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JOSEPH WALKER, Editor.
Macon, Wednesday, Nov. 4,1857.
Matrimony.
This word represents ideas and emotions
which have an important influence on all the
affairs of this world, and indicates a condition
of life that will eventuate in a blessing or a
curse to the parties personally interested, ac
cording as their views and feelings harmo
nize or disagree. The marriage institution
was designed to preserve the virtue of the
race, and to divide the human family into
small communities, for the convenience of go
verment and the augmentation of general
happiness. It was not an enactment of yes
terday, nor an invention of man. Its author
is God himself, and Paradise was the place in
which the holy rite was first solemnized.—
Adam was the first bridegroom, and Eve the
first bride. In the pure atmosphere of inno
cency were “ they twain made one flesh”
Several facts may be affirmed of this prim
itive marriage, which are worthy of special
notice :
First, it was the union of two virtuous , un
, corrupted parties. The man was virtuous as
well as the woman. Under such circumstan
ces what moral sublimity invests the sacred
union ?
Secondly, the man was older than the wo
man. Here is an example of fitness and pro
priety to be followed throughout all time.
Thirdly, this union was a happy one till the
tempter was permitted to invade the precincts
of the family circle. Then came sin, sorrow,
and troubles of every kind. Let those who
would be happy, repel mischief makers from
their presence, before they have the opportu
nity to work evil.
Finally,this union was to be permanent under
all circumstances. No separation was contem
plated on the happening of possible contingen
cies. “ They twain were one flesh,” “ Male
and Female,” as God had created them, and
were thus to continue under all the varying
phases and changes of their mortal life. The
idea of a disseverance of these sacred ties for
any cause whatever, was not provided for in
the original institution of matrimony. Di
vorces at a later period were simply permit
ted to accommodate the peculiar obstinacy of
the carnal heart under the Jewish dispensa
tion, but this general permission was revoked
in the days of Christ, and separations justi
fied only in cases of a specific violation of the
marriage contract. The marriage engage
ment is a contract for life. It should there
fore not be thoughtlessly entered into, but
when once assumed by mutual consent, it
should be considered and regarded as a per
petual union.
It may also be remarked in this connexion,
that the permission to separate for the cause
mentioned by the Savior, extends, in the opin
ion of some, only to separation. It does not
imply the right of either party to marry
again, during the life time ofi the other. This
corresponds exactly with the teaching of the
Apostle Paul, who says, virtually, that the
marriage tie can only be broken by the death
of one of the parties.
Nor would it be difficult to'prove from the
Scriptures —both of the Old Testament and
the New —that Christians ought to marry
none but Christians. But we shall not enlarge
on this feature of matrimony, lest some inter
ested disciple charge us with teaching “ Old
Landmarkism” in anew form.
“ Laugh and grow Fat.”
How it ever became sinful for professors
of religion to smile, or if in the mood, to
laugh out-right, we have never been able to
learn. Yet, there are some would-be mod
els of gravity, who would quench the elec
tric fire of the eye, dash the sweet dimple
from the cheek, sweep the soul’s radiance
from the countenance, convert vivacity into
dullness, the ringing laugh of youth into
monkish silence ; in a word—change beauty
into deformity by blinding the bright win
dows of the soul; and all this would they
do because of a profession of the Christian
religion. A Christian man must not smile,
nor write so as to make others smile, nor ut
ter a word that might possibly excite the risi
bles of his neighbor. He must walk erect
■with measured pace, elongate his visage, see
nothing but the pavement under his feet, sigh
as he goes, and rebuke every attempt to dis
turb his taciturnity with a joke.
We have not much love for a Christianity
of this stamp. If there is a man on earth
-who has reasou to be cheerful, it is the be
liever in Christ. Why should he not indulge
in innocent cheerfulness, and make those
about him happy ? True, there are bounds
which he ought not to pass. The sweetest
smiles we ever saw were those of a sister in
Christ who was about to leave these low
grounds of sorrow for the “ Spirit Land,”
and the greatest defect we ever noticed in a
very beautiful young woman, was the ab
sence of all endeavor on her part to smile and
be cheerful.
