Answer. "True, the Bible is not free from errors, nor is any work of man and time. It abounds in childish views and offensive matter. I trust that it will in a time not far off be presented for common use in families, schools, synagogues and churches, in a refined shape, cleansed from all dross and chaff, and stumbling blocks in which the scoffer delights to dwell."
Fourth. Rev. Mr. Herford.
Question. Is the Bible true?
Answer. "Ingersoll is very fond of saying 'The question is not, is the Bible inspired, but is it true?' That sounds very plausible, but you know as applied to any ancient book it is simply nonsense."
Question. Do you think the stories in the Bible exaggerated?
Answer. "I dare say the numbers are immensely exaggerated."
Question. Do you think that God upheld polygamy?
Answer. "The truth of which simply is, that four thousand years ago polygamy existed among the Jews, as everywhere else on earth then, and even their prophets did not come to the idea of its being wrong. But what is there to be indignant about in that?"
Question. And so you really wonder why any man should be indignant at the idea that God upheld and sanctioned that beastliness called polygamy?
Answer. "What is there to be indignant about in that?"