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the grand truth, that intelligent love is the only rightful power of government among rational beings. The subject is divided into chapters, which may be read either consecutively or in a detached maner, each receiving illustration from the rest, and yet not requiring that illustration in order to be understood. There is no metaphysi cal evolution attempted, but throughout the work will be found scattered some of the writer's reasons for believing that the Bible is consistent with nature, with the necessities of man, and with all we can conceive of his Maker. Should any injurious error have been introduced, it is sincerely hoped that it may be corrected by reference to the standard of truth, for it is the author's earnest prayer that all his readers may be led to walk in the light of a heavenly life, struggling against all delusion with unfettered soul.

April, 1848.

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MAN AND HIS MOTIVES.

CHAPTER I.

MAN-PRIMITIVE AND DERIVATIVE.

MAN is not a natural production, and the elements of earth are not sufficient for his completion. He is an embodied spirit, and from the source of his existence he must derive those supplies which may fit him to fulfill the purposes of his creation, and satisfy his capacity for knowledge and happiness.

It is worthy of especial notice that there is scarcely a people to be named which has not among them the tradition or the prophecy of a perfect human nature; and probably every mind imagines some model man, some ideal type or standard of humanity, which all ought to admire and imitate. But earth, as it is, has never been deemed his home. Some suppose him

to have existed in a golden era long since departed; others expect him yet to come. Some think that we are his degenerated offspring; others believe that we are progressively improving upon our ancestors, and that, in due time, the progeny of our successors shall be perfect beings, according to an orderly development, "from inherent qualities," by which at length living monads become spiritual paragons, under astronomical influences and in virtue of gravitation, and "the modes of action depending solely on organiza

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