Unitarianism by W.G. Tarrant
page 46 of 62 (74%)
page 46 of 62 (74%)
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and their productions are often to be found in 'orthodox' collections:
_Samuel Longfellow_ (brother to H.W.L.), _Samuel Johnson_, _W.C. Gannett_, _J.W. Chadwick_, and _F.L. Hosmer_. On the English side other sweet singers have appeared: 'Nearer, my God, to Thee,' by _Sarah Flower Adams_, is a world-renowned hymn; and if the names of Channing, Emerson, and Parker cannot be equally matched here in their several spheres, there has been no lack of able and scholarly representatives, and one name at least is of universal reputation. That name, of course, is _Martineau_. The effective changes from the old Unitarianism to the modern type are best displayed in the story of his long life and the monumental books which bear his name. Reference has been made to his early brilliance; its promise was amply fulfilled in the course of a career more than usually prolonged. The note of original thought sounded in the _Rationale_ (see p. 63[*]) was to be heard again and again in other and more permanent utterances, and not seldom to the perplexity and dismay of many of his Unitarian brethren. Alike in religious philosophy, in attitude to the Scriptures, and in matters of church organization, he found himself from time to time at variance with most of those close around him. His philosophical and critical influence was in large measure victorious; in regard to organization the results were less satisfactory to himself. It will be instructive to observe his progress. [*: third paragraph of Modern Unitarianism: II. Ideas and Tendencies.] As regards philosophy, it is necessary to remember the influence of Priestley and Belsham. These Unitarian leaders, following Hartley's psychology, stood for a _determinism_ which was complete. God was the Great Cause of all; not the 'First Cause' of the deistic conception, |
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