,transcrib]'s note3 ?is book uses sev]al non-/&>d spell+s1 e4g4 ?o 7?\gh71 ?oro1 ?oroly 7?or\gh1 ?or\ghly71 ?ru 7?r\gh71 etc4 ,,f ,,bondage ,,to ,,lib]ty ,,9 ,,religion ,a ,,spiritual ,,autobiography ,,by ,,george ,t4 ,,a%ley ,,! ,,beacon ,,press ,,bo/on ,copyright1 #aiai ,,by ,,! ,,beacon ,,press1 ,,inc4 ,all rights res]v$ ,,=eword ,! sub/ance ( :at is writt5 9 ?is book has be5 giv5 on sev]al occasions dur+ ! pa/ five ye>s 9 ! =m ( s]mons or lectures4 ,on ea* occasion !y met ) su* he>ty comm5dation1 & s _m reque/s t !y be writt5 & publi%$ 9 book =m t !y might h a wid] circulation1 t ,i h be5 induc$ to und]take x4 ,?is volume is ! result4 ,x is 9 no s5se a treatise on controv]t$ !ological que/ions2 al?o "s ( ^! are incid5tally treat$1 b only z !y ent]$ z factors into my own religi\s life & exp]i5ce4 ,?is book is simply ! /ory ( my own religi\s life f my e>ly *ildhood to ! pres5t "t1 9 its v>i\s transitions f ! n>r[e/ or?odoxy to a broad1 lib]al1 rational religi\s fai?4 ,x necess>ily deals to "s ext5t ) c]ta9 !ological problems t f "t to "t confront$ me1 ! way 9 :i* ,i solv$ !m1 ! conclusions ,i f9ally rea*$1 & :y ,i rea*$ !m4 ,b ^! h be5 treat$ 9 m]e outl9e only4 ,! temptation has be5 v great to treat1 "s ( ^! at lea/1 m elaborately2 b ,i h be5 compell$ to cont5t myself (t5 ) ! b>e /atem5t ( my views1 ) few or no detail$ argum5ts to support !m4 ,b z my object has be51 n s mu* to try to solve ^! problems = o!rs1 z to po9t ! way !reto1 & /imulate ! read] to fur!r inquiry & deep] inve/igation ( ! subjects treat$1 if ,i h succe$$ 9 ?is1 my ma9 object has be5 accompli%$4 ,no "o is m s5sible ( ! _m defects 9 ?is "w ?an ,i am4 ,x makes no pret5sion to any lit]>y m]it1 nor to any s*ol>ly erudition4 ,i am n a pr(essional writ]4 ,i h simply tri$ to tell my /ory 9 a simple way & make x readable if possible4 ,my sole purpose 9 writ+ ^! pages has be5 to try to help o!rs :o may /ill be 9 ! fett]s ( ecclesia/ical bondage1 or w&]+ 9 ! quagmires ( agno/icism--& ,i "k !re are _m su*--to f9d ! way to light & lib]ty 9 a rational religi\s fai?4 ,if ,i c accompli% ?is1 ev5 9 a small degree1 ,i %all feel abundantly repaid = ! "t & labor sp5t 9 review+ ! /ory ( my own religi\s evolution4 ,,introduction ,:5 ! travell]1 b5t on "s important que/1 makes a prolong$ & p]il\s j\rney & returns 9 safety to 8 fri5ds & neighbors1 in/9ctively ^? :o h kn[n him 9 =m] ye>s realize t he is1 & he is n1 ! same p]son :o _h dwelt among !m4 ,he has se5 unfamili> peoples1 trav]s$ /range l&s1 enc\nt]$ unexpect$ dang]s4 ,old prepossessions h be5 effac$1 errone\s op9ions h be5 correct$1 new habits ( ?\ght h tak5 ! place ( old ones & ! n>r[ _w ( y\? has exp&$ on e side4 ,naturally1 :at has happ5$ to him becomes a matt] ( curiosity & enquiry1 & ! h]o ( a great a*ievem5t is expect$ to relate ! /ory ( 8 adv5tures4 ,! man :o1 9 ^! revolution>y days1 takes religion s]i\sly--!re are _m :o d n--mu/ make a j\rney :i* is fraught ) z _m surprises & fill$ ) z _m anxieties--especially if x be a pilgrimage f or?odoxy to p]sonal indep5d5ce--z t :i* ! explor] enc\nt]s 9 a voyage to ! ,nor? ,pole or ! jungles ( ,africa4 ,at e turn+ ( ! way he mu/ be prep>$ = disillusions & ! discov]y ( facts & errors :i* call = unlimit$ c\rage & b\ndless fai?4 ,religion is n simply a matt] ( ! emotions1 its v p]petuity dep5ds ^u t sane & p]si/5t activity ( ! intellect )\t :i* ! emotions are tyrann\s & fateful4 ,emotion 9 religion is ! driv+ =ce by :i* religion may be appli$ to human welf>e1 b if emotion be n gov]n$ & direct$ by ! well-tra9$ intellect1 in=m$ by pati5t ?\ght & ! use ( all ! evid5ce available f ^? :o are entitl$ to be summon$ z witnesses1 ! result inevitably is m]ely a matt] ( sup]/ition1 or a sp9eless acquiesc5ce 9 old & futile beliefs4 ,to cont9ue all ! :ile to believe 9 religion :ile "o is pursu+ a c\rse ( reason+ :i* is b\nd to %att] _m ( ! int]pretations ( x :i* "o has previ\sly accept$1 requires ! k9d ( intellectual endurance & ! quality ( fai? :i* *>act]ize ! inv5tor1 or ! sci5tific explor]4 ,:5 ! au?or ( ?is volume1 z an unque/ion+ disciple ( 8 ance/ral fell[%ip1 e>ne/ly s\ght to pl$ge all t he 0 & all t he hop$ to become to ! salvation ( ^? :o he believ$ /ood 9 p]il ( ev]la/+ torm5t1 x 0 ! unadult]at$ _s ( religion :i* prompt$ him4 ,b he 0 at t "t unaw>e ( t fact4 ,religion 0 ) him :5 x mov$ him to give himself = o!rs1 b to him religion 0 itself some?+ entirely diff]5t4 ,he 0 urg$ & comm&$ by a =ce1 old z mank9d1 & x took him1 z ! read] ( ^! pages w see1 _m ye>s ( he>t-break+ endeavor1 to le>n t :at mo/ he desir$ 0 :at mo/ he possess$4 ,8 que/ 0 a long & we>y "o1 & ! reality ( x & ! importance ( x to him are prov5 by ! ?or\ghness & ! eloqu5ce ) :i* 8 spiritual exp]i5ce is recall$ & set d[n 9 ^! pages4 ,only "o :o _h begun 9 e>ne/1 proce$$ 9 anxiety & cont9u$ to ! end1 z if he absolutely believ$ 9 ! integrity ( ! human reason & ! intimate fri5dl9ess ( a supreme ,guidance1 c\ld h em]g$ at la/ triumphantly & ) ! ability to tell ! tale4 ,to him :o ?9ks ( religion only z a matt] ( c\rse1 or z an affair ( ! *ur*1 or z a m$ium ( social advantage2 or to him :o id5tifies religion ) ! rav+s ( half-witt$ fanatics & reg>ds x ) patroniz+ contempt1 ?is book w make no appeal4 ,b to ! man or woman :o has le>n$ t religion is "o ?+ & !ology ano!r1 & at :atev] co/1 is will+ to %>e ) ! au?or 9 8 /ruggle to "k ! tru? ab\t x & be at peace1 ^! pages w comm& undivid$ att5tion2 = !y relate n only ! /ory ( m5tal p]plexity end+ 9 a great p]sonal solution1 b !y likewise h ! *>m ( a real romance ( ! s\l4 ,,lewis ,g4 ,,wilson4 ,,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i ,,my ,,*ildhood1 ,,y\? ,,& ,,education ,,ii ,,seek+ ,,lib]ty ,,iii ,,new ,,visions ,,& ,,di/urbances ,,iv ,,ne>] ,,! ,,crisis ,v ,,! ,,crisis ,,vi ,,! ,,reaction3 ,a ,,new ,,confession ,,( ,,fai? ,,vii ,a ,,new ,,int]pretation ,,( ,,religion ,,viii ,,jesus ,,( ,,naz>e? ,,f ,,bondage ,,to ,,lib]ty ,,9 ,,religion ,a ,,religi\s ,,autobiography ,,*apt] ,i ,,my ,,*ildhood1 ,,y\? ,,& ,,education ,practically all p inh]it _! fir/ religi\s op9ions f _! p>5ts1 _! e>ly environm5t or bo?1 z ,i did m9e4 ,! tr\ble ) mo/ ( u is t we nev] get beyond t /age4 ,we take x = grant$ t ^! op9ions1 :e!r ab\t religion1 politics or any?+ else1 are correct1 because we h be5 told s1 & nev] g out ( our way or tr\ble ourselves = a mom5t to inve/igate _! tru? or error4 ,& ?us we g on f g5]ation to g5]ation1 travel+ 9 ! same old ruts1 ?9k+ ! same old ?\ghts1 9 ! same old way1 ea* ( u assum+ t our p>ticul> ance/ors c\ld n possibly h be5 wrong ab\t any?+2 & al?\gh ,*ri/ianity is divid$ into sev]al hundr$ diff]5t d5om9ations & cre$s1 ea* believes 8 cre$ to be absolutely correct & all ! o!rs p>tly or :olly wrong4 ,l ,saul ( ,t>sus1 ,i belong$ to ! ,ph>isees ( ! /ricte/ sect4 ,i 0 taught f infancy t ! *ur* ( my p>5ts 0 ! "o & only true1 scriptural & or?odox *ur* on e>?1 ) an unbrok5 organic succession f ,jesus ,*ri/ himself d[n to ! pres5t "t2 t x 0 ! only true expon5t ( apo/olic fai? & practice2 ! only true & lawful cu/odian ( ! ^w ( ,god1 & ! only au?ority = ! adm9i/ration ( ! ord9ances ( ! gospel2 t all o!r organizations claim+ to be *ur*es 7 n *ur*es 9 fact1 b m]ely religi\s societies2 & t :ile "s ( ^! societies might d "s little good 9 ! _w1 & "s ( _! memb]s might ultimately be sav$1 !y c\ld nev] rea* ^? sublime heights ( glory res]v$ exclusively = ! truly baptiz$ memb]s ( ! true & only *ur*4 ,j :5 & h[ ^! ideas fir/ took concrete =m 9 my m9d x is impossible = me n[ to rememb]4 ,z above intimat$1 9 ! pla/ic condition ( my y\?ful m9d1 ,i naturally absorb$ !m f ! v atmosph]e 9 :i* ,i liv$1 f ! common talk ,i he>d ar\nd me1 z well z f ! direct in/ruction giv5 me4 ,z f> back z ,i c rememb]1 ,i und]/ood ! ,bible to be ! ^w ( ,god1 e ^w ( x1 f ! fir/ ^w 9 ,g5esis to ! la/ ,am5 ( ,revelation2 t x 0 all div9ely inspir$1 v]batim et lit]atim1 j z x appe>$ 9 ! old ,k+ ,james v]sion2 t x 0 ,god's revelation to mank9d1 beside & outside ( :i* !re nev] 01 & nev] w\ld be any o!r2 t e ^w ( x 0 lit]ally1 & infallibly true1 j z x read4 ,su* a ?+ z figurative1 or allegorical int]pretations ,i nev] he>d ( until ,i 0 a gr[n man1 z we %all see lat]4 ,?is1 ( c\rse1 meant a lit]al six-day ,creation1 an an?ropomorphic ,god1 a lit]al physical heav51 & likewise a lit]al1 physical hell1 a p]sonal devil1 ! absolute1 lit]al1 tru? ( ! /ory ( ,ed51 ! orig9al p]fection & fall ( man1 total depravity ( ! race1 vic>i\s atonem5t & ! et]nal damnation ( all mank9d1 individually & collectively1 :o did n accept ! prescrib$ cre$ ( ! *ur* ( my p>5ts1 z ! only means ( escape4 ,my fir/ conception ( ,god 0 t ( a great big good man sitt+ high up 9 heav5 on a great :ite ?rone1 :5ce ,he w\ld judge ! _w2 t heav5 0 a great city some:]e up 9 ! skies1 ) /reets ( gold & walls ( jasp]2 t hell 0 a lit]al burn+ lake ( fire & brim/one some:]e d[n "u ! _w1 & t x 0 presid$ ov] by ! devil & 0 made to burn p 9 :o 7 n good1 or :o _h n believ$ 9 ,*ri/ z a p]sonal ,savior4 ,z a little *ild ,i 0 taught t if ,i 0 n a good boy1 :5 ,i di$1 ! devil1 usually spok5 ( z ! bad man1 w\ld get me & burn me 9 ?is hell =ev] & ev]2 & t ,i nev] c\ld burn up or die1 & if ,i call$ = wat] he w\ld p\r melt$ lead d[n my ?roat4 ,_m a "t ,i w\ld ?9k ov] ?is horrible torture t ,i might inadv]t5tly fall into by do+ "s bad ?+ :5 at he>t ,i really meant to be good1 & s9c]ely wi% ,i _h nev] be5 born4 ,9 my night visions ,i c\ld see ! devil ) 8 tea-kettle ( melt$ lead1 p\r+ x d[n ! ?roats ( ! helpless little ones1 wri?+ 9 ! tortures ( ! nev] end+ fire6 ,on ! day t ,i 0 twelve ye>s old a little incid5t occurr$ t s indelibly /amp$ itself on my m9d1 & s *ang$ ! c\rse ( my ?\ghts !reaft]1 t x is necess>y to m5tion x4 ,i 0 pr\d ,i _h rea*$ t /age ( life4 ,i 0 boa/+ ( x to a hir$ man1 ) :om ,i 0 do+ an err&1 in=m+ him t ,i 0 n[ m ?an half a man1 & t 9 n9e m ye>s ,i w\ld be a man1 :5 ,i c\ld d z ,i pleas$4 ,he in=m$ me t1 aft] all1 x 0 n a ?+ to be s pr\d (2 t ,i _h t day rea*$ ! age ( acc\ntability2 t on t day ,i became p]sonally responsible to ,god = my s9s2 t if ,i _h di$ be=e t day ,i w\ld h be5 sav$ f hell by ,god's free grace1 because ( my infancy2 b t f t day on1 ,i mu/ acc\nt to ,god = myself2 & t x w\ld be necess>y = me to rep5t1 & pray daily = ! =giv5ess ( my s9s1 le/ ,i die & fall into ! bottomless pit = all et]nity4 ,?is 0 news to me4 ,i _h nev] he>d ( be=e4 ,x produc$ a pr(\nd s5sation 9 my ?\ght2 & to say x s]i\sly tr\bl$ me is to put x mildly4 ,z soon z my err& 0 done ,i w5t to my "m ) x4 ,%e confirm$ x4 ,!n ,i s9c]ely wi%$ ,i _h di$ be=e ,i rea*$ t fateful day4 ,ano!r s]i\s tr\ble confront$ me4 ,:5 told ,i mu/ rep5t ( my s9s & pray = =giv5ess1 ,i c\ld n compreh5d j :at x meant to rep5t4 ,i 0 told t x 0 to be sorry = my s9s4 ,to be frank1 ,i 0 n consci\s ( any s94 ,i _h tri$ to be a good boy2 ,i 0 ob$i5t to my p>5ts1 & did no evil to any "o t ,i 0 aw>e (4 ,true1 ,i made *ildi% mi/akes e day1 z all *ildr5 d4 ,b ,i c\ld n recognize t ,i _h be5 p]sonally s9ful aga9/ ,god4 ,i knew ,i _h n meant to be4 ,!n !y told me t ,i 0 born a s9n]6 ,t :5 ,adam ate ! =bidd5 fruit x made e p]son t 0 ev] born into ! _w !reaft]1 a s9n] by nature2 & ,i w\ld h to rep5t ( ?is s91 z well z all t ,i ev] committ$1 if ,i ev] expect$ to escape ! lake ( fire & brim/one :]e ! worm die? n & ! fire is n qu5*$4 ,my :ole nature1 ev5 z a *ild1 revolt$ aga9/ ! inju/ice ( ?us mak+ me responsible =1 & puni%+ me = some?+ "s "o else did ?\s&s ( ye>s ago2 b ,i _h no rem$y & _h to take x & prep>e to rep5t ( ,adam's s94 ,:at a mon/r\s doctr9e to tea* a *ild6 ,c any mortal 9 ?is age ( ! _w believe su* nons5se1 or p]petrate su* a c>icature ( ,god8 ,i wond]$ h[ ! ,good ,man up 9 ! skies on 8 great :ite ?rone 9 8 beautiful city ( gold1 c\ld be j & plunge a little *ild into hell & burn x = ev] & ev] because ,adam ate fruit f ! wrong tree6 ,b ,i believ$ x !n1 because ,i 0 told s1 & knew no bett]4 ,i don't believe x n[1 & h[ any human be+ ) ! in/9cts ( ju/ice p]ta9+ to ! common brute creation c believe su* a ?+ is a my/]y to me4 ,z "t w5t on ,i le>n$ m ab\t rep5tance1 fai?1 conv]sion1 baptism & ! curr5t !ology ( my "t & environm5t4 ,b ,i 0 ev] anxi\s to escape f t dread$ hell t ev] yawn$ be=e me 9 daytime & di/urb$ my dreams at night4 ,! ?\ght ( x 0 a v]itable nightm>e to me4 ,x de/roy$ ! happ9ess ( my e>ly life4 ,z a *ild ,i c\ld n reconcile x ) any conception ( ,god's goodness or ju/ice4 ,i 0 (t51 9 ! sil5ce ( my he>t1 tempt$ to rebel aga9/ ,god & defy him4 ,b ,i 0 afraid4 ,my ?\ght 0 to make ! be/ ,i c\ld ( a bad situation1 & at ! e>lie/ possible mom5t make good my escape4 ,p]haps ?is is z good a place z any to /ate ! fact t my p>5ts 7 memb]s ( ! ,bapti/ ,*ur*1 & t 9 ?is fai? ,i 0 br\ght up4 ,h[ev]1 ,i am glad to be able to /ate t !y 7 mu* broad] & m lib]al 9 _! views ?an _m ( _! bre?r54 ,i d n wi% to be unju/ to ?is great organization2 b x is necess>y "h to make "s /atem5ts conc]n+ its doctr9e & practice1 9 ord] t my future relations to x may be ! bett] und]/ood--/atem5ts1 ! tru? ( :i*1 all intellig5t ,bapti/s w te/ify to4 ,fir/1 ! ,bapti/ ,*ur* is j z exclusive 9 its claim to be+ ! only true1 scriptural1 or?odox1 apo/olic ,*ur* z are ! ,ca?olics1 ,episcopalians1 or any o!r ,*ri/ian body4 ,b ?is applies only to _! ecclesia/ical organization1 & n to ! "* ( its memb]%ip4 ,second1 x does n hold t baptism is ess5tial to salvation1 b t x is to *ur* memb]%ip4 ,!y d n baptize p to make !m ,*ri/ians2 b because !y recognize !m z already be+ ,*ri/ians1 ?ru rep5tance1 fai? 9 ,*ri/1 & ! reg5]ation ( ! ,holy ,_s4 ,?us1 !y recognize ! true ,*ri/ian "* ( any & all o!rs :o furni% evid5ce ( ^! fundam5tal *>act]i/ics ( a ,*ri/ian life1 ?o !y d n recognize !m z *ur* memb]s1 no matt] to :at o!r ecclesia/ical organization !y may belong4 ,^! /atem5ts are necess>y to und]/& :at foll[s4 ,n[ 9 ! c\ntry :]e ,i 0 br\ght up1 9 ! "t ( my boyhood1 !re 7 b two *ur*es1--,bapti/s & ,me?odi/s4 ,9 fact ,i 0 ne>ly gr[n be=e ,i knew !re 7 any o!rs at all4 ,^! *ur*es 7 g5]ally fri5dly--9 a way4 ,:ile !re 0 occasional criticism ( ea* by ! o!r1 & "s controv]sy ov] doctr9al diff]5ces1 !re 0 no op5 w>f>e2 & (t5 memb]s ( ea* w\ld att5d & wor%ip ) ! o!r4 ,z above said1 ,i 0 anxi\s to make t]ms ) ,god by rep5t+1 be+ baptiz$1 or any?+ else t w\ld relieve me ( t con/ant dread ( et]nal damnation t ov]%ad[$ my life4 ,p]haps ! read] has already surmis$ t ,i 0 br\ght up 9 ! c\ntry di/ricts4 ,our *ur*es usually held s]vices b once a mon?4 ,b 9 ! summ]1 :5 ! crops 7 laid-by1 we usually _h our protract$ meet+s1 usually la/+ a week--f ,sunday to ,sunday--hav+ two s]vices a day at ! *ur*1 ) d9n] on ! gr\nd = all :o came4 ,?is 0 ! annual revival season1 :5 s9n]s 7 snat*$ f ! et]nal burn+1 back-slid]s reclaim$ & ! cold & indiff]5t w>m$ up & ar\s$4 ,well1 ! summ] aft] ,i 0 twelve ye>s old & _h rea*$ t fateful p]iod ( p]sonal acc\ntability1 at our protract$ meet+1 ,i want$ to g to ! m\rn]'s b5*1 rep5t1 jo9 ! *ur* & be baptiz$1 & ?us make good my escape & my call+ & election sure4 ,at ?is "t ,i _h no cle> conception ( ! mean+ ( conv]sion4 ,someh[ ,i id5tifi$ x ) jo9+ ! *ur* & be+ baptiz$4 ,contr>y to ! tea*+s ( my *ur*--:i* at t "t ,i did n und]/&1--to me1 baptism 0 ! ma9 ?+4 ,i want$ to be baptiz$4 ,b !y told me ,i 0 too "y1--& too small to g d[n into ! deep wat]4 ,?is 0 a great disappo9tm5t4 ,b ,i saw a ray ( hope4 ,! next week ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* ne> our home _h its protract$ meet+ & we att5d$4 ,!re ,i saw *ildr51 y\ng] & small] ?an myself g to ! m\rn]'s b5*1 jo9 ! *ur* & be baptiz$1--by spr9kl+4 ,!y ev5 spr9kl$ babies4 ,:ile ,i cle>ly und]/ood t ?is 0 n true baptism1 ,i also knew t _m ( ! ,me?odi/s 7 consid]$ truly good p1 good ,*ri/ians1 & sure ( heav5 at dea?1 not)/&+ _! lack ( true baptism4 ,i !re=e conceiv$ ! idea t aft] all1 ?is spr9kl+ might possess "s m]it1 at lea/ provisionally2 & ,i !re=e insi/$ on be+ p]mitt$ to jo9 ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* & be spr9kl$ = ! "t be+1 z a sort ( em]g5cy measure1 until ,i %\ld gr[ up to t age--& size--:]e ,i might jo9 ! ,bapti/ ,*ur* & be baptiz$ "r4 ,b ?is pleasure 0 d5i$ me4 ,dur+ ! next two ye>s ,i le>n$ mu*2 = ,i 0 a close /ud5t1 al?o only a *ild4 ,my m9d also und]w5t a consid]able *ange4 ,t con/ant & torm5t+ fe> & dread ( hell gradually weak5$4 ,9 fact ,i 0 consci\sly gr[+ m & m indiff]5t t[>d x4 ,yet ,i 0 n altoge!r un9t]e/$4 ,i _h le>n$ mu* m ab\t ! mean+ ( conv]sion z ,i saw x manife/$ 9 _m1 & sometimes viol5t1 =ms ( demon/ration4 ,z ,i saw ^! ,i fanci$ t ?is 0 ! k9d ( conv]sion ,i w\ld l to h4 ,i want$ to get happy & %\t z "s ( ! o!rs did4 ,! "t came = ! annual protract$ meet+ at ! *ur* ( my p>5ts4 ,at ?is meet+ ,i f\nd myself ! object ( consid]able solicitude4 ,i 0 n[ old en\gh to be conv]t$1 jo9 ! *ur* & be baptiz$4 ,!y 7 all anxi\s t ,i be sav$4 ,( c\rse ,i _h to rep5t ( my s9s1--& also ( ,adam's4 ,i 0 n s self-consci\s ( innoc5ce n[ z ,i 0 a few ye>s be=e4 ,i really felt t ,i _h some?+ to rep5t (4 ,! prea*]1 & a good hone/1 s9c]e man he 01 pictur$ ! flames ( hell & ! torm5ts ( ! damn$ ) su* p[] t ,i almo/ felt ! w>m? ( its fires & smell$ its fumes ( sulphur4 ,i set out 9 e>ne/ to rep5t ( my own s9s z well z ,adam's4 ,rep5t+ 0 v easy4 ,i cri$ until ! te>s refus$ to fl[ long]4 ,believ+ 0 easy1 = ,i believ$ x all4 ,be+ baptiz$ 0 easy4 ,b ,i _h n yet be5 conv]t$4 ,!re 0 no miracul\s trans=mation 9 me4 ,i _h n yet got happy & %\t$4 ,i wait$ = x4 ,my te>s dri$ up4 ,i /ill w5t to ! m\rn]s' b5*1 b no?+ came ( x4 ,i c\ld n ev5 cry4 ,"o day ! prea*]1 not+ my condition1 _h a talk ) me4 ,i told him my feel+s1 & he said ,i 0 conv]t$4 ,b ,i told him t no su* *ange _h come ov] me z ! o!rs told ab\t1 & t seem$ manife/ 9 _! emotions & actions4 ,!n he told me t z ,i 0 "y & _h nev] be5 a great s9n] ,i c\ld n expect t wond]ful exp]i5ce t (t5 comes to ! old & h>d5$ cases4 ,i 0 truly glad to he> x4 ,i really felt sav$4 ,i _h n[ escap$ ! devil4 ,i _h already le>n$ ! doctr9e ( once 9 grace always 9 grace1 & ,i felt supremely happy to ?9k t aft] all ,i _h n[ escap$ f ! et]nal burn+ & 0 entirely out ( dang]4 ,i jo9$ ! *ur* & 0 baptiz$4 ,i h ?us ref]r$ at "s l5g? to my *ildhood = two reasons3 ,x w be se5 lat] h[ "s ( ^! exp]i5ces affect$ my aft]-life2 & also because ,i feel t 9 "s measure ,i am only repeat+ 9 sub/ance ! exp]i5ces ( millions ( o!rs :o h pass$ ?r\gh simil> conditions ( life4 ,also to say to y1 :o 7 br\ght up 9 ! light ( a lib]al fai? & free f ^! dogmas ( dread1 despair & damnation1 t y ought to be s9c]ely ?ankful t y h escap$ at lea/ ?is mu* ( hell1 no matt] h[ mu* ! or?odox may h 9 /ore = y 9 ! future2 & fur!r1 to exon]ate my p>5ts f any blame 9 ! premises4 ,!y taught me only z !y _h be5 taught & firmly believ$1 & did x all = :at !y hone/ly believ$1 to be = my be/ int]e/s4 ,l millions ( o!rs1 !y did ! be/ !y knew at ! "t4 ,,! ,,call ,,to ,,prea*4--,x 0 a "p ( ! or?odox belief at t "t1 & is v l>gely s ev5 n[1 t aft] ! fall ( ,adam1 practically all ! human race 0 lo/ except n[ & !n a wor?y patri>* l ,abel1 ,eno* & ,noah1 d[n to ! call ( ,abraham2 & aft] t only ! pi\s & fai?ful ( ! se$ ( ,abraham1 ?ru ,isaac1 7 sav$1 d[n to ! com+ ( ,*ri/4 ,all ! balance ( mank9d 7 utt]ly & irretrievably lo/1 bo? wick$ & apo/ate ,jews & all ,g5tiles4 ,& s9ce ! dea? ( ,*ri/ ^? only are sav$ :o rep5t & believe 9 him z a p]sonal savior1 & accept ! prescrib$ cre$ ( ! p>ticul> *ur* pres5t+ x4 ,all ! balance ( mank9d1 includ+ all ,jews & n9e-t5?s ( ! balance ( mank9d are irretrievably lo/4 ,?is be+ ! case1 ! sole end & aim 9 life is to escape hell h]eaft]4 ,n9e-t5?s ( ! prea*+ 9 my boyhood 0 to w>n m5 to flee f ! wra? to come4 ,b little 0 said ab\t ! love ( ,god or ! bro!rhood ( man1 ! nobility ( "*1 human helpfulness1 ! promotion ( happ9ess "h1 & ! g5]al uplift & advancem5t ( civilization & mank9d4 ,x 0 wond]ful ! way !y did r+ ! *anges on hell & damnation1 & fire & brim/one6 ,x ?und]$ f e pulpit l ! traditional ?und]s f ,mt4 ,s9ai4 ,tak+ ?is view ( ! _w1 ( life & mank9d1 ,i felt t ! greate/ ?+ 9 ! _w a man c\ld d w\ld be to devote 8 life to w>n+ m5 ( _! dang] & po9t+ ! way to safety4 ,i want$ to s\nd my voice 9 w>n+ m5 to flee f ! wra? to come4 ,believ+ t all m5 7 lo/ if !y did n foll[ ! prescrib$ c\rse laid d[n by my *ur*1 ,i felt t if ,i did n d all 9 my p[] to direct !m 9 ! way ( et]nal life _! blood w\ld be on my h&s4 ,:ile ,i did n feel t ,i w\ld be lo/ if ,i fail$ 9 ?is--= ! doctr9e ( my *ur* 01 t once be+ conv]t$ all ! devils 9 hell c\ld n keep "o ultimately f heav5--yet ,i felt t my future happ9ess 9 heav5 w\ld be dim9i%$ j 9 proportion z ,i fail$ to d my be/ 9 ?is behalf4 ,?is 0 int]pret$ to be a div9e call to prea*4 ,i accept$ x ) pr(\nd e>ne/ness & deep conviction1 & began e>ly to ex]cise my gifts4 ,9 due c\rse ( ev5ts ,i w5t to college to prep>e = ! m9i/ry4 ,i 0 9 love ) ! "w & happy 9 its prospects4 ,i 0 ambiti\s to be ?oroly effici5t 9 my "w 9 ! future & pursu$ my /udies ) dilig5ce accord+ly4 ,incid5tally ,i le>n$ mu* t 0 n 9 ! books1 z mo/ college /ud5ts d4 ,i little knew :at 0 be=e me4 ,"h 9 a s*ool ( ! prophets1 :]e ,i 0 suppos$ to be ?oroly tra9$1 root$ & gr\nd$ 9 ! fai? ( my *ur*1 ,i 0 to le>n ! fir/ lessons t ultimately l$ me entirely out ( ! or?odox fai?1 into a broad1 rational lib]alism6 ,a few ( ^! x w be necess>y to /ate "h1 n s mu* because ( any imm$iate effect !y produc$1 z to %[ ! work+ ( ! leav5 t ye>s aft]w>d leav5$ ! :ole lump4 ,! fir/ %ock ,i got 0 9 ! /udy ( ,geology4 ,:5 ,i began x ,i saw at once t x 0 out ( h>mony ) ! ,bible acc\nt ( ,creation1 ! orig9 ( ! e>?1 & organic life ^u x4 ,:ile no "o told me s1 ,i someh[ conceiv$ ! idea t we 7 n /udy+ x because x 0 recogniz$ z tru?1 b j ! opposite4 ,be+ root$ & gr\nd$ f my infancy 9 ! belief 9 ! absolute lit]alness1 & infallible tru? ( ! ,bible2 & suppos+ t ,i 0 9 college only to be m ?oroly in/ruct$ 9 ?is div9e tru?1 ,i conceiv$ ! idea t ?is book we 7 /udy+ 0 m]ely ! guess-"w ( "s mod]n infidel1 & t our real purpose 9 /udy+ x 0 to be ! m able to refute x :5 we got out into our life "w2 all ( :i* w\ld fully appe> be=e we f9i%$ ! book4 ,"o day :5 we 7 p]haps half ?ru1 ! pr(essor1 himself a ,bapti/ m9i/]1 cate*is$ ! class individually1 z to _! op9ions z to ! l5g? ( "t ! e>? 0 9 process ( =mation1 previ\s to ! appe>ance ( life ^u x4 ,i notic$1 ) surprise1 t ! answ]s v>i$ f a few millions to hundr$s ( billions ( ye>s1 until ! "q came to me1 :5 ,i answ]$ promptly1 ,six days6 ,ev]ybody laugh$1 pr(essor & all4 ,( c\rse ,i felt *eap2 b insi/$ on ! correctness ( my answ] because ! ,bible said s1 not)/&+ ,lyell & ,dana to ! contr>y4 ,! pr(essor complim5t$ me on my loyalty to ! ,scriptures1 b expla9$ t ! /ory ( creation 9 ,g5esis 0 to be int]pret$ figuratively2 t x ref]r$ to six great geological epo*s 9 t]ms ( days2 & t :at we 7 /udy+ 0 to be accept$ z sci5tific tru? 9 its g5]al pr9ciples1 subject1 h[ev]1 to possible revision 9 "s ( its details z fur!r geological discov]ies 7 made4 ,?is 0 a revelation to me4 ,i "k ! intellig5t read] ( today w be provok$ to laugh at my native1 inh]5t gre5ness4 ,b x mu/ n be =gott5 t ?is 0 ?irty-six ye>s ago2 & besides ?is1 !re are /ill1 9 ?is ye> ( grace #aiai1 lit]ally millions ( m5 & wom51 long pa/ ! age ( /ud5t life1 :o /ill hold sub/antially ! same views conc]n+ ! relations ( sci5ce to religion & ! ,bible t ,i held !n4 ,! simplicity ( fai? is (t5 sublime4 ,& ,i am n sure t x is n (t5 ! tru? t1 ,ignorance is bliss :]e x is folly to be wise2 especially :]e ! wisdom is j suffici5t to di/urb ! m9d b n en\gh to settle x4 ,b ,i _h a revelation1--two ( !m4 ,fir/1 t mod]n sci5ce is to be tak5 s]i\sly2 & second1 t mu* ( ! ,bible mu/ be int]pret$ figuratively4 ,! latt] 0 ! mo/ di/urb+ to me4 ,! "q t confront$ me 0 ?is3 ,if ! ,bible is p>tly lit]al & p>tly figurative1 :5 ,i get out into my life "w z a m9i/]1 h[ am ,i to be able to always det]m9e correctly j :at p>ts are lit]al & :at figurative2 & h[ to int]pret ! figures8 ,b ! answ] came z quickly z ! "q3 ,?is is j :at ,i am "h to le>n1 & be=e ,i am ?ru ,i w d\btless "k x all6 ,"s "t aft] ?is a discussion arose among ! div9ity /ud5ts1 ab\t ! doctr9es ( inspiration--z to :e!r ! ,bible 0 lit]ally & v]bally inspir$1 ^w = ^w1 or 0 m]ely an inspiration ( ideas1 ! writ]s be+ left to write _! inspirations 9 _! own language & mann]4 ,my idea _h always be5 t ( ! =m]1 t ! ,bible 0 inspir$ ^w = ^w1 j z x reads4 ,b ,i f\nd ! m progressive & bett] educat$ class among bo? /ud5ts & pr(essors _h ab&on$ ?is idea1 & accept$ ! doctr9e ( ! inspiration ( ideas only4 ,x 0 /range to me t ,god c\ld n h dictat$ ! words z easily z ! ideas1 & ?us h made sure ( _! correctness4 ,b x set me to ?9k+4 ,i _h nev] _h any d\bt ab\t ! inspiration ( ! ,bible1 yet ,i c\ld give no reason = x1 except t ,i _h always be5 told s4 ,n[ z progress & education 7 go+ to compel me to revise my op9ions ab\t ! mann] ( inspiration1 ,i began to wond] :at evid5ce we really _h t ! ,bible 0 inspir$ at all4 ,i really _h no d\bts ab\t ! fact4 ,i suppos$1 ( c\rse1 ! evid5ce exi/$ some:]e1 b t !y _h nev] be5 specifically po9t$ out to me2 & ,i want$ to "k j :at & :]e !y 74 ,i confid$ my inquiries to a s5ior /ud5t 9 :om ,i _h great confid5ce4 ,he told me ! devil 0 :isp]+ d\bts 9 my e> & ,i %\ld n li/5 to him6 ,t !re c\ld be no possible d\bt ab\t ! fact ( inspiration2 t ?is "q _h be5 def9itely & f9ally settl$ ov] eighte5 hundr$ ye>s ago by ! wise/ & be/ m5 ( ! _w1 & !re _h nev] be5 a %ad[ ( a d\bt ab\t x s9ce2 t ! evid5ces ( inspiration ( ideas in/ead ( v]bal inspiration 7 f\nd 9 ! _m diff]5t /yles & mann] ( writ+ f\nd 9 ! ,bible itself z repres5t$ by ! diff]5t writ]s4 ,b z to ! fundam5tal fact ( div9e inspiration itself1 !re _h nev] be5 a %ad[ ( a d\bt6 ,s ,i accept$ ! new idea ( inspiration & said ,get !e beh9d me1 ,satan1 & aft] t = _m ye>s ,i did n p]mit myself to d\bt ! fact ( inspiration4 ,yet occasionally ,i c\ld n keep f ?9k+1 & _m ye>s lat] ?is "q arose aga9 9 my m9d ) tragic =ce & effect4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,seek+ ,,lib]ty ,o!r que/ions n[ began to arise t 7 soon to mat]ially affect my *ur* relations1 )\t1 h[ev]1 any mat]ial *ange 9 my fundam5tal !ology4 ,z be=e /at$1 my sole ambition 9 life 0 to w>n s9n]s to flee f ! wra? to come4 ,to ?is "o purpose all o!r ?+s mu/ be made subord9ate4 ,= ?is "o purpose ,i 0 pursu+ my /udies 9 college t ,i might become ! m effici5t 9 its accompli%m5t4 ,impress$ z ,i 0 ) ! awful tru? ( man's total depravity & natural ali5ation f ,god1 & ! c]ta9ty ( 8 et]nal damnation 9 ! nev]-end+ flames1 unless he accept$ fully1 & foll[$ implicitly ! prescrib$ c\rse :i* ,i _h be5 taught 0 ! only means ( escape1 ,i felt t ,woe is me1 if ,i prea* n ! gospel4 ,i felt t any deflection on my "p1 f ! full p]=mance ( my duty 9 ?is p>ticul>1 up to ! full ext5t ( my p[] & opportunity1 w\ld n only entail et]nal torm5ts ^u all :o might h be5 ?us sav$ ?ru my ef=ts1 b w\ld also detract f my own et]nal glory 9 heav5 9 exactly ! same ratio4 ,i began to look ^u ! *ur* z be+ at mo/ b a means1 or ag5cy to ?is end2 ! *annel ?ru :i* ,i might "w to accompli% ?is c5tral purpose4 ,leav+ o!r *ur*es out ( consid]ation1 z n be+ g]mane to ! purpose ( ?is n>rative1 :ile yet 9 s*ool ,i _h become m fully in=m$ z to ! fundam5tal !ology ( ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur*2 & some:at to my surprise1 ,i f\nd !re 0 no sub/antial diff]5ce betwe5 x & ! ,bapti/ ,*ur*1 to :i* ,i belong$4 ,!y bo? appeal$ to ! same infallible revelation2 bo? taught ! same doctr9e ( ! fall ( man1 total depravity & inh]it$ s92 bo? taught ! same doctr9es conc]n+ ! p]sonality & "* ( ,*ri/1 & ! vic>i\s atonem5t 9 8 dea?2 ! same doctr9es conc]n+ heav5 & hell2 & ! same doctr9es ( salvation by rep5tance1 fai? 