political and social measure, which would conduce to the elevation and improvement of society. But poor deluded mortals! how vain will they find all their attempts to impede the mighty progress of truth--the glorious advancement of thought and enlightenment! As well, indeed, might they attempt to overthrow the pyramids of Egypt with the waft of a feather, as to endeavor to demolish the temple of reason and intellect which is now erecting in society; a temple which, while it will be a glorious emblem of the progression of man, will be a lasting monument of their final downfall! So considerably, in fact, is the power of the priesthood already diminished, that they are now beginning to be looked upon by the leading minds of all classes, with feelings of indifference and compassion, rather than those of reverence and admiration. It was the desire to endeavor to hasten the annihilation of the influence of these men that induced me to publish the following work---a work which, I trust, will serve somewhat to expose one of the greatest impositions ever palmed upon mankind in any age, or in any country. I allude, as may be supposed? to the Bible. Yes, the Christian priesthood dare so outrageously to blaspheme the character of the Supreme Governor of the Universe as to say, that book is his word; that he either wrote or inspired men to write it. O shame, shame upon such blasphemy! What! a munificent and omniscient Deity the author of a book replete with more contradictions, containing more immoralities, and inculcating more absurdities, than any book extant; contradictions, too, of the grossest character, immoralities of the most pernicious tendency, and absurdities of the most extravagant nature! Audacious impiety! Such an opinion perhaps might be entertained in the dark ages of ignorance and superstition, but in this the boasted era of reason and science, it must be repudiated by all who dare openly and frankly avow their sentiments, This may be deemed by those who have always read the Bible with their eyes closed, or who are interested in teaching its doctrines and mysteries, as very bold and presumptuous; but let the reader refer to the extracts contained in this little book, (and which are only a few to what may be adduced) and I am persuaded that he will at once acknowledge that I am perfectly justified in making these statements, Indeed, so extremely immoral and disgustingly obscene, are many passages in this book, that I feel almost ashamed to publish them, and I am sure that any one who has the least sense of delicacy or chastity, will blush to read them. A book which had really originated from an Omniscient and Munificent Divinity---a book which was the word, or organ of such a being, must inculcate in every chapter and in every verse, the strictest, the purest, and most exalted morality; must constantly exhort mankind to every thing that was just, rational and charitable; and must contain no language but that which was exquisitely beautiful