ADVICE.

Evening Star, Issue 4127, 19 May 1876, Page 2

ADVICE.

To the Editor. Sir, —I desire to make the following suggestions to Professor Salmond, viz.;— 1. That he will lessen his usefulness here by reolying to those sceptics in that iufidel paper. If he chooses to answer their questions he can do so in his lectures. The proposal to reply to such questions in his lectures would add additional interest to them and thereby increase the attendance ; whereas if he ventilates his views in that journal, notoriously under the influence of “ infidels and niraflellers,” he will aid in increasing its circulation and decrease the interest of the public in his lectures. 2. Infidelity seems to thrive most in the midst of degraded populations. As for example, see Popish countries—wherever the people have freedom enough to express their views. The majority of the people of France, Italy, Mexico, and even “loyal Spain’’are sceptics, disgusted with the extravagant assumptions, absurd pretensions, and erroneous dogmas of Popery. Bee also the degraded masses in our large cities. Infidelity flourishes among them. A feeling of pride or vanity induces some to scout at prevailing isms. But the demoralisation of society by strong drink is the fruitful cause of infidelity in our cities. The Professor should therefore aid the cause of temperance by precept as well as example. It was regretted very much by some of the friends of religion that a liquor dealer should have been selected to introduce Professor Salmond at his first lecture. 3. X will close with the suggestion that it seems quite out of place to manifest noisy applause at such -lectures as Professor Salmond proposes to deliver in Knox Church lecture-room. The writer was surprised at such manifestations last Friday evening. I would as soon attempt to applaud a minister in the pulpit as the Professor on such occasions.—l am, &c.,

_ An Observer. Dunedin, May 18.