"This book considers what honesty or virtue is, considered by itself, and in what manner it is influenced by religion; how far religion necessarily implies virtue, and whether it be a true saying, that it is impossible for an atheist to be virtuous, or share any real degree of honesty or merit. If we would pretend to give the least new light, or explain any thing effectually, within the intended compass of this inquiry; 'tis necessary to take things pretty deep; and endeavour, by some sort of scheme, to represent the original of each opinion, whether natural or unnatural, relation to the deity"--Book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)