How I Became a Unitarian; Explained in a Series of Letters to a Friend (Paperback)

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. 1852. Excerpt: ... historical question. Of its strictly and purely theological character I have more to say. The presence of evil in the world is a fact of which too many complain to require proof of its existence. Men do dispute about its origin; and out of this dispute there arises a vast variety of doctrines and opinions. I shah1 not enter very largely upon the discussion of this point, and will content myself with saying, that the existence of evil in a world that came from the hands of a good, wise, and omnipotent Creator, proves that it had its origin in the corruption of that which was good; for, inasmuch as God is before all things, though he cannot create evil, he may create that which by reason of its infirmity will generate the evil. God alone is perfect. Yet he cannot create his equal, as Trinitarianism would seem to affirm; therefore whatever he creates must be imperfect; and from this imperfection there flows this direful consequence. But it pertains to our subject to inquire, Did God foresee this consequence? and, foreseeing it, was he able to prevent it? That he foresaw it, and did not provide against it, will readily be granted. That he was able to prevent it, none will deny. If he did not foresee it, it was a surprise and disappointment to him. If he was not able to prevent it, he was weak. Now we grant neither of these inferences as true. He foresaw it; but, for reasons sufficient to himself, it is credible that he did not desire to prevent it. Perhaps, in looking through it, he saw a greater good beyond. But this conclusion leads to another, which, however startling, cannot be logically avoided;--it is this, that, in permitting the evil, he assumed the responsibility of it. Assumed it to this extent, at least, that he will provide the remedy and compensa...