As Christianity is happily not a subject resting on vague metaphysical speculations, but is founded upon the authority of books written in languages, which are understood and explained according to known and standing rules, I therefore propose, with a view to the more speedy and certain attainment of religious truth, to establish a monthly periodical publication, commencing from the month of April next, to be devoted to Biblical criticism, and to subject unitarian as well as trinitarian doctrines to the test of fair argument, if those of the latter persuasion will consent thus to submit the scriptural grounds on which their tenets concerning the Trinity are built. For the sake of method and convenience, I propose that, beginning with the Book of Genesis and taking all the passages in that portion of Scripture, which are thought to countenance the doctrine of the Trinity, we should examine them one by one and publish our observations upon them; and that next month we proceed in the same manner with the Book of Exodus, and so on with all the Books of the Old and New Testa neuts, in their regular order. If any one of the Missionary Gentlemen, for himself and in behalf of his fellow labourers, choose to profit by the opportunity thus afford. ed them of defending and diffusing the doce trines they have undertaken to preachi, I request that an Essay on the Book of Genesis of the kind above intimated may be sent me by the middle of the month, and if confined within reasonable limits not exceeding a dozen or sixteen pages, I hereby engage to cause it to be printed and circulated at my own charge, should the Missionary Gentlemen refose to bestow any part of the funds, intended for the spread of Christianity, towards this object; and also that a reply (not exceeding the same number of pages) to the arguments adduced, shall be published along with it by the beginning of the ensuing month. That this new mode of controversy by short monthly publications may be attended with all the advantages which I, in common with other searchers after truth, expect, and of which it is capable, it will be absolutely necessary that nothing be introduced of a personal nature or calculated to hurt the feelings of individuals that we a. void all offensive expressions and such arguments as have no immediate connection with the subject and can only serve to retard the progress of discovery; and that we never allow ourselves for a moment to forget that we are engaged in a solemn religious disputation. As religion consists in a code of duties which the creature believes he owes to his creator and as “ God has no respect for persons; but in every nation he that fears him and works righteousness is accepted with him," it must be considered presumptuous and unjust for one man to attempt to interfere with the religious observances of others, for which he well knows, he is not held responsible by any law either human or divine. Notwithstanding, if mankind are brought into existence and by nature formed to enjoy the comforts of society and the pleasures of an improved mind, they may be justified in opposing any system, religious, domestic, or political, which is inimical to the happiness of society or calculated to debase the human intellect; bearing always in mind that we are children of ONE Father " who is above all, and through all, and in us all." Calcutta, January 30, 1823. Inder. PAGE Tranks to the Reverend Editor for his labours.... Author's vindication of hiniself, from the charge of presumption 2 Necessity has arivo the Aumer to these puwlications Quotation of a part of "The Introduction to the Precepts of Je. Author's precau lon in the Second Appeal Quotation of some parts of the First Appeal The assertion of the Editor as to his ignorance of the Author's Author's public avowa, of his faith Author's vindication of himself from the charge of vanity ibid Unbiassed common sense suffices to tind the unscripturality of Experiment proposed ibid ibid The reason assigned for his disapproval of the suggestion Impossibility of a belief in the Trinity and Hindoo Polytheism, unless inculcated in youth.... No liberal parent can take advantage of the confiding credulity 10 Traditionai instructions incuicated in childhood one of the causes of prevailing errors in Christianity 11 The Editor's ironical remarks on the success of the Author in scrip- tural studies noticed 12 The reason a-sigued by the Editor, for his omission of several ar- guments in the Second Appeal, noticed 13 The Editor's position of the insufliciency of the Precep's vf Jesus to procure men salvation, noticed 14 The irregular mode of argning adopted by the Editor 15 The sufficiency of the Precepts of Jesus for salvation pr«ved... 16 Mark X11, 29, “ Hear o Israel the Lord our God is oue Lord" re- ferred to 17 Matt. VII. 24. “ Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,” refer- red to ibid Johu XV 10. “ If ye keep my Commandmenis," &c. and v. 14 re- ferred to. 18 Mati. XXV. 31 et. seq. referred to ibid ibid ...t |