Theoldtheistsweremoreanxiousabouttheirfaith。Theytried，ifnottodemonstrateit，atleasttorenderitreasonable，feelingsure，unliketheirsuccessors，thatthereisneitherdignitynorrestforthebelieverexceptincertainty。
TheFathersoftheChurchthenansweredtheincredulousthatevilisonlydeprivationofagreatergood，andthatthosewhoalwaysreasonaboutthebetterlackapointofsupportuponwhichtoestablishthemselves，whichleadsstraighttoabsurdity。Infact，everycreaturebeingnecessarilyconfinedandimperfect，God，byhisinfinitepower，cancontinuallyaddtohisperfections：inthisrespectthereisalways，insomedegree，adeprivationofgoodinthecreature。Reciprocally，howeverimperfectandconfinedthecreatureissupposedtobe，fromthemomentthatitexistsitenjoysacertaindegreeofgood，betterforitthanannihilation。Therefore，thoughitisarulethatmanisconsideredgoodonlysofarasheaccomplishesallthegoodthathecan，itisnotthesamewithGod，sincetheobligationtodogoodinfinitelyiscontradictorytotheveryfacultyofcreation，perfectionandcreaturebeingtwotermsthatnecessarilyexcludeeachother。
God，then，wassolejudgeofthedegreeofperfectionwhichitwaspropertogivetoeachcreature：topreferachargeagainsthimunderthisheadistoslanderhisjustice。
Asforsin，——thatis，moralevil，——theFathers，toreplytotheobjectionsoftheatheists，hadthetheoriesoffreewill，redemption，justification，andgrace，tothediscussionofwhichweneednotreturn。
Ihavenoknowledgethattheatheistshaverepliedcategoricallytothistheoryoftheessentialimperfectionofthecreature，atheoryreproducedwithbrilliancybyM。deLamennaisinhis“Esquisse。”Itwasimpossible，indeed，forthemtoreplytoit；for，reasoningfromafalseconceptionofevilandoffreewill，andinprofoundignoranceofthelawsofhumanity，theywereequallywithoutreasonsbywhicheithertotriumphovertheirowndoubtsortorefutethebelievers。
Letusleavethesphereofthefiniteandinfinite，andplaceourselvesintheconceptionoforder。CanGodmakearoundcircle，aright-angledsquare？Certainly。
WouldGodbeguiltyif，afterhavingcreatedtheworldaccordingtothelawsofgeometry，hehadputitintoourminds，orevenallowedustobelievewithoutfaultofourown，thatacirclemaybesquareorasquarecircular，though，inconsequenceofthisfalseopinion，weshouldhavetosufferanincalculableseriesofevils？Again，undoubtedly。
Well！thatisexactlywhatGod，theGodofProvidence，hasdoneinthegovernmentofhumanity；itisofthatthatIaccusehim。Heknewfromalleternity——inasmuchaswemortalshavediscovereditaftersixthousandyearsofpainfulexperience——thatorderinsociety——thatis，liberty，wealth，science——isrealizedbythereconciliationofoppositeideaswhich，wereeachtobetakenasabsoluteinitself，wouldprecipitateusintoanabyssofmisery：whydidhenotwarnus？Whydidhenotcorrectourjudgmentatthestart？Whydidheabandonustoourimperfectlogic，especiallywhenouregoismmustfindapretextinhisactsofinjusticeandperfidy？Heknew，thisjealousGod，that，ifheexposedustothehazardsofexperience，weshouldnotfinduntilverylatethatsecurityoflifewhichconstitutesourentirehappiness：whydidhenotabridgethislongapprenticeshipbyarevelationofourownlaws？Why，insteadoffascinatinguswithcontradictoryopinions，didhenotreverseexperiencebycausingustoreachtheantinomiesbythepathofanalysisofsyntheticideas，insteadofleavingustopainfullyclamberupthesteepsofantinomytosynthesis？
If，aswasformerlythought，theevilfromwhichhumanitysuffersarosesolelyfromtheimperfectioninevitableineverycreature，orbetter，ifthisevilwerecausedonlybytheantagonismofthepotentialitiesandinclinationswhichconstituteourbeing，andwhichreasonshouldteachustomasterandguide，weshouldhavenorighttocomplain。Ourconditionbeingallthatitcouldbe，Godwouldbejustified。
But，inviewofthiswilfuldelusionofourminds，adelusionwhichitwassoeasytodissipateandtheeffectsofwhichmustbesoterrible，whereistheexcuseofProvidence？Isitnottruethatgracefailedmanhere？God，whomfaithrepresentsasatenderfatherandaprudentmaster，abandonsustothefatalityofourincompleteconceptions；hedigstheditchunderourfeet；hecausesustomoveblindly：andthen，ateveryfall，hepunishesusasrascals。WhatdoIsay？Itseemsasifitwereinspiteofhimthatatlast，coveredwithbruisesfromourjourney，werecognizeourroad；asifweoffendedhisgloryinbecomingmoreintelligentandfreethroughthetrialswhichheimposesuponus。Whatneed，then，havewetocontinuallyinvokeDivinity，andwhathavewetodowiththosesatellitesofaProvidencewhichforsixtycenturies，bytheaidofathousandreligions，hasdeceivedandmisledus？
What！God，throughhisgospel-bearersandbythelawwhichhehasputinourhearts，commandsustoloveourneighborasourselves，todotoothersaswewishtobedoneby，torendereachhisdue，nottokeepbackanythingfromthelaborer”shire，andnottolendatusury；heknows，moreover，thatinuscharityislukewarmandconsciencevacillating，andthattheslightestpretextalwaysseemstousasufficientreasonforexemptionfromthelaw：andyetheinvolvesus，withsuchdispositions，inthecontradictionsofcommerceandproperty，inwhich，bythenecessityofthetheory，charityandjusticeareboundtoperish！Insteadofenlighteningourreasonconcerningthebearingofprincipleswhichimposethemselvesuponitwithallthepowerofnecessity，butwhoseconsequences，adoptedbyegoism，arefataltohumanfraternity，heplacesthisabusedreasonattheserviceofourpassion；byseductionofthemind，hedestroysourequilibriumofconscience；
