It appears, then, that we had copious materials for further criticism; but we have not found it necessary to dwell upon them. What we have said is, in our opinion, sufficient for the defence of those principles which every enlightened man most cherishes as the very foundations of human society. We have remained, therefore, within the limits of a fair and equitable reply; and if we have laughed at the ignorance of the unbeliever, we have respected as far as possible the person of the professor.
A CHRISTMAS LEGEND.
’Twas midnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:
Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.
Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:
En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.
The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy song
First learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.