ble assurance of God's word are brought home to the stricken one, in language that cannot be misunderstood. When the soul, feeling after the promises, finds itself suddenly clinging to the Rock of ages, and rising up in the strength of the Lord of hosts, grapples with the monster on ground consecrated by the Son of God. and prevails, and triumphs! It is then he look upon the fallen pillars in which he had once gloried, with a simile, and beholds unmoved the crumbling tabernacle falling down in ruins; while new fledged, he breaks his bonds and towers away to dip his pinions in the font of light. Sure the last end Of the good man is peace! how calm his exit! J. N. M. profession, at a cheap rate among children gious free dom," it is unknown to us. Of the Bucks County Pat. Morgan.-The Batavia Advocate announces that a person has appeared before the Grand Jury of Ontario, County, who made the following representation: "That he was called upon in the night, to take charge of Morgan, who it was said was about to reveal the secrets of freemasonrythat when he rose he found a man tied hand and foot, and that he then, under the orders From the Universalist Magazine. of several iddividuals, was carried to the The following extract of a letter, from magazine, and discussions took place as to Indian Town, N. C. will shew our readers his disposal-that he was kept there five the silent progress of the doctrine of Imdays-that during that time masons were departial Love, in places which we knew vising plans to get others in their possession not had been visited by its genial in--that he was taken across the river, and fluence. when in the boat said, 'Gentleman, I am "I am a believer in that doctrine, that your prisoner, and I hope you will use me contends against the idea of punishment be kindly'-that a person immediately replied yond the grave and am the only one into him, at the same time presenting a pistol this section of the country, who can place at his breast, 'If you make any observations sufficient confidence in God's love, to believe I will blow you through.' The object of tathat, in that world which is to come, he will king him to Newark, was to put him in manifest the same degree of impartiality to- charge of the Canadians. He was asked wards his offspring that he does in this. I what death he preferred-his answer was, therefore stand alone! 'I have been a soldier in my country's service, and wish to die as a soldier.' He said this in the presence of twenty masons, and added, if you take my life it will be more injury to you than all I can write or say.' He three times freed himself from the cords with which he was bound, and asked them for a Bible, which was refused. A rope was tied round his hands, neck, and body, with heavy weights attached, and the unfeeling monsters rowed out, and threw him overboard. The lodge at Lewistown met on the night of the murder, and means were devised to carry off other individuals. The names of the persons who plunged Morgan into the deep, have been given to the Grand Jury of Ontario." "I became a Universalist by comparing the assertions and arguments of Limitarians with the Bible." G. C. M. PRAYER. The act of devotion, when it bursts purely from the natural feelings of religious duty, has the effect of composing the spirits, which have been harassed by calamity. The sincere and earnest approach of the Christian to the throne of the Almighty, teaches the blest lesson of patience under affliction: since wherefore should we mock the Deity with supplication, when we insult him by murmuring under his decrees?-or how, while our prayers have in every word admitted the vanity and nothingness of the things in comparison to those of eternity," should we hope to deceive the Searcher of Hearts, by permitting the world and worldly passions to reassume their turbulent empire over our bosoms, the instant our devotions are ended? There have been, and perhaps are now, persons so inconsistent, as to suffer earthly passions to reassume the reins immediately after a solemn address to Heaven; but the true Christian is not of these. He feels himself comforted and strengthened, and better prepared to execute, or submit to whatever his destiny may call upon him to do or suffer.-- Talisman. UNIVERSALIST CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK." has been a mistake in the other particular, we suspect, to say the least, there has been one in this. Will the Editor do us the favor to insert this note in the Telescope and Miscellany, and oblige The Editors of the Olive Branch. MISTAKE CORRECTED. Extract of a letter to the Rev. Mr. Kneeland, dated, Philadelpina, Sept. 24, 1827. "Dear Sir,-In looking over the mutes of the Hudson River Association, published in the Olive Branch, I was much surprised on finding my name recorded among those who voted against you,—this is a mistake: I was not present when the vote was taken, consequently had o part or lot in the matter. It should have been " WILLIS, KING, and STREETER," instead of " Willis, King, and Fisk." You will be so kind as to correct the mistake in your next paper and much oblige me.