My Friends: Mr. Campbell tells you that I am a false prophet; that I prophesied some time ago, that in a few years Cincinnati would be depopulated. But you know, my friends, that years do not mean the same thing in the language of prophecy, that they do in common language.

      Instead, however, of Cincinnati only being depopulated in a few years, the fact is, that all large cities will cease to be such. Their inhabitants will discover, that cities are combinations of circumstances extremely injurious to every individual, and, therefore, they will be compelled, by a distinct knowledge of their own interest, to remove out of large cities, and to form smaller associations, to enable each to enjoy all the advantage of a town and country residence. I have no doubt that we shall discover, that all large cities are highly unfavorable to the happiness of individuals; so much for the prophecy of small and large congregations of men into one society. Now, my friend supposes that there really exists a desire on my part, not to believe the truth; but I can assure him, that my doubts of the truth of Christianity originated against my will. I was most anxious to swallow the camel. I exerted all the volition of which Mr. Campbell speaks, in fighting against my disbelief. But the more I investigated, the more strongly was I compelled to believe that Christianity and all other religions were founded in the grossest error. With all the energy of volition which I could summon to my aid, I found it impossible to believe that which was contrary to nature. I cannot believe that the power which [276] fills immensity, which pervades all space, and occupies the universe, contracted itself into a little bush, in order to speak to a man. I am just as much able, by the exercise of my volition, to fly to the stars, as I am to believe this. Now, I am come to the last clause of this discussion, in which I state, "that the religions of the world can be no longer maintained except through the ignorance of the many, and the tyranny of the few over the many." Now, my friends, what do you think is the most powerful engine, that ever was contrived by human ingenuity, to impose the grossest ignorance upon mankind, and to keep them in that state? Why, it is that cunning contrivance which exists so generally, pervading every village and hamlet, of preaching Sunday by Sunday to the people and most arbitrarily and irrationally withholding from them the right of reply. Train up any population in such a system, and there is no absurdity which they may not be made to believe implicitly; and by this training their reasoning faculties are sure to be destroyed. So long as society shall tolerate such an abuse as this, ignorance must continue to pervade the world. While a particular tribe of men shall be permitted, week after week, and year after year, to impress upon your minds their own peculiar notions, without any right of reply on your side, there is no belief, however monstrous, that may not be forced into your minds. Thus it is that these religions contain the seeds, and the germs of every evil that the human mind can conceive. And unless this tremendous engine can be altered, or destroyed, it must, my friends, continue as heretofore, to afflict our race with all kinds of suffering. So long as it is permitted to continue in operation, there is neither health nor hope for you; you must forever be kept in the lowest mental degradation; and so long as the governing powers, and that engine are united and co-operative, or the prejudices of the people shall support such a system, their prospects are gloomy indeed. This engine presses them down into the lowest depths of ignorance; they are solemnly assembled to receive any impression their instructors may choose to give them. I speak not this with any view to hurt the feelings of those individuals, whom circumstances and the customs of society have placed in the station of spiritual teachers. I know that some of the finest minds among them do not believe one word of what the circumstances in which they are placed, compel them to preach; for when their existence, and the support of their families, depend upon their perseverance in that course, they must go forward in preaching that which they disbelieve, or they must starve.

      Therefore, before we can calculate upon any valuable improvement in society, we must secure to those, whom society has encouraged to become preachers of error, the continuance of their former support, in [277] order that no preacher shall be made liable to poverty, or be deprived of a comfortable subsistence, but be placed in an independent situation, to teach the truth; and this is the best practical mode, by which to effect the change without evil. I know, my friends, how strongly you must feel the first time you have your early prejudices thus exposed; but I do not come before you as a quack doctor, who promises to do much for you, in order to obtain your money; but I come to probe your wounds to the bottom, to ascertain the true cause of your diseases. And I only give you this temporary pain, in order that you may be placed in a condition to enjoy permanent happiness. If the few can be convinced (as I trust they shortly will be), that the old systems of the world are entirely worn out; then I hope and believe, that they will, of their own accord, assent to the adoption of rational measures, gradually to make the beneficial change I propose. But this change should not be effected by harsh measures, which might inflict injury upon any one; I should regret exceedingly that any individual should be a sufferer by the introduction of the great improvements which I contemplate for the human race. The great object I have had in view, has been to prepare the means by which the mighty moral change may be developed and consummated without disturbance, without shock, without anger or strife of any kind. And I think I do see most distinctly, all the necessary steps which may be taken to secure the attainment of these highly beneficial objects. I am busily engaged in these measures at present. When I leave you, I shall go to use my utmost exertions, to lay the basis of a solid and permanent peace among nations, who are now doing all they can to injure each other, although they are nominally at peace. I have a great many arguments by which to prove, that it is now the true interest of all nations to adopt this course; and I do not know of anything now existing in the condition of civilized nations to prevent the introduction of a solid and permanent peace. The peace which now exists among them, in which the nations are undermining each other, whenever their interests come into collision, is a peace much more nominal than real; a mere trifle would break it, a whim or caprice upon the part of one or two individuals might easily set Europe in a flame, and then carry war and devastation into the four quarters of the world, and for no good purpose produce endless suffering and misery to individuals. Nations, like individuals, are now injuring each other without any benefit to themselves.

      Mr. Owen observes that Mr. Campbell may reply to him, and prosecute his arguments without half hourly interruption; that when Mr. Campbell gets through with his reply, he will be ready with his rejoinder.

[COD 276-278]