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exhibited the same results on a larger scale . So long as Christianity was taught in its sublime simplicity , its encroachments on trie limits of barbarism and superstition were rapid ; but when it had received from Heathen philosophy an infusion of mysticism , and from barbaric ignorance a spirit of savage fanaticism , it lost its principle of stability and health .
Where now were the churches , once flourishing and numerous , of Asia and Africa ? Supplanted by a system of imposture which possesses nothing iu common with them but the doctrine of the Divine Unity . It would seem that tlie righteous Governor of the world , who protected this great truth of old by his
miraculous providence , upheld it still in his rnle among the nations . Mr . A . was persuaded that a union among the professors of this great truth would not only strengthen the courage of its too timid advocates , but gather together many who want but a little encouragement to bring their wavering minds to truth . He read letters from two different and distant
quarters , wholly unknown to him , each recording a case in which Unitarian views had been adopted through the unbiassed workings of solitary reflection , and applying for the aid and sympathy of others . He then proposed a resolution ,
declaratory of the duty of Unitarian Christians to counteract , as far as possible , the evil tendency of popular opinions , which have no foundation in Scripture , are subversive of its moral influence , and present the character of God in the most revolting light .
On this resolution some discussion arose . Dr .. Ferguson was of opinion that it wore too hostile au aspect ; he deprecated the spirit of controversy , and thought that it should be the object of the Society to circulate its own sentiments without impugning those of otlier Christians . The resolution was withdrawn , and the following substituted :
" 4 hat 111 proposing such a bond of union , we are actuated not by a mere attachment to any speculative opinion , but by the conviction that Unitarian Christian views have a powerful tendency to elevate the human character , and secure to it the inogt beuign influences of our holy religion . "
Mr . Ball , in seconding the resolution , said , that as far as individual experience went , he could bear his testimony to the superior power of Unitarian views to attract the soul towards its Infinite Father , and impart true peace of mind . He was grateful for having been led from the mazes of tl * e popular faith , often distress-
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ing to the sincere and reflecting , to the clear and impressive troths of Unitarian Christianity . He had learnt by an experience , trying to the feelings of a human heart , yet not without a rich recompence of comfort , how bitter were the struggles of a solitary man , following his conscience , amid voices of dissuasion and discouragement , from a favoured to an
unpopular creed . Hfe felt how much those struggles would be alleviated if the inquirer knew that he did not stand alone ; if on losing the religious esteem and companionship of relatives , the Christian brother , and sister , and mother , were ready to receive him : he felt persuaded that the fears of the timid would be
bauished , and the menaces of bigotry lose their power , if so faithful a band as he now saw around him were to gather round the ark of Unitarianism , and encircle with their protection every approaching worshiper . With these feelings he hailed the formation of this Society , and anticipated from it the most cheering results .
Joseph Hone , Esq ., said , that the formation of a Society having been determined on , it was now necessary to give it a name . The resolution which he held in his hand , proposed the designation of ei Irish Unitarian Christian Society . " It had been thought that the frequent charge
of infidelity brought against Unitarians rendered it necessary for them distinctly to prefer their claim to the appellation of " Christian . " He readily conceded to the scruples of others a point of such slight moment : but he was himself persuaded that the candid and well-informed
knew full well that we were Christians , and that no claim of ours , however frequently and emphatically repeated , could induce the ignorant and illiberal to think and call us so . They could not afford to relinquish the persecution of names . He rejoiced in being called upon to forward , in conjunction with others , objects which for forty years he had endeavoured to
promote by unaided exertions of his own . He had been so often applied to for Unitarian publications , and had found such frequent means of circulating them in remote parts of the country , that he felt assured that an ample field , already ripe to harvest , lay before the Society . Nor
would it want encouragement proportioned to its opportunities of doing good The English , and , doubtless , the American , Unitarian Societies would lend a friendly aid . The eyes of liberal Christians in many parts of the world were upon us ; let their example and their works stimulate us to do our duty in a
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350 ThtelVitrencp . — Irish Unitarian Christian Society .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1830, page 350, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2584/page/62/
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