PART FIVE
As we can judge among shadows which are the least dark, and among chasms which are the least deep, so we can seek among false religions those which are the most consistent with the welfare of society ; those which, though they have not the effect of leading men to the felicities of the (…)
Mr. Bayle has pretended to prove that it was better to be an atheist than an idolater, which is to say in other terms that it is less dangerous to have no religion at all than to have a bad one. “I would prefer,” he says, “that it be said of me that I do not exist, than for it to be said that I (…)
The Christian religion is inimical to pure despotism because, kindness being so often counseled in the Gospel, it opposes the despotic wrath with which the prince would impose his own way and practice his cruelties.
As this religion forbids a plurality of wives, its princes are less enclosed, (…)
From the character of the Christian religion and that of the Mohammedan, one must, without further examination, embrace the one and reject the other : for it is much more evident to us that a religion should moderate men’s behavior than that one religion should be true.
It is unfortunate for (…)
When a religion is born and develops in a state, it usually follows the plan of the government where it is established ; for the men who receive it and those who introduce it have essentially no other notions of political organization than those of the state in which they were born.
When the (…)
Mr. Bayle, after insulting all religions, stigmatizes the Christian religion : he dares to suggest that true Christians would not form a state capable of lasting. Why not ? They would be citizens infinitely enlightened about their duties, and would have very great zeal for fulfilling them ; they (…)
Human laws made to speak to the mind must give precepts and not guidance ; religion, made to speak to the heart, should give much guidance and few precepts.
When, for example, religion prescribes rules, not for the good but for the best, not for what is good but for what is perfect, it is (…)
In a country which has the misfortune of having a religion that did not come from God, it is still necessary for it to accord with morality, because religion, even if false, is the best assurance men can have of their probity.
The principal points of the religion of the people of Pegu [1] are (…)
The Essenes vowed to observe justice towards men ; to do no harm to anyone, even to obey ; to hate the unjust, to keep faith with everyone ; to command with modesty ; always to take the side of truth ; and to flee any illicit gain. [1]
The various ancient schools of philosophy were religions of sorts. There never was one which had principles worthier of man, and better at forming persons of good will, than the Stoics ; and if I could for a moment cease to think that I am a Christian, I would have to list the destruction of the (…)
Montesquieu
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