Volume IV Part 69 (1/2)
”I do not think so, because it could only be a symbol of sexual union, and it is clear that such did not take place between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden”
”The learned differ on this point”
”All the worse for theh In the first verse of the fourth chapter it is written, that Adam knew his wife after they had been driven from the Garden, and that in consequence she conceived Cain”
”Yes, but the verse does not say that Adaht have done so”
”I cannot admit the inference, as in that case she would have conceived; for it would be absurd to suppose that two creatures who had just left God's hands, and were consequently as nearly perfect as is possible, could perfor any result”
This reply gained everyone's applause, and co made the round of the table
Mr Tronchin asked her if the doctrine of the iathered from the Old Testament alone
”The Old Testament,” she replied, ”does not teach this doctrine; but, nevertheless, human reason teaches it, as the soul is a substance, and the destruction of any substance is an unthinkable proposition”
”Then I will ask you,” said the banker, ”if the existence of the soul is established in the Bible”
”Where there is smoke there is always fire”
”Tell me, then, if matter can think”
”I cannot answer that question, for it is beyond e I can only say that as I believe God to be all powerful, I cannot deny Hiht”
”But what is your own opinion?”
”I believe that I have a soul endoith thinking capacities, but I do not knohether I shall re with you to-day after I die”
”Then you think that the soul and the memory ian”
”One ian and a philosopher, for philosophy never contradicts any truth, and besides, to say 'I do not know' is not the sauests burst into cries of adh for pleasure at the applause The pastor wept for joy, and whispered so,--
”Ask , ”but itquite new”
”That is a hard task,” I replied, ”for how am I to know that what I ask is new to you? However, tellone wants to understand”
”Certainly, and the reason is that in God there is no first principle, and He is therefore incomprehensible”
”God be praised! that is hoould have you answer Can God have any self-consciousness?”
”Thereis baffled I know not what to reply You should not askas that”