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that however we may plunge ourselves in unavailing disputes , we should do well to inculcate it as a practical and universal rule , that human life is like the game of backgammon , in which though we have no controul over the
cast of the dice , yet that the subsequent movements are at our discretion . I perceive at a little distance a loaded waggon approaching me 3 it is altogether independent of my will or choice that it should continue to
advance , —the laws of nature and my experience teach me to provide for my safety by avoiding it , and 1 feel responsible to myself and to the Author of j » y being for my self-preservation . Under such circumstances , it can
hardly be admitted that mere theoretical reasoning or metaphysical subtlety should subvert the conclusion ; and to allow myself to be a passive sufferer under such false principles , must be an act as culpable as positive selfdestruction . Again , I see a man with
powers and capacities in general no way& superior to my own—I see such an one fix the weather-cock on the top of a lofty spire , and descend in safety , and I feel that I have the option or
liberty to make tUe same attempt ; but I feel also the conviction that it is my duty to ponder end deliberate as to the probable danger . I calculate why he should succeed , and why I should be likely to-perish : and I forbear the
attempt , as being the undoubted master of my own will and actions . But it will be said , that in either of these cases I am acting under the irresistible controul of circumstances ,
which impel my mind as forcibly as the horses do the waggon , and that tny choice is altogether an illusory idea . I have , however , this satisfaction - if I cannot nrnve . mv nninionfl to tionit 1 cannot prove my opinions to
, be right , neither can any one demonstrate them to be wrong . Whether they are philosophically correct or not , I know not ; yet this , however , I know , that they are on the safe side
ot the argument , that the feeling I recommend is practical and useful , and I wish to impress my own and the public mind with the coutrouling conviction of the rigid responsibility to himself , to society , and to his God , Which every human being is bound to believe ' and cultivate . JAMES JLUCKCO € K .
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Sir , ••; .. ' ,. AT pager 17 of the Preface to th Carpenter ' s excellent Work ^ in reply to Ur . Magee , is the following just and highly-merited eulogium of Mr . Wright , late Unitarian Missionary . " The plans of the ( Unitarian ) Fund , as far as they have been carried into
effect , have been principally executed by the highly appreciated services of our leading Unitarian Missionary . I need scarcely say that I refer to Mr . Wright . Exclusively devoting his time and talents to promote a cause which he values as it deserves , and to
which he is attached by deep conviction produced by the serious search after truth in the Scriptures of truth , Mr . Wright has contributed , effectively and extensively , to the diffusion of Unitarian principles - 7 and not only for his labours ,, but for the spirit iri
which he has engaged in them—the spirit of Christian love and piety , as well as of steady , judicious , active zeal , —he is entitled to , and I believe possesses , the cordial respect and esteem of every Unitarian who is acquainted with them . "
I feel persuaded , that there is hardly a Unitarian in Great Britain who has ever listened to Mr . Wright , read his works , or heard of his zealous labours in the spread of truth , who will for a moment hesitate to subscribe with all
his heart to the above tribute of gratitude . I honour the feelings which prompted Dr . Carpenter to hand down to posterity this testimony of his own high sense of Mr . Wright ' s zeal , and
inestimable services , together with what he believes to be the general feeling of Unitarians towards this truly valuable and effective labourer in the cause of truth .
But , Sir , if it be true that the Unitarian public do entertain this high sense of Mr . Wright ' s merits , ought they to be repaid by verbal acknowledgments only ? If his persevering exertions for many years have really been of essential benefit to the cause ,
( and surely this is undeniable , ) ought they not to be distinguished by some public and general mark of approbation ? I cannot anticipate dissent on this point , and beg leave to subuiit-r-That a subscription be opened f ° r the purpose oF enabling the Committee of the Unitarian Fund to present % o
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292 Proposal of a Testimony of Respect to Mr * Wright .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1823, page 292, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1784/page/36/
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