Untitled

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 46, 31 March 1914, Page 6

Emerson, who may be listened to on the subject, laid it down that the Christ belonged to the true race of prophets because He alone in all history estimated the greatness of man. There have been many pretenders since the day of the Gallilean, who have dropped 011 a gaping world proclaiming themselves the second Messiah with a fleeting success. A self-proclaimed Messiah arose in a suburb of Wellington a year or more ago, making the announcement of his " great trust'' in the Wellington Press with a ponderous seriousness, the while he sketched out a plan for a Heaven upon earth. This individual was interested in the Labour movement, but the workers' were not impressed with his "message,' ? and even the suburb from which the " message/' issued refused to hearken to the new law-giver. Another instance is provided by a peasant woman in Russia, who, with two accomplices impersonating St. Peter and King Solomon tively, imposed upon a vast multitude (according to the cable) of the common people. The fraud could be more easily practised among the Russian peasantry, which, under centuries of repression, has reached a ' degree of intelligence akin almost to that of the animals. But, if Emerson's doctrine be accurately founded, then it is equally safe to Recount for the success of these frauds and mountebanks by pointing out that they have the power of estimating the littleness of man. This applies to all the tricksters, whether in broadcloth or fustian. They know their victims, they assess their credulity, and preach the gospel of charlatanry to excellent purpose. So apport-bringers flourish, and fortunetellers behind chiiitz . hangings, and gold-brick men, ' and Whittaker Wrights. The thinking scoundrel can find, dpes anywhere—can chaffer in a tavern with delirious fools, and sell them broad acres in Paradise.