hejustifiesinourowneyesourusurpationsandouravarice；hemakestheseparationofmanfromhisfellowinevitableandlegitimate；hecreatesdivisionandhatredamongusinrenderingequalitybylaborandbyrightimpossible；hemakesusbelievethatthisequality，thelawoftheworld，isunjustamongmen；andthenheproscribesusenmassefornothavingknownhowtopractisehisincomprehensibleprecepts！IbelieveIhaveproved，tobesure，thatourabandonmentbyProvidencedoesnotjustifyus；but，whateverourcrime，towarditwearenotguilty；andifthereisabeingwho，beforeourselvesandmorethanourselves，isdeservingofhell，——
Iamboundtonamehim，——itisGod。
Whenthetheists，inordertoestablishtheirdogmaofProvidence，citetheorderofnatureasaproof，althoughthisargumentisonlyabeggingofthequestion，atleastitcannotbesaidthatitinvolvesacontradiction，andthatthefactcitedbearswitnessagainstthehypothesis。Inthesystemoftheworld，forinstance，nothingbetraysthesmallestanomaly，theslightestlackofforesight，fromwhichanyprejudicewhatevercanbedrawnagainsttheideaofasupreme，intelligent，personalmotor。Inshort，thoughtheorderofnaturedoesnotprovetherealityofaProvidence，itdoesnotcontradictit。
Itisaverydifferentthingwiththegovernmentofhumanity。Hereorderdoesnotappearatthesametimeasmatter；itwasnotcreated，asinthesystemoftheworld，onceandforeternity。Itisgraduallydevelopedaccordingtoaninevitableseriesofprinciplesandconsequenceswhichthehumanbeinghimself，thebeingtobeordered，mustdisengagespontaneously，byhisownenergyandatthesolicitationofexperience。Norevelationregardingthisisgivenhim。Manissubmittedathisorigintoapreestablishednecessity，toanabsoluteandirresistibleorder。Thatthisordermayberealized，manmustdiscoverit；thatitmayexist，hemusthavedivinedit。Thislaborofinventionmightbeabridged；noone，eitherinheavenoronearth，willcometoman”said；noonewillinstructhim。Humanity，forhundredsofcenturies，willdevouritsgenerations；itwillexhaustitselfinbloodandmire，withouttheGodwhomitworshipscomingoncetoilluminateitsreasonandabridgeitstimeoftrial。Whereisdivineactionhere？WhereisProvidence？
“IfGoddidnotexist，“——itisVoltaire，theenemyofreligions，whosaysso，——“itwouldbenecessarytoinventhim。“Why？“Because，“addsthesameVoltaire，“ifIweredealingwithanatheistprincewhoseinterestitmightbetohavemepoundedinamortar，IamverysurethatIshouldbepounded。”Strangeaberrationofagreatmind！Andifyouweredealingwithapiousprince，whoseconfessor，speakinginthenameofGod，shouldcommandthatyoubeburnedalive，wouldyounotbeverysureofbeingburnedalso？Doyouforget，then，anti-Christ，theInquisition，andtheSaintBartholomew，andthestakesofVaniniandBruno，andthetorturesofGalileo，andthemartyrdomofsomanyfreethinkers？Donottrytodistinguishherebetweenuseandabuse：forIshouldreplytoyouthatfromamysticalandsupernaturalprinciple，fromaprinciplewhichembraceseverything，whichexplainseverything，whichjustifieseverything，suchastheideaofGod，allconsequencesarelegitimate，andthatthezealofthebelieveristhesolejudgeoftheirpropriety。
“Ioncebelieved，“saysRousseau，“thatitwaspossibletobeanhonestmananddispensewithGod；butIhaverecoveredfromthaterror。”FundamentallythesameargumentasthatofVoltaire，thesamejustificationofintolerance：
MandoesgoodandabstainsfromevilonlythroughconsiderationofaProvidencewhichwatchesoverhim；acurseonthosewhodenyitsexistence！And，tocaptheclimaxofabsurdity，themanwhothusseeksforourvirtuethesanctionofaDivinitywhorewardsandpunishesisthesamemanwhoteachesthenativegoodnessofmanasareligiousdogma。
AndformypartIsay：Thefirstdutyofman，onbecomingintelligentandfree，istocontinuallyhunttheideaofGodoutofhismindandconscience。
ForGod，ifheexists，isessentiallyhostiletoournature，andwedonotdependatalluponhisauthority。Wearriveatknowledgeinspiteofhim，atcomfortinspiteofhim，atsocietyinspiteofhim；everystepwetakeinadvanceisavictoryinwhichwecrushDivinity。
LetitnolongerbesaidthatthewaysofGodareimpenetrable。Wehavepenetratedtheseways，andtherewehavereadinlettersofbloodtheproofsofGod”simpotence，ifnotofhismalevolence。Myreason，longhumiliated，isgraduallyrisingtoalevelwiththeinfinite；withtimeitwilldiscoverallthatitsinexperiencehidesfromit；withtimeIshallbelessandlessaworkerofmisfortune，andbythelightthatIshallhaveacquired，bytheperfectionofmyliberty，Ishallpurifymyself，idealizemybeing，andbecomethechiefofcreation，theequalofGod。AsinglemomentofdisorderwhichtheOmnipotentmighthavepreventedanddidnotpreventaccuseshisProvidenceandshowshimlackinginwisdom；theslightestprogresswhichman，ignorant，abandoned，andbetrayed，makestowardsgoodhonorshimimmeasurably。BywhatrightshouldGodstillsaytome：Beholy，forIamholy？Lyingspirit，Iwillanswerhim，imbecileGod，yourreignisover；looktothebeastsforothervictims。IknowthatIamnotholyandnevercanbecomeso；andhowcouldyoubeholy，ifIresembleyou？Eternalfather，JupiterorJehovah，wehavelearnedtoknowyou；youare，youwere，youeverwillbe，thejealousrivalofAdam，thetyrantofPrometheus。
