admission of applicants for fellowship as preachers of the gospel, report That in their opinion, it is desirable that some additional rule be established. And they would suggest the expediency of appointing at each Session of the General | Convention, a Committee, or Committees to whom candidates during the following year shall apply for examination in secular and sacred learning; of which Committee or Conimittees it shall be the duty to examine such applicants, with special regard to their literary and theological acquirements, and their talents for sermonizing, and if satisfied therewith, to give them a certificate accordingly, which shall be produced by said candidates, as their recommendation, on applying to the General Convention for its fellowship. Hosea Ballou, 2d. 8. Voted that the above recommendation be adopted as a vote of this Convention. 9. Suspended the Business of the Council, to attend public worship. $1. Order of the afternoon Service. Introductory Prayer, by Br. O. A. Skinner. Sermon, by Br. T. F. King, from Matt. xiv. Voted, that Br. J. Moore prepare the Minutes for publication, and accompany them with a Circular. Agreed to hold a Quarterly Association at Craftsbury, on the Sd Wednesday in January next. Voted to adjourn to meet, by Divine permission, at St. Johnsbury, Vt. on the first Wednesday and Thursday in Oct. 1828. J. E. PALMER, Moderator. J. MOORE, Clerk. To all, to whom this Epistle may come: Grace, From the Christian Intelligencer. Having read most of your theological writings and heard you preach frequently, I understand you to believe, that the wicked shall not go unpunished, and yet that none of them shall be punished in the future world,-consequently every man must be punished for his sins in this world before his spirit leaves his body. Under the watchful care of a kind Providence we have been favored with another anniversary meeting of the Northern Association, under circumstances more encouraging than any former meeting of this body. Our hearts were made glad by hearing from different parts of In reading the account, in the public pathe state the prosperity of the cause of Univer-pers, of the piracy and murder committed by sal Benevolence; and although the laborers the notorious Tardy, on board the brig are few in comparison to the field, yet we re- Crawford, I felt as it I wanted to propose joice that the number of those who do not count one or two questions to yourself, in a retheir lives dear unto themselves, is increasing, spectful and friendly manner, hoping that as you will see by the minutes above. Thus you will do me the favor, (for such I should our Lord and master is carrying on his glorious esteem it,) to inform me when that man rework, and will finally put down all rule and au-ceived the punishment due to his sins? It thority and power, and having destroyed the last enemy, will deliver up the kingdom to his appears that he had, in a most savage and father, and God shall be all in all. blood thirsty manner, massacred a number The business of our council was conducted of helpless and unoffending American citiin harmony, and the public services of the sanc-zens, exulting as he plunged his dirk into the bodies of his victims and boasting as he divided their hearts with his fatal weaponand that soon after, when he apprehended that he was likely to be detected and made to suffer for his crimes, he cut his own throat, and, as your doctrine would seem to have it, went to heaven. Concluding Prayer, by Br. Wm. S. Balch. 10. Br. P. Dean brought forward the following preamble and resolution, which were unanimously adopted. Whereas in the progress of the Societies of Universalists in the United States, and the multiplication of asso-tuary were truly refreshing, where hundreds ciations in fellowship with this Convention, listened to the truth with the most perfect atclaiming the same power-composed of the same members, and extending over the same territory-there is not that perfect order in their government and proceedings desirable to be preserved. Therefore, Note.-We should have published these Minutes soon er; but the paper which contained them, the "Evangelical Repository," has been by some one, taken out of the office; and they either have not been published in any other, or else the papers containing them have not come to hand, excepting the Telescope and Miscellmy," in which they remain "[To be concluded]" Eds. of O. B. NORTHERN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSALISTS. This Association convened at the house of brother M. Wright, in Calais, Vt. on the 2d of October, ult. Among other things, as the usual business of an Association, we publish the following as the most important. all shall know the Lord. tention, while the tear of gratitude and joy The audience was uncommonly large and solen; this, together with an excellent choir of singers, whose performance did them honor, rendered our meeting pleasing to all lovers of good order. The committee appointed to receive requests for fellowship and ordination, reported in favor Brethren in the ministry of reconciliation, of granting a letter of fellowship to brother let us be encourged, Light is progressing, the Charles Spear, and of conferring ordination on Brs. Thomas Browning and Isaiah Boynton, jr.truth will stand. Let us adorn our profession Arrangements for public services-Thurs- by following the example of our Master, who, day. 1st Service. Br. J. Moore-Prayer. 