The Bible Examiner — Vol. 3, No. 6 (1848)

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BIBLE EXAMINER.

"PROVE ALL THINGS, HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD."

VOL. III.

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE, 1848.

GEORGE STORRS, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER. J.T. WALSH, RICHMOND, VA., ASSISTANT EDITOR.

No. G.

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CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY;

OR, THE CONSTITUTION OF MAN, IN RELATION TO IMMORTALITY AND ETERNAL LIFE.

No. I.

"What is man?" This question has been variously answered by skeptics, infidels, and theologians. One replies, he is an Angel—a God. Another, that he is a demon. Another, still, that he is the offspring of chance, and that his "death is an eternal sleep." And still another, that he is immortal, destined to live in God's presence in the enjoyment of inexpressible happiness, or to burn in hell through the endless succession of ages!

Thus, "the world by wisdom knew not God." "They became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools." The schools of India and Egypt were the prolific sources of "philosophy falsely so called;" and Pythagoras and Plato its great masters. They predicated immortality upon the nature of man, and argued that he was constitutionally in possession of an immaterial, incorruptible essence, which was a part of the Deity; and that its destiny was transmigration, and a final absorption into the "Soul of the Universe." When Christianity was popularized, ascended the throne, and was clothed with secular power, this dogma of Paganism was amalgamated with pure Christianity, and thus the latter was rendered more acceptable, in the adulterated form, to the stupid and licentious admirers of a "vain philosophy." Since that period, the same dogma has been handed down through the dark ages, being transmitted from sire to son—from priest to people—from school to school, until, like a mighty and deadly stream, its waters have poisoned the hearts and heads of all mankind: corrupted every science, and nullified and stultified the truth of God! This pagan tradition now constitutes the soul—the life and spirit of every sect in christendom. It is preached from every pulpit in the land, taught in every lecture room, inculcated in every school, and distilled into the youthful mind in every family!

Every science is tinged with it. The astronomer contemplates the unnumbered worlds, revolving in the immensity of space, as the abode of his departed spirit; and talks of "gaining worlds beyond the skies." He, vainly thinks, his departed ghost, on some errand of mercy or inquest of knowledge, will

pass from world to world, and be lost in the contemplation of the grandeur, sublimity and beauty of Jehovah's works! The physiologist, while he examines the organization of the human machine, imagines that he is contemplating the "clay tenement of an immortal soul." The phrenologist, as he dissects the human brain, and unfolds its beautiful convolutions, in imagination beholds within its unfractuosities evidences of the deathless nature of that "divine essence"—that life imparting and thought-producing spirit that once animated it!

And thus it is, that every Medical School and Theological Seminary, and College of Literature, is made a fountain of corruption, deep and wide, to the human mind. And, not only so, but even the political prints, as they chronicle the demise of some political leader or military chieftain, speak of their exchanging the honors of civil and military life, for the rich honors and evergreen laurels of the paradise of God. For, in their wisdom, they enologize to heaven the man whose hands have been washed a thousand times in the warm gushing blood, fresh from the heart of his fellow man!

Aud, not only this, but even the babe upon the knee of its mother, is taught to lisp the delusive doctrine of congenital immortality!

Seeing, then, that in every department of society, in all the streams of social life—in all the ramifications of religious and political systems, this desolating delusion is taught by pens and unnumbered tongues, are we not justifiable in making one effort to dispel the delusion, and to pour into the minds of our readers the light of christian philosophy? Should we not meet error on its own ground, and, if possible, drive it from the field? Certainly we should! Let us, then, draw the sword, throw the seabbard to the winds, and do battle for the truth. The truth has nothing to fear in any investigation. Truth seeks the light, while error shrouds itself in the gloom of pagan darkness!

This doctrine of "hereditary immortality," is not only proclaimed from the pulpit, and echoed by every press in the country; but it is, also, wafted on the breeze in the melody of song! And here we have a specimen of this Pago-christianized theology:

"Vital spark of heavenly flame,"

Quit, O quit this mortal frame!

Trembling, hoping, ling'ring, flying—

O the pain the bliss of dying!

"Hark, the whisper! angels say,"

Sister spirit, come away ;

What is this absorbs me quite,

Steals my senses, shuts my sight,

Drowns my spirit, draws my breath?

"Tell me, my soul, can this be death!"

"The world recedes, it disappears;"

Heaven opens on my eyes; my cars

With sounds graphic ring;

Lend, lend your wings—I mount, I fly;

O grave where is thy victory!

"O death where is thy sting."

Here we have the theology of Plato, in all its sublimity! In this death scene we have the "vital spark," or immortal soul, of "heavenly flame"—of the "divine essence," a part of the deity. Then follows an injunction (from the body of course!) for this "vital spark" to "quit this mortal frame." Then follow the attitudes of the "vital spark"—which is represented as "trembling, hoping, lingering, flying," and exclaiming—"O the pain, the bliss of dying!" This may be good poetry, but it is miserable philosophy, and worse theology. For, if it have any meaning at all, the body is supposed to address the spirit thus: "Vital spark of heavenly flame, quit, O quit this mortal frame." To which the spirit replies: "I am trembling, hoping, lingering, flying." And then exclaims—mind—the spirit exclaims—"O the pain, the bliss of dying." According to this, therefore, the spirit trembles, lingers, hopes, flies, and, finally dies! For, it is represented as saying—"O the pain, the bliss of dying!" This, we repeat, is bad philosophy and worse theology; but, then, we suppose we must excuse its advocates, as it was merely a freak of the Poet's imagination.

But, to return, the spirit is then represented as addressing the body thus: "Hark!" did you not hear "the whisper!" "Angels say—sister spirit, come away." The poor body, then, already crumbling to dust, is made to say: "What is this absorbs me quite, steals my senses, shuts my sight, drowns my spirit!" (sad catastrophe!) "draws my breath!" "Teil me, my soul, can this be death?" The spirit "drowned," and the body in "death!" Both dead!! Platonists, teach your poets better, or they will make sad havoc of your theology!

