The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-20
A Notable Discussi on Closed.

The volume OF tho correspondence which
has come to us upon the religious subjects
which have been discussed so freely in THE
Sum Of late exceeds by far any which has
been provoked by any other controversy
aroused by this newspaper. 1t reveals
depth OF interest in the questions raised
which is full Of suggestion for all religious
teachers at this time. 1t is also marked by
an intellectual ability and a literary quality
which tend to increase our pride in the
splendid constituency Of readers which 1t is
our privilege to address. So great, how
ever has been its volume, that much as
has been the space we have allowed to 1t, we
have not been able to publish one-tenth
part Of even the letters which command our
respect most highly.
Such discussion must be brought to an
end at some time, and, SO far as the particu-
lar phase OF the subject with which this
correspondence deals, it must now properly
be closed. Inevitably, Of course, further
questions OF religion will be discussed both
by THE Sun itself and by It's intelligent
correspondents, for We recognize no sepa-
Tation between the religious and tho secu-
lar which limits the field Of duty and In
terest to be cultivated by this paper.
Moreover this religious discussion. as pur-
sued by our correspondents, Is not degraded
by the insincerity and fippant captious-
ness which distinguish, unhappily, so
large part Of the current political discus
sions. 1t rather offers lesson to political
controversialists which they would do we'll
to heed. It seeks to express earnest con-
viotion and to appeal to reason and oonvio-
tion by solid and honest argument
and not to crafty partisan prejudice by
transparent intellectual trickery and
perversion OF fact which assumes gross and
stupid ignorance In the reader. It's tone
and character might well be initiated
by writer's who undertake to discuss ques-
tions OF finance or pretend to deal with the
merits of opposing party politics. A
great part Of such discussion at the
present time really insults the knowledge
and the common sense Of newspaper read
ers and tends, lamentably, to lessen public
respect for journalistic judgment.
This particular religious discussion OF
THE Sun will now end the more fifty be-
cause each side OF 1t has received fair and
full representation. The multitude OF
letters which we have been unable to
publish have only repeated in different form
arguments and sentiments which those
printed have brought out and expressed.
The trouble in the controversy has been tho
difficulty, nay, the impossibility of an agree
ment by the contestants on the promises
from which they argue. The basis Of all
theology is necessarily supernatural and
consequently dogmatic In a strictly scien-
tihc sense; yet this whole controversy turns
on the acceptance or rejection of such
dogma. Agnostcsm does not deny,
but it demands scientific proof before
believing, while faith implies that such
proof is az unnecessary rs it is impos-
Dible. else simple faith would not be
requisite. How, then, can the two
argue together2 Each can do no more than
present his side; and that We have permit
ted them to do in these columns.
The discussion has been fruitful in good
because it has shown how deep and
pervasive eVn in these days accused
~ religious indifference, Is the interest
In the subject Of religion. the greatest
which can engage the mind Of man. and it
has tended to increase the charity and re-
Npeot OF the dsputants for each other and
for the school of thought or feeling which
each represents.