The general inclinations which are naturally implanted in my soul
to some religion, it is impossible for me to shift off: but there being
such a multiplicity of religions in the world, I desire now seriously
to consider with my self which of them all to restrain these my general
inclinations to. And the reason of this my enquiry is not that I am in
the least dissatisfied with that religion I have already embraced; but
because 'tis natural for all men to have an overbearing opinion and
esteem for that particular religion they are born and bred-up in. That,
therefore, I may not seem biassed by the prejudice of education, I am
resolved to prove and examine them all; that I may see and hold fast to
that which is best.…
Indeed there was never any religion so barbarous and diabolical,
but it was preferred before all other religions whatsoever, by them
that did profess it; otherwise they would not have professed it.…
And why, say they, may not you be mistaken as well as we?
Especially when there is, at least, six to one against your Christian
religion; all of which think they serve God aright; and expect
happiness thereby as well as you. And hence it is that in my looking out
for the truest religion, being conscious to my self how great an
ascendant Christianity holds over me beyond the rest, as being that
religion whereinto I was born and baptized, that which the supreme
authority has enjoined and my parents educated me in; that which every
one I meet withal highly approves of, and which I my self have, by a
long continued profession, made almost natural to me: I am resolved to
be more jealous and suspicious of this religion, than of the rest, and
be sure not to entertain it any longer without being convinced by solid
and substantial arguments, of the truth and certainty of it. That,
therefore, I may make diligent and impartial enquiry into all religions
and so be sure to find out the best, I shall for a time, look upon my
self as one not at all interested in any particular religion
whatsoever, much less in the Christian religion; but only as one who
desires, in general, to serve and obey Him that made me, in a right
manner, and thereby to be made partaker of that happiness my nature is
capable of.
