Practical Christian socialism: a conversational exposition of the true system of human society; in three parts, viz: I. Fundamental principles. II. Constitutional polity. III. Superiority to other systems

Front matter

CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

Preface

The author desires that this book should be read and thoroughly studied by all who are capable of appreciating it. It was not written to amuse the votaries of light literature, but to instruct susceptible and ingenuous minds. It is commended to honest, earnest, patient, discriminating, comprehensive thinkers, who are endeavoring to be judicious, imcompromising, indomitable workers for humanity. It is the fruit of patient reflection and ripe experience. It is not perfect, and will hereafter be improved ; but it is worthy of all the consideration solicited in its behalf. It claims to be an Exposition op The Tkue System OF Human Society ; and such it is. It presents, theoretically, a complete Social Superstructure, from foundation to pinnacle. Let friend and foe inspect every part of it critically.

The Work naturally divided itself into Three Paets, and was executed accordingly. Part I. exhibits the foundation of the System ; its grand cardinal principles of Theological Truth, Personal Righteousness, and Social Order ; all which are accurately defined, clearly illustrated, substantially proved, and consistently applied. Part II. develops the Constitutional Polity of the System in all its outlines and with reference to every necessary detail. Part III. shows its Superiority to other Systems — to the old and prevailing order of society, Fourierism, Owenism, Shakerism, Noyesism, Individual Sovereigntyism &c. Every impo];Jant idea involved in the vast subject of Practical Christian Socialism has received more or less atteniv PREFACE.

tion in some part of the "Work. And the author has faithfully declared his highest convictions of teuth and right on every point discussed, without mystification of language, compromise, or the fear of man. He has studiously endeavored to make himself understood on all topics, even the most delicate, regardless of fashionable fastidiousness. Some may deem his plainness of speech too great on sexual matters, and his severity against certain alleged errors extreme. But he has no" pardons to ask, nor apologies to offer, with reference to these demonstrations. He has written in love of the truth, and without iU will to any human being. He has sought the glory of God in the highest good of all mankind ; and, having done his duty, he has no distrust of consequences. Nevertheless, if convinced of error, injustice, wrong, or even impropriety, he holds himself bound to make the best correction in his power. He has done as he would be done unto.

Particular portions of the "Work will probably be read with difierent degrees of interest by different persons. Some will be interested most in its theology, some in its personal righteousness, some in its principles of social order, some in its Constitutions and practical details, some in its educational elucidations, some in its discussion of marriage and divorce, some in its presentations of other social systems, and some in its controversial criticisms. Let each follow his or her own preference. And yet the author hopes that no one who may become deeply interested in what is said on a favorite topic will lononeglect to read the book as a whole. To secure for it such a reading, he elaborated it in the ConvSrsational form. This relieves it in part of that formidable solidity which renders many valuable books u^ninviting and difficult of mental mastication. Though its themes are all of grave importance, and

PREFACE. V

are treated accordingly, still it will not be found tedious reading to persons who think, and who care to be acquainted with its contents. If any do not think nor care, they must be excused. The booksellers will accommodate them with whatever will suit their taste. There are several classes of persons to whom this Work will be eminently useful.

1. To those who are already Practical Christian Socialists, or strongly inclined to become such. Here they will find a Treatise which states, illustrates and defends their peculiar doctrines in the most systematic, thorough and conclusive manner. They can study it every day with profit. They can confidently place it in the hands of all who inquire into the nature of their Socialistic Movement. They can draw from it inexhaustible munitions of mental and moral strength wherewith to contend successfully against opposers. And they can safely challenge their adversaries to examine and refu.te it at their leisure.

2. To writers, preachers and lecturers engf ged in promulgating Practical Christian Socialism. These will have a complete system of objects, principles, polity and institutional arrangements always before them. Such a multitude of themes, propositions, texts, suggestions and hints, admitting of endless amplifications, will enable them to serve the cause effectually on aU occasions ; leaving them, at the same time, fuU scope for originality of thought, peculiarity of illustration and exceUenoe of expression.

3. To parents, educators and all who are devoted to mental improvement. Such will find in the educational Conversations a fund of information, direction and suggestion which must afford them invaluable aid. Those also who are seeking light on the subject of marriage and the questions therewith convi PREFACE.

nectedwill find, under that head, much profitable instruction.

