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jjier would not be thowght to inculcate Amidst so many q « otatione which we admire , we must for the sake 4 & impartiality f > l < ace one of a somewhat different description , and we ppint it
out , that in a new edition , if im author ' s judgment coincide with our owa , it may be revised aj * d brought into conform ity with jus rational system of theology :
" Our children have powers of a very exalted nature ^ and of a very extensive duration ; they are capable of happiness or misery , In degree arid continuance surpassing our conception . The state on whicu they are entering is a state of discipline and probation , in which they
are exposed to many trials and perils . They derive from us , their degenerate and mortal progenitors , a constitution of nature disordered and impaired , in which inclinations and passions spring up and prevail , that are more hostile than conducive to their virtue and welfare . Such
is the appointment of Providence , that we are instrumental in propagating a vitiated and enfeebled frame ; arid though existeuce , under all the disadvantages annexed to it and ' resulting through successive generations from the first parents of our race , be capable of an endless improvement and felicity ; yet we eannot help
deploring the degeneracy that is continued in the world , and being extremely solicitous to guard our children as much as possible against its pernicious effects , and to direct them into the path of rectitude and happiness . "—HI . 529 , 530 .
The four Sermons on the * Distinguishing Blessings of Christianity /' from 1 Cor . i . 30 , explain Dr . Rees ' s general views of the gospel . We find in them more of textual criticism than there is , with one or . two distinguished
exceptions , in the other Sermons- A 3 am expositor of scripture , Dr . Bees is of the school of Locfce , Clarjte and Taylor . The exordium to the fourth of these Sermons contains & sumnaajy of his critical remarks on the text , and forms an admirable introduction to the
concluding discourse on the subject . We cannot do justice either to our author or our resiider without quoting it : " In this concise but ooi ^ rehenaive epitome of Christian p ^ mitegss and blessmgs o there iaa be&wttoful climax , or gm-<* at * oj > , which is a ** unworthy ropruwticufcr notfee . TheApojttte * tf * vm « touted w views tp 6 odf 4 s the ipjteiaal author
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af ihete blessings , and to Jesus Qinsf 3 by whose ineciiatiott aud mstruiuentaiiiy they are io ^ reyed to us , proceed ? to ep » - memle them in their progressive order-He begins with wi&doui , m knowledge which lies at the foundation of every affection and duty , and of every ; ftttaiame » t and distinction , pertaining to the
Christian character . But knowledge imparted to beings who arc intelligent a » 4 accountable , and , at the same time , frail an 4 erring , chargeable with guilt , ^ ud conscious of their degeneracy , would only serve to humble and distress them ; to make them saore sensible of their demerit : *
aod to increase their anxiety concerning their' present state 8 » 4 fi * t « Te d ^ s ^ iiiy , without the hope of pardon . To wisdoie , therelore , the apostle subjoins righteous ness or jubtitfeation , a blessing o / iae ^ timable value , for libe aes ^ rance of which we are indebted to the doctrine of the
gospel , and the mediation of its Author-However , an act of indemnity or forgiweness , as it cancels the guilt of p ^ st offences , and affords present relkf - $ o < the anxious mind of the truly peniteot , establishes no claim on continued favour , without a holy temper and conduct . Sanctification , extending its effects to the
heart and life , and in its influence uniform and progressive , is essential to our interest in the Divine approbation , and indispensably necessary to our acceptance with a Being who is of purer ey $ s than to behold iniquity . Accordingly , the gospel
provides the means , and furnishes the helps , that are requisite for this purpose After all , it is not in the power of . unassisted reason to certify what tokens of favour the Supreme Sovereign and Judge will confer on the penitent and obedient ;
how far he will extend Ins heuevokdnt regard to persons of this character ; &nd what destiny awaits them in a world © f future , adequate , and final retribu $ jfcn ; whether repentance and an imperfect virtue shall restore them to the forfeited privilege of immortality ; what degree and what duration of happiness th # y shaJl
obtain under the government of a . Bemg who is holy and just , as well as nierciful , are questions to whiqh speculation and philosophy have been unable satisfactorily to reply ; and yet they are qiiestioiiij wbieh every human being must be wxkhw to resolve , and which are , in their nafcuT ^
most interesting to the best minds , Ctawtianity acquires peculiar excellence aud value fxom the satisJ&iction which it lt % fds us on this subject . The assurances which we derive from it , that death does not terminate our existence ; the prov&icm which it has made for pepetuatjng our be | B ^ in a future world ; and tlje t !> pc
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Reviefo .- ^ &r , M&s * * Pfactiml Sermenp . ^ t |
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1821, page 611, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2505/page/43/
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