Horus, or the Astrognostic Final Judgment

XVI

Since my book contains nothing that runs contrary to the state, contrary to good morals, or contrary to the useful tenets of Christianity, I hope that it—and much less myself—will not be condemned; especially since it can powerfully prevent the harmful consequences of the unbelief The author uses "unbelief" (Unglauben) to refer to the growing skepticism and secularism of the late 18th century that has already been entrenched for a long time. I certainly do not say, as Doctor Barth Likely referring to Karl Friedrich Bahrdt (1740–1792), a controversial radical theologian of the German Enlightenment known for his provocative "Confession of Faith" says in his confession of faith:

Great Emperor Joseph! Joseph II (reigned 1765–1790), the Holy Roman Emperor known for his "Josephinism" reforms and his 1781 Edict of Tolerance Many wish with me in secret that a better religion might soon be introduced! Do not let our sorrowful pleading reach your ears in vain!

I do not dare to say that: for then I would have to have never cast a glance at the constitution of the German Empire. How could I, as a single individual, even know whether such great changes would be beneficial to the whole, or whether they would instead be harmful? One must be just as concerned with retaining what is good as with accepting what is better; that is true. But what is better? Kind Providence will yet make everything as good as possible. May it only graciously prevent men from killing one another anymore because of their different religious opinions! Revere God above all, follow the laws of the land in which you live, obey your master, love your neighbor as yourself—so says almost every religion. Whoever does this will be, and is, unfailingly happy. Allow, therefore, only the reading and writing of rational books, so that the teachers of the people can become wise and good: then they will teach the people their duties in every religious system in a wise