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Untitled Article
privileges of a cttfesen , and cer * ' tainly the greatest objections to its existence disappear , if they are riot Wholly removed * This however would lead to a
discussion not essentially connected with dissenting principles , nor can any dereliction of these principles be traced in Dr . Percival ' s open , and candid statement of his opihions on the subjects
In strict conformity to these sentiments wafc the whole tenour bf Dr . Per £ ivaPs public and pri-Vate Conduct . EpisCopus has stated that h ' e became a convert
to the dissenters * , though he intimates tit the same time that " he was more attached probnbly to individuals among them , than to their principles . * ' But this information is not correct , though I do not wonder that such a
conclusion should be drawn from the memoirs . The father , and paternal grandfather of Dr . Perr cival werfc dissenters , and he was educated in their principles ; but that his religious opinions were not the effect merely of early
prejudice * , but were conscientiously entertained , appears from the following circumstance , ( page 10 ) which , his biographer justly remarks ^ u displays the characteristic integrity of his mind . *' ** Previous to bis removal from
the Warrington academy ( where his name was the first enrolled on a numerous ancf respectable list of pupils , ) he had for some time indulged the wish of entering the university of Oxford ; but he
hesitated concerning the subscription to the . thirty-nine articles of faith which is required , by sta * tfw / e , on matriculation . '' In con . sequence of £ b& hesitation , he xamiucd witU gi&at industry and
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zeal , the validity of each article ^ arid the result of his inquiry was , a confirmation of his scruples * and the abandonment of his scheme of residence at Oxford . " As the terms of matriculation at Cam *
bridge were at that time fcearly similar he began to direct his views to the University of Edin * burgh whither he removed m the twenty first year of his age and where he commenced his stu ^
dies in medical science . ** Was this a proof that he was an accommodating Dissenter ? The principles of his youth were dear to him through life , and his public exertions evidenced the sincerity of his convictions *
Uppn the application of the pro * testant dissenters in Manchester to parliament , for the repeal of the corporation and test acts * Dr . Percival * ' cordially joined ** in the petition which was present **
ed . u and when on failure nf th ** ed , u and when on failure of the first efforts with the legislature it was deemed adviseable to offer another address of the like nature * at a subsequent period , his
exertions were not wanting to render it popular within the circle to which his influence extended /' ( Page 86 . ) It might have been observed of him with equal truth , that he was the chief promoter of these
applications , and took a leading part in their direction . The Manchester academy also found in him an active , enlightened arid liberal friend ; and his regular attendance on public worship , arid
punctual celebration of the Lord ' s supper with his dissenting brethren , proved , at once the importance which he attached to hi $ princi * pie * , and the steadiness with which he professed fligm .
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Mr . Higginsonts Vindication ( ff the late jpt \ Percival . 3 £ 1
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1808, page 371, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2394/page/19/
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