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 & reg5]ation by ! ,holy ,_s4 ,i p]ceiv$ t ! only sub/antial diff]5ce betwe5 ! two 0 purely "o ( ecclesia/ical organization & polity4 ,z be=e not$1 ! ,bapti/ ,*ur* did n hold t ei!r baptism or *ur* memb]%ip 0 necess>y to salvation2 b t salvation 0 fir/ necess>y be=e "o 0 scripturally entitl$ to ei!r baptism or *ur* memb]%ip4 ,x 0 also freely admitt$ t a truly rep5tant & conv]t$ ,me?odi/ 0 j z truly sav$ & z sure ( heav5 z any ,bapti/1--& t !re 7 _m su* !re c\ld be no d\bt1--true memb]s ( ! k+dom ( ,god & ! ,*ur* ,univ]sal2 true heirs ( glory & fit subjects = ! heav5ly k+dom1--yet n fit = memb]%ip 9 ! e>?ly *ur*1 admitt$ly imp]fect at its be/1 solely because !y _h n be5 dipp$ "u ! wat]1 an ord9ance admitt$ to be second>y1 & :olly unnecess>y to ! ma9 object6 ,i began to wond] f :5ce came ! au?ority to b> ! doors ( ,god's e>?ly *ur* aga9/ ^? :o 7 cle>ly admitt$ to be memb]s ( ! ,*ur* ,univ]sal1 & ( ,god's spiritual k+dom4 ,?us my fai? 9 ! exclusive claims ( my *ur* to be ! only true *ur* on e>?1 0 v mu* weak5$2 ?o ,i /ill firmly believ$ x to be ! be/ *ur*1 & by f> ! mo/ scriptural1 or?odox & apo/olic4 ,yet1 ,i c\ld n see :y we might n affiliate )1 & co-op]ate m ) our ,me?odi/ bre?r51 imp]fect & unscriptural 787 z _! ecclesia/ical organization 01 especially 9 c>ry+ =w>d ! great c5tral object we bo? _h 9 view1 ! salvation ( s\ls f hell2 & m especially1 s9ce !re 0 no sub/antial disagreem5t betwe5 u z to ! means & processes ( accompli%+ ?is object2 our real diff]5ces beg9n+ only aft] ?is 0 accompli%$4 ,! ,me?odi/s 7 always will+ to co-op]ate ) u to ! fulle/ ext5t we w\ld p]mit !m2 b we1 nev]1 ) !m4 ,dur+ ! summ] t foll[$ ! close ( my sophomore ye> 9 college 7:i*1 z subsequ5t ev5ts w %[1 prov$ to be my la/71 an ev5t occurr$ t s affect$ my future ecclesia/ical relations t x ne$s to be told 9 "s detail4 ,z is g5]ally well kn[n1 "o ( ! pr9cipal diff]5ces betwe5 ! ,bapti/ & ,me?odi/ *ur*es is _! diff]5ce ( view 9 reg>d to ! ,sacram5t ( ! ,"l's ,supp]1 z well z t ( ! mode ( baptism4 ,! ,me?odi/s1 z lib]al evangelicals1 (f] x to all ,*ri/ians pres5t :5 x is celebrat$1 leav+ x to ea* individual to judge = himself z to 8 fitness to p>take ( x2 :ile ! ,bapti/s limit x to memb]s 9 good & regul> /&+ 9 _! own fai? & ord]4 ,! ,bapti/s g5]ally disclaim be+ close communioni/s1 b close bapti/s4 ,t is1 !y insi/ t no p]son is eligible to p>take ( ! ,"l's ,supp] until aft] baptism by imm]sion2 & t by a regul>ly orda9$ ,bapti/ m9i/]1 ^u ! au?ority ( a ,bapti/ *ur*1 express$ by a vote ( its memb]s4 ,i d n "k t ,i ev] saw ! ord9ance celebrat$ 9 a ,bapti/ *ur*1 t "s explanation along ?is l9e 0 n made1 by way ( apology4 ,! ev5t t s influ5c$ my future ?\ght 0 ?is3 ,at a ,bapti/ *ur*1 "s six miles f my fa!r's resid5ce1 _! annual protract$ meet+ _h be5 go+ on a week1--f ,sunday to ,sunday4 ,"s eight or t5 p]sons _h jo9$ ! *ur* dur+ ! week & 7 to be baptiz$ at #aj ,a4,m4 on ?is la/ ,sunday1 aft] :i* 0 to foll[ ! regul> *ur* s]vices at #aa ,a4,m42 & !n ! celebration ( ! ,"l's ,supp]4 ,a half mile away 0 a ,me?odi/ *ur*1 & ! place ( baptism 0 ! =d ( a creek ab\t half way betwe5 ! two4 ,! ,me?odi/ ,sunday ,s*ool usually met at #i4cj ,a4,m4 ,b on ?is occasion sup]9t5d5t1 tea*]s & pupils1 came 9 a body d[n to ! =d to see ! baptis+4 ,aft] x 0 ov] ! ,me?odi/ sup]9t5d5t1 ) sev]al ( 8 tea*]s & old] pupils1 rema9$ = ! s]vices at ! ,bapti/ *ur*4 ,at ! close ( ! s]mon two p]sons pres5t$ !mselves = memb]%ip1 & 7 accept$1 by vote ( ! memb]s1 subject to baptism1 at ! next regul> mon?ly meet+2 aft] :i* ,bro!r ,craw=d1 ! ,me?odi/ ,sunday ,s*ool ,sup]9t5d5t1 0 call$ on to lead 9 pray]1 a function 9 :i* he 0 e>ne/1 able & eloqu5t1 z well z be+ univ]sally recogniz$ z a man ( unblemi%$ "*1 s9c]e & deep piety4 ,! m9i/] !n proce$$ to adm9i/] ! ,"l's ,supp]1 prefac+ x ) ! usual apologies & explanations ab\t close baptism in/ead ( close communion2 & to illu/rate ?is po9t1 he ref]r$ to ! fact t two p]sons _h j pres5t$ !mselves = *ur* memb]%ip1 & _h be5 accept$1 subject to baptism1 conc]n+ ^: conv]sion & s9c]e ,*ri/ian "*1 !re 0 j z sure confid5ce z !re 0 ( any t _h be5 baptiz$ t morn+2 yet ^! two c\ld n p>take ( ! ,"l's ,supp] because !y _h n yet be5 baptiz$4 ,j at ?is po9t !re sudd5ly d>t$ into my m9d1 almo/ ) ! =ce ( a clap ( ?und] f a cle> sky1 ! "q1 ,:]e is ! scriptural au?ority = ?is8 ,i _h he>d x p]haps a hundr$ times4 ,i 0 z famili> ) x z ,i 0 ) ! alphabet1 b = ! fir/ "t 9 life ! ?\ght came to me ) ! sudd5ness ( lightn+1 ,:]e is ! scriptural au?ority = x8 ,i c\ld n rememb] t ,i _h ev] he>d a s+le passage ( scripture quot$ 9 its support1 or def5se4 7,! read] mu/ keep 9 m9d t up to ?is "t1 & = sev]al ye>s !reaft]1 to me1 ! ,bible 0 infallible1 in]rant1 & ! sole & f9al au?ority 9 all matt]s p]ta9+ to religion & ! *ur*47 ,! %ock 0 s great1 & my m5tal agitation s int5se1 t x ?rew me into a fev]4 ,i w5t home sick4 ,dur+ ! foll[+ week ,i read ! ,new ,te/am5t ?ru 9 special se>* = "s passage to support ! doctr9e t baptism1 9 any =m1 0 a necess>y pr]equisite to a prop] p>ticipation 9 ! ,"l's ,supp]4 ,& ,i did n f9d x4 ,9 fact ,i did n f9d any direct evid5ce 9 ! ,gospel record t any ( ! twelve to :om ,jesus fir/ adm9i/]$ ?is supp] 7 ev] baptiz$ at all6 & if !y 71--:i* is only an inf]5ce1 or a read+ into ! record1 n :at actually is !re1 b :at somebody ?9ks ought to be !re1--x 0 n ,*ri/ian baptism1 b ! baptism ( ,john1 :i*1 accord+ to ! tea*+s ( ! ,bapti/ ,*ur*1 0 an entirely diff]5t ?+ 9 mean+ & purpose1 ?o ! same 9 =m4 ,john's baptism1 accord+ to ! tea*+s ( my *ur*1 0 a baptism unto rep5tance1 9 prep>ation = ! appe>ance ( ,*ri/2 :ile ,*ri/ian baptism1 9 ! "n ( ! ,fa!r1 & ! ,son1 & ! ,holy ,gho/ 0 n in/itut$ until aft] ! desc5t ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 accord+ to ! promise ( ,jesus1 on ! ,day ( ,p5teco/4 ,!n = ! fir/ "t1 & n until !n1 did ,*ri/ian baptism 9 ! "n ( ! ,tr9ity1 h any exi/5ce or mean+4 ,x 0 !re=e q cle> to me1 t ?is in/itution t we call ! ,"l's ,supp]1 be+ in/itut$1 & fir/ adm9i/]$ to p]sons :o1 s f> z we h any specific k1 7 n baptiz$ at all2 & :o 9 ! v nature ( ! case c\ld n h be5 baptiz$ "u t =mula commonly kn[n z ,*ri/ian baptism2 !re=e1 :atev] mean+ may be atta*$ to ! ,"l's ,supp]1 x has absolutely no connection )1 or relation to any k9d1 or =m ( baptism :atsoev]4 ,x is "o ( my mis=tunes t ,i h nev] _h s5se en\gh to keep my c\nsel to myself4 ,i h always _h a habit ( ?9k+ out l\d4 ,& :5 ,i ?us began to express myself1 my position 9 ! ,bapti/ ,*ur* began to gr[ %aky1 n to say prec>i\s4 ,yet1 ,i /ill held rigidly to ! doctr9e t imm]sion alone 0 baptism1 & t ) all its defects1 ! ,bapti/ ,*ur* 0 ! mo/ scriptural & or?odox 9 its doctr9es & practices ( any *ur* 9 exi/5ce4 ,! up%ot ( ?is :ole matt] 01 t ,i 0 soon cit$ be=e my *ur* conf]5ce to answ] a *>ge ( h]esy1 9 hold+ to ! doctr9e ( op5 communion4 ,i appe>$ & want$ to make a def5se ( my position be=e ! *ur*4 ,i 0 va9 & silly en\gh at t "t to ?9k if ,i c\ld only make my argum5t be=e ! *ur* ,i w\ld be able to conv]t a majority ( ! memb]s to my views1 & ?us save myself & re=m ! *ur*4 ,b ?is ,i 0 n p]mitt$ to d4 ,i 0 told ,i might answ] ei!r guilty or n guilty1 & no m4 ,i refus$ to answ] ei!r way1 unless ,i 0 fur!r p]mitt$ to expla9 my answ]4 ,?is 0 d5i$ me4 ,:]eupon1 a motion 0 made to )draw fell[%ip f ,bro!r ,a%ley2 & )\t debate or fur!r c]emony1 ! motion 0 put1 f\r p]sons vot+ ,aye1 & ?ree1 ,no1 al?o ab\t =ty memb]s 7 pres5t4 ,& ?us ,i w5t out ( ! ,bapti/ ,*ur*1 :]eby my education = ! m9i/ry became automatically f9i%$1 & all hope ( my m9i/]ial c>e] bla/$4 ,/range z x may seem !re 0 a sort ( p]sonal satisfaction 9 ?is4 ,i _h n ent]$ ! m9i/ry z a pure matt] ( *oice4 ,:ile ,i did n %r9k f x1 b r took x up joy\sly1 x 0 because ,i felt x to be a duty div9ely impos$ ^u me1 & !re=e an honor ( :i* ,i 0 pr\d2 & because x 0 ! means ?ru :i* ,i might gratify my p]sonal desire to be ( "s real use to ,god & humanity1 9 sav+ s\ls f ! et]nal burn+4 ,b n[ ,i felt t ,i _h fulfill$ my "p z f> z ,i possibly c\ld1 & 0 d5i$ ! privilege ( go+ fur!r by ! action ( ! *ur*2 & t !reaft] ! *ur*1 & n ,i1 0 responsible = any failure on my "p to g on ) ! "w ( w>n+ s9n]s to flee f ! wra? to come4 ,i 0 a little l ,jonah flee+ to ,t>%i%4 ,i 0 r secretly glad ,i _h gott5 away1 & %ift$ ! responsibility some:]e else4 ,b ^! impressions did n la/ long4 ,my fundam5tal !ology _h n *ang$4 ,! ,bible 0 /ill an infallible div9e revelation4 ,humanity 0 /ill lo/1 totally deprav$1 abid+ "u ! wra? ( ,god2 hell 0 a reality t[>ds :i* all humanity 0 b\nd2 & ! only means ( escape 0 to believe 9 ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/ accord+ to ! prescrib$ =mula4 ,! burd5 ( my p]sonal responsibility soon return$4 ,i c\ld n escape x4 ,true1 ,i 0 out ( ! *ur*--! ,bapti/ ,*ur*2 b x seem$ q evid5t t ,god 0 us+ o!r ag5cies1 outside ! ,bapti/ ,*ur*1 = ! salvation ( s\ls1 & seem$ to be do+ x q successfully4 ,if ,god c\ld s use ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* = ?is purpose1 :y might n ,i8 ,:at did baptism am\nt to anyway8 ,i 0 nev] taught t x 0 necess>y to salvation4 ,& if n1 :y make su* a fuss ab\t x8 ,if a p]son 0 already sav$1 & x 0 only an outw>d sign ( an inw>d grace1 :at diff]5ce c\ld x make h[ x 0 adm9i/]$1 :o adm9i/]$ x1 or :e!r x 0 adm9i/]$ at all8 ,^! 7 "s ( ! que/ions t ran ?ru my m9d4 ,i also began to note t !re 7 at lea/ a few places 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t t might be fairly int]pret$ to imply t baptism 01 at lea/1 n always by imm]sion4 ,= example1 ! baptism ( s _m ?\s&s on ! ,day ( ,p5teco/ 9 ,j]usalem1 :]e ! supply ( wat] 0 v limit$1 & ?is all "u ! control ( ! enemies ( ! new religion4 ,! imm]sion ( s _m1 9 s %ort a "t & "u su* circum/ances & conditions 0 next to a physical impossibility1 :ile easily probable if done by spr9kl+4 ,by ^! processes ( reason+1 9 ! c\rse ( "s two ye>s1 ,i f\nd a cong5ial home 9 ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur*1 at fir/ ) "s trepidation1 b soon aft]w>ds ) p]fect satisfaction4 ,:ile ?is *ange 9 *ur* relations involv$ q a radical *ange 9 matt]s ( ecclesia/ical organization & polity1 x mu/ be kept 9 m9d t x did n involve any mat]ial *ange 9 matt]s ( fundam5tal !ology4 ,b let x be not$ "h t dur+ all ?is "t ,i 0 /riv+ = "s degree ( religi\s lib]ty2 & 9 pass+ f ! ,bapti/ to ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur*1 ,i 0 at lea/ mak+ "s progress t[>ds x1 h[ev] small x might be4 ,to %ort5 my /ory1 9 a few mon?s ,i f\nd myself a circuit rid] 9 ! ,l\isiana ,conf]5ce ( ! ,me?odi/ ,episcopal ,*ur*1 ,s\?--7,i 0 born & re>$ 9 ! p9e hills ( ,mississippi74 ,x is n necess>y to g into any l5g?y details conc]n+ my "w at ?is "t1 beyond ! fact t ,i 0 fairly successful 9 x1 & = ! "t be+1 ,i f\nd x em95tly satisfactory & fairly pleasant to myself4 ,h[ev]1 "u ! work+s ( ! it9]ant sy/em1 9 a few ye>s ,i f\nd myself locat$ 9 ! /ate ( ,miss\ri1 :]e ,i transf]r$ my *ur* relations to ! ,/4 ,l\is ,conf]5ce ( ! ,m4 ,e4 ,*ur*4 ,?is *ange involv$ no?+ b a matt] ( p]sonal *oice & conv5i5ce4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,new ,,visions ,,& ,,di/urbances ,hav+ ?us *ang$ my *ur* relations1 & feel+ t ,i _h a great] field ( usefulness op5 to me1 my zeal = effici5cy & success increas$4 ,i _h a s9c]e & consum+ desire to save m5's s\ls4 ,& believ+ my cre$ to be z infallible z ! ,bible ^u :i* x 0 bas$1 ,i /udi$ to make myself effici5t & able 9 its def5se4 ,by foll[+ ! ord9>y me?ods ( int]pretation1 ,i soon f\nd no tr\ble 9 do+ ?is4 ,does ! read] inquire "h :at are ! ord9>y me?ods ( int]pretation8 ,tak+ a *apt]1 or v]se1 or p>agraph ( ! ,bible "h & !re1 ?ru ! :ole book1 f ,g5esis to ,revelation1 & weav+ !m toge!r z a connect$ :ole1 reg>dless ( :e!r !re is any natural connection betwe5 !m or n2 !n dispos+ ( all contradictory passages z ei!r figurative1--) unlimit$ latitude on ! int]pretation ( ! figures1--or z p]ta9+ to ^? great & my/]i\s1 unkn[able ?+s ( ,god's div9e revelation1--my/]ies too great = man to "k6 ,?is me?od ( int]pretation is ! common practice1 to a great] or less ext5t1 ( e *ur* 9 ,*ri/5dom t accepts ! doctr9e ( ! infallibility ( ! ,bible1 & looks to x z its sole & f9al s\rce ( au?ority 9 religion4 ,!re is n a cre$ 9 ,*ri/5dom today1 & nev] has be51 t _c be support$ & prov$ to be conclusively correct f ! ,bible by ?is me?od ( int]pretation4 ,by ! same me?od ! ,bible c be made ! def5se--& x (t5 has be5--( w>1 murd]1 slav]y1 polygamy1 adult]y1 & ! f\le/ crimes kn[n to humanity1 & ^! all made ! div9e in/itutions ( ,god4 ,& ^! are exactly ! lead+ me?ods ( int]pretation ( ! ,bible t are be+ foll[$ today1 & h be5 s9ce ,*ri/ianity fir/ began to divide into sects & p>ties4 ,b ?is is a digression4 ,:ile ,i recogniz$ "s m]it 9 ne>ly all ! cre$s1 ,i firmly believ$ m9e ! be/4 ,my fai? 91 & devotion to ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* _h become s int5se t ,i believ$ ! sum total ( all !ological k 0 conc5trat$ & embodi$ 9 ,john ,wesley4 ,!re c\ld be no m progress1 no m discov]y4 ,x 0 a f9i%$ sci5ce1 & ,john ,wesley f9i%$ x4 ,!re are ?\s&s :o /ill ?9k s1 ev5 to ?is day6 ,i look$ back ov] hi/ory to ! days ( apo/olic purity1 foll[$ ! tr5d ( !ological ?\ght 9 its decl9e into error & sup]/ition1 ?ru ! d>k ages1 to ! fir/ glimm] ( light 9 ,wickliffe1 foll[$ by ,huss1 until ! flame ( ! ,re=mation sprang up 9 ,lu!r1 ,zw+li & ,calv91 foll[$ by ,knox & ,arm9ius2 b ,wesley 0 ! end ( k1 & wisdom di$ ) him4 ,yes1 ,i 0 soon able to def5d & prove my cre$ to ! satisfaction ( myself & my sup]iors4 ,b n[ ,i want$ to g fur!r4 ,i want$ to prove ! pro(4 ,z ,i grew old] & my m9d broad5$ ,i desir$ to dr9k deep] f ! f\nta9s ( k4 ,i />t$ out ) ! be/ mat]ials available to me to make a critical /udy ( ! ,bible4 ,up to ?is "t ,i _h /udi$ ! ,bible only sup]ficially4 ,i _h accept$ x z tru?1 z div9e1 z inspir$1 z infallible1 except ! d\bts ( my s*ool days be=e describ$1 & ^! ,i _h long s9ce ca/ aside4 ,i _h /udi$ ! ,bible z ! great mass ( ,*ri/ians /udy x today--to support & def5d preconceiv$ op9ions1 mo/ ( :i* ,i _h inh]it$4 ,n[ ,i 0 to seek = basic pr9ciples4 ,i want$ to "k j :o wrote ea* book ( ! ,bible1 :5 he wrote x & :y1 & j :at ! specific pro(s 7 z to ^! facts & ( its div9e inspiration4 ,9 look+ back ov] ! p]iod ( ye>s t h s9ce int]v5$1 ,i am /ill unable to p]ceive any selfi%1 egoti/ical motive 9 ^! my ambitions4 ,my unqu5*able ?ir/ = k 0 inspir$ solely by my desire to increase my effici5cy 9 t vocation to :i* ,i s9c]ely believ$ ,i 0 div9ely call$4 ,i nev] _h ! opportunity ( tak+ a ,div9ity ,c\rse 9 a ,div9ity ,s*ool4 ,b bo? ! great bran*es ( ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* require all its m9i/]s1 be=e f9al ord9ation1 to take a prescrib$ c\rse ( /udy1 some:at aft] ! correspond5ce me?od1 cov]+ f\r ye>s1--& long] if necess>y to cov] ! full prescrib$ c\rse1--t is practically equal to ! curriculum ( ! av]age ,div9ity ,s*ool1 m9us ! advantages ( class room in/ruction & class lectures4 ,x 0 ?is c\rse ( /udy t ,i pursu$1 prescrib$ by ! bi%ops ( ! ,m4 ,e4 ,*ur*4 ,& x 0 "h 9 ^! or?odox books1 prescrib$ by ! bi%ops ( my *ur* z necess>y = me1 n only to read1 b to /udy1 le>n & dige/1 to fully equip me = ! m9i/ry1 t ,i le>n$ ! lessons t completely upset my fai?1 & f9ally l$ me to ab&on ! *ur* & religion entirely6 ,i might add t x 0 p]haps z mu* :at ,i fail$ to le>n f ^! books1 ?+s t ,i 0 look+ = & c\ld n f9d because x 0 n 9 !m1 t l$ me to ?is c\rse1 z x 0 f ! affirmative facts ,i did le>n4 ,up to ?is "t1 & long aft]w>ds1 ,i _h nev] read a book t might be call$ at all lib]al 9 !ology1 mu* less any?+ ( a sceptical "*4 ,9 fact ,i _h read no?+1 outside ( s*ool text books1 except su* books z 7 au?oritatively publi%$ by "s ,bapti/ or ,me?odi/ publi%+ h\se4 ,rob]t ,g4 ,+]soll 0 !n at ! height ( 8 fame1 & ,i w\ld n ev5 read a political spee* ( 81 because he 0 an infidel4 ,! /range anomaly ( ! :ole ?+ is t ,i 0 l$1 or r driv51 cle> out ( ! *ur* into practical agno/icism ?ru & by my e>ne/ & int5se ef=ts to m /rongly =tify & e/abli% myself 9 my preconceiv$ beliefs ab\t ! ,bible & religion4 ,?is w appe> m fully z we proce$4 ,fir/ ( all1 all or?odox ,*ri/ianity is bas$ ^u ! doctr9e t ! ,bible is ! sup]naturally inspir$1 infallible ^w ( ,god4 ,^u ?is ,bible z ! sole au?ority1 e doctr9e1 cre$1 dogma & ecclesia/ical practice is bas$4 ,take away ?is doctr9e ( ,biblical infallibility1 & or?odoxy crumbles to du/4 ,z long z x is held to be infallible tru?1 e cre$ 9 ,*ri/5dom c f9d abundant mat]ial 9 x to prove e po9t x claims4 ,e "o kn[s t among ! _m ,*ri/ian d5om9ations :i* fully agree ) ea* o!r ! ,bible is an infallible revelation f ,god2 yet ! doctr9es & conclusions !y d$uce f x are z diametrically oppos$ to ea* o!r z midnight & noon4 ,z ,i h already said1 ,i nev] _h any d\bt1 up to ?is "t1 ( ! div9e inspiration & infallibility ( ! ,bible1 except a v slight "o ab\t ! me?od ( inspiration1 :i* ,i h already detail$ ( my /ud5t days4 ,z a ,me?odi/ ,i _h become fairly pr(ici5t 9 my ability to def5d e detail ( my *ur* doctr9e4 ,i c\ld repeat almo/ e passage ( scripture f ,g5esis to ,revelation 9 support ( ea* ( ! ,tw5ty-five ,articles4 ,my only tr\ble 0 :5 ,i w\ld occasionally run across "s sceptic :o w\ld "q my au?ority1--! ,bible4 ,( c\rse ,i w\ld tell him ! ,bible 0 ! ^w ( ,god2 & he w\ld dem& pro(1 detail$ facts1 9 support ( my ass]tion4 ,:ile p]fectly satisfi$ 9 my own m9d1 ^! detail$ facts 7 n 9 my possession4 ,b n[ ,i 0 go+ to get !m4 ,9 ! la/ ye> ( my conf]5ce c\rse ( /udy1 "o ( ! books prescrib$ 0 ,h>man's ,introduction to ! ,/udy ( ! ,holy ,scriptures4 ,dr4 ,h>man 0 ,pr(essor ( ,greek & ,hebrew 9 ,dick9son ,college4 ,i 0 told t 9 ?is book ,i w\ld f9d completely detail$1 uncontrov]tible pro(s ( ! div9e au!nticity1 inspiration1 & infallible tru? ( ! ,bible4 ,?is 0 j :at ,i _h long be5 look+ =1 & j h[ ,i f\nd x w soon appe>4 ,,approa*+ ,,! ,,crisis ,! fir/ "o-?ird ( ?is book ( #ggj pages is devot$ to prov+ ! ,mosaic au?or%ip ( ! ,p5tateu*1 its inspiration & infallible tru?4 ,on ! subject ( inspiration g5]ally ! au?or foll[s ! ideal r ?an ! v]bal !ory4 ,8 !ory ( ! necessity ( inspiration is bas$ ^u ! idea t ! ,bible conta9s records t c\ld n o!rwise h be5 kn[n at ! "t !y 7 writt52 = example1 ! acc\nt ( ,creation mu/ h be5 div9ely reveal$ to ,moses1 z he c\ld n o!rwise h kn[n x4 ,! ext5t ( inspiration he limits to ^? matt]s t 7 n o!rwise kn[n to ! writ]s4 ,?+s ( :i* !y _h p]sonal k 7 !re=e n ! subjects ( inspiration4 ,= example1 ! advice ( ,je?ro1 conc]n+ ! division 9 ! burd5s ( ! gov]nm5t1 0 n inspir$1 because ,moses got x directly f ! m\? ( ,je?ro himself4 ,nev]!less ! au?or 0 div9ely guid$ 9 writ+ ( matt]s ( 8 p]sonal k1 9 ord] t ! sacr$ record might be pres]v$ f error4 ,z to ! pro(s ( inspiration1 ,i quote v]batim3 ,! inspiration ( ! ,bible is evid5t f its sublime doctr9es conc]n+ ,god1 ! purity ( its moral precepts1 & f ! wond]ful fulfillm5t ( its prophecies4 ,:5 ,i read ?is ,i confess ,i felt a little disappo9t$4 ,i _h und]/ood ?is be=e4 ,i want$ some?+ m specific1 mat]ial1 tangible4 ,!n foll[s a l5g?y treatise on ! ,hebrew language1 ! orig9al *>act]s 9 :i* ! ,p5tateu* 0 writt51 )\t v[els or punctuation m>ks2 h[ x 0 pres]v$ by copy+ f g5]ation to g5]ation2 h[ errors crept into v>i\s copies2 an acc\nt ( ! ,sam>itan ,p5tateu*1 & ! ,septuag9t2 h[ ^! all diff] ! "o f ! o!r 9 _m details2 ( ! anci5t manuscripts t are /ill extant1 & h[ ^! all diff] m or less f ea* o!r1--n 9 any?+ fundam5tal1 b 9 _m m9or details2 & f9ally w9ds up ) ! /atem5t t ! orig9al text is unc]ta96 ,?is 0 all new to me4 ,i _h naturally suppos$ t n only ! orig9al text 0 div9ely inspir$ & infallibly correct1 b t by "s sort ( div9e sup]vision1 x _h be5 s pres]v$ & kept d[n ?ru ! ages4 ,& n[ ,i 0 n only disappo9t$1 b al>m$4 ,i wond]$ :at w\ld come next4 ,& ,i soon le>n$4 ,be=e ?is ,i _h nev] discov]$1 nor _h any "o po9t$ !m out to me1 ! _m discrepancies & contradictions 9 ! e>ly ,biblical records1--! two /ories ( creation1 ! two acc\nts ( ! flood t are s intricately wov5 toge!r1 ! *anges 9 ! law 9 ,deut]onomy f ^? 9 ,exodus & ,leviticus2 & o!rs4 ,my simple1 bl9d fai? _h completely obscur$ all ^! until n[4 ,x is true ! au?or po9t$ !m out only to expla9 or reconcile !m4 ,b 9 practically e in/ance1 ! explanation fail$ to expla91 or reconcile1 & 0 only an apology or an excuse2 & ,i 0 left ) a cle> vision ( ! discrepancy1 & ) no adequate explanation4 ,! diff]5ces betwe5 "s p>ts ( ! law1 z record$ 9 ,deut]onomy & 9 ! e>li] books1 0 expla9$ z a progressive developm5t accord+ to ! *ang+ conditions & ne$s ( ! ,hebrews4 ,f a purely human viewpo9t1 ,i consid]$ ?is explanation satisfactory4 ,b f t ( div9e revelation1 ,i wond]$ :y ,god did n reveal x correctly at ! fir/2 or :y he f\nd x necess>y to *ange 8 own law4 ,conc]n+ ! ritual law ( ! tab]nacle & ! prie/hood1 ! au?or confesses t1 9 all probability1 ,moses 0 educat$ at ,heliopolis1 9 ,egypt1 = ! ,egyptian prie/hood1 & 0 !re=e p]fectly famili> ) all ! prie/ly regulations ( ! religion ( ,egypt2 & t ! tab]nacle s]vice1 its prie/hood1 _! dress1 sacr$ ut5sils1 etc41 7 d\btless all patt]n$ aft] ,egyptian models1 b devot$ to ,jehovah in/ead ( ! gods ( ,egypt2 & he cites ?is z a pro( ( ! ,mosaic au?or%ip ( ! ,p5tateu*4 ,& 9 support ( ?is view1 he quotes ! op9ion ( ! ,abb ,victor ,ancessi6 ,& ,i _h always be5 taught t ! tab]nacle1 ! prie/hood1 & all t p]ta9$ to bo?1 7 div9ely reveal$ to ,moses on ,mt4 ,s9ai6 ,accord+ to ! patt]n %[n !e 9 ! m\nt4 ,!n on ! "q ( int]polations1 our au?or confesses t !re are _m ( !m 9 ! ,p5tateu*1 mo/ ( !m %[+ t !y belong to a mu* lat] age ?an ,moses2 yet he d5ies t any ( !m are mat]ial1 or 9 any way *ange ! orig9al mean+ or s5se ( ! text4 ,?us ,i w5t ?ru ov] #bej pages1 devot$1 n s mu* to ! que/ions ( div9e inspiration & sup]natural revelation1 z ^! seem$ to be v l>gely tak5 = grant$2 b to ! def5se ( ! ,mosaic au?or%ip ( ! ,p5tateu* ^u :i* seem$ to h+e ! :ole "q ( its au!nticity & infallible au?ority4 ,z ! au?or puts x1 ,if ! ,p5tateu* 0 n writt5 by ,moses x is a =g]y4 ,to d ?is he quotes q elaborately f ! high] critics1 ,bau]1 ,davidson1 ,bleek1 ,ewald1 ,ku551 ,wellhaus51 & o!rs1 = ! o/5sible purpose ( answ]+ & refut+ !m4 ,n[ ,i _h1 up to ?is "t1 nev] read a l9e ( su* ,biblical criticism1 except t quot$ by ?is au?or4 ,naturally1 ,i n only _h no sympa?y ) x1 b 0 /rongly prejudic$ aga9/ x4 ,b ,i c\ld n fail to note t ! refutations & explanations ( my au?or v (t5 fail$ to ei!r refute or expla94 ,to sum ! :ole ?+ up1 :5 ,i _h gone ?us f>1 ,i c\ld n avoid ! impression t f ! /&po9t ( logical argum5t1 bas$ ^u any kn[n facts1 ! :ole ?+ 0 a failure4 ,x 0 simply a cont9u$ s]ies ( apologetics2 9 legal p>lance1 a sort ( confession & avoidance4 ,i began 9 ! firm belief t ,moses wrote ! ,p5tateu*1 & t he 0 div9ely inspir$ 9 do+ x4 ,i expect$ to f9d ! def9ite pro(s t ?is 0 true4 ,:5 ,i got ?ru ,i didn't "k :o wrote x4 ,i 0 equally c]ta9 ! au?or ,i 0 read+ didn't "k2 & ,i d\bt$ if any "o else did4 ,i felt ! incipi5t d\bts ( my s*ool days return+1 only 9 mu* l>g] volume & great] =ce4 ,if ! read] w p>don ! phrase3 ,i felt myself slipp+4 ,!n foll[$ a /udy ( ! au?or%ip1 orig91 "*1 & purpose ( ! rema9+ canonical books ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,^! may all be gr\p$ into two or ?ree divisions4 ,( ! hi/orical books ( ,jo%ua1 ,judges1 ,fir/ & ,second ,samuel1 ,fir/ & ,second ,k+s & ,fir/ & ,second ,*ronicles1 ,i f\nd to my surprise1 t nobody kn[s :o wrote any ( !m2 nor any?+ def9ite ab\t ! "t1 or circum/ances "u :i* !y 7 writt54 ,jo%ua 0 m]ely believ$ to h be5 writt5 n lat] ?an tw5ty-five ye>s aft] ! dea? ( ,jo%ua1 by "s p]son or p]sons :o 7 p]sonally famili> ) ! ev5ts !re9 n>rat$4 ,z ! book is cle>ly divid$ into two di/9ct p>ts1 ! fir/ end+ ) ! twelf? *apt] & ! second beg9n+ ) ! ?irte5?1 x is suppos$ t x 0 writt5 by ,eleaz> & ,ph9ehas4 ,b ?is is admitt$ to be m]e conjecture4 ,! ,book ( ,judges is plac$ aft] t ( ,jo%ua1 because x takes up ! n>rative :]e ,jo%ua closes4 ,x is assum$ t x mu/ h be5 writt5 sometime be=e ! close ( ,david's reign4 ,respect+ ! ,au?or%ip ( ,judges1 no?+ is kn[n4 ,! date ( bo? books ( ,samuel--orig9ally "o book--is :olly unkn[n1 z is also t ( ! ,k+s & ,*ronicles4 ,x is conjectur$ f int]nal evid5ce1 t ,*ronicles 0 probably compil$ by ,ezra1 f ,samuel1 ,k+s1 & possibly o!r docum5ts1 sometime aft] ! return f ! exile4 ,z to ! ,book ( ,ezra1 x 0 %[n t x is probably "o ( ! mo/ au!ntic books ( ! ,old ,te/am5t1 & writt5 by ! man ^: "n x be>s4 ,nehemiah 0 also plac$ 9 ! ?oroly au!ntic class1 ) ! admission t ab\t "o-f\r? ( ! total cont5ts ( ! book1 appe>+ 9 ! middle ( x1 is v probably an int]polation by a lat]1 & unkn[n au?or4 ,b ?is1 he insi/s1 does n detract f ! div9e inspiration & au!nticity ( ! book z a :ole4 ,ru? & ,e/h] also belong to ! class ( ! unkn[n4 ,nobody kn[s :o wrote ei!r1 nor :51 nor :]e4 ,ru? is plac$ probably sometime dur+ ! reign ( ,david4 ,e/h] is mu* lat]2 9 fact x is "o ( ! late/ books 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ,canon1 f :i* x 0 long exclud$ because ! "n ( ,god n[h]e appe>s 9 x4 ,! hi/orical ev5ts n>rat$ 9 x are admitt$ to be ( v d\btful au!nticity1 z !y are n[h]e else m5tion$ 9 ! ,bible1 & are :olly unkn[n to secul> hi/ory2 & su* ev5ts1 if !y occurr$ at all1 7 ( su* transc5d5t importance to ! ,jewi% nation1 t m5tion ( !m 9 ! ,*ronicles1 or by "s ( ! prophets1 c\ld h>dly h be5 omitt$4 ,b our au?or gets ar\nd all ^! difficulties by ! ,fea/ ( ,purim4 ,he insi/s t su* a memorial z ?is1 t has be5 & /ill is celebrat$ annually by ! ,jews 9 all p>ts ( ! _w1 s9ce ! memory ( man runne? n to ! contr>y1 c\ld n possibly h orig9at$ 9 a m]e fiction1 & be5 p]petuat$ s long4 ,!re=e1 ! ,book ( ,e/h] mu/ be true1 & div9ely inspir$6 ,:5 ,i _h read ?us f>1 9 spite ( my =m] simple fai? 9 ! div9e inspiration & infallible tru? ( ! ,bible1 ,i f\nd myself cle>ly on ! toboggan2 & ,i 0 deeply di/urb$ 9 m9d4 ,i 0 /udy+ a ?oroly or?odox au?or1 a di/+ui%$ pr(essor 9 "o ( our lead+ colleges1 ^: book 0 approv$ by ! bi%ops ( my *ur*2 a book cle>ly writt5 = ! purpose ( def5d+ ! traditional position ( ! *ur* conc]n+ ! ,bible1 on almo/ e page ( :i* t ,i _h ?us f> read1 ,i f\nd a s]ies ( apologetics r ?an argum5ts2 ) con/ant admissions ( ! _w's total ignorance ( ! orig91 au?or%ip & date ( mo/ ( ! books ( ! ,bible ?us f> review$4 ,i began to wond]1 if ?is 0 :at ,i 0 gett+ f su* a s\rce1 inspir$ by su* a motive1 :at might ,i expect f a ,biblical s*ol> & critic :o 0 9 se>* only ( ab/ract tru?1 ) no preconceiv$ op9ions to support or def5d8 ,i felt an incipi5t revolution brew+ 9 my m9d4 ,b ,i 0 yet to le>n m4 ,conc]n+ ! poetical books1 ,i f\nd t ! ,book ( ,job 0 n writt5 by ,job2 t nobody kn[s :o wrote x1 nor :5 nor :]e4 ,i f\nd t conjecture by diff]5t s*ol>s plac$ x all ! way f be=e ,moses to aft] ! exile4 ,nobody kn[s :e!r x purports to record1 9 poetic =m1 a s]ies ( actual hi/oric facts & ev5ts2 or :e!r x is m]ely a dramatic allegory1 entirely fictiti\s1 or f\nd$ ^u "s sub/ratum ( fact4 ,we d n "k :o ,job 01 :e!r a ,hebrew1 an ,arab1 or ,*aldean2--nor j :]e ! l& ( ,uz 04 ,conc]n+ ! ,psalms1 :i* ,i _h always be5 taught 7 writt5 by ,david1 ! sweet s+] ( ,israel1 ,i f\nd to be ! ,jewi% hymn book1 compil$ by an unkn[n h&1 or h&s1 at an unkn[n date2 b 9 its pres5t =m1 p]haps z late z ! ?ird c5tury ,b4,c42 t ! au?or%ip ( v few ( !m is kn[n2 t ,david wrote b few ( !m1 if any2 b t !y 7 writt5 by v>i\s au?ors1 mo/ly unkn[n1 rang+ all ! way f ! "t ( ,moses to t ( ,ezra1 or lat]2 t collections & revisions 7 probably made f "t to "t z new compositions appe>$2 until its pres5t =m 0 atta9$4 ,i f\nd t ! ,book ( ,prov]bs 0 n writt5 by ,solomon1 b t x 0 probably compil$ 9 ! "t ( ,k+ ,hezekiah1 by unkn[n p]sons4 ,h[ev]1 our au?or insi/s t mo/ ( ! prov]bs 9 ! collection are ,solomonic 9 orig92 & !re=e we may v correctly speak ( ! collection z ! ,prov]bs ( ,solomon4 ,! ,book ( ,ecclesia/es1 f ! sup]scription 9 ,*apt] ,i1 v]ses #a & #ab1 always attribut$ to ,solomon1 ,i f\nd 0 n writt5 by ,solomon1 at all1 nor until m ?an five hundr$ ye>s aft] 8 dea?4 ,our au?or conc$es x to be ! late/ book ( ! ,canon2 t x c\ld n h be5 writt5 be=e ,mala*i1 & possibly mu* lat]1 & :o wrote x1 nobody kn[s4 ,likewise ,i f\nd t ! ,song ( ,solomon 0 n writt5 by ,solomon1 nor by anyone else until c5turies aft] 8 dea?2 & nobody kn[s :o wrote x1 nor :at its real mean+ or purport is1 :e!r fact or fiction1 spiritual or s5sual4 ,x is admitt$ t its real mean+ & purport is ! mo/ obscure & my/]i\s ( any book 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t1 yet1 z x is 9 ! ,bible x mu/ be ! div9ely inspir$1 infallible ^w ( ,god6 ,s our au?or ?9ks4 ,com+ n[ to ! ,prophetic ,books1 ,i le>n$ f our au?or t ! ,book ( ,isaiah1 z x n[ appe>s1 is a collection & compilation ( v>i\s writ+s ( ?is great prophet1 writt5 piece-meal ov] a p]iod ( "s fifty ye>s1 & aft] 8 dea? collect$ & arrang$ 9 its pres5t =m by "s unkn[n h&2 & t ! pres5t arrangem5t 0 made )\t any ref]5ce to ! *ronological ord] ( ! orig9al writ+s1 or ! subject matt] treat$4 ,he admits ! radical diff]5ce 9 /yle1 mann] & subject matt] ( ! two p>ts ( ?is book1 ^u :i* mod]n critics h bas$ _! !ory ( two ,isaiahs1 "o liv+ be=e & ! o!r dur+ ! captivity1 & reconciles ^! discrepancies by ass]t+ ! p[] ( ,god to miracul\sly *ange ! lit]>y /yle ( 8 s]vants at w4 ,ab\t ! same ?