polite, the gay, the fashionable, and the worldly minded; and by a bitter and persecuting spirit towards such as would warn them of their danger, that they may escape those terrible judgments which must sooner or later come with unerring certainty upon ever branch of the visible church, that persists in a course of begun defection. That defection from truth which has been once attained and professed, involves the highest degree of guilt of which the church is capable, and exposes her to the most tremendous judgments. This is a truth graven on every page of the sacred writings in characters durable as the hand that formed them; sealed in the blood of martyrs, and confirmed by the history of the world. The Jewish nation from the commencement of its national existence to the coming of Christ, constituted the visible church of God—the only true church. She was also a most accurate type of the New Testament church, and we find this to have been her constant, her most besetting sin, with few exceptions, throughout the whole period of her history. They murmured against God, they forsook him; they rejected him; they refused to put their trust in him; they continually provoked him to wrath. This was the sin for which their carcasses fell in the wilderness; for which their nobles were slain, their temple destroyed, and themselves made captives seventy years under the cruel oppression of the fierce Chaldeans; and for which they were at last as a nation and church totally destroyed, by the infliction of judgments, the bare recital of which is enough to cause the flesh to crawl, and the ear to tingle. And in all this God vindicates himself: "What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and have become vain ?" (Jer. ii. 5.)

But nine-tenths of professors in our day will start up at all that we have said, aud cry shame, bigotry, censoriousness, peevishness, want of charity towards others. Now all this is the syren song of Satan. It is a point which he guards with most sedulous care; for he well knows that if he can get professors to suffer sin upon one another without lifting the warning voice, he will soon have the most of them to grace his retinue. People must learn to distinguish between a true and a pure church; between the being and well-being of a church. And they must not cease to warn their professing brethren of the dangers to which they are exposed, and sedulously guard them against the least inroads of defection. The Jewish nation was always the true church till God destroyed her for her defections. Yet read the denunciations of the prophets against her for her backslidings, and learn not to be led astray by the example of any man, or body of men, who profess Christ, while they deny him in a single iota of doctrine or practice. In a time of defection, such for instance as prevails in our day, then is the "hour of temptation that cometh on the world to try them that dwell upon the earth." (Rev. iii. 10.) In such a time the whole christian world may cry peace, peace, and prate of their own glorious doings; and were it possible they would deceive the very elect. (Matt. xxiv. 24.) The teachers of heresy in such a time, are far more numerous, than the faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. They are "many." (Matt. xxiv. 11.) At such a time people are perfectly willing to suffer sin upon a brother. Any attempt to correct his error would offend him; and we must have peace; and besides their own hands not being altogether clean, their neighbor might retort upon them; "Physician heal thyself." So they go on corrupt and corrupting one another. Men hear of the threatened evil, but care for none of these things. They have no concern in the matter; they look on such as would impress their minds with the coming danger as dyspeptics, troubled with groundless suspicions and fears.

But it is not merely indifference that prevails and sheds its blasting and mildew over the prosperity of the church. This defection is ever

accompanied with a bitter and persecuting spirit. Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Shall betray one another. This is not a persecution from outward enemies, but from secret foes, who have crept into the sacred enclosure. The church never loses either truth or holiness by the persecutions of avowed enemies; but she suffers loss of both by wolves in sheep's clothing. Who have been the most unrelenting persecutors? Surely they that slew the prophets. And they were professors. It is probable that half the persecutions which Christians suffered under the emperors of Rome, was instigated by the Arians and other heretics. We need not point to Popery. And who are the persecutors in our day? They are false professors who have publicly professed a creed which they do not believe, or will not practice. Read the outrageous slanders and violent proceedings of the New School men in the General Assembly against their own church.

Lest some humble christian should be too much dejected in mind by a consideration of the low state of the church, that we have here represented it to be in, at this time, it is proper to observe that in all this confusion and falling away of professors, the true believer has nothing to fear. "The Lord knoweth them that are his." Those who forsake the truth, no matter what may have been their professions, never saw its true glory and importance, or felt its saving power. "They went out from us that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us." Besides God will in his own set time arise and have mercy upon Zion; and that time may be nearer than many suppose. His promise is that "at evening time it shall be light." But it should be remembered that when he brings deliverance to his church it will be in the way of leading her into all truth. She will then go forth by the footsteps of the flock; she will enquire diligently for the old paths and the good way. Then shall the saints take pleasure in the stones, and favor the dust of Zion. (Ps. cii. 14.) They will no longer esteem any revealed truth a small matter. They will not deny their profession by a contrary practice.

It was proposed to answer the objections of the Christian Magazine, but this article is growing to an unreasonable length, and besides it would be an insult to the understanding of the reader to offer any reply to such objections, did not experience teach us that multitudes seem willing to take any thing in the form of religion however puerile or even ridiculous it may be; therefore we shall be very brief.

1. The Associate Reformed Church does not deny Secession principles." This is precisely what we had asserted; so far from denying them, she professes but does not practice them.

