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ceive the harmony and unity of the countenance . Thus all the efforts of all the learned are , as to their practical bearing upon human happiness , resolvable into a mere strenua inertia . The truth of these remarks is apparent In the fact , that scarcely one of the great steps towards the sublime object of the universal consummation of human happiness ,
has originated with the orthodox , or has been heartily promoted by them . The creed is a fundamental obstacle , and an impassable stumbling-block . The orthodox appear to have no idea of the possibility of any great increase in the
virtue and happiness of mankind , and only look forward to a millenium as a miraculous event , the fruits of which are to be enjoyed by departed saints after a resurrection . Ultimately , the Almighty not being able to untie the knot , "will cut it , by delivering up the greater part of the world to misery .
The Unitarian , having rejected this complicated system , which is literally above comprehension , is driven into a creed so simple , that he is immediately compelled to starch for new fields of exercise and development . It is no wonder that this task , imposed upon him for the first time , should be one of great difficulty . Invention and discovery are the most arduous of human efforts . It
is true that the early adventurers , occupied with soundings and fixing beacons , could not examine and record the beauties and productions of the country , towards which the navigation was so dangerous . But having accomplished this , they have no ground to stand upon but that of Love . They have nothing to
teach and nothing to require but love . They do not teach men to believe so much as to act . When they behold a fellow-creature , they do not inquire after his creed , but they say , 4 < Behold , our brother : he is a man , and we will love him . "
The Unitarian does not waste his time upon theology as a science . The simplicity of his creed forbids it . The Bible is enough for him , which as it is the only record of the Will of God , so is the reading of it the nearest approach he can make to personal converse with its author . This is the veil , from behind which the oracle is delivered , and his own heart affords the interpretation of that oracle .
When a man has ouce adopted the Unitarian creed , the sooner he can get rid of controversy the better , ft bars his way to virtue , knowledge , and happiness . It obstructs his usefulness to his
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fellow-creatures ; his devotion to the great cause for which the Saviour lived and died ; the cause of universal love , virtue , and happiness . To be a man is the highest privilege God has conferred : as yet we know not how high : it is to be partaker of the divine nature . To be a man is enough , no matter how poor or mean . If my brother be poor , I will help and cherish him : if iu sorrow , I
will comfort him : if ignorant , I will instruct him : if vicious , I will reclaim him : if an Atheist , I will pity him , mourn for him , pray for him , aod com * mune with him . Thus will 1 drive Satan from his bosom , and wait till the gentle spirit takes possession of his heart , when I will encourage him , comfort him , and compel him to love me and live with me , and bless me , and through me to know and bless his Maker . This
is Unitarian ism ; this is human nature . But such a heart and mind is dissatisfied with the world as it is : the pride , arrogance , and ignorance of man : the idle and voluptuous lives of some : the poverty and misery of others : the wide inequality of condition : and above all , the inexplicable problem that " one soweth and another reapeth . " Having now
no long line of dogmas to expound , his thoughts are intently fixed upon human improvement and happiness . To this his studies are consecrated , his private musings , his public duties . Can man be happy ? Can he be virtuous ? That is the question . Creature of circumstances , can circumstances be so moulded and framed , that they shall produce
character and therefore happiness ? Let rnt inquire : let all men freely inquire and bring together their stores , that we may attempt the solution of the most interesting of all problems . Here again we perceive the superiority of a simple creed . Many who join iu the search and pursuit , restrict their companions to their own roads and domain . " Find it with
us , or find it not . " It must be sought through the medium of dogmas , which have been so long examined and sifted as to prove their utter barrenness and emptiness . The simple creed says , * ' Search with me , but search also in your own direction . Whoever finds , shall win the prize . ' *
Such is the present slate of the world upon this niomentuns subject . Knowledge has at length spread and descended to the workman . He surveys his form and strength : he moves hi « limbs preparatory to putting forth his strength . He sets himself a giant , hitherto unconscious of his strength . He has as yet ,
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Miscellaneous Correspondence . 283
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1829, page 283, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2571/page/59/
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