 
become suitable to ! same subject1 see+ 
t ! exi/5ce ( "o de/roys ! exi/5ce ( !  
o!r1 h be5 %ewn3--! !ologians !mselves h
 felt ! insurm\ntable difficulties :i*  
_! div9ities pres5t$ to reason3 !y 7 s  
sub/antive1 t z !y felt ! impossibility 
( )draw+ !mselves out ( ! dilemma1 !y   
endeav\r$ to prev5t man f reason+1 by   
?r[+ 8 m9d into confusion--by cont9ually
 augm5t+ ! p]plexity ( ^? ideas1 already
 s discordant1 :i* !y (f]$ him ( ! gods4
 ,by ^! means !y envelop$ !m 9 my/]y1   
cov]$ !m ) d5se cl\ds1 r5d]$ !m         
inaccessible to mank9d3 ?us !y !mselves 
became ! int]pret]s1 ! ma/]s ( expla9+1 

accord+ ei!r to _! fancy or _! int]e/1 !
 ways ( ^? enigmatical be+s !y made him 
adore4 ,= ?is purpose !y exagg]at$ !m m 
& m--nei!r "t nor space1 nor ! entire ( 
nature c\ld conta9 _! imm5sity--e ?+    
became an imp5etrable my/]y4 ,al?\gh man
 has orig9ally borr[$ f himself !       
traits1 ! col\rs1 ! primitive l9eam5ts (
 :i* he compos$ 8 gods2 al?\gh he has   
made !m jeal\s1 p[]ful1 v9dictive       
mon>*s1 yet 8 !ology1 by =ce ( dream+1  
entirely lo/ sight ( human nature4 ,9   
ord] to r5d] 8 div9ities /ill m diff]5t 
f _! creatures1 x assign$ !m1 ov] &     
above ! usual qualities ( man1 prop]ties
 s m>vell\s1 s uncommon1 s f> remov$ f e
 ?+ ( :i* 8 m9d c\ld =m a conception1 t 
he lo/ sight ( !m himself4 ,f !nce he   
p]suad$ himself ^! qualities 7 div9e1   
because he c\ld no long] compreh5d !m2  
he believ$ !m wor?y ( 8 gods1 because no
 man c\ld figure to himself any "o      
di/9ct idea ( !m4 ,?us !ology obta9$ !  
po9t ( p]suad+ man he mu/ believe t :i* 
he c\ld n conceive2 t he mu/ receive )  

submission improbable sy/ems2 t he mu/  
adopt1 ) pi\s def]5ce1 conjectures      
contr>y to 8 reason2 t ?is reason itself
 0 ! mo/ agreeable sacrifice he c\ld    
make on ! alt>s ( 8 gods1 :o 7 unwill+  
he %\ld use ! gift !y _h be/[$ ^u him4  
,9 %ort1 x _h made mortals implicitly   
believe t !y 7 n =m$ to compreh5d ! ?+ (
 all o!rs ! mo/ important to !mselves4  
,?us x is evid5t t sup]/ition f\nd$ its 
basis ^u ! absurd pr9ciple t man is     
oblig$ to accr$it firmly t :i* he is 9 !
 mo/ complete impossibility (           
compreh5d+4 ,on ! o!r h&1 man p]suad$   
himself t ! gigantic1 ! truly           
incompreh5sible attributes :i* 7 assign$
 to ^! cele/ial mon>*s1 plac$ betwe5 !m 
& _! slaves a di/ance s imm5se1 t ^!    
c\ld n be by any means (f5d$ ) !        
comp>ison2 t ^! di/9ctions r5d]$ !m /ill
 great]2 made !m m p[]ful1 m m>vell\s1 m
 inaccessible to obs]vation4 ,man always
 ent]ta9s ! idea1 t :at he is n 9 a     
condition to conceive1 is mu* m noble1  
mu* wore respectable1 ?an t :i* he has !

 capacity to compreh5d4 ,! m a ?+ is    
remov$ f 8 rea*1 ! m valuable x always  
appe>s4  ,^! prejudices 9 man = !       
m>vell\s1 appe> to h be5 ! s\rce t gave 
bir? to ^? wond]ful1 un9telligible      
qualities ) :i* sup]/ition clo!d ^!     
div9ities4 ,! inv9cible ignorance ( !   
human m9d1 ^: fe>s r$uc$ him to despair1
 eng5d]$ ^? obscure1 vague notions1 )   
:i* my?ology decorat$ its gods4 ,he     
believ$ he c\ld nev] displease !m1      
provid$ he r5d]$ !m incomm5surable2     
impossible to be comp>$ ) any ?+1 ( :i* 
he _h a k2 ei!r ) t :i* 0 mo/ sublime1  
or t :i* possess$ ! greate/ magnitude1  
,f h5ce ! multitude ( negative          
attributes ) :i* +5i\s dream]s h        
successively embelli%$ _! phantoms1 to !
 end t !y might m surely =m a be+       
di/+ui%$ f all o!rs1 or :i* possess$    
no?+ 9 common ) t :i* ! human m9d _h !  
faculty ( be+ acqua9t$ )3 !y did n      
p]ceive t aft] all _! endeav\rs1 x 0    
no?+ wore ?an exagg]at$ human qualities1
 :i* !y ?us heap$ toge!r1 ) no m skill  

?an a pa9t] w\ld display :o %\ld        
del9eate all ! memb]s ( ! body ( ! same 
size1 tak+ a giant = dim5sion4  ,!      
!ological attributes ) :i*              
metaphysicians decorat$ ^! div9ities1 7 
9 fact no?+ b pure negations ( !        
qualities f\nd 9 man1 or 9 ^? be+s ( :i*
 he has a k2 by ^! attributes _! gods 7 
suppos$ exempt$ f e ?+ :i* !y consid]$  
weakness or imp]fection 9 him1 or 9 !   
be+s by :om he is surr\nd$3 !y call$ e  
quality inf9ite1 :i* has be5 %ewn is    
only to affirm1 t unlike man1 or ! be+s 
) :om he is acqua9t$1 x is n            
circumscrib$ by ! limits ( space2 ?is1  
h[ev]1 is :at he c nev] 9 any mann]     
compreh5d1 because he is himself f9ite4 
,hobbes 9 8 ,levia?an1 says1 :atsoev] we
 imag9e is f9ite4 ,!re=e !re is no idea1
 or conception ( any ?+ we call inf9ite4
 ,no man c h 9 8 m9d an image ( inf9ite 
magnitude1 nor conceive inf9ite         
swiftness1 inf9ite "t1 inf9ite =ce1 or  
inf9ite p[]4 ,:5 we say any ?+ is       
inf9ite1 we signify only1 t we are n    

able to conceive ! ends & b\nd ( ! ?+   
nam$1 hav+ no conception ( ! ?+1 b ( our
 own inability4 ,%]lock says1 ! ^w      
inf9ite is only a negation1 :i*         
signifies t :i* has nei!r end1 nor      
limits1 nor ext5t1 &1 consequ5tly1 t :i*
 has no positive & det]m9ate nature1 &  
is !re=e no?+2 he adds1 t no?+ b cu/om  
has caus$ ?is ^w to be adopt$1 :i* )\t  
t1 w\ld appe> devoid ( s5se1 & a        
contradiction4  ,:5 x is said ^! gods   
are et]nal1 x signifies !y h n _h1 l man
 or l e ?+ t exi/s1 a beg9n+1 & t !y w  
nev] h an end3 to say !y are immutable1 
is to say1 t unlike himself or e ?+ :i* 
he sees1 !y are n subject to *ange3 to  
say !y are immat]ial1 is to advance1 t  
_! sub/ance or ess5ce is ( a nature n   
conceivable by himself1 b :i* mu/ f t v 
circum/ance be totally diff]5t f e ?+ ( 
:i* he has cognizance4  ,x is f !       
confus$ collection ( ^! negative        
qualities1 t has result$ ! !ological    
gods2 ^? metaphysical :oles ( :i* x is  
impossible = man to =m to himself any   

correct idea4 ,9 ^! ab/ract be+s e ?+ is
 inf9ity1--imm5sity1--                  
spirituality1--omnisci5ce1--ord]1--wisdo
m1--intellig5ce1-- omnipot5ce4 ,9 comb9+
 ^! vague t]ms1 or ^! modifications1 !  
e?nic prie/s believ$ !y =m$ some?+1 !y  
ext5d$ ^! qualities by ?\ght1 & !y      
imag9$ !y made gods1 :il/ !y only       
compos$ *im]as4 ,!y imag9$ t ^!         
p]fections or ^! qualities mu/ be       
suitable to _! gods1 because !y 7 n     
suitable to any ?+ ( :i* !y _h a k2 !y  
believ$ t incompreh5sible be+s mu/ h    
inconceivable qualities4 ,^! 7 !        
mat]ials ( :i* !ology avail$ itself to  
compose ^? inexplicable %ad[s be=e :i*  
!y comm&$ ! human race to b5d ! knee4   
,nev]!less1 exp]i5ce soon prov$ t be+s s
 vague1 s impossible to be conceiv$1 s  
incapable ( def9ition1 s f> remov$ f e  
?+ ( :i* man c\ld h any k1 7 b little   
calculat$ to fix 8 re/less views2 8 m9d 
requires to be arre/$ by qualities :i*  
he is capacitat$ to asc]ta92 ( :i* he is
 9 a condition to =m a judgm5t4 ,?us    

aft] x _h subtiliz$ ^! metaphysical     
gods1 aft] x _h r5d]$ !m s diff]5t 9    
idea1 f e ?+ t acts ^u ! s5ses1 !ology  
f\nd itself "u ! necessity ( aga9       
assimilat+ !m to man1 f :om x _h s f>   
remov$ !m3 x !re=e aga9 made !m human by
 ! moral qualities :i* x assign$ !m2 x  
felt t )\t ?is x w\ld n be able to      
p]suade mank9d !re c\ld possibly exi/   
any relation betwe5 him & su* vague1    
e!real1 fugitive1 incomm5surable be+s2 t
 x w\ld nev] be compet5t to secure = !m 
8 adoration4  ,x began to p]ceive t ^!  
m>vell\s gods 7 only calculat$ to       
ex]cise ! imag9ation ( "s few ?9k]s1 ^: 
m9ds 7 accu/om$ to lab\r ^u *im]ical    
subjects1 or to take words = realities2 
9 %ort x f\nd1 t = ! great] numb] ( !   
mat]ial *ildr5 ( ! e>? x 0 necess>y to h
 gods m analog\s to !mselves1 m s5sible1
 m kn[n to !m4 ,9 consequ5ce ^!         
div9ities 7 re-clo!d ) human qualities2 
!ology nev] felt ! incompatibility ( ^! 
qualities ) be+s x _h made ess5tially   
diff]5t f man1 :o consequ5tly c\ld nei!r

 h 8 prop]ties1 nor be modifi$ l        
himself4 ,x did n see t gods :o 7       
immat]ial1 de/itute ( corporeal organs1 
7 nei!r able to ?9k nor to act z mat]ial
 be+s1 ^: peculi> organizations r5d] !m 
susceptible ( ! qualities1 ! feel+s ! w1
 ! virtues1 t are f\nd 9 !m4 ,!         
necessity x felt to assimilate ! gods to
 _! wor%ipp]s1 to make an aff9ity betwe5
 !m1 made x pass ov] )\t consid]ation ^!
 palpable contradictions--?is want (    
keep+ 9 _! portrait3 ?us e?nic !ology   
ob/9ately cont9u$ to unite ^?           
incompatible qualities1 t discrepancy ( 
"*1 :i* ! human m9d attempt$ 9 va9 ei!r 
to conceive or to reconcile3 accord+ to 
x1 pure spirits 7 ! mov]s ( ! mat]ial   
_w2 imm5se be+s 7 enabl$ to occupy      
space1 )\t h[ev] exclud+ nature2        
immutable deities 7 ! causes ( ^?       
cont9ual *anges op]at$ 9 ! _w3 omnipot5t
 be+s did n prev5t ^? evils :i* 7       
displeas+ to !m2 ! s\rces ( ord]        
submitt$ to confusion3 9 %ort1 !        
wond]ful prop]ties ( ^! !ological be+s e

 mom5t contradict$ !mselves4  ,!re is n 
less discrepancy1 less incompatibility1 
less discordance 9 ! human p]fections1  
less contradiction 9 ! moral qualities  
attribut$ to !m1 to ! end t man might be
 enabl$ to =m to himself "s idea ( ^!   
be+s4 ,^! 7 all said to be em95tly      
possess$ by ! gods1 al?\gh !y e mom5t   
contradict$ ea* o!r3 by ?is means !y =m$
 a k9d ( pat*-"w "*1 het]og5e\s be+s1   
discrepant ph5om5a1 entirely            
inconceivable to man1 because nature _h 
nev] con/ruct$ any ?+ l !m1 :]eby he 0  
enabl$ to =m a judgm5t4 ,man 0 assur$ !y
 7 em95tly good--t x 0 visible 9 all _! 
actions4 ,n[ goodness is a kn[n quality1
 recognizable 9 "s be+s ( ! human       
species2 ?is is1 above e o!r1 a prop]ty 
he is desir\s to f9d 9 all ^? ^u :om he 
is 9 a /ate ( dep5d5ce2 b he is unable  
to be/[ ! title ( good on any among 8   
fell[s1 except _! actions produce on him
 ^? effects :i* he approves--t he f9ds 9
 unison ) 8 exi/5ce--9 con=mity ) 8 own 
peculi> modes ( ?9k+4 ,x 0 evid5t1      

accord+ to ?is reason+1 ^! e?nic gods   
did n impress him ) ?is idea2 !y 7 said 
to be equally ! au?ors ( 8 pleasures1 z 
( 8 pa9s1 :i* 7 to be ei!r secur$ or    
av]t$ by sacrifices3 ?us :5 man suff]$  
by contagion1 :5 he 0 ! victim (        
%ipwreck1 :5 8 c\ntry 0 desolat$ by w>1 
:5 he saw :ole nations dev\r$ by        
rapaci\s e>?quakes1 :5 he 0 a prey to ! 
ke5e/ sorr[s1 he at lea/ 0 unable to    
conceive ! b\nty ( ^? be+s4 ,h[ c\ld he 
p]ceive ! beautiful ord] :i* !y _h      
introduc$ into ! _w1 :ile he groan$ "u  
su* a multitude ( calamities8 ,h[ 0 he  
able to disc]n ! b5efic5ce ( m5 :om he  
beheld sport+ z x 7 ) 8 species8 ,h[    
c\ld he conceive ! consi/5cy ( ^? :o    
de/roy$ t :i* he 0 assur$ !y _h tak5 su*
 pa9s to e/abli%1 solely = 8 own peculi>
 happ9ess8 ,b _h 8 m9d be5 prop]ly      
enlight5$1 _h he be5 taught to "k1 t    
nature1 act+ by un]r+ laws1 produces all
 ! ph5om5a he beholds z a necess>y      
consequ5ce ( h] primitive impulse--t l !
 re/ ( nature he 0 himself subject$ to !

 g5]al op]ation--t no peculi> exemption 
_h be5 made 9 8 behalf--t sacrifices 7  
useless--t ! great ,p>5t ( p>5ts1       
equally m9dful ( all 8 creatures1 _h set
 9 action ) ! mo/ consummate wisdom an  
inv>iable sy/em1 ! app>5t1 casual evils 
( :i* 7 ev] c\nt]balanc$ by ! result+   
good2 t )\t rep9+1 x 0 8 duty1 8 int]e/1
 to submit2 at ! same "t to exam9e )    
s$ulity1 to se>* ) e>ne/ness1 into !    
recesses ( ?is nature = rem$ies to !    
sorr[s he endur$4 ,if he _h be5 ?us     
in/ruct$1 we %\ld nev] behold him       
arraign+ ei!r ! k9dness1 ! wisdom1 or ! 
consi/5cy ( ! gods2 he w\ld nei!r h     
ascrib$ 8 suff]+s to ! malici\s         
int]f]5ce ( inf]ior deities1 s d]ogatory
 to ! div9e maje/y ( ! ,great ,cause (  
causes1 nor w\ld he h tax$ ) ei!r       
inconsi/5cy or unk9dness1 t nature :i*  
_c act o!rwise ?an %e does4 ,p]haps (   
all ! ideas t c be infus$ into ! m9d (  
man1 none is m really subv]sive ( 8 true
 happ9ess1 none m incompatible ) !      
reality ( ?+s1 ?an t :i* p]suades him he

 is himself a privileg$ be+1 ! k+ ( a   
nature :]e e ?+ is submitt$ to laws1 !  
ext5t ( :i* 8 f9ite m9d _c possibly     
conceive4 ,ev5 admitt+ x %\ld ultimately
 turn out to be a fact1 he has yet no "o
 positive evid5ce to ju/ify !           
assumption2 exp]i5ce1 :i* aft] all mu/  
always prove ! be/ crit]ion = 8 judgm5t1
 daily proves1 t 9 e ?+ he is subject$1 
l e o!r "p ( nature1 to ^? inv>iable    
decrees f :i* no?+ t he beholds is      
exempt$4  ,feeble mon>*6 ( :om a gra9 ( 
s&1 "s atoms ( bile1 "s misplac$ hum\rs1
 de/roy at once ! exi/5ce & ! reign3 yet
 ?\ pret5de/ e ?+ 0 made = !e6 ,?\      
desire/ t ! entire ( nature %\ld be ?y  
doma91 & ?\ can/ n ev5 def5d ?yself f ! 
slighte/ ( h] %ocks6 ,?\ make/ to ?yself
 a god = ?yself alone2 ?\ suppose/ t he 
unceas+ly occupie? himself only = ?y    
peculi> happ9ess2 ?\ imag9e/ e ?+ 0 made
 solely = ?y pleasure2 &1 foll[+ up ?y  
presumptu\s ideas1 ?\ ha/ ! audacity to 
call nature good or bad z ?y weak       
intellect incl9es3 ?\ d>e/ to ?9k t !   

k9dness exhibit$ t[>ds !e1 9 common )   
o!r be+s1 is contradict$ by ! evil g5ii 
?y fancy has creat$6 ,do/ ?\ n see t ^? 
bea/s :i* ?\ suppose/ submitt$ to ?9e   
empire1 frequ5tly dev\r ?y              
fell[-creatures2 t fire consume? !m2 t !
 ocean swall[e? !m up2 t ^? elem5ts (   
:i* ?\ sometimes admire/ ! ord]1 :i*    
sometimes ?\ accuse/ ( confusion1       
frequ5tly sweep !m (f ! face ( ! e>?2   
do/ ?\ n see t all ?is is necess>ily :at
 x mu/ be2 t ?\ art n 9 any mann]       
consult$ 9 any ( ?is ph5om5a8 ,inde$1   
accord+ to ?9e own ideas1 if ?\ wa/ to  
exam9e !m ) c>e1 do/ ?\ n admit t ?y    
gods are ! univ]sal cause ( all2 t !y   
ma9ta9 ! :ole by ! de/ruction ( its     
p>ts4 ,are !y n !n accord+ to ?yself1 ! 
gods ( nature--( ! ocean--( riv]s--(    
m\nta9s--( ! e>?1 9 :i* !y occupie/1 s v
 small a space--( all ^? o!r globes t ?\
 see/ roll 9 ! regions ( space--( ^?    
orbs t revolve r\nd ! sun t enlight5e?  
!e8--,cease1 !n1 ob/9ately to p]si/ 9   
behold+ no?+ b ?y sickly self 9 nature2 

d n flatt] ?yself t ! human race1 :i*   
r5ewe? itself1 :i* disappe>e? l ! leaves
 on ! trees1 c absorb all ! c>e1 c +ross
 all ! t5d]ness ( t univ]sal be+1 :o1   
accord+ to ?yself1 prop]ly und]/ood1    
rule? ! de/9y ( all ?+s4 ,submit ?yself 
9 sil5ce to m&ates :i* ?y unavail+      
pray]s2 c nev] *ange2 to a wisdom :i* ?y
 imbecility _c fa?om2 to ! un]r+ %afts (
 a fate1 :i* no?+ b ?9e own vanity1 aid$
 by ?y p]v]se ignorance1 c\ld ev] "q1   
be+ ! be/ possible good t c befall !e6  
:i* if ?\ c\ld/ alt]1 ?\ w\ld/ ) ?y     
defective judgm5t r5d] worse6 ,:at is ! 
human race comp>$ to ! e>?8 ,:at is ?is 
e>? comp>$ to ! sun8 ,:at is our sun    
comp>$ to ^? myriads ( suns :i* at      
imm5se di/ances occupy ! regions (      
space8 n = ! purpose ( div]t+ ?y weak   
eyes2 n ) a view to excite ?y /upid     
admiration1 z ?\ va9ly imag9e/2 s9ce    
multitudes ( !m are plac$ out ( ! range 
( ?y visual organs3 b to occupy ! place 
:i* necessity ha? assign$ !m4 ,mortal1  
feeble & va96 re/ore ?yself to ?y prop] 

sph]e2 ackn[l$ge e :]e ! effect (       
necessity2 recognize 9 ?y b5efits1      
behold 9 ?y sorr[s1 ! diff]5t modes (   
action ( ^? v>i\s be+s end[$ ) su* a    
v>iety ( prop]ties1 :i* surr\nd !e2 (   
:i* ! macrocosm is ! assemblage2 & d n  
any long] suppose t ?is nature1 mu* less
 its great cause1 c possess su*         
incompatible qualities z w\ld be !      
result ( human views or ( vision>y      
ideas1 :i* h no exi/5ce b 9 ?yself4  ,z 
long z !ologians %all cont9ue ob/9ately 
b5t to make man ! model ( _! gods2 z    
long ask !y %all p]t9aci\sly und]take to
 expla9 ! nature ( ^! gods1 :i* !y w    
nev] be able to d1 b aft] human ideas1  
al?\gh !y may associate ! mo/ het]og5e\s
 prop]ties1 ! mo/ discrepant functions2 
s long1 ,i say1 exp]i5ce w contradict at
 e mom5t ! b5efic5t views !y1 atta* to  
_! div9ities2 x w be 9 va9 t !y call !m 
good3 man1 reason+ ?us1 w nev] be able  
to f9d good b 9 ^? objects :i* impel him
 9 a mann] fav\rable to 8 actual mode ( 
exi/5ce2 he always f9ds confusion 9 t   

:i* fills him ) griev\s s5sations2 he   
calls evil e ?+ t pa9fully affects him1 
ev5 cursorily2 ^? be+s t produce 9 him  
two modes ( feel+1 s v opposite to ea*  
o!r1 he w naturally conclude are        
sometimes fav\rable1 sometimes          
unfav\rable to him2 at lea/1 if he w n  
all[ t !y act necess>ily1 consequ5tly   
are nei!r "o nor ! o!r1 he w say t a _w 
:]e he exp]i5ces s mu* evil _c be       
submitt$ to m5 :o are p]fectly good2 on 
! o!r h&1 he w also assume t a _w 9 :i* 
man receives s _m b5efits1 _c be gov]n$ 
by ^? :o are )\t k9dness4 ,?us he is    
oblig$ to admit ( two pr9ciples equally 
p[]ful1 :o are 9 ho/ility ) ea* o!r2 or 
r1 he mu/ agree t ! same p]sons are     
alt]nately k9d & unk9d2 ?is aft] all is 
no?+ m ?an av[+ !y _c be o!rwise ?an !y 
are2 9 ?is case x w\ld be useless to    
sacrifice to !m--to make solicitation2  
see+ x w\ld be no?+ b de/9y--! necessity
 ( ?+s submitt$ inv>iable rules4  ,9    
ord] to ju/ify ^! be+s1 con/ruct$ ^u    
mortal pr9ciples1 f inju/ice1 9         

consequ5ce ( ! evils ! human species    
exp]i5ce1 ! !ologian is r$uc$ to !      
necessity ( call+ !m puni%m5ts inflict$ 
= ! transgressions ( man4 ,b !n ^! g5]al
 calamities include all m54 ,"s1 at     
lea/1 may be suppos$ n to h (f5d$4 ,?us 
he involves contradictions he f9ds x    
difficult to reconcile2 to effectuate   
?is he makes 8 an?ropomorphites         
immat]ial--incorporeal2 t is1 he says !y
 are ! negation ( e ?+ ( :i* he has a k2
 consequ5tly1 be+s :o c h no relation ) 
corporeal be+s3 & ?is avails him no     
bett]1 z w be evid5t by reason+ on !    
subject4 ,to (f5d any "o1 is to dim9i% !
 sum ( 8 happ9ess2 x is to afflict him1 
to deprive him ( some?+1 to make him    
exp]i5ce a pa9ful s5sation4 ,h[ is x    
possible man c op]ate on su* be+s2 h[ c 
! physical actions ( a mat]ial sub/ance 
h any influ5ce ov] an immat]ial         
sub/ance1 devoid ( p>ts1 hav+ no po9t ( 
contact4 ,h[ c a corporeal be+ make an  
incorporeal be+ exp]i5ce incommodi\s    
s5sations8 ,on ! o!r h&1 ju/ice1 accord+

 to ! only ideas man c ev] =m ( x1      
supposes1 a p]man5t disposition to r5d] 
to ea* :at is due to him2 ! !ologian w n
 admit t ! be+s he has jumbl$ toge!r owe
 any ?+ to man2 he insi/s t ! b5efits !y
 be/[ are all ! gratuit\s effects ( _!  
own goodness2 t !y h ! "r to dispose ( !
 "w ( _! h&s accord+ to _! own pleasure2
 to plunge x if !y please into ! abyss (
 mis]y2 9 %ort1 t _! volition is ! only 
guide ( _! conduct4 ,x is easy to see1 t
 accord+ to man's idea ( ju/ice1 ?is    
does n ev5 conta9 ! %ad[ ( x2 t x is1 9 
fact1 ! mode ( action adopt$ by :at he  
calls ! mo/ frightful tyrants4 ,h[ !n c 
he be induc$ to call m5 j :o act aft]   
?is mann]8 ,inde$1 :ile he sees innoc5ce
 suff]+1 virtue 9 te>s1 crime           
triumphant1 vice recomp5s$1 & at ! same 
"t1 is told ! be+s :om !ology has inv5t$
 are ! au?ors1 he w nev] be able to     
ackn[l$ge !m to h ju/ice4 ,b he w f9d no
 su* contradictory qualities 9 nature1  
:]e e ?+ is ! result ( immutable laws3  
he w at once p]ceive t ^! transi5t evils

 produce m p]man5t good2 t !y are       
necess>y to ! cons]vation ( ! :ole1 or  
else result f modifications ( matt]1 :i*
 x is compet5t = him to *ange1 by alt]+ 
8 own mode ( action2 a lesson t nature  
h]self tea*es him :5 he is will+ to     
receive h] in/ructions4 ,b to =m gods ) 
human passions1 is to make !m appe>     
unju/2 to say t su* be+s *a/ise _!      
fri5ds = _! own ,i good1 is at once to  
upset all ! ideas he has ei!r ( k9dness 
or unk9dness3 ?us ! incompatible human  
qualities ascrib$ to ^! be+s1 d 9 fact  
de/roy _! exi/5ce4 ,if x be insi/$ !y h 
! k & p[] ( man1 only t !y are m ext5d$1
 !n x becomes a v natural reply1 to say1
 s9ce !y "k e ?+1 !y ought at lea/ to   
re/ra9 mis*ief2 because ?is w\ld be !   
obs]vation ( man ^u ! action ( 8        
fell[s2--if x be urg$ ^! qualities are  
simil> to ! same qualities possess$ by  
man1 !n x may be fairly ask$ 9 :at d !y 
diff]8 ,to ?is1 if any answ] be giv51 be
 :at x may1 x w /ill be only *ang+ !    
language3 x w be inv>iably ano!r me?od (

 express+ ! same ?+2 see+ t man ) all 8 
+5uity1 w nev] be able to describe      
prop]ties b aft] himself or ^? ( ! be+s 
by :om he is surr\nd$4  ,:]e is ! man   
fill$ ) k9dness1 end[$ ) humanity1 :o   
does n desire ) all 8 he>t to r5d] 8    
fell[ creatures happy8 ,if ^! be+s1 z ! 
!ologians ass]t1 really h man's         
qualities augm5t$1 w\ld !y n1 by ! same 
reason+1 ex]cise _! inf9ite p[] to r5d] 
!m all happy8 ,nev]!less1 9 despite ( ^!
 !ologi/s1 we sc>cely f9d any "o :o is  
p]fectly satisfi$ ) 8 condition on e>?3 
= "o mortal t enjoys1 we behold a ?\s&  
:o suff]2 = "o ri* man :o lives 9 ! mid/
 ( abundance1 !re are ?\s&s ( poor :o   
want common necess>ies3 :ole nations    
groan 9 indig5ce1 to satisfy ! passions 
( "s av>ici\s pr9ces1 ( "s few nobles1  
:o are n !reby r5d]$ m cont5t$--:o d n  
ackn[l$ge !mselves m =tunate on t       
acc\nt4 ,9 %ort1 "u ! dom9ion ( ^! be+s1
 ! e>? is dr5*$ ) ! te>s ( ! mis]able4  
,:at mu/ be ! inf]5ce f all ?is8 ,t !y  
are ei!r neglig5t (1 or incompet5t to1 8

 happ9ess4 ,b ! my?ologi/s w tell y     
coolly1 t ! judgm5ts ( 8 gods are       
imp5etrable6 ,h[ d we und]/& ?is t]m8 ,n
 to be taught--n to be                  
in=m$--imp]vi\s--n to be pi]c$3 9 ?is   
case x w\ld be an unreasonable "q to    
inquire by :at au?ority d y reason ^u   
!m8 ,h[ d y become acqua9t$ ) ^!        
imp5etrable my/]ies8 ,^u :at f\ndation d
 y attribute virtues :i* y _c p5etrate8 
,:at idea d y =m to y\rself ( a ju/ice t
 nev] resembles t ( man8 ,or is x a tru?
 t y y\rself are n a man1 b "o ( ^?     
imp5etrable be+s :om y say y repres5t8  
,to )draw !mselves f ?is1 !y w affirm t 
! ju/ice ( ^! idols are temp]$ ) m]cy1 )
 compassion1 ) goodness3 ^! aga9 are    
human qualities3 :at1 !re=e1 %all we    
und]/& by !m8 ,:at idea d we atta* to   
m]cy8 ,is x n a d]ogation f ! sev]e     
rules ( an exact1 a rigor\s ju/ice1 :i* 
causes a remission ( "s "p ( a m]it$    
puni%m5t8 ,"h h+es ! great              
incompatibility1 ! incongruity ( ^?     
qualities1 especially :5 augm5t$ by ! ^w

 omni2 :i* %ews h[ little suitable human
 prop]ties are to ! =mation ( div9ities4
 ,9 a pr9ce1 clem5cy is ei!r a violation
 ( ju/ice1 or ! exemption f a too sev]e 
law3 nev]!less1 man approves ( clem5cy 9
 a sov]eign1 :5 its too great facility  
does n become prejudicial to society2 he
 e/eems x1 because x ann\nces humanity1 
mildness1 a compassionate1 noble s\l2   
qualities he pref]s 9 8 gov]nors to     
rig\r1 cruelty1 inflexibility3 besides1 
human laws are defective2 !y are        
frequ5tly too sev]e2 !y are n compet5t  
to =esee all ! circum/ances ( e case3 ! 
puni%m5ts !y decree are n always        
comm5surate ) ! (f5ce3 he !re=e does n  
always ?9k !m j3 b he feels v well1 he  
und]/&s di/9ctly1 t :5 ! sov]eign ext5ds
 8 m]cy1 he relaxes f 8 ju/ice--t if    
m]cy he m]it$1 ! puni%m5t ought n to    
take place--t !n its ex]cise is no long]
 clem5cy1 b ju/ice3 ?us he feels1 t 9 8 
fell[ creatures ^! two qualities _c exi/
 at ! same mom5t4 ,h[ !n is he to =m 8  
judgm5t ( be+s :o are repres5t$ to      

possess bo? 9 ! extreme/ degree8 ,is x  
n1 9 fact1 ann\nc+ ^! be+s to be m5 l   
ourselves1 :o act ) our imp]fections on 
an enl>g$ scale8  ,!y !n say1 well1 b 9 
! next _w ^! idols w rew>d y = all !    
evils y suff] 9 ?is3 ?is1 inde$1 is     
some?+ to look to1 if x c\ld be         
contemplat$ alone2 unmix$ ) all !y h    
=m]ly ass]t$3 if we c\ld also f9d t !re 
0 an unison ( ?9k+ on ?is po9t--if !re 0
 a reasonable compreh5sible view ( x    
held =?3 b alas6 "h aga9 human          
pleasures1 human feel+s1 are ! basis on 
:i* ^! rew>ds are re/$2 only !y are     
promis$ 9 a way we _c compreh5d !m2     
h\ris1 or females :o are to rema9 = ev] 
virg9s1 not)/&+ ! k ( man1 are s oppos$ 
to all human compreh5sion1 s opposite to
 all exp]i5ce1 are su* my/ic ass]tions1 
t ! human m9d _c possibly embrace an    
idea ( !m3 besides ?is is only promis$  
by "o class ( ^! be+s2 o!rs affirm x w  
be altoge!r diff]5t3 9 %ort1 ! numb] (  
modes 9 :i* ?is h]eaft] rew>d is promis$
 to him1 obliges man to ask himself "o  

pla9 "q1 ,:i* is ! real hi/ory ( ^!     
blissful abodes8 ,at ?is "q he          
/agg]s--he seeks = advice3 ea* assures  
him t ! o!r is 9 error--t 8 peculi> mode
 is t :i* w really h place2 t to believe
 ! o!r is a crime4 ,h[ is he to judge   
n[8 ,take :at c\rse he w1 he runs !     
*ance ( be+ wrong2 he has no /&>d :]eby 
to measure ! correctness ( ^!           
contradictory assurances2 8 m9d is held 
susp5d$2 he feels ! impossibility ( !   
:ole be+ "r2 he kn[s n t :i* he ought to
 elect6 ,aga91 !y h positively ass]t$ ^!
 be+s owe no?+ to man3 h[ !n is he to   
expect 9 a future life1 a m real        
happ9ess ?an he enjoys 9 ! pres5t8 ,?is 
!y p>ry1 by assur+ him x is f\nd$ ^u _! 
promises1 conta9$ 9 _! reveal$ oracles4 
,grant$3 b is he q c]ta9 ^! oracles h   
emanat$ f !mselves8 ,if !y are s diff]5t
 9 _! detail1 may !re n be reasonable   
gr\nd = suspect+ "s ( !m are n au!ntic8 
,if !re is1 :i* are ! spuri\s1 :i* are !
 g5u9e8 ,by :at rule is he to guide     
himself 9 ! *oice2 h[1 ) 8 frail me?ods 

( judg+1 is he to scrut9ize oracles     
deliv]$ by su* p[]ful be+s--to          
discrim9ate ! true f ! false8 ,! m9i/]s 
( ea* w give y an infallible me?od1 "o  
t1 is accord+ to _! own assev]ation1 _c 
err2 t is1 by an implicit belief 9 !    
p>ticul> doctr9e ea* promulgates4  ,?us 
w be p]ceiv$ ! multitude (              
contradictions1 ! extravagant hypo!ses  
:i* ^! human attributes1 ) :i* !ology   
clo!s its div9ities1 mu/ necess>ily     
produce4 ,be+s embrac+ at "o "t s _m    
discordant qualities w always be        
undef9able--c only pres5t a tra9 ( ideas
 calculat$ to displace ea* o!r2 !y w    
consequ5tly ev] rema9 be+s ( !          
imag9ation4 ,^! be+s1 say _! m9i/]s1    
creat$ ! heav5s1 ! e>?1 ! creatures :o  
inhabit x1 to manife/ _! own peculi>    
glory2 !y h nei!r rivals1 nor equals 9  
nature2 no?+ :i* c be comp>$ ) !m4      
,glory is1 aga91 a human passion3 x is 9
 man ! desire ( giv+ 8 fell[-creatures  
an high op9ion ( him2 ?is1 passion is   
laudable :5 x /imulates him to und]take 

great projects--:5 x det]m9es him to    
p]=m useful actions--b x is v frequ5tly 
a weakness atta*$ to 8 nature2 x is no?+
 m ?an a desire to be di/+ui%$ f ^? be+s
 ) :om he comp>es himself1 )\t excit+   
him to "o noble1 "o g5]\s act4 ,x is    
easy to p]ceive t be+s :o are s mu*     
elevat$ above m51 _c be actuat$ by su* a
 defective passion4 ,!y say ^! be+s are 
jeal\s ( _! pr]ogatives4 ,jeal\sy is    
ano!r human passion1 n always ( ! mo/   
respectable k9d3 b x is r difficult to  
conceive ! exi/5ce ( jeal\sy ) pr(\nd   
wisdom1 unlimit$ p[]1 & ! p]fection (   
ju/ice4 ,?us ! !ologians by d9t ( heap+ 
quality on quality1 aggr&iz+ ea* z is   
add$1 seem to h r$uc$ !mselves to !     
situation ( a pa9t]1 :o spread+ all 8   
col\rs ^u 8 canvas toge!r1 aft] ?us     
bl5d+ !m into an unique mass1 loses     
sight ( ! :ole 9 ! composition4  ,!y w1 
nev]!less1 reply to ^! difficulties1 t  
goodness1 wisdom1 ju/ice1 are 9 ^! be+s 
qualities s pre-em95t1 s di/9ct1 h s    
little aff9ity ) ^! same qualities 9    

man1 t !y are totally dissimil>--h n !  
lea/ relation4 ,admit ?is to be ! case1 
,h[ !n c he =m to himself any idea ( ^! 
p]fections1 see+ !y are totally unlike  
^? ) :i* he is acqua9t$8 ,!y surely _c  
mean to ins9uate t !y are ! rev]se ( e  
?+ he und]/&s2 because t w\ld1 9 effect1
 br+ !m to a precise po9t :i* w\ld n ne$
 any explanation2 x is !re=e a matt] (  
c]ta9ty ?is _c be ! case3 !n if ^!      
qualities1 :5 ex]cis$ by ! be+s !y h    
describ$1 are only human actions s      
obscur$1 s hidd51 z n to be recognizable
 by man1 ,h[ c weak mortals pret5d to   
ann\nce !m1 to h a k ( !m1 to expla9 !m 
to o!rs8 ,does !n !ology imp>t to ! m9d 
! ineffable boon ( enabl+ x to conceive 
t :i* no man is compet5t to und]/&8     
,does x procure = its ag5ts ! m>vell\s  
faculty ( hav+ di/9ct ideas ( be+s      
compos$ ( s _m contradictory prop]ties8 
,does x1 9 fact1 make ! !ologian himself
 "o ( ^! incompreh5sible be+s4  ,!y w   
impose sil5ce1 by say+ ! oracles h      
spok52 t ?r\gh ^! my/ical means !y h    

made !mselves kn[n to mortals4 ,! next  
"q w\ld naturally be1 ,:51 :]e1 or to   
:om h ^! oracles spok58 ,:]e are ^!     
oracles8 ,an hundr$ voices raise        
!mselves 9 ! same mom5t2 h&s ( ,bri>aeus
 are imm$iately /ret*$ =? to %ew !m 9 a 
numb] ( discordant collections1 :i* ea* 
ma9ta9s1 ) an equal degree ( vehem5ce1  
is ! true code--! only doctr9e man ought
 to believe3 he runs !m ov]1 f9ds !y    
sc>cely agree 9 any "o p>ticul>2 b t 9  
all ! heavie/ p5alties are d5\nc$ aga9/ 
^? :o d\bt ! smalle/ "p ( any "o ( !m4  
,^! be+s ( consummate wisdom are made to
 speak an obscure1 irrational language2 
"s ( !m1 al?\gh _! goodness is          
proclaim$1 h be5 cruel & sangu9>y2 o!rs1
 al?\gh _! ju/ice is held =?1 h be5     
p>tial1 unju/1 caprici\s2 "s1 :o are    
repres5t$ z all m]ciful1 de/9e to ! mo/ 
hide\s puni%m5ts ! unhappy victims to _!
 wra?3 exam9e any "o ( !m m closely1 he 
w f9d t !y h nev] 9 any two c\ntries    
held lit]ally ! same language3 t al?\gh 
!y are said to h spok5 9 _m places1 t !y

 h always spok5 v>i\sly3 ,:at is !      
necess>y result8 ,! human m9d1 incapable
 ( reconcil+ su* manife/ contradictions1
 unable to obta9 f _! m9i/]s any        
corroborative evid5ce1 t is n disput$ by
 ! o!rs1 falls into ! /range/ p]plexity2
 is involv$ 9 d\bts1 entangl$ 9 a       
labyr9? to :i* no clue is to be f\nd4   
,?us ! relations1 :i* are suppos$ to    
exi/ betwe5 man & ^! !ological idols1 c 
only be f\nd$ on ! moral qualities ( ^! 
be+s3 if ^! are n kn[n to him1 if he _c 
9 any mann] compreh5d !m1 !y _c by any  
+5uity ( argum5t s]ve him = models4 ,9  
ord] t !y may be imitat$1 x is ne$ful t 
^! qualities 7 cognizable by ! be+ :o is
 to imitate !m4 ,h[ c he imitate t      
goodness1 t ju/ice1 t m]cy1 :i* does n  
resemble ei!r 8 own1 or any ?+ he c     
conceive8 ,if ^! be+s p>take 9 no?+ ( t 
:i* =ms man--if ! prop]ties !y d        
possess1 al?\gh diff]5t1 are n )9 ! rea*
 ( 8 compreh5sion--if1 he _c embrace !  
mo/ di/ant idea ( !m1 :i* ! !ologian    
assures him he _c1 ,h[ is x possible he 

c set ab\t imitat+ !m8 ,h[ foll[ a      
conduct suitable to please !m--to r5d]  
himself acceptable 9 _! sight8 ,:at c 9 
effect be ! motive ( t wor%ip1 ( t      
homage1 ( t ob$i5ce1 :i* ^! be+s are    
said to exact--:i* he is in=m$ he %\ld  
(f] at _! alt>s1 if he does n e/abli% x 
^u _! goodness--_! v]acity--_! ju/ice3 9
 %ort1 ^u qualities :i* he is compet5t  
to und]/&8 ,h[ c he h cle>1 di/9ct ideas
 ( ^? qualities1 if !y are no long] ( ! 
same nature z ^? :i* he has le>n$ to    
rev]5ce 9 ! be+s ( 8 own species8  ,to  
?is !y w reply1 because none ( !m ev]   
admit ! lea/ d\bt ( ! rectitude ( _! own
 individual cre$1 t !re c be no         
proportion betwe5 ^! idols & mortals1 :o
 are ! "w ( _! h&s2 t x is n p]mitt$ to 
! clay to dem& ( ! pott] :o has =m$ x1  
:y ye h fa%ion$ me ?us2--b if !re c be  
no common measure betwe5 ! workman & 8  
"w--if !re c be no analogy betwe5 !m1   
because ! "o is immat]ial1 ! o!r        
corporeal1 ,h[ d !y reciprocally act ^u 
ea* o!r8 ,h[ c ! gross organs ( ! "o1   

compreh5d ! subtile quality ( ! o!r8    
,reason+ 9 ! only way he is capable1 & x
 surely w nev] be s]i\sly argu$ t he is 
n to reason1 w he n p]ceive t ! e>!n    
vase c\ld only h receiv$ ! =m :i* x     
pleas$ ! pott] to give2 t if x is =m$   
badly1 if x is r5d]$ inadequate to ! use
 = :i* x 0 design$1 ! vase is n 9 ?is   
in/ance to be blam$2 ! pott] c]ta9ly has
 ! p[] to break x2 ! vase _c prev5t him2
 x w nei!r h motives nor means to s(t5 8
 ang]2 x w be oblig$ to submit to its   
de/9y2 b he w n be able to prev5t 8 m9d 
f ?9k+ ! pott] h>% 9 ?us puni%+ ! vase1 
r ?an by =m+ x anew1 by giv+ x ano!r    
figure1 r5d] x compet5t to ! purposes he
 int5d$4  ,accord+ to ^! notions !      
relations betwe5 man & ^! !ological be+s
 h no exi/5ce1 !y owe no?+ to him1 are  
disp5s$ f %ew+ him ei!r goodness or     
ju/ice2 t man1 on ! contr>y1 owes !m e  
?+3 b contradictions appe> at e /ep4 ,if
 ^! h promis$ by _! oracles any ?+ to   
man1 x is r difficult = him to believe1 
t :at is s solemnly promis$ does n      

belong to him if he fulfils ! condition 
( ! promise4 ,! diff]5ce a !ologian may 
*oose to f9d 9 ^! relations w h>dly be  
conv9c+ to a reasonable m9d4 ,! duties (
 man t[>ds ^! be+s c1 accord+ to _! own 
%ew+1 h no o!r f\ndation ?an ! happ9ess 
he expects f !m3 ?us ! relation has a   
reciprocity1 x is f\nd$ ^u _! goodness1 
^u _! ju/ice1 x dem&s ob$i5ce on 8 "p1 a
 conduct suitable to ! b5efits he       
receives4 ,?us1 9 :atev] mann] !        
!ological sy/em is view$1 x de/roys     
itself4 ,w !ology nev] feel t ! m x     
endeav\rs to exagg]ate ! human          
qualities1 ! less x exalts ! be+s x     
pictures2 ! m incompreh5sible x r5d]s   
!m1 ! m x contributes to swell its own  
ocean ( contradictions2 t to take human 
passions1 mortal faculties at all1 is   
p]haps ! wor/ means x c pursue to =m a  
p]fect be+2 b t if x mu/ p]si/ 9 ?is    
me?od1 !n ! fur!r !y remove !m f man1 ! 
m !y debase him1 ! m !y weak5 !         
relations subsi/+ betwe5 !m3 t 9 ?us    
aggregat+ human prop]ties1 x %\ld       

c>efully ab/a9 f associat+ 9 ^! pictures
 ^? qualities :i* man f9ds dete/able 9 8
 fell[s4 ,?us1 despotism 9 man is look$ 
^u z an unju/1 unreasonable p[]2 if x   
introduces su* a quality into its       
portraits1 x _c rationally suppose !m   
suitable to cultivate ! e/eem1 to       
attract ! volunt>y homage ( ! human     
race3 if1 h[ev]1 ! canvas be exam9$1 we 
%all frequ5tly be /ruck1 ) p]ceiv+ ?is !
 lead+ feature2 we %all equally f9d a   
want ( keep+ ?r\gh ! :ole2 t %ad[s are  
introduc$1 :]e lights ought to prevail2 
t ! col\r+ is incongru\s--! design )\t  
h>mony4  ,! discrepancy ( conduct :i*   
!ology imputes to ^! idols1 is n less   
rem>kable ?an ! contr>iety ( qualities x
 ascribes to !m1 or ! inconsi/5cy ( !   
passions ) :i* x inve/s !m2 sometimes1  
accord+ to ?is1 !y are ! fri5ds to      
reason1 desir\s ( ! happ9ess ( society2 
sometimes !y are inimical to virtue2    
int]dict ! use ( reason2 flatt]$ ) see+ 
society di/urb$1 !y sometimes afflict   
man )\t 8 be+ able to guess ! cause ( _!

 displeasure2 sometimes !y are fav\rable
 to mank9d--at o!rs1 indispos$ t[>ds !  
human species3 sometimes !y are         
repres5t$ z p]mitt+ crimes = ! pleasure 
( puni%+ !m--at o!rs1 !y ex]t all _! p[]
 to arre/ crime 9 its bir?2 sometimes !y
 elect a small numb] to receive et]nal  
happ9ess1 pr$e/9at+ ! re/ to p]petual   
mis]y--to ev]la/+ torm5ts2 at o!rs1 !y  
?r[ op5 ! gates ( m]cy to all :o *oose  
to ent] !m2 sometimes !y are p\rtray$ z 
de/roy+ ! univ]se--at o!rs1 z e/abli%+ !
 mo/ beautiful ord] 9 ! planet we       
inhabit2 sometimes !y are held =? z     
c\nt5anc+ deception--at o!rs1 z hav+ !  
highe/ rev]5ce = tru?--z hold+ deceit 9 
abom9ation4 ,?is1 aga91 is ! necess>y   
result ( ! human faculties1 ! mortal    
passions1 ! frail qualities ( :i* !y    
compose ! be+s !y hold =? to !          
admiration1 to ! wor%ip1 to ! homage ( !
 _w4  ,p]haps ! mo/ fatal consequ5ces h 
aris5 f f\nd+ ! moral "* ( ^! div9ities 
^u t ( man4 ,^? :o fir/ _h ! confid5ce  
to tell man t 9 ^! matt]s x 0 n p]mitt$ 

him to consult 8 reason1 t ! int]e/s (  
society dem&$ its sacrifice1 evid5tly   
propos$ to !mselves to make him ! sport 
( _! own wantonness--to make him ! bl9d 
in/rum5t ( _! own unwor?9ess4 ,x is f   
?is radical error t has sprung all ^?   
extravagances :i* ! v>i\s sup]/itions h 
introduc$ ^u ! e>?3 f h5ce has fl[$ t   
sacr$ fury :i* has frequ5tly delug$ x ) 
blood3 "h is ! cause ( ^? inhuman       
p]secutions :i* h s (t5 desolat$        
nations3 9 %ort1 all ^? horrid trag$ies 
:i* h be5 act$ on ! va/ !atre ( ! _w1 by
 comm& ( ! diff]5t m9i/]s ( ! v>i\s     
sy/ems1 ^: gods !y h said orda9$ ^!     
%ock+ spectacles4  ,! !ologians !mselves
 h ?us be5 ! means1 ( calumniat+ ! gods 
!y pret5d$ to s]ve1 "u ! pretext (      
exalt+ _! "n--( cov]+ !m ) glory2 9 ?is 
!y may h be5 said to be true a!i/s1 s9ce
 !y seem only to h be5 anxi\s to de/roy 
! idols !y !mselves _h rais$1 by !      
actions !y h attribut$ to !m--:i* has   
debas$ !m 9 ! eye ( reason--r5d]$ _!    
exi/5ce m ?an d\btful to ! man (        

humanity4 ,inde$1 x w\ld require m ?an  
human cr$ulity to accr$it ! ass]tion t  
^! be+s ev] c\ld ord] ! atrocities      
committ$ 9 _! "n4 ,e "t !y h be5 will+  
to di/urb ! h>mony ( mank9d--:5ev] !y h 
be5 desir\s to r5d] him unsociable1 !y h
 cri$ out t _! gods orda9$ t he %\ld be 
s4 ,?us !y r5d] mortals unc]ta91 make ! 
e?ical sy/em fluctuate by f\nd+ x ^u    
*angeable1 caprici\s idols1 :om !y      
repres5t mu* m frequ5tly cruel & unju/1 
?an fill$ ) b\nty & b5evol5ce4  ,h[ev] x
 may be1 admitt+ if !y w = a mom5t t _! 
idols possess all ! human virtues 9 an  
inf9ite degree ( p]fection1 we %all     
quickly be oblig$ to ackn[l$ge t !y _c  
connect !m ) ^? metaphysical1 !ological1
 negative attributes1 ( :i* we h already
 spok54 ,if ^! be+s are spirits t are   
immat]ial1 h[ c !y be able to act l man1
 :o is a corporeal be+8 ,pure spirits1  
accord+ to ! only idea man c =m ( !m1   
hav+ no organs1 no p>ts1 _c see any ?+2 
c nei!r he> our pray]s1 att5d to our    
solicitations1 nor h compassion = our   

mis]ies4 ,!y _c be immutable1 if _!     
dispositions c suff] *ange3 !y _c be    
inf9ite1 if ! totality ( nature1 )\t be+
 !m1 c exi/ conjo9tly ) !m3 !y _c be    
omnipot5t1 if !y ei!r p]mit or d n      
prev5t evil3 !y _c be omnipres5t1 if !y 
are n e :]e3 !y mu/ !re=e be 9 ! evil z 
well z 9 ! good4 ,?us 9 :atev] mann] !y 
are contemplat$1 "u :atev] po9t ( view  
!y are consid]$1 ! human qualities :i*  
are assign$ to !m1 necess>ily de/roy ea*
 o!r2 nei!r c ^! same prop]ties 9 any   
possible mann] comb9e !mselves ) !      
sup]natural attributes giv5 to !m by    
!ology4  ,) respect to ! reveal$ w ( ^! 
idols1 by means ( _! oracles1 f> f be+ a
 pro( ( _! good w1 ( _! commiss]ation = 
man1 x w\ld r seem evid5ce ( _! ill-w4  
,x supposes !m capable ( leav+ mank9d = 
a consid]able season unacqua9t$ ) tru?s 
highly important to _! int]e/s2 ^!      
oracles communicat$ to a small numb] (  
*os5 m51 are indicative ( p>tiality1 (  
pr$ilections1 t are b little compatible 
) ! common ,fa!r ( ! human race4 ,^!    

oracles 7 ill imag9$1 s9ce !y t5d to    
injure ! immutability ascrib$ to ^!     
idols1 by suppos+ t !y p]mitt$ man to be
 ignorant at "o "t ( _! w1 :il/ at ano!r
 "t !y 7 will+ he %\ld be in/ruct$ on ! 
subject4 ,moreov]1 ^! oracles frequ5tly 
pr$ict$ (f5ces = :i* aft]w>ds sev]e     
puni%m5ts 7 inflict$ on ^? :o did no m  
?an fulfil !m4 ,?is1 accord+ to !       
reason+ ( man1 w\ld be unju/4 ,!        
ambigu\s language 9 :i* !y 7 deliv]$1 ! 
almo/ impossibility ( compreh5d+ !m1 !  
inexplicable my/]ies !y conta9$1 seem$  
to r5d] !m d\btful2 at lea/ !y are n    
consi/5t ) ! ideas man is capable ( =m+ 
( inf9ite p]fection3 b ! fact cle>ly is1
 !y 7 ?us r5d]$ capable ( application to
 ! cont+5cy ( ev5ts--c\ld be made to    
suit almo/ any circum/ances3 ?is w\ld   
r5d] x n a v improbable conjecture1 t ^!
 oracles 7 solely deliv]$ by ! prie/s   
!mselves4 ,x ^! 7 tri$ by ! only te/ (  
:i* he has any k--,,8 ,,reason1 x w\ld  
naturally occur to ! m9d ( man1 t my/]y 
c\ld nev]1 on any occasion1 be us$ 9 !  

promulgation ( sub/antive decrees meant 
to op]ate on ! ob$i5ce1 to actuate !    
moral conduct ( man3 x is q usual ) mo/ 
legislators to r5d] _! laws z explicit z
 possible1 to adapt !m to ! meane/      
und]/&+2 9 %ort1 x w\ld be reckon$ want 
( good fai? 9 a gov]nm5t1 to ?r[ a ?ick1
 my/]i\s veil ov] ! ann\ncem5t ( t      
conduct :i* x wi%$ its citiz5s to adopt2
 !y w\ld be apt to ?9k su* a proc$ure 0 
ei!r meant to cov] its own peculi>      
ignorance1 or else to entrap !m into a  
sn>e2 at be/1 x w\ld be consid]$ z      
furni%+ a nev]-fail+ s\rce ( dispute1   
:i* a wise gov]nm5t w\ld endeav\r to    
avoid4  ,x w ?us be obvi\s1 t ! ideas   
:i* !ology has at v>i\s times1 "u v>i\s 
sy/ems1 held =? to man1 h = ! mo/ "p be5
 confus$1 discordant1 incompatible1 & h 
_h a g5]al t5d5cy to di/urb ! repose (  
mank9d4 ,! obscure notions1 ! vague     
speculations ( ^! multipli$ cre$s1 w\ld 
be matt] ( great indiff]5ce1 if man 0 n 
taught to hold !m z highly important to 
8 welf>e--if he did n draw f !m         

conclusions p]nici\s to himself--if he  
did n le>n f ^! !ologians t he mu/ %>p5 
8 asp]ity aga9/ ^? :o d n contemplate !m
 9 ! same po9t ( view ) himself3 z he   
p]haps1 !n1 w nev] h a common /&>d1 a   
fix$ rule1 a regul> graduat$ scale1     
:]eby to =m 8 judgm5t on ^! po9ts--z all
 ef=ts ( ! imag9ation mu/ necess>ily    
assume div]s %apes1 und]go a v>iety (   
modifications1 :i* c nev] be assimilat$ 
to ea* o!r1 x 0 little likely t mank9d  
w\ld at all times be able to und]/& ea* 
o!r on ?is subject2 mu* less t !y w\ld  
be 9 accord 9 ! op9ions !y %\ld adopt4  
,f h5ce t div]sity ( sup]/itions :i* 9  
all ages h giv5 rise to ! mo/ irrational
 disputes2 :i* h eng5d]$ ! mo/ sangu9>y 
w>s2 :i* h caus$ ! mo/ b>b>\s massacres2
 :i* h divid$ man f 8 fell[ by ! mo/    
rancor\s animosities1 t w p]haps nev] be
 heal$2 because he has be5 impell$ to   
consid] ! peculi> t5ets he adopt$1 n    
only z imm$iately ess5tial to 8         
individual welf>e1 b also z intimately  
connect$ ) ! happ9ess1 closely int]wov5 

) ! tranquillity ( ! nation ( :i* he 0 a
 citiz54 ,t su* contr>iety ( s5tim5t1   
su* discrepancy ( op9ion %\ld exi/1 is n
 9 ! lea/ surpris+2 x is1 9 fact1 !     
natural result ( ^? physical causes to  
:i*1 z long z he exi/s1 he is at all    
times submitt$4 ,! man ( a heat$        
imag9ation _c accommodate himself to !  
god ( a phlegmatic1 tranquil be+3 !     
infirm1 bili\s1 discont5t$1 angry       
mortal1 _c view him "u ! same aspect z  
he :o enjoys a s\nd] con/itution1--z !  
individual ( a gay turn1 :o enjoys !    
bless+ ( cont5t1 :o wi%es to live 9     
peace4 ,an equitable1 k9d1              
compassionate1 t5d]-he>t$ man1 w n      
del9eate to himself ! same portrait ( 8 
god1 z ! man :o is ( an h>%1 unju/1     
inflexible1 wick$ "*4 ,ea* individual w 
modify 8 god aft] 8 own peculi> mann] ( 
exi/+1 aft] 8 own mode ( ?9k+1 accord+  
to 8 p>ticul> mode ( feel+4 ,a wise1    
hone/1 rational man w always figure to  
himself 8 god z humane & j4  ,nev]!less1
 z fe> usually presid$ at ! =mation ( ^?

 idols man set up = ! object ( 8 wor%ip2
 z ! ideas ( ^! be+s 7 g5]ally associat$
 ) t ( t]ror z ! recollections (        
suff]+s1 :i* he attribut$ to !m1 (t5    
made him tremble2 frequ5tly awak5$ 9 8  
m9d ! mo/ afflict+1 rem9isc5ce2 z x     
sometimes fill$ him ) inquietude1       
sometimes inflam$ 8 imag9ation1         
sometimes ov]:elm$ him ) dismay1 !      
exp]i5ce ( all ages proves1 t ^! vague  
idols became ! mo/ important ( all      
consid]ations--0 ! affair :i* mo/       
s]i\sly occupi$ ! human race3 t !y e :]e
 spread con/]nation--produc$ ! mo/      
frightful ravages1 by ! deliri\s        
inebriation result+ f ! op9ions ) :i* !y
 intoxicat$ ! m9d4 ,inde$1 x is         
extremely difficult to prev5t habitual  
fe>1 :i* ( all human passions is ! mo/  
incommodi\s1 f becom+ a dang]\s leav52  
:i* 9 ! long run w s\r1 exasp]ate1 &    
give malignancy to ! mo/ mod]ate        
temp]am5t4  ,if a misan?rope1 9 hatr$ ( 
8 race1 _h =m$ ! project ( ?r[+ man into
 ! greate/ p]plexity1--if a tyrant1 9 ! 

pl5itude ( 8 unruly desire to puni%1 _h 
s\ght out ! mo/ efficaci\s means2 c\ld  
ei!r ! "o or ! o!r h imag9$ t :i* 0 s   
well calculat$ to gratify _! rev5ge1 z  
?us to occupy him unceas+ly ) objects n 
only unkn[n to him1 b :i* no two ( !m   
%\ld ev] see ) precisely ! same eyes2   
:i* not)/&+ !y %\ld be oblig$ to        
contemplate z ! c5tre ( all _! ?\ghts--z
 ! only model ( _! conduct--z ! end (   
all _! actions--z ! subject ( all _!    
rese>*--z a ?+ ( m importance to !m ?an 
life itself2 ^u :i* all _! pres5t       
felicity1 all _! future happ9ess1 mu/   
necess>ily dep5d8 ,c\ld ! gods !mselves1
 9 _! solicitude to puni% ! impi\s      
,prome!us1 = hav+ /ol5 fire f ! sun1 h  
imag9$ a m c]ta9 me?od ( execut+ _!     
wi%es8 ,0 n ,p&ora's box1 ?\gh /uff$ )  
evils1 trifl+ :5 comp>$ ) ?is8 ,t at    
lea/ left hope1 to ! un=tunate          
,epime!us2 ?is effectually cut x (f4    
,if man 0 subject$ to an absolute mon>*1
 to a sultan :o %\ld keep himself       
seclud$ f 8 subjects2 :o foll[$ no rule 

b 8 own desires2 :o did n feel himself  
b\nd by any duty2 :o c\ld = ev] puni% ! 
(f5ces committ$ aga9/ him2 ^: fury x 0  
easy to provoke2 :o 0 irritat$ ev5 by ! 
ideas1 ! ?\ghts ( 8 subjects2 ^:        
displeasure might be incurr$ )\t ev5 _! 
own k2 ! "n ( su* a sov]eign w\ld       
assur$ly be suffici5t to c>ry tr\ble1 to
 spread t]ror1 to diffuse con/]nation   
into ! v s\ls ( ^? :o %\ld he> x        
pron\nc$2 8 idea w\ld haunt !m e        
:]e--w\ld unceas+ly afflict !m--w\ld    
plunge !m into despair4 ,:at tortures   
w\ld n _! m9d endure to discov] ?is     
=midable be+1 to asc]ta9 ! secret (     
pleas+ him6 ,:at lab\r w\ld n _!        
imag9ation be/[1 to discov] :at mode (  
conduct might be able to dis>m 8 ang]6  
,:at fe>s w\ld assail !m1 le/ !y might n
 h ju/ly hit ^u ! means ( assuag+ 8     
wra?6 ,:at disputes w\ld !y n ent] into 
^u ! nature1 ! qualities ( a rul]1      
equally unkn[n to !m all6 ,:at a v>iety 
( means w\ld n be adopt$1 to f9d fav\r 9
 8 eyes2 to av]t 8 *a/isem5t6  ,su* is !

 hi/ory ( ! effects sup]/ition has      
produc$ ^u ! e>?4 ,man has always be5   
panic-/ruck1 because ! sy/ems adopt$    
nev] enable him to =m any correct       
op9ion1 any fix$ ideas1 ^u a subject s  
mat]ial to 8 happ9ess2 because e ?+     
conspir$ ei!r to give 8 ideas a         
fallaci\s turn1 or else to keep 8 m9d 9 
! mo/ pr(\nd ignorance2 :5 he 0 will+ to
 set himself "r1 :5 he 0 s$ul\s to      
exam9e ! pa? :i* conduct$ to 8 felicity1
 :5 he 0 desir\s ( prob+ op9ions s      
consequ5tial to 8 peace1 involv+ s mu*  
my/]y1 yet comb9+ bo? 8 hopes & 8 fe>s1 
he 0 =bidd5 to employ ! only prop]      
me?od1--,,8 ,,reason1 guid$ by 8        
exp]i5ce2 he 0 assur$ ?is w\ld be an    
(f5ce ! mo/ indelible4 ,if he ask$1     
,:]e=e 8 reason _h !n be5 giv5 him1 s9ce
 he 0 n to use x 9 matt]s ( su* high    
behe/8 he 0 answ]$1 ^? 7 my/]ies ( :i*  
none b ! initiat$ c\ld be in=m$2 t x    
suffic$ = him to "k1 t ! reason :i* he  
seem$ s highly to prize1 :i* he held 9 s
 mu* e/eem1 0 8 mo/ dang]\s enemy--8 mo/

 invet]ate1 mo/ det]m9$ foe4 ,:]e c be !
 propriety ( su* an argum5t8 ,c x really
 be t reason is dang]\s8 ,if s1 ! ,turks
 are ju/ifi$ 9 _! pr$ilection = madm53 b
 to proce$1 he is told t he mu/ believe 
9 ! gods1 n "q ! mission ( _! prie/s2 9 
%ort1 t he _h no?+ to d ) ! laws !y     
impos$1 b to obey !m3 :5 he !n requir$ t
 ^! laws might at lea/ be made          
compreh5sible to him2 t he might be     
plac$ 9 a capacity to und]/& !m2 ! old  
answ] 0 return$1 t !y 7 my/]ies2 he mu/ 
n inquire into !m4 ,b :]e is ! necessity
 = my/]y 9 po9ts ( su* va/ importance8  
,he might1 inde$1 f "t to "t consult ^! 
oracles1 :5 he 0 able to make !         
sacrifices dem&$2 he w\ld !n receive    
precepts = 8 conduct3 ^! 7 always1      
h[ev]1 giv5 9 su* vague1 indet]m9ate    
t]ms1 t he _h sc>cely ! *ance ( act+ "r4
 ,at diff]5t times ! same oracles       
deliv]$ diff]5t op9ions3 ?us he _h no?+1
 /eady2 no?+ p]man5t1 :]eby to guide 8  
/eps2 l a bl9d man left to himself 9 !  
/reets1 he 0 oblig$ to grope 8 way at ! 

p]il ( 8 exi/5ce4 ,?is w s]ve to %ew !  
urg5t necessity !re is = tru? to ?r[ its
 radiant lu/re on sy/ems big ) s mu*    
importance2 t are s calculat$ to        
corroborate ! animosities1 to confirm ! 
bitt]ness ( s\l1 betwe5 ^? :om nature   
int5d$ %\ld always act z bro!rs4  ,by ! 
magical *>ms ) :i* ^! idols 7 surr\nd$1 
! human species has rema9$ ei!r z if x 0
 b5umb$1 9 a /ate ( /upid apa?y1 or else
 he has become furi\s ) fanaticism3     
sometimes1 despond+ ) fe>1 man cr+$ l a 
slave :o b5ds "u ! sc\rge ( an          
inexorable ma/]1 always ready to /rike  
him2 he trembl$ "u a yoke made too      
pond]\s = 8 /r5g?3 he liv$ 9 cont9ual   
dread ( a v5geance he 0 unceas+ly /riv+ 
to appease1 )\t ev] kn[+ :5 he _h       
succe$$3 z he 0 always ba!d 9 te>s1     
cont9ually envelop$ 9 mis]y--z he 0 nev]
 p]mitt$ to lose sight ( 8 fe>s--z he 0 
cont9ually exhort$ to n\ri% 8 al>m1 he  
c\ld nei!r lab\r = 8 own happ9ess nor   
contribute to t ( o!rs2 no?+ c\ld       
exhilirate him2 he became ! enemy (     

himself1 ! p]secutor ( 8                
fell[-creatures1 because 8 felicity "h  
bel[ 0 int]dict$2 he pass$ 8 "t 9 heav+ 
! mo/ bitt] sighs2 8 reason be+ =bidd5  
him1 he fell into ei!r a /ate ( infancy 
or delirium1 :i* submitt$ him to        
au?ority2 he 0 de/9$ to ?is s]vitude f !
 h\r he quitt$ 8 "m's womb1 until t 9   
:i* he 0 return$ to 8 k9dr$ du/2        
tyrannical op9ion b\nd him fa/ 9 h]     
massive fett]s2 a prey to ! t]rors ) :i*
 he 0 inspir$1 he appe>$ to h come ^u ! 
e>? = no o!r purpose ?an to dream--) no 
o!r desire ?an to groan--) no o!r       
motives ?an to sigh2 8 only view seem$  
to be to injure himself2 to deprive     
himself ( e rational pleasure1 to       
embitt] 8 own exi/5ce2 to di/urb !      
felicity ( o!rs4 ,?us1 abject1 slo?ful1 
irrational1 he frequ5tly became wick$1  
"u ! idea ( do+ hon\r to 8 gods2 because
 !y in/ill$ into 8 m9d t x 0 8 duty to  
av5ge _! cause1 to su/a9 _! hon\r1 to   
propagate _! wor%ip4  ,mortals 7        
pro/rate f race to race1 be=e va9 idols 

to :i* fe> _h giv5 bir? 9 ! bosom (     
ignorance1 dur+ ! calamities ( ! e>?2 !y
 trembl+ly ador$ phantoms :i* cr$ulity  
_h plac$ 9 ! recesses ( _! own bra91 :]e
 !y f\nd a sanctu>y :i* "t only s]v$ to 
/r5g!n2 no?+ c\ld undeceive !m2 no?+ 0  
compet5t to make !m feel1 x 0 !mselves  
!y ador$--t !y b5t ! knee be=e _! own   
"w--t !y t]rifi$ !mselves ) !           
extravagant pictures !y _h !mselves     
del9eat$2 !y ob/9ately p]si/$ 9 pro/rat+
 !mselves1 9 p]plex+ !mselves1 9        
trembl+2 !y ev5 made a crime ( endeav\r+
 to dissipate _! fe>s2 !y mi/ook !      
production ( _! own folly2 _! conduct   
resembl$ t ( *ildr51 :o hav+ disfigur$  
_! own features1 become afraid (        
!mselves :5 a mirror reflects !         
extravagance !y h committ$4 ,^! notions 
s afflict+ = !mselves1 s griev\s to     
o!rs1 h _! epo* f ! calamities ( man2 !y
 w cont9ue1 p]haps augm5t1 until _! m9d1
 enlight5$ by disc>d$ reason1 illum9$ by
 tru?1 %all set 9 _! true col\rs ^!     
v>i\s sy/ems2 until reflection guid$ by 

exp]i5ce1 %all atta* no m importance to 
!m1 ?an is consi/5t ) ! happ9ess (      
society2 until man1 bur/+ ! *a9s (      
sup]/ition--recall+ to m9d ! great end (
 8 exi/5ce--tak+ a rational view ( t :i*
 surr\nds him1 %all no long] refuse to  
contemplate nature "u h] true "*2 %all  
no long] p]si/ 9 refus+ to ackn[l$ge %e 
conta9s )9 h]self ! cause ( t wond]ful  
ph5om5a :i* /rikes on ! dazzl$ optics ( 
man3 until ?or\ghly p]suad$ ( ! weakness
 ( _! claim to ! homage ( mank9d1 he    
%all make "o pi\s1 simultane\s1 mighty  
ef=t1 & ov]?r[ ! alt>s ( ,molo* & 8     
prie/s4      ,,*ap4 ,,iv4  ,exam9ation (
 ! ,pro(s ( ! ,exi/5ce ( ! ,div9ity1 z  
giv5 by ,,cl>ke4   ,! unanimity ( man 9 
ackn[l$g+ ! ,div9ity1 is commonly look$ 
^u z ! /ronge/ pro( ( 8 exi/5ce4 ,!re is
 n1 x is said1 any p on ! e>? :o h n "s 
ideas1 :e!r true or false1 ( an         
all-p[]ful ag5t :o gov]ns ! _w4 ,! rude/
 savages z well z ! mo/ poli%$ nations1 
are equally oblig$ to recur by ?\ght to 
! fir/ cause ( e ?+ t exi/s2 ?us x is   

affirm$1 ! cry ( ,nature h]self ought to
 conv9ce u ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,godhead1 (  
:i* %e has tak5 pa9s to engrave ! notion
 9 ! m9ds ( m53 !y !re=e conclude1 t !  
idea ( ,god is innate4  ,p]haps !re is  
no?+ ( :i* man %\ld be m s$ul\sly c>eful
 ?an p]mitt+ a promiscu\s assemblage (  
"r ) wrong--( suff]+ false conclusions  
to be drawn f true propositions2 ?is w n
 improbably be f\nd to be pretty mu* !  
case 9 ?is in/ance2 ! exi/5ce ( ! great 
,cause ( causes1 ! ,p>5t ( p>5ts1 does  
n1 ,i ?9k1 admit ( any d\bt 9 ! m9d (   
any "o :o has reason$3 b1 if ?is exi/5ce
 did n re/ ^u bett] f\ndations ?an !    
unanimity ( man on ?is subject1 ,i am   
fe>ful x w\ld n be plac$ ^u s solid a   
rock z ^? :o make ?is assev]ation may   
imag9e3 ! fact is1 man is n g5]ally     
agre$ ^u ?is po9t2 if he 01 sup]/ition  
c\ld h no exi/5ce2 ! idea ( ,god _c be  
innate1 because1 indep5d5t ( ! pro(s    
(f]$ on e side ( ! almo/ impossibility (
 innate ideas1 "o simple fact w set su* 
an op9ion = ev] at re/1 except ) ^? :o  

are ob/9ately det]m9$ n to be conv9c$ by
 ev5 _! own argum5ts3 if ?is idea 0     
innate1 x mu/ be e :]e ! same2 see+ t t 
:i* is antec$5t to man's be+1 _c h      
exp]i5c$ ! modifications ( 8 exi/5ce1   
:i* are po/]ior4 ,ev5 if x 7 waiv$1 t ! 
same idea %\ld be expect$ f all mank9d1 
b t only e nation %\ld h _! ideas alike 
on ?is subject1 exp]i5ce w n w>rant !   
ass]tion1 s9ce no?+ c be bett] e/abli%$ 
?an t ! idea is n uni=m ev5 9 ! same    
t[n2 n[ ?is w\ld be an insup]able       
quality 9 an innate idea4 ,x n          
unfrequ5tly happ5s1 t 9 ! endeav\r to   
prove too mu*1 t :i* /ood firm be=e !   
attempt1 is weak5$2 ?us a bad advocate  
frequ5tly injures a good cause1 al?\gh  
he may n be able to ov]turn ! rights on 
:i* x is re/$4 ,x w\ld1 !re=e1 p]haps1  
come ne>] to ! po9t if x 0 said1 t !    
natural curiosity ( mank9d h 9 all ages1
 & 9 all nations1 l$ him to seek aft] ! 
prim>y cause ( ! ph5om5a he beholds2 t  
ow+ to ! v>iations ( 8 climate1 to !    
diff]5ce ( 8 organization1 ! great] or  

less calamity he has exp]i5c$1 ! v>iety 
( 8 intellectual faculties1 & !         
circum/ances "u :i* he has be5 plac$1   
man has _h ! mo/ opposite1              
contradictory1 extravagant notions ( !  
,div9ity1 b t he has uni=mly be5 9      
accord 9 ackn[l$g+ bo? ! exi/5ce1 & !   
wisdom ( 8 "w--,,nature4  ,if dis5gag$ f
 prejudice1 we analyze ?is pro(1 we %all
 see t ! univ]sal cons5t ( man1 s       
diffus$ ov] ! e>?1 actually proves      
little m ?an t he has be5 9 all c\ntries
 expos$ to frightful revolutions1       
exp]i5c$ disa/]s1 be5 s5sible to sorr[s 
( :i* he has mi/ak5 ! physical causes2 t
 ^? ev5ts to :i* he has be5 ei!r !      
victim or ! witness1 h call$ =? 8       
admiration or excit$ 8 fe>2 t = want (  
be+ acqua9t$ ) ! p[]s ( nature1 = want (
 und]/&+ h] laws1 = want ( compreh5d+ h]
 inf9ite res\rces1 = want ( kn[+ !      
effects %e mu/ necess>ily produce "u    
giv5 circum/ances1 he has believ$ ^!    
ph5om5a 7 due to "s secret ag5t ( :i* he
 has _h vague ideas--to be+s :om he has 

suppos$ conduct$ !mselves aft] 8 own    
mann]2 :o 7 op]at$ ^u by simil> motives 
) himself4  ,! cons5t !n ( man 9        
ackn[l$g+ a v>iety ( gods1 proves no?+1 
except t 9 ! bosom ( ignorance he has   
ei!r admir$ ! ph5om5a ( nature1 or      
trembl$ "u _! influ5ce2 t 8 imag9ation 0
 di/urb$ by :at he beheld or suff]$2 t  
he has s\ght 9 va9 to relieve 8         
p]plexity1 ^u ! unkn[n cause ( ! ph5om5a
 he witness$1 :i* frequ5tly oblig$ him  
to quake ) t]ror3 ! imag9ation ( ! human
 race has lab\r$ v>i\sly ^u ^! causes1  
:i* h almo/ always be5 incompreh5sible  
to him2 al?\gh e ?+ confess$ 8          
ignorance1 8 inability to def9e ^!      
causes1 yet he ma9ta9$ t he 0 assur$ (  
_! exi/5ce2 :5 press$1 he spoke ( a _s1 
7a ^w to :i* x 0 impossible to atta* any
 det]m9ate idea7 :i* taught no?+ b !    
slo?1 :i* evid5c$ no?+ b ! /upidity ( ^?
 :o pron\nc$ x4  ,x ought1 h[ev]1 n to  
excite any surprise t man is incapable (
 =m+ any sub/antive ideas1 save ( ^? ?+s
 :i* act1 or :i* h h]et(ore act$ ^u 8   

s5ses2 x is v evid5t t ! only objects   
compet5t to move 8 organs are           
mat]ial1--t none b physical be+s c      
furni% him ) ideas1--a tru? :i* has be5 
r5d]$ suffici5tly cle> 9 ! comm5cem5t ( 
?is "w1 n to ne$ any fur!r pro(4 ,x w   
suffice !re=e to say t ! idea ( ,god is 
n an innate1 b an acquir$ notion2 t x is
 ! v nature ( ?is notion to v>y f age to
 age2 to diff] 9 "o c\ntry f ano!r2 to  
be view$ v>i\sly by individuals4 ,:at d 
,i say8 ,x is1 9 fact1 an idea h>dly ev]
 con/ant 9 ! same mortal4 ,?is div]sity1
 ?is fluctuation1 ?is *ange1 /amps x ) !
 true "* ( an acquir$ op9ion4 ,on ! o!r 
h&1 ! /ronge/ pro( t c be adduc$ t ^!   
ideas are f\nd$ 9 error1 is1 t man by   
degrees has arriv$ at p]fection+ all !  
sci5ces :i* h any kn[n objects = _!     
basis1 :il/ ! sci5ce ( !ology has n     
advanc$2 x is almo/ e :]e at ! same     
po9t2 m5 seem equally undecid$ on ?is   
subject2 ^? :o h mo/ occupi$ !mselves ) 
x1 h effect$ b little2 !y seem1 inde$1 r
 to h r5d]$ ! primitive ideas man =m$ to

 himself on ?is head m obscure1--to h   
involv$ 9 great] my/]y all 8 orig9al    
op9ions4  ,z soon z x is ask$ ( man1 :at
 are ! gods be=e :om he pro/rates       
himself1 =?) 8 s5tim5ts are divid$4 ,9  
ord] t 8 op9ions %\ld be 9 accord1 x    
w\ld be requisite t uni=m ideas1        
analog\s s5sations1 unv>i$ p]ceptions1  
%\ld e :]e h giv5 bir? to 8 notions ^u  
?is subject3 b ?is w\ld suppose organs  
p]fectly simil>1 modifi$ by s5sations   
:i* h a p]fect aff9ity3 ?is is :at c\ld 
n happ53 because man1 ess5tially diff]5t
 by 8 temp]am5t1 :o is f\nd "u          
circum/ances completely dissimil>1 mu/  
necess>ily h a great div]sity ( ideas ^u
 objects :i* ea* individual contemplates
 s v>i\sly4 ,agre$ 9 "s g5]al po9ts1 ea*
 made himself a god aft] 8 own mann]2 he
 fe>$ him1 he s]v$ him1 aft] 8 own mode4
 ,?us ! god ( "o man1 or ( "o nation1 0 
h>dly ev] t ( ano!r man1 or ( ano!r     
nation4 ,! god ( a savage1 unpoli%$ p1  
is commonly "s mat]ial object1 ^u :i* ! 
m9d has ex]cis$ itself b little2 ?is god

 appe>s v ridicul\s 9 ! eyes ( a m      
poli%$ community1 ^: m9ds h lab\r$ m    
int5sely ^u ! subject4 ,a spiritual god1
 ^: ador]s despise ! wor%ip paid by !   
savage to a co>se1 mat]ial object1 is ! 
subtle production ( ! bra9 ( ?9k]s1 :o1 
loll+ 9 ! lap ( poli%$ society q at _!  
leisure1 h deeply m$itat$1 h long       
occupi$ !mselves ) ! subject4 ,!        
!ological god1 al?\gh = ! mo/ "p        
incompreh5sible1 is ! la/ ef=t ( ! human
 imag9ation2 x is to ! god ( ! savage1  
:at an inhabitant ( ! city ( ,syb>is1   
:]e effim9acy & luxury reign$1 :]e pomp 
& pageantry _h rea*$ _! climax1 clo!d ) 
a curi\sly embroid]$ purple habit (     
silk1 0 to a man ei!r q nak$1 or simply 
cov]$ ) ! sk9 ( a bea/ p]haps newly     
sla94 ,x is only 9 civiliz$ societies1 t
 leisure af=ds ! opportunity ( dream+--t
 ease procures ! facility ( reason+2 9  
^! associations1 idle speculators       
m$itate1 dispute1 =m metaphysics3 !     
faculty ( ?\ght is almo/ void 9 !       
savage1 :o is occupi$ ei!r ) hunt+1 )   

fi%+1 or ) ! means ( procur+ a v        
prec>i\s subsi/5ce by d9t ( almo/       
incessant lab\r4 ,! g5]ality ( m51      
h[ev]1 h n m elevat$ notions ( !        
div9ity1 h n analyz$ him m ?an ! savage4
 ,a spiritual1 immat]ial ,god1 is =m$   
only to occupy ! leisure ( "s subtle m51
 :o h no occasion to lab\r = a          
subsi/5ce4 ,!ology1 al?\gh a sci5ce s   
mu* vaunt$1 consid]$ s important to !   
int]e/s ( man1 is only useful to ^? :o  
live at ! exp5se ( o!rs2 or ( ^? :o     
arrogate to !mselves ! privilege ( ?9k+ 
= all ^? :o lab\r4 ,?is sci5ce becomes1 
9 "s poli%$ societies1 :o are n on t    
acc\nt m enlight5$1 a bran* ( comm]ce   
extremely advantage\s to its pr(essors2 
equally unpr(itable to ! citiz5s2 above 
all :5 ^! h ! folly to take a v decid$  
int]e/ 9 _! un9telligible sy/em--9 _!   
discordant op9ions4  ,:at an inf9ite    
di/ance betwe5 an un=m$ /one1 an animal1
 a />1 a /atue1 & ! ab/ract$ ,deity1 :i*
 !ology ha? clo!d ) attributes "u :i* x 
loses sight ( him itself6 ,! savage )\t 

d\bt deceives himself 9 ! object to :i* 
he addresses 8 v[s2 l a *ild he is      
smitt5 ) ! fir/ object t /rikes 8       
sight--t op]ates ^u him 9 a lively      
mann]2 l ! infant1 8 fe>s are al>m$ by t
 f :i* he conceives he has ei!r receiv$ 
an injury or suff]$ disgrace2 /ill 8    
ideas are fix$ by a sub/antive be+1 by  
an object :i* he c exam9e by 8 s5ses4 ,!
 ,lapl&] :o adores a rock1--! negro :o  
pro/rates himself be=e a mon/r\s s]p5t1 
at lea/ see ! objects !y adore4 ,!      
idolat] falls ^u 8 knees be=e a /atue1 9
 :i* he believes !re resides "s conceal$
 virtue1 "s p[]ful quality1 :i* he      
judges may be ei!r useful or prejudicial
 to himself2 b t subtle reason]1 call$ a
 metaphysician1 :o 9 consequ5ce ( 8     
un9telligible sci5ce1 believes he has a 
"r to laugh at ! savage1 to d]ide !     
,lapl&]1 to sc(f at ! negro1 to ridicule
 ! idolat]1 do? n p]ceive t he is       
himself pro/rate be=e a be+ ( 8 own     
imag9ation1 ( :i* x is impossible he    
%\ld =m to himself any correct idea1    

unless1 l ! savage1 he re-ent]s into    
visible nature1 to clo! him ) qualities 
capable ( be+ br\ght )9 ! range ( 8     
compreh5sion4  ,= ! mo/ "p ! notions on 
! ,div9ity1 :i* obta9 cr$it ev5 at !    
pres5t day1 are no?+ m ?an a g5]al t]ror
 div]sely acquir$1 v>i\sly modifi$ 9 !  
m9d ( nations1 :i* d n t5d to prove any 
?+1 save t !y h receiv$ !m f _! trembl+1
 ignorant ance/ors4 ,^! gods h be5      
successively alt]$1 decorat$1 subtiliz$1
 by ^? ?9k]s1 ^? legislators1 ^? prie/s1
 :o h m$itat$ deeply ^u !m2 :o h        
prescrib$ sy/ems ( wor%ip to ! un9=m$2  
:o h avail$ !mselves ( _! exi/+         
prejudices1 to submit !m to _! yoke2 :o 
h obta9$ a dom9ion ov] _! m9d1 by seiz+ 
on _! cr$ulity1--by mak+ !m p>ticipate 9
 _! errors1--by work+ on _! fe>s2 ^!    
dispositions w always be a necess>y     
consequ5ce ( man's ignorance1 :5 /eep$ 9
 ! sorr[s ( 8 he>t4  ,if x be true1 z   
ass]t$1 t ! e>? has nev] witness$ any   
nation s unsociable1 s savage1 to be )\t
 "s =m ( religi\s wor%ip--:o did n adore

 "s god--b little w result f x respect+ 
! ,div9ity4 ,! ^w ,,god1 w r>ely be f\nd
 to designate m ?an ! unkn[n cause ( ^? 
effects :i* man has ei!r admir$ or      
dread$4 ,?us1 ?is notion s g5]ally      
diffus$1 ^u :i* s mu* /ress is laid2 w  
prove little m ?an t man 9 all g5]ations
 has be5 ignorant ( natural causes1--t  
he has be5 incompet5t1 f "s cause or    
o!r1 to acc\nt = ^? ph5om5a :i* ei!r    
excit$ 8 surprise or r\s$ 8 fe>s4 ,if at
 ! pres5t day a p _c be f\nd de/itute ( 
"s k9d ( wor%ip1 entirely )\t           
sup]/ition1 :o d n ackn[l$ge a ,god1 :o 
h n adopt$ a !ology m or less subtle1 x 
is because ! un9=m$ ance/ors ( ^! p h   
all endur$ mis=tunes--h be5 al>m$ by    
t]rify+ effects1 :i* !y h attribut$ to  
unkn[n causes--h beheld /range sights1  
:i* !y h ascrib$ to p[]ful ag5ts1 ^:    
exi/5ce !y c\ld n fa?om2 ! details (    
:i*1 toge!r ) _! own bewild]$ notions1  
!y h h&$ d[n to _! po/]ity :o h n giv5  
!m any k9d ( exam9ation4  ,x w readily  
be all[$1 t ! univ]sality ( an op9ion by

 no means proves its tru?4 ,d we n see a
 great numb] ( ignorant prejudices1 a   
multitude ( b>b>\s errors1 ev5 at !     
pres5t day1 receive ! almo/ univ]sal    
sanction ( ! human race8 ,are n ne>ly   
all ! inhabitants ( ! e>? imbu$ ) ! idea
 ( magic--9 ! habit ( ackn[l$g+ occult  
p[]s--giv5 to div9ation--believ]s 9     
en*antm5t--! slaves to om5s--support]s (
 wit*craft--?or\ghly p]suad$ ( ! exi/5ce
 ( gho/s8 ,if "s ( ! mo/ enlight5$      
p]sons are cur$ ( ^! follies1 !y /ill   
f9d v zeal\s p>tizans 9 ! great] numb] (
 mank9d1 :o accr$it !m ) ! firme/       
confid5ce4 ,x w\ld n1 h[ev]1 be conclud$
 by m5 ( s\nd s5se1 9 _m in/ances n by !
 !ologian himself1 t !re=e ^! *im]as    
actually h exi/5ce1 al?\gh sanction$ ) !
 cr$5ce ( ! multitude4 ,be=e ,cop]nicus1
 !re 0 no "o :o did n believe t ! e>? 0 
/ation>y1 t ! sun describ$ 8 annual     
revolution r\nd x4 ,01 h[ev]1 ?is       
univ]sal cons5t ( man ^u a pr9ciple (   
a/ronomical sci5ce1 :i* endur$ = s _m   
?\s& ye>s1 less an error on t acc\nt8   

,yet to h d\bt$ ! tru? ( su* a          
g5]ally-diffus$ op9ion1 "o t _h receiv$ 
! sanction ( s _m le>n$ m5--t 0 clo!d ) 
! sacr$ ve/m5ts ( s _m ages (           
cr$ulity--t _h be5 adopt$ by ,moses1    
ackn[l$g$ by ,solomon1 accr$it$ by !    
,p]sian magi--t ,elijah himself _h n    
refut$--t _h obta9$ ! fiat ( ! mo/      
respectable univ]sities1 ! mo/ enlight5$
 legislators1 ! wise/ k+s1 ! mo/ eloqu5t
 m9i/]s2 9 %ort1 a pr9ciple t embrac$   
all ! /ability t c\ld be d]iv$ f !      
univ]sal cons5t ( all ranks3 to h d\bt$1
 ,i say1 ( ?is1 w\ld at "o p]iod h be5  
held z ! highe/ degree ( pr(anation1 z !
 mo/ presumptu\s scepticism1 z an impi\s
 blasphemy1 t w\ld h ?reat5$ ! v exi/5ce
 ( t unhappy c\ntry f ^: un=tunate bosom
 su* a v5om\s1 sacrilegi\s mortal c\ld h
 aris54 ,x is well kn[n :at op9ion 0    
ent]ta9$ ( ,gallileo = ma9ta9+ ! exi/5ce
 ( ! antipodes4 ,pope ,gregory          
excommunicat$ z a!i/s all ^? :o gave x  
cr$it4 ,?us ea* man has 8 ,god3 ,b d all
 ^! gods exi/8 ,9 reply x w be said1    

some:at triumphantly1 ea* man ha? 8     
ideas ( ! sun1 d all ^! suns exi/8      
,h[ev] n>r[ may be ! pass by :i*        
sup]/ition imag9es x has ?us gu>d$ its  
fav\rite hypo!sis1 no?+ w p]haps be m   
easy ?an ! answ]3 ! exi/5ce ( ! sun is a
 fact v]ifi$ by ! daily use ( ! s5ses2  
all ! _w see ! sun2 no "o ba? ev] said  
!re is no sun2 ne>ly all mank9d h       
ackn[l$g$ x to be bo? lum9\s & hot3     
h[ev] v>i\s may be ! op9ions ( man1 ^u  
?is lum9>y1 no "o has ev] yet pret5d$   
!re 0 m ?an "o atta*$ to our planet>y   
sy/em4 ,b we may p]haps be told1 !re is 
a wide diff]5ce betwe5 t :i* c be       
contemplat$ by ! visual organs1 :i* c be
 und]/ood by ! s5se ( feel+1 & t :i*    
does n come "u ! cognizance ( any "p ( !
 organic /ructure ( man4 ,we mu/ confess
 !ology "h has ! advantage2 t we are    
unable to foll[ x ?r\gh its devi\s      
s9uosities2 amid/ its me&]+ labyr9?s3 b 
!n x is ! advantage ( ^? :o see s\nds1  
ov] ^? :o only he> !m2 ( ^? :o he>      
col\rs1 ov] ^? :o only see !m2 ( !      

pr(essors ( a sci5ce1 :]e e ?+ is built 
^u laws inv]t$ f ^? common to ! globe we
 inhabit2 ov] ^? common und]/&+s1 :o _c 
be s5sible to any ?+ t does n give an   
impulse to "s ( _! organs4  ,if man1    
!re=e1 _h ! c\rage to ?r[ aside 8       
prejudices1 :i* e ?+ conspires to r5d] z
 durable z himself--if dive/$ ( fe> he  
w\ld exam9e coolly--if guid$ by reason  
he w\ld dispassionately view ! nature ( 
?+s1 ! evid5ce adduc$ 9 support ( any   
giv5 doctr9e2 he w\ld1 at lea/1 be "u ! 
necessity to ackn[l$ge1 t ! idea ( !    
,div9ity is n innate--t x is n ant]ior  
to 8 exi/5ce--t x is ! production ( "t1 
acquir$ by communication ) 8 own        
species--t1 consequ5tly1 !re 0 a p]iod  
:5 x did n actually exi/ 9 him3 he w\ld 
see cle>ly1 t he holds x by tradition f 
^? :o re>$ him3 t ^! !mselves receiv$ x 
f _! ance/ors3 t ?us trac+ x up1 x w be 
f\nd to h be5 d]iv$ 9 ! la/ resort1 f   
ignorant savages1 :o 7 our fir/ fa!rs4  
,! hi/ory ( ! _w w %ew t crafty         
legislators1 ambiti\s tyrants1          

blood-/a9$ conqu]ors1 h avail$ !mselves 
( ! ignorance1 ! fe>s1 ! cr$ulity ( 8   
prog5itors1 to turn to _! own pr(it an  
idea to :i* !y r>ely atta*$ any o!r     
sub/antive mean+ ?an t ( submitt+ !m to 
! yoke ( _! own dom9ation4  ,)\t d\bt   
!re h be5 mortals :o h dream$ !y h se5 !
 ,div9ity4 ,mahomet1 ,i believe1 boa/$  
he _h a long conv]sation ) ! ,deity1 :o 
promulgat$ to him ! sy/em ( !           
,mussulmans4 ,b are !re n ?\s&s1 ev5 ( !
 !ologians1 :o w exhau/ _! brea?1 &     
fatigue _! lungs ) vocif]at+ ?is man 0 a
 li>2 ^: object 0 to take advantage ( ! 
simplicity1 to pr(it by ! en?usiasm1 to 
impose on ! cr$ulity ( ! ,arabs2 :o     
promulgat$ = tru?s1 ! crazy rev]ies ( 8 
own di/emp]$ imag9ation8 ,nev]!less1 is 
x n a tru?1 t ?is doctr9e ( ! crafty    
,arab1 is at ?is day ! cre$ ( millions1 
transmitt$ to !m by _! ance/ors1 r5d]$  
sacr$ by "t1 read to !m 9 _! mosques1   
adorn$ ) all ! c]emonies ( sup]/iti\s   
wor%ip2 ( :i* ! inhabitants ( a va/     
portion ( ! e>? d n p]mit !mselves = an 

in/ant to d\bt ! v]acity2 :o1 on !      
contr>y1 hold ^? :o d n accr$it x z     
dogs1 z infidels1 z be+s ( an inf]ior   
rank1 ( mean] capacities ?an !mselves8  
,inde$ t man1 ev5 if he 7 a !ologian1   
w\ld n exp]i5ce ! mo/ g5tle treatm5t f !
 infuriat$ ,mahometan1 :o %\ld to 8 face
 v5ture to dispute ! div9e mission ( 8  
prophet4 ,?us ! ance/ors ( ! ,turk h    
transmitt$ to _! po/]ity1 ^? ideas ( !  
,div9ity :i* !y manife/ly receiv$ f ^?  
:o deceiv$ !m2 ^: impositions1 modifi$ f
 age to age1 subtiliz$ by ! prie/s1     
clo!d ) ! rev]5tial awe inspir$ by fe>1 
h by degrees acquir$ t solidity1 receiv$
 t corroboration1 atta9$ t vet]an       
/ability1 :i* is ! natural result (     
public sanction1 back$ by !ological     
p>ade4  ,! ^w ,god is1 p]haps1 among !  
fir/ t vibrate on ! e> ( man2 x is      
reit]at$ to him incessantly2 he is      
taught to lisp x ) respect2 to li/5 to x
 ) fe>2 to b5d ! knee :5 x is rev]b]at$3
 by d9t ( repetition1 by li/5+ to !     
fables ( antiquity1 by he>+ x pron\nc$  

by all ranks & p]suasions1 he s]i\sly   
believes all m5 br+ ! idea ) !m into !  
_w2 he ?us conf\nds a me*anical habit ) 
in/9ct2 :il/ x is = want ( be+ able to  
recal to himself ! fir/ circum/ances "u 
:i* 8 imag9ation 0 awak5$ by ?is "n2 =  
want ( recollect+ all ! recitals made to
 him dur+ ! c\rse ( 8 infancy2 = want ( 
accurately def9+ :at 0 in/ill$ into him 
by 8 education2 9 %ort1 because 8 memory
 does n furni% him ) ! succession (     
causes t h engrav5 x on 8 bra91 t he    
believes ?is idea is really inh]5t to 8 
be+2 innate 9 all 8 species4 ,iamblicus1
 inde$1 :o 0 a ,py?agorean philosoph] n 
9 ! highe/ repute ) ! le>n$ _w1 al?\gh  
"o ( ^? vision>y prie/s 9 "s e/imation )
 !ologians1 7at lea/ if we may v5ture to
 judge by ! unlimit$ draughts !y h made 
on ! bank ( 8 doctr9es7 :o 0            
unque/ionably a fav\rite ) ! emp]or     
,julian1 says1 t ant]iorly to all use ( 
reason1 ! notion ( ! gods is inspir$ by 
nature1 & t we h ev5 a sort ( feel+ ( ! 
,div9ity1 pref]able to ! k ( him4 ,x is1

 h[ev]1 uni=mly by habit1 t man admires1
 t he fe>s a be+1 ^: "n he has att5d$ to
 f 8 e>lie/ infancy4 ,z soon z he he>s x
 utt]$1 he )\t reflection me*anically   
associates x ) ^? ideas ) :i* 8         
imag9ation has be5 fill$ by ! recitals (
 o!rs2 ) ^? s5sations :i* he has be5    
in/ruct$ to accompany x4 ,?us1 if = a   
season man w\ld be +5u\s ) himself1 he  
w\ld conc$e t 9 ! great] numb] ( 8 race1
 ! ideas ( ! gods1 & ( ^? attributes )  
:i* !y are clo!d1 h _! f\ndation1 take  
_! rise 91 are ! fruit ( ! op9ions ( 8  
fa!rs1 traditionally infus$ into him by 
education--confirm$ by                  
habit--corroborat$ by example--en=c$ by 
au?ority4 ,t x v r>ely happ5s he exam9es
 ^! ideas2 t !y are = ! mo/ "p adopt$ by
 inexp]i5ce1 propagat$ by tuition1 r5d]$
 sacr$ by "t1 inviolable f respect to 8 
prog5itors1 rev]5c$ z =m+ "p ( ^?       
in/itutions he has mo/ le>n$ to value4  
,he ?9ks he has always _h !m1 because he
 has _h !m f 8 infancy2 he consid]s !m  
indubitable1 because he is nev] p]mitt$ 

to "q !m--because he nev] has !         
intrepidity to exam9e _! basis4  ,if x  
_h be5 ! de/9y ( a ,bra*man1 or a       
,mussulman1 to h drawn 8 fir/ brea? on !
 %ores ( ,africa1 he w\ld adore1 ) z mu*
 simplicity1 ) z mu* f]v\r1 ! s]p5t     
rev]5c$ by ! ,negroes1 z he does ! ,god 
8 own metaphysicians h (f]$ to 8        
rev]5ce4 ,he w\ld be equally indignant  
if any "o %\ld presumptu\sly dispute !  
div9ity ( ?is reptile1 :i* he w\ld h    
le>n$ to v5]ate f ! mom5t he quitt$ !   
womb ( 8 "m1 z ! mo/ zeal\s1 en?usia/ic 
fakir1 :5 ! m>vell\s wond]s ( 8 prophet 
%\ld be br\ght into "q2 or z ! mo/      
subtile !ologian :5 ! inquiry turn$ ^u !
 incongru\s qualities ) :i* he has      
decorat$ 8 gods4 ,nev]!less1 if ?is     
s]p5t god ( ! ,negro %\ld be conte/$1 !y
 c\ld n at lea/ dispute 8 exi/5ce4      
,simple z may be ! m9d ( ?is d>k son (  
nature1 uncommon z may be ! qualities ) 
:i* he has clo!d 8 reptile1 he /ill may 
be evid5c$ by all :o *oose to ex]cise _!
 organs ( sight2 n s ) ! !ologian2 he   

absolutely que/ions ! exi/5ce ( e o!r   
god b t :i* he himself has =m$2 :i* is  
que/ion$ 9 its turn by 8 bro!r          
metaphysician4 ,!y are by no means      
dispos$ to admit ! pro(s (f]$ by ea*    
o!r4 ,desc>tes1 ,pas*al1 & ,doctor      
,samuel ,cl>ke himself1 h be5 accus$ (  
a!ism by ! !ologians ( _! "t4 ,subsequ5t
 reason]s h made use ( _! pro(s1 & ev5  
giv5 !m z extremely valid4 ,doctor      
,b[man publi%$ a "w1 9 :i* he pret5ds   
all ! pro(s hi!rto br\ght =w>d are crazy
 & fragile3 he ( c\rse sub/itutes 8 own2
 :i* 9 _! turn h be5 ! subject (        
animadv]sion4 ,?us x w\ld appe> ^!      
!ologians are n m 9 accord ) !mselves   
?an !y are ) ,turks or ,pagans4 ,!y _c  
ev5 agree z to _! pro(s ( exi/5ce3 f age
 to age new *ampions arise1 new evid5ce 
is adduc$1 ! old disc>d$1 or treat$ )   
contempt2 pr(\nd philosoph]s1 subtle    
metaphysicians1 are cont9ually attack+  
ea* o!r = _! ignorance on a po9t ( ! v  
fir/ importance4 ,amid/ ?is v>iety (    
discussion1 x is v difficult = simple   

w9ds1 = ^? :o /eadily se>* aft] tru?1 :o
 only wi% to und]/& :at !y believe1 to  
f9d a po9t ^u :i* !y c fix ) reliance--a
 /&>d r\nd :i* !y may rally )\t fe> (   
dang]--a common measure t way s]ve !m = 
a beacon to avoid ! quicks&s (          
delusion--! sophi/ry ( polemics4  ,m5 ( 
v great g5ius h successively misc>ri$ 9 
_! demon/rations2 h be5 held to h       
betray$ _! cause by ! weakness ( !      
argum5ts by :i* !y h support$ x2 by !   
mann] 9 :i* !y h attempt$ to e/abli% _! 
positions4 ,?us _m ( !m1 :5 !y believ$  
!y _h surm\nt$ a difficulty1 _h !       
mortification to f9d !y _h only giv5    
bir? to an hundr$ o!rs4 ,!y seem1 inde$1
 n to be 9 a capacity to und]/& ea* o!r1
 or to agree among !mselves1 :5 !y      
reason ^u ! nature & qualities ( be+s   
creat$ by su* a v>iety ( imag9ations1   
:i* ea* contemplates div]sely1 ^u :i* ! 
natural self-love ( ea* disputant       
induces him to reject ) vehem5t         
indignation e ?+ t does n fall 9 ) 8 own
 peculi> mode ( ?9k+--t does n quadrate 

ei!r ) 8 sup]/ition or 8 ignorance1 or  
sometimes ) bo?4  ,! oppon5ts ( ,cl>ke  
*>ge him ) begg+ ! "q 9 8 "w on ,! ,be+ 
& ,attributes ( ,god4 ,!y say he has    
pret5d$ to prove ?is exi/5ce a priori1  
:i* !y deem impossible1 see+ !re is no?+
 ant]ior to ! fir/ ( causes2 t !re=e x c
 only be prov$ a po/]iori1 t is to say1 
by its effects4 ,law1 9 8 ,inquiry into 
! ,ideas ( ,space1 ,"t1 ,imm5sity1 c4   
has attack$ him v triumphantly1 = ?is   
mann] ( pro(1 :i* is /at$ to be s v     
repugnant to ! s*ool-m54 ,8 argum5ts h  
be5 treat$ ) no m c]emony by ,?omas     
,d',aqu9as1 ,john ,scott1 & o!rs ( !    
s*ools4 ,at ! pres5t day ,i believe he  
is held 9 m respect--t 8 au?ority       
outweighs t ( all 8 antagoni/s toge!r4  
,be t z x may1 ^? :o h foll[$ him h done
 no?+ m ?an ei!r repeat 8 ideas1 or     
pres5t 8 evid5ce "u a new =m4 ,tillotson
 argues at great l5g?1 b x w\ld be r    
difficult to und]/& :i* side ( ! "q he  
adopts on ?is mom5t\s subject2 :e!r he  
is a ,necessit>ian1 or among ! oppos]s (

