Frew Book

THE ORACLE OF REASON.

All parties having Subscription Cards, issued by the Birmingham Committee for the support of Messrs. Southwell and Holyoake, are requested to bring or send them in immediately, that the Committee may make up their accounts, preparatory to becoming a branch of the London Anti-Persecution Union. Birmingham. E. NICHOLLS, Sec.

o where is truth to be for

THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE GOD
OF A SOCIALIST.
"Incomprehensibles amalgamate,
With all the rubbish in your choked up pate."

YAHOO.
"From these quotations it will be seen that the
Socialiste, so far from leing Atheists, are devout
believers in the existence of god. Believing them
selves to be the creatures of the circumstances by
which they are surroun ded, and that these cir-
cumstances took their rise from deity, they cou-
stantly endeavour to a certain his will as ex-
pounded in the laws of nature, and to these laws
they constantly shape their actions, knowing that
happiness is only to be found in such a line of
conduct. This is the basis of the Communal
System.' Whether it is consistent with facts, F
leave my
readers to judge, and if it is, be assured
no name or odium will drive the Rational from
his truthful position."-Jos. B. LEAK, in reply
to "PHILOGATHOS." 29

A CORRESPONDENT of the Cheltenham Free Press has made the important iscovery, just as the "Rational Religionists" that were, had decided that they had no religion, and of course no god peculiar to the body, that the Socialists, or Rationalists, really are profound admirers, devout believers" in the existence of a god, and, moreover, an incomprehensible god; not a god unknown, merely, with whom we might at some future time make acquaintance, but one not to be comprehended, understood, or known when known.

The above extracts are copied from the Cheltenham Free Press, of July 23rd, and are portions of a letter to the editor, in reply to a correspondent of the Chronicle, respecting the prosecutions for blasphemy

in that town.

to get over-out comes the book and open it fim
mechanically, exhibiting a well-thumbed leaf, mark-
ed by the side, with lines underscored, to indicate
their value. "Read it," the crotchetty mau will
say,
"and then see if you have any objection
You do so, and lest an explanation should be offered
you withdraw your opposition, and he becomes con
firmed in the infallibility of his opinions for eflcein-
ally silencing all cavillers.

To this class belongs the correspondent of the Cheltenham Free Press, Rational Religionist (still), and devout believer in "that incomprehensible power which the nations of the earth have called god, Jehovah," &c., and who, not content with the usual truthful defence of socialists against religiou ists-that the former neither denied nor affirmed a god, as a society, leaving every individual t his own opinion-declares that Socialists "ade vont believers in the existence of god." And wint god, pray? Why Jehovah, the god of the Jews, whom Mr. Mackintosh, a Socialist lecturer, declar he would rather be considered an Atheist than be lieve in, or in such "grovelling,degrading,and deba ing notions of deity taught by vu gar superstition Every well-wisher of socialisin endeavours to clearly demonstrate that socialism is the science of society, or the arrangement and employment of all know facts" for the happiness of all men, and that it has nought to do with aught but facts; consequently religion can form no part of it, nor theological sperlation of any kind. This too the executive endea vour to keep in view, even when calling themselves religionists. What a nuisance then it is for men. bers of the body to be stupidly contending for the very thing which their government are exerting themselves to disprove-and this too, in many cases, I am strongly of opinion, merely as a blind-attack ing the enemy on their weak side-their prejudices. In all societies men are to be met with holding This is looked upon as killing two birds with o crude or crotchetty notions, distinct from the prin- stone-gaining friends and silencing foes. Why are ciples of the body to which they belong, but which, not these parties content with showing, or endea nevertheless, they are continually labouring to make vouring to show, that certain passages in the atit appear as an integral part of, or linked with-thorised works sanction god belief, and would either before or behind, those principles. These countenance such opinions, and not insist thara men, too, are usually very zealous, far more so than purely economical society is a devoutly religious one? their fellows who have none of these supernumary ideas, sparing no pains to get a convert; usually making the attack by a feeler from their private stock of opinions (upon the sapping and mining principle of E. Search), introducing the general views afterwards, and covertly, using the former as pioneers for the latter, as though they were ashamed of them, or afraid for them, never failing, however, to demand payment in the shape of approbation, for the unrequested protection they have afforded the principles they have taken under their care. On the other hand, those who understand and have confidence in the principles they have adopted are never satisfied by obtaining the assent of others to their truth except they have been submitted to every test which could be applied to them; instead of shielding them, they expose them to the roughest blasts; instead of gilding them with some foreign substance to enable squeamish parties to swallow them, they wait patiently for the time when the former will be glad to take the medicine in preference to more bitter and violent; earnestly persevering in the interval in the dissemination of their views, without compromise or concealment, or unnatural alliance.

