New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-09-24
NEW-YORK TRIBUNE.
,etter from Charles Lauc-Thc shakers
Community, &c.

etter from Charles Lanc-Thc Shakers
Community, &c.
NEw-YoRK, Sept 7, 1o4G
NIX Editor Of The Tribune
ns.R FRIEND A sojourn of four years in this
Ind yves me some right to formal adieu The
.t,.oitabe treatment have experienced in New
ycrk CITY as in New England, where Ihave chiefly
,,dca. is NOT to be forgotten, especially as it is re-
.,aIkable for the unusual virtue Of augmenting in
,tsssiness and deiicacy in proportion to the de-
,,uds made upon it. Appreciation of pure mo.
res is not faculty Of the laden pocket, but Of the
ssalby mind.
Eary in 1913, in order 70 carry out the main
oquese Of my visit to this country, / purchased a
s1p Of ninety acres in Harvard, Mass, and de.
,sed it free to'all mankind and some of the freest
souls in the land were soon gathered on the spot.
By free, mean such as had become more or less
,6fanchised from their animal desires and low
nrosrsities, and were animated to live q pure and
by life in conformity to the highest inspired die.
,..es and the loitiest recorded revelations
From causes for which no one is to be blamed,
smgng which was excessive youth-likc haste in
commencing without free buildings us well as free
land, we were obliged to separate the following
Winter, except one or two faithful persons who re.
named to carry on the farm work.
During the Summer had become much attracted
By the Shaker Community i'll the same town, and
Is many OF my sentiments conceded with theirs
he attraction was mutual. resolved therefore on
.ying il their outward order and worldly success
we're founded on the true basis In January, 1874,
land my boy removed thither and was SO unfor-
unae as to article him to them within twenty four
h0ln, as they requested, before became acquaint-
hshh their principles
Allow me to say | still do as ] did then, disbe-
Eese much of the SANDER publicly banded about
sg1nst them though it is not wholly without
sandation And their grotesque and vain ccremo-
pes could leave to such find consolation in them
trddeem them no worse than ceremonies which the
t,thOdox world approved But the system of spir-
taal despotism which does not allow aman to think
Ir himself, TO feel that his soul is his own or is
Gods, which continually obtrudes an erring world
Mween me and my Maker and Saviour, seems 10
nc the last stage of lnidelity and Il degree of
PRACTICAL blasphemy destructive of all true holy life
nthe soul.
Among them are some honest men, and more
haest and intelligent women, but the mistaken
lotions on education lead to such a general con.
traction OF the soul might make one weep, and
ayf Associative success is be bought at such
igice let us rather remain as we are. Celibacy
rEot, as the impure would persuade us to believe,
tho cause OF those peculiar appearances which all
Observers remark. Nor, on the other hand as the
Shakers believe, are the shutting the door against
Tree aud spontaneous mental expansions and. sub
MISSION 10 mortal domination, ncediul to, consist
ent with the attainment of pure life.
After patient investigation OF seventeen months
Twas conscience compelled to give up this pursuit;
bot still retaining undiminished faith in the posi-
hty OF a pure life on earth and OF the profitable
beauty in Association.
For ayear / have sought health Tor the New
England Winters have been formidable trials for
ny rame) and n knowledge of the country in the
shpyment of free intercourse with the enlightened
snd benefcent Neither my penetration nor my
motives will be impugncd when | add my voice 10
hegenerai verdict which places the New-England
vtman so high. In all love must tell my fellow
country women they are excelled indeyelopment by
aer fair sisters this school loving shore. Albeit
here are two notable facts existing Herewith
ssnely the great number OF females unmarried,
md the great number employed in mems depart
rents or in labor encroaching on the ground usu-
ally occupied by men. stay not to explain these
bets. but doubt whether they denote the best
state OF society, or tendency towards 1t Yet,
observe, am sure pure ceiibate life is possible;
uA understandingly elected, | think it coniorma-
ae both to Scrptural and vital Christianity.
lhayc watched with increasing interest every
AAOwn attempt To form better circumstances, or to
Improve society by appeals TO better principles
han the selfish ones which now govern. ! feel
als shall continue to DO So and by humble devo
an promote them rs far as hes within my limited
Rser.
The estate in Harvard has been faithfully admin
ssred any one has been received who came
nnDon principles and no individual profit or rent
bis been distracted. During the present year,
Rogress has been made toward a broader attempt;
Tie buildings as well as the land are now in hand,
sG loo acres more in the neighboring town of Leo
aaster are joined i'll the same plan, which is so ar
y. hut 1,.t1& II
COMMON energy, or even having nothing but their
VASCULAR and mental powers, may secure per-
sinent home. and make it as comfortable us they
Tease.
Having an urgent request to re.animate the
neilsed attempt of this kind quilted in a cline
sose cOugenial to my health. | return to the old
IND for season regrettuly leaving my son under
se attractions OF his Shaker friends, and with,
asas, iast appreciation of the political superiori
Y O this country.
lake this liberty with your valuable space just
81 embark upon the trusty wave, that rs one
ecsNng some experience in both the old world of
Ss~npenhon and the new world of Association,
! nay contribute all the encouragement l can to
re- ssse who are struggling in and for newness OF
), tsah IN the old is now scarcely rational. Even
s,.sse who prosper in it, as it is called scarcely
~ sSw Where ind how they stand, day by day, SO
soS tiuSs VI SpiiifOtAsieti. 1A'N iAuA"A
IN - who never look out ahead, Will continue To
-. 'ne icsure phantom, an Ell Dorado. an Ito
go. go some other disparasing title disaifected like
ss.sgseoss mutnous crew. But that this working
no, this transition from side TO side which
=, Ssness, is ultimately TO drift US into new
ss ~ eappier haven, is simply the conclusion that
NJ Sod'relyins soul must arrive at.
ia hearty thanks for your constant adherence
s cause Of peace aud good will toward all
remain dear friend thine afec;ions,ely.
CHARLES LANE.
4sA'co,-A Washington correspondent Of the
l q Commerce says that no reply has yet been
eo 10 the oyertures made to Mexico by this Gov.
s sa' and communicated by Commodore Conner on
wa Of August but many circumstances, it is said