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diff --git a/38805-h/38805-h.htm b/38805-h/38805-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..34b0b46 --- /dev/null +++ b/38805-h/38805-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9941 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Volume 5 (of 12) by Robert G. Ingersoll + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:10%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 5 +(of 12), by Robert G. Ingersoll + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 5 (of 12) + Dresden Edition--Discussions + +Author: Robert G. Ingersoll + +Release Date: February 9, 2012 [EBook #38805] +Last Updated: November 15, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORKS OF INGERSOLL *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <a name="title" id="title"></a> + </p> + <h1> + THE WORKS OF<br /> ROBERT G. INGERSOLL + </h1> + <h3> + "There Can Be But Little Liberty On Earth<br /> While Men Worship A Tyrant + In Heaven." + </h3> + <h3> + In Twelve Volumes, Volume V. + </h3> + <h2> + DISCUSSIONS + </h2> + <h3> + 1900 + </h3> + <h3> + DRESDEN EDITION + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <big><big><a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38805/old/orig38805-h/main.htm"> + This eBook has been formatted to match the format of the original + printed volume with the line breaks as in the original. This + formatting allows the retention of the unusual method the author has + used when marking long quotations. Those wishing to view this eBook + in a more appealing format for laptops and other computers may click + on this line.</a></big></big> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="titlepage (57K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="portrait (58K)" src="images/portrait.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents. + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkTOC">CONTENTS OF VOLUME V.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkPREF">PREFACE.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0002">INGERSOLL'S INTERVIEWS ON TALMAGE.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0003">FIRST INTERVIEW.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0004">SECOND INTERVIEW.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0005">THIRD INTERVIEW.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0006">FOURTH INTERVIEW.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0007">FIFTH INTERVIEW,</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0008">SIXTH INTERVIEW.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0009">THE TALMAGIAN CATECHISM.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0010">A VINDICATION OF THOMAS PAINE.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0012">THE OBSERVER'S SECOND ATTACK</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link0013">INGERSOLL'S SECOND REPLY.</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkTOC" id="linkTOC"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>CONTENTS + OF VOLUME V.</b></big><br /> <br /> SIX INTERVIEWS ON TALMAGE.<br /> <br /> + (1882.)<br /> <br /> Preface—First Interview: Great Men as Witnesses<br /> + to the Truth of the Gospel—No man should quote<br /> the Words of + Another unless he is willing to<br /> Accept all the Opinions of that Man—Reasons + of<br /> more Weight than Reputations—Would a general<br /> Acceptance + of Unbelief fill the Penitentiaries?—<br /> My Creed—Most + Criminals Orthodox—Relig-ion and<br /> Morality not Necessarily + Associates—On the<br /> Creation of the Universe out of Omnipotence—Mr.<br /> + Talmage's Theory about the Pro-duction of Light<br /> prior to the Creation + of the Sun—The Deluge and<br /> the Ark—Mr. Talmage's tendency + to Belittle the<br /> Bible Miracles—His Chemical, Geological, and<br /> + Agricultural Views—His Disregard of Good Manners-<br /> -Second + Interview: An Insulting Text—God's Design<br /> in Creating Guiteau + to be the Assassin of<br /> Garfield—Mr. Talmage brings the Charge of<br /> + Blasphemy—Some Real Blasphemers—The Tabernacle<br /> Pastor + tells the exact Opposite of the Truth about<br /> Col. Ingersoll's Attitude + toward the Circulation<br /> of Immoral Books—"Assassinating" God—Mr.<br /> + Talmage finds Nearly All the Invention of Modern<br /> Times Mentioned in + the Bible—The Reverend<br /> Gentleman corrects the Translators of + the Bible in<br /> the Matter of the Rib Story—Denies that Polygamy<br /> + is permitted by the Old Testament—His De-fence of<br /> Queen + Victoria and Violation of the Grave of<br /> George Eliot—Exhibits a + Christian Spirit—Third<br /> Interview: Mr. Talmage's Partiality in + the<br /> Bestowal of his Love—Denies the Right of Laymen<br /> to + Examine the Scriptures—Thinks the Infidels<br /> Victims of + Bibliophobia —He explains the Stopping<br /> of the Sun and Moon at + the Command of Joshua—<br /> Instances a Dark Day in the Early Part + of the<br /> Century—Charges that Holy Things are Made Light<br /> of—Reaffirms + his Confidence in the Whale and<br /> Jonah Story—The Commandment + which Forbids the<br /> making of Graven Images—Affirmation that the<br /> + Bible is the Friend of Woman—The Present<br /> Condition of Woman—Fourth + Interview: Colonel<br /> Ingersoll Compared by Mr. Talmage tojehoiakim, who<br /> + Consigned Writings of Jeremiah to the Flames—An<br /> Intimation that + Infidels wish to have all copies<br /> of the Bible Destroyed by Fire—Laughter<br /> + Deprecated—Col. Ingersoll Accused of Denouncing<br /> his Father—Mr. + Talmage holds that a Man may be<br /> Perfectly Happy in Heaven with His + Mother in Hell-<br /> -Challenges the Infidel to Read a Chapter from St.<br /> + John—On the "Chief Solace of the World"—Dis-<br /> covers an + Attempt is being made to Put Out the<br /> Light-houses of the Farther + Shore—Affirms our<br /> Debt to Christianity for Schools, Hospitals,<br /> + etc.—Denies that Infidels have ever Done any<br /> Good—<br /> + <br /> Fifth Interview: Inquiries if Men gather Grapes of<br /> Thorns, or + Figs of Thistles, and is Answered in<br /> the Negative—Resents the + Charge that the Bible is<br /> a Cruel Book—Demands to Know where the + Cruelty of<br /> the Bible Crops out in the Lives of Christians—<br /> + Col. Ingersoll Accused of saying that the Bible<br /> is a Collection of + Polluted Writings—Mr. Talmage<br /> Asserts the Orchestral Harmony of + the Scriptures<br /> from Genesis to Revelation, and Repudiates the<br /> + Theory of Contradictions—His View of Mankind<br /> Indicated in + Quotations from his Confession of<br /> Faith—He Insists that the + Bible is Scientific—<br /> Traces the New Testament to its Source + with St.<br /> John—Pledges his Word that no Man ever Died for a<br /> + Lie Cheerfully and Triumphantly—As to Prophecies<br /> and + Predictions—Alleged "Prophetic" Fate of the<br /> Jewish People—Sixth + Interview: Dr. Talmage takes<br /> the Ground that the Unrivalled + Circulation of the<br /> Bible Proves that it is Inspired—Forgets' + that a<br /> Scientific Fact does not depend on the Vote of<br /> Numbers—Names + some Christian Millions—His<br /> Arguments Characterized as the + Poor-est, Weakest,<br /> and Best Possible in Support of the Doctrine of<br /> + Inspira-tion—Will God, in Judging a Man, take<br /> into + Consideration the Cir-cumstances of that<br /> Man's Life?—Satisfactory + Reasons for Not Believ-<br /> ing that the Bible is inspired.<br /> <br /> + <br /> THE TALMAGIAN CATECHISM.<br /> <br /> The Pith and Marrow of what Mr. + Talmage has been<br /> Pleased to Say, set forth in the form of a Shorter<br /> + Catechism.<br /> <br /> <br /> A VINDICATION OF THOMAS PAINE.<br /> <br /> + (1877.)<br /> <br /> Letter to the New York Observer—An Offer to Pay<br /> + One Thousand Dollars in Gold for Proof that Thomas<br /> Paine or Voltaire + Died in Terror because of any<br /> Religious Opinions Either had Expressed—<br /> + Proposition to Create a Tribunal to Hear the<br /> Evidence—The + Ob-server, after having Called upon<br /> Col. Ingersoll to Deposit the + Money, and<br /> Characterized his Talk as "Infidel 'Buncombe,'"<br /> + Denies its Own Words, but attempts to Prove them—<br /> Its Memory + Refreshed by Col. Ingersoll and the<br /> Slander Refuted—Proof that + Paine did Not Recant -<br /> -Testimony of Thomas Nixon, Daniel Pelton, Mr.<br /> + Jarvis, B. F. Has-kin, Dr. Manley, Amasa<br /> Woodsworth, Gilbert Vale, + Philip Graves, M. D.,<br /> Willet Hicks, A. C. Hankinson, John Hogeboom, + W.<br /> J. Hilton, Tames Cheetham, Revs. Milledollar and<br /> Cunningham, + Mrs. Hedden, Andrew A. Dean, William<br /> Carver,—The Statements of + Mary Roscoe and Mary<br /> Hindsdale Examined—William Cobbett's + Account of a<br /> Call upon Mary Hinsdale—Did Thomas Paine live the<br /> + Life of a Drunken Beast, and did he Die a Drunken,<br /> Cowardly, and + Beastly Death?—Grant Thorbum's<br /> Charges Examined—Statement + of the Rev. J. D.<br /> Wickham, D.D., shown to be Utterly False—False<br /> + Witness of the Rev. Charles Hawley, D.D.—W. H.<br /> Ladd, James + Cheetham, and Mary Hinsdale—Paine's<br /> Note to Cheetham—Mr-Staple, + Mr. Purdy, Col. John<br /> Fellows, James Wilburn, Walter Morton, Clio<br /> + Rickman, Judge Herttell, H. Margary, Elihu Palmer,<br /> Mr.<br /> <br /> XV<br /> + <br /> Lovett, all these Testified that Paine was a<br /> Temperate Man—Washington's + Letter to Paine—<br /> Thomas Jefferson's—Adams and Washing-ton + on<br /> "Common Sense"—-James Monroe's Tribute—<br /> + Quotations from Paine—Paine's Estate and His<br /> Will—The + Observer's Second Attack (p. 492):<br /> Statements of Elkana Watson, + William Carver, Rev.<br /> E. F. Hatfield, D.D., James Cheetham, Dr. J. W.<br /> + Francis, Dr. Manley, Bishop Fenwick—Ingersoll's<br /> Second Reply + (p. 516): Testimony Garbled by the<br /> Editor of the Observer—Mary + Roscoeand Mary Hins-<br /> dale the Same Person—Her Reputation for + Veracity-<br /> -Letter from Rev. A. W. Cornell—Grant Thorburn<br /> + Exposed by James Parton—The Observer's Admission<br /> that Paine did + not Recant—Affidavit of<br /> <br /> William B. Barnes.<br /> <br /> + <br /> <a name="linkPREF" id="linkPREF"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>PREFACE</b></big><br /> + <br /> SEVERAL people, having read the sermons of<br /> Mr. Talmage in which + he reviews some of my<br /> lectures, have advised me not to pay the + slightest<br /> attention to the Brooklyn divine. They think that<br /> no + new arguments have been brought forward, and<br /> they have even gone so + far as to say that some of<br /> the best of the old ones have been left + out.<br /> <br /> After thinking the matter over, I became satisfied<br /> + that my friends were mistaken, that they had been car-<br /> ried away by + the general current of modern thought,<br /> and were not in a frame of + mind to feel the force<br /> of the arguments of Mr. Talmage, or to clearly + see<br /> the candor that characterizes his utterances.<br /> <br /> At the + first reading, the logic of these sermons does<br /> not impress you. The + style is of a character calculated<br /> <br /> VI<br /> <br /> to throw the + searcher after facts and arguments off<br /> his guard. The imagination of + the preacher is so<br /> lurid; he is so free from the ordinary forms of + ex-<br /> pression; his statements are so much stranger than<br /> truth, + and his conclusions so utterly independent of<br /> his premises, that the + reader is too astonished to<br /> be convinced. Not until I had read with + great care<br /> the six discourses delivered for my benefit had I any<br /> + clear and well-defined idea of the logical force of<br /> Mr. Talmage. I + had but little conception of his<br /> candor, was almost totally ignorant + of his power to<br /> render the simple complex and the plain obscure by<br /> + the mutilation of metaphor and the incoherence<br /> of inspired + declamation. Neither did I know the<br /> generous accuracy with which he + states the position<br /> of an opponent, and the fairness he exhibits in a<br /> + religious discussion.<br /> <br /> He has without doubt studied the Bible as + closely<br /> and critically as he has the works of Buckle and<br /> Darwin, + and he seems to have paid as much attention<br /> to scientific subjects as + most theologians. His theory<br /> of light and his views upon geology are + strikingly<br /> original, and his astronomical theories are certainly as<br /> + profound as practical. If his statements can be relied<br /> upon, he has + successfully refuted the teachings of<br /> <br /> VII<br /> <br /> Humboldt + and Haeckel, and exploded the blunders of<br /> Spencer and Tyndall. + Besides all this, he has the<br /> courage of his convictions—he does + not quail before a<br /> fact, and he does not strike his colors even to a + dem-<br /> onstration. He cares nothing for human experience.<br /> He + cannot be put down with statistics, nor driven<br /> from his position by + the certainties of science. He<br /> cares neither for the persistence of + force, nor the<br /> indestructibility of matter.<br /> <br /> He believes in + the Bible, and he has the bravery<br /> to defend his belief. In this, he + proudly stands<br /> almost alone. He knows that the salvation of the<br /> + world depends upon a belief in his creed. He<br /> knows that what are + called "the sciences" are of<br /> no importance in the other world. He + clearly sees<br /> that it is better to live and die ignorant here, if you<br /> + can wear a crown of glory hereafter. He knows it<br /> is useless to be + perfectly familiar with all the sciences<br /> in this world, and then in + the next "lift up your eyes,<br /> being in torment." He knows, too, that + God will<br /> not punish any man for denying a fact in science.<br /> A man + can deny the rotundity of the earth, the<br /> attraction of gravitation, + the form of the earths orbit,<br /> or the nebular hypothesis, with perfect + impunity.<br /> He is not bound to be correct upon any philo-<br /> <br /> + VIII<br /> <br /> sophical subject. He is at liberty to deny and ridi-<br /> + cule the rule of three, conic sections, and even the<br /> multiplication + table. God permits every human<br /> being to be mistaken upon every + subject but one.<br /> No man can lose his soul by denying physical facts.<br /> + Jehovah does not take the slightest pride in his geology,<br /> <br /> or in + his astronomy, or in mathematics, or in<br /> any school of philosophy—he + is jealous only of his<br /> reputation as the author of the Bible. You may + deny<br /> everything else in the universe except that book.<br /> This + being so, Mr. Talmage takes the safe side, and<br /> insists that the Bible + is inspired. He knows that at<br /> the day of judgment, not a scientific + question will be<br /> asked. He knows that the Hæckels and Huxleys<br /> + will, on that terrible day, regret that they ever<br /> learned to read. He + knows that there is no "saving<br /> grace" in any department of human + knowledge; that<br /> mathematics and all the exact sciences and all the<br /> + philosophies will be worse than useless. He knows<br /> that inventors, + discoverers, thinkers and investigators,<br /> have no claim upon the mercy + of Jehovah; that the<br /> educated will envy the ignorant, and that the + writers<br /> and thinkers will curse their books.<br /> <br /> He knows that + man cannot be saved through<br /> what he knows—but only by means of + what he<br /> <br /> IX<br /> <br /> believes. Theology is not a science. If + it were,<br /> God would forgive his children for being mistaken<br /> about + it. If it could be proved like geology, or<br /> astronomy, there would be + no merit in believing it.<br /> From a belief in the Bible, Mr. Talmage is + not to be<br /> driven by uninspired evidence. He knows that his<br /> logic + is liable to lead him astray, and that his reason<br /> cannot be depended + upon. He believes that scien-<br /> tific men are no authority in matters + concerning<br /> which nothing can be known, and he does not wish<br /> to + put his soul in peril, by examining by the light of<br /> reason, the + evidences of the supernatural.<br /> <br /> He is perfectly consistent with + his creed. What<br /> happens to us here is of no consequence compared<br /> + with eternal joy or pain. The ambitions, honors,<br /> glories and triumphs + of this world, compared with<br /> eternal things, are less than naught.<br /> + <br /> Better a cross here and a crown there, than a feast<br /> here and a + fire there.<br /> <br /> Lazarus was far more fortunate than Dives. The<br /> + purple and fine linen of this short life are as nothing<br /> compared with + the robes of the redeemed.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage knows that philosophy is + unsafe—<br /> that the sciences are sirens luring souls to eternal<br /> + wreck. He knows that the deluded searchers after<br /> <br /> X<br /> <br /> + facts are planting thorns in their own pillows—that<br /> the + geologists are digging pits for themselves, and<br /> that the astronomers + are robbing their souls of the<br /> heaven they explore. He knows that + thought, capa-<br /> city, and intellectual courage are dangerous, and this<br /> + belief gives him a feeling of personal security.<br /> <br /> The Bible is + adapted to the world as it is. Most<br /> people are ignorant, and but few + have the capacity to<br /> comprehend philosophical and scientific + subjects, and<br /> if salvation depended upon understanding even one<br /> + of the sciences, nearly everybody would be lost.<br /> Mr. Talmage sees + that it was exceedingly merciful in<br /> God to base salvation on belief + instead of on brain.<br /> Millions can believe, while only a few can + understand.<br /> Even the effort to understand is a kind of treason<br /> + born of pride and ingratitude. This being so, it is far<br /> safer, far + better, to be credulous than critical. You are<br /> offered an infinite + reward for believing the Bible. If<br /> you examine it you may find it + impossible for you to<br /> believe it. Consequently, examination is + dangerous.<br /> Mr. Talmage knows that it is not necessary to under-<br /> + stand the Bible in order to believe it. You must be-<br /> lieve it first. + Then, if on reading it you find anything<br /> that appears false, absurd, + or impossible, you may<br /> be sure that it is only an appearance, and + that the real<br /> <br /> XI<br /> <br /> fault is in yourself. It is certain + that persons wholly<br /> incapable of reasoning are absolutely safe, and + that<br /> to be born brainless is to be saved in advance.<br /> <br /> Mr. + Talmage takes the ground,—and certainly from<br /> his point of view + nothing can be more reasonable<br /> —that thought should be avoided, + after one has<br /> "experienced religion" and has been the subject of<br /> + "regeneration." Every sinner should listen to ser-<br /> mons, read + religious books, and keep thinking, until<br /> he becomes a Christian. + Then he should stop. After<br /> that, thinking is not the road to heaven. + The real<br /> point and the real difficulty is to stop thinking just at<br /> + the right time. Young Christians, who have no idea<br /> of what they are + doing, often go on thinking after<br /> joining the church, and in this way + heresy is born, and<br /> heresy is often the father of infidelity. If + Christians<br /> would follow the advice and example of Mr. Talmage<br /> + all disagreements about doctrine would be avoided.<br /> In this way the + church could secure absolute in-<br /> tellectual peace and all the + disputes, heartburnings,<br /> jealousies and hatreds born of thought, + discussion<br /> and reasoning, would be impossible.<br /> <br /> In the + estimation of Mr. Talmage, the man who<br /> doubts and examines is not fit + for the society of<br /> angels. There are no disputes, no discussions in<br /> + <br /> XII<br /> <br /> heaven. The angels do not think; they believe,<br /> + they enjoy. The highest form of religion is re-<br /> pression. We should + conquer the passions and<br /> destroy desire. We should control the mind + and<br /> stop thinking. In this way we "offer ourselves a<br /> "living + sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." When<br /> desire dies, when thought + ceases, we shall be pure.<br /> —This is heaven.<br /> <br /> Robert G. + Ingersoll.<br /> <br /> Washington, D. C,<br /> <br /> April; 1882.<br /> <br /> + <br /> <a name="link0002" id="link0002"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>INGERSOLL'S + INTERVIEWS ON TALMAGE.</b></big><br /> <a name="link0003" id="link0003"></a><br /> + <br /> <big><b>FIRST INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>Polonius. My lord, + I will use them according to<br /> their desert.<br /> <br /> Hamlet. God's + bodikins, man, much better: use<br /> every man after his desert, and who + should 'scape<br /> whipping? Use them after your own honor and<br /> + dignity: the less they deserve, the more merit is<br /> in your bounty.</i><br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have you read the sermon of<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage, + in which he exposes your mis-<br /> representations?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + I have read such reports as appeared in<br /> some of the New York papers.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of what he has<br /> to say?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Some time ago I gave it as my opinion<br /> of Mr. + Talmage that, while he was a man of most<br /> excellent judgment, he was + somewhat deficient in<br /> imagination. I find that he has the disease + that seems<br /> <br /> 16<br /> <br /> to afflict most theologians, and that + is, a kind of intel-<br /> lectual toadyism, that uses the names of + supposed great<br /> men instead of arguments. It is perfectly astonishing<br /> + to the average preacher that any one should have the<br /> temerity to + differ, on the subject of theology, with<br /> Andrew Jackson, Daniel + Webster, and other gentlemen<br /> eminent for piety during their lives, + but who,<br /> as a rule, expressed their theological opinions a few<br /> + minutes before dissolution. These ministers are per-<br /> fectly delighted + to have some great politician, some<br /> judge, soldier, or president, + certify to the truth of the<br /> Bible and to the moral character of Jesus + Christ.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage insists that if a witness is false in one<br /> + particular, his entire testimony must be thrown away.<br /> Daniel Webster + was in favor of the Fugitive Slave<br /> Law, and thought it the duty of + the North to capture<br /> the poor slave-mother. He was willing to stand<br /> + between a human being and his freedom. He was<br /> willing to assist in + compelling persons to work without<br /> any pay except such marks of the + lash as they might<br /> receive. Yet this man is brought forward as a + witness<br /> for the truth of the gospel. If he was false in his<br /> + testimony as to liberty, what is his affidavit worth as<br /> to the value + of Christianity? Andrew Jackson was a<br /> brave man, a good general, a + patriot second to none,<br /> <br /> 17<br /> <br /> an excellent judge of + horses, and a brave duelist. I<br /> admit that in his old age he relied + considerably upon<br /> the atonement. I think Jackson was really a very + great<br /> man, and probably no President impressed himself<br /> more + deeply upon the American people than the hero<br /> of New Orleans, but as + a theologian he was, in my<br /> judgment, a most decided failure, and his + opinion as<br /> to the authenticity of the Scriptures is of no earthly<br /> + value. It was a subject upon which he knew probably<br /> as little as Mr. + Talmage does about modern infidelity.<br /> Thousands of people will quote + Jackson in favor of<br /> religion, about which he knew nothing, and yet + have<br /> no confidence in his political opinions, although he<br /> + devoted the best part of his life to politics.<br /> <br /> No man should + quote the words of another, in place<br /> of an argument, unless he is + willing to accept all the<br /> opinions of that man. Lord Bacon denied the + Copernican<br /> <br /> system of astronomy, and, according to Mr.<br /> + Talmage, having made that mistake, his opinions upon<br /> other subjects + are equally worthless. Mr. Wesley<br /> believed in ghosts, witches, and + personal devils, yet<br /> upon many subjects I have no doubt his opinions + were<br /> correct. The truth is, that nearly everybody is right<br /> about + some things and wrong about most things; and<br /> if a man's testimony is + not to be taken until he is<br /> <br /> 18<br /> <br /> right on every + subject, witnesses will be extremely<br /> scarce.<br /> <br /> Personally, I + care nothing about names. It makes<br /> no difference to me what the + supposed great men of<br /> the past have said, except as what they have + said<br /> contains an argument; and that argument is worth to<br /> me the + force it naturally has upon my mind. Chris-<br /> tians forget that in the + realm of reason there are no<br /> serfs and no monarchs. When you submit + to an<br /> argument, you do not submit to the man who made it.<br /> + Christianity demands a certain obedience, a certain<br /> blind, + unreasoning faith, and parades before the eyes<br /> of the ignorant, with + great pomp and pride, the names<br /> of kings, soldiers, and statesmen who + have admitted<br /> the truth of the Bible. Mr. Talmage introduces as a<br /> + witness the Rev. Theodore Parker. This same The-<br /> odore Parker + denounced the Presbyterian creed as<br /> the most infamous of all creeds, + and said that the worst<br /> heathen god, wearing a necklace of live + snakes, was a<br /> representation of mercy when compared with the God<br /> + of John Calvin. Now, if this witness is false in any<br /> particular, of + course he cannot be believed, according<br /> to Mr. Talmage, upon any + subject, and yet Mr.<br /> Talmage introduces him upon the stand as a good<br /> + witness.<br /> <br /> 19<br /> <br /> Although I care but little for names, + still I will sug-<br /> gest that, in all probability, Humboldt knew more + upon<br /> this subject than all the pastors in the world. I cer-<br /> + tainly would have as much confidence in the opinion<br /> of Goethe as in + that of William H. Seward; and as<br /> between Seward and Lincoln, I + should take Lincoln;<br /> and when you come to Presidents, for my part, if + I<br /> were compelled to pin my faith on the sleeve of any-<br /> body, I + should take Jefferson's coat in preference to<br /> Jackson's. I believe + that Haeckel is, to say the least,<br /> the equal of any theologian we + have in this country,<br /> and the late John W. Draper certainly knew as + much<br /> upon these great questions as the average parson. I<br /> believe + that Darwin has investigated some of these<br /> things, that Tyndall and + Huxley have turned their<br /> minds somewhat in the same direction, that + Helmholtz<br /> has a few opinions, and that, in fact, thousands of able,<br /> + intelligent and honest men differ almost entirely with<br /> Webster and + Jackson.<br /> <br /> So far as I am concerned, I think more of reasons<br /> + than of reputations, more of principles than of persons,<br /> more of + nature than of names, more of facts, than of<br /> faiths.<br /> <br /> It is + the same with books as with persons. Proba-<br /> bly there is not a book + in the world entirely destitute<br /> <br /> 20<br /> <br /> of truth, and not + one entirely exempt from error.<br /> The Bible is like other books. There + are mistakes in<br /> it, side by side with truths,—passages + inculcating<br /> murder, and others exalting mercy; laws devilish and<br /> + tyrannical, and others filled with wisdom and justice.<br /> It is foolish + to say that if you accept a part, you must<br /> accept the whole. You must + accept that which com-<br /> mends itself to your heart and brain. There + never was<br /> a doctrine that a witness, or a book, should be thrown<br /> + entirely away, because false in one particular. If in<br /> any particular + the book, or the man, tells the truth, to<br /> that extent the truth + should be accepted.<br /> <br /> Truth is made no worse by the one who tells + it,<br /> and a lie gets no real benefit from the reputation of its<br /> + author.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of the statement<br /> + that a general belief in your teachings would fill all<br /> the + penitentiaries, and that in twenty years there<br /> would be a hell in + this world worse than the one<br /> expected in the other?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + My creed is this:<br /> <br /> 1. Happiness is the only good.<br /> <br /> 2. + The way to be happy, is to make others happy.<br /> <br /> 21<br /> <br /> + Other things being equal, that man is happiest who is<br /> nearest just—who + is truthful, merciful and intelligent—<br /> in other words, the one + who lives in accordance with<br /> the conditions of life.<br /> <br /> 3. + The time to be happy is now, and the place to<br /> be happy, is here.<br /> + <br /> 4. Reason is the lamp of the mind—the only torch<br /> of + progress; and instead of blowing that out and de-<br /> pending upon + darkness and dogma, it is far better to<br /> increase that sacred light.<br /> + <br /> 5. Every man should be the intellectual proprietor<br /> of himself, + honest with himself, and intellectually<br /> hospitable; and upon every + brain reason should be<br /> enthroned as king.<br /> <br /> 6. Every man + must bear the consequences, at<br /> least of his own actions. If he puts + his hands in<br /> the fire, his hands must smart, and not the hands of<br /> + another. In other words: each man must eat the<br /> fruit of the tree he + plants.<br /> <br /> I can not conceive that the teaching of these doc-<br /> + trines would fill penitentiaries, or crowd the gallows.<br /> The doctrine + of forgiveness—the idea that somebody<br /> else can suffer in place + of the guilty—the notion that<br /> just at the last the whole + account can be settled—<br /> these ideas, doctrines, and notions are + calculated to fill<br /> <br /> 22<br /> <br /> penitentiaries. Nothing breeds + extravagance like the<br /> credit system.<br /> <br /> Most criminals of the + present day are orthodox be-<br /> lievers, and the gallows seems to be the + last round of<br /> the ladder reaching from earth to heaven. The Rev.<br /> + Dr. Sunderland, of this city, in his sermon on the assas-<br /> sination of + Garfield, takes the ground that God per-<br /> mitted the murder for the + purpose of opening the eyes<br /> of the people to the evil effects of + infidelity. Accord-<br /> ing to this minister, God, in order to show his + hatred<br /> of infidelity, "inspired," or allowed, one Christian to<br /> + assassinate another.<br /> <br /> Religion and morality do not necessarily + go together.<br /> Mr. Talmage will insist to-day that morality is not<br /> + sufficient to save any man from eternal punishment.<br /> As a matter of + fact, religion has often been the enemy<br /> of morality. The moralist has + been denounced by the<br /> theologians. He sustains the same relation to + Chris-<br /> tianity that the moderate drinker does to the total-<br /> + abstinence society. The total-abstinence people say<br /> that the example + of the moderate drinker is far worse<br /> upon the young than that of the + drunkard—that the<br /> drunkard is a warning, while the moderate + drinker is<br /> a perpetual temptation. So Christians say of moral-<br /> + ists. According to them, the moralist sets a worse<br /> <br /> 23<br /> + <br /> example than the criminal. The moralist not only in-<br /> sists that + a man can be a good citizen, a kind husband,<br /> an affectionate father, + without religion, but demon-<br /> strates the truth of his doctrine by his + own life;<br /> whereas the criminal admits that in and of himself he<br /> + is nothing, and can do nothing, but that he needs<br /> assistance from the + church and its ministers.<br /> <br /> The worst criminals of the modern + world have been<br /> Christians—I mean by that, believers in + Christianity—<br /> and the most monstrous crimes of the modern world<br /> + have been committed by the most zealous believers.<br /> There is nothing + in orthodox religion, apart from the<br /> morality it teaches, to prevent + the commission oF crime.<br /> On the other hand, the perpetual proffer of + forgiveness<br /> is a direct premium upon what Christians are pleased<br /> + to call the commission of sin.<br /> <br /> Christianity has produced no + greater character than<br /> Epictetus, no greater sovereign than Marcus + Aurelius.<br /> The wickedness of the past was a good deal like that<br /> + of the present. As a rule, kings have been wicked in<br /> direct + proportion to their power—their power having<br /> been lessened, + their crimes have decreased. As a<br /> matter of fact, paganism, of + itself, did not produce any<br /> great men; neither has Christianity. + Millions of in-<br /> fluences determine individual character, and the re-<br /> + <br /> 24<br /> <br /> ligion of the country in which a man happens to be<br /> + born may determine many of his opinions, without<br /> influencing, to any + great extent, his real character.<br /> <br /> There have been brave, + honest, and intelligent men<br /> in and out of every church.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Mr. Talmage says that you insist that,<br /> according to the Bible, the + universe was made out of<br /> nothing, and he denounces your statement as + a gross<br /> misrepresentation. What have you stated upon that<br /> + subject?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. What I said was substantially this: "We<br /> + "are told in the first chapter of Genesis, that in the<br /> "beginning God + created the heaven and the earth.<br /> "If this means anything, it means + that God pro-<br /> "duced—caused to exist, called into being—the<br /> + "heaven and the earth. It will not do to say that<br /> "God formed the + heaven and the earth of previously<br /> "existing matter. Moses conveys, + and intended to<br /> "convey, the idea that the matter of which the<br /> + "universe is composed was created."<br /> <br /> This has always been my + position. I did not sup-<br /> pose that nothing was used as the raw + material; but<br /> <br /> if the Mosaic account means anything, it means + that<br /> whereas there was nothing, God caused something to<br /> <br /> 25<br /> + <br /> exist—created what we know as matter. I can not<br /> conceive + of something being made, created, without<br /> anything to make anything + with. I have no more<br /> confidence in fiat worlds than I have in fiat + money.<br /> Mr. Talmage tells us that God did not make the uni-<br /> verse + out of <i>nothing</i>, but out of "omnipotence."<br /> Exactly how God + changed "omnipotence" into matter<br /> is not stated. If there was <i>nothing</i> + in the universe,<br /> <i>omnipotence</i> could do you no good. The weakest + man<br /> in the world can lift as much <i>nothing</i> as God.<br /> <br /> + Mr. Talmage seems to think that to create something<br /> from nothing is + simply a question of strength—that it<br /> requires infinite muscle—that + it is only a question of<br /> biceps. Of course, omnipotence is an + attribute, not an<br /> entity, not a raw material; and the idea that + something<br /> can be made out of omnipotence—using that as the<br /> + raw material—is infinitely absurd. It would have<br /> been equally + logical to say that God made the universe<br /> out of his omniscience, or + his omnipresence, or his<br /> unchangeableness, or out of his honesty, his + holiness,<br /> or his incapacity to do evil. I confess my utter in-<br /> + ability to understand, or even to suspect, what the<br /> reverend + gentleman means, when he says that God<br /> created the universe out of + his "omnipotence."<br /> <br /> I admit that the Bible does not tell when + God created<br /> <br /> 26<br /> <br /> the universe. It is simply said that + he did this "in the<br /> beginning." We are left, however, to infer that + "the<br /> beginning" was Monday morning, and that on the<br /> first Monday + God created the matter in an exceedingly<br /> chaotic state; that on + Tuesday he made a firmament<br /> to divide the waters from the waters; + that on Wednes-<br /> day he gathered the waters together in seas and<br /> + allowed the dry land to appear. We are also told that<br /> on that day + "the earth brought forth grass and herb<br /> "yielding seed after his + kind, and the tree yielding<br /> "fruit, whose seed was in itself, after + his kind." This<br /> was before the creation of the sun, but Mr. Talmage<br /> + takes the ground that there are many other sources of<br /> light; that + "there may have been volcanoes in active<br /> operation on other planets." + I have my doubts,<br /> however, about the light of volcanoes being + sufficient<br /> to produce or sustain vegetable life, and think it a<br /> + little doubtful about trees growing only by "volcanic<br /> glare." Neither + do I think one could depend upon<br /> "three thousand miles of liquid + granite" for the pro-<br /> duction of grass and trees, nor upon "light + that rocks<br /> might emit in the process of crystallization." I doubt<br /> + whether trees would succeed simply with the assistance<br /> of the "Aurora + Borealis or the Aurora Australis."<br /> There are other sources of light, + not mentioned by<br /> <br /> 27<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage—lightning-bugs, + phosphorescent beetles,<br /> and fox-fire. I should think that it would be + humili-<br /> ating, in this age, for an orthodox preacher to insist<br /> + that vegetation could exist upon this planet without the<br /> light of the + sun—that trees could grow, blossom and<br /> bear fruit, having no + light but the flames of volcanoes,<br /> or that emitted by liquid granite, + or thrown off by the<br /> crystallization of rocks.<br /> <br /> There is + another thing, also, that should not be for-<br /> gotten, and that is, + that there is an even balance for-<br /> ever kept between the totals of + animal and vegetable<br /> life—that certain forms of animal life go + with certain<br /> forms of vegetable life. Mr. Haeckel has shown that<br /> + "in the first epoch, algæ and skull-less vertebrates<br /> were found + together; in the second, ferns and fishes;<br /> in the third, pines and + reptiles; in the fourth, foliaceous<br /> <br /> forests and mammals." + Vegetable and animal<br /> life sustain a necessary relation; they exist + together;<br /> they act and interact, and each depends upon the other.<br /> + The real point of difference between Mr. Talmage and<br /> myself is this: + He says that God made the universe<br /> out of his "omnipotence," and I + say that, although I<br /> know nothing whatever upon the subject, my + opinion<br /> is, that the universe has existed from eternity—that it<br /> + continually changes in form, but that it never was<br /> <br /> 28<br /> + <br /> created or called into being by any power. I think<br /> that all + that is, is all the God there is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage + charges you with having<br /> misrepresented the Bible story of the deluge. + Has he<br /> correctly stated your position?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Mr. + Talmage takes the ground that the<br /> flood was only partial, and was, + after all, not much of a<br /> flood. The Bible tells us that God said he + would<br /> "destroy all flesh wherein is the breath of life from<br /> + "under heaven, and that everything that is in the<br /> "earth shall die;" + that God also said: "I will destroy<br /> "man, whom I have created, from + the face of the<br /> "earth; both man and beast and the creeping thing<br /> + "and the fowls of the air, and every living substance<br /> "that I have + made will I destroy from off the face of<br /> "the earth."<br /> <br /> I + did not suppose that there was any miracle in the<br /> Bible larger than + the credulity of Mr. Talmage. The<br /> flood story, however, seems to be a + little more than<br /> he can bear. He is like the witness who stated that<br /> + he had read <i>Gullivers Travels</i>, the <i>Stories of Mun-<br /> chausen</i>, + and the <i>Flying Wife</i>, including <i>Robinson<br /> Crusoe</i>, and + believed them all; but that Wirt's <i>Life of<br /> Patrick Henry</i> was a + litde more than he could stand.<br /> <br /> 29<br /> <br /> It is strange + that a man who believes that God<br /> created the universe out of + "omnipotence" should<br /> believe that he had not enough omnipotence left + to<br /> drown a world the size of this. Mr. Talmage seeks<br /> to make the + story of the flood reasonable. The<br /> moment it is reasonable, it ceases + to be miraculous.<br /> Certainly God cannot afford to reward a man with<br /> + eternal joy for believing a reasonable story. Faith is<br /> only necessary + when the story is unreasonable, and if<br /> the flood only gets small + enough, I can believe it<br /> myself. I ask for evidence, and Mr. Talmage + seeks<br /> to make the story so little that it can be believed<br /> + without evidence. He tells us that it was a kind of<br /> "local option" + flood—a little wet for that part of the<br /> country.<br /> <br /> Why + was it necessary to save the birds? They<br /> certainly could have gotten + out of the way of a real<br /> small flood. Of the birds, Noah took + fourteen of each<br /> species. He was commanded to take of the fowls of + the<br /> air by sevens—seven of each sex—and, as there are<br /> + at least 12,500 species, Noah collected an aviary of<br /> about 175,000 + birds, provided the flood was general.<br /> If it was local, there are no + means of determining the<br /> number. But why, if the flood was local, + should he<br /> have taken any of the fowls of the air into his ark?<br /> + <br /> 30<br /> <br /> All they had to do was to fly away, or "roost high;"<br /> + and it would have been just as easy for God to have<br /> implanted in + them, for the moment, the instinct of<br /> getting out of the way as the + instinct of hunting the ark.<br /> It would have been quite a saving of + room and pro-<br /> visions, and would have materially lessened the labor<br /> + and anxiety of Noah and his sons.<br /> <br /> Besides, if it had been a + partial flood, and great<br /> enough to cover the highest mountains in + that country,<br /> the highest mountain being about seventeen thousand<br /> + feet, the flood would have been covered with a sheet<br /> of ice several + thousand feet in thickness. If a column<br /> of water could have been + thrown seventeen thousand<br /> feet high and kept stationary, several + thousand feet<br /> of the upper end would have frozen. If, however,<br /> + the deluge was general, then the atmosphere would<br /> have been forced + out the same on all sides, and the<br /> climate remained substantially + normal.<br /> <br /> Nothing can be more absurd than to attempt to<br /> + explain the flood by calling it partial.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage also says + that the window ran clear<br /> round the ark, and that if I had only known + as much<br /> Hebrew as a man could put on his little finger, I<br /> would + have known that the window went clear round.<br /> To this I reply that, if + his position is correct, then the<br /> <br /> 31<br /> <br /> original + translators of King James' edition did not<br /> know as much Hebrew as + they could have put on<br /> their little fingers; and yet I am obliged to + believe<br /> their translation or be eternally damned. If the<br /> window + went clear round, the inspired writer should<br /> have said so, and the + learned translators should have<br /> given us the truth. No one pretends + that there was<br /> more than one door, and yet the same language is<br /> + used about the door, except this—that the exact size<br /> of the + window is given, and the only peculiarity men-<br /> tioned as to the door + is that it shut from the outside.<br /> For any one to see that Mr. Talmage + is wrong on the<br /> window question, it is only necessary to read the + story<br /> of the deluge.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage also endeavors to + decrease the depth<br /> of the flood. If the flood did not cover the + highest<br /> hills, many people might have been saved. He also<br /> + insists that all the water did not come from the rains,<br /> but that "the + fountains of the great deep were broken<br /> "up." What are "the fountains + of the great deep"?<br /> How would their being "broken up" increase the<br /> + depth of the water? He seems to imagine that these<br /> "fountains" were + in some way imprisoned—anxious<br /> to get to the surface, and that, + at that time, an oppor-<br /> tunity was given for water to run up hill, or + in some<br /> <br /> 32<br /> <br /> mysterious way to rise above its level. + According to<br /> the account, the ark was at the mercy of the waves for<br /> + at least seven months. If this flood was only partial,<br /> it seems a + little curious that the water did not seek its<br /> level in less than + seven months. With anything like<br /> a fair chance, by that time most of + it would have<br /> found its way to the sea again.<br /> <br /> There is in + the literature of ignorance no more<br /> perfectly absurd and cruel story + than that of the<br /> deluge.<br /> <br /> I am very sorry that Mr. Talmage + should disagree<br /> with some of the great commentators. Dr. Scott<br /> + tells us that, in all probability, the angels assisted in<br /> getting the + animals into the ark. Dr. Henry insists<br /> that the waters in the bowels + of the earth, at God's<br /> command, sprung up and flooded the earth. Dr.<br /> + Clark tells us that it would have been much easier<br /> for God to have + destroyed all the people and made<br /> some new ones, but that he did not + want to waste<br /> anything. Dr. Henry also tells us that the lions, while<br /> + in the ark, ate straw like oxen. Nothing could be<br /> more amusing than + to see a few lions eating good,<br /> dry straw. This commentator assures + us that the<br /> waters rose so high that the loftiest mountains were<br /> + overflowed fifteen cubits, so that salvation was not<br /> <br /> 33<br /> + <br /> hoped for from any hills or mountains. He tells us<br /> that some of + the people got on top of the ark, and<br /> hoped to shift for themselves, + but that, in all proba-<br /> bility, they were washed off by the rain. + When we<br /> consider that the rain must have fallen at the rate of<br /> + about eight hundred feet a day, I am inclined to think<br /> that they were + washed off.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage has clearly misrepresented the Bible.<br /> + He is not prepared to believe the story as it is told.<br /> The seeds of + infidelity seem to be germinating in his<br /> mind. His position no doubt + will be a great relief to<br /> most of his hearers. After this, their + credulity will<br /> not be strained. They can say that there was probably<br /> + quite a storm, some rain, to an extent that rendered it<br /> necessary for + Noah and his family—his dogs, cats,<br /> and chickens—to get + in a boat. This would not be<br /> unreasonable. The same thing happens + almost every<br /> year on the shores of great rivers, and consequently<br /> + the story of the flood is an exceedingly reasonable<br /> one.<br /> <br /> + Mr. Talmage also endeavors to account for the<br /> miraculous collection + of the animals in the ark by<br /> the universal instinct to get out of the + rain. There<br /> are at least two objections to this: 1. The animals<br /> + went into the ark before the rain commenced; 2. I<br /> <br /> 34<br /> <br /> + have never noticed any great desire on the part of<br /> ducks, geese, and + loons to get out of the water. Mr.<br /> Talmage must have been misled by a + line from an old<br /> nursery book that says: "And the little fishes got<br /> + "under the bridge to keep out of the rain." He tells<br /> us that Noah + described what he saw. He is the first<br /> theologian who claims that + Genesis was written by<br /> Noah, or that Noah wrote any account of the + flood.<br /> Most Christians insist that the account of the flood<br /> was + written by Moses, and that he was inspired to<br /> write it. Of course, it + will not do for me to say that<br /> Mr. Talmage has misrepresented the + facts.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. You are also charged with misrepresen-<br /> + tation in your statement as to where the ark at last<br /> rested. It is + claimed by Mr. Talmage that there is<br /> nothing in the Bible to show + that the ark rested on<br /> the highest mountains.<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Of course I have no knowledge as to<br /> where the ark really came to + anchor, but after it struck<br /> bottom, we are told that a dove was sent + out, and<br /> that the dove found no place whereon to rest her<br /> foot. + If the ark touched ground in the low country,<br /> surely the mountains + were out of water, and an or-<br /> dinary mountain furnishes, as a rule, + space enough<br /> <br /> 35<br /> <br /> for a dove's foot. We must infer + that the ark rested<br /> on the only land then above water, or near enough<br /> + above water to strike the keel of Noah's boat. Mount<br /> Ararat is about + seventeen thousand feet high; so I<br /> take it that the top of that + mountain was where Noah<br /> ran aground—otherwise, the account + means nothing.<br /> <br /> Here Mr. Talmage again shows his tendency to<br /> + belittle the miracles of the Bible. I am astonished<br /> that he should + doubt the power of God to keep an<br /> ark on a mountain seventeen + thousand feet high.<br /> He could have changed the climate for that + occasion.<br /> He could have made all the rocks and glaciers pro-<br /> + duce wheat and corn in abundance. Certainly God,<br /> who could overwhelm + a world with a flood, had the<br /> power to change every law and fact in + nature.<br /> <br /> I am surprised that Mr. Talmage is not willing to<br /> + believe the story as it is told. What right has he to<br /> question the + statements of an inspired writer? Why<br /> should he set up his judgment + against the Websters<br /> and Jacksons? Is it not infinitely impudent in + him<br /> to contrast his penny-dip with the sun of inspiration?<br /> What + right has he to any opinion upon the subject?<br /> He must take the Bible + as it reads. He should<br /> remember that the greater the miracle the + greater<br /> should be his faith.<br /> <br /> 36<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + You do not seem to have any great<br /> opinion of the chemical, + geological, and agricultural<br /> views expressed by Mr. Talmage?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. You must remember that Mr. Talmage<br /> has a certain + thing to defend. He takes the Bible as<br /> actually true, and with the + Bible as his standard, he<br /> compares and measures all sciences. He does + not<br /> study geology to find whether the Mosaic account is<br /> true, + but he reads the Mosaic account for the purpose<br /> of showing that + geology can not be depended upon.<br /> His idea that "one day is as a + thousand years with<br /> "God," and that therefore the "days" mentioned in + the<br /> Mosaic account are not days of twenty-four hours, but<br /> long + periods, is contradicted by the Bible itself. The<br /> great reason given + for keeping the Sabbath day is, that<br /> "God rested on the seventh day + and was refreshed."<br /> Now, it does not say that he rested on the + "seventh<br /> "period," or the "seventh good—while," or the<br /> + "seventh long-time," but on the "seventh day." In<br /> imitation of this + example we are also to rest—not on<br /> the seventh good-while, but + on the seventh day.<br /> Nothing delights the average minister more than + to<br /> find that a passage of Scripture is capable of several<br /> + interpretations. Nothing in the inspired book is so<br /> <br /> 37<br /> + <br /> dangerous as accuracy. If the holy writer uses<br /> general terms, + an ingenious theologian can harmonize<br /> a seemingly preposterous + statement with the most<br /> obdurate fact. An "inspired" book should + contain<br /> neither statistics nor dates—as few names as possible,<br /> + and not one word about geology or astronomy. Mr.<br /> Talmage is doing the + best he can to uphold the fables<br /> of the Jews. They are the foundation + of his faith.<br /> He believes in the water of the past and the fire of + the<br /> future—in the God of flood and flame—the eternal<br /> + torturer of his helpless children.<br /> <br /> It is exceedingly + unfortunate that Mr. Talmage does<br /> not appreciate the importance of + good manners, that<br /> he does not rightly estimate the convincing power + of<br /> kindness and good nature. It is unfortunate that a<br /> Christian, + believing in universal forgiveness, should<br /> exhibit so much of the + spirit of detraction, that he<br /> should run so easily and naturally into + epithets, and<br /> that he should mistake vituperation for logic. Thou-<br /> + sands of people, knowing but little of the mysteries of<br /> Christianity—never + having studied theology,—may<br /> become prejudiced against the + church, and doubt the<br /> divine origin of a religion whose defenders + seem to<br /> rely, at least to a great degree, upon malignant per-<br /> + sonalities. Mr. Talmage should remember that in a<br /> <br /> 38<br /> <br /> + discussion of this kind, he is supposed to represent a<br /> being of + infinite wisdom and goodness. Surely, the<br /> representative of the + infinite can afford to be candid,<br /> can afford to be kind. When he + contemplates the<br /> condition of a fellow-being destitute of religion, a<br /> + fellow-being now travelling the thorny path to eternal<br /> fire, he + should be filled with pity instead of hate.<br /> Instead of deforming his + mouth with scorn, his eyes<br /> should be filled with tears. He should + take into<br /> consideration the vast difference between an infidel<br /> + and a minister of the gospel,—knowing, as he does,<br /> that a crown + of glory has been prepared for the<br /> minister, and that flames are + waiting for the soul<br /> of the unbeliever. He should bear with + philosophic<br /> fortitude the apparent success of the skeptic, for a<br /> + few days in this brief life, since he knows that in a<br /> little while + the question will be eternally settled in<br /> his favor, and that the + humiliation of a day is as<br /> nothing compared with the victory of + eternity. In<br /> this world, the skeptic appears to have the best<br /> of + the argument; logic seems to be on the side<br /> of blasphemy; common + sense apparently goes hand<br /> in hand with infidelity, and the few + things we are<br /> absolutely certain of, seem inconsistent with the<br /> + Christian creeds.<br /> <br /> 39<br /> <br /> This, however, as Mr. Talmage + well knows, is but<br /> apparent. God has arranged the world in this way<br /> + for the purpose of testing the Christian's faith.<br /> Beyond all these + facts, beyond logic, beyond reason,<br /> Mr. Talmage, by the light of + faith, clearly sees the<br /> eternal truth. This clearness of vision + should give<br /> him the serenity of candor and the kindness born of<br /> + absolute knowledge. He, being a child of the light,<br /> should not expect + the perfect from the children of<br /> darkness. He should not judge + Humboldt and<br /> Wesley by the same standard. He should remember<br /> + that Wesley was especially set apart and illuminated<br /> by divine + wisdom, while Humboldt was left to grope<br /> in the shadows of nature. He + should also remember<br /> that ministers are not like other people. They + have<br /> been "called." They have been "chosen" by infinite<br /> wisdom. + They have been "set apart," and they<br /> have bread to eat that we know + not of. While<br /> other people are forced to pursue the difficult paths<br /> + of investigation, they fly with the wings of faith.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage + is perfectly aware of the advantages<br /> he enjoys, and yet he deems it + dangerous to be fair.<br /> This, in my judgment, is his mistake. If he + cannot<br /> easily point out the absurdities and contradictions in<br /> + infidel lectures, surely God would never have selected<br /> <br /> 40<br /> + <br /> him for that task. We cannot believe that imperfect<br /> instruments + would be chosen by infinite wisdom.<br /> Certain lambs have been entrusted + to the care of Mr.<br /> Talmage, the shepherd. Certainly God would not<br /> + select a shepherd unable to cope with an average<br /> wolf. Such a + shepherd is only the appearance of<br /> protection. When the wolf is not + there, he is a<br /> useless expense, and when the wolf comes, he goes.<br /> + I cannot believe that God would select a shepherd<br /> of that kind. + Neither can the shepherd justify his<br /> selection by abusing the wolf + when out of sight.<br /> The fear ought to be on the other side. A divinely<br /> + appointed shepherd ought to be able to convince his<br /> sheep that a wolf + is a dangerous animal, and ought<br /> to be able to give his reasons. It + may be that the<br /> shepherd has a certain interest in exaggerating the<br /> + cruelty and ferocity of the wolf, and even the number<br /> of the wolves. + Should it turn out that the wolves<br /> exist only in the imagination of + the shepherd, the<br /> sheep might refuse to pay the salary of their pro-<br /> + tector. It will, however, be hard to calculate the<br /> extent to which + the sheep will lose confidence in a<br /> shepherd who has not even the + courage to state the<br /> facts about the wolf. But what must be the + result<br /> when the sheep find that the supposed wolf is, in<br /> <br /> + 41<br /> <br /> fact, their friend, and that he is endeavoring to rescue<br /> + them from the exactions of the pretended shepherd,<br /> who creates, by + falsehood, the fear on which he<br /> lives?<br /> <br /> <br /> <a + name="link0004" id="link0004"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>SECOND INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> + <br /> <br /> <i>Por. Why, man, what's the matter? Don't tear<br /> your + hair.<br /> <br /> Sir Hugh. I have been beaten in a discussion,<br /> + overwhelmed and humiliated.<br /> <br /> Por. Why didn't you call your + adversary a fool?<br /> <br /> Sir Hugh. My God! I forgot it!</i><br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. I want to ask you a few questions<br /> about the second + sermon of Mr. Talmage;<br /> have you read it, and what do you think of it?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The text taken by the reverend gentle-<br /> man is an + insult, and was probably intended as such:<br /> "The fool hath said in his + heart, there is no God."<br /> Mr. Talmage seeks to apply this text to any + one<br /> who denies that the Jehovah of the Jews was and is<br /> the + infinite and eternal Creator of all. He is per-<br /> fectly satisfied that + any man who differs with him on<br /> this question is a "fool," and he has + the Christian<br /> forbearance and kindness to say so. I presume he<br /> + <br /> 46<br /> <br /> is honest in this opinion, and no doubt regards Bruno,<br /> + Spinoza and Humboldt as driveling imbeciles. He<br /> entertains the same + opinion of some of the greatest,<br /> wisest and best of Greece and Rome.<br /> + <br /> No man is fitted to reason upon this question who<br /> has not the + intelligence to see the difficulties in all<br /> theories. No man has yet + evolved a theory that<br /> satisfactorily accounts for all that is. No + matter<br /> what his opinion may be, he is beset by a thousand<br /> + difficulties, and innumerable things insist upon an<br /> explanation. The + best that any man can do is to<br /> take that theory which to his mind + presents the<br /> fewest difficulties. Mr. Talmage has been educated<br /> + in a certain way—has a brain of a certain quantity,<br /> quality and + form—and accepts, in spite it may be,<br /> of himself, a certain + theory. Others, formed differ-<br /> ently, having lived under different + circumstances,<br /> cannot accept the Talmagian view, and thereupon he<br /> + denounces them as fools. In this he follows the<br /> example of David the + murderer; of David, who<br /> advised one of his children to assassinate + another;<br /> of David, whose last words were those of hate and<br /> + crime. Mr. Talmage insists that it takes no especial<br /> brain to reason + out a "design" in Nature, and in a<br /> moment afterward says that "when + the world slew<br /> <br /> 47<br /> <br /> "Jesus, it showed what it would do + with the eternal<br /> "God, if once it could get its hands on Him." Why<br /> + should a God of infinite wisdom create people who<br /> would gladly murder + their Creator? Was there any<br /> particular "design" in that? Does the + existence<br /> of such people conclusively prove the existence of a<br /> + good Designer? It seems to me—and I take it that<br /> my thought is + natural, as I have only been born<br /> once—that an infinitely wise + and good God would<br /> naturally create good people, and if he has not, + cer-<br /> tainly the fault is his. The God of Mr. Talmage<br /> knew, when + he created Guiteau, that he would<br /> assassinate Garfield. Why did he + create him? Did<br /> he want Garfield assassinated? Will somebody be<br /> + kind enough to show the "design" in this trans-<br /> action? Is it + possible to see "design" in earth-<br /> quakes, in volcanoes, in + pestilence, in famine, in<br /> ruthless and relentless war? Can we find + "design" in<br /> the fact that every animal lives upon some other—<br /> + that every drop of every sea is a battlefield where<br /> the strong devour + the weak? Over the precipice<br /> of cruelty rolls a perpetual Niagara of + blood. Is<br /> there "design" in this? Why should a good God<br /> people a + world with men capable of burning their<br /> fellow-men—and capable + of burning the greatest and<br /> <br /> 48<br /> <br /> best? Why does a good + God permit these things?<br /> It is said of Christ that he was infinitely + kind and<br /> generous, infinitely merciful, because when on earth<br /> he + cured the sick, the lame and blind. Has he not<br /> as much power now as + he had then? If he was and<br /> is the God of all worlds, why does he not + now give<br /> back to the widow her son? Why does he with-<br /> hold light + from the eyes of the blind? And why<br /> does one who had the power + miraculously to feed<br /> thousands, allow millions to die for want of + food?<br /> Did Christ only have pity when he was part human?<br /> Are we + indebted for his kindness to the flesh that<br /> clothed his spirit? Where + is he now? Where has he<br /> been through all the centuries of slavery and + crime?<br /> If this universe was "designed," then all that<br /> happens + was "designed." If a man constructs an<br /> engine, the boiler of which + explodes, we say either<br /> that he did not know the strength of his + materials, or<br /> that he was reckless of human life. If an infinite + being<br /> should construct a weak or imperfect machine, he must<br /> be + held accountable for all that happens. He cannot<br /> be permitted to say + that he did not know the strength<br /> of the materials. He is directly + and absolutely re-<br /> sponsible. So, if this world was designed by a + being<br /> of infinite power and wisdom, he is responsible for<br /> <br /> + 49<br /> <br /> the result of that design. My position is this: I do<br /> + not know. But there are so many objections to the<br /> personal-God + theory, that it is impossible for me to<br /> accept it. I prefer to say + that the universe is all the<br /> God there is. I prefer to make no being + responsible.<br /> I prefer to say: If the naked are clothed, man<br /> must + clothe them; if the hungry are fed, man must<br /> feed them. I prefer to + rely upon human endeavor,<br /> upon human intelligence, upon the heart and + brain<br /> of man. There is no evidence that God has ever<br /> interfered + in the affairs of man. The hand of earth<br /> is stretched uselessly + toward heaven. From the<br /> clouds there comes no help. In vain the + shipwrecked<br /> cry to God. In vain the imprisoned ask for liberty<br /> + and light—the world moves on, and the heavens are<br /> deaf and dumb + and blind. The frost freezes, the fire<br /> burns, slander smites, the + wrong triumphs, the good<br /> suffer, and prayer dies upon the lips of + faith.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage charges you with being<br /> + "the champion blasphemer of America"—what do<br /> you understand + blasphemy to be?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Blasphemy is an epithet + bestowed by su-<br /> perstition upon common sense. Whoever investi-<br /> + gates a religion as he would any department of<br /> <br /> 50<br /> <br /> + science, is called a blasphemer. Whoever contradicts<br /> a priest, + whoever has the impudence to use his own<br /> reason, whoever is brave + enough to express his<br /> honest thought, is a blasphemer in the eyes of + the<br /> religionist. When a missionary speaks slightingly of<br /> the + wooden god of a savage, the savage regards him<br /> as a blasphemer. To + laugh at the pretensions of<br /> Mohammed in Constantinople is blasphemy. + To say<br /> in St. Petersburg that Mohammed was a prophet of<br /> God is + also blasphemy. There was a time when to<br /> acknowledge the divinity of + Christ in Jerusalem was<br /> blasphemy. To deny his divinity is now + blasphemy<br /> in New York. Blasphemy is to a considerable extent<br /> a + geographical question. It depends not only on what<br /> you say, but where + you are when you say it. Blas-<br /> phemy is what the old calls the new,—what + last<br /> year's leaf says to this year's bud. The founder of<br /> every + religion was a blasphemer. The Jews so re-<br /> garded Christ, and the + Athenians had the same<br /> opinion of Socrates. Catholics have always + looked<br /> upon Protestants as blasphemers, and Protestants have<br /> + always held the same generous opinion of Catholics.<br /> To deny that Mary + is the Mother of God is blas-<br /> phemy. To say that she is the Mother of + God is<br /> blasphemy. Some savages think that a dried snake-<br /> <br /> + 51<br /> <br /> skin stuffed with leaves is sacred, and he who thinks<br /> + otherwise is a blasphemer. It was once blasphemy<br /> to laugh at Diana, + of the Ephesians. Many people<br /> think that it is blasphemous to tell + your real opinion<br /> of the Jewish Jehovah. Others imagine that words<br /> + can be printed upon paper, and the paper bound into<br /> a book covered + with sheepskin, and that the book is<br /> sacred, and that to question its + sacredness is blas-<br /> phemy. Blasphemy is also a crime against God, but<br /> + nothing can be more absurd than a crime against<br /> God. If God is + infinite, you cannot injure him. You<br /> cannot commit a crime against + any being that you<br /> cannot injure. Of course, the infinite cannot be + in-<br /> jured. Man is a conditioned being. By changing<br /> his + conditions, his surroundings, you can injure him;<br /> but if God is + infinite, he is conditionless. If he is<br /> conditionless, he cannot by + any possibility be injured.<br /> You can neither increase, nor decrease, + the well-being<br /> of the infinite. Consequently, a crime against God<br /> + is a demonstrated impossibility. The cry of blasphemy<br /> means only that + the argument of the blasphemer can-<br /> not be answered. The + sleight-of-hand performer,<br /> when some one tries to raise the curtain + behind which<br /> he operates, cries "blasphemer!" The priest, find-<br /> + ing that he has been attacked by common sense,—<br /> <br /> 52<br /> + <br /> by a fact,—resorts to the same cry. Blasphemy is the<br /> + black flag of theology, and it means: No argument<br /> and no quarter! It + is an appeal to prejudice, to<br /> passions, to ignorance. It is the last + resort of a<br /> defeated priest. Blasphemy marks the point where<br /> + argument stops and slander begins. In old times, it<br /> was the signal + for throwing stones, for gathering<br /> fagots and for tearing flesh; now + it means falsehood<br /> and calumny.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then you + think that there is no such<br /> thing as the crime of blasphemy, and that + no such<br /> offence can be committed?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Any one + who knowingly speaks in favor<br /> of injustice is a blasphemer. Whoever + wishes to<br /> destroy liberty of thought,—the honest expression of<br /> + ideas,—is a blasphemer. Whoever is willing to malign<br /> his + neighbor, simply because he differs with him upon<br /> a subject about + which neither of them knows anything<br /> for certain, is a blasphemer. If + a crime can be com-<br /> mitted against God, he commits it who imputes to<br /> + God the commission of crime. The man who says<br /> that God ordered the + assassination of women and<br /> babes, that he gave maidens to satisfy the + lust of<br /> soldiers, that he enslaved his own children,—that man<br /> + <br /> 53<br /> <br /> is a blasphemer. In my judgment, it would be far<br /> + better to deny the existence of God entirely. It<br /> seems to me that + every man ought to give his honest<br /> opinion. No man should suppose + that any infinite<br /> God requires him to tell as truth that which he + knows<br /> nothing about.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage, in order to make a point + against<br /> infidelity, states from his pulpit that I am in favor of<br /> + poisoning the minds of children by the circulation of<br /> immoral books. + The statement is entirely false. He<br /> ought to have known that I + withdrew from the Liberal<br /> League upon the very question whether the + law should<br /> be repealed or modified. I favored a modification<br /> of + that law, so that books and papers could not be<br /> thrown from the mails + simply because they were<br /> "infidel."<br /> <br /> I was and am in favor + of the destruction of<br /> every immoral book in the world. I was and am<br /> + in favor, not only of the law against the circulation<br /> of such filth, + but want it executed to the letter in every<br /> State of this Union. Long + before he made that state-<br /> ment, I had introduced a resolution to + that effect, and<br /> supported the resolution in a speech. Notwithstand-<br /> + ing these facts, hundreds of clergymen have made<br /> haste to tell the + exact opposite of the truth. This<br /> <br /> 54<br /> <br /> they have done + in the name of Christianity, under the<br /> pretence of pleasing their + God. In my judgment, it<br /> is far better to tell your honest opinions, + even upon<br /> the subject of theology, than to knowingly tell a false-<br /> + hood about a fellow-man. Mr. Talmage may have<br /> been ignorant of the + truth. He may have been misled<br /> by other ministers, and for his + benefit I make this ex-<br /> planation. I wanted the laws modified so that + bigotry<br /> could not interfere with the literature of intelligence;<br /> + but I did not want, in any way, to shield the writers or<br /> publishers + of immoral books. Upon this subject I<br /> used, at the last meeting of + the Liberal League that<br /> I attended, the following language:<br /> + <br /> "But there is a distinction wide as the Mississippi,<br /> "yes, + wider than the Atlantic, wider than all oceans,<br /> "between the + literature of immorality and the litera-<br /> "ture of free thought. One + is a crawling, slimy lizard,<br /> "and the other an angel with wings of + light. Let us<br /> "draw this distinction. Let us understand ourselves.<br /> + "Do not make the wholesale statement that all these<br /> "laws ought to be + repealed. They ought not to be<br /> "repealed. Some of them are good, and + the law<br /> "against sending instruments of vice through the<br /> "mails + is good. The law against sending obscene<br /> "pictures and books is good. + The law against send-<br /> <br /> 55<br /> <br /> "ing bogus diplomas through + the mails, to allow a<br /> "lot of ignorant hyenas to prey upon the sick + people<br /> "of the world, is a good law. The law against rascals<br /> + "who are getting up bogus lotteries, and sending their<br /> "circulars in + the mails is a good law. You know, as<br /> "well as I, that there are + certain books not fit to go<br /> "through the mails. You know that. You + know there<br /> "are certain pictures not fit to be transmitted, not fit<br /> + "to be delivered to any human being. When these<br /> "books and pictures + come into the control of the<br /> "United States, I say, burn them up! And + when any<br /> "man has been indicted who has been trying to make<br /> + "money by pandering to the lowest passions in the<br /> "human breast, then + I say, prosecute him! let the<br /> "law take its course."<br /> <br /> I can + hardly convince myself that when Mr.<br /> Talmage made the charge, he was + acquainted with<br /> the facts. It seems incredible that any man, pre-<br /> + tending to be governed by the law of common<br /> honesty, could make a + charge like this knowing<br /> it to be untrue. Under no circumstances, + would<br /> I charge Mr. Talmage with being an infamous<br /> man, unless + the evidence was complete and over-<br /> whelming. Even then, I should + hesitate long before<br /> making the charge. The side I take on + theological<br /> <br /> 56<br /> <br /> questions does not render a resort to + slander or<br /> calumny a necessity. If Mr. Talmage is an honor-<br /> able + man, he will take back the statement he has<br /> made. Even if there is a + God, I hardly think that<br /> he will reward one of his children for + maligning<br /> another; and to one who has told falsehoods about<br /> + "infidels," that having been his only virtue, I doubt<br /> whether he will + say: "Well done good and faithful<br /> "servant."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What have you to say to the charge<br /> that you are endeavoring to + "assassinate God,"<br /> and that you are "far worse than the man who at-<br /> + "tempts to kill his father, or his mother, or his sister,<br /> "or his + brother"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, I think that is about as reason-<br /> + able as anything he says. No one wishes, so far as I<br /> know, to + assassinate God. The idea of assassinating<br /> an infinite being is of + course infinitely absurd. One<br /> would think Mr. Talmage had lost his + reason! And<br /> yet this man stands at the head of the Presbyterian<br /> + clergy. It is for this reason that I answer him. He<br /> is the only + Presbyterian minister in the United<br /> States, so far as I know, able to + draw an audience.<br /> He is, without doubt, the leader of that + denomination.<br /> <br /> 57<br /> <br /> He is orthodox and conservative. He + believes im-<br /> plicitly in the "Five Points" of Calvin, and says<br /> + nothing simply for the purpose of attracting attention.<br /> He believes + that God damns a man for his own glory;<br /> that he sends babes to hell + to establish his mercy,<br /> and that he filled the world with disease and + crime<br /> simply to demonstrate his wisdom. He believes that<br /> + billions of years before the earth was, God had made<br /> up his mind as + to the exact number that he would<br /> eternally damn, and had counted his + saints. This<br /> doctrine he calls "glad tidings of great joy." He<br /> + really believes that every man who is true to himself<br /> is waging war + against God; that every infidel is a<br /> rebel; that every Freethinker is + a traitor, and that<br /> only those are good subjects who have joined the<br /> + Presbyterian Church, know the Shorter Catechism by<br /> heart, and + subscribe liberally toward lifting the mort-<br /> gage on the Brooklyn + Tabernacle. All the rest are<br /> endeavoring to assassinate God, plotting + the murder<br /> of the Holy Ghost, and applauding the Jews for the<br /> + crucifixion of Christ. If Mr. Talmage is correct in<br /> his views as to + the power and wisdom of God, I<br /> imagine that his enemies at last will + be overthrown,<br /> that the assassins and murderers will not succeed, and<br /> + that the Infinite, with Mr. Talmage s assistance, will<br /> <br /> 58<br /> + <br /> finally triumph. If there is an infinite God, certainly<br /> he + ought to have made man grand enough to have<br /> and express an opinion of + his own. Is it possible<br /> that God can be gratified with the applause + of moral<br /> cowards? Does he seek to enhance his glory by<br /> receiving + the adulation of cringing slaves? Is God<br /> satisfied with the adoration + of the frightened?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. You notice that Mr. Talmage + finds<br /> nearly all the inventions of modern times mentioned<br /> in the + Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>: Yes; Mr. Talmage has made an ex-<br /> + ceedingly important discovery. I admit that I am<br /> somewhat amazed at + the wisdom of the ancients.<br /> This discovery has been made just in the + nick of<br /> time. Millions of people were losing their respect<br /> for + the Old Testament. They were beginning to<br /> think that there was some + discrepancy between the<br /> prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel and the + latest devel-<br /> opments in physical science. Thousands of preachers<br /> + were telling their flocks that the Bible is not a<br /> scientific book; + that Joshua was not an inspired as-<br /> tronomer, that God never + enlightened Moses about<br /> geology, and that Ezekiel did not understand + the<br /> entire art of cookery. These admissions caused<br /> <br /> 59<br /> + <br /> some young people to suspect that the Bible, after all,<br /> was not + inspired; that the prophets of antiquity did<br /> not know as much as the + discoverers of to-day. The<br /> Bible was falling into disrepute. Mr. + Talmage has<br /> rushed to the rescue. He shows, and shows conclu-<br /> + sively as anything can be shown from the Bible, that<br /> Job understood + all the laws of light thousands of<br /> years before Newton lived; that he + anticipated the<br /> discoveries of Descartes, Huxley and Tyndall; that<br /> + he was familiar with the telegraph and telephone;<br /> that Morse, Bell + and Edison simply put his discov-<br /> eries in successful operation; that + Nahum was, in<br /> fact, a master-mechanic; that he understood perfectly<br /> + the modern railway and described it so accurately<br /> that Trevethick, + Foster and Stephenson had no diffi-<br /> culty in constructing a + locomotive. He also has<br /> discovered that Job was well acquainted with + the<br /> trade winds, and understood the mysterious currents,<br /> tides + and pulses of the sea; that Lieutenant Maury<br /> was a plagiarist; that + Humboldt was simply a biblical<br /> student. He finds that Isaiah and + Solomon were<br /> far in advance of Galileo, Morse, Meyer and Watt.<br /> + This is a discovery wholly unexpected to me. If<br /> Mr. Talmage is right, + I am satisfied the Bible is an<br /> inspired book. If it shall turn out + that Joshua was<br /> <br /> 60<br /> <br /> superior to Laplace, that Moses + knew more about<br /> geology than Humboldt, that Job as a scientist was<br /> + the superior of Kepler, that Isaiah knew more than<br /> Copernicus, and + that even the minor prophets ex-<br /> celled the inventors and discoverers + of our time—<br /> then I will admit that infidelity must become + speech-<br /> less forever. Until I read this sermon, I had never<br /> even + suspected that the inventions of modern times<br /> were known to the + ancient Jews. I never supposed<br /> that Nahum knew the least thing about + railroads, or<br /> that Job would have known a telegraph if he had seen<br /> + it. I never supposed that Joshua comprehended the<br /> three laws of + Kepler. Of course I have not read<br /> the Old Testament with as much care + as some other<br /> people have, and when I did read it, I was not looking<br /> + for inventions and discoveries. I had been told so<br /> often that the + Bible was no authority upon scientific<br /> questions, that I was lulled + into a state of lethargy.<br /> What is amazing to me is, that so many men + did<br /> read it without getting the slightest hint of the<br /> smallest + invention. To think that the Jews read that<br /> book for hundreds and + hundreds of years, and yet<br /> went to their graves without the slightest + notion of<br /> astronomy, or geology, of railroads, telegraphs, or<br /> + steamboats! And then to think that the early fathers<br /> <br /> 61<br /> + <br /> made it the study of their lives and died without in-<br /> venting + anything! I am astonished that Mr. Talmage<br /> himself does not figure in + the records of the Patent<br /> Office. I cannot account for this, except + upon the<br /> supposition that he is too honest to infringe on the<br /> + patents of the patriarchs. After this, I shall read<br /> the Old Testament + with more care.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you see that Mr. Talmage + endeav-<br /> ors to convict you of great ignorance in not knowing<br /> + that the word translated "rib" should have been<br /> translated "side," + and that Eve, after all, was not<br /> made out of a rib, but out of Adam's + side?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I may have been misled by taking the<br /> + Bible as it is translated. The Bible account is simply<br /> this: "And the + Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall<br /> "upon Adam, and he slept. And he + took one of<br /> "his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof;<br /> + "and the rib which the Lord God had taken from<br /> "man made he a woman, + and brought her unto the<br /> "man. And Adam said: This is now bone of my<br /> + "bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called<br /> "woman, because + she was taken out of man." If<br /> Mr. Talmage is right, then the account + should be as<br /> follows: "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep<br /> + <br /> 62<br /> <br /> "to fall upon Adam, and he slept; and he took one<br /> + "of his sides, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;<br /> "and the side + which the Lord God had taken from<br /> "man made he a woman, and brought + her unto the<br /> "man. And Adam said: This is now side of my<br /> "side, + and flesh of my flesh." I do not see that the<br /> story is made any + better by using the word "side"<br /> instead of "rib." It would be just as + hard for God<br /> to make a woman out of a man's side as out of a<br /> + rib. Mr. Talmage ought not to question the power<br /> of God to make a + woman out of a bone, and he must<br /> recollect that the less the material + the greater the<br /> miracle.<br /> <br /> There are two accounts of the + creation of man,<br /> in Genesis, the first being in the twenty-first + verse<br /> of the first chapter and the second being in the<br /> + twenty-first and twenty-second verses of the sec-<br /> ond chapter.<br /> + <br /> According to the second account, "God formed<br /> "man of the dust + of the ground, and breathed into<br /> "his nostrils the breath of life." + And after this,<br /> "God planted a garden eastward in Eden and put<br /> + "the man" in this garden. After this, "He made<br /> "every tree to grow + that was good for food and<br /> "pleasant to the sight," and, in addition, + "the tree<br /> <br /> 63<br /> <br /> "of life in the midst of the garden," + beside "the tree<br /> "of the knowledge of good and evil." And he "put<br /> + "the man in the garden to dress it and keep it,"<br /> telling him that he + might eat of everything he saw<br /> except of "the tree of the knowledge + of good and<br /> "evil."<br /> <br /> After this, God having noticed that it + "was not<br /> "good for man to be alone, formed out of the ground<br /> + "every beast of the field, every fowl of the air, and<br /> "brought them + to Adam to see what he would call<br /> "them, and Adam gave names to all + cattle, and to<br /> "the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field.<br /> + "But for Adam there was not found an helpmeet for<br /> "him."<br /> <br /> + We are not told how Adam learned the language,<br /> or how he understood + what God said. I can hardly<br /> believe that any man can be created with + the know-<br /> ledge of a language. Education cannot be ready<br /> made + and stuffed into a brain. Each person must<br /> learn a language for + himself. Yet in this account we<br /> find a language ready made for man's + use. And not<br /> only man was enabled to speak, but a serpent also<br /> + has the power of speech, and the woman holds a<br /> conversation with this + animal and with her husband;<br /> and yet no account is given of how any + language was<br /> <br /> 64<br /> <br /> learned. God is described as walking + in the garden<br /> in the cool of the day, speaking like a man—holding<br /> + conversations with the man and woman, and occa-<br /> sionally addressing + the serpent.<br /> <br /> In the nursery rhymes of the world there is<br /> + nothing more childish than this "inspired" account<br /> of the creation of + man and woman.<br /> <br /> The early fathers of the church held that woman<br /> + was inferior to man, because man was not made for<br /> woman, but woman + for man; because Adam was<br /> made first and Eve afterward. They had not + the<br /> gallantry of Robert Burns, who accounted for the<br /> beauty of + woman from the fact that God practiced<br /> on man first, and then gave + woman the benefit of<br /> his experience. Think, in this age of the world,<br /> + of a well-educated, intelligent gentleman telling his<br /> little child + that about six thousand years ago a<br /> mysterious being called God made + the world out of<br /> his "omnipotence;" then made a man out of some<br /> + dust which he is supposed to have moulded into<br /> form; that he put this + man in a garden for the pur-<br /> pose of keeping the trees trimmed; that + after a little<br /> while he noticed that the man seemed lonesome, not<br /> + particularly happy, almost homesick; that then it oc-<br /> curred to this + God, that it would be a good thing for<br /> <br /> 65<br /> <br /> the man to + have some company, somebody to help<br /> him trim the trees, to talk to + him and cheer him up<br /> on rainy days; that, thereupon, this God caused<br /> + a deep sleep to fall on the man, took a knife, or a<br /> long, sharp piece + of "omnipotence," and took out one<br /> of the man's sides, or a rib, and + of that made a<br /> woman; that then this man and woman got along<br /> + real well till a snake got into the garden and induced<br /> the woman to + eat of the tree of the knowledge of<br /> good and evil; that the woman got + the man to take<br /> a bite; that afterwards both of them were detected by<br /> + God, who was walking around in the cool of the<br /> evening, and thereupon + they were turned out of the<br /> garden, lest they should put forth their + hands and eat<br /> of the tree of life, and live forever.<br /> <br /> This + foolish story has been regarded as the sacred,<br /> inspired truth; as an + account substantially written by<br /> God himself; and thousands and + millions of people<br /> have supposed it necessary to believe this + childish<br /> falsehood, in order to save their souls. Nothing<br /> more + laughable can be found in the fairy tales and<br /> folk-lore of savages. + Yet this is defended by the<br /> leading Presbyterian divine, and those + who fail to<br /> believe in the truth of this story are called "brazen<br /> + "faced fools," "deicides," and "blasphemers."<br /> <br /> 66<br /> <br /> By + this story woman in all Christian countries was<br /> degraded. She was + considered too impure to preach<br /> the gospel, too impure to distribute + the sacramental<br /> bread, too impure to hand about the sacred wine,<br /> + too impure to step within the "holy of holies," in the<br /> Catholic + Churches, too impure to be touched by a<br /> priest. Unmarried men were + considered purer than<br /> husbands and fathers. Nuns were regarded as su-<br /> + perior to mothers, a monastery holier than a home, a<br /> nunnery nearer + sacred than the cradle. And through<br /> all these years it has been + thought better to love<br /> God than to love man, better to love God than + to<br /> love your wife and children, better to worship an<br /> imaginary + deity than to help your fellow-men.<br /> <br /> I regard the rights of men + and women equal. In<br /> Love's fair realm, husband and wife are king and<br /> + queen, sceptered and crowned alike, and seated on<br /> the self-same + throne.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you still insist that the Old + Testa-<br /> ment upholds polygamy? Mr. Talmage denies this<br /> charge, + and shows how terribly God punished those<br /> who were not satisfied with + one wife.<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I see nothing in what Mr. Talmage has<br /> + said calculated to change my opinion. It has been<br /> <br /> 67<br /> <br /> + admitted by thousands of theologians that the Old<br /> Testament upholds + polygamy. Mr. Talmage is<br /> among the first to deny it. It will not do + to say that<br /> David was punished for the crime of polygamy<br /> or + concubinage. He was "a man after God's own<br /> "heart." He was made a + king. He was a successful<br /> general, and his blood is said to have + flowed in the<br /> veins of God. Solomon was, according to the ac-<br /> + count, enriched with wisdom above all human beings.