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IThls tract i,. r^r^^n. ..raa.eou.so ^^i^^^^^^^^. the Unitarian Church in Montreal, Cana. a on «-^=^y'^^^^^^^^ ^uis It W.S an occasion of more than u.ual m.er ., in™ th ^^^^.^^^ was the first ..use of pnhlic -^^^^^^^'^^iZ^J^, .„d from ti.e devoted l,y name .o the services "J y-;;'^",,' rogation to secure prosperity which had crowne ^T^^^"^.^.. truth. The for themselves a permanent ='^'"'"'""='"°"„ „„^ . i,,, ,, est situations house, neatly and durably built and -^'^ "f J of Ut^ b ^^^,^ ,, in the ei.y. bespeaks the '-1^>''"' '^""^'^ /e Vf ' h^^^^^^^^^^ It has was erected, and cannot but attract the ""';; fj„„,i=„ „« which been thought not improper that tl>e alius on to J °ccj> « the discourse was delivered .hould be retained in this tract.] BOS T O N t PBiKTED BV T..UHST0N-, TORHV 4 EMEaSOS, 31, Devonshire Street. THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN. qA at ihc dedication of Sunday, May l'/'^''^- from the fact llm; llus or in British America, ian faith, and from tlie congregation to secure ■ Christian truth. The ne of the hcst situations • the society hy w*"'^'' '' of the stranger. U has o the occasion on which n this tract.] ft EMCaSOKi t. 2 CowXTniAiis iv. 13. WE HAVI.no the same SPIUIT OK FAITH, ACCORDING A3 IT IS WRITTEN, I nEMEVKIl AND THEItEKOIlj; IIAVO I SPOKEN; WE ALSO BELIEVE, AND THERKFOUE SPEATt. We have assembled to dedicate a building to t'no uses of Christian worship. It is not an iinu.sual occurrence in this city. Yet it can never take place without interesting many hearts, and cltiniinir some attention from a commu- nity who wi.sli that good morals and Scriptural piety should prevail among them. Some measure of sympathy even, it might be thought on the naked statement of the purpose for which we have met, would be felt by such ns should learn that another edifice would now be added to the number of those which arc designed to extend and deepen the influence of religion, in a metropolis abound- ing with the temptations of secular engagement and worldly pleasure. But there is this peculiarity in our present dedication, that most of the citizens of this place probably look with unkind or doubtful regards upon the services which we celebrate. Many good people would '^9mm»«mm THE FAITH OP THE UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN 114 115 account it a duty rather to discourage than toj-'-^ j^^ enterprise of which this structure remmds hem. and ol the successful prosecution of which it affords an ind.ca- on in tnn assurance. Crowds of ignorant though on s and yet other crowds of ignorant and d.si,onest ^0 . ani still others whose preiudice or oppos.Uon cannot seek a shelter hohind tho.r ignorance as they - bok In these walls, will find no pleasure in the sigh . They who have built this house have studied no concea - JlZ They have placed upon its front the word •' Unita- ry .ou^ it he o,.nsi..n^yeye^^^^ "^The circumstances under which we have entere th se doors, seem therefore ^^ <^f -"'"^^^'^ '^X ^ ' in such a step, w nen uiwrc =ocietv of public worship in which the members of this society ii't have Ibund opportunities of relig.ous service, and To m ny other names under which they might have ar- an.ed themselves in the division of the Christian force^ whv have they thought it necessary to erect a sanctuary Teangh distinctive name What is the •Z t of this name T What are the reasons for adopting T Id what are the differences which ,t indicates be- ween the worshippers here and those who gather around Tr «lMrs7 These are questions that naturally arise , i ina llring til I believe that I shall more directly Teet the wants f f the present hour than if shou^ dis- course of the propriety or the character of Christian worship in general. aiSTIAN 114 n to assist the n them, and of )rd3 an indica- Tnorant though and dishonest ! or opposition irance, as they ire in the sight, icd no conceal- e word " Unita- !8, and by some . title of " Chris- ?ame inscription, ive entered these ;ourse of remark The dedication British America I justify ourselves any other houses •s of this society rious service, and y might have ar- j Christian f'.>rces, erect a sanctuary ,n1 What is the asons for adopting ;h it indicates be- vho gather around It naturally arise ; shall more directly an if I should dis- icter of Christian 115 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIEU, AND OI8TINGUISHED. 5 According to my ability, then, would I speak on these [joints — the truths, the justifications, and the differences of Unitarian Christianity ; — by inv'-fation front this soci- ety, but not with any authority except such as belongs to honest private conviction, and a somewiiat large acquain- tance with the opinions entertained by other Unitarian believers here and elsewhere. They have no accepted creed which I may quote, no formularies of faith nor symbolical books which they recognize as containing the only accredited exposition of their views, and no ecclesi- astical body from which such an exposition might ema- nate. The right and duly of personal inquiry, which are the elementary principles of liieir religious B'.ale, preclude any attempt to utter other than private persuasions or the impressions which a wide and careful obsevation may have given. Such observation will lead any one to a knowledge of certain great doctrines which are held in common by Unitarians in America and in Europe, and will show that they accord in respect to the grounds of their belief, and in their dissent from many popular rep, resentations of the Gospel. What are the truths of Unitarian Christianity ? What do Unitarians believe? This is the first question, and it is one which thousands might ask under a profound igno- rance even of the nature of the reply that would be given. So little pains have been taken to learn what we really hold as truth, and so great misapprehension prevails, that the simplest statement of our faith may not be out of place. We believe, then, in God, as the Supreme, Per- feet, and Infinite Being, Lord of heaven and earth, Author of all life. Source of every blessing. Searcher of hearts, and Judge of men. We believe in his universal, VOL. XIX. — NO. 220. !• I 6 THE FAITH or THE l.NITAUIAN CHUISTIAN 116 constant, and righteous providence, through whicl> alone Ihe frume-work of the creation and the processes of an.- .nate and inaninmte existence are sustained. We behevc i,. bis moral government, which ho exercises over al Ueincs endowed with intellectual or moral capacities and c a. it is rightfully exercised, so is inllex.hly adm.n- Ulered. We believe in his paternal character, u. wh.ch ho h.s been pleased to reveal himself to our adm.ration and love; a character which never shows hmi lo us as 12 indulgent or capriciously tender, but as always ZuZn. Witt his own perfections while full oi p.renta regu.d towards n,en. We belu-ve in the re.pm.iu.ns of duty which he bus pron.ulgated. by which are laid upon !!, L ohl...-,tions of outward and inward r.gh.cou.sness. ;„dit is mide incun.benl on us to cultivate purUy. clevo- ,ion disintereHledness. and the baru.onious expan.u>n o our Mature, that the result may be an excellence wh.ch shall eound to the glory of God. We believe m h.sn.rcy which enables him, without in.pair...g the mtegrny o government or subvertu.g the origu.al condu.ons of us favor to fur.Tivo .he peuite.it M..ner and ad.a.t he ro- :: d oul t; an inhentance of eternal life. We be .eve Tn his revelations, which he has made by those of old .es who spake as they were moved ^y ^^^ »'" J J'-';.