-T. FISK." POETRY. SELECTED FOR THE OLIVE BRANCH. HERE WE THREE HAVE MET AGAIN. NOTICES. Our friends at Woburu, (Mass.) as well as others, received in full for six subscribers, for one year of the are informed, that ten dollars from any individual will be Oive Branch, to be sent agreeably to directions The regular quarterly meeting of the Second We notice a piece under the above head, Universalist Society will be held in the basewritten apparently in a very angry style, in the ment story of the Unitarian Church, corner of (Providence) Telescope and Miscellany, which Prince and Mercer-streets, on Monday evening appears to have wholly grown out of the mis-(October 1,) at 7 o'clock. A general attendance take of the Editor of the Gospel Advocate.quested, as business of importance will come of the members and friends of the Society is reIt is, mistake that "the Convention has already before the meeting. dictated in inatters of Conscience, to those who have acknowledged its authority." All its acts, so far as they relate to Associations, or Societies, are herely recommendatory, and not dictatorial, as they have made no pretensions to any such power. We speak in relation only to the More Jesuitism.-A paper to be called Minutes signed by the individual, as President, the Child's Magazine, is about being estab which is named by "S." with so much sevelished in New-York. It is intended to cir-rity; and if any thing was done at the last culate the particular religious dogmas of one meeting of that body, incompatible with "reli IF THE OLIVE BRANCH Is Published every Saturday morning in the rear of he Bowery Hotel, corner of Bowery and Pell-street. IF TERMS.-City Subscribers, $2 50, payable in advance. Mail Subscribers, $2 a year payable on the eceipt of the first number. No subscription wil be re ceived for less than a year, which includes one volume. C. NICHOLS, Printer. REVIVALS OF FANATICISM. an all-merciful Saviour, and that perhaps but echo from the infernal region (as describedt The following very appropriate observa- for a moment?" I don't know. You must by some) than the peaceful messenger o tions are from a correspondent now residing abhor yourself, despise this worlds good, re- "good tidings of great joy which shall be in a country town in Massachusetts. It goes pent and put your trust in the all-merciful to all people." It being as it were purely to show that the good people in that quarter Saviour, who died to purchase salvation for accidental, it may be reasonably supposed, of the country are not inattentive to their all such vile rebels as you are, in whom you that I went there from different motives, temporal happiness, in making themselves only can be saved." This wholly extinguish- with entirely different views, from those that more thoroughly acquainted with the doces the flame to all mortal perception for a composed the meeting, excepting three or trine of universal benevolence: among the time, but it would seem as if it continued to four that went with me. The novelty of many motives which stimulate them to an warm and soften this most obdurate of na- the scene subjected me to feelings more eaexamination of this doctrine, are the absurd. ture's productions, for in a few weeks we sily imagined than described. Whether the and thread bare fulminations from the desks see its owner come forward and profess an meeting merited pity or censure, I was unof the self-styled orthodoxy, who, perceiving entire willingness to "burn eternally for the able to decide, and while reflecting on the that their craft is likely to be exposed and glory of God, in fire and brimstone." That proceedings before me, the different views themselves decongregationalized, get warm they hold this world in contempt, (which is and feelings that then composed the meetin the same ratio as they have reason for evident, if they mean by the world their ing, I cast my eyes around upon the coundespair. They see that Universalism is re- brethren who differ from them in opinion,) tenances of my wicked companions, which, storing men to that reason which the God of that they are willing to deny themselves all as if by common consent at the same time, nature has given them, and that when gen- its enjoyments which are only snares to turned upon mine, which did not fail (howerally embraced, will break up the founda- bring them to that place of perdition which ever sinful) to produce a smile on each; such tions of their hope any longer to hold them Christ has so mercifully delivered them an horrible spectacle could not escape the in error and bind them in the chains of su- from, and that they are determined to spend all piercing eye of the Instructor, who inperstition. They perceive that priestcraft the remainder of their days and strength in stantly perceived that he had two kinds of is tottering to its base, and, like the sanguin- the service of that being who has thus bro't inquirers. Therefore when he had enquirary religion of the early ages, ere fifty years them from darkness to light, and made themed into the state of the feelings of all the shall have rolled away, will be known only willing to submit to his merciful government, rest present, as we all sat upon one seat, a in the annals of history. though he should consign them over to end-me stighed on the rest, me paved For the Olive Branch. less misery!" Such has been the effect, directly by us into his desk: and thinking Woburn, Sept. 18, 1827. wherever this devouring element has spread himself, I presume, secure from all