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the only means by which, aided by the Holy Spirit, we can enjoy that faith which justifies the sinner.

cils and popes have fixed the doctrines and the sense of the Scriptures after the tradition of the fathers; and that thus it is both absurd and rash for private individuals to meddle with their decisions, and pretend to a right to examine for themselves, if the doctrine taught is in accordance with the

yourselves in seeking the Saviour amidst the labarinth of polluted ordinances; there you will never find him; all these things are of the earth and are earthly; but you are redeemed by Jesus Christ. Come to him as his re

"There is a very large class of persons who believe, that in separating myself from the church of Rome, I have abandoned all religion. This is an error highly injurious to the speed of the gospel, since those that are im-word of God; but, my beloved brethbued with so fatal a prejudice, dare ren, if you have really at heart your not open the precious testament of own salvation, you ought to regard onour redemption, the perusal of which ly the commandments of Christ, withI have so strongly urged, lest they out any respect for the mass of hushould become enlightened, and be man ordinances; because it is not by constrained to quit their delusions, such ordinances that you will be judgand follow with humility the Lamb of ed in the day of the judgment of the God. No, my dear parishioners, I Lord, but by his world. John xii. 48 have not abandoned the religion of the and 50. I. Cor. iv. 3 and 4. Coloss. Lord Jesus; I have only rejected hu-ii. 8. In vain also will you amuse man ordinances; I have only united myself more closely to the Saviour, expecting henceforth my salvation from him alone, and not from the absolution of my fellow creatures, nor from any works of righteousness that I have done: 'Neither is there salva-deemed people, stripped of the badges tion in any other name,' &c. Acts iv. 12. Having said thus much, I leave my justification to a gracious Providence, and proceed to speak to you of the gospel of Christ, and to exhort you to seek that righteousness which the world does not know, because it is held captive by its present interests and sinful pleasures. Forget not then all I have so often said to you of the love of our God and Saviour. Remember that he is a God of mercy; and that from the right hand of the Father he extends to you his arms, and calls you to him, to be consoled and sustained. Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' [Mr. C. here exhibits Jesus Christ speaking in the words recorded in several parts of St. John's gospel: such as the vth, xivth, and xvith chapters, and exhorts his friends to read those Scriptures, which thus testify of Christ.]

"I know (he continues) that they fllwnottliail e tel you, that the coun

of your former bondage, and of those earthly ties which prevent you from raising your souls to God, and seeking and adoring him in spirit and in truth. I repeat my exhortation to retain and to impress deeply on your hearts these important truths, for they are entirely derived from the word of God; and you may see in Gal. i. 8. the dreadful curses pronounced on those who corrrupt the gospel of Christ by mixing it with human inventions. Ah! take care that you do not by a cowardly submission, participate in this sacrilege on the word of God, and bring down on your own heads the weight of his anathema. You will not be able at the day of judgment, as many others, to plead your ignorance as an excuse, because I have exhibited to you the truth in the sacred word; and every day you may satisfy and enlighten yourselves by reading the divine testimony.

"You see, then, by all I have said, that the doctrine of the church of

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church of Rome, on the contrary, admits over and above this, the merits and intercession of the Virgin Mary and of Saints. Christ is represented as a severe judge, and Mary as fulfilling, instead of Jesus, the functions of mediator.

"The Scriptures saith, that by one single oblation Christ has perfected for ever those that he has justified; and that sin being once expiated, there is no need of any sacrifice;-'For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified,' 'Now where remission of sins is, there is no more offering for sin.' Heb. ix. 18.—But the church of Rome, renews every day in the celebration of the mass, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Rome is opposed to the word of God; || that the boasted merit of good works is a baseless foundation, on which you will in vain attempt to build for eternal salvation.-Your best works are too imperfect and too polluted; it is the blood of Jesus Christ which can alone render you worthy of the crown of glory, because it is by him alone that you have been redeemed. For you are not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,' &c. I Peter, i. 18. And as I have shown you from numerous passages of Scripture, that man is not justified by works but by faith; that the righteousness of God is the free gift of his own grace, permit me to show you, that the church of Rome is in contradiction with itself|| in pretending that works have some "The Scripture saith that Jesus part in the justification of the sinner. Christ has instituted the Sacrament If, as it pretends, good works contri- in two kinds, and has commanded us bute conjointly with faith to our justi- to celebrate it in that manner. 'Jesus fication, they must either precede or took bread and blessed it, &c. And follow our justification; for there is no he took the cup and gave thanks, and neutral state in the spiritual condition gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of man-we are justified or guilty. If of it, &c. Matt. xxvi. 26-28. But they precede, I reply they are dead, the church of Rome has changed the according to the church's own avowal, institution of Jesus Christ, in deprivand of course without merit, and con- ing the laity of the cup. The Scripsequently incapable of justifying. ture calls the bread bread, and the Consult the Catholic theologians on wine wine, after as well as before the the article opera mortua. If they fol- benediction. For as often as ye eat low justification they cannot contri- this bread, and drink of this cup, ye bute to the justification of the sinner, do show forth the Lord's death till he for he is already justified, as St. Paul come." Wherefore whosoever shall says, by faith without the deeds of the eat this bread and drink this cup unlaw. Rom. iii. 28. Besides this fun-worthily,' &c. 1. Cor. xi. 25, 28. damental error of the church of Rome, The church of Rome teaches their observe these that flow from it, and of transubstantiation, and will not allow, which you may judge by the following parallels.

