MR. MASSEY AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7402, 10 August 1885, Page 3

MR. MASSEY AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,— is well to thoroughly understand the position which Mr. Massey arrogates. The issue is not, as the hoi polloi may milconceive, whether or no there is a God. Speaking generally, all persons of every class of intellect, from time immemorial and whithersoever, grant that life was not selfi created out of chaos, and that to the Great Life-giver and Life-taker existence is dependent, and one's honour and benevolence and I reverence, The issue with Mr. Massey it distinctly this: That the Bible is a myth, I and is not the word of God. And this oonI elusion the public lecturer has arrived at by finding the Egyptian archaeological oiphers of great antiquity to contain Bible narrative pointing to the Jews having derived their religion from said source. This is very grave matter indeed. Mr. Massey is entitled to » presumption of honesty, but at the same time on such a solemn and important subject his evidence should be accepted with great care until he has been corroborated by archaeological antiquarians of like integrity, skill, and experience. The subject will, no doubt, now be thoroughly replied by every distinction of thought, and we act wisely to let our judgment remain in abeyance until we have the corroborating evidence of such men of credit and capacity as Sir Austin Layard and Sir Frederick Rawlinson, two of the greatest archaeological discoverers and scholars of the day. Mr. Massey continues to endeavour to make out a prima facie case, but independent evidence for and against has got to be called, and cross-examination and final judgment have not yet taken place. This Mr. Maesey will readily admit in sense and justice, and what the result will be it is not for as to say at present date.—l am, etc., Hugh Shortland. Auckland, August S, 18S5.