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though not less benignant character . Such a representation could never have been given by Christ , because the above is an impossible case ; and since we know that no human parent can absolutely foreknow and prevent the influences of events , and that it is not given to him to ordain their issues in a higher state , we have no right to extend the parallel beyond its original
design . God ' s waysrare not our ways , because his nature is immeasurably different ; and it is our part to perceive and demonstrate this , instead of attempting to found on a partial analogy a proof that our ways ate his ways . No words can express the blasphemous iniquity of the Calvinistic doctrine of reprobation ; but it does not follow that the evils which exist ,
temporary as we hold them to be , take place otherwise than by the express appointment of Him who doeth all things in the heaven and the earth , —who worketh among the materials of nature and in the heart of man . We cannot withhold from our readers Mr . M . 's appeal on behalf of the cause in Ireland .
" Can we then , my brethren , without a shameful dereliction of that duty which we owe both to God and man , remain indifferent to the uprooting of the gloomy system of Calvinism , and the extension of truly evangelical and heart-cheering" views of the Divine character and dispensations ? The auspicious occasion that has brought us together amply testifies that you are not indifferent to the holy cause of charity and truth . Private exertions are
valuable , and ought never to be relaxed ; but objects of extensive usefulness can be accomplished only by union and co-operation . Associations like that which you have so honourably formed in this great city are eminently calculated to do good . They awaken sympathy , animate zeal , produce an interchange of thought , extend knowledge , strengthen courage , and augment power by the concentration of desultory efforts and feeble energies .
What astonishing results have they produced in the cause of error ! She owes to them all the strength and security of her gloomy kingdom . ' The
children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of iight ; ' arid we should not be ashamed to learu lessons of prudence even from our enemies . Until lately , in this country Unitarians have been comparatively a rope of sandj they have wanted both zeal and co-operation . For our increasing energy and exertion we are more indebted to our
opponents than to ourselves : they have forced us into the field , and taught us to know the moral strength of a righteous cause . We have the example of our
excellent brethren of England , to cheer us onward in our career . Under circumstances infinitely more discouraging than those in which we are placed , they have , during the last forty years , by the talents , the learning , the eloquence , and the moral respectability of their clergy , aided by the energy and integrity of their people , not only outlived persecution , but
conciliated esteem , and drawn into their ranks a large portion of the intelligence , and wealth , and social influence of the land . During the same period the Unitarians of Ireland were slumbering in the lap of indifference , whilst their enemies were sowing tares in their fields . Even , now that we are awakened , we have » ot entirely shaken of our lethargy , nor do we seem to
Untitled Article
Sermons at tfc Anniversary of the Irish Urtitarian Society . 675
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1831, page 675, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2602/page/23/
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