The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy Volume 1-2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1843 Excerpt: ...state prayers in our liturgy should be fewer and shorter. Whatever may be pretended, the congregation do not feel that concern in the subject of these prayers which must be felt 'ere ever prayers be made to God with earnestness. The state style likewise seems unsea-' sonably introduced into these prayers, as ill according with that annihilation of human greatness of which every act that carries the mind to" God presents the idea That it contain as few controverted propositions as possible: We allow to each church the truth of its peculiar tenets, and all the' importance which zeal can ascribe to them. We dispute not here the right or the expediency of framing creeds, or of imposing subscriptions. But why should every position which a church maintains be woven with so much industry into her forms of public worship? Some are offended and' some are excluded: this is an evil of itself, at least to them; and what advantage or satisfaction can be derived to the rest from the separation of their brethren, it is difficult to imagine; unless it were a duty to publish our system of polemic divinity, under the name of making confession of our faith; every time we worship God; or a sin to agree in religious exercises with those from whom we differ in some religious opinions. Indeed, where One man thinks it his duty constantly to worship a being whom another cannot, with the assent of his conscience, permit himself to worship at all, there seems to be no place for comprehension, or any expedient left but a quiet secession. All other differences may be compromised by silence. If sects and schemes be an evil, they are as much to be avoided by one side as the other. If sectaries are blamed for taking unnecessary offence, established churches are no less culpable for u...