Produced by David Widger BIBLICAL EXTRACTS Or The Holy Scriptures Analyzed; Showing Its Contradictions, Absurdities, And Immoralities. By Robert Cooper. "The Bible contained details of Atrocity at which human nature shuddered. Part of the Holy Writings consisted of history and of the narration of facts of a kind, that could not be mentioned in the presence of a virtuous woman without exciting Horror. Should a woman be permitted to read in her chamber what she would tremble to hear at her domestic board? Should she con over and revolve what she would rather die than utter?"--[The Right Hon R. L. Shiel, M.P.] [FROM AN ENGLISH EDITION.] CINCINNATI, O. 1860. PREFACE. The distinguishing characteristic of the present age, is the freedom of inquiry and discussion which prevails upon all subjects; and most particularly upon religious subjects. Intelligent and thinking men of every class, are beginning to investigate and discuss questions of the latter kind with considerable closeness, fearlessness and determination. They are now resolved no longer to be hoodwinked with the veil of prejudice, enchained with the trammels of superstition, or deluded by the Hosted by or intimidated by the denunciations of a crafty and intolerant priesthood; but to examine for themselves--"to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." And long have the priesthood dreaded, and anxiously have they endeavored to procrastinate, the arrival of this period. Long have they been apprehensive of the development of intellect, and the enlightenment of mind. Long have they feared the advent of that era which will hail the dawn of rationality and advancement. And why? Because they knew full well, ignorant and superstitious as many of them may appear, that when intellect and rationality become the main-springs of society--when men begin dispassionately and philosophically to examine into the mysteries and workings of religion, that all their impositions will be discovered, all their craftiness detected, and all their designs and practices fully exposed. And, when once this is done, they are conscious that their influence over the people, would immediately decline, and ultimately fall. This has already in some measure proved true. For by the many bold and daring innovations, which have been made by a Paine, a Voltaire, a Mirabaud, a Volney, a Taylor, a Howitt, and an Owen, upon what is arrogantly called the consecrated ground of religion, their influence has materially declined, and has every prospect of still continuing to do so. And this they know--_this they feel_. Hence, the terrific thunderbolts of indignation and anathema which they have hurled at the characters of those distinguished men. And hence, that malicious and vindictive spirit which they have manifested toward all those who have had the integrity or boldness to acknowledge themselves their disciples. Hence, too, their present discreditable opposition to every educational,