But it is not enough that we give our testimony in behalf of this
benign truth; it behooves us to be doers of the work as well as hearers
and commenders. Friends of Association! scattered over the face of our
wide country! do you realize this? Do you feel that your works ought to
justify and fortify your words? We are surrounded by a world full of
want, vice and misery, which Association realized would greatly modify
and ultimately cure. But those who know nothing of this truth will
never cause it to be realized; it would be absurd to expect anything of
the kind. The work must be accomplished by us, and by those whom our
acts rather than words shall win over to a knowledge of the truth. Is
not the work of sufficient importance to incite you to embark heartily
in its furtherance?
But, says one, how can I engage practically in realizing Association?
My family and friends are vehemently adverse to it; I am engrossed by
responsibilities and duties of various kinds which I cannot uprightly
escape, and which confine me where I am. I am not yet prepared, if I
ever should be, to embark in Association.
Very well, you are not required to embark in it in the way your
objection contemplates. You are urged only to contribute to the great
work according to your ability and in a mode not inconsistent with the
proper discharge of all your duties.
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