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another, where is the man who can find that a belief in the peculiar opinions of his own sect is any where in the New Testament stated either as a term of communion or a “condition of salvation?" It is seriously doubted whether such a man can be found in any sect in New England.

We shall now give our readers some specimens of Mr. Hall's reasoning, which are applicable to every case in which Christians of one sect are disposed to treat others as heretics on account of a dis sent from opinions, which are not stated in the New Testament at all, or, if found there, are not “ joined as conditions of salvation.”

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"To see christian societies regarding each other with the jealousies of rival empires, each aiming to raise itself on the ruin of all others, making extravagant boasts of superior purity, generally in exact proportion to their departures from it, and scarcely deigning to acknowledge the possibility of obtaining salvation out of their pale, is the odious and disgusting spectacle which modern Christianity presents. The bond of charity, which unites the genuine followers of Christ in distinction from the world, is dissolved, and the very terms by which it was wont to be denoted, exclusively employed to express a predilection for a sect. The evils which result from this state of division are incalculable: it supplies infidels with their most plausible topics of invective; it hardens the consciences of the irreligious, weakens the hands of the good, impedes the efficacy of prayer, and is probably the principal obstruction to that ample effusion of the spirit which is essential to the renovation of the world."

"That we are commanded, in terms the most absolute, to cultivate a sincere and warm attachment to the members of Christ's body, and that no branch of christian duty is inculeated more frequently, or with more force, will be admitted without controversy. Our Lord instructs us to consider it as the principal mark or feature by which his follow

ers are to be distinguished in every age.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another. As I have loved you, ye ought also to love one another;" whence it is evident, that the pattern we are to follow, is, the love which Christ bore to his

Church, which is undoubtedly extended indiscriminately to every member." of men, associating for christian wor

"If it be once admitted, that a body

ship, have a right to enact as terms of communion, something more than is included in the terms of salvation, the question suggested by St. Paul-" Is Christ divided?" is utterly futile: what he considered as a solecism is reduced to practice, and established by law. How nimity in the absence of an intelligible is it possible to attain or preserve unastandard? and when we feel ourselves at liberty to depart from a divine precedent, and to affect a greater nicety and scrupulosity, in the separation of the precious and the vile, than the Searcher of Hearts; when we follow the guidance of private partialities and predilections, without pretending to regulate our conduct by the pattern of our great Master; who is at a loss to perceive the absolute impossibility of preserving the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? Of what is essential to salvation, it is not difficult to judge: the quiet of the conscience requires, that the informa tion on this subject should be clear and precise: whatever is beyond, is involved in comparative obscurity, and subject to doubtful disputation."

"Whatever retards a spirit of inquiry, is favorable to error; whatever promotes it, to truth. But nothing, it will be acknowledged, has a greater tendency to obstruct the exercise of free inquiry, than the spirit and feeling of a party. Let a doctrine, however erroneous, become a party distinction, and it is at once intrenched in interests and attachments, which make it extremely difficult for the most powerful artillery of reason to dislodge it. It becomes a point of honor in the leaders of such parties, which is from thence communicated to their followers, to defend and support their respective peculiarities to the last; and as a natural consequence, to shut their ears against all the pleas and remonstrances by which they are assailed."

"Religious parties imply a tacit compact, not merely to sustain the fundamental truths of revelation, (which was

the original design of the constitution of a church) but also to uphold the incidental peculiarities by which they are distinguished. They are so many ramparts or fortifications, erected in order to give security and support to certain systems of doctrine and discipline, beyond what they derive from their native force and evidence.

"The difficulty of reforming the cor ruptions of Christianity is great, in a state of things, where the fear of being eclipsed, and the anxiety in each denomination to extend itself as much as possible, engage, in spite of the personal piety of its members, all the solicitude and ardor which are not immediately devoted to the most essential truths; where correct conceptions, on subordinate subjects, are scarcely aimed at, but the particular views which the party has adopted, are either objects of indolent acquiescence, or zealous attachment. In snch a state, opinions are no otherwise regarded, than as they affect the interest of a party; whatever conduces to augment its members, or its credit, must be supported at all events; whatever is of a contrary tendency, dis countenanced and suppressed. How often do we find much zeal expended in the defence of sentiments, recommended neither by their evidence nor their importance, which, could their incorporation with an established creed be forgotten, would be quietly consigned to oblivion. Thus the waters of life, instead of that unobstructed circulation which would diffuse health, fertility and beauty, are diverted from their channels, and drawn into pools and reservoirs, where, from their stagnant state, they acquire feculence and pollution."

