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    "with them . The question is now , it seems , about to be discussed on a broader principle . The Unitarian grievance will be merged in that felt by Dissenters generally , and a common and strenuous application made for relief . A circular was issued from the office of the Congregational denomination on the eve of the late elections , announcing , reason to expect that a vigorous effort will be made by the Dissenters in the metropolis during an early period in the

    approaching session / and inviting the support of their brethren in all parts of the country . The Deputies have also entertained the question , and we believe that overtures have been made to the Unitarian Association for its cooperation . Although the case of the Unitarians is a stronger one than that of Trinitarian Dissenters , and they have the advantage of something approaching to a parliamentary pledge for their relief , it is nevertheless desirable , in our apprehension , that they should not continue to

    urge their separate claims , b « it aid * in bringing the entire subject into discussion . If the assurance of prompt success be not so strong , the good to be realized by that success is proportionally greater . From the peculiar situation of the Unitarians , and the Known aversion of Parliament ever to recognise a principle , while it could legislate on details , the question was narrowed as much as possible , until indeed it embraced little more than exemption

    or non-exemption from the obnoxious doxology . The diversities of opinion amongst Dissenters at large have led them unavoidably to lay a wider basis for their operations . We give , in a note below , the statement which they have put in circulation , and which may be regarded as the view of the subject taken by the leaders of the several bodies , which are expected to act in combination . *

    ? Fourteen Reasons why Dissenters should not submit to have their Marriage * celebrated at the Altar of a Consecrated Buildingy be / ore Clergymen belonging to a Church to which they cannot conscientiously conform . 1 . Because the marriage-contract being , at least so far as it properly falls under the cognizance of the legislature , a common , in distinction from a religious engagement , should be regarded by the law merely as a civil transaction . *

    2 . Because no sacred rite having been , b y divine appointment , appended to matrimony , any solemn form of celebration which in effect converts this contract into a religious ceremony , savours strongly of superstition , and gives countenance to the erroneous doctrine of the Romish Church , that marriage is a sacrament . 3 . Because the imposition of a specific form of religious service , on any class of Nonconformists , on this or any other occasion , is a flagrant violation of the most sacred right of every human being ! to worship God according to the dictates of his

    own . 4 . Because the outward observance of any religious service , in virtue of a command emanating merely from human authority , * involves a person in the guilt of treating the only Object of all true worshi p with mockery ; and must , even though performed in extenuating circumstances , be displeasing in the uight of Him who ' searcheth the heart , f anU who , being a Spirit , can be worshipped only ' in spirit and in truth . 'J 5 . Because such compliance , on the part of Dissenters , tends to neutralize and nullify that open testimony which they consider it their duty to bear in the face of obloquy and reproach against the errors and corruptions of the endowed Church , by declining to join in its communion , and habitually absenting themselves from its

    ordinary services . 6 . Because the present state of the English marriage law casts an unjust reflection , John v . 41 , + 1 Chron . xxviii . 9 , J John iv . 24 .

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    The Dissenting Marriage Question . 137

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    No . 74 . I *

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1833, page 137, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2608/page/69/