But now comes the crisis—the eventful period; when the soul takes its flight, and "gains kingdoms beyond the skies." The spirit therefore exclaims: "The world recedes, it disappears;" and "heaven opens on my eyes;" and "my ears with sounds scraphic ring." An appeal is then made to the attending angels—"Lend, lend your wings," with the annunciation, "I mount, I fly." And as the departed ghost leaves the world, and passes through the trackless ether, it looks back to the grave, where it's "mortal coil" is deposited, and shouts—"O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting!"

Such is the scene before us! And such is a specimen of modern Platonism!!

But when we turn our attention to the word of God—to the testimony of prophets and apostles, we see no such teaching there. That sacred volume points not to the day of one's death, as the time when the song of victory will be sung, but to the period when the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and enter into the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul fixes the time, when he says—"Christ the first fruits, afterwords they that are Christ's at his coming." "Then," but not before, "shall be brought to pass the saying—DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY—O death where it thy sting? O grave where is thy victory!"

Having made these introductory remarks, we shall now proceed to the discussion of our subject We shall invite the reader's attention, first, to the

LAWS OF HEREDITARY DESCENT

We solicit attention to this point, because it is contended that "immortality" is "hereditary," or congenital. And, if so, the advocates of this hypothesis can certainly point out the law by which such a transmission is effected. If they cannot do this, let them acknowledge it, and abandon the hypothesis as untenable.

Let not the modest world suppose that we are going to disclose any thing calculated to shock the nerves of the most sensitive, or tinge the cheek of the most exquisitely fastidious. We only intend to speak of things—of laws, which God has made; and of which the Holy Spirit has spoken. Let none presume to teach JEROVAH modesty, or the HOLY SPIRIT refinement!

It is now an established truth, and admitted by all Physiologists, that physical, moral, and intellectual qualities are transmissible. If this were denied, we could present an overwhelming amount of evidence in proof of its truth. But presuming that no man will risk his reputation for learning by calling it in question, we shall proceed to argue from it as an axiomatic truth.

Now the question arises, Why are physical, moral, and mental qualities transmissible? The answer is, that it is a law of generation that like shall produce its like. This law obtains through all animated nature. It is recognized by the Bible; for God commanded the first human pair "to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth." And in accordance with the endowment of his nature, it is added, that he "begot a son in his own image and likeness?" There are certain elements, or attributes, entering into the constitution of man, which give character to the race; and these elements are common to all mankind. They are often, perhaps always, modified by external influences, as well as by internal passions and emotions; but still they exist in, and give character to all. It is upon this principle that all mankind resemble each other in form, features, &c. So we find no difficulty in accounting for hereditary traits of a physical character. In the estimation of some, perhaps there might be more doubt as to the laws by which moral and mental qualities are transmitted. But when we know that the moral and mental elements of human nature have their corresponding organs in the brain, all difficulty is at an end. The whole organization is transmitted; every part, every organ, whether purely animal, or whether of a moral or intellectual character, is congenital. Sometimes diseases are inherited; sometimes a fine elastic constitution, with splendid moral and intellectual faculties, is transmitted. And the reason is obvious, for these MORAL and MENTAL powers depend, for their very existence, upon the material organization of the brain. And the adult man possesses no constituent element, physical, moral, or mental, which is not possessed by the child in embryo. The powers of the full grown man are in-born, they are hereditary. Education serves to develop, to mature, and to modify the faculties of the mind; but it can never create a single one. Let this never be forgotten. The unborn infant, then, is the future man in every essential particular, except development. The embryo is the miniature man, physically, morally, and mentally, the modifying influences of education excepted.

Now, if man has an immortal soul, mind, or spirit, the unborn infant—the embryo—the germ of human life has, necessarily has, the same. For immortality is not a thing but an attribute of something. If, therefore, it be an attribute of the adult man, it must be an attribute of the same man when

in embryo. All the elements, as well as the attributes of man, exist in the original embryonic germ; and by vital magnetism they are evolved, developed, and matured. Consequently, if immortality be hereditary, we must look for its manifestation in the germ of life, as well as in the full grown man! Here, then, we have the astounding physiological hypothesis of the transmission of immortality, from sire to son; and from one generation to another! Thus, it is assumed, "the divine essence"—a "part of the Deity," is handed down, according to the laws of hereditary descent, to the last generation of man! In this case abortions do not alter the case, for they, too, possessed immortal souls! And, then, to cap this climax of absurdity and blasphemy the man of special election and reprobation, comes forward, and, in accordance with the theory of eternal soul-burning, declares, as one did in Virginia, that there are "infants in hell not a span long!" And, still further, as if to mock Jehovah, "who only hath immortality," the devotees of licentiousness, of deep and damnable prostitution, are engaged in the good work of producing immortals, and transmitting the "divine essence" of incorruptibility! And, just here, we must be allowed to say, that, in our estimation, this doctrine of hereditary immortality, which mocks, and nullifies, and stultifies the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, that "God only hath immortality;" and that "eternal life is the gift of God"—this doctrine, we say, is the rankest infidelity of any age! It lies at the foundation of every system of error, with which we are acquainted. It is the basis of "purgatorial purification," "invocation of saints," the "worship of martyrs," and a thousand other fooleries of Catholicism. And last, though not least, it constitutes the grand work of the doctrine of eternal soul-burning in the endless fires of hell! In a word, it is fraught with untold mischief, to the truth of the gospel.

But the doctrine is utterly untrue; we inherit disease, mortality, and death, but immortality and life are attributes of the kingdom of God. Men may inherit the most loathsome diseases, or they may be born idiots; but the boon of incorruptibility can never be transmitted by sinful flesh! "That which is born of the flesh, is flesh," and not immortality. And Paul says—"I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing." Immortality, if hereditary, dwells "in the flesh," and is certainly a "good thing;" Paul, therefore, had none of it. Job asks the question: "Why died I not from the womb? Why did I not expire at the time of my birth? Why did the knees receive me? or why the breasts that I should be nursed? For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, or as a hidden untimely birth I had not been, as infants which never saw light."