2. "We hope there are few of our brethren in the Associate Church, who concur in Mr. Webster's doctrine, that Secession principles consist in nothing but singing David's Psalms, and holding close communion." We hardly know which most to admire the folly or presumption of this statement. Let the reader cast his eye back to the extract in which Mr. McLaren finds this doctrine, and see if he can find any such thing in it. If his readers really believe him, they are certainly to be pitied. And I can see no reason why such a statement is made unless Mr. McL. goes on the supposition that we are not under obligation to keep the whole law. "He that keepeth the whole law," says divine inspiration, "and yet of fendeth in one point is guilty of all." Singing an inspired Psalmody is a part of the law; and consequently a part of Secession principles; therefore he who sings human composures is guilty of all, and has, "in practice" denied Secession principles. I hope the reader will understand this reasoning; but I have no hope that I shall be able to make myself understood by the editor of the Christian Magazine.

The reader is requested to turn back to the head of this article and read

the next two sentences, and then examine the extract from which they purport to be taken, and see how much resemblance they bear to each other. Indeed I could not have supposed it possible to crowd so many perversions and misrepresentations within the compass of eight or ten lines, as are here contained, had I not seen things of the same kind before, from the same quarter.

3. "The attachment of the Associate Reformed Church to a Scriptural Psalmody is unshaken, Mr. Webster's judgment and sentence to the contrary notwithstanding." We have no doubt, that her attachment is just as unshaken as ever it was. She never would, and will not now depart from a Scriptural Psalmody, only when her ministers have a desire to show their skill and orthodoxy to some of those congregations where a human Psalmody is used.

As to the last part of the sentence, I suppose we are to take that for one of his "little veins of satire," of which he is so fond, and of which he sometimes gives us information, lest we should carelessly overlook them, and lose their beauty,

ART. VI. Miscellaneous Items.

OBERLIN INSTITUTE.-A writer in the Salem (Mass.) Landmark, gives the follow ing information respecting the Oberlin Institute, located in Lorain County, Ohio, in which Rev. C. G. Finney, who has obtained so much renown for his New Light, New Measures and Fanaticism, is Professor of Theology.

The President of the Oberlin Institute, Rev. Asa Mahan, had but just entered upon the duties of his office, when he publicly ridiculed and stigmatized the study of the classics. He admitted the necessity of studying the Greek language, in order that the scholar might read the New Testament in the original. Such was the effect of his denunciation, that a general bonfire of Latin books was made by the students. The Professor of Languages, Rev. Mr. Waldo, finding it impossible to acquiesce in the views of the President, and of the Trustees who sustained the President, resigned his office. A letter from him, containing a comprehensive view of the case, now lies before me. It bears date, Oberlin, Aug. 5, 1835.

A recent catalogue of the Institute gives the course of study. From this, it appears, that a miserable pittance of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, constitute the requisition of languages. In regard to the other features of the course of study, I will only say, that no genuine New England scholar will be found, who would anticipate any very splendid results from the prescribed plan of education at Oberlin.

66

I had known of schools and academies in which both sexes have been taught; but I never before knew the like of what is a material part of the system of this Institute. The catalogue for 1835, has the names of 203 males, and 73 females. Of these last it is said They board at the public table, and perform the labor of the Steward's Department, together with washing, ironing, and much of the sewing for the students." "They attend recitations with the young gentlemen in all the departments." Think now of this picture, from the published catalogue of this Institute! Males and females all take their meals at the same tables in a Common Hall; and all attend recitations together in all the departments!

I have been informed by those who know whereof they affirm, that changes are made from time to time in the order of sitting at table, so that the advantages of this intermixing of the sexes may be secured to all alike. An eye-witness assures me of the fact; which has also been reported in my hearing by men of the highest character for credibility.

It is true that the catalogue says of the young ladies, "Their rooms are entirely separate from those of the other sex, and no calls or visits in their respective apartments are at all permitted."

I waive any further particulars. Much more I could state as matters of fact and subject of serious consideration. But I cannot refrain from adding, that all or nearly all the favorite views of our wisest and best men, from the landing at Plymouth to the present moment, have been treated contemptuously at Oberlin. I speak advisedly. Our general system of education, our manner of religious instruction and influence, in

fact, every thing in our institutions of learning and theology in which we have been accustomed to repose confidence, as a means of substantial and permanent good, has been repeatedly subjected to the severest invective and ridicule by members of the present Faculty of the Oberlin Institute."

DOCTRINES OF THE CHURCH OF ROME.-There has been much enquiry of late as to what are the doctrines of the church of Rome, in reference to the duty of confesBors in the case of flagrant crimes coming to their knowledge. The following quotations from Dens' Theology, state the theory, and the infamous conduct of a priest at Cork, when summoned as a witness upon a trial for murder, which will be fresh within the memory of our readers, and will illustrate the practice. Truly Dens has 'not

been circulated in vain.

