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A new edition of Toland's History of the druids: - Free History Ebooks

A new edition of Toland's History of the druids: - Free History Ebooks

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LIFE OF TOLAND. 17lie had <strong>the</strong> advantage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public library.Herehe collected materials on various subjects, andcomposed some pieces, among o<strong>the</strong>rs, a Disserta^Hon, wherein he proves <strong>the</strong> received history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>tragical death <strong>of</strong> Atilius Regulus, <strong>the</strong> Roman consul,to be a fable; and, with that candour whichuniformly characterizes him, owns himself indebtedfor this notion to Palmerius.In 1695, he left Oxford, and came to London.In 1696, he published his Christianity not Mysterious;or, a Treatise, shewing that <strong>the</strong>re is noticingin <strong>the</strong> Gospel contrary to reason, nor above it;andythat no Christian Doctrine can properly he called aMystery,Mr. Toland defines mystery to be athing intelligible in itself,but which could not beknown, without special revelation. And, toprove <strong>the</strong> assertion, he examines all <strong>the</strong> passagesin <strong>the</strong> New Testament, where <strong>the</strong> word mysteryoccurs; and shews. First, that mystery is readfor <strong>the</strong> Gospel ;or, <strong>the</strong> Christian religion in general,as it was a future dispensation, totally hid from<strong>the</strong> Gentiles, and but imperfectly known to <strong>the</strong>Jews. Secondly, that some peculiar doctrines,occasionally revealed by <strong>the</strong> apostles, are saidbe manifested mysteries; that is, unfolded secrets:and Thirdly, that mystery is put for any thing veiledunder parables,toor enigmatical forms <strong>of</strong> speech.But, he declares, at <strong>the</strong> same time, that, if his adversariesthink fit to call a mystery whatever isei<strong>the</strong>r absolutely unintelligible to us, or where<strong>of</strong>

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