On this page

• Text (3)

  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.

  • 

    Untitled Article

  • 

    Untitled Article

  • 

    Untitled Article

• 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

    To the Editor , Sir , Penzance . While the advocates of rational Christianity are shewing , in many instances , a praiseworthy zeal in promoting the reception of what they believe to be truth , it is a matter of very great importance that this noble end should be pursued according to the most just and enlightened method . It is not in

    any manner that the minds of men can be brought to receive truth ; in most cases , undoubtedly , there is in the nature of things a way in which this may be effected ; but while there is one right way which will succeed , there are also many wrong ones which will not succeed ; those , therefore , who would not fail in their endeavours , and lose their labour , are called upon to give this matter due attention . In the questions that are agitated between Unitarians and their opponents , we see this general remark illustrated in a very

    striking manner * Such is the united force of prejudice , interest and religious apprehension , in binding men to what is considered orthodox doctrine , that every honest art is required to secure the least chance of an impartial consideration for that which is opposed to it . Let men but once understand that an attempt is making to win them over to Unitarianism , and they become impenetrable immediately , they have no longer ears or eyes ; in short , they have completely prejudged the question , and all further argument on the subject is entirely vain .

    It is this and some other considerations to which I shall briefly advert , which induce me to think there is a want of good policy , and in some measure of just principle , in assuming for the basis of a religious denomination a decision of this great theological question . With societies and institutions pledged , by their name and avowed princi p les , to be Unitarian , few or none will be likely to connect themselves but those who are already decided Unitarians ; the inquiring , the wavering , the timid , the careless , the irresolute , will stumble at the tbreshhold of the chapel which is distinguished

    by this name , and to enter which is considered as a decided profession of this faith . To all such persons there would be much less difficulty in uniting with societies whose name and principles pledged them to nothing more than a liberal and unfettered adherence to the Scriptures as their rule of religion , leaving all disputed matters to private judgment . Not but that prejudice would array itself , and calumny would vent its venom against the most fair and impartial institutions that could be devised ; but still it is reasonable to think that it would be in a less degree than is now experienced by societies professedly Unitarian .

    Let me not be thought , however , to be advocating simply a point of subtle policy , which would indeed savour far too much of a Jesuitical character . Policy out of the question , is it not by far most just , most favourable to the diffusion of truth , most satisfactory to the conscience , most conducive to peace and edification , that a society formed for the purposes of religious worship and instruction , should know absolutely no fixed standard of

    doctrine but the Scripture , and should be entirely unfettered by any preliminary decision on those points on which the sense of Scripture is disputed ? For herein is the common spirit that has dictated the decisions of councils , the creeds , the articles , and the various texts to which , more or less , I believe every division of the Christian Church has had recourse , in order to take security for the faith of its ministers and members . This domineering

    Untitled Article

    ( 408 )

    Untitled Article

    ON THE USE OF THE TERM UNITARIAN , AS A PARTY APPELLATION .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 2, 1827, page 408, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1797/page/16/