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Untitled Article
and temper in order to its success . There is , however , one mode of reproof which is at all times in your power ; aud that is , by silence expressive of displeasure ; by withdrawing from the com ^ pauy , if this be not effectual ; and by giving no countenance at any time , by jour own behaviour or conduct , to the follies or faults of others : which would
expose you to the just and severe disapprobation of the respectable part of society , atid to the hearty contempt of those wicked persons themselves , at whose vices you thus meanly connive . This reflection , indeed , coming , as it
seems to have done , into the mind of the apostle , appears to have introduced the fourth piece of advice which he gives to Titus , as he had before done to Timothy , * f < Let no man despise thee . " And it is an advice well worthy of your attention , my young friends .
You may not , indeed , expect to escape contempt , as the preachers of a doctrine every where spoken against . But this you will be able easily to bear , so long as you possess the approbation of your own minds , and are conscious that you act conscientiously on the principle of «« obeying God rather than man , " and of following the dictates of your own minds , rather than submit to the usurpations of men like yourselves . While you
find it necessary to repel direct attacks upon yourselves or your principles , and keep yourselves ready at all times < c to give an answer to anyone that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you , " and of the grounds on which you entertain that hope , you will do it ** with that meekness and fear" of giving needless offence , which will raise you above Mjusi contempt , and , generally , conciliate even your adversaries .
You will , indeed , deserve contempt , if , professiug to teach the religion of Jesus Christ , and calling yourselves his ministers or servants , you are yet at ho pains to understand it yourselves , or to represent to others ^ hat he hath taught . Ignorance is deemed reproachful on any subject : but if any one be ignorant of
the art which he professes to teach , and of the principles which he undertakes to explain , it ia justly reckoned peculiarly so , and however he may gain the esteem of fools for high-sounding Words , or for the flourish with which he delivers them , in the sight of the wise and $ ood he will be held in deserved contempt . But it is a greater reflection still If he * 1 Tim . iv . 12 .
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be himself ashamed af what he ought to deliver , and either conceals or dfe * guises his real principles to accommodate himself to the humour , or to flatter the prejudices or vices , of those before" whom he appears . A man may be mistaken in his judgment , and yet very upright iti his intentions : but he who will allow
himself to countenance popular errors , or even is unwilling or afraid to deliver any truth by which the great interests of religion and virtue may be promoted , is the meanest and most contemptible of men : and with whatever applauses he may be received by the party to wbich he has attached himself , in the judgment of all impartial persons he will be considered as one devoted to his own interest
or ambition , and as having no further regard to religion than as it is conducive to these ends . But to secure a Christian minister from contempt it is absolutely necessary that he abstain from those vices which
his religion expressly condemns ; and that his life be an example of piety and all virtue . Every one will acknowledge that he acts a very mean and unworthy part who endeavours to persuade others to what . he does not himself practise . When a man ' s life shews that he hay ti 6
concern with his religion biit ill the pul ^ - pit ; when he , who is all devotiari aud goodness on the Lord ' s -day , allowsf himself on the other days of the wieek to violate without scruple the greai pVecepts of the gospel , and to act contrary
to his highest obligations as a nian and a Christian , it catindt be aiiy breach of charity to say of such a one , thai he has no regard to jeligiou in his heart ; atid that all the zeal which he expresses for it is only intended to serve the purposes of a low and liarrow self-interest .
Let it ever be your great concern , my young friends , to practise yourselves the duties of your divine reli g ion ; to sheHy that you have that steady command oveV your appetites and passions which it is its great design to establish ; to exhibit a strict regard to integrity , and a heart
susceptible of humanity and compassion ; to be ready to all tfie offices of charity which it is iu your power to perfonnf ; and to testify on all occasions tlie highest reverence for God ana ' hiijibiy laws . You may then with the hlghe / si' rej&son look forward to engage the' resniectfiil attention of others when etfpjaining aiid enforcing the obligations of religion , and
may hope , not only to escape contempt , but to be received with esteem and approbation , la a word , by thus " taking
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Intettigen ce . —4 Manchester College , York * 7 £ S
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1829, page 725, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2577/page/53/
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