<br /> Was that a + punishment for having had so many<br /> wives? Was Abraham pursued by the + justice of<br /> God because of the crime against Hagar, or for the<br /> + crime against his own wife? The verse quoted by<br /> Mr. Talmage to show + that God was opposed to<br /> polygamy, namely, the eighteenth verse of the + eight-<br /> eenth chapter of Leviticus, cannot by any ingenuity<br /> be + tortured into a command against polygamy. The<br /> most that can be + possibly said of it is, that you shall<br /> not marry the sister of your + wife, while your wife is<br /> living. Yet this passage is quoted by Mr. + Talmage<br /> as "a thunder of prohibition against having more<br /> "than + one wife." In the twentieth chapter of<br /> Leviticus it is enacted: "That + if a man take a wife<br /> "and her mother they shall be burned with fire." + A<br /> commandment like this shows that he might take his<br /> <br /> 68<br /> + <br /> wife and somebody else's mother. These passages<br /> have nothing to + do with polygamy. They show<br /> whom you may marry, not how many; and + there is<br /> not in Leviticus a solitary word against polygamy—<br /> + not one. Nor is there such a word in Genesis, nor<br /> Exodus, nor in the + entire Pentateuch—not one<br /> word. These books are filled with the + most minute<br /> directions about killing sheep, and goats and doves;<br /> + about making clothes for priests, about fashioning<br /> tongs and + snuffers; and yet, they contain not one<br /> word against polygamy. It + never occurred to the in-<br /> spired writers that polygamy was a crime. + Polygamy<br /> was accepted as a matter of course. Women were<br /> simple + property.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage, however, insists that, although God<br /> + was against polygamy, he permitted it, and at the<br /> same time threw his + moral influence against it.<br /> Upon this subject he says: "No doubt God + per-<br /> "mitted polygamy to continue for sometime, just<br /> "as he + permits murder and arson, theft and gam-<br /> "bling to-day to continue, + although he is against<br /> "them." If God is the author of the Ten Com-<br /> + mandments, he prohibited murder and theft, but<br /> he said nothing about + polygamy. If he was so<br /> terribly against that crime, why did he forget + to<br /> <br /> 69<br /> <br /> mention it? Was there not room enough on the<br /> + tables of stone for just one word on this subject?<br /> Had he no time to + give a commandment against<br /> slavery? Mr. Talmage of course insists + that God<br /> had to deal with these things gradually, his idea being<br /> + that if God had made a commandment against them all<br /> at once, the Jews + would have had nothing more to do<br /> with him.<br /> <br /> For instance: + if we wanted to break cannibals<br /> of eating missionaries, we should not + tell them all<br /> at once that it was wrong, that it was wicked, to<br /> + eat missionaries raw; we should induce them first<br /> to cook the + missionaries, and gradually wean them<br /> from raw flesh. This would be + the first great step.<br /> We would stew the missionaries, and after a + time<br /> put a little mutton in the stew, not enough to excite<br /> the + suspicion of the cannibal, but just enough to get<br /> him in the habit of + eating mutton without knowing it.<br /> Day after day we would put in more + mutton and less<br /> missionary, until finally, the cannibal would be + perfectly<br /> satisfied with clear mutton. Then we would tell him<br /> + that it was wrong to eat missionary. After the can-<br /> nibal got so that + he liked mutton, and cared nothing<br /> for missionary, then it would be + safe to have a law<br /> upon the subject.<br /> <br /> 70<br /> <br /> Mr. + Talmage insists that polygamy cannot exist<br /> among people who believe + the Bible. In this he is<br /> mistaken. The Mormons all believe the Bible. + There<br /> is not a single polygamist in Utah who does not insist<br /> + upon the inspiration of the Old and New Testaments.<br /> <br /> The Rev. + Mr. Newman, a kind of peripatetic consu-<br /> lar theologian, once had a + discussion, I believe, with<br /> Elder Orson Pratt, at Salt Lake City, + upon the question<br /> of polygamy. It is sufficient to say of this + discussion<br /> that it is now circulated by the Mormons as a campaign<br /> + document. The elder overwhelmed the parson.<br /> Passages of Scripture in + favor of polygamy were<br /> quoted by the hundred. The lives of all the + patriarchs<br /> were brought forward, and poor parson Newman was<br /> + driven from the field. The truth is, the Jews at that<br /> time were much + like our forefathers. They were<br /> barbarians, and many of their laws + were unjust<br /> and cruel. Polygamy was the right of all; practiced,<br /> + as a matter of fact, by the rich and powerful, and the<br /> rich and + powerful were envied by the poor. In such<br /> esteem did the ancient Jews + hold polygamy, that the<br /> number of Solomons wives was given, simply to + en-<br /> hance his glory. My own opinion is, that Solomon<br /> had very + few wives, and that polygamy was not<br /> general in Palestine. The + country was too poor, and<br /> <br /> 71<br /> <br /> Solomon, in all his + glory was hardly able to support<br /> one wife. He was a poor barbarian + king with a<br /> limited revenue, with a poor soil, with a sparse popu-<br /> + lation, without art, without science and without power.<br /> He sustained + about the same relation to other kings<br /> that Delaware does to other + States. Mr. Talmage<br /> says that God persecuted Solomon, and yet, if he + will<br /> turn to the twenty-second chapter of First Chronicles,<br /> he + will find what God promised to Solomon. God,<br /> speaking to David, says: + "Behold a son shall be born<br /> "to thee, who shall be a man of rest, and + I will give him<br /> "rest from his enemies around about; for his name + shall<br /> "be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness<br /> "unto + Israel in his days. He shall build a house in my<br /> "name, and he shall + be my son and I will be his father,<br /> "and I will establish the throne + of his kingdom over<br /> "Israel forever." Did God keep his promise?<br /> + <br /> So he tells us that David was persecuted by<br /> God, on account of + his offences, and yet I find in<br /> the twenty-eighth verse of the + twenty-ninth chapter<br /> of First Chronicles, the following account of + the death<br /> of David: "And he died in a good old age, full of<br /> + "days, riches and honor." Is this true?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What + have you to say to the charge<br /> that you were mistaken in the number of + years that<br /> <br /> 72<br /> <br /> the Hebrews were in Egypt? Mr. Talmage + says that<br /> they were there 430 years, instead of 215 years.<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. If you will read the third chapter of<br /> Galatians, + sixteenth and seventeenth verses, you will<br /> find that it was 430 years + from the time God made the<br /> promise to Abraham to the giving of the + law from<br /> Mount Sinai. The Hebrews did not go to Egypt for<br /> 215 + years after the promise was made to Abraham,<br /> and consequently did not + remain in Egypt more than<br /> 215 years. If Galatians is true, I am + right.<br /> <br /> Strange that Mr. Talmage should belittle the mira-<br /> + cles. The trouble with this defender of the faith is that<br /> he cares + nothing for facts. He makes the strangest<br /> statements, and cares the + least for proof, of any<br /> man I know. I can account for what he says of + me<br /> only upon the supposition that he has not read my<br /> lectures. + He may have been misled by the pirated<br /> editions; Persons have stolen + my lectures, printed the<br /> same ones under various names, and filled + them with<br /> mistakes and things I never said. Mr. C. P. Farrell,<br /> + of Washington, is my only authorized publisher.<br /> Yet Mr. Talmage + prefers to answer the mistakes of<br /> literary thieves, and charge their + ignorance to me.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did you ever attack the + character of<br /> Queen Victoria, or did you draw any parallel between<br /> + <br /> 73<br /> <br /> her and George Eliot, calculated to depreciate the<br /> + reputation of the Queen?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I never said a word + against Victoria.<br /> The fact is, I am not acquainted with her—never + met<br /> her in my life, and know but little of her. I never<br /> happened + to see her "in plain clothes, reading the<br /> "Bible to the poor in the + lane,"—neither did I ever<br /> hear her sing. I most cheerfully + admit that her<br /> reputation is good in the neighborhood where she<br /> + resides. In one of my lectures I drew a parallel<br /> between George Eliot + and Victoria. I was showing<br /> the difference between a woman who had + won her<br /> position in the world of thought, and one who was<br /> queen + by chance. This is what I said:<br /> <br /> "It no longer satisfies the + ambition of a great man<br /> "to be a king or emperor. The last Napoleon + was<br /> "not satisfied with being the Emperor of the French.<br /> "He was + not satisfied with having a circlet of gold<br /> "about his head—he + wanted some evidence that he<br /> "had something of value in his head. So + he wrote<br /> "the life of Julius Cæsar that he might become a<br /> + "member of the French Academy. The emperors,<br /> "the kings, the popes, + no longer tower above their<br /> "fellows. Compare King William with the + philoso-<br /> "pher Hæckel. The king is one of the 'anointed<br /> + <br /> 74<br /> <br /> "'of the Most High'—as they claim—one upon<br /> + "whose head has been poured the divine petroleum<br /> "of authority. + Compare this king with Hæckel, who<br /> "towers an intellectual + Colossus above the crowned<br /> "mediocrity. Compare George Eliot with + Queen<br /> "Victoria. The queen is clothed in garments given<br /> "her by + blind fortune and unreasoning chance, while<br /> "George Eliot wears robes + of glory, woven in the<br /> "loom of her own genius. The world is + beginning<br /> "to pay homage to intellect, to genius, to heart."<br /> I + said not one word against Queen Victoria, and did<br /> not intend to even + intimate that she was not an ex-<br /> cellent woman, wife and mother. I + was simply trying<br /> to show that the world was getting great enough to<br /> + place a genius above an accidental queen. Mr. Tal-<br /> mage, true to the + fawning, cringing spirit of ortho-<br /> doxy, lauds the living queen and + cruelly maligns the<br /> genius dead. He digs open the grave of George + Eliot,<br /> and tries to stain the sacred dust of one who was the<br /> + greatest woman England has produced. He calls her<br /> "an adultress." He + attacks her because she was an<br /> atheist—because she abhorred + Jehovah, denied the<br /> inspiration of the Bible, denied the dogma of + eternal<br /> pain, and with all her heart despised the Presbyterian<br /> + creed. He hates her because she was great and brave<br /> <br /> 75<br /> + <br /> and free—because she lived without "faith" and died<br /> + without fear—because she dared to give her honest<br /> thought, and + grandly bore the taunts and slanders of<br /> the Christian world.<br /> + <br /> George Eliot tenderly carried in her heart the<br /> burdens of our + race. She looked through pity's tears<br /> upon the faults and frailties + of mankind. She knew<br /> the springs and seeds of thought and deed, and + saw,<br /> with cloudless eyes, through all the winding ways of<br /> greed, + ambition and deceit, where folly vainly plucks<br /> with thorn-pierced + hands the fading flowers of selfish<br /> joy—the highway of eternal + right. Whatever her<br /> relations may have been—no matter what I + think, or<br /> others say, or how much all regret the one mistake in<br /> + all her self-denying, loving life—I feel and know that<br /> in the + court where her own conscience sat as judge, she<br /> stood acquitted—pure + as light and stainless as a star.<br /> <br /> How appropriate here, with + some slight change,<br /> the wondrously poetic and pathetic words of + Laertes<br /> at Ophelia's grave:<br /> <br /> <i>Leave her i' the earth;<br /> + And from her fair and unpolluted flesh<br /> May violets spring!<br /> I + tell thee, churlish priest,<br /> A ministering angel shall this woman be,<br /> + When thou liest howling!</i><br /> <br /> I have no words with which to tell + my loathing for<br /> a man who violates a noble woman's grave.<br /> <br /> + 76<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that the spirit in which<br /> + Mr. Talmage reviews your lectures is in accordance<br /> with the teachings + of Christianity?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I think that he talks like a + true Presby-<br /> terian. If you will read the arguments of Calvin<br /> + against the doctrines of Castalio and Servetus, you will<br /> see that Mr. + Talmage follows closely in the footsteps<br /> of the founder of his + church. Castalio was such a<br /> wicked and abandoned wretch, that he + taught the<br /> innocence of honest error. He insisted that God<br /> would + not eternally damn a man for being honestly<br /> mistaken. For the + utterance of such blasphemous<br /> sentiments, abhorrent to every + Christian mind, Calvin<br /> called him "a dog of Satan, and a child of + hell." In<br /> short, he used the usual arguments. Castalio was<br /> + banished, and died in exile. In the case of Servetus,<br /> after all the + epithets had been exhausted, an appeal<br /> was made to the stake, and the + blasphemous wretch<br /> was burned to ashes.<br /> <br /> If you will read + the life of John Knox, you will find<br /> that Mr. Talmage is as orthodox + in his methods of<br /> dealing with infidels, as he is in his creed. In my<br /> + opinion, he would gladly treat unbelievers now, as the<br /> Puritans did + the Quakers, as the Episcopalians did the<br /> Presbyterians, as the + Presbyterians did the Baptists,<br /> <br /> 77<br /> <br /> and as the + Catholics have treated all heretics. Of<br /> course, all these sects will + settle their differences in<br /> heaven. In the next world, they will + laugh at the<br /> crimes they committed in this.<br /> <br /> The course + pursued by Mr. Talmage is consistent.<br /> The pulpit cannot afford to + abandon the weapons of<br /> falsehood and defamation. Candor sows the + seeds of<br /> doubt. Fairness is weakness. The only way to suc-<br /> + cessfully uphold the religion of universal love, is to<br /> denounce all + Freethinkers as blasphemers, adulterers,<br /> and criminals. No matter how + generous they may<br /> appear to be, no matter how fairly they may deal + with<br /> their fellow-men, rest assured that they are actuated<br /> by + the lowest and basest motives. Infidels who out-<br /> wardly live honest + and virtuous lives, are inwardly<br /> vicious, virulent and vile. After + all, morality is only<br /> a veneering. God is not deceived with the + varnish of<br /> good works. We know that the natural man is<br /> totally + depraved, and that until he has been regene-<br /> rated by the spirit of + God, he is utterly incapable of a<br /> good action. The generosity of the + unbeliever is, in<br /> fact, avarice. His honesty is only a form of + larceny.<br /> His love is only hatred. No matter how sincerely<br /> he may + love his wife,—how devoted he may be to<br /> his children,—no + matter how ready he may be 'to<br /> <br /> 78<br /> <br /> sacrifice even his + life for the good of mankind, God,<br /> looking into his very heart, finds + it only a den of<br /> hissing snakes, a lair of wild, ferocious beasts, a + cage<br /> of unclean birds.<br /> <br /> The idea that God will save a man + simply because<br /> he is honest and generous, is almost too preposterous<br /> + for serious refutation. No man should rely upon his<br /> own goodness. He + should plead the virtue of another.<br /> God, in his infinite justice, + damns a good man on his<br /> own merits, and saves a bad man on the merits + of<br /> another. The repentant murderer will be an angel<br /> of light, + while his honest and unoffending victim will<br /> be a fiend in hell.<br /> + <br /> A little while ago, a ship, disabled, was blown about<br /> the + Atlantic for eighty days. Everything had been<br /> eaten. Nothing remained + but bare decks and hunger.<br /> The crew consisted of Captain Kruger and + nine others.<br /> For nine days, nothing had been eaten. The captain,<br /> + taking a revolver in his hand, said: "Mates, some<br /> "one must die for + the rest. I am willing to sacrifice<br /> "myself for you." One of his + comrades grasped his<br /> hand, and implored him to wait one more day. The<br /> + next morning, a sail was seen upon the horizon, and<br /> the dying men + were rescued.<br /> <br /> To an ordinary man,—to one guided by the + light of<br /> <br /> 79<br /> <br /> reason,—it is perfectly clear that + Captain Kruger was<br /> about to do an infinitely generous action. Yet Mr.<br /> + Talmage will tell us that if that captain was not a<br /> Christian, and if + he had sent the bullet crashing<br /> through his brain in order that his + comrades might eat<br /> his body, and live to reach their wives and homes,—<br /> + his soul, from that ship, would have gone, by dark<br /> and tortuous ways, + down to the prison of eternal pain.<br /> <br /> Is it possible that Christ + would eternally damn a<br /> man for doing exactly what Christ would have + done,<br /> had he been infinitely generous, under the same cir-<br /> + cumstances? Is not self-denial in a man as praise-<br /> worthy as in a + God? Should a God be worshiped,<br /> and a man be damned, for the same + action?<br /> <br /> According to Mr. Talmage, every soldier who fought<br /> + for our country in the Revolutionary war, who was<br /> not a Christian, is + now in hell. Every soldier, not a<br /> Christian, who carried the flag of + his country to vic-<br /> tory—either upon the land or sea, in the + war of 1812,<br /> is now in hell. Every soldier, not a Christian, who<br /> + fought for the preservation of this Union,—to break<br /> the chains + of slavery—to free four millions of people<br /> —to keep the + whip from the naked back—every man<br /> who did this—every one + who died at Andersonville<br /> and Libby, dreaming that his death would + help make<br /> <br /> 80<br /> <br /> the lives of others worth living, is + now a lost and<br /> wretched soul. These men are now in the prison of<br /> + God,—a prison in which the cruelties of Libby and<br /> Andersonville + would be regarded as mercies,—in<br /> which famine would be a joy.<br /> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link0005" id="link0005"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>THIRD + INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>Sinner. Is God infinite in wisdom and + power?<br /> <br /> Parson. He is.<br /> <br /> Sinner. Does he at all times + know just what ought<br /> to be done?<br /> <br /> Parson. He does.<br /> + <br /> Sinner. Does he always do just what ought to be<br /> done?<br /> + <br /> Parson. He does.<br /> <br /> Sinner. Why do you pray to him?<br /> + <br /> Parson. Because he is unchangeable.</i><br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + I want to ask you a few questions<br /> about Mr. Talmage's third sermon. + What do<br /> you think of it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I often ask myself + the questions: Is<br /> there anything in the occupation of a minister,—any-<br /> + thing in his surroundings, that makes him incapable<br /> of treating an + opponent fairly, or decently? Is there<br /> anything in the doctrine of + universal forgiveness that<br /> compels a man to speak of one who differs + with him<br /> only in terms of disrespect and hatred? Is it neces-<br /> + sary for those who profess to love the whole world,<br /> to hate the few + they come in actual contact with?<br /> <br /> 84<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage, no + doubt, professes to love all man-<br /> kind,—Jew and Gentile, + Christian and Pagan. No<br /> doubt, he believes in the missionary effort, + and thinks<br /> we should do all in our power to save the soul of the<br /> + most benighted savage; and yet he shows anything<br /> but affection for + the "heathen" at home. He loves<br /> the ones he never saw,—is real + anxious for their wel-<br /> fare,—but for the ones he knows, he + exhibits only<br /> scorn and hatred. In one breath, he tells us that<br /> + Christ loves us, and in the next, that we are "wolves<br /> "and dogs." We + are informed that Christ forgave<br /> even his murderers, but that now he + hates an honest<br /> unbeliever with all his heart. He can forgive the<br /> + ones who drove the nails into his hands and feet,—<br /> the one who + thrust the spear through his quivering<br /> flesh,—but he cannot + forgive the man who entertains<br /> an honest doubt about the "scheme of + salvation."<br /> He regards the man who thinks, as a "mouth-maker<br /> "at + heaven." Is it possible that Christ is less for-<br /> giving in heaven + than he was in Jerusalem? Did he<br /> excuse murderers then, and does he + damn thinkers<br /> now? Once he pitied even thieves; does he now<br /> + abhor an intellectually honest man?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. + Talmage seems to think that you<br /> have no right to give your opinion + about the Bible.<br /> <br /> 85<br /> <br /> Do you think that laymen have + the same right as<br /> ministers to examine the Scriptures?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + If God only made a revelation for<br /> preachers, of course we will have + to depend on the<br /> preachers for information. But the preachers have<br /> + made the mistake of showing the revelation. They<br /> ask us, the laymen, + to read it, and certainly there is<br /> no use of reading it, unless we + are permitted to think<br /> for ourselves while we read. If after reading + the Bible<br /> we believe it to be true, we will say so, if we are<br /> + honest. If we do not believe it, we will say so, if we<br /> are honest.<br /> + <br /> But why should God be so particular about our<br /> believing the + stories in his book? Why should God<br /> object to having his book + examined? We do not<br /> have to call upon legislators, or courts, to + protect<br /> Shakespeare from the derision of mankind. Was not<br /> God + able to write a book that would command the<br /> love and admiration of + the world? If the God of<br /> Mr. Talmage is infinite, he knew exactly how + the<br /> stories of the Old Testament would strike a gentle-<br /> man of + the nineteenth century. He knew that many<br /> would have their doubts,—that + thousands of them—<br /> and I may say most of them,—would + refuse to believe<br /> that a miracle had ever been performed.<br /> <br /> + 86<br /> <br /> Now, it seems to me that he should either have left<br /> the + stories out, or furnished evidence enough to con-<br /> vince the world. + According to Mr. Talmage, thou-<br /> sands of people are pouring over the + Niagara of<br /> unbelief into the gulf of eternal pain. Why does not<br /> + God furnish more evidence? Just in proportion as<br /> man has developed + intellectually, he has demanded<br /> additional testimony. That which + satisfies a barbarian,<br /> excites only the laughter of a civilized man. + Cer-<br /> tainly God should furnish evidence in harmony with<br /> the + spirit of the age. If God wrote his Bible for the<br /> average man, he + should have written it in such a way<br /> that it would have carried + conviction to the brain and<br /> heart of the average man; and he should + have<br /> made no man in such a way that he could not, by any<br /> + possibility, believe it. There certainly should be a<br /> harmony between + the Bible and the human brain. If<br /> I do not believe the Bible, whose + fault is it? Mr.<br /> Talmage insists that his God wrote the Bible for me.<br /> + and made me. If this is true, the book and the man<br /> should agree. + There is no sense in God writing<br /> a book for me and then making me in + such a way that<br /> I cannot believe his book.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + But Mr. Talmage says the reason why<br /> you hate the Bible is, that your + soul is poisoned; that<br /> <br /> 87<br /> <br /> the Bible "throws you into + a rage precisely as pure<br /> "water brings on a paroxysm of hydrophobia."<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Is it because the mind of the infidel is<br /> + poisoned, that he refuses to believe that an infinite<br /> God commanded + the murder of mothers, maidens and<br /> babes? Is it because their minds + are impure, that<br /> they refuse to believe that a good God established<br /> + the institution of human slavery, or that he protected<br /> it when + established? Is it because their minds are<br /> vile, that they refuse to + believe that an infinite God<br /> established or protected polygamy? Is it + a sure<br /> sign of an impure mind, when a man insists that<br /> God never + waged wars of extermination against his<br /> helpless children? Does it + show that a man has<br /> been entirely given over to the devil, because he<br /> + refuses to believe that God ordered a father to sacri-<br /> fice his son? + Does it show that a heart is entirely<br /> without mercy, simply because a + man denies the<br /> justice of eternal pain?<br /> <br /> I denounce many + parts of the Old Testament<br /> because they are infinitely repugnant to + my sense<br /> of justice,—because they are bloody, brutal and in-<br /> + famous,—because they uphold crime and destroy<br /> human liberty. It + is impossible for me to imagine<br /> a greater monster than the God of the + Old Testa-<br /> <br /> 88<br /> <br /> ment. He is unworthy of my worship. He + com-<br /> mands only my detestation, my execration, and my<br /> passionate + hatred. The God who commanded the<br /> murder of children is an infamous + fiend. The God<br /> who believed in polygamy, is worthy only of con-<br /> + tempt. The God who established slavery should be<br /> hated by every free + man. The Jehovah of the Jews<br /> was simply a barbarian, and the Old + Testament is<br /> mostly the barbarous record of a barbarous people.<br /> + <br /> If the Jehovah of the Jews is the real God, I do<br /> not wish to be + his friend. From him I neither ask,<br /> nor expect, nor would I be + willing to receive, even an<br /> eternity of joy. According to the Old + Testament,<br /> he established a government,—a political state,—and<br /> + yet, no civilized country to-day would re-enact these<br /> laws of God.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of the explanation<br /> given by + Mr. Talmage of the stopping of the sun and<br /> moon in the time of + Joshua, in order that a battle<br /> might be completed?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Of course, if there is an infinite God,<br /> he could have stopped the sun + and moon. No one<br /> pretends to prescribe limits to the power of the<br /> + infinite. Even admitting that such a being existed,<br /> the question + whether he did stop the sun and moon,<br /> <br /> 89<br /> <br /> or not, + still remains. According to the account, these<br /> planets were stopped, + in order that Joshua might con-<br /> tinue the pursuit of a routed enemy. + I take it for<br /> granted that a being of infinite wisdom would not<br /> + waste any force,—that he would not throw away any<br /> + "omnipotence," and that, under ordinary circum-<br /> stances, he would + husband his resources. I find that<br /> this spirit exists, at least in + embryo, in Mr. Talmage.<br /> He proceeds to explain this miracle. He does + not<br /> assert that the earth was stopped on its axis, but sug-<br /> + gests "refraction" as a way out of the difficulty. Now,<br /> while the + stopping of the earth on its axis accounts for<br /> the sun remaining in + the same relative position, it does<br /> not account for the stoppage of + the moon. The moon<br /> has a motion of its own, and even if the earth had + been<br /> stopped in its rotary motion, the moon would have gone<br /> on. + The Bible tells us that the moon was stopped. One<br /> would suppose that + the sun would have given sufficient<br /> light for all practical purposes. + Will Mr. Talmage be<br /> kind enough to explain the stoppage of the moon?<br /> + Every one knows that the moon is somewhat obscure<br /> when the sun is in + the midst of the heavens. The moon<br /> when compared with the sun at such + a time, is much<br /> like one of the discourses of Mr. Talmage side by + side<br /> with a chapter from Humboldt;—it is useless.<br /> <br /> 90<br /> + <br /> In the same chapter in which the account of the<br /> stoppage of the + sun and moon is given, we find that<br /> God cast down from heaven great + hailstones on<br /> Joshua's enemies. Did he get out of hailstones?<br /> + Had he no "omnipotence" left? Was it necessary<br /> for him to stop the + sun and moon and depend entirely<br /> upon the efforts of Joshua? Would + not the force<br /> employed in stopping the rotary motion of the earth<br /> + have been sufficient to destroy the enemy? Would<br /> not a millionth part + of the force necessary to stop the<br /> moon, have pierced the enemy's + centre, and rolled up<br /> both his flanks? A resort to lightning would + have<br /> been, in my judgment, much more economical and<br /> rather more + effective. If he had simply opened the<br /> earth, and swallowed them, as + he did Korah and his<br /> company, it would have been a vast saving of<br /> + "omnipotent" muscle. Yet, the foremost orthodox<br /> minister of the + Presbyterian Church,—the one who<br /> calls all unbelievers "wolves + and dogs," and "brazen<br /> "fools," in his effort to account for this + miracle, is<br /> driven to the subterfuge of an "optical illusion."<br /> + We are seriously informed that "God probably<br /> "changed the nature of + the air," and performed this<br /> feat of ledgerdemain through the + instrumentality of<br /> "refraction." It seems to me it would have been + fully<br /> <br /> 91<br /> <br /> as easy to have changed the nature of the + air breathed<br /> by the enemy, so that it would not have supported<br /> + life. He could have accomplished this by changing<br /> only a little air, + in that vicinity; whereas, according<br /> to the Talmagian view, he + changed the atmosphere<br /> of the world. Or, a small "local flood" might + have<br /> done the work. The optical illusion and refraction<br /> view, + ingenious as it may appear, was not original<br /> with Mr. Talmage. The + Rev. Henry M. Morey, of<br /> South Bend, Indiana, used, upon this subject, + the fol-<br /> lowing language; "The phenomenon was simply<br /> "optical. + The rotary motion of the earth was not<br /> "disturbed, but the light of + the sun was prolonged by<br /> "the same laws of refraction and reflection + by which<br /> "the sun now appears to be above the horizon when<br /> "it + is really below. The medium through which the<br /> "sun's rays passed, + might have been miraculously<br /> "influenced so as to have caused the sun + to linger<br /> "above the horizon long after its usual time for dis-<br /> + "appearance."<br /> <br /> I pronounce the opinion of Mr. Morey to be the<br /> + ripest product of Christian scholarship. According to<br /> the + Morey-Talmage view, the sun lingered somewhat<br /> above the horizon. But + this is inconsistent with the<br /> Bible account. We are not told in the + Scriptures that<br /> <br /> 92<br /> <br /> the sun "lingered above the + horizon," but that it "stood<br /> "still in the midst of heaven for about + a whole day."<br /> The trouble about the optical-illusion view is, that it<br /> + makes the day too long. If the air was miraculously<br /> changed, so that + it refracted the rays of the sun, while<br /> the earth turned over as + usual for about a whole day,<br /> then, at the end of that time, the sun + must have been<br /> again visible in the east. It would then naturally<br /> + shine twelve hours more, so that this miraculous day<br /> must have been + at least thirty-six hours in length.<br /> There were first twelve hours of + natural light, then<br /> twelve hours of refracted and reflected light, + and then<br /> twelve hours more of natural light. This makes the<br /> day + too long. So, I say to Mr. Talmage, as I said to<br /> Mr. Morey: If you + will depend a little less on<br /> refraction, and a little more on + reflection, you will see<br /> that the whole story is a barbaric myth and + foolish<br /> fable.<br /> <br /> For my part, I do not see why God should be<br /> + pleased to have me believe a story of this character.<br /> I can hardly + think that there is great joy in heaven<br /> over another falsehood + swallowed. I can imagine<br /> that a man may deny this story, and still be + an excel-<br /> lent citizen, a good father, an obliging neighbor, and<br /> + in all respects a just and truthful man. I can also<br /> <br /> 93<br /> + <br /> imagine that a man may believe this story, and yet<br /> assassinate + a President of the United States.<br /> <br /> I am afraid that Mr. Talmage + is beginning to be<br /> touched, in spite of himself, with some new ideas. + He<br /> tells us that worlds are born and that worlds die.<br /> This is + not exactly the Bible view. You would think<br /> that he imagined that a + world was naturally pro-<br /> duced,—that the aggregation of atoms + was natural,<br /> and that disintegration came to worlds, as to men,<br /> + through old age. Yet this is not the Bible view.<br /> According to the + Bible, these worlds were not born,—<br /> they were created out of + "nothing," or out of<br /> "omnipotence," which is much the same. According<br /> + to the Bible, it took this infinite God six days to make<br /> this atom + called earth; and according to the account,<br /> he did not work nights,—he + worked from the morn-<br /> ings to the evenings,—and I suppose + rested nights,<br /> as he has since that time on Sundays.<br /> <br /> + Admitting that the battle which Joshua fought<br /> was exceedingly + important—which I do not think—<br /> is it not a little + strange that this God, in all subse-<br /> quent battles of the world's + history, of which we<br /> know anything, has maintained the strictest neu-<br /> + trality? The earth turned as usual at Yorktown,<br /> and at Gettysburg the + moon pursued her usual<br /> <br /> 94<br /> <br /> course; and so far as I + know, neither at Waterloo<br /> nor at Sedan were there any peculiar freaks + of "re-<br /> "fraction" or "reflection."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. + Talmage tells us that there was in<br /> the early part of this century a + dark day, when<br /> workmen went home from their fields, and legis-<br /> + latures and courts adjourned, and that the darkness<br /> of that day has + not yet been explained. What is<br /> your opinion about that?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. My opinion is, that if at that time we<br /> had been at war + with England, and a battle had<br /> been commenced in the morning, and in + the after-<br /> noon the American forces had been driven from their<br /> + position and were hard pressed by the enemy, and<br /> if the day had + become suddenly dark, and so dark<br /> that the Americans were thereby + enabled to escape,<br /> thousands of theologians of the calibre of Mr. + Tal-<br /> mage would have honestly believed that there had<br /> been an + interposition of divine Providence. No<br /> battle was fought that day, + and consequently, even<br /> the ministers are looking for natural causes. + In<br /> olden times, when the heavens were visited by<br /> comets, war, + pestilence and famine were predicted.<br /> If wars came, the prediction + was remembered; if<br /> <br /> 95<br /> <br /> nothing happened, it was + forgotten. When eclipses<br /> visited the sun and moon, the barbarian fell + upon his<br /> knees, and accounted for the phenomena by the<br /> + wickedness of his neighbor. Mr. Talmage tells us<br /> that his father was + terrified by the meteoric shower<br /> that visited our earth in 1833. The + terror of the<br /> father may account for the credulity of the son.<br /> + Astronomers will be surprised to read the declaration<br /> of Mr. Talmage + that the meteoric shower has never<br /> been explained. Meteors visit the + earth every year<br /> of its life, and in a certain portion of the orbit + they<br /> are always expected, and they always come. Mr.<br /> Newcomb has + written a work on astronomy that<br /> all ministers ought to read.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage also charges you with<br /> "making + light of holy things," and seems to be aston-<br /> ished that you should + ridicule the anointing oil of<br /> Aaron?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I find + that the God who had no time to<br /> say anything on the subject of + slavery, and who found<br /> no room upon the tables of stone to say a word<br /> + against polygamy, and in favor of the rights of<br /> woman, wife and + mother, took time to give a recipe<br /> for making hair oil. And in order + that the priests<br /> <br /> 96<br /> <br /> might have the exclusive right + to manufacture this oil,<br /> decreed the penalty of death on all who + should<br /> infringe. I admit that I am incapable of seeing the<br /> + beauty of this symbol. Neither could I ever see the<br /> necessity of + Masons putting oil on the corner-stone<br /> of a building. Of course, I do + not know the exact<br /> chemical effect that oil has on stone, and I see + no harm<br /> in laughing at such a ceremony. If the oil does good,<br /> + the laughter will do no harm; and if the oil will do no<br /> harm, the + laughter will do no good. Personally, I am<br /> willing that Masons should + put oil on all stones; but,<br /> if Masons should insist that I must + believe in the effi-<br /> cacy of the ceremony, or be eternally damned, I<br /> + would have about the same feeling toward the<br /> Masons that I now have + toward Mr. Talmage. I<br /> presume that at one time the putting of oil on + a<br /> corner-stone had some meaning; but that it ever did<br /> any good, + no sensible man will insist. It is a custom<br /> to break a bottle of + champagne over the bow of<br /> a newly-launched ship, but I have never + considered<br /> this ceremony important to the commercial interests<br /> + of the world.<br /> <br /> I have the same opinion about putting oil on<br /> + stones, as about putting water on heads. For my<br /> part, I see no good + in the rite of baptism. Still, it<br /> <br /> 97<br /> <br /> may do no harm, + unless people are immersed during<br /> cold weather. Neither have I the + slightest objection<br /> to the baptism of anybody; but if people tell me + that<br /> I must be baptized or suffer eternal agony, then I deny<br /> it. + If they say that baptism does any earthly good, I<br /> deny it. No one + objects to any harmless ceremony;<br /> but the moment it is insisted that + a ceremony is neces-<br /> sary, the reason of which no man can see, then + the<br /> practice of the ceremony becomes hurtful, for the<br /> reason + that it is maintained only at the expense of<br /> intelligence and + manhood.<br /> <br /> It is hurtful for people to imagine that they can<br /> + please God by any ceremony whatever. If there is<br /> any God, there is + only one way to please him, and<br /> that is, by a conscientious discharge + of your obliga-<br /> tions to your fellow-men. Millions of people imagine<br /> + that they can please God by wearing certain kinds<br /> of cloth. Think of + a God who can be pleased with<br /> a coat of a certain cut! Others, to + earn a smile of<br /> heaven, shave their heads, or trim their beards, or<br /> + perforate their ears or lips or noses. Others maim<br /> and mutilate their + bodies. Others think to please<br /> God by simply shutting their eyes, by + swinging<br /> censers, by lighting candles, by repeating poor Latin,<br /> + by making a sign of the cross with holy water, by<br /> <br /> 98<br /> <br /> + ringing bells, by going without meat, by eating fish,<br /> by getting + hungry, by counting beads, by making<br /> themselves miserable Sundays, by + looking solemn,<br /> by refusing to marry, by hearing sermons; and<br /> + others imagine that they can please God by calumni-<br /> ating + unbelievers.<br /> <br /> There is an old story of an Irishman who, when<br /> + dying, sent for a priest. The reputation of the<br /> dying man was so + perfectly miserable, that the priest<br /> refused to administer the rite + of extreme unction.<br /> The priest therefore asked him if he could + recollect<br /> any decent action that he had ever done. The dying<br /> man + said that he could not. "Very well," said the<br /> priest, "then you will + have to be damned." In a<br /> moment, the pinched and pale face + brightened, and<br /> he said to the priest: "I have thought of one good<br /> + "action." "What is it?" asked the priest. And the<br /> dying man said, + "Once I killed a gauger."<br /> <br /> I suppose that in the next world some + ministers,<br /> driven to extremes, may reply: "Once I told a lie<br /> + "about an infidel."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. You see that Mr. Talmage + still sticks to<br /> the whale and Jonah story. What do you think of<br /> + his argument, or of his explanation, rather, of that<br /> miracle?<br /> + <br /> 99<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The edge of his orthodoxy seems to be<br /> + crumbling. He tells us that "there is in the mouth<br /> "of the common + whale a cavity large enough for a<br /> "man to live in without descent + into his stomach,"—<br /> and yet Christ says, that Jonah was in the + whale's<br /> belly, not in his mouth. But why should Mr. Tal-<br /> mage + say that? We are told in the sacred account<br /> that "God prepared a + great fish" for the sole pur-<br /> pose of having Jonah swallowed. The + size of the<br /> present whale has nothing to do with the story. No<br /> + matter whether the throat of the whale of to-day is<br /> large or small,—that + has nothing to do with it. The<br /> simple story is, that God prepared a + fish and had<br /> Jonah swallowed. And yet Mr. Talmage throws out<br /> the + suggestion that probably this whale held Jonah<br /> in his mouth for three + days and nights. I admit that<br /> Jonah's chance for air would have been + a little better<br /> in his mouth, and his chance for water a little + worse.<br /> Probably the whale that swallowed Jonah was the<br /> same fish + spoken of by Procopius,—both accounts<br /> being entitled, in my + judgment, to equal credence.<br /> I am a little surprised that Mr. Talmage + forgot<br /> to mention the fish spoken of by Munchausen—an<br /> + equally reliable author,—and who has given, not<br /> simply the bald + fact that a fish swallowed a ship, but<br /> <br /> 100<br /> <br /> was good + enough to furnish the details. Mr. Talmage<br /> should remember that out + of Jonah's biography<br /> grew the habit of calling any remarkable lie, "a + fish<br /> "story." There is one thing that Mr. Talmage<br /> should not + forget; and that is, that miracles should<br /> not be explained. Miracles + are told simply to be<br /> believed, not to be understood.<br /> <br /> + Somebody suggested to Mr. Talmage that, in<br /> all probability, a person + in the stomach of a whale<br /> would be digested in less than three days. + Mr. Tal-<br /> mage, again showing his lack of confidence in God,<br /> + refusing to believe that God could change the nature<br /> of gastric + juice,—having no opportunity to rely<br /> upon "refraction or + reflection," frankly admits that<br /> Jonah had to save himself by keeping + on the<br /> constant go and jump. This gastric-juice theory of<br /> Mr. + Talmage is an abandonment of his mouth hy-<br /> pothesis. I do not wonder + that Mr. Talmage thought<br /> of the mouth theory. Possibly, the two + theories had<br /> better be united—so that we may say that Jonah,<br /> + when he got tired of the activity necessary to<br /> avoid the gastric + juice, could have strolled into<br /> the mouth for a rest. What a picture! + Jonah<br /> sitting on the edge of the lower jaw, wiping the<br /> + perspiration and the gastric juice from his anxious<br /> <br /> 101<br /> + <br /> face, and vainly looking through the open mouth<br /> for signs of + land!<br /> <br /> In this story of Jonah, we are told that "the Lord<br /> + "spake unto the fish." In what language? It must<br /> be remembered that + this fish was only a few hours<br /> old. He had been prepared during the + storm, for<br /> the sole purpose of swallowing Jonah. He was a<br /> fish + of exceedingly limited experience. He had no<br /> hereditary knowledge, + because he did not spring<br /> from ancestors; consequently, he had no + instincts.<br /> Would such a fish understand any language? It<br /> may be + contended that the fish, having been made<br /> for the occasion, was given + a sufficient knowledge<br /> of language to understand an ordinary command-<br /> + ment; but, if Mr. Talmage is right, I think an order<br /> to the fish + would have been entirely unnecessary.<br /> When we take into consideration + that a thing the<br /> size of a man had been promenading up and down<br /> + the stomach of this fish for three days and three<br /> nights, + successfully baffling the efforts of gastric<br /> juice, we can readily + believe that the fish was as<br /> anxious to have Jonah go, as Jonah was + to leave.<br /> <br /> But the whale part is, after all, not the most won-<br /> + derful portion of the book of Jonah. According to<br /> this wonderful + account, "the word of the Lord came<br /> <br /> 102<br /> <br /> "to Jonah," + telling him to "go and cry against the<br /> "city of Nineveh;" but Jonah, + instead of going,<br /> endeavored to evade the Lord by taking ship for<br /> + Tarshish. As soon as the Lord heard of this, he<br /> "sent out a great + wind into the sea," and frightened<br /> the sailors to that extent that + after assuring them-<br /> selves, by casting lots, that Jonah was the man, + they<br /> threw him into the sea. After escaping from the<br /> whale, he + went to Nineveh, and delivered his pre-<br /> tended message from God. In + consequence of his<br /> message, Jonah having no credentials from God,—<br /> + nothing certifying to his official character, the King<br /> of Nineveh + covered himself with sack-cloth and sat<br /> down in some ashes. He then + caused a decree to<br /> be issued that every man and beast should abstain<br /> + from food and water; and further, that every man and<br /> beast should be + covered with sack-cloth. This was<br /> done in the hope that Jonah's God + would repent, and<br /> turn away his fierce anger. When we take into con-<br /> + sideration the fact that the people of Nineveh were<br /> not Hebrews, and + had not the slightest confidence in<br /> the God of the Jews—knew no + more of, and cared no<br /> more for, Jehovah than we now care for Jupiter, + or<br /> Neptune; the effect produced by the proclamation of<br /> Jonah is, + to say the least of it, almost incredible.<br /> <br /> 103<br /> <br /> We + are also informed, in this book, that the<br /> moment God saw all the + people sitting in the ashes,<br /> and all the animals covered with + sack-cloth, he<br /> repented. This failure on the part of God to destroy<br /> + the unbelievers displeased Jonah exceedingly, and<br /> he was very angry. + Jonah was much like the<br /> modern minister, who seems always to be + personally<br /> aggrieved if the pestilence and famine prophesied by<br /> + him do not come. Jonah was displeased to that<br /> degree, that he asked + God to kill him. Jonah then<br /> went out of the city, even after God had + repented,<br /> made him a booth and sat under it, in the shade,<br /> + waiting to see what would become of the city. God<br /> then "prepared a + gourd, and made it to come up<br /> "over Jonah that it might be a shadow + over his<br /> "head to deliver him from his grief." And then we<br /> have + this pathetic line: "So Jonah was exceedingly<br /> "glad of the gourd."<br /> + <br /> God having prepared a fish, and also prepared<br /> a gourd, proposed + next morning to prepare a worm.<br /> And when the sun rose next day, the + worm that<br /> God had prepared, "smote the gourd, so that<br /> "it + withered." I can hardly believe that an in-<br /> finite being prepared a + worm to smite a gourd<br /> so that it withered, in order to keep the sun + from<br /> <br /> 104<br /> <br /> the bald head of a prophet. According to + the<br /> account, after sunrise, and after the worm had<br /> smitten the + gourd, "God prepared a vehement east<br /> "wind." This was not an ordinary + wind, but one<br /> prepared expressly for that occasion. After the wind<br /> + had been prepared, "the sun beat upon the head of<br /> "Jonah, and he + fainted, and wished in himself to<br /> "die." All this was done in order + to convince<br /> Jonah that a man who would deplore the loss of a<br /> + gourd, ought not to wish for the destruction of a city.<br /> <br /> Is it + possible for any intelligent man now to<br /> believe that the history of + Jonah is literally true?<br /> For my part, I cannot see the necessity + either of<br /> believing it, or of preaching it. It has nothing to do<br /> + with honesty, with mercy, or with morality. The<br /> bad may believe it, + and the good may hold it in<br /> contempt. I do not see that civilization + has the<br /> slightest interest in the fish, the gourd, the worm, or<br /> + the vehement east wind.<br /> <br /> Does Mr. Talmage think that it is + absolutely neces-<br /> sary to believe <i>all</i> the story? Does he not + think it<br /> probable that a God of infinite mercy, rather than<br /> damn + the soul of an honest man to hell forever, would<br /> waive, for instance, + the worm,—provided he believed<br /> in the vehement east wind, the + gourd and the fish?<br /> <br /> 105<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage, by insisting on + the literal truth of<br /> the Bible stories, is doing Christianity great + harm.<br /> Thousands of young men will say: "I can't become<br /> "a + Christian if it is necessary to believe the adven-<br /> "tures of Jonah." + Mr. Talmage will put into the<br /> paths of multitudes of people willing + to do right,<br /> anxious to make the world a little better than it is,—<br /> + this stumbling block. He could have explained it,<br /> called it an + allegory, poetical license, a child of the<br /> oriental imagination, a + symbol, a parable, a poem, a<br /> dream, a legend, a myth, a divine + figure, or a great<br /> truth wrapped in the rags and shreds and patches + of<br /> seeming falsehood. His efforts to belittle the miracle,<br /> to + suggest the mouth instead of the stomach,—to<br /> suggest that Jonah + took deck passage, or lodged in<br /> the forecastle instead of in the + cabin or steerage,—<br /> to suggest motion as a means of avoiding + digestion,<br /> is a serious theological blunder, and may cause the<br /> + loss of many souls.<br /> <br /> If Mr. Talmage will consult with other + ministers,<br /> they will tell him to let this story alone—that he + will<br /> simply "provoke investigation and discussion"—two<br /> + things to be avoided. They will tell him that they<br /> are not willing + their salary should hang on so slender<br /> a thread, and will advise him + not to bother his gourd<br /> <br /> 106<br /> <br /> about Jonah's. They will + also tell him that in this<br /> age of the world, arguments cannot be + answered by<br /> "a vehement east wind."<br /> <br /> Some people will think + that it would have been<br /> just as easy for God to have pulled the gourd + up, as<br /> to have prepared a worm to bite it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Mr. Talmage charges that you have<br /> said there are indecencies in the + Bible. Are you<br /> still of that opinion?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Mr. + Talmage endeavors to evade the<br /> charge, by saying that "there are + things in the Bible<br /> "not intended to be read, either in the family + circle,<br /> "or in the pulpit, but nevertheless they are to be<br /> + "read." My own judgment is, that an infinite being<br /> should not inspire + the writing of indecent things.<br /> It will not do to say, that the Bible + description of sin<br /> "warns and saves." There is nothing in the history<br /> + of Tamar calculated to "warn and save and the<br /> same may be said of + many other passages in the<br /> Old Testament. Most Christians would be + glad<br /> to know that all such passages are interpolations.<br /> I regret + that Shakespeare ever wrote a line that<br /> could not be read any where, + and by any person.<br /> But Shakespeare, great as he was, did not rise en-<br /> + <br /> 107<br /> <br /> tirely above his time. So of most poets. Nearly all<br /> + have stained their pages with some vulgarity; and I<br /> am sorry for it, + and hope the time will come when<br /> we shall have an edition of all the + great writers and<br /> poets from which every such passage is elimi-<br /> + nated.<br /> <br /> It is with the Bible as with most other books. It<br /> + is a mingling of good and bad. There are many<br /> exquisite passages in + the Bible,—many good laws,—<br /> many wise sayings,—and + there are many passages<br /> that should never have been written. I do not + pro-<br /> pose to throw away the good on account of the<br /> bad, neither + do I propose to accept the bad on<br /> account of the good. The Bible need + not be taken<br /> as an entirety. It is the business of every man who<br /> + reads it, to discriminate between that which is good<br /> and that which + is bad. There are also many passages<br /> neither good nor bad,—wholly + and totally indifferent<br /> —conveying 110 information—utterly + destitute of<br /> ideas,—and as to these passages, my only objection<br /> + to them is that they waste time and paper.<br /> <br /> I am in favor of + every passage in the Bible that<br /> conveys information. I am in favor of + every wise<br /> proverb, of every verse coming from human ex-<br /> + perience and that appeals to the heart of man. I am<br /> <br /> 108<br /> + <br /> in favor of every passage that inculcates justice,<br /> generosity, + purity, and mercy. I am satisfied that<br /> much of the historical part is + false. Some of it<br /> is probably true. Let us have the courage to take<br /> + the true, and throw the false away. I am satisfied<br /> that many of the + passages are barbaric, and many of<br /> them are good. Let us have the + wisdom to accept<br /> the good and to reject the barbaric.<br /> <br /> No + system of religion should go in partnership<br /> with barbarism. Neither + should any Christian feel<br /> it his duty to defend the savagery of the + past. The<br /> philosophy of Christ must stand independently of the<br /> + mistakes of the Old Testament. We should do jus-<br /> tice whether a woman + was made from a rib or from<br /> "omnipotence." We should be merciful + whether<br /> the flood was general, or local. We should be kind<br /> and + obliging whether Jonah was swallowed by a fish<br /> or not. The miraculous + has nothing to do with the<br /> moral. Intelligence is of more value than + inspiration.<br /> Brain is better than Bible. Reason is above all<br /> + religion. I do not believe that any civilized human<br /> being clings to + the Bible on account of its barbaric<br /> passages. I am candid enough to + believe that every<br /> Christian in the world would think more of the + Bible,<br /> if it had not upheld slavery, if it had denounced<br /> <br /> + 109<br /> <br /> polygamy, if it had cried out against wars of exter-<br /> + mination, if it had spared women and babes, if it had<br /> upheld + everywhere, and at all times, the standard of<br /> justice and mercy. But + when it is claimed that the<br /> book is perfect, that it is inspired, + that it is, in fact,<br /> the work of an infinitely wise and good God,—then<br /> + it should be without a defect. There should not be<br /> within its lids an + impure word; it should not express<br /> an impure thought. There should + not be one word<br /> in favor of injustice, not one word in favor of + slavery,<br /> not one word in favor of wars of extermination.<br /> There + must be another revision of the Scriptures.<br /> The chaff must be thrown + away. The dross must<br /> be rejected; and only that be retained which is + in<br /> exact harmony with the brain and heart of the<br /> greatest and + the best.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage charges you with unfair-<br /> + ness, because you account for the death of art in<br /> Palestine, by the + commandment which forbids the<br /> making of graven images.<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + I have said that that commandment was<br /> the death of art, and I say so + still. I insist that by<br /> reason of that commandment, Palestine + produced no<br /> painter and no sculptor until after the destruction of<br /> + <br /> 110<br /> <br /> Jerusalem. Mr. Talmage, in order to answer that<br /> + statement, goes on to show that hundreds and thou-<br /> sands of pictures + were produced in the Middle Ages.<br /> That is a departure in pleading. + Will he give us the<br /> names of the painters that existed in Palestine + from<br /> Mount Sinai to the destruction of the temple? Will<br /> he give + us the names of the sculptors between those<br /> times? Mohammed + prohibited his followers from<br /> making any representation of human or + animal life,<br /> and as a result, Mohammedans have never produced<br /> a + painter nor a sculptor, except in the portrayal and<br /> chiseling of + vegetable forms. They were confined<br /> to trees and vines, and flowers. + No Mohammedan<br /> has portrayed the human face or form. But the<br /> + commandment of Jehovah went farther than that of<br /> Momammed, and + prevented portraying the image of<br /> anything. The assassination of art + was complete.<br /> <br /> There is another thing that should not be + forgotten.<br /> <br /> We are indebted for the encouragement of<br /> art, + not to the Protestant Church; if indebted to any,<br /> it is to the + Catholic. The Catholic adorned the cathedral<br /> <br /> with painting and + statue—not the Protestant.<br /> The Protestants opposed music and + painting, and<br /> refused to decorate their temples. But if Mr. Tal-<br /> + mage wishes to know to whom we are indebted for<br /> <br /> 111<br /> <br /> + art, let him read the mythology of Greece and Rome.<br /> The early + Christians destroyed paintings and statues.<br /> They were the enemies of + all beauty. They hated<br /> and detested every expression of art. They + looked<br /> upon the love of statues as a form of idolatry. They<br /> + looked upon every painting as a remnant of Pagan-<br /> ism. They destroyed + all upon which they could lay<br /> their ignorant hands. Hundred of years + afterwards,<br /> the world was compelled to search for the fragments<br /> + that Christian fury had left. The Greeks filled the<br /> world with + beauty. For every stream and mountain<br /> and cataract they had a god or + goddess. Their<br /> sculptors impersonated every dream and hope, and<br /> + their mythology feeds, to-day, the imagination of<br /> mankind. The Venus + de Milo is the impersonation<br /> of beauty, in ruin—the sublimest + fragment of the<br /> ancient world. Our mythology is infinitely unpoetic<br /> + and barren—our deity an old bachelor from eternity,<br /> who once + believed in indiscriminate massacre. Upon<br /> the throne of our heaven, + woman finds no place.<br /> Our mythology is destitute of the maternal.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage denies your statement<br /> that the Old + Testament humiliates woman. He also<br /> denies that the New Testament + says anything<br /> against woman. How is it?<br /> <br /> 112<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Of course, I never considered a book up-<br /> holding polygamy to be the + friend of woman. Eve,<br /> according to that book, is the mother of us + all, and<br /> yet the inspired writer does not tell us how long she<br /> + lived,—does not even mention her death,—makes<br /> not the + slightest reference as to what finally became<br /> of her. Methuselah + lived nine hundred and sixty-<br /> nine years, and yet, there is not the + slightest mention<br /> made of Mrs. Methuselah. Enoch was translated,<br /> + and his widow is not mentioned. There is not a<br /> word about Mrs. Seth, + or Mrs. Enos, or Mrs. Cainan,<br /> or Mrs. Mahalaleel, or Mrs. Jared. We + do not<br /> know the name of Mrs. Noah, and I believe not the<br /> name of + a solitary woman is given from the creation<br /> of Eve—with the + exception of two of Lamech's<br /> wives—until Sarai is mentioned as + being the wife<br /> of Abram.<br /> <br /> If you wish really to know the + Bible estimation of<br /> woman, turn to the fourth and fifth verses of the<br /> + twelfth chapter of Leviticus, in which a woman, for<br /> the crime of + having borne a son, is unfit to touch a<br /> hallowed thing, or to come in + the holy sanctuary for<br /> thirty-three days; but if a woman was the + mother<br /> of a girl, then she became totally unfit to enter the<br /> + sanctuary, or pollute with her touch a hallowed thing,<br /> <br /> 113<br /> + <br /> for sixty-six days. The pollution was twice as great<br /> when she + had borne a daughter.<br /> <br /> It is a little difficult to see why it is + a greater crime<br /> to give birth to a daughter than to a son. Surely, a<br /> + law like that did not tend to the elevation of woman.<br /> You will also + find in the same chapter that a woman<br /> had to offer a pigeon, or a + turtle-dove, as a sin offer-<br /> ing, in order to expiate the crime of + having become a<br /> mother. By the Levitical law, a mother was unclean.<br /> + The priest had to make an atonement for her.<br /> <br /> If there is, + beneath the stars, a figure of complete<br /> and perfect purity, it is a + mother holding in her arms<br /> her child. The laws respecting women, + given by<br /> commandment of Jehovah to the Jews, were born of<br /> + barbarism, and in this day and age should be re-<br /> garded only with + detestation and contempt. The<br /> twentieth and twenty-first verses of + the nineteenth<br /> chapter of Leviticus show that the same punishment<br /> + was not meted to men and women guilty of the<br /> same crime.<br /> <br /> + The real explanation of what we find in the Old<br /> Testament degrading + to woman, lies in the fact, that<br /> the overflow of Love's mysterious + Nile—the sacred<br /> source of life—was, by its savage + authors, deemed<br /> unclean.<br /> <br /> 114<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + But what have you to say about the<br /> women of the Bible, mentioned by + Mr. Talmage,<br /> and held up as examples for all time of all that is<br /> + sweet and womanly?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I believe that Esther is his + principal<br /> heroine. Let us see who she was.<br /> <br /> According to + the book of Esther, Ahasuerus who<br /> was king of Persia, or some such + place, ordered<br /> Vashti his queen to show herself to the people<br /> + and the princes, because she was "exceedingly fair<br /> "to look upon." + For some reason—modesty per-<br /> haps—she refused to appear. + And thereupon the<br /> king "sent letters into all his provinces and to + every<br /> "people after their language, that every man should<br /> "bear + rule in his own house;" it being feared that<br /> if it should become + public that Vashti had disobeyed,<br /> all other wives might follow her + example. The king<br /> also, for the purpose of impressing upon all women<br /> + the necessity of obeying their husbands, issued a<br /> decree that "Vashti + should come no more before<br /> "him," and that he would "give her royal + estate<br /> "unto another." This was done that "all the<br /> "wives should + give to their husbands honor, both to<br /> "great and small."<br /> <br /> + After this, "the king appointed officers in all the<br /> <br /> 115<br /> + <br /> "provinces of his kingdom that they might gather<br /> "together all + the fair young virgins," and bring<br /> them to his palace, put them in + the custody of<br /> his chamberlain, and have them thoroughly washed.<br /> + Then the king was to look over the lot and take<br /> each day the one that + pleased him best until he found<br /> the one to put in the place of + Vashti. A fellow by<br /> the name of Mordecai, living in that part of the<br /> + country, hearing of the opportunity to sell a girl,<br /> brought Esther, + his uncle's daughter,—she being an<br /> orphan, and very beautiful—to + see whether she<br /> might not be the lucky one.<br /> <br /> The remainder + of the second chapter of this<br /> book, I do not care to repeat. It is + sufficient to say<br /> that Esther at last was chosen.<br /> <br /> The king + at this time did not know that Esther<br /> was a Jewess. Mordecai her + kinsman, however,<br /> discovered a plot to assassinate the king, and + Esther<br /> told the king, and the two plotting gentlemen were<br /> hanged + on a tree.<br /> <br /> After a while, a man by the name of Haman was<br /> + made Secretary of State, and everybody coming in<br /> his presence bowed + except Mordecai. Mordecai was<br /> probably depending on the influence of + Esther.<br /> Haman finally became so vexed, that he made up<br /> <br /> 116<br /> + <br /> his mind to have all the Jews in the kingdom<br /> destroyed. (The + number of Jews at that time<br /> in Persia must have been immense.) Haman + there-<br /> upon requested the king to have an order issued to<br /> + destroy all the Jews, and in consideration of the<br /> order, proposed to + pay ten thousand talents of silver.<br /> And thereupon, letters were + written to the governors<br /> of the various provinces, sealed with the + king's ring,<br /> sent by post in all directions, with instructions to + kill<br /> all the Jews, both young and old—little children and<br /> + women,—in one day. (One would think that the<br /> king copied this + order from another part of the Old<br /> Testament, or had found an + original by Jehovah.) The<br /> people immediately made preparations for + the killing.<br /> Mordecai clothed himself with sack-cloth, and Esther<br /> + called upon one of the king's chamberlains, and she<br /> finally got the + history of the affair, as well as a copy<br /> of the writing, and + thereupon made up her mind to<br /> go in and ask the king to save her + people.<br /> <br /> At that time, Bismarck's idea of government being<br /> + in full force, any one entering the king's presence with-<br /> out an + invitation, was liable to be put to death. And<br /> in case any one did go + in to see the king, if the king<br /> failed to hold out his golden + sceptre, his life was not<br /> spared. Notwithstanding this order, Esther + put on<br /> <br /> 117<br /> <br /> her best clothes, and stood in the inner + court of the<br /> king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne.<br /> + When the king saw her standing in the court, he<br /> held out his sceptre, + and Esther drew near, and he<br /> asked her what she wished; and thereupon + she<br /> asked that the king and Haman might take dinner<br /> with her + that day, and it was done. While they were<br /> feasting, the king again + asked Esther what she<br /> wanted; and her second request was, that they<br /> + would come and dine with her once more. When<br /> Haman left the palace + that day, he saw Mordecai<br /> again at the gate, standing as stiffly as + usual, and it<br /> filled Haman with indignation. So Haman, taking<br /> + the advice of his wife, made a gallows fifty cubits<br /> high, for the + special benefit of Mordecai. The next<br /> day, when Haman went to see the + king, the king,<br /> having the night before refreshed his memory in<br /> + respect to the service done him by Mordecai, asked<br /> Haman what ought + to be done for the man whom<br /> the king wished to honor. Haman, + supposing of<br /> course that the king referred to him, said that royal<br /> + purple ought to be brought forth, such as the king<br /> wore, and the + horse that the king rode on, and the<br /> crown-royal should be set on the + man's head;—that<br /> one of the most noble princes should lead the + horse,<br /> <br /> 118<br /> <br /> and as he went through the streets, + proclaim: "Thus<br /> "shall it be done to the man whom the king de-<br /> + "lighteth to honor."<br /> <br /> Thereupon the king told Haman that + Mordecai<br /> was the man that the king wished to honor. And<br /> Haman + was forced to lead this horse, backed by<br /> Mordecai, through the + streets, shouting: "This shall<br /> "be done to the man whom the king + delighteth to<br /> "honor." Immediately afterward, he went to the<br /> + banquet that Esther had prepared, and the king<br /> again asked Esther her + petition. She then asked<br /> for the salvation of her people; stating at + the same<br /> time, that if her people had been sold into slavery,<br /> + she would have held her tongue; but since they<br /> were about to be + killed, she could not keep silent.<br /> The king asked her who had done + this thing; and<br /> Esther replied that it was the wicked Haman.<br /> + <br /> Thereupon one of the chamberlains, remembering<br /> the gallows that + had been made for Mordecai, men-<br /> tioned it, and the king immediately + ordered that<br /> Haman be hanged thereon; which was done. And<br /> + Mordecai immediately became Secretary of State.<br /> The order against the + Jews was then rescinded; and<br /> Ahasuerus, willing to do anything that + Esther de-<br /> sired, hanged all of Haman's folks. He not only did<br /> + <br /> 119<br /> <br /> this, but he immediately issued an order to all the<br /> + Jews allowing them to kill the other folks. And the<br /> Jews got together + throughout one hundred and<br /> twenty-seven provinces, "and such was + their power,<br /> "that no man could stand against them; and there-<br /> + "upon the Jews smote all their enemies with the<br /> "stroke of the sword, + and with slaughter and de-<br /> "struction, and did whatever they pleased + to those<br /> "who hated them." And in the palace of the king,<br /> the + Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men, besides<br /> ten sons of Haman; + and in the rest of the provinces,<br /> they slew seventy-five thousand + people. And after<br /> this work of slaughter, the Jews had a day of glad-<br /> + ness and feasting.<br /> <br /> One can see from this, what a beautiful + Bible<br /> character Esther was—how filled with all that is<br /> + womanly, gentle, kind and tender!<br /> <br /> This story is one of the most + unreasonable, as well<br /> as one of the most heartless and revengeful, in + the<br /> whole Bible. Ahasuerus was a monster, and Esther<br /> equally + infamous; and yet, this woman is held up for<br /> the admiration of + mankind by a Brooklyn pastor.<br /> There is this peculiarity about the + book of Esther:<br /> the name of God is not mentioned in it, and the<br /> + deity is not referred to, directly or indirectly;—yet<br /> <br /> 120<br /> + <br /> it is claimed to be an inspired book. If Jehovah<br /> wrote it, he + certainly cannot be charged with<br /> egotism.<br /> <br /> I most + cheerfully admit that the book of Ruth is<br /> quite a pleasant story, and + the affection of Ruth for<br /> her mother-in-law exceedingly touching, but + I am of<br /> opinion that Ruth did many things that would be re-<br /> + garded as somewhat indiscreet, even in the city of<br /> Brooklyn.<br /> + <br /> All I can find about Hannah is, that she made a<br /> little coat for + her boy Samuel, and brought it to him<br /> from year to year. Where he got + his vest and<br /> pantaloons we are not told. But this fact seems<br /> + hardly enough to make her name immortal.<br /> <br /> So also Mr. Talmage + refers us to the wonderful<br /> woman Abigail. The story about Abigail, + told in<br /> plain English, is this: David sent some of his fol-<br /> + lowers to Nabal, Abigail's husband, and demanded<br /> food. Nabal, who + knew nothing about David, and<br /> cared less, refused. Abigail heard + about it, and took<br /> food to David and his servants. She was very much<br /> + struck, apparently, with David and David with her.<br /> A few days + afterward Nabal died—supposed to have<br /> been killed by the Lord—but + probably poisoned;<br /> and thereupon David took Abigail to wife. The<br /> + <br /> 121<br /> <br /> whole matter should have been investigated by the<br /> + grand jury.<br /> <br /> We are also referred to Dorcas, who no doubt was a<br /> + good woman—made clothes for the poor and gave<br /> alms, as millions + have done since then. It seems<br /> that this woman died. Peter was sent + for, and there-<br /> upon raised her from the dead, and she is never men-<br /> + tioned any more. Is it not a little strange that a<br /> woman who had been + actually raised from the dead,<br /> should have so completely passed out + of the memory<br /> of her time, that when she died the second time, she<br /> + was entirely unnoticed?<br /> <br /> Is it not astonishing that so little is + in the New<br /> Testament concerning the mother of Christ? My<br /> own + opinion is, that she was an excellent woman, and<br /> the wife of Joseph; + and that Joseph was the actual<br /> father of Christ. I think there can be + no reasonable<br /> doubt that such was the opinion of the authors of the<br /> + original gospels. Upon any other hypothesis, it is<br /> impossible to + account for their having given the<br /> genealogy of Joseph to prove that + Christ was of the<br /> blood of David. The idea that he was the Son of<br /> + God, or in any way miraculously produced, was an<br /> afterthought, and is + hardly entitled now to serious<br /> consideration. The gospels were + written so long after<br /> <br /> 122<br /> <br /> the death of Christ, that + very little was known of him,<br /> and substantially nothing of his + parents. How is it<br /> that not one word is said about the death of Mary—<br /> + not one word about the death of Joseph? How did<br /> it happen that Christ + did not visit his mother after his<br /> resurrection? The first time he + speaks to his mother<br /> is when he was twelve years old. His mother + having<br /> told him that she and his father had been seeking<br /> him, he + replied: "How is it that ye sought me: wist<br /> "ye not that I must be + about my Father s business?"<br /> <br /> The second time was at the + marriage feast in Cana,<br /> when he said to her: "Woman, what have I to + do<br /> "with thee?" And the third time was at the cross,<br /> when + "Jesus, seeing his mother standing by the<br /> "disciple whom he loved, + said to her: Woman, be-<br /> "hold thy son;" and to the disciple: "Behold + thy<br /> "mother." And this is all.<br /> <br /> The best thing about the + Catholic Church is<br /> the deification of Mary,—and yet this is + denounced<br /> by Protestantism as idolatry. There is something<br /> in + the human heart that prompts man to tell his faults<br /> more freely to + the mother than to the father. The<br /> cruelty of Jehovah is softened by + the mercy of<br /> Mary.<br /> <br /> Is it not strange that none of the + disciples of Christ<br /> <br /> 123<br /> <br /> said anything about their + parents,—that we know<br /> absolutely nothing of them? Is there any + evidence<br /> that they showed any particular respect even for the<br /> + mother of Christ?<br /> <br /> Mary Magdalen is, in many respects, the + tenderest<br /> and most loving character in the New Testament.<br /> + According to the account, her love for Christ knew<br /> no abatement,—no + change—true even in the hopeless<br /> shadow of the cross. Neither + did it die with his<br /> death. She waited at the sepulchre; she hasted in<br /> + the early morning to his tomb, and yet the only<br /> comfort Christ gave + to this true and loving soul lies<br /> in these strangely cold and + heartless words: "Touch<br /> "me not."<br /> <br /> There is nothing tending + to show that the women<br /> spoken of in the Bible were superior to the + ones we<br /> know. There are to-day millions of women making<br /> coats + for their sons,—hundreds of thousands of<br /> women, true not simply + to innocent people, falsely<br /> accused, but to criminals. Many a loving + heart is<br /> as true to the gallows as Mary was to the cross.<br /> There + are hundreds of thousands of women accept-<br /> ing poverty and want and + dishonor, for the love they<br /> bear unworthy men; hundreds and + thousands, hun-<br /> dreds and thousands, working day and night, with<br /> + <br /> 124<br /> <br /> strained eyes and tired hands, for husbands and<br /> + children,—clothed in rags, housed in huts and hovels,<br /> hoping + day after day for the angel of death. There are<br /> thousands of women in + Christian England, working in<br /> iron, laboring in the fields and + toiling in mines. There<br /> are hundreds and thousands in Europe, + everywhere,<br /> doing the work of men—deformed by toil, and who<br /> + would become simply wild and ferocious beasts,<br /> except for the love + they bear for home and child.<br /> <br /> You need not go back four + thousand years for<br /> heroines. The world is filled with them to-day.<br /> + They do not belong to any nation, nor to any religion,<br /> nor + exclusively to any race. Wherever woman is<br /> found, they are found.<br /> + <br /> There is no description of any women in the Bible<br /> that equal + thousands and thousands of women known<br /> to-day. The women mentioned by + Mr. Talmage fall<br /> almost infinitely below, not simply those in real + life, but<br /> the creations of the imagination found in the world of<br /> + fiction. They will not compare with the women born<br /> of Shakespeare's + brain. You will find none like<br /> Isabella, in whose spotless life, love + and reason<br /> blended into perfect truth; nor Juliet, within whose<br /> + heart passion and purity met, like white and red within<br /> the bosom of + a rose; nor Cordelia, who chose to<br /> <br /> 125<br /> <br /> suffer loss + rather than show her wealth of love with<br /> those who gilded dross with + golden words in hope<br /> of gain; nor Miranda, who told her love as + freely<br /> as a flower gives its bosom to the kisses of the sun;<br /> nor + Imogene, who asked: "What is it to be false?"<br /> nor Hermione, who bore + with perfect faith and hope<br /> the cross of shame, and who at last + forgave with all<br /> her heart; nor Desdemona, her innocence so perfect<br /> + and her love so pure, that she was incapable of sus-<br /> pecting that + another could suspect, and sought with<br /> dying words to hide her + lover's crime.<br /> <br /> If we wish to find what the Bible thinks of<br /> + woman, all that is necessary to do is to read it.<br /> We will find that + everywhere she is spoken of<br /> simply as property,—as belonging + absolutely to the<br /> man. We will find that whenever a man got tired<br /> + of his wife, all he had to do was to give her a writing<br /> of + divorcement, and that then the mother of his<br /> children became a + houseless and a homeless wanderer.<br /> We will find that men were allowed + to have as<br /> many wives as they could get, either by courtship,<br /> + purchase, or conquest. The Jewish people in the<br /> olden time were in + many respects like their barbarian<br /> neighbors.<br /> <br /> If we read + the New Testament, we will find in the<br /> <br /> 126<br /> <br /> epistle + of Paul to Timothy, the following gallant<br /> passages:<br /> <br /> "Let + the woman learn in silence, with all<br /> "subjection."<br /> <br /> "But I + suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp<br /> "authority over the man, + but to be in silence."<br /> <br /> And for these kind, gentle and civilized + remarks,<br /> the apostle Paul gives the following reasons:<br /> <br /> + "For Adam was first formed, then Eve."<br /> <br /> "And Adam was not + deceived, but the woman<br /> "being deceived was in the transgression."<br /> + <br /> Certainly women ought to feel under great obli-<br /> gation to the + apostle Paul.<br /> <br /> In the fifth chapter of the same epistle, Paul,<br /> + advising Timothy as to what kind of people he<br /> should admit into his + society or church, uses the<br /> following language:<br /> <br /> "Let not a + widow be taken into the number under<br /> "threescore years old, having + been the wife of one<br /> "man."<br /> <br /> "But the younger widows + refuse, for when they<br /> "have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they + will<br /> "marry."<br /> <br /> This same Paul did not seem to think + polygamy<br /> wrong, except in a bishop. He tells Timothy that:<br /> <br /> + 127<br /> <br /> "A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one<br /> + "wife."<br /> <br /> He also lays down the rule that a deacon should be<br /> + the husband of one wife, leaving us to infer that the<br /> other members + might have as many as they could get.<br /> <br /> In the second epistle to + Timothy, Paul speaks of<br /> "grandmother Lois," who was referred to in + such<br /> extravagant language by Mr. Talmage, and nothing<br /> is said + touching her character in the least. All her<br /> virtues live in the + imagination, and in the imagina-<br /> tion alone.<br /> <br /> Paul, also, + in his epistle to the Ephesians, says:<br /> <br /> "Wives, submit + yourselves unto your own hus-<br /> "bands, as unto the Lord. For the + husband is the<br /> "head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the<br /> + "church."<br /> <br /> "Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ,<br /> + "so let the wives be to their own husbands, in<br /> "everything."<br /> + <br /> You will find, too, that in the seventh chapter of<br /> First + Corinthians, Paul laments that all men are not<br /> bachelors like + himself, and in the second verse of<br /> that chapter he gives the only + reason for which he<br /> was willing that men and women should marry. He<br /> + advised all the unmarried, and all widows, to remain<br /> <br /> 128<br /> + <br /> as he was. In the ninth verse of this same chapter<br /> is a slander + too vulgar for repetition,—an estimate<br /> of woman and of woman's + love so low and vile, that<br /> every woman should hold the inspired + author in<br /> infinite abhorrence.<br /> <br /> Paul sums up the whole + matter, however, by telling<br /> those who have wives or husbands, to stay + with<br /> them—as necessary evils only to be tolerated—but<br /> + sincerely regrets that anybody was ever married;<br /> and finally says + that:<br /> <br /> "They that have wives should be as though they<br /> "had + none;" because, in his opinion:<br /> <br /> "He that is unmarried careth + for the things that<br /> "belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord;<br /> + "but he that is married careth for the things that are<br /> "of the world, + how he may please his wife."<br /> <br /> "There is this difference also," + he tells us, "be-<br /> "tween a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman<br /> + "careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be<br /> "holy both in + body and in spirit; but she that is<br /> "married careth for the things of + the world, how she<br /> " may please her husband."<br /> <br /> Of course, + it is contended that these things have<br /> tended to the elevation of + woman.<br /> <br /> The idea that it is better to love the Lord than to<br /> + <br /> 129<br /> <br /> love your wife, or your husband, is infinitely + absurd.<br /> Nobody ever did love the Lord,—nobody can—until<br /> + he becomes acquainted with him.<br /> <br /> Saint Paul also tells us that + "Man is the image<br /> "and glory of God; but woman is the glory of<br /> + "man;" and for the purpose of sustaining this posi-<br /> tion, says:<br /> + <br /> "For the man is not of the woman, but the woman<br /> "of the man; + neither was the man created for the<br /> "woman, but the woman for the + man."<br /> <br /> Of course, we can all see that man could have<br /> gotten + along well enough without woman, but woman,<br /> by no possibility, could + have gotten along without<br /> man. And yet, this is called "inspired;" + and this<br /> apostle Paul is supposed to have known more than<br /> all + the people now upon the earth. No wonder Paul<br /> at last was constrained + to say: "We are fools for<br /> "Christ's sake."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How do you account for the present<br /> condition of woman in what is + known as "the civilized<br /> "world," unless the Bible has bettered her + condition?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We must remember that thousands of<br /> + things enter into the problem of civilization. Soil,<br /> climate, and + geographical position, united with count-<br /> <br /> 130<br /> <br /> less + other influences, have resulted in the civilization<br /> of our time. If + we want to find what the influence of<br /> the Bible has been, we must + ascertain the condition<br /> of Europe when the Bible was considered as + abso-<br /> lutely true, and when it wielded its greatest influence.<br /> + <br /> Christianity as a form of religion had actual posses-<br /> sion of + Europe during the Middle Ages. At that<br /> time, it exerted its greatest + power. Then it had the<br /> opportunity of breaking the shackles from the + limbs<br /> of woman. Christianity found the Roman matron a<br /> free + woman. Polygamy was never known in Rome;<br /> and although divorces were + allowed by law, the<br /> Roman state had been founded for more than five<br /> + hundred years before either a husband or a wife<br /> asked for a divorce. + From the foundation of Chris-<br /> tianity,—I mean from the time it + became the force in<br /> the Roman state,—woman, as such, went down + in<br /> the scale of civilization. The sceptre was taken from<br /> her + hands, and she became once more the slave and<br /> serf of man. The men + also were made slaves, and<br /> woman has regained her liberty by the same + means<br /> that man has regained his,—by wresting authority<br /> + from the hands of the church. While the church had<br /> power, the wife + and mother was not considered as<br /> good as the begging nun; the husband + and father<br /> was far below the vermin-covered monk; homes<br /> were of + no value compared with the cathedral; for<br /> God had to have a house, no + matter how many of<br /> his children were wanderers. During all the years + in<br /> which woman has struggled for equal liberty with<br /> man, she has + been met with the Bible doctrine that<br /> she is the inferior of the man; + that Adam was made<br /> first, and Eve afterwards; that man was not made + for<br /> woman, but that woman was made for man.<br /> <br /> I find that in + this day and generation, the meanest<br /> men have the lowest estimate of + woman; that the<br /> greater the man is, the grander he is, the more he<br /> + thinks of mother, wife and daughter. I also find that<br /> just in the + proportion that he has lost confidence in the<br /> polygamy of Jehovah and + in the advice and philosophy<br /> of Saint Paul, he believes in the rights + and liberties of<br /> woman. As a matter of fact, men have risen from a<br /> + perusal of the Bible, and murdered their wives. They<br /> have risen from + reading its pages, and inflicted cruel<br /> and even mortal blows upon + their children. Men<br /> have risen from reading the Bible and torn the + flesh<br /> of others with red-hot pincers. They have laid<br /> down the + sacred volume long enough to pour molten<br /> lead into the ears of + others. They have stopped<br /> reading the sacred Scriptures for a + sufficient time to<br /> <br /> 132<br /> <br /> incarcerate their fellow-men, + to load them with chains,<br /> and then they have gone back to their + reading,<br /> allowing their victims to die in darkness and despair.<br /> + Men have stopped reading the Old Testament long<br /> enough to drive a + stake into the ground and collect a<br /> few fagots and burn an honest + man. Even ministers<br /> have denied themselves the privilege of reading + the<br /> sacred book long enough to tell falsehoods about<br /> their + fellow-men. There is no crime that Bible<br /> readers and Bible believers + and Bible worshipers and<br /> Bible defenders have not committed. There is + no<br /> meanness of which some Bible reader, believer, and<br /> defender, + has not been guilty. Bible believers and<br /> Bible defenders have filled + the world with calumnies<br /> and slanders. Bible believers and Bible + defenders<br /> have not only whipped their wives, but they have<br /> + murdered them; they have murdered their children.<br /> I do not say that + reading the Bible will necessarily<br /> make men dishonest, but I do say, + that reading the<br /> Bible will not prevent their committing crimes. I do<br /> + not say that believing the Bible will necessarily make<br /> men commit + burglary, but I do say that a belief in the<br /> Bible has caused men to + persecute each other, to<br /> imprison each other, and to burn each other.<br /> + <br /> Only a little while ago, a British clergyman mur-<br /> <br /> 133<br /> + <br /> dered his wife. Only a little while ago, an American<br /> Protestant + clergyman whipped his boy to death be-<br /> cause the boy refused to say a + prayer.<br /> <br /> The Rev. Mr. Crowley not only believed the Bible,<br /> + but was licensed to expound it. He had been<br /> "called" to the ministry, + and upon his head had<br /> been laid the holy hands; and yet, he + deliberately<br /> starved orphans, and while looking upon their<br /> + sunken eyes and hollow cheeks, sung pious hymns<br /> and quoted with great + unction: "Suffer little chil-<br /> "dren to come unto me."<br /> <br /> As a + matter of fact, in the last twenty years,<br /> more money has been stolen + by Christian cashiers,<br /> Christian presidents, Christian directors, + Christian<br /> trustees and Christian statesmen, than by all other<br /> + convicts in all the penitentiaries in all the Christian<br /> world.