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Untitled Article
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Untitled Article
You know my opinions , and that I have never shrunk from any name , however unpopular , by which they might be fairly designated . If not to perceive evidence of the doctrine of the Trinity , constitute an Unitarian , assuredly I am one as much as I have ever been ; but if the appellation be construed to imply approval of qualities and conduct which cripple , for most useful purposes , the power of a body
of intelligent , wealthy , and influential persons ; and tend to degrade into a dwindling sect those who might , in conjunction with likeminded men of other classes , take the lead of public opinion ; then I disclaim the term . I will not believe that things are yet come to such a pass ; although I cannot but perceive that the hostility manifested towards the Monthly Repository , is of the same species with that , which attempted to neutralize my opposition to infidel
prosecutions , which embarrassed my advocacy of the East India missions , which for so long a time postponed the establishment of a City mission or ministry for the poor of large towns , and which has baffled various attempts that I have made , at different times , to render the Association more efficient . There are too many Unitarians who are lagging behind the age ; and if they can hold back the body itself , it may lie down and die by the roadside , when it might be advancing , full of vitality , and rendering the noblest services to the community .
No religionists are so feeble as Unitarians for any little , narrow , mean , sectarian purposes ; none so strong as they , did they but feel their strength , for general good . Their faith , taken controversially , is chiefly a string of negations ; taken positively , it consists of the great and universally allowed principles of religion and morality . Of these
principles , therefore , they are the natural advocates ; of these principles in all their boundless and beneficent application to the concerns of public and private life , of national and individual conduct , of politics , literature , art , philosophy , and the condition of society . This advocacy is their mission , and I verily believe that they will flourish or fall , as they ought , in proportion as it is discharged or neglected .
To this work I devoted the Monthly Repository ; giving my name as editor and freely taking all the inconveniences of such publicity , that there might be no annoyances to others on account of my individual opinions ; ridding the Magazine of technical theology , and petty details , and uninteresting , critical discussions , that its general usefulness might not be impeded ; and sparing no time , toil , or sacrifice ,
to render it an useful auxiliary in the great struggle for improvement , moral , mental , and physical . Every question which affects human enjoyments and hopes , I have considered as within its scope , and have procured , if I could , the aid of the appropriate talent for its discussion . And the offence which I have given appears to be that in so doing , I am considered to have made the work less Unitarian !
Have patience with me while I briefly comment on such reasons as have been assigned for this unexpected hostility . I shall begin with the minor offences , and proceed to the heavier charges , only premising that , paltry as the former may appear , the opposition had attained its full vigour , and put forth its strongest demonstrations , while these were all that could be alleged . In fact , an opposition Magazine was talked of within three months after the sale to me of the Monthly Repository . The first great complaint was of an alteration in the title . I omitted
Untitled Article
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1833, page 348, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2614/page/60/
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