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    orthodoxy , or contemplate it as a set of positive and harmonious truths , this restriction is unnecessary . The ingenious construction of the popular system , which indissolubly cements together its several dogmas , has its perils as well as its advantages . If any one of its tenets , on finding entrance into the mind , introduces its

    companions in its train , any one of th ^ m , on its departure , opens an exit for all the rest . Itmatters little then where you begin the assault ; the battery of your logic is circular , and , commence the fire where you may , will sweep the field . Or take the more interesting view of Unitarian Christianity , as a cluster of positive doctrines , and the same remark holds good . With far less of the artificial ingenuity of system than the prevalent theology , it has still the natural harmony of truth ; and the affinities which blend together

    its parts are so close , as to spread a chain of delicate yet unbroken influence through the whole ; and communicate the first spark of thought where you will , it will shoot from link to link to the farthest extremity . Unitarianism , we think , must discover more variety in its resources , must avail itself of more flexibility of appeal , must wield in turn its critical , its philosophical , its social , its poetical , its devotional powers , before it gain its destined ascendency over the mind of Christendom . With great respect for the able contributions which Christian truth has received from its

    departed champions , we still must regard them as only contributions ; and think that the controversy must be again and again rewritten , and its whole form recast , bef < 5 re \ it may begin to number its triumphs . \ Though no external influences could produce that extraordinary versatility which characterized Dr . Priestley , the circumstances in his history which tended to encourage it are not unworthy of a

    passing notice . During the lapse of seven years from the termination of his college life , he found himself in three different situations , each presenting strong , and almost exclusive motives to a separate class of pursuits . First came a ministry of three years in a small country-town , affording no occasions of active duty , and no distractions of society . Compelled to live on thirty pounds a-year , watched , suspected , and partially deserted , by a

    congregation whose piety vented itself in dread of heterodoxy , and finding little congenial sentiment among his neighbouring brethren , he devoted himself entirely to theological study , for which alone his library afforded him scope . Next he was a schoolmaster at Nantwich , under the same inability which every conscientious

    schoolmaster feels , to attend to anything beyond the duties of his office ; and accordingly we here find him studying grammar and language . Thence he removed to Warrington , and there gave himself up with astonishing energy to the preparation of lectures on the theory of language , on oratory and the belles lettres , on history and general policy ;—a class of topics almost entirely new

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    28 On the Life > Character , and Works of Dr . Priestley .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1833, page 28, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2606/page/28/