- Moses and the Divinely insp.red teachers of the Jc^^.sh Iple, and in a later age by Jesus Chr.sMhe bon ol h fov aid the Messenger of his grace. We bel.eve that God .s one in every sense in which the term can e a - nlied to him -one in nature, in person, m character, .n SaL; and therefore we are UnUarians^ We be .eve hat Jesus was the Christ -the Ano.nted and Sent of God whose truth he proclaimed, whose authority he rep- TABIAN C1IKI8T1AN 11« jtice, Ihrough which alone I and the processes of nni- iire 8ustnirief ri-ing to MiccntiHivo heights ot virtue, or of falling into deeper and deeper degradation; that sin is his ruin, and faith in spiritual and eternal realities the means of his salvation; that if he sin, it is through choice or negligence, but that in working out his own salvation he need.s the Divine assis- tance. We believe that man, in his individual person, is from early childhood, through the force of appetite, iho disadvantage of ignorance and the strength of tempta- tion, liable to moral corruption ; that social life is in many of its forms artificial, and in many of its influences inju- rious; and that both the individual and society must be regenerated by the action of Christian truth. We be- lieve that all life, private and public, all human powers and relation '' thought, feeling, and activity, should be brought unL r ne control of religious principle, and be pervaded by Christian sentiment. We believe that piety is the only sure foundation of morality, and morality the .„(S-j^J...,',i.fl... I 8 TUB FAvni or tiik vnitarian .iiribtian 118 needed evidence oi pioty. Wc bol.ovo thai ' perfccion Lnweakuos- through progress' is -ho Uw of l.fo f. r ,„an; and thui .hi. law en ho kept only wh.ro «n hum- ble heart in joi...«d w.th a r. .oh.to n.ind and «n earno.l faith. Wobolicve that men .houhl lo»e and serve one Ither. while all love tho Ueav. y t'uthor and lollo. rLordJesu. toaconuuon^Uy. We lud.eve u. m- ,„„,. immortality, and a ri«h.oous retrd.ut.on after dea h ; when th,.y who have lived in ubed.ence or have reco ■ ciled thelelve* to Ood through nincero repontnnce Bhull enter upo. a nobler fruU.on ot lilo. whde they who have been dilobedient and impenitent bI.hII real./e the con.e- nuencesof their folly in Mmme and .ulTermg. V\e be- r.ve in the Scriptures of the Old and New I'eHtamen s a, containing the authent.c record- o, Uods wonder u „..d gracious ways, seen in the history of Ins ancont "ople. and in the n.iraculous works and D.v.ne teachu,gs IsLs and h.s Apostle., and to '''-,«-'7-- api>cal as the decisive authority up.m ,,uest.ons of fa th o duty interpreting them in the devout exerc.se of that ; L thrlugh wh.ch alone we are capable of rece.v.ng rco.,;munica,ion fro.n Heaven. We bel.eve j h. Christian Church, as a consequence ot the labor, at^d .off r ng« by which Christ has gathered unto h.n.self. outof iny nuions and communions, •• a pecd.ar pco- p,o." en.br;cing his Uos,>el and cherish.ng h.s sp.r.t -■ L Church on earth, with its ministry. .t» ord.nances and its responsibilities, the anticipation and prom.se of the Church in heaven. r>i • .• Such are the pron.inent truths of Unitar.a.. Chr.sl.an. i,y I conceive, us held by those who adopt tins name a. ti designation of their faith, and who, however they I ARIAN rllHIBTIAN 118 110 r.jci'i.AiNKii, jcrnnr.n. am» ninriN«nriniiRi». bcliovo ihal ' pcrfecliun , • iii Mu! Ibw of lifo for kept only wluro nu hum- to iiiinil and «n earnest wiiUl lo»o and Bcrve one vt" ly Fiillior, »nd follow jU.ry. VVu believe in Im- 18 relril>"tii)i» "l^*?' tloalli ; oboiliunco or hnvo recon- li Hinccro repontnnce shnll life, while ih«'y who have lit Dhall rcolizo the conoc- .• luid ciinVrinK. Wc be- JUl and New Testamenls. •cord« ol Uod H wonUrriul the history of his ancient ,vork» and Divine teachings m\ to these Scriptures wo y upon questions of faith or 10 devout exercise of that Ko are cnpnblo of receiving iven. Wo believe in the s.cjucnco of the labors and has giilhered unto himself, nmunions, " a peculiar pco- and cheiishing his spirit — ministry, its ordinances and ipntion and promise of the ulhs of Unitarian Christian- 1080 who adopt this name as ith, and who, however they may di^Jiarro on (|i>e»ti«m« of inf«ri«.r niomrnt, would prolmbly concur in llii!» exhibition of the nrtirli-s of their belief. And now what nct»d is there ihitwe -thmild enter upon a vindifiition or defence of such a f.iiibf I)(m-!« it not carry its own jnMificntion in tlie clerncnls of .vliich it is com|K>niocs it not look rii^hi t linn it not llio asjiect and savor of iniili 1 l>»)0« not reason iipprove, and Scripture rtnnciion it f Wr can an- swer thcso tpiestions in but one way. We are srilisfied that ours is a correct failh, of which we need not be a-.ihaniod, but in which we may glory before men, and by which wb may hope to obtain eternal snlviition. Yet to many ears and eyes it wears a suspicions character. It is not the popular, the prevalent, the " Drthodox " faith. tSiriciiy nrthoiloT, as we contend, empliatically Kvanj;i'lical, these titles are deemed inapplicable to it by most of the Chris- tian denominations by which we are surrounded. They account it as at Iwsl grievously defective, if not radically unsound. We are tiriven therefore to the necessity of provin);j that we hold the essential and sullicieiit truths of religion. And I must now proceed to give such o reply as the lime will permit to the secontl question we pro- jMised to answer — what are the grounds on which we rely for the justification of our belief f First, I rcinark, it finds justification in our nature ; na both the capacities and wants of this nature pronoum < in its favor. Let me, however, aniicipate here an objeeiion, with which we are familiar, — that the acceptableness of our views of religion to a depraved nature is a pr(H)f of their falseluwd. It is not of the tastes of a depraved mind or the tendencies of a corrupt heart that wo speak, 10 THE FAITH OP THE UNITAUIAN CHRISTIAN but Of inherent, indeslruclible characteristics of the na- u e which God has given us. and of necessitie. >. ich arise out of the constitution imposed by our Ore o. The human being and the Christian re'.g,on came rom the same Source. They must be su ted ,o one ano e. for Christianity was intended by its infin.te y w. AuU.r to meet the exigencies of human.ty. Unless, therefore le" o-^niso a Correspondence between our rehgton and ::;..at,:re.we conch.de ».-'--«-'. ^7"-^%:! defect. performance of h.s grac.ous des g s Is this to " charge him foolishly " and ungratefully ? O the cap;cities which consciousness reveals to us le t,s^ lect two%one of which marks us as rat.ona and the other as religious beings; for^« «- ^ ' ^^J^^ 1 7 r.f rpr.friou'i as of intellectual exercises. :r::::jt lt::l^tcuUy;andletite.an.^^^^^^ t':':^ wliich we have ^ust repeated. ^ there one w^.ch it would not approved Not one. we -"^ f^^'y/J^^^^, There is nolhin? here at which reason need be or would he :.oncled, nothing at which it must <' -^^^'^^ from which it must turn away in contempt. If th . seem but sn^all praise to h.Mow on a religious system It -be rcmemh.ved .hat as "n-^> ""^^ ^^f 1/ «^s ory olo.y in the Christian world. As wo look ove «1« history of ; Vinion in the Church, we esteem it "« shg reco- mendation of the views which we entertain, that they rrmonizo with the conclusions to ^vbich -son is b.ug hv a study of the works and ways of God, and tne con St t t r ml situation of man. But farther, not only is e c la tide of our belief, when separately considered such a reason may accep. without injury to its preroga- v^ of distinguishing between what is wortny and what Mni.iiiin,BnniJi'''.'