Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

252 LETTERS.
speeches, said, in his facetious way: "It is conmplained that the Chinese are idolaters, and therefore
not fit to associate with Christians. We have stoned
them, and clubbed them, and persecuted them, and
tried religion upon them in almost every shape, and
still they won't embrace it! "
TO MRS. S. B. SHAW.
BOSTON, 1879.
I keep working, because I am quite sure that no
particle of goodness or truth is ever really lost, however appearances may be to the contrary. But in
trying to help others, it is sometimes difficult to decide what is good. I have several poor souls in tow,
trying to guide them into comfort through righteous
paths. But I make them so dependent that I sometimes feel I do them harm rather than good. Yet
what is to be done? They are so ignorant and weakminded, they cannot rely upon themselves.
I admired the spirit of Mr. Curtis's Letter, and I
entirely agree with the principle he inculcates. I
have always resisted the idea of conventions and caucuses dictating to individuals how they shall vote. It
is utterly subversive of republicanism, and would
make an oligarchy of the government. I thank him
cordially for speaking a true word, which greatly
needed to be spoken.
TO THE SAME.
WAYLAND, 1879.
I think there is sufficient evidence of another state
of existence, and of the possibility of communication.
But beyond this glimpse, I think it is all precarious
and unreliable. One had better spend his life in