"Q. Can a case be given in which it is lawful to break the sacramental seal? A. It cannot be given, although on it should depend the life or safety of men, or even the destruction of the State, &c."-" Q. What then, ought a confessor to reply when interrogated concerning truth which he knows, from sacramental confession alone? A. He ought to reply that he does not know it; and if necessary should confirm the same with an oath."-Objection: In no case is it lawful to tell a lie; but that confessor would tell a lie, because he does know the truth. Answer: I deny the minor; because such confessor is interrogated as man; now he does not know that truth as man, although he may know it as God;" so says S. H. q. c1, art. 1, ad. 3, &c.-" Q. What if it be directly asked of the confessor whether he knows it from sacramental confession? A. In this case he ought to answer nothing (so Stey. cum Sylvio) but the question is to be rejected as impious; or he might even say absolutely, not relatively, to the proposer of the question-I know nothing about it,' because the word I,' restrains it to human knowledge."

We spend not a syllable of indignation upon these demoralizing, and worse than Pagan doctrines. Only let the reader remember that they are the avowed code of the Papal priesthood.

It is amongst the strange anomalies of the human mind, that the gross superstitions of Popery do not convince all persons of common intelligence within its pale of its absurdity; unless, indeed, we suppose that they are convinced already, and that they confirm to its rites merely for secular convenience just as Mr. O'Connell went down upon his knees in the streets, to flatter the delusions of the blind multitude, in order to secure votes at the hustings. Can any thing be more monstrously absurd in the superstitions of a Hottentot or New Zealander, than making the Virgin Mary a Fieldmarshal? Yet what Papists would venture to question the sobriety of the following recent proclamation:- Army of the King, Don Carlos V.-Royal Decree.-The most holy Virgin de los Dolores having been declared by me Generalissimo of my troops, it became my duty, from motives of veneration and piety, to distinguish with the title of Generalissimo the Royal standard, which bears for its device this august image; and in consequence I ordain that this august and royal standard be not lowered before any person, not even before me; and that the same honors and salutes be rendered to it as to the holy Sacrament. Given at Estella, this 2d August, 1835. London Chris. Obsv.

"I, the King."

TO THE READER.-In the extract from "The Christian World Unmasked,” there is a passage which seems to favor the opinion that CHRIST is only offered to sensible sinners and that none others have a right to accept of him. This opinion has been long since justly discarded by the generality of Calvinistic divines. It is a precious truth, that a free and full offer of salvation is made to mankind indiscriminately wherever the gospel comes; and that co-extensive with the offer is the warrant to embrace it. "Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness; I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry." "Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely."

TO CORRESPONDENTS.-The communication signed, "A Seceder," though containing some excellent thoughts and suggestions, is judged unfit for insertion in its present shape. When this correspondent shall send us his proposed "Plan for the improvement of the West," together with his name, it will receive due consideration, and if thought to be of sufficient importance, it will find a place in the Monitor.

THE

RELIGIOUS MONITOR,

AND

EVANGELICAL REPOSITORY.

APRIL, 1836.

ART. I. Remarks in relation to the Baptized Youth of the Church. [Being the substance of a Report made by Presbyterial appointment.]

It is a fact of very frequent occurrence in our times, that persons who have been baptized and brought up under gospel ordinances make no distinct public profession of religion. Many are wilfully ignorant of the distinguishing principles of the church to which they belong. Others, who have been painfully instructed, and cannot be classed with the ignorant, do not feel sufficient interest in the matter to come to any decision, whether those principles are true or false. They have other things in their eye, to which practically at least they attach higher importance. The fear of becoming unfashionable hinders some. Others are entangled by legal principles and erroneous views. And not a few who are truly convinced in their hearts of their duty, regard the restraints of a holy life with dread; they are loath to part with their favorite sins,-they fight against their own convictions and at length overcome them.

From these and similar causes, a great many baptized persons in several denominations make no public profession. This is a prevailing sin in our day. And it is one that deeply affects the interests of the visible church. It is with her as with all other communities-in ordinary circumstances her increase and continuance must be by the accession of those who are brought up within her. And if these accessions do not take place congregations must first dwindle, and then after struggling for a while, unsuccessfully against the growing evil, become extinct. their place a generation will likely succeed, who may be emphatically said "to know not the Lord, nor the mighty works which he hath done;" brought up under the external light of the gospel, yet constantly opposing the convictions of its truth and authority, they must eventually be "past feeling."

In

These things are of fearful import and ought deeply to affect the friends of Zion. If barrenness was regarded under the law as a curse, how much more this which is spiritual. It indicates the departure of the Holy Spirit, whose teaching and remonstrances have been rejected, and unequivocally threatens particular churches with extinction. "The ground that has been often rained on and bringeth forth nothing but briars and thorns is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned."

But while we lament and complain of this growing and portentous evil, it ought to be enquired, whether we and our fathers are not in some respect VOL. XII

41