4. To inquirers strongly predisposed to connect themselves with a new order of society, but imperfectly informed as to the different social systems proposed. Here such will obtain in one volume a large amount of information, relating to every important phase of Socialism, no where else so accessible and understandable.

5. To persons who, either as disinterested students of the general subject for their own satisfaction, or as public opponents of Socialism, desire to know what it 7-ealh/ is in all its principal kinds. Here such can learn all they need to know. Then if they desire only to make impartial and reliable statements to their friends, or before the public, relative to Socialism, they wiU be able to do so. And if they are resolved on controversy, they will spare themselves the mortification of having mistaken a wind miU for a giant.

But all classes of readers are respectfully entreated to examine the Work patiently, carefully and thoroughly, before passing judgment for or against it. Many of its doctrines, ideas and views will at first seem strange to the majority of minds. They will find it difficult to adjust their old habits of thinking and educational prejudices to such singular inculcations. Yet, if they will candidly peruse the whole volume, and take ample time for reflection, they will probably be convinced that nearly all the author's positions are impregnable. Let them give due consideration to the following characteristics of the Treatise :

1. It comprehends a vast field of primary, secondary, collateral and incidental subjects. Theology, Christology, Pneumatology. Ethics, Anthropology, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Social Polity, Political Economy, Education, Amusements,

PREFACE. vu

Marriage, the various Social Systems ideal and actual, &c. &c., are all more or less expounded and discussed.

2. It is discriminating, definite and specific with reference to all these themes and their subordinate topics. It does not confound natural distinctions. Things, names, terms and ideas are carefully defined. The reader can clearly see just what is stated, asserted, denied, accepted, rejected, conceded, condemned or recommended.

3. It is methodical, systematic and orderly. It begins at the natural beginning of its subjects, follows them through their natural development, and ends them at their natural acme. Common sense will find the links of each elaborated chain very nearly in their proper consecutive order.

4. Its leading conceptions and ideas are large, generous, sublime and magnificent, without being fanciful, romantic, extravagant, unreal and impracticable.

5. It is self-consistent and unitary. Fundamental objects are kept in view from beginning to end. Its fundamental principles are constantly held sacred, and their just application is made universal. Its fundamental social polity runs in straight lines from center to circumference. The just critic will find no contradiction or incongruity of essential ideas. He may scrutinize its theology, piety, morality, philanthropy, and social order as closely as he pleases ; he will find every where an invulnerable consistency.

The author does not expect that this Work will receive much attention from the general public at present. It is not of- a nature to excite, dazzle, amuse or please the popular masses, nor their leaders. It wUl not suit their taste. It is above their standard of motive and action. They cannot feel an interest in it, nor appreciate its worth. The devotees of viu PREFACE.

mammon will stick to their idol, the lovers of self and pleasure to theii-s, the politicians to theirs, the worshipers of Mars to theirs, the popular sectarians to theirs, the philosophers to theirs, the light literati to theirs, the ignorami to theirs, the petrified conservatives to theirs, the high flying radicals to theirs, the fashionables to theirs, and the nothingarians to theirs. It is a pity ; but so must it be for a long time to come. Yet there is progress. A noble few scattered here and there, through all these bustling, jostUng masses, are aspiring after truth and goodness, after hght and love, after a purer and higher order of society, after individual and social regeneration, after universal righteousness, harmony and happiness. These wUl gradually come to the knowledge of this Work, and will read it with delight. They will espouse the cause it advocates, and will noiselessly flow together into Practical Christian Communities. It is to such minds, regardless of their present associations, positions and denominations, that this book makes its special appeal. Such will welcome, rejoice in, and profit by it. The author would be happy to believe that such minds were nwnerous ; but he knows that they are not, and has no disposition to flatter himself with false anticipations. He therefore commences with an edition of only one thousand copies, and expects to be a considerable time in disposing of these. Before the first edition shall have been exhausted, the Work wiU probably be revised and stereotyped.