<br /> + <br /> The assassin of Henry the Fourth was a Bible reader<br /> and a Bible + believer. The instigators of the massacre<br /> of St. Bartholomew were + believers in your sacred<br /> Scriptures. The men who invested their money + in the<br /> slave-trade believed themselves filled with the Holy<br /> + Ghost, and read with rapture the Psalms of David and<br /> the Sermon on + the Mount. The murderers of Scotch<br /> Presbyterians were believers in + Revelation, and the<br /> <br /> 134<br /> Presbyterians, when they murdered + others, were also<br /> believers. Nearly every man who expiates a crime<br /> + upon the gallows is a believer in the Bible. For a<br /> thousand years, + the daggers of assassination and the<br /> swords of war were blest by + priests—by the believers<br /> in the sacred Scriptures. The assassin + of President<br /> Garfield is a believer in the Bible, a hater of + infidelity,<br /> a believer in personal inspiration, and he expects in a<br /> + few weeks to join the winged and redeemed in<br /> heaven.<br /> <br /> If a + man would follow, to-day, the teachings of the<br /> Old Testament, he + would be a criminal. If he would<br /> follow strictly the teachings of the + New, he would be<br /> insane.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="link0006" + id="link0006"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>FOURTH INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> + <br /> <br /> <i>Son. There is no devil.<br /> <br /> Mother. I know there is.<br /> + <br /> Son. How do you know?<br /> <br /> Mother. Because they make pictures + that look just<br /> like him.<br /> <br /> Son. But, mother—<br /> + <br /> Mother. Don't "mother" me! You are trying to<br /> disgrace your + parents.</i><br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. I want to ask you a few questions + about<br /> Mr. Talmage's fourth sermon against you, entitled:<br /> "The + Meanness of Infidelity," in which he compares<br /> you to Jehoiakim, who + had the temerity to throw<br /> some of the writings of the weeping + Jeremiah into<br /> the fire?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. So far as I am + concerned, I really re-<br /> gret that a second edition of Jeremiah's roll + was<br /> gotten out. It would have been far better for us all,<br /> if it + had been left in ashes. There was nothing but<br /> curses and prophecies + of evil, in the sacred roll that<br /> <br /> 138<br /> <br /> Jehoiakim + burned. The Bible tells us that Jehovah<br /> became exceedingly wroth + because of the destruction<br /> of this roll, and pronounced a curse upon + Jehoiakim<br /> and upon Palestine. I presume it was on account of<br /> the + burning of that roll that the king of Babylon<br /> destroyed the chosen + people of God. It was on<br /> account of that sacrilege that the Lord said + of<br /> Jehoiakim: "He shall have none to sit upon the<br /> "throne of + David; and his dead body shall be cast<br /> "out in the day to the heat, + and in the night to the<br /> "frost." Any one can see how much a dead body<br /> + would suffer under such circumstances. Imagine an<br /> infinitely wise, + good and powerful God taking ven-<br /> geance on the corpse of a barbarian + king! What<br /> joy there must have been in heaven as the angels<br /> + watched the alternate melting and freezing of the<br /> dead body of + Jehoiakim!<br /> <br /> Jeremiah was probably the most accomplished<br /> + croaker of all time. Nothing satisfied him. He was<br /> a prophetic + pessimist,—an ancient Bourbon. He<br /> was only happy when + predicting war, pestilence and<br /> famine. No wonder Jehoiakim despised + him, and<br /> hated all he wrote.<br /> <br /> One can easily see the + character of Jeremiah from<br /> the following occurrence: When the + Babylonians<br /> <br /> 139<br /> <br /> had succeeded in taking Jerusalem, + and in sacking<br /> the city, Jeremiah was unfortunately taken prisoner;<br /> + but Captain Nebuzaradan came to Jeremiah, and told<br /> him that he would + let him go, because he had pro-<br /> phesied against his own country. He + was regarded<br /> as a friend by the enemy.<br /> <br /> There was, at that + time, as now, the old fight<br /> between the church and the civil power. + Whenever<br /> a king failed to do what the priests wanted, they<br /> + immediately prophesied overthrow, disaster, and de-<br /> feat. Whenever + the kings would hearken to their<br /> voice, and would see to it that the + priests had plenty<br /> to eat and drink and wear, then they all declared<br /> + that Jehovah would love that king, would let him live<br /> out all his + days, and allow his son to reign in his<br /> stead. It was simply the old + conflict that is still being<br /> waged, and it will be carried on until + universal civil-<br /> ization does away with priestcraft and superstition.<br /> + <br /> The priests in the days of Jeremiah were the same<br /> as now. They + sought to rule the State. They pre-<br /> tended that, at their request, + Jehovah would withhold<br /> or send the rain; that the seasons were within + their<br /> power; that they with bitter words could blight the<br /> fields + and curse the land with want and death. They<br /> gloried then, as now, in + the exhibition of God's wrath.<br /> <br /> 140<br /> <br /> In prosperity, + the priests were forgotten. Success<br /> scorned them; Famine flattered + them; Health laughed<br /> at them; Pestilence prayed to them; Disaster was<br /> + their only friend.<br /> <br /> These old prophets prophesied nothing but + evil,<br /> and consequently, when anything bad happened, they<br /> claimed + it as a fulfillment, and pointed with pride to<br /> the fact that they + had, weeks or months, or years<br /> before, foretold something of that + kind. They were<br /> really the originators of the phrase, "I told you + so!"<br /> <br /> There was a good old Methodist class-leader that<br /> + lived down near a place called Liverpool, on the<br /> Illinois river. In + the spring of 1861 the old man,<br /> telling his experience, among other + things said, that he<br /> had lived there by the river for more than + thirty<br /> years, and he did not believe that a year had passed<br /> that + there were not hundreds of people during the<br /> hunting season shooting + ducks on Sunday; that he<br /> had told his wife thousands of times that no + good<br /> would come of it; that evil would come of it; "And<br /> "now, + said the old man, raising his voice with the<br /> importance of the + announcement, "war is upon us!"<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you wish, + as Mr. Talmage says, to de-<br /> stroy the Bible—to have all the + copies burned to ashes?<br /> What do you wish to have done with the Bible?<br /> + <br /> 141<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I want the Bible treated exactly as we<br /> + treat other books—preserve the good and throw<br /> away the foolish + and the hurtful. I am fighting the<br /> doctrine of inspiration. As long + as it is believed that<br /> the Bible is inspired, that book is the master—no<br /> + mind is free. With that belief, intellectual liberty is<br /> impossible. + With that belief, you can investigate<br /> only at the risk of losing your + soul. The Catholics<br /> have a pope. Protestants laugh at them, and yet + the<br /> pope is capable of intellectual advancement. In<br /> addition to + this, the pope is mortal, and the church<br /> cannot be afflicted with the + same idiot forever. The<br /> Protestants have a book for their pope. The + book<br /> cannot advance. Year after year, and century after<br /> century, + the book remains as ignorant as ever. It is<br /> only made better by those + who believe in its inspira-<br /> tion giving better meanings to the words + than their<br /> ancestors did. In this way it may be said that the<br /> + Bible grows a little better.<br /> <br /> Why should we have a book for a + master? That<br /> which otherwise might be a blessing, remains a curse.<br /> + If every copy of the Bible were destroyed, all that is<br /> good in that + book would be reproduced in a single<br /> day. Leave every copy of the + Bible as it is, and<br /> have every human being believe in its + inspiration,<br /> <br /> 142<br /> <br /> and intellectual liberty would + cease to exist. The<br /> whole race, from that moment, would go back to-<br /> + ward the night of intellectual death.<br /> <br /> The Bible would do more + harm if more people<br /> really believed it, and acted in accordance with + its<br /> teachings. Now and then a Freeman puts the knife<br /> to the + heart of his child. Now and then an assassin<br /> relies upon some sacred + passage; but, as a rule, few<br /> men believe the Bible to be absolutely + true.<br /> <br /> There are about fifteen hundred million people in<br /> + the world. There are not two million who have read<br /> the Bible through. + There are not two hundred<br /> million who ever saw the Bible. There are + not five<br /> hundred million who ever heard that such a book<br /> exists.<br /> + <br /> Christianity is claimed to be a religion for all<br /> mankind. It + was founded more than eighteen cen-<br /> turies ago; and yet, not one + human being in three<br /> has ever heard of it. As a matter of fact, for + more<br /> than fourteen centuries and-a-half after the crucifixion<br /> of + Christ, this hemisphere was absolutely unknown.<br /> There was not a + Christian in the world who knew<br /> there was such a continent as ours, + and all the<br /> inhabitants of this, the New World, were deprived<br /> of + the gospel for fourteen centuries and-a-half, and<br /> <br /> 143<br /> + <br /> knew nothing of its blessings until they were in-<br /> formed by + Spanish murderers and marauders. Even<br /> in the United States, + Christianity is not keeping pace<br /> with the increase of population. + When we take<br /> into consideration that it is aided by the momentum<br /> + of eighteen centuries, is it not wonderful that it is not<br /> to-day + holding its own? The reason of this is, that<br /> we are beginning to + understand the Scriptures. We<br /> are beginningto see, and to see + clearly, that they are<br /> simply of human origin, and that the Bible + bears<br /> the marks of the barbarians who wrote it. The best<br /> + educated among the clergy admit that we know but<br /> little as to the + origin of the gospels; that we do not<br /> positively know the author of + one of them; that it is<br /> really a matter of doubt as to who wrote the + five<br /> books attributed to Moses. They admit now, that<br /> Isaiah was + written by more than one person; that<br /> Solomon's Song was not written + by that king; that<br /> Job is, in all probability, not a Jewish book; + that<br /> Ecclesiastes must have been written by a Freethinker,<br /> and + by one who had his doubts about the immortality<br /> of the soul. The best + biblical students of the so-<br /> called orthodox world now admit that + several stories<br /> were united to make the gospel of Saint Luke; that<br /> + Hebrews is a selection from many fragments, and<br /> <br /> 144<br /> <br /> + that no human being, not afflicted with delirium<br /> tremens, can + understand the book of Revelation.<br /> <br /> I am not the only one + engaged in the work of<br /> destruction. Every Protestant who expresses a + doubt<br /> as to the genuineness of a passage, is destroying the<br /> + Bible. The gentlemen who have endeavored to treat<br /> hell as a question + of syntax, and to prove that eternal<br /> punishment depends upon grammar, + are helping to<br /> bring the Scriptures into contempt. Hundreds of<br /> + years ago, the Catholics told the Protestant world that<br /> it was + dangerous to give the Bible to the people.<br /> The Catholics were right; + the Protestants were<br /> wrong. To read is to think. To think is to + investi-<br /> gate. To investigate is, finally, to deny. That book<br /> + should have been read only by priests. Every copy<br /> should have been + under the lock and key of bishop,<br /> cardinal and pope. The common + people should have<br /> received the Bible from the lips of the ministers.<br /> + The world should have been kept in ignorance. In<br /> that way, and in + that way only, could the pulpit have<br /> maintained its power. He who + teaches a child<br /> the alphabet sows the seeds of heresy. I have lived<br /> + to see the schoolhouse in many a village larger than<br /> the church. + Every man who finds a fact, is the<br /> enemy of theology. Every man who + expresses an<br /> <br /> 145<br /> <br /> honest thought is a soldier in the + army of intellectual<br /> liberty.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage + thinks that you laugh too<br /> much,—that you exhibit too much + mirth, and that no<br /> one should smile at sacred things?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + The church has always feared ridicule.<br /> The minister despises + laughter. He who builds upon<br /> ignorance and awe, fears intelligence + and mirth. The<br /> theologians always begin by saying: "Let us be<br /> + "solemn." They know that credulity and awe are<br /> twins. They also know + that while Reason is the<br /> pilot of the soul, Humor carries the lamp. + Whoever<br /> has the sense of humor fully developed, cannot, by<br /> any + possibility, be an orthodox theologian. He would<br /> be his own laughing + stock. The most absurd stories,<br /> the most laughable miracles, read in + a solemn, stately<br /> way, sound to the ears of ignorance and awe like<br /> + truth. It has been the object of the church for<br /> eighteen hundred + years to prevent laughter.<br /> <br /> A smile is the dawn of a doubt.<br /> + <br /> Ministers are always talking about death, and<br /> coffins, and + dust, and worms,—the cross in this life,<br /> and the fires of + another. They have been the<br /> enemies of human happiness. They hate to + hear<br /> <br /> 146<br /> <br /> even the laughter of children. There seems + to have<br /> been a bond of sympathy between divinity and<br /> dyspepsia, + between theology and indigestion. There<br /> is a certain pious hatred of + pleasure, and those who<br /> have been "born again" are expected to + despise<br /> "the transitory joys of this fleeting life." In this,<br /> + they follow the example of their prophets, of whom<br /> they proudly say: + "They never smiled."<br /> <br /> Whoever laughs at a holy falsehood, is + called a<br /> "scoffer." Whoever gives vent to his natural feel-<br /> ings + is regarded as a "blasphemer," and whoever<br /> examines the Bible as he + examines other books, and<br /> relies upon his reason to interpret it, is + denounced<br /> as a "reprobate."<br /> <br /> Let us respect the truth, let + us laugh at miracles,<br /> and above all, let us be candid with each + other.<br /> <br /> 'Question. Mr. Talmage charges that you have, in<br /> + your lectures, satirized your early home; that you<br /> have described + with bitterness the Sundays that were<br /> forced upon you in your youth; + and that in various<br /> ways you have denounced your father as a + "tyrant,"<br /> or a "bigot," or a "fool"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I have + described the manner in which<br /> Sunday was kept when I was a boy. My + father for<br /> <br /> 147<br /> <br /> many years regarded the Sabbath as a + sacred day.<br /> We kept Sunday as most other Christians did. I think<br /> + that my father made a mistake about that day. I<br /> have no doubt he was + honest about it, and really<br /> believed that it was pleasing to God for + him to keep<br /> the Sabbath as he did.<br /> <br /> I think that Sunday + should not be a day of gloom,<br /> of silence and despair, or a day in + which to hear that<br /> the chances are largely in favor of your being + eternally<br /> damned. That day, in my opinion, should be one of<br /> joy; + a day to get acquainted with your wife and<br /> children; a day to visit + the woods, or the sea, or the<br /> murmuring stream; a day to gather + flowers, to visit<br /> the graves of your dead, to read old poems, old<br /> + letters, old books; a day to rekindle the fires of<br /> friendship and + love.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage says that my father was a Christian,<br /> and + he then proceeds to malign his memory. It<br /> seems to me that a living + Christian should at least<br /> tell the truth about one who sleeps the + silent sleep<br /> of death.<br /> <br /> I have said nothing, in any of my + lectures, about<br /> my father, or about my mother, or about any of my<br /> + relatives. I have not the egotism to bring them<br /> forward. They have + nothing to do with the subject<br /> <br /> 148<br /> <br /> in hand. That my + father was mistaken upon the<br /> subject of religion, I have no doubt. He + was a good,<br /> a brave and honest man. I loved him living, and<br /> I + love him dead. I never said to him an unkind<br /> word, and in my heart + there never was of him an<br /> unkind thought. He was grand enough to say + to<br /> me, that I had the same right to my opinion that he<br /> had to + his. He was great enough to tell me to read<br /> the Bible for myself, to + be honest with myself, and if<br /> after reading it I concluded it was not + the word of<br /> God, that it was my duty to say so.<br /> <br /> My mother + died when I was but a child; and from<br /> that day—the darkest of + my life—her memory has<br /> been within my heart a sacred thing, and + I have felt,<br /> through all these years, her kisses on my lips.<br /> + <br /> I know that my parents—if they are conscious now<br /> —do + not wish me to honor them at the expense of<br /> my manhood. I know that + neither my father nor my<br /> mother would have me sacrifice upon their + graves my<br /> honest thought. I know that I can only please them by<br /> + being true to myself, by defending what I believe is<br /> good, by + attacking what I believe is bad. Yet this min-<br /> ister of Christ is + cruel enough, and malicious enough,<br /> to attack the reputation of the + dead. What he says<br /> about my father is utterly and unqualifiedly + false.<br /> <br /> 149<br /> <br /> Right here, it may be well enough for me + to say,<br /> that long before my father died, he threw aside, as<br /> + unworthy of a place in the mind of an intelligent<br /> man, the infamous + dogma of eternal fire; that he<br /> regarded with abhorrence many passages + in the Old<br /> Testament; that he believed man, in another world,<br /> + would have the eternal opportunity of doing right,<br /> and that the pity + of God would last as long as the<br /> suffering of man. My father and my + mother were<br /> good, in spite of the Old Testament. They were mer-<br /> + ciful, in spite of the one frightful doctrine in the New.<br /> They did + not need the religion of Presbyterianism.<br /> Presbyterianism never made + a human being better.<br /> If there is anything that will freeze the + generous<br /> current of the soul, it is Calvinism. If there is any<br /> + creed that will destroy charity, that will keep the<br /> tears of pity + from the cheeks of men and women, it<br /> is Presbyterianism. If there is + any doctrine calcu-<br /> lated to make man bigoted, unsympathetic, and<br /> + cruel, it is the doctrine of predestination. Neither<br /> my father, nor + my mother, believed in the damnation<br /> of babes, nor in the inspiration + of John Calvin.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage professes to be a Christian. What<br /> + effect has the religion of Jesus Christ had upon him?<br /> Is he the + product—the natural product—of Chris-<br /> <br /> 150<br /> + <br /> tianity? Does the real Christian violate the sanctity<br /> of death? + Does the real Christian malign the<br /> memory of the dead? Does the good + Christian<br /> defame unanswering and unresisting dust?<br /> <br /> But why + should I expect kindness from a Chris-<br /> tian? Can a minister be + expected to treat with<br /> fairness a man whom his God intends to damn? + If<br /> a good God is going to burn an infidel forever, in<br /> the world + to come, surely a Christian should have<br /> the right to persecute him a + little here.<br /> <br /> What right has a Christian to ask anybody to love<br /> + his father, or mother, or wife, or child? According<br /> to the gospels, + Christ offered a reward to any one<br /> who would desert his father or his + mother. He<br /> offered a premium to gentlemen for leaving their<br /> + wives, and tried to bribe people to abandon their<br /> little children. He + offered them happiness in this<br /> world, and a hundred fold in the next, + if they would<br /> turn a deaf ear to the supplications of a father, the<br /> + beseeching cry of a wife, and would leave the out-<br /> stretched arms of + babes. They were not even<br /> allowed to bury their fathers and their + mothers. At<br /> that time they were expected to prefer Jesus to their<br /> + wives and children. And now an orthodox minister<br /> says that a man + ought not to express his honest<br /> <br /> 151<br /> <br /> thoughts, + because they do not happen to be in accord<br /> with the belief of his + father or mother.<br /> <br /> Suppose Mr. Talmage should read the Bible + care-<br /> fully and without fear, and should come to the honest<br /> + conclusion that it is not inspired, what course would<br /> he pursue for + the purpose of honoring his parents?<br /> Would he say, "I cannot tell the + truth, I must lie,<br /> "for the purpose of shedding a halo of glory + around<br /> "the memory of my mother"? Would he say: "Of<br /> "course, my + father and mother would a thousand<br /> "times rather have their son a + hypocritical Christian<br /> "than an honest, manly unbeliever"? This might<br /> + please Mr. Talmage, and accord perfectly with his<br /> view, but I prefer + to say, that my father wished me to<br /> be an honest man. If he is in + "heaven" now, I am<br /> sure that he would rather hear me attack the<br /> + "inspired" word of God, honestly and bravely, than<br /> to hear me, in the + solemn accents of hypocrisy, defend<br /> what I believe to be untrue.<br /> + <br /> I may be mistaken in the estimate angels put upon<br /> human beings. + It may be that God likes a pretended<br /> follower better than an honest, + outspoken man—one<br /> who is an infidel simply because he does not + under-<br /> stand this God. But it seems to me, in my unregenerate<br /> + condition, touched and tainted as I am by original sin,<br /> <br /> 152<br /> + <br /> that a God of infinite power and wisdom ought to be<br /> able to + make a man brave enough to have an opinion<br /> of his own. I cannot + conceive of God taking any<br /> particular pride in any hypocrite he has + ever made.<br /> Whatever he may say through his ministers, or<br /> + whatever the angels may repeat, a manly devil<br /> stands higher in my + estimation than an unmanly<br /> angel. I do not mean by this, that there + are any<br /> unmanly angels, neither do I pretend that there<br /> are any + manly devils. My meaning is this: If I have<br /> a Creator, I can only + honor him by being true to<br /> myself, and kind and just to my + fellow-men. If I wish<br /> to shed lustre upon my father and mother, I can<br /> + only do so by being absolutely true to myself.<br /> Never will I lay the + wreath of hypocrisy upon the<br /> tombs of those I love.<br /> <br /> Mr. + Talmage takes the ground that we must defend<br /> the religious belief of + our parents. He seems to<br /> forget that all parents do not believe + exactly alike,<br /> and that everybody has at least two parents. Now,<br /> + suppose that the father is an infidel, and the mother<br /> a Christian, + what must the son do? Must he "drive<br /> "the ploughshare of contempt + through the grave of<br /> "the father," for the purpose of honoring the + mother;<br /> or must he drive the ploughshare through the grave<br /> <br /> + 153<br /> <br /> of the mother to honor the father; or must he com-<br /> + promise, and talk one way and believe another? If<br /> Mr. Talmage's + doctrine is correct, only persons who<br /> have no knowledge of their + parents can have liberty<br /> of opinion. Foundlings would be the only + free<br /> people. I do not suppose that Mr. Talmage would<br /> go so far + as to say that a child would be bound by<br /> the religion of the person + upon whose door-steps he<br /> was found. If he does not, then over every + foundling<br /> hospital should be these words: "Home of Intel-<br /> + "lectual Liberty."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you suppose that we will + care<br /> nothing in the next world for those we loved in this?<br /> Is it + worse in a man than in an angel, to care nothing<br /> for his mother?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. According to Mr. Talmage, a man can<br /> be perfectly + happy in heaven, with his mother in hell.<br /> He will be so entranced + with the society of Christ,<br /> that he will not even inquire what has + become of his<br /> wife. The Holy Ghost will keep him in such a state<br /> + of happy wonder, of ecstatic joy, that the names,<br /> even, of his + children will never invade his memory.<br /> It may be that I am lacking in + filial affection, but<br /> I would much rather be in hell, with my parents<br /> + <br /> 154<br /> <br /> in heaven, than be in heaven with my parents in hell.<br /> + I think a thousand times more of my parents than I<br /> do of Christ. They + knew me, they worked for me,<br /> they loved me, and I can imagine no + heaven, no<br /> state of perfect bliss for me, in which they have no<br /> + share. If God hates me, because I love them,<br /> I cannot love him.<br /> + <br /> I cannot truthfully say that I look forward with any<br /> great + degree of joy, to meeting with Haggai and<br /> Habakkuk; with Jeremiah, + Nehemiah, Obadiah,<br /> Zechariah or Zephaniah; with Ezekiel, Micah, or<br /> + Malachi; or even with Jonah. From what little<br /> I have read of their + writings, I have not formed a<br /> very high opinion of the social + qualities of these<br /> gentlemen.<br /> <br /> I want to meet the persons I + have known; and if<br /> there is another life, I want to meet the really + and<br /> the truly great—men who have been broad enough to<br /> be + tender, and great enough to be kind.<br /> <br /> Because I differ with my + parents, because I am<br /> convinced that my father was wrong in some of<br /> + his religious opinions, Mr. Talmage insists that I dis-<br /> grace my + parents. How did the Christian religion<br /> commence? Did not the first + disciples advocate<br /> theories that their parents denied? Were they<br /> + <br /> 155<br /> <br /> not false,—in his sense of the word,—to + their<br /> fathers and mothers? How could there have been<br /> any + progress in this world, if children had not<br /> gone beyond their + parents? Do you consider that<br /> the inventor of a steel plow cast a + slur upon his<br /> father who scratched the ground with a wooden<br /> one? + I do not consider that an invention by the<br /> son is a slander upon the + father; I regard each<br /> invention simply as an improvement; and every<br /> + father should be exceedingly proud of an ingenious<br /> son. If Mr. + Talmage has a son, it will be impossible<br /> for him to honor his father + except by differing with<br /> him.<br /> <br /> It is very strange that Mr. + Talmage, a believer in<br /> Christ, should object to any man for not + loving his<br /> mother and his father, when his Master, according<br /> to + the gospel of Saint Luke, says: "If any man<br /> "come to me, and hate not + his father, and mother,<br /> "and wife, and children, and brethren, and + sis-<br /> "ters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my<br /> + "disciple."<br /> <br /> According to this, I have to make my choice be-<br /> + tween my wife, my children, and Jesus Christ. I have<br /> concluded to + stand by my folks—both in this world,<br /> and in "the world to + come."<br /> <br /> 156<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage asks you + whether, in your<br /> judgment, the Bible was a good, or an evil, to your<br /> + parents?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I think it was an evil. The worst thing<br /> + about my father was his religion. He would have<br /> been far happier, in + my judgment, without it. I<br /> think I get more real joy out of life than + he did.<br /> He was a man of a very great and tender heart. He<br /> was + continually thinking—for many years of his<br /> life—of the + thousands and thousands going down to<br /> eternal fire. That doctrine + filled his days with<br /> gloom, and his eyes with tears. I think that my<br /> + father and mother would have been far happier had<br /> they believed as I + do. How any one can get any<br /> joy out of the Christian religion is past + my compre-<br /> hension. If that religion is true, hundreds of mil-<br /> + lions are now in hell, and thousands of millions yet<br /> unborn will be. + How such a fact can form any part<br /> of the "glad tidings of great joy," + is amazing to me.<br /> It is impossible for me to love a being who would<br /> + create countless millions for eternal pain. It is<br /> impossible for me + to worship the God of the Bible,<br /> or the God of Calvin, or the God of + the Westminster<br /> Catechism.<br /> <br /> 157<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + I see that Mr. Talmage challenges you<br /> to read the fourteenth chapter + of Saint John. Are<br /> you willing to accept the challenge; or have you<br /> + ever read that chapter?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I do not claim to be + very courageous,<br /> but I have read that chapter, and am very glad that<br /> + Mr. Talmage has called attention to it. According<br /> to the gospels, + Christ did many miracles. He healed<br /> the sick, gave sight to the + blind, made the lame<br /> walk, and raised the dead. In the fourteenth + chapter<br /> of Saint John, twelfth verse, I find the following:<br /> + <br /> "Verily, verily, I say unto you: He that believeth<br /> "on me, the + works that I do shall he do also; and<br /> "greater works than these shall + he do, because I go<br /> "unto my Father."<br /> <br /> I am willing to + accept that as a true test of a<br /> believer. If Mr. Talmage really + believes in Jesus<br /> Christ, he ought to be able to do at least as great<br /> + miracles as Christ is said to have done. Will Mr.<br /> Talmage have the + kindness to read the fourteenth<br /> chapter of John, and then give me + some proof, in<br /> accordance with that chapter, that he is a believer in<br /> + Jesus Christ? Will he have the kindness to perform<br /> a miracle?—for + instance, produce a "local flood,"<br /> make a worm to smite a gourd, or + "prepare a fish"?<br /> <br /> 158<br /> <br /> Can he do anything of that + nature? Can he even<br /> cause a "vehement east wind"? What evidence,<br /> + according to the Bible, can Mr. Talmage give of his<br /> belief? How does + he prove that he is a Christian?<br /> By hating infidels and maligning + Christians? Let<br /> Mr. Talmage furnish the evidence, according to the<br /> + fourteenth chapter of Saint John, or forever after<br /> hold his peace.<br /> + <br /> He has my thanks for calling my attention to the<br /> fourteenth + chapter of Saint John.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage charges + that you are at-<br /> tempting to destroy the "chief solace of the world,"<br /> + without offering any substitute. How do you answer<br /> this?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. If he calls Christianity the "chief solace<br /> "of the + world," and if by Christianity he means that all<br /> who do not believe + in the inspiration of the Scrip-<br /> tures, and have no faith in Jesus + Christ, are to be<br /> eternally damned, then I admit that I am doing the<br /> + best I can to take that "solace" from the human<br /> heart. I do not + believe that the Bible, when prop-<br /> erly understood, is, or ever has + been, a comfort to<br /> any human being. Surely, no good man can be<br /> + comforted by reading a book in which he finds that<br /> <br /> 159<br /> + <br /> a large majority of mankind have been sentenced to<br /> eternal + fire. In the doctrine of total depravity there<br /> is no "solace." In the + doctrine of "election" there can<br /> be no joy until the returns are in, + and a majority<br /> found for you.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage + says that you are taking<br /> away the world's medicines, and in place of + anaes-<br /> thetics, in place of laudanum drops, you read an<br /> essay to + the man in pain, on the absurdities of mor-<br /> phine and nervines in + general.<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is exactly the other way. I say, let<br /> + us depend upon morphine, not upon prayer. Do<br /> not send for the + minister—take a little laudanum.<br /> Do not read your Bible,—chloroform + is better. Do<br /> not waste your time listening to meaningless ser-<br /> + mons, but take real, genuine soporifics.<br /> <br /> I regard the + discoverer of ether as a benefactor.<br /> I look upon every great surgeon + as a blessing to<br /> mankind. I regard one doctor, skilled in his profes-<br /> + sion, of more importance to the world than all the<br /> orthodox + ministers.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage should remember that for hundreds<br /> + of years, the church fought, with all its power, the<br /> science of + medicine. Priests used to cure diseases<br /> <br /> 160<br /> <br /> by + selling little pieces of paper covered with cabalistic<br /> marks. They + filled their treasuries by the sale of<br /> holy water. They healed the + sick by relics—the teeth<br /> and ribs of saints, the finger-nails + of departed wor-<br /> thies, and the hair of glorified virgins. Infidelity<br /> + said: "Send for the doctor." Theology said: "Stick<br /> "to the priest." + Infidelity,—that is to say, science,—<br /> said: "Vaccinate + him." The priest said: "Pray;—<br /> "I will sell you a charm." The + doctor was regarded<br /> as a man who was endeavoring to take from God his<br /> + means of punishment. He was supposed to spike<br /> the artillery of + Jehovah, to wet the powder of the<br /> Almighty, and to steal the flint + from the musket of<br /> heavenly retribution.<br /> <br /> Infidelity has + never relied upon essays, it has<br /> never relied upon words, it has + never relied upon<br /> prayers, it has never relied upon angels or gods; + it<br /> has relied upon the honest efforts of men and women.<br /> It has + relied upon investigation, observation, experi-<br /> ence, and above all, + upon human reason.<br /> <br /> We, in America, know how much prayers are<br /> + worth. We have lately seen millions of people upon<br /> their knees. What + was the result?<br /> <br /> In the olden times, when a plague made its ap-<br /> + pearance, the people fell upon their knees and died.<br /> <br /> 161<br /> + <br /> When pestilence came, they rushed to their ca-<br /> thedrals, they + implored their priests—and died. God<br /> had no pity upon his + ignorant children. At last,<br /> Science came to the rescue. Science,—not + in the<br /> attitude of prayer, with closed eyes, but in the atti-<br /> + tude of investigation, with open eyes,—looked for and<br /> + discovered some of the laws of health. Science<br /> found that cleanliness + was far better than godliness. It<br /> said: Do not spend your time in + praying;—clean your<br /> houses, clean your streets, clean + yourselves. This pest-<br /> ilence is not a punishment. Health is not + simply a favor<br /> of the gods. Health depends upon conditions, and<br /> + when the conditions are violated, disease is inevitable,<br /> and no God + can save you. Health depends upon<br /> your surroundings, and when these + are favorable,<br /> the roses are in your cheeks.<br /> <br /> We find in + the Old Testament that God gave<br /> to Moses a thousand directions for + ascertaining<br /> the presence of leprosy. Yet it never occurred<br /> to + this God to tell Moses how to cure the disease.<br /> Within the lids of + the Old Testament, we have no<br /> information upon a subject of such + vital importance<br /> to mankind.<br /> <br /> It may, however, be claimed + by Mr. Talmage, that<br /> this statement is a little too broad, and I will + therefore<br /> <br /> 162<br /> <br /> give one recipe that I find in the + fourteenth chapter<br /> of Leviticus:<br /> <br /> "Then shall the priest + command to take for him<br /> " that is to be cleansed two birds alive and + clean, and<br /> "cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop; and the priest<br /> + "shall command that one of the birds be killed in an<br /> "earthen vessel + over running water. As for the<br /> "living bird, he shall take it, and + the cedar wood,<br /> "and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them<br /> + "and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was<br /> "killed over + the running water. And he shall<br /> "sprinkle upon him that is to be + cleansed from the<br /> "leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him + clean,<br /> "and shall let the living bird loose into the open<br /> + "field."<br /> <br /> Prophets were predicting evil—filling the + country<br /> with their wails and cries, and yet it never occurred<br /> to + them to tell one solitary thing of the slightest<br /> importance to + mankind. Why did not these inspired<br /> men tell us how to cure some of + the diseases that<br /> have decimated the world? Instead of spending<br /> + forty days and forty nights with Moses, telling him<br /> how to build a + large tent, and how to cut the gar-<br /> ments of priests, why did God not + give him a little<br /> useful information in respect to the laws of + health?<br /> <br /> 163<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage must remember that the + church has<br /> invented no anodynes, no anaesthetics, no medicines,<br /> + and has affected no cures. The doctors have not<br /> been inspired. All + these useful things men have<br /> discovered for themselves, aided by no + prophet and<br /> by no divine Savior. Just to the extent that man<br /> has + depended upon the other world, he has failed to<br /> make the best of + this. Just in the proportion that he<br /> has depended on his own efforts, + he has advanced.<br /> The church has always said:<br /> <br /> "Consider the + lilies of the field; they toil not,<br /> "neither do they spin." "Take no + thought for the<br /> "morrow." Whereas, the real common sense of this<br /> + world has said: "No matter whether lilies toil and<br /> spin, or not, if + you would succeed, you must work;<br /> you must take thought for the + morrow, you must<br /> look beyond the present day, you must provide for<br /> + your wife and your children."<br /> <br /> What can I be expected to give as + a substitute for<br /> perdition? It is enough to show that it does not<br /> + exist. What does a man want in place of a disease?<br /> Health. And what + is better calculated to increase<br /> the happiness of mankind than to + know that the<br /> doctrine of eternal pain is infinitely and absurdly<br /> + false?<br /> <br /> 164<br /> <br /> Take theology from the world, and natural + Love<br /> remains, Science is still here, Music will not be lost,<br /> the + page of History will still be open, the walls of<br /> the world will still + be adorned with Art, and the<br /> niches rich with Sculpture.<br /> <br /> + Take theology from the world, and we all shall<br /> have a common hope,—and + the fear of hell will be<br /> removed from every human heart.<br /> <br /> + Take theology from the world, and millions of<br /> men will be compelled + to earn an honest living.<br /> Impudence will not tax credulity. The + vampire of<br /> hypocrisy will not suck the blood of honest toil.<br /> + <br /> Take theology from the world, and the churches<br /> can be schools, + and the cathedrals universities.<br /> <br /> Take theology from the world, + and the money<br /> wasted on superstition will do away with want.<br /> + <br /> Take theology from the world, and every brain<br /> will find itself + without a chain.<br /> <br /> There is a vast difference between what is + called<br /> infidelity and theology.<br /> <br /> Infidelity is honest. When + it reaches the confines<br /> of reason, it says: "I know no further."<br /> + <br /> Infidelity does not palm its guess upon an ignorant<br /> world as a + demonstration.<br /> <br /> 165<br /> <br /> Infidelity proves nothing by + slander—establishes<br /> nothing by abuse.<br /> <br /> Infidelity has + nothing to hide. It has no "holy<br /> "of holies," except the abode of + truth. It has no<br /> curtain that the hand of investigation has not the<br /> + right to draw aside. It lives in the cloudless light,<br /> in the very + noon, of human eyes.<br /> <br /> Infidelity has no bible to be blasphemed. + It does<br /> not cringe before an angry God.<br /> <br /> Infidelity says to + every man: Investigate for<br /> yourself. There is no punishment for + unbelief.<br /> <br /> Infidelity asks no protection from legislatures. It<br /> + wants no man fined because he contradicts its doc-<br /> trines.<br /> <br /> + Infidelity relies simply upon evidence—not evi-<br /> dence of the + dead, but of the living.<br /> <br /> Infidelity has no infallible pope. It + relies only<br /> upon infallible fact. It has no priest except the<br /> + interpreter of Nature. The universe is its church.<br /> Its bible is + everything that is true. It implores every<br /> man to verify every word + for himself, and it implores<br /> him to say, if he does not believe it, + that he does<br /> not.<br /> <br /> Infidelity does not fear contradiction. + It is not<br /> afraid of being laughed at. It invites the scrutiny<br /> + <br /> 166<br /> <br /> of all doubters, of all unbelievers. It does not rely<br /> + upon awe, but upon reason. It says to the whole<br /> world: It is + dangerous not to think. It is dan-<br /> gerous not to be honest. It is + dangerous not to<br /> investigate. It is dangerous not to follow where<br /> + your reason leads.<br /> <br /> Infidelity requires every man to judge for + himself.<br /> Infidelity preserves the manhood of man.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Mr. Talmage also says that you are<br /> trying to put out the light-houses + on the coast of the<br /> next world; that you are "about to leave + everybody<br /> "in darkness at the narrows of death"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + There can be no necessity for these<br /> light-houses, unless the God of + Mr. Talmage has<br /> planted rocks and reefs within that unknown sea.<br /> + If there is no hell, there is no need of any light-<br /> house on the + shores of the next world; and only<br /> those are interested in keeping up + these pretended<br /> light-houses who are paid for trimming invisible<br /> + wicks and supplying the lamps with allegorical oil.<br /> Mr. Talmage is + one of these light-house keepers,<br /> and he knows that if it is + ascertained that the coast<br /> is not dangerous, the light-house will be + abandoned,<br /> and the keeper will have to find employment else-<br /> + <br /> 167<br /> <br /> where. As a matter of fact, every church is a use-<br /> + less light-house. It warns us only against breakers<br /> that do not + exist. Whenever a mariner tells one of<br /> the keepers that there is no + danger, then all the<br /> keepers combine to destroy the reputation of + that<br /> mariner.<br /> <br /> No one has returned from the other world to + tell<br /> us whether they have light-houses on that shore or<br /> not; or + whether the light-houses on this shore—one<br /> of which Mr. Talmage + is tending—have ever sent a<br /> cheering ray across the sea.<br /> + <br /> Nature has furnished every human being with<br /> a light more or + less brilliant, more or less powerful.<br /> That light is Reason; and he + who blows that light<br /> out, is in utter darkness. It has been the + business of<br /> the church for centuries to extinguish the lamp of the<br /> + mind, and to convince the people that their own<br /> reason is utterly + unreliable. The church has asked<br /> all men to rely only upon the light + of the church.<br /> <br /> Every priest has been not only a light-house but<br /> + a guide-board. He has threatened eternal damna-<br /> tion to all who + travel on some other road. These<br /> guide-boards have been toll-gates, + and the principal<br /> reason why the churches have wanted people to go<br /> + their road is, that tolls might be collected. They<br /> <br /> 168<br /> + <br /> have regarded unbelievers as the owners of turnpikes<br /> do people + who go 'cross lots. The toll-gate man<br /> always tells you that other + roads are dangerous—<br /> filled with quagmires and quicksands.<br /> + <br /> Every church is a kind of insurance society, and<br /> proposes, for + a small premium, to keep you from<br /> eternal fire. Of course, the man + who tells you that<br /> there is to be no fire, interferes with the + business,<br /> and is denounced as a malicious meddler and blas-<br /> + phemer. The fires of this world sustain the same<br /> relation to + insurance companies that the fires of the<br /> next do to the churches.<br /> + <br /> Mr. Talmage also insists that I am breaking up the<br /> + "life-boats." Why should a ship built by infinite<br /> wisdom, by an + infinite shipbuilder, carry life-boats?<br /> The reason we have life-boats + now is, that we are<br /> not entirely sure of the ship. We know that man<br /> + has not yet found out how to make a ship that can<br /> certainly brave all + the dangers of the deep. For this<br /> reason we carry life-boats. But + infinite wisdom must<br /> surely build ships that do not need life-boats. + Is there<br /> to be a wreck at last? Is God's ship to go down in<br /> + storm and darkness? Will it be necessary at last to<br /> forsake his ship + and depend upon life-boats?<br /> <br /> For my part, I do not wish to be + rescued by a life-<br /> <br /> 169<br /> <br /> boat. When the ship, bearing + the whole world, goes<br /> down, I am willing to go down with it—with + my<br /> wife, with my children, and with those I have loved.<br /> I will + not slip ashore in an orthodox canoe with<br /> somebody else's folks,—I + will stay with my own.<br /> <br /> What a picture is presented by the + church! A few<br /> in life's last storm are to be saved; and the saved,<br /> + when they reach shore, are to look back with joy<br /> upon the great ship + going down to the eternal depths!<br /> This is what I call the unutterable + meanness of or-<br /> thodox Christianity.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage speaks of + the "meanness of in-<br /> "fidelity."<br /> <br /> The meanness of orthodox + Christianity permits the<br /> husband to be saved, and to be ineffably + happy, while<br /> the wife of his bosom is suffering the tortures of hell.<br /> + <br /> The meanness of orthodox Christianity tells the<br /> boy that he can + go to heaven and have an eternity<br /> of bliss, and that this bliss will + not even be clouded<br /> by the fact that the mother who bore him writhes + in<br /> eternal pain.<br /> <br /> The meanness of orthodox Christianity + allows<br /> a soul to be so captivated with the companionship<br /> of + angels as to forget all the old loves and friend-<br /> ships of this + world.<br /> <br /> 170<br /> <br /> The meanness of orthodox Christianity, + its un-<br /> speakable selfishness, allows a soul in heaven to exult<br /> + in the fact of its own salvation, and at the same time<br /> to care + nothing for the damnation of all the rest.<br /> <br /> The orthodox + Christian says that if he can only<br /> save his little soul, if he can + barely squeeze into<br /> heaven, if he can only get past Saint Peter's + gate,<br /> if he can by hook or crook climb up the opposite<br /> bank of + Jordan, if he can get a harp in his hand, it<br /> matters not to him what + becomes of brother or<br /> sister, father or mother, wife or child. He is + willing<br /> that they should burn if he can sing.<br /> <br /> Oh, the + unutterable meanness of orthodox Chris-<br /> tianity, the infinite + heartlessness of the orthodox<br /> angels, who with tearless eyes will + forever gaze upon<br /> the agonies of those who were once blood of their<br /> + blood and flesh of their flesh!<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage describes a picture + of the scourging<br /> of Christ, painted by Rubens, and he tells us that<br /> + he was so appalled by this picture—by the sight of<br /> the naked + back, swollen and bleeding—that he could<br /> not have lived had he + continued to look; yet this<br /> same man, who could not bear to gaze upon + a<br /> painted pain, expects to be perfectly happy in heaven,<br /> while + countiess billions of actual—not painted—men,<br /> <br /> 171<br /> + <br /> women, and children writhe—not in a pictured flame,<br /> but + in the real and quenchless fires of hell.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. + Talmage also claims that we are<br /> indebted to Christianity for schools, + colleges, univer-<br /> sities, hospitals and asylums?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + This shows that Mr. Talmage has not<br /> read the history of the world. + Long before Chris-<br /> tianity had a place, there were vast libraries. + There<br /> were thousands of schools before a Christian existed<br /> on + the earth. There were hundreds of hospitals<br /> before a line of the New + Testament was written.<br /> Hundreds of years before Christ, there were + hospitals<br /> in India,—not only for men, women and children, but<br /> + even for beasts. There were hospitals in Egypt long<br /> before Moses was + born. They knew enough then<br /> to cure insanity with music. They + surrounded the<br /> insane with flowers, and treated them with kindness.<br /> + <br /> The great libraries at Alexandria were not Chris-<br /> tian. The + most intellectual nation of the Middle<br /> Ages was not Christian. While + Christians were<br /> imprisoning people for saying that the earth is + round,<br /> the Moors in Spain were teaching geography with<br /> globes. + They had even calculated the circumference<br /> of the earth by the tides + of the Red Sea.<br /> <br /> Where did education come from? For a thousand<br /> + <br /> 172<br /> <br /> years Christianity destroyed books and paintings and<br /> + statues. For a thousand years Christianity was filled<br /> with hatred + toward every effort of the human mind.<br /> We got paper from the Moors. + Printing had been<br /> known thousands of years before, in China. A few<br /> + manuscripts, containing a portion of the literature of<br /> Greece, a few + enriched with the best thoughts of<br /> the Roman world, had been + preserved from the<br /> general wreck and ruin wrought by Christian hate.<br /> + These became the seeds of intellectual progress.<br /> For a thousand years + Christianity controlled Europe.<br /> The Mohammedans were far in advance + of the<br /> Christians with hospitals and asylums and institutions<br /> of + learning.<br /> <br /> Just in proportion that we have done away with<br /> + what is known as orthodox Christianity, humanity<br /> has taken its place. + Humanity has built all the asy-<br /> lums, all the hospitals. Humanity, + not Christianity,<br /> has done these things. The people of this country<br /> + are all willing to be taxed that the insane may be<br /> cared for, that + the sick, the helpless, and the desti-<br /> tute may be provided for, not + because they are<br /> Christians, but because they are humane; and they<br /> + are not humane because they are Christians.<br /> <br /> The colleges of + this country have been poisoned by<br /> <br /> 173<br /> <br /> theology, and + their usefulness almost destroyed. Just<br /> in proportion that they have + gotten from ecclesiastical<br /> control, they have become a good. That + college, to-<br /> day, which has the most religion has the least true<br /> + learning; and that college which is the nearest free,<br /> does the most + good. Colleges that pit Moses against<br /> modern geology, that undertake + to overthrow the<br /> Copernican system by appealing to Joshua, have<br /> + done, and are doing, very little good in this world.<br /> <br /> Suppose + that in the first century Pagans had said<br /> to Christians: Where are + your hospitals, where are<br /> your asylums, where are your works of + charity, where<br /> are your colleges and universities?<br /> <br /> The + Christians undoubtedly would have replied:<br /> We have not been in power. + There are but few<br /> of us. We have been persecuted to that degree<br /> + that it has been about as much as we could do to<br /> maintain ourselves.<br /> + <br /> Reasonable Pagans would have regarded such an<br /> answer as + perfectly satisfactory. Yet that question<br /> could have been asked of + Christianity after it had<br /> held the reins of power for a thousand + years, and<br /> Christians would have been compelled to say: We<br /> have + no universities, we have no colleges, we have<br /> no real asylums.<br /> + <br /> 174<br /> <br /> The Christian now asks of the atheist: Where<br /> is + your asylum, where is your hospital, where is your<br /> university? And + the atheist answers: There have<br /> been but few atheists. The world is + not yet suffi-<br /> ciently advanced to produce them. For hundreds<br /> + and hundreds of years, the minds of men have been<br /> darkened by the + superstitions of Christianity. Priests<br /> have thundered against human + knowledge, have de-<br /> nounced human reason, and have done all within<br /> + their power to prevent the real progress of mankind.<br /> <br /> You must + also remember that Christianity has<br /> made more lunatics than it ever + provided asylums<br /> for. Christianity has driven more men and women<br /> + crazy than all other religions combined. Hundreds<br /> and thousands and + millions have lost their reason in<br /> contemplating the monstrous + falsehoods of Chris-<br /> tianity. Thousands of mothers, thinking of their<br /> + sons in hell—thousands of fathers, believing their<br /> boys and + girls in perdition, have lost their reason.<br /> <br /> So, let it be + distinctly understood, that Christianity<br /> has made ten lunatics—twenty—one + hundred—<br /> where it has provided an asylum for one.<br /> <br /> + Mr. Talmage also speaks of the hospitals. When<br /> we take into + consideration the wars that have been<br /> waged on account of religion, + the countless thou-<br /> <br /> 175<br /> <br /> sands who have been maimed + and wounded, through<br /> all the years, by wars produced by theology—then + I<br /> say that Christianity has not built hospitals enough<br /> to take + care of her own wounded—not enough to<br /> take care of one in a + hundred. Where Christianity<br /> has bound up the wounds of one, it has + pierced the<br /> bodies of a hundred others with sword and spear,<br /> + with bayonet and ball. Where she has provided<br /> one bed in a hospital, + she has laid away a hundred<br /> bodies in bloody graves.<br /> <br /> Of + course I do not expect the church to do<br /> anything but beg. Churches + produce nothing. They<br /> are like the lilies of the field. "They toil + not, neither<br /> "do they spin, yet Solomon in all his glory was not<br /> + "arrayed like most of them."<br /> <br /> The churches raise no corn nor + wheat. They<br /> simply collect tithes. They carry the alms' dish.<br /> + They pass the plate. They take toll. Of course<br /> a mendicant is not + expected to produce anything.<br /> He does not support,—he is + supported. The church<br /> does not help. She receives, she devours, she<br /> + consumes, and she produces only discord. She ex-<br /> changes mistakes for + provisions, faith for food,<br /> prayers for pence. The church is a + beggar. But we<br /> have this consolation: In this age of the world, this<br /> + <br /> 176<br /> <br /> beggar is not on horseback, and even the walking is<br /> + not good.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage says that infidels have<br /> + done no good?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, let us see. In the first + place,<br /> what is an "infidel"? He is simply a man in advance<br /> of + his time. He is an intellectual pioneer. He is<br /> the dawn of a new day. + He is a gentleman with an<br /> idea of his own, for which he gave no + receipt to the<br /> church. He is a man who has not been branded as<br /> + the property of some one else. An "infidel" is one<br /> who has made a + declaration of independence. In<br /> other words, he is a man who has had + a doubt. To<br /> have a doubt means that you have thought upon<br /> the + subject—that you have investigated the question;<br /> and he who + investigates any religion will doubt.<br /> <br /> All the advance that has + been made in the religious<br /> world has been made by "infidels," by + "heretics,"<br /> by "skeptics," by doubters,—that is to say, by<br /> + thoughtful men. The doubt does not come from the<br /> ignorant members of + your congregations. Heresy is<br /> not born of stupidity,—it is not + the child of the brain-<br /> less. He who is so afraid of hurting the + reputation<br /> of his father and mother that he refuses to advance,<br /> + <br /> 177<br /> <br /> is not a "heretic." The "heretic" is not true to<br /> + falsehood. Orthodoxy is. He who stands faithfully<br /> by a mistake is + "orthodox." He who, discovering<br /> that it is a mistake, has the courage + to say so, is an<br /> "infidel."<br /> <br /> An infidel is an intellectual + discoverer—one who<br /> finds new isles, new continents, in the vast + realm of<br /> thought. The dwellers on the orthodox shore de-<br /> nounce + this brave sailor of the seas as a buccaneer.<br /> <br /> And yet we are + told that the thinkers of new<br /> thoughts have never been of value to + the world.<br /> Voltaire did more for human liberty than all the<br /> + orthodox ministers living and dead. He broke a<br /> thousand times more + chains than Luther. Luther<br /> simply substituted his chain for that of + the Catholics.<br /> Voltaire had none. The Encyclopaedists of France<br /> + did more for liberty than all the writers upon theology.<br /> Bruno did + more for mankind than millions of "be-<br /> "lievers." Spinoza contributed + more to the growth<br /> of the human intellect than all the orthodox + theolo-<br /> gians.<br /> <br /> Men have not done good simply because they + have<br /> believed this or that doctrine. They have done good<br /> in the + intellectual world as they have thought and<br /> secured for others the + liberty to think and to ex-<br /> <br /> 178<br /> <br /> press their + thoughts. They have done good in the<br /> physical world by teaching their + fellows how to<br /> triumph over the obstructions of nature. Every<br /> + man who has taught his fellow-man to think, has<br /> been a benefactor. + Every one who has supplied his<br /> fellow-men with facts, and insisted + upon their right<br /> to think, has been a blessing to his kind.<br /> + <br /> Mr. Talmage, in order to show what Christians<br /> have done, points + us to Whitefield, Luther, Oberlin,<br /> Judson, Martyn, Bishop Mcllvaine + and Hannah<br /> More. I would not for one moment compare George<br /> + Whitefield with the inventor of movable type, and<br /> there is no + parallel between Frederick Oberlin and<br /> the inventor of paper; not the + slightest between<br /> Martin Luther and the discoverer of the New World;<br /> + not the least between Adoniram Judson and the in-<br /> ventor of the + reaper, nor between Henry Martyn<br /> and the discoverer of photography. + Of what use to<br /> the world was Bishop Mcllvaine, compared with<br /> the + inventor of needles? Of what use were a<br /> hundred such priests compared + with the inventor<br /> of matches, or even of clothes-pins? Suppose that<br /> + Hannah More had never lived? about the same<br /> number would read her + writings now. It is hardly fair<br /> to compare her with the inventor of + the steamship?<br /> <br /> 179<br /> <br /> The progress of the world—its + present improved<br /> condition—can be accounted for only by the + discov-<br /> eries of genius, only by men who have had the<br /> courage to + express their honest thoughts.<br /> <br /> After all, the man who invented + the telescope<br /> found out more about heaven than the closed eyes of<br /> + prayer had ever discovered. I feel absolutely certain<br /> that the + inventor of the steam engine was a greater<br /> benefactor to mankind than + the writer of the Presby-<br /> terian creed. I may be mistaken, but I + think that<br /> railways have done more to civilize mankind, than any<br /> + system of theology. I believe that the printing press<br /> has done more + for the world than the pulpit. It is<br /> my opinion that the discoveries + of Kepler did a<br /> thousand times more to enlarge the minds of men<br /> + than the prophecies of Daniel. I feel under far<br /> greater obligation to + Humboldt than to Haggai.<br /> The inventor of the plow did more good than + the<br /> maker of the first rosary—because, say what you<br /> will, + plowing is better than praying; we can live by<br /> plowing without + praying, but we can not live by<br /> praying without plowing. So I put my + faith in the<br /> plow.<br /> <br /> As Jehovah has ceased to make garments + for his<br /> children,—as he has stopped making coats of skins,<br /> + <br /> 180<br /> <br /> I have great respect for the inventors of the + spinning-<br /> jenny and the sewing machine. As no more laws<br /> are + given from Sinai, I have admiration for the real<br /> statesmen. As + miracles have ceased, I rely on<br /> medicine, and on a reasonable + compliance with the<br /> conditions of health.<br /> <br /> I have infinite + respect for the inventors, the<br /> thinkers, the discoverers, and above + all, for the un-<br /> known millions who have, without the hope of fame,<br /> + lived and labored for the ones they loved.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a + name="link0007" id="link0007"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <big><b>FIFTH + INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>Parson. You had belter join the church; + it is<br /> the safer way.<br /> <br /> Sinner. I can't live up to your + doctrines, and you<br /> know it.<br /> <br /> Parson. Well, you can come as + near it in the<br /> church as out; and forgiveness<br /> <br /> will be + easier if you join us.<br /> <br /> Sinner. What do you mean by that?<br /> + <br /> Parson. I will tell you. If you join the church,<br /> and happen to + back-slide now and then, Christ will<br /> say to his Father: "That man is + a "friend of mine,<br /> and you may charge his account to me."</i><br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What have you to say about the<br /> fifth sermon of + the Rev. Mr. Talmage in reply<br /> to you?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The + text from which he preached is:<br /> "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or + figs of thistles?"<br /> I am compelled to answer these questions in the<br /> + negative. That is one reason why I am an infidel.<br /> I do not believe + that anybody can gather grapes of<br /> thorns, or figs of thistles. That + is exactly my doctrine.<br /> But the doctrine of the church is, that you + can. The<br /> <br /> 184<br /> <br /> church says, that just at the last, no + matter if you<br /> have spent your whole life in raising thorns and + thistles,<br /> in planting and watering and hoeing and plowing<br /> thorns + and thistles—that just at the last, if you will<br /> repent, between + hoeing the last thistle and taking the<br /> last breath, you can reach out + the white and palsied<br /> hand of death and gather from every thorn a + cluster<br /> of grapes and from every thistle an abundance of<br /> figs. + The church insists that in this way you can<br /> gather enough grapes and + figs to last you through all<br /> eternity.<br /> <br /> My doctrine is, + that he who raises thorns must<br /> harvest thorns. If you sow thorns, you + must reap<br /> thorns; and there is no way by which an innocent<br /> being + can have the thorns you raise thrust into his<br /> brow, while you gather + his grapes.<br /> <br /> But Christianity goes even further than this. It<br /> + insists that a man can plant grapes and gather thorns.<br /> Mr. Talmage + insists that, no matter how good you<br /> are, no matter how kind, no + matter how much you<br /> love your wife and children, no matter how many<br /> + self-denying acts you do, you will not be allowed to<br /> eat of the + grapes you raise; that God will step be-<br /> tween you and the natural + consequences of your<br /> goodness, and not allow you to reap what you + sow.<br /> <br /> 185<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage insists, that if you have no + faith in the<br /> Lord Jesus Christ, although you have been good<br /> + here, you will reap eternal pain as your harvest; that<br /> the effect of + honesty and kindness will not be peace<br /> and joy, but agony and pain. + So that the church<br /> does insist not only that you can gather grapes + from<br /> thorns, but thorns from grapes.<br /> <br /> I believe exactly the + other way. If a man is a<br /> good man here, dying will not change him, + and he<br /> will land on the shore of another world—if there is<br /> + one—the same good man that he was when he left<br /> this; and I do + not believe there is any God in this<br /> universe who can afford to damn + a good man. This<br /> God will say to this man: You loved your wife,<br /> + your children, and your friends, and I love you.<br /> You treated others + with kindness; I will treat you<br /> in the same way. But Mr. Talmage + steps up to<br /> his God, nudges his elbow, and says: Although he<br /> was + a very good man, he belonged to no church;<br /> he was a blasphemer; he + denied the whale story, and<br /> after I explained that Jonah was only in + the whale's<br /> mouth, he still denied it; and thereupon Mr. Tal-<br /> + mage expects that his infinite God will fly in a<br /> passion, and in a + perfect rage will say: What! did<br /> he deny that story? Let him be + eternally damned!<br /> <br /> 186<br /> <br /> Not only this, but Mr. Talmage + insists that a man<br /> may have treated his wife like a wild beast; may + have<br /> trampled his child beneath the feet of his rage; may<br /> have + lived a life of dishonesty, of infamy, and yet,<br /> having repented on + his dying bed, having made his<br /> peace with God through the + intercession of his Son,<br /> he will be welcomed in heaven with shouts of + joy.<br /> I deny it. I do not believe that angels can be so<br /> quickly + made from rascals. I have but little confi-<br /> dence in repentance + without restitution, and a hus-<br /> band who has driven a wife to + insanity and death by<br /> his cruelty—afterward repenting and + finding himself<br /> in heaven, and missing his wife,—were he worthy + to<br /> be an angel, would wander through all the gulfs of<br /> hell until + he clasped her once again..<br /> <br /> Now, the next question is, What + must be done with<br /> those who are sometimes good and sometimes bad?<br /> + That is my condition. If there is another world, I<br /> expect to have the + same opportunity of behaving<br /> myself that I have here. If, when I get + there, I fail<br /> to act as I should, I expect to reap what I sow. If,<br /> + when I arrive at the New Jerusalem, I go into the<br /> thorn business, I + expect to harvest what I plant. If<br /> I am wise enough to start a + vineyard, I expect to<br /> have grapes in the early fall. But if I do + there as I<br /> <br /> 187<br /> <br /> have done here—plant some + grapes and some thorns,<br /> and harvest them together—I expect to + fare very<br /> much as I have fared here. But I expect year by<br /> year + to grow wiser, to plant fewer thorns every<br /> spring, and more grapes.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage charges that you have<br /> taken the + ground that the Bible is a cruel book, and<br /> has produced cruel people?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, I have taken that ground, and I<br /> maintain + it. The Bible was produced by cruel people,<br /> and in its turn it has + produced people like its authors.<br /> The extermination of the Canaanites + was cruel.<br /> Most of the laws of Moses were bloodthirsty and<br /> + cruel. Hundreds of offences were punishable by<br /> death, while now, in + civilized countries, there are only<br /> two crimes for which the + punishment is capital. I<br /> charge that Moses and Joshua and David and + Samuel<br /> and Solomon were cruel. I believe that to read and<br /> + believe the Old Testament naturally makes a man<br /> careless of human + life. That book has produced<br /> hundreds of religious wars, and it has + furnished the<br /> battle-cries of bigotry for fifteen hundred years.<br /> + <br /> The Old Testament is filled with cruelty, but its<br /> cruelty stops + with this world, its malice ends with<br /> <br /> 188<br /> <br /> death; + whenever its victim has reached the grave,<br /> revenge is satisfied. Not + so with the New Testament.<br /> It pursues its victim forever. After + death, comes<br /> hell; after the grave, the worm that never dies. So<br /> + that, as a matter of fact, the New Testament is in-<br /> finitely more + cruel than the Old.<br /> <br /> Nothing has so tended to harden the human + heart<br /> as the doctrine of eternal punishment, and that<br /> passage: + "He that believeth and is baptized shall be<br /> "saved, and he that + believeth not shall be damned,"<br /> has shed more blood than all the + other so-called<br /> "sacred books" of all this world.<br /> <br /> I insist + that the Bible is cruel. The Bible invented<br /> instruments of torture. + The Bible laid the foundations<br /> of the Inquisition. The Bible + furnished the fagots and<br /> the martyrs. The Bible forged chains not + only for the<br /> hands, but for the brains of men. The Bible was at<br /> + the bottom of the massacre of St. Bartholomew.<br /> Every man who has been + persecuted for religion's<br /> sake has been persecuted by the Bible. That + sacred<br /> book has been a beast of prey.<br /> <br /> The truth is, + Christians have been good in spite of<br /> the Bible. The Bible has lived + upon the reputations of<br /> good men and good women,—men and women + who<br /> were good notwithstanding the brutality they found<br /> <br /> + <br /> 189<br /> <br /> upon the inspired page. Men have said: "My mother<br /> + "believed in the Bible; my mother was good; there-<br /> "fore, the Bible + is good," when probably the mother<br /> never read a chapter in it.<br /> + <br /> The Bible produced the Church of Rome, and<br /> Torquemada was a + product of the Bible. Philip of<br /> Spain and the Duke of Alva were + produced by the<br /> Bible. For thirty years Europe was one vast battle-<br /> + field, and the war was produced by the Bible. The re-<br /> vocation of the + Edict of Nantes was produced by the<br /> sacred Scriptures. The + instruments of torture—the<br /> pincers, the thumb-screws, the + racks, were produced<br /> by the word of God. The Quakers of New England<br /> + were whipped and burned by the Bible—their children<br /> were stolen + by the Bible. The slave-ship had for its<br /> sails the leaves of the + Bible. Slavery was upheld in<br /> the United States by the Bible. The + Bible was the<br /> auction-block. More than this, worse than this,<br /> + infinitely beyond the computation of imagination, the<br /> despotisms of + the old world all rested and still rest<br /> upon the Bible. "The powers + that be" were sup-<br /> posed to have been "ordained of God;" and he who<br /> + rose against his king periled his soul.<br /> <br /> In this connection, and + in order to show the state<br /> of society when the church had entire + control of civil<br /> <br /> 190<br /> <br /> and ecclesiastical affairs, it + may be well enough to<br /> read the following, taken from the <i>New York + Sun</i> of<br /> March 21, 1882. From this little extract, it will be<br /> + easy in the imagination to re-organize the government<br /> that then + existed, and to see clearly the state of so-<br /> ciety at that time. This + can be done upon the same<br /> principle that one scale tells of the + entire fish, or one<br /> bone of the complete animal:<br /> <br /> "From + records in the State archives of Hesse-<br /> "Darmstadt, dating back to + the thirteenth century,<br /> "it appears that the public executioner's fee + for boiling<br /> "a criminal in oil was twenty-four florins; for decapi-<br /> + "tating with the sword, fifteen florins and-a-half; for<br /> "quartering, + the same; for breaking on the wheel,<br /> "five florins, thirty kreuzers; + for tearing a man to<br /> "pieces, eighteen florins. Ten florins per head + was<br /> "his charge for hanging, and he burned delinquents<br /> "alive at + the rate of fourteen florins apiece. For ap-<br /> "plying the 'Spanish + boot' his fee was only two<br /> "florins. Five florins were paid to him + every time he<br /> "subjected a refractory witness to the torture of the<br /> + "rack. The same amount was his due for 'branding<br /> "'the sign of the + gallows with a red-hot iron upon<br /> "'the back, forehead, or cheek of a + thief,' as well as<br /> "for 'cutting off the nose and ears of a slanderer + or<br /> <br /> 191<br /> <br /> "'blasphemer.' Flogging with rods was a cheap<br /> + "punishment, its remuneration being fixed at three<br /> "florins, thirty + kreuzers."<br /> <br /> The Bible has made men cruel. It is a cruel book.<br /> + And yet, amidst its thorns, amidst its thistles, amidst<br /> its nettles + and its swords and pikes, there are some<br /> flowers, and these I wish, + in common with all good<br /> men, to save.<br /> <br /> I do not believe + that men have ever been made<br /> merciful in war by reading the Old + Testament. I do<br /> not believe that men have ever been prompted to<br /> + break the chain of a slave by reading the Pentateuch.<br /> The question is + not whether Florence Nightingale and<br /> Miss Dix were cruel. I have said + nothing about<br /> John Howard, nothing about Abbott Lawrence.<br /> I say + nothing about people in this connection. The<br /> question is: Is the + Bible a cruel book? not: Was<br /> Miss Nightingale a cruel woman? There + have been<br /> thousands and thousands of loving, tender and char-<br /> + itable Mohammedans. Mohammedan mothers love<br /> their children as well as + Christian mothers can.<br /> Mohammedans have died in defence of the Koran—<br /> + died for the honor of an impostor. There were<br /> millions of charitable + people in India—millions in<br /> Egypt—and I am not sure that + the world has ever<br /> <br /> 192<br /> <br /> produced people who loved one + another better than<br /> the Egyptians.<br /> <br /> I think there are many + things in the Old Testament<br /> calculated to make man cruel. Mr. Talmage + asks:<br /> "What has been the effect upon your children? As<br /> "they + have become more and more fond of the<br /> "Scriptures have they become + more and more fond<br /> "of tearing off the wings of flies and pinning + grass-<br /> "hoppers and robbing birds' nests?"<br /> <br /> I do not + believe that reading the bible would make<br /> them tender toward flies or + grasshoppers. According<br /> to that book, God used to punish animals for + the<br /> crimes of their owners. He drowned the animals in<br /> a flood. + He visited cattle with disease. He bruised<br /> them to death with + hailstones—killed them by the<br /> thousand. Will the reading of + these things make<br /> children kind to animals? So, the whole system of<br /> + sacrifices in the Old Testament is calculated to harden<br /> the heart. + The butchery of oxen and lambs, the killing<br /> of doves, the perpetual + destruction of life, the con-<br /> tinual shedding of blood—these + things, if they have<br /> any tendency, tend only to harden the heart of + child-<br /> hood.<br /> <br /> The Bible does not stop simply with the + killing of<br /> animals. The Jews were commanded to kill their<br /> <br /> + 193<br /> <br /> neighbors—not only the men, but the women; not<br /> + only the women, but the babes. In accordance with<br /> the command of God, + the Jews killed not only their<br /> neighbors, but their own brothers; and + according to<br /> this book, which is the foundation, as Mr. Talmage<br /> + believes, of all mercy, men were commanded to kill<br /> their wives + because they differed with them on the<br /> subject of religion.<br /> + <br /> Nowhere in the world can be found laws more un-<br /> just and cruel + than in the Old Testament.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage wants + you to tell where<br /> the cruelty of the Bible crops out in the lives of + Chris-<br /> tians?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. In the first place, millions + of Christians<br /> have been persecutors. Did they get the idea of<br /> + persecution from the Bible? Will not every honest<br /> man admit that the + early Christians, by reading the<br /> Old Testament, became convinced that + it was not<br /> only their privilege, but their duty, to destroy heathen<br /> + nations? Did they not, by reading the same book,<br /> come to the + conclusion that it was their solemn duty<br /> to extirpate heresy and + heretics? According to the<br /> New Testament, nobody could be saved + unless he<br /> believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. The early Chris-<br /> + <br /> 194<br /> <br /> tians believed this dogma. They also believed that<br /> + they had a right to defend themselves and their<br /> children from + "heretics."<br /> <br /> We all admit that a man has a right to defend his<br /> + children against the assaults of a would-be murderer,<br /> and he has the + right to carry this defence to the<br /> extent of killing the assailant. + If we have the right<br /> to kill people who are simply trying to kill the + bodies<br /> of our children, of course we have the right to kill<br /> them + when they are endeavoring to assassinate, not<br /> simply their bodies, + but their souls. It was in this<br /> way Christians reasoned. If the + Testament is right,<br /> their reasoning was correct. Whoever believes the<br /> + New Testament literally—whoever is satisfied that it<br /> is + absolutely the word of God, will become a perse-<br /> cutor. All religious + persecution has been, and is, in<br /> exact harmony with the teachings of + the Old and<br /> New Testaments. Of course I mean with some of<br /> the + teachings. I admit that there are passages in<br /> both the Old and New + Testaments against persecu-<br /> tion. These are passages quoted only in + time of<br /> peace. Others are repeated to feed the flames of<br /> war.<br /> + <br /> I find, too, that reading the Bible and believing the<br /> Bible do + not prevent even ministers from telling false-<br /> <br /> 195<br /> <br /> + hoods about their opponents. I find that the Rev.<br /> Mr. Talmage is + willing even to slander the dead,—<br /> that he is willing to stain + the memory of a Christian,<br /> and that he does not hesitate to give + circulation<br /> to what he knows to be untrue. Mr. Talmage<br /> has + himself, I believe, been the subject of a church<br /> trial. How many of + the Christian witnesses against<br /> him, in his judgment, told the truth? + Yet they were<br /> all Bible readers and Bible believers. What effect, in<br /> + his judgment, did the reading of the Bible have upon<br /> his enemies? Is + he willing to admit that the testi-<br /> mony of a Bible, reader and + believer is true? Is he<br /> willing to accept the testimony even of + ministers?<br /> —of his brother ministers? Did reading the Bible<br /> + make them bad people? Was it a belief in the Bible<br /> that colored their + testimony? Or, was it a belief in<br /> the Bible that made Mr. Talmage + deny the truth of<br /> their statements?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. + Talmage charges you with having<br /> said that the Scriptures are a + collection of polluted<br /> writings?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I have + never said such a thing. I have<br /> said, and I still say, that there are + passages in the<br /> Bible unfit to be read—passages that never + should<br /> <br /> 196<br /> <br /> have been written—passages, whether + inspired or<br /> uninspired, that can by no possibility do any human<br /> + being any good. I have always admitted that there<br /> are good passages + in the Bible—many good, wise<br /> and just laws—many things + calculated to make men<br /> better—many things calculated to make + men worse.<br /> I admit that the Bible is a mixture of good and bad,<br /> + of truth and falsehood, of history and fiction, of sense<br /> and + nonsense, of virtue and vice, of aspiration and<br /> revenge, of liberty + and tyranny.<br /> <br /> I have never said anything against Solomon's<br /> + Song. I like it better than I do any book that pre-<br /> cedes it, because + it touches upon the human. In the<br /> desert of murder, wars of + extermination, polygamy,<br /> concubinage and slavery, it is an oasis + where the<br /> trees grow, where the birds sing, and where human<br /> love + blossoms and fills the air with perfume. I do<br /> not regard that book as + obscene. There are many<br /> things in it that are beautiful and tender, + and it is<br /> calculated to do good rather than harm.<br /> <br /> Neither + have I any objection to the book of Eccle-<br /> siastes—except a few + interpolations in it. That book<br /> was written by a Freethinker, by a + philosopher.<br /> There is not the slightest mention of God in it, nor<br /> + of another state of existence. All portions in which<br /> <br /> 197<br /> + <br /> God is mentioned are interpolations. With some of<br /> this book I + agree heartily. I believe in the doctrine<br /> of enjoying yourself, if + you can, to-day. I think it<br /> foolish to spend all your years in + heaping up treas-<br /> ures, not knowing but he who will spend them is to<br /> + be an idiot. I believe it is far better to be happy with<br /> your wife + and child now, than to be miserable here,<br /> with angelic expectations + in some other world.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage is mistaken when he supposes + that all<br /> Bible believers have good homes, that all Bible readers<br /> + are kind in their families. As a matter of fact, nearly all<br /> the + wife-whippers of the United States are orthodox.<br /> Nine-tenths of the + people in the penitentiaries are<br /> believers. Scotland is one of the + most orthodox<br /> countries in the world, and one of the most intem-<br /> + perate. Hundreds and hundreds of women are<br /> arrested every year in + Glasgow for drunkenness.<br /> Visit the Christian homes in the + manufacturing dis-<br /> tricts of England. Talk with the beaters of + children<br /> and whippers of wives, and you will find them be-<br /> + lievers. Go into what is known as the "Black<br /> "Country," and you will + have an idea of the Chris-<br /> tian civilization of England.<br /> <br /> + Let me tell you something about the "Black<br /> "Country." There women + work in iron; there women<br /> <br /> 198<br /> <br /> do the work of men. + Let me give you an instance:<br /> A commission was appointed by Parliament + to ex-<br /> amine into the condition of the women in the "Black<br /> + "Country," and a report was made. In that report<br /> I read the + following:<br /> <br /> "A superintendent of a brickyard where women<br /> + "were engaged in carrying bricks from the yard to<br /> "the kiln, said to + one of the women:<br /> <br /> "'Eliza, you don't appear to be very uppish + this<br /> "morning.'"<br /> <br /> "'Neither would you be very uppish, sir,' + she re-<br /> "plied, 'if you had had a child last night.'"<br /> <br /> This + gives you an idea of the Christian civilization<br /> of England.<br /> + <br /> England and Ireland produce most of the prize-<br /> fighters. The + scientific burglar is a product of Great<br /> Britain. There is not the + great difference that Mr.<br /> Talmage supposes, between the morality of + Pekin<br /> and of New York. I doubt if there is a city in<br /> the world + with more crime according to the population<br /> than New York, unless it + be London, or it may be<br /> Dublin, or Brooklyn, or possibly Glasgow, + where<br /> a man too pious to read a newspaper published on<br /> Sunday, + stole millions from the poor.<br /> <br /> I do not believe there is a + country in the world<br /> <br /> 199<br /> <br /> where there is more robbery + than in Christian lands—<br /> no country where more cashiers are + defaulters, where<br /> more presidents of banks take the money of + depositors,<br /> where there is more adulteration of food, where<br /> + fewer ounces make a pound, where fewer inches make<br /> a yard, where + there is more breach of trust, more<br /> respectable larceny under the + name of embezzlement,<br /> or more slander circulated as gospel.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage insists that there are no<br /> + contradictions in the Bible—that it is a perfect har-<br /> mony from + Genesis to Revelation—a harmony as<br /> perfect as any piece of + music ever written by<br /> Beethoven or Handel?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Of course, if God wrote it, the Bible<br /> ought to be perfect. I do not + see why a minister<br /> should be so perfectly astonished to find that an<br /> + inspired book is consistent with itself throughout.<br /> Yet the truth is, + the Bible is infinitely inconsistent.<br /> <br /> Compare the two systems—the + system of Jehovah<br /> and that of Jesus. In the Old Testament the + doctrine<br /> of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" was<br /> + taught. In the New Testament, "forgive your<br /> "enemies," and "pray for + those who despitefully<br /> "use you and persecute you." In the Old + Testament<br /> <br /> 200<br /> <br /> it is kill, burn, massacre, destroy; + in the New forgive.<br /> The two systems are inconsistent, and one is just<br /> + about as far wrong as the other. To live for and<br /> thirst for revenge, + to gloat over the agony of an<br /> enemy, is one extreme; to "resist not + evil" is the<br /> other extreme; and both these extremes are equally<br /> + distant from the golden mean of justice.<br /> <br /> The four gospels do + not even agree as to the terms<br /> of salvation. And yet, Mr. Talmage + tells us that<br /> there are four cardinal doctrines taught in the Bible—<br /> + the goodness of God, the fall of man, the sympathetic<br /> and forgiving + nature of the Savior, and two desti-<br /> nies—one for believers and + the other for unbelievers.<br /> That is to say:<br /> <br /> 1. That God is + good, holy and forgiving.<br /> <br /> 2. That man is a lost sinner.<br /> + <br /> 3. That Christ is "all sympathetic," and ready to<br /> take the + whole world to his heart.<br /> <br /> 4. Heaven for believers and hell for + unbelievers.<br /> <br /> <i>First</i>. I admit that the Bible says that God + is<br /> <br /> good and holy. But this Bible also tells what God<br /> did, + and if God did what the Bible says he did, then I<br /> insist that God is + not good, and that he is not holy,<br /> or forgiving. According to the + Bible, this good<br /> God believed in religious persecution; this good<br /> + <br /> 201<br /> <br /> God believed in extermination, in polygamy, in con-<br /> + cubinage, in human slavery; this good God com-<br /> manded murder and + massacre, and this good God<br /> could only be mollified by the shedding + of blood.<br /> This good God wanted a butcher for a priest. This<br /> good + God wanted husbands to kill their wives—<br /> wanted fathers and + mothers to kill their children.<br /> This good God persecuted animals on + account of the<br /> crimes of their owners. This good God killed the<br /> + common people because the king had displeased him.<br /> This good God + killed the babe even of the maid<br /> behind the mill, in order that he + might get even with<br /> a king. This good God committed every possible<br /> + crime.<br /> <br /> <i>Second</i>. The statement that man is a lost sinner<br /> + is not true. There are thousands and thousands of<br /> magnificent Pagans—men + ready to die for wife, or<br /> child, or even for friend, and the history + of Pagan<br /> countries is filled with self-denying and heroic acts.<br /> + If man is a failure, the infinite God, if there be one,<br /> is to blame. + Is it possible that the God of Mr. Tal-<br /> mage could not have made man + a success? Accord-<br /> ing to the Bible, his God made man knowing that in<br /> + about fifteen hundred years he would have to drown<br /> all his + descendants.<br /> <br /> 202<br /> <br /> Why would a good God create a man + that he<br /> knew would be a sinner all his life, make hundreds<br /> of + thousands of his fellow-men unhappy, and who at<br /> last would be doomed + to an eternity of suffering?<br /> Can such a God be good? How could a + devil have<br /> done worse?<br /> <br /> <i>Third.</i> If God is infinitely + good, is he not fully as<br /> sympathetic as Christ? Do you have to employ<br /> + Christ to mollify a being of infinite mercy? Is Christ<br /> any more + willing to take to his heart the whole world<br /> than his Father is? + Personally, I have not the<br /> slightest objection in the world to + anybody believing<br /> in an infinitely good and kind God—not the + slightest<br /> objection to any human being worshiping an infi-<br /> + nitely tender and merciful Christ—not the slightest<br /> objection + to people preaching about heaven, or about<br /> the glories of the future + state—not the slightest.