Again, he says: "Why then hast thou brought me forth from the womb? O that I had expired, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave."

How very different is this teaching from that of the moderns, who maintain that immortality is hereditary; and that their children, idiots though they be, are immortal! Immortal idiots!! From such theology may the world soon be delivered! But there is another class of immortal-soulists, who take a position somewhat different from the above.

They yield the doctrine of hereditary immortality so far as to admit that there is no immortality in embryonic life; but that, when the infant emerges from its prison-house, and, for the first time, inhalas the atmosphere, then it becomes possessed of an immortal spirit.

This position, though a modification of the former, is not less hypothetical; and, when examined in the light of philosophy and revelation, it will be found equally fallacious.

The atmosphere is composed, chemically speaking, of oxygen and nitrogen, neither of which possesses the attribute of immortality; but, even if they did, they are not possessed of intelligence, which is a radical idea associated with spirit. Besides oxygen and nitrogen, man breathes an aqueous vapour, electricity and light. He lives, moves, and has his being in an immense ocean of magnetism, which fills the universe; and in which all vegetables and animals live, and all world's revolve! The atmosphere contains the "spirit of the breath of life;" that "breath" which was "breathed into the nostrils of Adam," inflated his lungs, and made him "a living soul." The same "breath of life," which God "breathed into the nostrils of Adam," is breathed into the nostrils of every living thing. The unborn infant lives, but does not breath. The first inspiration of the new born babe, is the inflation of its nostrils and lungs by the "breath of life." But, as we observed before, there is no intelligent spirit in all this: it merely acts upon the wonderful organization of man, and the machinery of life and thought is put in motion. And when the man dies, he yields up his spirit—his breath—"the breath of life" to "God who gave it; and his organization moulders into dust, in verification of the sentence pronounced upon him: "Dust thou art, and into dust shall thou return."

Having, then, as we think, sifted the foundation of this subject, we shall follow it still further in its ramifications in our next article, in which we shall speak of the INSTRUMENT OF THOUGHT AND FEELING. And, in conclusion, we will put one question to all those who inquire, by what "LAW THE WICKED ARE TO BE DESTROYED." Our question is this: "By what law" can immortality be transmitted from sinful flesh, AND BY A PROCESS NECESSARILY CORRUPTIBLE, to one's OFFSPHING? J. T. W.

WITCHCRAFT, &c.

BY HENRY JONES.

In the Feb. No. of the Bible Examiner I noticed an article on the subject of Witchcraft, which seems intended to show that the raising of Samuel the prophet from the dead, by the witch at Endor, was a mere trick of the woman, with so much craftiness of her own, that she made a perfect dupe of King Saul, without being aided by any invisible power to perform any thing supernatural on the occasion. I am aware that this is becoming a very common view of witchcraft in general, and among professed christians, and I have just been hearing it warmly supported in a public debate on the following question, viz: "Is MESMERISM IDENTICAL WITH WITCHCRAFT?" and particularly on one side the case of the witch of Endor, was considered as only a human imposture, as in the article above mentioned. It is not my design, therefore, to review the arguments of the article, no, of others, of the same theory, though I BIBLE EXAMINER.

would present a few things as reasons for believing most sincerely, that the scripture account of "Witchcraft," "Sorcery," "Magic," "Sooth-saying," "Necromancy," "Miracles" of "Spirits of devils," &c., (all the same,) is to be understood as literally as it is given, and as telling us of the real mysterious works or "miracles" of Satan, (frequently combined with human agency.) instead of its telling us of the leger-domain, or deception, practiced by mere human sagacity and power.

Before proceeding any further, it may not be amiss to give a brief extract on this question from a very dis-

Saul, as he had been accustomed to do, before his death, closing his remarks, as follows: "And tomorrow shall thou and thy sons be with me [i. e. in death] and the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the land of the Philistines," (v. 19.) If we credit this whole address of Samuel and the prophecy it contains, which was immediately fulfilled just as it was given, how can we consistently say, that Samuel was not there, did not himself speak at all on the occasion, and that a crafty woman, very noted for her impostures, was only deceiving the king to make him believe human falsehoods?

BIBLE EXAMINER.

pirited; and that God would destroy or swallow up her counsel, as he did that of Swal; and that, in this state of desperation, they should seek to the idols, the charmers, the wizards, and to those who possessed familiar spirits.

But, will friend Jones, or any other person, contend that these Egyptians obtained from "idols, charmers, familiar spirits, and wizards," the "counsel," wisdom or knowledge, which God had judicially "destroyed," or swallowed up? And did Saul obtain that "counsel" from the witch of Endor, which God had refused to communicate by Priests, Prophets.

legitimate action of some power possessed by the person assuming the character of a sorcerer, wizard, or witch.

We agree with Mr. Jones, that there is a vast amount of sorcery and witchcraft in the world. There are hundreds and thousands who profess to hold converse with, and to be guided by the spirits of their departed friends. There are thousands of poor, blind, deluded mortals, who daily pray to the departed ghosts of Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and Saints, as they believe. Yes, friend Jones, THE WORLD IS FULLOF WITCHCRAFT! And this embraces

tinguished human author, intended as a rebuke upon the now very common theory, that there never has been any such thing as "witchcraft" in reality; or "miracles" of "familiar spirits." He says:

"The sixth species of offence against God, or religion, of which our ancient books are full, is a crime of which one knows not well what account to give. I mean the offence of witchcraft, conjurology, enchantments or sorcery. To deny the possibility, yea, actual existence of witchcraft and sorcery, is at once flatly to contradict the revealed word of God, both in the Old and New Testaments. And the thing itself is a truth to which every nation in the world bath, in its turn, borne testimony, either by examples seemingly well attested, or by prohibitory laws, which at least suppose the possibility of commerce with evil spirits."—Blachstone's Com. Book iv. Chapt. iv. Sect. 6th.