attack, Messrs. Editors,-1 am now in Woburn; its irresistable influence, that many have en- he thus began: have resided here about three weeks, and deavored to evade its universal prevalence have exerted my utmost endeavors to spread by withdrawing themselves beyond the posthe knowledge of Universal benevolence, sibility of its affecting them personally, by which is fast prevailing here, in consequence carefully and honestly perusing the Bible, of one of the most dreadful of all calamities, and impartially exercising their reason and "Dr. Beecher's great fire," or, to use their prohibiting these firemen from rendering own language, a very extensive and hope- them any assistance in time of supposed ful revival" (of orthodoxy,) which has con- danger, and personally attending to their sumed nine tenths of the common sense and children, when they go to witness the calamcharity of those affected by the conflagration. ities of others, which subjects them to all Scarce a night passes without an alarm of the imprecations that superstitious zeal, pithe flame's kindling in the cold and flinty ous hatred, bigotry and fanaticism, can sughearts of some hitherto worthless sinner who gest. If a man dare have the hardihood to F. Mr. B, my conscience testifies to me is immediately relieved by some holy fire-doubt the truth of a single remark of these when I violate the law of God, and as here man, that plies his engine with "Do you infallible teachers, he is given over to hard-are witnesses, I presume the laws of my counfeel your self a sinner?" Yes. "Do you ness of heart and blindness of mind, but try can testify whether I have violated them. feel as tho' you derserved to burn in flames should he blaspheme to such a degree, as to B. Mr. F. the most secret things of your of eternal torment and bear the vengeance request an explanation of 1 Tim. ix. 10: heart are now open to the all-piercing eye of an angry God forever and ever?" Yes. Luke xx. 35, 36, he has committed the un- of God, and your condition is most deplo"Don't you feel as though if God should pardonable sin and is sealed to eternal dam-rable; for you did not come here with such punish you according to his holy law, which nation! feelings, as those we expect to come to our you have so often violated and trodden un- One week ago last Sunday evening, for meetings, neither are they such as are most der foot, and frown you down to the black- the first time in my life, I went to a meeting of those now present. ness of darkness in despair with the devils for religious inquiry; it was silent and soand damned spirits in hell, that your spirit lemn, uninterrupted by sounds, excepting would fail before him, as it is written the sighs and sobs, of men, women, and youth, spirits of all flesh shall fail before him." with their faces bathed in tears, and the exYes. "How do you expect to escape such hortations, or rather groans of their instrucawful woe which threatens you every intor who was questioning them as already restant, and is only suspended by the arm of lated, in a voice more resembling the last 66 "The reason why I did not converse with you upon that seat, was, because I perceiv ed by your countenances, that you did not come here in a state of mind, prepared for this meeting." I then addressed myself to the speaker thus: Mr. B. Is our Creator displeased at beholding a smile upon the countenances of his creatures. B. Mr. F. you are violating the laws of God and your own country, and now not another word in this place. F. I have no reason to suppose that my feelings are such as most of those I see here, and God grant that they never may be. B. Mr. F. it is my duty to take care of these precious souls committed to my charge and see that they are led in the right way, as they will be required at my hand. + B. Mr. F. we did not come here to hear such conversation as this: we came here to enquire what we must do to be saved. to be saved. F. What is it necessary to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, to be saved? [Here the Rev. Guide turned his back upon me and commenced an address to the females. I took my hat, my companions arising at the same time, and said, I suppose that this meeting with us is closed: the speaker took no notice of us, and we left the meeting.] F. F. Is it your duty to come here and tam- In order to ingraciate yourself into the feel-thority in what I assert as your doctrine. You per with the minds of such children* as I seeings of your hearers and excite their sympathy say, that in this threat of the Almighty, there here, relative to such subjects as you have in your favor, you spoke of the great length of were included three kinds of death; viz. death advanced to them this evening, and with fe- time you had lived among them, the peaceable temporal, spiritual, and eternal. But as to temmales to, in such a manner as I should sup-ways conducted yourself towards your neigh-the day of transgression; and as to eternal and inoffensive manner in which you had al-poral or natural death, it did not take place on pose, if they had any delicacy about them, boring societies of different sentiments, in short, death, it is admitted, that it will not be inflicted they would be ashamed of.t of your perfect innocence as it respects your on all. This doctrine has been charged on meddling with them. This