A History of the Unitarians and the Universalists in the United States (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 Excerpt: ...first l.roke off, early in the last century, the noiisiilisi-riliing "I'rtsbykry of Antrim," nnd the larger schism which, in lHj.J, created the "A'i'Hifliislraiit Sytii t'f I'lsttr," in lioth of which, as in Munstcr, Arianisin and IIiim: uiitarianim found acceptance and repose, in fellouship with Trinitarianism. This relegation of systematic theology to the Xftivft, and concentrntion of the Church on the Christian graces nnd life of holiness possiMc under all theories alike, was the characteristic principle of fellowship in our churches here for more than a century heforc your opening date;-during the whole of which Unitarians and Trinitarians found it possilile to worship together. The disscns mis which limku out aiming the dogmatic chiirclie, lit'giniiing with the Church of Kngland, doulillesii made this catholic neutralism to-anK di'Ctrinc more and more dilliciilt to mninlain; nnd ninny a time worlhy ticlgli. li'irs, hitherto accustomed In "go up to the home of (ii-l in loinpiiny," would be pcrKtiailcil to look askance at each other ns " heretic " and " idolater." In the case of a crecd-lKiund ihurch, such as that to which l.indsey was pledged, the severance was plainly necessary; and the house of refuge created for him in Ksscx Street was naturally dedicated to the particular tyic of theology which had suffered exile in his jicrson. This gave it its essence nnd its name, and intimated to every Trinitnrinn that its invitntion was not meant for him. It is not wonderful that the example of tlic first ('nitiri, tii church was followed, as you relate, by a gradual extension of the name to congregations 1 See p. 148. KcfL-rrin lo the opening paragraph on p. 149.--Ed. SUIM.KMK.'rIKV XOTK. 249 lilntorlcn...