A slight sketch of the controversy between Dr. Priestley and his opponents on the subject of his Disquisitions on matter and spirit / [Anon].

  • Badcock, Samuel, 1747-1788
Date:
[1780]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A slight sketch of the controversy between Dr. Priestley and his opponents on the subject of his Disquisitions on matter and spirit / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    18/64 (page 10)
    But recovering himfelf—though very gradually, from his aftonifhment—he broke filence—though very softly at nrft. However, in a fhort time he af- fumes a higher tone-—begins to feel himfelf—talks big, like John Buncle, Efq; and is positive—yes, he is 44 pofitive, that human reafon is sufficient 44 in matters of religion.” To prove fo pobtive an aflfertion he appeals to Tully’s Offices but above all 45 to the immortal works of the god-like “ Plato.” This priest oF nature (for the preacher in Margaret-ftreet hath only the fecondary honour of coming after John Buncle, Efq;) boafts, with all the feif-fufficiency of another Whitefield, of the converts he hath made by the help of his infallible 44 Guide to Spiritual Happinefs and the Favour of ' > v 44 God.” 44 By reafon, they were brought to *■ ct know the true end of man.” And what more could Reafon do ? Why, Mr. Buncle farther af- fures us, that, 44 by reafon they were brought to 44 know the reason of human life.” This Almighty Reafon of Mr. Buncle fuperfeded the neceffity of Divine Grace; and with it a man might be a per- fe£t chriftian without chrillianity, for his rational 46 converts acquired the whole chriftian temper, 44 and