But--shall I say it?--the thought of that calmer era is to me
a thought of deepest sadness; so remote from my present being
is that future existence, which still the mind may conceive.
I believe in Eternal Progression. I believe in a God, a
Beauty and Perfection to which I am to strive all my life for
assimilation. From these two articles of belief, I draw the
rules by which I strive to regulate my life. But, though I
reverence all religions as necessary to the happiness of man,
I am yet ignorant of the religion of Revelation. Tangible
promises! well defined hopes! are things of which I do not
_now_ feel the need. At present, my soul is intent on this
life, and I think of religion as its rule; and, in my opinion,
this is the natural and proper course from youth to age. What
I have written is not hastily concocted, it has a meaning. I
have given you, in this little space, the substance of many
thoughts, the clues to many cherished opinions. 'Tis a subject
on which I rarely speak. I never said so much but once before.
I have here given you all I know, or think, on the most
important of subjects--could you but read understandingly!'
* * * * *
I find, in her journals for 1833, the following passages, expressing
the religious purity of her aspirations at that time:--
'Blessed Father, nip every foolish wish in blossom.
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