As Christians addressing Christians, we, whose faith is called
Unitarianism, invite you, our Roman Catholic brethren, to
join with us in investigating the origin and true nature of that
Gospel which we agree in believing worthy of the deepest
study, the most unremitting interest, and the highest regard.
We agree in believing every Christian to be bound to promote
the welfare of his race to the utmost of his ability; and that
that welfare is best promoted by the extensive spread and firm
establishment of Divine truth. We agree in believing that all
other gifts which the Father of men has showered on human
kind are insignificant in comparison with the dispensation of
grace: or rather, that their value is unrecognised till inter-
preted by it. We alike feel that the material frame of the
universe, fair as it is, is but as a silent picture till a living beauty
is breathed into it, and a divine harmony evolved from it by
its being made the exponent of God's purposes of
grace. We
alike feel that the round of life is dull and tame, and its vicis-
situdes wearisome and irritating, till it becomes clear that they
are preparative to a higher state. We alike feel that worldly.
pursuits, and even intellectual employments, are objectless and
uninteresting, till they can be referred to purposes whose com-
plete fulfilment must take place beyond the grave. We alike
feel how pervading, how perpetual is the influence of Gospel
principles in ennobling every incident, in hallowing every
vicissitude of life; in equalizing human emotions; in animating
the sympathies, in vivifying the enjoyments, and blunting the
sorrows, of all who adopt those principles, in full conviction of