The Book Of Religions - free ebook by John Hayward

Read as playlist

The Book Of Religions

John Hayward

225 chapters

28 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

225 chapters

Preface.

Preface.

A few years since, the Editor of the following pages published a volume of “Religious Creeds and Statistics;” and, as the work, although quite limited, met with general approbation, he has been induced to publish another of the same nature, but on a much larger plan, trusting that it will prove more useful, and more worthy of public favor. His design has been, to exhibit to his readers, with the utmost impartiality and perspicuity, and as briefly as their nature will permit, the views, creeds, s

45 minute read

Read Chapter

Lutherans, Or, The Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Lutherans, Or, The Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The capital articles which Luther maintained are as follow:— 1. That the holy Scriptures are the only source whence we are to draw our religious sentiments, whether they relate to faith or practice. (See 2 Tim. 3:15-17. Prov. 1:9. Isa. 8:20. Luke 1:4. John 5:39; 20:31. 1 Cor 4:6, &amp;c.) 2. That justification is the effect of faith, exclusive of good works, and that faith ought to produce good works, purely in obedience to God, and not in order to our justification. (See Gal. 2:21.) 3. That

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Calvinists.

Calvinists.

1. They maintain that God hath chosen a certain number of the fallen race of Adam in Christ, before the foundation of the world, unto eternal glory, according to his immutable purpose, and of his free grace and love, without the least foresight of faith, good works, or any conditions performed by the creature; and that the rest of mankind he was pleased to pass by, and ordain to dishonor and wrath, for their sins, to the praise of his vindictive justice. (See Prov. 16:4. Rom. 9: from ver. 11 to

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Hopkinsians.

Hopkinsians.

“ 3. That there are no promises of regenerating grace made to the doings of the unregenerate. For, as far as men act from self-love, they act from a bad end; for those who have no true love to God, really do no duty when they attend on the externals of religion. And as the unregenerate act from a selfish principle, they do nothing which is commanded; their impenitent doings are wholly opposed to repentance and conversion, therefore not implied in the command to repent, &amp;c.: so far from t

7 minute read

Read Chapter

Arians.

Arians.

A sect so called from Faustus Socinus, who died in Poland, in 1604. There were two who bore the name of Socinus,—uncle and nephew,—and both disseminated the same doctrine; but it is the nephew who is generally considered as the founder of this sect. They maintain that Jesus Christ was a mere man, who had no existence before he was conceived by the Virgin Mary; that the Holy Ghost is no distinct person; but that the Father is truly and properly God. They own that the name of God is given, in the

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Socinians.

Socinians.

The Humanitarians believe in the simple humanity of Christ, or that he was nothing more than a mere man, born according to the usual course of nature, and who lived and died according to the ordinary circumstances of mankind....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Humanitarians.

Humanitarians.

This term is used among Christians to denote those who form separate communions, and do not associate with one another in religious worship and ceremonies. Thus we call Papists, Lutherans, Calvinists, different sects, not so much on account of their differences in opinion, as because they have established to themselves different fraternities, to which, in what regards public worship, they confine themselves; the several denominations above mentioned having no intercommunity with one another in s

59 minute read

Read Chapter

Sectarians.

Sectarians.

There are three modes of church government, viz., the Episcopalian , from the Latin word episcopus , signifying bishop ; the Presbyterian , from the Greek word presbuteros , signifying senior , elder , or presbyter ; and the Congregational or Independent mode. Under one of these forms, or by a mixture of their several peculiarities, every church in the Christian world is governed. The Episcopal form is the most extensive, as it embraces the Catholic, Greek, English, Methodist, and Moravian churc

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Church Government.

Church Government.

Episcopalians have three orders in the ministry, viz., bishops, priests, and deacons; they all have liturgies, longer or shorter, which they either statedly or occasionally use. All Episcopalians believe in the existence and the necessity of an apostolic succession of bishops, by whom alone regular and valid ordinations can be performed. The Presbyterians believe that the authority of their ministers to preach the gospel and to administer the sacraments is derived from the Holy Ghost, by the imp

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Presbyterians.

Presbyterians.

The doctrines of the Presbyterian church are Calvinistic; and the only fundamental principle which distinguishes it from other Protestant churches is this—that God has authorized the government of his church by presbyters, or elders, who are chosen by the people, and ordained to office by predecessors in office, in virtue of the commission which Christ gave his apostles as ministers in the kingdom of God; and that, among all presbyters, there is an official parity, whatever disparity may exist i

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Cumberland Presbyterians.

Cumberland Presbyterians.

That form of Church polity, in which the ministry is divided into the three orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, each having powers and duties, distinct from the others, the Bishops being superior to the Priests and Deacons, and the immediate source of all their authority, is called Episcopacy , and those who adhere to this polity, are called Episcopalians . It is believed, by Episcopalians, that the Savior, when upon earth, established a Church, or Society, of which He was the Ruler and Hea

53 minute read

Read Chapter

Historical Notice Of The Church In The United States.

Historical Notice Of The Church In The United States.

Another Convention was held in Philadelphia, in June, 1786, at which, a Letter was read, from the Archbishops and Bishops of England, in answer to the Address forwarded from the preceding Convention; and another Address to the same Right Reverend Prelates, was adopted, to accompany the Ecclesiastical Constitution now finally agreed upon. This Convention then adjourned, to meet again whenever answers should be received from England. The next meeting was held at Wilmington, in Delaware, in October

22 minute read

Read Chapter

Articles Of Religion.

Articles Of Religion.

“ Art. II. Of the Word, or Son of God, which was made very Man. —The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, de

2 hour read

Read Chapter

Moravians, Or United Brethren.

Moravians, Or United Brethren.

The Moravians avoid discussions respecting the speculative truths of religion, and insist upon individual experience of the practical efficiency of the gospel in producing a real change of sentiment and conduct, as the only essentials in religion. They consider the manifestation of God in Christ as intended to be the most beneficial revelation of the Deity to the human race; and, in consequence, they make the life, merits, acts, words, sufferings, and death, of the Savior the principal theme of

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Tunkers.

Tunkers.

They also deny the imputation of Adam's sin to his posterity. They disclaim violence, even in cases of self-defence, and suffer themselves to be defrauded, or wronged, rather than go to law. Their church government and discipline are the same with other Baptists; except that every brother is allowed to speak in the congregation; and their best speaker is usually ordained to be the minister. They have deacons and deaconesses from among their ancient widows and exhorters, who are all licensed to u

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Mennonites, Or Harmless Christians.

Mennonites, Or Harmless Christians.

The Mennonites do not baptize by immersion, though they administer the ordinance to none but adult persons. Their common method is this: The person who is to be baptized, kneels; the minister holds his hands over him, into which the deacon pours water, and through which it runs on the crown of the kneeling person's head; after which follow imposition of hands and prayer. Mr. Van Beuning, the Dutch ambassador, speaking of these Harmless Christians , as they choose to call themselves, says, “The M

9 minute read

Read Chapter

Disciples Of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.

Disciples Of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.

In his debates on the subject and action of baptism with Mr. Walker, a seceding minister, in the year 1820, and with Mr. M'Calla, a Presbyterian minister of Kentucky, in the year 1823, his views of reformation began to be developed, and were very generally received by the Baptist society, as far as these works were read. But in his “Christian Baptist,” which began July 4, 1823 his views of the need of reformation were more fully exposed, and, as these gained ground by the pleading of various min

25 minute read

Read Chapter

Friends, or Quakers.

Friends, or Quakers.

The following is a summary of the doctrines and discipline of the society of Friends, published in London in 1800, and sanctioned by the orthodox society of Friends in this country. Doctrine. — “We agree, with other professors of the Christian name, in the belief of one eternal God, the Creator and Preserver of the universe, and in Jesus Christ, his Son, the Messiah, and Mediator of the new covenant. “When we speak of the gracious display of the love of God to mankind, in the miraculous concepti

51 minute read

Read Chapter

Shakers, Or The United Society Of Believers.

Shakers, Or The United Society Of Believers.

“ We have seen several historical sketches of our society by different writers; but it is very rare to find one free from misrepresentations of some kind, which must be owing either to ignorance or prejudice. Therefore, in our communications, we may be somewhat particular on some points; in any of which, if there be any thing found agreeable to your desires, you are welcome to it; and, as it is presumed your publication is intended for information, among other truths, we hope to see something re

30 minute read

Read Chapter

Reformation.

Reformation.

The terms in which the retailers of these abominable licenses described their advantages to the purchasers, and the arguments with which they urged the necessity of obtaining them, were so extravagant that they appear almost incredible. “If any man,” said they, “purchase letters of indulgence, his soul may rest secure with respect to its salvation. The souls confined in purgatory, for whose redemption indulgences are purchased, as soon as the money is paid, instantly escape from that place of to

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Reformed Dutch Church.

Reformed Dutch Church.

In 1766, John H. Livingston, D. D., then a young man, went from New York to Holland, to prosecute his studies in the Dutch universities. By his representations, a favorable disposition was produced towards the American church in that country; and, on his return, in full convention of both parties, an amicable adjustment of their differences was made and a friendly correspondence was opened with the church in Holland, which was continued until the revolution of the country under Bonaparte. The Du

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Reformed German Church.

Reformed German Church.

The Restorationists are those who believe that all men will ultimately become holy and happy. They maintain that God created only to bless, and that, in pursuance of that purpose, he sent his Son to “be for salvation to the ends of the earth;” that Christ's kingdom is moral in its nature, and extends to moral beings in every state or mode of existence; that the probation of man is not confined to the present life, but extends through the mediatorial reign; and that, as Christ died for all, so, b

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Restorationists.

Restorationists.

Though the Restorationists, as a separate sect, have arisen within a few years, their sentiments are by no means new. Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen, Didymus of Alexandria, Gregory Nyssen, and several others, among the Christian fathers of the first four centuries, it is said, believed and advocated the restoration of all fallen intelligences. A branch of the German Baptists, before the reformation, held this doctrine, and propagated it in Germany. Since the reformation, this doctrine has had nume

36 minute read

Read Chapter

Doctrine.

Doctrine.

“ Art. III. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order, and practise good works; for these things are good and profitable unto men. ”...

11 minute read

Read Chapter

History.

History.

Universalists claim that the salvation of all men was taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles. It was also taught and defended by several of the most eminent Christian fathers; such as Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen, &amp;c. In the third and fourth centuries, this doctrine prevailed extensively, and, for aught which appears to the contrary, was then accounted orthodox. It was at length condemned, however, by the fifth general council, A. D. 553; after which, we find few traces of it through th

26 minute read

Read Chapter

Roman Catholics.

Roman Catholics.

It is doubtful who composed the above Creed. It was not in common use in the church until the end of the fifth century. See King's History of the Apostles' Creed . The Symbol, Or Creed Of St. Athanasius. “ Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic faith; “ Which faith except every one do keep entire and inviolate, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. “ Now, the Catholic faith is this—that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. “ Ne

19 minute read

Read Chapter

Bereans.

Bereans.

3. Consistently with the above definition of faith, they say that the sin against the Holy Ghost, which has alarmed and puzzled so many in all ages, is nothing else but unbelief; and that the expression, “it shall not be forgiven, neither in this world nor that which is to come,” means only that a person dying in infidelity would not be forgiven, neither under the former dispensation by Moses, (the then present dispensation, kingdom, or government, of God,) nor under the gospel dispensation, whi

8 minute read

Read Chapter

Materialists.

Materialists.

If we search the Scriptures for passages expressive of the state of man at death, we shall find such declarations as expressly exclude any trace of sense, thought, or enjoyment. (See Ps. 6:5. Job 14:7, &amp;c.) 2. That there is some fixed law of nature respecting the will, as well as the other powers of the mind, and every thing else in the constitution of nature; and consequently that it is never determined without some real or apparent cause foreign to itself, i. e., without some motive of

29 minute read

Read Chapter

Arminians.

Arminians.

“ 4. That this divine grace, or energy, of the Holy Ghost, begins and perfects every thing that can be called good in man, and, consequently, all good works are to be attributed to God alone; that, nevertheless, this grace is offered to all, and does not force men to act against their inclinations, but may be resisted, and rendered ineffectual, by the perverse will of the impenitent sinner. Some modern Arminians interpret this and the last article with a greater latitude. (See Isa. 1:16. Deut. 1

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Methodists, Or The Methodist Episcopal Church.

Methodists, Or The Methodist Episcopal Church.

