Tetradymus. Containing I. Hodegus ... II. Clidophorus ... III. Hypatia. ... IV. Mangoneutes

...to me no less entertaining than instructive. One major point among others was that several transactions generally understood to be miraculous were, in reality, very natural—contrary to what the superstitious fears of some and the careless reading of others led them to believe. But such things, once taken for granted, soon become universal preconceptions. Consequently, they are never examined afterward, or if they are, it is with universal opposition toward the person who dares to make those inquiries.

The discoveries I made of this kind created in me a higher respect for MOSES than was ever instilled by my teachers, and for better reasons. These discoveries also armed me against those who, not content with their own crude original: "gross" interpretations, add the monstrous traditions of others. They also protected me against those who reject the Pentateuch The first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. as entirely fictional, and who refuse to acknowledge either the wisdom or the holiness of the MOSAIC Laws.

One of those discoveries is the subject of HODEGUS, or the first Dissertation original: "Hodegus" — a title likely derived from the Greek word for "guide" or "leader." This dissertation examines the "pillar of cloud and fire" as a natural signal fire.; in it, several other points are discussed in passing that are well worth noting. Therefore, my goal in this publication is to make MOSES better understood and, consequently, more easily believed. This serves to defend him both against those who unreasonably do not believe in him at all, and against those who, through their absurd beliefs, make him seem unbelievable.

The style of the Old Testament is extremely hyperbolic original: "hyperbolical" — using exaggeration for emphasis or effect., even in the books that are written in prose; but in the poetic books, it is wonderfully magnificent, sometimes even when describing the most ordinary events. For example, a storm is often described in such grand terms that it seems as if the entire structure of nature were convulsed and the universe were on the brink of ending.

Genesis 23:6, 1 Samuel 26:12, 1 Chronicles 12:22, 2 Chronicles 14:14, Psalm 36:6, Psalm 65:9, Psalm 80:10 OCR lists 19, but the reference to "cedars of God" is in verse 10., Jonah 3:3Everything great, beautiful, or excellent of its kind is attributed to GOD or named after Him. For instance, a mighty prince like ABRAHAM is called a Prince of GOD; a deep sleep is a sleep from the LORD; a numerous army is the army of GOD; extreme fear is the fear of the LORD; high mountains are the mountains of GOD; a great river like the Jordan is the river of GOD; tall cedars are the cedars of GOD; and a very large city like Nineveh is the great city of GOD. Many more such examples could be produced at will.

Therefore, everything that is hyperbolic should not immediately be considered supernatural, nor should anything that is merely magnificent be admired as a miracle. Furthermore, whatever can be explained by ordinary means—anything whose phenomena are easily solved and of which the like...