The Spread of Scepticism.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3588, 26 June 1880, Page 1

The Spread of Scepticism.

No. 3.

In my last'article on the above subject, I spoke of (be cause and effect of seep* ticism. In the present one it ia my . intention to speak of the action of the clergy in tbe matter. The clergy of all denominations upholding Christianity—as it is falsely termed—seem to be averse to discussing the question, and seldom advance facts in support of their creed, no matter how much it is run down by disbelievers, and they treat the works of professed sceptics sometimes with ridicule but oftener with silence. Why this is so I know not, but that the .fact exists, cannot be for a moment doubted. An example of this kind occurred a short time ago in Auckland, and it will serve to show the" reticence of the clergy in re* luting beliefs ulterior to their own. Mrs Harding Britten, one of the eminent followers of Swedenb.org, it will be remembered delivered a course of Sunday evening lectures in the Lome street Hall on the subject of spiritualism. Now, I do not, wish any of my readers to entertain the idea that I am a spiritualist —far from it—nor do I uphold one word of what the learned lecture's* said. However, as I said, Mrs Britten delivered her lectures, and the clergy in Auckland observed universal silence with regard to her discourses while the was in their midst. No sooner, however,, had she departed for San Francisco than a ■ regular bowl was raised by the ecclesiastical worthies of the former Empire City, and their indignation was poured in no flattering terms on the head of that devoted lady. She was not present and therefore could not defend herself. But mean as this action undoubtedly was, the manner in which she was spoken of was still more so, as a whole tissue of abuse was cast at her by the Christian chepherds of the populace. One clergy* man from his pulpit even went so far as to say that "she ought to have been torn limb from limb '^—simply because her ideas were not the children of a mind so illiberal and narrow-minded as his own. No evidence in refutation of her theory was adduced, and the cowardly attack of the church authorities was by no means conducive to an expression of public - approval. This is but one example of numerous similar cases. Wby the clergy do not bring lorward proofs of their creed in repression of the increasing dis* belief, it is difficult to say, but appear, ances go very much against them. If scepticism is wrong, then it is surely their duty to use every talent they possess in stamping it out. Let them pronounce, from the pulpit the reason for the belief, they teach, and not remain indifferent to tbc daily increasing spread of scepticism. Hut this they will not do, and prefer to conduct Church services in the same mnnner as Heretofore, as though they entertained the idea that their congregations wore firmly wedded to the creed dictated to them. If anyone attempts to argue with a clergyman on the subject, he carefully abstains from expressing any explanation, until he is driven into the corner, when he says " That his creed ia taken from the Holy Bible, and that book being the word of God cannot err." , You ask him why he. believes in soaud-so, and he in reply refers you to such and such chapter and Terse, " and considers that explanation a sufficient < one, and an argument wholly unassailable. The Holy Bible is the main evidence of Christianity, and is the argument used in proof of it. How is it then, that if the H^ly Bible is the basis on which the Christian fabric is built it is used equally in support of other religions ? Mormons in corroboration of their creed refer to passages in the Scripture „ which are to them sufficient proof of l their correctness of theological worship, ltoman Catholics, Presbjteriaas," Non-Conformists, Deists, Congregationalists, Wcsleyans, Hunters, Shakers, Baptists, Freethinkers, Jews, and many score of other sects use.them as corroborative of their-,opinions. Atheists use.the Bible in refutation of itself, and by turning and twisting portions of it justify themselves in disbelieving in the existence of the Almighty. Surely if', the Holy Scriptures can be used for such multitudinous purposes, on« has as much claim to be right hs another? There are a number of ecclesiastical worthies who, if