Yet to me, a being social
and sympathetic by natural impulse, though recluse and
contemplative by training and philosophy, the character and
life of Jesus have spoken more forcibly than any fact recorded
in human history. This story of incarnate Love has given me
the key to all mysteries, and showed me what path should be
taken in returning to the Fountain of Spirit. Seeing that
other redeemers have imperfectly fulfilled their tasks, I
have sought a new way. They all, it seemed to me, had tried
to influence the human being at too late a day, and had laid
their plans too wide. They began with men; I will begin
with babes. They began with the world; I will begin with the
family. So I preach the Gospel of the Nineteenth Century.'
_M_. 'But, preacher, you make _three_ mistakes.
'You do not understand the nature of Genius or creative power.
'You do not understand the reaction of matter on spirit.
'You are too impatient of the complex; and, not enjoying
variety in unity, you become lost in abstractions, and cannot
illustrate your principles.'
On the other hand, Mr. Alcott's impressions of Margaret were thus
noted in his diaries:--
"She is clearly a person given to the boldest speculation, and
of liberal and varied acquirements.
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