CHAP. I. Of God. The false ideas which men have formed of the
Divinity. Instead of consulting reason and common sense, they have
had the weakness to believe in the opinions, reveries, and visions
of parties whose interest it was to deceive them, and to keep them
in ignorance and superstition.
CHAP. II. On the reasons which have led men to believe in a
Divinity. From the ignorance as to physical causes, and the terror
produced by accidents, rational enough but extraordinary or fearful,
has arisen the belief in some invisible power; a belief, of which
Politicians and Impostors have not failed to take advantage. Enquiry
into the nature of God. Belief in final causes refuted as contrary
to sound Natural Philosophy.
CHAP. III. On the meaning of the word Theology. How, and for what
purpose, so many Religions have been introduced into the world. All
Religions the work of Politicians. Method which Moses took to establish
the Jewish Religion. Enquiry into the Nativity of Jesus Christ. His
Politics--his Morality--and his Reputation after his death. Artifices
of Mahomet to established his Religion. Success of this impostor
greater than that of Christ.
CHAP. IV. Truth evident and obvious to the senses. Idea of an
universal Being. Attributes ascribed to him in all religious systems,
generally incompatible with his essence, and unsuited to the nature
of man. Notion of a life to come and of the existence of Spirits,
combated and rejected.
CHAP. V. On the Soul. Different opinions of the Ancient Philosophers
on the nature of the Soul. Arguments of Descartes refuted. Author's
exposition on the subject.
CHAP. VI. On the Spirits named Demons. Origin and falsity of the
opinions as to their existence.
A TREATISE
ON
THE THREE IMPOSTORS.