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44
with the missionaries and the pastors that are
needed. Unless we carry such instruction to
them, few of those brethren will ever receive
it at all. And no considerate man can expect
to furnish from abroad any very large portion
of the evangelical laborers that should be em
ployed in France. Native Frenchmen them
selves in whose hearts the love of God and of
souls has been shed abroad, must be taught,
that they may he able ministers of the
Testament. And, in most instances, they can
be far more useful to the people than foreign
ers. This way, too, is fur the most economi
cal, in every respect. The sum necessary to
support, for one year, a missionary sent from
America, would, if duly managed, educate a
native French preacher; so that, in his sphere,
he might be even more useful than the mis
sionary himself lie would now be prepared
to labor his whole life; and, mingling with
his own countrymen, he could be sustained
with the aid of a very small part of the sum
necessary to sustain the foreigner; and soon, in
most instances, with no aid at all from us.—
Besides, his labors, during his whole life, would
be worth, alisulutely beyond all estimate, more
than they would have been, hail we made no
provision for his being suitably instructed.
If the churches are ever to emerge from
their confused and feeble state ; if the mouths
of gainsayers are to be stopped; if the gospel
in its simplicity is to be commended to the
tindcrsturidingo ami the conweienciea of men
of all ranks and conditions; then the religious
teachers must become, in some good measure,
qualified for their work. Ido not say that no
one ought to enter the ministry who has not
fussed through a course of public education,
tut I do say that every public religious tea
cher ought to possess, by some means, con
siderable mental culture; lie ought to be pret
ty well acquainted with his own language;
he ought, if possible, to have a somewhat more
than ordinary measure of general information;
above all, (next to vital piety,) lie ought to
have sound and salutary views of the gospel,
and be able to wield, with tolerable skill, ‘the
sword of the spirit, w hich is the word of God.’
Experience and common sense, wherever an
experiment lias been made, have declared that
so much at least, is requisite in any country.
And how manifestly must it be requisite in a
country like France!
Already, five or six promising young men
hi that country, of whom 1 have knowledge,
ardently desire to lie instructed. They are
in the painfully interesting slate of the two
in the department of the North, who, in the
simple and striking language of tiicir coun
trymen, have been mentioned ns being ‘zealous
to labor in the set vice of Christ, if someone
uuiulil have pity on them, anil In lp them to
obtain instruction.’ They will, there can be
no doubt, most thankfully avail themselves of
such provision as the Board may sec lit to
make. And not much is necessary. No buil
dings need to he erected. What is needed at
present is, not a great, nor formal and costly
establishment, but a very simple and unosten
tatious, yet efficient one, adapted to the actual
wants of our brethren. If it enjoy the smiles
of Heaven, it will, with comparatively small
expense, produce immense results. It will
grow with the growth, and strengthen with
the strength of the churches; and, not long
alter wc are summoned to our account and
Our repose, it will supersede, perhaps altogeth
er the necessity of American aid in France,
and loavo our children that shall then stand
in our places, to put fbrth all their missionary
etlorts lor the conversion of other portions of
the world.
With profound respect,
Yours sincerely,
IRAH CIIASE,
The Prize now offered to the Society
of Christian Morals.
In the arrangements for the annual pub
lic meeting, Mr. Rostan was requested to
deliver an explanitory. address immediate
ly after the announcement then to be made
by the presiding otlieer, respecting the of
fered prize, llis remarks on this occa
sion wore published with the proceedings of
the society, and afterwards in a separate
form. A translation of them made, at my
request, by Mr. Isaac M. Wilmarth, is
here subjoined. They must be gratifying
to every friend of Christianity, especially
when he considers the place and the cir
cumstances in which they wore delivered.
May Heaven bestow a signal blessing on
this and other efforts, to awaken the seri
ous attention of the French to the most im
portant of all subjects. And may many
an inconsiderate wanderer of our own
country also, think on his ways, remem
ber his responsibility, and turn to Him,
who is the way, and the truth, and the
life.
A STATEMENT OF THE MOTIVES, which
have induced the Society of Christian Mo
rals to oiler a premium for the best essay
on the necessity of every man’s formed fix
ing religious principles, pronounced in Pa
ris, at the public session of said Society,
April 18th, 1883.
