A DEFENCE

OF THE

CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PROPRIETY OF REQUIRING

A SUBSCRIPTION TO ARTICLES OF FAITH.

the reader never looks at: and, lastly, in order to give the whole a certain fashionable air of candour and moderation, to make a concession or two which nobody thanks him for, or yield up a few points which it is no longer any credit to maintain.

How far the writer with whom we have to do is concerned in this description, his readers will judge: he shall receive, however, from us, that justice which he has not shown the author of the "Considerations," to have his arguments fully and distinctly stated and examined.

THE fair way of conducting a dispute, is to exhibit one by one the arguments of your opponent, and with each argument the precise and specific answer you are able to give it. If this method be not so common, nor found so convenient, as might be expected, the reason is, because it suits not always with the designs of a writer, which are no more perhaps than to make a book; to confound some arguments, and to keep others out of sight; to leave what is called an impression upon the reader, without any care to inform him of the proofs or principles by which his opinion should be governed. With such views it may be consistent After complaining, as is usual on these octo despatch objections, by observing of some casions, of disappointment and dissatisfaction; "that they are old," and therefore, like cer- the answerer sets out with an argument which tain drugs, have lost, we may suppose, their comprises, we are told, in a narrow comstrength; of others, that "they have long pass," the whole merits of the question betwixt since received an answer;" which implies, to us; and which is neither more nor less than be sure, a confutation: to attack straggling this, that "it is necessary that those who are remarks, and decline the main reasoning, as to be ordained teachers in the church should mere declamation;" to pass by one passage be sound in the faith, and consequently that because it is "long-winded," another because they should give to those who ordain them the answerer" has neither leisure nor inclina- some proof and assurance that they are so, tion to enter into the discussion of it ;" to pro-and that the method of this proof should bẹ duce extracts and quotations, which, taken settled by public authority." Now the peralone, imperfectly, if at all, express their author's meaning; to dismiss a stubborn difficulty with a "reference," which ten to one

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* Such as, that " if people keep their opinions to them. selves, no man will hurt them," and the like. Answer p. 45.

tal exercise is drawn into any particular chan- | proof, not only of both these works proceed. nel. It is by these means, at least, that we ing from an intelligent agent, but of their have any power over it. The train of spon- proceeding from the same agent: for, in the taneous thought, and the choice of that train, first place, we can trace an identity of plan, may be directed to different ends, and may a connexion of system, from Saturn to our appear to be more or less judiciously fixed, ac- own globe: and when arrived upon our globe, cording to the purpose in respect of which we we can, in the second place, pursue the conconsider it: but, in a moral view, I shall not, nexion through all the organized, especially I believe, be contradicted when I say, that, if the animated bodies which it supports. We one train of thinking be more desirable than can observe marks of a common relation, as another, it is that which regards the pheno- well to one another, as to the elements of which mena of nature with a constant reference to their habitation is composed. Therefore one a supreme intelligent Author. To have made mind hath planned, or at least hath prescribthis the ruling, the habitual sentiment of our ed, a general plan for all these productions. minds, 's to have laid the foundation of eve- One Being has been concerned in all. ry thing which is religious. The world thence- Under this stupendous Being we live. Our forth becomes a temple, and life itself one happiness, our existence, is in his hands. All continued act of adoration. The change is no we expect must come from him. Nor ought less than this; that, whereas formerly God we to feel our situation insecure. In every was seldom in our thoughts, we can now nature, and in every portion of nature, which scarcely look upon any thing without perceiv- we can descry, we find attention bestowed up. ing its relation to him. Every organized na-on even the minutest parts. The hinges in tural body, in the provisions which it contains the wings of an earwig, and the joints of its for its sustentation and propagation, testifies antennæ, are as highly wrought, as if the a care, on the part of the Creator, expressly Creator had nothing else to finish. We see directed to these purposes. We are on all no signs of diminution of care by multiplicity sides surrounded by such bodies; examined of objects, or of distraction of thought by vain their parts, wonderfully curious; compar- riety. We have no reason to fear, therefore, ed with one another, no less wonderfully di- our being forgotten, or overlooked, or neglectversified. So that the mind, as well as the ed.