 ,fatalism4 ,speak+ ( man1 he says1 he  
is liable to _m evils & mis]ies1 :i* he 
c nei!r prev5t or r$ress2 he is full (  
wants1 :i* he _c supply1 & compass$ ab\t
 ) infirmities :i* he _c remove1 &      
obnoxi\s to dang]s :i* he c nev]        
suffici5tly provide aga9/3 he is apt to 
grieve = :at he _c help1 & eag]ly to    
desire :at he is nev] able to obta94 ,if
 ! pro(s ( ,cl>ke1 :o has drawn !m up 9 
twelve propositions1 are exam9$ )       
att5tion1 ,i ?9k !y may be fairly %ield$
 f ! reproa* ) :i* !y h be5 load$2 x    
does n appe> t he has prov$ 8 positions 
a priori1 b a po/]iori1 accord+ to rule4
 ,x seems cle>1 h[ev]1 t he has mi/ak5 !
 pro( ( ! exi/5ce ( ! effects1 = ! pro( 
( ! exi/5ce ( ! cause3 b "h he seems to 
h m reason ?an 8 critics1 :o 9 _!       
eag]ness to prove t ,cl>ke has n con=m$ 
to ! rules ( ! s*ools1 w\ld entirely    
ov]look ! be/1 ! sure/ f\ndation :]eon  
to re/ ! exi/5ce ( ! ,great ,cause (    
causes1 t ,p>5t ( ,p>5ts1 ^: wisdom %9es
 s manife/ly 9 nature1 ( :i* ,cl>ke's "w

 may be said to be su* a ma/]ly evid5ce4
 ,we %all foll[1 /ep by /ep1 ! diff]5t  
propositions 9 :i* ?is le>n$ div9e      
developes ! receiv$ op9ions ^u !        
,div9ity2 :i*1 :5 appli$ to nature1 w be
 f\nd to be s accurate1 s correct1 z to 
leave no fur!r room to d\bt ei!r !      
exi/5ce or ! wisdom ( h] great au?or1   
?us prov$ ?r\gh h] own exi/5ce4 ,dr4    
,cl>ke sets out ) say+3  #a/4 ,some?+   
has exi/$ f all et]nity4  ,?is          
proposition is evid5t--ha? no occasion =
 pro(s4 ,matt] has exi/$ f all et]nity1 
its =ms alone are evanesc5t2 matt] is ! 
great eng9e us$ by nature to produce all
 h] ph5om5a1 or r x is nature h]self4   
,we h "s idea ( matt]1 suffici5t to     
w>rant ! conclusion t ?is has always    
exi/$4 ,fir/1 t :i* exi/s1 supposes     
exi/5ce ess5tial to its be+4 ,t :i* _c1 
annihilate itself1 exi/s necess>ily2 x  
is impossible to conceive t t :i* _c    
cease to exi/1 or t :i* _c annihilate   
itself1 c\ld ev] h _h a beg9n+4 ,if     
matt] _c be annihilat$1 x c\ld n comm5ce

 to be4 ,?us we say to ,dr4 ,cl>ke1 t x 
is matt]1 x is nature1 act+ by h] own   
peculi> en]gy1 ( :i* no p>ticle is ev] 9
 an absolute /ate ( re/1 :i* ha? always 
exi/$4 ,! v>i\s mat]ial bodies :i* ?is  
nature conta9s (t5 *ange _! =m1 _!      
comb9ation1 _! prop]ties1 _! mode (     
action3 b _! pr9ciples or elem5ts are   
inde/ructible--h nev] be5 able to       
comm5ce4 ,:at ?is great s*ol> actually  
und]/&s1 :5 he makes ! ass]tion t an    
et]nal duration is n[ actually pa/1 is n
 q s cle>2 yet he affirms1 t n to       
believe x w\ld be a real & express      
contradiction4 ,we may1 h[ev]1 safely   
admit 8 argum5t1 t :5 once any          
proposition is cle>ly demon/rat$ to1 be 
true1 x ought n to di/urb u t !re be    
p]haps "s p]plex+ difficulties on ! o!r 
side1 :i* m]ely = want ( adequate ideas 
( ! mann] ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ?+s           
demon/rat$1 are n easily to be cle>$4   
#bnd1 ,!re has exi/$ f et]nity "s "o    
un*angeable & indep5d5t ,be+4  ,we may  
fairly inquire :at is ?is ,be+8 ,is x   

indep5d5t ( its own peculi> ess5ce1 or (
 ^? prop]ties :i* con/itute x su* z x   
is8 ,we %all fur!r inquire1 if ?is ,be+1
 :atev] x may be1 c make ! o!r be+s :i* 
x produces1 or :i* x moves1 act o!rwise 
?an !y d1 accord+ to ! prop]ties :i* x  
has giv5 !m8 ,& 9 ?is case we %all ask1 
if ?is ,be+1 su* z x way be suppos$ to  
be1 does n act necess>ily2 if x is n    
oblig$ to employ indisp5sible means to  
fulfil its designs1 to arrive at ! end  
:i* x ei!r has1 or may be suppos$ to h 9
 view8 ,!n we %all say1 t nature is     
oblig$ to act aft] h] ess5ce2 t e ?+ :i*
 takes place 9 h] is necess>y2 b t %e is
 indep5d5t ( h] =ms4  ,a man is said to 
be indep5d5t1 :5 he is det]m9$ 9 8      
actions only by ! g5]al causes :i* are  
accu/om$ to move him2 he is equally said
 to be dep5d5t on ano!r1 :5 he _c act b 
9 consequ5ce ( ! det]m9ation :i* ?is la/
 gives him4 ,a body is dep5d5t on ano!r 
body :5 x owes to x its exi/5ce1 & its  
mode ( action4 ,a be+ exi/+ f et]nity _c
 owe 8 exi/5ce to any o!r be+2 he _c !n 

be dep5d5t ^u him1 except he owes 8     
action to him2 b x is evid5t t an et]nal
 or self-exi/5t ,be+ conta9s 9 8 own    
nature e ?+ t is necess>y = him to act3 
!n1 matt] be+ et]nal1 is necess>ily     
indep5d5t 9 ! s5se we h expla9$2 ( c\rse
 x ha? no occasion = a mov] ^u :i* x    
ought to dep5d4  ,?is et]nal ,be+ is    
also immutable1 if by ?is attribute be  
und]/ood t he _c *ange 8 nature2 b if x 
be int5d$ to inf] by x t he _c *ange 8  
mode ( action or exi/5ce1 x is )\t d\bt 
deceiv+ !mselves1 s9ce ev5 9 suppos+ an 
immat]ial be+1 !y w\ld be oblig$ to     
ackn[l$ge 9 him diff]5t modes ( be+1    
diff]5t volitions1 diff]5t ways ( act+2 
p>ticul>ly if he 0 n suppos$ totally    
depriv$ ( action1 9 :i* case he w\ld be 
p]fectly useless4 ,inde$ x foll[s (     
c\rse t to *ange 8 mode ( action he mu/ 
necess>ily *ange 8 mann] ( be+4 ,f h5ce 
x w be obvi\s1 t ! !ologians1 9 mak+ _! 
gods immutable1 r5d] !m immoveable1     
consequ5tly !y _c act4 ,an immutable    
be+1 c\ld evid5tly nei!r h successive   

volition1 nor produce successive action2
 if ?is be+ ha? creat$ matt]1 or giv5   
bir? to ! univ]se1 !re mu/ h be5 a "t 9 
:i* he 0 will+ t ?is matt]1 ?is univ]se1
 %\ld exi/2 & ?is "t mu/ h be5 prec$$ by
 ano!r "t1 9 :i* he 0 will+ t x might n 
yet exi/4 ,if ,god be ! au?or ( all ?+s1
 z well z ( ! motion & ( ! comb9ations (
 matt]1 he is unceas+ly occupi$ 9       
produc+ & de/roy+2 9 consequ5ce1 he _c  
be call$ immutable1 t\*+ 8 mode ( exi/+4
 ,! mat]ial _w always ma9ta9s itself by 
motion1 & ! cont9ual *ange ( its p>ts2 !
 sum ( ! be+s :o compose x1 or ( !      
elem5ts :i* act 9 x1 is inv>iably !     
same2 9 ?is s5se ! immutability ( !     
univ]se is mu* m easy ( compreh5sion1   
mu* m demon/rable ?an t ( an o!r be+ to 
:om1 !y w\ld attribute all ! effects1   
all ! mutations :i* take place4 ,nature 
is n m to be accus$ ( mutability1 on    
acc\nt ( ! succession ( its =ms1 ?an !  
et]nal ,be+ is by ! !ologians1 by !     
div]sity ( 8 decrees4 ,"h we %all be    
able to p]ceive t1 suppos+ ! laws by :i*

 nature acts to be immutable1 x does n  
require t9y ( ^! logical di/9ctions to  
acc\nt = ! *anges t take place3 !       
mutation :i* results1 is1 on ! contr>y1 
a /rik+ pro( ( ! immutability ( ! sy/em 
:i* produces !m2 & completely br+s      
mature "u ! range ( ?is second          
proposition z /at$ by ,dr4 ,cl>ke4      
#c;dly1 ,t un*angeable & indep5d5t ,be+ 
:i* has exi/$ f et]nity )\t any et]nal  
cause ( its exi/5ce1 mu/ be self-exi/5t1
 t is1 necess>ily exi/+4  ,?is          
proposition is m]ely a repetition ( !   
fir/2 we reply to x by inquir+1 ,:y     
matt]1 :i* is inde/ructible1 %\ld n be  
self-exi/5t8 ,x is evid5t t a be+ :o _h 
no beg9n+1 mu/ be self-exi/5t2 if he _h 
exi/$ by ano!r1 he w\ld h comm5c$ to be2
 consequ5tly he w\ld n be et]nal4       
#d?ly1 ,:at ! sub/ance or ess5ce ( t    
,be+ :i* is self-exi/5t1 or necess>ily  
exi/+1 is1 we h no idea2 nei!r is x at  
all possible = u to compreh5d x4  ,dr4  
,cl>ke w\ld p]haps h spok5 m correctly  
if he _h said 8 ess5ce is impossible to 

be kn[n3 nev]!less1 we %all readily     
conc$e t ! ess5ce ( matt] is            
incompreh5sible1 or at lea/ t we        
conceive x v feebly by ! mann] 9 :i* we 
are affect$ by x2 b )\t ?is we %\ld be  
less able to conceive ! ,div9ity1 :o    
w\ld !n be imp]vi\s on any side4 ,?us x 
mu/ necess>ily be conclud$1 t x is folly
 to argue ^u x1 s9ce x is by matt] alone
 we c h any k ( him2 t is to say1 by :i*
 we c assure ourselves ( 8 exi/5ce1--by 
:i* we c at all guess at 8 qualities4 ,9
 %ort we mu/ conclude1 t e ?+ relat$ ( !
 ,div9ity1 ei!r proves him mat]ial1 or  
else proves ! impossibility 9 :i* !     
human m9d w always f9d itself1 (        
conceiv+ any be+ diff]5t f matt]2 )\t   
ext5t1 yet omnipres5t2 immat]ial1 yet   
act+ ^u matt]2 spiritual1 yet produc+   
matt]2 immutable1 yet putt+ e ?+ 9      
activity1 c4  ,inde$ x mu/ be all[$ t ! 
incompreh5sibility ( ! ,div9ity does n  
di/+ui% him f matt]2 ?is w n be m easy (
 compreh5sion :5 we %all associate x ) a
 be+ mu* less compreh5sible ?an itself2 

we h "s sl5d] k ( x ?r\gh "s ( its p>ts4
 ,we d n c]ta9ly "k ! ess5ce ( any be+1 
if by t ^w we are to und]/& t :i*       
con/itutes its peculi> nature4 ,we only 
"k matt] by ! s5sations1 ! p]ceptions1 !
 ideas :i* x furni%es2 x is accord+ to  
^! t we judge x to be ei!r favorable or 
unfav\rable1 foll[+ ! p>ticul>          
disposition ( our organs4 ,b :5 a be+   
does n act ^u any "p ( our organic      
/ructure1 x does n exi/ = u2 we _c1 )\t 
exhibit+ folly1 )\t betray+ our         
ignorance1 )\t fall+ into obscurity1    
ei!r speak ( its nature1 or assign its  
qualities2 our s5ses are ! only *annel  
by :i* we c\ld h =m$ ! slighte/ idea (  
x2 ^! n hav+ receiv$ any impulse1 we    
are1 9 po9t ( fact1 unacqua9t$ ) its    
exi/5ce4 ,! incompreh5sibility ( !      
,div9ity ought to conv9ce man t x is a  
po9t at :i* he is b\nd to /op2 inde$ he 
is plac$ 9 a /ate ( utt] incapacity to  
proce$3 ?is1 h[ev]1 w\ld n suit ) ^?    
speculators :o are will+ to reason ^u   
him cont9ually1 to %ew ! dep? ( _!      

le>n+1--to p]suade ! un9=m$ !y und]/& t 
:i* is incompreh5sible to all m52 by :i*
 !y expect to be able to submit him to  
_! own views4 ,nev]!less1 if ! ,div9ity 
be incompreh5sible1 ,x w\ld n be /ra9+ a
 po9t beyond its t5sion1 to conclude t a
 prie/1 or metaphysician1 did n         
compreh5d him bett] ?an o!r m53 x is n1 
p]haps1 ei!r ! wise/ or ! sure/ way to  
become acqua9t$ ) him1 to repres5t him  
to ourselves1 by ! imag9ation ( a       
!ologian4  #e?ly1 ,?\gh ! sub/ance1 or  
ess5ce ( ! self-exi/5t ,be+1 is 9 itself
 absolutely incompreh5sible to u1 yet _m
 ( ! ess5tial attributes ( 8 nature are 
/rictly demon/rable1 z well z 8 exi/5ce4
 ,?us1 9 ! fir/ place1 ! self-exi/5t    
,be+ mu/ ( necessity be et]nal4  ,?is   
proposition diff]s 9 no?+ f ! fir/1     
except ,dr4 ,cl>ke does n "h und]/& t z 
! self-exi/5t ,be+ _h no beg9n+1 he c h 
no end4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 we mu/ ev]   
inquire1 ,:y ?is %\ld n be matt]8 ,we   
%all fur!r obs]ve1 t matt] n be+ capable
 ( annihilation1 exi/s necess>ily1      

consequ5tly w nev] cease to exi/2 t !   
human m9d has no means ( conceiv+ h[    
matt] %\ld orig9ate f t :i* is n itself 
matt]3 is x n obvi\s1 t matt] is        
necess>y2 t !re is no?+1 except its     
p[]s1 its arrangem5t1 its comb9ations1  
:i* are cont+5t or evanesc5t8 ,! g5]al  
motion is necess>y1 b ! giv5 motion is n
 s2 only dur+ ! season t ! p>ticul>     
comb9ations subsi/1 ( :i* ?is motion is 
! consequ5ce1 or ! effect3 we may be    
compet5t to *ange ! direction1 to ei!r  
accel]ate or ret>d1 to susp5d or arre/1 
a p>ticul> motion1 b ! g5]al motion c   
nev] possibly be annihilat$4 ,man1 9    
dy+1 ceases to live2 t is to say1 he no 
long] ei!r walks1 ?9ks1 or acts 9 ! mode
 :i* is peculi> to human organization3 b
 ! matt] :i* compos$ 8 body1 ! matt] :i*
 =m$ 8 m9d1 does n cease to move on t   
acc\nt3 x simply becomes susceptible (  
ano!r species ( motion4  #f?ly1 ,!      
self-exi/5t ,be+ mu/ ( necessity be     
inf9ite & omnipres5t4  ,! ^w inf9ite    
pres5ts only a negative idea--:i*       

excludes all b\nds3 x is evid5t t a be+ 
:o exi/s necess>ily1 :o is indep5d5t1 _c
 be limit$ by any ?+ :i* is out (       
himself2 he mu/ consequ5tly be 8 own    
limits2 9 ?is s5se we may say he is     
inf9ite4  ,t\*+ :at is said ( 8         
omnipres5ce1 x is equally evid5t t if   
!re be no?+ ext]ior to ?is be+1 ei!r !re
 is no place 9 :i* he mu/ n be pres5t1  
or t !re w be only himself & ! vacuum4  
,?is grant$1 ,i %all inquire if matt]   
exi/s2 if x does n at lea/ occupy a     
portion ( space8 ,9 ?is case1 matt]1 or 
! univ]se1 mu/ exclude e o!r be+ :o is n
 matt]1 f t place :i* ! mat]ial be+s    
occupy 9 space4 ,9 ask+ :e!r ! gods ( ! 
!ologians be by *ance ! ab/ract be+ :i* 
!y call ! vacuum or space1 !y w reply1  
no6 ,!y w fur!r insi/1 t _! gods1 :o are
 n matt]1 p5etrate t :i* is matt]4 ,b x 
mu/ be obvi\s1 t to p5etrate matt]1 x is
 necess>y to h "s correspond5ce ) matt]1
 consequ5tly to h ext5t2 n[ to h ext5t1 
is to h "o ( ! prop]ties ( matt]4 ,if ! 
,div9ity p5etrates matt]1 !n he is      

mat]ial2 by a necess>y d$uction he is   
insep>able f matt]2 !n if he is         
omnipres5t1 he w be 9 e ?+4 ,?is !      
!ologian w n all[3 he w say x is a      
my/]y2 by :i* ,i %all und]/& t he is    
himself ignorant h[ to acc\nt = 8 own   
positions2 ?is w n be ! case ) mak+     
nature act aft] immutable laws2 %e w (  
necessity be e :]e1 9 my body1 9 my arm1
 9 e o!r mat]ial be+1 because matt]     
composes !m all4 ,! ,div9ity :o has giv5
 ?is inv>iable sy/em1 w )\t any         
incongru\s reason+1 )\t any subt]fuge1  
be also pres5t e :]e1 inasmu* z ! laws  
he has prescrib$ w un*angeably act ?r\gh
 ! :ole2 ?is does n seem inconsi/5t )   
reason to suppose4  #g?1 ,! ,self-exi/5t
 ,be+ mu/ ( necessity be b "o4  ,if !re 
he no?+ ext]ior to a be+ :o exi/s       
necess>ily1 x mu/ foll[ t he is unique4 
,x w be obvi\s t ?is proposition is !   
same ) ! prec$+ "o2 at lea/1 if !y are n
 will+ to d5y ! exi/5ce ( ! mat]ial _w4 
#h?1 ,! self-exi/5t & orig9al ,cause (  
all ?+s1 mu/ be an intellig5t be+4  ,"h 

,dr4 ,cl>ke mo/ unque/ionably assigne? a
 human quality3 intellig5ce is a faculty
 app]ta9+ to organiz$ or animat$ be+s1 (
 :i* we h no k out ( ^! be+s4 ,to h     
intellig5ce1 x is necess>y to ?9k2 to   
?9k1 x is requisite to h ideas2 to h    
ideas1 supposes s5ses2 :5 s5ses exi/ !y 
are mat]ial2 :5 !y are mat]ial1 !y _c be
 a pure _s1 9 ! language ( ! !ologian4  
,! necess>y ,be+ :o compreh5ds1 :o      
conta9s1 :o produces animat$ be+s1      
conta9s1 includes1 & produce?           
intellig5ce4 ,b has ! great :ole a      
peculi> intellig5ce1 :i* move? x1 :i*   
make? x act1 :i* det]m9e? x 9 ! mode t  
intellig5ce moves & det]m9es animat$    
bodies2 or r1 is n ?is intellig5ce !    
consequ5ce ( immutable laws1 a c]ta9    
modification result+ f c]ta9 comb9ations
 ( matt]1 :i* exi/s "u "o =m ( ^!       
comb9ations1 b is want+ "u ano!r =m8    
,?is is assur$ly :at no?+ is compet5t   
absolutely1 & demon/rably to prove4 ,man
 hav+ plac$ himself 9 ! fir/ rank 9 !   
univ]se1 has be5 desir\s to judge ( e ?+

 aft] :at he saw )9 himself1 because he 
ha? pret5d$ t 9 ord] to be p]fect x 0   
necess>y to be l himself4 ,"h is ! s\rce
 ( all 8 errone\s reason+ ^u nature--!  
f\ndation ( 8 ideas ^u 8 gods4 ,he has  
!re=e conclud$1 p]haps n ) ! mo/ poli%$ 
wisdom1 t x w\ld be indecor\s 9 himself1
 injuri\s to ! ,div9ity1 n to inve/ him 
) a quality :i* is f\nd e/imable 9      
man--:i* he prizes highly--to :i* he    
atta*es ! idea ( p]fection--:i* he      
consid]s z a manife/ pro( ( sup]iority4 
,he sees 8 fell[-creature is (f5d$ :5 he
 is ?\ght to lack intellig5ce2 he !re=e 
judges x to be ! same ) ! ,div9ity4 ,he 
d5ies ?is quality to nature1 because he 
consid]s h] a mass ( ignoble matt]1     
incapable ( self-action2 al?\gh %e      
conta9s & produces intellig5t be+s4 ,b  
?is is r a p]sonification ( an ab/ract  
quality1 ?an an attribute ( ! ,deity1 ) 
^: p]fections1 ) ^: mode ( exi/5ce1 he  
_c by any possible means become acqua9t$
 accord+ to ! fif? proposition ( ,dr4   
,cl>ke himself4 ,x is 9 ! e>? t is      

eng5d]$ ^? liv+ animals call$ worms2 yet
 we d n say ! e>? is a liv+ creature4 ,!
 bread :i* man eats1 ! w9e t he dr9ks1  
are n !mselves ?9k+ sub/ances2 yet !y   
n\ri%1 su/a91 & cause ^? be+s to ?9k1 :o
 are susceptible ( ?is modification ( _!
 exi/5ce4 ,x is likewise 9 nature1 t is 
=m$ intellig5t1 feel+1 ?9k+ be+s2 yet x 
_c be rationally said1 t nature feels1  
?9ks1 & is intellig5t aft] ! mann] ( ^! 
be+s1 :o nev]!less spr+ out ( h] bosom4 
,h[6 cries ! metaphysician1 ! subtiliz+ 
philosoph]1 :at6 refuse to ! ,div9ity1  
^? qualities we discov] 9 8 creatures8  
,mu/1 !n1 ! "w be m p]fect ?an !        
workman8 ,%all ,god1 :o made ! eye1 n   
himself see8 ,%all ,god1 :o =m$ ! e>1 n 
himself he>6 ,?is at a sup]ficial view  
appe>s insup]able3 b are ! que/ion]s1   
h[ev] triumphantly !y may make !        
inquiry1 !mselves aw>e ( ! l5g? ?is w\ld
 c>ry !m1 ev5 if _! qu]ies 7 answ]$ ) ! 
mo/ unqualifi$ affirmative8 ,h !y       
suffici5tly reflect$ on ! t5d5cy ( ?is  
mode ( reason+8 ,if ?is be admitt$ z a  

po/ulatum1 are !y prep>$ to foll[ x 9   
all its ext5t8 ,suppose _! argum5t      
grant$1 :at is to be done ) all ^? o!r  
qualities ^u :i* man does n set s high a
 value8 ,are !y also to be ascrib$ to ! 
,div9ity1 because we d n refuse him     
qualities possess$ by 8 creatures8 ,by a
 p>ity ( reason+ we %\ld atta* faculties
 t w\ld be degrad+ to ! ,div9ity4 ,?us x
 ev] happ5s ) ^? :o travel out ( !      
limits ( _! own k2 !y involve !mselves 9
 p]petual contradictions :i* !y c nev]  
reconcile2 :i* only s]ve to prove t 9   
argu+ ^u po9ts1 on :i* univ]sal         
ignorance prevails1 ! result is         
con/antly t all ! d$uctions made f su*  
un/eady pr9ciples1 mu/ ( necessity be at
 w> ) ea* o!r1 9 ho/ility ) !mselves4   
,?us1 al?\gh we _c help feel+ ! pr(\nd  
wisdom1 t mu/ h dictat$ ! sy/em we see  
act ) su* uni=mity1 ) su* con/ancy1 )   
su* a/oni%+ p[]1 we _c =m ! mo/ sl5d]   
idea ( ! p>ticul> nature ( t wisdom2    
because if we 7 = an in/ant to          
assimilate x to our own1 weak & feeble z

 x is1 we %\ld f t in/ant be 9 a /ate ( 
contradiction2 see+ we c\ld n !n avoid  
consid]+ ! evil we witness1 ! sorr[ we  
exp]i5ce1 z a d]eliction ( ?is wisdom1  
:i* at lea/ proves "o great tru?1 t we  
are utt]ly incapable ( =m+ an idea ( !  
,div9ity4 ,b 9 contemplat+ ?+s z our own
 exp]i5ce w>rants 9 :atev] we d und]/&1 
9 consid]+ nature z act+ by un*angeable 
laws1 we f9d good & evil necess>ily     
exi/+1 )\t at all involv+ ! wisdom ( !  
great ,cause ( causes2 :o ?us has no ne$
 to rem$y t1 :i* ! fur!r progress ( !   
et]nal sy/em w regulate ( itself1 or :i*
 indu/ry & pati5t rese>* on our p>ts w  
enable u to discov] ! means ( futurely  
avoid+4  #i?1 ,! self-exi/5t & orig9al  
,cause ( all ?+s1 is n a necess>y ag5t1 
b a be+ endu$ ) lib]ty & *oice4  ,man is
 call$ free1 :5 he f9ds )9 himself      
motives t det]m9e him to action1 or :5 8
 w meets no ob/acle to ! p]=mance ( t to
 :i* 8 motives h det]m9$ him4 ,!        
necess>y ,be+ ( :i* "q is "h made1 do?  
he f9d no ob/acles to ! execution ( !   

projects :i* are attribut$ to him8 ,is  
he will+1 adopt+ _! own hypo!sis1 t evil
 %\ld be committ$1 or c he n prev5t x8  
,9 ?is latt] case he is n free2 if 8 w  
does meet ) ob/acles1 if he is will+ to 
p]mit evil2 !n he suff]s man to re/ra9 8
 lib]ty1 by d]ang+ 8 projects2 if he has
 n ^! projects1 !n !y are !mselves 9    
error :o ascribe !m to him4 ,h[ w !     
metaphysicians draw !mselves out ( ?is  
p]plex+ intricacy8  ,! fur!r a !ologian 
goes1 :il/ consid]+ 8 gods z possess$ ( 
human qualities1 z act+ by mortal       
motives1 ! m he fl\nd]s--! great] ! mass
 ( contradiction he heaps toge!r3 ?us if
 x be ask$ ( him1 c ,god rew>d crime1   
puni% virtue1 he w imm$iately answ]1 no6
 ,9 ?is answ] he w h tru?3 b !n ?is     
tru?1 & ! fre$om :i* is ascrib$ to him1 
_c1 accord+ to human ideas1 exi/ toge!r2
 because if ?is be+ _c love vice1 _c    
hate virtue1 & x is evid5t he _c1 he is 
9 fact n m free ?an man himself4 ,aga91 
,god is said to h made a cov5ant ) 8    
creatures2 n[ x is ! v ess5ce ( a       

cov5ant to re/rict *oice2 & t be+ mu/ be
 consid]$ a necess>y ag5t :o is "u !    
necessity ( fulfill+ any giv5 act4 ,z x 
is impossible to suppose ! ,div9ity c   
act irrationally1 x mu/ be conc$$ t z he
 made ^! laws1 he is himself oblig$ to  
foll[ !m3 because if he 0 n1 z we mu/   
aga9 suppose he does no?+ )\t a good    
reason1 he w\ld !reby imply1 t ! mode ( 
action he adopt$ w\ld be wis]2 :i* w\ld 
aga9 involve a contradiction4 ,!        
!ologians fe>+1 )\t d\bt1 to re/ra9 !   
lib]ty ( ! ,div9ity1 h suppos$ x 0      
necess>y t he %\ld n be b\nd by 8 own   
laws1 9 :i* !y h %ewn some:at m         
ignorance ( _! subject ?an !y imag9$4   
#aj?1 ,! self-exi/5t ,be+1 ! supreme    
,cause ( all ?+s1 mu/ ( necessity h     
inf9ite p[]4  ,z nature is adequate to  
produce e ?+ we see--z %e conta9s ! :ole
 unit$ p[] ( ! univ]se1 h] p[] has      
consequ5tly no limits3 ! be+ :o conf]r$ 
?is p[] _c h less4 ,b if ! ideas ( !    
!ologians 7 adopt$1 ?is p[] w\ld n appe>
 q s unlimit$2 s9ce1 accord+ to !m1 man 

is a free ag5t1 consequ5tly has ! means 
( act+ contr>y to ?is p[]1 :i* at once  
sets a b\nd>y to x4 ,an equitable mon>* 
is p]haps no?+ less ?an he is a free    
ag5t2 :5 he believes himself b\nd to act
 con=mably to ! laws1 :i* he has sworn  
to obs]ve1 or :i* he _c violate )\t     
w\nd+ 8 ju/ice4 ,! !ologian is a man :o 
may be v fairly e/imat$ neut]2 because  
he de/roys ) "o h& :at he e/abli%es ) ! 
o!r4  #aa?1 ,! ,supreme ,cause & ,au?or 
( all ?+s1 mu/ ( necessity be inf9itely 
wise4  ,z nature produces all ?+s by    
c]ta9 immutable laws1 x w require no    
great difficulty to all[ t %e may be    
inf9itely wise3 inde$1 :atev] side ( !  
argum5t may be tak51 ?is fact w result z
 a necess>y consequ5ce4 ,x w h>dly admit
 ( a "q t all ?+s are produc$ by nature3
 if1 !re=e1 we d n all[ h] wisdom to be 
fir/ rate1 x w\ld be an insult to !     
,div9ity1 :o gave h] h] sy/em4 ,if !    
!ologian himself is to take ! lead1 he  
also admits t nature op]ates "u !       
imm$iate auspices ( 8 gods2 :atev] %e   

does1 mu/ !n1 accord+ to 8 own %ew+1 be 
execut$ ) ! mo/ poli%$ wisdom4 ,b !     
!ologian is n satisfi$ ) go+ ?us f>3 he 
w insi/1 n only t he kn[s :at ^! ?+s    
are1 b also t he kn[s ! end !y h 9 view3
 ?is1 un=tunately1 is ! rock he splits  
^u4 ,accord+ to 8 own admission1 ! ways 
( ,god are imp5etrable to man4 ,if we   
grant 8 position1 :at is ! result8 ,:y1 
t x is at r&om he speaks4 ,if ^! ways   
are imp5etrable1 by :at means did he    
acquire 8 k ( !m8 ,h[ did he discov] !  
end propos$ by ! ,deity8 ,if !y are n   
imp5etrable1 !y !n c be equally kn[n to 
o!r m5 z to himself4 ,! !ologian w\ld be
 puzzl$ to %ew he has any m privileges 9
 nature ?an 8 fell[ mortals4 ,aga91 if  
he has ass]t$ ^! ?+s to be imp5etrable1 
:5 !y are n s1 he is !n 9 ! situation t 
he has himself plac$ ,mahomet3 he is no 
long] wor?y ( be+ att5d$ to1 because he 
has sw]v$ f v]acity4 ,x c]ta9ly is n v  
consi/5t ) ! sublime idea ( ! ,div9ity t
 he %\ld be clo!d ) t weak1 va9 passion 
( man1 call$ glory3 ! be+ :o _h !       

faculty ( produc+ su* a sy/em z x op]at$
 9 nature1 c\ld h>dly be suppos$ to h   
su* a frivol\s passion z we "k ?is to be
 9 our fell[s3 & z we c nev] reason b   
aft] :at we d "k1 x w\ld appe> no?+ c be
 m inconsi/5t ?an ?us cont9ually heap+  
toge!r our own feeble1 inconsi/5t views1
 & !n suppos+ ! great ,cause ( causes   
acts by su* futile rules4  #ab?1 ,!     
supreme ,cause & ,au?or ( all ?+s mu/ ( 
necessity be a be+ ( inf9ite goodness1  
ju/ice1 & tru?1 & all o!r moral         
p]fections1 su* z become ! supreme      
gov]nor & judge ( ! _w4  ,we mu/ aga9   
repeat t ^! are human qualities drawn f 
! model ( man himself2 !y only suppose a
 be+ ( ! human species1 :o %\ld be      
dive/$ ( :at we call imp]fections3 ?is  
is c]ta9ly ! highe/ po9t ( view 9 :i*   
our f9ite m9ds are capable ( contemplat+
 ! ,div9ity3 b z ?is be+ has nei!r      
species nor cause1 consequ5tly no fell[ 
creatures1 he mu/ necess>ily be ( an    
ord] s diff]5t to man1 t human faculties
 c 9 no wise be appropriately assign$ to

 him4 ,! idea ( p]fection1 z man und]/&s
 x1 is an ab/ract1 metaphysical1        
negative idea1 ( :i* he has no ar*etype 
:]eby to =m a judgm5t3 he w\ld call t a 
p]fect be+1 :o1 simil> to himself1 0    
want+ 9 ^? qualities :i* he f9ds        
prejudicial to him2 b su* a be+ w\ld    
aft] all be no wore ?an a man4 ,x is    
always relatively to himself1 to 8 own  
mode ( feel+ & ( ?9k+1 t a ?+ is ei!r   
p]fect or imp]fect2 x is accord+ to ?is1
 t 9 8 eyes a ?+ is m or less useful or 
prejudicial2 agreeable or disagreeable4 
,ju/ice includes all moral p]fections4  
,"o ( ! mo/ prom95t features ( ju/ice1 9
 ! ideas ( man1 is ! equity ( !         
relations subsi/+ betwe5 be+s1 f\nd$ ^u 
_! mutual wants4 ,accord+ to ! !ologian1
 8 gods owe no?+ to man4 ,h[ !n does he 
measure out 8 ideas ( ju/ice8 ,= a mon>*
 to say he ow$ no?+ to 8 subjects1 w\ld 
be consid]$1 ev5 by ?is !ologian        
himself1 z rank inju/ice2 because he    
w\ld expect ! fulfilm5t ( duties on _!  
"p1 )\t ex]cis+ ^? :i* devolv$ ^u       

himself4 ,duties1 accord+ to ! only idea
 man c =m ( !m1 mu/ be reciprocal4 ,x is
 r /ret*+ ! human capabilities1 to      
und]/& ! relations betwe5 a pure _s &   
mat]ial be+s--betwe5 f9ity &            
inf9ity--betwe5 et]nal be+s & ^? :i* are
 transitory3 ?us x is1 t metaphysics    
hold =? an inconceivable be+ by ! v     
attributes ) :i* !y clo! him2 = ei!r he 
has ^! attributes1 or he has !m n3 :e!r 
he has !m or has !m n1 man c only und]/&
 !m aft] 8 own p[]s ( compreh5sion4 ,if 
he does at all und]/& !m1 he _c h !     
slighte/ idea ( ju/ice unaccompani$ by  
duties1 :i* are ! v basis1 !            
sup]/ructure1 ! pill>s ^u :i* ?is virtue
 re/s4 ,:e!r we are to view x z         
self-love or ignorance 9 ! !ologian1 t  
he ?us dresses up 8 gods aft] himself1 x
 c]ta9ly 0 n ! happie/ ef=t ( 8         
imag9ation to "w by an inv]se rule3 =1  
accord+ to himself1 ! qualities he      
describes are all ! negation ( :at he   
calls !m4 ,doctor ,cl>ke himself /umbles
 a little ^u ^! po9ts2 he insi/s ^u free

 ag5cy1 & uses ?is extraord9>y me?od to 
support 8 argum5t2 he says1 ,god is1 by 
necessity1 a free ag5t3 & he c no m     
possibly cease to be s1 ?an he c cease  
to exi/4 ,he mu/ ( necessity1 e mom5t   
*oose to act1 or *oose to =be> act+2    
because two contradictories _c possibly 
be true at once4 ,man also is by        
necessity1 n 9 ! nature ( ?+s1 b ?r\gh  
,god's appo9tm5t1 a free ag5t4 ,& x is  
no o!rwise 9 8 p[] to cease to be su*1  
?an by depriv+ himself ( life4 ,w       
,doctor ,cl>ke p]mit u to put "o simple 
"q3 ,if to be obligat$ to d a c]ta9 giv5
 ?+1 is to be free1 :at is x to be      
co]c$8 ,or if two contradictories _c be 
true at once1 by :at rule ( logic are we
 to measure ! idea ( t fre$om :i* arises
 out ( necessity4 ,suppos+ necessity to 
be :at ,dr4 ,johnson1 7us+ ,milton z 8  
au?ority7 says x is1 compulsion1        
fatality1 w\ld x be consid]$ a man 0    
less re/ra9$ 9 8 actions because he 0   
only compell$ to d :at 0 "r8 ,! re/ra9t 
w\ld und\bt$ly he b5eficial to him1 b x 

w\ld n !re=e r5d] him m a free ag5t4 ,if
 ! ,div9ity _c love wick$ness1 _c hate  
goodness1 7& surely ! !ologians !mselves
 w n pret5d he c17 !n ! p[] ( *oice has 
no exi/5ce z f> z ^! two ?+s are        
conc]n$2 & ?is ^u ,cl>ke's own pr9ciple1
 because two contradictories _c be true 
at once4 ,no?+ c\ld1 ,i ?9k1 appe> a    
great] contradiction1 ?an ! idea t !    
,great ,cause ( causes c\ld by any      
possibility love vice3 if su* a mon/r\s 
pr9ciple c\ld = a mom5t h exi/5ce1 !re  
w\ld be an end ( all ! f\ndations (     
religion4  ,! ,doctor is v little happi]
 9 reason+ ^u immat]iality4 ,he says1 by
 way ( illu/rat+ 8 argum5t1 t x is      
possible to inf9ite p[] to create an    
immat]ial cogitative sub/ance1 endu$ ) a
 p[] ( beg9n+ motion1 & ) a lib]ty ( w  
or *oice4 ,aga91 t immat]ial sub/ances  
are n impossible2 or1 t a sub/ance      
immat]ial is n a contradictory notion4  
,n[1 :oev] ass]ts t x is contradictory1 
mu/ affirm t :atev] is n matt] is no?+2 
& t1 to say any ?+ exi/s :i* is n matt]1

 is say+ t !re exi/s some?+ :i* is no?+1
 :i* 9 o!r words is pla9ly ?is1--t      
:atev] we h n an idea (1 is no?+1 &     
impossible to be4 ,x c\ld1 ,i am apt to 
believe1 nev] h ent]$ into any          
reasonable m9d t a ?+ 0 impossible      
because he c\ld h no idea ( x3--_m ?+s1 
on ! contr>y1 are possible1 ( :i* we h n
 ! mo/ sl5d] notion3 b x does n1 ,i     
presume1 fl[ consecutively out ( ?is    
admission1 t !re=e e ?+ is1 :i* is n    
impossible4 ,doctor ,cl>ke !n1 r begs ! 
"q on ?is occasion4 ,9 ! s*ools x is    
nev] consid]$ requisite to prove a      
negative2 inde$1 ?is is rank$ by        
logicians among/ ^? ?+s impossible to   
be1 b x is consid]$ ( ! highe/          
importance to s\ndness ( argum5t1 to    
e/abli% ! affirmative by ! mo/          
conclusive reason+4 ,tak+ ?is = grant$1 
we w apply ! doctor's own reason+4 ,he  
says1 ,no?+ is t ( :i* e ?+1 c truly be 
affirm$4 ,s t ! idea ( no?+1 if ,i may s
 speak1 is absolutely ! negative ( all  
ideas2 ! idea1 !re=e1 ei!r ( a f9ite or 

inf9ite no?+ is a contradiction 9 t]ms4 
,to affirm1 ( a ?+ ) tru?1 x mu/ be     
necess>y to be acqua9t$ ) t ?+4 ,to h   
ideas1 z we h already prov$1 x is       
necess>y to h p]ceptions2 to h          
p]ceptions1 x is requisite to h         
s5sations2 to h s5sations1 requires     
organs4 ,an idea _c be1 & n be1 at !    
same mom5t3 ! idea ( sub/ance1 x w      
sc>cely be d5i$1 is t ( a ?+ solid1     
real1 accord+ to ,dryd52 capable (      
support+ accid5ts1 accord+ to ,watts2   
some?+ ( :i* we c say t x is1 accord+ to
 ,davies2 body1 corporeal nature1       
accord+ to ,newton2 ! idea ( immat]ial1 
accord+ to ,hook]1 is incorporeal4 ,h[  
!n am ,i to und]/& immat]ial sub/ance8  
,is x n1 accord+ to ^! def9itions1 t :i*
 _c c\ple toge!r8 ,if a ?+ be immat]ial1
 x _c be a sub/ance2 if a sub/ance1 x _c
 be immat]ial3 ^? ,i appreh5d w n h _m  
ideas1 :o d n see ?is is a complete     
negative ( all ideas4 ,if1 !re=e1 on !  
outset1 ! doctor _c f9d words1 by :i* he
 c convey ! idea ( t ( :i* he is s      

desir\s to prove ! exi/5ce1 by :at *a9 (
 reason+ does he flatt] himself t he is 
to be und]/ood8 ,he w endeav\r to draw  
out ( ?is dilemma1 by assur+ z !re are  
?+s :i* we c nei!r see nor t\*1 b :i* d 
n ! less exi/ on t acc\nt4 ,grant$3 b f 
!nce we c nei!r reason ^u !m1 nor assign
 !m qualities2 we mu/ at lea/ ei!r feel 
!m or some?+ l !m1 be=e we c h any idea 
( !m3 ?is1 h[ev]1 w\ld n prove !y 7 n   
sub/ances1 nor t sub/ances c be         
immat]ial4 ,a ?+ may ) great possibility
 exi/ ( :i* we h no k1 & yet be mat]ial2
 b ,i ma9ta9 until we h a k ( x1 x exi/s
 n = u1 any m ?an col\rs exi/ = a man   
born bl9d2 ! man :o has sight kn[s !y d 
exi/1 c describe !m to 8 d>k neighb\r2 f
 ?is description ! bl9d man may =m "s   
idea ( !m by analogy ) :at he himself   
already kn[s2 or1 p]haps1 hav+ a f9]    
tact ?an 8 neighb\r1 he may be enabl$ to
 di/+ui% !m by _! surfaces2 x w\ld1     
!re=e1 be bad reason+ 9 ! man born bl9d1
 to d5y ! exi/5ce ( col\rs2 because     
al?\gh ^! col\rs may h no relation ) !  

s5ses 9 ! abs5ce ( sight1 !y h ) ^? :o h
 x 9 _! p[] to see & to "k !m3 ?is bl9d 
man1 h[ev]1 w\ld-appe> a little         
ridicul\s if he und]took to def9e !m )  
all _! gradations ( %ade2 ) all _!      
v>iations "u diff]5t masses ( light4    
,aga91 if ^? :o 7 compet5t to           
discrim9ate ^! modifications ( matt]    
call$ col\rs1 7 to def9e !m to ?is bl9d 
man1 z ^? modifications ( matt] call$   
s\nd1 w\ld ! bl9d man be able to h any  
conception ( !m8 ,x c]ta9ly w\ld n be   
wise 9 him to av]1 t su* a ?+ z         
colorific s\nd _h no exi/5ce1 0         
impossible2 b at lea/ he w\ld be v      
ju/ifiable 9 say+1 !y appe>$            
contradictions1 because he _h "s ideas (
 s\nd :i* did n at all aid him 9 =m+ ^? 
( col\r2 he w\ld n1 p]haps1 be v        
inconclusive if he suspect$ ! compet5cy 
( 8 in=m] to ! def9ition attempt$1 f 8  
inability to convey to him 9 any di/9ct1
 und]/ood t]ms1 8 own ideas ( col\rs4 ,!
 !ologian is a bl9d man1 :o w\ld expla9 
to o!rs :o are also bl9d1 ! %ades &     

col\rs ( a portrait ^: orig9al he has n 
ev5 /umbl$ ^u 9 ! d>k4 ,!re is no?+     
incongru\s 9 suppos+ t e ?+ :i* has     
exi/5ce is matt]2 b x requires !        
complete inv]sion ( all our ideas1 to   
conceive t :i* is immat]ial2 because1 9 
po9t ( fact1 ?is w\ld be a quality ( :i*
 no?+ c ) tru? be affirm$4  ,x is1 inde$
 true1 t ,plato1 :o 0 a great creator ( 
*im]as1 says1 ^? :o admit no?+ b :at !y 
c see & feel1 are /upid ignorant be+s1  
:o refuse to admit ! reality ( ! exi/5ce
 ( invisible ?+s4 ,) all due def]5ce to 
su* an au?ority1 we may /ill v5ture to  
ask1 is !re !n no diff]5ce1 no %ade1 no 
gradation1 betwe5 an admission (        
possibilities & ! pro( ( realities4     
,!ology w\ld !n be ! only sci5ce 9 :i* x
 is p]mitt$ to conclude t a ?+ is1 z    
soon z x is possible to be4 ,w !        
ass]tion ( ei!r ,cl>ke or ,plato /&     
absolutely 9 place ( all evid5ce8 ,w\ld 
!y !mselves p]mit su* to be conv9c+ if  
us$ aga9/ !m8 ,! !ologians evid5tly hold
 ?is ,platonic1 ?is dogmatical language2

 !y h dream$ ! dreams ( _! ma/]2 p]haps 
if !y 7 exam9$ a little1 !y w\ld be f\nd
 no?+ m ?an ! result ( ^? obscure       
notions1 ^? un9telligible metaphysics1  
adopt$ by ! ,egyptian1 ,*aldean1 &      
,assyrian prie/s1 among :om ,plato drew 
up 8 philosophy4 ,if1 h[ev]1 philosophy 
means t :i* we are l$ to suppose x does1
 by ! great ,john ,locke1 x is a sy/em  
by :i* natural effects are expla9$4     
,tak5 9 ?is s5se we %all be "u !        
necessity ( agree+1 t ! ,platonic       
doctr9es 9 no wise m]it ?is di/9ction1  
see+ he has only drawn ! human m9d f !  
contemplation ( visible nature1 to      
plunge x into ! unfa?omable dep?s (     
invisibility--( intangibility--(        
suppositi\s speculation1 :]e x c f9d    
little o!r food except *im]as or        
conjecture4 ,su* a philosophy is r      
fanta/ical1 yet x w\ld seem we are      
requir$ to subscribe to its positions   
)\t be+ all[$ to comp>e !m ) reason1 to 
exam9e !m ?r\gh ! m$ium ( exp]i5ce1 to  
try ! gold by ! action ( fire3 ?us we h 

9 abundance ! t]ms spirits1 incorporeal 
sub/ances1 invisible p[]s1 sup]natural  
effects1 innate ideas1 my/]i\s virtues1 
possess$ by demons1 c4 c4 :i* r5d] our  
s5ses entirely useless1 :i* put to      
flight e ?+ l exp]i5ce2 :ile we are     
gravely told t no?+ is t1 ( :i* no ?+ c 
truly be affirm$4 ,:oev] may be will+ to
 take ! tr\ble ( read+ ! works ( ,plato 
& 8 disciples1 su* z ,proclus1          
,iamblicus1 ,plot9us1 & o!rs1 w n fail  
to f9d 9 !m almo/ e doctr9e1 e          
metaphysical subject ( ! !ologian2 9    
fact1 ! !urgy ( _m ( ! mod]n            
sup]/itions1 :i* = ! mo/ "p seems to be 
little m ?an a slight v>iation ( t      
adopt$ by ! e?nic prie/s4 ,dream]s h n  
_h t v>iety 9 _! follies1 t has g5]ally 
be5 imag9$4 ,t "s ( ^! ?+s %\ld be      
ext5sively admitt$1 by no means af=ds   
pro( ( _! exi/5ce4 ,no?+ appe>s m facile
 ?an to make mank9d admit ! greate/     
absurdities1 "u ! impos+ "n ( my/]ies2  
aft] hav+ imbu$ him f 8 infancy ) maxims
 calculat$ to hoodw9k 8 reason--to lead 

him a/ray--to prev5t him f exam9+ t :i* 
he is told he mu/ believe4 ,( ?is !re _c
 well exi/ a m decisive pro( ?an ! great
 ext5t ( c\ntry1 ! millions ( human be+s
 :o fai?fully & )\t exam9ation h adopt$ 
! idle dreams1 ! rank absurdities1 ( t  
ar* impo/or ,mahomet4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1
 we %all be oblig$ aga9 to reply to     
,plato1 & to ^? ( 8 foll[]s :o impose ^u
 u ! necessity ( believ+ t :i* we _c    
compreh5d1 t1 9 ord] to "k t a ?+ exi/s1
 x is at lea/ necess>y to h "s idea ( x2
 t ?is idea c only come to u by ! m$ium 
( our s5ses2 t consequ5tly e ?+ ( :i*   
our s5ses d n give u a k1 is 9 fact no?+
 = u2 & c only re/ ^u our fai?2 ^u t    
admission :i* is pretty g5]ally1 ev5 by 
! !ologian himself1 consid]$ z r a s&y  
f\ndation :]eon to erect ! alt> ( tru?3 
t if !re be an absurdity 9 n accr$it+ ! 
exi/5ce ( t :i* we d n "k1 !re is no    
less extravagance 9 assign+ x qualities2
 9 reason+ ^u its prop]ties2 9 clo?+ x )
 faculties1 :i* may or may n be suitable
 to its mode ( exi/5ce2 9 sub/itut+     

idols ( our own creation2 9 comb9+      
incompatible attributes1 :i* w nei!r be>
 ! te/ ( exp]i5ce nor ! scrut9y (       
reason2 & !n endeav\r+ to make ! :ole   
pass curr5t by d9t ( ! ^w inf9ite1 :i*  
we w n[ exam9e4  ,inf9ite1 accord+ to   
,d5nis1 means b\ndless1 unlimit$4       
,doctor ,cl>ke ?us describes x3--he     
says1 ,! self-exi/5t be+ mu/ be a mo/   
simple1 un*angeable incorruptible be+2  
)\t p>ts1 figure1 motion1 divisibility1 
or any o!r su* prop]ties z we f9d 9     
matt]4 ,= all ^! ?+s d pla9ly &         
necess>ily imply f9it5ess 9 _! v notion1
 & are utt]ly inconsi/5t ) complete     
inf9ity4 ,+5u\sly1 is x possible = man  
to =m any true notion ( su* a quality8  
,! !ologians !mselves ackn[l$ge he _c4  
,fur!r1 ! ,doctor all[s1 ,t z to !      
p>ticul> mann] ( 8 be+ inf9ite1 or e :]e
 pres5t1 9 opposition to ! mann] (      
creat$ ?+s be+ pres5t 9 su* or su* f9ite
 places1 ?is is z impossible = our f9ite
 und]/&+s to compreh5d or expla91 z x is
 = u to =m an adequate idea ( inf9ity4  

,:at is ?is1 !n1 b t :i* no man c expla9
 or compreh5d8 ,if x _c be compreh5d$1 x
 _c be detail$2 if x _c be detail$1 x is
 precisely t ( :i* no?+ c ) tru? be     
affirm$2 & ?is is ,dr4 ,cl>ke's own     
explanation ( no?+4 ,inde$1 is n ! human
 m9d oblig$ by its v nature to jo9      
limit$ quantities to o!r quantities1 :i*
 x c only conceive z limit$1 9 ord] to  
=m to itself a sort ( confus$ idea (    
some?+ beyond its own grasp1 )\t ev]    
rea*+ ! po9t ( inf9ity1 :i* eludes e    
attempt at def9ition8 ,!n x w\ld appe> t
 x is an ab/raction1 a m]e negation (   
limitation4  ,our le>n$ adv]s>y seems to
 ?9k x /range t ! exi/5ce ( incorporeal1
 immat]ial sub/ances1 ! ess5ce ( :i* we 
are n able to compreh5d1 %\ld n be      
g5]ally accr$it$4 ,to en=ce ?is belief1 
he says1 ,!re is n s mean & contemptible
 a plant or animal1 t does n conf\nd !  
mo/ enl>g$ und]/&+1 ^u e>?3 nay1 ev5 !  
simple/ & pla9e/ ( all inanimate be+s h 
_! ess5ce or sub/ance hidd5 f u 9 !     
deepe/ & mo/ imp5etrable obscurity4  ,we

 %all reply to him1  ,fir/1 ,t ! idea ( 
an immat]ial sub/ance2 or be+ )\t ext5t1
 is only an abs5ce ( ideas1 a negation (
 ext5t1 z we h already %ewn2 t :5 we are
 told a be+ is n matt]1 !y speak to u ( 
t :i* is n1 & d n tea* u t :i* is2      
because by insi/+ t a be+ is su*1 t x _c
 act ^u any ( our s5ses1 !y1 9 fact1    
in=m u t we h no means ( assur+         
ourselves :e!r su* be+ exi/s or n4      
,secondly1 ,we %all av[ )\t ! lea/      
hesitation1 t m5 ( ! greate/ g5ius1 ( ! 
mo/ indefatigable rese>*1 are n acqua9t$
 ) ! ess5ce ( /ones1 plants1 animals1   
nor ) ! secret spr+s :i* con/itute "s1  
:i* make o!rs vegetate or act3 b !n at  
lea/ we ei!r feel !m or see !m2 our     
s5ses h a k ( !m 9 "s respects2 we c    
p]ceive "s ( _! effects2 we h some?+    
:]eby to judge ( !m1 ei!r accurately or 
inaccurately2 we c conceive t :i* is    
matt]1 h[ev] v>i$1 h[ev] subtle1 h[ev]  
m9ute1 by analogy ) o!r matt]2 b our    
s5ses _c compass t :i* is immat]ial on  
any side2 we _c by any possible means   

und]/& x2 we h no means :atev] (        
asc]ta9+ its exi/5ce2 consequ5tly we _c 
ev5 =m an idea ( x2 su* a be+ is to u an
 occult pr9ciple1 or r a be+ :i*        
imag9ation has compos$1 by d$uct+ f x e 
kn[n quality4 ,if we are ignorant ( !   
intimate comb9ation ( ! mo/ mat]ial     
be+s1 we at lea/ discov]1 ) ! aid (     
exp]i5ce1 "s ( _! relations ) ourselves3
 we h a k ( _! surface1 _! ext5t1 _! =m1
 _! col\r1 _! s(tness1 _! d5sity2 by !  
impressions !y make on our s5ses1 we are
 capable ( discrim9at+ !m--( comp>+     
!m--( judg+ ( !m 9 "s mann]--( see+     
!m--( ei!r avoid+ or c\rt+ !m1 accord+  
to ! diff]5t modes 9 :i* we are affect$ 
by !m2 we _c apply any ( ^! te/s to     
immat]ial be+s2 to spirits2 nei!r c ^?  
m5 :o are unceas+ly talk+ to mank9d ( ^!
 inconceivable ?+s4  ,?irdly1 ,we h a   
consci\sness ( c]ta9 modifications 9    
ourselves1 :i* we call s5tim5t1 ?\ght1  
w1 passions3 = want ( be+ acqua9t$ ) our
 own peculi> ess5ce2 = want ( precisely 
und]/&+ ! en]gy ( our own p>ticul>      

organization1 we attribute ^! effects to
 a conceal$ cause1 di/+ui%$ f ourselves2
 :i* ! !ologians call a spiritual cause1
 inasmu* z x appe>s to act diff]5tly f  
our body4 ,nev]!less1 reflection1       
exp]i5ce1 e ?+ by :i* we are enabl$ to  
=m any k9d ( judgm5t1 proves t mat]ial  
effects c only emanate f mat]ial causes4
 ,we see no?+ 9 ! univ]se b physical1   
mat]ial effects1 ^! c only be produc$ by
 analog\s causes2 x is1 !n c]ta9ly m    
rational to attribute !m to nature      
h]self1 ( :i* we may "k some?+1 if we w 
b deign to m$itate h] ) att5tion1 r ?an 
to spiritual causes1 ( :i* we mu/ = ev] 
rema9 ignorant1 let u /udy !m z long z  
we please4  ,if incompreh5sibility be n 
a suffici5t reason = absolutely d5y+ !  
possibility ( immat]iality1 x c]ta9ly is
 n ( a cog5cy to e/abli% its exi/5ce2 we
 %all always be less 9 a capacity to    
compreh5d a spiritual cause1 ?an "o t is
 mat]ial2 because mat]iality is a kn[n  
quality2 spirituality is an occult1 an  
unkn[n quality2 or r x is a mode ( spee*

 ( :i* we avail ourselves to ?r[ a veil 
ov] our own ignorance4 ,we are repeat$ly
 told t our s5ses only br+ u acqua9t$ ) 
! ext]nal ( ?+s2 t our limit$ ideas are 
n capable ( conceiv+ immat]ial be+s3 we 
agree frankly to ?is position2 b !n our 
s5ses d n ev5 %ew u ! ext]nal ( ^!      
immat]ial sub/ances1 ,:i* ! !ologians w 
nev]!less attempt to def9e to u2 ^u :i* 
!y unceas+ly dispute among !mselves2 ^u 
:i* ev5 until ?is day !y are n 9 p]fect 
unison ) ea* o!r4 ,! great ,john ,locke 
9 8 famili> lett]s1 says1 ,i greatly    
e/eem all ^? :o fai?fully def5d _!      
op9ions2 b !re are s few p]sons :o1     
accord+ to ! mann] !y d def5d !m1 appe> 
fully conv9c$ ( ! op9ions !y pr(ess1 t  
,i am tempt$ to believe !re are m       
sceptics 9 ! _w ?an are g5]ally imag9$4 
,abady1 "o ( ! mo/ /r5u\s support]s (   
immat]ialism1 says1 ,! "q is n :at      
incorporeity is1 b :e!r x be4 ,to settle
 ?is disputable po9t1 x 7 necess>y to h 
"s data :]eon to =m our judgm5t2 b h[   
assure ourselves ( ! exi/5ce ( t1 ( :i* 

we %all nev] be compet5t to h a k8 ,if  
we are n told :at ?is is2 if "s tangible
 evid5ce be n (f]$ to ! human m9d2 h[   
%all we feel ourselves capacitat$ to    
judge :e!r or n its exi/5ce be ev5      
possible8 ,h[ =m an e/imate ( t picture 
^: col\rs elude our sight1 ^: design we 
_c p]ceive1 ^: features h no means (    
becom+ famili> to our m9d1 ^: v canvas  
refuses itself to our all rese>*1 ( :i* 
! arti/ himself c af=d no o!r idea1 no  
o!r description1 b t x is1 al?\gh he    
himself c nei!r %ew u h[ or :]e6 ,we h  
se5 ! ru9\s f\ndations ^u :i* m5 h      
hi!rto erect$ ?is fanciful idea (       
immat]iality2 we h exam9$ ! pro(s :i* !y
 h (f]$1 if pro(s !y c be call$1 9      
support ( _! hypo!sis2 we h sift$ !     
evid5ce !y h be5 will+ to h accr$it$1 9 
ord] to e/abli% _! position2 we h po9t$ 
out ! numb]less contradictions t result 
f _! want ( union on ?is subject1 f !   
irreconcileable qualities ) :i* !y clo! 
_! imag9>y sy/em4 ,:at conclusion1 !n1  
ought fairly1 rationally1 consi/5tly1 to

 be drawn f ! :ole8 ,c we1 or c we n    
admit _! argum5t to be conclusive1 su* z
 ought to be receiv$ by be+s :o ?9k     
!mselves sane8 ,w x all[ any o!r inf]5ce
 ?an t x has no exi/5ce2 t immat]iality 
is a quality hi!rto unprov$2 ! idea (   
:i* ! m9d ( man has no means ( compass+8
 ,/ill !y w insi/1 !re are no           
contradictions betwe5 ! qualities :i* !y
 attribute to ^! immat]ial sub/ances2 b 
!re is a diff]5ce betwe5 ! und]/&+ ( man
 & ! nature ( ^! sub/ances4 ,?is grant$1
 are !y ne>] ! po9t at :i* !y lab\r8    
,:at /&>d is x necess>y man %\ld        
possess1 to enable him to judge ( ^!    
sub/ances8 ,c !y %ew ! te/ t w lead to  
an acqua9tance ) !m8 ,are n ^? :o h ?us 
giv5 loose to _! imag9ation1 :o h giv5  
bir? to ?is sy/em1 !mselves m58 ,does n 
! disproportion1 ( :i* !y speak ) su*   
amaz+ confid5ce1 atta* to !mselves z    
well z to o!rs8 ,if x ne$s an inf9ite   
m9d to compreh5d inf9ity--to =m an idea 
( incorporeity--c ! !ologian himself    
boa/ he is 9 a capacity to und]/& x8 ,to

 :at purpose !n is x !y speak ( ^! ?+s  
to o!rs8 ,:y d !y attempt descriptions (
 t :i* !y all[ to be indescribable8     
,man1 :o w nev] be an inf9ite be+1 w    
nev] be able to conceive inf9ity2 if1   
!n1 he has hi!rto be5 incompet5t to ?is 
p]fection ( k1 c he reasonably flatt]   
himself he w ev] obta9 x2 c he hope "u  
any circum/ances to conqu] t :i* accord+
 to ! %ew+ ( all is unconqu]able8       
,nev]!less x is pret5d$1 t x is         
absolutely necess>y to "k ^! sub/ances3 
b h[ prove ! necessity ( hav+ a k ( t   
:i* is impossible to be kn[n8 ,we are !n
 told t good s5se & reason are suffici5t
 to conv9ce u ( its exi/5ce3 ?is is tak+
 new gr\nd1 :5 ! old has be5 f\nd       
unt5able3 = we are also told t reason is
 a trea*]\s guide2 "o t frequ5tly leads 
u a/ray2 t 9 religi\s matt]s x ought n  
to prevail3 at lea/ !n !y ought to %ew u
 ! precise "t :5 we mu/ resume ?is      
reason4 ,%all we consult x aga91 :5 ! "q
 is1 :e!r :at !y relate is probable2    
:e!r ! discordant qualities :i* !y unite

 are consi/5tly comb9$2 :e!r _! own     
argum5ts h all t solidity :i* !y w\ld   
!mselves wi% !m to possess8 ,b we h     
/rangely mi/ak5 !m if !y are will+ t we 
%\ld recur to x ^u ^! po9ts2 !y w       
in/ead1 insi/ we ought bl9dly to be     
direct$ by t :i* !y v\*safe to in=m u2 t
 ! mo/ c]ta9 road to happ9ess is to     
submit 9 all ?+s to t :i* !y h ?\ght    
prop] to decide on ! nature ( ?+s1 ( :i*
 !y av[ _! own ignorance1 :5 !y ass]t !m
 to be beyond ! rea* ( mortals4 ,?us x  
w\ld appe> t :5 we %\ld cons5t to       
accr$it ^! my/]ies1 x w\ld nev] arise ( 
our own k2 see+ ?is c no o!rwise obta9 b
 by ! effect ( demon/rable evid5ce2 x   
w\ld nev] arise f any intimate          
conviction ( our m9ds2 b x w\ld be      
entirely on ! ^w ( ! !ologian himself1 t
 we %\ld gr\nd our fai?2 t we %\ld yield
 our belief4 ,if ^! ?+s are to ! human  
species :at col\rs are to ! man born    
bl9d1 !y h at lea/ no exi/5ce ) relation
 to ourselves4 ,x w avail ! bl9d man    
no?+ to tell him ^! col\rs h no less    

exi/5ce1 because he _c see !m4 ,b :at   
%all we say ( t portrait ^: col\rs !    
bl9d man attempts to expla91 ^: features
 he is will+ we %\ld receive ^u 8       
au?ority1 ^: proportions are to be tak5 
f 8 description1 m]ely because we "k he 
_c behold !m8  ,! ,doctor1 al?\gh       
unwill+ to rel9qui% 8 subject1 removes  
none ( ! difficulty :5 he asks1 ,are our
 five s5ses1 by an absolute necessity 9 
! nature ( ! ?+1 all & ! only possible  
ways ( p]ception8 ,& is x impossible &  
contradictory !re %\ld be any be+ 9 !   
univ]se1 indu$ ) ways ( p]ception       
diff]5t f ^! t are ! result ( our pres5t
 composition8 ,or are ^! ?+s1 on !      
contr>y1 purely arbitr>y2 & ! same p[] t
 gave u ^!1 may h giv5 o!rs to o!r be+s1
 & might1 if he _h pleas$ h giv5 to u   
o!rs 9 ?is pres5t /ate8 ,x seems        
p]fectly unnecess>y to ! true po9t ( !  
argum5t to reason ^u :at c or _c be     
done3 ,i !re=e reply1 t ! fact is1 we h 
b five s5ses3 by ! aid ( ^! man is n    
compet5t to =m any idea :atev] (        

immat]iality2 b he is also 9 z absolute 
a /ate ( ignorance1 ^u :at might be 8   
capabilities ( conception1 if he _h m   
s5ses4 ,x is r ackn[l$g+ a weakness 9 8 
evid5ce1 on ! "p ( ! ,doctor1 to be ?us 
oblig$ to re/ x ^u ! supposition ( :at  
might be ! case1 if man 0 a be+ diff]5t 
to :at he is2 9 o!r words1 t !y w\ld be 
conv9c+ to mank9d if ! human race 7 n   
human be+s4 ,!re=e to dem& :at !        
,div9ity c\ld h done 9 su* a case1 is to
 suppose ! ?+ 9 "q1 see+ we _c =m an    
idea h[ f> ! p[] ( ! ,div9ity ext5ds3 b 
we may be reasonably all[$ to use !     
!ological argum5t 9 elucidation2 ^! m5 v
 gravely insi/1 ^u :at au?ority mu/ be  
be/ kn[n to !mselves1 t ,god _c         
communicate to 8 works t p]fection :i*  
he himself possesses2 at ! same mom5t !y
 d n fail to ann\nce 8 omnipot5ce4 ,w x 
require any capacity1 m ?an is ! common 
lot ( a *ild1 to compreh5d ! absurd     
contradiction ( ! two ass]tions8 ,z be+s
 possess+ b five s5ses1 we mu/ !n1 (    
necessity1 regulate our judgm5t by !    

in=mation !y are capable ( af=d+ u3 we  
_c1 by any possibility1 h a k ( ^?1 :i* 
conf] ! capacity to compreh5d be+s1 ( an
 ord] entirely di/+ui%$ f t 9 :i* we    
occupy a place4 ,we are ignorant ( !    
mode 9 :i* ev5 plants vegetate1 h[ !n be
 acqua9t$ ) t :i* has no aff9ity )      
ourselves8 ,a man born bl9d1 has only ! 
use ( f\r s5ses2 he has n ! "r1 h[ev]1 (
 assum+ x z a fact1 !re does n exi/ an  
extra s5se = o!rs2 b he may v           
reasonably1 & ) great tru? av]1 t he has
 no idea ( ! effects :i* w\ld be produc$
 9 him1 by ! s5se :i* he lacks3 not)/&+1
 if ?is bl9d man 0 surr\nd$ by o!r m51  
^: bir? _h also left !m devoid or sight1
 might he n )\t any v unw>rantable      
presumption1 be au?oriz$ to inquire ( !m
 by :at "r1 ^u :at au?ority1 !y spoke to
 him ( a s5se !y did n !mselves possess2
 h[ !y 7 enabl$ to reason1 to detail !  
m9utiae ( t s5sation ^u :i* _! own      
peculi> exp]i5ce taught !m no?+8  ,9    
%ort1 we c aga9 reply to ,dr4 ,cl>ke1 & 
to ! !ologians1 t foll[+ up _! own      

sy/ems1 ! supposition is impossible1 &  
ought n to be made1 see+ t ! ,div9ity1  
:o accord+ to _! own %ew+1 made man1 0 n
 will+ t he %\ld h m ?an five s5ses2 9  
o!r words1 t he %\ld be no?+ b :at he   
actually is2 !y all f\nd ! exi/5ce ( ^! 
immat]ial sub/ances ^u ! necessity ( a  
p[] t has ! faculty to give a comm5cem5t
 to motion4 ,b if matt] has always      
exi/$1 ( :i* !re does n seem to exi/ a  
d\bt1 x has always _h motion1 :i* is z  
ess5tial to x z its ext5t1 & fl[s f its 
primitive prop]ties4 ,inde$ ! human m9d1
 ) its five s5ses1 is n m compet5t to   
compreh5d matt] devoid ( motion1 ?an x  
is to und]/& ! peculi> quality (        
immat]iality3 motion !re=e exi/s only 9 
& by matt]2 mobility is a consequ5ce (  
its exi/5ce2 n t ! great :ole c occupy  
o!r p>ts ( space ?an x actually does2 ! 
impossibility ( t ne$s no argum5t1 b all
 its p>ts c *ange _! respective         
situations--d cont9ually *ange !m2 x is 
f !nce results ! pres]vation1 ! life (  
nature1 :i* is always z a :ole          

immutable3 b 9 suppos+1 z is done e day1
 t matt] is in]t1 t is to say1 incapable
 ( produc+ any ?+ by itself1 )\t !      
assi/ance ( a mov+ p[]1 :i* sets x 9    
motion1 are we by any means enabl$ to   
conceive t mat]ial nature receives ?is  
activity f an ag5t1 :o p>takes 9 no?+ ( 
mat]ial sub/ance8 ,c man really figure  
to himself1 ev5 9 idea1 t t :i* has no  
"o prop]ty ( matt]1 c create matt]1 draw
 x f its own peculi> s\rce1 arrange x1  
p5etrate x1 give x play1 guide its      
c\rse8 ,is x n1 on ! contr>y1 m rational
 to ! m9d1 m consi/5t ) tru?1 m cong5ial
 to exp]i5ce1 to suppose t ! be+ :o made
 matt] is himself mat]ial3 is !re !     
smalle/ necessity to suppose o!rwise8 ,c
 x make man ei!r bett] or worse1 t he   
%\ld consid] ! :ole t exi/s z mat]ial8  
,w x 9 any mann] make him a worse       
subject to 8 sov]eign2 a worse fa!r to 8
 *ildr52 a m unk9d husb&2 a m fai?less  
fri5d8  ,motion1 !n1 is co-et]nal )     
matt]3 f all et]nity ! p>ticles ( !     
univ]se h act$ & react$ ^u ea* o!r1 by  

virtue ( _! respective en]gies2 ( _!    
peculi> ess5ces2 ( _! primitive elem5ts2
 ( _! v>i\s comb9ations4 ,^! p>ticles   
mu/ h comb9$ 9 consequ5ce ( _! aff9ity2 
!y mu/ h be5 ei!r attract$ or repell$ by
 _! respective relations ) ea* o!r2 9   
virtue ( ^! v>i\s ess5ces1 !y mu/ h     
gravitat$ "o ^u ! o!r2 unit$ :5 !y 7    
analag\s2 sep>at$ :5 t analogy 0        
dissolv$1 by ! approa* ( het]og5e\s     
matt]2 !y mu/ h receiv$ _! =ms1 und]gone
 a *ange ( figure1 by ! cont9ual        
collision ( bodies4 ,9 a mat]ial _w !   
act+ p[]s mu/ be mat]ial3 9 a :ole e "p 
( :i* is ess5tially 9 motion1 !re is no 
occasion = a p[] di/+ui%$ f itself2 !   
:ole mu/ be 9 p]petual motion by its own
 peculi> en]gy4 ,! g5]al motion1 z we h 
else:]e prov$1 has its bir? f !         
individual motion1 :i* be+s ev] active  
mu/ un9t]rupt$ly communicate to ea* o!r4
 ,?us e cause produces its effect2 ?is  
effect 9 its turn becomes a cause1 :i* 9
 l mann] produces an effect2 ?is        
con/itutes ! et]nal *a9 ( ?+s1 :i*      

al?\gh p]petually *ang+ 9 its detail1   
suff]s no *ange 9 its :ole4  ,!ology1   
aft] all1 has seldom done m ?an p]sonify
 ?is et]nal s]ies ( motion2 ! pr9ciple (
 mobility inh]5t to matt]3 x has clo!d  
?is pr9ciple ) human qualities1 by :i* x
 has r5d]$ x un9telligible3 9 apply+ ^! 
prop]ties1 !y h tak5 no means ( und]/&+ 
h[ f> !y 7 suitable or n3 9 _! eag]ness 
to make !m assimilate1 !y h ext5d$ !m   
beyond _! own conception2 !y h heap$ !m 
toge!r )\t any judgm5t2 & !y h be5      
surpris$ :5 ^! qualities1 contradictory 
9 !mselves1 did n enable !m             
satisfactorily to acc\nt = all ! ph5om5a
 !y beheld2 f !nce !y h wrangl$2 accus$ 
ea* o!r ( imbecility2 yet infuriat$     
!mselves aga9/ :oev] _h ! tem]ity to "q 
t :i* !y did n !mselves und]/&2 9 %ort1 
!y h act$ l a man :o %\ld insi/ t all   
o!r m5 %\ld h precisely ! same vision t 
he himself _h dream$4  ,be ?is z x may1 
! great] portion ( :at ei!r ,dr4 ,cl>ke 
or ! !ologians tell u1 becomes1 9 "s    
respects1 suffici5tly intelligible z    

soon z appli$ to nature--to matt]3 x is 
et]nal1 t is to say1 x _c h _h a        
comm5cem5t1 x nev] w h an end2 x is     
inf9ite1 t is to say1 we h no conception
 ( its limits4 ,nev]!less1 human        
qualities1 :i* mu/ be always borr[$ f   
ourselves1 & ) o!rs we h a v sl5d]      
acqua9tance1 _c be well suitable to !   
entire ( nature2 see+ t ^! qualities are
 9 !mselves modes ( be+1 or modes :i*   
app]ta9 only to p>ticul> be+s3 n to !   
great :ole :i* conta9s !m4  ,?us1 to    
resume ! answ]s :i* h be5 giv5 to ,dr4  
,cl>ke1 we %all say3 ,fir/1 we c        
conceive t matt] has exi/$ f all        
et]nity1 see+ t we _c conceive x to h   
be5 capable ( beg9n+4 ,secondly1 t matt]
 is indep5d5t1 see+ !re is no?+ ext]ior 
to itself2 t x is immutable1 see+ x _c  
*ange its nature1 al?\gh x is unceas+ly 
*ang+ its =m & its comb9ations4 ,?irdly1
 t matt] is self-exi/5t1 s9ce n be+ able
 to conceive x c be annihilat$1 we _c   
possibly conceive x c h comm5c$ to exi/4
 ,f\r?ly1 t we d n "k ! ess5ce1 or !    

true nature ( matt]1 al?\gh we h a k (  
"s ( its prop]ties2 ( "s ( its          
qualities3 accord+ to ! mode 9 :i* !y   
act ^u u4 ,fif?ly1 t matt] n hav+ _h a  
beg9n+1 w nev] h an end1 al?\gh its     
num]\s comb9ations1 its v>i\s =ms1 h    
necess>ily a comm5cem5t & a p]iod4      
,six?ly1 t if all t exi/s1 or e ?+ our  
m9d c conceive is matt]1 ?is matt] is   
inf9ite2 t is to say1 _c be limit$ by   
any ?+2 t x is omnipres5t1 see+ !re is  
no place ext]ior to itself1 inde$1 if   
!re 0 a place ext]ior to x1 t w\ld be a 
vacuum4 ,sev5?ly1 t nature is unique1   
al?\gh its elem5ts or its p>ts may be   
v>i$ to inf9ity1 indu$ ) prop]ties      
extremely opposite2 ) qualities         
ess5tially diff]5t4 ,eigh?ly1 t matt]1  
arrang$1 modifi$1 & comb9$ 9 a c]ta9    
mode1 produces 9 "s be+s :at we call    
intellig5ce1 :i* is "o ( its modes (    
be+1 n "o ( its ess5tial prop]ties1     
,n9?ly1 t matt] is n a free ag5t1 s9ce x
 _c act o!rwise ?an x does1 9 virtue ( !
 laws ( its nature1 or ( its exi/5ce2 t 

consequ5tly1 heavy bodies mu/ necess>ily
 fall2 light bodies by ! same necessity 
rise2 fire mu/ burn2 man mu/ exp]i5ce   
good & evil1 accord+ to ! quality ( !   
be+s ^: action he exp]i5ces4 ,t5?ly1 t !
 p[] or ! en]gy ( matt]1 has no o!r     
b\nds ?an ^? :i* are prescrib$ by its   
own exi/5ce4 ,elev5?ly1 t wisdom1       
ju/ice1 goodness1 c4 are qualities      
peculi> to matt] comb9$ & modifi$1 z x  
is f\nd 9 "s be+s ( ! human species2 t !
 idea ( p]fection is an ab/ract1        
negative1 metaphysical idea1 or mode (  
consid]+ objects1 :i* supposes no?+ real
 to be ext]ior to itself4 ,twelf?ly1 t  
matt] is ! pr9ciple ( motion1 :i* x     
conta9s )9 itself3 s9ce matt] alone is  
capable ( ei!r giv+ or receiv+ motion3  
?is is :at _c be conceiv$ ( immat]iality
 or simple be+s de/itute ( p>ts1 devoid 
( ext5t1 )\t mass1 hav+ no pond]osity1  
:i* consequ5tly _c ei!r move itself or  
o!r bodies4      ,,*ap4 ,v4  ,exam9ation
 ( ! ,pro(s (f]$ by ,,desc>tes1         
,,malebran*e1 ,,newton1 c4   ,if !      

evid5ce ( ,cl>ke did n prove            
satisfactory--if ! !ologians ( 8 day    
disput$ ! mann] 9 :i* he h&l$ 8         
subject--if !y 7 dispos$ to ?9k he _h n 
e/abli%$ 8 argum5t ^u prop] f\ndations1 
x did n seem probable t ei!r ! sy/em (  
,desc>tes1 ! sublime rev]ies (          
,malebran*e1 or ! m me?odical mode      
adopt$ by ,newton1 7 at all likely to   
meet ) a bett] reception2 ! same        
objections w lie aga9/ !m all1 t !y h n 
demon/rat$ ! exi/5ce ( _! immat]ial     
sub/ances2 al?\gh !y h incessantly spok5
 ( !m1 z if !y 7 ?+s ( :i* !y _h ! mo/  
intimate k4 ,un=tunately ?is is a rock  
:i* ! mo/ sublime g5iuses h n be5       
compet5t to avoid3 ! mo/ enlight5$ m5 h 
done little m ?an /amm] ^u a subject :i*
 !y h all concurr$ 9 consid]+ ( ! highe/
 importance2 :i* !y unceas+ly hold =? z 
! mo/ necess>y = man to "k2 )\t at !    
same "t consid]+ he is n 9 a condition  
to occupy himself ) objects inaccessible
 to 8 s5ses--:i* 8 m9d1 consequ5tly1 c  
nev] grasp--:i* 8 utmo/ rese>* _c br+   

into t tangible %ape by :i* alone he c  
be enabl$ to =m a judgm5t4  ,to ! end t 
we may be conv9c$ ( t want ( solidity   
:i* ! greate/ m5 h n kn[n h[ to give to 
! pro(s !y h (f]$1 b :i* !y h           
successively imag9$ has e/abli%$ _!     
positions1 let u briefly exam9e :at !   
mo/ celebrat$ philosoph]s1 :at ! mo/    
subtile metaphysicians h said4 ,= ?is   
purpose we w beg9 ) ,desc>tes1 ! re/or] 
( philosophy among ! mod]ns1 to ^:      
sublime errors we are indebt$ = !       
effulg5t tru?s ( ! ,newtonian sy/em4    
,?is great man himself tells u1 ,all !  
/r5g? ( argum5t :i* ,i h hi!rto us$ to  
prove ! exi/5ce ( immat]ial sub/ances1  
consi/s 9 ?is1 t ,i ackn[l$ge x w\ld n  
be possible1 my nature 0 su* z x is1 t  
is to say1 t ,i %\ld h 9 me ! idea (    
immat]iality1 if ?is incorporeity did n 
truly exi/2 ?is same immat]iality1 ( :i*
 ! idea is 9 me1 possesses all ^? high  
p]fections ( :i* our m9d c h "s slight  
idea1 )\t h[ev] be+ able to compreh5d   
!m4 ,9 ano!r place he says1 ,we mu/     

necess>ily conclude f ?is alone1 t      
because ,i exi/1 & h ! idea (           
immat]iality1 t is to say1 ( a mo/      
p]fect be+1 ! exi/5ce is !re=e mo/      
evid5tly demon/rat$4 ,!re are n1 p]haps1
 _m except ,desc>tes himself1 to :om ?is
 w\ld appe> q s conclusive2 :o w\ld be  
impress$ ) ! conviction :i* he seems to 
imag9e is s v sub/antive4  ,fir/1 ,we   
%all reply to ,desc>tes1 x is n a       
w>rantable d$uction1 t because we h an  
idea ( a ?+1 we mu/ !re=e conclude x    
exi/s2 to give validity to su* a mode ( 
reason+ w\ld be productive ( ! greate/  
mis*ief2 w\ld1 9 fact1 t5d to subv]t all
 human in/itutions4 ,our imag9ation     
pres5ts u ) ! idea ( a sph9x1 or ( an   
hippogriff1 besides a ?\s& o!r          
fanta/ical be+s2 are we1 on t au?ority1 
to insi/ t ^! ?+s really exi/8 ,is ! m]e
 circum/ance ( our hav+ an idea ( v>i\s 
p>ts ( nature1 discrepantly jumbl$      
toge!r1 )\t any o!r evid5ce z to !      
assemblage1 a suffici5t w>rantry = call+
 ^u mank9d to accr$it ! exi/5ce ( su*   

het]og5e\s masses8 ,if a philosoph] ( ! 
mo/ consummate exp]i5ce1 ( ! greate/    
celebrity1 "o :o enjoy$ ! confid5ce (   
mank9d above e o!r1 0 to detail !       
faculties & p]fections ( ^! vision>y    
be+s1 al?\gh he %\ld hold !m =? z !     
p]fection ( all natural comb9ations1    
w\ld1 ,i say1 any reasonable be+ l5d    
himself to ! assev]ation8  ,secondly1 ,x
 is obvi\s t ! m]e circum/ance (        
exi/5ce1 does n prove ! absolute exi/5ce
 ( any ?+ ant]ior to itself2 al?\gh 9   
man1 z well z ! o!r be+s ( nature1 x is 
evid5ce t some?+ has exi/$ be=e him4 ,if
 ?is argum5t 0 to be admitt$1 are !y    
aw>e h[ f> x1 w\ld c>ry !m8 ,to ma9ta9 t
 ! exi/5ce ( "o be+ demon/rably proves !
 exi/5ce ( an ant]ior be+1 w\ld be1 9   
fact1 d5y+ t any ?+ 0 self-exi/5t4 ,!   
fallacy ( su* a position is too gl>+ to 
ne$ refutation4  ,?irdly1 ,x is n       
possible he %\ld h a di/9ct1 positive   
idea ( immat]iality1 ( :i* be1 z well z 
! !ologian1 lab\rs to prove ! exi/5ce4  
,x is impossible = man1 = a mat]ial be+1

 to =m to himself a correct idea1 or    
inde$ any idea1 ( incorporeity2 ( a     
sub/ance )\t ext5t1 act+ ^u nature1 :i* 
is corporeal2 a tru? :i* x may n be     
presum+ too mu* to say we h already     
suffici5tly prov$4  ,f\r?ly1 ,x is      
equally impossible = man to h any cle>1 
decid$ idea ( p]fection1 ( inf9ity1 (   
imm5sity1 & o!r !ological attributes4   
,to ,desc>tes we mu/ !re=e reply z we h 
done to ,dr4 ,cl>ke on 8 twelf?         
proposition4  ,?us no?+ c well be less  
conclusive ?an ! pro(s ^u :i* ,desc>tes 
re/s ! exi/5ce ( immat]iality4 ,he gives
 x ?\ght & intellig5ce1 b h[ conceive ^!
 qualities )\t a subject to :i* !y may  
adh]e8 ,he pret5ds t we _c conceive x b 
z a p[] :i* applies itself successively 
to ! p>ts ( ! univ]se4 ,aga91 he says1 t
 an immat]ial sub/ance _c be said to h  
ext5t1 b z we say ( fire conta9$ 9 a    
piece ( iron1 :i* has n1 prop]ly speak+1
 any o!r ext5sion ?an t ( ! iron itself4
 ,accord+ to ^! notions we %all be      
ju/ifi$ 9 tax+ him ) hav+ ann\nc$ 9 a v 

cle>1 9 a mo/ unequivocal mann]1 t ?is  
is nature h]self3 ?is inde$ is a pure   
,sp9osism2 x 0 decid$ly on ! pr9ciples (
 ,desc>tes t ,sp9osa drew up 8 sy/em2 9 
fact x fl[s out ( x consecutively4  ,we 
might1 !re=e1 ) great reason1 accuse    
,desc>tes ( a!ism1 see+ t he v          
effectually de/roys ! feeble pro(s he   
adduces 9 support ( 8 own hypo!sis2 we h
 solid f\ndation = insi/+ t 8 sy/em     
ov]turns ! idea ( ! creation1 because if
 f ! modification we subtract ! subject1
 ! modification itself disappe>s3 & if1 
accord+ to ! ,c>tesians1 ?is            
immat]iality is no?+ )\t nature1 !y are 
complete ,sp9osians1 ) ano!r "n4 ,if    
incorporeity is ! motive-p[] ( ?is      
nature1 x no long] exi/s indep5d5tly2 x1
 9 fact1 exi/s no long] ?an ! subject to
 :i* x is inh]5t subsi/s4 ,?us no long] 
exi/+ indep5d5tly1 x w exi/ only :ile ! 
nature :i* x moves %all endure2 )\t     
matt]1 )\t a subject to move1 to        
pres]ve1 :at is to become ( x1 accord+  
to ?is doctr9e1 or r accord+ to ?is     

elucidation ( a sy/em :i* is 9 itself   
unt5able8  ,x w be obvi\s f ?is1 t      
,desc>tes1 f> f e/abli%+ on a rocky     
f\ndation ! exi/5ce ( ?is immat]iality1 
totally de/roys 8 own sy/em4 ,! same ?+ 
w necess>ily happ5 to all ^? :o reason  
^u 8 pr9ciples2 !y w always f9i% by     
confut+ him1 & by contradict+ !mselves4 
,! same want ( j inf]5ce1 ! same        
discrepancy1 w obtrude !mselves 9 !     
pr9ciples ( ! celebrat$ ,fa!r           
,malebran*e2 :i*1 if consid]$ ) !       
slighte/ att5tion1 appe> to conduct     
directly to ,sp9osism2 9 fact1 c any ?+ 
be m 9 unison ) ! language ( ,sp9osa    
himself1 ?an to say1 z does ,malebran*e1
 t ! univ]se is only an emanation f     
,god2 t we see e ?+ 9 ,god1 t e ?+ we   
see is only ,god2 t ,god alone does e ?+
 t is done2 t all ! action1 ) e op]ation
 t takes place 9 nature1 is ,god        
himself2 9 a ^w1 t ,god is e be+ & !    
only be+4 ,is n ?is =mally ass]t+ t     
nature h]self is ,god8 ,moreov]1 at !   
same "t ,malebran*e assures u we see e  

?+ 9 ,god1 he pret5ds t x is n yet      
cle>ly demon/rat$ t matt] & bodies h    
exi/5ce2 t fai? alone tea*es u ^!       
my/]ies1 ( :i*1 )\t x1 we %\ld n h any k
 :atev]4 ,9 reply1 x might be a v fair  
"q1 h[ ! exi/5ce ( ! be+ :o creat$ matt]
 c be demon/rat$1 if ! exi/5ce ( ?is    
matt] itself be yet a problem8 ,he      
himself ackn[l$ges t we c h no di/9ct   
demon/ration ( ! exi/5ce ( any o!r be+  
?an ( t :i* is necess>y2 he fur!r adds1 
t if x be closely exam9$1 x w be se51 t 
x is n ev5 possible to "k ) c]titude1 if
 ,god be or be n truly ! creator ( a    
mat]ial1 ( a s5sible _w4 ,accord+ to ^! 
notions1 x is evid5t1 t1 foll[+ up !    
sy/em ( ,malebran*e1 man has only 8 fai?
 to gu>antee ! exi/5ce ( ! _w2 yet fai? 
itself supposes its exi/5ce2 if x be n1 
h[ev]1 c]ta9 t x does exi/1 & ! ,bi%op (
 ,cloyne1 ,dr4 ,b]keley1 has also held  
?is 9 d\bt1 h[ %all we be p]suad$ t we  
mu/ believe ! oracles :i* h be5 deliv]$ 
to a vision>y _w8  ,on ! o!r h&1 ^!     
notions ( ,malebran*e completely        

ov]turns all ! !ological doctr9es ( free
 ag5cy4 ,h[ c ! lib]ty ( man's action be
 reconcil$ ) ! idea t x is ! ,div9ity :o
 is ! imm$iate mov] ( nature2 :o        
actually gives impulse to matt] &       
bodies1 )\t ^: imm$iate int]f]5ce no?+  
takes place2 :o pre-det]m9es 8 creatures
 to e ?+ !y d8 ,h[ c x be pret5d$1 if   
?is doctr9e is to be accr$it$1 t human  
s\ls h ! faculty ( =m+ ?\ghts--h ! p[] (
 volition--are 9 a condition to move    
!mselves--h ! capacity to modify _!     
exi/5ce8 ,if x be suppos$ ) ! !ologians1
 t ! cons]vation ( ! creatures 9 !      
univ]se is a cont9u$ creation1 mu/ x n  
appe>1 t be+ ?us p]petually recreat$1 !y
 are enabl$ to commit evil8 ,x w !n be a
 self-evid5t fact1 t1 admitt+ ! sy/em ( 
,malebran*e1 ,god does e ?+1 & t 8      
creatures are no m ?an passive in/rum5ts
 9 8 h&s4 ,"u ?is idea !y c\ld n be     
answ]able = _! s9s1 because !y w\ld h no
 means ( avoid+ !m4 ,"u ?is notion !y   
c\ld nei!r h m]it or dem]it2 !y w\ld be 
l a %>p in/rum5t 9 _! own h&s1 :i* :e!r 

x 0 appli$ to a good or to an evil      
purpose1 x w\ld atta* to !mselves1 n to 
! in/rum5t3 ?is w\ld annihilate all     
religion3 x is ?us t !ology is          
cont9ually occupi$ ) committ+ suicide4  
,let u n[ see1 if ! immortal ,newton1 ! 
great lum9>y ( sci5ce1 ! *ampion (      
a/ronomical tru?1 w af=d u cle>]        
notions1 m di/9ct ideas1 m c]ta9 evid5ce
 ( ! exi/5ce ( immat]ial sub/ances4 ,?is
 great man1 ^: compreh5sive g5ius       
unravell$ nature1 ^: capaci\s m9d       
develop$ h] laws1 seems to h bewild]$   
himself1 ! in/ant he lo/ sight ( !m4 ,a 
slave to ! prejudices ( 8 infancy1 he _h
 n ! c\rage to hold ! lamp ( 8 own      
enlight5$ und]/&+ to ! ag5t !ology has s
 gratuit\sly associat$ ) nature2 he has 
n be5 able to all[ t h] own peculi> p[]s
 7 adequate to ! production ( t         
beautiful ph5om5a1 he has ) su* ma/]ly  
tal5ts s lum9\sly expla9$4 ,9 %ort1 !   
sublime ,newton himself becomes an      
infant :5 he quits physics1 :5 he lays  
aside demon/ration1 to lose himself 9 ! 

devi\s s9uosities1 9 ! inextricable     
labyr9?s1 9 ! delusive regions ( !ology4
 ,?is is ! mann] 9 :i* he speaks ( !    
,div9ity3  ,?is ,god1 says he1 gov]ns   
all1 n z ! s\l ( ! _w1 b z ! "l &       
sov]eign ( all ?+s4 ,x is 9 consequ5ce (
 8 sov]eignty t he is call$ ! ,"l ,god1 
,greek lett]s1 pantokrator1 ! univ]sal  
emp]or4 ,inde$ ! ^w ,god is relative &  
relates itself ) slaves2 ! ,deity is !  
dom9ion or ! sov]eignty ( ,god1 n ov] 8 
own body1 z ^? ?9k :o look ^u ,god z !  
s\l ( ! _w1 b ov] slaves4  ,f ?is x w be
 se5 t ,newton1 z well z ! !ologians1   
makes ! ,div9ity a pure _s1 :o presides 
ov] ! univ]se z a mon>*1 z a "l p>am\nt2
 t is to say1 :at man def9es 9 e>?ly    
gov]nors1 despot1 absolute pr9ces1      
p[]ful mon>*s1 ^: gov]nm5ts h no model b
 _! own w1 :o ex]cise an unlimit$ p[]   
ov] _! subjects1 trans=m$ into slaves2  
:om !y usually compel to feel 9 a v     
griev\s mann] ! weight ( _! au?ority4 ,b
 accord+ to ! ideas ( ,newton1 ! _w has 
n exi/$ f et]nity1 ! /aves ( ,god h be5 

=m$ 9 ! c\rse ( "t2 f ?is x w\ld be a j 
inf]5ce1 t be=e ! creation ( ! _w ! god 
( ,newton 0 a sov]eign )\t subjects4    
,let u see if ?is truly great philosoph]
 is m 9 unison ) himself 9 ! subsequ5t  
ideas :i* he deliv]s on ?is subject4  ,!
 supreme ,god1 he says1 is an et]nal1   
inf9ite1 & absolutely p]fect be+2 b     
h[ev] p]fect a be+ may be1 if he has no 
sov]eignty he is n ! supreme ,god4 ,! ^w
 ,god signifies ,"l1 b e "l is n god2 x 
is ! sov]eignty ( ! spiritual ,be+ :i*  
con/itutes ,god2 x is ! true sov]eignty 
:i* con/itutes ! true ,god2 x is !      
supreme sov]eignty :i* con/itutes !     
supreme ,god2 x is a false sov]eignty   
:i* con/itutes a false god4 ,f true     
sov]eignty1 x foll[s1 t ! true ,god is  
liv+1 intellig5t1 & p[]ful2 & f 8 o!r   
p]fections1 x foll[s1 t he is supremely 
or sov]eignly p]fect4 ,he is et]nal1    
inf9ite1 omnisci5t2 t is to say1 he     
exi/s f et]nity1 & w nev] h an end2 he  
gov]ns all1 & he kn[s e ?+ t is done1 or
 t c be done4 ,he is nei!r et]nity nor  

inf9ity1 b he is et]nal & inf9ite2 he is
 n space or duration1 b he exi/s & is   
pres5t4 ,! t]m "h us$ is ade/1 :i*      
appe>s to h be5 plac$ !re to avoid say+ 
t ,god is conta9$ 9 space4  ,9 all ?is  
un9telligible s]ies1 no?+ is to be f\nd 
b incr$ible ef=ts to reconcile !        
!ological attributes1 ! ab/ract ) !     
human qualities1 :i* h be5 ascrib$ to ! 
,div9ity2 we see 9 x negative qualities1
 :i* c no long] be suitable to man1     
giv51 h[ev]1 to ! ,sov]eign ( nature1   
:om he has suppos$ a k+4 ,h[ev] x may   
be1 ?is picture always supposes !       
,supreme ,god to h occasion = subjects  
to e/abli% 8 sov]eignty4 ,x makes ,god  
/& 9 ne$ ( man = ! ex]cise ( 8 empire2  
)\t ^!1 accord+ to ! text1 he w\ld n be 
a k+2 he c\ld h _h no empire :5 !re 0   
no?+3 b if ?is description ( ,newton 0  
j1 if x really repres5t$ ! ,div9ity1 we 
might be v fairly p]mitt$ to ask1 ,does 
n ?is ,spiritual ,k+ ex]cise 8 spiritual
 empire 9 va91 ^u refractory be+s1 :o d 
n at all times d t :i* he is will+ !y   

%\ld2 :o are cont9ually /ruggl+ aga9/ 8 
p[]2 :o spread disord] 9 8 /ates8 ,?is  
,spiritual ,mon>*1 :o is ma/] ( ! m9ds1 
( ! s\ls1 ( ! wills1 ( ! passions ( 8   
slaves1 does he leave !m ! fre$om (     
revolt+ aga9/ him8 ,?is inf9ite ,mon>*1 
:o fills e ?+ ) 8 imm5sity1 :o gov]ns   
all1 does he also gov]n ! man :o s9s2   
does he direct 8 actions2 is he 9 him :5
 he (f5ds 8 ,god8 ,! devil1 ! false god1
 ! evil pr9ciple1 ha? he n1 accord+ to  
?is1 a m ext5sive empire ?an ! true     
,god1 ^: projects1 if we are to believe 
! !ologians1 he is unceas+ly ov]turn+8  
,9 e>?ly gov]nm5ts ! true sov]eign is   
g5]ally consid]$ to be him ^: p[] 9 a   
/ate influ5ces ! great] numb] ( 8       
subjects4 ,if1 !n1 we c\ld suppose him  
to be omnipres5t1 t is1 pres5t 9 all    
places1 %\ld we n say he 0 ! sad witness
 to all ! outrages committ$ aga9/ 8     
au?ority1 & we %\ld n ent]ta9 a v exalt$
 op9ion ( 8 p[] if he p]mitt$ !m to     
cont9ue4 ,?is1 x is true1 w\ld be argu+ 
^u a mon>* ( ?is _w1 /ill x w\ld be !   

language held by obs]v]s4  ,is !        
spirituality ( ! ,div9ity well support$ 
by ^? :o say he fills all space1 :o f t 
in/ant give him ext5t1 ascribe to him   
volume1 make him correspond ) ! v>i\s   
po9ts ( space8 ,?is is ! v rev]se ( an  
immat]ial sub/ance4  ,god is "o1        
cont9ues ,newton1 & he is ! same = ev]1 
& e :]e1 n only by 8 virtue alone1 or by
 8 en]gy1 b also by 8 sub/ance4 ,b h[   
are we to conceive t a be+ :o is 9      
cont9ual activity1 :o produces all !    
*anges :i* be+s und]go1 c always be     
himself ! same8 ,:at is to be und]/ood  
by ei!r ?is virtue or ?is en]gy8 ,^! are
 relative t]ms1 :i* d n pres5t any cle>1
 di/9ct idea to our m9d1 except z !y    
apply to man3 :at are we1 h[ev]1 to     
und]/& by ! div9e sub/ance8 ,if ?is     
sub/ance be spiritual1 t is1 devoid (   
ext5t1 h[ c !re exi/ 9 x any p>ts8 ,h[ c
 x give impulse to matt]1 h[ set x 9    
motion8 ,h[ c x ev5 be conceiv$ by      
mortals8  ,nev]!less ,newton in=ms u1 t 
all ?+s are conta9$ 9 him1 & are mov$ 9 

him1 b )\t reciprocity ( action3 ,god   
exp]i5ces no?+ by ! motion ( bodies2 ^! 
exp]i5ce no resi/ance :atev] by 8       
omnipres5ce4 ,x w\ld "h appe> t he clo!s
 ! ,div9ity ) t :i* be>s ! "* (         
vacuum--( no?+2 )\t t1 x w\ld be almo/  
impossible n to h a reciprocal action or
 relation betwe5 ^! sub/ances1 :i* are  
ei!r p5etrat$ or encompass$ on all      
sides4 ,x mu/ be obvi\s1 t 9 ?is in/ance
 our sci5tific au?or does n di/9ctly    
und]/& himself4  ,he proce$s1 ,x is an  
inconte/ible tru?1 t ,god exi/s         
necess>ily1 & ! same necessity obliges  
to exi/ always & e :]e3 f :5ce x foll[s1
 t he is 9 e ?+ simil> to itself2 he is 
all eyes1 all e>s1 all bra9s1 all arms1 
all feel+1 all intellig5ce1 all action2 
b 9 a mode by no means human1 by no     
means corporeal1 & :i* is totally unkn[n
 to u4 ,9 ! same mann] z a bl9d man has 
no idea ( col\rs1 x is t we h no idea ( 
! mode 9 :i* ,god feels & und]/&s4 ,!   
necess>y exi/5ce ( ! ,div9ity is        
precisely ! ?+ 9 "q2 x is ?is exi/5ce t 

x 0 ne$ful to h v]ifi$ by pro(s z cle>1 
by evid5ce z di/9ct1 by demon/ration z  
/rong1 z gravitation & attraction4 ,"o  
w\ld h h>dly ?\ght x possible !         
expansive capabilities ( ,newton w\ld n 
h compass$ x4 ,b oh1 unrivall$ g5ius6 s 
mighty1 s p[]ful1 s colossal1 :ile yet y
 0 a geometrician2 s insignificant1 s   
weak1 s inconsi/5t2 :5 y became a       
!ologian2 t is to say1 :5 y reason$ ^u t
 :i* c nei!r be calculat$1 nor submitt$ 
to exp]i5ce2 h[ c\ld y ?9k ( speak+ to u
 on a subject :i*1 by y\r own confession
 is to y j :at a picture is to a man    
born bl9d8 ,:]e=e quit nature1 :i* _h   
already expla9$ to y s mu*8 ,:y seek 9  
imag9>y spaces ^? causes1 ^? p[]s1 t    
en]gy1 :i* %e w\ld h di/9ctly po9t$ out 
to y1 _h y be5 will+ to h consult$ h] ) 
y\r usual sagacity8 ,! gigantic1 !      
intellig5t ,newton1 suff]s himself to be
 hoodw9k$--to be bl9d$ by prejudice2 he 
has n c\rage to look a "q fairly 9 !    
face1 :5 t "q involves notions :i* habit
 has r5d]$ sacr$ to him2 he turns 8 eyes

 f tru?1 he ca/s beh9d him 8 exp]i5ce1  
he lulls to sleep 8 reason1 :5 x becomes
 necess>y to probe op9ions full (       
contradictions1 yet fraught ) ! be/     
int]e/s ( humanity4  ,let u1 h[ev]1     
cont9ue to exam9e h[ f> ! mo/ transc5d5t
 g5ius is capable ( lead+ himself a/ray1
 :5 once he ab&ons exp]i5ce1 :5 once he 
*a9s up 8 reason1 :5 once he suff]s     
himself to be guid$ by 8 imag9ation4    
,god1 cont9ues ! fa!r ( mod]n           
philosophy1 is totally de/itute ( body &
 ( corporeal figure2 "h is ! reason :y  
he _c be ei!r se51 t\*$1 or und]/ood2 & 
ought n to be ador$ "u any corporeal =m4
 ,:at idea1 h[ev]1 c be =m$ ( a be+ :o  
is resembl$ by no?+ ( :i* we h any k8   
,:at are ! relations t c be suppos$ to  
exi/ betwe5 su* v dissimil> be+s8 ,:5   
man r5d]s ?is be+ 8 adoration1 does he  
n1 9 fact1 9 despite ( himself1 make him
 a be+ simil> to 8 own species2 does he 
n suppose t1 l himself1 he is s5sible to
 homage--to be won by pres5ts--ga9$ by  
flatt]y2 9 %ort1 he is treat$ l a k+ ( !

 e>?1 :o exacts ! respect1 dem&s !      
fealty1 requires ! ob$i5ce ( all :o are 
submitt$ to him4 ,newton adds1 we h     
ideas ( 8 attributes1 b we d n "k t x is
 any "o sub/ance2 we only see ! figures 
& ! col\rs ( bodies2 we only he> s\nds2 
we only t\* ! ext]ior surfaces2 we only 
sc5t od\rs2 we only ta/e flav\rs3 no "o 
( our s5ses1 no "o ( our reflections1 c 
%ew u ! intimate nature ( sub/ances3 we 
h /ill less ideas ( ,god4  ,if we h an  
idea ( ! attributes ( ,god1 x is only   
because we clo! him ) ^? :i* belong to  
ourselves2 :i* we nev] d m ?an aggr&ize1
 :i* we only augm5t or exagg]ate2 we !n 
mi/ake !m = ^? qualities ) :i* we 7 at  
fir/ acqua9t$4 ,if 9 all ^? sub/ances   
:i* are p]vi\s to our s5ses1 we only "k 
!m by ! effects !y produce on u1 aft]   
:i* we assign !m qualities1 at lea/ ^!  
qualities are some?+ tangible1 !y give  
bir? to cle> & di/9ct ideas4 ,?is       
sup]ficial k1 h[ev] sl5d] x may be1 )   
:i* our s5ses furni% u1 is ! only "o we 
c possibly h2 con/itut$ z we are1 we f9d

 ourselves "u ! necessity ( re/+ cont5t$
 ) x1 & we discov] t x is suffici5t =   
our wants2 b we h n ev5 ! mo/ sup]ficial
 idea ( immat]iality1 or a sub/ance     
di/+ui%$ f all ^? ) :i* we h ! slighte/ 
acqua9tance4 ,nev]!less1 we he> m5 h\rly
 reason+ ^u x1 disput+ ab\t its         
prop]ties1 advanc+ its faculties1 z if  
!y _h ! mo/ demon/rable evid5ce ( !     
fact2 te>+ ea* o!r 9 pieces1 because !  
"o does n readily admit :at ! o!r       
ass]ts1 ^u a subject :i* no man is      
compet5t to und]/&4  ,our au?or goes on 
,we only h a k ( ,god by 8 attributes1  
by 8 prop]ties1 by ! excell5t & wise    
arrangem5t :i* he has giv5 to all ?+s1 &
 by _! ,,f9al ,,causes3 we admire him 9 
consequ5ce ( 8 p]fections4 ,i repeat1 t 
we h no real k ( ! ,div9ity2 t we borr[ 
8 attributes f ourselves2 b x is evid5t 
^! _c be suitable to ! ,univ]sal ,be+1  
:o nei!r c h ! same nature nor ! same   
prop]ties z p>ticul> be+s2 x is         
nev]!less aft] ourselves t we assign him
 intellig5ce1 wisdom1 p]fection1 9      

subtract+ f !m :at we call defects4 ,z  
to ! ord]1 or ! arrangem5t ( ! univ]se1 
man f9ds x excell5t1 e/eems x !         
p]fection ( wisdom1 z long z x is       
favorable to 8 species2 or :5 ! causes  
:i* are co-exi/5t ) himself d n di/urb 8
 own peculi> exi/5ce2 o!rwise he is apt 
to compla9 ( confusion1 & f9al causes   
vani%3 he !n attributes to an immutable 
,god1 motives equally borr[$ f 8 own    
peculi> mode ( action1 = d]ang+ !       
beautiful ord] he s mu* admires 9 !     
univ]se4 ,?us x is always 9 himself1 t  
is1 9 8 own individual mode ( feel+1 t  
he draws up ! ideas ( ! ord]1 ! wisdom1 
! excell5ce1 ! p]fection :i* he ascribes
 to ! ,deity2 :il/ ! good z well z !    
evil :i* take place 9 ! _w1 are !       
necess>y consequ5ce ( ! ess5ce ( ?+s2 ( 
! g5]al1 immutable laws ( nature2 9     
%ort1 ( ! gravitation1 ( ! repulsion (  
matt]2 ( ^? un*angeable laws ( motion1  
:i* ,newton himself has s ably ?r[n into
 light2 b :i* he has by a /range fatuity
 =borne to apply :5 ! "q 0 conc]n+ !    

cause ( ^! ph5om5a1 :i* prejudice has   
refus$ to ! capabilities ( nature4 ,he  
goes on1 ,we rev]e1 & we adore ,god1 on 
acc\nt ( 8 sov]eignty3 we wor%ip him l 8
 slaves2 a ,god de/itute ( sov]eignty1 (
 provid5ce1 & ( f9al causes1 w\ld be no 
m ?an nature & de/9y4 ,x is true t      
sup]/ition enjo9s man to adore its gods 
l ignorant slaves1 :o tremble "u a ma/] 
:om !y "k n2 he c]ta9ly prays to !m on  
all occasions1 sometimes reque/+ no?+   
less ?an an entire *ange 9 ! ess5ce (   
?+s1 to gratify 8 caprici\s desires1 & x
 is p]haps well = him !y are n compet5t 
to grant 8 reque/3 9 ! orig91 z we h    
%ewn1 ^! gods 7 no?+ m ?an nature act+  
by necess>y laws1 clo!d "u a v>iety (   
fables2 or necessity p]sonifi$ "u a     
multitude ( names4 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 we
 d n believe t true religion1 t /]l+    
wor%ip :i* r5d]s man grateful1 :il/ x   
exalts ! maje/y ( ! ,div9ity1 requires  
any su* meanness f man t he %\ld act l a
 slave2 he is r expect$ to sit d[n to ! 
banquet prep>$ = him1 ) all ! dignity ( 

an invit$ gue/2 "u ! *e]+ consci\sness (
 a welcome t is nev] accord$ to slaves2 
no?+ is requir$ at 8 h&s1 b t he %\ld   
conduct himself temp]ately 9 !          
banquett+-h\se2 t he %\ld be grateful = 
! good *e] he receives2 t he %\ld h     
virtue2 7:i* we h already suffici5tly   
expla9$ is to r5d] himself useful1 by   
mak+ o!rs happy72 t he %\ld n by        
p]t9aci\sly sett+ up :imsical op9ions1 &
 insi/+ on _! adoption by 8 neighb\r1   
di/urb ! h>mony ( ! fea/2 t he %\ld be  
suffici5tly intellig5t to "k :5 he is   
really felicit\s1 & n seek to put d[n ! 
gaiety ( 8 fell[ gue/s2 b t he %\ld rise
 f ! bo>d satisfi$ ) himself1 cont5t$ ) 
o!rs2 9 %ort1 to comprise ! :ole 9 a    
trite axiom ( "o ( ! ,greek philosoph]s1
 he %\ld le>n ! invaluable secret1 to   
be> & =be>4  ,b to proce$4 ,newton tells
 u1 t f a physical & bl9d necessity1 :i*
 %\ld preside e :]e1 & be always ! same1
 !re c\ld n emanate any v>iety 9 ! be+s2
 ! div]sity :i* we behold1 c\ld only h  
its orig9 9 ! ideas & 9 ! w ( a be+ :i* 

exi/s necess>ily2 b :]e=e %\ld n ?is    
div]sity spr+ out ( natural causes1 f   
matt] act+ ^u matt]2 ! action ( :i* ei!r
 attracts & comb9es v>i\s yet analog\s  
elem5ts1 or else sep>ates be+s by !     
int]v5tion ( ^? sub/ances :i* h n a     
disposition to unite8 ,is n bread !     
result ( ! comb9ation ( fl\r1 yea/ &    
wat]8 ,z = ! bl9d necessity1 z x is     
else:]e said1 we mu/ ackn[l$ge x is t ( 
:i* we are ignorant1 ei!r ( its         
prop]ties or its en]gies2 ( :i* be+ bl9d
 ourselves we h no k ( its mode (       
action4 ,philosoph]s expla9 all !       
ph5om5a t occur by ! prop]ties ( matt]2 
& ?\gh !y feel ! want ( a m intimate    
acqua9tance ) natural causes1 !y d n    
!re=e ! less believe !m d$ucible f ^!   
prop]ties or ^! causes4 ,are1 !re=e1 !  
philosoph]s a!i/s1 because !y d n reply1
 x is ,god :o is ! au?or ( ^! effects8  
,is ! indu/ri\s workman1 :o makes       
gunp[d]1 to be *all5g$ z an a!i/1       
because he says ! t]rible effects ( ?is 
de/ructive mat]ial1 :i* inspir$ ! native

 ,am]icans ) su* awe1 :i* rais$ 9 _!    
w9ds su* wond]1 are to be ascrib$ to !  
junction ( ! app>5tly h>mless sub/ances 
( nitre1 *>coal & sulph]1 set 9 activity
 by ! accession ( trivial sc9tillations1
 produc$ f ! collision ( /eel ) fl9t1   
m]ely because "s bigot$ ,prie/ ( ! ,sun1
 :o is ignorant ( ! composition1 *ooses 
to ?9k x is n possible su* a /rik+      
ph5om5on c\ld be ! "w ( any ?+ %ort ( ! 
secret ag5ts1 :om he has himself appo9t$
 to gov]n ! _w8  ,x is allegorically    
said t ,god sees1 he>s1 speaks1 smiles1 
loves1 hates1 desires1 gives1 receives1 
rejoices1 gr[s angry1 fights1 makes1 or 
fa%ions1 c4 because all t is said (     
,god1 is borr[$ f ! conduct ( man1 by an
 imp]fect analogy4 ,man has n be5 able  
to act o!rwise1 = want ( be+ acqua9t$ ) 
nature & h] et]nal c\rse3 :5ev] he has  
imag9$ a peculi> en]gy :i* he has n be5 
able to fa?om1 he has giv5 x ! "n (     
,god2 & he has !n made him act ^u !     
self-same pr9ciples1 z he himself w\ld  
adopt1 accord+ to :i* he w\ld act if he 

