of whose objections would probably not now be urged by any person, and as opposition to forms and ceremonials was at that period considered of more importance than amongst Dissenters of the present day,-no inconsiderable part of the writings of those authors is become inapplicable. The design of the writer of the following letters is to offer such a view of the general principles of dissent, as may be useful to those whose employments in life afford little leisure for research; and those on whose information and zeal in future years, the support and welfare of the cause of religious liberty must depend; whilst he trusts that, in recalling to their minds the fruits of their own inquiries, he shall not prove uninteresting to those who need not information on the subject. These papers are not made public with an expectation that all men will speak well of them. The writer, however, considers that 1 Reason and Scripture concur in recommending charitable sentiments towards believers of every denomination under the Christian name, and towards those of every other religious system. No attachment to particular sentiments ought to be stronger than the love of truth; and whoever in the exercise of the universal right of private judgement, feeling no sla vish dread of authority, no terror at the impotent anathema of men, offers his opinion with Christian moderation, may be regarded as inviting conviction from any of his contemporaries. The imperious dictator may be suffered to sit undisturbed in the chair of his fancy-created dignity, the petulant if unheeded may acquire patience, and the furious bigot when wearied of irritability may learn to admire that Charity which vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. The hand of fellowship is offered to every lover of truth; and if we happen not to accord in our opinions whilst here on earth, let us unite in the anticipation of that future state of being, where all errors will be corrected, all minds purified, and more than earthly happiness enjoyed amidst the spirits of the just made perfect. T. DRUMMOND. |