whom you have not an atom of
ill feeling, and to whom you disclose your own views in exchange for
the confidence of his. The chairman said that he had visited the Hall of
Science many years ago, and frequently heard discussions, but they were
generally acrimonious, and seldom profitable. No doubt he spoke what he
felt to be the truth; at the same time, however, he probably left out
of sight a very important factor, namely, the tone and temper which
Christian critics are apt to display on a Secular platform; the
assumed superiority, which is not justified by any apparent gifts
of intelligence; the implication in most of their remarks that the
Freethinker is on a lower moral level than they are, though it would
never be suspected by an indifferent observer; the arrogance which is
often the undercurrent of their speech, and sometimes bursts forth into
sheer, undisguised insolence. Christian critics of this species have,
perhaps, stung Freethought lecturers into hot resentment, when it would
have been far preferable to keep cool, and continue using the rapier
instead of seizing the bludgeon. It is always a mistake to lose one's
temper, but it becomes excusable (although not justifiable) under
intense provocation. On the whole, it is safe to say that Christians
have received more courtesy than they have shown in their controversies
with Freethinkers.

So much for the debate itself. What I want to deal with in this article
is the plea of the chairman, and also of Mr. Williams, for a more
charitable understanding. Christians have abused, ill-treated, and even
butchered Freethinkers in the past, but the best Christians are ashamed
of it now. Let us then, it is urged, bury the past; let us forgive and
forget.

So far as it concerns _men_ only I am not insensible to the appeal. Far
be it from me to blame Mr. Williams for the follies and malignancies
of his Christian predecessors. On a question of character, of merit or
demerit, every man stands or falls alone. Imputed wickedness is just as
irrational as imputed righteousness. I no more wish to make Mr. Williams
responsible for the butcheries of a Torquemada or an Alva than I wish
to be saved by the sufferings of Jesus Christ. So far as Mr. Williams
is concerned, I have no past to bury. I am not aware that he has ever
desired anything but absolute justice for all forms of opinion; and
I know that he denounced my imprisonment for the artificial crime of
"blasphemy." Evidently, t