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years some transactions took place in their proceedings in Ireland , which lie conceived to be inconsistent with that degree of religions toleration , BBd that right of private judgment in religious matters , on which alone any dissent from
pre-existing ; establishments can be rationally defended . In the course of these proceedings it appeared that some difference of opinion had arisen amongst the members of the society as well on points of doctrine as of discipline : in consequence of which a considerable number of them had been excluded , and others
had voluntarily withdrawn , themselves from the association . Under these circumstances , which tended not only to diminish the numbers of the society , but to bring it into disrepute , especially as those separating from it were persons of respectable character and religions dispositions , JVJr . Rathbone thought that fey a clear statement of the transactions
which had taken place , and a calm , temperate , and impartial comment upon them , it might be possible to heal the breach . But in taking upon himself this task , he had yet higher views ; and whilst he endeavoured to shew forth by argument and authority , the real i > alu £ of ceremonial f . rms and observance , he determined to assert to the utmost of his
power the sacred right of every indivi-* dual to judge for himself in religious matters , and the i ? nportant duty of exercising this right whhout fear of temporal consequences . His strong judgment and enlightened mind had indeed convinced him of the great and most important truth , that until there be a perfect and ^ acknowledged freedom of opinion on
? religious subjects , until every one can . allow his neighbour to judge and to act in his spiritual concerns by the dictates * of his own understanding , without any * diminution of kindness and good-will , towards him on account of his dissent , the causes of alienation and enmity can - never be removed , nor the true principles * of Christianity ever be established . Un-
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der these Impressions he published in the year 1804 , A narrative of events that have lately take a place in Ireland among the society , called ^ ujiers . ( 8 vo . Johnson , jnr . 4 s . 6 iL hoards . ) In the compilation of this work
he paid the most scrupulous attention to the authenticity of the facts which he recorded , accompanying them with observations which sufficiently display the liberality of his sentiments and the benevolence of his heart . To revive this
subject is as foreign to the purpose of the author of these remarks , as it would be unsuitable to that of the present publi * cation ; but it would be unjust to the character of Mr . Rathbone to pass it over , without presenting to the reader , in his own words , his general view of the nature of true religious unity , which may be sufficiently collected from the following passage in that work .
" Instances of cordial and long cemented friendship , between liberal and virtuous minds , who neither hold similar opinions , nor practice similar forms in matters of religion , are sufficiently frequent to shew , that unity in forms and opinions , is by no means essential to that bond of union . —The nature of tvisdom and foll y ,
truth and fahhood , 'virtue and * vicey are indeed irreconcileably opposed to each other ; and the necessary result is , that among their respective votaries , whether of the same or of dijfe 7 ent societies , , unhy must be unknown . —But among those , who are happily habituated to regard the glory of God , and the goojl > of
Mankind , as the predominant objects of their pursuit , is it not obvious , that there can be no differences about forms and opinins , respecting which they arc likely to feel , or would be justified i ? i f'ct mf , great anxiety , on behaif of each
other ? There is indeed one point , beyond all others , pre-eminent in importance , concerning which their labours and their prayers , for each other , can never he unnecessary or unseasonable ; and this is unity in that sentiment which represents theja * vour of our merciful Creator , and a > n
of virtuous members from the benefits of religious communion for supposed errors of judgment ; and especially for a voluntary compliance with the law of the J ^ nd in the payment of tithes , with regard to which the leading disciplinarians in the society are recently become more active , rip id and intolerant ,, than formerly ; tq the . great dissatisfaction of many of their cooler brethren , to whom it h obvious Mich measures may produce unsound conformists , but can never enlighten the mind , purify the affections , or increase chc real influence of true religion , the
region of the gospcJL
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Ohituarv . " « & 5
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v .
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Mr . jRatbbone .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1809, page 235, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1735/page/59/
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