While the author firmly beheves that in process of time the purest, most disinterested and most .enlightened minds will embrace the system of religion, moral order and social pohty expounded in this Work, with perhaps minor modifications and improvements, he expects that many Socialists of the present day will deem it objectionable. With some it will be too re-

PREFACE. ix

ligious and illiberal ; with others the reverse. Some will deem its theology too orthodox ; others too heterodox. Some will object to its creedlike Declarations and iron-bedstead tests ; others to its want of external ordinances, ceremonies and forms. Some will revolt at its asceticism ; others at its too great conformity to the world. Some will dislike its uncompromising Non-Resistance and non-participation in sword-sustained governments ; others its spiritual and moral intolerance — its discipline and disfellowship of evil doers. Some will think it too Individualistic ; others too Communistic. All these differences will develop themselves as matters of course. Be it so. Let each class of dissenters stand aloof from our Republic and experiment to their heart's content on their own wiser systems. It is their right to do so uninjured, at then* own cost. It is desirable that they should do so, in order that it may be demonstrated as soon as possible which the true social system is. When the radically defective have failed, there will be a harmonious concentration of all the true and good around the Practical Cliristian Standard. Meantime the author confides this Cause calmly to the guidance, guardianship and benediction of God, even that heavenly Father who once manifested his divine excellency in Jesus Christ, and who ever manifests himself through the Christ- Spirit to all upright souls. He sincerely believes the movement to have been originated and thus far supervised by that Holy Spirit. He is confident that well appointed ministering angels have watched over it, and will never cease to do so. This strong confidence has sustained him from the beginning, under all temporary discouragements, and now animates him with unwavering hopes for the future. The Hopedale Community, the first constituent body of the ftew social order, commenced 2

X PREFACE.

the settlement of its Domain, in the Spring of 1842, very small in numbers and pecuniary resources. Its disadvantages were so multiform and obvious, that most Associationists of that period regarded it as little better than a desperate undertaking— alike contracted in its social platform, its funds, and other fundamental requisites of success. Yet it has lived and flourished, while its supposed superiors have nearly all perished. Such was the wiU of God; such his promise to its founders ; such their trust in him ; such the realization of their hopes ; and such the recompense of their persevering toils. And such is the benignant Providence which will bear The Practical Christian Eepublic onward through all its struggles to the actuaUzation of its sublime destiny. Its citizens " seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Therefore will all things needful be added unto them. Let the future demonstrate whether such a faith and such expectations are the dreams of a shallow visionary, or the divinely inspired, well-grounded assurances of a rightly balanced religious mind. But the author will not be further tedious in his Preface. To all who are willing to read this Volume with candor and care, he respectfully commends it. He long contemplated its execution, and has been enabled at length to complete it. He has done so with a good degree of self-satisfaction, with devout gratitude to God for his assistance, with the pleasant consciousness of having discharged faithfully a great duty, and with the cheering assurance that it will exert a regenerating influence on mankind.

Go then, faithful Volume, to thy task. Thou art sent forth on an arduous and responsible mission; but thou goest not forth unprepared. Thy loins are girded about with truth. The breast-plate of righteousness covers thy bosom. Thy

PREFACE. xi

feet are shod with the good will and peace of the gospel. Thy helmet is the hope of a world's salvation. Faith is thy shield. The sword of the Christ- Spirit is in thy right hand, and the spear of Ithuriel in thy left. Set up thy standard on the mountains, and thy tent in the valleys. Let thy voice be heard in the wilderness, saying, " Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Proclaim the Jubilee of humanity on earth. Be thou a tireless herald of that long predicted Republic, whose " officers shall be peace and its exactors righteousness"; wherein the Sovereignty of Divine Principles shall be supreme, the people all righteous, the nations learn war no more, knowledge cover the earth, poverty cease, human misery finally become extinct, and " God be all in all." Adin Ballou.

Hopedale, Milford, Mass., Dec. 1, 1854.

Part I— Fundamental Principles. Conversation I

Definition of terms and appellation— Generic meaning of Socialism — Who are Socialists, and wlio Anti-Socialists — Different kinds of Socialists — TJnjust to lujnp all together — Why retain these oft misunderstood terms, Socialism and Socialist — What the terms Christian and Practical denote, as designating our kind of Socialism — Essential principles of the Christian EeKgion the basis of our Socialism — What Religion is in general, and what the Christian Religion is in particular — Whence the Christian Religion is to be learned, viz., the Scriptures — Why Christ left no elaborate Writings, and why we have such brief records — the Christian Religion a universal, perfect and immortal one. . . . . . . 25

CONVEESATION II.

