Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-04-16
DR. FRANKLIN on INFIDELIrY.

The fame and fortune made by the great
American blaspemher has warmed into life
many feeble imitatorE. Only a few wee ks
since, in the State of Tennessee, colltg
student had the impudence to rise in e.
vival meeting with view of delivering a
TRADE against christianity and in defense of
the teachings tha had filed his brain with am
bition and iDfdelity. We beg all such young
men to read the following letter written by
DR.. Franklin, and addressed to Thomas
Paine, who had submitted a part of his
manuscript TO the great philosopher and
patriot, for his inspection and opinion:
DEAR SRI have read your manuscript with
Some attention. By the argument it contains
general Providence. you strike at the foundation
of all religion For without the belief Of u Provi
Snd faSors particular persons, there is no motive
to worship Deity, 70 fear its displeasure, or 10
discussion Of your principles. though you seem
to desire IT. At present shall only give you my
aud may prevail with some readers, you Will
not succeed SO as to change the general
consequences of priuting this piece will be grczt
deal OF odium drawn upon yourself. mischief
against the wind spits in his own face. But We
you to succeed. do you imagine any good viii be
q yirtuous life without the assistance Afforded by
re ision; You have a clear Perception of the adj
and possess a strength Of resolution SUFFICIENT 10
enable you TO resist common temptations. But
veal and ignorant men and women, and Of mex
perienced, inconsiderate youth Of both texes, who
them in the practice 81 It nll it becomes habiai
p u you are indebted to her orisinaiiy-thst
Is for your religious education.ier The habits 81
You might easily display your excellent talents
Of reaI,ning upon less hazardous subject,
most distinguished authors; for among vs.
it IS not necessary, as among the Aotentets that
should prove his MANHOOD by beating his mother
wou i'd advise you, therefore, not TO attempt I'M
il is seen BY by any other person. whereby You vii
yourself great deal OF modification from the
good deal of regret and repentance. II men are 40
wicked nth retgfon, what would they be rahom ~
Intend md ff ibsr efs add no V q, m but
simply subscribe, yours b. FRANKLIN.
This letter is commended to those who are
seeking notoriety and fortune by in6delity.
Religion is the basis OF our civilization, al!
that distinguishes as from the savages. Even
the skeptic prefers TO live in land of Bibles
and churches to 8 community that repudi-
ates both, and DR.. Franklin appropriately
asks: "If men are SO wicked wifk religion,
what would they be rithout it'' There need
be no fear that the essence of the Bible--its
incubation of love to God and man, its
word Of promise to the believer and OF
comfort to the afflicted, and it's periec;
adaptation to the great needs of civiliza-
tiou-wiIl ever be destroyed. The mind
of the most untutored savage yields untaught
10 the theory of the Bible that there ia an
Almighty, and the intdel 10 destroying faith
M axes society worse, and extinguishes the
only hope which can illuminate the christian
world, stimulate, encourage and sustain in
the trying battle Of life.