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Untitled Article
knowledge of the Scriptures by the distribution of books . The Unitarians do not expect supernatural assistance : they do not believe that the Almighty will deviate from the general course of his providence , by dispensing with human means . To whafj therefore ^ are they to look for the general diffusion and final establishment of their principles , but to their own
exertions ? I do not contend for ill-regulated , uncharitable zeal , or for that which is not founded upon enlightened and liberal knowledge . I am no advocate for the wild enthusiasm of the fanatic , or the dogmatical denunciation of the Alhanasian all I contend for is a steady , consistent , and strenuous exertion in behalf of the glorious cause of truth , without partakii > g either of the rude and vulgar cant of the one , or the damnatory and impudent asseverations of the other : but when I look around me and see what the Unitarians are about , I am astonished that , with the great and glorious truths of which they are in possession , they should in general be so little concerned for their promulgation ; and , instead of inquiring why Unitkrianism is not more generally believed and professed , I am rather at a loss to account for the progress which it has already made .
I will advert to one or two particulars , that what I have now said may not appear altogether groundless . The Unitarian Fund , if it meet with sufficient support , will , I have no doubt , do much towards a successful attainment of the object it has in view ; but 1 know , that it is opposed by many whose names arc well known , and who are held in high and deserved estimation among the Unitarians * . Their influence is great , and ,, if exercised , must be attended with injurious effects towards the institution above-mentioned . Their objection lies , I believe , principally against ] ay-preachcrs : they are apprehensive that
many , if not most , of them will be as indiscriminate in their use of texts , as those among the Methodists ; and that , instead of promoting the true knowledge of the Scriptures ^ they will only pervert and misapply passages , in order to suit their own purpose ; and also , that they have great reason to fear , that the zeal with which they may be animated will be carried so far as to lead them to the continual discussion of their favourite subject , to the exclusion of those exhortations to unwearied perseverance in the exercise of virtuous principles and pious
affections , which constitute so principal and essential a part of the duty of every minister of the gospel , and which are likely to have a more permanent effect upon the hearts and lives of Christians in general than the most just and comprehensive views * We doubt the truth of this * tat