0 ! ma/]4 ,x is f ?is pron5ess to       
,!an?ropy1 t has fl[$ all ^? absurd1 &  
frequ5tly dang]\s ideas1 ^u :i* are     
f\nd$ ! sup]/itions ( ! _w2 :o all adore
 9 _! gods ei!r natural causes ( :i* !y 
are ignorant1 or else p[]ful mortals (  
^: malice !y /& 9 awe4 ,! sequel w %ew !
 fatal effects t h result$ to mank9d f !
 absurd ideas !y h v frequ5tly =m$ to   
!mselves ( ! ,div9ity2 t no?+ c\ld be m 
degrad+ to him1 m injuri\s to !mselves1 
?an ! idea ( comp>+ him to an absolute  
sov]eign1 to a despot1 to a tyrant4 ,= !
 pres5t let u cont9ue to exam9e ! pro(s 
(f]$ 9 support ( _! v>i\s sy/ems4  ,x is
 unceas+ly repeat$ t ! regul> action1 ! 
inv>iable ord]1 :i* reigns 9 ! univ]se1 
! b5efits heap$ ^u mortals1 ann\nce a   
wisdom1 an intellig5ce1 a goodness1 :i* 
we _c refuse to ackn[l$ge1 9 ! cause :i*
 produces ^! m>vell\s effects4 ,to ?is  
we mu/ reply1 t x is unque/ionably true 
t n only ^! ?+s1 b all ! ph5om5a he     
beholds1 indicate ! exi/5ce ( some?+    
gift$ v sup]iorly to err+ man2 ! great  

"q1 h[ev]1 is "o t p]haps w nev] be     
solv$1 :at is ?is be+8 ,is ?is "q answ]$
 by heap+ toge!r ! e/imable qualities ( 
man8 ,speak+ ) relation to ourselves1   
:i* is all t ! !ologian really does1    
al?\gh 9 su* num]\s regions he pret5ds  
to d a great deal m1 we c apply ! t]ms  
goodness1 wisdom1 intellig5ce1 ! be/ )  
:i* we are acqua9t$1 to ?is be+ = ! want
 ( hav+ ^? t may be appropriate2 b ,i   
ma9ta91 ?is does n1 9 po9t ( fact1 af=d 
u "o s+le idea ( ! ,great ,cause (      
causes2 we admire 8 works2 & kn[+ t :at 
we approve highly 9 our own species1 we 
attribute to _! be+ wise1 we say !      
,div9ity displays wisdom4 ,s f> x is    
well2 b ?is1 aft] all1 is a human       
quality4 ,if we consult exp]i5ce1 we    
%all pres5tly be conv9c$ t our wisdom   
does n be> ! lea/ aff9ity to ! actions  
attribut$ to ! ,div9ity4 ,to get at ?is 
a little clos]1 we mu/ endeav\r to f9d  
out :at we d n call wisdom 9 man2 ?is w 
help u to =m an e/imate1 h[ v incompet5t
 we are to describe ! qualities ( a be+ 

t diff]s s v mat]ially f ourselves4 ,we 
mo/ c]ta9ly %\ld n call him a wise man1 
:o hav+ built a beautiful resid5ce1 %\ld
 himself set x on fire2 & ?us de/roy :at
 he _h lab\r$ s mu* to br+ to p]fection3
 yet ?is happ5s e day 9 nature1 )\t its 
be+ 9 any mann] a w>rantry = u to *>ge  
h] ) folly4 ,if !re=e we 7 to =m our    
judgm5ts aft] our own puny ideas (      
wisdom1 :at %\ld we say8 ,:y1 9 po9t (  
fact1 j :at ! man does1 :o1 ?9k+ he has 
_h too mu* ra91 implores f9e wea!r8     
,:i*1 prop]ly translat$1 is nei!r m nor 
less ?an giv+ ! ,div9ity to und]/& he   
be/ kn[s :at is prop] = himself4 ,! j1 !
 only fair inf]5ce to be drawn f ?is1   
is1 t we positively "k no?+ ab\t !      
matt]2 t ^? :o pret5d !y d1 w\ld1 if x 0
 ^u any o!r subject1 he suspect$ ( hav+ 
an uns\nd m9d4 ,we d n mean to insi/ t  
we are 9 ! "r1 b we mean to av] t !     
object ( ?is "w is n s mu* ei!r to build
 up new sy/ems1 or to put d[n old ones1 
z by %ew+ man ! inconclusiv5ess ( 8     
reason+s ^u matt]s n accessible to 8    

compreh5sion--to induce him to be m     
tol]ant to 8 neighb\r--to invite him to 
be less rancor\s aga9/ ^? :o d n see ) 8
 eyes--to hold =? to him motives =      
=be>ance1 aga9/ ^? ^: sy/em ( fai? may n
 exactly h>monize ) 8 own--to r5d] him  
less f]oci\s 9 support ( op9ions1 :i*1  
if he w b disc>d 8 prejudices1 he may   
f9d n s solidly bottom$ z he imag9es4   
,all we "k is sc>cely m ?an t ! motion  
we witness 9 ! univ]se is ! necess>y    
consequ5ce ( ! laws ( matt]2 t !        
uni=mity ( ?is motion is evid5ce ( _!   
immutability2 t x is n too mu* to say x 
_c cease to act 9 ! mann] x does1 z long
 z ! same causes op]ate1 gov]n$ by !    
same circum/ances4 ,we evid5tly see t   
motion1 h[ev] regul> 9 our m9d1 t ord]1 
h[ev] beautiful to our admir+ optics1   
yields to :at we t]m disord]1 to t :i*  
we designate frightful confusion1 z soon
 z new causes1 n analog\s to ! prec$+1  
ei!r di/urb or susp5d _! action4 ,we    
fur!r "k t a bett] k ( nature1 !        
consequ5ce ( "t1 ! result ( pati5t1     

labori\s1 physical rese>*es1 ) !        
comp>ison ( facts & ! application (     
exp]i5ce1 has enabl$ man 9 _m in/ances  
to div]t f himself ! evil effects (     
inevitable causes1 :i* ant]ior to ^!    
discov]ies ov]:elm$ 8 unhappy prog5itors
 ) ru94 ,h[ f> ^! salut>y developem5ts  
are to be c>ri$ by indu/ry1 :at may be  
a*iev$ by hone/y1 :at light is to be    
ga!r$ f ! recession ( prejudice1 ! wise/
 among m5 is n compet5t to decide4      
,c]ta9 x is1 t ph5om5a :i* = ages 7     
suppos$ to d5\nce ! ang] ( ! ,deity     
aga9/ mank9d1 are n[ well und]/ood to be
 common effects ( natural causes4       
,ord]1 z we h else:]e %ewn1 is only !   
effects :i* result to ourselves f a     
s]ies ( motion2 !re _c be any disord]   
relatively to ! great :ole2 9 :i* all t 
takes place is necess>y2 9 :i* e ?+ is  
det]m9$ by laws :i* no?+ c *ange4 ,!    
ord] ( nature may be damag$ or de/roy$  
relatively to ourselves1 b x is nev]    
contradict$ relatively to h]self1 s9ce  
%e _c act o!rwise ?an %e does3 if we    

attribute to h] ! evils we su/a91 we are
 equally oblig$ to ackn[l$ge we owe to  
h] ! good we exp]i5ce4  ,x 9 said1 t    
animals furni% a conv9c+ pro( ( ! p[]ful
 cause ( _! exi/5ce2 t ! admirable      
h>mony ( _! p>ts1 ! mutual assi/ance !y 
l5d ea* o!r1 ! regul>ity ) :i* !y       
fulfill _! functions1 ! pres]vation ( ^!
 p>ts1 ! cons]vation ( su* complicat$   
:oles1 ann\nce a workman :o unites      
wisdom ) p[]2 9 %ort1 :ole tracts (     
anatomy & botany h be5 copi$ to prove   
no?+ m ?an t ^! ?+s exi/1 = ( ! p[] t   
produc$ !m !re _c rema9 a d\bt4 ,we %all
 nev] le>n m f ^! erudite tracts1 save t
 !re exi/s 9 nature c]ta9 elem5ts ) an  
aptitude to attraction2 a disposition to
 unite1 suitable to =m :oles1 to induce 
comb9ations capable ( produc+ v /rik+   
effects4 ,to be surpris$ t ! bra91 !    
he>t1 ! art]ies1 ! ve9s1 ! eyes1 ! e>s (
 an animal1 act z we see !m--t ! roots (
 plants attract juices1 or t trees      
produce fruit1 is to be surpris$ t a    
tree1 a plant1 or an animal exi/s at    

all4 ,^! be+s w\ld n exi/1 or w\ld no   
long] be t :i* we "k !y are1 if !y ceas$
 to act z !y d3 ?is is :at happ5s :5 !y 
die4 ,if ! =mation1 ! comb9ation1 !     
modes ( action1 v>i\sly possess$ by ^!  
be+s1 if _! cons]vation = a season1     
foll[$ by _! de/ruction or dissolution1 
prove any ?+1 x is ! immutability ( ^?  
laws :i* op]ate 9 nature3 we _c d\bt !  
p[] ( nature2 %e produces all ! animals 
we behold1 by ! comb9ation1 ( matt]1    
cont9ually 9 motion2 ! h>mony t subsi/s 
betwe5 ! compon5t p>ts ( ^! be+s1 is a  
consequ5ce ( ! necess>y laws ( _!       
nature1 & ( t :i* results f _!          
comb9ation4 ,z soon z ?is accord ceases1
 ! animal is necess>ily de/roy$3 f ?is  
we mu/ conclude t e mutation 9 nature is
 necess>y2 is only a consequ5ce ( its   
laws2 t x c\ld n be o!rwise ?an x is1 "u
 ! circum/ances 9 :i* x is plac$4  ,man1
 :o looks ^u himself z ! *ef d'oeuvre1  
furni%es m ?an any o!r production a pro(
 ( ! immutability ( ! laws ( nature3 9  
?is s5sible1 intellig5t1 ?9k+ be+1 ^:   

vanity leads him to believe himself !   
sole object ( ! div9e pr$ilection1 :o   
=ms 8 ,god aft] 8 own peculi> model1 we 
see only a m incon/ant1 a m brittle     
ma*9e2 "o m subject to be d]ang$ by its 
extreme complication1 ?an ! gross] be+s3
 bea/s de/itute ( our k1 plants t       
vegetate1 /ones devoid ( feel+1 are 9 _m
 respects be+s m highly favor$ ?an man3 
!y are at lea/ exempt$ f ! sorr[s ( !   
m9d--f ! torm5ts ( reflection--f t      
dev\r+1 *agr9 to :i* he is s frequ5tly a
 prey4 ,:o is he :o w\ld n be a plant or
 a /one1 e "t rem9isc5ce =ces ^u 8      
imag9ation ! irrep>able loss ( a belov$ 
object8 ,w\ld x n be bett] to be an     
inanimate mass1 ?an a re/less1 turbul5t1
 sup]/iti\s be+1 :o does no?+ b tremble 
"u ! imag9>y displeasure ( be+s ( 8 own 
creation2 :o to support 8 own gloomy    
op9ions1 immolates 8 fell[ creatures at 
! %r9e ( 8 idol2 :o ravages ! c\ntry1 & 
deluges ! e>? ) ! blood ( ^? :o happ5 to
 diff] f him on a speculative po9t ( an 
un9telligible cre$8 ,be+s de/itute (    

life1 b]eft ( feel+1 )\t memory1 n hav+ 
! faculties ( ?\ght1 at lea/ are n      
afflict$ by ! idea ( ei!r ! pa/1 !      
pres5t1 or ! future2 !y d n at any rate 
believe !mselves 9 dang] ( becom+       
et]nally unhappy1 because !y way h      
reason$ badly2 or because !y happ5$ to  
be born 9 a l& :]e tru? has nev] yet %$ 
its refulg5t beams on ! d>k5$ m9d (     
p]plex$ mortals4  ,let x n !n be said t 
we _c h an idea ( a "w1 )\t also hav+ an
 idea ( ! workman1 z di/+ui%$ f 8 "w3 ! 
savage1 :5 he fir/ beheld ! t]rible     
op]ation ( gunp[d]1 did n =m ! mo/      
di/ant idea t x 0 ! "w ( a man l        
himself4 ,nature is n to be contemplat$ 
z a "w ( ?is k9d2 %e is self-exi/5t4 ,9 
h] bosom e ?+ is produc$3 %e is an      
imm5se elaboratory1 provid$ ) mat]ials1 
:o makes ! in/rum5ts ( :i* %e avails    
h]self 9 h] op]ations4 ,all h] works are
 ! effects ( h] own en]gies2 ( ^? ag5ts 
:i* %e h]self produces2 ( ^? immutable  
laws by :i* %e sets e ?+ 9 activity4    
,et]nal1 inde/ructible elem5ts1 ev] 9   

motion1 comb9e !mselves v>i\sly1 & ?us  
give bir? to all be+s1 to all ! ph5om5a 
:i* fill ! weak eyes ( err+ mortals )   
wond] & dismay2 to all ! effects1 :e!r  
good or bad1 ( :i* man exp]i5ces !      
influ5ce2 to all ! vicissitudes he      
und]goes1 f ! mom5t ( 8 bir? until t ( 8
 dea?2 to ord] & to confusion1 :i* he   
nev] discrim9ates b by ! v>i\s modes 9  
:i* he is affect$3 9 %ort1 to all ^?    
miracul\s spectacles ) :i* he occupies 8
 m$itation--^u :i* he ex]cises 8        
reason--:i* frequ5tly spread con/]nation
 ov] ! surface ( ! e>?4 ,^! elem5ts ne$ 
no?+ :5 circum/ances fav\r _! junction1 
save _! own peculi> prop]ties1 :e!r     
individual or unit$1 ) ! motion t is    
ess5tial to !m1 to produce all ^?       
ph5om5a :i* p[]fully /rik+ ! s5ses (    
mank9d1 ei!r fill him ) admiration1 or  
/agg] him ) al>m4  ,b suppos+ = a mom5t 
t x 0 impossible to conceive ! "w1 )\t  
also conceiv+ ! workman1 :o wat*es ov] 8
 "w1 :]e mu/ we place ?is workman8 ,%all
 x be int]ior or ext]ior to 8           

production8 ,is he matt] & motion1 or is
 he only space or ! vacuum8 ,9 all ^!   
cases ei!r he w\ld be no?+1 or he w\ld  
be conta9$ 9 nature3 z nature conta9s   
only matt] & motion1 x mu/ be conclud$ t
 ! ag5t :o moves x is mat]ial2 t he is  
corporeal2 if ?is ag5t be ext]ior to    
nature1 !n we c no long] =m any idea ( !
 place :i* he occupie?3 nei!r c we bett]
 conceive an immat]ial be+2 nor ! mode 9
 :i* a _s )\t ext5t c act ^u matt] f :i*
 x is sep>at$4 ,^! unkn[n spaces1 :i*   
imag9ation has plac$ beyond ! visible   
_w1 c h no exi/5ce = a be+1 :o )        
difficulty sees d[n to 8 feet2 he _c    
pa9t to 8 m9d any image ( ! p[] :i*     
inhabit !m2 b if he is compell$ to =m "s
 k9d ( a picture1 he mu/ comb9e at r&om 
! fanta/ical col\rs :i* he is ev] oblig$
 to draw f ! _w he inhabits3 9 ?is case 
he w really d no m ?an reproduce 9 idea1
 "p or p>cels ( t :i* he has actually   
se52 he w =m a :ole :i* p]haps has no   
exi/5ce 9 nature1 b :i* x w be 9 va9 he 
/rives to di/+ui% f h]2 to place out (  

h] bosom4 ,:5 he %all be +5u\s )        
himself1 ,:5 he %all be no long] will+  
to delude o!rs1 he w be oblig$ to       
ackn[l$ge1 t ! portrait he has pa9t$1   
al?\gh 9 its comb9ation x resembles no?+
 9 ! univ]se1 is nev]!less 9 all its    
con/itu5t memb]s an exact del9eation ( t
 :i* nature pres5ts to our view4 ,hobbes
 9 8 ,levia?an says1 ,! univ]se1 ! :ole 
mass ( ?+s1 is corporeal1 t is to say1  
body2 & ha? ! dim5sions ( magnitude1    
namely1 l5g?1 bread?1 & dep?3 also e "p 
( body is likewise body1 & ha? ! l      
dim5sions2 & consequ5tly e "p ( !       
univ]se is body2 & t :i* is n body1 is  
no "p ( ! univ]se2 & because ! univ]se  
is all1 t :i* is no "p ( x is no?+2 &   
consequ5tly no :]e3 nor does x foll[ f  
h5ce1 t spirits are no?+1 = !y h        
dim5sions1 & are !re=e really bodies2   
?\gh t "n 9 common spee* be giv5 to su* 
bodies only z are visible1 or palpable1 
t is1 t h "s degree ( opacity3 b =      
spirits !y call !m incorporeal2 :i* is a
 "n ( m hon\r1 & may !re=e ) m piety be 

attribut$ to ,god himself1 9 :om we     
consid] n :at attribute expresse? be/ 8 
nature1 :i* is incompreh5sible2 b :at   
be/ expresse? our desire to hon\r him4  
,x w be insi/$ t if a /atue or a wat* 7 
%ewn to a savage1 :o _h nev] be=e se5   
ei!r1 he w\ld n be able to prev5t       
himself f ackn[l$g+ t ^! ?+s 7 ! works (
 "s intellig5t ag5t ( great] ability1   
possess+ m indu/ry ?an himself3 x w be  
conclud$ f !nce1 t we are 9 l mann]     
oblig$ to ackn[l$ge t ! univ]se1 t man1 
t ! v>i\s ph5om5a1 are ! works ( an     
ag5t1 ^: intellig5ce is m compreh5sive1 
^: p[] f> surpasses our own4 ,grant$3 :o
 has ev] d\bt$ x8 ! proposition is      
self-evid5t2 x _c admit ( ev5 a cavil4  
,nev]!less we reply1 9 ! fir/ place1 t x
 is n to be d\bt$ t nature is extremely 
p[]ful2 dilig5tly indu/ri\s3 we admire  
h] activity e "t we are surpris$ by !   
ext5t1 e "t we contemplate ! v>iety1 e  
"t we behold ^? complicat$ effects :i*  
are display$ 9 h] works2 or :5ev] we    
take ! pa9s to m$itate ^u !m3 nev]!less1

 %e is n really m indu/ri\s 9 "o ( h]   
works ?an %e is 9 ano!r2 %e is n fa?om$ 
) m ease 9 ^? we call h] mo/            
contemptible productions1 ?an %e is 9 h]
 mo/ sublime ef=ts3 we no m und]/& h[ %e
 has be5 capable ( produc+ a /one or a  
metal1 ?an ! means by :i* %e organiz$ a 
head l t ( ! illu/ri\s ,newton4 ,we call
 t man indu/ri\s :o c accompli% ?+s :i* 
we _c2 nature is compet5t to e ?+3 z    
soon !re=e z a ?+ exi/s1 x is a pro( %e 
has be5 capable ( produc+ x3 b x is nev]
 m ?an relatively to ourselves t we     
judge be+s to be indu/ri\s3 we !n comp>e
 !m to ourselves2 & z we enjoy a quality
 :i* we call intellig5ce1 by ! assi/ance
 ( :i* we accompli% ?+s1 by :i* we      
display our dilig5ce1 we naturally      
conclude f x1 t ^? works :i* mo/ a/oni% 
u1 d n belong to h]1 b are to be ascrib$
 to an intellig5t be+ l ourselves1 b 9  
:om we make ! intellig5ce comm5surate ) 
! a/oni%m5t ^! ph5om5a excite 9 u2 t is 
to say1 9 o!r words1 to our own peculi> 
ignorance1 & ! weakness incid5t to our  

nature4  ,9 ! second place1 we mu/      
obs]ve1 t ! savage1 to :om ei!r ! /atue 
or ! wat* is br\ght1 w or w n h ideas ( 
human indu/ry3 if he has ideas ( x1 he w
 feel t ?is wat* or ?is /atue1 way be ! 
"w ( a be+ ( 8 own species1 enjoy+      
faculties ( :i* he is himself defici5t3 
if he has no idea ( x1 if he has no     
compreh5sion ( ! res\rces ( human art1  
:5 he beholds ! spontane\s motion ( !   
wat*1 he w be impress$ ) ! belief t x is
 an animal1 :i* _c be ! "w ( man4       
,multipli$ exp]i5ce confirms ?is mode ( 
?9k+ :i* is ascrib$ to ! savage4 ,!     
,p]uvians mi/ook ! ,spani>ds = gods1    
because !y made use ( gunp[d]1 rode on  
horseback1 & came 9 vessels :i* sail$ q 
alone4 ,! inhabitants ( ! isl& ( ,t5ian 
be+ ignorant ( fire be=e ! arrival (    
,europeans1 ! fir/ "t !y saw x1 conceiv$
 x to be an animal :o dev\r$ ! wood4    
,?us x is1 t ! savage1 9 ! same mann] z 
_m great & le>n$ m51 :o believe !mselves
 mu* m acute1 w attribute ! /range      
effects t /rike 8 organs1 to a g5ius or 

to a _s2 t is to say1 to an unkn[n p[]2 
to :om he w ascribe capabilities ( :i*  
he believes ! be+s ( 8 own species are  
entirely de/itute3 by ?is he w prove    
no?+1 except t he is himself ignorant ( 
:at man is capable ( produc+4 ,x is ?us 
t a raw unpoli%$ p raise _! eyes to     
heav51 e "t !y witness "s unusual       
ph5om5on4 ,x is ?us t ! p d5om9ate all  
^? /range effects1 ) ! natural causes ( 
:i* !y are ignorant1 miracul\s1         
sup]natural1 div9e2 b ^! are n by       
reasonable p]sons !re=e consid]$ pro(s (
 :at !y ass]t3 z ! multitude are g5]ally
 unacqua9t$ ) ! cause ( any ?+1 e object
 becomes a miracle 9 _! eyes2 at lea/ !y
 imag9e ,god is ! imm$iate cause ( !    
good !y enjoy--( ! evil !y suff]4 ,9    
%ort1 x is ?us t ! !ologians !mselves   
solve e difficulty t />ts 9 _! road2 !y 
ascribe to ,god all ^? ph5om5a1 ( !     
causes ( :i* ei!r !y are !mselves       
ignorant1 or else unwill+ t man %\ld be 
acqua9t$ ) ! s\rce4  ,9 ! ?ird place1 ! 
savage1 9 op5+ ! wat*1 & exam9+ its     

p>ts1 w p]haps feel1 t ?is ma*9]y       
ann\nces a "w :i* c only be ! result (  
human lab\r4 ,he w p]haps p]ceive1 t !y 
v obvi\sly diff] f ! imm$iate           
productions ( nature1 :om he has n      
obs]v$ to produce :eels made ( poli%$   
metal4 ,he w fur!r notice1 p]haps1 t ^! 
p>ts :5 sep>at$1 no long] act z !y did  
:5 !y 7 comb9$2 t ! motion he s mu*     
admir$1 ceases :5 _! union is brok54    
,aft] ^! obs]vations1 he w attribute !  
wat* to ! +5uity ( man2 t is to say1 to 
a be+ l himself1 ( :om he has "s ideas1 
b :om he judges capable to con/ruct     
ma*9es to :i* he is himself utt]ly      
incompet5t4 ,9 %ort1 he w ascribe !     
hon\r ( 8 wat* to a be+ kn[n to him 9 "s
 respects1 provid$ ) faculties v f>     
sup]ior to 8 own2 b he w be at an imm5se
 di/ance f ! belief1 t ?is mat]ial "w1  
^: +5uity pleases him s mu*1 c be !     
effect ( an immat]ial cause2 or ( an    
ag5t de/itute ( organs1 )\t ext5t2 ^:   
action ^u mat]ial be+s _c be )91 ! sph]e
 ( 8 compreh5sion4 ,nev]!less1 man1 :5  

he _c embrace ! causes ( ?+s1 does n    
scruple to insi/ t !y are impossible to 
be ! production ( nature1 al?\gh he is  
entirely ignorant h[ f> ! p[]s ( ?is    
nature ext5d2 to :at h] capabilities are
 equal4 ,9 view+ ! _w1 we mu/ ackn[l$ge 
mat]ial causes = _m ( ^? ph5om5a :i*    
take place 9 x2 ^? :o /udy nature are   
cont9ually add+ fre% discov]ies to ?is  
li/ ( physical causes2 sci5ce1 z %e     
enri*es ! intellectual /ores ( human    
enjoym5t1 e day ?r[s a broad] light on !
 en]gies ( nature1 :i* prejudice1 aid$  
by its almo/ insep>able companion1      
ignorance1 w\ld = ev] b9d d[n 9 ! fett]s
 ( impot5ce4  ,let u n1 h[ev]1 be told1 
t pursu+ ?is hypo!sis1 we attribute e ?+
 to a bl9d cause--to ! =tuit\s          
concurr5ce ( atoms--to *ance4 ,^? only  
are call$ bl9d causes ( :i* we "k n ei!r
 ! comb9ation1 ! laws1 or ! p[]4 ,^?    
effects are call$ =tuit\s1 ) ^: causes  
man is unacqua9t$2 to :i* 8 exp]i5ce    
af=ds him no clue2 :i* 8 ignorance      
prev5ts him f =esee+4 ,all ^? effects1 (

 :i* he does n see ! necess>y connection
 ) _! causes1 he attributes to *ance4   
,nature is n a bl9d cause2 %e nev] acts 
by *ance2 no?+ t %e does w\ld ev] be    
consid]$ =tuit\s1 by him :o %\ld und]/& 
h] mode ( action--:o _h a k ( h]        
res\rces--:o 0 intellig5t 9 h] ways4 ,e 
?+ t %e produces is /rictly necess>y--is
 nev] m ?an a consequ5ce ( h] et]nal1   
immutable laws2 all is connect$ 9 h] by 
invisible bonds2 e effect we witness    
fl[s necess>ily f its cause1 :e!r we are
 9 a condition to fa?om x1 or :e!r we   
are oblig$ to let x rema9 hidd5 f our   
view4 ,x is v possible !re %\ld be      
ignorance on our "p2 b ! words _s1      
intellig5ce1 w n rem$y ?is ignorance2 !y
 w r r$\ble x1 by arre/+ our rese>*2 by 
prev5t+ u f conqu]+ ^? imp$im5ts :i*    
ob/ruct u 9 prob+ ! natural causes ( !  
effects1 ) :i* our visual faculties br+ 
u acqua9t$4  ,?is may s]ve = an answ] to
 ! clam\r ( ^? :o raise p]petual        
objections to ! p>tizans ( nature1 by   
unceas+ly accus+ !m ) attribut+ e ?+ to 

*ance4 ,*ance is a ^w devoid ( s5se1 :i*
 furni%es no sub/antive idea2 at lea/ x 
indicates only ! ignorance ( its        
employ]s4 ,nev]!less1 we are            
triumphantly told1 x is reit]at$        
cont9ually1 t a regul> "w _c be ascrib$ 
to ! concurr5ce ( *ance4 ,nev]1 we are  
in=m$1 w x be possible to arrive at !   
=mation ( a poem su* z ! ,iliad1 by     
means ( lett]s ?r[n toge!r promiscu\sly 
or comb9$ at r&om4 ,we agree to x )\t   
hesitation2 b1 +5u\sly1 are ! lett]s :i*
 compose a poem ?r[n ) ! h& 9 ! mann] ( 
dice8 ,x w\ld avail z mu* to say1 we    
c\ld n pron\nce a disc\rse ) ! feet4 ,x 
is nature1 :o comb9es accord+ to        
necess>y laws1 "u giv5 circum/ances1 a  
head organiz$ 9 a mode suitable to br+  
=? a poem3 x is nature :o assembles !   
elem5ts1 :i* furni% man ) a bra9        
compet5t to give bir? to su* a "w3 x is 
nature1 :o1 ?r\gh ! m$ium ( !           
imag9ation1 by means ( ! passions1 9    
consequ5ce ( ! temp]am5t :i* %e be/[s ^u
 man1 capacitates him to produce su* a  

ma/]piece ( fancy2 su* a nev]-fad+ ef=t 
( ! m9d3 x is 8 bra9 modifi$ 9 a c]ta9  
mann]1 cr[d$ ) ideas1 decorat$ ) images1
 made fruitful by circum/ances1 t alone 
c become ! matrix 9 :i* a poem c be     
conceiv$--9 :i* ! matt] ( x c be dige/$3
 ?is is ! only womb ^: activity c\ld u%]
 to an admir+ _w1 ! sublime /anzas :i*  
develope ! /ory ( ! un=tunate ,priam1 & 
immortalize _! au?or4 ,a head organiz$ l
 t ( ,hom]1 furni%$ ) ! same vig\r1 gl[+
 ) ! same vivid imag9ation1 enri*$ ) !  
same erudition1 plac$ "u ! same         
circum/ances1 w\ld necess>ily1 & n by   
*ance1 produce ! poem ( ! ,iliad2 at    
lea/1 unless x be d5i$ t causes simil> 9
 e ?+ mu/ produce effects p]fectly      
id5tical4 ,we %\ld )\t d\bt be surpris$1
 if !re 7 9 a dice-box a hundr$ ?\s&    
dice1 to see a hundr$ ?\s& sixes foll[ 9
 succession2 b if ^! dice 7 all cogg$ or
 load$1 our surprise w\ld cease3 !      
p>ticles ( matt] may be comp>$ to cogg$ 
dice1 t is to say1 always produc+ c]ta9 
det]m9ate effects "u c]ta9 giv5         

circum/ances2 ^! p>ticles be+ ess5tially
 v>i$ 9 !mselves1 c\ntless 9 _!         
comb9ations1 !y are cogg$ 9 myriads (   
diff]5t modes4 ,! head ( ,hom]1 or (    
,virgil1 0 no m ?an an assemblage (     
p>ticles1 possess+ peculi> prop]ties2 or
 if !y w1 ( dice cogg$ by nature2 t is  
to say1 ( be+s s comb9$1 ( matt] s      
wr\ght1 z to produce ! beautiful poems (
 ! ,iliad or ! ,a5eid4 ,z mu* may be    
said ( all o!r productions3 inde$1 :at  
are m5 !mselves b cogg$ dice--ma*9es    
into :i* nature has infus$ ! bias       
requisite to produce effects ( a c]ta9  
description8 ,a man ( g5ius produces a  
good "w1 9 ! same mann] z a tree ( a    
good species1 plac$ 9 a prolific soil1  
cultivat$ ) c>e1 graft$ ) judgm5t1      
produces excell5t fruit4  ,!n is x n    
ei!r knav]y or pu]ility1 to talk (      
compos+ a "w by scatt]+ lett]s ) ! h&2  
by promiscu\sly m+l+ *>act]s2 or ga!r+  
toge!r by *ance1 t :i* c only result f a
 human bra91 ) a peculi> organization1  
modifi$ aft] a c]ta9 mann]8 ,! pr9ciple 

( human g5]ation does n develope itself 
by *ance2 x _c be n\ri%$ ) effect1 exp&$
 into life1 b 9 ! womb ( a woman3 a     
confus$ heap ( *>act]s1 a jumble (      
symbols1 is no?+ m ?an an assemblage (  
signs1 ^: prop] arrangem5t is adequate  
to pa9t human ideas2 b 9 ord] t ^! ideas
 may be correctly del9eat$1 x is        
previ\sly requisite t !y %\ld h be5     
conceiv$1 comb9$1 n\ri%$1 connect$1 &   
develop$ 9 ! bra9 ( a poet2 :]e         
circum/ances make !m fructify1 mature   
!m1 & br+ !m =? 9 p]fection1 by reason (
 ! fecundity1 g5]at$ by ! g5ial w>m? & !
 peculi> en]gy ( ! matrix1 9 :i* ^!     
intellectual se$s %all h be5 plac$4     
,ideas 9 comb9+1 exp&+1 connect+1 &     
associat+ !mselves1 =m a :ole1 l all !  
o!r bodies ( nature3 ?is :ole af=ds u   
pleasure1 becomes a s\rce ( enjoym5t1 :5
 x gives bir? to agreeable s5sations 9 !
 m9d2 :5 x (f]s to our exam9ation       
pictures calculat$ to move u 9 a lively 
mann]4 ,x is ?us t ! hi/ory ( ! ,trojan 
w>1 z dige/$ 9 ! head ( ,hom]1 u%]$ into

 ! _w ) all ! fasc9at+ h>mony ( numb]s  
peculi> to himself1 has ! p[] ( giv+ a  
pleasurable impulse to heads1 :o by _!  
analogy ) t ( ?is incomp>able ,grecian1 
are 9 a capacity to feel its beauties4  
,f ?is x w be obvi\s1 t no?+ c be       
produc$ by *ance2 t no effect c exi/ )\t
 an adequate cause = its exi/5ce2 t ! "o
 mu/ ev] be comm5surate ) ! o!r4 ,all ! 
works ( nature gr[ out ( ! uni=m action 
( inv>iable laws1 :e!r our m9d c )      
facility foll[ ! concat5ation ( !       
successive causes :i* op]ate2 or :e!r1 z
 9 h] m complicat$ productions1 we f9d  
ourselves 9 ! impossibility ( di/+ui%+ !
 v>i\s spr+s :i* %e sets 9 motion to    
give bir? to h] ph5om5a4 ,to nature1 !  
difficulty is n m to produce a great    
poet1 capable ( writ+ an admirable poem1
 ?an to =m a glitt]+ /one or a %9+ metal
 :i* gravitates t[>ds a c5tre4 ,! mode  
%e adopts to give bir? to ^! v>i\s be+s1
 is equally unkn[n to u1 :5 we h n      
m$itat$ ^u x2 frequ5tly ! mo/ s$ul\s    
att5tion1 ! mo/ pati5t inve/igation     

af=ds u no in=mation2 sometimes1 h[ev]1 
! unwe>i$ indu/ry ( ! philosoph] is     
rew>d$1 by ?r[+ into light ! mo/ my/]i\s
 op]ations4 ,?us ! ke5 p5etration ( a   
,newton1 aid$ by uncommon dilig5ce1     
develop$ ! />ry sy/em1 :i*1 = s _m ?\s& 
ye>s1 _h elud$ ! rese>* ( all !         
a/ronom]s by :om he 0 prec$$4 ,?us !    
sagacity ( a ,h>vey giv+ vig\r to 8     
application1 br\ght out ( ! obscurity 9 
:i* = almo/ c\ntless c5turies x _h be5  
buri$1 ! true c\rse pursu$ by ! sangu9>y
 fluid1 :5 circulat+ ?r\gh ! ve9s &     
art]ies ( man1 giv+ activity to 8 ma*9e1
 diffus+ life ?r\gh 8 sy/em1 & enabl+   
him to p]=m ^? actions :i* s frequ5tly  
/rike an a/oni%$ _w ) wond] & regret4   
,?us ,gallileo1 by a quickness (        
p]ception1 a dep? ( reason+ peculi> to  
himself1 held up to an admir+ _w1 !     
actual =m & situation ( ! planet we     
inhabit2 :i* until !n _h escap$ !       
obs]vation ( ! mo/ pr(\nd g5iuses--! mo/
 subtle metaphysicians--! :ole ho/ (    
prie/s2 :i* :5 fir/ promulgat$ 0        

consid]$ s extraord9>y1 s contradictory 
to all ! !n receiv$ op9ions1 ei!r sacr$ 
or pr(ane1 t he 0 rank$ z an a!i/1 z an 
impi\s blasphem]1 to hold communion )   
:om1 w\ld secure to ! commun]s a place 9
 ! regions ( ev]la/+ torm5t2 9 %ort1 x 0
 held an h]esy ( su* an indelible dye1 t
 not)/&+ ! infallibility ( 8 sacr$      
function1 ,pope ,gregory1 :o !n fill$ ! 
papal *air1 excommunicat$ all ^? :o _h !
 tem]ity to accr$it s abom9able a       
doctr9e4  ,man is born by ! necess>y    
concurr5ce ( ^? elem5ts suitable to 8   
con/ruction2 he increases 9 bulk1       
corroborates 8 sy/em1 exp&s 8 p[]s1 9 ! 
same mann] z a plant or a /one2 :i* z   
well z himself1 are augm5t$ 9 _! volume1
 invigorat$ 9 _! capabilities1 by !     
addition ( homog5e\s matt]1 t exi/s )9 !
 sph]e ( _! attraction4 ,man feels1     
?9ks1 receives ideas1 acts aft] a c]ta9 
mann]1 t is to say1 accord+ to 8 organic
 /ructure1 :i* is peculi> to himself2 t 
r5d]s him susceptible ( modifications1 (
 :i* ! /one & ! plant are utt]ly        

incapable4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! organization 
( ^! be+s is ( a nature to enable !m to 
receive o!r modifications1 :i* man is n 
m capacitat$ to exp]i5ce1 ?an ! /one or 
! plant are ^? :i* con/itute him :at he 
is4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is peculi>         
arrangem5t1 ! man ( g5ius produces works
 ( m]it2 ! plant :5 x is heal?y yields  
delici\s fruits ! /one :5 x is plac$ 9 a
 suitable matrix possesses a glitt]+    
brilliance :i* dazzles ! eyes ( mortals2
 ea* 9 _! sph]e ( action bo? surprise & 
delight u2 because we feel t !y excite 9
 u s5sations1 t h>monize ) :at we call  
ord]2 9 consequ5ce ( ! pleasure !y      
infuse1 by ! r>ity1 by ! magnitude1 & by
 ! v>iety ( ! effects :i* !y occasion u 
to exp]i5ce4 ,nev]!less1 t :i* is f\nd  
mo/ admirable 9 ! productions ( nature1 
t :i* is mo/ e/eem$ 9 ! actions ( man1  
mo/ highly valu$ 9 animals1 mo/ s\ght   
aft] 9 vegetation1 mo/ 9 reque/ among   
fossils1 is nev] m ?an ! natural effects
 ( ! diff]5t p>ticles ( matt]1 div]sely 
arrang$1 v>i\sly comb9$1 submitt$ to    

num]\s modifications2 f matt] ?us unit$ 
result organs1 bra9s1 temp]am5t1 ta/e1  
tal5ts1 all ! multif>i\s prop]ties1 all 
! multitud9\s qualities1 :i* discrim9ate
 ! be+s ^: multipli$ activity make up ! 
sum ( :at is designat$ animat$ nature4  
,nature !n produces no?+ b :at is       
necess>y2 x is n by =tuit\s comb9ations1
 by *ance ?r[s1 t %e exhibits to our    
view ! be+s we behold2 all h] ?r[s are  
sure1 all ! causes %e employs h         
infallibly _! effects4 ,:5ev] %e gives  
bir? to extraord9>y1 m>vell\s1 r>e be+s1
 x is1 t ! requisite ord] ( ?+s !       
concurr5ce ( ! necess>y productive      
causes1 happ5s b seldom4 ,z soon z ^?   
be+s exi/1 !y are to be ascrib$ to      
nature1 equally ) ! mo/ famili> ( h]    
productions2 to nature e ?+ is equally  
possible1 equally facile1 :5 %e         
assembles toge!r ! in/rum5ts or ! causes
 necess>y to act4 ,?us x seems          
presumption 9 man to set limits to !    
p[]s ( nature1 :i* he s v imp]fectly    
und]/&s4 ,! comb9ations1 or if !y w1 !  

?r[s t %e makes 9 an et]nity ( exi/5ce1 
c easily produce all ! be+s t h exi/$3  
h] et]nal m>* mu/ necess>ily br+ =?1    
aga9 & aga91 ! mo/ a/oni%+ circum/ances2
 ! mo/ r>e occurr5ces2 ^? mo/ calculat$ 
to r\se ! wond]1 to elicit ! admiration 
( be+s1 :o are only 9 a condition to    
give !m a mom5t>y consid]ation2 :o c get
 no?+ m ?an a glimpse1 )\t ev] hav+ ei!r
 ! leisure or ! means to se>* into      
causes1 :i* lie hid f _! weak eyes1 9 ! 
dep?s ( ,cimm]ian obscurity4 ,c\ntless  
?r[s dur+ et]nity1 ) elem5ts &          
comb9ations v>i$ almo/ to inf9ity1 q )  
relation to man1 suffice to produce e ?+
 ( :i* he has a k1 ) multitudes ( o!r   
effects1 ( :i* he w nev] h ! lea/       
conception4  ,?us1 we _c too (t5 repeat 
to ! metaphysicians1 to ! support]s (   
immat]iality1 to ! inconsi/5t !ologians1
 :o commonly ascribe to _! adv]s>ies !  
mo/ ridicul\s op9ions1 9 ord] to obta9  
an easy1 %ort-liv$ triumph 9 ! prejudic$
 eyes ( ! multitude2 or 9 ! /agnant m9ds
 ( ^? :o nev] exam9e deeply2 t *ance is 

no?+ b a ^w1 z well z _m o!r words1     
imag9$ solely to cov] ! ignorance ( ^?  
to :om ! c\rse ( nature is              
inexplicable--to %ield ! idl5ess ( o!rs 
:o are too slo?ful to seek into !       
prop]ties ( act+ causes4 ,x is n *ance t
 has produc$ ! univ]se1 x is            
self-exi/5t2 nature exi/s necess>ily f  
all et]nity3 %e is omnipot5t because e  
?+ is produc$ by h] en]gies2 %e is      
omnipres5t1 because %e fills all space2 
%e is omnisci5t1 because e ?+ c only be 
:at x actually is2 %e is immovable1     
because z a :ole %e _c be displac$2 %e  
is immutable1 because h] ess5ce _c      
*ange1 al?\gh h] =ms may v>y2 %e is     
inf9ite1 because %e _c h any b\nds2 %e  
is all p]fect1 because %e conta9s e ?+3 
9 %ort1 %e has all ! ab/ract qualities (
 ! metaphysician1 all ! moral faculties 
( ! !ologian1 )\t involv+ any           
contradiction1 s9ce t :i* is !          
assemblage ( all1 mu/ ( necessity conta9
 ! prop]ties ( all4  ,h[ev] conceal$ may
 be h] ways1 ! exi/5ce ( nature is      

indubitable2 h] mode ( action is 9 "s   
respects kn[n to u4 ,exp]i5ce amply     
demon/rates we might1 if we 7 m         
indu/ri\s1 become bett] acqua9t$ ) h]   
secrets2 b ) an immat]ial sub/ance1 ) a 
pure _s1 ! m9d ( man c nev] become      
famili>3 he has no means by :i* he c    
picture to himself ?is incompreh5sible1 
?is inconceivable quality3 9 despite    
!re=e ( ! r\ndness ( ass]tion adopt$ by 
! !ologian1 not)/&+ all ! subtilties ( !
 metaphysician1 x w always be = man1    
:ile he rema9s su* z he n[ is1 9 !      
language ( ,doctor ,samuel ,cl>ke1 t1 ( 
:i* no?+ c ) tru? be affirm$4           
,,*ap4 ,,vi4  ,( ,pan!ism2 or ( !       
,natural ,ideas ( ! ,div9ity4   ,! false
 pr9ciple t matt] is n self-exi/5t2 t by
 its nature x is 9 an impossibility to  
move itself2 consequ5tly incompet5t to !
 production ( ^? /rik+ ph5om5a :i* arre/
 our wond]+ eyes 9 ! wide expanse ( !   
univ]se2 x w be obvi\s1 to all :o       
s]i\sly att5d to :at has prec$$1 is !   
orig9 ( ! pro(s ^u :i* !ology re/s !    

exi/5ce ( immat]iality4 ,aft] ^!        
suppositions1 z gratuit\s z !y are      
errone\s1 ! fallacy ( :i* we h expos$   
else:]e1 x has be5 believ$ t matt] did n
 always exi/1 b t its exi/5ce1 z well z 
its motion1 is a production ( "t2 due to
 a cause di/+ui%$ f itself2 to an unkn[n
 ag5t to :om x is subord9ate4 ,z man    
f9ds 9 8 own species a quality :i* he   
calls intellig5ce1 :i* presides ov] all 
8 actions1 by ! aid ( :i* he arrives at 
! end he proposes to himself2 he has    
clo!d ?is invisible ag5t ) ?is quality1 
:i* he has ext5d$ beyond ! limits ( 8   
own conception3 he magnifi$ x ?us1      
because1 hav+ made him ! au?or ( effects
 ( :i* he f\nd himself incapable1 he did
 n conceive x possible t ! intellig5ce  
he himself possess$1 unless x 0         
prodigi\sly amplifi$1 w\ld be suffici5t 
to acc\nt = ^? productions1 to :i* 8    
err+ judgm5t l$ him to conclude !       
natural en]gy ( physical causes 7 n     
adequate4  ,z ?is ag5t 0 invisible1 z 8 
mode ( action 0 inconceivable1 he made  

him a _s1 a ^w t really means no?+ m ?an
 t he is ignorant ( 8 ess5ce1 or t he   
acts l ! brea? ( :i* he _c trace !      
motion4 ,?us1 9 speak+ ( spirituality1  
he designat$ an occult quality1 :i* he  
deem$ suitable to a conceal$ be+1 ^:    
mode ( action 0 always imp]ceptible to !
 s5ses4 ,x w\ld appe>1 h[ev]1 t         
orig9ally ! ^w _s 0 n meant to designate
 immat]iality2 b a matt] ( a m subtile  
nature ?an t :i* act$ co>sely on !      
organs3 /ill ( a nature capable (       
p5etrat+ ! gross] matt]--( communicat+  
to x motion--( in/ill+ into x active    
life--( giv+ bir? to ^? comb9ations--(  
imp>t+ to !m ^? modifications1 :i* 8    
organic /ructure r5d]$ him compet5t to  
discov]4 ,su* 01 z has be5 %ewn1 t      
all-p[]ful ,jupit]1 :o 9 ! !ology ( !   
anci5ts1 0 orig9ally de/9$ to repres5t !
 e!rial1 subtile matt] t p5etrates1     
vivifies1 & gives activity to all !     
bodies ( :i* nature is ! common         
assemblage4  ,x w\ld be grossly deceiv+ 
ourselves to believe t ! idea (         

spirituality1 su* z ! subtilty ( dream+ 
metaphysicians pres5t x 9 ^! days1 0 t  
:i* (f]$ itself to our =efa!rs 9 ! e>ly 
/ages ( ! human m9d4 ,?is immat]iality1 
:i* excludes all analogy ) any ?+ b     
itself--:i* be>s no resemblance to any  
?+ ( :i* man is capacitat$ to h a k1 01 
z we h already obs]v$1 ! sl[1 ! t>dy    
fruit ( 8 imag9ation1 aft] he _h quitt$ 
exp]i5ce1 & r5\nc$ 8 reason4 ,m5 re>$ 9 
luxuri\s leisure1 unceas+ly m$itat+1 )\t
 ! assi/ance ( ^? natural helps ) :i*   
att5tive obs]vation w\ld h furni%$ !m1  
by degrees arriv$ at ! =mation ( ?is    
incompreh5sible quality1 :i* is s       
fugitive1 t al?\gh man has be5 compell$ 
to rev]5ce x1 to accr$it x aga9/ all !  
evid5ce ( 8 s5ses1 !y h nev] yet be5    
enabl$ to give any o!r explanation ( its
 nature1 ?an by us+ a t]m to :i* x is   
impossible to atta* any intelligible    
idea4 ,s]aphis said1 ) te>s 9 8 eyes1 t 
9 mak+ him adopt ! op9ion (             
spirituality1 !y _h depriv$ him ( 8     
,god4 ,_m fa!rs ( ! *ur* h giv5 a human 

=m to ! ,div9ity1 & treat$ all ^? z     
h]etics :o made him spiritual4 ,?us by  
d9t ( reason+1 by =ce ( subtiliz+1 ! ^w 
_s no long] pres5ts any "o image ^u :i* 
! m9d c fix itself2 :5 !y are desir\s to
 speak ( x1 x becomes impossible to     
und]/& !m1 see+ t ea* vision>y pa9ts x  
aft] 8 own mann]2 & 9 ! portrait he =ms1
 consults only 8 own temp]am5t1 foll[s  
no?+ b 8 own imag9ation1 adopts no?+ b 8
 own peculi> rev]ies2 ! only po9t 9 :i* 
!y are at all 9 unison1 is 9 assign+ to 
x inconceivable qualities1 :i* !y       
naturally en\gh believe are be/ suit$ to
 ! incompreh5sible be+s !y h del9eat$3 f
 ! incompatible heap ( ^! qualities1    
g5]ally result$ a :ole1 ^: exi/5ce !y   
?us r5d]$ impossible4 ,9 %ort1 ?is ^w1  
:i* has occupi$ ! rese>* ( s _m le>n$ & 
intellig5t m52 :i* is consid]$ ( su*    
importance to mank9d1 has be51 9        
consequ5ce ( !ological rev]ies1 always  
fluctuat+3 ^! nev] be>+ ! lea/          
resemblance to ea* o!r1 x has become    
de/itute ( any fix$ s5se1 a m]e s\nd1 to

 :i* ea* :o e*oes x affixes 8 own       
peculi> ideas1 :i* are nev] 9 h>mony )  
^? ( 8 neighb\r2 :i* inde$ are n ev5    
/eady 9 himself1 b l ! camelion1 assume 
! col\r ( e diff]+ circum/ance4 ,?is    
un9telligible ^w has be5 sub/itut$ = ! m
 intelligible "o ( matt]2 man1 :5 clo!d 
) p[]1 has ent]ta9$ ! mo/ rancor\s      
antipa?ies1 pursu$ ! mo/ b>b>\s         
p]secutions1 aga9/ ^? :o h n be5 enabl$ 
to contemplate ?is *angeable idea "u !  
same po9t ( view ) himself4  ,!re h1    
h[ev]1 be5 m5 :o _h suffici5t c\rage to 
resi/ ?is torr5t ( op9ion--to oppose    
!mselves to ?is delirium2 :o h believ$1 
t ! object :i* 0 ann\nc$ z ! mo/        
important = mortals1 z ! sole object    
wor?y ( _! ?\ghts1 dem&$ an att5tive    
exam9ation2 :o appreh5d$ t if exp]i5ce  
c\ld be ( any utility1 if judgm5t c\ld  
af=d any advantage1 if reason 0 ( any   
use :atev]1 x mu/1 mo/ unque/ionably be1
 to consid] ?is quality s oppos$ to e ?+
 9 nature1 :i* 0 said to regulate all ! 
be+s :i* %e conta9s4 ,^! quickly saw !y 

c\ld n subscribe to ! g5]al op9ion ( !  
un9=m$1 :o nev] exam9e any ?+1 :o take e
 ?+ ^u ! cr$it ( o!rs2 mu* less 0 x     
consi/5t ) s\nd s5se to agree ) _!      
guides1 :o1 ei!r deceiv]s or deceiv$1   
=bade o!rs to submit x to ! scrut9y (   
reason2 :o 7 !mselves frequ5tly 9 an    
utt] incapacity to pass x "u su* an     
ordeal4 ,?us "s ?9k]s1 disgu/$ ) !      
obscure & contradictory notions :i* o!rs
 _h ?r\gh habit me*anically atta*$ to   
?is incompreh5sible prop]ty1 _h !       
tem]ity to %ake (f ! yoke :i* _h be5    
impos$ ^u !m f _! infancy3 call+ reason 
to _! aid aga9/ ^? t]rors ) :i* !y al>m$
 ! ignorant1 revolt+ at ! hide\s        
descriptions "u :i* !y attempt$ to def5d
 _! hypo!sis1 !y _h ! intrepidity to te>
 ! veil ( delusion2 to r5d asund] !     
b>ri]s ( impo/ure2 !y consid]$ ) calm   
resolution1 ?is =midable prejudice1     
contemplat$ ) a s]5e eye ?is unsupport$ 
op9ion1 exam9$ ) cool delib]ation ?is   
fluctuat+ notion1 :i* _h become ! object
 ( all ! hopes1 ! s\rce ( all ! fe>s1 ! 

spr+ ( all ! qu>rels :i* di/ract$ ! m9d1
 & di/urb$ ! h>mony ( bl9d1 confid+     
mortals4  ,! result ( ^! inquiries has  
uni=mly be51 a conviction t no rational 
pro( has ev] be5 adduc$ 9 support ( ?is 
hypo!sis2 t f ! nature ( ! ?+ itself1   
none c be (f]$2 t an incorporeity is    
inconceivable to corporeal be+s2 t ^!   
only behold nature act+ aft] inv>iable  
laws1 9 :i* e ?+ is mat]ial2 t all !    
ph5om5a ( :i* ! _w is ! !atre1 spr+ out 
( natural causes2 t man z well z all !  
o!r be+s is ! "w or ?is nature1 is only 
an in/rum5t 9 h] h&1 oblig$ to accompli%
 ! et]nal decrees ( an imp]i\s          
necessity4  ,:atev] ef=ts ! philosoph]  
makes to p5etrate ! secrets ( nature1 he
 nev] f9ds m1 z we h _m times repeat$1  
?an matt]2 v>i\s 9 itself1 div]sely     
modifi$ 9 consequ5ce ( ! motion x       
und]goes4 ,its :ole1 z well z its p>ts1 
displays only necess>y causes produc+   
necess>y effects1 :i* fl[ necess>ily "o 
out ( ! o!r3 ( :i* ! m9d1 aid$ by       
exp]i5ce1 is m or less compet5t to      

discov] ! concat5ation4 ,9 virtue ( _!  
specific prop]ties1 all ! be+s t come "u
 our review1 gravitate t[>ds a          
c5tre--attract analog\s matt]--repel t  
:i* is unsuitable to                    
comb9ation--mutually receive & give     
impulse--acquire qualities--und]go      
modifications :i* ma9ta9 !m 9 exi/5ce = 
a season--are born & dissolv$ by !      
op]ation ( an inexorable decree1 t      
obliges e ?+1 we behold to pass into a  
new mode ( exi/5ce4 ,x is to ^! cont9u$ 
vicissitudes t are to be ascrib$ all !  
ph5om5a1 :e!r trivial or ( magnitude2   
ord9>y or extraord9>y2 kn[n or unkn[n2  
simple or complicat$2 :i* are op]at$ 9 !
 univ]se4 ,x is by ^! mutations alone t 
we h any k ( nature3 %e is only my/]i\s 
to ^? :o contemplate h] ?r\gh ! veil (  
prejudice3 h] c\rse is always simple to 
^? :o look at h] )\t prepossession4  ,to
 attribute ! effects to :i* we are      
witnesses1 to nature1 to matt]1 v>i\sly 
comb9$ ) ! motion t is inh]5t to x1 is  
to give !m an intelligible & kn[n cause2

 to attempt to p5etrate deep]1 is to    
plunge ourselves into imag9>y regions1  
:]e we f9d only a *aos (                
obscurities--:]e we are lo/ 9 an        
unfa?omable abyss ( inc]titude4 ,let u  
!n be cont5t ) contemplat+ nature1 :o1  
be+ self-exi/5t1 mu/ 9 h] ess5ce possess
 motion2 :i* _c be conceiv$ )\t         
prop]ties1 f :i* result p]petual action 
& re-action2 or ^? cont9ual ef=ts :i*   
give bir? to su* a num]\s tra9 (        
circum/ances2 9 :i* a s+le molecule _c  
be f\nd1 t does n necess>ily occupy !   
place assign$ to x1 by immutable &      
necess>y laws--t is = an in/ant 9 an    
absolute /ate ( repose4 ,:at necessity c
 !re exi/ to seek out ( matt] = a p[] to
 give x play1 s9ce its motion fl[s z    
necess>ily out ( its exi/5ce z its bulk1
 its =m1 its gravity1 c4 s9ce nature 9  
inaction w\ld no long] be nature8  ,if x
 be dem&$1 ,h[ c we figure to ourselves1
 t matt] by its own peculi> en]gy c     
produce all ! effects we witness8 ,i    
%all reply1 t if by matt] x is ob/9ately

 det]m9$ to und]/& no?+ b a dead1 in]t  
mass1 de/itute ( e prop]ty1 incapable ( 
mov+ itself1 we %all no long] h a s+le  
idea ( matt]2 we %all no long] be able  
to acc\nt = any ?+4 ,z soon1 h[ev]1 z x 
exi/s1 x mu/ h prop]ties2 z soon z x has
 prop]ties1 )\t :i* x c\ld n exi/1 x mu/
 act by virtue ( ^? prop]ties2 s9ce x is
 only by its action we c h a k ( its    
exi/5ce1 be consci\s ( its prop]ties4 ,x
 is evid5t t if by matt] be und]/ood t  
:i* x is n1 or if its exi/5ce be d5i$1  
^? ph5om5a :i* /rike our visual organs  
_c be attribut$ to x4 ,b if by nature be
 und]/ood 7t :i* %e really is71 an heap 
( exi/+ matt]1 possess+ v>i\s prop]ties1
 we %all be oblig$ to ackn[l$ge t nature
 mu/ be compet5t to move h]self2 by !   
div]sity ( h] motion1 mu/ h !           
capability1 indep5d5t ( =eign aid1 to   
produce ! effects we behold2 we %all f9d
 t no?+ c be made f no?+2 t no?+ is made
 by *ance2 t ! mode ( action ( e p>ticle
 ( matt]1 h[ev] m9ute1 is necess>ily    
det]m9$ by its own peculi>1 or by its   

individual prop]ties4  ,we h else:]e    
said1 t t :i* _c be annihilat$--t :i* 9 
its nature is inde/ructible--_c h be5   
in*oate1 _c h _h a beg9n+ to its        
exi/5ce1 b exi/s necess>ily f all       
et]nity2 conta9s )9 itself a suffici5t  
cause = its own peculi> exi/5ce4 ,x     
becomes !n p]fectly useless to seek out 
( nature a cause = h] action :i* is 9 "s
 respects kn[n to u2 ) :i* indefatigable
 rese>* may1 judg+ ( ! future by ! pa/1 
r5d] u m famili>4 ,z we "k "s ( ! g5]al 
prop]ties ( matt]2 z we c discov] "s (  
its qualities1 :]e=e %\ld we seek its   
motion 9 an un9telligible cause1 ( :i*  
we are n 9 a condition to become        
acqua9t$ ) any "o ( its prop]ties8 ,c we
 conceive t immat]iality c\ld ev] draw  
matt] f its own s\rce8 ,impossible2 x is
 n )9 ! grasp ( human intellect4 ,if    
creation is an eduction f no?+1 !re mu/ 
h be5 a "t :5 matt] _h n exi/5ce2 !re   
mu/ consequ5tly be a "t :5 x w cease to 
be3 ?is latt] is ackn[l$g$ by _m        
!ologians !mselves to be impossible4 ,d 

^? :o are cont9ually talk+ ( ?is my/]i\s
 act ( omnipot5ce1 by :i* a mass ( matt]
 has be51 all at once1 sub/itut$ to     
no?+1 p]fectly und]/& :at !y tell u8 ,is
 !re a man on e>? :o conceives t a be+  
devoid ( ext5t c exi/1 become ! cause ( 
! exi/5ce ( be+s :o h ext5t--act ^u     
matt]--draw x f 8 own peculi>           
ess5ce--set x 9 motion8 ,9 tru?1 ! m we 
consid] !ology1 ! m we mu/ be conv9c$ t 
x has inv5t$ words de/itute ( s5se2     
sub/itut$ s\nds to intelligible         
realities4  ,= want ( consult+ exp]i5ce1
 = want or /udy+ nature1 = want ( exam9+
 ! mat]ial _w1 we h plung$ ourselves    
into an intellectual vacuum1 :i* we h   
peopl$ ) *im]as1 ,we h n /oop$ to       
consid] matt]1 to /udy its diff]5t      
p]iods1 to foll[ x ?r\gh its num]\s1    
*anges4 ,we h ei!r ridicul\sly or       
knavi%ly conf\nd$ dissolution1          
decomposition1 ! sep>ation ( ! elem5t>y 
p>ticles ( bodies1 ) _! radical         
de/ruction2 we h be5 unwill+ to see t ! 
elem5ts are inde/ructible2 al?\gh ! =ms 

are fleet+1 & dep5d ^u transitory       
comb9ation4 ,we h n di/+ui%$ ! *ange (  
figure1 ! alt]ation ( position1 !       
mutation ( texture1 to :i* matt] is     
liable1 f its annihilation1 :i* is      
impossible2 we h falsely conclud$1 t    
matt] ,0 n a necess>y be+--t x comm5c$  
to exi/--t ?is exi/5ce 0 d]iv$ f t :i*  
possess$ no?+ 9 common ) itself--t t :i*
 0 n sub/ance1 c\ld give bir? to t :i*  
is4 ,?us an un9telligible "n has be5    
sub/itut$ = matt]1 :i* furni%es u ) true
 ideas ( nature2 ( :i* at ea* in/ant we 
exp]i5ce ! influ5ce1 ( :i* we und]go !  
action1 ( :i* we feel ! p[]1 & ( :i* we 
%\ld h a mu* bett] k1 if our ab/ract    
op9ions did n cont9ually fa/5 a b&age   
ov] our eyes4  ,inde$ ! mo/ simple      
notions ( philosophy %ew u1 t1 al?\gh   
bodies *ange & disappe>1 no?+ is h[ev]  
lo/ 9 nature2 ! v>i\s produce ( !       
decomposition ( a body s]ves = elem5ts1 
supplies mat]ials1 =ms ! basis1 lays !  
f\ndation = accretions1 contributes to !
 ma9t5ance ( o!r bodies4 ,! :ole (      

nature subsi/s1 & is cons]v$ only by !  
circulation1 ! transmigration1 !        
ex*ange1 ! p]petual displacem5t (       
ins5sible atoms--! cont9ual mutation ( !
 s5sible comb9ations ( matt]4 ,x is by  
?is pal+5esia1 ?is reg5]ation1 t ! great
 :ole1 ! mighty macrocosm subsi/s2 :o1 l
 ! ,saturn ( ! anci5ts1 is p]petually   
occupi$ ) dev\r+ h] own *ildr54  ,x w n 
!n be inconsi/5t ) obs]vation1 repugnant
 to reason1 contr>y to good s5se1 to    
ackn[l$ge t matt] is self-exi/5t2 t x   
acts by an en]gy peculi> to itself2 t x 
w nev] be annihilat$4 ,let u !n say1 t  
matt] is et]nal2 t nature has be51 is1 &
 ev] w be occupi$ ) produc+ & de/roy+2 )
 do+ & undo+2 ) comb9+ & sep>at+2 9     
%ort1 ) foll[+ a sy/em ( laws result+ f 
its necess>y exi/5ce4 ,= e ?+ t %e do?1 
%e ne$s only to comb9e ! elem5ts (      
matt]2 ^!1 ess5tially div]se1 necess>ily
 ei!r attract or repel ea* o!r2 come    
into collision1 f :5ce results ei!r _!  
union or dissolution2 by ! same laws t  
"o approximates1 ! o!r rec$es f _!      

respective sph]es ( action4 ,x is ?us t 
%e br+s =? plants1 fossils1 animals1 m52
 ?us %e gives exi/5ce to organiz$1      
s5sible1 ?9k+ be+s1 z well z to ^? :o   
are de/itute ( ei!r feel+ or ?\ght4 ,all
 ^! act = ! season ( _! respective      
duration1 accord+ to immutable laws1    
det]m9$ by _! v>i\s prop]ties2 aris+ out
 ( _! configuration2 dep5d+ on _!       
masses2 result+ f _! pond]osity1 c4 ,"h 
is ! true orig9 ( e ?+ :i* is pres5t$ to
 our view2 ?is indicates ! mode by :i*  
nature1 accord+ to h] own peculi> p[]s1 
is 9 a /ate to produce all ^? a/oni%+   
effects :i* assail our wond]+ eyes2 all 
t ph5om5a to :i* mank9d is ! witness2 z 
well z all ! bodies :o act div]sely ^u !
 organs ) :i* he is furni%$1 ( :i* he c 
only judge accord+ to ! mann] 9 :i* ^!  
organs are affect$4 ,he says !y are     
good1 :5 !y are analog\s to 8 own mode (
 exi/5ce--:5 !y contribute to !         
ma9t5ance ( ! h>mony ( 8 ma*9e3 he says 
!y are bad1 :5 !y di/urb ?is h>mony4 ,x 
is ?us he ascribes views1 ideas1        

designs1 to ! be+ he supposes to be !   
p[] by :i* nature is mov$2 al?\gh all ! 
exp]i5ce we are able to collect1        
unequivocally proves1 t %e acts aft] an 
inv>iable1 et]nal code ( laws4  ,nature 
is de/itute ( ^? views :i* actuate man2 
%e acts necess>ily1 because %e exi/s3 h]
 sy/em is immutable1 & f\nd$ ^u ! ess5ce
 ( ?+s4 ,x is ! ess5ce ( ! se$ ( ! male1
 compos$ ( primitive elem5ts1 :i* s]ve =
 ! basis ( an organiz$ be+1 to unite    
itself ) t ( ! female2 to fructify x2 to
 produce1 by ?is comb9ation1 a new      
organiz$ be+2 :o1 feeble 9 8 orig91 n   
hav+ yet acquir$ a suffici5t quantity ( 
mat]ial p>ticles to give him consi/5ce1 
corroborates himself by degrees2 /r5g!ns
 himself by ! daily accretion ( analog\s
 matt]2 is n\ri%$ by ! modifications    
appropriate to 8 exi/5ce3 matur$ by !   
cont9uation ( circum/ances calculat$ to 
give vig\r to 8 frame2 ?us he lives1    
?9ks1 acts1 eng5d]s 9 8 turn o!r        
organiz$ be+s simil> to himself4 ,by a  
consequ5ce ( 8 temp]am5t & ( physical   

laws1 ?is g5]ation does n take place1   
except :5 ! circum/ances necess>y to its
 production f9d !mselves unit$4 ,?us ?is
 procreation is n op]at$ by *ance2 !    
animal does n fructify1 b ) an animal ( 
8 own species1 because ?is is ! only "o 
analog\s to himself1 :o unites !        
qualities1 :o comb9es ! circum/ances1   
suitable to produce a be+ resembl+      
himself2 )\t ?is he w\ld n produce any  
?+1 or he w\ld only give bir? to a be+  
:o w\ld be d5om9at$ a mon/]1 because x  
w\ld be dissimil> to himself4 ,x is ( ! 
ess5ce ( ! gra9 ( plants1 to be         
impregnat$ by ! poll5 or se$ ( ! /ygma (
 ! fl[]2 9 ?is /ate ( copulation !y 9   
consequ5ce develope !mselves 9 ! b[els (
 ! e>?2 exp& by ! aid ( wat]2 %oot =? by
 ! accession ( heat2 attract analog\s   
p>ticles to corroborate _! sy/em3 ?us by
 degrees !y =m a plant1 a %rub1 a tree1 
susceptible ( t life1 fill$ ) t motion1 
capable ( t action :i* is suitable to   
vegetable exi/5ce4 ,x is ( ! ess5ce (   
p>ticul> p>ticles ( e>?1 homog5e\s 9 _! 

nature1 :5 sep>at$ by circum/ances1     
att5uat$ by wat]1 elaborat$ by heat1 to 
unite !mselves 9 ! bosom ( m\nta9s1 )   
o!r atoms :i* are analog\s2 to =m by _! 
aggregation1 accord+ to _! v>i\s        
aff9ities1 ^? bodies possess+ m or less 
solidity2 hav+ m or less purity1 :i* are
 call$ diamonds1 *ry/als1 /ones1 metals1
 m9]als4 ,x is ( ! ess5ce ( exhalations 
rais$ by ! heat ( ! atmosph]e1 to       
comb9e1 to collect !mselves1 to da%     
aga9/ ea* o!r1 & ei!r by _! union or _! 
collision to produce meteors1 to g5]ate 
?und]4 ,x is ( ! ess5ce ( "s inflammable
 matt] to ga!r itself toge!r1 to f]m5t 9
 ! cav]ns ( ! e>?1 to increase its      
active =ce by augm5t+ its heat1 & !n    
explode1 by ! accession ( o!r matt]     
suitable to ! op]ation1 ) t trem5d\s =ce
 :i* we call e>?quakes2 by :i* m\nta9s  
are de/roy$2 cities ov]turn$2 !         
inhabitants ( ! pla9s ?r[n into a /ate (
 con/]nation2 ^! full ( al>m1 unus$ to  
m$itate on natural effects1 unconsci\s (
 ! ext5t ( physical p[]s1 /ret* =? _!   

h&s 9 dismay1 heave ! mo/ despond+      
sighs1 utt] al\d _! compla9ts1 & e>ne/ly
 implore a cessation ( ^? evils1 :i*    
nature1 act+ by necess>y laws1 obliges  
!m to exp]i5ce z necess>ily z %e does ^?
 b5efits by :i* %e fills !m ) ! mo/     
extravagant joy4 ,9 %ort1 x is ( !      
ess5ce ( c]ta9 climates to produce m5 s 
organiz$1 ^: temp]am5t is s modifi$1 t  
!y become ei!r extremely useful or v    
prejudicial to _! species1 9 ! same     
mann] z x is ! prop]ty ( c]ta9 portions 
( ! l&1 to br+ =? ei!r delici\s fruits  
or dang]\s poisons4  ,9 all ?is nature  
acts necess>ily2 %e pursues an undeviat+
 c\rse1 :i* we are b\nd to consid] !    
p]fection ( wisdom2 because %e exi/s    
necess>ily1 has h] modes ( action       
det]m9$ by c]ta91 inv>iable laws1 :i*   
!mselves fl[ out ( ! con/itu5t prop]ties
 ( ! v>i\s be+s %e conta9s1 & ^?        
circum/ances1 :i* ! et]nal motion %e is 
9 mu/ necess>ily br+ ab\t4 ,x is        
ourselves :o h a necess>y aim1 :i* is   
our own cons]vation2 x is by ?is t we   

regulate all ! ideas we =m to ourselves 
( ! causes act+ 9 nature2 x is accord+  
to ?is /&>d we judge ( e ?+ we see or   
feel4 ,animat$ ourselves1 exi/+ aft] a  
c]ta9 mann]1 possess+ a s\l end[$ ) r>e 
& peculi> qualities1 we1 l ! savage1    
ascribe a s\l & animat$ life to e ?+ t  
acts ^u u4 ,?9k+ & intellig5t ourselves1
 we give ^!1 faculties to ^? be+s :om we
 suppose to be m p[]ful ?an mortals2 b z
 we see ! g5]ality ( matt] incapable (  
modify+ itself1 we suppose x mu/ receive
 its impulse f "s conceal$ ag5t1 "s     
ext]nal cause1 :i* our imag9ation       
pictures z simil> to ourselves4         
,necess>ily attract$ by t :i* is        
advantage\s to u1 repell+ by an equal   
necessity t :i* is prejudicial to our   
mann] ( exi/5ce2 we cease to reflect t  
our modes ( feel+ are due to our peculi>
 organization1 modifi$ by physical      
causes3 9 ?is /ate1 ei!r ( inatt5tion or
 ignorance1 we mi/ake ! natural results 
( our own peculi> /ructure1 = in/rum5ts 
employ$ by a be+ :om we clo! ) our own  

passions--:om we suppose actuat$ by our 
own views--:o1 possess+ our ideas1      
embraces a mode ( ?9k+ & act+ simil> to 
ourselves4  ,if aft] ?is x be ask$1 ,:at
 is ! end ( nature8 ,we %all reply t on 
?is head we are ignorant2 t x is m ?an  
probable no man w ev] fa?om ! secret2 b 
we %all also say1 x is evid5tly to exi/1
 to act1 to cons]ve h] :ole4 ,if !n x be
 dem&$1 ,:]e=e %e exi/s8 ,we %all aga9  
reply1 ( ?is we "k no?+ at pres5t1      
possibly nev] %all2 b we %all also say1 
%e exi/s necess>ily1 t h] op]ations1 h] 
motion1 h] ph5om5a1 are ! necess>y      
consequ5ces ( h] necess>y exi/5ce4 ,!re 
necess>ily exi/s some?+2 ?is is nature  
or ! univ]se1 ?is nature necess>ily acts
 z %e does4 ,if x be wi%$ to sub/itute  
any o!r ^w = nature1 ! "q w /ill rema9 z
 x did1 z to ! cause ( h] exi/5ce2 ! end
 %e has 9 view4 ,x is n by *ang+ ( t]ms 
t a geometrician c solve problems2 "o ^w
 w ?r[ no m light on a subject ?an      
ano!r1 unless t ^w c>ries a c]ta9 degree
 ( conviction 9 ! ideas :i* x g5]ates4  

,z long z we speak ( matt]1 if we _c    
develope all its prop]ties1 we %all at  
lea/ h fix$1 det]m9ate ideas2 some?+    
tangible1 ( :i* we h a slight k1 t we c 
submit to ! exam9ation ( our s5ses3 b f 
! mom5t we beg9 to talk ( immat]iality1 
( incorporeity1 f !nce our ideas become 
confus$2 we are lo/ 9 a labyr9? (       
conjecture--we h no "o means ( seiz+ !  
subject on any side--we are1 aft] ! mo/ 
elaborate argum5ts1 aft] ! mo/ subtle   
reason+1 oblig$ to ackn[l$ge we _c =m ! 
mo/ sl5d] op9ion respect+ x1 t has any  
?+ sub/antive = its support4 ,9 %ort1 t 
x is precisely t ?+ ( :i* e ?+ may be   
d5i$1 b ( :i* no?+ c ) tru? be affirm$4 
,let u clo! ?is incompreh5sible be+ )   
:atev] qualities we may1 x w be always 9
 ourselves we seek ! model2 !y w be our 
own faculties t we del9eate1 our own    
passions t we describe4 ,9 l mann] man1 
z long z he is ignorant1 w always       
conjecture t x is = himself alone !     
univ]se 0 =m$2 n )/&+1 he has no?+ m to 
d1 ?an to op5 8 eyes 9 ord] to be       

undeceiv$4 ,he w !n see1 t he und]goes a
 common de/9y1 equally p>takes ) all o!r
 be+s ( ! b5efits1 %>es ) !m )\t        
exception ! evils ( life2 l !m he is    
submitt$ to an imp]i\s necessity1       
inexorable 9 its decrees2 :i* is itself 
no?+ m ?an ! sum total ( ^? laws :i*    
nature h]self is oblig$ to foll[4  ,?us 
e ?+ proves t nature1 or matt]1 exi/s   
necess>ily2 t x _c 9 any mom5t sw]ve f  
^? laws impos$ ^u x by its exi/5ce4 ,if 
x _c be annihilat$1 x _c h be5 in*oate4 
,! !ologian himself agrees t x requires 
a miracle to annihilate an atom4 ,b is x
 possible to d]ogate f ! necess>y laws (
 exi/5ce8 ,c t :i* exi/s necess>ily1 act
 b accord+ to ! laws peculi> to itself8 
,miracle is ano!r ^w inv5t$ to %ield our
 own slo?1 to cov] our own ignorance2 x 
is t by :i* we wi% to designate ^? r>e  
occurr5ces1 ^? solit>y effects ( natural
 causes1 ^: infrequ5cy d n af=d u means 
( div+ into _! spr+s4 ,x is only say+ by
 ano!r expression1 t an unkn[n cause ha?
 by modes :i* we _c trace1 produc$ an   

uncommon effect :i* we did n expect1 :i*
 !re=e appe>s /range to u4 ,?is grant$1 
! int]v5tion ( words1 f> f remov+ !     
ignorance 9 :i* we f\nd ourselves )     
respect to ! p[] & capabilities (       
nature1 only s]ves to augm5t x1 to give 
x m durability4 ,! creation ( matt]     
becomes to our m9d z incompreh5sible1 & 
appe>s z impossible z its annihilation4 
,let u !n conclude t all ^? words :i* d 
n pres5t to ! m9d any det]m9ate idea1   
ought to be bani%$ ! language ( ^? :o   
are desir\s ( speak+ s z to be und]/ood2
 t ab/ract t]ms1 inv5t$ by ignorance1   
are only calculat$ to satisfy m5        
de/itute ( exp]i5ce2 :o are too slo?ful 
to /udy nature1 too timid to se>* into  
h] ways2 t !y are suitable only to      
cont5t ^? en?usia/s1 ^: curi\s          
imag9ation pleases itself ) mak+        
fruitless endeav\rs to spr+ beyond !    
visible _w2 :o occupy !mselves ) *im]as 
( _! own creation3 9 %ort1 t ^! words   
are useful only to ^? ^: sole pr(ession 
x is to fe$ ! e>s ( ! un9=m$ ) pomp\s   

s\nds1 t are n compreh5d$ by            
!mselves--^u ! s5se ( :i* !y are 9 a    
/ate ( p]petual ho/ility ) ea* o!r--^u !
 true mean+ ( :i* !y h nev] yet be5 able
 to come to a common agreem5t2 :i* ea*  
sees aft] 8 own peculi> mann] (         
contemplat+ objects1 9 :i* !re nev] 01  
nor probably nev] w be1 ! lea/ h>mony ( 
feel+4  ,man is a mat]ial be+2 he _c    
consequ5tly h any ideas1 b ( t :i* l    
himself is mat]ial2 t is to say1 ( t :i*
 is 9 a capacity to act ^u 8 organs1 :i*
 has "s qualities analog\s ) 8 own4 ,9  
despite ( himself1 he always assigns    
mat]ial prop]ties to 8 gods2 !          
impossibility he f9ds 9 compass+ !m1 has
 made him suppose !m to be spiritual2   
di/+ui%$ f ! mat]ial _w4 ,inde$ he1 mu/ 
be cont5t1 ei!r n to und]/& himself1 or 
he mu/ h mat]ial ideas ( ! ,div9ity2 !  
human m9d may torture itself z long z x 
pleases1 x w nev]1 aft] all its ef=ts1  
be enabl$ to compreh5d1 t mat]ial       
effects c emanate f immat]ial causes2 or
 t su* causes c h any relation ) mat]ial

 be+s4 ,"h is ! reason :y man1 z we h   
se51 believes himself oblig$ to give to 
8 gods1 ^! morals :i* he s mu* s highly 
e/eems1 9 ^? be+s ( 8 race1 :o are      
=tunate en\gh to possess !m3 he =gets t 
a be+ :o is spiritual1 adopt+ !         
!ological hypo!sis1 _c f !nce ei!r h 8  
organization1 or 8 ideas2 t x _c ?9k 9 8
 mode1 nor act aft] 8 mann]2 t          
consequ5tly x _c possess :at he calls   
intellig5ce1 wisdom1 goodness1 ang]1    
ju/ice1 c4 z he himself und]/&s ^? t]ms4
 ,?us1 9 tru?1 ! moral qualities ) :i*  
he has clo!d ! ,div9ity1 supposes him   
mat]ial1 & ! mo/ ab/ract !ological      
notions1 are1 aft] all1 f\nd$ ^u a      
direct1 und5iable ,an?ropomorphism4  ,9 
despite ( all _! subtilties1 ! !ologians
 _c d o!rwise2 l all ! be+s ( ! human   
species1 !y h a k ( matt] alone3 !y h no
 real idea ( a pure _s4 ,:5 !y speak ( !
 intellig5ce1 ( ! wisdom1 ( ! designs ( 
_! gods1 !y are always ^? ( m5 :i* !y   
describe1 t !y ob/9ately p]si/ 9 giv+ to
 be+s1 ( :i*1 accord+ to _! own %ew+1 to

 ! evid5ce !y !mselves adduce1 _! ess5ce
 does n r5d] !m susceptible2 :o if !y _h
 ^? qualities ) :i* !y clo! !m1 w\ld f t
 v mom5t cease to be incorporeal2 w\ld  
be 9 ! true/ s5se ( ! ^w1 sub/antive    
matt]4 ,h[ %all we reconcile ! ass]tion1
 t be+s :o h n occasion = any ?+--:o are
 suffici5t to !m selves--^: projects mu/
 be execut$ z soon z !y are =m$2 c h    
volition1 passions1 desires8 ,h[ %all we
 attribute ang] to be+s )\t ei!r blood  
or bile8 ,h[ c we conceive an omnipot5t 
be+ 7^: wisdom we admire 9 ! /rik+ ord] 
he has himself e/abli%$ 9 ! univ]se17 c 
p]mit t ?is beautiful arrangem5t %\ld be
 cont9ually di/urb$1 ei!r by ! elem5ts 9
 discord1 or by ! crimes ( human be+s8  
,9 %ort1 ?is be+ _c h any "o ( ! human  
qualities1 :i* always dep5d ^u ! peculi>
 organization ( man--^u 8 wants--^u 8   
in/itutions1 :i* are !mselves always    
relative to ! society 9 :i* he lives4 ,!
 !ologian va9ly /rives to aggr&ize1 to  
exagg]ate 9 idea1 to c>ry to p]fection  
by d9t ( ab/raction1 ! moral qualities (

 man2 !y are unsuitable to ! ,div9ity2 9
 va9 x is ass]t$ !y are 9 him ( a       
diff]5t nature f :at !y are 9 8         
creatures2 t !y are p]fect2 inf9ite2    
supreme2 em95t2 9 hold+ ?is language1 !y
 no long] und]/& !mselves2 !y c h no "o 
idea ( ! qualities !y are describ+1 see+
 t man c nev] h a conception ( !m1 b    
inasmu* z !y be> an analogy to ! same   
qualities 9 himself4  ,x is ?us t by =ce
 ( metaphysical subtilty1 mortals h no  
long] any fix$1 any det]m9ate idea ( !  
be+s to :i* !y h giv5 bir?4 ,b little   
cont5t$ ) und]/&+ physical causes1 )    
contemplat+ active nature2 we>y ( exam9+
 matt]1 :i* exp]i5ce proves is compet5t 
to ! production ( e ?+1 man has be5     
desir\s to despoil x ( ! en]gy :i* x is 
its ess5ce to possess1 9 ord] to inve/ x
 9 a pure _s2 9 an immat]ial sub/ance2  
:i* he is "u ! necessity ( re-mak+ a    
mat]ial be+1 :5ev] he has an incl9ation 
ei!r to =m an idea ( x to himself1 or   
make x und]/ood by o!rs4 ,9 assembl+ !  
p>ts ( man1 :i* he does no m ?an enl>ge1

 :i* he swells out to inf9ity1 he       
believes he =ms an immat]ial be+1 :o1 = 
t reason1 acquires ! capability ( p]=m+ 
all ^? ph5om5a1 ) ! true causes ( :i* he
 is ignorant2 nev]!less ^? op]ations (  
:i* he does compreh5d ! spr+1 he z      
s$ul\sly d5ies to be due to ! p[]s ( ?is
 be+2 "t1 !re=e1 accord+ to ^! ideas1 z 
he advances ! progress ( sci5ce1 z he   
fur!r developes ! secrets ( nature1 is  
cont9ually dim9i%+ ! numb] ( actions    
ascrib$ to ?is be+--is con/antly        
circumscrib+ 8 sph]e ( action4 ,x is ^u 
! model ( ! human s\l t he =ms ! s\l (  
nature1 or t secret ag5t f :i* %e       
receives impulse4 ,aft] hav+ made       
himself d\ble1 he makes nature 9 l mann]
 tw(old1 & !n he supposes %e is vivifi$ 
by an intellig5ce1 :i* he borr[s f      
himself1 ,plac$ 9 an impossibility (    
becom+ acqua9t$ ) ?is ag5t1 z well z ) t
 :i* he has gratuit\sly di/+ui%$ f 8 own
 body2 he has inv5t$ ! ^w spiritual to  
cov] up 8 ignorance2 :i* is only 9 o!r  
words av[+ x is a sub/ance entirely     

unkn[n to him4 ,f t mom5t1 h[ev]1 he has
 no ideas :atev] ( :at he himself has   
done2 because he fir/ clo!s x ) all !   
qualities he e/eems 9 8 fell[s1 & !n    
de/roys !m by an assurance1 t !y 9 no   
wise resemble ! qualities he has be5 s  
anxi\s to be/[4 ,to rem$y ?is           
inconv5i5ce1 he concludes ?is spiritual 
sub/ance mu* m noble ?an matt]2 t its   
prodigi\s subtilty1 :i* he calls        
simplicity1 b :i* is only ! effect (    
metaphysical ab/raction1 secures x f    
decomposition1 f dissolution1 f all ^?  
revolutions1 to :i* mat]ial bodies1 z   
produc$ by nature1 are evid5tly expos$4 
,x is ?us1 t man always pref]s !        
m>vell\s to ! simple2 ! un9telligible to
 ! intelligible2 t :i* he _c compreh5d1 
to t :i* is )9 ! range ( 8 und]/&+2 he  
despises ^? objects :i* are famili> to  
him2 he e/imates ^? alone ) :i* he is   
incapable ( hav+ any int]c\rse3 t ( :i* 
he has only confus$ vague ideas1 he     
concludes mu/ conta9 some?+ important = 
him to "k--mu/ h some?+ sup]natural 9   

its con/ruction4 ,9 %ort1 he ne$s my/]y 
to move 8 imag9ation--to ex]cise 8      
m9d--to fe$ 8 curiosity2 :i* nev] lab\rs
 h>d]1 ?an :5 x is occupi$ ) enigmas    
impossible to be guess$ at2 :i* f t v   
circum/ance1 he judges to be extremely  
wor?y ( 8 rese>*4 ,?is1 )\t d\bt1 is !  
reason he looks ^u matt]1 :i* he has    
cont9ually "u 8 eyes1 :i* he sees       
p]petually 9 action1 et]nally *ang+ its 
=m1 z a contemptible ?+--z a cont+5t    
be+1 t does n exi/ necess>ily2          
consequ5tly1 t _c exi/ indep5d5tly3 ?is 
is ! reason :y he has imag9$ a _s1 :i*  
he w nev] be able to conceive2 :i* on t 
acc\nt he decl>es to be sup]ior to      
matt]2 :i* he r\ndly ass]ts to be       
ant]ior to nature1 & ! only self-exi/5t 
be+4 ,! human w9d f\nd food 9 ^! my/ical
 ideas1 !y unceas+ly occupi$ x2 !       
imag9ation _h play1 x embelli%$ !m aft] 
its own mann]3 ignorance f$ itself ) !  
fables to :i* ^! my/]ies gave rise2     
habit id5tifi$ !m ) ! exi/5ce ( man     
himself3 :5 ea* c\ld ask ! o!r conc]n+  

^! ideas1 )\t any "o be+ 9 a capacity to
 return a direct answ]1 he felt himself 
gratifi$1 he imm$iately conclud$ t !    
g5]al impossibility ( reply /amp$ !m ) !
 wondr\s faculty ( imm$iately int]e/+ 8 
welf>e2 ( involv+ 8 mo/ prom95t int]e/s1
 m ?an all ! ?+s put toge!r1 ) :i* he _h
 any possible means ( becom+ intimately 
acqua9t$4 ,?us !y became necess>y to 8  
happ9ess2 he believ$ he fell into a     
vacuum )\t !m2 he became ! decid$ enemy 
to all ^? :o endeav\r$ to lead him back 
to nature1 :i* he _h le>n$ to despise2  
to consid] only z an impot5t mass1 an   
heap ( in]t matt]1 n possess+ any en]gy 
b :at x receiv$ f causes ext]ior to     
itself2 z a contemptible assemblage (   
fragile comb9ations1 ^: =ms 7 cont9ually
 subject to p]i%4  ,9 di/+ui%+ nature f 
h] mov]1 man has fall5 into ! same      
absurdity z :5 he sep>at$ 8 s\l f 8     
body2 life f ! liv+ be+2 ! faculty (    
?\ght f ! ?9k+ be+3 deceiv$ on 8 own    
peculi> nature1 hav+ tak5 up an errone\s
 op9ion ^u ! en]gy ( 8 own organs1 he   

has 9 l mann] be5 deceiv$ ^u !          
organization ( ! univ]se2 he has        
di/+ui%$ nature f h]self2 ! life (      
nature f liv+ nature2 ! action ( nature 
f active nature4 ,x 0 ?is s\l ( !       
_w--?is en]gy ( nature--?is pr9ciple (  
activity1 :i* man fir/ p]sonifi$1 !n    
sep>at$ by ab/raction2 sometimes        
decorat$ ) imag9>y attributes2 sometimes
 ) qualities borr[$ f 8 own peculi>     
ess5ce4 ,su* 7 ! a]ial mat]ials ( :i*   
man avail$ himself to con/ruct !        
incompreh5sible1 immat]ial sub/ances1   
:i* h fill$ ! _w ) disputes--:i* h      
divid$ man f 8 fell[--:i* to ?is day he 
has nev] be5 able to def9e1 ev5 to 8 own
 satisfaction4 ,8 own s\l 0 ! model4    
,deceiv$ ^u ! nature ( ?is1 he nev] _h  
any j ideas ( ! ,div9ity1 :o 01 9 8 m9d1
 no?+ m ?an a copy exagg]at$ or         
disfigur$ to t degree1 z to make him    
mi/ake ! prototype ^u :i* x _h be5      
orig9ally =m$4  ,if1 because man has    
di/+ui%$ himself f 8 own exi/5ce1 x has 
be5 impossible = him ev] to =m to       

himself any true idea ( 8 own nature2 x 
is also because he has di/+ui%$ nature f
 h]self1 t bo? h]self & h] ways h be5   
mi/ak54 ,man has ceas$ to /udy nature1 t
 he might1 recur by ?\ght to a sub/ance 
:i* possesses no?+ 9 common ) h]2 ?is   
sub/ance he has made ! mov] ( nature1   
)\t :i* %e w\ld n be capable ( any ?+2  
to :om e ?+ t takes place 9 h] sy/em1   
mu/ be attribut$2 ! conduct ( ?is be+   
has appe>$ my/]i\s1 has be5 held up z   
m>vell\s1 because he seem$ to be a      
cont9ual contradiction3 :5 if man _h b  
recurr$ to ! immutability ( ! laws (    
nature1 to ! inv>iable sy/em %e pursues1
 all w\ld h appe>$ intelligible2 e ?+   
w\ld h be5 reconcil$2 ! app>5t          
contr>iety w\ld h vani%$4 ,by ?us tak+ a
 wrong view ( ?+s1 wisdom & intellig5ce 
appe>$ to be oppos$ by confusion &      
disord]2 goodness to be r5d]$ nugatory  
by evil2 :ile all is only j :at x mu/   
inevitably be1 "u ! giv5 circum/ances4  
,9 consequ5ce ( ^! errone\s op9ions1 9 !
 place ( apply+ himself to ! /udy (     

nature1 to discov] ! me?od ( obta9+ h]  
favors1 or to seek ! means ( ?r[+ aside 
8 mis=tunes2 9 ! room ( consult+ 8      
exp]i5ce2 9 lieu ( lab\r+ usefully to 8 
own happ9ess2 he has be5 only occupi$ ) 
expect+ ^! ?+s by *annels ?r\gh :i* !y d
 n fl[2 he has be5 disput+ ^u objects be
 nev] c und]/&1 :ile he has totally     
neglect$ t :i* 0 )9 ! compass ( 8 own   
p[]s2 :i* he might h r5d]$ propiti\s to 
8 views1 by a m indu/ri\s application ( 
8 own tal5t2 by a pati5t inve/igation1 =
 ! purpose ( draw+ at ! f\nta9 ( tru?1 !
 limpid balsam t alone c heal ! sorr[s  
or 8 he>t4  ,no?+ c\ld be well m        
prejudicial to 8 race1 ?an ?is          
extravagant !ory2 :i*1 z we %all prove1 
has become ! s\rce ( innum]able evils4  
,man has be5 = ?\s&s ( ye>s trembl+ be=e
 idols ( 8 own creation--b[+ d[n be=e !m
 ) ! mo/ s]vile homage--occupi$ ) dis>m+
 _! wra?--s$ul\sly employ$ 9 propitiat+ 
_! k9dness1 )\t ev] advanc+ a s+le /ep  
on ! road he s mu* desires to travel4   
,he w p]haps cont9ue ! same c\rse =     

c5turies to come1 unless by "s unlook$ =
 ex]tion on 8 "p1 he %all happ5 to      
disc>d ! prejudices :i* bl9d him2 to lay
 aside 8 en?usiasm = ! m>vell\s2 to quit
 8 fondness = ! enigmatical2 rally r\nd 
! /&>d ( 8 reason3 unless1 tak+ exp]i5ce
 = 8 guide1 he m>* undaunt$ly =w>d "u ! 
bann] ( tru?1 & put to ! r\t t ho/ (    
un9telligible j>gon1 "u ! cumbr\s load (
 :i* he has lo/ sight ( 8 own happ9ess2 
:i* has b too frequ5tly prev5t$ him f   
seek+ ! only means adequate ei!r to     
satisfy 8 wants1 or to ameliorate !     
evils :i* he is necess>ily oblig$ to    
exp]i5ce4  ,let u !n re-conduct bewild]$
 mortals to ! alt> ( nature2 let u      
endeav\r to de/roy t delusion :i* !     
ignorance ( man1 aid$ by a disord]$     
imag9ation1 has induc$ him to elevate to
 h] ?rone2 let u /rive to dissipate t   
heavy mi/ :i* obscures to him ! pa?s (  
tru?2 let u seek to bani% f 8 m9d ^?    
vision>y ideas :i* prev5t him f giv+    
activity to 8 exp]i5ce2 let u tea* him  
if possible n to seek out ( nature      

h]self1 ! causes ( ! ph5om5a he         
admires--to re/ satisfi$ t %e conta9s   
rem$ies = all 8 evils--t %e has manifold
 b5efits 9 /ore = ^?1 :o1 rally+ _!     
indu/ry1 are will+ly pati5tly to        
inve/igate h] laws--t %e r>ely )holds h]
 secrets f ! rese>*es ( ^? :o dilig5tly 
lab\r to unravel !m4 ,let u assure him t
 reason alone c r5d] him happy2 t reason
 is no?+ m ?an ! sci5ce ( nature1 appli$
 to ! conduct ( man 9 society2 t ?is    
reason tea*es t e ?+ is necess>y2 t 8   
pleasures z well z 8 sorr[s are !       
effects ( nature1 :o 9 all h] works     
foll[s only laws :i* no?+ c make h]     
revoke2 t 8 int]e/ dem&s he %\ld le>n to
 support ) equanimity ( m9d1 all ^?     
evils :i* natural means d n enable him  
to put aside4 ,9 %ort1 let u unceas+ly  
repeat to him1 x is 9 r5d]+ 8 fell[     
creature happy1 t he w himself arrive at
 a felicity he w 9 va9 expect f o!rs1 :5
 8 own conduct refuses x to him4        
,nature is self-exi/5t2 %e w always     
exi/2 %e produces e ?+2 conta9s )9      

h]self ! cause ( e ?+2 h] motion is a   
necess>y consequ5ce ( h] exi/5ce2 )\t   
motion we c\ld =m no conception (       
nature2 "u ?is collective "n we         
designate ! assemblage ( matt] act+ by  
virtue ( its peculi> en]gies4 ,e ?+     
proves to u1 t x is n out ( nature man  
ought to seek ! ,div9ity4 ,if we h only 
an incomplete k ( nature & h] ways--if  
we h only sup]ficial1 imp]fect ideas (  
matt]1 h[ %all we be able to flatt]     
ourselves ) und]/&+ or hav+ any c]ta9   
notions ( immat]iality1 ( be+s s mu* m  
fugitive1 s mu* m difficult to compass1 
ev5 by ?\ght1 ?an ! mat]ial elem5ts2 s  
mu* m %y ( access ?an ei!r ! con/itu5t  
pr9ciples ( bodies1 _! primitive        
prop]ties1 _! v>i\s modes ( act+1 or _! 
diff]5t mann] ( exi/+8 ,if we _c recur  
to fir/ causes1 let its cont5t ourselves
 ) second causes1 ) ^? effects :i* we c 
submit to exp]i5ce1 let u collect !     
facts ) :i* we h an acqua9tance2 !y w   
enable u to judge ( :at we d n "k3 let u
 at lea/ conf9e ourselves to ! feeble   

glimm]+s ( tru? ) :i* our s5ses furni%  
u1 s9ce we d n possess means :]eby to   
acquire broad] masses ( light4  ,d n let
 u mi/ake = real sci5ces1 ^? :i* h no   
o!r basis ?an our imag9ation2 we %all   
f9d t su* c at mo/ be b vision>y3 let u 
cl+ close to nature :i* we see1 :i* we  
feel1 ( :i* we exp]i5ce ! action2 ( :i* 
at lea/ we und]/& ! g5]al laws4 ,if we  
are ignorant ( h] detail1 if we _c fa?om
 ! secret pr9ciples %e employs 9 h] mo/ 
complicat$ productions1 we are at lea/  
c]ta9 %e acts 9 a p]man5t1 uni=m1       
analog\s1 necess>y mann]4 ,let u !n     
obs]ve ?is nature2 let u wat* h]        
movem5ts2 b nev] let u endeav\r to quit 
! r\t9e %e prescribes = ! be+s ( our    
species3 if we d1 we %all n only be     
oblig$ to return1 b we %all also        
infallibly be puni%$ ) numb]less errors1
 :i* w d>k5 our m9d1 e/range u f reason2
 ! necess>y consequ5ce w be c\ntless    
sorr[s1 :i* we may o!rwise avoid4 ,let u
 consid] we are s5sible p>ts ( a :ole1 9
 :i* ! =ms are only produc$ to be       

de/roy$2 9 :i* comb9ations are u%]$ into
 life1 t !y may aga9 quit x1 aft] hav+  
subsi/$ = a long] or a %ort] season4    
,let u look ^u nature z an imm5se       
elaboratory :i* conta9s e ?+ necess>y = 
h] action2 :o lacks no?+ requisite = !  
production ( all ! ph5om5a %e displays  
to our sight4 ,let u ackn[l$ge h] p[] to
 be inh]5t 9 h] ess5ce2 amply           
comm5surate to h] et]nal m>*2 fully     
adequate to ! happ9ess ( all ! be+s %e  
conta9s4 ,let u consid] h] z a :ole1 :o 
c only ma9ta9 h]self by :at we call !   
discord ( ! elem5ts2 t %e exi/s by !    
cont9ual dissolution & re-union ( h]    
p>ts2 t f ?is spr+s ! univ]sal h>mony2 t
 f ?is ! g5]al /ability has its bir?4   
,let u !n re-e/abli% omnipot5t nature1 s
 long mi/ak5 by man1 9 h] legitimate    
rights4 ,let u place h] on t adamant9e  
?rone1 :i* x is = ! felicity ( ! human  
race %e %\ld occupy4 ,let u surr\nd h] )
 ^? m9i/]s :o c nev] deceive1 :o c nev] 
=feit our confid5ce--,ju/ice &          
,practical ,k4 ,let u li/5 to h] et]nal 

voice2 %e nei!r speaks ambigu\sly1 nor 9
 an un9telligible language2 %e may be   
easily compreh5d$ by ! p ( all nations2 
because ,reason is h] fai?ful int]pret]4
 ,%e (f]s no?+ to our contemplation b   
immutable tru?s4 ,let u !n = ev] impose 
sil5ce on t en?usiasm :i* leads u a/ray2
 let u put to ! blu% t impo/ure :i* w\ld
 riot on our cr$ulity2 let u disc>d t   
gloomy sup]/ition1 :i* has drawn u aside
 f ! only wor%ip suitable to intellig5t 
be+s4 ,above all1 nev] let u =get t !   
temple ( happ9ess c only be rea*$ ?r\gh 
! groves ( virtue1 :i* surr\nd x on e   
side2 t ! pa?s :i* lead to ^! beautiful 
walks c only be ent]$ by ! road (       
exp]i5ce1 ! portals ( :i* are alone op5$
 to ^? :o apply to !m ! key ( tru?3 ?is 
key is ( v simple /ructure1 has no      
complicat$ intricacy ( w>ds1 & is easily
 =m$ on ! anvil ( social int]c\rse1     
m]ely by n do+ unto o!rs t :i* y w\ld n 
wi% !y %\ld d unto y4      ,,*ap4 ,,vii4
  ,( ,!ism4--,( ! ,sy/em (              
,optimism4--,( f9al ,causes4   ,v few m5

 h ei!r ! c\rage or ! indu/ry to exam9e 
op9ions1 :i* e "o is 9 agreem5t to      
ackn[l$ge2 !re is sc>cely any "o :o     
v5tures to d\bt _! tru?1 ev5 :5 no solid
 argum5ts h be5 adduc$ 9 _! support4 ,! 
natural sup95ess ( man readily receives 
!m )\t exam9ation ^u ! au?ority (       
o!rs--communicates !m to 8 successors 9 
! season ( _! infancy2 ?us is transmitt$
 f race to race1 notions :i* once hav+  
obta9$ ! sanction ( "t1 are contemplat$ 
z clo!d ) a sacr$ "*1 al?\gh p]haps to  
an unprejudic$ m9d1 :o %\ld be b5t on   
se>*+ into _! f\ndation1 no pro(s w     
appe>1 t !y ev] 7 v]ifi$4 ,x is ?us )   
immat]iality3 x has pass$ curr5t f fa!r 
to son = _m ages1 )\t ^! hav+ done any  
?+ m ?an habitually consign to _! bra9  
^? obscure ideas :i* 7 at fir/ atta*$ to
 x1 :i* x is evid5t1 f ! admission ev5 (
 its advocates1 c nev] be remov$1 to    
admit o!rs ( a m enlight5$ nature4      
,inde$ h[ c x possibly be1 t light c be 
?r[n ^u an incompreh5sible subject3 ea* 
!re=e modifies x aft] 8 own mann]2 ea*  

gives x t col\r+ t mo/ h>monizes ) 8 own
 peculi> exi/5ce2 ea* contemplates x "u 
t p]spective :i* is ! issue ( 8 own     
p>ticul> vision3 ?is f ! nature ( ?+s _c
 be ! same 9 e individual3 !re mu/ !n ( 
necessity be a great contr>iety 9 !     
op9ions result+4 ,x is ?us also t ea*   
man =ms to himself a ,god 9 p>ticul>1   
aft] 8 own peculi> temp]am5t--accord+ to
 8 own natural dispositions3 !          
individual circum/ances "u :i* he is    
f\nd1 ! w>m? ( 8 imag9ation1 !          
prejudices he has receiv$1 ! mode 9 :i* 
he is at diff]5t times affect$1 h all _!
 influ5ce 9 ! picture he =ms4 ,!        
cont5t$1 heal?y man1 does n see him ) ! 
same eyes z ! man :o is *agr9$ & sick2 !
 man ) a heat$ blood1 :o has an ard5t   
imag9ation1 or is subject to bile1 does 
n p\rtray him "u ! same traits z he :o  
enjoys a m peaceable s\l1 :o has a cool]
 fancy1 :o is ( a m phlegmatic habit4   
,?is is n all2 ev5 ! same individual    
does n view him 9 ! same mann] at       
diff]5t p]iods ( 8 life3 he und]goes all

 ! v>iations ( 8 ma*9e--all !           
revolutions ( 8 temp]am5t--all ^?       
cont9ual vicissitudes :i* 8 exi/5ce     
exp]i5ces4 ,! idea ( ! ,div9ity is said 
to be innate2 on ! contr>y1 x is        
p]petually fluctuat+ 9 ! m9d ( ea*      
individual2 v>ies e mom5t 9 all ! be+s (
 ! human species2 s mu* s1 t !re are n  
two :o admit precisely ! same ,deity2   
!re is n a s+le "o1 :o1 "u diff]5t      
circum/ances1 does n see him v>i\sly4   
,d n !n let u be surpris$ at ! v>iety ( 
sy/ems adopt$ by mank9d on ?is subject2 
x ought n to a/oni% u t !re is s little 
h>mony exi/+ among m5 ^u a po9t ( su*   
consequ5ce2 x ought n to appe> /range t 
s mu* contradiction %\ld prevail 9 !    
v>i\s doctr9es held =?2 t !y %\ld h su* 
little consi/5cy1 su* sl5d] connection )
 ea* o!r2 t ! pr(essors %\ld dispute    
cont9ually ^u ! rectitude ( ! op9ions   
adopt$ by ea*3 !y mu/ necess>ily wrangle
 ^u t :i* ea* contemplates s v>i\sly--^u
 :i* !re is h>dly a s+le mortal :o is   
con/antly 9 accord ) himself4  ,all m5  

are pretty well agre$ ^u ^? objects :i* 
!y are enabl$ to submit to ! te/ (      
exp]i5ce2 we d n he> any disputes ^u !  
pr9ciples ( geometry2 ^? tru?s t are    
evid5t1 t are easily demon/rable1 nev]  
v>y 9 our m9d2 we nev] d\bt t ! "p is   
less ?an ! :ole2 t two & two make f\r2 t
 b5evol5ce is an amiable quality2 t     
equity is necess>y to man 9 society4 ,b 
we f9d no?+ b p]petual controv]sy ^u all
 ^? sy/ems :i* h ! ,div9ity = _! object2
 !y are full ( inc]titude2 subject to   
cont9ual v>iations3 we d n see any      
h>mony ei!r 9 ! pr9ciples ( !ology1 or 9
 ! pr9ciples ( its graduates4 ,ev5 !    
pro(s (f]$ ( 8 exi/5ce h be5 ! subject (
 cavil2 !y h ei!r be5 ?\ght too feeble1 
h be5 br\ght =w>d aga9/ rule1 or else h 
n be5 tak5 up ) suffici5t zeal to please
 ! v>i\s reason]s :o advocate ! cause2 !
 coroll>ies drawn f ! premises laid d[n1
 are n ! same 9 any two nations1 sc>cely
 9 two individuals2 ! ?9k]s ( all ages1 
9 all c\ntries1 are p]petually 9 rivalry
 ) ea* o!r2 unceas+ly qu>rel ^u all !   

po9ts ( religion2 c nev] agree ei!r ^u  
_! !ological hypo!ses1 or ^u !          
fundam5tal tru?s :i* %\ld s]ve = _!     
basis2 ev5 ! attributes1 ! v qualities  
ascrib$1 are z w>mly conte/$ by "s1 z !y
 are zeal\sly def5d$ by o!rs4  ,^!      
nev]-end+ disputes1 ^! p]petual         
v>iations1 ought1 at lea/1 to conv9ce ! 
unprejudic$1 t ! ideas ( ! ,div9ity h   
nei!r ! g5]ally-admitt$ evid5ce1 nor !  
c]titude :i* are attribut$ to !m2 on !  
contr>y1 ^! contr>ieties 9 ! op9ions ( !
 !ologians1 if submitt$ to ! logic ( !  
s*ools1 might be fatal to ! :ole ( !m3  
accord+ to t mode ( reason+1 :i* at lea/
 has ! sanction ( our univ]sities1 all !
 probabilities 9 ! _w _c acquire ! =ce (
 a demon/ration2 a tru? is n made evid5t
 b :5 con/ant exp]i5ce1 reit]at$        
reflection1 exhibits x always "u ! same 
po9t ( view2 ! evid5ce ( a proposition  
_c be admitt$ unless x c>ries ) x a     
sub/antive demon/ration2 f ! con/ant    
relation :i* is made by well con/itut$  
s5ses1 results t evid5ce1 t c]titude1   

:i* alone c produce full conviction3 if 
! major proposition ( a syllogism %\ld  
be ov]turn$ by ! m9or1 ! :ole falls to !
 gr\nd4 ,cic]o1 :o is no mean au?ority  
on su* a subject1 says expressly1 ,no   
reason+ c r5d] t false1 :i* exp]i5ce has
 demon/rat$ z evid5t4 ,wolff1 9 8       
,ontology1 says2 ,t :i* is repugnant 9  
itself1 _c possibly be und]/ood2 t ^?   
?+s :i* are 9 !mselves contradictions1  
mu/ always be defici5t ( evid5ce4 ,/4   
,?omas says1 ,be+1 is all t :i* is n    
repugnant to exi/5ce4  ,h[ev] x may be )
 ^! qualities1 :i* ! !ologians assign to
 _! immat]ial be+s1 :e!r !y may be      
irreconcileable1 or :e!r !y are totally 
incompreh5sible1 :at c result to ! human
 species 9 suppos+ !m to h intellig5ce &
 views8 ,c an univ]sal intellig5ce1 ^:  
c>e mu/ be equally ext5d$ to e ?+ t     
exi/s1 h m direct1 m intimate relations 
) man1 :o only =ms an ins5sible portion 
( ! great :ole8 ,c we s]i\sly believe t 
x is to make joyful ! insects1 to       
gratify ! ants ( 8 g>d51 t ! ,mon>* ( ! 

