On this page
-
Text (2)
-
Untitled Article
-
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
regard them as you do in whatever sect I meet with them . As to Jesus of Nazareth , my opinion of whom you particularly desire , I think the system of morals and his religion as be left them to us , the best the world ever saw or is like to see ; but I
apprehend it has received various corrupting changes , and I have with most of the present Dissenters in England , some doubts as to his dU . P \ 1 T 1 vimty 5 though it is a question I do not dogmatise upon , having never studied it , and think it needless to
busy myself with it now , when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble . I see no harm however in its being believed , if that belief has the good consequence , as probably it has , of making his doctrines more respected
and more observed , especially as I do not perceive that the Supreme takes it amiss , by distinguishing the believers , in his government of the world , with any peculiar marks of his displeasure . I shall only add
respecting myself , that having experienced the goodness of that Being in conducting me prosperously through a long life , I have no doubt of its continuance in the next , though without the smallest conceit of meriting such
goodness . My sentiments on this head you will see in the copy of an old letter inclosed , * which 1 \ yrote in answer to one from an old religionist whom I had relieved in a paralitic case by electricity , and who being afraid 1 should grow proud upon it , sent me his serious , though rather impertinent caution . T send vou also the copy of another letter , - ^ which will shew something "of my disposition relating to religion . With great and sincere esteem and affection , I arn &c . P . S . Had not your College some present of books from the King of France . Please to let me know if you had an expectation given you of
more , and the nature of that expectation ? I have a reason for the inquiry . 1 connde that you will not expose one to criticisras ancj censures b y publishing any part of this
communii ? Supposed to be the Letter to George White field , dated June 6 , 1753 . -f- Uncertain : perhaps the following one .
Untitled Article
cation to you . I have ' ever let otbrre enjoy their religious sentiments without reflecting on them for those that appeared to me unsupportable oc even absurd . All sects here , and we have
a great variety , have experienced my good will in assisting them with subscriptions for the building their new places of worship ; and as I have never opposed any of their doctrines , I hope to go out of the world in peace with them all .
Untitled Article
To * * * . Dear Sir , (" Withoutdate ) ~ I HAVE read your manuscript with some attention . By the argument it contains against a particular Providence , though you allow a general Providence , you strike at t « e foundations of aft religion . For
without the belief of a Providence that takes cognizance of guards and guides , and may favour particular persons , there is no motive to worship a Deily , to fear its displeasure , or to pray for its protection . I will not enter into any discussion of your
principles , though you seem to desire it . At present L shall only , give you my opinion , that though your reasonings are subtle , * and may prevail with some readers , you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that
subject , and the consequence « f printing this piece will be , a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself , mischief to you , and no benefit to others . He that spits against the wind , spits in his own face . But were you to
succeed , do you imagine any good would be done by it ? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous life without the assistance afforded by religion , ' you having a clear percept tion of the advantages of virtue , and the disadvantages of vice , and pos *
sessing a strength of resolution sum * cient to enable you to resist common temptations . liut think how great * portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women , anil of inexperienced inconsiderate youtji of both sexes , who have need of the
motives of religion to re&ttain them from vice , to support their virtue , and retain them ii * the practice of H til ) it becomes habitual * whieh is the great point for its security . And perhaps you are iftdebfcexl to , the * onginully , that is to youc ii&igiotji *
Untitled Article
16 Exirad $ J ¥ om N ^ w PidUatiiom . ^ k ^ K ^ k ^ ^ K * A ^^ V IB ^ M ^^
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1817, page 16, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2460/page/16/
-