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APPENDIX.
195
to the matter of the atmosphere which carries it to the ear of the hearer. The impulses of mind, which play such an important part in the production of speech, consist in subtle movements originating in the two inner bodies of the soul, and would be impossible in their absence. Hence, where there is no taint of matter left in the soul, speech necessarily becomes impossible for it. It follows from this that a bodiless soul, or in general terms, pure spirit, is incapable of communicating with men by means of speech. Further, since perfect freedom from the bondage of matter is possible only by Selfcontemplation in the highest degree, no pare spirit can possibly be interested in the affairs of others. It is, therefore, certain that there can be no revelation by a pure spirit, such as God is said to be, to men.
It is also worth noting that there can be no true revelation except in plain terms, since the Tirthamkara is devoid of motives for concealment of truth, and cannot, therefore, be credited with a desire to use language which is liable to misinterpretation, hence likely to mislead. There can be no revelation through high or special priests, or mystic poets. and saints. On this point it is only sufficient to read the scriptures of the different creeds now prevailing in the world to be convinced of the fact thạt the message, or command, whose authorship is ascribed to God is contradicted by another such message, or command, in the same book, and, generally, by some passage in the scripture of another creed. The secret of this kind of inspiration--it is really nothing but being possessed by an idea— lies in the fact that the priest, or the inspired
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