1. The aim of the Religious Reformer. A Reformer is one who seeks to remove abuses which have crept into an organization or community, or one who boldly enters a field where error has held undisputed sway, and fearlessly wields amid giant powers of opposition, the weapons of truth. He aims to entirely revolutionize the minds of the community in which he labors, on that particular subject where he believes reform to be needed. A compromise between truth and error is not what he seeks, and will not satisfy him. 'The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth' is his motto. Old systems of error, however sacred on account of their antiquity, he boldly attacks. Though massive darkness has long brooded over the people, he aims to dissipate the gloom, and shed upon them brilliant rays of light. His work is a mighty one; the ond for which he labors is noble and sublime. He holds a position in advance of the community in which he resides, and the age in which he lives - hence he possesses traits of character that are peculiar, which fit him to toil and suffer for the accomplishment of his designs.
A spirit of noble daring is his. He fears not to grapple with error, though sanctioned by age, and supported by popular favor. He scruples not, if need be, to stand alone, as the champion of truth. With undaunted intrepidy he braves the "World's dread laugh" or meets it's frown. With a spirit of indomitable perseverance, he steadily adheres to his purpose and determinedly pursues his single object. Every obstacle thrown across his path affords a new incentive to increased activity. Every difficulty he meets, only gives new strength and inspires fresh courage. He is not to be turned aside. Having put his hand to the plough, he looks not back.
Self sacrificing effort and benevolent labor are his. His time, talents, property, are all laid upon the alter of truth. He toils, not to achieve a name, to amass wealth, or to advance a sect. He labors for the good of others, while often he recieves only their hatred, reproach and persecution. If there is one picture on earth that reminds us, more than any other, of the meek and lowly savior, it is the spirit and conduct of the reformer, patiently suffering at the hands of those whose moral elevation he labors to effect. And here is the test by which the true and false reformer may be tried and discovered. Infidelity boasts of seeking a reform. But when did Infidelity ever inspire it's advocates with a spirit of self-denial for the good of others? Where are it's sacrifices made to benefit and elevate the human race? Did infidelity ever suffer to benefit man? Does it today go forth, as an angel of mercy, to labor, to suffer, and to bless? No, no. But the true reformer has a high purpose, a benevolent aim; he occupies holy ground, and he can suffer, unjustly suffer, to benefit his fellow-men."
~John Quincy Adams~
(not the president, the Baptist pastor)
