“The general inclinations which are naturally implanted in my soul to some religion, it is impossible for me to shift off; but there being such a multiplicity of religions in the world, I desire now seriously to consider with myself which of them all to restrain these my general inclinations to.  And the reason of this my inquiry is not, that I am in the least dissatisfied with that religion I have already embraced; but because ’tis natural for all men to have an overbearing opinion and esteem for that particular religion they are born and bred-up in.  That, therefore, I may not seem biased by the prejudice of education, I am resolved to prove and examine them all; that I may see and hold fast to that which is best....  Indeed, there was never any religion so barbarous and diabolical, but it was preferred above all other religions whatsoever by them that did profess it; otherwise they would not have professed it....  And why, say they, may you not be mistaken as well as we?  Especially when there are, at least, six to one against your Christian religion; all of which think they serve God aright; and expect happiness thereby as well as you....  And hence it is that in my looking out for the truest religion, being conscious to myself how great an ascendancy Christianity holds over me beyond the rest, as being that religion whereunto I was born and baptized; that the supreme authority has enjoined and my parents educated me in; that which everyone I meet withal highly approves of, and which I myself have, by a long-continued profession, made almost natural to me; I am resolved to be more jealous and suspicious of this religion than of the rest, and be sure not to entertain it any longer without being convinced by solid and substantial arguments of the truth and certainty of it.  That, therefore, I may make diligent and impartial inquiry into all religions and so be sure to find out the best, I shall for a time look upon myself as one not at all interested in any particular religion whatsoever, much less in the Christian religion; but only as one who desires, in general, to serve and obey Him that made me in a right manner, and thereby to be made partaker of that happiness my nature is capable of."[15]

Second, in studying the false systems it is important to distinguish between religion and ethics.  In the sphere of ethics the different faiths of men may find much common ground, while in their religious elements they may be entirely true or utterly false.  The teachings of Confucius, though agnostic, presented a moral code which places the relations of the family and state on a very firm basis.  And the very highest precepts of Buddhism belong to the period in which it was virtually atheistic.  Many great and noble truths have been revealed to mankind through the conscience and the understanding, and these truths have found expression in the proverbs or ethical maxims of all races.  To this extent God has nowhere left himself without witness.  But all this is