2d Service. Br. M. Coburn-Prayer. Charge and delivery of the Scriptures-Br. J. E. Palmer. Right hand of Fellowship-Br. E. Williams. Concluding Prayer-Br. R. Bartlett. when he was reviled, reviled not again; let us as be committed it, his spirit of course left the body and entered into a state, where, as you say, there is no punishment. These questions, dear sir, are proposed, not to provoke a controversy by any means, but for the sake of obtaining light on this, to me, difficult subject. If you will tell me how Tardy was punished in this life as much as his crimes deserved, you will greatly oblige one who wants nothing but the truth. L. A From the Uuiversalist Magazine. To "L. A***** " your necessary in times since the scriptures were guide our reasoning by the assistance of num- Dear Sir, I am of opinion that queries are not so well adjusted, nor the principles which they embrace so clearly But you may think I ought to say some-ject before us, is it not easy to see, that crime manifested as they ought to be, before defi-thing more about the crimes and punishment consists in opposition to a sense of moral nite answers are given. Two very impor- of the "notorious Tardy." In order to pro- right, and that this sense of moral right is tant questions, as it appears to me, should duce an effect, you describe the bloody the administrator of condemnation, and that first be duly considered and satisfactorily scene, as if the understanding and discern- it is impossible that it should not administer answered before your main query need be ment of the mind could be assisted in cor- this condemnation to as great a degree as decided. 1st. In what does the punishment rect perceptions of subjects by having hor- that to which the opposition arises? And is of sin consist? 2d. How much of such pu- ror and indignation first awakened in the it not also clear that this administration of nishment does justice require to be suffered feelings! But, sir, after all you must allow condemnation is in due operation at as the penalty of such crimes as you have that the case of the desperate Tardy and the very moment of the existence of the designated? And I think you will readily that of meu of ordinary turpitude differ on- opposition to a moral sense of right? perceive that it is necessary also to deter-ly in degree. We will suppose that a man If this reasoning be allowed, and I see no mine the required duration of such penalty.of ordinary life and conversation is request- way to avoid it, then it follows that all sin is There is another thing, sir, which youred to assist a person in need; he feels as if punished in the state and at the time it exqueries suggest, which perhaps you did not it were his duty to extend charity to his fel-ists. think of at the time you wrote; I mean the low creature, but a feeling of covetousness That the foregoing reasoning may be furquestson why you should have had any oc- enters his mind at this moment and he refu- ther strengthened, let us try some other casion to question me on the subject? We ses; in an instant a paralysis terminates his course. Suppose then that sins which are will suppose that the scriptures are clear life. Here let your question apply. When committed in this world, are not here punishand decided on the subject of your questions, and where would this man be punished for ed, but that they are to receive a just retriand we will suppose also, that they directly this offence of withholding a favor which the bution in the future world; the query then prove that a man who first kills himself must laws of humanity demand? Can you prove is, in what can such punishment consist? It suffer a punishment in a future state of exis- by the scriptures that such a crime will, in cannot consist in any condemnation admintence for so doing; if such were facts you such a case, be punished in the future world?istered by a sense of moral right, because would have had no occasion to ask me the presume you will answer in the negative; this was endured in this world, while sin questions you have; you would only need but yet feel as if you might say that though was indulged, and that to as great a degree to point me to the divine testimony which the scriptures do not prove this fact, stil! it as the offence ever rose. Let it not be sugcontradicts what you call my doctrine, and is reasonable to believe it. I will then alter gested, that in the future world we shall have thereby refute such errors. the supposition, and suppose that this man infinitely clearer views of moral right than As you pretend to predicate your queries was a sound Christian, and generally speak- we now have, and that our condemnation on what you have read in my writings, & what ing, a charitable man, but just as he died, a will there rise, for the crimes of this life, to you have heard me hold forth in public, you covetous feeling got possession of his mind. the utmost degree of moral sense there posgive me the right to ask in which of either, Will you still contend that as he died in the sessed, for it was not those higher degrees you ever found any direct assertion that sin exercise of this disposition he must be pun-of moral sense which were in