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Untitled Article
that we could ourselves be religious and powerful , even if we were disencumbered of the trappings of a state religion . Only in Ireland there exists a misapprehension—there is more hatred directed against the Established Church itself , than against the principles on which it is founded .
* This little tract , therefore , is intended to convey a few of the leading and more prominent principles of liberty to the minds of the people . Originality is not pretended ; nor is there any attempt made , in so small a compass , to enter into argument . A few simple truths are expressed in a manner which may probably give offence to some , who are favourably disposed towards things as they are—but the writer claims the usual privilege of a free subject in giving utterance to his opinions .
* Such , gentle reader , is all the apology , reason , or excuse which can be offered for presenting you with this little work . But do not rashly reject it because it probably bears on its face an air of boldnessr Plain speaking is not unfrequently very disagreeable ; but the truth should not be suppressed . So good bye ; if the little book is acceptable , we may meet again ; if not , there has been paper and ink wasted . ' The examination of our independent then commences as follows :
' 1 also am a man . * Who and what are you ? A human being , one of God ' s rational and accountable creatures . Then you believe in the existence of God ? I do , firmly and devoutly . How do you worship him ? According to the forms of the religion which is known by the name of Christian .
Are you aware that there are different and contradictory forms of worship in that religion ? No . No ! Are you not aware that different sects of Christians consign each other to perdition on account of their differences ? If they do , they are fools for their pains-Why ? Because they might as soon boil an egg on a cake of ice , or drain the ocean into a quart bottle . That is a strange expression . Not more strange than to say that finite beings can usurp their Maker's prerogative . Then you are a friend to Toleration 1 No . Will you explain yourself ?
The word Toleration is a stupid and unmeaning word , and yet it has done more mischief than any other word in the English language . What is the meaning of the word ? If it has any meaning , it signifies to allow , to permit , to suffer ; as applied to opinion , it means not to hinder that to which we are opposed . What then do those who use the word necessarily imply by it ?
Untitled Article
An Independent in Church and Stair . 779
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1833, page 779, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2626/page/47/
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