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

418 RELIGIOUS ERRORS OF MR. MAHAN.tions of your fancy to rules so generally followed and rationally founded.Conscious that I have done nothing wrong, I now frankly declare, in thisassembly, that I have married a strange w^oman. This I confess with anhonest boldness, and would do the same in the face of the w^orld. I alsoworship the gods whom thou hast forbidden to be Avorshipped, as I do nothold myself bound to submit to your arbitrary sway either in matters oflaw or religion, but must assert the liberty of investigating the truth formyself, and directing my own personal concerns.'2036. " Zimri, in this speech, delivered the general sentiment of thewhole faction, while the multitude silently waited the issue of his presumptuousconduct, for they apprehended much confusion would ensue.''2037. But one of Moses's partisans did not allow this noble asserter ofthe rights of human nature to survive this bold stand long, as willfrom the rest of the narrative, which thus proceedsappear2038. " His contumacy and flagrantly insolent behaviour to Mosesraised the resentment of one Phineas to the highest degree. He was ayouth eminent for the dignity of his family, his singular prowess, and hispersonal virtues. Eleazar the high-priest being his father, he was nearlyallied to the great lawgiver. Sensible that to suffer such indignity to passwith impunity would bring both the religion and the laws of the Ilebrewsinto contempt, he determined to make an example of the ringleader of thefaction, as his exalted rank would cause that example to have a greateiinfluence on the minds of the people. His resolution being equal to hiszeal, he repaired, without delay, to the tent of Zimri, and at one stroktslew both him and Gobi his wife. This resolute act excited an emulationamong those of his contemporaries who still maintained a regard for thehonour of their country, to avenge themselves on those who had done itviolation ; inasmuch that they fell most furiously upon the faction, and putgreat numbers of them to the sword."2039. Where is the true-hearted son of Columbia who would not havebeen among those who fell with Zimri, for the right of choosing his wifeand his religion according to his own judgment ?RemarJcable ohservance of the Golden Rule hi/ Moses, in Ms last adviceto the Israel itcs.'^^2040. ''^Wherefore, to avoid this danger of apostasy from the worshipof the God of your fathers, suffer not any of your enemies to live afteryou have concjuered them ; but esteem it highly conducive to your interestto destroy them all, lest, if you permit them to live, you become infectedby their manners, and thereby corrupt your own institutions. I do furtherexhort you to overthrow their altars, temples, groves, and indeed to exterminatetheir nations wdth fire and sword. By these means alone the permanencyof your happy constitution can be secured to you.'2041. Let these sentiments of Moses bo compared with those of thegreat Cyrus, in which he justly adverts to the immortality of the soul.Moses was always worldly, and, as respects the lives of neighbouring pagans,so called, displayed no better morality than Thuggism on a great scale.* Josephus, book iv. chap. viii. page 55.