“ 4. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. “ 5. The holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. By the name of the holy Scriptures, we do understand those canonical books o

11 minute read

Read Chapter

Methodists, Or The Methodist Protestant Church.

Methodists, Or The Methodist Protestant Church.

“ 2. Christ is the only Head of the church, and the word of God the only rule of faith and conduct. “ 3. No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the gospel of God our Savior, ought to be deprived of church membership. “ 4. Every man has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express his opinion in any way which will not violate the laws of God, or the rights of his fellow-men. “ 5. Church trials should be conducted on gospel principles

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Protestants.

Protestants.

A sect, in the third century, that embraced the opinions of Sabellius, a philosopher of Egypt, who openly taught that there is but one person in the Godhead. The Sabellians maintained that the Word and the Holy Spirit are only virtues, emanations, or functions of the Deity, and held that he who is in heaven is the Father of all things; that he descended into the Virgin, became a child, and was born of her as a Son; and that, having accomplished the mystery of our salvation, he diffused himself o

48 minute read

Read Chapter

Sabellians.

Sabellians.

So called from Mr. Robert Sandeman, a Scotchman, who published his sentiments in 1757. He afterwards came to America, and established societies at Boston, and other places in New England, and in Nova Scotia. This sect arose in Scotland about the year 1728, where it is distinguished at the present day by the name of Glassites , after its founder, Mr. John Glass, a minister of the established church. The Sandemanians consider that faith is neither more nor less than a simple assent to the divine t

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Sandemanians.

Sandemanians.

They maintain a plurality of elders, pastors, or bishops, in each church, and the necessity of the presence of two elders in every act of discipline, and at the administration of the Lord's supper. In the choice of these elders, want of learning and engagement in trade are no sufficient objections, if qualified according to the instructions given to Timothy and Titus; but second marriages disqualify for the office; and they are ordained by prayer and fasting, imposition of hands, and giving the

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Antinomians.

Antinomians.

It will be observed that the above names are used to denote sentiments or opinions, rather than sects or denominations. The principal doctrines of the Antinomians, together with a short specimen of the arguments made use of in their defence, are comprehended in the following summary:— “ 1. That the law ought not to be proposed to the people as a rule of manners, nor used in the church as a means of instruction; and that the gospel alone is to be inculcated and explained, both in the churches and

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Pelagians.

Pelagians.

“ 4. That the grace of God is given in proportion to our merits. “ 5. That mankind may arrive at a state of perfection in this life. “ 6. That the law qualified men for the kingdom of heaven, and was founded upon equal promises with the gospel. ” This denomination began about the middle of the sixteenth century. Their principal tenet is that there must have been men before Adam . One proof of this they bring from Rom. 5:12, 13, 14. The apostle says, “ Sin was in the world till the law ;” meaning

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Pre-Adamites.

Pre-Adamites.

The election of the Jews, they say, is a consequence of the same system. It began at Adam, who is called their father or founder. God is also their Father, having espoused the Judaical church. The Gentiles are only adopted children, as being Pre-Adamites. Men (or Gentiles) are said to be made by the word of God. (Gen. 1:26, 27.) Adam, the founder of the Jewish nation, whose history alone Moses wrote, is introduced in the second chapter, as the workmanship of God's own hands, and as created apart

31 minute read

Read Chapter

Orthodox Creeds.

Orthodox Creeds.

The following summary contains the more material parts of the Orthodox faith. Those who embrace this system believe,— “ That, since the fall of Adam, men are, in their natural state, altogether destitute of true holiness, and entirely depraved. “ That men, though thus depraved, are justly required to love God with all the heart, and justly punishable for disobedience; or, in other words, they are complete moral agents, proper subjects of moral government, and truly accountable to God for their a

23 minute read

Read Chapter

Andover Orthodox Creed.

Andover Orthodox Creed.

Declaration. “ And, furthermore, I do solemnly promise that I will open and explain the Scriptures to my pupils with integrity and faithfulness; that I will maintain and inculcate the Christian faith, as expressed in the creed, by me now repeated, together with all the other doctrines and duties of our holy religion, so far as may appertain to my office, according to the best light God shall give me, and in opposition, not only to Atheists and Infidels, but to Jews, Papists, Mahometans, Arians,

20 minute read

Read Chapter

New Haven Orthodox Creed.

New Haven Orthodox Creed.

“ I thank you for yours of the 23d ult., in which you express your approbation of my preaching during the protracted meetings at Hartford. This expression of fraternal confidence is grateful to me, not because I ever supposed that we differed in our views of the great doctrines of the gospel, but because, for some reason or other, an impression has been made, to some extent, that I am unsound in the faith . This impression, I feel bound to say, in my own view, is wholly groundless and unauthoriz

59 minute read

Read Chapter

Swedenborgians, Or, The New Jerusalem Church.

Swedenborgians, Or, The New Jerusalem Church.

“2. That Jehovah God himself descended from heaven, as Divine Truth, which is the Word, and took upon him Human Nature for the purpose of removing from man the powers of hell, and restoring to order all things in the spiritual world, and all things in the church: That he removed from man the powers of hell, by combats against and victories over them; in which consisted the great work of Redemption: That by the same acts, which were his temptations, the last of which was the passion of the cross,

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Fighting Quakers.

Fighting Quakers.

Mr. George Rapp and other emigrants arrived from Germany, and settled in the interior of Pennsylvania, about the year 1805. They formed an economy on the primitive plan of having “all things in common.” They appear to have prospered. In 1814 they sold their property in Pennsylvania and removed to Indiana, to form a new establishment, on an improved plan. They profess the Protestant religion, but admit of universal toleration. They cultivate the learned languages and professions, and maintain str

45 minute read

Read Chapter

Harmonists.

Harmonists.

A sectary, by the name of Dorrel, appeared in Leyden, Mass., about fifty years ago, and made some proselytes. The following are some of his leading sentiments:—Jesus Christ is, as to substance, a spirit, and is God. He took a body, died, and never rose from the dead. None of the human race will ever rise from their graves. The resurrection, spoken of in Scripture, is only one from sin to spiritual life, which consists in perfect obedience to God. Written revelation is a type of the substance of

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Dorrelites.

Dorrelites.

These people profess to believe in one God, who is fully acquainted with all his own works; but they believe there are some things done by wicked agents, of which God has no knowledge. They reject the idea of Christ's divinity, and of any thing special in regeneration. They pretend to miraculous gifts, such as healing the sick, and praying down the judgments of God upon those who oppose them. They deny any thing peculiarly sacred in the Christian Sabbath, although they generally meet on that day

42 minute read

Read Chapter

Osgoodites.

Osgoodites.

This is a sect calling themselves Seventh-Day Baptists, that arose in New England about the year 1674. John and James Rogers were their leaders. They were peculiar in their language, dress, and manners; they employed no physician, nor used any medicine: they paid no regard to the Christian Sabbath, and disturbed and abused those that did. It is said that a few of this people still remain. See the Battle-Axe , a work published by them a few years ago, at their printing establishment, at Groton, C

25 minute read

Read Chapter

Rogerenes.

Rogerenes.

This denomination sprang up in Italy, in the thirteenth century, and was thence propagated through almost all the countries of Europe. The society that embraced this new discipline, ran in multitudes, composed of persons of both sexes, and all ranks and ages, through the public streets, with whips in their hands, lashing their naked bodies with the most astonishing severity, with a view to obtain the divine mercy for themselves and others, by their voluntary mortification and penance. This sect

54 minute read

Read Chapter

Whippers.

Whippers.

The followers of Jemima Wilkinson, who was born in Cumberland, R. I. In 1776, she asserted that she was taken sick, and actually died, and that her soul went to heaven. Soon after, her body was reanimated with the spirit and power of Christ, upon which she set up as a public teacher, and declared she had an immediate revelation for all she delivered, and was arrived to a state of absolute perfection. It is also said she pretended to foretell future events, to discern the secrets of the heart, an

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Wilkinsonians.

Wilkinsonians.

Water-Drinkers , a branch of the Encratites , a sect in the second century, who abstained from marriage, wine, and animal food; who carried their aversion to wine so far, that they substituted water in the holy communion, though some refused it only in their morning ceremonies. It is well known that the ancient Christians mingled water with their wine for sacred use, partly, perhaps, for economy, and partly from sobriety; but Cyprian gives a mystical reason—because the wine and water represent C

26 minute read

Read Chapter

Aquarians.

Aquarians.

The Baxterian strikes into a middle path between Arminianism and Calvinism, and thus endeavors to unite both schemes. With the Calvinist, he professes to believe that a certain number, determined upon in the divine councils, will be infallibly saved; and with the Arminian, he joins in rejecting the doctrine of reprobation, as absurd and impious;—admits that Christ, in a certain sense, died for all, and supposes that such a portion of grace is allotted to every man, as renders it his own fault if

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Baxterians.

Baxterians.

The following letter from Rev. William Miller to Rev. Joshua V. Himes contains a synopsis of Mr. Miller's views on this interesting subject:— “Rev. J. V. Himes: “My dear brother: You have requested a synopsis of my views of the Christian faith. The following sketch will give you some idea of the religious opinions I have formed, by a careful study of the word of God:— “I believe all men, coming to years of discretion, do and will disobey God; and this is, in some measure, owing to corrupted natu

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Miller's Views on the Second Coming of Christ.

Miller's Views on the Second Coming of Christ.

“I believe all men, coming to years of discretion, do and will disobey God; and this is, in some measure, owing to corrupted nature by the sin of our parent. I believe God will not condemn us for any pollution in our father; but the soul that sinneth shall die. All pollution of which we may be partakers from the sins of our ancestors, in which we could have no agency, can and will be washed away in the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, without our agency. But all sins committed by us as ratio

37 minute read

Read Chapter

Come-Outers.

Come-Outers.

This class of persons agree in the opinion that he only is a Christian who has the spirit of Christ ; that all such as these are members of his church, and that it is composed of none others; therefore that membership in the Christian church is not, and cannot, in the nature of things, be determined by any human authority. Hence they deem all attempts to render the church identical with any outward organizations as utterly futile, not warranted by Christ himself, and incompatible with its spirit

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Jumpers.

Jumpers.

This denomination of Christians holds that a personal profession of faith and an immersion in water are essential to baptism. There are several bodies of Baptists in the United States, which will be found under their different names. The Regular or Associated Baptists are, in sentiment, moderate Calvinists, and form the most numerous body of Baptists in this country. The Baptists being Independent, or Congregational, in their form of church government, their ecclesiastical assemblies disclaim al

13 minute read

Read Chapter

Baptists.

Baptists.

“ III. Of the Fall of Man. —That man was created in a state of holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, wholly given to the gratification of the world, of Satan, and of their own sinful passions, and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defence or excuse.

13 minute read

Read Chapter

Anabaptists.

Anabaptists.

The first church gathered, of this order, was in New Durham, N. H., in the year 1780, principally by the instrumentality of Elder Benjamin Randall, who then resided in that town. Soon after, several branches were collected which united with this church; and several preachers, of different persuasions, were brought to see the beauties of a free salvation , and united as fellow-laborers with Elder Randall. They believe that, by the death of Christ, salvation was provided for all men; that, through

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Free-Will Baptists.

Free-Will Baptists.

Are those who keep the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. They are to be found principally, if not wholly, among the Baptists. They object to the reasons which are generally alleged for keeping the first day, and assert that the change from the seventh to the first was effected by Constantine, on his conversion to Christianity, A. D. 321. The three following propositions contain a summary of their principles as to this article of the Sabbath, by which they stand distinguished:— 1. That God

55 minute read

Read Chapter

Seventh-Day Baptists, Or Sabbatarians,

Seventh-Day Baptists, Or Sabbatarians,

This appellation is given to those who hold the imposition of hands, subsequent to baptism, and generally on the admission of candidates into the church, as an indispensable prerequisite for church membership and communion. They support their peculiar principle chiefly from Heb. 6:1, 2— “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptism, and of

41 minute read

Read Chapter

Six-Principle Baptists.

Six-Principle Baptists.

A party from the society of Friends, in Pennsylvania, separated in the year 1691. It was headed by the famous George Keith . They practised baptism, and received the Lord's supper, but retained the language, dress, and manners, of the Friends, or Quakers....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

Quaker Baptists, Or Keithians.

Quaker Baptists, Or Keithians.

Are those who practise the baptism of children, without regard to personal faith. Pedobaptists, in common with all others, claim for their practice an apostolical origin; and, although they differ much in theological opinions, in forms of church government, and modes of worship, yet they all adopt substantially the same mode of reasoning in their defence of pedobaptism. They say that the church, under both the old and new dispensations, has ever been the same, although under a different form; th

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Pedobaptists.