SoIdonotfallintothesophismrefutedbySt。Paul，whenheforbidsthevasetosaytothepotter：Whyhastthoumademethus？Idonotblametheauthorofthingsforhavingmademeaninharmoniouscreature，anincoherentassemblage；Icouldexistonlyinsuchacondition。Icontentmyselfwithcryingouttohim：Whydoyoudeceiveme？Why，byyoursilence，haveyouunchainedegoismwithinme？Whyhaveyousubmittedmetothetortureofuniversaldoubtbythebitterillusionoftheantagonisticideaswhichyouhaveputinmymind？Doubtoftruth，doubtofjustice，doubtofmyconscienceandmyliberty，doubtofyourself，OGod！and，asaresultofthisdoubt，necessityofwarwithmyselfandwithmyneighbor！That，supremeFather，iswhatyouhavedoneforourhappinessandyourglory；such，fromthebeginning，havebeenyourwillandyourgovernment；suchthebread，kneadedinbloodandtears，uponwhichyouhavefedus。Thesinswhichweaskyoutoforgive，youcausedustocommit；thetrapsfromwhichweimploreyoutodeliverus，yousetforus；andtheSatanwhobesetsusisyourself。
Youtriumphed，andnoonedaredtocontradictyou，when，afterhavingtormentedinhisbodyandinhissoultherighteousJob，atypeofourhumanity，youinsultedhiscandidpiety，hisprudentandrespectfulignorance。
Wewereasnaughtbeforeyourinvisiblemajesty，towhomwegavetheskyforacanopyandtheearthforafootstool。Andnowhereyouaredethronedandbroken。Yourname，solongthelastwordofthesavant，thesanctionofthejudge，theforceoftheprince，thehopeofthepoor，therefugeoftherepentantsinner，——thisincommunicablename，Isay，henceforthanobjectofcontemptandcurses，shallbeahissingamongmen。ForGodisstupidityandcowardice；Godishypocrisyandfalsehood；Godistyrannyandmisery；Godisevil。Aslongashumanityshallbendbeforeanaltar，humanity，theslaveofkingsandpriests，willbecondemned；aslongasoneman，inthenameofGod，shallreceivetheoathofanotherman，societywillbefoundedonperjury；peaceandlovewillbebanishedfromamongmortals。God，takeyourselfaway！for，fromthisdayforth，curedofyourfearandbecomewise，Iswear，withhandextendedtoheaven，thatyouareonlythetormentorofmyreason，thespectreofmyconscience。
Ideny，therefore，thesupremacyofGodoverhumanity；Irejecthisprovidentialgovernment，thenon-existenceofwhichissufficientlyestablishedbythemetaphysicalandeconomicalhallucinationsofhumanity，——inaword，bythemartyrdomofourrace；IdeclinethejurisdictionoftheSupremeBeingoverman；Itakeawayhistitlesoffather，king，judge，good，merciful，pitiful，helpful，rewarding，andavenging。Alltheseattributes，ofwhichtheideaofProvidenceismadeup，arebutacaricatureofhumanity，irreconcilablewiththeautonomyofcivilization，andcontradicted，moreover，bythehistoryofitsaberrationsandcatastrophes。Doesitfollow，becauseGodcannolongerbeconceivedasProvidence，becausewetakefromhimthatattributesoimportanttomanthathehasnothesitatedtomakeitthesynonymofGod，thatGoddoesnotexist，andthatthetheologicaldogmafromthismomentisshowntobefalseinitscontent？
Alas！no。Aprejudicerelativetothedivineessencehasbeendestroyed；
bythesamestroketheindependenceofmanisestablished：thatisall。
TherealityofthedivineBeingisleftintact，andourhypothesisstillexists。IndemonstratingthatitwasimpossibleforGodtobeProvidence，wehavetakenafirststepinthedeterminationoftheideaofGod；thequestionnowistofindoutwhetherthisfirstdatumaccordswiththerestofthehypothesis，andconsequentlytodetermine，fromthesamestandpointofintelligence，whatGodis，ifheis。
Forjustas，afterhavingestablishedtheguiltofmanundertheinfluenceoftheeconomicalcontradictions，wehavehadtoaccountforthisguilt，ifwewouldnotleavemanwoundedafterhavingmadehimacontemptiblesatire，likewise，afterhavingadmittedthechimericalnatureofthedoctrineofaProvidenceinGod，wemustinquirehowthislackofProvidenceharmonizeswiththeideaofsovereignintelligenceandliberty，ifwewouldnotsacrificetheproposedhypothesis，whichnothingyetshowstobefalse。
Iaffirm，then，thatGod，ifthereisaGod，doesnotresembletheeffigieswhichphilosophersandpriestshavemadeofhim；thatheneitherthinksnoractsaccordingtothelawofanalysis，foresight，andprogress，whichisthedistinctivecharacteristicofman；that，onthecontrary，heseemsrathertofollowaninverseandretrogressivecourse；thatintelligence，liberty，personalityinGodareconstitutednotasinus；andthatthisoriginalityofnature，perfectlyaccountedfor，makesGodanessentiallyanti-civilizing，anti-liberal，anti-humanbeing。
Iprovemypropositionbygoingfromthenegativetothepositive，——
thatis，bydeducingthetruthofmythesisfromtheprogressoftheobjectionstoit。
1。God，saythebelievers，canbeconceivedonlyasinfinitelygood，infinitelywise，infinitelypowerful，etc。，——thewholelitanyoftheinfinites。Now，infiniteperfectioncannotbereconciledwiththedatumofawillholdinganindifferentorevenreactionaryattitudetowardprogress：
therefore，eitherGoddoesnotexist，ortheobjectiondrawnfromthedevelopmentoftheantinomiesprovesonlyourignoranceofthemysteriesofinfinity。
Ianswerthesereasonersthat，if，togivelegitimacytoawhollyarbitraryopinion，itsufficestofallbackontheunfathomabilityofmysteries，IamaswellsatisfiedwiththemysteryofaGodwithoutprovidenceaswiththatofaProvidencewithoutefficacy。But，inviewofthefacts，thereisnooccasiontoinvokesuchaconsiderationofprobability；wemustconfineourselvestothepositivedeclarationofexperience。Now，experienceandfactsprovethathumanity，initsdevelopment，obeysaninflexiblenecessity，whoselawsaremadeclearandwhosesystemisrealizedasfastasthecollectivereasonrevealsit，withoutanythinginsocietytogiveevidenceofanexternalinstigation，eitherfromaprovidentialcommandorfromanysuperhumanthought。ThebasisofthebeliefinProvidenceisthisnecessityitself，whichis，asitwere，thefoundationandessenceofcollectivehumanity。Butthisnecessity，thoroughlysystematicandprogressiveasitmayappear，doesnotonthataccountconstituteprovidenceeitherinhumanityorinGod；tobecomeconvincedthereofitisenoughtorecalltheendlessoscillationsandpainfulgropingsbywhichsocialorderismademanifest。
