Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1889-10-05

mon parlance known as the Church,
there would be we suppose some
truth about it. Before the Reforma-
ton the masses in the church were
not led to do much thinking, and
were even kept from it, but what evil
dence is there of thought in the
world aside from the church for the
same time? If the church had put
the check on thought of those under
her control, certainly for the same
time we ought to find the civiliza-
tions untramelled by her influence
giving evidence of greater progress.
Where is the evidence of Africa
and the Fl il Islands, of NADIA
gascar, India, China and japan, the
Australians and the North Ameri-
can Indians giving superior proof,
untrammelled as they were, that
they were nations of thought
The congregations Of men and
women who were faithful in follow
ing the Word of God, the only suf-
ficient rule ofliving, or the individ
uals so guided, who sought for all
men, freedom Of thought and ex-
preston in word and worship, should
not be blamed because they were
handicapped and hindered by great
hierarchies falsely called the church,
as the facts of history testify. No
wise man will assert that the grand
old Union of the United States has
taught or that il does teach that it is
wrong to think. because the laws of
some of the States of the Union dis
approved the teaching of slaves to
read and write in those recent dark
days. Robt G. Ingersol is too wise
to teach that, and is it not pretty
clear parallel case i?
In the last 400 years since Luther
and his coadjutors began to let out
the light of the Word, and the num-
bers who have walked by it's teach
ings have swollen into nations like
Germany and Great Britain, and the
United States and Canada, and
Australia, where the ruling forces
of the world are distinctly found,
whence the prompting to the pres
ent facilities of education in these
lands? The public schools and pri-
vate institutions with compulsory
education in Germany and England
and in some parts of the United
States? The accumulated and accu-
mulating wealth directed to educa-
tional channels in higher institutions
of learning, are largely unde the
direction of the evangelical church
es of these countries Is all this
evidence in favor that the church
teaches that it is wrong to think ?
Perhaps our progress in the nations
mentioned, so signally in advance of
nearlyall others, is the result of
learning provided for, taught and
learned in institutions of learning
supported by the sacrifice of infidel
money. Is Mr.. Ingersol supporting
institutions of learning to teach the
coming generations to think? If he
is, he should have the credit for his
noble deeds. Are the institutions
of learuing-if there are any owned
by the followers of Mr.. Ingersol, in
creasing? Such large paying au-
diences and such lucrative pratice
in law, and such enthusiasm Of inf
deity, certainly will teach people to
think at sacrifice Of his own means
Mr.. Sturgeon, the great preacher of
London, recently receiving dona-
ton of f25, 900, or Sl25,OO0, appro-
priated it all to the purposes of edu-
cation and philanthropy. Philip
Philips, who has been much abused,
as!though he were singing for Jesus
for $50 per night" is credited for
spending his means similarly to Mr..
Spurgeon. All know of Moody DO
ing likewise, and so the list of chris
tian workers can be increased I'D IN
fnatum. | am losing faith in the
truthfulness OF Ingersol as man.
Who indeed can believe in such a
fellow? Why falsehood appears to
be as good as truth with him, dark
ness as good az the light