Pedobaptists.

None of the accounts of baptism, which are given in the New Testament, necessarily imply that it was performed by immersion. It is true the Savior and the eunuch, when they were baptized, went up out of, or rather from , the water, but the inference that they went under the water, which is sometimes drawn from these expressions, does not appear to be sufficiently warranted. The circumstances attending the baptism of the jailer and his family are of such a nature as to render the opinion of its b

32 minute read

Read Chapter

Unitarians.

Unitarians.

Receiving and trusting in Christ as their Lord, Teacher, Mediator, Intercessor, Savior, they hold in less esteem than many other sects, nice theological questions and speculations concerning his precise rank, and the nature of his relation to God. They feel that by honoring him as the Son of God , they honor him as he desired to be honored; and that by obeying and imitating him, they in the best manner show their love. They believe that the Holy Ghost is not a distinct person in the Godhead, but

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Brownists.

Brownists.

This name was given to a party which appeared in England in the year 1565, who opposed the liturgy and ceremonies of the church of England. They acquired this denomination from their professed design to establish a purer form of worship and discipline. Those who were first styled Puritans were Presbyterians, but the term was afterwards applied to others who differed from the church of England. Those who separated from the church of England were also styled Dissenters ....

25 minute read

Read Chapter

Puritans.

Puritans.

The followers of Antoinette Bourignon, a lady in France, who pretended to particular inspirations. She was born at Lisle, in 1616. At her birth, she was so deformed that it was debated some days in the family whether it was not proper to stifle her as a monster; but, her deformity diminishing, she was spared, and afterwards obtained such a degree of beauty, that she had her admirers. From her childhood to her old age she had an extraordinary turn of mind. She set up for a reformer, and published

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Bourignonists.

Bourignonists.

A complete system of the religious doctrines of the Jews is contained in the five books of Moses, their great lawgiver, who was raised up to deliver them from their bondage in Egypt, and to conduct them to the possession of Canaan, the promised land. The principal sects among the Jews, in the time of our Savior, were the Pharisees, who placed religion in external ceremony; the Sadducees, who were remarkable for their incredulity; and the Essenes, who were distinguished by an austere sanctity. Th

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Jews.

Jews.

Maimonides, an illustrious rabbi, drew up for the Jews, in the eleventh century, a confession of faith, which all Jews admit. It is as follows:— “ 1. I believe, with a true and perfect faith, that God is the Creator, whose name be blessed, Governor, and Maker, of all creatures, and that he hath wrought all things, worketh and shall work forever. “ 2. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the Creator, whose name be blessed, is one , and that such a unity as in him can be found in none other, and

22 minute read

Read Chapter

Indian Religions.

Indian Religions.

The natives of Canada have an idea of the Supreme Being; and they all, in general, agree in looking upon him as the First Spirit, and the Governor and the Creator of the world. It is said that almost all the nations of the Algonquin language give this Sovereign Being the appellation of the Great Hare. Some, again, call him Michabou, and others Atahocan. Most of them hold the opinion that he was born upon the waters, together with his whole court, entirely composed of four-footed animals, like hi

54 minute read

Read Chapter

Deists.

Deists.

Dr. Paley observes, “Of what a revelation discloses to mankind, one, and only one, question can be properly asked.—Was it of importance to mankind to know or to be better assured of? In this question, when we turn our thoughts to the great Christian doctrine of a resurrection from the dead and a future judgment, no doubt can be possibly entertained. He who gives me riches or honors does nothing; he who even gives me health, does little in comparison with that which lays before me just grounds fo

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Atheists.

Atheists.

Abner Kneeland's “Philosophical Creed,” as he terms it, is probably a good definition of the views of those who consider the universe as an immense animal, Mr. Kneeland says, “I believe in the existence of a universe of suns and planets, among which there is one sun belonging to our planetary system, and that other suns, being more remote, are called stars; but that they are indeed suns to other planetary systems. I believe that the whole universe is nature , and that the word nature embraces th

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Pantheists.

Pantheists.

Mahometanism is a scheme of religion formed and propagated by Mahomet , who was born at Mecca, A. D. 569, and died at Medina, in 632. His system is a compound of Paganism, Judaism, and Christianity; and the Koran, which is their Bible, is held in great reverence. It is replete with absurd representations, and is supposed to have been written by a Jew. The most eloquent passage is allowed to be the following, where God is introduced, bidding the waters of the deluge to cease:— “Earth, swallow up

22 minute read

Read Chapter

Mahometans.

Mahometans.

Mahomet descended from an honorable tribe, and from the noblest family of that tribe; yet his original lot was poverty. By his good conduct, he obtained the hand of a widow of wealth and respectability, and was soon raised to an equality with the richest people in Mecca. Soon after his marriage, he formed the scheme of establishing a new religion, or, as he expressed it, of replanting the only true and ancient one professed by Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and all the prophets, by destroyin

22 minute read

Read Chapter

Simonians.

Simonians.

A general term, applied to heathen idolaters, who worship false gods, and are not acquainted either with the doctrines of the Old Testament or the Christian dispensation. The worship of the Grand Lama is of the most extensive and splendid character among the Pagan idolaters. This extends all over Thibet and Mongolia, is almost universal in Bucharia and several provinces of Tartary; it has followers in Cashmere, and is the predominant religion of China. The Grand Lama is a name given to the sover

14 minute read

Read Chapter

Pagans.

Pagans.

Mr. Ward, a distinguished missionary, was present at the worship of the goddess Doorga, at Calcutta, in 1806. After describing the greatness of the assembly, the profusion of the offerings, and the many strange peculiarities of the worship, he observes, “The whole produced on my mind sensations of the greatest honor. The dress of the singers, their indecent gestures, the abominable nature of the songs, the horrid din of their miserable drum, the lateness of the hour, the darkness of the place, w

58 minute read

Read Chapter

Supralapsarians.

Supralapsarians.

A sect which sprung up, about 1373, in Flanders, and places about. It was their custom all of a sudden to fall a-dancing, and, holding each other's hands, to continue thereat, till, being suffocated with the extraordinary violence, they fell down breathless together. During these intervals of vehement agitation, they pretended to be favored with wonderful visions. Like the Whippers, they roved from place to place, begging their victuals, holding their secret assemblies, and treating the priestho

24 minute read

Read Chapter

Dancers.

Dancers.

The disciples of Epicurus, who flourished about A. M. 3700. This sect maintained that the world was formed not by God, nor with any design, but by the fortuitous concourse of atoms. They denied that God governs the world, or in the least condescends to interfere with creatures below; they denied the immortality of the soul, and the existence of angels; they maintained that happiness consisted in pleasure; but some of them placed this pleasure in the tranquillity and joy of the mind, arising from

44 minute read

Read Chapter

Epicureans.

Epicureans.

The word Skeptic properly signifies considerative and inquisitive, or one who is always weighing reasons on one side or the other, without ever deciding between them. The word is applied to an ancient sect of philosophers founded by Pyrrho, who denied the real existence of all qualities in bodies, except those which are essential to primary atoms, and referred every thing else to the perceptions of the mind produced by external objects; in other words, to appearance and opinion. In modern times,

30 minute read

Read Chapter

Skeptics.

Skeptics.

The followers of the famous John Wickliffe, called “the first reformer,” who was born in Yorkshire, in the year 1324. He attacked the jurisdiction of the pope and the bishops. He was for this twice summoned to a council at Lambeth, to give an account of his doctrines, but, being countenanced by the duke of Lancaster, was both times dismissed without condemnation. Wickliffe, therefore, continued to spread his new principles, as usual, adding to them doctrines still more alarming; by which he drew

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Wickliffites.

Wickliffites.

A denomination which sprung up in Germany, in the fifteenth century; so called because they dug their assemblies under ground, in caves and forests. They derided the church, its ministers, and sacraments....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Diggers.

Diggers.

A branch of the Reformers, so called from Zuinglius, a noted divine of Switzerland. His chief difference from Luther was concerning the eucharist. He maintained that the bread and wine were only significations of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, whereas Luther believed in consubstantiation ....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

Zuinglians.

Zuinglians.

A denomination which arose in the year 1645. They derived their name from their maintaining that the true church ministry, Scripture, and ordinances, were lost, for which they were seeking. They taught that the Scriptures were uncertain; that present miracles were necessary to faith; that our ministry is without authority; and that our worship and ordinances are unnecessary or vain....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

Seekers.

Seekers.

A denomination in the 13th century, so called from Wilhelmina, a Bohemian woman, who resided in the territory of Milan. She persuaded a large number that the Holy Ghost was become incarnate in her person, for the salvation of a great part of mankind. According to her doctrines, none were saved by the blood of Jesus but true and pious Christians, while the Jews, Saracens, and unworthy Christians, were to obtain salvation through the Holy Spirit which dwelt in her, and that, in consequence thereof

34 minute read

Read Chapter

Wilhelminians.

Wilhelminians.

This is a name assumed by those who believe in the inviolability of human life, and whose motto is, Resist not Evil ,—that is, by the use of carnal weapons or brute force. They cannot properly be called a religious sect, in the common acceptation of that term, and they repudiate the title; for they differ very widely among themselves in their religious speculations, and have no forms, ordinances, creed, church, or community. Some of them belong to almost every religious persuasion, while others

13 minute read

Read Chapter

Non-Resistants.

Non-Resistants.

“The members of this society agree in opinion that no man, or body of men, however constituted, or by whatever name called, have the right to take the life of man as a penalty for transgression; that no one, who professes to have the Spirit of Christ, can consistently sue a man at law for redress of injuries, or thrust any evil-doer into prison, or fill any office in which he would come under obligation to execute penal enactments, or take any part in the military service, or acknowledge allegia

17 minute read

Read Chapter

Southcotters.

Southcotters.

“It is represented that in the Bible is recorded every event by which the Deity will work the ultimate happiness of the human race, but that the great plan is, for the most part, represented by types and shadows, and otherwise so wrapped up in mysteries, as to be inscrutable to human wisdom. As the Lord pronounced that man should become dead to knowledge if he ate the forbidden fruit, so the Lord must prove his words true. He therefore selected a peculiar people as depositaries of the records of

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Family Of Love.

Family Of Love.

Hutchinsonians, the followers of John Hutchinson, born in Yorkshire, 1674, and who, in the early part of his life, served the duke of Somerset in the capacity of steward. The Hebrew Scriptures, he says, comprise a perfect system of natural philosophy, theology, and religion. In opposition to Dr. Woodward's “Natural History of the Earth,” Mr. Hutchinson, in 1724, published the first part of his curious book, called “Moses' Principia.” Its second part was presented to the public in 1727, which con

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Hutchinsonians.

Hutchinsonians.

The followers of Mr. Hutchinson are numerous, and among others the Rev. Mr. Romaine, Lord Duncan Forbes, of Culloden, and the late amiable Dr. Horne, bishop of Norwich. In a little work entitled Religious Creeds and Statistics , published in 1836, we gave some account of the origin and faith of the Mormonites, or Latter-Day Saints , as they prefer being called. Since that time, we have received an additional stock of the publications of this people, and are now enabled to tell their story in the

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Mormonites, Or The Church Of The Latter-Day Saints.

Mormonites, Or The Church Of The Latter-Day Saints.

“ I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me. I was also told where there were deposited some plates, on which was engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this contine

53 minute read

Read Chapter

Emancipators.

Emancipators.

A modern sect in New England, who believe that every individual action is either wholly sinful or wholly righteous, and that every being in the universe, at any given time, is either entirely holy or entirely wicked. Consequently, they unblushingly maintain that they themselves are free from sin. In support of this doctrine, they say that Christ dwells in and controls believers, and thus secures their perfect holiness; that the body of Christ, which is the church, is nourished and guided by the

8 minute read

Read Chapter

Perfectionists.

Perfectionists.

Methodists' Views Of Perfection. “The highest perfection which man can attain, while the soul dwells in the body, does not exclude ignorance, and error, and a thousand other infirmities. Now, from wrong judgments, wrong words and actions will often necessarily flow; and in some cases, wrong affections, also, may spring from the same source. I may judge wrong of you; I may think more or less highly of you than I ought to think; and this mistake in my judgment may not only occasion something wrong

9 minute read

Read Chapter

Waldenses.

Waldenses.

