The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-12-08
GUITEAU'S LETTERS.
The work he once had In Purpose for God and
TheOcrAtlc Press.

a correspondent OF the New 1oTK HeFdtu uas oecu
permitted to look several letters written by the
assassin to his father, in Freeport, Ill., many years
ago. and from among these papers was permitted to
copy two. The first written In April, 1885, short
" after Charles had left the Oneida community It
.is written on fooscap paper and is full of bad spell
Wing and punctuation 1t is faithfully reproduced in
the following copy:
HoBoKKN, n. j., No. 80 Washington ST., April 10,
lS65-DEAR FArHER-I have left the Community.
The cause of my leaving was because l could not
the labor question. They wanted to make hard
working business man of me; but could not con-
sent to that, and therefore deemed 1t expedent to
quietly withdraw. which did last Monday. am
one however with them. in heart. N faith, and in
doctrine. and always expect to be; but was SO GER
tain could their cause to vastly better ad-
vantage disconnected from any local organization
that felt good heart to try it at all events
came to New York in obedience to what be-
neved to be the call of God for the purpose of pur
suing independent course of theological and his
torical investigation. With the bible for my text
book and the Holy Ghost for my schoolmaster, can
pursue my studies without interference from human
dictxiion. In the county community my time was
appropriated: but now Il is ut my own disposal; a
very favorable change Ihave procured SIN ali room
vell-furnished. in Hoboken, opposite the city, and
intend to faithfully pursue my studies during the
next two or three years
And here 1t is proper to state that the energies of
my life now. and have been for months pledged
70 God. to do all that within me lies to extend the
Sovereignty of Jesus Christ by placing at his dis
posal powerful daily paper. l am persuaded that
Theocratc Presses are destined, IN dne time to SUI
percede to a great extent pulpit oratory. There
hundreds of Thousands OF ministers In the world,
but not single daily Theocrstic Press. 1t appears
TO that there Is splendid chance for someone TO
do big thing for God, for humanity, and for him
self. At no time since the creation of the world
have mankind been prepared for such an innova-
ton. Everything Will soon be auspaciOus for such
amovement. Abolish Slavery, close the war, and
establish such Press at the center of national civil
lizstion and then prophesy the rapid strides that
this nation will take in Educ alton. Conceive of sew
era great Theocratc daies III each OF the principal
cities of the world, all under the power and magnet
ism of God. What mighty Educators! How they
would control public opinion and extend the prac-
teal dominion of Christ on the earth. Religion.
Science, Art. Politics. Literature, etc, would have
ten, yea a hundred time, the chance to flourish
within the spiritual medium created by these mo-
tors. Instead of persons spending All hour or two
las they now dol once in days IN religious thought.
We should present them Thearatc daily each
morning ut their breakfastable and thus Introduce
God into the practical affairs of life The grand OBJ
ject of the paper would be to infuse into the public
mind true ideas of God of Christ and Of the spirit
uai world and - establish true standard Of right
by intoxicating the doctrine that the fear OF
the Lord IL the beginning of wisdom. 1t would en-
urely discard all muddy theology, brain philoso-
ply and religious can't and se to turn the hearts
Of men toward the living God
Ny paper would be al NIuminotor. II would
point out the devices of Satans emissaries 1t would
let in the light of God. truth upon mems souls;
The errors of the past would be exhibited and the
corrupting influences Of Anti.Chris which now
ywhere bold men in bsndage would be destroyed.
There in thought, in religion In science
md In the social life of the world &c &c that need to
be exposed and disposed of. For six thousand years
the world has been school of errors. They know
not God nor Christ. Their religion is a sham-a
mere cdnt-and their social life is worthy only OF
the darkest days of Judaism.
My paper would be a Reconciier. 1t would recon-
ellie the conflicting interests OF Individuals of class
~, of churches, OF states, of nations. Now they
are all independent. Each one has its own peculiar
laws, customs and institutions but. thro the innu
OF Press they would be all merged into the
interest of Jesus Christ and grsvtate towards their
trvs place and finally true Christian nation.
NJ
paper Ia q stupendous work, and only to be accom-
plished by extraordinary talents and energy. or
course II IL: and when consider the vast work ~
be done. and my own insignificant attainments my
heart sirks within me; but when l am weak. says
psciy after all may be in my favor, inssmuch az it
may enable God the more freely to pour out His
grace upon me- However presumptuous II may
seem, Am nevertheless constrained to confess the
truth about myself. Therefore say boldly, that
claim inspiration. claim that am In the employ
Of Jesus Christ Co., the very ablest and strongest
nrm in the universe, aud that what do Ia l:m.
tied only by their power and purpose. l have very
little confidence In the flesh; but vast deal in the
give the requisite energy and ability to do my
work we'll. The favor of God il vastly more i'm
portant lin my view in the pursuit OF All OBJECT
tnsn anything else.
whoever edits such paper as l intend to -stab-
nsh will doubtless occupy the position Of Target
General for Press Pulpit aud Bench OF the civilized
world: and If God intends me for that place fear
aot for know that He will be "a wall of fire round
about me- and keep me from all harm.
To compete with the devil you must use the same
agencies in propxgstng truth that he does In propa
eating error, aud thereby supplsnt evil by good.
sn therefore, told to confess that should support
the paper other dsiles are. by subscription
advertis e ments and the free contribution OF the
friends Of the cause. Perhaps the same munihcence
that sustained the American Bible Society, erect
I'd magnificent churches, and kept tens of thousands
Of ministers In luxury would II II could be controi
cd, sustain national chain of Daily Theocratic
Presses. A few months since millions Of dollars
we're contributed for the benefit of sick and wound
I'd soldiers. These generous acts clearly demon
ssrate that people mighty in good works. and
need only to be convinced IN order to pour out their
money like water.
now see very clearly why was drawn into the
Oneida Community nearly nve years ago and run
through 4 most crucifying experience. II all means
preparation for the great work of my life. I know
that have received vastly better education in the
Oueida Community than could have received at
either West Point or Yale college.
In regard TO q financial settlement the Community
did well by me- They gave fifty dollars worth of
books a hundred dollars worth OF of new clothing
and one hundred dollars In money. and their notes
eight hundred dollars with interest psys BILE 300
Oct D. 1885, $3.50 April ,. 1855: $3.50 April 3, 1867
making the nine hundred dollars that invested in
the concern. My expenses this year will probably
not exceed two hundred and twenty Ave dollars. My
principal expenses aside from rent Will be- Tor
food actually consumed, which will not be much
live on dried beef. crackers, lemonade. etc, etc
To meet my yearly expenses, shall have the inter
eat on my money, which will amount to $50 or $50.
together with my earnings from casual employment
Should there still be deficiency, and there is no
other way, l shall be compelled to draw upon the
principal; but NJ shall doubtless need all the
money can possibly control when startthe paper.
deem II expedient not to disturb the principal
without II IL absolutely necessary.