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made ; the other , giving just views of what we wish to recommend . The union of both these means i $ often required . In no instance is this more requisite than in the present state of Unitariaiiism in this country . It has long been the sect every where spoken
against . Besides propagating wrong opinions , it has been charged with producing coldness and indifference to the forms of religion * and to the conversion of those who are sitting in darkness . A different spirit begins to prevail ; and it is highly incumbent that
zeal should be directed by the best plans for effecting the greatest and most permanent good . In your last Repository , two excellent Letters appeared , both calculated to promote the spread of Unitarianism . The one ( p . 407 ) signed G . D . ; the other , ( p . 408 , ) by Mr . George Kenrick , whose
retirement from the ministry will be sincerely regretted by all who have observed his ardent desire to promote the best interests of society . Impressed with the justice of Mr . Kenrick ' s remarks on the duty of hiring i-ooms for schools and religious instruction , allow
me to direct your readers to some striking observations in the Eclectic Heview of June last , occasioned by Dr . Chalmers' publication on the Economy of Towns ; a work which may be perused with advantage by those whose theological system widely differs from the author ' s . Dr . Chalmers
having pointed out the defects in the present mode of instructing the people , adds , " The great achievement for effecting religious information lies within the power and scope of Dissenterism ^ and if so little progress has yet been made to it , it is only because Dissenters have not been localized . " He recommends
sub-divisions and local inspection like Bible Associations and Sunday-school institutions . After expatiating on the prevalent depravity , Dr . C . says , " We Know of no expedient by which this ivoful degeneracy can be arrested , but by actual search and entry into the
territory of wickedness . A mere signal of invitation is not enough . We must , in allusion to the parable of the marriage feast , go out into streets and the hi g hways , and by moral , personal and friendly application , compel the multitude to come in . We , most assuredly need not expect to Christianize
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any city of modern Christendom by waiting the demands of i | s various districts for religious instruction , and act * ing upon the demands as they arrive . There must be as aggressive a movement on the part of a stated minister as of the people . " On the phrase
** aggressive movement /* the Reviewer introduces the following anecdote . A Dissenting Minister who had for many years officiated in a town comprising a large population , finding his
congregation gradually declining , determined to make the experiment of opening licensed rooms in different parts of the town and suburbs , where he might carry evangelical instruction to those who would not come to seek it ; or , in Dr . Chalmers * language , instead of
holding forth signals to those who were awake , knock at the doors of those who were profoundly asleep . Success exceeded the most sanguine expectations . The neglected preacher was listened to in the preaching-rooms , and his chapel was soon after mronged with the trophies of his aggressive zeal .
And cannot Unitarian teachers go and do likewise ? They possess the glad-tidings , and can convey them in terms free from mystery , suited to the plainest understanding , and fitted to enlighten the ignorant , whilst they reclaim the vicious . Their cause is from God
and designed to bring sinners to God . Yet it is every where spoken against , because its true nature is not known ; and a becoming spirit is not shewn to remove the prejudices that prevent its
spread . It is time , it is high time , that the labourers should go forth , for the fields are ready for the harvest . Lancashire has furnished an example : Yorkshire will ; not look on with
indifference . The cities of Norwich and JBristol will not be surpassed by Liverpool ; and Birmingham will send forth her Missionaries , and Nottingham catch her spirit . Plymouth and Falm outh are awake ; and whilst a Turner resides at Newcastle , a burning and shining ais
light will be presented to adjacent - tncts . That a zeal actuated by knowledge , accompanied by benevolence , and crowned w ^ th divine blessing , may attend every work and labour for promoting the truth as it is in J < ^? ' the sincere desire of EBOlt ,
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594 On Unitarian Missionary Preaching .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1821, page 594, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2505/page/26/
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