The disciples of Henry Allen, of Nova Scotia, who began to propagate his doctrines in that country about the year 1778, and died in 1783, during which interval he made many proselytes, and at his death left a considerable party behind him, though now much declined. He published several treatises and sermons, in which he declares that the souls of all the human race are emanations, or rather parts, of the one great Spirit; that they were all present in Eden, and were actually in the first transgr

45 minute read

Read Chapter

Allenites.

Allenites.

The followers of Mr. John Johnson, many years Baptist minister at Liverpool, in the last century, of whose followers there are still several congregations in different parts of England. He denied that faith was a duty, or even action of the soul, and defined it “an active principle” conferred by grace; and denied also the duty of ministers to exhort the unconverted, or preach any moral duties whatever. Though Mr. Johnson entertained high Supralapsarian notions on the divine decrees, he admitted

34 minute read

Read Chapter

Johnsonians.

Johnsonians.

A denomination which arose in the fourth century. They derived their name from Donatus, bishop of Numidia. They maintained that their community was alone to be considered as the true church, and avoided all communication with other churches, from an apprehension of contracting their impurity and corruption. Hence they pronounced the sacred rites and institutions void of all virtue and efficacy among those Christians who were not precisely of their sentiments, and not only rebaptized those who ca

32 minute read

Read Chapter

Donatists.

Donatists.

A sect of small note, which was formed in England about the beginning of the seventeenth century, by one John Smith, who maintained that it was lawful for every one to baptize himself. There is at this day an inconsiderable sect in Russia who are known by this name, and who perform the rite upon themselves, from an idea that no one is left on earth sufficiently holy to administer it aright....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

Se-Baptists.

Se-Baptists.

A sect in Russia, which sprang up about the year 1770. They do not rebaptize those who join them from the Greek church, but insist on the necessity of their having the mystery of the chrism or unction again administered to them. They are very numerous in Moscow....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

Re-Anointers.

Re-Anointers.

The name of a famous sect among the Chinese, who owe their rise to Laou-tsze Lao Kian , or Laokium , a philosopher, who lived, if we may credit his disciples, about five hundred years before Christ. He professed to restore the religion of Tao , ( Taou ,) or Reason. Some of his writings are still extant, and are full of maxims and sentiments of virtue and morality. Among others, this sentence is often repeated in them: “ Tao hath produced one, one hath produced two, two have produced three, and t

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Tao-Se, or Taou-Tsze.

Tao-Se, or Taou-Tsze.

The morality of this philosopher and his disciples is not unlike that of the Epicureans, consisting in a tranquillity of mind, free from all vehement desires and passions. But as this tranquillity would be disturbed by thoughts of death, they boast of a liquor that has the power of rendering them immortal. They are addicted to chemistry, alchemy, and magic, and are persuaded that, by the assistance of demons, whom they invoke, they can obtain all that they desire. The hope of avoiding death prev

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Quietists.

Quietists.

A denomination in the sixteenth century, so called from Bertrand Knipperdoling, who taught that the righteous, before the day of judgment, shall have a monarchy on earth, and the wicked be destroyed; that men are not justified by their faith in Christ Jesus; that there is no original sin; that infants ought not to be baptized, and immersion is the only mode of baptism; that every one has authority to preach, and administer the sacraments; that men are not obliged to pay respect to magistrates; t

29 minute read

Read Chapter

Knipperdolings.

Knipperdolings.

From twenty to twenty-five thousand families of this sect still remain, chiefly in the neighborhood of Bassora, a city between Arabia and Persia, on the extremity of the desert of Irac. They are sometimes called Christians of St. John —a name which they probably received from the Turks, and to which they contentedly submit for the sake of the toleration it affords them; but they are better known in ecclesiastical history as Hemero (or every day) Baptists , from their frequent washings....

28 minute read

Read Chapter

Mendæans, Mendaites, Mendai Ijahi, Or Disciples Of St. John, That Is, The Baptist.

Mendæans, Mendaites, Mendai Ijahi, Or Disciples Of St. John, That Is, The Baptist.

The followers of Ludovic Muggleton, a journeyman tailor, who, with his companion Reeves, set up for great prophets, in the time of Cromwell. They pretended to absolve or condemn whom they pleased, and gave out that they were the two last witnesses spoken of in the Revelation, who were to appear previous to the final destruction of the world. They affirmed that there was no devil at all without the body of man or woman; that the devil is man's spirit of unclean reason and cursed imagination; that

57 minute read

Read Chapter

Muggletonians.

Muggletonians.

The raven plume of oblivion hath long ago waved over this prophet's grave. From a very interesting work recently published by Asahel Grant, M. D., a medical missionary to the Nestorians, we copy the following account:— “The passage of the Tigris transferred me from Mesopotamia into Assyria, and I stood upon the ruins of Nineveh, ‘that great city,’ where the prophet Jonah proclaimed the dread message of Jehovah to so many repenting thousands whose deep humiliation averted for a time the impending

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Yezidees, Or Worshippers Of The Devil.

Yezidees, Or Worshippers Of The Devil.

“Soon after leaving the ruins of Nineveh, we came in sight of two villages of the Yezidees, the reputed worshippers of the devil. Large and luxuriant olive-groves, with their rich green foliage, and fruit just ripening in the autumnal sun, imparted such a cheerful aspect to the scene as soon dispelled whatever of pensive melancholy had gathered around me, while treading upon the dust of departed greatness. Several white sepulchres of Yezidee sheiks attracted attention as I approached the village

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Greek or Russian Church.

Greek or Russian Church.

A new sect, professing to be an association of Christians to promote the revival and spread of primitive Christianity, has recently sprung up at Bradford, in England. Its originators, or founders, are a Mr. Barker and a Mr. Trother, who have recently been expelled from the ministry of the New Connection of Methodists, by the annual assembly or conference of the members of that body, for some difference of opinion on doctrinal points between them and the conference....

23 minute read

Read Chapter

Primitive Christians.

Primitive Christians.

By this term we are to understand those who believe that there are three distinct, persons in the Godhead, the Father , Son , and Holy Spirit , the same in substance, equal in power and dignity, and that these three are one . Hence it is said they believe in a triune God. (See Deut. 6:4. 2 Kings 19:15. Ps. 19:1; 83:18; 139:7. Isa. 6:3, 9; 9:6; 11:3; 14:5, 23, 25. Jer. 17:10; 23:6. Ezek. 8:1, 3. Matt. 3:16, 17; 9:6; 18:20; 23:19. Luke 1:76; 24:25. John 1:1; 2:1; 5:19, 23; 10:30; 16:10, 15. Acts 5

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Trinitarians.

Trinitarians.

The unity of God is a doctrine which both parties consider the foundation of all true religion. Although the doctrine of the Trinity is ostensibly the main subject of dispute between Trinitarians and Unitarians, yet it is in reality respecting the character of Christ. Those who believe in his proper deity very easily dispose of all the other difficulties in the Trinitarian system; while anti-Trinitarians find more fault with this doctrine than any other in the Trinitarian creed; and the grand ob

28 minute read

Read Chapter

Millenarians.

Millenarians.

The Tabernacle or Lady Huntingdon Connection , formed by Whitefield, is so called from the name given to several places of worship, in London, Bristol, &amp;c. In some of the chapels in this Connection, the service of the church of England is read; in others, the worship is conducted much in the same way as among the Congregationalists; while, in all, the system of supply is more or less kept up, consisting in the employment, for a month or six weeks, of ministers from different parts of the

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Whitefield Calvinistic Methodists.

Whitefield Calvinistic Methodists.

Those who refused to take the oaths to government, and who were, in consequence, under certain incapacities, and liable to certain severe penalties. The members of the Episcopal church of Scotland have long been denominated Nonjurors; but perhaps they are now called so improperly, as the ground of their difference from the established church is more on account of ecclesiastical than political principles....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

Nonjurors.

Nonjurors.

Those who refuse to join the established church. Nonconformists in England may be considered of three sorts:—1. Such as absent themselves from divine worship in the established church through total irreligion, and attend the service of no other persuasion.—2. Such as absent themselves on the plea of conscience; as, Presbyterians, Independents, Baptists, &amp;c.—3. Internal Nonconformists, or unprincipled clergymen, who applaud and propagate doctrines quite inconsistent with several of those

41 minute read

Read Chapter

Nonconformists.

Nonconformists.

This denomination, among themselves, are generally called simply Christians . This they do merely to denote their character as the followers of Christ; but, when applied to them collectively, it necessarily becomes the name of a denomination. They are sometimes, by their opposers, called Christ-ians ; but this pronunciation of the word they universally reject as very improper. The Christians began to associate and to form a distinct people about the beginning of the nineteenth century, so that t

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Christian Connection.

Christian Connection.

The western branch arose in Kentucky, and was composed of seceders from the Presbyterians. Some of their ministers were men of strong and well-cultivated minds, who urged forward the reform they had undertaken, till they have spread over most of the Western States. In all these different sections, their leading purpose, at first, appears to have been, not so much to establish any peculiar or distinctive doctrine, as to assert for individuals and churches more liberty and independence in relation

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Puseyites.

Puseyites.

With respect to sacraments , the Puseyites hold that they are not subjects of discussion, or for speculation; but “high, mysterious, awful Christian privileges—to be felt , reverenced, embraced, realized, acted.” With respect to church authority , they hold that human tradition has no place in revelation; that no individuals, since the apostles, can be regarded as expositors of the will of Christ; that the unanimous witness of Christendom, as to the teaching of the apostles, is the only and the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Free Communion Baptists.

Free Communion Baptists.

This class of Baptists are found chiefly in the western and northern parts of the state of New York. They number between forty and fifty churches and ministers. Transcendent and Transcendental are technical terms in philosophy. According to their etymology, (from transcendere ,) they signify that which goes beyond a certain limit; in philosophy, that which goes beyond, or transcends, the circle of experience, or of what is perceptible by the senses. Properly speaking, all philosophy is in this s

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Transcendentalists.

Transcendentalists.

As applied in this country, especially when used as a term of reproach, Transcendentalism would designate a system which builds on feeling, rather than on reason, and relies more on the imagination than on the judgment. In the main, however, the Transcendentalists are persons who hold that man has the power to perceive intuitively truths which transcend the reach of the senses; but they divide, some taking the unction of Sentimentalism, and others of Mysticism. The first Protestant Confession wa

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Augsburg Confession Of Faith.

Augsburg Confession Of Faith.

The chief point of separation between the Armenians on the one side, and the Greeks and the Papists on the other, is, that, while the latter believe in two natures and one person of Christ, the former believe that the humanity and divinity of Christ were so united as to form but one nature ; and hence they are called Monophysites , signifying single nature . Another point on which they are charged with heresy by the Papists is, that they adhere to the notion that the Spirit proceeds from the Fat

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Armenians.

Armenians.

The latter ceremony they derive from the tradition that, when Christ was baptized, he stood in the midst of Jordan, and John poured water from his hand three times upon his head. In all their pictures of this scene, such is the representation of the mode of our Savior's baptism. Converted Jews, or Mahometans, though adults, are baptized in the same manner. The Armenians acknowledge sprinkling as a lawful mode of baptism; for they receive from other churches those that have merely been sprinkled,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Primitive Methodists.

Primitive Methodists.

An heretical sect in the early church, which derives its name from Novatian, an heresiarch of the third century, who was ordained a priest of the church of Rome, and afterwards got himself clandestinely consecrated bishop of Rome, by three weak men, upon whom he had imposed, and one of whom afterwards did penance for his concern in the business. He was never acknowledged bishop of Rome, but was condemned and excommunicated. He still, however taught his doctrine, and became the head of the party

33 minute read

Read Chapter

Novatians.

Novatians.

The branch of the Christian church known by this name is so called from Nestorius, a patriarch of Constantinople, who was born in Germanica, a city of Syria, in the latter part of the fourth century. He was educated and baptized at Antioch, and, soon after his baptism, withdrew to a monastery in the vicinity of that city. His great reputation for eloquence, and the regularity of his life, induced the emperor Theodosius to select him for the see of Constantinople; and he was consecrated bishop of

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Nestorians.

Nestorians.

The Nestorians, of all the Christian churches of the East, have been the most careful and successful in avoiding a multitude of superstitious opinions and practices, which have infected the Romish and many Eastern churches. Our readers are referred to an interesting volume recently published by Asahel Grant, M. D., in which is contained strong evidence that the Nestorians and the “Lost Tribes” are one people. A term first given to the Nonjurors, who refused to acknowledge William III. as their l

37 minute read

Read Chapter

High-Churchmen.

High-Churchmen.

