BAD LAWS: THE REASON.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4278, 16 September 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

BAD LAWS: THE REASON.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab.) Sir,-—I have often wondered why the teachers of religion do not dwell more upon those truths that are practical—that all are agreed upon,—and not so much upon dogmas which but few either understand or are interested in. All are agreed that it is right to be honest, truthful, temperate, charitable, loving, and kind. Those things are true and right in every age and for all people. I have had to change my opinions upon many subjects through life, but never without due regard to the above principles. It was always right to be honest and sincere—it is so now, and ever will be. And those people who profess to be seeking after truth will never find it if they do not love it, and honestly seek after it. No one can make a falsehood into a truth ; they may discover truth, but cannot make it. When Newton discovered the gravitation law he did not make it; it was always true. If all were anxious after the truth and not so anxious to confirm their preconceived opinions, they would have a clear sight. We need only wait and truth is' sure to prevail, as A. J. Davis said "truth is immortal and cannot die, and falsehood is mortal and cannot live.'' But the popular idea is for to belong to the right church and- right faith is everything. Honesty, sincerity, and truthfulness, are nothing if you have not the right creed, thus making a notion in the head every* thing and a sound principle in the heart nothing. I have known people belong to a popular Church and creed, who would curse, swear, lie, cheat, and get drunk ; they thought themselves all right and safe because they were within the pale of the Church. At the same time, they would be horrified if you did not believe their dogmas, if that disbelief arose from your being honest and truthful. And who is accountable for this false state of things, when vice passes for virtue, dark^ ness for light, the shadow for the substance, and falsehood for truth, when so , very many are more anxious to appear to be than to be, they do not care to be charitable but are anxious to appear to be so ? It is the pure in heart that only can see clearly. lam aware that ignorance produces a great many evils that we labor under, but if the above principles were properly applied they would strike at the root of many evils that we now have. If we had honest, truthful legislators our bad unjust laws would speedily disappear, but very many of our rulers do,, not eren acknowledge right and justice, for it is might and not right that rules. This sad state of things makes one feel sick at heart. —I am, &c, J. Hobn.