2。Otherarguerscomeunexpectedlyacrossourpath，andcry：Whatistheuseoftheseabstruseresearches？ThereisnomoreaninfiniteintelligencethanaProvidence；thereisneithermenorwillintheuniverseoutsideofman。Allthathappens，evilaswellasgood，happensnecessarily。Anirresistibleensembleofcausesandeffectsembracesmanandnatureinthesamefatality；andthosefacultiesinourselveswhichwecallconscience，will，judgment，etc。，areonlyparticularaccidentsoftheeternal，immutable，andinevitablewhole。
Thisargumentistheprecedingoneinverted。Itconsistsinsubstitutingfortheideaofanomnipotentandomniscientauthorthatofanecessaryandeternal，butunconsciousandblind，coordination。Fromthisoppositionwecanalreadyformapresentimentthatthereasoningofthematerialistsisnofirmerthanthatofthebelievers。
Whoeversaysnecessityorfatalitysaysabsoluteandinviolableorder；
whoever，onthecontrary，saysdisturbanceanddisorderaffirmsthatwhichismostrepugnanttofatality。Now，thereisdisorderintheworld，disorderproducedbytheplayofspontaneousforceswhichnopowerenchains：howcanthatbe，ifeverythingistheresultoffate？
Butwhodoesnotseethatthisoldquarrelbetweentheismandmaterialismproceedsfromafalsenotionoflibertyandfatality，twotermswhichhavebeenconsideredcontradictory，thoughreallytheyarenot。Ifmanisfree，saystheoneparty，allthemoresurelyisGodfreetoo，andfatalityisbutaword；ifeverythingisenchainedinnature，answerstheotherparty，thereisneitherlibertynorProvidence：andsoeachpartyarguesinitsowndirectiontilloutofsight，neverabletounderstandthatthispretendedoppositionoflibertyandfatalityisonlythenatural，butnotantithetical，distinctionbetweenthefactsofactivityandthoseofintelligence。
Fatalityistheabsoluteorder，thelaw，thecode，fatum，oftheconstitutionoftheuniverse。Butthiscode，veryfarfrombeingexclusiveinitselfoftheideaofasovereignlegislator，supposesitsonaturallythatallantiquityhasnothesitatedtoadmitit；andtodaythewholequestionistofindoutwhether，asthefoundersofreligionshavebelieved，thelegislatorprecededthelawintheuniverse，——thatis，whetherintelligenceispriortofatality，——orwhether，asthemodernsclaim，thelawprecededthelegislator，——inotherwords，whethermindisbornofnature。BEFOREorAFTER，thisalternativesumsupallphilosophy。Todisputeovertheposteriorityorpriorityofmindisallverywell，buttodenymindinthenameoffatalityisanexclusionwhichnothingjustifies。Torefuteit，itissufficienttorecalltheveryfactonwhichitisbased，——theexistenceofevil。
Givenmatterandattraction，thesystemoftheworldistheirproduct：
thatisfatal。Giventwocorrelativeandcontradictoryideas，acompositionmustfollow：thatalsoisfatal。Fatalityclashes，notwithliberty，whosedestiny，onthecontrary，istosecuretheaccomplishmentoffatalitywithinacertainsphere，butwithdisorder，witheverythingthatactsasabarriertotheexecutionofthelaw。Istheredisorderintheworld，yesorno？
Thefatalistsdonotdenyit，for，bythestrangestblunder，itisthepresenceofevilwhichhasmadethemfatalists。Now，Isaythatthepresenceofevil，farfromgivingevidenceoffatality，breaksfatality，doesviolencetodestiny，andsupposesacausewhoseerroneousbutvoluntaryinitiativeisindiscordancewiththelaw。ThiscauseIcallliberty；andIhaveproved，inthefourthchapter，thatliberty，likereasonwhichservesmanasatorch，isasmuchgreaterandmoreperfectasitharmonizesmorecompletelywiththeorderofnature，whichisfatality。
Thereforetoopposefatalitytothetestimonyoftheconsciencewhichfeelsitselffree，andviceversa，istoprovethatonemisconstruesideasandhasnottheslightestappreciationofthequestion。Theprogressofhumanitymaybedefinedastheeducationofreasonandhumanlibertybyfatality：itisabsurdtoregardthesethreetermsasexclusiveofeachotherandirreconcilable，wheninrealitytheysustaineachother，fatalityservingasthebase，reasoncomingafter，andlibertycrowningtheedifice。
Itistoknowandpenetratefatalitythathumanreasontends；itistoconformtoitthatlibertyaspires；andthecriticisminwhichwearenowengagedofthespontaneousdevelopmentandinstinctivebeliefsofthehumanraceisatbottomonlyastudyoffatality。Letusexplainthis。
Man，endowedwithactivityandintelligence，hasthepowertodisturbtheorderoftheworld，ofwhichheformsapart。Butallhisdigressionshavebeenforeseen，andareeffectedwithincertainlimits，which，afteracertainnumberofgoingsandcomings，leadmanbacktoorder。Fromtheseoscillationsoflibertymaybedeterminedtheroleofhumanityintheworld；
and，sincethedestinyofmanisboundupwiththatofcreatures，itispossibletogobackfromhimtothesupremelawofthingsandeventothesourcesofbeing。
AccordinglyIwillnolongerask：Howisitthatmanhasthepowertoviolatetheprovidentialorder，andhowisitthatProvidenceallowshimtodoso？Istatethequestioninotherterms：Howisitthatman，anintegrantpartoftheuniverse，aproductoffatality，isabletobreakfatality？
Howisitthatafatalorganization，theorganizationofhumanity，isadventitious，contradictory，fulloftumultandcatastrophes？Fatalityisnotconfinedtoanhour，toacentury，toathousandyears：ifscienceandlibertymustinevitablybeours，whydotheynotcomesooner？For，themomentwesufferfromthedelay，fatalitycontradictsitself；evilisasexclusiveoffatalityasofProvidence。