Copy of the first Covenant, or Confession of Faith, of the First Church in Salem, Massachusetts. The first ordination to the pastoral office, and the first complete organization and erection of a Protestant church, in North America, took place in that town, in the year 1629. The First Covenant, Or Confession Of Faith, Of The First Church In Salem. “ We covenant with our Lord, and one with another, and we do bind ourselves, in the presence of God, to walk together in all his ways, according as he

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Ancient American Covenant Or Confession Of Faith.

Ancient American Covenant Or Confession Of Faith.

“ We give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of his grace, for the teaching, ruling, and sanctifying of us in matters of worship and conversation, resolving to cleave unto him alone for life and glory, and to reject all contrary ways, canons, and constitutions of men, in his worship. “ We promise to walk with our brethren, with all watchfulness and tenderness, avoiding jealousies and suspicions, backbitings, censurings, provokings, secret risings of spirit against them; but, in all

14 minute read

Read Chapter

Baptists.

Baptists.

This denomination of Baptists have in their connection nine hundred and eighty-one churches, six hundred and forty-seven ordained ministers, one hundred and seventy-two licensed preachers, forty-seven thousand two hundred and seventeen communicants, eighty-seven quarterly and fourteen yearly meetings. Of this number of members, thirty-five thousand two hundred and eighty-seven reside in New England and New York. They are most numerous in Maine and New Hampshire. Publications , &amp;c.—There

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Free-Will Baptists.

Free-Will Baptists.

The Free-Will Baptists have several benevolent institutions in Maine, and flourishing seminaries of learning at Parsonsfield, Me., Strafford, N. H., Smithfield, R. I., and at Clinton and Varysburgh, N. Y. These people do not believe in the doctrine of election and reprobation, as taught by Calvin, and invite to the Lord's table all evangelical Christians in good standing in their churches. This people have in the United States about forty-eight churches, thirty-four elders, twenty licentiates, a

51 minute read

Read Chapter

Seventh-Day Baptists.

Seventh-Day Baptists.

This denomination of Christians are found in almost every state in the Union, and in Canada. In 1841, there were in America forty-one conferences, five hundred and ninety-one churches, five hundred and ninety-three ordained preachers, one hundred and eighty-nine unordained preachers, and about thirty thousand church members. Publications. —This connection has three religious periodicals, viz. The Christian Palladium , Union Mills, N. Y.; Christian Journal , Exeter, N. H.; and the Christian Messe

24 minute read

Read Chapter

Christian Connection.

Christian Connection.

So late as the year 1700, eighty years after the landing of the Pilgrims, there were, in all the New England States then settled, but one Episcopal church, no Methodist church, and, with the exception of Rhode Island, not more than half a dozen Baptist churches. At that time, however, there were one hundred and twenty Congregational churches, composed of emigrants from Europe and their descendants, and thirty others composed of converted Indians. The great mass of the descendants of the early se

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Calvinistic Congregationalists.

Calvinistic Congregationalists.

Publications. —The Orthodox Congregationalists publish a great number of periodicals, the principal of which are the Boston Recorder , the New England Puritan , Boston, Mass.; the Christian Mirror , Portland, Me.; the Congregational Journal , Concord, N. H.; the Vermont Chronicle , Windsor, Vt.; the Congregational Observer , Hartford, Ct.; and several in the Western States, which are sustained partly by Congregationalists and partly by Presbyterians. The largest number of this denomination is fo

49 minute read

Read Chapter

Disciples Of Christ.

Disciples Of Christ.

We have already given, in the historical account of the Episcopal Church, in this Country, a few brief notices of its condition; and we now present the following additional statistics. List Of Bishops. It being the essential principle of Episcopacy, that legitimate church authority is not originated by voluntary associations of men, but is of Divine origin, derived from Christ, and transmitted through an unbroken succession of Bishops, who trace their appointment to Him, we here give a list of t

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Episcopalians.

Episcopalians.

List of Bishops of the Church in the United States. Those with an asterisk (*) are deceased. The following table contains the statistics of this church in the United States:— The Dioceses of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, are under the charge of the same Bishop. Indiana and Missouri are under the charge of the Missionary Bishop for Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Indian territory North of Lat. 36-1/2°. Alabama is under the charge of the Bishop of Louisiana. Mississippi and Arkan

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Jews.

Jews.

The government of the Lutherans is somewhat singular. Where it is established by law, the supreme head of the state is also supreme head of the church. They have bishops, but no diocesan episcopacy, except in Denmark and Sweden. These are called superintendents in Germany, and presidents in the United States. There is but one archbishop, and he is the primate of Sweden. They have in the United States about one thousand churches, four hundred ministers, seventy thousand communing members, and abo

58 minute read

Read Chapter

Lutherans.

Lutherans.

Education , &amp;c.—They have a college, located at Gettysburg, Pa., and several academies in different parts of the country; also four theological seminaries, located at Gettysburg, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, S. C.; Hartwich, N. Y., a fifth is contemplated in Indiana. Their different education societies support about eighty beneficiaries, preparing for the ministry, at an expense of one hundred dollars each, annually. The Lutheran Observer is published weekly, at Baltimore. The Luthera

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Protestant Methodists.

Protestant Methodists.

The population of all denominations of Methodists in the United States exceeds three millions. Publications. —The Christian Advocate and Journal , New York city; Zion's Herald and Wesleyan Journal , Boston, Mass.; Northern Advocate , Auburn, N. Y.; Christian Repository , Philadelphia, Pa.; Richmond Christian Advocate , Richmond, Va.; Southern Christian Advocate , Charleston, S. C.; South-Western Christian Advocate , Nashville, Tenn.; Pittsburg Christian Advocate , Pittsburg, Pa.; Western Christi

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Methodists.

Methodists.

There is also published by this denomination, the Methodist Quarterly Review , New York city; Ladies' Repository , (monthly,) Cincinnati, Ohio; Guide to Christian Perfection , (monthly,) Boston, Mass., Sunday School Advocate , (semi-monthly,) New York city; Sabbath School Messenger , (semi-monthly,) Boston, Mass. The Methodists have ten colleges, and thirty academies. In the Methodist church in Canada, are two weekly newspapers viz., Christian Guardian , Toronto, U. C.; The Wesleyan , Montreal,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Presbyterians.

Presbyterians.

Education. —Within the bounds of the church there are thirteen theological seminaries, three of which are under the care of the General Assembly. They have a board of education, which has about four hundred young men in training for the ministry. The Calvinistic publications announce their sentiments. In 1837, a division arose in the Presbyterian church, into Old and New Schools, in consequence of variant views of doctrine and discipline. The friends of the New School were exscinded, or cut off,

55 minute read

Read Chapter

Other Presbyterian Communities.

Other Presbyterian Communities.

This church comprises one general synod, and two particular synods; one at New York, and another at Albany. The two synods comprise eighteen classes, about two hundred ministers, two hundred churches, twenty-seven thousand communicants, and a population of about one hundred and thirty thousand. This denomination of Christians is found almost entirely in the first settlements in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The Christian Intelligencer , published at New York, advocates th

24 minute read

Read Chapter

Reformed Dutch Church.

Reformed Dutch Church.

This denomination is spread over every section of the United States and the British Provinces. They form, it is stated, more than three fourths of the population of the Canadas. They are also found in large numbers in the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In this Union, they are most numerous in the Middle States; but in consequence of the great influx of this people into North America, and their frequent change of location, it is utterly impossible to state their numbers, in each stat

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Roman Catholics.

Roman Catholics.

The sacred college of cardinals has fifty-seven members. The total number is seventy. There are twelve patriarchs in the Christian world. The archbishops and bishops amount to six hundred and seventy-one. The vicars apostolic in different countries are fifty-seven in number, besides whom there are thirty-eight coadjutor-bishops, making the grand total of the Catholic episcopacy amount to seven hundred and sixty-six bishops. Catholic Periodicals. —The United States Catholic Miscellany , published

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Swedenborgians.

Swedenborgians.

Of this denomination, there are about three hundred churches and congregations in the United States, and near that number of ministers. In the city of Boston it is one of the most numerous and influential classes of Christians, having eighteen societies, most of which are large and flourishing. In the Middle, Southern, and Western States their congregations are fewer, but gradually multiplying. Periodicals. —The Christian Examiner , the Monthly Miscellany , and the Christian Register , are publi

46 minute read

Read Chapter

Unitarians.

Unitarians.

A favorite project of Christian philanthropy with the Unitarians has been the “ministry to the poor” in large cities and towns. They have established such an institution in Boston, New York, Cincinnati, Louisville, Providence, and elsewhere. In Boston, three large and commodious chapels have been erected, and three ministers constantly employed, by the aid of funds obtained from individual donors and annual subscriptions from associations in the several churches of the denomination. There are, i

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Universalists.

Universalists.

We have been much assisted in our missionary statistics by the kindness of the secretaries of the several Missionary Boards, and by permission of the proprietor, Mr. F. Rand, for the use of his valuable Missionary Chart, prepared with great care, in 1840, by the Reverend Messrs. Jefferson Hascall and Daniel Wise. Those of the Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists, and Episcopalians, are brought down to 1841, and are quite accurate; but the efforts of some of the other denominations in this gr

28 minute read

Read Chapter

First Protestant Missions.

First Protestant Missions.

The Moravians trace their origin to the ninth century, when the king of Moravia united with the Greek church. West Indian Mission. —The Moravians commenced their mission on the Island of St. Thomas in 1732. Its commencement was occasioned by a conversation between a negro, named Anthony, and some servants of Count Zinzendorf. The negro said he had a sister at St. Thomas, who was deeply anxious to be instructed about religion. This remark was repeated to one of “the brethren ,” named Leonard Dobe

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Moravian Missions.

Moravian Missions.

In 1734, they began their mission on the Island of St. Croix. It was soon abandoned, but was reëstablished in 1740. In 1754, missions were commenced on the Islands of St. Jan and Jamaica; in 1756, at Antigua; in 1765, at Barbadoes; in 1777, at St. Christopher's; and at Tobago in 1790. Greenland Mission. —This was commenced in 1733, at New Herrnhut, or Lusatia, by Matthew and Christian Stach, when the congregation of the brethren at home amounted to but six hundred members. They persevered throug

3 minute read

Read Chapter

London Missionary Society.

London Missionary Society.

East Indian Missions. —The society's missions in this most interesting quarter of the globe were commenced at Calcutta and Chinsura, by the Rev. Mr. Forsyth, in 1798. Subsequently, their stations spread over Northern and Peninsular India, India beyond the Ganges, into China, Siam, and some of the Asiatic Isles. Guiana and West Indies .—At the request of a pious Dutch planter, Mr. Wray was sent to Demerara, in Guiana, in 1807. This was the beginning of the society's operations in South America. O

5 minute read

Read Chapter

American Board Of Foreign Missions.

American Board Of Foreign Missions.

North American Indian Missions. —These were commenced in 1816, among the Cherokees, by the Rev. C. Kingsbury. The Choctaws, the Chickasaws, the Osages, and other tribes, have since shared the labors of the board. The late unhappy removal of the Cherokee nation has done much towards the prostration of missionary success among that interesting but deeply-injured tribe. Missions in Africa. —The efforts of the board in this quarter of the globe are of recent date. Only seven years have elapsed since

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Presbyterian Board Of Foreign Missions.

Presbyterian Board Of Foreign Missions.

Summary. This church has now under her care in the foreign field, fifty-seven laborers sent from her own bosom, twenty-three of whom are ministers of the gospel; besides eight native assistants, some of them men of learning, all of them hopefully pious, and in different stages of preparation and trial for the missionary work among their own benighted people. Through the mission stations occupied by these brethren, the church is brought in direct contact with five different heathen nations, conta

1 minute read

Read Chapter

English Baptist Missionary Society.

English Baptist Missionary Society.

South African Mission. —In 1831, Rev. W. Davies was sent to Graham's Town, at the urgent solicitation of some Baptists, resident at that place. Summary. This society have, in Asia, the Asiatic Islands, West Indies, South America, and South Africa, one hundred and twenty-nine stations and out-stations, one hundred and thirty-four missionaries and assistants, twenty-two thousand four hundred and eighty-eight communicants, and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-five scholars. This statemen

3 minute read

Read Chapter

American Baptist Board Of Foreign Missions.

American Baptist Board Of Foreign Missions.

