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Untitled Article
On Acquaintance tcith the Principles of Protestant Dissent . 3 $ J
Untitled Article
, as such , and without any reference to the cause or object of it , has nothing inviting , but the contrary . He must be \ ery singnlarly framed , who , for no reason at all , or for an extremely
sJig ht reason , goes counter to the opinions and practice of the mar jority of his neighbours . What is
the satisfaction of being pointed at *? What are the charms of a want of countenance and approbation ? Arguing from my own views and feelings , as in this instance , I presume , I safely may , to those of other men , I must conclude that where we can agree
with the rest of the world , to agree , is a far more pleasant situation than to disagree . For the bulk of mankind , conformity is easier than
nonconformity : it is more gratifying to their indolence , saves the trouble of t / linking , and brings with it no questions , no disputes , no doubts , no solicitude . In ordinary times , if not always , numbers are sure to be on the side of the
religion of the state ; wealth , distinction , and the almost exclusive possession of power , are likewise with it ; and to numbers , wealth .
distinction , power , human crea - tures cannot be indifferent . Notwithstanding 1 was born of dissenti ng parents , notwithstancJ - ln g I was trained according to what some would rorm that sect of
pur religion , and notwithstanding 11 is commonly neither agreeable n ° r reputable . to desert early con . Actions , I still aver that 1 should Not hesitate about becoming a confar mist , were I not furnished wj th what I take to be the best
th n ^ is nm exactly the case put by the Ron ^ n Satyrist : — A ulchrum est digito monstrari , et d'cier hie cst /"
Untitled Article
and weightiest arguments for n \ y remaining a Protestant Dissenter . So far as my worldl y advantages and prospects are concerned and separately from motives of a higher kind , I should consult my interest
by thinking and speaking and acting with the multitude in matters
of religion . As individuals then we have no slight inducement to ask ci Why are we dissenters V and to cmploy the proper means of enabling us to give a rational and
satisfactory answer . If , moreover , we arc sincere and serious in the profession of religion , we shall feel that such an examination into our principles of dissent , is a sacred duty . Religion brinss us into a relation
confessedly the most important of any which we can sustain , a relation to the first and greatest of Beings . We owe it to him , not to take our opinions upon points of religious faith and conductor ! trust , not to
be supine and careless as to the modeof worshipping him andseekinghis favour and acceptance . It is possible that those opinions may not , after all , be accurate . But
whatever they are , they may and ought to be the result of our investigation and conviction . The Father of our spirits has , for this reason , among many , endued us with mental faculties : and in the
recoids of his revealed will there are declarations on this head which have the authority of commands . Surely , if we value our own character ami ' peace of mind , it
behoves us to be correctly acquainted with the piinciples of dissent . On every subject in regard to which a man is capable ot reflection ^ it is disgraceful to him
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1811, page 397, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2418/page/13/
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