The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-06-17
Decline Of Puritanisrl.
from the Baltimore Leader.

The signs of the times Enthusiastically in
dictate falling offin the organized power OF
Puritan sentiment in this country The
practical supremacy of Purltanism has been
maintained for the past ten years at. the
North, and for the most part during that
period over the whole nation, by virtue of
the energy it has; put forth in controlling
aud conducting to triumph what is now
known as the Radical party. The Radical
party is the concentration of Puritan prin-
ciples and morals; tits direct embodiment
of Puritanic intolerance and force. What
ever of religion, of selfshness, Of ayarica
and discipline Puritanism possessed, has
been impaired to the character and history
of the Radical party. With tho failure Of
Radicalism, the decline of distinctive Pu-
ritanism follows. The sources of gradual
disiHtegration, which seems to be in pro-
cess for the eventual overthrow Of this pc
culiar sentiment, are to be traced mainly,
first, to the introduction offoreign elements
into our population, and, secondly. to the
rapid and excessive selfconsumption of its
own vitality. This powerful element in
fH
our social system possesses every virtue
but moral greatness and catholcity, every
requisite of strength bat the reserve force Of
deliberate and dispassionate conservatism.
1t has brains, energy, resource and surface
rigor; but it cannot abandon self.seeking
to principle and good order It's profes-
sions are hollow, aud its aims altogether
selfish. 1t has the instinct of selfpreser-
vation, but not the saaacity to sympathize
beyond itself. 1t cultiyates conventional
narrowness. 1t educates to the practical
ends of self, and is admirable insthe devel-
opment of personal shrewdtess and forsght;
but in the intensity of. these qualities fails
to take in a generous breadth Of sentiment
that can compromise. with differences of
character and opinion. II is splf-reliant
by education, and not apt to receive dcta-
ton as to the lawful ordinary methods of
reaching what it desires If intoleraat in
religions matters, the Puritan sentiment
is yet intolerant of religion itself. Meth
er the forms ofreligion nor the laws ofman
restrain its bound ess egotism ofopinion.
1t begets free thinking as its natural off
spring; but by singular contradiction does
not permit the same election in others.
The blindness of vison VIII oh comes from
such peculiarities has driven the power Of
Puritanism on to the highway to its own
destruction. The vast infux ofdissimilar
nationalities, WHICH has been brought to
our shores to take part in the future of the
country. is not comprehended in Puritan
philosophy. The constant extension of
our civilization and material prosperity is
reaching to interests. beyond the control
and congenial to populations net allied, in
community Of interest, to the Puritanism
of New England But, especially, has
Puritanism with Characteristic rapidly in
seeking the readest road to its own az
grandizement, pushed its power of endul-
ance beyond natural limits. and fallen upon
methods that may end in its own discount
ture. Eagerness Of enterprise, the restless
progressive energies OF insatiate selfishness,
multitude and quiekBess of achievement,
absorb with fatal certainty moral vitality
as well as physical vigor.
Since the Radical party has had control
ofpoliticai affairs in this country, it has ac-
ted in express obedience to the dictates OF
the Puritan selfshness,sand for the most
part has been led by the direct representa-
tlyes of Puritan sentiment. The conduct
OF national affairs ander the auspices of
this party has had everything of the Puri- |
tan nature in it. The indications of filling
strength that are abroad, through the excess
slve love of party power. and the attempt
TO maintain it at any cost, are the Iegiti-
mate ouiworkings of narrow and self.sepk.
ing political sagacity. In endeavoring to
sweep away every barrier, whether of law
ofprestige, to the power, there is abundant
evidence abroad that the desperation which
mas seized upon the Radical party will carry
with it, in time, political suicide, aud the |
practical extinction of Puritan supremacy. !
we shall take pains to- follow the signif-
canoe OF this subject hereafter.