character of your- Universalists; but it may be retorted on their self, however, differs very materially from that opponents, with as much propriety, to say the given you by your Methodist friends; but of least. Uiness Adam died, in the day of his F. Very well; I would like to know the truth of these stories I shall not pretend to transgression, in every sense in which death what I must do to be saved, as well as determine; but, offsetting one against the oth- was threatened, the old father told at least some any other individual: now, if you will in-er, (for I see nothing in your scale that should truth, "ye shall not surely die!" I might purform me, I shall be thankful for the in- make it preponderate,) you stand, as it respectssue the parallelism between your doctrine and formation. innocence, about upon a footing with other men. that of the old father, a great deal further, but B. It is necessary, sir, that we all be- Having, as you thought, by this manoeuvering, I forbear. I now shall proceed to examine and fairly got the audience in your favor, you pro- see if there be any analogy in your practice; lieve in the Lord Jesus Christ, and repent, ceeded, by afigurative allusion,to represent your- and as I have promised to regard truth, I will self as a father, your church as children, and me not assert any thing about the devil's practice as an intrusive stranger,to justify yourself in their from personal knowledge, but only from hear defence; and by palming upon them falsehoods say. for Universalists' principles, and drawing from James says, resist the devil and he will flee thence natural consequences, you represented me from you: and accordingly we find that on the as a demon of discord from the regions of Pande-day you delivered your phillipic against Unimonium, who had come to disorganize your versalisin, you did not wait to be resisted; but family, and with deep laid schemes, to destroy actually fled away before the resistance comtheir union; to be a murderer, Atheist, and ev-menced. However; it is an old maxim, that "he that fights and runs away, may live to fight ery thing that savors of dishonesty. Now, my dear sir, you have said, that Uni- another day." Again. We are told the devil versalists were always obliged to beg the ques- was a liar from the beginning." Now you HORTON'S LETTER.-No. 2. tion to support their sentiments. Who begs were called upon in my former letter to point Schooleys Mountain, Sept. 19, 1827. the question now? I understand begging a ques-out the chapter and verse where your declaraTo the Rev. J. Campbell. tion to be the assuming of a proposition, not tion about the Rich man, was contained; viz. Sir, in consequence of your indecorous treat- self-evident, without first proving it. How do that he was a Universalist, &c. have you done ment to me in the Church on the 16th instant, you stand in your figure? 1st. As an inno- this? No! Can you do this? No! Then, I am compelled once more to address you. If cent and wise father, giving good and whole- sir, what shall I say of you? Perhaps you on this occasion, I make use of some of your some instruction. 2d. Your church as disobe-spoke in haste then, what you are now convinown weapons, I shall not descend so far from dient and rebellious children. Sd. Myself, as ced is not true! But why not acknowledge the obligation I am under to common decency, your fabled devil, instigating their rebellion. it? Honesty is the best policy; and the tree as either to deal in obloquy or invective. Your Now, sir, how many of these positions did you is known by its fruit. But to proceed with attack upon me, sir, was within ine walls of a assume? How many of them are self-evident? your metaphor. The stranger who appeared to consecrated building, dedicated to the worship or how many did you prove? Let it not be excite rebellion among your children, you reof the Most High God. As my reply will ap-said, that you have previously proved them in presented from the natural consequences of cerpear in the chaste columns of a public Journal, your sermon; for that is not true; as the pub-tain principles, which you wish to palm upon I am restrained by the character that paper lic will ere long discover. That you are the your audience for the faith of Universalists maintains from indulging in an expression of father of your people, in some sense, that is, could not be honest, moral, or benevolent. those feelings which your remarks may have the father of their opinions, I will not deny; Here, again, is begging the question: you ascreated. There is a certain repect due to de- but for this I pity them; and this pity induces sume for facts respecting the faith of Univercency which I trust I shall never violate, how-me to reply to your attack. Your standing in salists, what is by no means admitted, and what ever the occasion may justify. If, I stand up- the relation of a father will not justify you in is totally destitute of proof! Where, sir, did on the same footing with yourself, in zeal for giving wrong instruction to your spiritual chil- you learn, that Universalists believe they may the cause I espouse, I shall suffer my reason dren. I shall take the liberty of comparing the murder, steal, and commit all manner of evil alone to operate upon my convictions, and leave doctrine you teach with the doctrine