+ is said ( ! ,book ( ,j]emiah :at 0 said ( ,isaiah2 t x is a collection ( ! writ+s ( ! prophet1 made aft] 8 dea?1 by "s unkn[n p]son1 b m probably by ,b>u*2 & t l ,isaiah ! cont5ts ( ?is book are arrang$ )\t ref]5ce to _! *ronological ord]4 ,great diff]5ces are admitt$ to exi/ betwe5 ! ,hebrew & ,septuag9t v]sions ( ?is book1 :i* our au?or does n try to expla9 or reconcile4 ,he frankly admits t ! la/ *apt] ( ?is book1 :i* is id5tical ) #b ,k+s xxiv1 #ah1 & xxv1 0 add$ by a lat]1 & unkn[n h&4 ,! ,book ( ,ezekiel is treat$ briefly & consid]$ "o ( ! mo/ au!ntic & unque/ion$ ( any book 9 ! ,canon4 ,b ! au?or devotes tw5ty-six pages to ! ,book ( ,daniel1 almo/ entirely to prove t ! book 0 writt5 by ! prophet ( t "n 9 ,babylon1 dur+ ! exile4 ,he quotes elaborately f ! critics :o hold to a lat] date & a diff]5t au?or1 & tries to refute !m4 ,ab\t ! only effect produc$ on my m9d 0 t nei!r p>ty knew any?+ def9ite ab\t x2 & ( c\rse my fai? 9 ! au!nticity ( ! book 0 greatly weak5$4 ,com+ to ! ,m9or ,prophets1 twelve 9 numb]1 ! au?or holds t ,hosea1 ,joel1 ,amos1 ,micah1 ,haggai1 ,zephaniah & ,ze*>iah 7 well kn[n prophets1 conc]n+ ! date & au?or%ip ( ^: books !re is no grave d\bt4 ,yet1 he admits t !re are manife/ int]polations & additions to ! ,book ( ,ze*>iah4 ,( ,nahum1 ,habakkuk1 ,mala*i & ,obadiah he admits t we "k absolutely no?+1 except :at is writt5 9 _! respective books1 & ! dates !y 7 writt5 c only be conjectur$ f _! cont5ts4 ,obadiah is compos$ ( b "o *apt] ( tw5ty-"o v]ses1 & almo/ id5tically ! same ?+ is conta9$ 9 ,j]emiah xlix1 #g-bb4 ,! id5tity is s great t our au?or assumes t "o ( !m copi$ f ! o!r1 b :i*1 he does n say4 ,( ! ,book ( ,jonah1 he admits t x 0 n writt5 by ! prophet ( t "n m5tion$ 9 #b ,k+s xiv1 #be1 nor = at lea/ ?ree hundr$ ye>s aft] 8 "t1 not)/&+ he is evid5tly ! same z t 9 ! book4 ,he insi/s1 h[ev]1 t no matt] :o wrote x1 or :51 ! book is au!ntic & ! /ory true2 & z "o ( ! pr9cipal pro(s ( ?is fact1 he quotes ,matt1 xii1 #ci1 #dj4 ,?us ,i f9i%$ ! ,old ,te/am5t1 consid]ably %ak5 9 fai?2 b z ! ,old ,te/am5t belong$ to a long pa/ disp5sation1 ,i consid]$ x ( little value anyway1 & approa*$ ! /udy ( ! ,new ) ! hope t all difficulties w\ld be remov$ & all d\bts made cle>4 ,if ! ,new ,te/am5t 0 truly inspir$ ( ,god & infallibly true1 :at diff]5ce did x make if ! ,old 0 d\btful & unc]ta98 ,x 0 out ( date anyway4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,ne>] ,,! ,,crisis ,our au?or beg9s 8 ,introduction to ! ,/udy ( ! ,new ,te/am5t ) an acc\nt ( ! language & *>act]s 9 :i* mo/ ( x 0 orig9ally writt51 z he did ! ,old4 ,^! 7 ,greek ,uncials1 all capital lett]s1 )\t any space divisions betwe5 ! words1 & nei!r acc5t nor punctuation m>ks2 t f ^! orig9al manuscripts1 d[n to ! inv5tion ( pr9t+1 all copies 7 made by h& copy+4 ,! olde/ exi/+ manuscripts 7 made 9 ! f\r? & fif? c5turies ( ! ,*ri/ian era1 & no two ( ^! are exactly alike4 ,dur+ ! succe$+ c5turies sev]al ?\s& manuscript copies ( all or p>ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 made t are /ill extant1 & no two exactly alike6 ,i also le>n$ t !re are /ill extant q a numb] ( anci5t ,v]sions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 translat$ into diff]5t languages1 all ( :i* are m or less diff]5t f ea* o!r1 n alone 9 ! text1 b 9 ! books recogniz$ z au!ntic & canonical4 ,"h ! au?or gives a brief hi/ory ( ! =mation ( ! ,new ,te/am5t ,canon1 :i* s surpris$1 & ev5 />tl$ me1 t ,i mu/ make "s m5tion ( x4 7,9 8 treatm5t ( ! ,old ,te/am5t ! au?or gives b a few pages to ! =mation ( ! ,old ,te/am5t ,canon47 ,9 ! fif? ,article ( ,religion 9 ! ,me?odi/ ,discipl9e x says3 ,9 ! "n ( ! ,holy ,scriptures we d und]/& ^? canonical books ( ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts ( ^: au?ority 0 nev] any d\bt 9 ! ,*ur*4 7,italics m9e47 ,b "h ,i 0 to le>n t = ov] ?ree hundr$ ye>s !re 0 m or less controv]sy1 & sometimes v bitt]1 ov] :at books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 71 or 7 n1 au!ntic & au?oritative2 t z a matt] ( fact !re nev] 0 complete agreem5t among ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs2 & t !re nev] 0 any au?oritative decl>ation on ! subject by any ,*ur* ,c\ncil until ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t 7,roman ,ca?olic7 9 #aede1 :i* includ$ 9 its canon all ( our pres5t recogniz$ books ( bo? ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts1 & 9 addition !reto1 includ$ z canonical ! ,old ,te/am5t ,apocrypha1 :i* is univ]sally exclud$ f ! ,prote/ant ,bibles4 ,z ?is "w is design$1 at lea/ p>tly1 to /imulate additional /udy 9 o!rs x may be well to cite a few examples1 z ,i le>n$ !m f ?is book1 design$ to prove conclusively ! au!nticity1 div9e inspiration & infallible tru? ( ! ,holy ,scriptures4 ,! canon ( ,muratori1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #afj1 omits ,hebrews1 bo? epi/les ( ,pet]1 ,james & ,jude1 z uncanonical1 & expresses d\bts z to ! ,revelation4 ,! ,pe%ito ,syriac1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #bjj1 omits ,second ,pet]1 ,jude1 ,second & ,?ird ,john & ,revelation4 ,! ,lat9 ,v]sion ,itala1 ab\t ! middle ( ! second c5tury1 omits ,james & ,second ,pet]4 ,! ,v]sion ( ,clem5s1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #bjb1 omits ,second ,pet]1 ,james1 ,second & ,?ird ,john & ,philemon4 ,t ( ,cyprian ( ,c>?age1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #bej1 omits ,hebrews1 ,second ,pet]1 ,second & ,?ird ,john1 & ,jude4 ,eusebius1 ! great *ur* hi/orian1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #cdj1 disputes ! au!nticity ( ,james1 & omits ,jude1 ,second ,pet]1 second & ,?ird ,john1 & d\bts ! ,revelation4 ,he also gives a li/ ( ,spuri\s writ+s at t "t1 a numb] ( :i* are /ill extant4 7,x 0 ye>s aft] ?is be=e ,i saw ,! ,apocryphal ,new ,te/am5t47 ,ambrose ( ,milan1 late 9 ! f\r? c5tury1 rejects ,hebrews1 ,second & ,?ird ,john1 ,jude1 ,james1 & ,philemon4 ,*ryso/om1 ( ,antio*1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #djj1 omits ,second ,pet]1 ,jude1 ,second & ,?ird ,john1 & ,revelation4 ,j]ome1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #dbj1 rejects ,hebrews1 d\bts ,james & ,jude1 & attributes ,second & ,?ird ,john to ,john1 a ,presbyt] ( ,ephesus1 & n ! ,apo/le ,john4 ,i h only cit$ ! names ( ^? :o did n accept ! pres5t canon4 ,t _m ( ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs1 p]haps a majority ( !m1 did accept x is n que/ion$4 ,i h cit$ ^! in/ances--& n ne> all our au?or gives--to %[ t op9ion on ?is subject 0 by no means unanim\s 9 ?is e>ly day2 nor 0 all ! intellig5ce1 ability & "* on "o side4 ,i quote x also to %[ t ! tea*+s ( my *ur* conc]n+ ^? books1 t !re 0 nev] any d\bt 9 ! *ur* 0 n correct4 ,x mu/ h[ev] be said 9 all fairness1 accord+ to our au?or1 t f ab\t ! close ( ! second or ! beg9n+ ( ! ?ird c5tury1 !re 0 practical unanimity 9 ! *ur* z to ! au!nticity ( all ! books 9 our pres5t ,new ,te/am5t except ^! sev53 ,hebrews1 ,jude1 ,second ,pet]1 ,second & ,?ird ,john1 ,james & ,revelation4 ,ov] ^! ! controv]sy cont9u$ until ! ,roman ,hi]>*y ov]%ad[$ ! ,*ur* & suppress$ all lib]ty ( ?\ght or expression4 ,we n[ come to ! detail$ /udy ( ! orig91 au?or%ip1 date & "* ( ! diff]5t books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! fir/ %ock ,i got 0 le>n+ t ,! ,gospel ,accord+ to ,mat!w1 0 n writt5 9 its pres5t =m by ! ,apo/le ( t "n4 ,nor is ! au?or or date def9itely kn[n4 ,! sub/ance ( a long article on ! subject is to ! effect t ,mat!w ! ,apo/le1 ab\t ,a4,d4 #fh1 wrote an acc\nt ( ! do+s & say+s ( ,jesus1 9 ! ,syro-,*aldee language1 ! v]nacul> ( ,pale/9e at ! "t1 = ! b5efit ( ! ,hebrew ,*ri/ians4 ,f ?is basis "s lat] h&1 unkn[n1 translat$ into ,greek1 & elaborat$ x into sub/antially our pres5t v]sion4 ,! e>lie/ kn[n ,hebrew1 or ,syro-,*aldee v]sion 0 t us$ by ! ,ebionites1 :i* mat]ially diff]$ f our pres5t ,greek v]sion2 b :i* is ! orig9al & :i* ! recession has nev] be5 settl$4 ,! e>ly ,ebionite v]sion did n conta9 ! fir/ two *apt]s1 giv+ ! acc\nt ( ! miracul\s bir?2 b our au?or insi/s t ^! 7 cut (f f ! orig9al1 r ?an add$ on1 ?o nobody kn[s :i*4 ,conc]n+ ! ,gospel ( ,m>k1 he insi/s t x 0 also writt5 z 0 ! orig9al ( ,mat!w1 be=e ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 b aft] ,mat!w2 t ! mat]ial 9 x 0 le>n$ f ,pet]1 ^: companion ,m>k 0 7h[ does ?is comport ) div9e inspiration87 z ,m>k 0 n an apo/le & c\ld n h kn[n ^! facts at fir/ h&4 ,he admits ! la/ twelve v]ses to be spuri\s & add$ by a lat] h&4 ,conc]n+ ,luke he says t he d]iv$ 8 in=mation f ,paul 7ano!r case ( d\btful inspiration71 admits ! date & place he wrote are unkn[n2 admits ! discrepancies betwe5 him & ,mat!w1 9 reg>d to ! circum/ances ( ! miracul\s bir? & ! g5ealogy ( ,jesus--some?+ ,i _h nev] notic$ be=e6--& und]takes to reconcile !m4 ,:5 ,i turn$ to ! records & read !m 9 ?is new light1 8 attempt$ reconciliation1 to my m9d1 0 an utt] failure4 ,l e attempt$ reconciliation ,i h ev] read s9ce1 x 0 done by read+ into ! record1 n only :at 0 n !re1 b :at 0 :olly inconsi/5t ) ! record t is !re4 ,if any c&id read] w fir/ read c>efully ! fir/ two *apt]s ( ,mat!w1 not+ all ! details1 & !n likewise ! fir/ two *apt]s ( ,luke1 he w see t !y are :olly irreconcilable 9 _! details4 ,!y agree 9 b two po9ts3 ,t ,jesus 0 miracul\sly begott51 & born at ,be?lehem4 ,b 9 e detail ( :at w5t be=e & aft]1 !y are :olly at v>iance4 ,my belief 9 div9e & infallible inspiration 0 "h mat]ially weak5$4 ,h[ c\ld ! ,holy ,_s inspire 9 two diff]5t m51 writ+ ^u ! same subject1 su* v>y+ & irreconcilable acc\nts ( ! same ev5t8 ,besides1 our au?or _h practically ab&on$ ! idea ( inspiration by attribut+ ,m>k's k ( ! life ( ,jesus to ,pet] & ,luke's to ,paul4 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 z ,i le>n$ a little lat]1 9 all ! writ+s attribut$ to ,paul1 !re is n a s+le ref]5ce1 ev5 mo/ remotely1 to ! miracul\s bir? ( ,jesus2 b on ! o!r h& !re is mu* evid5ce 9 8 writ+s to lead to ! conclusion t he knew no?+ ab\t x4 ,!n :]e did ,luke get ?is in=mation8 ,conc]n+ ! ,gospel accord+ to ,john1 our au?or devotes =ty-eight pages to an ef=t to support its au?or%ip 9 ! ,apo/le ,john1 & to try to reconcile x ) ! o!r ,gospels4 ,l ! diff]5ces betwe5 ,mat!w & ,luke conc]n+ ! bir? ( ,jesus1 ?is 0 ! fir/ k ,i _h t !re 7 any discrepancies betwe5 !m1 or t !re 0 any d\bt ab\t its au?or%ip4 ,he quotes elaborately f ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs 9 its favor1 z well z f ! mod]n critics bo? = & aga9/4 ,he admits t *apt] xxi is a lat] addition to ! book1 b insi/s t ,john wrote x himself1 except ! la/ two v]ses1 :i* 7 add$ by ! *ur* at ,ephesus4 ,he also admits t v1 #b1 #c1 & viii1 #a-aa1 are bo? spuri\s & add$ by a lat] & unkn[n h&4 ,:5 ,i _h read x all ,i knew less ab\t ! au?or%ip ( ! book ?an :5 ,i began4 ,b ! discrepancies betwe5 x & ! synoptics loom$ l>ge & m5ac+4 ,i w n g into details conc]n+ ^!4 ,! read] c easily see !m = himself4 ,b on ! "q ( inspiration ,i 0 ab\t at my wits' end4 ,"h ,i 0 at ! v vital "p ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 z ,i _h be5 taught x & 0 try+ to tea* x to o!rs4 ,i h already told h[ ,i pass$ up ! matt] ( ! inspiration ( ! ,old ,te/am5t z be+ ( little importance "u ! ,*ri/ian disp5sation4 ,& n[ e prop 0 fall+ f "u me 9 reg>d to ! inspiration ( ! ,new4 ,if ! v records ( ! life & tea*+s ( ! ,*ri/ himself1 ^u :i* ! :ole fabric ( ,*ri/ianity re/$1 7 n[ %[n to be discordant & irreconcilable 9 _! cont5ts1 & "s ( !m v d\btful 9 _! au?or%ip2 ) x ! :ole doctr9e ( a div9e & infallible revelation w\ld h to g4 ,i 0 dumf\nd$4 ,0 x possible t all ?is ^u :i* ,i _h /ak$ my :ole life1 & _h be5 prea*+ = ye>s1 0 a m]e fiction8 ,x seem$ to be s1 if ! ,bible 0 n div9ely inspir$1 a true revelation f ,god1 & infallibly correct4 ,b h[ c\ld x all be true1 :5 x told s _m diff]5t & conflict+ /ories ab\t ! same ?+8 ,0 n ,god ! v ess5ce ( tru?8 ,!n h[ c\ld ,he miracul\sly reveal "o ?+ to ,mat!w1 ano!r & entirely diff]5t "o to ,luke1 & /ill ano!r & diff]5t "o to ,john1 all ab\t ! same ?+8 ,& yet1 t 9 _m in/ances ?is 0 true1 ,i c\ld no long] d\bt4 ,ev5 ?o ^! discrepancies might n g to ! ess5ce ( ,*ri/ianity z a sy/em ( religion2 nor mat]ially affect its fundam5tal doctr9es2 yet !y did g to ! v f\ndations ^u :i* x 0 bas$1--a div9e & infallible revelation f heav54 ,take ?is away & or?odox ,*ri/ianity is n left a leg to /& on2 & ,i knew x4 ,b we w hurry on ?ru ?is subject4 ,! au?or%ip ( ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les 0 attribut$ )\t s]i\s "q to ,luke4 ,all ! ,epi/les usually attribut$ to ,paul are conc$$ to him by our au?or1 except t to ! ,hebrews1 :ile "s critics reject ! ,paul9e au?or%ip ( any ( ! ,pa/oral ,epi/les1--^? to ,timo?y1 ,titus & ,philemon4 ,! au?or ( ! ,epi/le to ! ,hebrews is admitt$ to be unkn[n1 & its date unc]ta91 ?o x exi/$ 9 ! *ur* q e>ly4 ,! ,epi/le ( ,james is admitt$ to be d\btful2 & especially z to :i* ( sev]al m5 ( ?is "n might h writt5 x4 ,x is admitt$ t x c\ld n h be5 writt5 by ! ,apo/le ,james1 z he 0 put to dea? at ,j]usalem long be=e ! epi/le 0 kn[n4 ,z has already be5 se51 x 0 reject$ by _m ( ! ,fa!rs2 & ev5 ,m>t9 ,lu!r dubb$ x an epi/le ( /raw4 ,fir/ ,pet] is consid]$ g5u9e1 & writt5 by ! ,apo/le2 b ,second ,pet] is admitt$ to h be5 unkn[n 9 ! *ur* be=e ! ?ird c5tury1 & consequ5tly spuri\s4 ,! ,fir/ ,epi/le ( ,john is believ$ by our au?or to h be5 writt5 by ! same h& t wrote ! ,f\r? ,gospel1 ! ,apo/le ,john4 ,second & ,?ird ,john are admitt$ to be d\btful1 probably writt5 by "s o!r ,john1 & by lat] tradition1 because ( ! id5tity ( ! names1 attribut$ to ! ,apo/le4 ,?ird ,john 0 unkn[n 9 ! *ur* be=e ! ?ird c5tury4 ,! ,epi/le ( ,jude is admitt$ to be a my/]y4 ,nobody kn[s ev5 :o ,jude 01 or :at he 01 or :5 ! epi/le 0 writt54 ,x 0 kn[n to exi/ e>ly 9 ! second c5tury4 ,x 0 g5]ally reject$ by ! e>ly *ur*1 b someh[ got into ! canon4 ,! ,book ( ,revelation is admitt$ to be ! mo/ my/]i\s book 9 ! :ole ,bible4 ,by :om & :5 writt5 are bo? unkn[n4 ,tradition & its int]nal cont5t is ! only evid5ce t ! ,apo/le ,john wrote x1 & ?is w\ld apply to any o!r ,john z well4 ,x is evid5t t ! same p]son did n write x & ! ,f\r? ,gospel4 ,x 0 unkn[n 9 ! *ur* until ne> ! middle ( ! second c5tury2 ?o x be>s int]nal evid5ce ( hav+ be5 writt5 be=e ! fall ( ,j]usalem4 ,mo/ ( ! e>ly ,*ur* ,fa!rs reject$ x1 b x got into ! canon2--& is !re=e div9ely inspir$6 ,my /udy ( ,h>man's ,introduction ( ! ,/udy ( ! ,holy ,scriptures 0 "h f9i%$4 ,i h elaborat$ some:at on ^! /udies = two reasons3 ,fir/1 because ! results t ^! /udies produc$ 9 me1 t ,i %all pres5tly sum up1 7 ! results ( ! :ole1 r ?an any p>ticul> "p ( x1 except ^? portions :i* ,i h already specially not$4 ,second1 ,i desire to ar\se a simil> _s ( /udy & inve/igation 9 my read]s2 & ,i ?us give ?is outl9e ( /udy 9 detail1 z a sort ( basis f or ^u :i* to "w4 ,i h already indicat$ 9 "p my feel+s at ?is "t4 ,i summ$ ! :ole ?+ up briefly4 ,! "o great "q ar\nd :i* x all h+$ 0 ?is3 ,if ! au?or%ip ( ! books ( ! great] portion ( ! ,old ,te/am5t are :olly unkn[n1 z well z ! dates :5 !y 7 writt51 & ! same is true ( sev]al ( ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 h[ are we to "k ^! same books are div9ely inspir$1 ! infallible tru?1 ! ^w ( ,god8 ,?is is a fair "q & a reasonable "o4 ,i _h set out 9 e>ne/ & good fai? to f9d ! pro(s ( inspiration1 9 :i* ,i _h always believ$1 & only f\nd !m want+4 ,add to ?is ! manifold discrepancies & direct contradictions :i* ,i n[ began to discov] runn+ ?ru ! :ole ,bible1 bo? ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts1 & ,i f\nd !m :olly irreconcilable ) any idea ( div9e revelation & infallible tru?4 ,i "h recall$ a small book ,i _h read "s ye>s be=e on ,inspiration1--! au?or ,i h =gott51--b ,i rememb] ! ?ree lead+ reasons = ! inspiration ( ! ,bible :i* he gave1 & :i*1 ) my limit$ k at ! "t1 seem$ satisfactory4 ,^! 73 ,tradition1 ,necessity & ,success4 ,! tradition ( ! ,jews z to ! au!nticity & inspiration ( ! books ( ! ,old ,te/am5t3 x 0 argu$1 t :atev] may at ?is "t be ! limits ( our k conc]n+ ^! books1 ! anci5t ,jewi% ,rabbis knew j :at !y 71 & if !y _h n e "o be5 ! ^w ( ,god1 ^! ,rabbis w\ld h kn[n x1 & !y nev] w\ld h be5 9 ! canon4 ,! same doctr9e ( tradition 0 appli$ to ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs conc]n+ ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,b ,i _h "h le>n$ t ^! ,*ur* ,fa!rs 7 by no means agre$ z to ^! books4 ,i began to see n[ t ! same argum5t might be appli$ ) equal =ce to ! ,v$as1 ! ,z5d ,ave/a1 or ! ,koran4 ,! argum5t f necessity 0 bas$ ^u ! assumption t man 9 8 fall5 & s9ful /ate 0 by nature :olly unable to discov] any?+ ab\t ,god1 or ! means ( 8 r$emption4 ,!re=e a div9e revelation 0 necess>y to meet man's ne$s 9 ?is case2 & ! ,bible meets ?is necessity4 ,!re=e ! ,bible is a div9e revelation4 ,b ,i "h recall$ t ! only evid5ce we h ( man's orig9al p]fection & fall is 9 ! ,bible itself2 & t ?is l9e ( argum5t mu/ ultimately drive u back to ! m]e assumption ( ! facts ^u :i* ?is suppos$ div9e necessity 0 bas$4 ,! argum5t bas$ ^u success 0 t ,*ri/ & ,*ri/ianity 7 n only ! fulfillm5t ( ,old ,te/am5t promise & prophecy2 b t x nev] c\ld h made ! success 9 ! _w t x has if x _h n be5 ( div9e orig91 ! result ( div9e revelation4 ,i 0 prep>$ at ?is "t to look ) "s favor on ! argum5t drawn f promise & prophecy2 b if success 0 a true te/ ,i wond]$ if ! same argum5t w\ld n apply ) equal =ce to ,buddhism1 ) a ?ird m foll[]s ?an ,*ri/ianity1 or to ,mohamm$anism ) half z _m 9 a mu* %ort] "t4 ,^! argum5ts c\ld satisfy me no long]1 9 ! light ( ! new facts ,i _h le>n$4 ,b ,i 0 n yet ready to give up religion & ,*ri/ianity4 ,i began to look = "s new basis ( int]pretation4 ,i ask$ myself ! que/ions3 ,may n ,*ri/ianity be sub/antially true aft] all8 ,is n man a s9n]8 ,& z su* does he n ne$ a ,savior8 ,does n ,*ri/ianity meet ?is necessity8 ,is n ! ,bible aft] all1 ?o ( purely human orig9 z ,i n[ conceiv$1 a valuable book8 ,may we n yet f9d mu* valuable tru? 9 x1 ?o nei!r inspir$ nor infallible8 ,may n ! great plan ( salvation be true aft] all8 ,is x n ( vital importance to "k8 ,b if ! ,bible 9 :i* we f9d x _c be reli$ ^u infallibly1 h[ are we to "k8 ,9 ?us que/ion+ myself ,i took into consid]ation my own p]sonal exp]i5ces1 ^? emotional impressions & manife/ation :i* ,i _h always be5 taught 7 ! sup]natural manife/ations ( ! ,holy ,_s on my life & consci\sness4 ,i c\ld n d5y !m1 nor get away f !m4 ,!y 7 real4 ,x 0 ye>s lat] be=e ,i le>n$ to int]pret !m f ! sci5tific /&po9t ( psy*ology4 ,i det]m9$ to take a new c\rse--a c\rse ,i _h nev] tak5 be=e4 ,i _h h]et(ore tak5 my religion on au?ority4 ,?is au?ority _h n[ fail$4 ,i det]m9$ to apply ! te/ ( reason1 ) a firm conviction t 9 do+ s ,god w\ld guide me aright4 ,if any man w d 8 w he %all "k ( ! doctr9e4 ,i may say j "h t ,i h nev] yet met a p]son :o und]took to def5d ! ,*ri/ian ,sy/em1 or doctr9e ( s9 & salvation1 f ! /&po9t ( its own intr9sic reasonabl5ess4 ,! only mann] 9 :i* reason has be5 appli$ to its def5ce is1 t x is a reasonable d$uction f ! div9e revelation ^u :i* x is bas$2 :i* revelation mu/ be accept$ z true )\t "q or equivocation4 ,to d\bt is to be damn$4 ,9 fact1 its unreasonabl5ess1 f any natural human viewpo9t1 0 q freely admitt$4 ,b x 0 argu$ t man 9 8 fall5 /ate 0 q incapable ( p]ceiv+1 or und]/&+1 any ( ! great my/]ies ( ,god4 ,great is ! my/]y ( ,godl9ess 0 (t5 quot$ to me2 z well z1 ,= my ?\ghts are n y\r ?\ghts1 nei!r are y\r ways my ways1 sai? ,jehovah4 ,= z ! heav5s are high] ?an ! e>?1 s are my ways high] ?an y\r ways1 & my ?\ghts ?an y\r ?\ghts4 ,?is 0 ! c\rt ( la/ resort & mu/ be accept$1 & to ask fur!r que/ions 0 to blaspheme4 ,p]haps x may be well to give "h a quotation :i* ,i came across ye>s aft]w>ds1 z illu/rat+ ?is process ( reason+ f ! assum$ hypo!sis ( a div9e & infallible revelation1 t mu/ be tak5 z ! />t+ po9t4 ,x is f ,dr4 ,alb]t ,b>nes1 a di/+ui%$ ,presbyt]ian m9i/] ( ,philadelphia1 ab\t ! middle ( ! la/ c5tury4 ,i quote him because ( 8 high "* & repres5tative position2 & 8 dilemma is sub/antially ! same ) practically all o!rs ) :om ,i h conv]s$ on ! subject4 ,"h is :at he says3 ,t ! immortal m9d %\ld be all[$ to jeop>d its inf9ite welf>e1 & t trifles %\ld be all[$ to draw x away f ,god & virtue & heav52 t any %\ld suff] =ev]1--l+]+ on 9 hopeless despair & roll+ amid/ inf9ite torm5ts1 )\t ! possibility ( alleviation & )\t end2 t s9ce ,god c save m51 & w save a "p1 ,he has n purpos$ to save all2 t1 on ! supposition t ! atonem5t is ample1 & t ! blood ( ,*ri/ c cleanse f all & e s91 x is n 9 fact appli$ to all2 t1 9 a ^w1 a ,god :o claims to be wor?y ( ! confid5ce ( ! univ]se1 & to be a be+ ( inf9ite b5evol5ce1 %\ld make su* a _w z ?is1 full ( s9n]s & suff]]s2 & t1 :5 an atonem5t _h be5 made1 ,he did n save all ! race1 & put an end to s9 & woe =ev]1--^!1 & k9dr$ difficulties1 meet ! m9d :5 we ?9k on ?is great subject2 & !y meet u :5 we endeavor to urge our fell[-s9n]s to be reconcil$ to ,god1 & to put confid5ce 9 him4 ,on ?is gr\nd !y hesitate4 ,^! are real1 n imag9>y difficulties4 ,!y are probably felt by e m9d t has ev] reflect$ on ! subject2 & !y are unexpla9$1 unmitigat$1 unremov$4 ,i confess1 = "o1 t ,i feel !m m s5sibly & p[]fully ! m ,i look at !m1 & ! long] ,i live4 ,i d n und]/& ^! facts2 & ,i make no advances t[>ds und]/&+ !m4 ,i d n "k t ,i h a ray ( light on ! subject1 :i* ,i _h n :5 ! subject fir/ fla%$ across my s\l4 ,i h read1 to "s ext5t1 :at wise & good m5 h writt52 ,i h look$ at _! !ories & explanations2 ,i h endeavor$ to weigh _! argum5ts2 = my :ole s\l pants = light & relief on ^! que/ions4 ,b ,i get nei!r2 &1 9 ! di/ress & angui% ( my own _s1 ,i confess t ,i see no light :atev]1 ,i see n "o ray to disclose to me ! reason :y s9 came into ! _w1 :y ! e>? is /rew$ ) ! dy+ & ! dead1 & :y man mu/ suff] to all et]nity4 ,i h nev] yet se5 a p>ticle ( light ?r[n on ^! subjects t has giv5 a mom5t's ease to my tortur$ m9d2 b ,i confess1 :5 ,i look on a _w ( s9n]s & suff]]s1 ^u dea?-b$s & gravey>ds1 ^u ! _w ( woe1 fill$ ) ho/s to suff] =ev]2 :5 ,i see my p>5ts1 my fri5ds1 my family1 my p1 my fell[-citiz5s1--:5 ,i look ^u a :ole race1 all involv$ 9 ?is s9 & dang]2 & :5 ,i feel t ,god only c save !m1 & yet he does n d x1--,i am /ruck dumb4 ,x is all d>k1 d>k1 d>k to my s\l1 & ,i _c disguise x4 ,i ?9k ! conclusions ,dr4 ,b>nes rea*$ are ab\t ! only conclusions any hone/1 intellig5t man c rea*1 />t+ f 8 hypo!sis1 t a c]ta9 book is a div9e & infallible revelation f ,god1 :i* no "o d>e "q1 or g beh9d4 ,b1 z has be5 se51 ?is f\ndation _h n[ entirely slipp$ f "u me4 ,my only c\rse 0 to proce$ j z ?o no su* book 7 kn[n2 or at lea/1 t x 0 completely %orn ( all claim to be+ a div9e revelation1 or infallible tru?4 ,i propos$ to analyze e elem5t t ent]$ into ! :ole ,*ri/ian sy/em1 creation1 s91 r$emption1 atonem5t1 salvation1 immortality1 heav5 & hell1 go+ back to orig9al s\rces s f> z possible1 )\t any preconceiv$ hypo!sis :atev]1 9 se>* ( ab/ract tru?4 ,i felt t s9ce ,god _h left me )\t any conclusive & indisputable pro(s ( ! tru? ( ^? ?+s :i* ,i _h always believ$ to be ( ! mo/ supreme importance to mank9d = "t & et]nity1 t ?is supreme1 di/+ui%+ feature ( man t lifts him above all kn[n =ms ( creation c\ld1 & %\ld be1 appeal$ to z ! f9al au?ority & la/ te/ 9 all ?+s4 ,& s9ce reason 0 univ]sally recogniz$ z ! c\rt ( la/ resort 9 all o!r ?+s outside ( religion1 :y %\ld x n be appli$ to ?is also8 ,i felt t if ,i ?us hone/ly & s9c]ely foll[$ ! la/ & only light ,i _h1 t ,god c\ld n be j & ev]la/+ly damn me = "s possible error 9 my conclusions4 ,! process ,i foll[$ & ! results ,i rea*$ w be told 9 ! next *apt]4 ,,*apt] ,v ,,! ,,crisis ,i w5t back to ! beg9n+4 ,god 0 c]ta9ly good4 ,he 0 all-wise1 inf9ite4 ,he mu/ h kn[n all ?+s---! end f ! beg9n+4 ,if ,he ?us knew all ?+s ,he mu/ h kn[n ! :ole de/9y ( man be=e ,he creat$ him4 ,he mu/ h kn[n t he w\ld yield to temptation & fall1 & t all ! direful consequ5ces w\ld foll[ x t or?odoxy has pictur$ = c5turies4 ,i began to wond] h[ ,god c\ld be j & make a creature1 :om ,he knew 9 advance w\ld d :at ,adam is alleg$ to h done1 & knew 9 advance ! dreadful consequ5ces t w\ld foll[ x1 n only to ,adam himself1 b to all ! unborn g5]ations yet to p ! _w4 ,especially 0 ,i p]plex$ to und]/& h[ ,god c\ld be j & visit all ! consequ5ces ( ,adam's s9 on 8 entire po/]ity = unc\nt$ g5]ations :5 !y 7 & c\ld be 9 no way responsible = x & c\ld n help x4 ,yet ,i believ$ ,god to be j4 ,he c\ld n be ,god & be o!rwise4 ,s9ce ! :ole purpose ( religion1 & ,*ri/ianity 9 p>ticul>1 0 to save mank9d f hell h]eaft]1 ,i fir/ direct$ my inquiries to ! "q ( hell4 ,:o made hell8 & :5ce came ! devil8 ,! ,bible is sil5t z to _! orig91 except ! vague ref]5ce 9 ! ,book ( ,revelation to ! w> 9 heav5 & ! ca/+ out ( ,lucif] ) a ?ird "p ( ! angels ) him into ! bottomless pit s graphically portray$ by ,milton 9 ,p>adise ,lo/4 ,b ?is only c>ri$ me back f>!r4 ,:o creat$ ! angels1 or 7 !y co-et]nal ) ,god8 ,if !y are co-et]nal ) ,god !n !re are o!r et]nal be+s 9 ! univ]se ov] :om ,god has little or no control4 ,if s ,god is n omnipot5t4 ,! devil is 8 rival 9 ! spiritual _w &1 accord+ to ! curr5t doctr9e1 8 equal 9 omnisci5ce & omnipres5ce1 & a close & t]rible antagoni/ 9 ! conte/ = omnipot5ce4 ,take ! o!r horn ( ! dilemma4 ,!n angels & ! devil are creat$ be+s1 creatures ( ,god1 & n et]nal4 ,!n ,god mu/ h made ! devil4 ,if ,he creat$ him a holy angel1 yea1 an ar*angel1 z is claim$1 ,god c]ta9ly knew 9 advance t ?is ar*angel w\ld sometime lead a rebellion 9 heav5 & lead "o-?ird ( ! angels into ! conspiracy6 ,w\ld an all-wise1 a j & good ,god create su* be+s1 kn[+ 9 advance :at !y w\ld d & :at ! consequ5ces ( x w\ld be8 ,?is =c$ ,god to create a hell 9 :i* to put & puni% ^! rebelli\s angels :om ,he knew be=e ,he creat$ !m w\ld rebel aga9/ him & ?us h to be puni%$4 ,if ,god ne$$ angels to glorify him 0 x n j z easy to create good ones1 t w\ld n rebel aga9/ him6 ,he creat$ "s t way1 :y n all8 ,& if rebelli\s angels _h to be puni%$ :y n d x by annihilation in/ead ( mak+ ?is burn+ hell = !m8 ,if annihilation be consid]$ too m]ciful & ?is hell ! only adequate puni%m5t1 all v well = rebelli\s & s9ful angels2 b :y %\ld ?is yawn+ gulf ( et]nal woe op5 its ?roat to receive ! future be+ to be made 9 ,god's own image & call$ man8 ,we are told t hell 0 n creat$ = man1 b = ! devil & 8 angels4 ,nev]!less1 if ! /ory ( ,ed5 & ! doctr9es ( mod]n or?odoxy be true1 x is n[ & w ultimately become ! et]nal abode ( ab\t n9ety-eight p] c5t ( ! entire human race4 ,i c\ld nev] aga9 reconcile ! old views ( hell ) any rational conception ( a j & m]ciful ,god4 ,! /ory ( ,ed5 itself ,i took up = analysis4 ,man 0 alleg$ to h be5 fram$ up out ( du/1 yet made 9 ! image & lik5ess ( ,god1--& consequ5tly p]fect4 ,at lea/ ?is is ! univ]sal tea*+4 ,he 0 alone4 ,a companion 0 made = him f a rib4 ,!y are happy 9 a g>d54 ,god walks & talks ) !m l a man4 ,ev]y?