As the aim of the Guild is not to fetter independent thought, but to
concert practical action, it is mainly required of each member that he
undertakes to perform, in good faith, the duties which he shall consent
to have assigned to him; and generally so to comport himself that his
principles shall not be likely to suffer, if judged by his conduct.
He will be expected to treat every colleague as equal with himself in
veracity, in honour, and in loyalty to his cause. And every form of
speech which casts a doubt upon the truth, or imputes, or assumes a want
of honour on the part of any member, will be deemed a breach of order.
If any member intends such an accusation of another, it must be made the
matter of a formal charge, after leave obtained to prefer it.
What it is desirable to know about new members is this:--
Do they, in their conception of Secularism, 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 Materialism which is
definite without dogmatism or grossness; and a unity 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 decry
parties--who boast of being of no party--who preach up isolation, and
lament the want of unity--who think party the madness of the many, for
the gain of the few. Seek rather the partisan who is wise enough to know
that the disparagement 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 acting 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 ascertain 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 inquiries as the
following would tend to impart a working knowledge and quality to the
society:--
Is he a person previously or recently acquainted with the principles he
is about to profess?
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 vindicate 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 impulsive nature, ardent for a time, and then apathetic
or reactionary--likely to antagonize to-morrow the persons he applauds
to-day?
Is he a person who would commit the fault of provoking persecution?
Would ridicule 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 fidelity?
Is he a man of any mark of esteem among his friends--a man whose promise
is sure, whose word has weight?
Is his idea of obedience, obedience simply to his own will? Would he
acquiesce 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
arena 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
Secular principles be satisfactory, and evident earnestness to practise
them be apparent. The purport 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 entrusted 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 refinement, and even discretion, possess courage and
energy, and will go out on the inevitable "forlorn hopes" of progress;
which the merely prudent 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
is matter of knowledge from rumour, conjecture, or opinion.
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 judiciously, to
reason dispassionately, to put the best construction on every act that
needs interpretation, are desirable accomplishments in a Propagandist.
In all public proceedings of the Society, written speeches should be
preferred from the young, because such speeches admit of preconsidered
brevity, consecutiveness, 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 annulling membership, which may be done after the
member objected to has had a fair opportunity of defending himself from
the specific disqualifications alleged 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 interfere
neither with his social nor civil obligations; the intention being that
the membership of the Society shall not as a rule be incompatible with
the preservation 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 subscription yearly among
its members and friends on behalf of its Propagandist Funds, shall be
recognized as a Branch of it.