that thing. If then the foreknowledge of God be founded on his decrees, before he decreed all things, it would appear that he did not know them. If we account the decrees of God to be from all past eternity, it would seem he did not make them, because they are as old as Jehovah himself. And besides, what exists from all past eternity cannot be done, made or decreed; for these terms as much imply a beginning, as they do an accomplishment of action. The phrase, therefore, that God decreed from all eternity every event, conveys to the human mind no distinct meaning. Thus we find difficulty on the plan of endless decrees, established by the divine Author of our being. (To be continued.) ANECDOTES. A very strenuous opposer of the universal grace of God, remarked to a believer in this doctrine, that uni versal salvation is a very pleasing doctrine to the devil; that he preached it to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden; and that he has always liked to have it preached ever since. To this the defendant replied; Now, Sir, you be proxy for the devil, and I will preach universal salvation to you, and we will see if it pleases you. Saying this, he addressed him as follows: Mr. Devil, you are a big fellow. You have a great many folks, and it makes you feel very proud. The ministers speak much in your praise by telling the people, you will have the major part of mankind at last; which flatters you very much. But I tell you, you will have to come down. Jesus Christ will deprive you of your boasted property. He will deliver from your chains, the last son of Adam that is held in your dominion. He will bruise your head and be your struction. Does all this please you? Does it gratify your feelings to think you must lose all your slaves,and be destroyed yourself? On hearing this preaching, the man soon replied to his friend, I'll not be your devil any longer. de A liberal, sociable Clergyman, pleasantly invited a woman, whose husband was a Universalist, to join a "Female Cent Society," observing, it was "only a cent per week to send eternal life to the poor heathens, who are entirely destitute of all means of salvation." He asked her husband if he was willing she should join a society to save the poor creatures. When the minister made his report to the Missionary Board, having obtained about twenty-five dollars, they gave him thirty, as a reward for his extraordinary exertions. Soon after, a friend called on the Universalist, observing, "Well, Mr., the money which was raised for the benefit of the Heathens, never reached them; our Minister has got it all and more too." Indeed, replied the Universalist, then it comé as nigh reaching the character for whom it was intended, as it could and miss. For what is more Heathenish, than for a Minister thus to accept of money, which he pretended was raised for the salvation of immortal souls! Christian Intelligencer. MISCELLANEOUS. We learn that a new society of eighteen persons, believing in universal benevolence, has recently been formed in Danville, Vt. May the Lord water this plant with the rain of his righteousness. Br. Russell Streeter commenced, last September, a quarterly periodical publication, in Portland, Me, under the title of "The Christian Intelligencer, devoted to theoretical and practical religion." We have received the first number. We discern in it the fruits of that lively genius and flowing eloquence, which distinguished the labors of Br. Streeter in this part of the country, We have heard of a Baptist preacher in Chelsea, in this State, by the name of Micaiah Colburn, who for about two years, has preached "good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people," "and he followeth not us." "But," we remember, "Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me." We have no answer to Hyram's two Letters, published in our last. Of the Christian Messenger, we have received of no later date-than September. Novem Character of Mr. John Tainter.-We learn from the Gospel Herald, (N. Y.) that a man by this name, whose character is proved to be notoriously bad, is imposing his labors upon the public; sometimes as a preacher of universal salvation, and sometimes as a strenuous opposer. The General Convention never gave him a letter of fellowship, as he sometimes states. The public is cautioned to beware of his treachery.. OBITUARY... Died in Woodstock, September 14, Mrs. LucY MONGER consort of Dr. Aaron W. Monger, aged 31. At Cambridge, Mass. Oct. 8, Mr. CLARK HULETT, son of Mr. John Hulett, of Reading, Vt. in the 23d year of his age. At New-London, N. H. Nov. 5, William HenRY HARRISON HARVEY, son of Mr. Levi Harvey, aged 7 years and 11 months. At Cooperstown, Aug. 27th, Mrs. SARAH MUNN, aged 60 years, wife of Mr. Joseph Munn. She sustained a long and painful illness, occasioned by a cancer under her left arm, with the utmost fortitude and resignation; and died, as she lived, a firm believer in God's Universal Love. It may be truly said of this excellent woman, that she was a pattern of piety and benevolence. Her death will be sincerely lamented by an aged husband, two daughters, and an extensive circle of relatives and friends.-N. Y. Gos. Herald. At New-Haven, Vt. Br. CALEB RICH, aged 71. Long has he been a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, in the ministry of uni. versal grace. The time of his death we have not heard, but hope to be able to communicate something more concerning him in our next. At Woodstock, Nov. 23, Mrs. LUCY DENISON, wife of Hon. Henry C. Denison, aged 36. LINES ON DEATH. Death, the rude tyrant, with an awful frown, And bow submissive in the conquer'd field. CHRIST'S SERMON ON THE MOUNT, PARAPHRASED BY Come, brothers, sisters, who believe. Bless'd are the poor, whose goods are spoil❜d, Whose armor, laid beneath the dust, Bless'd all who weep in sin's dark valé, Where persecuting storms prevail, Deny the Prince of life; Have come the broken heart to bind, Bless'd are the humble, meek, and low, All hungry, thirsty souls are bless'd, And love before unknown. All those that stoop at mercy's gate, Bless'd are the merciful in deed, For they shall of the Lord obtain To dwell in endless light. To be continued. Correction. In page 79 of this volume, line 14, read reverence for reverend. Line 27, read reverend for reverence. |