Edition. And a Manuscript of the Right Reverend Bishop Overal, upon the subject of a Middle State, &. never before printed. Also a Preservative against several of the Errors of the Roman Church, in six small Treatises. By the Honourable Archibald Campbell. London, fol. 1721."
The author argues in defence of the following propositions, which were generally received by this section of the Nonjurors.
"That there is an intermediate or middle state for departed souls to abide in, between death and the resurrection, far different from what they are afterward to be in, when our blessed Lord Jesus Christ shall appear at his second coming.
"That there is no immediate judgment after death.
"That to pray and offer for, and to commemorate, our deceased brethren, is not only lawful and useful, but also our bounden duty.
"That the intermediate state between death and the resurrection is a state of purification in its lower, as well as of fixed joy and enjoyment, in its higher mansions.
"And that the full perfection of purity and holiness is not so to be attained in any mansion of Hades, higher or lower, as that any soul of mere man can be admitted to enter into the beatific vision, in the highest heavens, before the resurrection, and the trial by fire, which it must then go through."
After quoting largely from the Fathers, Campbell cites many passages from English divines since the Reformation. He remarks of Smallridge: "These are the sentiments of a Bishop of England, who was a thorough Revolutioner, a juror, and who did swear to all who have possessed the throne of England,