^ii>J" ITARIAN CHRISTIAN 120 121 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 11 characteristics of the na- I, and of necessities which imposed by our Creator, iristian religion came from St be suited to one another, by its infinitely wise Author manity. Unless, therefore, between our religion and inst God, imputing to him a gracious designs. Is not " and ungratefully 1 ^iisciousncss reveals to us let h marks us as rational, and s ; for no one will deny that as of intellectual exercises, ally ; and let it examine the jpcaled. If there one which [ one, wo confidently affirm. ,ich reason need be or would ;h it must " stand aghast," or ay in contempt. If this seem ,n a religious system, let it be cannot be said for all the the- 1. As we look over thn history m esteem it no slight recom- rhich we entertain, that they ions to which reason is brought nd ways of God, and the con- man. But farther, not only is f, when separately considered, :c' without injury to iu preroga- ween what is worthy and what unworthy of reception, but there is no contradiction or inconsistency between these articles. Each finds support in every other, and each gives support to all the rest; yet not through an artificial arrangement, but from the har- mony that always prevails among the dilfercnt poi lions of truth; which, like the disjoined members of a perfect figure, when brought together, are seen to belong to each other. Now we cannot but value our faith for this sen- tence of approbation which reason is compelled to pass upon it, for we do not believe that revelation was intended to put such an affront on that faculty which was the greatest previous gift le Creator to man, as would be implied in disregarding its decisions. If now we turn to the religious element in human nature, we find that it demands just such opportunity of exercise, such encouragement, guidance and help, as are presented to it in the exhibition we have made of the Divine character and of the relations of the Supreme Being to his children on earth. Where shall piety find an Object to whom it may rise, even from the dust, in grateful con- fidence, if not in the Father whom it is our privilege to portray in terms which we think authorised by his chosen Messenger? Again, the moral is intimately associated with the religious part of our constitution; whence shall this draw instruction so suitable and adequate, at once so tender and so stringent, as from the exposition we give of duty '! How can the conscience be quickened to a fnith- ful performance of its work more directly, than by the language we use respecting the obligation of personal righteousness ? Or what motives can be addressed to the will more persuasive, than those which are embraced with- in our representations of the dependence of honor and happiness, both here and hereafter, upon character 1 12 THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CHBI9TIAN 122 So doc« the Gospel, as interpreted by Urutari.n believ- er8, justify itself to the capacities of our being. But there are L deep .ants iu this nature of ours -;-«^;^;!;; religion alone can relieve. It is needed for the protection of our frailty, for the satisfaction of our best desires, fo the comfort of our sorrows; and in respect to the demands .vhich each class ..f these wants makes upon a true relig- ion Unharian Christianity fulfils the conditions rcquirtd of U How it assuages tne grief of the mourner by us revelations of Divine love, of spiritual disciphne. and future blessedness, or how it offers to our purest desires tests factions which God and heaven alone can give, needs no S'lion. I will only speak of the necessities wich follow upon the exposure of such a nature - this wl ich «ei«he!it to the incidents and "'«"---/;' ^f^^^ life The consequence, as we see, is sin ; no\because we : naturally wicked, but naturally weak We need o be kept from falling by means of truths which sha 1 «t nd around our souls like heavenly guards ; -^^j)^^' ^^^^^ withstanding their presence, we have fallen, we need ;tdly voiL that shall save us from «i-l.a ^n -- us to our former position. Others may regard t . a t,,e last claim which we should presume to urge in avo of ou interpretation of Christianity, but we do not hesitate °o assert in its behalf, that it is preeminently suited to „e 1 1 wants of man as a frail and sinfu being ; ahke a" it reveals to him the origin, and the remedy of his state^ ells him that he is a sinner, because he chooses to be on t sets before him theguiltof such voluntary estrange^ Zu from God, and it opens to him the conditions of a Ircy large enough for the greatest of sinners. Behold Terthat^union of reproof and pity which must be most effectual for the end which it contemplates. ITARIAN CHRISTIAN 12^ preted by Unitarinii believ- fesofour being. But there ureof ours — wants which is needed for the protection ion of our best desires, for id in respect to the demands Its niakes upon a true relig- Ifiis the conditions rc(iuired grief of the mourner by its piritual discipline, and future 3 our purest desires the satis- ,en alone can give, needs no ak of the necessities which such a nature as this which and influences of an earthly ,e see, is sin ; not because we uturally weak. We need to ,8 of truths which shall stand >nly guards ; and when, iiot- B, we have fallen, we need •e us from despair and restore 3lhers may regard this as the d presume to urge in favor of lianity, but we do not hesitate t it is preeminenily suited to ifrad and sinful being; alike in, and the remedy of his state, iner, because he chooses to be ruilt of such voluntary estrange- 'ens to him the conditions of a ,e greatest of sinners. Behold r and pity which must be most it contemplates. 123 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED, 13 The lime does not allow me to expand this argument aa I could desire. Its importance entitles it to consideration ; for as in the material creation the wonderful adaptations which we discover bespeal^ a Divine Author, so the admi- rable fitness of the religion of the New Testnment to the beings for whom it was given, is a proof of its superhuman origin, which has been justly insisted on by Christian wrUors, hut the full force of which can be felt only where the true features of the revelation are discerned. Whether on the one hand, we look at man as a being, the intellect- ual, social and spiritual elements of whose constitution require culture, or on the other hand, as a being whose appetites and infirmities call for means of restraint, or again, as a being whose history includes that terrible fact of sin which gives a new aspect to all his relations, and creates a before unknown class of wants, the most urgent which he can feel, we perceive in the truths and influences of our faith just that supply of direction, assistance and re- deeming grace which is needed. His intellect finds the loftiest exercise alike for its discursive and its meditative powers ; his social afTcctions are led forth to the happiest results by the constraint of that law of love to which they are subjected ; his spiritual faculties obtain the freedom and elevation which they crave ; his animal propensities are placed under the discipline of an habitual self-denial; his infirmities receive aid or admonition as they may re- quire; and for the evils which sin has brought upon him provision is made, equal, and more than equal to all the necessities of which it has become the fruitful source. But I must leave any further illustration of this point, to notice a second ground of confidence in our theological statements. They are founded upon Scripture. Wc take VOL. XIX. — NO. 9,20. a THE FAITH OF THE UNITAUUN CHniSTUN 124 14 , n-M iTninrian Chrislianily is the our faith from the Bible. Unilar an v.n every page, and wc nn . ii,_ u is common, Wo repel .he eta-ge a, v,hol ";■ J ;^^ ',„., „ „„ . „„„, or .he '"-^ '« »- t ; ,,tu. r».o, fton, begin. ,„,e f'»'"^7"-^/^ Ji^ \„ue„ .l».e work, -e jus. °'"' -^ It iu.e ™ *■„ sWe of .he A.l»n.ie, h». re- now m great repme o ., „,:„„! noint is a poor com- „,arked. in a sentence >y huse ;h«3;\P;;;:\^ ,/, ,„,,hy pensation for its audacious f.dse.^.t to ^^^^^ member ot the Umtanan or ^ ^^^^^ ^.,,„,,, ,f ,,e Old a man must be prepared to re ec^n j^^.^^^.h^ rrOld ^1— ; • O^^hrpage of the Hebrew of the Old Te tam«nt. ^^^^^^ ^^^^^,„^ Scriptures .s here ^ '"V Divine Nature T Where than the absolute ^-^^^'^^Jj ^^^^ ,,, ,i,tory of the ftom Moses to M^ adu - wher ^ .