In so active a nature as the French, this enthusiasm and this hatred could not remain in mere speculation as in the mind of a native of the north.

Scarcely was he himself persuaded, than he wished in his turn to persuade others; his whole life became a multiplied action, tending to one end, the abolition of theocracy, and the establishment of religious toleration and liberty.

He toiled at this with all the powers with which God had gifted him; he even employed falsehood (_ruse_), aspersion, cynicism, and immorality: he used even those arms that respect for God and man denies to the wise; he employed his virtue, his honour, his renown, to aid in this overthrow; and his apostleship of reason had too often the appearance of a profanation of piety; he ravaged the temple instead of protecting it.
From the day when he resolved upon this war against Christianity he sought for allies also opposed to it.

His intimacy with the king of Prussia, Frederic II., had this sole inducement.

He desired the support of thrones against the priesthood.