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Silent under the influence of those obstacles which were spoken of by my excellent friend this morning , the power of prejudice , and that odium , to which no man can be insensible . The founders of the Unitarian Society had the merit of
combating those prejudices , and of standing forward in the face of that odium and declaring , it was high time that the friends of genuine Christianity should appear in their proper character before the world , avow their opinions , and maintain them to the utmost of their power . There were , indeed , some who
gave their money to the institution , but still , under the influence of prejudice , and the fear of reproach , withheld their names . But there were others , such as a Priestley , a Lindsey , a Disney , a Kippis , not to mention some who are still among the living , who evinced by their conduct that they were not afraid to be known to
the public as the / Mends of Unitariamsm . Thirty-five years lhave passed away since that period ; and what have been the effects which the spirit exemplified by these men has produced in other minds ? Other institutions - of a similar character
and with similar objects ^ have arisen in every part of the kingdom , and , instead of meeting in small parties , now assemble in numerous bodies to prosecute their measures . It has been stated that
the Society is now dead—but I say no S its body , indeed , may be defunct , and its members may hare ceased their functions ; but its spirit cannot perish . It is one of the three souls which animate this Association ; it lias only transmigrated into another body ; and I hope that after this
mete in psycho sis it will regain and preserve its youthful energy and vigour to engage again in the promotion of that cause which it was first created to support . Sir , I cannot but be deeply solicifcious respecting that particular purpose which was contemplated by the Unitarian
Society—I mean the distribution of books , 1 hope , whatever this Association may do , it will never lose sight of that great and important object . Jt Ls high praise to the directors of this Association ,
fthat its Missionaries , in every place they ^ isit , are instructed to keep this end constantl y in their view . They not only preach sermons , which , whatever be their immediate effect ,, may soon be forgotten ; hut they also leave books to act as silent
missionaries after they have themselves taken their departure . I hope no missionary will ever go forth without carryil in his bag or his pocket , the publications of the Association , which may instruct , when the oral teacher is no longer present . Knowing the good effected by u > e Unitarian Society , ( after having wi- rca the office of Secretary to it for ten
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years , ) I cannot but experience a lively interest in its fate ; and I should hare felt the greatest concern in putting my hand to its death-warrant , had I not believed , that it was to rise hi a new form and character , under the auspices of those gentlemen who will have the conduct of this Association . ' *
Chairman . " I have to propose another toast ; it relates to a gentleman to whom we are much indebted , to whom the Unitarian public is perhaps more indebted than to any other individual now living , I mean my friend , not far from the spot where we are now assembled , the
Kevo Thomas Belsham . Gentlemen , it would be a reflection upon your understanding in this place , at this time of day , to say one word more in his favour , and therefore I simply content myself with proposing to you , The health of the Rev . Thomas Belsham . "
" Prosperity to the York College . " Mr . Mardon ( the senior student present ) expressed his thanks to the company for their good wishes towards an Institution so deserving of the support of all friends to scriptural knowledge and rational piety as the College at Yorko i €
Mr . Edgar Taylor , our worthy and indefatigable Solicitor / ' ( Proposed by Dr . Rees . ) " Mr . Edward Taylor and the Members of the Committee . " Mr . Taylor returned thanks in the name of the Committee . The interest
which appeared to be felt in their societies throughout the kingdom for the presperity of the Association was an ample reward for the labours of the Committee * They had not labored in vain . But though much , had been done , much still remained to do . He considered the present state of the Association as but the earnest of wlhat
was £ o be done by the Unitarian body . Many societies had joined it , but there were many more who had yet to come in ; And while it was most gratifying to see that such small societies as those , of which the junction had been that afternoon announced , viz . Benenden and llolvenden , it was rather strange that not a word had been heard from either
Birmingham or Bristol . The Committee knew , and they rejoiced in the conviction that an abundant field for their labours was open , and they called upon their brethren in different parts of the kingdom to aid them , not only by pecuniary contributions , but by counsel ^
by pointing out where the efforts of the Association could be prudently and successfully directed . If , with the possession of these means , the Committee failed in their duty , he trusted the next General Meeting would exercise the power they possessed ; and select men who would mor ^
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Intelligence *—British and Foreign Unitarian Association Anniversary . < 3 f I
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1826, page 311, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2548/page/59/
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