to furnish them with a superb residence? But, according to theology,
man is, with respect to God, far below what the vilest insect is to man.
Thus, by theology itself, which is wholly devoted to the attributes
and views of the Divinity, theology appears a complete folly.


51. We are told, that, in the formation of the universe, God's only
object was the happiness of man. But, in a world made purposely for
him, and governed by an omnipotent God, is man in reality very happy?
Are his enjoyments durable? Are not his pleasures mixed with pains?
Are many persons satisfied with their fate? Is not man continually
the victim of physical and moral evils? Is not the human machine,
which is represented as a master-piece of the Creator's skill, liable
to derangement in a thousand ways? Should we be surprised at the
workmanship of a mechanic, who should shew us a complex machine,
ready to stop every moment, and which, in a short time, would break
in pieces of itself?


52. The generous care, displayed by the Deity in providing for the
wants, and watching over the happiness of his beloved creatures,
is called _Providence_. But, when we open our eyes, we find that
God provides nothing. Providence sleeps over the greater part of
the inhabitants of this world. For a very small number of men who
are supposed to be happy, what an immense multitude groan under
oppression, and languish in misery! Are not nations forced to
deprive themselves of bread, to administer to the extravagances
of a few gloomy tyrants, who are no happier than their oppressed
slaves?