The trite, and somewhat homely saying at
the head of this article, is not without signifi
cance. The cheerfulness of man contributes
to his health and happiness, while the mo
rose, taciturn person makes himself unhappy
and those who surround him. While, there
fore, we “ weep with those that weep,” let
us also “ rejoice with those that do rejoice.”
Without infracting the divine law or acting
in opposition to Gospel injunctions, let us
have all the innocent enjoyment which this
world can supply, and the full fruition of the
next.
The Power of Prejudice.
Rarely, if ever, does mental bias in favor
of long cherished theories develop itself more
strikingly than in the manner of editorial an
imadversions on subjects which the editor
disapprobates. Some editors will quote free
ly from papers that are in harmony with their
own thoughts on controverted questions,
without waiting to know or inquire if any
thing can be adduced on the other side. Ta
king it for granted that they are certainly
correct in their convictions, they lecture and
exhort those who differ from them as if ar
gument were not in the least necessary.
Without designing to insinuate that the
editor of the New York Chronicle , the organ
of the Bible Union, is a man of this class ;
we may say, that some of his leaders would
make such an impression on many minds.—
After intimating that Baptists have “ fallen
out by .the way” on the old “ Landmark”
question —especially in the South—he devel
ops himself thus:
“ We do not wish to charge our brethren
in the Southwest with being an example of the
state of things which we have described, but
still the following statement made an ex
change would seem to indicate it: ‘ The Bap
tists there,’ it says, ‘ are divided into two
parties, like the Episcopalians; High-Church
men, or as they call themselves Old Land
mark men, and Low-Churchmen, or the Lib
eral party. The Liberal, or Low-Church par
ty, will invite the ministers of other than
Baptist churches, into their pulpits, as good
men whom they are willing to hear preach,
and treat with respect and courtesy ; whilst
the High-Church party will do nothing by
which they may seem to others to recognize
any but their own ministers, as in any sense
ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ. One par
ty claims that any good man may preach,
whether baptized or ordained or not; the
other insist that both baptism and ordination
are necessary to entitle a man to preach.’
How is it possible for brethren to divide on
points like * these ? What! contend about
standing on the same board or platform with
another Christian ? Why not go a little far
ther, and like the Catholics, refuse to be bu
ried in the same graveyard with persons of
another denomination ? Why eat with them
at the same table ? Has not Paul said that
we are to have no intercourse with such, “ no,
not to eat ?” Can we not make out of this
an argument against sitting at the same table
with an Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Meth
odist ?”
What “ exchange” gave him the informa
tion, the editor does not say, though it would
not be difficult to ‘ guess,’ that it was either
a Pedobaptist or a Baptist periodical, which
is, probably,considerably incensed against the
poor Landmarkers. He would not have
much trouble in obtaining as much of the
same kind of testimony as he might desire,
from at least a half dozen papers of the Pe
dobaptist presses.
Our object in writing, however, is simply
to correct his misapprehensions, and if possi
ble, rebut his inferences.
There are no such divisions, either in the
South or Southwest, as his “ exchange has in
dicated !” That there are Baptists who can
not conscientiously invite unbaptized ministers
into their pulpits, is true ; and that there are
multiplied thousands in the South, who re
fuse to acknowledge the validity of Pedobap
tist immersions , is a fact which no one desires
to deny : but that there are any church or
associational divisions, or party schisms, in
consequence of these opposing views of faith
and practice, is utterly without foundation.
We are not proposing to discuss she “Old
Landmark” theory with the editor of the
Chronicle, but it seems to us strange, that
one, usually sagacious as a logician, shonld
draw such India-rubber inferences from the
positions occupied by some Baptists in the
South.
They “ insist that both baptism and ordi
nation are necessary to entitle a man to
preach”—ergo, says Dr. Church, “they should
refuse to be buried in the same graveyard
with persons of another denomination.” The
man who can deduce such consequences from
such premises, will be sure of a triumph in
whatever debate he may undertake—especial
ly, if his opponent should happen to be weak
enough to reply to them.
