or more persons in one community feel united in this disposition, let an organization be effected.

This may be done in a simple and economical manner. It is not necessary to incur much expense. Regular meetings should be held once a week, or at least once a month. The first, as a general thing, is not too often. If the society feels able, a hall or room may be secured for this purpose, or the school-house may be used, or if no other way, meetings may be held at the residences of the members of the society.

At these meetings let our songs and hymns be sung; let lectures, addresses, exhortations, declamations and recitations be delivered by members and others; let speeches of ten minutes each in the form of discussion, be allowed after the lecture or address. If no member of the society wishes to give an address, let good selections be read from our favorite authors, such as Voltaire, Paine, D'Holbach, Volney, Darwin, Spencer, Huxley, Tyndall, Haeckel, Proctor, Holyoake, Bradlaugh, Draper, Frothingham, Ingersoll, Underwood, Davis, Denton, Tuttle and many others that might be mentioned. From the productions of these men ample selections may be made that will always be instructive and profitable to listen to, after which the short speeches and social conversations will be in order.

Above all things, let a spirit of liberality towards the opinions of others be duly exercised. Let a proper respect for the views of our fellows be gener ously maintained. It is neither possible nor desirable that all should arrive at the same conclusionsthat all should think exactly alike on theological, scientific and philosophical subjects. Let us not de

mand it. Let us lay our platform so broad that Theists, Atheists, Materialists, Spiritualists, Unitarians, Universalists, Scientists, Heretics, Radicals, Skeptics, Infidels, Free Religionists and Liberals of all grades and classes can easily stand upon it. Let us not quarrel with each other about our several convictions. Let us accord to others the same liberty of opinion that we claim as our own right and privilege. Above all things, let Liberals not become bigots, and demand that others shall think precisely as they do. A good rule to govern us is, "In all things not trenching on the rights of others, Liberty; in things proven, Unity; in what can be doubted, Free diversity; in all things, charity."

Libraries of a Liberal and Scientific character should be inaugurated in every society as soon as the same is practicable. A small number of bookssay two dozen-will answer as a nucleus for a library, and this number can be added to from time to time as funds can be procured. Let the books be for the free use of the members of the society (under proper regulations) and for those not of the society, as well, by paying a small sum per year for the privilege. It is most desirable that such works should have as wide a reading as possible.

A form or two of articles of association or constitution, by-laws, etc., will be given as a guide to those wishing to effect an organization. These forms can of course be modified by adding to, or taking from, as is desired. Simplicity and brevity are good ends to keep in view. D. M. B.

Articles of Association.

FORM 1.

We, the undersigned, do hereby organize ourselves into a Society of—and adopt the following motto:

"Think for yourself, and express that thought!

Freethought will give us Truth!!"

ARTICLE I. Name. This Association shall be known as the- -Society of- -of

ARTICLE II. Objects of Organization. The objects which the members of the Society have in view, in organizing, are, in general terms, the attainment and promulgation of knowledge as means for promoting the welfare and happiness of all mankind, now and forever.

ARTICLE III. Membership. This Society may receive members on such terms as its By-Laws may provide.

ARTICLE IV. Officers. The officers of this Society shall consist of a President or Moderator, Vice-President, Secretary or Clerk, Treasurer, three Trustees, and such other officers, committeemen, or agents as may be deemed necessary, and whose duties, in general terms shall be such as devolve upon like officers and agents in other similar organizations, when not specifically limited or provided for by the By-Laws of this Society.

ARTICLE V. Amendments.

The articles of association of this Society may be amended by a two thirds vote of all its members at a regular society meeting, provided the proprosed amendment has been submitted in writing at a like regular meeting of the Society at least one week before the vote is taken.

ARTICLE VI. By-Laws. By-Laws not inconsistent with these articles may be adopted and amended at any regular meeting of the Society, by a two-thirds vote of all the members present.

ARTICLE VII. Restrictions. Any amendment of, or addition to, these articles of Association which shall provide for a creed, articles of faith, or platform of principles,

shall be utterly void and of no effect, any provision in these articles for the amendment of the same to the contrary notwithstanding.

ARTICLE VIII. Officers, How Elected. The first board of officers may be elected on the day of organizing the Society. without formality. All subsequent elections shall be held in accordance with the By-Laws of the Society. Officers shall hold their respective offices until their successors are severally elected and enter upon the duties of their offices.

ARTICLE IX. Vacancies, How Filled. Any vacancy which may happen by death, resignation, or otherwise, of any officer, may be filled in such a manner as the By-Laws may provide.

ARTICLE X. Powers of the Society. The powers of the Society are unlimited, except by the provisions of these articles of association, the By-Laws of the Society, and the laws of the land.

BY-LAWS.

SECTION 1. Meetings. This Society shall meet regularly -on-at- -at- -o'clock.

SECTION 2. Election by Ballot. The officers shall be elected by ballot, and the one receiving the highest number of ballots for any office shall be declared elected.

SECTION 3. Term of Office. Officers shall hold their offices one year, and until their successors are duly elected and enter upon the duties of their respective offices.

SECTION 4. Vacancies, How Filled. In case a vacancy shall occur by death, resignation, or in any other manner, of any officer of this Society, it may be filled pro tem. by appointment of the President.

SECTION 5. Duties of Officers. The duties of the officers shall be similar to the usual duties of the officers of other societies.

SECTION 6. In general terms the President shall be the presiding officer, and in his absence the Vice President shall perform his duties, and in the absence of both President and Vice-President, a President pro tem. may be elected to discharge the duties of President for the occasion.

SECTION 7. The Secretary shall keep a regular record book, in which he shall enter the proceedings of all meetings of the Society.

SECTION 8. The Treasurer shall keep a regular account book, wherein he shall make specific entries of all money received and disbursed by order of the Society, and make a full report of his doings at each regular meeting, and at such other times as required by resolution of the Society.

SECTION 9. The Trustees shall see to the incorporation of the Society in due and legal form, under the statute laws of the State of- -, thereby securing the necessary franchises for the holding of estate, real, personal, and mixed; and shall discharge all other duties devolving upon similar officers in other societies, and in accordance with the laws of the State.

SECTION 10. All other officers and agents that may at any time be appointed or elected, shall perform their duties in accordance with the directions or resolutions of this Society.

SECTION 12. Special meetings may be called by posting a notice in some conspicuous place on the building where the Society usually meets, or by a verbal or written notice to a majority of the members.

SECTION 13. Members may be admitted into this Society at such times and on such terms as shall at the time be deemed expedient, provided the candidate for membership shall receive a majority vote of the members present. But a membership fee of $- -shall be required to be first paid, unless specially remitted by a majority ballot vote of the Society.

SECTION 14. This Society may, on application of any member, grant a Letter of Fellowship to him or her, certifying that such applicant is a member of this Society, in regular standing, of good moral character, and worthy of fellowship in any other similar Society.

SECTION 15. Form of Certificate.-To whom it may conSociety ofhereby certifies that- -is a member of this Society in good and regular standing, of

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