univ]se has con/ruct$ & embelli%$ 8     
habitation8 ,w\ld our feeble eyes1      
!re=e1 become /rong]--w\ld our n>r[     
views ( ?+s be enl>g$--%\ld we be bett] 
capacitat$ to und]/& 8 projects--c\ld we
 ) m c]titude div9e 8 plans1 ent] into 8
 designs--w\ld our exility ( judgm5t be 
compet5t to measure 8 wisdom1 to foll[ !
 et]nal ord] he has e/abli%$8 ,w ^?     
effects1 :i* fl[ f 8 omnipot5ce1 emanate
 f 8 provid5ce--:e!r we e/imate !m z    
good1 or :e!r we tax !m z evil--:e!r we 
consid] !m b5eficial1 or view !m z      
prejudicial--be less ! necess>y results 
( 8 wisdom1 ( 8 ju/ice1 ( 8 et]nal      
decrees8 ,9 ?is case c we reasonably    
suppose t a ,be+1 s wise1 s j1 s        
intellig5t1 w d]ange 8 sy/em1 *ange 8   
plan1 = su* weak be+s z ourselves8 ,c we
 rationally believe we h ! capacity to  
address wor?y pray]s1 to make suitable  
reque/s1 to po9t out prop] modes (      
conduct to su* a ,be+8 ,c we at all     
flatt] ourselves t to please u1 to      
gratify our discordant wi%es1 he w alt] 

8 immutable laws8 ,c we imag9e t at our 
entreaty he w take f ! be+s :o surr\nd u
 _! ess5ces1 _! prop]ties1 _! v>i\s     
modes ( action8 ,h we any "r to expect  
he w abrogate 9 our behalf ! et]nal laws
 ( nature1 t he w di/urb h] et]nal m>*1 
arre/ h] ev]-la/+ c\rse1 :i* 8 wisdom   
has plann$2 :i* 8 goodness has conf]r$2 
:i* are1 9 fact1 ! admiration ( mank9d8 
,c we hope t 9 our fav\r fire w cease to
 burn1 :5 we approximate x too closely2 
t fev] %all n consume our habit1 :5     
contagion has p5etrat$ our sy/em2 t g\t 
%all n torm5t u1 :5 an intemp]ate mode (
 life %all h amass$ ! hum\rs t          
necess>ily result f su* conduct2 t an   
edifice tumbl+ 9 ru9s %all n cru% u by  
its fall1 :5 we are )9 ! vortex ( its   
action8 ,w our va9 cries1 our mo/ f]v5t 
supplications1 prev5t a c\ntry f be+    
unhappy1 :5 x %all be deva/at$ by an    
ambiti\s conqu]or2 :5 x %all be submitt$
 to ! caprici\s w ( unfeel+ tyrants1 :o 
b5d x b5ea? ! iron rod ( _! oppression8 
,if ?is inf9ite intellig5ce gives a free

 c\rse to ^? ev5ts :i* 8 wisdom has     
prep>$2 if no?+ happ5s 9 ?is _w b aft] 8
 imp5etrable designs2 we ought sil5tly  
to submit2 we h 9 fact no?+ to ask2 we  
%\ld be madm5 to oppose our own weak    
intellect to su* capaci\s wisdom2 we    
%\ld (f] an insult to 8 prud5ce if we 7 
desir\s to regulate !m4 ,man mu/ n      
flatt] himself t he is wis] ?an 8 ,god2 
t he is 9 a capacity to make him *ange 8
 w2 ) hav+ p[] to det]m9e him to take   
o!r means ?an ^? :i* he has *os5 to     
accompli% 8 decrees4 ,an intellig5t     
,div9ity c only h tak5 ^? measures :i*  
embrace complete ju/ice2 c only h avail$
 himself ( ^? means :i* are be/         
calculat$ to arrive at 8 end2 if he 0   
capable ( *ang+ !m1 he c\ld nei!r be    
call$ wise1 immutable1 nor provid5t4 ,if
 x 0 to be grant$1 t ! ,div9ity did = a 
s+le in/ant susp5d ^? laws :i* he       
himself has giv51 if he 0 to *ange any  
?+ 9 8 plan1 x w\ld be suppos+ he _h n  
=ese5 ! motives ( ?is susp5sion2 t he _h
 n calculat$ ! causes ( ?is *ange2 if he

 did n make ^! motives ent] into 8 plan1
 x w\ld be say+ he _h n =ese5 ! causes t
 r5d] !m necess>y3 if he has =ese5 !m   
)\t mak+ !m "p ( 8 sy/em1 x w\ld be     
arraign+ ! p]fection ( ! :ole4 ,?us 9   
:atev] mann] ^! ?+s are contemplat$1 "u 
:atev] po9t ( view !y are exam9$1 x is  
evid5t t ! pray]s :i* man addresses to !
 ,div9ity1 :i* are sanction$ by !       
diff]5t modes ( wor%ip1 always suppose  
he is supplicat+ a be+ ^: wisdom &      
provid5ce are defective2 9 fact1 t 8 own
 is m appropriate to 8 situation4 ,to   
suppose he is capable ( *ange 9 8       
conduct1 is to br+ 8 omnisci5ce into "q2
 to vitally attack 8 omnipot5ce2 to     
arraign 8 goodness2 at once to say1 t he
 ei!r is n will+ or n compet5t to judge 
:at w\ld be mo/ exp$i5t = man2 = ^: sole
 advantage & pleasure !y w1 not)/&+1    
insi/ he creat$ ! univ]se3 su* are !    
inconsi/5t doctr9es ( !ology2 su* !     
imbecile ef=ts ( metaphysics4  ,x is1   
h[ev]1 ^u ^! notions1 extravagant z !y  
may appe>1 ill direct$ z !y assur$ly    

are1 inconclusive z !y mu/ be ackn[l$g$ 
by unprejudic$ m9ds1 t are f\nd$ all !  
sup]/itions & _m ( ! religions ( ! e>?4 
,x is by no means an uncommon sight1 to 
see man ^u 8 knees be=e an all-wise     
,god1 ^: conduct he is endeav\r+ to     
regulate2 ^: decrees he wi%es to av]t2  
^: plan he is desir\s to re=m4 ,^!      
inconsi/5t objects he is occupi$ ) ga9+1
 by means equally repugnant to s\nd     
s5se2 equally injuri\s to ! dignity ( ! 
,div9ity3 adopt+ 8 own s5sations z !    
crit]ion ( ! feel+s ( ! ,deity2 9 "s    
places he tries to w9 him to 8 int]e/s  
by pres5ts2 sometimes we behold ev5 !   
pr9ces ( ! e>? attempt+ to direct 8     
views1 by (f]+ him spl5did g>m5ts1 ^u   
:i* _! own fatuity sets an inord9ate    
value1 m]ely because !y h lab\r$ at !m  
!mselves2 "s /rive to dis>m 8 ju/ice by 
! mo/ spl5did pageantry2 o!rs by        
practices ! mo/ revolt+ to humanity2 "s 
?9k 8 immutability w yield to idle      
c]emonies2 o!rs to ! mo/ discordant     
pray]s2 x n unfrequ5tly happ5s t to     

induce him to *ange 9 _! fav\r 8 et]nal 
decrees1 ^? :o h opposite int]e/s to    
promote1 ea* returns him ?anks = t :i* !
 o!rs consid] z ! greate/ curse t c     
befal !m4 ,9 %ort1 man is almo/ e :]e   
pro/rate be=e an omnipot5t ,god1 :o1 if 
we 7 to judge by ! discrepancy ( _!     
reque/s1 nev] has r5d]$ 8 creatures su* 
z !y ought to be2 :o to accompli% 8     
div9e views has nev] tak5 ! prop]       
measures1 :o to fulfil 8 wisdom has     
cont9ual ne$ ( ! admonitions ( man1     
convey$ ei!r 9 ! =m ( ?anks or pray]s4  
,we see1 !n1 t sup]/ition is f\nd$ ^u   
manife/ contradictions1 :i* man mu/     
always fall into :5 he mi/akes ! natural
 causes ( ?+s--:5 he %all attribute !   
good or evil :i* he exp]i5ces to an     
intellig5t cause1 di/+ui%$ f nature1 (  
:i* he w nev] be compet5t to =m to      
himself any c]ta9 ideas4 ,inde$1 man w  
always be r$uc$1 z we h s frequ5tly     
repeat$1 to ! necessity ( clo?+ 8 gods )
 8 own imbecile qualities3 z he is      
himself a *angeable be+1 ^: intellig5ce 

is limit$2 :o1 plac$ 9 div]s            
circum/ances1 appe>s to be frequ5tly 9  
contradiction ) himself2 al?\gh he ?9ks 
he hon\rs 8 gods 9 giv+ !m 8 own peculi>
 qualities1 he 9 fact does no?+ m ?an   
l5d !m 8 own incon/ancy1 cov] !m ) 8 own
 weakness1 inve/ !m ) 8 own vices4 ,x is
 ?us t 9 reason+1 he is unable to acc\nt
 = ! necessity ( ?+s--t he imag9es !re  
is a confusion :i* 8 pray]s w h a t5d5cy
 to remove--t he ?9ks ! evils ( life m  
?an comm5surate ) ! good3 he does n     
p]ceive t an undeviat+ sy/em1 by op]at+ 
^u be+s div]sely organiz$1 ^:           
circum/ances are diff]5t1 ^: modes (    
action are at v>iance1 mu/ ( necessity  
sometimes appe> to be inimical to !     
int]e/s ( ! individual1 :ile x embraces 
! g5]al good ( ! :ole4 ,! !ologian may  
subtilize1 exagg]ate1 r5d] z            
un9telligible z he pleases1 ! attributes
 ) :i* he clo!s 8 div9ities1 he w nev]  
be able to remove ! contradictions :i*  
arise f ! discordant qualities :i* he   
?us heaps toge!r2 nei!r w he be able to 

give man any o!r mode ( judg+ ?an :at   
arises f ! ex]cise ( 8 s5ses1 su* z !y  
are actually f\nd4 ,he w nev] be able to
 furni% ! idea ( an immutable be+1 :ile 
he %all repres5t ?is be+ z capable ( be+
 irritat$ & appeas$ by ! pray]s (       
mortals4 ,he w nev] del9eate ! features 
( omnipot5ce "u ! portrait ( a be+ :o _c
 re/ra9 ! actions ( 8 inf]iors4 ,he w   
nev] hold up a /&>d ( ju/ice1 :ile he   
%all m+le x ) m]cy1 h[ev] amiable !     
quality2 or :ile he %all repres5t x z   
puni%+ ^? actions1 :i* ! p]petrators 7  
"u ! necessity ( committ+4 ,nei!r w he  
be able1 "u any circum/ances1 to make a 
f9ite m9d compreh5d inf9ity2 mu* less :5
 he %all repres5t ?is inf9ity z b\nd$ by
 f9ity itself4  ,f ?is x w be obvi\s1 t 
immat]ial sub/ances1 su* z are depict$  
by ! !ologians1 c only be look$ ^u z !  
(fspr+ ( a metaphysical bra91 unsupport$
 by any ( ^? pro(s :i* are usually      
requir$ to e/abli% ! propositions laid  
d[n among m52 all ! qualities :i* !y    
ascribe to !m1 are only ^? :i* are      

suitable to mat]ial sub/ances2 all !    
ab/ract prop]ties ) :i* !y inve/ !m1 are
 incompreh5sible by mat]ial be+s2 ! :ole
 tak5 toge!r1 is "o confus$ mass (      
contradictions3 !y h held =? to man1 t x
 highly import$ to 8 int]e/s to "k1 to  
und]/& ^! sub/ances2 he has consequ5tly 
set 8 intellect 9 action to discov] "s  
means ( compass+ an end1 said to be s   
consequ5tial to 8 welf>e2 he has1 h[ev]1
 be5 unable to make any progress1       
because no clue c\ld be (f]$ to him ( ! 
road he mu/ pursue2 all 0 m]e ass]tion  
unsupport$ by evid5ce2 ! :ole 0 envelop$
 9 complete d>kness1 into :i* ! lea/    
sc9tillation ( light c\ld nev] p5etrate4
 ,not)/&+1 z soon z man believes himself
 greatly int]e/$ 9 kn[+ a ?+1 he labors 
to =m to himself an idea ( t1 ! k ( :i* 
he ?9ks s important2 if insup]able      
ob/acles imp$e 8 inquiries--if          
difficulties ( a magnitude to al>m 8    
indu/ry int]v5e--if ) imm5se lab\r he   
makes b little progress1 !n ! sl5d]     
success t att5ds 8 rese>*1 aid$ by a    

slo?ful disposition1 :ile x we>ies 8    
dilig5ce disposes him to cr$ulity4 ,x 0 
?us1 t a crafty ambiti\s ,arab1 subtle &
 knavi% 9 8 mann]s1 ins9uat+ 9 8        
address1 pr(it+ by ?is cr$ul\s          
incl9ation1 made 8 c\ntrym5 adopt 8 own 
fanciful rev]ies z p]man5t tru?s1 ( :i* 
x 0 n p]mitt$ !m = an in/ant to d\bt2   
foll[+ up ^! op9ions ) en?usiasm1 he    
/imulat$ !m on to become conqu]ors2     
oblig+ ! conqu]$ to l5d !mselves to 8   
sy/em1 he gave curr5cy to a cre$1 inv5t$
 solely = ! purpose ( enslav+ mank9d1   
:i* n[ spreads ov] imm5se regions       
inhabit$ by a num]\s population1 al?\gh 
l o!r sy/ems x does n escape            
sect>ianism1 hav+ above sev5ty bran*es4 
,?us ignorance1 despair1 slo?1 ! want ( 
reflect+ habits1 place ! human race 9 a 
/ate ( dep5dance ^u ^? :o build up      
sy/ems1 :ile ^u ! objects :i* are !     
f\ndations1 !y h no "o settl$ idea3 once
 adopt$1 h[ev]1 :5ev] ^! sy/ems are     
br\ght into "q1 man ei!r reasons 9 a v  
/range mann]1 or else is ! dupe ( v     

deceitful argum5ts3 :5 !y are agitat$1 &
 he f9ds x impossible to und]/& :at is  
said conc]n+ !m :5 8 m9d _c embrace !   
ambiguity ( ^! doctr9es1 he imag9es ^?  
:o speak to him are bett] acqua9t$ ) !  
objects ( _! disc\rse ?an himself2 ^!   
seiz+ ! fav\rable opportunity1 d n let x
 slip1 !y reit]ate to him ) ,/5torian   
lungs1 ,t ! mo/ c]ta9 way is to agree ) 
:at !y tell him2 to all[ himself to be  
guid$ by !m2 9 %ort1 !y p]suade him to  
%ut 8 eyes1 t he may ) great] p]spicuity
 di/+ui% ! road he is to travel3 once   
arriv$ at ?is influ5ce1 !y indelibly fix
 _! lessons2 irrevocably *a9 him to !   
o>2 by hold+ up to 8 view ! puni%m5ts   
int5d$ = him by ^! imag9>y be+s1 9 case 
he refuses to accr$it1 9 ! mo/ lib]al   
mann]1 _! m>vell\s inv5tions2 ?is       
argum5t1 al?\gh x only supposes ! ?+ 9  
"q1 s]ves to close 8 m\?--to put an end 
to 8 rese>*2 al>m$1 confus$1 bewild]$1  
he seems conv9c$ by ?is victori\s       
reason+--atta*es to x a sacr$ness t     
fills him ) awe--bl9dly conceives t !y h

 mu* cle>] ideas ( ! subject ?an        
himself--fe>s to p]ceive ! palpable     
contradictions ( ! doctr9es ann\nc$ to  
him1 until1 p]haps1 "s be+1 m subtle ?an
 ^? :o h enslav$ him1 by lab\r+ ! po9t  
incessantly1 attack+ him on ! weak side 
( 8 int]e/1 arrives at ?r[+ ! absurdity 
( 8 sy/em into light1 & f9ally succe$s  
by induc+ him to adopt t ( ano!r set (  
speculators4 ,! un9=m$ man g5]ally      
believes 8 prie/s h m s5ses ?an himself2
 he takes !m = sup]ior be+s2 = div9e m54
 ,he only sees t :i* ^! prie/s in=m him 
he mu/ contemplate2 to e ?+ else 8 eyes 
are completely hoodw9k$2 ?us ! au?ority 
( ! prie/s frequ5tly decides1 )\t       
appeal1 t :i* is useful p]haps only to !
 prie/hood4  ,:5 we %all be dispos$ to  
recur to ! orig9 ( ?+s1 we %all ev] f9d 
t x has be5 man's imag9ation1 guid$ by 8
 ignorance1 "u ! influ5ce ( fe>1 :i*    
gave bir? to 8 gods2 t en?usiasm or     
impo/ure h g5]ally ei!r embelli%$ or    
disfigur$ !m2 t cr$ulity readily adopt$ 
! fabul\s acc\nts :i* int]e/$ duplicity 

promulgat$ respect+ !m2 t ^!            
dispositions1 sanction$ by "t1 became   
habitual4 ,tyrants f9d+ _! advantage 9  
su/a9+ !m1 h usually e/abli%$ _! p[] ^u 
! bl9dness ( mank9d1 & ! sup]/iti\s fe>s
 ) :i* x is always accompani$4 ,?us1 "u 
:atev] po9t ( view x is consid]$1 x w   
always be f\nd t error _c be useful to !
 human species4  ,nev]!less1 ! happy    
en?usia/1 :5 8 s\l is s5sible ( its     
enjoym5ts1 :5 8 s(t5$ imag9ation has    
occasion to pa9t to itself a s$uc+      
object1 to :i* he c r5d] ?anks = !      
k9dness he exp]i5ces1 w ask1 ,:]e=e     
deprive me ( a be+ t ,i see "u ! "* ( a 
sov]eign1 fill$ ) wisdom1 ab\nd+ 9      
goodness8 ,:at com=t d ,i n f9d 9 figur+
 to myself a p[]ful1 intellig5t1        
indulg5t mon>*1 ( :om ,i am ! favorite2 
:o cont9ually occupies himself ) my     
welf>e--unceas+ly wat*es ov] my         
safety--:o p]petually adm9i/]s to my    
wants--:o always cons5ts t "u him ,i    
%all comm& ! :ole ( nature8 ,i believe  
,i behold him con/antly %[]+ 8 b5efits  

on man2 ,i see 8 ,provid5ce lab\r+ = 8  
advantage )\t relaxation2 he cov]s ! e>?
 ) v]dure to delight him2 he loads !    
trees ) delici\s fruits to gratify 8    
palate2 he fills ! =e/s ) animals       
suitable to 8 n\ri%m5t2 he susp5ds ov] 8
 head planets ) innum]able />s1 to      
enlight5 him by day1 to guide 8 err+    
/eps by night2 he ext5ds ar\nd him !    
azure firmam5t to gladd5 8 sight2 he    
decorates ! mead[s ) fl[]s to please 8  
fancy2 he causes cry/al f\nta9s to fl[ )
 limpid /reams to slake 8 ?ir/2 he makes
 rivulets me&] ?r\gh 8 l&s to fructify !
 e>?2 he wa%es 8 resid5ce ) noble riv]s1
 t yield him fi% 9 abundance4 ,ah6 suff]
 me to ?ank !e1 ,au?or ( s _m b5efits3 d
 n deprive me ( my *>m+ s5sations4 ,i   
%all n f9d my illusions s sweet1 s      
consolatory 9 a sev]e de/9y--9 a rigid  
necessity--9 a bl9d inanimate matt]--9 a
 nature de/itute ( intellig5ce1 devoid (
 feel+4  ,:]e=e1 w say ! un=tunate1 f   
:om 8 de/9y has rigor\sly )held ^?      
b5efits :i* h be5 lavi%$ on s _m o!rs2  

:]e=e ravi% f me an error t is de> to   
me8 ,:]e=e annihilate to me a be+1 ^:   
consol+ idea dries up ! s\rce ( my      
te>s--:o s]ves to calm my sorr[s8 ,:]e=e
 deprive me ( an object :i* ,i repres5t 
to myself z a compassionate1 t5d] fa!r2 
:o reproves me 9 ?is _w1 b into ^: arms 
,i ?r[ myself ) confid5ce1 :5 ! :ole (  
nature appe>s to h ab&on$ me8 ,suppos+ x
 no m ?an a *im]a1 ! unhappy h occasion 
= x1 to gu>antee !m aga9/ frightful     
despair3 is x n cruel1 is x n inhuman1  
to be desir\s ( plung+ !m into a vacuum1
 by seek+ to undeceive !m8 ,is x n an   
useful error1 pref]able to ^? tru?s :i* 
deprive ! m9d ( e consolation1 :i* d n  
hold =? any relief f its sorr[s8  ,?us w
 equally reason ! ,negro1 ! ,mussulman1 
! ,bra*man1 & o!rs4 ,we %all reply to ^!
 en?usia/s1 no6 tru? c nev] r5d] y      
unhappy2 x is ?is :i* really consoles u2
 x is a conceal$ treasure1 mu* sup]ior  
to all ! sup]/itions ev] inv5t$ by fe>2 
x c *e] ! he>t2 give x c\rage to support
 ! bur!ns ( life2 make u smile "u       

adv]sity2 elevate ! s\l2 r5d] x active2 
furni%es x ) means to resi/ ! attacks ( 
fate2 to combat mis=tunes ) success4    
,?is w %ew cle>ly t ! good & evil ( life
 are di/ribut$ ) an equal h&1 )\t       
respect to man's peculi> com=ts2 t all  
be+s are equally reg>d$ 9 ! univ]se2 t e
 ?+ is submitt$ to necess>y laws2 t man 
has no "r :atev] to ?9k himself a be+   
peculi>ly fav\r$--:o is exempt$ f !     
common op]ations ( ! et]nal r\t9e2 t x  
is folly to ?9k he is ! only be+        
consid]$--"o = ^: enjoym5t alone e ?+ is
 produc$2 an att5tion to facts w suffice
 to put an end to ?is delusion1 h[ev]   
pleasant may be ! indulg5ce ( su* a     
notion2 ! mo/ sup]ficial glance ( ! eye 
w be suffici5t to undeceive u 9 ! idea1 
t he is ! f9al cause ( ! creation--!    
con/ant object ( ! lab\rs ( nature1 or (
 its ,au?or4 ,let u s]i\sly ask him1 if 
he does n witness good con/antly bl5d$ )
 evil8 ,if he does n equally p>take ( !m
 ) ! o!r be+s 9 nature8 ,to be ob/9ately
 b5t to see only ! evil1 is z irrational

 z to be will+ only to notice ! good4   
,provid5ce seems to be j z mu* occupi$ =
 "o class ( be+s z = ano!r4 ,we see !   
calm succe$ ! /orm2 sickness give place 
to heal?2 ! bless+s ( peace foll[ !     
calamities ( w>2 ! e>? 9 e c\ntry br+ =?
 roots necess>y = ! n\ri%m5t ( man1     
produce o!rs suitable to 8 de/ruction4  
,ea* individual ( ! human species is a  
comp\nd ( good & bad qualities2 all     
nations pres5t a v>i$ spectacle (       
virtues1 gr[+ up beside vices2 t :i*    
gladd5s "o be+1 plunges ano!r into      
sadness--no ev5t takes place t does n   
give bir? to advantages = "s1 to        
disadvantages = o!rs4 ,insects f9d a    
safe retreat 9 ! ru9 ( ! palace1 :i*    
cru%es man 9 its fall2 man by 8 dea?    
furni%es food = myriads ( contemptible  
insects2 animals are de/roy$ by ?\s&s t 
he may increase 8 bulk2 l+] out = a     
season a fev]i% exi/5ce4 ,we see be+s   
engag$ 9 p]petual ho/ility1 ea* liv+ at 
8 neighb\r's exp5ce2 ! "o banquett+ ^u t
 :i* causes ! desolation ( ! o!r2 "s    

luxuri\sly gr[+ into fle% ^u ! mis]y :i*
 we>s o!rs into skeletons--pr(it+ by    
mis=tunes1 riot+ ^u disa/]s1 :i*        
ultimately1 reciprocally de/roy !m4 ,!  
mo/ deadly poisons spr+ up beside ! mo/ 
:olesome fruits ! e>? equally n\ri%es ! 
fatal /eel :i* t]m9ates man's c>e]1 & ! 
fruitful corn t prolongs 8 exi/5ce2 !   
bane & its antidote are ne> neighb\rs1  
repose on ! same bosom1 rip5 "u ! same  
sun1 equally c\rt ! h& ( ! incauti\s    
/rang]4 ,! riv]s :i* man believes fl[ = 
no o!r purpose ?an to irrigate 8        
resid5ce1 sometimes swell _! wat]s1     
ov]top _! banks1 inundate 8 fields1     
ov]turn 8 dwell+1 & sweep away ! flock &
 %eph]d4 ,! ocean1 :i* he va9ly imag9es 
0 only collect$ toge!r to facilitate 8  
comm]ce supply him ) fi%1 & wa% 8 %ores2
 (t5 wrecks 8 %ips1 frequ5tly bur/s its 
b\nd>ies1 lays wa/e 8 l&s1 de/roys !    
produce ( 8 indu/ry1 & commits ! mo/    
frightful ravages4 ,! halcyon1 delight$ 
) ! tempe/1 volunt>ily m+les ) ! /orm2  
rides cont5t$ly ^u ! surge2 rejoic$ by !

 fe>ful h[l+s ( ! nor!rn bla/1 plays )  
happy buoyancy ^u ! foam+ bill[s1 t h   
ru?lessly da%$ 9 pieces ! vessel ( !    
un=tunate m>9]2 :o1 plung$ into an abyss
 ( mis]y1 ) tremul\s emotion cl+s to !  
wreck2 views ) horrific despair1 !      
premature de/ruction ( 8 indulg$ hopes2 
sighs deeply at ! ?\ghts ( home2 ) a*+  
he>t1 ?9ks ( ! *]i%$ fri5ds 8 /ream+    
eyes w nev] m behold 9 an agony ( s\l   
dwells ^u ! fai?ful affection ( an ador$
 wife1 :o w nev] aga9 repose h] droop+  
head ^u 8 manly bosom2 gr[s wild ) !    
appall+ remembrance ( belov$ *ildr51 8  
we>i$ arms w nev] m encircle ) p>5tal   
fondness2 !n s9ks = ev]1 ! unhappy      
victim ( circum/ances t fill ) glee !   
flutt]+ bird1 :o sees him yield to !    
ov]:elm+ =ce ( ! infuriate waves4 ,!    
conqu]or displays 8 milit>y skill1      
fights a sangu9>y battle1 puts 8 enemy  
to ! r\t1 lays wa/e 8 c\ntry1 slaught]s 
?\s&s ( 8 fell[s1 plunges :ole di/ricts 
into te>s1 fills ! l& ) ! moans ( !     
fa!rless1 ! wail+s ( ! wid[1 9 ord] t ! 

cr[s may h a banquet--t f]oci\s bea/s   
may glutton\sly gorge !mselves ) human  
gore--t worms may riot 9 luxury4  ,?us  
:5 !re is a "q conc]n+ an ag5t we see   
act s v>i\sly2 ^: motives seem sometimes
 to be advantage\s1 sometimes           
disadvantage\s = ! human race2 at lea/  
ea* individual w judge aft] ! peculi>   
mode 9 :i* he is himself affect$2 !re w 
consequ5tly be no fix$ po9t1 no g5]al   
/&>d 9 ! op9ions m5 w =m to !mselves4   
,inde$ our mode ( judg+ w always be     
gov]n$ by our mann] ( see+1 by our way (
 feel+4 ,?is w dep5d ^u our temp]am5t1  
:i* itself spr+s out ( our organization1
 & ! peculi>ity ( ! circum/ances 9 :i*  
we are plac$2 ^! c nev] be ! same = all 
! be+s ( our species4 ,^! individual    
modes ( be+ affect$1 !n1 w always furni%
 ! col\rs ( ! portrait :i* man may pa9t 
to himself ( ! ,div9ity2 x mu/ !re=e be 
obvi\s !y c nev] be det]m9ate--c h no   
fixity--c nev] be r$uc$ to any graduat$ 
scale2 ! inductions :i* !y may draw f   
!m1 c nev] be ei!r con/ant or uni=m2 ea*

 w always judge aft] himself1 w nev] see
 any ?+ b himself or 8 own peculi>      
situation 9 ! picture he del9eates4     
,?is grant$1 ! man :o has a cont5t$1    
s5sible s\l1 ) a lively imag9ation1 w   
pa9t ! ,div9ity "u ! mo/ *>m+ traits2 he
 w believe t he sees 9 ! :ole ( nature  
no?+ b pro(s ( b5evol5ce1 evid5ce (     
goodness1 because x w unceas+ly cause   
him agreeable s5sations4 ,9 8 poetical  
extacy he w imag9e he e :]e p]ceives !  
impression ( a p]fect intellig5ce--( an 
inf9ite wisdom--( a provid5ce t5d]ly    
occupi$ ) ! welf>e ( man2 self-love jo9+
 itself to ^! exalt$ qualities1 w put ! 
f9i%+ h& to 8 p]suasion1 t ! univ]se is 
made solely = ! human race2 he w /rive 9
 imag9ation to kiss ) transport ! h& f  
:i* he believes he receives s _m        
b5efits2 t\*$ ) 8 k9dness1 gratifi$ ) ! 
p]fume ( roses ^: ?orns he does n       
p]ceive1 or :i* 8 extatic delirium      
prev5ts him f feel+1 he w ?9k he c nev] 
suffici5tly ackn[l$ge ! necess>y        
effects1 :i* he w look ^u z indubitable 

te/imony ( ! div9e pr$ilection = man4   
,completely inebriat$ ) ^! feel+s1 ?is  
en?usia/ w n behold ^? sorr[s1 w n      
notice t confusion ( :i* ! univ]se is ! 
!atre3 or if x s happ5s1 he _c prev5t   
himself f be+ a witness1 he w be p]suad$
 t 9 ! views ( an indulg5t provid5ce1 ^!
 calamities are necess>y to conduct man 
to a high] /ate ( felicity2 ! reliance  
:i* he has 9 ! ,div9ity1 ^u :om he      
imag9es !y dep5d1 induces him to        
believe1 t man only suff]s = 8 good2 t  
?is be+1 :o is fruitful 9 res\rces1 w "k
 h[ to make him reap advantage f ! evils
 :i* he exp]i5ces 9 ?is _w3 8 m9d ?us   
pre-occupi$1 f !nce sees no?+ t does n  
elicit 8 admiration call =? 8 gratitude2
 excite 8 confid5ce2 ev5 ^? effects :i* 
are ! mo/ natural1 ! mo/ necess>y1 appe>
 9 8 eyes miracles ( b5evol5ce2         
prodigies ( goodness3 he %uts 8 eyes to 
! disord]s :i* c\ld br+ ^! amiable      
qualities into "q3 ! mo/ cruel          
calamities1 ! mo/ afflict+ ev5ts1 ! mo/ 
he>t-r5d+ circum/ances1 cease to be     

disord]s 9 8 eyes1 & d no?+1 m ?an      
furni% him ) new pro(s ( ! div9e        
p]fections2 he p]suades himself t :at   
appe>s defective or imp]fect1 is only s 
9 appe>ance2 he admires ! wisdom1       
ackn[l$ges ! b\nty ( ! ,div9ity1 ev5 9  
^? effects :i* are ! mo/ t]rible = 8    
race--mo/ suitable to disc\rage 8       
species--mo/ fraught ) mis]y = 8 fell[4 
,x is1 )\t d\bt1 to ?is happy           
disposition ( ! human m9d1 9 "s be+s ( 8
 ord]1 t is to be ascrib$ ! sy/em (     
,optimism1 by :i* en?usia/s1 furni%$ ) a
 romantic imag9ation1 seem to h r5\nc$ !
 evid5ce ( _! s5ses3 to f9d t ev5 = man 
e ?+ is good 9 nature1 :]e ! good has   
con/antly its concomitant evil1 & :]e   
m9ds less prejudic$1 less poetical1 w\ld
 judge t e ?+ is only t :i* x c be--t ! 
good & ! evil are equally necess>y--t !y
 h _! s\rce 9 ! nature ( ?+s2 moreov]1 9
 ord] to attribute any p>ticul> "* to ! 
ev5ts t take place1 x w\ld be ne$ful to 
"k ! aim ( ! :ole3 n[ ! :ole _c h an    
aim1 because if x _h a t5d5cy1 an aim1  

or end1 x w\ld no long] be ! :ole1 see+ 
t t to :i* x t5d$ w\ld be a "p n        
includ$4  ,x w be ass]t$ by "s1 t !     
evils :i* we behold 9 ?is _w are only   
relative1 m]ely app>5t2 t !y prove no?+ 
aga9/ ! good3 b does n man almo/ uni=mly
 judge aft] 8 own mode ( feel+2 aft] 8  
mann] ( co-exi/+ ) ^? causes by :i* he  
is encompass$2 :i* con/itute ! ord] (   
nature ) relation to himself2           
consequ5tly1 he ascribes wisdom &       
goodness to all t :i* affects him       
pleasantly1 disord] to t /ate ( ?+s by  
:i* he is injur$4 ,nev]!less e ?+ :i* we
 witness 9 ! _w conspires to prove to u1
 t :atev] is1 is necess>y2 t no?+ is    
done by *ance2 t all ! ev5ts1 good or   
bad1 :e!r = u or = be+s ( a diff]5t     
ord]1 are br\ght ab\t by causes act+    
aft] c]ta9 & det]m9ate laws2 t no?+ c he
 a suffici5t w>rantry 9 u to clo! ) any 
"o ( our human qualities1 ei!r nature or
 ! motive-p[] :i* has be5 giv5 to h]4   
,) respect to ^? :o pret5d t supreme    
wisdom w "k h[ to draw ! greate/ b5efits

 = u1 ev5 out ( ! bosom ( ^? calamities 
:i* x is p]mitt$ we %all exp]i5ce 9 ?is 
_w2 we %all ask !m1 if !y are !mselves !
 confid5ts ( ! ,div9ity2 or ^u :at !y   
f\nd ^! ass]tions s flatt]+ to _! hopes8
 ,!y w1 )\t d\bt1 tell u !y judge by    
analogy2 t f ! actual pro(s ( goodness &
 wisdom1 !y h a j "r to conclude 9 fav\r
 ( future b\nty4 ,w\ld x n be a fair    
reply to ask1 ,if !y reason by analogy1 
& man has n be5 r5d]$ completely happy 9
 ?is _w1 :at analogy in=ms !m he w be s 
9 ano!r8 ,if1 accord+ to _! own %ew+1   
man is sometimes made ! victim ( evil 9 
8 pres5t exi/5ce1 9 ord] t he may atta9 
a great] good1 does n analogical        
reason+1 :i* !y say !y adopt1 cle>ly    
w>rant a d$uction1 t ! same afflictions1
 = ! same purposes1 w be equally prop]1 
equally requisite 9 ! _w to come8  ,?us 
?is language f\nds itself ^u ru9\s      
hypo!ses1 :i* h = _! bases only a       
prejudic$ imag9ation4 ,x1 9 fact1       
signifies no?+ m ?an t man once p]suad$1
 )\t any evid5ce1 ( 8 future happ9ess1 w

 n believe x possible he c be p]mitt$ to
 be unhappy3 b might x n be inquir$ :at 
te/imony does he f9d1 :at sub/antive k  
has he obta9$ ( ! peculi> good t results
 to ! human species f ^? /]ilities1 f ^?
 fam9es1 f ^? contagions1 f ^? sangu9>y 
conflicts1 :i* cause s _m millions ( m5 
to p]i%2 :i* unceas+ly depopulate ! e>?1
 & desolate ! _w we inhabit8 ,is !re any
 "o :o has suffici5t compass (          
compreh5sion to asc]ta9 ! advantages t  
result f ! evils t besiege u on all     
sides8 ,d we n daily witness be+s       
consecrat$ to mis=tune1 f ! mom5t !y    
quitt$ ! womb ( ! p>5t :o br\ght !m into
 exi/5ce1 until t :i* re-committ$ !m to 
! e>?1 to sleep 9 peace ) _! fa!rs2 :o )
 great difficulty f\nd "t to respire2   
liv$ ! con/ant sport ( =tune2 ov]:elm$ )
 affliction1 imm]s$ 9 grief1 endur+ !   
mo/ cruel rev]ses8 ,:o is to measure !  
precise quantity ( mis]y requir$ to     
d]ive a c]ta9 portion ( good8 ,:o is to 
say :5 ! measure ( evil w be full :i* x 
is necess>y to suff]8  ,! mo/ en?usia/ic

 ,optimi/s1 ! ,!i/s !mselves1 ! p>tizans
 ( ,natural ,religion1 z well z ! mo/   
cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s1 are oblig$ to     
recur to ! sy/em ( ano!r life1 to rem$y 
! evils man is decre$ to suff] 9 !      
pres5t2 b h !y really any j f\ndation to
 suppose ! next _w w af=d him a happ9ess
 d5i$ him 9 ?is8 ,if x is necess>y to   
recur to a doctr9e s little probable z t
 ( a future exi/5ce1 by :at *a9 (       
reason+ d !y e/abli% _! op9ion1 t :5 he 
%all no long] h organs1 by ! aid ( :i*  
he is at pres5t alone enabl$ ei!r to    
enjoy or to suff]1 he %all be able to   
comp5sate ! evils he has endur$2 to     
enjoy a felicity1 to p>take ( a pleasure
 ?is organic /ructure has refus$ him    
:ile on 8 pilgrimage ?r\gh ! l& ( 8     
fa!rs4  ,f ?is x w be se51 t ! pro(s ( a
 sov]eign intellig5ce1 or ( a magnifi$  
human quality drawn f ! ord]1 f !       
h>mony1 f ! beauty ( ! univ]se1 are nev]
 m ?an ^? :i* are d]iv$ f m5 :o are     
organiz$ & modifi$ aft] a c]ta9 mode2 or
 ^: *e]ful imag9ation is s con/ruct$ z  

to give bir? to agreeable *im]as :i* !y 
embelli% accord+ to _! fancy3 ^!        
illusions1 h[ev]1 mu/ be frequ5tly      
dissipat$ ev5 9 !mselves1 :5ev] _! ma*9e
 becomes d]ang$2 :5 sorr[s assail !m1 :5
 mis=tune corrodes _! m9d2 ! spectacle (
 nature1 :i* "u c]ta9 circum/ances has  
appe>$ to !m s delightful1 s s$uc+1 mu/ 
!n give place to disord]1 mu/ yield to  
confusion4 ,a man ( melan*oly temp]am5t1
 s\r$ by mis=tunes1 made irritable by   
infirmities1 _c view nature & h] au?or  
"u ! same p]spective1 z ! heal?y man ( a
 sprightly hum\r1 :o is cont5t$ ) e ?+4 
,depriv$ ( happ9ess1 ! fretful man c    
only f9d disord]1 c see no?+ b de=mity1 
c f9d no?+ b subjects to afflict himself
 )2 he only contemplates ! univ]se z !  
!atre ( malice1 z ! /age = tyrants to   
execute _! v5geance2 he gr[s sup]/iti\s1
 he gives way to cr$ulity1 & n          
unfrequ5tly becomes cruel1 9 ord] to    
s]ve a ma/] :om he believes he has      
(f5d$4  ,9 consequ5ce ( ^! ideas1 :i* h 
_! gr[? 9 an unhappy temp]am5t1 :i*     

orig9ate 9 a peevi% hum\r1 :i* are !    
(fspr+ ( a di/urb$ imag9ation1 !        
sup]/iti\s are con/antly infect$ )      
t]ror1 are ! slaves to mi/ru/1 !        
creatures ( discont5t1 cont9ually 9 a   
/ate ( fe>ful al>m4 ,nature _c h *>ms = 
!m2 h] c\ntless beauties pass by unhe$$2
 !y d n p>ticipate 9 h] *e]ful sc5es2 !y
 look ^u ?is _w1 s m>vell\s to ! happy  
man1 s good to ! cont5t$ en?usia/1 z a  
valley ( te>s1 9 :i* a v9dictive fate   
has plac$ !m only to expiate crimes     
committ$ ei!r by !mselves or by _!      
fa!rs2 !y consid] !mselves z s5t "h = no
 o!r purpose ?an to be ! %>]s (         
calamity2 ! sport ( a caprici\s =tune2 t
 !y are ! *ildr5 ( sorr[1 de/9$ to      
und]go ! sev]e/ trials1 to ! end t !y   
may ev]la/+ly arrive at a new exi/5ce1 9
 :i* !y %all be ei!r happy or mis]able1 
accord+ to _! conduct t[>ds ! m9i/]s ( a
 be+ :o holds _! de/9y 9 8 h&s4 ,^!     
dismal notions h be5 ! s\rce ( all !    
irrational sy/ems t h ev] prevail$2 !y h
 giv5 bir? to ! mo/ revolt+ practices1  

curr5cy to ! mo/ absurd cu/oms4 ,hi/ory 
ab\nds ) details ( ! mo/ atroci\s       
cruelties1 "u ! impos+ "n ( public      
wor%ip2 no?+ has be5 consid]$ ei!r too  
fanta/ical or too flagiti\s by ! vot>ies
 ( sup]/ition4 ,p>5ts h immolat$ _!     
*ildr52 lov]s h sacrific$ ! objects ( _!
 affection2 fri5ds h de/roy$ ea* o!r3 ! 
mo/ bloody disputes h be5 fom5t$2 ! mo/ 
int]m9able animosities h be5 eng5d]$1 to
 gratify ! :im ( implacable prie/s1 :o  
by crafty inv5tions h obta9$ an influ5ce
 ov] ! p2 to please bl9d zealots1 :o h  
nev] be5 able ei!r to give fixity to _! 
ideas1 or to def9e _! own feel+s4 ,idle 
dream]s n\ri%$ ) bile1 intoxicat$ )     
!ologic fury--atrabil>ians1 ^:          
melan*olic hum\r frequ5tly disposes !m  
to wick$ness--vision>ies1 ^: devi\s     
imag9ations1 heat$ ) intemp]ate zeal1   
g5]ally leads !m to ! extremes (        
fanaticism1 work+ ^u ignorance1 ^: usual
 bias is cr$ulity1 h incessantly di/urb$
 ! h>mony ( mank9d1 k9dl$ !             
inext+ui%able flame ( discord1 & 9 an   

almo/ un9t]rupt$ succession1 /rew$ ! e>?
 ) ! mangl$ c>casses ( ! multitud9\s    
victims to mad-bra9$ error1 ^: only     
crime has be5 _! incapacity to dream    
accord+ to ! rules prescrib$ by ^!      
infuriate maniacs2 al?\gh ^! h nev] be5 
uni=m--nev] assimilat$ 9 any two        
c\ntries--nev] borne ! same features 9  
any two ages1 nor ev5 _h ! unit$        
concurr5ce ( ! p]secut+ contempor>ies4  
,x is !n 9 ! div]sity ( temp]am5t1 aris+
 f v>iety ( organization--9 ! contr>iety
 ( passions1 spr++ out ( ?is miscellany1
 modifi$ by ! mo/ opposite circum/ances1
 t mu/ be s\ght ! diff]5ce we f9d 9 !   
op9ions ( ! !i/1 ! optimi/1 ! happy     
en?usia/1 ! zealot1 ! devotee1 !        
sup]/iti\s ( all d5om9ations2 !y are all
 equally irrational--! dupes ( _!       
imag9ation--! bl9d *ildr5 ( error4 ,:at 
"o contemplates "u a favorable po9t (   
view1 ! o!r nev] looks ^u b on ! d>k    
side2 t :i* is ! object ( ! mo/ s$ul\s  
rese>* to "o set1 is t :i* ! o!rs mo/   
seek to avoid3 ea* insi/s he is "r2 no  

"o (f]s ! lea/ %ad[ ( sub/antive pro( ( 
:at he ass]ts2 ea* po9ts out ! great    
importance ( 8 mission1 yet _c ev5 agree
 ) 8 colleagues 9 ! embassy1 ei!r ^u !  
nature ( _! in/ructions1 or ! means to  
be adopt$4 ,x is ?us :5ev] man sets =? a
 false supposition1 all ! reason+s he   
makes on x are only a long tissue (     
errors1 :i* entail on him an endless    
s]ies ( mis=tunes2 e "t he r5\nces !    
evid5ce ( 8 s5ses1 x is impossible to   
calculate ! b\nds at :i* 8 imag9ation w 
/op2 :5 he once quits ! road ( exp]i5ce1
 :5 he travels out ( nature1 :5 he loses
 sight ( 8 reason1 to /rike into !      
labyr9?s ( conjecture1 x is difficult to
 asc]ta9 :]e 8 folly w lead him--into   
:at mis*iev\s swamps ?is ignis fatuus ( 
! m9d may beguile 8 w&]+ /eps4 ,x is    
c]ta9ly true1 ! ideas ( ! happy en?usia/
 w be less dang]\s to himself1 less     
baneful to o!rs1 ?an ^? ( ! atrabil>i\s 
fanatic1 ^: temp]am5t may r5d] him bo?  
c[>dly & cruel2 nev]!less ! op9ions ( ! 
"o & ( ! o!r w n be less *im]ical2 !    

only diff]5ce w be1 t ( ! fir/ w produce
 agreeable1 *e]ful dreams2 :ile t ( !   
second w pres5t ! mo/ appall+ visions1  
t]rific spectres1 ! fruit ( a peevi%    
transport ( ! bra93 !re w1 h[ev]1 nev]  
be m ?an a /ep betwe5 !m all2 ! smalle/ 
revolution 9 ! ma*9e1 a slight          
infirmity1 an un=ese5 affliction1       
suffices to *ange ! c\rse ( ! hum\rs--to
 vitiate ! temp]am5t--to endang] !      
organization--to ov]turn ! :ole sy/em ( 
op9ions ( ! happie/4 ,z soon z !        
portrait is f\nd disfigur$1 ! beautiful 
ord] ( ?+s is ov]?r[n relatively to     
himself2 melan*oly grapples             
him--pusillanimity b5umbs 8             
faculties--by degrees plunges1 him into 
! ranke/ dep?s ( gloomy sup]/ition2 he  
!n deg5]ates into all ^? irregul>ities  
:i* are ! dismal h>ve/ ( fanatic        
ignorance pl\gh$ ) cr$ulity4  ,^? ideas1
 :i* h no ar*etype b 9 ! imag9ation (   
man1 mu/ necess>ily take _! complexion f
 8 own "*2 mu/ be clo!d ) 8 own         
passions2 mu/ con/antly foll[ !         

revolutions ( 8 ma*9e2 be lively or     
gloomy2 fav\rable or prejudicial2       
fri5dly or inimical2 sociable or savage2
 humane or cruel2 accord+ z he ^: bra9  
!y inhabit %all himself be dispos$2 9   
fact1 !y c nev] be m ?an ! %ad[ ( !     
sub/ance he himself int]poses betwe5 !  
light & ! gr\nd on :i* !y are ?r[n4 ,a  
mortal plung$ f a /ate ( happ9ess into  
mis]y1 ^: heal? m]ges into sickness1 ^: 
joy is *ang$ into affliction1 _c 9 ^!   
vicissitudes pres]ve ! same ideas2 ^!   
naturally dep5d e in/ant ^u ! v>iations1
 :i* physical s5sations oblige 8 organs 
to und]go4 ,x w n !re=e appe> /range t  
^! op9ions %\ld be fluctuat+1 :5 !y     
dep5d ^u ! /ate ( ! n]v\s fluid1 ^u !   
great] or less portion ( igne\s matt]   
float+ 9 ! sangu9>y vessels4  ,!ism1 or 
:at is call$ ,natural ,religion1 _c h   
c]ta9 pr9ciples2 ^? :o pr(ess x mu/     
necess>ily be subject to v>y 9 _!       
op9ions--to fluctuate 9 _! conduct1 :i* 
fl[s out ( !m4 ,a sy/em f\nd$ ^u wisdom 
& intellig5ce1 :i* c nev] contradict    

itself1 :5 circum/ances *ange w pres5tly
 be conv]t$ into fanaticism2 rapidly    
deg5]ate into sup]/ition2 su* a sy/em1  
successively m$itat$ by en?usia/s ( v   
di/9ct *>act]s1 mu/ ( necessity exp]i5ce
 vicissitudes1 & quickly dep>t f its    
primitive simplicity4 ,! great] "p ( ^? 
philosoph]s :o h be5 dispos$ to         
sub/itute !ism = sup]/ition1 h n felt t 
x 0 =m$ to corrupt itself--to deg5]ate4 
,/rik+ examples1 h[ev]1 prove ?is fatal 
tru?4 ,!ism is almo/ e :]e corrupt$2 x  
has by degrees giv5 way to ^?           
sup]/itions1 to ^? extravagant sects1 to
 ^? prejudicial op9ions ) :i* ! human   
species is degrad$4 ,z soon z man       
cons5ts to ackn[l$ge invisible p[]s out 
( nature1 ^u :i* 8 re/less m9d w nev] be
 able inv>iably to fix 8 ideas--:i* 8   
imag9ation alone w be capable ( pa9t+ to
 him2 :5ev] he %all n d>e to consult 8  
reason relatively to ^? p[]s1 x mu/     
necess>ily be1 t ! fir/ false /ep leads 
him a/ray1 t 8 conduct z well z 8       
op9ions becomes 9 ! long run p]fectly   

absurd4  ,^? are usually call$ ,!i/s1   
:o1 undeceiv$ ^u ! great] numb] ( gross]
 errors to :i* ! un9=m$1 ! sup]/iti\sly 
ignorant1 t5d ! mo/ det]m9$ support1    
simply hold ! notion ( unkn[n ag5ts     
end[$ ) intellig5ce1 wisdom1 p[] &      
goodness1 9 %ort1 full ( inf9ite        
p]fections1 :om !y di/+ui% f nature1 b  
:om !y clo! aft] _! own fa%ion2 to :om  
!y ascribe _! own limit$ views2 :om !y  
make act accord+ to _! own absurd       
passions4 ,! religion ( ,abraham appe>s 
to h orig9ally be5 a k9d ( !ism1 imag9$ 
to re=m ! sup]/ition ( ! ,*aldeans2     
,moses modifi$ x1 & gave x ! ,judaical  
=m4 ,socrates 0 a !i/1 :o lo/ 8 life 9 8
 attack on poly!ism2 8 disciple         
,ari/ocles1 or ,plato1 z he 0 aft]w>ds  
call$ f 8 l>ge %\ld]s1 embelli%$ ! !ism 
( 8 ma/]1 ) ! my/ical col\rs :i* he     
borr[$ f ! ,egyptian & ,*aldean prie/s1 
:i* he modifi$ 9 8 own poetical bra91 & 
pres]v$ a remnant ( poly!ism4 ,!        
disciples ( ,plato1 su* z ,proclus1     
,ammonius1 ,jamblicus4 ,plot9us1        

,long9us1 ,porphyrus1 & o!rs1 dress$ x  
up /ill m fanta/ically1 add$ a great    
deal ( sup]/iti\s mumm]y1 bl5d$ x )     
magic1 & o!r un9telligible doctr9es4 ,! 
fir/ doctors ( ,*ri/ianity 7 ,platoni/s1
 :o comb9$ ! re=m$ ,judaism ) !         
philosophy taught 9 ,academia4 ,mahomet1
 9 combat+ ! poly!ism ( 8 c\ntry1 seems 
to h be5 desir\s ( re/or+ ! primitive   
!ism ( ,abraham1 & 8 son ,i%mael2 yet   
?is has n[ sev5ty-two sects4 ,?us x w be
 obvi\s1 t !ism has no fix$ po9t1 no    
/&>d1 no common measure m ?an o!r       
sy/ems3 t x runs f "o supposition to    
ano!r1 to f9d 9 :at mann] evil has crept
 into ! _w4 ,inde$ x has be5 = ?is      
purpose1 :i* p]haps aft] all w nev] be  
satisfactorily expla9$1 t ! doctr9e (   
free-ag5cy 0 introduc$2 t ! fable (     
,prome!us & ! box ( ,p&ora 0 imag9$2 t !
 hi/ory ( ! ,titanes 0 inv5t$2 not)/&+1 
x mu/ be evid5t t ^! ?+s z well z all ! 
o!r trapp+s ( sup]/ition1 are n m       
difficult ( compreh5sion ?an ! immat]ial
 sub/ances ( ! !i/s2 ! m9d :o c admit t 

be+s devoid ( p>ts1 de/itute ( organs1  
)\t bulk1 c move matt]1 ?9k l man1 h !  
moral qualities ( human nature1 ne$ n   
hesitate to all[ t c]emonies1 c]ta9     
motions ( ! body1 words1 rites1 temples1
 /atues1 c equally conta9 secret        
virtues2 has no occasion to )hold its   
fai? f ! conceal$ p[]s ( magic1 !urgy1  
en*antm5ts1 *>ms1 talismans1 c42 c %ew  
no good reason :y x %\ld n accr$it      
inspirations1 dreams1 visions1 om5s1    
soo?say]s1 metamorphoses1 & all ! ho/ ( 
occult sci5ces3 :5 ?+s s contradictory  
to ! dictates ( reason1 s completely    
oppos$ to good s5se are freely admitt$1 
!re c no long] be an ?+ :i* ought to    
possess ! "r to make cr$ulity revolt2 ^?
 :o give sanction to ! "o1 may )\t mu*  
hesitation believe :atev] else is (f]$  
to _! cr$5ce4 ,x w\ld be impossible to  
m>k ! precise po9t at :i* imag9ation    
ought to arre/ itself--! exact b\nd>y t 
%\ld circumscribe belief--! true dose ( 
folly t may be p]mitt$ !m2 or ! degree (
 indulg5ce t c ) safety be ext5d$ to ^? 

prie/s :o are 9 ! habit ( tea*+ s       
v>i\sly1 s contradictorily1 :at man     
ought to ?9k on ! subjects !y h&le s    
advantage\sly to !mselves2 :o :5 x      
becomes a "q :at remun]ation is due f   
mank9d = _! unwe>i$ ex]tions 9 8 fav\r1 
are1 9 spite ( all _! o!r diff]5ces1 9 !
 mo/ p]fect union2 except p]haps :5 !y  
come to ! division ( ! spoil3 9 ?is1    
inde$1 ! apple ( discord sometimes takes
 a trem5d\s roll4 ,?us x w be cle> t !re
 c be no sub/antive gr\nds = sep>at+ !  
!i/s f ! mo/ sup]/iti\s2 t x becomes    
impossible to fix ! l9e ( dem>cation1   
:i* divides !m f ! mo/ cr$ul\s ( m52 to 
%ew ! l&-m>ks by :i* !y c be discrim9at$
 f ^? :o reason ) ! lea/ conclusive     
p]suasion4 ,if ! !i/ refuses to foll[ up
 ! fanatic 9 e /ep ( 8 cullibility1 he  
is at lea/ m inconsequ5t ?an ! la/1 :o  
hav+ admitt$ ^u he>say an inconsi/5t1   
:imsical doctr9e1 also adopts ^u report 
! ridicul\s1 /range means :i* x furni%es
 him4 ,! fir/ sets =? ) an absurd       
supposition1 ( :i* he rejects ! necess>y

 consequ5ces2 ! o!r admits bo? !        
pr9ciple & ! conclusion4 ,!re are no    
degrees 9 fiction any m ?an 9 tru?4 ,if 
we admit ! sup]/ition1 we are b\nd to   
receive e ?+ :i* its m9i/]s promulgate1 
z emanat+ f its pr9ciple4 ,none ( !     
rev]ies ( sup]/ition embrace any ?+ m   
incr$ible ?an immat]iality2 ^! rev]ies  
are only coroll>ies drawn ) m or less   
subtilty f un9telligible subjects1 by ^?
 :o h an int]e/ 9 support+ ! sy/em4 ,!  
inductions :i* dream]s h made1 by d9t ( 
m$itat+ on imp5etrable mat]ials1 are    
no?+ m ?an +5i\s conclusions1 :i* h be5 
drawn ) wond]ful accuracy1 f unkn[n     
premises1 t are mode/ly (f]$ to !       
sanction ( mank9d by en?usia/s1 :o claim
 an unconditional ass5t1 because !y     
assure u no "o ( ! human race is 9 a    
capacity ei!r to see1 feel1 or compreh5d
 ! object ( _! contemplation4 ,does n   
?is some:at rem9d u ( :at ,rabelais     
describes z ! employm5t ( ,que5 ,:im's  
(fic]s1 9 8 fif? book & tw5ty-second    
*apt]8  ,let u !n ackn[l$ge1 t ! man :o 

is ?is mo/ cr$ul\sly sup]/iti\s1 reasons
 9 a m conclusive mann]1 or is at lea/ m
 consi/5t 9 8 cr$ulity1 ?an ^?1 :o1 aft]
 hav+ admitt$ a c]ta9 position ( :i* !y 
h no "o idea1 /op %ort all at once1 &   
refuse to accr$it t sy/em ( conduct :i* 
is ! imm$iate1 ! necess>y result ( a    
radical & primitive error4 ,z soon z !y 
subscribe to a pr9ciple fatally oppos$  
to reason1 by :at "r d !y dispute its   
consequ5ces1 h[ev] absurd !y may be     
f\nd8 ,we _c too (t5 repeat1 = !        
happ9ess ( mank9d1 t ! human m9d1 let x 
torture itself z mu* z x w1 :5 x quits  
visible nature leads itself a/ray2 =    
want ( an intellig5t guide x w&]s 9     
tracks t bewild] its p[]s1 & is quickly 
oblig$1 to return into t ) :i* x has at 
lea/ "s1 acqua9tance4 ,if man mi/akes   
nature & h] en]gies1 x is because he    
does n suffici5tly /udy h]--because he  
does n submit to ! te/ ( exp]i5ce !     
ph5om5a he beholds2 if he w ob/9ately   
deprive h] ( motion1 he c no long] h any
 ideas ( h]4 ,does1 he1 h[ev]1 elucidate

 8 emb>rassm5ts1 by submitt+ h] action  
to ! ag5cy ( a be+ ( :i* he makes       
himself ! model8 ,does he ?9k he =ms a  
god1 :5 he assembles into "o het]og5e\s 
mass1 8 own discrepant qualities1       
magnifi$ until 8 optics are no long]    
compet5t to recognize !m1 & !n unites to
 !m c]ta9 ab/ract prop]ties ( :i* he _c 
=m to himself any "o conception8 ,does  
he1 9 fact1 d m ?an collect toge!r t :i*
 becomes1 9 consequ5ce ( its            
association1 p]fectly un9telligible8    
,yet1 /range z x may appe>1 :5 he no    
long] und]/&s himself--:5 8 m9d1 lo/ 9  
its own fictions1 becomes inadequate to 
deciph] ! *>act]s he has ?us            
promiscu\sly assembl$--:5 he has huddl$ 
toge!r a heap ( incompreh5sible1 ab/ract
 qualities1 :i* he is oblig$ to         
ackn[l$ge are ! m]e creatures (         
imag9ation1 n )9 ! rea* ( human         
intellect1 he firmly p]suades himself he
 has made a mo/ accurate & beautiful    
portrait ( ! ,div9ity2 he o/5tati\sly   
displays 8 picture1 dem&s ! eulogy ( !  

spectator1 & qu>rels ) all ^? :o d n    
agree to adulate 8 creative p[]s1 by    
adopt+ ! inconceivable be+ he holds =?  
to _! wor%ip2 9 %ort1 to "q ! exi/5ce ( 
8 extravaganza1 r\ses 8 mo/ bitt]       
reproa*es2 elicits 8 ev]la/+ scorn2     
entails on ! incr$ul\s 8 et]nal hatr$4  
,on ! o!r h&1 :at c\ld we expect f su* a
 be+1 z !y h suppos$ him to be8 ,:at    
c\ld we consi/5tly ask ( him8 ,h[ make  
an immat]ial be+1 :o has nei!r organs1  
space1 po9t1 or contact1 und]/& t       
modification ( matt] call$ voice8 ,admit
 t ?is is ! be+ :o moves nature--:o     
e/abli%es h] laws--:o gives to be+s _!  
v>i\s ess5ces--:o end[s !m ) _!         
respective prop]ties2 if e ?+ t takes   
place is ! fruit ( 8 inf9ite            
provid5ce--! pro( ( 8 pr(\nd wisdom1 to 
:at end %all we address our pray]s to   
him8 ,%all we solicit him to ackn[l$ge t
 ! wisdom & provid5ce ) :i* we h clo!d  
him1 are 9 fact errone\s1 by entreat+   
him to alt] 9 our fav\r 8 et]nal laws8  
,%all we give him to und]/& our wisdom  

exce$s 8 own1 by ask+1 him = our        
pleasure to *ange ! prop]ties (         
bodies--to annihilate 8 immutable       
decrees--to trace back ! inv>iable c\rse
 ( ?+s--to make be+s act 9 opposition to
 ! ess5ces ) :i* he has ?\ght x "r to   
inve/ !m8 ,w he at our int]cession      
prev5t a body pond]\s & h>d by its      
nature1 su* z a /one1 = example1 f      
w\nd+1 9 its fall a s5sitive be+ su* z !
 human frame8 ,aga91 %\ld we n1 9 fact1 
*all5ge impossibilities1 if ! discordant
 attributes br\ght into union by !      
!ologians 7 correct2 w\ld n immutability
 oppose itself to omnipot5ce2 m]cy to ! 
ex]cise ( rigid ju/ice2 omnisci5ce1 to !
 *anges t might be requir$ 9 =ese5      
plans8 ,9 physics1 9 consequ5ce ( !     
g5]al rese>* aft] a p]petual motion1    
sci5ce has drawn =? ! discov]y1 t by    
amalgamat+ metals ( contr>y prop]ties1 !
 contractile p[]s ( "o k9d1 "u giv5     
circum/ances :i* cause ! dilation ( !   
o!r1 by _! opposite t5d5cies neutralize 
! actual effects ( ea*1 tak5 sep>ately1 

& ?us produce an equality 9 !           
oscillations1 t1 nei!r possess$         
individually4  ,x w p]haps1 be insi/$1 t
 ! inf9ite sci5ce ( ! ,creator ( all    
?+s1 is acqua9t$ ) res\rces 9 ! be+s he 
has =m$1 :i* are conceal$ f imbecile    
mortals2 t consequ5tly )\t *ang+ any ?+1
 ei!r 9 ! laws ( nature1 or 9 ! ess5ce (
 ?+s1 he is compet5t to produce effects 
:i* surpass ! compreh5sion ( our feeble 
und]/&+2 t ^!1 effects w 9 no wise be   
contr>y to t ord] :i* he himself has    
e/abli%$ 9 nature4 ,grant$3 b !n ,i     
reply1 fir/1 t e ?+ :i* is con=mable to 
! nature ( ?+s1 c nei!r be call$        
sup]natural nor miracul\s3 _m ?+s are1  
unque/ionably1 above our compreh5sion2 b
 !n all t is op]at$ 9 ! _w is           
natural--gr[s out ( ^? immutable laws by
 :i* nature is regulat$4 ,9 ! second    
place1 x w be requisite to obs]ve1 t by 
! ^w miracle an effect is design$1 (    
:i*1 = want ( und]/&+ nature1 %e is     
believ$ incapable4 ,9 ! ?ird place1 x is
 wor?y ( rem>k1 t ! !ologians1 almo/    

univ]sally1 insi/ t by miracle is meant 
n an extraord9>y ef=t ( nature1 b an    
effect directly opposite to h] laws1 :i*
 nev]!less !y equally *all5ge to h be5  
prescrib$ by ! ,div9ity4 ,buddaeus says1
 a miracle is an op]ation by :i* ! laws 
( nature1 ^u :i* dep5d ! ord] & !       
pres]vation ( ! univ]se1 are susp5d$4   
,if1 h[ev]1 ! ,deity1 9 ^? ph5om5a t mo/
 excite our surprise1 does no?+ m ?an   
give play to spr+s unkn[n to mortals1   
!re is1 !n1 no?+ 9 nature1 :i*1 9 ?is   
s5se1 may n be look$ ^u z a miracle2    
because ! cause by :i* a /one falls is z
 unkn[n to u1 z t :i* makes our globe   
turn on its own axis4 ,?us1 to expla9 ! 
ph5om5a ( nature by a miracle1 is1 9 o!r
 words1 to say we are ignorant ( !      
actuat+ causes2 to attribute !m to !    
,div9ity1 is to agree we d n compreh5d !
 res\rces ( nature3 x is little bett]   
?an accr$it+ magic4 ,to attribute to a  
sov]eignly intellig5t1 immutable1       
provid5t1 wise be+1 ^? miracles by :i*  
he d]ogates f 8 own laws1 is at "o bl[  

to annihilate all ^! qualities3 x is an 
inconsi/5cy t w\ld %ame a *ild4 ,x _c be
 suppos$ t omnipot5ce has ne$ ( miracles
 to gov]n ! univ]se1 nor to conv9ce 8   
creatures1 ^: m9ds & he>ts mu/ be 9 8   
own h&s4 ,! la/ refuge ( ! !ologian1 :5 
driv5 (f all o!r gr\nd1 is ! possibility
 ( e ?+ he ass]ts1 c\*$ 9 ! dogma1 t    
no?+ is impossible to ! ,div9ity4 ,he   
makes ?is assev]ation ) a degree (      
self-complac5cy1 ) an air ( triumph1 t  
w\ld almo/ p]suade "o he c\ld n be      
mi/ak52 mo/ assur$ly1 ) ^? :o dip no    
fur!r ?an ! surface1 he c>ries complete 
conviction4 ,b we mu/ take leave to     
exam9e a little ! nature ( ?is          
proposition1 & we d appreh5d t a v      
slight degree ( consid]ation w %ew t x  
is unt5able4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 z we h    
be=e obs]v$1 ! possibility ( a ?+ by no 
means proves its absolute exi/5ce3 a ?+ 
may be extremely possible1 & yet n be4  
,secondly1 if ?is 0 once to become an   
admitt$ argum5t1 !re w\ld be1 9 fact1 an
 end ( all morality & religion4 ,!      

,bi%op ( ,*e/]1 ,doctor ,john ,wilk9s1  
says1 w\ld n su* m5 be g5]ally acc\nt$  
out ( _! wits1 :o c\ld please !mselves  
by ent]ta9+ actual hopes ( any ?+1 m]ely
 ^u acc\nt ( ! possibility ( x1 or      
torm5t !mselves ) actual fe>s ( all su* 
evils z are possible8 ,is !re any ?+    
imag9able wore wild & extravagant among/
 ^? 9 b$lam ?an ?is w\ld be8 ,?irdly1 ! 
impossibility w\ld reasonably appe> to  
be on ! o!r side1 s f> f no?+ be+       
impossible1 e ?+ t is errone\s w\ld seem
 to be actually s2 ! ,div9ity c\ld n    
possibly ei!r love vice1 *]i% crime1 be 
pleas$ ) depravity1 or commit wrong2 ?is
 decid$ly turns ! argum5t aga9/ !m2 !y  
mu/ ei!r admit ! mo/ mon/r\s ( all      
suppositions1 or retire f beh9d ! %ield 
) :i* !y h imag9$ !y r5d]$ !mselves     
invuln]able4  ,to ^? :o may be incl9$ to
 inquire1 :e!r x w\ld n be bett] t all  
?+s 7 op]at$ by a good1 wise1 intellig5t
 ,be+1 ?an by a bl9d nature1 9 :i* n "o 
consol+ quality is f\nd2 by a fatal     
necessity always inexorable to human    

intreaty8 ,x may be repli$1 fir/1 t our 
int]e/ does n decide ! reality ( ?+s1 & 
t :5 ?is %\ld be ev5 wore advantage\s   
?an x is po9t$ out1 x w\ld prove no?+4  
,secondly1 t z we are oblig$ to admit "s
 ?+s are op]at$ by nature1 x is c]ta9ly 
on ! side ( probability t %e p]=ms !    
o!rs2 especially z h] capabilities are m
 sub/antively prov$ by e age z x        
advances4 ,?irdly1 t nature duly /udi$  
furni%es e ?+ necess>y to r5d] u z1     
happy z our ess5ce admits4 ,:51 guid$ by
 exp]i5ce1 we %all consult h]1 )        
cultivat$ reason2 %e w discov] to u our 
duties1 t is to say1 ! indisp5sable     
means to :i* h] et]nal & necess>y laws h
 atta*$ our pres]vation1 our own        
happ9ess1 & t ( society4 ,x is decid$ly 
9 h] bosom t we %all f9d :]e) to satisfy
 our physical wants2 :atev] is out (    
nature1 c h no exi/5ce relatively to    
ourselves4  ,nature1 !n1 is n a /ep-"m  
to u2 we d n dep5d ^u an inexorable     
de/9y4 ,let u !re=e endeav\r to become m
 famili> ) h] res\rces2 %e w procure u a

 multitude ( b5efits :5 we %all pay h] !
 att5tion %e des]ves3 :5 we %all feel   
dispos$ to consult h]1 %e w supply u ) !
 requisites to alleviate bo? our        
physical & moral evils3 %e only puni%es 
u ) rig\r1 :51 reg>dless ( h]           
admonitions1 we plunge into excesses t  
disgrace u4 ,has ! voluptu>y any reason 
to compla9 ( ! %>p pa9s inflict$ by !   
g\t1 :5 exp]i5ce1 if he _h b att5d$ to  
its c\nsels1 has s (t5 w>n$ him1 t !    
grossness ( s5sual indulg5ce mu/        
inevitably amass 9 8 ma*9e ^? hum\rs :i*
 give bir? to ! agony he s acutely      
feels8 ,has ! sup]/iti\s bigot any cause
 = rep9+ at ! mis]y ( 8 unc]ta9 ideas1  
:5 an att5tive exam9ation ( t nature1 he
 holds ( su* small acc\nt1 w\ld h       
conv9c$ him t ! idols "u :om he         
trembles1 are no?+ b p]sonifications (  
h]self1 disguis$ "u "s o!r "n8 ,x is    
evid5tly by inc]titude1 discord1        
bl9dness1 delirium1 %e *a/ises ^? :o    
refuse to1 ackn[l$ge ! ju/ice ( h]      
claims4  ,9 ! mean "t1 x _c be d5i$1 t a

 pure ,!ism1 or :at is call$ ,natural   
,religion1 may n be pref]able to        
sup]/ition1 9 ! same mann] z re=m has   
bani%$ _m ( ! abuses ( ^? c\ntries :o h 
embrac$ x2 b !re is no?+ %ort ( an      
unlimit$ & inviolable lib]ty ( ?\ght1 t 
c p]man5tly assure ! repose ( ! m9d4 ,! 
op9ions ( m5 are only dang]\s :5 !y are 
re/ra9$1 or :5 x is imag9$ necess>y to  
make o!rs ?9k z we ourselves ?9k4 ,no   
op9ions1 n ev5 ^? ( sup]/ition itself1  
w\ld be dang]\s1 if ! sup]/iti\s did n  
?9k !mselves oblig$ to en=ce _!         
adoption1 or _h n ! p[] to p]secute ^?  
:o refus$4 ,x is ?is prejudice1 :i*1 = !
 b5efit ( mank9d1 x is ess5tial to      
annihilate2 & if ! ?+ be n a*ievable1 !n
 ! next object :i* philosophy may       
reasonably propose to itself1 w be to   
make ! deposit>ies ( p[] feel t !y nev] 
ought to p]mit _! subjects to commit    
evil = ei!r sup]/iti\s or religi\s      
op9ions4 ,9 ?is case1 w>s w\ld be almo/ 
unhe>d ( among/ m53 in/ead ( behold+ !  
melan*oly spectacle ( man cutt+ ! ?roat 

( 8 fell[ man1 because ?is _c see ) 8   
eyes1 we %all witness him ess5tially    
lab\r+ to 8 own happ9ess by promot+ t ( 
8 neighb\r2 cultivat+ ! e>? 9 peace2    
quietly br++ =? ! productions ( nature1 
in/ead ( puzzl+ 8 bra9 ) !ological      
disputes1 :i* c nev] be ( ! smalle/     
advantage1 except to ! prie/s4 ,x mu/ be
 a self-evid5t tru?1 t an argum5t by m51
 ^u t :i* is n accessible to man1 c\ld  
only h be5 inv5t$ by knaves1 :o1 l !    
pr(essors ( leg]dema91 7 det]m9$ to riot
 luxuri\sly on ! ignorance & cr$ulity ( 
mank9d4      ,,*ap4 ,,viii4  ,exam9ation
 ( ! ,advantages :i* result f ,man's    
,notions on ! ,div9ity4--,( _! ,influ5ce
 ^u ,mortals2--^u ,politics2--^u        
,sci5ce2--^u ! ,happ9ess ( ,nations1 & t
 ( ,individuals4   ,! sl5d] f\ndation ( 
^? ideas :i* m5 =m to !mselves ( _!     
gods1 mu/ h appe>$ obvi\s 9 :at has     
prec$$2 ! pro(s :i* h be5 (f]$ 9 support
 ( ! exi/5ce ( immat]ial sub/ances1 h   
be5 exam9$2 ! want ( h>mony t exi/s 9 ! 
op9ions ^u ?is subject1 :i* all concur 9

 agree+ to be equally impossible to be  
kn[n to ! inhabitants ( ! e>?1 has be5  
%ewn2 ! incompatibility ( ! attributes )
 :i*1 !ology has clo!d incorporeity1 has
 be5 expla9$4 ,x has be5 prov$1 t !     
idols :i* man sets up = adoration1 h    
usually _h _! bir?1 ei!r 9 ! bosom (    
mis=tune1 :5 ignorance 0 at a loss to   
acc\nt = ! calamities ( ! e>? ^u natural
 pr9ciples1 or else h be5 ! %apeless    
fruit ( melan*oly1 work+ ^u an al>m$    
m9d1 c\pl$ ) en?usiasm & an unbridl$    
imag9ation4 ,x has be5 po9t$ out h[ ^!  
prejudices1 transmitt$ by tradition f   
fa!r to son1 graft+ !mselves ^u infant  
m9ds1 cultivat$ by education1 n\ri%$ by 
fe>1 corroborat$ by habit1 h be5 ma9ta9$
 by au?ority2 p]petuat$ by example4 ,9  
%ort1 e ?+ mu/ h di/9ctly evid5c$ to u1 
t ! ideas ( ! gods1 s g5]ally diffus$   
ov] ! e>?1 has be5 little m ?an an      
univ]sal delusion ( ! human race4 ,x    
rema9s n[ to exam9e if ?is error has be5
 useful4  ,x ne$s little to prove error 
c nev] be advantage\s = mank9d2 x is ev]

 f\nd$ ^u 8 ignorance1 :i* is itself an 
ackn[l$g$ evil2 x spr+s out ( ! bl9dness
 ( 8 m9d to ackn[l$g$ tru?s1 & 8 want ( 
exp]i5ce1 :i* x mu/ be admitt$ are      
prejudicial to 8 int]e/s3 ! m           
importance1 !re=e1 he %all atta* to ^!  
errors1 ! m fatal w be ! consequ5ces    
result+ f _! adoption4 ,bacon1 !        
illu/ri\s sophi/1 :o fir/ br\ght        
philosophy out ( ! s*ools1 _h great     
reason :5 he said1 ,! wor/ ( all ?+s is 
deifi$ error4 ,inde$1 ! mis*iefs spr++ f
 sup]/ition or religi\s errors1 h be51 &
 always w be1 ! mo/ t]rible 9 _!        
consequ5ces--! mo/ ext5sive 9 _!        
deva/ation4 ,! m ^! errors are respect$1
 ! m play !y give to ! passions2 ! m    
value is atta*$ to !m1 ! m ! m9d is     
di/urb$2 ! m !y are insi/$ ^u1 ! m      
irrational !y r5d] ^?1 :o are seiz$ ) ! 
rage = proselytism2 ! m !y are *]i%$1 ! 
great] influ5ce !y h on ! :ole conduct (
 our lives4 ,inde$1 !re c he b little   
likelihood t he :o r5\nces 8 reason1 9 !
 ?+ :i* he consid]s z mo/ ess5tial to 8 

happ9ess1 w li/5 to x on any o!r        
occasion4  ,! slighte/ reflection w af=d
 ample pro( to ?is sad tru?3 9 ^? fatal 
notions :i* man has *]i%$ on ?is        
subject1 are to be trac$ ! true s\rces (
 all ^? prejudices1 ! f\nta9 ( all ^?   
sorr[s1 to :i* he is ! victim4          
,nev]!less1 z we h else:]e said1 utility
 ought to be ! only /&>d1 ! uni=m scale1
 by :i* to =m a judgm5t on ei!r !       
op9ions1 ! in/itutions1 ! sy/ems1 or !  
actions ( intellig5t be+s2 x is accord+ 
to ! measure ( happ9ess :i* ^! ?+s      
procure = u1 t we ought ei!r to cov] !m 
) our e/eem1 or expose !m to our        
contempt4 ,:5ev] !y are useless x is our
 duty to despise !m2 z soon z !y become 
p]nici\s1 x is imp]ative to reject !m2  
reason imp]i\sly prescribes t our       
dete/ation %\ld be comm5surate ) ! evils
 :i* !y cause4  ,tak+ ^! pr9ciples = a  
l&-m>k1 :i* are f\nd$ on our nature1 :i*
 mu/ appe> inconte/ible to e reasonable 
be+1 ) exp]i5ce = a beacon1 let u coolly
 exam9e ! effects :i* ^! notions h      

produc$ on ! e>?4 ,we h already1 9 m ?an
 "o "p ( ! "w1 giv5 a glimpse ( !       
doctr9e ( t morals1 :i* hav+ only =     
object ! pres]vation ( man1 & 8 conduct 
9 society1 c h no?+1 9 common ) imag9>y 
sy/ems3 x has be5 %ewn1 t ! ess5ce ( a  
s5sitive1 intellig5t1 rational be+1     
prop]ly m$itat$1 w\ld discov] motives   
compet5t to mod]ate ! fury ( 8          
passions--to induce him to resi/ 8      
vici\s prop5sities--to make him fly     
crim9al habits--to invite him to r5d]   
himself useful to ^? be+s = :om 8 own   
necessities h a cont9ual occasion2 ?us1 
to ende> himself to 81 fell[ mortals1 to
 become respectable 9 8 own e/eem4 ,^!  
motives w unque/ionably be admitt$ to   
possess m solidity1 to embrace great]1  
pot5cy1 to involve m tru?1 ?an ^? :i*   
are borr[$ f sy/ems t want /ability2 t  
assume m %apes ?an !re are languages2 t 
are n tangible to ! tact ( humanity2 t  
mu/ ( necessity pres5t a diff]5t        
p]spective to all :o %all view !m ?r\gh 
! m$ium ( prejudice4 ,f :at has be5     

advanc$1 x w be felt t education1 :i*   
%\ld make man 9 e>ly life contract good 
habits1 adopt favorable dispositions1   
=tifi$ by a respect = public op9ion1    
invigorat$ by ideas ( dec5cy1 /r5g!n$ by
 :olesome laws1 corroborat$ by ! desire 
( m]it+ ! fri5d%ip ( o!rs1 /imulat$ by !
 fe> ( los+ 8 own e/eem1 w\ld be fully  
adequate to accu/om him to a laudable   
conduct1 amply suffici5t to div]t him f 
ev5 ^? secret crimes1 f :i* he is oblig$
 to puni% himself by remorse2 :i* co/s  
him ! mo/ incessant lab\r to keep       
conceal$1 by ! dread ( t %ame1 :i* mu/  
always foll[ _! publicity4 ,exp]i5ce    
demon/rates 9 ! cle>e/ mann]1 t !       
success ( a fir/ crime disposes him to  
commit a second2 impunity leads on to ! 
?ird1 ?is to a lam5table sequel t       
frequ5tly closes a wret*$ c>e] ) ! mo/  
ignom9i\s exhibition2 ?us ! fir/        
del9qu5cy is ! comm5cem5t ( a habit3 !re
 is mu* less di/ance f ?is to ! hundr$?1
 ?an f innoc5ce to crim9ality3 ! man1   
h[ev]1 :o l5ds himself to a s]ies ( bad 

actions1 "u ev5 ! assurance ( impunity1 
is mo/ woefully deceiv$1 because he _c  
avoid ca/igat+ himself3 moreov]1 he _c  
"k at :at po9t ( iniquity he %all /op4  
,x has be5 %ewn1 t ^? puni%m5ts :i*     
society1 = its own pres]vation1 has ! "r
 to inflict on ^? :o di/urb its h>mony1 
are m sub/antive1 m efficaci\s1 m       
salut>y 9 _! effects1 ?an all ! di/ant  
torm5ts held =? by ! prie/s2 !y int]v5e 
a m imm$iate ob/acle to ! /ubborn       
prop5sities ( ^? obdurate wret*es1 :o1  
ins5sible to ! *>ms ( virtue1 are deaf  
to ! advantages t spr+ f its practice1  
?an c be oppos$ by ! d5unciations1 held 
=? 9 an h]eaft] exi/5ce1 :i* he is at ! 
same mom5t taught may be avoid$ by      
rep5tance1 t %all only take place :5 !  
ability to commit fur!r wrong has ceas$4
 ,9 %ort1 "o w\ld be l$ to ?9k x obvi\s 
to ! slighte/ reflection1 t politics1   
f\nd$ ^u ! nature ( man1 ^u ! pr9ciples 
( society1 arm$ ) equitable laws1       
vigilant ov] morals1 fai?ful 9 rew>d+   
virtue1 con/ant 9 visit+ crime1 w\ld be 

m suitable to clo! e?ics )              
respectability1 to ?r[ a sacr$ mantle   
ov] moral goodness1 to l5d /ability to  
public virtue1 ?an any au?ority t c be  
d]iv$ f conte/$ sy/ems1 ! conduct ( ^:  
pr(essors frequ5tly disgrace ! doctr9es 
!y lay d[n1 :i* aft] all seldom d m ?an 
re/ra9 ^? ^: mildness ( temp]am5t       
effectually prev5ts !m f runn+ into     
excess2 ^? :o1 already giv5 to ju/ice1  
require no co]cion4 ,on ! o!r h&1 we h  
endeav\r$ to prove t no?+ c be m absurd1
 no?+ actually m dang]\s1 ?an attribut+ 
human qualities to ! ,div9ity :i* _c b  
*oose to f9d !mselves 9 a p]petual      
contradiction4  ,plato has said t virtue
 consi/s 9 resembl+ ,god4 ,b h[ is man  
to resemble a be+1 :o1 x is ackn[l$g$1  
is incompreh5sible to mank9d--:o _c be  
conceiv$ by any ( ^? means1 by :i* he is
 alone capable ( hav+ p]ceptions8 ,if   
?is be+1 :o is %ewn to man "u su* v>i\s 
aspects1 :o is said to owe no?+ to 8    
creatures1 is ! au?or ( all ! good1 z   
well z all ! evil t takes place1 h[ c he

 be ! model = ! conduct ( ! human race  
liv+ toge!r 9 society8 ,at mo/ he c only
 foll[ "o side ( ! "*1 because among 8  
fell[s1 he alone is reput$ virtu\s :o   
does n deviate 9 8 conduct f ju/ice2 :o 
ab/a9s f evil2 :o p]=ms ) punctuality ^?
 duties he owes to 8 fell[s4 ,if x be   
tak5 up1 & insi/$ he is n ! au?or ( !   
evil1 only ( ! good1 ,i say v well3 t is
 precisely :at ,i want$ to "k2 y !reby  
ackn[l$ge he is n ! au?or ( e ?+2 we are
 no long] at issue2 y are inconclusive  
to y\r own premises1 consequ5tly ought n
 to dem& an implicit reliance on :at y  
*oose to ass]t4  ,b1 replies ! subtle   
!ologian1 t is n ! affair2 y mu/ seek x 
9 ! cre$ ,i h set =?--9 ! religion ( :i*
 ,i am a pill>4 ,v good3 ,is x !n       
actually 9 ! sy/em ( fanatics1 t man    
%\ld draw up 8 ideas ( virtue8 ,is x 9 !
 doctr9es :i* ^! codes hold =?1 t he is 
to seek = a model8 ,alas6 d !y n p\rtray
 _! idols3 "u ! mo/ un:olesome col\rs2 d
 !y n repres5t !m z foll[+ _! caprice 9 
e ?+1 :o love or hate1 :o *oose or      

reject1 :o approve or condemn accord+ to
 _! :im1 :o delight 9 c>nage1 :o s5d    
discord among/ m51 :o act irrationally1 
:o commit wantonness1 :o sport ) _!     
feeble subjects1 :o lay cont9ual sn>es =
 !m1 :o rigor\sly int]dict ! use ( _!   
reason8 ,:at1 let u s]i\sly ask1 w\ld   
become ( morality1 if m5 propos$ to     
!mselves su* portraits = models6  ,x 01 
h[ev]1 = ! mo/ "p1 sy/ems ( ?is temp] t 
nations adopt$4 ,at 0 9 consequ5ce ( ^! 
pr9ciples t :at has be5 call$ religion 9
 mo/ c\ntries1 0 f> remov$ f be+        
fav\rable to morality2 on ! contr>y1 x  
(t5 %ook x to its f\ndation--frequ5tly  
left no ve/ige ( its exi/5ce4 ,x divid$ 
man1 in/ead ( draw+ clos] ! bonds (     
union2 9 ! place ( t mutual love1 t     
reciprocity ( succ\r1 :i* ought ev] to  
di/+ui% human society1 x introduc$ hatr$
 & p]secution2 x made !m seize e        
opportunity to cut ea* o!r's ?roat =    
speculative op9ions1 equally irrational2
 x eng5d]$ ! mo/ viol5t he>t-burn+s--!  
mo/ rancor\s animosities--! mo/ sov]eign

 contempt4 ,! slighte/ diff]5ce 9 _!    
receiv$ op9ions r5d]$ !m ! mo/ mortal   
enemies2 sep>at$ _! int]e/s = ev]2 made 
!m despise ea* o!r2 & seek e means to   
r5d] _! exi/5ce mis]able4 ,= ^!         
!ological conjectures1 nations become   
oppos$ to nations2 ! sov]eign frequ5tly 
arm$ himself aga9/ 8 subjects2 subjects 
wag$ w> ) _! sov]eign2 citiz5s gave     
activity to ! mo/ sangu9>y ho/ility     
aga9/ ea* o!r2 p>5ts dete/$ _! (fspr+2  
*ildr5 plung$ ! po9t$ /eel1 ! b>b$ arr[1
 into ! bosoms ( ^? :o gave !m exi/5ce2 
husb&s & wives disunit$1 became !       
sc\rges ( ea* o!r2 relations =gett+ !   
ties ( consangu9ity1 tore ea* o!r to    
pieces1 or else reciprocally consign$ !m
 to oblivion2 all ! bonds ( society 7   
r5t asund]2 ! social compact 0 brok5 up2
 society committ$ suicide3 :il/ 9 ! mid/
 ( ?is fe>ful wreck--reg>dless ( !      
horrid %rieks call$ =? by ?is dreadful  
confusion--unm9dful ( ! havock go+ =w>d 
on all sides--ea* pret5d$ t he con=m$ to
 ! views ( 8 idol1 detail$ to him by 8  

prie/--fulm9at$ by ! oracles4 ,f> f mak+
 himself any reproa*1 = ! mis]y he      
spread abroad1 ea* laud$ 8 own          
individual conduct2 glori$ 9 ! crimes he
 committ$ 9 support ( 8 sacr$ cause4  ,!
 same _s ( maniacal fury p]vad$ ! rites1
 ! c]emonies1 ! cu/oms1 :i* ! wor%ip1   
adopt$ by sup]/ition1 plac$ s mu* above 
all ! social virtues4 ,9 "o c\ntry1 t5d]
 mo!rs deliv]$ up _! *ildr5 to moi/5 )  
_! innoc5t blood ! alt>s ( _! idols2 9  
ano!r1 ! p assembl$1 p]=m$ ! c]emony (  
consolation to _! deities1 = ! outrages 
!y committ$ aga9/ !m1 & f9i%$ by        
immolat+ to _! ang] human victims2 9    
ano!r1 a frantic en?usia/ lac]at$ 8     
body1 condemn$ himself = life to ! mo/  
rigor\s tortures1 to appease ! wra? ( 8 
gods4 ,! ,jupit] ( ! ,pagans 0 a        
lascivi\s mon/]2 ! ,molo* ( ! ,ph5icians
 0 a cannibal2 ! savage idol ( !        
,mexican requires ?\s&s ( mortals to    
ble$ on 8 %r9e1 9 ord] to satisfy 8     
sangu9>y appetite4  ,su* are ! models   
sup]/ition holds out to ! imitation (   

man2 is x !n surpris+ t ! "n ( ^!       
despots became ! signal = mad-bra9$     
en?usiasm to ex]cise its outrage\s fury2
 ! /&>d "u :i* c[>dice wreak$ its       
cruelty2 ! wat*word = ! inhumanity (    
nations to mu/] _! b>b>\s /r5g?2 a s\nd 
:i* spreads t]ror :]ev] its e*o c\ld    
rea*2 a cont9ual pretext = ! mo/ b>efac$
 brea*es ( public decorum2 = ! mo/      
%ameless violation ( ! moral duties8 ,x 
0 ! frightful "* m5 gave ( _! gods1 t   
bani%$ k9dness f _! he>ts--virtue f _!  
conduct--felicity f _!                  
habitations--reason f _! m9d3 almo/ e   
:]e x 0 "s idol1 :o 0 di/urb$ by ! mode 
9 :i* unhappy mortals ?\ght2 ?is arm$ !m
 ) poign>ds aga9/ ea* o!r2 made !m /ifle
 ! cries ( nature2 r5d]$ !m b>b>\s to   
!mselves2 atroci\s to _! fell[          
creatures3 9 %ort1 !y became irrational1
 brea!d =? v5geance1 outrag$ humanity1 e
 "t t1 in/igat$ by ! prie/1 !y 7 incl9$ 
to imitate ! gods ( _! idolatry1 to     
display _! zeal1 to r5d] !mselves       
acceptable 9 _! temples4  ,x is n1 !n1 9

 su* sy/ems1 man ought to seek ei!r =   
models ( virtue1 or rules ( conduct     
suitable to live 9 society4 ,he ne$s    
human morality1 f\nd$ ^u 8 own nature2  
built ^u inv>iable exp]i5ce2 submitt$ to
 reason4 ,! e?ics ( sup]/ition w always 
he prejudicial to ! e>?2 cruel ma/]s _c 
be well s]v$1 b by ^? :o resemble !m3   
:at !n becomes ( ! great advantages :i* 
h be5 imag9$ result$ to man1 f ! notions
 :i* h be5 unceas+ly infus$ into him ( 8
 gods8 ,we see t almo/ all nations      
ackn[l$ge !m2 yet1 to con=m !mselves to 
_! views1 !y trampl$ "u foot ! cle>e/   
rights ( nature--! mo/ evid5t duties (  
humanity2 !y appe>$ to act z if x 0 only
 by madness ! mo/ incurable--by folly ! 
mo/ prepo/]\s--by ! mo/ flagiti\s       
crimes1 committ$ ) an unsp>+ h&1 t !y   
hop$ to draw d[n ^u !mselves ! favor (  
heav5--! bless+s ( ! sov]eign           
intellig5ce !y s mu* boa/ ( s]v+ )      
unabat$ zeal2 ) ! mo/ devotional f]vor2 
) ! mo/ unlimit$ ob$i5ce4 ,z soon1      
!re=e1 z ! prie/s give !m to und]/& _!  

deities comm& ! commission ( crime1 or  
:5ev] !re is a "q ( _! respective cre$s1
 al?\gh !y are wrapt 9 ! mo/ imp5etrable
 obscurity1 !y make x a duty ) !mselves 
to unbridle _! ranc\r--to give loose to 
! mo/ furi\s passions2 !y mi/ake !      
cle>e/ precepts ( morality2 !y cr$ul\sly
 believe ! remission ( _! own s9s w be !
 rew>d ( _! transgressions aga9/ _!     
neighb\r4 ,w\ld x n be bett] to be an   
inhabitant ( ,soldania 9 ,africa1 :]e   
nev] yet =m ( wor%ip ent]$1 or ! "n (   
,god res\nd$1 ?an ?us to pollute ! l& ) 
sup]/iti\s ca/igation--) ! enmity (     
prie/s aga9/ ea* o!r8  ,inde$1 x is n   
g5]ally 9 ^? rev]$ mortals1 spread ov] !
 e>? to ann\nce ! oracles ( ! gods1 t w 
be f\nd ! mo/ /]l+ virtues4 ,^! m51 :o  
?9k !mselves s enlight5$1 :o call       
!mselves ! m9i/]s ( heav51 frequ5tly    
prea* no?+ b hatr$1 discord1 & fury 9   
its "n3 ! fe> ( ! gods1 f> f hav+ a     
salut>y influ5ce ov] _! own morals1 f> f
 submitt+ !m to a :olesome discipl9e1   
frequ5tly d no?+ m ?an increase _!      

av>ice1 augm5t _! ambition1 inflate _!  
pride1 ext5d _! covet\sness1 r5d] !m    
ob/9ately /ubborn1 & h>d5 _! he>ts4 ,we 
may see !m unceas+ly occupi$ 9 giv+ bir?
 to ! mo/ la/+ animosities1 by _!       
un9telligible disputes4 ,we see !m      
ho/ilely wre/l+ ) ! sov]eign p[]1 :i* !y
 cont5d is subord9ate to _! own4 ,we see
 !m arm ! *iefs ( nations aga9/ !       
legitimate magi/rates2 di/ribute to !   
cr$ul\s multitude ! mo/ mortal weapons1 
to massacre ea* o!r 9 ! prosecution ( ^?
 futile controv]sies1 :i* sac]dotal     
vanity clo!s ) ! mo/ int]e/+ importance4
 ,d ^! m51 :o advance ! beauty ( _!     
!ories1 :o m5ace ! p ) et]nal v5geance1 
avail !mselves ( _! own m>vell\s notions
 to mod]ate _! pride--to abate _!       
vanity--to less5 _! cupidity--to re/ra9 
_! turbul5ce--to br+ _! v9dictive hum\rs
 "u control8 ,are !y1 ev5 9 ^? c\ntries 
:]e _! empire is e/abli%$ ^u pill>s (   
brass1 fix$ on adamant9e rocks1 decorat$
 ) ! mo/ curi\s ef=ts ( human           
+5uity--:]e ! sacr$ mantle ( public     

op9ion %ields !m ) impunity--:]e        
cr$ulity1 plant$ 9 ! hot-b$ ( ignorance1
 /rikes ! roots ( _! au?ority into ! v  
c5tre ( ! e>?2 are !y1 ,i w\ld ask1 !   
enemies to debau*]y1 ! foes to          
intemp]ance1 ! hat]s ( ^? excesses :i*  
!y insi/ a sev]e ,god int]dicts to 8    
ador]s8 ,on ! contr>y1 are !y n se5 to  
be embold5$ 9 crime2 intrepid 9         
iniquity2 committ+ ! mo/ %ameful        
atrocities2 giv+ free scope to _!       
irregul>ities2 indulg+ _! hatr$2 glutt+ 
_! v5geance2 ex]cis+ ! mo/ savage       
cruelties on ! mis]able victims to _!   
c[>dly suspicion8 ,9 %ort1 x may be     
safely advanc$1 )\t fe> ( contradiction1
 t sc>cely any ?+ is m frequ5t1 ?an t ^?
 m5 :o ann\nce ^! t]rible cre$s--:o make
 m5 tremble "u _! yoke--:o are unceas+ly
 h>angu+ ^u ! et]nity & dreadful nature 
( _! puni%m5ts--:o decl>e !mselves !    
*os5 m9i/]s ( _! oracul> laws--:o make  
all ! duties ( morality c5tre 9         
!mselves2 are ^? :om sup]/ition lea/    
contributes to r5d] virtu\s2 are m5 :o  

possess ! lea/ milk ( human k9dness2 !  
fewe/ feel+s ( t5d]ness2 :o are ! mo/   
intol]ant to _! neighb\rs2 ! mo/        
indulg5t to !mselves2 ! mo/ unsociable 9
 _! habits2 ! mo/ lic5ti\s 9 _! mann]s2 
! mo/ un=giv+ 9 _! disposition4 ,9      
contemplat+ _! conduct1 we %\ld be      
tempt$ to accr$it1 t !y 7 p]fectly      
undeceiv$ ) respect to ! idols :om !y   
s]ve2 t no "o 0 less ! dupe to ^? m5aces
 :i* !y s solemnly pron\nce 9 _! "n1 ?an
 !mselves4 ,9 ! h&s ( ! prie/s ( almo/  
all c\ntries1 _! div9ities resembl$ !   
head ( ,m$usa1 :i*1 )\t injur+ him :o   
%ew$ x1 petrifi$ all o!rs4 ,! prie/s are
 g5]ally ! mo/ crafty ( m51 & _m among  
!m are sub/antively wick$4  ,does ! idea
 ( ^! av5g+1 ^! remun]at+ sy/ems1 impose
 ^u "s pr9ces ( ! e>?1 :o f\nd _!       
titles1 :o re/ _! p[] ^u !m2 :o avail   
!mselves ( _! t]rific p[] to intimidate 
_! subjects2 to make ! p1 (t5 r5d]$     
unhappy by _! caprice1 hold !m 9        
rev]5ce8 ,alas6 ! !ological1 !          
sup]natural ideas1 adopt$ by ! pride (  

"s sov]eigns1 h done no?+ m ?an corrupt 
politics--?an metamorphose1 !m into an  
abject tyranny4 ,! m9i/]s ( ^! idols1   
always tyrants !mselves1 or ! *]i%]s (  
despots1 are unceas+ly cry+ out to      
mon>*s t !y are ! images ( ! ,div9ity4  
,d !y n in=m ! cr$ul\s multitude t heav5
 is will+ !y %\ld groan "u ! mo/ cruel  
bondage2 wri! "u ! mo/ multif>i\s       
inju/ice2 t to suff] is _! inh]itance2 t
 _! pr9ces h ! indubitable "r to        
appropriate ! goods1 dispose ( ! p]sons1
 co]ce ! lib]ty2 comm& ! lives ( _!     
subjects8 ,d n "s ( ^! *iefs ( nations1 
?us poison$ 9 ! "n ( deifi$ idols1      
imag9e t e indulg5ce ( _! wayw>d hum\r  
is freely p]mitt$ to !m8 ,at once       
competitors1 repres5tatives1 & rivals ( 
! cele/ial p[]s1 d !y n1 9 "s in/ances1 
ex]cise aft] _! example ! mo/ arbitr>y  
despotism8 ,d !y n1 9 ! intoxication    
into :i* sac]dotal flatt]y has plung$   
!m1 ?9k t l _! idols1 !y are n          
acc\ntable to man = _! actions1 t !y owe
 no?+ to ! re/ ( mortals1 t !y are b\nd 

by no bonds b _! own unruly w1 to _!    
mis]able subjects8  ,!n x is evid5t t x 
is to !ological notions1 to ! loose     
flatt]y ( its m9i/]s1 t are to be       
ascrib$ ! despotism1 ! tyrannical       
inju/ice1 ! corruption1 ! lic5ti\sness (
 "s pr9ces1 & ! bl9dness ( ^? p1 to :om 
9 heav5's "n !y int]dict ! love (       
lib]ty2 :o are =bid to lab\r effectually
 to _! own happ9ess2 to oppose !mselves 
to viol5ce1 h[ev] flagrant2 to ex]cise  
_! natural rights1 h[ev] conducive to _!
 welf>e4 ,^! intoxicat$ rul]s1 ev5 :ile 
ador+ _! av5g+ gods1 9 ! act ( b5d+ o!rs
 to _! wor%ip1 d n scruple to outrage !m
 by _! irregul>ities--by _! want ( moral
 virtue4 ,:at morality is ?is1 b t ( m5 
:o (f] !mselves z liv+ images1 z animat$
 repres5tatives ( ! ,div9ity8 ,are ^?   
mon>*s1 !n1 :o are habitually unju/1 :o 
wre/ )\t remorse ! bread f ! h&s ( a    
fami%$ p1 to adm9i/] to ! pr(ligacy ( _!
 insatiable c\rti]s--to pamp] ! luxury (
 ! vile in/rum5ts ( _! enormities1      
a!i/s8 ,are1 !n1 ^? ambiti\s conqu]ors1 

:o n cont5t$ ) oppress+ _! own slaves1  
c>ry desolation1 spread mis]y1 deal out 
dea? among ! subjects ( o!rs1 a!i/s8 ,d 
we n witness 9 "s ( ^? pot5tates :o rule
 ov] nations by div9e "r1 7a pat5t (    
p[]1 :i* e usurp] claims z 8 own7       
ambiti\s mortals1 ^: ext]m9at+ fury no?+
 c arre/2 ) he>ts p]fectly ins5sible to 
! sorr[s ( mank9d2 ) m9ds )\t en]gy2 )  
s\ls )\t virtue2 :o neglect _! mo/      
evid5t duties1 ) :i* !y d n ev5 deign to
 become acqua9t$2 p[]ful m51 :o         
insol5tly set !mselves above ! rules (  
equity2 knaves :o make a sport ( hone/y8
 ,g5]ally speak+1 is !re ! lea/ s9c]ity 
9 ! alliances :i* ^! rul]s =m among     
!mselves8 ,d !y ev] la/ long] ?an = !   
season ( _! conv5i5ce8 ,d we f9d        
sub/antive virtues adorn ^? :o mo/      
abjectly submit !mselves to all !       
follies ( sup]/ition8 ,d !y n tax ea*   
o!r z violators ( prop]ty--z fai?lessly 
aggr&iz+ !mselves at ! exp5ce ( _!      
neighb\r2 9 fact1 d we n see !m         
endeav\r+ to surprise1 anxi\s to        

ov]-rea*1 ready to injure ea* o!r1 )\t  
be+ arre/$ by ! m5aces ( _! cre$s1 or at
 all yield+ to ! calls ( humanity8 ,9   
g5]al1 !y are too haughty to be humane2 
too inflat$ ) ambition to be virtu\s2 !y
 make a code = !mselves1 :i* !y _c help 
violat+4 ,*>les ! ,fif? us$ to say1 t   
be+ a w>rior1 x 0 impossible = him to h 
ei!r consci5ce or religion4 ,8 g5]al1 ! 
,m>quis de ,piscaire1 obs]v$1 t no?+ 0 m
 difficult1 ?an to s]ve at "o & ! same  
"t1 ! god ,m>s & ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,inde$1  
no?+ c be m oppos$ to ! true _s (       
,*ri/ianity ?an ! pr(ession ( arms2     
not)/&+ ! ,*ri/ian pr9ces h ! mo/ num]\s
 armies1 & are 9 p]petual ho/ility ) ea*
 o!r3 p]haps ! cl]gy !mselves d n hold  
=? ! mo/ peaceable examples ( ! doctr9e 
!y tea*2 !y sometimes wrangle = ti!s1   
dispute = trifl+ enjoym5ts1 qu>rel =    
worldly op9ion1 ) z mu* det]m9$ ob/9acy1
 ) z1 mu* settl$ ranc\r1 ) z little     
*>ity1 z c\ld possibly inhabit ! bosom (
 ! mo/ un5light5$ ,pagan1 ^: ignorance  
!y despise--^: sup]/ition !y rank z !   

grosse/ ef=t ( idolatr\s debasem5t4 ,x  
might almo/ admit ( d\bt :e!r !y w\ld be
 q pleas$ to see ! mild maxims ( !      
,evangeli/s1 ! true ,*ri/ian meekness1  
rigidly foll[$--:e!r !y might n ?9k !   
complete work+ ( _! own sy/em w\ld cla% 
) _! own imm$iate int]e/s8 ,is x a      
demon/rable axiom t ! m9i/]s ( !        
,*ri/ian fai? d n ?9k soldi]s are be+s  
extremely well calculat$ to give        
efficacy to _! doctr9e--solidity to _!  
advantages--durability to _! claims8 ,be
 ?is z x may1 prie/s z well z mon>*s h  
occasionally wag$ w> = ! mo/ futile     
int]e/s2 impov]i%$ a p f ! anti-*ri/ian 
motives2 wre/$ f ea* o!r ) all ! v5om ( 
furies1 ! bloody remnant ( ! nations !y 
h laid wa/e2 9 fact1 to judge by _!     
conduct on c]ta9 occasions1 x might h   
be5 a "q if !y 7 n disput+ :o %\ld h !  
cr$it ( mak+ ! great] numb] ( mis]able  
be+s ^u e>?4 ,at l5g?1 ei!r we>i$ ) _!  
own fury1 exhau/$ by _! own dev\r+      
passions1 or compell$ by ! /]n h& (     
necessity1 !y h p]mitt$ suff]+ humanity 

to take brea?2 !y h all[$ ! mis]ies     
concomitant on w>1 to cease = an in/ant 
_! deva/at+ havoc2 !y h made peace 9 !  
"n ( t ,god1 ^: decrees1 z atte/$ by    
!mselves1 !y h be5 s wantonly           
outrag+1--/ill ready1 h[ev]1 to violate 
_! mo/ solemn pl$ges1 :5 ! smalle/      
int]e/ c\ld (f] !m a pretext4  ,?us x w 
be obvi\s1 9 :at mann] ! idea ( !       
,div9ity op]ates on ! prie/1 z well z ^u
 ^? :o are call$ 8 images2 :o insi/ !y h
 no acc\nt to r5d] b to him alone4      
,among ^! repres5tatives ( ! ,div9e     
,maje/y1 x is ) difficulty dur+ ?\s&s ( 
ye>s we f9d "s few :o h equity1         
s5sibility1 virtue1 or ev5 ! mo/ ord9>y 
tal5t4 ,hi/ory po9ts out "s ( ^!        
viceg]5ts ( ! ,deity1 :o 9 ! exac]bation
 ( _! deliri\s rage1 h insi/$ ^u        
displac+ him1 by exalt+ !mselves into   
gods2 & exact+ ! mo/ obsequi\s wor%ip2  
:o h inflict$ ! mo/ cruel torm5ts on ^? 
:o h oppos$ !mselves to _! madness1 &   
refus$ to ackn[l$ge ! ,div9ity ( _!     
p]sons4 ,^! m51 ^: lic5ti\sness knew no 

limits1 f ! impunity :i* att5d$ _!      
actions1 not)/&+ !y _h le>n$ to despise 
public op9ion1 to set dec5cy at         
defiance1 to indulge 9 ! mo/ %ameless   
vice3 9 spite ( ! p[] !y possess$2 ( !  
homage !y receiv$2 ( ! t]ror !y inspir$3
 al?\gh !y _h le>n$ to c\nt]feit1 )     
great effect1 ! :ole catalogue ( human  
virtues2 f\nd x impossible1 ev5 ) !     
addition ( _! enorm\s weal?1 wr5*$ f !  
necessities ( labori\s hone/y1 to       
c\nt]feit ! animat+ blu%1 :i* mode/ m]it
 br+s =?1 :5 eulogiz$ by "s happy be+ ^:
 felicity he has occasion$1 by foll[+ ! 
great law ( nature--:i* says1 love ?y   
neighb\r z ?yself4 ,on ! contr>y1 we see
 !m gr[ li/less ) satiety2 disgu/$ ) _! 
own inord9ate indulg5ces2 oblig$ to     
recur to /range pleasures1 to awak5 _!  
b5umb$ faculties2 to run headlong into !
 mo/ co/ly follies1 9 ! fruitless       
attempt to keep up ! activity ( _! s\ls1
 ! spr+ ( :i* !y _h = ev] relax$1 by !  
pr(ligacy ( _! enjoym5t4  ,hi/ory1      
al?\gh x describes a multitude ( vici\s 

rul]s1 ^: irregul> prop5sities 7 ( ! mo/
 mis*iev\s consequ5ce to ! human race1  
nev]!less1 %ews u b few :o h be5 a!i/s4 
,! annals ( nations1 on ! contr>y1 (f]  
to our view great numb]s ( sup]/iti\s   
pr9ces1 gov]n$ by _! mi/resses1 l$ by   
unwor?y favorites1 leagu$ ) prie/s1 :o  
pass$ _! lives plung$ 9 luxury2 indulg+ 
! mo/ effem9ate pursuits2 foll[+ ! mo/  
*ildi% pleasures2 pleas$ ) o/5tati\s %[2
 slaves ev5 to ! fa%ion ( ! ve/m5ts t   
cov]$ !m2 b /rang]s to e manly virtue2  
ins5sible to ! sorr[s ( _! subjects2    
al?\gh uni=mly good to _! hungry        
c\rti]s1 inv>iably k9d to ^? cr++       
sycophants :o surr\nd$ _! p]sons1 &     
poison$ _! e>s ) ! mo/ fulsome flatt]y3 
9 %ort1 sup]/iti\s p]secutors1 :o1 to   
r5d] !mselves acceptable to _! prie/s1  
to expiate _! own %ameful irregul>ities1
 add$ to all _! o!r vices t ( tyranniz+ 
ov] ! m9d1 ( fett]+ ! consci5ce1 (      
de/roy+ _! subjects = _! op9ions1 :5 !y 
7 9 ho/ility ) _! own receiv$ doctr9es4 
,inde$1 sup]/ition 9 pr9ces frequ5tly   

alli$ itself ) ! mo/ horrid crimes2 !y h
 almo/ all pr(ess$ religion1 al?\gh v   
few ( !m h _h a j k ( morality--h       
practic$ any useful sub/antive virtue4  
,sup]/iti\s notions1 on ! contr>y1 (t5  
s]ve to r5d] !m m bl9d1 to augm5t _!    
evil incl9ations2 to set !m at a great] 
di/ance f moral goodness4 ,!y = ! mo/ "p
 believe !mselves assur$ ( ! favor (    
heav52 !y ?9k !y fai?fully s]ve _! gods1
 t ! ang] ( _! div9ities is appeas$1 if 
= a %ort season !y %ew !mselves atta*$  
to futile cu/oms--l5d !mselves to absurd
 rites--p]=m "s ridicul\s duties1 :i*   
sup]/ition imposes on !m1 ) a view to   
obta9 _! assi/ance 9 ! prosecution ( its
 own plans1 v r>ely 9 /rict unison ) _! 
imm$iate int]e/4 ,n]o1 ! cruel1         
sangu9>y1 matricidal ,n]o1 8 h&s yet    
reek+ ) ! blood ( t un=tunate be+ :o _h 
borne him 9 h] womb1 :o _h1 ) agoniz+   
pa9s1 giv5 ! mon/] to ! _w t plung$ !   
dagg] 9 h] he>t1 0 desir\s to be        
initiat$ into ! ,eleus9ian ,my/]ies4 ,! 
odi\s ,con/ant9e himself1 f\nd 9 !      