this world sinned against. will not be punished in the future state?ished for it in another state? Now if you I have often said, & allowed in my writings, can find out any possible way for this Chris- If, to avoid the necessary conclusions de that if sin exist in the future world, punish-tian man to avoid punishment in the future ducible from premises evidently supported ment must there be endured; but I have al world, you are reminded by the same rule by the above reasoning, the opposer conso held out the opinion, that the scriptures ed hereafter. Why then do you call me to makes it consist in physical pain, he should that the notorious Tardy may not be punish-tends for a different kind of punishment, and no where prove that either sin or punishment will exist in any other world but this. the case of Tardy? Why do you not call be reminded that such may be endured by Now, sir, if you are desirous of information me to consider your own case together with the innocent as well as the guilty. H. B. this subject, and feel satisfied with Are you and I entirely free from such as the scriptures give, why do you bring sin? "If we say we have no sin, we dea case of which no mention is made in the ceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Bible, and ask me questions concerning it, After the foregoing remarks, I feel disposed which the scriptures do not answer? ment. Or if to suggest for your consideration the followyou believe that the scriptures do answering reasoning: 1st. Sin consists in the inyour questions, why have you not directed tentions of the mind. Overt acts may besme where to find the testimony? You will peak what the moral state of the mind is, permit me to ask, whether it be reasonable but in those acts themselves, distinctly conto allow that modern crimes are so different in their moral character from all which the divine writings treat of, as to require a new system of punishment not revealed in the scriptures? Aud furthermore, whether all the penalty of which the Bible speaks is in this world, but that it has been found to be on mine? From Hélкroft's Travels. I nò he wurld neds improvInò ħat inováñ, ĥat čànj, 13 inévétabl: T am, hoet i hav bin, an unsàên ȧdvokát fèr réfèrm. But réform must bé grådjúal, inosidered, there can exist no crime. There- Van témpurd wih mildnes, ä he fore, 2d. There may exist in the mind the pèpl, to bé improvd, must konsent crime of murder and to its utmost degree, to, ä àd in, hier on améléoràn; or where no overt act is committed. 3d. Mor- he hol fabrik is ov sand, hoit he al turpitude must be measured according to the degrees of moral sense of right and wrong ovurflòig tid wil lévil. possessed by the agent; so that we may Vél, 1st. cap. 23. p. 94. THE OLIVE BRANCH. and a still greater error for the directors to represent in their reports that his labors were gratuitous-that be was "seeking no earthly emdluments." Thus we perceive that in which ever way the matter is turned money is the object at last, with this difference ment, that they rather offend than inform the reader. NEW-YORK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1827. already assailed from many quarters on some of the most important points of that institution. It is asserted from discoveries that have been recently made that the Managers on the continent of Europe have been so ne SECTARIAN CORPORATIONS-NO. 13. In our last we stated our impressions, and offered our reasons for the opinion, that the British and Foreign Bi-gligent as to suffer their agents to distribute Bibles where ble Society grew out of circumstances not primarily connected with the diffusion of the Scriptures. But that the measure was influenced principally by considerations of national aggrandizement. This truth is elicited from the very nature of the present situation of those people, and certainly no plan, no effort of the human mind, could have been more instrumental in accomplishing a in apocryphical writings are intermingled with the canoni- MISREPRESENTATION. When a doctrine cannot be refuted, the opponent, rather than to acknowledge the impotency of his own arguments, often resorts to misrepresentation. This, however, always betrays a bad spirit. It either discovers the ignorance of the opponent, in The great national object than this. Its operation is to make ciely to investigate fully, the corruptions that had in the regard to the doctrine he opposes, or else, other nations tributary with their own consent; which lapse of time gradually crept into the whole system what is worse, a wilful opposition. if the measure had been compulsory, this nation would and, among other charges, they bring against the pa-truth of the above remark will be acknowl have resisted it to the last extremity. So much do cir-rent society, is that of waste and extravagance in the acknowledge their own ignorance, and much cumstances alter cases. It is a question whether the tax management of its concerns! The Reviewers of Lon-edged by all; though few are disposed to less admit that they wilfully misrepresent. proposed to have been laid by Great Britain on the con sumers of tea in this country, would have amounted to half the annual sum which the people of this nation have contributed within the last ten or twelve years to the various societies instituted for the purpose of