THE AGENDA CLUB AND AN ORDER OF COUNSELLORS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin.,—Needless to say, your correspondent "Exile's" happily phrased estimate in last week's Spectator of the Agenda inspiration and his thoughtful suggestions towards a .definite piece of organised practical service are warmly appreciated by my Committees. Neither does your own amplification of his suggestions in "An Order of Counsellors," inspired as it is by a sympathetic discernment of our full recognition of spiritual, as distinguished fronlmerely material, issues, seem an exaggera- tion of Agenda possibilities. Anything attempted in the interests of young men, perhaps in particular "young men in a scrape," would claim our attention. We should, how- ever, like to put forward one or two considerations by way of comment.
In the first place, such a service would seem to belong to a later stage in our development. The difficult and delicate work of adjusting heroic aspirations, in which we believe and ern which we build, to fit material limitations and shape to practical issues needs a wisdom and restraint which should not be lightly tempted into a task beyond present strength. We will not readily admit impossibilities. We have already steered our vessel—under crowded sail—past too many rooks and hazardous shoals of prophecy not to have high hopes of ultimate accomplishment, not merely beyond -the. estimate of critics, but beyond our own first dreams. If we are on the right path, there will be, among those attracted to Agenda service and entered on the Agenda register, such men as will unquestionably be able to give counsel to one in perplexity or spiritual distress.
No one could question or appraise the high value of such a service; but the thought occurs that the men most fitted to give such counsel will be just the least likely to claim or to admit the exquisite gift. And again, perhaps, the whole thing - is too delicate to be organised. And yet again, the kind of application you and your correspondent have in view is but too likely to be overshadowed by another sort of applica- tion,—a, veiled appeal for material help. Whether such help were deserving or undeserving is not relevant tothe immediate issue. But whatever the difficulties, the suggestions shall have the fullest possible consideration when our organisation takes complete shape,—in the three mouths following the inauguration meeting of the Agenda Club on the evening of November 3rd. The Press publicity which we have deliberately discouraged in the difficult inception stages will be given us in generous measure after that, the first public exposition of our aims and methods. A brief record of notable accom- plishment will itself inspire supporters, and, we think, disarm some critics.—I am, Sir, &c., on behalf of the Provisional and Inception Committees of the Agenda Club,
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