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There is an article , pp . 219—222 , on the progress of Unitarmnism in America , partly extracted from the Christian Reformer and partl y or iginal . The Editors say , " a subscription has been commenced at Washington , by Thomas Law , ( brother to the late JLfOrd Ellenborough and the present
Bishop of Chester , ) his son John Law , and several other persons , for the purpose of building a church , sacred to the worship of the One only God . " They also furnish us with the
following passages from a sermon preached before the " General As ~ scinbly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States / ' at Philadelphia , in May last , by the Rev . J . H . Rice , D . D . which are the most decisive evidence
that has yet come before us of the wide and rapid spread of Unitarianism in America : " After lamenting the want of attention in the orthodox to make literature subservient to religion ; the preacher say § , 6 it deserves particular consideration ^ that there is a set of men ( and they
possess great facilities for carrying on their purposes ) who are making vigorous efforts to give to the whole literature of th § country , a direction in favour of what we do conscientiousl y believe to be fatal error . ' ' They expect to occupy the seats
of learning and direct the influence of literature . ' c And now they are almost continually throwing" into circulation something calculated to further their plans , and to give the hue and tone to public ' sentiment /
" The very circumstance that religion is becoming fashionable is one that may alarm us . We have in this country nothing to bind men to the support of sound orthodox divinity , but a feeling that this system of truth is necessary for
the peace and salvation of a sinner . Socinianism is the religion exactly suited to a man who wishes to escape the odium of infidelity , ancl yet maintain the pride of his understanding , and indulge his favourite inclinations . It will find friends
on every side . Its acute and industrious advocates perceive where their advantage lies , and they will make the most of it . The pestilence will spread like wild-fire . At our own doors , and by 6 ur own firesides , we shall have to maintain the
contest with this most formidable enemy of ' the faith once delivered to the saints / Considering th < £ great extent of country and its population committed to our care , and the smallness of our numbers , it is impossible for us to render personal service every where . It is our duty , then ,
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to embody our best thoughts and best feelings , $ nd present them to all who can and will rea <| through our country ; to address our fellow-citizens not merely in evanescent words , but permanent writings . By zeal , talents and industry
combined , we may thus exert a continual influence , may give to ourselves a sort © f pluri-presence , that in a considerable degree may compensate for the paucity of our numbers , and the limited extent of our personal exertions . Are these plans visionary ? Why should they be thought so ? Are we as a tody incapable
of enlightening the public mind , and giving direction to the public taste ? Then -certainly we ought , with increasing zeal , to follow the things whereby one may edify another . Is the situation of our country thought to be such , that schemes like these cannot ; be executed ? The energy of Socinianism will shew us . tji 0 qontrary * Are we so divided , so intent pn local
interests and personal schemes , that we cannot be brought to co-operate with sufficient zeal and perseverance ? Theu our Jerusalem la , in its present condition ^ like the ancient city , within which were divisions and contention , while without it was beleagured by Roman armies , I am sometimes afraid , too , that the enemy wJU succeed : that here the banner df
Socmmmsm will be unfurled , and wave in triumph . Had such fears been ex ~ pressed in the days of Matjhej 1 and EHiott * the prophet would , perhaps , have beeu laughed to scorn . But look at what was
once the scene of their labours , and the theatre of their triumphs . Look at the , present state of once flourishing Presfyy ^ terian Churches in England ! Look al Geneva ! It is necessary that something should be done . As far as the influence
of the clergy is separated from the general literature Qf the country , and it falls into other hands , infidelity , in some form or other , is almost sure to prevail : it will be broad , open , unblushing Deism % or it will try to wear the garb , and assume
the port and bearing of Christianity ; it will be insinuating ^ nd sly ; tal k much of moderation , while violence Is in its heart ; and of liberal views , while all its feelings are sectarian ; an < J of the pure morality of the gospel , while it is a very free liver ; -n « and it will misname itself Unitarianism .
In some form Infidelity will prevail . AwE * pe of this , we ougbt to go forth in all the strength with which Gk > 4 hua endowed us , and all tfre zeali of wWoh we are capable , and s $ iz& on every point wbiqU will give us any advantage in the conflict that we have to sustain . ' [ Pp « 16—20 •]" —Pp . 220—222 .
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Review . — -The Chrhtiim Reflector . 117
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1821, page 117, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2497/page/53/
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