thro' his blood? (Eph. i. 7.) We are also said to be "created in Christ Jesus unto good works;" (Eph. ii. 10.) to have our faith and love in him; (2 Tim. i. 13.) to walk in him; (Col. ii, 6.) to be reconcil-name of Christ, in the above passages, ed to God in Christ; (2 Cor. v. 19.) to are the same in the original, where they be established in Christ; (2 Cor. i. 21.) to respect other blessings, as they are have our covenant with God confirmed when they refer to the forgiveness of in Christ; (Gal. iii. 17.) to have all the sins. Had it been the design of the promises in Christ. (2 Cor. i. 20.) and Holy Spirit to teach us that forgiveness to be blessed with all spiritual blessings is received through Christ in a different in Christ. (Eph. i. 3.) We are said, al-sense from that, in which believers reso, to be cleansed from our sins by the blood of Christ; (1 John i. 7.) to be sanctified through the offering of his body upon the cross; (Heb. x. 10.) to have our consciences purged from dead works to serve the living God, by his blood; (Heb. ix. 14.) and to be made perfect in all things to do his will, thro' the blood of the everlasting covenant. (Heb. xiii. 20, 21.) Christ in the same sense with that of forgiveness. It is worthy of remark that the words through, by, in, for the sake, and in the Do the scriptures teach us that we receive forgiveness for Christ's sake? (John ii. 12, Eph. iv. 32.) We are also taught that other blessings are bestowed in the same way. John xvii. 19." For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they, alse, may be sanctified through the truth." 2 Cor. viii. 9. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he becaine poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Here the whole work of sanctification, and all the riches of the gospel, are said to be bestowed upon believers for Christ's sake. ceive other blessings through him; (especially, if it be in a sense so very dif ferent as that we are now considering) we might certainly have expected that he would have used some different expression in the one case, from that which he hath used in the other. But, as no such difference of expression can be found; and as various words are used to express this relation, and are often times repeated, the inference appears clear and conclusive, that, in both cases, they are to be taken in the same sense, as representing the same relation between Christ and believers, in regard to all the blessings to which they refer. Although there is no word, which ex-. presses the relation in which we stand to Christ, as to the forgiveness of sins, but what is used with reference to other blessings; yet, there are expressions, which refer to other blessings, clearly implying that he is the meritorious cause of them, that are not used with In 1 Cor. vi. 11, believers are said reference to forgiveness. Phil. i. 29. to be washed and to be sanctified, as" Unto you it is given, in the behalf of well as to be justified in the name of the Christ, not only to believe on him, but Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God. also, to suffer for his sake." Here, faith These, it is believed, are all the ex in Christ and a willingness to suffer for pressions, which the scriptures make him, are said to be given to believers in use of to represent directly the relation his behalf. It is difficult to find a phrase, in which believers stand to Christ, as which will express more clearly and fulrespects their forgiveness of sins; and ly than this does, both in English it is plain that the same expressions are and in the original, that the blessings used in the same manner, to show the here spoken of are bestowed out of resrelation in which they stand to Christ,pect to the meritorious or efficacious inas to all the other spiritual blessings fluence of Christ, as a Savior. If this which they enjoy. Until it be shown were not the meaning of the apostle, that these expressions are designed to the phrase which he uses seems to have give a different representation, in one a direct tendency to mislead us. case from that which they give in the This doctrine is, also, clearly taught other, we shall rest, with a full convic- by the phrase with him. Rom. viii. 32 tion, upon the truth of the doctrine, that" How shall he not with him, also, freely. all spiritual blessings are bestowed thro' give us all things." The apostle's ar gument is manifestly this; if God hath of sins, stand in the same relation to provided such a Savior for believers, God with the ang 1 that have never who has procured ail blessings for them by the merits of his atoning blood; how is it possible that he should now withold any of these blessings from them? It is clearly implied in this argument, that, by the sufferings and death of Christ he hath procured all things for believers, all are the fruit of his atonement, and bestowed for his sake, as really and properly as the forgiveness of sins. This doctrine is further confirmed by those passages, which teach us that the end for which Christ accomplished the work of redemption, was to procure for believers other blessings