prie/s1 accomplices dispos$ to expiate 8
 crimes4 ,! infam\s ,philip1 ^:         
ungov]nable ambition caus$ him to be    
call$ ! daemon ( ! s\?1 :il/ he         
assass9at$ 8 wife & son1 caus$ ! ?roats 
( ! wret*$ ,batavians to be cut = _!    
religi\s op9ions4 ,x is ?us1 t ! prie/s 
( sup]/ition sometimes p]suade sov]eigns
 !y c atone = crimes1 by committ+ o!rs (
 a m atroci\s k9d--( an increas$        
magnitude4  ,x w\ld be fair to conclude1
 f ! conduct ( s _m pr9ces1 :o _h s mu* 
sup]/ition1 b s sl5d] a portion (       
virtue1 t ! notion ( _! gods1 f> f be+  
useful to !m1 only s]v$ to r5d] !m wore 
corrupt--to make !m m abom9able ?an !y  
already 72 t ! idea ( an av5g+ p[]1     
plac$ 9 ! p]spective ( futurity1 impos$ 
b little re/ra9t on ! turbul5ce ( deifi$
 tyrants1 :o 7 suffici5tly p[]ful n to  
fe> ! reproa*es ( _! subjects--:o _h !  
ins5sibility to be deaf to ! c5sure ( _!
 fell[s--:o 7 gift$ ) an obduracy ( s\l1
 t prev5t$ _! hav+ compassion = !       
mis]ies ( mank9d1 f :om !y fanci$       

!mselves s pre-em95tly di/+ui%$2 :i*1 9 
fact1 !y 71 if crime c be all[$ = ! /&>d
 ( di/9ction4 ,nei!r heav5 nor e>?      
furni%es a balsam ( suffici5t efficacy  
to heal ! invet]ate w\nds ( be+s cank]$ 
to ?is degree3 = su* *ronic diseases1   
!re is no balm 9 ,gilead3 !re is no curb
 suffici5tly co]cive to re9 9 !         
passions1 to :i* sup]/ition itself gives
 activity2 :i* only makes !m m unruly2  
r5d]s !m m invet]ately ra%4 ,:5ev] m5   
flatt] !mselves ) easily expiat+ _!     
s9s--:5 !y soo! !mselves ) ! consolit>y 
idea ( appeas+ ! ang] ( ! gods by a %[ (
 e>ne/ness1 !y !n deliv] !mselves up1 ) 
! mo/ unre/ra9$ fre$om1 to ! b5t ( _!   
crim9al pursuits4 ,! mo/ dissolute m5   
are frequ5tly 9 appe>ance extremely     
atta*$ to sup]/ition3 x furni%es !m ) a 
means ( comp5sat+ by c]emonies1 t ( :i* 
!y are defici5t 9 morals3 x is mu* easi]
 = !m to adopt a fai?1 to believe 9 a   
doctr9e1 to con=m !mselves to c]ta9     
rituals1 ?an to r5\nce _! habits1 resi/ 
_! passions1 or rel9qui% ! pursuit ( t  

pleasure1 :i* results to unpr9cipl$ m9ds
 f ! prosecution ( ! mo/ diabolical     
s*emes4  ,"u *iefs1 deprav$ ev5 by      
sup]/ition1 nations cont9u$ necess>ily  
to be corrupt$4 ,! great con=m$ !mselves
 to ! vices ( _! ma/]s2 ! example ( ^!  
di/+ui%$ m51 :om ! un9=m$ errone\sly    
believe to be happy1 0 foll[$ by ! p2   
c\rts ?us became ! s9ks f :5ce issu$ !  
epidemic contagion ( lic5ti\s indulg5ce4
 ,! law only held =? pictures ( hone/y2 
! disp5s]s ( jurisprud5ce 7 p>tial1     
p>took ( ! mania ( ! times1 7 lab\r+ "u 
! g5]al disease2 ,ju/ice suff]$ h]      
balance to ru/1 occasionally remov$ h]  
b&age1 al?\gh %e always wore x 9 !      
pres5ce ( ! poor2 g5u9e ideas ( equity  
_h gr[n into disuse2 di/9ct notions ( "r
 & wrong became tr\blesome &            
unfa%ionable2 education 0 neglect$2 x   
s]v$ only to produce prejudic$ be+s1    
gr\nd$ 9 ignorance--devotees1 always    
ready to injure !mselves--fanatics1 eag]
 to %ew _! zeal ev] will+ to annoy _!   
un=tunate neighb\rs4 ,sup]/ition1 su/a9$

 by tyranny1 ou/$ e o!r feel+1 hoodw9k$ 
its de/9$ victims1 r5d]$ ^? tractable   
:om x _h ! int5tion to despoil4 ,:oev]  
d\bts ( ^! truisms1 has only to turn ov]
 ! pages ( hi/ory1 he w f9d myriads (   
evid5ce to mu* m ?an is "h /at$4        
,ma*iavel1 9 8 ,political ,disc\rses ^u 
,titus ,livius1 lab\rs ! po9t h>d1 to   
%ew ! utility ( sup]/ition to ! ,roman  
,republic3 un=tunately1 h[ev]1 !        
examples he br+s =w>d 9 its support1    
inconte/ibly prove t none b ! s5ate     
pr(it$ by ! infatuation ( ! p1 :o avail$
 itself ( _! bl9dness m effectually to  
b5d !m to its yoke4  ,?us x 0 t nations1
 de/itute ( equitable laws1 defici5t 9 !
 adm9i/ration ( ju/ice1 submitt$ to     
irrational gov]nm5t1 cont9u$ 9 slav]y by
 ! mon>*1 *a9$ up 9 ignorance by !      
prie/1 = want ( enlight5$ in/itutions1  
depriv$ ( reasonable education1 became  
corrupt1 sup]/iti\s1 & flagiti\s4 ,!    
nature ( man1 ! j int]e/s ( society1 !  
real advantage ( ! sov]eign1 ! true     
happ9ess ( ! p1 once mi/ak51 7          

completely lo/ sight (2 ! morality (    
nature1 f\nd$ ^u ! ess5ce ( man liv+ 9  
society1 0 equally unkn[n2 lay buri$ "u 
an enorm\s load ( prejudice1 t no common
 ef=ts 7 compet5t to remove4 ,x 0       
entirely =gott5 t man has wants2 t      
society 0 =m$ t he might1 ) great]      
security1 facilitate ! means ( satisfy+ 
!m2 t gov]nm5t1 to be legitimate1 ought 
to h = object1 ! happ9ess--= end1 !     
means ( ma9ta9+ ! indivisibility ( !    
community2 t consequ5tly x ought to give
 activity to spr+s1 full play to motives
 suitable to h a favorable influ5ce ov] 
s5sible be+s4 ,x 0 q ov]look$1 t virtue 
fai?fully rew>d$1 vice z regul>ly       
visit$1 _h an ela/ic =ce1 ( :i* ! public
 au?orities c\ld efficaci\sly avail     
!mselves1 to det]m9e _! citiz5s to bl5d 
_! int]e/s2 to "w out _! own felicity1  
by lab\r+ to ! happ9ess ( ! body ( :i*  
!y 7 memb]s4 ,! social virtues 7 unkn[n1
 ! amor patriae became a *im]a4 ,m5 ?us 
associat$1 ?us bl9d$ by _! sup]/iti\s   
bias1 cr$ul\sly believ$ _! own imm$iate 

int]e/ consi/$ 9 injur+ ea* o!r2 !y 7   
solely occupi$ ) m]it+ ! favor ( ^? m51 
:o fatally accr$itt$ ! doctr9e ( cl]ical
 flatt]]s1 ( silv]-ton$ c\rti]s1 :i*    
taught t !y wore di/9ctly int]e/$ 9     
injur+ ! :ole4  ,?is is ! mode 9 :i* !  
human he>t has become p]v]t$2 "h is !   
g5u9e s\rce ( moral evil2 ! hot-b$ ( t  
epidemical depravity1 ! cause ( t       
h]$it>y corruption1 ! f\nta9 ( t        
invet]ate del9qu5cy1 :i* p]vad$ ! e>?2  
r5d]+ ! abundance ( nature no?+ bett]   
?an a curse2 bla/+ ! faire/ prospects ( 
humanity2 degrad+ man bel[ ! bea/ ( !   
=e/2 s9k+ 8 intellectual faculties 9 !  
mo/ savage b>b>ity2 r5d]+ him ! vile    
in/rum5t ( lawless ambition2 ! wret*$   
tool by :i* ! fett]s ( 8 species 7      
firmly rivett$2 oblig+ him to moi/5 8   
h>ve/ ) ! bitt] te>s ( ! mo/ abject     
slav]y4 ,= ! purpose ( rem$y+ s _m cry+ 
evils1 gr[n insupportable1 rec\rse 0 _h 
to new sup]/itions4 ,not)/&+ ?is alone  
_h produc$ !m1 x 0 /ill imag9$1 t !     
m5aces ( heav5 w\ld re/ra9 passions :i* 

e ?+ conspir$ to r\se 9 all he>ts2      
fatuity p]suad$ mon>*s t ideal1         
metaphysical b>ri]s1 t]rible fables1    
di/ant phantoms1 w\ld be compet5t to    
curb ^? inord9ate desires1 to re9 9 t   
impetu\s prop5sity to crime1 t r5d]$    
society incommodi\s to itself2 cr$ulity 
fanci$ t invisible p[]s w\ld be m       
efficaci\s1 ?an ^? visible motives t    
evid5tly invit$ mortals to ! commission 
( mis*ief4 ,e ?+ 0 und]/ood to be       
a*iev$1 by occupy+ man's m9d ) gloomy   
*im]as1 ) vague1 undef9able t]rors1 )   
av5g+ angels2 & politics madly believ$ t
 its own int]e/s grew out ( ! bl9d      
submission ( its subjects1 to ! m9i/]s (
 ^! delusive doctr9es4  ,:at 0 ! result8
 ,nations _h only sac]dotal laws2       
!ological morality2 accommodat$ to !    
int]e/s ( ! hi]>*y--suitable to ! views 
( subtle prie/s3 :o sub/itut$ rev]ies = 
realities1 op9ions = reason1 rank       
fallacies = /]l+ tru?s2 :o made         
c]emonies supply ! place ( virtue2 a    
pi\s bl9dness sup]s$e ! necessity ( an  

enlight5$ und]/&+2 und]m9$ ! sacr$ness (
 oa?s1 & plac$ fanaticism on ! alt>s (  
sociability4 ,by a necess>y consequ5ce (
 t confid5ce :i* ! p 7 compell$ to give 
to ! m9i/]s ( sup]/ition1 two di/9ct    
au?orities 7 e/abli%$ 9 ea* /ate1 :o 7  
sub/antially at v>iance1 9 cont9ual     
ho/ility ) ea* o!r4 ,! prie/ f\ght !    
sov]eign ) ! =midable weapon ( op9ion2 x
 g5]ally prov$ suffici5tly p[]ful to    
%ake ! mo/ e/abli%$ ?rones4 ,?us1 al?\gh
 ! hi]>*y 0 unceas+ly admoni%+ ! p to   
submit !mselves to ! div9e au?ority ( _!
 sov]eigns1 because x 0 d]iv$ imm$iately
 f heav51 yet1 :5ev] x s happ5$ t !     
mon>* did n repay _! advocacy1 by bl9dly
 yield+ 8 own au?ority to ! sup]visance 
( ! prie/s1 ^! made no scruple ( ?reat5+
 him ) loss ( 8 temporalities2 fulm9at$ 
_! ana!mas1 int]dict$ 8 dom9ions1 &     
sometimes w5t ! l5g? ( absolv+ 8        
subjects f allegiance4 ,sup]/ition1 9   
g5]al1 only upholds despotism1 t x may )
 great] c]ta9ty direct its bl[s aga9/   
its enemies2 x ov]?r[s x :5ev] x is f\nd

 to cla% ) its int]e/s4 ,! m9i/]s (     
invisible p[]s prea* up ob$i5ce to      
visible p[]s1 only :5 !y f9d ^! humbly  
devot$ to !mselves4 ,?us ! sov]eign 0   
nev] at re/1 b :5 abjectly cr++ to 8    
prie/1 he tractably receiv$ 8           
lessons--l5t himself to 8 frantic       
zeal--& pi\sly enabl$ him to c>ry on !  
furi\s occupation ( proselytism4 ,^!    
prie/s1 always re/less1 full ( ambition1
 burn+ ) intol]ance1 frequ5tly excit$ ! 
sov]eign to ravage 8 own /ates--enc\rag$
 him to tyranny3 :51 pursu+ ?is         
sac]dotal mania1 he fe>$ to h outrag$   
humanity1 to h incurr$ ! displeasure (  
heav51 he 0 quickly reconcil$ to        
himself1 ^u promise ( und]tak+ "s di/ant
 exp$ition1 = ! purpose ( br++ "s       
un=tunate nation )9 ! pale ( _! own     
p>ticul> cre$4 ,:5 ! two rival p[]s     
unit$ !mselves1 morality ga9$ no?+ by ! 
junction2 ! p 7 nei!r m happy1 nor m    
virtu\s2 _! morals1 _! welf>e1 _!       
lib]ty1 7 equally ov]:elm$ by ! comb9$  
p[]s4 ,?us1 sup]/iti\s pr9ces always    

felt int]e/$ 9 ! ma9t5ance ( !ological  
op9ions1 :i* 7 r5d]$ flatt]+ to _!      
vanity1 favorable to _! p[]4 ,l !       
grateful p]fumes ( ,arabia1 t are us$ to
 cov] ! ill sc5t ( a deadly poison1 !   
prie/ lull$ !m into security by adm9i/]+
 to _! s5sualities2 ^!1 9 return1 made  
common cause ) him3 fully p]suad$ t !   
sup]/ition :i* !y !mselves adopt$1 mu/  
be ! mo/ :olesome = _! subjects1 mo/    
conducive to _! int]e/s1 ^? :o refus$ to
 receive ! boon1 ?us gratuit\sly =c$ ^u 
!m1 7 treat$ z enemies1 held up to      
public scorn1 & r5d]$ ! victims (       
puni%m5t4 ,! mo/ sup]/iti\s sov]eign    
became1 ei!r politically or ?r\gh piety1
 ! execution] ( "o "p ( 8 slaves2 he 0  
taught to believe x a sacr$ duty to     
tyrannize ov] ! m9d--to ov]:elm !       
refractory--to cru% ! enemy ( 8 prie/1  
"u an idea t he 0 !re=e ho/ile to 8 own 
au?ority4 ,9 cutt+ ! ?roats ( ^!        
un=tunate sceptics1 he imag9$ he at once
 dis*>g$ 8 obligations to heav51 & gave 
security to 8 own p[]4 ,he did1 n       

p]ceive1 t by immolat+ victims to 8     
prie/1 he 9 fact /r5g!n$ ! arm ( 8 mo/  
=midable foe--! real enemy to 8         
au?ority--! rival ( 8 greatness--! lea/ 
subject$ ( 8 subjects4  ,b ! preval5ce (
 ^! false notions1 ) :i* bo? ! m9ds ( ! 
sov]eign & ! p 7 prepossess$1 x 0 f\nd t
 e ?+ 9 society concurr$ to gratify !   
avidity1 to bol/] ! pride1 to glut !    
v5geance ( ! sac]dotal ord]3 e :]e1 x 0 
to be obs]v$1 t ! mo/ turbul5t1 ! mo/   
dang]\s1 ! mo/ useless m51 7 ^? :o 7 !  
mo/ amply rew>d$4 ,! /range spectacle   
pres5t$ itself1 ( behold+ ^? :o 7 born !
 bitt]e/ enemies to sov]eign p[]1 *]i%$ 
by its fo/]+ c>e--hon\r$ at its h&s3 !  
mo/ rebelli\s subjects 7 look$ ^u z !   
pill>s ( ! ?rone2 ! corrupt]s ( ! p 7   
r5d]$ ! exclusive ma/]s ( education2 !  
lea/ labori\s ( ! citiz5s 7 ri*ly rew>d$
 = _! idl5ess--munific5tly remun]at$ = !
 mo/ futile speculations--held 9 respect
 = _! fatal discord--gorg$ ) b5efits =  
_! inefficaci\s pray]s3 !y swept (f !   
fat ( ! l& = _! expiations1 s de/ructive

 to morals1 s calculat$ to give p]man5cy
 to crime4 ,?us1 by a /range fatuity1 ! 
vip] t c\ld1 & frequ5tly did1 inflict ! 
mo/ deadly /+ on ! bosom ( confid+      
cr$ulity1 0 pamp]$ & n\ri%$ by !        
unsuspect+ h& ( its de/9$ victim4  ,=   
?\s&s ( ye>s1 nations z well z sov]eigns
 7 emul\sly despoil+ !mselves to enri* !
 exp\nd]s ( sup]/ition2 to enable !m to 
wall[ 9 abundance3 !y load$ !m ) honors1
 decorat$ !m ) titles1 inve/$ !m )      
privileges1 grant$ !m immunities1 = no  
o!r purpose ?an to make !m bad citiz5s1 
unruly subjects1 mis*iev\s be+s1 :o     
rev5g$ ^u society ! advantages !y _h    
receiv$4 ,:at 0 ! fruit t k+s & p ga!r$ 
f _! imprud5t k9dness8 ,:at 0 ! h>ve/ ^!
 m5 yield$ to _! lab\r8 ,did pr9ces     
really become m p[]ful2 7 nations r5d]$ 
m happy2 did !y gr[ m fl\ri%+2 did m5   
become m rational8 ,no6 ,unque/ionably1 
! sov]eign lo/ ! great] portion ( 8     
au?ority2 he 0 ! slave ( 8 prie/2 & :5  
he wi%$ to pres]ve ! remnant t 0 left1  
or to recov] "s "p ( :at _h be5 wre/$ f 

him1 he 0 oblig$ to be cont9ually wre/l+
 aga9/ ! m5 8 own indulg5ce1 8 own      
weakness1 _h furni%$ ) means1 to set 8  
au?ority at defiance3 ! ri*es ( society 
7 lavi%$ to support ! idl5ess1 ma9ta9 ! 
spl5d\r1 satiate ! luxury ( ! mo/       
useless1 ! mo/ arrogant1 ! mo/ dang]\s (
 its memb]s4  ,did ! morals ( ! p       
improve "u ! pa/oral c>e ( ^! guides1 :o
 7 s lib]ally rew>d$8 ,alas6 !          
sup]/iti\s nev] knew !m1 _! fanatic cre$
 _h usurp$ ! place ( e virtue2 its      
m9i/]s1 satisfi$ ) uphold+ ! doctr9es1 )
 pres]v+ ! c]emonies s useful to _! own 
int]e/s1 only inv5t$ fictiti\s          
crimes--multipli$ pa9ful                
p5ances--in/itut$ absurd cu/oms2 to !   
end1 t !y might turn ev5 !              
transgressions ( _! slaves to _! own    
imm$iate pr(it4 ,e :]e !y ex]cis$ a     
monopoly ( expiatory indulg5ces2 !y made
 a lucrative traffic ( pret5d$ p>dons f 
above2 !y e/abli%$ a t>iff1 accord+ to  
:i* crime 0 no long] contrab&1 b freely 
admitt$ ^u pay+ ! cu/oms4 ,^? subject$  

to ! heavie/ impo/1 7 always su* z !    
hi]>*y judg$ mo/ inimical to its own    
/ability2 y might at a v easy rate obta9
 p]mission to attack ! dignity ( !      
sov]eign1 to und]m9e ! temporal p[]1 b x
 0 enorm\sly de> to be all[$ to t\* ev5 
! hem ( ! sac]dotal g>m5ts4 ,?us h]esy1 
sacrilege1 c4 7 consid]$ crimes ( a mu* 
deep] dye1 t fix$ an indelible /a9 on ! 
p]petrator1 al>m$ ! m9d ( ! prie/ly     
ord]1 mu* m s]i\sly ?an ! mo/ invet]ate 
villa9y1 ! mo/ det]m9$ del9qu5cy1 :i* m 
imm$iately involv$ ! true int]e/s (     
society4 ,!nce ! ideas ( ! p 7          
completely ov]turn$1 imag9>y crimes     
t]rifi$ !m1 :ile real crimes _h no      
effect ^u _! obdurate he>ts4 ,a man1 ^: 
op9ions 7 at v>iance ) ! receiv$        
doctr9es1 ^: ab/ract sy/ems did n       
h>monize ) ^? ( 8 prie/1 0 m loa!d ?an a
 corrupt] ( y\?2 m abhorr$ ?an an       
assass92 m hat$ ?an an oppressor2 0 held
 9 great] contempt ?an a robb]2 0 puni%$
 ) great] rigor ?an ! s$uc] ( innoc5ce4 
,! acme ( all wick$ness1 0 to despise t 

:i* ! prie/ 0 desir\s %\ld be look$ ^u z
 sacr$4 ,! celebrat$ ,gordon says1 ! mo/
 abom9able ( h]esies1 is to believe !re 
is any o!r god ?an ! cl]gy4 ,! civil    
laws concurr$ to aid ?is confusion (    
ideas2 !y inflict$ ! mo/ s]i\s p5alties1
 puni%$ 9 ! mo/ atroci\s mann] ^? unkn[n
 crimes :i* imag9ation _h magnifi$ into 
! mo/ flagiti\s actions2 h]etics1       
infidels1 7 br\ght to ! /ake1 & publicly
 burnt ) ! utmo/ ref9em5t ( cruelty2 !  
bra9 0 tortur$ to f9d means ( augm5t+ ! 
suff]+s ( ! unhappy victims to sac]dotal
 fury2 :il/ calumniators ( innoc5ce1    
adult]]s1 depr$ators ( e description1   
knaves ( all k9ds1 7 at a trifl+ co/    
absolv$ f _! pa/ iniquity1 & op5$ a new 
acc\nt ( future del9qu5cy4  ,"u su*     
in/ructors :at c\ld become ( y\?8 ,!    
p]iod ( juv5ility 0 %amefully sacrific$ 
to sup]/ition4 ,man1 f 8 e>lie/ infancy1
 0 poison$ ) un9telligible notions2 f$ )
 my/]ies2 cramm$ ) fables2 dr5*$ )      
doctr9es1 9 :i* he 0 compell$ to        
acquiesce )\t be+ able to compreh5d4 ,8 

bra9 0 di/urb$ ) phantoms1 al>m$ )      
*im]as1 r5d]$ frantic by visions4 ,8    
g5ius 0 cramp$ ) pu]ile pursuits1       
me*anical devotions1 sacr$ trifles4     
,sup]/ition at l5g? s fasc9at$ ! human  
m9d1 made su* m]e automata ( mank9d1 t !
 p cons5t$ to address _! gods 9 a       
dialect !y did n !mselves und]/&3 wom5  
occupi$ _! :ole lives 9 s++ ,lat91 )\t  
compreh5d+ a ^w ( ! language2 ! p assi/$
 v punctually1 )\t be+ compet5t to      
expla9 any "p ( ! wor%ip1 "u an idea t x
 0 tak5 k9dly !y %\ld ?us we>y !mselves2
 t x 0 suffici5t to %ew _! p]sons 9 !   
sacr$ temples1 :i* 7 beautifully        
decorat$ to fasc9ate _! s5ses4 ,?us man 
wa/$ 8 mo/ preci\s mom5ts 9 absurd      
cu/oms2 sp5t 8 life 9 idle c]emonies2 8 
bead 0 cr[d$ ) sophisms1 8 m9d 0 load$ )
 errors2 intoxicat$ ) fanaticism1 he 0 !
 decl>$ enemy to reason2 = ev]          
prepossess$ aga9/ tru?1 ! en]gy ( 8 s\l 
0 resi/$ by %ackles too pond]\s = its   
ela/icity2 ! spr+ gave way1 & he sunk   
into slo? & wret*$ness3 f ?is humiliat+ 

/ate he c\ld nev] aga9 so>2 he c\ld no  
long] become useful ei!r to himself or  
to 8 associates3 ! importance he atta*$ 
to 8 imag9>y sci5ce1 or r ! sy/ematic   
ignorance :i* s]v$ = its basis1 r5d]$ x 
impossible = ! mo/ f]tile soil to       
produce any ?+ b ?orns2 = ! be/         
proportion$ tree to yield any ?+ b      
crabs4  ,does a sup]/iti\s1 sac]dotal   
education1 =m intrepid citiz5s1         
intellig5t fa!rs ( families1 k9d husb&s1
 j ma/]s1 fai?ful s]vants1 loyal        
subjects1 pacific associates8 ,no6 x    
ei!r makes peevi% en?usia/s or morose   
devotees1 :o are incommodi\s to         
!mselves1 vexati\s to o!rs3 m5 )\t      
pr9ciple1 :o quickly p\r ! wat]s ( ,le! 
ov] ! t]rors ) :i* !y h be5 di/urb$2 :o 
"k no moral obligation1 :o respect no   
virtue4 ,?us sup]/ition1 elevat$ above e
 ?+ else1 held =? ! fanatical dogma1    
,bett] to obey ! gods ?an m52 9         
consequ5ce1 man believ$ he mu/ revolt   
aga9/ 8 pr9ce1 deta* himself f 8 wife1  
dete/ 8 *ildr51 e/range himself f 8     

fri5ds1 cut ! ?roats ( 8 fell[-citiz5s1 
e "t !y que/ion$ ! v]acity ( 8 fai?3 9  
%ort1 a sup]/iti\s education1 :5 x _h   
its effect1 only s]v$ to corrupt !      
juv5ile he>t--to fasc9ate y\?ful w9ds ) 
its pageantry--to degrade ! human       
s\l--to make man mi/ake ! duties he ow$ 
to himself1 8 obligations to society1 8 
relations ) ! be+s by :om he 0 surr\nd$4
  ,:at advantages might n nations h     
reap$1 if !y w\ld h employ$ on useful   
objects1 ^? ri*es1 :i* ignorance has s  
%amefully lavi%$ on ! exp\nd]s (        
sup]/ition2 :i* fatuity has be/[$ on !  
mo/ useless c]emonies8 ,:at might n h   
be5 ! progress ( g5ius1 if x _h enjoy$  
^? ample remun]ations1 grant$ dur+ s _m 
ages to ^? prie/s :o at all times oppos$
 its elevation8 ,:at p]fection might n  
sci5ce h atta9$1 :at height might n !   
arts h rea*$1 if !y _h _h ! same succ\rs
 t 7 held =? ) a prodigal h& to         
en?usiasm & futility8 ,^u :at rocks     
might n morality h be5 re/$1 :at solid  
f\ndations might n politics h f\nd1 )   

:at maje/ic gr&eur might n tru? h       
illum9$ ! human horizon1 if !y _h       
exp]i5c$ ! same fo/]+ c>es1 ! same      
animat+ c\nt5ance1 ! same public        
sanction1 :i* accompani$ impo/ure--:i* 0
 %[]$ ^u fanaticism--:i* %ield$         
falsehood f ! rude attack (             
inve/igation--:i* gave impunity to its  
m9i/]s8  ,x is !n obvi\s1 t sup]/iti\s1 
!ological notions1 h n produc$ any ( ^? 
solid advantages t h be5 held =?2 if may
 be d\bt$ :e!r !y 7 n always1 & ev] w   
rema91 contr>y to heal?y politics1      
oppos$ to s\nd morality2 !y frequ5tly   
*ange sov]eigns into re/less1 jeal\s1   
mis*iev\s1 div9ities2 !y trans=m _!     
subjects into envi\s1 wick$ slaves1 :o  
by idle pageantry1 by futile c]emonies1 
by an ext]ior acquiesc5ce 9             
un9telligible op9ions1 imag9e !mselves  
amply comp5sat$ = ! evil !y commit aga9/
 ea* o!r4 ,^? :o h nev] _h ! confid5ce  
to exam9e ^! sublimat$ op9ions2 ^? :o   
feel p]suad$ t _! duties spr+ out ( ^!  
ab/ruse doctr9es2 ^? :o are actually    

comm&$ to live 9 peace1 to *]i% ea* o!r1
 to l5d mutual assi/ance1 to ab/a9 f    
evil1 & to d good1 pres5tly lose sight (
 ^! /]ile speculations1 z soon z pres5t 
int]e/s1 ungov]nable passions1 invet]ate
 habits1 or irresi/ible :ims1 hurry !m  
away4 ,:]e are we to look = t equity1 t 
union ( int]e/1 t peace1 t concord1 :i* 
^! unsettl$ notions1 support$ by        
sup]/ition1 back$ ) ! full =ce (        
au?ority1 promise to ! societies plac$  
"u _! surveillance8 ,"u ! influ5ce (    
corrupt c\rts1 ( "t-s]v+ prie/s1 :o1    
ei!r impo/ors or fanatics1 are nev] 9   
h>mony ) ea* o!r1 are only to be disc]n$
 vici\s m51 degrad$ by                  
ignorance--enslav$ by crim9al           
habits--sway$ by transi5t int]e/s--guid$
 by %ameful pleasures--sunk 9 a vortex (
 dissipation2 :o d n ev5 ?9k ( !        
,div9ity4 ,9 despite ( 8 !ological      
ideas1 ! subtle c\rti] cont9ues to weave
 8 d>k plots1 lab\rs to gratify 8       
ambition1 seeks to satisfy 8 avidity1 to
 indulge 8 hatr$1 to wreak 8 v5geance1  

to give full sw+ to all ! passions      
inh]5t to ! p]v]sity ( 8 be+3 maugre t  
frightful hell1 ( :i* ! idea alone makes
 h] tremble1 ! woman ( intrigue p]si/s 9
 h] am\rs2 cont9ues h] h>lotry1 revels 9
 h] adult]ies4 ,not)/&+ _! dissipat$    
conduct1 _! dissolute mann]s1 _! entire 
want ( moral pr9ciple1 ! great] "p ( ^? 
:o sw>m 9 c\rts1 :o cr[d 9 cities1 w\ld 
recoil ) horror1 if ! smalle/ d\bt 0    
exhibit$ ( ! tru? ( t cre$ :i* !y       
outrage e mom5t1 ( _! lives4 ,:at       
advantage1 !n1 has result$ to ! human   
race f ^? op9ions1 s univ]sal1 at ! same
 "t s b>r58 ,!y seem r>ely to h _h any  
o!r k9d ( influ5ce ?an to s]ve z a      
pretext = ! mo/ dang]\s passions--z a   
mantle ( security = ! mo/ crim9al       
indulg5ces4 ,does n ! sup]/iti\s despot1
 :o w\ld scruple to omit ! lea/ "p ( !  
c]emonies ( 8 p]suasion1 on quitt+ !    
alt>s at :i* he has be5 sacrific+1 on   
leav+ ! temple :]e !y h be5 deliv]+ !   
oracles & t]rify+ crime 9 ! "n ( heav51 
return to 8 vices1 reit]ate 8 inju/ice1 

increase 8 political crimes1 augm5t 8   
transgressions aga9/ society8 ,issu+ f !
 sacr$ fane1 _! e>s /ill r++ ) !        
doctr9es !y h he>d1 ! m9i/] returns to 8
 vexations1 ! c\rti] to 8 intrigues1 !  
c\rtezan to h] pro/itution1 ! publican  
to 8 extortions1 ! m]*ant to 8 frauds1 !
 trad] to 8 tricks4  ,w x be pret5d$ t  
^? c[>dly assass9s1 ^? da/>dly robb]s1  
^? mis]able crim9als1 :om evil          
in/itutions1 ! neglig5ce ( gov]nm5t1 !  
laxity ( morals1 cont9ually multiply2 f 
:om ! laws1 9 _m in/ances too sangu9>y1 
frequ5tly wre/ _! exi/5ce2 w x1 ,i say1 
be pret5d$ t ! malefactors :o regul>ly  
furni% ! gibbets1 :o daily cr[d !       
scaffolds1 are ei!r incr$ul\s or a!i/s8 
,no6 ,unque/ionably1 ^! un=tunate be+s1 
^! wret*$ outca/s1 ^! *ildr5 (          
turpitude1 firmly believe 9 ,god2 8 "n  
has be5 repeat$ to !m f _! infancy2 !y h
 be5 in=m$ ( ! puni%m5t de/9$ = s9n]s3  
!y h be5 habituat$ 9 e>ly life to       
tremble at 8 judgm5ts2 nev]!less !y h   
outrag$ society2 _! unruly passions1    

/rong] ?an _! fe>s1 n hav+ be5 co]c$ by 
visible motives1 h n1 = mu* m cog5t     
reasons1 be5 re/ra9$ by ^? :i* are      
invisible3 di/ant1 conceal$ puni%m5ts w 
nev] be compet5t to arre/ ^? excesses   
:i* pres5t & assur$ torm5ts are         
incapable ( prev5t+4  ,9 %ort1 does n e 
day's exp]i5ce furni% u ! lesson1 t m51 
p]suad$ t an all-see+ ,deity views !m1  
he>s !m1 encompasses !m1 d n on t acc\nt
 arre/ _! progress :5 ! furor exi/s1    
ei!r = gratify+ _! lic5ti\s passions1 or
 committ+ ! mo/ di%one/ actions8 ,! same
 individual :o w\ld fe> ! inspection ( !
 meane/ ( 8 fell[s1 :om ! pres5ce (     
ano!r man w\ld prev5t f committ+ a bad  
action1 f deliv]+ himself up to "s      
sc&al\s vice1 freely s9s1 *e]fully l5ds 
himself to crime1 :5 he believes no eyes
 beholds him b ^? ( 8 ,god4 ,:at        
purpose1 !n1 does ! conviction ( !      
omnisci5ce1 ! ubiquity1 ! omnipot5ce ( !
 ,div9ity answ]1 if x imposes mu* less  
on ! conduct ( ! human be+1 ?an ! idea (
 be+ ov]look$ by ! lea/ ( 8 fell[ m58   

,he :o w\ld n h ! tem]ity to commit a   
crime1 ev5 9 ! pres5ce ( a *ild1 w make 
no scruple ( boldly committ+ x1 :5 he   
%all h only 8 ,god = a witness4 ,^!     
facts1 :i* are indubitable1 ill s]ve = a
 reply to ^? :o insi/ t ! fe> ( ,god is 
m suitable to re/ra9 ! actions ( m51 ?an
 :olesome laws1 ) /rict discipl9e4 ,:5  
man believes he has only 8 ,god to      
dread1 he commonly p]mits no?+ to       
int]rupt 8 c\rse4  ,^? p]sons :o d n 9 !
 lea/ suspect ! p[] ( sup]/iti\s        
notions1 :o h ! mo/ p]fect reliance on  
_! efficacy1 v r>ely1 h[ev]1 employ !m1 
:5 !y are desir\s to influ5ce ! conduct 
( ^? :o are subord9ate to !m2 :5 !y are 
dispos$ to re-conduct !m to ! pa?s (    
reason4 ,9 ! advice :i* a fa!r gives to 
8 vici\s1 crim9al son1 he r repres5ts to
 him ! pres5t temporal inconv5i5cies to 
:i* 8 conduct exposes him1 ?an ! dang]  
he enc\nt]s 9 (f5d+ an av5g+ ,god2 he   
po9ts out to him ! natural consequ5ces (
 8 irregul>ities1 8 heal? damag$ by     
debau*]ies2 ! loss ( 8 reputation by    

crim9al pursuits2 ! ru9 ( 8 =tune by    
gambl+2 ! puni%m5ts ( society1 c4 ,?us !
 ,,deicoli/ himself1 on ! mo/ important 
occasions ( life1 reckons m /$fa/ly ^u !
 =ce ( natural motives1 ?an ^u ^?       
sup]natural inducem5ts furni%$ by       
sup]/ition3 ! same man1 :o vilifies !   
motives t an a!i/ c h to d good & ab/a9 
f evil1 makes use ( !m himself on ?is   
occasion1 because he feels !y are ! mo/ 
sub/antive he c employ4  ,almo/ all m5  
believe 9 an av5g+ & remun]at+ ,god2 yet
 ne>ly 9 all c\ntries ! numb] ( ! wick$ 
be>s a l>g] proportion ?an t ( ! good4  
,if ! true cause ( ?is g5]al corruption 
be trac$1 x w be m frequ5tly f\nd 9 !   
sup]/iti\s notions inculcat$ by !ology1 
?an 9 ^? imag9>y s\rces :i* ! v>i\s     
sup]/itions h inv5t$ to acc\nt = human  
depravity4 ,man is always corrupt :]ev] 
he is badly gov]n$2 :]ev] sup]/ition    
deifies ! sov]eign1 8 gov]nm5t becomes  
unwor?y3 ?is p]v]t$ & assur$ ( impunity1
 necess>ily r5d] 8 p mis]able2 mis]y1 :5
 x exce$s ! po9t ( endurance1 z         

necess>ily r5d]s !m wick$4 ,:5 ! p are  
submitt$ to irrational ma/]s1 !y are    
nev] guid$ by reason4 ,if !y are bl9d$  
by prie/s1 :o are ei!r deceiv$ or       
impo/ors1 _! reason become useless4     
,tyrants1 :5 comb9$ ) prie/s1 h g5]ally 
be5 successful 9 _! ef=ts to prev5t     
nations f becom+ enlight5$--f seek+ aft]
 tru?--f ameliorat+ _! condition--f     
p]fection+ _! morals2 & nev] has ! union
 smil$ ^u lib]ty3 ! p1 unable to resi/ !
 mighty torr5t produc$ by ! conflu5ce ( 
two su* riv]s1 h usually sunk into ! mo/
 abject slav]y4 ,x is only by enlight5+ 
! mass ( mank9d1 by demon/rat+ tru?1 t  
we c promise to r5d] him bett]2 t we c  
indulge ! hope ( mak+ him happy4 ,x is  
by caus+ bo? sov]eigns & subjects to    
feel _! true relations ) ea* o!r1 t _!  
actual int]e/s w be improv$2 t _!       
politics w be p]fection$3 x w !n be felt
 & accr$it$1 t ! true art ( gov]n+      
mortals1 ! sure me?od ( ga9+ _!         
affections1 is n ! art ( bl9d+ !m1 (    
deceiv+ !m1 or ( tyranniz+ ov] !m4 ,let 

u1 !n1 good hum\r$ly consult reason1    
avail ourselves ( exp]i5ce1 int]rogate  
nature2 we %all1 p]haps1 f9d :at is     
requisite to be done1 9 ord] to lab\r   
efficaci\sly to ! happ9ess ( ! human    
race4 ,we %all mo/ assur$ly p]ceive1 t  
error is ! true s\rce ( ! evils :i*     
embitt] our exi/5ce2 t x is 9 *e]+ !    
he>ts1 9 dissipat+ ^? va9 phantoms :i*  
al>m ! ignorant1 9 lay+ ! axe to ! root 
( sup]/ition1 t we c peaceably seek aft]
 tru?2 t x is only 9 ! conflagration (  
?is baneful tree1 we c ev] expect to    
light ! tor* :i* %all illum9e ! road to 
felicity4 ,!n let man /udy nature2      
obs]ve h] immutable laws2 let him dive  
into 8 own ess5ce2 let him cure himself 
( 8 prejudices3 ^! means w conduct him  
by a g5tle declivity to t virtue1 )\t   
:i* he mu/ feel he c nev] be p]man5tly  
happy 9 ! _w he inhabits4  ,if man c\ld 
once cease to fe>1 f t mom5t he w\ld be 
truly happy4 ,sup]/ition is a dome/ic   
enemy :i* he always c>ries )9 himself3  
^? :o w s]i\sly occupy !mselves ) ?is   

=midable phantom1 mu/ be cont5t to      
endure cont9ual agonies1 to live 9      
p]petual inquietude3 if !y w neglect !  
objects mo/ wor?y ( int]e/+ !m1 to run  
aft] *im]as1 !y w commonly pass a       
melan*oly exi/5ce1 9 groan+1 9 pray+1 9 
sacrific+1 9 expiat+ faults1 ei!r real  
or imag9>y1 :i* !y believe calculat$ to 
(f5d _! prie/s2 frequ5tly 9 _!          
irrational fury !y w torm5t !mselves1 !y
 w make x a duty to inflict on _! own   
p]sons ! mo/ b>b>\s puni%m5ts3 b society
 w reap no b5efit f ^! m\rnful          
op9ions--f ! tortures ( ^! pi\s         
irrationals2 because _! m9d1 completely 
absorb$ by _! gloomy rev]ies1 _! "t     
dissipat$ 9 ! mo/ absurd c]emonies1 w   
leave !m no opportunity ( be+ really    
advantage\s to ! community ( :i* !y are 
memb]s4 ,! mo/ sup]/itions m5 are       
commonly misan?ropi/s1 q useless to !   
_w1 & v injuri\s to !mselves3 if ev] !y 
display en]gy1 x is only to devise means
 by :i* !y c increase _! own affliction2
 to discov] new me?ods to torture _!    

m9d2 to f9d out ! mo/ efficaci\s means  
to deprive !mselves ( ^? objects :i* _! 
nature r5d]s desirable4 ,x is common 9 !
 _w to behold p5it5ts1 :o are intimately
 p]suad$ t by d9t ( b>b>\s inflictions  
on _! own p]sons1 by means ( a l+]+     
suicide1 !y %all m]it ! favor ( heav54  
,madm5 ( ?is species are to be se5 e    
:]e2 sup]/ition has 9 all ages1 9 all   
places1 giv5 bir? to ! mo/ cruel        
extravagances1 to ! mo/ injuri\s        
follies4  ,if1 inde$1 ^! irrational     
devotees only injure !mselves1 & deprive
 society ( t assi/ance :i* !y owe to x1 
!y )\t d\bt d less mis*ief ?an ^?       
turbul5t1 zeal\s fanatics1 :o1 infuriat$
 ) _! sup]/iti\s ideas1 believe !mselves
 b\nd to di/urb ! _w1 to commit actual  
crimes1 to su/a9 ! cause ( :at !y       
d5om9ate ! true fai?4 ,x n unfrequ5tly  
happ5s t 9 outrag+ morality1 ! zeal\s   
en?usia/ supposes he r5d]s himself      
agreeable to 8 ,god4 ,he makes p]fection
 consi/ ei!r 9 torm5t+ himself1 or 9    
r5d+ asund]1 9 fav\r ( 8 fanatical      

ideas1 ! mo/ sacr$ ties t connect       
mortals ) ea* o!r4  ,let u1 !n1         
ackn[l$ge1 t ! notions ( sup]/ition1 are
 n m suitable to procure ! welf>e1 to   
e/abli% ! cont5t1 to confirm ! peace (  
individuals1 ?an !y are ( ! society (   
:i* !y are memb]s4 ,if "s peaceable1    
hone/1 inconclusive en?usia/s1 f9d ei!r 
com=t or consolation 9 !m1 !re are      
millions :o1 m conclusive to _!         
pr9ciples1 are unhappy dur+ _! :ole     
life2 :o are p]petually assail$ by ! mo/
 melan*oly ideas2 to :om _! disord]$    
imag9ation %ews ^! notions1 z e in/ant  
involv+ !m 9 ! mo/ cruel puni%m5ts4 ,"u 
su* =midable sy/ems1 a tranquil1        
sociable devotee1 is a man :o has n     
reason$ ^u !m4  ,9 %ort1 e ?+ s]ves to  
prove1 t sup]/iti\s op9ions h ! /ronge/ 
influ5ce ov] m52 t !y torm5t !m         
unceas+ly1 divide !m f _! de>e/         
connections1 inflame _! m9ds1 env5om _! 
passions1 r5d] !m mis]able )\t ev]      
re/ra9+ _! actions1 except :5 _! own    
temp]am5t proves too feeble to propel !m

 =w>d3 all ?is holds =? "o great lesson1
 t sup]/ition is incompatible ) lib]ty1 
& c nev] furni% good citiz5s4           
,,*ap4 ,,ix4  ,!ological ,notions _c be 
! ,basis ( ,morality4--,comp>ison betwe5
 ,!ological ,e?ics & ,natural           
,morality4--,!ology prejudicial to !    
human ,m9d4   ,felicity is ! great end (
 human exi/5ce2 a supposition !re=e1 to 
be actually useful to man1 %\ld r5d] him
 happy4 ,by :at p>ity ( reason+ c he    
flatt] himself t an hypo!sis1 :i* does n
 facilitate 8 happ9ess 9 8 pres5t       
duration1 may "o day conduct him to     
p]man5t bliss8 ,if mortals only sigh1   
tremble1 & groan 9 ?is _w1 ( :i* !y h a 
k1 ^u :at f\ndation is x !y expect a m  
felicit\s exi/5ce h]eaft]1 9 a _w ( :i* 
!y "k no?+8 ,if man is e :]e ! *ild (   
calamity1 ! victim to necess>y evil1 !  
unhappy suff]] "u an immutable sy/em1   
ought he reasonably to indulge a great] 
confid5ce 9 future happ9ess8  ,on ! o!r 
h&1 a supposition :i* %\ld ?r[ light on 
e ?+1 :i* %\ld supply an easy solution  

to all ! que/ions to :i* x c\ld be      
appli$1 :5 ev5 x %\ld n be compet5t to  
demon/rate ! c]titude1 w\ld probably be 
true3 b t sy/em :i* %\ld only obscure ! 
cle>e/ notions1 r5d] m insoluble !      
problems desir$ to be resolv$ by its    
means1 w\ld mo/ assur$ly be look$ ^u z  
fallaci\s2 z ei!r useless or dang]\s4   
,to be conv9c$ ( ?is pr9ciple1 let u    
exam9e1 )\t prejudice1 if ! !ological   
ideas ( ! ,div9ity h ev] giv5 ! solution
 to any "o difficulty4 ,has ! human     
und]/&+ progress$ a s+le /ep by !       
assi/ance ( ?is metaphysical sci5ce8    
,has x n1 on ! contr>y1 _h a t5d5cy to  
obscure ! wore c]ta9 sci5ce ( morals8   
,has x n1 9 _m in/ances1 r5d]$ ! mo/    
ess5tial duties ( our nature            
problematical8 ,has x n 9 a great       
measure conf\nd$ ! notions ( virtue &   
vice1 ( ju/ice & inju/ice8 ,inde$1 :at  
is virtue1 9 ! eyes ( ! g5]ality (      
!ologians8 ,!y w in/antly reply1 t :i*  
is con=mable to ! w ( ! incompreh5sible 
be+s :o gov]n nature4 ,b way x n be     

ask$1 )\t (f5ce to ! individual op9ions 
( any "o1 :at are ^! be+s1 ( :om !y are 
unceas+ly talk+1 )\t hav+ ! capacity to 
compreh5d !m8 ,h[ c we acquire a k ( _! 
w8 ,!y w =?) reply1 ) a confid5ce t is  
meant to /rike conviction on un9=m$     
m9ds1 by rec\nt+ :at !y are n1 )\t ev5  
attempt+ to in=m u :at !y are4 ,if !y d 
und]take to furni% an idea ( !m1 !y w   
heap ^u _! hypo!tical be+s a multitude1 
( contradictory1 incompatible           
attributes1 ) :i* !y w =m a :ole1 at    
once impossible = ! human m9d to        
conceive or else !y w ref] to oracles1  
by :i* !y insi/ _! int5tions h be5      
promulgat$ to mank9d4 ,if1 h[ev]1 !y are
 reque/$ to prove ! au!nticity ( ^!     
oracles1 :i* are at su* v>iance ) ea*   
o!r1 !y w ref] to miracles 9 support (  
:at !y ass]t3 ^! miracles1 indep5d5t ( !
 difficulty !re mu/ exi/ to repose 9 !m 
our fai?1 :51 z we h se51 !y are admitt$
 ev5 by ! !ologians !mselves1 to be     
contr>y to ! intellig5ce1 !             
immutability1 to ! omnipot5cy ( _!      

immat]ial sub/ances1 are1 moreov]1 w>mly
 disput$ by ea* p>ticul> sect1 z be+    
impositions1 practis$ by ! o!rs = _! own
 individual advantage4 ,z a la/ res\rce1
 !n1 x w be necess>y to accr$it !       
integrity1 to rely on ! v]acity1 to re/ 
on ! good fai? ( ! prie/s1 :o ann\nce ^!
 oracles4 ,on ?is aga91 !re arises two  
almo/ insup]able difficulties1 9 ! fir/ 
place1 :o %all assure u ( _! actual     
mission8 are we q c]ta9 none ( !m may be
 mi/ak58 h[ %all we be ju/ifi$ 9 giv+   
cr$5ce to _! p[]s8 are !y n ^! prie/s   
!mselves1 :o ann\nce to u t !y are !    
infallible int]pret]s ( a be+ :om !y    
ackn[l$ge !y d n at all "k8 ,9 ! second 
place1 :i* set ( ^! oracul> developem5ts
 are we to adopt8 ,= to give curr5cy to 
! :ole1 w\ld1 9 po9t ( fact1 annihilate 
!m entirely2 see+1 t no two ( !m run 9  
unison ) ea* o!r4 ,?is grant$1 ! prie/s1
 t is to say1 m5 extremely suspici\s1 b 
little 9 h>mony ) ea* o!r1 w be !       
arbit]s ( morality2 !y w decide 7accord+
 to _! own unc]ta9 k1 aft] _! v>i\s     

passions1 9 con=mity to ! diff]5t       
p]spectives "u :i* !y view ^! ?+s17 on !
 :ole sy/em ( e?ics2 ^u :i* absolutely  
re/s ! repose ( ! _w--! /]l+ happ9ess ( 
ea* individual4 ,w\ld ?is be a desirable
 /ate8 w\ld x be t f :i* humanity has ! 
be/ f\nd$ prospect ( t felicity1 :i* is 
! desir$ object ( 8 rese>*8 ,aga92 d we 
n see t ei!r en?usiasm or int]e/ is !   
only /&>d ( _! decisions8 t _! morals   
are z v>iable z _! caprice8 ^? :o li/5  
to !m1 v r>ely discov] to :at l9e !y w  
adh]e4 ,9 _! v>i\s writ+s1 we h evid5ce 
( ! mo/ bitt] animosities2 we f9d       
cont9ual contradictions2 endless        
disputes ^u :at !y !mselves ackn[l$ge to
 be ! mo/ ess5tial po9ts2 ^u ^?         
premises1 9 ! sub/antive pro( ( :i* _!  
:ole sy/em dep5ds2 ! v be+s !y depict z 
_! s\rce ( _! v>i\s cre$s1 are p\rtray$ 
z v>iable z !mselves2 z frequ5tly *ang+ 
_! plans z ^! are _! argum5ts4 ,:at     
results f all ?is to a rational man8 ,x 
w be natural = him to conclude1 t nei!r 
incon/ant gods1 nor vacillat+ prie/s1 ^:

 op9ions are m fluctuat+ ?an ! seasons1 
c be ! prop] models ( a moral sy/em1 :i*
 %\ld be z regul>1 z det]m9ate1 z       
inv>iable z ! laws ( nature h]self2 z t 
et]nal m>*1 f :i* we nev] see h]        
d]ogate4  ,no6 ,arbitr>y1 inconclusive1 
contradictory notions1 ab/ract1         
un9telligible speculations1 c nev] be ! 
/]l+ bases ( ! e?ical sci5ce6 ,!y mu/ be
 evid5t1 demon/rable pr9ciples1 d$uc$ f 
! nature ( man1 f\nd$ ^u 8 wants1       
inspir$ by rational education1 r5d]$    
famili> by habit1 made sacr$ by :olesome
 laws1 t w fla% conviction on our m9d1  
r5d] sy/ems useful to mank9d1 make      
virtue de> to u--t w p nations ) hone/  
m5--fill up ! ranks ) fai?ful           
subjects--cr[d !m ) intrepid citiz5s4   
,incompreh5sible be+s c pres5t no?+ to  
our imag9ation1 save vague ideas1 :i* w 
nev] embrace any common po9t ( union    
among/ ^? :o %all contemplate !m4 ,if ^!
 be+s are pa9t$ z t]rible1 ! m9d is l$  
a/ray2 if *angeable1 x always precludes 
u f asc]ta9+ ! road we ought to pursue4 

,! m5aces held =? by ^?1 :o1 9 despite (
 _! own ass]tions1 say !y are acqua9t$ )
 ! views1 ) ! det]m9ation ( ^! be+s1 w  
seldom d m ?an r5d] virtue unpleasant2  
fe> alone w !n make u practise )        
reluctance1 t :i* reason1 :i* our own   
imm$iate int]e/1 ought to make u execute
 ) pleasure4 ,! inculcation ( t]rible   
ideas w only s]ve to di/urb hone/       
p]sons1 )\t 9 ! lea/ arre/+ ! progress (
 ! pr(ligate1 or div]t+ ! c\rse ( !     
flagiti\s3 ! great] numb] ( m51 :5 !y   
%all be dispos$ to s91 to deliv]        
!mselves up to vici\s prop5sities1 w    
cease to contemplate ^! t]rific ideas1 w
 only behold a m]ciful ,god1 :o is fill$
 ) goodness1 :o w p>don ! transgressions
 ( _! weakness4 ,man nev] views ?+s b on
 t side :i* is mo/ con=mable to 8       
desires4  ,! goodness ( ,god *e]s !     
wick$2 8 rig\r di/urbs ! hone/ man4     
,?us1 ! qualities ) :i* !ology clo!s its
 immat]ial sub/ances1 !mselves turn out 
disadvantage\s to s\nd morality4 ,x is  
^u ?is inf9ite goodness t ! mo/ corrupt 

m5 w h ! audacity to reckon1 :5 !y are  
ei!r hurri$ along by crime1 or giv5 up  
to habitual vice4 ,if1 !n1 !y are rem9d$
 ( _! crim9al c\rses1 !y reply1 ,god is 
good1 8 m]cy is inf9ite1 8 clem5cy      
b\ndless3 ?us x may be said t religion  
itself is press$ into ! s]vice ( vice1  
by ! *ildr5 ( turpitude4 ,sup]/ition1   
above all1 r abets crime ?an represses  
x1 by hold+ =? to mortals t by !        
assi/ance ( c]ta9 c]emonies1 ! p]=mance 
( c]ta9 rites1 ! repetition ( c]ta9     
pray]s1 aid$ by ! paym5t ( c]ta9 sums ( 
money1 !y c appease ! ang] ( _! gods1   
assuage ! wra? ( heav51 wa% out ! /a9s (
 _! s9s1 & be receiv$ ) op5 arms into ! 
happy numb] ( ! elect--be plac$ 9 !     
blissful abodes ( et]nity4 ,9 %ort1 d n 
! prie/s ( sup]/ition univ]sally affirm1
 t !y possess infallible secrets1 =     
reconcil+ ! mo/ p]v]se to ! pale ( _!   
respective sy/ems8  ,x mu/ be conclud$ f
 ?is1 t h[ev] ^! sy/ems are view$1 9    
:atev] mann] !y are consid]$1 !y _c s]ve
 = ! basis ( morality1 :i* 9 its v      

nature is =m$ to be inv>iably ! same4   
,irascible sy/ems are only useful to ^? 
:o f9d an int]e/ 9 t]rify+ ! ignorance (
 mank9d1 t !y may advantage !mselves ( 8
 fe>s--pr(it by 8 expiations4 ,! nobles 
( ! e>?1 :o are frequ5tly m5 n gift$ ) !
 mo/ exempl>y morals--:o d n on all     
occasions exhibit ! mo/ p]fect specim5s 
( self-d5ial--:o w\ld n1 p]haps1 be at  
all times held up z mirrors ( virtue1 w 
n see ^! =midable sy/ems1 :5 !y %all be 
incl9$ to li/5 to _! passions2 to l5d   
!mselves to ! indulg5ce ( _! unruly     
desires3 !y w1 h[ev]1 feel no repugnance
 to make use ( !m to fright5 o!rs1 to ! 
end t !y may pres]ve unimpair$ _!       
sup]iority2 t !y may keep entire _!     
pr]ogatives2 t !y may m effectually b9d 
!m to s]vitude4 ,l ! re/ ( mank9d1 !y w 
see _! ,god "u ! traits ( 8 b5evol5ce2  
!y w always believe him indulg5t to ^?  
outrages !y may commit aga9/ _! fell[s1 
provid$ !y %ew due respect = him        
!mselves3 sup]/ition w furni% !m ) easy 
means to turn aside 8 ,wra?2 its m9i/]s 

seldom omit a pr(itable opportunity1 to 
expiate ! crimes ( human nature4        
,morality is n made to foll[ ! caprices 
( ! imag9ation1 ! fury ( ! passions1 !  
fluctuat+ int]e/s ( m53 x ought to      
possess /ability2 to be at all times !  
same1 = all ! individuals ( ! human     
race2 x ought nei!r to v>y 9 "o c\ntry1 
nor 9 "o race f ano!r3 nei!r sup]/ition 
nor religion1 has a privilege to make   
its immutability subs]vi5t to !         
*angeable laws ( _! sy/ems4 ,!re is b "o
 me?od to give e?ics ?is solidity2 x has
 be5 m ?an once po9t$ out 9 ! c\rse (   
?is "w3 x is only to be f\nd$ ^u !      
nature ( man1 bottom$ ^u 8 duties1 re/$ 
^u ! relations subsi/+ betwe5 intellig5t
 be+s1 :o are 9 love1 ) _! happ9ess1 :o 
are occupi$ ) _! own pres]vation1 :o    
live toge!r 9 society t !y may ,) great]
 facility asc]ta9 ^! ends4 ,9 %ort we   
mu/ take = ! basis ( morality !         
necessity ( ?+s4  ,9 weigh+ ^!          
pr9ciples1 :i* are self evid5t1 confirm$
 by con/ant exp]i5ce1 approv$ by reason1

 drawn f nature h]self1 we %all h an    
undeviat+ tone ( conduct2 a sure sy/em (
 morality1 t w nev] be 9 contradiction )
 itself4 ,man w h no occasion to recur  
to !ological speculations to regulate 8 
conduct 9 ! visible _w4 ,we %all !n be  
capacitat$ to reply to ^? :o pret5d t   
)\t !m !re c be no morality4 ,if we     
reflect ^u ! long tissue ( errors1 ^u ! 
imm5se *a9 ( w&]+s1 t fl[ f ! obscure   
notions ^! v>i\s sy/ems hold =?--( !    
s9i/] ideas :i* sup]/ition 9 all        
c\ntries inculcates2 x w\ld be mu* m    
con=mable to tru? to say1 t all s\nd    
e?ics1 all morality1 ei!r useful to     
individuals or b5eficial to society1 is 
totally incompatible ) sy/ems :i* nev]  
repres5t _! gods b "u ! =m ( absolute   
mon>*s1 ^: good qualities are cont9ually
 eclips$ by dang]\s caprices4           
,consequ5tly1 we %all be oblig$ to      
ackn[l$ge1 t to e/abli% morality ^u a   
/eady f\ndation1 we mu/ necess>ily      
comm5ce by at lea/ quitt+ ^? *im]ical   
sy/ems ^u :i* ! ru9\s edifice (         

sup]natural morality has hi!rto be5     
con/ruct$1 :i* dur+ su* a numb] ( ages1 
has be5 s uselessly prea*$ up to a great
 portion ( ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4       
,:atev] may h be5 ! cause t plac$ man 9 
8 pres5t abode1 t gave him ! faculties  
he possesses2 :e!r ! human species be   
consid]$ z ! "w ( nature1 or :e!r x be  
suppos$ t he owes 8 exi/5ce to an       
intellig5t be+1 di/+ui%$ f nature2 !    
exi/5ce ( man1 su* z he is1 is a fact2  
we behold 9 him a be+ :o ?9ks1 :o feels1
 :o has intellig5ce1 :o loves himself1  
:o t5ds to 8 own cons]vation1 :o 9 e    
mom5t ( 8 duration /rives to r5d] 8     
exi/5ce agreeable2 :o1 ! m easily to    
satisfy 8 wants & to procure himself    
pleasure1 congregates 9 society ) be+s  
simil> to himself2 ( :om 8 conduct c    
ei!r conciliate ! fav\r1 or draw ^u him 
! disaffection4 ,x is1 !n1 ^u ^! g5]al  
s5tim5ts1 inh]5t 9 8 nature1 :i* w      
subsi/ z long z 8 race %all endure1 t we
 ought to f\nd morality2 :i* is only a  
sci5ce embrac+1 ! duties ( m5 liv+      

toge!r 9 society4  ,^! duties h _! spr+ 
9 our nature1 !y are f\nd$ ^u our       
necessities1 because we _c rea* ! goal (
 happ9ess1 if we d n employ ! requisite 
means3 ^! means con/itute ! moral       
sci5ce4 ,to be p]man5tly felicit\s1 we  
mu/ s comport ourselves z to m]it !     
affection1 s act z to secure ! assi/ance
 ( ^?1 be+s ) :om we are associat$2 ^! w
 only accord u _! love1 l5d u _! e/eem1 
aid u 9 our projects1 lab\r to our      
peculi> happ9ess1 b 9 proportion z our  
own ex]tions %all be employ$ = _!       
advantage4 ,x is ?is necessity1 fl[+    
naturally out ( ! relations ( mank9d1 t 
is call$ ,,moral ,,obligation4 ,x is    
f\nd$ ^u reflection1 re/$ ^u ^? motives 
compet5t to det]m9e s5sible1 intellig5t 
be+s1 to pursue t l9e ( conduct1 :i* 9  
be/ calculat$ to a*ieve t happ9ess t[>ds
 :i* !y are cont9ually v]g+4 ,^! motives
 9 ! human species1 nev] c be o!r ?an ! 
desire1 always reg5]at+1 ( procur+ good 
& avoid+ evil4 ,pleasure & pa91 ! hope (
 happ9ess1 or ! fe> ( mis]y1 are ! only 

motives suitable to h an efficaci\s     
influ5ce on ! volition ( s5sible be+s4  
,to impel !m t[>ds ?is end1 x is        
suffici5t ^! motives exi/ & be und]/ood 
to h a k ( !m1 x is only requisite to   
consid] our own con/itution3 accord+ to 
?is1 we %all f9d we c only love ^?      
actions1 approve t conduct1 f :5ce      
result actual & reciprocal utility2 ?is 
con/itutes ,,virtue4 ,9 consequ5ce1 to  
cons]ve ourselves1 to make our own      
happ9ess1 to enjoy security1 we are     
compell$ to foll[ ! r\t9e :i* conducts  
to ?is end2 to int]e/ o!rs 9 our own    
pres]vation1 we are oblig$ to display an
 int]e/ 9 !irs2 we mu/ d no?+ t c h a   
t5d5cy to int]rupt t mutual co-op]ation 
:i* alone c lead to ! felicity desir$4  
,su* is ! true e/abli%m5t ( moral       
obligation4  ,:5ev] x is attempt$ to    
give any o!r basis to morality ?an !    
nature ( man1 we %all always deceive    
ourselves2 none o!r c h ! lea/ /ability2
 none c be m solid4 ,"s au?ors1 ev5 (   
great integrity1 h ?\ght1 t to give     

e?ics m respectability 9 ! eyes ( man1  
to r5d] m inviolable ^? duties :i* 8    
nature imposes on him1 x 0 ne$ful to    
clo! !m ) ! au?ority ( a be+ :om !y h   
made sup]ior to nature--:om !y h r5d]$ m
 p[]ful ?an necessity4 ,!ology1 seiz+ on
 ^! ideas1 ) its own g5]al want ( j     
inf]5ce1 has 9 consequ5ce invad$        
morality2 has endeav\r$ to connect x )  
its v>i\s sy/ems4 ,by "s x has be5      
imag9$1 ?is union w\ld r5d] virtue m    
sacr$2 t ! fe> atta*$ to invisible p[]s1
 :o gov]n nature1 w\ld l5d m weight1    
w\ld give m efficacy to its laws2 9     
%ort1 x has be5 believ$ t man1 p]suad$1 
( ! necessity ( ! moral sy/em1 see+ x   
unit$ ) sup]/ition1 w\ld contemplate    
sup]/ition itself z necess>y to 8       
happ9ess4 ,inde$ x is ! supposition t ^!
 sy/ems are ess5tial to morality1 t     
su/a9s ! !ological ideas--t gives       
p]man5cy to ! great] "p ( all ! cre$s on
 e>?2 x is errone\sly imag9$ t )\t !m   
man w\ld nei!r und]/& nor practise !    
duties he owes to o!rs4 ,?is prejudice  

once e/abli%$1 gives curr5cy to ! op9ion
 t ! vague ideas gr[+ out ( ^! sy/ems   
are 9 su* a mann] connect$ ) morality1  
are s l9k$ ) ! actual welf>e ( society1 
t !y _c be attack$ )\t ov]turn+ ! social
 duties t b9d man to 8 fell[4 ,x is     
?\ght t ! reciprocity ( wants1 ! desire 
( happ9ess1 ! evid5t int]e/s ( !        
community1 w\ld be m]e skeleton motives1
 devoid ( all active en]gy1 if !y did n 
borr[ _! sub/ance f ^! v>i\s sy/ems2 if 
!y 7 n inve/$ ) ! =ce d]iv$ f ^! num]\s 
cre$s2 if !y 7 n clo!d ) ! sanction ( ^?
 ideas :i* h be5 made ! arbit]s ( all   
?+s4  ,no?+1 h[ev]1 is m borne out by ! 
evid5ce ( exp]i5ce1 no?+ has m ?or\ghly 
impress$ itself on ! m9ds ( reflect+ m51
 ?an ! dang] always aris+ f connect+    
tru? ) fiction2 ! kn[n ) ! unkn[n2 !    
delirium ( en?usiasm1 ) ! tranquillity (
 reason4 ,inde$ :at has result$ f !     
confus$ alliance1 f ! m>vell\s          
speculations1 :i* !ology has made ) !   
mo/ sub/antive realities8 ( mix+ up its 
evanesc5t conjectures ) ! confirm$      

aphorisms ( "t8 ,! imag9ation bewild]$1 
has mi/ak5 tru?3 sup]/ition1 by aid (   
its gratuit\s suppositions1 has comm&$  
nature--made reason b[1 "u its bulky    
yoke1--submitt$ man to its own peculi>  
caprices2 v frequ5tly 9 ! "n ( its gods 
oblig$ him to /ifle 8 nature1 to pi\sly 
violate ! mo/ sacr$ duties ( morality4  
,:5 ^! sup]/itions h be5 desir\s (      
re/ra9+ mortals :om !y _h previ\sly     
hood-w9k$1 :om !y _h r5d]$ irrational1 x
 gave !m only ideal curbs1 imag9>y      
motives2 x sub/itut$ unsub/antial       
causes1 = ^? :i* 7 sub/antive2 m>vell\s 
sup]natural p[]s1 = ^? :i* 7 natural1 & 
well und]/ood2 x suppli$ actual         
realities1 by ideal romances & vision>y 
fables4 ,by ?is inv]sion ( pr9ciple1    
morality _h no long] any fix$ basis3    
nature1 reason1 virtue1 demon/ration1 7 
laid pro/rate be=e ! mo/ undef9able     
sy/ems2 7 made to dep5d ^u oracul>      
promulgations1 :i* nev] spake di/9ctly2 
inde$1 !y g5]ally sil5c$ reason1 7 (t5  
deliv]$ by fanatics1 :i* "t prov$ to be 

impo/ors2 by ^? :o1 always adopt+ !     
appellation ( inspir$ be+s1 gave =? no?+
 b ! w&]+s ( _! own delirium1 or else 7 
desir\s ( pr(it+ by ! errors :i* !y     
!mselves in/ill$ into mank9d4 ,?us ^! m5
 became deeply int]e/$ 9 prea*+ abject  
submission1 non-resi/ance1              
passive-ob$i5ce1 factiti\s virtues1     
frivol\s c]emonies2 9 %ort1 an arbitr>y 
morality1 con=mable to _! own reign+    
passions2 frequ5tly prejudicial to ! re/
 ( ! human race4  ,x 0 ?us1 9 mak+ e?ics
 fl[ f ^! v>i\s sy/ems1 !y 9 po9t ( fact
 submitt$ x to ! dom9ant passions ( m51 
:o _h a direct int]e/ 9 m\ld+ x to _!   
own advantage4 ,9 be+ dispos$ to f\nd x 
^u undemon/rat$ !ories1 !y f\nd$ x ^u   
no?+2 9 d]iv+ x f imag9>y s\rces1 ( :i* 
ea* individual =ms to himself 8 own     
notion1 g5]ally adv]se to t ( 8         
neighb\r2 9 re/+ x ^u obscure oracles1  
always deliv]$ ambigu\sly1 frequ5tly    
int]pret$ by m5 9 ! height ( delirium1  
sometimes by knaves1 :o _h imm$iate     
int]e/s to promote1 !y r5d]$ x          

un/eady--devoid ( fix$ pr9ciple1--too   
frequ5tly left x to ! m]cy ( ! mo/      
crafty ( mank9d4 ,9 propos+ to man !    
*angeable cre$s ( ! !ologians = a model1
 !y weak5$ ! moral sy/em ( human        
actions2 frequ5tly annihilat$ t :i* 0   
furni%$ by nature2 (t5 sub/itut$ 9 its  
place no?+ b ! mo/ p]plex+ inc]titude2 !
 mo/ ru9\s inconsi/5cy4 ,^! sy/ems1 by !
 qualities :i* are ascrib$1 to !m1      
become inexplicable enigmas1 :i* ea*    
exp\nds z be/ suits himself2 :i* ea*    
expla9s aft] 8 own peculi> mode ( ?9k+2 
9 :i* ! !ologian ev] f9ds t :i* mo/     
h>monizes ) 8 designs2 :i* he c b5d to 8
 own s9i/] purposes2 :i* he (f]s z      
irrefragible evid5ce ( ! rectitude ( ^? 
actions1 :i* at bottom h no?+ b 8 own   
advantage 9 view4 ,if !y exhort ! g5tle1
 indulg5t1 equitable man1 to be good1   
compassionate1 b5evol5t2 !y equally     
excite ! furi\s1 :o is de/itute ( ^!    
qualities1 to be intol]ant1 inhuman1    
pitiless4 ,! morality ( ^! sy/ems v>ies 
9 ea* individual2 diff]s 9 "o c\ntry f  

ano!r2 9 fact1 ^? actions :i* "s m5 look
 ^u z sacr$1 :i* !y h le>n$ to consid]  
m]itori\s1 make o!rs %udd] )            
horror--fill !m ) ! mo/ pa9ful          
recollections4 ,"s see ! ,div9ity fill$ 
) g5tl5ess & m]cy2 o!rs behold him z    
full ( wra? & fury1 ^: ang] is to be    
assuag$ by ! commission ( ! mo/ %ock+   
cruelties4  ,! morality ( nature is     
cle>1 x is evid5t ev5 to ^? :o outrage  
x4 ,x is n ?us ) sup]/iti\s morality2   
?is is z obscure z ! sy/ems :i*         
prescribe x2 or r z fluctuat+ z !       
passions1 z *angeable z ! temp]am5ts1 ( 
^? :o exp\nd !m2 if x 0 left to !       
!ologians1 e?ics ought to be consid]$ z 
! sci5ce ( all o!rs ! mo/ problematical1
 ! mo/ un/eady1 ! mo/ difficult to br+  
to a po9t2 x w\ld require ! mo/ pr(\nd1 
p5etrat+ g5ius1 ! mo/ active1 vigor\s   
m9d1 to discov] ! pr9ciples ( ^? duties 
man owes to himself1 t he ought to      
ex]cise t[>ds o!rs2 ?is w\ld r5d] !     
s\rces ( ! moral sy/em atta9able by a v 
small numb] ( individuals2 w\ld         

effectually lock !m up 9 ! cab9ets ( !  
metaphysicians2 place !m "u ! trea*]\s  
gu>dian%ip ( prie/s3 to d]ive x f ^?    
sy/ems1 :i* are 9 !mselves undef9able1 )
 ! f\ndations ( :i* no "o is actually   
acqua9t$1 :i* ea* contemplates aft] 8   
own mode1 modifies aft] 8 own peculi>   
ideas1 is at once to submit x to !      
caprice ( e individual2 x is completely 
to ackn[l$ge1 we "k n f :5ce x is d]iv$1
 nor :5ce x has its pr9ciples4 ,:atev]  
may be ! ag5t ^u :om !y make nature1 or 
! be+s %e conta9s1 to dep5d2 ) :atev]   
p[] !y way suppose him inve/$1 x is v   
c]ta9 t man ei!r does1 or does n exi/2 b
 z soon z 8 exi/5ce is ackn[l$g$1 z soon
 z x is admitt$ to be :at x actually is1
 :5 he %all be all[$ to be a s5sible be+
 liv+ 9 society1 9 love ) 8 own         
felicity1 !y _c )\t ei!r annihilat+ him1
 or new modell+ him1 cause him to exi/  
o!rwise ?an he does4 ,!re=e1 accord+ to 
8 actual ess5ce1 agreeable to 8 absolute
 qualities1 con=mable to ^?             
modifications :i* con/itute him a be+1 (

 ! human species1 morality becomes      
necess>y to him1 & ! desire ( cons]v+   
himself w make him pref] virtue to vice1
 by ! same necessity t he pref]s        
pleasure to pa94 ,if1 foll[+ up !       
doctr9e ( ! !ologians1 t man ha?        
occasion = sup]natural grace to enable  
him to d good1 x mu/ be v injuri\s to   
s\nd pr9ciples ( morality2 because he w 
always wait = ! call f above1 to ex]cise
 t virtue1 :i* is indisp5sable to 8     
welf>e4 ,t]tullian1 nev]!less says      
expressly1 :]e=e w ye tr\ble y\rselves1 
seek+ aft] ! law ( ,god1 :il/ ye h t :i*
 is common to all ! _w1 & :i* is writt5 
on ! tablets ( nature8  ,to say1 t man  
_c possess any moral s5tim5ts )\t       
embrac+ ! discordant sy/ems (f]$ to 8   
acceptance1 is1 9 po9t ( fact1 say+1 t  
he _c di/+ui% virtue f vice2 x is to    
pret5d t )\t ^! sy/ems1 man w\ld n feel 
! necessity ( eat+ to live1 w\ld n make 
! lea/ di/9ction1 w\ld be absolutely )\t
 *oice 9 8 food3 x is to pret5d1 t      
unless he is fully acqua9t$ ) ! "n1 "*1 

& qualities ( ! individual :o prep>es a 
mess = him1 he is n compet5t to         
discrim9ate :e!r ?is mess be agreeable  
or disagreeable1 good or bad4 ,he :o    
does n feel himself satisfi$ :at op9ions
 to adopt1 ^u ! f\ndation & moral       
attributes ( ^! sy/ems1 or :o ev5 =mally
 d5ies !m1 _c at lea/ d\bt 8 own        
exi/5ce-8 own functions--8 own          
qualities--8 own mode ( feel+--8 own    
me?od ( judg+2 nei!r c he d\bt ! exi/5ce
 ( o!r organiz$ be+s simil> to himself2 
9 :om e ?+ discov]s to him qualities    
analog\s ) 8 own2 ( :om he c1 by c]ta9  
actions1 ei!r ga9 ! love or incur !     
hatr$--secure ! assi/ance or attract !  
ill-w--m]it ! e/eem or elicit !         
contempt2 ?is k is suffici5t to enable  
him to di/+ui% moral good & evil4 ,9    
%ort1 e man enjoy+ a well-ord]$         
organization1 possess+ ! faculty ( mak+ 
true exp]i5ce1 w only ne$ to contemplate
 himself 9 ord] to discov] :at he owes  
to o!rs3 8 own nature w enlight5 him mu*
 m effectually ^u 8 duties1 ?an ^?      

sy/ems 9 :i* he w consult ei!r 8 own    
unruly passions1 ^? ( "s en?usia/1 or ^?
 ( an impo/or4 ,he w all[1 t to cons]ve 
himself1 to secure 8 own p]man5t welf>e1
 he is frequ5tly oblig$ to resi/ ! bl9d 
impulse ( 8 own desires2 t to conciliate
 ! b5evol5ce ( o!rs1 he mu/ act 9 a mode
 con=mable to _! advantage2 9 reason+   
?us1 he w f9d out :at virtue actually   
is2 if he puts 8 !ory into practice1 he 
w be virtu\s2 he w be rew>d$ = 8 conduct
 by ! h>mony ( 8 own ma*9e2 by !        
legitimate e/eem ( himself1 confirm$ by 
! good op9ion ( o!rs1 ^: k9dness he w h 
secur$3 if he acts 9 a contr>y mode1 !  
tr\ble t w ensue1 ! disord] ( 8 frame1 w
 quickly w>n him t nature1 ?w>t$ by 8   
actions1 disapproves 8 conduct1 :i* is  
injuri\s to himself2 to :i* he w be     
oblig$ to add ! condemnation ( o!rs1 :o 
w hate him4 ,if ! w&]+s ( 8 m9d prev5t  
him f see+ ! m imm$iate consequ5ces ( 8 
irregul>ities1 nei!r w he p]ceive !     
di/ant rew>ds1 ! remote puni%m5ts1 :i*  
^! sy/ems hold =?2 because !y w nev]    

speak to him s di/9ctly z 8 consci5ce1  
:i* w ei!r rew>d or puni% him on ! spot4
 ,!ology has nev] yet kn[n h[ to give a 
true def9ition ( virtue3 accord+ to x1 x
 is an ef=t ( grace1 t disposes man to d
 t :i* is agreeable to ! ,div9ity4 ,b   
:at is ?is grace8 ,h[ do? x act ^u man8 
,h[ %all we "k :at is agreeable to a    
,div9ity :o is incompreh5sible to all   
m58  ,e ?+ t has be5 advanc$ evid5tly   
proves1 t sup]/iti\s morality is an     
inf9ite los] :5 comp>$ ) ! morality (   
nature1 ) :i*1 inde$1 x is f\nd 9       
p]petual contradiction4 ,nature invites 
man to love himself1 to pres]ve 8       
exi/5ce1 to incessantly augm5t ! sum ( 8
 happ9ess3 sup]/ition tea*es him to be 9
 love only ) =midable doctr9es1         
calculat$ to g5]ate 8 dislike2 to dete/ 
himself2 to sacrifice to 8 idols 8 mo/  
pleas+ s5sations--! mo/ legitimate      
pleasures ( 8 he>t4 ,nature c\nsels man 
to consult reason1 to adopt x = 8 guide2
 sup]/ition p\rtrays ?is reason z       
corrupt$1 z a trea*]\s director1 t w    

infallibly lead him a/ray4 ,nature w>ns 
him to enlight5 8 und]/&+1 to se>* aft] 
tru?1 to in=m himself ( 8 duties2       
sup]/ition enjo9s him n to exam9e any   
?+1 to rema9 9 ignorance1 to fe> tru?2 x
 p]suades him !re are no relations s    
important to 8 int]e/1 z ^? :i* subsi/  
betwe5 himself & sy/ems :i* he c nev]   
und]/&4 ,nature tells ! be+ :o is 9 love
 ) 8 welf>e1 to mod]ate 8 passions1 to  
resi/ !m :5 !y are f\nd de/ructive to   
himself1 to c\nt]act !m by sub/antive   
motives collect$ f exp]i5ce2 sup]/ition 
desires a s5sible be+ to h no passions1 
to be an ins5sible mass1 or else to     
combat 8 prop5sities by motives borr[$ f
 ! imag9ation1 :i* are z v>iable z      
itself4 ,nature exhorts man to be       
sociable1 to love 8 fell[ creatures1 to 
be j1 peaceable1 indulg5t1 b5evol5t1 to 
p]mit 8 associates to freely enjoy _!   
op9ions2 sup]/ition admoni%es him to fly
 society1 to deta* himself f 8 fell[    
mortals1 to hate !m :5 _! imag9ation    
does n procure !m dreams con=mable to 8 

own2 to break ?r\gh ! mo/ sacr$ bonds1  
to ma9ta9 8 own op9ions1 or to fru/rate 
^? ( 8 neighb\r2 to torm5t1 to p]secute1
 to massacre1 ^? :o w n be mad aft] 8   
own peculi> mann]4 ,nature exacts t man 
9 society %\ld *]i% glory1 lab\r to r5d]
 himself e/imable1 endeav\r to e/abli%  
an imp]i%able "n1 to be active1         
c\rage\s1 indu/ri\s2 sup]/ition tells   
him to be abject1 pusillanim\s1 to live 
9 obscurity1 to occupy himself )        
c]emonies2 x says to him1 be useless to 
?yself1 & d no?+ = o!rs4 ,nature        
proposes to ! citiz51 = 8 model1 m5     
endu$ ) hone/1 noble1 en]getic s\ls1 :o 
h usefully s]v$ _! fell[ citiz5s2       
sup]/ition recomm5ds to 8 imitation     
mean1 cr++ sycophants2 extols pi\s      
en?usia/s1 frantic p5it5ts1 zeal\s      
fanatics1 :o = ! mo/ ridicul\s op9ions h
 di/urb$ ! tranquility ( empires4       
,nature urges ! husb& to be t5d]1 to    
atta* himself to ! company ( 8 mate1 to 
*]i% h] 9 8 bosom2 sup]/ition makes a   
crime ( 8 susceptibility1 frequ5tly     

obliges him to look ^u ! conjugal bonds 
z a /ate ( pollution1 z ! (fspr+ (      
imp]fection4 ,nature calls to ! fa!r to 
nurture 8 *ildr51 to *]i% _! affection1 
to make !m useful memb]s ( society2     
sup]/ition advises him to re> !m 9 fe> (
 its sy/ems1 to hoodw9k !m1 to make !m  
sup]/iti\s1 :i* r5d]s !m incapable (    
actually s]v+ society1 b extremely well 
calculat$ to di/urb its repose4 ,nature 
cries out to *ildr5 to honor _! p>5ts1  
to li/5 to _! admonitions1 to be !      
support ( _! old age2 sup]/ition says1  
pref] ! oracles2 9 support ( ! sy/ems ( 
:i* y are an admitt$ memb]1 trample fa!r
 & "m "u y\r feet4 ,nature holds out to 
! philosoph] t he %\ld occupy himself ) 
useful objects1 consecrate 8 c>es to 8  
c\ntry1 make advantage\s discov]ies1    
suitable to p]fect ! condition ( mank9d2
 sup]/ition sai?1 occupy ?yself )       
useless rev]ies2 employ ?y "t 9 endless 
dispute2 scatt] ab\t ) a lavi% h& ! se$s
 ( discord1 calculat$ to induce ! c>nage
 ( ?y fell[s2 ob/9ately ma9ta9 op9ions  

:i* ?\ ?yself can/ nev] und]/&4 ,nature 
po9ts out to ! p]v]se man1 t he %\ld    
blu% = 8 vices1 t he %\ld feel sorr[ = 8
 disgraceful prop5sities1 t he %\ld be  
a%am$ ( crime2 x %ews him1 t 8 mo/      
secret irregul>ities w necess>ily h an  
influ5ce ov] 8 own felicity2 sup]/ition 
crie? to ! mo/ corrupt m51 to ! mo/     
flagiti\s mortals1 d n irritate ! gods1 
:om ?\ kn[e/ n2 b if1 p]adv5ture1 aga9/ 
_! express comm&1 ?\ do/ deliv] ?yself  
up to crime1 rememb] t _! m]cy is       
inf9ite1 t _! compassion endure? = ev]1 
t !re=e !y may be easily appeas$2 ?\ ha/
 no?+ m to d ?an to g into _! temples1  
pro/rate ?yself be=e _! alt>s1 humiliate
 ?yself at ! feet ( _! m9i/]s2 expiate  
?y transgressions by l>gesses1 by       
sacrifices1 by (f]+s1 by c]emonies1 & by
 pray]2 ^! ?+s done ) a will+ _s1 & a   
contrite he>t1 w pacify ?9e own         
consci5ce1 & cleanse !e 9 ! eyes (      
heav54  ,! rights ( ! citiz51 or ! man 9
 society1 are n less injur$ by          
sup]/ition1 :i* is always 9             

contradiction ) s\nd politics4 ,nature  
says di/9ctly to man1 ?\ art free2 no   
p[] on e>? c ju/ly deprive !e ( ?y      
rights1 )\t ?9e own cons5t2 & ev5 !n1 ?\
 can/ n legitimately make ?yself a slave
 to ?y l4 ,sup]/ition tells him he is a 
slave1 condemn$ to groan all 8 life "u !
 iron rod ( ! repres5tatives ( its      
sy/em4 ,nature comm&s man to love !     
c\ntry :i* gave him bir?1 to s]ve x     
fai?fully1 to bl5d 8 int]e/s ) x1 to    
unite aga9/ all ^? :o %all attempt to   
injure x2 sup]/ition g5]ally ord]s him  
to obey )\t murmur ! tyrants :o oppress 
x1 to s]ve !m aga9/ its be/ int]e/s1 to 
m]it _! favors by contribut+ to enslave 
_! fell[ citiz5s to _! ungov]nable      
caprices3 not)/&+ ^! g5]al ord]s1 if !  
sov]eign be n suffici5tly devot$ to !   
prie/1 sup]/ition quickly *anges its    
language1 x !n calls ^u subjects to     
become rebels2 x makes x a duty 9 !m to 
resi/ _! ma/]s2 x cries out to !m1 x is 
bett] to obey ! gods ?an m54 ,nature    
acqua9ts pr9ces t !y are m53 t x is n by

 _! caprici\s :ims t !y c decide :at is 
j2 t x is n _! wayw>d hum\rs t c m>k :at
 is unju/2 t ! public w make? ! law4    
,sup]/ition (t5 ins9uates to !m t !y are
 gods1 to :om no?+ 9 ?is _w ought to (f]
 resi/ance2 sometimes1 inde$1 x trans=ms
 !m into tyrants1 :om enrag$ heav5 is   
desir\s %\ld be immolat$ to its wra?4   
,sup]/ition corrupts pr9ces2 ^! corrupt 
! law1 :i*1 l !mselves1 becomes unju/2 f
 !nce in/itutions are p]v]t$2 education 
only =ms m5 :o are wor?less1 bl9d$ )    
prejudice1 smitt5 ) va9 objects1 enam\r$
 ( weal?1 devot$ to pleasures1 :i* !y   
mu/ obta9 by iniquit\s means3 ?us       
nature1 mi/ak51 is disda9$2 virtue is   
only a %ad[ quickly sacrific$ to !      
slighte/ int]e/1 :ile sup]/ition1 f> f  
rem$y+ ^! evils to :i* x has giv5 bir?1 
does no?+ m ?an r5d] !m /ill m          
invet]ate2 or else eng5d]s /]ile regrets
 :i* x pres5tly effaces3 ?us1 by its    
op]ation1 man is oblig$ to yield to !   
=ce ( habit1 to ! g5]al example1 to !   
/ream ( ^? prop5sities1 to ^? causes (  

confusion1 :i* conspire to hurry all 8  
species1 :o are n will+ to r5\nce _! own
 welf>e1 on to ! commission ( crime4    
,"h is ! mode by :i* sup]/ition1 unit$ )
 politics1 ex]t _! ef=ts to p]v]t1      
abuse1 & poison ! he>t ( man2 ! g5]ality
 ( human in/itutions appe> to h only =  
_! object to abase ! human "*1 to r5d] x
 m flagiti\sly wick$4 ,d n !n let u be  
at all a/oni%$ if morality is almo/ e   
:]e a b>r5 speculation1 f :i* e "o is   
oblig$ to deviate 9 practice1 if he w n 
risk ! r5d]+ himself unhappy4 ,m5 c only
 h s\nd morals1 :51 r5\nc+ 8 prejudices1
 he consults 8 nature2 b ! cont9u$      
impulse :i* 8 s\l is e mom5t receiv+1 on
 ! "p ( m p[]ful motives1 quickly       
compels him to =get ^? e?ical rules :i* 
nature po9ts out to him4 ,he is         
cont9ually float+ betwe5 vice & virtue2 
we behold him unceas+ly 9 contradiction 
) himself2 if1 sometimes1 he ju/ly      
appreciates ! value ( an hone/1 upright 
conduct1 exp]i5ce v soon %ews him1 t ?is
 _c lead him to any ?+1 :i* he has be5  

taught to desire1 on ! contr>y1 t x may 
be an inv9cible ob/acle to ! happ9ess   
:i* 8 he>t nev] ceases = an in/ant to   
se>* aft]4 ,9 corrupt societies x is    
necess>y to become corrupt1 9 ord] to   
become happy4  ,citiz5s1 l$ a/ray at !  
same "t bo? by _! spiritual & temporal  
guides1 nei!r knew reason nor virtue4 ,!
 slaves bo? ( _! sup]/iti\s sy/ems1 & ( 
m5 l !mselves1 !y _h all ! vices atta*$ 
to slav]y2 kept 9 a p]petual /ate (     
infancy1 !y _h nei!r k nor pr9ciples2 ^?
 :o prea*$ virtue to !m1 knew no?+ ( x  
!mselves1 & c\ld n undeceive !m )       
respect to ^? baubles 9 :i* !y _h le>n$ 
to make _! happ9ess consi/4 ,9 va9 !y   
cri$ out to !m to /ifle ^? passions :i* 
e ?+ conspir$ to unloose3 9 va9 !y made 
! ?und] ( ! gods roll to intimidate m5  
^: tumultu\s passions r5d]$ !m deaf4 ,x 
0 soon discov]$ t ! gods ( ! heav5s 7   
mu* less fe>$ ?an ^? ( ! e>?2 t ! fav\r 
( ! latt] procur$ a mu* m sub/antive    
welf>e ?an ! promises ( ! =m]2 t ! ri*es
 ( ?is _w 7 m tangible ?an ! treasures  

res]v$ = favorites 9 ! next2 t x 0 mu* m
 advantage\s = m5 to con=m !mselves to !
 views ( visible p[]s ?an to ^? ( p[]s  
:o 7 n )9 ! compass ( _! visual         
faculties4  ,?us society1 corrupt$ by   
its prie/s1 guid$ by _! caprice1 c\ld   
only br+ =? a corrupt (fspr+4 ,x gave   
bir? to av>ici\s1 ambiti\s1 jeal\s1     
dissolute citiz5s1 :o nev] saw any ?+   
happy b crime2 :o beheld meanness       
rew>d$2 incapacity hon\r$2 weal? ador$2 
debau*]y held 9 e/eem2 :o almo/ e :]e   
f\nd tal5ts disc\rag$2 virtue neglect$2 
tru? proscrib$2 elevation ( s\l cru%$2  
ju/ice trodd5 "u foot2 mod]ation        
langui%+ 9 mis]y2 lib]ality ( m9d       
obligat$ to groan "u ! pond]\s bulk (   
haughty inju/ice4  ,9 ! mid/ ( ?is      
disord]1 9 ?is confusion ( ideas1 !     
precepts ( morality c\ld only be vague  
declamations1 incapable ( conv9c+ any   
"o4 ,:at b>ri] c\ld sup]/ition1 ) its   
imag9>y motives1 oppose to ! g5]al      
corruption8 ,:5 x spake reason1 x c\ld n
 be he>d2 its gods !mselves 7 n         

suffici5tly p[]ful to resi/ ! torr5t2   
its m5aces fail$ ( effect1 on ^? he>ts  
:i* e ?+ hurri$ along to crime2 its     
di/ant promises c\ld n c\nt]balance     
pres5t advantages2 its expiations1      
always ready to cleanse mortals f _!    
s9s1 embold5$ !m to p]sev]e 9 _! crim9al
 pursuits2 its frivol\s c]emonies calm$ 
_! consci5ces2 its zeal1 its disputes1  
its caprices1 only multipli$ ! evils1 ) 
:i* society f\nd itself afflict$2 only  
gave !m an invet]acy t r5d]$ !m m widely
 mis*iev\s2 9 %ort1 9 ! mo/ vitiat$     
nations !re 0 a multitude ( devotees1 & 
b v few hone/ m54 ,great & small li/5$  
to ! doctr9es ( sup]/ition1 :5 !y appe>$
 favorable to _! dom9ant passions2 :5 !y
 7 desir\s to c\nt]act !m1 !y li/5$ no  
long]4 ,:5ev] sup]/ition 0 con=mable to 
morality1 x appe>$ incommodi\s1 x 0 only
 foll[$ :5 x ei!r combatt$ e?ics or     
de/roy$ !m4 ,! despot himself f\nd x    
m>vell\s1 :5 x assur$ him he 0 a god ^u 
e>?2 t 8 subjects 7 born to adore him   
alone1 to adm9i/] to 8 phantasms4 ,he   

neglect$ x :5 x told him to be j2 f !nce
 he saw x 0 9 contradiction ) itself1 t 
x 0 useless to prea* equity to a deifi$ 
mortal2 besides1 he 0 assur$ ! gods w\ld
 p>don e ?+1 z soon z he %\ld cons5t to 
recur to 8 prie/s1 always ready to      
reconcile !m2 ! mo/ wick$ ( _! subjects 
reckon$ 9 ! same mann] ^u _! div9e      
assi/ance3 ?us sup]/ition1 f> f re/ra9+ 
vice1 assur$ its impunity2 its m5aces   
c\ld n de/roy ! effects :i* its unwor?y 
flatt]y _h produc$ 9 pr9ces2 ^! same    
m5aces c\ld n annihilate ! hope :i* its 
expiations _h furni%$ to all4           
,sov]eigns1 ei!r inflat$ ) pride1 or    
always confid5t ( wa%+ out _! crimes by 
timely sacrifices1 no long] actually    
fe>$ _! gods2 become gods !mselves1 !y  
believ$ !y 7 p]mitt$ any ?+ aga9/ poor  
pitiful mortals1 :om !y no long]        
consid]$ "u any o!r light ?an z play?+s 
de/9$ = _! e>?ly amusem5t4  ,if ! nature
 ( man 0 consult$ 9 8 politics :i*      
sup]natural ideas h s woefully deprav$1 
x w\ld completely rectify ^? false      

notions t are ent]ta9$ equally by       
sov]eigns & by subjects2 x w\ld         
contribute m amply ?an all ! sup]/itions
 exi/+1 to r5d] society happy1 p[]ful1 &
 fl\ri%+ "u rational au?ority4 ,nature  
w\ld tea* man1 x is = ! purpose ( enjoy+
 a great] portion ( happ9ess1 t mortals 
live toge!r 9 society2 t x is its own   
pres]vation1 its own imm$iate felicity1 
t society %\ld h = its det]m9ate1       
un*angeable object3 t )\t equity1 a     
nation only resembles a congregation (  
enemies2 t 8 mo/ cruel foe1 is ! man :o 
deceives him 9 ord] t he may enslave    
him2 t ! sc\rges mo/ to be fe>$1 are ^? 
prie/s :o corrupt 8 *iefs1 :o1 9 ! "n ( 
! gods assure !m ( impunity = _! crimes3
 %e w\ld prove to him t association is a
 mis=tune "u unju/1 neglig5t1 de/ructive
 gov]nm5ts4  ,?is nature1 int]rogat$ by 
pr9ces1 w\ld tea* !m !y are m5 & n gods2
 t _! p[] is only d]iv$ f ! cons5t ( o!r
 m52 t !y !mselves are citiz5s1 *>g$ by 
o!r citiz5s1 ) ! c>e ( wat*+ ov] !      
safety ( ! :ole2 t ! law ought to be    

only ! expression ( ! public w2 t x is  
nev] p]mitt$ !m to c\nt]act nature1 or  
to ?w>t ! inv>iable end ( society4 ,?is 
nature w\ld make mon>*s feel1 t to be   
truly great1 to be decid$ly p[]ful1 !y  
ought to comm& elevat$1 virtu\s s\ls2 n 
m9ds degrad$ by despotism1 vitiat$ by   
sup]/ition4 ,?is nature w\ld tea*       
sov]eigns1 t 9 ord] to be *]i%$ by _!   
subjects1 !y ought to af=d !m succ\r2 to
 cause !m to enjoy ^? b5efits :i* _!    
wants r5d] imp]ative1 t !y %\ld at all  
times ma9ta9 !m1 inviolably1 9 !        
possession ( _! rights1 ( :i* !y are !  
appo9t$ def5d]s--( :i* !y are !         
con/itut$ gu>dians4 ,?is nature w\ld    
prove to all ^? pr9ces :o %\ld deign to 
consult h]1 t x is only by good actions1
 by k9dness1 !y c ei!r m]it ! love1 or  
secure ! atta*m5t ( ! p2 t oppression   
does no?+ m ?an raise up enemies aga9/  
!m2 t viol5ce only makes _! p[] un/eady2
 t =ce1 h[ev] brutally us$1 _c conf] on 
!m any legitimate "r2 t be+s ess5tially 
9 love ) happ9ess1 mu/ soon] or lat]    

f9i% by revolt+ aga9/ an au?ority t     
e/abli%es itself by inju/ice2 t only    
makes itself felt by ! outrage x        
commits3 ?is is ! mann] 9 :i* nature1 ! 
sov]eign ( all be+s1 9 ^: sy/em all are 
equal1 w\ld speak to "o ( ^! sup]b      
mon>*s1 :om flatt]y has                 
deifi$3--,unt[>d1 head/rong *ild6       
,pigmy1 s pr\d ( comm&+ pigmies6 ,h !y  
!n assur$ !e t ?\ art a god8 ,h !y      
flatt]$ !e t ?\ art some?+ sup]natural8 
,"k !re is no?+ sup]ior to myself4      
,contemplate ?9e own insignificance1    
ackn[l$ge ?9e impot5ce aga9/ ! slighte/ 
( my bl[s4 ,i c break ?y sceptre2 ,i c  
take away ?9e exi/5ce2 ,i c level ?y    
?rone ) ! du/2 ,i c scatt] ?y p2 ,i c   
de/roy ev5 ! e>? :i* ?\ inhabite/2 & yet
 ?\ ha/ ! folly to believe ?\ art a god4
 ,be !n1 aga91 ?yself2 hone/ly av[ t ?\ 
art a man1 =m$ to submit to my laws     
equally ) ! meane/ ( ?y subjects4 ,le>n 
!n1 & nev] let x escape ?y memory1 t ?\ 
art ! man ( ?y p2 ! m9i/] ( ?y nation2 !
 int]pret] ( its laws2 ! execut] ( its  

w2 ! fell[-citiz5 ( ^? :om ?\ ha/ ! "r (
 comm&+1 only because !y cons5t to obey 
!e1 9 view ( t well be+ :i* ?\ promise/ 
to procure = !m4 ,reign1 !n1 on ^!      
conditions2 fulfil ?y sacr$ engagem5ts4 
,be b5evol5t3 above all1 equitable4 ,if 
?\ art will+ to h ?y p[] assur$ to !e1  
nev] abuse x2 let x be circumscrib$ by !
 immovable limits ( et]nal ju/ice4 ,be !
 fa!r ( ?y p1 & !y w *]i% !e z ?y       
*ildr54 ,b1 if unm9dful ( ?y duties1 ?\ 
neglecte/ !m2 if neglig5t ( ?9e own     
int]e/1 ?\ sep>ate/ !m f ^? ( ?y great  
family1 if ?\ refuse/ to ?y subjects t  
happ9ess :i* ?\ owe/ !m2 if1 he$less (  
?y own security1 ?\ arme/ ?yself aga9/  
!m2 ?\ %all be l all tyrants1 ! slave to
 gloomy c>e1 ! bondman ( al>m1 ! vassal 
( cruel suspicion3 ?\ wilt become !     
victim to ?9e own folly4 ,?y p1 r$uc$ to
 despair1 %orn ( _! felicity1 w no long]
 ackn[l$ge ?y div9e rights4 ,9 va91 !n1 
?\ w\ld/ sue = aid to t sup]/ition :i*  
ha? deifi$ !e2 x c avail no?+ ) ?y p1   
:om %>p mis]y _h r5d]$ deaf2 heav5 w    

ab&on !e to ! fury ( ^? enemies to :i*  
?y fr5zy %all h giv5 bir?4 ,sup]/iti\s  
sy/ems c effect no?+ aga9/ my           
irrevocable decrees1 :i* w t man %all   
ev] irritate himself aga9/ ! cause ( 8  
sorr[s4  ,9 %ort1 e ?+ w\ld make kn[n to
 rational pr9ces1 t !y h no occasion =  
sup]/ition to be fai?fully obey$ on e>?2
 t all ! p[]s conta9$ 9 ^! sy/ems w n   
su/a9 !m :5 !y %all act ! tyrant2 t _!  
true fri5ds are ^? :o undeceive ! p 9 _!
 delusions2 t _! real enemies are ^? :o 
intoxicate !m ) flatt]y--:o h>d5 !m 9   
crime--:o make ! road to heav5 too easy 
= !m--:o fe$ !m ) fanciful1 *im]ical    
doctr9es1 calculat$ to make !m sw]ve f  
^? c>es1 to div]t !m f ^? s5tim5ts1 :i* 
!y ju/ly owe to _! nations4  ,x is !n1  
,i repeat x1 only by re-conduct+ man to 
nature1 t we c procure him di/9ct       
notions1 evid5t op9ions1 c]ta9 k2 x is  
only by %ew+ him 8 true relations ) 8   
fell[s1 t we c place him on ! road to   
happ9ess4 ,! human m9d1 bl9d$ by !ology1
 has sc>cely advanc$ a s+le /ep4 ,man's 

sup]/iti\s sy/ems h r5d]$ him sceptical 
on ! mo/ demon/rable tru?s4 ,sup]/ition1
 :ile x p]vad$ e ?+1 :ile x _h an       
univ]sal influ5ce1 s]v$ to corrupt !    
:ole3 philosophy1 dragg$ 9 its tra91    
al?\gh x swell$ its triumphant          
procession1 0 no long] any ?+ b an      
imag9>y sci5ce3 x quitt$ ! real _w to   
plunge into ! s9uosities ( ! ideal1     
inconceivable labyr9?s ( metaphysics2 x 
neglect$ nature1 :o spontane\sly op5$ h]
 book to its exam9ation1 to occupy      
itself ) sy/ems fill$ ) spirits1 )      
invisible p[]s1 :i* only s]v$ to r5d]   
all que/ions m obscure2 :i*1 ! m !y 7   
prob$1 ! m inexplicable !y became2 :i*  
took delight 9 promulgat+ t :i* no "o 0 
compet5t to und]/&4 ,9 all difficulties 
x introduc$ ! ,div9ity2 f !nce ?+s only 
became m & m p]plex$1 until no?+ c\ld be
 expla9$4 ,!ological notions appe> only 
to h be5 inv5t$ to put man's reason to  
flight2 to conf\nd 8 judgm5t2 to deceive
 8 m9d2 to ov]turn 8 cle>e/ ideas 9 e   
sci5ce4 ,9 ! h&s ( ! !ologian1 logic1 or

 ! art ( reason+1 0 no?+ m ?an an       
un9telligible j>gon1 calculat$ to       
support sophism1 to c\nt5ance falsehood1
 to attempt to prove ! mo/ palpable     
contradictions4 ,morality1 z we h se51  
became wav]+ & unc]ta91 because x 0     
f\nd$ on ideal sy/ems1 nev] 9 h>mony )  
!mselves1 :i*1 on ! contr>y1 7          
cont9ually contradict+ _! own mo/       
positive ass]tions4 ,politics1 z we h   
else:]e said1 7 cruelly p]v]t$ by !     
fallaci\s ideas giv5 to sov]eigns ( _!  
actual rights4 ,jurisprud5ce 0          
det]m9ately submitt$ to ! caprices (    
sup]/ition1 :i* %ackl$ lab\r1 *a9$ d[n  
human indu/ry1 contr\l$ activity1 &     
fett]$ ! comm]ce ( nations4 ,e ?+1 9    
%ort1 0 sacrific$ to ! imm$iate int]e/s 
( ^! !ologians3 9 ! place ( e rational  
sci5ce1 !y taught no?+ b an obscure1    
qu>relsome metaphysics1 :i* b too (t5   
caus$ ! blood ( ^? unhappy p to fl[     
copi\sly :o 7 incapable ( und]/&+ its   
halluc9ations4  ,born an enemy to       
exp]i5ce1 !ology1 t sup]natural sci5ce1 

0 an inv9cible ob/acle to ! progress ( !
 natural sci5ces1 z x almo/ always ?rew 
itself 9 _! way4 ,x 0 n p]mitt$ to      
exp]im5tal philosophy1 to natural       
hi/ory1 to anatomy1 to see any ?+ b     
?r\gh ! jaundic$ eye ( sup]/ition4 ,!   
mo/ evid5t facts 7 reject$ ) disda91    
proscrib$ ) horror1 :5 ev] !y c\ld n be 
made to quadrate ) ! idle hypo!ses (    
sup]/ition4 ,virgil1 ! ,bi%op (         
,saltzburg1 0 condemn$ by ! *ur*1 = hav+
 d>$ to ma9ta9 ! exi/5ce ( ! antipodes2 
,gallileo suff]$ ! mo/ cruel            
p]secutions1 = ass]t+ t ! sun did n make
 its revolution r\nd ! e>?4 ,desc>tes 0 
oblig$ to die 9 a =eign l&4 ,prie/s1    
inde$1 h a "r to be ! enemies to !      
sci5ces2 ! progress ( reason mu/1 soon] 
or lat]1 annihilate sup]/iti\s ideas4   
,no?+ t is f\nd$ ^u nature1 t is bottom$
 ^u tru?1 c ev] be lo/2 :ile ! sy/ems ( 
imag9ations1 ! cre$s ( impo/ure1 mu/ be 
ov]turn$4 ,!ology unceas+ly oppos$      
itself to ! happ9ess ( nations--to !    
progress ( ! human m9d--to useful       

rese>*es--to ! fre$om ( ?\ght2 x kept   
man 9 ignorance2 all 8 /eps be+ guid$ by
 x1 he 0 no m ?an a tissue ( errors4    
,inde$1 is x resolv+ a "q 9 natural     
philosophy1 to say t an effect :i*      
excites our surprise1 t an unusual      
ph5om5on1 t a volcano1 a deluge1 a      
hurricane1 a comet1 c4 are ei!r signs ( 
div9e wra?1 or works contr>y to ! laws (
 nature8 ,9 p]suad+ nations1 z x has    
done1 t ! calamities1 :e!r physical or  
moral1 :i* !y exp]i5ce1 are ! effects ( 
! div9e ang]1 or *a/isem5ts :i* 8 p[]   
inflicts on !m1 has x n1 9 fact1 prev5t$
 !m f seek+ aft] rem$ies = ^! evils8    
,w\ld x n h be5 m useful to h /udi$ !   
nature ( ?+s1 to h s\ght 9 nature       
h]self1 or 9 human indu/ry1 = succ\rs   
aga9/ ^? sorr[s ) :i* mortals are       
afflict$1 ?an to attribute ! evil :i*   
man exp]i5ces to an unkn[n p[]1 aga9/ ^:
 w x _c be suppos$ !re exi/s any relief8
 ,! /udy ( nature1 ! se>* aft] tru?1    
elevates ! s\l1 exp&s ! g5ius1 is       
calculat$ to r5d] man active1 to make   

him c\rage\s4 ,!ological notions appe>  
to h be5 made to debase him1 to contract
 8 m9d1 to plunge him into despond5ce4  
,9 ! place ( attribut+ to ! div9e       
v5geance ^? w>s1 ^? fam9es1 ^?          
/]ilities1 ^? contagions1 t multitude ( 
calamities1 :i* desolate ! e>?2 w\ld x n
 h be5 m useful1 m consi/5t ) tru?1 to h
 %ewn man t ^! evils 7 to be ascrib$ to 
8 own folly1 or r to ! unruly passions1 
to ! want ( en]gy1 to ! tyranny ( "s    
pr9ces1 :o sacrifice nations to _!      
frightful delirium8 ,! irrational p1    
in/ead ( amus+ !mselves ) expiations =  
_! pret5d$ crimes1 seek+ to r5d]        
!mselves acceptable to imag9>y p[]s2    
%\ld !y n r h s\ght 9 a m heal?y        
adm9i/ration1 ! true means ( avoid+ ^?  
sc\rges1 to :i* !y 7 ! victims8 ,natural
 evils dem& natural rem$ies3 ought n    
exp]i5ce !n long s9ce to h conv9c$      
mortals ( ! inefficacy ( sup]natural    
rem$ies1 ( expiatory sacrifices1 (      
fa/+s1 ( processions1 c4 :i* almo/ all !
 p ( ! e>? h va9ly oppos$ to ! disa/]s  

:i* !y exp]i5c$8  ,let u !n conclude1 t 
!ology ) its notions1 f> f be+ useful to
 ! human species1 is ! true s\rce ( all 
^? sorr[s :i* afflict ! e>? ( all ^?    
errors by :i* man is bl9d$2 ( ^?        
prejudices :i* b5umb mank9d2 ( t        
ignorance :i* r5d]s him cr$ul\s2 ( ^?   
vices :i* torm5t him2 ( ^? gov]nm5ts :i*
 oppress him4 ,let u be fully p]suad$ t 
^? !ological1 sup]natural ideas1 ) :i*  
man is inspir$ f 8 infancy1 are ! actual
 causes ( 8 habitual folly2 are ! spr+s 
( 8 sup]/iti\s qu>rels2 ( 8 sacr$       
diss5sions2 ( 8 inhuman p]secutions4    
,let u1 at l5g?1 ackn[l$ge1 t !y are ^! 
fatal ideas :i* h obscur$ morality2     
corrupt$ polities2 ret>d$ ! progress ( !
 sci5ces2 annihilat$ happ9ess2 bani%$   
peace f ! bosom ( mank9d1 ,!n let x be  
no long] dissimulat$1 t all ^?          
calamities1 = :i* man turns 8 eyes t[>ds
 heav51 ba!d 9 te>s1 h _! spr+ 9 !      
imag9>y sy/ems he has adopt$3 let him1  
!re=e1 cease to expect relief f !m2 let 
him seek 9 nature1 let him se>* 9 8 own 

en]gies1 ^? res\rces1 :i* sup]/ition1   
deaf to 8 cries1 w nev] procure = him4  
,let him consult ! legitimate desires ( 
8 he>t1 & he w f9d t :i* he owe? to     
himself1 also t :i* he owe? to o!rs2 let
 him exam9e 8 own ess5ce1 let him dive  
into ! aim ( society1 f !nce he w no    
long] be a slave2 let him consult       
exp]i5ce1 he w f9d tru?1 & he w discov]1
 t error c nev] possible r5d] him happy4
      ,,*ap4 ,x4  ,man c =m no          
,conclusion f ! ,ideas :i* are (f]$ him 
( ! ,div9ity4--,( _! want ( j           
,inf]5ce4--,( ! ,inutility ( 8 ,conduct4
   ,x has be5 already /at$1 t ideas to  
be useful1 mu/ be f\nd$ ^u tru?2 t      
exp]i5ce mu/ at all times demon/rate _! 
ju/ice3 if1 !re=e1 z we h prov$1 !      
errone\s ideas :i* man has 9 almo/ all  
ages =m$ to himself ( ! ,div9ity1 f> f  
be+ ( utility1 are prejudicial to       
morality1 to politics1 to ! happ9ess (  
society1 to ! welf>e ( ! individuals :o 
compose x1 9 %ort1 to ! progress ( !    
human und]/&+2 reason1 & our int]e/1    

ought to make u feel ! necessity (      
bani%+ f our m9d ^! illusive1 futile    
op9ions1 :i* c nev] d m ?an conf\nd     
x--:i* c only di/urb ! tranquillity (   
our he>ts4 ,9 va9 %\ld we flatt]        
ourselves ) arriv+ at ! correction (    
!ological notions2 errone\s 9 _!        
pr9ciples1 !y are n susceptible ( re=m4 
,"u :atev] %ape an error pres5ts itself1
 z soon z man %all atta* an undue       
importance to x1 x w1 soon] or lat]1    
f9i% by produc+ consequ5ces dang]\s 9   
proportion to _! ext5t4 ,besides1 !     
inutility ( ^? rese>*es1 :i* 9 all ages 
h be5 made aft] ! true nature ( !       
,div9ity1 ! notions t h hi!rto be5      
ent]ta9$1 h done little m ?an ?r[ x into
 great] obscurity1 ev5 to ^? :o h mo/   
pr(\ndly m$itat$ on ! subject2 !n1 ought
 n ?is v inutility to conv9ce u t ?is   
subject is n )9 ! rea* ( our capacity t 
?is be+ w n be bett] kn[n to u1 or by   
our desc5dants1 ?an x ha? be5 to our    
ance/ors1 ei!r ! mo/ savage or ! mo/    
ignorant8 ,! object1 :i* ( all o!rs man 

has at all times reason$ ^u ! mo/1      
writt5 ^u ! mo/1 nev]!less rema9s ! lea/
 kn[n2 f> f progress+ 9 8 rese>*1 "t1 ) 
! aid ( !ological ideas1 has only r5d]$ 
x m impossible to be conceiv$4 ,if !    
,div9ity be su* z dream+ !ology depicts1
 he mu/ himself be a ,div9ity :o is     
compet5t to =m an idea ( him4 ,we "k    
little ( man1 we h>dly "k ourselves1 or 
our own faculties1 yet we are dispos$ to
 reason ^u a be+ inaccessible to our    
s5ses4 ,let u1 !n1 travel 9 peace ov] ! 
l9e describ$ = u by nature1 )\t hav+ a  
wi% to div]ge f x1 to hunt aft] vague   
sy/ems2 let u occupy ourselves ) our    
true happ9ess2 let u pr(it ( ! b5efits  
spread be=e u2 let u lab\r to multiply  
!m1 by dim9i%+ ! numb] ( our errors2 let
 u quietly submit to ^? evils we _c     
avoid1 & n augm5t !m by fill+ our m9d ) 
prejudices calculat$ to lead u a/ray4   
,:5 we %all give x s]i\s reflection1 e  
?+ w cle>ly prove t ! pret5d$ sci5ce (  
!ology is1 9 tru?1 no?+ b presumptu\s   
ignorance1 mask$ "u pomp\s1             

un9telligible words4 ,9 %ort1 let u     
t]m9ate unfruitful rese>*es2 be cont5t  
at lea/ to ackn[l$ge our inv9cible      
ignorance2 x w cle>ly be m sub/antively 
advantage\s1 ?an an arrogant sci5ce1 :i*
 has hi!rto done little m ?an s[ discord
 on ! e>?--affliction 9 ! he>t ( man4   
,9 suppos+ a sov]eign intellig5ce :o    
gov]ns ! _w2 9 suppos+ a ,div9ity :o    
exacts f 8 creatures t !y %\ld h a k (  
him1 t !y %\ld und]/& 8 attributes1 8   
wisdom1 8 p[]2 :o is desir\s !y %\ld    
r5d] him homage2 x mu/ be all[$1 t no   
man on e>? 9 ?is respect completely     
fulfils ! views ( provid5ce4 ,inde$1    
no?+ is m demon/rable ?an !             
impossibility 9 :i* ! !ologians f9d     
!mselves1 to =m to _! m9d any idea      
:atev] ( ! ,div9ity4 ,procopius1 ! fir/ 
bi%op ( ! ,go?s1 says 9 ! mo/ solemn    
mann]3 ,i e/eem x a v fooli% tem]ity to 
be dispos$ to p5etrate into ! k ( !     
nature ( ,god2 & fur!r on he ackn[l$ges1
 t he has no?+ m to say ( him1 except t 
he is p]fectly good4 ,he :o kn[e? m1    

:e!r he be ecclesia/ic or layman1 has   
only to tell x4 ,! weakness1 ! obscurity
 ( ! pro(s (f]$1 ( ! sy/ems attribut$ to
 him1 ! manife/ contradictions into :i* 
!y fall1 ! sophisms1 ! begg+ ( ! "q1 :i*
 are employ$1 evid5tly prove !y are     
!mselves 9 ! greate/ inc]titude ^u !    
nature ( t be+ ) :om x is _! pr(ession  
to occupy _! ?\ghts3 ev5 ! au?or ( ,a   
,new ,view ( ,society ackn[l$ges1 t up  
to ?is mom5t x is1 n possible yet to say
 :i* is "r or :i* is wrong3 t _h any "o 
( ! v>i\s oppos+ sy/ems :i* until ?is   
day h gov]n$ ! _w1 & disunit$ man f man1
 be5 true1 )\t any mixture ( error2 t   
sy/em1 v spe$ily aft] its public        
promulgation1 w\ld h p]vad$ society1 &  
compell$ all m5 to h ackn[l$g$ its tru?4
 ,b grant+ t !y h a k ( ?is be+1 t 8    
ess5ce1 8 attributes1 8 sy/ems1 7 s     
fully demon/rat$ to !m1 z no long] to   
leave any d\bt 9 _! m9d1 d ! re/ ( !    
human race enjoy ! same advantages8 ,are
 !y1 9 fact1 9 a condition to be *>g$ ) 
?is k8 ,+5u\sly1 h[ _m p]sons are to be 

f\nd 9 ! _w1 :o h ! leisure1 ! capacity1
 ! p5etration1 necess>y to und]/& :at is
 meant to be designat$ "u ! "n ( an     
immat]ial be+--( a pure _s1 :o move?    
matt] )\t be+ himself matt]2 :o is !    
motive ( all ! p[]s ( nature1 )\t be+   
conta9$ 9 nature--)\t be+ able to t\* x8
 ,are !re1 9 ! mo/ religi\s societies1  
_m p]sons :o are compet5t to foll[ _!   
spiritual guides1 9 ! subtle pro(s :i*  
!y adduce 9 evid5ce ( _! cre$s1 ^u :i*  
!y bottom _! sy/ems ( !ology8  ,)\t "q v
 few m5 are capable ( pr(\nd1 connect$  
m$itation2 ! ex]cise ( int5se ?\ght is1 
= ! great] numb]1 a species ( lab\r z   
pa9ful z x is unusual4 ,! p1 oblig$ to  
toil h>d1 9 ord] to obta9 subsi/5ce1 are
 commonly incapable ( reflection2       
nobles1 m5 ( ! _w1 wom51 "y p1 occupi$ )
 _! own imm$iate affairs1 tak5 up )     
gratify+ _! passions1 employ$ 9 procur+ 
!mselves pleasure1 z r>ely ?9k deeply z 
! un9=m$4 ,!re are n1 p]haps1 two m5 9  
an hundr$ ?\s&1 :o h s]i\sly ask$       
!mselves ! "q1 ,:at x is !y und]/& by ! 