<br /> <br /> <i>Fourth</i>. I object to the + doctrine of two destinies<br /> for the human race. I object to the + infamous false-<br /> hood of eternal fire. And yet, Mr. Talmage is en-<br /> + deavoring to poison the imagination of men, women<br /> and children with + the doctrine of an eternal hell.<br /> Here is what he preaches, taken from + the "Constitu-<br /> "tion of the Presbyterian Church of the United<br /> + "States:"<br /> <br /> 203<br /> <br /> "By the decrees of God, for the + manifestation of<br /> "his glory, some men and angels are predestinated<br /> + "to everlasting life, and others foreordained to ever-<br /> "lasting + death."<br /> <br /> That is the doctrine of Mr. Talmage. He wor-<br /> ships + a God who damns people "for the manifesta-<br /> "tion of his glory,"—a + God who made men, knowing<br /> that they would be damned—a God who + damns<br /> babes simply to increase his reputation with the<br /> angels. + This is the God of Mr. Talmage. Such a<br /> God I abhor, despise and + execrate.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What does Mr. Talmage think of man-<br /> + kind? What is his opinion of the "unconverted"?<br /> How does he regard + the great and glorious of the<br /> earth, who have not been the victims of + his particular<br /> superstition? What does he think of some of the<br /> + best the earth has produced?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I will tell you how + he looks upon all<br /> such. Read this from his "Confession of Faith:"<br /> + <br /> "Our first parents, being seduced by the subtlety<br /> "of the + tempter, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit.<br /> "By this sin, they + fell from their original righteous-<br /> "ness and communion with God, and + so became<br /> "dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the faculties<br /> + <br /> 204<br /> <br /> "and parts of soul and body; and they being the<br /> + "root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was<br /> "imputed, and the + same death in sin and corrupted<br /> "nature conveyed to all their + posterity. From this<br /> "original corruption—whereby we are + utterly indis-<br /> "posed, disabled, and made opposite to all good,<br /> + "and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual<br /> + "transgressions."<br /> <br /> This is Mr. Talmage's view of humanity.<br /> + <br /> Why did his God make a devil? Why did he<br /> allow the devil to + tempt Adam and Eve? Why did<br /> he leave innocence and ignorance at the + mercy of<br /> subtlety and wickedness? Why did he put "the<br /> "tree of + the knowledge of good and evil" in the<br /> garden? For what reason did he + place temptation<br /> in the way of his children? Was it kind, was it + just,<br /> was it noble, was it worthy of a good God? No<br /> wonder + Christ put into his prayer: "Lead us not<br /> "into temptation."<br /> + <br /> At the time God told Adam and Eve not to eat,<br /> why did he not + tell them of the existence of Satan?<br /> Why were they not put upon their + guard against the<br /> serpent? Why did not God make his appearance<br /> + just before the sin, instead of just after. Why did<br /> he not play the + role of a Savior instead of that of a<br /> <br /> 205<br /> <br /> detective? + After he found that Adam and Eve had<br /> sinned—knowing as he did + that they were then<br /> totally corrupt—knowing that all their + children<br /> would be corrupt, knowing that in fifteen hundred<br /> years + he would have to drown millions of them, why<br /> did he not allow Adam + and Eve to perish in accord-<br /> ance with natural law, then kill the + devil, and make a<br /> new pair?<br /> <br /> When the flood came, why did + he not drown all?<br /> Why did he save for seed that which was "perfectly<br /> + "and thoroughly corrupt in all its parts and facul-<br /> "ties"? If God + had drowned Noah and his sons<br /> and their families, he could have then + made a new<br /> pair, and peopled the world with men not "wholly<br /> + "defiled in all their faculties and parts of soul and<br /> "body."<br /> + <br /> Jehovah learned nothing by experience. He per-<br /> sisted in his + original mistake. What would we think<br /> of a man who finding that a + field of wheat was<br /> worthless, and that such wheat never could be<br /> + raised with profit, should burn all of the field with the<br /> exception + of a few sheaves, which he saved for seed?<br /> Why save such seed? Why + should God have pre-<br /> served Noah, knowing that he was totally + corrupt,<br /> and that he would again fill the world with infamous<br /> + <br /> 206<br /> <br /> people—people incapable of a good action? He<br /> + must have known at that time, that by preserving<br /> Noah, the Canaanites + would be produced, that these<br /> same Canaanites would have to be + murdered, that<br /> the babes in the cradles would have to be strangled.<br /> + Why did he produce them? He knew at that time,<br /> that Egypt would + result from the salvation of Noah,<br /> that the Egyptians would have to + be nearly de-<br /> stroyed, that he would have to kill their first-born,<br /> + that he would have to visit even their cattle with<br /> disease and + hailstones. He knew also that the<br /> Egyptians would oppress his chosen + people for two<br /> hundred and fifteen years, that they would upon the<br /> + back of toil inflict the lash. Why did he preserve<br /> Noah? He should + have drowned all, and started<br /> with a new pair. He should have warned + them<br /> against the devil, and he might have succeeded, in<br /> that + way, in covering the world with gentlemen and<br /> ladies, with real men + and real women.<br /> <br /> We know that most of the people now in the<br /> + world are not Christians. Most who have heard the<br /> gospel of Christ + have rejected it, and the Presby-<br /> terian Church tells us what is to + become of all these<br /> people. This is the "glad tidings of great joy."<br /> + Let us see:<br /> <br /> 207<br /> <br /> "All mankind, by their fall, lost + communion with<br /> "God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made<br /> + "liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself,<br /> "and to + the pains of hell forever."<br /> <br /> According to this good Presbyterian + doctrine, all<br /> that we suffer in this world, is the result of Adam's<br /> + fall. The babes of to-day suffer for the crime of the<br /> first parents. + Not only so; but God is angry at us<br /> for what Adam did. We are under + the wrath of an<br /> infinite God, whose brows are corrugated with eternal<br /> + hatred.<br /> <br /> Why should God hate us for being what we are<br /> and + necessarily must have been? A being that God<br /> made—the devil—for + whose work God is responsible,<br /> according to the Bible wrought this + woe. God of his<br /> own free will must have made the devil. What did<br /> + he make him for? Was it necessary to have a devil<br /> in heaven? God, + having infinite power, can of<br /> course destroy this devil to-day. Why + does he per-<br /> mit him to live? Why did he allow him to thwart his<br /> + plans? Why did he permit him to pollute the inno-<br /> cence of Eden? Why + does he allow him now to<br /> wrest souls by the million from the + redeeming hand<br /> of Christ?<br /> <br /> According to the Scriptures, the + devil has always<br /> <br /> 208<br /> <br /> been successful. He enjoys + himself. He is called<br /> "the prince of the power of the air." He has no<br /> + conscientious scruples. He has miraculous power.<br /> All miraculous power + must come of God, otherwise<br /> it is simply in accordance with nature. + If the devil<br /> can work a miracle, it is only with the consent and<br /> + by the assistance of the Almighty. Is the God of<br /> Mr. Talmage in + partnership with the devil? Do<br /> they divide profits?<br /> <br /> We are + also told by the Presbyterian Church—<br /> I quote from their + Confession of Faith—that "there<br /> "is no sin so small but it + deserves damnation.'' Yet<br /> Mr. Talmage tells us that God is good, that + he is filled<br /> with mercy and loving-kindness. A child nine or ten<br /> + years of age commits a sin, and thereupon it deserves<br /> eternal + damnation. That is what Mr. Talmage calls,<br /> not simply justice, but + mercy; and the sympathetic<br /> heart of Christ is not touched. The same + being who<br /> said: "Suffer little children to come unto me," tells<br /> + us that a child, for the smallest sin, deserves to be<br /> eternally + damned. The Presbyterian Church tells us<br /> that infants, as well as + adults, in order to be saved,<br /> need redemption by the blood of Christ, + and regen-<br /> eration by the Holy Ghost.<br /> <br /> I am charged with + trying to take the consolation<br /> <br /> 209<br /> <br /> of this doctrine + from the world. I am a criminal<br /> because I am endeavoring to convince + the mother<br /> that her child does not deserve eternal punishment.<br /> I + stand by the graves of those who "died in their<br /> "sins," by the tombs + of the "unregenerate," over the<br /> ashes of men who have spent their + lives working for<br /> their wives and children, and over the sacred dust + of<br /> soldiers who died in defence of flag and country,<br /> and I say + to their friends—I say to the living who<br /> loved them, I say to + the men and women for whom<br /> they worked, I say to the children whom + they edu-<br /> cated, I say to the country for which they died:<br /> These + fathers, these mothers, these wives, these<br /> husbands, these soldiers + are not in hell.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Mr. Talmage insists that the + Bible is<br /> scientific, and that the real scientific man sees no<br /> + contradiction between revelation and science; that,<br /> on the contrary, + they are in harmony. What is your<br /> understanding of this matter?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I do not believe the Bible to be a sci-<br /> entific + book. In fact, most of the ministers now admit<br /> that it was not + written to teach any science. They<br /> admit that the first chapter of + Genesis is not geo-<br /> logically true. They admit that Joshua knew + nothing<br /> <br /> 210<br /> <br /> of science. They admit that four-footed + birds did<br /> not exist in the days of Moses. In fact, the only<br /> way + they can avoid the unscientific statements of the<br /> Bible, is to assert + that the writers simply used the<br /> common language of their day, and + used it, not with<br /> the intention of teaching any scientific truth, but + for<br /> the purpose of teaching some moral truth. As a<br /> matter of + fact, we find that moral truths have been<br /> taught in all parts of this + world. They were taught<br /> in India long before Moses lived; in Egypt + long be-<br /> fore Abraham was born; in China thousands of<br /> years + before the flood. They were taught by hundreds<br /> and thousands and + millions before the Garden of<br /> Eden was planted.<br /> <br /> It would + be impossible to prove the truth of a<br /> revelation simply because it + contained moral truths.<br /> If it taught immorality, it would be + absolutely certain<br /> that it was not a revelation from an infinitely + good<br /> being. If it taught morality, it would be no reason<br /> for + even suspecting that it had a divine origin. But<br /> if the Bible had + given us scientific truths; if the<br /> ignorant Jews had given us the + true theory of our<br /> solar system; if from Moses we had learned the<br /> + nature of light and heat; if from Joshua we had<br /> learned something of + electricity; if the minor pro-<br /> <br /> 211<br /> <br /> phets had given + us the distances to other planets;<br /> if the orbits of the stars had + been marked by the<br /> barbarians of that day, we might have admitted + that<br /> they must have been inspired. If they had said any-<br /> thing + in advance of their day; if they had plucked<br /> from the night of + ignorance one star of truth, we<br /> might have admitted the claim of + inspiration; but<br /> the Scriptures did not rise above their source, did<br /> + not rise above their ignorant authors—above the<br /> people who + believed in wars of extermination, in<br /> polygamy, in concubinage, in + slavery, and who taught<br /> these things in their "sacred Scriptures."<br /> + <br /> The greatest men in the scientific world have not<br /> been, and are + not, believers in the inspiration of the<br /> Scriptures. There has been + no greater astronomer<br /> than Laplace. There is no greater name than<br /> + Humboldt. There is no living scientist who stands<br /> higher than Charles + Darwin. All the professors in<br /> all the religious colleges in this + country rolled into<br /> one, would not equal Charles Darwin. All the cow-<br /> + ardly apologists for the cosmogony of Moses do not<br /> amount to as much + in the world of thought as Ernst<br /> Haeckel. There is no orthodox + scientist the equal<br /> of Tyndall or Huxley. There is not one in this<br /> + country the equal of John Fiske. I insist, that the<br /> <br /> 212<br /> + <br /> foremost men to-day in the scientific world reject the<br /> dogma of + inspiration. They reject the science of the<br /> Bible, and hold in utter + contempt the astronomy of<br /> Joshua, and the geology of Moses.<br /> + <br /> Mr. Talmage tells us "that Science is a boy and<br /> "Revelation is + a man." Of course, like the most he<br /> says, it is substantially the + other way. Revelation,<br /> so-called, was the boy. Religion was the + lullaby of<br /> the cradle, the ghost-story told by the old woman,<br /> + Superstition. Science is the man. Science asks for<br /> demonstration. + Science impels us to investigation,<br /> and to verify everything for + ourselves. Most pro-<br /> fessors of American colleges, if they were not + afraid<br /> of losing their places, if they did not know that<br /> + Christians were bad enough now to take the bread<br /> from their mouths, + would tell their students that the<br /> Bible is not a scientific book.<br /> + <br /> I admit that I have said:<br /> <br /> 1. That the Bible is cruel.<br /> + <br /> 2. That in many passages it is impure.<br /> <br /> 3. That it is + contradictory.<br /> <br /> 4. That it is unscientific.<br /> <br /> Let me + now prove these propositions one by one.<br /> <br /> First. The Bible is + cruel.<br /> <br /> I have opened it at random, and the very first<br /> + <br /> 213<br /> <br /> chapter that has struck my eye is the sixth of First<br /> + Samuel. In the nineteenth verse of that chapter, I<br /> find the + following:<br /> <br /> "And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because<br /> + "they had looked into the ark of the Lord; even he<br /> "smote of the + people fifty thousand and three-score<br /> "and ten men."<br /> <br /> All + this slaughter was because some people had<br /> looked into a box that was + carried upon a cart. Was<br /> that cruel?<br /> <br /> I find, also, in the + twenty-fourth chapter of Second<br /> Samuel, that David was moved by God + to number<br /> Israel and Judah. God put it into his heart to take<br /> a + census of his people, and thereupon David said to<br /> Joab, the captain + of his host:<br /> <br /> "Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from<br /> + "Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people,<br /> "that I may know + the number of the people."<br /> <br /> At the end of nine months and twenty + days, Joab<br /> gave the number of the people to the king, and<br /> there + were at that time, according to that census,<br /> "eight hundred thousand + valiant men that drew the<br /> "sword," in Israel, and in Judah, "five + hundred<br /> "thousand men," making a total of thirteen hundred<br /> + thousand men of war. The moment this census was<br /> <br /> 214<br /> <br /> + taken, the wrath of the Lord waxed hot against<br /> David, and thereupon + he sent a seer, by the name of<br /> Gad, to David, and asked him to choose + whether he<br /> would have seven years of famine, or fly three<br /> months + before his enemies, or have three days of<br /> pestilence. David concluded + that as God was so<br /> merciful as to give him a choice, he would be more<br /> + merciful than man, and he chose the pestilence.<br /> <br /> Now, it must be + remembered that the sin of taking<br /> the census had not been committed + by the people,<br /> but by David himself, inspired by God, yet the<br /> + people were to be punished for David's sin. So,,<br /> when David chose the + pestilence, God immediately<br /> killed "seventy thousand men, from Dan + even to<br /> "Beersheba."<br /> <br /> "And when the angel stretched out his + hand upon<br /> "Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of<br /> + "the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the<br /> "people, It is + enough; stay now thine hand."<br /> <br /> Was this cruel?<br /> <br /> Why + did a God of infinite mercy destroy seventy<br /> thousand men? Why did he + fill his land with widows<br /> and orphans, because King David had taken + the cen-<br /> sus? If he wanted to kill anybody, why did he not<br /> kill + David? I will tell you why. Because at that<br /> <br /> 215<br /> <br /> + time, the people were considered as the property of<br /> the king. He + killed the people precisely as he killed<br /> the cattle. And yet, I am + told that the Bible is not a<br /> cruel book.<br /> <br /> In the + twenty-first chapter of Second Samuel, I<br /> find that there were three + years of famine in the days<br /> of David, and that David inquired of the + Lord the<br /> reason of the famine; and the Lord told him that it<br /> was + because Saul had slain the Gibeonites. Why did<br /> not God punish Saul + instead of the people? And<br /> David asked the Gibeonites how he should + make<br /> atonement, and the Gibeonites replied that they<br /> wanted no + silver nor gold, but they asked that seven<br /> of the sons of Saul might + be delivered unto them, so<br /> that they could hang them before the Lord, + in Gibeah.<br /> And David agreed to the proposition, and thereupon<br /> he + delivered to the Gibeonites the two sons of Rizpah,<br /> Saul's concubine, + and the five sons of Michal, the<br /> daughter of Saul, and the Gibeonites + hanged all<br /> seven of them together. And Rizpah, more tender<br /> than + them all, with a woman's heart of love kept<br /> lonely vigil by the dead, + "from the beginning of har-<br /> "vest until water dropped upon them out + of heaven,<br /> "and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest upon<br /> + "them by day, nor the beast of the field by night."<br /> <br /> 216<br /> + <br /> I want to know if the following, from the fifteenth<br /> chapter of + First Samuel, is inspired:<br /> <br /> "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I + remember that<br /> "which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for<br /> + "him in the way when he came up from Egypt. Now<br /> "go and smite Amalek, + and utterly destroy all that<br /> "they have, and spare them not, but slay + both man<br /> "and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep,<br /> "camel + and ass."<br /> <br /> We must remember that those he was commanded<br /> to + slay had done nothing to Israel. It was something<br /> done by their + forefathers, hundreds of years before;<br /> and yet they are commanded to + slay the women and<br /> children and even the animals, and to spare none.<br /> + <br /> It seems that Saul only partially carried into exe-<br /> cution this + merciful command of Jehovah. He spared<br /> the life of the king. He + "utterly destroyed all the<br /> "people with the edge of the sword," but + he kept<br /> alive the best of the sheep and oxen and of the fat-<br /> + lings and lambs. Then God spake unto Samuel and<br /> told him that he was + very sorry he had made Saul<br /> king, because he had not killed all the + animals, and<br /> because he had spared Agag; and Samuel asked<br /> Saul: + "What meaneth this bleating of sheep in mine<br /> "ears, and the lowing of + the oxen which I hear?"<br /> <br /> 217<br /> <br /> Are stories like this + calculated to make soldiers<br /> merciful?<br /> <br /> So I read in the + sixth chapter of Joshua, the fate<br /> of the city of Jericho: "And they + utterly destroyed<br /> "all that was in the city, both man and woman,<br /> + "young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the<br /> "edge of the + sword. And they burnt the city with<br /> "fire, and all that was therein." + But we are told that<br /> one family was saved by Joshua, out of the + general<br /> destruction: "And Joshua saved Rahab, the harlot,<br /> + "alive, and her father's household, and all that she<br /> "had." Was this + fearful destruction an act of<br /> mercy?<br /> <br /> It seems that they + saved the money of their<br /> victims: "the silver and gold and the + vessels of brass<br /> "and of iron they put into the treasury of the house<br /> + "of the Lord."<br /> <br /> After all this pillage and carnage, it appears<br /> + that there was a suspicion in Joshua's mind that<br /> somebody was keeping + back a part of the treasure.<br /> Search was made, and a man by the name + of Achan<br /> admitted that he had sinned against the Lord, that he<br /> + had seen a Babylonish garment among the spoils, and<br /> two hundred + shekels of silver and a wedge of gold of<br /> fifty shekels' weight, and + that he took them and hid<br /> <br /> 2l8<br /> <br /> them in his tent. For + this atrocious crime it seems<br /> that the Lord denied any victories to + the Jews until<br /> they found out the wicked criminal. When they dis-<br /> + covered poor Achan, "they took him and his sons<br /> "and his daughters, + and his oxen and his asses and<br /> "his sheep, and all that he had, and + brought them unto<br /> "the valley of Achor; and all Israel stoned him + with<br /> "stones and burned them with fire after they had<br /> "stoned + them with stones."<br /> <br /> After Achan and his sons and his daughters + and<br /> his herds had been stoned and burned to death, we<br /> are told + that "the Lord turned from the fierceness of<br /> "his anger."<br /> <br /> + And yet it is insisted that this God "is merciful,<br /> "and that his + loving-kindness is over all his works."<br /> In the eighth chapter of this + same book, the infi-<br /> nite God, "creator of heaven and earth and all + that is<br /> "therein," told his general, Joshua, to lay an ambush<br /> + for a city—to "lie in wait against the city, even be-<br /> "hind the + city; go not very far from the city, but be<br /> "ye all ready." He told + him to make an attack and<br /> then to run, as though he had been beaten, + in order<br /> that the inhabitants of the city might follow, and<br /> + thereupon his reserves that he had ambushed might<br /> rush into the city + and set it on fire. God Almighty<br /> <br /> 219<br /> <br /> planned the + battle. God himself laid the snare. The<br /> whole programme was carried + out. Joshua made<br /> believe that he was beaten, and fled, and then the<br /> + soldiers in ambush rose out of their places, enter-<br /> ed the city, and + set it on fire. Then came the<br /> slaughter. They "utterly destroyed all + the inhabit-<br /> "ants of Ai," men and maidens, women and babes,<br /> + sparing only their king till evening, when they<br /> hanged him on a tree, + then "took his carcase down<br /> "from the tree and cast it at the + entering of the<br /> "gate, and raised thereon a great heap of stones<br /> + "which remaineth unto this day." After having<br /> done all this, "Joshua + built an altar unto the Lord<br /> "God of Israel, and offered burnt + offerings unto the<br /> "Lord." I ask again, was this cruel?<br /> <br /> + Again I ask, was the treatment of the Gibeonites<br /> cruel when they + sought to make peace but were<br /> denied, and cursed instead; and + although permitted<br /> to live, were yet made slaves? Read the mandate<br /> + consigning them to bondage: "Now therefore ye<br /> "are cursed, and there + shall none of you be freed<br /> "from being bondmen and hewers of wood and<br /> + "drawers of water for the house of my God."<br /> <br /> Is it possible, as + recorded in the tenth chapter of<br /> Joshua, that the Lord took part in + these battles, and<br /> <br /> 220<br /> <br /> cast down great hail-stones + from the battlements of<br /> heaven upon the enemies of the Israelites, so + that<br /> "they were more who died with hail-stones, than<br /> "they whom + the children of Israel slew with the<br /> "sword"?<br /> <br /> Is it + possible that a being of infinite power would<br /> exercise it in that way + instead of in the interest of<br /> kindness and peace?<br /> <br /> I find, + also, in this same chapter, that Joshua took<br /> Makkedah and smote it + with the edge of the sword,<br /> that he utterly destroyed all the souls + that were<br /> therein, that he allowed none to remain.<br /> <br /> I find + that he fought against Libnah, and smote<br /> it with the edge of the + sword, and utterly destroyed<br /> all the souls that were therein, and + allowed none to<br /> remain, and did unto the king as he did unto the king<br /> + of Jericho.<br /> <br /> I find that he also encamped against Lachish, and<br /> + that God gave him that city, and that he "smote it<br /> "with the edge of + the sword, and all the souls that<br /> "were therein," sparing neither old + nor young, help-<br /> less women nor prattling babes.<br /> <br /> He also + vanquished Horam, King of Gezer, "and<br /> "smote him and his people until + he left him none<br /> "remaining."<br /> <br /> 221<br /> <br /> He encamped + against the city of Eglon, and killed<br /> every soul that was in it, at + the edge of the sword,<br /> just as he had done to Lachish and all the + others.<br /> <br /> He fought against Hebron, "and took it and<br /> "smote + it with the edge of the sword, and the king<br /> "thereof,"—and it + appears that several cities, their<br /> number not named, were included in + this slaughter,<br /> for Hebron "and all the cities thereof and all the<br /> + "souls that were therein," were utterly destroyed.<br /> <br /> He then + waged war against Debir and took it, and<br /> more unnumbered cities with + it, and all the souls that<br /> were therein shared the same horrible fate—he + did<br /> not leave a soul alive.<br /> <br /> And this chapter of horrors + concludes with this<br /> song of victory:<br /> <br /> "So Joshua smote all + the country of the hills, and<br /> "of the south, and of the vale, and of + the springs,<br /> "and all their kings: he left none remaining, but<br /> + "utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord<br /> "God of Israel + commanded. And Joshua smote<br /> "them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, + and all the<br /> "country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these<br /> + "kings and their land did Joshua take at one time,<br /> "because the Lord + God of Israel fought for Israel."<br /> Was God, at that time, merciful?<br /> + <br /> 222<br /> <br /> I find, also, in the twenty-first chapter that many<br /> + Icings met, with their armies, for the purpose of<br /> overwhelming + Israel, and the Lord said unto Joshua:<br /> "Be not afraid because of + them, for to-morrow about<br /> "this time I will deliver them all slain + before Israel.<br /> "I will hough their horses and burn their chariots<br /> + "with fire." Were animals so treated by the com-<br /> mand of a merciful + God?<br /> <br /> Joshua captured Razor, and smote all the souls<br /> that + were therein with the edge of the sword, there<br /> was not one left to + breathe; and he took all the<br /> cities of all the kings that took up + arms against him,<br /> and utterly destroyed all the inhabitants thereof.<br /> + He took the cattle and spoils as prey unto himself,<br /> and smote every + man with the edge of the sword;<br /> and not only so, but left not a human + being to<br /> breathe.<br /> <br /> I find the following directions given to + the Israel-<br /> ites who were waging a war of conquest. They are<br /> in + the twentieth chapter of Deuteronomy, from the<br /> tenth to the + eighteenth verses:<br /> <br /> "When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight<br /> + "against it, then proclaim peace unto it. And it<br /> "shall be, if it + make thee an answer of peace, and<br /> "open unto thee, then it shall be + that all the people<br /> <br /> 223<br /> <br /> "that is found therein shall + be tributaries unto thee,<br /> "and they shall serve thee. And if it will + make no<br /> "peace with thee, but will war against thee, then<br /> "thou + shalt besiege it. And when the Lord thy<br /> "God hath delivered it into + thine hands, thou shalt<br /> "smite every male thereof with the edge of + the<br /> "sword; but the women, and the little ones, and<br /> "the cattle, + and all that is in the city, even the spoil<br /> "thereof, shalt thou take + unto thyself; and thou<br /> "shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which + the<br /> "Lord thy God hath given thee. Thus shalt thou<br /> "do unto all + the cities which are very far off from<br /> "thee, which are not of the + cities of these nations."<br /> It will be seen from this that people could + take<br /> their choice between death and slavery, provided<br /> these + people lived a good ways from the Israelites.<br /> Now, let us see how + they were to treat the inhabit-<br /> ants of the cities near to them:<br /> + <br /> "But of the cities of these people which the Lord<br /> "thy God doth + give thee for an inheritance, thou<br /> "shalt save alive nothing that + breatheth. But thou<br /> "shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the + Hittites,<br /> "and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites,<br /> + "the Hivites and the Jebusites, as the Lord thy God<br /> "hath commanded + thee."<br /> <br /> 224<br /> <br /> It never occurred to this merciful God to + send<br /> missionaries to these people. He built them no<br /> + schoolhouses, taught them no alphabet, gave them<br /> no book; they were + not supplied even with a copy of<br /> the Ten Commandments. He did not say + "Reform,"<br /> but "Kill;" not "Educate," but "Destroy." He gave<br /> them + no Bible, built them no church, sent them no<br /> preachers. He knew when + he made them that he<br /> would have to have them murdered. When he<br /> + created them he knew that they were not fit to live;<br /> and yet, this is + the infinite God who is infinitely<br /> merciful and loves his children + better than an earthly<br /> mother loves her babe.<br /> <br /> In order to + find just how merciful God is, read the<br /> twenty-eighth chapter of + Deuteronomy, and see what<br /> he promises to do with people who do not + keep all of<br /> his commandments and all of his statutes. He curses<br /> + them in their basket and store, in the fruit of their<br /> body, in the + fruit of their land, in the increase of their<br /> cattle and sheep. He + curses them in the city and in<br /> the field, in their coming in and + their going out. He<br /> curses them with pestilence, with consumption, + with<br /> fever, with inflammation, with extreme burning, with<br /> sword, + with blasting, with mildew. He tells them<br /> that the heavens shall be + as brass over their heads<br /> <br /> 225<br /> <br /> and the earth as iron + under their feet; that the rain<br /> shall be powder and dust and shall + come down on<br /> them and destroy them; that they shall flee seven<br /> + ways before their enemies; that their carcasses shall<br /> be meat for the + fowls of the air, and the beasts of the<br /> earth; that he will smite + them with the botch of<br /> Egypt, and with the scab, and with the itch, + and with<br /> madness and blindness and astonishment; that he<br /> will + make them grope at noonday; that they shall be<br /> oppressed and spoiled + evermore; that one shall be-<br /> troth a wife and another shall have her; + that they<br /> shall build a house and not dwell in it; plant a vine-<br /> + yard and others shall eat the grapes; that their<br /> sons and daughters + shall be given to their enemies;<br /> that he will make them mad for the + sight of their<br /> eyes; that he will smite them in the knees and in the<br /> + legs with a sore botch that cannot be healed, and<br /> from the sole of + the foot to the top of the head;<br /> that they shall be a by-word among + all nations; that<br /> they shall sow much seed and gather but little; + that<br /> the locusts shall consume their crops; that they shall<br /> + plant vineyards and drink no wine,—that they shall<br /> gather + grapes, but worms shall eat them; that they<br /> shall raise olives but + have no oil; beget sons and<br /> daughters, but they shall go into + captivity; that all<br /> <br /> 226<br /> <br /> the trees and fruit of the + land shall be devoured by<br /> locusts, and that all these curses shall + pursue them<br /> and overtake them, until they be destroyed; that they<br /> + shall be slaves to their enemies, and be constantly in<br /> hunger and + thirst and nakedness, and in want of all<br /> things. And as though this + were not enough, the<br /> Lord tells them that he will bring a nation + against<br /> them swift as eagles, a nation fierce and savage, that<br /> + will show no mercy and no favor to old or young,<br /> and leave them + neither corn, nor wine, nor oil, nor<br /> flocks, nor herds; and this + nation shall besiege them<br /> in their cities until they are reduced to + the necessity<br /> of eating the flesh of their own sons and daughters;<br /> + so that the men would eat their wives and their<br /> children, and women + eat their husbands and their<br /> own sons and daughters, and their own + babes.<br /> <br /> All these curses God pronounced upon them if they<br /> + did not observe to do all the words of the law that<br /> were written in + his book.<br /> <br /> This same merciful God threatened that he would<br /> + bring upon them all the diseases of Egypt—every<br /> sickness and + every plague; that he would scatter<br /> them from one end of the earth to + the other; that<br /> they should find no rest; that their lives should + hang<br /> in perpetual doubt; that in the morning they would<br /> <br /> + 227<br /> <br /> say: Would God it were evening! and in the even-<br /> ing, + Would God it were morning! and that he would<br /> finally take them back + to Egypt where they should<br /> be again sold for bondmen and bondwomen.<br /> + <br /> This curse, the foundation of the <i>Anathema<br /> maranatha</i>; + this curse, used by the pope of Rome to<br /> prevent the spread of + thought; this curse used even<br /> by the Protestant Church; this curse + born of barba-<br /> rism and of infinite cruelty, is now said to have<br /> + issued from the lips of an infinitely merciful God. One<br /> would suppose + that Jehovah had gone insane; that<br /> he had divided his kingdom like + Lear, and from the<br /> darkness of insanity had launched his curses upon + a<br /> world.<br /> <br /> In order that there may be no doubt as to the<br /> + mercy of Jehovah, read the thirteenth chapter of<br /> Deuteronomy:<br /> + <br /> "If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy<br /> "son, or thy + daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or<br /> "thy friend, which is as thine + own soul, entice thee<br /> "secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other + gods,<br /> "which thou hast not known, thou nor thy fathers;<br /> " * * * + thou shalt not consent unto him, nor<br /> "hearken unto him; neither shall + thine eyes pity him,<br /> "neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou + conceal<br /> <br /> 228<br /> <br /> "him; but thou shalt surely kill him: + thine hand<br /> "shall be first upon him to put him to death, and<br /> + "afterwards the hand of all the people; and thou<br /> "shalt stone him + with stones that he die, because he<br /> "hath sought to entice thee away + from the Lord thy<br /> "God."<br /> <br /> This, according to Mr. Talmage, + is a commandment<br /> of the infinite God. According to him, God ordered<br /> + a man to murder his own son, his own wife, his own<br /> brother, his own + daughter, if they dared even to sug-<br /> gest the worship of some other + God than Jehovah.<br /> For my part, it is impossible not to despise such<br /> + a God—a God not willing that one should worship<br /> what he must. + No one can control his admiration,<br /> and if a savage at sunrise falls + upon his knees and<br /> offers homage to the great light of the East, he + can-<br /> not help it. If he worships the moon, he cannot help<br /> it. If + he worships fire, it is because he cannot control<br /> his own spirit. A + picture is beautiful to me in spite<br /> of myself. A statue compels the + applause of my<br /> brain. The worship of the sun was an exceedingly<br /> + natural religion, and why should a man or woman be<br /> destroyed for + kneeling at the fireside of the world?<br /> <br /> No wonder that this same + God, in the very next<br /> chapter of Deuteronomy to that quoted, says to + his<br /> <br /> 229<br /> <br /> chosen people: "Ye shall not eat of anything + that<br /> "dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger<br /> + "that is within thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou<br /> "mayest sell + it unto an alien: for thou art a holy<br /> "people unto the Lord thy God."<br /> + <br /> What a mingling of heartlessness and thrift—the<br /> religion + of sword and trade!<br /> <br /> In the seventh chapter of Deuteronomy, + Jehovah<br /> gives his own character. He tells the Israelites that<br /> + there are seven nations greater and mightier than<br /> themselves, but + that he will deliver them to his chosen<br /> people, and that they shall + smite them and utterly<br /> destroy them; and having some fear that a drop + of<br /> pity might remain in the Jewish heart, he says:<br /> <br /> "Thou + shalt make no covenant with them, nor<br /> "show mercy unto them. * * * + Know therefore<br /> "that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God,<br /> + "which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that<br /> "love him and keep + his commandments to a thousand<br /> "generations, and repayeth them that + hate him to<br /> "their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to<br /> + "him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face."<br /> This is the + description which the merciful, long-suffer-<br /> ing Jehovah gives of + himself.<br /> <br /> So, he promises great prosperity to the Jews if<br /> + <br /> 230<br /> <br /> they will only obey his commandments, and says:<br /> + "And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness,<br /> "and will put + none of the evil diseases of Egypt<br /> "upon thee, but will lay them upon + all them that<br /> "hate thee. And thou shalt consume all the people<br /> + "which the Lord thy God shall deliver thee; thine<br /> "eye shall have no + pity upon them."<br /> <br /> Under the immediate government of Jehovah,<br /> + mercy was a crime. According to the law of God,<br /> pity was weakness, + tenderness was treason, kindness<br /> was blasphemy, while hatred and + massacre were<br /> virtues.<br /> <br /> In the second chapter of + Deuteronomy we find<br /> another account tending to prove that Jehovah is + a<br /> merciful God. We find that Sihon, king of Heshbon,<br /> would not + let the Hebrews pass by him, and the<br /> reason given is, that "the Lord + God hardened his<br /> "spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might<br /> + "deliver him into the hand" of the Hebrews. Sihon,<br /> his heart having + been hardened by God, came out<br /> against the chosen people, and God + delivered him to<br /> them, and "they smote him, and his sons, and all his<br /> + "people, and took all his cities, and utterly destroyed<br /> "the men and + the women, and the little ones of<br /> "every city: they left none to + remain." And in this<br /> <br /> 231<br /> <br /> same chapter this same God + promises that the dread<br /> and fear of his chosen people should be "upon + all the<br /> "nations that are under the whole heaven," and that<br /> + "they should "tremble and be in anguish because of"<br /> the Hebrews.<br /> + <br /> Read the thirty-first chapter of Numbers, and see<br /> how the + Midianites were slain. You will find that<br /> "the children of Israel + took all the women of Midian<br /> "captives, and their little ones," that + they took "all<br /> "their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their + goods,"<br /> that they slew all the males, and burnt all their cities<br /> + and castles with fire, that they brought the captives<br /> and the prey + and the spoil unto Moses and Eleazar<br /> the priest; that Moses was wroth + with the officers<br /> of his host because they had saved all the women<br /> + alive, and thereupon this order was given: "Kill<br /> "every male among + the little ones, and kill every<br /> "woman, * * * but all the women + children<br /> "keep alive for yourselves."<br /> <br /> After this, God + himself spake unto Moses, and<br /> said: "Take the sum of the prey that + was taken,<br /> "both of man and of beast, thou and Eleazar the<br /> + "priest * * * and divide the prey into two<br /> "parts, between those who + went to war, and between<br /> "all the congregation, and levy a tribute + unto the<br /> <br /> 232<br /> <br /> "Lord, one soul of five hundred of the + persons,<br /> "and the cattle; take it of their half and give it to<br /> + "the priest for an offering * * * and of the<br /> "children of Israel's + half, take one portion of fifty of<br /> "the persons and the animals and + give them unto<br /> "the Levites. * * * And Moses and the priest<br /> "did + as the Lord had commanded." It seems that<br /> they had taken six hundred + and seventy-five thou-<br /> sand sheep, seventy-two thousand beeves, + sixty-one<br /> thousand asses, and thirty-two thousand women<br /> children + and maidens. And it seems, by the fortieth<br /> verse, <i>that the Lord's + tribute of the maidens was thirty-<br /> two</i>,—the rest were given + to the soldiers and to the<br /> congregation of the Lord.<br /> <br /> Was + anything more infamous ever recorded in the<br /> annals of barbarism? And + yet we are told that the<br /> Bible is an inspired book, that it is not a + cruel book,<br /> and that Jehovah is a being of infinite mercy.<br /> <br /> + In the twenty-fifth chapter of Numbers we find<br /> that the Israelites + had joined themselves unto Baal-<br /> Peor, and thereupon the anger of the + Lord was<br /> kindled against them, as usual. No being ever lost<br /> his + temper more frequently than this Jehovah. Upon<br /> this particular + occasion, "the Lord said unto Moses,<br /> "Take all the heads of the + people, and hang them<br /> <br /> 233<br /> <br /> "up before the Lord + against the sun, that the fierce<br /> "anger of the Lord may be turned + away from Israel."<br /> And thereupon "Moses said unto the judges of + Israel,<br /> "Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto<br /> + "Baal-peor."<br /> <br /> Just as soon as these people were killed, and + their<br /> heads hung up before the Lord against the sun, and<br /> a + horrible double murder of a too merciful Israelite<br /> and a Midianitish + woman, had been committed by<br /> Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, "the + plague was stayed<br /> "from the children of Israel." Twenty-four thousand<br /> + had died. Thereupon, "the Lord spake unto Moses<br /> "and said"—and + it is a very merciful commandment<br /> —"Vex the Midianites and + smite them."<br /> <br /> In the twenty-first chapter of Numbers is more + evi-<br /> dence that God is merciful and compassionate.<br /> <br /> The + children of Israel had become discouraged.<br /> They had wandered so long + in the desert that they<br /> finally cried out: "Wherefore have ye brought + us<br /> "up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There<br /> "is no + bread, there is no water, and our soul loatheth<br /> "this light bread." + Of course they were hungry and<br /> thirsty. Who would not complain under + similar cir-<br /> cumstances? And yet, on account of this complaint,<br /> + the God of infinite tenderness and compassion sent<br /> <br /> 234<br /> + <br /> serpents among them, and these serpents bit them—<br /> bit the + cheeks of children, the breasts of maidens,<br /> and the withered faces of + age. Why would a God<br /> do such an infamous thing? Why did he not, as + the<br /> leader of this people, his chosen children, feed them<br /> + better? Certainly an infinite God had the power<br /> to satisfy their + hunger and to quench their thirst.<br /> He who overwhelmed a world with + water, certainly<br /> could have made a few brooks, cool and babbling,<br /> + to follow his chosen people through all their jour-<br /> neying. He could + have supplied them with miracu-<br /> lous food.<br /> <br /> How fortunate + for the Jews that Jehovah was not<br /> revengeful, that he was so slow to + anger, so patient,<br /> so easily pleased. What would they have done had<br /> + he been exacting, easily incensed, revengeful, cruel,<br /> or + blood-thirsty?<br /> <br /> In the sixteenth chapter of Numbers, an account + is<br /> given of a rebellion. It seems that Korah, Dathan<br /> and Abiram + got tired of Moses and Aaron. They<br /> thought the priests were taking a + little too much<br /> upon themselves. So Moses told them to have two<br /> + hundred and fifty of their men bring their censers<br /> and put incense in + them before the Lord, and stand<br /> in the door of the tabernacle of the + congregation<br /> <br /> 235<br /> <br /> with Moses and Aaron. That being + done, the Lord<br /> appeared, and told Moses and Aaron to separate<br /> + themselves from the people, that he might consume<br /> them all in a + moment. Moses and Aaron, having a<br /> little compassion, begged God not + to kill everybody.<br /> The people were then divided, and Dathan and<br /> + Abiram came out and stood in the door of their<br /> tents with their wives + and their sons and their little<br /> children. And Moses said:<br /> <br /> + "Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent<br /> "me to do all these + works; for I have not done them<br /> "of my mine own mind. If these men + die the<br /> "common death of all men, or if they be visited<br /> "after + the common visitation of all men, then the<br /> "Lord hath not sent me. + But if the Lord make a<br /> "new thing, and the earth open her mouth and<br /> + "swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them,<br /> "and they go + down quick into the pit, then ye shall<br /> "understand that these men + have provoked the<br /> "Lord." The moment he ceased speaking, "the<br /> + "ground clave asunder that was under them; and<br /> "the earth opened her + mouth and swallowed them up,<br /> "and their houses, and all the men that + appertained<br /> "unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that<br /> + "appertained to them went down alive into the pit,<br /> <br /> 236<br /> + <br /> "and the earth closed upon them, and they perished<br /> "from among + the congregation."<br /> <br /> This, according to Mr. Talmage, was the act + of an<br /> exceedingly merciful God, prompted by infinite kind-<br /> ness, + and moved by eternal pity. What would he<br /> have done had he acted from + motives of revenge?<br /> What would he Jiave done had he been remorse-<br /> + lessly cruel and wicked?<br /> <br /> In addition to those swallowed by the + earth, the<br /> two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense<br /> + were consumed by "a fire that came out from the<br /> "Lord." And not only + this, but the same merciful<br /> Jehovah wished to consume all the people, + and he<br /> would have consumed them all, only that Moses pre-<br /> vailed + upon Aaron to take a censer and put fire<br /> therein from off the altar + of incense and go quickly<br /> to the congregation and make an atonement + for them.<br /> He was not quick enough. The plague had already<br /> begun; + and before he could possibly get the censers<br /> and incense among the + people, fourteen thousand and<br /> seven hundred had died of the plague. + How many<br /> more might have died, if Jehovah had not been so<br /> slow + to anger and so merciful and tender to his<br /> children, we have no means + of knowing.<br /> <br /> In the thirteenth chapter of the same book of<br /> + <br /> 237<br /> <br /> Numbers, we find that some spies were sent over<br /> + into the promised land, and that they brought back<br /> grapes and figs + and pomegranates, and reported that<br /> the whole land was flowing with + milk and honey, but<br /> that the people were strong, that the cities were<br /> + walled, and that the nations in the promised land<br /> were mightier than + the Hebrews. They reported that<br /> all the people they met were men of a + great stature,<br /> that they had seen "the giants, the sons of Anak<br /> + "which come of giants," compared with whom the<br /> Israelites were "in + their own sight as grasshoppers,<br /> "and so were we in their sight." + Entirely discour-<br /> aged by these reports, "all the congregation lifted + up<br /> "their voice and cried, and the people wept that<br /> "night * * * + and murmured against Moses and<br /> "against Aaron, and said unto them: + Would God<br /> "that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would<br /> "God + we had died in this wilderness!" Some of<br /> them thought that it would + be better to go back,—<br /> that they might as well be slaves in + Egypt as to be<br /> food for giants in the promised land. They did not<br /> + want their bones crunched between the teeth of the<br /> sons of Anak.<br /> + <br /> Jehovah got angry again, and said to Moses:<br /> "How long will + these people provoke me? * * *<br /> <br /> 238<br /> <br /> "I will smite + them with pestilence, and disinherit<br /> "them." But Moses said: Lord, if + you do this,<br /> the Egyptians will hear of it, and they will say that<br /> + you were not able to bring your people into the<br /> promised land. Then + he proceeded to flatter him by<br /> telling him how merciful and + long-suffering he had<br /> been. Finally, Jehovah concluded to pardon the<br /> + people this time, but his pardon depended upon the<br /> violation of his + promise, for he said: "They shall<br /> "not see the land which I sware + unto their fathers,<br /> "neither shall any of them that provoked me see + it;<br /> "but my servant Caleb, * * * him will I bring<br /> "into the + land." And Jehovah said to the people:<br /> "Your carcasses shall fall in + this wilderness, and all<br /> "that were numbered of you according to your<br /> + "whole number, from twenty years old and upward,<br /> "which have murmured + against me, ye shall not<br /> "come into the land concerning which I sware + to<br /> "make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of<br /> "Jephunneh, + and Joshua the son of Nun. But your<br /> "little ones, which ye said + should be a prey, them<br /> "will I bring in, and they shall know the land<br /> + "which ye have despised. But as for you, your<br /> "carcasses shall fall + in this wilderness. And your<br /> "children shall wander in the wilderness + forty<br /> <br /> 239<br /> <br /> "years * * * until your carcasses be + wasted in<br /> "the wilderness."<br /> <br /> And all this because the + people were afraid of<br /> giants, compared with whom they were but as + grass-<br /> hoppers.<br /> <br /> So we find that at one time the people + became<br /> exceedingly hungry. They had no flesh to eat.<br /> There were + six hundred thousand men of war, and<br /> they had nothing to feed on but + manna. They<br /> naturally murmured and complained, and thereupon a<br /> + wind from the Lord went forth and brought quails<br /> from the sea, + (quails are generally found in the sea,)<br /> "and let them fall by the + camp, as it were a day's<br /> "journey on this side, and as it were a + day's journey<br /> "on the other side, round about the camp, and as it<br /> + "were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.<br /> "And the people + stood up all that day, and all that<br /> "night, and all the next day, and + they gathered the<br /> "quails. * * * And while the flesh was yet be-<br /> + "tween their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of<br /> "the Lord was + kindled against the people, and the<br /> "Lord smote the people with a + very great plague."<br /> <br /> Yet he is slow to anger, long-suffering, + merciful<br /> and just.<br /> <br /> In the thirty-second chapter of Exodus, + is the ac-<br /> <br /> 240<br /> <br /> count of the golden calf. It must be + borne in mind<br /> that the worship of this calf by the people was before<br /> + the Ten Commandments had been given to them.<br /> Christians now insist + that these commandments must<br /> have been inspired, because no human + being could<br /> have constructed them,—could have conceived of<br /> + them.<br /> <br /> It seems, according to this account, that Moses had<br /> + been up in the mount with God, getting the Ten Com-<br /> mandments, and + that while he was there the people<br /> had made the golden calf. When he + came down and<br /> saw them, and found what they had done, having in<br /> + his hands the two tables, the work of God, he cast<br /> the tables out of + his hands, and broke them beneath<br /> the mount. He then took the calf + which they had<br /> made, ground it to powder, strewed it in the water,<br /> + and made the children of Israel drink of it. And in the<br /> + twenty-seventh verse we are told what the Lord did:<br /> "Thus saith the + Lord God of Israel: Put every man<br /> "his sword by his side, and go in + and out from gate<br /> "to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man<br /> + "his brother, and every man his companion, and<br /> "every man his + neighbor. And the children of Levi<br /> "did according to the word of + Moses; and there fell<br /> "of the people that day about three thousand + men."<br /> <br /> 241<br /> <br /> The reason for this slaughter is thus + given: "For<br /> "Moses had said: Consecrate yourselves to-day to<br /> + "the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon<br /> " his brother, that + he may bestow upon you a blessing<br /> "this day."<br /> <br /> Now, it must + be remembered that there had not<br /> been as yet a promulgation of the + commandment<br /> u Thou shalt have no other gods before me." This<br /> was + a punishment for the infraction of a law before<br /> the law was known—before + the commandment had<br /> been given. Was it cruel, or unjust?<br /> <br /> + Does the following sound as though spoken by a<br /> God of mercy: "I will + make mine arrows drunk<br /> "with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh"?<br /> + And yet this is but a small part of the vengeance and<br /> destruction + which God threatens to his enemies, as<br /> recorded in the thirty-second + chapter of the book of<br /> Deuteronomy.<br /> <br /> In the sixty-eighth + Psalm is found this merciful<br /> passage: "That thy foot may be dipped in + the blood<br /> "of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the<br /> + "same.<br /> <br /> So we find in the eleventh chapter of Joshua the<br /> + reason why the Canaanites and other nations made<br /> war upon the Jews. + It is as follows: "For it was of<br /> <br /> 242<br /> <br /> "the Lord to + harden their hearts that they should<br /> "come against Israel in battle, + that he might destroy<br /> "them utterly, and that they might have no + favor, but<br /> "that he might destroy them."<br /> <br /> Read the + thirtieth chapter of Exodus and you will<br /> find that God gave to Moses + a recipe for making<br /> the oil of holy anointment, and in the + thirty-second<br /> verse we find that no one was to make any oil like it<br /> + and in the next verse it is declared that whoever<br /> compounded any like + it, or whoever put any of it on<br /> a stranger, should be cut off from + the Lord's people.<br /> <br /> In the same chapter, a recipe is given for + per-<br /> fumery, and it is declared that whoever shall make<br /> any like + it, or that smells like it, shall suffer death.<br /> <br /> In the next + chapter, it is decreed that if any one fails<br /> to keep the Sabbath "he + shall be surely put to death."<br /> <br /> There are in the Pentateuch + hundreds and hun-<br /> dreds of passages showing the cruelty of Jehovah.<br /> + What could have been more cruel than the flood?<br /> What more heartless + than to overwhelm a world?<br /> What more merciless than to cover a + shoreless sea<br /> with the corpses of men, women and children?<br /> <br /> + The Pentateuch is filled with anathemas, with<br /> curses, with words of + vengeance, of jealousy, of<br /> hatred, and brutality. By reason of these + passages,<br /> <br /> 243<br /> <br /> millions of people have plucked from + their hearts the<br /> flowers of pity and justified the murder of women<br /> + and the assassination of babes.<br /> <br /> In the second chapter of Second + Kings we find<br /> that the prophet Elisha was on his way to a place<br /> + called Bethel, and as he was going, there came forth<br /> little children + out of the city and mocked him and<br /> said: "Go up thou bald head; Go up + thou bald<br /> "head! And he turned back and looked on them<br /> "and + cursed them in the name of the Lord. And<br /> "there came forth two she + bears out of the wood and<br /> "tare forty and two children of them."<br /> + <br /> Of course he obtained his miraculous power from<br /> Jehovah; and + there must have been some communi-<br /> cation between Jehovah and the + bears. Why did the<br /> bears come? How did they happen to be there?<br /> + Here is a prophet of God cursing children in the<br /> name of the Lord, + and thereupon these children<br /> are torn in fragments by wild beasts.<br /> + <br /> This is the mercy of Jehovah; and yet I am told<br /> that the Bible + has nothing cruel in it; that it preaches<br /> only mercy, justice, + charity, peace; that all hearts<br /> are softened by reading it; that the + savage nature of<br /> man is melted into tenderness and pity by it, and + that<br /> only the totally depraved can find evil in it.<br /> <br /> 244<br /> + <br /> And so I might go on, page after page, book after<br /> book, in the + Old Testament, and describe the cruelties<br /> committed in accordance + with the commands of<br /> Jehovah.<br /> <br /> But all the cruelties in the + Old Testament are ab-<br /> solute mercies compared with the hell of the + New<br /> Testament. In the Old Testament God stops with<br /> the grave. He + seems to have been satisfied when he<br /> saw his enemies dead, when he + saw their flesh rotting<br /> in the open air, or in the beaks of birds, or + in the teeth<br /> of wild beasts. But in the New Testament, ven-<br /> + geance does not stop with the grave. It begins there,<br /> and stops + never. The enemies of Jehovah are to be<br /> pursued through all the ages + of eternity. There is to<br /> be no forgiveness—no cessation, no + mercy, nothing<br /> but everlasting pain.<br /> <br /> And yet we are told + that the author of hell is a<br /> being of infinite mercy.<br /> <br /> <i>Second</i>; + All intelligent Christians will admit that<br /> there are many passages in + the Bible that, if found in<br /> the Koran, they would regard as impure + and immoral.<br /> <br /> It is not necessary for me to specify the + passages,<br /> nor to call the attention of the public to such things.<br /> + I am willing to trust the judgment of every honest<br /> reader, and the + memory of every biblical student.<br /> <br /> 245<br /> <br /> The Old + Testament upholds polygamy. That is<br /> infinitely impure. It sanctions + concubinage. That<br /> is impure; nothing could or can be worse. Hun-<br /> + dreds of things are publicly told that should have re-<br /> mained unsaid. + No one is made better by reading<br /> the history of Tamar, or the + biography of Lot, or<br /> the memoirs of Noah, of Dinah, of Sarah and<br /> + Abraham, or of Jacob and Leah and Rachel and others<br /> that I do not + care to mention. No one is improved<br /> in his morals by reading these + things.<br /> <br /> All I mean to say is, that the Bible is like other<br /> + books produced by other nations in the same stage<br /> of civilization. + What one age considers pure, the<br /> next considers impure. What one age + may consider<br /> just, the next may look upon as infamous. Civiliza-<br /> + tion is a growth. It is continually dying, and continu-<br /> ally being + born. Old branches rot and fall, new buds<br /> appear. It is a perpetual + twilight, and a perpetual<br /> dawn—the death of the old, and the + birth of the new.<br /> <br /> I do not say, throw away the Bible because + there<br /> are some foolish passages in it, but I say, throw away<br /> the + foolish passages. Don't throw away wisdom<br /> because it is found in + company with folly; but do not<br /> say that folly is wisdom, because it + is found in its<br /> company. All that is true in the Bible is true + whether<br /> <br /> 246<br /> <br /> it is inspired or not. All that is true + did not need to<br /> be inspired. Only that which is not true needs the<br /> + assistance of miracles and wonders. I read the Bible<br /> as I read other + books. What I believe to be good,<br /> I admit is good; what I think is + bad, I say is bad;<br /> what I believe to be true, I say is true, and what + I<br /> believe to be false, I denounce as false.<br /> <br /> <i>Third</i>. + Let us see whether there are any contra-<br /> dictions in the Bible.<br /> + <br /> A little book has been published, called "Self<br /> "Contradictions + of the Bible," by J. P. Mendum, of<br /> The Boston Investigator. I find + many of the apparent<br /> contradictions of the Bible noted in this book.<br /> + <br /> We all know that the Pentateuch is filled with the<br /> commandments + of God upon the subject of sacrificing<br /> animals. We know that God + declared, again and<br /> again, that the smell of burning flesh was a + sweet<br /> savor to him. Chapter after chapter is filled with direc-<br /> + tions how to kill the beasts that were set apart for<br /> sacrifices; what + to do with their blood, their flesh and<br /> their fat. And yet, in the + seventh chapter of Jeremiah,<br /> all this is expressly denied, in the + following language:<br /> "For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded<br /> + "them in the day that I brought them out of the land<br /> "of Egypt, + concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices."<br /> <br /> 247<br /> <br /> And + in the sixth chapter of Jeremiah, the same<br /> Jehovah says; "Your burnt + offerings are not ac-<br /> "ceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me."<br /> + <br /> In the Psalms, Jehovah derides the idea of<br /> sacrifices, and + says: "Will I eat of the flesh of<br /> "bulls, or drink the blood of + goats? Offer unto God<br /> "thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most<br /> + "High."<br /> <br /> So I find in Isaiah the following: "Bring no more<br /> + "vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me;<br /> "the new moons + and sabbaths, the calling of as-<br /> "semblies, I cannot away with; it is + iniquity, even<br /> "the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your<br /> + "appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a trouble<br /> "to me; I am + weary to bear them." "To what<br /> "purpose is the multitude of your + sacrifices unto me?<br /> "saith the Lord. I am full of the burnt offerings + of<br /> "rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not<br /> "in the + blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.<br /> "When ye come to + appear before me, who hath re-<br /> "quired this at your hand?"<br /> <br /> + So I find in James: "Let no man say when he is<br /> "tempted: I am tempted + of God; for God cannot be<br /> "tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any + man;"<br /> and yet in the twenty-second chapter of Genesis I<br /> <br /> + 248<br /> <br /> find this: "And it came to pass after these things,<br /> + "that God did tempt Abraham."<br /> <br /> In Second Samuel we see that he + tempted David.<br /> He also tempted Job, and Jeremiah says: "O Lord,<br /> + "thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived." To<br /> such an extent was + Jeremiah deceived, that in the<br /> fourteenth chapter and eighteenth + verse we find him<br /> crying out to the Lord: "Wilt thou be altogether<br /> + "unto me as a liar?"<br /> <br /> So in Second Thessalonians: "For these + things<br /> "God shall send them strong delusions, that they<br /> "should + believe a lie."<br /> <br /> So in First Kings, twenty-second chapter: + "Behold,<br /> "the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all<br /> + "these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil<br /> "concerning thee."<br /> + <br /> So in Ezekiel: "And if the prophet be deceived<br /> "when he hath + spoken a thing, I, the Lord, have de-<br /> "ceived that prophet."<br /> + <br /> So I find: "Thou shalt not bear false witness;"<br /> and in the book + of Revelation: "All liars shall have<br /> "their part in the lake which + burneth with fire and<br /> "brimstone;" yet in First Kings, twenty-second<br /> + chapter, I find the following: "And the Lord said:<br /> "Who shall + persuade Ahab, that he may go up and<br /> <br /> 249<br /> <br /> "fall at + Ramoth-Gilead? And one said on this<br /> "manner, and another said on that + manner. And<br /> "there came forth a spirit and stood before the Lord,<br /> + "and said: I will persuade him. And the Lord said<br /> "unto him: + Wherewith? And he said: I will go<br /> "forth, and I will be a lying + spirit in the mouth of all<br /> "his prophets. And he said: Thou shalt + persuade<br /> "him, and prevail also. Go forth, and do so."<br /> <br /> In + the Old Testament we find contradictory laws<br /> about the same thing, + and contradictory accounts of<br /> the same occurrences.<br /> <br /> In the + twentieth chapter of Exodus we find the first<br /> account of the giving + of the Ten Commandments. In<br /> the thirty-fourth chapter another account + of the same<br /> transaction is given. These two accounts could not<br /> + have been written by the same person. Read them,<br /> and you will be + forced to admit that both of them<br /> cannot by any possibility be true. + They differ in so<br /> many particulars, and the commandments themselves<br /> + are so different, that it is impossible that both can be<br /> true.<br /> + <br /> So there are two histories of the creation. If you<br /> will read + the first and second chapters of Genesis,<br /> you will find two accounts + inconsistent with each<br /> other, both of which cannot be true. The first + account<br /> <br /> 250<br /> <br /> ends with the third verse of the second + chapter of<br /> Genesis. By the first account, man and woman were<br /> + made at the same time, and made last of all. In the<br /> second account, + not to be too critical, all the beasts<br /> of the field were made before + Eve was, and Adam<br /> was made before the beasts of the field; whereas in<br /> + the first account, God made all the animals before he<br /> made Adam. In + the first account there is nothing<br /> about the rib or the bone or the + side,—that is only<br /> found in the second account. In the first + account,<br /> there is nothing about the Garden of Eden, nothing<br /> + about the four rivers, nothing about the mist that<br /> went up from the + earth and watered the whole face<br /> of the ground; nothing said about + making man from<br /> dust; nothing about God breathing into his nostrils<br /> + the breath of life; yet according to the second ac-<br /> count, the Garden + of Eden was planted, and all the<br /> animals were made before Eve was + formed. It is<br /> impossible to harmonize the two accounts.<br /> <br /> + So, in the first account, only the word God is<br /> used—"God said + so and so,—God did so and so."<br /> In the second account he is + called Lord God,—"the<br /> "Lord God formed man,"—"the Lord + God caused<br /> "it to rain,"—"the Lord God planted a garden." It<br /> + is now admitted that the book of Genesis is made up<br /> <br /> 251<br /> + <br /> of two stories, and it is very easy to take them apart<br /> and show + exactly how they were put together.<br /> <br /> So there are two stories of + the flood, differing<br /> almost entirely from each other—that is to + say, so<br /> contradictory that both cannot be true.<br /> <br /> There are + two accounts of the manner in which<br /> Saul was made king, and the + accounts are inconsistent<br /> with each other.<br /> <br /> Scholars now + everywhere admit that the copyists<br /> made many changes, pieced out + fragments, and made<br /> additions, interpolations, and meaningless + repetitions.<br /> It is now generally conceded that the speeches of<br /> + Elihu, in Job, were interpolated, and most of the<br /> prophecies were + made by persons whose names even<br /> are not known.<br /> <br /> The + manuscripts of the Old Testament were not<br /> alike. The Greek version + differed from the Hebrew,<br /> and there was no generally received text of + the Old<br /> Testament until after the beginning of the Christian<br /> + era. Marks and points to denote vowels were in-<br /> vented probably in + the seventh century after Christ;<br /> and whether these marks and points + were put in the<br /> proper places, is still an open question. The Alex-<br /> + andrian version, or what is known as the Septuagint,<br /> translated by + seventy-two learned Jews assisted by<br /> <br /> 252<br /> <br /> miraculous + power, about two hundred years before<br /> Christ, could not, it is now + said, have been translated<br /> from the Hebrew text that we now have. + This can<br /> only be accounted for by supposing that we have a<br /> + different Hebrew text. The early Christians adopted<br /> the Septuagint + and were satisfied for a time; but so<br /> many errors were found, and so + many were scanning<br /> every word in search of something to assist their<br /> + peculiar views, that new versions were produced,<br /> and the new versions + all differed somewhat from the<br /> Septuagint as well as from each other. + These ver-<br /> sions were mostly in Greek. The first Latin Bible<br /> was + produced in Africa, and no one has ever found<br /> out which Latin + manuscript was original. Many were<br /> produced, and all differed from + each other. These<br /> Latin versions were compared with each other and<br /> + with the Hebrew, and a new Latin version was made<br /> in the fifth + century, and the old ones held their own<br /> for about four hundred + years, and no one knows<br /> which version was right. Besides, there were + Ethi-<br /> opie, Egyptian, Armenian and several other ver-<br /> sions, all + differing from each other as well as from all<br /> others. It was not + until the fourteenth century that<br /> the Bible was translated into + German, and not until<br /> the fifteenth that Bibles were printed in the + principal<br /> <br /> 253<br /> <br /> languages of Europe; and most of these + Bibles<br /> differed from each other, and gave rise to endless<br /> + disputes and to almost numberless crimes.<br /> <br /> No man in the world + is learned enough, nor has<br /> he time enough, even if he could live a + thousand<br /> years, to find what books belonged to and consti-<br /> tuted + the Old Testament. He could not ascertain<br /> the authors of the books, + nor when they were written,<br /> nor what they mean. Until a man has + sufficient<br /> time to do all this, no one can tell whether he be-<br /> + lieves the Bible or not. It is sufficient, however, to<br /> say that the + Old Testament is filled with contradic-<br /> tions as to the number of men + slain in battle, as to<br /> the number of years certain kings reigned, as + to the<br /> number of a woman's children, as to dates of events,<br /> and + as to locations of towns and cities.<br /> <br /> Besides all this, many of + its laws are contradictory,<br /> often commanding and prohibiting the same + thing.<br /> <br /> The New Testament also is filled with contradic-<br /> + tions. The gospels do not even agree upon the<br /> terms of salvation. + They do not even agree as to<br /> the gospel of Christ, as to the mission + of Christ.<br /> They do not tell the same story regarding the be-<br /> + trayal, the crucifixion, the resurrection or the ascen-<br /> sion of + Christ. John is the only one that ever heard<br /> <br /> 254<br /> <br /> of + being "born again." The evangelists do not give<br /> the same account of + the same miracles, and the<br /> miracles are not given in the same order. + They do<br /> not agree even in the genealogy of Christ.<br /> <br /> <i>Fourth</i>. + Is the Bible scientific? In my judgment<br /> it is not<br /> <br /> It is + unscientific to say that this world was "cre-<br /> "ated that the universe + was produced by an infinite<br /> being, who had existed an eternity prior + to such<br /> "creation." My mind is such that I cannot possibly<br /> + conceive of a "creation." Neither can I conceive of<br /> an infinite being + who dwelt in infinite space an infi-<br /> nite length of time.<br /> <br /> + I do not think it is scientific to say that the uni-<br /> verse was made + in six days, or that this world is only<br /> about six thousand years old, + or that man has only<br /> been upon the earth for about six thousand + years.<br /> <br /> If the Bible is true, Adam was the first man. The<br /> + age of Adam is given, the age of his children, and<br /> the time, + according to the Bible, was kept and known<br /> from Adam, so that if the + Bible is true, man has only<br /> been in this world about six thousand + years. In my<br /> judgment, and in the judgment of every scientific<br /> + man whose judgment is worth having or quoting,<br /> man inhabited this + earth for thousands of ages prior<br /> <br /> 255<br /> <br /> to the + creation of Adam. On one point the Bible is<br /> at least certain, and + that is, as to the life of Adam.<br /> The genealogy is given, the pedigree + is there, and it<br /> is impossible to escape the conclusion that, + according<br /> to the Bible, man has only been upon this earth<br /> about + six thousand years. There is no chance there<br /> to say "long periods of + time," or "geological ages."<br /> There we have the years. And as to the + time of the<br /> creation of man, the Bible does not tell the truth.<br /> + <br /> What is generally called "The Fall of Man" is<br /> unscientific. God + could not have made a moral<br /> character for Adam. Even admitting the + rest of the<br /> story to be true, Adam certainly had to make char-<br /> + acter for himself.<br /> <br /> The idea that there never would have been + any<br /> disease or death in this world had it not been for the<br /> + eating of the forbidden fruit is preposterously unsci-<br /> entific. + Admitting that Adam was made only six<br /> thousand years ago, death was + in the world millions of<br /> years before that time. The old rocks are + filled with re-<br /> mains of what were once living and breathing animals.<br /> + Continents were built up with the petrified corpses of<br /> animals. We + know, therefore, that death did not enter<br /> the world because of Adam's + sin. We know that life<br /> and death are but successive links in an + eternal chain.<br /> <br /> 256<br /> <br /> So it is unscientific to say that + thorns and brambles<br /> were produced by Adam's sin.<br /> <br /> It is + also unscientific to say that labor was pro-<br /> nounced as a curse upon + man. Labor is not a curse.<br /> Labor is a blessing. Idleness is a curse.<br /> + <br /> It is unscientific to say that the sons of God,<br /> living, we + suppose, in heaven, fell in love with the<br /> daughters of men, and that + on account of this a<br /> flood was sent upon the earth that covered the<br /> + highest mountains.<br /> <br /> The whole story of the flood is + unscientific, and no<br /> scientific man worthy of the name, believes it.<br /> + <br /> Neither is the story of the tower of Babel a scien-<br /> tific + thing. Does any scientific man believe that<br /> God confounded the + language of men for fear they<br /> would succeed in building a tower high + enough to<br /> reach to heaven?<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say + that angels were in the<br /> habit of walking about the earth, eating veal + dressed<br /> with butter and milk, and making bargains about the<br /> + destruction of cities.<br /> <br /> The story of Lot's wife having been + turned into a<br /> pillar of salt is extremely unscientific.<br /> <br /> It + is unscientific to say that people at one time lived<br /> to be nearly a + thousand years of age. The history<br /> <br /> 257<br /> <br /> of the world + shows that human life is lengthening<br /> instead of shortening.<br /> + <br /> It is unscientific to say that the infinite God<br /> wrestled with + Jacob and got the better of him, put-<br /> ting his thigh out of joint.<br /> + <br /> It is unscientific to say that God, in the likeness of<br /> a flame + of fire, inhabited a bush.<br /> <br /> It is unscientific to say that a + stick could be<br /> changed into a living snake. Living snakes can not<br /> + be made out of sticks. There are not the necessary<br /> elements in a + stick to make a snake.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that God + changed water<br /> into blood. All the elements of blood are not in<br /> + water.<br /> <br /> It is unscientific to declare that dust was changed<br /> + into lice.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that God caused a thick<br /> + darkness over the land of Egypt, and yet allowed it<br /> to be light in + the houses of the Jews.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that about + seventy people<br /> could, in two hundred and fifteen years increase to<br /> + three millions.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that an infinitely + good<br /> God would destroy innocent people to get revenge<br /> upon a + king.<br /> <br /> 258<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that slavery + was once<br /> right, that polygamy was once a virtue, and that ex-<br /> + termination was mercy.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to assert that a + being of infinite<br /> power and goodness went into partnership with in-<br /> + sects,—granted letters of marque and reprisal to<br /> hornets.<br /> + <br /> It is unscientific to insist that bread was really<br /> rained from + heaven.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to suppose that an infinite being<br /> + spent forty days and nights furnishing Moses with plans<br /> and + specifications for a tabernacle, an ark, a mercy seat,<br /> cherubs of + gold, a table, four rings, some dishes, some<br /> spoons, one candlestick, + several bowls, a few knobs,<br /> seven lamps, some snuffers, a pair of + tongs, some cur-<br /> tains, a roof for a tent of rams' skins dyed red, a + few<br /> boards, an altar with horns, ash pans, basins and flesh<br /> + hooks, shovels and pots and sockets of silver and<br /> ouches of gold and + pins of brass—for all of which this<br /> God brought with him + patterns from heaven.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to say that when a + man commits<br /> a sin, he can settle with God by killing a sheep.<br /> + <br /> It is not scientific to say that a priest, by laying<br /> his hands + on the head of a goat, can transfer the sins<br /> of a people to the + animal.<br /> <br /> 259<br /> <br /> Was it scientific to endeavor to + ascertain whether<br /> a woman was virtuous or not, by compelling her to<br /> + drink water mixed with dirt from the floor of the<br /> sanctuary?<br /> + <br /> Is it scientific to say that a dry stick budded,<br /> blossomed, and + bore almonds; or that the ashes of a<br /> red heifer mixed with water can + cleanse us of sin;<br /> or that a good being gave cities into the hands of + the<br /> Jews in consideration of their murdering all the in-<br /> + habitants?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to say that an animal saw an angel,<br /> + and conversed with a man?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to imagine that + thrusting a spear<br /> through the body of a woman ever stayed a plague?<br /> + <br /> Is it scientific to say that a river cut itself in two<br /> and + allowed the lower end to run off?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to assert + that seven priests blew<br /> seven rams' horns loud enough to blow down + the<br /> walls of a city?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to say that the sun + stood still in the<br /> midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down for<br /> + about a whole day, and that the moon also stayed?<br /> <br /> Is it + scientifically probable that an angel of the<br /> Lord devoured unleavened + cakes and broth with<br /> fire that came out of the end of a stick, as he + sat<br /> <br /> 260<br /> <br /> under an oak tree; or that God made known + his<br /> will by letting dew fall on wool without wetting the<br /> ground + around it; or that an angel of God appeared<br /> to Manoah in the absence + of her husband, and that<br /> this angel afterwards went up in a flame of + fire, and<br /> as the result of this visit a child was born whose<br /> + strength was in his hair?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to say that the + muscle of a man de-<br /> pended upon the length of his locks?<br /> <br /> + Is it unscientific to deny that water gushed from a<br /> hollow place in a + dry bone?<br /> <br /> Is it evidence of a thoroughly scientific mind to<br /> + believe that one man turned over a house so large<br /> that three thousand + people were on its roof?<br /> <br /> Is it purely scientific to say that a + man was once<br /> fed by the birds of the air, who brought him bread<br /> + and meat every morning and evening, and that after-<br /> ward an angel + turned cook and prepared two sup-<br /> pers in one night, for the same + prophet, who ate<br /> enough to last him forty days and forty nights?<br /> + <br /> Is it scientific to say that a river divided because<br /> the water + had been struck with a cloak; or that a<br /> man actually went to heaven + in a chariot of fire<br /> drawn by horses of fire; or that a being of + infinite<br /> mercy would destroy children for laughing at a bald-<br /> + <br /> 261<br /> <br /> headed prophet; or curse children and childrens<br /> + children with leprosy for a father's fault; or that he<br /> made iron + float in water; or that when one corpse<br /> touched another it came to + life; or that the sun went<br /> backward in heaven so that the shadow on a + sun-<br /> dial went back ten degrees, as a sign that a miserable<br /> + barbarian king would get well?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to say that the + earth not only<br /> stopped in its rotary motion, but absolutely turned<br /> + the other way,—that its motion was reversed simply<br /> as a sign to + a petty king?<br /> <br /> Is it scientific to say that Solomon made gold + and<br /> silver at Jerusalem as plentiful as stones, when we<br /> know + that there were kings in his day who could<br /> have thrown away the value + of the whole of Palestine<br /> without missing the amount?<br /> <br /> Is + it scientific to say that Solomon exceeded all<br /> the kings of the earth + in glory, when his country<br /> was barren, without roads, when his people + were<br /> few, without commerce, without the arts, without the<br /> + sciences, without education, without luxuries?<br /> <br /> According to the + Bible, as long as Jehovah attended<br /> to the affairs of the Jews, they + had nothing but war,<br /> pestilence and famine; after Jehovah abandoned + them,<br /> and the Christians ceased, in a measure, to persecute<br /> + <br /> 262<br /> <br /> them, the Jews became the most prosperous of people.<br /> + Since Jehovah in his anger cast them away, they have<br /> produced + painters, sculptors, scientists, statesmen,<br /> composers, soldiers and + philosophers.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to believe that God ever + pre-<br /> vented rain, that he ever caused famine, that he ever<br /> sent + locusts to devour the wheat and corn, that he<br /> ever relied on + pestilence for the government of man-<br /> kind; or that he ever killed + children to get even with<br /> their parents.<br /> <br /> It is not + scientific to believe that the king of Egypt<br /> invaded Palestine with + seventy thousand horsemen<br /> and twelve hundred chariots of war. There + was not,<br /> at that time, a road in Palestine over which a chariot<br /> + could be driven.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to believe that in a + battle between<br /> Jeroboam and Abijah, the army of Abijah slew in<br /> + one day five hundred thousand chosen men.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific + to believe that Zerah, the Ethio-<br /> pian, invaded Palestine with a + million of men who<br /> were overthrown and destroyed; or that Jehoshaphat<br /> + had a standing army of nine hundred and sixty<br /> thousand men.<br /> + <br /> It is unscientific to believe that Jehovah advertised<br /> for a + liar, as is related in Second Chronicles.<br /> <br /> 263<br /> <br /> It is + not scientific to believe that fire refused to<br /> burn, or that water + refused to wet.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to believe in dreams, in + visions,<br /> and in miracles.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to believe + that children have<br /> been born without fathers, that the dead have ever<br /> + been raised to life, or that people have bodily as-<br /> cended to heaven + taking their clothes with them.<br /> <br /> It is not scientific to believe + in the supernatural.<br /> Science dwells in the realm of fact, in the + realm of<br /> demonstration. Science depends upon human ex-<br /> perience, + upon observation, upon reason.<br /> <br /> It is unscientific to say that + an innocent man can<br /> be punished in place of a criminal, and for a + criminal,<br /> and that the criminal, on account of such punishment,<br /> + can be justified.<br /> <br /> It is unscientific to say that a finite sin + deserves<br /> infinite punishment.<br /> <br /> It is unscientific to + believe that devils can inhabit<br /> human beings, or that they can take + possession of<br /> swine, or that the devil could bodily take a man, or<br /> + the Son of God, and carry him to the pinnacle of a<br /> temple.<br /> <br /> + In short, the foolish, the unreasonable, the false,<br /> the miraculous + and the supernatural are unscientific.<br /> <br /> 264<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Mr. Talmage gives his reason for<br /> accepting the New Testament, and + says: "You<br /> "can trace it right out. Jerome and Eusebius in the<br /> + "first century, and Origen in the second century,<br /> "gave lists of the + writers of the New Testament.<br /> "These lists correspond with our list + of the writers<br /> "of the New Testament, showing that precisely as<br /> + "we have it, they had it in the third and fourth cen-<br /> "turies. Where + did they get it? From Irenæus.<br /> "Where did he get it? From + Polycarp. Where did<br /> "Polycarp get it? From Saint John, who was a per-<br /> + "sonal associate of Jesus. The line is just as clear<br /> "as anything + ever was clear." How do you under-<br /> stand this matter, and has Mr. + Talmage stated the<br /> facts?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Let us examine + first the witnesses pro-<br /> duced by Mr. Talmage. We will also call + attention<br /> to the great principle laid down by Mr. Talmage for<br /> + the examination of evidence,—that where a witness<br /> is found + false in one particular, his entire testimony<br /> must be thrown away.<br /> + <br /> Eusebius was born somewhere about two hundred<br /> and seventy years + after Christ. After many vicissi-<br /> tudes he became, it is said, the + friend of Constantine.<br /> He made an oration in which he extolled the + virtues<br /> <br /> 265<br /> <br /> of this murderer, and had the honor of + sitting at the<br /> right hand of the man who had shed the blood of his<br /> + wife and son. In the great controversy with regard<br /> to the position + that Christ should occupy in the Trinity,<br /> he sided with Arius, "and + lent himself to the perse-<br /> "cution of the orthodox with Athanasius." + He in-<br /> sisted that Jesus Christ was not the same as God,<br /> and + that he was not of equal power and glory. Will<br /> Mr. Talmage admit that + his witness told the truth in<br /> this? "He would not even call the Son + co-eternal<br /> "with God."<br /> <br /> Eusebius must have been an + exceedingly truthful<br /> man. He declared that the tracks of Pharaoh's + chariots<br /> were in his day visible upon the shores of the Red<br /> Sea; + that these tracks had been through all the years<br /> miraculously + preserved from the action of wind and<br /> wave, as a supernatural + testimony to the fact that<br /> God miraculously overwhelmed Pharaoh and + his<br /> hosts.<br /> <br /> Eusebius also relates that when Joseph and Mary<br /> + arrived in Eygpt they took up their abode in Hermopolis,<br /> <br /> a city + of Thebæus, in which was the superb<br /> temple of Serapis. When + Joseph and Mary entered<br /> the temple, not only the great idol, but all + the lesser<br /> idols fell down before him.<br /> <br /> 266<br /> <br /> "It + is believed by the learned Dr. Lardner, that<br /> "Eusebius was the one + guilty of the forgery in the<br /> "passage found in Josephus concerning + Christ. Un-<br /> "blushing falsehoods and literary forgeries of the<br /> + "vilest character darkened the pages of his historical<br /> "writings." + (Waites History.)