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were so far advanced beyond them in intellectual character . It was only of late years , he remarked , that Unitarians had been recognized in Ireland ; the greatest prejudices had heen excited against them , from the episcopal throne down to the reading-desk . Hence they were exposed to the contumely and insults of every description of fanatics and enthusiasts . There were others , again ,
whose connexions prevented them from avowing principles , of the truth of which they were partly convinced ; and some few who , from higher motives , had abstained from professing them . He felt happy , however , that prejudices were giving way , and that a brighter prospect was opening before the Unitarians of Ireland « It had been asserted , that it would be beneficial for all men to stand
on common ground : it might be so ; but he would urge it upon Unitarians to b . end all their efforts to the establishment of their grand fundamental principles ; if that were effected , every thing else would follow . The cause of truth in Ireland was much indebted to the efforts of its euemies . Some members of the Synod of Ulster had been anxious to impose the rusty iron yoke of Calvinism , and their exertions to effect this had
awakened others from their slumbers to the defence of their liberties . The thunders of orthodoxy and bigotry had been roaring long and loud , but they had raised a spirit of resistance which it would be found impossible to lay . Their spell
was now broken , their charm was dissolved , and the black clouds in which they were euveloped were rapidly rolling away . He trusted they would soon witness the commencement of a new , a . bright , and a glorious day of knowledge and religion .
The Chairman proposed , " The memory of our departed worthies . ' This toast was drank in silence . Mr . Rutt rose and said , " Mr . Chairman , I am sure you will allow me to detain you , a very few minutes , on the highly interesting subject which you have brought before us , with the expression of so much excellent feeling .
"I recollect , Sir , when my friend who is now sitting near me ( Mr . Sturch ) , with whom I have acted from my youth to promote what we deemed objects of general utility , was occupying , several years since ,, the Chair , which is filled today so much to our advantage , he happily reiiiaiked , that we sfioujd not merely regret the decease of our departed worthies , but also congratulate one another that such men had lived , and lived and laboured in our communion .
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" It has been , Sir , one of the most valuable advantages of n ) y life , for which I ought ever to be devoutly grateful to an indulgent Providence , that I have eujoyed the society and friendship of several persous who can scarcely be forgotten whenever we think or speak of our departed worthies . They were men born under more favourable
circumstances thau some of their predecessors , but prepared , by a knowledge of their principles , a sense of their importance , and an undeviating attachment to the iutegrity such principles would inspire , to follow their examples , through evil as through good report . They were pre - pared , like the most wronged and persecuted of those predecessors , to advocate what thev esteemed to be the cause
of divine truth and of human happiness , even amidst trials of cruel roockings , wrongs , and imprisonments . " But there are , Sir , I am persuaded , many in this room who have not been able to hear of our departed worthies without recollecting one very lately added to the number , and who was never , I believe , absent from these anniversaries till to-day . I refer to Mr . David Eaton , in whose introduction to a connexion
with Unitarians in the metropolis and its vicinity , I had the honour to have a considerable share . " The admirable Mrs . Lindsey , who animated the pious labours of her excellent husband , whose praise is in our churches , and shared and alleviated all his trials , put into my hands , and I retain it as a valued relic , the letter she
had received from Mrs . Cappe , and which Mr . Eaton brought as his introduction to London . The discerning writer there described how he had struggled with the disadvantages and moral dangers of his early life , how he had sought and secured independence by honourable industry , and had occupied the little leisure his condition afforded in
acquiring and communicating the most valuable religious knowledge . " Thus assured , I could not fail to form an acquaintance with Mr . Eaton , and to offer him all the little services in my power . These he was ever disposed to magnify , and they were amply recompensed by observing how he occupied
the station and the term of life which Divine Providence assigned to Mm to promoting , 4 o the extent of his influence , the general good , and especially the interests of this . Association , in the formation of which , as growing out of the Unitarian Fund , he is justly acknowledged to have had a principal share . " How ably and perseveringly he de-
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512 Intelligence . — Un it aria n Association .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1829, page 512, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2574/page/64/
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