VOLTAIRE TO THE SAME.

Ferney, December 6, 1762.

But I believe there will never be another impression of the little book of Meslier.  Think of the weight of the testimony of one dying, of a priest, of a good man.

VOLTAIRE TO THE SAME.

Ferney, July 6, 1764.

Three hundred Mesliers distributed in a province have caused many conversions.  Ah, if I was assisted!

VOLTAIRE TO THE SAME.

Ferney, September 29, 1764.

There are too few Mesliers and too many swindlers.

VOLTAIRE TO THE SAME.

Aux DELICES, October 8, 1764.

Names injure the cause; they awaken prejudice.  Only the name of Jean Meslier can do good, because the repentance of a good priest in the hour of death must make a great impression.  This Meslier should be in the hands of all the world.

VOLTAIRE TO MADAM DE FLORIAN.

Aux DELICES, May 20, 1762.

My dear niece, it is very sad to be so far from you.  Read and read again Jean Meslier; he is a good curate.

VOLTAIRE TO THE MARQUIS D’ARGENCE.

March 2, 1763.

I have found a Testament of Jean Meslier, which I send you.  The simplicity of this man, the purity of his manners, the pardon which he asks of God, and the authenticity of his book, must produce a great effect.  I will send you as many copies as you want of the Testament of this good curate.

VOLTAIRE TO HELVETIUS.

Aux deuces, May 1, 1763.

They have sent me the two abstracts of Jean Meslier.  It is true that it is written in the style of a carriage-horse, but it is well suited to the street.  And what testimony! that of a priest who asks pardon in dying, for having taught absurd and horrible things!  What an answer to the platitudes of fanatics who have the audacity to assert that philosophy is but the fruit of libertinage!