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CHAPTER IX.
THAT THE AMERICANS APPLY THE PRINCIPLE OF INTEREST RIGHTLY
UNDERSTOOD TO RELIGIOUS MATTERS.
If the principle of interest rightly understood had nothing but
the present world in view, it would be very insufficient; for there
are many sacrifices which can only find their recompense in another;
and whatever ingenuity may be put forth to demonstrate the utility
of virtue, it will never be an easy task to make that man live aright
who has no thoughts of dying.
It is therefore necessary to ascertain whether the principle of interest rightly understood is easily compatible with religious belief. The philosophers who inculcate this system of morals tell men, that to be happy in this life they must watch their own passions and steadily control their excess; that lasting happiness can only be secured by renouncing a thousand transient gratifications; and that a man must perpetually triumph over himself, in order to secure his own advantage. The founders of almost all religions have held the same language. The track they point out to man is the same, only that the goal is more remote; instead of placing in this world the reward of the sacrifices they impose, they transport it to another.
Nevertheless I cannot believe that all those who practise virtue from religious motives are only actuated by the hope of a recompense. I have known zealous Christians who constantly forgot themselves, to work with greater ardour for the happiness of their fellow-men; and I have heard them declare that all they did was only to earn the blessings of a future state. I cannot but think that they deceive themselves: I respect them too much to believe them.
Christianity indeed teaches that a man must prefer his neighbour to himself, in order to gain eternal life; but Christianity also teaches that men ought to benefit their fellow-creatures for the love
