Rather let those peaceful and benevolent influences prevail, which were inculcated by societies who taught equality of rights, and peace and charity among men.
This bring us then to the great motive power which alone can save our country.
It is the education of the people, and the freedom of the press, directed through a unity of language.
Through these, if properly conducted, unless they be controlled by the hostile influences hereinbefore spoken of, we shall be a happy and united nation.
There is no need, hereafter, of any secret teaching. Secret societies may promote social good, but they are no longer necessary to teach either traditional philosophy, or promote public welfare, except by benevolence.
Our duty is to encourage thought, foster public schools, create a unity of feeling and ideas, by means of a unity of language, and a freedom of the press.
But, in doing so, from the history of the past, can we be too careful in guarding against the insidious influences of societies, whose antecedents in history have proved so dangerous?
Societies having for their object a religious influence, and, thereby intending to control political power, are dangerous. The past has shown it.
Societies of benevolence, like the Free-Masons and Odd-Fellows, have done much good; but each member therein votes, in political matters, as he pleases, and without control. These societies do good to all, without view to any particular faith.
Each person that binds himself, by an obligation, to serve only Him, whose "kingdom is not of this world," should be debarred thereby from interfering in the politics of this world, which he has thus forsworn.