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absence of all sectarian views—by the simplicity of their manners—and by their great learning , taste , and accompiishifients . It is an interesting circumstance to reflect that iu this remote part of Europe Christian truth shines forth pure and uninterrupted , and that in those regions UuitariarJistn still maintains the strictriess of its discipline , and keeps up all the excellence of the system . Owing to the situation of this part of Europe ,
between the Turks on the one hand , and the Catholics of Austria on the other , we hear so little of them , that if it had not been for the formation of this Society , and societies like this , we should almost hare been in ignorance of the existence of such a body of Unitarians . But the business of this Society is to connect us with Unitarian ism all over the world , and 1 trust that through it we shall be bound in frieudlv connexion .
with our brethren every where . From Transylvania I pass to Germany ; and in Germany I think I see the principles of the Reformation now carried to their full extent as far as regards the-practice © f free inquiry , and the right of every individual to examine and Interpret the Scriptures for himself . The divinity students in Germany are placed in a very different situation from those who are destined for the Established Church iu
this country . Truth ought to be the great object of those who are to instruct mankind in religion , and they ought , therefore , when they commence their studies , to be encouraged to open their eyes , so that the light may enter freely and Without obstruction . Nevertheless , when a young man goes to Oxford , the first thing done is to seal up his eyes , so
that , if possible , he never may st * e the light . In Germany a very different system prevails : even those who are intended for the church patronized by the government , are left to the fullest freedom of inquiry , and encouraged to pursue it . The professors exercise the fullest latitude of inquiry—a latitude and free d . om which even exceed those which
prevail among ourselves . The consequence of this is , that full scope is given to the mind to apprehend the truth ; for though there may be much of error , there is always much of sincerity , much of generous enthusiasm , and much of the
desire of improving the human intellect . Those very principles which We heard this morning explained to us in our friend * s sermon , and which appeared to us original , are the very principles advocated and acted on by the students of Germany . Of course I am applying these
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remarks principally to the Protestant parts of Germany , though I am persuaded that the influence of the Protestant portiou has a very favourable effect in the Catholic division of that country . It must be very gratifying to us to know that the general views which we regard as constituting the truth of the Christian religion ^ prevail throughout the whole of
Protestant Germany . So much is this the case , that in attending service I seldom heard any thing to which I , as a Unitarian , could object . The term ' * Unitarian / ' indeed , is not used , for they are not there fond of names or sects ; but they keep in view the pure principles of the gospel , and do not in general encumber it by mystical doctrines . As a proof of this 1 may mention that I never once heard an orthodox doxology used iu their churches ; and we know that here , where orthodoxy is on the wane , the last form in which it lingers is that of a doxology . Mr . Young has objected to auy foreigu object ; and he will therefore permit me to remark , that in my opinion Germauy is much better able to help us , than we are to help them . But this resolution which I have to propose only announces friendly co-operation and fellow-feeling ; and this I am persuaded must be the sentiment of every one that
bears me . Nor is this leas the case with regard to France . There the Protestant body is both numerous and respectable , aud cbiefly exists in the large manufacturing towns . I cannot , however , help
regretting that the Protestants of France shew themselves indifferent to the cause of religion : they are too lax in their inquiries after Christian truth , and too well content to walk in the same path that their fathers walked in before them . It is , however , gratifying to know that bigotry and intolerance are entirely extinct there , and that the style of their preaching is eminently practical . This evening we are honoured with the
company of an excellent and enlightened French nobleman , who is President of the Society of Education in Fiance . That circumstance alone would be sufficient to introduce such a man to the friendliest ; feelings of this Meeting , and of all who are di \ sirous of improving the human race ; and I hope that it will be understood by that gentleman , or any other foreigners that may be present , that though we feel the force of Mr . Young ' s observations as to the propriety of confining our funds to those objects which arc more immediately before us , yet whenever evidence is adduced of good that may be done ubroiid , we shall ha most hai'py to render
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484 Intelligence . — Un Uarian Associndon .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1830, page 484, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2586/page/52/
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