On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
Fox , from Prov . xxiii . QS , Buy the truth and sell it not . _ It might justly be said to form one continued illustration of the text chiefly in its application to Unitarianism . With that
strength and originality of thought and command of language for which Mr , Fox is so-eminently distinguished , diligence in investigation , openness in profession , and union in exertion , were enforced as the means essential
to the discovery , influence and promotion of truth . Nature and revelation were severally brought into review , and the peculiar advantages of the latter above the former , in point of distinctness and adaptation to the minds of the mass of mankind ,
faithfully represented , The various contents of the Bible as consisting of numerous books relating to several dispensations , differing in many respects from each other , and written by persons sustaining very different characters , with very different views and advantages , and of very
diversified descriptions , were delineated "with great felicity of expression ; and the absurdity of the common practice of appealing indiscriminately to any parts or portions , of it , as containing abstract rules of faith and practice , without regard to persons and circumstances , or even the context with
which they stand connected , was strongly reprobated . The great merits of the common version of the Scriptures as to its general character were finely portrayed , while the frequent use of certain terms with which the
theological system of the translators was intimately associated and the rigid retention of expressions and clauses in the original , many of which were then suspected , and have since been proved to be " forgeries , were shewn to form considerable obstacles
to the removal of error . But with all the disadvantages under which the Scriptures labour in the received version , Mr . Fox justly observed that their doctrine is still Unitarian , trie
great facts with which they make us familiarly acquainted being manifestly of that description ; the effect of which , to a reader who attends to their general contents and scope , is impossible to be removed by a few detached aiid generally obscure passages . The strong bias of education in attaching serious minds to the Trinita-
Untitled Article
rian system , was depicted in colours peculiarly vivid , just and interesting ; while to neglect the salutary exertion of our faculties in the pursuit of truth , to decline its frank and open profession , and to avoid union in the adoption of the most effectual means for
its promulgation , were justly stigmatized as the methods by which this powerful " moral machinery , " for the promotion of piety and virtue , is sold for objects of far inferior value . The above reference to some topics of this admirable discourse has been
attempted chiefly with the view of assisting the hearers to regale their memories with some particulars of its detail , sensible of my inability to convey to others any adequate ideas of its merits , or in the words of an intelligent friend , "to characterize it as it deserves ; while it afforded the
imagination a luxurious repast , it gave delight to the heart and carried conviction to the head . The energy and eloquence of the preacher excited in all a deep interest , and his arguments could not fail of making a lasting impression . "
The devotional parts of the service were conducted chiefly by Mr . Holden and Mr . Harris . The Report of the Committee being afterwards read to the Society , and at the motion of Mr . Fox , ordered to be printed , is herewith , in a somewhat abridged form * submitted for insertion in the Monthly Repository .
" Your Committee have , they trust , not been inattentive to the important objects of your Institution . The doctrines of the strict unity of God ^ and of his universal love to his creatures ^ form a principle of unanimity of such all-comprehensive
moment , that all subordinate points of difference should biit prove the occasions for its more fervent influence . This principle is the foundation of your union , and to promote this union by means of an ' intercourse and correspondence between tlie different Unitarian Societies in Kent and
Sussex , Miasbeen specified as its leading object . Your Committee have been favoured with few direct com muni cations relative to * the state and progress of the several Unitarian Societies , * nevertheless some pleasing- intercourses have occurred , and some
facts have transpired which shew an interest and unanimity indicative , we trust , of their further advances . Fellowship Funds have been established atTenterden and at Maidstone , embracing- objects which will , in various points of view , promote the inte-
Untitled Article
450 Intelligence . — Kent and Sussex Unitarian Association *
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1819, page 450, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1774/page/50/
-