New-York daily tribune., 1844-02-09
criticism, ON Association.

the AsSOclatlOn movements OF tile udy so NlioJ'
forcibly and candidly that we welcome 1t to
place in our columns. No Associationist will
disagree with his essential assumption that mere
external organization will be worthless without
the quickening spirit of internal harmony. AS
no one viii dispute, however. that Sabbath
School is more likely to form a true character, to
develope and cherish a tr,,e spirit, than grog-
shop, we do not perceive that there is any reason
for collision between those who are striving to re-
form the world through Religious renovation and
those who are aiming at 3. more perfect econom-
cal and educational arrangement of Society
There is room enough in the world for all effort
to benefit mankind, and it is the worst policy for
those who are laboring for the good of their tel-
low men to disparage or distrust each other.
Jefferson County Industrial Associations
10 the Editor of The TriSune:
On my tour. had the opportunity, through the
polteness of Mr.. Watson, the President of the Com
pany, TO learn things concerning this infant cs
1ablishment. 1t was commenced in May last. The
Association own HOO acres in compact form, hay
ing water-power Of some feet of the Black River,
at point easily improved. The tract is we'll wa
tered with springs and brooks the land is of good
uiuloSl ~ ~ Ao"iii
of easv cultivation. On the bank of the river, their
quarry of limestone is valuable. Its easily quanied
and wrought into suitable blocks, and well adapted
to building purposes. The directors contemplate
erecting their edifce upon pleasant elevation IN
the immediate vicinity Of the water-power. The To-
cation is iudicousy made, being admirably adapted
for the purpose The excellent clay, sand and lime
in the Immediate vicinity will lessen the usual cost
u Al.
Association own some or 600 acres in various otl-
er places. About fve-and- thirty families have uni
ted with the Association; the most Of them residing
at present in detached situations. 1t so happened
that the afternoon of my visit the ladies collected
Mt the principal house on business connected with
their departments, and in the evening the Assocla-
tion and their neighbors were edited by lecture
upon language from Mr.. o. 3. PIERCE author of
grammar of some originality. Improved these &C.
casions to study character, and to become more
quauted with the nature and situation of the lnsti-
luton. Some of the families are Presbyterian, some
are Methodists, some are Universaliss. Their
proximity to Watertown gives every one opportuni
~ to attend the church of his choice The principle
Of the Association is, Free toleration to al'
The obvious tendency of Association is, to lessen
many of the evils resulting from the present cond
1on OF society, promote great savings, and produce
enormous profits; taking of much external friction
from savage, isolated state ofciyilized soce.
~. Neither can there be much doubt that some
difficulties will be experienced
Systems, beautiful in theory, have often been
found lmpractlcable Some connecting link was
wanting or, the natural tendency of one part coun-
teracted the power OF another. Mechanics have
incton and gravltatlon to contend with, hence :"
perpetual motion is perpetual notion" 1t may be
otherwise In morals; the freedom and self-deermin-
ing property OF mind, supplying perpetual power.
Much OF the saving of external friction will mt least
Tor time, be balanced by internal friction. This by
jealous, inexperienced Associationists is generally
7tnde1rGted 1t is question: too, as the tendency
10 setshness Is diminished, the temper is not taken
out oi the nlainspring of human action New mo-
tive power is supplied in the truly regenerated for
now these live only to extend the Redeemers king
dom among men: having love to God, which infu-
ences to keep all His commands, and love to man.
which desires the highest welfare of each and every
one aiid always influences those protesting it to
" do 10 otliorS as they would should be done TO
Them"
Much must, OF Course, at first be lost by want of
experience; the clashing of views and preiudices
negligence and untaithtulness of some who will in
sinuote themselves into the Association 'whose god
is their belly"
As you cannot convince a man of Ignorance
knowledge being necessary to enable us 10 under
stand our ignorance the most inexperienced often
are the most tenacious Of their own opinions and
thus the counsels of wisdom and experience, in as
sociauons OF this kind, will at times be neutralized
w ouSiildCy anu StlI.CO0CplC.
ltyet remains to be proved that God who gov
erns the world, land except the Lord build the
house they labor in vain that build il: except the
Lord keepeth the city, the watchman wake,h but in
VAN, Will long prosper an Institution in which
there is not direct recognition of nor proy;s;on for
his worship Could we get rid of the doctrine. we
cannot destroy the fact of the inherent universal de-
pravity OF man. 1t is the same in all AGES. in all
countries: Christians, of the highest attanments,
1n ruth sing
Prone TO wander Lord l feel il,
Prone to leave the God | love-"
ms universal tendency 10 backsidino can only
pe overcome by constant watchfuiness and PRAYER
Il oaliv, constant sense Of dependence upon the
sttenu, e % IS our LORD Jesus Christ; digent use
or whatever we do :loing all to the glory Of God
Man is constituted by his Creator religious being
he naturally feels his weakness and looks to q
higher power for protection. The capacities of his
soul can only be filed with reverence, alteration
rove: onregenerste men, therefore, act unwisely
III philosophical view, when they seek, either
ISoser!sy or openly, 10 wean men from the forms OF
ue'ouo.i. IL Is true that straw and chaff may be
Stow "inout the kernel; but TO great crop was
e'ei 1at:eo mnhout tho straw and chatf. Hypo
cntes exist among men, hypocrites are often bsots
and blgots are always, more or less nersecu,orS r
uuly rehglous persons unite with an association
composed of all shades of religious opinion:
from mistaken effort 10 preserve the peace ant
harmony of society, they abandon their princinje
or practice OF piety, (which however is a dfieren
thing from making ostentatious or yindictive dis
play OF the evil effects of IT,, wlb nantes, in
soured temper q corrupting conversation, or a dis
solute life.
1t is question then, whether from the nature @
{ man. q society can be kept together and prospe
without the bond of religious obligation. Som
acknowledged form Of devotion seems necessary Il
cement society andharmonize the jarring passions G
The soul.
Whether an Industrial Association compose
principally Of persons Of the religious faith, ST
lar as essentials are concerned, or, one composed
those without religious bond, any farther than ma,
be snpposcd arse from cransral vii