beside forgiveness. Eph. v. 25, 26, 27. "He loved the church and gave himself for it that he might sanctify and cleanse it-that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but, that it should be holy and without blemish." We are here expressly informed that the sanctification of the church, including all spiritual blessings, was the end for which Christ gave himself for it; of course, these blessings must have been actually procured for them by his vicarious sufferings. sinned; are equally without the need of an Intercessor; baving the same right to the throne of grace, and may plead for divine blessings in the same way. The doctrine, we are endeavoring to disprove, appears at least to detract from the glory of Christ's character, as an Intercessor for his people; and we cannot but think it will be admitted with no small reluctance by every humble and penitent believer. PHILALETHES. For the Utica Christian Magazine. THEOLOGICAL MISCELLANIES. Taken from a Common-place Book. Continued from No. 3. Vol. III. Page 59. No. 17. It it said, That belief, or disbelief, can neither be a virtue nor a crime, in any one who has used the best means in his power of being informed. But I would ask, what shall we say of those, who use the best means in their power to make themselves believe that truth is falsehood? A few mornings ago I partly awaked, my eyes being still closed, which I refused to open for fear I should see the light, and so be It is a commonly received doctrine obliged to arise and leave my beloved that in the intercession of Christ with the couch: for I knew if it was morning, it Father, he pleads for all the blessings would be my duty to get up. And I which his people need: and this is evi- also knew, that this conviction of duty dently the reason, why they are directed would take away my comfort of dozing. to ask for every thing that they need, in My drowsy feelings therefore influenced his name. (John xv. 16.) But, we can me to keep my eyes shut and to believe see no propriety in his interceding with that it was not yet morning. My conthe Father for blessings or in our ask-duct in this affair immediately suggested ing for blessings in his name, which are to my mind a sentence which dropped not bestowed upon us for bis sake, out from the lips of the Saviour; "For eveof respect to his atonement. If his ry one that doeth evil hateth the light, atonement, was only the occasion of our neither cometh to the light, lest his receiving other blessings beside forgive- deeds should be reproved." There is a ness; if such other blessings are all be- great difference between moral and stowed upon believers merely as the mathematical truth. In mathematics, if effects of Divine goodness, without any a proposition be evident to us, we beparticular regard to the atonement; we lieve it; but there is nothing of the nacan see no impropriety in petitioning ture of holiness in the belief. If it be for them on this ground. We can see in itself capable of demonstration, and no need of a Mediator and Intercessor yet we do not see and believe, there is with the Father, as regards the bestow-nothing criminal in this unbelief. It arment of these blessings. In this res- gues a defect only in the head, and not pect, for ought that we can discover, be-in the heart. The truth or falsehood of lievers, having received the forgiveness such a proposition, does not at all affect our benevolent, or selfish feelings. But must not think to plead these against religious truths are very different from mercy, even the purest and most unmermathematical problems. In religious ited mercy of God, bestowed through the atoning blood of Christ. truth, we are highly concerned. For example, in this declaration of the Author of the christian system; "I came to seek and to save that which was lost,' we are all concerned. If I admit, that He came to seek and save that which was lost, I must believe myself to be a wicked, lost, undone wretch, who deserves eternal punishment. But such a belief as this would lay my pride in the dust; therefore my proud feelings are all excited, and urge me on to trample under foot a religion which seeks their destruction. But let the heart be properly humbled, in view of depravity and ill-desert, and such a religion would be altogether pleasing. 19. A hint to those who have a disa greement, and nko sa" teat they can have no complacence in uch other's character. "Must I, says ore, lo my neighbor whose ways are wrong? I cannot love such ways." Well then, exercise benes volent affection towards him. This you may do, and ought to do, towards the worst man in the world. Let the same direction be given to the other; and let them both comply with it. What will be the consequence? Now there will be something for complacence to fix upon. Benevolent affection manifested, is the very thing in which we ought to take complacence. This is the very The feelings of Benevolence. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself." I would ask whether a selfish creature can be ex- thing, the only thing, in which the Hopected to sit down and examine the ly One of Israel takes delight. It is by evidences in favour of a religion which the exercise of such love, and the suitamakes this demand, with as much open-ble manifestations of it in our external ness to conviction of its truth, as he conduct, that the scripture requires us to would this problem in mathematics, overcome and melt down our enemies, That the three angels of a rectangular "Be not overcome of evil; but overtriangle, are equal to two right angles? come evil with good." The most cordial consent to this mathe matical truth, requires nothing but a 20. There is a difference between the good head; but such consent to the feelings of a benevolent and selfish becommand," Deny thyself," requires a ing, in desiring that his enemy may be good heart. It is because that infidelity humbled. When I was in the bond of is the fruit of a bad heart, that the iniquity, (the christian may say,) I descripture views it as blame worthy. sired that the man who had injured me, 18. Our sufferings do not answer for might be brought to see his sin. This I our sins, so as to make them any less desired not that he night honor God by criminal, or render us any less ill-de-it,-not that he might become a proper serving: If they did, there would not subject to receive forgiveness from his be so much reason for repentance, af Judge, and thus be blessed; but that he ter we had been chastised for an of might know and acknowledge that he fence, as before. But it is evident from had injured ME. Now, the christain can scripture, that God does not chastise us say, I desire that the man who has done to render repentance needless; but to me wrong, may see it, and make conbring us to the exercise of it. fession to God, and obtain his pardon, We may make a self-righteous de- whether I ever know any thing about it pendance on sufferings, as well as on or not. I desire that he may see and doings. But neither sufferings, nor do- feel the evil of this and of all his other ings, carried to the greatest extent, can transgressions, because it is so right and make one who has sinned deserve any desirable, and so pleasing to God, that favour from God. "Be merciful to me he should make this discovery, and posa sinner," must be his only plea. He sess such feelings. When the Lond may, it is true, plead his doings and suf- brings sinners to repentance, their hapferings, (of which we have many expiness is one pleasing object which he amples in the ancient worthies;) but he has in view. He loves to see them fec right in view of the wrong which they ings concerning us, as to justify I think have done. He loves to see them take a confident hope. We have had a long the side of righteousness against them-season of suspence and trial. We have selves. He is also pleased to see, that they have now become capable of a rational, consistent and pure enjoy ment. been long at a school where we have had good teaching; though we have been slow to learn that humility, patience, and heavenly mindedness, to improve us in which, we have had lesson Character of President EDWARDS, from upon lesson. We are pursuing Mahthe London Evangelical Magazine. ratta in which we have made consider"IT is no disparagement to any one able progress. This, I find, so occuto say, that he is, without a rival, the pies my time as to leave me but litgreatest Divine that the eighteenth centu- tle leisure for reading and writing; ry has produced. The evangelical docmuch less indeed than I could wish. I trines, formerly maintained by CALVIN, still continue Hebrew, which I read never found an abler advocate. His every day; I also read daily the Greek treatises on original Sin—on the Freedom Testament. I wish now I were capable of the Will-and on Virtue, merit the of describing to you the Heathen around attentive perusal of every lover of the me in such a manner as to give you a gospel: and we venture to assert, that true view of their pitiable state. But the person who has not read them, does whenever I begin to write upon it, I find not know all that can be said in favour myself so deficient in particular inforof Calvinism. His book on Religious mation, that I can hardly pen a sentence Affections-his Essays on the Conver without fearing, that I shall commit sions in New-England, and his volumes some error, and therefore in my letters of Sermons, some published before, and generally for the past, I have felt more some since his death, discover his su disposed, to notice their idolatry, as geperior skill in experimental Theology.nerally demanding our compassion, than His death, in the midst of vigour and usefulness, was an infinitely greater calamity to mankind, than that of the greatest hero, or most enlightened statesman." From an American Publication. "From scenes obscure, did Heaven his WARDS Call, to attempt a detail of things with which my acquaintance was so imperfect. The more I learn, the more reason I see to believe, that as they have the Idolatry which God condemns in his holy word, and which is so abominable in his sight, so have they all those abominaDtions, which prevailed among the Idolaters of old. I by no means feel able