The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—InterviewsIngersoll, Robert Green
Religion
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—Interviews
Ingersoll, Robert Green
Free thought
_Answer_. Mr. Swing has been out of the orthodox church so long
that he seems to have forgotten the reasons for which he left it.
I do not believe there is an orthodox minister in the city of
Chicago who will agree with Mr. Swing that salvation by faith is
no longer preached. Prof. Swing seems to think it of no importance
who wrote the gospel of Matthew. In this I agree with him. Judging
from what he said there is hardly difference enough of opinion
between us to justify a reply on his part. He, however, makes one
mistake. I did not in the lecture say one word about tearing down
churches. I have no objection to people building all the churches
they wish. While I admit it is a pretty sight to see children on
a morning in June going through the fields to the country church,
I still insist that the beauty of that sight does not answer the
question how it is that Matthew forgot to say anything about
salvation through Christ. Prof. Swing is a man of poetic temperament,
but this is not a poetic question.
_Question_. How did the card of Dr. Thomas strike you?
_Answer_. I think the reply of Dr. Thomas is in the best possible
spirit. I regard him to-day as the best intellect in the Methodist
denomination. He seems to have what is generally understood as a
Christian spirit. He has always treated me with perfect fairness,
and I should have said long ago many grateful things, had I not
feared I might hurt him with his own people. He seems to be by
nature a perfectly fair man; and I know of no man in the United
States for whom I have a profounder respect. Of course, I don't
agree with Dr. Thomas. I think in many things he is mistaken.
But I believe him to be perfectly sincere. There is one trouble
about him--he is growing; and this fact will no doubt give great
trouble to many of his brethren. Certain Methodist hazel-brush
feel a little uneasy in the shadow of this oak. To see the difference
between him and some others, all that is necessary is to read his
reply, and then read the remarks made at the Methodist ministers'
meeting on the Monday following. Compared with Dr. Thomas, they
are as puddles by the sea. There is the same difference that there
is between sewers and rivers, cesspools and springs.
_Question_. What have you to say to the remarks of the Rev. Dr.
Jewett before the Methodist ministers' meeting?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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