shows strength of mind, but only to a certain degree.
226. Infidels, who profess to follow reason, ought to be exceedingly
strong
in reason. What say they then? "Do we not see," say they, "that the brutes
live and die like men, and Turks like Christians? They have their
ceremonies, their prophets, their doctors, their saints, their monks, like
us," etc. (Is this contrary to Scripture? Does it not say all this?)
If you care but little to know the truth, here is enough of it to leave
you
in repose. But if you desire with all your heart to know it, it is not
enough; look at it in detail. This would be sufficient for a question in
philosophy; but not here, where it concerns your all. And yet, after a
trifling reflection of this kind, we go to amuse ourselves, etc. Let us
inquire of this same religion whether it does not give a reason for this
obscurity; perhaps it will teach it to us.
227. Order by dialogues.--What ought I to do? I see only darkness
everywhere. Shall I believe I am nothing? Shall I believe I am God?
"All things change and succeed each other." You are mistaken; there is...
228. Objection of atheists: "But we have no light."
229. This is what I see and what troubles me. I look on all sides, and I
see
only darkness everywhere. Nature presents to me nothing which is not
matter
of doubt and concern. If I saw nothing there w
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