Читать книгу Sketches of Imposture, Deception, and Credulity онлайн

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After she had drawn the attention of the world by her prophecies and writings, great pains were taken to ascertain the truth of her commission. “From the end of 1792,” says Mr. Sharpe, the most devout of her believers, “to the end of 1794, her writings were sealed up with great caution, and remained secure till they were conveyed by me to High House, Paddington; and the box which contained them was opened in the beginning of January, 1803. Her writings were examined during seven days, and the result of this long scrutiny was, the unanimous decision of twenty-three persons appointed by divine command, as well as of thirty-five others that were present, that her calling was of God.” They came to this conclusion from the fulfilment of the prophecies contained in these writings, and to which she appealed with confidence and triumph. It was a curious circumstance, however, that her handwriting was illegible. Her remark on this occasion was, “This must be, to fulfil the Bible. Every vision John saw in heaven must take place on earth; and here is the sealed book, that no one can read!”


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