that after their benediction by a priest, the bread and wine are still those sub"The Scripture saith that Jesus stances, but declares they have really Christ is our only mediator with God, become the body and blood of Jesus and the sole foundation of our salva- Christ. The Scripture states that it tion. "There is one God, and one me- was at supper that Jesus communed diator between God and men, the man with his disciples. Mark xxi. 26. Christ Jesus.' I. Tim. ii. 5 and 6. The church of Rome pronounces it a any sin, we have an advocate with the dreadful sin to partake of the consecraFather, Jesus Christ,' &c. I John ii.ted wafer otherwise than fasting. 1. 2. Neither is there salvation in "The Scripture announces as an any other,' &c. Acts iv. 12. The heresy the prohibition of marriage, a

If

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"The Scriptures says that we are not to condemn each other for the use or neglect of meats and drinks. Rom. xiv. 3. The church of Rome condemns most severely those who do not scruple to use the good things of this life.

of eating meat on certain days. Now suming a dominion over its faith. the Spirit speaketh expressly, that, 'in || Feed the flock of God which is among the latter times some shall depart from you, taking the oversight thereof, not the faith, giving heed to seducing spi- by constraint, but willingly; not for rits and doctrines of devils, forbidding filthy lucre, but of a ready mind,' &c. to marry, and commanding to abstain I Peter, v. 2. 3. The church of Rome from meats,' &c. I Tim. i. 3. The desires the people to believe on its church of Rome forbids its ministers authority, and for this purpose interto marry, and interdicts the use of dicts the means of enlightening the meats on Fridays, Saturdays, in Lent, conscience. Jesus Christ says in the the four seasons, and others. Scripture, 'come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;' Matt. xi. 25. The church of Rome says on the contrary, Go to the priest, and he will give you rest.' Jesus Christ says in the New Testament, Search the Scriptures,' "The Scriptures recommend the John v. 39. The church of Rome procelebration of divine service in a lan-hibits the reading of the Scriptures by guage which is intelligible to the people: If I come unto you, says St. Paul, 'speaking with tongues,' that is, in an unknown language, what shall I profit you,' &c. I Cor. xiv. The church of Rome celebrates mass, and several other acts of religious worship, in Latin, a language unintelligible to the people.

"The Scripture saith that the Church is an edifice built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, &c. Ephes. ii. 20, 21. The church of Rome is founded on a man, on Peter and his descendants: after these come individuals, and orders founded-one on St. Francis, another on St. Ursule, a third on St. Joseph; || but Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone, is laid aside.

"The Scripture saith that Jesus Christ forbids all disputes about rank and preeminence in his kingdom. 'Ye know,' says Jesus Christ, that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, but it shall not be so among you.' Matt. xx. 25-28. In the church of Rome every one wishes to be above another, and the Pope will be above all. The Scriptures says the pastors are not the masters, but the models of the flock, without as

the laity, as being too mysterious. The Scripture says, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image:-Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them,' &c. Exod. xx. 4. 6. The church of Rome, on the contrary, makes statues and images, exhibits them in her places of worship, and orders every one to uncover himself and to kneel before them. What a crowd of observances do we find in the church of Rome that God has not ordained! What a crowd of observances which he has prohibited! What a crowd of superstitions and ceremonies amid which the Saviour and the regeneration of the soul are hid from the view of man! And now, my dear friends, imagine the sinner on the bed of death-at that moment when he can no longer dispute with conscience, but must appear before his Judge. When the veil is rent asunder, and eternity is before him-Do you believe that reflecting on his spiritual misery, his depravity, his evil actions, he can find repose in all the confessions he has made to a man probably as guilty as himself? Can he believe that signs of the cross, fasts, indulgences bought at the hands of a priest, can efface the greatness of his sins? Can he believe that all his stains are washed away by

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thanks, and to be assured that my remembrance of them, as their attachment to me, will be deep and permanent. And as for those who have thought proper to treat me ill, I for give them, and pray the Lord to forgive them also. Wherever I may be,

shall learn with delight that you seek the Lord with sincerity of heart. From the place of my retreat. September, 1823.

