ble. He knows that the ancient Jews were barbarians, and
that the Old Testament is a barbarous book. He knows that it
upholds slavery and polygamy, and he probably feels ashamed of what
he is compelled to preach.

Mr. Jardine takes a very cheerful view of the subject. He expects
the light to dawn on the unbelievers. He speaks as though he were
the superior of all Infidels. He claims to be a student of the
evidences of Christianity. There are no evidences, consequently
Mr. Jardine is a student of nothing. It is amazing how dignified
some people can get on a small capital.

Mr. Haley has sense enough to tell the ministers not to attempt to
answer me. That is good advice. The ministers had better keep
still. It is the safer way. If they try to answer what I say,
the "sheep" will see how foolish the "shepherds" are. The best
way is for them to say, "that has been answered."

Mr. Wells agrees with Mr. Haley. He, too, thinks that silence is
the best weapon. I agree with him. Let the clergy keep still;
that is the best way. It is better to say nothing than to talk
absurdity. I am delighted to think that at last the ministers have
concluded that they had better not answer Infidels.

Mr. Woods is fearful only for the young. He is afraid that I will
hurt the children. He thinks that the mother ought to stoop over
the cradle and in the ears of the babe shout, Hell! So he thinks
in all probability that the same word ought to be repeated at the
grave as a consolation to mourners.

I am glad that Mr. Mann thinks that I am doing neither good nor
harm. This gives me great hope. If I do no harm, certainly I
ought not to be eternally damned. It is very consoling to have an
orthodox minister solemnly assert that I am doing no harm. I wish
I could say as much for him.

The truth is, all these ministers have kept back their real thoughts.
They do not tell their doubts--they know that orthodoxy is doomed
--they know that the old doctrine excites laughter and scorn. They
know that the fires of hell are dying out; that the Bible is ceasing
to be an authority; and that the pulpit is growing feebler and
feebler every day. Poor parsons!

_Question_. Would the Catholicism of General Sherman's family
affect his chances for the presidency?

_Answer_. I do not think the religion of the family should have
any weight one way or the other. It would make no difference with
me; although I hate Catholicism with all m