^^ „^,,,y __ i. .here creation to ^he la t vvo-r persons, or that an intimation that God exists '" J^i^^^^^^ed no c,,. .as -;;t::i!rnVur.e!:wh^^^ ^^- "^ nrer'r n::: t:^ Ty tr person lading 10 every other book ui ii foUo^ed in the perusal claim to intelligence or ^^^^ > 't ght thence which of the Bible not a passag ^an e b o g ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^_ „,ilitates wuh our faith Thewh if there be a col- ^ent " must be " rejected ! When i ^^^^^ lection of Unitarian writings on earth, it .s ITAUIAN CUB18T1AN U* ilarian Christianity is the nent. We find it there on nothing which suggests to Divine will. It is common, nofrejoicing, and to charge treatment of the Scripture. y false. It is upon the testi- t we plant ourselves, as on a is in our favor from begin- vriter, whose works are just side of the Atlantic, has re- hetoricalpointisapoorcom- sehood,that"tobeaworthy rather Socinian community, reject nine-tenths of the Old the New!" "Nine-tenths n what page of the Hebrew ,at asserts any other doctrine he Divine Nature ? Where vhere from the history of the )f Jewish prophecy — is there isu in three persons, or that g 1 The Jews discovered no nturies in which they were the red books. And if the pnnci- which are observed in regard world by any person laymg B8ty,be followed in the perusal can be brought thence which The whole of the New Testa. 1 '- When, if there be a col- s on earth, it is what has there 125 EXl'I-AINED, JUHTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 15 been given us by Evangelists and Apostles. I wish not to use cautious or equivocal language on this subject, for we have a right to speak in the most positive terms. The whole, (I make no exception of a tenth or a twentieth part,) the whole of both the Old and New Testament must be mis- construed to yield any other than a Unitarian interpretation. Does any cne demand proof of this declaration, so bold, I am aware, as it may be esteemed by others, but so ob- viously true, as it appears to us? The proof could be fur- nished in detail only by examining every text in the Bible. To such a trial of tlie correctness of tlie assertion we shall always rejoice to see it subjected, but this is not the time for such an investigation. I can only remark, that we place a two-fold leliance on the support which Scripture gives to our views ; first, as its general tenor is clearly and strongly in their favor; and then, as particular passages- numberless in amount— confirm the impressions which we derive from the prevalent complexion of thought and style of expression. Let an unbiased reader take up the Bible for the first time and peruse it carefully, without commentary or friend near him to suggest what it ought to mean, and the conviction would grow stronger upon him as he proceeded from writer to writer, that they knevir nothing about Trinitarianism, or many other doctrines which we have discarded from our theology. Let him then fall upon such passages as these, " Heai, O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord ; " " This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent ;" " To us there is but one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ,"— and these are specimens of innumerable similar declarations,— and what judgment could he form, but that the Bible recognizes 16 THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN 126 the distinction on wliich we insist between Him who alone is God and him who is the Mediator between God and man. We stand by tlie Bible, and the Bible stands by us. We love and hcnor the Bible, without which we should live in darkness and die as the Heathens die. Precious volume ! whose meaning the wisest cannot exhaust, yet the simplest may comprehend ; book of books ; treasure of treasures ; source and summary of all good inttuenccs! Never may the hour come when we shall cease to cling to the Bible ; for then shall we give up the main justification of our faith, and be thrown upon a fathomless sea of doubt. We adduce the testimony of our nature, as in ita vari- ous elements - whether we consider its power or its weak- ness-it proclaims the validity of our interpretation ol religious truth; and we cite the whole instruction of Scripture, whether contemplated in its general character or examined in detail, as concurring in the same result. To add only one other ground of confidence m the opin- ions which we hold, they prove their title to the estimation we bestow on them by the effects which they have produc- ed It may not become us to cite our own experience on this point, - to speak of the restraint they lay upon our passions, the stability they impart to our principles, or the peace with which they fill our hearts. We cannot press the argument in this form, for we feel how unworthily we have used the grace of God which he has shown m bring- ing us to fche knowledge of himself through his dear ^on. But we may refer to those who have lived and died m this precious faith. We have seen -the world has seen - what Unitarian Christianity can do for man; how it can inspire him with a Divine energy, and clothe him in a heavenly grace, and prepare him for a glorious futurity. IAN CHRISTIAN 126 etween Him who alone between God and man. ble stands by us. We i^hich we should live in lie. Precious volume ! xhau3t, yet tbo simplest treasure of treasures ; ifluenccs ! Never may c to cling to the Bible ; iustification of our faith, sea of doubt, r nature, as in its vari- ier its power or its weak- of our interpretation of 5 whole instruction of in its general character rring in the same result. ■ confidence in the opin- eir title to the estimation which they have produc- e our own experience on itraint they lay upon our t to our principles, or the earts. We cannot press e feel how unworthily we h he has shown in bring- 3€lf through his dear 3on. mve lived and died in this — the world has seen — II do for man ; how it can rgy, and clothe him in a im for a glorious futurity. 127 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINOUISIIED. 17 There have been examples of great excellence under almost every phase of belief which has been known in the Christian Church ; for they have all included enough of truth to become " a savour of life unto life" to them who have believed. But never have nobler or purer examples of the Christian character been witnessed, than have arisen beneath the influences of that " form of sound words" which distinguishes — painful rather than pleasant it is, to say, still distinguishes — us. From the days of the Apostles to our own time, through the successive periods of Christian history, there have never been wanting those who have been confessors of this faith, worthy to be num- bered amonnr God's elect. Amidst abundance and in poverty, under the sunshine of prosperity and beneath the darkest night of adversity, have lived those who hav- illus- trated this faith, and shown its power, whether to protect or to support the soul. Men of a true spiritual nobility, and women of a heavenly charm, have traced all that was good in them, and all that was beautiful, to their confidence in the truths of Unitarian Christianity. They who have departed in peace, or have triumphed over every obstacle and every disaster, have drawn from this armory the weap- ons with which they have achieved the last, as all their previous victories. It is a sad mistake, to suppose that only persons of a refined or speculative turn of mind can discover in this system of faith what is congenial to their tastes or needful for their wants. I call it a system, let me observe, for though we give it no systematic arrange- ment under which it may be imposed on human con- sciences, yet such an arrangement it must obtain in the mind of every thoughtful disciple. But not to men of thou>'htful or retired habits alone is it adapted. The hum- vol. XIX. — NO. 220. 