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semination of- the principles of Unitarian Christianity > he proceeded to urge in a very impressive and eloquent manner , the importance and duty of uniting with our zeal for Christian truths , a deep and ardent piety , arid a practical exemplification of the elevating and sanctifying influence f
^ o -o ur-principles ^ — ——Mr . Sewali was followed "b y Judge Story , of Cambridge , who said he rose not for the purpose of making a speech , but merely to apologize for
not making one . The lateness oi the hour rendered it improper for him to address the assembly so much at length as would have been , otherwise agreeable to him , and as he had intended . There were some
topics of interest , upon which he desired * on a fit occasion , $ express his views . He would refer for a moment to the important influence of religion on the civil interests and order of the community . If there is
any country where the civil institutions must be based on religion , that country is America . Religion must furnish , with us , the solid ground on which all our institutions , of whatever kind , must rest .
Judge S . alluded to the principles of Protestantism , and to some inconsistencies of its professions with its practical character . What , says he , has been the course of Protestantism ? Has it acted up to its professions ? It claims for men freedom of
opinion and action in religious matters , but has it made this principle of universal application . It \ has indeed defended the freedom and rights of sects , but not of individuals . ' To this circumstance , viz ., a neglect to vindicate the right of private judgment , are to be attributed , ill a good degree , the evils of bigotry and fanaticism .
To Unitarians is intrusted the high duty of defending Christianity . And why ? Because it is only by the rational principles we advocate that men can be saved from infidelity . It has been said , that * the School-
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Master is abroad , " and we may say too that the Sceptic is abroad . And why should we wonder , when Orthodoxy is mistaken for Christianity , that some men should regard it with doubt . Our condition is one of
great responsibleness . We have important duties to perform . Let -us ~ be ~ fa-ith f ul—to -th-e—h-ig-h—and—ho nourable trusty . In consequence of the interest manifested by the audience in the exercises of the evening , and the
impression that several other gentlemen were prepared to address the meeting , Rev . Mr . Gannett , of Boston , moved an adjournment to the same place , at seven o ' clock on Thursday evening , and the meeting was accordingly adjourned .
At five o clock on Thursday evenr ing a meeting of the Association for business was held in the Berrystreet Vestry . After' a full discussion of the expediency of adopting measures for the appointment of a General Agent , they voted to yro- ~ ceed immediately to the choice , and on counting the votes , Rev . Ezra S . Gannett was found to be
unanimously elected . The meeting was opened in the church , agreeably to the vote of Tuesday evening , for an adjournment . After prayer by the Rev . Dr . JCendall of Plymouth , and the reading of parts of the Report offered on Tuesday
evening , the Meeting was addressed by the Rev . Mr . Gannett , of Boston . He had received pleasure , he said , in hearing the parts of the Report just read . He heartily concurred in the sentiments there expressed . The time had come , he believed , when Unitarian Christians should mwe
distinctly show that their doctrines are according to godliness , that they are founded on a rock , that they are from God , and lead to God by promoting purity of character , spirituality of mind , in a word , the life of God in our souls . The Unitarian . Association has
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UNITARIAN CHRONICLE . 151
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 1, 1832, page 151, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1819/page/7/
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