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Untitled Article
prevail . But if it be not the gospel / of Jesus Christ , let it be given up ; it ought neither to be the religion of the multitude nor of individuals . Let Unitarians therefore act consistently with themselves and thei-r principles . Let them work while it is day , and leave the event to the pro vidence of God ; a little opposition can do them no harm , and ail times are suitable for
doing good . The Society as we have been informed , far from adopting means in the least visionary or objectionable , have wisely determined to noiice only those cases which come well
recommended , by which its operation will be so silent and gradual , that there will in fact be nothing to alarm even the most prudent and timid minds . As friends to this Society , we would request our cautious and prudent objectors , to consult impartially their own minds , whether any other motive influences their conduct than prudence , and to recollect whether in the history of the
world , any thing great or good was ever attempted or completed by cold , timid , hesitating men ? . Can the plea of prudence supply the lack of zeal and duty ? Prudence is a personage of the mo&t venerable and commanding presence , and so sensible are we of the excellencies of her character , that we feel disposed to consider her as the chief of the Cardinal virtues ; hut we are at
the same time convinced that under the shade of her authority , counsels the most inert and chilling are enforced , counsels which if they universally prevailed , would benumb the most noble and generous energies of the mind , and dry up the finer and more fraternal feelings of the heart .
It is in particular objected by some of our more learned friends that it is improper if not dangerous in these days of error and enthusiasm , to employ persons as teachers who havg not received a learned education . We would reply that learned men , in this concern , are really not the men that are wanted ; they neither have done , nor wiil do , any thing in this cawse ; if they had
less learning and more zeal and activity , they would be far more eligible characters , as to the purpose in question , and if they are more alive to the dignity of their principles than to their utU lity , and if their concern for their worldly credit will allow them to countenance only what may be approved by the learned
and the great , consistency would require that they should give up their Dissenting principles altogether . But must a man , Mr . Editor , necessar ily be ignorant who is not learned ? Is there no medium ? If there is not , the labours of the learned bave hitherto been to very little purpose . That he who understands the gospel may teach it , is a maxim of increasing credit * If a man of . good common sense , of diligent application and ge ~ neral reading be not able to understand the . gospel so as ta ^ uafify
Untitled Article
Unitarian JFund . IS ®
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1806, page 189, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1723/page/21/
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