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of "the judge of all the earth." But from this conceit of God in man's image, bad though it be, worse conclusions are drawn than analogy will sanction. Will our heavenly father torture a child eternally for an offence at which his earthly father will but take him a box on the ear? We trace man's cruelty to his weakness—to envy, excess, disease; but all things must obey the will and subserve the purpose of the Almighty, and fear, envy, disappointment cannot ruffle his brow. Even man is noble, generous and forgiving. Place a human life in jeopardy, and many lives will be risked to save it. Friend or foe, be a man fallen, he is the brother of the human race. Scarce a man living would torture his enemy's dog for two days together; and shall He be believed to damn a man—He in whose image man was made?
SECTION VIII.
THE ONLY PREMISE, ONE GOD.
The only premise of our reasoning is, That there is but one God, or perfect Being.—That there is one at all, according to human notions of perfection, can appear only at last, when we have vindicated his benevolence: but that there can be but one, if any there be at all, is a sentiment readily espoused by most men, and approved by the intelligent of all ages.