European Missions. —These missions were commenced in 1832. Professor Chase was sent to explore the kingdom of France, and the Rev. J. C. Rostan commenced a course of evangelical demonstrations at Paris; since which, Germany and Greece have shared the attention of the board. These are missions of the first importance. General Summary. This board have missions as follow:—In North America, to the Ojibwas, near Lake Superior; the Ottawas, in Michigan; Oneidas, in New York; Otoes, near the junction o

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Free-Will Baptists.

Free-Will Baptists.

The Church of England has been actively engaged in missionary operations since the year 1698, when the “Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge” was formed. In 1701, the “Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts” was instituted. The “Church Missionary Society” was established in 1800. These societies are still in active and vigorous operation. They have missions in every quarter of the globe, and their annual expenditures, for the propagation of the Gospel, amount to about on

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Episcopal Missions.

Episcopal Missions.

There are two standing committees of this Board,—the Committee for Domestic Missions and the Committee for Foreign Missions , to whom, during the recess of the Board, the care and management of the missions is confided. This Society now has under its charge one hundred and forty-five domestic, and twelve foreign stations, employing eighty-five domestic and eleven foreign missionaries, and also eighteen teachers and assistants in the foreign stations. The expenditures of this Board, for the year

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Society For Propagating The Gospel Among The Indians And Others.

Society For Propagating The Gospel Among The Indians And Others.

Scarcely had Mr. Wesley raised the standard of Methodism in England, before he turned his attention to the wants of other lands. America presenting a vast field for missionary labor, he sent over Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, in 1769. These were the first Methodist missionaries. From their labors the Methodist Episcopal church in the United States gradually came into being. Dr. Coke was preëminently useful in establishing missions in various places This society was organized in 1817. West

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Wesleyan Or English Methodist Missionary Society.

Wesleyan Or English Methodist Missionary Society.

Missions in South Africa. —These missions were begun in 1816, by Rev. Barnabas Shaw, among the Namaquas, a tribe of Hottentots. These missions have subsequently spread over large portions of this benighted land. Missions in the South Seas. —These missions include the Friendly Isles, New Zealand, New South Wales, &amp;c. They were commenced at the latter place, in 1815, by Mr. Leigh, who began his duties and labors at Sydney, with favorable auspices and good success. Missions in the Mediterra

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Missions Of The Methodist Episcopal Church.

Missions Of The Methodist Episcopal Church.

2. The Oregon Mission. —This mission was commenced by Rev. Messrs. Jason and Daniel Lee, and now numbers twenty-one missionaries, including preachers, teachers, physicians, farmers, mechanics, &amp;c. The greater part of these were sent out in 1840, making, with their wives and children, about fifty souls—the largest missionary expedition going, at one time, from this country. They are now laying the foundations of their future work. 3. The Texas Mission was commenced by Rev. Dr. Ruter, assi

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Seventh-Day Baptist Missionary Society.

Seventh-Day Baptist Missionary Society.

This society was formed in 1822, at the house of S. V. S. Wilder Esq., an American merchant, then residing in Paris. It has a seminary for the preparation of students. In 1829, it sent out three missionaries to their first field of labor, among the French emigrants of South Africa, and among the surrounding tribes. It had, in 1839, in South Africa, seven stations, twelve missionaries, about one hundred converts, and five hundred scholars....

23 minute read

Read Chapter

French Protestant Missionary Society.

French Protestant Missionary Society.

The principal labors of this society are expended in Dutch India and in Siam. In Dutch India they have eighteen missionaries, at thirteen stations. Of the success of this society, little is known in this country....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Netherlands Missionary Society.

Netherlands Missionary Society.

This society was established, in 1796, by the members of the Episcopal church in Edinburgh. It has had missions in Tartary, Asia, and the West Indies. Some of them are still sustained....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

Scottish Missionary Society.

Scottish Missionary Society.

This society was preceded in its formation by the Missionary Seminary at Bâsle, in 1816. In 1821, the Missionary Society was formed by the various pastors and churches of the surrounding country, under the encouragement of Dr. Steinkopff. The scene of their first labors was among the German colonies in Asiatic Russia, in 1822, when seven missionaries were sent to prepare the way of the Lord in that important field. Others followed, and their mission was beginning to promise great results, when,

50 minute read

Read Chapter

German Missionary Society.

German Missionary Society.

These missions appear to be of recent date. Most of their labor is expended on Asia. Calcutta, Bombay, Poonah, and Madras, are their principal stations. Their missionaries devote a large portion of their efforts to the promotion of education....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

Church Of Scotland Missions.

Church Of Scotland Missions.

The successes of the London Missionary Society inspired the pious inhabitants of the valley of the Rhine with an ardent wish to imitate their zeal. Under this impulse, a society was formed, in 1828, at Barmen, on the Rhine, by a union of the previously-formed societies of Barmen, Elberfield, Cologne, and Wesel. Messrs. Gottlieb, Leipold, Zahn and Wurmb, were among their earliest missionaries. Wurmb was formerly a soldier. He fought in the battle of Leipsic as lieutenant, and obtained two medals

39 minute read

Read Chapter

Rhenish Missionary Society.

Rhenish Missionary Society.

We regret that it is not in our power to record the missionary efforts of the Roman Catholics. Suffice it to say that their missions extend to all countries, and that they are ardent in their zeal, indefatigable in their labors, and unsparing in their expenditures, in the propagation of the doctrines of this ancient church....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

Missions Of The Roman Catholic Church.

Missions Of The Roman Catholic Church.

This association was formed in England, in 1808. It is patronized chiefly by ministers and members of the established church. It has forty-nine missionaries and agents, who occupy twenty-three stations in Asia and Europe. Of these missionaries, twenty-four are Jewish converts. Its receipts in 1839 were upwards of eighty thousand dollars. Three or four thousand Jews have been converted, by this and other instrumentalities, within a few years. In England, there is an institution for the purpose of

28 minute read

Read Chapter

Jews' Missionary Society.

Jews' Missionary Society.

As great efforts are making, by almost all classes of Christians to spread the benign influence of the gospel among the red men on our borders, it may not be amiss to state their locations, numbers, &amp;c. &amp;c. Mr. McCoy, in his valuable “Annual Register of Indian Affairs,” published at Shawanoe, in the Indian Territory, makes many important statements respecting this highly-interesting people. He says that the number of Indians north of Mexico may be fairly estimated at one million

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Indians.

Indians.

The above tribes, although within the territory of the United States, are not within what is commonly called the Indian Territory. Mr. McCoy states the names and numbers of the indigenous and emigrant tribes within the Indian Territory, so called, as follow:— Indigenous Tribes. Emigrant Tribes. Among the population of the emigrant tribes are included thirteen hundred and fifty negro slaves. Mr. McCoy estimates that, of the one million eight hundred thousand Indians in North America, about sevent

32 minute read

Read Chapter

Jerome of Prague.

Jerome of Prague.

Jerome was, unquestionably, an excellent man. His Christianity must have been sincere, thus to have supported him; and the uniform tenor of his virtuous life corroborated the truth of that opinion. His temper was mild and affable, and the relations of life he supported with great piety and benevolence. He was a light set upon a hill; and though for a few moments it was obscured and darkened, yet it again burst forth, and continued to shine with splendor and advantage. A famous divine and martyr,

1 minute read

Read Chapter

John Huss.

John Huss.

An eminent German reformer, born, in 1482, at Weinsberg in Franconia. He was converted to the Protestant faith by reading the works of Luther; became professor of theology at Basle; embraced the opinions of Zuinglius respecting the sacrament; contributed much to the progress of ecclesiastical reform, and died in 1531. Œcolampadius was of a meek and quiet disposition; in the undertaking of any business he was very circumspect; nor was there any thing more pleasing to him, than to spend his time i

28 minute read

Read Chapter

John Œcolampadius.

John Œcolampadius.

The celebrated reformer was born at Isleben, in Saxony, 10th November, 1483. His parents wished him to devote himself to the labors of the bar, but an extraordinary accident diverted his purpose. As he walked one day in the fields with a fellow-student, he was struck down by lightning, and his companion killed by his side; and this had such effect upon his mind that, without consulting his friends, he retired from the world, into the order of the Augustines. In this seclusion he found by acciden

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Martin Luther.

Martin Luther.

A zealous reformer, born at Wildehausen, in Switzerland, 1487. He studied the learned languages at Bâsle and Berne, and applied himself to philosophy at Vienna, and took his degree of doctor of divinity, at Bâsle, 1505. For ten years he acquired popularity as public preacher at Glaris, and in 1516 he was invited to Zurich to undertake the office of minister. The tenets of Luther, which were now propagated in Germany, encouraged the Swiss preacher to oppose the sale of indulgences, and to regard

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Ulriucus Zuinglius.

Ulriucus Zuinglius.

A Dominican, born in Alsace, in 1491, who early embraced the tenets of Luther. He afterwards inclined more to the opinions of Zuinglius, and, in his zeal for the reformation, attempted in vain to reconcile these two powerful leaders. For twenty years, his eloquence was exerted at Strasburg to establish the Protestant cause; but the turbulence of the times, and his opposition to the views of the Catholics at Augsburg, rendered him unpopular, so that he received with pleasure the invitations of Cr

54 minute read

Read Chapter

Martin Bucer.

Martin Bucer.

A celebrated reformer, born 16th February, 1497, at Bretten, in the Palatinate of the Rhine. His father's name was Schwartserdt, which signifies black earth ; but the word was changed, according to the affectation of the times, by his friend Reuchlin, into Melancthon, which, in Greek, expresses the same meaning. He studied at Bretten, Pfortsheim, and Heidelberg, and with such success that, at thirteen, he wrote a comedy of some merit. He left Heidelberg in 1512, because he was refused a degree o

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Philip Melancthon.

Philip Melancthon.

A celebrated reformer and theologian, whose real name was Vermigli, was born, in 1500, at Florence. He was originally an Augustine monk, and became an eminent preacher, and prior of St. Fridian's, at Lucca. Having, however, embraced the Protestant doctrines, he found it necessary to quit his native country. After having been for some time professor of divinity at Strasburg, he was invited to England, and appointed professor of theology at Oxford. He left England on the accession of Mary, and die

33 minute read

Read Chapter

Peter Martyr.

Peter Martyr.

One of the early reformers, born in the canton of Zurich at Baumgarten, in 1504. The works of Melancthon converted him to Protestantism, and he became closely connected with Zuinglius, to whom he succeeded as pastor of Zurich. He was one of the authors of the Helvetic Confession, and assisted Calvin in drawing up the formulary of 1549. Bullinger was a moderate and conscientious man; and it is much to his honor that, on the ground of its being inconsistent with Christianity for any one to hire hi

35 minute read

Read Chapter

Henry Bullinger.

Henry Bullinger.

The great champion of the Scottish reformation was born, in 1505, at Gifford, in East Lothian, and was educated at Haddington and St. Andrews. After he was created master of arts, he taught philosophy, most probably as a regent in one of the colleges of the university. His class became celebrated, and he was considered as equalling, if not excelling, his master in the subtilties of the dialectic art. About the same time, although he had no interest but what was procured by his own merit, he was

3 minute read

Read Chapter

John Knox.

John Knox.

A celebrated reformer, born at Noyon, in Picardy, 10th July, 1509. His family name was Cauvin , which he Latinized into Calvinus . He was first intended for the church, and, subsequently, for the profession of civil law. Having embraced the principles of Protestantism, he was under the necessity of quitting France; and he settled at Bâsle, where he published his celebrated “Institutions of the Christian Religion.” After having visited Italy, he was returning by the way of Geneva, in 1536, when F

1 minute read

Read Chapter

John Calvin.

John Calvin.

A native of Alzano, who entered in the congregation of the Lateran canons. He embraced the tenets of the Protestants by the conversation of Peter Martyr, who was of the same establishment; and, afraid of persecution, he retired, 1553, to Strasburg, where he taught divinity and the philosophy of Aristotle. He quitted Strasburg, in 1563, for Chiavene, and, in 1568, removed to Heidelberg, where he was appointed professor of theology, and where he died 19th November, 1590, aged eighty-four. He was a

33 minute read

Read Chapter

Jerome Zanchius.

Jerome Zanchius.

one of the most eminent of the reformers, was born at Vezelai, in the Nivernois, in 1519, and was originally a Catholic, and intended for the law. At the age of twenty, he gained an unenviable reputation by the composition of Latin poetry which was at once elegant and licentious, and which, some years afterwards, he published under the title of “Juvenile Poems.” Though not in orders, he possessed benefices of considerable value. These, however, he abandoned in 1548, and retired to Geneva, where

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Theodore Beza.

Theodore Beza.

