On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
but it is those only who hare known him personally , and who have enjoyed his conversation 5 that can form a true estimate of his Character . It is not his talents only , although they have excited the admiration df every part of the
world , but his virtues his enlightened and benevolent heart , which raise him as ntuch above others in philanthropy as in natural or acquired attainments . While I am mentioning this , I hope I may be allowed to say a few words as respects Unitarianism in India . I am
exceedingly gratified to be able to confirm what I have heard respecting the growing intellect of that country , and it appears to me that amidst the conflicting mass of opinions in India ,, truth has a
chance of prevailing ; for there error has not so strong a hold as in many other countries . This is a propitious season for the growth of religious truth ; let us plant it , and it will produce its fruits in due season . As the name of William
Roberts has been mentioned , allow me to state , that about two years ago I saw him at Madras . His residence was in a remote suburb of the city ; but though neglected by the great and powerful , he was pursuing his labours and effecting great good by promoting a spirit of
inquiry respecting religious truth . Stilly to speak candidly , I should entertain more favourable expectations with respect to Calcutta ; for in that country a £ present it is necessary for a man who introduces a new opinion s that he should
be high in station , as well as in character and respectability . In Calcutta there is such an individual , elevated by his piety , as well as by his talents and virtues , beloved and esteemed by all classes and sects . The principles and doctrines of Unitarianism which he has embraced ¦ ifci __ -i ^ k
— - — --- — — — _ . — __ . _ - _ ^ _ ^ _ , mm j ^ ^^ v «_ r ~* tmts 4 . , & , 4 . r *^ * ^_ ^ f ^ _ ^^ / ^ r ^ A n point to the straight path of truth , in opposition to the devious labyrinths of erro > r which perplex the mind of man . This individual is at the same time assisted by the Rev . William Adam , who possesses am acquaintance with the languages and
manners of India , which peculiarly iit him for extending the knowledge of Christianity in that country . These two individuals , it appears , to me , are in a state of society where there 3 s full scope for introducing truth with comparatively few obstacles to contend against . But if this
opportunity is neglected , such another will never occur , as the Church of England is gradually extending and entrenching itself in tlhe fortresses of power and patronage . In India there is at
present no established religion , and Unitarianism has as fair a chance to become the predominant faith as any other system-of Christianity . Priests and bishops ii&ve not yet been able there to govern
Untitled Article
by the influence of power , exercised through wealth and patronage , nor to fasten themselves like an incubu s on the intellect and the industry of that country , as they have done upou this . These circumstances ought to make you take
courage , and persevere in the glorious and important work which lies before you , that of diffusing tlhe blessings of Christianity throughout India , in its purest form , and I doubt not that your exertions , if zealously and prudently followed up , will meet with abundant success . '
The Chairman then gave the health of Dr . Rees , who , with so much advantage to the Book Society , had for many years filled the office of its Secretary ; and who , he was happy to say , had consented to continue to discharge the important duties of that situation as Secretary to the Book and Tract department of the Association .
Dr . Thomas Rees . " Sir , I cannot but express my grateful acknowledgments to you for proposing my health , and to the company for the manner in which they have been pleased to receive the toast oo its being announced from the chain There is no part of the labours of my life which has yielded me more sincere satisfaction than that which I have
devoted to the interest of the Unitarian Society , to which you have at this time more particularly adverted . That Society has now merged in this association , but I am sure it can never be
forgotten by Unitarians . Sir , that Society had the merit , and a great merit it was under the circumstances of the case , of being the first to stand forward as the public advocate of the Unitarian cause im this country *
" Providence employs different talents and spirits and measures in different circumstances , for advancing the cause of truth . There may be times when the doubting or unbelieving conformity of an Erasmus may be proper ; when the
timid non-conformity of a Melancthon may be necessary ; or when the more daring spirit of a Luther may be indispensable ; and the times , too , may have been , ( God forbid they . should ever return !) when it was requisite foraZwinglius to advance to the field of battle , to
tight , sword in hand , against the enemies of Christian truth . There was a time when in this country the occasional and timid conformity of a Firniiu , a Haynes , a Locke and a Newton , might be palliated
or excused ; but there was also a season when the bolder spirit of a Priestley and a Lindsey was more becoming and honour able and effective . There were times when Unitarians in this country might , no doubt , be pardoned for remaining
Untitled Article
810 Intelligence *—British and Foreign Unitarian Association Anniversary
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1826, page 310, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2548/page/58/
-