But another misfortune attaches to the company of these crotchetty blades, namely, that in the ratio of their own opinion of the importance of their notions is their anxiety to associate them with the general principles of the society to which they belong, and they never lose an opportunity of intruding their prejudices upon the public, to the great annoyance of their better informed and more rational brethren. An ambiguously worded, incongruous jumble from the authorised works of the body-if it can be met with-is invaluable to those parties, they look upon it with veneration, it is the bulwarks of their faith, the stronghold of their defence in the day of trial. If any objection be urged, which their acquaintance with the principles does not help them

Let us however examine this authority, taken from the "Outline" which is so confidently put forth a "consistent with facts," and asserted to be the "basis of the communal system," which basis is generally understood to be that "the whole charac ter of man, physical, intellectual, and moral, is formed for him."-(See Constitution and Laws, "Deductions," p. 18.) Here it is—

That all facts yet known to man indicate that there is an external or internal cause of all existences, by the fact of their existence; that this all-pervading cause of motion and change in the univers is that incomprehensible power which the nations of the world have called god, Jehovah, lord, &c.:but that the facts are yet unknown to man which define what that incomprehensible power is."

Facts prove only their own existence. If " facts yet known to man indicate that there is an internal cause of all existences," that cause must de the first cause, and the Socialists have solved the problem. In the next sentence the "cause of all existences" is transformed into the cause of motion and change only; that is, the cause of the modes or forms of all existences only, and is denominated the "Incomprehensible power;" that is, a somebody or something distinct from matter, which models and directs it; and is stated to be identical with god, Jehovah, &c., whom it is well known were considered as personalities. If there be aught distinct from matter which governs and directs it, then mat the directing principle be finite, inasanch as we know that what we have agreed to call matter oeenpies some space; also, that it must have some form and be a personality, for "all facts yet known to man indicate" that intelligence is inseparable from organisation or form. Robert Owen too, the prac tical, whose theories are all based upon facts, has "from all facts yet known to man" arrived at an "incomprehensible" conclusion. The object of the

I

paragraph is evidently to convey the idea that the Socialists were believers in a directing or moving power in the universe, that is, a god, and a most absurd jumble it is. In the first place, how can our finite knowledge enable us to judge and determine the infinite; how can our local information prove to n universals? All facts yet known to man," &c., what are they in number or amount compared with what we do not know in respect of this planet alone? All the facts yet known to man are only a portion, an indescribable fraction, of the unknown, and only prove that there must have been cause for their exstence, which cause would appear to be the inherent principle of motion or change of place pertaining to every particle of matter yet observed. Bat a principle or property of a thing is not distinct from the thing, were it so, it would be another thing-which accommodaters have endeavoured to show motion or power to be, and have called it a philosopher's god. Why do they contend for a god alone, why not for a devil, angels, witches, dragons, rentaurs, &c. &c.? They all belong to the same school, born of the same parent-ignorance, and have a claim for the same protection.

That confusion may be worse confounded; Mr. Lear has attached the following, without any remarks to the previous one :

ANTI-PERSECUTICON UNION.

8, Holy well-street, Strand. THOSE Collectors who are willing to employ themselves actively in other circles than those of their immediate friends, may, by applying at the office, receive the addresses of New Subscribers. If they write, let them send name, address, and district in which they collect, or which best suits their convenience.

Persons in the country, who are interested in the cause, are requested to apply for sheets or books to the liberal publishers, secretaries of Social branches, &c., and if not promptly supplied, to write direct to the secretary.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, one of the committee will be in attendance, after the evening lecture, at each of the London Social branches, viz.: at A 1, John-street, Tottenham-court. road; 53rd branch, Blackfriars-road; 63rd, High-street, Whitechapel; 16th, Frederick

"That the practice of the Rational Religion will place, Goswell road. The collectors and persons desirous of assisting are requested to be present. M. RYALL, Sec.

therefore consist in promoting, to the utmost of our power, the well being and happiness of every man, woman, and child, without regard to their class, sect, party, country, or colour; and its worship, in those inexpressible feelings of wonder, admiration, and delight, which, when man is surrounded by superior circumstances only, will naturally arise from the contemplation of the infinity of space, of the eternity of duration, of the order of the universe, and of that incomprehensible power, by which the atom is moved, and the aggregate of nature is

governed."