Who or what is Christ ? — Origin and definition of the name Christ — Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ — Jesus of Nazareth applied these and similar predictions to himself — The proofs of it — Was Jesus Christ divine or human ? — The divine and human natures were both manifested in him — the -exterior Christ, and the interior Christ — The Christ-form of divine manifestations — Explanations called for — The numberless earths and heavens^The Infinitarium of universes — God exclusively local no where — His manifestations of himself by means of his Christ-hood ; also his subordinate and less personal manifestations through the Holy Ghost — Precise explanations of meaning and idea on all these points. . 34

CONVERSATION III.

Inquirer recapitulates the principal positions and ideas which he understands Expositor to have set forth in the preceding Conversation, and Expositor pronounces the statement of them to be correct — Is there any difference in essence between the interior and exterior Christ ? — Between the Infinite Father- Spirit, the Christ-Spu-it and the Holy Ghost? — Explanatory replications — Inquirer calls for passages of Scripture which xiT CONTENTS.

speak of the Christ- Spirit as existing prior to and distinct from the man Christ Jesus — Given — Light of the Christ- Spii-it universal in a greater or less degree ; allusion to Pythagoras, Confucius, &c. &c. — How to determine as to what is Christ-like wherever found — Passages of Scripture showing the Deiiic Personality of the Christ-Spirit speaking through, yet as above the Christ-man — Some passages in which the exterior Christ or mere man spoke — Some in which the Christ-Spirit and Holy Ghost appear to be the same in essence — Conclusion respecting Christ and the necessity of his Religion to man's individual and social regeneration. 44

CONTEESATION IV.

Statement of essential divine principles given in a Table of three general Divisions — I. Principles of Theological Truth — II. Principles of Personal Eighteousness — III. Principles of Social Order — Explanations of certain terms — 1st Principle considered — 2d Principle considered — 3d Principle considered. .......... 53

CONVERSATION V.

The 4th principle of Theological Truth considered — Inquiries answered respecting the existence of evil angels and spirits ; respecting the resm-- rection of the mortal body, Christ's body &c. ; and respecting the general resurrection — Manifestive resurrections, as distinguished from the universal, absolute resurrection — 5th principle of Theological Truth considered, with the proper qualifications thereof. .... 65

CONVERSATION VI.

The 6th principle of Expositor's Table considered — Sample of proof texts — What is meant by divine retribution — Inquiry aboiit natural laws answered— Characteristics of a perfect retribution — Inquiry about endless punishment answered — The day of judgment — The 7th principle considered—What spiritual regeneration is ; definitions and explanations — Sample of proof texts— Extreme doctrines of total native depravity and perfect native purity both discarded — True doctrine defined, with sundry answers to inquiries 75

CONVERSATION VII.

The struggle of human nature from its lowest state of imperfection, internal and external, through the long career of progress upward to harmony with God— Scriptures relating to this struggle— The final universal triumph of

Good over evil proved to be a cardinal truth of the Cluistian Religion

Inquirer's objections and difficulties answered ; showing that God's constitution of the universes, under conditions of progress from the lowest

CONTENTS. XV

imperfection to final perfection, with all their variety of contrast, is an all-wise system — Quotations from Pope and from Thompson. . 88

CONVERSATION VIII.

Expositor is prepared to take up the Principles of Personal Righteousness—

Inquirer calls for more critical definitions of the term principle, &c

Definitions given — What true personal righteousness is — The eight principles of it repeated — The 1st, Reverence for the divine &o. considerered — Meaning of the terms in which this principle is stated — Radical distinction shown between the Divine Nature and external Nature ; also between spiritual and material realities — Co-eternity of God, Soul-Spirit and Matter — Distinctions between them — The seven grades of Matter, also of Soul-Spirit — Constitution of the Infirdtarium — Cycles of existence — The ultimate perfection of the soul — The six Infinities — Explanation respecting true Reverence as a principle — Subject to be concluded in the next Conversation 101

CONVERSATION IX.

Consideration of Reverence for the Divine and spiritual concluded — 2d. Self-denial for righteousness' sake expounded — 3d. .Tustice to all beings unfolded— 4th. Truth in all manifestations of mind illustrated — 5th. Love in all spiritual relations considered, with sundry explanations, applications, proofs and confirmations. . . • . . . . . 113

CONVEBSATION X.

Principle 6th of Personal Righteousness considered, viz : Purity in all things — The 7th considered, viz : Patience in all right aims and pursuits — The 8th explained and established, viz : Unceasing progress towards perfection— All universes, and individuations of Soul- Spirit and Matter thereto belonging, have their Cycles of revolution — their generation, progress, perfection and dissolution — Man's progress through all states of being, from animal imperfection up to celestial and divme perfection — The great principle of unceasing progress towards perfection plainly one of the Christian Religion — Principles recapitulated. .... 124

CONTEESATION XI.

