A WORD FOR PHILOSOPHY. 99 



free investigation, and in which alone philosophy at this time possesses 

 a pen and a tongue.* 



With respect, therefore, to the political system of the world, Phi- 

 losophy (I mean, of that kind which was chiefly prevalent in the latter 

 half of the 18th century) may stand acquitted of any thing inimical 

 to the true interests of mankind; and whatever improvements took 

 place in the administration of the continental governments of Europe 

 during that period may fairly be ascribed to her influence. She pro- 

 moted the enfranchisement of slaves and vassals, the relief of the 

 lower orders from arbitrary and burdensome requisitions, the libera- 

 tion of internal commerce from impolitic restrictions, the encourage- 

 ment of every species of useful industry, the melioration of laws, the 

 abolition of cruel punishments and of judicial torture, and, above all, 

 religious toleration which leads me to the second point, namely, the 

 conduct of Philosophy with respect to religion. 



Here, again, it is proper to begin with enquiring what it was that 

 Philosophy actually opposed under the appellation of Religion ; for 

 nothing can be more unfair than to draw a picture of religion as it has 

 existed only in a comparatively few philosophical minds, and then to 

 display it as the object against which Philosophy has aimed her shafts. 

 A system of faith, the sole essentials of which should be a belief in 

 the existence of a SUPREME BEING of infinite perfections, the moral 

 governor and judge of mankind, and of a future state of rewards and 

 punishments, would, I am persuaded, command the respect of every 

 genuine philanthropist, who would rejoice in such a powerful support to 

 morality, and such a consolation under the unavoidable evils of life, 

 and prize it the more for the sanction of revelation. But where has 

 national religion appeared under this simple aspect ? Certainly not in 

 those countries in which philosophers have been its adversaries. 



There cannot be a more copious source of error than to confound 

 under a common name, on account of an agreement in certain parti- 

 culars, things in their nature essentially different. To instance in the 

 different sects which bear the general title of Christian though all 



* This is said not with regard to all the acts of its occasional administra- 

 tions, but to that public voice which, through the medium of a free press, 

 pronounces upon the principles and conduct, as well of its own government, 

 as of those of other nations. 