"Nothing is more common, than for zeal to overshoot its mark. If a determined enemy of the Baptists had been consulted on the most effectual method of rendering their principles unpopular, there is little doubt but that he would have recommended the very measures we have pursued: the first and most obvious effect of which has been to generate an inconceivable mass of prejudice in other denominations. To proclaim to the world our determination, to treat "heathen men and publicans," all who are not immediately prepared to concur with our views of baptism, what is it less, than the language of hostility and defiance; admirably adapted to discredit the party which exhibits, and the principles which have occasioned

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such a conduct. By thus investing these principles with an importance which does not belong to them, by making them co-extensive with the existence of a church, they have indisposed men to listen to the evidence by which they are supported; and attempting to establish by authority, the unanimity, which should be the fruit of conviction, have deprived themselves of the most effec tual means of producing it. To say, that such a mode of proceeding is not adapted to convince, that refusing Pædobaptists the right of communion has no tendency to produce a change of views, is to employ most inadequate language; it has a powerful tendency to the contrary; it can soarcely fail to produce impressions most unfavorable to the system with which it is connected, impressions which the gentlest minds find it difficult to distinguish from the effects of insult and degradation."

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"It is not by keeping at a distance from mankind, that we must expect to acquire an ascendancy over them, but by approaching, by conciliating them, and securing a passage to their understanding through the medium of their hearts. Truth will glide into the mind through the channel of the affections, which, were it to approach in the naked majesty of evidence, would meet with a certaiu repulse.

"Betraying a total ignorance or forgetfulness of these indubitable facts, what is the conduct of our opponents? They assume a menacing aspect, proclaim themselves the only true church, and assert, that they alone are entitled to the christian sacraments. None are alarmed at this language, none are induced to submit, but turuing with a smile or a frown to gentler leaders, they leave us to triumph without a combat, and to dispute without an opponent."

"The policy of intolerance is exactly proportioned to the capacity of inspiring fear. The Church of Rome for many ages practised it, with infinite advantage, because she possessed ample means of intimidation. Her pride grew with her success, her intolerance with her pride; and she did not aspire to the lofty pretension of being the only true church, till she saw monarchs at her feet, and held kingdoms in chains; till she was flushed with victory, giddy with her elevation, and drunk with the blood of the saints. But what was poliey in her, would be the height of infatuation in us, who are neither entitled

by our situation, nor by our crimes, to aspire to this guilty pre-eminence. I am fully persuaded, that a few of our brethren have duly reflected on the strong resemblance which subsists betwixt the pretensions of the Church of Rome, and the principles implied in strict communion; both equally intolerant, the one armed with pains and penalties, the other, I trust, disdaining

such aid; the one the intolerance of power, the other of weakness."

"A tender consideration of human imperfection is not merely the dictate of revelation, but the law of nature, exemplified in the most striking man ner, in the conduct of him whom we all

profess to follow. How wide the interval which separated his religious knowledge and attainments from that of his disciples; he, the fountain of illumination, they encompassed with infirmities.

But did he recede from them on that account? No he drew the bond of union closer, imparted successive streams of effulgence, till he incorpor

tant question. Higher praise than this we need not bestow.-But we may propose some serious question :

1. Is it not a lamentable thing that Christian brethren should so far overlook the spirit of their religion as to "fall out by the way," and divide into hostile parties on account of differences of opinion, while no one on either side can show that the peculiar belief of his New Testament enjoined as a conown party is any where in "the dition of salvation ?"

2. Is it not a fact that in most of the theological controversies, the supposed importance of the doctrines in dispute has resulted from the heat of party seal?

3. Can any thing be more griev ous to an enlightened and benevolent mind, than to see professed Christians of different sects mutually censuring and reproaching one another, while they can cor

ated his spirit with theirs, and elevated them into a nearer resemblance of him. self. In imitating by our conduct to. wards our mistaken brethren this great exemplar, we cannot err. By walking together with them as far as we are agreed, our agreement will extend, our differences lessen, and love, which rejoiceth in the truth, will gradually open our hearts to higher and nobler inspir-dially unite in supporting the most

ations.

