On the whole we must repeat the often repeated saying, that it is
unworthy a religious man to view read more

On the whole we must repeat the often repeated saying, that it is
unworthy a religious man to view an irreligious one either with
alarm or aversion; or with any other feeling than regret, and
hope, and brotherly commiseration.

To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.

To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.

The greatest vicissitude of things amongst men, is the
vicissitude of sects and religions.

The greatest vicissitude of things amongst men, is the
vicissitude of sects and religions.

People differ in their discourse and profession about these
matters, but men of sense are really but of one read more

People differ in their discourse and profession about these
matters, but men of sense are really but of one religion
. . . "What religion?" . . . the Earl said, "Men of sense never
tell it."

Religion is the opium of the masses.

Religion is the opium of the masses.

So 'ere the storm of war broke out,
Religion spawn'd a various rout
Of petulant capricious sects,
read more

So 'ere the storm of war broke out,
Religion spawn'd a various rout
Of petulant capricious sects,
That maggots of corrupted texts,
That first run all religion down,
And after every swarm its own.

Can such bitterness enter into the heart of the devout?
[Fr., Tant de fiel entre-t-il dans l'ame des devots?]

Can such bitterness enter into the heart of the devout?
[Fr., Tant de fiel entre-t-il dans l'ame des devots?]

If there is a God, atheism must seem to Him as less of an insult than religion.

If there is a God, atheism must seem to Him as less of an insult than religion.

Religion is just mind control.

Religion is just mind control.