ture retribution, will exercise that charity which thinketh no evil; and in their religious intercourse be still more influenced by the great law of the gospel they profess. But

to return.

In the "History of the Philadelphia Baptist Association," written by Rev. J. H. Jones, and published in 1832, in a weekly journal, entitled "The World," we find a brief account of Mr. Winchester's connexion and troubles with the Baptist Society in that city. An abstract of it is here presented, as in some respect more minute than the account furnished by Mr. W. and as corroborating our remarks upon his popularity. Mr. Jones dates Mr. W's. arrival in Philadelphia in August, instead of October—an error of no material consequence.

"In the month of August, 1780, Elhanan Winchester arrived in Philadelphia. His manner of preaching was popular, his address very fascinating, and his appearance dignified and commanding. Many of the church were anxious that he should be immediately invited to preach to them for one year. In the ensuing October he was invited to supply until October, 1781. In the following March it was mentioned at Church Meeting, that Mr. Winchester held the Restoration of "bad men and angels." Much debating ensued; and finding nothing satisfactory could be done, the following protest was entered on record, and signed by those who wished to preserve the orthodox faith.

"Whereas the doctrine of Universal Restoration of bad men and angels, in the fullest extent, has for a considerable time privately, and of late more publicly, been introduced among us, by some of the members, to the great disgrace and confusion of our Church, and wounding the hearts of many of the brethren, the said doctrine being con

trary to the Bible, and the Confession of Faith; we, whose names are underwritten, do, in the most solemn manner, from our real conviction of duty, protest against the same, as a most dangerous heresy. *

“The above protest was signed by about eig' ty members. On a question of appointing a committee to inform Mr. Winchester that the church would not admit him to officiate in their pulpit, it was decided by a majority of nearly two to one, that such a committee should not be appointed. The minority, however, appointed a committee from their own number for that purpose. The committee addressed a note to Mr. Winchester, requesting him to decline preaching in the meeting house. A letter was also directed to be written to the Rev. Samuel Jones, requesting him to supply the pulpit. The letter to Mr. Winchester, at a subsequent meeting, was returned, unopened; and Mr. Jones was not invited to preach, as the house had been broken open, and was occupied by Mr. Winchester. A committee was appointed to confer with the majority, and. endeavour to remove all existing difficulties. This committee invited Messrs. Oliver Hart, Samuel Jones, Wm. Vanhorn, and John Boggs, as a council to advise them. At the church meeting in April, the majority opposed the council giving their attendance. Much debate arose concerning the propriety of calling the majority or the minority the church. The adherents of Mr. Winchester contended, that as they were the majority, they were undoubtedly the church; and that it was contrary to the principles of

The worthy brethren in the present instance had probably forgotten the confession of the great apostle to the Gentiles, " that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, be lieving all things which are written in the law and the prophets."

Baptist church government, for a minority to attempt to defeat the expressed will of the majority; and that the majority were independent, and required no advice, no council, no foreign aid, to adjust their differences. The minority contended that they were the church because they adhered to every article of their confession of faith, and that the majority had abjured the confession of faith.

"All this was unavailing; it was now almost unsafe "to come within the wind of such commotion." The litigating parties separated; the one party occupied the lower floor, the other ascended into the gallery. After much consultation, it was agreed that the parties should meet the council the next day, and hear their opinion. The parties met in the presence of the council, and after all were heard, the council gave the following opinion, viz: "That those of said church who imbibed the doctrine of Universal Restoration, have departed from the Baptist Society: that those who protested against said errors, are the Baptist church of Philadelphia."

"The opinion was opposed by the representatives of the majority, as was also a proposition to refer the whole matter to sister churches of the Association.

"The conference broke up without agreeing on any point in dispute. Subsequently the minority proposed to refer the matter to any number of members of the churches of the Philadelphia Association, each party choosing an equal number; or, provided they would leave it to any number of ministers of the Association, the majority might choose the whole.* The foregoing propositions were re

*The minority were perfectly safe in making this proposition, as they very well knew that all the clergymen of the Association were

jected by the majority. Col. Miles was therefore instructed to declare to the majority in a solemn and formal manner, "that they are not of us ;" and further to inform the majority that the minority will hereafter consider themselves the church, and act accordingly. At this meeting, which was the last ever held by the parties, jointly, much debating ensued on the doctrine of Universal Restoration ;-and at this very day, we cannot but admire the zeal, and polemic skill and acumen, displayed on both sides."

It is pleasant to observe, that through all the excitement produced by Mr. Winchester's avowal of the Restoration, both himself and his friends conducted with propriety that extorted praise even from the opposers of their faith. When a separation of the church became inevitable, the adherants of Mr. Winchester, as before stated, were the majority. Upon the principle that the majority shall govern, it was in their power to have excluded the minority and kept possession of the meeting house. Of this power, they manifested no desire to avail themselves. But guided by the dictates of the religion they professed, they immediately "proposed to have the property valued, and either party take it at its value." And here says Mr. Jones, "I cannot but commend the justice and magnanimity of the majority. They were in possession of property, much of which belonged to them, nor had it in their power to do much for the weal of Zion, yet they had some conscience." For reasons not explained, this fair and honorable proposition was not accepted.

pposed to Mr. Winchester and his friends, and as a party interested would give a verdict unfavorable to the majority. It was proper therefore that the proposition should be rejected. The spirit of impartiality would have suggested a reference to persons not connected with either party.

"It was further proposed by the majority that the place of worship should be alternately occupied by both parties. The church did not accept either proposal-justly concluding that they could not see wheat and tares sown in the same field. This final conference was adjourned, Col. Miles, as the organ of the church, declaring that they could not hereafter meet them as brethren of the same faith and gospel order. The minority, acting in church capacity, met the ensuing day, excluded the majority, and appointed a committee to wait upon Mr. Winchester, pay him the amount due him, and inform him his services were no longer needed. The committee subsequently reported that they had tendered Mr. Winchester the money, that he declined receiving it with such conditions being attached to it as not preaching again in the pulpit.”

The minority were determined to have the whole control of the house, and acting perseveringly in reference to that purpose, they finally succeeded in obtaining it.—The majority commenced a suit to regain the property. "The trial produced much excitement in the city of brotherly love. Witnesses were called in from various quarters to prove what were the received doctrines of the Baptist community. Councillors learned in the law, and skilled in polemic casuistry were in attendance." After a trial of several days, Mr. Winchester's friends were non-suited.

*The majority could have drawn the same conclusion, with equal propriety, and by their legal right, have dispossessed the minority of the house at once. They preferred, however, a friendly compromise, on christian principles,