Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-12-12
For the snv.

Library Association Lectures.
There seems to be a somewhat singular selec-
ton of lecturers, for the Young Mems Library AS
sociations course for this winter, if we can judge
from its Opening,to say nothing of The distinguish
ed gentleman, who is 10 close by a course of his
own.
1t would reasonably be supposed, as the Assoc
citation is made up of persons, with all The varie-
ties Of religion and politics 10 be found in cur
community, that preference would be given to
none. How arthe expectation will be realized,
the sequel will show.
We have had two lectures from the Rev. DR..
Bethune, both of which were able, logical, cIili-
cal, and witty, He is frank, outspoken, and
apparently independent Inan-such, in that re-
spect as Worcester people admire. He.hurled
his wit and his satire, with artistic precision,
at the Bloemers, al the friends OF the rights of
women, at the radicals in politics, and at The lib
erals IN religion But, of that, The writer would
not complain if those attacked could respond for
themselves. The Doctor stated that he avOuId
not lecture 10 an Association that had on its list
ef lecturers the names of men who hold certain
religious views, that he thought were not genuine,
and that took such occasions to stealthily spread
their peculiar doctrines ;evdenty referring TO such
men as we have been in the habit Of inviting 10
lecture to our Lyceum and Mechanics Associa-
ton, to tacice as full houses as he had.
If Dr. Belhune consulted the Committee Of the
Association, and they altered their list to suit his
fancy, do complain that they have untruly
represented those who form the Association. On
each OF the other four lists, are found the names
OF such persons as he intended, we should under
stand he would not be associated with. How
happens II those names are all eft-bff the list on
which his is found? Can it be, it was design? Or
was it accidental
1T would seem 10 be ungenerous and ignobe, in
a man of DR.. Bethune's talents and skill. 10 put
himself in position that would prevent his at
tack being met by attack, his wit by wit, his sar-
casm by sarcasm, his argument by argument,
TO the same people, One would suppose, that a
man of his freed steel and gaditoral power,
would be willing TO meet the enemy, hand to
hand, IN the warfare for truth, instead of wishing
to enter the arena Of discussion with his anago-
nists held at bay, by Committee pledged 10
prevent them from doing the very things he has
corresponding his own peculiar religious faith.
There is no accounting for tastes And, if
man prefers for his associate, the person who, for
paliry political effect, would f'send his own
mother into slavery" to such men as Charles
Sumner, Theodore Parker, or Wendell Phillips,
he must be allowed his preference, only we don't
wish to pay for it And the Committee who gave
second invitation, after the first had produced
such fruit, must not be surprized at thin house,
or that many prefer to give their mite direct to the
society. to paying one hundred dollars for two
such illiberal lectures.
Mr. Winthrop, in his lecture 10 the Mechanics
Association, exolled the life, intellect, and char
acter of Benjamin franklin, as the moblest, tru-
esl, and best, our country has ever produced, and
as worthy TO be initiated. The idea that any
person in Worcester would allow Dr. Bethuue to
dictate terms to them, that would have excluded
Ie names Of such men as Franklin and Jefferson
from list of lecturers, is revolving in the highest
degree. H*&**