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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 35

Mischief I.—Inflicting Unprofitable Suffering

Mischief I.—Inflicting Unprofitable Suffering.

There is an interminable variety in the particularities which characterize natural religion, amongst different nations of the globe. But its genuine spirit and tone is throughout the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. The same motive pervades all its votaries, whether in Hindostan or Mexico; and though it may impel them with greater strength and sovereignty in one climate or age, than in another, yet there is not the smallest difficulty in tracing its identity everywhere.

You wish to give proof of your attachment to the Deity, in the eyes and for the conviction of your fellow-men? There is but one species of testimony which will satisfy their minds. You must impose upon yourself pain for his sake; and in order to silence all suspicion as to the nature of the motive, the pain must be such as not to present the remotest prospect of any independent reward. I have already attempted to show, that this condition effectually excludes, and renders improper for the purpose, all suffering endured for the benefit of mankind. Mankind will measure your devotion to God by the amount and intensity of the pain which you thus gratuitously inflict upon yourself. Accordingly we see, that wherever the religious principle has been most predominant, and the counteracting hand of reason the most feeble, the mass of torture thus voluntarily imposed has been the most deplorable, revolting, and unprofitable.

Almost all the modes of pain, both physical and mental, seem to have been selected at different places and periods, for the purpose of demonstrating the magnitude and sincerity of the extra-human affections.