+ is go+ smoo?ly until "o day ,god comes 9 & po9ts out a c]ta9 tree1 hi!rto unnotic$ & unkn[n1 & in=ms ,adam t he mu/ n eat ( ! fruit ( ?is p>ticul> tree on p5alty ( dea?4 ,!n comes ! s]p5t1 talk+ l a man1 & tells ! woman t :at ,god said 0 n true2 b if !y w\ld eat ( ! fruit ( t tree !y w\ld be z ,gods1 kn[+ good & evil4 ,& :5 ! woman saw t ! tree 0 good = food1 & t x 0 pleasant to ! eyes1 & a tree to be desir$ to make "o wise1 %e took ( ! fruit !re(1 & did eat1 & gave also unto h] husb& ) h]1 & he did eat4 ,g54 iii1 #f4 ,n[1 0 ! fir/ s9 t et]nally damn$ ! :ole human race a m]e matt] ( eat+ f a =bidd5 tree8 ,x seems s f ! natural import ( ! language us$4 ,:5 ! woman saw t ! tree 0 good = food 444 ,c\ld a j ,god inflict su* an awful puni%m5t z or?odox ,*ri/ianity tea*es1 n only ^u ?is simple1 ignorant c\ple1 b ^u ! entire human race = all "t & et]nity = su* a trifl+ incid5t8 ,i tr[ n4 ,besides1 ,i h (t5 ?\ght t if t p>ticul> tree _h n be5 specifically po9t$ out & =bidd51 probably nei!r ,adam nor ,eve w\ld ev] h _h any desire to eat ( x4 ,x is ! =bidd5 t always draws ! /ronge/4 ,let u exam9e ?is /ory closely & see :e!r ! s]p5t or ,god told ! tru?4 ,don't be al>m$ & accuse me ( blasphemy or sacrilege4 ,we set out 9 se>* ( tru?2 let u try to f9d x4 ,god is alleg$ to h said1 ( ! tree ( ! k ( good & evil1 ?\ %alt n eat ( x3 = 9 ! day t ?\ eate/ !re( ?\ %alt surely die4 ,g54 ii1 #ag4 ,b he did n die1 accord+ to ! subsequ5t /ory1 = ov] n9e hundr$ ye>s !reaft]4 ,! fact t ! p5alty3 ,= du/ ?\ art & unto du/ ?\ %alt return1 0 pron\nc$ aft] ! transgression1 does n fulfill ! /atem5t 9 ! day ?\ eate/ !re(4 ,b we %all ref] to ?is aga94 ,! s]p5t is alleg$ to h said3 ,ye %all n surely die3 = ,god do? "k t 9 ! day ye eat !re(1 !n y\r eyes %all be op5$ & ye %all be z ,god1 kn[+ good & evil4 ,g54 iii1 #d1 #e4 ,& v]se #g says3 ,& ! eyes ( !m bo? 7 op5$1 & !y knew t !y 7 nak$4 ,& v]se #bb says3 ,& ,jehovah ,god said1 ',behold1 ! man is become z "o ( u1 to "k good & evil4' ,does n ?is confirm t :at ! s]p5t said 0 true8 ,! temptation is v great "h to digress f> en\gh to (f] a rational int]pretation ( ?is beautiful poetic allegory ( ! ,fall ( ,man4 ,b x is outside ! scope & purpose ( ?is "w1 & ,i leave x ) ! simple "q3 ,0 n t :i* we call ! fir/ s9 only ! expression ( man's natural aspirations onw>d & upw>d1 9 se>* ( k & a high] & bett] & broad] & l>g] life1 t always entails its p5alties ( trial1 suff]+1 toil1 & m or less disappo9tm5t8 ,:5 ,god comes to call !m to acc\nt1 ,adam puts ! blame on 8 wife1 & %e %ifts x to ! s]p5t4 ,note :at foll[s3 ,! s]p5t is curs$ to crawl ^u 8 belly1 j z we see him n[4 ,did he walk uprightly be=e1 & did he h legs & feet8 ,& du/ %alt ?\ eat all ! days ( ?y life4 ,:at did he eat be=e8 ,z a matt] ( fact1 s]p5ts d n eat du/ n[4 ,rememb]1 ?is s5t5ce 0 pron\nc$ to ! s]p5t himself3 ,& ,jehovah ,god said unto ! s]p5t1--n to ,adam & ,eve4 ,we %all h occasion to recall ?is aga94 ,unto ! woman he said1 ,i w greatly multiply ?y pa9 & ?y conception2 9 pa9 ?\ %alt br+ =? *ildr5444 ,?is 0 ! p5alty pron\nc$ ^u ,eve = h] "p 9 ! trag$y4 ,! "q arises3 ,0 ,eve nev] to be a "m b = ?is transaction8 ,?is1 if n ! only1 is at lea/ ! mo/ natural inf]5ce4 ,!n h[ 0 ! race to be propagat$8 or 0 x to be propagat$ at all8 ,adam = 8 "p 0 condemn$ to h>d labor1 & al?o creation 0 suppos$ to h be5 f9i%$ & complete1 ! gr\nd 0 curs$ s z to make x produce ?orns & ?i/les to annoy & tantalize him & increase 8 labor4 ,7 none ( ^! ?+s on ! e>? be=e8 ,7 ! rose bu%es 9 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed5 ?ornless8 ,9 ! sweat ( ?y face %alt ?\ eat bread1 till ?\ return unto ! gr\nd3 = out ( x wa/ ?\ tak53 = du/ ?\ art1 & unto du/ %alt ?\ return4 ,sev]al que/ions arise "h4 ,0 ,adam to be immortal 9 ! fle% if he _h n eat5 ( ! =bidd5 fruit8 ,did dea? ent] ! _w1 z we h always be5 taught1 because ( ?is s98 ,& if ,adam _h n s9n$ w\ld he & ,eve /ill be liv+ 9 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 )\t ! k ( good & evil1 nak$ & una%am$ to ?is day8 ,if ,eve 0 nev] to become a "m if %e _h n s9n$1 w\ld %e & ,adam /ill be !re alone1 ) no?+ b ! animal _w ab\t !m = companions8 ,& if dea? only ent]$ ! _w because ( s91 :y does all nature die8 ,man alone 0 capable ( s91 & accord+ to ! /ory1 man alone s9n$1--unless we include ! s]p5t4 ,yet1 n a bea/ ( ! field1 a f[l ( ! air1 a fi% ( ! deep1 nor a reptile or creep+ ?+ ( all ! e>? has ev] liv$ b t x di$1 or w die4 ,n a tree has ev] gr[n1 n a plant has ev] op5$ its leaves1 blades or petals to ! sun2 n a se$ has ev] g]m9at$1 nor a fl[] ev] bloom$ t 0 n doom$ to die4 ,did all ?is come ^u all nature because ,adam ate an apple8 ,w\ld all ! bea/s ( ! field & ! birds ( ! air1 p>ad$ be=e ,adam t he might "n !m1 be /ill liv+ ) him 9 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 if he _h n s9n$8 ,w\ld all ! plants & trees & fl[]s t grew & bloom$ 9 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed5 9 ! days ( ,adam & ,eve's innoc5ce be /ill !re1 ) ! same leaves & blooms1 j z !y 71 if man _h n s9n$8 ,^! que/ions ,i "k look silly4 ,b if we are =c$ to accept ! premise1 we mu/ be prep>$ to accept ! natural conclusion to :i* x leads4 ,& if dea?--physical dea?--z or?odoxy has always taught1 ent]$ ! _w only because ( ,adam's s91 x naturally & inevitably leads to ! conclusions ,i h indicat$4 ,ano!r "q pres5ts itself4 ,c p]fection1 or t :i* is p]fect1 fall8 ,if ei!r man or angels 7 creat$ pure1 p]fect1 holy1 & 9 ! image & lik5ess ( ,god1 h[ c su* a be+ fall8 ,x seems to me t x w\ld be j z possible = ,god himself to fall4 ,! v fact ( ! fall1--if su* a fact exi/s or ev] exi/$1--( ei!r man or angel1 is 9 itself conclusive pro( ( "s moral imp]fection or weakness some:]e4 ,t man is morally imp]fect is freely conc$$4 ,9 pla9 words1 he is a s9n]4 ,b 0 he ev] o!rwise8 ,! f>!r back we trace him ! worse he appe>s on ! g5]al av]age4 ,all ! ,bible outside ( ?is "o /ory 9 ,g5esis1 z well z all hi/ory atte/s ?is fact4 ,!n may x n be a fact1 t :ile man is a s9n]1 he always has be5 s2 t he nev] fell1 = he _h be5 n[h]e 7morally7 to fall f b always has be5 & /ill is morally imp]fect & incomplete1 b ev] /riv+ onw>d & upw>d8 ,b suppos+ ?is /ory ( ! fall to be true1 :at 0 ! p5alty = x1--physical dea?1 z we h se51 or et]nal spiritual dea?1 or bo?8 ,aft] all ! prea*+ & writ+ ab\t et]nal dea?1 damnation1 hell-fire & brim/one z a result ( ,adam's s91 ,i c\ld n f9d any su* doctr9e taught 9 ! /ory ( ! fall1 nor any:]e else 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t1 & b v vaguely1 if at all1 9 ! ,new4 ,! /ory 9 ,g5esis _c be con/ru$ by any reasonable rules ( int]pretation to mean or involve any o!r puni%m5t on ,adam or 8 po/]ity1 = 8 s91 beyond physical dea?4 ,du/ ?\ art & unto du/ %alt ?\ return is ! f9al climax ( ! p5alty4 ,!re is no h9t1 s f> z ,i c und]/& x1 ( immortality or any future life4 ,!re is n ! remote/ h9t ( x 9 ?is /ory4 ,all ! puni%m5ts = s9 f ,adam to ,noah1 & long aft]w>ds1 culm9at$ & end$1 s f> z ,g5esis is conc]n$1 9 physical dea?4 ,! ,hebrew ,hades1 ,%eol & ,geh5a1 7 creations ( a mu* lat] p]iod4 ,& :o1 or :at 0 ! s]p5t8 ,a real snake1 or ! devil8 ,i "k ! curr5t belief is t ! s]p5t is a m]e figure = ! devil1 or t at lea/ ! _s ( ! devil 0 inc>nat$ 9 ! s]p5t4 ,b !re is n a l9e ( ,scripture to support ei!r assumption4 ,9 ! /ory itself x is /at$ only t ! s]p5t 0 m subtle ?an all ! bea/s ( ! field4 ,he is class$ ) !m1 n above !m1 except 9 subtlety4 ,! :ole fabric ^u :i* ?is idea ( ! id5tity ( ! s]p5t ( ,ed5 & ! devil is bas$ seems to be a s+le v]se 9 ,revelation 7xii1 #i73 ,& ! great dragon 0 ca/ d[n1 ! old s]p5t1 he t is call$ ! devil & ,satan1 ! deceiv] ( ! :ole _w2 he 0 ca/ d[n to ! e>?1 & 8 angels 7 ca/ d[n ) him4 ,!re are "o or two o!r passages 9 ! same book t speak ( t old s]p5t1 :i* is ! devil & ,satan1 b !y h no m connection ) or relation to ! /ory ( ,ed51 ?an ,hom]'s ,iliad has to ! nebul> hypo!sis4 ,& yet ^u ^! few passages is built up ! :ole fabric ( ! id5tity ( ! s]p5t ( ,ed5 & ! temptation1 ) ! devil1 ,satan or ,lucif]1 t is s graphically portray$ 9 ,p>adise ,lo/4 ,?is :ole /ory ( ! s]p5t 9 ,ed5 is v likely b an adaptation1 9 ano!r =m1 ( ! old ,babylonian my? ( ,m>duk & ! ,dragon4 ,all ?is %ift+ ( ! p5alty = ,adam's s9 f physical to spiritual dea? & id5tify+ ! s]p5t ) ,satan1 0 an aft]-inv5tion1 to try to make x h>monize ) lat] develop$ doctr9es ( immortality4 ,any c&id read] c see t no su* int]pretation c be plac$ ^u ! natural & simple language ( ! /ory itself4 ,9 fact immortality = man1 accord+ to ! /ory1 is =ev] inhibit$1 accord+ to v]ses #bb-bd4 ,aft] eat+ ! =bidd5 fruit ! only way to immortality 0 to eat ( ! tree ( life4 ,& to keep ,adam f ! tree ( life1 ( :i* he might eat & live =ev]1 ,god drove him out ( ! g>d5 & plac$ ! *]ubim ov] x ) a flam+ sword :i* turn$ e way1 to keep ! way ( ! tree ( life4 ,accord+ to ?is /ory1 man is n immortal at all1 & ! only way to atta9 x is to get by ! *]ubim1 or scale ! walls ( ! g>d5 ( ,ed5 & get to t tree4 ,i 0 n[ ready to det]m9e = myself t ?is :ole /ory ( ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed5 0 a my?1 leg5d1 or "s ori5tal allegory1 ! true purport & mean+ ( :i* is n[ :olly unkn[n2 beyond ! reasonable conjecture t x orig9at$ ) "s v anci5t ori5tal philosoph]1 9 ! *ildhood ( ! human race1 & is an allegorical portrayal ( 8 attempt to solve ! problem ( ! orig9 ( evil1 ( suff]+ & dea? 9 ! human race4 ,,! ,,flood ,b ,i pursu$ my c\rse ( reason+ & inve/igation fur!r4 ,i approa*$ ! p]iod ( ! flood4 ,! inf9ite & omnisci5t ,god is reveal$ z disappo9t$ ) ?is creature t ,he _h made 9 8 own image & lik5ess4 ,he gets angry ) him = 8 p]v]sity1 decl>es ,he is sorry ,he made him1 & resolves to de/roy ! :ole race1 except "o family :om ,he proposes to pres]ve = se$ = a new />t2 toge!r ) e bea/1 f[l & creep+ ?+ ( ! e>?1 except "o pair ( ea* = se$4 ,?9k ( an inf9ite & omnisci5t ,god1 :o knew all ?+s f ! beg9n+1 all t man w\ld ev] d1 be=e ,he creat$ him1 n[ look+ d[n f heav5 on 8 "w1 confess+ x to be a /up5d\s failure1 gett+ angry & rep5t+ t ,he _h made man or bea/2 & n[ resolv+ to take v5geance by dr[n+ ! :ole outfit6 ,if man 0 s p]v]se t he ne$$ to be de/roy$1 :y wreak v5geance also on ! animal creation t _h n s9n$8 ,& if ! animal creation mu/ be includ$ 9 ! univ]sal de/ruction1 :y d x by a process ?ru :i* all m>9e life naturally escap$1 :ile all t]re/rial life 0 de/roy$8 ,!n :y save any se$ ( su* p]v]se /ock8 ,0 n ,god acqua9t$ ) ! laws ( h]$ity t _h work$ s p]fectly 9 transmitt+ ! s9 ( ,adam d[n ?ru all ! g5]ations ?us f>2 & did ,he n "k ! same ?+ w\ld cont9ue 9 ! se$ ( ! race aft] ! flood8 ,if ,he really desir$ to correct ! mi/ake ,he _h made1 :y did ,he n de/roy ! :ole race1 root & bran*1 :ile ,he 0 at x1 r5ovate ! e>? & />t ) a new creation ( bett] /ock8 ,?is flood /ory mu/ be notic$ a little clos]4 ,noah is comm&$ to build an ark1 z 8 family is *os5 especially to pres]ve ! race = a new />t4 ,he is also to save 9 pairs1 male & female1 specim5s ( e bea/ ( ! field1 f[l ( ! air1 & creep+ ?+s ( all ! e>? to pres]ve ! species4 ,& n[ :5 ! ark 0 ready1 ^! bea/s ( ! field1 f[ls ( ! air1 & creep+ ?+s ( all ! e>?1 pol> be>s1 moose1 re9de]1 & ! ?\s& v>ieties ( fur-be>+ animals f ! arctic nor?1 toge!r ) ^? ( ! torrid des]ts & jungles ( ! s\?1 lions1 tig]s1 hy5as1 elephants1 leop>ds1 antelope1 giraffes1 ants1 mice1 hawks1 doves1 wolves1 lambs1 s]p5ts ( all v>ieties1 ( birds1 beetles1 flies1 bugs & insects1 all came ( _! own accord1 9 ! exact numb] prescrib$1 quietly walk$ into ! ark & lay d[n to re/ until ! deluge 0 ov]6 ,! deluge ov]1 ! new race />t$ 0 z bad z ev]4 ,ev5 righte\s ,noah got drunk f ! fir/ crop ( grapes he rais$1 & curs$ "o ( 8 son's po/]ity to p]petual s]vitude4 ,! race soon tri$ to outwit ,god by build+ a t[] by :i* to rea* heav51 & ,god's only way to prev5t its success 0 to confuse _! tongues s !y c\ld no long] "w toge!r1 & ! s*eme _h to be ab&on$4 ,! race grew cont9ually worse1 drift$ into idolatry1 & ,god resolv$ to try a new s*eme to ultimately save ! race4 ,we come n[ to3 ,,! ,,call ,,( ,,abraham ,abraham is call$ to leave ! l& ( 8 fa!rs1 g to a new c\ntry & />t a new race1 ?r\gh :om ,god w\ld yet save ! _w1 z all 8 previ\s ef=ts _h prov5 failures4 ,"h we h ! beg9n+ ( ! ,jewi% nation1 ^: hi/ory ,i h n space to ev5 outl9e1 mu* less to foll[ 9 detail4 ,/udy x = y\rself 9 its fullness1 because x has a vital relation to mod]n or?odoxy z n[ repres5t$ & taught 9 mo/ ( ! *ur*es4 ,a few po9ts1 h[ev]1 mu/ be not$4 ,! /ory tells u t ! great ,god ( ! univ]se selects ?is "o man1 "o family & "o nation to be supremely bless$ above all ! balance ( mank9d1 & to :om ,he committ$ 8 revelation & plans = _! ultimate salvation1 & d5i$ ^! bless+s to all ! re/ ( 8 creatures4 ,c\ld su* a ,god be j8 ,:5 ! ,israelites 7 try+ to get out ( ,egypt1 :ile ,moses & ,a>on 7 to g & beg ,ph>aoh to let !m g1 ,god is said to h h>d5$ ,ph>aoh's he>t n to d s1 only to h an excuse to plague ,egypt1 kill ! fir/ born 9 e h\se & !n ov]:elm ,ph>aoh & 8 :ole army 9 ! ,r$ ,sea6 ,c a j ,god d t8 ,:5 !y f9ally arrive at ! bord]s ( ! promis$ l& !y are comm&$ to lit]ally ext]m9ate ! inhabitants & neighbor+ tribes1 root & bran*1 m51 wom5 & *ildr5 indiscrim9ately & unsp>+ly4 ,god is describ$ z resort+ to ly+1 deceit & intrigue to lure ! enemies ( ,israel to _! de/ruction4 ,"t fails me to pursue ?is horrible record 9 its details4 ,x beg9s ) ,abraham & ends only ) ! close ( ! ,old ,te/am5t ,canon4 ,/udy x = y\rself4 ,c\ld a j ,god be guilty ( su* outrage\s conduct8 ,i ?9k n4 ,z is well kn[n1 ! doctr9e is t ,god ?us call$ ,abraham & ! ,jewi% nation ap>t f all ! balance ( ! human race1 t ?ru !m ,he might ultimately s5d 8 son into ! _w to save ! race f s9 & hell4 ,to ?is end promises & prophecies are said to po9t1 ?ru\t ! entire ,old ,te/am5t f ,abraham to its close1 & ev5 z f> back z ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed5 & ! fir/ s94 ,:5 ,jesus ( ,naz>e? appe>$ he 0 accept$ by 8 foll[]s z ?is promis$ ,savior1 ! ,messiah ( promise & prophecy1 & has be5 s accept$ by ! ,*ri/ian _w ev] s9ce4 ,to him 0 attribut$ a miracul\s bir? z ! ,son ( ,god2 & 9 ! op9ion ( 8 foll[]s he 0 soon consid]$1 n only ! ,son ( ,god1 b ,god ,himself inc>nat$ bodily 9 ! son4 ,9 o!r words1 t ,god ,himself came d[n f heav5 9 ! =m ( human fle%1 to save ! _w by mak+ an aton+ sacrifice ( ,himself = ! s9s ( humanity4 ,& :5 ,jesus came1 suff]$ & di$ on ! ,cross1 we are told t ! s*eme ( r$emption 0 complet$4 ,& :at is ?is s*eme ( r$emption1 or plan ( salvation8 ,?is 0 ! crucial po9t to me4 ,i ?\ght man 0 c]ta9ly a s9n] & ne$$ a ,r$eem]4 ,i look$ x ov] ) scrut9iz+ c>e4 ,"h is "o ,god :o is ?ree ,gods4 ,a "p ( ,god left heav51 came to e>? z a man1 di$ on ! ,cross to satisfy ! o!r "p ( himself = s9s somebody else committ$6 ,i "k ?is s\nds to ! or?odox l sacrilege1 b ,i mean x s]i\sly4 ,?9k ( x = a mom5t6 ,god divid+ himself1 "o "p 9 heav51 "o "p on e>? & ! ?ird "p1 ! ,holy ,gho/1 a g-betwe56 ,boil x d[n to its la/ analysis & ?is is :at x means4 ,ei!r ?is1 or ?ree sep>ate gods1 "o ( :om comes to e>? to die 9 ord] to appease ! wra? ( ! o!r1 ! ?ird rema9+ 9 heav5 ) ! fir/ until ! second returns1 :5 ,he w\ld come to e>? to cont9ue ! "w begun by ! second4 ,!re w\ld ?us be always two gods 9 heav5 & "o on e>?4 ,?is is1 9 a nut%ell1 ! sum & sub/ance ( ,tr9it>ian or?odox ,*ri/ianity4 ,we are told s]i\sly t !re is no o!r "n giv5 "u heav51 nor among m51 :]eby we may be sav$ except ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,& t 9 ord] to be sav$1 we mu/ believe 9 him z ! only begott5 ,son ( ,god1 & 9 ! aton+ sacrifice ( 8 dea? = our s9s4 ,"h ,i s]i\sly inquir$3 ,if ! salvation ( ! human race is entirely & exclusively dep5d5t ^u fai? 9 ! m]its ( ! dea? ( ,jesus z an aton+ sacrifice1 :at became ( all ! p :o di$ be=e 8 com+8 ,or?odoxy answ]s t !y 7 sav$ by fai? 9 ! ,promis$ ,savior to come1 z giv5 to ,abraham1 ,moses1 & ! prophets4 ,if s1 h[ _m 7 sav$8 ,! ,jewi% nation nev] look$ = a spiritual ,messiah4 ,x 0 always a temporal "o4 ,!re is no evid5ce t !y ev] _h ! remote/ conception ( a ,messiah t 0 to make a vic>i\s aton+ sacrifice ( himself = !m4 ,h5ce _! fai? 9 ?is promise 0 9 va94 ,x 0 n ! k9d t saves1 accord+ to or?odoxy4 ,an occasional prophet1 l ,isaiah or ,j]emiah1 or "s o!rs1 might h s und]/ood & believ$ x4 ,b v few1 if any1 o!rs did4 ,!n ! great mass ( ,god's *os5 p are n[ 9 hell2 = !y did n believe rightly2 & all ! balance ( ! _w is !re because !y nev] he>d ( su* a promise & h5ce did n believe at all6 ,b ! "q "h arises1 ,if salvation f ,abraham to ,*ri/ 0 secur$ by fai? 9 ! promis$ ,messiah to come2 & :i*1 z we h j se51 accord+ to or?odox def9itions1 0 practically a complete failure2 h[ 7 !y sav$ f ! "t ( ,adam until ! promise made to ,abraham8 ,! answ] ( or?odoxy is1 ,by ! promise made to ,adam & ,eve 9 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 t ! se$ ( ! woman %all bruise ! s]p5t's head4 ,?is is n ! exact language ( ,g5esis1 b ( ! cre$4 ,! sub/ance is correct4 ,b accord+ to ,g5esis ?is 0 n a promise to ,adam & ,eve at all2 b a "p ( ! curse pron\nc$ on ! s]p5t6 ,!re is no?+ 9 ! record to indicate t ei!r ,adam or ,eve ev5 he>d x1 or ev] knew any?+ ab\t x4 ,!re is no?+ 9 ! record to indicate t ! s]p5t 0 pres5t :5 ,god acco/$ ,adam & ,eve ab\t _! transgression4 ,besides1 ! incid5t is nev] ref]r$ to aga9 9 ! :ole ,bible1 by ei!r prophet1 prie/1 ,*ri/ or apo/le4 ,x is simply an example ( t f>-fet*$ me?od ( int]pretation ,i h be=e ref]r$ to1 to e/abli% a preconceiv$ op9ion & satisfy ! dem&s ( su* a necessity4 ,!re is n a s+le l9e 9 ! :ole ,bible to ju/ify su* an int]pretation ( ?is incid5t4 ,! only possible cross ref]5ce t might indicate x is 9 ,rom4 xvi1 #bj3 ,& ! ,god ( peace %all bruise ,satan "u y\r feet %ortly4 ,& ?is c h no ref]5ce to ! incid5t 9 ,ed54 ,besides1 if ?is s5t5ce on ! s]p5t 0 a promise ( ! victory ( ,*ri/ ov] him1 x 0 already accompli%$ be=e ,paul wrote ^! words4 ,& if su* a promise _h be5 made1 ) ! mean+ atta*$ to x t is claim$1 ,god c]ta9ly knew t ! race w\ld soon =get x1 & ?us r5d] x futile & give him additional excuse to v5t 8 wra? & wreak 8 v5geance aga9/ 8 helpless creatures4 ,if fai? 9 su* a promise 0 ! only way ( salvation f ,adam to ,abraham !n practically all ! _w up to t "t is n[ 9 hell6 ,:o c believe su* a c>icature ( ,god8 ,b aft] all1 :at ab\t ! salvation ( ! race s9ce ! dea? ( ,*ri/8 ,if salvation s9ce 8 com+ is only atta9able ?ru p]sonal fai? 9 him z ! miracul\sly begott5 ,son ( ,god1 & 9 8 dea? z a vic>i\s atonem5t = s92 & t all are lo/ except ^? :o h ?us believ$1 h[ _m are sav$8 ,c]ta9ly v few4 ,take a m]e glance at ! _w s9ce ! "t ( ,*ri/4 ,leav+ out ( consid]ation ! c\ntless millions :o nev] he>d ( him1 & conf9+ ourselves to ^? :o h1 h[ _m ( !m fully met exactly ^! conditions8 ,if su* a doctr9e is true1 !re are b few p 9 heav5 except infants2 & x is only 9 rec5t ye>s t "s ( ! or?odox h admitt$ infants indiscrim9ately into heav56 ,i c\ld compreh5d to "s ext5t h[1 if ,god _h (f]$ salvation & a home 9 heav5 =ev] to all mank9d on su* easy t]ms z fai? 9 ! m]its ( ! dea? ( ,jesus1 ,he c\ld visit condign puni%m5t on su* z knew x & wilfully reject$ x4 ,b ,i c\ld n see ! ju/ice ( su* a puni%m5t be+ inflict$ on ! c\ntless millions ( p :o nev] he>d ( x1 _h no means ( kn[+ x1 & c\ld n be ju/ly blam$ = n kn[+ x4 ,ano!r ?+ t ,i n[ put ! te/ ( reason to1 0 ! doctr9e ( salvation by fai? itself4 ,0 fai? ! only ?+ t c\ld m]it ! favor ( ,god8 ,0 "* ( no avail8 ,0 all moral purity1 goodness & bro!rly love b fil?y rags 9 ! sight ( ,god1 unless buttress$ by belief 9 ! ,deity ( ,jesus & ! vic>i\s atonem5t8 ,0 salvation aft] all z arbitr>y z t describ$ 9 ,holy ,willie's ,pray]8 ,o1 ,?\ :o 9 ! heav5s do/ dwell1 ,:o z x pleases be/ ?ysel' ,s5ds "o to heav5 & t5 to hell1 ,a' = ,?y glory1 ,& n = any good or ill ,!y've done a=e ,!e4 ,i ?\ght ( su* morali/s & philosoph]s z ,zoroa/]1 ,buddha1 ,confucius1 ,socrates1 ,plato1 & ?\s&s ( o!rs :o h liv$ 9 ! pa/1 & left a la/+ impression 9 ! _w = ! good ( mank9d t cont9ues to ?is day1 "s ( !m b little less ?an ,jesus himself1 9 ! moral sublimity ( _! lives & tea*+s1 & wond]$ if ^! m5 7 all 9 hell to roa/ & fry & burn =ev] because !y _h n ex]cis$ fai? 9 ! m]its ( a dy+ ,god ( :om !y _h nev] kn[n or ev5 he>d6 ,& e nobl] s5tim5t ( my human nature rebell$ aga9/ su* an idea4 ,to attribute su* a "* & proce$+ to ,god is to make him1 9 cruelty & inju/ice1 bel[ ! level ( ! mo/ f]oci\s bea/ ( ! jungle4 ,?is 0 n all4 ,i beheld ! divisions 9 ! *ur* itself4 ,"s hundr$s ( diff]5t d5om9ations1 all be>+ ! "n ,*ri/ian1 ea* claim+ to be "r & all ! balance wrong1 ea* claim+ to exp\nd ! only tru?1 & all ! balance error2 ea* claim+ to direct to ! only true & infallible way ( et]nal life & all ! balance only deadly h]esies4 ,i f\nd ! hi/ory ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* writt5 9 blood4 ,= fifte5 hundr$ ye>s ,*ri/ian _h sla9 ,*ri/ian z a "p ( 8 religi\s duty4 ,fire & fagot1 sword & rack & all ! in/rum5ts ( torture kn[n to ! +5uity ( mank9d 7 employ$ = ! torture & dea? ( h]etics--all 9 ! "n ( ,*ri/ & = ! salvation ( ! _w4 ,ca?olics tortur$ & burn$ ,prote/ants & ,prote/ants murd]$ ea* o!r4 ,calv9 cons5t$ to ! burn+ ( ,s]vetus & ! ,new ,engl& ,puritans hung wit*es & p]secut$ ,quak]s & ,bapti/s by burn+ holes 9 _! tongues ) hot irons1 & driv+ !m f _! mid/ z !y w\ld ! pe/il5ce4 ,i wond]$ h[1 if ,god ev] takes any int]e/ 9 affairs on e>? & he>s ! pray]s ( 8 *ildr51 he c\ld sit sup9ely by on 8 ?rone & p]mit su* ?+s to be done 9 8 "n & = 8 glory6 ,if 8 _s c\ld ent] into ! he>ts ( m5 & direct _! ?\ghts & m9ds1 :y did ,he n d x & /op ?is useless slaught]8 ,aga9 ,i turn$ back to ! beg9n+ ( ?+s4 ,if ,god =esaw :at ,adam w\ld d & ! dreadful consequ5ces ( x1 :y did ,he n make him diff]5t s he w\ld n fall8 ,0 x n j z easy8 ,b if ,god c be bett] glorifi$ by sav+ a fall5 creature ?an by keep+ him f fall+1 !n :y did ,he n make ?is plan ( salvation s pla9 & cle> t !re c\ld be no possibility ( misund]/&+ or miscon/ru+ x8 ,if ,god 0 to be ultimately glorifi$ 9 ! sacrifice ( 8 son z a means ( salvation = ! _w1 & ?is salvation 0 to come simply by fai? 9 ?is promise1 :y did ,he n make ?is promise s specific & cle> t ! mo/ ignorant & b5ight$ c\ld n misund]/& & fail to accept x8 ,:y did n ,god reveal ?is promise to all mank9d alike1 s t all might be sav$1 in/ead ( to "o family & "o nation8 ,& :5 ?is son came & di$ = ! _w :y did n ,god make x kn[n to ! entire _w in/ead ( a h&ful ( ,jews 9 an obscure corn] ( ! e>?8 ,& :5 ?is plan 0 complet$1 :y 0 x n h]ald$ 9 e nook & corn] ( ! e>?1 :]ev] man 0 f\nd1 in/ead ( be+ conf9$ = c5turies ar\nd ! %ores ( ! ,m$it]ranean8 ,!n aga91 ,i say1 :y 0 n ?is plan made s pla9 & unequivocal t no man1 h[ev] ignorant1 c\ld possibly fail to compreh5d x1 & all m5 und]/& x exactly alike1 & ?us live 9 ! bonds ( a true bro!rhood1 ! sons ( ! "o great ,god1 in/ead ( but*]+ ea* o!r = fifte5 hundr$ ye>s 9 ! "n ( religion1 ea* sect claim+ to be ! only true foll[]s ( ! ,son ( ,god1 & all ! balance reprobates & devils8 ,b ! mo/ inconsi/5t & unreasonable phase ( ! :ole ?+ is yet to come4 ,if salvation is atta9able only ?r\gh ! m]its ( ! dea? on ! ,cross ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 !n ,jesus _h to be crucifi$4 ,x 0 a "p ( ! et]nal plan4 ,no o!r dea? w\ld d4 ,if ,jesus _h di$ a natural dea? !re c\ld h be5 no salvation4 ,he mu/ ne$s be puni%$1 kill$ = ! s9s ( ,adam & all mank9d4 ,he 0 ! ,lamb sla9 f ! f\ndation ( ! _w4 ,to c>ry out ?is div9e purpose somebody _h to crucify him4 ,e actor 9 ?is great drama ( r$emption 0 a necess>y factor4 ,no "o 0 ei!r unnecess>y or unimportant4 ,judas 0 necess>y to betray him into ! h&s ( 8 enemies4 ,he & ! "p he p]=m$ 7 necess>ily z mu* a =e-orda9$ & et]nally pr$e/9at$ factor 9 ! s*eme ( r$emption z t ( ,jesus himself4 ,! ,jewi% prie/s :o prosecut$ him be=e ,pilate 7 z equally necess>y z ! subject ( ! prosecution4 ,! ,jewi% nation :om !y repres5t$1 or "s o!r nation1 0 equally necess>y z a backgr\nd = ?is prosecution1 9 ^: "n x 0 conduct$4 ,pilate or "s o!r 0 necess>y z ! judge to he> ! trial & pron\nce ! s5t5ce ( dea? be=e x c\ld be c>ri$ out4 ,& f9ally1 ! ,roman soldi]s 7 necess>y to execute ! s5t5ce4 ,all ^!1 ,jesus1 ,judas1 ! prie/s1 ! ,jewi% nation1 ,pilate & ! ,roman soldi]s1 7 necess>y l9ks 9 ! "o great *a9 ( ! s*eme ( r$emption1 or plan ( salvation by ! vic>i\s atonem5t ( ! ,son ( ,god on ! ,cross4 ,if ei!r "o ( !m _h fail$1 ! *a9 w\ld h be5 brok51 ,god's et]nal plans & purposes ?w>t$1 & man left )\t r$emption to et]nally p]i%6 ,& yet poor ,judas 0 driv5 by remorse to a suicide's grave1 & accord+ to ! doctr9es ( ! ,*ur*1 = ^! n9ete5 hundr$ ye>s has be5 ju/ly wri?+1 fry+ & burn+ 9 ! bottomless pit ( et]nal torm5ts1 & w cont9ue s to suff] =ev]1--& = :at8 ,= fai?fully p]=m+ & fulfill+ t "p 9 ! s*eme ( r$emption :i* he 01 by ! et]nal decrees ( ,god1 =eorda9$ & pr$e/9at$ f be=e ! f\ndation ( ! _w to p]=m2 & :i* he c\ld nei!r escape nor avoid1 )\t break+ ! *a91 & ?us defeat+ ! et]nal purposes ( ,god 9 ! r$emption ( mank9d6 ,= n9ete5 hundr$ ye>s ! ,*ur* has ?us execrat$ & ana!matis$ ,judas ,isc>iot1 ,pontius ,pilate1 ! ,high ,prie/s1 ! :ole ,jewi% nation & ! ,roman ,empire1 & consign$ !m to et]nal p]dition1 ! torm5t+ flames ( an et]nal hell1 & scatt]$ ! ,jews to ! f\r qu>t]s ( ! e>?1 nev] ceas+ its horrid p]secutions1 9 _m places ev5 to ?is day2 & all = :at8 ,= crucify+ ,*ri/2 = c>ry+ out ! div9e purpose plann$ f be=e ! f\ndation ( ! _w2 = obey+ ! ,et]nal ,w2 = do+ only :at !y 7 compell$ by ! et]nal fates to d 9 ord] t mank9d might be sav$ f ! et]nal burn+6 ,our au?or t ,i _h be5 /udy+ says on page #beg1 ,no man c read ! ,bible ) any fai? 9 its tea*+s1 & d5y t ?is t]rible calamity 7! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem & ! ,jewi% nation7 ov]took ! ,jews on acc\nt ( _! great s9s1 especially _! rejection ( ! ,son ( ,god4 7,italics m9e47 ,suppose !y _h n reject$ him4 ,suppose !y _h accept$ him z ! ,messiah ( prophecy1 z ! ,*ur* insi/s he 01 & _h set ab\t to make him _! k+ & succe$$2 & he _h liv$ on a normal life & di$ a natural dea?1 :at w\ld h become ( ! s*eme ( r$emption by vic>i\s atonem5t8 ,:at ab\t ! plan ( salvation1 ! remission ( s9s only ?ru ! p[] ( ! blood8 ,ap>t f ! %$d+ ( blood !re is no remission4 ,!n if ! ,jews _h n reject$ ,jesus & !reby caus$ 8 blood to be %$1 :at w\ld h be5 ! et]nal de/9y ( ! :ole human race8 ,accord+ to or?odox ,*ri/ianity1 ! :ole plan w\ld h fail$1 & ! :ole human race w\ld h be5 irretrievably lo/ & plung$ =ev] & ev] into et]nal torm5ts1 :]e ! worm die? n1 & ! fire is n qu5*$6 ,i _h n[ rea*$ ! crisis4 ,aft] pursu+ ?is c\rse ( /udy & ?is l9e ( reason+ = a p]iod ( ab\t ?ree ye>s aft] f9i%+ ! book ,i h h]e9 describ$1 does any "o wond] t ,i ?rew ! :ole ?+ ov]bo>d1 ,bible1 inspiration1 revelation1 *ur* & religion1 into ! scrap heap ( sup]/ition1 leg5d1 fable & my?ology8 ,i gave up ! :ole ?+ z a f>ce & a delusion1 z s\nd+ brass & t9kl+ cymbals4 ,i c\ld no long] hone/ly prea* su* a gospel2 ,i c\ld n be a hypocrite4 ,i )drew f ! *ur* & m9i/ry & turn$ my att5tion to secul> pursuits4 ,& hav+ n[h]e else to g1 ,i naturally drift$ into t /ate ( m9d :i* ! _w calls agno/icism4 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,,! ,,reaction3 ,a ,,new ,,confession ,,( ,,fai? ,at ?is "t ,i knew no?+ ( a lib]al *ur*4 ,if ,i _h1 ,i d\bt if ,i 0 9 a condition ( m9d to consid] x4 ,i 0 s utt]ly disgu/$ ) ecclesia/icism z ,i knew x t ,i 0 b little prep>$ if at all1 to give any?+ ( ! k9d fair consid]ation4 ,! p5dulum _h swung to ! opposite extreme4 ,i ab&on$ ev]y?+ b ,god4 ,i nev] d\bt$ = a mom5t ! exi/5ce ( a ,supreme ,be+4 ,nature & in/9ct taught me ?is4 ,b :o1 or :at1 or :]e1 ?is ,supreme ,be+ 01 or :at 8 attributes or *>act]i/ics 71 ,i did n pret5d to "k1 or c>e4 ,i relegat$ x all to ! realm ( ! unkn[n & unkn[able4 ,= a :ile ,i w5t to *ur* occasionally1 m]ely = ! sake ( respectability1 & n because ,i took any int]e/ 9 common ) x4 ,i li/5$ to ! prea*+ ) su* pati5ce & =titude z ,i c\ld comm&4 ,i he>d only ! same old platitudes ab\t a dy+ ,*ri/ & ! flames ( p]dition ,i _h he>d all my life & prea*$ = eight ye>s myself4 ,i (t5 felt z if ,i w\ld l to help ! prea*] out 9 8 /ruggle to dive/ himself ( 8 ?