"I should pronounce that an ingenious society for doing good and getting good," said Coleman, after the questions were read. "It was so, and Cotton Mather himself was a member of twenty of these societies," said Benjamin. "They became very popular, and I recall with what interest my father participated in the meetings. I often accompanied him, and, young as I was, they were very interesting to me. It was that fact which suggested the questions I have reported for our club." When a person united with the Junto, he was required to stand up, lay his hand on his heart, and answer the following questions: "1. Have you any particular disrespect to any present member? "_Answer_. I have not. "2. Do you sincerely declare that you love mankind in general, of what profession or religion soever? "_Answer_. I do. "3. Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name, or goods, for mere speculative opinion, or his external way of worship? "_Answer_. No. "4. Do you love truth for truth's sake; and will you endeavor impartially to find and receive it yourself, and communicate it to others? "_Answer_. Yes." At one of their earliest meetings Benjamin proposed that each member (the number of members was limited to twelve) should bring his books to the club-room for reference during their discussions. "A capital idea," said Coleman, "and I would suggest that each member have the privilege of reading the books belonging to other members." "Another good idea," rejoined Benjamin; "I second that motion with all my heart." "It will not take any one of us a great while to read all the books we can muster," suggested Potts. At that time there was no bookstore in Philadelphia, nor was there one of considerable note anywhere in the Colonies, except in Boston. The people of Philadelphia sent to England for the books they wanted, which was expensive and inconvenient. After this plan had been successfully used for several months, Benjamin made another proposition. "I propose that we establish a library, interesting parties outside to join us in the enterprise." "Raising money for the same by subscription, do you mean?" inquired Maugridge. "Yes; unless there is a better way of doing it." "I doubt if outsiders can be interested to join us in such a project," said Grace. "Few people care enough about books to put money into such an enterprise." "Perhaps so; but we can try; if we fail we shall still be as well off as we are now," was Benjamin's answer. "Unless we make the effort we shall never know what we can do." "And you are the one to solicit subscriptions, Ben," remarked Godfrey. "If anybody can succeed, you can. If I should undertake and fail, as I should, it would not prove that the scheme is impracticable." "I am perfectly willing to solicit subscriptions, and I will begin at once and be able to report success or failure at the next meeting," was Benjamin's generous offer.