^w ,god8 ,:il/ x is extremely r>e to f9d
 p]sons to :om ! nature ( ,god is a     
problem4 ,nev]!less1 z we h said1       
conviction supposes t evid5ce alone has 
bani%$ d\bt f ! m9d4 ,:]e1 !n1 are ! web
 :o are conv9c$ ( ! rectitude ( ^!      
sy/ems8 ,:o are ^? 9 :om we %all f9d !  
complete c]titude ( ^! tru?s1 s         
important to all8 ,:o are ! p]sons1 :o h
 giv5 !mselves an accurate acc\nt ( !   
ideas !y h =m$ ^u ! ,div9ity1 ^u 8      
attributes1 ^u 8 ess5ce8 ,alas6 ?r\gh\t 
! :ole _w1 are only to be se5 "s        
speculators1 :o1 by d9t ( occupy+       
!mselves ) ! idea1 h1 ) great fatuity1  
believ$ !y h discov]$ some?+ decisive 9 
! confus$1 unconnect$ w&]+s ( _! own    
imag9ation2 !y h1 9 consequ5ce1         
endeav\r$ to =m a :ole1 :i*1 *im]ical z 
x is1 !y h accu/om$ !mselves to consid] 
z actually exi/+3 by =ce ( mus+ ^u x1 !y
 h sometimes p]suad$ !mselves !y1 saw x 
di/9ctly2 ^! h n unfrequ5tly succe$$ 9  
mak+ o!rs believe1 _! rev]ies1 al?\gh !y
 may n h mus$ ^u x q s mu* z !mselves4  

,x is seldom m ?an he>say1 t ! mass ( ! 
p adopt ei!r ! sy/ems ( _! fa!rs1 or (  
_! prie/s3 au?ority1 confid5ce1         
submission1 habit1 take place (         
conviction--sup]s$e pro(2 !y pro/rate   
!mselves be=e idols1 l5d !mselves to    
diff]5t cre$s1 because _! ance/ors h    
taught !m to fall d[n1 & wor%ip2 b nev] 
d !y inquire :]e=e !y b5d ! knee3 x is  
only because1 9 times f> di/ant1 _!     
legislators1 _! guides1 h impos$ x ^u !m
 z a duty2 ^! h said1 adore & believe ^?
 gods1 :om ye _c compreh5d2 yield       
y\rselves 9 ?is in/ance to our pr(\nd   
wisdom2 we "k m ?an ye d respect+ !     
,div9ity4 ,b :]e=e1 x might be inquir$1 
%\ld ,i take ?is sy/em ^u y\r au?ority8 
,x is1 !y w reply1 because ! gods w h x 
?us2 because !y w puni% y1 if y d>e to  
resi/4 ,b are n ^! gods ! ?+ 9 "q8      
,nev]!less1 man has always be5 satisfi$ 
) ?is circle ( errors2 ! idl5ess ( 8 m9d
 made him f9d x mo/ easy to yield to !  
judgm5t ( o!rs4 ,all sup]/itions are    
uni=mly f\nd$ ^u error1 e/abli%$ by     

au?ority2 equally =bid exam9ation2 are  
equally indispos$ to p]mit t man %\ld   
reason ^u !m2 x is p[] t wills he %\ld  
unconditionally accr$it !m3 !y are re/$ 
solely ^u ! influ5ce ( "s few m51 :o    
pret5d to a k ( ?+s1 :i* !y admit are   
incompreh5sible = all _! species2 :o1 at
 ! same "t1 affirm !y are s5t z         
mission>ies to ann\nce !m to !          
inhabitants ( ! e>?3 ^! inconceivable   
sy/ems1 =m$ 9 ! bra9 ( "s en?usia/ic    
p]sons1 h mo/ unque/ionably occasion =  
m5 to exp\nd !m to _! fell[s4 ,man is   
g5]ally cr$ul\s z a *ild ^u ^? objects  
:i* relate to sup]/ition2 he is told he 
mu/ believe !m2 z he g5]ally und]/&s    
no?+ ( ! matt]1 he imag9es he runs no   
risk 9 jo9+ s5tim5ts ) 8 prie/1 :om he  
supposes has be5 compet5t to discov] :at
 he himself is n able to compreh5d4 ,!  
mo/ rational p argue ?us3 ,:at %all ,i  
d8 ,:at int]e/ c s _m p]sons h to       
deceive8 ,b1 s]i\sly1 does ?is prove t  
!y d n deceive8 ,!y may d x f two       
motives3 ei!r because !y are !mselves   

deceiv$1 or because !y h a great int]e/ 
9 deceiv+4 ,by ! confession ( !         
!ologians !mselves1 man is1 = ! great]  
"p1 )\t religion3 he has only           
sup]/ition4 ,sup]/ition1 accord+ to !m1 
is a wor%ip ( ! ,div9ity1 ei!r badly    
und]/ood or irrational1 or else1 wor%ip 
r5d]$ to a false ,div9ity4 ,b :]e are ! 
p or ! cl]gy :o w all[1 ei!r t _!       
,div9ity is false1 or _! wor%ip         
irrational8 ,h[ %all x be decid$ :o is  
"r1 or :o is wrong8 ,x is evid5t t 9 ?is
 affair great numb]s mu/ be wrong4      
,inde$1 ,buddaeus1 9 8 ,treatise on     
,a!ism1 tells u1 9 ord] t a religion may
 be true1 n only ! object ( ! wor%ip mu/
 be true1 b we mu/ also h a j idea ( x4 
,he1 !n1 :o adore? ,god )\t kn[+ him1   
adore? him 9 a p]v]se & corrupt mann]1 &
 is g5]ally guilty ( sup]/ition4 ,?is   
grant$1 w\ld x n be fair to dem& ( !    
!ologians1 if !y !mselves c boa/ ( hav+ 
a j idea or real k ( ! ,div9ity8  ,admit
 = a mom5t !y h1 w\ld x n !n be evid5t1 
t x is = ! prie/1 = ! inspir$1 = !      

metaphysician1 t ?is idea1 :i* is said  
to be s necess>y = ! :ole human race1 is
 exclusively res]v$8 ,if we exam9e1     
h[ev]1 we %all n f9d any h>mony among ! 
!ological notions ( ^! v>i\s inspir$ m51
 or ( t hi]>*y :i* is scatt]$ ov] ! e>?3
 ev5 ^? :o make a pr(ession ( ! same    
sy/em1 are n 9 unison ^u ! lead+ po9ts4 
,are !y ev] cont5t$ ) ! pro(s (f]$ by _!
 colleagues8 ,d !y unanim\sly subscribe 
to ea* o!r's ideas8 ,are !y agre$ ^u !  
conduct to be adopt$2 ^u ! mann] (      
expla9+ _! texts2 ^u ! int]pretation ( !
 v>i\s oracles8 ,does !re exi/ "o c\ntry
 ^u ! :ole e>?1 :]e ! sci5ce ( !ology is
 actually p]fection$8--:]e ! ideas ( !  
,div9ity are r5d]$ s cle>1 z n to admit 
( cavil8 ,has ?is sci5ce obta9$ any ( t 
/ead9ess1 any ( t consi/5cy1 any ( t    
uni=mity1 :i* is f\nd atta*$ to o!r     
bran*es ( human k2 ev5 to ! mo/ futile  
arts1 or to ^? trades :i* are mo/       
despis$8 ,has ! multitude ( subtle      
di/9ctions1 ) :i* !ology 9 "s c\ntries  
is fill$ ?r\gh\t2 h ! words _s1         

immat]iality1 incorporeity1 pr$e/9ation1
 grace1 ) o!r +5i\s inv5tions1 imag9$ by
 sublime ?9k]s1 :o dur+ s _m ages h     
succe$$ ea* o!r1 actually _h any o!r    
effect ?an to p]plex ?+s2 to r5d] ! :ole
 obscure2 decid$ly un9telligible8 ,alas6
 d1 !y n (f] practical demon/ration1 t !
 sci5ce held =? z ! mo/ necess>y to man1
 has n1 hi!rto1 be5 able to acquire !   
lea/ degree ( /ability2 has rema9$ 9 !  
mo/ det]m9$ /ate ( indecision2 has      
entirely fail$ 9 obta9+ solidity8 ,=    
?\s&s ( ye>s ! mo/ idle dream]s h be5   
reliev+ ea* o!r1 m$itat+ on sy/ems1 div+
 into conceal$ ways1 inv5t+ hypo!sis    
suitable to develope ?is important      
enigma4 ,_! sl5d] success has n at all  
disc\rag$ !ological vanity2 ! prie/s h  
always spok5 ( x z ( a ?+ ) :i* !y 7 mo/
 intimately acqua9t$2 !y h disput$ ) all
 ! p]t9ancy ( demon/rat$ argum5t2 !y h  
de/roy$ ea* o!r ) ! mo/ savage b>b>ity2 
yet1 not)/&+1 to ?is mom5t1 ?is sublime 
sci5ce rema9s entirely unau!nticat$2    
almo/ unexam9$4 ,inde$1 if ?+s 7 coolly 

contemplat$1 x w\ld be obvi\s t ^!      
!ories are n =m$ = ! g5]ality ( mank9d1 
:o = ! mo/ "p are utt]ly incompet5t to  
compreh5d ! a]ial subtilities ^u :i* !y 
re/4 ,:o is ! man1 t und]/&e? any ?+ ( !
 fundam5tal pr9ciples ( ^! sy/ems8 ,^:  
capacity embraces spirituality1         
immat]iality1 incorporeity1 or ! my/]ies
 ( :i* he is e day in=m$8 ,are !re _m   
p]sons :o c boa/ ( p]fectly und]/&+ !   
/ate ( ! "q1 9 ^? !ological             
disputations1 :i* h frequ5tly _h !      
pot5cy to di/urb ! repose ( mank9d8     
,nev]!less1 ev5 wom5 believe !mselves   
oblig$ to take "p 9 ! qu>rels excit$ by 
^! idle speculators1 :o are ( less      
actual utility1 to society1 ?an ! meane/
 artizan4  ,man w\ld1 p]haps1 h be5 too 
happy1 if conf9+ himself to ^? visible  
objects :i* int]e/ him1 he _h employ$   
half t en]gy :i* he has wa/$ 9 rese>*es 
aft] incompreh5sible sy/ems1 ^u         
p]fection+ ! real sci5ces2 9 giv+       
consi/5cy to 8 laws2 9 e/abli%+ 8 morals
 ^u solid f\ndations2 9 spread+ a       

:olesome education among 8 fell[s4 ,he  
w\ld1 unque/ionably1 h be5 mu* wis]1 m  
=tunate1 if he _h agre$ to let 8 idle1  
unemploy$ guides qu>rel among !mselves  
unhe$$2 if he _h p]mitt$ !m to fa?om ^? 
dep?s calculat$ to a/\nd ! m9d1 to amaze
 ! intellect1 )\t int]m$dl+ ) _!        
irrational disputes4 ,b x is ! ess5ce ( 
ignorance1 to atta* great importance to 
e ?+ :i* x do? n und]/&4 ,human vanity  
makes ! m9d be> up aga9/ difficulties4  
,! m an object eludes our inquiry1 ! m  
ef=ts we make to compass x2 because f   
!nce our pride is spurr$ on1 our        
curiosity is set afloat1 our passions   
are irritat$1 & x assumes ! "* ( be+    
highly int]e/+ to u4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! m  
cont9u$1 ! m labori\s our rese>*es h    
be51 ! m importance we atta* to ei!r our
 real or our pret5d$ discov]ies2 ! m we 
are desir\s n to h wa/$ our "t2 besides1
 we are always ready w>mly to def5d !   
s\ndness ( our own judgm5t4 ,d n let u  
!n be surpris$ at ! int]e/ t ignorant   
p]sons h at all times tak5 9 !          

discov]ies ( _! prie/s2 nor at ! ob/9ate
 p]t9acity :i* !y h ev] manife/$ 9 _!   
disputes4 ,inde$1 9 combat+ = 8 own     
peculi> sy/em1 ea* only f\ght = !       
int]e/s ( 8 own vanity1 :i* ( all human 
passions is ! mo/ quickly al>m$1 ! mo/  
calculat$ to lead man on to ! commission
 ( great follies4  ,!ology is truly !   
vessel ( ! ,danaides4 ,by d9t (         
contradictory qualities1 by means ( bold
 ass]tions1 x has s %ackl$ its own      
sy/ems z to r5d] x impossible !y %\ld   
act4 ,inde$1 :5 ev5 we %\ld suppose !   
exi/5ce ( ^! !ological sy/ems1 ! reality
 ( codes s discordant ) ea* o!r & )     
!mselves1 we c conclude no?+ f !m to    
au?orize ! conduct1 or sanction ! mode (
 wor%ip :i* !y prescribe4 ,if _! gods   
are inf9itely good1 :]e=e %\ld we dread 
!m8 ,if !y are inf9itely wise1 :at      
reason h we to di/urb ourselves ) our   
condition8 ,if !y are omnisci5t1 :]e=e  
in=m !m ( our wants1 :y fatigue !m ) our
 reque/s8 ,if !y are omnipres5t1 ( :at  
use c x be to erect temples to !m8 ,if  

!y are lords ( all1 :y make sacrifices  
to !m2 :y br+ !m (f]+s ( :at already    
belongs to !m8 ,if !y are j1 ^u :at     
f\ndation believe t !y w puni% ^?       
creatures :om !y h fill$ ) imbecility8  
,if _! grace works e ?+ 9 man1 :at      
reason c !re be :y he %\ld be rew>d$8   
,if !y are omnipot5t1 h[ c !y be (f5d$2 
h[ c we resi/ !m8 ,if !y are rational1  
h[ c ! enrage !mselves aga9/ bl9d       
mortals1 to :om !y h left ! lib]ty (    
act+ irrationally8 ,if !y are immutable1
 by :at "r %all we pret5d to make !m    
*ange _! decrees8 ,if !y are            
inconceivable1 :]e=e %\ld we occupy     
ourselves ) !m8 ,if ! k ( ^! sy/ems be !
 mo/ necess>y ?+1 :]e=e are !y n m      
evid5t1 m consi/5t1 m manife/8  ,?is    
grant$1 he :o c undeceive himself on !  
afflict+ notions ( ^! !ories1 ha? ?is   
advantage ov] ! cr$ul\s1 trembl+1       
sup]/iti\s mortal--t he e/abli%es 9 8   
he>t a mom5t>y tranquility1 :i*1 at     
lea/1 r5d]e? him happy 9 ?is life4 ,if !
 /udy ( nature ha? bani%$ f 8 m9d1 ^?   

*im]as ) :i* ! sup]/itions man is       
infe/$1 he1 at lea/1 enjoys a security (
 :i* ?is sees himself depriv$4 ,9       
consult+ ?is nature1 8 fe>s are         
dissipat$1 8 op9ions1 :e!r true or      
false1 acquire a /ead9ess ( "*2 a calm  
succe$s ! /orm1 :i* panic t]ror1 !      
result ( wav]+ notions1 excite 9 ! he>ts
 ( all m5 :o occupy !mselves ) ^!       
sy/ems4 ,if ! human s\l1 *e]$ by        
philosophy1 _h ! boldness to consid] ?+s
 coolly2 x w\ld no long] behold !       
univ]se submitt$ to implacable sy/ems1  
"u :i* man is cont9ually trembl+4 ,if he
 0 rational1 he w\ld p]ceive t 9        
committ+ evil he did n di/urb nature2 t 
he ei!r injure? himself alone1 or       
injures o!r be+s capable ( feel+ !      
effects ( 8 conduct1 f !nce he w\ld "k !
 l9e ( 8 duties2 he w\ld pref] virtue to
 vice1 = 8 own p]man5t repose3 he w\ld1 
= 8 own satisfaction1 = 8 own felicity 9
 ?is _w1 f9d himself deeply int]e/$ 9 ! 
practice ( moral goodness2 9 r5d]+      
virtue habitual2 9 mak+ x de> to ! feel+

 ( 8 he>t3 8 own imm$iate welf>e w\ld be
 conc]n$ 9 avoid+ vice1 9 dete/+ crime1 
dur+ ! %ort season ( 8 abode among      
intellig5t1 s5sible be+s1 f :om he      
expects 8 happ9ess4 ,by atta*+ himself  
to ^! rules1 he w\ld live cont5t$ ) 8   
own conduct2 he w\ld be *]i%$ by ^? :o  
are capable ( feel+ ! influ5ce ( 8      
actions2 he w\ld expect )\t inquietude !
 t]m :5 8 exi/5ce %\ld h a p]iod2 he    
w\ld h no reason to dread ! exi/5ce :i* 
might foll[ ! "o he at pres5t enjoys3 he
 w\ld n fe> to be deceiv$ 9 8 reason+s4 
,guid$ by demon/ration1 l$ g5tly along  
by hone/y1 he w\ld p]ceive1 t he c\ld h 
no?+ to dread f a b5efic5t ,div9ity1 :o 
w\ld n puni% him = ^? involunt>y errors 
:i* dep5d ^u ! organization1 :i* )\t 8  
own cons5t he has receiv$4  ,su* a man s
 conduct+ himself1 w\ld h no?+ to       
appreh5d1 :e!r at ! mom5t ( 8 dea?1 he  
falls asleep = ev]2 or :e!r t sleep is  
only a prelude to ano!r exi/5ce1 9 :i*  
he %all f9d himself 9 ! pres5ce ( 8     
,god4 ,address+ himself to ! ,div9ity1  

he might ) confid5ce say1  ,o ,god6     
,fa!r1 :o ha? r5d]$ ?yself invisible to 
?y *ild6 ,inconceivable1 hidd5 ,au?or ( 
all1 :om ,i c\ld n discov]6 ,p>don me1  
if my limit$ und]/&+ ha? n be5 able to  
"k !e1 9 a nature1 :]e e ?+ ha? appe>$  
to me to be necess>y6 ,excuse me1 if my 
s5sible he>t ha? n disc]n$ ?9e augu/    
traits among ^? num]\s sy/ems :i*       
sup]/iti\s mortals trembl+ly adore3 if1 
9 t assemblage ( irreconcileable        
qualities1 ) :i* ! imag9ation ha? clo!d 
!e1 ,i c\ld only see a phantom4 ,h[ c\ld
 my co>se eyes p]ceive !e 9 nature1 9   
:i* all my s5ses h nev] be5 able to br+ 
me acqua9t$ b ) mat]ial be+s1 )1        
p]i%able =ms8 ,c\ld ,i1 by ! aid ( ^!   
s5ses1 discov] ?y spiritual ess5ce1 (   
:i* no "o c\ld furni% me any idea8 ,c\ld
 my feeble bra91 oblig$ to =m its       
judgm5ts aft] its own capacity1 disc]n  
?y plans1 measure ?y wisdom1 conceive   
?9e intellig5ce1 :il/ ! univ]se pres5t$ 
to my view a cont9u$ mixture ( ord] &   
confusion--( good & evil--( =mation &   

de/ruction8 ,h ,i be5 able to r5d]      
homage to ! ju/ice ( ?y prie/s1 :il/ ,i 
s frequ5tly beheld crime triumphant1    
virtue 9 te>s8 ,c\ld ,i possibly        
ackn[l$ge ! voice ( a be+ fill$ )       
wisdom1 9 ^? ambigu\s1 pu]ile1          
contradictory oracles1 publi%$ 9 ?y "n 9
 ! diff]5t c\ntries ( ! e>? ,i h quitt$8
 ,if ,i h n kn[n ?y peculi> exi/5ce1 x  
is because ,i h n kn[n ei!r :at ?\ c\ld/
 be1 :]e ?\ c\ld/ be plac$1 or !        
qualities :i* c\ld be assign$ !e4 ,my   
ignorance is excusable1 because x 0     
inv9cible3 my m9d c\ld n b5d itself "u !
 au?ority ( m51 :o ackn[l$g$ !y 7 z     
little enlight5$ ^u ?9e ess5ce z myself2
 :o 7 = ev] disput+ among !mselves2 :o 7
 9 h>mony only 9 imp]i\sly cry+ out to  
me1 to sacrifice to !m t reason :i* ?\  
had/ giv5 to me2 ,b1 oh ,god6 ,if ?\    
*]i%e/ ?y creatures1 ,i also1 l !e1 h   
*]i%$ !m2 ,i h endeav\r$ to r5d] !m     
happy1 9 ! sph]e 9 :i* ,i h liv$4 ,if ?\
 art ! au?or ( reason1 ,i h always li/5$
 to x--h ev] endeav\r$ to foll[ x2 if   

virtue please? !e1 my he>t ha? always   
hon\r$ x2 ,i h nev] will+ly outrag$ x3  
:5 my p[]s h p]mitt$ me1 ,i h myself    
practis$ x2 ,i 0 an affectionate husb&1 
a t5d] fa!r1 a s9c]e fri5d1 a fai?ful   
subject1 a zeal\s citiz52 ,i h held out 
consolation to ! afflict$2 & if !       
foibles ( my nature h be5 ei!r injuri\s 
to myself or incommodi\s to o!rs1 ,i h n
 at lea/ made ! un=tunate groan "u !    
weight ( my inju/ice4 ,i h n dev\r$ !   
sub/ance ( ! poor--,i h n se5 )\t pity !
 wid['s te>s2 ,i h n he>d )\t           
commis]ation ! cries ( ! orphan4 ,if ?\ 
did/ r5d] man sociable1 if ?\ 0 dispos$ 
t society %\ld subsi/1 if ?\ wa/ desir\s
 ! community might be happy1 ,i h be5 ! 
enemy to all :o oppress$ him1 ! decid$  
foe to all ^? :o deceiv$ him1 9 ord] t  
!y might advantage !mselves ( 8         
mis=tunes4  ,if ,i h n ?\ght prop]ly (  
!e1 x is because my und]/&+ c\ld n      
conceive !e2 if ,i h spok5 ill ( ?y     
sy/ems1 x is because my he>t1 p>tak+ too
 mu* ( human nature1 revolt$ aga9/ !    

odi\s portrait "u :i* !y depict$ !e4 ,my
 w&]+s h be5 ! effect ( ! temp]am5t :i* 
?\ ha/ giv5 me2 ( ! circum/ances 9 :i*1 
)\t my cons5t1 ?\ ha/ plac$ me2 ( ^?    
ideas1 :i* 9 despite ( me1 h ent]$ into 
my m9d4 ,z ?\ art good1 z ?\ art j1 7z  
we are assur$ ?\ art7 ?\ wilt n puni% me
 = ! w&]+s ( m9e imag9ation2 = faults   
caus$ by my passions1 :i* are ! necess>y
 consequ5ce ( ! organization :i* ,i h   
receiv$ f !e4 ,?us ,i _c d\bt ?y ju/ice1
 ,i _c dread ! condition :i* ?\ prep>e/ 
= me4 ,?y goodness _c h p]mitt$ t ,i    
%\ld incur puni%m5t = inevitable errors4
 ,?\ w\ld/ r prev5t my be+ born1 ?an h  
call$ me into ! rank ( intellig5t be+s1 
!re to enjoy ! fatal lib]ty ( r5d]+     
myself et]nally unhappy4  ,x is ?us t a 
disciple ( nature1 :o1 transport$ all at
 once into ! regions ( space1 %\ld f9d  
himself 9 ! pres5ce ( 8 ,god1 w\ld be   
able to speak1 al?\gh he %\ld n h be5 9 
a condition to l5d himself to all !     
ab/ract sy/ems ( !ology :i* appe> to h  
be5 inv5t$ = no o!r purpose ?an to      

ov]turn 9 8 m9d all natural ideas4 ,?is 
illusory sci5ce seems b5t an =m+ its    
sy/ems 9 a mann] ! mo/ contradictory to 
human reason2 not)/&+ we are oblig$ to  
judge 9 ?is _w accord+ to its dictates2 
if1 h[ev]1 9 ! succe$+ _w1 !re is no?+  
con=mable to ?is1 :at c be ( m          
inutility1 ?an to ?9k ( x or reason ^u  
x8 ,besides1 :]e=e %\ld we leave x to ! 
judgm5t ( m51 :o are1 !mselves1 only    
enabl$ to act aft] our mann]8  ,)\t a v 
m>k$ d]angem5t ( our organs1 our        
s5tim5ts h>dly ev] v>y ^u ^? objects :i*
 ei!r our s5ses exp]i5ce1 or :i* reason 
has cle>ly demon/rat$1 ,9 :atev]        
circum/ances we are f\nd1 we h no d\bt  
ei!r ^u ! :it5ess ( sn[1 ! light ( day1 
or ! utility ( virtue4 ,x is n s ) ^?   
objects :i* dep5d solely ^u our         
imag9ation--:i* are n prov$ to u by !   
con/ant evid5ce ( our s5ses2 we judge ( 
!m v>i\sly1 accord+ to ! dispositions 9 
:i* we f9d ourselves4 ,^! dispositions  
fluctuate by reason ( ! involunt>y      
impulse :i* our organs e in/ant receive1

 on ! "p ( an inf9ity ( causes1 ei!r    
ext]ior to ourselves1 or else conta9$ )9
 our own frame4 ,^! organs are1 )\t our 
k1 p]petually modifi$1 ei!r relax$ or   
brac$ by ! d5sity1 m or less1 ( !       
atmosph]e2 by heat & by cold2 by dryness
 & by humidity2 by heal? & by sickness2 
by ! heat ( ! blood2 by ! abundance (   
bile2 by ! /ate ( ! n]v\s sy/em1 c4 ,^! 
v>i\s causes h necess>ily an influ5ce ^u
 ! mom5t>y ideas1 ^u ! in/antane\s      
?\ghts1 ^u ! fleet+ op9ions ( man1 ,he  
is1 consequ5tly1 oblig$ to see "u a     
great v>iety ( hues1 ^? objects :i* 8   
imag9ation pres5ts to him2 )\t x all    
times hav+ ! capacity to correct !m by  
exp]i5ce3 to comp>e !m by memory4 ,?is1 
)\t d\bt1 is ! reason :y man is         
cont9ually oblig$ to view 8 gods1 to    
contemplate 8 sup]/iti\s sy/ems1 "u su* 
a div]sity ( aspects1 9 diff]5t p]iods (
 8 exi/5ce4 ,9 ! mom5t1 :5 8 fibres f9d 
!mselves dispos$ to he tremul\s1 he w be
 c[>dly1 pusillanim\s2 he w ?9k ( ^!    
sy/ems only ) fe> & trembl+4 ,9 ! mom5t1

 :5 ^! same fibres %all h m t5sion1 he w
 possess m firmness1 he w !n view ^!    
sy/ems ) great] coolness4 ,! !ologian w 
call 8 pusillanimity1 inw>d feel+2 w>n+ 
f heav52 secret inspiration2 b he :o    
kn[e? man1 w say t ?is is no?+ m ?an a  
me*anical motion1 produc$ by a physical 
or natural cause4 ,inde$1 x is by a pure
 physical me*anism1 t we c expla9 all ! 
revolutions t take place 9 ! sy/em1     
frequ5tly f "o m9ute to ano!r2 all !    
fluctuations 9 ! op9ions ( mank9d2 all !
 v>iations ( 8 judgm5t3 9 consequ5ce (  
:i* we sometimes see him reason+ ju/ly1 
sometimes 9 ! mo/ irrational mann]4     
,?is is ! mode by :i*1 )\t recurr+ to   
grace1 to inspirations1 to visions1 to  
sup]natural notions1 we c r5d] ourselves
 an acc\nt ( t unc]ta91 t wav]+ /ate    
into :i* we sometimes behold p]sons     
fall1 :5 !re is a "q respect+ _!        
sup]/ition1 :o are o!rwise extremely    
enlight5$4 ,frequ5tly1 9 despite ( all  
reason+1 mom5t>y dispositions re-conduct
 !m to ! prejudices ( _! infancy1 ^u :i*

 on o!r occasions !y appe> to be        
entirely undeceiv$4 ,^! *anges are v    
app>5t1 especially "u infirmities1 9    
sickness1 or at approa* ( dea?4 ,!      
b>omet] ( ! und]/&+ is !n frequ5tly     
oblig$ to fall4 ,^? *im]as :i* he       
despis$1 or :i* 9 a /ate ( heal?1 he set
 d[n at _! true value1 are !n realiz$4  
,he trembles1 because 8 ma*9e is        
enfeebl$2 he is irrational because 8    
bra9 is incapable ( fulfill+ its        
functions ) exactitude4 ,x is evid5t ^! 
are ! actual causes ( ^? *anges :i* !   
prie/s well "k h[ to make use ( aga9/   
:at !y call incr$ulity2 f :i* !y draw   
pro(s ( ! reality ( _! sublimat$        
op9ions4 ,^? conv]sions1 or ^?          
alt]ations1 :i* take place1 9 ! ideas ( 
man1 h always _! orig9 9 "s d]angem5t ( 
8 ma*9e2 br\ght on ei!r by *agr9 or by  
"s o!r natural or kn[n cause4  ,submitt$
 to ! cont9ual influ5ce ( physical      
causes1 our sy/ems inv>iably foll[ !    
v>iations ( ! body2 we reason well :5 ! 
body is heal?y--:5 x is s\ndly          

con/itut$2 we reason badly :5 !         
corporeal faculties are d]ang$2 f !nce  
our ideas become disconnect$1 we are no 
long] equal to ! task ( associat+ !m )  
precision2 we are incapable ( f9d+      
pr9ciples1 or to draw f !m j inf]5ces2 !
 bra91 9 fact1 is %ak52 we no long]     
contemplate any ?+ "u its actual po9t ( 
view4 ,x is a man ( ?is k9d1 :o does n  
see ?+s 9 fro/y wea!r1 "u ! same traits 
z :5 ! season is cl\dy1 or :5 x is ra9y2
 he does n view !m 9 ! same mann] 9     
sorr[ z 9 gaiety2 :5 9 company z :5     
alone4 ,good s5se sugge/s to u1 t x is  
:5 ! body is s\nd1 :5 ! m9d is undi/urb$
 by any mi/1 t we c reason ) accuracy2  
?is /ate c furni% u ) a g5]al /&>d1     
calculat$ to regulate our judgm5t2 ev5  
to rectify our ideas1 :5 unexpect$      
causes %all make !m wav]4  ,if ! op9ions
 ev5 ( ! same individual1 are fluctuat+1
 subject to vaccillate1 h[ _m *anges mu/
 !y exp]i5ce 9 ! v>i\s be+s :o compose !
 human race8 ,if !re d n1 p]haps1 exi/  
two p]sons :o see a physical object "u !

 same exact =m or col\r1 :at mu* great] 
v>iety mu/ !y n h 9 _! mode (           
contemplat+ ^? ?+s :i* h exi/5ce only 9 
_! imag9ation8 ,:at an inf9ity (        
comb9ations1 :at a multitude ( ideas1   
mu/ n m9ds ess5tially diff]5t1 =m to    
!mselves :5 !y endeav\r to compose an   
ideal be+1 :i* ea* mom5t ( _! exi/5ce   
mu/ pres5t to !m "u a diff]5t aspect8 ,x
 w\ld1 !n1 be a mo/ irrational          
ent]prise1 to attempt to prescribe to   
man :at he ought to ?9k ( sup]/ition1   
:i* is entirely "u ! cognizance ( 8     
imag9ation2 = ! admeasurem5t ( :i*1 z we
 h v frequ5tly repeat$1 mortals w nev] h
 any common /&>d4 ,to oppugn !          
sup]/iti\s op9ions ( man1 is to comm5ce 
ho/ilities ) 8 imag9ation--to attack 8  
fancy--to be at w> ) 8 organization--to 
ent] ! li/s ) 8 habits1 :i* are (       
!mselves suffici5t to id5tify ) 8       
exi/5ce1 ! mo/ absurd1 ! mo/ unf\nd$    
ideas4 ,! m imag9ation man has1 ! great]
 en?usia/ he w be 9 matt]s ( sup]/ition2
 reason w h ! less ability to undeceive 

him 9 8 *im]as4 ,9 proportion z 8 fancy 
is p[]ful1 ^! *im]as !mselves w become  
food necess>y to its ard5cy4 ,9 f9e1 to 
battle ) ! sup]/iti\s notions ( man1 is 
to combat ! passions he usually indulges
 = ! m>vell\s2 x is to assail him on t  
side :]e he is lea/ vuln]able2 to =ce   
him 9 t position :]e he unites all 8    
/r5g?--:]e he keeps ! mo/ vigilant gu>d4
 ,9 despite ( reason1 ^? p]sons :o h a  
lively imag9ation1 are p]petually       
re-conduct$ to ^? *im]as :i* habit r5d]s
 de> to !m1 ev5 :5 !y are f\nd          
tr\blesome2 al?\gh !y %\ld prove fatal4 
,?us a t5d] s\l ha? occasion = a ,god t 
love? him2 ! happy en?usia/ ne$e? a ,god
 :o rew>de? him2 ! un=tunate vision>y   
wants a ,god :o take? "p 9 8 sorr[s2 !  
melan*oly devotee require? a ,god :o    
*a/ise? him1 :o ma9ta9e? him 9 t tr\ble 
:i* has become necess>y to 8 diseas$    
organization2 ! frantic p5it5t exacte? a
 ,god1 :o imposes ^u him an obligation  
to be inhuman t[>ds himself2 :il/ !     
furi\s fanatic w\ld believe himself     

unhappy1 if he 0 depriv$ ( a ,god :o    
comm&$ him to make o!rs exp]i5ce !      
effect ( 8 inflam$ hum\rs1 ( 8 unruly   
passions4  ,he is1 )\t "q1 a less       
dang]\s en?usia/ :o fe$s himself )      
agreeable illusions1 ?an he ^: s\l is   
torm5t$ ) odi\s spectres4 ,if a placid1 
t5d] s\l1 does n commit ravages 9       
society1 a m9d agitat$ by incommodi\s   
passions1 _c fall to become1 soon] or   
lat]1 tr\blesome to 8 fell[ creatures4  
,! ,god ( a ,socrates1 or a ,f5elon1 may
 be suitable to s\ls z g5tle z !irs2 b  
he _c be t ( a :ole nation1 9 :i* x is  
extremely r>e m5 ( _! temp] are f\nd3 if
 hone/ m5 only view _! gods z fitt$ )   
b5efits2 vici\s1 re/less1 inflexible    
individuals1 w give !m _! own peculi>   
"*1 f !nce w au?orize !mselves to       
indulge1 a free c\rse to _! passions4   
,ea* w view 8 deities ) eyes only op5 to
 8 own reign+ prejudice2 ! numb] ( ^? :o
 w pa9t !m z afflict+ w always be       
great]1 mu* m to be fe>$1 ?an ^? :o %all
 del9eate !m "u s$uc+ colors3 = "o      

mortal t ^? ideas w r5d] happy1 !re w be
 ?\s&s :o w be made mis]able2 !y w1     
soon] or lat]1 become an inexhau/ible   
s\rce ( cont5tion2 a nev] fail+ spr+ (  
extravagant folly2 !y w di/urb ! m9d ( !
 ignorant1 ov] :om impo/ors w always ga9
 asc5dancy--ov] :om fanatics w ev] h an 
influ5ce3 !y w fright5 ! c[>dly1 t]rify 
! pussillanim\s1 ^: imbecility w incl9e 
!m to p]fidy1 ^: weakness w r5d] !m     
cruel2 !y w cause ! mo/ upright to      
tremble1 :o1 ev5 :ile practis+ virtue1 w
 fe> incurr+ ! div9e displeasure2 b !y w
 n arre/ ! progress ( ! wick$1 :o w     
easily ca/ !m aside1 t !y may ! m       
commodi\sly deliv] !mselves up to crime2
 or :o w ev5 take advantage ( ^!        
pr9ciples1 to ju/ify _! transgression4  
,9 %ort1 9 ! h&s ( tyrants1 ^! sy/ems w 
only s]ve to cru% ! lib]ty ( ! p2 w be !
 pretext = violat+1 ) impunity1 all     
equitable rights4 ,9 ! h&s ( prie/s !y w
 become talismans1 suitable to          
intoxicate ! m9d2 calculat$ to hoodw9k !
 p2 compet5t to subjugate equally !     

sov]eign z ! subject2 9 ! h&s ( !       
multitude1 !y w be a two-edg$ sword1 )  
:i* !y w inflict1 at ! same mom5t1 ! mo/
 dreadful w\nds on !mselves--! mo/ s]i\s
 injuries on _! associates4  ,on ! o!r  
h&1 ^! !ological sy/ems1 z we h se51 be+
 only an heap ( contradictions1 :i*     
repres5t ! ,div9ity "u ! mo/            
incompatible *>act]s1 seem to d\bt 8    
wisdom1 :5 !y invite mortals to address 
_! pray]s to him1 = ! gratification ( _!
 desires2 to pray to him to grant t :i* 
he has n ?\ght x prop] to accord to !m4 
,is x n1 9 o!r words1 to accuse him )   
neglect+ 8 creatures8 ,is x n to ask him
 to alt] ! et]nal decrees ( 8 ju/ice2 to
 *ange ! inv>iable laws :i* he ha?      
himself det]m9$8 ,is x n to say to him1 
,o1 my ,god6 ,i ackn[l$ge ?y wisdom1 ?9e
 omnisci5ce1 ?9e inf9ite goodness2      
nev]!less1 ?\ =gette/ ?y s]vant2 ?\     
lose/ sight ( ?y creature2 ?\ art       
ignorant1 or ?\ feigne/ ignorance1 ( t  
:i* he wante?3 do/ ?\ n see t ,i suff] f
 ! m>vell\s arrangem5t1 :i* ?y wise laws

 h made 9 ! univ]se8 ,nature1 aga9/ ?y  
comm&s1 actually r5d]s my exi/5ce       
pa9ful3 *ange !n1 ,i besee* !e1 ! ess5ce
 :i* ?y w has giv5 to all be+s4 ,grant t
 ! elem5ts1 at ?is mom5t1 lose 9 my     
favor _! di/+ui%+ prop]ties2 s ord] x1 t
 heavy bodies %all n fall1 t fire %all n
 burn1 t ! brittle frame :i* ,i h       
receiv$ at ?9e h&s1 %all n suff] ^?     
%ocks :i* x e in/ant exp]i5ces4         
,rectify1 ,i pray !e1 = my happ9ess1 !  
plan :i* ?9e inf9ite prud5ce ha? m>k$   
out f all et]nity4 ,su* is v ne>ly !    
eu*ology :i* man adopts2 su* are !      
discordant1 absurd reque/s :i* he       
cont9ually puts up to ! ,div9ity1 ^:    
wisdom he extols2 ^: intellig5ce he     
holds =? to admiration2 ^: provid5ce he 
eulogizes2 ^: equity he applauds2 :il/  
he is h>dly ev] cont5t$ ) ! effects ( ! 
div9e p]fections4  ,man is n m consequ5t
 9 ^? ?anksgiv+s :i* he believes himself
 oblig$ to (f] to ! ?rone ( grace4 ,is x
 n j1 he exclaims1 to ?ank ! ,div9ity = 
8 k9dness8 ,w\ld x n be ! height (      

+ratitude to refuse our homage to !     
,au?or ( our exi/5ce2 to )hold our      
ackn[l$gem5ts f ! ,giv] ( e ?+ t        
contributes to r5d] x agreeable8 ,b does
 he n frequ5tly (f] up 8 ?anksgiv+s =   
actions t ov]:elm 8 neighb\r ) mis]y8   
,does n ! husb&man on ! hill1 return    
?anks = ! ra9 t irrigates 8 l&s p>*$ )  
dr\ght1 :il/ ! cultivator ( ! valley is 
implor+ a cessation ( ^? %[]s :i* deluge
 8 fields--t r5d] useless ! lab\r ( 8   
h&s8 ,?us ea* becomes ?ankful = t :i* 8 
own limit$ views po9ts out to him z 8   
imm$iate int]e/1 reg>dless ( ! g5]al    
effect produc$ by ^? circum/ances on !  
welf>e ( 8 fell[s4 ,ea* believes t x is 
ei!r a peculi> disp5sation ( provid5ce 9
 8 own favor1 or a signal ( ! heav5ly   
wra? direct$ aga9/ himself2 :il/ !      
slighte/ reflection w\ld cle>ly ev9ce x 
to be no?+ m ?an ! inevitable ord] (    
?+s1 :i* take place )\t ! lea/ reg>d to 
8 individual com=ts4 ,f ?is x w be      
obvi\s1 t ^! sy/ems d n tea* _! vot>ies1
 practically1 to love _! neighb\r z     

!mselves4 ,b 9 matt]s ( sup]/ition1     
mortals nev] reason2 !y only foll[ !    
impulse ( _! fe>s2 ! direction ( _!     
imag9ation2 ! =ce ( _! temp]am5t2 ! b5t 
( _! own peculi> passions2 or ^? ( !    
guides1 :o h acquir$ ! "r ( control+ _! 
und]/&+4 ,fe> has g5]ally creat$ ^!     
sy/ems2 t]ror unceas+ly accompanies !m2 
x is impossible to reason :ile we       
tremble4  ,we d n1 h[ev]1 flatt]        
ourselves t reason w be capable1 all at 
once1 to deliv] ! human race f ^? errors
 ) :i* s _m causes unit$ h contribut$ to
 poison him4 ,! va9e/ ( all projects    
w\ld be ! expectation ( cur+1 9 an      
in/ant1 ^? epidemical follies1 ^?       
h]$it>y fallacies1 root$ dur+ s _m ages2
 cont9ually f$ by ignorance2 corroborat$
 by cu/om2 borne along by ! passions    
made invet]ate by int]e/2 gr\nd$ ^u !   
fe>s1 e/abli%$ ^u ! ev] reg5]at+        
calamities ( nations4 ,! anci5t disa/]s 
( ! e>? gave bir? to ! fir/ sy/ems (    
!ology1 new revolutions w\ld equally    
produce o!rs2 ev5 if ! old ones %\ld    

*ance to be =gotton4 ,ignorant1         
mis]able1 trembl+ be+s1 w always ei!r =m
 to !mselves sy/ems1 or else adopt ^?   
:i* impo/ure %all ann\nce--:i*          
fanaticism %all be dispos$ to give !m4  
,x w\ld !re=e be useless to propose m   
?an to hold out reason to ^? :o are     
compet5t to und]/& x2 to pres5t tru? to 
^? :o c su/a9 its lu/re2 :o c ) s]5ity  
contemplate its refulg5t beauty2 to     
undeceive ^? :o %all n be incl9$ to     
oppose ob/acles to demon/ration2 to     
enlight5 ^? :o %all n desire p]t9aci\sly
 to p]si/ 9 error4 ,let u1 !n1 infuse   
c\rage into ^? :o want p[] to break ) _!
 illusions2 let u *e] up ! hone/ man1 :o
 is mu* m al>m$ by 8 fe>s ?an ! wick$1  
:o1 9 despite ( 8 op9ions1 always foll[s
 ! rule ( 8 passions3 let u console !   
un=tunate1 :o groans "u a load (        
prejudices :i* he has n exam9$3 let u   
dissipate ! inc]titude ( ^? ^: d\bts    
r5d] !m unhappy2 :o +5u\sly seek aft]   
tru?1 b :o f9d 9 philosophy itself only 
wav]+ op9ions little calculat$ to       

det]m9e _! fluctuat+ m9ds4 ,let u bani% 
f ! man ( g5ius ^? *im]ical speculations
 :i* cause him to wa/e 8 "t2 let u wre/ 
8 gloomy sup]/ition f ! intimidat$      
mortal1 :o1 dup$ by 8 va9 fe>s1 becomes 
useless to society2 let u remove f !    
atrabil>i\s be+ ^? sy/ems t afflict him1
 t exasp]ate 8 m9d1 t d no?+ m ?an k9dle
 8 ang] aga9/ 8 incr$ul\s neighb\r2 let 
u te> f ! fanatic ^? t]rible ideas :i*  
arm him ) poni>ds aga9/ ! happ9ess ( 8  
fell[s2 let u pluck f tyrants1 let u    
snat* f impo/ors1 ^? op9ions :i* enable 
!m to t]rify1 to enslave1 & to despoil !
 human species4 ,9 remov+ f hone/ m5 _! 
=midable notions let u n enc\rage ^? ( !
 wick$1 :o are ! enemies ( society2 let 
u deprive ! latt] ( ^? illegitimate     
s\rces1 ^u :i* !y reckon to expiate _!  
transgressions2 let u sub/itute actual1 
pres5t t]rors1 to ^? :i* are di/ant &   
unc]ta9 to ^? :i* d n arre/ ! mo/       
lic5ti\s excesses2 let u make !         
pr(ligate blu% at behold+ !mselves :at  
!y really are2 let ! m9i/]s ( sup]/ition

 tremble at f9d+ _! conspiracies        
discov]$2 let !m dread ! arrival ( !    
day1 :5 mortals1 cur$ ( ^? errors ) :i* 
!y h abus$ !m1 w no long] be enslav$ by 
_! artifice4  ,if we _c induce nations  
to lay aside _! invet]ate prejudices1   
let u1 at lea/1 endeav\r to prev5t !m f 
relaps+ into ^? excesses1 to !          
commission ( :i* sup]/ition has s       
frequ5tly hurri$ !m2 let mank9d =m to   
himself *im]as1 if he _c d )\t !m2 let  
him ?9k z he may feel incl9$1 provid$ 8 
rev]ies d n make him =get t he is a man2
 t he does n cease to rememb] t a       
sociable be+ is n =m$ to resemble ! mo/ 
f]oci\s animals4 ,let u try to balance !
 fictiti\s int]e/s ( sup]/ition1 by ! m 
imm$iate advantages ( ! e>?4 ,let       
sov]eigns1 z well z _! subjects1 at l5g?
 ackn[l$ge t ! b5efits result+ f tru?1 !
 happ9ess aris+ f ju/ice1 ! tranquillity
 spr++ out ( :olesome laws1 ! bless+s to
 be d]iv$ f a rational education1 !     
sup]iority to be obta9$ f a physical1   
peaceable morality1 are mu* m sub/antive

 ?an ^? !y va9ly expect f _! respective 
sup]/iti\s sy/ems1 ,let !m feel1 t      
advantages s tangible1 b5efits s        
preci\s1 ought n to be sacrific$ to     
unc]ta9 hopes1 s frequ5tly contradict$  
by exp]i5ce4 ,9 ord] to conv9ce !mselves
 ( ^! tru?s1 let e rational man consid] 
! numb]less crimes :i* sup]/ition has   
caus$ ^u our globe2 let !m /udy !       
frightful hi/ory ( !ology3 let !m read  
ov] ! biography ( its m odi\s m9i/]s1 :o
 h too (t5 fann$ ! _s ( discord--k9dl$ !
 flame ( fury--/irr$ up ! rag+ fire (   
madness3 let ! pr9ce & ! p1 at lea/1    
sometimes le>n to resi/ ! demoniacal    
passions ( ^! int]pret]s ( un9telligible
 sy/ems1 :i* !y ackn[l$ge !y d n        
!mselves at all und]/&1 especially :5 !y
 %all invoke !m to be inhuman2 :5 !y    
%all prea* up intol]ance2 :5 !y invite  
!m to b>b>ity2 above all1 :5 !y %all    
comm& !m1 9 ! "n ( _! gods1 to /ifle !  
cries ( nature2 to put d[n ! voice (    
equity2 to be deaf to ! remon/rances (  
reason2 to be bl9d to ! int]e/ (        

society4  ,feeble mortals6 l$ a/ray by  
error1 h[ long w ye p]mit y\r           
imag9ation1 s active1 s prompt to seize 
on ! m>vell\s1 to cont9ue to seek out ( 
! univ]se pretexts to r5d] y baneful to 
y\rselves1 injuri\s to ! be+s ) :om ye  
live 9 society8 ,:]e=e d ye n foll[ 9   
peace1 ! simple1 easy r\te m>k$ out = ye
 by nature8 ,to :at purpose d ye scatt] 
?orns on ! road ( life8 ,:at avails x1 t
 ye multiply ^? sorr[s to :i* y\r de/9y 
exposes ye8 ,:at advantages c ye d]ive f
 sy/ems ) :i* ! unit$ ef=ts ( ! :ole    
human species h n be5 compet5t to br+ ye
 acqua9t$8 ,be cont5t1 !n1 to rema9     
ignorant ( t1 :i* ! human m9d is n =m$  
to compreh5d2 :i* human intellect is n  
adequate to embrace3 occupy y\rselves ) 
tru?2 le>n ! invaluable art ( liv+      
happy2 p]fection y\r morals2 give       
rationality to y\r gov]nm5ts2 simplify  
y\r laws1 & re/ !m on ! pill>s ( ju/ice2
 wat* ov] education1 & see t x is ( an  
invigorat+ quality2 give att5tion to    
agriculture1 & enc\rage b5eficial       

improvem5ts2 fo/] ^? sci5ces :i* are    
actually useful1 & place _! pr(essors 9 
! mo/ honorable /ations2 labor ) ard\r1 
& munific5tly rew>d ^? ^: assiduity     
promotes ! g5]al welf>e2 oblige nature  
by y\r indu/ry to op5 h] imm5se /ores1  
to become propiti\s to y\r ex]tions2 d  
^! ?+s1 & ! gods w oppose no?+ to y\r   
felicity4 ,leave to idle ?9k]s1 to      
soporific dream]s1 to wak+ vision>ies1  
to useless en?usia/s1 ! unproductive    
task1 ! unfruitful occupation1 ( fa?om+ 
dep?s1 f :i* ye ought s$ul\sly to div]t 
y\r att5tion2 enjoy ) mod]ation1 !      
b5efits atta*$ to y\r pres5t exi/5ce2   
augm5t _! numb] :5 reason sanctions !   
multiplication2 b nev] attempt to spr+  
y\rselves =w>d1 beyond ! sph]e de/9$ =  
y\r action4 ,if y mu/ h *im]as1 p]mit   
y\r fell[ creatures to h !irs also2 b   
nev] cut ! ?roats ( y\r bre?r51 :51 !y  
_c rave 9 y\r own mann]4 ,if ye w h     
un9telligible sy/ems1 if ye _c be       
cont5t$ )\t m>vell\s doctr9es1 if !     
infirmities ( y\r nature require an     

invisible crut*1 adopt su* z may be/    
suit ) y\r hum\r2 select ^? :i* y may   
?9k mo/ calculat$ to support y\r tott]+ 
frame2 if ye c1 let y\r own imag9ation  
give bir? to !m2 b d n insi/ on y\r     
neighb\rs mak+ ! same *oice ) y\rself3 d
 n suff] ^! imag9>y !ories to infuriate 
y\r m9d3 let !m n s f> intoxicate y\r   
und]/&+s1 z to make ye mi/ake ! duties  
ye owe to ! real be+s ) :om ye are      
associat$4 ,always rememb]1 t among/ ^! 
duties1 ! =emo/1 ! mo/ consequ5tial1 !  
mo/ imm$iate 9 its be>+ ^u ! felicity ( 
! human race1 /&s1 a reasonable         
indulg5ce = ! foibles ( o!rs4           
,,*ap4 ,,xi4  ,def5ce ( ! ,s5tim5ts     
conta9$ 9 ?is ,"w4--,( ,impiety4--,d !re
 exi/ ,a!i/s8   ,:at has be5 said 9 !   
c\rse ( ?is "w1 ought suffici5tly to    
undeceive ^? :o are capable ( reason+ on
 ! prejudices to :i* !y atta*$ s mu*    
importance4 ,b ! mo/ evid5t tru?s       
frequ5tly cr\* "u fe>2 are kept at bay  
by habit2 prove abortive aga9/ ! =ce (  
en?usiasm4 ,no?+ is m difficult to      

remove f its re/+ place ?an error1      
especially :5 long prescription has giv5
 x full possession ( ! human m9d4 ,x is 
almo/ unassailable :5 support$ by g5]al 
cons5t2 :5 x is propagat$ by education2 
:5 x has acquir$ invet]acy by cu/om3 x  
commonly resi/s e ef=t to di/urb x1 :5 x
 is ei!r =tifi$ by example1 ma9ta9$ by  
au?ority1 n\ri%$ by ! hopes1 or *]i%$ by
 ! fe>s ( a p1 :o h le>n$ to look ^u ^! 
delusions z ! mo/ pot5t rem$ies = _!    
sorr[s4 ,su* are ! unit$ =ces :i* su/a9 
! empire ( un9telligible sy/ems ov] !   
inhabitants ( ?is _w2 !y appe> to give  
/ability to _! ?rone2 to r5d] _! p[]    
immoveable2 to make _! reign z la/+ z ! 
human race4  ,we ne$ n1 !n1 be surpris$ 
at see+ ! multitude *]i% _! own         
bl9dness2 enc\rage _! sup]/iti\s        
notions2 exhibit ! mo/ s5sitive fe> (   
tru?4 ,e :]e we behold mortals ob/9ately
 atta*$ to phantoms f :i* !y expect _!  
happ9ess2 not)/&+ ^! fallacies are      
evid5tly ! s\rce ( all _! sorr[s4       
,deeply smitt5 ) ! m>vell\s1 disda9+ !  

simple1 despis+ t :i* is easy (         
compreh5sion1 b little in/ruct$ 9 ! ways
 ( nature1 accu/om$ to neglect ! use (  
_! reason1 ! un9=m$1 f age to age1      
pro/rate !mselves be=e ^? invisible p[]s
 :i* !y h be5 taught to adore4 ,to ^! !y
 address _! mo/ f]v5t pray]s2 implore !m
 9 _! mis=tunes1 (f] !m ! fruits ( _!   
lab\r2 !y are unceas+ly occupi$ ei!r )  
?ank+ _! va9 idols = b5efits !y h n     
receiv$ at _! b&s1 or else 9 reque/+ f  
!m favors :i* !y c nev] obta94 ,nei!r   
exp]i5ce nor reflection c undeceive !m2 
!y d n p]ceive ^! idols1 ! "w ( _! own  
h&s1 h always be5 deaf to _! intreaties2
 !y ascribe x to _! own conduct2 believe
 !m to be viol5tly irritat$3 !y tremble1
 groan out ! mo/ dismal lam5tations2    
sigh bitt]ly 9 _! temples2 /rew _! alt>s
 ) pres5ts2 load _! prie/s ) _!         
l>gesses2 x nev] /rikes _! att5tion t ^!
 be+s1 :om !y imag9e s p[]ful1 are      
!mselves submitt$ to nature2 are nev]   
propiti\s to _! wi%es1 b :5 nature      
h]self is fav\rable4 ,x is ?us t nations

 are ! accomplices ( ^? :o deceive !m2  
are !mselves z mu* oppos$ to tru? z ^?  
:o lead !m a/ray4  ,9 matt]s (          
sup]/ition1 !re are v few p]sons :o d n 
p>take1 m or less1 ( ! op9ions ( !      
illit]ate4 ,e man :o ?r[s aside !       
receiv$ ideas1 is g5]ally consid]$ a    
madman2 is look$ ^u z a presumptu\s be+1
 :o insol5tly believes himself mu* wis] 
?an 8 associates4 ,at ! magical s\nd (  
sup]/ition1 a sudd5 panic1 a tremul\s   
t]ror takes possession ( ! human        
species3 :5ev] x is attack$1 society is 
al>m$2 ea* individual imag9es he already
 sees ! cele/ial mon>* lift 8 av5g+ arm 
aga9/ ! c\ntry 9 :i* rebelli\s nature   
has produc$ a mon/] ) suffici5t tem]ity 
to brave ^! sacr$ op9ions4 ,ev5 ! mo/   
mod]ate p]sons tax ) folly1 br& )       
s$ition1 :oev] d>es combat ) ^! imag9>y 
sy/ems1 ! rights ( :i* good s5se has    
nev] yet exam9$4 ,9 consequ5ce1 ! man :o
 und]takes to te> ! b&eau ( prejudice1  
appe>s an irrational be+--a dang]\s     
citiz52 8 s5t5ce is pron\nc$ ) a voice  

almo/ unanim\s2 ! public indignation1   
r\s$ by fanaticism1 /irr$ up by         
impo/ure1 r5d]s x impossible = him to be
 he>d 9 8 def5ce2 e "o believes himself 
culpable1 if he does n exhibit 8 fury   
aga9/ him2 if he does n display 8 zeal 9
 hunt+ him d[n2 x is by su* means man   
seeks to ga9 ! favor ( ! angry gods1 ^: 
wra? is suppos$ to be provok$4 ,?us !   
individual :o consults 8 reason1 !      
disciple ( nature1 is look$ ^u z a      
public pe/2 ! enemy to sup]/ition is    
reg>d$ z ! enemy to ! human race2 he :o 
w\ld e/abli% a la/+ peace among/ m51 is 
treat$ z ! di/urb] ( society2 ! man :o  
w\ld be dispos$ to *e] affright$ mortals
 by break+ ^? idols1 be=e :om prejudice 
has oblig$ !m to tremble1 is unanim\sly 
proscrib$ z an a!i/4 ,at ! b>e "n ( a!i/
 ! sup]/iti\s man quakes2 ! dei/ himself
 is al>m$2 ! prie/ ent]s ! judgem5t *air
 ) fury gl>+ 9 8 eyes2 tyranny prep>es 8
 fun]al pile1 ! vulg> applaud !         
puni%m5ts :i* irrational1 p>tial laws1  
decree aga9/ ! true fri5d ( ! human     

species4  ,su* are ! s5tim5ts :i* e man 
mu/ expect to excite1 :o %all d>e to    
pres5t 8 fell[ creatures ) t tru? :i*   
all appe> to be 9 se>* (1 b :i* all ei!r
 fe> to f9d1 or else mi/ake :at we are  
dispos$ to %ew x to !m4 ,b :at is ?is   
man1 :o is s f\lly calumniat$ z an a!i/8
 ,he is "o :o de/roye? *im]as           
prejudicial to ! human race2 :o         
endeav\rs to re-conduct w&]+ mortals    
back to nature2 :o is desir\s to place  
!m ^u ! road ( exp]i5ce2 :o is anxi\s t 
!y %\ld actively employ _! reason4 ,he  
is a ?9k]1 :o1 hav+ m$itat$ ^u matt]1   
its en]gies1 its prop]ties1 its modes ( 
act+1 ha? no occasion to inv5t ideal    
p[]s1 to recur to imag9>y sy/ems1 9 ord]
 to expla9 ! ph5om5a ( ! univ]se--to    
develope ! op]ations ( nature2 :o ne$s n
 creatures ( ! imag9ation1 :i* f> f mak+
 him bett] und]/& nature1 d no m ?an    
r5d] x :olly inexplicable1 an           
un9telligible mass1 useless to !        
happ9ess ( mank9d4  ,?us1 ! only m5 :o c
 h pure1 simple1 actual ideas ( nature1 

are consid]$ ei!r z absurd or knavi%    
speculators4 ,^? :o =m to !mselves      
di/9ct1 intelligible notions ( ! p[]s ( 
! univ]se1 are accus$ ( d5y+ ! exi/5ce (
 ?is p[]3 ^? :o f\nd e ?+ t is op]at$ 9 
?is _w1 ^u det]m9ate1 immutable laws1   
are accus$ ) attribut+ e ?+ to *ance2   
are tax$ ) bl9dness1 br&$ ) delirium1 by
 ^? v en?usia/s !mselves1 ^: imag9ation1
 always w&]+ 9 a vacuum1 regul>ly       
attribute ! effects ( nature to         
fictiti\s causes1 :i* h no exi/5ce b 9  
_! own heat$ bra92 to fanciful be+s ( _!
 own creation2 to *im]ical p[]s1 :i* !y 
ob/9ately p]si/ 9 pref]r+ to actual1    
demon/rable causes4 ,no man 9 8 prop]   
s5ses c d5y ! en]gy ( nature1 or !      
exi/5ce ( a p[] by virtue ( :i* matt]   
acts2 by :i* x puts itself 9 motion2 b  
no man c1 )\t r5\nc+ 8 reason1 attribute
 ?is p[] to an immat]ial sub/ance2 to a 
p[] plac$ out ( nature2 di/+ui%$ f      
matt]2 hav+ no?+ 9 common ) x4 ,is x n  
say+1 ?is p[] does n exi/1 to pret5d t x
 resides 9 an unkn[n be+1 =m$ by an heap

 ( un9telligible qualities1 (           
incompatible attributes1 f :5ce         
necess>ily results a :ole1 impossible to
 h exi/5ce8 ,inde/ructible elem5ts1 !   
atoms ( ,epicurus1 ( :i* x is said !    
motion1 ! collision1 ! comb9ation1 h    
produc$ all be+s1 are1 unque/ionably1   
mu* m tangible ?an ! num]\s !ological   
sy/ems1 broa*$ 9 v>i\s p>ts ( ! e>?4    
,?us1 to speak precisely1 !y are !      
p>tizans ( imag9>y !ories1 ! advocates (
 contradictory be+s1 ! def5d]s ( cre$s1 
impossible to be conceiv$1 ! contriv]s (
 sub/ances :i* ! human m9d _c embrace on
 any side1 :o are ei!r absurd or knavi%2
 ^? en?usia/s1 :o (f] u no?+ b vague    
names1 ( :i* e ?+ is d5i$1 ( :i* no?+ is
 affirm$1 are ! real ,a!i/s2 ^?1 ,i say1
 :o make su* be+s ! au?ors ( motion1 !  
pres]v]s ( ! univ]se1 are ei!r bl9d or  
irrational4 ,are n ^? dream]s1 :o are   
incapable ( atta*+ any "o positive idea 
to ! causes ( :i* !y unceas+ly speak1   
true d5i]s8 ,are n ^? vision>ies1 :o    
make a pure no?+ ! s\rce ( all be+s1 m5 

really grop+ 9 ! d>k8 ,is x n ! height (
 folly to p]sonify ab/ractions1 to      
organize negative ideas1 & !n to        
pro/rate ourselves be=e ! figm5ts ( our 
own bra98  ,nev]!less1 !y are m5 ( ?is  
temp] :o regulate ! op9ions ( ! _w2 :o  
hold up to public scorn1 ^? :o are      
consi/5t to pr9ciple2 :o expose to ! mo/
 infuriate v5geance1 ^? :o are m        
rational ?an !mselves4 ,if y w b accr$it
 ^? pr(\nd dream]s1 !re is no?+ %ort (  
madness1 no?+ on ?is side ! mo/ complete
 d]angem5t ( intellect1 t c reject a    
totally incompreh5sible motive-p[] 9    
nature4 ,is x1 !n1 delirium to pref] !  
kn[n to ! unkn[n8 ,is x a crime to      
consult exp]i5ce1 to call 9 ! evid5ce ( 
our s5ses1 9 ! exam9ation ( t :i* we are
 in=m$ is ! mo/ important to be         
und]/ood8 ,is x a horrid outrage to     
address ourselves to reason2 to pref]   
its oracles to ! sublime decisions ( "s 
sophi/s1 :o !mselves ackn[l$ge !y d n   
compreh5d any ?+ ( ! sy/ems !y ann\nce8 
,nev]!less1 accord+ to ^! m51 !re is no 

crime m wor?y ( puni%m5t--!re is no     
ent]prize m dang]\s to morals--no       
treason m sub/antive aga9/ society1 ?an 
to despoil ^! immat]ial sub/ances1 :i*  
!y "k no?+ ab\t1 ( ^? inconceivable     
qualities :i* ^! le>n$ doctors ascribe  
to !m--( t equipage ) :i* a fanatical   
imag9ation has furni%$ !m--( ^?         
miracul\s prop]ties ) :i* ignorance1    
fe>1 & impo/ure h emulat$ ea* o!r 9     
surr\nd+ !m3 !re is no?+ m impi\s ?an to
 call =? man's reason ^u sup]/iti\s     
cre$s2 no?+ m h]etical ?an to *e] up    
mortals aga9/ sy/ems1 ( :i* ! idea alone
 is ! s\rce ( all _! sorr[s2 !re is no?+
 m pi\s1 no?+ m or?odox1 ?an to         
ext]m9ate ^? audaci\s be+s :o h _h      
suffici5t tem]ity to attempt to break an
 invisible *>m t keeps ! human species  
b5umb$ 9 error3 if we are to put fai? 9 
! assev]ations ( ! hi]>*y1 to be dispos$
 to break man's *a9s is to r5d asund] 8 
mo/ sacr$ bonds4  ,9 consequ5ce ( ^!    
clam\rs1 p]petually r5ovat$ by !        
disciples ( impo/ure1 kept con/antly    

afloat by ! !ologians1 reit]at$ by      
ignorance1 ^? nations1 :i* reason1 9 all
 ages1 has s\ght to undeceive1 h nev]   
d>$ to he>k5 to its b5evol5t lessons3 !y
 h /ood agha/ at ! v "n ( physical tru?4
 ,! fri5ds ( mank9d 7 nev] li/5$ to1    
because !y 7 ! enemies to 8             
sup]/ition--! exam9]s ( ! doctr9es ( 8  
prie/4 ,?us ! p cont9u$ to tremble2 v   
few philosoph]s _h ! c\rage to *e] !m2  
sc>cely any "o d>$ brave public op9ion2 
completely inoculat$ by sup]/ition1 !y  
dread$ ! p[] ( impo/ure1 ! m5aces (     
tyranny1 :i* always s\ght to uphold     
!mselves by delusion4 ,! yell (         
triumphant ignorance1 ! rant ( haughty  
fanaticism1 at all "t /ifl$ ! feeble    
voice ( ! disciple ( nature2 8 lessons 7
 quickly =gott52 he 0 oblig$ to keep    
sil5ce2 :5 he ev5 d>$ to speak1 x 0     
frequ5tly only 9 an enigmatical         
language1 p]fectly un9telligible to !   
great mass ( mank9d4 ,h[ %\ld ! un9=m$1 
:o ) difficulty compass ! mo/ evid5t    
tru?s1 ^? t are ! mo/ di/9ctly ann\nc$1 

be able to compreh5d ! my/]ies ( nature1
 pres5t$ "u half words1 c\*$ "u         
intricate emblems4  ,9 contemplat+ !    
outrage\s language :i* is excit$ among  
!ologians1 by ! op9ions ( ^? :om !y     
*oose to call a!i/s2 9 look+ at !       
puni%m5ts :i* at _! in/igation 7        
frequ5tly decre$ aga9/ !m1 %\ld we n be 
au?oriz$ to conclude1 t ^! doctors ei!r 
are n s c]ta9 z !y say !y are1 ( !      
infallibility ( _! respective sy/ems2 or
 else t !y d n consid] ! op9ions ( _!   
adv]s>ies s absurd z !y pret5d8 ,x is   
always ei!r di/ru/1 weakness1 or fe>1   
frequ5tly ! :ole unit$1 t r5d] m5 cruel2
 !y h no ang] aga9/ ^? :om !y despise2  
!y d n look ^u folly z a puni%able      
crime4 ,we %\ld be cont5t ) laugh+ at an
 irrational mortal1 :o %\ld d5y !       
exi/5ce ( ! sun2 we %\ld n ?9k ( puni%+ 
him1 unless we _h1 ourselves1 tak5 leave
 ( our s5ses4 ,!ological fury nev]      
proves m ?an ! imbecility ( its cause4  
,lucian describes ,jupit]1 :o disput+ ) 
,m5ippus1 is dispos$ to /rike him to !  

e>? ) 8 ?und]2 ^u :i* ! philosoph] says 
to him1 ,ah6 ?\ vexe/ ?yself1 ?\ use/ ?y
 ?und]6 !n ?\ art 9 ! wrong4 ,!         
inhumanity ( ^! m5-mon/]s1 ^: pr(ession 
x 0 to ann\nce *im]ical sy/ems to       
nations1 inconte/ibly proves1 t !y alone
 h an int]e/ 9 ! invisible p[]s !y      
describe2 ( :i* !y successfully avail   
!mselves to t]rify1 mortals3 !y are ^!  
tyrants ( ! m9d1 h[ev]1 :o1 b little    
consequ5t to _! own pr9ciples1 undo ) "o
 h& t :i* !y re> up ) ! o!r3 !y are ^!  
pr(\nd logicians :o1 aft] hav+ =m$ a    
deity fill$ ) goodness1 wisdom & equity1
 traduce1 disgrace1 & completely        
annihilate him1 by sav+ he is cruel1    
caprici\s1 unju/1 & despotic3 ?is       
grant$1 ^! m5 are truly impi\s2 decid$ly
 h]etical4  ,he :o kn[e? n ?is sy/em1 _c
 d x any injury1 consequ5tly _c be call$
 impi\s4 ,to be impi\s1 says ,epicurus1 
is n to take away f ! illit]ate ! gods  
:i* !y h2 x is to attribute to ^! gods !
 op9ions ( ! vulg>4 ,to be impi\s is to 
insult sy/ems :i* we believe2 x is      

kn[+ly to outrage !m4 ,to be impi\s1 is 
to admit a b5evol5t1 j ,god1 at ! same  
"t we prea* up p]secution & c>nage4 ,to 
be impi\s1 is to deceive m5 9 ! "n ( a  
,deity1 :om we make use ( z a pretext = 
our own unwor?y passions4 ,to be impi\s1
 is to speak falsely on ! "p ( a ,god1  
:om we suppose to be ! enemy (          
falsehood4 ,9 f9e1 to be impi\s1 is to  
make use ( ! "n ( ! ,div9ity 9 ord] to  
di/urb society--to enslave x to         
tyrants--to p]suade man t ! cause (     
impo/ure is ! cause ( ,god2 x is to     
impute to ,god ^? crimes :i* w\ld       
annihilate 8 div9e p]fections4 ,to be   
impi\s1 & irrational1 at ! same "t1 is  
to make1 by ! aggregation ( discrepant  
qualities1 a m]e *im]a ( ! ,god we      
adore4  ,on ! o!r h&1 to be pi\s1 is to 
s]ve our c\ntry ) fidelity2 x is to be  
useful to our fell[ creatures2 to lab\r 
to ! welf>e ( society4 ,e "o c put 9 8  
claim to ?is piety1 accord+ to 8        
faculties2 he :o m$itates c r5d] himself
 useful1 :5 he has ! c\rage to ann\nce  

tru?--to attack error--to battle ^?     
prejudices :i* ev]y:]e oppose !mselves  
to ! happ9ess ( mank9d2 x is to be truly
 useful1 x is ev5 a duty1 to wre/ f !   
h&s ( mortals ^? homicidal weapons :i*  
wret*$ fanatics s pr(usely di/ribute    
among !m2 x is highly praisewor?y to    
deprive impo/ure ( its influ5ce2 x is   
lov+ our neighb\r z ourself to despoil  
tyranny ( its fatal empire ov] op9ion1  
:i* at all times x s successfully       
employs to elevate knaves at ! exp5ce ( 
public happ9ess2 to erect its p[] ^u !  
ru9s ( lib]ty2 to e/abli% unruly        
passions ^u ! wreck ( public security4  
,to be truly pi\s1 is religi\sly to     
obs]ve ! :olesome laws ( nature2 to     
foll[ up fai?fully ^? duties :i* %e     
prescribes to u2 9 %ort1 to be pi\s is  
to be humane1 equitable1 b5evol5t3 x is 
to respect ! rights ( mank9d4 ,to be    
pi\s & rational at ! same "t1 is to     
reject ^? rev]ies :i* w\ld be compet5t  
to make u mi/ake ! sob] c\nsels (       
reason4  ,?us1 :atev] fanaticism1 :atev]

 impo/ure may say1 he :o d5ie? !        
solidity ( sy/ems :i* h no o!r f\ndation
 ?an an al>m$ imag9ation2 he :o rejecte?
 cre$s cont9ually 9 contradiction )     
!mselves2 he :o bani%e? f 8 he>t1       
doctr9es p]petually wre/l+ ) nature1    
always 9 ho/ility ) reason1 ev] at w> ) 
! happ9ess ( man2 he1 ,i repeat1 :o     
undeceive? himself on su* dang]\s       
*im]as1 :5 8 conduct %all n deviate f ^?
 inv>iable rules :i* s\nd morality      
dictates1 :i* nature approves1 :i*      
reason prescribes1 may be fairly reput$ 
pi\s1 hone/1 & virtu\s4 ,because a man  
refuse? to admit contradictory sy/ems1 z
 well z ! obscure oracles1 :i* are issu$
 9 ! "n ( ! gods1 does x !n foll[1 t su*
 a man refuses to ackn[l$ge ! evid5t1 ! 
demon/rable laws ( nature1 ^u :i* he    
dep5ds1 ( :i* he 9 oblig$ to fulfil !   
necess>y duties1 "u pa9 ( be+ puni%$ 9  
?is _w2 :atev] he may be 9 ! 9 ! next8  
,x is true1 t if virtue c\ld by any     
*ance consi/ 9 an ignom9i\s r5unciation 
( reason1 9 a de/ructive fanaticism1 9  

useless cu/oms1 ! a!i/1 z he is call$1  
c\ld n pass = a virtu\s be+3 b if virtue
 actually consi/s 9 do+ to society all !
 good ( :i* we are capable1 ?is miscall$
 a!i/ may fairly lay claim to its       
practice3 8 c\rage\s1 t5d] s\l1 w n be  
f\nd guilty1 = hurl+ 8 legitimate       
indignation aga9/ prejudices1 fatal to !
 happ9ess ( ! human species4  ,let u    
li/51 h[ev]1 to ! imputations :i* !     
!ologians lay ^u ^? m5 !y falsely       
d5om9ate a!i/s2 let u coolly1 )\t any   
peevi% hum\r1 exam9e ! calumnies :i* !y 
vomit =? aga9/ !m3 x appe>s to !m t     
a!ism1 7z !y call diff]+ 9 op9ion f     
!mselves17 is ! highe/ degree ( delirium
 t c assail ! human m9d2 ! greate/ /ret*
 ( p]v]sity t c infect ! human he>t2    
int]e/$ 9 black5+ _! adv]s>ies1 !y make 
incr$ulity ! und5iable (fspr+ ( folly2 !
 absolute effect ( crime4 ,we d n1 say  
!y to u1 see ^? m5 fall into ! horrors (
 a!ism1 :o h reason to hope ! future    
/ate w be = !m a /ate ( happ9ess4 ,9    
%ort1 accord+ to ^! metaphysical        

doctors1 x is ! int]e/ ( _! passions :i*
 makes !m seek to d\bt sy/ems1 at ^:    
tribunals !y are acc\ntable = ! abuses (
 ?is life2 x is ! fe> ( puni%m5t :i* is 
alone kn[n to a!i/s2 !y are unceas+ly   
repeat+ ! words ( a ,hebrew prophet1 :o 
pret5ds t no?+ b folly makes m5 d5y ^!  
sy/ems2 p]haps1 h[ev]1 if he _h         
suppress$ 8 negation1 he w\ld h m       
closely aproximat$ ! tru?4 ,doctor      
,b5tley1 9 8 ,folly ( ,a!ism1 has let   
loose ! :ole ,bill+sgate ( !ological    
sple51 :i* he has scatt]$ ab\t ) all !  
v5om ( ! mo/ fil?y reptiles3 if he & o!r
 exp\nd]s are to be believ$1 no?+ is    
black] ?an ! he>t ( an a!i/2 no?+ is m  
false ?an 8 m9d4 ,a!ism1 accord+ to !m1 
c only be ! (fspr+ ( a tortur$          
consci5ce1 t seeks to dis5gage itself f 
! cause ( its tr\ble4 ,we h a "r1 says  
,d]ham1 to look ^u an a!i/ z a mon/]    
among rational be+s2 z "o ( ^?          
extraord9>y productions :i* we h>dly ev]
 meet ) 9 ! :ole human species2 & :o1   
oppos+ himself to all o!r m51 revolts n 

only aga9/ reason & human nature1 b     
aga9/ ! ,div9ity himself4  ,we %all     
simply reply to all ^! calumnies by     
say+1 x is = ! read] to judge if ! sy/em
 :i* ^! m5 call a!ism1 be z absurd z ^! 
pr(\nd speculators 7:o are p]petually 9 
dispute on ! un9=m$1 ill organiz$1      
contradictory1 :imsical productions ( _!
 own bra97 w\ld h x believ$ to be6 ,x is
 true1 p]haps1 t ! sy/em ( naturalism   
hi!rto has n be5 develop$ 9 all its     
ext5t3 unprejudic$ p]sons h[ev]1 w1 at  
lea/1 be enabl$ to "k :e!r ! au?or has  
reason$ well or ill2 :e!r or n he has   
attempt$ to disguise ! mo/ important    
difficulties2 di/9ctly to see if he has 
be5 dis+5u\s2 !y w be compet5t to obs]ve
 if1 l unto ! enemies ( human reason1 he
 has rec\rse to subt]fuges1 to sophisms1
 to subtle discrim9ations1 :i* ought    
always to make x suspect$ ( ^? :o use   
!m1 ei!r t !y d n und]/& or else t !y   
fe> ! tru?4 ,x belongs !n to c&\r1 x is 
! prov9ce ( dis9t]e/$ness1 x is ! duty (
 reason to judge1 if ! natural pr9ciples

 :i* h be5 "h u%]$ to ! _w be de/itute (
 f\ndation2 x is to ^! upright          
jurisconsults t a disciple ( nature     
submits 8 op9ions3 he has a "r to except
 aga9/ ! judgm5t ( en?usiasm2 he has !  
prescription to ent] 8 caveat aga9/ !   
decision ( presumptu\s ignorance2 above 
all1 he is entitl$ to *all5ge ! v]dict (
 int]e/$ knav]y4 ,^? p]sons :o are      
accu/om$ to ?9k1 w1 at lea/ f9d reasons 
to d\bt _m ( ^? m>vell\s notions1 :i*   
appe> z inconte/able tru?s only to ^?1  
:o h nev] assay$ !m by ! /&>d ( good    
s5se4  ,we agree ) ,d]ham1 t a!i/s are  
r>e2 b !n we also say1 t sup]/ition has 
s disfigur$ nature1 s entangl$ h]       
rights--en?usiasm has s dazzl$ ! human  
m9d-t]ror has s di/urb$ ! he>t (        
man--impo/ure has s bewild]$ 8          
imag9ation--tyranny has s enslav$ 8     
?\ghts3 9 f9e1 error1 ignorance1 &      
delirium h s p]plex$ & confus$ ! cle>e/ 
ideas1 t no?+ is m uncommon ?an to f9d  
m5 :o h suffici5t c\rage to undeceive   
!mselves on notions :i* e ?+ conspires  

to id5tify ) _! v exi/5ce4 ,inde$1 _m   
!ologians 9 despite ( ^? bitt]          
invectives ) :i* !y attempt to ov]:elm !
 m5 !y *oose to call a!i/s1 appe>       
frequ5tly to h d\bt$ :e!r any ev] exi/$ 
9 ! _w4 ,t]tullian1 :o1 accord+ to mod]n
 sy/ems1 w\ld be rank$ z an a!i/1       
because he admitt$ a corporeal ,god1    
says1 ,*ri/ianity has dissipat$ !       
ignorance 9 :i* ! ,pagans 7 imm]s$      
respect+ ! div9e ess5ce1 & !re is n an  
artizan among ! ,*ri/ians :o does n see 
,god1 & :o does n "k him4 ,?is unc]ta9ty
 ( ! !ologic pr(essors 01 unque/ionably1
 f\nd$ ^u ^? absurd ideas1 :i* !y       
ascribe to _! adv]s>ies1 :om !y h       
unceas+ly accus$ ) attribut+ e ?+ to    
*ance--to bl9d causes--to dead1 in]t    
matt]1 incapable ( self-action4 ,we h1  
,i ?9k1 suffici5tly ju/ifi$ ! p>tizans (
 nature aga9/ ^! ridicul\s accusations2 
we h ?r\gh\t ! :ole prov$1 & we repeat  
x1 t *ance is a ^w devoid ( s5se1 :i* z 
well z all o!r un9telligible words1     
ann\nces no?+ b ignorance ( actual      

causes4 ,we h demon/rat$ t matt] is n   
dead2 t nature1 ess5tially active &     
self-exi/5t1 has suffici5t en]gy to     
produce all ! be+s :i* %e conta9s--all !
 ph5om5a we behold4 ,we h1 ?r\gh\t1 made
 x evid5t t ?is cause is mu* m tangible1
 m easy ( compreh5sion1 ?an !           
inconceivable !ory to :i* !ology assigns
 ^! /up5d\s effects4 ,we h repres5t$1 t 
! incompreh5sibility ( natural effects 0
 n a suffici5t reason = assign+ to !m a 
sy/em /ill m incompreh5sible ?an any (  
^? ( :i*1 at lea/1 we h a slight k4 ,9  
f9e1 if ! incompreh5sibility ( a sy/em  
does n au?orize ! d5ial ( its exi/5ce1 x
 is at lea/ c]ta9 t ! incompatibility ( 
! attributes ) :i* x is clo!d1 au?orizes
 ! ass]tion1 t ^? :i* unite !m _c be any
 ?+ m ?an *im]as1 ( :i* ! exi/5ce is    
impossible4  ,?is grant$1 we %all be    
compet5t to fix ! s5se t ought to be    
atta*$ to ! "n ( a!i/2 :i*1 not)/&+1 !  
!ologians lavi% on all ^? :o deviate 9  
any ?+ f _! op9ions4 ,if1 by a!i/1 be   
designat$ a man :o d5ie? ! exi/5ce ( a  

p[] inh]5t 9 matt]1 )\t :i* we _c       
conceive nature1 & if x be to ?is p[] t 
! "n ( ,god is giv51 !n !re d n exi/ any
 a!i/s1 & ! ^w "u :i* !y are d5om9at$   
w\ld only ann\nce fools4 ,b if by a!i/s 
be und]/ood m5 )\t en?usiasm2 :o are    
guid$ by exp]i5ce2 :o foll[ ! evid5ce ( 
_! s5ses2 :o see no?+ 9 nature b :at !y 
actually f9d to h exi/5ce1 or t :i* !y  
are capacitat$ to "k2 :o nei!r d1 nor c 
p]ceive any ?+ b matt] ess5tially       
active1 moveable1 div]sely comb9$1 9 !  
full enjoym5t ( v>i\s prop]ties1 capable
 ( produc+ all ! be+s :o display        
!mselves to our visual faculties1 if by 
a!i/s be und]/ood natural philosoph]s1  
:o are conv9c$ t )\t recurr+ to *im]ical
 causes1 !y c expla9 e ?+1 simply by !  
laws ( motion2 by ! relation subsi/+    
betwe5 be+s2 by _! aff9ities2 by _!     
analogies2 by _! aptitude to attraction2
 by _! repulsive p[]s2 by _!            
proportions2 by _! comb9ations2 by _!   
decomposition3 if by a!i/s be meant ^!  
p]sons :o d n und]/& :at ,pneumatology  

is1 :o d n p]ceive ! necessity (        
spiritualiz+1 or ( r5d]+                
incompreh5sible1 ^? corporeal1 s5sible1 
natural causes1 :i* !y see act uni=mly2 
:o d n f9d x requisite to sep>ate !     
motive-p[] f ! univ]se2 :o d n see1 t to
 ascribe ?is p[] to an immat]ial        
sub/ance1 to t ^: ess5ce is f !nce=?    
totally inconceivable1 is a means (     
becom+ m famili> ) x3 if by a!i/s are to
 be p\rtray$ ^? m5 :o +5u\sly admit t _!
 m9d c nei!r receive nor reconcile !    
union ( ! negative attributes & !       
!ological ab/ractions1 ) ! human & moral
 qualities :i* are giv5 to ! ,div9ity2  
or ^? m5 :o pret5d t f su* an           
incompatible alliance1 !re c\ld only    
result an imag9>y be+2 see+ t a pure _s 
is de/itute ( ! organs necess>y to      
ex]cise ! qualities1 to give play to !  
faculties ( human nature3 if by a!i/s   
are describ$ ^? m5 :o reject sy/ems1 ^: 
odi\s & discrepant qualities are solely 
calculat$ to di/urb ! human species--to 
plunge x into v prejudicial follies3 if1

 ,i repeat x1 ?9k]s ( ?is description   
are ^? :o are call$ a!i/s1 x is n       
possible to d\bt _! exi/5ce2 & _! numb] 
w\ld be consid]able1 if ! light ( s\nd  
natural philosophy 0 m g5]ally diffus$2 
if ! tor* ( reason burnt m di/9ctly2 or 
if x 0 n obscur$ by ! !ological bu%el3 f
 !nce1 h[ev]1 !y w\ld be consid]$ nei!r 
z irrational2 nor z furi\s be+s1 b z m5 
devoid ( prejudice1 ( ^: op9ions1 or if 
!y pref] x1 ^: ignorance1 w\ld be mu* m 
useful to ! human race1 ?an ^? ideal    
sci5ces1 ^? va9 hypo!ses1 :i* = s _m    
ages h be5 ! actual causes ( all man's  
tribulation4  ,doctor ,cudwor?1 9 8     
,intellectual ,sy/em1 reckons f\r       
species ( a!i/s among ! anci5ts4        
,fir/4--,! disciples ( ,anaxim&]1 call$ 
,hylopa?ians1 :o attribut$ e ?+ to matt]
 de/itute ( feel+4 ,8 doctr9e 01 t m5 7 
born ( e>? unit$ ) wat]1 & vivifi$ by ! 
beams ( ! sun2 8 crime seems to h be51 t
 he made ! fir/ geographical maps &     
sun-dials2 decl>$ ! e>? moveable & ( a  
cyl9drical =m4  ,secondly4--,! ,atomi/s1

 or ! disciples ( ,democritus1 :o       
attribute e ?+1 to ! concurr5ce ( atoms4
 ,8 crime 01 hav+ fir/ taught t ! milky 
way 0 occasion$ by ! confus$ light f a  
multitude ( />s4  ,?irdly4--,! ,/oics1  
or ! disciples ( ,z5o1 :o admitt$ a bl9d
 nature act+ aft] c]ta9 laws4 ,8 crime  
appe>s to be1 t he practis$ virtue )    
unwe>i$ p]sev]ance1 & taught t ?is      
quality alone w\ld r5d] mank9d happy4   
,f\r?ly4--,! ,hylozoi/s1 or ! disciples 
( ,/rato1 :o attribut$ life to matt]4 ,8
 crime consi/$ 9 be+ "o ( ! mo/ acute   
natural philosoph]s ( 8 day1 enjoy+ high
 fav\r ) ,ptolemy ,philadelphus1 an     
intellig5t pr9ce1 ^: preceptor be 04    
,if1 h[ev]1 by a!i/s1 are meant ^? m51  
:o are oblig$ to av[1 t !y h n "o idea (
 ! sy/em !y adore1 or :i* !y ann\nce to 
o!rs2 :o _c give any satisfactory       
acc\nt1 ei!r ( ! nature or ( ! ess5ce ( 
_! immat]ial sub/ances2 :o c nev] agree 
among/ !mselves on ! pro(s :i* !y adduce
 9 support ( _! ,sy/em2 on ! qualities  
or on ! modes ( action ( _!             

incorporeities1 :i* by d9t ( negations  
!y r5d] a m]e no?+2 :o ei!r pro/rate    
!mselves1 or cause o!rs to b[ d[n1 be=e 
! absurd fictions ( _! own delirium3 if1
 ,i say1 by a!i/s1 be d5om9at$ m5 ( ?is 
/amp1 we %all be "u ! necessity ( all[+1
 t ! _w is fill$ ) !m3 we %all ev5 be   
oblig$ to place 9 ?is numb] "s ( ! mo/  
active !ologians1 :o are unceas+ly      
reason+ ^u t ,:i* !y d n und]/&2 :o are 
et]nally disput+ ^u po9ts :i* !y _c     
demon/rate2 :o by _! contradictions v   
efficaci\sly und]m9e _! own sy/ems2 :o  
annihilate all _! own ass]tions (       
p]fection1 by ! numb]less imp]fections )
 :i* !y clo! !m2 :o rebel aga9/ _! gods 
by ! atroci\s "* "u :i* !y depict !m4 ,9
 %ort1 we %all be able to consid] z true
 a!i/s1 ^? cr$ul\s1 weak p]sons1 :o ^u  
he>say & f tradition1 b5d ! knee be=e   
idols1 ( :om !y h no o!r ideas1 ?an ^?  
:i* are furni%$ !m by _! spiritual      
guides1 :o !mselves ackn[l$ge t !y      
compreh5d no?+ ab\t ! matt]4  ,:at has  
be5 said amply proves t ! !ologians     

!mselves h n always kn[n ! s5se !y c\ld 
affix to ! ^w a!i/2 !y h vaguely        
attack$1 9 an indi/9ct mann]1 calumniat$
 ) x1 ^? p]sons ^: s5tim5ts & pr9ciples 
7 oppos$ to _! own4 ,inde$1 we f9d t ^! 
sublime pr(essors1 always infatuat$ ) _!
 own p>ticul> op9ions1 h frequ5tly be5  
extremely lavi% 9 _! accusations (      
a!ism1 aga9/ all ^? :om !y felt a desire
 to injure2 ^: *>act]s x 0 _! pleasure  
to pa9t 9 unfav\rable col\rs2 ^:        
doctr9es !y wi%$ to black52 ^: sy/ems !y
 s\ght to r5d] odi\s3 !y 7 c]ta9 ( al>m+
 ! illit]ate1 ( r\s+ ! antipa?ies ( !   
silly1 by a loose imputation1 or by a   
^w1 to :i* ignorance atta*es ! idea (   
horror1 m]ely because x is unacqua9t$ ) 
its true s5se4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is      
policy1 x has be5 no uncommon spectacle 
to see ! p>tizans ( ! same sect1 !      
ador]s ( ! same gods1 reciprocally treat
 ea* o!r z a!i/s1 9 ! f]v\r ( _!        
!ological qu>rels2 to be an a!i/1 9 ?is 
s5se1 is n to h1 9 e po9t1 exactly !    
same op9ions z ^? ) :om we dispute1 ei!r

 on sup]/iti\s or religi\s subjects4 ,9 
all times ! un9=m$ h consid]$ ^? z      
a!i/s1 :o did n ?9k ^u ! ,div9ity       
precisely 9 ! same mann] z ! guides :om 
!y 7 accu/om$ to foll[4 ,socrates1 !    
ador] ( a unique ,god1 0 no m ?an an    
a!i/ 9 ! eyes ( ! ,a!nian p4  ,/ill m1 z
 we h already obs]v$1 ^? p]sons h       
frequ5tly be5 accus$ ( a!ism1 :o h tak5 
! greate/ pa9s to e/abli% ! exi/5ce ( ! 
gods1 b :o h n produc$ satisfactory     
pro(s3 :5 _! enemies wi%$ to take       
advantage ( !m1 x 0 easy to make !m pass
 = a!i/s1 :o _h wick$ly betray$ _!      
cause1 by def5d+ x too feebly4 ,!       
!ologians h frequ5tly be5 v highly      
inc5s$ aga9/ ^? :o believ$ !y _h        
discov]$ ! mo/ =cible pro( ( ! exi/5ce (
 _! gods1 because !y 7 oblig$ to discov]
 t _! adv]s>ies c\ld make v contr>y     
inductions f _! propositions2 !y did n  
p]ceive t x 0 next to impossible n to   
lay !mselves op5 to attack1 9 e/abli%+  
pr9ciples visibly f\nd$ ^u t :i* ea* man
 sees v>i\sly4 ,?us ,pas*al says1 ,i h  

exam9$ if ?is ,god1 ( :om all ! _w      
speaks1 might n h left "s m>ks (        
himself4 ,i look e :]e1 & e :]e ,i see  
no?+ b obscurity4 ,nature (f]s "o no?+1 
t may n be a matt] ( d\bt & inquietude4 
,if ,i saw no?+ 9 nature :i* indicat$ a 
,div9ity1 ,i %\ld det]m9e ) myself1 to  
believe no?+ ab\t x4 ,if e :]e ,i saw ! 
sign ( a creator1 ,i %\ld repose myself 
9 peace1 9 ! belief ( "o4 ,b see+ too   
mu* to d5y1 & too little to assure me ( 
8 exi/5ce1 ,i am 9 a situation t ,i     
lam5t1 & 9 :i* ,i h an hundr$ times     
wi%$1 t if a ,god do? su/a9 nature1 he  
w\ld give unequivocal m>ks ( x1 & t if !
 signs :i* he ha? giv5 be deceitful1 t  
he w\ld suppress !m entirely2 t he said 
all or no?+1 to ! end t ,i might see :i*
 side ,i ought to foll[4  ,9 a ^w1 ^? :o
 h mo/ vigor\sly tak5 up ! cause ( !    
!ological sy/ems1 h be5 tax$ ) a!ism &  
irreligion2 ! mo/ zeal\s p>tizans h be5 
look$ ^u z des]t]s1 h be5 contemplat$ z 
traitors2 ! mo/ or?odox !ologians h n   
be5 able to gu>antee !mselves f ?is     

reproa*2 !y h mutually bespat]$ ea* o!r2
 prodigally lavi%$1 ) malignant         
reciprocity1 ! mo/ abusive t]ms3 ne>ly  
all h1 )\t d\bt1 m]it$ ^! invectives1 if
 9 ! t]m a!i/ be includ$ ^? m5 :o h n   
any idea ( _! v>i\s sy/ems1 t does n    
de/roy itself1 :5ev] !y are will+ to    
submit x to ! t\*/one ( reason4 ,f :5ce 
we may conclude1 )\t subject+ ourselves 
to ! reproa* ( be+ ha/y1 t error w n /& 
! te/ ( inve/igation2 t x w n pass !    
ordeal ( comp>ison2 t x is 9 its hues a 
p]fect *amelion2 t consequ5tly x c nev] 
d m ?an lead to ! mo/ absurd d$uctions3 
t ! mo/ +5i\s sy/ems1 :5 !y h _!        
f\ndations 9 halluc9ation1 crumble l du/
 "u ! rude b& ( ! assay]2 t ! mo/       
sublimat$ doctr9es1 :5 !y lack !        
sub/antive quality ( rectitude1         
evaporate "u ! scrut9y ( ! /urdy exam9]1
 :o tries !m 9 ! crucible2 t x is n by  
levell+ abusive language aga9/ ^? :o    
inve/igate sophi/icat$ !ories1 !y w ei!r
 be purg$ ( _! absurdities1 acquire     
solidity1 or f9d an e/abli%m5t to give  