By Mk. J. C. Rostan.
Gentlemen:
Being entrusted by tin; council of the
Society of Christian Morals, with the hon
orable charge of lay ing before you the mo
tives which have induced them to propose
to the assembly a question of great impor
tance; permit me, at the outset, to place
before the eyes of those persons, who may
not yet be acquainted with our Society, the
principle on which it is founded.
“The object of the Society,” ns stated
by the first and second articles of their reg
ulations, “is to present and recall inces
santly to the minds of men, the precepts of
Christianity in their purity; to make them
observe the happy influence which these
precepts exert upon the institutions, the ci
vilization, and the prosperity of nations;
to convince men, and especially the rising
generation, that there can be no real and
durable happiness, but in keeping the pre
cepts of the gospel.”
The regulations, you are aware, gentle
men, are like the charter and constitution
al law of every regular society; they un
questionably bind the conscience of every
member, and impose upon him a moral oh- i
bligation, which lie is not permitted to vio- I
late, till he has declared his intention of |
renouncing the advantages as well as the <
duties of the association. Voluntarily rnn-1 <
ged under the sacred banner of Christian
Morals, we have then engaged to present
to the minds of men, incessantly , (observe
the expression,) that is, to propagate, the
moral precepts of the gospel, avoiding scru
pulously whatever might strike a blow a
gainst the peace and union, which should
reign among all the members of the great
CJhri&tian family.
Having had the honor to participate in
the first efforts of the founders oft this Soci
ety, permit me to say that its very founda
tion was the result of a deep conviction of
the absolute necessity of the gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ, as a principle of pre
serving, reforming and perfecting the exist
ing social order. Indeed, Ido not fear to
assert that of all the very important ques
tions to which we have successfully called
public attention, none is more in harmony
with the spirit and wishes of our founders,
than that which we propose to you to day:
“Is it every man’s duty to endeavour to
form settled principles in religious matters,
(Si always to conform to them in his words
and actions'!” The absolute form in which
the question is presented, is an act of ho
: mage which we cheerfully render to the
principle of universal toleration, proclaim
ed in the gospel as loudly as the necessity
of comparing our personal convictions
with the declarations of the word of God.
Now, gentlemen, to enable you to ap
preciate at once all the importance, whe
ther theoretical or practical, of the propos
ed question, it will lie sufficient for me to
exhibit it in connection with the grand
precept of the gospel, the foundation of all
religion and of all morals. The philoso
phers of antiquity were able to comprehend
by the legitimate use of their natural facul
ties, and perhaps by indirect communica
tions with the people who were the deposi
tories of revelation, that man, upon the
earth, has duties to fulfill towards God, to
wards himself, and towards his fellow
creatures. But could all the genius and
love of the beautiful, the true and the good,
which animated Pythagoras, Socrates, Pla
to, Cicero, Epictetus, and men of kindred
spirit, lead them to grasp—to comprehend
that divine oracle which embraces, which
comprises in a single sentence, in the most
sublime manner, all the duties of man, all
the duties of the creature towards the Cre
ator? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with
all thy mind, and with all thv might, and
thy neighbor as thyself.” The Creator,
without doubt, for the happiness of Iho crea
ture, requires and exacts of him, the con
secration, the sacrifice, the entire devo
tion of all the faculties of his being. Eve
ry Christian pulpit, every Jewish school,
and every Mussulman sect, receiving equal
ly his commandment as an order of God,
are agreed ns to its universal application
and unfathomed depth—a depth equalled
only by that of the revelation which God
gave of his own being, when ho defined it
in a single word: Tam that I am—he who
is, who was, and who is to come .
Now, allow me to ask, if the duties
which God has prescribed, suppose that
we ought to consecrate to him all our ac
tions, all our words, all our thoughts, can
wo deem it reasonable to conduct, as if that
eternal law had lieen abrogated? Who
then has ever claimed the right to alter or
change it! What king, what senate, what
nation has dared to modify this divine law,
to impair the duties which it imposes upon
us, to annul, wholly or in part, any clause
of our obligation towards God ? Would
llie whole human family, assembled, were
it possible, in a universal convention, he a
ble, would they wish, to strike the slight
est blow against the integrity and immuta
bility of the divine law—against the will
and sovereignty of God?
lias any one ever promulgated, or even
conceived another more perfect law—a law
which would give us a more just idea of
the infinite perfection and holiness of God?