Pope John de Medici , the son of the illustrious Lorenzo, was born in 1475, at Florence, and was nominated a cardinal in his thirteenth year. In 1505, he was made governor of Perugia; was intrusted with the command of the Papal army in 1511; and was made prisoner, in the following year, at the battle of Ravenna. He attained the Papal crown in 1513, on the death of Julius II. He died in 1521. Leo was one of the most munificent patrons of learning and of the arts; but he was prodigal, and on some

39 minute read

Read Chapter

Leo X.

Leo X.

Surnamed the Martyr , one of the fathers of the church, was born at Neapolis, anciently Sichem, in Palestine, and was a philosopher of the Platonic school. He is believed to have preached the gospel in Italy, Asia Minor, and Egypt. He was beheaded at Rome, in 165. Of his works, the principal are two Apologies for the Christians....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

Justin.

Justin.

Founder of the sect of the Arians, was an African by birth. Disappointment made him a sectary. He propagated the opinion that the Word was not a divine person; and the heresy, though condemned by various councils, gained followers, and excited schisms in the Roman empire. The Nicene creed was drawn up to combat his errors. He was a violent enemy of Athanasius. He died at Alexandria, 386....

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Arius.

Arius.

The celebrated patriarch of Alexandria was born in that city about 296. At the council of Nice, though then but a deacon of Alexandria, his reputation for skill in controversy gained him an honorable place in the council, and with signal ability he exposed the sophistry of those who pleaded on the side of Arius. Six months after, he was appointed the successor of Alexander. Notwithstanding the influence of the emperor, who had recalled Arius from banishment, and, upon a plausible confession of h

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Athanasius.

Athanasius.

Moses son of Maimon, commonly called Moses Egypticus, because physician to the sultan of Egypt, was a Jewish rabbi, born at Cordova, in Spain, 1131. He opened a school in Egypt, and as his skill, not only in languages, but in all branches of science and of philosophy, was very great, his instructions were attended by numerous and respectable pupils. Thus eminently distinguished as a scholar, as a physician, and also as a divine, so as to be called inferior only to the legislator Moses, he beheld

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Moses Maimonides.

Moses Maimonides.

A German divine, born at Isleb. He was the friend and the disciple of Luther, but afterwards violently opposed him, and became the head of the Antinomians, a sect which regarded faith as the whole of the duties of man. He was also engaged in a dispute with Melancthon; but, with the most laudable motives, he endeavored to effect a reconciliation between the Catholics and Protestants. He died at Berlin, 1566, aged seventy-four. A native of Villanuova, in Arragon, son of a notary. He studied the la

35 minute read

Read Chapter

Michael Servetus.

Michael Servetus.

An ecclesiastic of Friesland, embraced the tenets of the Anabaptists, and, after being again baptized by Ubbo Philippi, became a powerful leader of his sect. He denied that Jesus Christ received a human shape from his mother, the virgin Mary; and while he maintained the necessity of again baptizing adults, he inveighed against the custom of infant baptism, which he regarded as Popish innovation. His eloquence and his learning were so much admired, that he gained a great number of followers in We

44 minute read

Read Chapter

Simonis Menno.

Simonis Menno.

Denominated the Apostle of the Indies , was born, in 1506, at the castle of Xavier, in Navarre; studied at Paris; became one of the first and most zealous disciples of Ignatius Loyola; was sent to the East by John III. of Portugal, to propagate the gospel; performed his mission in Hindoostan, the Moluccas, and Japan; and was on the point of landing in China, when he died, 1552....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

Francis Xavier.

Francis Xavier.

He who from whom the Socinians derive their name, was born, in 1539, at Sienna, and was for a considerable period in the service of the grand duke of Tuscany; after which he went to study theology, at Bâsle. The result of his studies was the adoption of those anti-Trinitarian doctrines, which his uncle Lelio Socinus is believed also to have professed. Faustus settled in Poland, gained many followers, endured much persecution, and died in 1604....

23 minute read

Read Chapter

Faustus Socinus.

Faustus Socinus.

Educated at Cambridge, and was a man of good parts and some learning. He began to inveigh openly against the ceremonies of the church, at Norwich, in 1580; but, being much opposed by the bishops, he, with his congregation, left England, and settled at Middleburgh, in Zealand, where they obtained leave to worship God in their own way, and form a church according to their own model. They soon, however, began to differ among themselves, so that Brown, growing weary of his office, returned to Englan

45 minute read

Read Chapter

Robert Brown.

Robert Brown.

A native of Oude-water, in Holland, 1560, founder of the sect of the Arminians. As he lost his father early, he was supported at the university of Utrecht, and of Marpurg, by the liberality of his friends; but when he returned home, in the midst of the ravages caused by the Spanish arms, instead of being received by his mother, he found that she, as well as her daughters, and all her family, had been sacrificed to the wantonness of the ferocious enemy. His distress was for a while inconsolable;

1 minute read

Read Chapter

James Arminius.

James Arminius.

First minister of Salem, Massachusetts, after receiving his education at Emanuel College, in Cambridge, became the minister of a church at Leicester, in England. While his popular talents filled his church with attentive hearers, such was the divine blessing upon his labors, that a deep attention to religious subjects was excited among his people. Becoming at length a conscientious Nonconformist to the rites of the English church, some of which he thought not only were unsupported by Scripture,

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Francis Higginson.

Francis Higginson.

Thus auspicious was the commencement of the settlement of Naumkeag, or Salem; but the scene was soon changed. During the first winter, about one hundred persons died, and Mr. Higginson was soon seized with a hectic, which terminated his days in August, 1630, aged forty-two. In his last sickness, he was reminded of his benevolent exertions in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. To consoling suggestions of this kind he replied, “I have been an unprofitable servant, and all my desire is to win Ch

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Richard Baxter.

Richard Baxter.

The founder of the society of Friends, or Quakers, was born, in 1624, at Drayton, in Leicestershire, and was the son of a weaver, a pious and virtuous man, who gave him a religious education. Being apprenticed to a grazier, he was employed in keeping sheep—an occupation, the silence and solitude of which were well calculated to nurse his naturally enthusiastic feelings. When he was about nineteen, he believed himself to have received a divine command to forsake all, renounce society, and dedicat

1 minute read

Read Chapter

George Fox.

George Fox.

The founder of Pennsylvania, born in London, 1644, From a private school at Chigwell, Essex, he entered, in 1660, as a gentleman commoner at Christ Church, Oxford; but, as he withdrew from the national forms of worship with other students, who, like himself, had listened to the preaching of Thomas Loe, a Quaker of eminence, who was fined for Non-conformity, and, the next year, as he pertinaciously adhered to his opinions, he was expelled from the college. His father sent him to France, and, on h

3 minute read

Read Chapter

William Penn.

William Penn.

An atheistical writer, son of a Portuguese Jew, born at Amsterdam, 1638. He studied medicine and theology; but his religion was so loose, and his inquiries for the reason of every thing which he was to believe, became so offensive to the rabbies, that he was thrust out of the synagogue. In consequence of this, he became a Christian, and was baptized; but his conversion was insincere, and though, during his life, he did not openly profess himself an atheist, his posthumous works plainly proved hi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Benedict Spinoza.

Benedict Spinoza.

Born in the town of Manchester, in England, in 1736. Her father, John Lee, though not in affluent circumstances, was an honest and industrious man. Her mother was esteemed as a very pious woman. As was common with the laboring classes of people in England at that period, their children, instead of being sent to school, were brought up to work from early childhood. By this means, Ann, though quite illiterate, acquired a habit of industry, and was early distinguished for her activity, faithfulness

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Ann Lee.

Ann Lee.

Scotch divine, born at Dundee, 1698, and educated at Aberdeen. Upon his publication of a pamphlet on the inconsistency of a civil establishment with Christianity, he was deposed from his church, near Dundee, and then became the founder of a new sect, called the Glassites in Scotland, and Sandemanians in England. As the discipline of his sect was very rigorous, few embraced his tenets, and the name is scarce known now....

22 minute read

Read Chapter

John Glass.

John Glass.

A Quaker, born at Aberdeen, and was well educated. He came, in 1682, to East Jersey, where he was surveyor-general. In 1689, he taught a school in Philadelphia. After various exertions, writing and travelling for the propagation of the sentiments of his sect, he at first seceded, and at length entirely deserted the society. In England, he became an Episcopalian, and was consecrated as an Episcopal missionary, and in that capacity officiated for a short time in New York and Boston. Returning to E

30 minute read

Read Chapter

George Keith.

George Keith.

The patron of the sect of the Moravians, was born at Dresden, in May, 1700. He studied at Halle and Utrecht. About the year 1721, he purchased the lordship of Bertholdsdorf, in Lusatia. Some poor Christians, the followers of John Huss, obtained leave, in 1722, to settle on his estate. They soon made converts. Such was the origin of the village of Herrnhut. Their noble patron soon after joined them. From this period Count Zinzendorf devoted himself to the business of instructing his fellow-men by

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Nicholas Louis, Count Zinzendorf.

Nicholas Louis, Count Zinzendorf.

Archbishop of Canterbury, the fourth son of Hugh Courtney, earl of Devonshire, by Margaret, granddaughter of Edward I. He was educated at Oxford, and, though possessed of abilities, owed his elevation in the church to the consequence of his family. When twenty-eight, he was made bishop of Hereford, and afterwards translated to London, where he summoned before him the great Wickliffe, in St. Paul's Cathedral, 1377. The bold reformer was on this occasion attended by his friends John of Gaunt and L

39 minute read

Read Chapter

William Courtney.

William Courtney.

An eminent divine of the church of England, was born in 1553, at Heavitree, near Exeter, and, under the patronage of Bishop Jewel, was educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he was distinguished for his piety and exemplary conduct. An unhappy marriage, which he contracted before he was thirty, with a scold who had neither beauty, money, nor manners, lost him his college fellowship, and was a fertile source of annoyance to him. In 1585, he was made master of the Temple; but, weary of d

44 minute read

Read Chapter

Richard Hooker.

Richard Hooker.

Second president of Harvard College, born in England, in 1589. He received his grammar education at Westminster, and took the degree of M. D. at the university of Cambridge. He emigrated to New England in 1638, and, after serving for a number of years in the ministry at Scituate, was appointed, in 1654, president of Harvard College. In this office he remained till his death, in 1671, performing all its duties with industrious fidelity. He was eminent as a physician, and was of opinion that there

27 minute read

Read Chapter

Charles Chauncey.

Charles Chauncey.

The founder of the Providence Plantations, born in Wales, in 1599, and was educated at Oxford. Being a dissenter, he came to America, in the hope of enjoying in freedom his religious opinions. He arrived at Hull, February 5, 1631, and was established at Salem, Massachusetts, as colleague with Mr. Skelton. His peculiar notions soon subjected him to the severest censure. He maintained that the magistrates were bound to grant toleration to all sects of Christians, and in his actions and words avowe

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Roger Williams.

Roger Williams.

A distinguished Baptist minister, and one of the first founders of Rhode Island, was a physician in London, before he came to this country. Soon after the first settlement of Massachusetts, he was driven from that colony with a number of others; and March 7, 1638, they formed themselves into a body politic, and purchased Aquetneck of the Indian sachems, calling it the Isle of Rhodes, or Rhode Island. The settlement commenced at Pocasset, or Portsmouth. The Indian deed is dated March 24, 1638. Mr

2 minute read

Read Chapter

John Clarke.

John Clarke.

A woman who occasioned much difficulty in New England, soon after its first settlement, came from Lincolnshire to Boston, 1635, and was the wife of one of the representatives of Boston. The members of Mr. Cotton's church used to meet every week to repeat his sermons, and discourse on doctrines. She set up meetings for women, and soon had a numerous audience. After repeating the sermons of Mr. Cotton, she added reflections of her own; she advocated her own sentiments, and warped the discourses of

58 minute read

Read Chapter

Ann Hutchinson.

Ann Hutchinson.

Founder of the ancient sect of Quietists, was a Spaniard, of a rich and honorable family. He entered into priest's orders young, but would accept no preferment in the church. He possessed great talents, and was ardently pious, without any of the austerities of the Romish religious orders. He went to Rome, where, in 1675, he published his “Spiritual Guide,” which gave him universal reputation. The Jesuits and Dominicans, envious at his success, charged him with heresy, and at last succeeded in ge

29 minute read

Read Chapter

Michael Molinos.

Michael Molinos.