“ Dr. Church exclaims : “ How is it possi
ble for brethren to divide on these points?”
Os course, then, the Dr. thinks, that a man
may preach without ordination and baptism,
and that Baptists ought to invite him into
their pulpits !—ergo, replies the “ Landmark
er Baptist and Pedobaptists ought to com
mune together at the Lord's table. The editor
of the Chronicle would reject this inference,
but it is, to say the very least, as legitimate
as his graveyard conclusion.
The Minutes of the Western Association
have just come to hand. Rev. Otis Smith
was chosen Moderator, and Uriel B. Wilkin
son, Clerk. The introductory sermon was
preached by Rev. James Rainwater.
The Committee on publication, after recom
mending the Home and Foreign Journal and
the Commission, continue thus:
“ And especially would we urge upon the
delegates present, and all others, to aid in the
circulation of our own “Christian Index.”—
The Index is worthy of a universal circula
tion, as our denominational organ of Georgia,
and we hope the day is near at hand when it
may be a weekly visitor to every Baptist fam
ily in the State.
We would call the attention of the Baptists
of the Western Association to the depository
of Bibles and denominational books of our
State Convention, located at Macon Brother
J. DeLoache, as Depository Agent, Treasurer
and Corresponding Secretary, is well supplied
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX.
with all of our denominational literature, and
we would urge upon all the importance of
patronizing said depository as far as possi
ble.”
This makes us feel encouraged and lightens
our toil. Just help the Index and the bodks
along, and Macon will give a good account of
herself.
The minutes of the Beulah Baptist Asso
ciation, N. C., have also been received. Eld
John H. Lacy preached the opening sermon.
Eld. Calvin Graves was elected Moderator
and Wm. Led, Clerk. This is an efficient
body of Baptists.
Cimmiiksiiw.
A
Revivals in Harris county , and protracted meet
ings for the Blacks.
Hamilton, Ga., Oct. 17, 1857.
Dear Brother Walker: It maybe
ing to you and your numerous read ere to
learn that the Lord has been pouring out his
spirit upon the people’ of my charge. My
time has been equally divided between the
church at Hamilton and Whitesville. A short
time since we held protracted meetings at
both those churches; at Whitesville we pro
tracted at the lqst Conference meetings a
few days. The church seemed more inclined
to work than I ever knew them. The two
meetings resulted in the addition of 13 mem
bers, 10 by baptism, 2 by letters and 1 by re
storation. In those meetings we had the val
uable services of brethren Bartly and Carmi
chael a part of the time. I will simply men
tion that 4 of the number baptized had re
cently been a Methodists. The truth in this
community is evidently winning its way over
all forms of error. <
Our meeting at Hamilton was a continua
tion of the Ministers and Deacons’ meeting.
It was protracted two weeks and a half in the
usual way, we then closed after baptizing ten
whites and one black. The meeting was then
continued two weeks, at night, especially for
the blacks, conducted principally by Edward
W. Johnson; as a result of the two week’s
labor bro. J. baptised 17. There are many
more that will soon come. Some half dozen
or more of this number were Methodists. I
must say in conclusion, I am surprised that
protracted meetings have not been more fre
quently held for the especial benefit of the
blacks in this Southern country. This is rath
er anew thing. Never have I witnessed but
one before, I held one at Bethlehem some few
years ago and the result was the addition of
some ten or more to the church, and I learn
they have all done well. In the meeting we
recently held at Hamilton, not the first in
stance of disorder was witnessed. The own
ers gave their servants permission to leave
home at an earjy hour, and we charged them
to return home as son as services were clos
ed. These directions, I believe were strictly
complied with. The preaching was directed
more to convince the judgment than to arouse
the passions. Stillness and deep feeling seem
ed to pervade the large congregations that
attended. We say then we believe in pro
tracted meetings for the blacks. I could here
write a long essay on the subject. When the
whites have a protrocted meeting the blacks
are crowded out entirely, or crammed togeth
er in the back part of the house, and often an
noyed by thoughtless young persons immedi-j
ately before them, neither is the preaching in
a style to be comprehended by the unlettered
servant. To benefit a servant we must speak
to his understanding. This more than any
other class of people need line upon line and
precept upon precept. All they learn of the
way of life is by the hearing of the ear. We
white people have our Bibles and valuable
books in our libraries, that we read at our
leisure, and be instructed, edified and com
forted. If indeed there is any good reason un
der the sun for holding a protracted meeting
for the whites, there is much greater reaseffi
for holding protracted meetings for the blacks,
which the most cursory observer can not fail
to see. Let the experiment be generally
tried. Let a sufficient number of whites at
tend to keep good order and make the meet
ings lawful, and I have no doubt, in the effort,
both master and servant will be greatly bless
ed.
