mon persuasion, both of Philosophers and People; as it is at this day the persuasion of much the greatest part of mankind, according to the relations of Voyagers. And tho’ it has not equally prevail’d among Christians, as it has, and does, among all other religious parties; yet it is certain, the Fatalists have been, and are very numerous among Christians: and the free-will-Theologers themselves allow,[1] That some Christians are as great Fatalists, as any of the ancient Philosophers were.
The acute and penetrating Mr. Bayle, reports the fact, as very differently understood by those who have thoroughly examin’d and consider’d the various actions of Man, from what is vulgarly suppos’d in this matter. Says he,[2] They who examine not to the bottom what passes within them, easily persuade themselves, that they are free: but, they who have considered with care the foundation and circumstances of their actions, doubt of their freedom, and are even persuaded, that their reason and understandings are Slaves that cannot resist the force which carries them along. He says also, in a familiar Letter, That the best proofs al-
