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OR A

BRIEF HISTORY

OF

THE PROGRESS AND PRESENT STATE OF THE

UNITARIAN CHURCHES

IN AMERICA."

Compiled, from Documents and Information communicated by
the Rev. JAMES FREEMAN, D. D. and WILLIAM WELLS
Jun. Esq. of Boston, and from other Unitarian
Gentlemen in this Country,

BY REV. THOMAS BELSHAM,
ESSEX-STREET, LONDON.

Zi

e Reverend THEOPHILUS

Extracted from his "Memoirs of the
LINDSEY," printed in London, 1812, and now published for the
benefit of the Christian Churches in this country,
without note or alteration.

SECOND EDITION.

BOSTON:

PRINTED BY NATHANIEL WILLIS.

No. 76, STATE-STREET.

(1170)

PREFACE.

WHEN such radical and essential changes take place in the religion of a country, as have been witnessed in some parts of New-England, particularly in Boston and in the region round about it, during the last thirty years, it is gratifying to inquiring minds to know, from correct and undisputed sources and documents, in what manner and by what steps such changes have been effected. The Publishers of this pamphlet are happy that they have it in their power to satisfy the inquisitive on this subject. The information desired will be found in the following pages.

It is proper in this place to admonish the reader, that it is not our object to decide the great question, which has the preference, the old faith of the fathers of New-England, which Unitarians (to give them their own title) reject as irrational and unscriptural, or that which they have desired, under the idea of a reform, to introduce in its place. On this question, every one in this land of freedom of opinion, and of abundant means of information, must judge for self. To his own Master each must stand or fall. We mean here to offer no opinion of our own; to introduce nothing of controversy; but merely to give a plain history of very important facts, derived from unquestionable sources, disclosing the instruments and operations by which these great and visible changes in the religious faith of so many of our Clergy, of the Churches, and of the University in this part of New

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