On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
letters to depend upon the kindness of a neighbour , and to be answered at his leisure ? This branch of the business of the Association has so increased , that no professional man will much longer undertake it at all . It cannot be diminished in extent , as ejiery _ one ^ oi _ our-iriends 4 ias-an-equai claim . If partially or carelessly
performed , the question will not be about the agency , but the whole usefulness of the Association ; about the confidence and respect which it inspires , and the benefits inseparable from these . The Bible society , and other religious and charitable associations , have found ifc necessary to adopt the measure now proposed .
' 4 » . Publications . Here also an exact acquaintance with the wants of every part of our country , and still more the wants and circumstances of the time , is important to success , The agent must know all-persons who can furnish useful papers for tracts , andv as far as possible , the writings themselves , which it is
desirable to obtain . H % must add to , take away from , and alter them until they are suited to the purpose intended , and superintend and correct the press . Tracts are so essential to a dissemination of truth , and have already been the means of so great and extensive a good , that the importance of this duty can hardly be
properly appreciated without experience . ThG agent must also prepare accounts of the state of religion , the efforts , wants , and means of supply among our denomination everywhere , and embody them in the general annual report . Can all this be expected of one already burdened with , professional-duties I 1
5 . Communication and Intercourse . We mean now , not merely correspondence , but all the means of that interchange of feeling , opinion , and information , so necessary to effect a common object ., These are as important to the life and vigour of a cause , as the circulations are to the life and vigour of the body . With
Untitled Article
it , there is unity of thought , feeling ' , and action ; without it , there is nothing in common , but division and weakness . With it , we are " one body , members one of another ;" without it , we are so many separate individuals , without confidence , resources , ~ or—strength ^—for—any-pur *
pose , however good . The very thought of good men strengthening and binding themselves together for the support of enlightened views of God and duty , is so elevated and inspiring ,, that if this agency effected no other purpose , it would be above all human estimate of its value .
Every body of men associated for whatever purpose , know the value of united effort . In our country , public opinion controls everything . As the great secret of military success is to bring the greatest number of men , the greatest physical force , to bear on a single point , so the great means of moral success is to bring the greatest number of minds , the greatest intellectual force , to bear on a
single point . Without complete communication through the whole , both are equally impossible . There are many among us who have talents , learning , and influence , and want only opportunity and excitement to be useful . An agent would soon find means to bring these into action , and we know not how much strength and encouragement the cause of religion may derive from their character and exertions . These are
general considerations which affect all denominations , but our own more than others ; for as they will not unite their efforts with ours , we are made the more dependent upon our own union and resou rses . We need not enforce the idea , that a permanent
general agent , visiting all parts of our country , corresponding with all , sought by all , both to give and receive advice , assistance , and information , known to , and knowing all our most intelligent and influential relU gious men , would be the best organ , to effect all these purposes .
Untitled Article
cCORKESPDNDENCE .
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 1, 1833, page 183, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2615/page/23/
-