English Secularism

d nor leave men to m

undeceive is

ishop

where to be met with who explained everything on supernatural principles with all the confidence of infinite knowledge. Not having this advantage, I profited as well as I could by such observation as was in my power to make. I could see that material laws counted for something in the world. This led me to the conclusion that the duty of watching the ways of nature wa

se so fine a term) of these views ma

und basis of rational thought and practice." (P

ellows. These Degree Addresses (1846) were written on the principle that mo

n, to the present, and seeks to realise the

ne object of which was to show that those who no longer held the Bible as an infallible book, mi

uty is Secular and that it pertains to this world alone." (

as applied as a general test of principles o

should use the word Secularist as best indicating that province of h

cularist" appeared in literature as

the meeting [then proposed] the present position of Secu

e the word "Secularism

which the statement made might be taken as an epitome of

ularism" appeared in the Reasoner

en upon as a movement. The term was the head

iament which interfere with Secular practice." (Article, "Nature o

parts of the Scriptures, or of Christianism, or Acts of Parliament, as conflict with or obstruct ethical tru

d to a mode of instruction. We apply it to the nature of all knowledge." We use the noun Secularism. No one else has done it. With others the term Secular is merely a descriptive; with us the term is used as a subject. With others it is a

Seculars-the Propri

. Reasoner, p. 1

ounced as the first subject of his Lectures, "Why do the Clergy Avoid Discus

formed, halls were given a Secular name, and conferences were held to organise adherents of the new opinion. The first was held in the Secular Institute, Manchester (Oct. 3, 1852). Delegates were sent from Societies in Ashton-under-Ly

lliam Mallalieu of Todmorden (familiarly known as the "Millionaire" of the original Rochdale Pioneers), Dr. Hiram Uttley of Burnley, John Crank of Stockport, Thomas Hayes, then of Miles Platting, now manager of the Crumpsall Biscuit W