And in relation, particularly to the bringing up of Samuel before mentioned, and considered by many as the more humbug of a woman, on the credulity of Saul, I would say—

That it might seem, from the history we have

I will not now be more particular on this one very signal instance of witchcraft, nor on the same "craft," as exhibited throughout the holy scriptures; though, according to the best human history, we have on the subject, it has prevailed as spoken of in the scriptures, in all ages of the world, and in all countries more or less, as the work of soul spirits, always standing in the way of faith in God, and directly designed by the arch deceiver to hinder the salvation of mankind. And though too many now are ready to say of it, that if it ever had an existence in the world, it is quite too late to look for any of it in "the 19th century," I would be now permitted to express my humble individual conviction, that there never was before, since the creation, so much of actual "witchcraft," "divination," &c., being practiced throughout the world, as at this very period of "the 19th century," and I shall be understood in this remark, when I say that there is overwhelming proof bearing on my mind, from revelation, from human history, and from what is now everywhere being witnessed in the world, that all the wonders or phenomena of MESMERISM, so called, are actually the mysteries or

and dreams?

"And when they shall say to you, seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter; should not a people seek to their God? "For the living to the dead? To the law and the testimony: IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM." Isaiah viii. 19, 20.

Here God, by his Prophet, tells the Jews, that, when they should be exhorted by their teachers "to seek to them that" had "familiar spirits;" "and to wizards that peep, and that mutter;" two striking features in this kind of imposture—they should reply:—"SHOULD NOT A PEOPLE SEEK TO THEIR GOD?" Will you, "FOR THE LIVING" SEEK "TO THE DEAD?" "To the law" of God, and his "testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

To seek to wizards, witches, and to those who have familiar spirits, then, is to "seek to the dead!" It is to go to the dead for the benefit of the living! It is to consult the dead,who "know nothing," in reference to the welfare of those, who, to say the

Priestcraft, and every other spiritual abomination. But we are not willing to class animal magnetism with witchcraft, nor "philosophy falsely so-called" for we believe that man is magnetically male; and that animal magnetism is a true and sublime science, beautifully unfolding the laws of life. But, we perceive that in New York, and other places, it is made a sort of foundation upon which to build the exploded hypotheses, and foolish vagaries of Swedenborg. We wish to see all these abuses corrected, and these cabweb systems of theology brushed away from the face of Science and Philosophy. Let us not discard truth, because the ignorant and designing abuse it. In conclusion, we would say to Mr. Jones, that we have reserved the strongest testimony, in order, should it be necessary, to make a final raking fire.

THE SON OF GOD.—NO. III.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE DIVINE TESTINONY CON-

of king Saul, that he was a man of too much sound sense, too much experience, and too much knowledge, particularly of witchcraft, divination, etc., to be thus made the greatest dupe in the nation, by a mere woman, and notorious for her impostures, provided Saul was deceived by her accustomed legerdemain.

There is no intimation in the history of Samuel being thus brought up, that there was any human deception or imposture in the transaction, while the whole of it rather reads as though it were an absolute reality, that such a miracle was actually wrought by some invisible power, (1. Sam. 28:3-201

It is expressly represented of this woman, by inspiration, that she had a "familiar spirit" (verses 3.7.8.) by which it is most clearly inferred that she performed this wonder, rather than by any craft merely human.

It is expressly said by the Holy Ghost, here, that the woman actually saw Samuel, (v. 12,) instead of her pretending to see him, at his coming up.

wonders of "witchcraft," and performed by the invisible power of "familiar spirits," and that Mesmerism in being called a science, is only "falsely. so called." Without designing to write on this latter question, I only throw out my individual conviction concerning it, without asking the editor or any other person to bear any part of the responsibility of its being published. And should I yet be called to defend the position now assumed, I must not be slack in offering solid proof on the subject.

BR. WALSH'S REPLY TO BR. JONES.

If Mr. Jones had waited until the articles on "Witchcraft" were all published, he would have been better prepared to answer the argument advanced; or, perhaps, he might have been convinced, and thus saved the necessity of writing at all.

All the arguments advanced by friend Jones in the article before us, are fully met in the series of articles, to which we refer.

We do not design to enter into an extensive

least of them, know something! It is to go to those who "have no light in them;" and to whom the light is as darkness, for the information of the living sons of men! Is it not preposterous? Is it not absurd? Yes, verily, it is superlatively so! God is the only source of life, wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration; and when He, in wrath, refuses to communicate to his creatures the things which concern their destiny, in vain will they seek to "spirits" of any sort, in Heaven, Earth, or Hades, for an expression or revelation, of his designs. "To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." And where there is no "light," there is no truth; and who would go to the Prince of darkness—to the "Father of lies," for truth, or information on any subject?

Friend Jones will do well to study the character and pretensions of Simon the Sorcerer, who gave out that he was some great person; but in all his tricks "deceived the people," notwithstanding they thought "he was the great power of God," and gave "heed to him from the least to the greatest."

Mr. Jones thinks that Soul had too much

CERNING THE ORIGIN OF THE HIGHEST AND MOST GLORIOUS CHARACTER OF THE SON OF GOD.

BY HENRY GREW.

The term 'fellow' in Zech. 13:7, has been supposed to denote perfect equality. Let Heb. 1:9, be considered. Here the Son of God is said to have been appointed with the oil of gladness above his "fellows." Whether the term here means those "many brethren" of whom he is "the first born," or the angels of heaven, it cannot mean perfect equality, for the Son has "a more excellent name" than either. The primary meaning of the word fellow, is not equal, but companion.

If, then, the blessed God hath been pleased to glorify his only begotten and well beloved Son, and to accomplish his purposes of wisdom and love, by setting him at his own right hand; is it not perfectly consistent with such a design, that Jesus Christ should be distinguished with adequate titles of dignity and glory? If they were called Gods to whom the word of God came; if even a material monument of the Lord's goodness may be called by tha

It is also said by the same authority, that Saul "perceived that it was Samuel" (v. 14,) instead of being duped to imagine that it was he.

