the Rev. W. Turner , Jun. , MA., Lives of the eminent Unitarians

[373] in the opposite direction. Students of any important but controverted subject, who begin their inquiry by raking together all the various and conflicting opinions which have ever been advanced by contending parties, without any clue to guide them through the labyrinth, may, perhaps, be in danger of abandoning in despair the search after that truth which is offered to them from such various and opposite quarters, and sinking into a hopeless scepticism. But, surely, it is possible for a teacher, without compromising his pretensions to impartiality, to steer his course successfully between these opposing dangers. In every inquiry there are certain leading principles of primary importance, which are capable of being clearly marked out and ascertained by sufficient and satisfactory evidence. These it will be his business to bring prominently forward, that they may furnish some fixed points of reference amidst the fluctuation of controversy. There are, moreover, certain dispositions and habits of mind which are essential to a successful pursuit of any investigation of this sort, and which it will be his earnest endeavour diligently to cultivate in his pupils, that they may not only be impressed with an eager and inquisitive curiosity, but be ready to receive and submit themselves to the truth, from whatever quarter and in whatever form it may present itself. Thus may the ‘free discussion’ above described be effectually prevented from degenerating into that ‘unsanctified speculation and debate,’¹ which, according to some,