Whatsortofafatality，inshort，isthatwhichiscontradictedeveryinstantbythefactswhichtakeplacewithinitsbosom？Thisthefatalistsareboundtoexplain，quiteasmuchasthetheistsareboundtoexplainwhatsortofaninfiniteintelligencethatcanbewhichisunableeithertoforeseeorpreventthemiseryofitscreatures。
Butthatisnotall。Liberty，intelligence，fatality，areatbottomthreeadequateexpressions，servingtodesignatethreedifferentfacesofbeing。Inmanreasonisonlyadefinedlibertyconsciousofitslimit。
Butwithinthecircleofitslimitationsthislibertyisalsofatality，alivingandpersonalfatality。When，therefore，theconscienceofthehumanraceproclaimsthatthefatalityoftheuniverse——thatis，thehighest，thesupremefatality——isadequatetoaninfinitereasonaswellastoaninfiniteliberty，itsimplyputsforthanhypothesisineverywaylegitimate，theverificationofwhichisincumbentuponallparties。
3。Nowcomethehumanists，thenewatheists，andsay：
HumanityinitsensembleistherealitysoughtbythesocialgeniusunderthemysticalnameofGod。Thisphenomenonofthecollectivereason，——asortofmirageinwhichhumanity，contemplatingitself，takesitselfforanexternalandtranscendentbeingwhoconsidersitsdestiniesandpresidesoverthem，——thisillusionoftheconscience，wesay，hasbeenanalyzedandexplained；andhenceforthtoreproducethetheologicalhypothesisistotakeastepbackwardinscience。Wemustconfineourselvesstrictlytosociety，toman。Godinreligion，theStateinpolitics，propertyineconomy，suchisthetripleformunderwhichhumanity，becomeforeigntoitself，hasnotceasedtorenditselfwithitsownhands，andwhichtodayitmustreject。
IadmitthateveryaffirmationorhypothesisofDivinityproceedsfromanthropomorphism，andthatGodinthefirstplaceisonlytheideal，orrather，thespectreofman。IadmitfurtherthattheideaofGodisthetypeandfoundationoftheprincipleofauthorityandabsolutism，whichitisourtasktodestroyoratleasttosubordinatewhereveritmanifestsitself，inscience，industry，publicaffairs。ConsequentlyIdonotcontradicthumanism；Icontinueit。Takingupitscriticismofthedivinebeingandapplyingittoman，Iobserve：
Thatman，inadoringhimselfasGod，haspositedofhimselfanidealcontrarytohisownessence，andhasdeclaredhimselfanantagonistofthebeingsupposedtobesovereignlyperfect，——inshort，oftheinfinite；
Thatmanconsequentlyis，inhisownjudgment，onlyafalsedivinity，sinceinsettingupGodhedenieshimself；andthathumanismisareligionasdetestableasanyofthetheismsofancientorigin；
ThatthisphenomenonofhumanitytakingitselfforGodisnotexplainableinthetermsofhumanism，andrequiresafurtherinterpretation。
God，accordingtothetheologicalconception，isnotonlysovereignmasteroftheuniverse，theinfallibleandirresponsiblekingofcreatures，theintelligibletypeofman；heistheeternal，immutable，omnipresent，infinitelywise，infinitelyfreebeing。Now，IsaythattheseattributesofGodcontainmorethananideal，morethananelevation——towhateverpoweryouwill——ofthecorrespondingattributesofhumanity；Isaythattheyareacontradictionofthem。Godiscontradictoryofman，justascharityiscontradictoryofjustice；assanctity，theidealofperfection，iscontradictoryofperfectibility；asroyalty，theidealoflegislativepower，iscontradictoryoflaw，etc。Sothatthedivinehypothesisisrebornfromitsresolutionintohumanreality，andtheproblemofacomplete，harmonious，andabsoluteexistence，everputaside，evercomesback。
Todemonstratethisradicalantinomyitsufficestoputfactsinjuxtapositionwithdefinitions。
Ofallfactsthemostcertain，mostconstant，mostindubitable，iscertainlythatinmanknowledgeisprogressive，methodical，theresultofreflection，——inshort，experimental；somuchsothateverytheorynothavingthesanctionofexperience——thatis，ofconstancyandconcatenationinitsrepresentations——therebylacksascientificcharacter。Inregardtothisnottheslightestdoubtcanberaised。Mathematicsthemselves，thoughcalledpure，aresubjecttotheCONCATENATIONofpropositions，andhencedependuponexperienceandacknowledgeitslaw。
Man”sknowledge，startingwithacquiredobservation，thenprogressesandadvancesinanunlimitedsphere。Thegoalwhichithasinview，theidealwhichittendstorealizewithouteverbeingabletoattainit，——
placingitonthecontraryfartherandfartheraheadofit，——istheinfinite，theabsolute。
Now，whatwouldbeaninfiniteknowledge，anabsoluteknowledge，determininganequallyinfiniteliberty，suchasspeculationsupposesinGod？Itwouldbeaknowledgenotonlyuniversal，butintuitive，spontaneous，asthoroughlyfreefromhesitationasfromobjectivity，althoughembracingatoncetherealandthepossible；aknowledgesure，butnotdemonstrative；complete，notsequential；aknowledge，inshort，which，beingeternalinitsformation，wouldbedestituteofanyprogressivecharacterintherelationofitsparts。
Psychologyhascollectednumerousexamplesofthismodeofknowingintheinstinctiveanddivinatoryfacultiesofanimals；inthespontaneoustalentofcertainmenbornmathematiciansandartists，independentofalleducation；finally，inmostoftheprimitivehumaninstitutionsandmonuments，productsofunconsciousgeniusindependentoftheories。Andtheregularandcomplexmovementsoftheheavenlybodies；themarvellouscombinationsofmatter，——coulditnotbesaidthatthesetooaretheeffectsofaspecialinstinct，inherentintheelements？