spreading the gospel throughout the earth; and yet we perceive little or no difference in the religions and moral habits of the people within the sphere of their missionary labors. In a nation enlightened on almost every possible subject as is the United States of America, it is a matter of no sinall astonishment that there should be found so mnauy wise men duped and infatuated by the Clergy, whose ob ject is to bring about au union betwixt Church and State in this country. It must be remembered, and the idea even for a moment should not escape any one, that the civil policy of this country differs from any other Christian nation of which we have a knowledge. All others, in some degree, unite the two vomers; some more remote, some more direct; but by the Constitutions of the several States confederacy, and the government of the United States, they are made absolutely seperate and distinct; and positively resolve themselves into civil on the one hand and sectarian corporations on don make one observation on the misapplication of the funds of the society which we deem worthy of notice, But what better excuse can we make for the following remarks, which we extract from a paper professedly opposed to Universalism. "We frequently find gross inconsistencies, professor Van Ess of Darmstadt, who, for the last fifteen years, has been employed by the society to distri in Universalist writings; sentiments utterly bute the Scriptures among the Roman Catholics of Ge-at war with Universalism. How, for inmany. Year after year," says the Reviewer, "the stance, does the following sound in a Uni"The worldlingversalist publication? reports put forth by the Committee contained the warmest eulogiums upon the distatertedness of this Doctor. Stung with remorse, without the cheering Of the zeal manifested by this learned pious and inde- hopes of another, better, and happier world, is suddenly called from time to the realties fatigable professor' say the grateful directors in circu- of eternity." It will do for Anti-Universallating the Scriptures in the Catholic provinces of Ger-ists to talk after this manner, but not for many, it is impossible to speak but in terms of the high- Universalists. Why has not the worlding "In another the cheering hopes of another, better and est admiration.'" 12th report, page 12. place we are assured that Leander Van Ess seeks no happier world, if he believes in Universalearthly emoluments: nor is the applause of a vain world ism? For what purpose are the relatives his aim; he desires not the treasures which rust and of eternity brought into view in his case, if moth consume. No, the glory of God, and the salvation this doctrine is true? of souls, these are the pure and heavenly principles which influence his mind and stimulate his actions 17th report, appendix pige 18. And yet without the 66 Equally inconsistent is it for Universalists to hold language like the following, which has appeared in the publication under review: Those whose treasure is in heaven the other; so arranged and modified that the latter, un- knowledge of t. subscribers before whom these splen-find the promise verified, that 'godliness der all circumstances, shall be subordinate to the civil did ane yrics have been spread, this same Doctor has is profitable in all things, having the promise power, and in no case whatever to be blended with it. received a salary of $1500 per annum, for the last four of the life that now is, and of that which is But the Reviewer to come.' They with whom love is withThis peculiarity, this distinguishing feature, which is found teen years-equal to 21,000 dollars in the jurisprudence of this nation, should be watched by inform us that this not all. Doctor Van Ess is himself the out dissimulation, fearless of death, pass its the people with a Lynx's eye. If it is overturned, and the principal author and proprietor of the version which he dark valley; seizing immortal youth, like clergy succeed in their piens of ambition, republicanisın, has for so many years circulated at the expense of the angels live in love, in harmony and bliss.' like "the baseless fabric of a vision,” vanishes at once Society; and the number of copies disposed of by lin. Universalists profess to believe that all, and is gone forever. We have, however, one consola- during his connexion with that institution, amounts to whether godly or not, have the promise of the life to come; and that all, whether their tion. Divine providence has scattered in every direction more than six hundred thousand” “Now to say nothing love is without dissimulation or not, will arriers to their success. We are apprehensive that the of the profits arising from so large a sale of a publisher's seize immortal youth, and like angels live in people already begin to loathe the innumerable tracts with own works, it is probable that the services rendered to love, in harmony and bliss. It is therefore which they have deluged the land These religious effu- the society by the professor, have been fully equal to the perfect nonsense and absurdity for them to sions, instead of having any attractions as formerly, are lay he has received But it was wrong to conceal the make a distinction between mankind, by apfound to be so moantonous, so destitute of sound-argu-fact, of his receiving such a salary, from the