Discipline deprecated, The middle wall broken down. Such tests would be most firmly resisted by the most of them. They cannot endure it, that such invidious distinctions should be made in the societies. In relation to a plan started a few years since, " of forming societies under church-government and discipline," Mr. Grosh says, ( Mag. and Adv.' III. 14,)—" If the ordinances are to be made in the least degree obligatory, either by moral or disciplinary influence, on persons becoming members of the societies, it would be calculated to prevent many from becoming members-we allude to those who are conscientiously, or from principles of propriety and policy, opposed to forms and ceremonies. Such distinctive measures we hope will never be introduced among our brethren." "We regret," says Mr. Whittemore, ('Plain Guide,' p. 332,)" the present distinction of Christians into two parties, the church and the congregation; and we recommend a measure which will abolish the distinction. Let all Christian believers join the visible church. This act is saying to the world, I believe in Christ,— I am willing to have it known,-I am not ashamed of my Lord, I love the fellowship of his disciples, and I respect his ordinances.' If this recommendation should be followed, the wall of separation between the Christian church and the Christian congregation would be thrown down; and of the twain there would be one flesh. All then, (excepting children not arrived to years of sufficient judgment,) would join the celebration, as they certainly should. It is too often the case now, that when the Supper is administered, five-sixths of the Eucharist but little thought of. The antipodes of the.orthodox. Christians present, and sometimes more, rise and leave the house, as though they had of right no part nor lot in the matter whatsoever. 'These things ought not so to be.' It is radically wrong, and the practice ought to be changed as speedily as possible. It is wrong in itself, as well as wounding to the feelings of the officiating clergyman, and to the members who remain, thus to be forsaken, as it were, by their brethren." We have, in this extract, a very plain confession of the slight hold, which the ordinance of the Lord's Supper has even on those congregations where churches are established; and an urgent appeal to all the congregations, with no further change than that of practice in this particular, to adopt the name of a church; for they are all spoken of as "brethren ;" and Mr. W. does not believe in what we call a change of heart :"As to a radical change of nature," he remarks, (p. 331,)" it is impossible in itself, and cannot, therefore, be regarded as a qualification.” "The only qualification, (p. 332,) required by the primitive disciples, was a rational and practical faith in Jesus, as the Son of God and the Savior of the world." Such are the devotional tendencies of this " purer faith." Such is the manner in which Christian Institutions are regarded. Some believe in them, at least for form's sake, and some care nothing about them; and these last are by far the majority; while some are decidedly opposed to them. Now as all the tendencies of this sect are antipodal to the orthodox, as they appear to strive to have but little, either in faith or What they will yet become. practice, in common with others, it cannot be regarded as doubtful what they will at length become, in respect to the ordinances. The day is not far distant, when notwithstanding the efforts of a few among them, the ordinances will be almost or quite unknown. If none but themselves were left in charge of the observance of the Sabbath, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, how long would it be before the very remembrance of such antiquated customs would cease from among men ? Thank God, all are not such. CHAPTER XXIII. FRUITS OF UNIVERSALISM. Moral efficacy-Fruits of Orthodoxy-Ministry of Christ and Paul-Such should be its fruits if true-Their own concessions-Want of piety—No public measures of usefulness— Dark prospects-Relish for piety not common-Disguised Infidels-Character of leaders-Ropes of sand-A lifeless theory-Sleepy Congregations-Hirelings poorly paid— Prayer-meetings rare- Disastrous tendencies-Hypocrites— A good description-Mr. Balfour's forebodings and experience-Philadelphia-New York-No memorials of good done-Affinity with infidelity—No secret, nor family-prayer -Too great a risk. "From thoughts so dreadful and profane, Corrupt discourse proceeds; And in their impious hands are found In our inquiry concerning the fruits of this system, it has been ascertained that one of the results of the general adoption of this scheme of doctrines would be the prostration of every institution peculiar to Christianity. The very bulwarks of religion, being thus overthrown, what is to hinder a general depravation of morals, such as is the case wherever the Sabbath is unknown, and the ordinances of Christianity are disregarded, or held in contempt. Moral efficacy. What it should be. It becomes, therefore, a very important inquiry,— What is the MORAL efficacy of Modern Universalism? Under the preaching of what is called orthodoxy, we are accustomed to witness remarkable reformations of life, and transformations of character, directly traceable to the influence of these doctrines. No orthodox preacher can be content without such testimonies to his faithfulness as an ambassador of Christ. Such unquestionably were the results of our Savior's preaching, of the ministry of the apostles, and also of their coadjutors and successors. To the Corinthians Paul writes(1 Cor. vi. 9, 10, 11,) "Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." Paul's preaching produced, or was followed by, such remarkable conversions. If Universalism is the very doctrine preached by the Apostle, we may certainly look for similar results to follow its faithful promulgation. Yea, we may expect that in this respect it will exceed every other creed; that it will number among its adherents, those, in considerable numbers, who, having been fornicators, adulterers, thieves, and drunkards, have, by the mere influence of its peculiar doctrines, become entirely changed in all these respects. Let us then proceed to the investigation. "Ye shall |