acquainted with the merits of these cases, we think it to be unnecessary to dwell any longer upon the subject.

Mr.

Mr. Belsham informs us, that a Unitarian congregation has been formed at Oldenbarneveld, in the State of New York. Sherman was their first minister. He was, however, dismiss ed before long; and the congregation was fast dwindling away, when Mr. Belsham's book was written.

can take a journey to Boston, where an ordaining council can be found without the least inconvenience. If some members of the congregation, not understanding the reason of so novel a proceeding, should require an explanation, it will be easy to say, that there is no place in the world, where so venerable, and wise, and learned, and 'liberal a council can be formed as in Bos

ton.

Our readers may be sur prised at the measure here described: but we have long since ceased to be surprised at any measure, which could propagate the principles in question.

We must now come to a subject, on which we should not touch without mature consideraWe mean the propagation of Unitarianism in Harvard College. We are fully sensible of the delicacy of the subject. That this noble institution has laid fast hold of the affections of the community is a subject of congratulation rather than of wonder. It has been, in many points of view, the pride and glory of our western world. Its excellent founders and subscquent benefactors have endowed it in a manner unparalleled in this country; and it has been the nursery of a long and illus trious train of religious, civil, and literary characters, whose names will not ly forgotten, while the history of the United States shall continue to attract the notice of mankind. Its literary character we are far from wishing to disparage, or undervalue. Its instructors are a highly respectable body of men. Among them are some, as we would hope and believe, who prefer the faith of our fathers to

gua.

One of these ordinations took place lately in Boston; the other a year or two since in the neighborhood. This is rather a new practice in our country; but it has some recommendations. It saves much expense and time. A few years since, it was customary for Unitarian candidates, who were desirous of obtaining a settlement without exposing themselves to the scrutiny of orthodox clergymen, to send from distant places to Boston and the vicinity for an ordaining council. All this was attended with trouble, and was, besides, calcu. lated to excite inquiry and dis. trust. But now, if a Unitarian candidate wishes to be ordained, whether he thinks it proper to avow his sentiments or not, he

the new philosophy of the day. Whatever we may think of the religious opinions of others, we are not in the slightest degree tempted to detract from any just estimation, in which they ought to be held, as men of talents and literature. If talents are perverted, or erudition misapplied, in the zealous propagation of the new philosophical religion, we must of course lament such a state of things; but this will neither warrant nor prompt us to treat the persons concerned with disrespect.

We are aware of the artifice, which has been resorted to by some distinguished names, to save this Seminary from animadversion. The moment we begin to express our fears respecting the tendency of its administration, they vociferate, "Why then you are enemies to learning! You want to pull down the college; to check the spirit of improvement and inquiry; and to bring us back to the dark ages?" This will do very well as a hasty appeal to the vulgar; but if it be intended as a specimen of the new philosophical reasoning, it is, we should suppose, not quite so happy as could be wished by its authors,

What! Are we enemies to learning, because we are conconvinced that learning misapplied and perverted may do great harm to the community? And because we are earnestly desirous, that this noble Institution, sacredly consecrated "to Christ and the Church," should regard its original destination, and not teach men to deny the Lord of glory, instead of worshipping him? Are we enemies to Harvard University, because we are VOL. XI.

dently wish that the majority of its instructors had such views of Christianity as appear to us evangelical, instead of other views, which they now entertain and inculcate? The allegation is as contemptible as it is erroneous; and can never weigh a feather, but with persons, who are guided neither by reasoning nor by principle.

But may we not be mistaken, in our apprehensions respecting the administration of Cambridge College? Would to God we might be convinced of this; but the proof, from the pamphlet before us, is too plain to admit of doubt.

Mr. Belsham has told us what was done at Cambridge, more than 20 years ago, to introduce Unitarianism there.

"As a further means of diffusing the

But

important doctrines of the proper Unity of God, and the simple humanity of Jesus Christ, Mr. Lindsey made a present of his own and of Dr. Priestley's Theological Works to the Library of Harvard College, in the University of Cambridge in New England, for which, "as a very valuable and acceptable present," he re ceived the thanks of the President and Fellows. These books were read with. great avidity by the students. though there is reason to believe that the seed thus sown took deep root, and that in many instances it produced an abundant harvest; and though many persons eminent for rank and talent in the New England States openly avowed the Unitarian creed, it does not appear that any numerous societies of Christians have hitherto followed the example of the congregation at the King's Chapel, in making a public profession of the Unitarian doctrine." pp. 15, 16.