subscribers, plying such promises to a part only.” minds." God,") rather than to restore them to to their lawful owners? It is also insinuated that Mr. K. confessed "PRINCE-STREET CHURCH." "Universalists dwell much on the fears which haunt the wicked in the present life; Under the above head, we find a long article as if those, with other things, are a sufficient in the (Providence) "Telescope and Miscellapunishment for their sins. But what fears, ny," signed " A Spectator," who has underta-"that he meant to deceive one of those indipray, can haunt a wicked man, if he believes ken, as he says, "to offer something by way of viduals, at the time the assurance was said to be in Universalism? We hope our readers undeceiving the public." If the public have given!" This is deceiving, not "undeceiving will let this idea sink down into their been deceived in relation to the Prince-street the public❞—and for the truth of this remark, Church, or their late Pastor, it is certainly lau- we appeal to all the members of the Association, dable to undeceive them, so far as the public as well as others, who were present. The indican be supposed to take any interest in these vidual said, according to his own statement, “ I matters, and we feel sure that the public will hope we shall now hear no more of those Tom not be totally indifferent to those things which Paine sermons!"* To which, he says, Mr. K. relate to the moral character of a public teach-replied, " YOU SHALL NOT!" This Mr. K. deer. Most of the communication, however, af-nies; but admits that he meant to evade the ter recollecting our former declaration, we question, (for those were his words before the think will be perfectly safe in the hands of the Association,) by saying that he should manage readers of the Telescope, and we shall there- that concern according to all the light and wisfore let it pass without a single comment. All dom he possessed; or words to that effect. that has been said, or can be said, about a " ful- When the question was asked him whether he some offering on the altar of Mr. K.'s vanity!" did not mean that the individual should go &c. passes by as the restless wind, which we re-away under an impression that he had received gard not; and every arrow, hurled from such a source, and with such a spirit, falls perfectly The worldling, who is "stung with remorse, without the cheering hopes of another, better and happier world," whatever he may be besides, cannot be a Universalist. But he may believe every article in the orthodox faith true, and yet, for himself, being a worldling, be "without the cheering hopes of another, better and happier world!" But when he becomes, should he ever become, in reality, a Universalist, he is no longer a worlding. harmless at our feet. something like a pledge? The answer was, "I meant as I said, and nothing more." This question being rather pressed by the Moderator, it was answered distinctly in the negative, and in so many words. Thus much for the charge, "He did not keep his word!" K. N. B. In justice to Mr. K. we shall expect the Editor of the C. Telescope &c. to publish the above remarks; which are very sparing, as we have left a great part of the Comm'u. perfectly untouched. Universalists no more "profess to believe that ALL, whether godly or not, have the promise of the life to come, &c. than the orthodox, whether Calvinists or Arminians, We shall not extract the paragraph entire, on believe that SOME, "whether godly or not, which we remark, as it is unnecessary; but in have the promise of the life to come," &c. the third paragraph, the writer says, "To their Now do either Calvinists, or Arminians be- astonishment he (Mr. K.) did not keep his In the fourth paragraph, the writer says, lieve that ANY go to heaven ungodly?— word!" This is one of the charges that was "The Trustees have publicly challenged him that is, in a state of sin and ungodliness? brought against Mr. K. at the Association, and (Mr. K.) to prove the falsehood of any of their No! Neither do Universalists believe that on which the Ass. voted, unanimously, that the charges." They must put the boot on the other any, much less that ALL will go to heaven charge was not supported—and therefore nei leg--it belongs to them to prove the charges in an impure state. It is just as unfair, ther the charge, nor the vote upon it, was pub-true. They have done all they could; why, therefore, uncandid, and unjust, to charge lished in the Minutes. To one of the individu- then, do they not rest satisfied? Their reiterathis inference upon Universalists, as it would als, alluded to in the par agraph, Mr. K. denies, ting these charges, in this case, now, will only positively denies, ever having given such a injure themselves; and one would suppose that be to charge it upon Calvinists or Arminians; pledge as was stated; or any thing that he meant they must not only see it; but, by this time, feel that is, upon the orthodox (as they style as a pledge. To the other individual, Mr. K. the effects of it. We will only add-Friends, themselves) in general. That some, who acknowledged before the Association, that the do yourselves no more harm! have been ungodly, will be saved, is admit-facts were correctly stated; but at the same ted by all. Now the only difference is, Uni-time it was contended, on the part