LETTERS ON INFIDELITY.

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,

A LETTER TO DR. ADAM SMITH.

The doctrine of Epicurus is ever ruinous to society: it had its rise when Greece was declining, and perhaps hastened its dissolution, as also that of Rome; it is now propagated in France and England, and seems likely to produce the same effects in both. GRAY'S MEMOIRS, p. 202.

ADVERTISEMENT.

It is of no consequence, gentle reader, to you, any more than it is to Dr. SMITH, that you should know the name of the person who now addresseth you. Your mind cannot be biassed, either way, by that of which you remain ignorant. The remarks in the following pages are not therefore true, or false, because I made them; but I made them, because I thought them to be true. Read, consider, and determine for yourself. If you find no satisfaction, throw the book into the fire; regret (but with moderation, as becometh a philosopher) the loss of your sixpence *; and take care not to lose another in the same manner. If, on the contrary, you should find satisfaction (and it is humbly hoped you will find a great deal), neglect not to communicate to others, what has thus been communicated to you. Speak handsomely of me wherever you go, and introduce me to your kinsfolk and acquaintance. The enemies of Religion are awake; let not her friends sleep.

I intended a much longer work; but, like the learned editor of Mr. Hume's Life, am necessitated to "gratify," with all possible expedition," the impatience of the public curiosity;" so eager is it to hear, what they who believe in God can possibly have to say for themselves. And if this will do the business, why should you be troubled with more? I am far from agreeing with Mr. Voltaire in all his observations. But there is one, in which it is impossible to disagree with him. "I have said, and I abide by it," cries the little hero, "that the fault of most books is, their being too large." On reviewing what I have written, I really cannot see there is occasion to add another sentence.

Had I not chosen, for reasons best known to myself, thus to make my appearance incog. I would certainly have sat for my picture, and have tried to cast a look at my title page, as lively and good-humoured as that of Mr. Hume himself. My bookseller, indeed, told me, it would have been a much more creditable way of doing the thing; " and then you know, sir," said he, "we could have charged the other sixpence."

* The price of the first edition of this Letter.

A LETTER

TO

DR. ADAM SMITH.

SIR,

You have been lately employed in embalming a philosopher: his body, I believe I must say; for concerning the other part of him, neither you nor he seem to have entertained an idea, sleeping or waking. Else, it surely might have claimed a little of your care and attention; and one would think, the belief of the soul's existence and immortality could do no harm, if it did no good, in a Theory of Moral Sentiments. But every gentleman understands his own business best.

Will you do an unknown correspondent the honour, sir, to accept a few plain remarks, in a free and easy way, upon the curious letter to Mr. STRAHAN, in which this evermemorable operation of embalming is performed? Our philosopher's account of his own life will likewise be considered as we go along.

Trust me, good Doctor, I am no bigot, enthusiast, or enemy to human learning-Et ego in Arcadia-I have made many a hearty meal, in private, upon Cicero and Virgil, as well as Mr. Hume*. Few persons (though, perhaps, as Mr. Hume says upon a like occasion, "I ought not to judge on that subject") have a quicker relish for the productions of genius, and the beauties of composition. It is therefore as little in my intention, as it is in my power, to prejudice the literary character of your friend. From some of his writings I have received great pleasure,

Life, p. 5.