(b) We do not wish to take away the Golden Rule; but we insist that it is not a Christian precept. It was in the world long before Jesus, before Moses, and before Abraham. Long before the pyramids were built mothers called their children to their knees and said to them, “Children be good to each other to-day.” This is the Golden Rule. We see then that it is of human origin, and not a part of Christianity, as Christianity is founded upon the supernatural. It is the old, old way that religions have of borrowing human virtues and ascribing them to the gods.
(c) We do not teach men to despise charity, but to so improve human conditions that charity and charitable institutions shall not be needed.
(d) “What will you give us in place of the Bible?”
We do not propose to take it away. We only ask people to read it as they do other books—accepting the good and rejecting the bad.
“What are we to have in place of the consolation of the gospel?”
The gospel means glad tidings. What are the glad tidings?
1. That man is totally depraved and polluted. Good news!
2. That he deserves eternal torment. Glad tidings!
3. And that nine tenths of the human race will get their deserts. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Glorious news!
4. That hell is in view,—near at hand. Delightful tidings!