W. D. ATKINSON.
For the Index.
From our Philadelphia Correspon-
DENT.
Philadelphia, Oct. 22, 1857.
Dr. Dagg's Theology—The late Henry O.
Wyer..
I had the pleasure of purchasing the first
copy of Dr. Dagg’s Manual of Theology
which was sold in this city, and though since
the suspension of the banks, the currency in
which I paid for it commands a premium, I
would cheerfully pay a larger amount of the
same kind of money, were it necessary to pro
cure so valuable a volume. When I learned
that this work was in press, I was prepared
to think favorably of it a priori as the logi
cians say ; that is, knowing the character of
the writer, I inferred the character of his pro
duction. To digesta system ofTheologyisnot
an easy work. It should proceed from a mind
thoroughly imbued with a devotional spirit.
For whatever a man’s endowments or acquisi
tions may be, unless these be sanctified and
directed by a devout temper he is not fitted
to be a teacher of religious science. His pie
ty should not be of the merely emotional type,
but it should be developed and matured by
protracted and intimate acquaintance with
the sacred oracles. Besides this there is need
ed a well balanced intellect. Otherwise the
doctrine will not be unfolded in its due pro
portions, and the impression which the dis
cussions convey as a whole will not be jnst.—
Added to this the author of such a volume
should be able to study the mind of the spirit
in those languages which were at first employ
ed for the communication of heavenly knowl
edge. Moreover, the daily avocation of one
who assumes so responsible an undertaking
should have obliged him to close and consi
stant thought upon the great subjects of his
work. These qualifications are combined in
an eminent degree in the author of the pres
ent manual. Dr. Dagg is not a novice.—
He is here giving us his richest and ripest
thoughts on subjects which have engaged his
attention through a long life. His positions
are lucidly stated, pertinently illustrated, ably
defended and powerfully applied. We feel,
in reading these pages, that we are in con
tact with a strong and well disciplined intel
lect which has caught a hallowed influence
from the sublime topics which are discussed.
I have read, as yet, but a portion of the vol
ume, but so far as I have gone, I have met
nothing which does not command my entire
approbation. The work will live to do good,
I trust, for many generations to come.
I had an interview, a day or two ago, with
the widow of Rev. Henry O. Wyer, late of
Savannah, from whom I learned some inter
esting incidents which I have never seen in
print, connected with his last days. Brother
Wyer ought to be held in grateful remem
brance by Georgia Baptists, for his health
was early prostrated in their service. He
was ordained Pastor of the Baptist church in
Savannah in the year 1824, by the late Rev.
W. T. Brantly, who was then Pastor of
church in Augusta, and the Rev. James Shan
non, then of Liberty county. He remained
Pastor of the church about ten years, when
his health failed through the excessive labors
consequent upon a succession of revivals with
which his ministry was attended. When the
Rev. J. G. Binney resigned the church to go
to Burmah he wasre-elected Pastor; but he
consented to take the church only for one
year, that he might relieve the building,from
the encumbrance of a heavy debt. His ob
ject accomplished, he retired, but on the di
vision of the church a year or two afterwards
when the 2d Baptist church was constituted,
he became its Pastor. His health did not per
mit him to labor long in this capacity. He
was succeeded after two years by the Rev.
