These two arguments, as he who reflects can easily perceive, not only corroborate each other, but their respective proving force is such, that, if considered separately, each one is sufficient to peremptorily prove that the Partialist doctrines are not taught in the Scriptures. The former, till now, we Universalists have exclusively used, and it has been efficacious in causing the scales of early and strong prejudices to fall from the eyes of thousands. However, it is unfortunately a fact, confirmed by daily experience, that the conclusions arrived at through scriptural controversies are striking only to minds of a particular bent and culture. On the contrary, the conclusions arrived at through historical facts present themselves to the mind of all, clear, vivid and irresistible. It is for this reason that the author, in this book, presents to the consideration of the Universalist denomination, and of the public in general, the second argument, drawn from history. The vast number of historical facts, of quotations, extracts, etc., contained in this volume, have been translated from many languages, with as much accuracy as possible.
May God bless this work, intended to confirm the Universalists in their beloved faith; and also to break the chain of prejudice which keeps millions of men in ignorance, in superstition, in perpetual fear, and thereby in spiritual bondage: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
| [Dedication.] | iii |
| [Preface.] | v |
| [CHAPTER I.] | |
|---|---|
| True Spirit of Pagan Religions. | 9 |
| [CHAPTER II.] | |
| Pagan Origin of Mysteries. | 28 |
| [CHAPTER III.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of a Personal Devil. | 58 |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of Original Sin. | 68 |
| [CHAPTER V.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of Trinity. | 80 |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of the Supreme Divinity of Jesus Christ. | 87 |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of Endless Hell. | 111 |
| [Article I.]—Metempsychosis or Transmigration of the Souls. | 111 |
| [Article II.]—Tartarus. | 129 |
| [Article III.]—Did the Christians of the First Centuries believe in Endless Hell. | 136 |
| [Article IV.]—How the Church of Rome borrowed the doctrine of Endless Hell from the Pagans; and how, afterwards, the self-called Orthodox Protestant Churches borrowed it from the Church of Rome. | 170 |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of a First Judgment, by Jesus Christ, immediately after the Separation of the Soul from the Body. | 182 |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body. | 190 |
| [CHAPTER X.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of a General Judgment at the end of the World. | 205 |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | |
| Pagan Origin of the Doctrine of Vicarious Atonement. | 229 |
| [Valedictory.] | 246 |
PAGAN ORIGIN
OF
PARTIALIST DOCTRINES.
CHAPTER I.
TRUE SPIRIT OF PAGAN RELIGIONS.