Museum of mankind.

  • Museum of Mankind
Date:
[1842]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Museum of mankind. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/34 (page 8)
    No. 21. Missionaries. We would particularly call the attention of the Society to the very great merits of the many British and foreign missionaries of all creeds; and in the distribution of honours, prizes, awards, of rewards, to avoid all sectarian bias, remembering that they are all equally disciples of the civilization and improvement of the human race, and charitably to believe each to be equally conscientious, however his doctrine differ. To insist also that, in their commu¬ nications or correspondence, no allusion to their own particular tenets be allowed, so as not to be offensive to others, the objects of the Society being rather general benefit to all mankind, than conversion to individual creeds, however deeply it may be im¬ pressed with the sublimity of religion. If there were a word more comprehensive, charitable, and tolerant than universal, we would cheerfully adopt it. Indeed, looking to man himself, we would divest the institution and its members of all prejudices and partialities, sect, country, and politics, inviting the friendly co-operation of all foreign societies, and fair exchange of all duplicates ; and much as we respect the missionaries, reject anything sectarian, and even, if possible, extend and condense the very title of our Society, and call it the World of Man. No. 22. Travellers, That the greatest possible honour, encouragement, and emolu ment be given to travellers, British or foreign ; that they be made honorary members, be solicited to lecture, or, if unable to be pre¬ sent, or not comprehending the English language, their travels and results be condensed, translated, and read at the lecture theatre. No. 23. Settlers, Emigrants. We would wish the greatest liberality to be evinced to settlers and emigrants, and that even the poorer sort, provided it were clearly ascertained that they in reality proposed to emigrate, should be allowed free admission to the museum, library^ and lectures, whilst in London. We believe that this institution would prove of the utmost value to them, and would desire them to retain lively and grateful remembrances of the Society untaxed by any claim (other than their good wishes for its success) in the new country to which they were proceeding.