eye, may either expatiate in variety and mul- The existence and character of the Deity, titude, or fix itself down to the investigation is, in every view, the most interesting of all of particular divisions of the science. And in human speculations. In none, however, is it either case it will rise up from its occupation, more so, than as it facilitates the belief of the possessed by the subject, in a very different fundamental articles of Revelation. It is a manner, and with a very different degree of step to have it proved, that there must be influence, from what a mere assent to any something in the world more than what we verbal proposition which can be formed con- see. It is a farther step to know, that, amongst cerning the existence of the Deity, at least the invisible things of nature, there must be that merely complying assent with which an intelligent mind, concerned in its producthose about us are satisfied, and with which tion, order and support. These points being we are too apt to satisfy ourselves, will or can assured to us by Natural Theology, we may produce upon the thoughts. More especially well leave to Revelation the disclosure of many may this difference be perceived, in the de- particulars, which our researches cannot reach, gree of admiration and of awe, with which respecting either the nature of this Being as the Divinity is regarded, when represented to the original cause of all things, or his characthe understanding by its own remarks, its own ter and designs as a moral governor; and not reflections, and its own reasonings, compared only so, but the more full confirmation of other with what is excited by any language that can particulars, of which, though they do not lie be used by others. The works of nature altogether beyond our reasonings and our prowant only to be contemplated. When con- babilities, the certainty is by no means equal templated, they have every thing in them to the importance. The true theist will be which can astonish by their greatness; for, the first to listen to any credible communica. of the vast scale of operation through which tion of Divine knowledge. Nothing which he our discoveries carry us, at one end we see an has learnt from Natural Theology, will dimi. intelligent Power arranging planetary sys-nish his desire of farther instruction, or his tems, fixing, for instance, the trajectory of disposition to receive it with humility and Saturn, or constructing a ring of two hun- thankfulness. He wishes for light: he redred thousand miles diameter, to surround [joices in light. His inward veneration of this his body, and be suspended like a magnificent great Being will incline him to attend with arch over the heads of his inhabitants; and, the utmost seriousness, not only to all that at the other, bending a hooked tooth, concert- can be discovered concerning him by reing and providing an appropriate mechanism, searches into nature, but to all that is taught for the clasping and reclasping of the filaments by a revelation, which gives reasonable proof of the feather of the humming bird. We hav of having proceeded from him.

