Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-02-01
LETTERS FROM TEE PEOPLE.
Rev. Mr.. Hepworth's New De-
parture.

ii y
New York city, has severed his connec-
ton with that denomination. 1t is sell
dom that one goes from that faith to
one less liberal, for all churches are ad-
vancing fast toward liberalism. There
is the usual amount of criticism from
his former ministerial friends, that al
ways follow man who changes his
theological opinions, but not the usual
exultation on the other side, from hav-
ing gained so prominent an exponent of
Unitarianism We therefore infer he is
not regarded as a great accession, and
we are surprised that the UnitariaEs
should so far forget their principles as to
denounce Mr.. Hepworth for bis ''new
departure. The fact is he has not re-
nounced any of his former religious
theories, nor gone fully over to the or
thordox Congregationalists. He has
long been in sympathy with them, and
his departure was not a surprise to any.
He is a man that needs the majority.
The traditions, prestige and support of g.
large denomination are wanted to make
him feel secure and at home. He went
from the Unitarians then not so much
from change of theory as for sympa-
thy and support, he hoped to find else
where. His position now is an indie
pendent one, and it remains to be seen if
he has character and brains enough to
maintain such a position. To stand alOof
from all denominations requires an in
dependence, a high class of talent, and
decision of character, which we fear he
does not possess. He is not leader nor
a rcf0rmcr 1t is not Unitarianism to
find fault with one for an honest change
of theological views. 1t was in the eX-
ercisc of legitimate right he has, that
he changed his relations. We believe
people ought to do their own thinking
and respect them for SO doing rcCOg-
nizing the diversity God has made i'll hu-
man nature. We must then put fellow
ship upon christian character not opinj-
Ons Gong from the Warm heart Of
Unitarianism in and around Boston. to
the chilly atmosphere of Orthodox New
y Ork has wrought great change in Mr..
Hepworth's feelings. Supported by Il
large majority in the former city he fell
away in the latter being obliged to stand
alone or fall He rests upon authority
not conviction, follows the popular cur
rent not leading it. The one stands
alone, the other must feel the support of
a large majority. He has said that no
Church can exist unless founded upon
Christ He has never said in public
printssthat he had become convinced that
Christ was God, but only Urine, a pc
sition always maintained by the entire
denomination.
One would think by the remarks 50
often made, that the Unitarians never
heard Of Christ, or, at least. never be-
lieved in Him.
1t is Il Christian denomination. and
builds its church upon the truths so fully
and divinely represented by Christ.
Without His spiritual presence Christi
anity becomes but a dead letter. 1t is
true, they do not hold the same opinion
of His nature, true position in history,
and ground Of His authority as do others.
Who is to Judge between them OH a
matter of opinion and Interpretation OF
Scripture. They insist upon their own
opinions as best for themselves, and be
lieve we may as truly grasp the spirit OF
the Master holding one opinion as an
other. Where the holders of both opin-
ions are fallihle none but God can judge
of their absolute correctness, unless He
dcputize some Pope to be the infallible
guide, a thing incredible with us Mr..
Hepworth has a right to his own opiii-
ions, for to his own Master he standeth
or galleth. But in leaving let him 90
with kindly spirit, with no harsh
words Of that fellowship with which he
can no longer walk. He has not changed
his theological views in the least, al
though he may hereafter by force of cir
He still believes in the
divinity of Christ not that He was God
still believes in universal salvation, dis
carding dcpravity of mankind, and the
doctrine Of yicarious at0nement. Now
if the COngregatiOnalists Orthodoxy see
fit to take him, let them. twill show that
they hold their principles might esteem,
and care more for membcrs than religion.
No doubt many things Mr.. Hepworth has
done were not courteous or Christian.
and gave DR. Bellows just cause for
dealing severely with him. More in the
method OF his going than in the fact of
going. He has implied that Unitarian
ism is failure True. their success in
building mp a large and strongdcnonina-
ton, has not cqualod others. for their
'tfOrtS have not been directed to that
object. They have Is positive Il faith
and living convictions rs any body Of
religious people. The results Of their
'tfOrts are best seen in the community
If churches opposed to thorn. If Mr..
religious wants are not met
lere, he must not forget others find
here full satisfaction of all their re-
igious wants, men equally pure-minded
and spiritual with himself
# he and others cannot find satisfaction
lere, host of earnest Christian souls
IAN find none in the denomination with
which he has Of late expressed sympa-
by, so he can only speak for himself.
IL
/ time when they stoodso strong as now,
md 50 firmly grounded upon the Chris
ian foundation.
But there Is another thought in this
| would like to express II
5 in regard to the passage from one
hurch to another am glad to see the
growing fraternity of feeling existing
.mong ali churches. This knowing how