From the Christian Gazette.

the water called holy, because over it there have been made some signs of the cross, and pronounced some Latin words? Can his good words offer a remedy for all he has done and all he suffers? No, none of these things, nor his good works can pacify the conscience of a dying sinner. He will feel the enormous load of his sins, but no real consolations. And why? Because he does not seek repose by faith in the blood of Jesus, 'who died for our sins, and rose for our justification.' Rom. iv. 25. You see, then, that you THE HOPE OF AN UNIVERSALIST TRIED, are not in the right road, if you abanMr. was once a regular wordon the work of God and trust in hu-shipper in an orthordox church and man inventions, and neglect Jesus in common with other families of his crucified for the redemption of sinners. flock, the pastor visited his, and in I was myself once as you, in these fa- conversing with him, found him altal errors, walking after the doctrines ways pleased till he came to the idea and commandments of men; but the of punishment and particularly EternLord has had mercy on me, he open-al punishment. This particularly dişed my eyes. He taught me the truth pleased him: he would always reply by the perusal of his word. I saw that to the pastor, that, he did not believe every day I was advancing towards that God ever made any body to damn destruction, and should perish if in- them. When conversed with about fluenced by human considerations: if the influence of his conduct over his I did not quit the church of Rome to children, he became very angry, and follow Jesus Christ in the liberty of denied that he was accountable for the gospel. But I should have done their misconduct. He quit, however, nothing aright, if I had hesitated to almost entirely attending church, and tell you fully the truth. It is the work soon became intemperate. It was of my ministry and I accomplish it with not long till in the course of God's joy for your sakes, and in the name Providence he was obliged to try the of the Lord; because I am not asham-strength of his hope; he was called to ed of his gospel. These truths are die. When sick he sent in great not calculated to flatter you, nor to haste for his old pastor. The minismake me popular. It is the salvation |ter not being at home, a second mesof your souls that I desire, because in senger was soon despatched after him. losing them you will lose all; and if When the minister arrived and had you remain as you are, they must be inquired as to his views of entering lost. I acknowledge the thought into eternity, "Oh!" says he, "I am makes me shudder; I see the preci- of all men most miserable!! pray for pice yawning at your feet. Perhaps, me-I've but a short time to live; and even since I have been ordered to am altogether unfit to die, The grounds quit you, and have been prevented of his former hope now forsook him preaching to you the word of life, forever. After the minister had left some souls have passed into eternity him which was at a late hour of the without having been led to cast them-night, his anguish of mind and pain selves by faith into the arms of the of body increasing, he sent before Saviour. I intreat those who lately day light for a pious physician, and received me cordially to accept my when he came he begged that he

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would pray, for him, with which ||titute condition in which he found he complied. He continued in this them. wretched state till near day light when he expired. Not quite twenty-four hours were given him to prepare for eternity. He had been somewhat unwell before; but not considered dangerously so, till the day before he died. In the morning he was taken ill, in the evening was full of pain of body and horror of mind: and before the next rising sun was in Eternity. "When distress and anguish cometh upon the wicked; then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer--they shall seek me early, but shall not find Terrors shall make the wicked afraid. His confidence shall be rooted out: He shall be chased out of the world. Prov. 1. Job 18.

me.

RELIGION OF KENTUCKY.

He urges the necessity of having a Depository of Tracts in Augusta, or some place in its vicinity. A Tract Society was formed there three years ago. After distributing several thousand of these publications, many have withdrawn their patronage, on account of the difficulty of obtaining tracts. There is no Depository of Tracts nearer Augusta than Bowling Green, a distance of 200 miles; and Mr. Hknows of no other in the State of Kentucky. He intimates a determination on the part of several friends to the cause, to make more vigorous efforts than they have done heretofore; and anxiously requests that those who have the management of tracts and books for distribution, in New-England, would remember the destitute and perishing in Kentucky.

Boston Telegraph.

MARINERS' CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA.

A letter from Augusta (Kentucky) represents the state of religion in that part of the country as rather unpromising. In the course of a short journey, the writer of it, Mr. H, called on On the 27th ult. the foundation 36 families, of which six were destitute stone of a Mariner's Church in Philof any portion of the Bible. One half adelphia, was laid with appropriate soof the whole number of these had lemnities-It is, by contract, to be never seen a Report of either Tract, completed before the ensuing winter. Missionary or Bible Society. Having Every friend of religion must rejoice taken for distribution a few Testa- in this event; and while they rejoice, ments, Monthly Extracts, and Re-let their fervent prayers ascend to ports of the American Bible Society, God, for his special blessing on those he found occasion to leave them all, who shall worship in this house. The and would have been glad to leave venerable man by whose pious and more, before he had half completed arduous labors the sailors in Philadelhis little journey. One man on whom phia have been congregated, and mahe called, was a School Teacher-heny of them we trust savingly benefithad no Bible, nor any portion of one. ed, and who has appropriated his Mr. Hagreed to send him one, whole property to this distinguished together with some Reports of Religi-Christian charity, must on this occaous Benevolent Societies, which he sion have an enviable pleasure-a engaged to read to his pupils. The pleasure which he would not exchange case of one family was still more for the wealth of the world. May he gloomy. It consisted of father, moth- yet be spared to see those mariners er and twelve children. They had whom he so much loves, and by whom no Bible nor religious books, nor any he is so much beloved, collected in means of religious instruction. With this rising edifice; and many of them a pained heart, Mr. H was com- by the Divine blessing on his instrucpelled to leave them in the same des- "tions and prayers, made mect to enter