The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1876.

Evening Star, Issue 4262, 24 October 1876, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1876.

That there should have been a disruption in the Young Men's Christian Association through the decision arrived at last night on blackballing the Rev/Mr Fttchett, was only to bo expected. Whatever a certain class of theologians may hold regarding the doctrine of Evolution, it seems a strange view to take of Christianity to suppose that one of its developments should be to deny the recognition of the Christian worth of one who on a matter of science dissenta from their views. Charge these fielf-consfctuted censors of other men's thoughts with being actuated by the spirit that led to the persecution of Galileo and other men whose science was in advance of their age, and they would feel themselves insulted; but nevertheless it is true-they presume to condemn wnat they do not understand. We do not re ?, i,* 8t m gbt's decision as ; altogether an CV ~I The marfc yrs of science, like Christian martyrs, spread the truth more widely through their ostracism or death than they could; do by their eloquence. Those Who are worthy gather round them or honor their memories; their names are widely spread, and their doctrines become known and appreciated. Admitting that the motives of those who condemn them are pure, it is to be regretted that their consciences are not more enlightened. We hold that they do not comprehend the Bpirit of Christianity, which is to confer upon every man the utmost freedom of thought. Christianity, as, applied to morals, requires so much of mau's interference as to secure for every one the liberty to do as he will so long as he does not injure his neighbor; but as applied ,to the intellect, its office is to leave the man to the judgment of God alone. To assume the office of Deity by condemning or approving another man's convictions or attainments is presumption, inconsistent with Christianity; and in its short-sighted-ness and folly it amounts, in the words of Herbert Spencer, to a " libel upon God." That the course taken by the management of the Association should lead to its' disruption was inevitable. No man who values his Christian liberty can remain connected with it; for although no formal resolutions or bye-laws may exist to the effect that the Board shall be satisfied that an applicant for admittance holds scientific as well as theologio views which they approve and comprehend, the vote of last night, confirming their previous decision, justifies that conclusion. Henceforth, . God-fearing, li-berty-loving, truth-seeking men must feel that they can have no sympathy with an Association whose views are narrowed to a creed that excludes many of the best and wisest Christians and men of science. It is not science that seeks to uproot Christianity. The mistaken but zealous professors of the Christian faith are its worst enemies, for they hide its beauty under the cloak of bigotry and render it unlovely to those who watch its working in them.