“There are no forms of worship in this sphere. Order is not form,
because forms are prescribed rules, requiring obedience in those
who are disinclined to observe them. Those who are disinclined to
observe any form of worship, will not be compelled by our commands to
do otherwise. The wisdom of this circle will not exact hypocritical
submission, nor extort a profession of veneration for customs which
are unsatisfactory to mind. It has been the folly of the rudimental
world to require professions, which were burdensome to many who made
them. They were incongenial with their condition, and were, therefore,
reluctantly and not cheerfully observed. In many societies, thou
mayest see a slavish acquiescence in customs and forms, because the
mind cringes to popular respect. It is not free to do as it desires.
It is restrained through fear of those who would control the rights
of conscience. It is compelled to do service in a prescribed way, or
suffer the execration of those who rule in the church. It wishes to
avoid censure, and consequently yields its natural freedom. The wrong
is grievous to the slave. Religion is weakened by the tyranny. Human
rights of conscience are molested by the forms of worship. It will be
our mission to give freedom to the mind--give freedom to humanity. It
will be our mission to abolish the tyrant’s power, and let all minds
worship God, as it seemeth good. It will be our mission to set the
captive free, so that, when truth shall be unfolded, no chains shall
fetter investigation. It will be our mission to raise the standard
of reform, and correct the abuses of power wherever they may exist.
Societies and churches need not fear what wisdom will do for the good
of mind.”
M. There will, then, needs be a change in the forms of worship, and the
order of societies and churches.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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