J. P. Tustin. Asa pulpit orator, our depart
ed brother when in health had very few su
periors in this country. He had a fine pres
ence; and when his sonorous voice and pierc
ing eye were animated by a soul-filled with
love to Christ, and yearning for the conver
sion of sinners, he spoke with the most thrill
ing effect. Who that heard him preach for
upwards of two hours at the Georgia Baptist
Convention in Madison about fourteen years
ago. will ever forget that sermon? Who grew
weary under that protracted discourse ? Dur
ing the remarkable revival which took place
in Charleston in 1846, he and Rev. Richard
Fuller frequently spoke on the same occasion.
After Dr. Fuller had preached for more than
an hour and wrought the audience to a de
gree of feeling which was intense, I have
seen brother Wyer rise and with appeals al
most electric, swell the feeling into deep
er emotion and retain the multitude in pis>-
found attention to a late hour of the night. A
’ beautiful feture in our brother’s character was
his humility. He never seemed to be con
scious of his great power, and shrunk from
any thing like notoriety. He was willing to
work-in the obscurest position, and always re
joiced when his ministering brethren were
assigned places of distinction. His genial dis
position made him a universal favorite in so
ciety, whilst his intelligent conversation and
refined manners gave him access to the best
circles in our country. Last April he left
Savannah in his usual health and joined his
family, then in Alexandria, Ya. The Sabbath
preceding the attack of Pneumonia, which
terminated his life, he repaired to the church
for the blacks and preached for them in the
morning and afternoon.
During the second service the house was
very warm, and the doors being opened near
the pulpit, he stood in a current of air, and
thus in all probability contracted the disease
which resulted in death in a few days after
wards. His last text was from John 3, 14
and 15. Preaching Christ was his last public
service on earth. When smitten with disease
he manifested not the slightest anxiety to re
cover. The Saviour whom he bad served
was his hope and his spirit was serene. A
short time before he expired in reply to a
question from his son (who loves to preach
the Gospel his father loved) he said : “Not a
doubt, —not a doubt —all clear.” And so he
has passed ti> enjoy the reward which grace
prepares for those who “turn many to right
eousness.” Many souls born again in Geor
gia, some of whom have passed away—will
recognize our departed hrother in the great
day, as the instrument ol their conversion to
God. The departure of such an eminent la
borer should qnieken the zeal of those who
survive.
“ 0 for the death of those
Who slumber in the Lord,
0 be like theirs my last repose
Like theirs my last reward.”
THEOPHILUS.
Book Notice.
Mr. Editor: I see in both “ The Prince of
the House of David” and “ Sears’ Pictorial
Bible,” the ordinance of Baptism caricatured :
i. e. instead of a representation of immersion,
as the circumstances indicate, John, the ad
ministrator, seems to be about some “ watery
ceremony’’ quite different from primitive bap
tism. I dont like the picture. It is about as
the representation in the Rotunda at Wash
ington where Pocahontas is sprinkled ! It is
not a national painting, for the great majority
of this nation, deny its truthfulness ; it belies
the national sentiment on this question.
The New Testament published by the A.
Tract Society with the notes by Dr. Edwards
wholly ignores the ordinance of baptism. It
says nothing about it, thus leaving the reader
to infer it to be a very insignificant or useless
affair, unworthy the notice of Christians.
This is a sad defect in this work, otherwise
very excellent.
“He did not wish to offend.” Minor sub
jects, matters of indifference may be passed
over in silence; but the initiating ordinance
of the Christian church is not of this class.—
All truth that has any importance must be ex
plained in works of this kind, even if it do of
fend some readers and he is unfit to expound
God’s volume, who is afraid his book will be
unpopular if he speak out the whole truth.—
The artist that would maim a picture by leav
ing out a limb, hand or foot, fabricates a mons
ter, and has failed to do what was expected.
The pen of inspiration has painted to life—the
Bible is full of life-pictures and those who ex
pound the New Testament should imitate the
Great Teacher and Painter. If Dr. E. believ
ed the ordinance was properly performed by
pouring or sprinkling, he should have so stated
his sentiments and defended them the best way
he could. If he entertained no opinion about
the matter or was afraid to express it; he
was incompetent to expound. I regret this
defect.
