Now, I presume it will not be denied that the New Testament commands its professors to renounce the world, to be dead to the world, to "crucify the flesh with its passions, and desires." Certainly these directions were literally complied with by the primitive Christians; and, in doing so, they acted consistently.

In those times, the deserts, the mountains, the forests were peopled with perfect Christians; who withdrew from the world, deprived their families of support, and their country of citizens, in order to lead unmolested "the divine life." It was the New Testament morality that spawned those legions of monks and cenobites, who thought to secure the favour of heaven, by burying their talents in the deserts, and devoting themselves to inaction and celibacy.
And at this very day we see these very same things in those Christian countries, which are truly faithful to the principles of their religion.
In fine, Christianity seems from the first, to have taken pains to set itself in point blanc opposition to nature, and reason.

If it admits and includes some virtues ordered and appointed by God, good sense, and universal experience; it drives them beyond their bounds into extravagance.

It preserves no just medium, which is the point of perfection.

Voluptuousness, adultery and debauchery are forbidden by the laws of God and reason.