hat may seem to oppose
it.

"Even when such odium cannot deter, it annoys and irritates; hence the
frequent unwillingness of men of science to come prominently forward
with the avowal of their beliefs.

"It is time this delicacy were thrown aside, and such theologians
plainly told that the skepticism and Infidelity--if skepticism and
Infidelity there be--lies all on their own side.

"There is no skepticism so offensive as that which doubts the facts of
honest and careful observation; no Infidelity so gross as that which
disbelieves the deductions of competent and unbiased judgments."--David
Page, "Man," etc., Edinburgh, 1867.

Appendix V.

Since I have recorded this incident of my lecture in Chicago, it is
peculiarly fitting and pleasant to be able to give the following
extract from the review of the first edition of this book printed in the
_Chicago Times_. No great daily paper would have dared to print such a
comment a few years ago. To-day it is stated as a matter quite beyond
controversy:

"She takes considerable pains to show _what one would think
need scarcely be insisted upon in our day_, that the morals of
civilization--morals in general, indeed--are not at all based in or
dependent upon religion, certainly not on Christianity, since the
so-called 'golden rule' the highest principle of morality, antedates
Christianity a thousand years."

ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY AND OTHERS.

Up to the present time I have tried to reply personally to each one
who has favored me with a letter of thanks, criticism, or praise of the
little book, "Men, Women, and Gods, and Other Lectures," just published,
but I find that if I continue to do this I shall have but little time
for anything else.

The very unexpected welcome which the book has received prompts me to
take this plan and means of replying to many who have honored me by
writing me personal letters. First, permit me to thank those who have
written letters of praise and gratitude, and to say that, although I may
be unable to reply in a private letter, I am not indifferent to these
evidences of your interest, and am greatly helped in my work by your
sympathy and encouragement. I have also received most courteous letters
from various clergymen who, disagreeing with me, desire to convert me
either by mail or personal (private) interviews.

It is wholly impossible for me to grant these requests, since my time
and strength are demanded in other work, but I wi