which they seek, that they would be
more likely to correct than to pervert those who had an inclination to
follow them. And, indeed, make them give an account of their opinions, and
of the reasons which they have for doubting religion, and they will say to
you things so feeble and so petty, that they persuade you of the contrary.
The following is what a person one day said to such a one very appositely:
"If you continue to talk in this manner, you will really make me religious."
And he was right, for who would not have a horror of holding opinions in
which he would have such contemptible persons as companions!
Thus those who only feign these opinions would be very unhappy, if they
restrained their natural feelings in order to make themselves the most
conceited of men. If, at the bottom of their heart, they are troubled at not
having more light, let them not disguise the fact; this avowal will not be
shameful. The only shame is to have none. Nothing reveals more an extreme
weakness of mind than not to know the misery of a godless man. Nothing is
more indicative of a bad disposition of heart than not to desire the truth
of eternal promises. Nothing is more dastardly than to act with bravado
before God. Let them then leave these imp