MR. BLATCHFORD AND MR. CAMPBELL.

Mr. Blatchford contributes to the well-known English paper, the "Clarion," an article headed "Almost Persuaded: A Consideration of the New Theology." Following are the opening paragraphs: —
"The New Theology," as expounded by Rev. R. J. Campbell, in his new book, will cause some commotion among the orthodox; but it will do much good.
It is only three years since the religious world was denouncing "the infidel editor of the 'Clarion,' " and, behold, we have Agnostic Socialism preached from a Christian pulpit.
Yes. That is what it has come to. The "New Theology" is "God and My Neighbor," with the soft pedal on. It is Thomas Paine in a white tie. It is the Ingersoll fist, muffled in a boxing glove. It is the "Clarion" rue, worn with a difference.
As an Agnostic Socialist, I am, naturally, pleased with the book and I hope every Christian in the Empire will read it, and will read "God and My Neighbor," and "Not Guilty," immediately after it. The conjunction will prove surprising.
Mr. Campbell is a Christian minister and I am an infidel editor; and the difference between his religion and mine is too small to argue about. But I sail under the Jolly Roger.
Mr. Campbell believes—I think— in the immortality of the soul. I express no opinion on that subject, as I have no data.
Mr Campbell calls Nature God. I call Nature Nature.
Mr. Campbell thinks we ought to have some form of supernatural religion, and that we ought to associate with Christ. I prefer a religion of humanity without idolatry.
Mr. Campbell thinks Jesus the most perfect man that ever lived. I think there have been many men as good, and some better. But beyond those differences I think I may venture to say that there is nothing Mr. Campbell believes that I deny, and nothing I believe that he denies. Beyond those differences I am as much a Christian as is Rev. R. J. Campbell, and Rev. R. J. Campbell is as much an infidel as the editor of the "Clarion."
Mr Campbell rejects the doctrines or the Fall and the Atonement. He denies the Divinity of Christ, the Virgin Birth, and the Resurrection. He denies the Inspiration and Infallibility of the Bible; and he rejects the idea of Divine Punishment and an Everlasting Hell. So do I.
Mr. Campbell abandons the orthodox theory of sin, and says that selfishness is sin, and that unselfishness is morality and salvation. So do I.
Mr. Campbell meets me more than half way on the subject of Determinism, and will, I believe, come the other half when he has thoroughly mastered the problem.
These are bold assertions, and perhaps Mr. Campbell may think them too sweeping; but the proof is easy.
The best proof is a comparison of "The New Theology" with my "infidel" books.
Mr. Blatchford goes on to make extracts from Mr. Campbell's book in proof of his points.

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW ), 1907, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238049132