The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-22
Club Dinner and Ladies'
Night at TrOcaderO.
Speakers Tell What Unitari-
aniSm Stands For.
Nod of Greeting to Church Stranger
Is Better Than Icy Stare.


SIT 10 the religion OF character and its
purpose is to make life broader, SUMMER,
nobler."
"It 10 a religion which is simple, in
stinetiye, Inherent, natural, dependant
on the human touch, and faith and con-
science"
Every speech that 1, really worth hear
Ing will contain ct least one sentenss
which will become fixture in the men,
ory Of the listener. At last nights din
ner OF the Unitarian Club, the subject
was "UDitarianism, what IL stands for,
and how its object can be best obtained?"
and the speakers were Rev. Francis Is.
Horn brooke OF Newton. Rev. Edward A.
Horton of Boston and Rev. Paul X.
Frothipe ham of New Bedford. 1t would
be superfiuous to say that these three
men made speeches worth listening to,
but last night their words we're particu-
lsrly protitsb bic to the club mem bers who
entertained them. They urged some
things aud suggested Others and, like all
effective sermons, the lessons were fit for
personal application.
Horn brooke, who went to the point with
h 9 first sentence after the manner of
conscientious college professor who resli-
yes that his time Is limited and doesn I
try to conceal bis own ignorance Of the
subject Dy telling the class musinR anec-
dotes. UnitariaDisnn, said Mr.. Horn
brooke, is the faith which begins with
Il
has said, the name OF the denomination
should be Humanitarian" Il Is the re-
velstion of God to man through his own
kind. Persuasion Of the heart at ell
times consistent with reason is it's power
and not coercion OF the will. Its scheme
of salvation 70 in the development Of
character and not In compelling mee-
hsnicsl goodness under duress. To es-
cape hell IL not it's keynote, anc this de-
velopmsnt of character may 60 on at all
times and In ell places in the daily life
~ well as In the chu2ch.
A mans motive, which IL the only in
fallable thing no can have. is insisted
upon rather than the accident Of his posi-
iton.
There is no miraculous process beween
here and there involved-we 40 not talk
about going to hesvtn but bout being in
heaven. These are the simple aims sni
aspirations of our faith. 1t Is not pro-
vlncial, hut q part of the great progress
In thought and feeling the world over.
1 am glad that men in other churches
srs working along the same line, but
what with Il o n 10 an inciaebt Is for Us
the very essence.
Mr. Hornbrooke then enumerated some
of the things which can he and should be
done for this faith.
He urged the necessity of more gracious
ness and hospitality In the churches. Ii
il not the sweetness of the singing nor
the eloquencs of the pulpit upon which
the stranger bases nis opinion OF
church but upon the general atmosphere
which each parishioner helps to create.
Give to that stranger at least nod Of
recognition, and do not freeze With a
stare Sunday after Sunday, which might
suggest that you fear his sole purpose in
coming TO church 10 to steal the pew
cushions.
Magnify what you do by talking It
over. Unitariauism has lost much OF its
influence because of the fesr of Unitar-
ians to do good in the name of the faith
which they profes. The world does not
know us as individuals Dut as an organi-
alton. II q Unitarian is to opdow a hospi-
tai or any great institution for public good
why should be be afraid TO do il through
his cnurch. IL Peter Cooper had made
his magnificent gifts TO New York in
the name of the faith which 1 know he
loved, the question would not be asked in
that city today: "What have the Uni
tariaus ever done?"
We should think about Ii more. DO not
lot us give the impression that vague
think is liberal thinking. We must
have n faith to take the place OF tnat
which we deny. Mere negstions are not
impressive. Thinking gives clearness to
our views and we all know where the
authorities or the liberal movement are.
There is no one thing in which Unitarian
men and women are moro unfsithful than
in tho matter Of reading the words OF
the leaders in Unitarianism. 10 admit
ignorance OF what Unitarianism means
Is to confess to intellectual lszines. or to
peipp Indifferent to the whole matter.
The spirit of trust, loyalty and enthusi-
asm must be developed. Let US conse-
crate cur lives to the faith we profess and
show that religion as interpreted by
Unitariaps is strong end glowing.
Rev. Edward A. Horton is one OF the
most efficient and earnest workers In the
| interest OF Unitsrianism, and he begins
with the young people. At ths same
time, It is impossible to listen to him
without realizing that the gain OF the
church means the loss of the a;age. Aftar
the first hslf dozen statements DIR. Hor-
ton finds a place in the hearts and minds
| OF his eudience, and the pleasure and
| profit OF listening to him are constantly
To cure all old sores. TO heal an indento
al .or or IN speedtly ezra niles. YOU need