Morning journal and courier., 1888-05-21
REpLY1Na To 1NeEKsoLL.
Am Interesting Meeting at the N. M
 O. A. Rooms.


 O. A. Rooms.
 In the Y. NJ. c. A. reading rooms, Chapel street, yesterday afternoon the Rev. A. J. Wheeler replied to. Colonel Robert J. Inger- soils nine objections to the Bible. There was good attendance. The lecturer was in- troduced by Mir. L. P. Snow.
 At the outset of his discourse Mir. Wheeler stated that he was conscious of his inferiority in tackling his subject when compared with that able statesman and eloquent writer Colonel Robert. But he would endesvor to reply as he (Mr Wheeler) felt it his duty be- cause he knew that in6delity was one of the most successful means of drawing young mems minds away from the subject which should most intensely interest them. In the first place he charged in6delity with cover ing up facts in verbiage and language. MT. Wheeler then proceeded to reply to the ob- jections and in order not to misquote them read his notes as extracted from the North American Review. The following are the most interesting with replies in brief If performed, the miracles of the New Testa- ment why would the Jews put to death man able to raise their dead? How did it happen that man who had done so many miracles was so obscure and unknown and that one of his disciples had to be bribed to point him outa Reply-The Jews were taught by the prophets to receive no one, although he could do all these wonderful works, and superstition made them overlook Chlist's miraculous power. They kill him to prove that he was master of death, and he was so obscure because there were no news. papers and periodicals in those days to ad- vertise him.
 TCan we believe the testimony ot those about whose character we know nothing that Lazarus was raised from the dead? What be- came of Lazarus? We never hear of him again Reply-We can. do not know what became of him. l think he lived 8 good honest life and did not go about the country asking foolish aueslionss Iaughter.)
 THow Is 1t known that during the life of Christ he wrought miracle and if the claim was made how is 1t known that it was not denied?l In reply to this MT. Wheeler said that it was the most unwise and unjust idea and thought he ever read from the pen of anyone. Colonel Ingersoll was lawyer of considerable note. How ridiculous it would seem if in any case ir which he might be engaged, if, after hearing the evidence of a witness, he asked if the evidence of the witness could not be denied.
 Is it not wonderful that Josephus, the best historian the Hebrews produced, says noth-7 ing about the life or death of Christ?l Reply: In refuting this objection Mir. Wheeler read lengthy extract from Josephus' works, got from the New Haven library which set forth that "at this time there lived a man Jesus who performed wondrous works, etc." MT. Wheeler said he would excuse the colonel for his ignorance of the subject.
 Is it not more amazing than all the rest that Christ himself concealed from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John the dogma of atone- ment, the necessity of belief and the mystery of second birtha ITO refute the first Mir. Wheeler referred to Matthew 20 SS, the sec- ond, Mark 1915, and third to Mark 28-19 l For the honest infdel, according to the American evangelical pulpit, there Is no heaven, and Christianity admits that lunatics and idiots are in no danger of hell. Why should the fatal gift of the brain be given to any human being if such gift renders him liable to eternal hell2 Are you willing to rely on an argument that justiies the treach- cry of that wretch Judas? Reply do not believe that any infidel will ever be damned for honesty, and Christianity admits that lunatics were not iu danger of hell. Then lots of people should take courage Qaughter.) ) If knife is placed into a mans hands, that is not to say that he will cut his own throat with; nor poison that he shall destroy him. self. have good deal of respect for Judas. He did not go about the country featuring, but hanged himself Qaughter.)
 Who is the superior mani In conclusion my doctrine is that there is only one way to be saved, and this is to act in harmony with your surrounolngs, 70 i've Tn accordance with the facts of your being.
 (Reply.) That is, do what other people do. If among thieves, to steal; with murdering, to murder, ,and in Turkey to sit cross-legged, and do as the Turks do. That is what Inger- soil says. His nine objections will have no more effect on the Christian religion than the effect of so many peas shot at East Rock. Christianity has maintained itself ever since Christ came into the world. He is author and founder of our faith, and by his death and resurrection made known to us our pow CT over sin.
 MT. Snow intimated that the subject for next Sunday would be tScience or Revela- tion, which? the effect upon the minds of young men," He also solicited the co-opera- tion of the members in connection with the work among prisoners at the jail.