We have, also, the proof of inspiration and of that very same Samuel which was brought up, that it was actually Samuel himself; in the following words of Samuel, on this very point. "And Samuel said to Saul, why host thou disquieted me to bring me up?" (v. 15.) Samuel is certainly the speaker here, and his own words are very plain, that he has been brought "up" by the instigation of Saul.

Samuel himself, then, according to inspiration proceeded to give a full prophetic communication to

controversy on this subject, especially as other subjects of more importance claim our attention : but we will, nevertheless, introduce one or two arguments based directly on the authority of inspiration.

As Egypt appears to have been the fruitful source of magic and sorcery, we will refer, in the first place, to her destiny as predicted by the Prophet Isaiah. "And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst of her, and I (the Lord) will destroy (or swallow up) her counsel : and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards." Ch. xix. 3d.

Here it is affirmed that the "spirit" of Egypt should fail; that they should, in other words, become disknowledge and experience to be duped by an old woman! Will he remember that a wiser than Saul, even Solomon, was duped by "outlandish women," and induced to sin.

The Apostle Paul classes witchcraft with fornication, anger, wrath, and other works of the flesh. And now permit us to state a principle, which we believe, is perfectly invulnerable and irrefragible. ALL THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE ABUSES OF THE PHYSICAL, ANIMAL, MORAL, OR INTELLECTUAL POWERS OF MAN. The powers of man, of which we speak, are constitutional—they are natural: witchcraft, therefore, being a work of the flesh, is the abuse, or ifname of Jehovah, Exod. 17: 15, are we surprised to find the Sox (who is the brightness of tho Father's glory, and the very image of the invisible God,) called God, over all God, &c? These appellations are perfectly appropriate. He is over all Ruler or God. He is Lord of all, for to this preeminence "God hath highly exalted him." Phil. 2: 9.

It is the delightful privilege of the redeemed, both in heaven and on earth, to ascribe "glory and dominion forever," "unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Let us examine the divine testimony respecting BIBLE EXAMINER.

this holy worship. On what account is it offered to the Lamb? John 5:23, 22, "For the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment upon the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." I think it must be admitted, that no passage can be found which expresses higher honor to the Son than this. And it is very remarkable that this passage which has been so often quoted as proof of the Son's supreme deity, itself contains proof to the contrary. The reason why

them as supreme and in all respects equal, for this would be worshipping two or more Supreme Gods. There are many pious Trinitarians who profess to believe the divine unity, who, nevertheless, worship three distinct equal persons. I do humbly and seriously suggest for their solemn and candid consideration, whether this is consistent with their belief of the unity of God? And whether they can find a single precept or example for such worship in the Scriptures of truth? I beseech them to reflect, whether it is posand the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. But if this is a proof of the spirit being a distinct person, the prayer of John, Rev. 1:4, appears to afford equal proof that the Spirit consists of seven distinct persons. In Luke 2: 32, 35, we are taught that Jesus is the Son of the Highest and the Holy Ghost is the power of the Highest.

BIBLE EXAMINER.

The expression "pour out," "shed forth," used in reference to the spirit of God, are additional evi

sa, and called in Daniel 11:40, the king of the north. The place of gathering. "The valley of Jehoshaphat," Joel 3:2: "against Jerusalem," Zech. 14:2: "mountains of Israel," Ezek. 38:8; "the glorious land," Danl. 11:41; hence the testimony is as clear as the light of noon-day, that Palestine will be the place of gathering of the wicked nations to rob the Jews. Two nations, and the merchants of a third, refuse to join them, and charge them with being robbers, i.e., the nations of Sheba and Dedan.

we are to honor the Son as we do the Father, is here assigned. Is it because he "is the same numerical essence?" No, but because the Father "hath committed all judgment" unto him. Unless then, we say, that we honor the Father, because of authority committed to him, we must acknowledge that this very passage teaches us that we do not honor the Son in all respects as we do the Father.

Phil. 2: 9-11, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at (or in) the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth; and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." How evident it is from this text, that the precious truth in its connection; that the Son of God is worshipped, not as supreme Jehovah, but on account of his great humiliation and perfect accomplishment of the mediatorial work; and that this worship is to the glory of God the Father.

Rev. 1:5,6. In this passage he is worshipped because he has loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests

sible for them, when they are worshipping, to have an idea of three distinct equal persons, without having an idea of three distinct equal beings? Is it possible for any one to conceive of him "that sitteth on the throne," as supreme God, and of him who is at the right hand of him that sitteth on the throne, as supreme God, without conceiving of two supreme Gods?

The repetition of the term Holy, as in Isa. 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts," has been thought by some to denote the doctrine of the Trinity. It is evident, however, that such repetition is only significant of the importance of the subject. Thus we read in Jer. 22:29, O earth, earth, earth, &c. And Ezek. 21:27. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, &c. Indeed it is the practice of the Hebrews to this day, to say over some of their prayers or praises three times. They have no faith in the doctrine of the Trinity.

The "Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." Whether this affords proof of supreme deity or not depends upon the question, whether this power was or was not derived from the Father? Acts 5:31 answers this question. "Him hath God egalted with

dences that it is not a distinct person, for such expressions are inapplicable to a person. It is true that these gracious influences proceeding from our Father in heaven, are personified, and the personal pronouns used in the case. So wisdom is personified, Prov. 8th chap. Let us candidly consider whether there can exist an infinite, intelligent, independent and omnipotent person, for the worship of whom there is not a single precept or example in all the Bible?

