It has already been mentioned that it was once the intention of Dr. Priestley to draw up a brief statement of his Theological opinions; not only to prevent misconception and misrepresentation, of which in his case there has been more than a common portion, but also to exhibit a system of Faith, plain, rational and consistent, such as common sense would not revolt at, and philosophy might adopt without disgrace.

This merit at least, (no common one) Dr. Priestley is fairly entitled to in relation to the tenets he ultimately adopted. The prejudices of his youth were to be surmounted in the first instance. He had to encounter, not these only, but the prejudices of his early and most valued connections. Every change of his opinion, was at the time, in manifest hostility with his interest; and every public avowal on his part of what he deemed genuine Christianity, put in jeopardy the attachment of his friends, the support of his family, and his public reputation; nor was this all: for it subjected him with fearful certainty, to the hue and cry which bigotry never fails to raise against those who in their search after truth, are hardy enough to set antient errors, and established absurdity at defiance.

The Writings of Dr. Priestley however enable his readers to do that, which it is much to be regretted he did not find opportunity to do for himself.