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Sir , EVE RY discussion that is calculated to elicit truth deserves the attention of the friend of genuine piety . I am glad , therefore , to see the subject of Liturgies presented to your readers .
Though your correspondent J . P . [ pp . 210 , 211 ] has declined entering into an inquiry of the respective advantages of extemporary prayer , and of printed forms , I may be pardoned for mentioning my own , and the experience of many others who have been from
infancy accustomed to attend the service of the Established Church . I admit we are incompetent judges , as we cannot compare the benefits to be derived by those who prefer public prayers in which the people take no
part , with the devotSon that has been excited by using a liturgy , and being a party in the petitions offered at the throne of grace . The power of habit inust be granted . On this very ground a strong argument presents itself in favour of printed forms . During an extemporary prayer , children and
young persons are i \ @t , nay , cannot be interested . They contract an indifference , if not a habit of inconsideration , during that most solemn of religious duties , the address to the
Searcher of hearts . But if they had such a composition before them as might lead them to think on what they ought to be engaged in , some good impression might result , at least they waukj not be called to utter an Amen
to what they had not understood , or might not have regarded , because their thoughts were differently em-
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ployed . I have seen , I have felt the force of this remark , when I have observed my own children , when they have been present at a Dissenting place of worship . Let it not be imagined that I would prevent their attending a Dissenting congregation .
By no means . But the inquiry I am pursuing is the best mode of promoting pure and undefiled piety . I have seen much of the world . I have held a military station . It may cause a smile on the countenance of some of your readers to find this confession from one who avows himself a zealous
Unitarian . And it will , perhaps , surprise others to learn that mine is far from a solitary instance . But if the plan of many mess-rooms were known , a different conclusion would be drawn
from that which at first may be suggested . When two or three inquiring minds meet , theological , as well as other subjects are introduced ; and , besides the various connexions which
military men have , and their different ranks and education , they are often less burthened with prejudice , and more open to fair investigation , than many other classes of society . To these causes I attribute it , that very many thinking men , both in the army
and the navy , are decided Unitarians . But I have found very few that would join a society in which extemporary prayer was used . Their early habits , their wish not to appear hostile to the Establishment , perhaps also their attachment to the forms , or even dress to which they have been accustomed ,
indisposes them to join what are termed regular Dissenters . But were a society like that in Essex Sdreet formed , were the place not destitute of external grace , were the services conducted without the peculiarities attached to Dissenting congregations in general , many who now regularly attend the Established Church , would
rejoice in such a mode of addressing the one living and true God . It may , perhaps , be said , Let them come out from among those who worship a Trinity in Unity . Let a little candour be
shewn ; let mutual indulgence be granted ; let a fair trial be made of adopting a scriptural mode of worsnip that may suit those who do not wish to enter into the speculative discussions that sometimes are delivered
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4 $ 0 ExpediencyofLiturgies .
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subsistence , the unity of substance / will not admit a trinity of incommunicable or distinct subsistences . "—( Vide p . 12 . ) From this I infer that the € t
constructions individuals may have put upon that pamphlet , " are not " entirel y opposite to W . Penn ' s views and intentions . ' * However " his subsequent declaration of his principles , and his public vindication or them" in another pamphlet , may have lessened the estimation in which he was held
as a consistent theologian , they cannot , in nay opinion , " remove from him every possible imputation of holding " and teaching " Unitarian doctrine . " AMICUS .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1822, page 470, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2515/page/14/
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