ADVERTISEMENT. I Wish I could have compressed my answer to Mr. Whitaker in less room, but his pamphlet contains so many minute objections that I found it to be impossible. It will frequently happen, that an objection, which may be made in half a dozen lines, will require at least as many pages to answer it. This must be my apology for the length of my reply. Some waits on certain parts of the author's o Dissertation, CHAP. INI, A view of the present posture of affairs as connected with prophecy. CHAPTER I. A full reply to the objections and misrepresentations of the Rev. E. W. Whitaker. WHEN first I saw Mr. Whitaker's pamphlet advertised, as containing certain strictures on my Dissertation on the 1260 years, I felt the highest degree of satisfaction; because I am persuaded, that nothing is more favourable to the cause of truth than fair and liberal controversy. I accordingly prepared myself either to defend my positions, if I had reason still to think them tenable; or openly to give them up, if I found, in consequence of perusing the pamphlet, that they were untenable. Provided only the truth can be attained, it is a matter of the very least consequence whether the person who is the instrument of attaining it be Mr. Whitaker, myself, or any other person. I. have never yet thought it a disgrace either to be mistaken, or to acknowledge myself mistaken. An obstinate perseverance in error alone deserves reprehension: a candid confession of it will always be accounted praise-worthy by the thinking part of mankind. With a hearty desire to discover the truth The result of Mr. Wartaker's statures be suppose to be fou: that, like the instantaneoes operation of a magician's wand, they cause the wurde of my extensive structure to fall to the ground 20 udstinguished runn; and that my Work must benceforti be numbered amongst those ephemeral theories, wouch, Lice by ova sober however little novel interpretation, fi mumerous like ignes Jata is our present loaded bemorphere, and serve sty to envelope the whole subject in confusion.t * Mr. Waltaker says, that he is obliged to me for the ery favourable manner in which I have, in several places, exposed nywell v La Commenter, and be acknowledges, th, where I Lave & fered from him, he has not the least reason to complain of the terms in which my opinion is given. 1 wash that it was is my power to return this compament with any Gegre of truth. 4 Wiluker's Letter to Dr. Ogilvie, p. 59, 67, 81. What |
