 According to Hudson , his early religious experiences shaped his later life . His father , a Presbyterian , became a Baptist when Hudson was nine . Six years later , his father became a Quaker . The elder Hudson 's frequent changes of religion made his son a skeptic ; Hudson claimed disgust with the " failings and immoralities " of " many professing Christians . " Later , however , he cited the French Revolution as his religious " awakening " . Hudson was repelled by the uprising 's violence and disregard for life ; in 1798 he proclaimed himself a " political Christian " , and later a " speculative Christian " . From then on , Hudson felt it his duty to lead a religious life . He was quiet about his beliefs , however : " My pride would not permit me to <unk> my soul to any living person . I hated company " . In his writings Hudson cited the principles of " morality , religion , law observance and education " which may have influenced his later actions , including the settlement of land in the west . 
