and elevating; and no expressions but those which were irresistibly persuasive and convincing. But the Bible is a book, as may be seen on a reference to these extracts, quite the reverse of this. We are compelled, therefore, to conclude against the established opinions of society, that it cannot be of Divine origin, and that consequently it cannot be the word of God. My humble, but decided opinion is, as I have previously observed, that it was nothing more than a mere imposition; an imposition which was palmed upon mankind by the Christian priesthood, for the purpose of deluding or enslaving them; for the purpose of leading them from the open and cheering paths of knowledge and improvement, into the nauseous and gloomy quagmires of ignorance and superstition. The priesthood of every sect of religion, in every country of the habitable globe, have instituted and perpetuated certain impositions, by means of which they have conceived they would be enabled to maintain and increase their influence over the minds of their followers; so that thereby they might still continue to luxuriate in ease and enjoyment, while their poor deluded victims repined in ignorance and woe. And this is such an imposition now established and supported by the Christian priesthood--an imposition which is the corner stone of all their power, the fountain of all their influence. It has been the tool which they have invariably used in the accomplishment of their objects, however selfish; and in the consummation of their machinations, however odious. Whenever they have massacred, immolated, or incarcerated those who have dared to dispute their vicegerency, or who have presumed to expose their doctrines, or denounce their practices, they have quoted this imposition as their authority. Whenever they have defended, or connived at the extortions of the tyrants who have flattered or supported them, they have quoted this imposition as their authority. Whenever they have opposed any system or any measure, which they considered would be inimical to their interests, or subversive of their power, they have quoted this imposition as their authority. And the sooner this imposition is removed--the sooner the few good seeds which it may contain are extracted from it, and the immense mass of chaff is cast into oblivion, the better will it be for the amelioration and progression of man. Perhaps the expression of such opinions as these may be painful to the feelings of many excellent individuals. For this I am truly sorry, as my object is, not to cause pain or uneasiness, but to expose error and imposture. The time has now arrived when truth must come out, when truth must be spoken, "without mystery, mixture of error, or fear of man." Too long, indeed, has this precious jewel been sacrificed to the paltry predilections of interest and prejudice. Too long have we been tossed in the dark and unfathomable gulf of bigotry and intolerance; we must now make our way to the