Are we, then, now discharged by some
fine-spun philosophical system, by some
human ordinance, from the immense obli
gations which we have contracted towards
God, for the benefits of existence, for the
preservation of our lieing, for our present
blessings and our future hopes, and for
that understanding which he has given us,
as a type of his image and likeness, where
by we may raise ourselves even to him, but
only on the wings of humility, obedience
and love? As long as wc follow, volunta
rily, the alierrations of our minds and the
vicious inclinations of our hearts, do we not
remain fixed in a state of rebellion against
God, if we fail a single instant to accom
plish, according to our ability, all the du
ties which his law imposes on us ? What
is the neglect to form for ourselves settled
religious principles, or to obey them when
formed, but to suppress, to abrogate by
our private authority, one entire table of
the Christian law, in behalf of our vices,
our passions, our selfishness, our indolence
and our pride?
But perhaps \vc slmll bo told that we are
accountable only to God tor the violation
ot this law, and nobody has a right to judge
us in regard to it, as long as we fulfil our
obligations and duties towards our lel
low men, and towards the society of which
we make a part.
Wc admit the principle; but, if a sad
and woful experience, that of all ages and
countries, were insufficient to convince us
that immortality, public misery, the disor
ganization of society, the division nnd o
verthrow of nations are inevitable results
of the spread of religious indifference, or
unlxdief, or hypocrisy, which always take
the place of the religion of conscience,—
the spectacle which surrounds us, the com
plaints of the most distinguished and virtu
ous writers of all parties,"the avowals even
of the most discordant guides of public opi-
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
nion, would be sufficient to convince per- ’
sons of candor, that our entire social or
der is shaken to the very foundation, pre
cisely because the precepts of Christianity,
both religious and moral, are not only neg
lected but despised, and even, we dare af
firm, renounced and adjured by a gfiiat
number of the French. Providence has
given us terrible lessons in the voice of e
vents: let us learn how to profit by them,
to prevent or retard our ruin. It is for
want of conscientious religious principle,
’ that private as well as public morals have
no solid foundation, that good faith is dis
regarded in social transactions, that the ob
ligation of an oath is violated, that selfish
ness takes the place of devoted ness, that
the French muses formerly in the number
of the chaste sisters, are transformed into
Bacchanals besmeared with inire; and that
immorality, under the countonar.ee of ta
lent which dishonors itself, covers oar walls,
i and soon will no longer allow the modest
i virgin, and the chaste spouse to walk a
i broad in our cities. Apart of our youth,
! corrupted in (lie bud through the want of
. that religious doctrine which has been call
. ed the salt of the earth, mistakes too often
. devotion to faction for devotion to country
• and to liberty; and while dreaming alxiut
i the progress of an imaginary civilization,
renounces the real blessings of the existing
, civilization to carry us back, without sus
pecting it themselves, to barbarous ages
marked by the judgments of God, to the
merciless animosities of the Italian repub
lics, and to the heroism of the partiznns of
the Mariuses and the Syllas, the Carbos
and the Cafalincs. Our political &. literary
annals, our tribunals, our theatres, our de
serted churches, more than one bloody ru
in in our cities, and the mourning of a great
number of our citizens, bear witness, at
the same time, to the simultaneous pro
gress of irreligion and immorality, and to
their deplorable results.
Was it possible for the Society of Chris
tian Morals, consistently with its regula
tions which you have read, to remain in
different to this state of things? Could it
neglect to exert its moral power, without
bringing upon each of us an immense res
ponsibility? No, Surely. A pagan poet
formerly exclaimed, on beholding the cor
ruption of Rome, “ Quid leges sine mori
btts /” “Without morals there can he no
laws!” Allow me to add: “M ilbout re
ligion tliers can lie no morals!’’ In reali
ty, can wc hope to see good morals revive,
in the absence of all religious principle? I
appeal to the conscience of. the human
race. A jieoplc without God, or at least,
without worship, astonishes, terrifies, and
alarms (it must be said) foreign nations,
the most favorably disposed towards us.
