itself, would consolidate all the matter in the universe into an inert lump.—Suggestions respecting the devil.—Arguments founded on ignorance. 1. On all sides I presume that it will be admitted that the great objects of religion are as follows:— 2. To furnish the best evidence of the existence of a Supreme Deity, and of his attributes. 3. To convey a correct idea of our duty toward that Deity and our fellow creatures. 4. To impart that knowledge of a state of existence beyond the grave which will be _happier_ as we are more _virtuous in this life_, and more miserable as we are more vicious; this knowledge affording the best consolation amid temporal sufferings of the righteous, and the strongest restraint upon the vicious indulgence of passion in the unrighteous. 5. Finally, by these means, to promote morality and the happiness of man in this world, and prepare him for a blissful position in the world to come. 6. It must result, from these premises, that whichever is most competent for the attainment of these all-important ends, will be the best religion. 7. The above-mentioned postulates being generally admitted, various recorded traditions, pretended to have been derived from one or more deities, have been advanced as best calculated to meet the requisitions in question. Each of the religious doctrines thus advanced is tenaciously defended by its appropriate priesthood. If the opinions of the majority of these advocates of their respective revelations be taken as respects any creed excepting their own, it will be denounced as originating in error or fraud. The opinion being taken successively upon _any one_, by all but those to whom it appertains, each would be condemned. 8. It was under these impressions that the following verses were written, more than forty years ago. They have recently been published in a pamphlet on the better employment of the first day of the week. They serve to show that my skepticism arose from my love of truth, instead of that aversion from it, ascribed to skeptics by many well-meaning bigots. 9. Oh, Truth! if man thy way could find, Not doomed to stray with error blind, How much more kind his fate! But wayward still, he seeks his bane, Nor can of foul delusion gain A knowledge till too late. By sad experience slowly shown, Thy way at times though plainly known, Too late repays his care; While in thy garb dark Error leads, With best intent, to evil deeds The bigot to ensnare. Is there a theme more highly fraught With matter for our serious thought Than this reflection sad, That millions err in different ways, Yet all their own impressions praise, Deeming all others bad? To man it seems no standard’s given, No scale of Truth hangs down from Heaven Opinion to assay; Yet called upon to act and think, How are we then to shun the brink O’er which so many stray?