Why the practice of the R. R. should therefore consist, &c., because all facts indicate the existence of an incomprehensible power, is left to the ingenuity

of the reader to discover.

The practice of the rational religion or the mode of worship, as stated in the extract, is simply the practice of the science of society or morality, and has nothing whatever to do with faith or religion. You are wrong there, will say a "devout believer, "its worship" is said to consist "in those inexpres, sible feelings of wonder, admiration, and delight," &c., which will naturally arise from the contemplation of the infinity of space, of the eternity of duratim, of the order of the universe, and of that incomprehensible power, &c. In the name of common sense, who would think of quoting such language as a proof of rationality or even of sanity? Worship, which implies action, stated to consist in "inexpressible feelings only; and of what feelings? Wonder-that is an ingredient of religion; admiration-that is not, for we must comprehend to admire; delight, the same, for there is no real pleasure where there are doubts-the three cannot proceed from the same source, and yet it is said they "will naturally arise from the contemplation" (and of course comprehension) of infinity! ETERNITY!! and INCOMPREHENSIBILITY!!! This (says the correspondent) is the basis of the Communal System. Whether it is consistent with facts, I leave my readers to judge "-and so do I mine.

Observe, too, how profitably employed will be the members of this purely economical and industrial scheme, our friend observes that they will constantly endeavour to ascertain the will of this "incomprehensible power," stirring out a fire with a Whitechapel needle will be child's play to it. The italic "his" in the extract at the head, marking the writer's idea of the personality of his god, is a literal copy of the original, in the Cheltenham paper. Had the writer looked to the "laws," he would have found the Rational Religion," a little more ration ally described-but still, without a particle of religion in it.

W.C.

PROSECUTIONS FOR BLASPHEMY.
The following bill has been issued in Chel-
tenham :-"He hath spoken blasphemy."
(Mat. xxvi. 65.) Public Meetings will be
held on Bay's Hill, during the week, to com-
mence on the 17th inst. at seven o'clock in
the evening, to hear from Mr. CARLILE, an
exposition of the proceedings againstGEORGE
to make collections for the support of the
J. HOLYOAKE and GEORGE ADAMS, and
families of these victims of religious persecu-
tion, now lying in Gloucester gaol.

"Fear not that the tyrants shall rule for ever,
Or the priests of the bloody faith;

They stand on the brink of that mighty river
Whose waves they have tainted with death.
It is fed from the depths of a thousand dells,
Around them it foains and rages and swells,
And their swords and their mitres I floating see
Like wrecks on the surge of eternity."

It was expected the authorities would interfere with the meetings, but we have not heard that such has been the case; Mr. A. Parker, who issued the above, was cautioned that he would be arrested if he attended the lectures. This gentleman has a piece of ground in a convenient situation, which will stand about three thousand persons, and this he converts into a lecture-room whenever required, by placing a platform upon it. lecturer, when standing on the rostrum, overlooks the sitting-room of one of the magistrates who was on the bench at the committal for blasphemy, and it may readily be supposed how he appreciates the advantages of his situation.

The

pro

your

Wherefore the lords committees are come

to the following resolutions, viz. :

