CHAPTEE VIII 

 THEISM; EVOLUTION OF THEOLOGY 



HUME seems to have had but two hearty dis- 

 likes: the one to the English nation, and the other 

 to all the professors of dogmatic theology. The 

 one aversion he vented only privately to his 

 friends; but, if he is ever bitter in his public utter- 

 ances, it is against priests * in general and theo- 

 logical enthusiasts and fanatics in particular; if he 

 ever seems insincere, it is when he wishes to insult 

 theologians by a parade of sarcastic respect. One 

 need go no further than the peroration of the 

 " Essay on Miracles " for a characteristic illustra- 

 tion. 



" I am the better pleased with the method of reasoning 

 here delivered, as I think it may serve to confound those 

 dangerous friends and disguised enemies to the Christian 



* In a note to the Essay on Superstition and Enthusi- 

 asm, Hume is careful to define what he means by this term. 

 " By priests I understand only the pretenders to power and 

 dominion, and to a superior sancity of character, distinct 

 from virtue and good morals. These are very different 

 from clergymen, who are set apart to the care of sacred 

 matters, and the conducting our public devotions with 

 greater decency and order. There is no rank of men more 

 to be respected than the latter." (III. p. 83.) 

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