able from their connection with the social interests

of men.

LETTER C.

Scholastic studies in the midddle ages of little use---the
indolence, ignorance, and excesses of the clergy at
that time disgraceful to Christianity---Origin and pro-
gress of the papal hierarchy---its insolent assump-
tion of power both ecclesiastical and civil---perse-
cution of heretics---folly of mankind in tamely sub-
mitting to spiritual tyranny---opposition to it highly
meritorious---The happy effects of the increase of
knowledge at the Reformation.

LETTER CI.

The authority of Aristotle, for ages paramount in the
schools, destroyed at the "Reformation---The spirit
of fanaticism restrained---religion not to be dis-
carded in order to avoid implicit faith or enthusiasm
---An affectation of singularity one chief cause of
infidelity---Christianity confirmed by the testimony
of reason---notwithstanding its corruptions, its use
extensive, and its native excellence incontrovertible.

. LETTER CII.

The moral effect of Christianity upon society---upon

individuals---in suggesting the most powerful motives

to virtue---in affording the sublimest sources of con-

solation---its doctrines the only support in death---

the happiness of being a Christian upon rational in-

quiry and conviction---the folly of despising know-

ledge---no treasure so valuable as an enlightened

mind

mind---the great object of education to teach youthi
to think---genuine knowledge and steady virtue the
true passports to fame.

LETTER CIII.

Religion and infidelity further compared with respect
to their influence on human life---Christian princi-
ples productive of a cheerful temper, and a consis-
tent character---effects of infidelity the reverse---at-
tention to religion necessary, though unfashionable---
inquiry into its authority and obligations a wise em-
ployment of leisure---the belief and study of Chris-
tianity recommended by illustrious examples.

LETTER CIV.

The value of time---contemplation and study every
man's duty, preparatory to action---true glory to be
acquired by cultivating intellectual dignity, and ex-
ercising moral fortitude, no less than by military va-
lour-absurd and destructive fashions to be withstood
---happiness to be sought in the mind---extremes of
wealth and of poverty mischievous---exemplified in
the Italian states--depravity of character united with
splendid superstitions.

LETTER CV.

Unreasonable obloquy thrown upon the clergy---their
influence in many respects beneficial in the dark ages
---The canon law as a system of jurisprudence use-
. ful---visible traces of the profession of the law being
of ecclesiastical origin---Much good government in
several Roman Catholic countries where the clergy

have been most powerful---Protestant governments
have not been free from intolerance and oppression
---The benefits of religion not confined to any sect---
Intolerance, and exclusive tests unjust, impolitic---
no necessary alliance between the exclusive profes-
sion of any one form of religion, and the prosperity
of a state---The necessity of adopting a more liberal
policy in ecclesiastical affairs.

LETTER CVI.

Religious principles, and religious duties, in conclusion,
shewn to be consonant to common sense---Social
worship reasonable, pleasant, useful---Religious in-
stitutions vary with the national character of the wor-
shippers---Ceremonies not wholly to be rejected,
but the moral effect to be chiefly regarded.---More
regard to be paid to practical morality, than to myste-
rious dogmas---neither religion nor its ministers to
be treated with contempt---Religion too often taken
upon trust, as a local prejudice; reason its only
firm basis, a liberal spirit its best support.---Con-
cluding apology for the free use made of preceding
writers in this work.

LETTERS

TO A

TRAVELLER

AMONG THE ALPS.

LETTER XC.

MEN who have rashly ventured to lay a licentious hand upon belief the most sacred, and opinions the most comfortable and revered, have uniformly perched themselves upon a pinnacle, whence they have thundered to the world their superior knowledge, their unequalled talents, and the great obligations due to them for their toilsome labours, and their disinterested exertions. Like their predecessor Sysiphus, however, though they have rolled the rock nearly to the summit, yet there, finding it recoil, they have, with the rapidity of lightening, plunged to

YOL. VI.

A

the