of Mr. K versalists carry the doctrine of purification that the pledge had been redeemed; for he had farther than the would-be-orthodox. If they only pledged himself that he would endeavor to are erroneous in this, let their arguments be give satisfaction in his preaching, so far as he refuted; and not charge upon them princi- could with a clear conscience. This was all ples which they no more admit the truth of that was asked for, on the part of this individual; this was all that was agreed to, on the part than their opponents. of Mr. K. And what is very remarkable, the We do not pretend that a mere specula- very discourse, and the only discourse, comtive belief in Universalism is any better plained of by this individual, after this pledge other speculative notion; that is, was given, was the last discourse that Mr. K. in regard to its moral effect on the heart. delivered in that Church; viz. the discourse A man may be such a Universalist, and yet delivered in the evening of the day on which be a sectarian bigot after all. We acknowl- he took his leave. But no one to this day has edge no faith in divine love genuine, except attempted to confute Mr. K. in the very statement which gave offence. It was in relation that which worketh by love, and purifieth the heart. And when a man has such faith, to the tithes said to have been paid by Abraham to Melchizedic. Mr. K. contended, that from he ceases to be wicked. But a mere specu- the account in Genesis, he should be led to con- to Mr. K. soliciting him to remain; and although two of lative faith in Universalism can no more save clude that Mel. paid tithes to Ab. and not Ab. the Committee waited on him, yet Mr. K was drawn aside from one of them, in order, as it would seem, to a wicked man, from awful forebodings, to Mel. For Ab. refused to take even to "a draw from him, in private, and that too, after he had obwhile he continues to be wicked, than any shoe latchet" of the spoils to himself; how tained, as he then thought, all his wishes, what in puhlic, and in writing, he had absolutely refused to give. other speculative notion would save the then could he feel justified in giving away To have given such a pledge, at such a time, and on an occasion, and to such an individual, would cermurderer from the gallows, or the thief tenth part of them to the king of Salem, (mere-tainly have betrayed as great a weakness as the violation from the state prison ly because he was a "priest of the most high of it could have been thought wicked! than any a "REMARKS On Mr. Kneeland's Declaration of Faith and (Providence) "Telescope and Miscellany," This was at the time the resolutions were presented We do not say ; present. It may be possible, I do not un-old, &c. Do not mistake us. If you will be so good, sir, as to explain yourself on the above, you will much oblige ONE OF YOUR SUBSCRIBERS. REPLY. The text which we alluded to above, is the following, which we shall give according to the new version, and give the note which is found there, which contains the best light we have upon this subject, and, to our minds, is perfectly satisfactory. Our Subscriber is correct in supposing that we rank Jesus Christ no higher, in his nature, than that of a "human being;" that is, we believe him to have been "a MAN;" but at the same time," a man approved of God-by miracles,wonders and sigus, which God did by him." Acts ii. 22. But we do not see how this involves us in an "inconsistency," or "improba-separated from sinners, and made higher than bility;" much less in an "impossibility." rule. 66 Heb. vii. 26, 28. "For such a high-priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, the heavens; 27, who needeth not, as the highpriests, daily to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself. 28. For the law appointed men highpriests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth the Son, who is made perfect to the age." Chap. ii. 10: "For it became Him, for whom are alt things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the leader of their salvation perfect, through suffer ings." well as upon all matters which relate to practice." When Mr. K. spake of the faith," of the great body of Universalists, composing the General Convention," &c. as expressed by the editor of the Telescope, he alluded to to their public Profession and Belief, as published by them in 1803, and which has never been altered. But, aside from their public Profession and Belief, and especially as to their views of " the credibility and genuineness of ALL the books of the Old and New Testament ;" he neither pretends to know, nor does he care, any thing about it; as their views, whatever they might be on this subject, would be no guide for him. Neither is it a matter of any moment to him what people think of his mode of preaching. Should it be viewed by some, who are disposed to be fastidious for a word, and who, on the whole, are, perhaps, more nice than wise, as containing "an evidence It never has yet been proved, that human of Deism in disguise," and should they, nature cannot live without sin. That mankind, therefore be disposed to withdraw all "con- generally speaking, do not, is admitted; but this fidence and respect for him, as a minister," is no proof that they cannot. There is scarcely such confidence and respect can very