The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-12-10
A TEST OF RELIGIONS.

Mira Ahmad. Mohammedan Of
Kedikan. seems to be practical man.
He has submitted to the viceroy Of IN
dia proposition to call . public con-
ference Of all the religions and submit
them to competitive examinations under
two tests demonstrate Of the sublim-
ity Of their moral teachings, ana an out
ward sign OF divine support by the ap-
pearance within the year Of some mira
Gle transcending all human limits
The only thing lacking about this
agreement would be the absence Of any
assurance that q miracle would be
vouchsafed. But the practical bent Of
the mans mind Is shown in the fact that
he does not offe. as evidence q miracle
which is claimed to have been perform
ed by Mohammed. or which depends
upon testimony that could not, after
all these years. be corroborated.
The comparative sublimity of moral
teachings could not very well be de-
termined by conference. In all ages
and in the names Of several eminent
teachers, the highest morality has been
taught. 1t has formed the basis of ev-
cry intelligent religion but the true test
Of the value of the body promulsating
the scheme Of morality is in its effect
upon humanity. 1t is hardly open to
controversy that the best religion Is that
which has been followed by the great
est advance in the conditions Of those
at least nominally observing 1t with re-
spect. This test must lead the Christian
to the conclusion that his religion has
best stood the test. With all their
faults, common to the nations and to
the individuals protesting every creed.
living and obsolete, those nations adopt
Ing Christianity have been foremost in
all material works founded upon moral
teachings.
The other test suggested by the de-
vout Mohammedan Is one that millions
have at various times sought. The
vouchsafing of "a sign" has been
pleaded for by longing souls ever since
intelligence dawned. The human mind
is so constituted that it cannot accept
declarations made by human lips with
out proof, and creditable though UNI
questioning faith may be up to a cer-
tain point, 1t cannot In the nature Of
things be wholly satisfying.
But suppose there were a hope that
q miraculous sign should be given in
response to a universal prayer, for what
should humanity ask? What exception
to the course of natural events would
be accepted as giving an assurance that
any one religion was the true one, or
even that Providence responded to the
beseeching request? Thunderstorms.
eclipses, comets have lost their terror
The hating Of the sun in its course. II
equally demonstrable in all parts Of the
globe at the same time, would be stu
pendous incident. yet It would carry
immediate destruction to the earth and
its inhabitants. and to all the planets
which are swung through space by its
regular process.
No local incident. such as the raising
of Mohammed from the dead, would be
sufficient. 1t would not be such mira
Gle as many could witness.
The only miracle which could be eff
cacious would be a spiritual one. II q
sudden light could be thrown upon the
human soul, by which the true religion
would be made apparent to every hui
man being; IL the doubt as to imlnor-
tality could be dissipated, there would
be no need u . competitive examina-