We had so hot a contest about this, that we parted in anger, and never saw him afterwards till I heard of his condemnation, which was occasioned by the prosecution of what he propounded to me. Two or three more besides himself combined to rob the Exchequer, but were apprehended in the enterprize, committed, arraigned at the Bar, convicted and condemned. Hearing hereof, I gave him a visit in Prison; expressing much sorrow for what he was to suffer: but he onely laught at me for my pains. I desir’d him to be more serious, since three dayes would put a period to his life, and then he must give an account of what he had done on earth; and that though we might sooth up our selves in all manner of debauchery here, yet without cordial repentance we must suffer for it hereafter. Prethee, said he, do not trouble thy head with such idle fancies. That there is a God I cannot, nor will not deny, since there are Regiments of Arguments levied both from the stately fabrick of the arched Heaven, and from the inimitable embroidery of the flowry earth which are sufficient to conquer that infidelity, and render men tributaries to the all-forming Essence. But that this God should be so unjust (who is al goodness) as to make the intent of my Creation damnation, it shall never come within the verge of my belief: if there be any punishment for criminal commissions, it must be annihilation, or nothing. Quote not me the Scriptures for my conviction if I err, since they are full of contradictions, and contain many things incredible. Neither do I know (since we are forbidden murder) why _Abraham_ should kill his Son _Isaac_ and the same person commit Adultery with his maid _Hagar_, (which is largely describ’d) and yet we are commanded the contrary; if we borrow or steal, we are enjoyn’d to make restitution; notwithstanding, the _Israelites_ were permitted to borrow the _Egyptians_ Earrings without giving satisfaction. In this manner I could cavil _ad infinitum_; and yet this Book is the Basis of Christianity. Let me tell me you plainly, Religion at first was only the quaint _Leger-de-main_ of some strong pated Statesmen, who to overawe the Capriciousness of a giddy multitude, did forge the opinion of a punisher of all humane evil actions. What was _Mahomet_ but an Impostor, whose palpable cheats grew up in his successors into a Religion, and whose inventions were and are receiv’d with as much adoration by the wisest of men, as is the Orthodox Veneration (as they term it) to a Deity, which is the object of Christian worship. The Popes piety is onely pride and ambition, and yet he pronounces Damnation against all such as are not of his belief, &c. If you will know the diversity of Religions, (all oppugning on the other) take a view thereof in Mr. _Ross_ his _Pansebeia_. Now seeing the rational soul hath fail’d so oft and so absurdly in its discoveries, how or why should we submit our selves slavishly to its determinations. For that which doth at some times err,