The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-11-12

- He2ItS g. - aSsCS&
Some years ago, the rev Isaac Gusemar
asde trip to Iowa. On board the steamer
in which be took passage there was a gentle
man who took great pains 10 make known thai
he was opposed to christianity, and all forms b
religion.
He spent most OF the day in arguing with
those who would dispute with him, and in pour
ing forth anathemas against prestcraft and the
credulity of mankind. He denounced Christ as
an impostor, religion as a delusion, any parti-
cuiar form Of worship or creed as the result or
trammels of education, and that it was only
tolerated by statesmen for the security Of gov
eminent and the benefit of the weak and errino.
He was evidently man of education and abil-
lily. His repartee, drollery, sarcasm, and ia
Guilty for turning things into the ridiculous,
bore down 50 hearty upon those with whom
he argued, that they we're generally silenced,
though not convinced.
One day be was in high glee, and kept
crowd Of passengers in continual loud roar of
laughter at his iTeligious jokes and Witticism.
On this occasion Mr.. Guseman, who had hish-
erto refrained from entering into any dispute or
controversy with him, determined to try and
silence him or turn the laugh against him. He
accordingly moved slowly towards the crowd
the skepiic was amusing; on his approaching,
the other observed:
well, old gentleman, am free thinker,
what is your notion about religiona'' Il
"Why, sir, have always been taught to be-
lieye in the truth Of the christian religion; and
have never once had doubt OF the existence
of supreme and intelligent cause. But in !
turn, let me ask you question: Do you be- |
lieye in the Immortality Of the soul?''
Certainly not-I have none"
.eDo ron deny the existence Of God9o
"Most assuredly Ido."
"Then, sir, have heard of you before"
"Heard Of me before!'' /
Eyes, sir, / have read about von''
9'Read about mel ] was not aware that / /
was published. Pray, wherein
"In the psalms of David, sir, where threads
9'The fool hath said in his heart, there is no
God"
at this unlocked for turn in the argument,
there was one general burst of laughter and
hurra, at the expense Of the atheist, who, con-
founded and being unable to rally at being thus
Unexpectedly proved a fool, moved away to
another part Of the boat. During the remain
der Of the voyage the wiseacre was silent on t
religious subjects; but occasionally some of the
Il have heard of you before
The Mobile Tribune in its American Ana, re- o
lates the following:
Among the most active and daring of Mari 4
on's men, we're Robert Simons and VIM With !!
ers. They had been sent together on some =
confidential expedition, and while resting at
noon for refreshment, Withers, practiced shot,
was examining his pistols to see if they were M
sff.af MANY m
readingo or in reYerie. Bob" said Withers, :
'tif you had no. that bump on the bridge of
your nose, you would be likely young fell
low" ..Do you think sou said sirnons, list
lessly Yes said Withers, Il think l can =
shoot off that ugly bump on your nose. Shall
[ shoot?" "Shootp' said Simons, and crack
went the pistol. The ball could not have been
better aimed, it struck the projecting bridge, 1T
demolished / forever, and bensefort6 smons :. r.
was the ugiiest man in the army. M,
Somebody, describing the absurd appear ;
ance Of a man dancing the polka, says, be En-
ooks as though he had holein his pocket and s s
vas trying to shake shilling down the leg Of mo mo
lis trowsers. tbe
In all delicate cases, where blame is due, Al.
'ou will generally find the following law acted Coz
pon-The poor man is accused, the rich is ex- ing ing
used. s's
A lady making enquiries Of gentleman I
bout his friend, an Incorporate man, who had Of
cen sick for some time, asked whether he had day
egained bis appetite. 81
mo ma M" says the blood, "not exactly: 'e
is appetite is very poor, but his drink lite is of
3 good as ever" A
A doctor feels the pulse each time, to let his o"1
atent see with what minute care he is keep ~ ~,
g watch. s'.I
Ii we gaze at mountain and then look up r
! Oval, we shall soon cease to complain of Their
ch minor evils as noyerty and tayes spea
Uban M or.,o. L. /
II ~ 49, - s - VI Nouh'is - Pley
m, ~ ~ tai' iot| vi taihin5 G men
The trumpet Of fame is often mute for want With
good trumpeter to blow it. A
Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has the
pleasures.
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