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
tfoversy hitherto so * perplexing laid asleep for ever : but it seems to us that this method of reconciliation is to evade , and not confront the difficulties of the question . The objection of the libertarian is this , that according to the hypothesis of his opponent , the state of the mind which immediately precedes ,
and indeed produces the physical or corporeal action , that 9 tate to which we give the name volition , is itself produced by causes , whether within or without the mind , over which the agent has no control , and for which
therefore , though he may be made accountable in fact , he cannot be responsible in equity . And it is no sufficient answer to his objection , " that according to these laws of
concatenatton , not an event can arrive , nor can an action be performed , which is not to be ascribed to a series of preceding causes arid effects ; yet we are to recollect that the ivill of man is not only one of the links , but it is a link of
peculiar energy and importance ; and it often takes the lead , in a manner which is more than an equivalent for the apparent disgrace of submission . If it be the effect of preceding circumstances , it is , in its turn , a cause of numberless other effects . It introduces and
conducts the most important events . It erects , establishes and destroys empires . If it be the parent of vice , it is also the parent of virtue . It is this which subdues vice , arrests its pernicious consequences , directs to right conduct , and fosters all the principles of religion and moral if v- It is the will of man which
turns a wilderness into a garden , and renders deserts fruitful . It cultivates all the sciences , and introduces every useful art . It is incessantly working its way through difficulties innumerable , and perfecting itself in its progress . " It is admitted that " the act being performed , the whole process of volition is terminated , and all power respecting it terminates also . The deed must
rvow work its own way , to the production of good or evil . From absolute masters , as we thought ourselves before the commission , we now feel that we are compelled to he passive subjects , to the whole train of consequences induced by it : " and the reason is , that the action proceeds through all its consequences according to the unalterable laws of nature , over which the agent has no control : but is not this also true of the state of the mind ,
Untitled Article
or the volition , which immediaOeiv preceded the outward action , 'a&weU as of all the consequences whifcte follow ? And how does » t appearf to be more just and reasonable , that I should be made responsible for the volition which is one link in the
chain of fixed concatenation , than for any other link , since of neither of them am 1 absolute master , or master at all unless subjection to laws and control of laws are the same thing . If every link in the chain is what , and where it is , in the order of nature , and by the
operation of its laws , to make me accountable for any link , and volition as much as the rest , is to make me responsible that nature is what it is , and to regard the subject of natural laws as if he were the author of them . Thus reasons the libertarian ; and it is evident that nothing can satisfy his notion
of just responsibility , but the admission of a power in man , which is indeed derived from God , but which , being derived , has a sphere of uncontroUed and independent operation , and is the proper and ultimate . author of its own acts .
In the two succeeding Essays we are upon controversial ground * In both our author attacks literary nam « s of high reputation ; and in the latter he questions opinions , some of which have not commonly been opposed with
such a firm aspect of open hostility . In his preface I } r . C . informs us , that in consequence of long residence in foreign parts , his refutation of Beanie ' s PIssav on Truth was written before
Priestley ' s examination of it had fallen into his hands . The question is well , argued , and the doctrine ably exploded . If any of our readers have either any doubts upon the subject , or any desire to become acquainted at very little expense of time and labour with the merits of a question , which was agitated for a short time with much warmth
on both sides , though with little parrty of reasoning , we can recommend this J ^ say to his perusal , as at once concise and satisfactory . Some of the opponents of the doctrine of common sen ^ e have unwarily and inconsistently admitted the existence of self * evident
truths ; but I ^) r . Ck was well acquainted with his ground to concede what is merely assumed , and what , if proved , would have made his victory 4 task of much greater difficulty . € i I think ( he says ) tfiat I have proved , that the proposition which is roost clearly
Untitled Article
Review . — -Cogari s Ethical Questions . 3 @gE
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1817, page 229, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2463/page/37/
-