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    been called sectarian ; and , in a certain sense , it may be true ; inasmuch as it supports some decided and definite principles . But , in the bad sense of the word , it is not true . It

    has never been exclusive or bigoted . In its principles of operation it is as broad as truth , and it hopes that its lTTflWn ^ e ^ ilrt ^ as truth . Its great purpose is to make men Christians , to make them holy in en .

    But the institution is said to have been sectarian in its measures . If this be true , in any degree , it was owing to the necessity o £ Jts _ circumstances . The very name of Unitarianism . at the establishment of the

    institution , was a terror and a reproach . But circumstances have changed , and are changing . He trusted the time would come , and that it was not distant , when it would be a term of honour and glory . The tracts of the Association were ,

    at first , necessarily doctrinal ; pr ^ if you will so denominate them , they were sectarian ; and to a certain extent they must , for a time , so continue . But may we not hope that they may presently become purely Christian ? It had been well said

    by one who preceded him that we seek to extend Unitarianism not as Uriitarianism , but as Christianity . Yes , our grand object is to support the cause of Christian love , truth , and holiness . Why did we unite in the formation of the Unitarian Association ? We

    might have said , in reference to the call for benevolent efforts , — We cannot unite with those who disseminate error . —We know , indeed , that some of our brethren are suffering the unhappy consequences of erroneous religious teaching . We are

    sensible of their unpleasant condition . We sincerely pity them , but cannot help them . ' Such is the inactivity in which we might have indulged , in regard to the moral condition ancj wants of our brethren . But no ! we could not , as honest and

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    good men , do thus . We were bound to unite in the formation of this Association ; to unite for the defence and diffusion of what we deem the truth ; the principles most promotive of practical Christianity . And we find in this great object a bond of duty . And what are these princi- ' ~ ples ~? - ^ -WhatH : s ^ FTiitarian- ~ C 7 hTisti-- " anity ?

    It is a religion of truth ; a religion which teaches the existence of one Infinite Spirit , and the revelation of his will by Jesus Christ his Son , who has sealed the truth of his mission and teaching by his blood , and calls us to holiness and God by his pure and sublime precepts and doctrines

    and his perfect example . Does any one think that a man may be a Unitarian Christian , because he merely admits our doctrines , whilst , after the ordinary course of the world , he goes on through life neglecting the discipline of his character and affections , and indifferent to the moral , condition and wants of his fellow

    beings ? No ! Iknow no such Unitarian Christianity . It is the true and great purpose and tendency of our faith to fill us with love to God and man , and an active zeal for truth and duty . We are to feel , and

    to be continually influenced by the solemn and inspiring truth , that we are the children of God , placed here for the discharge of important duties , to God , to ourselves , and mankind , in preparation for a future endless existence . This is Unitarian

    Christianity . This is the state of mind , and these are the feelings and purposes which will be cherished by the true Unitarian Christian . If we will but feel and manifest the full power of our principles , UnitarianfCbrisv tianity may goon triumphing overall error , delusion , and sin , till it reaches the utmost extremity of the country ;

    and becomes the glory of our land . The Rev . Mr . Ripley , of Boston , introduced his remarks by referring to the passages in the Report which were read at the opening of the meet-

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    158 UNITARIAN CHRONICLE *

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 1, 1832, page 152, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1819/page/8/