When a creed, or form of worship, is made by the wisdom of the maker, it will not be dissatisfactory to him, because it is congenial with his wisdom. But, when that mind becomes wiser, when a change has been wrought in the soul, it will require a change in the creed and form of worship, otherwise incongruity will disturb his peace. I have seen some minds so wedded to their creeds and forms, that they would not reject them, even when their conditions demanded it. I have seen these minds profess reverence for creeds and forms when they had no reverence for them. I have seen these conditions conflicting with each other, and the mind distressed with the wrong. I have seen them acquiesce in measures which they did not believe consistent with human good, because they had once avowed a confidence in them. They feared the reproach of others, and dared not be honest in the sight of God and their own souls. They concealed their own convictions from the inspection of the society or church, and yielded submission to conditions which were unjust and untrue to their peace. I want a reform of these evils. I want a change in these minds. I want a harmony between their wisdom and their professions. I want no discord between mind and God. I want no hypocritical reverence for forms and ceremonies not consistent with honest intentions. But I want mind to worship, as it seemeth good. I want no society or church creed to make mind virtuous and happy. But others may want; and may want so long as ignorance remaineth. While they want, they will be dissatisfied when denied what will gratify it. Therefore, thou wilt see that what is not wanted, it is well to destroy. Thou wilt see that our mission is to change the wants of mind; to give it a relish for holy things; to make it adapted to a condition of higher development; to mould it into the wisdom of a purer sphere; where the wisdom of adaptation will be appreciated, and harmony result in greater bliss. Thou wilt aid in this work. Thou shouldst not refuse to work a reform of conditions, by working a change in the minds of those who will be affected by them. When that change is wrought, the forms of worship, and the creeds of societies, will very easily become changed, so as to be adapted to the condition of their supporters.
The wisdom of a circle who wish only good, will open a way for a change of minds, who will reform societies and churches, so that creeds and forms will harmonize with their condition of development. It will not be necessary to change any creed or form of worship, only as it may disagree with the condition of the worshiper. To change a form of worship, so as to make it disagree with the wisdom of the worshiper, would be to exact a hypocritical profession, than which nothing would be more inconsistent with the good of mind. To relieve mind of unjust and unwholesome burdens, will not require unreasonable control of such externals of religion, as are adapted to mind. Nevertheless, as mind becomes changed by wisdom of higher circles, so the forms and customs, which work harmoniously with one condition, will need to be changed to harmonize with a different condition. But, when the mind becomes changed, so as to require a change of externals, it will not require great labor to change them also; because the principle of adaptation, being understood, will necessarily work the desired reform. We shall not seek to correct the outward service, but the inner man; and, when the mind is reformed, the outward condition will become harmonious with it. If thou wouldst understand more fully the wisdom of our circle, thou mayest go with us where no wrong will be done unto thee.
M. Where will you direct my steps?
W. To a mansion which is near thee.
M. May I now go?
W. Thou mayest go, as thou art prepared. There will be a work required of thee, when thou shalt enter there.
M. I am ready to do what will be required, if no evil be designed me or others.
W. No evil will be required of thee. Thou wilt not be required to do evil but good.
M. Then you may lead me onward.
W. Onward is the word. Onward is progress. Onward is thy motto. Onward is thy passport. And, when thou shalt reach the mansion, thou wilt say, Onward. Onward will admit thee, guide thee, and give thee a wisdom, thou hast not known. Onward, then, will unfold a change of thy mind, and qualify thee for usefulness.