J. & W. RIDER, Printers, 14, Bartholomew Close, London, E.C.

CONTROVERSIALIST,

AND

LITERARY MAGAZINE:

DEVOTED TO THE IMPARTIAL AND DELIBERATE DISCUSSION OF
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS IN

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, POLITICS, SOCIAL ECONOMY, ETC.,

AND TO THE PROMOTION OF SELF-CULTURE AND GENERAL EDUCATION.

MAGNA EST VERITAS, ET PREVALEBIT."

LONDON:
HOULSTON AND WRIGHT,

65, PATERNOSTER ROW.

MDCCCLXIII.

LONDON:

FRINTED BY J. AND W. RIDER,

BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.

PREFACE.

To inquire after Truth is the proper duty of man. Investigative activity of mind is, therefore, that characteristic which each ought most sedulously to cultivate. Doubt does not indicate a healthy state of intellect. Slothful aversion to thought, much more frequently than honest truth-seeking, results in that suspense of judgment commonly called Scepticism. A still more indolent acquiescence in old opinions often passes for praiseworthy orthodoxy. Sound and safe ideas on life's important topics are only attainable after a careful and diligent exertion of critical examination. To exercise the intellect in weighing evidence, and to train the reflective faculties to accuracy of action, are the best means of promoting the progress and furthering the interests of truth. Controversy whets thought to keenness, and accustoms it to rigorous argument. It at once excites and improves the capacities of man. As an aid in this practical and experimental employment of debate as a drill for the mind, the British Controversialist has for years offered itself to the reader-not without a certain degree of success. A goodly array of volumes may now be appealed to, not only as tokens of acceptance with the public, but as proofs of the absolute fair play with which all opinions are represented, and all questions are subjected to discussion, under the care of its conductors; as well as evidences of the deep and abiding interest felt by them in the promotion of self-culture and general education.

The Editors have endeavoured to keep a watchful eye upon the progress of events and the tide of speculation, and have striven to keep the topics of this, as of their other volumes, in close relation to the intellectual wants of the time. The Controversies conducted in its pages have been carefully selected; and they have been handled both with delicacy and ability by those who took part in them. Argumentative rancour has been in general avoided, logical acuteness and shrewd remarks have had rhetorical grace given to them, and love of truth rather than of contention has ruled the minds of the contributors. The qualities of candour and careful