<br /> <br /> From the same authority I learn that Eusebius<br /> + invented an eclipse, and some earthquakes, to agree<br /> with the account + of the crucifixion. It is also be-<br /> lieved that Eusebius quoted from + works that never<br /> existed, and that he pretended a work had been<br /> + written by Porphyry, entitled: "The Philosophy of<br /> "Oracles," and then + quoted from it for the purpose<br /> of proving the truth of the Christian + religion.<br /> <br /> The fact is, Eusebius was utterly destitute of truth.<br /> + He believed, as many still believe, that he could<br /> please God by the + fabrication of lies.<br /> <br /> Irenæus lived somewhere about the + end of the<br /> second century. "Very little is known of his early<br /> + "history, and the accounts given in various biogra-<br /> "phies are for + the most part conjectural." The<br /> writings of Irenæus are known + to us principally<br /> through Eusebius, and we know the value of his<br /> + testimony.<br /> <br /> Now, if we are to take the testimony of Irenæus,<br /> + <br /> 267<br /> <br /> why not take it? He says that the ministry of Christ<br /> + lasted for twenty years, and that Christ was fifty years<br /> old at the + time of his crucifixion. He also insisted<br /> that the "Gospel of Paul" + was written by Luke, "a<br /> "statement made to give sanction to the + gospel of<br /> "Luke."<br /> <br /> Irenæus insisted that there were + four gospels, that<br /> there must be, and "he speaks frequently of these<br /> + "gospels, and argues that they should be four in<br /> "number, neither + more nor less, because there are<br /> "four universal winds, and four + quarters of the<br /> "world;" and he might have added: because<br /> + donkeys have four legs.<br /> <br /> These facts can be found in "The + History of the<br /> "Christian Religion to A. D. 200," by Charles B.<br /> + Waite,—a book that Mr. Talmage ought to read.<br /> <br /> According + to Mr. Waite, Irenæus, in the thirty-<br /> third chapter of his + fifth book, <i>Adversus Hæreses</i>,<br /> cites from Papias the + following sayings of Christ:<br /> "The days will come in which vines shall + grow<br /> "which shall have ten thousand branches, and on<br /> "each + branch ten thousand twigs, and in each twig<br /> "ten thousand shoots, and + in each shoot ten thousand<br /> "clusters, and in every one of the + clusters ten<br /> "thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed<br /> + <br /> 268<br /> <br /> "will give five and twenty metrets of wine." Also<br /> + that "one thousand million pounds of clear, pure, fine<br /> "flour will be + produced from one grain of wheat."<br /> Irenæus adds that "these + things were borne witness<br /> "to by Papias the hearer of John and the + companion<br /> "of Polycarp."<br /> <br /> Is it possible that the eternal + welfare of a human<br /> being depends upon believing the testimony of + Poly-<br /> carp and Irenæus? Are people to be saved or lost<br /> on + the reputation of Eusebius? Suppose a man is<br /> firmly convinced that + Polycarp knew nothing about<br /> Saint John, and that Saint John knew + nothing about<br /> Christ,—what then? Suppose he is convinced that<br /> + Eusebius is utterly unworthy of credit,—what then?<br /> Must a man + believe statements that he has every<br /> reason to think are false?<br /> + <br /> The question arises as to the witnesses named by<br /> Mr. Talmage, + whether they were competent to decide<br /> as to the truth or falsehood of + the gospels. We have<br /> the right to inquire into their mental traits + for the<br /> purpose of giving only due weight to what they have<br /> + said.<br /> <br /> Mr. Bronson C. Keeler is the author of a book<br /> + called: "A Short History of the Bible." I avail<br /> myself of a few of + the facts he has there collected. I<br /> <br /> 269<br /> <br /> find in this + book, that Irenæus, Clement and Origen<br /> believed in the fable of + the Phoenix, and insisted that<br /> God produced the bird on purpose to + prove the<br /> probability of the resurrection of the body. Some<br /> of + the early fathers believed that the hyena changed<br /> its sex every year. + Others of them gave as a reason<br /> why good people should eat only + animals with a<br /> cloven foot, the fact that righteous people lived not<br /> + only in this world, but had expectations in the next.<br /> They also + believed that insane people were pos-<br /> sessed by devils; that angels + ate manna; that some<br /> angels loved the daughters of men and fell; that + the<br /> pains of women in childbirth, and the fact that ser-<br /> pents + crawl on their bellies, were proofs that the<br /> account of the fall, as + given in Genesis, is true; that<br /> the stag renewed its youth by eating + poisonous<br /> snakes; that eclipses and comets were signs of God's<br /> + anger; that volcanoes were openings into hell; that<br /> demons blighted + apples; that a corpse in a cemetery<br /> moved to make room for another + corpse to be placed<br /> beside it. Clement of Alexandria believed that + hail<br /> storms, tempests and plagues were caused by demons.<br /> He also + believed, with Mr. Talmage, that the events<br /> in the life of Abraham + were typical and prophetical<br /> of arithmetic and astronomy.<br /> <br /> + 270<br /> <br /> Origen, another of the witnesses of Mr. Talmage,<br /> said + that the sun, moon and stars were living crea-<br /> tures, endowed with + reason and free will, and occa-<br /> sionally inclined to sin. That they + had free will, he<br /> proved by quoting from Job; that they were rational<br /> + creatures, he inferred from the fact that they moved.<br /> The sun, moon + and stars, according to him, were<br /> "subject to vanity," and he + believed that they prayed<br /> to God through his only begotten son.<br /> + <br /> These intelligent witnesses believed that the blight-<br /> ing of + vines and fruit trees, and the disease and de-<br /> struction that came + upon animals and men, were all<br /> the work of demons; but that when they + had entered<br /> into men, the sign of the cross would drive them out.<br /> + They derided the idea that the earth is round, and<br /> one of them said: + "About the antipodes also, one<br /> "can neither hear nor speak without + laughter. It is<br /> "asserted as something serious that we should be-<br /> + "lieve that there are men who have their feet oppo-<br /> "site to ours. + The ravings of Anaxagoras are more<br /> "tolerable, who said that snow was + black."<br /> <br /> Concerning these early fathers, Professor Davidson,<br /> + as quoted by Mr. Keeler, uses the following lan-<br /> guage: "Of the three + fathers who contributed<br /> "most to the growth of the canon, Irenæus + was<br /> <br /> 271<br /> <br /> "credulous and blundering; Tertullian + passionate<br /> "and one-sided; and Clement of Alexandria, im-<br /> "bued + with the treasures of Greek wisdom, was<br /> "mainly occupied with + ecclesiastical ethics. Their<br /> "assertions show both ignorance and + exaggeration."<br /> These early fathers relied upon by Mr. Talmage,<br /> + quoted from books now regarded as apocryphal—<br /> books that have + been thrown away by the church<br /> and are no longer considered as of the + slightest<br /> authority. Upon this subject I again quote Mr.<br /> Keeler: + "Clement quoted the 'Gospel according to<br /> "'the Hebrews,' which is now + thrown away by the<br /> "church; he also quoted from the Sibylline books<br /> + "and the Pentateuch in the same sentence. Origen<br /> "frequently cited + the Gospel of the Hebrews. Jerome<br /> "did the same, and Clement believed + in the 'Gospel<br /> "'according to the Egyptians.' The Shepherd of<br /> + "Hermas, a book in high repute in the early church,<br /> "and one which + distinctly claims to have been<br /> "inspired, was quoted by Irenæus + as Scripture.<br /> "Clement of Alexandria said it was a divine revela-<br /> + "tion. Origen said it was divinely inspired, and<br /> "quoted it as Holy + Scripture at the same time that<br /> "he cited the Psalms and Epistles of + Paul. Jerome<br /> "quoted the 'Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach,'<br /> + <br /> 272<br /> <br /> "as divine Scripture. Origen quotes the 'Wisdom<br /> + "of Solomon' as the 'Word of God' and 'the<br /> "'words of Christ + himself.' Eusebius of Cæsarea<br /> "cites it as a * Divine Oracle,' + and St. Chrysostom<br /> "used it as Scripture. So Eusebius quotes the<br /> + "thirteenth chapter of Daniel as Scripture, but as a<br /> "matter of fact, + Daniel has not a thirteenth chapter,—<br /> "the church has taken it + away. Clement spoke of<br /> "the writer of the fourth book of Esdras as a + prophet;<br /> "he thought Baruch as much the word of God as<br /> "any + other book, and he quotes it as divine Scripture.<br /> "Clement cites + Barnabas as an apostle. Origen<br /> "quotes from the Epistle of Barnabas, + calls it 'Holy<br /> " 'Scripture,' and places it on a level with the + Psalms<br /> "and the Epistles of Paul; and Clement of Alexan-<br /> "dria + believed in the 'Epistle of Barnabas,' and the<br /> "'Revelation, of + Peter,' and wrote comments upon<br /> "these holy books."<br /> <br /> + Nothing can exceed the credulity of the early<br /> fathers, unless it may + be their ignorance. They be-<br /> lieved everything that was miraculous. + They believed<br /> everything except the truth. Anything that really<br /> + happened was considered of no importance by them.<br /> They looked for + wonders, miracles, and monstrous<br /> things, and—generally found + them. They revelled<br /> <br /> 273<br /> <br /> in the misshapen and the + repulsive. They did not<br /> think it wrong to swear falsely in a good + cause.<br /> They interpolated, forged, and changed the records to<br /> + suit themselves, for the sake of Christ. They quoted<br /> from persons who + never wrote. They misrepresented<br /> those who had written, and their + evidence is abso-<br /> lutely worthless. They were ignorant, credulous,<br /> + mendacious, fanatical, pious, unreasonable, bigoted,<br /> hypocritical, + and for the most part, insane. Read the<br /> book of Revelation, and you + will agree with me that<br /> nothing that ever emanated from a madhouse + can<br /> more than equal it for incoherence. Most of the<br /> writings of + the early fathers are of the same kind.<br /> <br /> As to Saint John, the + real truth is, that we know<br /> nothing certainly of him. We do not know + that he<br /> ever lived.<br /> <br /> We know nothing certainly of Jesus + Christ. We<br /> know nothing of his infancy, nothing of his youth,<br /> + and we are not sure that such a person ever existed.<br /> <br /> We know + nothing of Polycarp. We do not know<br /> where he was born, or where, or + how he died. We<br /> know nothing for certain about Irenæus. All the<br /> + names quoted by Mr. Talmage as his witnesses<br /> are surrounded by clouds + and doubts, by mist and<br /> darkness. We only know that many of their<br /> + <br /> 274<br /> <br /> statements are false, and do not know that any of<br /> + them are true.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of the + following state-<br /> ment by Mr. Talmage: "Oh, I have to tell you that no<br /> + "man ever died for a lie cheerfully and triumphantly"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + There was a time when men "cheerfully<br /> "and triumphantly died" in + defence of the doctrine<br /> of the "real presence" of God in the wafer + and wine.<br /> Does Mr. Talmage believe in the doctrine of "tran-<br /> + "substantiation"? Yet hundreds have died "cheer-<br /> "fully and + triumphantly" for it. Men have died for<br /> the idea that baptism by + immersion is the only<br /> scriptural baptism. Did they die for a lie? If + not,<br /> is Mr. Talmage a Baptist?<br /> <br /> Giordano Bruno was an + atheist, yet he perished at<br /> the stake rather than retract his + opinions. He did<br /> not expect to be welcomed by angels and by God.<br /> + He did not look for a crown of glory. He expected<br /> simply death and + eternal extinction. Does the fact<br /> that he died for that belief prove + its truth?<br /> <br /> Thousands upon thousands have died in defence of<br /> + the religion of Mohammed. Was Mohammed an im-<br /> postor? Thousands have + welcomed death in defence<br /> of the doctrines of Buddha. Is Buddhism + true?<br /> <br /> 275<br /> <br /> So I might make a tour of the world, and + of all<br /> ages of human history, and find that millions and<br /> + millions have died "cheerfully and triumphantly" in<br /> defence of their + opinions. There is not the slightest<br /> truth in Mr. Talmage's + statement.<br /> <br /> A little while ago, a man shot at the Czar of + Russia.<br /> On the day of his execution he was asked if he<br /> wished + religious consolation. He replied that he<br /> believed in no religion. + What did that prove? It<br /> proved only the man's honesty of opinion. All + the<br /> martyrs in the world cannot change, never did<br /> change, a + falsehood into a truth, nor a truth into<br /> a falsehood. Martyrdom + proves nothing but the<br /> sincerity of the martyr and the cruelty and + mean-<br /> ness of his murderers. Thousands and thousands of<br /> people + have imagined that they knew things, that<br /> they were certain, and have + died rather than retract<br /> their honest beliefs.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage + now says that he knows all about the<br /> Old Testament, that the + prophecies were fulfilled,<br /> and yet he does not know when the + prophecies were<br /> made—whether they were made before or after the<br /> + fact. He does not know whether the destruction of<br /> Babylon was told + before it happened, or after. He<br /> knows nothing upon the subject. He + does not know<br /> <br /> 276<br /> <br /> who made the pretended prophecies. + He does not<br /> know that Isaiah, or Jeremiah, or Habakkuk, or<br /> Hosea + ever lived in this world. He does not know<br /> who wrote a single book of + the Old Testament. He<br /> knows nothing on the subject. He believes in + the<br /> inspiration of the Old Testament because ancient<br /> cities + finally fell into decay—were overrun and de-<br /> stroyed by + enemies, and he accounts for the fact that<br /> the Jew does not lose his + nationality by saying that<br /> the Old Testament is true.<br /> <br /> The + Jews have been persecuted by the Christians,<br /> and they are still + persecuted by them; and Mr. Tal-<br /> mage seems to think that this + persecution was a part<br /> of Gods plan, that the Jews might, by + persecution,<br /> be prevented from mingling with other nationalities,<br /> + and so might stand, through the instrumentality of<br /> perpetual hate and + cruelty, the suffering witnesses of<br /> the divine truth of the Bible.<br /> + <br /> The Jews do not testify to the truth of the Bible,<br /> but to the + barbarism and inhumanity of Christians—<br /> to the meanness and + hatred of what we are pleased<br /> to call the "civilized world." They + testify to the fact<br /> that nothing so hardens the human heart as + religion.<br /> <br /> There is no prophecy in the Old Testament fore-<br /> + telling the coming of Jesus Christ. There is not one<br /> <br /> 277<br /> + <br /> word in the Old Testament referring to him in any<br /> way—not + one word. The only way to prove this<br /> is to take your Bible, and + wherever you find these<br /> words: "That it might be fulfilled," and + "which<br /> "was spoken," turn to the Old Testament and<br /> find what was + written, and you will see that it had<br /> not the slightest possible + reference to the thing re-<br /> counted in the New Testament—not the + slightest.<br /> <br /> Let us take some of the prophecies of the Bible,<br /> + and see how plain they are, and how beautiful they<br /> are. Let us see + whether any human being can tell<br /> whether they have ever been + fulfilled or not.<br /> <br /> Here is a vision of Ezekiel: "I looked, and + be-<br /> "hold a whirlwind came out of the north, a great<br /> "cloud, and + a fire infolding itself, and a brightness<br /> "was about it, and out of + the midst thereof as the<br /> "color of amber, out of the midst of the + fire. Also<br /> "out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four<br /> + "living creatures. And this was their appearance;<br /> "they had the + likeness of a man. And every one<br /> "had four faces, and every one had + four wings.<br /> "And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of<br /> + "their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they<br /> "sparkled + like the color of burnished brass. And<br /> "they had the hands of a man + under their wings on<br /> <br /> 278<br /> <br /> "their four sides; and they + four had their faces and<br /> "their wings. Their wings were joined one to<br /> + "another; they turned not when-they went; they<br /> "went every one + straight forward. As for the like-<br /> "ness of their faces, they four + had the face of a man,<br /> "and the face of a lion, on the right side: + and they<br /> "four had the face of an ox on the left side; they<br /> + "four also had the face of an eagle.<br /> <br /> "Thus were their faces: + and their wings were<br /> "stretched upward; two wings of every one were<br /> + "joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.<br /> "And they went + every one straight forward: whither<br /> "the spirit was to go, they went; + and they turned not<br /> "when they went.<br /> <br /> "As for the likeness + of the living creatures, their<br /> "appearance was like burning coals of + fire, and like<br /> "the appearance of lamps: it went up and down<br /> + "among the living creatures; and the fire was bright,<br /> "and out of the + fire went forth lightning. And the<br /> "living creatures ran and returned + as the appearance<br /> "of a flash of lightning.<br /> <br /> "Now as I + beheld the living creatures, behold one<br /> "wheel upon the earth by the + living creatures, with<br /> "his four faces. The appearance of the wheels + and<br /> "their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and<br /> <br /> + 279<br /> <br /> "they four had one likeness: and their appearance<br /> "and + their work was as it were a wheel in the middle<br /> "of a wheel. When + they went, they went upon<br /> "their four sides: and they turned not when + they<br /> "went. As for their rings, they were so high that<br /> "they + were dreadful; and their rings were full of<br /> "eyes round about them + four. And when the living<br /> "creatures went, the wheels went by them: + and<br /> "when the living creatures were lifted up from the<br /> "earth, + the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever<br /> "the spirit was to go, they + went, thither was their<br /> "spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up + over<br /> "against them: for the spirit of the living creature<br /> "was + in the wheels. When those went, these went;<br /> "and when those stood, + these stood; and when those<br /> "were lifted up from the earth, the + wheels were<br /> "lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the<br /> + "living creature was in the wheels. And the like-<br /> "ness of the + firmament upon the heads of the living<br /> "creature was as the color of + the terrible crystal,<br /> "stretched forth over their heads above. And + under<br /> "the firmament were their wings straight, the one<br /> "toward + the other; every one had two, which<br /> "covered on this side, and every + one had two,<br /> "which covered on that side, their bodies."<br /> <br /> + 280<br /> <br /> Is such a vision a prophecy? Is it calculated<br /> to + convey the slightest information? If so, what?<br /> <br /> So, the + following vision of the prophet Daniel is<br /> exceedingly important and + instructive:<br /> <br /> "Daniel spake and said: I saw in my vision by<br /> + "night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven<br /> "strove upon the + great sea. And four great beasts<br /> "came up from the sea, diverse one + from another.<br /> "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings:<br /> + "I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it<br /> "was lifted up + from the earth, and made stand upon<br /> "the feet as a man, and a man's + heart was given to<br /> "it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a<br /> + "bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had<br /> "three ribs in + the mouth of it between the teeth of<br /> "it: and they said thus unto it, + Arise, devour much<br /> "flesh.<br /> <br /> "After this I beheld, and lo + another, like a leopard,<br /> "which had upon the back of it four wings of + a fowl;<br /> "the beast had also four heads, and dominion was<br /> "given + to it.<br /> <br /> "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold<br /> + "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong ex-<br /> "ceedingly; + and it had great iron teeth; it devoured<br /> "and brake in pieces, and + stamped the residue with<br /> <br /> 281<br /> <br /> "the feet of it; and it + was diverse from all the beasts<br /> "that were before it, and it had ten + horns. I con-<br /> "sidered the horns, and, behold, there came up<br /> + "among them another little horn, before whom<br /> "there were three of the + first horns plucked up by<br /> "the roots: and behold, in this horn were + eyes like<br /> "the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great<br /> "things."<br /> + <br /> I have no doubt that this prophecy has been liter-<br /> ally + fulfilled, but I am not at present in condition to<br /> give the time, + place, or circumstances.<br /> <br /> A few moments ago, my attention was + called to<br /> the following extract from <i>The New York Herald</i> of<br /> + the thirteenth of March, instant:<br /> <br /> "At the Fifth Avenue Baptist + Church, Dr. Armi-<br /> "tage took as his text, 'A wheel in the middle of a<br /> + "'wheel'—Ezekiel, i., 16. Here, said the preacher,<br /> "are three + distinct visions in one—the living crea-<br /> "tures, the moving + wheels and the fiery throne. We<br /> "have time only to stop the wheels of + this mystic<br /> "chariot of Jehovah, that we may hold holy converse<br /> + "with Him who rides upon the wings of the wind.<br /> "In this vision of + the prophet we have a minute and<br /> "amplified account of these + magnificent symbols or<br /> "hieroglyphics, this wondrous machinery which + de-<br /> <br /> 282<br /> <br /> "notes immense attributes and agencies and + voli-<br /> "tions, passing their awful and mysterious course of<br /> + "power and intelligence in revolution after revolu-<br /> "tion of the + emblematical mechanism, in steady and<br /> "harmonious advancement to the + object after which<br /> "they are reaching. We are compelled to look<br /> + "upon the whole as symbolical of that tender and<br /> "endearing + providence of which Jesus spoke when<br /> "He said, 'The very hairs of + your head are num-<br /> "* bered.'"<br /> <br /> Certainly, an ordinary + person, not having been<br /> illuminated by the spirit of prophecy, would + never<br /> have even dreamed that there was the slightest re-<br /> ference + in Ezekiel's vision to anything like counting<br /> hairs. As a + commentator, the Rev. Dr. Armitage<br /> has no equal; and, in my judgment, + no rival. He<br /> has placed himself beyond the reach of ridicule. It<br /> + is impossible to say anything about his sermon as<br /> laughable as his + sermon.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have you no confidence in any pro-<br /> + phecies? Do you take the ground that there never<br /> has been a human + being who could predict the<br /> future?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I admit + that a man of average intelli-<br /> <br /> 283<br /> <br /> gence knows that + a certain course, when pursued<br /> long enough, will bring national + disaster, and it is<br /> perfectly safe to predict the downfall of any and<br /> + every country in the world. In my judgment,<br /> nations, like + individuals, have an average life.<br /> Every nation is mortal. An + immortal nation cannot<br /> be constructed of mortal individuals. A nation + has<br /> a reason for existing, and that reason sustains the<br /> same + relation to the nation that the acorn does to<br /> the oak. The nation + will attain its growth—other<br /> things being equal. It will reach + its manhood and<br /> its prime, but it will sink into old age, and at last<br /> + must die. Probably, in a few thousand years, men<br /> will be able to + calculate the average life of nations,<br /> as they now calculate the + average life of persons.<br /> There has been no period since the morning + of his-<br /> tory until now, that men did not know of dead and<br /> dying + nations. There has always been a national<br /> cemetery. Poland is dead, + Turkey is dying. In<br /> every nation are the seeds of dissolution. Not + only<br /> nations die, but races of men. A nation is born,<br /> becomes + powerful, luxurious, at last grows weak, is<br /> overcome, dies, and + another takes its place, In this<br /> way civilization and barbarism, like + day and night,<br /> alternate through all of history's years.<br /> <br /> + 284<br /> <br /> In every nation there are at least two classes of<br /> men: + First, the enthusiastic, the patriotic, who be-<br /> lieve that the nation + will live forever,—that its flag<br /> will float while the earth has + air; Second, the owls<br /> and ravens and croakers, who are always + predicting<br /> disaster, defeat, and death. To the last class belong<br /> + the Jeremiahs, Ezekiels, and Isaiahs of the Jews.<br /> They were always + predicting the downfall of Jeru-<br /> salem. They revelled in defeat and + captivity. They<br /> loved to paint the horrors of famine and war. For<br /> + the most part, they were envious, hateful, misan-<br /> thropic and unjust.<br /> + <br /> There seems to have been a war between church<br /> and state. The + prophets were endeavoring to pre-<br /> serve the ecclesiastical power. + Every king who would<br /> listen to them, was chosen of God. He instantly<br /> + became the model of virtue, and the prophets assured<br /> him that he was + in the keeping of Jehovah. But if<br /> the king had a mind of his own, the + prophets im-<br /> mediately called down upon him all the curses of<br /> + heaven, and predicted the speedy destruction of his<br /> kingdom.<br /> + <br /> If our own country should be divided, if an empire<br /> should rise + upon the ruins of the Republic, it would<br /> be very easy to find that + hundreds and thousands of<br /> <br /> 285<br /> <br /> people had foretold + that very thing. If you will read<br /> the political speeches of the last + twenty-two years,<br /> you will find prophecies to fit any possible future<br /> + state of affairs in our country. No matter what<br /> happens, you will + find that somebody predicted it.<br /> If the city of London should lose + her trade, if the<br /> Parliament house should become the abode of moles<br /> + and bats, if "the New Zealander should sit upon the<br /> "ruins of London + Bridge," all these things would be<br /> simply the fulfillment of + prophecy. The fall of every<br /> nation under the sun has been predicted + by hundreds<br /> and thousands of people.<br /> <br /> The prophecies of the + Old Testament can be made<br /> to fit anything that may happen, or that + may not<br /> happen. They will apply to the death of a king, or<br /> to + the destruction of a people,—to the loss of com-<br /> merce, or the + discovery of a continent. Each pro-<br /> phecy is a jugglery of words, of + figures, of symbols,<br /> so put together, so used, so interpreted, that + they<br /> can mean anything, everything, or nothing.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you see anything "prophetic" in<br /> the fate of the Jewish people + themselves? Do you<br /> think that God made the Jewish people wanderers, + so<br /> that they might be perpetual witnesses to the truth<br /> of the + Scriptures?<br /> <br /> 286<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I cannot believe that + an infinitely good<br /> God would make anybody a wanderer. Neither can<br /> + I believe that he would keep millions of people with-<br /> out country and + without home, and allow them to be<br /> persecuted for thousands of years, + simply that they<br /> might be used as witnesses. Nothing could be more<br /> + absurdly cruel than this.<br /> <br /> The Christians justify their + treatment of the Jews<br /> on the ground that they are simply fulfilling + prophecy.<br /> The Jews have suffered because of the horrid story<br /> + that their ancestors crucified the Son of God. Chris-<br /> tianity, coming + into power, looked with horror upon<br /> the Jews, who denied the truth of + the gospel. Each<br /> Jew was regarded as a dangerous witness against<br /> + Christianity. The early Christians saw how neces-<br /> sary it was that + the people who lived in Jerusalem<br /> at the time of Christ should be + convinced that<br /> he was God, and should testify to the miracles he<br /> + wrought. Whenever a Jew denied it, the Christian<br /> was filled with + malignity and hatred, and immediately<br /> excited the prejudice of other + Christians against the<br /> man simply because he was a Jew. They forgot, + in<br /> their general hatred, that Mary, the mother of Christ,<br /> was a + Jewess; that Christ himself was of Jewish<br /> blood; and with an + inconsistency of which, of all<br /> <br /> 287<br /> <br /> religions, + Christianity alone could have been guilty,<br /> the Jew became an object + of especial hatred and<br /> aversion.<br /> <br /> When we remember that + Christianity pretends to<br /> be a religion of love and kindness, of + charity and for-<br /> giveness, must not every intelligent man be shocked<br /> + by the persecution of the Jews? Even now, in learned<br /> and cultivated + Germany, the Jew is treated as though<br /> he were a wild beast. The + reputation of this great<br /> people has been stained by a persecution + spring-<br /> ing only from ignorance and barbarian prejudice.<br /> So in + Russia, the Christians are anxious to shed<br /> every drop of Jewish + blood, and thousands are to-day<br /> fleeing from their homes to seek a + refuge from Chris-<br /> tian hate. And Mr. Talmage believes that all these<br /> + persecutions are kept up by the perpetual intervention<br /> of God, in + order that the homeless wanderers of the<br /> seed of Abraham may testify + to the truth of the Old<br /> and New Testaments. He thinks that every + burning<br /> Jewish home sheds light upon the gospel,—that<br /> + every gash in Jewish flesh cries out in favor of the<br /> Bible,—that + every violated Jewish maiden shows the<br /> interest that God still takes + in the preservation of<br /> his Holy Word.<br /> <br /> I am endeavoring to + do away with religious<br /> <br /> 288<br /> <br /> prejudice. I wish to + substitute humanity for super-<br /> stition, the love of our fellow-men, + for the fear of<br /> God. In the place of ignorant worship, let us put<br /> + good deeds. We should be great enough and grand<br /> enough to know that + the rights of the Jew are pre-<br /> cisely the same as our own. We cannot + trample<br /> upon their rights, without endangering our own; and<br /> no + man who will take liberty from another, is great<br /> enough to enjoy + liberty himself.<br /> <br /> Day by day Christians are laying the + foundation<br /> of future persecution. In every Sunday school little<br /> + children are taught that Jews killed the God of this<br /> universe. Their + little hearts are filled with hatred<br /> against the Jewish people. They + are taught as a<br /> part of the creed to despise the descendants of the<br /> + only people with whom God is ever said to have had<br /> any conversation + whatever.<br /> <br /> When we take into consideration what the Jewish<br /> + people have suffered, it is amazing that every one of<br /> them does not + hate with all his heart and soul and<br /> strength the entire Christian + world. But in spite of<br /> the persecutions they have endured, they are + to-day,<br /> where they are permitted to enjoy reasonable liberty,<br /> + the most prosperous people on the globe. The idea<br /> that their + condition shows, or tends to show, that<br /> <br /> 289<br /> <br /> upon + them abides the wrath of Jehovah, cannot be<br /> substantiated by the + facts.<br /> <br /> The Jews to-day control the commerce of the<br /> world. + They control the money of the world. It is<br /> for them to say whether + nations shall or shall not go<br /> to war. They are the people of whom + nations borrow<br /> money. To their offices kings come with their hats<br /> + in their hands. Emperors beg them to discount their<br /> notes. Is all + this a consequence of the wrath of<br /> God?<br /> <br /> We find upon our + streets no Jewish beggars. It is<br /> a rare sight to find one of these + people standing as<br /> a criminal before a court. They do not fill our + alms-<br /> houses, nor our penitentiaries, nor our jails. In-<br /> + tellectually and morally they are the equal of any<br /> people. They have + become illustrious in every de-<br /> partment of art and science. The old + cry against<br /> them is at last perceived to be ignorant. Only a few<br /> + years ago, Christians would rob a Jew, strip him of<br /> his possessions, + steal his money, declare him an out-<br /> cast, and drive him forth. Then + they would point<br /> to him as a fulfillment of prophecy.<br /> <br /> If + you wish to see the difference between some<br /> Jews and some Christians, + compare the addresses of<br /> Felix Adler with the sermons of Mr. Talmage.<br /> + <br /> 290<br /> <br /> I cannot convince myself that an infinitely good<br /> + and wise God holds a Jewish babe in the cradle of<br /> to-day responsible + for the crimes of Caiaphas the<br /> high priest. I hardly think that an + infinitely good<br /> being would pursue this little babe through all its + life<br /> simply to get revenge on those who died two thou-<br /> sand + years ago. An infinite being ought certainly to<br /> know that the child + is not to blame; and an infinite<br /> being who does not know this, is not + entitled to the<br /> love or adoration of any honest man.<br /> <br /> There + is a strange inconsistency in what Mr. Tal-<br /> mage says. For instance, + he finds great fault with<br /> me because I do not agree with the + religious ideas<br /> of my father; and he finds fault equally with the<br /> + Jews who do. The Jews who were true to the re-<br /> ligion of their + fathers, according to Mr. Talmage,<br /> have been made a by-word and a + hissing and a re-<br /> proach among all nations, and only those Jews were<br /> + fortunate and blest who abandoned the religion of<br /> their fathers. The + real reason for this inconsistency<br /> is this: Mr. Talmage really thinks + that a man can<br /> believe as he wishes. He imagines that evidence de-<br /> + pends simply upon volition; consequently, he holds<br /> every one + responsible for his belief. Being satisfied<br /> that he has the exact + truth in this matter, he meas-<br /> <br /> 291<br /> <br /> ures all other + people by his standard, and if they<br /> fail by that measurement, he + holds them personally<br /> responsible, and believes that his God does the + same.<br /> If Mr. Talmage had been born in Turkey, he would<br /> in all + probability have been a Mohammedan, and<br /> would now be denouncing some + man who had denied<br /> the inspiration of the Koran, as the "champion + blas-<br /> "phemer" of Constantinople. Certainly he would<br /> have been, + had his parents been Mohammedans;<br /> because, according to his doctrine, + he would have<br /> been utterly lacking in respect and love for his father<br /> + and mother had he failed to perpetuate their errors.<br /> So, had he been + born in Utah, of Mormon parents,<br /> he would now have been a defender of + polygamy.<br /> He would not "run the ploughshare of contempt<br /> "through + the graves of his parents," by taking the<br /> ground that polygamy is + wrong.<br /> <br /> I presume that all of Mr. Talmage's forefathers<br /> + were not Presbyterians. There must have been<br /> a time when one of his + progenitors left the faith of<br /> his father, and joined the Presbyterian + Church. Ac-<br /> cording to the reasoning of Mr. Talmage, that particular<br /> + progenitor was an exceedingly bad man; but had it<br /> not been for the + crime of that bad man, Mr. Talmage<br /> might not now have been on the + road to heaven.<br /> <br /> 292<br /> <br /> I hardly think that all the + inventors, the thinkers,<br /> the philosophers, the discoverers, + dishonored their<br /> parents. Fathers and mothers have been made<br /> + immortal by such sons. And yet these sons demon-<br /> strated the errors + of their parents. A good father<br /> wishes to be excelled by his + children.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="link0008" id="link0008"></a><br /> + <br /> <big><b>SIXTH INTERVIEW.</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>It is a + contradiction in terms and ideas to call<br /> anything a revelation that + comes to us at second-<br /> hand, either verbally or in writing. + Revelation is<br /> necessarily limited to the first communication—<br /> + after this, it is only an account of something<br /> which that person says + was a revelation made to<br /> him; and though he may find himself obliged + to<br /> believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to<br /> believe it in the + same manner; for it was not a<br /> revelation made to me, and I have only + his word<br /> for it that it was made to him.—Thomas Paine.</i><br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of the argu-<br /> ments presented + by Mr. Talmage in favor of<br /> the inspiration of the Bible?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Mr. Talmage takes the ground that<br /> there are more + copies of the Bible than of any<br /> other book, and that consequently it + must be in-<br /> spired.<br /> <br /> It seems to me that this kind of + reasoning proves<br /> entirely too much. If the Bible is the inspired word<br /> + of God, it was certainly just as true when there was<br /> only one copy, + as it is to-day; and the facts con-<br /> tained in it were just as true + before they were<br /> <br /> 296<br /> <br /> written, as afterwards. We all + know that it is a fact<br /> in human nature, that a man can tell a + falsehood so<br /> often that he finally believes it himself; but I never<br /> + suspected, until now, that a mistake could be printed<br /> enough times to + make it true.<br /> <br /> There may have been a time, and probably there<br /> + was, when there were more copies of the Koran<br /> than of the Bible. When + most Christians were ut-<br /> terly ignorant, thousands of Moors were + educated;<br /> and it is well known that the arts and sciences<br /> + flourished in Mohammedan countries in a far greater<br /> degree than in + Christian. Now, at that time, it may<br /> be that there were more copies + of the Koran than of<br /> the Bible. If some enterprising Mohammedan had<br /> + only seen the force of such a fact, he might have<br /> established the + inspiration of the Koran beyond<br /> a doubt; or, if it had been found by + actual count that<br /> the Koran was a little behind, a few years of in-<br /> + dustry spent in the multiplication of copies, might<br /> have furnished + the evidence of its inspiration.<br /> <br /> Is it not simply amazing that + a doctor of divinity,<br /> a Presbyterian clergyman, in this day and age, + should<br /> seriously rely upon the number of copies of the Bible<br /> to + substantiate the inspiration of that book? Is it<br /> possible to conceive + of anything more fig-leaflessly<br /> <br /> 297<br /> <br /> absurd? If there + is anything at all in this argument,<br /> it is, that all books are true + in proportion to the<br /> number of copies that exist. Of course, the same<br /> + rule will work with newspapers; so that the news-<br /> paper having the + largest circulation can consistently<br /> claim infallibility. Suppose + that an exceedingly absurd<br /> statement should appear in <i>The New York + Herald</i>,<br /> and some one should denounce it as utterly without<br /> + any foundation in fact or probability; what would<br /> Mr. Talmage think + if the editor of the Herald, as an<br /> evidence of the truth of the + statement, should rely<br /> on the fact that his paper had the largest + circulation<br /> of any in the city? One would think that the whole<br /> + church had acted upon the theory that a falsehood re-<br /> peated often + enough was as good as the truth.<br /> <br /> Another evidence brought + forward by the reverend<br /> gentleman to prove the inspiration of the + Scriptures,<br /> is the assertion that if Congress should undertake to<br /> + pass a law to take the Bible from the people, thirty,<br /> millions would + rise in defence of that book.<br /> <br /> This argument also seems to me to + prove too much,<br /> and as a consequence, to prove nothing. If Con-<br /> + gress should pass a law prohibiting the reading of<br /> Shakespeare, every + American would rise in defence<br /> of his right to read the works of the + greatest man<br /> <br /> 298<br /> <br /> this world has known. Still, that + would not even<br /> tend to show that Shakespeare was inspired. The<br /> + fact is, the American people would not allow Con-<br /> gress to pass a law + preventing them from reading<br /> any good book. Such action would not + prove the<br /> book to be inspired; it would prove that the American<br /> + people believe in liberty.<br /> <br /> There are millions of people in + Turkey who would<br /> peril their lives in defence of the Koran. A fact + like<br /> this does not prove the truth of the Koran; it simply<br /> + proves what Mohammedans think of that book, and<br /> what they are willing + to do for its preservation.<br /> <br /> It can not be too often repeated, + that martyrdom<br /> does not prove the truth of the thing for which the<br /> + martyr dies; it only proves the sincerity of the martyr<br /> and the + cruelty of his murderers. No matter how<br /> many people regard the Bible + as inspired,—that fact<br /> furnishes no evidence that it is + inspired. Just as many<br /> people have regarded other books as inspired; + just as<br /> many millions have been deluded about the inspiration<br /> of + books ages and ages before Christianity was born.<br /> <br /> The simple + belief of one man, or of millions of men,<br /> is no evidence to another. + Evidence must be based,<br /> not upon the belief of other people, but upon + facts.<br /> A believer may state the facts upon which his belief<br /> + <br /> 299<br /> <br /> is founded, and the person to whom he states them<br /> + gives them the weight that according to the con-<br /> struction and + constitution of his mind he must. But<br /> simple, bare belief is not + testimony. We should build<br /> upon facts, not upon beliefs of others, + nor upon the<br /> shifting sands of public opinion. So much for this<br /> + argument.<br /> <br /> The next point made by the reverend gentleman<br /> + is, that an infidel cannot be elected to any office in<br /> the United + States, in any county, precinct, or ward.<br /> <br /> For the sake of the + argument, let us admit that this<br /> is true. What does it prove? There + was a time<br /> when no Protestant could have been elected to any<br /> + office. What did that prove? There was a time<br /> when no Presbyterian + could have been chosen to fill<br /> any public station. What did that + prove? The<br /> same may be said of the members of each religious<br /> + denomination. What does that prove?<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage says that + Christianity must be true,<br /> because an infidel cannot be elected to + office. Now,<br /> suppose that enough infidels should happen to settle<br /> + in one precinct to elect one of their own number to<br /> office; would + that prove that Christianity was not<br /> true in that precinct? There was + a time when no<br /> man could have been elected to any office, who in-<br /> + <br /> 300<br /> <br /> sisted on the rotundity of the earth; what did that<br /> + prove? There was a time when no man who denied<br /> the existence of + witches, wizards, spooks and devils,<br /> could hold any position of + honor; what did that<br /> prove? There was a time when an abolitionist + could<br /> not be elected to office in any State in this Union;<br /> what + did that prove? There was a time when they<br /> were not allowed to + express their honest thoughts;<br /> what does that prove? There was a time + when a<br /> Quaker could not have been elected to any office;<br /> there + was a time in the history of this country when<br /> but few of them were + allowed to live; what does<br /> that prove? Is it necessary, in order to + ascertain the<br /> truth of Christianity, to look over the election re-<br /> + turns? Is "inspiration" a question to be settled by<br /> the ballot? I + admit that it was once, in the first<br /> place, settled that way. I admit + that books were<br /> voted in and voted out, and that the Bible was + finally<br /> formed in accordance with a vote; but does Mr.<br /> Talmage + insist that the question is not still open?<br /> Does he not know, that a + fact cannot by any possi-<br /> bility be affected by opinion? We make laws + for<br /> the whole people, by the whole people. We agree<br /> that a + majority shall rule, but nobody ever pretended<br /> that a question of + taste could be settled by an appeal<br /> <br /> 301<br /> <br /> to + majorities, or that a question of logic could be<br /> affected by numbers. + In the world of thought, each<br /> man is an absolute monarch, each brain + is a king-<br /> dom, that cannot be invaded even by the tyranny of<br /> + majorities.<br /> <br /> No man can avoid the intellectual responsibility of<br /> + deciding for himself.<br /> <br /> Suppose that the Christian religion had + been put<br /> to vote in Jerusalem? Suppose that the doctrine of<br /> the + "fall" had been settled in Athens, by an appeal<br /> to the people, would + Mr. Talmage have been willing<br /> to abide by their decision? If he + settles the inspira-<br /> tion of the Bible by a popular vote, he must + settle the<br /> meaning of the Bible by the same means. There are<br /> + more Methodists than Presbyterians—why does the<br /> gentleman + remain a Presbyterian? There are more<br /> Buddhists than Christians—why + does he vote against<br /> majorities? He will remember that Christianity + was<br /> once settled by a popular vote—that the divinity of<br /> + Christ was submitted to the people, and the people<br /> said: "Crucify + him!"<br /> <br /> The next, and about the strongest, argument Mr.<br /> + Talmage makes is, that I am an infidel because I was<br /> defeated for + Governor of Illinois.<br /> <br /> When put in plain English, his statement + is this:<br /> <br /> 302<br /> <br /> that I was defeated because I was an + infidel, and that<br /> I am an infidel because I was defeated. This, I be-<br /> + lieve, is called reasoning in a circle. The truth is,<br /> that a good + many people did object to me because I<br /> was an infidel, and the + probability is, that if I had<br /> denied being an infidel, I might have + obtained an<br /> office. The wonderful part is, that any Christian<br /> + should deride me because I preferred honor to po-<br /> litical success. He + who dishonors himself for the<br /> sake of being honored by others, will + find that two<br /> mistakes have been made—one by himself, and the<br /> + other, by the people.<br /> <br /> I presume that Mr.Talmage really thinks + that I was<br /> extremely foolish to avow my real opinions. After<br /> + all, men are apt to judge others somewhat by them-<br /> selves. According + to him, I made the mistake of<br /> preserving my manhood and losing an + office. Now,<br /> if I had in fact been an infidel, and had denied it, for<br /> + the sake of position, then I admit that every Christian<br /> might have + pointed at me the finger of contempt.<br /> But I was an infidel, and + admitted it. Surely, I should<br /> not be held in contempt by Christians + for having<br /> made the admission. I was not a believer in the<br /> + Bible, and I said so. I was not a Christian, and I said<br /> so. I was not + willing to receive the support of any<br /> <br /> 303<br /> <br /> man under + a false impression. I thought it better to<br /> be honestly beaten, than + to dishonestly succeed.<br /> According to the ethics of Mr. Talmage I made + a<br /> mistake, and this mistake is brought forward as<br /> another + evidence of the inspiration of the Scriptures.<br /> If I had only been + elected Governor of Illinois,—that<br /> is to say, if I had been a + successful hypocrite, I might<br /> now be basking in the sunshine of this + gentleman's<br /> respect. I preferred to tell the truth—to be an<br /> + honest man,—and I have never regretted the course<br /> I pursued.<br /> + <br /> There are many men now in office who, had they<br /> pursued a nobler + course, would be private citizens.<br /> Nominally, they are Christians; + actually, they are<br /> nothing; and this is the combination that + generally<br /> insures political success.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage is + exceedingly proud of the fact that<br /> Christians will not vote for + infidels. In other words,<br /> he does not believe that in our Government + the<br /> church has been absolutely divorced from the state.<br /> He + believes that it is still the Christian's duty to<br /> make the religious + test. Probably he wishes to get<br /> his God into the Constitution. My + position is this:<br /> <br /> Religion is an individual matter—a + something for<br /> each individual to settle for himself, and with which<br /> + <br /> 304<br /> <br /> no other human being has any concern, provided the<br /> + religion of each human being allows liberty to every<br /> other. When + called upon to vote for men to fill the<br /> offices of this country, I do + not inquire as to the re-<br /> ligion of the candidates. It is none of my + business.<br /> I ask the questions asked by Jefferson: "Is he<br /> + "honest; is he capable?" It makes no difference to<br /> me, if he is + willing that others should be free, what<br /> creed he may profess. The + moment I inquire into his<br /> religious belief, I found a little + inquisition of my own;<br /> I repeat, in a small way, the errors of the + past, and<br /> reproduce, in so far as I am capable, the infamy of<br /> + the ignorant orthodox years.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage will accept my thanks + for his frankness.<br /> I now know what controls a Presbyterian when he<br /> + casts his vote. He cares nothing for the capacity,<br /> nothing for the + fitness, of the candidate to discharge<br /> the duties of the office to + which he aspires; he<br /> simply asks: Is he a Presbyterian, is he a + Protestant,<br /> does he believe our creed? and then, no matter how<br /> + ignorant he may be, how utterly unfit, he receives the<br /> Presbyterian + vote. According to Mr. Talmage, he<br /> would vote for a Catholic who, if + he had the power,<br /> would destroy all liberty of conscience, rather + than<br /> vote for an infidel who, had he the power, would<br /> <br /> 305<br /> + <br /> destroy all the religious tyranny of the world, and<br /> allow every + human being to think for himself, and<br /> to worship God, or not, as and + how he pleased.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage makes the serious mistake of + placing<br /> the Bible above the laws and Constitution of his<br /> + country. He places Jehovah above humanity. Such<br /> men are not entirely + safe citizens of any republic.<br /> And yet, I am in favor of giving to + such men all the<br /> liberty I ask for myself, trusting to education and + the<br /> spirit of progress to overcome any injury they may<br /> do, or + seek to do.<br /> <br /> When this country was founded, when the Con-<br /> + stitution was adopted, the churches agreed to let the<br /> State alone. + They agreed that all citizens should have<br /> equal civil rights. Nothing + could be more dangerous<br /> to the existence of this Republic than to + introduce<br /> religion into politics. The American theory is, that<br /> + governments are founded, not by gods, but by men,<br /> and that the right + to govern does not come from<br /> God, but "from the consent of the + governed." Our<br /> fathers concluded that the people were sufficiently<br /> + intelligent to take care of themselves—to make good<br /> laws and to + execute them. Prior to that time, all<br /> authority was supposed to come + from the clouds.<br /> Kings were set upon thrones by God, and it was the<br /> + <br /> 306<br /> <br /> business of the people simply to submit. In all + really<br /> civilized countries, that doctrine has been abandoned.<br /> + The source of political power is here, not in heaven.<br /> We are willing + that those in heaven should control<br /> affairs there; we are willing + that the angels should<br /> have a government to suit themselves; but + while we<br /> live here, and while our interests are upon this earth,<br /> + we propose to make and execute our own laws.<br /> <br /> If the doctrine of + Mr. Talmage is the true doctrine,<br /> if no man should be voted for + unless he is a Christian,<br /> then no man should vote unless he is a + Christian. It<br /> will not do to say that sinners may vote, that an + infidel<br /> may be the repository of political power, but must not<br /> + be voted for. A decent Christian who is not willing<br /> that an infidel + should be elected to an office, would<br /> not be willing to be elected to + an office by infidel<br /> votes. If infidels are too bad to be voted for, + they<br /> are certainly not good enough to vote, and no<br /> Christian + should be willing to represent such an<br /> infamous constituency.<br /> + <br /> If the political theory of Mr. Talmage is carried<br /> out, of + course the question will arise in a little while,<br /> What is a + Christian? It will then be necessary to<br /> write a creed to be + subscribed by every person before<br /> he is fit to vote or to be voted + for. This of course<br /> <br /> 307<br /> <br /> must be done by the State, + and must be settled,<br /> under our form of government, by a majority + vote.<br /> Is Mr. Talmage willing that the question, What is<br /> + Christianity? should be so settled? Will he pledge<br /> himself in advance + to subscribe to such a creed? Of<br /> course he will not. He will insist + that he has the<br /> right to read the Bible for himself, and that he must<br /> + be bound by his own conscience. In this he would<br /> be right. If he has + the right to read the Bible for<br /> himself, so have I. If he is to be + bound by his con-<br /> science, so am I. If he honestly believes the Bible + to<br /> be true, he must say so, in order to preserve his man-<br /> hood; + and if I honestly believe it to be uninspired,—<br /> filled with + mistakes,—I must say so, or lose my man-<br /> hood. How infamous I + would be should I endeavor<br /> to deprive him of his vote, or of his + right to be voted<br /> for, because he had been true to his conscience! + And<br /> how infamous he is to try to deprive me of the right<br /> to + vote, or to be voted for, because I am true to my<br /> conscience!<br /> + <br /> When we were engaged in civil war, did Mr. Tal-<br /> mage object to + any man's enlisting in the ranks who<br /> was not a Christian? Was he + willing, at that time,<br /> that sinners should vote to keep our flag in + heaven?<br /> Was he willing that the "unconverted" should cover<br /> <br /> + 308<br /> <br /> the fields of victory with their corpses, that this nation<br /> + might not die? At the same time, Mr. Talmage<br /> knew that every + "unconverted" soldier killed, went<br /> down to eternal fire. Does Mr. + Talmage believe that<br /> it is the duty of a man to fight for a + government in<br /> which he has no rights? Is the man who shoulders<br /> + his musket in the defence of human freedom good<br /> enough to cast a + ballot? There is in the heart of this<br /> priest the safne hatred of real + liberty that drew the<br /> sword of persecution, that built dungeons, that + forged<br /> chains and made instruments of torture.<br /> <br /> Nobody, + with the exception of priests, would be<br /> willing to trust the + liberties of this country in the<br /> hands of any church. In order to + show the political<br /> estimation in which the clergy are held, in order + to<br /> show the confidence the people at large have in the<br /> sincerity + and wisdom of the clergy, it is sufficient to<br /> state, that no priest, + no bishop, could by any possi-<br /> bility be elected President of the + United States. No<br /> party could carry that load. A fear would fall upon<br /> + the mind and heart of every honest man that this<br /> country was about to + drift back to the Middle Ages,<br /> and that the old battles were to be + refought. If the<br /> bishop running for President was of the Methodist<br /> + Church, every other church would oppose him. If<br /> <br /> 309<br /> <br /> + he was a Catholic, the Protestants would as a body<br /> combine against + him. Why? The churches have<br /> no confidence in each other. Why? Because + they<br /> are acquainted with each other.<br /> <br /> As a matter of fact, + the infidel has a thousand<br /> times more reason to vote against the + Christian,<br /> than the Christian has to vote against the infidel.<br /> + The Christian believes in a book superior to the<br /> Constitution—superior + to all Constitutions and all<br /> laws. The infidel believes that the + Constitution and<br /> laws are superior to any book. He is not controlled<br /> + by any power beyond the seas or above the clouds.<br /> He does not receive + his orders from Rome, or Sinai.<br /> He receives them from his + fellow-citizens, legally and<br /> constitutionally expressed. The + Christian believes in<br /> a power greater than man, to which, upon the + peril<br /> of eternal pain, he must bow. His allegiance, to say<br /> the + best of it, is divided. The Christian puts the for-<br /> tune of his own + soul over and above the temporal<br /> welfare of the entire world; the + infidel puts the good<br /> of mankind here and now, beyond and over all.<br /> + <br /> There was a time in New England when only<br /> church members were + allowed to vote, and it may be<br /> instructive to state the fact that + during that time<br /> Quakers were hanged, women were stripped, tied to<br /> + <br /> 310<br /> <br /> carts, and whipped from town to town, and their<br /> + babes sold into slavery, or exchanged for rum. Now<br /> in that same + country, thousands and thousands of<br /> infidels vote, and yet the laws + are nearer just, women<br /> are not whipped and children are not sold.<br /> + <br /> If all the convicts in all the penitentiaries of the<br /> United + States could be transported to some island in<br /> the sea, and there + allowed to make a government for<br /> themselves, they would pass better + laws than John<br /> Calvin did in Geneva. They would have clearer and<br /> + better views of the rights of men, than unconvicted<br /> Christians used + to have. I do not say that these<br /> convicts are better people, but I do + say that, in my<br /> judgment, they would make better laws. They cer-<br /> + tainly could not make worse.<br /> <br /> If these convicts were taken from + the prisons of<br /> the United States, they would not dream of uniting<br /> + church and state. They would have no religious<br /> test. They would allow + every man to vote and to be<br /> voted for, no matter what his religious + views might<br /> be. They would not dream of whipping Quakers, of<br /> + burning Unitarians, of imprisoning or burning Uni-<br /> versalists or + infidels. They would allow all the people<br /> to guess for themselves. + Some of these convicts, of<br /> course, would believe in the old ideas, + and would<br /> insist upon the suppression of free thought. Those<br /> + coming from Delaware would probably repeat with<br /> great gusto the + opinions of Justice Comegys, and<br /> insist that the whipping-post was + the handmaid of<br /> Christianity.<br /> <br /> It would be hard to conceive + of a much worse<br /> government than that founded by the Puritans.<br /> + They took the Bible for the foundation of their<br /> political structure. + They copied the laws given to<br /> Moses from Sinai, and the result was + one of the<br /> worst governments that ever disgraced this world.<br /> + They believed the Old Testament to be inspired.<br /> They believed that + Jehovah made laws for all people<br /> and for all time. They had not + learned the hypoc-<br /> risy that believes and avoids. They did not say:<br /> + This law was once just, but is now unjust; it was<br /> once good, but now + it is infamous; it was given by<br /> God once, but now it can only be + obeyed by the<br /> devil. They had not reached the height of biblical<br /> + exegesis on which we find the modern theologian<br /> perched, and who + tells us that Jehovah has reformed.<br /> The Puritans were consistent. + They did what people<br /> must do who honestly believe in the inspiration + of<br /> the Old Testament. If God gave laws from Sinai<br /> what right + have we to repeal them?<br /> <br /> 312<br /> <br /> As people have gained + confidence in each other,<br /> they have lost confidence in the sacred + Scriptures.<br /> We know now that the Bible can not be used as the<br /> + foundation of government. It is capable of too many<br /> meanings. Nobody + can find out exactly what it<br /> upholds, what it permits, what it + denounces, what it<br /> denies. These things depend upon what part you<br /> + read. If it is all true, it upholds everything bad and<br /> denounces + everything good, and it also denounces<br /> the bad and upholds the good. + Then there are<br /> passages where the good is denounced and the bad<br /> + commanded; so that any one can go to the Bible<br /> and find some text, + some passage, to uphold anything<br /> he may desire. If he wishes to + enslave his fellow-<br /> men, he will find hundreds of passages in his + favor.<br /> If he wishes to be a polygamist, he can find his<br /> + authority there. If he wishes to make war, to exter-<br /> minate his + neighbors, there his warrant can be found.<br /> If, on the other hand, he + is oppressed himself, and<br /> wishes to make war upon his king, he can + find a<br /> battle-cry. And if the king wishes to put him down,<br /> he + can find text for text on the other side. So, too,<br /> upon all questions + of reform. The teetotaler goes<br /> there to get his verse, and the + moderate drinker<br /> finds within the sacred lids his best excuse.<br /> + <br /> 313<br /> <br /> Most intelligent people are now convinced that the<br /> + bible is not a guide; that in reading it you must<br /> exercise your + reason; that you can neither safely<br /> reject nor accept all; that he + who takes one passage<br /> for a staff, trips upon another; that while one + text is<br /> a light, another blows it out; that it is such a ming-<br /> + ling of rocks and quicksands, such a labyrinth of<br /> clews and snares—so + few flowers among so many<br /> nettles and thorns, that it misleads rather + than di-<br /> rects, and taken altogether, is a hindrance and not<br /> a + help.<br /> <br /> Another important point made by Mr. Talmage is,<br /> that + if the Bible is thrown away, we will have nothing<br /> left to swear + witnesses on, and that consequently the<br /> administration of justice + will become impossible.<br /> <br /> There was a time when the Bible did not + exist, and<br /> if Mr. Talmage is correct, of course justice was im-<br /> + possible then, and truth must have been a stranger<br /> to human lips. How + can we depend upon the testi-<br /> mony of those who wrote the Bible, as + there was no<br /> Bible in existence while they were writing, and con-<br /> + sequently there was no way to take their testimony,<br /> and we have no + account of their having been sworn<br /> on the Bible after they got it + finished. It is extremely<br /> sad to think that all the nations of + antiquity were left<br /> <br /> 314<br /> <br /> entirely without the means + of eliciting truth. No<br /> wonder that Justice was painted blindfolded.<br /> + <br /> What perfect fetichism it is, to imagine that a man<br /> will tell + the truth simply because he has kissed an<br /> old piece of sheepskin + stained with the saliva of all<br /> classes. A farce of this kind adds + nothing to the<br /> testimony of an honest man; it simply allows a rogue<br /> + to give weight to his false testimony. This is really<br /> the only result + that can be accomplished by kissing<br /> the Bible. A desperate villain, + for the purpose of<br /> getting revenge, or making money, will gladly go<br /> + through the ceremony, and ignorant juries and su-<br /> perstitious judges + will be imposed upon. The whole<br /> system of oaths is false, and does + harm instead of<br /> good. Let every man walk into court and tell his<br /> + story, and let the truth of the story be judged by its<br /> + reasonableness, taking into consideration the charac-<br /> ter of the + witness, the interest he has, and the posi-<br /> tion he occupies in the + controversy, and then let it<br /> be the business of the jury to ascertain + the real truth<br /> —to throw away the unreasonable and the impossi-<br /> + ble, and make up their verdict only upon what they<br /> believe to be + reasonable and true. An honest man<br /> does not need the oath, and a + rascal uses it simply<br /> to accomplish his purpose. If the history of + courts<br /> <br /> 315<br /> <br /> proved that every man, after kissing the + Bible, told<br /> the truth, and that those who failed to kiss it some-<br /> + times lied, I should be in favor of swearing all people<br /> on the Bible; + but the experience of every lawyer is,<br /> that kissing the Bible is not + always the preface of a<br /> true story. It is often the ceremonial + embroidery<br /> of a falsehood.<br /> <br /> If there is an infinite God who + attends to the<br /> affairs of men, it seems to me almost a sacrilege to<br /> + publicly appeal to him in every petty trial. If one<br /> will go into any + court, and notice the manner in<br /> which oaths are administered,—the + utter lack of<br /> solemnity—the matter-of-course air with which the<br /> + whole thing is done, he will be convinced that it is a<br /> form of no + importance. Mr. Talmage would probably<br /> agree with the judge of whom + the following story is<br /> told:<br /> <br /> A witness was being sworn. + The judge noticed<br /> that he was not holding up his hand. He said to the<br /> + clerk: "Let the witness hold up his right hand."<br /> "His right arm was + shot off," replied the clerk. "Let<br /> "him hold up his left, then." + "That was shot off, too,<br /> "your honor." "Well, then, let him raise one + foot;<br /> "no man can be sworn in this court without holding<br /> + "something up."<br /> <br /> <br /> My own opinion is, that if every copy of + the Bible<br /> in the world were destroyed, there would be some<br /> way + to ascertain the truth in judicial proceedings;<br /> and any other book + would do just as well to swear<br /> witnesses upon, or a block in the + shape of a book<br /> covered with some kind of calfskin could do equally<br /> + well, or just the calfskin would do. Nothing is more<br /> laughable than + the performance of this ceremony,<br /> and I have never seen in court one + calf kissing the<br /> skin of another, that I did not feel humiliated that<br /> + such things were done in the name of Justice.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage has + still another argument in favor<br /> of the preservation of the Bible. He + wants to<br /> know what book could take its place on the centre-<br /> + table.<br /> <br /> I admit that there is much force in this. Suppose<br /> + we all admitted the Bible to be an uninspired book,<br /> it could still be + kept on the centre-table. It would<br /> be just as true then as it is now. + Inspiration can not<br /> add anything to a fact; neither can inspiration + make<br /> the immoral moral, the unjust just, or the cruel merci-<br /> + ful. If it is a fact that God established human slavery,<br /> that does + not prove slavery to be right; it simply<br /> shows that God was wrong. If + I have the right to<br /> use my reason in determining whether the Bible is<br /> + <br /> 317<br /> <br /> inspired or not, and if in accordance with my reason<br /> + I conclude that it is inspired, I have still the right to<br /> use my + reason in determining whether the command-<br /> ments of God are good or + bad. Now, suppose we<br /> take from the Bible every word upholding + slavery,<br /> every passage in favor of polygamy, every verse<br /> + commanding soldiers to kill women and children, it<br /> would be just as + fit for the centre-table as now. Sup-<br /> pose every impure word was + taken from it; suppose<br /> that the history of Tamar was left out, the + biography<br /> of Lot, and all other barbarous accounts of a barbarous<br /> + people, it would look just as well upon the centre-<br /> table as now.<br /> + <br /> Suppose that we should become convinced that<br /> the writers of the + New Testament were mistaken as<br /> to the eternity of punishment, or that + all the passages<br /> now relied upon to prove the existence of perdition<br /> + were shown to be interpolations, and were thereupon<br /> expunged, would + not the book be dearer still to<br /> every human being with a heart? I + would like to<br /> see every good passage in the Bible preserved. I<br /> + would like to see, with all these passages from the<br /> Bible, the + loftiest sentiments from all other books<br /> that have ever been uttered + by men in all ages and<br /> of all races, bound in one volume, and to see + that<br /> <br /> 318<br /> <br /> volume, filled with the greatest, the + purest and the<br /> best, become the household book.<br /> <br /> The + average Bible, on the average centre-table, is<br /> about as much used as + though it were a solid block.<br /> It is scarcely ever opened, and people + who see its<br /> covers every day are unfamiliar with its every page.<br /> + <br /> I admit that some things have happened some-<br /> what hard to + explain, and tending to show that the<br /> Bible is no ordinary book. I + heard a story, not long<br /> ago, bearing upon this very subject.<br /> + <br /> A man was a member of the church, but after a<br /> time, having had + bad luck in business affairs, became<br /> somewhat discouraged. Not + feeling able to con-<br /> tribute his share to the support of the church, + he<br /> ceased going to meeting, and finally became an<br /> average + sinner. His bad luck pursued him until he<br /> found himself and his + family without even a crust to<br /> eat. At this point, his wife told him + that she be-<br /> lieved they were suffering from a visitation of God,<br /> + and begged him to restore family worship, and see if<br /> God would not do + something for them. Feeling that<br /> he could not possibly make matters + worse, he took<br /> the Bible from its resting place on a shelf where<br /> + it had quietly slumbered and collected the dust of<br /> many months, and + gathered his family about him.<br /> <br /> 319<br /> <br /> He opened the + sacred volume, and to his utter as-<br /> tonishment, there, between the + divine leaves, was a<br /> ten-dollar bill. He immediately dropped on his<br /> + knees. His wife dropped on hers, and the children on<br /> theirs, and with + streaming eyes they returned thanks<br /> to God. He rushed to the + butcher's and bought<br /> some steak, to the baker's and bought some + bread,<br /> to the grocer's and got some eggs and butter and tea,<br /> and + joyfully hastened home. The supper was cooked,<br /> it was on the table, + grace was said, and every face<br /> was radiant with joy. Just at that + happy moment a<br /> knock was heard, the door was opened, and a police-<br /> + man entered and arrested the father for passing<br /> counterfeit money.<br /> + <br /> Mr. Talmage is also convinced that the Bible is<br /> inspired and + should be preserved because there is no<br /> other book that à + mother could give her son as he<br /> leaves the old home to make his way + in the world.<br /> <br /> Thousands and thousands of mothers have pre-<br /> + sented their sons with Bibles without knowing really<br /> what the book + contains. They simply followed the<br /> custom, and the sons as a rule + honored the Bible, not<br /> because they knew anything of it, but because + it was<br /> a gift from mother. But surely, if all the passages<br /> + upholding polygamy were out, the mother would give<br /> <br /> 320<br /> + <br /> the book to her son just as readily, and he would re-<br /> ceive it + just as joyfully. If there were not one word<br /> in it tending to degrade + the mother, the gift would cer-<br /> tainly be as appropriate. The fact + that mothers have<br /> presented Bibles to their sons does not prove that + the<br /> book is inspired. The most that can be proved by<br /> this fact + is that the mothers believed it to be inspired.<br /> It does not even tend + to show what the book is,<br /> neither does it tend to establish the truth + of one<br /> miracle recorded upon its pages. We cannot believe<br /> that + fire refused to burn, simply because the state-<br /> ment happens to be in + a book presented to a son by<br /> his mother, and if all the mothers of + the entire world<br /> should give Bibles to all their children, this would + not<br /> prove that it was once right to murder mothers, or to<br /> + enslave mothers, or to sell their babes.<br /> <br /> The inspiration of the + Bible is not a question of<br /> natural affection. It can not be decided + by the love<br /> a mother bears her son. It is a question of fact, to<br /> + be substantiated like other facts. If the Turkish<br /> mother should give + a copy of the Koran to her<br /> son, I would still have my doubts about + the in-<br /> spiration of that book; and if some Turkish soldier<br /> + saved his life by having in his pocket a copy of<br /> the Koran that + accidentally stopped a bullet just<br /> <br /> 321<br /> <br /> opposite his + heart, I should still deny that Mohammed<br /> was a prophet of God.<br /> + <br /> Nothing can be more childish than to ascribe<br /> mysterious powers + to inanimate objects. To imagine<br /> that old rags made into pulp, + manufactured into<br /> paper, covered with words, and bound with the skin<br /> + of a calf or a sheep, can have any virtues when thus<br /> put together + that did not belong to the articles out<br /> of which the book was + constructed, is of course<br /> infinitely absurd.<br /> <br /> In the days + of slavery, negroes used to buy dried<br /> roots of other negroes, and put + these roots in their<br /> pockets, so that a whipping would not give them<br /> + pain. Kings have bought diamonds to give them<br /> luck. Crosses and + scapularies are still worn for the<br /> purpose of affecting the + inevitable march of events.<br /> People still imagine that a verse in the + Bible can step<br /> in between a cause and its effect; really believe that<br /> + an amulet, a charm, the bone of some saint, a piece<br /> of a cross, a + little image of the Virgin, a picture of a<br /> priest, will affect the + weather, will delay frost, will<br /> prevent disease, will insure safety + at sea, and in some<br /> cases prevent hanging. The banditti of Italy have<br /> + great confidence in these things, and whenever they<br /> start upon an + expedition of theft and plunder, they<br /> <br /> 322<br /> <br /> take + images and pictures of saints with them, such<br /> as have been blest by a + priest or pope. They pray<br /> sincerely to the Virgin, to give them luck, + and see not<br /> the slightest inconsistency in appealing to all the<br /> + saints in the calendar to assist them in robbing honest<br /> people.<br /> + <br /> Edmund About tells a story that illustrates the belief<br /> of the + modern Italian. A young man was gambling.<br /> Fortune was against him. In + the room was a little<br /> picture representing the Virgin and her child. + Before<br /> this picture he crossed himself, and asked the assist-<br /> + ance of the child. Again he put down his money<br /> and again lost. + Returning to the picture, he told the<br /> child that he had lost all but + one piece, that he was<br /> about to hazard that, and made a very urgent + request<br /> that he would favor him with divine assistance. He<br /> put + down the last piece. He lost. Going to the<br /> picture and shaking his + fist at the child, he cried out:<br /> "Miserable bambino, I am glad they + crucified you!"<br /> <br /> The confidence that one has in an image, in a + relic,<br /> in a book, comes from the same source,—fetichism.<br /> + To ascribe supernatural virtues to the skin of a snake,<br /> to a picture, + or to a bound volume, is intellectually<br /> the same.<br /> <br /> Mr. + Talmage has still another argument in favor<br /> <br /> 323<br /> <br /> of + the inspiration of the Scriptures. He takes the<br /> ground that the Bible + must be inspired, because so<br /> many people believe it.<br /> <br /> Mr. + Talmage should remember that a scientific<br /> fact does not depend upon + the vote of numbers;—<br /> it depends simply upon demonstration; it + depends<br /> upon intelligence and investigation, not upon an<br /> + ignorant multitude; it appeals to the highest, in-<br /> stead of to the + lowest. Nothing can be settled<br /> by popular prejudice.<br /> <br /> + According to Mr. Talmage, there are about three<br /> hundred million + Christians in the world. Is this true?<br /> In all countries claiming to + be Christian—including<br /> all of civilized Europe, Russia in Asia, + and every<br /> country on the Western hemisphere, we have nearly<br /> four + hundred millions of people. Mr. Talmage claims<br /> that three hundred + millions are Christians. I sup-<br /> pose he means by this, that if all + should perish to-<br /> night, about three hundred millions would wake up<br /> + in heaven—having lived and died good and consist-<br /> ent + Christians.<br /> <br /> There are in Russia about eighty millions of people<br /> + —how many Christians? I admit that they have re-<br /> cently given + more evidence of orthodox Christianity<br /> than formerly. They have been + murdering old men;<br /> <br /> 324<br /> <br /> they have thrust daggers into + the breasts of women;<br /> they have violated maidens—because they + were Jews.<br /> Thousands and thousands are sent each year to the<br /> + mines of Siberia, by the Christian government of<br /> Russia. Girls + eighteen years of age, for having ex-<br /> pressed a word in favor of + human liberty, are to-day<br /> working like beasts of burden, with chains + upon<br /> their limbs and with the marks of whips upon<br /> their backs. + Russia, of course, is considered by Mr.<br /> Talmage as a Christian + country—a country utterly<br /> destitute of liberty—without + freedom of the press,<br /> without freedom of speech, where every mouth is<br /> + locked and every tongue a prisoner—a country filled<br /> with + victims, soldiers, spies, thieves and executioners.<br /> What would Russia + be, in the opinion of Mr. Tal-<br /> mage, but for Christianity? How could + it be worse,<br /> when assassins are among the best people in it?<br /> The + truth is, that the people in Russia, to-day, who<br /> are in favor of + human liberty, are not Christians.<br /> The men willing to sacrifice their + lives for the good<br /> of others, are not believers in the Christian + religion.<br /> The men who wish to break chains are infidels;<br /> the men + who make chains are Christians. Every<br /> good and sincere Catholic of + the Greek Church<br /> is a bad citizen, an enemy of progress, a foe of<br /> + <br /> 325<br /> <br /> human liberty. Yet Mr. Talmage regards Russia<br /> as + a Christian country.<br /> <br /> The sixteen millions of people in Spain + are claimed<br /> as Christians. Spain, that for centuries was the as-<br /> + sassin of human rights; Spain, that endeavored to<br /> spread Christianity + by flame and fagot; Spain, the<br /> soil where the Inquisition flourished, + where bigotry<br /> grew, and where cruelty was worship,—where<br /> + murder was prayer. I admit that Spain is a Chris-<br /> tian nation. I + admit that infidelity has gained no<br /> foothold beyond the Pyrenees. The + Spaniards are<br /> orthodox. They believe in the inspiration of the<br /> + Old and New Testaments. They have no doubts<br /> about miracles—no + doubts about heaven, no doubts<br /> about hell. I admit that the priests, + the highway-<br /> men, the bishops and thieves, are equally true be-<br /> + lievers. The man who takes your purse on the<br /> highway, and the priest + who forgives the robber,<br /> are alike orthodox.<br /> <br /> It gives me + pleasure, however, to say that even in<br /> Spain there is a dawn. Some + great men, some men<br /> of genius, are protesting against the tyranny of + Cath-<br /> olicism. Some men have lost confidence in the<br /> cathedral, + and are beginningto ask the State to erect<br /> the schoolhouse. They are + beginning to suspect<br /> <br /> 326<br /> <br /> that priests are for the + most part impostors and<br /> plunderers.<br /> <br /> According to Mr. + Talmage, the twenty-eight mil-<br /> lions in Italy are Christians. There + the Christian<br /> Church was early established, and the popes are to-<br /> + day the successors of St. Peter. For hundreds and<br /> hundreds of years, + Italy was the beggar of the world,<br /> and to her, from every land, + flowed streams of gold<br /> and silver. The country was covered with + convents,<br /> and monasteries, and churches, and cathedrals filled<br /> + with monks and nuns. Its roads were crowded with<br /> pilgrims, and its + dust was on the feet of the world.<br /> What has Christianity done for + Italy—Italy, its soil a<br /> blessing, its sky a smile—Italy, + with memories great<br /> enough to kindle the fires of enthusiasm in any<br /> + human breast?<br /> <br /> Had it not been for a few Freethinkers, for a few<br /> + infidels, for such men as Garibaldi and Mazzini, the<br /> heaven of Italy + would still have been without a star.<br /> <br /> I admit that Italy, with + its popes and bandits, with<br /> its superstition and ignorance, with its + sanctified<br /> beggars, is a Christian nation; but in a little while,—<br /> + in a few days,—when according to the prophecy of<br /> Garibaldi + priests, with spades in their hands, will<br /> dig ditches to drain the + Pontine marshes; in a little<br /> <br /> 327<br /> <br /> while, when the + pope leaves the Vatican, and seeks<br /> the protection of a nation he has + denounced,—asking<br /> alms of intended victims; when the nuns shall + marry,<br /> and the monasteries shall become factories, and the<br /> whirl + of wheels shall take the place of drowsy prayers<br /> —then, and not + until then, will Italy be,—not a<br /> Christian nation, but great, + prosperous, and free.<br /> <br /> In Italy, Giordano Bruno was burned. Some + day,<br /> his monument will rise above the cross of Rome.<br /> <br /> We + have in our day one example,—and so far as I<br /> know, history + records no other,—of the resurrection<br /> of a nation. Italy has + been called from the grave of<br /> superstition. She is "the first fruits + of them that<br /> "slept."<br /> <br /> I admit with Mr. Talmage that + Portugal is a Chris-<br /> tian country—that she engaged for hundreds + of years<br /> in the slave trade, and that she justified the infamous<br /> + traffic by passages in the Old Testament. I admit,<br /> also, that she + persecuted the Jews in accordance<br /> with the same divine volume. I + admit that all the<br /> crime, ignorance, destitution, and superstition in + that<br /> country were produced by the Catholic Church. I<br /> also admit + that Portugal would be better if it were<br /> Protestant.<br /> <br /> Every + Catholic is in favor of education enough to<br /> <br /> 328<br /> <br /> + change a barbarian into a Catholic; every Protestant<br /> is in favor of + education enough to change a Catholic<br /> into a Protestant; but + Protestants and Catholics alike<br /> are opposed to education that will + lead to any<br /> real philosophy and science. I admit that Portugal<br /> + is what it is, on account of the preaching of the<br /> gospel. I admit + that Portugal can point with pride<br /> to the triumphs of what she calls + civilization within<br /> her borders, and truthfully ascribe the glory to + the<br /> church. But in a litde while, when more railroads<br /> are built, + when telegraphs connect her people with<br /> the civilized world, a spirit + of doubt, of investigation,<br /> will manifest itself in Portugal.<br /> + <br /> When the people stop counting beads, and go to<br /> the study of + mathematics; when they think more of<br /> plows than of prayers for + agricultural purposes; when<br /> they find that one fact gives more light + to the mind<br /> than a thousand tapers, and that nothing can by any<br /> + possibility be more useless than a priest,—then Por-<br /> tugal will + begin to cease to be what is called a<br /> Christian nation.<br /> <br /> I + admit that Austria, with her thirty-seven millions,<br /> is a Christian + nation—including her Croats, Hungar-<br /> ians, Servians, and + Gypsies. Austria was one of the<br /> assassins of Poland. When we remember + that John<br /> <br /> 329<br /> <br /> Sobieski drove the Mohammedans from + the gates of<br /> Vienna, and rescued from the hand of the "infidel"<br /> + the beleagured city, the propriety of calling Austria a<br /> Christian + nation becomes still more apparent. If one<br /> wishes to know exactly how + "Christian" Austria is,<br /> let him read the history of Hungary, let him + read<br /> the speeches of Kossuth. There is one good thing<br /> about + Austria: slowly but surely she is undermining<br /> the church by + education. Education is the enemy<br /> of superstition. Universal + education does away with<br /> the classes born of the tyranny of + ecclesiasticism—<br /> classes founded upon cunning, greed, and brute<br /> + strength. Education also tends to do away with<br /> intellectual + cowardice. The educated man is his<br /> own priest, his own pope, his own + church.<br /> <br /> When cunning collects tolls from fear, the church<br /> + prospers.<br /> <br /> Germany is another Christian nation. Bismarck is<br /> + celebrated for his Christian virtues.<br /> <br /> Only a little while ago, + Bismarck, when a bill was<br /> under consideration for ameliorating the + condition<br /> of the Jews, stated publicly that Germany was a<br /> + Christian nation, that her business was to extend<br /> and protect the + religion of Jesus Christ, and that<br /> being a Christian nation, no laws + should be passed<br /> <br /> 330<br /> <br /> ameliorating the condition of + the Jews. Certainly a<br /> remark like this could not have been made in + any<br /> other than a Christian nation. There is no freedom<br /> of the + press, there is no freedom of speech, in Ger-<br /> many. The Chancellor + has gone so far as to declare<br /> that the king is not responsible to the + people. Ger-<br /> many must be a Christian nation. The king gets his<br /> + right to govern, not from his subjects, but from God.<br /> He relies upon + the New Testament. He is satisfied<br /> that "the powers that be in + Germany are ordained<br /> "of God." He is satisfied that treason against + the<br /> German throne is treason against Jehovah. There<br /> are millions + of Freethinkers in Germany. They are<br /> not in the majority, otherwise + there would be more<br /> liberty in that country. Germany is not an + infidel<br /> nation, or speech would be free, and every man<br /> would be + allowed to express his honest thoughts.<br /> <br /> Wherever I see Liberty + in chains, wherever the<br /> expression of opinion is a crime, I know that + that<br /> country is not infidel; I know that the people are not<br /> + ruled by reason. I also know that the greatest men<br /> of Germany—her + Freethinkers, her scientists, her<br /> writers, her philosophers, are, for + the most part, in-<br /> fidel. Yet Germany is called a Christian nation, + and<br /> ought to be so called until her citizens are free.<br /> <br /> 331<br /> + <br /> France is also claimed as a Christian country. This<br /> is not + entirely true. France once was thoroughly<br /> Catholic, completely + Christian. At the time of the<br /> massacre of Saint Bartholomew, the + French were<br /> Christians. Christian France made exiles of the<br /> + Huguenots. Christian France for years and years<br /> was the property of + the Jesuits. Christian France<br /> was ignorant, cruel, orthodox and + infamous. When<br /> France was Christian, witnesses were cross-examined<br /> + with instruments of torture.<br /> <br /> Now France is not entirely under + Catholic control,<br /> and yet she is by far the most prosperous nation in<br /> + Europe. I saw, only the other day, a letter from a<br /> Protestant bishop, + in which he states that there are<br /> only about a million Protestants in + France, and only<br /> four or five millions of Catholics, and admits, in a<br /> + very melancholy way, that thirty-four or thirty-five<br /> millions are + Freethinkers. The bishop is probably<br /> mistaken in his figures, but + France is the best housed,<br /> the best fed, the best clad country in + Europe.<br /> <br /> Only a little while ago, France was overrun, trampled<br /> + into the very earth, by the victorious hosts of Ger-<br /> many, and France + purchased her peace with the<br /> savings of centuries. And yet France is + now rich and<br /> prosperous and free, and Germany poor, discontented<br /> + <br /> 332<br /> <br /> and enslaved. Hundreds and thousands of Germans,<br /> + unable to find liberty at home, are coming to the<br /> United States.