.MTg4.NDMyMzI

the last one more particularly so. he showed us that the "kingdom of God" is in the hearts of men. But, that this spiritual birth is gradual, it does not expand at once, that it takes a long time to conquer all the evil passions which will rise (as a test of our strength) to have perfect Faith in God, to love our neighbor as oneself, & to do righteousness. He told us, if we do not, adopt & practice the principles of truth & righteousness taught by Jesus Christ, we cannot enjoy the "kingdom of God." I also went to hear Mr. Black, last evening a Cumberland/Presbyterian minister, a talented man & one that I like very much. Although some parts of his sermon, were in opposition to my views, yet with most of it I was pleased. He first spoke of tenacity of our religious sentiments, of the importance of establishing in the mind some system of religion which would have as much truth in it - as comes within the range of the human mind, that we should search the Scriptures to indoctrinate the mind with the knowledge of the will of God, to form & fashion our character from Their teachings and that a correct knowledge of the Father is eternal life & happiness that we show to the world by our example, the purity of our religion. That This would be an argument that is irresistible. He said that there should more liberality in the church of Christ. There was too much of the spirit of bigotry & predjudice among Christians, too much unwillingness to "try their Faith & see whether it be good". He said a great many other good things, but as I am coming near the end of my sheet - I will close this.

             Mr. Bacon thinks of leaving us next month. We are very sorry to part with him. He is one of those persons, whom we often hear spoken of as "bearing acquaintance". He has been here two years & the better we become acquainted with him, the more we feel attached. To the Sunday L. especially has he endeared himself * last Sabbath when he spoke of leaving us. You should have seen how sad the little girls looked, & several came to me after church "Why, what makes Mr. Bacon go away? There is in our society as in every one I believe, those that exert a bad influence, & who have been working against Mr. Bacon for sometimes, and although he knows he has many friends, yet- he seems to think it  best for him to leave. These little disturbances always make me feel badly, but I do not know but they are everywhere. Have you read "Records of Bubbleton Parish". If you have, you will find some characters in it, which are very like some we have here. It is a work written by some minister "East" & will I think do a great deal of good. But I must close for, I must rise early to be off to the "/aitz?or Abby" will think I am not coming, so good night, your friend Mary E Bowen