SEVERAL expositors of Secular principles, able to act together, have for many years endeavoured by counsel, by aid, and by publication to promote Secular organization. At one time they conducted a Secular Institute in Fleet Street, London--in 1854. The object was to form Secular Societies for teaching the positive results of Freethought. In the first edition of this work it was held to be desirable that there should be a centre of reference for all inquirers upon Secular principles at home and abroad. Attention should be guaranteed to distant correspondents and visitors, so that means of communication and publication of all advanced opinions in sociology, theology, and politics might exist, and be able to command publicity, when expressed dispassionately, impersonally, and with ordinary good taste. It has been generally admitted that the operations at that time conducted, helped to impart a new character to Free-thought advocacy, and many of its recommendations have since been copied by associations subsequently formed. The promoters of Secularism alluded to, have not ceased in the _Reasoner_ and other publications, by lectures, by statements, by articles, by pamphlets to urge a definite and consistent representation of Secular and Freethought principles: as many mistake merely mechanical association for the organization of ideas. The promoters in question have since adopted the form of action of a Secular Guild, and continue the _Reasoner_ (of which there is now issued a "Review Series") as their organ. The objects of a Council of the Guild is to promote, as far as means may permit, or counsel prevail, organization of ideas:-- 1.--To train Advocates of Secular principles, 2.--To advise an impersonal policy of advocacy, which seeking to carry its ends by force of exposition, rather than of denunciation, shall command the attention and respect of those who influence public affairs. 3.--To promote solution of political, social, and educational questions on Secular and unsectarian grounds. 4.--To point out new Books of Secular relevance, and where possible, to accredit Advocates of Secularism that the public may have some guidance, and the party be no longer liable to be judged by whoever may appear to write or speak on the subject. 5.--To assist in the protection and defence of those injured, or attempted to be injured on account of Freethought or Secularist opinion. 6.--To provide for the administration of property bequeathed for Secular purposes, of which so much has been lost through the injustice of the law, and machinations of persons opposed to Liberal views.