"Might we indulge a hope, that not only our denomination, but every other description of Christians, would act upon these principles, we should hail the dawn of a brighter day, and consider it as a nearer approach to the ultimate triumph of the church, than the annals of time have yet recorded. In the accomplishment of our Saviour's prayer,

we should behold a demonstration of the divinity of his mission, which the most impious could not resist; we should behold in the church a peaceful haven,

inviting us to retire from the tossings and perils of this unquiet ocean, to a sacred inclosure, a sequestered spot, which the storms and tempests of the world were not permitted to invade.”

The whole pamphlet is such as might have been expected from the distinguished talents and eloquence of Mr. Hall, when engaged on the right side of an impor

fatal error which ever found a place in the mind of man-the error of public war?-Is there not reason to suspect that the hostile passions which have been indulged in theological controversies, have been the principal cause why this worse than Egyptian darkness has so long prevailed in Christendom?

4. Can it be denied that for ages the contending sects of Chris

tians have conducted towards each other, as though a belief in human creeds were of greater importance than that "meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price?"

5. Is it not to be lamented that, at this day, any ministers of relig

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an attempt to establish an INQUISITION in Massachusetts. Such Tribunals will not long endure the light of the sun of righteousness, or the sun of peace.

We doubt not that the advocates for Tribunals imagine that they will be of great service to the cause of religion; but others believe, that knowledge and truth, love and peace, have no need of such means either for protection or advancement,-and that such engines are adapted to no better purposes, than to destroy religious liberty, to protect ignorance and error, and to cherish and perpetuate warring passions among those who should be distinguished by

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THE PHILANTHROPIST.

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other side of the Atlantic. The following curious article from the Philanthropist we transcribe with

THE Editor gratefully acknow- this character, the subject of war ledges the receipt of fifteen num- is brought under examination; its bers of "The Philanthropist,' causes, its crimes and its miseries loaned by a friend. This inter- are ably exposed. The friends esting work is published in Lon- of peace, therefore, in this coundon, quarterly, and promises to try, may calculate on receiving be eminently useful in the cause great encouragement in the laudaof religion and humanity. It is a ble enterprize from the cooperaRepository for hints and suggestion of powerful writers on the tions calculated to promote the comfort and happiness of man:" it gives an animating view of the various institutions, and the multi-pleasure :— plied exertions in Great Britain and other parts of Europe, which are adapted to the purposes of diffusing useful knowledge, improving the human character, and preventing or alleviating human suffering. As might naturally have been expected in a work of

ONE OF THE CAUSES OF WAR,

Who, that takes an accurate view of what has passed of late years in Europe, can doubt that war has raged with more destruction and sanguinary effect in this

nineteenth century of the Christian æra, than in any other age of the world? And that amongst nations professing the Christian religion,—a religion with the principles of which, war and all its horrors are totally inconsistent !

Is not such outrageous violation of that system, which speaks peace on earth and good will to men, to be referred to this source? namely, that amongst potentates and governments there exists no supreme, paramount, or controlling power, which has the effect of placing them in a state of civilization like their respective subjects? In a community that is civilized, men are not allowed to avenge their own cause in case of injury or injustice; that is to say, to be judge, jury and executioner in their own cause; the law is to decide and redress. But what is the actual state of the case in this enlightened age of the world?

Potentates and governments, like the savages of the wilderness,

resent an injury or an affront, whether it relates to a privilege of traffic, or to firing a gun, by plunging into hostility and war,-entailing death and misery on thous ands and tens of thousands of human beings-to say nothing of the wanton waste of treasure exacted from the hard-earned property of laborious industry-and at length as to the cause of dispute, are glad to leave off where they began.

This, then, being the state of things existing in our own times, it is obviously an irrefutable truth, that there is no such thing existing on the face of the earth as a Christian government, strictly speaking; and whilst governments continue to exist in their present savage state, without any controlling power that shall bring their injuries to an equitable and effec tive adjudication, wars will continue to rage, be the religious profession of nations what it may. IRENIUS.

POETRY.

From the Harrisburg Federalist..

SATURDAY NIGHT.

SWEET to the soul the parting ray,
That ushers placid evening in ;

When with the still expiring day,

The Sabbath's peaceful hours begin;

How grateful to the anxious breast,
The sacred hours of holy rest.

I love the blush of vernal bloom,

When morning gilds night's sullen tear,

And dear to me the mournful gloom

Of autumn, "Sabbath of the year;"

But purer pleasures, joys sublime,
Await the dawn of HOLY TIME.

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