Can such a state of the world, it may be asked, which shall be exempt from
fanaticism on the one hand, and from infidelity on the other, be brought
about without some miraculous interposition to alter the nature and
constitution of the human mind? And does it comport with the usual
ordinances of Providence, who seems to effect his purposes by natural
means, to deviate in this instance, from the ordinary course of nature? It
certainly does not appear so; and it would, no doubt, be more
satisfactory, and be more likely to obtain belief, if natural means could
be pointed out, adequate to produce this marvellous change in the state of
the world, without calling for the necessity of miraculous interposition.
Let us see then—the most fertile source of infidelity will be found in the
mysteries and dogmata invented by priestcraft, which reason revolts at and
rejects. Are, these then, essential to true Christianity? is the question.
If not—and Christ ever appealed to the reason of his hearers, advancing
nothing that reason could gainsay—then true Christianity requires only to
be taught, and Infidelity will have no ground left to stand upon. With
regard to fanaticism, there can be no doubt that false ideas of religion
engender this extreme; ignorance, encouraging the hopes of a sensual
paradise on the one hand; and fear, inspiring the dread of eternal
torments on the other, as in the Mahommedan and Romish churches, have been
most fruitful in producing this extravagance. With just ideas of religion
and the Divine beneficence, such feelings are incompatible. A religion of
love, and such is Christianity when justly appreciated, can never lead to
fanaticism. We may love God with all our heart, with all our mind, with
all our soul, and with all our strength, and it can never disturb our
reason, or lead to any but the happiest and most rational frame of mind.
Thus, the dissemination of true Christianity, the just appreciation of its
precepts and their faithful practice, appears to furnish a remedy adequate
to the removal of both these evils, without requiring the aid of any
miraculous interposition to effect this purpose.