The pious author of those Trinitarian doxologies, which are now preferred by many Christian assemblies, to the inspired one of Rev. 5:13, confessed "that there is in Scripture no express precept for addressing such worship to the Spirit, nor any example of it, and that therefore this ought not to be considered as a necessary part of Christian worship; though he thought it lawful because the Spirit or power of God is truly divine." How lawful that worship is, for which we have neither precept or example in the word of truth, may be learned from "the faithful witness." John 4:24, God is a spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 17:17 The word is truth

and merchants of Parsuish, (probably the merchants of Great Britain are meant.) Ezek. 38:13. At first this army of nations will have partial success, Zech. 14:2; 12:2-8: but their triumph is short, for the Lord comes and fights against those nations, Zech. 14:3-4. Manner of their destruction ; 1, their eyes, and flesh consume while they are standing; 2, they fight each other, Zech. 14:13; Ezek. 38:21; 3, "pestilence, blood and great hail stones," Ezek." 38: 22; Isa. 29:5. Some of them still are left, Zech. 14:16; Ezek. 39:2. Christ's kingdom is then set up, Rev. 11:15; 2 Tim. 4:1; and the glorified saints are on the sea of glass, Rev. 15:2-8; the four beasts and twenty-four elders represent the joint kings with Christ, Rev. 4:4-11; 5:6-14. One of the four beasts gives unto the seven angels seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God; hence all the seven last plagues are poured out after Christ's coming.

THE SECOND BATTLE.

OR, GATHERING OF THE XATIONS TO BATTLE.

A portion of the nations still on the earth are angry and enraged, at Christ's reign. (Rev. 11:18, 2d

unto God and his Father. Rev. 5:12, As the Lamb that was slain. Matt. 14:33, his disciples worshipped him as the Son of God. Rev. 5:13, and 7: 10. He is worshipped in distinction from him that sateth on the throne.

Shall we then, set in opposition to the divine testimony, the dictates of fallible reason, and say it is idolatry to worship him in distinction from "the only true God," who sitteth on the throne? Is it then idolatry to worship him to the glory of God the Father, and because the Father commands it? Shall we charge the worshippers in heaven with idolatry? It is remarkable that many Unitarians and Trinitarians, have wandered so far from what appears to be the truth, as to meet at the same point of error. Both refuse to imitate the heavenly worshippers, who worship the Lamb in distinction from the "most high God" who sitteth upon the throne.

The worship of the Son of God has been supposed by some to be inconsistent with the declaration of Jehovah, "My glory will I not give to another." But what is the glory of Jehovah? Is it not the glory of undercived and independent existence? Is it not the

his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." Matt. 28:19—"Baptizing them," &c.

This passage in the Greek does not express the idea by the authority of, as in our translation; it is (eis) into, not (en) in the name of the Father &c.; i.e. into the truth, or in a profession of the truth, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. What that truth is must be learned from other divine testimony. The passage itself does not declare or necessarily imply, that the three are one God, or that they are three persons, or that they are equal.

It has been often asked, how can Jesus be present with his assembled disciples, according to his promise, Matt. 18:20, except he is the omnipresent Jehovah? If we consider that the Spirit is given him without measure by the Father, John 3:34, we may easily conceive of his being spiritually present, not only in all parts of this atom of a world, but in all parts of the created universe. As the Son of God cast out devils by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28, so by the same Spirit he is present with all true worshippers. John 3:34, however teaches us that he is

Alas! that christians should sit down to sing God's truth, and then stand up to sing their own tradition! Let us no longer worship according to the "precept of men," but unite in the holy anthem of celestial praise. Rev. 5:13, Blessing and honor and glory and power, unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Be honor, praise and glory given;

Loud hallelujah to the Lamb,

By all on earth, and all in heaven.

THE THREE BATTLES.

The following communication is from Br. C. Morley. Though we do not agree with him in some things, particularly in relation to "the seven last plagues" being "after the advent," we let him speak. We are satisfied that six of the seven last plagues are already poured out, and that the seventh is near, if not already commenced.

Psalm,) and at the plagues. Under the sixth vial, the three unclean spirits gather the nations for another battle, Rev. 16:13-21. OBJECTION; 15th verse, "Behold I come as a thief." ANSWER, after the New Jerusalem is on the new earth, we read Rev.22:12, "Behold I come quickly," 20th verse, "Surely I come quickly;" hence the former is used in the same way as the latter. The other gathering of the nations was against the Jews; now it is against Christ, to detrone him, Rev. 19:19; Gog was the leader in the first battle; but now the beast, the false prophet, and the kings of the earth lead the nations to the conflict; the glorified saints are with Christ, Rev. 19:14, Ps.149:5-9. All this hostile multitude will be destroyed, Ps.2:9, the beast and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire alive, Rev. 19:20; and all the remnant will be slain by Christ, 21st verse; hence the manner of their destruction is different from that of the other battle; also a part were left of the former; but none of the latter.

THE THIRD BATTLE.

At the close of Christ's reign of a thousand years

glory of possessing in himself infinite perfection; and of being, consequently the Supreme object of the love, confidence, and worship of all intelligences? If, then, the Father, requires us to worship the Son, who is a distinct person, as the self-existent and independent Jehovah, it appears that he has given his glory to another. But if he requires us to honor and worship him on account of all judgment or authority being COMMITTED to him by the Father; and if he requires us to worship the Son "to the glory of the Father," it is evident that he has not given his glory to another.

not infinite in himself, for if he was, he surely could not need anything to be given him by another.

"God is a spirit," the only 'eternal Spirit.' Consistently with this plain truth, we never find the Holy Spirit worshipped in distinction from the Father. If we did, we must either suppose two eternal Spirits, or another spirit inferior to the Father. The following passage expresses an identity of the Father and the Spirit which is totally inconsistent with distinct personality. 1 Cor. 2. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? even, so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God. The Apostle indeed prayed, 2 Cor. 13: 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

It is admitted that it would be idolatry to worship but the spirit of God. The Apostle indeed prayed, two or more distinct persons or beings, considering 2 Cor.13:14, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

THE FIRST BATTLE.

