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Untitled Article
the prevailing faith are far ever loading" our sect , attach to the term Unitarian ideas very different from those which we design it to convey , so that those w&o adopt it scarcely know to what a heap of injurious
misconceptions they thereby subject themselves . There are ^ indeed , some zealous advocates who are fond of ringing this party appellation for ever in one ' s ears , and not long ago , in a chapel in the metropolis , I was greatly annoyed m being" obliged to sit out a sermon
in vvhfch it was introduced at least twenty times . iJuch seem to forget that Correct notions of doctrine are at best but a small part of religion , and trhile- they are for ever harping on what reminds one of disunion ami
strife , they make one long to hear more of that kingdom which is righteousness and peace and holy spiritual joy . But we may surely hold fast our own convictions honestly and openly without , as it were , writing them on our foreheads . These distinctive
names are shibboleths of discord ; and though we disavow the use of creeds and subscriptions , yet our societies ' calling themselves by a name involving a controverted point of doctrine has a good deal of the same effect . It prejudges an important question , and commits the ministers and
members where they ought to be rfcost freely open to the influence of the evidence of truth . It savours too much of a contentious and speculative turn when the term 3 of controversy are made to stand so prominent .
It would be better , I humbly conceive , to dig deeper for a foundation . There are broader and less obnoxious principle * -which lie at the root of rational and liberal divinity , and from which the conclusions which
Uaitunana arrive at 111 regard to particular dogUias naturally spring . Such are the duty of free inquiry ; the propriety of rational interpretation ; the ea $ p&diency of holding fast what is clear , obscurer passages notwithstanding i iua »« l that all-important general conviction that the essence of religion consists not in orthodox doctrine or
devotional observances , or any occult experiences , but in rational piety towards God , displayed in love and goodwill to man . These are the , great and tfruly valuable principles which I may
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fairly say distinguish the Unitarian seel ; their views of the Divine nature and of the person of Christ are consequences naturally arising out of the mental habits with which these
principles are associated , whatever is rational , equitable and benevolent , is that which is congenial to this turfl of mind , and therefore in a mind so disposed , I think it no wonder tliat the Unitarian scheme of divinity dislodges the Calvin is tip . Would it not be bet
ter to assert the premises than to anticipate the conclusion ? In order then to provide an appellation expressive , ift some good measure , of the turn and genius of Unitarian Christianity , and yet at the same time such as will not give occasion to needless and unseasonable offence . I
shall take the liberty of submitting the term Philadelphian to the consideration of your readers , whom I hardly need remind that its original , < pi \ a . d £ k ( piot 9 is of frequent occurrence in the New Testament , and signifies brotherly love . The sense therefore as well as the sound of this word is
sufficiently conciliating " , and would serve as a continual remembrancer to our societies of what they pre-eminently ought to be , while it indicated to other Christians what it is in religion which they think most essential . Should it be objected , that this name does not convey the essential
peculiarities of Unitarian doctrine , I repeat , that I am aware of that , and think it an advantage , and have already adduced the arguments for that opinion . In the same way the Wesleyan Methodists , although Arminians in doctrine , prefer not so controversial a title for common use .
Should it seem good to any or our brethren to bring into use this appellation of Philadelphmn in reference to their societies and chapels , I am inclined to think that it would be like removing a certain abrupt and conspicuous barrier by which a tract of forbidden ground is bounded . The use
of our present appellation seems involve a !) who frequent our chapels in an explicit avowal of Unitarian doctrine . Many arc not prepared exactly four this , who yet at the same time are best pleased when they hear nothing- of the contrary doctrine . On these difficult points tfoeir views are not sufficiently clear , ami they are
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o-22 New appellation of Unitarians .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1826, page 222, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2547/page/34/
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