Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions. Ideas must be distinct before reason can act upon them; and no man ever had a distinct idea of the trinity. It is the mere Abracadabra of the mountebanks calling themselves the priests of Jesus.

Summary

This quote suggests that mockery and ridicule are effective tools to challenge incomprehensible beliefs or propositions. The quote argues that in order for rationality to engage with ideas, they must first be clearly understandable. The Trinity concept is specifically targeted as an example of an unintelligible proposition. The term "mountebanks" is used to derisively refer to certain individuals who claim to be priests of Jesus but are viewed as deceivers or fraudsters. Overall, the quote implies that the use of ridicule can help expose and undermine complex or unreasoned beliefs.

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