Copy 1, Volume 1

Disquisitions relating to matter and spirit. To which is added the history of the philosophical doctrine concerning the origin of the soul, and the nature of matter; with its influence on Christianity, especially with respect to the doctrine of the pre-existence of Christ / By Joseph Priestley, LL.D. F.R.S.

  • Joseph Priestley
Date:
1782
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Disquisitions relating to matter and spirit. To which is added the history of the philosophical doctrine concerning the origin of the soul, and the nature of matter; with its influence on Christianity, especially with respect to the doctrine of the pre-existence of Christ / By Joseph Priestley, LL.D. F.R.S. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    347/462 (page 291)
    [ 2-9* ] THE INTRODUCTION; Containing the Outlines of the Philofophical Doffirine concerning the Origin of the Souls of Men, &c. ^IpRUE Religion, which confifts in the obfervance of juft precepts for the con- duct of life, and of reafonable expectations after death, is neceflarily founded on a juft knowledge of God, of ourfelves, and our lituation. But it was naturally impoflible that mankind, in the infancy of the world, Ihould attain to juft notions on thefe fubjedts. It could not be, but that the philofophy of the world around us, and the various fubftances that compofe it, fhould precede the know- ledge of ourfelves, and efpecially the know- ledge of God, the maker of all things. And the very flow progrefs that mankind have made in the true philofophy of the external world, our acquaintance with which is at prefent but very imperfect, and all the great difcoveries recent, is fuflicient to convince any perfon, who knows what philofophy is, and how ready men always are to fpeculate upon every fubjedt, and to attach themfelves U z to