But, above every other article of revealed | cle of consciousness, and because consciousreligion, does the anterior belief of a Deity ness carries identity and individuality along bear with the strongest force upon that grand with it through all changes of form or of visible point, which gives indeed interest and impor- qualities. In the most general case, that, as tance to all the rest, the resurrection of the we have said, of the derivation of plants and human dead. The thing might appear hope- animals from one another, the latent organiless, did we not see a power at work adequate zation is either itself similar to the old organito the effect, a power under the guidance of zation, or has the power of communicating to an intelligent will, and a power penetrating the new matter the old organic form. But it is inmost recesses of all substance. I am far not restricted to this rule. There are other from justifying the opinion of those, who cases, especially in the progress of insect life, "thought it a thing incredible, that God in which the dormant organization does not should raise the dead:" but I admit, that it much resemble that which encloses it, and still is first necessary to be persuaded that there is less suits with the situation in which the ena God, to do so. This being thoroughly set- closing body is placed, but suits with a differ. tled in our minds, there seems to be nothing ent situation to which it is destined. In the in this process (concealed as we confess it to larva of the libellula, which lives constantly, be) which need to shock our belief. They who and has still long to live under water, are deshave taken up the opinion, that the acts of the cried the wings of a fly, which two years afhuman mind depend upon organization, that terwards is to mount into the air. Is there the mind itself indeed consists in organization, nothing in this analogy? It serves at least to are supposed to find a greater difficulty than show, that even in the observable course of others do, in admitting a transition by death nature, organizations are formed one beneath to a new state of sentient existence, because another; and, amongst a thousand other inthe old organization is apparently dissolved. stances, it shows completely, that the Deity But I do not see that any impracticability need can mould and fashion the parts of material be apprehended even by these; or that the nature, so as to fulfil any purpose whatever change, even upon their hypothesis, is far re- which he is pleased to appoint. moved from the analogy of some other opera- They who refer the operations of mind to tions, which we know with certainty that the a substance totally and essentially different Deity is carrying on. In the ordinary deri- from matter (as most certainly these operavation of plants and animals, from one an- tions, though affected by material causes, hold other, a particle, in many cases, minuter than very little affinity to any properties of matter all assignable, all conceivable dimension-an with which we are acquainted,) adopt perhaps aura, an effluvium, an infinitesimal-deter- a juster reasoning and a better philosophy : mines the organization of a future body; does and by these the considerations above suggestno less than fix, whether that which is about ed are not wanted, at least in the same deto be produced, shall be a vegetable, a merely gree. But to such as find, which some persentient, or a rational being; an oak, a frog, sons do find, an insuperable difficulty in shakor a philosopher; makes all these differences; ing off an adherence to those analogies, which gives to the future body its qualities, and na- the corporeal world is continually suggesting ture, and species. And this particle, from to their thoughts; to such, I say, every conwhich springs, and by which is determined, a sideration will be a relief, which manifests the whole future nature, itself proceeds from, and extent of that intelligent power which is actowes its constitution to, a prior body: never-ing in nature, the fruitfulness of its resources, theless, which is seen in plants most decisively, the variety, and aptness, and success of its the incepted organization, though formed with-means; most especially every consideration, in, and through, and by, a preceding organi- which tends to show that, in the translation zation, is not corrupted by its corruption, or of a conscious existence, there is not, even in destroyed by its dissolution; but, on the con- their own way of regarding it, any thing trary, is sometimes extricated and developed greatly beyond, or totally unlike, what takes by those very causes; survives and comes in-place in such parts (probably small parts) of to action, when the purpose, for which it was the order of nature, as are accessible to our prepared, requires its use. Now an economy observation. which nature has adopted, when the purpose was to transfer an organization from one individual to another, may have something analogous to it, when the purpose is to transmit an organization from one state of being to another state and they who found thought in organization, may see something in this analogy applicable to their difficulties; for, whatever can transmit a similarity of organization will answer their purpose, because, according even to their own theory, it may be the vehi

Again; if there be those who think, that the contractedness and debility of the human faculties in our present state, seem ill to accord with the high destinies which the expectations of religion point out to us; I would only ask them, whether any one, who saw a child two hours after its birth, could suppose that it would ever come to undertsand fluctions; or who then shall say, what farther amplifications of intellectual powers, what ac

