This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER L GEORGE JACOB HOLYOAKE. c I could not live--coulds't thou? to hear a truth Cry loudly in the heart, and strangle it. Were this the end, no other life beyond, Better to perish thus, our dust unurned (So it might nourish still a living flower). Rather than breathe such breath as hourly kills The truth that blooms within.' Vinia. Perpctua, by Sakab Flow** Adams. A Few years ago, it was remarked by an acute spectator* of a Discussion on Christianity, that "those who stand at the head of society, and argue that the minds of the people must be left alone, or they will break loose from the religious ties that are supposed to bind them, and drift away no one knows whither--must take a new course, as the people are already free from those ties; and they who mean to guide them must guide them speedily, or some one else will do so for them."! The truth of this remark becomes increasingly apparent with every year. Not only are the details of Christianity, or the Church, fearlessly called in question, but even the corner-stone of Theology, the existence of the Deity, is freely canvassed. Painful as it is to earnest worshippers to hear such a topic debated on a platform, before a mixed audience, such is the irresistible destiny of to-day. The popular theology fails to rule the minds of large numbers of thoughtful men among the working classes, and they come forward and challenge their spiritual masters to defend or to disown it. Possessing sufficient culture to be critical, but not enough to compete with the clergy on the literary points which are inextricably bound up with the subject, they are more quick to detect error, than strong to evolve truth. This is soon discerned by the other side, who forthwith descant on the presumption of " the...