Again;

"In the state of Massachusetts, and particularly in the environs of Boston, the great cause of Christian truth," (i. e. of Unitarianism,) "is making a silent but rapid and irresistible progress. From the inquisitive and liberal spirit which pre33

vails in the University of Cambridge, which has never been checked at any time, but which there is reason to expect will receive every requisite aid and encouragement from the present learned and accomplished Principal, Dr. Kirkland, the happiest consequences may be expected to ensue." p. 37.

that these prayers, as they have been offered for four years in succession, afford an unfavorable specimen of the kind of religion, which is taught in the college. Indeed, the prayers of professed Christians, generally, are much less apt to be erroneous, than their direct, formal, instructions. At one commencement, that of 1813, the prayers were particularly observed, and their deficiences noticed, even by children who had been accustomed to far other devotional exercises. At the close of the day, several gentlemen of education and respectability, from different parts of the American union, came to the unanimous conclusion, that the following negatives could be truly asserted concerning both the prayers: viz. That there was no mention of sin; of course no petition for forgiveness; no admission or implication that mankind are in a ruined state; no acknowledgment of exposedness to sin. There was no mention of salvation; nor the slightest allusion to any church as existing upon earth; nor to the holiness and happiness of heaven. There was no mention of a radical distinction among men; no admission of regeneration; no supplication for spiritual aid. There was no looking forward to a more blissful period of the world, when the truth shall be universally prevalent. In one of the prayers, there was no mention of Christ, nor the most distant allusion to Him; in the other, the only mention or allusion was in the three closing words, "through our Redeemer."

We refer also to the first paragraph of the letter of Mr. Wells, a distinguished and favorite alumnus of that college.

If further evidence were wanting, we might find it, in the class of books recommended by the Professor of Divinity in that Seminary, as the best books in Theology; in the manner in which his Theological Lectures are managed, and in which the exercises of the Sabbath are con ducted; especially, in the General Repository, a work, which declares the doctrine of the Trinity to be the grossest corruption of modern times; and in a letter of consolation and encouragement written by Dr. Kirkland to the New Unitarian Church in Philadelphia; which they, like their Apostle Belsham, have been complaisant enough to publish, by shewing it to several of their orthodox friends. But it is unnecessary to proceed in this detail, which might be enlarged to thousands of particulars. The gentlemen themselves, since Mr. Belsham has so unexpectedly and imprudently betrayed the matter, will not, we presume, for a moment hesitate to avow the principles which they hold.

There is one topic of proof, how. ever, which is of a very solemn nature, and which deserves a separate notice, We refer to the prayers, offered by the President, at the public commencement. It will not be contended,

We should not have mentioned this subject, if it seemed pos

sible that such prayers could have originated from mere forgetfulness, or accident. Were we asked for a positive description of them, we should say, that they were such as a candid and intelligent man would suppose Mr. Belsham to make, in perfect consistency with his creed.

It is to be remembered, that the departure of a class from the college, where they have been educated, is to them a solemn occasion; and that they need, whatever their instructors may think on the subject, to be earnestly and affectionately com mended to the grace of God. They need the prayers of all, who have an interest at the throne of grace, that as they go forth into the world and become more exposed to its manifold temptations, they may be preserved from sin, and sanctified by the Word and Spirit of God, made blessings to the church and the world, and prepared for endless happiness and glory.

Such, then, is the melancholy view of this important Seminary; which contains hundreds of promising youths, who are here. after to act a conspicuous part in the important business of life. The most superficial observer must see, that such a seminary is the very heart of the commonwealth; every pulse it beats, if it be diseased, will send poisonous blood to the very extremities of the body politic. Let Christian parents look well to this. The men that raised up the College, and made it the glory of our western world, were men who consecrated it "to Christ and the Church." To them belongs the praise of making it what it has been. But it is no longer what

it once was. The lustre of science still shines, but the Sun of Christianity is eclipsed. Young men leave the place now, not with hosannas in their mouths to the Son of David; but with burning zeal to propagate the new philosophy. Does the parent, who bows the knee to Jesus, wish to have his son deny the Lord that bought him? If not, let him well reflect what destination he gives him, to be taught the principles of religion as well as science.