2* ,„« rAlT.. or THE UNITARIAN CMiUrUN 128 homes, and He ^^.^j' ,%h„,„ ihe mini«try-at-hrge .nctropolis in the Uni ed S Ute w .^^^ ^^_^ has searched out and gathered ..to the ,o^ ^^^^ ^^^^ attest the efficacy of these ''•^'^^''" , . .^^J,, ,,; which „.he. hand, less un^st to. jne^^^^^ can r^-^^-r''^' Lmle..t This latter ohjection, you rorce or sp.r.tual ^'^^ " "^ »• ^,^ fo,„er. but both are will perce.ve .s ;v«'^;»'-; J^„^, „,„ ,« Soci..us and contradicted by facts ™^^^^, „a Wakefield a..d Servetus. New- and Loc^ ,,,.,, ,.,ts of Buckm.nster and C um" .. » .^ ^ ^^,. i,„ ,„,y an unpopular theology, it .s luie lo for gross or indolent n.inds. .^ ^^.^^^^^ The charge, co.nmon as .t ««• ^" „egative.or import, which stiga.at.ses t ... ^^^^^^^J^,^^, i cold belief, is utterly false. The mo P ^^^^ .^ have ever '-«-' ^^ , ^^ J ^ ^ ««'» ^"'^ '"^^ " no Con.mun.on have the f u t s oi . ^ ^^y it .an been .ore ^^^^^^ ^^^^X^^^^^^ ^f^^^' not in vain boast.ng. but n J"«^'^« ^^ ^^ „fl.,,^ ^^at ,h8 foil con..»uon of tli . f"" ■ »" , . „,Uel.e, 1 ad >» »™^ j„ ,„, ,„„„. „i* .he beao.y »' 'f'"^ 'l;! ^^^ : .S ,,a,l wUhsCood ;^t::srr;:^-r,ifoo,,d.o.u,..,.uo AN ciiiiisruN 128 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 19 lalion, vi\wm Richard nsited in iheir rural , inhiibiiants of a busy in the miuistry-ai-large the fold of Christ. <^«" lies. Nor ia it, on ihe . this failh as one whicli r,u9 of little intellectual l.is latter objection, you lie former, but both are ,ch men as Socinus and ;slley and Wakefield and cherished these tenetts of to call it a reliijiou only 8, and certainly of grave a superficial, negative, or le most spiritual people I nder its infiuence, and in f love to God and love to Ithaninours;— wesay it ilice to the cause of truth. , many lips, to affirm that 1 men may be prepared to death with Christian hope. , gone down to the grave in and when sensible that the have calmly waited as those believed." Lives adorned ,e been closed in the seren- racters which had withstood 3 been found more than able to copo with the surprise and terror of deatl<, for to them dentil, under whatever circumstances it kni'.y have op- proaciied, has brought neither terror nor surprise. If any one ask for evidence of the sufficiency of our views of relig- ion for all the exigencies of man as a sinner or an immortal being, amidst the vicissitudes of an earthly condition or the nnticipation.s of. a righteous judgment, we may point him to the examples of the living and the dead, whom to name would in the one case be superfluous, and in the other might be indelicate; and we leave to his own mind our vindication from the groundless charges under which we labor. In the capacities and wants of human nature, in the general tone and express declarations of Scripture, and in the efft;cl3 produced on character and life, we discover reasons for accepting Unitarian Christianity rather than any of the forms of religious belief which prevail around us. Are they not substantial reasons for a departure from popular persuasions ? Do they not justify us in maintain- ing separate institutions of worship? We cannot concur with other portions of the Church in adopting opinions which they regard as essential to the vitality of the Christ- ian faith. Is it not better, then, that we have our own religious services, in which, because we " believe," we "speak " in a manner which must be unsatisfactory to them, than that we should be in continual danger of giving or taking offence from the want of sympathy between us and our fellow- worshippers? While we affirm that the essen- tial principles of religion, the great and vital truths of the Gospel, ara held in common by us and various other Christian sects, we neither mean nor wish to conceal the differences which separate us from them. We pronounce 30 THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CIiniSTIAN 130 then difTercncos important. nn.1 we believe that U.e cause of both truth and charity will be promoted by a calm recognition of them. In what remains of ih.n d.scourse I .hall endeavor to present those differences between our- selves and others, which most clearly mark our pos.l.on m the community. . _ In the first place, then, as Unitarian Chrisl.ans wo difTcr from unbelievers of every class and name — m our doc- trine concerning Christ. They deny his supernatural mission, if not his moral excellence. We believe m l>oth the one and the other.- in the perfection of h,s character and the Divine authority of his teaching. To us he is the representative of God, speaking in his name and re- fleeting his glory. We hold it to be our privilege to sit at the feet of this heavenly Master ; accounting it a higher office to listen reverently to him. than to occupy the proud- est chair of philosophy or the mo.t despotic throne on earth Unitarian Christianity has no affinity with unbe- lief. They belong to opposite poles of experience. Inh- delity whatever form it may take, from the coarseness of the scoffer to the sophistry of the skeptic, meets vvr.h no favor at our hands. We treat it justly, as we would treat everybody and everything, be it man or devd. error or vice ; but we can bestow on it only our pity, our condem- nation, or our counsel. We gratefully accept the records of the Saviour's life, and follow him, in holy admiration, from Bethlehem to Calvary, exclaiming as we hearken to his words — " this is one who speaks as having authority ; as wo behold his wonderful works,-" who could do these miracles, except God were with him ; " and as we gaze upon his last suffering,- " truly this was the Son of God. We will not be seduced from our faith by the ingenious \S CliniSTIAN (cIlcTo thfitthe cause promoted by a calm no of ihifi discourse I "erenccs between otir- y mark our position in in Christians wc differ d name — in our doc- eny his supernatural We believe in both BClion of his character inching. To us he is ' in his name and re- e our privilege to sit at accounting it a higher in to occupy the proud- est despotic throne on no affinity with unbe- !S of experience. Infi- from the coarseness of skeptic, meets wiih no jslly, as we would treat man or devil, error or ly our pity, our condem- ifully accept the records lim, in holy admiration, liming as we hearken to ks as having authority ;" «< who could do these lim;" and as we gaze his was the Son of God." ir faith by the ingenious E.TPI.AINRD, JUflTIFIED, AND niBTINaUIBIIEO. Ql theories or myNticiiI discourse of some who affect to honor Jesus while they throw suspicion over his whole history. We cannot divorce the history from the Divine influence which it conveys. Spiritual Christianity needs historical Christianity as its basis. To separate the former from the latter, is as if we withdrew from the lowers and spires of a lofty cathedral the support of ihu fuundalion which enables them to soar upwards in their graceful beauty. Of coarser material may that foundation be made and be partly buried in the earth, liut its solid btrenglh upholds the walls out of which those lighter creations of art spring towards the skies. So must the loftiest aspirations of faith spring from convictions that rest on the firm basis of liie Gospel history. Wo repel the charge of promoting or countenancing infi- delity. We warn those whose hearts are get in this direc- tion, of the peril they run j we entreat those who have sought this as a refuge from superstition, to leave it for the stronghold of a Scriptural faith ; and shall wc, because we cannot join in heaping opprobrious terms upon the unbe- liever or in pursuing him with maledictions, be accused of secret agreement wilh him? Our language is, " there is none other name under heaven given among men where- by we must be saved," but the name of Jesus Christ ; can the most unscrupulous ingenuity pervert this language into a symbol of unbelief? As Unitarian Christians, we differ from Trinitarians of every Communion — in our doctrine concerning God. We adopt no socli expressions as " Triune God," " blessed and holy Trinity," " three persons in one God." We find no such expressions in the Bible. Tiiere, as I have said, we read only of the Divine unity. We do not meet with aline or a word which represents Christ as sharing supreme THK FAITH or TH« UNITAIIUN CIIRIHTIAN 132 sn deity wUb the Father. Wc do n^V^-^^^ Vf "I'';;;;:;,, in h ,n. which enable.! him to eq-uvocntc -tho a -or fice of truth,-* mornl. «nd literal .mpoHMh hty . it no T We «ay with all confidence ,hnt the doc.r.ne of the t1 ity i« eit'her uninteiligible or -'f--;"»'"f ^"'J' ^'^ It in either ca,e it cannot »- ^ ""^'i-'-.