<br /> + <br /> I admit that England is a Christian country. Any<br /> doubts upon + this point can be dispelled by reading<br /> her history—her career + in India, what she has done<br /> in China, her treatment of Ireland, of + the American<br /> Colonies, her attitude during our Civil war; all these<br /> + things show conclusively that England is a Christian<br /> nation.<br /> + <br /> Religion has filled Great Britain with war. The<br /> history of the + Catholics, of the Episcopalians, of<br /> Cromwell—all the burnings, + the maimings, the brand-<br /> ings, the imprisonments, the confiscations, + the civil<br /> wars, the bigotry, the crime—show conclusively that<br /> + Great Britain has enjoyed to the full the blessings of<br /> "our most holy + religion."<br /> <br /> Of course, Mr. Talmage claims the United States<br /> + as a Christian country. The truth is, our country is<br /> not as Christian + as it once was. When heretics were<br /> hanged in New England, when the + laws of Virginia<br /> and Maryland provided that the tongue of any man<br /> + who denied the doctrine of the Trinity should be<br /> bored with hot + iron,, and that for the second offence<br /> he should suffer death, I + admit that this country was<br /> <br /> 333<br /> <br /> Christian. When we + engaged in the slave trade,<br /> when our flag protected piracy and murder + in every<br /> sea, there is not the slightest doubt that the United<br /> + States was a Christian country. When we believed<br /> in slavery, and when + we deliberately stole the labor<br /> of four millions of people; when we + sold women<br /> and babes, and when the people of the North<br /> enacted a + law by virtue of which every Northern<br /> man was bound to turn hound and + pursue a human<br /> being who was endeavoring to regain his liberty, I<br /> + admit that the United States was a Christian nation.<br /> I admit that all + these things were upheld by the Bible<br /> —that the slave trader + was justified by the Old Testa-<br /> ment, that the bloodhound was a kind + of missionary<br /> in disguise, that the auction block was an altar, the<br /> + slave pen a kind of church, and that the whipping-<br /> post was + considered almost as sacred as the cross.<br /> At that time, our country + was a Christian nation.<br /> <br /> I heard Frederick Douglass say that he + lectured<br /> against slavery for twenty years before the doors<br /> of a + single church were opened to him. In New<br /> England, hundreds of + ministers were driven from<br /> their pulpits because they preached + against the<br /> crime of human slavery. At that time, this country<br /> + was a Christian nation.<br /> <br /> 334<br /> <br /> Only a few years ago, + any man speaking in favor<br /> of the rights of man, endeavoring to break + a chain<br /> from a human limb, was in danger of being mobbed<br /> by the + Christians of this country. I admit that Dela-<br /> ware is still a + Christian State. I heard a story about<br /> that State the other day.<br /> + <br /> About fifty years ago, an old Revolutionary soldier<br /> applied for + a pension. He was asked his age, and he<br /> replied that he was fifty + years old. He was told that<br /> if that was his age, he could not have + been in the<br /> Revolutionary War, and consequently was not en-<br /> + titled to any pension. He insisted, however, that he<br /> was only fifty + years old. Again they told him that<br /> there must be some mistake. He + was so wrinkled,<br /> so bowed, had so many marks of age, that he must<br /> + certainly be more than fifty years old. "Well," said<br /> the old man, "if + I must explain, I will: I lived forty<br /> "years in Delaware; but I never + counted that time,<br /> "and I hope God won't."<br /> <br /> The fact is, we + have grown less and less Christian<br /> every year from 1620 until now, + and the fact is that<br /> we have grown more and more civilized, more and<br /> + more charitable, nearer and nearer just.<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage speaks as + though all the people in<br /> what he calls the civilized world were + Christians. Ad-<br /> <br /> 335<br /> <br /> mitting this to be true, I find + that in these countries<br /> millions of men are educated, trained and + drilled to<br /> kill their fellow Christians. I find Europe covered<br /> + with forts to protect Christians from Christians, and<br /> the seas filled + with men-of-war for the purpose of<br /> ravaging the coasts and destroying + the cities of Chris-<br /> tian nations. These countries are filled with + prisons,<br /> with workhouses, with jails and with toiling, ignorant<br /> + and suffering millions. I find that Christians have<br /> invented most of + the instruments of death, that<br /> Christians are the greatest soldiers, + fighters, de-<br /> stroyers. I find that every Christian country is taxed<br /> + to its utmost to support these soldiers; that every<br /> Christian nation + is now groaning beneath the grievous<br /> burden of monstrous debt, and + that nearly all these<br /> debts were contracted in waging war. These + bonds,<br /> these millions, these almost incalculable amounts,<br /> were + given to pay for shot and shell, for rifle and<br /> torpedo, for + men-of-war, for forts and arsenals, and<br /> all the devilish enginery of + death. I find that each<br /> of these nations prays to God to assist it as + against<br /> all others; and when one nation has overrun, ravaged<br /> and + pillaged another, it immediately returns thanks<br /> to the Almighty, and + the ravaged and pillaged kneel<br /> and thank God that it is no worse.<br /> + <br /> 336<br /> <br /> Mr. Talmage is welcome to all the evidence he can<br /> + find in the history of what he is pleased to call the<br /> civilized + nations of the world, tending to show the<br /> inspiration of the Bible.<br /> + <br /> And right here it may be well enough to say again,<br /> that the + question of inspiration can not be settled by<br /> the votes of the + superstitious millions. It can not be<br /> affected by numbers. It must be + decided by each<br /> human being for himself. If every man in this world,<br /> + with one exception, believed the Bible to be the in-<br /> spired word of + God, the man who was the exception<br /> could not lose his right to think, + to investigate, and to<br /> judge for himself.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + You do not think, then, that any of the<br /> arguments brought forward by + Mr. Talmage for the<br /> purpose of establishing the inspiration of the + Bible,<br /> are of any weight whatever?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I do + not. I do not see how it is possible<br /> to make poorer, weaker or better + arguments than he<br /> has made.<br /> <br /> Of course, there can be no + "evidence" of the in-<br /> spiration of the Scriptures. What is + "inspiration"?<br /> Did God use the prophets simply as instruments?<br /> + Did he put his thoughts in their minds, and use their<br /> <br /> 337<br /> + <br /> hands to make a record? Probably few Christians<br /> will agree as + to what they mean by "inspiration."<br /> The general idea is, that the + minds of the writers of<br /> the books of the Bible were controlled by the + divine<br /> will in such a way that they expressed, independently<br /> of + their own opinions, the thought of God. I believe it<br /> is admitted that + God did not choose the exact words,<br /> and is not responsible for the + punctuation or syntax.<br /> It is hard to give any reason for claiming + more for<br /> the Bible than is claimed by those who wrote it.<br /> There + is no claim of "inspiration" made by the writer<br /> of First and Second + Kings. Not one word about the<br /> author having been "inspired" is found + in the book<br /> of Job, or in Ruth, or in Chronicles, or in the Psalms,<br /> + or Ecclesiastes, or in Solomon's Song, and nothing is<br /> said about the + author of the book of Esther having<br /> been "inspired." Christians now + say that Matthew,<br /> Mark, Luke and John were "inspired" to write the<br /> + four gospels, and yet neither Mark, nor Luke, nor<br /> John, nor Matthew + claims to have been "inspired."<br /> If they were "inspired," certainly + they should have<br /> stated that fact. The very first thing stated in + each<br /> of the gospels should have been a declaration by the<br /> writer + that he had been "inspired," and that he was<br /> about to write the book + under the guidance of God,<br /> <br /> 338<br /> <br /> and at the conclusion + of each gospel there should<br /> have been a solemn statement that the + writer had<br /> put down nothing of himself, but had in all things<br /> + followed the direction and guidance of the divine<br /> will. The church + now endeavors to establish the<br /> inspiration of the Bible by force, by + social ostracism,<br /> and by attacking the reputation of every man who<br /> + denies or doubts. In all Christian countries, they<br /> begin with the + child in the cradle. Each infant is<br /> told by its mother, by its + father, or by some of its<br /> relatives, that "the Bible is an inspired + book." This<br /> pretended fact, by repetition "in season and out of<br /> + "season," is finally burned and branded into the<br /> brain to such a + degree that the child of average<br /> intelligence never outgrows the + conviction that the<br /> Bible is, in some peculiar sense, an "inspired" + book.<br /> The question has to be settled for each generation.<br /> The + evidence is not sufficient, and the foundation of<br /> Christianity is + perpetually insecure. Beneath this great<br /> religious fabric there is no + rock. For eighteen centu-<br /> ries, hundreds and thousands and millions + of people<br /> have been endeavoring to establish the fact that the<br /> + Scriptures are inspired, and since the dawn of science,<br /> since the + first star appeared in the night of the<br /> Middle Ages, until this + moment, the number of<br /> <br /> 339<br /> <br /> people who have doubted + the fact of inspiration<br /> has steadily increased. These doubts have not + been<br /> born of ignorance, they have not been suggested by<br /> the + unthinking. They have forced themselves upon<br /> the thoughtful, upon the + educated, and now the ver-<br /> dict of the intellectual world is, that + the Bible is not<br /> inspired. Notwithstanding the fact that the church<br /> + has taken advantage of infancy, has endeavored to<br /> control education, + has filled all primers and spelling-<br /> books and readers and text books + with superstition—<br /> feeding all minds with the miraculous and + super-<br /> natural, the growth toward a belief in the natural<br /> and + toward the rejection of the miraculous has been<br /> steady and sturdy + since the sixteenth century. There<br /> has been, too, a moral growth, + until many passages<br /> in the Bible have become barbarous, inhuman and<br /> + infamous. The Bible has remained the same, while<br /> the world has + changed. In the light of physical and<br /> moral discovery, "the inspired + volume" seems in<br /> many respects absurd. If the same progress is made<br /> + in the next, as in the last, century, it is very easy to<br /> predict the + place that will then be occupied by the<br /> Bible. By comparing long + periods of time, it is easy<br /> to measure the advance of the human race. + Com-<br /> pare the average sermon of to-day with the average<br /> <br /> + 340<br /> <br /> sermon of one hundred years ago. Compare what<br /> + ministers teach to-day with the creeds they profess<br /> to believe, and + you will see the immense distance<br /> that even the church has traveled + in the last century.<br /> <br /> The Christians tell us that scientific men + have<br /> made mistakes, and that there is very little certainty<br /> in + the domain of human knowledge. This I admit.<br /> The man who thought the + world was flat, and who<br /> had a way of accounting for the movement of + the<br /> heavenly bodies, had what he was pleased to call a<br /> + philosophy. He was, in his way, a geologist and an<br /> astronomer. We + admit that he was mistaken; but<br /> if we claimed that the first + geologist and the first<br /> astronomer were inspired, it would not do for + us to<br /> admit that any advance had been made, or that any<br /> errors + of theirs had been corrected. We do not<br /> claim that the first + scientists were inspired. We do<br /> not claim that the last are inspired. + We admit that<br /> all scientific men are fallible. We admit that they do<br /> + not know everything. We insist that they know but<br /> little, and that + even in that little which they are sup-<br /> posed to know, there is the + possibility of error. The<br /> first geologist said: "The earth is flat." + Suppose<br /> that the geologists of to-day should insist that that<br /> + man was inspired, and then endeavor to show that<br /> <br /> 341<br /> <br /> + the word "flat," in the "Hebrew," did not mean<br /> quite flat, but just a + little rounded; what would we<br /> think of their honesty? The first + astronomer in-<br /> sisted that the sun and moon and stars revolved<br /> + around this earth—that this little earth was the centre<br /> of the + entire system. Suppose that the astronomers<br /> of to-day should insist + that that astronomer was in-<br /> spired, and should try to explain, and + say that he<br /> simply used the language of the common people, and<br /> + when he stated that the sun and moon and stars re-<br /> volved around the + earth, he merely meant that they<br /> "apparently revolved," and that the + earth, in fact,<br /> turned over, would we consider them honest men?<br /> + You might as well say that the first painter was in-<br /> spired, or that + the first sculptor had the assistance of<br /> God, as to say that the + first writer, or the first book-<br /> maker, was divinely inspired. It is + more probable<br /> that the modern geologist is inspired than that the an-<br /> + cient one was, because the modern geologist is nearer<br /> right. It is + more probable that William Lloyd Gar-<br /> rison was inspired upon the + question of slavery than<br /> that Moses was. It is more probable that the + author<br /> of the Declaration of Independence spoke by divine<br /> + authority than that the author of the Pentateuch did.<br /> In other words, + if there can be any evidence of<br /> <br /> 342<br /> <br /> "inspiration," + it must lie in the fact of doing or<br /> saying the best possible thing + that could have been<br /> done or said at that time or upon that subject.<br /> + <br /> To make myself clear: The only possible evidence<br /> of + "inspiration" would be perfection—a perfection ex-<br /> celling + anything that man unaided had ever attained.<br /> An "inspired" book + should excel all other books; an<br /> inspired statue should be the best + in this world; an in-<br /> spired painting should be beyond all others. If + the Bible<br /> has been improved in any particular, it was not, in that<br /> + particular, ''inspired." If slavery is wrong, the Bible is<br /> not + inspired. If polygamy is vile and loathsome, the<br /> Bible is not + inspired. If wars of extermination are cruel<br /> and heartless, the Bible + is not "inspired." If there is<br /> within that book a contradiction of + any natural fact; if<br /> there is one ignorant falsehood, if there is one + mistake,<br /> then it is not "inspired." I do not mean mistakes that<br /> + have grown out of translations; but if there was in<br /> the original + manuscript one mistake, then it is not<br /> "inspired." I do not demand a + miracle; I do not<br /> demand a knowledge of the future; I simply demand<br /> + an absolute knowledge of the past. I demand an ab-<br /> solute knowledge + of the then present; I demand a<br /> knowledge of the constitution of the + human mind—<br /> of the facts in nature, and that is all I demand.<br /> + <br /> 343<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If I understand you, you think that + all<br /> political power should come from the people; do you<br /> not + believe in any "special providence," and do you<br /> take the ground that + God does not interest himself<br /> in the affairs of nations and + individuals?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The Christian idea is that God made + the<br /> world, and made certain laws for the government of<br /> matter + and mind, and that he never interferes except<br /> upon special occasions, + when the ordinary laws fail to<br /> work out the desired end. Their notion + is, that the<br /> Lord now and then stops the horses simply to show<br /> + that he is driving. It seems to me that if an infinitely<br /> wise being + made the world, he must have made it<br /> the best possible; and that if + he made laws for the<br /> government of matter and mind, he must have made<br /> + the best possible laws. If this is true, not one of<br /> these laws can be + violated without producing a posi-<br /> tive injury. It does not seem + probable that infinite<br /> wisdom would violate a law that infinite + wisdom had<br /> made.<br /> <br /> Most ministers insist that God now and + then in-<br /> terferes in the affairs of this world; that he has not<br /> + interfered as much lately as he did formerly. When<br /> the world was + comparatively new, it required alto-<br /> gether more tinkering and fixing + than at present.<br /> <br /> 344<br /> <br /> Things are at last in a + reasonably good condition,<br /> and consequently a great amount of + interference is<br /> not necessary. In old times it was found necessary + fre-<br /> quently to raise the dead, to change the nature of fire<br /> and + water, to punish people with plagues and famine,<br /> to destroy cities by + storms of fire and brimstone, to<br /> change women into salt, to cast + hailstones upon<br /> heathen, to interfere with the movements of our<br /> + planetary system, to stop the earth not only, but<br /> sometimes to make + it turn the other way, to arrest<br /> the moon, and to make water stand up + like a wall.<br /> Now and then, rivers were divided by striking them<br /> + with a coat, and people were taken to heaven in<br /> chariots of fire. + These miracles, in addition to curing<br /> the sick, the halt, the deaf + and blind, were in former<br /> times found necessary, but since the + "apostolic age,"<br /> nothing of the kind has been resorted to except in<br /> + Catholic countries. Since the death of the last<br /> apostle, God has + appeared only to members of the<br /> Catholic Church, and all modern + miracles have been<br /> performed for the benefit of Catholicism. There is<br /> + no authentic account of the Virgin Mary having ever<br /> appeared to a + Protestant. The bones of Protestant<br /> saints have never cured a + solitary disease. Protest-<br /> ants now say that the testimony of the + Catholics can<br /> <br /> 345<br /> <br /> not be relied upon, and yet, the + authenticity of every<br /> book in the New Testament was established by + Cath-<br /> olic testimony. Some few miracles were performed<br /> in + Scotland, and in fact in England and the United<br /> States, but they were + so small that they are hardly<br /> worth mentioning. Now and then, a man + was struck<br /> dead for taking the name of the Lord in vain. Now<br /> and + then, people were drowned who were found in<br /> boats on Sunday. Whenever + anybody was about to<br /> commit murder, God has not interfered—the + reason<br /> being that he gave man free-will, and expects to hold<br /> him + accountable in another world, and there is no<br /> exception to this + free-will doctrine, but in cases<br /> where men swear or violate the + Sabbath. They are<br /> allowed to commit all other crimes without any in-<br /> + terference on the part of the Lord.<br /> <br /> My own opinion is, that the + clergy found it neces-<br /> sary to preserve the Sabbath for their own + uses, and<br /> for that reason endeavored to impress the people<br /> with + the enormity of its violation, and for that purpose<br /> gave instances of + people being drowned and suddenly<br /> struck dead for working or amusing + themselves on that<br /> day. The clergy have objected to any other places + of<br /> amusement except their own, being opened on that<br /> day. They + wished to compel people either to go to<br /> <br /> 346<br /> <br /> church + or stay at home. They have also known<br /> that profanity tended to do + away with the feelings<br /> of awe they wished to cultivate, and for that + reason<br /> they have insisted that swearing was one of the most<br /> + terrible of crimes, exciting above all others the wrath<br /> of God.<br /> + <br /> There was a time when people fell dead for having<br /> spoken + disrespectfully to a priest. The priest at that<br /> time pretended to be + the visible representative of<br /> God, and as such, entitled to a degree + of reverence<br /> amounting almost to worship. Several cases are<br /> + given in the ecclesiastical history of Scotland where<br /> men were + deprived of speech for having spoken<br /> rudely to a parson.<br /> <br /> + These stories were calculated to increase the im-<br /> portance of the + clergy and to convince people that<br /> they were under the special care + of the Deity. The<br /> story about the bears devouring the little children<br /> + was told in the first place, and has been repeated<br /> since, simply to + protect ministers from the laughter<br /> of children. There ought to be + carved on each side<br /> of every pulpit a bear with fragments of children + in<br /> its mouth, as this animal has done so much to protect<br /> the + dignity of the clergy.<br /> <br /> Besides the protection of ministers, the + drowning<br /> <br /> 347<br /> <br /> of breakers of the Sabbath, and + striking a few people<br /> dead for using profane language, I think there + is no<br /> evidence of any providential interference in the affairs<br /> + of this world in what may be called modern times.<br /> Ministers have + endeavored to show that great calam-<br /> ities have been brought upon + nations and cities as a<br /> punishment for the wickedness of the people. + They<br /> have insisted that some countries have been visited<br /> with + earthquakes because the people had failed to<br /> discharge their + religious duties; but as earthquakes<br /> happened in uninhabited + countries, and often at sea,<br /> where no one is hurt, most people have + concluded<br /> that they are not sent as punishments. They have<br /> + insisted that cities have been burned as a punish-<br /> ment, and to show + the indignation of the Lord, but<br /> at the same time they have admitted + that if the<br /> streets had been wider, the fire departments better<br /> + organized, and wooden buildings fewer, the design<br /> of the Lord would + have been frustrated.<br /> <br /> After reading the history of the world, + it is some-<br /> what difficult to find which side the Lord is really on.<br /> + He has allowed Catholics to overwhelm and de-<br /> stroy Protestants, and + then he has allowed Protestants<br /> to overwhelm and destroy Catholics. + He has allowed<br /> Christianity to triumph over Paganism, and he allowed<br /> + <br /> 348<br /> <br /> Mohammedans to drive back the hosts of the cross<br /> + from the sepulchre of his son. It is curious that this<br /> God would + allow the slave trade to go on, and yet<br /> punish the violators of the + Sabbath. It is simply<br /> wonderful that he would allow kings to wage + cruel<br /> and remorseless war, to sacrifice millions upon the<br /> altar + of heartless ambition, and at the same time<br /> strike a man dead for + taking his name in vain. It is<br /> wonderful that he allowed slavery to + exist for centu-<br /> ries in the United States; that he allows polygamy<br /> + now in Utah; that he cares nothing for liberty in<br /> Russia, nothing for + free speech in Germany, nothing<br /> for the sorrows of the overworked, + underpaid millions<br /> of the world; that he cares nothing for the + innocent<br /> languishing in prisons, nothing for the patriots con-<br /> + demned to death, nothing for the heart-broken<br /> widows and orphans, + nothing for the starving, and<br /> yet has ample time to note a sparrow's + fall. If he<br /> would only strike dead the would-be murderers; if<br /> he + would only palsy the hands of husbands' uplifted<br /> to strike their + wives; if he would render speechless<br /> the cursers of children, he + could afford to overlook<br /> the swearers and breakers of his Sabbath.<br /> + <br /> For one, I am not satisfied with the government<br /> of this world, + and I am going to do what little I can<br /> <br /> 349<br /> <br /> to make + it better. I want more thought and less<br /> fear, more manhood and less + superstition, less prayer<br /> and more help, more education, more reason, + more<br /> intellectual hospitality, and above all, and over all,<br /> more + liberty and kindness.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that God, + if there be one,<br /> when he saves or damns a man, will take into con-<br /> + sideration all the circumstances of the man's life?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Suppose that two orphan boys, James<br /> and John, are given homes. James + is taken into a<br /> Christian family and John into an infidel. James<br /> + becomes a Christian, and dies in the faith. John be-<br /> comes an + infidel, and dies without faith in Christ.<br /> According to the Christian + religion, as commonly<br /> preached, James will go to heaven, and John to + hell.<br /> <br /> Now, suppose that God knew that if James had<br /> been + raised by the infidel family, he would have died<br /> an infidel, and that + if John had been raised by the<br /> Christian family, he would have died a + Christian.<br /> What then? Recollect that the boys did not choose<br /> the + families in which they were placed.<br /> <br /> Suppose that a child, cast + away upon an island in<br /> which he found plenty of food, grew to + manhood;<br /> and suppose that after he had reached mature years,<br /> + <br /> 350<br /> <br /> the island was visited by a missionary who taught a<br /> + false religion; and suppose that this islander was con-<br /> vinced that + he ought to worship a wooden idol; and<br /> suppose, further, that the + worship consisted in sacri-<br /> ficing animals; and suppose the islander, + actuated<br /> only by what he conceived to be his duty and by<br /> + thankfulness, sacrificed a toad every night and every<br /> morning upon + the altar of his wooden god; that<br /> when the sky looked black and + threatening he sacri-<br /> ficed two toads; that when feeling unwell he + sacrificed<br /> three; and suppose that in all this he was honest, that<br /> + he really believed that the shedding of toad-blood<br /> would soften the + heart of his god toward him? And<br /> suppose that after he had become + fully-convinced<br /> of the truth of his religion, a missionary of the<br /> + "true religion" should visit the island, and tell the<br /> history of the + Jews—unfold the whole scheme of<br /> salvation? And suppose that the + islander should<br /> honestly reject the true religion? Suppose he should<br /> + say that he had "internal evidence" not only, but<br /> that many miracles + had been performed by his god,<br /> in his behalf; that often when the sky + was black<br /> with storm, he had sacrificed a toad, and in a few<br /> + moments the sun was again visible, the heavens blue,<br /> and without a + cloud; that on several occasions, having<br /> <br /> 351<br /> <br /> + forgotten at evening to sacrifice his toad, he found<br /> himself unable + to sleep—that his conscience smote<br /> him, he had risen, made the + sacrifice, returned to his<br /> bed, and in a few moments sunk into a + serene and<br /> happy slumber? And suppose, further, that the man<br /> + honestly believed that the efficacy of the sacrifice<br /> depended largely + on the size of the toad? Now<br /> suppose that in this belief the man had + died,—what<br /> then?<br /> <br /> It must be remembered that God knew + when the<br /> missionary of the false religion went to the island;<br /> + and knew that the islander would be convinced of the<br /> truth of the + false religion; and he also knew that the<br /> missionary of the true + religion could not, by any<br /> possibility, convince the islander of the + error of his<br /> way; what then?<br /> <br /> If God is infinite, we cannot + speak of him as<br /> making efforts, as being tired. We cannot con-<br /> + sistently say that one thing is easy to him, and<br /> another thing is + hard, providing both are possible.<br /> This being so, why did not God + reveal himself to<br /> every human being? Instead of having an inspired<br /> + book, why did he not make inspired folks? Instead<br /> of having his + commandments put on tables of stone,<br /> why did he not write them on + each human brain?<br /> <br /> 352<br /> <br /> Why was not the mind of each + man so made that<br /> every religious truth necessary to his salvation was<br /> + an axiom?<br /> <br /> Do we not know absolutely that man is greatly<br /> + influenced by his surroundings? If Mr. Talmage<br /> had been born in + Turkey, is it not probable that<br /> he would now be a whirling Dervish? + If he had<br /> first seen the light in Central Africa, he might now<br /> + have been prostrate before some enormous serpent;<br /> if in India, he + might have been a Brahmin, running a<br /> prayer-machine; if in Spain, he + would probably have<br /> been a priest, with his beads and holy water. Had<br /> + he been born among the North American Indians,<br /> he would speak of the + "Great Spirit," and solemnly<br /> smoke the the pipe of peace.<br /> <br /> + Mr. Talmage teaches that it is the duty of children<br /> to perpetuate the + errors of their parents; conse-<br /> quently, the religion of his parents + determined his<br /> theology. It is with him not a question of reason,<br /> + but of parents; not a question of argument, but of<br /> filial affection. + He does not wish to be a philoso-<br /> pher, but an obedient son. Suppose + his father had<br /> been a Catholic, and his mother a Protestant,—what<br /> + then? Would he show contempt for his mother by<br /> following the path of + his father; or would he show<br /> <br /> 353<br /> <br /> disrespect for his + father, by accepting the religion of<br /> his mother; or would he have + become a Protestant<br /> with Catholic proclivities, or a Catholic with + Protest-<br /> ant leanings? Suppose his parents had both been<br /> + infidels—what then?<br /> <br /> Is it not better for each one to + decide honestly for<br /> himself? Admitting that your parents were good + and<br /> kind; admitting that they were honest in their views,<br /> why + not have the courage to say, that in your opinion,<br /> father and mother + were both mistaken? No one can<br /> honor his parents by being a + hypocrite, or an intellectu-<br /> al coward. Whoever is absolutely true to + himself, is<br /> true to his parents, and true to the whole world. Who-<br /> + ever is untrue to himself, is false to all mankind. Re-<br /> ligion must + be an individual matter. If there is a God,<br /> and if there is a day of + judgment, the church that a man<br /> belongs to will not be tried, but the + man will be tried.<br /> <br /> It is a fact that the religion of most + people was made<br /> for them by others; that they have accepted certain<br /> + dogmas, not because they have examined them, but<br /> because they were + told that they were true. Most of<br /> the people in the United States, + had they been born in<br /> Turkey, would now be Mohammedans, and most of<br /> + the Turks, had they been born in Spain, would now<br /> be Catholics.<br /> + <br /> 354<br /> <br /> It is almost, if not quite, impossible for a man to<br /> + rise entirely above the ideas, views, doctrines and re-<br /> ligions of + his tribe or country. No one expects to<br /> find philosophers in Central + Africa, or scientists<br /> among the Fejees. No one expects to find + philoso-<br /> phers or scientists in any country where the church<br /> has + absolute control.<br /> <br /> If there is an infinitely good and wise God, + of<br /> course he will take into consideration the surround-<br /> ings of + every human being. He understands the<br /> philosophy of environment, and + of heredity. He<br /> knows exactly the influence of the mother, of all<br /> + associates, of all associations. He will also take into<br /> consideration + the amount, quality and form of each<br /> brain, and whether the brain was + healthy or diseased.<br /> He will take into consideration the strength of + the<br /> passions, the weakness of the judgment. He will<br /> know exactly + the force of all temptation—what was<br /> resisted. He will take an + account of every effort<br /> made in the right direction, and will + understand<br /> all the winds and waves and quicksands and shores<br /> and + shallows in, upon and around the sea of every<br /> life.<br /> <br /> My own + opinion is, that if such a being exists, and<br /> all these things are + taken into consideration, we will<br /> <br /> 355<br /> <br /> be absolutely + amazed to see how small the difference<br /> is between the "good" and the + "bad." Certainly<br /> there is no such difference as would justify a being<br /> + of infinite wisdom and benevolence in rewarding one<br /> with eternal joy + and punishing the other with eternal<br /> pain.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What are the principal reasons that<br /> have satisfied you that the Bible + is not an inspired<br /> book?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The great evils + that have afflicted this<br /> world are:<br /> <br /> <i>First</i>. Human + slavery—where men have bought<br /> and sold their fellow-men—sold + babes from mothers,<br /> and have practiced) every conceivable cruelty + upon<br /> the helpless.<br /> <br /> <i>Second</i>. Polygamy—an + institution that destroys<br /> the home, that treats woman as a simple + chattel, that<br /> does away with the sanctity of marriage, and with all<br /> + that is sacred in love.<br /> <br /> <i>Third</i>. Wars of conquest and + extermination—<br /> by which nations have been made the food of the<br /> + sword.<br /> <br /> <i>Fourth</i>. The idea entertained by each nation that<br /> + all other nations are destitute of rights—in other<br /> <br /> 356<br /> + <br /> words, patriotism founded upon egotism, prejudice,<br /> and love of + plunder.<br /> <br /> <i>Fifth</i>. Religious persecution.<br /> <br /> <i>Sixth</i>. + The divine right of kings—an idea that<br /> rests upon the + inequality of human rights, and insists<br /> that people should be + governed without their con-<br /> sent; that the right of one man to govern + another<br /> comes from God, and not from the consent of the<br /> + governed. This is caste—one of the most odious<br /> forms of + slavery.<br /> <br /> <i>Seventh</i>. A belief in malicious supernatural be-<br /> + ings—devils, witches, and wizards.<br /> <br /> <i>Eighth</i>. A + belief in an infinite being who or-<br /> dered, commanded, established and + approved all<br /> these evils.<br /> <br /> <i>Ninth</i>. The idea that one + man can be good for<br /> another, or bad for another—that is to say, + that one<br /> can be rewarded for the goodness of another, or<br /> justly + punished for the sins of another.<br /> <br /> <i>Tenth</i>. The dogma that + a finite being can commit<br /> an infinite sin, and thereby incur the + eternal dis-<br /> pleasure of an infinitely good being, and be justly<br /> + subjected to eternal torment.<br /> <br /> My principal objection to the + Bible is that it sus-<br /> tains all of these ten evils—that it is + the advocate of<br /> <br /> 357<br /> <br /> human slavery, the friend of + polygamy; that within<br /> its pages I find the command to wage wars of + ex-<br /> termination; that I find also that the Jews were<br /> taught to + hate foreigners—to consider all human<br /> beings as inferior to + themselves; I also find persecu-<br /> tion commanded as a religious duty; + that kings were<br /> seated upon their thrones by the direct act of God,<br /> + and that to rebel against a king was rebellion against<br /> God. I object + to the Bible also because I find within<br /> its pages the infamous spirit + of caste—I see the sons<br /> of Levi set apart as the perpetual + beggars and<br /> governors of a people; because I find the air filled<br /> + with demons seeking to injure and betray the sons<br /> of men; because + this book is the fountain of modern<br /> superstition, the bulwark of + tyranny and the fortress<br /> of caste. This book also subverts the idea + of justice<br /> by threatening infinite punishment for the sins of a<br /> + finite being.<br /> <br /> At the same time, I admit—as I always have + ad-<br /> mitted—that there are good passages in the Bible—<br /> + good laws, good teachings, with now and then a true<br /> line of history. + But when it is asserted that every<br /> word was written by inspiration—that + a being of in-<br /> finite wisdom and goodness is its author,—then<br /> + I raise the standard of revolt.<br /> <br /> 358<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What do you think of the declaration<br /> of Mr. Talmage that the Bible + will be read in heaven<br /> throughout all the endless ages of eternity?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course I know but very little as to<br /> what is + or will be done in heaven. My knowledge<br /> of that country is somewhat + limited, and it may be<br /> possible that the angels will spend most of + their time<br /> in turning over the sacred leaves of the Old Testa-<br /> + ment. I can not positively deny the statement of the<br /> Reverend Mr. + Talmage as I have but very little idea<br /> as to how the angels manage to + kill time.<br /> <br /> The Reverend Mr. Spurgeon stated in a sermon<br /> + that some people wondered what they would do<br /> through all eternity in + heaven. He said that, as for<br /> himself, for the first hundred thousand + years he<br /> would look at the wound in one of the Savior's<br /> feet, + and for the next hundred thousand years he<br /> would look at the wound in + his other foot, and<br /> for the next hundred thousand years he would<br /> + look at the wound in one of his hands, and for<br /> the next hundred + thousand years he would look at<br /> the wound in the other hand, and for + the next<br /> hundred thousand years he would look at the wound<br /> in + his side.<br /> <br /> Surely, nothing could be more delightful than this<br /> + <br /> 359<br /> <br /> A man capable of being happy in such employment,<br /> + could of course take great delight in reading even<br /> the genealogies of + the Old Testament. It is very<br /> easy to see what a glow of joy would + naturally over-<br /> spread the face of an angel while reading the history<br /> + of the Jewish wars, how the seraphim and cherubim<br /> would clasp their + rosy palms in ecstasy over the fate<br /> of Korah and his company, and + what laughter would<br /> wake the echoes of the New Jerusalem as some one<br /> + told again the story of the children and the bears;<br /> and what happy + groups, with folded pinions, would<br /> smilingly listen to the 109th + Psalm.<br /> <br /> [Illustration: 371]<br /> <br /> An orthodox "state of + mind"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="link0009" id="link0009"></a><br /> + <br /> <big><b>THE TALMAGIAN CATECHISM.</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>As Mr. + Talmage delivered the series of sermons<br /> referred to in these + interviews, for the purpose<br /> of furnishing arguments to the young, so + that they<br /> might not be misled by the sophistry of modern<br /> + infi-delity, I have thought it best to set forth,<br /> for use in Sunday + schools, the pith and marrow of<br /> what he has been pleased to say, in + the form of</i><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <big><b>A SHORTER CATECHISM.</b></big><br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Who made you?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Jehovah, + the original Presbyterian.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What else did he + make?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He made the world and all things.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he make the world out of nothing?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did he make it out of?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Out of his "omnipotence." Many infidels<br /> have pretended that if God + made the universe, and if<br /> there was nothing until he did make it, he + had nothing<br /> to make it out of. Of course this is perfectly absurd<br /> + when we remember that he always had his "omnipo-<br /> tence and that is, + undoubtedly, the material used.<br /> <br /> 364<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did he create his own "omnipotence"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly + not, he was always omnipo-<br /> tent.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then if + he always had "omnipotence,"<br /> he did not "create" the material of + which the uni-<br /> verse is made; he simply took a portion of his<br /> + "omnipotence" and changed it to "universe"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly, that is the way I under-<br /> stand it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Is he still omnipotent, and has he as<br /> much "omnipotence" now as he + ever had?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, I suppose he has.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How long did it take God to make the<br /> universe?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Six "good-whiles."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How long is a "good-while"?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. That will depend upon the future dis-<br /> coveries + of geologists. "Good-whiles" are of such<br /> a nature that they can be + pulled out, or pushed up;<br /> and it is utterly impossible for any + infidel, or scien-<br /> tific geologist, to make any period that a + "good-while"<br /> won't fit.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you + understand by "the<br /> "morning and evening" of a "good-while"?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course the words "morning and<br /> <br /> 365<br /> + <br /> "evening" are used figuratively, and mean simply<br /> the beginning + and the ending, of each "good-while."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. On what + day did God make vegetation?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. On the third day.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was that before the sun was made?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Yes; a "good-while" before.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How did vegetation + grow without sun-<br /> light?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. My own opinion is, + that it was either<br /> "nourished by the glare of volcanoes in the moon<br /> + or "it may have gotten sufficient light from rivers<br /> "of molten + granite;" or, "sufficient light might have<br /> "been emitted by the + crystallization of rocks." It<br /> has been suggested that light might + have been fur-<br /> nished by fire-flies and phosphorescent bugs and<br /> + worms, but this I regard as going too far.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do + you think that light emitted by<br /> rocks would be sufficient to produce + trees?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, with the assistance of the "Aurora<br /> + "Borealis, or even the Aurora Australis;" but with<br /> both, most + assuredly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If the light of which you speak was<br /> + sufficient, why was the sun made?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. To keep time + with.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did God make man of?<br /> <br /> 366<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He made man of dust and "omnipo-<br /> "tence."<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he make a woman at the same<br /> time that he + made a man?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No; he thought at one time to avoid<br /> + the necessity of making a woman, and he caused all<br /> the animals to + pass before Adam, to see what he<br /> would call them, and to see whether + a fit companion<br /> could be found for him. Among them all, not one<br /> + suited Adam, and Jehovah immediately saw that he<br /> would have to make + an help-meet on purpose.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What was woman made + of?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. She was made out of "man's side, out of<br /> + his right side," and some more "omnipotence." Infi-<br /> dels say that she + was made out of a rib, or a bone, but<br /> that is because they do not + understand Hebrew.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What was the object of + making woman<br /> out of man's side?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. So that a + young man would think more<br /> of a neighbor's girl than of his own uncle + or grand-<br /> father.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did God do with + Adam and Eve<br /> after he got them done?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He put + them into a garden to see what<br /> they would do.<br /> <br /> 367<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do we know where the Garden of Eden<br /> was, and + have we ever found any place where a<br /> "river parted and became into + four heads"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We are not certain where this + garden<br /> was, and the river that parted into four heads cannot<br /> at + present be found. Infidels have had a great deal<br /> to say about these + four rivers, but they will wish<br /> they had even one, one of these days.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What happened to Adam and Eve in<br /> the garden?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They were tempted by a snake who was<br /> an + exceedingly good talker, and who probably came<br /> in walking on the end + of his tail. This supposition<br /> is based upon the fact that, as a + punishment, he was<br /> condemned to crawl on his belly. Before that time,<br /> + of course, he walked upright.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What happened + then?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Our first parents gave way, ate of the<br /> + forbidden fruit, and in consequence, disease and<br /> death entered the + world. Had it not been for this,<br /> there would have been no death and + no disease.<br /> Suicide would have been impossible, and a man<br /> could + have been blown into a thousand atoms by<br /> dynamite, and the pieces + would immediately have<br /> come together again. Fire would have refused + to<br /> <br /> 368<br /> <br /> burn and water to drown; there could have + been no<br /> hunger, no thirst; all things would have been equally<br /> + healthy.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you mean to say that there would<br /> + have been no death in the world, either of animals,<br /> insects, or + persons?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you also think that all briers and<br /> thorns sprang from the same + source, and that had<br /> the apple not been eaten, no bush in the world<br /> + would have had a thorn, and brambles and thistles<br /> would have been + unknown?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Would there have been no poisonous<br /> plants, no poisonous reptiles?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No, sir; there would have been none;<br /> there would + have been no evil in the world if Adam<br /> and Eve had not partaken of + the forbidden fruit.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was the snake who tempted + them to<br /> eat, evil?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. '<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Was he in the world before the for-<br /> bidden fruit was + eaten?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he was; he tempted them to<br /> + eat it<br /> <br /> 369<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How, then, do you + account for the fact<br /> that, before the forbidden fruit was eaten, an + evil<br /> serpent was in the world?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Perhaps + apples had been eaten in other<br /> worlds.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is + it not wonderful that such awful con-<br /> sequences flowed from so small + an act?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is not for you to reason about it; + you<br /> should simply remember that God is omnipotent.<br /> There is but + one way to answer these things, and<br /> that is to admit their truth. + Nothing so puts the<br /> Infinite out of temper as to see a human being<br /> + impudent enough to rely upon his reason. The<br /> moment we rely upon our + reason, we abandon God,<br /> and try to take care of ourselves. Whoever + relies<br /> entirely upon God, has no need of reason, and<br /> reason has + no need of him.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Were our first parents under + the im-<br /> mediate protection of an infinite God?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + They were.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why did he not protect them? Why<br /> + did he not warn them of this snake? Why did he<br /> not put them on their + guard? Why did he not<br /> make them so sharp, intellectually, that they + could<br /> not be deceived? Why did he not destroy that<br /> <br /> 370<br /> + <br /> snake; or how did he come to make him; what did<br /> he make him + for?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. You must remember that, although God<br /> + made Adam and Eve perfectly good, still he was very<br /> anxious to test + them. He also gave them the power<br /> of choice, knowing at the same time + exactly what they<br /> would choose, and knowing that he had made them<br /> + so that they must choose in a certain way. A being<br /> of infinite wisdom + tries experiments. Knowing ex-<br /> actly what will happen, he wishes to + see if it will.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What punishment did God + inflict upon<br /> Adam and Eve for the sin of having eaten the for-<br /> + bidden fruit?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He pronounced a curse upon the + woman,<br /> saying that in sorrow she should bring forth children,<br /> + and that her husband should rule over her; that she,<br /> having tempted + her husband, was made his slave;<br /> and through her, all married women + have been de-<br /> prived of their natural liberty. On account of the<br /> + sin of Adam and Eve, God cursed the ground, saying<br /> that it should + bring forth thorns and thistles, and<br /> that man should eat his bread in + sorrow, and that he<br /> should eat the herb of the field.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did he turn them out of the garden<br /> because of their sin?<br /> <br /> + 371<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. The reason God gave for turning<br /> + them out of the garden was: "Behold the man is<br /> "become as one of us, + to know good and evil; and<br /> "now, lest he put forth his hand and take + of the<br /> "tree of life and eat and live forever, therefore, the<br /> + "Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden<br /> "to till the ground + from whence he was taken."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If the man had + eaten of the tree of life,<br /> would he have lived forever?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was he turned out to prevent his<br /> + eating?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He was.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then + the Old Testament tells us how we<br /> lost immortality, not that we are + immortal, does it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; it tells us how we lost + it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was God afraid that Adam and Eve<br /> + might get back into the garden, and eat of the fruit<br /> of the tree of + life?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I suppose he was, as he placed "cher-<br /> + "ubim and a flaming sword which turned every<br /> "way to guard the tree + of life."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Has any one ever seen any of these<br /> + cherubim?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Not that I know of.<br /> <br /> 372<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Where is the flaming sword now?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Some angel has it in heaven.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you understand + that God made<br /> coats of skins, and clothed Adam and Eve when<br /> he + turned them out of the garden?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, sir.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you really believe that the infinite<br /> God + killed some animals, took their skins from them,<br /> cut out and sewed up + clothes for Adam and Eve?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The Bible says so; we + know that he<br /> had patterns for clothes, because he showed some<br /> to + Moses on Mount Sinai.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. About how long did God + continue<br /> to pay particular attention to his children in this<br /> + world?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. For about fifteen hundred years; and<br /> + some of the people lived to be nearly a thousand<br /> years of age.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did this God establish any schools or<br /> + institutions of learning? Did he establish any church?<br /> Did he ordain + any ministers, or did he have any re-<br /> vivals?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + No; he allowed the world to go on<br /> pretty much in its own way. He did + not even keep<br /> his own boys at home. They came down and made<br /> + <br /> 373<br /> <br /> love to the daughters of men, and finally the world<br /> + got exceedingly bad.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did God do then?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He made up his mind that he would drown<br /> them. + You see they were all totally depraved,—in<br /> every joint and + sinew of their bodies, in every drop<br /> of their blood, and in every + thought of their brains.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he drown them + all?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No, he saved eight, to start with again.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Were these eight persons totally de-<br /> praved?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why did he not kill + them, and start<br /> over again with a perfect pair? Would it not have<br /> + been better to have had his flood at first, before he<br /> made anybody, + and drowned the snake?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. "God's way are not our + ways;" and<br /> besides, you must remember that "a thousand years<br /> + "are as one day" with God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How did God destroy + the people?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. By water; it rained forty days and + forty<br /> nights, and "the fountains of the great deep were<br /> "broken + up."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How deep was the water?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + About five miles.<br /> <br /> 374<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How much did + it rain each day?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. About eight hundred feet; + though the<br /> better opinion now is, that it was a local flood. In-<br /> + fidels have raised objections and pressed them to that<br /> degree that + most orthodox people admit that the<br /> flood was rather local.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. If it was a local flood, why did they put<br /> + birds of the air into the ark? Certainly, birds could<br /> have avoided a + local flood?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. If you take this away from us, what + do<br /> you propose to give us in its place? Some of the<br /> best people + of the world have believed this story.<br /> Kind husbands, loving mothers, + and earnest patriots<br /> have believed it, and that is sufficient.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. At the time God made these people,<br /> did he know + that he would have to drown them all?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course + he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know when he made them that<br /> + they would all be failures?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why, then, did he make them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + He made them for his own glory, and<br /> no man should disgrace his + parents by denying it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Were the people after + the flood just as<br /> bad as they were before?<br /> <br /> 375<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. About the same.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did they try to + circumvent God?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They got together for the purpose of build-<br /> + ing a tower, the top of which should reach to heaven,<br /> so that they + could laugh at any future floods, and go<br /> to heaven at any time they + desired.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did God hear about this?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. He did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did he say?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He said: "Go to; let us go down," and<br /> see what + the people are doing; I am satisfied they<br /> will succeed.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How were the people prevented from<br /> succeeding?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + God confounded their language, so that<br /> the mason on top could not cry + "mort'!" to the<br /> hod-carrier below; he could not think of the word<br /> + to use, to save his life, and the building stopped.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If it had not been for the confusion of<br /> tongues at Babel, do you + really think that all the<br /> people in the world would have spoken just + the same<br /> language, and would have pronounced every word<br /> + precisely the same?<br /> <br /> 376<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. If it had not been, then, for the con-<br /> fusion + of languages, spelling books, grammars and<br /> dictionaries would have + been useless?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I suppose so.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do any two people in the whole world<br /> speak the same language, now?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course they don't, and this is one of<br /> the + great evidences that God introduced confusion<br /> into the languages. + Every error in grammar, every<br /> mistake in spelling, every blunder in + pronunciation,<br /> proves the truth of the Babel story.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + This being so, this miracle is the best<br /> attested of all?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. I suppose it is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you not + think that a confusion of<br /> tongues would bring men together instead of + separa-<br /> ting them? Would not a man unable to converse<br /> with his + fellow feel weak instead of strong; and<br /> would not people whose + language had been con-<br /> founded cling together for mutual support?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. According to nature, yes; according to<br /> theology, + no; and these questions must be answered<br /> according to theology. And + right here, it may be<br /> well enough to state, that in theology the + unnatural<br /> <br /> 377<br /> <br /> is the probable, and the impossible is + what has always<br /> happened. If theology were simply natural, anybody<br /> + could be a theologian.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did God ever make any + other special<br /> efforts to convert the people, or to reform the world?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, he destroyed the cities of Sodom<br /> and + Gomorrah with a storm of fire and brimstone.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you suppose it was really brim-<br /> stone?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Undoubtedly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think this brimstone came + from<br /> the clouds?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Let me tell you that you + have no right<br /> to examine the Bible in the light of what people are<br /> + pleased to call "science." The natural has nothing<br /> to do with the + supernatural. Naturally there would<br /> be no brimstone in the clouds, + but supernaturally<br /> there might be. God could make brimstone out of<br /> + his "omnipotence." We do not know really what<br /> brimstone is, and + nobody knows exactly how brim-<br /> stone is made. As a matter of fact, + all the brimstone<br /> in the world might have fallen at that time.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that Lot's wife was<br /> changed into + salt?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course she was. A miracle was per-<br /> + <br /> 378<br /> <br /> formed. A few centuries ago, the statue of salt made<br /> + by changing Lot's wife into that article, was standing.<br /> Christian + travelers have seen it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why do you think she + was changed<br /> into salt?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. For the purpose of + keeping the event<br /> fresh in the minds of men.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + God having failed to keep people in-<br /> nocent in a garden; having + failed to govern them<br /> outside of a garden; having failed to reform + them by<br /> water; having failed to produce any good result by a<br /> + confusion of tongues; having failed to reform them<br /> with fire and + brimstone, what did he then do?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He concluded + that he had no time to<br /> waste on them all, but that he would have to + select<br /> one tribe, and turn his entire attention to just a few<br /> + folks.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Whom did he select?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + A man by the name of Abram.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What kind of man + was Abram?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. If you wish to know, read the twelfth<br /> + chapter of Genesis; and if you still have any doubts<br /> as to his + character, read the twentieth chapter of the<br /> same book, and you will + see that he was a man who<br /> made merchandise of his wife's body. He had + had<br /> <br /> 379<br /> <br /> such good fortune in Egypt, that he tried + the experi-<br /> ment again on Abimelech.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did + Abraham show any gratitude?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; he offered to + sacrifice his son, to<br /> show his confidence in Jehovah.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What became of Abraham and his<br /> people?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. God + took such care of them, that in<br /> about two hundred and fifteen years + they were all<br /> slaves in the land of Egypt.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How long did they remain in slavery?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Two hundred + and fifteen years.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Were they the same people + that God<br /> had promised to take care of?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They + were.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was God at that time, in favor of<br /> + slavery?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Not at that time. He was angry at the<br /> + Egyptians for enslaving the Jews, but he afterwards<br /> authorized the + Jews to enslave other people.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What means did + he take to liberate<br /> the Jews?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He sent his + agents to Pharaoh, and de-<br /> manded their freedom; and upon Pharaoh s + refusing,<br /> he afflicted the people, who had nothing to do with<br /> + <br /> 380<br /> <br /> it, with various plagues,—killed children, and + tor-<br /> mented and tortured beasts.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was such + conduct Godlike?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. If you have anything + against<br /> your neighbor, it is perfectly proper to torture his<br /> + horse, or torment his dog. Nothing can be nobler<br /> than this. You see + it is much better to injure his<br /> animals than to injure him. To punish + animals for<br /> the sins of their owners must be just, or God would<br /> + not have done it. Pharaoh insisted on keeping the<br /> people in slavery, + and therefore God covered the<br /> bodies of oxen and cows with boils. He + also bruised<br /> them to death with hailstones. From this we infer,<br /> + that "the loving kindness of God is over all his works."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you consider such treatment of ani-<br /> mals consistent with divine + mercy?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. You know that under the<br /> + Mosaic dispensation, when a man did a wrong, he<br /> could settle with God + by killing an ox, or a sheep,<br /> or some doves. If the man failed to + kill them, of<br /> course God would kill them. It was upon this prin-<br /> + ciple that he destroyed the animals of the Egyptians.<br /> They had + sinned, and he merely took his pay.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How was it + possible, under the old dis-<br /> pensation, to please a being of infinite + kindness?<br /> <br /> 381<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. All you had to do was + to take an innocent<br /> animal, bring it to the altar, cut its throat, + and sprinkle<br /> the altar with its blood. Certain parts of it were to be<br /> + given to the butcher as his share, and the rest was to<br /> be burnt on + the altar. When God saw an animal thus<br /> butchered, and smelt the warm + blood mingled with<br /> the odor of burning flesh, he was pacified, and + the<br /> smile of forgiveness shed its light upon his face.<br /> Of + course, infidels laugh at these things; but what<br /> can you expect of + men who have not been "born<br /> "again"? "The carnal mind is enmity with + God."<br /> <i>Question</i>. What else did God do in order to in-<br /> duce + Pharaoh to liberate the Jews?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He had his agents + throw down a cane<br /> in the presence of Pharaoh and thereupon Jehovah<br /> + changed this cane into a serpent.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did this + convince Pharaoh?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No; he sent for his own + magicians.<br /> <i>Question</i>. What did they do?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + They threw down some canes and they<br /> also were changed into serpents.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did Jehovah change the canes of the<br /> Egyptian + magicians into snakes?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I suppose he did, as he + is the only one<br /> capable of performing such a miracle.<br /> <br /> 382<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. If the rod of Aaron was changed into<br /> a serpent + in order to convince Pharaoh that God had<br /> sent Aaron and Moses, why + did God change the<br /> sticks of the Egyptian magicians into serpents—why<br /> + did he discredit his own agents, and render worth-<br /> less their only + credentials?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, we cannot explain the conduct + of<br /> Jehovah; we are perfectly satisfied that it was for<br /> the best. + Even in this age of the world God allows<br /> infidels to overwhelm his + chosen people with argu-<br /> ments; he allows them to discover facts that + his<br /> ministers can not answer, and yet we are satisfied<br /> that in + the end God will give the victory to us. All<br /> these things are tests + of faith. It is upon this prin-<br /> ciple that God allows geology to + laugh at Genesis,<br /> that he permits astronomy apparently to contradict<br /> + his holy word.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did God do with these + people<br /> after Pharaoh allowed them to go?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Finding that they were not fit to settle<br /> a new country, owing to the + fact that when hungry<br /> they longed for food, and sometimes when their + lips<br /> were cracked with thirst insisted on having water,<br /> God in + his infinite mercy had them marched round<br /> and round, back and forth, + through a barren wilder-<br /> <br /> 383<br /> <br /> ness, until all, with + the exception of two persons,<br /> died.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why + did he do this?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because he had promised these + people<br /> that he would take them "to a land flowing with<br /> "milk and + honey."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was God always patient and kind and<br /> + merciful toward his children while they were in the<br /> wilderness?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, he always was merciful and kind<br /> and + patient. Infidels have taken the ground that he<br /> visited them with + plagues and disease and famine;<br /> that he had them bitten by serpents, + and now and<br /> then allowed the ground to swallow a few thousands<br /> + of them, and in other ways saw to it that they were<br /> kept as + comfortable and happy as was consistent with<br /> good government; but all + these things were for their<br /> good; and the fact is, infidels have no + real sense of<br /> justice.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How did God happen + to treat the Is-<br /> raelites in this way, when he had promised Abraham<br /> + that he would take care of his progeny, and when he<br /> had promised the + same to the poor wretches while<br /> they were slaves in Egypt?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Because God is unchangeable in his na-<br /> <br /> 384<br /> + <br /> ture, and wished to convince them that every being<br /> should be + perfectly faithful to his promise.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was God + driven to madness by the<br /> conduct of his chosen people?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Almost.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know exactly what they would<br /> + do when he chose them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Exactly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Were the Jews guilty of idolatry?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They were. + They worshiped other gods<br /> —gods made of wood and stone.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it not wonderful that they were not<br /> + convinced of the power of God, by the many mira-<br /> cles wrought in + Egypt and in the wilderness?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, it is very + wonderful; but the Jews,<br /> who must have seen bread rained from heaven; + who<br /> saw water gush from the rocks and follow them up hill<br /> and + down; who noticed that their clothes did not<br /> wear out, and did not + even get shiny at the knees,<br /> while the elbows defied the ravages of + time, and<br /> their shoes remained perfect for forty years; it is<br /> + wonderful that when they saw the ground open<br /> and swallow their + comrades; when they saw God<br /> talking face to face with Moses as a man + talks with<br /> his friend; after they saw the cloud by day and the<br /> + <br /> 385<br /> <br /> pillar of fire by night,—it is absolutely + astonishing<br /> that they had more faith in a golden calf that they<br /> + made themselves, than in Jehovah.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How is it + that the Jews had no confi-<br /> dence in these miracles?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Because they were there and saw them.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you + think that it is necessary for<br /> us to believe all the miracles of the + Old Testament<br /> in order to be saved?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The Old + Testament is the foundation of<br /> the New. If the Old Testament is not + inspired, then<br /> the New is of no value. If the Old Testament is<br /> + inspired, all the miracles are true, and we cannot<br /> believe that God + would allow any errors, or false<br /> statements, to creep into an + inspired volume, and to<br /> be perpetuated through all these years.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Should we believe the miracles, whether<br /> they + are reasonable or not?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly; if they were + reasonable, they<br /> would not be miracles. It is their unreasonableness<br /> + that appeals to our credulity and our faith. It is im-<br /> possible to + have theological faith in anything that<br /> can be demonstrated. It is + the office of faith to<br /> believe, not only without evidence, but in + spite of<br /> evidence. It is impossible for the carnal mind to<br /> <br /> + 386<br /> <br /> believe that Samsons muscle depended upon the<br /> length + of his hair. "God has made the wisdom of<br /> "this world foolishness." + Neither can the uncon-<br /> verted believe that Elijah stopped at a hotel + kept by<br /> ravens. Neither can they believe that a barrel would<br /> in + and of itself produce meal, or that an earthen pot<br /> could create oil. + But to a Christian, in order that a<br /> widow might feed a preacher, the + truth of these<br /> stories is perfectly apparent.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How should we regard the wonderful<br /> stories of the Old Testament?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They should be looked upon as "types"<br /> and + "symbols." They all have a spiritual signifi-<br /> cance. The reason I + believe the story of Jonah is,<br /> that Jonah is a type of Christ.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you believe the story of Jonah to<br /> be a true + account of a literal fact?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. You must + remember that<br /> Jonah was not swallowed by a whale. God "pre-<br /> + "pared a great fish" for that occasion. Neither is it by<br /> any means + certain that Jonah was in the belly of<br /> this whale. "He probably + stayed in his mouth."<br /> Even if he was in his stomach, it was very easy<br /> + for him to defy the ordinary action of gastric juice<br /> by rapidly + walking up and down..<br /> <br /> 387<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you + think that Jonah was really in<br /> the whale's stomach?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + My own opinion is that he stayed in his<br /> mouth. The only objection to + this theory is, that it<br /> is more reasonable than the other and + requires less<br /> faith. Nothing could be easier than for God to make<br /> + a fish large enough to furnish ample room for one<br /> passenger in his + mouth. I throw out this suggestion<br /> simply that you may be able to + answer the objections<br /> of infidels who are always laughing at this + story.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you really believe that Elijah went<br /> + to heaven in a chariot of fire, drawn by horses of<br /> fire?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Of course he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What was this + miracle performed for?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. To convince the people of + the power of<br /> God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Who saw the miracle?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Nobody but Elisha.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was he + convinced before that time?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Oh yes; he was one + of God's prophets.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose that in these days + two men<br /> should leave a town together, and after a while one<br /> of + them should come back having on the clothes of<br /> the other, and should + account for the fact that he had<br /> <br /> 388<br /> <br /> his friend's + clothes by saying that while they were<br /> going along the road together + a chariot of fire came<br /> down from heaven drawn by fiery steeds, and + there-<br /> upon his friend got into the carriage, threw him his<br /> + clothes, and departed,—would you believe it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Of course things like that don't happen<br /> in these days; God does not + have to rely on wonders<br /> now.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you mean + that he performs no<br /> miracles at the present day?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + We cannot say that he does not perform<br /> miracles now, but we are not + in position to call atten-<br /> tion to any particular one. Of course he + supervises<br /> the affairs of nations and men and does whatever in<br /> + his judgment is necessary.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that + Samson's strength<br /> depended on the length of his hair?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + The Bible so states, and the Bible is true.<br /> A physiologist might say + that a man could not use<br /> the muscle in his hair for lifting purposes, + but these<br /> same physiologists could not tell you how you move<br /> a + finger, nor how you lift a feather; still, actuated by<br /> the pride of + intellect, they insist that the length of a<br /> man's hair could not + determine his strength. God<br /> says it did; the physiologist says that + it did not; we<br /> <br /> 389<br /> <br /> can not hesitate whom to believe. + For the purpose<br /> of avoiding eternal agony I am willing to believe<br /> + anything; I am willing to say that strength depends<br /> upon the length + of hair, or faith upon the length of<br /> ears. I am perfectly willing to + believe that a man<br /> caught three hundred foxes, and put fire brands + be-<br /> tween their tails; that he slew thousands with a bone,<br /> and + that he made a bee hive out of a lion. I will<br /> believe, if necessary, + that when this man's hair was<br /> short he hardly had strength enough to + stand, and<br /> that when it was long, he could carry away the gates<br /> + of a city, or overthrow a temple filled with people.<br /> If the infidel + is right, I will lose nothing by believing,<br /> but if he is wrong, I + shall gain an eternity of joy.<br /> If God did not intend that we should + believe these<br /> stories, he never would have told them, and why<br /> + should a man put his soul in peril by trying to dis-<br /> prove one of the + statements of the Lord?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose it should turn + out that some<br /> of these miracles depend upon mistranslations of the<br /> + original Hebrew, should we still believe them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + The safe side is the best side. It is<br /> far better to err on the side + of belief, than on the<br /> side of infidelity. God does not threaten + anybody<br /> with eternal punishment for believing too much.<br /> <br /> + 390<br /> <br /> Danger lies on the side of investigation, on the<br /> side + of thought. The perfectly idiotic are absolutely<br /> safe. As they + diverge from that point,—as they rise<br /> in the intellectual + scale, as the brain develops, as the<br /> faculties enlarge, the danger + increases. I know that<br /> some biblical students now take the ground + that<br /> Samson caught no foxes,—that he only took sheaves<br /> of + wheat that had been already cut and bound, set<br /> them on fire, and + threw them into the grain still<br /> standing. If this is what he did, of + course there is<br /> nothing miraculous about it, and the value of the<br /> + story is lost. So, others contend that Elijah was not<br /> fed by the + ravens, but by the Arabs. They tell us<br /> that the Hebrew word standing + for "Arab" also<br /> stands for "bird," and that the word really means<br /> + "migratory—going from place to place—homeless."<br /> But I + prefer the old version. It certainly will do no<br /> harm to believe that + ravens brought bread and flesh<br /> to a prophet of God. Where they got + their bread<br /> and flesh is none of my business; how they knew<br /> + where the prophet was, and recognized him; or how<br /> God talks to + ravens, or how he gave them directions,<br /> I have no right to inquire. I + leave these questions<br /> to the scientists, the blasphemers, and + thinkers.<br /> There are many people in the church anxious to<br /> <br /> + 391<br /> <br /> get the miracles out of the Bible, and thousands,<br /> I + have no doubt, would be greatly gratified to learn<br /> that there is, in + fact, nothing miraculous in Scripture;<br /> but when you take away the + miraculous, you take<br /> away the supernatural; when you take away the<br /> + supernatural, you destroy the ministry; and when<br /> you take away the + ministry, hundreds of thousands<br /> of men will be left without + employment.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it not wonderful that the + Egyptians<br /> were not converted by the miracles wrought in their<br /> + country?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, they all would have been, if God<br /> + had not purposely hardened their hearts to prevent<br /> it. Jehovah always + took great delight in furnishing<br /> the evidence, and then hardening the + man's heart so<br /> that he would not believe it. After all the miracles<br /> + that had been performed in Egypt,—the most won-<br /> derful that + were ever done in any country, the<br /> Egyptians were as unbelieving as + at first; they pur-<br /> sued the Israelites, knowing that they were + protected<br /> by an infinite God, and failing to overwhelm them,<br /> + came back and worshiped their own false gods just as<br /> firmly as + before. All of which shows the unreason-<br /> ableness of a Pagan, and the + natural depravity of<br /> human nature.<br /> <br /> 392<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How did it happen that the Canaanites<br /> were never convinced that the + Jews were assisted by<br /> Jehovah?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They must + have been an exceedingly<br /> brave people to contend so many years with + the<br /> chosen people of God. Notwithstanding all their<br /> cities were + burned time and time again; notwith-<br /> standing all the men, women and + children were put<br /> to the edge of the sword; notwithstanding the + taking<br /> of all their cattle and sheep, they went right on<br /> + fighting just as valiantly and desperately as ever.<br /> Each one lost his + life many times, and was just as<br /> ready for the next conflict. My own + opinion is, that<br /> God kept them alive by raising them from the dead<br /> + after each battle, for the purpose of punishing the<br /> Jews. God used + his enemies as instruments for the<br /> civilization of the Jewish people. + He did not wish<br /> to convert them, because they would give him much<br /> + more trouble as Jews than they did as Canaanites.<br /> He had all the Jews + he could conveniently take care<br /> of. He found it much easier to kill a + hundred<br /> Canaanites than to civilize one Jew.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How do you account for the fact that<br /> the heathen were not surprised + at the stopping of the<br /> sun and moon?<br /> <br /> 393<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + They were so ignorant that they had<br /> not the slightest conception of + the real cause of<br /> the phenomenon. Had they known the size of<br /> the + earth, and the relation it sustained to the other<br /> heavenly bodies; + had they known the magnitude of<br /> the sun, and the motion of the moon, + they would,<br /> in all probability, have been as greatly astonished as<br /> + the Jews were; but being densely ignorant of as-<br /> tronomy, it must + have produced upon them not the<br /> slightest impression. But we must + remember that<br /> the sun and moon were not stopped for the purpose<br /> + of converting these people, but to give Joshua more<br /> time to kill + them. As soon as we see clearly the<br /> purpose of Jehovah, we instantly + perceive how ad-<br /> mirable were the means adopted.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you not consider the treatment<br /> of the Canaanites to have been + cruel and ferocious?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. To a totally depraved man, + it does look<br /> cruel; to a being without any good in him,—to one<br /> + who has inherited the rascality of many generations,<br /> the murder of + innocent women and little children<br /> does seem horrible; to one who is + "contaminated in<br /> "all his parts," by original sin,—who was + "conceived<br /> "in sin, and brought forth in iniquity," the assassina-<br /> + tion of men, and the violation of captive maidens,<br /> <br /> 394<br /> + <br /> do not seem consistent with infinite goodness. But<br /> when one has + been "born again," when "the love<br /> "of God has been shed abroad in his + heart," when<br /> he loves all mankind, when he "overcomes evil with<br /> + "good," when he "prays for those who despite-<br /> "fully use him and + persecute him,"—to such a man,<br /> the extermination of the + Canaanites, the violation<br /> of women, the slaughter of babes, and the + destruc-<br /> tion of countless thousands, is the highest evidence<br /> of + the goodness, the mercy, and the long-suffering<br /> of God. When a man + has been "born again," all<br /> the passages of the Old Testament that + appear so<br /> horrible and so unjust to one in his natural state,<br /> + become the dearest, the most consoling, and the<br /> most beautiful of + truths. The real Christian reads<br /> the accounts of these ancient + battles with the greatest<br /> possible satisfaction. To one who really + loves his<br /> enemies, the groans of men, the shrieks of women,<br /> and + the cries of babes, make music sweeter than the<br /> zephyr's breath.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. In your judgment, why did God destroy<br /> the + Canaanites?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. To prevent their contaminating his<br /> + chosen people. He knew that if the Jews were<br /> allowed to live with + such neighbors, they would<br /> <br /> 395<br /> <br /> finally become as bad + as the Canaanites themselves.<br /> He wished to civilize his chosen + people, and it was<br /> therefore necessary for him to destroy the + heathen.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did God succeed in civilizing the + Jews<br /> after he had "removed" the Canaanites?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Well, not entirely. He had to allow the<br /> heathen he had not destroyed + to overrun the whole<br /> land and make captives of the Jews. This was + done<br /> for the good of his chosen people.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did he then succeed in civilizing them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Not quite.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he ever quite succeed in civilizing<br /> them?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, we must admit that the experi-<br /> ment never + was a conspicuous success. The Jews<br /> were chosen by the Almighty 430 + years before he<br /> appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai. He was their<br /> + direct Governor. He attended personally to their<br /> religion and + politics, and gave up a great part of his<br /> valuable time for about two + thousand years, to the<br /> management of their affairs; and yet, such was + the<br /> condition of the Jewish people, after they had had all<br /> these + advantages, that when there arose among them<br /> a perfectly kind, just, + generous and honest man, these<br /> people, with whom God had been + laboring for so<br /> <br /> 396<br /> <br /> many centuries, deliberately put + to death that good<br /> and loving man.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you + think that God really endeav-<br /> ored to civilize the Jews?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. This is an exceedingly hard question.<br /> If he had really + tried to do it, of course he could<br /> have done it. We must not think of + limiting the<br /> power of the infinite. But you must remember that<br /> + if he had succeeded in civilizing the Jews, if he had<br /> educated them + up to the plane of intellectual liberty,<br /> and made them just and kind + and merciful, like him-<br /> self, they would not have crucified Christ, + and you<br /> can see at once the awful condition in which we<br /> would + all be to-day. No atonement could have<br /> been made; and if no atonement + had been made,<br /> then, according to the Christian system, the whole<br /> + world would have been lost. We must admit that<br /> there was no time in + the history of the Jews from<br /> Sinai to Jerusalem, that they would not + have put a<br /> man like Christ to death.