THE LATE MR. BRADLAUGH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8483, 6 February 1891, Page 3

THE LATE MR. BRADLAUGH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sip.,—You have earned the thanks of many in the community by the unbiassed and tolerant leader in to-day's issue on the lamented death of the late Charles Bradlaugh. Few men, even in these times of much extended toleration, have the courage to face the _ world on the merits of such advanced social and religious ideas, and, unrewarded, to fight single-handed for the enfranchisement of " God-given individual privileges " as did Charles Bradlaugh. Hia... apotheosis may be long distant, but nevertheless he is a martyr, crushed out of existtence by the rapidly-decaying machinery of an antiquated system, a system which, God be thanked, both scientist and philosopher. the high priests of true knowledge, are rapidly scattering to the four winds by turning on the full light of Truth, unclouded by fogs of grotesque superstition and barbarous intolerance.— am, etc., J.F.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — have read with interest your article this morning regarding the life and character of the above-named philosopher and representative man. As one who heard and constantly read his ideas, sentiments, and doings, kindly allow me to remind you of some things overlooked in your able leader. About fifteen years a?o 1 heard him fepeak on Blackheath to an assembly of working men. His tone and speech were of the fiercest, and consisted of a general tirade against the higher orders in wealth and rank, coupled with an assurance that only the brave and honest " masses" could rule and set things right. Had you heard that speech yesterday only, and seen the fierce expression in Mr. Bradlaugh's face, coupled with his execrating and rasping tone, you would have modified much your estimate of the character and work of Mr. Bradlaugh. He was doubtless a lover of freedom specially in religious matters. But it seems to be forgotten that his longest exclusion from the House of Parliament was due to his persistent remark that he he would take the oath on the understanding that he did not believe and did not mean it. Many like myself, hated the oath as a moral fraud, a blunder only, a worrying check on an honest man, and none on the throughtless and tricky. But such voted or thought against Mr. Bradlaugh for his loose sentiment, while wishing him in Parliament for freedom's sake and for his own. Sir, I would 110 more persecute or harry on atheist, or keep him out of Parliament than I would keep Such men as Gladstone or Mitchelson out of Parliament. If persecution, however, could mean talk and abuse for those whom we donot agree with, many assemblies of atheists, agnostics, and sceptics would lose nothing of vituperative credit and bigotry even when compared with the Fathers or orthodox of the Cyril of Alexandria type. Whately con' tended that to keep any man, however unbelieving, out of civil offices was abominable, and a direct violation of our Saviour's words, "My kingdom is not of this world." 3 think this, too. Mr. Bradlaugh did good service according to his light (which was rather dim, I think), He at least secured for himself the full meed of mental freedom in word and pen. His merits are before us all disclosed. I shall not draw hie frailties from their dread abode, tor I do not wish to know them. But I grieve that so strong an intellect should have professedly been without God and hope, lam sorry that you should suppose his liberty was due to the " decline of earnestness in regard to dogmatic theology." A review article might be required to exhaust that question. But, sir, my experience is that not " earnestness," but bigotry and impudence are on the decline, _ and it is well. Many who are "agnostics" now are far better than drunken or sordid indifferentists of the past, who daringly called themselves Christians, orthodox. All my experience shows that " interest in dogmatic theology" does not decline, either from the believing or unbelieving side. Be it so — Truth is great' and must prevail."— am, &c., J>.L.