And this, if we read the signs
aright, is the demand of this age. This is the tendency of all social
movements. The material basis of our life, our social and industrial
system, is entirely incompatible with the moral conviction and duties
of this age. Our social economy all represents and preaches
selfishness; but the idea of Christian love, the vision of unity and
brotherhood, is born in the mind, and makes terrible and unendurable
contrast with this state of things. The world is nearly ripe for the
kingdom of heaven--the organization of society precludes it.
ASSOCIATION is the word that solves the problem. The earnest and
believing hearts of this day everywhere have certain hopeful lookings
towards that; and at this providential moment science comes and offers
us the key which shall unlock the whole sphere of material interests to
its true lord, the spirit of religious love and unity. The organization
of attractive industry will be the reconciliation of spirit and matter,
of religion and the world; it will be the admission of Christ into all
our spheres; it will make all nature holy, and clothe religion in the
garb of nature.
_Extract from a lecture on Association in its Connection with
Religion, by Charles A.
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