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    fail to be detected , and consequently , if made , could only end in the dis- ^ grace of its authors . All who attend on the services of religion are equally interested in the minister who is to conduct them possessing such character , attainments , and address , as will give most weight to his instructions , most dignity and usefulness to his office . In the pursuit of these objects all may join , and theory combines with experience to prove that , in the case now

    under our consideration , no injurious consequences are to be apprehended . As to the other supposed means of injury—if ministers are capable of modifying their doctrines according to the supposed taste of any of their hearers , they may just as easily modify their moral instructions on the same principle , and the utility of their office is at an end . We think it is not without reason that better things are expected from them . We have great confidence in the effects of their peculiar studies and habits of thought , in

    ennobling , purifying , and strengthening the mind ; we have great confidence in their knowledge , that , in a vast majority of cases , the honest and faithful performance of their duty is the way to secure the esteem and affection of the great body of their hearers , and there is abundant proof from experience that the confidence we express is justly placed . We conclude the whole subject with the observation , that it is notorious that Unitarianism has

    brought numbers to a joyful and grateful acknowledgement of revelation , who had been driven to reject it by the revolting character of more prevalent forms of Christianity , whilst very few pass from Unitarianism to Unbelief , and with those few it appears to be the result of peculiarities of individual character or circumstances , not of any natural current setting from the one doctrine towards the other . We are by no means sure that on this important subject we have expressed the general sentiments of ~ the Unitarian body ; though , believing that we have expressed the dictates of justice and charity , we would hope that our brethren do not widely differ from us . Many , no doubt , regard Unbelievers with a sort of horror—probably from an opinion that none become so but from wilful obstinacy and moral corruption . That these are the causes of a great deal of unbelief is unquestionable ; but a sceptical turn of mind , unfavourable impressions made at the most critical period of life , and disgust at doctrines represented as essential , cause a good deal more ; and those Unbelievers who shew any disposition to come amongst us , are generally persons possessing a real respect for religion , and desire to improve by its exercises . We do not ,

    therefore , wish to see them condemned or rejected , and we have great doubt as to the advantage of the only measure which could secure a separation between us and them—the adoption of a profession of faith and a system of church-membership . We do not question the right to adopt this measure , a « d we do not venture to decide on its expediency , but we think we have abundantly shewn that there is nothing which either party need be ashamed of in the circumstance of our societies , open as they now are , having been in some places joined by individuals not professing to believe in revelation , nothing which throws the smallest imputation on the sincerity of our own faith , or gives the least cause for exultation to our adversaries .

    Passing by much matter of a merely personal character , which , though in our opinion both unjust and illiberal , can hardly be thought to require the answer which it would occupy much space to give , we shall now offer a few remarks on Dr . Smith ' s " Observations on the Introduction to the Calm Inquiry- " Mr . Belsham very judiciously reminds his readers , that since " all Christiana agree that Jesus of Nazareth was to outward appearance a man like

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    14 J > r . •/ . P . Smith ' s Scripiure Testimony to the Messiah .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1831, page 14, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2593/page/14/