e force of arguments so probable for
the truth of Christianity undoubtedly possess dispositions to evil which
would cause them to reject it, were it based on the most absolute
demonstration." Is not that a pearl without price in this world of lawful
conclusions?

By the way, Grandad--recalling the text you quote in your last--did you
know when you sent me to this university that the philosophy taught, in a
general way, is that of Kant; that most university scholars smile
pityingly at the Christian thesis? Did you know that belief in Genesis had
been laughed away in an institution like this? With no intention of
diverting you, but merely in order to acquaint you with the present state
of popular opinion on a certain matter, I will tell you of a picture
printed in a New York daily of yesterday. It's on the funny page. A
certain weird but funny-looking beast stands before an equally
funny-looking Adam, in a funny Eden, with a funny Eve and a funny Cain and
Abel in the background. The animal says, "Say, Ad., what did you say my
name was? I've forgotten it again." Our first male parent answers somewhat
testily, as one who has been vexed by like inquiries: "Icthyosaurus, you
darned fool! Can't you remember a little thing like that?"

In your youth this would doubtless have been punished as a crime. In mine
it is laughed at by all classes. I tell you this to show you that the
Church to-day is in the position of upholding a belief which has become
meaningless because its foundation has been laughed away. Believing no
longer in the god of Moses who cursed them, Christians yet assume to
believe in their need of a Saviour to intercede between them and this
exploded idol of terror. Unhappily, I am so made that I cannot occupy that
position. To me it is not honest.

Old man, do you remember a certain saying of Squire Cumpston? It was this:
"If you're going to cross the Rubicon, _cross_ it! Don't wade out to the
middle and stand there: you only get hell from both banks!"

And so I have crossed; I find the Squire was right about standing in the
middle. Happily, or unhappily, I am compelled to believe my beliefs with
all my head and all my heart. But I am confident my reasons will satisfy
you when you hear them. You will see these matters _in a new light._

Believe me, Grandad, with all love and respect,

Affectionately yours,
BERNAL LINFORD.

(From the Reverend Allan Delcher to Bernal Linford.)

_My Boy:_ For one bitten wit