est people. The drunkard injures only
himself, and very seldom the few near him. The _spirit_ of fanaticism did
exterminate nations! If we are indebted to philosophy for the little
religion which we have yet, the true ministers of Christ must needs join
with the humane voice of philosophy, unless they have not at heart their
families, life, and lawful property of this world: and then, if they find
fault with the shakers, because the wish of these, is to annihilate the
human race by preventing marriage; the fanatics of other denominations are
doing nothing, but to administer arms to destroy those, who cannot think
like them.

Not only theological discussions take the place of literature in the
United States of America: there is, perhaps, no nation in the world of the
present century, in which theocracy attempts to swallow up the people's
rights, though the constitution be against it. And, what power can it
have, the wisest constitution, if the plurality, part by cunning, and part
by ignorance, are undermining the very foundation of man's only happiness,
his sacred rights? Just, intelligent, learned, high minded clergymen are
against the doctrine of Mr. Pusey: but, it is with a sorrowful mind we
have witnessed the too many reformers wishing to adopt the very popish
power, against the very power for which Luther, and Calvin had, and have
such an influence in the mind of nations.

I will not pass under silence here, the ecclesiastical courts with which
they began by judging errors of faith, dereliction of duty, and venial
offences among the members, or officers of their churches; and, with such
a seeming insignificant beginning, they hold, already, such a temporal
power, with which they try now members, or officers, rendered criminal by
the laws of the land! The only trial of Rev. Fairchild, charged with
seduction, is a historical fact.

There are religious people in this world for whom, had I had the mind of
Voltaire, and obliged to live with them, I have no doubt they would have
rendered me the most religious man: and among like blessed religious
persons, my mother, and few others I have the honor to be acquainted with,
are of the number. But history, and the very fanaticism of the middle age,
which we have witnessed lately in Philadelphia, are enough to make angels,
and Sophy weep.

Though America has her great share of fanaticism, she is not the only
nation. At the time in which the smoke of the burning catholic chur