sails spotless and untorn.  He was preserved in a wonderful degree from the prejudices of his own past, the passions of the present, and the exaggerations of those who look forward to the future.  In the writings where, after long and patient survey, he sums up the evidence on both sides, and stands umpire, with the judicial authority of a pure intent, a steadfast patience, and a long experience, the mild wisdom of age is beautifully tempered by the ingenuous sweetness of youth.  These pieces resemble charges to a jury; they have always been heard with affectionate deference, if not with assent, and have, exerted a purifying influence.’ * *

* * * * *

’November, 1842.—­When souls meet direct and all secret thoughts are laid open, we shall need no forbearance, no prevention, no care-taking of any kind.  Love will be pure light, and each action simple,—­too simple to be noble.  But there will not be always so much to pardon in ourselves and others.  Yesterday we had at my class a conversation on Faith.  Deeply true things were said and felt.  But to-day the virtue has gone out of me; I have accepted all, and yet there will come these hours of weariness,—­weariness of human nature in myself and others.  “Could ye not watch one hour?” Not one faithfully through! * * To speak with open heart and “tongue affectionate and true,”—­to enjoy real repose and the consciousness of a thorough mutual understanding in the presence of friends when we do meet, is what is needed.  That being granted, I do believe I should not wish any surrender of time or thought from a human being.  But I have always a sense that I cannot meet or be met in haste; as ——­ said he could not look at the works of art in a chance half-hour, so cannot I thus rudely and hastily turn over the leaves of any mind.  In peace, in stillness that permits the soul to flow, beneath the open sky, I would see those I love.’

[Footnote A:  This was some years before their reprint in this country, it should be noticed.]

[Footnote B:  Miss Rotch, of New Bedford.]

[Footnote C:  The Dorr rebellion.]

VIII.

SOCIALISM.

* * * * *

In the preceding extracts will have been noticed frequent reference to the Association Movement, which, during the winter of 1840-41, was beginning to appear simultaneously at several points in New England.  In Boston and its vicinity several friends, for whose characters Margaret felt the highest honor, and with many of whose views, theoretic and practical, she accorded, were earnestly considering the possibility of making such industrial, social, and educational arrangements, as would simplify economies, combine leisure for study with healthful and honest toil, avert unjust collisions of caste, equalize refinements, awaken generous affections, diffuse courtesy, and sweeten and sanctify life as