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they owe their influence over the mind less to the power of a striking preacher than when they are acquired under circumstances of less excitement . I would not at all dispute the fact , that talent united with right views of
Christian truth is to be highly appreciated . I would go farther , and say thaKit is every preacher ' s duty to labour at the attainment of every kind of excellence—only let it be conceded , and it is ^ consideration that should both cheer the humble and check the
proud , that converts to all that is of supreme importance in Christian truth have been made and are still making by preachers of very subordinate mental powers and attainments . I have often felt it to be an unfortunate thing for a congregation , when the reverence and admiration which are
due to religion , are so transferred to a particular preacher , that it becomes a matter of difficulty to relish the same truths when presented in a less attractive dress . I should not fear that any ill effects will be produced on minds of long-established piety by attendance on the ministrations of a
very captivating preacher , but I doubt whether young people will be materially strengthened either in knowledge of or regard to religion by such attendance , unless accompanied by that earnest and careful home-instruction
which may lead them to estimate truth far more highly than the form under which it may happen to be spoken to them . Were I competent to offer advice
at all to a religious parent , there is none , perhaps , which would more frequently rise to ray lips than this : * ' If you wish your child ' s religious principles to wear well , see that they stand not on the uncertain foundation
of ordinances , or individual teaching * Lead him to the Bible , fix in his heart the affecting lessons it teaches ; make him practically and habitually a religious being by leading him to prayer , and form liis dispositions by all those kind and gentle practices which may best secure the love of what is amiable
and praiseworthy . Make him feel that these things are perfectly distinct from the exercise of talent ; that mental powers are valuable only when accompanied by the fear of God and the love of our fellow-ereutures . Especially wia his heart to the love and
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admiration of the character of JeSUs that model of each and every virtue ' This strong previous sense of reli gion will alone lift the mind above the fluctuations which take place in the piety of many individuals wbeu under the ministrations of a preacher more
or less judicious , more or less attractive . Do not fear that your child will lose the power of discriminating between the good and bad . If he hat early been taught to understand the chief doctrines of Christianity and
their application , he will prefer what accords best with his previous knowledge , and the style of preaching he will least like will be that which appears most remote from . scriptural truth ; but beware lest in vour ostL iruin ; dug ueware lesi in your
estimate of the importance of public worship , you attach an undue value to preaching /' Having said thus much on what appears to me an objectionable passage in Dr . Channing ' s Sermon , I must again express my cordial admiration of the manner and matter of
the greater part of that beautiful production . Our ministers are largely indebted to him for the excellent advice he offers , and which they have shewn themselves not slow to accept .
May every new light which genius , taste and talent can bring to the cause of religion be freely brought , and may a supreme love of truth consecrate these gifts ! E .
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528 The Religious Opinion * of Bonaparte in hix
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The Religious Opinions of Napoleon Bonaparte in his lust Illness and just previous to his Dissolution . No farther seek his merits to disclose , Nor draw his frailties from their dread abode ; There they alike in trembling hope
jcpose , The bosom of his Father and his God Gr ay . Islington , Sin , August 27 , 1825 . HAVING sent you a paper at the commencement of the year , ( pp . 1—7 , ) on the Infidelity , or rather Scepticism of Lord Byron , winch have understood was acceptable to your readers , I am tempted ^ to communicate what I have ascertained concerning the religious opinions of J a * poleon Bonaparte . lie was the uio >
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 2, 1825, page 528, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2540/page/16/
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