New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-11-13

A0er various inquiries and arguments, be came
IN the conclusion that Univer, alism vas the most
reasonable Of all doctrines known t. hiIo, aud
accordingly in the twenty second year OF bis sgs he
b. came Uoiversalist mibiaser. In the Sun nsr Of
1896 after pursuing bic .tudies for year ia Yer.
mont part Of the time with the Rev. S4muelC Love-
lard, and part Of the time by himself alone, and
preaching on Sundays in various towns 10 the ate,
he was ordained as evangelist by Universalist
AHOcistiop. In October, he returned to the State
Of New York, residing in Ithaca, Auburn, and other
villages Of tbst State, preaching and writing for
religious periodicals, and briDgog out ga confused
medley Of thoughts with germs ofnearly all be sub
sequenty published till his conversion to the Catho
lie Church. Still he found no mental repose 10 this
portion. He could easily reconcile the doctrine Of
Universalism with reason, but not 90 easily with
the Bible. He was thus at last brought to the
dilemma Of renouncng either the Bible or reason.
He cboie the former alternative, and rejected the
authority of the Scriptures. Other ficulties
made his connection with the Universaists an in.
consistency, and although he was beginning to
acquire prominent position 10 the denomination,
be decided that he must leave it.
could not consent to profess what did not hon.
esty believer and my irritation a, myself for my want
Of maniness aCd strict honesty in continuing preach
after had ceased to believe increased my doubts,
and made me think doubted even more than resy
old. The moment broke eff my connection with the
Universass and took my position openly and above
hoard, not as a dsbeiever, but as an unbeliever,
felt restored TO my manhood, felt like a new man.
My initiation ceased, and almost instantly the tone OF
my feelings changed toward Christianity. was no
longer obliged to profess to seem to profess more
than believed; and from that moment my mind be-
gan TO its balance, and the most anti Christian
period Of my life was the last two years that was
UIiveIsalist preacher.
He bad already become acquainted with Robert
Owen, from whom he received new impulse in
the deeire which he had for some time cherished to
labor for the improvement of the material condition
of humanity, and from this period, bis attention
was entirely absorbed in the construction Of plans
for the attainment of this object. In 1923, in con-
nection with Robert Dale Owen, Robert l.. Jen-
hinge and George II. Evans, he took an active part
in the formation Of the Working Mems Party, with
view so far to control the political power Of the
State as to use it for the establishment of systen
of schools in the interests of social emancipation.
| But be soon became convinced that nothing could
be gained for this purpose by political organization.
This was stepping stone for his return to religion.
| Recovering from the momentary fascination pro-
duced BY the visionary schemes of his friends, he
perceived that higher aim was essential to the
progress of humanity.
cannot carry out my reforms without love, dsn-
terestedness, sacrce. If man is mere animal, born
to his Species and to die and be no more,
why sha love him, and sacrifice myself for him
Where is his moral worth his dignity the greatness
and msjesty of his natare? What matters it whether,
during his existence Of day. he is happy or msera,
BILE, since to -morrow he Dies and it is all the same
For being 60 worthless wherefore devote myself
What is there in him to inspire me with heroism aud
| enable in his behalf to dare poverty, reproach,
| exile, the rack, the dungeon, the scsffod, or the
obliged by my profession to seem to profess what
/ did not believe found myself almost instantly re-
vertpg with regret to my early religious principles and
| affections. The moment avowedly threw off al re-
liz ion and began to work withoutit found myself III
| potent did not need religion to pull down or de-
sroy society but the moment wished to build up, to
Effect something positive, found could not proceed
| single step without it. l was compelled to make
brick wi hout straw. Philosophers bad told me- and
| had believed, that sefinterest would suffice as Q
motive powe that all one has to do is to show men
what is really for their interest and they will do IT.
| Nothing more false. Men are selfish enough, no
dc ubt; but nothing in the world is harder than to get
them to labor for their own best interest. They act
from habit from routine from appetite and passion
momsb tsry lusts 1t is an old complaint that men do
not act as well they know They see the right, aP
| prove it, and yet pursue the wrong. IL is not enough
10 chow them their interest TO convince their under
standings must have some power by which can
overcome what religious people call the hesh-a power
which will strengthen the will and enable men to sub
due their passion and control their lusts Where am
| to find this power, except IN religious ideas and
| principles, in the belief in GOu and immortality, 10
duty moral accountability need, then, religion Of
some eort as the agent to induce men to make the
sacrifices required in the adoption OF my plans for
| working out the reform of society, and securing to
man his earthly felicity. Certainly, was far enough
from the Christian thought, but this conviction real
and sincere was a step in my ascent from the abyss
into which had fallen. Certainly, does not fol ow
that religion s true because it is needed to secure man
bis certify well-beDg, but the conviction that it is
necessary for that purpose if not rudely treated may
in an Ingenious mind, lead to something more. had
fixed il in my mind that the creation Of an earthly
paradise heaven on earth for my race. was the ED
for which should labor, and saw that could not
gain that end without the agency Of religion. Tnere-
| fole accepted religion once more, and on quitting
my journal resumed my old profession OF preacher,
though of what particular Gospel it would be dlfcalt
| 10 say.
Soon after this be fell IN with . sermon By DR..
Charming on the Dignity Of Human Nature. Its
elcquence, its noble thoughts, its glowing appsas
produced deep impression on bis mind, and almost
made him worshiper of man. The writings Of
Dr. Claiming drew his attention to the Unitariaus,
denomination with which he had previously had
no Acquaintance He found that they were liberal
in their ideas, e.chewng all creeds and confessions,
and allowing their ministers tho freest exercise Of
their private convictions. He became acquainted
with several intelligent and cultivated persons
among them, and soon felt very much at home in
their society. He was invited to take charge OF q
Il A