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its specific objects and measures , I have no doubt that it has had great and beneficial efficacy in extending the reception of our doctrines , and in promoting among us that spirit of united exertion which must do good in proportion to its degree and the wisdom of its direction . Passing by the Societies to which the three I have mentioned gave rise
and which have greatly contributed , by their local efficiency , to the purposes for which those were respectively established ; and also that one of great value , which though commenced and supported principally by Unitarians , was not designed to teach their peculiar opinions , ( I refer to the Christian Tract Society , ) I must advert to another for special objects established in 1819 , and now merged in the present Association , viz . the Unitarian Association for the Protection of the Civil Rights of Unitarians . This was intended by those in whom it originated , to lead the various parts of the
Unitarian body into more general operation , on points in which individuals could not act with efficiency ; and to provide for emergencies in which that general operation might be effectually called forth . Its services were particularly directed to one object , which I deem of no small importance , viz . to obtain such alteration in the Marriage Service as shall free the Unitarian , when solemnly undertaking an engagement of the most interesting character , from every thing which he feels inconsistent with the directions of conscience . The Association for protecting our Civil Rights had the honour of leading the attention of the Legislature to the subject with great erfect ; and
there is little room to doubt that its exertions must ere long have the desired success . The declarations of several distinguished members of the Upper House , must have afforded delight to the advocates of religious liberty of other denominations , as shewing the rapid progress of liberal sentiments in concerns affecting freedom of thought and inquiry on topics the most momentous to the well-being of man . Recognized as we have been by those proceedings , as a body united by common principles of religious faith and worship , it is well that we should act as a body , whenever our exertions will thus be most effectual ; taking care that these be always guided by the spirit of love and of a sound mind .
As our interests and objects became more extensive and complicated , the necessity of such union became more obvious to all who gave their attention to the details , and especially to those who had to superintend them ; and this more comprehensive system , well adapted to its design , and fitted for permanency , was devised by those who have had experience to guide them , and the opportunity of seeing the wants of the body at large . The efficiency of it will in some measure depend upon the extent to which it is supported ; but it will still more depend upon the zeal , the wisdom , and the perseverance of those who conduct it : and those of us who can do little more than
cooperate , have reason for congratulation that there are those to whom the execution of our common objects may be safely intrusted . I think I should correct myself , when I say we can do little more than co-operate : it is our own fault if we do not watch over the execution of them ; and by free communication , in the spirit of the gospel , o £ our own experience and our own views , with mutual and cordial disposedness to forbearance and candour , aid
essentially in some or other of the purposes of the Association . Some , indeed , of its purposes cannot be properly effected without such communication ; and this more especially at the Annual Meetings . It will , indeed , be a cause of thankful congratulation , if the union of various objects ( some or other of which must be regarded by every Unitarian as important ) should so bring distant members together , whether or not engaged in the work of the
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316 Reasons for mutual Encouragement and Co-operation .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1829, page 316, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2572/page/20/
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