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ciple of pure and undented morality . Other denominations cannot join with us in this object ; our views are too enlightened , too refined for them . On the subject of union amongst ourselves , I do not think there can be an effective union of action , whilst the members of our congregations are so little known to each other as they are in this large metropolis .
To obviate this evil , we should take every possible opportunity of assembling for social intercourse ; the annual dinner of the Finsbury Society is well calculated to do good in this respect , but we cannot afford many half-guineas to meet for social purposes : nevertheless , there are many plans might be suggested to promote this desirable end ; aud it is certain
that by promoting acquaintance amongst the members of our societies , we should do more than by any other means to excite their zeal and auimate them to exertion . The committees of congregations , instead of meeting for the despatch of
business just after a service at the chapel , might meet on some other evening in the week , either in our libraries or vestries , or some other place as might be convenient , and partake of a social cup of tea before entering upon the routine of business . Let these committees
be as numerous as convenience will admit , and let their meetings be at least once a month : this is adopted with great advantage by congregations in the country with which 1 have been connected . By this means subjects of general interest to the cause become topics of conversation previous to . mere business , and much union of purpose and action , and much
friendly acquaintance , are hereby elicited . Our congregational meetings , too , might be after the same manner ; for the expense is comparatively trifling , and many would attend such sort of friendly meetings who now absent themselves , because they think the heads of the con * gregation and the committees can manage the business upon which they are
called without their assistance . I would likewise name the great desirableness of our ministers having a personal know * ledge of the members of their congregation , as far as may be practicable , by taking every possible opportunity of call «» tag upon them , or communicating with
them . The members are always gratified by any notice from a minister they esteem ; and although this object is not bo easily attainable In this large city as in the country , it might be more attended to than it is . If this be sectarianism , let us be sectarian ; but I conceive sectarian * Ism to mean subscription to any given
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dogma , in order to the-admission into a membership of a congregation or society . In this sense Unitarians never can be sectarian , aud have no occasion to express such fears of the * ' evils of sectarianism . " This fear has been a great impediment to the spread and propagation of Unitarian ism . Our wealthiest and most
intelligent members have sought their friends and associates rather amongst the church than amongst those of their own persuasion , from this very fear of sectarianism . Our societies have sought to aid and prosper the objects of others by their purses and their talents , rather than form associations for similar designs amongst ourselves , from this fear of
sectarianism . How many of them subscribe to charity-schools where orthodox opinions are inculcated , rather than be sectarian enough to form schools where Unitarian ism alone should be taught ! Our subscriptions have been given to Bible Societies , aud taken without thanks to us , or even rejected because they
came from us , and this we have done rather than be sectarian enough to have a Unitarian Bible Society which should adopt and cheaply print an improved version , which should explain and bring home our views to the meanest capacity . Do we fear such a step would increase the rancour of the Church and of
Calvinism against us ? Let it be so ! Persecution never did other than good to the right cause ; let us be more uoticed by those who wish ill to us , aud we shall be more known , and our views more generally adopted by the enlightened and rational minds of every class of society . Let us become more the mark at which
ignorance , superstition , and idolatry , shall point their shafts , and we shall become as a shining light set on a hill , and shall give light to all around . These , then , would be the results of more union among ourselves , and less fear of sectarianism before our eyes . — I fear I have
trespassed too long upon you , and I know not if you will consider these remarks and suggestions worthy of a place in the Repository . They can , however , do no harm , and they may do good , which ought to be a sufficient reason with every man for offering his mite . K . H .
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Reform from a Bishop Fifty Years ago . To the Editor . SIR , Norwich , April 19 , 1831 . Perhaps it may add interest to the following extract to know Chat an aged
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Miscellaneous Correspondence . 407
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 2, 1831, page 407, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2598/page/47/
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