If，then，Godexists，somethingofhimappearstousintheuniverseandinourselves：butthissomethingisinflagrantoppositionwithourmostauthentictendencies，withourmostcertaindestiny；thissomethingiscontinuallybeingeffacedfromoursoulbyeducation，andtomakeitdisappearistheobjectofourcare。Godandmanaretwonatureswhichshuneachotherassoonastheyknoweachother；intheabsenceofatransformationofoneortheotherorboth，howcouldtheyeverbereconciled？IftheprogressofreasontendstoseparateusfromDivinity，howcouldGodandmanbeidenticalinpointofreason？How，consequently，couldhumanitybecomeGodbyeducation？
Letustakeanotherexample。
Theessentialcharacteristicofreligionisfeeling。Hence，byreligion，manattributesfeelingtoGod，asheattributesreasontohim；moreover，heaffirms，followingtheordinarycourseofhisideas，thatfeelinginGod，likeknowledge，isinfinite。
Now，thataloneissufficienttochangethequalityoffeelinginGod，andmakeitanattributetotallydistinctfromthatofman。Inmansentimentflows，sotospeak，fromathousanddifferentsources：itcontradictsitself，itconfusesitself，itrendsitself；otherwise，itwouldnotfeelitself。
InGod，onthecontrary，sentimentisinfinite，——thatis，one，complete，fixed，clear，aboveallstorms，andnotneedingirritationasacontrastinordertoarriveathappiness。Weourselvesexperiencethisdivinemodeoffeelingwhenasinglesentiment，absorbingallourfaculties，asinthecaseofecstasy，temporarilyimposessilenceupontheotheraffections。
Butthisraptureexistsalwaysonlybytheaidofcontrastandbyasortofprovocationfromwithout；itisneverperfect，or，ifitreachesfulness，itislikethestarwhichattainsitsapogee，foranindivisibleinstant。
Thuswedonotlive，wedonotfeel，wedonotthink，exceptbyaseriesofoppositionsandshocks，byaninternalwarfare；ourideal，then，isnotinfinity，butequilibrium；infinityexpressessomethingotherthanourselves。
Itissaid：Godhasnoattributespeculiartohimself；hisattributesarethoseofman；thenmanandGodareoneandthesamething。
Onthecontrary，theattributesofman，beinginfiniteinGod，areforthatveryreasonpeculiarandspecific：itisthenatureoftheinfinitetobecomespeciality，essence，fromthefactthatthefiniteexists。Denythen，ifyouwill，therealityofGod，asonedeniestherealityofacontradictoryidea；rejectfromscienceandmoralitythisinconceivableandbloodyphantomwhichseemstopursueusthemore，thefartheritgetsfromus；uptoacertainpointthatmaybejustified，andatanyratecandonoharm。ButdonotmakeGodintohumanity，forthatwouldbeslanderofboth。
Willitbesaidthattheoppositionbetweenmanandthedivinebeingisillusory，andthatitarisesfromtheoppositionthatexistsbetweentheindividualmanandtheessenceofentirehumanity？Thenitmustbemaintainedthathumanity，sinceitishumanitythattheydeify，isneitherprogressive，norcontrastedinreasonandfeeling；inshort，thatitisinfiniteineverything，——whichisdeniednotonlybyhistory，butbypsychology。
Thisisnotacorrectunderstanding，crythehumanists。Tohavetherightidealofhumanity，itmustbeconsidered，notinitshistoricdevelopment，butinthetotalityofitsmanifestations，asifallhumangenerations，gatheredintoonemoment，formedasingleman，aninfiniteandimmortalman。
Thatistosay，theyabandontherealitytoseizeaprojection；thetruemanisnottherealman；tofindtheveritableman，thehumanideal，wemustleavetimeandentereternity，——whatdoIsay？——desertthefiniteforinfinity，manforGod！Humanity，intheshapeweknowit，intheshapeinwhichitisdeveloped，intheonlyshapeinfactinwhichitcanexist，iserect；theyshowusitsreversedimage，asinamirror，andthensaytous：Thatisman！AndIanswer：Itisnolongerman，itisGod。Humanismisthemostperfecttheism。
What，then，isthisprovidencewhichthetheistssupposeinGod？Anessentiallyhumanfaculty，ananthropomorphicattribute，bywhichGodisthoughttolookintothefutureaccordingtotheprogressofevents，inthesamewaythatwemenlookintothepast，followingtheperspectiveofchronologyandhistory。
Now，itisplainthat，justasinfinity——thatis，spontaneousanduniversalintuitioninknowledge——isincompatiblewithhumanity，soprovidenceisincompatiblewiththehypothesisofthedivinebeing。God，towhomallideasareequalandsimultaneous；God，whosereasondoesnotseparatesynthesisfromantinomy；God，towhometernityrendersallthingspresentandcontemporary，——wasunable，whencreatingus，torevealtousthemysteryofourcontradictions；
andthatpreciselybecauseheisGod，becausehedoesnotseecontradiction，becausehisintelligencedoesnotfallunderthecategoryoftimeandthelawofprogress，becausehisreasonisintuitiveandhisknowledgeinfinite。
ProvidenceinGodisacontradictionwithinacontradiction；itwasthroughprovidencethatGodwasactuallymadeintheimageofman；takeawaythisprovidence，andGodceasestobeman，andmaninturnmustabandonallhispretensionstodivinity。
PerhapsitwillbeaskedofwhatuseitistoGodtohaveinfiniteknowledge，ifheisignorantofwhattakesplaceinhumanity。
Letusdistinguish。Godhasaperceptionoforder，thesentimentofgood。Butthisorder，thisgood，heseesaseternalandabsolute；hedoesnotseeitinitssuccessiveandimperfectaspects；hedoesnotgraspitsdefects。Wealonearecapableofseeing，feeling，andappreciatingevil，aswellasofmeasuringduration，becausewealonearecapableofproducingevil，andbecauseourlifeistemporary。Godseesandfeelsonlyorder；
Goddoesnotgraspwhathappens，becausewhathappensisbeneathhim，beneathhishorizon。We，onthecontrary，seeatoncethegoodandtheevil，thetemporalandtheeternal，orderanddisorder，thefiniteandtheinfinite；
weseewithinusandoutsideofus；andourreason，becauseitisfinite，surpassesourhorizon。
