Life, 1891-05-14 · page 6 of 14
Life — May 14, 1891 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 302 **"Another Deserter"** (left text column) criticizes Rev. Heber Newton for resigning from an important Baptist church position. The article accuses him of cowardice for abandoning his post rather than defending controversial theological views—specifically, apparently, his rejection of literal hell and acceptance of other faiths reaching heaven. The piece sarcastically suggests he should have stayed to influence his congregation, not fled like a deserter. **"An Intercepted Letter"** (right comic strip) appears to be a humorous narrative following a soldier or adventurer through various scenes with signposts. The final quote from Hamlet ("I'll be lovely in a little while") suggests mockery of someone's grandiose self-importance or delayed ambitions. The exact historical figures referenced remain unclear without additional context.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
302 ANOTHER DESERTER. T is a significant sign of these degenerate times that the Rev. Dr. Bridgman should reject the orthodox view of hell. That he should for this reason resign his charge of one of the most important Baptist churches in this city is his si ple duty. ‘The fact of his congregation sharing his views is no atonement for the offense. He is a wicked clergyman, and should be made to suffer. Thoughtful men in other profes- sions are expected to develop and, if necessary, modify their original opinions, but in ecclesiastical matters any tendency in that direction should be promptly suppressed. Moreover, if all faith in a inaterial hell is to be abandoned, half the fun in life goes with it. No one thinks that he bim- self is ever going there, It is merely a resort he is keeping warm for those who differ with him. What possible advan- tage, for instance their in being a Catholic if Protestants are also going to Heaven? We must have a special hereafter for all sects other than our own. To many weak and tender hearted people it seems unfair that the millions of heathen who never heard of Christianity should simmer in eternal agony, but if we are in possession of a thoroughly organized material hell in active operation it must have constant fuel, and plenty of it. Protestants and ‘Catholics will be sure to turn upon each other when it comes to actual occupation of the ovens, whereas the heathen seem to be a natural fuel purposely provided by a benevolent Provi- dence. The Rev, Heber Newton seems to have incurred the displeasure of the fantastic Briton who is at present masquer- ading upon these shores. It would be a delicate tribute to the customs of the country if Father Ignatius were to secure a bath and a pair of trousers before continuing his crusade. First Thespian (500 miles from home, but cheerful): IT'LL Bt LOVELY IN A LITTLE WHILE; THE STARS'LL ne OUT! Hamlet (a failure): WHat Cant | FOR OTHER STARS: THEY CAN NEVER RE AS MUCH OUT AS I aM, “LETTER. comicbooks.com