[1] The pernicious tendency of ERROR, especially in religion,
is described by a writer of some eminence in the literary
world--in the following allegorical representation, which I
shall take the liberty to insert here for the reader's
benefit, in a note. The allegory is that _the demon of
error_ undertook to conduct a traveller over _the Ocean of
doubts into the land of confidence,_ and was by a magic
power called forth from the earth by the _genius of
probability._--Not waiting for a reply, he, the _genius of
probability,_ stamped three times on the ground, and called
forth the _demon of Error,_ a gloomy fiend of the servants
of Arimanes. The yawning earth gave up the reluctant
savage, who seemed unable to bear the light of day. His
stature was enormous, his colour black and hideous, his
aspect betrayed a thousand varying passions, and he spread
forth pinions that were fitted for the most rapid flight.
The traveller, at first, was shocked at the spectre; but,
finding him obedient to superior power, he assumed his
former tranquility.
"I have called you to duty," (cries the genius to the
demon,) "to bear on your back a son of mortality, over _the
Ocean of doubts into the land of confidence._ I expect you
will perform your commission with punctuality. And as for
you," (continued the genius, addressing the traveller,)
"when once I have bound this fillet round your eyes, let no
voice of persuasion, nor threats, the most terrifying,
persuade you to unbind it, in order to look round: keep the
fillet fast; look not at the Ocean below, and you may
certainly expect to arrive at a region of pleasure."
Thus saying, and the traveller's eyes being covered, the
demon muttering curses, raised him on his back, and
instantly upborne by his strong pinions, directed his
flight among the clouds. Neither the loudest thunder, nor
the most angry tempest, could persuade the traveller to
unbind his eyes. The demon directed his flight downwards,
and skimmed the surface of the Ocean: a thousand voices,
some with loud invective, others in the sarcastic tones of
contempt, vainly endeavoured to persuade him to look round;
but he still continued to keep his eyes covered, and would,
in all probability, have arrived at the happy land, had not
flattery effected what other means could not perform. For
now he heard himself welcomed on every side to the promised
land, and an universal shout of joy was sent forth at his
safe arrival; the wearied traveller desirous of seeing the
long wished for country at length pulled the fillet from
his eyes, and ventured to look round him. But he had
unloosed the band too soon; he was not yet above the half
way over. The demon was still hovering in the air, and had
produced those sounds only in order to deceive, was now
freed from his commission; wherefore, throwing the
astonished traveller from his back, the unhappy youth fell
headlong into the subjacent Ocean of doubt, from whence he
was never after seen to rise.----