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. . r The fact is , that , till I had read the Repository , I had rather mistaken the character and spirit of Unitarianism than Its sentiments and opinions ; and taking the Repository as the organ of whatever appertains to its characteristic distinction , as well as the vehicle of its doc * trines , I must say I discover in it more of the real excellence of unadulterated
Christianity than in any other sect ; and frankly confess that the writers of the denomination in question display a share of intellectual eminence and talent , which many of their calumniating opponents do not possess . Jn these respects , I may say to you or any of your brethren , * Thou almost persuadest me to be a ( Unitarian ) Christian . '
" But though 1 have made this avowal , 1 would not be understood to agree with you in ail points of your belief ; and with respect to the doctrine of Atone ment as held by Trinitarians , I have employed what little intellectual talent I
possess in earnest and intense exercise thereon ; and I must confess that there are many rational arguments to be adduced against it : while at the same time , in considering the subject in all its bearings , I have met with several considerable difficulties which seem to stand
in the way of your view of the point ; but for which , I should have no hesitation in declaring myself on your side of the question . These difficulties , as 1 thought others as well as myself nright be interested in them , I have compressed into as narrow a compass as I could in the shape of questions , and intend sending them to the Repository for a
solution . I can assure you that my mind is open to conviction on the subject , and I will readily acknowledge the force of sound argument in the difficulties alluded to . In the mean time , I would not be understood as attaching to doctrinal opinions any undue consequence , by holding this or that as among the * essentials / as too many do ; for I have learnt to take such a view of Christianity
divested of all the trappings of sectarian - ism > as to consider it in its native simplicity in no way hostile to common sense or the right exercise of the understanding ; and without setting up a standard for any , I regard all who profess the Christian name and exemplify its moral principles * as brethren of one common Father , and as equally entitled to the heavenly kingdom through his grace . "
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270 Qccmionul Correspondence .
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Mr . WellbelovedTs Bible . To the Editor . Sin , I have just received from my bookseller Air . Wellbeloved ' s Bible , Part V ., on the perusal of which I rose with the impression that whether we speak of its style and manner , or its notes and practical reflections , it appears fully to sustain the well known reputation of its
editor for learning , piety , and ability . The object of my present communication is respectfully but earnestly to remonstrate with the Unitarian public on their inattention to the progress of this great work . Nothing can be more truly important than a faithful version of the book of life , and this transcendent object is attempted to be gained by the work in question . None , I presume , who are acquainted with its learned editor and his vast stores of biblical
knowledge , with his integriiy , patience , and impartiality , will question for a moment his peculiar fitness for the execution of the task . Although Unitarians have used zealous exertious for the last thirty or forty years to spread the knowledge of their principles , by the formation of societies for various important purposes , by learned expositions and defences of their doctrines , by periodical works ably conducted , by missionary preaching , by
improved versions of the New Testament , and by the circulation of cheap tracts , both practical and controversial ; yet after all that has been achieved by them , one thing was obviously wanting towards completing and carrying forward the good work which had been soably advocated , and that was a Family Bible , faithfully translated and enriched with those stores of knowledge which modern criticism and research have
brought to light , and with such notes of explanation and practical reflections as should aid the purposes of domestic instruction , piety , and devotion . This want Mr . Wellbeloved ba « attempted to supply . The Pentateuch is finished , followed by the book of Job , and I am informed that the book of Psalms is in the
press . Now , permit me to a » k , what reception have his labours met with ? They have been praised , and been neglected . No learned pens have been wielded in his support . No discussion upon the merits of his work has been excited . No useful or important hints , with a view to its greater perfection , have been thrown out ; no aid nor stimulant haft been afforded by our writers . Our periodicals oh this subject have been nearly silent ;
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1828, page 270, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2559/page/54/
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