(for ten years is the chance), to try hard to please
without success?

239. Objection.--Those who hope for salvation are so far happy; but they
have as a counterpoise the fear of hell.

Reply.--Who has most reason to fear hell: he who is in ignorance whether
there is a hell, and who is certain of damnation if there is; or he who
certainly believes there is a hell and hopes to be saved if there is?

240. "I would soon have renounced pleasure," say they, "had I faith." For my
part I tell you, "You would soon have faith, if you renounced pleasure."
Now, it is for you to begin. If I could, I would give you faith. I cannot do
so, nor therefore test the truth of what you say. But you can well renounce
pleasure and test whether what I say is true.

241. Order.--I would have far more fear of being mistaken, and of finding
that the Christian religion was true, than of not being mistaken in
believing it true.

                     SECTION IV: OF THE MEANS OF BELIEF

242. Preface to the second part.--To speak of those who have treated of this
matter.

I admire the boldness with which these persons undertake to speak of God. In
addressing their argument to infidels, their first chapter is to prove
Divinity from the works of nature. I should not be astonished at their
enterprise, if they were addressing their argument to the faithful; for it
is certain that those who have the living faith in their hearts