Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/244

230 study and practice of Christian principles; after seriously investigating the internal and external evidences of Christianity; after searching, as I have done, into the origin and principles of all religions; after making public profession of my disbelief, having so important a thing at stake as the welfare and happiness of my children—think you, sir, that ‘The Sinner’s Friend’ can over- throw the reasoning of years, or present stronger motives to my mind than those which now sway it? You cannot think so.

"You will now, know that neither declamations, nor promises, nor threats, can have any influence over a mind which has been long regardless of either — a mind which considers one fact as of more value than a thousand brilliant sentences; one proof as more conclusive than a volume of hopes and fears."

Mrs. Martin, in addition to her literary pursuits, found time to qualify herself to become a physician for women; and as she believed in doing everything she