Thus，bythecreationofmanandthedevelopmentofsociety，afiniteandprovidentialreason，ourown，hasbeenpositedincontradictionoftheintuitiveandinfinitereason，God；sothatGod，withoutlosinganythingofhisinfinityinanydirection，seemsdiminishedbytheveryfactoftheexistenceofhumanity。Progressivereasonresultingfromtheprojectionofeternalideasuponthemovableandinclinedplaneoftime，mancanunderstandthelanguageofGod，becausehecomesfromGodandhisreasonatthestartislikethatofGod；butGodcannotunderstandusorcometous，becauseheisinfiniteandcannotre-clothehimselfinfiniteattributeswithoutceasingtobeGod，withoutdestroyinghimself。ThedogmaofprovidenceinGodisshowntobefalse，bothinfactandinright。
Itiseasynowtoseehowthesamereasoningturnsagainstthesystemofthedeificationofman。
MannecessarilypositingGodasabsoluteandinfiniteinhisattributes，whereashehimselfdevelopsinadirectiontheinverseofthisideal，thereisdiscordbetweentheprogressofmanandwhatmanconceivesasGod。Ontheonehand，itappearsthatman，bythesyncretismofhisconstitutionandtheperfectibilityofhisnature，isnotGodandcannotbecomeGod；
ontheother，itisplainthatGod，thesupremeBeing，istheantipodeofhumanity，theontologicalsummitfromwhichitindefinitelyseparatesitself。Godandman，havingdividedbetweenthemtheantagonisticfacultiesofbeing，seemtobeplayingagameinwhichthecontroloftheuniverseisthestake，theonehavingspontaneity，directness，infallibility，eternity，theotherhavingforesight，deduction，mobility，time。Godandmanholdeachotherinperpetualcheckandcontinuallyavoideachother；whilethelattergoesaheadinreflectionandtheorywithouteverresting，theformer，byhisprovidentialincapacity，seemstowithdrawintothespontaneityofhisnature。Thereisacontradiction，therefore，betweenhumanityanditsideal，anoppositionbetweenmanandGod，anoppositionwhichChristiantheologyhasallegorizedandpersonifiedunderthenameofDevilorSatan，——thatis，contradictor，enemyofGodandman。
SuchisthefundamentalantinomywhichIfindthatmoderncriticshavenottakenintoaccount，andwhich，ifneglected，havingsoonerorlatertoendinthenegationoftheman-Godandconsequentlyinthenegationofthiswholephilosophicalexegesis，reopensthedoortoreligionandfanaticism。
God，accordingtothehumanists，isnothingbuthumanityitself，thecollectivemetowhichtheindividualmeissubjectedastoaninvisiblemaster。Butwhythissingularvision，iftheportraitisafaithfulcopyoftheoriginal？Whyhasman，whofromhisbirthhasknowndirectlyandwithoutatelescopehisbody，hissoul，hischief，hispriest，hiscountry，hiscondition，beenobligedtoseehimselfasinamirror，andwithoutrecognizinghimself，underthefantasticimageofGod？Whereisthenecessityofthishallucination？Whatisthisdimandambiguousconsciousnesswhich，afteracertaintime，becomespurified，rectified，and，insteadoftakingitselfforanother，definitivelyapprehendsitselfassuch？Whyonthepartofmanthistranscendentalconfessionofsociety，whensocietyitselfwasthere，present，visible，palpable，willing，andacting，——when，inshort，itwasknownassocietyandnamedassuch？
No，itissaid，societydidnotexist；menwereagglomerated，butnotassociated；thearbitraryconstitutionofpropertyandtheState，aswellastheintolerantdogmatismofreligion，proveit。
Purerhetoric：societyexistsfromthedaythatindividuals，communicatingbylaborandspeech，assumereciprocalobligationsandgivebirthtolawsandcustoms。Undoubtedlysocietybecomesperfectinproportiontotheadvancesofscienceandeconomy，butatnoepochofcivilizationdoesprogressimplyanysuchmetamorphosisasthosedreamedofbythebuildersofutopia；andhoweverexcellentthefutureconditionofhumanityistobe，itwillbenonethelessthenaturalcontinuation，thenecessaryconsequence，ofitspreviouspositions。
Fortherest，nosystemofassociationbeingexclusiveinitself，asIhaveshown，offraternityandjustice，ithasneverbeenpossibletoconfoundthepoliticalidealwithGod，andweseeinfactthatallpeopleshavedistinguishedsocietyfromreligion。Thefirstwastakenasend，thesecondregardedonlyasmeans；theprincewastheministerofthecollectivewill，whileGodreignedoverconsciences，awaitingbeyondthegravetheguiltywhoescapedthejusticeofmen。Eventheideaofprogressandreformhasneverbeenanywhereabsent；nothing，inshort，ofthatwhichconstitutessociallifehasbeenentirelyignoredormisconceivedbyanyreligiousnation。Why，then，oncemore，thistautologyofSociety-Divinity，ifitistrue，asispretended，thatthetheologicalhypothesiscontainsnothingotherthantheidealofhumansociety，thepreconceivedtypeofhumanitytransfiguredbyequality，solidarity，labor，andlove？
Certainly，ifthereisaprejudice，amysticism，whichnowseemstomedeceptiveinahighdegree，itisnolongerCatholicism，whichisdisappearing，butratherthishumanitaryphilosophy，makingmanaholyandsacredbeingonthestrengthofaspeculationtoolearnednottohavesomethingofthearbitraryinitscomposition；proclaiminghimGod，——thatis，essentiallygoodandorderlyinallhispowers，inspiteofthedishearteningevidencewhichhecontinuallygivesofhisdoubtfulmorality；attributinghisvicestotheconstraintinwhichhehaslived，andpromisingfromhimincompletelibertyactsofthepurestdevotion，becauseinthemythsinwhichhumanity，accordingtothisphilosophy，haspainteditself，wefinddescribedandopposedtoeachother，underthenamesofhellandparadise，atimeofconstraintandpenaltyandaneraofhappinessandindependence！Withsuchadoctrineitwouldsuffice——andmoreoveritwouldbeinevitable——formantorecognizethatheisneitherGod，norgood，norholy，norwise，inordertofallbackimmediatelyintothearmsofreligion；sothatinthelastanalysisallthattheworldwillhavegainedbythedenialofGodwillbetheresurrectionofGod。