Permit me to state to you; on this point,
a fact wnich has recently passed under my
eyes. At the news of the revolution of
July, which excited and awoke the sym
pathy and interest which the Americans of
the north ever cherish for France, a Con
cert of prayer for our prosperity was esta
blished in many independent Christian
churches of different denominations. Sin
cere and ardent desires were there daily
expressed that our beautiful country, ap
preciated at the last the blessings of legal
liberty, might be preserved from the
scourge of intestine divisions, from the
thirst of conquest, and from irreligion and
immorality. 1 had the happiness to be pre
sent myself, and to take part in a large
number of those meetings, and in your
name as a Frenchman, to thank those An
glo-American Christians, praying them
selves individually, and not solely by the
mouth of their pastors, for the happiness
of the French. Could wc remain insensi
ble to sentiments so pure, and so disinter
ested f Edified by such examples, the
Society of Christian Morals, faithful to its
trust, seeks to enlighten our citizens upon
. the necessity of regarding the fulfillment
of our duties towards (Soil, as the founda
tion and immoveable basis of our duties to
wards our fellow men, of our duties to
wards ourselves, and consequently of all
morality.
It is time that true religious order, the re
ligion of conscience, which unites each soul
individually to its God, in a real, positive
and experimental manner, should at length
succeed in France to false or corrupted re
ligious order, which engenders only indif
ference, unbelief, hypocrisy, and bad mo
rals, inevitable results of creeds imposed
by authority, adopted by prejudice, by cus
tom, or by fear, or corrupted by interest.
It is by a profound examination of the
foundations of his unbelief, whatever that
belief may bo, it is by the submission of
bis will, and the direction of Ins alfections
towards his Greater, that an intelligent be
ing can raise himself to the truth, which is
the manifestation ofthe mind ofman, ofthe
being ofGod; —that he can raise himself
to righteousness, which is the realizing in
the actions of men, and the manifestation
in the love of his fellows, of that new life
which is lighted up in hint by the creating
power of that divine truth. Bat to obtain
I that moral and religious lift?, w hich is de
signated in the New Testament by the
name ol’ regeneration or the new’ birth, that
took Jintl their daily experience teach
C hristians, that they have but one way to
follow; and that is, to have recourse to our
Lord Jesus Christ, in whom alone reside
the type and the power of life, of truth and
righteousness.
1 would only add, that the announce
ment has made you acquainted with the
point of light in which the society wishes
this great question to be treated by the
competitors.
The manuscripts are to lie transmitted
to Mr. Cassin, Tarane St., No. 12 before
the first ol March, 1834. The premium
is -500 francs. The manuscripts present
ed not to le returned.
Tlcigs Creek Baptist Associa- <
tion, Ohio.
By the Minutes of this Association just
received, it appears that the body is some
what alive to the signs of the times, and
go in favour oT the benevolent operations
of tlie day; anilfhavc thereby made her
self a speckled bird among those opposed
to those operations. Especially the Mus
kingum Association, who had in conse
quence ofther favouring them, declined
further correspondence with her. In re
ference to w^iich,
“The following resolutions were offered
by Eld. W. Sedwick, which were simul
taneously seconded by several brethren
and unanimously passed.
Ist. W hereas, we have learned with
unfeigned regret, that our brethren of the
Muskingum Association did at their last
session pass a resolve, declining further
correspondence with us, upon the ground
of our having favored the lienevolent ope
rations of the day, Therefore, Resolved,
That we appoint a committee to meet with
the said Association on Friday, 23d inst.
And that the said committee be instructed to
give such explanations as may be request
ed, and assure our brethren of that body,
that we sincerely regret this unpleasant &
unexpected interruption of our correspond
ence.—That while we conscientiously be
lieve it our duty and privilege, as individ
uals, to contribute of our substance to those
benevolent objects—we sincerely declare
we have had no other object in view than
the glory of God and the melioration of the
moral condition of our fellow men—and
that towards our brethren of different views
who do not co-operate with us in these
things,Jive wish to indulge no other than the
most pacific Christian feelings, sincerely de
siring the continuance of an affectionate
intercourse and communication between us.
In accordance with the above, brethren
L. 1). Barker, Hugh Broom, James Jeffries
and Win. McGowen were appointed said
committee.
