told, that this Bible is the foundation of civilization; I say that this Bible is the foundation of hell, and we never shall get rid of the dogma of hell until we get rid of the idea that it is an inspired book. Now, what does the Bible teach? I am not going to talk about what this minister or that minister says it teaches; the question is, "Ought a man to be sent to eternal hell for not believing this Bible to be the work of a merciful Father?" and the only way to find out is to read it; and as very few people do read it now, I will read a few passages. This is the book to be read in the schools, in order to make our children charitable and good; this is the book that we must read in order that our children may have ideas of mercy, charity, and justice. Does the Bible teach mercy? Now be honest. I read: "_I will make mine arrows drunk with blood; and my sword shall devour flesh?_" (Deut. xxxii. 42.) Pretty good start for a merciful God! "_That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same?_" (Ps. lxviii. 23.) Again: "_And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little; thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee?_" (Deut vii. 22.) Read the glorious exploits of Joshua, chosen captain of the Lord, and note how, having coveted the fertile land of Goshen, he smote the people, houghed their horses, despoiled their cities, and put all that breathed to the edge of the sword, as the moral God had commanded. Moreover he came against them suddenly, not a solitary trumpet blast from the celestial orchestra was there calling upon the people to yield, or to move out their country, bag and baggage. No; instantaneous fire and butchery. Observe, too, the charming naivete of the statement: "_There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites_." Why? Because the Lord "_hardened their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle that he might destroy them utterly_." Do you wish further examples of a God of mercy? Read in Exodus how the Lord ordered the harrying of cities and the wholesale slaughter of the inhabitants. "_Thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth; but thou shalt utterly destroy them._" The old men and the maidens, and the sweet dimpled babe smiling upon the lap of its mother.