If theology is a branch of commerce useful to theologians, it has been
demonstrated to be superfluous and injurious to the rest of society. The
interests of men will succeed in opening their eyes sooner or later. The
sovereigns and the people will some day discover the indifference and
the contempt that a futile science deserves which serves but to trouble
men without making them better. They will feel the uselessness of many
expensive practices, which do not at all contribute to public welfare;
they will blush at many pitiful quarrels, which will cease to disturb
the tranquillity of the States as soon as they cease to attach any
importance to them.
Princes! instead of taking part in the senseless contentions of your
priests, instead of espousing foolishly their impertinent quarrels,
instead of striving to bring all your subjects to uniform opinions,
occupy yourselves with their happiness in this world, and do not trouble
yourselves about the fate which awaits them in another. Govern them
justly, give them good laws, respect their liberty and their property,
superintend their education, encourage them in their labors, reward
their talents and their virtues, repress their licentiousness, and do
not trouble yourselves upon what they think about objects useless to
them and to you. Then you will no longer need fictions to make
yourselves obeyed; you will become the only guides of your subjects;
their ideas will be uniform about the feelings of love and respect which
will be your due. Theological fables are useful but to tyrants, who do
not understand the art of ruling over reasonable beings.