A clever book of fiction, written by a fanatical old {117} woman, although untrue even as a picture of southern society, has obtained for her the cordial entree of British aristocracy. Then, again, regard the immense immigration from Europe. No sooner is it possible, but we find politicians busy to influence them, and obtain their votes. And they chiefly are opposed to slavery. As patriots, Americans should say, you may vote. We throw around you no restraint. Your home is our home. You are in every sense a brother, and you shall be deprived of no privilege. But while in no manner the privileges of a freeman should be denied to any, we must not shut our eyes to the influences that surround us. The Magi controlled the then known world. The Roman church has done the same. In England a church has assumed secular power. In each instance it was the fabulous _jus divinum_ by which it was accomplished. Shall they be allowed by such influences to control and so break down our great experiment of self-government? Rather let those peaceful and benevolent influences prevail, which were inculcated by societies who taught equality of rights, and peace and charity among men. This bring us then to the great motive power which alone can save our country. It is _the education of the people, and the freedom of the press, directed through a unity of language_. {118} Through these, if properly conducted, unless they be controlled by the hostile influences hereinbefore spoken of, we shall be a happy and united nation. There is no need, hereafter, of any secret teaching. Secret societies may promote social good, but they are no longer necessary to teach either traditional philosophy, or promote public welfare, except by benevolence. Our duty is to encourage thought, foster public schools, create a unity of feeling and ideas, by means of a unity of language, and a freedom of the press. But, in doing so, from the history of the past, can we be too careful in guarding against the insidious influences of societies, whose antecedents in history have proved so dangerous? Societies having for their object a religious influence, and, thereby intending to control political power, are dangerous. The past has shown it. Societies of benevolence, like the Free-Masons and Odd-Fellows, have done much good; but each member therein votes, in political matters, as he pleases, and without control. These societies do good to all, without view to any particular faith. Each person that binds himself, by an obligation, to serve only HIM, whose "kingdom is not of this world," should be debarred thereby from interfering in the politics of this world, which he has thus forsworn. But what are the facts? Do not even the clergy {119} of New England try to control our government? Are they not even endeavoring to create DISUNION? Is this not with the desire and _empressement_ of foreign power? How far may not the praetorian bands of Rome aid therein to carry out the result?