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Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

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18 INTRODUCTION.3. To convey a correct idea <strong>of</strong> our duty toward that Deity and ourfellow creatures.4. To impart that knowledge <strong>of</strong> a state <strong>of</strong> existence beyond <strong>the</strong> gravewhich will be happier as we are more virtuous in tJiis li/c, and moremiserable as we are more vicious; this knowledge affording <strong>the</strong> best consolationamid temporal sufferings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> righteous, and <strong>the</strong> strongest restraintupon <strong>the</strong> vicious indulgence <strong>of</strong> passion in <strong>the</strong> unrighteous.5. Finally, by <strong>the</strong>se means, to promote morality and <strong>the</strong> happiness <strong>of</strong>man in this world, and prepare him for a blissful position in <strong>the</strong> world tocome.6. It must result, from <strong>the</strong>se premises, that whichever is most competentfor <strong>the</strong> attainment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se all-important ends, will be <strong>the</strong> bestreligion.7. The above-mentioned postulates being generally admitted, various recordedtraditions, pretended to have been derived from one or more deities,have been advanced as best calculated to meet <strong>the</strong> requisitions in question.Each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> religious doctrines thus advanced is tenaciously defended byits appropriate priesthood. If <strong>the</strong> opinions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se advocates<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir respective revelations be taken as respects any creed excepting<strong>the</strong>ir own, it will be denounced as originating in error or fraud.The opinion being taken successively upon an^ one, by all but those towhom it appertains, each would be condemned.8. It was under <strong>the</strong>se impressions that <strong>the</strong> following verses werewritten, more than forty years ago. They have recently been publishedin a pamphlet on <strong>the</strong> better employment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week.They serve to show that my skepticism arose from my love <strong>of</strong> truth,instead <strong>of</strong> that aversion from it, ascribed to skeptics by many well-meaningbigots.9. Oh, Truth ! if man thy way could find,Not doomed to stray with error blind,IIow much more kind his fate !But wayward still, he seeks his bane,». Nor can <strong>of</strong> foul delusion gainA knowledge till too late.By sad experience slowly shown.Thy way at times though plainly known,Too late repays his care ;While in thy garb dark Error leads,With best intent, to evil deedsThe bigot to ensnare.Is <strong>the</strong>re a <strong>the</strong>me more highly fraughtWith matter for our serious thoughtThan this reflection sad,That millions err in different ways.Yet all <strong>the</strong>ir own impressions praise,Deeming all o<strong>the</strong>rs bad?

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