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. So + you think that, after all, it was not<br /> God's intention that the Jews + should become civilized?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We do not know. We can + only say<br /> that "God's ways are not our ways." It may be<br /> that God + took them in his special charge, for the<br /> <br /> 397<br /> <br /> purpose + of keeping them bad enough to make the<br /> necessary sacrifice. That may + have been the divine<br /> plan. In any event, it is safer to believe the + explana-<br /> tion that is the most unreasonable.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you think that Christ knew the<br /> Jews would crucify him?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that + when he chose<br /> Judas he knew that he would betray him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know when Judas went to the<br /> + chief priest and made the bargain for the delivery<br /> of Christ?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why did he + allow himself to be be-<br /> trayed, if he knew the plot?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Infidelity is a very good doctrine to live<br /> by, but you should read + the last words of Paine and<br /> Voltaire.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If + Christ knew that Judas would betray<br /> him, why did he choose him?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Nothing can exceed the atrocities of the<br /> French + Revolution—when they carried a woman<br /> through the streets and + worshiped her as the goddess<br /> of Reason.<br /> <br /> 398<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Would not the mission of Christ have<br /> been a failure had no one + betrayed him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Thomas Paine was a drunkard, and + re-<br /> canted on his death-bed, and died a blaspheming<br /> infidel + besides.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it not clear that an atonement was<br /> + necessary; and is it not equally clear that the atone-<br /> ment could not + have been made unless somebody<br /> had betrayed Christ; and unless the + Jews had been<br /> wicked and orthodox enough to crucify him?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Of course the atonement had to be<br /> made. It was a part + of the "divine plan" that Christ<br /> should be betrayed, and that the + Jews should be<br /> wicked enough to kill him. Otherwise, the world<br /> + would have been lost.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose Judas had + understood the<br /> divine plan, what ought he to have done? Should<br /> + he have betrayed Christ, or let somebody else do it;<br /> or should he + have allowed the world to perish, in-<br /> cluding his own soul?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. If you take the Bible away from the<br /> world, "how + would it be possible to have witnesses<br /> "sworn in courts;" how would + it be possible to ad-<br /> minister justice?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If Christ had not been betrayed and<br /> <br /> 399<br /> <br /> crucified, + is it true that his own mother would be in<br /> perdition to-day?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Most assuredly. There was but one<br /> way by which + she could be saved, and that was by<br /> the death of her son—through + the blood of the<br /> atonement. She was totally depraved through the<br /> + sin of Adam, and deserved eternal death. Even her<br /> love for the infant + Christ was, in the sight of God,—<br /> that is to say, of her babe,—wickedness. + It can not<br /> be repeated too often that there is only one way to<br /> + be saved, and that is, to believe in the Lord Jesus<br /> Christ.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Could Christ have prevented the Jews<br /> from + crucifying him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He could.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If he could have saved his life and did<br /> not, was he not guilty of + suicide?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No one can understand these questions<br /> + who has not read the prophecies of Daniel, and has<br /> not a clear + conception of what is meant by "the full-<br /> "ness of time."<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. What became of all the Canaanites, the<br /> Egyptians, + the Hindus, the Greeks and Romans and<br /> Chinese? What became of the + billions who died<br /> before the promise was made to Abraham; of the<br /> + <br /> 400<br /> <br /> billions and billions who never heard of the Bible,<br /> + who never heard the name, even, of Jesus Christ—<br /> never knew of + "the scheme of salvation"? What<br /> became of the millions and billions + who lived in this<br /> hemisphere, and of whose existence Jehovah himself<br /> + seemed perfectly ignorant?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. They were undoubtedly + lost. God<br /> having made them, had a right to do with them as<br /> he + pleased. They are probably all in hell to-day, and<br /> the fact that they + are damned, only adds to the joy<br /> of the redeemed. It is by contrast + that we are able<br /> to perceive the infinite kindness with which God has<br /> + treated us.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it not possible that something + can<br /> be done for a human soul in another world as well as<br /> in + this?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No; this is the only world in which<br /> + God even attempts to reform anybody. In the<br /> other world, nothing is + done for the purpose of<br /> making anybody better. Here in this world, + where<br /> man lives but a few days, is the only opportunity<br /> for + moral improvement. A minister can do a thou-<br /> sand times more for a + soul than its creator; and this<br /> country is much better adapted to + moral growth than<br /> heaven itself. A person who lived on this earth a<br /> + <br /> 401<br /> <br /> few years, and died without having been converted,<br /> + has no hope in another world. The moment he arrives<br /> at the judgment + seat, nothing remains but to damn<br /> him. Neither God, nor the Holy + Ghost, nor Jesus<br /> Christ, can have the least possible influence with<br /> + him there.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. When God created each human being,<br /> + did he know exactly what would be his eternal fate?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Most assuredly he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know that + hundreds and millions<br /> and billions would suffer eternal pain?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. But he gave them freedom<br /> of choice + between good and evil.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know exactly how + they would<br /> use that freedom?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know that billions would use<br /> it wrong?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was it optional with + him whether he<br /> should make such people or not?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Had these people any option as to<br /> + whether they would be made or not?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>, No.<br /> + <br /> 402<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Would it not have been far better to<br /> + leave them unconscious dust?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. These questions + show how foolish it is<br /> to judge God according to a human standard. + What<br /> to us seems just and merciful, God may regard in an<br /> exactly + opposite light; and we may hereafter be<br /> developed to such a degree + that we will regard the<br /> agonies of the damned as the highest possible + evi-<br /> dence of the goodness and mercy of God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How do you account for the fact that<br /> God did not make himself known + except to Abra-<br /> ham and his descendants? Why did he fail to<br /> + reveal himself to the other nations—nations that,<br /> compared with + the Jews, were learned, cultivated<br /> and powerful? Would you regard a + revelation now<br /> made to the Esquimaux as intended for us; and<br /> + would it be a revelation of which we would be<br /> obliged to take notice?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course, God could have revealed him-<br /> self, + not only to all the great nations, but to each<br /> individual. He could + have had the Ten Command-<br /> ments engraved on every heart and brain; or + he<br /> could have raised up prophets in every land; but<br /> he chose, + rather, to allow countless millions of his<br /> children to wander in the + darkness and blackness of<br /> <br /> 403<br /> <br /> Nature; chose, rather, + that they should redden their<br /> hands in each other's blood; chose, + rather, that they<br /> should live without light, and die without hope;<br /> + chose, rather, that they should suffer, not only in this<br /> world, but + forever in the next. Of course we have<br /> no right to find fault with + the choice of God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Now you can tell a sinner + to "believe<br /> "on the Lord Jesus Christ;" what could a sinner have<br /> + been told in Egypt, three thousand years ago; and<br /> in what language + would you have addressed a Hindu<br /> in the days of Buddha—the + "divine scheme" at that<br /> time being a secret in the divine breast?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is not for us to think upon these<br /> questions. + The moment we examine the Christian<br /> system, we begin to doubt. In a + little while, we shall<br /> be infidels, and shall lose the respect of + those who<br /> refuse to think. It is better to go with the majority.<br /> + These doctrines are too sacred to be touched. You<br /> should be satisfied + with the religion of your father<br /> and your mother. "You want some book + on the<br /> "centre-table," in the parlor; it is extremely handy<br /> to + have a Family Record; and what book, other than<br /> the Bible, could a + mother give a son as he leaves the<br /> old homestead?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Is it not wonderful that all the writers<br /> <br /> 404<br /> <br /> of the + four gospels do not give an account of the<br /> ascension of Jesus Christ?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. This question has been answered long<br /> ago, time + and time again.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Perhaps it has, but would it + not be<br /> well enough to answer it once more? Some may<br /> not have + seen the answer?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Show me the hospitals that + infidels<br /> have built; show me the asylums that infidels<br /> have + founded.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. I know you have given the usual an-<br /> + swer; but after all, is it not singular that a miracle<br /> so wonderful + as the bodily ascension of a man, should<br /> not have been mentioned by + all the writers of that<br /> man's life? Is it not wonderful that some of + them<br /> said that he did ascend, and others that he agreed to<br /> stay + with his disciples always?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. People unacquainted + with the Hebrew,<br /> can have no conception of these things. A story<br /> + in plain English, does not sound as it does in Hebrew.<br /> Miracles seem + altogether more credible, when told in<br /> a dead language.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What, in your judgment, became of<br /> the dead who were raised by Christ? + Is it not<br /> singular that they were never mentioned afterward?<br /> + <br /> 405<br /> <br /> Would not a man who had been raised from the<br /> + dead naturally be an object of considerable interest,<br /> especially to + his friends and acquaintances? And<br /> is it not also wonderful that + Christ, after having<br /> wrought so many miracles, cured so many lame and<br /> + halt and blind, fed so many thousands miraculously,<br /> and after having + entered Jerusalem in triumph as a<br /> conqueror and king, had to be + pointed out by one<br /> of his own disciples who was bribed for the + purpose?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course, all these things are exceed-<br /> + ingly wonderful, and if found in any other book,<br /> would be absolutely + incredible; but we have no<br /> right to apply the same kind of reasoning + to the<br /> Bible that we apply to the Koran or to the sacred<br /> books + of the Hindus. For the ordinary affairs of<br /> this world, God has given + us reason; but in the<br /> examination of religious questions, we should + de-<br /> pend upon credulity and faith.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If + Christ came to offer himself a sacri-<br /> fice, for the purpose of making + atonement for the<br /> sins of such as might believe on him, why did he<br /> + not make this fact known to all of his disciples?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + He did. This was, and is, the gospel.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How is + it that Matthew says nothing<br /> about "salvation by faith," but simply + says that God<br /> <br /> 406<br /> <br /> will be merciful to the merciful, + that he will forgive<br /> the forgiving, and says not one word about the<br /> + necessity of believing anything?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. But you will + remember that Mark says,<br /> in the last chapter of his gospel, that + "whoso be-<br /> "lieveth not shall be damned."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you admit that Matthew says<br /> nothing on the subject?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Yes, I suppose I must.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is not that passage in + Mark generally<br /> admitted to be an interpolation?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Some biblical scholars say that it is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is that + portion of the last chapter of<br /> Mark found in the Syriac version of + the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If it was necessary to believe on Jesus<br /> Christ, in order to be saved, + how is it that Matthew<br /> failed to say so?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + "There are more copies of the Bible<br /> "printed to-day, than of any + other book in the world,<br /> "and it is printed in more languages than + any other<br /> "book."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you consider it + necessary to be<br /> "regenerated"—to be "born again"—in order + to be<br /> saved?<br /> <br /> 407<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did Matthew say anything on the sub-<br /> ject of + "regeneration"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did Mark?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did + Luke?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is Saint + John the only one who speaks<br /> of the necessity of being "born again"?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that + Matthew, Mark and<br /> Luke knew anything about the necessity of "regen-<br /> + "eration"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course they did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Why did they fail to speak of it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. There is no + civilization without the Bible.<br /> The moment you throw away the sacred + Scriptures,<br /> you are all at sea—you are without an anchor and<br /> + without a compass.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. You will remember that, + according to<br /> Mark, Christ said to his disciples: "Go ye into all<br /> + "the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."<br /> Did he refer to + the gospel set forth by Mark?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he did.<br /> + <br /> 408<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Well, in the gospel set forth by + Mark,<br /> there is not a word about "regeneration," and no<br /> word + about the necessity of believing anything—ex-<br /> cept in an + interpolated passage. Would it not seem<br /> from this, that + "regeneration" and a "belief in the<br /> "Lord Jesus Christ," are no part + of the gospel?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Nothing can exceed in horror the + last<br /> moments of the infidel; nothing can be more ter-<br /> rible than + the death of the doubter. When the<br /> glories of this world fade from + the vision; when am-<br /> bition becomes an empty name; when wealth turns<br /> + to dust in the palsied hand of death, of what use is<br /> philosophy then? + Who cares then for the pride of<br /> intellect? In that dread moment, man + needs some-<br /> thing to rely on, whether it is true or not.<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Would it not have been more con-<br /> vincing if Christ, + after his resurrection, had shown<br /> himself to his enemies as well as + to his friends?<br /> Would it not have greatly strengthened the evidence<br /> + in the case, if he had visited Pilate; had presented<br /> himself before + Caiaphas, the high priest; if he had<br /> again entered the temple, and + again walked the<br /> streets of Jerusalem?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. If + the evidence had been complete and<br /> overwhelming, there would have + been no praise-<br /> <br /> 409<br /> <br /> worthiness in belief; even + publicans and sinners<br /> would have believed, if the evidence had been + suffi-<br /> cient. The amount of evidence required is the test<br /> of the + true Christian spirit.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Would it not also have + been better<br /> had the ascension taken place in the presence of<br /> + unbelieving thousands; it seems such a pity to have<br /> wasted such a + demonstration upon those already<br /> convinced?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + These questions are the natural fruit of<br /> the carnal mind, and can be + accounted for only by<br /> the doctrine of total depravity. Nothing has + given<br /> the church more trouble than just such questions.<br /> Unholy + curiosity, a disposition to pry into the divine<br /> mysteries, a desire + to know, to investigate, to explain<br /> —in short, to understand, + are all evidences of a re-<br /> probate mind.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How can we account for the fact that<br /> Matthew alone speaks of the wise + men of the East<br /> coming with gifts to the infant Christ; that he alone<br /> + speaks of the little babes being killed by Herod? Is<br /> it possible that + the other writers never heard of these<br /> things?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Nobody can get any good out of the<br /> Bible by reading it in a critical + spirit. The contra-<br /> <br /> 410<br /> <br /> dictions and discrepancies + are only apparent, and melt<br /> away before the light of faith. That + which in other<br /> books would be absolute and palpable contradiction,<br /> + is, in the Bible, when spiritually discerned, a perfect<br /> and beautiful + harmony. My own opinion is, that<br /> seeming contradictions are in the + Bible for the pur-<br /> pose of testing and strengthening the faith of + Chris-<br /> tians, and for the further purpose of ensnaring infidels,<br /> + "that they might believe a lie and be damned."<br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it + possible that a good God would<br /> take pains to deceive his children?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The Bible is filled with instances of that<br /> kind, + and all orthodox ministers now know that<br /> fossil animals—that + is, representations of animals in<br /> stone, were placed in the rocks on + purpose to mis-<br /> lead men like Darwin and Humboldt, Huxley and<br /> + Tyndall. It is also now known that God, for the<br /> purpose of misleading + the so-called men of science,<br /> had hairy elephants preserved in ice, + made stomachs<br /> for them, and allowed twigs of trees to be found in<br /> + these stomachs, when, as a matter of fact, no such<br /> elephants ever + lived or ever died. These men who<br /> are endeavoring to overturn the + Scriptures with the<br /> lever of science will find that they have been + de-<br /> ceived. Through all eternity they will regret their<br /> <br /> + 411<br /> <br /> philosophy. They will wish, in the next world, that<br /> + they had thrown away geology and physiology and<br /> all other "ologies" + except theology. The time is<br /> coming when Jehovah will "mock at their + fears and<br /> "laugh at their calamity."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If + Joseph was not the father of Christ,<br /> why was his genealogy given to + show that Christ<br /> was of the blood of David; why would not the<br /> + genealogy of any other Jew have done as well?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + That objection was raised and answered<br /> hundreds of years ago.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. If they wanted to show that Christ was of<br /> the + blood of David, why did they not give the gene-<br /> alogy of his mother + if Joseph was not his father?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. That objection was + answered hundreds<br /> of years ago.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How was + it answered?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. When Voltaire was dying, he sent + for a<br /> priest.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How does it happen that the + two gene-<br /> alogies given do not agree?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Perhaps they were written by different<br /> persons.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Were both these persons inspired by<br /> the same God?<br /> <br /> 412<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why were the + miracles recorded in the<br /> New Testament performed?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + The miracles were the evidence relied<br /> on to prove the supernatural + origin and the divine<br /> mission of Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Aside from the miracles, is there any<br /> evidence to show the + supernatural origin or character<br /> of Jesus Christ?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Some have considered that his moral<br /> precepts are sufficient, of + themselves, to show that<br /> he was divine.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Had all of his moral precepts been<br /> taught before he lived?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. The same things had been said, but they<br /> did not have + the same meaning.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Does the fact that Buddha + taught the<br /> same tend to show that he was of divine origin?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Certainly not. The rules of evidence<br /> applicable to the + Bible are not applicable to other<br /> books. We examine other books in + the light of<br /> reason; the Bible is the only exception. So, we<br /> + should not judge of Christ as we do of any other<br /> man.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you think that Christ wrought<br /> <br /> 413<br /> <br /> many of his + miracles because he was good, charitable,<br /> and filled with pity?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Has he as much + power now as he had<br /> when on earth?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Most + assuredly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is he as charitable and pitiful + now, as<br /> he was then?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Why does he not now cure the lame<br /> and the halt and the blind?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is well known that, when Julian the<br /> Apostate + was dying, catching some of his own blood<br /> in his hand and throwing it + into the air he exclaimed:<br /> "Galileean, thou hast conquered!"<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you consider it our duty to love our<br /> + neighbor?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Is virtue the same in all worlds?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Most + assuredly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Are we under obligation to render + good<br /> for evil, and to "pray for those who despitefully use us"?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Will Christians in + heaven love their<br /> neighbors?<br /> <br /> 414<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Y es; if their neighbors are not in hell.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do + good Christians pity sinners in this<br /> world?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because + they regard them as being in<br /> great danger of the eternal wrath of + God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. After these sinners have died, and<br /> + been sent to hell, will the Christians in heaven then<br /> pity them?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. Angels have no pity.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If we are under obligation to love our<br /> enemies, is not God under + obligation to love his?<br /> If we forgive our enemies, ought not God to + forgive<br /> his? If we forgive those who injure us, ought not<br /> God to + forgive those who have not injured him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. God made + us, and he has therefore the<br /> right to do with us as he pleases. + Justice demands<br /> that he should damn all of us, and the few that he<br /> + will save will be saved through mercy and without<br /> the slightest + respect to anything they may have done<br /> themselves. Such is the + justice of God, that those<br /> in hell will have no right to complain, + and those in<br /> heaven will have no right to be there. Hell is justice,<br /> + and salvation is charity.<br /> <br /> 415<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do + you consider it possible for a law to<br /> be jusdy satisfied by the + punishment of an innocent<br /> person?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Such is + the scheme of the atonement.<br /> As man is held responsible for the sin + of Adam, so<br /> he will be credited with the virtues of Christ; and<br /> + you can readily see that one is exactly as reasonable<br /> as the other.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose a man honestly reads the New<br /> + Testament, and honestly concludes that it is not an<br /> inspired book; + suppose he honestly makes up his<br /> mind that the miracles are not true; + that the devil<br /> never really carried Christ to the pinnacle of the<br /> + temple; that devils were really never cast out of a<br /> man and allowed + to take refuge in swine;—I say,<br /> suppose that he is honestly + convinced that these<br /> things are not true, what ought he to say?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He ought to say nothing.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Suppose that the same man should read<br /> the Koran, and come to the + conclusion that it is not<br /> an inspired book; what ought he to say?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He ought to say that it is not inspired;<br /> his + fellow-men are entitled to his honest opinion, and<br /> it is his duty to + do what he can do to destroy a per-<br /> nicious superstition.<br /> <br /> + 416<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose then, that a reader of the Bible,<br /> + having become convinced that it is not inspired—<br /> honestly + convinced—says nothing—keeps his con-<br /> clusion absolutely + to himself, and suppose he dies in<br /> that belief, can he be saved?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Has the + honesty of his belief anything<br /> to do with his future condition?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Nothing whatever.,<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Suppose that he tried to believe, that<br /> he hated to disagree with his + friends, and with his<br /> parents, but that in spite of himself he was + forced to<br /> the conclusion that the Bible is not the inspired word<br /> + of God, would he then deserve eternal punishment?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly he would.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Can a man control his + belief?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He cannot—except as to the Bible.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you consider it just in God to<br /> create a man + who cannot believe the Bible, and then<br /> damn him because he does not?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Such is my belief.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it + your candid opinion that a man<br /> who does not believe the Bible should + keep his<br /> belief a secret from his fellow-men?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + It is.<br /> <br /> 417<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do I know that you + believe the<br /> Bible? You have told me that if you did not be-<br /> + lieve it, you would not tell me?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. There is no way + for you to ascertain,<br /> except by taking my word for it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What will be the fate of a man who<br /> does not believe it, and yet + pretends to believe it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He will be damned.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then hypocrisy will not save him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. And if he does not believe it, and ad-<br /> + mits that he does not believe it, then his honesty will<br /> not save him?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. Honesty on the wrong side is no<br /> better than + hypocrisy on the right side.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do we know who + wrote the gospels?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; we do.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Are we absolutely sure who wrote<br /> them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of + course; we have the evidence as it<br /> has come to us through the + Catholic Church.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Can we rely upon the Catholic + Church<br /> now?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No; assuredly no! But we have + the<br /> testimony of Polycarp and Irenæus and Clement,<br /> <br /> + 418<br /> <br /> and others of the early fathers, together with that of<br /> + the Christian historian, Eusebius.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do we + really know about Polycarp?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We know that he + suffered martyrdom un-<br /> der Marcus Aurelius, and that for quite a time + the fire<br /> refused to burn his body, the flames arching over him,<br /> + leaving him in a kind of fiery tent; and we also know<br /> that from his + body came a fragrance like frankincense,<br /> and that the Pagans were so + exasperated at seeing<br /> the miracle, that one of them thrust a sword + through<br /> the body of Polycarp; that the blood flowed out and<br /> + extinguished the flames and that out of the wound<br /> flew the soul of + the martyr in the form of a dove.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is that all + we know about Polycarp?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, with the exception + of a few more<br /> like incidents.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do we know + that Polycarp ever met<br /> St. John?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; + Eusebius says so.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Are we absolutely certain + that he ever<br /> lived?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, or Eusebius could + not have written<br /> about him.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do we know + anything of the character<br /> of Eusebius?<br /> <br /> 419<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Yes; we know that he was untruthful<br /> only when he wished to do good. + But God can use<br /> even the dishonest. Other books have to be sub-<br /> + stantiated by truthful men, but such is the power of<br /> God, that he can + establish the inspiration of the Bible<br /> by the most untruthful + witnesses. If God's witnesses<br /> were honest, anybody could believe, and + what be-<br /> comes of faith, one of the greatest virtues?<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Is the New Testament now the same as<br /> it was in the days of the early + fathers?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly not. Many books now thrown<br /> + out, and not esteemed of divine origin, were esteemed<br /> divine by + Polycarp and Irenæus and Clement and<br /> many of the early + churches. These books are now<br /> called "apocryphal."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Have you not the same witnesses in<br /> favor of their authenticity, that + you have in favor of<br /> the gospels?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Precisely + the same. Except that they<br /> were thrown out.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Why were they thrown out?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because the Catholic + Church did not es-<br /> teem them inspired.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did the Catholics decide for us which<br /> are the true gospels and which + are the true epistles?<br /> <br /> 420<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes. The + Catholic Church was then the<br /> only church, and consequently must have + been the<br /> true church.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How did the + Catholic Church select the<br /> true books?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Councils were called, and votes were<br /> taken, very much as we now pass + resolutions in<br /> political meetings.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was + the Catholic Church infallible then?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It was + then, but it is not now.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If the Catholic + Church at that time<br /> had thrown out the book of Revelation, would it<br /> + now be our duty to believe that book to have been<br /> inspired?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No, I suppose not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it + not true that some of these books<br /> were adopted by exceedingly small + majorities?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + If the Epistle to the Hebrews and to<br /> the Romans, and the book of + Revelation had been<br /> thrown out, could a man now be saved who honestly<br /> + believes the rest of the books?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. This is + doubtful.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Were the men who picked out the in-<br /> + spired books inspired?<br /> <br /> 421<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We cannot + tell, but the probability is<br /> that they were.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do we know that they picked out the<br /> right ones?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Well, not exactly, but we believe that<br /> they did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Are we certain that some of the books<br /> that were thrown out were not + inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, the only way to tell is to read<br /> + them carefully.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If upon reading these + apocryphal books<br /> a man concludes that they are not inspired, will he + be<br /> damned for that reason?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. Certainly + not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If he concludes that some of them are<br /> + inspired, and believes them, will he then be damned<br /> for that belief?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Oh, no! Nobody is ever damned for<br /> believing too + much.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Does the fact that the books now com-<br /> + prising the New Testament were picked out by the<br /> Catholic Church + prevent their being examined now<br /> by an honest man, as they were + examined at the time<br /> they were picked out?<br /> <br /> 422<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. No; not if the man comes to the con-<br /> clusion that they + are inspired.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Does the fact that the Catholic + Church<br /> picked them out and declared them to be inspired,<br /> render + it a crime to examine them precisely as you<br /> would examine the books + that the Catholic Church<br /> threw out and declared were not inspired?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I think it does.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. At the + time the council was held in which<br /> it was determined which of the + books of the New<br /> Testament are inspired, a respectable minority voted<br /> + against some that were finally decided to be inspired.<br /> If they were + honest in the vote they gave, and died<br /> without changing their + opinions, are they now in hell?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, they ought + to be.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If those who voted to leave the book<br /> + of Revelation out of the canon, and the gospel of<br /> Saint John out of + the canon, believed honestly that<br /> these were not inspired books, how + should they have<br /> voted?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, I suppose a + man ought to vote as<br /> he honestly believes—except in matters of + religion.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If the Catholic Church was not + infal-<br /> lible, is the question still open as to what books are,<br /> + and what are not, inspired?<br /> <br /> 423<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I + suppose the question is still open—<br /> but it would be dangerous + to decide it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If, then, I examine all the + books again,<br /> and come to the conclusion that some that were<br /> + thrown out were inspired, and some that were ac-<br /> cepted were not + inspired, ought I to say so?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Not if it is + contrary to the faith of your<br /> father, or calculated to interfere with + your own po-<br /> litical prospects.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it as + great a sin to admit into the<br /> Bible books that are uninspired as to + reject those<br /> that are inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, it is + a crime to reject an inspired<br /> book, no matter how unsatisfactory the + evidence is<br /> for its inspiration, but it is not a crime to receive an<br /> + uninspired book. God damns nobody for believing<br /> too much. An excess + of credulity is simply to err in<br /> the direction of salvation.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose a man disbelieves in the inspira-<br /> tion + of the New Testament—believes it to be entirely<br /> the work of + uninspired men; and suppose he also be-<br /> lieves—but not from any + evidence obtained in the New<br /> Testament—that Jesus Christ was + the son of God, and<br /> that he made atonement for his soul, can he then + be<br /> saved without a belief in the inspiration of the Bible?<br /> <br /> + 424<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. This has not yet been decided by<br /> our + church, and I do not wish to venture an<br /> opinion.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Suppose a man denies the inspiration<br /> of the Scriptures; suppose that + he also denies the<br /> divinity of Jesus Christ; and suppose, further, + that<br /> he acts precisely as Christ is said to have acted;<br /> suppose + he loves his enemies, prays for those who<br /> despitefully use him, and + does all the good he pos-<br /> sibly can, is it your opinion that such a + man will be<br /> saved?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No, sir. There is "none + other name<br /> "given under heaven and among men," whereby a<br /> sinner + can be saved but the name of Christ.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then it + is your opinion that God<br /> would save a murderer who believed in + Christ, and<br /> would damn another man, exactly like Christ, who<br /> + failed to believe in him?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; because we have + the blessed<br /> promise that, out of Christ, "our God is a consuming<br /> + "fire."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Suppose a man read the Bible care-<br /> + fully and honestly, and was not quite convinced that<br /> it was true, and + that while examining the subject, he<br /> died; what then?<br /> <br /> 425<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I do not believe that God would allow<br /> him to + examine the matter in another world, or to<br /> make up his mind in + heaven. Of course, he would<br /> eternally perish.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Could Christ now furnish evidence<br /> enough to convince every human + being of the truth<br /> of the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course + he could, because he is in-<br /> finite.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Are + any miracles performed now?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Oh, no!<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Have we any testimony, except human<br /> testimony, to + substantiate any miracle?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Only human testimony.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do all men give the same force to the<br /> same + evidence?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. By no means.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Have all honest men who have exam-<br /> ined the Bible believed it to be + inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course they have. Infidels are not<br /> + honest.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Could any additional evidence have<br /> + been furnished?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. With perfect ease.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Would God allow a soul to suffer<br /> <br /> 426<br /> <br /> eternal agony + rather than furnish evidence of the<br /> truth of his Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + God has furnished plenty of evidence,<br /> and altogether more than was + really necessary. We<br /> should read the Bible in a believing spirit.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Are all parts of the inspired books<br /> equally + true?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Necessarily.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + According to Saint Matthew, God<br /> promises to forgive all who will + forgive others; not<br /> one word is said about believing in Christ, or + believ-<br /> ing in the miracles, or in any Bible; did Matthew tell<br /> + the truth?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The Bible must be taken as a whole;<br /> + and if other conditions are added somewhere else,<br /> then you must + comply with those other conditions.<br /> Matthew may not have stated all + the conditions.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. I find in another part of the + New<br /> Testament, that a young man came to Christ and<br /> asked him + what was necessary for him to do in order<br /> that he might inherit + eternal life. Christ did not tell<br /> him that he must believe the Bible, + or that he must<br /> believe in him, or that he must keep the Sabbath-<br /> + day; was Christ honest with that young man?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Well, I suppose he was.<br /> <br /> 427<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. You + will also recollect that Zaccheus<br /> said to Christ, that where he had + wronged any man<br /> he had made restitution, and further, that half his<br /> + goods he had given to the poor; and you will re-<br /> member that Christ + said to Zaccheus: "This day<br /> "hath salvation come to thy house." Why + did not<br /> Christ tell Zaccheus that he "must be born again;"<br /> that + he must "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of + course there are mysteries in our<br /> holy religion that only those who + have been "born<br /> "again" can understand. You must remember that<br /> + "the carnal mind is enmity with God."<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it + not strange that Christ, in his Ser-<br /> mon on the Mount, did not speak + of "regeneration,"<br /> or of the "scheme of salvation"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Well, it may be.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Can a man be saved now by + living<br /> exactly in accordance with the Sermon on the Mount?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. He can not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Would then a man, + by following the<br /> course of conduct prescribed by Christ in the Sermon<br /> + on the Mount, lose his soul?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He most certainly + would, because there<br /> is not one word in the Sermon on the Mount about<br /> + believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; not one word<br /> <br /> 428<br /> <br /> + about believing in the Bible; not one word about the<br /> "atonement;" not + one word about "regeneration."<br /> So that, if the Presbyterian Church is + right, it is abso-<br /> lutely certain that a man might follow the + teachings<br /> of the Sermon on the Mount, and live in accordance<br /> + with its every word, and yet deserve and receive the<br /> eternal + condemnation of God. But we must remem-<br /> ber that the Sermon on the + Mount was preached be-<br /> fore Christianity existed. Christ was talking + to Jews.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did Christ write anything himself, in<br /> + the New Testament?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Not a word.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did he tell any of his disciples to write<br /> any of his words?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. There is no account of it, if he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do we know whether any of the dis-<br /> ciples wrote anything?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Of course they did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you + know?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because the gospels bear their names.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Are you satisfied that Christ was abso-<br /> lutely + God?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he was. We believe that<br /> + Christ and God and the Holy Ghost are all the same,<br /> that the three + form one, and that each one is three.<br /> <br /> 429<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Was Christ the God of the universe at<br /> the time of his birth?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. He certainly was.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Was he + the infinite God, creator<br /> and controller of the entire universe, + before he was<br /> born?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he was. This + is the mystery<br /> of "God manifest in the flesh." The infidels have<br /> + pretended that he was like any other child, and was<br /> in fact supported + by Nature instead of being the<br /> supporter of Nature. They have + insisted that like<br /> other children, he had to be cared for by his + mother.<br /> Of course he appeared to be cared for by his mother.<br /> It + was a part of the plan that in all respects he should<br /> appear to be + like other children.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did he know just as much + before he<br /> was born as after?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. If he was God + of course he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you account for the + fact that<br /> Saint Luke tells us, in the last verse of the second<br /> + chapter of his gospel, that "Jesus increased in wis-<br /> "dom and + stature"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. That I presume is a figure of speech;<br /> + because, if he was God, he certainly could not have<br /> increased in + wisdom. The physical part of him could<br /> <br /> 430<br /> <br /> increase + in stature, but the intellectual part must have<br /> been infinite all the + time.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that Luke was mistaken?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No; I believe what Luke said. If it<br /> appears + untrue, or impossible, then I know that it is<br /> figurative or + symbolical.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did I understand you to say that + Christ<br /> was actually God?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he was.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then why did Luke say in the same<br /> verse of the + same chapter that "Jesus increased in<br /> "favor with God"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + I dare you to go into a room by your-<br /> self and read the fourteenth + chapter of Saint John!<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is it necessary to + understand the Bible<br /> in order to be saved?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Certainly not; it is only necessary that<br /> you believe it.<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Is it necessary to believe all the<br /> miracles?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It may not be necessary, but as it is im-<br /> + possible to tell which ones can safely be left out, you<br /> had better + believe them all.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Then you regard belief as + the safe<br /> way?<br /> <br /> 431<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course it + is better to be fooled in this<br /> world than to be damned in the next.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think that there are any cruel-<br /> ties on + God's part recorded in the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. At first + flush, many things done by God<br /> himself, as well as by his prophets, + appear to be<br /> cruel; but if we examine them closely, we will find<br /> + them to be exactly the opposite.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you + explain the story of Elisha<br /> and the children,—where the two + she-bears destroyed<br /> forty-two children on account of their impudence?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. This miracle, in my judgment, estab-<br /> lishes two + things: 1. That children should be polite<br /> to ministers, and 2. That + God is kind to animals—<br /> "giving them their meat in due season." + These<br /> bears have been great educators—they are the<br /> + foundation of the respect entertained by the young<br /> for theologians. + No child ever sees a minister now<br /> without thinking of a bear.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you think of the story of<br /> Daniel—you + no doubt remember it? Some men<br /> told the king that Daniel was praying + contrary to<br /> law, and thereupon Daniel was cast into a den of<br /> + lions; but the lions could not touch him, their<br /> mouths having been + shut by angels. The next<br /> <br /> 432<br /> <br /> morning, the king, + finding that Daniel was still<br /> intact, had him taken out; and then, + for the purpose<br /> of gratifying Daniels God, the king had all the men<br /> + who had made the complaint against Daniel, and<br /> their wives and their + little children, brought and cast<br /> into the lions' den. According to + the account, the<br /> lions were so hungry that they caught these wives<br /> + and children as they dropped, and broke all their<br /> bones in pieces + before they had even touched the<br /> ground. Is it not wonderful that God + failed to pro-<br /> tect these innocent wives and children?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + These wives and children were heathen;<br /> they were totally depraved. + And besides, they were<br /> used as witnesses. The fact that they were + devoured<br /> with such quickness shows that the lions were<br /> hungry. + Had it not been for this, infidels would<br /> have accounted for the + safety of Daniel by saying<br /> that the lions had been fed.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you believe that Shadrach, Meshach<br /> and Abednego were cast "into a + burning fiery furnace<br /> "heated one seven times hotter than it was wont + to<br /> "be heated," and that they had on "their coats, their<br /> "hosen + and their hats," and that when they came<br /> out "not a hair of their + heads was singed, nor was<br /> "the smell of fire upon their garments"?<br /> + <br /> 433<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The evidence of this miracle is + exceed-<br /> ingly satisfactory. It resulted in the conversion of<br /> + Nebuchadnezzar.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you know he was + converted?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because immediately after the miracle<br /> + the king issued a decree that "every people, nation<br /> "and language + that spoke anything amiss against<br /> "the God of Shadrach and Company, + should be cut<br /> "in pieces." This decree shows that he had become<br /> + a true disciple and worshiper of Jehovah.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If + God in those days preserved from<br /> the fury of the fire men who were + true to him and<br /> would not deny his name, why is it that he has failed<br /> + to protect thousands of martyrs since that time?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + This is one of the divine mysteries.<br /> God has in many instances + allowed his enemies to<br /> kill his friends. I suppose this was allowed + for the<br /> good of his enemies, that the heroism of the mar-<br /> tyrs + might convert them.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you believe all the + miracles?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I believe them all, because I believe + the<br /> Bible to be inspired.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What makes you + think it is inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I have never seen anybody + who knew<br /> it was not; besides, my father and mother believed it.<br /> + <br /> 434<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have you any other reasons for be-<br /> + lieving it to be inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; there are more + copies of the Bible<br /> printed than of any other book; and it is printed + in<br /> more languages. And besides, it would be impossible<br /> to get + along without it.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why could we not get along + without it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. We would have nothing to swear wit-<br /> + nesses by; no book in which to keep the family<br /> record; nothing for + the centre-table, and nothing for<br /> a mother to give her son. No nation + can be civilized<br /> without the Bible.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Did + God always know that a Bible was<br /> necessary to civilize a country?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly he did.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why did + he not give a Bible to<br /> the Egyptians, the Hindus, the Greeks and the<br /> + Romans?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. It is astonishing what perfect fools in-<br /> + fidels are.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why do you call infidels "fools"?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because I find in the fifth chapter of the<br /> + gospel according to Matthew the following: "Who-<br /> "soever shall say + 'Thou fool!' shall be in danger of<br /> "hell fire."<br /> <br /> 435<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have I the right to read the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Yes. You not only have the right, but<br /> it is your duty.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + In reading the Bible the words make<br /> certain impressions on my mind. + These impressions<br /> depend upon my brain,—upon my intelligence. + Is<br /> not this true?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course, when you read + the Bible, im-<br /> pressions are made upon your mind.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Can I control these impressions?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I do not think + you can, as long as you<br /> remain in a sinful state.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + How am I to get out of this sinful state?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. You + must believe on the Lord Jesus<br /> Christ, and you must read the Bible in + a prayerful<br /> spirit and with a believing heart.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Suppose that doubts force themselves<br /> upon my mind?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Then you will know that you are a sin-<br /> ner, and that you are + depraved.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If I have the right to read the + Bible,<br /> have I the right to try to understand it?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Most assuredly.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you admit that I have the + right to<br /> reason about it and to investigate it?<br /> <br /> 436<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; I admit that. Of course you can-<br /> not help + reasoning about what you read.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Does the right + to read a book include<br /> the right to give your opinion as to the truth + of what<br /> the book contains?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course,—if + the book is not inspired.<br /> Infidels hate the Bible because it is + inspired, and<br /> Christians know that it is inspired because infidels<br /> + say that it is not.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have I the right to decide + for myself<br /> whether or not the book is inspired?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + You have no right to deny the truth of<br /> God's Holy Word.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Is God the author of all books?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly not.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have I the right to say that God did<br /> not write + the Koran?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because the Koran was written by an<br /> impostor.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you know?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. My + reason tells me so.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have you the right to be + guided by<br /> your reason?<br /> <br /> 437<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I + must be.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Have you the same right to follow + your<br /> reason after reading the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. + The Bible is the standard of reason.<br /> The Bible is not to be judged or + corrected by your<br /> reason. Your reason is to be weighed and measured<br /> + by the Bible. The Bible is different from other<br /> books and must not be + read in the same critical spirit,<br /> nor judged by the same standard.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What did God give us reason for?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + So that we might investigate other<br /> religions, and examine other + so-called sacred books.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. If a man honestly + thinks that the Bible<br /> is not inspired, what should he say?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. He should admit that he is mistaken.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + When he thinks he is right?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes. The Bible is + different from other<br /> books. It is the master of reason. You read the<br /> + Bible, not to see if that is wrong, but to see<br /> whether your reason is + right. It is the only book<br /> about which a man has no right to reason. + He must<br /> believe. The Bible is addressed, not to the reason,<br /> but + to the ears: "He that hath ears to hear, let<br /> "him hear."<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Do you think we have the right to tell<br /> <br /> 438<br /> + <br /> what the Bible means—what ideas God intended to<br /> convey, + or has conveyed to us, through the medium<br /> of the Bible?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Well, I suppose you have that right.<br /> Yes, that must be your duty. You + certainly ought<br /> to tell others what God has said to you.<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Do all men get the same ideas from<br /> the Bible?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you account + for that?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because all men are not alike; they<br /> + differ in intellect, in education, and in experience.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Who has the right to decide as to the<br /> real ideas that God intended to + convey?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I am a Protestant, and believe in the<br /> + right of private judgment. Whoever does not is a<br /> Catholic. Each man + must be his own judge, but God<br /> will hold him responsible.<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Does God believe in the right of private<br /> judgment?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Of course he does.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Is he + willing that I should exercise my<br /> judgment in deciding whether the + Bible is inspired or<br /> not?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. No. He believes + in the exercise of<br /> <br /> 439<br /> <br /> private judgment only in the + examination and rejec-<br /> tion of other books than the Bible.<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Is he a Catholic?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. I cannot + answer blasphemy! Let me<br /> tell you that God will "laugh at your + calamity, and<br /> "will mock when your fear cometh." You will be<br /> + accursed.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Why do you curse infidels?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Because I am a Christian.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Did not Christ say that we ought to<br /> "bless those who curse us," and + that we should<br /> "love our enemies"?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes, but + he cursed the Pharisees and<br /> called them "hypocrites" and "vipers."<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. How do you account for that?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + It simply shows the difference between<br /> theory and practice.<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you consider the best way to<br /> answer + infidels.<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The old way is the best. You should<br /> + say that their arguments are ancient, and have been<br /> answered over and + over again. If this does not<br /> satisfy your hearers, then you should + attack the<br /> character of the infidel—then that of his parents—<br /> + then that of his children.<br /> <br /> 440<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Suppose that the infidel is a good man,<br /> how will you answer him then?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. But an infidel cannot be a good man.<br /> Even if he + is, it is better that he should lose his<br /> reputation, than that + thousands should lose their<br /> souls. We know that all infidels are vile + and infa-<br /> mous. We may not have the evidence, but we know<br /> that + it exists.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. How should infidels be treated? + Should<br /> Christians try to convert them?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + Christians should have nothing to do<br /> with infidels. It is not safe + even to converse with<br /> them. They are always talking about reason, and<br /> + facts, and experience. They are filled with sophistry<br /> and should be + avoided.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Should Christians pray for the con-<br /> + version of infidels?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Yes; but such prayers + should be made<br /> in public and the name of the infidel should be given<br /> + and his vile and hideous heart portrayed so that the<br /> young may be + warned.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. Whom do you regard as infidels?<br /> + <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The scientists—the geologists, the as-<br /> + tronomers, the naturalists, the philosophers. No one<br /> can overestimate + the evil that has been wrought<br /> <br /> 441<br /> <br /> by Laplace, + Humboldt, Darwin, Huxley, Haeckel,<br /> Renan, Emerson, Strauss, Bikhner, + Tyndall, and<br /> their wretched followers. These men pretended to<br /> + know more than Moses and the prophets. They<br /> were "dogs baying at the + moon." They were<br /> "wolves" and "fools." They tried to "assassinate<br /> + "God," and worse than all, they actually laughed<br /> at the clergy,<br /> + <br /> <i>Question</i>. Do you think they did, and are doing<br /> great + harm?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Certainly. Of what use are all the<br /> + sciences, if you lose your own soul? People in hell<br /> will care nothing + about education. The rich man<br /> said nothing about science, he wanted + water.<br /> Neither will they care about books and theories<br /> in + heaven. If a man is perfectly happy, it makes<br /> no difference how + ignorant he is.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. But how can he answer these + scientists?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. Well, my advice is to let their + argu-<br /> ments alone. Of course, you will deny all their<br /> facts; but + the most effective way is to attack their<br /> character.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + But suppose they are good men,—<br /> what then?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + The better they are, the worse they are.<br /> <br /> 442<br /> <br /> We + cannot admit that the infidel is really good. He<br /> may appear to be + good, and it is our duty to strip<br /> the mask of appearance from the + face of unbelief. If<br /> a man is not a Christian, he is totally + depraved, and<br /> why should we hesitate to make a misstatement<br /> + about a man whom God is going to make miserable<br /> forever?<br /> <br /> + <i>Question</i>. Are we not commanded to love our<br /> enemies?<br /> <br /> + <i>Answer</i>. Yes, but not the enemies of God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + Do you fear the final triumph of infi-<br /> delity?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + No. We have no fear. We believe<br /> that the Bible can be revised often + enough to agree<br /> with anything that may really be necessary to the<br /> + preservation of the church. We can always rely<br /> upon revision. Let me + tell you that the Bible is the<br /> most peculiar of books. At the time + God inspired his<br /> holy prophets to write it, he knew exactly what the<br /> + discoveries and demonstrations of the future would<br /> be, and he wrote + his Bible in such a way that the<br /> words could always be interpreted in + accordance with<br /> the intelligence of each age, and so that the words<br /> + used are capable of several meanings, so that, no<br /> matter what may + hereafter be discovered, the Bible<br /> <br /> 443<br /> <br /> will be found + to agree with it,—for the reason that<br /> the knowledge of Hebrew + will grow in the exact<br /> proportion that discoveries are made in other + depart-<br /> ments of knowledge. You will therefore see, that all<br /> + efforts of infidelity to destroy the Bible will simply<br /> result in + giving a better translation.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you + consider is the strongest<br /> argument in favor of the inspiration of the + Scrip-<br /> tures?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The dying words of + Christians.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. What do you consider the strongest<br /> + argument against the truth of infidelity?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. The + dying words of infidels. You know<br /> how terrible were the death-bed + scenes of Hume,<br /> Voltaire, Paine and Hobbes, as described by hundreds<br /> + of persons who were not present; while all Christians<br /> have died with + the utmost serenity, and with their<br /> last words have testified to the + sustaining power of<br /> faith in the goodness of God.<br /> <br /> <i>Question</i>. + What were the last words of Jesus<br /> Christ?<br /> <br /> <i>Answer</i>. + "My God, my God, why hast thou for-<br /> "saken me?"<br /> <br /> <br /> + <br /> <a name="link0010" id="link0010"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>A + VINDICATION OF THOMAS PAINE.</b></big><br /> <br /> <br /> <i>"To argue with + a man who has renounced the use and<br /> authority of reason, is like + administering<br /> medicine to the dead."—Thomas Paine.</i><br /> + <br /> <br /> Peoria, October 8, 1877.<br /> <br /> To the Editor of the N Y. + Observer:<br /> <br /> Sir: Last June in San Francisco, I offered a<br /> + thousand dollars in gold—not as a wager, but as a<br /> gift—to + any one who would substantiate the absurd<br /> story that Thomas Paine + died in agony and fear,<br /> frightened by the clanking chains of devils. + I also<br /> offered the same amount to any minister who would<br /> prove + that Voltaire did not pass away as serenely as<br /> the coming of the + dawn. Afterward I was informed<br /> that you had accepted the offer, and + had called upon<br /> me to deposit the money. Acting upon this inform-<br /> + ation, I sent you the following letter:<br /> <br /> Peoria, Ill., August + 31st, 1877.<br /> <br /> To the Editor of the New York Observer:<br /> <br /> + I have been informed that you accepted, in your<br /> paper, an offer made + by me to any clergyman in<br /> San Francisco. That offer was, that I would + pay<br /> <br /> 448<br /> <br /> one thousand dollars in gold to any minister + in that<br /> city who would prove that Thomas Paine died in<br /> terror + because of religious opinions he had ex-<br /> pressed, or that Voltaire + did not pass away serenely<br /> as the coming of the dawn.<br /> <br /> For + many years religious journals and ministers<br /> have been circulating + certain pretended accounts of<br /> the frightful agonies endured by Paine + and Voltaire<br /> when dying; that these great men at the moment of<br /> + death were terrified because they had given their<br /> honest opinions + upon the subject of religion to their<br /> fellow-men. The imagination of + the religious world<br /> has been taxed to the utmost in inventing absurd<br /> + and infamous accounts of the last moments of these<br /> intellectual + giants. Every Sunday school paper,<br /> thousands of idiotic tracts, and + countless stupidities<br /> called sermons, have been filled with these + calumnies.<br /> <br /> Paine and Voltaire both believed in God—both<br /> + hoped for immortality—both believed in special<br /> providence. But + both denied the inspiration of the<br /> Scriptures—both denied the + divinity of Jesus Christ.<br /> While theologians most cheerfully admit + that most<br /> murderers die without fear, they deny the possibility<br /> + of any man who has expressed his disbelief in the<br /> inspiration of the + Bible dying except in an agony of<br /> terror. These stories are used in + revivals and in<br /> <br /> 449<br /> <br /> Sunday schools, and have long + been considered of<br /> great value.<br /> <br /> I am anxious that these + slanders shall cease. I<br /> am desirous of seeing justice done, even at + this late<br /> day, to the dead.<br /> <br /> For the purpose of + ascertaining the evidence upon<br /> which these death-bed accounts really + rest, I make<br /> to you the following proposition:—<br /> <br /> + First.—As to Thomas Paine: I will deposit with<br /> the First + National Bank of Peoria, Illinois, one thou-<br /> sand dollars in gold, + upon the following conditions:<br /> This money shall be subject to your + order when<br /> you shall, in the manner hereinafter provided, sub-<br /> + stantiate that Thomas Paine admitted the Bible to be<br /> an inspired + book, or that he recanted his Infidel<br /> opinions—or that he died + regretting that he had dis-<br /> believed the Bible—or that he died + calling upon<br /> Jesus Christ in any religious sense whatever.<br /> <br /> + In order that a tribunal may be created to try this<br /> question, you may + select one man, I will select<br /> another, and the two thus chosen shall + select a third,<br /> and any two of the three may decide the matter.<br /> + <br /> As there will be certain costs and expenditures on<br /> both sides, + such costs and expenditures shall be paid<br /> by the defeated party.<br /> + <br /> In addition to the one thousand dollars in gold, I<br /> <br /> 450<br /> + <br /> will deposit a bond with good and sufficient security<br /> in the + sum of two thousand dollars, conditioned for<br /> the payment of all costs + in case I am defeated. I<br /> shall require of you a like bond.<br /> <br /> + From the date of accepting this offer you may<br /> have ninety days to + collect and present your testi-<br /> mony, giving me notice of time and + place of taking<br /> depositions. I shall have a like time to take evi-<br /> + dence upon my side, giving you like notice, and you<br /> shall then have + thirty days to take further testimony<br /> in reply to what I may offer. + The case shall then<br /> be argued before the persons chosen; and their<br /> + decisions shall be final as to us.<br /> <br /> If the arbitrator chosen by + me shall die, I shall<br /> have the right to choose another. You shall + have<br /> the same right. If the third one, chosen by our two,<br /> shall + die, the two shall choose another; and all va-<br /> cancies, from whatever + cause, shall be filled upon the<br /> same principle.<br /> <br /> The + arbitrators shall sit when and where a major-<br /> ity shall determine, + and shall have full power to pass<br /> upon all questions arising as to + competency of<br /> evidence, and upon all subjects.<br /> <br /> <i>Second</i>.—As + to Voltaire: I make the same prop-<br /> osition, if you will substantiate + that Voltaire died<br /> expressing remorse or showing in any way that he<br /> + <br /> 451<br /> <br /> was in mental agony because he had attacked Catholi-<br /> + cism—or because he had denied the inspiration of the<br /> Bible—or + because he had denied the divinity of Christ.<br /> <br /> I make these + propositions because I want you<br /> to stop slandering the dead.<br /> + <br /> If the propositions do not suit you in any particu-<br /> lar, please + state your objections, and I will modify<br /> them in any way consistent + with the object in view.<br /> <br /> If Paine and Voltaire died filled with + childish and<br /> silly fear, I want to know it, and I want the world to<br /> + know it. On the other hand, if the believers in<br /> superstition have + made and circulated these cruel<br /> slanders concerning the mighty dead, + I want the<br /> world to know that.<br /> <br /> As soon as you notify me of + the acceptance of<br /> these propositions I will send you the certificate + of<br /> the bank that the money has been deposited upon<br /> the foregoing + conditions, together with copies of<br /> bonds for costs. Yours truly,<br /> + <br /> R. G. Ingersoll.<br /> <br /> In your paper of September 27, 1877, you + acknowl-<br /> edge the receipt of the foregoing letter, and after<br /> + giving an outline of its contents, say: "As not one<br /> of the + affirmations, in the form stated in this letter,<br /> was contained in the + offer we made, we have no<br /> occasion to substantiate them. But we are + prepared<br /> <br /> 452<br /> <br /> to produce the evidence of the truth of + our own<br /> statement, and even to go further; to show not only<br /> that + Tom Paine 'died a drunken, cowardly, and<br /> beastly death,' but that for + many years previous, and<br /> up to that event he lived a drunken and + beastly life."<br /> In order to refresh your memory as to what you<br /> + had published, I call your attention to the following,<br /> which appeared + in the N. Y. Observer, July 19, 1877:<br /> "Put Down the Money.<br /> <br /> + "Col. Bob Ingersoll, in a speech full of ribaldry<br /> and blasphemy, made + in San Francisco recently, said:<br /> "I will give $1,000 in gold coin to + any clergyman<br /> who can substantiate that the death of Voltaire was<br /> + not as peaceful as the dawn; and of Tom Paine whom<br /> they assert died + in fear and agony, frightened by the<br /> clanking chains of devils—in + fact frightened to death<br /> by God. I will give $1,000 likewise to any + one who<br /> can substantiate this 'absurd story'—a story without<br /> + a word of truth in it."<br /> <br /> "We have published the testimony, and + the wit-<br /> nesses are on hand to prove that Tom Paine died a<br /> + drunken, cowardly and beastly death. Let the Colo-<br /> nel deposit the + money with any honest man, and the<br /> absurd story, as he terms it, + shall be shown to be an<br /> ower true tale. But he wont do it. His talk + is Infi-<br /> del 'buncombe' and nothing more."<br /> <br /> 453<br /> <br /> + On the 31st of August I sent you my letter, and<br /> on the 27th of + September you say in your paper:<br /> "As not one of the affirmations in + the form stated<br /> in this letter was contained in the offer we made, we<br /> + have no occasion to substantiate them."<br /> <br /> What were the + affirmations contained in the offer<br /> you made? I had offered a + thousand dollars in gold<br /> to any one who would substantiate "the + absurd story"<br /> that Thomas Paine died in fear and agony,frightened<br /> + by the clanking chains of devils—in fact, frightened to<br /> death + by God.<br /> <br /> In response to this offer you said: "Let the Colo-<br /> + nel deposit the money with an honest man and the<br /> 'absurd story' as he + terms it, shall be shown to be<br /> an 'ower true tale.' But he won't do + it. His talk<br /> is infidel 'buncombe' and nothing more."<br /> <br /> Did + you not offer to prove that Paine died in fear<br /> and agony, frightened + by the clanking chains of<br /> devils? Did you not ask me to deposit the + money<br /> that you might prove the "absurd story" to be an<br /> "ower + true tale" and obtain the money? Did you<br /> not in your paper of the + twenty-seventh of September<br /> in effect deny that you had offered to + prove this<br /> "absurd story"? As soon as I offered to deposit<br /> the + gold and give bonds besides to cover costs, did<br /> you not publish a + falsehood?<br /> <br /> 454<br /> <br /> You have eaten your own words, and, + for my<br /> part, I would rather have dined with Ezekiel than<br /> with + you.<br /> <br /> You have not met the issue. You have know-<br /> ingly + avoided it. The question was not as to the<br /> personal habits of Paine. + The real question was<br /> and is, whether Paine was filled with fear and + horror<br /> at the time of his death on account of his religious<br /> + opinions. That is the question. You avoid this.<br /> In effect, you + abandon that charge and make others.<br /> <br /> To you belongs the honor + of having made the<br /> most cruel and infamous charges against Thomas<br /> + Paine that have ever been made. Of what you<br /> have said you cannot + prove the truth of one word.<br /> <br /> You say that Thomas Paine died a + drunken,<br /> cowardly and beastly death.<br /> <br /> I pronounce this + charge to be a cowardly and<br /> beastly falsehood.<br /> <br /> Have you + any evidence that he was in a drunken<br /> condition when he died?<br /> + <br /> What did he say or do of a cowardly character<br /> just before, or + at about the time of his death?<br /> <br /> In what way was his death + cowardly? You must<br /> answer these questions, and give your proof, or + all<br /> honest men will hold you in abhorrence. You have<br /> made these + charges. The man against whom you<br /> <br /> Vindication of thomas paine.<br /> + <br /> 455<br /> <br /> make them is dead. He cannot answer you. I<br /> can. + He cannot compel you to produce your testi-<br /> mony, or admit by your + silence that you have<br /> cruelly slandered the defenceless dead. I can + and I<br /> will. You say that his death was cowardly. In<br /> what + respect? Was it cowardly in him to hold the<br /> Thirty-Nine Articles in + contempt? Was it cowardly<br /> not to call on your Lord? Was it cowardly + not to<br /> be afraid? You say that his death was beastly.<br /> Again I + ask, in what respect? Was it beastly to<br /> submit to the inevitable with + tranquillity? Was it<br /> beastly to look with composure upon the approach<br /> + of death? Was it beastly to die without a com-<br /> plaint, without a + murmur—to pass from life without<br /> a fear?<br /> <br /> Did Thomas + Paine Recant?<br /> <br /> Mr. Paine had prophesied that fanatics would<br /> + crawl and cringe around him during his last mo-<br /> ments. He believed + that they would put a lie in<br /> the mouth of Death.<br /> <br /> When the + shadow of the coming dissolution was<br /> upon him, two clergymen, Messrs. + Milledollar and<br /> Cunningham, called to annoy the dying man. Mr.<br /> + Cunningham had the politeness to say, "You have<br /> now a full view of + death you cannot live long, and<br /> whosoever does not believe in the + Lord Jesus Christ<br /> <br /> 456<br /> <br /> will asuredly be damned." Mr. + Paine replied, "Let<br /> me have none of your popish stuff. Get away with<br /> + you. Good morning."<br /> <br /> On another occasion a Methodist minister + ob-<br /> truded himself when Willet Hicks was present.<br /> This minister + declared to Mr. Paine "that unless he<br /> repented of his unbelief he + would be damned."<br /> Paine, although at the door of death, rose in his + bed<br /> and indignantly requested the clergyman to leave<br /> his room. + On another occasion, two brothers by<br /> the name of Pigott, sought to + convert him. He was<br /> displeased and requested their departure. After-<br /> + ward Thomas Nixon and Captain Daniel Pelton<br /> visited him for the + express purpose of ascertaining<br /> whether he had, in any manner, + changed his relig-<br /> ious opinions. They were assured by the dying<br /> + man that he still held the principles he had expressed<br /> in his + writings.<br /> <br /> Afterward, these gentlemen hearing that William<br /> + Cobbett was about to write a life of Paine, sent him<br /> the following + note:<br /> <br /> New York, April 24, 1818.<br /> <br /> "Sir: We have been + informed that you have a de-<br /> sign to write a history of the life and + writings of<br /> Thomas Paine. If you have been furnished with<br /> + materials in respect to his religious opinions, or<br /> <br /> 457<br /> + <br /> rather of his recantation of his former opinions before<br /> his + death, all you have heard of his recanting is false.<br /> Being aware that + such reports would be raised after<br /> his death by fanatics who infested + his house at the<br /> time it was expected he would die, we, the subscrib-<br /> + ers, intimate acquaintances of Thomas Paine since<br /> the year 1776, went + to his house. He was sitting<br /> up in a chair, and apparently in full + vigor and use of<br /> all his mental faculties. We interrogated him upon<br /> + his religious opinions, and if he had changed his<br /> mind, or repented + of anything he had said or wrote<br /> on that subject. He answered, "Not + at all," and<br /> appeared rather offended at our supposition that any<br /> + change should take place in his mind. We took<br /> down in writing the + questions put to him and his<br /> answers thereto before a number of + persons then in<br /> his room, among whom were his doctor, Mrs.<br /> + Bonneville, etc. paper is mislaid and cannot<br /> be found at present, but + the above is the substance<br /> which can be attested by many living + witnesses."<br /> <br /> Thomas Nixon.<br /> <br /> Daniel Pelton.<br /> <br /> + Mr. Jarvis, the artist, saw Mr. Paine one or two<br /> days before his + death. To Mr. Jarvis he expressed<br /> his belief in his written opinions + upon the subject of<br /> religion. B. F. Haskin, an attorney of the city + of<br /> <br /> 458<br /> <br /> New York, also visited him and inquired as to + his<br /> religious opinions. Paine was then upon the thresh-<br /> old of + death, but he did not tremble. He was not a<br /> coward. He expressed his + firm and unshaken belief<br /> in the religious ideas he had given to the + world.<br /> <br /> Dr. Manley was with him when he spoke his last<br /> + words. Dr. Manley asked the dying man if he did<br /> not wish to believe + that Jesus was the Son of God,<br /> and the dying philosopher answered: "I + have no<br /> wish to believe on that subject." Amasa Woodsworth<br /> <br /> + sat up with Thomas Paine the night before his<br /> death. In 1839 Gilbert + Vale hearing that Mr.<br /> Woodsworth was living in or near Boston, + visited<br /> him for the purpose of getting his statement. The<br /> + statement was published in the Beacon of June 5,<br /> 1839, while + thousands who had been acquainted with<br /> Mr. Paine were living.<br /> + <br /> The following is the article referred to.<br /> <br /> "We have just + returned from Boston. One ob-<br /> ject of our visit to that city, was to + see a Mr. Amasa<br /> Woodsworth, an engineer, now retired in a hand-<br /> + some cottage and garden at East Cambridge, Boston.<br /> This gentleman + owned the house occupied by Paine<br /> at his death—while he lived + next door. As an act<br /> of kindness Mr. Woodsworth visited Mr. Paine + every<br /> day for six weeks before his death. He frequently<br /> <br /> + 459<br /> <br /> sat up with him, and did so on the last two nights of<br /> + his life. He was always there with Dr. Manley, the<br /> physician, and + assisted in removing Mr. Paine while<br /> his bed was prepared. He was + present when Dr.<br /> Manley asked Mr. Paine "if he wished to believe<br /> + that Jesus Christ was the Son of God," and he de-<br /> scribes Mr. Paine's + answer as animated. He says<br /> that lying on his back he used some + action and with<br /> much emphasis, replied, "I have no wish to believe<br /> + on that subject." He lived some time after this, but<br /> was not known to + speak, for he died tranquilly. He<br /> accounts for the insinuating style + of Dr. Manley's<br /> letter, by stating that that gentleman just after its<br /> + publication joined a church. He informs us that he<br /> has openly + reproved the doctor for the falsity con-<br /> tained in the spirit of that + letter, boldly declaring be-<br /> fore Dr. Manley, who is yet living, that + nothing<br /> which he saw justified the insinuations. Mr. Woods-<br /> + worth assures us that he neither heard nor saw any-<br /> thing to justify + the belief of any mental change in<br /> the opinions of Mr. Paine previous + to his death; but<br /> that being very ill and in pain chiefly arising + from<br /> the skin being removed in some parts by long lying,<br /> he was + generally too uneasy to enjoy conversation<br /> on abstract subjects. + This, then, is the best evidence<br /> that can be procured on this + subject, and we publish<br /> <br /> 460<br /> <br /> it while the + contravening parties are yet alive, and<br /> with the authority of Mr. + Woodsworth.<br /> <br /> Gilbert Vale.<br /> <br /> A few weeks ago I received + the following letter<br /> which confirms the statement of Mr. Vale:<br /> + <br /> Near Stockton, Cal., Green-<br /> wood Cottage, July 9, 1877.<br /> + <br /> Col. Ingersoll: In 1842 I talked with a gentle-<br /> man in Boston. + I have forgotten his name; but he was<br /> then an engineer of the + Charleston navy yard. I am<br /> thus particular so that you can find his + name on the<br /> books. He told me that he nursed Thomas Paine<br /> in his + last illness, and closed his eyes when dead. I<br /> asked him if he + recanted and called upon God to<br /> save him. He replied, "No. He died as + he had<br /> taught. He had a sore upon his side and when we<br /> turned + him it was very painful and he would cry out<br /> 'O God!' or something + like that." "But," said<br /> the narrator, "that was nothing, for he + believed in a<br /> God." I told him that I had often heard it asserted<br /> + from the pulpit that Mr. Paine had recanted in his<br /> last moments. The + gentleman said that it was not<br /> true, and he appeared to be an + intelligent, truthful<br /> man. With respect, I remain, etc.<br /> <br /> + Philip Graves, M. D.<br /> <br /> 461<br /> <br /> The next witness is Willet + Hicks, a Quaker<br /> preacher. He says that during the last illness of<br /> + Mr. Paine he visited him almost daily, and that<br /> Paine died firmly + convinced of the truth of the relig-<br /> ious opinions he had given to + his fellow-men. It<br /> was to this same Willet Hicks that Paine applied + for<br /> permission to be buried in the cemetery of the<br /> Quakers. + Permission was refused. This refusal<br /> settles the question of + recantation. If he had re-<br /> canted, of course there could have been no + objection<br /> to his body being buried by the side of the best<br /> + hypocrites on the earth.