On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
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
Untitled Article
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 «
Untitled Article
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/
-