Suchisnotmyviewofthemeaningofthereligiousfables。Humanity，inrecognizingGodasitsauthor，itsmaster，itsalterego，hassimplydetermineditsownessencebyanantithesis，——aneclecticessence，fullofcontrasts，emanatedfromtheinfiniteandcontradictoryoftheinfinite，developedintimeandaspiringtoeternity，andforallthesereasonsfallible，althoughguidedbythesentimentofbeautyandorder。HumanityisthedaughterofGod，aseveryoppositionisthedaughterofapreviousposition：thatiswhyhumanityhasformedGodlikeitself，haslenthimitsownattributes，butalwaysbygivingthemaspecificcharacter，——thatis，bydefiningGodincontradictionofitself。HumanityisaspectretoGod，justasGodisaspectretohumanity；eachofthetwoistheother”scause，reason，andendofexistence。
Itwasnotenough，then，tohavedemonstrated，bycriticismofreligiousideas，thattheconceptionofthedivinemeleadsbacktotheperceptionofthehumanme；itwasalsonecessarytoverifythisdeductionbyacriticismofhumanityitself，andtoseewhetherthishumanitysatisfiestheconditionsthatitsapparentdivinitysupposes。Now，suchisthetaskthatwesolemnlyinauguratedwhen，startingatoncewithhumanrealityandthedivinehypothesis，webegantounrollthehistoryofsocietyinitseconomicinstitutionsandspeculativethoughts。
Wehaveshown，ontheonehand，thatman，althoughincitedbytheantagonismofhisideas，andalthoughuptoacertainpointexcusable，doesevilgratuitouslyandbythebestialimpulseofhispassions，whicharerepugnanttothecharacterofafree，intelligent，andholybeing。Wehaveshown，ontheotherhand，thatthenatureofmanisnotharmoniouslyandsyntheticallyconstituted，butformedbyanagglomerationofthepotentialitiesspecializedineachcreature，——acircumstancewhich，inrevealingtoustheprincipleofthedisorderscommittedbyhumanliberty，hasfinishedthedemonstrationofthenon-divinityofourrace。Finally，afterhavingprovedthatinGodprovidencenotonlydoesnotexist，butisimpossible；afterhaving，inotherwords，separatedthedivineattributesoftheinfiniteBeingfromtheanthropomorphicattributes，——wehaveconcluded，contrarytotheaffirmationsoftheoldtheodicy，that，relativelytothedestinyofman，adestinyessentiallyprogressive，intelligenceandlibertyinGodsufferedacontrast，asortoflimitationanddiminution，resultingfromhiseternal，immutable，andinfinitenature；sothatman，insteadofadoringinGodhissovereignandhisguide，couldandshouldlookonhimonlyashisantagonist。Andthislastconsiderationwillsufficetomakeusrejecthumanismalso，astendinginvincibly，bythedeificationofhumanity，toareligiousrestoration。
Thetrueremedyforfanaticism，inourview，isnottoidentifyhumanitywithGod，whichamountstoaffirming，insocialeconomycommunism，inphilosophymysticismandthestatuquo；itistoprovetohumanitythatGod，incasethereisaGod，isitsenemy。
Whatsolutionwillresultlaterfromthesedata？WillGod，intheend，befoundtobeareality？
IdonotknowwhetherIshalleverknow。Ifitistrue，ontheonehand，thatIhavetodaynomorereasonforaffirmingtherealityofman，anillogicalandcontradictorybeing，thantherealityofGod，aninconceivableandunmanifestedbeing，Iknowatleast，fromtheradicaloppositionofthesetwonatures，thatIhavenothingtohopeortofearfromthemysteriousauthorwhommyconsciousnessinvoluntarilysupposes；Iknowthatmymostauthentictendenciesseparatemedailyfromthecontemplationofthisidea；
thatpracticalatheismmustbehenceforththelawofmyheartandmyreason；
thatfromobservablenecessityImustcontinuallylearntheruleofmyconduct；thatanymysticalcommandment，anydivineright，whichshouldbeproposedtome，mustberejectedandcombattedbyme；thatareturntoGodthroughreligion，idleness，ignorance，orsubmission，isanoutrageuponmyself；andthatifImustsometimebereconciledwithGod，thisreconciliation，impossibleaslongasIliveandinwhichIshouldhaveeverythingtogainandnothingtolose，canbeaccomplishedonlybymydestruction。
Letusthenconclude，andinscribeuponthecolumnwhichmustserveasalandmarkinourlaterresearches：
Thelegislatordistrustsman，anabridgmentofnatureandasyncretismofallbeings。HedoesnotrelyonProvidence，aninadmissiblefacultyintheinfinitemind。
But，attentivetothesuccessionofphenomena，submissivetothelessonsofdestiny，heseeksinnecessitythelawofhumanity，theperpetualprophecyofhisfuture。
Heremembersalso，sometimes，that，ifthesentimentofDivinityisgrowingweakeramongmen；ifinspirationfromaboveisgraduallywithdrawingtogiveplacetothedeductionsofexperience；ifthereisamoreandmoreflagrantseparationofmanandGod；ifthisprogress，theformandconditionofourlife，escapestheperceptionsofaninfiniteandconsequentlynon-
historicintelligence；if，tosayitall，appealtoProvidenceonthepartofagovernmentisatonceacowardlyhypocrisyandathreatagainstliberty，——neverthelesstheuniversalconsentofthepeoples，manifestedbytheestablishmentofsomanydifferentfaiths，andtheforeverinsolublecontradictionwhichstrikeshumanityinitsideas，itsmanifestations，anditstendenciesindicateasecretrelationofoursoul，andthroughitofentirenature，withtheinfinite，——arelationthedeterminationofwhichwouldexpressatthesametimethemeaningoftheuniverseandthereasonofourexistence。
THEEND。