The Religious Scoffer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 4, 1872

The Religious Scoffer.

THE following is related of the celebrated Dr. Belknap:—

Upon a certain occasion, in the presence of a vast and brilliant assemblage, a person more noted for his self-esteem than for his learning was speaking against the Christian religion in terms of the severest scorn and derision.

Unfortunately for the orator, his remarks were overheard by the doctor, who, stepping up to him, asked: “Well, sir, have you found a religion that is better?” The scoffer, considerably abashed by this unlooked-for question, was forced to acknowledge that thus far he had not. “Well,” responded the Doctor, “when you have, let me know, and I will join you in adopting it.”

The rebuke was as wise as it was just.

Of all classes of sinners, certainly the religious scoffer is the least to be envied. No followers of Satan receive poorer wages, no transgressor against God shall be more severely punished.’ “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed.”