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have to say exists ^ aad the very bitterness shewn by the bigoted proceeds from a fear that our principles should be known ; for if known , they cannot refute them . But there is another cause : the
length the seoeders have gone in the doctrines they have taught , has alarmed rnany of the orthodox . Moral preaching and enforcing the duties of Christians ; were beginning to be more common before the direction given to public opinion by Carlile , anS his base effort to rank Unitarians with himself .
The tide will turn ; and though the depression of trade and the difficulties of the nation are against us , truth is gaining ground among individuals . It shews its progress slowly in bodies . Indeed , it is rather surprising , except in large towns , that Unitarian societies should be formed , if we consider the
difficulties that attend those who join them . Besides being f € every where spoken against , " in many places the means of support would be taken from those who would prefer worshi p ing with us , if they dared to attend with us . This opposition is not less strong among Dissenters than among members of the Establishment . With the
latter , it seems to me consistent ; in the former , a departure from their own princi p les , and a violation of that right , the right of private judgment , on which alone our Dissent can be justified . If we follow truth , it is of little consequence whether the numbers who avow themselves Unitarians are
for or against us . The Bible is for us , and with this weapon I am content . Human authority is to me , in matters of religion , like the kite that used to please me when a boy , with this
difference—the kite flies against , authority goes with , the wind . I was brought up in the belief that Christ was the only head of his church , though my Caivinistic education did not allow me to think he died for all .
Having told you my education , you will not wonder at some of the habits I still retain . Though I have long given up the belief , in Five Points as tteteteftar ? to salvation , 1 still feel a { great reverence for some of the practices nay mother and grandmother taught me early to observe . Amoftg these Are the strict observance bf the liortJfa-day , a frequent renSngof the Scripture ^ instructing cfcilwfen by
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catechising them , and attending family prayer . I wish these were more observed by Unitarians ; then we should not be so often charged with indifference to the means for promoting devotion . While we shun the gloom , we should still cherish the spirit of genuine
religion . Till our ministers shall follow the plan of a Field or a Holland or a Carpenter , we shall not build up eur young as we ought ; nor shall we prepare the way for toymen acting the part of p riests in their families , and in their neighbourhood , when new societies are to be formed , or old ones are
without a supply . It is greatly to be lamented , that such friends to our cause as Mr . Thos . F r , have not regular service in the places where they live . This would awaken inquiry , encourage public worship , { jive to the lower classes the opportunity of attending our forms of worship , and
enable the well-disposed to have Sunday-schools , and to promote other benevolent plans , which , for want of co-operation , are now omitted . Fellowship Funds are admirably fitted to prepare for general union . Vestrylibraries , religious tract societies and conferences will follow .
As you , Mr . Editor , recommend the Christian Tract Society , I will take the liberty of mentioning an improvement in its management . Its tracts are too long . They are more fitted for scholars than learners . They suit those who have a deal of time , not those who
can only snatch a few minutes , and are then off again . Let us take a hint from others . The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge , and the Bristol Tract Society , have short , pithy pieces . These are laid in shop windows , and in places most frequented .
It costs little to have a few to give away to persons who may read them . We want something of this kind . If the Committee of the Christian Tract Society Would consider this hint , they
might easily get sucflbi pieces as would obtain general circulation . I will shew jrott that I can follow the advice I give , and not occupy more of the time of y < mfr readers afc present . In toy aext , I will aeiid yoia some « yWsi ^* tioiw made in my Essex jouarnejy which m through Smfftotk , Norfolk , C antondgfC j and Hem . On eaeh 6 i these you will have the opinion * of aik _^ UNTTMIIAN TRAVELLER-
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472 Remarks of an Vnitarian Traveller . No . 1 :
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1820, page 472, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2491/page/28/
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