^ ^^ "^ ^ We do not heMtatc to pronounce .t mjur.ous .n .tselLc^ ri devotion, and pernicious in its connex.ou w.h Irality. We' trace it. '^^-y '-^/° ^ "^i;: 7, '^ an impure philosophy with the pr.mU.vo f..lh of the Churl And when we are reminded th«. :> - • • .w .nclud- ed In the faith of nearly all Christendom, we answer, first, at if the truth of opiLns be determined by mapr.es Christianity must cower before P-K-^' '"V^J' J^ ," . is„, humble itself before the majesty of Rome and sec Idly that the variety of explanations wh.ch have been " ; bv the advocates of this tenet is a sufficent proo I the- majority of the Christian Church are not agreed n any interpretation, and since we cannot find U n the Bible' we may at least defer a belief in it till they whoe.- feem .rso important have decided what it is wh.ch they ^■'AVu^L't Christians, we differ from all of the Pres- byte:ian or Congregational name who "dopt CaWunsU standards of faith - in our doctrine concernmg man. We r^pon him as fallen from his stateopr.mev^^ cence Observation and consciousness tell us that he .3 cor«p^ But not by nature. We cannot shut our eye on human depravity, but we can believe ne.ther ,n natura nor in total depravity. If man comes into life w.th a nat.ue lolly inclined . e.s where is his guilt .n oboy.ng the lecelity under .V..:h hois placed .fdomgevd As A1 CIIBI"T1AN 132 198 KXPLAINKU, IVUTtHk.i), AND DirriNi^UIIHKO. 98 jiiil of a tloublo naltiro icalo without a sacri- ral imposBibilHy, '» '^ t,nt the doctrine of tho jelf-contrndictory, and I subject of revelation, injurious in its elToctn a its connexion with ck to tho ndini-aare fif primitive f ilh of the cdthnlit >' O'jw includ- •ndom, we answer, first, icrmincd by majorities, jnnism, and Protestant- sty of Rome; and sec- Uions which have been jiiet is a sufficient proof I Church are not agreed we cannot find it in the icfinittill they whoec- led what it is which they iffer from all of the Pres- e who adopt Calvinistic me concerning man. We lis state of primeval inno- iousness tell us that he is We cannot shut our eyes believe neither in natural mes into life with a nature is his guilt in obeying the laced '^i doing evil ! As .soon should I think f nharginjf guiil on the mountains whose bleak sides arc by the ordinance of lliu Creator smitten with the desolation of ai rilniu»t perpetual winu r, because thoy do not exhibit the verdure of crly spring. If man can only choose and commit sin, where is his free- dom, or where his responsiblcness T What lolly to dpcak to him of duly I What injustice to pass upon him a sen- tence of condemnation ! I cure not fur nice distinctions between natural and moral inability. Inability ist inability, and what a man cannot do, it is worse than idle to require him to do. If the dogma of natural depravity be opposed to common sense, tho idea of total depravity is irrecon- cilable with facts. There is not a being on earth wlmllj depraved — without any good in him. Nero, demon as he was, had some humanity leA. Vitellius, beast as he was, could not drown his whole nature in sensuality. Neither tho cannibalism of New Zealand, nor the horrors of the French revolution, reveal to us unmitigated atrocity. In the worst oi' men there are secret qualities that need only the right sort of collision with circumstances to bring them out to our adfniration, as from the hard and black flint sparks of light may be struck by the proper means. Man is a sinner — call him so, be he clothed with purple or beg in rags; and sin is spiritual suicide, by slower or quicker methods — so describe it, whether before Ilcrod in his palace, or the Pharisee in the temple, or the most abandoned profligate in the foulest den of iniquity, Call them all to repent, alike by the mercies and the terrors of the Lord. «' Cry aloud, spare not," and prove yourself faithful as a minister of God to guilty mortals. But say not iliat man is only vile. Cotnmit not that sacrilege, for it is God's work which you abuse See in that wreck of J THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN 134 24 humanity, as in a noble ship which ihe waves have swept till it looks only like a worthless hulk, much which is Bound, enough even to authorise the hope that it may be restored to its former bearing. The sinner is a man, and in that title if he have not the pledge of his redemption, he has what for a free and accountable being is better, the proof of its possibility. ,r ..,i„,i As Unitarian Christians, we differ from the self-styled Orthodox of this and other lands -in our doctrine con- cerning the atonement. We believe in an atonement, and in the atonement; in an atonement needed by every sin- ner by which he shall be reconciled to God, and in the 'atonement of which Christ is the instrument, by bring- inc the sinner to God, that he may be forgiven andjusU- fie'd Nay, more ; we believe that the atonement was the great object of Christ's mission, even as he said «' the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost, and that in this purpose we find the solution of the mys- tery which overhangs his cross. But we cannot - and we thank God that we do not-believe in a vicarious atonenient which would subvert our notions of justice, and teach us to look upon the Heavenly Father as an Infinite Despot We must use strong language on this point. \\ e reject with abhorrence a doctrine which de.poils the Divuie char- acter of its glory, and takes from the Divine law Us most urgent sanctions. We can call that a gracious Provi- dence which hides instruction beneath chastisement, but we cannot call that a revelation of grace which shows us the Sovereign of the universe refusing forgiveness to con- trite offenders except on conditions which they are utterly unable to fulfil, yet which are held to be fulfilled by a technical evasion that would be sanctioned by no court of AN CHRISTIAN 134 125 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 25 the waves have swept hulk, much which is 10 hope that it may be 5 sinner is a man, and 5 of his reJemption, he le being is belter, the fer from the self-styled -in our doctrine con- t in an atonement, and t needed i>y every sin- iciled to God, and in e instrument, by bring- y be forgiven andjusti- ihe atonement was the 3n as he said, " the Son e that which was lost," ihe solution of the mys- ut we cannot — and we in a vicarious atonement of justice, and teach us x as an Infinite Despot. I this point. We reject lespoils the Divine char-, the Divine law its most that a gracious Provi- neath chastisement, but )f grace which shows us using forgiveness to con- ns which they are utterly held to be fulfilled by a lanctioned by no court of justice in the civilized world. Our doctrine of ihe atone- ment is a doctrine of parental love ; the popular doctrine of the atonement, if it were not connected with the Divine Name, we should describe as a doctrine of cunning tyr- anny. Such, I am constrained to say, painful as is the association, is the light under which it seems to me to present the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I know that this dogma is set forth as the sinner's only ground of