The varieties in the natural characters of our forefathers, some of those thee mentioned, would be good ground for the beautiful. The depth and fervour and intensity of their love to God, which sent them forth, even while their human heart-strings were quivering and cracking with agony, to the dungeon and to death, in the cause of Truth, would befit the lofty and sublime.
The agency and influence which their doctrines exerted in bursting the coil that the lumbering superstitions of the past had wrapped about the human mind at the time of their arising — though so much built upon now by their ease-loving followers, might be justly and strikingly brought into view; and this would be the part for the world-those amongst men, who consider Quakerism but another name for narrowmindedness and bigotry, and the doctrine of human rights, as understood and advocated by our noble pioneer, the far-seeing Penn, and others, but treason.
The character of our women too, their beautiful faith, devotedness, and fortitude, which come, not of the sect, but by nature, would most fittingly adorn the annals of Quakerism. Thee would not approve the monthly meeting cant, or have anything of our ludicrous quaintness, wouldst thou? but rather lay the foundation for a pure and correct taste, than minister to one, [old] and vitiated.
I have never seen the Wordsworth sonnets alluded to, but will look at them, to understand thy place.
Thy idea only wants the setting of J. G. Whittier's poetry to make it the richest jewel on his crown of fame. But I would have thee lay it by, uncut and unpolished, till restored health and the quiet occupations of a home life will allow thee to work upon it without paying the price, which has been the penalty of too many of thy literary labours.
Thee had a double motive, hadst thou not, in mentioning the subject? one, for its own interest, and the other to remind me that it is not good for us to dwell too much upon our own little petty grievances. Thanks for the hint;
