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,
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
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
expansive and unruffled ocean of reason and inquiry, and there, free
from the storms of persecution, and the squalls of denunciation,
proceed, on our onward course, in security and felicity. R. C.