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Untitled Article
and an unshaken trust , founded on the great and glorious fact of his resurrection , in the certainty of a final resurrection of all men from the grave . On this latter point particularly , there appears to me to be this wide distinction between the happiness and advantages of the sincere believer and the
most virtuous unbeliever , that the latter never can , by the mere light of nature , possess the same certainty of a future life and of human immortality , with those who are firmly convinced of the resurrection and ascension of Christ . On all these accounts , I think I may , without any great inconsistency , say , that virtuous Deists are entitled to the compassion and sympathy of Christians .
I make no apology for the length to which these observations have been extended ; because , as you have thought the sentiments expressed in my sermon deserving of a particular notice in the preface to your work , you cannot reasonably refuse to hear what I have to say in defence and illustration of them . In expressing these opinions , I have been actuated by no love of singularity ; for they were not intended for the press - , and they are the
same which I have always entertained on this subject . Whatever obloquy such sentiments may incur , I alone am responsible for them . They have no more necessary connexion with Unitarianism , than they have with any other form of Christian doctrine . Nothing should be charged on Unitarians , as a body , but what is essentially involved in the nature of their distinguishing tenet , the sole adoration of God the Father , and their belief in the derived authority and subordinate dignity of the Son .
With regard to the sentiments which I have expressed towards serious and moral Deists , I do not , however , stand alone ; they have been entertained by others , clergymen and Dissenting ministers , who were far from holding my views of Christian doctrine . The sole question to be considered , is , whether the spirit which those sentiments express is a just and proper spirit , and consonant with the spirit and principles of Christianity . I sincerely believe it is . If I am mistaken , I hope I shall be led to see my error , and have the candour to own it .
Towards yourself , Sir , personally , I have no feelings but those of respect , for the zeal , ability , and earnestness to do good , which your writings exhibit . I might add more , but that I fear it might be taken for an ostentatious display of liberality , and know , alas ! too well , that , however sincerely my own feelings might be expressed , I could hardly expect them to be
reciprocated . Thus much , however , I will say , that I fervently hope and believe a time is coming , when the veil of prejudice will be taken from the mind of one or both of us , when we shall see each other as God sees us , and when errors of the understanding shall no longer be confounded with errors of the heart .
I remain , Rev . Sir , Yours respectfully , JOHN JAMES TAYLER . Manchester , Feb . 20 , 1829 .
Untitled Article
302 Letter from the Rev . J . «/ . Tayler to the Rev . Dr . Wardlaw .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1829, page 302, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2572/page/6/
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