!m p]petuity2 t moral obliquities1 c    
nev] be made rectil9e> by ! m]e         
application ( un9telligible t]ms1 or by 
! inconsid]ate jumble ( discrepant      
prop]ties1 h[ev] gaudy ! assemblage3 9  
%ort1 t ! only crit]ion ( tru? is1 t x  
is ev] consi/5t ) itself4      ,,*ap4   
,,xii4  ,is :at is t]m$ ,a!ism          
compatible ) ,morality8   ,aft] hav+    
prov$ ! exi/5ce ( ^? :om ! sup]/iti\s   
bigot1 ! heat$ !ologian1 ! inconsequ5t  
!i/1 calls a!i/s1 let u return to !     
calumnies :i* are s pr(usely %[]$ ^u !m 
by ! deicoli/s4 ,accord+ to ,abady1 9 8 
,treatise on ! ,tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian       
,religion1 an a!i/ _c be virtu\s3 to him
 virtue is only a *im]a2 probity no m   
?an a va9 scruple2 hone/y no?+ b        
fooli%ness2--he kn[e? no o!r law ?an 8  
int]e/3 :]e ?is s5tim5t prevails1       
consci5ce is only a prejudice2 ! law (  
nature only an illusion2 "r no m ?an an 
error2 b5evol5ce ha? no long] any       
f\ndation2 ! bonds ( society are loos5$2
 ! ties ( fidelity are remov$2 fri5d is 

ready to betray fri5d2 ! citiz5 to      
deliv] up 8 c\ntry2 ! son to assass9ate 
8 fa!r1 9 ord] to enjoy 8 inh]itance1   
:5ev] !y %all f9d occasion1 & t au?ority
 or sil5ce %all %ield !m f ! arm ( !    
secul> p[]1 :i* alone is to be fe>$4 ,! 
mo/ inviolable rights1 & mo/ sacr$ laws1
 mu/ no long] be consid]$1 except z     
dreams & visions4 ,su*1 p]haps1 w\ld be 
! conduct1 n ( a feel+1 ?9k+1 reflect+  
be+1 susceptible ( reason2 b ( a f]oci\s
 brute1 ( an irrational wret*1 :o %\ld n
 h any idea ( ! natural relations :i*   
subsi/ betwe5 be+s1 reciprocally        
necess>y to ea* o!r's happ9ess4 ,c x    
actually be suppos$1 t a man capable (  
exp]i5ce1 furni%$ ) ! fa9te/ glimm]+s ( 
s\nd s5se1 w\ld l5d himself to ! conduct
 :i* is "h ascrib$ to ! a!i/2 t is to   
say1 to a man :o is conv]sant ) !       
evid5ce ( facts2 :o ard5tly seeks aft]  
tru?2 :o is suffici5tly susceptible (   
reflection1 to undeceive himself by     
reason+ ^u ^? prejudices :i* e "o /rives
 to %ew him z important2 :i* all voices 

endeav\r to ann\nce to him z sacr$8 ,c  
x1 ,i repeat1 be suppos$1 t any         
enlight5$1 any poli%$ society1 conta9s a
 citiz5 s completely bl9d1 n to         
ackn[l$ge 8 mo/ natural duties2 s v     
absurd1 n to admit 8 de>e/ int]e/s2 s   
completely besott$ n to p]ceive ! dang] 
he incurs 9 incessantly di/urb+ 8 fell[ 
creatures2 or 9 foll[+ no o!r rule1 ?an 
8 mom5t>y appetites8 ,is n e human be+  
:o reasons 9 ! lea/ possible mann]1     
oblig$ to feel t society is advantage\s 
to him2 t he ha? ne$ ( assi/ance2 t !   
e/eem ( 8 fell[s is necess>y to 8 own   
individual happ9ess2 provok$1 t he has e
 ?+ to fe> f ! wra? ( 8 associates2 t ! 
laws m5ace :oev] %all d>e to infr+e !m8 
,e man :o has receiv$ a virtu\s         
education1 :o has 9 8 infancy exp]i5c$ !
 t5d] c>es ( a p>5t2 :o has 9 consequ5ce
 ta/$ ! sweets ( fri5d%ip2 :o has       
receiv$ k9dness2 :o kn[s ! wor? (       
b5evol5ce2 :o sets a j value ^u equity2 
:o feels ! pleasure :i* ! affection (   
our fell[ creatures procures = u2 :o    

endures ! inconv5i5ces :i* result f _!  
av]sion :o sm>ts "u ! /+ :i* is inflict$
 by _! scorn1 is oblig$ to tremble at   
los+1 by 8 measures1 su* manife/        
advantages--at incurr+ su*1 imm95t      
dang]4 ,w n ! hatr$ ( o!rs1 ! fe> (     
puni%m5t1 8 own contempt ( himself1     
di/urb 8 repose e "t t1 turn+1 inw>dly  
^u 8 own conduct1 he %all contemplate x 
"u ! same p]spective z does 8 neighb\r8 
,is !re !n no remorse b = ^? :o believe 
9 incompreh5sible sy/ems8 ,is ! idea t  
we are t9d] ! eye ( be+s ( :om we h b   
vague notions1 m =cible ?an ! ?\ght t we
 are view$ by our fell[ m52 ?an ! fe> ( 
be+ detect$ by ourselves2 ?an ! dread ( 
exposure2 ?an ! cruel necessity ( becom+
 despicable 9 our own eyes2 ?an ! wret*$
 alt]native1 to be con/ra9$ to blu%     
guiltily1 :5 we reflect on our wild     
c>e]1 & ! s5tim5ts :i* x mu/ infallibly 
inspire8  ,?is grant$1 we %all reply    
delib]ately to ?is ,abady1 t an a!i/ is 
a man :o und]/&s nature1 :o /udies h]   
laws2 :o kn[s 8 own nature2 :o feels :at

 x imposes ^u him4 ,an a!i/ ha?         
exp]i5ce2 ?is exp]i5ce proves to him e  
mom5t t vice c injure him2 t 8 mo/      
conceal$ faults1 8 mo/ secret           
dispositions1 may be detect$--may       
display 8 "* 9 op5 day2 ?is exp]i5ce    
proves to him t society is useful to 8  
happ9ess2 t 8 int]e/ au?oritatively     
dem&s he %\ld atta* himself to ! c\ntry 
t protects him1 :i* enables him to enjoy
 9 security ! b5efits ( nature2 e ?+    
%ews him t 9 ord] to be happy he mu/    
make himself belov$2 t 8 p>5t is = him !
 mo/ c]ta9 ( fri5ds2 t +ratitude w\ld   
remove him f 8 b5efactor2 t ju/ice is   
necess>y to ! ma9t5ance ( e association2
 t no man1 :atev] way he 8 p[]1 c be    
cont5t ) himself1 :5 he kn[s he is an   
object ( public hatr$4 ,he :o has       
maturely reflect$ ^u himself1 ^u 8 own  
nature1 ^u t ( 8 associates1 ^u 8 own   
wants1 ^u ! means ( procur+ !m1 _c      
prev5t himself f becom+ acqua9t$ ) 8    
duties--f discov]+ ! obligations he owes
 to himself1 z well z ^? :i* he owes to 

o!rs2 f !nce he has morality1 he has    
actual motives to confirm himself to its
 dictates2 he is oblig$ to feel1 t ^!   
duties are imp]i\s3 if 8 reason be n    
di/urb$ by bl9d passions1 if 8 m9d be n 
contam9at$ by vici\s habits1 he w f9d t 
virtue is ! sure/ road to felicity4 ,!  
a!i/s1 z !y are /yl$1 or ! fatali/s1    
build _! sy/em ^u necessity3 ?us1 _!    
moral speculations1 f\nd$ ^u ! nature ( 
?+s1 are at lea/ mu* m p]man5t1 mu* m   
inv>iable1 ?an ^? :i* only re/ ^u sy/ems
 t alt] _! aspect accord+ to ! v>i\s    
dispositions ( _! adh]5ts--9 con=mity ) 
! wayw>d passions ( ^? :o contemplate1  
!m4 ,! ess5ce ( ?+s1 & ! immutable laws 
( nature1 are n subject to fluctuate2 x 
is imp]ative ) ! a!i/1 z he is          
faceti\sly call$ by ! !ologian1 to call 
:atev] injures himself ei!r vice or     
folly2 to designate t :i* injures o!rs1 
crime2 to describe all t is advantage\s 
to society1 e ?+ :i* contributes to its 
p]man5t happ9ess1 virtue4  ,x w be      
obvi\s1 !n1 t ! pr9ciples ( ! miscall$  

a!i/ are mu* less liable to be %ak51 ?an
 ^? ( ! en?usia/1 :o %all h /udi$ a baby
 f 8 e>lie/ ,infancy2 :o %\ld h devot$ n
 only 8 days1 b 8 nights1 to glean+ !   
scanty portion ( actual in=mation t he  
scatt]s ?r\gh 8 volumes2 !y w h a mu* m 
sub/antive f\ndation ?an ^? ( !         
!ologian1 :o %all con/ruct 8 morality ^u
 ! h>lequ9 sc5]y ( sy/ems t s frequ5tly 
*ange1 ev5 9 8 own di/emp]$ bra94 ,if ! 
a!i/1 z !y please to call ^? :o diff] 9 
op9ion ) !mselves1 objects to !         
correctness1 (--_! sy/ems1 he _c d5y 8  
own exi/5ce1 nor t ( be+s simil> to     
himself1 by :om he is surr\nd$2 he _c   
d\bt ! reciprocity ( ! relations t      
subsi/ betwe5 !m2 he _c "q ! duties :i* 
spr+ out ( ^! relations2 ,pyrrhonism1   
!n1 _c ent] 8 m9d ^u ! actual pr9ciples 
( morality2 :i* is no?+ m ?an ! sci5ce (
 ! relations ( be+s liv+ toge!r 9       
society4  ,if1 h[ev]1 satisfi$ ) a b>r51
 speculative k ( 8 duties1 ! a!i/ ( !   
!ologian %\ld n apply !m 9 8            
conduct--if1 hurri$ along by ! curr5t ( 

8 ungov]nable passions--if1 borne =w>d  
by crim9al habits--if1 ab&on$ to %ameful
 vices-if1 possess+ a vici\s temp]am5t1 
:i* he has n be5 s$ul\s to correct--if1 
l5d+ himself to ! /ream ( outrage\s     
desires1 he appe>s to =get 8 moral      
obligations1 x by no means foll[s1 ei!r 
t he ha? no pr9ciples1 or t 8 pr9ciples 
are false3 x c only be conclud$ f su*   
conduct1 t 9 ! intoxication ( 8         
passions1 9 ! delirium ( 8 habits1 9 !  
confusion ( 8 reason1 he does n give    
activity to doctr9es gr\nd$ ^u tru?2 t  
he =gets to give curr5cy to asc]ta9$    
pr9ciples2 t he may foll[ ^? prop5sities
 :i* lead him a/ray4 ,9 ?is1 inde$1 he w
 h dreadfully desc5d$ to ! mis]able     
level ( ! !ologian1 b he w nev]!less f9d
 him ! p>tn] ( 8 folly--! p>tak] ( 8    
insanity--! companion ( 8 crime4  ,no?+ 
is1 p]haps1 m common among m51 ?an a v  
m>k$ discrepancy betwe5 ! m9d & ! he>t2 
t is to say1 betwe5 ! temp]am5t1 !      
passions1 ! habits ! caprices1 !        
imag9ation1 & ! judgm5t1 assi/$ by      

reflection4 ,no?+ is1 9 fact1 m r>e1 ?an
 to f9d ^! h>moni\sly runn+ ^u all f\rs 
) ea* o!r2 x is1 h[ev]1 only :5 !y d1 t 
we see speculation influ5ce practice4 ,!
 mo/ c]ta9 virtues are ^? :i* are f\nd$ 
^u ! temp]am5t ( man4 ,inde$1 d we n e  
day behold mortals 9 contradiction )    
!mselves8 ,does n _! m sob] judgm5t     
unceas+ly condemn ! extravagancies to   
:i* _! undiscipl9$ passions deliv] !m   
up8 ,9 %ort1 do? n e ?+ prove to u      
h\rly1 t m51 ) ! v be/ !ory1 h sometimes
 ! v wor/ practice2 t o!rs ) ! mo/      
vici\s !ory1 frequ5tly adopt ! mo/      
amiable l9e ( conduct8 ,9 ! bl9de/      
sy/ems1 9 ! mo/ atroci\s sup]/itions1 9 
^? :i* are mo/ contr>y to reason1 we    
meet ) virtu\s m51 ! mildness ( ^: "*1 !
 s5sibility ( ^: he>ts1 ! excell5ce ( ^:
 temp]am5t1 re conducts !m to humanity1 
makes !m fall back ^u ! laws ( nature1 9
 despite ( _! furi\s !ories4 ,among !   
ador]s ( ! mo/ cruel1 v9dictive1 jeal\s 
gods1 are f\nd peaceable1 s\ls1 :o are  
enemies to p]secution2 :o set _! faces  

aga9/ viol5ce2 :o are decid$ly oppos$ to
 cruelty3 among ! disciples ( a ,god    
fill$ ) m]cy1 ab\nd+ 9 clem5cy1 are se5 
b>b>\s mon/]s2 inhuman cannibals3       
nev]!less1 bo? ! "o & ! o!r ackn[l$ge1 t
 _! gods ought to s]ve !m = a model4    
,:]e=e1 !n1 d !y n 9 all ?+s con=m      
!mselves8 ,x is because ! mo/ wick$     
sy/ems _c always corrupt a virtu\s s\l2 
t ^? :i* are mo/ bl&1 mo/ g5tle 9 _!    
precepts1 _c always re/ra9 he>ts driv5  
along by ! impetuosity ( vice4 ,!       
organization w1 p]haps1 be always m     
pot5tial ?an ei!r sup]/ition or         
religion4 ,pres5t objects1 mom5t>y      
int]e/s1 root$ habits1 public op9ion1 h 
mu* m efficacy ?an un9telligible !ories1
 ?an imag9>y sy/ems1 :i* !mselves dep5d 
^u ! organic /ructure ( ! human frame4  
,! po9t 9 "q !n is1 to exam9e if !      
pr9ciples ( ! a!i/1 z he is errone\sly  
call$1 be true1 & n :e!r 8 conduct be   
comm5dable8 ,an a!i/1 hav+ an excell5t  
!ory1 f\nd$ ^u nature1 graft$ ^u        
exp]i5ce1 con/ruct$ ^u reason1 :o       

deliv]s himself up to excesses1 dang]\s 
to himself1 injuri\s to society1 is1 )\t
 d\bt1 an inconsi/5t man4 ,b he is n m  
to be fe>$ ?an a sup]/iti\s bigot2 ?an a
 zeal\s en?usia/2 or ?an ev5 a religi\s 
man :o1 believ+ 9 a good1 confid+ 9 an  
equitable1 rely+ on a p]fect ,god1 does 
n scruple to commit ! mo/ frightful     
deva/ations 9 8 "n4 ,an a!i/ical tyrant 
w\ld assur$ly n be m to be dread$ ?an a 
fanatical despot4 ,an incr$ul\s         
philosoph]1 h[ev]1 is n s mis*iev\s a   
be+ z an en?usia/ic prie/1 :o ei!r fans 
! flame ( discord among 8 fell[         
subjects1 or rises 9 rebellion aga9/ 8  
legitimate mon>*4 ,w\ld1 !n1 an a!i/    
clo!d ) p[]1 be equally dang]\s z a     
p]secut+ prie/-ridd5 k+2 z a savage     
inquisitor2 z a :imsical devotee2 or1 z 
a morose bigot8 ,^! are assur$ly m      
num]\s 9 ! _w ?an a!i/s1 z !y are       
ludicr\sly t]m$1 ^: op9ions1 or ^: vices
 are f> f be+ 9 a condition to h an     
influ5ce ^u society2 :i* is ev] too mu* 
hoodw9k$ by ! prie/1 too mu* bl9d$ by   

prejudice1 too mu* ! slave ( sup]/ition1
 to be dispos$ to give !m a pati5t he>+4
  ,an intemp]ate1 voluptu\s a!i/1 is n m
 dang]\s to society ?an a sup]/itions   
bigot1 :o kn[s h[ to connect            
lic5ti\sness1 punic fai?1 +ratitude1    
lib]t9ism1 corruption ( morals1 ) 8     
!ological notions4 ,c x1 h[ev]1 be      
+5i\sly imag9$1 t a man1 because he is  
falsely t]m$ an a!i/1 or because he does
 n subscribe to ! v5geance ( ! mo/      
contradictory sy/ems1 w !re=e be a      
pr(ligate debau*e1 malici\s1 & p]secut+2
 t he w corrupt ! wife ( 8 fri5d2 w turn
 8 own wife adrift2 w consume bo? 8 "t &
 8 money 9 ! mo/ frivol\s               
gratifications2 w be ! slave to ! mo/   
*ildi% amusem5ts2 ! companion ( ! mo/   
dissolute m52 t he w disc>d all 8 old   
fri5ds2 t he w select 8 bosom confid5ts 
f ! braz5 betray]s ( _! native l&--f    
among ! ho>y despoil]s ( connubial      
happ9ess--f out ( ! ranks ( vet]an      
gambl]s2 t he w ei!r break into 8       
neighb\r's dwell+1 or cut 8 ?roat2 9    

%ort1 t he w l5d himself to all ^?      
excesses1 ! mo/ injuri\s to society1 !  
mo/ prejudicial to himself1 ! mo/ des]v+
 public ca/igation8 ,! blemi%es ( an    
a!i/1 !n1 z ! !ologian /yles him1 h n   
any ?+ m extraord9>y 9 !m ?an ^? ( !    
sup]/iti\s man2 !y possess no?+ ) :i* 8 
doctr9e c be fairly reproa*$4 ,a tyrant1
 :o %\ld be incr$ul\s1 w\ld n be a m    
incommodi\s sc\rge to 8 subjects1 ?an a 
!ological autocrat1 :o %\ld wield 8     
sceptre to ! mis]y ( 8 p4 ,w\ld ! nation
 ( ! latt] feel m happy1 f ! m]e        
circum/ance t ! tyg] :o gov]n$ x believ$
 9 ! mo/ ab/ract sy/ems1 heap$ ! mo/    
sumptu\s pres5ts on ! prie/s1 &         
humiliat$ himself at _! %r9e8 ,at lea/ x
 mu/ be ackn[l$g$1 accord+ to ! %ew+ ( !
 !ologian himself1 t "u ! dom9ion ( !   
a!i/1 a nation w\ld n h to appreh5d     
sup]/iti\s vexations2 to dread          
p]secutions = op9ion2 to fe>            
proscriptions = ill-dige/$ sy/ems2 nei!r
 w\ld x witness ^? /range outrages t h  
sometimes be5 ,committ$ = ! int]e/s (   

heav51 ev5 "u ! milde/ mon>*s4 ,if x 0 !
 victim to ! turbul5t passions ( an     
unbeliev+ pr9ce1 ! sacrifice to ! folly 
( a sov]eign :o %\ld be an infidel1 x   
w\ld n1 at lea/1 suff] f 8 bl9d         
infatuation1 = !ological sy/ems :i* he  
does n und]/&2 nor f 8 fanatical zeal1  
:i* ( all ! passions t infe/ mon>*s1 is 
ev] ! mo/ de/ructive1 always ! mo/      
dang]\s4 ,an a!i/ical tyrant1 :o %\ld   
p]secute = op9ions1 w\ld be a man n     
consi/5t ) 8 own pr9ciples2 he c\ld n   
exi/2 he w\ld n1 inde$1 accord+ to !    
!ologian1 be an a!i/ at mo/1 he w\ld    
only furni% "o m example1 t mortals mu* 
m frequ5tly foll[ ! bl9d impulse ( _!   
passions1 ! m imm$iate /imulus ( _!     
int]e/1 ! irresi/ible torr5t ( _!       
temp]am5t1 ?an _! speculations1 h[ev]   
grave1 h[ev] wise4 ,x is1 at lea/1      
evid5t1 t an a!i/ has "o pretext less   
?an a cr$ul\s pr9ce1 = ex]cis+ 8 natural
 wick$ness4  ,inde$1 if m5 condesc5d$ to
 exam9e ?+s coolly1 !y w\ld f9d t on ?is
 e>? ! "n ( ,god is b too frequ5tly made

 use ( z a motive to indulge ! wor/ (   
human passions4 ,ambition1 impo/ure1 &  
tyranny1 h (t5 =m$ a league to avail    
!mselves ( its influ5ce1 to ! end t !y  
might bl9d ! p1 & b5d !m b5ea? a gall+  
yoke3 ! mon>* sometimes employs x to    
give a div9e lu/re to 8 p]son--!        
sanction ( heav5 to 8 rights--!         
confid5ce ( its vot>ies to 8 mo/ unju/1 
mo/ extravagant :ims4 ,! prie/ frequ5tly
 uses x to give curr5cy to 8 pret5sions1
 to ! end t he may ) impunity gratify 8 
av>ice1 m9i/] to 8 pride1 secure 8      
indep5d5ce4 ,! v9dictive1 enrag$1       
sup]/iti\s be+1 introduces ! cause ( 8  
gods1 t he may give free scope to 8     
fury1 :i* he qualifies ) zeal4 ,9 %ort1 
sup]/ition becomes dang]\s1 because x   
ju/ifies ^? passions1 l5ds legitimacy to
 ^? crimes1 holds =? z comm5dable ^?    
excesses1 ( :i* x does n fail to ga!r ! 
fruit3 accord+ to its m9i/]s1 e ?+ is   
p]mitt$ to rev5ge ! mo/ high3 ?us ! "n (
 ! ,div9ity is made use ( to au?orize ! 
mo/ baneful actions1 to palliate ! mo/  

injuri\s transgressions4 ,! a!i/1 z he  
is call$1 :5 he commits crimes1 _c1 at  
lea/1 pret5d t x is 8 gods :o comm& !m1 
or :o clo! !m ) ! mantle ( _! approval1 
?is is ! excuse ! sup]/iti\s be+ (f]s = 
8 p]v]sity2 ! tyrant = 8 p]secutions2 ! 
prie/ = 8 cruelty1 & = 8 s$ition2 !     
fanatic = ! ebullition ( 8 boil+        
passions2 ! p5it5t = 8 inutility4  ,!y  
are n1 says ,bayle1 ! g5]al op9ions ( ! 
m9d1 b ! passions1 :i* det]m9e u to act4
 ,a!ism1 z x is call$1 is a sy/em :i* w 
n make a good man wick$ b x may1 p]haps1
 make a wick$ man good4 ,^?1 says ! same
 au?or1 :o embrac$ ! sect ( ,epicurus1  
did n become debau*es because !y _h     
adopt$ ! doctr9e ( ,epicurus2 !y only   
l5t !mselves to ! sy/em1 !n badly       
und]/ood1 because !y 7 debau*es4 ,9 !   
same mann]1 a p]v]se man may embrace    
a!ism1 because he w flatt] himself1 t   
?is sy/em w give full scope to 8        
passions3 he w nev]!less be deceiv$4    
,a!ism1 z x is call$1 if well und]/ood1 
is f\nd$ ^u nature & ^u reason1 :i* nev]

 c1 l sup]/ition1 ei!r ju/ify or expiate
 ! crimes ( ! pr(ligate4  ,f ! diffusion
 ( doctr9es :i* make morality dep5d ^u  
un9telligible1 incompreh5sible sy/ems1 t
 are propos$ to man = a model1 !re has  
unque/ionably result$ v great           
inconv5i5ce4 ,corrupt s\ls1 9 discov]+1 
h[ mu* ea* ( ^! suppositions are        
errone\s or d\btful1 give loose to ! re9
 ( _! vices1 & conclude !re are n m     
sub/antive motives = act+ well2 !y      
imag9e t virtue1 l ^! fragile sy/ems1 is
 m]ely *im]ical2 t !re is n any cog5t   
solid reason = practis+ x 9 ?is _w4     
,nev]!less1 x mu/ be evid5t1 t x is n z 
! disciples ( any p>ticul> t5et1 t we   
are b\nd to fulfil ! duties ( morality2 
x is z m51 liv+ toge!r 9 society1 z     
s5sible be+s seek+ to secure to         
ourselves a happy exi/5ce1 t we %\ld    
feel ! moral obligation4 ,:e!r ^! sy/ems
 ma9ta9 _! gr\nd1 or :e!r ! d n1 our    
duties w rema9 ! same2 our nature1 if   
consult$1 w inconte/ibly prove1 t vice  
is a decid$ evil1 t virtue is an actual1

 a sub/antial good4  ,if1 !n1 !re be    
f\nd a!i/s :o h d5i$ ! di/9ction ( good 
& evil1 or :o h d>$ to /rike at !       
f\ndations ( morality2 we ought to      
conclude1 t ^u ?is po9t !y h reason$    
badly2 t !y h nei!r be5 acqua9t$ ) !    
nature ( man1 nor kn[n ! true s\rce ( 8 
duties2 t !y h falsely imag9$ t e?ics1 z
 well z !ology1 0 only an ideal sci5ce2 
t ! fleet+ sy/ems once de/roy$1 !re no  
long] rema9$ any bonds to connect       
mortals4 ,nev]!less1 ! slighte/         
reflection w\ld h inconte/ibly prov$1 t 
morality is f\nd$ ^u immutable relations
 subsi/+ betwe5 s5sible1 intellig5t1    
sociable be+s2 t )\t virtue1 no society 
c ma9ta9 itself2 t )\t putt+ ! curb on 8
 desires1 no mortal c cons]ve himself3  
man is con/ra9$ f 8 nature to love      
virtue1 to dread crime1 by ! same       
necessity t obliges him to seek         
happ9ess1 & fly f sorr[3 ?us nature     
compels him to place a di/9ction betwe5 
^? objects :i* please1 & ^? objects ,:i*
 injure him4 ,ask a man1 :o is          

suffici5tly irrational to d5y ! diff]5ce
 betwe5 virtue & vice1 if x w\ld be     
indiff]5t to him to be beat51 robb$1    
calumniat$1 treat$ ) +ratitude1 di%on\r$
 by 8 wife1 insult$ by 8 *ildr51 betray$
 by 8 fri5d8 ,8 answ] w prove to y1 t   
:atev] he may say1 he discrim9ates !    
actions ( mank9d2 t ! di/9ction betwe5  
good & evil1 does n dep5d ei!r ^u !     
conv5tions ( m51 or ^u ! ideas :i* !y   
may h ( p>ticul> sy/ems2 ^u ! puni%m5ts 
or ^u ! recomp5ses :i* att5d mortals 9 a
 future exi/5ce4  ,on ! contr>y1 an     
a!i/1 z he is d5om9at$1 :o %\ld reason )
 ju/ness1 w\ld feel himself m int]e/$   
?an ano!r 9 practis+ ^? virtues to :i*  
he f9ds 8 happ9ess atta*$ 9 ?is _w4 ,if 
8 views d n ext5d !mselves beyond !     
limits ( 8 pres5t exi/5ce1 he mu/1 at   
lea/1 desire to see 8 days roll on 9    
happ9ess & 9 peace4 ,e man1 :o dur+ !   
calm ( 8 passions1 falls back ^u        
himself1 w feel t 8 int]e/ invites him  
to 8 own pres]vation2 t 8 felicity      
rigor\sly dem&s he %\ld take ! necess>y 

means to enjoy life peaceably t x       
becomes an imp]ative duty to himself to 
keep 8 actual abode free f al>m2 8 m9d  
unta9t$ by remorse4 ,man owe? some?+ to 
man1 n m]ely because he w\ld (f5d any   
p>ticul> sy/em1 if he 0 to injure 8     
fell[ creature2 b because 9 do+ him an  
injury he w\ld (f5d a man2 w\ld violate 
! laws ( equity2 9 ! ma9t5ance ( :i* e  
human be+ f9ds himself int]e/$4  ,we e  
day see p]sons :o are possess$ ( great  
tal5ts1 :o h v ext5sive k1 :o enjoy v   
ke5 p5etration1 jo9 to ^! advantages a v
 corrupt he>t2 :o l5d1 !mselves to ! mo/
 hide\s vices3 _! op9ions may be true 9 
"s respects1 false 9 a great _m o!rs2 _!
 pr9ciples may be j1 b _! inductions are
 frequ5tly defective2 v (t5 precipitate4
 ,a man may embrace suffici5t k to      
detect "s ( 8 errors1 yet comm& too     
little en]gy to dive/ himself ( 8 vici\s
 prop5sities4 ,man is a be+ ^: "* dep5ds
 ^u 8 organization1 modifi$ by habit--^u
 8 temp]am5t1 regulat$ by education--^u 
8 prop5sities1 m>%all$ by example--^u 82

 passions1 guid$ by 8 gov]nm5t2 9 %ort1 
he is only :at transitory or p]man5t    
circum/ances make him3 8 sup]/iti\s     
ideas are oblig$ to yield to ?is        
temp]am5t2 8 imag9>y sy/ems feel a      
necessity to accommodate !mselves to 8  
prop5sities2 8 !ories give way to 8     
int]e/s4 ,if ! sy/em :i* con/itutes man 
an a!i/ 9 ! eyes ( ?is !ologic fri5d1   
does n remove him f ! vices ) :i* he 0  
ant]iorly ta9t$1 nei!r does x t9cture   
him ) any new ones2 :]eas1 sup]/ition   
furni%es its disciples ) a ?\s& pretexts
 = committ+ evil )\t repugnance2 induces
 !m ev5 to applaud !mselves = !         
commission ( crime4 ,a!ism1 at lea/1    
leaves m5 su* z !y are2 x w nei!r       
increase a man's intemp]ance1 nor add to
 8 debau*]ies1 x w n r5d] him m cruel   
?an 8 temp]am5t be=e invit$ him to be3  
:]eas sup]/ition ei!r lacks ! re9 to !  
mo/ t]rible passions1 gives loose to !  
mo/ abom9able sugge/ions1 or else       
procures easy expiations = ! mo/        
di%on\rable vices4 ,a!ism1 says         

,*ancellor ,bacon1 leaves to man reason1
 philosophy1 natural piety1 laws1       
reputation1 & e ?+ t c s]ve to conduct  
him to virtue2 b sup]/ition de/roys all 
^! ?+s1 & erects itself into a tyranny  
ov] ! und]/&+s ( m53 ?is is ! reason :y 
a!ism nev] di/urbs ! gov]nm5t1 b r5d]s  
man m cle>-sight$1 z see+ no?+ beyond ! 
b\nds ( ?is life4 ,! same au?or adds1 t 
! times 9 :i* m5 h turn$ t[>ds a!ism1 h 
be5 ! mo/ tranquil2 :]eas sup]/ition has
 always inflam$ _! m9ds1 & c>ri$ !m on  
to ! greate/ disord]s2 because x        
infatuates ! p ) novelties1 :i* wre/ f &
 c>ry ) !m all ! au?ority ( gov]nm5t4   
,m51 habituat$ to m$itate1 accu/om$ to  
make /udy a pleasure1 are n commonly    
dang]\s citiz5s3 :atev] may be _!       
speculations1 !y nev] produce sudd5     
revolutions ^u ! e>?4 ,! w9ds ( ! p1 at 
all times susceptible to be inflam$ by !
 m>vell\s1 _! dormant passions liable to
 be ar\s$ by en?usiasm1 ob/9ately resi/ 
! light ( simple tru?s2 nev] heat       
!mselves = sy/ems t dem& a long tra9 (  

reflection--t require ! dep? ( ! mo/    
acute reason+4 ,! sy/em ( a!ism1 z !    
prie/s *oose to d5om9ate x1 c only be ! 
result ( long m$itation2 ! fruit (      
connect$ /udy2 ! produce ( an imag9ation
 cool$ by exp]i5ce3 x is ! *ild (       
reason4 ,! peaceable ,epicurus nev]     
di/urb$ ,greece2 8 philosophy 0 publicly
 taught 9 ,a!ns dur+ _m c5turies2 he 0 9
 incr$ible fav\r ) 8 c\ntrym51 :o caus$ 
/atues to be erect$ to him2 he _h a     
prodigi\s numb] ( fri5ds1 & 8 s*ool     
subsi/$ = a v long p]iod4 ,cic]o1 al?\gh
 a decid$ enemy to ! ,epicureans1 gives 
a brilliant te/imony to ! probity bo? ( 
,epicurus & 8 disciples1 :o 7 rem>kable 
= ! inviolable fri5d%ip !y bore ea* o!r4
 ,9 ! "t ( ,m>cus ,aurelius1 !re 0 at   
,a!ns a public pr(essor ( ! philosophy (
 ,epicurus1 paid by t emp]or1 :o 0      
himself a /oic4 ,hobbes did n cause     
blood to fl[ 9 ,engl&1 al?\gh 9 8 "t1   
religi\s fanaticism made a k+ p]i% on ! 
scaffold4 ,! poem ( ,lucretius caus$ no 
civil w>s 9 ,rome2 ! writ+s ( ,sp9osa   

did n excite ! same tr\bles 9 ,holl& z !
 disputes ( ,gom> & ,d',arm9ius4 ,9     
%ort1 we c defy ! enemies to human      
reason to cite a s+le example1 :i*      
proves 9 a decisive mann] t op9ions     
purely philosophical1 or directly       
contr>y to sup]/ition1 h ev] excit$     
di/urbances 9 ! /ate4 ,tumults h g5]ally
 aris5 f !ological notions1 because bo? 
pr9ces & p h always fooli%ly believ$ !y 
ought to take a "p 9 !m4 ,!re is no?+ s 
dang]\s z t empty philosophy1 :i* !     
!ologians h comb9$ ) _! sy/ems4 ,x is to
 philosophy1 corrupt$ by prie/s1 t x    
peculi>ly belongs to bl[ up ! emb]s (   
discord2 to invite ! p to rebellion2 to 
dr5* ! e>? ) human blood4 ,!re is1      
p]haps1 no !ological "q1 :i* has n be5 !
 s\rce ( imm5se mis*ief to man2 :il/ all
 ! writ+s ( ^? d5om9at$ a!i/s1 :e!r     
anci5t or mod]n1 h nev] caus$ any evil b
 to _! au?ors2 :om dom9ant impo/ure has 
frequ5tly immolat$ at 8 deceptive %r9e4 
,! pr9ciples ( a!ism are n =m$ = ! mass 
( ! p1 :o are commonly "u ! tutelage (  

_! prie/s2 !y are n calculat$ = ^?      
frivol\s capacities1 n suit$ to ^?      
dissipat$ m9ds1 :o fill society ) _!    
vices1 :o h\rly af=d evid5ce ( _! own   
inutility2 !y w n gratify ! ambiti\s2   
nei!r are !y adapt$ to intrigu]s1 nor   
fitt$ = ^? re/less be+s :o f9d _!       
imm$iate int]e/ 9 di/urb+ ! h>mony ( !  
social compact3 mu* less are !y made = a
 great numb] ( p]sons1 :o1 enlight5$ 9  
o!r respects1 h n suffici5t c\rage to   
divorce !mselves f ! receiv$ prejudices4
  ,s _m causes unite !mselves to confirm
 man 9 ^? errors :i* he draws 9 ) 8 "m's
 milk1 t e /ep t removes him f ^! ende>$
 fallacies1 co/s him uncommon pa94 ,^?  
p]sons :o are mo/ enlight5$1 frequ5tly  
cl+ on "s side to ! g5]al prepossession4
 ,by giv+ up ^! rev]$ ideas1 we feel    
ourselves1 z x 71 isolat$ 9 society3    
:5ev] we /& alone 9 our op9ions1 we no  
long] seem to speak ! language ( our    
associates2 we are apt to fancy         
ourselves plac$ on a b>r51 des]t isl&1 9
 sight ( a popul\s1 fruitful c\ntry1 :i*

 we c nev] rea*3 x !re=e requires great 
c\rage to adopt a mode ( ?9k+ t has b   
few approv]s4 ,9 ^? c\ntries :]e human k
 has made "s progress2 :]e1 besides1 a  
c]ta9 fre$om ( ?9k+ is enjoy$1 may      
easily be f\nd a great numb] (          
deicoli/s1 !i/s1 or incr$ul\s be+s1 :o1 
cont5t$ ) hav+ trampl$ "u foot ! gross] 
prejudices ( ! illit]ate1 h n d>$ to g  
back to ! s\rce--to cite ! m subtle     
sy/ems be=e ! tribunal ( reason4 ,if ^! 
?9k]s did n /op on ! road1 reflection   
w\ld quickly prove to !m t ^? sy/ems :i*
 !y h n ! =titude to exam9e1 are equally
 injuri\s to s\nd ratioc9ation1 fully z 
revolt+ to good s5se1 q z repugnant to !
 evid5ce ( exp]i5ce1 z any ( ^?         
doctr9es1 my/]ies1 fables1 or sup]/iti\s
 cu/oms1 ( :i* !y h already ackn[l$g$ ! 
futility2 !y w\ld feel1 z we h already  
prov$1 t all ^! ?+s are no?+ m ?an !    
necess>y consequ5ces ( ^? primitive     
errors :i* man has indulg$ = s _m ages 9
 succession2 t 9 admitt+ ^! errors1 !y  
no long] h any rational cause to reject 

! d$uctions :i* ! imag9ation has drawn f
 !m4 ,a little att5tion w\ld di/9ctly   
%ew !m1 t x is precisely ^! errors t are
 ! true cause ( all ! evils ( society2 t
 ^? endless disputes1 ^? sangu9>y       
qu>rels1 to :i* sup]/ition & ! _s ( p>ty
 e in/ant give bir?1 are ! inevitable   
effects ( ! importance !y atta* to      
errors :i* possess all ! means (        
di/raction1 t sc>cely ev] fail to put ! 
m9d ( man into a /ate ( combu/ion4 ,9   
%ort1 no?+ is m easy ?an to conv9ce     
ourselves t imag9>y sy/ems1 n r$ucible  
to compreh5sion1 :i* are always pa9t$ "u
 t]rific aspects1 mu/ act ^u !          
imag9ation 9 a v lively mann]1 mu/ soon]
 or lat] produce disputes--eng5d]       
en?usiasm--give bir? to fanaticism--end 
9 delirium4  ,_m p]sons ackn[l$ge1 t !  
extravagances to :i* sup]/ition l5ds    
activity1 are real evils2 _m compla9 ( !
 abuse ( sup]/ition1 b !re are v few :o 
feel t ?is abuse1 toge!r ) ! evils1 are 
! necess>y consequ5ces ( ! fundam5tal   
pr9ciples ( all sup]/ition2 :i* are     

f\nd$ ^u ! mo/ griev\s notions1 :i* re/ 
!mselves on ! mo/ torm5t+ op9ions4 ,we  
daily see p]sons undeceiv$ ^u sup]/iti\s
 ideas1 :o nev]!less pret5d t ?is       
sup]/ition is salut>y = ! p2 t )\t its  
sup]natural magic1 !y c\ld n be kept )9 
due b\nds2 9 o!r words1 c\ld n be made !
 volunt>y slaves ( ! prie/4 ,b1 to      
reason ?us1 is x n to say1 poison is    
b5eficial to mank9d1 t !re=e x is prop] 
to poison !m1 to prev5t !m f mak+ an    
improp] use ( _! p[]8 ,is x n 9 fact to 
pret5d x is advantage\s to r5d] !m      
absurd2 t x is a pr(itable c\rse to make
 !m extravagant2 :olesome to give !m an 
irrational bias2 t !y h ne$ ( hobgobl9s 
to bl9d !m2 require ! mo/               
incompreh5sible sy/ems to make !m giddy2
 t x is imp]ative to submit !m ei!r to  
impo/ors or to fanatics1 :o w avail     
!mselves ( _! follies to di/urb ! repose
 ( ! _w8 ,aga91 is x an asc]ta9$ fact1  
does exp]i5ce w>rant ! conclusion1 t    
sup]/ition has a useful influ5ce ov] !  
morals ( ! p8 ,x appe>s mu* m evid5t1 is

 mu* bett] borne out by obs]vation1     
falls m 9 ) ! evid5ce ( ! s5ses1 t x    
enslaves !m )\t r5d]+ !m bett]2 t x     
con/itutes an h]d ( ignorant be+s1 :om  
panic t]rors keep "u ! yoke ( _!        
task-ma/]s2 :om _! useless fe>s r5d] !  
wret*$ in/rum5ts ( t[]+ ambition--(     
rapaci\s tyrants2 ( ! subtle craft (    
design+ prie/s3 t x =ms /upid slaves1 :o
 are acqua9t$ ) no o!r virtue1 save a   
bl9d submission to ! mo/ futile cu/oms1 
to :i* !y atta* a mu* m sub/antive value
 ?an to ! actual virtues spr++ out ( !  
duties ( morality2 or issu+ f ! social  
compact :i* has nev] be5 made kn[n to   
!m4 ,if by any *ance1 sup]/ition does   
re/ra9 "s few individuals1 x has no     
effect on ! great] numb]1 :o suff]      
!mselves to be hurri$ along by !        
epidemical vices ) :i* !y are infect$3  
!y are plac$ by x ^u ! /ream (          
corruption1 & ! tide ei!r sweeps !m     
away1 or else1 swell+ ! wat]s1 breaks   
?r\gh its feeble m\nds1 & involves !    
:ole 9 "o undi/+ui%$ mass ( ru94 ,x is 9

 ^? c\ntries :]e sup]/ition has !       
greate/ p[]1 t w always be f\nd ! lea/  
morality4 ,virtue is incompatible )     
ignorance2 x _c coalesce ) sup]/ition2 x
 _c exi/ ) slav]y3 slaves c only be kept
 9 subord9ation by ! fe> ( puni%m5t2    
ignorant *ildr5 are = a mom5t intimidat$
 by imag9>y t]rors4 ,b freem51 ! *ildr5 
( tru?1 h no fe>s b ( !mselves2 are     
nei!r to be lull$ into submission by    
vision>y duties1 nor co]c$ by fanciful  
sy/ems2 !y yield ready ob$i5ce to !     
evid5t demon/rations ( virtue2 are !    
fai?ful1 ! invuln]able support]s ( solid
 sy/ems2 cl+ ) ard\r to ! dictates (    
reason2 =m imp5etrable ramp>ts r\nd _!  
legitimate sov]eigns2 & fix _! ?rones on
 an immoveable basis1 unkn[n to !       
!ologian2 t _c be t\*$ ) unhall[$ h&s2  
^: duration w be comm5surate ) ! exi/5ce
 ( "t itself4 ,to =m freem51 h[ev]1 to h
 virtu\s citiz5s1 x is necess>y to      
enlight5 !m2 x is incumb5t to exhibit   
tru? to !m2 x is imp]ative to reason )  
!m2 x is indisp5sable to make !m feel _!

 int]e/s2 x is p>am\nt to le>n !m to    
respect !mselves2 !y mu/ be in/ruct$ to 
fe> %ame2 !y mu/ be excit$ to h a j idea
 ( hon\r2 !y mu/ be made famili> ) !    
value ( virtue1 !y mu/ be %ewn          
sub/antive motives = foll[+ its lessons4
 ,h[ c ^! happy effects ev] be expect$ f
 ! pollut$ f\nta9s ( sup]/ition1 ^:     
wat]s d no?+ m ?an degrade mank9d8 ,or  
h[ are !y to be obta9$ f ! pond]\s1     
bulky yoke ( tyranny1 :i* proposes no?+ 
m to itself1 ?an to vanqui% !m by divid+
 !m2 to keep !m 9 ! mo/ abject condition
 by means ( lascivi\s vices1 & ! mo/    
dete/able crimes8  ,! false idea1 :i* s 
_m p]sons h ( ! utility ( sup]/ition1   
:i* !y1 at lea/1 judge to be calculat$  
to re/ra9 ! lic5ti\sness ( ! illit]ate1 
arise f ! fatal prejudice t x is a      
useful error2 t tru? may be dang]\s4    
,?is pr9ciple has complete efficacy to  
et]nize ! sorr[s ( ! e>?3 :oev] %all h !
 requisite c\rage to exam9e ^! ?+s1 w   
)\t hesitation ackn[l$ge1 t all !       
mis]ies ( ! human race are to be ascrib$

 to 8 errors2 t ( ^!1 sup]/iti\s error  
mu/ he ! mo/ prejudicial1 f ! importance
 :i* is usually atta*$ to x2 f !        
haught9ess ) :i* x inspires sov]eigns2 f
 ! wor?less condition :i* x prescribes  
to subjects2 f ! phr5zy :i* x excites   
among ! vulg>4 ,we %all1 !re=e1 be      
oblig$ to conclude1 t ! sup]/iti\s      
errors ( man1 r5d]$ sacr$ by "t1 are    
exactly ^? :i* = ! p]man5t int]e/ (     
mank9d1 = ! well-be+ ( society1 = !     
security ( ! mon>* himself1 dem& ! mo/  
complete de/ruction2 t x is pr9cipally  
to _! annihilation1 ! ef=ts ( a s\nd    
philosophy ought to be direct$4 ,x is n 
to be fe>$1 t ?is attempt w produce ei!r
 disord]s or revolutions3 ! m fre$om    
%all accompany ! voice ( tru?1 ! m      
conv9c+ x w appe>2 al?\gh ! m simple x  
%all be1 ! less x w influ5ce m51 :o are 
only smitt5 ) ! m>vell\s2 ev5 ^?        
individuals :o mo/ s$ul\sly seek aft]   
tru?1 :o pursue x ) ! greate/ ard\r1 h  
frequ5tly an irresi/ible incl9ation1 t  
urges !m on1 & incessantly disposes !m  

to reconcile error ) its antipode4 ,t   
great ma/] ( ! art ( ?9k+1 :o holds =?  
to 8 disciples su* able advice1 says1 ) 
abundant reason1 t !re is no?+ b a good 
& solid philosophy1 :i* c1 l ano!r      
,h]cules1 ext]m9ate ^? mon/]s call$     
popul> errors3 x is t alone :i* c give  
fre$om to ! human m9d4  ,"h is1         
unque/ionably1 ! true reason :y a!ism1 z
 x is call$1 ( :i* hi!rto ! pr9ciples h 
n be5 suffici5tly develop$1 appe>s to   
al>m ev5 ^? p]sons :o are ! mo/ de/itute
 ( prejudice4 ,!y f9d ! int]val too     
great betwe5 vulg> sup]/ition & an      
absolute r5unciation ( x2 !y imag9e !y  
take a wise m$ium 9 comp\nd+ ) error2 !y
 !re=e reject ! consequ5ces1 :ile !y    
admit ! pr9ciple2 !y pres]ve ! %ad[ &   
?r[ away ! sub/ance1 )\t =esee+ t1 soon]
 or lat]1 x mu/1 by its ob/etric art1   
u%] into ! _w1 "o aft] ano!r1 ! same    
follies :i* n[ fill ! heads ( bewild]$  
human be+s1 lo/ 9 ! labyr9?s (          
incompreh5sible sy/ems4 ,! major "p ( ! 
incr$ul\s1 ! great] numb] ( re=m]s1 d no

 m ?an prune a cank]$ tree1 to ^: root  
!y d>e n apply ! axe2 !y d n p]ceive t  
?is tree w 9 ! end produce ! same fruit4
 ,!ology1 or sup]/ition1 w always be an 
heap ( combu/ible matt]3 brood$ 9 !     
imag9ation ( mank9d1 x w always f9i% by 
caus+ ! mo/ t]rible explosions4 ,z long 
z ! sac]dotal ord] %all h ! privilege ( 
infect+ y\?--( habituat+ _! m9ds to     
tremble be=e unmean+ words--( al>m+     
nations ) ! mo/ t]rific sy/ems1 s long w
 fanaticism be ma/] ( ! human m9d2      
impo/ure w1 at its pleasure1 ca/ ! apple
 ( discord among ! memb]s ( ! /ate4 ,!  
mo/ simple error1 p]petually f$1        
unceas+ly modifi$1 cont9ually exagg]at$ 
by ! imag9ation ( man1 w by degrees     
assume a collossal figure1 suffici5tly  
p[]ful to upset e in/itution2 amply     
compet5t to ! ov]?r[ ( empires4 ,!ism is
 a sy/em at :i* ! human m9d _c make a   
long soj\rn2 f\nd$ ^u error1 x w1 soon] 
or lat]1 deg5]ate into ! mo/ absurd1 !  
mo/ dang]\s sup]/ition4  ,_m incr$ul\s  
be+s1 _m !i/s1 are to be met ) 9 ^?     

c\ntries :]e fre$om ( op9ion reigns2 t  
is to say1 :]e ! civil p[] has kn[n h[  
to balance sup]/ition4 ,b1 above all1   
a!i/s z !y are t]m$1 w be f\nd 9 ^?     
nations :]e1 sup]/ition1 back$ by !     
sov]eign au?ority1 mo/ en=ces !         
pond]osity ( its yoke2 mo/ impresses !  
volume ( its sev]ity2 imprud5tly abuses 
its unlimit$ p[]4 ,inde$1 :5 9 ^! k9d ( 
c\ntries1 sci5ce1 tal5ts1 ! se$s (      
reflection1 are n entirely /ifl$1 !     
great] "p ( ! m5 :o ?9k1 revolt at !    
cry+ abuses ( sup]/ition2 are a%am$ (   
its multif>i\s follies2 are %ock$ at !  
corruption ( its pr(essors2 sc&aliz$ at 
! tyranny ( its prie/s3 are /ruck )     
horror at ^? massive *a9s :i* x imposes 
on ! cr$ul\s4 ,believ+ ) great reason1 t
 !y c nev] remove !mselves too f> f its 
savage pr9ciples1 ! sy/em t s]ves = !   
basis ( su* a cre$1 becomes z odi\s z ! 
sup]/ition itself2 !y feel t t]rific    
sy/ems c only be detail$ by cruel       
m9i/]s2 ^! become dete/able objects to e
 enlight5$1 to e hone/ m9d1 9 :i* ei!r !

 love ( equity1 or ! sacr$ fire ( fre$om
 resides2 to e "o :o is ! advocate (    
humanity--! indignant spurn] ( tyranny4 
,oppression gives a spr+ to ! s\l2 x    
obliges man to exam9e closely into !    
cause ( 8 sorr[s2 mis=tune is a p[]ful  
inc5tive1 t turns ! m9d to ! side (     
tru?4 ,h[ =midable a foe mu/ n outrag$  
reason be to falsehood8 ,x at lea/ ?r[s 
x into confusion1 :5 x te>s away its    
mask2 :5 x foll[s x into its la/        
entr5*m5t2 :5 x proves1 beyond          
contradiction1 t no?+ is s da/>dly z    
delusion detect$1 or tyrannic p[] held  
at bay4      ,,*ap4 ,,xiii4  ,( !       
motives :i* lead to :at is falsely call$
 ,a!ism4--,c ?is ,sy/em be dang]\s8--,c 
x be embrac$ by ! ,illit]ate8   ,!      
reflections1 z well z ! facts :i* h     
prec$$1 w furni% a reply to ^? :o       
inquire :at int]e/ man has 9 n admitt+  
un9telligible sy/ems8 ,! tyrannies1 !   
p]secutions1 ! numb]less outrages       
committ$ "u ^! sy/ems2 ! /upidity1 !    
slav]y1 into :i* _! m9i/]s almo/ e :]e  

plunge ! p2 ! sangu9>y disputes to :i*  
!y give bir?2 ! multitude ( unhappy be+s
 ) :i* _! fatal notions fill ! _w2 are  
surely abundantly suffici5t to create ! 
mo/ p[]ful1 ! mo/ int]e/+ motives1 to   
det]m9e all s5sible m51 :o possess !    
faculty ( ?\ght1 to exam9e into !       
au!nticity ( doctr9es1 :i* cause s _m   
s]i\s evils to ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4   
,a !i/1 v e/imable = 8 tal5ts1 asks1 if 
!re c be any o!r cause ?an an evil      
disposition1 :i* c make m5 a!i/s8 ,i    
reply to him1 yes1 !re are o!r causes4  
,!re is ! desire1 a v laudable "o1 (    
hav+ a k ( int]e/+ tru?s2 !re is !      
p[]ful int]e/ ( kn[+ :at op9ions we     
ought to hold ^u ! object :i* is ann\nc$
 to u z ! mo/ important2 !re is ! fe> ( 
deceiv+ ourselves ^u sy/ems :i* are     
occupi$ ) ! op9ions ( mank9d1 :i* d n   
p]mit he %\ld deceive himself respect+  
!m ) impunity4 ,b :5 ^! motives1 ^!     
causes1 %\ld n subsi/1 is n indignation1
 or if !y w1 an evil disposition1 a     
legitimate cause1 a good & p[]ful       

motive1 = closely exam9+ ! pret5sions1 =
 se>*+ into ! rights ( sy/ems1 9 ^: "n s
 _m crimes are p]petrat$8 ,c any man :o 
feels1 :o ?9ks1 :o has any ela/icity 9 8
 s\l1 avoid be+ inc5s$ aga9/ au/]e      
!ories1 :i* are visibly ! pretext1      
und5iably ! s\rce1 ( all ^? evils1 :i*  
on e side assail ! human race8 ,are !y n
 ^! fatal sy/ems :i* are at once ! cause
 & ! o/5sible reason ( t iron yoke t    
oppresses mank9d2 ( t wret*$ slav]y 9   
:i* he lives2 ( t bl9dness :i* hides f  
him 8 happ9ess2 ( t sup]/ition1 :i*     
disgraces him2 ( ^? irrational cu/oms   
:i* torm5t him2 ( ^? sangu9>y qu>rels   
:i* divide him2 ( all ! outrages :i* he 
exp]i5ces8 ,mu/ n e brea/ 9 :i* humanity
 is n ext+ui%$1 irritate itself aga9/ t 
!oretical speculation1 :i* 9 almo/ e    
c\ntry is made to speak ! language (    
caprici\s1 inhuman1 irrational tyrants8 
,to motives s natural1 s sub/antive1 we 
%all jo9 ^? :i* are /ill m urg5t1 m     
p]sonal to e reflect+ man3 namely1 t    
b5umb+ t]ror1 t incommodi\s fe>1 :i* mu/

 be unceas+ly n\ri%$ by ! idea (        
caprici\s !ories1 :i* lay man op5 to !  
mo/ sev]e p5alties1 ev5 = secret ?\ghts1
 ov] :i* he himself has n any contr\l2 t
 dreadful anxiety aris+ out ( inexorable
 sy/ems1 aga9/ :i* he may s9 )\t ev5 8  
own k2 ( morose doctr9es1 ! measure (   
:i* he c nev] be c]ta9 ( hav+ fulfill$2 
:i* s f> f be+ equitable1 make all !    
obligations lay on "o side2 :i* ) ! mo/ 
ample means ( en=c+ re/ra9t1 freely     
p]mit evil1 al?\gh !y hold out ! mo/    
excruciat+ puni%m5ts = ! del9qu5ts8     
,does x n !n1 embrace ! be/ int]e/s (   
humanity1 become ( ! highe/ importance  
to ! welf>e ( mank9d1 ( ! greate/       
consequ5ce to ! quiet ( 8 exi/5ce1 to   
v]ify ! correctness ( ^! sy/ems8 ,c any 
?+ be m rational ?an to probe to ! core 
^! a/\nd+ !ories8 ,is x possible t any  
?+ c be m j1 ?an to inquire rigor\sly   
into ! rights1 s$ul\sly to exam9e !     
f\ndations1 to try by e kn[n te/1 !     
/ability ( doctr9es1 t involve 9 _!     
op]ations1 consequ5ces ( su* colossal   

magnitude2 t embrace1 9 _! dictatory    
m&ates1 matt]s ( su* high behe/2 t      
implicate ! et]nal felicity ( su*       
c\ntless millions 9 ! vortex ( _!       
action8 ,w\ld x n be ! height ( folly to
 we> su* a trem5d\s yoke )\t inquiry2 to
 let su* ov]:elm+ notions pass curr5t   
unau!nticat$2 to p]mit ! soi-disant     
m9i/]s ( ^! t]rific sy/ems to e/abli% _!
 p[]1 )\t ! mo/ ample v]ification ( _!  
pat5ts ( mission8 ,w\ld x1 ,i repeat1 be
 at all wond]ful1 if ! frightful        
qualities ( "s ( ^! sy/ems1 z exhibit$  
by _! (ficial exp\nd]s1 :om ! accr$it$  
function>ies ( simil> sy/ems1 d n       
scruple1 9 ! face ( day1 to br& z       
impo/ors1 %\ld induce rational be+s to  
drive !m entirely f _! he>ts2 to %ake (f
 su* an intol]able burd5 ( mis]y2 to ev5
 d5y ! exi/5ce ( su* appall+ doctr9es1 (
 su* petrify+ sy/ems1 :i* ! sup]/iti\s  
!mselves1 :il/ pay+ !m _! homage1       
frequ5tly curse f ! v bottom ( _! he>ts8
  ,! !i/1 h[ev]1 w n fail to tell !     
a!i/1 z he calls him1 t ^! sy/ems are n 

su* z sup]/ition pa9ts !m2 t ! col\rs   
are co>se1 too gl>+1 ill assort$1 !     
p]spective out ( all keep+2 he w !n     
exhibit 8 own picture1 9 :i* ! t9ts are 
c]ta9ly bl5d$ ) m mell[ness1 ! col\r+ ( 
a m pleas+ hue1 ! :ole m h>moni\s1 b !  
di/ances equally indi/9ct3 ! a!i/1 9    
reply1 w say1 t sup]/ition itself1 ) all
 ! absurd prejudices1 all ! mis*iev\s   
notions to :i* x gives bir?1 are only   
coroll>ies drawn f ! fallaci\s ideas1 f 
^? obscure pr9ciples1 :i* ! deicoli/    
himself indulges4 ,t 8 own              
incompreh5sible sy/em au?orizes !       
incompreh5sible absurdities1 !          
inconceivable my/]ies1 ) :i* sup]/ition 
ab\nds2 t !y fl[ consecutively f 8 own  
premises2 t :5 once ! m9d ( mortals is  
bewild]$ 9 ! d>k1 inextricable mazes (  
an ill-direct$ imag9ation1 x w          
incessantly multiply its *im]as4 ,to    
assure ! repose ( mank9d1 fundam5tal    
errors mu/ be annihilat$2 t he may      
und]/& 8 true relations1 be acqua9t$ ) 8
 imp]ative duties1 prim>y delusions mu/ 

be rectifi$2 to procure him t s]5ity (  
s\l1 )\t :i* !re c be no sub/antive     
happ9ess1 orig9al fallacies mu/ be      
und]m9$4 ,if ! sy/ems ( ! sup]/iti\s be 
revolt+1 if _! !ories be gloomy1 if _!  
dogmas are un9telligible1 ^? ( ! !i/ w  
always be contradictory2 w prove fatal1 
:5 he %all be dispos$ to m$itate ^u !m2 
w become ! s\rce ( illusions1 ) :i*1    
soon] or lat]1 impo/ure w n omit to     
abuse 8 cr$ulity4 ,nature alone1 ) !    
tru?s %e discov]s1 is capable ( l5d+ to 
! human m9d t firmness :i* falsehood w  
nev] be able to %ake2 to ! human he>t t 
self-possession1 aga9/ :i* impo/ure w 9 
va9 direct its attacks4  ,let u aga9    
reply to ^? :o unceas+ly repeat t !     
int]e/ ( ! passions alone conduct man to
 :at is t]m$ a!ism3 t x is ! dread (    
future puni%m5t t det]m9es corrupt      
individuals to make ! mo/ /r5u\s ef=ts  
to break up a sy/em !y h reason to      
dread4 ,we %all1 )\t hesitation1 agree t
 x is ! int]e/ ( man's passions :i*     
excites him to make inquiries2 )\t      

int]e/1 no man is tempt$ to seek2 )\t   
passion1 no man w seek vigor\sly4 ,! "q1
 !n1 to be exam9$1 is1 if ! passions &  
int]e/s1 :i* det]m9e "s ?9k]s to dive   
into ! /ability or ! sy/ems held =? to  
_! adoption1 are or are n legitimate8   
,^! int]e/s h1 already be5 expos$1 f :i*
 x has be5 prov$1 t e rational man f9ds 
9 8 inquietudes1 9 8 fe>s1 reasonable   
motives to asc]ta91 :e!r or n x be      
necess>y to pass 8 life 9 p]petual      
dread2 9 nev] ceas+ agonies8 ,w x be    
said1 t an unhappy be+1 unju/ly condemn$
 to groan 9 *a9s1 has n ! "r ( be+ will+
 to r5d] !m asund]2 to take "s means to 
lib]ate himself f 8 prison2 to adopt "s 
plan to escape f ^? puni%m5ts1 :i* e    
in/ant ?reat5 him8 ,w x be pret5d$ t 8  
passion = lib]ty has no legitimate      
f\ndation1 t he does an injury to !     
companions ( 8 mis]y1 9 )draw+ himself f
 ! %afts ( tyrannical infliction2 or 9  
furni%+1 !m also ) means to escape f its
 cruel /rokes8 ,is1 !n1 an incr$ul\s    
man1 any ?+ m ?an "o :o has tak5 flight 

f ! g5]al prison1 9 :i* despotic        
sup]/ition deta9s ne>ly all mank9d8 ,is 
n an a!i/1 z he is call$1 :o writes1 "o 
:o has brok5 8 fett]s1 :o supplies to ^?
 ( 8 associates :o h suffici5t c\rage to
 foll[ him1 ! means ( sett+ !mselves    
free f ! t]rors t m5ace !m8 ,! prie/s   
unceas+ly repeat t x is pride1 vanity1 !
 desire ( di/+ui%+ himself f ! g5]ality 
( mank9d1 t det]m9es man to incr$ulity4 
,9 ?is !y are l "s ( ^? weal?y mortals1 
:o treat all ^? z insol5t :o refuse to  
cr+e be=e !m4 ,w\ld n e rational man h a
 "r to ask ! prie/1 :]e is ?y sup]iority
 9 matt]s ( reason+8 ,:at motives c ,i h
 to submit my reason to ?y delirium8 ,on
 ! o!r h&1 way x n be said to ! hi]>*y1 
t x is int]e/ :i* makes !m prie/s2 t x  
is int]e/ :i* r5d]s !m !ologians2 t x is
 = ! int]e/ ( _! passions1 to inflate _!
 pride1 to gratify _! av>ice1 to m9i/]  
to _! ambition1 c4 t !y atta* !mselves  
to sy/ems1 ( :i* !y alone reap !        
b5efits8 ,:atev] x may be1 ! prie/hood1 
cont5t$ ) ex]cis+ _! p[] ov] !          

illit]ate1 ought to p]mit ^? m5 :o d    
?9k1 to be excus$ f b5d+ ! knee be=e _! 
va91 illusive idols4  ,we also agree1 t 
frequ5tly ! corruption ( morals1 a life 
( debau*]y1 a lic5ti\sness ( conduct1   
ev5 levity ( m9d1 may conduct man to    
incr$ulity2 b is x n possible to be a   
lib]t9e1 to be irreligi\s1 to make a    
p>ade ( incr$ulity1 )\t be+ on t acc\nt 
an a!i/8 ,!re is unque/ionably a        
diff]5ce betwe5 ^? :o are l$ to r5\nce  
belief 9 un9telligible sy/ems by d9t (  
reason+1 & ^? :o reject or despise      
sup]/ition1 only because !y look ^u x z 
a melan*oly object1 or an incommodi\s   
re/ra9t4 ,_m p]sons1 no d\bt1 r5\nce    
receiv$ prejudices1 ?r\gh vanity or ^u  
he>say2 ^! pret5d$ /rong m9ds h n exam9$
 any ?+ = !mselves2 !y act ^u ! au?ority
 ( o!rs1 :om !y suppose to h weigh$ ?+s 
m maturely4 ,?is k9d ( incr$ul\s be+s1 h
 n1 !n1 any di/9ct ideas1 any sub/antive
 op9ions1 & are b little capacitat$ to  
reason = !mselves2 !y are inde$ h>dly 9 
a /ate to foll[ ! reason+ ( o!rs4 ,!y   

are irreligi\s 9 ! same mann] z !       
majority ( mank9d are sup]/iti\s1 t is  
to say1 by cr$ulity l ! p2 or ?r\gh     
int]e/ l ! prie/4 ,a voluptu>y devot$ to
 8 appetites2 a debau*e dr[n$ 9         
drunk5ness2 an ambiti\s mortal giv5 up  
to 8 own s*emes ( aggr&izem5t2 an       
intrigu] surr\nd$ by 8 plots2 a         
frivol\s1 dissipat$ mortal1 absorb$ by 8
 gewgaws1 addict$ to 8 pu]ile pursuits1 
buri$ 9 8 fil?y enjoym5ts2 a loose woman
 ab&on$ to h] irregul> desires2 a *oice 
_s ( ! day3 are ^! ,i say1 p]sonages1   
actually compet5t to =m a s\nd judgm5t (
 sup]/ition1 :i* !y h nev] exam9$8 ,are 
!y 9 a condition to maturely weigh      
!ories t require ! utmo/ dep? ( ?\ght8  
,h !y ! capabilities to feel ! =ce ( a  
subtle argum5t2 to compass ! :ole ( a   
sy/em3 to embrace ! v>i\s ramifications 
( an ext5d$ doctr9e8 ,if "s feeble      
sc9tillations occasionally break 9 ^u ! 
cimm]ian d>kness ( _! m9ds2 if by any   
accid5t !y discov] "s fa9t glimm]+s (   
tru? amid/ ! tumult ( _! passions2 if   

occasionally a sudd5 calm1 susp5d+1 = a 
%ort season1 ! tempe/ ( _! cont5d+      
vices1 p]mits ! b&eau ( _! unruly       
desires by :i* !y are bl9d$1 to drop =  
an in/ant f _! hoodw9k$ eyes1 ^! leave  
on !m only evanesc5t traces2 sc>cely    
soon] receiv$ ?an oblit]at$4 ,corrupt m5
 only attack ! gods :5 !y conceive !m to
 be ! enemies to _! vile passions4      
,arrian says1 t :5 m5 imag9e ! gods are 
9 opposition to _! passions1 !y abuse   
!m1 & ov]turn _! alt>s4 ,! ,*9ese1 ,i   
believe1 d ! same4 ,! hone/ man makes w>
 aga9/ sy/ems :i* he f9ds are inimical  
to virtue--injuri\s to 8 own            
happ9ess--baneful to t ( 8 fell[        
mortals--contradictory to ! repose1     
fatal to ! int]e/s ( ! human species4 ,!
 bold]1 !re=e1 ! s5tim5ts ( ! hone/     
a!i/1 ! m /range 8 ideas1 ! m suspici\s 
!y appe> to o!r m51 ! m /rictly he ought
 to obs]ve 8 own obligations2 ! m       
scrupul\sly he %\ld p]=m 8 duties2      
especially if he be n desir\s t 8 morals
 %all calumniate 8 sy/em2 :i* duly      

weigh$1 w make ! necessity ( s\nd e?ics1
 ! c]titude ( morality1 felt 9 all its  
=ce2 b :i* e species ( sup]/ition t5ds  
to r5d] problematical1 or to corrupt4   
,:5ev] our w is mov$ by conceal$ &      
complicat$ motives1 x is extremely      
difficult to decide :at det]m9es x2 a   
wick$ man may be conduct$ to incr$ulity 
or to scepticism by ^? motives :i* he   
d>e n av[1 ev5 to himself2 9 believ+ he 
seeks aft] tru?1 he may =m an illusion  
to 8 m9d1 only to foll[ ! int]e/ ( 8    
passions2 ! fe> ( an av5g+ sy/em w      
p]haps det]m9e him to d5y _! exi/5ce )\t
 exam9ation2 uni=mly because he feels !m
 incommodi\s4 ,nev]!less1 ! passions    
sometimes happ5 to be j2 a great int]e/ 
c>ries u on to exam9e ?+s m m9utely2 x  
may frequ5tly make a discov]y ( ! tru?1 
ev5 to him :o seeks aft] x ! lea/1 or :o
 is only desir\s to be lull$ to sleep1  
:o is only solicit\s to deceive himself4
 ,x is ! same ) a p]v]se man :o /umbles 
^u tru?1 z x is ) him1 :o fly+ f an     
imag9>y dang]1 %\ld enc\nt] 9 8 road a  

dang]\s s]p5t1 :i* 9 8 ha/e he %\ld     
de/roy2 he does t by accid5t1 )\t       
design1 :i* a man1 less di/urb$ 9 8 m9d1
 w\ld h done ) prem$itat$ delib]ation4  
,to judge prop]ly ( ?+s1 x is necess>y  
to be dis9t]e/$2 x is requisite to h an 
enlight5$ m9d1 to h connect$ ideas to   
compass a great sy/em4 ,x belongs1 9    
fact1 only to ! hone/ man to exam9e !   
pro(s ( sy/ems--to scrut9ize ! pr9ciples
 ( sup]/ition2 x belongs only to ! man  
acqua9t$ ) nature1 conv]sant ) h] ways1 
to embrace ) intellig5ce ! cause ( !    
,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature4 ,! wick$ are      
incapable ( judg+ ) temp]2 ! ignorant   
are inadequate to reason ) accuracy2 !  
hone/1 ! virtu\s1 are alone compet5t    
judges 9 s weighty an affair4 ,:at d ,i 
say8 ,is n ! virtu\s man1 f !nce 9 a    
condition to ard5tly desire ! exi/5ce ( 
a sy/em t remun]ates ! goodness ( m58   
,if he r5\nces ^? advantages1 :i* 8     
virtue conf]s ^u him ! "r to hope1 x is1
 und\bt$ly1 because he f9ds !m imag9>y4 
,inde$1 e man :o reflects w quickly     

p]ceive1 t = "o timid mortal1 ( :om ^!  
sy/ems re/ra9 ! feeble passions1 !re are
 millions ^: voice !y _c curb1 ( :om1 on
 ! contr>y1 !y excite ! fury2 = "o t !y 
console1 !re are millions :om !y        
affright1 :om !y afflict2 :om !y make   
unhappy3 9 %ort1 he f9ds1 t aga9/ "o    
inconsi/5t en?usia/1 :i* ^! sy/ems1 :i* 
are ?\ght s excell5t1 r5d] happy1 !y    
c>ry discord1 c>nage1 wret*$ness into   
va/ c\ntries2 plunge :ole nations into  
mis]y2 deluge !m ) te>s4  ,h[ev] ?is may
 be1 d n let u inquire into motives :i* 
may det]m9e a man to embrace a sy/em2   
let u r exam9e ! sy/em itself2 let u    
conv9ce ourselves ( its rectitude2 if we
 %all f9d t x is f\nd$ ^u tru?1 we %all 
nev]1 be able to e/eem x dang]\s4 ,x is 
always falsehood t is injuri\s to man2  
if error be visibly ! s\rce ( 8 sorr[s1 
reason is ! true rem$y = !m2 ?is is !   
panacea t c alone c>ry consolation to 8 
afflictions4 ,d n let u f>!r exam9e !   
conduct ( a man :o pres5ts u ) a sy/em2 
8 ideas1 z we h already said1 may be    

extremely s\nd1 :5 ev5 8 actions are    
highly des]v+ ( c5sure4 ,if ! sy/em (   
a!ism _c make him p]v]se1 :o is n s by 8
 temp]am5t1 x _c r5d] him good1 :o does 
n o!rwise "k ! motives t %\ld conduct   
him to virtue4 ,at lea/ we h prov$1 t ! 
sup]/iti\s man1 :5 he has /rong         
passions1 :5 he possesses a deprav$     
he>t1 f9ds ev5 9 8 cre$ a ?\s& pretexts 
m ?an ! a!i/1 = injur+ ! human species4 
,! a!i/ has n1 at lea/1 ! mantle ( zeal 
to cov] 8 v5geance2 he has n ! comm& ( 8
 prie/ to palliate 8 transports2 he has 
n ! glory ( 8 gods to c\nt5ance 8 fury2 
! a!i/ does n enjoy ! faculty ( expiat+1
 at ! exp5ce ( a sum ( money1 !         
transgressions ( 8 life2 ( avail+       
himself ( c]ta9 c]emonies1 by ! aid (   
:i* he may atone = ! outrages he may h  
committ$ aga9/ society2 he has n !      
advantage ( be+ able to reconcile       
himself ) heav51 by "s easy cu/om2 to   
quiet ! remorse ( 8 di/urb$ consci5ce1  
by an att5tion to outw>d =ms3 if crime  
has n dead5$ e feel+ ( 8 he>t1 he is    

oblig$ cont9ually to c>ry )9 himself an 
inexorable judge1 :o unceas+ly reproa*es
 him = 8 odi\s conduct2 :o =ces him to  
blu% = 8 own folly2 :o compels him to   
hate himself2 :o imp]i\sly obliges him  
to fe> exam9ation1 to dread ! res5tm5t (
 o!rs4 ,! sup]/iti\s man1 if he be      
wick$1 gives himself up to crime1 :i* is
 foll[$ by remorse2 b 8 sup]/ition      
quickly furni%es him ) ! means a gett+  
rid ( x2 8 life is g5]ally no m ?an a   
long s]ies ( error & grief1 ( s9 &      
expiation1 foll[+ ea* o!r 9 alt]nate    
succession2 /ill m1 he frequ5tly1 z we h
 se51 p]petrates crimes ( great]        
magnitude1 9 ord] to wa% away ! fir/4   
,de/itute ( any p]man5t ideas on        
morality1 he accu/oms himself to look ^u
 no?+ z crim9al1 b t :i* ! m9i/]s1 !    
(ficial exp\nd]s ( 8 sy/em1 =bid him to 
commit3 he consid]s actions ( ! blacke/ 
dye z virtues1 or z ! means ( effac+ ^? 
transgressions1 :i* are frequ5tly held  
out to him z fai?fully execut+ ! duties 
( 8 cre$4 ,x is ?us we h se5 fanatics   

expiate _! adult]ies by ! mo/ atroci\s  
p]secutions2 cleanse _! s\ls f infamy by
 ! mo/ unrel5t+ cruelty2 make atonem5t =
 unju/ w>s by ! f\le/ means2 qualify _! 
usurpations by outrag+ e pr9ciple (     
virtue2 9 ord] to wa% away _!           
iniquities1 ba! !mselves 9 ! blood ( ^? 
sup]/iti\s victims1 ^: infatuation made 
!m m>tyrs4  ,an a!i/1 z he is falsely   
call$1 if he has reason$ ju/ly1 if he   
has consult$ nature1 ha? pr9ciples m    
det]m9ate1 m humane1 ?an ! sup]/iti\s2 8
 sy/em1 :e!r gloomy or en?usia/ic1      
always conducts ! latt] ei!r to folly or
 cruelty2 ! imag9ation ( ! =m] w nev] be
 intoxicat$ to t degree1 to make him    
believe t viol5ce1 inju/ice1 p]secution1
 or assass9ation are ei!r virtu\s or    
legitimate actions4 ,we e day see t     
sup]/ition1 or ! cause ( heav51 z x is  
call$1 hoodw9ks ev5 ^? p]sons :o on e   
o!r occasion are humane1 equitable1 &   
rational2 s mu* s1 t !y make x a p>am\nt
 duty to treat ) det]m9$ b>b>ity1 ^? m5 
:o happ5 to /ep aside f _! mode ( ?9k+4 

,an h]etic1 an incr$ul\s be+1 ceases to 
be a man1 9 ! eyes ( ! sup]/iti\s4 ,e   
society1 infect$ ) ! v5om ( bigotry1    
(f]s innum]able examples ( juridical    
assass9ation1 :i* ! tribunals commit )\t
 scruple1 ev5 )\t remorse4 ,judges :o   
are equitable on e o!r occasion1 are no 
long] s :5 !re is a "q ( !ological      
op9ions2 9 /eep+ _! h&s 9 ! blood ( _!  
victims1 !y believe1 on ! au?ority ( !  
prie/s1 !y con=m !mselves to ! views ( !
 ,div9ity4 ,almo/ e :]e ! laws are      
subord9ate to sup]/ition2 make !mselves 
accomplices 9 its fanatical fury2 !y    
legitimate ^? actions mo/ oppos$ to !   
g5tle voice ( humanity2 !y ev5 trans=m  
into imp]ative duties1 ! mo/ b>b>\s     
cruelties4 ,! presid5t ,grammont        
relates1 ) a satisfaction truly wor?y ( 
a cannibal1 ! p>ticul>s ( ! puni%m5t (  
,van9i1 :o 0 burn$ at ,?\l\se1 al?\gh he
 _h disav[$ ! op9ions ) :i* he 0 accus$2
 ?is presid5t c>ries 8 demoniac         
prejudices s f>1 z to f9d wick$ness 9 ! 
pi]c+ cries1 9 ! dreadful h[l+s1 :i*    

torm5t wre/$ f ?is unhappy victim to    
sup]/iti\s v5geance4 ,are n all ^!      
av5g]s ( ! gods mis]able m51 bl9d$ by _!
 piety1 :o1 "u ! impression ( duty1     
wantonly immolate at ! %r9e (           
sup]/ition1 ^? wret*$ victims :om !     
prie/s deliv] ov] to !m8 ,are !y n      
savage tyrants1 :o h ! rank inju/ice to 
violate ?\ght2 :o h ! folly to believe  
!y c enslave x8 ,are !y n deliri\s      
fanatics1 on :om ! law1 dictat$ by ! mo/
 inhuman prejudices1 imposes ! necessity
 ( act+ l f]oci\s brutes8 ,are n all ^? 
sov]eigns1 :o to gratify ! vanity ( !   
prie/hood1 torm5t & p]secute _!         
subjects1 :o sacrifice to _!            
an?ropophagite gods human victims1 m5   
:om sup]/iti\s zeal has conv]t$ into    
tyg]s8 ,are n ^? prie/s1 s c>eful ( !   
s\l's heal?1 :o insol5tly break into !  
sacr$ sanctu>y ( man's m9d1 to ! end t  
!y may f9d 9 8 op9ions motives = do+ him
 an injury1 abom9able knaves1 di/urb]s (
 ! public repose1 :om sup]/ition hon\rs1
 b :om virtue dete/s8 ,:at villa9s are m

 odi\s 9 ! eyes ( humanity1 :at         
depr$ators m hateful to ! eye ( reason1 
?an ^? infam\s inquisitors1 :o by !     
bl9dness ( pr9ces1 by ! delirium (      
mon>*s1 enjoy ! advantage ( pass+       
judgm5t on _! own enemies2 :o ru?lessly 
commit !m to ! *>ity ( ! flames8        
,nev]!less1 ! fatuity ( ! p makes ev5 ^!
 mon/]s respect$2 ! fav\r ( k+s cov]s !m
 ) k9dness2 ! mantle ( sup]/iti\s op9ion
 %ields !m f ! effect ( ! j execration (
 e hone/ man4 ,d n a ?\s& examples      
prove1 t sup]/ition has e :]e produc$ ! 
mo/ frightful ravages3 t x has          
cont9ually ju/ifi$ ! mo/ unacc\ntable   
horrors8 ,has x n a ?\s& times arm$ its 
vot>ies ) ! dagg] ( ! homicide2 let     
loose passions mu* wore t]rible ?an ^?  
:i* x pret5d$ to re/ra92 brok5 up ! mo/ 
sacr$ bonds by :i* mortals are connect$ 
) ea* o!r8 ,has x n1 "u ! pretext (     
duty1 "u ! col\r ( fai?1 "u ! semblance 
( zeal1 "u ! sacr$ "n ( piety1 fav\r$   
cupidity1 l5t w+s to ambition1 c\nt5anc$
 cruelty1 giv5 a spr+ to tyranny8 ,has x

 n legitimatiz$ murd]2 giv5 a sy/em to  
p]fidy2 organiz$ rebellion2 made a      
virtue ( regicide8 ,h n ^? pr9ces :o h  
be5 =emo/ z ! av5g]s ( heav51 :o h be5 !
 lictors ( sup]/ition1 frequ5tly        
!mselves become its victims8 ,9 %ort1   
has x n be5 ! signal = ! mo/ dismal     
follies1 ! mo/ wick$ outrages1 ! mo/    
horrible massacres8 ,has n its alt>s be5
 dr5*$ ) human gore8 ,"u :atev] =m x has
 be5 exhibit$1 has x n always be5 !     
o/5sible cause ( ! mo/ b>e-fac$         
violation--( ! sacr$ rights ( humanity8 
,nev] w an a!i/1 z he is call$1 z call$1
 z he enjoys 8 prop] s5ses1 p]suade     
himself t simil> actions c be           
ju/ifiable2 nev] w he believe t he :o   
commits !m c be an e/imable man2 !re is 
no "o b ! sup]/iti\s1 ^: bl9dness makes 
him =get ! mo/ evid5t pr9ciples (       
morality1 ^: call\s s\l r5d]s him deaf  
to ! voice ( nature1 ^: zeal causes him 
to ov]look ! dictates ( reason1 :o c by 
any possibility imag9e ! mo/ de/ructive 
crimes are ! mo/ prom95t features (     

virtue4 ,if ! a!i/ be p]v]se1 he1 at    
lea/1 kn[s t he acts wrong2 nei!r ^!    
sy/ems1 nor _! prie/s1 w be able to     
p]suade him t he does "r3 "o ?+1 h[ev]1 
is c]ta91 :atev] crimes he may all[     
himself to commit1 he w nev] be capable 
( exce$+ ^? :i* sup]/ition p]petrates   
)\t scruple2 t x enc\rages 9 ^? :om x   
intoxicates ) its fury2 to :om x        
frequ5tly holds =? wick$ness itself1    
ei!r z expiations = (f5ces1 or else z   
or?odox1 m]itori\s actions4  ,?us !     
a!i/1 h[ev] wick$ he may be suppos$1 w  
at mo/ be ^u a level ) ! devotee1 ^:    
sup]/ition enc\rages him to commit      
crimes1 :i* x trans=ms into virtue4 ,z  
to conduct1 if he be debau*$1 voluptu\s1
 intemp]ate1 adult]\s1 ! a!i/ 9 ?is     
diff]s 9 no?+ f ! mo/ cr$ul\sly         
sup]/iti\s1 :o frequ5tly kn[s h[ to     
connect ^! vices ) 8 cr$ulity1 to bl5d )
 8 sup]/ition c]ta9 atrocities1 = :i* 8 
prie/s1 provid$ he r5d]s due homage to  
_! p[]1 especially if he augm5ts _!     
ex*equ]1 w always f9d means to p>don    

him4 ,if he be 9 ,h9doo/an1 8 brahm9s w 
wa% him 9 ! sacr$ wat]s ( ! ,ganges1    
:ile recit+ a pray]4 ,if he be a ,jew1  
^u mak+ an (f]+1 8 s9s w be effac$4 ,if 
he be 9 ,japan1 he w be cleans$ by p]=m+
 a pilgrimage4 ,if he be a ,mahometan1  
he w be reput$ a sa9t1 = hav+ visit$ !  
tomb ( 8 prophet2 ! ,roman pontiff      
himself w sell him indulg5ces2 b none ( 
!m w ev] c5sure him = ^? crimes he may h
 committ$ 9 ! support ( _! sev]al fai?s4
  ,we are con/antly told1 t ! indec5t   
behavi\r ( ! (ficial exp\nd]s (         
sup]/ition1 ! crim9al conduct ( !       
prie/s1 or ( _! sect>ies1 proves no?+   
aga9/ ! goodness ( _! sy/ems4 ,admitt$3 
b :]e=e d !y n say ! same ?+ ( ! conduct
 ( ^? :om !y call a!i/s1 :o1 z we h     
already prov$1 way h a v sub/antive1 a v
 correct sy/em ( morality1 ev5 :ile     
lead+ a v dissolute life8 ,if x be      
necess>y to judge ! op9ions ( mank9d    
accord+ to _! conduct1 :i* is ! !ory t  
w\ld be> ! scrut9y8 ,let u1 !n1 exam9e !
 op9ion ( ! a!i/1 )\t approv+ 8 conduct2

 let u adopt 8 mode ( ?9k+1 if we f9d x 
m>k$ by ! tru?2 if x %all appe> useful2 
if x %all be prov$ rational2 b let u    
reject 8 mode ( action1 if t %\ld be    
f\nd blameable4 ,at ! sight ( a "w p]=m$
 ) tru?1 we d n emb>rass ourselves ) !  
morals ( ! workman3 ( :at importance is 
x to ! univ]se1 :e!r ! illu/ri\s ,newton
 0 a sob]1 discreet citiz51 or a debau*$
 intemp]ate man8 ,x only rema9s = u to  
exam9e 8 !ory2 we want no?+ m ?an to "k 
:e!r he has reason$ acutely2 if 8       
pr9ciples be /eady2 if ! p>ts ( 8 sy/em 
are connect$2 if 8 "w conta9s m         
demon/rable tru?s1 ?an bold ideas8 ,let 
u judge 9 ! same mann] ( ! pr9ciples ( !
 a!i/2 if !y appe> /range1 if !y are    
unusual1 t is a solid reason = prob+ !m 
m /rictly2 if he has spok5 tru?1 if he  
has demon/rat$ 8 positions1 let u yield 
to ! weight ( evid5ce2 if he be deceiv$ 
9 "s p>ts1 let u di/+ui% ! true f !     
false2 b d n let u fall into ! hackni$  
prejudice1 :i* on acc\nt ( "o error 9 ! 
detail1 rejects a multitude (           

inconte/ible truisms4 ,doctor ,johnson1 
,i ?9k1 says 9 8 preface to 8           
,diction>y1 :5 a man %all h execut$ 8   
task ) all ! accuracy possible1 he w    
only be all[$ to h done 8 duty2 b if he 
commits ! slighte/ error1 a ?\s& sn>l]s 
are ready to po9t x out4 ,! a!i/1 :5 he 
is deceiv$1 has unque/ionably z mu* "r  
to ?r[ 8 faults on ! fragility ( 8      
nature1 z ! sup]/iti\s man4 ,an a!i/ may
 h vices1 may be defective1 he may      
reason badly2 b 8 errors w nev] h !     
consequ5ces ( sup]/iti\s novelties2 !y w
 n1 l ^!1 k9dle up ! fire ( discord 9 ! 
bosom ( nations2 ! a!i/ w n ju/ify 8    
vices1 def5d 8 w&]+s by sup]/ition2 he w
 n pret5d to infallibility1 l ^?        
self-conceit$ !ologians :o atta* !      
,div9e sanction to _! follies2 :o       
initiate t heav5 au?orizes ^? sophisms1 
gives curr5cy to ^? falsehoods1 approves
 ^? errors1 :i* !y believe !mselves     
w>rant$ to di/ribute ov] ! face ( ! e>?4
  ,x w p]haps be said1 t ! refusal to   
believe 9 ^! sy/ems1 w r5d asund] "o ( !

 mo/ p[]ful bonds ( society1 by mak+ !  
sacr$ness ( an oa? vani%4 ,i reply1 t   
p]jury is by no means r>e1 ev5 9 ! mo/  
sup]/iti\s nations1 nor ev5 among ! mo/ 
religi\s1 or among ^? :o boa/ ( be+ !   
mo/ ?or\ghly conv9c$ ( ! rectitude ( _! 
!ories4 ,diagoras1 sup]/iti\s z he 01 & 
x 0 n well possible to be m s1 x is said
 became an a!i/1 on see+ t ! gods did n 
?und] _! v5geance on a man :o _h tak5 !m
 z evid5ce to a falsity4 ,^u ?is        
pr9ciple1 h[ _m a!i/s ought !re to be8  
,f ! sy/ems t h made invisible unkn[n   
be+s ! deposit>ies ( man's engagem5ts1  
we d n always see x result t !y are     
bett] obs]v$2 or t ! mo/ solemn         
contracts h acquir$ a great] solidity4  
,if hi/ory 0 consult$1 x w\ld n[ & !n be
 9 evid5ce1 t ev5 ! conductors (        
nations1 ^? :o h said !y 7 ! images ( ! 
,div9ity1 :o h decl>$ t !y held _! "r ( 
gov]n+ imm$iately f 8 h&s1 h sometimes  
tak5 ! ,deity z ! witness to _! oa?s1 h 
made him ! gu>antee ( _! treaties1 )\t  
its hav+ _h all ! effect t might h be5  

expect$1 :5 v trifl+ int]e/s h int]v5$2 
x w\ld appe>1 unless hi/orians are      
incorrect1 t !y did n always religi\sly 
obs]ve ^? sacr$ engagem5ts !y made ) _! 
allies1 mu* less ) _! subjects4 ,to =m a
 judgm5t f ^! hi/oric docum5ts1 we %\ld 
be incl9$ to say1 !re h be5 ^? :o _h mu*
 sup]/ition1 jo9$ ) v little probity2 :o
 made a mock]y bo? ( gods & m52 :o      
p]haps blu%$ :5 !y review$ _! own       
conduct3 nor c ?is be at all surpris+1  
:5 x n unfrequ5tly happ5$ t sup]/ition  
itself absolv$ !m f _! oa?s4 ,9 fact1   
does n sup]/ition sometimes inculcate   
p]fidy2 prescribe violation ( plight$   
fai?8 ,above all1 :5 !re is a "q ( its  
own int]e/s1 does x n disp5se )         
engagem5ts1 h[ev] solemn1 made ) ^? :om 
x condemns8 ,x is1 ,i believe1 a maxim 9
 ! ,romi% *ur*1 t no fai? is to be held 
) h]etics4 ,! g5]al c\ncil ( ,con/ance  
decid$ ?us1 :51 not)/&+ ! emp]or's      
passport1 x decre$ ,john ,hus & ,j]ome (
 ,prague to be burnt4 ,! ,roman pontiff 
has1 x is well kn[n1 ! "r ( reliev+ 8   

sect>ies f _! oa?s2 ( annull+ _! v[s3   
?is same pontiff has frequ5tly arrogat$ 
to himself ! "r ( depos+ k+s2 ( absolv+ 
_! subjects f _! oa?s ( fidelity4       
,inde$1 x is r extraord9>y t oa?s %\ld  
be prescrib$1 by ! laws ( ^? nations :i*
 pr(ess ,*ri/ianity1 see+ t ,*ri/ has   
expressly =bidd5 ! use ( !m4 ,if ?+s 7  
consid]$ att5tively1 x w\ld be obvi\s t 
"u su* managem5t1 sup]/ition & politics 
are s*ools ( p]jury4 ,!y r5d] x common3 
?us knaves ( e description nev] recoil1 
:5 x is necess>y to atte/ ! "n ( !      
,div9ity to ! mo/ manife/ frauds1 = !   
vile/ int]e/s4 ,:at end1 !n1 d oa?s     
answ]8 ,!y are sn>es1 9 :i* simplicity  
alone c suff] itself to be caught3 oa?s1
 almo/ e :]e1 are va9 =malities1 t      
impose no?+ ^u villa9s2 nor d !y add any
 ?+ to ! sacr$ness ( ! engagem5ts (     
hone/ m52 :o w\ld nei!r h ! tem]ity nor 
! wi% to violate !m2 :o w\ld n ?9k      
!mselves less b\nd )\t an oa?4 ,a       
p]fidi\s1 p]jur$1 sup]/iti\s be+1 has n 
any advantage ov] an a!i/1 :o %\ld fail 

9 8 promises3 nei!r ! "o nor ! o!r any  
long] des]ves ! confid5ce ( _! fell[    
citiz5s nor ! e/eem ( good m52 if "o    
does n respect 8 gods1 9 :om he         
believes1 ! o!r nei!r respects 8 reason1
 8 reputation1 nor public op9ion1 9 :i* 
all rational m5 _c refuse to believe4   
,hobbes says1 an oa? adds no?+ to !     
obligation4 ,= a cov5ant1 if lawful1    
b9ds 9 ! sight ( ,god1 )\t ! oa?1 z mu* 
z ) x3 if unlawful1 b9de? n at all3 ?\gh
 x be confirm$ ) an oa?4 ,! hea!n =m 01 
let ,jupit] kill me else1 z ,i kill ?is 
bea/4 ,adjuration only augm5ts1 9 !     
imag9ation ( him :o swe>s1 ! fe> (      
violat+ an engagem5t1 :i* he w\ld h be5 
oblig$ to keep1 ev5 )\t ! c]emony ( an  
oa?4  ,x has frequ5tly be5 ask$1 if !re 
ev] 0 a nation t _h no idea ( !         
,div9ity3 & if a p1 uni=mly compos$ (   
a!i/s1 w\ld be able to subsi/8 ,:atev]  
"s speculators may say1 x does n appe>  
likely t !re ev] has be5 ^u our globe1 a
 num]\s p :o h n _h an idea ( "s        
invisible p[]1 to :om !y h %ewn m>ks (  

respect & submission3 x has be5         
sometimes believ$ t ! ,*9ese 7 a!i/s3 b 
?is is an error1 due to ! ,*ri/ian      
mission>ies1 :o are accu/om$ to treat   
all ^? z a!i/s1 :o d n hold op9ions     
simil> ) _! own ^u ,div9ity4 ,x always  
appe>s t ! ,*9ese are a p extremely     
addict$ to sup]/ition1 b t !y are gov]n$
 by *iefs :o are n s1 )\t h[ev] _! be+  
a!i/s = t reason4 ,if ! empire ( ,*9a be
 z fl\ri%+ z x is said to be1 x at lea/ 
furni%es a v =cible pro( t ^? :o gov]n h
 no occasion to be !mselves sup]/iti\s1 
9 ord] to gov]n ) propriety a p :o are  
s4 ,x is pret5d$ t ! ,gre5l&]s h no idea
 ( ! ,div9ity4 ,nev]!less1 x is         
difficult to believe x ( a nation s     
savage4 ,man1 inasmu* z he is a fe>ful1 
ignorant animal1 necess>ily becomes     
sup]/iti\s 9 8 mis=tunes3 ei!r he =ms   
gods = himself1 or he admits ! gods :i* 
o!rs are dispos$ to give him2 x does n  
!n appe>1 t we c rationally suppose !re 
may h be51 or t !re actually is1 a p on 
! e>? a total /rang] to "s ,div9ity4 ,"o

 w %ew u ! sun1 ! moon1 or ! />s2 ! o!r 
w %ew u ! sea1 ! lakes1 ! riv]s1 :i*    
furni% him 8 subsi/5ce1 ! trees :i* af=d
 him an asylum aga9/ ! inclem5cy ( !    
wea!r2 ano!r w %ew u a rock ( an odd =m2
 a l(ty m\nta92 or a volcano t frequ5tly
 a/oni%es him by its emission ( lava2   
ano!r w pres5t y ) 8 crocodile1 ^:      
malignity he fe>s2 8 dang]\s s]p5t1 !   
reptile to :i* he attributes 8 good or  
bad =tune4 ,9 %ort1 ea* individual w    
make y behold 8 phantasm or 8 tutel>y or
 dome/ic gods ) respect4  ,b f ! exi/5ce
 ( 8 gods1 ! savage does n draw ! same  
inductions z ! civiliz$1 poli%$ man3 !  
savage does n believe x a duty to reason
 cont9ually ^u _! qualities2 he does n  
imag9e t !y ought to influ5ce 8 morals1 
nor entirely occupy 8 ?\ghts3 cont5t ) a
 gross1 simple1 ext]ior wor%ip1 he does 
n believe t ^! invisible p[]s tr\ble    
!mselves ) 8 conduct t[>ds 8 fell[      
creatures2 9 %ort1 he does n connect 8  
morality ) 8 sup]/ition4 ,?is morality  
is co>se1 z mu/ be t ( all ignorant p2 x

 is proportion$ to 8 wants1 :i* are few2
 x is frequ5tly irrational1 because x is
 ! fruit ( ignorance2 ( inexp]i5ce2 ( ! 
passions ( m5 b slightly re/ra9$1 or to 
say ?us1 9 _! infancy4 ,x is only       
num]\s1 /ation>y1 civiliz$ societies1   
:]e man's wants are multipli$1 :]e 8    
int]e/s cla%1 t he is oblig$ to h       
rec\rse to gov]nm5t1 to laws1 to public 
wor%ip1 9 ord] to ma9ta9 concord4 ,x is 
!n1 t m5 approximat+1 reason toge!r1    
comb9e _! ideas1 ref9e _! notions1      
subtilize _! !ories2 x is !n also1 t ^? 
:o gov]n !m avail !mselves ( invisible  
p[]s1 to keep !m )9 b\nds1 to r5d] !m   
docile1 to en=ce _! ob$i5ce1 to oblige  
!m to live peaceably4 ,x 0 ?us1 t by    
degrees1 morals & politics f\nd !mselves
 associat$ ) sup]/iti\s sy/ems4 ,! *iefs
 ( nations1 frequ5tly1 !mselves1 !      
*ildr5 ( sup]/ition1 b little enlight5$ 
^u _! actual int]e/s2 sl5d]ly v]s$ 9    
s\nd morality2 ) an extreme exilty ( k  
on ! actuat+ motives ( ! human he>t2    
believ$ !y _h effect$ e ?+ requisite = !

 /ability ( _! own au?ority2 z well z   
a*iev$ all t c\ld gu>antee ! repose (   
society1 t c\ld consolidate ! happ9ess (
 ! p1 9 r5d]+ _! subjects sup]/iti\s l  
!mselves2 by m5ac+ !m ) ! wra? (        
invisible p[]s2 9 treat+ !m l infants :o
 are appeas$ ) fables1 l *ildr5 :o are  
t]rifi$ by %ad[s4 ,by ! assi/ance ( ^!  
m>vell\s inv5tions1 to :i* ev5 ! *iefs1 
! conductors ( nations1 are !mselves    
frequ5tly ! dupes2 :i* are transmitt$ z 
heirlooms f race to race2 sov]eigns 7   
disp5s$ f ! tr\ble ( in/ruct+ !mselves 9
 _! duties2 !y 9 consequ5ce neglect$ !  
laws1 en]vat$ !mselves 9 luxuri\s ease1 
ru/$ 9 slo?2 foll[$ no?+ b _! caprice3 !
 c>e ( re/ra9+ _! subjects 0 repos$ 9 _!
 deities2 ! in/ruction ( ! p 0 confid$  
to _! prie/s1 :o 7 commission$ to tra9  
!m to ob$i5ce1 to make !m submissive1 to
 r5d] !m dev\t1 to tea* !m at an e>ly   
age to tremble "u ! yoke ( bo? ! visible
 & invisible gods4  ,x 0 ?us t nations1 
kept by _! tutors 9 a p]petual /ate (   
infancy1 7 only re/ra9$ by va91 *im]ical

 !ories4 ,x 0 ?us t politics1           
jurisprud5ce1 education1 morality1 7    
almo/ e :]e infect$ ) sup]/ition2 t man 
no long] knew any duties1 save ^? :i*   
grew out ( its precepts3 ! ideas (      
virtue 7 ?us falsely associat$ ) ^? (   
imag9>y sy/ems1 to :i* impo/ure g5]ally 
gave t language :i* 0 mo/ conducive to  
its own imm$iate int]e/s3 mank9d ?us    
fully p]suad$1 t )\t ^! m>vell\s sy/ems1
 !re c\ld n exi/ any s\nd morality1     
pr9ces1 z well z subjects1 equally bl9d 
to _! actual int]e/s1 to ! duties (     
nature1 to _! reciprocal rights1        
habituat$ !mselves to consid] sup]/ition
 z necess>y to mortals--z indisp5sibly  
requisite to gov]n m5--z ! mo/ effectual
 me?od ( pres]v+ p[]--z ! mo/ c]ta9     
means ( atta9+ happ9ess4  ,x is f ^!    
dispositions1 ( :i* we h s frequ5tly    
demon/rat$ ! fallacy1 t s _m p]sons1    
o!rwise extremely enlight5$1 look ^u x z
 an impossibility t a society =m$ (     
a!i/s1 z !y are t]m$1 c\ld subsi/ = any 
l5g? ( "t4 ,x does n admit a "q1 t a    

num]\s society1 :o %\ld nei!r h         
religion1 morality1 gov]nm5t1 laws1     
education1 nor pr9ciples1 c\ld n ma9ta9 
itself2 t x w\ld simply congregate be+s 
dispos$ to injure ea* o!r1 or *ildr5 :o 
w\ld foll[ no?+ b ! bl9de/ impulse2 b !n
 is x n a lam5table fact1 t ) all !     
sup]/ition t floats 9 ! _w1 ! great]    
numb] ( human societies are ne>ly 9 ?is 
/ate8 ,are n ! sov]eigns ( almo/ e      
c\ntry 9 a cont9ual /ate ( w>f>e ) _!   
subjects8 ,are n ! p1 9 despite ( _!    
sup]/ition1 n )/&+ ! t]rific notions :i*
 x holds =?1 unceas+ly occupi$ )        
reciprocally injur+ ea* o!r2 ) r5d]+    
!mselves mutually unhappy8 ,does n      
sup]/ition itself1 ) its sup]natural    
notions1 unremitt+ly flatt] ! vanity (  
mon>*s1 unbridle ! passions ( pr9ces1   
?r[ oil into ! fire ( discord1 :i* x    
k9dles betwe5 ^? citiz5s :o are divid$ 9
 _! op9ion8 ,c\ld ^? inf]nal p[]s1 :o   
are suppos$ to be ev] on ! al]t to      
mis*ief mank9d1 be capable ( inflict+   
great] evils ^u ! human race ?an spr+ f 

fanaticism1 ?an arise out ( ! fury to   
:i* !ology gives bir?8 ,c\ld a!i/s1     
h[ev] irrational !y may be suppos$1 if  
assembl$ toge!r 9 society1 conduct      
!mselves 9 a m crim9al mann]8 ,9 %ort1  
is x possible !y c\ld act worse ?an !   
sup]/iti\s1 :o1 saturat$ ) ! mo/        
p]nici\s vices1 guid$ by ! mo/          
extravagant sy/ems1 dur+ s _m successive
 ages1 h done no?+ m ?an torm5t !mselves
 ) ! mo/ cruel inflictions2 savagely cut
 ea* o!r's ?roats1 )\t a %ad[ ( reason2 
make a m]it ( mutual ext]m9ation8 ,x _c 
be pret5d$ !y w\ld4 ,on ! contr>y1 we   
boldly ass]t1 t a community ( a!i/s1 z !
 !ologian calls !m1 because !y _c fall 9
 ) 8 my/]ies1 de/itute ( all sup]/ition1
 gov]n$ by :olesome laws1 =m$ by a      
salut>y education1 invit$ to ! practice 
( virtue by in/antane\s recomp5ces1     
det]r$ f crime by imm$iate puni%m5ts1   
dis5tangl$ f illusive !ories1           
unsophi/icat$ by falsehood1 w\ld be     
decid$ly m hone/1 incalculably m        
virtu\s1 ?an ^? sup]/iti\s societies1 9 

:i* e ?+ contributes to intoxicate !    
m9d2 :]e e ?+ conspires to corrupt !    
he>t4  ,:5 we %all be dispos$ usefully  
to occupy ourselves ) ! happ9ess (      
mank9d1 x is ) sup]/ition t ! re=m mu/  
comm5ce2 x is by ab/ract+ ^! imag9>y    
!ories1 de/9$ to affright ! ignorant1 :o
 are completely 9 a /ate ( infancy1 t we
 %all be able to promise ourselves !    
desirable h>ve/ ( conduct+ man to a /ate
 ( maturity4 ,x _c be too (t5 repeat$1  
!re c be no morality )\t consult+ !     
nature ( man1 )\t /udy+ 8 actual        
relations ) ! be+s ( 8 own species2 !re 
c be no fix$ pr9ciple = man's conduct1  
:ile x is regulat$ ^u unju/ !ories2 ^u  
caprici\s doctr9es2 ^u corrupt sy/ems2  
!re c be no s\nd politics )\t att5d+ to 
human temp]am5t1 )\t contemplat+ him z a
 be+ associat$ = ! purpose ( satisfy+ 8 
wants1 consolidat+ 8 happ9ess1 & assur+ 
its enjoym5t4 ,no wise gov]nm5t c f\nd  
itself ^u despotic sy/ems2 !y w always  
make tyrants ( _! repres5tatives4 ,no   
laws c be :olesome1 t d n bottom        

!mselves ^u ! /ricte/ equity2 :i* h n = 
_! object ! great end ( human society4  
,no jurisprud5ce c be advantage\s =     
nations1 if its adm9i/ration be regulat$
 by caprici\s sy/ems1 or by human       
passions deifi$4 ,no education c be     
salut>y1 unless x be f\nd$ ^u reason2 to
 be efficaci\s to its propos$ end1 x mu/
 nei!r be con/ru$ ^u *im]ical !ories1   
nor ^u receiv$ prejudices4 ,9 %ort1 !re 
c be no probity1 no tal5ts1 no virtue1  
ei!r "u corrupt ma/]s1 or "u ! conduct (
 ^? prie/s :o r5d] man ! enemy to       
himself--! det]m9$ foe to o!rs2 :o seek 
to /ifle 9 8 bosom ! g]m ( reason2 :o   
endeav\r to smo!r sci5ce1 or :o try to  
damp 8 c\rage4  ,x w1 p]haps1 be ask$1  
if we c reasonably flatt] ourselves )   
ev] rea*+ ! po9t to make a :ole p       
entirely =get _! sup]/iti\s op9ions2 or 
ab&on ! ideas :i* !y h ( _! gods8 ,i    
reply1 t ! ?+ appe>s utt]ly impossible2 
t ?is is n ! end we c propose to        
ourselves4 ,^! ideas1 inculcat$ f !     
e>lie/ ages1 d n appe> ( a nature to    

admit eradication f ! m9d ( ! majority (
 mank9d3 x w\ld1 p]haps be equally      
ardu\s to give !m to ^? p]sons1 :o1     
arriv$ at a c]ta9 "t ( life1 %\ld nev] h
 he>d !m spok5 (1 z to bani% !m f ! m9ds
 ( ^?1 :o h be5 imbu$ ) !m f _! t5d]e/  
infancy4 ,?us1 x _c be reckon$ possible 
to make a :ole nation pass f ! abyss (  
sup]/ition1 t is to say1 f ! bosom (    
ignorance1 f ! rav+s ( delirium1 into   
absolute naturalism1 or z ! prie/s (    
sup]/ition w\ld d5om9ate x1 into a!ism2 
:i* supposes reflection--requires int5se
 /udy--dem&s ext5sive k--exacts a long  
s]ies ( exp]i5ce--includes ! habit (    
contemplat+ nature--! faculty ( obs]v+  
h] laws2 :i*1 9 %ort1 embraces !        
expansive sci5ce ( ! causes produc+ h]  
v>i\s ph5om5a2 h] multipli$ comb9ations1
 toge!r ) ! div]sifi$ actions ( ! be+s  
%e conta9s1 z well z _! num]\s          
prop]ties4 ,9 ord] to be an a!i/1 or to 
be assur$ ( ! capabilities ( nature1 x  
is imp]ative to h m$itat$ h] pr(\ndly3 a
 sup]ficial glance ( ! eye w n br+ man  

acqua9t$ ) h] res\rces2 optics b little 
practis$ on h] p[]s1 w unceas+ly be     
deceiv$2 ! ignorance ( actual causes w  
always induce ! supposition ( ^? :i* are
 imag9>y2 cr$ulity w1 ?us re-conduct !  
natural philosoph] himself to ! feet (  
sup]/iti\s phantoms1 9 :i* ei!r 8 limit$
 vision1 or 8 habitual slo?1 w make him 
believe he %all f9d ! solution to e     
difficulty4  ,a!ism1 !n1 z well z       
philosophy1 l all pr(\nd ab/ruse        
sci5ces1 is n calculat$ = ! vulg>2 nei!r
 is x suitable to ! great mass ( mank9d4
 ,!re are1 9 all popul\s1 civiliz$      
nations1 p]sons ^: circum/ances enable  
!m to devote _! "t to m$itation1 ^: easy
 f9ances af=d !m leisure to make deep   
rese>*es into ! nature ( ?+s1 :o        
frequ5tly make useful discov]ies1 :i*1  
soon] or lat]1 aft] !y h be5 submitt$ to
 ! infallible te/ ( exp]i5ce1 :5 !y h   
pass$ ! fi]y ordeal ( tru?1 ext5d widely
 _! salut>y effects1 become extremely   
b5eficial to society1 highly advantage\s
 to individuals4 ,! geometrician1 !     

*emi/1 ! me*anic1 ! natural philosoph]1 
! civilian1 ! artizan himself1 are      
indu/ri\sly employ$1 ei!r 9 _! closets1 
or 9 _! work%ops1 seek+ ! means to s]ve 
society1 ea* 9 8 sph]e3 nev]!less1 n "o 
( _! sci5ces or pr(essions are famili>  
to ! illit]ate2 n "o ( ! arts ) :i* !y  
are respectively occupi$1 are kn[n to ! 
un9itiat$3 ^!1 h[ev]1 d n fail1 9 ! long
 run1 to pr(it by !m1 to reap sub/antive
 advantages f ^? lab\rs1 ( :i* !y       
!mselves h no idea4 ,x is = ! m>9]1 t ! 
a/ronom] explores 8 ardu\s sci5ce2 x is 
= him ! geometrician calculates2 = 8 use
 ! me*anic plies 8 craft3 x is = !      
mason1 = ! c>p5t]1 = ! lab\r]1 t !      
skilful ar*itect /udies 8 ord]s1 lays   
d[n well-proportion$ elaborate plans4   
,:atev] may be ! pret5d$ utility (      
,pneumatology1 :atev] may be ! vaunt$   
advantages ( sup]/iti\s op9ions1 !      
wrangl+ polemic1 ! subtle !ologian1 _c  
boa/ ei!r ( toil+1 ( writ+1 or ( disput+
 = ! advantage ( ! p1 :om1 not)/&+1 he  
contrives to tax1 v exorbitantly1 = ^?  

sy/ems !y c nev] und]/&2 f :om he levies
 ! mo/ oppressive contributions1 z a    
remun]ation = ! detail ( ^? my/]ies1 :i*
 "u any possible circum/ances1 _c1 at   
any "t :atev]1 be ( ! slighte/ b5efit to
 !m4 ,x is n1 !n1 = ! multitude t a     
philosoph] %\ld propose to himself1 ei!r
 to write or to m$itate3 ! ,code (      
,nature1 or ! pr9ciples ( a!ism1 z !    
prie/ calls x1 are n1 z we h %ewn1 ev5  
calculat$ = ! m]idian ( a great numb] ( 
p]sons1 :o are frequ5tly too mu*        
prepossess$ 9 fav\r ( ! receiv$         
prejudices1 al?\gh extremely enlight5$  
on o!r po9ts4 ,x is extremely r>e to f9d
 m51 :o1 to an enl>g$ m9d1 ext5sive k1  
great tal5ts1 jo9 ei!r a well regulat$  
imag9ation1 or ! c\rage necess>y to     
successfully oppugn habitual errors2    
triumphantly to attack ^? *im]ical      
sy/ems1 ) :i* ! bra9 has be5 inoculat$ f
 ! fir/ h\r ( its bir?4 ,a secret bias1 
an inv9cible incl9ation1 frequ5tly1 9   
despite ( all reason+1 re-conducts ! mo/
 compreh5sive1 ! be/ =tifi$1 ! mo/      

lib]al m9ds1 to ^? prejudices :i* h a   
wide-spread+ e/abli%m5t2 ( :i* !y h     
!mselves tak5 copi\s draughts dur+ !    
e>ly /ages ( life4 ,nev]!less1 ^?       
pr9ciples1 :i* at fir/ appe> /range1 :i*
 by _! boldness seem revolt+1 f :i*     
timidity flies ) trepidation1 :5 !y h ! 
sanction ( tru?1 gradually ins9uate     
!mselves into ! human m9d1 become       
famili> to its ex]cise1 ext5d _! happy  
influ5ce on e side1 & f9ally produce !  
mo/ sub/antive advantages to society4 ,9
 "t1 m5 habituate !mselves to ideas :i* 
orig9ally !y look$ ^u z absurd2 :i* on a
 sup]ficial glance !y contemplat$ z ei!r
 noxi\s or irrational3 at lea/1 !y cease
 to consid] ^? z odi\s1 :o pr(ess       
op9ions ^u subjects on :i* exp]i5ce     
makes x evid5t !y may be p]mitt$ to h   
d\bts1 )\t imm95t dang] to public       
tranquillity4  ,!n ! diffusion ( ideas  
among mank9d is n an ev5t to be dread$3 
if !y are tru?s1 !y w ( necessity be    
useful3 by degrees !y w fructify4 ,! man
 :o writes1 mu/ nei!r fix 8 eyes ^u ! "t

 9 :i* he lives1 ^u 8 actual fell[      
citiz5s1 nor ^u ! c\ntry he inhabits4   
,he mu/ speak to ! human race2 he mu/   
in/ruct future g5]ations2 he mu/ ext5d 8
 views into ! bosom ( futurity2 9 va9 he
 w expect ! eulogies ( 8 contempor>ies2 
9 va9 w he flatt] himself ) see+ 8      
reason+ adopt$2 9 va9 he w soo! himself 
) ! pleas+ reflection1 t 8 precoci\s    
pr9ciples w be receiv$ ) k9dness2 if he 
has exhibit$ truisms1 ! ages t %all     
foll[ w d ju/ice to 8 ef=ts2 unborn     
nations %all applaud 8 ex]tions2 8      
future c\ntrym5 %all cr[n 8 /urdy       
attempts ) ^? laurels1 :i* int]e/$      
prejudice )holds f him 9 8 own days2 x  
mu/ !re=e be f po/]ity1 he is to expect 
! ne$ ( applause due to 8 s]vices2 !    
pres5t race is h]metically seal$ aga9/  
him3 meantime let him cont5t himself )  
hav+ done well2 ) ! secret suffrages (  
^? few fri5ds to v]acity :o are s ?9ly  
spread ov] ! surface ( ! e>?4 ,x is aft]
 8 dea?1 t ! tru/y reason]1 ! fai?ful   
writ]1 ! promulgator ( /]l+ pr9ciples1 !