\ghts4 ,i f9ally quit go+ to *ur* altoge!r1 until ,i locat$ :]e ,i _h an opportunity to att5d a ,re=m$ ,jewi% synagogue1 :i* ,i did q (t51 & always he>d broad-gaug$1 intellectual disc\rses4 ,z ,i h be=e said1 up to ?is "t1 & = ye>s !reaft]1 ,i _h nev] read a di/9ctively infidel book1 nor ev5 a lib]al religi\s "o4 ,my *ange ( op9ions _h all come f an hone/ ef=t to seek pro(s = ! fai? ( my fa!rs1 :i* ,i inh]it$4 ,b ,i nev] ceas$ to be a /ud5t4 ,my tempor>y antagonism to ! *ur* soon vani%$4 ,i simply view$ x ) utt] indiff]5ce1 & some:at ( sympa?y4 ,i _h no m cre$ to def5d1 & none to condemn4 ,i _h no desire :atev] to propagate my own ideas or di/urb any "o else 9 !irs4 ,i felt t if any "o got any satisfaction out ( 8 religi\s beliefs he 0 welcome to x4 ,i w\ld n di/urb him = any?+4 ,i look$ ^u x z a h>mless delusion1 & if x made "o any bett]1 society 0 s mu* ! ga9]4 ,b to me x 0 z s\nd+ brass & t9kl+ cymbals4 ,b ,i _c say t ,i 0 satisfi$ ) my position4 ,man is a social z well z an emotional animal4 ,agno/icism is nei!r social nor emotional4 ,x is cold-blood$ & indiff]5t at its be/4 ,x is simply a bundle ( d\bts & negations4 ,m5 are b\nd toge!r 9 social & frat]nal ties by :at !y affirm & believe 9 common4 ,b !y c>e no?+ = :at !y d5y4 ,b hav+ no cre$ to def5d & no preconceiv$ op9ions to prove1 & be+ ( /udi\s habits1 ,i 0 n[ prep>$ to /udy 9 se>* ( ab/ract tru? = tru?'s own sake1 ready to accept x f :atev] s\rce x might come1 & foll[ x :]ev] x might lead4 ,)\t arrogat+ to myself any special m]it or cr$it = tak+ ?is c\rse1 ,i wi% t all p w\ld d ! same4 ,z ,i said 9 ! v beg9n+ ( ?is book1 mo/ p inh]it _! religi\s beliefs1 & !re !y /op4 ,we are ,bapti/s1 or ,me?odi/s1 or ,presbyt]ians1 or ,ca?olics1 because we 7 born s4 ,we transmit our beliefs to our *ildr51 f g5]ation to g5]ation1 ea* foll[+ ! fai? ( 8 ance/ors1 )\t ev] /opp+ to inquire :y1 or seek a reason4 ,& if a ?\ght is ev] giv5 to x1 or any se>* made1 x is b r>ely = ab/ract tru?1 b = ! pro(s t support ! inh]it$ fai?1 ! preconceiv$ op9ion4 ,x is l "o go+ into 8 h\se & bolt+ ! door on ! inside4 ,no?+ is ev] giv5 out & no?+ ev] p]mitt$ to come 94 ,?is is exactly :y = c5turies ! _w 0 dr5*$ 9 ,*ri/ian blood1 %$ by ,*ri/ian h&s4 ,ea* _h its infallible cre$1 to :i* all ! _w mu/ b[--or take ! consequ5ces4 ,x took me sev]al ye>s to get myself settl$ ) any?+ l a def9ite cre$ ( my own1 ?o ,i 0 nev] 9 ! lea/ di/urb$ ab\t x1 & only gave x su* "t z ,i c\ld sp>e f a busy bus9ess & pr(essional life4 ,by ?is "t ,i _h rea*$ su* def9ite conclusions z satisfi$ my own m9d1 ?o ,i nev]1--aft] my crisis1--held any op9ion1 & d n n[1 t ,i am n will+ to *ange at any "t t evid5ce is furni%$ to ju/ify x4 ,9 my se>* = tru? ,i f\nd myself confront$ ) c]ta9 facts t ,agno/icism did n satisfactorily expla94 ,^! 7 facts ( ,nature1 ( ,man z a "p ( x1 ( man's nature1 habits1 hi/ory1 ?\ghts1 conduct1 & social relations1--9 fact1 all t p]ta9s to ! ph5om5a ( ,nature & ,human ,life & ,relations4 ,! conclusions ,i rea*$ con/itute4 ,,my ,,new ,,confession ,,( ,,fai? ,,! ,,univ]se ,,& ,,god ,! fir/ ( ^! 0 ! physical univ]se4 ,i _h accept$ ! !ory ( evolution 9 a g5]al way2 yet ,i c\ld n acc\nt = ! m>vel\s organism ( millions ( worlds & suns & sy/ems1 ( :i* our e>? is b a m]e atom1 fill+ ! inf9ity ( space1 beyond all human compreh5sion1 revolv+ & :irl+ ?ru space1 ea* 9 its allot$ orbit1 ) su* p]fect ord] & regul>ity1 & all 9 ! mo/ p]fect h>mony1 gov]n$ by su* immutable1 p]fect & univ]sal law1 ^u ! !ory ( ! op]ation ( bl9d1 un9tellig5t =ce ^u in]t matt]4 ,"h 0 an effect4 ,!re mu/ be a cause4 ,! effect _c be great] ?an ! cause4 ,"h is an inf9ite univ]se2 !re mu/ be an inf9ite cause2 & t cause _c be less ?an ,inf9ite ,et]nal ,intellig5ce4 ,?is cause1 = ! want ( a bett] "n1 we call ,god4 ,i c\ld ?us easily acc\nt = ! univ]se ?ru ! processes ( evolution1 direct$ by et]nal1 intellig5t w1 op]at+ ?ru et]nal immutable & p]fect law1 ^u et]nal & inde/ructible matt]4 ,:e!r correct or n1 ?is satisfi$ my m9d z to ,god & ! univ]se4 ,i c\ld s+ ) ! ,psalmi/3 ,! heav5s decl>e ! glory ( ,god1 & ! firmam5t %[e? 8 h&iwork4 ,day unto day utt]e? spee* & night unto night %[e? k4 ,_! l9e is gone out ?ru all ! e>? & _! words to ! end ( ! _w4 ,!re is no spee* nor language :]e _! voice is n he>d4 ,z ,i h be=e said1 ,i nev] _h any d\bt ab\t ! exi/5ce ( a ,supreme ,be+1 & t ! univ]se 0 9 "s way ! product ( 8 creative en]gy4 ,i ?9k ! doctr9e ( evolution satisfactorily solves ! riddle ( ! univ]se1 if x recognizes ,inf9ite ,_s z well z ,et]nal ,matt]2 & t ?is ,inf9ite ,_s is 9 "s way1 ?o beyond our compreh5sion1 ! real ,=ce or ,en]gy1 bo? ! ,intellig5ce & ,life1 ! ,great ,uncaus$ ,fir/ ,cause beh9d all ph5om5a1 :o1 = ! want ( a bett] "n we call ,god4 ,p]haps x is impossible = any "o to ?9k ( ,god )\t at ! same "t conceiv+ "s sort ( def9ition ( him4 ,yet1 ,god _c be def9$4 ,he is inf9ite4 ,& inf9ity _c be def9$ 9 t]ms ( ! f9ite4 ,any attempt to def9e ,god is to limit ,him4 ,our conceptions ( ,god are at be/ limit$1 ?o ,god himself is n4 ,! f9ite m9d _c conceive unlimit$ space1 nor et]nal duration4 ,we c conceive ( !m z exi/+2 b we _c conceive :at !y are4 ,we c conceive ( ,god z inf9ite2 b we _c conceive :at inf9ity is4 ,if we c\ld1 x w\ld n be inf9ite1 unless we are inf9ite4 ,s all attempts to def9e ,god 9 t]ms ( ! f9ite are futile4 ,& yet1 :5 we look back ov] ! pa/ hi/ory ( ! human race & see :at ru9 has be5 wr\ght by ?is v ?+ x becomes appall+6 ,all religi\s controv]sies1 w>s & blood%$ h _h _! ultimate s\rce j "h4 ,c]ta9 m5 h =m$ c]ta9 conceptions ( ,god1 ( 8 "*1 8 attributes1 8 w1 & 8 purposes conc]n+ mank9d4 ,^! !y h labell$1 pat5t$1 copyright$1 & decl>$ to ! _w to be correct1 f9al & infallible1 & dem&$ t all ! _w accept !m on p5alty ( dea?6 ,to quote1 9 sub/ance1 f a rec5t au?or1 we might z well try to make a meal ( ! />s & conta9 !m all 9 our /oma* at once z to compreh5d ,god 9 8 fullness4 ,god is :at ,he is1 no matt] :at our op9ions may be ( him4 ,b :at any "o ( u ?9ks ,god is1 t is :at ,god is to him4 ,?is is all ! def9ition ( ,god t ne$ be giv54 ,god is 8 own revelation4 ,! heav5s decl>e ! glory ( ,god4 ,nature reveals ,god 9 great] p[] & spl5dor ?an any book4 ,:at is my conception ( ,god8 ,only ?is3 ,god is ! ,life ( ! univ]se2 & ?is includes ! ,,all4 ,z :at we call ! _s is ! life 9 my body1 & p]meates ! :ole ( x f ! mo/ c5tral vital organs to ! utmo/ extremities ( nails & hair2 s ,god--& ,he is ,_s--p]meates ! :ole univ]se1 & is ! life (1 or 9 x1 z y please4 ',all are b p>ts ( "o /up5d\s :ole1 ,^: body ,nature is1 & ,god ! ,s\l4' ,he is manife/ 9 ! maje/y ( ! univ]se & is se5 9 ! beauties ( ! fl[]s4 ,he is reflect$ 9 ! pa9t$ w+s ( ! birds1 9 ! rippl+ leaf1 9 ! blade ( grass1 9 ! dewdrop1 9 ! sn[flake1 9 all nature2 & above all 9 man himself1 9 :om ,he dwells & lives4 ,h[ noble & inspir+ ! ?\ght t ,i1 ev5 ,i1 am a "p ( ! life ( ! inf9ite1 et]nal ,god6 ,all ?is ,i take on tru/--by fai?--& confess freely t1 :ile believ+ x ,i _c compreh5d x4 ,b su* a ,god mu/ be et]nally good4 ,he c\ld n be ! mon/] t ,jewi% tradition & or?odox ,*ri/ianity pa9t him1 et]nally hat+ 8 enemies1 all ( :om 7 8 own creatures1 & plung+ into an et]nal hell ( fire & brim/one ! l>g] "p ( 8 own *ildr51 creat$ 9 8 own image & lik5ess4 ,:ile ,i _c und]/& ! problems ( 8 provid5ce1 ,i am sure t ! ,judge ( all ! e>? w d "r4 ,z to ! p]plexities t h gr[n out ( ! ideas ( ,god's =ekn[l$ge1 =eord9ation1 etc41 my view is t no su* a ?+ z =ekn[l$ge c be attribut$ to ,god4 ,to d s is to attribute to him "t limitations4 ,to ! ,inf9ite ,god !re c be no su* ?+ z pa/ or future4 ,all is ! et]nal pres5t 9 :i* ,god is /ill at "w1 z mu* z ev] be=e4 ,i confess ,i _c compreh5d h[ ?is is2 b ,i c compreh5d t x is4 ,deep 9 unfa?omable m9es ,( nev] fail+ skill1 ,he treasures up 8 bright designs1 ,& works 8 sov]eign w4 ,,man ,:at is man t ?\ art m9dful ( him8 ,s f> z we "k1 z a pure animal1 he is ! highe/ product1 ! climax ( ! processes ( organic evolution4 ,9 addition to ?is1 he is ! only kn[n creature on e>?1 or else:]e1 end[$ ) ^? ,god-l faculties ( m9d1 ?\ght1 reason1 w1--s\l4 ,z f> z man's moral "* & de/9y are conc]n$1 x matt]s z little h[ he came to be "h1 z x does :o ,ca9's wife 04 ,we are confront$ ) ! s]i\s fact t we are "h2 & t we are end[$ ) ^! supreme faculties t diff]5tiate u f ! l[] =ms ( life ab\t u1 & consequ5tly entail ^u u1 n ?ru "s sup]natural revelation1 b by natural in/9ct1 c]ta9 moral & social responsibilities & obligations1 n only to our own k9d1 b to all ^? myriad =ms ( life bel[ u1--obligations & responsibilities :i* we _c avoid or escape1 except at our p]il4 ,& z to ^! responsibilities1 x is n mat]ial :e!r man is immortal or n4 ,i once _h s]i\s d\bts ( ?is4 ,b :ile ,i n[ believe x ) a firm conviction t 9 my own m9d am\nts to moral c]ta9ty1 yet ,i recognize t x is beyond ! pale ( ocul> pro( or physical demon/ration4 ,x p]ta9s exclusively to ! realm ( fai?4 ,/range is x n8 t ( ! myriads :o1 ,be=e u pass$ ! door ( d>kness ?ru1 ,n "o returns1 to tell u ( ! road1 ,:i* to discov]1 we mu/ travel too8 ,& yet ?is fai? is "o ( ! mo/ com=t+ & inspir+ ( all ! objects ( fai? kn[n to man4 ,b he t is gov]n$ 9 8 life & conduct1 solely by ! fe> ( "s dire puni%m5t 9 ! aft]-life1 or "s hope ( brib+ ! ,inf9ite to give him a com=table b]? 9 heav51 is at be/ b a little & weak s\l4 ,no ne$ to g into any argum5t "h ^u ! "q ( :e!r1 ,if a man die %all he live aga98 ,our social & moral obligations to live "r ) our fell[m5 are none ! less1 :e!r !re is an aft]-life or n4 ,9 fact no man c be "r ) ,god1--a "p ( ^: life he is1--:ile wrong ) 8 fell[-man4 ,,! ,,problem ,,( ,,evil ,?is br+s u to a consid]ation ( ! problem ( evil4 ,ev] s9ce human intellig5ce became enlight5$ en\gh to grope = a mean+ & purpose 9 human life1 ?is problem ( ! exi/5ce ( evil has be5 ! burd5 ( man4 7,john ,fiske47 ,out ( "s attempt to solve x1 e religion on e>? 0 born4 ,i d n (f] to solve ?is problem2 b to try to take a rational view ( x4 ,good & evil are relative t]ms4 ,h[ c\ld we "k any?+ ab\t ! "o b ?ru its contra/ ) ! o!r8 ,if !re 7 no su* ?+ z evil1 h[ c\ld we be consci\s ( ! good8 ,h[ c\ld we "k t x 0 good8 ,we _c "k any?+ except by its contra/ ) some?+ else4 ,"s elem5t ( unlik5ess mu/ appe> be=e we c di/+ui% any?+ f some?+ else4 ,to quote aga9 f ,fiske3 ,if !re 7 no color b r$1 x w\ld be exactly ! same ?+ z if !re 7 no color at all4 ,!re c\ld be no music except = v>iety & contra/s 9 s\nds4 ,if we _h nev] ta/$ any?+ b sug>1 c\ld we "k :at bitt]ness is8 ,b hav+ ta/$ ! bitt] we !n "k :at sweetness means4 ,likewise1 if !re 0 no su* ?+ z moral evil 9 ! _w1 we c\ld n possibly "k :at moral goodness is4 ,we c\ld n "k :at happ9ess is if we did n h "s k ( sorr[ & pa94 ,j :y ?is is s1 ,i d n pret5d to "k4 ,i am only /at+ facts z !y are2 & ! great ,creator1 :o is ! au?or ( bo?1 if ( ei!r1 kn[s2 & we may "k 9 prop] "t4 ,ano!r p]t95t "q f ,fiske may be ask$ "h3 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! wor? ( t primitive innoc5ce portray$ 9 ! my? ( ! g>d5 ( ,ed58 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! moral value or significance ( a race ( human be+s ignorant ( evil1 & do+ b5efic5t acts ) no m consci\sness or volition ?an ! deftly contriv$ ma*9e t picks up raw mat]ial at "o end1 & turns out "s f9i%$ product at ! o!r8 ,cle>ly = /rong & resolute m5 & wom5 an ,ed5 w\ld be b a fool's p>adise4 ,h[ c\ld any?+ fit to be call$ "* ev] h be5 produc$ !re8 ,b = ta/+ ! =bidd5 fruit1 9 :at respect c\ld man h become a be+ ( high] ord] ?an ! bea/ ( ! field8 ,! po9t is t ! same law ( evolution applies 9 ! moral _w z x does 9 ! mat]ial4 ,z ! highe/ types ( life h be5 develop$ only ?ru ! processes ( /ruggle ) adv]se elem5ts1 9 :i* only ! fitte/1 /ronge/ & be/ adapt$ to its environm5t surviv$1 s moral "* is only develop$ ?ru ! /ruggle ) moral evil4 ,j z "o _c le>n to swim on a p>lor s(a1 b mu/ get 9 ! wat] & /ruggle1 s "o mu/ come 9 contact )1 combat1 /ruggle )1 & ov]come moral evil 9 ord] to develop ! highe/ & /ronge/ type ( moral "*4 ,heav5 is n rea*$ by a s+le b\nd2 ,b we build ! ladd] by :i* we rise ,f ! l[ly e>? to ! vault$ skies1 ,& rise to its summit r\nd by r\nd4 ,! rise f a be/ial to a moral plane involves ! acquirem5t ( a k ( bo? good & evil4 ,! moral consci5ce ?us develop$ plays ! same role 9 ! moral _w t ! consci\sness ( pa9 does 9 ! physical4 ,z ?is consci\sness ( pa9 is a monitor to w>n u f physical dang]1 s ! moral consci5ce is our monitor to keep u f moral evil4 ,& ! high] ?is moral consci5ce is develop$1 ! m s5sitive x becomes1 ! high] w its possessor rise 9 ! moral scale4 ,?is is ! law :i* ,paul tells u is writt5 9 ! he>ts ( all m51 _! consci5ces mean:ile accus+ or excus+ !m4 ,?is may seem a /range philosophy4 ,b x comports ) ! facts ( nature & life4 ,! my/]y ( evil is n solv$4 ,b at lea/ we h a rational1 work+ hypo!sis ^u :i* to deal ) x1 z w fur!r appe> z we proce$4 ,,s9 ,evil1 at lea/ 9 ! physical _w1 exi/s sep>ate & ap>t f s94 ,we w n speculate ^u ! metaphysical diff]5ces t may1 or may n1 exi/ betwe5 moral evil & p]sonal guilt4 ,b ,i wi% to record briefly ! views ,i ultimately arriv$ at conc]n+ ! nature & consequ5ces ( s94 ,accord+ to ! or?odox doctr9e1 al?o s9 is def9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t z ! transgression ( ! law1 x is some?+ m ?an ?is2--a direct p]sonal (f5ce aga9/ ,god2 & t !re=e its p5alties are punitive & v9dictive1 design$ to v9dicate ! p]son ( ,god aga9/ insult & injury by disob$i5ce to 8 law4 ,puni%m5t 0 !re=e believ$ to be adm9i/]$ judicially1 accord+ to ! ext5t ( ! (f5se1 t ! s9n] might be made to suff] purely = suff]+'s sake1 measure = measure4 ,i long ago ab&on$ ?is doctr9e4 ,i accept fully ! ,new ,te/am5t tea*+ t s9 is ! transgression ( ! law1--n ! law ( ,moses or any o!r p5al code1--b ! great univ]sal1 immutable law ( ,nature 9 ! moral _w4 ,t ,god is ! au?or ( ?is law does n make its violation any m a p]sonal (f5se aga9/ ,god ?an ! violation ( a ,/ate /atute is a p]sonal (f5se aga9/ ! ,gov]nor1 or legislature1 or ! judge t adm9i/]s x4 ,god _c be p]sonally s9n$ aga9/4 ,if s ,he is nei!r inf9ite nor immutable4 ,to con/itute a p]sonal (f5se ! p]son (f5d$ mu/ take cognizance ( x1 :i* necess>ily involves a *ange ( m9d t[>d ! (f5d]1--o!rwise x is n an (f5se4 ,! same condition w\ld be involv$ 9 a second *ange ( m9d t[>d ! (f5d]1 ^u 8 rep5tance & =giv5ess4 ,nei!r is consi/5t ) any idea ( inf9ity or immutability4 ,nei!r does ,god ev] puni% s94 ,s9 is its own puni%m5t1 & x op]ates automatically4 ,no s9 0 ev] committ$ t ! s9n] did n pay ! p5alty 9 full4 ,f ?is !re is no m escape ?an !re is f ! law ( gravitation4 ,if ,i put my h& into ! fire ,i _c avoid be+ burn$4 ,if ,i take poison ,i _c avoid ! consequ5ces4 ,! fact t !re may be an antidote = ! poison 9 no way de/roys ! tru? ( ?is fundam5tal law4 ,! mov+ f+] writes1 & hav+ writ ,moves on2 ,nor all y\r piety nor wit ,c lure x back to cancel half a l9e1 ,nor all y\r te>s wa% out a ^w ( x4 ,jesus illu/rat$ ?is law fully & beautifully 9 ! p>able ( ! ,prodigal ,son1 & ,i c d no bett] ?an quote its sub/ance "h4 ,?is "y man left 8 fa!r's h\se4 ,?is 0 n a p]sonal (f5ce aga9/ 8 fa!r1 al?o ! fa!r may well h conjectur$ :at w\ld be ! result4 ,he 0 ( age & _h a "r to g4 ,he sp5t 8 funds 9 riot\s liv+1 & z a consequ5ce 0 r$uc$ to want & suff]+1 8 puni%m5t = 8 s94 ,to ?us wa/e 8 funds 0 s91 ,he puni%$ himself by 8 own conduct4 ,8 suff]+s became s int5se & sev]e t he resolv$ to ab&on 8 pres5t surr\nd+s & return home at any co/1 ev5 to becom+ a m5ial s]vant 9 8 fa!r's h\se4 ,"h we get a cle> view ( ! purpose ( puni%m5t1 n z v9dictive1 b rem$ial & corrective4 ,! "y man suff]$ until 8 suff]+s accompli%$ _! end 9 correct+ & *ang+ 8 life4 ,z soon z ?is 0 done 8 puni%m5t end$4 ,j s ) all puni%m5t = s94 ,x w cont9ue until its rem$ial & corrective purpose is complet$ & no long]1 :e!r 9 ?is life or "s o!r4 ,:5 ! "y man return$ home 8 fa!r receiv$ him1 n z a s]vant1 b a son4 ,b rememb]1 8 wa/$ =tune 0 n re/or$4 ,0 he n freely =giv58 ,yes2 b =giv5ess does n blot out nor re/ore ! pa/2 nor absolve "o f ! natural consequ5ces ( 8 own acts already committ$4 ,x simply means a new opportunity & a new />t1 b ) ! h&icap ( ! consequ5ces ( ! pa/ life4 ,! return$ prodigal 0 =giv54 ,he _h ! opportunity to beg9 life anew z a son1 j z he 0 be=e4 ,b 8 mat]ial res\rces repres5t$ 9 8 squ&]$ =tune1 & ! "t he lo/ :ile squ&]+ x1 7 lo/ =ev]6 ,be z dilig5t & frugal z he might1 he c\ld nev]1 ?ru "t or et]nity1 rea* t atta9m5t :i* he might h rea*$1 _h he us$ ! same dilig5ce & frugality f ! />t1 9 ! use ( 8 natural inh]itance z 8 op]at+ capital4 ,h5ce1 "o s9s1 n aga9/ ,god1 b mo/ ( all aga9/ himself1 by violat+ ! law ( 8 own be+1 & ( humanity4 ,& ! consequ5ces ( s9s committ$ c nev] be escap$1 9 ?is _w or any o!r4 ,if ?is k9d ( gospel _h be5 prea*$ to humanity dur+ all ^! pa/ c5turies ( ,*ri/ianity1--in/ead ( a gospel t tea*es t no matt] h[ vile1 wick$ & s9ful "o may be1 nor h[ long he may ?us live 9 s91 if1 9 ! la/ h\r ( life he w only believe 9 ,jesus1 at dea? he w g sweep+ ?ru ! gates ( heav5 into et]nal glory on a complete equality ) ! noble/ sa9ts & pure/ *>act]s t ev] liv$ on e>?1--?is _w w\ld n[ be mu* bett] ?an x is4 ,:atsoev] a man s[e?1 t %all he also reap1 :e!r div9ely inspir$ or n1 is z et]nally true1 c]ta91 & unescapable 9 ! moral _w z are ! />s 9 _! c\rses4 ,man s9s aga9/ society 9 transgress+ ^? natural laws ( social relations t b9d society toge!r4 ,b ev5 9 ?is1 :ile society suff]s f 8 s9s1 ! s9n] himself mu/ ultimately suff] = 8 own s9s above all o!rs4 ,! "q has (t5 be5 ask$ me1 ,if a man _c s9 aga9/ ,god1 b only aga9/ himself & society1 by :at /&>d1 gauge1 or measure am ,i to det]m9e :at is "r or wrong8 ,i ?9k ! ,gold5 ,rule answ]s t "q completely4 ,all s9s are ei!r p]sonal or social or bo?4 ,a man may1 by "s sort ( self-indulg5ce or abuse or by 8 own secret ?\ghts s9 aga9/ himself only1 f :i* he alone mu/ suff]4 ,he may also s9 aga9/ society by do+ "s evil to or aga9/ "s "o else or aga9/ society z a :ole1 f :i* bo? he & o!rs may suff]4 ,a simple rule ( conduct may be ?is3 ,9 view ( any propos$ c\rse ( conduct1 ^w or act1 ^! que/ions may be ask$3 ,:at may be ! result8 ,w x 9 any way injure me1 or any "o else8 ,is any possible evil consequ5ce1 ei!r to myself or any "o else1 likely to come ( x8 ,if ! answ] is 9 ! affirmative1 x is wrong2 o!rwise n4 ,^! are my simple views ( s94 ,,salvation ,:at is salvation8 ,almo/ ! univ]sal answ] ( ,*ri/5dom has be5 = eighte5 c5turies1 escape f hell h]eaft] & ! assurance ( heav54 ,yet1 accord+ to ! record we h ( him1 ,jesus nev] taught any su* doctr9e4 ,x is true t he ref]s sev]al times to ! ,geh5a ( ! ,jews1 :]e _! worm die? n & ! fire is n qu5*$1 b always z a natural consequ5ce ( "s failure to d1 or p]=m c]ta9 ?+s t !y %\ld d2 b nev] does he appeal to any "o to d or p]=m any?+ = ! purpose ( escap+ x4 ,did ! read] ev] notice t 9 all ! record we h ( ! say+s ( ,jesus1 he is n[h]e quot$ z hav+ ev] said "o ^w ab\t ! great1 fundam5tal doctr9es ( ,*ri/ianity1 ov] :i* pagans & ,*ri/ians wrangl$ = f\r c5turies2 & ov] :i* ,*ri/ians h wrangl$ & f\ght ) ea* o!r = f\rte5 c5turies8 ,d we f9d :]e ,jesus ev] said "o ^w ab\t ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 ! fall ( ,adam1 orig9al s91 total depravity1 vic>i\s atonem5t1 ! mode ( baptism1 ! ,tr9ity1 ! possession ( ! ,holy ,_s1 or any =m ( ecclesia/ical organization or *ur* polity8 ,salvation1 & ,jesus s taught1 p]ta9s to ?is life exclusively4 ,x simply means to save ?is life1--n f physical dea?1 nor hell h]eaft]1--b to its prop] function1 use & purpose1 accord+ to ! w ( ,god1 z reveal$ 9 nature & human exp]i5ce4 ,9 simpl] words1 x is to save ?is life f s91 wrong do+ ( e k9d1 & mak+ ( x ! highe/1 noble/ & be/ x is capable (4 ,?is is :at ,jesus taught2 & ,jesus is ! savior ( mank9d only 9 t he has taught mank9d h[ to live1--n by dy+ = x4 ,?us to save ?is life to ! highe/1 noble/ & be/ ( :i* x is capable1 is to save x f s9 unto righte\sness2 & ?is is to save x bo? "h & h]eaft]4 ,he t cont9ually lives "r _c die wrong4 ,& :atev] ! next life may be1 x is b a cont9uation1 a l>g] unfold+ & fruition ( ?is4 ,salvation is "h1 n h]eaft]4 ,,heav5 ,,& ,,hell ,b d ,i n believe 9 heav5 & hell8 ,yes1 & no4 ,i believe 9 bo?1 & nei!r4 ,i d n believe 9 ei!r ! k9d ( heav5 or hell ,i 0 taught 9 ! *ur*4 ,yet1 ,i h already said t ,i did n believe any s9 ev] committ$ by man ev] w5t unpuni%$1 ei!r "h or h]eaft]1 until ! full p5alty 0 paid1 & ! puni%m5t _h complet$ its rem$ial & corrective purpose4 ,& ,i w say "h t ,i d n believe any good de$ or ^w ev] p]=m$ or said by man ev] w5t unrew>d$ up to ! full value ( its m]it1 ei!r "h or h]eaft]4 ,b ,i believe bo? heav5 & hell to be conditions1--n places1--& we h !m bo? "h 9 ?is life1 & w h !m h]eaft]4 ,ea* individual makes 8 own heav51 or 8 own hell1 & c>ries x ) him :5 he leaves ?is life4 ,to quote f ,om> ,khayyam3 ,i s5t my ,s\l ?ru ! invisible ,"s lett] ( t ,aft]-life to spell2 ,& by & by my ,s\l return$ to me ,& answ]$3 ,i myself am ,heav5 & ,hell2 ,heav5's b ! vision ( fulfill$ desire1 ,& ,hell ! %ad[ ( a ,s\l on fire4 ,! idea ( a lit]al lake ( fire & brim/one to be ! et]nal abode ( by f> ! l>g] "p ( ! human race1 accord+ to ! or?odox doctr9e ( ,*ri/ianity1 is n only unreasonable1 b un?9kable4 ,if x exi/s ,god mu/ h made x2 & su* a ?\ght is a c>icature ( ,god4 ,su* a view ( hell practically involves ! necessity ( ! p]sonal devil t has always be5 associat$ ) x2 & ?is is also bo? unreasonable & un?9kable4 ,if su* a be+ exi/s he is ei!r co-et]nal ) ,god--:i* is unreasonable--or ,god creat$ him--:i* is un?9kable4 ,! idea t !re is 9 ?is univ]se two co-et]nal antagoni/ic spirits 9 et]nal w>f>e ) ea* o!r *all5ges human cr$ulity4 ,if ! ,bible /ory ( creation & ! fall ( man is true1 z int]pret$ by or?odox ,*ri/ianity1 ! devil got ! be/ ( ,god "r f ! />t1 & has held x ev] s9ce2 & accord+ to ! curr5t doctr9es ( ! plan & means ( salvation1 w hold x et]nally4 ,?is leads u inevitably to "o ( two conclusions3 ,god is nei!r ,inf9ite1 ,omnisci5t1 nor ,omnipot5t1 else ,he w\ld n h p]mitt$ su* a condition to come ab\t1 & p]mit ,himself to be ?us defeat$ 9 8 plans & purposes1 & lose et]nally n9ety p]c5t ( ! highe/ product ( 8 own creation1 ,man1 :om ,he made 9 8 own image & lik5ess4 ,if we /ill insi/ t ,god is ,inf9ite1 ,omnisci5t1 & !re=e knew 9 advance all t ev] w\ld take place1 includ+ ! fall ( ,adam & its consequ5ces1 ,omnipot5t1 & !re=e able to prev5t x1 b did n1 x only makes ! matt] worse4 ,b to take ! o!r horn ( ! dilemma1 t ,god creat$ ! devil fir/ an angel 9 heav51 :o aft]w>ds l$ a rebellion 9 heav5 & _h to be ca/ out1 & t hell 0 !n creat$ z a place 9 :i* to put him1 b :]e x prov$ aft]w>ds t he c\ld n be kept1 b got out & robb$ ,god ( ! noble/ product ( 8 creative g5ius at ! v ?re%old ( creation1 corrupt+ ! v f\nta9 ( human life itself1 :]eby he became ! ultimate possessor ( n9e-t5?s ( all ! race =ev]1 is only to make ! matt] /ill worse ?an be=e4 ,he c]ta9ly 0 n ,omnisci5t1 & !re=e able to =ekn[ :at ?is newly creat$ angel w\ld ultimately d1 else ,he w\ld n h made him2 nor 0 ,he ,omnipot5t1 else ,he w\ld h prev5t$ x4 ,b if x /ill be insi/$--& un=tunately x is by f> ! great] "p ( ,*ri/ianity--t ,god is1 nev]!less & not)/&+1 ,inf9ite1 ,omnisci5t & ,omnipot5t1 & ei!r delib]ately plann$ or sup9ely sat by & p]mitt$ ^! ?+s to take place1 !n ,he is n a ,god ( goodness1 love1 ju/ice1 tru?1 m]cy & b5evol5ce1 b an un?9kable mon/]1 m diabolical & cruel ?an ! wilde/ savage ev] kn[n to ! e>?1 or ! mo/ f]oci\s bea/ ( prey 9 ! jungle4 ,i might naturally fe> su* a ,god1 b nev] love or respect1 b et]nally hate him4 ,i h already giv5 my views ( ! /ory ( ,ed5 & ! fall ( man2 t man nev] fell1 b is /ill incomplete1 b progress+ onw>d & upw>d =ev]2 t he 0 nev]1 on ! g5]al av]age1 high] or bett] ?an n[2 & z ! ye>s & ages g on he w cont9ue ?us to gr[ bett] & nobl]1 mak+ 8 own heav5 z he goes along1 & de/roy+ 8 own hell by le>n+ 8 lessons ( suff]+ = wrong do+1 & leav+ x beh9d him4 ,no1 ,god did n make man 9 8 own image1 implant 9 8 v nature t et]nal aspiration upw>d t is possess$ by e normal human be+1 & !n make a devil to tempt & ru9 him1 & a hell 9 :i* to et]nally torm5t him4 ,i quote aga9 f ,om> ,khayyam3 ,oh1 ,?\ :o did/ ) pitfall & ) g9 ,beset ! road ,i 0 to w&] 91 ,?\ wilt n ) pr$e/9$ evil r\nd ,enme%1 & !n impute my fall to s94 444 ,ne'er a peevi% boy ,w\ld break ! b[l f :i* he drank 9 joy2 ,& he t ) 8 h& ! vessel made ,w n 9 aft] wra? de/roy4 ,,r$emption ,,& ,,atonem5t ,x is h>dly necess>y to ! purpose ( ?is "w1 to say any?+ at all on ^! subjects4 ,if man 0 nev] lo/1 kidnapp$ or /ol5 f ,god1 he ne$$ no r$eem]1 to buy him back ) a price4 ,if man nev] fell f ! favor ( ,god by disob$i5ce1 & !reby incurr$ 8 ang]1 illwill & wra? t s\ght v5geance on 8 life1 he ne$$ no "o to m$iate1 propitiate or atone = him by %$d+ 8 own blood z a sub/itute4 ,! :ole doctr9e ( r$emption & atonem5t falls flat :5 ! doctr9e ( ! fall ( man is remov$ f "u x4 ,b z ?is is ! v crux ( ! :ole or?odox ,*ri/ian sy/em1 ! read] may be int]e/$ to "k :at conclusions ,i rea*$ conc]n+ x1 aft] "s ye>s ( /udy1 z to bo? its orig9 & mean+4 ,^! conclusions ,i rea*$1 n only f ! /udy ( ! ,bible1 b f ! /udy ( hi/ory g5]ally2 & especially ! hi/ory ( religion1 9 o!r races z well z ! ,jews4 ,x mu/ be rememb]$ t ?is doctr9e ( atonem5t by ! %$d+ ( blood1 is--or r 01--9 "o =m or ano!r1 common to _m anci5t religions & nations4 ,x 0 by no means exclusively ,jewi% or ,*ri/ian4 ,x probably _h a common orig9 & purpose 9 all4 ,i h already intimat$ t all religi\s doctr9e & practice _h _! orig9 9 man's attempt to solve ! problem ( evil1 s91 suff]+ & dea?2 & to rem$y x4 ,i w treat ?is m fully :5 ,i come to consid] ! subject ( religion specifically4 ,! g5]al solution ( ?is problem1 if n ! almo/ univ]sal "o1 01 t m5 _h (f5d$ ! gods & incurr$ _! ang] & illwill2 & = ?is reason ! gods cont9ually afflict$ !m ?ru life & ultimately de/roy$ !m4 ,?us dea? 0 ! f9al p5alty = s94 ,! gods c\ld be f9ally satisfi$ only ) ! life1--! blood1--( ! transgressor4 ,= ! blood is ! life4 ,?is doctr9e is n conf9$ to ,g5esis & ! ,jews4 ,9 fact1 ! be/ ,biblical s*ol>s ( today are ( ! op9ion t ?is /ory ( ,ed5 & ! fall 7 n orig9ally ,jewi% at all2 b t ! tradition 0 le>n$ dur+ ! exile 9 ,babylonia & ,p]sia1 :]e1 x has be5 le>n$ f rec5t excavations1 ! tradition exi/$ c5turies be=e ! "t ( ! captivity4 ,x is believ$ t ?is tradition s fitt$ into ! ,jewi% hi/ory & gave !m su* a satisfactory solution ( _! own suff]+s & mis]y t x 0 br\ght back by !m1 &1 ) "s adaptations1 incorporat$ into _! own sacr$ lit]ature z a "p ( _! own hi/ory4 ,?us1 ,g5esis is n[ believ$ by ! be/ s*ol>s & mo/ compet5t critics1 n to be ! fir/ book ( ! ,bible writt51 b 9 its pres5t =m1 "o ( ! la/ writt5 ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,b ?is is a digression4 ,q e>ly1 h[ev]1 ?o ! "t & ! exact reason :y are bo? unkn[n1 x is evid5t t man conceiv$ ! idea t1 ?o he c\ld n escape ultimate dea?1 yet1 he might 9 "s way appease ! wra? ( ! gods1 & ?us at lea/ mitigate 8 afflictions 9 ?is life1 by (f]+ !m ! life--! blood--( a sub/itute4 ,?us orig9at$ ! practice ( (f]+ burnt (f]+s to ! gods1 s common among s _m anci5t tribes & nations besides ,israel4 ,x 0 believ$ t ! gods w\ld be satisfi$1 at lea/ = ! "t be+1 ) ! blood ( an innoc5t victim1 especially if x 0 ! be/1 or ! mo/ preci\s ! (f]] _h4 ,& f ?is grew ! (f]+ ( human sacrifices1 especially "o's own *ildr51 z ,abraham (f]+ ,isaac1 ,jeph?a 8 daught]1 & ! practice 9 ,israel s sev]ely condemn$ by "s ( ! e>li] prophets1 ( mak+ _! *ildr5 pass ! fire unto ,molo*4 ,o!r (f]+s 9 ! c\rse ( "t grew up1 su* z fruits1 vegetables1 inc5se1 etc42 b no (f]+ 0 acceptable z an atonem5t = s91 except ! (f]+ ( blood4 ,?us ,ca9 br\ght an (f]+ ( ! fruit ( ! gr\nd & ,jehovah reject$ x4 ,b ,abel came ) ! fir/l+s ( 8 flock & ( ! fat !re(4 ,& ,jehovah _h respect unto ,abel & unto 8 (f]+4 ,! lat] ,levitical ritual ) its organiz$ prie/hood1 tab]nacle1 temple1 etc41 0 by no means ! beg9n+ ( ?is idea ( appeas+ ! wra? ( ,jehovah by blood atonem5t2 b 0 only ! m p]fect & sy/ematic organization & adm9i/ration ( x4 ,blood 0 consid]$ s preci\s1 because x 0 ! life1 t ! *ildr5 ( ,israel 7 =bidd5 to eat x on p5alty ( dea?4 ,= ! life ( ! fle% is 9 ! blood2 & ,i h giv5 x to y ^u ! alt> to make atonem5t = y\r s9s3 = x is ! blood t make? atonem5t by reason ( ! life4 ,lev4 xvii1 #aa4 ,i %all assume "h t ! read] is already suffici5tly famili> ) ! practices ( ! ,jews1 z record$ ?ru\t ! ,old ,te/am5t1 conc]n+ ?is matt] ( blood atonem5t1 to r5d] x unnecess>y to g into fur!r details4 ,if he is n already famili> ) x1 he c easily become s4 ,! "q has be5 ask$1 :y burn ! (f]+8 ,:y 0 x n suffici5t simply to %$ ! blood8 ,p]haps 9 ! beg9n+ ?is 0 ! practice4 ,!re is no?