well any general rule, or principle, in nature, but be dispensed with, as we shall never pur- what will admit of some exceptions; neverthechase it by the sacrifice of a good con- less the cxceptions do not destroy the general science. If Mr. K., after a careful, and "Enoch walked with God," not only prayerful attention to this subject, for more thirty-three years,” but “three hundred, sixty than twenty, yea, nearly thirty years, has come to the same conclusion of Dr. Lardner and five years, and he was not; for God took & others, who have spent their whole lives in him." Gen. v. 23, 24. Now, we have no indefatigable research, is he to be condemn- more account of the sin of Enoch, than we have ed for it? The disputed books of the New of the sin of Jesus, if we have so much; for "This he did, i. e. offered up sacrifice, first Testament are the following. Epistle to Enoch had not to suffer either on account of for his own sins. But Christ, in a moral sense, the Hebrews, Epistle of James, 2 Peter, 2 his own sins, or those of others; whereas there was sinless. See ver. 26, and ch. iv. 15. His John, 3 John, Jude and Revelation, con- is one text, at least, which implies both, in re-sins, therefore, were merely ceremonial, that is, cerning which, Dr. Lardner says, "that lation to Jesus, notwithstanding, in a moral being a descendant of the house of Judah, ver. they should be allowed to be publicly read point of view, he was sinless. The text, 14, he was, as to the priesthood, in an unconsein Christian assemblies, for the edification however," All have sinned," &c. does not, necrated state. And as Aaron was consecrated of the people; but not to be alleged as af- cessarily, imply every individual. Infants and crifices, so Christ was consecrated to his nobler to his priestly office by the blood of animal safording ALONE sufficient proof of any doc-idiots must certainly be excluded, whatever we office by the sacrifice of himself. This way of trine."-Lardner's Hist. of the Apostles and Evang. vol. 1 p. 30. may say of Jesus. And even if many others representing the death of Christ was adapted to K. were known to be excepted, it would not mili-conciliate the prejudices of the Hebrew Christians. Moreover, as the posterity of Aaron were tate against the truth of the text, as a general successively removed by death, ver. 23, succesexpression, any more than many others of a si- sive priests were consecrated by successive sa milar nature, which may be found in scripture. crifices; but Christ lives continually, and has Compare Matt. iii. 5, 6, with Luxe vi. 30. Also, priests under the law were subject to infirmity, and might desecrate themBut notwithstanding Jesus was holy, harm-selves by ceremonial pollution, ver. 23; it was less, and separate from sinners, this by no necessary, therefore, that they should be re-conmeans supposes him to be impeccable in his secrated by the daily sacrifice. But Christ, be nature; for, if he were, his holy life can be no ing incapable of ceremonial pollution, his one example for us. An example impossible to be sacrifice was sufficient. He now is perfect for followed, is no real example at all. The most offered up a sacrifice for his own sins, in that we could expect to do in such a case would be very sense did he offer himself a sacrifice for to imitate, not to follow. Hence we are not the sins of the people. That is, not to appease commanded to follow Christ in his miracles, the wrath of God for moral offences, which is an idea quite remote from the author's, mind, for we have not the power; but if we have not and foreign to his argument; but to consecrate the power to follow him in his moral perfec-believers, and to bring them out of an unholy tions, then the cominand for us to do so, to say into a holy state, by a figurative application of the least, is unreasonable. LETTER TO ABNER KNEELAND. DEAR SIR, Notwithstanding I am fond of hearing you speak and of hearing your discourses in general; yet I think I discover in your sentiments, a gross inconsistency, improbability, and indeed an impossibility. What I allude to, sir, is this: You rank Jesus Christ, if I understand you, no higher than a human being, and yet, at the same time, profess to believe that passage in the New Testament which says "he (Christ) did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth," or words to this purport. Now, that any human being could live thirty-three years on this earth, and commit no evil, is certainly contrary to our best knowledge of human nature; and flies in the face of another passage which says" All have sinned," &c. But I will push this point no farther at Now, on the passage quoted above, the improved version has the following note: no successor. ever. But in the same sense in which Christ the blood of Christ, as the Israelites were forAgain. The general character of Jesus, be- merly purified and made ceremonially holy by ing holy, harmless, &c. does not necessarily imtims. See ch. ix. 11 the real sprinking of the blood of animal vic28. These observations ply that he was absolutely perfect, in the strictest sense of the term; for other men have been called holy too; as we read of "holy men of must be carried in mind by the reader of this epistle, in order to understand the writer's lan guage and doctrine in the ninth and tenth cha. |