George Jacob Holyoake, an English reformer, born in Birmingham, April 13, 1817. He studied and afterward taught mathematics in the mechanics1 institute of that city, and became known as an advocate of political and religious radicalism. Among his numerous publications is a "History of Cooperation in Rochdale," describing the benefits of the pioneer society founded in that town in 1844, which has been translated into many languages. He has edited for many years "The Reasoner," an organ of secularism, as he calls the system of civilization based upon secular and not upon theological ideas. This system is defined by its advocates as the religion of the present life, not in opposition to theology, but apart from it. It teaches that intelligent sincerity is sinless; that we should believe nothing until compelled to believe it by positive demonstration; that the performance of duty, not the pursuit of happiness, is the end of life; and that utility, broadly and unselfishly considered, is the test of right. It advocates free thought and free criticism, and makes the quality of thought, not its motive, the subject of discussion. It avoids theology on the ground that its truth or falsity can only be demonstrated after death.

In its practical bearing it seeks for " that material condition in which it shall be impossible for man to be depraved or poor,11 and professes to furnish for those who cannot accept Christianity a rule of conduct, drawn from the wisdom of science and experience, which shall enable them to live purely, act nobly, and deserve another life (if there be one) by the unfaltering pursuit of duty in this. Holyoake was under arrest for some time on a charge of atheism, and is said to have been the last person committed for that offence. He was indicted for publishing unstamped papers, and had incurred fines to an immense amount when the duty was repealed in 1855. His "History of Cooperation" (2 vols., London) was published in 1874.