On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
wide \ for who lives up to the requirements of his religion ? The evils of these reproachful insinuations are great , are innumerable . Creat injury is actually done to character , for many read these offensive publications who will not see atod Who do not care to see the defence .
And how many friends have been cruelly wounded' in their feelings ! How contrary is this to the spirit of the gospel , that spirit which breathes love and good will , ancf would promote universal peace ! How contrary to the example of that Master whom we all profess to follow ! He bore with the infirmities and defects
of all . around him . No detmneiatfcms escaped his lips , except against pbarisaical pride and hypocrisy , and the spirit of denunciation in others .
What , then , under these errcamstauces , is our duty ? To defend the reputation of our friends against unjust attacks . Mr . S . remarked upon- the nature of slander , and the wide-spreading mischief it causes , unless promptly refuted . It is our duty also to bear open testimony to what we believe to be the truth , never to shrink from the avowal
of it , never to shun discussion and fair controversy . There is a mistake on this subject , he said . Controversy is not always an evil . There is a difference between discussion , or controversy , and personalities . Controversy is one thing , personalities another . There must be controversy . No important truth in literature or science has been settled in
any other way . What are discussions in otjr legislative assemblies but controversies ? The abolition of the slave trade was the result of a long controversy . The late glorious act of the British government was the effect of a controversy of thirty years , and had the
question now first been started , Catholic emancipation might not have taken place for thirty years to come . The reformation itself was brought about by a severe controversy only , aud very little would have been gained by it , if controversy had then ceased .
Let us then not hesitate to meet the important questions that interest the community , always regarding the rights of others * dnd especially their character and motives . Strange , that men cannot learny that others have precisely the same right to think as themselves ! Strange , that we cannot tolerate difference of opinion in others , when every thiuking man will perceive how often he has himself differed at one period from himself at another . Mr ; 8 . urged the duty of perseverance . There fo much to animate and encourage
Untitled Article
usy said' he .. We are engaged in what we believe to be the best of causes—the cause of sacred truth . We should take courage from its sttccess—^ ita prospec ts . This full assembly should eaetfusage us . We should not be intimidated by the means used against u « . Why should we fear what maa caii do , his er » uty threats ,
when we are in the way of our doty ? True , our reputation may be cruelly slandered—we may be called an to explain transactions which have almost faded fpoaa our memory ; but we shall have the testimony of a good conscience , and what is infinitely more important , our witness will be on high ; his promises are sure * and we shall in no wise lose Our
reward-Mr . Saltoustall dosed his remarks at a few minutes before ten o ' clock . They were curtailed by a regard to the lateness of the hour , which also prevented other gentlemen from speaking . The doxology beginning with the words , " From all who dwell below the skies Let the Creator's praise arise , " was sung by the assembly , after which the Association adjourned " siwe die . "
The meeting was suited to interest and encourage the friends of Unitarian Christianity . The house was crowded ,, and the character of the audience such as could not but gratify the members of the Association . The addresses were distinguished by independence and animation . It is believed , that by the just
employment of its anniversaries the Association may do much in accomplishing the purposes for which it was established . Large assemblies are collected who separate with a deeper conviction of the value of their religious principles , and after practical evidence that these principles can engage powerful minds and warm hearts in their defence .
Encouragement is received from the presence of so many who hold the like faith , and opportunity is afforded for discussion on subject * of vital interest to the citizen and the Christian . The documents presented on this anniversary are now printed by direction of the Executive Committee Fourth Annual Report of the Executive Committee , May 26 , 1 S 29 .
During the last year the Committee hare pursued a similar course to that adopted in former years ; seeking to promote , as opportunities should arise , or might be created , a few important objects . It is their duty in this Report to glance at these objects . The publication of tracts has been
Untitled Article
740 " Intelligence . —American Unitarian Association ^
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1829, page 740, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2577/page/68/
-