July 2, 1883.
Your letter was received on Thursday, and, contrary to your expectation, was read with a great deal of interest, for I always admire to have every one speak with perfect freedom, and I am very glad you wrote as you did, and feel honored by having so old a man for a correspondent.... You and I won't quarrel on the Bible question. Rather think I should come up to your expectations on that point.... I do not consider Mr. C—— or Mr. S—— authority any more than I consider the Bible so; I read for myself and settle the question as best I can. Am I not right? I have not read Colenso on the Pentateuch, nor Davidson's "Introduction to the New Testament," but have read "Canon of the Bible," Knappert's "Religion of Israel," Stanley's "Eastern Church," Higginson's "Spirit of the Bible," Dr. Noyes's Translation of Prophets, Psalms, Job, and Canticles, and lastly, "Bible for Learners." I merely mention these to let you see I have been a student of the Bible. Will also add Alger's "Future Life," J. F. Clarke's "Ten Great Religions" and "Thomas Didymus," Savage's "Talks about Jesus," and his sermons this winter on the Bible.... I think of heaven and hell as you do; but having always been fed on Unitarian teachings, am not so "bitter" in my feelings as those who have had the "Assembly's Shorter Catechism" to overcome. In short, if people only live truly from day to day, I will excuse their view of the Bible, and of God, and Christ, as long as they do not wish me to think the same as they do, for I decidedly think they are wrong.... I shall be very much pleased to have a copy of Theodore Parker's "Prayers," and shall gladly accept a copy for my circulating library; for, but with the exception of a few donations, the books loaned have been those I put in it.
After receiving the book, she wrote:—
"First, I must tell you how much I am enjoying Theodore Parker's 'Prayers.' They are suitable in most instances to the present day, and for all ages and times, and one rises from reading them with kindlier, broader thoughts, and renewed in strength. Am very glad to have the book. Shall endeavor to sell copies of it this winter.... I cannot exactly agree with all you said in your letter, for I think it is not necessary yet to give up all theology, though it should not be the main thing in religion. The chief thing is to do right, and people arrive at that by different methods. They will inquire and discuss theology, and therefore it is necessary as yet that ministers should preach it, and I do not believe that Orthodox ministers have arrived at Mr. Savage's or Mr. Chadwick's views exactly, or they would come out and say so. As for myself, I still enjoy the Communion service, partaking of the bread and wine, and cannot agree to casting aside Jesus as a helper to a better life, though I neither worship him nor think that he redeems us in any other way than as by following his example we become one with him and God. He 'died for us' in no other sense than as a soldier dies for his country. Then let theology continue, for the world is fast becoming better and better in spite of it, and the time may come when we shall need it no longer. We are gradually coming to the point. I do not regret the time 'lost' I have spent on theology, for it has fitted me for just the work I am engaged in, and many are the questions I am called upon to answer, either by letter or printed matter; therefore I am glad to know where to send perplexed minds. As a friend wrote me from the South, 'Your papers are a great help to me. You are doing more good than the women did in the days of our Saviour. They clothed the body and you are feeding the souls.' Both acts are needed, but in different directions, and some people can better do the one, and others the other. I am cut off from active benevolence from want of health for it, and am glad to know there are souls needing nourishment. Do you not take this view too?"
December 20, 1883.
Your kind letter awaited my return from the city last evening, when I returned at ten. It grieved me to think that possibly I had wounded your feelings, for your "heresies" have not been "too tough" for me, as you fear. One's religious belief never troubles me as long as they do not force me into the same belief. Should be sorry if I had not "charity" enough to see the good in one, and not look at the outside merely. Your last letter reached me September 28, and I replied by postal October 19, as there did not appear to be anything especial to require a letter; and as my eyes were troubling me much at the time, I was compelled to desist from all but necessary letters. Am still as much interested in the good cause as ever, and we still have new applications constantly. We are gaining ground in the South. One gentleman in Alabama is much interested in Unitarianism, and wrote, asking me for Mr. Savage's address, whereupon he wrote to Mr. Savage himself, who is sending him "Unity Pulpit" present series. I am subscriber to it myself, and never can keep a sermon. I subscribed for the benefit of others. In Independence, Ky., a gentleman lately wrote, asking for Unitarian papers, etc. He is highly satisfied. Has been groping in the dark a long time, and wrote me, "When I read the pamphlet, 'What Do Unitarians Believe?' by C. W. Wendte, I shouted 'Eureka!' Like it so well that I shall not part with it." So it goes on all the time. Some one finds just what they have been in search of for some time.
February 19, 1885.
Am much obliged to you for sending matter to Mr. ——. He is extremely radical, a farmer, with a large family to educate, and cannot get such religious matter as he needs. You might, if you choose, send the Chadwick sermons to him too, or, if you prefer they should go elsewhere, address them to me, and I will send them where they are needed.
Her last postal card to this correspondent, dated about a month before her death, says:
"Thanks for the six 'Unity Pulpits' received. I have been too busy to reply before, and my health still feeble, though not confined to the house or bed at all. I'm not one of that kind until necessary."
Since her death, the farmer referred to above has written:—