PREFACE.

A WORK of this kind has long been needed in the Liberal ranks, and it is hoped THE TRUTH SEEKER COLLECTION Will meet the approbation of Liberalists of all classes and grades, or, at least, that all will find much in it that will prove of interest and use.

It is desirable that Liberals should effect organizations wherever they have numbers sufficient to justify it. It is hoped the instructions and forms under this head will be all that are necessary.

Services for funerals have occupied considerable attention, as they justly deserve. A great want has been felt on all hands for something in this direction. Liberalists and Spiritualists alike feel a desire to dispense with the services of the "black-coated gentry known as priests and preachers, not only during the every-day affairs of life, but more especially at the hours of death and burial.

In the collection of HYMNS a wide range of subjects has been occupied. Many selections have been made from hymns before printed, and a large number also have been written expressly for this COLLECTION, or at least appear here for the first time. Many of them will be found to possess merit.

It is earnestly hoped that no class of Liberals, whether Materialists or Spiritualists, will take exception because hymns are introduced that do not fully

5

meet their views. There are enough for all grades of Liberals, and none ought to feel offended because others are pleased as well as themselves. Materialists and Spiritualists will of course differ upon the subject of a future existence, but it is not worth while to let unfriendly feelings be engendered in consequence. Liberals are the last class of people that should be bigoted. Let each accord to the other the same right to entertain honest views and convictions that he claims for himself. No sensible person should accept any creed or any system of belief for which he has no proof; but having found it to his satisfaction, he should be allowed the free exercise of his freedom of opinion. We assuredly can all agree upon the common ground of Human Progression and in opposition to priestcraft, bigotry and the myths and fables of the past ages of ignorance and superstition. Here we can fraternize and work in

common.

It is desirable that Liberals of all kinds should hold frequent meetings, and that they should sing much more than has been the custom. Singing is a natural accomplishment, improved by art, and there are no reasons why our Christian opponents should monopolize the whole of it. Let us sing more. Let us be happy.

The RECITATIONS, it is hoped, are well chosen, and adapted to the tastes of the thoughtful and the cheerful. Many of them will be found suited to exhibitions, anniversaries, reunions and the like.

Taken as a whole, it is hoped this volume will receive a cordial reception from many friends.

D. M. B.

Organization.

A labored effort is hardly necessary to persuade intelligent people of the advantages of organization. Surely the benefits may be said to be self-evident. They may be seen in all the great results that men have accomplished-in military achievements, political operations, the prosecution of public works, as pyramids, canals, railroads, bridges, public edifices, etc.; but the greatest of all are, perhaps, the religious combinations of the world. What has been accomplished in all these directions has been by united effort, concert of action, coöperation, organization. A single individual cannot accomplish great physical deeds, but a body of men joined together with one purpose can perform wonders. The Romish branch of the Christian Church is probably the strongest religious and political power on the earth to-day. It is the result of a thorough and effective organization. Whether for good or for ill, the result is the same. IN UNION THERE IS STRENGTH.

Liberals of all classes should now thoroughly realize the benefits of organization and take the necessary steps to make it effective. The good results are almost immediate. The social and educational advantages of Liberal organizations are very great, and far more than pay for all the efforts made to effect the combination, Societies of genial, kindred spirits

meeting together at regular periods, are capable of doing much towards fostering a friendly regard, increasing the spirit of brotherhood, enlarging mental culture and in giving direction and effectiveness to individual force and aim. The Radicals, Liberals and Spiritualists of America are sufficiently numerous to accomplish important results in the direction of reform, morals, the improvement of our laws and in opposing the power of priestcraft and sectarianism if they will only unite and work in concert.

Let the watchwords among the free, independent, progressive minds of the country be, UNION, FRATERNITY, ORGANIZATION.

Friends of truth and progress, let us effect organizations. Let us do this for our own social pleasure, our mental improvement, and to utilize our strength in the community in which we live. If we duly respect ourselves, if we step forward and take the position we ought to occupy, we shall be respected by our fellow men, and the rights and opinions which we hold dear will be strengthened and spread over our fair land. LET US ORGANIZE.

It matters but little under what name we effect this organization; it may be "Liberal Associations," "Liberal Leagues," "Free Religious Societies," "Free Congregational Societies," "Ethical Societies," "Progressive Societies," "Societies of Humanity," "Scientific Societies," "Moral and Philosophical Societies," or any other cognomen that suits best. It is not so much the name as the purpose and spirit that should attract our attention and enlist our efforts. Let us decide to unite our strength; let us resolve to help each other and our fellow-beings. When six