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inconsistency, but many of 'far more importance, which have exer- 

 cised the malignant wit of Voltaire and his disciples, might be 

 pleasingly and effectually elucidated. It is notorious that ridicule 

 is the principal instrument which the French philosopher makes 

 use of to depreciate the gospel; with his success by means of this 

 engine in his writings, conversation, and example, all Europe is 

 unhappily but too well acquainted. I had an interesting conver- 

 sation on this subject with the late Bishop Porleus after my return 

 from captivity in France, when that excellent prelate wished to be 

 particularly informed whether true religion, under whatever out- 

 ward profession, had sprung up from the prostrate altars of the 

 Gallican church to counteract the fatal effects of Voltaire's philo- 

 sophy, concluding in language similar to that which he had more 

 publicly delivered, " that Voltaire's writings had unquestionably 

 produced more infidels among the higher classes, and spread more 

 general corruption over the world, than the voluminous productions 

 of all the other philosophists of Europe put together." 



When the servants of Naaman made use of that beautiful ex- 

 clamation, ' : My father! if the prophet had bid thee do some great 

 thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then 

 when he saith unto thee, Wash and be clean? If their master had 

 then continued under the fatal influence of pride and anger, how 

 wretched would have been his condition! how would he have con- 

 tinued to suffer under a shocking disease, which all the physicians 

 of Damascus could not heal, nor the wealth and power of his situ- 

 ation alleviate. Such is the pride of man! To Voltaire's deluded 

 followers, of what avail are those endearing words of truth and 

 love, " Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and 