If the advocates for the present administration of the College are displeased with these remarks, they must thank Mr. Belsham for having elicited them. We never took our pen with greater caution, nor with a more imperious sense of duty.

We have done with the History of the progress of Unitarianism; but there are some incidental points in the pamphlet before us, which it will be proper to notice.

The manner, in which Unitarianism is propagated, deserves a few moments attention. Dr. Freeman, as has been seen already, describes certain cautious characters, "who content themselves with leading their hearers, by a course of rational but prudent sermons, gradually and insensibly to embrace" Unitarianism. Though Dr. F. does not entirely approve this mode; "yet," says he, "it produces good effects."

39

Mr. Belsham has inserted in his work, (pp. 38-41 of the pamphlet,) a very "curious" letter, to use his own epithet; but has not told us who was the writer of it. We recommend this letter to our readers, as one

鹦

of the most admirable specimens of anility, which they will any where find. It contains a great deal of small talk, concerning the Boston Clergy and other things. The object of Mr. Belsham in publishing it, was, doubtless, to chastise the Boston clergy for their cowardice in concealing their religious opinions. Hear him commenting on this letter:

"Can it upon the common principles of human nature be reasonably expected of a body of clergy, nursed in the lap of ease and affluence and placed in a station of such high secular consideration and comfort as that of the ministers of Boston, that they should come forward and by an open profession of unpopular truth voluntarily risk the loss of all their temporal dignity and comfort, and incur the contempt and enmity of many who are now their warmest admirers and friends? I say

not this by way of disparagement to the present body of ministers in Boston and its neighborhood. Some of these I have the pleasure to call my friends, and know them to be possessed of talents the most distinguished, of piety the most fervent,

and of benevolence and zeal the most ardent, active and laudable; and of the rest I have heard a most favorable character. It is the situation, not the men, which ex

cites my apprehensions. And who will venture to say of himself, that his virtue would be equal to the trial. Yet still it cannot reasonably be hoped that truth will make any visible and rapid progress, till her advocates rise above the fear of man, and the love of ease, and are willing with the apostles of Christ and the reformers of every age, to forsake all and to sacrifice their dearest interests in

her glorious cause. The encouragement and success which such faithful confessors would meet with in that populous and op

ulent city, would, I doubt not, be very

great." p. 41.

"Faithful confessors!" What distinguished self-denial, sim. plicity, and godly sincerity! The crown of martyrdom surely awaits you. Are you not impatient to be gone, and grasp the immortal prize?

Boston brethren, on the subject of concealing their sentiments in this manner. Mr. Wells has undertaken to become their advocate. His plea in their behalf has been already seen in the third paragraph of his letter.

Mr. Belsham takes the liberty to differ very much from his

We pass over, for the present, the very decorous appellations, liberally bestowed by Mr. Wells upon the orthodox; and remark merely, that the apology for his cautious brethren sufficiently indicates his views of their conduct, in regard to their public teaching.

Thus it is, and thus it has been for years. Knowing that the cold skepticism of Socinianism cannot satisfy the wants nor alleviate the woes of plain common sense people, its advocates in general have not dared to be open. They have clandestinely crept into orthodox churches, by forbearing to contradict their faith, and then have gradually moulded them, by their negative preaching, to the shape which they would wish. The people, after a while, never hearing of the atonement, nor of special grace, or any of the kindred doctrines, forget that they belong to the Christian system; and, by and by, regard a man as a kind of cnthusiast, or monster, who preaches such doctrines. Who does not see, that there is great cunning, and that there is great policy in all this? But then-the honesty! That is another matter. Did the holy apostles act in this manner when they preached to Jews or heathens? Did they teach by negatives? Let those blush, who profess to follow the the apostles, and yet behave in this base, hypocritical manner! Common honesty revolts at it. The idea that a minister believes