A Report from the Lords Committees for Religion, up-kingdom, a great neglect of divine worship, pointed to examine into the causes of the present no- both public and private, and of the due ob torious Immorality and Profaneness; made by the Earl of Granard, on Friday, the 10th of March, 1737. servance of the lord's day; a want of rever MY LORDS.-The lords committees for ence to the laws and magistrate, and of a religion, appointed to examine into the causes due subordination in the several ranks and of the present notorious immorality and degrees in the community; and an abuse of faneness, beg leave before they report to your liberty, under our mild and happy constit. lordships what progress they have made in tion; a great neglect in education; and a that inquiry, to observe, that an uncommon want of care in parents and masters of fam scene of impiety and blasphemy appeared lies in training up their children in reverence before them, wherein several persons must and awe; and keeping their servants in dis have been concerned: but by reason of their cipline and good order, and instructing them meeting late in the session, they have not in moral and religious duties; a grat increase been able to prepare a full and satisfactory of idleness, luxury, and excessive gaming, account thereof for your lordships; however, and an excess in the use of spirituous and they think it their duty to lay it before intoxicating liquors. lordships as it hath appeared to them; that before the conclusion, some measures may be taken to put a stop to the spreading of these impieties, which it is to be hoped in the next session of parliament, your lordships will be able, by proper laws and remedies, wholly to extinguish and prevent for the future. The lords committees have sufficient grounds to believe (though no direct proof thereof upon oath hath yet been laid before them) that several loose and disorderly persons have of late erected themselves into a society or club, under the name of Blasters, and have used means to draw into this impious society several of the youth of this kingdom. What the practices of this society are (be.execution against immorality, and profane sides the general fame spread through the whole kingdom) appears by the examination of several persons taken upon oath, before the Lord Mayor of this city, in relation to PETER LENS, painter, lately come into this kingdom, who professes himself a Blaster.

up

By these examinations it appears, that the said Peter Lens, professes himself to be a votary of the devil, that he hath offered prayers to him, and publicly drank to the devil's health; that he hath at several times uttered the most daring and execrable blasphemies against the sacred name and majesty of god; and often made use of such ob. scene, blasphemous, and before unheard-of expressions, as the lords committees think they cannot even mention to your lordships, and therefore chuse to pass over in silence.

As impieties and blasphemies of this kind were utterly unknown to our ancestors, the lords committees observe, that the laws framed by them must be unequal to such enormous crimes; and that a new law is wanting more effectually to restrain and punish blasphemies of this kind.

The lords committees cannot take upon them to assign the immediate causes of such monstrous impieties, but they beg leave to observe, that of late years there hath appeared a greate r neglect of religion, and all things sacred, than was ever before in this 304

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that his majesty's attorney ge neral be ordered to prosecute Peter Leus with the utmost severity of the law.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that an humble address be presented to his grace the lord lieutenant, that he would be pleased to order that a procla mation inay issue, with a reward for appre hending the said Peter Lens, and that he would be further pleased to give it in direction to the Judges in their several circuits, to charge the magistrates to put the laws in

cursing and swearing, and gaming, and to inquire into atheistical and blasphemous clubs.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the bishops be desired at their visitations, to give it in particular charge to their clergy, to exhort their people to a more frequent and constant attendance on divine

service.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the visitors of the University, and of all schools, do exhort and require the fellows and masters, carefully to instruct the youth, committed to their care, in the princi ples of religion and morality, and to inculcate a due reverence to the laws and religion of their country. To which report and resolu tions, the question being severally put, the house did agree. EN. STERN, Cler. Par.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Received-" William Birch," 33.66
Baker."

W.," and "W.

ORACLE OF REASON;

Or, Philosophy VindicatedAR UNION

"FAITH'S EMPIRE IS THE WORLD; ITS MONARCH, GOD; ITS MINISTERS, THE PRIESTS; ITS SLAVES, THE PEOPLE."

EDITED BY THOMAS PATERSON.

Originally Edited by CHARLES SOUTHWELL, sentenced, on January 15, 1842,
to Twelve Months' Imprisonment in Bristol Gaol, and to pay a fine of £100,

No. 37.1 for Blasphemy contained in No. 4.

Second Editor, G. J. HOLYOAKE, sentenced, on August 13, 1842, to Six Months'
Imprisonment in Gloucester Gaol, for Blasphemy, at Cheltenham.

"That revoltingly odious Jew production, called BIBLE. CHARLES SOUTHWELL.

THE above is part of an opinion of the bible, purchased for the nation by Mr. SOUTHWELL, Garron answered Lord Kenyon, thusat an expence of twelve months' imprisonment. We certainly will not read the passage, for and a hundred pounds. It is, therefore, pub-it is impossible to look at it in private without lic property, and perhaps may be presented to the British Museum. Whether it is or not, it deserves to take its place among the objects of valuable public instruction. Might not the bible be called, not only an odious Jew production, but also an odious logical production? Pascal has archly said