The New York herald., 1879-11-22
MR.. FROUDE ANSWERED.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
We beg leave to differ with Mr.. Froude in matters
relating to religion. Particularly do we differ with
that gentleman when he advances that "modern
scepcism has been arrived at by the application Of
those principles Of which were appealed to at
the Reformation to liberate from Rome" Mr..
Froude remarks that "the average American is not
philosophic." We would add that the masses of all
nations have never been philosdphic and probably
will be. Religion In all ages has been the
suit Of mans most salient observation-disclosures
imagination. superstition. hope and fear There is
much in nature to develop these characterstcs and
few beings escape their influence. When man found.
by comparison with the animal kingdom. that be
was intellectually, superior to the beast he lost
time in asserting his supremacy. Did he remain
satisfied with that supremacy? No.
Man soon discovered that he possessed In his
puzzled him to such extent that he remained stu
pehed before its wondrous powers. Many phases in
he wisely consigned their solution to the future.
But memory he would not leave for future solution.
solved, and Immediately he set to work to imagine
what it could really be. And the result of his men
tai researches was the capitalization OF man 10
part OF hn) Memory he called spirit or soul, and
Q supernatural agency wus attributed to 1t. We
will not recapituate the various modes of thought
which the human Imagination has conceived in
sixty-eight centuries. Suffice IL to know that there
is as great diversity of opinion upon that subject
now as there was in the beginning. The trouble.
with Mr.. Froude appears to us to originate In the
fact that his ideas too narrow. Logic cannot
exist in narrow sphere and philosophers cannot
afford to have prejudices. Mr.. Froude says that
"Protestantism when 1t began q revolt against
lies."
He does not admit that that revolt adopted other
lies or illusions Ia term appropriate for articles
Of faith. which, II apparently less despotc In their
FORM have not proved effectively In their results.
In fact. we know that the intolerance of Protestant
ism has been quite atrocious the most detesta-
bio Catholic inquisiton. We logicians and ma
tcralists OF the nineteenth century, do not propose
to espouse tho differences that exist between Sec
tions. Our purpose is to prevent those romantic
efusions of blood styled religious wars, wherein
both parties the victims OF too san
guine conviction upon theories which must
remain questions of doubt indefinitely.
SO far as religions concerned In their relations
with the state. we firmly adhere TO the principie
that as religion is question OF individual opuon
and government question of national security ana
individual rights, then 1t becomes entirely neces-
sary for all religions under one government 10 az
stain from interfering with national laws. IN tnls
particular maintain that the most popular or
powerful religion cannot have more privileges under
the government than the most humble ana least
popular creed. But can we ever hope to make men
reasonable and juat7 Has the right OF might ever
abdcated in favor of justicef Is there any justice
for the impecunious and the feeble2 Answer these
questions philosophers, scientists and historians.
more. Yours truly, AMERICus.