taught by with impunity, and go immediately to heaven? all the angry passions of my nature to others a certain father spoken of in Scripture, whose Universalists believe, sir, that the righteous who may possess hypocracy and fanaticism e- works, it is also said, his children did, and it is shall be recompenced in the earth, much more nough to impose on credulity. Not being clo- reasonable to suppose, that so long as they are the wicked and the sinner: whosoever doeth thed in the sable mantle of sanctity, my prov- deceived they will continue to do the same. If wrong shall receive for the wrong he hath done, ince is to persuade, not deceive, which is an am-it shall be found that you teach the same doc- and there is no respect of persons. They also ple apology for the long communication you believe, that the love of God (not hell torments) will see over my signiture in the Olive Branch. leadeth men to repentance. These, sir, are a I shall not notice the outrageous phillipic you few of the items which constitute the faith of pronounced against Universalists. That will be noticed, I trust, in due time by another; but in the garden of Eden. Universalists. Do they look like leading a man to dishonesty? Let us now bring to the test a I shall confine myself to your after piece of few items of your faith, and see what will be the low and ungenerous invectives which every one natural consequence of them upon the mind acquainted with the circumstances, must have that believes them. Here again I would refer known were principally intended for myself. you to the authority above named for what I as*Children were there under 12 years of age, but God has kept these things hidden from the wise and prudent and has revealed them unto babes. + The male and female members sit separate: the superintendant goes round to every individual, sits down by the side of them, takes them by the hand, which he holds (if it be a delicate one) during the conversation; shifting alternately from one of his to the other, in a manner that needs no description; and I have been informed, that he sometimes puts his arms around their necks, &o. but I only state what I saw ! trine, you ought to have no objection to being The first account we have of this old father's preaching was that taught to our mother Eve He then, after his insidious arts of beguiling, by mixing a little truth with falsehood respecting the "knowledge of good and evil" and thereby working himself in her favor, told her that God would violate his word! For, notwithstanding he had told Ad-sert to be your faith. am that, "in the day thou eatest thereof thou The first and most important article of which shalt surely die," yet, says this old deceiver, is, that God, by a decree as immutable as him"ye shall not surely die!" seif, has eternally fixed the destiny of every in Let us now examine your doctrine; and to [dividual. Now, sir, let a mind be influenced avoid begging the question, and to show my by a full confidence in this belief; and what regard for truth, I will refer you to John Cal-may we imagine will be the consequences? vin's Institutes, Westminster Catechisim, and what, says the man, can I do to save myself? your modern Confession of Faith, for my au- and what need I fear to do that will now con 1 gion?" From Weem's Life of Franklin. "All this looks very fair, Ben; but yet after all what are we to do without Faith ?" "Why, father, as to Faith, I cannot say ; not Knowing much about it. But this I can say, that Lani afraid of any substitutes to the moral character of the Deity. In short, sir, I don't love the fig-leaf." demn me? My destiny is already fixed, I will ignorant minds, and overwhelming their ima- fore I cannot turn back. I have counted the But they are brought cost. I know what man can do. I may be therefore live agreeably to the inclination of ginations with terror. my own desires, as my future state depends not about by calmly and seriously reflecting on the stripped of property, my character destroyed, upon my conduct, and all the punishment that goodness of God as displayed towards his crea- and my body impaired, but my mind can never E. HORTON. tures in the works of creation and providence, be enslaved. will be inflicted in this life is nothing, in comparison with eternal woe, and if I am to be sa- and on having the understanding illuminated ved, I shall be, for I cannot altar the decrees of hy the divine light, reflected through the medium of the Gospel, through which life and im- DIALOGUE BETWEEN DR. FRANKLIN, (HEN God. With this in view, we will proceed to A BOY) AND HIS FATHER. another item, which is this, that God has fore- mortality have been brought to light; by know"I thank God, my son, for giving you wisordained whatsoever come to pass. If this being and understanding the character of God But what is still the case, continues the believer, whatsoever I to be towards us his offspring, in the relation of dom to reason in this way. do, or may do, it is certain that I could not have a Father and Friend. We have accounts of re- your inference from all this, as to the true reliavoided it! Add to this, the oft repeated idea,vivals in the scriptures, but none that we have that the sinner's life is a life of pleasure, and found were effected by the preaching of terror. "Why, my dear father, my inference