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sons of God. I have read of some in that church, whose piety has appeared to be pure and eminent. Some stars have always shone in that horizon, notwithstanding the clouds, with which it has been obscured. Names might

be mentioned, if it were necessary, which have reflected honor on the Christian cause.

It is not my desire to be considered as an apologist for the church of Rome; but merely to show, that it is possible for real Christians to subsist in that communion; while, I can see no ground, on which, to form such an opinion in favor of the Anti-Trinitarians. This is my judgment expressed without the least unkind feelings, to the Anti-Trinitarian denomination. Nothing is further from my heart, than a wish, wantonly to wound the feelings of any of my fellow-creatures. If I could be kind to them, and faithful to the cause of Christ, without expressing an opinion on the subject, that method would be readily adopted. This frank and solemn declaration will, in all probability, not be believed by them; and therefore, the matter must be submitted to the day of judgment. Every unkind expression of their's, I hope cheerfully to forgive; and I desire, if I know my own heart, their best interest in time and eternity. Their feelings and mine, are known to God, at whose bar, an account must be given of all our ways.

In relation to the Universalists, whose case has been mentioned, they stand on the same footing with the Anti-Trinitarians, as to piety. That class of them who are on the plan of a limited future punishment, differ but very little from the Anti-Trinitarians, except in the name which they have assumed. The other class of Universalians, differ from them both, as to the Person and Atonement of Christ; but they manifest great opposition of heart to the execution of divine justice, in respect to those who appear to die in sin Their case, as to true religion, is something doubtful, to LL

say the least of it. We have no right to consider any of these denominations, as the Churches of Christ: nor any of their members, as born of the Spirit. No other sect of professing Christians, that I know of, have so completely departed from the faith.

3. From what has been said on this subject, we see the importance of guarding against doctrines, which subvert the Christian system. Every possible step should be taken, that appears to be adapted to preserve our families and fellow-men, from such contagious principles; and we should also strive to reclaim those who are ensnared by them, in the spirit of meekness. As to this matter, St.

Paul says, "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Tim. 2. 24, 25. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," certainly includes them, on whose sentiments these animadversions have been made. A faithful exhibition of divine truth, is the best token of real friendship. To say, that no sentiments are dangerous, if sincerely believed, is contrary to these inspired words, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4. 1. Our Lord * sath of them, "If it were possible they would deceive the very elect." Matth. 24. 24. The only ground of hope is, the preserving care of God-that he can "recover those out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Tim. 2. 26. He hath a mighty arm ; and his grace is rich and free.

In closing the subject, I would just remark, that I have pursued it, more from a conviction of duty, than a desire of controversy; for the very foundation of our hope is in

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volved in the doctrines which have been contested. The debate commenced on the authenticity of a single passage: but it is the doctrine contained in it, that engaged the opposition of the gentleman on the other side, and called from me the discourses which you have heard. The whole is now submitted to your candid judgment, and the divine blessing.

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good;" so "an abundant entrance shall be administered unto you, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ." AMEN.

SERMON XX.

ECCLESIASTES XII. 7.

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the

spirit shall return to God who gave it.

THE words that are now selected as the theme, express, with great clearness, a doctrine of vast importance; namely, that man is composed of two constituent parts-body and spirit. It is surprising that men, who profess to renounce the Scriptures, should have the temerity to deny the fact. It is, however, the case; and it is our lot in divine providence, to live among them.

I should be greatly wanting in my duty to you, my hearers, in not exposing such an error; or in not vindicating the opposite doctrine.

I have been recently perusing a production, from the pen of the celebrated Dr. Priestley, on the subject of matter and spirit, which has led my mind to an investigation of the point. Dr. Hartley's theory of the human mind, new modelled by Priestley, has likewise fallen under my review. The grand object of that acute writer, in these fruits of his pen, appears to be, the denial of the possibility of the existence of spirits. He labors hard to prove that all mental operations, result from the peculiar modification of mere matter.

THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL SUPPORTED, &c. 269

In reflecting on the writings which have been mentioned, my mind is impressed with these apostolical expressions, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." Rom. 1. 22. "The world by wisdom knew not "Beware lest any man spoil you

God.". 1 Cor. 1. 21. through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Gal. 2. 8: But, in relation to this interesting subject, "We have a more sure word of prophecy, to which we do well to take heed, as to a light that shineth in a dark place." 2 Pet. 1. 19.

The text, that is our theme, leads directly to the point in question-the constituent parts of which we are composed. The dust, which returns to the earth, is the body, and the Spirit, that returns to God, is the accountable and never-dying soul, It is unequivocally asserted in the text, that we are mortal in the one part of our nature, and immortal in the other. As to the material and mortal part of man, there is very little dispute; and therefore, we need not waste the time in attending to it.

It will be the definite object in the sequel, to prove,

THAT MEN POSSESS AN IMMATERIAL AND IMMORTAL SOUL, DISTINCT FROM THE BODY.

In proving and illustrating this proposition, we may ob

serve,

1. That the thing is certainly a possibility. But Dr. Priestley thinks that he has established the reverse on philosophical principles. The chief thing that he has done, however, is, boldly asserting that there is no common property between matter and spirit, whereby they can subsist together, and reciprocally affect each other. But this is endeavoring to prove a point that is far above the reach of human intellect. It is but little that we can know of God

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