Do we not see all humans unaware Of what they want, and always searching everywhere, And changing place, as if to drop the load they bear?

Such evil deeds could religion prompt.

Tis pleasant to stand on shore and watch others labouring in a stormy sea.

Too often in time past, religion has brought forth criminal and shameful actions... How many evils has religion caused?

Pleasant it to behold great encounters of warfare arrayed over the plains, with no part of yours in peril.

Violence and injury enclose in their net all that do such things, and generally return upon him who began.

Forbear to spew out reason from your mind, but rather ponder everything with keen judgment; and if it seems true, own yourself vanquished, but, if it is false, gird up your loins to fight.