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prevailed in the recent revival of Unitarianism , we have no reason for complaint , though we may have for regret . To complain would be unwise , for the process was precisely that which circumstances necessitated . To regret that such should nave been the case we have reason , for the past generation have transmitted an influence to the present , and our way is yet impeded by the difficulties under which they laboured , and our characters impaired by
what injured the harmony and proportion of their own . Do not lev us be supposed to have an intention of casting blame on the worthies intp whose labours we have entered . We declare with perfect sincerity that we venerate their characters , and esteem them beyond expression for their works ' sake . They were the very men that were needed ; they discharged the duties of their day with fidelity and success . Still those duties may have been such as to give a disproportionate sway to their intellectual powers ;
and still may the tendency of the position in which we are lead to the same result . Let us then be on our guard ; let us not by admiration of the confessors of the past age follow them in their imperfections ; let us consider what was peculiar to their times and circumstances , and leaving that , mould our characters into the same love of truth , combining therewith the earnest , affectionate , and active spirit of gospel benevolence .
Before all things it is necessary , if we would conciliate the good opinion of our orthodox brethren , and stop the mouth of calumny , and put down misrepresentations , and remove misconceptions , that we should remedy the evils to which we have adverted . To the work of evangelists we must give ourselves with more energy , with more unity of operation , and with more
sanctity of means . The religion of the heart must receive cultivation and encouragement more than heretofore ; the tone of our public addresses must increase in earnestness , and of our periodicals in practical teachings . We must awaken as a . body , and Christ must give us life . We must imbibe and breathe the spirit of gospel zeal , not to scrutinize creeds so much as to search the heart and save the soul . Yet must there be no indifference to
truth , since , as God has made known his will , it is not a matter of indifference what opinions I or a brother may hold . We must contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints , but yet so as to extend , not to check , its progress , and as remembering that the great business is to turn men from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan unto God , that they may receive forgiveness of sins , and inheritance among them which are sanctified . Then , not till then , will prevailing prejudices disappear . Let us be true to our principles , and others will learn to think well of them as well as of us . Let us labour to diffuse the sentiments we entertain , and doubts , of our
sincerity will be scattered . Let us strive to extend the kingdom of Christ , and men will cease to question our allegiance . " A good life , " says Ben Jonson , " is a main argument , " and a Christian zeal is no bad sign of the Christian character . Certainly , it is a sign which will have more weight
with the many than the most logical arguments , and the most eloquent appeals . Already we hope and believe the reaction has commenced * From intellectual we are passing to moral energy . Yet much remains to be effected , very much , before it can with truth ( be said that the Unitarian body in these kingdoms are in action for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ . Of individual and insulated etfort there has been , and is still , much . Many
have toiled and do toil , bearing the heat and burden of the day , and sacrificing comfort , in some cases health , to the cause of Christ . Their elfforts have drawn a few of kindred dispositions around them . The band is small , and we ought as one man to arise to the aid of the Lord against the mighty
Untitled Article
705 The Watchman .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1829, page 706, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2577/page/34/
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