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government out of its constitutional hands； associate them indeed
with us； to preserve a semblance that the acts are theirs； but
insuring them to be our own by allowing them a minor vote only？
（*） The clergy of the United States may probably be estimated
at eight thousand。 The residue of this society at four hundred； but
if the former number be halved； the reasoning will be the same。
These considerations have impressed my mind with a force so
irresistible； that （in duty bound to answer your polite letter；
without which I should not have obtruded an opinion；） I have not been
able to withhold the expression of them。 Not knowing the individuals
who have proposed this plan； I cannot be conceived as entertaining
personal disrespect for them。 On the contrary； I see in the printed
list persons for whom I cherish sentiments of sincere friendship； and
others； for whose opinions and purity of purpose I have the highest
respect。 Yet thinking as I do； that this association is unnecessary；
that the government is proceeding to the same object under control of
the law； that they are competent to it in wisdom； in means； and
inclination； that this association； this wheel within a wheel； is
more likely to produce collision than aid； and that it is； in its
magnitude； of dangerous example； I am bound to say； that； as a
dutiful citizen； I cannot in conscience become a member of this
society； possessing as it does my entire confidence in the integrity
of its views。 I feel with awe the weight of opinion to which I may
be opposed； and that； for myself； I have need to ask the indulgence
of a belief； that the opinion I have given is the best result I can
deduce from my own reason and experience； and that it is sincerely
conscientious。 Repeating therefore； my just acknowledgments for the
honor proposed to me； I beg leave to add the assurances to the
society and yourself of my highest confidence and consideration。