ABSTRACT
The inquiry concerning the working of the voluntary system in America—the only country where it operates without an establishment by its side—takes two directions. First whether religion is administered sufficiently to the people and secondly what is the character of the clergy. This chapter argues that religion is best administered in America by the personal character of the most virtuous members of society, out of the theological profession and by the acts and preachings of the members of that profession who are the most secular in their habits of mind and life. The American Education Society has assisted largely in sending forth young ministers: the Mission and Bible Societies exhibit large results. The American clergy being absolved from the common clerical vices of ambition and cupidity, it remains to be seen whether they are free also from that of the idolatry of opinion.
