isted a popular prejudice against the doctrines contained in them, which would operate for a time so as to limit the sale, and thus prevent the return of the outlay in a reasonable period. Previously to this, several of the works had been translated and published by private persons, receivers and admirers of the new doctrines; but private publication afforded no guarantee to the church at large, either for their accuracy, or for their being kept, by renewed editions, permanently in print. Most of the works had also been translated from the Latin language, and published by a society instituted in Manchester; but that society also contemplating the publication of expository writings, was by some thought not sufficiently distinctive.[1] Considerations something like these
- ↑ The Manchester society was instituted in 1782, and it continued in active operation some years after the establishment of that in London. The gratitude of the Church at large is due to it for the very eminent services which it performed for the new dispensation in its early state.
The Third Class is formed of the following works:—
1. Divine Love and Wisdom, 1 vol., 2s. 6d.
2. Divine Providence, 1 vol., 4s.
3. Conjugial Love, 1 vol., 5s.
4. Intercourse between the Soul and Body, a tract, 6d.
The titles of these works indicate the general nature of their contents; but the subjects are treated of in a manner entirely new. They impart information upon sacred metaphysics calculated to render their study attractive and practical: they explain the constitution of the human mind upon principles heretofore unknown: they exhibit the character of God, the nature of his creation, the activities of his providence, and the modes of his preservation, in lights at once lovely and profound. In a word, these works contain more knowledge concerning the true philosophy of causes and effects, than has ever before been introduced to the notice and acceptance of mankind!The Fourth Class is the least, and constituted by the works—
1. Heaven and Hell, 1 vol., 5s.
2. Last Judgment, 1 vol., 1s.
The first of these works describes the constitution of the two kingdoms after which it is named; also the nature of life after death, man's eternal state, and a variety of subjects connected therewith. The second treats of the event expressed in its title, the manner in which the Lord effects his judgment, the place where, and the time when; declaring that it has been actually accomplished; not, indeed, in the way in which it has been usual for Christians to interpret it, but yet in the only way in which the prediction of that circumstance was in tended to be fulfilled. These works contain the fullest accounts of their author's experience, and of his alleged intercourse with the spiritual world, though they are incidentally mentioned in each of the other Classes of his writings.