108 DAVID WILLSON. 



which was used, and he conversed freely on a variety of 

 subjects. I had a publication in my pocket, entitled &quot; Ca 

 nada as it is,&quot; wherein he was mentioned ; and on reading 

 the particulars, he emphatically said, &quot; Part is true but three- 

 fourths are lies.&quot; From seeing Mr Owen s name in the book, 

 he said he had his writings, and asked how he got on in 

 Scotland. I stated shortly his late career, and he seemed 

 pleased at hearing of the breaking up of New Harmony. 



David Willson seems about 65 years of age, and is a middle 

 sized, square built man, wearing his hair over his forehead, 

 and squints considerably. He reminded me of my early 

 friend and preceptor, Edward Irving, but the association, 

 in all probability, arose more from semblance of character 

 than of feature. He was dressed in a short brown cloth jacket, 

 white linen trowsers, with a straw hat, all perhaps home-made. 

 Originally from the State of New York, he had resided thirty 

 years in this country. The number of his followers is 

 unknown, but all offering themselves in sincerity are accepted, 

 as he dislikes sectarianism, and has no written creed. He 

 seems to act on Quaker principles, assisting the flock with 

 money and advice. The produce is sent to York market 

 weekly in common, yet individuals are left to guide them 

 selves. There is a school for teaching young women to be 

 industrious, whether they join the sect or not. Most people 

 in the neighbourhood say the &quot; Children of Peace&quot; are good 

 people, but scandal has been busy with their leader. 



On leaving Mr Willson he presented me with a small tract, 

 which may be regarded as the tenets of the family, to the 

 following effect. 



&quot; MATTHEW, CHAPTER xxv. VERSE 34. 



&quot; Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand. 

 Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 

 for you from the foundation of the world ; for I was an hun 

 gered, and ye gave me meat ; / was thirsty, and ye gave me 

 drink ; / was a stranger, and ye took me in ; naked, and ye 

 clothed me&quot; 



&quot; I make use of this text to explain the purposes of a 

 building erected at the small village of Hope, in the county 