It seems clear to my mind, that one of the great events, just preceding the second advent of Christ, will be the restoration of a portion of the tribe of Judah to the land of their fathers; Joel 3d chap, Ezek. 34th to 38th chapter; and the gathering of the nations against them to rob them of their wealth and liberty, Ezek. 38:12. Zech. 14:1—2, which will be going on when Christ comes, Joel 3:16. Ezek. 38:19—22. Zech. 14:3—5. Dan. 12:1. The Gog of Ezekiel will be the leader in this invasion of Palestine, Ezek. 38:1—4. Gog comes from the north, verses 6, 15, Ezek. 39:2, which evidently is Rus-

on the earth, Satan will be lofted from his prison, and will go out to doceive the nations in probation on the earth, (not the wicked dead, he is not such a stupid fool as to attempt to do that); and he succeeds in rallying a mighty host, against the saints who are in an encampment in, and around the city, not scattered over the earth. The beloved city is not the New Jerusalem, that is not yet on the earth; but the city described by Ezekiel in 40 to 48th chapters; its circumference is 1800 reeds or 36 miles, Ezek. 40:30—35; it has a temple four miles in circumference, Ezek. 41:1—26. Satan the general is taken and cast in the same lake of fire; that the leaders in the second battle were cast, Rev. 20:10, and all his followers are devoured by fire from heaven, verse 9:2 Pet.3:7.

The next event is the resurrection of the rest of the leaders and their doom after which, the new earth is completed, and the New Jerusalem descends and becomes the capital of the new earth

BIBLE EXAMINER.

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE, 1848.

ARE THE WICKED IMMORTAL?

"The soul that sinneth it shall die."—Bible.

THE RAISING UP OF SAMUEL.—1 Saul. 28: If Samuel was actually raised up, we have no doubt it was done by "the spirits of devils, working miracles." If the view to which Brother Walsh has called attention is not the correct one, and it was not a real deception practised upon Saul, then was the Devil, "who hath the power of death" [see Heb. 2: 14.] The author of his being "brought up." Whether brought up in reality or only in pretence, it does not help, at all, the theorists who believe the dead know more than all the world;" when the Scriptures affirm "the dead know not anything" that "there is no knowledge in the grave," in "sheed," the invisible state of the dead; and, "the dead praise not the Lord."

Samuel was raised from the dead by the witch, or he was not. If he was not, then the whole matter was an illusion—a deception practised upon Saul. We are plainly told, verse 6, "And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets." Now, if God would not answer Saul, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets, did he send a prophet from the dead to give him an answer? And did he employ a witch, whom he had said should not be suffered to live, to do this work? It is the same as to say, "God would not answer by a prophet, and yet he did answer by a prophet." But suppose Samuel did actually appear where did he come from? If he was in a conscious state of oliss in heaven he must have come down from above—but no, he ascended "out of the earth," see v. 13. And what does he say? "Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?" So, it seems, he was "disquieted," and brought "up," not down by this operation. New Samuel was in heaven, or in hell, in a state of consciousness, or else he was in the grave in an unconscious state. If he was in heaven, then he gave Saul blessed news; for he told Saul, "to-morrow thou shalt be with me." So, though Saul killed himself, see chap. 31:4, yet he went immediately to heaven. If Saul did not go to heaven, then Samuel did not tell him the truth, or else Samuel himself was in hell. If

neither of these positions are true, then it follows, that Samuel, till called up, was unconscious in the grave; and that there was where he told Saul he would be "to-morrow." This could be true: but it could not be true that Saul went to heaven to be with Samuel; nor could it be true that Samuel was in hell to have Saul with him there.

"SCARLET COLOURED BEAST."

SEVENTH VIAL—FRENCH REVOLUTION.

In the last Examiner we made some remarks on passing events in Europe, as being, probably, the commencement of events under the seventh vial of the seven last plagues of Rev. 16th. The news since our last has not been of the same exciting character as the previous, but still goes to confirm and strengthen the view we then took of the subject, and that there is a strong probability, not certainty, that we have indeed arrived at that point in prophecy which is to develop fully the things contained in the seventh vial of the seven last plagues. We are not of the number, however, who, suppose all those developments will be made in a day, month, or year. We think they will, most likely, occupy several years; but we shall express no positive opinion as to the length of time they may occupy; though we are inclined to the opinion that a very few years, at most, will suffice to accomplish all those events included in Rev. 16:17, to Rev. 20:2.

There are some things in the 17th chapter that we are inclined to remark upon at this time, by way of suggestions. Will the reader now please turn and read that chapter. One of the seven angels having the seven last plagues there promises to show John the judgment of the great whore. This is to take place under the seventh vial: That is where the judgment on that power is to be executed. She is presented to John as a woman on a "scarlet coloured beast." Though this beast has some points of resemblance with the dragon, in the 12th chap., and the seven headed beast of the 13th chap., yet it is sufficiently distinct. The dragon has crowns on his heads: the leopard like beast, chap. 13, has crowns on his horns: the scarlet beast, chap. 17, has no crowns at all, and is therefore a distinct and different government from either of the others; and, besides, it occupies, in its main features, an entirely distinct period in prophetic time, though found on the same territory.

It is not so much our object to identify the woman, now, as to find out the beast that carries her; yet, it will naturally be seen what the woman is as we proceed. This beast ascends from the bottomless pit, and is to go into perdition, or be destroyed: it is "full of the names of blasphemy:" "it was—is not" for a time, and then "is" fully developed under the seventh vial: they that dwell on the earth will wonder, think it a marvellous affair, and that

