a sect which arose in London in 1796, professing to be a Christian Church founded on the principles of free inquiry. They were originally a body of Universalists, who separated from their congregation. by rejecting the doctrine of the trinity, the atonement, and many other doctrines held by orthodox Christians generally. Their next step was to dispense with the sacraments, and deny the immateriality of the soul. Finally, they rejected the Scriptures, and abolished all forms of worship, though still holding their meetings on the Sabbath as a matter of convenience. They assembled for purposes of discussion and debate on religious and social questions.