to answer for the application of this remark to every particular, which we find mentioned of the idotaters described in scripture: But what I have already seen convinces me that Idolatry alone is not the guilt of this people, and that it is very probable that the descriptions of the That moral NEWTON, and that second PAUL; Creating glory and created good; Disclos'd, than all earth's myriads kenn'd be- bible will apply with great particularity fore." EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER TO THE REV. JOHN FROST, WRITTEN BY AN AMERICAN MISSIONARY IN ASIA. Bombay, April 14th, 1814. to them. Their lasciviousness is beyond all bounds. He that should accurately describe even what I have seen myself, would be, in our country in danger of sacrificing his own character. The books that are most commonly read (we have read some of the most comHere I am, as I hope, at length settled mon) contain stories unfit only for the in a heathen land. Not that we have Brothel. The teacher that we have, yet any assurance of being allowed to will unfold in the most direct language, remain, but such have been the proceed-that which we could hardly hint. And MY DEAR BROTHER, from my little observation I am inclined to believe that they have generally no delicacy of sentiments, as it seems very clear they have almost no reserve in their expressions. In the month of Feb. ruary last, there was a course of holidays, the obscenities of which baffle ail at tempts at modest description. impeded and embarrassed by the uncertainty still prevailing as to the real import of that article, in the treaty with Portugal, which limits the Portuguese Slave Trade to places actually under the dominion of the Crown of Portugal.. A number of appeals involving this question are now pending before the Obscenities too, connected with reli- High Court of Appeal in Prize Causes. gious rites, and practised (to be sure In June 1813. Capt. Scobell, of his with various degrees of turpitude) not || Majesty's ship Thais, destroyed an exby individuals, but by the whole com- tensive slave factory at Cape Mesurado, nunity: Yea, even by the most res- belonging to British subjects, and rescupectable individuals, as well as the com-ed 230 human beings from slavery. mon people. In a word, those things The slave traders, John Bostock, and were done publicly in the open street, Thomas Macquin, men who had acwhich ecclesiastical history mentions as quired a large property, were taken and mysteries into which the early christians carried to Sierra Leone, where they pried. Yes, that, and a great deal were tried and convicted under the more. But perhaps I have already said slave trade felony act, and sentenced to too much. I have spoken, because I fourteen years transportation. They wished you to have a true idea of the are now on board the bulks. people for whom you pray. I think these facts extremely calculated to awaken our minds. I did intend to have gone on and said what I felt prepared to say, on other parts of the Hindoo character But I have not room, aud my time is expired. Captain Maxwell, of his Majesty's ship Favourite, made a similar effort to destroy the slaving establishments in the Rio Pongas, in the month of Nov. 1813, but it did not prove effectual from the insufficiency of the force.* A considerable slave trade appears to he carried on to the Isles of France and Bourbons, which means were taken fo suppress. When I first came to this country, I saw around me so many people that used me well enough, and who seemed The Government of the Cape of to me happy enough, that my views of Good Hope had not only adopted vigo their wretchedness were for a moment rous measures for suppressing all slave perhaps diminished. But as my ae-trade in that quarter, but had shown an quaintance with their language, man-honourable solicitude for the amelioraners, and practices increases, I see reas-tion of the state of slavery in that coloon to rank them with the Heathen al-ny. ready described by the pen of inspira- The slave trade was continued at tion, and condemned by him who is just Java for some time after it came into and righteous in all his decisions. our possession. Measures, however, which it was hoped would prove effectGod bless you and make you faith-mal, had at length been taken for its en Therefore pray for us, pray for us. ful. SAMUEL NOTT. AFRICAN INSTITUTION, The Eighth Report of this Institution has been published. The Christian Observer gives the following brief abstract of its contents, in the Appendix to Vol. 13, for the year 1814. tire suppression.t †The following interesting piece of intelli • gence is extracted from the Java Gazette; "We have had the satisfaction of receiving, from our correspondent at Macassar, the fol The Portuguese Slave Trade had lowing report of the effects produced there by been partially restrained by the vigi-the Abolition of the Slave Trade: The lance of our cruisers, at their effortsuence of the abolition of slavery is alrea felt to a great degree in this country. Murin this line of service were materially ders, which were formerly so numerous bere |