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established , " &c . Such an idea has before appeared in the Repository , but , with many others equally excellent , has not been acted upon , and for a very obvious reason , viz . the absence of every thing among Unitarians , like
the organizktion observable in other den ominations , and which gives them so decided an advantage 3 n obtaining or disseminating information . It is of
little avail to propose useful plans , unless means are adopted for accomplishing them , and though individuals are to be found , willing to do a great deal , no public good ought to be left to chance or personal inclination .
Highly as I may think of the good arising from the associations that are from time to time forming in different parts ' of the kingdom , I cannot help comparing them to branches without any connecting head or centre . Their sphere of usefulness is limited to a certain circle , and they are not as
effectual as they might easily be rendered , for the circulation of general and regular information . lam aware of the objections made to the formation of new establishments , particularly whilst a disinclination is observable to join in those already existing . A number of unconnected institutions
are certainly objectionable , but I perceive no reason why One General Association , properly subdivided , should not be able to take cognizance of whatever affects the whole body of Unitarians , excepting , perhaps , the objects embraced by the Fund , which
seem to call for a separate management . With this impression I joined in the regret of several friends , that the recent Association for the protection of our Civil Rightst was established for one-purpose only , whilst ,
as an annual meeting of representatives formed a part of the plan , other objects might reasonably have been connected with it . We are in tjbe habit of looking to the metropolis , as a common centre , and on every account I do not see where else could ,
with more pr 6 priety , be established a committee , annually chosen , to form the head of a General Unitarian Association of the Vvhole connexion . In correspondence Vvith such a comttuttee , branches might be formed in the country , b y dividing the kingdom *« to regular districts , each to chbose a treasurer , secretary , and , perhaps ,
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a local committee . The secretary should keep a correct *« list of all the congregations in his district , with the names of their ministers , ' * &c . To this might be added the numbers in eachtcongregation , and any alterations or remarkable events should be
recorded . He might hold a correspondence occasionally with the ministers or members of congregations , particularly when any event occurred which should seem to demand the interfereuce of the London Committee , such as the invasion of our •• Civil Rights , "
&c . It is obvious , that with some such organization as this * every species of information ^ would , with the greatest easle , be obtained by the local or London Committee , and nothing could occur of any moment which would not have the attention of the
competent authorities , it is of primary importance lhat meetings , open to general attendance , should be periodically held in each Histri « t , which , either by letter or by delegates , should communicate , to an annual meeting in London , any information that might appear important or interesting to the connexion . The beneficial effects of
district associations are already appreciated , and it is only for them to become general and systematic , to prove that they would be the means of producing that concentration of effort , so often called for among- tis . A
greater degree of intimacy and fellowfeeling would be engendered by them , information would be disseminated , intelligence would be spread of cases requiring pecuniary or other aid , and plans for the promotion of our cause would receive discussion . The
Unitarian Fund would find powerful support in such meetings , for , at present , in many parts of the country its objects are very imperfectly understood , nor would such glaring cases then be allowed to pass unnoticed , as have been brought before the public by
Mr . Proctor , [ XIII . 688 , ] respecting the situation of the chapels at Stafford , Stone and Newcastle-uuder- Line , ' which , " he thinks , " by a little exertion atid expense , might be rescued from their present degraded and useless condition / 9
It riiay become a question as to the best mode of raising and managing the funds of such am Association . The donations and subscriptions of
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• - .... On a General Unitarian Association . 673
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1819, page 673, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1778/page/21/
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