+ said ab\t burn+ ! (f]+s ( ei!r ,ca9 or ,abel4 ,x is highly probable !y 7 n burnt4 ,jehovah 0 satisfi$ ) ! m]e sight ( blood1 ! de/ruction ( a life4 ,b ?is1 ,ca9 did n (f]4 ,!re 0 no blood 9 8 fruit-(f]+2 h5ce ,jehovah 0 n only unappeas$1 b insult$4 ,! fir/ m5tion ( burnt-(f]+s 9 ! ,bible is ! (f]+ made by ,noah aft] ! flood4 ,f ?is on !y are common4 ,! purpose ( burn+ ! (f]+ 0 simply to cook x1--to roa/ x4 ,! (f]+ 0 ne>ly always eat54 ,sometimes only ! fat1 consid]$ ! *oice/ "p1 0 burnt z an (f]+ to ! god2 :ile ! p & prie/s ate ! balance1 ei!r roa/$ or boil$4 ,see a full acc\nt ( ?is 9 #a ,sam4 ii1 #ab;f4 ,z man has always made 8 gods 9 8 own image he imag9$ ! gods1 l himself1 lov$ to eat4 ,!re=e1 9 addition to appeas+ ! wra? ( ! god by ! sight ( ! blood ( ! victim1 8 favor 0 suppos$ to be fur!r obta9$ by fe$+ him4 ,z ! good ho/ always sets ! be/ he has be=e 8 gue/1 s ! be/ "p ( ! sacrific$ victim 0 plac$ on ! alt> = ! god4 ,al?o invisible1 x 0 firmly believ$ t ! god consum$ ! burn+ fle% or fat1 z x 0 r$uc$ to smoke & asc5d$ to heav54 ,! p>ties mak+ ! (f]+1--sometimes only an individual1 or a family1 b (t5 ! :ole tribe1--ate ! balance4 ,!y 7 !re=e1 eat+ ) ! god1 & consequ5tly on good t]ms ) him1 j z eat+ toge!r today is an indication ( fri5d%ip1 or ! tak+ ( salt toge!r among c]ta9 savage tribes is a tok5 ( peace & fri5d%ip1 or ! smok+ f ! common pipe among ! e>ly ,am]ican ,indians4 ,lat] 9 ,israel1 ! :ole (f]+ 0 burnt4 ,jehovah 0 entitl$ to x all4 ,m5 _h outgr[n ! idea ( eat+ ) ,jehovah4 ,we n[ come back m specifically to ! purpose ( ?is blood atonem5t4 ,we h no acc\nt 9 all ! ,old ,te/am5t :]e x 0 ev] (f]$ ) direct ref]5ce to a future life1--= ! purpose ( escap+ hell4 ,we h already se5 t !re is absolutely no?+ 9 ! /ory ( ,ed5 & ! fall ( man1 ^u :i* to pr$icate any ?\ght ( immortality aft] physical dea?1 ei!r a heav5 or hell4 ,we n[ come to note t !re is n[h]e any direct ref]5ce to a life aft] dea?1 9 any book ( ! ,old ,te/am5t1 writt5 be=e ! exile4 ,! acc\nt ( ,saul hav+ ! wit* ( ,endor call up ,samuel aft] 8 dea?2 & ,david's fai? t he c\ld g to 8 dead *ild1 inde$ indicate "s belief at ?is "t 9 an aft]-life2 b n[h]e is !re ! remote/ ref]5ce to a hell1 a sep>ate place ( torm5t = ! wick$4 ,9 ! case ( ,samuel be+ recall$ to conv]se ) ,saul1 he says1 t al?o ,jehovah _h dep>t$ f ,saul1 & not)/&+ ,saul's great wick$ness1 ,tomorr[ %alt ?\ & ?y sons be ) me1--! sa9tly ,samuel1 all 9 ! same place4 ,!re are a few direct ref]5ces to a future life1 9 a few places only1 9 "s ( ! books writt5 dur+ or aft] ! exile4 ,b n[h]e 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t d we f9d a s+le ref]5ce to ! (f]+ ( ! sacrifice ( atonem5t ) any ref]5ce :atev] to a future life4 ,to anci5t ,israel1 ,jehovah 0 a ,god ( ! pres5t1--n ! future4 ,he did ?+s !n1--9 ! pres5t t5se4 ,he 0 ! ,god ( ! liv+1--n ( ! dead4 ,& ,jesus affirm$ ! same ?+4 ,he 0 exclusively a ,god = ?is _w & ?is life4 ,! aton+ sacrifice 0 (f]$ to appease 8 wra? aga9/ !m = _! pa/ s9s1 n ! s9 ( ! individual only1 b ! s9s ( ! :ole nation4 ,! b5efits !y expect$ to receive f ?is remission ( s9s ?ru ! blood ( ! atonem5t 7 "h & n[1--n 9 "s future life4 ,we pass rapidly n[ to ! "t ( ! ,*ri/4 ,al?o ! canonical books ( ! ,old ,te/am5t give u no clue to any def9ite1 fix$ beliefs among ! ,jews conc]n+ a future life1 heav51 hell or ! resurrection ( ! dead1 yet1 accord+ to ! ,new ,te/am5t lit]ature1 ^! views 7 all q cle>ly def9$1 & g5]ally believ$ among all ! ,jews1 except ! p>ty ( ! ,sadducees1 relatively a v small p>ty4 ,:5ce came ^! beliefs8 ,if !y _h come by "s div9e revelation !y w\ld c]ta9ly h be5 record$ 9 "s ( _! sacr$ books4 ,b !y 7 n4 ,! only rational answ] is t !y le>n$ all ^! ?+s f _! ,ea/]n ma/]s dur+ ! captivity1 :]e all ^! beliefs are n[ kn[n to h be5 curr5t c5turies be=e ! captivity1 & br\ght !m back on _! return2 & ) "s modifications incorporat$ !m into _! own sy/em4 ,yet !re is no indication 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 nor any contempor>y lit]ature n[ extant1 t ! aton+ sacrifice t 0 cont9ually (f]$ 9 ! temple1 ev5 d[n to ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 0 ev] (f]$ ) any view1 or ref]5ce to a future life2 mu* less z a means ( escap+ hell4 ,we turn n[ to ! ,*ri/4 ,x has already be5 said t he n[h]e makes ! lea/ ref]5ce to a vic>i\s atonem5t to be made by himself = ! s9s ( _w4 ,true1 he w>ns 8 disciples t he mu/ ne$s g up to ,j]usalem1 !re to suff] & be put to dea?2 b n[h]e does he say t ?is dea? is to r$eem back mank9d f ! devil2 nor appease ! wra? ( ,god aga9/ mank9d by ! sight ( 8 blood2 nor to v9dicate ! maje/y ( a brok5 law1 = ! b5efit ( mank9d4 ,x is all b univ]sally ackn[l$g$ t 8 disciples _h no su* conception ( 8 mission1 b foll[$ him up to ,j]usalem expect+ to see him made ,k+1 sit on ! ?rone ( ,david & re/ore ,israel to h] pri/9e glory1 accord+ to ! univ]sal int]pretation ( ! ,messianic prophecies4 ,aft] 8 tragic dea?1 & alleg$ resurrection & asc5sion1--9 :i* 8 disciples c]ta9ly implicitly believ$1 no matt] :at ! actual facts may be1--we /ill he> n a ^w ab\t 8 dea? be+ a vic>i\s atonem5t = s94 ,:5 ,pet] prea*$ t great s]mon on ! day ( ,p5teco/ he says n "o ^w ab\t a vic>i\s atonem5t 9 ! dea? ( ,*ri/1 b lays ! :ole emphasis on 8 resurrection & asc5sion4 ,let ! read] turn "h to t s]mon 9 ! second *apt] ( ,acts & read x2 & he w f9d t ! :ole burd5 ( ,pet]'s s]mon is to ! effect1 t s9ce ! ,jews _h put ,jesus to dea?1 he _h brok5 ! bonds ( dea? & hades1 !y be+ p[]less to hold him1 & _h asc5d$ to ! "r h& ( ,god1 :]eby he _h conqu]$ bo? dea? & hades1 & = :i* ,god ha? made him bo? ,"l & ,*ri/4 ,note1 t because ( ?is resurrection & asc5sion he _h be5 made bo? ,"l & ,*ri/1--& n by any virtue 9 8 dea? itself4 ,n ! remote/ h9t ( vic>i\s atonem5t6 ,! natural inf]5ce is--?o ,pet] is n quot$ z say+ s 9 s _m words1--t m5 are to be sav$ f dea? & hades h]eaft]1 because ,jesus _h escap$ f bo?1 & ?us n only pav$ ! way1 b himself !reby became able to save o!rs also4 ,z is well kn[n1 = half a c5tury or m1 ! foll[]s ( ! new fai?1 :o = fifte5 ye>s 7 all ,jews1 or ,jewi% proselytes1 look$ ) anxi\s expectancy = ! return ( ?is ,jesus1 ) ! p[] & glory ( heav51 to set up 8 e>?ly k+dom on ! ?rone ( ,david 9 ,j]usalem4 ,n a ^w yet ab\t sav+ m5's s\l's f hell ?ru vic>i\s atonem5t4 ,no ne$ = a vic>i\s atonem5t to save m5 f hell h]eaft]1 if !y 7 soon to live on ?is e>? =ev]--^? :o di$ be=e 8 return to be rais$ f ! dead z he 01 :ile ^? t rema9$ 7 to be caught up 9 ! cl\ds to meet him 9 ! air & live =ev]1--"u ! b5ign reign ( ! ,messiah ( ,god4 ,b we are approa*+ its developm5t4 ,!re appe>s ^u ! sc5e "o ,saul ( ,t>sus1 aft]w>ds kn[n z ,paul ! ,apo/le4 ,x is g5]ally conc$$ t he nev] saw ,jesus 9 8 lifetime2 9 fact knew no?+ ( him :ile he liv$4 ,he e>ly became a viol5t p]secutor ( ! new sect1 :i* = ye>s 0 only ano!r ,jewi% sect1 z exclusively ,jewi% 9 its views & outlook z 7 ! prie/s & ,rabbis4 ,b ,paul 0 a well educat$ man1 a s*ol> 9 8 day1--& a philosoph]4 ,he 0 a ,jew to ! core1 & liv$ & di$ "o4 ,we ne$ n consid] ! /ory ( 8 trip to ,damascus1 ! suppos$ miracle on ! way1 & 8 conv]sion to ! new fai?4 ,he soon became ! greate/ lead] & expon5t x _h ?us f> produc$2 & he put a new int]pretation on x1 entirely un*ri/ian1 if we are to take ! record$ tea*+s ( ! ,*ri/ himself z our /&>d = ,*ri/ianity4 ,& ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! _w today is mu* m ,paul9e ?an ,*ri/ian1 judg$ by ?is /&>d4 ,?is ,paul op]at$ indep5d5t ( ! o!r ,apo/les4 ,he 0 a free lance & laun*$ =?1 bo? 9 a field1 & ) a doctr9e all 8 own4 ,he 0 ?oroly famili> ) ! :ole ,jewi% sy/em4 ,he knew all ab\t ! mean+ & purpose ( ! sacrifice ( atonem5t4 ,yet he 0 too wise n to "k t !re 0 no intr9sic m]it 9 ! blood ( bulls & goats to cleanse f s91 or appease ! div9e wra?4 ,yet z a loyal ,jew he c]ta9ly believ$ ^! to be ( div9e orig91--& t !y mu/ h a mean+ deep] ?an ! physical fact itself4 ,he 0 a believ] 9 ! com+ ( ! long-promis$ ,messiah--to re/ore ,israel4 ,a man ( 8 k & =esight might well be able to read ! signs ( ! times1 & see t ! ,jewi% nation c\ld b little long] ma9ta9 its sep>ate id5tity aga9/ ! ov]:elm+ p[] ( ! gr[+ ,roman ,empire4 ,x mu/ soon be swall[$ up & its sep>ate id5tity lo/ 9 ! great] :ole4 ,no p[] 9 ,israel seem$ to be able to /em ! tide ( ev5ts4 ,rememb] t ?is 0 n[ "s ye>s aft] ! crucifixion2 & aft] ,paul _h *ang$ 8 c\rse t[>ds ! new sect1 because ( ! ev5ts ab\t ,damascus1--no matt] :at !y may h be54 ,at any rate1 x is q cle>1 no matt] :at ! reasons may h be5 t induc$ him to d s1 t he _h accept$ 9 good fai?1 z a v]itable tru?1 ! belief 9 ! physical resurrection ( ! crucifi$ ,jesus4 ,paul tells u himself t aft] 8 escape f ,damascus he w5t into ,arabia = ?ree ye>s1--p]haps to try to ?9k out "s rational int]pretation ( ! mean+ ( ! ev5ts t he _h felt himself =c$ to accept z true4 ,aft] ?is we f9d him pass+ ?ru ,j]usalem1 /opp+ a few weeks ) ,pet] & ! o!r ,apo/les to le>n f !m all he c\ld2 & !n go+ on to 8 native city1 ,t>sus1 :]e we lose sight ( him = sev]al ye>s be=e we f9d him />t+ on 8 fir/ great mission>y j\rney f ,antio*1 9 :i* we beg9 to get our fir/ glimpses ( ! doctr9e ( vic>i\s atonem5t made = ! s9s ( ! _w by ! dea? ( ,jesus ( ,naz>e?4 ,dur+ ^! ye>s ( ,paul's obscurity1 bo? 9 ,arabia & at ,t>sus1 :at 0 he probably do+8 ,we d n "k4 ,b is x unreasonable to conjecture t he mu/ h sp5t at lea/ a good portion ( 8 "t 9 pr(\nd /udy1 to try to reconcile ^! new views ) ! pa/ hi/ory1 traditions & beliefs ( 8 own p8 ,if ?is new tea*+ meant only a new e?ical /&>d ( life2 t m5 are sav$ by :at !y are & d1 )\t any ref]5ce to belief1 !n ! :ole ,jewi% sy/em ( sacrifices _h no mean+ at all1 & nev] did h4 ,we c h>dly conceive ( ,paul1 educat$ z he 0 9 all ! lore & traditions ( 8 p1 accept+ su* a view z ?is4 ,to him all ! traditions & practices ( 8 p 7 at lea/ ( div9e orig92 & h5ce mu/ h a mean+ ( et]nal significance4 ,yet1 x mu/ h be5 pla9 to him t 9 ! natural c\rse ( ev5ts1 z !y 7 !n cle>ly t5d+1 x c\ld n be long until ! elaborate temple ritual1 ) all its sacrifices1 oblation1 burn+ bullocks & inc5se1 mu/ soon cease =ev]6 ,& n[ = ! int]pretation4 ,all ! c]emonial ( ,israel _h a mean+2 b x 0 symbolic1 typical ( "s reality to come4 ,! blood ( bulls & lambs & goats c\ld n 9 !mselves atone = s92 b !y c\ld po9t to ! ,lamb ( ,calv>y1 sla9 = ! s9s ( ! _w4 ,he t 0 )\t s91--! lamb )\t spot or blemi%1--0 (f]$ z a sacrifice = ! s9s ( o!rs4 ,! law _h its purpose1 b x 0 n[ fulfill$1 all its symbolic mean+ 0 consummat$ 9 ! dea? ( ,jesus1 & n[ x mu/ g4 ,x 0 only a s*ool ma/]1 to keep u 9 ! way until ! ,*ri/ %\ld come4 ,:5 ?is lamb 0 sla91 ,god saw 8 %$ blood1 & 0 satisfi$4 ,8 ang] rel5t$1 8 wra? cool$ & ! h& ( m]cy 0 ext5d$1 on ! simple condition1--( fai?4 ,:at 0 ! mean+1 int5t & purpose ( ?is vic>i\s atonem5t8 ,accord+ to ! belief ( ! "t1 t ,jesus w\ld soon return 9 ! p[] & glory ( heav5 to set up 8 ev]la/+ k+dom "h on e>?1 x 0 to prep>e a p = ?is k+dom4 ,?is k+dom 0 to be compos$ only ( ^? :o _h be5 ?us prep>$ = x1 by ! remission ( _! s9s1 ?ru ?is blood atonem5t4 ,! e>lie/ ,*ri/ians1 all ( :om 7 ,jews1 l$ by ,pet]1 held t ?is new k+dom 0 to be =ev] limit$ to ,jews & ,jewi% proselytes4 ,if any ,g5tile want$ to h any "p or lot 9 ?is new k+dom1 he mu/ fir/ become a ,jew4 ,b ,paul took a broad] view4 ,to him ! :ole ,jewi% sy/em 0 purely prelim9>y to a great] disp5sation1 :i* 0 n[ fulfill$2 symbolic & typical ( a great] reality :i* 0 n[ "h2 & _h !re=e fulfill$ its purpose & 0 end$4 ,all symbolic c]emonial 0 n[ pa/ =ev]4 ,!re 0 no long] any di/9ction betwe5 ,jew & ,g5tile z f> z ,god's grace 0 conc]n$4 ,! ,new ,k+dom 0 op5 to all ^u ! same t]ms1--fai? 9 ,jesus z ! ,messiah ( ,god1 & ?is p>ticul> int]pretation ( 8 mission4 ,?is op5+ ( ! gates to all ! _w on equal t]ms produc$ a bitt] controv]sy betwe5 ,pet] & ,paul & l$ to a %>p & well def9$ division 9 ! e>ly *ur*1 :i* cont9ues to ?is day4 ,! ,roman ,*ur* is ,petr9e1 n>r[1 exclusive & giv5 to mu* elaborate c]emonial1 z 7 ! anci5t ,jews2 :ile ,prote/antism is g5]ally ,paul9e1 mu* broad]1 g5]ally fre] f c]emonial1 & z a rule mu* m truly ,ca?olic2 yet (t5 n>r[ en\gh4 ,z "t w5t on1 & ,jesus did n return z expect$1 fai? 9 8 e>ly com+ wan$2 & ! idea began to gr[ t 8 real ,k+dom 0 n = ?is _w at all1 b a heav5ly "o h]eaft]4 ,by ?is "t ! ,apo/le ,paul 0 dead & ! ,f\r? ,gospel _h appe>$1 suppos$ to be writt5 by ! ,apo/le ,john1 9 :i* ! ,ma/] 0 quot$ z say+1 ,my k+dom is n ( ?is _w4 ,?us ! idea took =m1 grew & develop$ t ! real mission ( ! ,messiah1 aft] all1 0 n ! e/abli%m5t ( a k+dom "h on e>?1 b a heav5ly k+dom h]eaft]2 & h5ce t 8 dea? 0 a vic>i\s atonem5t made by ! %$d+ ( 8 blood1 to satisfy ! div9e v5geance aga9/ s91 & save s\ls f hell h]eaft]2 & ?us fit !m = ?is heav5ly k+dom4 ,& ev] s9ce ?is doctr9e became ?us e/abli%$1 by ! middle ( ! second c5tury1 almo/ ! :ole emphasis & entire en]gies ( ! *ur*1 ,ca?olic & ,prote/ant1 h be5 direct$1 n t[>ds mak+ ?is a bett] _w by mak+ mank9d bett]1 build+ up1 develop+1 purify+ & uplift+ human "*2 b t[>d sav+ !m f a hell h]eaft]4 ,& :at little en]gy ! *ur* _h left aft] ?is1 has be5 sp5t1 & is /ill be+ sp5t1 9 nev]-end+ controv]sy among !mselves ov] j h[ to d x4 ,?us ! doctr9e ( vic>i\s atonem5t1 ?ru blood1 & blood alone1 _h its orig9 9 ! l[e/ paganism1 away back 9 ! infancy ( ! human race1 0 transmitt$ d[n ?ru ,judaism1 & transplant$ f x into ,*ri/ianity4 ,b ,i _c leave ?is subject )\t a few rem>ks on ! v>i\s mean+s t h be5 atta*$ to ! idea ( vic>i\s atonem5t1 s9ce x became an integral "p ( ! ,*ri/ian sy/em4 ,we h already se5 t ! orig9al pagan mean+ ( blood atonem5t 0 bas$ ^u ! idea t ! gods 7 angry & out = v5geance1 & no?+ b blood w\ld appease !m2 b t ! blood ( a prop] sub/itute w\ld answ] ?is purpose4 ,b ! e>lie/ ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! atonem5t made by ,*ri/ 0 9 ! nature ( r$emption4 ,9 fact ! t]m became s deeply root$ & gr\nd$ 9 e>ly ,*ri/ian nom5clature t x has nev] be5 fully elim9at$4 ,b its use is mu* less n[ ?an =m]ly4 ,! !ory 0 bas$ ^u tradition1 p>tly scriptural & p>tly n1 t 9 ! affair ( ,ed5 ! devil fairly outwitt$ ,god & became rightfully entitl$ to ! s\ls ( all mank9d =ev]2 b t on acc\nt ( ! great w> 9 heav51 9 :i* ! devil & 8 angels 7 ca/ out by ! ,et]nal ,son ( ,god 7see ,milton's ,p>adise ,lo/71 ! devil held a bitt] grudge aga9/ ?is son1 & (f]$ to b>ga9 ) ,god & give him back all ! s\ls ( mank9d = ! s\l ( ?is son4 ,s ,god1 kn[+ ! p[] ( 8 son to break ! b&s ( dea? & hell1--:i* ! devil did n "k1--accept$ ! b>ga92 & 9 due "t1 z agre$ ^u1 ! ,son ( ,god came into ! _w1 di$ on ! cross & w5t to hell1 9 fulfillm5t ( ?is contract2 & ?us lib]at$ all ! s\ls already !re1 & obta9$ a conditional release ( all ! balance ( mank9d1---! condition ( fai?1--& !n sudd5ly broke ! b&s ( dea? & hell & escap$ back to heav54 ,b he lit]ally fulfill$ 8 contract z orig9ally made4 ,?us we f9d ! old *ur* cre$s recit+--& /ill recit+--t he 0 crucifi$1 dead1 buri$ & desc5d$ into hell1 & ! ?ird day rose1 etc4 ,?is idea may look /range to pres5t day ,*ri/ians2 b all !y h to d is to consult ! e>ly *ur* lit]ature to f9d t x 0 almo/ ! univ]sal belief z to ! mean+ ( ! atonem5t dur+ ! fir/ few c5turies ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! next view t gradually develop$ z ! old] "o wan$1 0 ! old ,jewi% idea ( sub/itut$ suff]+ & to :i* 0 add$ t ( imput$ righte\sness4 ,t is to say1 t 9 ord] to save mank9d & yet appease ! div9e wra?1 & satisfy ! v5geance ( an (f5d$ ,god1 ,god s5t 8 son into ! _w to be> ! brunt ( 8 wra? in/ead ( mank9d1 & ?o innoc5t1 to suff] z ?o guilty2 & f9ally to die z a malefactor1 ?o innoc5t ( s92 & because ( ! dignity & "* ( ! victim & ! int5sity ( 8 suff]+s 9 bo? life & dea?1 !y 7 suffici5t 9 bo? quality & quantity to satisfy ! div9e v5geance aga9/ all mank9d2 provid$ man w\ld avail himself ( ^! provisions = 8 release by accept+ by fai? ! ,son ( ,god z 8 suff]+ sub/itute2 :]eupon1 ,god w\ld =give ! s9s ( ! fai?ful & impute to !m ! b5efits ( ! righte\sness ( ,*ri/4 ,?is doctr9e ( ! atonem5t dom9at$ ! ,middle ,ages4 ,^u x 0 bas$ ! doctr9e ( sup]]ogation1 :]eby ! surplus /ock ( good works ( ! holy sa9ts might be laid up = ! b5efit ( ! less wor?y1 :o might receive ! b5efits ( !m ?ru ! process ( indulg5ces1 sold by ! *ur* = a money consid]ation4 ,x is /ill held 9 a some:at modifi$ =m 9 a l>ge "p ( ,*ri/5dom to ?is day4 ,! m mod]n doctr9e ( ! atonem5t is t call$ ! ,gov]nm5tal ,!ory4 ,t is to say1 t ,god 0 n s mad ) mank9d aft] all2 b hav+ once orda9$ ! law t ! s\l t s9ne?1 x %all die1 ! law c\ld nei!r be abrogat$ nor susp5d$1 b mu/ h its p5alty4 ,z no mortal man c\ld fulfill x = any "o b himself1 & t only by 8 et]nal dea?1 only ! ,son ( ,god c\ld satisfy x = mank9d4 ,!re=e ! ,et]nal ,son ( ,god became inc>nate 9 human fle%1 b /ill rema9$ ,v ,god ( ,v ,god1 9 ord] t he might meet ! dem&s ( ?is div9e law = all mank9d1 by n be+ am5able to x himself1 be+ )\t s92 & yet by 8 suff]+s & dea? pay+ its p5alty 9 full = ! :ole human race2 subject1 h[ev]1 to ! appropriation ( its b5efits by ! individual1 ?ru fai?4 ,9 a measure ?is is ! same z t ( ! sub/itution !ory2 b x does n g to ! ext5t ( ! doctr9e ( imput$ righte\sness4 ,! only exception to x is 9 ! ,roman *ur*1 & "h ! exception is app>5t r ?an real4 ,9 ! ,roman *ur* salvation is by fai? 9 ! *ur*1 ! b5efits ( :i* are transmitt$ to ! individual ?ru ! sacram5ts ( ! *ur*2 b 9 ! anci5t *ur*1 & 9 practically all mod]n ,prote/ant *ur*es1 sav+ fai? is held to be individual & p]sonal2 & mu/ be n only fai? 9 ! aton+ sacrifice made by ,jesus ,*ri/ on ! cross = all mank9d2 b x mu/ be fai? 9 ! correct view ( ! atonem5t4 ,h5ce1 no matt] :i* ( ! views ,i h h]e9 outl9$ may be correct1 ^? :o h held to ei!r ( ! o!rs are all lo/4 ,?is is ! only logical conclusion any "o c rea* :o insi/s t salvation is impossible except by accept+ any prescrib$ cre$4 ,only ^? :o possess & accept ! "r cre$ c be sav$4 ,all ! balance ( mank9d mu/ be lo/ =ev]4 ,to take ei!r ( ^! views ( ! atonem5t1 or all ( !m toge!r1 z ! only means by :i* mank9d c be sav$ f hell is to make ,god a complete failure f beg9n+ to end4 ,z we h already se51 ! or?odox view ( creation makes ,god ei!r a failure or a mon/]4 ,! attempt to re=m man ?ru ! process ( elim9ation by ! flood prov$ a failure4 ,& n[ if ! success ( ,god's la/ attempt to save mank9d ?ru ! dea? ( 8 son1 is limit$ to any int]pretation or?odox ,*ri/ianity has ev] plac$ ^u x1 x is ! mo/ /up5d\s failure ( all4 ,!re is b "o rational int]pretation ( any doctr9e ( salvation by vic>i\s atonem5t2 & t is t ! atonem5t mu/ be automatically z f>-rea*+ & compreh5sive 9 its results z ! s9 x is design$ to rem$y4 ,if s9 ent]$ into ! _w because ( ! (f5ce ( ,adam1 ! head ( ! race1 & ?us pass$ ^u all m51 )\t _! k or cons5t1 simply because !y 7 desc5dants ( ,adam1 any s*eme ( r$emption1 atonem5t1 or salvation t purports 9 any way to rem$y1 or obviate ! consequ5ces ( ?is orig9al s91 9 ord] to be j mu/ be equally z broad & compreh5sive1 & op]ate z automatically & unconditionally 9 its rem$ial effects1 z did ,adam's s9 9 its consequ5ces4 ,i h ?us gone at "s l5g? into ?is doctr9e ( atonem5t & r$emption4 ,p]haps ,i h we>i$ ! read]4 ,b z x is ! mo/ fundam5tal doctr9e ( ! :ole or?odox ,*ri/ian sy/em1 & has be5 su* a bone ( cont5tion 9 all ! ages ( ! ,*ri/ian *ur*1 & 0 su* a /umbl+ block to me = s long a "t1 ,i felt t my ,confession ( ,fai? w\ld be incomplete if ,i did n g into x 9 "s detail4 ,my f9al conclusion is1 t man nev] fell1 b always has be5 & /ill is imp]fect & incomplete1 b ev] /riv+ upw>d4 ,z man 0 nev] lo/ or /ol5 f ,god1 he ne$$ no r$eem] to buy him back4 ,z he 0 nev] an enemy to ,god1 b always 8 *ild1 ,god 0 nev] angry ) him2 h5ce he ne$$ nei!r m$iator1 nor any "o to make any atonem5t = him4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,a ,,new ,,int]pretation ,,( ,,religion ,:at is religion8 ,?is ov] :i* m5 h wag$ ! fi]ce/ controv]sies kn[n to human hi/ory2 t has be5 ! s\rce ( m /rife & blood%$ ?an any o!r s+le cause kn[n to mank9d2 & p]haps1 9 "o way or ano!r1 m ?an all o!r causes comb9$1 previ\s to ! rec5t ,_w ,w>4 ,x w be rememb]$ t ,i said aft] f9i%+ my special c\rse ( /udy on ! orig91 au?or%ip1 hi/ory & "* ( ! ,bible & ! processes ( reason+ :i* x inspir$1 t ,i gave ! :ole ?+ up1 inspiration1 revelation1 *ur* & religion1 z a f>ce & a delusion1 z 's\nd+ brass & t9kl+ cymbals'2 & ca/ x all into ! scrap-heap ( sup]/ition1 leg5d1 fable & my?ology4 ,b aft] sev]al ye>s ( /udy & obs]vation ,i *ang$ my m9d aga94 ,i f\nd t :at ,i _h always be5 taught & und]/ood to be religion 0 n religion at all1 b only a =m ( religi\s expression4 ,cre$s & beliefs ,i f\nd 7 n religion1 b ! products ( religion4 ,t subtle emotional exp]i5ce :i* ,i _h always be5 taught 0 religion1 ,i f\nd 0 itself b a =m ( religi\s expression4 ,i le>n$ t religion 0 n some?+ "o c\ld get1 by rep5tance1 fai?1 pray]1 etc41 z ,i _h be5 taught & taught myself = ye>s2 b some?+ e normal human be+ on e>? _h by nature1 & c\ld n get rid (4 ,!n :at is religion8 ,:ile x is ! simple/ ?+ on e>?1 x is yet p]haps ! h>de/ to def9e2 especially by "o p]son = ano!r4 ,its v simplicity eludes def9ition4 ,9 try+ to def9e x ,i %all use 9 "p ! def9itions giv5 by o!rs1 z ^! are m expressive ?an any words ( my own t ,i c frame3 ,religion ess5tially consi/s ( man's appreh5sion ( 8 relation to an invisible p[] or p[]s1 able to influ5ce 8 de/9y1 to :i* he is necess>ily subject2 toge!r ) ! feel+s1 desires & actions :i* ?is appreh5sion calls =?4 ,ano!r def9ition t is p]haps m direct & simple ?an ! above is ?is3 ,religion is an impulse imb$d$ 9 ! he>t ( man :i* compels him to /rive upw>d4 ,x is a ye>n+ ( ! s\l 9 man to transc5d its own n>r[ limits1 & to so> to ! heights ( supreme excell5ce1 :]e x may become id5tifi$ ) ! noble1 ! l(ty1 ! div9e4 ,ano!r has said t ,religion is simply ! ze/ ( life4 ,to ^! ,i w add t ,i und]/& religion to be t inn] urge 9 all humanity t pu%es x onw>d & upw>d2 t inspires 9 man ! desire to rise above 8 pres5t /ation & atta9m5ts1 & improve 8 condition2 t _s )9 man t has lift$ him f ! l[e/ savag]y to ! highe/ atta9m5ts 9 civilization1 ref9em5t & culture t man has yet rea*$2 & w /ill lead him on to heights yet invisible & undream$ (4 ,?is inn] urge is common to all humanity1 diff]5t only 9 degree1 & n 9 k9d4 ,x is possess$ by ! l[e/ savage1 ?o (t5 9 lat5t =m1 yet capable ( be+ t\*$ & ar\s$ into life & action1 z ?\s&s ( mod]n examples atte/1 z a result ( "s =m ( mission>y ef=t4 ,f ! "t t man fir/ em]g$ above ! brute1 /ood erect1 look$ up1 beheld ! ph5om5a ( nature ab\t him1 ?\ght1 & recogniz$ t someh[ & some:]e !re 0 a ,p[] above1 beyond & great] ?an himself2 & conceiv$ 9 8 own m9d1 h[ev] crude1 ! fir/ fa9t sp>k ( an aspiration to improve & bett] 8 condition1 man became a religi\s be+1 & has be5 su* ev] s9ce1 v>y+ only 9 degree1 n 9 k9d4 ,all religion is !re=e "o & ! same4 ,!re may be _m religions4 ,b back ( all ^! is religion4 ,religion is "o 9 its orig94 ,x is a "p ( ! fundam5tal ess5ce ( human "*4 ,x is insep>able f ! faculties ( ?\ght1 reason & w4 ,x is "o & ! same ) ^!4 ,man )\t ^! faculties ( ?\ght1 reason & w w\ld n be man at all1 b a brute4 ,s )\t ?is inn] urge1 & ! faculty ( aspiration upw>d1 :i* ,i h def9$ z ! v fundam5tal ess5ce ( religion1 man w\ld /ill only be a brute4 ,he w\ld n be man at all4 ,religion is "o 9 its orig9 because x is an ess5tial *>act]i/ic ( all human nature4 ,all religion is "o 9 t x recognizes ,,some?+ above man4 ,i use ?is ^w advis$ly4 ,if ,i _h said1 ,because all m5 recognize ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 or a ,supreme ,be+1 ,i w\ld h be5 misund]/ood & ! /atem5t *all5g$4 ,m5 h become s habituat$ to call+ all o!r m5 a!i/s :o d n accept _! p>ticul> def9ition ( ,god1 t ,i omit ! ^w entirely until ,i c fur!r def9e my mean+4 ,because ,voltaire did n believe 9 ! ,god ( ,moses & ! ,pope1 he 0 dubb$ an a!i/1 al?o he 0 a dev\tly religi\s man1 & built a *apel at 8 own exp5se on 8 e/ate & d$icat$ x to ! wor%ip ( ,god4 ,man in/9ctively recognizes some?+ above him4 ,x is immat]ial by :at "n ?is may be call$2 :e!r ,jehovah1 ,elohim1 ,allah1 ,heav51 ,nirvana1 or ,jove2 nor :at attributes we give x1 :e!r we call x ,p]son or ,pr9ciple1 ! ,great ,unkn[n or ! ,ultimate ,cause2 or :e!r x be a m]e ab/ract ,ideal1 ! creation ( "o's own fancy2 x is /ill t ,some?+ :i* man recognizes z above him1 t[>d :i* he aspires & hopes to atta94 ,man also in/9ctively recognizes t he su/a9s "s sort ( p]sonal relation%ip to ?is ,some?+1 t = want ( a bett] "n1 we call ,god4 ,x is necess>y 9 ?is connection to repeat :at we h already said3 ,t v e>ly 9 ! hi/ory ( ! human race man 0 l$ to ?is conclusion1 conc]n+ 8 relation%ip & obligation to ,god1 ?ru 8 ef=t to int]pret & solve ! problem ( evil1 or 8 own suff]+s f x1 & 8 ultimate dea?4 ,! only possible me?od he _h ( int]pret+ ^! problems 0 drawn f 8 own nature & exp]i5ce4 ,he knew himself z be+ alive1 z a consci\s individual1 capable ( ex]cis+ w & ex]t+ =ce4 ,?us :5 he he>d ! ro>+ ?und]s1 saw ! cl\ds float+ ov]head1 & ! fla%es ( lightn+ among !m1 felt ! =ce ( ! w9d & ! fall+ ra92 9 fact all ! ph5om5a ( nature & life ab\t him1 includ+ 8 own a*es1 pa9s1 diseases1 suff]+1 & ! ultimate dea? ( 8 k9d1 he c\ld only int]pret ^! ?+s 9 t]ms ( liv+ p]sonality1 "s great1 p[]ful individual1 or individuals beh9d1 & direct+ x all4 ,^! became man's fir/ gods4 ,man also int]pret$ 8 own relation to ! gods1 & !irs to him1 9 ! same t]ms t def9$ 8 relations t[>d 8 fell[m54 ,he recogniz$ ! fact t "s ( 8 fell[m5 sometimes did him an injury1 or committ$ "s (f5se aga9/ him2 t ?is (f5se or injury ar\s$ 9 him a _s ( res5tm5t1 a desire = v5geance 9 k9d1 ev5 to ! tak+ ( ! life ( ! man :o _h injur$1 or s]i\sly (f5d$ him4 ,man made 8 gods 9 8 own image4 ,he believ$ ^! gods to be l himself4 ,?us1 man int]pret$ 8 own suff]+s to mean t he 0 out ( "r relations ) ! gods2 t he _h p]sonally (f5d$ !m1--or1 "o or m ( !m 9 "s way1 accord+ to ! s\rce f :i* he conceiv$ "s p>ticul> affliction to come4 ,:5 ! individual 0 consci\s ( 8 own innoc5ce1 he conclud$ t "s ( 8 ance/ors _h griev\sly (f5d$ ! god1 :o rel5tlessly pursu$ 8 po/]ity & inflict$ on !m ! p5alties due = ! s9s ( ?is ance/or4 ,h5ce ! doctr9e ( inh]it$ or orig9al ,s94 ,man !n set ab\t to devise "s means to appease ! wra? ( ! gods1 & ?us re/ore h>moni\s relations ) !m4 ,a volume might be writt5 "h1 b we mu/ proce$ ) ! next proposition4 ,all religion is !re=e "o 9 its ultimate purpose1 & objective end3 ,to atta9 to its ideal1 or h>monize ) its objective4 ,9 o!r words3 ,to atta9 unto "r relations ) ,god4 ,le/ ,i be misund]/ood1 ,i w repeat3 ,x is immat]ial :at ?is ,god may be1 ,jehovah1 ,allah1 ,nirvana or ,jove2 ,p]son1 ,pr9ciple1 or ,ab/ract ,ideal4 ,x is t :i* man 9 8 m9d sets be=e him1 t[>d :i* he aspires & /rives to atta94 ,rememb] t :at we ?9k ,god to be1 t is :at ,god is to u4 ,we h n[ rea*$ ! po9t :]e divisions arise1 :]e religion bran*es out into religions4 ,:]e) %all ,i come be=e ,jehovah1 & b[ myself be=e ! high ,god8 ,%all ,i come be=e him ) burnt-(f]+s1 ) calves a ye> old8 ,w ,jehovah be pleas$ ) ?\s&s ( rams1 or ) t5 ?