PREFACE. NONCONFORMITY is again called to renew its youth, and the generous spirits who have studied its great principles are once more summoned to action. Present and recent measures force upon the representatives of our early Christian patriots, a consideration of the solemn responsibilities now devolved upon them. The Long Parliament contained statesmen able and ready to suffer for, or advocate the great principles and sacred obligations which distinguish the true Nonconformist. But there are among our senators of the present day few men "of the greatest parts and most extensive knowledge," concerning whom it may with truth be said, they "could not enjoy any peace of mind, because obliged to hear prayers offered up to the Divinity by a priest covered with a white linen vestment." Conscience may have become latitudinarian, and prayers less frequent. There have been statesmen, it would be a blessing could we meet them once more, who "not content with acknowledging in general terms an overruling Providence," "habitually ascribed every event to the will of the Great Being for whose power nothing was too vast, for whose inspection nothing was too minute. To know him, to serve him, to enjoy him, was with them the great end of existence." However, let not the trembling and conscientious advocate of liberty, in the most sacred and exalted sense, bate one jot, or suffer his courage to droop. Truth is in the field. Aye, and if her champions be not titled nobles, or trading politicians; if her ranks be deserted by those who once carried her banners; using the watchwords and insignia of her party; who vaunted their love of liberty, and their leal devotion to her righteous sceptre; but are now, with callous heartlessness, thrusting aside those who sustained them, and by whom their selfish or mere partizan victories have been obtained; still there are good and brave English hearts willing to make sacrifices, and yet again to renew the conflict. There are thousands already trained to a knowledge of their own power, and of the weakness of monopoly in religion as well as trade; who deprecate bounties for state made education, or taxation on the spontaneous production of universal mind in knowledge or religion; as much as they condemned an aristocratic corn-law; or unrighteous obstructions to commercial freedom. These men know where their resources may be developed. PREFACE. I have lectured on "Liberty of Conscience" in many towns, by the solicitation of numerous friends. The topics, the history, and scenes glanced at, regarded the same period in almost all these lectures. But from the extemporaneous style of address to which I am accustomed, the statements were diversified; and thoughts and facts accumulated. When requested to visit Liverpool, I arranged to occupy two evenings in lecturing on the subject; and at the close of the second address, it was proposed by the Rev. Dr. Raffles, and the Rev. W. Bevan, that I should revise the reporter's notes for the press. The large and respectable assembly harmoniously and warmly approved of their suggestion. I felt encouraged to follow the course thus recommended, and have endeavoured to shape the whole in a form appropriate for publication. I have also added a lecture delivered in Edinburgh, which was published by the society to whom it was addressed. The questions introduced in these lectures are, I think, peculiarly appropriate to the exciting movement which government measures have produced, and may, I hope, subserve the cause of liberty, civil and religious, and to direct the minds, especially of Sabbath-school teachers, to principles which, having studied, they may properly inculcate where they have opportunity. The office of ruler presents temptations to statesmen to encroach upon the prerogatives of subjects, and usurp the functions which belong to individual enterprise. Theories of benevolence and humanity afford the pretext for intermeddling assumptions. To guard against the evils of such interference, it is needful that independent and liberal efforts be made for diffusing sound principles and knowledge among the youth of a coming manhood. A great amount of responsibility in this work, devolves upon the Sunday-school Teacher; whose influence and intercourse extend beyond the school-room, or the period of Sunday labours. I, therefore, intreat the attention and cordial co-operation of all those, who, in this sphere, are patriotic and enlightened fellowlabourers. Lower Broughton, J. W. MASSIE. |