The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-03-13
TRINIrARIANs AND UNIrARIANs.
De. Alison Defends His Criticisms Of
the Latters' Theology.
IN

the Latters' Theology.
SEATTLE. March TO- 1s9a
To THE EDIToE: 1t has been communicated
70 me that some persons in this city who are
Identified with the Unitarian Society here are
much aggrieved over uttefances of mine in the
synopsis OF my sermon OF last Sabbath evening
- published In your issue Of Monday morning
am sorry that such should be the case, and re-
gres exceedingly that the persons referred to did
not have the opportunity OF reading or hearing
the whole of the discourse. Ii they had they
would. am sure, b less disposed to criticize
me - marrow etc.
The sermon referred to was on 'sThe Divinity
OF Christ" from the text. Timothy iii:l6
This Is the subject which we Presbyterians con-
sder the very keystone of our faith. l did not,
BY any means, go out of my way to reflect upon
the theology of my Unitarian friends. I be-
lisve with all my heart that they are just a.
sincere In their convictions as We are. although
We are a. far apart AZ the poles on that which
We consider the essential basis of the true re-
ligion.
In the same discourse I sought to have my
hearers understand, Is those who were present
could testify, that difierentiate between the
Unitarian theology and the Unitarians them
selves
have always made 1t point to recognize the
GOOD there il In everything and everyone; and,
acting upon the principle "Honor to whom
honor 10 DUE" have never failed to mention
when occasion gave me opportunity the names
OF the distinguished men who have graced the
pulpit OF the Unitarian communion. to-wit:
such celebrities a Claiming, Parker and Mar.
tineau.
am SURPRISED, however, that Uuitarians (of
all people, should take exception to my free
dom of speech, especially in my own pulpit,
where am under the highest obligations to de-
fend the doctrines I believe and have sub
scribed The Unitarians claim to give the
In vnmty1 tSnpt % - AHIy~ ~
pieases and to express himself according to his
conscience. 1t Is not at all uncommon among
their ministers to proclaim to their hearers the
hlde-bound nature of the orthodox" the.
oiogy, especially the ,system OF Calvin. aud
to hail with glee every effort among
the clergy of the Trinitarian churches towards
what they pleased to style 'liberry" or Stree
dom OF thought We so-called ''orthodox"
ministers only refer to what we consider the de-
fects in their systems at long intervals: they en-
deavor to show the SPOTS upon the suns OF our
theological systems quite frequently.
At public meeting held some time ago in
Philadelphia in the Academy of Music a very
large number Of the Trinitsrian ministers of all
denominations were present finely prepared
invitation had been sent to me individually
through the mail. 1t was the closing meeting
OF the Unitarian annual conference, and the
academy was chosen for obvious reasons.
Those of NJ who accepted the invitation did not
suppose for q moment that its object was to get
us present to attack our essential doctrines
The meeting was presided over by that
princely chairman, George William Curtis.
The distinguished Edward Everett Hale was
ON the platform. Minot j. Savage, of Boston,
was the principal speaker.
He spoke for well nigh an hour What was
his speech? 1t was an attack of tho most out.
spoken kind OF most everything we Trinitarians
hold essential and sacred. The chairman, Mr.
,urt do nh nv 81, hO
followed, give the slightest impression that any
thing had been said by the previous speaker
that was out OF harmony with the views of the
denomination.
But am not complaining about this. Such 10
always the privilege of those who speak from
their own pulpit or platform. Let every man
have fullest liberty, is my motto.
No one should be afraid of the fash light OF
criticism so long a. such is free from malice.
/ therefore accord my Unitarian friends the
right to show up the weaknesses If such there
be) of what they style the orthodox" system.
But they must not fail to reciprocate. In con-
clusion wish to say that the remarks made by
me on Sabbath evening had NO reference what
ever TO the Unitarian congregation Of Seattle.
Such had no place in my thoughts at all, neither
in the delivery nor preparation Of my discourse.
God forbid that l should, in any sense, be 90
specific.
referred to the denomination ut large So
far ss have met the members of the society in
this city, have found them ladies and gentle
men. This believe 1 can say Of all whom
have met everywhere. I do not tee any good
reason why our differences theologically should
come between us personally and socially.
am q Unitarian sincerely and honestly.
propose to say 20, and ''render a reason" on
every proper occasion.
Nor shall ever be offended II those who hold
the opposite theological faith do the same
ALEXANDER ALISON,
Pastor First Presbyterian Church.
The United Presbyterians' Meeting.