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tariauism have do more connexion than blasphemy andTrinitarianism , than blasphemy and Calvinism , or any other isms into which the Christian world is divided . Unitarians , indeed , are blasphemed ( ' what are you but a blasphemer' ) ; and almost every sect thinks it right to go out of the way to attack and revile us , ( of which we have just had an instance , )
and to hold up our opinious and even our characters to the indignation and execration of our fellow-christians . ( Not characters , said soine gentlemen on the hustings . ) Yes , I maintain characters , because according to the definition of blasphemy by our great lexicographer , and which is in accordance with its common acceptation , the usual epithet of blasphemer does expose our characters , our persons , to scorn and execration .
" Gentlemen , have patience with me whilst I give you a brief summary of the opinions maintained by the generality of Unitarians . I shall not trespass long on your time . 1 think 1 am promoting the interests of truth and charity , and when you know our sentiments , I trust you will have rather a less unfavourable opinion , and that you will ' refrain your tongues from evil , and your lips from speaking guile . '"
* # # ? cc Much was said on the subject of justification by faith alone . The Reverend advocates of the Refoimatiou Society appear all imbued with a deep sense of the essential importance of this belief . Nay , we were told , that the doctrine of justification by faith in the merits of our Redeemer alone , was considered by the Society the all-important doctrine
of the Reformation ; and because the Roman Catholics attach some importance to human merit , the Society has a principal regard to their conversion from this supposed most dangerous error . Other doctrines of the Catholic Church have been attacked , and are to fall in ruins before the active siege of this militant Society , which comes forth with the olive branch of peace in one hand , and the torch of discord in the other ; which
commences its operations with soothing words , with the enticing professions of universal amity , * but , pregnant with a zeal for proselytism , ' it cannot contain the bitter spirit which is in it , it soon brings forth persecution ; and this demon proceeds to acts of hateful strife , hateful to all who have learnt of him that was meek and lowly in heart . One Reverend Gentleman , in particular , was anxious above all things to impress his notions
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of justification on the attention of the meeting ; arid he especially enforced a belief in them as essential to salvation . I believe I do not misrepresent . But then it follows clearly , that a large majority of the Church of England is in a state of error—of damnable error .
Threefourths of the clergy of the Establishment are Arminians , and all those , therefore , according to the doctrine of this Society , are in fatal error . As , then , true charity ever begins at home , I call upon them , as men actuated with the genuine spirit of patriotism , as fathers , as brothers , as Christians , as members of the same household , partakers of the
same pasture , sheep of the same flock , to look after those of their own , who have , in their opinion , strayed far from the only safe fold , and are wandering abroad over the wide pit of perdition , which will soon open its mouth to swallow them up for ever and ever . Yes , you maintain that those most nearly and dearly connected with you , to whom
your first sympathy is due , those with whom you go up to the house of God in company , are on the edge of a fatal precipice . Look then to your own friends and children , stretch forth a helping arm to save them , enlighten their darkened minds , guide their bewildered steps , and when you have brought them , on whose understandings you may surely hope to '
operate more effectually , into that only true and saving faith , ' then go forth to convert your Roman Catholic brethren ; but at present , by your own admission and lamentation , a wide field is open to you at home . A numerous majority of the members of the Church of England are Arminians ; you believe that they cannot be saved under any other profession than that of Calvinism . Be
consistent , be honest , before you are charitable ; put your own house in order before you busy yourselves with the concerns of others . It is your duty , as Christians , first to work at home , and then , when you agree amongst yourselves , when you have given life , and health , and vigour , to the sickly , the
perishing members of the Church of England , you may with less inconsistency and with better prospects of success , put forth your energies to convert the Church of Rome . . At present you may be assured i that you spend your money for that which is not bread , and your labour for that which satisfieth not . '" — Pp . 14—1 G .
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B 64 Critical Notices .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Dec. 2, 1829, page 864, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2579/page/48/
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