great things are to be accomplished by it for good to the world, except those whose names are in the book of life: these will understand, because watching, the part this beast is to act and its end. Let the reader also observe, that this beast "is the eighth" government, in a certain line, and yet "is of the seven" that constitute the whole line of governments. We must, for the want of room to go into the discussion, at this time, assume some things which we think are capable of being demonstrated with tolerable certainty. First: We assume that the seven kings are the seven forms of government that have occupied the old Roman Empire: five of them had fallen when John bad this vision, one was then in existence, namely, the Imperial, which continued in the eastern or western empire of Rome down to the beginning of the present century, when it was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte, by the overthrow of the Emperorship of Austria or Germany, which was the legitimate succession to the imperial power of the Caesars in the west. Here the sixth form of Government fell, and was succeeded by a seventh, viz: an illegitimate Emperorship in the reign of Bonaparte. This seventh form of government was to "continue a short space" only; accordingly, it fell with Napoleon in 1815. The scarlet coloured beast, though the eighth, in fact, was to be "of the seven:" that is, it would include within it the seventh, though while the seventh continued it "is not," but "was" before it, and "is," or will be fully developed after the seventh has passed away. We are now prepared for the inquiry—What government or power is signified by the scarlet coloured beast? We give it as our opinion, with present light, that it "was" atheistical France, "full of the names of blasphemy," prior to the Bonapartean government; that it "is not," while the Napoleon Emperorship continued, but in reality "yet is," and shall be fully developed under the seventh plague. Once more the blasphemous character of atheistical France "is" showing itself by one of its first actions, since the late Revolution, that of fixing its elections on the Sabbath. Though we are not one of the superstitious observers of the Sabbath, yet the total disregard of the opinions of the nominal christian world by France, in fixing their first elections on that day, and postponing them from one Sabbath to another, shows that religion has nothing to expect from the French Republic. She comes up with the evidence on her face that she is the beast from the bottomless pit. This atheistical power, or beast, commenced its ascension from the bottomless pit in the French Revolution of 1789—partially developed itself, or "was" for a time, but being interrupted by the seventh form of Roman Government, the Bonapartean, "is not," for a while, but "yet is" now to be alive and active under the seventh and last plague, and consitutes "the eighth" form of government on the old Roman Empire, but "is of the seven," because it included in its existence, in its dormant state, the seventh, or "short space" Emperorship of Napoleon. This scarlet coloured beast is to be an enemy to all Monarchies—she will have no crowns on her heads or horns—she is to be Republican by profession. The woman does not sit upon the body of this beast, but upon its heads, verse 9; and "the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth;" clearly indicating Rome, or Italy, as the position of the heads of this beast. If this be true, and we are under the seventh vial, there will soon be a union or confederacy between France and Italy; for the ten horns are upon the head of the scarlet coloured beast; of course will be found in Italy: these, having united Italy in one confederacy, which is to take place at the same hour, or time with the beast's coming fully into power, will "agree and give their kingdom to the beast"—atheistical France. There are indications, even now, that such a confederacy is to be formed in Italy as shall answer to the prophecy in calling the dominion of the ten horns "their kingdom," or one; which, then, by agreement, is to be given to the beast and will complete its development. We clip the following from one of the items of foreign news.

"The following are the bases of a treaty said to have been concluded between the Pope, the King of Sardinia, and the Grand Duke of Tuscany, for the future organization of Italy. The Italian Peninsula to be divided into six great States. 1. Naples. 2. Sicily. 3. States of the Church. 4. The kingdom of Etruria, for the advantage of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, to consist of the actual Grand Duchy, and the adjoining territories of Pontremoli, Modena, Piertusmante, and Lunigiana. 5. Lombardy, under whatever form of Government the Lombards may adopt. 6. Sardinia, with an indemnity to King Charles Albert in case Savoy should be annexed to France. An alliance offensive and defensive between the six States. An Italian confederation well defended by a line of fortresses along the frontiers. A uniform law for weights, measures, and currency. Abolition of internal duties. A Dict at Rome under the presidency of the Pope."

It may be observed that the 4th of these "six States" includes five divisions, which if numbered with the others makes ten in all; thus giving indications that if the "ten horns," or kingdoms, are not already manifest they may soon be developed. When developed, and consolidated in one "confederation," will be the time for them to "agree and give their power, strength and kingdom to the scarlet coloured beast;" then will that beast be fully organized. The ten horns, or different divisions of Italy, from some cause, which will ere long appear, will hate the woman (corrupt church) and make her desolate and naked, and eat her flesh and burn her with fire; strip her of all her power, authority and riches. It may be because that church will not enter fully into their plans.

After the coalition of the horns with the beast the atheistical character of this power will be more fully discovered; for it is, when consolidated, to "make war with the Lamb." Hence this beast, in his nation with the ten horns, is to continue till the second advent of Christ, unto whom "the Lord God will give the throne of his father David" that "all nations shall serve and obey him." But this atheistical, blasphemous beast, mis-named republican, France and all its confederates, will make war against Christ and dispute his authority to reign over all nations; but the Lamb, or Christ the "King of kings, and Lord of lords," will be the Conqueror; verse 14: and the atheistical beast, with all its adherents, will "go into perdition;" or destruction: that is—that blasphemous power will be utterly destroyed.

The saints, or those "whose names were in the book of life," did not "wonder," or marvel, when they saw this beast arise, though others did who dwelt on the earth. The saints had learned from the prophecy that such a beast would arise—and they learned what was to be its end. The appearance of that beast, therefore, was to them a sure token of the soon coming and victory of their long absent Lord.

The foregoing hints are thrown out, not as the matured thoughts of our mind, but as suggestions that seem naturally to arise from passing events; and to induce Christians to study carefully prophecy in connection with the history of the times in which we live. Our Lord rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees for "not discerning the signs of the times." Let us beware lest we come under the same censure. How can we tell what part we are to act, unless we see clearly where we are in the fulfilment of prophecy. We are in danger, in these days of excitement, of joining in the attempted glorification of the beast from the bottomless pit. Let us look for our coming Lord, and see to it that we are found under his banner, not with carnal, or political weapons, but with those described by Paul, Eph. 6:11-18.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rolers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness; and your feet shud with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all sins."

"FANCY" SKETCHES.

The following fancy sketch we find in several of our exchange papers. Well does the writer say, "I have often fancied," for he has not a particle of Scripture evidence for "faith" in such sublime flights. The article is headed "Friends in Heaven." The writer, it will be seen, speaks of his mother as "the heart enshrined idol of" his "earlier years." In that we cannot doubt he speaks the truth, and that is probably the reason why he makes her a god now that she is dead. But we let him speak for himself. He says:—

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