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    tb * scriptwesi » g but what they teach on the subject should be explained rationally , and may be expected to agree with the ackoowledged character of God , as written on all his works * Whatever

    hypothesis : may be founded on particular forms of expression , add detached passages , ought not to be received as true unless it harmonizes with the leading

    principles of natural and revealed religion , and especially with the acknowledged perfections of God . Jbdoctriae may be true , it may stand on the most indubitable

    principles , yet it may not be found in passages of scripture which are ittged in its support , and a perception that such passages are misapplied , may lead some persons to conclude the doctrine it .

    self to be false . A doctrine may agree with the sound of words in scripture , and yet be opposed to Ijie general sense of scripture , as well as contrary to reason : this is the case with respect to

    transabstantiation . A doctrine may mt be expressly taught in any single passage of scripture , yet the whole of divine revelation may imply its truth , and it may be a nttural and just conclusion from

    Ae scriptures at large . The sound of some words .-in scripture may not accord with it , while the general sense of scripture is on us side . These things should be kept in tiewvin attending to the

    controversy on future punishment . The di vctrine of eternal torments Ay'fttftu to agree with the sound * f * otne expressions in the Bible ,

    ** d to be contained in some few detached passages ; but the geue-** l « enae of scripture is against it , aftd It -ii clearly contrary to ? ea-*« o , fttid irreconcilable with the

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    acknowledged character and per . factions of God : consequentl y ^ it must be false . The doctrine of endless

    destruction may seem to be taught ix some few passages , it may agree with the sound of words in a few places ; but has never been shewn to harmonize with the general sense

    of scripture , nor with the infinite goodness and mercy of God * It owes its support chiefly to the arbitrary construction of particular phrases .

    Limited punishment issuing in restoration , all will admit to be consistent with the acknowledged character and perfections of God : nor can it be s > hewn to clash with

    any leading principle of either na * taral or revealed religion : it \ ve \ l agrees with the general sense of the scriptures , and appears a just conclusion from what they

    contain ; but it cannot be shewn to be explicitly revealed , and th £ sound of words in some few places seems against it . The universalist , however , may fairly insist , that the sound of words cannot

    outweigh the evidence arising from leading and universally admitted principles , especially as the words in question are ambiguous , and

    may be differently construed : and that a docirine built on the acknowledged character oi God , and the general sense of scripture , : > tands on a bettei foundation , thafi

    one that is built merely -n detached pabsages , which seem % O teach it , and is inconsistent with the acknowledged character and perfections of Deity * The advocates for the doctrine

    of eternal torments seem to hare retired from the field , nor is it likely they will wish to agitate the subject mfrosh ; the in * up * rabl «

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    Qu&ttion respecting Future Punishment . 76 f

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Dec. 2, 1814, page 767, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2447/page/39/