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The Rev . W . Duffirld , of Thorne , seconded the resolution , asserting the rights of conscience , aud vindicating the claims of Unitarianism to the same forbearance aud respect on the part of orthodoxy , which the latter too commonly thinks herself exclusively entitled to receive from those whom she deems dissentients from the truth . He reminded
our orthodox friends that they may as properly be accused of denying our views of Christianity , as we theirs , and that there is no appointed umpire to decide between us . The Rev . J . Platts , of Doncaster , in moving the second resolution , expatiated on the blessings of religious liberty , and shewed its absolute necessity to the existence of genuine religion in the mind . The resolution was as follows :
2 . * ' That this Meeting contemplates with pleasure the important progress which has recently been made in the cause of religious liberty , and looks forward with the most sanguine hopes to the removal of every remaining restrictiou . " Seconded by Mr . Watson , of Hull , the Treasurer .
3 . " That this Meeting hails with delight the rapid progress which is making in sound knowledge and liberal principles in every department , anticipating that these blessings will ultimately lead to the universal reception of pure and rational Christianity . "
Dr . Longstaff , of Hull , moved this resolution . He spoke of the mental constitution which distinguishes man from the lower orders of being , traced his intellectual progress in the successive stages of life and periods of his history , and pointed out the connexion which subsists between enlightened religious views of Ood aod his works , and a prevailing aud practical piety of heart .
Mr . H . Hawkes urged the duty of imparting aud diffusing the religious principles which are held to be true and valuable , and seconded the resolution . The Rev . W . Worsle y , © f Gainsborough * in proposing the fourth resolution , gave a rapid sketch of the history of persecution for righteousness' sake ; and while he glanced at the horrors of
the InquUitiou , the martyrdom of Serve - tus , and the fires of Smith field , among the sad tales of by-gone times , anticipated a period when the yet remaining relics of persecution and bigotry shall likewise be appropriated to the records of the past . The resolution was moved in these words : 4 . " That the mtmbers of this religi-
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ous body cannot contemplate without feelings of regret rhe dissensions which prevail in the Christian clnirch , aud more especially those indications of a want of charitable indulxence and brotherly feeliug which are frequently manifested towards themselves " Mr . Darley , of Thome , seconded the resolution .
The Chairman , in ljis concluding address , adduced a variety of passages from the writings of orthodox poets ( of Watts and Cow per in particular ) in which the sentiments of strict ( Juitarianism are in fact expressed , and which he claimed as involuntary , but pleasing and convincing , testimonies to the accordance of our
views with the deepest and best religious feelings and principles of the mind , when , in the full flow of devotional sentiment , it forgets the technicalities of its own creed . The Meeting concluded , as it had commenced , with brief devotional exercises .
It was thronged by a crowded audience , consisting , perhaps , in nearly equal proportions of Unitarians and members of other religious denominations . The dcepr est atteution prevailed throughout ; aud when the successive speakers eudeavoured to trace the influences and describe
the tendencies of the Unitarian profession , or when they expressed their own solemn conviction of the truth of the views they advocated , and their own deep sense of their value and spiritual efficacy , it was plain , from the intent looks of all , and from the tearful eyes of not a few , that religious sympath y had been not in vain appealed to , aud that the tide of Christian charity was at that moment at its full flow .
When we found ourselves addressing such au audieuce as I have endeavoured to describe , we felt that our otyrct in holding the meeting was amply fulfilled . That object was twofold . It . was our wish to give to every member of our own denomination , whether male or female , old or young , rich or poor , the opportunity of hearing a series of extemporaneous addresses , of that kind which are commonly confined on these occasions
to the guests at a public dinner table . We wished , at the same time , to present ourselves in a new posture , and with additional weapons of spiritual warfare , before the religious public , in the hope that it might be productive of good effects to follow up our pulpit discourses on the occasion by a series of addresses less restricted in their subject matter , more varied in their tone , and more familiar in their style and manner , than is practi-
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424 Intelligence . — -Unitarian Association fot Hull , Doncrtster , fyc
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 2, 1830, page 424, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2585/page/64/
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