Harris, Thomas

LAKE, reformer, born at Fenny Str at ford, England, May 15, 1823; was taken to the U. S. in childhood, where he became a Universalist minister and afterward a firm believer in Spiritualism, upon which he lectured from 1850 to 1855. He subsequently founded a religious a ociation which he called the Brotherhood of the New Life, whose chief establishment was at Brocton, Chautauqua co., N. Y., their belief combining the Swedenborgian theology, Platonic philosophy, and some of the doctrines of Fourier. For many years past he has resided in California. He has published numerous poetical and prose works, including God's Breath in Man. H.'s rules of conduct for the Brotherhood, and his treatment of the Oliphants and others of his converts, have been very severely criticised, and charges of inhumanity and immorality have been brought against him.