The Principles of Social Order— The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th Principles of Social Order successively considered — The 6th Principle criticised,' defended and demonstrated 134

CONVERSATION XII.

The 6th Principle of Social Order further criticised and defended — The 7th xyi CONTENTS.

Pi-inciple taken up, expounded and proved— The 8th Pi-ineiple considered and demonstrated — End of Part I '■^'

Part Ii.— Constitutional Polity. Contbrsation I

"What is meant by Constitutional Polity— The grand aim of the new Social System, viz : the promotion and harmonization of all real human interests — The seven spheres of human interest, viz : Individuality, Connubiality, Consanguinity, Congeniality, Federality, Humanity and Universality — The wants, rights and duties of Individuality, &c. &c. . . 165

Constitution of The Practical Christian Republic 175

CONVEKSATION II.

Inquirer expresses his admiration of the Constitution — Proposes questions, difficulties and objections which he has heard raised, to call out a full exposition of the Document — The title " Practical Christian Kepublic" explained and defended- — Article I. defended against the objection that too much is proposed, too wide a grasp of objects attempted — Article II. taken up, "Principles" — Objections of a human govemmentist, of an individual sovereigntyite — Minor diificulties allowable as to expHcatory ideas of fundamentals — Constitution open to amendment, progress a fundamental, secession a right— Creedo-phobia — Article III. taken up, "Eights" — Rights limited only by divine principles, broad scope of rights in this Republic — Property rights, the leveller's selfishness — Right to

enjoy particular friendships. . ' 190

* CONVEESATION III.

The IV th Article of the Constitution taken up, "Membership" The Seven

Cii-cles, viz : the Adoptive, Xluitive, Preceptive, Communitive, Expansive, Charitive and Parentive, their uses and advantages set forth— the Vth article taken up, " Organization," relating to the various constituent and confederate bodies of our Republic— Proposed Constitution for a Parochial Community— Also one for a Rural Community— Published Constitution and Enactments of The Hopedale Community referred to as a good sample of the Joint Stock Community organization. . . . 206

CONVEKSATION IV.

Expositor refers to the Constitution and Enactments of The Hopedale Community, which Inquii-ei- has had under examination, as presenting an

CONTENTS.

actual sample of Joint Stock Communities— Common Stock Communities considered — Proposed Covenant for such a Community — Municipalities, States, Nations, the Supreme Unitary Council —Article VI., " Govemmenti" considered — Particulars of the several Sections noticed — Article VII., "Keligion," considered in its several Sections — Articles VIII. and IX., " Marriage" and " Education" briefly noticed — Both to be elaborately treated in. Conversations specially devoted to them. . . 226

CONVEKSATION V.

Article X., " Property," taken up and considered' — Some sharp criticism on people's being the Lord's stewards — also on the prescribed maximum price of personal services inside the Republic ; also on prices in trade — Interest on capital considered — The restriction against contractiag debts outside

■ the Kepublic exceeding three-fourths of one's property — Giving and rereceiving real estate securities — Making and selling shammy articles &c

Prospective Mutual Banking, Insurance and Mutual Exchange— Outlines

. of Mutual Banking &c.- ... . . . . . 243

CONVERSATION TI.

Article XI., ." PoKcy," taken up and considered — ^Policy and Duty one — What is meant by sword-sustained governments, and what by anti-christian conflict therewith ; sundry applications of point iirst — Point second eluQidated — Point third, objections answered relating to non-participation in sword-sustained governments — Points fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh briefly noticed — Article XII. considered — Exposition of the Constitution closed with a promise to take up next the subject of Education. . 262

CONVEKSATION VII.

Ent'CATios". — Definition of Education — Its process of development, enlightenment and government — Man's threefold constitution of matter, soul-spirit and Deific spirit — Education must begin in the maternal womb when development begins — Education and educators of the child before birth — Seven general kinds of education to be treated of — Physical education from birth onward — Outline indicated suggestively and preceptively

- with reference to six cardinal conditions' of physical health, viz : protec-

■ tion, alimentation, exercise, rest, purification and medication. . 278

CONVEKSATION VIII.