See Search's Light of Nature passim

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fection of this sort of reasoning is, that it next to avail himself of a "concession" which comes as well from the mouth of the pope's he has gained, he imagines, from his adverprofessor of divinity in the university of Bo-sary, and which he is pleased to look upon as logna, as from the Clarendon press. A church in a manner giving up the main point." Our has only, with our author, to call her creed business, therefore, will be to show what this the "faithful word," and it follows from Scrip- concession, as he calls it, amounts to, and ture that "we must hold it fast." Her dis- wherein it differs from the "main point," the satisfied sons, let her only denominate as he requisition of subscription to established fordoes, "vain talkers and deceivers," and St. mularies. It is objected to the Articles of the Paul himself commands us to "stop their Church of England, that they are at variance mouths." Every one that questions or op- with the actual opinions both of the governors poses her decisions she pronounces, with him, and members of that church; so much so, a heretic, and "a man that is a heretic, after that the men who most faithfully and explithe first and second admonition, reject." In citly maintain these articles, get persecuted like manner, calling her tenets" sound doc- for their singularity, excluded from orders, trine," or taking it for granted that they are driven from universities, and are compelled to so, (which the conclave at Rome can do as well preach the established religion in fields and as the convocation at London,) and "sound-conventicles. Now this objection, which must ness in the faith being a necessary qualifica- cleave to every fixed formulary, might, we tion in a Christian teacher," there is no avoid- conceive, be removed if a test was substitut ing the conclusion, that every "Christian ed, supposing any test to be insisted upon, teacher" (in, and out of the church too, if you which could adapt itself to the opinions, and can catch him, "soundness in the faith" being keep pace with the improvements, of each alike "necessary" in all) must have these te- succeeding age. This, in some measure, would nets strapped about his neck by oaths and sub- be the case, if the governors of the church scriptions. An argument which thus fights in for the time being, were authorized to receive any cause, or on either side, deserves no quar- from candidates for orders declarations of their ter. I have said, that this reasoning, and these religious principles in their own words, and applications of Scripture, are equally competent allowed, at their discretion, to admit them into to the defenders of popery-they are more so. the ministry. Bishops being taken out of the The popes, when they assumed the power of lump of the community will generally be of the apostles, laid claim also to their infallibili- the same leaven, and partake both of the opi ty; and in this they were consistent. Pro- nions and moderation of the times they live testant churches renounce with all their might in. This is the most that can be made of the this infallibility, whilst they apply to them-concession; and how this gives up the "main selves every expression that describes it, and point," or indeed any thing, it is not easy ta will not part with a jot of the authority which discover. is built upon it. But to return to the terms of the argument. "Is it necessary that a Christian teacher should be sound in the faith ?" 1. Not in nine instances out of ten to which the test is now extended. Nor,

2. If it were, is this the way to make him so; there being as little probability that the determinations of a set of men whose good fortune had advanced them to high stations in the church should be right, as the conclusions of private inquirers. Nor,

The next paragraph of the Answer attacks the account which the Considerations have given of the "rise" and "progress" of the custom in question; "the reverse of which," the answerer tells us, "is the truth," and by way of proof gives his own account of the matter, which, so far from being the " reverse," is in effect, or very nearly, the same.

The reader shall see the two accounts side by side, and is desired to judge whether the author of the Considerations, so far from being confuted in this point, is even contradicted.

3. Were they actually right, is it possible to conceive how they can, upon this author's principles, produce the effect contended for, "The protestants, aware | "As some who set up for since "we set them not up as a rule of how greatly they were mis-reformers had broached ma represented and abused, be- ny erroneous and pestilent faith;" since "they do not decide matters gan to think it necessary to doctrines ; the Lutherans, for us, nor bind them upon us;" since" they repel the various calumnies first, and, after their exam tie no man up from altering his opinion," are them, by setting forth some es, thought fit to draw up that had been cast upon ple,other protestant church"no ways inconsistent with the right of pri-public Constitutions or Con- Confessions of Faith. And vate judgment," are, in a word, of no more authority than an old sermon; nor, consequently, much more effectual, either for the producing or securing of "soundness in the faith."

their faith and worship. quit themselves of the scanfessions, as a declaration of this they did partly to ac And to make such declara-dal of abetting wild and setion still more authentic, ditious enthusiasts, and dethey likewise engaged them-claring what were their real selves in a mutual bond of doctrines; partly" (observe conformity to all these Con- how tenderly this is introstitutions." Considerations, duced)" to prevent such page 6.

enthusiasts on the one hand, and popish emissaries on the other, from intruding them selves into the ministry" Answer pages 6, 7.

Now, were the "origin" of a custom of Nor is it much better when he tells us, more consequence than it is to a question" that these subtleties of metaphysical debate concerning the " propriety" of it, can any which we complain of in our Articles, were one doubt, who credits even the answerer's introduced by the several heretics of those own account, but that the motive assigned in times;" especially as it is evident that whothe Considerations both did exist, and was the ever first introduced, it is the governors of principal motive? There is one account, in- the church who still continue them. deed, of the "origin" of this custom, which, But our author cannot conceive what all were it true, would directly concern the ques-this, as relating to "creeds" only and "contion. "This practice," our author tells us fessions," to the "terms of communion" rain another part of his Answer, "is said to ther than of admission into the ministry, is be derived from the apostles themselves." I to the purpose. Will he then give up "creeds" care not what is said." It is impossible and "confessions ?" or will his church thank that the practice complained of, the imposition him for it if he does? a church which, by of articles of faith by "fallible" men, could transfusing the substance of her Articles into originate from the "apostles," who, under the form of her public worship, has in effect the direction by which they acted, were "in-made the "terms of communion" and on 2dfallible."+ mission into the ministry the same. This

