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must prove infinitely more efficacious for the reformation of those who have been removed from the scenes of their former vicious courses , and are brought to reflection by an entire change in their outward circumstances . It would
be easy enough to carry on this train of reasoning "; but I check myself , and proceed to notice the Second hypothesis , which supposes that consciousness is suspended during the period of time which elapses between death , and resurrection .
If the righteous are to be raised first , and to reign a thousand years before the rest of the dead are recalled to life , it is certain that at the second resurrection the power of the saints will be infinitely greater than that of any society now existing upon earth ;
and supposing them to exert their power in the same way as our benevolent societies of every description now do , we cannot conceive that they will deem it necessary or expedient to resort to any harsh or violent measures for the correction of vice , knowing as
we do , from the most authentic sources of information , how much more effectually kind treatment has conduced to that end , where it has been fairly tried . I would especially refer for a
proof of this fact to the experiment made at Munich by the late Count Rumford . We may , moreover , indulge the hope that the resurrection , t > y taking place gradually , will the better enable the first-born to initiate those
who arc raised , in the knowledge necessary to qualify them for the enjoyment of virtuous society . And as Dr , Priestley was of opinion that consciousness ceased with death , and would not be revived until the resurrection , it was probably such considerations as those which I have stated which led
him to the conclusion contained in the passage which I have quoted from his writings . Still it must be acknowledged , that however plausible the foregoing reasonings may appear , they rest upon assumed facts ; and that it is reasonable to believe that those who were enabled
by tfaeir intimacy with the counsels of God , to foretel } so many events which have actually come to pass , were much more likely to know what will be the destiny of mankind , than such shortsighted an ( J shallow-minded mortals as
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myself . . I therefore hold myself bound to give up any speculation which stands opposed to clear and positive scriptural doctrines ; and candidly confess , that the Scriptures do appear to me to contradict the theory of the divine govern - * ment which I have framed out of the scanty stores of my analogical glean *
ing's . We may nevertheless rest assured , that the Judge of all the earth will do right , and that he will himself over ^ come evil with good ; for otherwise our blessed Saviour would have com * manded his disciples to he more
perfect than our Father who is in heaven ; which supposition is absurd . It is , however , most desirable to understand the loving-kindness of the Lord ; and we cannot employ ourselves better than by gaining such an insight into the conduct of Divifae Providence as
shall clear away from our minds the doubts and misgivings which are but too apt to assail us on a view of some of God ' s dealings . " The spirit of God , " says Jeremy Taylor , " is a loving spirit , and if it be your teacher , he will teach you such truths as will make you know and love God . 4
< Though much of the secret contained in the law is made manifest in the gospel , yet even here also there is a letter and there is a spirit ; still there is a reserve for God ' 3 secret ones , even all those deep mysteries which the Old Testament covered in figures , and stories , and names , and prophecies , and
which Christ hath , and by his spirit will yet reveal more plainly to all that will understand them by their proper measures . For although the gospel is infinitely more legible and plain than the obscure leaves of the law , yet there is a seal upon them also , which seal no man shall open but he that is worthy . " " Brevis differentia luter Legera et Evangelium ; —timor et amor /' PHILADELPHUS .
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386 Cornish Controversy - ° Mr . W 6 r $ leyin Beplyla Mr . Le Grice .
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Plymouth , Sir , May 11 , J 824 . npHE letter of Mr . Le Grice in JL your last number , p . 216 , requires a few remarks , which I trust you will indulge me by inserting , if possible , in the Repository for the present
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1824, page 286, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2524/page/30/
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