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the people at large to the simplicity of the Christian doctrine . I honoured his zeal , but knew not how to encourage it , for I feared that his scheme would not be successful . But I was mistaken , and he was right . 1 rejoice in the progress which has been made since the first
meeting of the Unitarian Fund , at which I had the honour to preside ; and I feel it to be a striking circumstance , that I was called on to preside to-day at the meeting in the chapel of this most valuable Association , for joining the country with the town in the same common cause . I may , perhaps , be allowed
to recapitulate a few well known facts , as 1 see so many young persons around me , who will have to do with the work when we have done with it . I shall , therefore , I hope be excused , if I take up a few minutes in stating the details of the Unitarian Association , until they assumed their present aspect . It has been noticed by my friend at the foot of the
table , ( Dr . Carpenter , ) almost venerable , but I am happy to say not quite so , ( a laugh , ) that in 379 L a society was formed for the distribution of books , which should aid the Unitarian cause , and promote the practice of virtue ; and in justice to my friend on my left hand ( Rev . W . Turner ) 1 ought to state , that 1 have in my possession a letter from Dr .
Priestley , in which he mentions that he ( Mr . Turner ) also proposed this multiform society , which we see so happily completed ; and as I was diffident when my deceased friend spoke to me , in 1805 , I am happy to shelter myself under such authority as Dr . Priestley and Mr . Lindsey , as they also said that the time was not yet come . That society performed its operations
successfully for several years , and was the means of forming other societies ; until at length it was thought , as the books circulated , that we should relieve the Unitarian religion from the existing prejudice , that it was merely a genteel and learned religion . We wished to send it to the poor—to barns and cottages , as well as to those who were more
enlightened ; and we found excellent helps . I am happy that the name I am going to meniion is to be found in this room . It is due to the first Secretary of the Unitarian Fund , whose uncertain health has prevented us from seeing him here
today—it is due to Mr . Asplaud ( cheers ) to say , that no other person could boast of the zeal and knowledge which he possessed , and devoted to the cause . We had also an able supporter in Mr . Richard Wright , who laboured night and day , at all times and in all seasons , in our ser-
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vice . The progress of the cause led u * to see , that as Unitarianism became more widely known , it was the more exposed to the interference of government , and we therefore formed what was called the Unitarian Association , to protect the civil rights of Protestant Dissenters . It is due to that body with which I have acted so long in London , for the Protection of Protestant Dissenters , to state ,
that in every question that came before them , whether relating to Unitarians or to others , they wished to do the former as much justice as any other denomination that predominated in their body . It was thought desirable , about five years ago , to collect together these scattered societies , and that they should be united , and form , the British and Foreign Unitarian Association ; and every subscriber who contributed to each of those three
societies , was equally bound to support the joint society . I shall detain you no longer , than to express my thanks to this company for their good wishes . I trust that this Association will be progressive ; that while uniting in our
principles , we shall go with the Greek and the Jew , the Catholic and the Mussulman , aud with all others usque ad aras > and give them our support in every thing that is just , pious * and honourable . ( Cheers . ) I trust that some of the persons in this room will live to see the
time , when the British and Foreign Unitarian Association will cease to exist , because it will be no longer necessary . ( Cheers . ) I trust that we shall help to urge on our own extinction . ( Laughter . ) I trust the time will come when we shall view the religion of Christ , not as the tool of the great , or as the engine of corruption , which ambitious men may render subservient to their own advantage ; not when the cross of Christ shall shine
on palaces and churches merely , but shall rule over the passions , dissipate prejudices , and bring glory to God in the highest , with peace on earth , and good will to all men . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman . —1 have now to propose the health of one of the warriors and work men in our cause . You will recognize him aud his works too when I name
" The Rev . W . J . Fox , with our best thanks for his valuable services . " The Rev . W . J . Fox . —Mr . Chairman and Gentlemen , when I look around me on those who are met together in this room , 1 must say , that I have never addressed any assembly , the appearance and constitution of which were more adapted to oppress , and even to over-
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B 66 Intelligence . — Unitarian Association
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1830, page 566, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2587/page/62/
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