It is too evident to need demonstration that religious unity must be the basis of all other valuable and permanent unities. Fourierists talk much about the necessity of congeniality in those who attempt Association. Experience has already proved that all the advantages and attractions of Association are not able to draw its votaries out of their respective religious orbits, or to prevent the collisions incident to a system which brings independent spheres so near that their orbits constantly cross each other. In the account of the Sodus Bay Association which the reader will find on our third page, the editor of the Phalanx says Religious differences, pressed in an intolerant manner on both sides, had at the time of our visit produced entire uncertainty as to future operations, and carried disorder to its height. If Fourier expected to introduce harmony into human society without first establishing religious unity, we are bold to say that he was a superficial philosopher, ignorant of human nature, and of the true doctrine of unity.
Association can escape the evils resulting from religious differences, only in one of two ways.
It must either select for its experiments none but those who have no heart-religion, and care nothing about it, or it must address itself to the task of developing a religion which shall prove itself strong enough to supersede all others and reconcile all honest hearts. The former of these ways is the shortest and easiest, and seems to suit the hasty genius of the Fourier enthusiasm best. But we are sure that the latter will be found the safest and most economical in the long run. We regard the establishment of religious unity as entirely feasible. Let the gospel of holiness do its work in the heart, and sin, the radical cause of all religious differences, will be taken away.