Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 edition. Excerpt: ... CONVERTS J1 ROM INFIDELITY. THE HONOURABLE ROBERT BOYLE. It is the disposition of some, who are ready to embrace with eagerness, every plea that might justify their aversion to the restraints and obligations of religion, to appeal in vindication of their unbelief to the authority of eminent names; to the examples of sceptics who have possessed the greatest learning, and the most comprehensive genius, and who have devoted their whole lives to the sober investigation of historical or scientific truth. In every province of letters and philosophy, they find instances of distinguished scholars, endowed with the soundest understanding, whose minds have been inured to the most cautious forms of inquiry, and improved by the most accurate and extensive observation; yet combining in their character many or all of these qualities, with an avowed contempt and rejection of Christianity. In revolving the catalogue of illustrious names VOL. II. A which are scattered, with no sparing hand, over the wide range of moder n literature, especially during the last two centuries, they can point out writers of the most splendid abilities, who were staggered with inexplicable difficulties, and declared it impossible to admit the evidences of revealed religion. This scepticism, they observe, was not confined to any solitary profession or peculiar rank in life. It comprehended a numerous class of celebrated philosophers, and spread itself through all the various departments of moral and experimental science. It was the creed of Hobbes, and Halley, and Emmerson, among the mathematicians, --of Shaftesbury and Bolingbroke among the nobility, whose. works are justly admired, as displaying the finest talents, united with great delicacy of taste, and a lively..
