that system: Universalism, by surrendering to its adherents those portions of the Scripture we have used the most effectually against them. And it should be observed, that the supporters and advocates of these systems of error, begin to be sensible of the efficient aid rendered them by the Professor. Already do they claim him as an accession to their number. This is more particularly true, with respect to the supporters of the last system named. They hesitate not, in their several papers, to speak of him as a convert to their views, and as a powerful ally of their cause. And the adherents of the other systems are not unaware of his position, or insensible to the value of his services, though they have not made so public a manifestation of their gratification.

And now what have we left us, according to the views of our opponent, on which to rest our faith, and by which to be guided and cheered, as to the future? We are out upon the ocean of the world, in a moonless and starless night, without rudder, compass,

*A Universalist periodical, published in Connecticut, thus speaks of him:

"We have often had occasion to note the progress which is manifestly going on in the mind of this world-famous theologian. We are certainly not wrong in the opinion that, for several years, his views have been growing liberal, more enlarged. *** He is casting off, with a giant's strength, the trammels of Calvinistic theology, and making his way into the liberty and light of a broader and better faith. We find evidences of it in every work which comes from his pen. We are not sure that Stuart is yet a Universalist in his views of the Divine government, but there are many passages in his writings which seem strongly to indicate that he is not far from the kingdom of God."

or chart! And when we apply to our masters for information respecting our position, direction, and progress to the destined port, we are told there are no means of knowing! that it is best and wisest we should know nothing about them! The prophecy is applied to days long since passed away, and all in the future is dark and uncertain ! This is the condition in which we are left by such works as Stuart's, and others following in his steps.

And giving, as our opponents do, the 24th of Matthew and kindred portions of the New Testament to the Universalists, they yield so much as to make it difficult to prove a future personal coming of Christ at all. If such Scripture, so strong and expressive, so demonstrative of a personal coming, is to be regarded as figurative, or, at most, as only intended to teach a spiritual or providential visitation, it must be extremely difficult, and we believe impossible, to prove a personal coming. And especially is this so, after the Apocalypse is wrested from us, and applied to events closing with the destruction of Jerusalem, by some of the most learned writers of the age. To this fearful result do the reasonings of our opposers directly bring us!.. So it is most evident, that to oppose our views with any degree of success, positions most novel, startling, and dangerous, are taken. Settled points are questioned and denied; old and unquestioned principles of 8*

interpretation are abandoned; the plainest biblical teachings are misconstrued, and the whole host of expositors set at naught. Daniel is given to a Syrian prince, the Apocalypse to a Roman emperor, and Matthew and the parallel books to the destruction of Jerusalem! And all this to avoid the doctrine of the Lord's speedy coming! How much like the course of the Jews, to avoid the conclusion that Christ has come the first time! By the most sophistical and unfair means have they attempted to dispose of the seventy weeks, within the limits of which the Messiah was to make his first advent, to justify themselves in their unbelief;—so, by similar means, do our opponents attempt to dispose of the 2300 · days and other like periods, which limit the time of the second advent, to justify their unbelief respecting the time of that advent. In this they show a strong affinity to the Jews. And it is not a little remarkable that both classes are stumbled, perplexed, and pressed by the same general period; the Jews by the first part of it, and our opponents by the concluding part! But the Jews have not yet been able to dispose of the 70 weeks; nor have our opponents been able to dispose of the remainder of the 2300 days. The event distinguishing each, is wholly independent of the belief of mortals. At the appointed time, the first occurred; so will the second, whatever may be the scepticism respecting it.

But to close. It does appear that after a slight examination, all candid persons must see and admit, that, on the supposition that our theory be false, it is far less absurd and dangerous than those which have been excogitated and offered as substitutes for it; that it is less infidel, less paradoxical, less adapted to ruin the souls of men. Such an

examination will show that the methods of our opponents, in opposing our views, supposing them to be wrong, have been like an attempt to put down the Unitarian views of the Unity of God, by Polytheism; or the pretensions of Joe Smith, by an effort to prove that prophets in all ages have been impostors; or, in other words, that a lesser error has been sought to be put down by a greater! And it will be seen, by such examination, that if we err, we err with the wisest and best of men in all ages; that we err on the side of the accredited expositors of the Protestant church; that we err in the plain path of prophetic teaching; that we err, if at all, with comparative safety, because on the side of too great love for the Saviour's appearing! But if we err, our opposers have a fearful account to settle with the world and with God! The world and God will hold them responsible for the doctrines they now advance and oppose to our views. I fear for the result! Did I believe we should fail, I should prefer, by far, my position to that of the opposers. I should hesitate not at all as to

the ground to be chosen, knowing the issue that has been made up. I choose not to share in the fearful account to be settled with Infidels, Catholics, Universalists and Transcendentalists, should time continue. The positions, the works of this controversy, are not to be forgotten. The eye of the eagle has been upon our opposers; every sentiment, and turn, and shift, and change, has been observed, marked, and treasured for future use. At another day, they must be apprized of them. Should they attempt, hereafter, to meet these errorists, they would so turn their own weapons against them, as to drive them quickly and in confusion from the field. Some begin to see the danger, and to give the alarm.⁕

Thus much, supposing we fail. But if we are right, how perilous the condition of opposers! What a position in which to meet the Judge of all the earth! We envy not such a meeting! Lord, forbid that such should be my lot! Let us, then, all wait patiently for Him who shall come to take the kingdom, and reign. Though he tarry beyond a given time, let us daily watch. We may be fully assured that the great principles on which our faith and hopes are based, are true, and will abide forever. All things admonish us, the events of the past, the occurrences of the present, and the fore-shadowings of the

* See an excellent article in the New York Eyangelist, on this subject.