Year: 1876

The Eden of Labor, or The Christian Utopia. By


r. Wharton Colleas. Philadelphia: Henry


Carey, Baird e. Co. New Orleans: Geo.


Ellis.


This able work by Judge Collens, of our
city, which we noticed in our last weeks Issue'
deserves more than q passing remark; for the
wonderful system and profound suggestions
embodied therein give it an earnest claim upon
all who desire the we'll being and happiness OF
themselves and of their country. It is called
the Christian Utopia, but unlike the celebrated
work of Sir Thomas More, it does not describe
man in the natural state, bnt in q supernatural
one; not man in idleness, but in labor, which by
charity, reciprocity and brotherhood, is reduced
to occupation and recreation.


The writer shows that after Adams DISC
bedience there was no wealth bat the product
of labor "and from that moment starts
series Of innumerable crimes com mmitted by
those who, to aroiS the 5urden-avoid the d.
vinely imposed burden Of eating their bread
by the sweat Of their face-fasten their share
of toll, tenfold, upon the shoulders of Others"


The one great idea which Judge Collens
wishes to impress upon the minds of his readers
10 the dual title possessed by every product Of
nature. "Firstly, Gods title to the natural
elements it embraces. Secondly, mans title to
the labor he puts into the natural elements to
make them fit for use or pleasure"


Then he argues, in language most forcible
and eloquent, that man has no right to make
this natural valne, OF Gods title, q means of
expressing labor or of robbing man Of his
title to the same.


Labor is the true standard of value but
this value has always been, and continues to
be, entirely disregarded; ; for the laborer, in
one day, is made to pay premium on his own
works to the idle look ker-on who holds capital in
his selfish hands.


That the system SO beautifully sketched in
this work will ever be carried out, is only food
for hope for as every man is trying to enrich
himself at the expense of his brother it would
be necessary to change mans heart in order to
establish this reign of Justice


But as Christians, we are to look for such a
change even here earth; for Isaiah's
prophesy, "Mine elect shall long enjoy the
WORK of their hands," is still to be fulfilled.
The millennium is to be period of labor, yet of
perfect happiness, and how these two con-
ditions NAV make one harmonious whole, is the
! scope of the work before u.s.


| The buying cheap and selling dear will then
| be abolished-the enriching of few at the
expense of the millions will not then be possi-
bic. Then Gods share in natures products
will ba without price, and mans share in their
utilization will receive it's full reward.
The Eden of Labor contrasted with the Land
of Nod, or Gods laws with those of our genera.
ton, form subject matter for the profoundest
mind to dwell upon-and yet the work is at
entertaining as novel and the reader seems
to live amid the busy scenes and prosperous
life of the Eden of Labor, or to be eagerly
watching the grasping tyranny and tortured
labors of the Land of Nod.


In word, this work makes realize that
the principle Of Charity is entirely ignored both
by nations and individuals, and that the whole
world, to-day, has departed from the ordinances
of God and is carrying out laws most detest
able in His sight.


We cannot do justice to the work by our in.
coherent remarks upon it. 1t must be read and
deeply studied from the 6rst word to the last
1t may do good to few individuals, to men OF
good will; or it may not even ruffls the turgid
ocean of corruption that envelops our globe
but whatever it's effect, it is a noble offering to
blind generation, sublime testimony to the
goodness of God in His deslings with men, and
an earnest suggestion to mankind how to act
so as to enjoy peace rest and abundance, and yet
fulfill Gods divine command to labor in the
sweat of their brow.