is still the saint's a thorny path, and your doctrine And I may venture to assert there cannot be in confirmation of my first answer to your quesproffers every inducement to crime. Let us brought from the Scriptures one word to justi- tion relative to the true religion, that it consists now examine it on the score of benevolence. fy the propriety of preaching up hell torments in our imitating the Deity in his goodness. Thus, sir, I have And here I will lay down a self-evident propo- in order te save souls. Every wise parent, wishing to allure his chilsition, which is this, that man is the best, who given you some of my views in relation to the dren to any particular virtue, is careful to set in all his actions, motives, and conduct, most subject, which has occasioned this, as well as them the fairest examples of the same, as closely imitates God in all his imitable perfec- my former letter; if any of my remarks may knowing that example is more powerful that tions. Now let the orthodox view of the char-seen severe, I regret that there was any occa- precept. Now since the Deity, throughout all his works, so invariably employs his great powacter of God be fully considered. A God infi- tion for such severity. You were called upon in my former letter to er and wisdom as the ministers of his benevonite in wisdom and goodness, and almighty in exonerate yourself by proving that your asser-lence to make his creatures happy, what can power; and what is the sum total of all his conHe brings tions were correct; but this you have not done. this be for but an example to us; teaching that duct respecting man? Answer, man involuntarily into a state of existence, If you believe your doctrine true and ours so if we wish to please him-the true end of all makes him subject to vanity-man commits false, why do you not publish the arguments, religion-we must imitate him in his moral acts which God foreordained he should com- by which the one is supported, and the other reas he does, we should recall the golden age, mit, and for this course of conduct God will futed. But should you ever attempt to refute goodness, which it we would all do as steadily wreak his vengeance on him eternally no for- Universalism again, I hope you will first make and convert this world into Paradise." giveness, no relenting, no ray of hope; nothing yourself acquainted with it, so as not to misreLet Universalists speak for themin prospect, but an accumulating weight of Al- present it. mighty displeasure! This, sir, is but a faint selves, and take the doctrine as represented by gleam of the character of your god, as given by them, and not by its opposers. Paul said, Prove all things; hold fast that which is good," those who profess your belief. Let us now suppose men to imitate this character as closely as and God said by the prophet, "Come and let possible in their dealings with each other: then us reason together, &c."; but you seem to be farewell friends, farewell benevolence, farewell unwilling that your people should hear both to every kindred tie which unites man to his sides of the question. I could write much more on this subject; but fellow man. But a view of this state of things as I have designed what I have written, for the is sickening to every benevolent feeling in man. Oh, orthodoxy! what wouldst thou do? To columns of a public paper, I wish not to tresembrace thee, we must relinquish every wor-pass too much on the patience of the reader. thy sentiment which distinguishes man from I am aware that the public, being ignorant of many of the circumstances, cannot take the the most infuriated demon of horror. "I am to the point, father. I mean to say this, sir, be thy God, in mercy let us not hear same interest, on either side, as those whose from your devil; and if in your dealings with personal feelings have been in some degree en- that as Adam sought a vain fig-leaf covering, With these remarks, I shall bid you rather than the imitation of the Deity in moral your fellow men, you in any degree resemble listed. such a God, I pray God to deliver me from you. farewell. I ain ready at all times, not only to fond of running after fig-leaf substitutes." But, again, you ask, "Who ever heard of a give reasons for wy hope, but also to defend goodness, so his posterity have ever since been It will depend on your fu"Aye! well I should be glad to hear you exrevival of religion in the neighborhood of a what I believe true. Universalist, and he did not revile the work of ture conduct, whether we meet before the pub-plain a little on that head, Ben." "Father, I don't pretend to explain a subject God ?" This, sir, I know how to apply: but lic again, or not. I don't understand, but I find in Plutarch's here again you beg the question. Prove, sir, Messrs. Editors,-I now feel it my duty to that your revival last winter was the work of "when in your old Divinity Libraty, and which no God." I shall spare many remarks here which make some apology to you and your readers, lives and the Heathen Antiquities, which I read doubt give a true account of religion among might with propriety be made; but I wish not, for this long letter. Our Saviour says, But ye are reviled revile not again;" and an aposunnecessarily, to wound your feelings. you further ask, "Who ever heard of a revival tle has said, "Therefore