14 Jan y 1817 B

Necessity Cat

1 Theory

§.4. Probity how securable

11

 Quere whether to insert or another this[?] page?

Q. 12. {Is it so clear that} in the case of Monarchs the interest created by the religious sanction is in a peculiar degree inefficient to the purpose of producing a disposition to encrease /raise/ to its maximum the happiness of the community /greatest number/ of those over whom they rule? supposing the effect to have place to what causes is /shall we attribute/ it to be attributed. does it seem to be attributable.

A. As to the cause /causes/ With your leave we will waive[?] for the present the consideration of the causes: it belongs not necessarily to our purpose, and would lead us too wide of it. As to the effect, it is matter of such notoriety, that a […?] /the slightest/ indication will supersede all need of proof.

Among the European Monarchs that have figured most in our times[?] some have had no belief in religion: witness as proved by their published writings Frederic called the great of Prussia and the Ex-Emperor Bonaparte: to whom it is better[?] not to speak of others may be added it is believed as being pretty notorious though not provable by the same sort of evidence Gustavus the third of Sweden father and immediate predecessor to the present Ex-King.

Others, having belief in religion, have by this very belief been engaged in a course of conduct not only not conducive but flagrantly adverse to the end here in question /the abovementioned most comprehensive and important of all ends/. Witness not to speak of the French, the Spanish and Italian Bourbons: witness the indubitably believing son of the supposed infidel King of Sweden, witness the crazy father of the existing Imperial Chief of the Holy Christian League.