[400] Christian world on many important nd that he is himself as good a judge of relig Christ—I say, when a Christian ather and mother their children believing such things, of what use will the Bible be to them in education?I moreover regret these things on account of their inevitable influence on the cause of Human Liberty. It is impossible, while men are what they are, that this course of things should not operate injuriously on the cause. People will connect the sentiments and expressions of your paper with the cause, and we all feel continually this difficulty. . . .
I have no fear of discussion as to its final results on the Bible: my only regrets are for those human beings whose present and immortal interests I think compromised by this manner of discussion. Discussion of the Evidences and of [the] Authenticity and Inspiration of the Bible, and of all theology, will come more and more, and I rejoice that they will. . . .
Once more in regard to the use of the term Infidel. I think every class of men have a right to choose the designation by which they will be called. When a term which has been used as descriptive of their opinions has become a term of odium, they have a right to repudiate it as not fairly expressing their position. The sentiments which Mr. Parker, yourself, and H.1 C. Wright hold, are what have generally been considered infidel; but as that word, as applied to men formerly, implied a certain degree of contempt and defiance towards the Bible and its teachings which you do not feel, you have a right to choose your own name on fairly stating what it is, and what is implied by it. . . .
As to you, my dear friend, you must own that my frankness to you is the best expression of my confidence in your honor and nobleness. Did I not believe that in many respects ‘an excellent spirit is in you,’ I would not take the trouble to write all this. One word more. As to your views of the Bible: Do you examine both sides? Do you take pains to seek and to find the most able arguments against your views as well as for them? I take pains to read and study all upon your side—do you do the same as to mine?
If in any points in this note I appear to have misapprehended or done you injustice, I hope you will candidly let me know where and how.
The letter to which the last of the above-quoted series is a rejoinder, may be read in full in the Liberator.
