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CHAPTER XLII.
Tribute to Dr. Bushnell and Dr. Hawes of Hartford, Connecticut.

It is with the most unfeigned and grateful pleasure that I am permitted here to chronicle the manly acts of two ministers in Connecticut, who I fondly believe represent the majority of Christian ministers in that as well as other States.

These two, who have embalmed the memory of their Godlike deeds upon the tablets of my heart, are Rev. Horace Bushnell and Rev. Joel Hawes, of Hartford, both of whom were my efficient helpers and co-workers in prosecuting my business in that city, and their certificates I now have as proof of what I say, and were it not that such testimonials might be considered as immodestly abundant already in my book, I would here give them.

As it is, I will simply state a few facts respecting each, corroborating this statement.

I called upon Dr. Bushnell at his residence in Hartford, and after patiently listening to my statements, illustrating the reform that is needed by a recital of my own experiences, he seemed at once to comprehend the whole subject, and paying me for my book, he retired to his study leaving me with Mrs. Bushnell, and soon returned with his voluntary certificate, which he handed to me, saying:

"This may aid you in getting patrons in this city."

And it did give me a ready passport to the confidence of that community, and was the direct means of securing me many patrons.

He then said:

"Mrs. Packard, this outrage ought not to go unnoticed by our courts. You ought to enter a prosecution against this conspiracy in the name of the commonwealth, and were I a lawyer I would gladly take the case through myself. But as I am not, I will recommend you to Mr. Francis Fellowes, as your counsel in this matter -- I will give you a letter of introduction to him, and wish you to state the case as you have to me, and I will meet him this evening at seven o'clock at the vestry of our church where we will confer together upon the subject, and report to you the result."

"Thank you, Dr. Bushnell, for your generous espousal of my cause. But permit me to say, I think there is no way to prosecute parties for doing legal acts."

"Legal act! It is not a legal act to imprison an American citizen for religious belief, and I believe it can be prosecuted, if conducted by one who understands the subject. And Mr. Fellowes does. I am willing to abide by his judgment in this matter."

I accordingly went to Mr. Fellowes; made my statement, and delivered his message, and the result was, Mr. Fellowes said:

"I will take the subject under consideration, and examine the laws on this subject."

And he did so, and as the final result, he came to the conclusion there was no legal redress for me under the statute laws of Illinois, and so reported to Dr. Bushnell, where the matter was dropped. But the act showed where Dr. Bushnell stood on the subject of religious toleration, and also proved him to be a noble and firm advocate and defender of the American principle of free religious toleration.

And my interview with Dr. Hawes, although different in its character, yet was equally characteristic of the man, and the Christian.

His great sympathizing heart was actually moved "to tears at the recital of my case, and after expressing his manly sympathy in words of true comfort and encouragement, I left him with the promise that I would accept his invitation to call again after he had read my book, which he bought most promptly and cheerfully.

I accordingly did so, and took tea with his happy family. As we conversed, I inquired:

"Doctor, how do you like my book?"

"Before answering that question, I wish to ask you one question. Do you believe in future punishments?"

"Indeed I do! There can be no true government without justice -- but punishments under a just government must be reformatory not vindictive."

"I am satisfied -- I endorse your book -- I believe you are taught by the spirit, and are living up to your highest convictions. I think your books are going to do great good in the world. Could your principles of reform be sustained by our laws, it would put an end to divorce in a great measure, and this would be a great blessing to society. I am exceedingly well pleased with your book. I would recommend it to my people as a book worthy the perusal of every family."

Again was his great heart moved at a recital of some events not given in the book, and while the tears of true sympathy were coursing down his cheek, he remarked:

"Well, Mrs. Packard, if you can live through all you have had to suffer and maintain a Christian spirit, you deserve heaven!"

"What! Dr. Hawes, 'deserve heaven!'"

"Yes, I say again, if you can maintain a Christian spirit through all your terrible experiences, I say you deserve heaven!"

Thus I saw that in this instance both his theology and his intellect had been taken captive by his great sympathizing, Christ-like heart of pity for others" woes.