We have never sent another parcel since, but we
probably shall at Christmas, gauging the Flies perhaps to
one revolution more. The truth is, that although we have
never stated to each other in words our difference of
opinion or feeling, there is a difference of habit of
thought in our little circle as to the position which the
B. M. holds. Somewhat similar is the difference of
habit of thought in which different statesmen of
England regard their colonies.
Is B. M. a part of our world, or is it not? Should
its inhabitants be encouraged to maintain their
connections with us, or is it better for them to "accept
the situation" and gradually wean themselves from us and
from our affairs? It would be idle to determine this
question in the abstract: it is perhaps idle to decide
any question of casuistry in the abstract. But, in
practice, there are constantly arising questions which
really require some decision of this abstract problem for
their solution.
For instance, when that terrible breach occurred in
the Sandemanian church, which parted it into the Old
School and New School parties, Haliburton thought it very
important that Brannan and Orcutt and the church in B. M.
under Brannan's ministry should give in their adhesion to
our side. Their church would count one more in our
registry, and the weight of its influence would not be
lost.
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