“ The Book would not sell.” If the New
Testament with Notes, is got out to sell by
professedly evangelical Christians; it is time
for us to pause and inquire what may not be
done, what scheme may not be carried out to
get money. He has defended the doctrine of
the Trinity ; are not Unitarians offended ?
The Book is unworthy the noble Tract Socie
ty in its early years; perhaps since its deterio
ration, it may be defended. A. S.
For the Index.
No More!
What volumes lie unbosomed in these sim
ple words! How the heart swells almost to
breaking, and seeks in vain for some avenue,
through which to pour forth the burning
thoughts and crushed affections that awake
at their call. The light hearted and thought
less know nothing of their power, it is only
those who have deeply loved, and lost, that
comprehend what they convey. When death
comes and takes from our homes or compan
ionship some being who was the light of our
life, when alienation or estrangement pours its
withering flood upon a heart all glowing with
the noblest impulses of a noble nature, then
their import is felt with a force that language
is inadequate to describe. The mother
when she bends over her shrouded child and
presses her lips to its marble brow knowing
that no more will its “eyes grow brighter when
she comes, no more will its arms be extended
lovingly towards” her, and no more will its
tongue lisp the name of mother; feels down
in the caverns of her soul, where human eye
never penetrates, something of their sorrow
ful meaning. The stem warrior when he
bows his head in remembrance of the brave
and true whom he led victorious through
many a battle field, only to fill a soldier’s
grave, will, perhaps, weep when he thinks
that no more will their voice be heard in the
din of strife shouting encouragement to their
comrades. No more will some brave officer
rise in council and direct with words of wis
dom the purposes and actions of those around
him. The widow may mourn, and the orphan
lament, but their soldier husband, father, will
come no more to tell of battles fought and vic
toris won. The man of ambition whose brow
has been wreathed bf fame’s greenest laurels,
has many a time felt their power when he
feels the vigor of manhood waving and his
grey hairs and wrinkled brow, tell him that
no more will youth’s fervor arise to prompt
him to deeds of proud daring and urge him
to outstrip the fleetest in the race for renown.
There is scarcely anything relating to the
past, that does not awaken sad memories
when touched by the power of these two
words. The feelings they call forth may
sometimes be “sweet,” yet they are “mourn
ful to the soul.” Madame De Stael must
have comprehended our language better than
most loreigners when she said that no more
conveyed more to her than any two words in
the English language. With all their sad
and touching power, there is a connection in
which they convey ineffible sweetness, but it
is beyond the veil that divides the present
fleeting life from that world which we some
times scan by the eye of faith where the
changes which give rise to their melancholy
import here never come. When “the gates
are part and heaven won” what estacy will
fill the soul when it realises that no more will
the funeral knell of loved ones break upon
the ear; no more will the world’s hate and
scorn arouse its indignation or excite its con
tempt, no more will fortune deceive or friends
prove untrue; disease will no more consume
the vital energies with its burning fevers and
exhausting pains, but through an endless age
of bliss it will revel in the creation of him who
brings order out of confusion, and with such
wisdom and harmony arranges his works that
the simpliest flower that grows obeys his laws
as perfecAtor as the planet that pursues its way
in the traßfless firmanent.
CORNELIA.
He who knows the world will not be too
bashful.
NOVEMBER 1857
For the Index.
Dagg’s Manual of Theology.
Dear Brother Walker :—I have carefully
perused brother Dagg’s Manual of Theology
which you handed me the other day in Ma
con, and can truly say that it fully equalled
my expectations. It is an admirable work,
calculated to do much good, and destined, I
am confident, to take a high stand amongst
thinking people, as a lucid and able exposi
tion of the great doctrine of revelation.—
Some of the excellencies of the work I con
ceive to be the following :
1. It is clear , comprehensive, and scriptural.
I think it would be difficult to name any The
ological work more uniformly transparent.—
The author evidently has clear and well-defin
ed conceptions of the various topics which he
discusses, and is very happy in the style and
manner he employs to put the reader in pos
session of his thoughts. At times his reason
ing is profound, and a careless reader may
not see to the bottom ; but it is not because
the stream is muddy, but because it is deep.
