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of inquiry , whatever that result may be , Mr . Fox has argued this point most ably and successfully . But whilst we agree with him in his main position , we think that he assumes too much of the character of an advocate *
and that he indulges in what is called special pleading . It is due to him , at the same tiine , to say that where he discovers a leaning which is not consistent with impartiality , he is evidently under the influence of compassion towards those whom he considers wronged .
Notwithstanding Mr . Fox ' s acute remarks ( Pref . pp . v , —vii . ) we do not perceive that the conviction of Carlile «• virtually rescinds the protection granted by the Legislature to Unitarians . " We hesitate in our assent to
the proposition , ( p . S 3 , ) that " to talk of the opinions of Deists dissolving all the bonds of society , destroying the obligation of an oath , and annihilating the distinction between vice and virtue , is mere declamation , " " the language of deception , of ignorance or
of bigotry" We cannot for a moment admit ( p . 29 ) " that the rejection of Christianity may be thrown into a series of propositions , every one of which propositions is maintained by some sect of Christians , ' * since we believe that the reverse is the truth , and that the essentials of the Christian
religion may be put into a series of articles , not one of which has ever been denied by any Christian denomination . Still less can we agree with the assertion that the opinion of Unitarians is opposed to that both of other Christians and of Deists , ( Pref .
p . xv . ) ** in resting the hope of future existence upon the doctrine of the resurrection , and not upon the Orthodox and Deistical notion of the natpiral
immortality of the soul ; " for we apprehend that the majority of unbelievers are Materialists , and we know that the Unitarians are divided upon the question of the soul ' s natural immortality .
We make these exceptions to this Sermon for the sake of truth and free discussion , but we could quote many eloquent passages which have our cordial approbation . The following contains a beautiful extract , and as beautiful an adaptation of it to the p reacher ' s purpose : ^ Thc feeling s of p * P « s Christians ar « doubtless wounded By insulting language
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offered to * U tbey revere . Let them meet it by si Christian spirit . Nothing will shew so well the heavenliness of their religion Let them imbibe the spirit of the following beautiful remark of Robinson : —* Is God dishonoured ? Imitate his conduct then
Does hethuntfei ^ does he lighten , does he afflict this poor roan ? Behold his sun enlightens his habitation , his rain refreshes his fields , his gentle breeze fans and animates him every-day , his revelation lies always open before him , his throne of mercy is ever accessible to him . and will
you , rash Christian , will you mark him out for vengeance ? ' I fancy to myself a Christian , who has abetted a prosecution for Infidelity , reading- such a passage as this . Does not his heart sink within him at the incorrectness of the picture , an incorrectness procfuced by his instrumentality ? ' No / he may say , the sun does
not enlighten his habitation ; I have consigned him to a dungeon . The rain does not refresh his fields 3 I hare invaded his property . His home does not smile 5 I have filled it with mourning" . Revelation is not open before him ; I have made him loathe the book , and done the utmost of a mortal to reverse the benignity of God . Miserable man !"—Pp . 42 , 43 ,
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7 O « Rf . wew . - * & Few Words on an Important Subject *—Thoughts on Suicide
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Art . IV . —A Few Words on an Important Subject : The Difference between Unitarians and Deists : Re * commended to the Consideration of Unbelievers and Reputed Orthodox Believers . By Richard Wright , U . M . 12 mo . pp . 12 . Eaton and Teulon . 2 rf .
SEASONABLE little tract , A drawn up with judgment and candour , and under a strong conviction both of the right of free inquiry and of the supreme importance of divine revelation .
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Art . V . —Thoughts on Suicide , in <* Letter to a Friend . 8 vo . pp . 5 & Payne aud Foss , and Hunter , 1819 * SUICIDE is a distressing subject We doubt whether any good can result from familiarizing the discussion of it to the public mind . la more than one instance , we have seen
the mischievous consequences of making the lawfulness of it matter of debate . But if ? iny publicatioq oa such a topic may be commended * it is that of the author before us , who , tbwgk h ^ s mitigates the crinae and horror of suicide more tlwia we quite approve , yet is so evidently swayad by p ** r € benevolence , and preserves » w * *
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1819, page 702, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1778/page/50/
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