\s&s ( riv]s ( oil8 ,%all ,i give my fir/-born = my transgression1 ! fruit ( my body = ! s9 ( my s\l8 ,:at mu/ ,i d to be sav$8 ,?is has1 9 "o =m or ano!r1 at "o "t or ano!r1 be5 ! burd5 ( almo/ e s\l among m54 ,h[ c man atta9 unto "r relations ) 8 ,god8 ,?is is ! great "q ( ! ages4 ,keep 9 m9d t x is immat]ial :o or :at ?is god may be1 h[ crude or h[ ref9$1 f ! l[e/ feti% to ! highe/ spiritual conception1 ! fundam5tal "q rema9s ev] ! same3 ,h[ %all man get "r ) 8 ,god8 ,:at mu/ man d to be sav$8 ,to answ] ?is "q has be5 ! purpose ( e sy/em ( religion kn[n to mank9d1 & e sect1 ord] & d5om9ation kn[n to e sy/em4 ,& "h is :]e confusion beg9s4 ,"s "o evolves a =mula1 means1 or me?od t he believes meets ! case4 ,"s o!rs are p]suad$ to accept x & ! sect gr[s4 ,9 ! mean "t "s o!r p]son has evolv$ ano!r2 & "s o!r /ill ano!r1 & s on1 & on1 & on1 ad inf9itum2 all hav+ ! same purpose 9 view1 & ea* claim+ to be ! only "r "o1 or at lea/1 ! be/ "o4 ,& x is immat]ial h[ errone\s1 crude1 or ev5 b>b>\s "o may look to ! devotees ( ! o!r2 9 fundam5tal purpose !y are all ! same4 ,! ,h9du "m :o ca/s h] babe into ! ,ganges z food = ! crocodiles1 z a sacrifice to h] gods1 does x ) z sublime a motive z any ,*ri/ian "m ev] b[$ be=e ! alt> ( h] own *ur*1--& = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) h] ,god4 ,! ,p>see wife1 :o burns h]self to a%es ^u ! fun]al pyre ( h] dead husb&1 does x = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) h] ,god4 ,! devotee :o ?r[s 8 body be=e ! :eels ( ! ,jugg]naut to h x cru%$ z an act ( devotion1 does x = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) 8 ,god4 ,! dev\t ,mohamm$an :o b[s himself to ! e>? five times a day1 & says 8 pray]s ) 8 face t[>ds ,mecca1 does x = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) ,allah4 ,! savage :o repeats 8 incantations to 8 feti% t he has probably made ) 8 own h&s1 does x = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) ,god z he conceives him4 ,! ,*9ese t burns 8 /icks be=e ! image 9 8 ,joss-h\se1 does x = ! same purpose3 ,to get "r ) 8 ,god4 ,& s on ad inf9itum1 ! same c5tral purpose runn+ ?ru x all1 :e!r ,h9du or ,p>see1 ,buddi/ or ,jani/1 ,confucian or ,%9toi/1 ,jew or ,g5tile1 ,mohamm$an or ,*ri/ian1 ,ca?olic or ,prote/ant1 ,me?odi/ or ,bapti/1 ,presbyt]ian or ,lu!ran1 ,calv9i/ or ,arm9ian1 ,unit>ian or ,tr9it>ian1 "o & all1 h "o & ! same ultimate object3 ,to get into "r relations ) ,god1 ea* accord+ to 8 own conception ( ,god1 & :at he und]/&s to be 8 w conc]n+ him4 ,h[ev]1 9 ! m rational int]pretation ( religion 9 ^! lat] times1 ! elem5t ( fe> ( puni%m5t h]eaft] has be5 almo/1 if n entirely elim9at$2 & ! religi\s objective is made ! highe/1 noble/1 pure/1 & be/ possible life 9 ?is _w1 = its own intr9sic wor?1 & )\t any ref]5ce to any future life1 re/+ firmly 9 ! fai? t he :o lives "r _c die wrong4 ,h5ce1 religion does n consi/ 9 cre$s1 dogmas1 or beliefs2 nor 9 =ms1 ord9ances1 c]emonies1 or sacram5ts1 z ,i 0 e>ly taught to believe4 ,b ^! are1 "o & all1 b s _m v>y+ =ms ( expression :i* religion takes4 ,!y are all only s _m diff]5t ways1 means & me?ods religion takes to atta9 to its ultimate purpose & aim4 ,!y are only s _m diff]5t pa?s :i* diff]5t m5 take 9 _! se>* = ,god4 ,& is !re b "o true pa? to ,god1 :ile all ! o!rs only lead to hell8 ,& if s1 :i* is ! "r "o8 ,ah1 h]e9 lies ! fruitful s\rce ( mo/ ( ! _w's trag$ies & suff]+s6 ,x 0 ?is t burn$ ,john ,huss1 ,savon>ola & ,bruno4 ,x 0 ?is t light$ ! fires ( ,smi?field & hung helpless1 silly wom5 9 ,new ,engl&1 z wit*es4 ,b ?ank ,god1 x is abat+ & ! dawn ( a bett] day is 9 sight4 ,i h long s9ce come to believe t all :o hone/ly1 s9c]ely1 & dilig5tly seek ,god w ultimately f9d him1 9 "s way1 at "s "t1 :5 ,god sees be/ to reveal himself1 no matt] :at me?od may be pursu$4 ,i d n mean t all me?ods are equally good2 no1 n by any means4 ,! que/ = ,god may be help$ or h9d]$1 advanc$ or delay$1 accord+ly z ! me?ods ( se>* may be correct or errone\s4 ,b ,i d mean to say t ,i d n believe ! ,inf9ite ,god1 :o kn[s ! he>ts ( m51 & w ultimately judge !m by ?is /&>d1 w =ev] hide1 & d5y himself to any1 9 ^: he>t ,he sees hone/y1 purity1 & s9c]ity ( purpose & motive1 because 9 _! f9ite judgm5t1 !y 7 unable to intellectually det]m9e j :i* 0 ! "r1 or be/ way2--& ?is1 :e!r ! se>*] be ,h9du1 ,*9ese1 ,pagan or ,p>see2 ,hott5tot or ,arab1 savage or philosoph]2 ,*ri/ian1 ,mohamm$an or ,buddhi/2 or any "o else on e>?4 ,man looke? ^u ! outw>d appe>ance2 b ,god looke? ^u ! he>t4 ,& !y t dilig5tly1 hone/ly & e>ne/ly seek aft] him w f9d him1--some:]e1 someh[--9 ?is life or "s o!r1 ,& :5 f\nd1 x w n be 9 f>-(f realms ( space1 b 9 "o's own he>t4 ,! outw>d ,god he f9de? n1 ,:o f9ds n ,god )94 ,,! ,,bible ,f ! =ego+ x is q cle> t religion is n some?+ miracul\sly reveal$ f heav51 h&$ d[n 9 a package already b\nd up1 complete & f9i%$1 ready = use2 b t 9 its orig91 ess5ce & purpose x is natural & common to all humanity alike4 ,its pres5t /atus is b ! result ( its progressive developm5t1 f its crude/ =ms 9 e>ly humanity1 to ! pres5t day4 ,:ile =ev] rema9+ "o & ! same 9 its orig91 ess5ce & purpose1 x has und]gone *anges 9 its =ms ( expression1 its means & me?ods1 9 all ages z mank9d has progressively develop$ upw>d4 ,:at we call ! great sy/ems ( religion1 su* z ,buddhism1 ,*ri/ianity1 ,mohamm$anism1 & o!rs are b s _m diff]5t =ms ( expression ?ru :i* religion manife/s itself 9 human life2 & ! v>i\s sects & d5om9ations 9 all ^! sy/ems are b fur!r subdivisions 9 ^! =ms ( expression1 accord+ to diff]5t desires1 ta/es & op9ions among diff]5t p4 ,h5ce1 religion 0 n produc$ by ! ,bible1 nor is x 9 any way dep5d5t ^u ! ,bible z a s\rce ( au?ority1 b j ! opposite4 ,religion 0 long be=e ! ,bible & itself produc$ ! ,bible2 & ! ,bible d]ives its sole au?ority f religion4 ,"h is p]haps z good a place z any to answ] ! "q t has (t5 be5 ask$ me3 ,if ! ,bible is n ! ultimate s\rce ( au?ority 9 religion1 :at & :]e is x8 ,j ! same to y & me today t x 0 to ,noah1 ,abraham1 ,moses1 ! prophets1 apo/les1 & all o!rs 9 all ages4 ,b 7 n ^! m5 div9ely inspir$8 ,no m ?an y or ,i may be1 ev5 if we are n 9 fact4 ,?is subject w be fully elucidat$ :5 ,i come to treat specifically ( inspiration & revelation 9 ! next subdivision4 ,! answ] to ?is "q ab\t ! s\rce ( au?ority 9 religion is cle>ly indicat$ 9 ! v def9ition ,i h giv5 ( religion1 & ,i only make x m specific "h to avoid any misund]/&+ ( my position on x4 ,if religion is a natural impulse imb$d$ 9 ! he>t ( man :i* compels him to /rive upw>d2 if x is ! ze/ ( ,life2 if x is t inn] urge 9 all humanity t ev] pu%es x onw>d & upw>d2 ^! natural impulses !mselves con/itute ! sole s\rce ( au?ority 9 religion4 ,?omas ,pa9e once said3 ,all religions are good t tea* m5 to be good4 ,to :i* might well be add$3 ,t religion alone is be/ :i* tea*es m5 to live ! be/ lives4 ,life1 n cre$1 is ! f9al te/ ( religion4 ,to p]ceive :at is "r & :at is wrong1 to cleave to ! "r & avoid ! wrong1 is ! highe/1 noble/ & be/ expression ( religion4 ,n[1 !re is no s+le univ]sal /&>d ( "r & wrong t is univ]sally ! same 9 its application to human life1 9 all ages1 at all times1 & "u all circum/ances & conditions4 ,life is progressive2 & z x moves on new conditions arise1 new relations develop1 new problems pres5t !mselves1 & new & *ang+ /&>ds come ) !m4 ,= example1 human slav]y & polygamy 7 bo? practic$ 9 ! days ( ,abraham1 ,jacob1 ,moses1 ,david1 & ,solomon1 & = c5turies aft]w>ds2 & accord+ to ! ,bible1 ) ! div9e sanction & approval4 ,! simple facts are1 t accord+ to ! /&>ds ( ^? ages1 accord+ to ! social developm5t ( ! race at t "t !re 0 no moral turpitude 9 ^? practices4 ,b :o w\ld d>e def5d !m n[8 ,& yet ^!1 or mo/ ( !m--& ,i say x rev]5tly & s9c]ely--7 d\btless good m51 judg$ by ! /&>ds ( _! "t2 & dev\tly religi\s4 ,com+ directly n[ to ! answ] to ! "q3 ,! ultimate1 f9al au?ority 9 all matt]s ( religion is ! individual consci5ce1 ! inn] light1 t law writt5 9 ! he>ts ( all m51 aid$ & assi/$ by all ! light ( ! pres5t day1 :i* includes all ! light ( ! pa/ t has come d[n to u1 bo? 9 ! ,bible & f all o!r c\rses1 hi/ory1 sci5ce & ! record ( human exp]i5ces g5]ally int]pret$ & appli$ by human reason4 ,t natural impulse imb$d$ 9 ! he>t ( man :i* compels him to /rive upw>d2 t inn] urge t ev] pu%es him onw>d & upw>d1 w n only />t him 9 ! "r way ( life1 b w rema9 ) him & guide him to ! end1 if he w b he> & obey its voice1 int]pret$ by reason4 ,! read] w recall ! op9ion ,i rea*$ conc]n+ ! ,bible aft] my special c\rse ( /udy & ! process ( reason+ t foll[$ x4 ,b aft] fifte5 ye>s ( cont9u$ /udy ,i *ang$ my op9ion ab\t x aga94 ,:5 ,i took a diff]5t p]spective ,i got a diff]5t view4 ,fir/1 ,i 0 confront$ ) ! fact t ! ,bible is "h4 ,& :ile all my inh]it$ op9ions z to its orig91 mean+ & purpose 7 gone =ev]1 ! second "q rema9$ unansw]$3 ,h[ came x "h8 ,aft] all ^! ye>s ( /udy & inve/igation ,i f\nd an answ] to ?is "q satisfactory to myself1 :i* ,i h already indicat$ above1 b w "h m fully elaborate z a "p ( my ,new ,confession ( ,fai?4 ,! ,old ,te/am5t is b a record pres]v$ & h&$ d[n to u1 fir/ ( ev5ts1 leg5ds1 op9ions & beliefs t exi/$ 9 crude =m z traditions1 long be=e a l9e ( x 0 writt52 & !reaft]1 = a p]iod cov]+ approximately a ?\s& ye>s1 x is a record1 ?o evid5tly imp]fect1 ( ! progressive developm5t ( ! ,jewi% race1 nation & religion1 :i* are s insep>ably b\nd toge!r t !y _c be sep>at$4 ,let u g a little m into detail4 ,no "o claims t a l9e ( ! ,old ,te/am5t 0 writt5 be=e ,moses4 7,& x is "h immat]ial :e!r ,moses wrote ! ,p5tateu* or n4 ,! ,jews believ$ he did47 ,yet ! ,jewi% sy/em ( religion1 at lea/ 9 its fundam5tal features1 _h be5 9 exi/5ce s9ce ,abraham1 "s five hundr$ ye>s be=e1 to say no?+ ( previ\s peoples back to ,noah1 or ev5 to ,adam & 8 sons4 ,yet none ( ^! _h any ,bible :atev]4 ,if x is claim$ by any "o t ,moses 0 ! orig9ator ( ! ,jewi% sy/em1 x leaves ,abraham & all 8 po/]ity1 d[n to ! "t ( ,moses1 b pi\s pagans4 ,b accord+ to ! record1 ,moses add$ no?+ to ! pr9ciples ( religi\s wor%ip z practic$ by ,abraham & ! o!r patri>*s4 ,he simply reorganiz$1 sy/ematiz$1 ref9$ & some:at elaborat$ ! anci5t sy/em ( wor%ip1 & at mo/ r$uc$ x to regul>ity & ord]4 ,x 0 q natural t ,moses %\ld !n r$uce to writ+ ! traditions & practices ( 8 p1 & make a m or less complete record ( _! laws1 regulations1 & civil & religi\s in/itutions2 & especially ( t sy/em ( religi\s wor%ip :i* he _h n orig9at$1 b organiz$1 sy/ematiz$ & r$uc$ to m p]fect ord]1 s t all ?is might be pres]v$ = ! b5efit ( ! p !reaft]4 ,?is 0 ! beg9n+ ( ! sacr$ lit]ature ( ! ,jews :i*1 :5 complet$ 9 its pres5t =m1 0 call$ ! ,bible--mean+ simply1 ,! ,books4 ,aft] ?is1 ?o ! ,jewi% sy/em ( religion1 accord+ to ! ,jews !mselves1 0 f9i%$ & complete1 !y _h b five books ( writt5 scripture1--! ,p5tateu*4 ,yet ?irty-f\r additional books 7 aft]w>ds writt5 & add$ to ^!4 ,c ^! lat] books be quot$ z au?ority = t :i* exi/$1 9 "s in/ances1 a ?\s& ye>s be=e !y 7 writt58 ,c]ta9ly n4 ,b ! facts are pla94 ,! sy/em ( religion already exi/+1 b cont9ually progress+1 gave rise to ^! subsequ5t books1 :i* are m]ely a record ( ! progress1 ?\ghts1 feel+s1 beliefs1 practices1 etc41 ( ?is peculi> & int5sely religi\s p4 ,?us we see t ! ,old ,te/am5t is a gr[? produc$ by1 & record+ ! hi/oric developm5t ( ! ,jewi% race1 nation & religion4 ,x is simply ! lit]ature ( a p4 ,its v>i\s p>ts 7 writt5 by repres5tatives ( ! p !mselves1 _m ( ^: names are unkn[n1 at v>i\s times cov]+ a p]iod ( a ?\s& ye>s1 "u _m v>y+ conditions & circum/ances4 ,x records 9 "p _! hi/ory1 traditions1 leg5ds1 my?s1 _! beliefs1 sup]/itions1 hopes1 fe>s1 ideals & aspirations2 & ! leg5d>y de$s ( _! national h]oes1 j z we f9d !m 9 ! lit]ature ( anci5t ,greece1 ,rome1 ,engl& or ,sc&9avia4 ,x conta9s books ( law1 ritual1 maxims1 hymns1 poetry1 drama1 lett]s1 s]mons1 d5unciations1 rebukes1 w>n+s1 argum5ts1 anecdotes & biography4 ,no lit]ature on e>? is m multif>i\s 9 its cont5ts4 ,t x conta9s _m contradictions1 errors1 inconsi/5cies & incr$ible /atem5ts is no?+ to its discr$it f ?is viewpo9t ( its orig94 ,! wond] is t !re are n m4 ,b t x conta9s only :at ! v>i\s writ]s ( its diff]5t p>ts1 at ! "t !y wrote1 hone/ly ?\ght & believ$ to be true1 may be freely admitt$ )\t 9 ! lea/ d]ogat+ f its true value1 or add+ sup]natural sanctity to x4 ,! ,old ,te/am5t consid]$ simply z a collection ( anci5t ,jewi% lit]ature1 reveals to u to-day _m ( ! /ages 9 ! national1 racial & religi\s evolution ( anci5t ,israel1 j z ! lit]ature ( any nation or p reveals ! same ?+ conc]n+ !m1--no m & no less4 ,turn+ n[ = a mom5t to ! ,new ,te/am5t3 ,is x ! s\rce & au?ority = ,*ri/ianity8 ,or j ! rev]se8 ,:i* 0 fir/ ( ! two8 ,t :i* goes be=e is ! cause ( t :i* comes aft]1--n ! rev]se4 ,if ,*ri/ianity is to be consid]$ z a sep>ate & di/9ct sy/em ( religion1 bas$ ^u div9e au?ority1 ! sy/em 0 f9i%$1 full & complete ) ! resurrection & asc5sion ( ,*ri/--= ! argum5t's sake1 admitt+ ^! to be facts4 ,h5ce ,*ri/ianity w\ld h exi/$ z a fact j ! same1 :e!r a l9e ( ! ,new ,te/am5t _h ev] be5 writt5 or n4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 n a l9e ( x 0 writt5 = tw5ty-five or ?irty ye>s aft] ^! ev5ts1 & x 0 n complet$ = a hundr$ ye>s !reaft]4 ,!re=e ! ,new ,te/am5t did n produce ,*ri/ianity2 nor is x ! au?ority ^u :i* x is bas$1 b j ! opposite4 ,*ri/ianity produc$ ! ,new ,te/am5t & is ! au?ority ^u :i* x is bas$4 ,s ! ,new ,te/am5t1 l ! ,old1 is j lit]ature1--no m4 ,x records :at ! au?ors ( its v>i\s p>ts1 9 ! light ( _! "t1 & ) ! k !y possess$1 z common1 fallible1 mortal m5 l ourselves1 hone/ly ?\ght1 felt1 hop$ & believ$ 0 ! tru?4 ,x gives u ! only hi/orical sket* we h ( ! orig9 & e>ly developm5t ( t sy/em ( religion t 9 "o =m or ano!r n[ dom9ates a ?ird "p ( ! human race4 ,& z su* x is ! mo/ valuable book ! _w possesses today4 ,b x is no m ! infallible ,^w ( ,god ?an ! ,old ,te/am5t1 ,h]odotus1 ,josephus1 ,plato or ,plut>*4 ,! conclusion ( ! :ole matt] is3 ,! ,bible is n ! sup]naturally inspir$1 infallible ^w ( ,god1 giv5 by him z ! s\rce & f9al au?ority = religion1 outside ( :i* & s9ce its close !re is no m revelation2 b x 0 writt5 by fallible m5 ( l passions ) ourselves1 :o wrote1--n z !y 7 infallibly & in]rantly guid$ by ! ,holy ,_s1 b--z !y 7 mov$ by ! same impulses1 passions & motives t h mov$ m5 9 all ages to write _! ?\ghts1 feel+s1 beliefs1 hopes1 fe>s1 aspirations & views ( life4 ,?us1 z has already be5 said1 ! ,bible is a product ( religion in/ead ( be+ its s\rce & au?ority4 ,?us ! lit]ature ( ! ,jewi% race & ! e>ly ,*ri/ians grew4 ,9 c\rse ( "t ! ?irty-n9e books conta9+ our pres5t ,old ,te/am5t 7 br\ght toge!r 9 "o collection4 ,we d n "k j :54 ,aft]w>ds ! tw5ty-sev5 books ( our ,new ,te/am5t 7 collect$ 9 ! same way4 ,age & tradition fir/ embalm$ !m 9 an air ( sanctity2 & !n sup]/ition made ( !m a feti%4 ,until ?is spell is brok5 !re c be no hope ( any?+ l unity 9 ! religi\s _w4 ,until ?is feti% ( a once = all div9e & infallible revelation1 complet$ & h&$ d[n f heav5 is ab&on$1 !re w cont9ue to be div]sities ( int]pretation1 & consequ5tly divisions1 controv]sies1 bick]+s1 p]secutions & recrim9ations w cont9ue among mank9d1 & w>s w cont9ue among nations4 ,x may be said "h t all ! o!r sacr$ lit]ature ( ! _w1 ! ,bibles ( o!r sy/ems ( religion1 ! ,z5d ,ave/a1 ! ,v$as1 ! ,upani%ads1 ! ,koran1 & o!rs1 _h _! orig9 9 exactly ! same s\rce & mann] z did our ,bible2 & atta9$ sanctity & au?ority among _! respective foll[]s 9 exactly ! same way4 ,b we ne$ n g into x 9 detail4 ,b :5 we return to our fir/ proposition1 t all religion 9 its orig91 fundam5tal ess5ce & ultimate purpose is n only "o & ! same1 b is natural & common to all humanity2 t its processes are a cont9ual revelation 9 nature & human exp]i5ce 9 man's cont9u\s progress onw>d & upw>d 9 ! scale ( human atta9m5t2 & t ! ,bible1 & all o!r lit]ature ( its k9d1 m]ely records a "p ( ^! processes & revelations 9 nature & exp]i5ce1 by :i* we are able to read ! footpr9ts ( human progress 9 ! pa/1 & t ^! v>i\s writ]s1 mo/ly unkn[n1 m]ely record$ :at !y saw1 felt1 believ$ or und]/ood at t "t to be ! tru?2 !n all ^! difficulties ( int]pretation & s\rces ( division vani%1 & ^! books take on a new value & importance t !y nev] o!rwise atta94 ,) ?is view ( its orig9 & purpose ! ,bible readily takes & holds its place z ! mo/ rem>kable & invaluable book ! _w has ev] kn[n1 or p]haps ev] w "k4 ,x becomes at once an inexhau/ible treasure-h\se ( k indisp5sable to ! _w's highe/ ?\ght & progress1--k :i* _c be obta9$ any:]e else4 ,9 ?is view its _m contradictions1 discrepancies1 errors ( fact1 & incr$ible /atem5ts become at once ( little =ce & easily acc\nt$ =2 & :5 we consid] ! v>i\s ages 9 :i* its p>ts 7 writt51 ! _m diff]5t au?ors ( its diff]5t p>ts1 ! /&>ds ( human k & atta9m5t 9 ^! times1 ! wond] is t !re are n m4 ,! ,bible is ?us ! greate/ book ( religi\s in/ruction t ! _w kn[s1 or ev] has kn[n4 ,x conta9s inexhau/ible treasures ( religi\s ?\ght1 feel+1 emotion & exp]i5ce1 ( e conceivable type & v>iety1 :i* makes x inde$ pr(itable = tea*+1 = repro(1 = correction1 = in/ruction :i* is 9 righte\sness4 ,x is an inexhau/ible m9e ( ! ri*e/ & pure/ gold1 fus$ 9 ! fires ( human exp]i5ce 9 _m ages4 ,b ! gold is mix$ ) ! s& & dirt & rocks & rubbi% ( ! human frailties & weaknesses ( ! ages 9 :i* x 0 accumulat$ 9 ?is m9e4 ,! pure gold mu/ be sep>at$ f ?is dross 9 ! crucible ( pres5t day human intellig5ce1 reason & exp]i5ce4 ,x is l a great riv] t has w\nd its c\rse ?ru _m c\ntries & z _m diff]5t k9ds ( soil1 receiv+ tribut>ies f _m diff]5t s\rces & directions4 ,x conta9s mu* pure wat]2 b x is impregnat$ ) ! s& & dirt & mud ( ! *annels ?ru :i* x has pass$4 ,x mu/ be filt]$ & ^! elem5ts elim9at$ be=e x c be put to its highe/ & be/ use4 ,z a great book ( religi\s in/ruction x conta9s ri*es 9 human exp]i5ce & inspiration f :i* any & all may draw some?+ to fit _! p>ticul> case & ne$4 ,b to get ! highe/ value1 ea* mu/ sep>ate ! gold f ! dross1 ! pure wat] f ! s& & mud1 accord+ to 8 p>ticul> case & ne$4 ,us$ 9 ?is way & = ?is purpose1 ! ,bible w d\btless rema9 ! _w's greate/ book ( religi\s in/ruction & inspiration4 ,b to p]si/ 9 ! claim1 9 ! light ( pres5t-day k1 t ! :ole ( x is a div9e revelation1 sup]naturally giv5 f heav51 & infallibly & in]rantly true1 is to p]petuate confusion & discord among m51 & cause ! wise/ & be/ among !m to discr$it x altoge!r1 z _m ( !m h already done4 ,b to rev]5ce x = :at x really is1 a record ( ! religi\s evolution ( ! mo/ int5sely religi\s nation ( antiquity1 a great race t has contribut$ m to ! religi\s life ( ! _w ?an any o!r1 is a cr$it to ! intellig5ce ( any "o4 ,to en%r9e x 9 sup]/ition1 & make x a feti%1 is idolatry4 ,,inspiration ,,& ,,revelation ,i am a /rong believ] 9 inspiration4 ,b ,i believe x to be1 l religion1 natural1 9 a great] or less degree1 to all peoples1 9 all ages & at all times2 & n some?+ miracul\s & sup]natural1 limit$ to a select few1 ( a s+le race1 9 a long pa/ age1 & s9ce !n has =ev] ceas$4 ,x is p]haps h>d to def9e inspiration accord+ to ?is view ( x4 ,l religion1 its v simplicity & univ]sality eludes any exact def9ition2 especially by "o p]son = ano!r4 ,t x has (t5 be5 manife/ 9 mu* great] degree 9 "s p]sons ?an 9 o!rs2 & 9 ^! mu* /rong] at "s times ?an at o!rs1 is n to be d\bt$ = a mom5t4 ,x is no m a uni=m condition ?an human atta9m5t 9 intellig5ce & "* are uni=m4 ,! simple diction>y def9ition w p]haps be adequate = our purpose1--at lea/ z a />t+ po9t3 ,! inbrea?+ or imp>t+ ( an idea1 emotion1 or m5tal or spiritual influ5ce2 ! elevat+1 creative influ5ce ( g5ius2 also1 t :i* is s inbrea!d or imp>t$4 ,x is t elevation ( m5tal conception usually produc$ by int5se conc5tration ( m9d1 deep e>ne/ness ( ?\ght1 int5se int]e/ & zeal 9 a special subject or cause1 or by "s objective environm5t4 ,a few simple illu/rations w convey my mean+ bett] ?an any l5g?y metaphysical analysis4 ,"o night a long "t ago1 "s sage philosoph] 0 look+ out ^u ! heav5s1 contemplat+ ! beauties ( ! />s 9 _! maje/y & glory4 ,^! inspir$ a tra9 ( ?\ght 9 8 m9d t f\nd utt]ance 9 ! n9ete5? ,psalm3 ,! heav5s decl>e ! glory ( ,god1 & ! firmam5t %[e? 8 h&iwork4444 ,?is is inspiration if !re ev] 0 su* a ?+2 & yet !re is no?+ miracul\s or sup]natural ab\t x4 ,x is z natural z ! ra9drops t fall f ! cl\ds4 ,on ano!r occasion "s dev\t & int5sely religi\s sa9t1 b at ! same "t probably a great suff]] f "s adv]se =tune1 beheld a %eph]d tak+ c>e ( 8 %eep1 provid+ = !m food & wat]1 c>+ = ! sick & lame & nurs+ !m back to /r5g?1 lead+ !m out to pa/ure ?ru ! n>r[ defiles ( ! m\nta9s1 amid/ _m dang]s1 yet gu>d+ !m dilig5tly aga9/ all4 ,& ?is sight gave rise to reflections on ! div9e provid5ce t f\nd expression 9 t sublime & beautiful ,tw5ty-?ird ,psalm3 ,! ,"l is my %eph]d2 ,i %all n want4 ,he make? me to lie d[n 9 gre5 pa/ures2 ,he leade? me beside /ill wat]s2 ,he re/ore? my s\l4 ,:at is !re 9 all ! _w's lit]ature m inspir$ & m inspir+ ?an ?is8 ,& yet x is no m miracul\s nor sup]natural 9 its orig9 ?an ! %eph]d c>+ = 8 %eep4 ,inspiration is simply a condition or /ate ( m9d4 ,x is purely psy*ological 9 its nature1 & may be produc$ by a great v>iety ( causes2 b is n sup]natural4 ,to "s ext5t1 & 9 "s degree1 b by no means always equal1 x has be5 common among all peoples ( ! pa/2 & at all p]iods ( _! hi/ory4 ,specim5s ( x h come d[n to u 9 ?is age1 en%r9$ & pres]v$ 9 ! lit]ature1 music & art ( ^! peoples4 ,x is z common among m5 today z x ev] 0 9 any pa/ age4 ,x is embodi$ 9 "s degree1 9 mo/1 if n all ! lit]ature1 art & music ( all ages2 b by no means to ! same ext5t 9 all4 ,!re are passages 9 ,dante1 ,goe!1 ,%akespe>e1 ,milton1 ,br[n+1 ,em]son1 ,c>lyle1 ,bryant1 ,longfell[1 ,l[ell1 & a ?\s& o!rs1 anci5t & mod]n1 t are j z mu* ! products ( inspiration z ! ,tw5ty-?ird ,psalm or ! ,s]mon on ! ,m\nt4 ,b no "o w\ld pret5d to say t all t ^! m5 wrote 0 equally inspir$1 or ( equal value4 ,:at !n is to be ! te/ ( inspiration8 ,h[ are we to "k :at is inspir$ f :at is n8 ,!re is no absolute & infallible te/4 ,! rule ,i h g5]ally foll[$ is :at may be t]m$1 ! te/ ( reproduction4 ,! te/ ( ! p]fect life ( an oak is ! production ( an acorn t w produce ano!r oak4 ,! te/ ( all complete & p]fect animal life is its p[] to reproduce itself 9 ! p]petuation ( its own species4 ,! te/ ( inspiration is :e!r or n x reproduces its k9d3--,does x inspire8 ,:o c read ! ,tw5ty-?ird ,psalm1 or ! ,s]mon on ! ,m\nt1 ! p>able ( ! ,lo/ ,%eep1 or ! ?irte5? *apt] ( ,fir/ ,cor9?ians )\t feel+ ! _s ( inspiration 9 8 own s\l8 ,!re=e ^! mu/ be inspir$1 because !y inspire o!rs4 ,:o c read ,em]son's essay on ,spiritual ,laws1 or ,! ,ov]-,s\l1 & n be inspir$8 or ,longfell['s ,resignation8 or ,bryant's ,l9es to a ,wat]-f[l1 or ,?anatopsis1 & n be inspir$8 ,!n ^! mu/ h be5 inspir$1 or !y c\ld n inspire4 ,:o today c s+ ! ,/> ,spangl$ ,bann]1 ,geo4 ,f4 ,root's ,battle ,cry ( ,fre$om1 or ,julia ,w>d ,h[e's ,battle ,hymn ( ! ,republic1 )\t feel+ a ?rill ( inspiration t /irs ! v dep?s ( ! s\l8 ,!n1 ^! mu/ h be5 inspir$4 ,"t & space fail me to m5tion ev5 any ( ! great orators ( hi/ory f ,demo/h5es to ,woodr[ ,wilson1 :o by ! p[] ( _! eloqu5ce h be5 able to s inspire m5 to action z to *ange ! c\rse ( empires & ! de/9y ( nations4 ,! secret ( all ?is is t ^! m5 7 !mselves inspir$1--n by "s miracul\s sup]natural influ5ce1--b by ! natural int5sity ( _! own e>ne/ness1 s9c]e devotion to1 & all-absorb+ int]e/ 9 ! cause !y esp\s$1 until !y lo/ !mselves 9 _! cause1 & became ?us inspir$1 & inspir$ o!rs4 ,yes1 inspiration is z common & pot5t 9 ! _w today z x ev] has be5 9 any age ( ! pa/4 ,its _s /ill ent]s into holy s\ls1 mak+ !m fri5ds ( ,god & prophets4 ,j a few words ab\t ,revelation w suffice4 ,revelation has be5 g5]ally look$ ^u z almo/ synonym\s if n id5tical1 ) inspiration2 or s intimately connect$ ) x t !y c\ld n be sep>at$4 ,:at might be di/9ctively call$ revelation 0 ! product1 or out-put ( inspiration4 ,:atev] tru? may /ill rema9 z to ^! relations1 s9ce we h se5 t inspiration is n some?+ miracul\s & sup]natural1 b purely & :olly natural1 !re c be no su* a ?+ z revelation 9 any miracul\s or sup]natural s5se4 ,& yet1 all t man has ev] le>n$1 accompli%$1 atta9$ to1 or a*iev$ is a revelation4 ,man1 ) all 8 boa/$ k & a*ievem5t1 has nev] creat$ any?+2 all t man has ev] done1 at 8 be/1 has be5 to discov] & utilize ?+s & =ces t are z old z ! univ]se itself4 ,all ! discov]ies he has ev] made1 all ! k he has ev] ga9$1 all t he has ev] accompli%$ or a*iev$1 has be5 ! result ( a cont9u\s1 unfold+ revelation f ! dawn ( "t to ! pres5t day2 by :i* he has be5 able to discov]1 utilize & appropriate to 8 own use & b5efit1 t :i* has exi/$1 9 "o =m or ano!r1 et]nally--all ( :i* is a revelation1 div9e1 b n miracul\s4 ,a few c5turies ago ,cop]nicus gave u a new view ( ! univ]se4 ,?is 0 revelation4 ,b ! univ]se _h exi/$ 9 exactly ! same =m & relations s9ce ! morn+ />s sang toge!r4 ,a little lat] ,newton reveal$ to u ! law ( gravitation4 ,?is 0 ! fir/ man ev] knew ( x4 ,b ! law _h exi/$ j ! same s9ce ! *aos 0 fir/ r$uc$ to cosmos4 ,! pot5tial p[] ( /eam z a me*anical =ce 0 j z great 9 ! days ( ,noah or ,abraham z x is today4 ,b x rema9$ = ,rob]t ,fulton1 b a little ov] a c5tury ago1 to apply x to practical use2 & ?is 0 j z mu* a div9e revelation z ! call ( ,abraham1 or ! vision ( ,moses on ! ,m\nt4 ,! same is true ( electricity4 ,all ! multif>i\s uses to :i* x has ev] be5 appli$1 7 j z pot5t 9 ! days ( ,%almanez] or ,solomon z !y are today4 ,e discov]y & new use to :i* x has be5 appli$ s9ce ! day t ,frankl9 drew x f ! cl\ds & cork$ x up 9 a bottle1 has only be5 s _m new div9e revelations2 z mu* s z ! vision ( ,paul be=e ! gate ( ,damascus1 or ,john on ! ,isle ( ,patmos4 ,9 fact m s4 ,& on ad inf9itum4 ,all ! progress man has ev] made or ev] w make is only ! result ( ?is div9e revelation ev] unfold+ itself to him1 j z fa/1 & no fa/] ?an he is able to appropriate & use x4 ,?us ,god reveals himself to man1 n miracul\sly1 b naturally & ?ru nature itself1 j 9 proportion to man's ability to und]/&1 receive & appropriate x4 ,jesus is quot$ z say+3 ,i h yet _m ?+s to say unto y1 b ye _c be> !m n[4 ,h[beit :5 he1 ! _s ( tru?1 is come1 he %all guide y into all ! tru?4 ,did t _s ( tru? ev] come8 ,& if s :51 if ev]1 0 x )drawn8 ,he said 9 ano!r place t x %\ld rema9 =ev]4 ,yes1 ,i believe t same _s ( tru? is /ill 9 ! _w today & has be5 ev] s9ce man has be5 "h1 guid+ m5 into ! way ( tru? j 9 proportion to _! ability to receive x4 ,& also1 all tru? is div9e1 because all tru? comes f ! same s\rce--,god4 ,! tru? conc]n+ ! univ]se1 ! laws ( nature 9 ! mat]ial _w are ?us j z div9e1 z are ! moral laws gov]n+ man 9 8 social relations1 or ^? gov]n+ 8 relations to ,god4 ,& ! great /ore-h\se ( ,nature has n yet reveal$ ev5 an inf9itesimal "p ( h] inf9ite ri*es = man's use & b5efit1 t are yet to be reveal$ z man progresses onw>d & upw>d4 ,in/ead ( hav+ rea*$ ! z5i? ( man's discov]ies & a*ievem5ts1 & !re=e a f9i%$ revelation1 we h n yet pass$ ! dawn4 ,! heav5s /ill decl>e ! glory ( ,god2 b ! sci5ti/1 philosoph]1 & a/ronom] ( today sees mu* m 9 !m ?an does ! savage1 or did ! au?or ( ! ,n9ete5? ,psalm4 ,& z man goes on he w see m & m ( ,god 9 ,nature1 & und]/& him bett]1 until ! f9al fruition ( 8 hope & fai? is rea*$4 ,inspiration & revelation are ?us bo? liv+ realities1 z mu* s n[ z at any "t 9 ! pa/1 & w cont9ue s :ile mank9d cont9ues to inhabit ?is planet4 ,all ! progress1 a*ievem5t & atta9m5t mank9d has ev] made1 f ! days ( ! ,cave ,man & ! ,/one ,age to ! pres5t "t1 are b ! products1 results1 fruits ( ?is inspiration & revelation1 t has ev] impell$ & l$ mank9d onw>d & upw>d4 ,i firmly believe t ! future holds 9 /ore a civilization1 social /atus1 human a*ievem5t1 intellectual & moral atta9m5t on ?is planet1 z f> above ! pres5t z ?is is above t ( ! ,cave ,man2 & z inconceivable to u n[ z ?is 0 to him2 & all ?is w be b ! product1 result1 fruit ( ?is et]nal1 nev]-end+ process ( inspiration & revelation t has br\ght mank9d to :]e he is today4 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,,jesus ,,( ,,naz>e? ,we h n[ rea*$ ! mo/ int]e/+1 if n ! mo/ vital "p ( ?is ,confession ( ,fai?4 ,?us f> ,i h said almo/ no?