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    So long- and so far as this continues to be the case , we cannot indulge in expectations of the spread of Unita ^ rianism . It will spread with the spread of knowledge , and it can only be hastened by the promotion of a spirit of inquiry , and a love of truth . In the opinion that its progress will

    keep pace with the progresT ~ or ra ^~ vestigation , and information , and intelligence , we are not confirmed merely by our own reason or our own hopes . It is practically acknowledged by our opponents . They acknowledge it by actions which speak louder than words—by the measures they adopt to prevent the diffusion of our sentiments . They

    raise barriers to keep them out from their own communions , and thus confess that they do not feel safe unless they are fenced and walled in by creeds , and obligations , and vows , and by all the pains and penalties which persecution and bigotry dare , in these days , to inflict . We shall accordingly claim the benefit of their testimony in our favour , until they throw down these bulwarks of

    defence , come out from the fortresses into which they have retreated * and meet us in the open field of fair argument , fearless discussion , and unrestrained inquiry . It is apparent that , in consistency with the principles now expressed ,

    we can take no pleasure in the multiplication of Unitarian societies * unless it be consequent upon and coincident with the progress of a full understanding of our sentiments , and of the grounds upon which they rest . We do not attach much value

    to a mere excitement of popular feeling in our favour . We do not consider the accession to our ranks of those who are driven to us by a spirit of mere opposition to other forms or systems of religious faith , as any gain , but rather an injury and encumbrance to our cause . We

    consider those only worthy to take our name , and ally themselves to our interests , whose minds- have

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    that is , you believe that the doctrines of Unitarianism are the doctrines of the Bible . You have formed yourselves into , an association for the pur * pose of confirming your own minds in this faith , and of diffusing it as widely and as rapidly as possible throughout the world . This is the

    plain , simple , and sole object of your association , If these doctrines are in fact the truth of God , we may be sure that they will produce upon the characters of those who receive them into honest and sincere hearts , and apply them to their lives through the

    faithful use of the ministry and ordinances of the gospel , of prayer , of meditation , and such other means of grace as they may enjoy , those effects of virtue and piety which God designed to have produced by the revelation of his truth .

    As the end of your association is to promote the prevalence of what you believe to be the doctrines of the scriptures , it is obvious that , the only way in which it can be accomplished is to encourage and aid in the diffusion of such information as will

    lead men to a right understanding of the scriptures , and thus bring them 1 unto the knowledge of the truth . ' There is some reason to apprehend that sanguine and exaggerated estimates have been formed of the degree of intelligence existing among the people at large . It is true that the first elements of knowledge are

    conveyed to the entire rising generation by our invaluable systems of public education . But it is doubtful whether that most essential part of an early education , a permanent thirst for knowledge , is imparted to our youth in general—whether they continue in after life to improve their ear ly

    advantages and acquisitions . One thing is certain , that notwithstanding the much boasted and infinitely multiplied * religious operations' of the times , a lamentable ignorance prevails respecting the evidences and history of Christianity , and the proper interpretation of its scriptures .

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    £ * 3 . UNITARIAN CHRONICLE .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 1, 1833, page 28, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2605/page/28/