than any other sentiment to unite men together in the bonds of a common brotherhood. But we must not cite instances to prove the assertion that the doctrines of Unitarianism are intimately blended with piety and benevolence. Those who have realized the former, will show forth the latter, and know of a truth that it is a doctrine according to godliness. And we will add, that a full perception of the blessings conferred by Unitarian sentiments will prompt the desire to spread their influence. This full perception can, perhaps, be hardly felt except by those who have been redeemed from the galling thraldom of some of the denominations which prevail around us. But let a man have fully felt what Calvinism teaches to be true, and he will then know what is meant by 'the glorious liberty of the sons of God.' Sweet as the light and warmth of day to the long-incarcerated prisoner, sweet as health and vigor to him who has suffered days and months of sickness and vanity, sweet as peace and joy to the disconsolate and anxious breast, is the change from the gloomy and terrifying doctrines of genuine Calvinism, to the mild and affectionate and cheering accents of the Son of God. And even without this painful experience, some conception may be formed of the comparative value of truth and error, by attention to the doctrines of the day, as set forth in the pulpits of our orthodox brethren, and more especially of those who are truly Calvinistic. We are supplied with, though at present we have not room for, illustrations of this assertion. But we have often thought, when engaged either in hearing or reading the representations that prevail of the character of God and the destiny of man, that if our Unitarian brethren who set their face against popular exertions were but to hear and read such things for themselves, their benevolence would prove too strong for their caution, and impel them to encourage and originate the means of enlightening the mind and consoling the heart of their fellow-christians. And, again, we have thought that the wonder is not that there are so many, but that there are so few unbelievers; for we frankly say, we see not how a man of common intelligence can believe what is delivered from many pulpits. And thousands might, we doubt not, have been rescued from the gloomy and uncomfortable regions of scepticism, had the unadulterated gospel of Christ been laid before them; and it is still in the power of Unitarians to save others from the same melancholy fate, if they will prove true to their obligations. What stronger obligations can any one lie under than those we have now set forth? In addition to all the powerful claims of the gospel, we are called to feel the claims which lie upon reformers, and upon those who may, and who only effectually can, vindicate the truth of Jesus, and arrest the march of infidelity. We are not without examples, bright and noble examples, and prompters in our own communion. There have been men bearing our name who counted all things but dung and dross, that they might win and honor Christ. Have we not read of what a Biddle, an Emlyn, a Priestly, and a Lindsey, to say nothing of those who have emulated their example in America, did and suffered for the cause of truth? Faithful were they in their day, doing the duties thereof. To them it belonged to bring forth the pearl of great price from beneath the rubbish by which it was hidden. Did they shrink from their duty ? Was it easy of performance? What they discovered, we, in the order of Providence, are called upon to hold up to the world. Shall we prove unworthy successors of these excellent of the earth? They were required to be in the study, we in the pulpit; they in private, we in public; they to search, we to promulgate. Here is our duty; and except we perform it, every word of eulogy we give to their memories is a word bringing disgrace upon ourselves. There were giants in the earth in those days. But if we have not equal strength with them, we have an easier task. We have only to apply what they discovered. Theirs was the work of the intellect, ours of the heart. Preeminent talents were essential to them, we want chiefly a benevolent disposition. Let us not then with a lighter- yes, and a pleasanter task, and in happier times, fail to carry forward the work they commenced. But it will be said the work is going on. A gradual change is taking place in the creeds of other Christians. Granted; but this consideration affects not one jot our duties. We ought, therefore, to thank God and take courage. To spread a purer belief is not the only work we have to do. We have also to spread the spirit and power of the gospel; we have to root out sin, and to plant instead piety and goodness. And until the agents that are employed are adequate to effect all of this nature that is required, not one who is called by the name of Christ is at liberty to refuse to labor in his Master's vineyard. Alas! after all the exertions that have been made, there is but too large a mass of iniquity entirely beyond the reach of all Christian influences. Crime increases with the increase of the population, and in every district of the country there are but too many who claim the sympathy and aid of every Christian. But however much the opinions of our fellow-christians may be undergoing modification, we cannot, we confess, see how this is a reason for lukewarmness on our parts. If they have approached somewhat to the word of God, this would seem rather the offer of Providence to work together with us, an invitation to avail ourselves of a favorable opportunity. Or are we to conclude that because the spirit of the day, and the progression of events, are in our favor, that, therefore, we are exonerated from all exertion? On no other subject should we reason in this manner. It was 'in the fulness of time' that the Almighty made Christianity known. A favorable state of the world should not arrest, but prompt, efforts for the welfare of man. Besides, what is the cause of this modification? Before the day of Socinus and that of Priestly, centuries had passed away, and creeds went on continually growing more absurd and lengthy. But when they had kindled the light, it gradually spread its beams through the church, to some in less, to some in greater number. Without their labors, then, the work could not have been begun; how can it be terminated without ours? The notion we are combating goes to destroy the very means by which the change recorded has taken place. And well may we be assured, that except we hold up the light that has been kindled, transmitting the torch from hand to hand, and from age to age, augmenting - the volume of its light and the sphere of its influence, darkness will soon regain its former empire each succeeding generation becoming more ignorant than the former. But the respondent may answer, Truth is mighty and must prevail.' True; but not without human agency. Providence will take care of its interests.' Yes; but in its usual manner by human co-operation. Strange as it may seem, we really fear that these notions prevail to a great extent. Yet even a Heathen fabulist saw and exposed their absurdity, teaching all such reasoners, that if any good is to be effected for the human race, human beings must put their shoulder to the wheel. Where would have been the Reformation if Wickliffe and Luther had contented themselves with relying on Providence? And in what condition would be the temporal concerns of our friends, the respondents, if they folded their arms and wrapped about them their cloaks and called on Providence ? There is a good old saying most pertinent to the present topic, 'Providence helps those who help themselves.' And now we must be permitted to turn the favorable aspect which is pleaded against, into an argument in favor of, increased exertion among the Unitarian body. That a change for the better has taken place we believe. The actual sentiments of our fellow-christians, though not their professed creeds, are less irrational than they were wont to be. The spirit of the times is in our favor. Men now dare to think, and in some instances to utter their sentiments. Inquiry is proceeding on every side. Reformation is gradually spreading around Let but the present activity of mind have its us. |