But this practice, from whatever "root of question, like every other, however naked you bitterness" it sprung, has been one of the chief may strip it by abstraction, must always be causes, we assert, of the divisions and distres- considered with a reference to the practice you ses which we read of in ecclesiastical history. wish to reform. The matter of fact our author does not, be- The author of the Considerations contends cause he cannot, deny. He rather chooses to very properly, that it is one of the first duties insinuate that "such divisions and disturb- a Christian owes to his Master, "to keep his ances were not owing to the governors of the mind open and unbiassed" in religious inquichurch, but to the perverse disputings of he- ries. Can a man be said to do this, who must retics and schismatics." He must know that bring himself to assent to opinions proposed there is oppression as well as resistance, pro-by another? who enters into a profession vocation as well as resentment, abuse of power where both his subsistence and success depend as well as opposition to it and it is too much upon his continuance in a particular persua to take for granted, without one syllable of sion? In answer to this we are informed, proof, that those in possession of power have that these Articles are no "rule of faith" been always in the right, and those who with- (what! not to those who subscribe them?); stood them in the wrong. "Divisions" and that the church deprives no man of his "disturbances" have in fact, and in all ages, right of private judgment" (she cannot-she arisen on this account, and it is a poor shift hangs, however, a dead weight upon it); that to say, because it may always be said, that it is a very unfair state of the case, to call such only are chargeable with these mischiefs subscription a declaration of our full and final as refused to submit to whatever their supe- persuasion in matters of faith;" though if it riors thought proper to impose.

* Page 19.

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be not a "full" persuasion, what is it? and ten to one it will be "final," when such con sequences attend a change. That "no man is hereby tied up from impartially examining the word of God," i. e. with the "impartiality" of a man who must "eat" or "starve,” according as the examination turns out; an "impartiality" so suspected, that a court of It is observed in the Considerations, that the multiplicity of the propositions contained in the thirty-nine Ar. justice would not receive his evidence under ticles is alone sufficient to show the impossibility of that half of the same influence: "nor from alterconsent which the Church imposes and requires.-Now,

How a creed is to be made, as the Considerations recommend, in which all parties shall agree, our author cannot understand. I will tell him how; by adhering to Scripture terms: and this will suit the best idea of a Creed (a summary or compendium of a larger volume), and the only fair purpose of one, instruction.

what would any man guess is the answer to this? Why, ing his opinion if he finds reason so to do;" "that there are no less than three propositions in the which few, i conceive, will "find," when the very first verse of St. John's Gospel. Had there been alteration must cost them so dear. If one could "three thousand" it would have been nothing to the

purpose: where propositions are received upon the au- give credit to our author in what he says here, thority of the proposer, it matters not how many of them and in some other passages of his Answer, one there are; the doubt is not increased with the number; would suppose that, in his judgment at least,

the same reason which establishes one establishes all,

But is this the case with a system of propositions which subscription restrained no man from adopting derives no evidence from the proposer? which must what opinion he pleased, provided " he does We thought it necessary to oppose note to note in the not think himself bound openly to maintain place in which we found it; though neither here nor in

each stand upon its own separate and intrinsic proof?—

the Answer is it much connected with the text.

The following sentiment of our author is too curious der may think this observation of the answerer a little be. to be omitted: "Possibly too he (the author of the con-side the question. But the answerer may say, with Cisiderations) may think that insurrections and rebellions cero and Dr. King. "Suscepto negotio, majus mihi in the state are not owing to the unruliness of factious quiddam proposui, in quo meam in Rempublicam volunsubjects, but to kings and rulers; but most reasonable tatem populus perspicere posset." Motto to Dr. K's men, I believe, will think otherwise."-A common rea-Oration in 1749.