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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 3

Correspondence

Correspondence.

Dear Sir,

I, being a subscriber to the Idealist, and interested in the views promulgated by that publication, feel compelled to write to you in praise of the critical article, "Of the Christian Hypothesis" in this month's number, and also of the instalment of "Ernina Landon." These two pieces appear to me to make this month's number by far the most solid, genuine, and instructive one we have had set before us since the commencement. I would say to you—please, do so again; give us Bread, not Cakes. The Idealist is published for the dissemination and elucidation of transcendental views amongst those interested therein—but needing more light,—not for men such as Browning, Arnold, Teetgen, and other "Alumni," but for men like myself, having aspirations towards a better state of things—but wanting teachers. I should say the first duty of the Idealist would be to publish a Transcendental Creed, or Formula of Faith as held by its promoters; such points as are held to be fully thought out by the best heads amongst them to bo stated as such, and other debateable oues to be discussed in its columns. This, no doubt, would be a great undertaking, but it is one that is called for imperatively, and is of the first importance and necessity. Novels and poems we can get elsewhere; let us have moral Truths, and the searching thereafter; we are not babes that we must have the truth presented to us sugarcoated!

I notice with pleasure a step in the right direction, the seeking by advertisements to acquire additional support for the publication. Praise is duo to the promoter thereof.

Would it not be possible, Dear Sir, to make the Idealist a monthly publication instead of a bi-monthly, and also then to contain more? There must surely be amongst the body of members a certain number to whom an extra sovereign or two per annum would be no great outlay, to whom progress in the Faith (for such it is, however otherwise designated) would be considered value received. I need not say, if favourably entertained, I promise my subscription; otherwise, surely the practical Idealist is a misnomer, Would you, Mr. Editor, think it advisable to make, an appeal to such amongst us that could afford it for the above purpose, making also an approximate calculation of the extra cost?

Having been sufficiently bold to make the above suggestions (for I am an "outsider", knowing nothing of the association, its formation, its promoters, or its directors), I would page 81 also in conclusion mention another matter in connection therewith.

Are there any meetings, conferences, or re-unions of the association? or do the loading members form a private charmed circle? There might be a few amongst the outside subscribers possessed of a black coat and an extra sovereign, to whom an occasional opportunity of conversing "Viva Voce" with Transcendentalists morn highly accomplished than themselves would be far more profitable than hours of such reading merely. Or is all this "Practical Idealism" and Social Progression only capable of demonstrating itself on paper? good for an four's reading, or a day's dreaming, but not good enough to produce a man or men, having leisure and capacity, that shall say to such that seek it,—we believe in these things, and will with pleasure confer with earnest seekers after truth I

I am, Dear Sir, Yours very respectfully,

A. G.

A special fund is proposed for the monthly publication Subscriptions to which will only be payable when the increased issue commences. Promises are Invited. We also hope, next year, to arrange periodical meetings. [Ed.