hope. Strange affirmation ! And yet stranger blindness, that cannot see the invitation of a free mercy illuminating every page of the New Testament. Mercy, oh ! how much needed by man, how freely exercised by God I Let not the condition of man be mistaken by the sinner, let not the character of God be misrepresented by the theologian. As Unitarian Christians, we differ from members of the Roman Catholic Communion — in our doctrine respect- ing authority in matters of religion. The principle to- wards which all the ideas of the Roman Catholic gravi- tate, is the Church. It is to this ihat he adheres with most tenacity, for in giving up this bethinks he gives up every- thing. As he reduces this principle to practice, he makes the Church the infallible interpreter of Scripture and ex- pounder of truth. The Church is the ultimate authority, whom it is fatal sin to disobey or distrust. Here.sy there- fore (which is only dissent from the Church) becomesim - piety, and may be punished as spiritual treason. Now we believe in the Church ; but it is the Church of the saints who are compacted into one body " by that which every joint supplieth," and not the hierarchy who are only mem- bers in the body. We believe in no infallibility residing on earth, because we say, — making a statement iu moral VOL. XIX. — NO. 220. 3 36 THB FAITH OP THE UNITARIAN CHHISTIAN 126 arithmetic which any child can ""'^^"^f"'''-;^;* ^^ aggregation of fallible judgments can make an mfalhbk Se We protest again.t this claim of the Romi h C irch It is her cardinal vice. We might bear wuh h^ler errors ; but this assumption of the attributes of the Most High, with all the terrible con-quences which it involves, we may not regard even with patience. I invades thL sanctuary of man's freedom, -d scales the hrone of God's sovereignty. It has but one word to ex- press the conditions of eternal life ; and that is, .uW-- !ubmit to the Church in its interpretation of truth and it declaration of duty. This, with God's grace, we will never do We will submit, not t. the Church, bn to h.m who isthe Head of the Church, and tho o.ly .{^ritual Head hom its members should acknowledge. Christ has c.l'- IduTto liberty, not to bondage. He has taught uswhat o believe, and on us lies the responsibleness of con- struing hi3 instructions in their right sense. We can no man nor body of men frame a creed for us It .8 not the right of private judgment alone, which we defend It is the rfu^y of private judgment, which we dare not neglect. We must think and read for ourselves. If we mistake the meaning of the written word, on our souls will lie the peril. It a fearful responsibleness which is com- mitted to us. We know this- we hope we feel it If we suffer ourselves to be warped by passion or prejudice, by self-will or self-interest, we shall stand condemned. But if we use no means of ascertaining " the mind of the spirit," except as we passively yield to others" dictation ve shall incur still heavier guilt. We are the Lord s free- men, and how can we be called loyal to him so long as we enter into voluntary servhude to any other master ] >ii»ili laiiiiiiKiUmmiwii wiiMMi'i'"' IIAN CHRISTIAN 126 understand, — that no can make an infallible claim of the Romish We might bear with tion of the attributes of ale consequences which even with patience. It freedom, and scales the has but one word to ex- 1 ; and that is, submit — iretation of truth and its od's grace, we will never Church, b.u to him who 1 the only apiritual Head wledge. Christ has caH- He has taught us what responsibleness of con- right sense. We can let 3 a creed for us. It is I alone, which we defend, ment, which we dare not read for ourselves. If we ten word, on our souls will onsibleness which is com- - we hope we feel it. If d by passion or prejudice, ! shall stand condemned, irtaining " the mind of the yield to others' dictation, t. We are the Lord's free- lied loyal to him so long as de to any other master ? 127 EXPLAINED, Jl/STIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 27 As Unitarian Christians, we differ from the adherents of the Episcopal Church — in our doctrine concerning the ministry. We are far from denying the need of a sep- arate order of men who ishall give themselves to study and preaching, that they may be able to convince the gainsayer and instruct and exhort the believars. We perceive that such a class as the clergy are demanded by the situ- ation of the Church in the midst of the world, as well as by its internal wants, and we doubt not that the ministry was intended by Christ to be perpetual. But we look with no respect on the claims which are advanced in be- half of the clergy of a particular church over other minis- ters. We find it difficult to express our amazement at the effrontery of a church, which, itself a fragment of the universal Church and a secession from a larger fragment, presumes to consider the ministers of other portions as in- truders into the sacred office. It would be ridiculous, if it were not insolent. We do not call in question the claims of thr English Church to the admiration of its members, for if they find in its liturgy or discipline what enkindles their admiration, we would not let our preference for a simpler worship lead as to forget the original diversity of mental wants ; but to admit her argument, drawn from Scripture, in favor of the three orders, or her argument, not drawn from Scripture nor from any other source ex- cept fancy, in favor of the Apostolical succession, is what we cannot do without surrendering our common sense. As Unitarian Christians, we differ from the Baptist de- nomination — in our doctrine concerning ordinances. The ordinances we value. They are beautiful symbols and efficacious means. We prize them, and use them. Ml -Jiifffl ■ - •"••- ' "' "-"^J--' 'i^^-* as THE FAITH OF THE UNITARIAN CUK.8T.AN importance. Ana w pvcellent people to raise sion which causes .ntelhgent and excellent i H ta „ol .»8i»ient to ..y, .h»t compliance »''\' ''" " ° S.- L« b a, ,hc consuucio. .hich . p.. upon r W *e n,e.|.e,. or "H. — --; X:^ cr;o„_io o„, jo-'-'-^Tetr'Trco: ""'; ^eCl- ngerorttn., and .b.. .he, should 11 e ■,„ ' s e L this ,h.» in ...y.hing el.e, bcc.ase be more mlereslM in earne.lness end *•» » '"r™: 'ifS h id uTde .he rcrain. of prin- f„,„, '7''82' '"';'J,'' , '„, ,,.e „„. ., mocb of .hese r:rc=d:,^ht:en;rcon.i..inexcue,„e„., !™ Mat .« be., beginning i. made to a .empe.. of feelmg. "we t »« ^»e.e that Ood .akea .he .oul h, ..em. A IIAN CHRISTIAN 128 iger to exaggerate their y uiulerstand the delu- xcellent people to raise of a means, into aeon- should as soon think of ironunciation indispen- ffices on a journey. It liance with the letter of first importance; be- i whether .he words of ction which is put upon enominatiou, it shows a e genius of our religion care more for the letter ,g. It might be difficult reater mistake in his use allegorizer. differ from the Methodist ncerning religious excite- jxcitement. On the con- ild be interested in relig- Tient, and that they should in anything else, because Wc like earnestness and under the restraint of prin- 3 have not as much of these hould have. Our aversion iven us towards the other, ion consists in excitement, lade in a tempest of feeling, akes the soul by storm. A 129 EXI'LAINED, JU8T1FIKD, AND DISTINGUISHED. 29 change of heart is not the work of an hour, as you may change the course of a stream by digging across a belt of ground which has turned its waters from a straight chan- nel. Rather as the torrent which has been dashing down the hills and exhibiting the wildest disorder m its des- cent gradually subsides into the stream which flows quietly in a broader and deeper current through the fields, so the impetuous and disorderly passions are gradually subdued into a tranquil and useful character. We doubt the value of those occasions of which so much use is m=de, to convert the sinner by the force of sympathy. Regener- ation, as we understand it, is a secret work, and often of slow growth, though its results be great and manifest. We dislike mechanical methods, as we distrust stereotyped evidences of religion. As Unitarian Christians, we differ from the Universal- ist body — in our doctrine concerning retribution. They a.