Education. — Affectional education explained — Its distinctive peculiarities

' stated— Seven truths to be considered by educators — Seven particulars

about the educated to be inquired into — Qualifications of educators — Re-

" suits to be sought — Specific measures for accomplishing the desired results

CONTENTS.

— Intellectual education explained— Developments of children and otlier things relating to their capabilities considered — order of induction and progress — Eemarks — Seven general departments of science — Explanations of the system proposed — Habits to be formed in the educated. . 295

CONTEESATION IX.

Education. — Industrial education defined and illustrated— Its seven objects— Five important considerations — Economical education defined and ilhistrated — Thirty precepts to be inculcated and reduced to practice — Social education defined and illustrated — Hovr the young should be trained to treat parents, elders and superiors ; how to treat equals, juniors and inferiors ; how to treat strangers, foreigners, the poor, ignorant and unfortunate ; how to treat enemies, offenders and the vicious classes ; how to treat each other in the sexual relation. . . . . . . 310

CONVERSATION X.

Education. — Beligious education defined and elucidated — It must be both theoretical and practical — The theoretical ah-eady set forth in Part I. of this Exposition — The practical consists of Piety, Philanthropy and Morality — These three expounded at full length — Educational Institutions treated of — The family ; the combined nursery and infant school ; the common

school ; the grammar school, academy &e Educational Homes complete

Universities — "Why riianual labor schools have heretofore failed — School books and apparatus — How pernicious literature is to be counteracted — Amusements next to be considered. ...... 328

CONVERSATION XI.

Amusements.— A difficult subject — Definition of terms — Amusements an ineradicable want of human nature ; very liable to perversion and abuse ; must be subjected to divine law — That law condemns and prohibits 1, wicked amusements ; 2, unhealthful, useless, foolish ones ; 3, excessive, unseasonable, ill associated ones — Twelve precepts relating to amusements — Five principal objects to be aimed at in a true system of amusements ; how these objects are to be secured — Seven important suggestions recommended relative to the formation and administration of a true system

Conversation briefly concluded in order to proceed to the subject of Marriage 348

CONVERSATION XII.

Maeuiagb — Expositor proposes to show I. what Marriage is ; II. what its principal objects are ; HI. what its cardinal requisites are — First proposition taken up— Definition of Marriage ; three capital points to be noted—

CONTENTS. xix

Inquirer criticises these points, and they are illustrated and defended — Polygamy, concubinage and Free Love promiscuity denounced, for five important reasons — Personalities disclaimed, and principles made the grand centers of approbation or condemnation — Several illustrations given — ^The Christian Religion treats of marriage as dissolved at death ; this is sound doctrine ; reasons vfhy 358

CONVERSATION XIII.

Markiage. — II. What the principal objects of marriage are — They are three, viz : 1, Sympathetic companionship; 2, Mutual improvement and progress ; 3, The rearing of good offspring — The last not in all cases an object — Parents in a high degree responsible for the number and quality of their offspring — Palse notions of God's Providence — Elucidation of the three objects of marriage — III. What the cardinal requisites of marriage are — Seven important ones specificaUy stated — Analysis of amativeness — Seven errors to be avoided — Seven precepts relating to amativeness — Con- . elusion — Divorce to be considered in the next Conversation. . 373

CONVERSATION XIT.

DivoECE. — Definition and explication — What the bonds of matrimony are — Notions of the Free Love Doctors — Priests, Magistrates, government not the creators, nor imposers of marriage obligations ; they are moral and of God — What society rightfully insists on relative to marriage — The bonds of matrimony threefold — Objections — Adultery the sole cause of justifiable divorce — Proof, explanations, confirmatory reasons — The matter of separations, as distinguished from divorce — Precepts for persons unhappy in marriage—End of Part II 393

Part Iii— Superiority To Other Systems. Conversation I

« The old social system compared with Expositor's — What is conceded and

what is claimed — 1st point of contrast, the selfishness and antagonism of ■ the old system — 2d point, its compulsoriness of association — 3d point, its human assumption and expediency — 4th point, its inadequate guaranties — 5th point, its governmental lordliness, ostentation and exorbitancy — 6th point, its objectionable qualifications for membership and ofiice — 7th point, its inconsistency, contradictoriness and chaotic confusion — Summary recapitulation of points — Conclusion — Fourier's System to be next examined.

CONVERSATION II.

FonBiEKisit. — Charles Fourier a great man and philosopher, but over praised

XX CONTENTS.