Reason, the Only Oracle of Man; Or, A Compendius System of Natural ReligionAllen, Ethan
Religion
Reason, the Only Oracle of Man; Or, A Compendius System of Natural Religion
Allen, Ethan
Rationalism
will meet with any considerable approbation.
Most of the human race, by one means or other are prepossessed with
principles opposed to the religion of reason. In these parts of America,
they are most generally taught, that they are born into the world in
a state of enmity to God and moral good, and are under his wrath and
curse, that the way to heaven and future blessedness is out of their
power to pursue, and that it is incumbered with mysteries which none
but the priests can unfold, that we must "be born again," have a special
kind of faith, and be regenerated; or in fine, that human nature, which
they call "the old man," must be destroyed, perverted, or changed by
them, and by them new modelled, before it can be admitted into the
heavenly kingdom. Such a plan of superstition, as far as it obtains
credit in the world, subjects mankind to sacerdotal empire; which is
erected on the imbecility of human nature. Such of mankind, as break the
fetters of their education, remove such other obstacles as are in their
way, and have the confidence publicly to talk rational, exalt reason to
its just supremacy, and vindicate truth and the ways of God's providence
to men, are sure to be stamped with the epithet of irreligious, infidel,
profane, and the like. But it is often observed of such a man, that he
is morally honest, and as often replied, what of that? Morality will
carry no man to heaven. So that all the satisfaction the honest man
can have while the superstitious are squibbling hell fire at him, is to
retort back upon them that they are priest ridden.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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