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commendable efforts to cherish and preserve this spirit , seem to have been made by Dr . Wardlaw and Mr . Yates in their recent publications . And were we to be solely guided in our opinions by some of the reviews of Dr . Smith ' s
** Scripture Testimony to the Messiah , " we might congratulate ourselves that the aera had at length arrived for the appearance of this phenomenon , of an extensive theological controversial work so conductea as to be absolutely perfect in its kind , and presenting a model for the imitation of all future controversialists .
" It is , " says a Reviewer of Dr . Smith 3 work , in the Congregational Magazine for May , 1821 , " eminently entitled to the designation ( were we partial to such a title for such a subject ) of a * Calm Inquiry . ' As far as temper and suavity of manner is concerned , it is perhaps unique as a work of theological controversy . We do not know that there Is a fairly objectionable epithet to be found throughout the three volumes . We hope his example will be extensively followed . ' * I shall quote the remainder of the paragraph merely to shew how closely the Reviewer ' s hope and practice correspond , how close he treads in the steps marked out for him , and how perfectly well disposed he is to leave the specimen of temper and suavity the Doctor has presented as unique as lie found it :
" At times , indeed , " he continues , < c we have been a little afraid lest the Doctor ' s compliments to some of his opponents should be misunderstood . We do not observe any complimentary
language in the Bible to the perverters of the good ways of the Lord . We can view Socinians in no other light than that of enemies to the cross of Jesus Christ ; and , as such , we can employ towards them no terms which admit the
existence of candour , humility or devotion , in their mode of treating the Sacred Scriptures . " In the Eclectic Review of April , 1821 , Dr . Smith ' s work is eulogized in the following terms :
" In resuming our examination of Dr . Smith ' s « Scripture Testimony to the Messiah , ' the concluding portions of which are now before us , we are gratified to notice the abundant evidence which they contain of the correct feeling of the author . He has furnished an admirable specimen of the manner in which a great argument should be prosecuted . A more
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temperate publication , one more free from every species of moral blemish , we do not remember ever to ' have seen , it owes nothing to the artifices of controversy ; it is faithful in representing the opinions which it brings to trial ; it is sound in quotation ; it is mild , patient and equitable in its investigations ; aiid is altogether written in jthe style of a sober
and cautious inquirer . The work is of considerable magnitude , and is highly honourable to the author ' s reputation not only for the ability with which it has been composed , but also for the devout and amiable spirit which pervades it . "
Having carefully perused the Scripture Testimony , 1 am concerned that my sentiments do not wholly coincide with those of the Reviewer . I have no desire to detract from the various excellencies of Dr . Smith ' s elaborate treatise -I , feel myself under great obligations to him for it , and consider it a most valuable addition to the
theological student ' s library . Towards Dr . Smith himself I entertain a most affectionate regard , and have long contemplated him as a man , a Christian , a tutor and a scholar , one of the most
distinguished ornaments of the denomination to which he belongs . For Mr . BeJsham , also , I possess a very high esteem , and in reading Dr . Smith's " Careful Examination of
Mr . Belsham ' s Calm Inquiry , " have felt as a sincere friend to both parties . Finding myself in this , it may be , singular situation , I cannot but acknowledge that the impression on my mind has been , that Mr . Belsham has had , in particular instances , hard measure dealt out to him , and that in some
unfavourable moments it might justly be inquired of Dr . Smith , " Know ye what manner of spirit ye are of ? " I am so fully satisfied of the integrity of intention , the nice sensibility of honour , the dignity of Dr . Smith ' s mind , and his tenderness of conscience both towards God and man , that if it can be made evident that he has treated
Mr . Belsham injuriously , he will have unfeigned pleasure in making such reparation as the nature and quality of the offence may equitably demand . Dr . Smith need not be reminded that while coining to his task with a spirit
naturally mild , candid and conciliating , he had also laid himself under additional obligations to the exercise , not merely of courtesy , but of the hig hest degree of Christian forbearance and
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€ 38 Uncharitable Spirit of Dr . «/ . /\ " Smith towards Mr . Belsham ,
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Nov. 2, 1821, page 638, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2506/page/6/
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