2d. Resolved, That, although we as in
dividuals, are unanimously in favor of the
lienevolent operat ions of the day, yet we
do earnestly recommend to all our church
es and brethren to exercise all long sulfcr
ing and patience towards those who may
have honest and conscientious scruples up
on the subject. That w bile wc believe it
lawful and expedient to endeavour to en
lighten each other by mutual explanations,
yet we deem it unlawful and inexpedient to
urge any measures either in a church or
other capacity calculated to elicit unkind
feelings or hard expressions. Believing as
we do, that an affectionate intercourse and
friendly communication conducted, in a
spirit of Christian love much better* calcu
lated to bring together tlie godly in Christ
Jo.sua.
3d. It is also further Resolved, That we
do earnestly and most affectionately re
commend to all our brethren of this As
sociation to use all wisdom and prudence
towards each other, that that happy union
may lie preserved, which has hitherto
marked our progress. That we may ever
unite w ith one accord in grateful acknowl
edgments to God lor the j*nce and prosix3.
rity with which he has been pleased to
bless us.—That we wilt discountenance c
very measure and every motion that may
at any time Ix3 offered, or introduced nmou”
us, calculated to create dissent ions & cause
divisions, being confidently assured that
such things ought not and need not exist
among Christians of upright intensions.
Look at this.
“13, Elder W. Sedwick read the state
ment of the publisher of the Baptist Week
ly Journal which shews the expences of said
paper to exceed by $3lO the means
taining it, —and in a short address stated
the claims of the Journal to the liberal pat
ronage of the Baptist denomination.”
The publication of a religious newspa
per it seems is a hazardous undertaking.
Many refuse to support a religious paper
because (sav they) it is a money-making
scheme! Ask all who know—ask the
former Editor of this paper, and of every
other religious paper, & they will unitedly
say there is no money-making in this
scheme until the patronage is numerous,
punctual and abiding. A question now
occurs—Will the Brethren in the South
afford the Index such a support? Or will
they suffer it to go down for want of it?
Or will they impose on its Editor an annual
expense of SIOO or 500, to afford them
the benefits of the publication ? The circu
cular and corresponding addresses contain
so much exortation and good doctrine, as
well to encourage the piety and strengthen
the faith and Godliness of the single Chris
tian, as that of the churches ami associa
tions, that I make no apology lor inserting
them wholly.
Circular Lo!<ci\
The Mci ‘/s’ Creek Baptist Association,
assembled with the Mount Zion Church,
Guernsey county, Ohio, to the several
churches we represent, send this our Cir
cular address.
Very Dear Bretiirex—
The rapidity of time by w hich our anni
versaries follow each other in quick suc
cession loudly admonishes us to be up and
doing.
This is a day of general enterprise in
the civil intellectual & moral world,—The
developement of long concealed principles
of philosophy have added new facilities to
the intercourse of society, and brought re
mote communities into convenient neigh
borhoods.
In Literary and Seientific pursuits and
improvements, the present jK-Tiod stands un
rivalled in the history of man. The spirit
of Philanthrophy has moved onward and
achieved more in meliorating the moral
condition of society within a half century
past, than has been accomplished before in
ages gone by.
In all this wc rejoice and are glad, and
feel grateful to God that our lot is cast at
this eventful period of the world; truly,
“the lines have fallen to us in pleasant pla
ces, and we have a goodly heritage.”
But beloved brethren, we wish to remind
you of what you arc doubtless apprized:
that many arc now anxious to introduce
into the church ofChrist, various and spe
cious errors, of the most pernicious cha
racter, under the imposing title of improve
ment in the ancient system of Theology.
The manner in which that system is ire
quently proposed can doubtless be improv
ep ; but the system, itself, in our humble
opinions, can receive no amendments.
That we as a denomination need intel
lectual and Theological improvement, no
fno acquainted with our attainments will
for a moment feel to dispute. But who of
us is prepared to purpose and admit a
change into that system of doctrine and
discipline for which pur denomination has
been so lona anil so deservedly distinguish
o .a
ed.
The leading doctrines which wc hold
and maintain, stand acknowledged as hav
ing been instrumental in achieving all the
reformations that have materially enlight
ened the world and permanently advanc
ed the cause and kingdom of Christ upon
earth.
