The Wasp — 1878 — page 130: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts two figures in 19th-century dress engaged in debate. Based on context clues in the text, this appears to satirize a theological dispute between Hoses Ballou and Lyman Beecher regarding Calvinism versus Universalism. The figure on the left (likely Ballou) points to scripture while the robed cleric on the right responds. The satire mocks their heated doctrinal disagreement by presenting them as petty bickerers quoting Bible passages at each other—the text quotes Ballou citing Psalm 9 about wickedness, while "Father Ballou" dismissively retorts. The cartoon ridicules how prominent religious leaders wasted energy on abstract theological disputes rather than practical charitable works, a common Wasp critique of institutional religion.