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unavoidable consequence of the overturning of civil governments ; yet it by no means follows that the dissolution of the present forms of church government will affect the security , much less occasion the downfall , of civil governments . The reformation from Popery affords
incontrovertible proof of the truth of this latter position : and the present state of North America demonstrates , when contrasted with Europe , that costly religious establishments are not wanted to give stability to civil governments , to repress crime , or to promote Christian naorals .
The probability that great changes both in civil and religious establishments will take place , and that they will be produced by the dissemination of Christian knowledge , affords useful admonition to Christians in general , but
particularly to princes , statesmen , and priests , to cultivate the gospel of peace , and to study it , even in preference to all other knowledge , in order to avoid a crisis which Dr . Hartley thinks probable . Whether those who bestow
indiscriminate praise on existing establishments in Church and State , and deprecate all change , or those who advocate the cause of reform , are the real friends of religion and social older , is a question of the highest importance to the philanthropist and the Christiau .
It seems not unreasonable to suppose that the prophet may allude to the crisis anticipated by Dr . Hartley when he says , " And he shall judge among the nations , and rebuke many people , " as he adds , ' * they shall beat their swords into
ploughshares . " The judgments here spoken of , ( see also chap . xi . 4 , ) may , it is possible , be comprehended in the dreadful wars that are already past ; or these judgments may remain , wholly or in part , to be yet inflicted ; but Christian natiotis , so called , evince little
inclination , except when compelled by poverty , to live in peace , notwithstanding the severe calamities entailed on them by war . It seems , therefore , highly probable that these judgmeuts are not yet fully inflicted . The mercy and benevolence of Jehovah are uniform ; and in this , as in eveiy case where he threatens , a way of
escaping his just judgments is pointed out . As these judgmeuts are the appointed means of inducing men to beat their swords into ploughshares , wisdom , as well as a sense of duty , ought to lead Christians to anticipate the will of Jehovah ; and , by the adoption of the pacific and philanthropic principles which
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these prophecies inculcate , escape Impending punishment . It may happen that some nations addicted to war and bloodshed have yet to suffer severely from the effects of war ( or of these judgments ) before they will adopt the alternative pointed out by prophecy . It may also happen that other nations may escape them by timely obedience to the
Divine will , as plainly made known in these prophecies . This state of uucertainty ought to impress upon Christians who believe that God governs the world , the paramount importance of cultivating the gospel of peace ; that , if it should please the Almighty Governor , the great changes and reforms that have yet to take place may be effected without
further revolutionary and sanguinary conflicts . To ministers of the gospel this state of uncertainty , and the inferences deducible from these prophecies , appear to be peculiarly important ; and to them , whose duty it is to make known the will of God , there is hardly any part of the Scriptures more pregnant with
instruction ; or , in the words of St . Paul , * ' more profitable for doctrine / ' in order " that the man of God may be perfect , thoroughly furnished to all good works . " If the prophecy contained in the second chapter of Isaiah holds out useful admonition to warriors and warlike princes , that in the eleventh chapter affords excellent instruction to ministers of the
gospel , aud to men in the higher and middle ranks of society . Instead of ministering to the pride or prejudices of these , it confirms the Scripture doctrine that " God hath made of one blood all the nations of the earth , " that « ' with him the rich and the poor are all alike . " In my next letter 1 propose to shew ,
from the present state of the world , or the signs of the times , the probability that great changes , moral and political , will , at no distant period , take place . Before , however , I close this letter , permit me to submit to your consideration an argument , founded on analogy , in favour of what I have advanced .
Our present state of existence , as we have every reason to believe , is merely one of trial and probation , graciously intended , by the Giver of all good , to fit us for the peculiar enjoyments of a more perfect state of existence : a state
in which the poor will be placed upon a level with the rich ; and where piety , meekness , benevolence , and obedience to the precepts of Christ , will constitute true greatness . If we leave this world with disposition ** fitting us for the happiness of heaven , wr . shall be capable of
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Miscellaneous Correspondence . 337
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vol . iv . 2 b
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1830, page 337, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2584/page/49/
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