A REPLY TO INGERSOLL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 282, 29 November 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

A REPLY TO INGERSOLL.

Lew Wallace Tells How He Came to

Wkitb ' Ben Hub. ,

Talking with an intimate friend of General Lew Wallace the other day, says a writer in the New York ' Star,' I learned the fcruo inspiration of his .famous novel, 'Ben Hur. , ♦Wallace was on an eastern-bound train,' said my informant, ' and while going through the drawing-room car he passed the open door of a eornpartmenb in which sat Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll. "Coma in,"eai&the latter, "I'm lonely in her©, and want some one to chat with." Wallace entered, and seated himself. " All right, Colonel,"hesaid,"whatshallwechafcabout? " Lots of things," replied Ingersoll. "-la there a future life r Looking out of the window dreamily, as the express sped on, he answered his own query. ** I don't know —do you ? Is there a God. ? I dpn't know; —do you ' Was Christ tlie son of God ? I don't know-do you?" He paused and looked keenly at Wallace. The General was a little embarrassed by the abruptness ot the great infidel's interrogatories. He replied : " "Really,. Ingersoll, I have nevec given much thought or study to the questions you propound. I had a Christian training and I have always tacitly accepted them. ; " Indeed !" said Colonel Ingersoll. " Why, man, you surprise me! They are vital issues.. I have studied the subject) thoroughly. Every man ought to. -Now, take my advice and look into the matter., You'll find you'll agree with mo." " I «' en Jj away from that interview both erabarrassea and mortified," said the General, " that i did not feel competent to discuss so important a matter with so learned a thinker. 'I made up my mind that I would nevei place myself again in so embarrassing a situation. I took down my books and react; every authority I could lay my hands on. After a year's study, so far from agreeing: with the great agnostic in his expressi™ opinions, I wrote -'Ben Hur." Tbw-» my reply to him !'

To be happy ab homo is the ultimate result) of all ambition; the end.to whicji every enterprise ?and Jaboar tqnds, ana which every desne prompts.**? prosecution., —T>v. Johnson, , ■■