intercourse with 'out-siders' upon the same terms; but if the tender is not accepted, they will then treat with them upon their own terms, so far as it is necessary, or in their judgment best, to treat with them at all. They will hold Equity in one hand and 'fight' in the other-Equity for those who will accept Equity and reciprocate it, and the conflict of wits for those who force that issue. It is not their design to become either martyrs or dupes; martyrdom being, in their opinion, unnecessary, and the other alternative adverse to their tastes."-Science of Society, Part II., p. 6.

So much for Mr. Andrews. Mr. Warren, though himself somewhat more imbued with the spirit of martyrdom in his cause, thus speaks of the unwillingness of his converts to risk any thing for its promotion.

And yet at the end of the experiment, among the hundreds that dealt there and most heartily approved of every thing they saw and heard, there were but four persons that were ready to take part in forming a village! I admit that, in this respect, I was disappointed. I really did expect more from what had been done, and from the ready admission that these principles were incontrovertibly the principles which were to work out the long-looked for solution of the great problem of social order and harmony! Many among the rich admitted this frankly in private conversations, but never gave the least hint of a disposition to lend the least assistance, which was so much needed! Hundreds would gladly have taken hold practically from pecuniary necessity, but that very necessity bound them in absolute slavery to their daily routine, in which their wages were barely sufficient for the day in which they were earned, and they could not afford to lose a month in removing and changing their positions; and mere pecuniary necessity was not sufficient qualification for a pioneer of great, redeeming principles ! Others dare not run any risk of getting employment in the proposed village. Some objected to giving women and children equitable compensation for their labor, or allowing them opportunities of learning the secrets of shoe-making and other kinds of business. Whole hosts were willing enough to buy cheap, but they did not see any advantage in dealing equi

tably when it reduced some of the little petty advantages that they now possessed over others. To sum up all in few words, there was a general lack of capacity to appreciate the subject, and an incapacity to overcome old habits of action, which seemed to act like nightmares upon the people, so that notwithstanding their best judgment approved and their great interests prompted them to move, yet a mysterious, paralyzing incubus seemed to rest upon them, that rendered it impossible for them to move. It was almost discouraging to see such strange and unaccountable apathy following immediately upon such triumphant success; and nothing but the thorough conviction that these principles offered the only chance for the preservation of society from a rapidly advancing confusion and a long night of barbarism, prevented the abandonment of such comparatively fruitless exertion."-Prac. Details, pp. 41, 42.

Here you have the whole story. Comment is unnecessary. Mr. Warren appealed to pocket selfishness, and it answered in its own wisdom, We love to save and make money by trading at the store of a man who gives us better bargains than we can get elsewhere; but we prefer not to sacrifice any thing for your glorious cause! My first objection is sustained.

2. I object to this social system, that it has no adequate foundation in religion, philosophy or human nature, and therefore can never prevail.

3. I object to it, that as a whole it is an irreligious, demoralizing and licentious system, and therefore ought never to prevail.

4. I object to it, that as a whole it is an incongruous, contradictory, irreconcilable, impracticable system.

5. I object to it, that as a whole its tendency is to promote self-conceit, self-gratification, pertinacity of will, isolation of persons and interests, anarchy and war among human beings.

6. Finally, I object to it, that as a whole it is false in principle, delusive in profession, and necessarily fraught with disappointment to its disciples in its legitimate results.

These are my deliberate and firm convictions relative to Individual Sovereigntyism. The radical and vast superiority

of my social system over it I need not more emphatically affirm. I forbear.

Ing. I most heartily concur in your principal conclusions, and will thankfully ponder all your criticisms till we meet again.

CONVERSATION IX.

PRECEPTIVE ADVICE.-The final Conversation-Inquirer expresses his gratitude and solemn purpose to devote himself for life to the promotion of Practical Christian Socialism-He requests Expositor to condense into precepts his best advice to different classes of disciples—I. To candidates for the Adoptive Circle of the P. C. Republic; precepts-II. To candidates for the Unitive Circle; precepts-III. To Candidates for the Communitive Circle; precepts-IV. To members of the Preceptive Circle; preceptsV. To official servants of all grades; precepts—VI. Relative to the formation and establishment of new Integral Communities; precepts-VII. A few words to Practical Christian Socialists as a People-Conclusion.

Ex. I have nearly completed this Exposition. It cannot be necessary to continue our Conversations on Practical Christian Socialism beyond the present interview. I have fully unfolded to you my Social System. Its Fundamental Principles, Constitutional Polity and Superiority to other Systems have been clearly and thoroughly illustrated. Have I fulfilled my original promises, and have you realized the expectations I raised in your mind?

Inq. Your promises have all been amply fulfilled, and my expectations have been more than realized. I have received tenfold more solid instruction and pleasure from these Conversations than I anticipated. God is the witness of that gratitude in my heart for these privileges which words cannot express, but which I am sure will go with me through life and demonstrate itself in unfaltering devotion to the glorious cause so effectually commended to my embrace. My religious nature, my reason, and my affectional sympathies have been completely won to Practical Christian Socialism. I espouse the enterprise in which you are engaged with all my heart, understanding and strength. Henceforth I devote all that I am and may have to the expansion and consolidation of The Practical Christian Republic. I may not be able to distinguish myself in its service, or to lay any very valuable offering on its altar; but I am

resolved to do what I can for its establishment. If accepted as one of its citizens, I propose to devote myself especially to the advocacy of its Principles and Polity, as a member of the Preceptive Circle.

Ex. Thanks be to God for my success. I welcome you with cordial congratulations as a fellow laborer, and if need be a fellow martyr in this blessed work of human regeneration. May the divine unction and benediction rest upon you.

Inq. I would thank you now to condense into precepts the best advice your experience and reflection enable you to offer under the several heads which I will successively name. Such precepts will serve me as a synoptical basis of instruction and counsel to the principal classes of persons who may become interested in our grand movement, and whom it may be my privilege to advise.

I. Precepts for persons desirous of entering the Adoptive Circle of The Practical Christian Republic. What have you to offer under this head?

Ex. The following precepts:

1. Read, inquire and reflect till you thoroughly understand the fundamental objects, principles, polity and peculiarities of Practical Christian Socialism.

2. Consider the whole matter well. Look before you leap. Count the cost of espousing such a cause. Do not be in haste. We want soldiers, like Gideon's of old, willing to lap up water from the running stream, each with pitcher and lamp invincible.

3. Let each examine him or herself by such questions as these: Is it my ruling desire and supreme motive to do RIGHT, according to my highest knowledge and ability? Am I fully convinced that Practical Christian Socialism enjoins what is really right toward God, neighbors, friends, enemies, strangers, and myself? Am I willing to use my talents, skill, acquirements, property, industrial energies, and entire personal influence as required by such a standard of righteousness? Am I prepared to relinquish all the advantages, honors, conveniences and pleasures of the old social state that are radically incompatible with this standard? Have I faith that, all things con