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

CONCLUSION. 423frioml and relation-— this cofiin placed purposely under the eyes of tlic dyinp;man, doubtless with the purpose of doing what was agreeable to him; allthis plunged us into a strange reverie, and the walk was continued insilence. The astonishing calmness with which the (yhinese sec the approachof death does not fail when the last moment arrives. They expirewith tiic most incomparable tranquillity, without any of the emotions, theagitations, the agonies that usually render the moment of death bo terrific."20G0. It is remarkable that Mr. JIuc cites an ^^ entire wantof rclhjhmafecUiigj as among the causes of this indifference to death."* But it maybe inquired whether that can be a proper kind of religious feeling whichinterferes with equanimity at the prospect of our spiritual birtb. I caneasily believe Mr. Hue to be correct, ifhis entire want of religious feelingmeans the absence of all fear of an eternal broiling, like that of Dives.2061. It is the absence of that sort of religion which this sectarianu'ould teach; that which consigns the great majority of mankind to perpetualmisery on account of their disbeliefin Romanism.20G2. Widely diiferent is the effect of the religion I have espoused. Ithas made a prodigious change in my feelings. I look forward to deathwith hope, rather than fear.(See page 32 (108) of this work for the differenteffect of Romanism on my mind.)Conclusion of Strictures on Mr. Mahan's Religious Errors.2063. It will be observed that under the general head of Mr. Mahan'serrors, I have treated of not only those which he has advocated, but suchas he sanctions by his general endorsement of Scripture. However, Ihere take my leave of Mr. Mahan and his errors.CONCLUSION.2064. In a work by the English bishop Warburtou, is to be found thefollowing allegation :" The doctrine of a future state of rewards and punishments is not tobe found in, nor did it make part of, the Mosaic dispensation."The Pentateuch inconsistently represented as the basis of belief in humanimmortality, as will aj)j)ear by the prefixed quotation, as well as theinability of any of its devotees to point out any ^)a?-^ which conflictswith the right reverend author*s opinion, above mentioned.— Injusticeof representing disbelievers in the Bible as not having as good groundsfor belief in immortality as those who rest their belief on a work which,* See vol. ii. page 42, Hue's Travels.