the Middle Ages; and when rediscovered, the hierarchy of the Church of
Rome, upon the plea that it was contrary to the teachings of Scripture,
resorted to inquisitorial tortures to suppress its promulgation; but,
in spite of all their efforts, it has been universally accepted; and,
in this otherwise enlightened age, we have presented to us the anomaly
of a religion based upon a false system of Astronomy, while its
votaries believe in the true system.



THE SACRED NUMBERS 7 AND 12.

In reference to the planets, and the signs of the Zodiac, the numbers
seven and twelve were recognized as sacred by the ancient Astrologers,
and dedications were made to them in all kinds and sorts of forms. In
the allegories, the genii of the planets were designated as spirits or
messengers to the Supreme Deity, imaginarily enthroned above the
firmament, which we find described in Revelations iv. 5, as "Seven
lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of
God;" and which were represented by lights burning in seven branched
candlesticks set before the altars in the temples; the central light
for the Sun; the Moon, Mercury and Venus on one side; and Mars, Jupiter
and Saturn on the other. The seven branched candlesticks seen in all
Catholic churches, and in some Protestant ones, are intended to
represent the same planetary system.

Among the numerous dedications to the genii of the planets we mention
the seven days of the week, the seven stories of the tower of Babylon,
the seven gates of Thebes, the seven piped flute of Pan, the seven
stringed lyre of Apollo, the seven books of fate, the book of seven