I am sure I give my wife leave to believe just what she likes; but she is a good woman, and does not abuse the liberty; for she believes nothing." It was not once, nor twice, nor thrice, but many many times, during my residence in America, that I was present when subjects which custom as well as principle had taught me to consider as fitter for the closet than the tea-table, were thus lightly discussed.

I hardly know whether I was more startled at first hearing, in little dainty namby pamby tones, a profession of Atheism over a teacup, or at having my attention called from a Johnny cake, to a rhapsody on election and the second birth.
But, notwithstanding this revolting license, persecution exists to a degree unknown, I believe, in our well-ordered land since the days of Cromwell.

I had the following anecdote from a gentleman perfectly well acquainted with the circumstances.

A tailor sold a suit of clothes to a sailor a few moments before he sailed, which was on a Sunday morning.

The corporation of New York prosecuted the tailor, and he was convicted, and sentenced to a fine greatly beyond his means to pay.