The author has succeeded in condensing a
great amount of valuable thought in a reas
onable compass, and in a judicious, well pro
portioned system ; we have the “ gold, silver
and precious stones” of theology, without the
“ wood, hay, and stubble.” Throughout the
entire volume the Bible is treated with the
profoundest reverence, and we think the au
thor has successfully shown that the system
of doctrine which he inculcates is sustained
by the teachings of that blessed book.
2. Theological difficulties are judiciously dis
posed of. Difficulties are candidly admitted;
and I think fairly stated and happily met.
The author does not undertake to explain in
comprehensible things, but he guards us
against wrong and dangerous conclusions.
He removes with great skill stumbling-blocks
from the paths of the humble inquirer after
divine knowledge, and shows how unreasona
ble are the cavils of the ignorant and preju
diced.
3. Tiie doctrines of sovereign grace
ARE SET FORTH WITH DUE PROMINENCE. On
these points many of us need more settled
and well-defined views than we have yet at
tained to. We are pretty sound I believe as
to the final issue—that is, that all true believ
ers will assuredly get to heaven ; but as to
the first movements of sovereign grace to
wards the guilty, helpless sinner, our concep
tions are often less clear and scriptural. A
careful study of brother Dagg’s Book will
greatly assist the humble, teachable mind in
gaining just and stable views of “ the doc
trine concerning divine grace.”
4. The work is practical and devotion
al. Its clear and dense statements of divine
truth are interspersed with reflections and ap
peals well calculated to alarm the thought
less, to arouse the pious affections of the Chris
tian, and urge him forward in a course of
holy living. The prayerful and attentive
reader of the book cannot well fail to become
a better, as well as a wiser man.
5. Tiie work is highly commended by its
excellent spirit. In this respect it is truly
a model Book—an invaluable gem. There is
no dogmatism, no bitterness. We see a
strong man moving along the path-way of di
vine truth with a firm and undaunted tread,
and clothed at the same time with modesty*
meekness and true Christian benevolence.—
Its general circulation I am confident would
have a happy inflnence upon the theological
discussions of the day.
It would extend tnis notice to an unreason
able length to give any thing like a full analy
sis of the work ; I would state however, that
it is divided into 8 Books ; the Ist treats of
the “ Study of Religious Truth,” closing with
a valuable appendix setting forth the “ Ori
gin and authority of the Bible the 2d ex
hibits the “ Doctrine concerning God”— his
existence and attributes ; the 3d discourses
on “ the Will and Works of God the 4th
on “ the Fall and Present State of Man •”.
the sth, (a most important part of the vol
ume) unfolds the “ Doctrines concerning Je
sus Christ”—his person, states, and offices •
the 6th treats of “ the Holy Spiritthe 7th*
(excellent and able) sets forth the “ Doctrine
concerning Divine Gracethe Bth and last
leads us to the contemplation of “ the Future
World.”
The author was unable to embrace in this
volume a discussion of “ the externals of re
ligion;” though he is careful to state in his pre
face that “ the form of godliness, is import
ant as well as its power, and the doctrine re
specting it is a component part of the Chris
tian system. It is much to be desired that
he may have health and strength to prepare
another volume that shall present his views of
the materials, officers, ordinances and disci
pline of the New Testament churches: with
such other matter as he may deem of special
importance for the edification of God’s peo
ple.
It is to be hoped that all our Ministers and
reading brethren will procure without delay
brother Dagg’s Book on Theology. If an ’
Minister is too poor to buy it, let his church
or some brother of means buy it it for him
And it has occurred to me that this would be
a good Book to have read in our churches—
especially those which are not regularly sup
plied with preaching. The volume could be
easily divided into about 25 portions of from
12 to 18 pages—each portion supplying rich
matter for a Sabbath day’s meditation.
Yours in Gospel bonds,
C. D. M.
Oct. 28th, 1857.
Those who fancy that money can do everv
thing, are generally prepared to do everv*
thing for money. J