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party . iu that Church , although as diligent and earnest in their vocation against Unitarianism as the former , are in general so much more tolerant , without being less firm , in their opposition to what they disapprove , and so much more
sober and rational in most of their news respecting the practical , devotional , and what have , been called the experimental parts of religion , that they way be considered as in some degree fellow-workers with ourselves . This remark applies also to the members of the Church of Scotland
in Calcutta , who , without swerving in one iota from their own principles , know how to tolerate a difference of sentiment in their fellow -Christians , and to appreciate # ie . sincere endeavours even of Unitarians in the causje of a common Christianity . Every one , whether Trinitarian pr Unitarian , who inculcates in his teaching or exemplifies by his life
the mild and liberal spirit of the gospel , will be hailed by us as a fellow-lajbourer in the cause which we are desirous of prompting . Of the Roman Catholics , Armenians , and Greeks , the only other classes of Christians in Calcutta , I have littJLe to say . The Roman Catholic priests , I believe , in genera } decline all intercourse with the Protestant clergy ;
but I have reason to know that there are but I have reason . to know that there are intelligent and liberal-minded men both among the priests and the people . An
Armenian bishop and Greek priest once did me the honour of a visit , to convince me of my errors , and although they did not succeed in their immediate object , they at least convinced me that they were very kjnd and friendly in the , ir intentions . Neither Armenians nor Greeks are numerous in India , but a , mong both classes there are persons of enlightened
views , and among the latter especially there are individuals of nl ^ il y-cultivated minds and extensive learning . Thos , e who are denominated country-horns , East Indians , or Incjo-Britons , form a distinct portion of the Christian community , aud they are increasing in number , respectability , and knowledge . Some openly profess Unitarianism , and few are under ^ he influence of those strong
prejudices agamst it which are frequently fouud to exist among European Christians . The great mass of the Christian population is doubtless unfriendly to Unitaria . nism $ but there are sp many favourable indications furnished by ttye progress o ( ^ ducatipn , intelligence , a , nd liberal inquiry and opinion , among the different sects or classes into which they are or may be divided , that the period may be confidently anticipate ^ as at no
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great distance , when Unitarians will not be treated with that hostility and jealousy of which they are uow the objects . Of the sentiments or feelings of the native population respecting Unitarian Christianity , I am able to say but little ; partly because it is as yet little known to them , and partly , because to the extenj to which it is known , I have possessed few opportunities of ' ascertaining the precise impression which it has made .
No class of the native community has by any public act or declaration placed itself in opposition to us ; but I lay no stress uppn this , as it may have arisen from the former of the causes just mentioned . On the other hand , the native members of our committee have experienced considerable private obloquy , in consequence of their connexion with that body , which indicates the existence of a hostile
feeling that circumstances may hereafter ripen and call forth into action . The advocates and promoters of idolatry , will , as a matter of course , oppose Christian , as they have already with some zeal opposed Hindoo , Unitarianisro ; but as there is so much that is palpably absurd and vicious in Hindoo idolatry , and so miich that is clearly reasonable and
good in Unitarian Christianity , the chief oiniculty with respect to them will be not to refute their arguments , but to remove their ignorance and to overcome their prejudices . It is those who approach nearer to us in point of religious belief , Mussulmans and Hindoo Unitarians , who will meet us on the broad gronud of rational discussion , and with
whom it will be necessary to exercise the utmost caution , both as to the kind of arguments employed and the facts assumed in our reasoning . A weak argument brought for t ^ heir conviction , or au unauthenticated fact charged against their religion , would have the worst
effect upon such opponents . The argument for Christianity will never succeed , and therefore should never be attempted with them , except when a community of ideas and qf modes of thinking on moral and philosophical subjects has , to a considerable extent , been previously established .
In looking at the favourable side of the picture , the native population undoubtedly presents a mpre encouraging aspect towards Onitarians than towards any qther , Christian denomination . The Mussulmans , ' who fyrm so numerous ami in . fyue . ntal & nortiqn o , f tlje native community , > yill look upon U n itarian Christians as brethren , ^ nen tfiey beeppe better known to eacn other ; and if this advantage
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154 fytdhgence . —Foreign
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1827, page 154, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1793/page/74/
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