HPB-SB-14-13: Difference between revisions

{{Style P-Title|GOD.}}

{{Style S-Small capitals|Divine}} existence is now the stock object of controversy among the educated classes of every community. The orthodox belief is so unfounded and unreasonable that even inquirers of average abilities take delight in discussing the subject and sifting the evidence pro and con. In our own limited experience, we have known several young men who take to free-thinking without much ado. But the case is different with those who unacquainted with the fruits of modern thought and investigation have conceived a prejudice against all novelties whatever. Their education is such and their opinions are so formed that the benefits of modern improvements appear to their distorted minds not only indifferent, but positively opposed to their ideal of complete living. To them vaccination is a modern curse. The telegraph, telephone and railway are the bitter fruits of this iron age. The study of science which is so much opposed to their preconceived opinions on religion and morality is with them a diabolical curse. And above all, Freethought, and the greatest happiness of the greatest number into which the positive stage of human progress blooms and blossoms, are eternal damnation and misery. But it is with such that we have now to deal. With such we have to contend for the cause of truth. Our difference admits of no compromise. We have to approach them with caution, deal with them with delicacy, and root out of their prejudices one after another. It may take a long time before we reach our goal, but that Rome was not built in a day is our consolation. We may meet with some who may be impervious to sound arguments, but that we have done our duty will be our satisfaction. Our exertion may not be fruitful beyond the limited circle over which we preside, but that within our limited circle, we have been directly or otherwise the means of inducing some of our fellowmen to reflect upon the past, or contemplate the present and future, will be no small gratification to our laudable ambition. Unhappily, our preface is too long for the sequel; but the smallness of the sequel is in fact the reason for the length of the preface. The excess in the one supplies the deficiency in the other, and both together complete the whole.