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would labour to disseminate the ' - truth , not only byriije effort * of intellect ^ < or thre uSe of stfiuid learnhigv tm € -. by- ? the serkwmess of interestwith which they discharged their duties , as professors af » religion of » the : beirt- ^ a ; religion wliose practical ? influences wore , to be the chief m ^ uits ofvits benefit to the world .
• • Rev-r CaLeb Stetson , of Medford , presen ted » the folk * win g resolution , which < he supported at considerable length : Jtesblvedy " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the progress of Christian truth is not to be estimated by the Humper of religious societies , or by : any visible circumstances ; but that its silent diffusion is sure and constant . "
In illustration of this resolution , Mr . Stetson said , that he did not mean to claim for Unitarians the exclusive possession of Christian truth . He rejoiced that the most important practical truths of our religion were scattered through the various sects of Christendom ; combiued with more or less of error . As
we believe , however , that our own views approach nearer than any other to the purity and simplicity of the gospel , we may be allowed , in this discussion , to speak of them as Christian truth . Mr . S . remarked , that liberal sentiments are constantly making their way even in the bosom of orthodox
societies . Where Unitariauism has never been preached , and where no outward circumstances indicate its presence , it is found to prevail extensively among those who are not actual members of exclusive churches . These sentiments approve themselves so entirely to the rea ,-son and the native moral sentiments of
wan , that they are almost certain to be embraced by all who have not given up their freedom of thought . Hence it is not uncommon to find , in Calvhiistic parishes , large majorities who have outgiown the religious opinions which they have been accustomed , to hear from the pulpit , and whose minds art * at least open for the reception of truth .
Liberal sentiments are also making rapid progress among the younger members of orthodox families . It is impossible for ministerial and parental influence to counteract , wholly , the influences of their social position and of the light which is breaking upon them from all directions . The secular literature of our
language is essentially liberal , and it is insensibly shaping the minds of the rising generation to generous views of the paternal character of God . and to rational
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sentiments in theology . A < better understanding of the Scriptures , aided ^ the publications o ^ tm » Asi 6 i ^^ o ^; il doing much to accelerate- tbe > progress W truths it * societies ikdt avowediy UfiMrian . Public opitfi on * has ' - been : much enlightened even within ^ rtoe memory of
young men . The reading and thinking : part of the community are rapidly imbibing , and communicating to inferior minds , feelings and sentrrneuts withwhich the errors of a darker age cannot long co-exist Liberal Christianity ispromoted by every thing which increases
the intelligence of the public . Most of the popular superstitions which were the terror of our youth , are now quite forgotten , or have become matters of ridicule even to children ; and the superstitions which have gathered around religion , cannot long survive them . Even those who wish to derive ¦ credit from
the name of Calvin , seem to be ashamed of his doctrines , and think themselves ill used , if a controversial writer impntes to them the well-known opinions of their sect . ..... . i - ¦ . -.- . -- ¦ ¦* From these considerations we are
assured , that truth is making a rapid -progress in the country , even where it has no visible triumphs ; another generation , will disclose results beyond the anticipation of its most sanguine friends . But it may be asked , why our opinions are not avowed in a greater number of parishes ? Why have we not more visible and unequivocal proofs of their progress ? '
In answer to this inquiry , Mr . S . observed , that we deprecate the practice of dismembering parishes , even for the sake of introducing a purer worship , and a more rational theology . We are unwilling to cause so much certain evil ; we think it better to trust to the gradual diffusion of oar sentiments under the providence of God .
Mr . S . then spoke of social blessings , derived froni the public institutions ot religion . He regarded them as most efficacious in preventing the evils which arise from harsh . and selfish passions , and in cherishing kind and generous affections . The former condition of the
Congregational parishes in Massachusetts was adverted to by way of illustration . Almost every small town was a parish , and all its ecclesiastical concerns were transacted harmoniously in town' meeting . All the members from the different extremities of this little community were weekly brought together for a common object 5 they interchanged friendly smiles
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hiteUig £ ! ricej *** Amerfean Unilarxttn ' Astwlatloh . ? & 9
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1829, page 729, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2577/page/57/
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