 *ild ( simplicity1 triumphs2 x is !n t 
! /+s ( hatr$1 ! %afts ( envy1 ! arr[s (
 malice1 ei!r exhau/$ or blunt$1 enable 
mank9d to judge ) imp>tiality2 to yield 
to conviction2 to e/abli% et]nal tru? ^u
 its own imp]i%able alt>s1 :i* f its    
ess5ce mu/ survive all ! error ( ! e>?4 
,x is !n t calumny1 cru%$ l ! dev\r+    
snail by ! c>eful g>d5]1 ceases to      
besme> ! "* ( an hone/ man1 :ile its    
v5om\s slime1 glaz$ by ! sun1 enables ! 
obs]vant spectator to trace ! fil?y     
progress x _h made4  ,x is a problem )  
_m p1 if tru? may n be injuri\s8 ,! be/ 
int5tion$ p]sons are frequ5tly 9 great  
d\bt ^u ?is important po9t4 ,! fact is1 
x nev] injures any b ^? :o deceive      
mank9d3 ?is has1 h[ev]1 ! greate/ int]e/
 9 be+ undeceiv$4 ,tru? may be injuri\s 
to ! individual :o ann\nces x1 b x c    
nev] by any possibility h>m ! human     
species2 nev] c x be too di/9ctly       
pres5t$ to be+s1 always ei!r little     
dispos$ to li/5 to its dictates1 or too 
slo?ful to compreh5d its efficacy4 ,if  

all ^? :o write to publi% important     
tru?s1 :i*1 ( all o!rs1 are ev] consid]$
 ! mo/ dang]\s1 7 suffici5tly ard5t = ! 
public welf>e to speak freely1 ev5 at ! 
risk ( displeas+ _! read]s1 ! human race
 w\ld be mu* m enlight5$1 mu* happi] ?an
 x n[ is4 ,to write 9 ambigu\s t]ms1 is 
v frequ5tly to write to nobody4 ,! human
 m9d is idle2 we mu/ sp>e x1 z mu* z    
possible1 ! tr\ble ( reflection2 we mu/ 
relieve x f ! emb>rassm5t ( int5se ?9k+4
 ,:at "t does x n consume1 :at /udy does
 x n require1 at ! pres5t day1 to       
unravel ! amphibological oracles ( !    
anci5t philosoph]s1 ^: actual s5tim5ts  
are almo/ entirely lo/ to ! pres5t race 
( m58 ,if tru? be useful to human be+s1 
x is an inju/ice to deprive !m ( its    
advantages2 if tru? ought to be admitt$1
 we mu/ admit its consequ5ces1 :i* are  
also tru?s4 ,man1 tak5 g5]ally1 is fond 
( tru?1 b its consequ5ces (t5 inspire   
him ) s mu* dread1 s al>m 8 imbecility1 
t1 frequ5tly1 he pref]s rema9+ 9 error1 
( :i* a confirm$ habit prev5ts him f    

feel+ ! deplorable effects4 ,besides1 we
 %all say ) ,hobbes1 t we _c d m5 any   
h>m by propos+ tru? to !m2 ! wor/ mode  
is to leave !m 9 d\bt1 to let !m rema9 9
 dispute4 ,if an au?or :o writes be     
deceiv$1 x is because he may h reason$  
badly4 ,has he laid d[n false pr9ciples8
 ,x rema9s to exam9e !m4 ,is 8 sy/em    
fallaci\s8 ,is x ridicul\s8 ,x w s]ve to
 make tru? appe> ) ! greate/ spl5dor3 8 
"w w fall into contempt2 ! writ]1 if he 
be witness to its fall1 w be suffici5tly
 puni%$ = 8 tem]ity2 if he be defunct1 !
 liv+ _c di/urb 8 a%es4 ,no man writes )
 a design to injure 8 fell[ creatures2  
he always proposes to himself to m]it _!
 suffrages1 ei!r by amus+ !m1 by excit+ 
_! curiosity1 or by communicat+ to !m   
discov]ies1 :i* he believes useful4     
,above all1 no "w c be really dang]\s1  
if x conta9s tru?4 ,x w\ld n be s1 ev5  
if x conta9$ pr9ciples evid5tly contr>y 
to exp]i5ce--oppos$ to good s5se4       
,inde$1 :at w\ld result f a "w t %\ld n[
 tell u ! sun is n lum9\s2 t p>ricide is

 legitimate2 t robb]y is all[able2 t    
adult]y is n a crime8 ,! smalle/        
reflection w\ld make u feet ! falsity ( 
^! pr9ciples2 ! :ole human race w\ld    
prote/ aga9/ !m4 ,m5 w\ld laugh at !    
folly ( ! au?or2 pres5tly 8 book1 toge!r
 ) 8 "n1 w\ld be kn[n only by its       
ridicul\s extravagancies4 ,!re is no?+ b
 sup]/iti\s follies t are p]nici\s to   
mortals2 & :]e=e8 ,x is because au?ority
 always pret5ds to e/abli% !m by        
viol5ce2 to make !m pass = sub/antive   
virtues2 rigor\sly puni%es ^? :o %all be
 dispos$ to smile at _! inconsi/5cy1 or 
exam9e into _! pret5sions4 ,if man 0 m  
rational1 he w\ld exam9e sup]/iti\s     
op9ions z he exam9es e ?+ else2 he w\ld 
look ^u !ological !ories ) ! same eyes t
 he contemplates sy/ems ( natural       
philosophy1 or problems 9 geometry3 !   
latt] nev] di/urbs ! repose ( society1  
al?\gh !y sometimes excite v w>m        
disputes 9 ! le>n$ _w4 ,!ological       
qu>rels w\ld nev] be att5d$ ) any evil  
consequ5ces1 if man c\ld ga9 ! desirable

 po9t ( mak+ ^? :o ex]cise p[]1 feel t !
 disputes ( p]sons1 :o d n !mselves     
und]/& ! m>vell\s que/ions ^u :i* !y    
nev] cease wrangl+1 ought n to give bir?
 to any o!r s5sations ?an ^? (          
indiff]5ce2 to r\se no o!r passion ?an t
 ( contempt4  ,x is1 at lea/1 ?is       
indiff]5ce n speculative !ories1 s j1 s 
rational1 s advantage\s = /ates1 t s\nd 
philosophy may propose to introduce1    
gradually1 ^u ! e>?4 ,w\ld n ! human    
race be mu* happi]--if ! sov]eigns ( !  
_w1 occupi$ ) ! welf>e ( _! subjects1   
leav+ to sup]/iti\s !ologians _! futile 
conte/s1 mak+ _! v>i\s sy/ems yield to  
heal?y politics2 oblig$ ^! haughty      
m9i/]s to become citiz5s2 c>efully      
prev5t$ _! disputes f int]rupt+ ! public
 tranquillity8 ,:at advantage might !re 
n result to sci5ce2 :at a />t w\ld be   
giv5 to ! progress ( ! human m9d1 to !  
cause ( s\nd morality1 to ! advancem5t (
 equitable jurisprud5ce1 to ! improvem5t
 ( legislation1 to ! diffusion (        
education1 f an unlimit$ fre$om ( ?\ght8

 ,at pres5t1 g5ius e :]e f9ds trammels2 
sup]/ition inv>iably opposes itself to  
its c\rse2 man1 /rait5$ ) b&ages1       
sc>cely enjoys ! free use ( any "o ( 8  
faculties2 8 m9d itself is cramp$2 x    
appe>s cont9ually wrapp$ up 9 ! swaddl+ 
clo!s ( infancy4 ,! civil p[]1 leagu$ ) 
spiritual dom9ation1 appe>s only dispos$
 to rule ov] brutaliz$ slaves1 %ut up 9 
a d>k prison1 :]e !y reciprocally goad  
ea* o!r ) ! eff]v]sc5ce ( _! mutual ill 
hum\r4 ,sov]eigns1 9 g5]al1 dete/ lib]ty
 ( ?\ght1 because !y fe> tru?2 ?is      
appe>s =midable to !m1 because x w\ld   
condemn _! excesses2 ^! irregul>ities   
are de> to !m1 because !y d n1 bett] ?an
 _! subjects1 und]/& _! true int]e/s2   
prop]ly consid]$1 ^! ought to bl5d      
!mselves into "o uni=m mass4  ,let n !  
c\rage ( ! philosoph]1 h[ev]1 be abat$  
by s _m unit$ ob/acles1 :i* w\ld appe> =
 ev] to exclude tru? f its prop]        
dom9ion2 to bani% reason f ! m9d ( man2 
to spoil nature ( h] imprescriptible    
rights4 ,! ?\s&? "p ( ^? c>es :i* are   

be/[$ to infect ! human m9d1 w\ld be    
amply suffici5t to make x :ole4 ,let u  
n1 !n1 despair ( ! case3 d n let u d man
 ! injury to believe t tru? is n made = 
him2 8 m9d seeks aft] x incessantly2 8  
he>t desires x fai?fully2 8 happ9ess    
dem&s x ) an imp]i\s voice2 he only ei!r
 fe>s x1 or mi/akes x1 because          
sup]/ition1 :i* has ?r[n all 8 ideas    
into confusion1 p]petually keeps ! b&eau
 ( delusion fa/ b\nd ov] 8 eyes2 /rives1
 ) an almo/ irresi/ible =ce1 to r5d] him
 an entire /rang] to virtue4  ,maugre ! 
prodigi\s ex]tions t are made to drive  
tru? f ! e>?2 9 spite ( ! extraord9>y   
pa9s us$ to exile reason--( ! un9t]rupt$
 ef=ts to expel true sci5ce f ! resid5ce
 ( mortals2 "t1 assi/$ by ! progressive 
k ( ages1 may "o day be able to enlight5
 ev5 ^? pr9ces :o are ! mo/ outrage\s 9 
_! opposition to ! illum9ation ( ! human
 m9d2 :o appe> su* decid$ enemies to    
ju/ice1 s v det]m9$ aga9/ ! lib]ties (  
mank9d4 ,de/9y w1 p]haps1 :5 lea/       
expect$1 conduct ^! w&]+ outca/s to !   

?rone ( "s enlight5$1 equitable1        
c\rage\s1 g5]\s1 b5evol5t sov]eign1 :o1 
smitt5 ) ! *>ms ( virtue1 %all ?r[ aside
 duplicity1 frankly ackn[l$ge ! true    
s\rce ( human mis]y1 & apply to x ^?    
rem$ies ) :i* wisdom has furni%$ him3   
p]haps he may feel1 t ^? sy/ems1 f :5ce 
x is pret5d$ he d]ives 8 p[]1 are ! true
 sc\rges ( 8 p2 ! actual cause ( 8 own  
weakness3 t ! (ficial exp\nd]s ( ^!     
sy/ems are 8 mo/ sub/antial enemies--8  
mo/ =midable rivals2 he may f9d t       
sup]/ition1 :i* he has be5 taught to    
look ^u z ! ma9 support to 8 au?ority1 9
 po9t ( fact only enfeebles x--r5d]s x  
tott]+3 t sup]/iti\s morality1 false 9  
its pr9ciples1 is only calculat$ to     
p]v]t 8 subjects2 to break d[n _!       
intrepidity2 to r5d] !m p]fidi\s2 9     
%ort1 to give !m ! vices ( slaves1 9    
lieu ( ! virtues ( citiz5s4 ,a pr9ce ?us
 dis5tangl$ f prejudice1 w p]haps       
behold1 9 sup]/iti\s errors1 ! fruitful 
s\rce ( human sorr[s1 & commis]ations1 !
 condition ( 8 race1 x may be1 w g5]\sly

 decl>e1 t !y are incompatible ) e      
equitable adm9i/ration4  ,until ?is     
epo*1 s desirable = humanity1 %all      
arrive1 ! pr9ciples ( naturalism w be   
adopt$ only by a small numb] (          
lib]al-m9d$ m51 :o %all dive bel[ !     
surface2 ^! _c flatt] !mselves ei!r )   
mak+ proselytes1 or hav+ a great numb] (
 approv]s3 on ! contr>y1 !y w meet )    
zeal\s adv]s>ies1 ) ard5t contemn]s1 ev5
 9 ^? p]sons :o ^u e o!r subject discov]
 ! mo/ acute m9ds2 display ! mo/        
consummate k4 ,^? m5 :o possess !       
greate/ %>e ( ability1 z we h already   
obs]v$1 _c always resolve to divorce    
!mselves completely f _! sup]/iti\s     
ideas2 imag9ation1 s necess>y to spl5did
 tal5ts1 frequ5tly =ms 9 !m an          
insurm\ntable ob/acle to ! total        
ext9ction ( prejudice2 ?is dep5ds mu* m 
^u ! judgm5t ?an ^u ! m9d4 ,to ?is      
disposition1 already s prompt to =m     
illusions to !m1 is also to be jo9$ !   
=ce ( habit2 to a great numb] ( m51 x   
w\ld he wre/+ f !m a portion ( !mselves 

to take away _! sup]/iti\s notions2 x   
w\ld be depriv+ !m ( an accu/om$ alim5t2
 plung+ !m into a dreadful vacuum3      
oblig+ _! di/emp]$ m9ds to p]i% = want (
 ex]cise4 ,m5age rem>ks1 t hi/ory speaks
 ( v few incr$ul\s wom51 or female      
a!i/s3 ?is is n surpris+2 _!            
organization r5d]s !m fe>ful2 _! n]v\s  
sy/em und]goes p]iodical v>iations2 !   
education !y receive disposes !m to     
cr$ulity4 ,^? among !m :o h a s\nd      
con/itution1 :o h a well ord]$          
imag9ation1 h occasion = *im]as suitable
 to occupy _! leisure2 above all1 :5 !  
_w ab&ons !m1 !n sup]/iti\s devotion1 ) 
its attractive c]emonies1 becomes ei!r a
 bus9ess or an amusem5t4  ,let u n be   
surpris$1 if v intellig5t1 extremely    
le>n$ m51 ei!r ob/9ately %ut _! eyes1 or
 run c\nt] to _! ord9>y sagacity1 e "t  
!re is a "q respect+ an object :i* !y h 
n ! c\rage to exam9e ) t att5tion !y l5d
 to _m o!rs4 ,"l ,*ancellor ,bacon      
pret5ds1 t a little philosophy disposes 
m5 to a!ism1 b t great dep? re-conducts 

!m to religion4 ,if we analyze ?is      
proposition1 we %all f9d x signifies1 t 
ev5 mod]ate1 indiff]5t ?9k]s1 are       
quickly enabl$ to p]ceive ! gross       
absurdities ( sup]/ition2 b t v little  
accu/om$ to m$itate1 or else de/itute ( 
^? fix$ pr9ciples :i* c\ld s]ve !m = a  
guide1 _! imag9ation pres5tly replaces  
!m 9 ! !ological labyr9?1 f :5ce reason1
 too weak = ! purpose1 appe>$ dispos$ to
 )draw !m3 ^! timid s\ls1 :o fe> to take
 c\rage1 ) m9ds discipl9$ to be satisfi$
 ) !ological solutions1 no long] see 9  
nature any ?+ b an inexplicable enigma2 
an abyss :i* x is impossible = !m to    
fa?om3 ^!1 habituat$ to fix _! eyes ^u  
an ideal1 ma!matical po9t1 :i* !y h made
 ! c5tre ( e ?+1 :5ev] !y lose sight (  
x1 f9d ! univ]se becomes an             
un9telligible jumble to !m2 !n !        
confusion 9 :i* !y feel !mselves        
involv$1 makes !m r pref] return+ to !  
prejudices ( _! infancy1 :i* appe> to   
expla9 e ?+1 ?an to float 9 ! vacuum1 or
 quit a f\ndation :i* !y judge to be    

immoveable4 ,?us ! proposition ( ,bacon 
%\ld seem1 to indicate no?+1 except x be
 t ! mo/ exp]i5c$ p]sons _c at all times
 def5d !mselves aga9/ ! illusions ( _!  
imag9ation2 ! impetuosity ( :i* resi/s !
 /ronge/ reason+4  ,nev]!less1 a        
delib]ate /udy ( nature is suffici5t to 
undeceive e man :o w calmly consid] ?+s3
 he w discov] t ! ph5om5a ( ! _w is     
connect$ by l9ks1 invisible to          
sup]ficial notice1 equally conceal$ f ! 
too impetu\s obs]v]1 b extremely        
intelligible to him :o views h] )       
s]5ity4 ,he w f9d t ! mo/ unusual1 ! mo/
 m>vell\s1 z well z ! mo/ trifl+1 or    
ord9>y effects1 are equally             
inexplicable1 b t !y all equally fl[ f  
natural causes2 t sup]natural causes1 "u
 :atev] "n !y way be designat$1 ) :atev]
 qualities !y may be decorat$1 w nev] d 
m ?an increase difficulties2 w only make
 *im]as multiply4 ,! simple/ obs]vation 
w inconte/ibly prove to him t e ?+ is   
necess>y2 t all ! effects he p]ceives   
are mat]ial2 t !y c only orig9ate 9     

causes ( ! same nature1 :5 he ev5 %all n
 be able to recur to !m by ! assi/ance (
 8 s5ses4 ,?us 8 m9d1 prop]ly direct$1 e
 :]e %[ him no?+ b matt]1 sometimes act+
 9 a mann] :i* 8 organs p]mit him to    
foll[1 at o!rs 9 a mode imp]ceptible by 
! faculties he possesses3 he w see t all
 be+s foll[ con/ant inv>iable laws1 by  
:i* all comb9ations are unit$ & de/roy$2
 he w f9d t all =ms *ange1 b t1         
nev]!less1 ! great :ole ev] rema9s !    
same4 ,?us1 cur$ ( ! idle notions ) :i* 
he 0 imbu$1 undeceiv$ 9 ^? errone\s     
ideas1 :i* f habit be atta*$ to imag9>y 
sy/ems1 he w *e]fully cons5t to be      
ignorant ( :atev] 8 organs d n enable   
him to compass2 he w "k t obscure t]ms1 
devoid ( s5se1 are n calculat$ to expla9
 difficulties2 guid$ by reason1 he w ?r[
 aside all hypo!sis ( ! imag9ation2 !   
*ampion ( rectitude1 he w atta* himself 
to realities1 :i* are confirm$ by       
exp]i5ce1 :i* are evid5c$ by tru?4  ,!  
great] numb] ( ^? :o /udy nature1       
frequ5tly d n consid]1 t prejudic$ eyes 

w nev] discov] m ?an t :i* !y h         
previ\sly det]m9$ to f9d3 z soon z !y   
p]ceive facts contr>y to _! own ideas1  
!y quickly turn aside1 & believe _!     
visual organs h deceiv$ !m2 if !y return
 to ! task1 x is 9 hopes to f9d means by
 :i* !y may reconcile ! facts to !      
notions ) :i* _! own m9d is previ\sly   
t9ctur$4 ,?us we f9d en?usia/ic         
philosoph]s1 ^: det]m9$ prepossession   
%ews !m :at !y d5om9ate inconte/ible    
evid5ces ( ! sy/ems ) :i* !y are        
pre-occupi$1 ev5 9 ^? ?+s1 t mo/ op5ly  
contradict _! hypo!sis3 h5ce ^? pret5d$ 
demon/rations ( ! exi/5ce ( !ories1 :i* 
are drawn f f9al causes--f ! ord] (     
nature--f ! k9dness ev9c$ to man1 c4 ,d 
^! same en?usia/s p]ceive disord]1      
witness calamities8 ,!y induct new pro(s
 ( ! wisdom1 fre% evid5ce ( !           
intellig5ce1 additional te/imony to !   
b\nty ( _! sy/em1 :il/ all ^! occurr5ces
 z visibly contradict ^! qualities1 z ! 
fir/ seem to confirm or to e/abli% !m4  
,^! prejudic$ obs]v]s are 9 an ec/acy at

 ! sight ( ! p]iodical motions ( !      
planets2 at ! ord] ( ! />s2 at ! v>i\s  
productions ( ! e>?2 at ! a/oni%+ h>mony
 9 ! compon5t p>ts ( animals3 9 t mom5t1
 h[ev]1 !y =get ! laws ( motion2 ! p[]s 
( gravitation2 ! =ce ( attraction &     
repulsion2 !y assign all ^! /rik+       
ph5om5a to unkn[n causes1 ( :i* !y h no 
"o sub/antive idea4 ,9 %ort1 9 ! f]vor (
 _! imag9ation !y place man 9 ! c5tre ( 
nature2 !y believe him to be ! object1 !
 end1 ( all t exi/s2 t x is = 8         
conv5i5ce e ?+ is made2 t x is to       
rejoice 8 m9d1 to pleasure 8 s5ses1 t ! 
:ole 0 creat$2 :il/ !y d n p]ceive1 t v 
frequ5tly ! entire ( nature appe>s to be
 loos$ aga9/ 8 weakness2 t ! elem5ts    
!mselves ov]:elm him ) calamity2 t de/9y
 ob/9ately p]si/s 9 r5d]+ him ! mo/     
mis]able ( be+s4 ,! progress ( s\nd     
philosophy w always be fatal to         
sup]/ition1 ^: notions w be cont9ually  
contradict$ by nature4  ,a/ronomy has   
caus$ judici>y a/rology to vani%2       
exp]im5tal philosophy1 ! /udy ( natural 

hi/ory & *emi/ry1 h r5d]$ x impossible =
 juggl]s1 prie/s or sorc]]s1 any long]  
to p]=m miracles4 ,nature1 pr(\ndly     
/udi$1 mu/ necess>ily cause ! ov]?r[ (  
^? *im]ical !ories1 :i* ignorance has   
sub/itut$ to h] p[]s4  ,a!ism1 z x is   
t]m$1 is only s r>e1 because e ?+       
conspires to intoxicate man ) a dazzl+  
en?usiasm1 f 8 mo/ t5d] age2 to inflate 
him f 8 e>lie/ infancy1 ) sy/ematic     
error1 ) organiz$ ignorance1 :i* ( all  
o!rs is ! mo/ difficult to vanqui%1 !   
mo/ ardu\s to root out4 ,!ology is no?+ 
m ?an a sci5ce ( words1 :i* by d9t (    
repetition we accu/om ourselves to      
sub/itute = ?+s3 z soon z we feel       
dispos$ to analyze !m1 we are a/oni%$ to
 f9d !y d n pres5t u ) any actual s5se4 
,!re are1 9 ! :ole _w1 v few m5 :o ?9k  
deeply3 :o r5d] to !mselves a fai?ful   
acc\nt ( _! own ideas2 :o h ke5 p5etrat+
 m9ds4 ,ju/ness ( intellect is "o ( !   
r>e/ gifts :i* nature be/[s on ! human  
species4 ,x is n1 h[ev]1 to be und]/ood 
by ?is1 t nature has any *oice 9 !      

=mation ( h] be+s2 x is m]ely to be     
consid]$1 t ! circum/ances v r>ely occur
 :i* enable ! junction ( a c]ta9        
quantity ( ^? atoms or p>ts1 necess>y to
 =m ! human ma*9e 9 su* due proportions1
 t "o disposition %all n ov]balance !   
o!rs2 & ?us r5d] ! judgm5t errone\s1 by 
giv+ x a p>ticul> bias4 ,we "k ! g5]al  
process ( mak+ gunp[d]2 nev]!less1 x w  
sometimes happ5 t ! +r$i5ts h be5 s     
happily bl5d$1 t ?is de/ructive article 
is ( a sup]ior quality to ! g5]al       
produce ( ! manufactory1 )\t1 h[ev]1 !  
*emi/ be+ on t acc\nt entitl$ to any    
p>ticul> comm5dation2 circum/ances h be5
 decid$ly favorable1 & ^! seldom occur4 
,too lively an imag9ation1 an ov] eag]  
curiosity1 are z p[]ful ob/acles to !   
discov]y ( tru?1 z too mu* phlegm1 a sl[
 conception1 indol5ce ( m9d1 or ! want (
 a ?9k+ habit3 all m5 h m or less       
imag9ation1 curiosity1 phlegm1 bile1    
indol5ce1 activity3 x is f ! happy      
equilibrium :i* nature has obs]v$ 9 _!  
organization1 t dep5ds t invaluable     

bless+1 correctness ( m9d4 ,nev]!less1 z
 we h h]et(ore said1 ! organic /ructure 
( man is subject to *ange2 ! accuracy ( 
8 m9d v>ies ) ! mutations ( 8 ma*9e3 f  
h5ce may be trac$ ^? almo/ p]petual     
revolutions t take place 9 ! ideas (    
mortals2 above all :5 !re is a "q       
conc]n+ ^? objects1 ^u :i* exp]i5ce does
 n furni% any fix$ basis :]eon to re/ _!
 m]its4  ,to se>* aft] "r1 to discov]   
tru?1 requires a ke51 p5etrat+1 j1      
active m9d2 because e ?+ /rives to      
conceal f u its beauties3 x ne$s an     
upright he>t1 "o 9 good fai? ) itself1  
jo9$ to an imag9ation temp]$ ) reason1  
because our habitual fe>s make u        
frequ5tly dread its radiance1 sometimes 
bur/+ l a meteor on our d>k5$ faculties2
 besides1 x n unfrequ5tly happ5s1 t we  
are actually ! accomplices ( ^? :o lead 
u a/ray1 by an incl9ation we too (t5    
manife/ to dissimilate ) ourselves on   
?is important measure4 ,tru? nev]       
reveals itself ei!r to ! en?usia/ smitt5
 ) 8 own rev]ies2 to ! felliflu\s       

fanatic enslav$ by 8 prejudices2 to !   
va9 glori\s mortal puff$ up ) 8 own     
presumptu\s ignorance2 to ! voluptu>y   
devot$ to 8 pleasures2 or to ! wily     
reason]1 :o1 dis+5u\s ) himself1 has a  
peculi> spontaneity to =m illusions to 8
 m9d4 ,bless$1 h[ev]1 ) a he>t1 gift$ ) 
a m9d su* z describ$1 man w surely      
discov] ?is r>a avis3 ?us con/itut$1 !  
att5tive philosoph]1 ! geometrician1 !  
morali/1 ! politician1 ! !ologian       
himself1 :5 he %all s9c]ely seek tru?1 w
 f9d t ! corn]-/one :i* s]ves = !       
f\ndation ( all sup]/iti\s sy/ems1 is   
evid5tly re/$ ^u fiction4 ,! philosoph] 
w discov] 9 matt] a suffici5t cause =   
its exi/5ce2 he w p]ceive t its motion1 
its comb9ation1 its modes ( act+1 are   
always regulat$ by g5]al laws1 incapable
 ( v>iation4 ,! geometrician1 )\t quit+ 
nature1 w calculate ! active =ce (      
matt]2 x w !n become obvi\s to him1 t to
 expla9 its ph5om5a1 x is by no means   
necess>y to h rec\rse to t :i* is       
incomm5surable ) all kn[n p[]s4 ,!      

politician1 in/ruct$ 9 ! true spr+ :i* c
 act ^u ! m9d ( nations1 w feel         
di/9ctly1 t x is n imp]ative to recur to
 imag9>y !ories1 :il/ !re are actual    
motives to give play to ! volition ( !  
citiz5s2 to induce !m to lab\r          
efficaci\sly to ! ma9t5ance ( _!        
association2 he w readily ackn[l$ge t   
fictiti\s sy/ems are calculat$ ei!r to  
slak5 ! ex]tions1 or to di/urb ! motion 
( s complicat$ a ma*9e an human society4
 ,he :o %all m honor tru? ?an ! va9     
subtilities ( !ology1 w quickly p]ceive 
t ?is pomp\s sci5ce is no?+ m ?an an    
un9telligible jumble ( false hypo!sis2 t
 x cont9ually begs its pr9ciples2 is    
full ( sophisms2 conta9s only vitiat$   
circles2 embraces ! mo/ subdol\s        
di/9ctions2 is u%]$ to mank9d by ! mo/  
dis+5u\s argum5ts1 f :i* x is n         
possible1 "u any giv5 circum/ances1 !re 
%\ld result any ?+ b pu]ilities--! mo/  
endless disputes4 ,9 %ort1 all m5 :o h  
s\nd ideas ( morality1 ^: notions (     
virtue are correct1 :o und]/& :at is    

useful to ! human be+ 9 society1 :e!r x 
be to cons]ve himself individually1 or !
 body ( :i* he is a memb]1 w ackn[l$ge1 
t 9 ord] to discov] 8 relations1 to     
asc]ta9 8 duties1 he has only to consult
 8 own nature2 t he ought to be         
p>ticul>ly c>eful nei!r to f\nd !m ^u   
discrepant sy/ems1 nor to borr[ !m f    
models t nev] c d m ?an di/urb 8 m9d2 t 
w only r5d] 8 conduct fluctuat+2 t w    
leave him = ev] unc]ta9 ( its prop] "*4 
,?us1 e rational ?9k]1 :o r5\nces 8     
prejudices1 w be enabl$ to feel !       
inutility1 to compreh5d ! fallacy ( s _m
 ab/ract sy/ems2 he w p]ceive t !y h    
hi!rto answ]$ no o!r purpose ?an to     
conf\nd ! notions ( mank9d2 to r5d]     
d\btful ! cle>e/ tru?s4 ,9 quitt+ !     
regions ( ! empyreum1 :]e 8 m9d c only  
bewild] itself1 9 re-ent]+ 8 prop]      
sph]e1 9 consult+ reason1 man w discov] 
t ( :i* he ne$s ! k2 he w be able to    
undeceive himself ^u ^? *im]ical !ories1
 :i* en?usiasm has sub/itut$ = actual   
natural causes2 to detect ^? figm5ts1 by

 :i* impo/ure has almo/ e :]e sup]s$$ ! 
real motives t c give activity 9 nature2
 out ( :i* ! human m9d nev] rambles1 )\t
 go+ woefully a/ray2 )\t lay+ !         
f\ndation ( future mis]y4  ,!           
,deicoli/s1 z well z ! !ologians1       
cont9ually reproa* _! adv]s>ies ) _!    
ta/e = p>adoxes--) _! atta*m5t to       
sy/ems2 :il/ !y !mselves f\nd all _!    
reason+ ^u imag9>y hypo!sis--^u vision>y
 !ories2 make a pr9ciple ( submitt+ _!  
und]/&+ to ! yoke ( au?ority2 ( r5\nc+  
exp]i5ce2 ( sett+ d[n z no?+ ! evid5ce (
 _! s5ses4 ,w\ld x n be ju/ifiable 9 !  
disciples ( nature1 to say to ^! m51 :o 
?us despise h]1 ,we only assure         
ourselves ( t :i* we see2 we yield to   
no?+ b evid5ce2 if we h a sy/em1 x is "o
 f\nd$ ^u facts2 we p]ceive 9 ourselves1
 we behold e :]e else1 no?+ b matt]2 we 
!re=e conclude f x t matt] c bo? feel & 
?9k3 we see t ! motion ( ! univ]se is   
op]at$ aft] me*anical laws2 t ! :ole    
results f ! prop]ties1 is ! effect ( !  
comb9ation1 ! imm$iate consequ5ce ( !   

modification ( matt]2 ?us1 we are       
cont5t1 we seek no o!r explication ( !  
ph5om5a :i* nature pres5ts4 ,we conceive
 only an unique _w1 9 :i* e ?+ is       
connect$2 :]e ea* effect is l9k$ to a   
natural cause1 ei!r kn[n or unkn[n1 :i* 
x produces accord+ to necess>y laws2 we 
affirm no?+ t is n demon/rable2 no?+ t y
 are n oblig$ to admit z well z         
ourselves3 ! pr9ciples we lay d[n are   
di/9ct3 !y are self-evid5t3 !y are      
facts4 ,if we f9d "s ?+s un9telligible1 
if causes frequ5tly become ardu\s1 we   
+5u\sly agree to _! obscurity2 t is to  
say1 to ! limits ( our own k4 ,b 9 ord] 
to expla9 ^! effects1 we d n imag9e an  
hypo!sis2 we ei!r cons5t to be = ev]    
ignorant ( !m1 or else we wait pati5tly 
until "t1 exp]i5ce1 ) ! progress ( !    
human m9d1 %all ?r[ !m into light3 is n1
 !n1 our mann] ( philosophiz+ consi/5t )
 tru?8 ,inde$1 9 :atev] we advance ^u ! 
subject ( nature1 we proce$ precisely 9 
! same mann] z our oppon5ts !mselves    
pursue 9 all ! o!r sci5ces1 su* z       

natural hi/ory1 exp]im5tal philosophy1  
ma!matics1 *emi/ry1 c4 ,we scrupul\sly  
conf9e ourselves to :at comes to our k  
?r\gh ! m$ium ( our s5ses2 ! only       
in/rum5ts ) :i* nature has furni%$ u to 
discov] tru?4 ,:at is ! conduct ( our   
adv]s>ies8 ,9 ord] to exp\nd ?+s ( :i*  
!y are ignorant1 !y imag9e !ories /ill m
 incompreh5sible ?an :at !y are desir\s 
to expla92 !ories ( :i* !y !mselves are 
oblig$ to ackn[l$ge !y h n ! mo/ sl5d]  
notion4 ,?us !y inv]t ! true pr9ciples (
 logic1 :i* require we %\ld proce$      
gradually f t :i* is mo/ kn[n1 to t )   
:i* we are lea/ acqua9t$4 ,aga91 ^u :at 
d !y f\nd ! exi/5ce ( ^! !ories1 by ^:  
aid !y pret5d to solve all difficulties8
 ,x is ^u ! univ]sal ignorance ( mank9d2
 ^u ! inexp]i5ce ( man2 ^u 8 fe>s2 ^u 8 
disord]$ imag9ation2 ^u a pret5d$       
intimate s5se1 :i* 9 reality is no?+ m  
?an ! effect ( vulg> prejudice2 ! result
 ( dread2 ! consequ5ce ( ! want ( a     
reflect+ habit1 :i* induces !m to cr\*  
to ! op9ions ( o!rs2 to be guid$ by !   

m&ates ( au?ority1 r ?an take ! tr\ble  
to exam9e = _! own in=mation4 ,su*1 ,o  
!ologians6 are ! ru9\s f\ndations ^u :i*
 y erect ! sup]/ructure ( y\r doctr9e4  
,accord+ly1 y f9d x impossible to =m to 
y\rselves any di/9ct idea ( ^? !ories   
:i* s]ve = ! basis ( y\r sy/ems2 y are  
unable to compreh5d ei!r _! attributes1 
_! exi/5ce1 ! nature ( _! localities1 or
 _! mode ( action4 ,?us1 ev5 by y\r own 
confession1 ye are 9 a /ate ( pr(\nd    
ignorance1 on ! prim>y elem5ts ( t :i*  
ye con/itute ! cause ( all t exi/s3 (   
:i*1 accord+ to y\r own acc\nt1 x is    
imp]ative to h a correct k4 ,"u :atev]  
po9t ( view1 !re=e1 ye are contemplat$1 
x mu/ be admitt$ ye are ! f\nd]s ( a]ial
 sy/ems2 ( fanciful !ories3 ( all       
sy/ematiz]s1 ye are consequ5tly ! mo/   
absurd2 because 9 *all5g+ y\r imag9ation
 to create a cause1 ?is cause1 at lea/1 
ought to diffuse light ov] ! :ole2 x    
w\ld be ^u ?is condition alone t its    
incompreh5sibility c\ld be p>donable2 b 
to speak +5u\sly1 does ?is cause s]ve to

 expla9 any ?+8 ,does x make u conceive 
m cle>ly ! orig9 ( ! _w2 br+ u m        
di/9ctly acqua9t$ ) ! actual nature (   
man2 does x m intelligibly elucidate !  
faculties ( ! s\l2 or po9t out ) m      
p]spicuity ! s\rce ( good & evil8 ,no6  
unque/ionably3 ^! subtle !ories expla9  
no?+1 al?\gh !y multiply to inf9ity _!  
own difficulties2 !y1 9 fact1 emb>rass  
elucidation1 by plung+ into great]      
obscurity ^? matt]s 9 :i* !y are        
int]pos$4 ,:atev] may be ! "q agitat$1 x
 becomes complicat$3 z soon z ^! !ories 
are introduc$1 !y envelope ! mo/        
demon/rable sci5ces ) a ?ick1           
imp5etrable mi/2 r5d] ! mo/ simple      
notions complex2 give opacity to ! mo/  
diaphan\s ideas2 turn ! mo/ evid5t      
op9ions into insolvable enigmas4 ,:at   
exposition ( morality does ! !ories1 ^u 
:i* ye f\nd all ! virtue1 pres5t to man8
 ,d n all y\r oracles brea! inconsi/5cy8
 ,does n y\r doctr9es embrace e         
gradation ( "*1 h[ev] discrepant3 e kn[n
 prop]ty1 h[ev] oppos$4 ,all y\r +5i\s  

sy/ems1 all y\r my/]ies1 all !          
subtilties :i* ye h inv5t$1 are !y      
capable ( reconcil+ t discordant        
assemblage ( amiable & unamiable        
qualities1 ) :i* ye h dress$ up y\r     
figm5ts8 ,9 %ort1 is x n by ^! !ories t 
ye di/urb ! h>mony ( ! univ]se2 is x n 9
 _! "n ye foll[ up y\r b>b>\s           
proscriptions2 9 _! support1 t ye s     
inhumanly ext]m9ate all :o refuse to    
subscribe to y\r organiz$ rev]ies2 :o   
)hold ass5t to ^? ef=ts ( ! imag9ation  
:i* ye h collectively decorat$ ) !      
pomp\s "n ( religion2 b :i*1            
individually1 ye br& z sup]/ition1      
always except+ t to :i* ye l5d          
y\rselves4 ,agree1 !n1 ,o ,!ologians6   
,ackn[l$ge1 !n1 ye subtle               
metaphysicians6 ,cons5t1 !n1 ye         
organiz]s ( fanciful !ories6 t n only   
are ye sy/ematically absurd1 b also t ye
 f9i% by be+ atroci\s2 because :5ev] ye 
obta9 ! asc5dancy "o ov] ! o!r1 y\r     
un=tunate pre-em95ce is di/+ui%$ by !   
mo/ malevol5t p]secution2 y\r dom9ation 

is u%]$ 9 ) cruelty2 y\r c>e] is        
describ$ ) blood3 f ! importance :i* y\r
 own int]e/ atta*es to y\r ru9\s dogmas2
 f ! pride ) :i* ye tumble d[n ! less   
=tunate sy/ems ( ^? :o />t$ ) y = !     
prize ( plund]2 f t savage f]ocity1 "u  
:i* ye equally ov]:elm human reason1 !  
happ9ess ( ! individual1 & ! felicity ( 
nations4      ,,*ap4 ,,xiv4  ,a ,summ>y 
( ! ,code ( ,nature4   ,tru? is ! only  
object wor?y ! rese>* ( e wise man2 s9ce
 t :i* is false _c be useful to him3    
:atev] con/antly injures him _c be f\nd$
 ^u tru?2 consequ5tly1 ought to be = ev]
 proscrib$4 ,x is1 !n1 to assi/ ! human 
m9d1 truly to lab\r = 8 happ9ess1 to    
po9t out to him ! clew by :i* he may    
extricate himself f ^? frightful        
labyr9?s 9 :i* 8 imag9ation w&]s2 f ^?  
s9uosities ^: devi\s c\rse makes him    
err1 )\t ev] f9d+ a t]m9ation to 8      
inc]titude4 ,nature alone1 kn[n ?r\gh   
exp]i5ce1 c furni% him ) ?is desirable  
?read2 h] et]nal en]gies c alone supply 
! means ( attack+ ! ,m9otaur2 (         

ext]m9at+ ! figm5ts ( hypocrisy2 (      
de/roy+ ^? mon/]s1 :o dur+ s _m ages1 h 
dev\r$ ! unhappy victims1 :i* ! tyranny 
( ! m9i/]s ( ,molo* h exact$ z a cruel  
tribute f affright$ mortals4 ,by /eadily
 grasp+ ?is ine/imable clew1 r5d]$ /ill 
m preci\s by ! beauty ( ! donor1 man c  
nev] be l$ a/ray--w nev] ramble out ( 8 
c\rse2 b if1 c>eless ( its invaluable   
prop]ties1 = a s+le in/ant he suff]s x  
to drop f 8 h&2 if1 l ano!r ,!seus1     
ungrateful = ! fav\r1 he ab&ons ! fair  
be/[]1 he w infallibly fall aga9 into 8 
anci5t w&]+s2 mo/ assur$ly become ! prey
 to ! cannibal (fspr+ ( ! ,:ite ,bull4  
,9 va9 %all he c>ry 8 views above 8     
head1 to f9d res\rces :i* are at 8 feet2
 s long z man1 infatuat$ ) 8 sup]/iti\s 
notions1 %all seek 9 an imag9>y _w !    
rule ( 8 e>?ly conduct1 he w be )\t     
pr9ciples2 :ile he %all p]t9aci\sly     
contemplate ! regions ( a di/emp]$      
fancy1 s long he w grope 9 ^? :]e he    
actually f9ds himself2 8 unc]ta9 /eps w 
nev] enc\nt] ! welf>e he desires2 nev]  

lead him to t repose aft] :i* he s      
ard5tly sighs1 nor conduct him to t     
surety :i* is s decid$ly requisite to   
consolidate 8 happ9ess4  ,b man1 bl9d$  
by 8 prejudices2 r5d]$ ob/9ate 9 injur+ 
8 fell[1 by 8 en?usiasm2 ranges himself 
9 ho/ility ev5 aga9/ ^? :o are s9c]ely  
desir\s ( procur+ = him ! mo/ sub/antive
 b5efits4 ,accu/om$ to be deceiv$1 he is
 9 a /ate ( cont9ual suspicion2         
habituat$ to mi/ru/ himself1 to view 8  
reason ) diffid5ce1 to look ^u tru? z   
dang]\s1 he treats z enemies ev5 ^? :o  
mo/ eag]ly /rive to enc\rage him2 =ew>n$
 9 e>ly life aga9/ delusion1 by !       
subtilty ( impo/ure1 he believes himself
 imp]atively call$ ^u to gu>d ) ! mo/   
s$ul\s activity ! b&eau ) :i* !y h      
hoodw9k$ him2 he ?9ks 8 et]nal welf>e   
involv$ 9 keep+ x = ev] ov] 8 eyes2 he  
!re=e wre/les ) all ^? :o attempt to te>
 x f 8 obscur$ optics4 ,if 8 visual     
organs1 accu/om$ to d>kness1 are = a    
mom5t op5$1 ! light (f5ds !m2 he is     
di/ress$ by its effulg5ce2 he ?9ks x    

crim9al to be enlight5$2 he d>ts ) fury 
^u ^? :o hold ! flambeau by :i* he is   
dazzl$4 ,9 consequ5ce1 ! a!i/1 z ! ar*  
rogue f :om he diff]s ludicr\sly calls  
him1 is look$ ^u z a malignant pe/1 z a 
public poison1 :i* l ano!r ,upas1       
de/roys e ?+ )9 ! vortex ( its influ5ce2
 he :o d>es to ar\se mortals f ! le?>gic
 habit :i* ! n>cotic doses adm9i/]$ by !
 !ologians h induc$ passes = a          
p]turbator2 he :o attempts to calm _!   
frantic transports1 to mod]ate ! fury ( 
_! maniacal p>oxysms1 is himself view$ z
 a madman1 :o ought to be closely *a9$  
d[n 9 ! dungeons appropriat$ to         
lunatics2 he :o invites 8 associates to 
r5d _! *a9s asund]1 to break _! gall+   
fett]s1 appe>s only l an irrational1    
inconsid]ate be+1 ev5 to ! wret*$       
captives !mselves3 :o h be5 taught to   
believe t nature =m$ !m = no o!r purpose
 ?an to tremble3 only call$ !m into     
exi/5ce t !y might be load$ ) %ackles4  
,9 consequ5ce ( ^! fatal prepossessions1
 ! ,disciple ( ,nature is g5]ally treat$

 z an assass92 is commonly receiv$ by 8 
fell[ citiz5s 9 ! same mann] z ! fea!r$ 
race receive ! doleful bird ( night1 :i*
 z soon z x quits its retreat1 all ! o!r
 birds foll[ ) a common hatr$1 utt]+ a  
v>iety ( doleful cries4  ,no1 mortals   
bl5d$ by t]ror6 ,! fri5d ( nature is n  
y\r enemy2 its int]pret] is n ! m9i/] ( 
falsehood2 ! de/roy] ( y\r va9 phantoms 
is n ! deva/ator ( ^? tru?s necess>y to 
y\r happ9ess2 ! disciple ( reason is n  
an irrational be+1 :o ei!r seeks to     
poison y1 or to infect y ) a dang]\s    
delirium4 ,if he is desir\s to wre/ !   
?und] f ^? t]rible !ories t affright ye1
 x is t ye way discont9ue y\r m>*1 9 !  
mid/ ( /orms1 ov] roads t ye c only     
di/+ui% by ! sudd51 b evanesc5t glimm]+s
 ( ! electric fluid4 ,if he breaks ^?   
idols1 :i* fe> has s]v$ ) myrrh &       
frank5c5se--:i* sup]/ition has surr\nd$ 
by gloomy despond5cy--:i* fanaticism has
 imbru$ ) blood2 x is to sub/itute 9 _! 
place ^? consol+ tru?s t are calculat$  
to heal ! desp]ate w\nds ye h receiv$2 t

 are suitable to inspire y ) c\rage1    
/urdily to oppose y\rselves to su*      
dang]\s errors2 t h p[] to enable y to  
resi/ su* =midable enemies4 ,if he ?r[s 
d[n ! temples1 ov]turns ! alt>s1 s      
frequ5tly ba!d ) ! bitt] te>s ( !       
un=tunate1 black5$ by ! mo/ cruel       
sacrifices1 smok$ ) s]vile inc5se1 x is 
t he may erect a fane sacr$ to peace2 a 
hall d$icat$ to reason2 a durable       
monum5t to virtue1 9 :i* ye may at all  
times f9d an asylum aga9/ y\r own       
phr5zy2 a refuge f y\r own ungov]nable  
passions2 a sanctu>y aga9/ ^? p[]ful    
dogmati/s1 by :om ye are oppress$4 ,if  
he attacks ! haughty pret5sions ( deifi$
 tyrants1 :o cru% ye ) an iron sceptre1 
x is t ye may enjoy ! rights ( y\r      
nature2 x is to ! end t ye may be       
sub/antively freem51 9 m9d z well z 9   
body2 t ye may n be slaves1 et]nally    
*a9$ to ! o> ( mis]y2 x is t ye may at  
l5g? be gov]n$ by m5 :o are citiz5s1 :o 
may *]i% _! own semblances1 :o way      
protect mortals l !mselves1 :o may      

actually consult ! int]e/s ( ^? f :om !y
 hold _! p[]4 ,if he battles ) impo/ure1
 x is to re-e/abli% tru? 9 ^? rights :i*
 h be5 s long usurp$ by fiction4 ,if he 
und]m9es ! base ( t un/eady1 fanatical  
morality1 :i* has hi!rto done no?+ m ?an
 p]plex y\r m9ds1 )\t correct+ y\r      
he>ts2 x is to give to e?ics an         
immovable basis1 a solid f\ndation1     
secur$ ^u y\r own nature2 ^u !          
reciprocity ( ^? wants :i* are          
cont9ually reg5]at+ 9 s5sible be+s3 d>e1
 !n1 to li/5 to 8 voice2 y w f9d x mu* m
 intelligible ?an ^? ambigu\s oracles1  
:i* are ann\nc$ to y z ! (fspr+ (       
caprici\s !ories2 z imp]i\s decrees t   
are unceas+ly at v>iance ) !mselves4    
,li/5 !n to nature1 %e nev] contradicts 
h] own et]nal laws4  ,o ?\6 cries ?is   
nature to man1 :o1 foll[+ ! impulse ,i h
 giv5 y1 dur+ y\r :ole exi/5ce1         
incessantly t5d t[>ds happ9ess1 d n     
/rive to resi/ my sov]eign law4 ,lab\r  
to y\r own felicity2 p>take )\t fe> ( ! 
banquet :i* is spread be=e y1 ) ! mo/   

he>ty welcome2 y w f9d ! means legibly  
writt5 on y\r own he>t4 ,va9ly do/ ?\1  
,o sup]/iti\s be+6 seek aft] ?9e        
happ9ess beyond ! limits ( ! univ]se1 9 
:i* my h& ha? plac$ !e3 va9ly %alt ?\   
se>* x 9 ^? inexorable !ories1 :i* ?9e  
imag9ation1 ev] prone to w&]1 w\ld      
e/abli% ^u my et]nal ?rone3 va9ly do/ ?\
 expect x 9 ^? fanciful regions1 to :i* 
?9e own delirium ha? giv5 a locality & a
 %ame3 va9ly do/ ?\ reckon ^u caprici\s 
sy/ems1 ) ^: advantages ?\ art 9 su*    
ec/asies2 :il/ !y only fill ?9e abode ) 
calamity--?9e he>t ) dread--?y m9d )    
illusions--?y bosom ) groans4 ,"k t :5  
?\ neglecte/ my c\nsels1 ! gods w refuse
 _! aid4 ,d>e1 !n1 to affran*ise ?yself 
f ! trammels ( sup]/ition1 my           
self-conceit$1 pragmatic rival1 :o      
mi/akes my rights2 r5\nce ^? empty      
!ories1 :i* are usurp]s ( my privileges2
 return "u ! dom9ion ( my laws1 :i*1    
h[ev] sev]e1 are mild 9 comp>ison ) ^? (
 bigotry4 ,x is 9 my empire alone t true
 lib]ty reigns4 ,tyranny is unkn[n to   

its soil2 equity unceas+ly wat*es ov] ! 
rights ( all my subjects1 ma9ta9s !m 9 !
 possession ( _! j claims2 b5evol5ce1   
graft$ ^u humanity1 connects !m by      
amicable bonds2 tru? enlight5s !m2 nev] 
c impo/ure bl9d !m ) 8 obscur+ mi/s4    
,return1 !n1 my *ild1 to ?y fo/]+ "m's  
arms6 ,des]t]1 trace back ?y w&]+ /eps  
to nature6 ,%e w console !e = ?9e evils2
 %e w drive f ?9e he>t ^? appall+ fe>s  
:i* ov]:elm !e2 ^? inquietudes t di/ract
 !e2 ^? transports :i* agitate !e2 ^?   
hatr$s t sep>ate !e f ?y fell[ man1 :om 
?\ %\ld/ love z ?yself4 ,return to      
nature1 to humanity1 to ?yself6 ,/rew   
fl[]s ov] ! road ( life3 cease to       
contemplate ! future2 live to ?9e own   
happ9ess2 exi/ = ?y fell[ creatures2    
retire into ?yself1 exam9e ?9e own he>t1
 !n consid] ! s5sitive be+s by :om ?\   
art surr\nd$3 leave to _! inv5tors ^?   
sy/ems :i* c effect no?+ t[>ds ?y       
felicity4 ,enjoy ?yself1 & cause o!rs   
also to enjoy1 ^? com=ts :i* ,i h plac$ 
) a lib]al h&1 = all ! *ildr5 ( ! e>?2  

:o all equally emanate f my bosom3 assi/
 !m to support ! sorr[s to :i* necessity
 has submitt$ !m 9 common ) ?yself4 ,"k1
 t ,i approve ?y pleasures1 :5 )\t      
injur+ ?yself1 !y are n fatal to ?y     
bre?r51 :om ,i h r5d]$ indisp5sably     
necess>y to ?9e own individual happ9ess4
 ,^! pleasures are freely p]mitt$ !e1 if
 ?\ indulge/ !m ) mod]ation2 ) t        
discretion :i* ,i myself h fix$4 ,be    
happy1 !n1 ,o man6 ,nature invites !e to
 p>ticipate 9 x2 b always rememb]1 ?\   
can/ n be s alone2 because ,i invite all
 mortals to happ9ess z well z ?yself2 ?\
 w f9d x is only 9 secur+ _! felicity t 
?\ can/ consolidate ?9e own4 ,su* is !  
decree ( ?y de/9y3 if ?\ %alt attempt to
 )draw ?yself f its op]ation1 recollect 
t hatr$ w pursue !e2 v5geance ov]take ?y
 /eps2 & remorse be ev] ready at h& to  
puni% ! infractions ( its irrevocable   
m&ates4  ,foll[ !n1 ,o man6 9 :atev]    
/ation ?\ f9de/ ?yself1 ! r\t9e ,i h    
describ$ = !e1 to obta9 t happ9ess to   
:i* ?\ ha/ an indisp5sable "r to *all5ge

 pret5sion4 ,let ! s5sations ( humanity 
int]e/ !e = ! condition ( o!r m51 :o are
 ?y fell[ creatures2 let ?9e he>t h     
commiss]ation = _! mis=tunes3 let ?y    
g5]\s h& spontane\sly /ret* =? to l5d   
succ\r to ! unhappy mortal :o is        
ov]:elm$ by 8 de/9y2 always be>+ 9 ?y   
recollection1 t x may fall heavy ^u     
?yself1 z x n[ does ^u him4 ,ackn[l$ge1 
!n1 )\t guile1 t e un=tunate has an     
inali5able "r to ?y k9dness4 ,above all1
 wipe f ! eyes ( oppress$ innoc5ce !    
trickl+ cry/als ( agoniz$ feel+2 let !  
te>s ( virtue 9 di/ress1 fall ^u ?y     
sympa?iz+ bosom2 let ! g5ial gl[ ( s9c]e
 fri5d%ip animate ?9e hone/ he>t2 let ! 
fond atta*m5t ( a mate1 *]i%$ by ?y     
w>me/ affection1 make !e =get ! sorr[s (
 life3 be fai?ful to h] love1           
responsible to h] t5d]ness1 t %e may    
rew>d !e by a reciprocity ( feel+2 t "u 
! eyes ( p>5ts unit$ 9 virtu\s e/eem1 ?y
 (fspr+ may le>n to set a prop] value on
 practical virtue2 t aft] hav+ occupi$  
?y rip] ye>s1 !y may com=t ?y decl9+    

age1 gild ) cont5t ?y sett+ sun1 *e] !  
ev5+ ( ?9e exi/5ce1 by a dutiful return 
( t c>e :i* ?\ %alt h be/[$ on _!       
imbecile infancy4  ,be j1 because equity
 is ! support ( human society6 ,be good1
 because goodness connects all he>ts 9  
adamant9e bonds6 ,be indulg5t1 because  
feeble ?yself1 ?\ live/ ) be+s :o p>take
 ( ?y weakness6 ,be g5tle1 because      
mildness attracts att5tion6 ,be ?ankful1
 because gratitude fe$s b5evol5ce1      
n\ri%es g5]osity6 ,be mode/1 because    
haught9ess is disgu/+ to be+s at all    
times well ) !mselves4 ,=give injuries1 
because rev5ge p]petuates hatr$6 ,d good
 to him :o injure? !e1 9 ord] to %ew    
?yself m noble ?an he is2 to make a     
fri5d ( him1 :o 0 once ?9e enemy6 ,be   
res]v$ 9 ?y demeanor1 temp]ate 9 ?9e    
enjoym5t1 *a/e 9 ?y pleasures1 because  
voluptu\sness begets we>9ess1           
intemp]ance eng5d]s disease2 =w>d mann]s
 are revolt+3 excess at all times       
relaxes ! spr+s ( ?y ma*9e1 w ultimately
 de/roy ?y be+1 & r5d] !e hateful to    

?yself1 contemptible to o!rs4  ,be a    
fai?ful citiz52 because ! community is  
necess>y to ?9e own security2 to !      
enjoym5t ( ?9e own exi/5ce2 to !        
fur!rance ( ?9e own happ9ess4 ,be loyal1
 b be brave2 submit to legitimate       
au?ority2 because x is requisite to !   
ma9t5ance ( t society :i* is necess>y to
 ?yself4 ,be ob$i5t to ! laws2 because  
!y are1 or ought to be1 ! expression ( !
 public w1 to :i* ?9e own p>ticul> w    
ought ev] to be subord9ate4 ,def5d ?y   
c\ntry ) zeal2 because x is t :i* r5d]s 
!e happy1 :i* conta9s ?y prop]ty1 z well
 z ^? be+s de>e/ to ?9e he>t3 d n p]mit 
?is common p>5t ( ?yself1 z well z ( ?y 
fell[ citiz5s1 to fall "u ! %ackles (   
tyranny2 because f !nce x w be no m ?an 
?y common prison4 ,if ?y c\ntry1 deaf to
 ! equity ( ?y claims1 refuses !e       
happ9ess--if1 submitt$ to an unju/ p[]1 
x suff]s !e to be oppress$1 )draw ?yself
 f its bosom 9 sil5ce1 b nev] di/urb its
 peace4  ,9 %ort1 be a man2 be a        
s5sible1 rational be+2 be a fai?ful     

husb&2 a t5d] fa!r2 an equitable ma/]2 a
 zeal\s citiz52 lab\r to s]ve ?y c\ntry 
by ?y pr[ess2 by ?y tal5ts2 by ?9e      
indu/ry2 above all1 by ?y virtues4      
,p>ticipate ) ?9e associates ^? gifts   
:i* nature has be/[$ ^u !e2 diffuse     
happ9ess1 among ?y fell[ mortals2       
inspire ?y fell[ citiz5s ) cont5t2      
spread joy ov] all ^? :o approa* !e1 t !
 sph]e ( ?9e actions1 enliv5$ by ?y     
k9dness1 illum9$ by ?y b5evol5ce1 may   
re-act ^u ?yself2 be assur$ t ! man :o  
makes o!rs happy _c himself be mis]able4
 ,9 ?us conduct+ ?yself1 :atev] may be !
 inju/ice ( o!rs1 :atev] may be !       
bl9dness ( ^? be+s ) :om x is ?y de/9y  
to live1 ?\ wilt nev] be totally b]eft (
 ! recomp5se :i* is ?y due2 no p[] on   
e>? be able to ravi% f !e t nev] fail+  
s\rce ( ! pure/ felicity1 inw>d cont5t2 
at ea* mom5t ?\ wilt fall back )        
pleasure ^u ?yself2 ?\ wilt nei!r feel !
 rankl+ ( %ame1 ! t]ror ( int]nal al>m1 
nor f9d ?y he>t corrod$ by remorse4 ,?\ 
wilt e/eem ?yself2 ?\ wilt be *]i%$ by !

 virtu\s1 applaud$ & lov$ by all good   
m51 ^: suffrages are mu* m valuable ?an 
^? ( ! bewild]$ multitude4 ,nev]!less1  
if ext]nals occupy ?y contemplation1    
smil+ c\nt5ances w greet ?y pres5ce2    
happy faces w express ! int]e/ !y h 9 ?y
 welf>e2 jocund be+s w make !e          
p>ticipate 9 _! placid feel+s4 ,a life s
 sp5t1 w ea* mom5t be m>k$ by ! s]5ity (
 ?9e own s\l1 by ! affection ( ! be+s :o
 environ !e2 w be made *e]ful by !      
fri5d%ip ( ?y fell[s2 w enable !e to    
rise a cont5t$1 satisfi$ gue/ f ! g5]al 
fea/2 conduct !e g5tly d[n ! declivity (
 life1 lead !e peaceably to ! p]iod ( ?y
 days2 = die ?\ mu/3 b already ?\ wilt  
survive ?yself 9 ?\ght2 ?\ wilt always  
live 9 ! remembrance ( ?y fri5ds2 9 !   
grateful recollection ( ^? be+s ^:      
com=ts h be5 augm5t$ by ?y fri5dly      
att5tions2 ?y virtues w1 be=eh& h erect$
 to ?y fame an imp]i%able monum5t3 if   
heav5 occupies itself ) !e1 x w feel    
satisfi$ ) ?y conduct1 :5 x %all ?us h  
cont5t$ ! e>?4  ,bew>e1 !n1 h[ ?\       

compla9e/ ( ?y condition2 be j1 be k9d1 
be virtu\s1 & ?\ can/ nev] be :olly     
de/itute ( felicity4 ,take he$ h[ ?\    
envie/ ! transi5t pleasure ( s$uctive   
crime2 ! deceitful p[] ( victori\s      
tyranny2 ! speci\s tranquillity (       
int]e/$ impo/ure2 ! plausible mann]s (  
v5al ju/ice2 ! %ewy1 o/5tati\s p>ade (  
h>d5$ opul5ce4 ,nev] be tempt$ to       
increase ! numb] ( sycophants to an     
ambiti\s despot2 to swell ! catalogue ( 
slaves to an unju/ tyrant2 nev] suff]   
?yself to be allur$ to infamy1 to !     
practice ( extortion1 to ! commission ( 
outrage1 by ! fatal privilege ( oppress+
 ?y fell[s2 always recollect x w be at !
 exp5ce ( ! mo/ bitt] remorse ?\ wilt   
acquire ?is baneful advantage4 ,nev] be 
! m]c5>y accomplice ( ! spoil]s ( ?y    
c\ntry2 !y are oblig$ to blu% secretly  
:5ev] !y meet ! public eye4  ,=1 d n    
deceive ?yself1 x is ,i :o puni%1 ) an  
un]r+ h&1 all ! crimes ( ! e>?2 ! wick$ 
may escape ! laws ( man1 b !y nev]      
escape m9e4 ,x is ,i :o h =m$ ! he>ts1 z

 well an ! bodies ( mortals2 x is ,i :o 
h fix$ ! laws :i* gov]n !m4 ,if ?\      
deliv]e/ ?yself up to voluptu\s         
enjoym5t1 ! companions ( ?y debau*]ies  
may applaud !e2 b ,i %all puni% !e ) !  
mo/ cruel infirmities2 ^! w t]m9ate a   
life ( %ame ) des]v$ contempt4 ,if ?\   
give/1 ?yself up to intemp]ate          
indulg5ces1 human laws may n correct !e1
 b ,i %all ca/igate !e sev]ely by       
abridg+ ?y days4 ,if ?\ art vici\s1 ?y  
fatal habits w recoil on ?9e own head4  
,pr9ces1 ^? t]re/rial div9ities1 ^: p[] 
places !m above ! laws ( mank9d1 are    
nev]!less oblig$ to tremble "u ! sil5t  
op]ation ( my decrees4 ,x is ,i :o      
*a/ise !m2 x is ,i :o fill _! brea/s )  
suspicion2 x is ,i :o inspire !m )      
t]ror2 x is ,i :o make !m wri! "u       
inquietude2 x is ,i :o make !m %udd] )  
horror1 at ! v "n ( augu/ tru?2 x is ,i 
:o1 amid/ ! cr[d ( nobles :o surr\nd !m1
 make !m feel ! inw>d work+s ( %ame2 !  
ke5 angui% ( guilt2 ! poison$ arr[s (   
regret2 ! cruel /+s ( remorse2 x is ,i  

:o1 :5 !y abuse my b\nty1 diffuse       
we>9ess ov] _! b5umb$ s\ls2 x is ,i :o  
foll[ uncreat$1 et]nal ju/ice2 x is ,i  
:o1 )\t di/9ction ( p]sons1 "k h[ to    
make ! balance ev52 to adju/ ! *a/isem5t
 to ! fault2 to make ! mis]y be> its due
 proportion to ! depravity2 to inflict  
puni%m5t comm5surate ) ! crime4 ,! laws 
( man are j1 only :5 !y are 9 con=mity )
 m9e2 8 judgem5ts are rational1 only :5 
,i h dictat$ !m3 my laws alone are      
immutable1 univ]sal1 irrefragable2 =m$  
to regulate ! condition ( ! human race1 
9 all ages1 9 all places1 "u all        
circum/ances4  ,if ?\ d\bte/ m9e        
au?ority1 if ?\ que/ione/ ! irresi/ible 
p[] ,i possess ov] mortals1 contemplate 
! v5geance ,i wreak on all ^? :o resi/  
my decrees4 ,dive into ! recesses ( !   
he>ts ( ^? v>i\s crim9als1 ^:           
c\nt5ances1 assum+ a =c$ smile1 cov]    
s\ls torn ) angui%4 ,do/ ?\ n behold    
ambition torm5t$ day & night1 ) an ard\r
 :i* no?+ c ext+ui%8 ,do/ n ?\ see !    
mighty conqu]] become ! "l ( deva/at$   

solitudes2 8 victori\s c>e]1 m>k$ by a  
bla/$ cultivation1 reign sorr[fully ov] 
smok+ ru9s2 gov]n unhappy wret*es :o    
curse him 9 _! he>ts2 :ile 8 s\l1 gnaw$ 
by remorse1 sick5s at ! gloomy aspect ( 
8 own triumphs8 ,do/ ?\ believe t !     
tyrant1 encircl$ ) 8 flatt]]s1 :o /un   
him ) _! praise1 is unconsci\s ( ! hatr$
 :i* 8 oppression excites2 ( ! contempt 
:i* 8 vices draw ^u him2 ( ! sne]s :i* 8
 inutility call =?2 ( ! scorn :i* 8     
debau*]ies entail ^u 8 "n8 ,do/ ?\ ?9k t
 ! haughty c\rti] does n inw>dly blu% at
 ! gall+ insults he brooks2 despise1 f !
 bottom ( 8 s\l1 ^? meannesses by :i* he
 is compell$ to pur*ase fav\rs2 feel at 
8 he>t's core ! wret*$ dep5d5ce 9 :i* 8 
cupidity places him4  ,contemplate !    
indol5t *ild ( weal?1 behold him a prey 
to ! lassitude ( unmeasur$ enjoym5t1    
corrod$ by ! satiety :i* always foll[s 8
 exhau/$ pleasures4 ,view ! mis] ) an   
emaciat$ c\nt5ance1 ! consequ5ce ( 8 own
 p5uri\s disposition1 ^: call\s he>t is 
inaccessible to ! calls ( mis]y1 groan+ 

ov] ! accumulat+ load ( useless         
treasure1 :i* at ! exp5se ( himself1 he 
has lab\r$ to amass4 ,behold ! gay      
voluptu>y1 ! smil+ debau*e1 secretly    
lam5t ! heal? !y h s inconsid]ately     
damag$ s prodigally ?r[n away3 see      
disda91 jo9$ to hatr$1 reign betwe5 ^?  
adult]\s m>ri$ c\ples1 :o h reciprocally
 violat$ ! sacr$ v[s !y mutually pl$g$  
at ! alt> ( ,hym52 ^: appet5cies h r5d]$
 !m ! scorn ( ! _w2 ! je/ ( _!          
acqua9tance2 pollut$ tribut>ies to !    
surgeon4 ,see ! li> depriv$ ( all       
confid5ce2 ! knave /ript ( all tru/2 !  
hypocrite fe>fully avoid+ ! p5etrat+    
looks ( 8 inquisitive neighb\r2 !       
impo/or trembl+ at ! v "n ( =midable    
tru?4 ,br+ "u y\r review ! he>t ( !     
envi\s1 uselessly di%onor$2 t )]s at !  
sight ( 8 neighb\r's prosp]ity4 ,ca/ y\r
 eyes on ! froz5 s\l ( ! ungrateful     
wret*1 :om no k9dness c w>m1 no         
b5evol5ce ?aw1 no b5efic5ce conv]t into 
a g5ial fluid4 ,survey ! iron feel+s ( t
 mon/] :om ! sighs ( ! un=tunate _c     

mollify4 ,behold ! rev5geful be+ n\ri%$ 
) v5em\s gall1 ^: v ?\ghts are s]p5ts2  
:o 9 8 rage consumes himself4 ,envy1 if 
?\ can/1 ! wak+ slumb]s ( ! homicide2 ! 
/>t+s ( ! iniquit\s judge2 ! re/lessness
 ( ! oppressor ( innoc5ce2 ! fe>ful     
visions ( ! extortion]2 ^: c\*es are    
infe/$ ) ! tor*es ( ! furies4 ,?\       
tremble/ )\t d\bt at ! sight ( t        
di/raction :i*1 amid/ _! spl5did        
luxuries1 agitates ^? f>m]s ( ! rev5ue1 
:o fatt5 ^u public calamnity--:o dev\r !
 sub/ance ( ! orphan--:o consume ! means
 ( ! wid[--:o gr9d ! h>d e>n+s ( ! poor3
 ?\ %udd]e/ at witness+ ! remorse :i*   
r5ds ! s\ls ( ^? rev]5d crim9als1 :om ! 
un9=m$ believe to be happy1 :il/ !      
contempt :i* !y h = !mselves1 ! un]r+   
%afts ( secret upbraid+s1 are           
incessantly rev5g+ an outrag$ nation4   
,?\ see/1 t cont5t is = ev] bani%$ !    
he>t2 quiet = ev] driv5 f ! habitations 
( ^? mis]able wret*es on ^: m9ds ,i h   
indelibly engrav$ ! scorn1 ! infamy1 !  
*a/isem5t :i* !y des]ve4 ,b1 no6 ?9e    

eyes _c su/a9 ! tragic spectacle ( my   
v5geance4 ,humanity obliges !e to p>take
 ( _! m]it$ suff]+s2 ?\ art mov$ to pity
 = ^! unhappy p1 to :om consecrat$      
errors r5d]s vice necess>y2 ^: fatal    
habits make !m famili> ) crime4 ,yes2 ?\
 %unne/ !m )\t hat+ !m2 ?\ w\ld/ succ\r 
!m1 if _! contumaci\s p]v]sity _h left  
!e ! means4 ,:5 ?\ comp>e/ ?9e own      
condition1 :5 ?\ exam9e/ ?9e own s\l1 ?\
 wilt h j cause to felicitate ?yself1 if
 ?\ %alt f9d t peace has tak5 up h]     
abode ) !e2 t cont5tm5t dwells at !     
bottom ( ?9e own he>t4 ,9 %ort1 ?\ see/ 
accompli%$ ^u !m1 z well z1 ^u ?yself1 !
 unalt]able decrees ( de/9y1 :i*        
imp]i\sly dem&1 t crime %all puni%      
itself1 t virtue nev] %all be de/itute  
,( remun]ation4  ,su* is ! sum ( ^?     
tru?s :i* are conta9$ 9 ! ,code (       
,nature2 su* are ! doctr9es1 :i* its    
disciples c ann\nce4 ,!y are            
unque/ionably pref]able to t sup]natural
 sup]/ition :i* nev] does any ?+ b      
mis*ief to ! human species4 ,su* is !   

wor%ip t is taught by t sacr$ reason1   
:i* is ! object ( contempt ) ! !ologian2
 :i* meets ! insult ( ! fanatic2 :o only
 e/imates t :i* man c nei!r conceive nor
 practise2 :o make 8 morality consi/ 9  
fictiti\s duties2 8 virtue 9 actions    
g5]ally useless1 frequ5tly p]nici\s to !
 welf>e ( society2 :o = want ( be+      
acqua9t$ ) nature1 :i* is be=e _! eyes1 
believe !mselves oblig$ to seek 9 ideal 
worlds imag9>y motives1 ( :i* e ?+      
proves ! inefficacy4 ,! motive :i* !    
morality ( nature employs1 is !         
self-evid5t int]e/ ( ea* individual1 (  
ea* community1 ( ! :ole human species1 9
 all times1 9 e c\ntry1 "u all          
circum/ances4 ,its wor%ip is ! sacrifice
 ( vice1 ! practise ( real virtues2 its 
object is ! cons]vation ( ! human race1 
! happ9ess ( ! individual1 ! peace (    
mank9d2 its recomp5ces are affection1   
e/eem1 & glory2 or 9 _! default1        
cont5tm5t ( m9d1 ) m]it$ self-e/eem1 (  
:i* no p[] w ev] be able to deprive     
virtu\s mortals2 its puni%m5ts1 are     

hatr$1 contempt1 & indignation2 :i*     
society always res]ves = ^? :o outrage  
its int]e/s2 f :i* ev5 ! mo/ p[]ful c   
nev] effectually %ield !mselves4  ,^?   
nations :o %all be dispos$ to practise a
 morality s wise1 :o %all inculcate x 9 
infancy1 ^: laws %all unceas+ly confirm 
x1 w nei!r h occasion = sup]/ition1 nor 
= *im]as4 ,^? :o %all ob/9ately pref]   
figm5ts to _! de>e/ int]e/s1 w c]ta9ly  
m>* =w>d to ru94 ,if !y ma9ta9 !mselves 
= a season1 x is because ! p[] ( nature 
sometimes drives !m back to reason1 9   
despite ( ^? prejudices :i* appe> to    
lead !m on to c]ta9 de/ruction4         
,sup]/ition1 leagu$ ) tyranny1 = ! wa/e 
( ! human species1 are !mselves         
frequ5tly oblig$ to implore ! assi/ance 
( a reason :i* !y contemn2 ( a nature   
:i* !y disda92 :i* !y debase2 :i* !y    
endeav\r to cru% "u ! pond]\s bulk (    
artificial !ories4 ,sup]/ition1 9 all   
times s fatal to mortals1 :5 attack$ by 
reason1 assumes ! sacr$ mantle ( public 
utility2 re/s its importance on false   

gr\nds1 f\nds its rights ^u !           
indissoluble alliance :i* x pret5ds     
subsi/s betwe5 morality & itself2       
not)/&+ x nev] ceases = a s+le in/ant to
 wage aga9/ x ! mo/ cruel ho/ility4 ,x  
is1 unque/ionably1 by ?is artifice1 t x 
has s$uc$ s _m sages4 ,9 ! hone/y ( _!  
he>ts1 !y believe x useful to politics2 
necess>y to re/ra9 ! ungov]nable fury ( 
! passions2 ?us hypocritical sup]/ition1
 9 ord] to mask to sup]ficial obs]v]s1  
its own hide\s "*1 l ! ass ) ! lion's   
sk91 always kn[s h[ to cov] itself ) !  
sacr$ arm\r ( utility2 to buckle on !   
invuln]able %ield ( virtue2 x has !re=e1
 be5 believ$ imp]ative to respect x1    
not)/&+ x felt awkw>d "u ^!             
incumbrances2 x consequ5tly has become a
 duty to favor impo/ure1 because x has  
artfully entr5*$ itself beh9d ! alt>s ( 
tru?2 its e>s1 h[ev]1 discov] its       
wor?lessness2 its natural c[>dice       
betrays itself2 x is f ?is intr5*m5t we 
ought to drive x2 x %\ld be dragg$ =? to
 public view2 /ripp$ ( its surreptiti\s 

panoply2 expos$ 9 its native de=mity2 9 
ord] t ! human race may become acqua9t$ 
) its dissimulation2 t mank9d may h a k 
( its crimes2 t ! univ]se may behold its
 sacrilegi\s h&s1 arm$ ) homicidal      
poni>ds1 /a9$ ) ! blood ( nations1 :om x
 ei!r intoxicates ) its fury1 or        
immolates )\t pity to ! viol5ce ( its   
passions4  ,! ,,morality ,,( ,,nature is
 ! only cre$ :i* h] int]pret] (f]s to 8 
fell[ citiz5s2 to nations2 to ! human   
species2 to future races1 wean$ f ^?    
prejudices :i* h s frequ5tly di/urb$ !  
felicity ( _! ance/ors4 ,! fri5d (      
mank9d _c be ! fri5d ( delusion1 :i* at 
all times has be5 a real sc\rge to !    
e>?4 ,! ,,apo/le ,,( ,,nature w n be !  
in/rum5t ( deceitful *im]as1 by :i* ?is 
_w is made only an abode ( illusions2 ! 
ador] ( tru? w n compromise ) falsehood2
 he w make no cov5ant ) error2 consci\s 
x mu/ always be fatal to mortals4 ,he   
kn[s t ! happ9ess ( ! human race        
imp]i\sly exacts t ! d>k un/eady edifice
 ( sup]/ition %\ld be raz$ to its       

f\ndations2 9 ord] to elevate on its    
ru9s a temple suitable to peace--a fane 
sacr$ to virtue4 ,he feels x is only by 
extirpat+1 ev5 to ! mo/ sl5d] fibres1 ! 
poison\s tree1 t dur+ s _m ages has     
ov]%ad[$ ! univ]se1 t ! inhabitants (   
?is _w w be able to use _! own          
optics--to be> ) /ead9ess t light :i* is
 compet5t to illum9e _! und]/&+--to     
guide _! wayw>d /eps--to give ! necess>y
 ard5cy to _! s\ls4 ,if 8 ef=ts %\ld be 
va92 if he _c inspire ) c\rage1 be+s too
 mu* accu/om$ to tremble2 he w1 at lea/1
 applaud himself = hav+ d>$ ! attempt4  
,nev]!less1 he w n judge 8 ex]tions     
fruitless1 if he has only be5 enabl$ to 
make a s+le mortal happy3 if 8 pr9ciples
 h calm$ ! conflict+ transports ( "o    
hone/ s\l2 if 8 reason+s h *e]$ up "s   
few virtu\s he>ts4 ,at lea/ he w h !    
advantage ( hav+ bani%$ f 8 own m9d !   
importunate t]ror ( sup]/ition2 ( hav+  
expell$ f 8 own he>t ! gall :i*         
exasp]ates zeal2 ( hav+ trodd5 "u foot  
^? *im]as ) :i* ! un9=m$ are torm5t$4   

,?us1 escap$ f ! p]il ( ! /orm1 he w    
calmly contemplate f ! summit ( 8 rock1 
^? trem5d\s hurricanes :i* sup]/ition   
excites2 he w hold =? a succ\r+ h& to ^?
 :o %all be will+ to accept x2 he w     
enc\rage !m ) 8 voice2 he w second !m ) 
8 be/ ex]tions1 & 9 ! w>m? ( 8 own      
compassionate he>t1 he w exclaim3  ,o   
,,nature2 sov]eign ( all be+s6 & ye1 h] 
adorable daught]s1 ,,virtue1 ,,reason1 &
 ,,tru?6 rema9 = ev] our rev]$          
protectors3 x is to y t belong ! praises
 ( ! human race2 to y app]ta9s ! homage 
( ! e>?4 ,%ew1 u !n1 ,o ,,nature6 t :i* 
man ought to d1 9 ord] to obta9 !       
happ9ess :i* ?\ make/ him desire4       
,,virtue6 ,animate him ) ?y b5efic5t    
fire4 ,,reason6 ,conduct 8 unc]ta9 /eps 
?r\gh ! pa?s ( life4 ,,tru?6 ,let ?y    
tor* illum9e 8 intellect1 dissipate !   
d>kness ( 8 road4 ,unite1 ,o assi/+     
deities6 y\r p[]s1 9 ord] to submit !   
he>ts ( mank9d to y\r dom9ion4 ,bani%   
error f our m9d2 wick$ness f our he>ts2 
confusion f our foot/eps2 cause k to    

ext5d its salubri\s reign2 goodness to  
occupy our s\ls2 s]5ity to dwell 9 our  
bosoms4 ,let impo/ure1 conf\nd$1 nev]   
aga9 d>e to %ew its head4 ,let our eyes1
 s long1 ei!r dazzl$ or bl9dfold$1 be at
 l5g? fix$ ^u ^? objects we ought to    
seek4 ,dispel = ev] ^? mi/s ( ignorance1
 ^? hide\s phantoms1 toge!r ) ^? s$uc+  
*im]as1 :i* only s]ve to lead u a/ray4  
,extricate u f t d>k abyss into :i* we  
are plung$ by sup]/ition2 ov]?r[ ! fatal
 empire ( delusion2 crumble ! ?rone (   
falsehood2 wre/ f _! pollut$ h&s ! p[]  
!y h usurp$4 ,comm& m51 )\t %>+ y\r     
au?ority ) mortals3 break ! *a9s t b9d  
!m d[n 9 slav]y3 te> away ! b&eau by :i*
 !y are hoodw9k$2 allay ! fury t        
intoxicates !m2 break 9 ! h&s (         
sangu9>y1 lawless tyrants1 t iron       
sceptre ) :i* !y are cru%$ to exile2 !  
imag9>y regions1 f :5ce fe> has import$ 
!m1 ^? !ories by :i* !y are afflict$4   
,inspire ! intellig5t be+ ) c\rage2     
infuse en]gy into 8 sy/em1 t1 at l5g?1  
he may feel 8 own dignity2 t he may d>e 

to love himself2 to e/eem 8 own actions 
:5 !y are wor?y2 t a slave only to y\r  
et]nal laws1 he may no long] fe> to     
enfran*ise himself f all o!r trammels2 t
 ble/ ) fre$om1 he may h ! wisdom to    
*]i% 8 fell[ creature2 & become happy by
 le>n+ to p]fection 8 own condition2    
in/ruct him 9 ! great lesson1 t ! high  
road to felicity1 is prud5tly to p>take 
himself1 & also to cause o!rs to enjoy1 
! ri* banquet :i* ?\1 ,o ,nature6 ha/ s 
b\ntifully set be=e him4 ,console ?y    
*ildr5 = ^? sorr[s to :i* _! de/9y      
submits !m1 by ^? pleasures :i* wisdom  
all[s !m to p>take2 tea* !m to be       
cont5t$ ) _! condition2 to bani% envy f 
_! m9d2 to yield sil5tly to necessity4  
,conduct !m )\t al>m to t p]iod :i* all 
be+s mu/ f9d2 let !m le>n t "t *anges   
all ?+s1 t consequ5tly !y are made nei!r
 to avoid its scy! nor to fe> its       
arrival4      ,,translator',s ,,app5dix 
,a ,,brief ,,sket*  ,,( ,,!  ,,life ,,& 
,,writ+s  ,,(  ,m4 ,,de4 ,,mirabaud4    
,at a "t :5 we are on ! eve ( an        

important *ange 9 our political affairs1
 :i* mu/ evid5tly lead ei!r to ! recov]y
 & re-e/abli%m5t ( our lib]ties1 or to a
 milit>y despotism1 ^? :o are connect$ )
 ! press ought to use e ex]tion to      
enlight5 _! fell[-citiz5s1 & to ass]t _!
 "r ( canvass+1 9 ! mo/ free & unre/ra9$
 mann]1 e subject connect$ ) ! happ9ess 
( man4  ,! prie/hood h ev] be5 conv5i5t 
tools 9 ! h&s ( tyrants1 to keep ! bulk 
( ! p 9 a degrad$ s]vility4 ,by !       
sup]/iti\s & slavi% doctr9es :i* !y     
infuse into _! m9ds1 !y prev5t !m f ?9k+
 = !mselves & ass]t+ _! own indep5d5ce4 
,at a mom5t :5 national s*ools are      
erect+ 9 e qu>t] ( ! c\ntry1 n ) a s9c]e
 desire ( enlight5+ ! ris+ g5]ation1 b )
 ! insidi\s design ( in/ill+ into _!    
m9ds ! doctr9es ( ,*ur* & ,k+1 9 ord] to
 bol/] up a little long] ! pres5t rott51
 tott]+1 & corrupt sy/em3 at a mom5t1   
too1 :5 ?\s&s ( fanatic prea*]s are     
trav]s+ ! c\ntry1 ) a view to subjugate 
! human m9d to ! baleful empire (       
vison>y en?usiasm & sect>ian bigotry to 

! utt] ext9ction ( e noble1 manly1      
lib]al1 & pilan?ropic pr9ciple2--at su* 
a mom5t z ?is1 we ?\ght t ! ,,sy/em ,,( 
,,nature c\ld n fail to r5d] ess5tial   
s]vice to ! cause bo? ( civil & religi\s
 lib]ty4 ,no "w1 anci5t or mod]n1 has   
surpass$ x1 9 ! eloqu5ce & sublimity (  
its language1 or 9 ! facility ) :i* x   
treats ! mo/ abtruse & difficult        
subjects4 ,x is1 )\t exception1 ! bolde/
 ef=t ! human m9d has yet produc$1 9 !  
inve/igation ( morals & !ology--9 !     
de/ruction ( prie/craft & sup]/ition--& 
9 develop+ ! s\rces ( all ^? passions & 
prejudices :i* h prov$ s fatal to !     
tranquillity ( ! _w4  ,! republic (     
lett]s has nev] produc$ an au?or ^: p5 0
 s well calculat$ to emancipate mank9d f
 all ^? trammels ) :i* ! nurse1 !       
s*oolma/] & ! prie/ h successively lock$
 up _! noble/ faculties1 be=e !y 7      
capable ( reason+ & judg+ = !mselves4 ,!
 frightful appreh5sions ( ! gloomy      
bigot1 & all ! appall+ t]rors (         
sup]/ition1 are "h utt]ly annihilat$1 to

 ! complete satisfaction ( e unbiass$ & 
imp>tial p]son4--,^! we consid]$ z      
necess>y obs]vations to make1 previ\s to
 any attempt at ! biography ( ! au?or4  
,biography may be reckon$ among ! mo/   
int]e/+ ( lit]>y productions4 ,its      
intr9sic value is su*1 t1 ?\gh capable (
 extraord9>y embelli%m5t f ! h& ( g5ius1
 yet no inf]iority ( execution c s      
degrade x1 z to deprive x ( utility4    
,:atev] relates ev5 to man 9 g5]al1     
consid]$ only z an aggregate ( active & 
intellig5t be+s1 has a /rong claim ^u   
our notice2 b t :i* relates to our      
au?or1 z di/+ui%$ f ! re/ ( 8 species1  
mov+ 9 a m exalt$ sph]e1 & t[]+ above !m
 by ! respl5d5t excell5cies ( 8 m9d1    
seems to me to be peculi>ly calculat$ = 
our contemplation1 & ought to =m !      
highe/ pleasure ( our lives4 ,!re is a  
pr9ciple ( curiosity implant$ 9 u1 :i*  
leads u1 9 an especial mann]1 to        
inve/igate our fell[ creatures2 ! eag]  
inquisitiv5ess ) :i* ! me*anic seeks to 
"k ! hi/ory ( 8 fell[-workm5 & ! ard\r )

 :i* ! philosoph]1 ! poet1 or ! hi/orian
 hunts = details t may famili>ize him )1
 a ,desc>tes or a ,newton1 ) a ,milton1 
a ,hume1 or a ,gibbon--spr+ f ! same    
s\rce4 ,_! object1 h[ev]1 may p]haps    
v>y2 =1 9 ! =m]1 x may be = ! sake (    
detraction1 invidi\s cavil1 or malice2 9
 ! latt]1 x is a sweet homage paid by ! 
human he>t to ! memory ( dep>t$ g5ius4  
,x has be5 repeat$ly obs]v$ t ! life ( a
 s*ol> af=ds few mat]ials = biography4  
,?is is only negatively true2--c\ld e   
s*ol> h a ,boswell1 ! rem>k w\ld vani%2 
or 7 e s*ol> a ,r\sseau1 a ,gibbon1 or a
 ,cumb]l& x w\ld be equally nugatory4   
,:at c pres5t high] objects (           
contemplation--:at c claim m =cibly our 
att5tion--:]e c we seek = subjects ( a m
 preci\s nature1 ?an 9 ! elucidation ( !
 op]ations ( m9d1 ! acquisition ( k1 !  
gradual expansion ( g5ius2 its          
application1 its felicities1 its sorr[s1
 its wrea?s ( fame1 its cold1 undes]v$  
neglect8 ,su* sc5es1 pa9t$ by1 ! arti/  
himself1 are a ri* beque/ to mank9d3 ev5

 :5 trac$ by ! h& ( fri5d%ip or ! p5cil 
( admiration1 !y possess a p]man5t      
int]e/ 9 our he>ts4 ,i _c conceive a    
life m wor?y ( public notice1 m         
important1 m int]e/+ to human nature1   
?an ! life ( a lit]>y man1 7 x execut$  
accord+ to ! ideas ,i h =m$ ( x3 did x  
exhibit a fai?ful del9eation ( !        
progress ( intellect1 f ! cradle upw>ds2
 did x portray1 9 accurate colors1 !    
production ( :at we call g5ius3 by :at  
accid5t x 0 fir/ awak5$2 :at 7 its fir/ 
t5d5cies2 h[ direct$ to a p>ticul>      
object2 by :at means x 0 n\ri%$ &       
unfold$2 ! gradual progress ( its       
op]ation 9 ! production ( a "w2 its     
hopes & fe>s2 its delights2 its mis]ies2
 its inspirations2 & all ! ?\s& fleet+  
joys t s (t5 inve/ its pa? b = a mom5t1 
& !n fade l ! dews ( ! morn+4 ,let x    
conta9 too a transcript ( ! _m nameless 
transports t float r\nd ! he>t1 t dance 
9 ! gay circle be=e ! ard5t gaz+ eye1 :5
 ! fir/ conception ( "s future ef=t     
/rikes ! m9d2 h[ x pictures undef9$     

delights ( fame & popul> applause2 h[ x 
anticipates ! bright mom5ts ( inv5tion1 
& dwells ) prophetic ec/asy on !        
felicit\s execution ( p>ticul> p>ts1 t  
already />t into exi/5ce by ! magic t\* 
( a heat$ imag9ation4 ,let x depict !   
t5d] feel+s ( solitude1 ! brea?+s (     
midnight sil5ce1 ! sc5es ( mimic life1 (
 imag$ trial1 t (t5 occupy ! mus+ m9d2  
let x be su* a "w1 s drawn1 s col\r$1 & 
:o %all pron\nce x inf]ior8 ,:o r w n   
confess t x pres5ts a picture ( human   
nature1 :]e e he>t may f9d "s           
correspond+ h>mony8 ,:51 !re=e1 x is    
said1 t ! life ( a s*ol> is b>r51 x is s
 only because x has nev] be5 prop]ly    
del9eat$2 because ^? p>ts only h be5    
select$ :i* are common1 & fail to       
di/+ui% him f ! common man2 because we h
 nev] p5etrat$ into 8 closet1 or into 8 
he>t2 because we h drawn him only z an  
outw>d figure1 & left unnotic$ t int]nal
 /ructure t w\ld delight1 a/oni%1 &     
improve4 ,& !n1 :5 we comp>e ! life (   
su* a man ) ! m active "o ( a soldi]1 a 

/atesman1 or a lawy]1 we pron\nce x     
insipid1 un9t]e/+4 ,true2--! man ( /udy 
has n f\ght = hire--he has n slaught]$  
at ! comm& ( a ma/]3 he w\ld disda9 to d
 s4 ,?\gh unaccompani$ ) ! gl>+ actions 
( public m51 :i* conf\nd & dazzle by _! 
publicity1 b %r9k f ! e/imation ( moral 
tru?1 x w\ld pres5t a f> nobl] picture2 
yes1 & a m in/ructive "o3--! calm       
disciple ( reason m$itates 9 sil5ce2 he 
walks 8 road ) innoxi\s humility2 he is 
poor1 b 8 m9d is 8 treasure2 he         
cultivates 8 reason1 & %e lifts him to !
 p9nacle ( tru?2 he le>ns to te> away ! 
veil ( self-love1 folly1 pride1 &       
prejudice1 & b>es ! human he>t to 8     
inspection2 he corrects & am5ds2 he     
repairs ! brea*es made by passion2 !    
pr\d man passes him by1 & looks ^u him )
 scorn2 b he feels 8 own wor?1 t ennobl+
 consci\sness :i* swells 9 e ve91 &     
inspires him ) true pride--) manly      
indep5d5ce3 to su* a man ,i c\ld soon]  
b[ 9 rev]5ce1 ?an to ! haughtie/1 mo/   
successful c&idate = ! _w's ambition4 ,b

 ( su* m51 = ! reason ,i h already      
m5tion$1 our in=mation is scanty4 ,:ile 
( o!rs1 :o h comm&$ a great] %>e (      
public notoriety1 v5al or mi/ak5        
admiration has giv5 m ?an we wi%$ to "k4
 ,among ^! respect$ individuals ( human 
nature1 may be plac$ ,mirabaud4 ,_h     
,mirabaud be5 an ,engli%man1 :o d\bts b 
t we %\ld h possess$ at lea/ ample      
details ( ! usual subjects (            
biographical notice2 :ile all t has be5 
collect$ among 8 own c\ntrym51 is a     
scanty memoir 9 a common diction>y4 ,t  
we are doom$ to rema9 ignorant ( ! life 
( su* m51 speaks a l\d disgrace4--,i    
lam5t x4  ,,john ,,bapti/e ,,mirabaud1 0
 born at ,p>is 9 ! ye> #afgd4 ,he       
prosecut$ 8 infantile /udies "u !       
direction ( 8 p>5ts1 & 0 aft]w>ds ent]$ 
a memb] ( ! ,congregation ( ! ,prie/s ( 
! ,oratory1 :]e he pass$ sev]al ye>s1 & 
produc$ "s v bold writ+s1 :i* 7 nev]    
int5d$ = publication4  ,he 0 subsequ5tly
 appo9t$ tutor to ! pr9cesses ( ! ,h\se 
( ,orleans1 & !n took ! resolution (    

de/roy+ ! great] "p ( ! manuscripts t he
 produc$ :ile a memb] ( ! ,congregation2
 b ! trea*]y ( "s ( 8 fri5ds1 to :om he 
_h confid$ 8 manuscripts1 r5d]$ ?is     
precaution useless1 = "s ( 8 works 7    
publi%$ dur+ ! "t he rema9$ ! preceptor 
to 8 royal pupils2 among :i* numb] may  
be reckon$ 8 ,new ,lib]ties ( ,?\ght1 a 
"w b little calculat$ = ga9+ him fri5ds 
9 ! purlieus ( ! ,c\rt ( ,orleans4 ,!   
,orig9 & ,antiquity ( ! ,_w1 9 ?ree     
p>ts1 0 also publi%$ at ?is p]iod1 & f !
 publication ( ?is "w1 may be dat$ !    
resolution ( ,m4 de ,mirabaud to quit 8 
(fice ( preceptor1 :i* he rel9qui%$1    
hav+ become m indep5d5t2 he n[ gave     
himself up entirely to 8 philosophical  
/udies1 & produc$ ! ,sy/em ( ,nature1 ) 
:i* he 0 assi/$ by ,did]ot1 ,d',alemb]t1
 ,b>on ,d',olbac1 & o!rs4  ,! pr(\nd    
metaphysical k display$ ?r\gh\t ! ,sy/em
 ( ,nature1 & ! doctr9es :i* are !re9   
advanc$1 w>rants ! conclusion1 t x is at
 once ! mo/ decisive1 bolde/1 & mo/     
extraord9>y "w1 t ! human und]/&+ ev] _h

 ! c\rage to produce4 ,! /udy (         
metaphysics 8 g5]ally be5 consid]$ ! mo/
 t]rific to ! indol5t m9d2 b ! cle> &   
p]spicu\s reason+ ( a ,mirabaud1 :o has 
unit$ ! mo/ pr(\nd argum5t1 ) ! mo/     
fasc9at+ eloqu5ce1 *>m & in/ruct u at ! 
same "t4 ,b x 0 n1 to be expect$ t su*  
doctr9es z are conta9$ 9 ! ,sy/em (     
,nature1 w\ld be advanc$ )\t meet+ ) "s 
opposition f ! sup]ficial & bigot$      
metaphysicians1 :o feel an int]e/ 9     
uphold+ a sy/em ( delusion & sup]/ition4
 ,no6 c]ta9ly n1 ,_! int]e/ 0 ?reat5$1 &
 _! craft 9 dang]1 & ! consequ5ce 01 t !
 ,a!i/ or ,disciple ( ,nature1 has be5  
abus$ ) e scurril\s epi!t1 full ( s\nd &
 fury1 signify+ no?+4  ,a!ism is        
/igmatiz$ ) hav+ op5$ a wide door =     
lib]t9ism1 de/roy+ ! social & moral     
compact2 & /rik+ a deadly bl[ at        
religion4 ,x is ass]t$ t ! a!i/1 :o by 8
 op9ions has depriv$ himself ( ! hope & 
consolation ( a future life1 has no     
motive = ! practise ( virtue1 or to     
contribute to ! well be+ ( society4     

,depriv$ ( a *im]a :i* religion e :]e   
pres5ts him1 he w&]s ?r\gh ! *e]less    
gloom ( scepticism1 reg>dless ( !       
consequ5ces ( an ab&on$ life4 ,)\t a    
,god1 he ackn[l$ges no b5efactor2 )\t   
div9e laws1 he kn[s no rule = ! conduct 
( life1 & submits to no law b 8         
passions4 ,an enemy to all social ord]1 
he spurns at human laws1 & breaks ?r\gh 
e b>ri] oppos$ to 8 wick$ness4 ,"u su*  
col\rs is an a!i/ pa9t$3 a %ort         
digression mu/ be suff]$ to exam9e ?is  
picture1 & to disprove ! ass]tions s    
sweep+ly made4  ,i admit t a!ism /rikes 
a deadly bl[ at religion2 because "u !  
cloak ( religion1 mank9d h be5 oppress$ 
9 all ages2 b t x enc\rages lib]t9ism1  
or de/roys ! social & moral compact1 ,i 
h yet to le>n4 ,9 all organiz$          
gov]nm5ts1 m5 are re/ra9$ f crime &     
compell$ to submission by laws suppos$  
to be made = ! g5]al b5efit4 ,^! laws   
are ! effect ( ! fir/ =mation ( society 
= mutual pres]vation4 ,"h !n is a       
suffici5t motive = ! "o z well z ! o!r1 

to contribute to ! well-be+ ( society4  
,! laws ( ,nature are ! same 9 effect on
 ! a!i/ & ! religioni/4 ,if man be l$   
captive by 8 passions1 & gives himself  
to debau*]y & voluptu\sness1 nature w   
puni% him ) bodily infirmities & a      
debilitat$ m9d4 ,if he be intemp]ate1 %e
 w %ort5 8 days & br+ him to ! grave ) !
 mo/ poignant remorse4 ,! fatal effects 
( 8 vici\s prop5sities w fall ^u 8 own  
head4 ,a di/urb] ( social ord] w live 9 
cont9ual fe> ( ! v5geance ( society1 & t
 v fe> is a m dreadful puni%m5t ?an ! j 
v5geance :i* p]haps he escapes4 ,x r5d]s
 life burd5some1 & makes a man hateful  
to himself4 ,c m5 h /rong] motives = !  
practise ( virtue8 ,! a!i/ is 9 full    
possession ( ^! motives1 & ! religioni/ 
is mo/ completely sway$ by !m1 :atev]   
may be 8 pret5sions to o!rs d]iv$ f     
religion4 ,b we are assur$ he has o!r   
motives2 m p[]ful inc5tives1 9 ! promise
 ( future rew>ds & puni%m5ts4 ,?is1 l   
all o!r *im]ical doctr9es1 _c be ma9ta9$
 if we look at ! g5]al practise (       

mank9d4 ,let u trace ! effects ( ?is    
doctr9e1 or r let u exam9e ! actions1   
conduct1 & "* ( m5 pr(ess+ x1 & we %all 
see h[ little influ5ce x has ov] !m4 ,! 
bulk ( society believe !y %all answ] 9 a
 future life = ! de$s done 9 ! pres5t4  
,nay1 ,i h>dly ?9k "o 9 a hundr$ ?\s& w 
say !y d\bt x4 ,:at !n is its effect8 ,)
 ?is dreadful s5t5ce1 ,?\ %alt g into   
ev]la/+ puni%m5t1 cont9ually s\nd$ 9 _! 
e>s1 d we n daily see ! greate/         
enormities committ$8 ,are n ! mo/ horrid
 crimes p]petrat$ 9 all p>ts ( ! _w8 ,! 
mo/ vici\s prop5sities & ! mo/          
extravagant follies are almo/           
indiscrim9ately gratifi$4 ,is n vice    
frequ5tly triumphant1 & virtue compell$ 
to seek h] own rew>d 9 retirem5t8 ,!    
laws ( society are brok5 by ! mo/       
flagrant inju/ice1 & ! laws ( nature    
outrag$ by ! mo/ %ock+ depravity4 ,all  
?is evil exi/s 9 nations believ+        
!mselves to be acc\ntable be+s aft]     
dea?4 ,:]e !n are ! b5eficial effects   
aris+1 to mank9d f ! promulgation ( ?is 

doctr9e8 ,m5 :o _c be re/ra9$ f do+ evil
 by human laws1 h no dread ( any o!r4   
,_! :ole lives & conduct confirm ?is4   
,o!rs :o live 9 submission to ! laws (  
society1 give !mselves up to ^? vici\s  
habits1 7)\t fe> ( div9e laws7 :i* ! law
 does n take cognizance (4 ,m51 n :olly 
deprav$1 or n )\t ! pale ( society1     
g5]ally respect ! laws1 & fe> ! bad     
op9ion ( o!rs4 ,h5ce we obs]ve1 :5      
int]e/ or passion leads !m into secret  
vices1 !y inv>iably play ! hypocrite2 & 
al?\gh !y are aw>e ( ! d5unciations ( _!
 ,god1 :om !y ackn[l$ge is a witness to 
all _! actions1 :ile !y pres]ve _! fair 
fame !y /ill p]sev]e4 ,9 fact1 !y live z
 if !y disbeliev$ 9 8 exi/5ce2 & yet !  
greate/ crim9al1 ! mo/ deprav$ wret*1   
w\ld %udd] at be+ told !re is no ,god4  
,! a!i/1 z a man1 is liable to commit ! 
same crimes1 & fall into ! same vices z 
! believ]2 b because he is an a!i/1 is  
he a worse crim9al ?an ! o!r8 ,9 "o     
respect1 ,i conceive he is n s bad4 ,he 
only acts 9 defiance ( human laws1--he  

only (f5ds m52 ! o!r infr+es bo? div9e &
 human2--he defies bo? ,god & man4 ,bo? 
are injuri\s to society & !mselves1 &   
bo? are actuat$ by ! came motives4      
,aga9 we are told1 t ! well dispos$ "p (
 mank9d are r5d]$ m virtu\s1 & ! vici\s 
less vici\s by ?is doctr9e4 ,h[ are we  
to "k t8 ,if ! virtu\s man acts         
uprightly1 does good to 8 fell[         
creatures1 re/ra9s 8 passions1 & returns
 good = evil1 exp]i5ce tea*es him x is 8
 int]e/ s to d4 ,^? :o are vici\sly     
dispos$ are only det]r$ f crime by p5al 
laws4 ,societies _c long exi/1 :]e evil 
has ! asc5d5cy4 ,)\t social laws1 ?is   
w\ld really be ! case1 not)/&+ ! ?reats 
( an av5g+ ,god4 ,if m5 7 told !y w\ld n
 be answ]able = ! evil committ$ 9 ?is   
life to human laws1 b t ,god w\ld puni% 
!m aft] dea?1 x is evid5t ! human race  
w\ld soon be ext]m9at$4 ,on ! o!r h&1   
tell !m _! crimes w nev] be puni%$ by   
,god1 or1 9 o!r words1 !re is no o!r    
,god ?an ,,nature1 b t ! laws ( m5 w    
av5ge ! (f5ces aga9/ society2 s long z  

^? laws are adm9i/]$ ) ju/ice &         
imp>tiality1 s long w su* society       
cont9ue to improve4 ,h5ce x is evid5t t 
! sy/em :i* w ma9ta9 ord] 9 society by  
itself1 mu/ be ! be/ & mo/ rational4 ,a 
good gov]nm5t )\t religion w\ld be m    
solid & la/+1 & t5d m to ! pres]vation (
 mank9d1 ?an all ! !ocratical or        
ecclesia/ical gov]nm5ts t ev] ! _w 0    
subject to4--,?us mu* = ! oppon5ts (    
a!ism4  ,x has be5 ass]t$ ) a p]v]se    
ob/9acy1 by ! advocates = ! exi/5ce ( a 
deity1 t ! ,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature 0 nev]  
writt5 by ! au?or ^: "n x be>s4--,x is  
grant$ t x 0 n publi%$ dur+ 8 life3 b t 
circum/ance =ms no reason :y su* a      
conclusion %\ld be drawn4 ,! p]secutions
 :i* ! a!i/s h endur$1 7 a suffici5t    
excuse = ! "w n appe>+ 9 any =m dur+ !  
life "t ( its v5]able au?or4 ,! ,a!nians
 s\ght to try ,diagoras ! ,melian1 =    
a!ism2 b he fl$ f ,a!ns1 & a price 0    
(f]$ = 8 head4 ,protagoras 0 bani%$ f   
,a!ns1 & 8 books burnt1 because he      
v5tur$ to ass]t1 t he knew no?+ ( !     

gods4 ,/eph5 ,dolet 0 burnt at ,p>is =  
a!ism4 ,giordano ,bruno 0 burnt by !    
,inquisitors 9 ,italy4 ,lucilio ,van9i 0
 burnt at ,?\l\se1 ?r\gh ! k9d (fices ( 
an ,attorney-,g5]al4 ,bayle 0 "u !      
necessity ( flee+ to ,holl&4 ,casimio   
,liszynski 0 execut$ at ,grodno2--&     
,ak5head at ,ed9bor\gh4 ,& ! body ( !   
eloqu5t & erudite ,hume1 0 oblig$ to be 
wat*$ _m nights by 8 fri5ds1 le/ x %\ld 
be tak5 up by ! fanatics1 :o consid]$   
him "o ( ! greate/ mon/]s ( iniquity1   
because he did n happ5 to believe z !y  
believ$4--,) ^! pictures ( ,*ri/ian     
p]secution be=e 8 eyes1 is x surpris+ t 
,m4 de ,mirabaud %\ld adopt ! resolution
 ( suff]+ ! ,,sy/em ,,( ,,nature to     
appe> z a po/hum\s "w8 ,t ! same fate   
w\ld h att5d$ him1 ! mo/ dev\t ,*ri/ian 
w n und]take to d5y4  ,h[ev] ! s5tim5ts 
( ,m4 de ,mirabaud may be condemn$ by ! 
fanatics1 all ^? :o knew him be> ! mo/  
brilliant te/imony ( 8 integrity1 c&\r1 
& ! s\ndness ( 8 und]/&+2 9 a ^w1 to 8  
social virtues1 & ! innoc5ce ( 8 mann]s4

 ,he di$ univ]sally regrett$1 at ,p>is1 
! tw5ty-f\r? ( ,june1 #agfj1 9 !        
eighty-six? ye> ( 8 age4  ,! foll[+     
works1 writt5 by him at diff]5t p]iods1 
7 nev] publi%$3--,! ,life ( ,jesus      
,*ri/4 ,imp>tial ,reflections on !      
,gospel4 ,! ,morality ( ,nature4 ,an    
,abridg$ ,hi/ory ( ! ,prie/hood2 ,anci5t
 & ,mod]n4 ,! ,op9ions ( ! ,anci5ts     
conc]n+ ! ,jews4 ,a wret*$ mutilat$     
edition ( ?is la/ "w 0 publi%$ at       
,am/]dam1 9 #agdj1 9 two small volumes1 
"u ! title ( ,miscellane\s              
,diss]tations4   ,,f9is4