On this page

• Text (2)

  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.

  • 

    Untitled Article

  • 

    Untitled Article

• 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

    '' The definite article may be inserted or omitted before the two nouns in the Greek without affecting the sense , or the article prefixed to one may be common to both . " Matthiae ' s Greek Grammar , edited by the present Bishop of London , seems to lay down no such doctrine . We shall t » ee whether the expected new edition will supply the deficiency . A CATHOLIC .

    Untitled Article

    ftllxcelUineous Correspondence . 269

    Untitled Article

    On the Prophecies of Universe I Peace . Letter I . To the Editor . Sir , Commentators on the prophecies have generally regarded these sacred records in the light of books that should

    remain sealed till explained or developed in after ages , by corresponding events ; and , therefore , intended chiefly to be of use to those who might live to see them fulfilled , as affording incontrovertible proofs of the truth of revealed religion . Dr . Priestley says , " The real use of prophecy respects those who see its accomplishment . "

    Much as I esteem the character and opinions of Dr . Priestley , and also those of some other commentators , 1 think they who thus express themselves greatly undervalue the real use of the prophecies . Were these writings , however , intended for no other purpose than to

    bear testimony to the truth of the Christian revelation , this alone ought to render them valuable to the sincere inquirers after truth . But the prophecies have a higher claim upon the Christian ; they seem graciously intended by the Giver of revelation as a guide and key to the right understanding of the admirable doctrines and benevolent precepts delivered by our Lord and his apostles . Believing them to have been delivered by men divinely inspired , they have a claim upon our regard as of daily practical use ; and , as much as other parts of Scripture , ii profitable for doctrine ,

    for reproof , for correction , tor instruction in righteousness . " Instead of applying the prophecies to this beneficial purpose , it is to be regretted that commentators distinguished for their piety , learning , and industry , have for ages pant been exerting their powers of imagination in applying them to the passing events of their own times , and

    frequently in a way calculated to promote discord , rather than union , among the followers of Christ . There arc some parts of" the prophetic

    Untitled Article

    writings which admit of great latitude of explanation , and afford an extensive field for the imagination , but which have no direct tendency to improve the heart or enlighten the understanding . On these , commentators have seized with avidity ; on these they have spent their strength ; applying them as subsidiary evidences of the truth of Christianity ,

    or as land-marks whereby to distinguish the great arch-enemy of mankind , Antichrist . Their intentions have been good , but whether their labonrs have been of much real use may justly be questioned ; for nothing can be more evident than that if the application of any particular prophecy does not suit in every minute circumstance to the event to which . it is

    supposed to relate , the Sceptic , rather than the Christian , has ground of triumph . And , inasmuch as Christianity does not stand in need of this inferior kind of evidence , the wisdom of thus applying it may justly be called in question .

    If many parts of these sublime writings admit of great latitude of interpretation , there are , on the other hand , some parts that have not only the advantage of not being liable to misapplication or misconstruction , but which afford the most useful practical lessons ; which elucidate and enforce the doctrines and precepts taught by our great Lord and Master , and hold out admonitions to his sincere followers to be

    humble imitators of his virtues . I allude particularly to those prophecies which relate to the triumphs of his kingdom . It is concerning these , on which commentators have said little , that I wish , through the medium of your valuable journal , to offer a few remarks . There is a close connexion , as of cause and

    effect , between the doctrines and precepts of Christ and these delightful prophecies , affording ample field for discussion to the moralist and politician , as well as the theologian ; and I should rejoice if what 1 have now to offer should induce others , better qualified than myself , to do it justice , to take up the

    subject . Some of the prophecies alhided to are so plain and specific , that they may be said to relate events , yet future , with as much clearness and certainty as historians have detailed those that are already past ; and they not only afford instruction to make perfect , and thoroughly furnished to alt good works , the man of God , or the Christian , but also supply useful advice and information to the statesman and political economist . I •> all , the

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1830, page 269, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2583/page/53/