we both labor and suf- the ancients, that when they were troubled on to have thought of conciliating the Deity by among Universalists?" If, sir, by revivals you fer reproach because we trust in the living God account of their crimes, they do not seem once But this, as I mean such exhibitions as you had last winter, I who is the Saviour of all men." am proud to answer, No one! But if you mean conceive, is no reason why we should not ex-reformation, and by acts of benevolence and such revivals as took place among the Jews in pose what appears to us to be spiritual wicked-goodness to be like him. No, they appear to the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, an account of ness in high places. I have been compelled to have been too much enamoured of lust and which you may find at large in those books. I be more severe, than I could have wished; oth- pride and revenge to relish moral goodness; But still something must be done to appease would tell you there are such revivals going on erwise Mr. Campbell'f hearers, being accustom-such lessons were too much against the grain. continually where the doctrine of God's univer-ed to such style, would not understand me; sal grace is taught and understood; and, sir, there be any abuse in it, Mr. C. must bear the the Deity. Well then, since they could not there is much reason to believe that there is blame; he led the way; I did but follow; and sum up courage enough to attempt it by imitagospel seed planted within your own borders, have fallen short of his example in this respect. ting his goodness, they would try it by coaxtemples; and make him mighty sacrifices; and which will rise with the rising generation and The consequences that will follow, I feel very ing his vanity-they would build him grand slowly and gradually, like a still small voice, as sanguine, will be good. rich offerings. This I am told, father, was their fig-leaf." reason and right understanding of revelation - shall nourish it, will grow up and root out all the antichristian doctrines of the Apocalyptical beast. True and genuine revivals are not effected by preaching hell torments to weak and If E. HORTON. if To my friends, who have kindly warned me of the temporal evil this course would bring upon me, I tender my thanks for their good intentions; but I must tell them, I have not inadvertantly put my hand to the plough; there-1 "Fig-leaf! I don't understand you, child; what do you mean by the fig-leat ?" "Why, father, we read in the Bible that soon as Adam had lost that true image of the Deity, his Moral Goodness, instead of striving to recover it again, he went and sewed fig-leaves together to cover himself with." "Stick to the point, child." "Why this, I fear, Ben, is a true bill against "Well, I am sure, father, the Jews were the poor Heathens." Here good old Josias groaned. "Yes, father," continued Ben," and it were well if the rage for the fig-leaf stopped with the Jews and Heathens; but the Christians are just as fond of substitutes that may save them the labour of imitating the Deity in his moral goodness. It is true, the old Jewish hobbies, mint, anise, and cummin, are not the hobbies of Christians; but still, father, you are not to suppose that they are to be disheartened for all that. Oh no. They have got a hobby worth all of them put together-they have got Faith." Here good old Josias began to darken; and looking at Ben with great solemuity, said, "I am afraid, my son, you do not treat this great article of our holy religion with sufficient reverence." "My dear father," replied Ben eagerly, "I mean not the least reflection on Faith, but solely on those hypocrites who abuse it to countenance their vices and crimes." "O then, if that be your aim, go on, Ben, go on." ness. "Well, sir, as I was saying, not only the Jews and Heathens, but the Christians also have their fig-leaf substitutes for Moral GoodBecause Christ has said that so great is the Divine Clemency, that if even the worst of men will but have faith in it so as to repent and amena their lives by the golden law of love and good works,' they should be saved, many lazy Christians are fond of overlooking those "Yes, sir, as good for nothing unless it exalt us to the likeness of God-nay, as worse; as utterly vile and hypocritical." "And perhaps you view in the same light the Imputed Righteousness, and Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper." mer sound believers? If they should, as chants, sand their sugar, or water their molasses, what great matter is that? Don't they they should accept a challenge, and receive a keep up family prayer? If, as men of honor, shot in a duel, what of that? They have only to send for a priest and take the sacrament. "Yes, father, faith, imputed righteousness, Thus, father, as freedom has proved the ruin of sacraments, prayers, sermons; all, all I consi- many a Virginia negro, so I am afraid that such der as mere barren fig-leaves which will yield faith as this has made many an hypoeritical no good unless they ripen into the fruits of Be-Christian, ten times more a child of the devil nevolence and Good Works." "Well, Ben, 'tis well you have taken a turn "No, father, I know that well enough; I "Why, father, I am told that the Virginia negroes, like our faith-mongers, fond of ease and glad of soft substitutes to hard