The Camden Journal

INFIDELITY
BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
The above letter from the pen of Benjamin Franklin, is contained in vol. 3, p. 279 of his works London edition, printed by his grandson, Wm. T. G. Franklin.
It is supposed to have been addressed to Thomas Paine:
"Dear sir.—I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument which it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundations of all Religion. For without the belief of a Providence that takes cognizance of, guards and guides, and may favor particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear its displeasure, or to pray for its protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion that though your reasons are subtle, and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on the subject, and the consequence of printing this piece will be a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and no benefit to others. He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face.
But were you to succeed, do you imagine any good will be done by it? You may easily live a virtuous life without the assistance afforded by religion; you have a clear perception of the advantages of virtue and the disadvantages of vice, and possess a strength of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common temptations. But think how great a portion of mankind consists of ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced youth of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great point of its security. And perhaps you are indebted to her originally, that is to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain a rank with our most distinguished authors. For among us it is not necessary, as among the Hottentots, that a youth to be raised into the company of men should prove his manhood by whipping his mother.
I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn the piss before it is seen by any other person, whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification by the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a great deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it? I intend this letter itself as a proof of good will; and therefore add no professions to it, but subscribe simply,
Yours,
B. FRANKLIN."