The Principles of Nature, Her Divine Revelations and a Voice to Mankind (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... truth and virtue. As this is a strong indication of innate goodness, it deserves proper admiration and sympathy from all who are engaged in the common work of reformation. Such was the character of the early reformers. In pursuing the investigation of the subject upon which I am about to enter, therefore, the deepest veneration is demanded for those profound, misdirected intellects, and a suitable attention should be givefl to all their thoughts, whether written or unwritten. And it is on this account only that I am impressed to speak of the general subject on which they wrote, in a reverential manner; but not on the ground of its containing the least particle of intrinsic purity, or the slightest element of practical utility. 88. I now descend to the birth of mythological theology--which theology is at the present day obscuring the highest and purest principles of the internal nature of man, destroying all elements of true and natural morality, and absolutely driving men into every species of vice, folly, disunity of interests, and consequent wretchedness. Let us first analyze the word theologyp, as an understanding of this lies at the basis of a proper investigation of the subject before us. The word Theos is a Greek word signifying the same as the Latin Deus, and is intended to represent, as may be discovered in the Zend Avesta of Zoroaster, the Supreme, moving Spirit that pervades the Universe, whom we call God. The Greek Theos, and Latin Deus, are words derived from sounds destitute of signification, and the origin of which is impure. Here, then, is manifested the imperfection and injurious tendency of vocal or written expression. For there never was a sound formed or a word uttered that could convey the least conception of that...