On entering upon the subject of the union of all denominations in this work of benevolence, it appears to me, that my reverend friend has suffered the question of what is _practicable_ completely to merge into that which he considers as most _desirable_. His affections and his sympathy have been so attractively led by the cases where such an union has been effected, as has induced him to overlook many whose efficacy is doubtful, and some, where the effects have rather hindered than promoted the cause. But while I truly sympathise with him in those views and feelings which, were it practicable, would suggest such an union, the cool deliberations of sober judgment are most convincing that the present state of things here in reference to the feelings of various parties, presents insuperable barriers, except at the expense of that cause which it is our object mutually to advance. Now I would fairly meet the question,
I. On the ground afforded by experience within our own locality.
II. On that which is given to us on competent authority from other places.
My reverend friend states at page 8, “that hitherto the labourers in the cause of Infant education in this city have been principally Dissenters, but it is well known that they have always desired and would have gladly received a greater number of their brethren in the establishment as coadjutors.” This is fairly coming to the point. There was no want of courtesy—no lack of invitations, but there was a something about those to whom those invitations were given, which kept them back. The few from among the members of the Establishment who have, as is stated at page 6 and 7, so cordially and charitably joined in the direction and management, are perhaps nearly all who could, even by increased exertion, be drawn into active co-operation with the schools on their present plan; and had this been tenaciously adhered to, the result of our united exertions would have added but little to the present means of extending the cause. The whole amount of experience within our own locality so powerfully discourages the attempt to coalesce, that I think no one would be induced to try the experiment, who was well informed as to those facts which bear upon the question.