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Mr. Jackson,

I am George Ripley, a devoted patriot to the great American Experiment and foremost member of the Transcendentalist Club. I wish to offer my consul to you and provide insight for the growth and sustenance of our young republic.

Growing up, I was always intrigued by religion but I grew to decry the corruption in the old fashioned Puritan way of thinking. So following my calling after my prestigious Harvard education, I took up ministry at Boston's Purchase Street Church in 1826. I worked hard to reform the burgeoning Unitarian Church lightening the requirements for church membership. Many of my fellow transendentalists grew sympathetic to my cause and were admirers of my efforts and written works. Alongside Emerson, Hedge, and Putnam, I founded the Transendentalist Club. We worked together to publish transendentalist works promoting self-reliance and individualism. During the Panic of 1837, many people grew dissentful of institutions. Seizing the oppertunity, I preached against material wealth and fortune-seeking. Many people urged me to stop delivering sermons on such topics. Feeling passionate about my beliefs I offered my resignation as minister and set out to create a new society. With the help of a joint stock company, we were able to aquire land at the Brook Farm where we formed a self-reliant commune. Between all of our pooled labor we had time to persue more time worthy persuits like learning and recreation. I hope the Brook Farm will be a place of peace, prosperity, and happiness till time immemorial.
 * Background**

My fellow transcendentalists wish to put an end to the ghastly factory system. It is merely a contrivance for making men like machines. We decry the plight of the worker slaving only for modest pay. We envision a Utopian civilization- not one of war, corruption, and materialism, but one where the individual can make a name for himself. The American culture will be the envy of the world. Other societies will be in awe of his way of life and his devotion to finding the truth within.
 * Goals**

Mr. Fredrick Hedge is a good friend of mine. He has membership in the Transcendentalist Club and has a position of influence in the Unitarian Church.
 * References**

Also Ralph Waldo Emerson is also a member of the club. His essay Self-Reliance has earned him much acclaim.

Works Cited

http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/georgeripley.html

http://womenshistory.about.com/bltranscend.htm