+ ab\t ! ,man ( ,naz>e?4 ,:at !n %all ,i d unto ,jesus1 :o is call$ ,*ri/8 ,! temptation is v great "h to elaborate at "s l5g? ^u my views ( ?is1 ! mo/ unique "* 9 all hi/ory4 ,i w\ld l to give my views 9 full1 ) all ! argum5ts1 pro & con1 z to 8 p]sonality1 "* & mission4 ,b ?is w\ld ext5d ?is "w to an undue l5g?4 ,"s day ,i may write x m fully 9 ano!r book4 ,i mu/ be cont5t n[ to give z briefly z possible ! conclusions ,i h rea*$1 )\t go+ into any v detail$ argum5ts to support !m4 ,:at d we "k ab\t ,jesus anyway8 ,he nev] wrote a l9e t we h any record (1 except a few words 9 ! s& :5 ! ,jews br\ght a s9ful woman be=e him to accuse h]2 & we "k n :at ^! words 74 ,we h no record t he ev] au?oriz$ any "o else to write any?+ =1 or ab\t him4 ,we h ?ree %ort biographies ( him t 7 writt5 any:]e f fifty to eighty ye>s aft] 8 dea?1 ! exact date ( nei!r be+ kn[n4 ,! au?ors ( two ( ^!--,m>k & ,luke--x is admitt$ 7 n ,apo/les2 & !re is no evid5ce t ei!r ( !m ev] knew ,jesus 9 8 lifetime4 ,x is admitt$ t ea* ( !m got all 8 in=mation f ano!r1 & t "o ( !m got 8 in=mation f a p]son--,paul--:o himself nev] knew ,jesus 9 ! fle%4 ,x is admitt$ t ! o!r--,mat!w--z we n[ h x1 is n ! orig9al writ+ ( ! ,apo/le ( t "n2 t ! orig9al is entirely lo/1 & no "o kn[s :at additions or elim9ations x und]w5t 9 its translation & transcription into ano!r language4 ,ye>s lat] a f\r? biography appe>$ by an unkn[n au?or1--tradition be+ ! only evid5ce t x 0 writt5 by ! ,apo/le ,john--s entirely diff]5t 9 its g5]al make-up & cont5ts1 t b = ! "n ( its subject & a v few passages 9 x1 no "o w\ld ev] take x to be ab\t ! same p]son t =m$ ! subject ( ! o!r ?ree4 ,:5 ^! f\r are tak5 toge!r1 & all repetitions & duplications are elim9at$1 x w\ld leave u ) a small pamphlet ( "s sixty or sev5ty pages z our only record ( ?is mo/ rem>kable "* ( all hi/ory4 ,none ( ! epi/ol>y writ+s ?r[ any light on ! life1 do+s1 say+s or p]sonality ( ,jesus4 ,!y only deal ) d$uctions drawn f or bas$ ^u x4 ,:5 we add to ?is ! fact t at lea/ fifty ye>s _h elaps$1 aft] ! ev5ts describ$ _h happ5$1 be=e a l9e ( x--at lea/ 9 its pres5t =m--0 writt52 & t 9 an age :5 few p c\ld write & no accurate records 7 pres]v$1 & :5 ^? t did !n write1 wrote only f memory or tradition2 & :5 we fur!r consid] ! v>y+ & (t5 v diff]5t acc\nts giv5 by ! diff]5t writ]s ( ! ev5ts !y describe1 diff]5ces 9 bo? ! do+s & say+s ( ,jesus1 al?o ^! are mo/ly only matt]s ( m9or detail1 yet we become m & m conv9c$ t we h no means ( kn[+ = c]ta9 j :at ,jesus did2 nor :e!r or n he utt]$ ! exact words t ! writ]s put into 8 m\?4 ,comp>e today ! memory ( any individual z to ! exact details ( "s ev5t1 ev5 t he p]sonally witness$1 fifty ye>s ago2 especially z to ! exact words us$ on any p>ticul> occasion1 & we w h m ?an a fair example ( ! imp]fection ( human memory4 ,add to ?is ! fact t ?is 0 9 a v sup]/iti\s age1 :5 e wond] 0 translat$ into a sup]natural miracle1 & our p]plexity only becomes ! great]4 ,! doctr9e ( infallible guidance by div9e inspiration is out ( ! "q4 ,if !re 0 no o!r evid5ce aga9/ su* an idea1 ! int]nal cont5ts ( ^! books !mselves w\ld =ev] de/roy x4 ,!n1 :at d we "k ab\t ,jesus8 ,v little4 ,i d n accuse ^! writ]s ( any delib]ate misrepres5tation1 consci\s fraud or =g]y4 ,!y und\bt$ly wrote :at !y hone/ly & s9c]ely believ$ at ! "t to be ! tru?4 ,b !y wrote simply z fallible m5 l ourselves4 ,_! means ( in=mation 9 _m cases 0 d\btless v meag] & unc]ta94 ,!y d\btless did ! be/ !y c\ld "u ! circum/ances4 ,!y wrote ! tru? z !y und]/ood x to be tru?1 j z any o!r hi/orian or biograph] w\ld d today4 ,& :at !y wrote is all we "k4 ,x is ! only basis we h ^u :i* we c =m any judgm5t z to :o or :at ,jesus ( ,naz>e? 04 ,:at ,paul may h ?\ght ( him1 & ! sy/em ( !ology he built !reon1 is ( b little value4 ,:at ! ,*ur* ,fa!rs may h ?\ght1 9 ! light ( ! age 9 :i* !y liv$1 & _! own /&>d ( intellectual atta9m5ts1 is ( less4 ,we h got to fall back ^u ! f\r gospels1 & int]pret !m1 n 9 ! light ( ! sup]/iti\s age 9 :i* !y 7 writt52 n assum+ !m to be exact tru?2 = 9 view ( ! fact ( _! own contradictions ( ea* o!r on mat]ial & vital po9ts ?is is impossible2 b 9 ! full light ( ?is age ( sci5ce & exact k2 ( a m highly develop$ intellig5ce1 & a deep] & m accurate reason+ p[]4 ,) ^! records z a basis1 or />t+ po9t1 we mu/ "w out ! problem = ourselves3 ,:o & :at 0 ,jesus8 ,fir/1 he 0 a ,jew1--born1 liv$ & di$ a ,jew4 ,!re is no evid5ce t he ev] reject$1 or abrogat$ ! religion ( 8 fa!rs4 ,t he tri$ to re=m x1 inject into x a deep] spiritual life1 a m rational & high] e?ical /&>d1 w m fully appe> z we proce$4 ,he came n to de/roy ! law1 b to fulfill x1--n by dy+ on ! cross1 = ! law n[h]e says1 or ev5 intimates1 any?+ ab\t anybody dy+ on a cross or any:]e else4 ,he came to fulfill x by liv+ up to its full e?ical & spiritual import1 & tea*+ o!rs to d s4 ,moses _h summ$ up ! law 9 t5 comm&m5ts1 ! ,ph>isees ( ! "t ( ,jesus _h made ( ^! t5 ?\s&--to be exact1 six hundr$ & ?irte5--& ,jesus r$uc$ !m to two1--& kept !m4 ,?is is h[ he fulfill$ ! law4 ,next1 ,jesus 0 ! son ( ,joseph & ,m>y by ! same process ( natural g5]ation by :i* all o!r human be+s come into ! _w4 ,paul1 ! e>lie/ & mo/ elaborate writ] ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 n[h]e gives u ! remote/ h9t t he _h ev] he>d ( any su* a ?+ z ! sup]natural bir?2 & x is :olly un?9kable t if su* _h be5 ! tru? he %\ld h be5 ignorant ( x2 or t if x su/a9$ su* a vital relation to ! ,*ri/ian sy/em ( religion to :i* he devot$ 8 :ole life1 he %\ld nev] 9 ! remote/ mann] ref] to x4 ,m>k's gospel1 writt5 to ! be/ ( our k ab\t fifty ye>s aft] ! dea? ( ,jesus1 n[h]e ref]s to x4 ,z we h already se51 we d n "k :at ! ,apo/le ,mat!w may h writt51 z we d n h 8 orig9al writ+ at all4 ,! e>ly ,ebionite copies ( ! ,greek translation & transcription did n conta9 ! fir/ two *apt]s1 & consequ5tly no ref]5ce to ! sup]natural bir?4 ,we are left to fall back on ,luke & we w h to exam9e 8 /ory a little 9 detail4 ,9 all ( its details1 includ+ ! g5ealogy1 x is q diff]5t f t 9 ,mat!w4 ,luke alone m5tions ! visit to ,j]usalem :5 ,jesus 0 twelve ye>s old1 & 9 :i* he 0 miss$ f ! company :5 !y />t$ on ! return home4 ,:5 ,joseph & ,m>y f\nd him 9 ! temple1 %e is quot$ z say+1 ,son1 :y ha/ ?\ ?us dealt ) u8 ,behold ?y fa!r & ,i h s\ght !e sorr[+4 ,n[1 if ,jesus 0 n really ! son ( ,joseph1 b ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 8 "m c]ta9ly knew x2 & if s h] /atem5t1 ?y fa!r & ,i h s\ght !e sorr[+1 0 n only a delib]ate untru?2 b if ,jesus 0 ,god1 he also knew x 0 an untru?4 ,ano!r inconsi/5cy 9 ! /ory is1 t if ,jesus 0 ?us ! son ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 & !re=e ,god1 & 8 "m knew x1 :y %\ld %e worry ab\t 8 be+ miss+ f ! c>avan8 ,c\ldn't ,god take c>e ( himself & f9d 8 way back to ,naz>e? at any "t he wi%$ to g8 ,on ano!r occasion1 m5tion$ by all ! synoptics1 :5 ,jesus 0 tea*+1 8 "m & bre?r5 are report$ z call+ = him1 evid5tly = ! purpose ( re/ra9+ him 9 8 "w1 or p]suad+ him to desi/1--& ?is is ! int]pretation t has be5 mo/ g5]ally giv5 to ^! passages1 & ! answ] :i* ,jesus gave supports x z correct1--su* a c\rse is entirely inconsi/5t ) any conception t 8 "m at ! "t knew him to be ! sup]naturally born ,son ( ,god4 ,turn+ n[ to ! ,f\r? ,gospel1 we h n only an entirely diff]5t "*1 b an entirely diff]5t philosophy z to 8 life & mission4 ,n a ^w is said or any:]e h9t$ ab\t a div9e bir?4 ,9 ! beg9n+ 0 ! ,^w1 & ! ,^w 0 ) ,god1 & ! ,^w 0 ,god4444 & ! ,^w became fle%1 & dwelt among u4 ,to /ate x 9 ! simple/ words ,i c comm&1 ! !ory ( ! ,f\r? ,gospel is t ( ! old ,alex&rian philosophy ( ! inc>nation ( ! ,div9e ,logos1 or ,^w1 or message f ,god1 9 human fle%1 appli$ to ,jesus ( ,naz>e?4 ,8 pure & simple manhood is recogniz$1 into :i*1 9 "s my/ical mann]1 n[h]e expla9$1 ! ,div9e ,logos1 or ,^w1 or ,life1 or ,god ,himself1 ent]$ into ! man ,jesus1 :]eby he became ! ,son ( ,god & ! ,messiah1--& n by ! process ( miracul\s g5]ation 9 ! fle%4 ,! old ,ebionite doctr9e 0 t ?is ,div9e ,logos1 or ,^w1 or ,_s ( ,god ent]$ ,jesus at 8 baptism1 & t he !reby became ! ,messiah1 di/9ctively ! ,son ( ,god by div9e selection1 & n by sup]natural g5]ation4 ,!re is no evid5ce t 8 disciples dur+ 8 lifetime ev] _h ! slighte/ conception t he _h a sup]natural bir?4 ,:5 ,philip tells ,na?aniel t he has f\nd ! ,messiah ( :om ,moses & ! prophets wrote1 he also tells him t ?is ,messiah is ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 ! son ( ,joseph4 ,ev5 aft] ! dea? ( ,jesus ! disciples seem to h _h no k ( any sup]natural bir?4 ,! two on _! way to ,emmaus1 aft] ! crucifixion1 express _! disappo9tm5t3 ,we hop$ t x 0 he :o %\ld r$eem ,israel4 ,no su* expression ( disappo9tm5t c possibly be reconcil$ ) any ?\ght t ?is ,jesus :o _h s rec5tly be5 crucifi$ 0 ! et]nal ,son ( ,god inc>nat$ 9 human fle%4 ,on ! day ( ,p5teco/ ,pet] speaks ( him 9 no high] t]ms ?an ,a man approv$ ( ,god4 ,if ,jesus 0 sup]naturally born1 z a matt] ( c\rse 8 "m knew x all ! "t2 yet dur+ ! :ole life ( ,jesus %e is n[h]e m5tion$ z giv+ ! slighte/ intimation ( x2 b on ! contr>y all ! record we h ( any?+ %e did d or say w\ld naturally lead to j ! opposite conclusion4 ,( c\rse no "o else knew any?+ ab\t x4 ,tak+ x naturally = grant$1 t at lea/ at ! beg9n+1 8 disciples knew no?+ ( x1 if !y ev] le>n$ x aft]w>ds1 !re mu/ h be5 "s special "t1 condition or circum/ance "u :i* !y came into possession ( ^! rem>kable facts4 ,yet1 !re is n a h9t 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t ab\t any su* "t1 place1 circum/ance or incid5t4 ,h[ !n did ! idea ( a sup]natural bir? & ! deification ( ,jesus come ab\t1 if x 0 n a real fact8 ,v simply & q naturally4 ,any "o acqua9t$ ) anci5t hi/ory kn[s t 9 t age ( ! _w1 & = c5turies be=e1 x _h be5 almo/ a univ]sal cu/om1 especially 9 ,greece & ! ,roman empire1 to attribute "s sup]natural orig9 to1 & deify _! h]oes1--sometimes :ile !y 7 yet alive1 b mo/ c]ta9ly aft] _! dea?4 ,j s1 aft] ! dea? ( ?is rem>kable man1 & 8 cult cont9u$ to ga!r adh]5ts1 "t & di/ance l5t p]spective1 & he naturally grew l>g] & great] 9 _! e/imation1 until1 naturally & inevitably1 p]meat$ by ! univ]sal ?\ght ( ! age 9 :i* !y liv$1 !y gradually came to look m & m ^u _! great ma/] z be+ some?+ m ?an ord9>ily human1 until ?is ?\ght gradually rip5$ into 8 deification2 & ( c\rse to be consi/5t ) ?is he mu/ h be51 l all o!r deifi$ h]oes1 sup]naturally born4 ,& out ( ?is ! leg5d ( ,be?lehem1 9 bo? its =ms1 9 ,mat!w & ,luke1 someh[ grew1--nobody kn[s exactly h[4 ,x is j l _m o!r my?s ( pa/ ages4 ,! fir/ we "k ( !m !y are full gr[n & complete2 yet1 l all o!r ?+s1 !y mu/ h _h a natural & gradual gr[?4 ,z to :]e he 0 born we d n "k1 nor is x mat]ial4 ,x is by f> ! mo/ probable t he 0 born at ,naz>e? :]e 8 p>5ts liv$4 ,! leg5d t he 0 born at ,be?lehem 0 d\btless a pure conjecture1 made necess>y by ^? :o accept$ him z ! ,messiah ( ,hebrew prophecy1 to make x correspond ) ! prophetic decl>ation t ! ,messiah %\ld be born at ,be?lehem ( ,judah4 ,?is fully acc\nts = ! ,be?lehem /ory z ! place ( 8 bir?4 ,! fact is !y are all purely conjectural1 made to fit into "s preconceiv$ notion ( 8 p]sonality or "*4 ,we h no reliable acc\nt :atev] ( 8 bir? or e>ly life4 ,we n[ come to consid] ! man1--yes1 ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus4 ,we h already said he 0 a ,jew & liv$ & di$ "o1 ) app>5tly no ?\ght or purpose o!r ?an to re=m & correct ! abuses into :i* 8 p _h laps$1 & revive & int5sify ! deep spiritual & e?ical mean+ ( religion4 ,born ( ! mo/ int5sely religi\s race ( all antiquity1 he 0 ! mo/ int5sely religi\s ( 8 race4 ,he p]ceiv$ a new conception ( ,god1 n z ! arbitr>y rul] & v9dictive judge ( 8 p1 b z ! univ]sal ,fa!r ( all m51 n an?ropomorphic1 b ,inf9ite ,_s1 ^: greate/ attributes 7 love1 ju/ice1 m]cy & tru?1 express$ 9 ! great t]m ,fa!rhood2 & t all m5 are *ildr5 ( ! great ,fa!r1 & !re=e bro!rs4 ,?is expresses 8 fundam5tal philosophy & work+ basis ( life4 ,^u x he und]took to build up & e/abli%1 n a new sy/em ( religion1 b a new ord] ( life4 ,! c5tral idea 9 ?is 0 man's direct relation%ip to ,god4 ,9 8 own life he embodi$ a p]fect example ( 8 ideal4 ,he ?us became n ,god inc>nate bodily 9 human fle%1 nor ! ,son ( ,god 9 any diff]5t s5se ?an all are sons ( ,god--except p]haps 9 degree & n 9 k9d--b ! mo/ complete reflection & int]pretation ( ,god 9 t]ms ( human life t ! _w _h ev] kn[n be=e 8 "t1 has ev] kn[n s9ce1 or p]haps ev] w "k4 ,b ?is la/ /atem5t is say+ m ?an any man c "k = c]ta94 ,we "k n :at ,god may yet h to reveal to mank9d1 nor h[ ,he w reveal x4 ,8 c\rse ( life & tea*+ naturally br\ght him into direct conflict ) ! prevail+ ord] ( 8 "t4 ,we ne$ n discuss t 9 detail4 ,x soon l$ to a viol5t & tragic dea?1 be=e he _h fairly begun 8 "w4 ,we _c =m any guess :at might h be5 ! result if he _h be5 p]mitt$ to live out a normal life & cont9ue 8 tea*+4 ,he only met ! same fate t _m prophets be=e him _h met1 & _m m s9ce4 ,if he %\ld appe> today "h 9 ,am]ica & pursue ! same c\rse t[>d public in/itutions & popul> beliefs & practices1 he w\ld meet ) a reception little diff]5t f :at he met 9 ,pale/9e n9ete5 hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,he might n inde$ be crucifi$ on a cross2 b he w\ld /& a good *ance to be ca/ into jail & s5t to a p5it5ti>y = a t]m ( ye>s = s$ition & attempt+ to int]f]e ) ! e/abli%$ ord]4 ,& no p]sons w\ld be m active 9 8 prosecution ?an "s ( ! mod]n ,ph>isees :o occupy high places 9 t great in/itution t be>s 8 "n4 ,if he _h appe>$ 9 ,europe "s f\r or five hundr$ ye>s ago1 he w\ld h be5 almo/ dead c]ta9 to meet ! same fate ( ,john ,huss1 ,savon>ola & ,giordano ,bruno4 ,b n[1 z !n1 ! poor1 d[n-trodd5 & oppress$ w\ld d\btless he> him gladly4 ,!re is no reliable evid5ce t he ev] claim$ to be ! ,messiah ( ,hebrew prophecy4 ,he is quot$ on sev]al occasions z hav+ accept$ ! appellation :5 appli$ to him by o!rs4 ,on "o occasion only is he quot$ z hav+ affirmatively decl>$ himself ! ,messiah2 & t 0 to ! woman ( ,sam>ia1 & ! :ole circum/ance ( x r5d]s x incr$ible4 ,x w\ld c]ta9ly be a v unusual c\rse to take1 = ! ,jewi% ,messiah to come & ann\nce himself z su*1 n to ! ,jews !mselves1 b to a v obscure1 n to say disreputable woman1 ( ! mo/ despis$ race kn[n to ! ,jews4 ,x 0 h[ev] q natural t1 aft] 8 foll[]s _h univ]sally accept$ him z ! ,jewi% ,messiah1 !y %\ld recall "s occasional rem>ks t he may h made1 ^u :i* to base ?is belief2 & t ^! rem>ks w\ld f9ally take m concrete =m1 until :5 writt51 fifty to a hundr$ ye>s aft] !y 7 utt]$1 !y 7 p]haps entirely diff]5t f any?+ ,jesus ev] said4 ,z a matt] ( fact !re is no?+ 9 ! life or tea*+s ( ,jesus1 z record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 t at all corresponds to ! p]sonality or "* ( ! ,messiah ( ,hebrew prophecy4 ,& may ,i add "h1 t ! ,messiah ( ,hebrew prophecy1 = ^: com+ ! ,jews 7 look+ at t "t1 & = :i* mo/ ( ! ,jews h be5 look+ ev] s9ce1 is b a fiction & a my?1 born entirely out ( ! patriotic devotion & f]vid poetic fancy ( ! ,old ,hebrew prophets8 ,9 ! days ( ,israel's adv]sity1 :5 all ! really unque/ion$ ,messianic prophecies 7 utt]$1 ! m9d ( prophet & p turn$ back to ! gold5 days ( ,david's glori\s reign2 & 9 _! int5se patriotism & unfalt]+ fai? 9 ,jehovah1 !y hop$ & believ$ t he w\ld "s day raise up a ,k+ ( ! l9e & h\se ( ,david t w\ld re/ore ! anci5t glory ( ,israel2 & s !y prophesi$--! wi% be+ fa!r to ! ?\ght4 ,& ?is is all !re is to ,old ,te/am5t ,messianic prophecy4 ,& a great _m ( ! mo/ intellig5t ,jews ( ! ,re=m$ ,s*ool ( today are beg9n+ to ?9k ! same4 ,b if !re 0 ev] a true prophet ( ,god1 a man 9 :om ! ,god-life 9 human =m 0 truly manife/1 a man supremely div9e1--n by miracul\s g5]ation1 b by spiritual union ) ,god1 :]eby ,god inde$ became manife/ 9 human fle%1--t man 0 ,jesus ( ,naz>e?4 ,& z su* he becomes ! et]nal example = all mank9d aft] him4 ,z a man he ju/ly comm&s ! highe/ homage t ! _w c give to man4 ,b make him ,god1 & ! *a9 t connects him ) man is at once brok54 ,if ,jesus 0 ,god1 & !re=e incapable ( temptation or s91 ! temptation & triumph 9 ! wild]ness becomes a f>ce1 )\t any mean+ to mank9d :atev]4 ,b z a mortal man /ruggl+ ) & ov]com+ ! /ronge/ temptations ( life1 x has inf9ite significance to all mank9d4 ,if he ov]came z a man1 s may ,i4 ,z a god1 ! sweat ( ,ge?semane & ! agony ( ! ,cross are b mock]y--n equal to a s+le p9-prick 9 a :ole mortal life4 ,b z a man1 /ruggl+ ) ! la/ enemy1 ) et]nity be=e him1 a means ( escape at h&1 b delib]ately devot+ 8 life & 8 all 9 ! mo/ excruciat+ly tortur\s mann] kn[n to human +5uity 9 cruelty1 x becomes a spectacle to comm& ! awe & admiration ( angels4 ,jesus is inde$ ! savior ( ! _w1 n by hav+ r$eem$ mank9d ) ! pur*ase-price ( 8 own blood2 b by 8 life & words 9 tea*+ m5 h[ to live1 & by 8 dea? h[ to die1 if necess>y1 = ! "r4 ,i "k ( no m fitt+ close to ?is my view ( ,jesus1 ?an a quotation f ,erne/ ,r5an's ,apo/rophe to ,jesus4 ,erne/ ,r5an 0 call$ an infidel because he ab&on$ ! *ur* ( 8 fa!rs1 & ) x ! deity ( ,jesus4 ,b he f\nd 9 ,jesus ! supreme model ( all human life1 ! mo/ p]fect & complete reflection ( ! ,god-life 9 mank9d ! _w has ev] kn[n4 ,repose n[ 9 ?y glory1 noble f\nd]4 ,?y "w is f9i%$2 ?y div9ity is e/abli%$4 ,fe> no m to see ! edifice ( ?y labors fall by any fault4 ,h5ce=? beyond ! rea* ( frailty1 ?\ %alt witness f ! heights ( div9e peace ! inf9ite results ( ?y acts4 ,at ! price ( a few h\rs ( suff]+1 :i* did n ev5 rea* ?y gr& s\l1 ?\ ha/ br\ght ! mo/ complete immortality4 ,= ?\s&s ( ye>s ! _w w dep5d on !e3 ,bann] ( our conte/s1 ?\ %alt be ! /&>d ab\t :i* ! hotte/ battle w be giv54 ,a ?\s& times m alive1 a ?\s& times m belov$1 s9ce ?y dea? ?an dur+ ?y passage "h bel[1 ?\ %alt become ! corn]/one ( humanity s entirely1 t to te> ?y "n f ?is _w w\ld be to r5d x to its f\ndation4 ,complete conqu]or ( dea?1 take possession ( ?y k+dom1 :i!r %all foll[ !e1 by ! royal road :i* ?\ ha/ trac$1 ages ( foll[]s4 ,,lib]ty ,,my ,,new ,,*ur* ,,relations ,,& ,,second ,,call ,,to ,,! ,,m9i/ry ,i h ?us outl9$1 p]haps at great] l5g? ?an 0 necess>y1 ! processes ?ru :i* ,i pass$ 9 my religi\s life f my e>ly *ildhood to mature middle life4 ,i h %[n h[ ,i 0 born 9 ! bondage ( or?odoxy2 & h[ ,i 0 ultimately driv5 to ab&on1 n only x1 b religion altoge!r4 ,i !n outl9$ ! processes ?ru :i* ,i pass$ t l$ me to a satisfactory settlem5t 9 my own m9d1 ( ! problems embrac$ 9 ! g5]al & compreh5sive t]m ,religion1 :i* ,i h tri$ to describe z ,my ,new ,confession ( ,fai?4 ,f ! "t ,i left ! *ur* & m9i/ry until ,i rea*$ ! conclusions h]e9 outl9$1 0 ab\t fifte5 ye>s4 ,i rea*$ !m purely by my own inve/igations1 n kn[+ t !re 0 a *ur* on e>? t w\ld accept me 9 its fell[%ip :ile hold+ !m4 ,i c\ld n p]jure myself by subscrib+ to a cre$ :i* ,i n only did n believe1 b despis$1 m]ely = ! sake ( ! social pre/ige or bus9ess advantage su* *ur* memb]%ip might give me1 z ,i h kn[n "s to d1 & 0 (t5 importun$ to d myself4 ,:atev] o!r %ortcom+ may be *>g$ to my acc\nt1 x c nev] be said ( me t ,i 0 untrue to my own moral convictions 9 ^! matt]s2 al?o ?is t5acity to pr9ciple1 or z x 0 (t5 call$1 h>d-head$ /ubbornness1 has m ?an once caus$ me emb>rassm5t1 & put me at "s disadvantage 9 bus9ess4 ,i c\ld n let ! tongue say :at ! he>t d5i$4 ,my views ( ! *ur* itself _h also necess>ily *ang$ ) my *ang$ views ( its !ology4 ,i no long] look$ ^u x z an in/itution ( sup]natural sanctity & au?ority4 ,to me x is simply ,! ,assembly4 ,any assembly ( p ga!r$ toge!r = ! wor%ip ( ,god is a true *ur*4 ,x does n dep5d ^u any p>ticul> =m ( organization1 ! ma9t5ance & adm9i/ration ( any p>ticul> ord9ances1 or s-call$ sacram5ts4 ,x does n dep5d ^u ,succession1--,apo/olic1 ,baptismal1 ,ord9ation1 organization or o!rwise4 ,:]e two or ?ree are ga!r$ toge!r 9 my "n1 !re am ,i 9 ! mid/ ( !m4 ,?is is all t is ess5tial to a true *ur*4 ,x dep5ds ^u unity ( purpose1 r ?an uni=mity ( belief4 ,h5ce1 any assembly ( p1 any:]e1 unit$ toge!r = ! wor%ip ( ,god1 /riv+ to live bett] lives !mselves1 & to help o!rs to d ! same1 & ?us make ?is _w bett] & human life happi]1 meets all ! ess5tials ( a true *ur* ( ,god1 reg>dless ( any =m ( organization1 ord9ance1 sacram5t1 cre$1 belief or ecclesia/ical p$igree4 ,b = ye>s1--z w pres5tly appe>1--,i did n "k t any *ur* exi/$1 t w\ld come any way ne> meet+ ?is def9ition4 ,i naturally suppos$ t any organization call+ itself a *ur* 0 bas$ ^u belief 9 ! ,bible z ! infallible ^w ( ,god1 & ! sole s\rce ( au?ority 9 all matt]s ( religion4 ,?is ,i _h completely ab&on$ & c\ld nev] g back to x4 ,9 fact ,i did n tr\ble myself to inquire = a possible *ur* fell[%ip4 ,i suppos$ ,i 0 =ev] b>r$ f any *ur* memb]%ip :atev]1 except t ,i felt a welcome 9 att5d+ ! ,re=m$ ,jewi% synagogue1 :]e ! prea*+ 0 on a high intellectual plane1 sane & rational1 deal+ ) mod]n problems in/ead ( anci5t cre$s & dogmas2 & ,i lik$ ?is4 ,b ,i 0 n a ,jew2 & ,i knew ,i c\ld nev] accept _! !ology4 ,all ,i c\ld ev] expect 0 to be a welcome visitor1 a /rang] )9 ! gate4 ,h[ev]1 ,i mu/ g back a little4 ,"s few ye>s aft] ,i left ! m9i/ry ( ! ,me?odi/ ,*ur*1 & :ile /ill liv+ n f> f ! la/ *ur* ,i s]v$1 a fri5d "o day ask$ :y ,i _h left ! ,*ur* & m9i/ry4 ,i told him v briefly a few ( my doctr9al difficulties2 to :i* he repli$1 ,a%ley1 y are a ,unit>ian4 ,i ?\ght b little ( x4 ,i 0 n really int]e/$ 9 *ur*es any m anyway4 ,b he h&$ me a pamphlet to read & told me he 0 a ,unit>ian back 9 ,ohio :]e he came f4 ,i read ! pamphlet at 8 reque/4 ,i d n n[ rememb] :at x 01 or j :at x 0 ab\t4 ,b ,i 0 impress$ ) ! fact t ! views !re9 express$ 7 v simil> to my own2 & if t 0 ,unit>ianism ,i 0 also probably a ,unit>ian4 ,b /ill x ar\s$ no special int]e/ z !re 0 no ,unit>ian *ur* any:]e ab\t4 ,if !re _h be51 ,i might !n h be5 l$ to inve/igate fur!r4 ,b ye>s w5t by1 & all ! p]ceptible effect 0 t ,i w\ld occasionally ?9k h[ ne>ly ,i mu/ be a ,unit>ian1 until ,i f9ally det]m9$ t if ,i ev] _h an opportunity ,i w\ld inve/igate ! matt] fur!r4 ,9 ! summ] ( #aiab1 bus9ess relations l$ me to move to ,dallas1 ,texas4 ,pass+ on ! /reet "o day1 ,i notic$ ! sign1 ,fir/ ,unit>ian ,*ur*4 ,a new inspiration came to me4 ,i n[ _h an opportunity to inve/igate j h[ ne> my religi\s convictions co9cid$ ) ^? ( ?is *ur*4 ,:5 ! *ur* op5$ aft] ! summ] vacation ,i began to att5d its s]vices1 only occasionally at fir/1 read+ 9 ! meantime mu* ( its lit]ature kept at ! *ur* = free di/ribution4 ,i became int5sely int]e/$ & by ! spr+ ( #aiac ,i 0 a regul> att5dant4 ,! m ,i read ! m ,i f\nd myself 9 sub/antial accord ) :at ,i und]/ood to be ! sali5t po9ts ( tw5tie? c5tury ,unit>ianism4 ,i f\nd especially ^! po9ts t impress$ me v deeply3 ,x _h no cre$4 ,x _h no specific /atem5t ( beliefs4 ,x _h no doctr9al /&>d or te/ ( religi\s fai? z a condition ( *ur* memb]%ip4 ,x n only p]mitt$1 b enc\rag$ ! greate/ fre$om ( ?\ght & ! mo/ se>*+ inve/igation ( all subjects pres5t$ = consid]ation1 believ+ firmly t tru? _h no?+ to fe> f su* a c\rse4 ,i f\nd x _h no te/ ( memb]%ip b t ( human "*4 ,i f\nd a man 0 judg$ by :at he is1 & n by :at he ?9ks or believes4 ,i f\nd its s]vice to be rev]5t & dignifi$1 b free f useless c]emonial4 ,! prea*+ by ,rev4 ,george ,gilm\r1 its m9i/]1 ,i f\nd to be pr(\nd & s*ol>ly1 yet deeply spiritual & inspir+1 deal+ prim>ily ) pres5t-day religi\s & social problems r ?an cre$s1 dogmas or beliefs4 ,i 0 pr(\ndly surpris$ & mu* gratifi$ to f9d a *ur* & p & m9i/] s broad1 s lib]al & s frat]nal z ,i f\nd ?is ,fir/ ,unit>ian ,*ur* 9 ,dallas4 ,i soon f\nd t :e!r ,i agre$ ) all o!r ,unit>ians or n1 ,i at lea/ _h "h a free & cordial fell[%ip = ! wor%ip ( ,god & ! s]vice ( man1 )\t any ecclesia/ical h>ness to put on1 or any /r+s to limit me to prescrib$ b\nds4 ,a new light dawn$ ^u me4 ,! bondage ( or?odoxy ,i _h brok5 ye>s ago4 ,b ,i w&]$ = ye>s 9 ! des]t ( agno/icism1 fami%+ & unf$4 ,i _h f\nd 9 my own he>t ! bread ( life2 b ,i _h no table at :i* to spread x--& man be+ a social animal z well z a religi\s "o1 _c live alone4 ,my "n 0 soon on ! memb]%ip roll ( ?is *ur*1 :]e ,i hope x w rema9 until ,i am translat$1 no matt] :]e else ,i may s]ve & place x4 ,x 0 "h t ,i fir/ f\nd my be>+s & plac$ my feet on ! solid rock ( rational religion4 ,! supreme satisfaction1 ! peace ( m9d1 s]5e cont5t1 & sup]nal joy ( ?is situation ,i %all n attempt to describe4 ,^? t 7 born 9 a lib]al fai? & h nev] kn[n any?+ else c nei!r und]/& nor appreciate x4 ,x is inde$ a new bir?1 a new light1 a new life ( fre$om1 fell[%ip & frat]nity 9 a common s]vice = ,god & humanity4 ,,! ,,new ,,call ,,to ,,prea* ,i h be=e describ$ :at ,i once int]pret$ z a div9e call to prea*4 ,x 0 ! new-born en?usiasm ( "o :o felt himself a br& snat*$ f ! et]nal burn+ to proclaim ! same deliv]ance to :at he believ$ to be a lo/ & ru9$ _w2 to w>n s9n]s to flee f ! wra? to come4 ,x 0 !n ! consum+ passion ( a s\l on fire ) zeal = ! salvation ( all mank9d f :at he believ$ to be an ov]:elm+ & et]nal de/ruction t await$ !m1 & might come ^u !m at any mom5t )\t w>n+4 ,& n[1 hav+ ta/$ ( ! sweets ( lib]ty1 ,i desir$ to proclaim lib]ty ?ru\t ! l& to all ! inhabitants !re(1 ! same lib]ty to ^? yet 9 ! bondage ( fe> f :i* ,i _h escap$ & to ^? :o 7 /ill w&]+ 9 ! des]ts ( d\bt1 look+ = a hav5 ( re/1 & n kn[+ t x 0 s ne>4 ,i knew t ! great masses 7 inside ( ! h\ses 9 :i* !y 7 born1 ) ! doors all bolt$ & ! w9d[s fa/5$ d[n4 ,n a ray ( light is p]mitt$ to ent] !re1 because a new ?\ght might explode _! delusions & di/urb _! repose4 ,= ^! !re is little hope4 ,b ,i knew !re 7 yet ?\s&s--,i _h met & talk$ ) _m ( !m--:o1 z ,i 0 = ye>s1 7 w&]+ 9 ! des]ts1 hung]+ = ! bread ( life1 look+ = a fell[%ip :]e !y might h fre$om ( ?\ght & consci5ce1 & yet jo9 ) o!rs ( l m9ds 9 ! free wor%ip ( ,nature's "o great ,god4 ,i w\ld address myself to ^!4 ,i 0 s long "o ( !m1 ,i ?\ght my exp]i5ce might be ( b5efit4 ,x w\ld aid me 9 help+ !m4 ,i w\ld tell my /ory ( bondage1 ( deliv]ance1 ( w&]+ 9 ! des]ts ( d\bt1 ( ! dawn+ light1 ( ! full blaze ( ! sun ( lib]ty1 ( fre$om & fell[%ip 9 ! wor%ip ( ,god & ! s]vice ( mank9d4 ,i h n[ sp5t five ye>s 9 ?is s]vice1 ! happie/ & be/ ye>s ( my life4 ,!y h be5 cr[n$ ) "s degree ( success4 ,i am n yet old4 ,i hope to be able to devote at lea/ a score ( ye>s yet to ?is happy s]vice4 ,hav+ escap$ f ,bondage to ,lib]ty myself1 my only ambition n[ is to c>ry ! message ( deliv]ance to o!rs1 until !y %all likewise f9d fre$om 9 ,! ,fa!rhood ( ,god1 ,! ,bro!rhood ( ,man1 ,! ,lead]%ip ( ,jesus1 ,salvation by ,"* in/ead ( ,cre$1 & ! hope ( ! ,progress ( ,mank9d ,onw>d & ,upw>d ,=ev]4 ,my only regret is t ,i did n discov] ?is way ( light & lib]ty long be=e1 s t ,i might h _h m ye>s to devote to ?is happy s]vice4 ,,an ,,aft]word ,de> read]1 my /ory is f9i%$4 ,i h _h b "o motive 9 writ+ x3 ,a hope t ,i may 9 "s way help o!rs :o are /ill 9 ! me%es ( ecclesia/ical bondage1 or di/urb+ d\bts1 to f9d ! way ( light & lib]ty 9 a rational religi\s fai?4 ,to :at ext5t ,i h succe$$ or fail$1 only ! future & my read]s c det]m9e4 ,if y h d]iv$ any b5efit f x2 if ,i h be5 able to ca/ any ray ( light along y\r pa?way2 if x has help$ y to solve any problem t has p]plex$ y1 ,i am fully repaid = ! labor ( writ+ x4 ,i h n said ne>ly all t is 9 my he>t1 nor all ,i w\ld l to say1 b all ! compass ( ?is "w w\ld p]mit4 ,b if ,i h /irr$ up 9 ! m9d ( ! read] a desire to "k m ( ! que/ions s briefly discuss$ h]e91 & to press 8 inve/igations fur!r = ?is purpose1 ,i h little d\bt z to :at w be ! ultimate result4 ,& j "o m ?+1 de> read]3 ,if ?is book has be5 ( any b5efit to y2 if x has help$ to cle> up any d\bts 9 y\r m9d1 & po9t ! way t[>d light & lib]ty 9 y\r own life & exp]i5ce1 may x n d z mu* = o!rs8 ,x may be ! sav+ ( a life f ,bondage to ,lib]ty2 to t peace t passe? und]/&+1 9 a rational religi\s fai?1 bas$1 n ^u dogma or cre$1 b ^u man's fundam5tal nature & ne$1 int]pret$ & appli$ by t highe/ & be/ light t man has1 ,,enlight5$ ,,reason1 = ! same ,god :o is ! ,au?or ( ,religion is also ! ,au?or ( ,reason4