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    thought them worthy to be made the subject of observation on the present occasion , because they concisely and happily express a very common charge against the Nonconformists , which , though , comparatively speaking , of little moment , probably causes an unfavourable impression against them in many minds , and seems to me deserving of more notice than I recollect to have seen bestowed upon it .

    I cannot but think it easily made evident , notwithstanding the language often employed with so much confidence on the subject , that moroseness of temper , sourness of spirit and unnatural or irrational austerity of manners , have no conceivable connexion

    with the principles of Nonconformity , and can never really have arisen out of . them , however accidentally associated with them . I shall farther endeavour to trace these charges against us to their sources , when they will be found to have originated either in misrepresentations of those characteristics which

    are justly our glory , such as are most charitably explained as the results of a meanness of thought and narrowness of mind , incapable of entering into their real nature and spirit , or in peculiarities of religious opinions , or of the circumstances of the times , altogether unconnected with the principles of Nonconformity .

    Before we proceed , it will be necessary for us to consider what are the genuine and permanent principles of Nonconformity . In the immense body of Dissenters from the Established Church , and after such a lapse of time from their first separation , there must of course be individuals

    influenced by various motives , and possessing very various degrees of knowledge , reflection and integrity ; so that , if we had to deduce the general principles from their various opinions and springs of action , we might be at some loss ; but there is no doubt that those are to be considered as the

    ge-* ng the Quakers—an interest which can nave originated only in their peaceable spirit and conspicuous philanthropy , and which , whilst it does honour to those who felt it , should lead the benevolent wand to hope that it may not altogether terminate in a barren and unfruitful adoration

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    nuine and fundamental principles which have been , most generally appealed to as the grbund of defence in controversy ; which have been advocated alike by individuals differing most widely on peculiar topics , of religious belief , and which have been most strikingly developed and confirmed by ^ ^ ^

    time and repeated examination . Wje cannot then have much difficulty in deciding , that a conviction of the right and duty of private judgment in matters of religion , is the first great principle of Nonconformity . Nor can I , notwithstanding some difference of

    opinion , hesitate to place beside it , that true religion disclaims all immediate connexion with the powers of this world , deprecating as sincerely their baneful patronage , as their unjust und tyrannical persecution . If there be another principle which

    is entitled to the distinction of beinghere mentioned , it is , the perfect equality , as brethren and fellow-disci ples , of all members of Christ ' s church , without distinction of orders , sanctity arising from office , or any exclusive right to teach or administer ordinances , possessed or communicated by any man or body of men .

    We can readily imagine the con * - nexion between submissive faith and the superstition which manifests itself in unnatural austerities or in gloomy abstinence from innocent pleasures . We can without difficulty understand how a wild enthusiasm may draw off the attention from the needful cares

    and laudable pursuits of life , and so completely occupy it as to make every thing appear worthless or wicked which does not belong to one subject . It is not difficult for us to estimate the sourness which certain opinions are calculated to produce , or the repulsive sternness which novelty of situation , and the ill-treatment of

    adversaries , might give to a rising sect . But to the plain question , how the above-stated principles of Nonconformity can all , or any of them , produce sourness of spirit or moroseness of temper , no answer can be given . It may even be remarked , that those who in the present day have bept exemplified * and are most ardently

    attached to the spirit of Nonconformity j Cmay I not fairly claim this distinction for the Unitarians I ) are in t ^ eir general conduct and feelings as for

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    The Nonconformist . No : XXII . -JH& . . ^ a . ^ m ^ te ^ B A A ^ m A a

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1821, page 661, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2506/page/29/