The article about Mr. Stephens observes, apparently unironically:
“The House of Representatives was then [1843] generally graced by gentlemen of unquestionable honesty, finished education, and statesmanlike ability ...”
I assume that the author meant to compare the present Congress of 1858 unfavorably with those of the 1840’s.
I believe it used be a statute that no man could be elected to office if he were an atheist. Men of honor and honesty. Those words create such a longing...