BOOK III PART II
a human nature. But though these mysteries
be so far alike, it is very remarkable, that they
differ widely in other particulars, and that this
difference may be regarded as a strong proof
of the difference of their origins. As the obli-
gation of promises is an invention for the in-
terest of society, it is warped into as many dif-
ferent forms as that interest requires, and even
runs into direct contradictions, rather than lose
sight of its object. But as those other monstrous
doctines are mere priestly inventions, and have
no public interest in view, they are less dis-
turbed in their progress by new obstacles; and
it must be owned, that, after the first absurdity,
they follow more directly the current of reason
and good sense. Theologians clearly perceived,
that the external form of words, being mere
sound, require an intention to make them have
any efficacy; and that this intention being once