™l i".«g-do bu. find, «p,e- :".' lp.ra.Tlo» and ang,ush, and a. «,...„ - « r„iri. or '^;:^::-:::x.:rz'^ „f .he differencea bel«eei. M and our Tellow "rTTnat would be a fa- ".o-o agreeable u.k, for Si have oru.ne,.o por.ray tbe features of common «h,ch I have not, ^ I ^ ^^^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^ ^j rt T» when shaking of .boa. Uuth, wWcb we AN CHRISTIAN 130 unscriptural. It over- I, and tortures the lan- ,ich only the greatest ;i9 influence we should ieprecaie. We reason to come," and entreat iuffering in the world to i evil ways and cleanse all bear into that world ;h he shall there enter, er. If we have chosen inot dwell in the joy of leyond all other descrip- ■ the lot of the impeni- ges do but faintly repre- • and as certain as is make the experience of erience follows from the ced by the warnings and It, though necessary de- ween us and our fellow more agreeable task, for yr the features of common ated in the earlier part of of those truths which we desiring to confine to our- re held by us in common those who take the same his cause.' And in this portions of tiie Church, of 131 EXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DISTINGUISHED. 31 the truths on which we lean, do we find an argument to increase our confidence in them as the only essential truths of Christianity, — so plain that they cannot be mistaken, so important that few, or none have been able to deny them a place in their theology. There is, how- ever, one example of agreement between us and other Christians, which I am anxious to notice, as presenting yet one other difference which we would press on the consideration of those from whom it distinguishes us. In this instance they from whom we differ are not Christians except in name. Perhaps we are no more. Then God forgive us ! for we ought to be immeasurably more. And this is what I wish to say ; — that as Unitarian Christians, we difTer from the irreligious of every class, whether they be the openly immoral or such as immerse themselves in the cares of the world, the profane or the thoughtless — in our doctrine concerning righteousness. For we hold that this is the one thin^^ needful, and that whatever else a man risks or loses, he must not let go the integrity of his soul ; which he can keep only by strenuous obedience to every law of the outward and inward life. A man is not true to himself, nor faithful to Christ, nor thankful to God, who does not purify himself from sin, and conse- crate both body and soul to the execution of the Divine will. We preach a doctrine of righteousness which covers all human relations, and penetrates to the inmost recesses of our being. It is not a superficial propriety, nor a conven- tional rectitude which we demand, but thorough, genuine goodness. A man must be filled with this goodness, just as the tree is pervaded from its root and its heart to its -,:i 'S SB ^„C rA,TH OP THE «N.TAH,.N CHU.«T.AN 132 . . 1 -.-1 fl..wl The life which is in he «ho bear, the closesl P"»-™ , „„ r r.n-r:: 'si:" u i^ete^. p.. .. - ::; J are they who do hunge, and t^^'^-^^- "f,^ T, oules. for they Bhall be filled." They «' ^hall be filled buThoJe who do not desire this, their great good w.th an Uine upon our hearts we are almost ready to say, let o"hers discourse of the future, for here we have a theme ! !nH and vast that it exceeds all our powers to treat Uw ttily >^ h this doctrine let Unitarian ChristianUy go 1 fhe world and entreat and adjure men to turn IAN CHRISTIAN i32 Tho life which is in nelrate and vivify our Briencc, we do but par- not whole men in our B and complete man is resemblance to Christ. j8, or they who pursue all they need think of, being's end and aim- and the great benefit of n to them. When we not mean that which is rehensive. How can a himself in just relations arc more important than her beings? Righteous- includes piety not less r not less than the beha- our Lord, when he said, ■I and thirst after righte- They " ^^ball be filled ; " , their great good, with an ng man for food, a. «.na.n. 1"" ""^ "' °f ';, , t„ religion .„d iu u,e» we -"'f «; "^'° *;; chri..i.ni., and i.. Ihe one living unJ ""' """• AN CHRISTIAN 134 135 KXPLAINED, JUSTIFIED, AND DIHTINUUIHUKD. 35 jeiice of the character en. And all the more J embraced unpopular ,08 worth, if they will istofthe martyr cpirill , worth, if it will not jdico of the multitude ] I ashamed nor afraid to i8cd the cause which ho I would not commend id manly and Christian pposition or obloquy is nites with self-respect in , we disown, bigotry we ) ; but for truth and free- in word and deed. i this building have then ey have now brought to a n than their hopes. It w (,a with no more accepta- Srat time approach this \e which they feel. The Btands, in its chaste beau- ions to secure for them- pportunities of a Scriptural ed in the reference to the e placed over its entrance. It we dedicate this house to its builders t To religion to the worship and glory of 1. To Christianity and its influences we dedicate it — to the cxpoaition and enforce- ment of that Qospei which is the rule of life and the charter of salvation. To the well-being of man we ded- icate it — in his prepartttinn for the duties of this life and the enjoyment of the life to come. To truth and love and pence we dedicate it, and invito them to dwell within its walls as the guardians of its sanctity. To holy prayer wc dedicate it; to religious instructicm wc dedicate it; to sacred song we dedicate it. Here may devotion breathe its sublimest hopes, and wisdom uttci its chniceet counsels, and music pour forth its sweetest strains. Mere may our friend long be permitted to refresh his spirit in the labors of the sanctuary. Long may this memorial of Christian zeal stand, to gather many into the sympathies of fraternal union. As in tranquil dignity it looks down upon the crowded ways of life at its feet, may it seem to speak of a higher and calmer existence. Here may an influ- ence begin, that shall be extended through the city, the neighborhood, the province,*in which, in respect to the peculiar character which we have seen to belong to this house, it now stands alone; an influence that shall be- come deeper as well as wider with every year of its exer- cise. We enjoy the smile of Heaven upon our work of to-day in the bland sunshine which has soAcned every unfriendly element of the season. Let us interpret it as the promise, in our spiritual husbandry, of a fruitful sum- mer and an abundant harvest. May souls here grow into a ripeness for a better world. As the Father shall here be worshipped and the Son be honored, may the spirit of grace from the Father and the Son descend in unseen influences, that shall not, like the visible flames on the first Christian Pentecost, cease to rest upon the brethren ,„. rA.TH or THE UN.TAB.AN C.m.^T.AM. 136 86 f -, ttiA Dlace of their nsscmWing. at their departure from »^«. P'""° „,,„„« «haH give And when in ti.c ca««e '^^ ^^^e' ^ ^ '''"''''''^'''' may iU h»tory be •"'•'«^«^*» ^^^^^ those who shall e.«He its --«-^;';""; : f „„, „,„de with hands. »'"" f " Tllllr rther Ahni^htyl hear thou eternal in the heavens. .p^ ^^.^e, m the our desires, and grunt them fulfilme t- I and thine the richer glory of the.r decay IAN Clini^TIAM. e of their nBHcmbling. his structure shall give of iimpler dimension*, a»s.>ciation» that shall . wilh those who shall not made with hands, r Almighty! hear thou iment. To thee, in the •crnte these walls, these ory of their fresh beauty sir decay 1 '.'SW^PWF*''^'*