The great founder of Methodism was born at Epworth, in England, in 1703. In 1714, he was placed at the Charter House; and two years after he was elected to Christ Church, Oxford. In 1725, he was ordained deacon, and the next year became fellow and tutor of Lincoln College. Wesley's character, says his biographer, is itself a study. He equalled Luther in energy and courage, and Melancthon in learning and prudence. All the excellences of both the Wittemberg reformers were combined, if not transcen

5 minute read

Read Chapter

John Wesley.

John Wesley.

Like Luther, he knew the importance of the press; he kept it teeming with his publications. His itinerant preachers were good agents for their circulation. “Carry them with you through every round,” he would say; “exert yourselves in this; be not ashamed, be not weary, leave no stone unturned.” His works, including abridgments and translations, amounted to about two hundred volumes. These comprise treatises on almost every subject of divinity, poetry, music, history,—natural, moral, metaphysical

33 minute read

Read Chapter

George Whitefield.

George Whitefield.

During Mr. Whitefield's visit to Philadelphia, he preached often in the evening from the gallery of the court-house in Market Street. So loud was his voice at that time, that it was distinctly heard on the Jersey shore, and so distinct was his speech, that every word he said was understood at Market Street wharf, a distance of upwards of four hundred feet from the court-house. All the intermediate space was crowded with his hearers. Mr. Whitefield was truly remarkable for his uncommon eloquence

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Selina Huntingdon.

Selina Huntingdon.

The founder of the sect called Sandemanians , born at Perth, in Scotland, about the year 1718, and was educated at St. Andrews. Instead of entering into the church, for which he was intended, he became a linen manufacturer, and afterwards turned preacher. He came to America in October, 1764, and from Boston he went to Danbury, Connecticut. In that town he gathered a church the following year. He afterwards established several societies in New England. Individuals are still found who adhere to hi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Robert Sandeman.

Robert Sandeman.

An American divine, who, in his sermons and tracts, has made several additions to the sentiments first advanced by the celebrated Jonathan Edwards, late president of New Jersey College. Dr. Hopkins was born at Waterbury, in Connecticut, 1721, and graduated at Yale College, in 1741. Soon after, he engaged in theological studies, at Northampton, Massachusetts, under the superintendence of Jonathan Edwards, and, in 1743, was ordained at Housatonic, now Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where he cont

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Samuel Hopkins.

Samuel Hopkins.

A divine of Boston, was born in Martha's Vineyard, in 1720 and educated at Harvard College. In 1747, he was ordained pastor of the West Church, in Boston, and continued in this station the remainder of his life. He possessed a mind of great acuteness and energy, and in his principles was a determined republican. He had no little influence in producing the American revolution. His sermons and controversial tracts obtained for him a high reputation; and many of them were republished several times

26 minute read

Read Chapter

Jonathan Mayhew.

Jonathan Mayhew.

First bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, was born in 1728, and graduated at Yale College in 1751. After finishing his classical education, he went to Scotland with the view of studying medicine; but soon, having turned his attention to theology, he altered his purpose and took orders in London, 1753. Returning to America, he officiated, first at Brunswick, New Jersey, then at Jamaica, Long Island, next at West Chester, New York, and lastly at New London, Connecticut,

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Samuel Seabury.

Samuel Seabury.

A clergyman of the Episcopal church, who maintained for many years a high reputation in South Carolina. He was a native of England, and soon after his arrival in Charleston was appointed rector of St. Philip's Church in that city. Here he was greatly admired as a popular preacher, and highly respected as an exemplary, amiable, benevolent, and liberal man. He returned to England in 1759, and was soon afterwards appointed a stated preacher in one of the principal churches in London. In this statio

36 minute read

Read Chapter

Richard Clarke.

Richard Clarke.

An English philosopher and dissenting divine, born at Fieldheald, Yorkshire, 1733. He was educated at Daventry, under Dr. Ashworth, for the ministry among the dissenters, and at the proper age he took care of a congregation at Needham Market, Suffolk, and afterwards at Nantwich, Cheshire. He became, in 1761, professor of belles lettres in the Warrington Academy, and after seven years' residence there he removed to Leeds, and two years after accepted the office of librarian and philosophical comp

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Joseph Priestly.

Joseph Priestly.

A learned Arian preacher, born at a little village of Berwickshire, in 1734. His father was only a keeper of cattle, and intended James for the same profession. He, meanwhile, having obtained the loan of some books on mathematics, made himself master of geometry and trigonometry, and afterwards taught these sciences, with other branches of mathematics, and assisted some public authors in compiling mathematical works, which have been well received. He joined a party of the ancient Cameronians, an

45 minute read

Read Chapter

James Purves.

James Purves.

Bishop of Limerick, born September 27, 1775, and died December 9, 1833, aged 58. He was educated at the university of Dublin, where he gained a high reputation as a scholar. He was greatly esteemed as a man of a most amiable and gentle spirit; had the reputation of an accomplished orator and a learned and able theologian; and as a clergyman and a bishop he was truly exemplary. His original publications are not numerous, but are of high merit....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

John Jebb.

John Jebb.

A celebrated writer, born at Zurich, 1741. He was pastor of the church of St Peter's at Zurich, and as a minister he acquired great reputation both by his eloquent discourses and his exemplary life. He was wounded by a French soldier when Zurich was taken by storm under Massena in 1799, and died there in consequence of it, 12th January, 1801. He acquired deserved celebrity as a physiognomist, and his writings on the subject, possessing great merit, ingenious remarks, and truly original ideas, ha

30 minute read

Read Chapter

John Gaspar Christian Lavater.

John Gaspar Christian Lavater.

An eminent prelate, was born in 1630, at Sowerby, in Yorkshire, and was educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge. In 1691, after fruitless attempts to avoid the honor, he accepted, with unfeigned reluctance, the see of Canterbury, which was become vacant by the deprivation of Sancroft. This promotion, however, he did not long survive, as his decease took place in 1694. In his domestic relations, friendships, and the whole commerce of business, he was easy and humble, frank and open, tender-hearted and

1 minute read

Read Chapter

John Tillotson.

John Tillotson.

A most celebrated English philosopher and mathematician, and one of the greatest geniuses that ever appeared in the world, descended from an ancient family in Lincolnshire, where he was born in the year 1642. His powers of mind were wonderfully comprehensive and penetrating. Fontenelle says of him, “that in learning mathematics, he did not study Euclid, who seemed to him too plain and simple, and unworthy of taking up his time. He understood him almost before he read him: a cast of his eye on th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton.

He departed this life in the eighty-fifth year of his age, and, in his principles and conduct through life, has left a strong and comfortable evidence that the highest intellectual powers harmonize with religion and virtue, and that there is nothing in Christianity but what will abide the scrutiny of the soundest and most enlarged understanding. How great and satisfactory a confirmation is it to the sincere, humble Christian, and what an insurmountable barrier does it present to the infidel, to

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Charles V.

Charles V.

Baron of Verulam, viscount St. Albans, and lord high chancellor of England, born in the year 1561. He was one of the most remarkable men of whom any age or country can boast; and his writings furnish incontestable proofs that his knowledge, wisdom, and benevolence, were very extraordinary. Lord Bacon died in 1626. That this illustrious character was deeply influenced by a truly humble and religious spirit, is manifest from the following prayer, which was found amongst his papers, in his own hand

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Francis Bacon.

Francis Bacon.

“ O Lord, my strength! I have, from my youth, met with thee in all my ways; in thy fatherly compassions, in thy merciful chastisements, and in thy most visible providences. As thy favors have increased upon me, so have thy corrections; as my worldly blessings were exalted, so secret darts from thee have pierced me; and when I have ascended before men, I have descended in humiliation before thee. And now, when I have been thinking most of peace and honor, thy hand is heavy upon me, and has humble

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Matthew Hale.

Matthew Hale.

“They who truly fear God, have a secret guidance from a higher wisdom than what is barely human, namely, the Spirit of truth and goodness; which does really, though secretly, prevent and direct them. Any man that sincerely and truly fears Almighty God, and calls and relies upon him for his direction, has it as really as a son has the counsel and direction of his father; and though the voice be not audible, nor discernible by sense, yet it is equally as real as if a man heard a voice, saying, ‘Th

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Princess Elizabeth.

Princess Elizabeth.

“ After a religious meeting which we had in her chamber, she was much affected, and said, ‘ It is a hard thing to be faithful to what one knows. O, the way is strait! I am afraid I am not weighty enough in my spirit to walk in it. ’ “ She once withdrew, on purpose to give her servants, who were religiously disposed, the liberty of discoursing with us that they might the more freely put what questions of conscience they desired to be satisfied in. Sometimes she suffered both them and the poorest

32 minute read

Read Chapter

Robert Boyle.

Robert Boyle.

The great object of his philosophical pursuits was to promote the cause of religion, and to discountenance atheism and infidelity. His intimate friend Bishop Burnet makes the following observations on this point:— “It appeared to those who conversed with him on his inquiries into nature, that his main design (on which as he had his own eye constantly fixed, so he took care to put others often in mind of it) was to raise in himself and others more exalted sentiments of the greatness and glory, th

4 minute read

Read Chapter

John Locke.

John Locke.

The consolation which he derived from divine revelation is forcibly expressed in these words:— “I gratefully receive and rejoice in the light of revelation, which has set me at rest in many things, the manner whereof my poor reason can by no means make out to me.” After he had diligently employed a great part of his life in a variety of occupations, he chose a pleasing retirement for the remainder of his days. This leisure appears to have been productive of solid improvement, by enabling him to

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Joseph Addison.

Joseph Addison.

A learned and eminent dissenting minister, born at Southampton, in the year 1674, of parents who were distinguished by their piety and virtue. He died in 1748. He possessed an uncommon genius, of which he gave early proofs. He received a very liberal education, which was rendered highly beneficial to him by his own unwearied efforts to improve himself. After the most serious deliberation, he determined to devote his life to the ministry, of the importance of which office he had a deep and awful

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Isaac Watts.

Isaac Watts.

The sweet peace of conscience he enjoyed under these trying circumstances, and the rational and Christian foundation of his hope and trust in the divine goodness, are beautifully and justly expressed by him, in the following lines:— Born in London, in the year 1702. His parents, who were persons of great worth, brought him up in an early knowledge of religion; but he had the misfortune to lose them before he was fourteen years old. This circumstance excited in his mind very serious reflections,

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Philip Doddridge.

Philip Doddridge.

A short time before his death, he had been induced to try the mild air of the south; but change of climate did not produce the desired effect, and Dr. Doddridge continued gradually to weaken, till death put a period to his afflictions. In his last hours, he preserved the same calmness, vigor, and joy of mind, which he had felt and expressed through the whole of his illness. The only pain he had in the thought of dying, was the fear of that grief and distress which his wife would suffer from his

4 minute read

Read Chapter

John Murray.

John Murray.

On the opposite side— A distinguished advocate of Universalism, born in Brookline, Massachusetts, September 30, 1751. In his nineteenth year, he was converted, under the preaching of the Baptists; and it was by his labors that the present Baptist society in Newton was originally gathered. In the autumn of 1774, he made a journey to the Southern States. Early in 1778, he first saw Siegvolk's “Everlasting Gospel,” a work which originally appeared in Holland, but which had been translated and publi

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Elhanan Winchester.

Elhanan Winchester.

The following is the inscription on the stone erected to his memory:— “ The General Convention of the Universal Churches, in Memory of their dear departed Brother, the Rev. Elhanan Winchester , erected this Monumental Stone. He died April 18th, 1797, aged 46 years. Born at Nanterre, about five miles from Paris, in the year 423, about the time of Pharamond, the first king of France. St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre, observing in her, when yet very young, a particular disposition to sanctity, advise

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Saint Genevieve.

Saint Genevieve.

Bishop of Salisbury, was born at Edinburgh, in the year 1643. He was carefully educated by his father; and, having a strong constitution and a prodigious memory, he applied himself closely to study, and acquired a great portion of learning and knowledge, which he seemed to have ready for all occasions. He travelled through France, Italy, and Holland, where he formed connections with many of the greatest persons of his time, by whom he was much respected for his talents and virtues. At Amsterdam,

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Gilbert Burnet.

Gilbert Burnet.

“By living according to the rules of religion, a man becomes the wisest, the best, and the happiest creature that he is capable of being. Honest industry, the employing of time well, a constant sobriety, an undefiled purity and chastity, with continued serenity, are the best preservatives, too, of life and health; so that, take a man as an individual, religion is his guard, his perfection, his beauty, and his glory. This will make him a light in the world, shining brightly, and enlightening many

5 minute read

Read Chapter