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of the Repository , I experienced the genuine pjeabure which results from the contemplation of the noble and dignified character of Dr . Priestley ^ and the probability that by this additional means the world would become
still better acquainted with his excellencies , and still more enlightened by his serious and sagacious investigation into true religion . From that period to the present I have had little opportunity of learning what progress might be made towards the accomplishment
of the design , except by the occasional hints which have been given in the Repository . Confiding in the high sense which is so generally and deservedly maintained among us of Dr . Priestley ' s religious and theological character , I had continued to cherish
the expectation that the plan would ere long be in actual preparation , and had on various occasions contributed , I venture to say , to excite the interest I felt myself in the minds of others . —
JLet it not be supposed that I am induced to occupy your present attention by the selfish feeling of disappointment in my individual and anxious hope . I have no doubt whatever that the
in-JFormation which your last Number contained has p roduced similar regret in the breasts of many of your readers ; and whether they adopt the same plan as myself , are read y to pronounce sentence upon that indifference to which alone the possible failure of such an object among us can be owing . Happy
slrould I be if by any tiling which I can offer , in conjunction with the appropriate suggestions of your worthy Correspondent in your last Number , siibh feelings may be inspired into the breasts of our young laymen * as may place the projected plan beyond the
probability of failure . There are Jour classes of persons to whom we might appeal for assistance in the publication of the new edition of Dr . Priestley ' s Works . —The respectable laymen in our connexion , who duly
prize the importance of rational information on religious subjects ; the ministers of some standing , who have had much experience in the prevalent opinion , and have learned duly to estimate these Works , which have been so
great a means in the hands of Providence of contributing to the reformation which is going on ; the young ministers , who have been taught indeed to make the Bible their chief book of
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theology , but are aware how much tW are indebted to Dr . Priesxley for ( J present improved principles of theolo ^ gical education ; and lastly , the sons of our respectable laymen , many of whoni I doubt not , have the cause of rational religion at heart , and who are from time to time collecting those books by which they will store their minds with the most valuable materials for future reflection and meditation .
With respect , to the first class , many have Dr . Priestley " ' s Works already in their possession ; and though probably a fair proportion of the hundred subscribers which have hitherto been procured , are from this class , yet it is not perhaps from them that the prosecution of the object may be expected . The second class have probably nearly all the
Theological and Miscellaneous Works of Dr . Priestley in their present collection ; and as a superfluity of money can seldom fall to tneir lot , their personal contribution would hardly
secure the plan under consideration . The third class , oi ; young ministers , no doubt feel peculiar interest in the object under consideration ; but of these , the greater proportion , having it may he but recently surmounted the difficulties of
an expensive education , however they could wish it , are not in a condition to spare the ten or eleven guineas out of their scanty salaries . The object devolves then pretty much upon the fourth class , consisting of the sons of respectable and wealthy laymen , to whom the expense , divided probably into two or three years , can be no hinderance
whatever , and who would by their assistance , have a most excellent opportunity of testifying their concern for the reli g ious welfare of their fellow men . This appeal is not made to
those young men , who , attracted by the false glare of fashion , are , to the unspeakable regret of their families , in danger of forsaking those principles and that cause , which their fathers after
much patient investigation , and severe sacrifices of family consideration , have nobly supported : such can hardly be expected to lend their helping hand to the cause of virtue and truth : —the appeal is more to the truly interesting ( and it is hoped numerous ) class ot young persons , who , blessed with the means of benevolent exertion an 4 j ^ j the inestimable blessing of a hbera education , have conceived a deep interest in the religion of Jesus , soberly ana
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STZ On Mr . Rutfs Edition qf Priestley ' s Works .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 2, 1816, page 522, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2456/page/22/
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