duties, are continually sighing for freedom; O if they had but freedom! if they had but freedom! how happy should they be. They should not then be obliged to work any more. Freedom would do every thing for them. Freedom would spread soft beds for them, and heap their tables with roast pigs, squealing out, come and eat me.' Freedom would give them fine jackets, without their sweating for it.' Well, by, and and rivers of grog, and mountains of segars by, they get their freedom; perhaps by running away from their masters. And now see what great things freedom has done for them. Why, "Well, but child, do you make no account. as it is out of the question to think of work of faith ?" now they are free, they must give themselves "None, father, as a fig-leaf cloak of immor-up like gentlemen, to visiting, sleeping and tality." excellent conditions love and good works,' which constitute the moral image of the Deity, and fix upon the word Faith for their salva tion." "But is not faith a great virtue in itself and a qualification for heaven?" "I think not, sir; I look on faith but as a mean to beget moral goodness, which, to me, appears to be the only qualification for Hea ven." "I am astonished, child, to hear you say that faith is not a virtue in itself." than he was before." Good old Josias, who, while Ben was speaking at this rate, had appeared much agitated, sometimes frowning, sometimes smiling, here replied, with a deep sigh, "Yes, Ben, this is all too true to be denied; and a sad thing it is that mankind should be so ready, as you observe, to go to heaven in any other way than by imitating God in his moral likeness. But I rejoice in hope of you, my son, that painting this lamentable depravity in such strong colours as you do, you will ever act on wiser and more magnanimous principles." "Father, I don't affect to be better than other young men, yet I think I can safely say, that if I could get to heaven by playing the hypocrite I would not, while I have it in my choice to go thither by acquiring the virtues that would give me a resemblance to God. For to say nothing of the exceeding honour of acquiring even the faintest resemblacce of him; nor yet of the immense happiness which it must afford hereafter, I find that even here, and young as I am, the least step towards it, affords a greater pleasure than any thing else; indeed I find that there is so much more pleasure in getting knowledge to resemble the Creator, than living in ignorance to resemble brutes; so much more pleasure in benevolence and doing good to resemble him, than in hate and doing harm to resemble demons, that I hope I shall always have wisdom and fortitude sufficient even for my own knowledge, and in doing all the little good I sake, to spend my life in getting all the useful possibly can." "God almighty confirm my son in the wise resolutions which his grace has enabled him thus early to form!" "Yes, father, and besides all this, when I look towards futurity; when I consider the nature pastime. In a little time the curses of hunger of that felicity which exists in heaven: that it and nakedness drive them to stealing and house- is a felicity flowing from the smiles of the Deibreaking, for which their backs are ploughed ty, on these excellent spirits, whom his own adup at whipping-posts, or their necks snapped monitions have adorned with the virtues that under the gallows! and all this because they resemble himself: that the more perfect their must needs live easier than by honest labour, virtues, the brighter will be his smiles upon which would have crowned their days with them, with correspondent emanations of bliss character and comfort. So father, it is, most that may, for what we know, be forever enlargexactly so it is, with too many of our Faith-ing our understandings and affections; I say, mongers. They have not courage to practice those exalted virtues that would give them the moral likeness of the Deity. Oh no; they must get to heaven in some easier way. They have heard great things of faith. Faith, they are told, has done wonders for other people; why not for them? Accordingly they fall "Yes, father, and for the best reason in the to work and after many a hard throe of fanati-deed." world; for who can ever hope to please the cism, they conceit they have got faith sure Deity, without his moral image? and who enough. And now they are happy. Like the would ever put himself to the trouble to culti-poor Virginian negroes, they are clear of all vate the virtues which form that image, unless he had a belief that they were indispensible to the perfection and happiness of his nature?" "So then you look on faith as no virtue in itself, and good for nothing unless it exalt men to the likeness of God ?" "But does not the Bible, in a thousand places, say that withont faith no man can please God?" moral working now: thank God they can get father, when I have it in my choice to attain to "Yes, father, especially when it is recollected that if the ignorant and vicious could, with all their pains, find out substitutes that would serve as passports to heaven, they could not rationally expect a hearty welcome there. For as the Deity delights in the wise and good, hecause they resemble him in those qualities which render him so amiable and happy, and would render all his creatures so too; so he |