date

In the hand of Colls. 1819. Feb y
In the hand of Colls.

1819. Feb y 19. (Copied 1821. Dec r. 9th

Jug Util

§. Revealed Religion—its effects.

1.

Such the effects of Natural Religionwhat of Revealed?

2.

Notwithstanding any and which the direct evidence attached to Revealed gives to the circumstantial on which natural d o. rests, not addition but substraction from happiness (it will be seen) is the effect: substraction, greater than by Natural.

3.

Amendable natural, and by the best hands Revealed, not: being all ready made: and by numerous hands vying in coarseness, harshness, and unskilfulness.

4.

Under Revealed, rule of action worse than none: unconducive to the alledged end: delusive and self contradictory: sanction, adding to the mischievous efficiency of Natural, without adding to its beneficial d o.

5.

Of Revealed Religions, Christian the least incredible: not, except with exceptions the least mischievous—

(—Examined)
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  • Title: [Headings and some notes in text by Bentham]
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    10

    Plan of the Work

    Part III. Revealed at large. Verity considered.

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     Here copy the titles of the Chapters. Note by Bentham in red ink.

    Part III.

    On the usefulness of Supposed Revealed Religion at large—verity considered.

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    Notion that belief is the only safe course, and that therefore a deaf ear should be turned to all disprobative arguments: its absurdity and fallaciousness exposed.

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    The facts assumed are, in all supposed Revealed Religions, destitute of all support from trustworthy evidence: the falsity of the statement is always more probable than the verity of it. No judicial decision would be regarded as warranted by such evidence.

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    Supposed proof from predictions—its disprobativeness.

    §.1. Predictions, supposed preternatural, classed.

    §.2. Relation between supposed supernatural predictions, and other miracles.

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  • Title: [1821 Oct. 14 Jug. Util Plan]
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    Jug. Util

    Plan of Procedure

    Considerandum pestia[?]—How many of the Parts shall be compleated before any of them are published. For scrutiny consistency, compactness &c all the argumentative parts should be first compleated before any are published.

    Subject matter question of the belief of supernatural rational agency the beneficial or mischievous effects predominate? Result of the inquiry, the mischievous.

    1. Direct object in this occasion, maximizing number of converts.

    2. Collateral object, avoiding sufferance at the hands of the political and popular or moral sanction: and suppression of the work at the hands of the political.

    Rules of procedure for guidance of the course of conduct to be pursued for the accomplishment of the above objects or ends in view.

    Rule 1. Minimize irritation. The more you irritate and the more highly you irritate them the fewer you will convert. Thence

    Rule 2. In attacking a part of the enemy leave him, as long as you can, a loop-hole to creep out at: in such sort that, on yielding the part first attacked it shall not appear to him that he yields the whole, or that the strength of the whole will be lessened by the partial abandonment.

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