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    must , however , suppose it to be so restrained as that it shall not occasion in finite and eternal misery . " Your Correspondent Euelpis ^ [ p . 87 , ] seems to think that we talk about we know not what , when we reason upon this subject ; that such a speculation , and mach more such a conclusion , is adding to the word of God , strengthening dangerous delusions , " muffling

    the words of Christ in his mouth ; an offence both against philosophy and piety ; " that our best concern is to perform our duty , " wait the great teacher death , and God adore ; " and instead of entering into these discussions , we should do much better " to 1

    leave tingling" in rnen \ s ears' a few well-chosen texts as finally decisive of the controversy . Now , here it may be observed first , that it is a great mistake to consider these as new-fangled inquiries ; they are as old as Origen , probably as old as Adam ; for reflecting men in all

    ages , cceteris paribus , as they have endeavoured to " feel after , and find out the Deity , " that is , to employ their faculties in the investigation of this first grand principle of all religion , according to the light and means afforded them ; so , they have also entered into researches as to their

    future destiny ; it being as natural to a man to inquire what and where he may be a thousand ages hence , as what he is at present ; though such speculations are never to supersede present and incumbent duties , but

    rather to stimulate us to the performance of them . Now ,. as the modern orthodox , so called , betray no lack of the spirit of determination , on this and other abstruse points of divinity , surely , we also maybe allowed at least to shew our opinion .

    For , the Christian doctrines of future rewards and punishments , mo ~ rally certain from the light of nature , and illustrated and confirmed by the gospel , being doubtless intended to operate as the most powerful motives upon the human mind , and to

    influence our practice , they must be in some measure comprehended , in order to produce these desirable effects . A religious motive , not understood , or very much misunderstood , will either have no influence at all , or perhaps an *** iproper one , and highly unfavour-

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    able to our religious progress and profession . The very capacity we enjoy of contemplating these subjects , is a sufficient proof of the lawfulness , the propriety , nay , even of the necessity of occasionally meditating upon

    them ; for everv man hath a right to do what he hath the power of doing , provided he transgress not any known law , nor trench upon the right of another . Would your Correspondent think the Christian preacher

    proceeding beyond his commission , who should occasionally descant on the eternity of the Deity , on the future privileges of the saints , and the glories of the beatific vision ? Now , a great circle includes all the lesser ones . If

    we may reason concerning God , may we not also reason concerning the things of God ? Should we not be able to give an account of the fear as well as " of the hope which is in us" >

    It is true , that with respect to these " deep things of God , ' * " we see but as through a glass darkly ; " but shall we not therefore make use of this glass ? And , as in the glass of Galileo we discover new suns and worlds

    in the regions of immeasurable space , so , ** in the glass of the word" we are gradually led to discern new truths and beauties , which escape the notice of the superficial observer , for " the secrets of wisdom are double to that

    winch is "—which appears . We are not only to know , but to " follow on to know the Lord , " whose ways , as well as ** works , are great , sought out of all them that have pleasure therein . "

    It is , therefore , not apprehended that we are " adding to the word of C » od" when we endeavour to explain the difficult parts of it , by those which are plain and easy ; or " muffling the words of Christ in his mouth , " when , from his figurative and emblematical representations of the day of

    judgment , and other important events , we refer to those passages where he hath condescended to reason upon these subjects , iu language level to the meanest capacities , but equally and sufficiently powerful to allure , to alarm , and to interest the highest . Christian truths and doctrines are hot to be taught and inculcated by capping texts , and placing them in battle

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    On Final Restitution . QQ 5

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1819, page 295, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1772/page/15/