It is between these opposite opinions, and in the midst of wanderings equally dangerous, that we must attempt to mark out our way; but as all the opinions of men are subject to change; at present, when their minds are more averse to the maxims of intolerance, it is religion itself that principally needs support; and such is the daily diminution of it, that means supplying the deficiency seem to be already publicly preparing. For some time past we have heard of nothing but the necessity of composing a moral catechism, in which religious principles should not be introduced, as resources that are now out of date, and when it is time they were discarded. Without doubt these principles might be more effectually attacked, could they ever be represented as totally useless for the maintenance of public order; and if the cold lessons of a political philosophy could be substituted for those sublime ideas, which, by the spiritual tie of religion, binds the heart and mind to the purest morality. Let us now examine if we should gain any thing by the exchange; let us see, if the means they propose to employ can be put in competition with those which ought to be made use of; and, if they are more solid, and more efficacious; let us see, if this new doctrine, which is recommended, will produce in the soul the same degree of consolation; if it is calculated for those hearts which are possessed of sensibility; and, above all, let us attentively consider, if it can be suitable to the measure of intelligence, and the social situation of the greater part of mankind. In short, in considering the various questions, which in any manner, relate to the important subject we have undertaken to treat, let us not be afraid to resist, as well as we can, the foolish ambition of those, who, availing themselves of the superiority of their understanding, wish to deprive man of his dignity, to place him on a level with the dust under his feet, and make his foresight a punishment:—melancholy and deplorable destiny! from which, however, we are permitted to seek to defend ourselves; cruel and disastrous opinion! which tears up by the roots every thing which surrounds it, which relaxes the most necessary bands, and, in an instant, destroys the most delightful charm of life. O thou God unknown!——but whose beneficent idea has ever filled my soul, if thou ever throwest a look on those efforts which man makes to approach thee, sustain my resolution, enlighten my understanding, raise my thoughts, and reject not the desire I have to unite still more, if possible, the order and happiness of society, with the intimate and perfect conception of thy divinity, and the lively idea of thy sublime existence. OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS OPINIONS. CHAP. I. _On the Connection of Religious Principles with public Order._