THE EIGHTH TEXT
1. We see here the origin of two sorts of religions,
>m which Babel as an idol-god is born, and that
heathens and Jews.
2. For Babel is in both, and they are two races
one. One, under guidance of its reason (as of
e life and spirit of Nature), goes forward and
^ks to elevate itself. It makes itself a way in
being; for its will proceeds out of its own
iving and seeks its magic, as a great number for
; government, and goes simply out of itself
rward. Its will remains in its plurality, and is
e god and guide of its plurality.
3. And though the Free-will of God oppose it
d reprove it, yet the idol-god only flatters with
i lips the Free-will, viz. the Spirit of God, and
mours its own will in the number of plurality,
>r this will is generated from its treasure, from
j own magic, and comprehends not the Free-will
God. It is born therefore from flesh and blood,
mi its own nature; and is a child of this world,
.d regards its treasure as its love. Hence it is a
rpocrite and a confused Babel. The number of
urality and its own magic confuse it, in that
goes out from one number into many. This
ultiplicity is a confused Babel; and its hypo-