Men lose the objects of their fondest hopes, as if through forgetfulness.

They are carried away by an imperceptible current which they have not the courage to stem, but which they follow with regret, since it bears them from a faith they love, to a scepticism that plunges them into despair.
In ages which answer to this description, men desert their religious opinions from lukewarmness rather than from dislike; they do not reject them, but the sentiments by which they were once fostered disappear.

But if the unbeliever does not admit religion to be true, he still considers it useful.

Regarding religious institutions in a human point of view, he acknowledges their influence upon manners and legislation.

He admits that they may serve to make men live in peace with one another, and to prepare them gently for the hour of death.