On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
tenable , no one who knows the power of religion , even in its corrupted forms , can for a moment doubt * And until they had something better to substitute in its place , the undisturbed existence of the prevailing religion was certainly desirable . To tbis it may be replied * The philosophers did possess better sentiments . Yes ; buthow evidenced ? Not in such a manner as
to ensure their reception with the people , nor in all probability so as to effect the extirpation of prevalent errors . And surely it would have been folly to destroy long-established and venerated principles without having a moral assurance that something better would be substituted in their room in the hearts of the multitude . That the philosophers did all that they might have done for the enlightenment of the bulk of society , we do not contend . Yet while we . blame their remissness , we must allow that they were the best judges of the capacity of the people , and the likelihood of success attending
on efforts to rectify their sentiments ; and Plato has himself declared , that < c if even the contemplative mind could find out the Deity , it would be improper and impossible to reveal him to common understandings . " And we must be permitted to think that those are . infinitely more blameable who have lived after the glorious example set them by Jesus , , and under a system recommending universal benevolence by the strongest sanctions , and have , nevertheless , kept knowledge from the mass of mankind , and attempted a defence of their absurd and unchristian conduct . Much as has been said of
the tolerating spirit of the governments of Greece and Rome , it is beyond a question that a man endangered his life by attempting to reform prevailing errors in religion , and one and the chief charge against the good and wise Socrates was , that he had endeavoured to introduce new deities . It is not a matter of surprise that , under the imperfect system of Heathen morality , few men had the spirit of martyrs ; but it is a matter of surprise and a subject of severest censure , that under the full and clear light of Christianity so many have been found who have done so much , not to advance , but to retard , the
diffusion of useful knowledge . It would be no difficult matter to multiply quotations from the classic authors of a character to prove beyond a question that the assertion of Dr . Whately before set down requires great modification . Let us hear Plato himself describe the requisites of a philosopher , and Dr . Whately even could not require more : " A philosopher must possess a mind naturally turned towards contemplation , an evident love of truth , a penetrating judgment , and a retentive memory . '' And the same Flato puts sentiments into the mouth
of two of the interlocutors in one of his dialogues , which , while they shew how strong was his desire for religious truth , confirm the observations above made , as to the reasons why the sages of antiquity abstained from disturbing prevailing errors . " Socrates , Da you not recollect your embarrassment lest , whilst you supposed yourself to be praying for good , you should inadvertently pray for evil ? Alcibiades . I do . Soc . It is necessary , therefore , to wait till we can learn how we ought to conduct ourselves both towards the Gods and towards mankind . Ale . But , Socrates , when will this time
be ? And who will come to instruct us ? I should be extremel y glad to see the person . Soc . He it is who interests himself in your welfare . But it appears to me that the darkness which now envelopes your soul must be first taken away , that you may distinguish between good and evil ; for at present you are unable to do this . Jllc . Let him take away this darkness , or do whatever else he pleases , as I am ready to acquiesce in all his injunctions , provided I can advance in virtue . " So , also , Cicero declares that " the peculiar characteristic of man is the search after and investigation of
Untitled Article
i 528 WMteig ' 8 Essays &n the JPritingvvf St . Paul .
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1829, page 528, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2575/page/8/
-