, 1874-09-27
THE UNITARIAN CONFLICT.

In the Unitarian Convention which Was held
at Saratoga, u. T., recently, direct issue be-
tween the radical and conservative elements in
the denomination came up which Was decided in
favor of the latter. The struggle WAS confined
to TWO resolutions offered by the Rev. James
Freeman Clarke, aud one by Or. Bellows. The
first expressed sympathy with tho National Con-
g.csational Council, which will mect shortly in
New Haven, for it's effort to secure relig-
ious independence mud freedom from
theological restraint. This resolution prevailed,
but not until after much warm discussion. The
second resolution, however. expressing sympa-
thy with tue FREQ Religious Association. created
unusuul excitement, especially as the ab1est
men in the Conference were a1rayed against each
otLer. The result of the discussion was that
Mr.. Clarko's second resolution WAS tabled by q
large majority. Tho Rev. DR.. Bellows, who had
been the principal opponent OF the resolution,
then offered third, virtually indorsiug the Uni
tarian Society OF New Bedford. whose pastor
was dropped rear ago from the list Of Unitarian
clergymeu, for tho 1eason that be declared he
was not Christian. This resolution stirred up
another exciting debate, and, although it was
! supported By such champions as C1arEe. Hale,
Collyer, and Bellows, it WAS defeated by large
vote.
This three-fold action OF the Conference can
not DO looked upon in any other light than as an
emphatic victory for the conservative element
OF the Unitarian denomination, and q very
decisive condemnation of tho Free Religious
proclivities Of many fits members. In its sym
/ pathy With advanced Congregationalism, as
shown in the first resolution, and its emphatic
rejection Of advanced Unitarianism, as shown by
the defeat OF the second and third, it not only
evinced its determination to establish itself
as q distinctive Christian Sect but also
showed disposition at least towards
evangelical standards. 1t shows that the major
ity of the denomination are seeking tena5le
anchorage md some distinctive form and condi-
ton, and that they are tired Of drifting about
from this theory to that theory, and running af-
ter every new FREELY Of science. There can be
! no doubt that the scramble for science 10 that
denomination has been the prominent cause Of
numbers. The searcn has undoubtedly led
many into the Unitarian denomination !; but it
has led them still further in many CASES. Nume1~
GUS thinkers hare chased the new lights 80 far
that they have lost all track OF Unitayianism,
and have never found their way back, and this
class has grown so rapidly tha: the conservative
element has at last opposed it. and, by dint
OF sheer necessity, has compelled the donomina-
ton to get back to firm ground before its
identity is completely lost. Tbs result Of the
action OF the Conference ia 3 virtual disavowal
OF FREQ Religion and retrograde movement
toward tho evangelical standards. The Free
Reigionigts may call themselves Unitazians, but
the Uuita1ians havo declined to call themselves
Free Reug1ouiste. By TINS establishing more
distinctive organization, and by the establish
ment Of moro rigid tests the drain upon Uni
tarianism which has been rnAde by Eroe Religion
will be stopped to certain extent. In khiR con-
nection, it is noticeable fact that the Universal
list denomination also shows uumistAkable signs
| Of ! leaning toward evangelical Standards
| Coupling the two facts, there is at least = hopo
thas some common bonds OF sympathy msy be
established batHsan tbs evangelical Ind u11nyau-