Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

LETTERS. 81
down deep enough to upheave the foundations of error. He buildls his battery high enough to command
the most towering fortifications of superstition. That
is what we need. Unless the root is dug up, the
branches will always be sprouting into new fantastic
forms, however they may be lopped and pruned. I
exclainmed "l Bravo! " to his first sernmon; but over
this, I shouted " Bravissim-o! " I see that he attended the meeting of Progressive Friends.' I take
considerable interest in that movement. I have hopes
that it will prove the nucleus of such a form of worship as I have dreamed of for years.
TO THE SAMIE.
WAYLAND, July 20, 1856.
I am extremely obliged to you for the loan of Mr.
Furness's letter, which was very interesting to me on
various accounts. If I bad a head easily turned, I
might be in danger of the lunatic asylum from the
effects of that portion relating to myself. To have
a man like Mr. Furness pronounce a letter of mine
worth Mr. Sumner's having his head broken for,
though the phrase be used only in the way of playful
hyperbole, is a gust of eulogy enough to upset a light
boat. Luckily, the vessel I sail in is old and heavy,
and of late years carries much more ballast than
sail. Still, I confess I was much gratified to know
that Mr. Furness liked the letter. To my own mind,
it seemed so altogether inadequate to express the admiration, respect, and gratitude I feel for Mr. Sumner, that I was in great doubt about sending it. Mr.
Child assured me that I need have no fears; that Mr.
Sumner would undoubtedly be gratified by it, etc.;
1 A reformatory gathering held yearly in Chester County, Penn-'aylvania. 6