For these inspired doctrines of divine re
velation stiled by the Apostle “the faith
once delivered to the Saints,” we are com
manded “earnestly to contend,” These
doctrines, beloved brethren, we have mu
tually acknowledged to each other in the
Constitution of our churches, united in this
Association. These doctrines we do not
consider ourselves called upon in this Cir
cular to defend, yet it may not be consid
ered inexpedent to advert to some of them,
which, we as an association inviolably
maintain. Among which are the Trinity
and Unity of the God-head.—The proper
Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.—The
infinite value of his atonement.—Justifica
tion by his righteousness imputed to us,
through faith in his name.—The guilt anil
just condemnation of all mankind by na
ture. —God’s sovereign election of sinners
to eternal life through Jesus Christ oitr
Lord.—Effectual calling.—Final perse
verance of the saints.—The general hide
meiit, and the happiness of the Righteous,
and the misery of the Wicked alike inter
minable:—These are divine truths which
we find written as with a sun beam in the
Iloly Scriptures, and they form the basis
ol that system, which rejects all human
improvement.
These divine truths may Ix3 set forth, ei
the i collectively or individually, by some,
in u manner more lucidly than by others,
—some may darken council by multitude
of words, —others may so injudiciously
handle these dixttrines as to cause inferen
ces to be drawn unfavorable to practical
holiness, —may involve the moral charac
ter of God in the crimes of men—and the
ungodly may ask, “who is the Almighty
that we should serve him? and what profit
should we have if we pray unto him ?” Yet
we humbly conceive, tint a misstatement
of tlie truth, can neither introduce nor
prove any radical defect in the system it
self. lienee we may learn that a plain
scriptural statement of revealed truth to
the candid mind, affords a solution to its
inquiries, lar more satisfactory than all the
cnbelUshments that language, phvlosophv
anil logic, can throw around a system of
error.
Science is daily improving hv the deve
lopcmentot new philosophical principles
tested by trial; but, the religion of the Bi
ble is advancing by a correct application
of Theological principles already revealed
in the word of God. Hence brethren we
wc may learn, that we are not called upon
todevelope new principles of Theology,
nor to offer amendments to the articles of
“faith once delivered to the saints;” but,
we are called upon by every tie dear to
our denomination, and sacred to the best
interest ot the cause ofGod, to make a can
did statement and a correct application of
those divine principles already developed
in the word to God.
We are called upon to admit no attempt
of improvement info our system of doctrine
which,in the smallest degree, would tend
to impair the scriptural intent and meaning
of thqse devine truths, to which, wc have
already adverted.
M e are called upon collectively and in
dividually to maintain the doctrine of uni
versal depravity, personal guilt and the
just condemnation of all mankind—and
that “by nr fine we are all the children of
wrath—dead in trespasses and in sins.”
M e are called upon to maintain the ne
cessity of the direct influence, and imme
diate and efficient operation of the Holy
Spirit to enlighten the understanding—to
change the heart—and to turn the sinner
effectually of God.
Brethren, we arc called upon to admit
no modern refinement in Theology, to ex
plain from our system, the doctrine of the
vicarious sufferings and special atonement
of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of his
people; nnd the necessity of his righteous
ness imputed to us for our justification be
fore God. This doctrine of Justification
by the imputed righteousness of Christ,
SEPTEMBER
was so important in the estimation of Mar
tin Luther that he used to call it “articulus
stands vel cadentis occlesite,” the article
of the church by which she stands or falls.
Thus brethren, we might pass on and
present other points of doctrine upon which
modem speculation tenders her improve
ment, and which we are yet unprepared
to admit.
Therefore, while we express our happi
ness in contemplating the rapid march of
mind, and the permanent improvements in
civil intercourse and social life, and wil-
lingly lend our aid in meliorating the moral
condition of mankind, —and labor inces
santly to enfranchise the world from the
chains of slavery, sin and death, yet bre
thren, we are not prepared, nor do we re
commend to you, to change the truth of
God for a lie—nor to substitute in the place
of Christ and his cause, the benevolent in
stitutions of the present day.
Finally, brethren, “Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain de
ceit, after the traditions of man, after the
rudiments of the wor!d'& not after Christ.”
