Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-04-23

Letter from Theodore Parlter-His Opir-
ions of Orthodox Theology and His Own
ReIiGion.
The following letter, dated at Rome, from
Rev. Theodore Parker, now seeking restora-
ton to health in Italy, was not long since
received in reply to an address of sympathy
from the First Independent Society, of New
York city:
Gentlemen-Your kind and welcome letter
of November 16, 1885, came TO me some time
ago, with its words of encouragement and
cheer | rejoice greatly in the progress
which natural form of religion is making
in our land. 1t is a great and noble work
you set before yourselves in the programme
Of your society; and l trust you win go on
therein
"Not without access
OF unexpected strength"
All over the Christian world the ecclesas-
tical institutions are in state of decline; the
mind and conscience of the age is not in
them. This comes from no abatement Of in
terest in religion itself, but from the fact that
the theology of dark ages does not satisfy
the wants of the thoughtful and enlightened
men. | think there was never period in
human history when men were so religious
as now when there was so much truth in
thropy in their feelings, and so much moral
ity in their conduct.
Yet it is not an age that builds churches to
the glory of God; it establishes industries
and founds manifold institutions for the well
fare of man. In the free States of America
you are continually struck with the antithe-
sis between the ecclesiastical traditions of
times past, and the fresh religious conscious
ness of the men and women now alive. All
the great moral and religious movements
which mark the progress of the age are alien
to 'the Churc6"ethat is unfriendly to
science, and the deadliest foe of democracy;
it is the great bulwark of American slavery.
| Now, take it, your society desires form
| oireligion which shall comprise right feel
ings-tbe sentimental, instructive part; right
Rotions-the intellectual, reflective part; and
right dctions-the practical, voluntary part;
and so to live in harmonious relations with
God and man. Some of your work will
doubtless be negative and tend to the destruc-
tion Of old errors; but most of il will be of a
more pleasant aspect, and consist in building
up what shall serve the present time, per-
haps also, future ages. Your labors can not
| be in vain.
thank you heartily for the sympathy
you offer me. | have endeavored to teach
such form of religion as human nature de-
mands in its present state of development
among civilized and enlightened nations.
My work has been chiefly positive building
up; not critical and negative, the pulling
down of the old, although, as was natural, the
destructive part made the most noise, and for
a moment drew the public attention. There
are so many men and women in the North
looking for religious institutions which shall
satisfy their religious wants, that have found
an abundance of friends and supporters. Nay
my words have come across the sea and found
a welcome and an echo in diverse European
lands. once hoped to do much more than
have yet done, and if my life and breath
should be spared me few years more, per-
haps | shall yet bring some other things to
pass. But ON that do not count. | am de-
voutly grateful for what opportunities l have
already had, and the results | have seen OF
very brief and humble work.
Believe me, sincerely,
Your well-wisher and friend,
THEODORE PARKER.