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Sir , Aixow me a few words , which relate in some degree to the subject of the observations of Mr . Madge in the last number * The bitter and unchristian spirit which has too often been excited amidst the heats of controversial discussion , have been the subject of well-founded regret . There are , however , I imagine , few reflecting persons at the present
qay who require to be convinced that even personal controversy has been the instrument of no trifling benefits to the cause of truth and religion . The attention which U rouses in the spectators of the conflict , ihougTi it may in the first instance be directed to the disputants , is in time transferred to the subject in debate ; men ' s minds are sharpened , new views are struck out ,.
before unsuspected ; and though for a while the parties may appear to diverge more and more widely from each other , yet it is not unfrequently the effect of discussion gradually and imperceptibl y to bring them nearer ia reality . Old phrases indeed are pertinaciously retained ; but new definitions are given of tnem , which entirely alter the nature of the propositions they are employed to express ; so that after the heat and violence of the contest
have in some degree subsided , the contending parties may at last have leisure to discover that the chief remaining difference is about the meaning of a word . Controversy , in short , seems to be among the means appointed by Providence for the discovery and propagation of truth ; and it does not Become us hastily to deny altogether what has certainly been productive of important and beneficial effects . It should rather be our business to avail
ourselves of the use of this valuable instrument , at the same time that we diligently steer clear of its abuse ; not to shrink from its employment when circumstances render it necessary for the promotion of useful knowledge , the detection of error and imposture , or the vindication from unjust calumny of the venerated and illustrious dead . It is true that in thus employing it , we may be liable to suffer wrong , from the violence of the bigoted and illiberal , or the sarcastic sneer of those who mistake a jest for an argument ;
put in such cjases , while we are careful not to return railing for railing , we should rather rejoice that an opportunity is thus afforded to ourselves of valuable moral improvement , by cultivating the truly Christian graces of good temper and forbearance . I have been led to these remarks by noticing the manner in which the polemical character of a considerable portion of Dr . Priestley ' s writings has Been made the subject of undistinguishing complaint , not only by his
opponents , but also to a certain degree even by some of his warmest admirers . It is not unusual for the one party to censnre with vehemence , and for the other to acknowledge with regret , the asperity by which they are said to be peculiarly characterized . Now I am far from denying that passages of this description are to be found in his works . Dr . Priestley was a rapid , and occasionally a precipitate writer , and generally composed his controversial pieces when influenced b y the excitement of the occasion which gave them birth ; but I cannot think that after a fair examination of his voluminous
works we shall find ourselves obliged to concede the charge to any thing like the extent in which it is usually advanced . However severely ne may think it necessary to censure the doctrine of his adversaries , or the tone of arrogant self-sufficiency in which they have occasionally expressed it , lie
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ON THE CONTROVERSIAL CHARACTER OF T > R . PRIESTLEY . To the Editor *
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), March 2, 1828, page 152, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2558/page/8/
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