“If any teach otherwise, and consent not
to w holesome words, even the words of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine
which is according to godliness; he is
proud knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof
comctli envy, strife, railings and surmis
ings.” “But hold fast the form of sound
words w hich thou hast heard of me, [says
the Apostle] in faith and love which is in
Christ Jesus.” “Now unto him that is a
ble to keep you from falling and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glo
ry, with exceeding joy, to the only wise
God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now’ and for
ever, Amen.”
Corresponding I,etler,
Os the Meigs'’ Creek Baptist Association
to the several Associations with w hom wc
hold Christian Correspondence.
Dear Brethren—
It is plain from the word ofGod that nothing
less than the Divine power of the Holy Ghost
could have enlightened our understanding up
on our fallen state bv nature and set our feet
in the way of peace through Christ Jesus at
first, and nothing less thar. the same Divine
power is able t.o keep and preserve us in midst
of that way in which we ought to walk, our
minds lieing constantly set in direct opposition
to his will, and fully disposed to slight and
neglect his word, which is the rule given for
our direction whilst in this world, consequent
ly every deviation from it must be sinful in his
tight.
Bat with respect to all those who are
brought out of this state of darkness into his
marvellous light by believing the testimony ot
God concerning Jesus Christ, that endearing
relation which does or ought to subsist among
them is also clearly pointed out. In the word
he is represented as tlie Head, they as the
members, and ns the members of tlie human
body have a lively interest in the comfort and
happiness of each other, so it is his will that
all those that believe should have the same love
to and for each other, so that when ojic mem
ber suffers, all the rest do or ought to suffer
with it, and that which proves the joy of one
should or docs prove tliejoy ofull.
Beloved, if we examine our conduct candid
ly by the test of truth concerning the manner
m which we have conducted one towards tlie
other, for some time past respecting the pre
servation ot our unity in the fellowship of the
Gospel. Perhaps few among us will be found
but have cause to be deeply humbleJ in the
sight ofGod.
When we read of tlut unity which is enjoin
ed upon us in the scriptures as his professed
followers, how wcarc constrained to loveeach
other to |x?ar with and forgive each other, we
have, it is to bo feared, just cause to lament
that two little of this love and unity hath in
general been manifested among ns; and alast!
in this what stumbling our conduct hath caus
ed to our fellow sinners around us, so far as it
has been the means of interrupting that one
ness which ought to exist among the children
of God. Indeed when we bring our conduct
to the scriptures, wc will see that too little of
that love to each other hath been manifested,
which is said to be the distinguishing mark by
which the disciples of Jesus Christ are known.
The word of God authorizes no separation a
mong his children as long as they have confi
dence in each other as believers, and they are
commanded to receive all such however weak
in the faith.
Lt us then dearly beloved, beware of judg
ing or condemning one another any more, but
let ns judge this rather, that no one put a
stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his
brother’s way.
Receive these few hints, dearly beloved, as
t rom those who trust they have found peace to
their souls arising from the peace speaking
blood ot Jesus, and from this consideration we
desire pence and unity in the truth to be en
joyed by all the children ofGod and the saints
of the mast high, and that they may be all
found dwelling together in unity.
Finally, brethren, farewell; be perfect, be
of good comfort; be of one mind; live in peace
&. the God of love and peace shall be with you.
VVliat an inducement for the children ofGod
to walk together in love, and how observea
ble is the assertion, “Here it is not, he may
be with you, nay, but it is iie sham, be
with mov.” \\ hat an inducement fox bre
thren to walk together in love, Let us there
fore as many as lie perfect be thus minded, and
if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God
shall revealeven this unto you. Nevertheless
where unto we have already attained, let us
walk by the same rule, let us mind the same
things together in the I xml.
Yours, dear brethren, for the truth's sake.
VVM. SPENCEIt, Mod.
Wm. Sedwick, Clerk.
Two young men, murderers, met nt New
Orleans on the morning of the 2llb of July, to
shoot each other to death. One bein'* rather
too quick for the other, escaped by “hootin'*
his antagonist through the head. This was
the only successful shot among six such mur
derers who went out to kill one another on
that morning. The more is the pity; for as
tho law meddles not with such villians, it is to
oc regretted when they fail to execute justice
upon themselves.— Traveller.