What it is desirable to know about new members is this:—
Do they, in their conception of Secularism9, see in it that which seeks not the sensual but the good, and a good which the conscience can be engaged in pursuing and promoting; a Moralism in accordance with the laws of Nature and capable of intrinsic proof: a Materialism11 which is definite without dogmatism or grossness; and a unity12 on the ground of these common agreements, for convictions which imply no apostolate are neither earnest nor generous. No one ought to be encouraged to take sides with Secularism, unless his conscience is satisfied of the moral rightfulness of its principles and duties both for life and death.
It is not desirable to accept persons of that class who decry13 parties—who boast of being of no party—who preach up isolation14, and lament15 the want of unity—who think party the madness of the many, for the gain of the few. Seek rather the partisan16 who is wise enough to know that the disparagement17 of party is the madness of the few, leading to the utter impotence of the many. A party, in an associative and defensible sense, is a class of persons taking sides upon some definite question, and acting18 together for necessary ends, having principles, aims, policy, authority, and discipline.*
* In a school there is usually teaching, training,
discipline, science, system, authorities, tradition, and
development.—Times, 1846.
With respect to proposed members, it may be well to ascertain19 whether neglect, or rudeness, or insult, or unfairness from colleagues, or overwork being imposed upon him, or incapacity of others, would divert him from his duty. These accidents or necessities might occur: but if a society is to be strong it must be able to count upon its members, and to be able to count upon them it must be known what they will bear without insubordination; and what they will bear will depend upon the frankness and completeness of information they receive as to the social risks all run who unite to carry out any course of duty or public service.
Always assuming that a candidate cares for the objects for which he proposes to associate, and that it is worth while knowing whom it is with whom you propose to work them out; answers to such inquiries20 as the following would tend to impart a working knowledge and quality to the society:—
Does he understand what is meant by "taking sides" with a public party? Would he be faithful to the special ideas of Secularism so long as he felt them to be true? Would he make sacrifices to spread them and vindicate23 them, or enable others to do so? Would he conceive of Secularism as a cause to be served loyally, which he would support as well as he was able, if unable to support it as well as he could wish?
Is he of decent, moral character, and tolerably reliable as to his future conduct?
In presenting his views to others, would he be likely to render them in an attractive spirit, or to make them disagreeable to others?
Is he of an impulsive24 nature, ardent25 for a time, and then apathetic26 or reactionary27—likely to antagonize to-morrow the persons he applauds to-day?
Is he a person who would commit the fault of provoking persecution28? Would ridicule29 or persecution chill him if it occurred? Is he a man to stand by an obscure and friendless cause—or are notoriety, success, applause, and the company of others, indispensable to his fidelity30?
Is he a man of any mark of esteem31 among his friends—a man whose promise is sure, whose word has weight?
Is his idea of obedience32, obedience simply to his own will? Would he acquiesce33 in the authority of the laws of the Society, or the decision of the Society where the laws were silent? Would he acknowledge in democracy the despotism of principles self-consented to—or as an arena34 for the assertion of Individualism before winning the consent of colleagues to the discussion of special views?
The membership sought may be granted, provided the actual knowledge of Secular10 principles be satisfactory, and evident earnestness to practise them be apparent. The purport35 of the whole of the questions is to enable a clear opinion to be formed as to what is to be expected of the new member—how far he is likely to be reliable—how long he is likely to remain with us—under what circumstances he is likely to fail us—what work may be assigned him—what confidences he may be entrusted36 with, and in what terms he should be introduced to colleagues, and spoken of to others.
The Membership here described would and should be no restricted and exclusive society, where only one pattern of efficiency prevails; but a society where all diversities of capacity, energy, and worth, may be found, so far as it is honest and trustworthy. A Society, like the State, requires the existence of the people, as well as public officers—men who* can act, as well as men who can think and direct Many men who lack refinement37, and even discretion38, possess courage and energy, and will go out on the inevitable39 "forlorn hopes" of progress; which the merely prudent40 avoid, and from which the cultivated too often shrink. Our work requires all orders of men, but efficiency requires that we know which is which that none may be employed in the dark.
In every public organization there are persons who promote and aid unconnected with the Society.
Active members are those who engage to perform specific duties; such as reporting lectures, sermons, and public meetings, so far as they refer to Secularism.*
* In reporting, each member should be careful to understate
rather than overstate facts, distinguishing carefully what
To give notice of meetings and sermons about to be held or delivered for or against Secularism.
To note and report passages in books, newspapers, magazines, and reviews referring to Secularism.
Each active member should possess some working efficiency, or be willing to acquire it. To be able to explain his views by tongue or pen with simple directness, to observe carefully, to report judiciously43, to reason dispassionately, to put the best construction on every act that needs interpretation44, are desirable accomplishments45 in a Propagandist.
In all public proceedings46 of the Society, written speeches should be preferred from the young, because such speeches admit of preconsidered brevity, consecutiveness47, and purpose, and exist for reference. In the deliberations and discussions of any Society, it might usefully be deemed a qualification to make a contribution to the subject in speeches brief and direct.
Non-reliableness in discharge of duties, or moral disqualification, shall be a ground of annulling48 membership, which may be done after the member objected to has had a fair opportunity of defending himself from the specific disqualifications alleged49 against him and communicated to him, and has failed therein.
The duties assigned to each member should be such as are within his means, as respects power and opportunity; such, indeed, as interfere50 neither with his social nor civil obligations; the intention being that the membership of the Society shall not as a rule be incompatible51 with the preservation52 of health, and the primary service due to family and the State.*
* As a general rule, it will be found that any one who
sacrifices more than one-fifth of his time and means will
become before long reactionary, and not only do nothing
himself, but discourage others.
Any persons acquainted with the "Principles of Secularism" here given, who shall generally agree therein, and associate under any name to promote such objects, and to act in concert with all who seek similar objects, and will receive and take into official consideration the instructions of the Guild, and to make one subscription53 yearly among its members and friends on behalf of its Propagandist Funds, shall be recognized as a Branch of it.
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1
guild
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| n.行会，同业公会，协会 | |
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fetter
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| n./vt.脚镣，束缚 | |
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comport
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| vi.相称，适合 | |
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veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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imputes
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| v.把（错误等）归咎于( impute的第三人称单数 ) | |
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breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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secularism
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| n.现世主义；世俗主义；宗教与教育分离论；政教分离论 | |
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secular
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| n.牧师，凡人；adj.世俗的，现世的，不朽的 | |
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materialism
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| n.［哲］唯物主义，唯物论；物质至上 | |
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unity
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| n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调 | |
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decry
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| v.危难，谴责 | |
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isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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disparagement
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| n.轻视，轻蔑 | |
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acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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vindicate
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| v.为…辩护或辩解，辩明；证明…正确 | |
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impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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apathetic
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| adj.冷漠的，无动于衷的 | |
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reactionary
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| n.反动者，反动主义者；adj.反动的，反动主义的，反对改革的 | |
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persecution
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| n. 迫害,烦扰 | |
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ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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acquiesce
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| vi.默许，顺从，同意 | |
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arena
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| n.竞技场，运动场所；竞争场所，舞台 | |
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purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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consecutiveness
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| Consecutiveness | |
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annulling
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| v.宣告无效( annul的现在分词 )；取消；使消失；抹去 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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50
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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51
incompatible
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| adj.不相容的，不协调的，不相配的 | |
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preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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subscription
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| n.预订，预订费，亲笔签名，调配法，下标（处方） | |
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