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our readers ; and conclude at present , as the Author does this branch of his subject , jvith the following "Advice to the Student / ' Pp . 390—39 ^ . iC As we have already stated , our object in the foregoing sketch has been , to give that direction in the pursuit of Moral
Phisophy , which will make the study of it thoroughly beneficial . There is no branch of knowledge in which it is of more importance to set out weJl . The whole moral system will be affected by the principles upon which we rest as its basis . And those who have experienced the
perplexities which incorrect or partial views of moral science can scarcely fail to produce , will not wonder at oar solicitude , to assist our readers in adopting those which can 80 them nothing * but good , and which , pursued with prudence and good sense ,
will be eminently serviceable in the whole round of moral investigation , and in the whole bourse of moral practice . We trust , that to those who possess habits of thought and reflection , our aid will be of real value .
u We should recommend to those who have hitherto paid little attention to the subject , to give a second perusal to the preceding chapters before they proceed to other works , for which they will then be well prepared . Some we have referred to as we went along 5 and the reader may
nnd it advantageous to consult those references in the appropriate places . But he will not of course wish to defer too long the study of Paley' ' s Moral Philosophy . Its merits are truly great ; and it is the more to be regretted , that this eminently useful writer had not habituated himself
to greater accuracy and precision ; and , above all , that he had not adopted a more unexceptionable theory of morals . He has enlivened and familiarized his subject , perhaps beyond example : lie has made really profound investigations often appear simple and even attractive : he has
employed Christian sanctions and Chris * tian principles , before too much neglected by the moral philosopher : and It is morality is , in general , sound and comprehensive ; and the explication of it alike interesting and impressive . The peculiar merits of the work are delineated , in Paley ' a
most happy manner , in his Preface ; and if the student first peruse that , lie cannot fail to go with interest to the rest of the volume . Notwithstanding all the real excellencies of the work , however , hi * system isin inionfundamentall
, our op , y erroneous j and this error in the basis , has , in some important cases , led the author Himself to erroneous conclusions , and has still more produced this effect among his readers . " In connexion with Paley , we most
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strongly recommend the study of Pearson * * Remarks on the Theory of Morals ^ and bis Annotations on the practical part of Paley ^ s Moral Philosophy . The Annotations extend only to the first volume ; and it is much to be regretted , that the
author has not yet fulfilled his promise of presenting the public with a second part * The reader may also derive considerable benefit from the perusal of a work of real value , though of less eminence , viz . Gisborne ' s Principles of Moral Philosophy .
" We trust we have already said eiiougfi to lead our readers to the study of Hartley * s Rule of Life ; and we strongly recommend to their perusal two serin one by Dr . Priestley ¦ , on Habitual Devotion \ and the Duty of not living to Ourselves , which may be found in a small volume , entitled Sermons by Di \ Price and Dr ^ Priestlev .
" After this , we know no reason why any particular order should be adopted * Those works or parts of works may be read , to which the course of study , or accidental circumstances , direct the reader ' s attention . Respecting the ancient systems of morals , EnfieWs History will give him much information . If he wish to enter
farther than we have done , into the theory of morals , he will find sufficient references in Belsham ? s Elements ; and in Kippis ^ s Edition of Doddridge ' s Lectures ^ be may obtain abundant direction to the best sources of information on practical morality . Among the references given by Dodd ridge and Kippis , he will find many to Sermons ; and from the productions of some of our most judicious divines , a complete and excellent system of momlity might easily be formed . In this view we may mention the Sermons of Barrow , Tillots on , Seeker , Jortin , Foster , Seed , Clarke and Leech man , as affording copious sources of moral information .
Dr . Cogaifs Treatises on the Passions ^ deserve to be particularly studied in connexion with moral , as well as with mental philosophy ; and the reader , who has formed the habits requisite for moral investigation , will iind in Tucker ' s Light of Nature ' Pursuedf valuable gleanings , though Paley has derived a rich harvest from that singular work . ( See p . 3180
Much solid information will he found in Ketd s Essays on the Active Powers * connected with practical morality . And we should be inexcusable if we did not refer those of our readers who are interested in moral investigation , and are
accustomed to close thought , to J > r . Priced Review of the principal Questions and Difficulties on Morals ^ and to Bishop Butler * Works . The stndy of such writers can scarcely fail to make a naan wiser and better . "
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Re view . —Shepherd , Joyce and Carpenter ' s Systematic Education . 037
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1818, page 637, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2481/page/37/
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