<br /> <br /> If Paine recanted why should he be + denied "a<br /> little earth for charity"? Had he recanted, it<br /> would + have been regarded as a vast and splendid<br /> triumph for the gospel. It + would with much noise<br /> and pomp and ostentation have been heralded<br /> + about the world.<br /> <br /> I received the following letter to-day. The<br /> + writer is well know in this city, and is a man of<br /> high character:<br /> + <br /> Peoria, Oct. 8th, 1877.<br /> <br /> Robert G. Ingersoll, Esteemed + Friend: My<br /> parents were Friends (Quakers). My father died<br /> when I + was very young. The elderly and middle-<br /> aged Friends visited at my + mother's house. We<br /> <br /> 462<br /> <br /> lived in the city of New + York. Among the number<br /> I distinctly remember Elias Hicks, Willet + Hicks,<br /> <br /> and a Mr.-Day, who was a bookseller in Pearl<br /> <br /> + street. There were many others, whose names I<br /> do not now remember. + The subject of the recanta-<br /> tion by Thomas Paine of his views about + the Bible<br /> in his last illness, or at any other time, was dis-<br /> + cussed by them in my presence at different times.<br /> I learned from them + that some of them had attended<br /> upon Thomas Paine in his last sickness + and minis-<br /> tered to his wants up to the time of his death.<br /> And + upon the question of whether he did recant<br /> there was but one + expression. They all said that<br /> he did not recant in any manner. I + often heard<br /> them say they wished he had recanted. In fact,<br /> + according to them, the nearer he approached death<br /> the more positive + he appeared to be in his con-<br /> victions.<br /> <br /> These + conversations were from 1820 to 1822. I<br /> was at that time from ten to + twelve years old, but<br /> these conversations impressed themselves upon + me<br /> because many thoughtless people then blamed the<br /> Society of + Friends for their kindness to that "arch<br /> Infidel," Thomas Paine..<br /> + <br /> Truly yours,<br /> <br /> A. C. Hankinson.<br /> <br /> 463<br /> <br /> A + few days ago I received the following letter:<br /> Albany, New York, Sept. + 27, 1877.<br /> <br /> Dear Sir: It is over twenty years ago that pro-<br /> + fessionally I made the acquaintance of John Hogeboom,<br /> <br /> a Justice + of the Peace of the county of<br /> Rensselaer, New York. He was then over + seventy<br /> years of age and had the reputation of being a man<br /> of + candor and integrity. He was a great admirer of<br /> Paine. He told me + that he was personally ac-<br /> quainted with him, and used to see him + frequently<br /> during the last years of his life in the city of New<br /> + York, where Hogeboom then resided. I asked him<br /> if there was any truth + in the charge that Paine was<br /> in the habit of getting drunk. He said + that it was<br /> utterly false; that he never heard of such a thing<br /> + during the life-time of Mr. Paine, and did not believe<br /> any one else + did. I asked him about the recantation<br /> of his religious opinions on + his death-bed, and the<br /> revolting death-bed scenes that the world had + heard<br /> so much about. He said there was no truth in<br /> them, that he + had received his information from<br /> persons who attended Paine in his + last illness, "and<br /> that he passed peacefully away, as we may say, in<br /> + the sunshine of a great soul."...<br /> <br /> Yours truly,<br /> <br /> W. J. + Hilton,<br /> <br /> 464<br /> <br /> The witnesses by whom I substantiate the + fact<br /> that Thomas Paine did not recant, and that he died<br /> holding + the religious opinions he had published, are:<br /> First—Thomas + Nixon, Captain Daniel Pelton,<br /> B. F. Haskin. These gentlemen visited + him during<br /> his last illness for the purpose of ascertaining whether<br /> + he had in any respect changed his views upon relig-<br /> ion. He told them + that he had not.<br /> <br /> Second—James Cheetham. This man was the<br /> + most malicious enemy Mr. Paine had, and yet he<br /> admits that "Thomas + Paine died placidly, and al-<br /> most without a struggle." (See Life of + Thomas<br /> Paine, by James Cheetham).<br /> <br /> Third—The + ministers, Milledollar and Cunning-<br /> ham. These gentlemen told Mr. + Paine that if he<br /> died without believing in the Lord Jesus Christ he<br /> + would be damned, and Paine replied, "Let me have<br /> none of your popish + stuff. Good morning." (See<br /> Sherwin's Life of Paine, p. 220).<br /> + <br /> Fourth—Mrs. Hedden. She told these same<br /> preachers when + they attempted to obtrude them-<br /> selves upon Mr. Paine again, that the + attempt to<br /> convert Mr. Paine was useless—"that if God did not<br /> + change his mind no human power could."<br /> <br /> Fifth—Andrew A. + Dean. This man lived upon<br /> Paine's farm at New Rochelle, and + corresponded<br /> <br /> 465<br /> <br /> with him upon religious subjects. + (See Paine's<br /> Theological Works, p. 308.)<br /> <br /> Sixth—Mr. + Jarvis, the artist with whom Paine<br /> lived. He gives an account of an + old lady coming<br /> to Paine and telling him that God Almighty had<br /> + sent her to tell him that unless he repented and be-<br /> lieved in the + blessed Savior, he would be damned.<br /> Paine replied that God would not + send such a foolish<br /> old woman with such an impertinent message. (See<br /> + Clio Rickman's Life of Paine.)<br /> <br /> Seventh—Wm. Carver, with + whom Paine boarded.<br /> Mr. Carver said again and again that Paine did + not<br /> recant. He knew him well, and had every opportun-<br /> ity of + knowing. (See Life of Paine by Gilbert Vale.)<br /> <br /> Eighth—Dr. + Manley, who attended him in his last<br /> sickness, and to whom Paine + spoke his last words.<br /> Dr. Manley asked him if he did not wish to + believe in<br /> Jesus Christ, and he replied, "I have no wish to<br /> + believe on that subject."<br /> <br /> Ninth—Willet Hicks and Elias + Hicks, who were<br /> with him frequently during his last sickness, and<br /> + both of whom tried to persuade him to recant. Ac-<br /> cording to their + testimony, Mr. Paine died as he had<br /> lived—a believer in God, + and a friend of man.<br /> Willet Hicks was offered money to say something<br /> + false against Thomas Paine. He was even offered<br /> <br /> 466<br /> <br /> + money to remain silent and allow others to slander<br /> the dead. Mr. + Hicks, speaking of Thomas Paine,<br /> said: "He was a good man—an + honest man."<br /> (Vale's Life of Paine.)<br /> <br /> Tenth—Amasa + Woodsworth, who was with him<br /> every day for some six weeks immediately + preceding<br /> his death, and sat up with him the last two nights of<br /> + his life. This man declares that Paine did not recant<br /> and that he + died tranquilly. The evidence of Mr.<br /> Woodsworth is conclusive.<br /> + <br /> Eleventh—Thomas Paine himself. The will of<br /> Thomas Paine, + written by himself, commences as<br /> follows:<br /> <br /> "The last will + and testament of me, the subscriber,<br /> Thomas Paine, reposing + confidence in my creator<br /> God, and in no other being, for I know of no + other,<br /> nor believe in any other;" and closes in these words;<br /> "I + have lived an honest and useful life to mankind;<br /> my time has been + spent in doing good, and I die in<br /> perfect composure and resignation + to the will of my<br /> creator God."<br /> <br /> Twelfth—If Thomas + Paine recanted, why do you<br /> pursue him? If he recanted, he died + substantially<br /> in your belief, for what reason then do you denounce<br /> + his death as cowardly? If upon his death-bed he<br /> renounced the + opinions he had published, the busi-<br /> <br /> 467<br /> <br /> ness of + defaming him should be done by Infidels, not<br /> by Christians.<br /> + <br /> I ask you if it is honest to throw away the testi-<br /> mony of his + friends—the evidence of fair and honor-<br /> able men—and take + the putrid words of avowed and<br /> malignant enemies?<br /> <br /> When + Thomas Paine was dying, he was infested<br /> by fanatics—by the + snaky spies of bigotry. In the<br /> shadows of death were the unclean + birds of prey<br /> waiting to tear with beak and claw the corpse of him<br /> + who wrote the "Rights of Man." And there lurk-<br /> ing and crouching in + the darkness were the jackals<br /> and hyenas of superstition ready to + violate his grave.<br /> <br /> These birds of prey—these unclean + beasts are the<br /> witnesses produced and relied upon by you.<br /> <br /> + One by one the instruments of torture have been<br /> wrenched from the + cruel clutch of the church, until<br /> within the armory of orthodoxy + there remains but<br /> one weapon—Slander.<br /> <br /> Against the + witnesses that I have produced you<br /> can bring just two—Mary + Roscoe and Mary Hins-<br /> dale. The first is referred to in the memoir of<br /> + Stephen Grellet. She had once been a servant in his<br /> house. Grellet + tells what happened between this<br /> girl and Paine. According to this + account Paine<br /> asked her if she had ever read any of his writings,<br /> + <br /> 468<br /> <br /> and on being told that she had read very little of<br /> + them, he inquired what she thought of them, adding<br /> that from such an + one as she he expected a correct<br /> answer.<br /> <br /> Let us examine + this falsehood. Why would Paine<br /> expect a correct answer about his + writings from one<br /> who had read very little of them? Does not such a<br /> + statement devour itself? This young lady further<br /> said that the "Age + of Reason" was put in her hands<br /> and that the more she read in it the + more dark and<br /> distressed she felt, and that she threw the book into<br /> + the fire. Whereupon Mr. Paine remarked, "I wish<br /> all had done as you + did, for if the devil ever had any<br /> agency in any work, he had it in + my writing that book."<br /> <br /> The next is Mary Hinsdale. She was a + servant<br /> in the family of Willet Hicks. She, like Mary Ros-<br /> coe, + was sent to carry some delicacy to Mr. Paine.<br /> To this young lady + Paine, according to her account,<br /> said precisely the same that he did + to Mary Roscoe,<br /> and she said the same thing to Mr. Paine.<br /> <br /> + My own opinion is that Mary Roscoe and Mary<br /> Hinsdale are one and the + same person, or the same<br /> story has been by mistake put in the mouth + of both.<br /> <br /> It is not possible that the same conversation should<br /> + have taken place between Paine and Mary Roscoe,<br /> and between him and + Mary Hinsdale.<br /> <br /> 469<br /> <br /> Mary Hinsdale lived with Willet + Hicks and he<br /> pronounced her story a pious fraud and fabrication.<br /> + He said that Thomas Paine never said any such<br /> thing to Mary Hinsdale. + (See Vale's Life of<br /> Paine.)<br /> <br /> Another thing about this + witness. A woman by<br /> the name of Mary Lockwood, a Hicksite Quaker,<br /> + died. Mary Hinsdale met her brother about that<br /> time and told him that + his sister had recanted, and<br /> wanted her to say so at her funeral. + This turned<br /> out to be false.<br /> <br /> It has been claimed that Mary + Hinsdale made her<br /> statement to Charles Collins. Long after the + alleged<br /> occurrence Gilbert Vale, one of the biographers of<br /> + Paine, had a conversation with Collins concerning<br /> Mary Hinsdale. Vale + asked him what he thought<br /> of her. He replied that some of the Friends + be-<br /> lieved that she used opiates, and that they did not<br /> give + credit to her statements. He also said that he<br /> believed what the + Friends said, but thought that<br /> when a young woman, she might have + told the<br /> truth.<br /> <br /> In 1818 William Cobbett came to New York.<br /> + He began collecting materials for a life of Thomas<br /> Paine. In this he + became acquainted with Mary<br /> Hinsdale and Charles Collins. Mr. Cobbett + gave a<br /> <br /> 470<br /> <br /> full account of what happened in a letter + addressed<br /> to the Norwich Mercury in 1819. From this ac-<br /> count it + seems that Charles Collins told Cobbett that<br /> Paine had recanted. + Cobbett called for the testi-<br /> mony, and told Mr. Collins that he must + give time,<br /> place, and the circumstances. He finally brought a<br /> + statement that he stated had been made by Mary<br /> Hinsdale. Armed with + this document Cobbett, in<br /> October of that year, called upon the said + Mary<br /> Hinsdale, at No. 10 Anthony street, New York, and<br /> showed + her the statement. Upon being questioned<br /> by Mr. Cobbett she said, + "That it was so long ago<br /> that she could not speak positively to any + part of the<br /> matter—that she would not say that any part of the<br /> + paper was true—that she had never seen the paper<br /> —and + that she had never given Charles Collins<br /> authority to say anything + about the matter in her<br /> name." And so in the month of October, in the<br /> + year of grace 1818, in the mist and fog of forgetful-<br /> ness + disappeared forever one Mary Hinsdale—the<br /> last and only witness + against the intellectual honesty<br /> of Thomas Paine.<br /> <br /> <i>Did + Thomas Paine live the life of a drunken beast,<br /> and did he die a + drunken, cowardly and beastly death?</i><br /> <br /> Upon you rests the + burden of substantiating these<br /> infamous charges.<br /> <br /> 471<br /> + <br /> You have, I suppose, produced the best evidence<br /> in your + possession, and that evidence I will now pro-<br /> ceed to examine. Your + first witness is Grant Thor-<br /> burn. He makes three charges against + Thomas<br /> Paine, 1st. That his wife obtained a divorce from<br /> him in + England for cruelty and neglect. 2d. That<br /> he was a defaulter and fled + from England to Amer-<br /> ica. 3d. That he was a drunkard.<br /> <br /> + These three charges stand upon the same evidence<br /> —the word of + Grant Thorburn. If they are not all<br /> true Mr. Thorburn stands + impeached.<br /> <br /> The charge that Mrs. Paine obtained a divorce on<br /> + account of the cruelty and neglect of her husband is<br /> utterly false. + There is no such record in the world,<br /> and never was. Paine and his + wife separated by<br /> mutual consent. Each respected the other. They<br /> + remained friends. This charge is without any foun-<br /> dation in fact. I + challenge the Christian world to<br /> produce the record of this decree of + divorce. Accord-<br /> ing to Mr. Thorburn it was granted in England. In<br /> + that country public records are kept of all such de-<br /> crees. Have the + kindness to produce this decree<br /> showing that it was given on account + of cruelty or<br /> admit that Mr. Thorburn was mistaken.<br /> <br /> Thomas + Paine was a just man. Although sepa-<br /> rated from his wife, he always + spoke of her with<br /> <br /> 472<br /> <br /> tenderness and respect, and + frequently sent her<br /> money without letting her know the source from<br /> + whence it came. Was this the conduct of a drunken<br /> beast?<br /> <br /> + The second charge, that Paine was a defaulter in<br /> England and fled to + America, is equally false. He<br /> did not flee from England. He came to + America,<br /> not as a fugitive, but as a free man. He came with<br /> a + letter of introduction signed by another Infidel,<br /> Benjamin Franklin. + He came as a soldier of Free-<br /> dom—an apostle of Liberty.<br /> + <br /> In this second charge there is not one word of truth.<br /> <br /> He + held a small office in England. If he was a<br /> defaulter the records of + that country will show that<br /> fact.<br /> <br /> Mr. Thorburn, unless the + record can be produced<br /> to substantiate him, stands convicted of at + least two<br /> mistakes.<br /> <br /> Now, as to the third: He says that in + 1802 Paine<br /> was an "old remnant of mortality, drunk, bloated<br /> and + half asleep."<br /> <br /> Can any one believe this to be a true account of<br /> + the personal appearance of Mr. Paine in 1802? He<br /> had just returned + from France. He had been wel-<br /> comed home by Thomas Jefferson, who had + said that<br /> he was entitled to the hospitality of every American.<br /> + <br /> 473<br /> <br /> In 1802 Mr. Paine was honored with a public din-<br /> + ner in the city of New York. He was called upon<br /> and treated with + kindness and respect by such men<br /> as DeWitt Clinton.<br /> <br /> In + 1806 Mr. Paine wrote a letter to Andrew A.<br /> Dean upon the subject of + religion. Read that letter<br /> and then say that the writer of it was an + "old rem-<br /> nant of mortality, drunk, bloated and half asleep."<br /> + Search the files of the New York Observer from the<br /> first issue to the + last, and you will find nothing supe-<br /> rior to this letter.<br /> <br /> + In 1803 Mr. Paine wrote a letter of considerable<br /> length, and of great + force, to his friend Samuel<br /> Adams. Such letters are not written by + drunken<br /> beasts, nor by remnants of old mortality, nor by<br /> + drunkards. It was about the same time that he<br /> wrote his "Remarks on + Robert Hall's Sermons."<br /> <br /> These "Remarks" were not written by a + drunken<br /> beast, but by a clear-headed and thoughtful man.<br /> <br /> + In 1804 he published an essay on the invasion of<br /> England, and a + treatise on gunboats, full of valuable<br /> maritime information:—in + 1805, a treatise on yellow<br /> fever, suggesting modes of prevention. In + short, he<br /> was an industrious and thoughtful man. He sympa-<br /> + thized with the poor and oppressed of all lands. He<br /> looked upon + monarchy as a species of physical<br /> <br /> 474<br /> <br /> slavery. He + had the goodness to attack that form<br /> of government. He regarded the + religion of his day<br /> as a kind of mental slavery. He had the courage + to<br /> give his reasons for his opinion. His reasons filled<br /> the + churches with hatred. Instead of answering his<br /> arguments they + attacked him. Men who were not<br /> fit to blacken his shoes, blackened + his character.<br /> <br /> There is too much religious cant in the + statement<br /> of Mr. Thorburn. He exhibited too much anxiety<br /> to tell + what Grant Thorburn said to Thomas Paine.<br /> He names Thomas Jefferson + as one of the disreputa-<br /> ble men who welcomed Paine with open arms. + The<br /> testimony of a man who regarded Thomas Jefferson<br /> as a + disreputable person, as to the character of any-<br /> body, is utterly + without value. In my judgment, the<br /> testimony of Mr. Thorburn should + be thrown aside<br /> as wholly unworthy of belief.<br /> <br /> Your next + witness is the Rev. J. D. Wickham, D.<br /> D., who tells what an elder in + his church said. This<br /> elder said that Paine passed his last days on + his farm<br /> at New Rochelle with a solitary female attendant.<br /> This + is not true. He did not pass his last days at<br /> New Rochelle. + Consequently this pious elder did<br /> not see him during his last days at + that place. Upon<br /> this elder we prove an alibi. Mr. Paine passed his<br /> + last days in the city of New York, in a house upon<br /> <br /> 475<br /> + <br /> Columbia street. The story of the Rev. J. D. Wick-<br /> ham, D.D., + is simply false.<br /> <br /> The next competent false witness is the Rev.<br /> + Charles Hawley, D.D., who proceeds to state that<br /> the story of the + Rev. J. D. Wickham, D.D., is cor-<br /> roborated by older citizens of New + Rochelle. The<br /> names of these ancient residents are withheld. Ac-<br /> + cording to these unknown witnesses, the account<br /> given by the deceased + elder was entirely correct.<br /> But as the particulars of Mr. Paine's + conduct "were<br /> too loathsome to be described in print," we are left<br /> + entirely in the dark as to what he really did.<br /> <br /> While at New + Rochelle Mr. Paine lived with Mr.<br /> Purdy—with Mr. Dean—with + Captain Pelton, and<br /> with Mr. Staple. It is worthy of note that all of<br /> + these gentlemen give the lie direct to the statements<br /> of "older + residents" and ancient citizens spoken of<br /> by the Rev. Charles Hawley, + D.D., and leave him<br /> with his "loathsome particulars" existing only in + his<br /> own mind.<br /> <br /> The next gentleman you bring upon the stand + is<br /> W. H. Ladd, who quotes from the memoirs of<br /> Stephen Grellet. + This gentleman also has the mis-<br /> fortune to be dead. According to his + account, Mr.<br /> Paine made his recantation to a servant girl of his<br /> + by the name of Mary Roscoe. To this girl, accord-<br /> <br /> 476<br /> + <br /> ing to the account, Mr. Paine uttered the wish that<br /> all who + read his book had burned it. I believe there<br /> is a mistake in the name + of this girl. Her name was<br /> probably Mary Hinsdale, as it was once + claimed that<br /> Paine made the same remark to her, but this point<br /> I + shall notice hereafter. These are your witnesses,<br /> and the only ones + you bring forward, to support<br /> your charge that Thomas Paine lived a + drunken and<br /> beastly life and died a drunken, cowardly and beastly<br /> + death. All these calumnies are found in a life of<br /> Paine by a Mr. + Cheetham, the convicted libeler<br /> already referred to. Mr. Cheetham was + an enemy<br /> of the man whose life he pretended to write.<br /> <br /> In + order to show you the estimation in which Mr.<br /> Cheetham was held by + Mr. Paine, I will give you a<br /> copy of a letter that throws light upon + this point:<br /> <br /> October 28, 1807.<br /> <br /> "Mr. Cheetham: Unless + you make a public apol-<br /> ogy for the abuse and falsehood in your paper + of<br /> Tuesday, October 27th, respecting me, I will prose-<br /> cute you + for lying."<br /> <br /> Thomas Paine.<br /> <br /> In another letter, + speaking of this same man, Mr.<br /> Paine says: "If an unprincipled bully + cannot be re-<br /> formed, he can be punished." "Cheetham has been<br /> so + long in the habit of giving false information, that<br /> truth is to him + like a foreign language."<br /> <br /> 477<br /> <br /> Mr. Cheetham wrote the + life of Paine to gratify<br /> his malice and to support religion. He was + prose-<br /> cuted for libel—was convicted and fined.<br /> <br /> Yet + the life of Paine written by this man is referred<br /> to by the Christian + world as the highest authority.<br /> <br /> As to the personal habits of + Mr. Paine, we have<br /> the testimony of William Carver, with whom he<br /> + lived; of Mr. Jarvis, the artist, with whom he lived;<br /> of Mr. Staple, + with whom he lived; of Mr. Purdy,<br /> who was a tenant of Paine's; of Mr. + Burger, with<br /> whom he was intimate; of Thomas Nixon and<br /> Captain + Daniel Pelton, both of whom knew him<br /> well; of Amasa Woodsworth, who + was with him<br /> when he died; of John Fellows, who boarded at the<br /> + same house; of James Wilburn, with whom he<br /> boarded; of B. F. Haskin, + a lawyer, who was well<br /> acquainted with him and called upon him during + his<br /> last illness; of Walter Morton, a friend; of Clio<br /> Rickman, + who had known him for many years; of<br /> Willet and Elias Hicks, Quakers, + who knew him in-<br /> timately and well; of Judge Herttell, H. Margary,<br /> + Elihu Palmer, and many others. All these testified<br /> to the fact that + Mr. Paine was a temperate man. In<br /> those days nearly everybody used + spirituous liquors.<br /> Paine was not an exception; but he did not drink + to<br /> excess. Mr. Lovett, who kept the City Hotel where<br /> <br /> 478<br /> + <br /> Paine stopped, in a note to Caleb Bingham, declared<br /> that Paine + drank less than any boarder he had.<br /> <br /> Against all this evidence + you produce the story of<br /> Grant Thorburn—the story of the Rev. + J. D. Wick-<br /> ham that an elder in his church told him that Paine<br /> + was a drunkard, corroborated by the Rev. Charles<br /> Hawley, and an + extract from Lossing's history to<br /> the same effect. The evidence is + overwhelmingly<br /> against you. Will you have the fairness to admit it?<br /> + Your witnesses are merely the repeaters of the false-<br /> hoods of James + Cheetham, the convicted libeler.<br /> <br /> After all, drinking is not as + bad as lying. An<br /> honest drunkard is better than a calumniator of the<br /> + dead. "A remnant of old mortality, drunk, bloated<br /> and half asleep" is + better than a perfectly sober<br /> defender of human slavery.<br /> <br /> + To become drunk is a virtue compared with steal-<br /> ing a babe from the + breast of its mother.<br /> <br /> Drunkenness is one of the beatitudes, + compared<br /> with editing a religious paper devoted to the defence<br /> + of slavery upon the ground that it is a divine insti-<br /> tution.<br /> + <br /> Do you really think that Paine was a drunken<br /> beast when he + wrote "Common Sense"—a pamphlet<br /> that aroused three millions of + people, as people were<br /> never aroused by a pamphlet before? Was he a<br /> + <br /> 479<br /> <br /> drunken beast when he wrote the "Crisis"? Was<br /> it + to a drunken beast that the following letter was<br /> addressed:<br /> + <br /> Rocky Hill, September 10, 1783.<br /> <br /> "I have learned since I + have been at this place,<br /> that you are at Bordentown.—Whether + for the sake<br /> of retirement or economy I know not. Be it for<br /> + either or both, or whatever it may, if you will come<br /> to this place + and partake with me I shall be exceed-<br /> ingly happy to see you at it. + Your presence may<br /> remind Congress of your past services to this + country;<br /> and if it is in my power to impress them, command<br /> my + best exertions with freedom, as they will be<br /> rendered cheerfully by + one who entertains a lively<br /> sense of the importance of your works, + and who with<br /> much pleasure subscribes himself,<br /> <br /> "Your + Sincere Friend,<br /> <br /> "George Washington."<br /> <br /> Did any of your + ancestors ever receive a letter<br /> like that?<br /> <br /> Do you think + that Paine was a drunken beast<br /> when the following letter was received + by him?<br /> <br /> "You express a wish in your letter to return to<br /> + America in a national ship; Mr. Dawson, who brings<br /> over the treaty, + and who will present you with this<br /> letter, is charged with orders to + the captain of the<br /> <br /> 480<br /> <br /> Maryland to receive and + accommodate you back, if you<br /> can be ready to depart at such a short + warning. You<br /> will in general find us returned to sentiments worthy<br /> + of former times; <i>in these it will be your glory to have<br /> steadily + labored and with as much effect as any man<br /> living.</i> That you may + live long to continue your<br /> useful labors, and reap the reward in the + <i>thankfulness<br /> of nations</i>, is my sincere prayer. Accept the + assur-<br /> ances of my high esteem and affectionate attachment."<br /> + <br /> Thomas Jefferson.<br /> <br /> Did any of your ancestors ever receive + a letter<br /> like that?<br /> <br /> "It has been very generally propagated + through<br /> the continent that I wrote the pamphlet 'Common<br /> Sense.' + I could not have written anything in so<br /> manly and striking a style."—John + Adams.<br /> <br /> "A few more such flaming arguments as were<br /> + exhibited at Falmouth and Norfolk, added to the<br /> sound doctrine and + unanswerable reasoning con-<br /> tained in the pamphlet 'Common Sense,' + will not<br /> leave numbers at a loss to decide on the propriety of<br /> a + separation."—George Washington.<br /> <br /> "It is not necessary for + me to tell you how<br /> much all your countrymen—I speak of the + great<br /> mass of the people—are interested in your welfare.<br /> + <br /> 481<br /> <br /> They have not forgotten the history of their own<br /> + Revolution and the difficult scenes through which<br /> they passed; nor do + they review its several stages<br /> without reviving in their bosoms a due + sensibility of<br /> the merits of those who served them in that great<br /> + and arduous conflict. The crime of ingratitude has<br /> not yet stained, + and I trust never will stain, our<br /> national character. You are + considered by them as<br /> not only having rendered important services in + our<br /> own Revolution, but as being on a more extensive<br /> scale the + friend of human rights, and a distinguished<br /> and able defender of + public liberty. To the welfare<br /> of Thomas Paine the Americans are not, + nor can<br /> they be indifferent.".. James Monroe.<br /> <br /> Did any of + your ancestors ever receive a letter<br /> like that?<br /> <br /> "No writer + has exceeded Paine in ease and famil-<br /> iarity of style, in perspicuity + of expression, happiness<br /> of elucidation, and in simple and unassuming + lan-<br /> guage."'—Thomas Jefferson.<br /> <br /> Was ever a letter + like that written about an editor<br /> of the <i>New York Observer?</i><br /> + <br /> Was it in consideration of the services of a<br /> drunken beast that + the Legislature of Pennsylvania<br /> presented Thomas Paine with five + hundred pounds<br /> sterling?<br /> <br /> 482<br /> <br /> Did the State of + New York feel indebted to a<br /> drunken beast, and confer upon Thomas + Paine an<br /> estate of several hundred acres?<br /> <br /> "I believe in + the equality of man, and I believe<br /> that religious duties consist in + doing justice, loving<br /> mercy, and endeavoring to make our + fellow-creat-<br /> ures happy."<br /> <br /> "My own mind is my own church."<br /> + <br /> "It is necessary to the happiness of man that he<br /> be mentally + faithful to himself."<br /> <br /> "Any system of religion that shocks the + mind of<br /> a child cannot be a true system."<br /> <br /> "The Word of God + is the creation which we<br /> behold."<br /> <br /> "The age of ignorance + commenced with the<br /> Christian system."<br /> <br /> "It is with a pious + fraud as with a bad action—it<br /> begets a calamitous necessity of + going on."<br /> <br /> "To read the Bible without horror, we must undo<br /> + everything that is tender, sympathizing and benev-<br /> olent in the heart + of man."<br /> <br /> "The man does not exist who can say I have per-<br /> + secuted him, or that I have in any case returned evil<br /> for evil."<br /> + <br /> "Of all tyrannies that afflict mankind, tyranny in<br /> religion is + the worst."<br /> <br /> 483<br /> <br /> "My own opinion is, that those whose + lives have<br /> been spent in doing good and endeavoring to make<br /> + their fellow-mortals happy, will be happy hereafter."<br /> "The belief in + a cruel god makes a cruel man."<br /> "The intellectual part of religion is + a private affair<br /> between every man and his Maker, and in which no<br /> + third party has any right to interfere. The practical<br /> part consists + in our doing good to each other."<br /> <br /> "No man ought to make a + living by religion. One<br /> person cannot act religion for another—every + person<br /> must perform it for himself."<br /> <br /> "One good + schoolmaster is of more use than a<br /> hundred priests."<br /> <br /> "Let + us propagate morality unfettered by super-<br /> stition."<br /> <br /> "God + is the power, or first cause, Nature is the<br /> law, and matter is the + subject acted upon."<br /> <br /> "I believe in one God and no more, and I + hope<br /> for happiness beyond this life."<br /> <br /> "The key of heaven + is not in the keeping of any<br /> sect nor ought the road to it to be + obstructed<br /> by any."<br /> <br /> "My religion, and the whole of it, is + the fear and<br /> love of the Deity and universal philanthropy."<br /> + <br /> "I have yet, I believe, some years in store, for I<br /> have a good + state of health and a happy mind. I<br /> <br /> 484<br /> <br /> take care of + both, by nourishing the first with tem-<br /> perance and the latter with + abundance."<br /> <br /> "He lives immured within the Bastile of a<br /> + word."<br /> <br /> How perfectly that sentence describes you! The<br /> + Bastile in which you are immured is the word<br /> "Calvinism."<br /> <br /> + "Man has no property in man."<br /> <br /> What a splendid motto that would + have made for<br /> the <i>New York Observer</i> in the olden time!<br /> + <br /> "The world is my country; to do good, my<br /> religion."<br /> <br /> + I ask you again whether these splendid utterances<br /> came from the lips + of a drunken beast?<br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Did Thomas Paine die in + destitution and want?</i><br /> <br /> The charge has been made, over and + over again,<br /> that Thomas Paine died in want and destitution—<br /> + that he was an abandoned pauper—an outcast with-<br /> out friends + and without money. This charge is just<br /> as false as the rest.<br /> + <br /> Upon his return to this country in 1802, he was<br /> worth $30,000, + according to his own statement made<br /> at that time in the following + letter addressed to Clio<br /> Rickman:<br /> <br /> "My Dear Friend: Mr. + Monroe, who is appointed<br /> minister extraordinary to France, takes + charge of<br /> <br /> 485<br /> <br /> this, to be delivered to Mr. Este, + banker in Paris, to<br /> be forwarded to you.<br /> <br /> "I arrived at + Baltimore the 30th of October, and<br /> you can have no idea of the + agitation which my<br /> arrival occasioned. From New Hampshire to<br /> + Georgia (an extent of 1,500 miles) every newspaper<br /> was filled with + applause or abuse.<br /> <br /> "My property in this country has been taken + care<br /> of by my friends, and is now worth six thousand<br /> pounds + sterling; which put in the funds will bring<br /> me £400 sterling a + year.<br /> <br /> "Remember me in affection and friendship to your<br /> + wife and family, and in the circle of your friends."<br /> <br /> Thomas + Paine.<br /> <br /> A man in those days worth thirty thousand dol-<br /> lars + was not a pauper. That amount would bring an<br /> income of at least two + thousand dollars per annum.<br /> Two thousand dollars then would be fully + equal to<br /> five thousand dollars now.<br /> <br /> On the 12th of July, + 1809, the year in which he<br /> died, Mr. Paine made his will. From this + instru-<br /> ment we learn that he was the owner of a valuable<br /> farm + within twenty miles of New York. He also<br /> was the owner of thirty + shares in the New York<br /> Phoenix Insurance Company, worth upwards of + fif-<br /> teen hundred dollars. Besides this, some personal<br /> <br /> 486<br /> + <br /> property and ready money. By his will he gave to<br /> Walter Morton, + and Thomas Addis Emmett, brother<br /> of Robert Emmett, two hundred + dollars each, and<br /> one hundred to the widow of Elihu Palmer.<br /> + <br /> Is it possible that this will was made by a pauper<br /> —by a + destitute outcast—by a man who suffered for<br /> the ordinary + necessaries of life?<br /> <br /> But suppose, for the sake of the argument, + that he<br /> was poor and that he died a beggar, does that tend<br /> to + show that the Bible is an inspired book and that<br /> Calvin did not burn + Servetus? Do you really regard<br /> poverty as a crime? If Paine had died + a millionaire,<br /> would you have accepted his religious opinions? If<br /> + Paine had drank nothing but cold water would you<br /> have repudiated the + five cardinal points of Calvin-<br /> ism? Does an argument depend for its + force upon<br /> the pecuniary condition of the person making it?<br /> As a + matter of fact, most reformers—most men and<br /> women of genius, + have been acquainted with poverty.<br /> Beneath a covering of rags have + been found some of<br /> the tenderest and bravest hearts.<br /> <br /> Owing + to the attitude of the churches for the last<br /> fifteen hundred years, + truth-telling has not been a<br /> very lucrative business. As a rule, + hypocrisy has<br /> worn the robes, and honesty the rags. That day is<br /> + passing away. You cannot now answer the argu-<br /> <br /> 487<br /> <br /> + ments of a man by pointing at holes in his coat.<br /> Thomas Paine + attacked the church when it was<br /> powerful—when it had what was + called honors to<br /> bestow—when it was the keeper of the public + con-<br /> science—when it was strong and cruel. The church<br /> + waited till he was dead then attacked his reputation<br /> and his clothes.<br /> + <br /> Once upon a time a donkey kicked a lion. The<br /> lion was dead.<br /> + <br /> Conclusion.<br /> <br /> From the persistence with which the orthodox<br /> + have charged for the last sixty-eight years that<br /> Thomas Paine + recanted, and that when dying he<br /> was filled with remorse and fear; + from the malignity<br /> of the attacks upon his personal character, I had + con-<br /> cluded that there must be some evidence of some<br /> kind to + support these charges. Even with my ideas<br /> of the average honor of + believers in superstition—<br /> the disciples of fear—I did + not quite believe that all<br /> these infamies rested solely upon poorly + attested<br /> lies. I had charity enough to suppose that some-<br /> thing + had been said or done by Thomas Paine capa-<br /> ble of being tortured + into a foundation for these<br /> calumnies. And I was foolish enough to + think that<br /> even you would be willing to fairly examine the pre-<br /> + tended evidence said to sustain these charges, and<br /> <br /> 488<br /> + <br /> give your honest conclusion to the world. I sup-<br /> posed that + you, being acquainted with the history of<br /> your country, felt under a + certain obligation to<br /> Thomas Paine for the splendid services rendered + by<br /> him in the darkest days of the Revolution. It was<br /> only + reasonable to suppose that you were aware that<br /> in the midnight of + Valley Forge the "Crisis," by<br /> Thomas Paine, was the first star that + glittered in the<br /> wide horizon of despair. I took it for granted that<br /> + you knew of the bold stand taken and the brave<br /> words spoken by Thomas + Paine, in the French Con-<br /> vention, against the death of the king. I + thought it<br /> probable that you, being an editor, had read the<br /> + "Rights of Man;" that you knew that Thomas<br /> Paine was a champion of + human liberty; that he was<br /> one of the founders and fathers of this + Republic; that<br /> he was one of the foremost men of his age; that he<br /> + had never written a word in favor of injustice; that<br /> he was a + despiser of slavery; that he abhorred tyr-<br /> anny in all its forms; + that he was in the widest and<br /> highest sense a friend of his race; + that his head was<br /> as clear as his heart was good, and that he had the<br /> + courage to speak his honest thought. Under these<br /> circumstances I had + hoped that you would for the<br /> moment forget your religious prejudices + and submit<br /> to the enlightened judgment of the world the evi-<br /> + <br /> 489<br /> <br /> dence you had, or could obtain, affecting in any way<br /> + the character of so great and so generous a man. This<br /> you have + refused to do. In my judgment, you have<br /> mistaken the temper of even + your own readers. A<br /> large majority of the religious people of this + country<br /> have, to a considerable extent, outgrown the preju-<br /> + dices of their fathers. They are willing to know the<br /> truth and the + whole truth, about the life and death of<br /> Thomas Paine. They will not + thank you for having<br /> presented them the moss-covered, the maimed and + dis-<br /> torted traditions of ignorance, prejudice, and credulity.<br /> + By this course you will convince them not of the<br /> wickedness of Paine, + but of your own unfairness.<br /> <br /> What crime had Thomas Paine + committed that he<br /> should have feared to die? The only answer you<br /> + can give is, that he denied the inspiration of the<br /> Scriptures. If + this is a crime, the civilized world is<br /> filled with criminals. The + pioneers of human thought<br /> —the intellectual leaders of the + world—the foremost<br /> men in every science—the kings of + literature and<br /> art—those who stand in the front rank of + investiga-<br /> tion—the men who are civilizing, elevating, + instruct-<br /> ing, and refining mankind, are to-day unbelievers in<br /> + the dogma of inspiration. Upon this question, the<br /> intellect of + Christendom agrees with the conclusions<br /> reached by the genius of + Thomas Paine. Centuries<br /> <br /> 490<br /> <br /> ago a noise was made for + the purpose of frightening<br /> mankind. Orthodoxy is the echo of that + noise.<br /> <br /> The man who now regards the Old Testament as<br /> in any + sense a sacred or inspired book is, in my judg-<br /> ment, an intellectual + and moral deformity. There is<br /> in it so much that is cruel, ignorant, + and ferocious<br /> that it is to me a matter of amazement that it was<br /> + ever thought to be the work of a most merciful deity.<br /> <br /> Upon the + question of inspiration Thomas Paine<br /> gave his honest opinion. Can it + be that to give an<br /> honest opinion causes one to die in terror and de-<br /> + spair? Have you in your writings been actuated by<br /> the fear of such a + consequence? Why should it be<br /> taken for granted that Thomas Paine, + who devoted<br /> his life to the sacred cause of freedom, should have<br /> + been hissed at in the hour of death by the snakes of<br /> conscience, + while editors of Presbyterian papers who<br /> defended slavery as a divine + institution, and cheer-<br /> fully justified the stealing of babes from + the breasts of<br /> mothers, are supposed to have passed smilingly from<br /> + earth to the embraces of angels? Why should you<br /> think that the heroic + author of the "Rights of Man"<br /> should shudderingly dread to leave this + "bank and<br /> shoal of time," while Calvin, dripping with the blood<br /> + of Servetus, was anxious to be judged of God? Is<br /> it possible that the + persecutors—the instigators of<br /> <br /> 491<br /> <br /> the + massacre of St. Bartholomew—the inventors and<br /> users of + thumb-screws, and iron boots, and racks—<br /> the burners and + tearers of human flesh—the stealers,<br /> whippers and enslavers of + men—the buyers and<br /> beaters of babes and mothers—the + founders of<br /> inquisitions—the makers of chains, the builders of<br /> + dungeons, the slanderers of the living and the calum-<br /> niators of the + dead, all died in the odor of sanctity,<br /> with white, forgiven hands + folded upon the breasts<br /> of peace, while the destroyers of prejudice—the<br /> + apostles of humanity—the soldiers of liberty—the<br /> breakers + of fetters—the creators of light—died sur-<br /> rounded with + the fierce fiends of fear?<br /> <br /> In your attempt to destroy the + character of Thomas<br /> Paine you have failed, and have succeeded only in<br /> + leaving a stain upon your own. You have written<br /> words as cruel, + bitter and heartless as the creed of<br /> Calvin. Hereafter you will stand + in the pillory of<br /> history as a defamer—a calumniator of the + dead.<br /> You will be known as the man who said that Thomas<br /> Paine, + the "Author Hero," lived a drunken, coward-<br /> ly and beastly life, and + died a drunken and beastly<br /> death. These infamous words will be + branded upon<br /> the forehead of your reputation. They will be re-<br /> + membered against you when all else you may have<br /> uttered shall have + passed from the memory of men.<br /> <br /> Robert G. Ingersoll.<br /> <br /> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link0012" id="link0012"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>THE + OBSERVER'S SECOND ATTACK</b></big><br /> <br /> <i>* From the NY. Observer + of Nov. 1, 1877.</i><br /> <br /> <br /> TOM PAINE AGAIN.<br /> <br /> In the + Observer of September 27th, in response<br /> to numerous calls from + different parts of the country<br /> for information, and in fulfillment of + a promise, we<br /> presented a mass of testimony, chiefly from persons<br /> + with whom we had been personally acquainted,<br /> establishing the truth + of our assertions in regard to<br /> the dissolute life and miserable end + of Paine. It was<br /> not a pleasing subject for discussion, and an + apology,<br /> or at least an explanation, is due to our readers for<br /> + resuming it, and for occupying so much space, or<br /> any space, in + exhibiting the truth and the proofs in<br /> regard to the character of a + man who had become so<br /> debased by his intemperance, and so vile in his<br /> + habits, as to be excluded, for many years before and<br /> up to the time + of his death, from all decent society.<br /> <br /> Our reasons for taking + up the subject at all, and<br /> for presenting at this time so much + additional testi-<br /> mony in regard to the facts of the case, are these:<br /> + At different periods for the last fifty years, efforts<br /> <br /> 493<br /> + <br /> have been made by Infidels to revive and honor the<br /> memory of + one whose friends would honor him most<br /> by suffering his name to sink + into oblivion, if that<br /> were possible. About two years since, Rev. O. + B.<br /> Frothingham, of this city, came to their aid, and<br /> undertook a + sort of championship of Paine, making<br /> in a public discourse this + statement: "No private<br /> character has been more foully calumniated in + the<br /> name of God than that of Thomas Paine." (Mr.<br /> Frothingham, it + will be remembered, is the one who<br /> recently, in a public discourse, + announced the down-<br /> fall of Christianity, although he very kindly + made<br /> the allowance that, "it may be a thousand years<br /> before its + decay will be visible to all eyes." It is<br /> our private opinion that it + will be at least a thousand<br /> and one.) Rev. John W. Chadwick, a + minister of<br /> the same order of unbelief, who signs himself, "Min-<br /> + ister of the Second Unitarian Society in Brooklyn,"<br /> has devoted two + discourses to the same end, eulogiz-<br /> ing Paine. In one of these, + which we have before<br /> us in a handsomely printed pamphlet, entitled,<br /> + "Method and Value of his (Paine's) Religious<br /> Teachings," he says: + "Christian usage has determ-<br /> ined that an Infidel means one who does + not believe<br /> in Christianity as a supernatural religion; in the<br /> + Bible as a Supernatural book; in Jesus as a super-<br /> <br /> 494<br /> + <br /> natural person. And in this sense Paine was an<br /> Infidel, and so, + thank God, am I." It is proper to<br /> add that Unitarians generally + decline all responsibil-<br /> ity for the utterances of both of these men, + and that<br /> they compose a denomination, or rather two denom-<br /> + inations, of their own.<br /> <br /> There is also a certain class of + Infidels who are<br /> not quite prepared to meet the odium that attaches<br /> + to the name; they call themselves Christians, but<br /> their sympathies + are all with the enemies of Chris-<br /> tianity, and they are not always + able to conceal it.<br /> They have not the courage of their opinions, like<br /> + Mr. Frothingham and Mr. Chadwick, and they work<br /> only sideways toward + the same end. We have been<br /> no little amused since our last article on + this subject<br /> appeared, to read some of the articles that have been<br /> + written on the other side, though professedly on no<br /> side, and to + observe how sincerely these men depre-<br /> cate the discussion of the + character of Paine, as an<br /> unprofitable topic. It never appeared to + them un-<br /> profitable when the discussion was on the other side.<br /> + <br /> Then, too, we have for months past been receiving<br /> letters from + different parts of the country, asking<br /> authentic information on the + subject and stating that<br /> the followers of Paine are making + extraordinary<br /> efforts to circulate his writings against the Christian<br /> + <br /> 495<br /> <br /> religion, and in order to give currency to these + writ-<br /> ings they are endeavoring to rescue his name from<br /> the + disgrace into which it sank during the latter<br /> years of his life. + Paine spent several of his last<br /> years in furnishing a commentary upon + his Infidel<br /> principles. This commentary was contained in his<br /> + besotted, degraded life and miserable end, but his<br /> friends do not + wish the commentary to go out in<br /> connection with his writings. They + prefer to have<br /> them read without the comments by their author.<br /> + Hence this anxiety to free the great apostle of<br /> Infidelity from the + obloquy which his life brought<br /> upon his name; to represent him as a + pure, noble,<br /> virtuous man, and to make it appear that he died a<br /> + peaceful, happy death, just like a philosopher.<br /> <br /> But what makes + the publication of the facts in the<br /> case still more imperative at + this time is the whole-<br /> sale accusation brought against the Christian + public<br /> by the friends and admirers of Paine. Christian<br /> ministers + as a class, and Christian journals are<br /> expressly accused of + falsifying history, of defaming<br /> "the mighty dead!" (meaning Paine,) + etc. In<br /> the face of all these accusations it cannot be out of<br /> + place to state the facts and to fortify the statement<br /> by satisfactory + evidence, as we are abundantly able<br /> to do.<br /> <br /> 496<br /> <br /> + The two points on which we proposed to produce<br /> the testimony are, the + character of Paine's life (refer-<br /> ring of course to his last + residence in this country,<br /> for no one has intimated that he had sunk + into such<br /> besotted drunkenness until about the time of his<br /> + return to the United States in 1802), and the real<br /> character of his + death as consistent with such a life,<br /> and as marked further by the + cowardliness, which<br /> has been often exhibited by Infidels in the same<br /> + circumstances.<br /> <br /> It is nothing at all to the purpose to show, as + his<br /> friends are fond of doing, that Paine rendered<br /> important + service to the cause of American Inde-<br /> pendence. This is not the + point under discussion<br /> and is not denied. No one ever called in + question<br /> the valuable service that Benedict Arnold rendered<br /> to + the country in the early part of the Revolutionary<br /> war; but this, + with true Americans, does not suffice<br /> to cast a shade of loveliness + or even to spread a man-<br /> tle of charity over his subsequent career. + Whatever<br /> share Paine had in the personal friendship of the<br /> + fathers of the Revolution he forfeited by his subse-<br /> quent life of + beastly drunkenness and degradation,<br /> and on this account as well as + on account of his<br /> blasphemy he was shunned by all decent people.<br /> + <br /> We wish to make one or two corrections of mis-<br /> <br /> 497<br /> + <br /> statements by Paine's advocates, on which a vast<br /> amount of + argument has been simply wasted. We<br /> have never stated in any form, + nor have we ever<br /> supposed, that Paine actually renounced his Infidel-<br /> + ity. The accounts agree in stating that he died a<br /> blaspheming + Infidel, and his horrible death we regard<br /> as one of the fruits, the + fitting complement of his<br /> Infidelity. We have never seen anything + that<br /> encouraged the hope that he was not abandoned of<br /> God in his + last hours. But we have no doubt, on<br /> the other hand, that having + become a wreck in body<br /> and mind through his intemperance, abandoned + of<br /> God, deserted by his Infidel companions, and de-<br /> pendent upon + Christian charity for the attentions he<br /> received, miserable beyond + description in his condi-<br /> tion, and seeing nothing to hope for in the + future, he<br /> was afraid to die, and was ready to call upon God<br /> and + upon Christ for mercy, and ready perhaps in the<br /> next minute to + blaspheme. This is what we referred<br /> to in speaking of Paine's death + as cowardly. It is<br /> shown in the testimony we have produced, and still<br /> + more fully in that which we now present. The most<br /> wicked men are + ready to call upon God in seasons<br /> of great peril, and sometimes ask + for Christian min-<br /> istrations when in extreme illness; but they are<br /> + often ready on any alleviation of distress to turn to<br /> <br /> 498<br /> + <br /> their wickedness again, in the expressive language<br /> of + Scripture, "as the sow that was washed to her<br /> wallowing in the mire."<br /> + <br /> We have never stated or intimated, nor, so far as<br /> we are aware, + has any one of our correspondents<br /> stated, that Paine died in poverty. + It has been<br /> frequently and truthfully stated that Paine was de-<br /> + pendent on Christian charity for the attentions he<br /> received in his + last days, and so he was. His Infidel<br /> companions forsook him and + Christian hearts and<br /> hands ministered to his wants, notwithstanding + the<br /> blasphemies of his death-bed.<br /> <br /> Nor has one of our + correspondents stated, as<br /> alleged, that Paine died at New Rochelle. + The<br /> Rev. Dr. Wickham, who was a resident of that place<br /> nearly + fifty years ago, and who was perfectly familiar<br /> with the facts of his + life, wrote that Paine spent "his<br /> latter days" on the farm presented + to him by<br /> the State of New York, which was strictly true,<br /> but + made no reference to it as the place of his<br /> death.<br /> <br /> Such + misrepresentations serve to show how much<br /> the advocates of Paine + admire "truth."<br /> <br /> With these explanations we produce further evi-<br /> + dence in regard to the manner of Paine's life and the<br /> character of + his death, both of which we have already<br /> <br /> 499<br /> <br /> + characterized in appropriate terms, as the following<br /> testimony will + show.<br /> <br /> In regard to Paine's "personal habits," even before<br /> + his return to this country, and particularly his aver-<br /> sion to soap + and water, Elkana Watson, a gentleman<br /> of the highest social position, + who resided in France<br /> during a part of the Revolutionary war, and who<br /> + was the personal friend of Washington, Franklin,<br /> and other patriots + of the period, makes some inci-<br /> dental statements in his "Men and + Times of the<br /> Revolution." Though eulogizing Paine's efforts in<br /> + behalf of American Independence, he describes him<br /> as "coarse and + uncouth in his manners, loathsome<br /> in his appearance, and a disgusting + egotist." On<br /> Paine's arrival at Nantes, the Mayor and other dis-<br /> + tinguished citizens called upon him to pay their<br /> respects to the + American patriot. Mr. Watson says:<br /> "He was soon rid of his + respectable visitors, who<br /> left the room with marks of astonishment + and dis-<br /> gust." Mr. W., after much entreaty, and only by<br /> + promising him a bundle of newspapers to read while<br /> undergoing the + operation, succeeded in prevailing<br /> on Paine to "stew, for an hour, in + a hot bath." Mr.<br /> W. accompanied Paine to the bath, and "instructed<br /> + the keeper, in French, (which Paine did not under-<br /> stand,) gradually + to increase the heat of the water<br /> <br /> 500<br /> <br /> until 'le + Monsieur serait bien bouille (until the gentle-<br /> man shall be well + boiled;) and adds that "he became<br /> so much absorbed in his reading + that he was nearly-<br /> parboiled before leaving the bath, much to his + im-<br /> provement and my satisfaction."<br /> <br /> William Carver has + been cited as a witness in be-<br /> half of Paine, and particularly as to + his "personal<br /> habits." In a letter to Paine, dated December 2,<br /> + 1776, he bears the following testimony:<br /> <br /> "A respectable + gentlemen from New Rochelle<br /> called to see me a few days back, and + said that<br /> everybody was tired of you there, and no one would<br /> + undertake to board and lodge you. I thought this<br /> was the case, as I + found you at a tavern in a most<br /> miserable situation. You appeared as + if you had<br /> not been shaved for a fortnight, and as to a shirt, it<br /> + could not be said that you had one on. It was only<br /> the remains of + one, and this, likewise, appeared not<br /> to have been off your back for + a fortnight, and was<br /> nearly the color of tanned leather; and you had + the<br /> most disagreeable smell possible; just like that of<br /> our poor + beggars in England. Do you remember the<br /> pains I took to clean you? + that I got a tub of warm<br /> water and soap and washed you from head to + foot, and<br /> this I had to do three times before I could get you<br /> + clean." (And then follow more disgusting details.)<br /> <br /> 501<br /> + <br /> "You say, also, that you found your own liquors<br /> during the time + you boarded with me; but you<br /> should have said, 'I found only a small + part of the<br /> liquor I drank during my stay with you; this part I<br /> + purchased of John Fellows, which was a demijohn of<br /> brandy containing + four gallons, and this did not serve<br /> me three weeks.' This can be + proved, and I mean<br /> not to say anything that I cannot prove; for I + hold<br /> truth as a precious jewel. It is a well-known fact,<br /> that + you drank one quart of brandy per day, at my<br /> expense, during the + different times that you have<br /> boarded with me, the demijohn above + mentioned<br /> excepted, and the last fourteen weeks you were sick.<br /> + Is not this a supply of liquor for dinner and supper?"<br /> This chosen + witness in behalf of Paine, closes his<br /> letter, which is full of + loathsome descriptions of<br /> Paine's manner of life, as follows:<br /> + <br /> "Now, sir, I think I have drawn a complete por-<br /> trait of your + character; yet to enter upon every<br /> minutiae would be to give a + history of your life, and<br /> to develop the fallacious mask of hypocrisy + and de-<br /> ception under which you have acted in your political<br /> as + well as moral capacity of life."<br /> <br /> (Signed) "William Carver."<br /> + <br /> Carver had the same opinion of Paine to his dying<br /> day. When an + old man, and an Infidel of the Paine<br /> <br /> 502<br /> <br /> type and + habits, he was visited by the Rev. E. F.<br /> Hatfield, D.D., of this + city, who writes to us of his<br /> interview with Carver, under date of + Sept. 27, 1877:<br /> "I conversed with him nearly an hour. I took<br /> + special pains to learn from him all that I could about<br /> Paine, whose + landlord he had been for eighteen<br /> months. He spoke of him as a base + and shameless<br /> drunkard, utterly destitute of moral principle. His<br /> + denunciations of the man were perfectly fearful, and<br /> fully confirmed, + in my apprehension, all that had been<br /> written of Paine's immorality + and repulsiveness."<br /> Cheetham's Life of Paine, which was published<br /> + the year that he died, and which has passed through<br /> several editions + (we have three of them now before<br /> us) describes a man lost to all + moral sensibility and<br /> to all sense of decency, a habitual drunkard, + and it is<br /> simply incredible that a book should have appeared<br /> so + soon after the death of its subject and should have<br /> been so + frequently republished without being at once<br /> refuted, if the + testimony were not substantially true.<br /> Many years later, when it was + found necessary to<br /> bolster up the reputation of Paine, Cheetham's<br /> + Memoirs were called a pack of lies. If only one-<br /> tenth part of what + he publishes circumstantially in<br /> his volume, as facts in regard to + Paine, were true, all<br /> that has been written against him in later + years does<br /> <br /> 503<br /> <br /> not begin to set forth the degraded + character of the<br /> man's life. And with all that has been written on<br /> + the subject we see no good reason to doubt the sub-<br /> stantial accuracy + of Cheetham's portrait of the man<br /> whom he knew so well.<br /> <br /> + Dr. J. W. Francis, well-known as an eminent phy-<br /> sician, of this + city, in his Reminiscences of New York,<br /> says of Paine:<br /> <br /> "He + who, in his early days, had been associated<br /> with, and had received + counsel from Franklin, was,<br /> in his old age, deserted by the humblest + menial; he,<br /> whose pen has proved a very sword among nations,<br /> had + shaken empires, and made kings tremble, now<br /> yielded up the mastery to + the most treacherous of<br /> tyrants, King Alcohol."<br /> <br /> The + physician who attended Paine during his last<br /> illness was Dr. James R. + Manley, a gentleman of the<br /> highest character. A letter of his, + written in Octo-<br /> ber of the year that Paine died, fully corroborates<br /> + the account of his state as recorded by Stephen<br /> Grellet in his + Memoirs, which we have already<br /> printed. He writes:<br /> <br /> "New + York, October 2, 1809: I was called upon<br /> by accident to visit Mr. + Paine, on the 25th of Feb-<br /> ruary last, and found him indisposed with + fever, and<br /> very apprehensive of an attack of apoplexy, as he<br /> + <br /> 504<br /> <br /> stated that he had that disease before, and at this<br /> + time felt a great degree of vertigo, and was unable<br /> to help himself + as he had hitherto done, on account<br /> of an intense pain above the + eyes. On inquiry of<br /> the attendants I was told that three or four days<br /> + previously he had concluded to dispense with his<br /> usual quantity of + accustomed stimulus and that he<br /> had on that day resumed it. To the + want of his<br /> usual drink they attributed his illness, and it is highly<br /> + probable that the usual quantity operating upon a<br /> state of system + more excited from the above priva-<br /> tions, was the cause of the + symptoms of which he<br /> then complained.... And here let me be per-<br /> + mitted to observe (lest blame might attach to those<br /> whose business it + was to pay any particular attention<br /> to his cleanliness of person) + that it was absolutely<br /> impossible to effect that purpose. Cleanliness + ap-<br /> peared to make no part of his comfort; he seemed<br /> to have a + singular aversion to soap and water; he<br /> would never ask to be washed, + and when he was he<br /> would always make objections; and it was not un-<br /> + usual to wash and to dress him clean very much<br /> against his + inclinations. In this deplorable state,<br /> with confirmed dropsy, + attended with frequent cough,<br /> vomiting and hiccough, he continued + growing from<br /> bad to worse till the morning of the 8th of June,<br /> + <br /> 505<br /> <br /> when he died. Though I may remark that during<br /> + the last three weeks of his life his situation was such<br /> that his + decease was confidently expected every day,<br /> his ulcers having assumed + a gangrenous appearance,<br /> being excessively fetid, and discolored + blisters hav-<br /> ing taken place on the soles of his feet without any<br /> + ostensible cause, which baffled the usual attempts to<br /> arrest their + progress; and when we consider his<br /> former habits, his advanced age, + the feebleness of his<br /> constitution, his constant habit of using + ardent spirits<br /> ad libitum till the commencement of his last illness,<br /> + so far from wondering that he died so soon, we are<br /> constrained to + ask, How did he live so long? Con-<br /> cerning his conduct during his + disease I have not<br /> much to remark, though the little I have may be<br /> + somewhat interesting. Mr. Paine professed to be<br /> above the fear of + death, and a great part of his con-<br /> versation was principally + directed to give the impres-<br /> sion that he was perfectly willing to + leave this world,<br /> and yet some parts of his conduct were with + difficulty<br /> reconcilable with his belief. In the first stages of his<br /> + illness he was satisfied to be left alone during the<br /> day, but he + required some person to be with him at<br /> night, urging as his reason + that he was afraid that<br /> he should die when unattended, and at this + period<br /> his deportment and his principle seemed to be con-<br /> <br /> + 506<br /> <br /> sistent; so much so that a stranger would judge from<br /> + some of the remarks he would make that he was an<br /> Infidel. I recollect + being with him at night, watch-<br /> ing; he was very apprehensive of a + speedy dissolu-<br /> tion, and suffered great distress of body, and + perhaps<br /> of mind (for he was waiting the event of an applica-<br /> + tion to the Society of Friends for permission that his<br /> corpse might + be deposited in their grave-ground, and<br /> had reason to believe that + the request might be<br /> refused), when he remarked in these words, 'I + think<br /> I can say what they made Jesus Christ to say—"My<br /> + God, my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" He<br /> went on to observe on the + want of that respect which<br /> he conceived he merited, when I observed + to him<br /> that I thought his corpse should be matter of least<br /> + concern to him; that those whom he would leave<br /> behind him would see + that he was properly interred,<br /> and, further, that it would be of + little consequence to<br /> me where I was deposited provided I was buried;<br /> + upon which he answered that he had nothing else to<br /> talk about, and + that he would as lief talk of his death<br /> as of anything, but that he + was not so indifferent<br /> about his corpse as I appeared to be.<br /> + <br /> "During the latter part of his life, though his con-<br /> versation + was equivocal, his conduct was singular;<br /> he could not be left alone + night or day; he not only<br /> <br /> 507<br /> <br /> required to have some + person with him, but he must<br /> see that he or she was there, and would + not allow<br /> his curtain to be closed at any time; and if, as it<br /> + would sometimes unavoidably happen, he was left<br /> alone, he would + scream and halloo until some person<br /> came to him. When relief from + pain would admit,<br /> he seemed thoughtful and contemplative, his eyes<br /> + being generally closed, and his hands folded upon<br /> his breast, + although he never slept without the assist-<br /> ance of an anodyne. There + was something remark-<br /> able in his conduct about this period (which + comprises<br /> about two weeks immediately preceding his death),<br /> + particularly when we reflect that Thomas Paine was<br /> the author of the + 'Age of Reason.' He would call<br /> out during his paroxysms of distress, + without inter-<br /> mission, 'O Lord help me! God help me! Jesus<br /> + Christ help me! Lord help me!' etc., repeating the<br /> same expressions + without the least variation, in a<br /> tone of voice that would alarm the + house. It was<br /> this conduct which induced me to think that he had<br /> + abandoned his former opinions, and I was more<br /> inclined to that belief + when I understood from his<br /> nurse (who is a very serious and, I + believe, pious<br /> woman), that he would occasionally inquire, when he<br /> + saw her engaged with a book, what she was reading,<br /> and, being + answered, and at the same time asked<br /> <br /> 508<br /> <br /> whether she + should read aloud, he assented, and<br /> would appear to give particular + attention.<br /> <br /> "I took occasion during the nights of the fifth<br /> + and sixth of June to test the strength of his opinions<br /> respecting + revelation. I purposely made him a very<br /> late visit; it was a time + which seemed to suit exactly<br /> with my errand; it was midnight, he was + in great<br /> distress, constantly exclaiming in the words above<br /> + mentioned, when, after a considerable preface, I<br /> addressed him in the + following manner, the nurse<br /> being present: 'Mr. Paine, your opinions, + by a large<br /> portion of the community, have been treated with<br /> + deference, you have never been in the habit of mix-<br /> ing in your + conversation words of coarse meaning;<br /> you have never indulged in the + practice of profane<br /> swearing; you must be sensible that we are ac-<br /> + quainted with your religious opinions as they are<br /> given to the world. + What must we think of your<br /> present conduct? Why do you call upon + Jesus<br /> Christ to help you? Do you believe that he can<br /> help you? + Do you believe in the divinity of Jesus<br /> Christ? Come, now, answer me + honestly. I want<br /> an answer from the lips of a dying man, for I verily<br /> + believe that you will not live twenty-four hours.' I<br /> waited some time + at the end of every question; he<br /> did not answer, but ceased to + exclaim in the above<br /> <br /> 509<br /> <br /> manner. Again I addressed + him; 'Mr. Paine, you<br /> have not answered my questions; will you answer<br /> + them? Allow me to ask again, do you believe? or<br /> let me qualify the + question, do you wish to believe<br /> that Jesus Christ is the Son of + God?' After a pause<br /> of some minutes, he answered, 'I have no wish to<br /> + believe on that subject.' I then left him, and knew<br /> not whether he + afterward spoke to any person on<br /> any subject, though he lived, as I + before observed,<br /> till the morning of the 8th. Such conduct, under<br /> + usual circumstances, I conceive absolutely unaccount-<br /> able, though, + with diffidence, I would remark, not so<br /> much so in the present + instance; for though the first<br /> necessary and general result of + conviction be a sin-<br /> cere wish to atone for evil committed, yet it + may be<br /> a question worthy of able consideration whether<br /> excessive + pride of opinion, consummate vanity, and<br /> inordinate self-love might + not prevent or retard that<br /> otherwise natural consequence. For my own + part,<br /> I believe that had not Thomas Paine been such a<br /> + distinguished Infidel he would have left less equivo-<br /> cal evidences + of a change of opinion. Concerning<br /> the persons who visited Mr. Paine + in his distress as<br /> his personal friends, I heard very little, though + I may<br /> observe that their number was small, and of that<br /> number + there were not wanting those who endeavor-<br /> <br /> 510<br /> <br /> ed to + support him in his deistical opinions, and to<br /> encourage him to 'die + like a man,' to 'hold fast his<br /> integrity,' lest Christians, or, as + they were pleased to<br /> term them, hypocrites, might take advantage of + his<br /> weakness, and furnish themselves with a weapon by<br /> which they + might hope to destroy their glorious sys-<br /> tem of morals. Numbers + visited him from motives<br /> of benevolence and Christian charity, + endeavoring to<br /> effect a change of mind in respect to his religious<br /> + sentiments. The labor of such was apparently lost,<br /> and they pretty + generally received such treatment<br /> from him as none but good men would + risk a second<br /> time, though some of those persons called frequently."<br /> + The following testimony will be new to most of<br /> our readers. It is + from a letter written by Bishop<br /> Fenwick (Roman Catholic Bishop of + Boston), con-<br /> taining a full account of a visit which he paid to<br /> + Paine in his last illness. It was printed in the <i>United<br /> States + Catholic Magazine</i> for 1846; in the <i>Catholic<br /> Herald</i> of + Philadelphia, October 15, 1846; in a sup-<br /> plement to the <i>Hartford + Courant</i>, October 23, 1847;<br /> and in <i>Littell's Living Age</i> for + January 22, 1848,<br /> from which we copy. Bishop Fenwick writes:<br /> + <br /> "A short time before Paine died I was sent for by<br /> him. He was + prompted to this by a poor Catholic<br /> woman who went to see him in his + sickness, and<br /> <br /> 511<br /> <br /> who told him, among other things, + that in his<br /> wretched condition if anybody could do him any<br /> good + it would be a Roman Catholic priest. This<br /> woman was an American + convert (formerly a Shak-<br /> ing Quakeress) whom I had received into the + church<br /> but a few weeks before. She was the bearer of this<br /> + message to me from Paine. I stated this circum-<br /> stance to F. + Kohlmann, at breakfast, and requested<br /> him to accompany me. After some + solicitation on<br /> my part he agreed to do so? at which I was greatly<br /> + rejoiced, because I was at the time quite young and<br /> inexperienced in + the ministry, and was glad to have<br /> his assistance, as I knew, from + the great reputation<br /> of Paine, that I should have to do with one of + the<br /> most impious as well as infamous of men. We<br /> shortly after + set out for the house at Greenwich<br /> where Paine lodged, and on the way + agreed on a<br /> mode of proceeding with him.<br /> <br /> "We arrived at + the house; a decent-looking elderly<br /> woman (probably his housekeeper,) + came to the<br /> door and inquired whether we were the Catholic<br /> + priests, for said she, 'Mr. Paine has been so much<br /> annoyed of late by + other denominations calling upon<br /> him that he has left express orders + with me to admit<br /> no one to-day but the clergymen of the Catholic<br /> + Church. Upon assuring her that we were Catholic<br /> <br /> 512<br /> <br /> + clergymen she opened the door and showed us into<br /> the parlor. She then + left the room and shortly after<br /> returned to inform us that Paine was + asleep, and, at<br /> the same time, expressed a wish that we would not<br /> + disturb him, 'for,' said she, 'he is always in a bad<br /> humor when + roused out of his sleep. It is better we<br /> wait a little till he be + awake.' We accordingly sat<br /> down and resolved to await a more + favorable moment.<br /> 'Gentlemen,' said the lady, after having taken her<br /> + seat also, 'I really wish you may succeed with Mr.<br /> Paine, for he is + laboring under great distress of mind<br /> ever since he was informed by + his physicians that he<br /> cannot possibly live and must die shortly. He + sent<br /> for you to-day because he was told that if any one<br /> could do + him good you might. Possibly he may<br /> think you know of some remedy + which his physicians<br /> are ignorant of. He is truly to be pitied. His + cries<br /> when he is left alone are heart-rending. 'O Lord<br /> help me!' + he will exclaim during his paroxysms of<br /> distress—'God help me—Jesus + Christ help me!'<br /> repeating the same expressions without the least<br /> + variation, in a tone of voice that would alarm the<br /> house. Sometimes + he will say, 'O God, what have<br /> I done to suffer so much!' then, + shortly after, 'But<br /> there is no God,' and again a little after, 'Yet + if<br /> there should be, what would become of me hereafter.'<br /> <br /> + 513<br /> <br /> Thus he will continue for some time, when on a sud-<br /> + den he will scream, as if in terror and agony, and<br /> call out for me by + name. On one of these occasions,<br /> which are very frequent, I went to + him and inquired<br /> what he wanted. 'Stay with me,' he replied, 'for<br /> + God's sake, for I cannot bear to be left alone.' I<br /> then observed that + I could not always be with him,<br /> as I had much to attend to in the + house. 'Then,' said<br /> he, 'send even a child to stay with me, for it is + a<br /> hell to be alone.' 'I never saw,' she concluded, 'a<br /> more + unhappy, a more forsaken man. It seems he<br /> cannot reconcile himself to + die.'<br /> <br /> "Such was the conversation of the woman who<br /> had + received us, and who probably had been employ-<br /> ed to nurse and take + care of him during his illness.<br /> She was a Protestant, yet seemed very + desirous that<br /> we should afford him some relief in his state of<br /> + abandonment, bordering on complete despair. Hav-<br /> ing remained thus + some time in the parlor, we at<br /> length heard a noise in the adjoining + passage-way,<br /> which induced us to believe that Mr. Paine, who was<br /> + sick in that room, had awoke. We accordingly pro-<br /> posed to proceed + thither, which was assented to by<br /> the woman, and she opened the door + for us. On<br /> entering, we found him just getting out of his<br /> + slumber. A more wretched being in appearance I<br /> <br /> 514<br /> <br /> + never beheld. He was lying in a bed sufficiently<br /> decent of itself, + but at present besmeared with filth;<br /> his look was that of a man + greatly tortured in mind;<br /> his eyes haggard, his countenance + forbidding, and<br /> his whole appearance that of one whose better days<br /> + had been one continued scene of debauch. His only<br /> nourishment at this + time, as we were informed, was<br /> nothing more than milk punch, in which + he indulged<br /> to the full extent of his weak state. He had par-<br /> + taken, undoubtedly, but very recently of it, as the<br /> sides and corners + of his mouth exhibited very un-<br /> equivocal traces of it, as well as of + blood, which had<br /> also followed in the track and left its mark on the<br /> + pillow. His face, to a certain extent, had also been<br /> besmeared with + it."<br /> <br /> Immediately upon their making known the object<br /> of + their visit, Paine interrupted the speaker by say-<br /> ing: "That's + enough, sir; that's enough," and again<br /> interrupting him, "I see what + you would be about.<br /> I wish to hear no more from you, sir. My mind is<br /> + made up on that subject. I look upon the whole of<br /> the Christian + scheme to be a tissue of absurdities<br /> and lies, and Jesus Christ to be + nothing more than a<br /> cunning knave and impostor." He drove them out<br /> + of the room, exclaiming: Away with you and your<br /> God, too; leave the + room instantly; all that you<br /> <br /> 515<br /> <br /> have uttered are + lies—filthy lies; and if I had a<br /> little more time I would prove + it, as I did about<br /> your impostor, Jesus Christ."<br /> <br /> This, we + think, will suffice. We have a mass of<br /> letters containing statements + confirmatory of what<br /> we have published in regard to the life and + death of<br /> Paine, but nothing more can be required.<br /> <br /> <br /> + <a name="link0013" id="link0013"></a><br /> <br /> <big><b>INGERSOLL'S + SECOND REPLY.</b></big><br /> <br /> Peoria, Nov. 2d, 1877.<br /> <br /> To + the Editor of the New York Observer:<br /> <br /> You ought to have honesty + enough to admit that<br /> you did, in your paper of July 19th, offer to + prove<br /> that the absurd story that Thomas Paine died in<br /> terror and + agony on account of the religious opinions<br /> he had expressed, was + true. You ought to have<br /> fairness enough to admit that you called upon + me<br /> to deposit one thousand dollars with an honest man,<br /> that you + might, by proving that Thomas Paine did<br /> die in terror, obtain the + money.<br /> <br /> You ought to have honor enough to admit that<br /> you + challenged me and that you commenced the<br /> controversy concerning + Thomas Paine.<br /> <br /> You ought to have goodness enough to admit<br /> + that you were mistaken in the charges you made.<br /> <br /> You ought to + have manhood enough to do what<br /> you falsely asserted that Thomas Paine + did:—you<br /> ought to recant. You ought to admit publicly that<br /> + you slandered the dead; that you falsified history;<br /> that you defamed + the defenceless; that you deliber-<br /> <br /> 517<br /> <br /> ately denied + what you had published in your own<br /> paper. There is an old saying to + the effect that<br /> open confession is good for the soul. To you is<br /> + presented a splendid opportunity of testing the truth<br /> of this saying.<br /> + <br /> Nothing has astonished me more than your lack<br /> of common honesty + exhibited in this controversy. In<br /> your last, you quote from Dr. J. W. + Francis. Why<br /> did you leave out that portion in which Dr. Francis<br /> + says <i>that Cheetham with settled malignity wrote the<br /> life of Paine?</i> + Why did you leave out that part in<br /> which Dr. Francis says that + Cheetham in the same<br /> way <i>slandered Alexander Hamilton and De Witt<br /> + Clinton?</i> Is it your business to suppress the truth?<br /> Why did you + not publish the entire letter of Bishop<br /> Fenwick? Was it because it + proved beyond all<br /> cavil that Thomas Paine did not recant? Was it<br /> + because in the light of that letter Mary Roscoe,<br /> Mary Hinsdale and + Grant Thorburn appeared un-<br /> worthy of belief? Dr. J. W. Francis says + in the<br /> same article from which you quoted, "<i>Paine clung to<br /> + his Infidelity until the last moment of his life!'</i> Why<br /> did you + not publish that? It was the first line im-<br /> mediately above what you + did quote. You must<br /> have seen it. Why did you suppress it? A lawyer,<br /> + doing a thing of this character, is denominated a<br /> <br /> 518<br /> + <br /> shyster. I do not know the appropriate word to<br /> designate a + theologian guilty of such an act.<br /> <br /> You brought forward three + witnesses, pretending<br /> to have personal knowledge about the life and + death<br /> of Thomas Paine: Grant Thorburn, Mary Roscoe<br /> and Mary + Hinsdale. In my reply I took the ground<br /> that Mary Roscoe and Mary + Hinsdale must have<br /> been the same person. I thought it impossible that<br /> + Paine should have had a conversation with Mary<br /> Roscoe, and then one + precisely like it with Mary<br /> Hinsdale. Acting upon this conviction, I + proceeded<br /> to show that the conversation never could have hap-<br /> + pened, that it was absurdly false to say that Paine<br /> asked the opinion + of a girl as to his works who had<br /> never read but little of them. I + then showed by the<br /> testimony of William Cobbett, that he visited Mary<br /> + Hinsdale in 1819, taking with him a statement con-<br /> cerning the + recantation of Paine, given him by Mr.<br /> Collins, and that upon being + shown this statement<br /> she said that "it was so long ago that she could + not<br /> speak positively to any part of the matter—that she<br /> + would not say any part of the paper was true." At<br /> that time she knew + nothing, and remembered noth-<br /> ing. I also showed that she was a kind + of standing<br /> witness to prove that others recanted. Willett Hicks<br /> + denounced her as unworthy of belief.<br /> <br /> 519<br /> <br /> To-day the + following from the New York <i>World</i><br /> was received, showing that I + was right in my<br /> conjecture:<br /> <br /> <br /> Tom Paine's Death-Bed.<br /> + <br /> <i>To the Editor of the World</i>:<br /> <br /> Sir: I see by your + paper that Bob Ingersoll dis-<br /> credits Mary Hinsdale's story of the + scenes which<br /> occurred at the death-bed of Thomas Paine. No<br /> one + who knew that good lady would for one moment<br /> doubt her veracity or + question her testimony. Both<br /> she and her husband were Quaker + preachers, and<br /> well known and respected inhabitants of New York<br /> + City, <i>Ingersoll is right in his conjecture that Mary<br /> Roscoe and + Mary Hinsdale was the same person</i>. Her<br /> maiden name was Roscoe, + and she married Henry<br /> Hinsdale. My mother was a Roscoe, a niece of<br /> + Mary Roscoe, and lived with her for some time. I<br /> have heard her + relate the story of Tom Paine's dying<br /> remorse, as told her by her + aunt, who was a witness<br /> to it. She says (in a letter I have just + received from<br /> her), "he (Tom Paine) suffered fearfully from remorse,<br /> + and renounced his Infidel principles, calling on God<br /> to forgive him, + and wishing his pamphlets and books<br /> to be burned, saying he could not + die in peace until<br /> it was done." (Rev.) A. W. Cornell.<br /> <br /> + Harpersville, New York.<br /> <br /> 520<br /> <br /> You will notice that the + testimony of Mary Hins-<br /> dale has been drawing interest since 1809, + and has<br /> materially increased. If Paine "suffered fearfully<br /> from + remorse, renounced his Infidel opinions and<br /> called on God to forgive + him," it is hardly generous<br /> for the Christian world to fasten the + fangs of malice<br /> in the flesh of his reputation.<br /> <br /> So Mary + Roscoe was Mary Hinsdale, and as<br /> Mary Hinsdale has been shown by her + own admis-<br /> sion to Mr. Cobbett to have known nothing of the<br /> + matter; and as Mary Hinsdale was not, according to<br /> Willet Hicks, + worthy of belief—as she told a false-<br /> hood of the same kind + about Mary Lockwood, and<br /> was, according to Mr. Collins, addicted to + the use of<br /> opium—this disposes of her and her testimony.<br /> + <br /> There remains upon the stand Grant Thorburn.<br /> Concerning this + witness, I received, yesterday, from<br /> the eminent biographer and + essayist, James Parton,<br /> the following epistle:<br /> <br /> + Newburyport, Mass.<br /> <br /> Col. R. G. Ingersoll:<br /> <br /> Touching + Grant Thorburn, I personally know him<br /> to have been a dishonest man. + At the age of ninety-<br /> two he copied, with trembling hand, a piece + from a<br /> newspaper and brought it to the office of the <i>Home<br /> + Journal, as his own</i>. It was I who received it and<br /> <br /> 521<br /> + <br /> detected the deliberate forgery. If you are ever go-<br /> ing to + continue this subject, I will give you the exact<br /> facts.<br /> <br /> + Fervently yours,<br /> <br /> James Parton.<br /> <br /> After this, you are + welcome to what remains of<br /> Grant Thorburn.<br /> <br /> There is one + thing that I have noticed during this<br /> controversy regarding Thomas + Paine. In no instance<br /> that I now call to mind has any Christian + writer<br /> spoken respectfully of Mr. Paine. All have taken<br /> + particular pains to call him "Tom" Paine. Is it not<br /> a little strange + that religion should make men so<br /> coarse and ill-mannered?<br /> <br /> + I have often wondered what these same gentle-<br /> men would say if I + should speak of the men eminent<br /> in the annals of Christianity in the + same way. What<br /> would they say if I should write about "Tim"<br /> + Dwight, old "Ad" Clark, "Tom" Scott, "Jim"<br /> McKnight, "Bill" Hamilton, + "Dick" Whately, "Bill"<br /> Paley, and "Jack" Calvin?<br /> <br /> They + would <i>say</i> of me then, just what I <i>think</i> of<br /> them now.<br /> + <br /> Even if we have religion, do not let us try to get<br /> along + without good manners. Rudeness is exceed-<br /> ingly unbecoming, even in a + saint. Persons who<br /> <br /> 522<br /> <br /> forgive their enemies ought, + to say the least, to<br /> treat with politeness those who have never + injured<br /> them.<br /> <br /> It is exceedingly gratifying to me that I + have com-<br /> pelled you to say that "Paine died a blaspheming<br /> + Infidel." Hereafter it is to be hoped nothing will be<br /> heard about his + having recanted. As an answer to<br /> such slander his friends can + confidently quote the<br /> following from the <i>New York Observer</i> of + November<br /> ist, 1877:<br /> <br /> "WE HAVE NEVER STATED IN ANY FORM, NOR<br /> + HAVE WE EVER SUPPOSED THAT PAINE ACTUALLY RE-<br /> NOUNCED HIS INFIDELITY. + THE ACCOUNTS AGREE IN<br /> STATING THAT HE DIED A BLASPHEMING INFIDEL."<br /> + <br /> This for all coming time will refute the slanders of<br /> the + churches yet to be.<br /> <br /> Right here allow me to ask: If you never + supposed<br /> that Paine renounced his Infidelity, why did you try<br /> to + prove by Mary Hinsdale that which you believed<br /> to be untrue?<br /> + <br /> From the bottom of my heart I thank myself for<br /> having compelled + you to admit that Thomas Paine<br /> did not recant.<br /> <br /> For the + purpose of verifying your own admission<br /> concerning the death of Mr. + Paine, permit me to call<br /> your attention to the following affidavit:<br /> + <br /> 523<br /> <br /> Wabash, Indiana, October 27, 1877.<br /> <br /> Col. R. + G. Ingersoll:<br /> <br /> Dear Sir: The following statement of facts is at<br /> + your disposal. In the year 1833 Willet Hicks made<br /> a visit to Indiana + and stayed over night at my father's<br /> house, four miles east of + Richmond. In the morn-<br /> ing at breakfast my mother asked Willet Hicks + the<br /> following questions:<br /> <br /> "Was thee with Thomas Paine + during his last<br /> sickness?"<br /> <br /> Mr. Hicks said: "I was with him + every day dur-<br /> ing the latter part of his last sickness."<br /> <br /> + "Did he express any regret in regard to writing<br /> the 'Age of Reason,' + as the published accounts say<br /> he did—those accounts that have + the credit of ema-<br /> nating from his Catholic housekeeper?"<br /> <br /> + Mr. Hicks replied: "He did not in any way by<br /> word or action."<br /> + <br /> "Did he call on God or Jesus Christ, asking either<br /> of them to + forgive his sins, or did he curse them or<br /> either of them?"<br /> <br /> + Mr. Hicks answered: "He did not. He died as<br /> easy as any one I ever + saw die, and I have seen<br /> many die in my time." William B Barnes.<br /> + <br /> Subscribed and sworn to before me Oct. 27, 1877.<br /> <br /> Warren + Bigler, Notary Public.<br /> <br /> 524<br /> <br /> You say in your last that + "Thomas Paine was<br /> abandoned of God." So far as this controversy is<br /> + concerned, it seems to me that in that sentence you<br /> have most + graphically described your own condi-<br /> tion.<br /> <br /> Wishing you + success in all honest undertakings, I<br /> remain,<br /> <br /> Yours truly,<br /> + <br /> Robert G. Ingersoll.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" border="3" cellpadding="4"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <big><big><a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38813/38813-h/38813-h.htm"> + TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ALL 12 EBOOKS IN THIS SET</a></big></big> + </td> + <td></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Robert G. 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