The Harbinger of the Millennium: With an Appendix - William Cogswell - Google Books

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DISSERTATION III.

DISTRIBUTION OF TRACTS.

Usefulness of knowledge to man as a rational and account-

*able being.-No knowledge to be compared to that which relates

to divine subjects. - The Bible the great store-house of instruc-

tion, but the writings of pious and good men not inspired, highly

important and useful. Among these, Tracts hold a conspicuous

place. Their character-as drawn from the Bible, and easy to

be put into circulation. The advantage of their use among

the heathen, and the testimony of missionaries concerning

them. Different classes of persons who may employ them.-

Their cheapness favorable to their wide circulation. Commen-

dation of the Tract system. Agency of Tracts in bringing on

the Millennium. Their influence illustrated in the Dairy-

man's Daughter and Young Cottager.-Mention of the Lon-

don Tract Society and the American Tract Society at New

York. Anecdote of Antoninus the Roman Emperor.-Com-

parison of Boston and New York at the time of their religious

anniversaries to ancient Jerusalem, at the time of the Jewish

festivals. To London and Paris. -Hope and confidence that it

will be so ere long with all the great capital places on the

globe, and the inquiry what we shall do in hastening forward

DISSERTATION IV.

FORLIGN MISSIONS.

The Saviour's command: "Go ye into all the world and

preach the gospel to every creature."-Question how far it has

been complied with, and what portions of the world are still

unevangelized. -State of the Pagan world, and the immense

number yet ignorant of the gospel.-State of the Mohamme-

dans and Jews with the Greek and Latin churches.- Reasons

why the command of Christ should be obeyed the neces-

sity of the gospel to the well-being of man-the command of

the Saviour and the certainty that the gospel will one day

pervade all nations.-Cursory glance at what must be done in

order to it-story of a Lady in Paris-reference to Dr. Wor-

cester, Mr. Evarts and Dr. Cornelius,

DISSERTATION V.

CONVERSION OF THE JEWS.

Glance at the history and character of the Jews, with their

views of the Bible, showing their moral condition to be little or

no better than Mohammedans and Pagans. Consideration of

their number, dispersion, degradation and oppression-also of

their restoration to the land of their fathers, and their subse-

quent happy condition. Remarks: -The exertions at the pres-

ent day in behalf of the Jews an omen of good-great en-

couragement to labor for their conversion--becomes all to

engage in the object,

30
DISSERTATION VI.

Comparison of the state of depressed and desolate churches

with that of ancient Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah.-

The resolution of the Jews at that time. --Survey of the waste

places of Zion in the United States.-New England-South

and West.-Reasons why Zion should be built-benefit of in-

dividuals-good of society-promotion of Christ's kingdom

and the glory of God.-Methods by which Zion should be

built.-Churches must help themselves-ministers and pious

people must assist those who have ability must afford gratu-

itous aid-plan of sending missionaries to feeble societies-

importance of their being prudent, faithful, zealous men-im-

portance of prayer for the divine blessing.-General call to all

who love Zion or their country to arise and build,

DISSERTATION VII.

SUPPLY OF MINISTERS.

Destitution of Christian instructers great. The number

necessary, calculating one to a thousand.-Great deficiency,

even in New England, and more especially in the Western

and Southern States. Reference to Dr. Rice and Dr. Miller.

-Question how ministers shall be raised up to supply the

demand for them.--Information must be given respecting the

deficiency-societies established to educate young men-min-

isters bring them forward-and prayer offered for success.-

Appeal to Christians in behalf of the American Education

Society. Good done by ninety-two of its Beneficiaries-ob-

jection answered and an exhortation to immediate and more

vigorous effort,

DISSERTATION VIII.

SABBATH SCHOOLS.

Solomon's declaration, "Train up a child in the way he

should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."-

Scott's remarks on the passage. -Subject of the Dissertation :

-the religious education of children. Question considered

what it is religiously to educate the young. Should be taught

the being and perfections of God, with the duties they owe to

him and to those around them. Should be taught their sinful-

ness, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. Should be

taught also to govern their passions, &c.-Reasons why they

should be thus taught-as, early impressions are long retained

-early piety is in itself amiable, pleasing to God, and condu-

cive to happiness through life-youth is the best season for

cultivating it-it prepares for greater usefulness here and great-

er happiness hereafter.-Work devolves on parents and guar-

dians, ministers of the Gospel and instructers. Reference to

Raikes, Sabbath School teachers, and the happy effects of the

132
DISSERTATION IX.

PROMOTION OF TEMPERANCE.

Why abstain from the use of ardent spirit? -The Expense

attending it-returns of the Marshalls amount expended in

Massachusetts--waste of property annually in the United

States -The use in any degree injures the morals and hap-

piness of society-testimony of Judge Rush, Judge Hale and

the Hon. William Wirt. Use destroys the body-testimony

of Dr. Buchan-Dr. Trotter and Dr. Alden. Use in any de-

gree injures the soul-testimony of the Hon. Samuel M. Hop-

kins-striking remark of President Fiske.-Ways of promo-

ting abstinence several-as, by the interference of legislative

authority-fidelity in Judicial and Executive officers, taverners,

physicians, parents and ministers of the Gospel, professors of

religion, females, persons of all ranks, the press-agents,

DISSERTATION X.

INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE.

No more aggravated sin in a Christian community than sla-

very. All men by nature equal and free-testimony of Scrip-

ture-our constitutions of government founded upon the ad-

mission-blacks and whites of common descent-color to be at-

tributed to climate and circumstances of living - Slavery un-

just, sinful and infamous-nature of the case-Jefferson-Pitt

in the British Parliament. - It is impo impolitic. All lawful and prac-

ticable measures should be adopted to put an end to it-its ef-

fects-Montesquieu-Franklin.-Subject exciting great atten-

tion at present should be a total and immediate cessation of

the slave trade-plans by which the abolition of slavery may

be gradually effected what has been done.-Time hastening

when it shall be done away,

DISSERTATION XI.

BELIGIOUS IMPROVEMENT OF SEAMEN.

Scenes in seafaring life--Seamen need religion as well as other

men--peculiarlyexposed to temptations-trials and hardships.-

Efforts should be made to impart to them the Gospel-without it

they must perish-their number and importance entitle them

to attention-their influence on shore and the circumstance

that they are to be the carriers of the Gospel to the islands of

the sea and the ends of the earth.--Methods which ought to be

adopted for their benefit-they should be furnished with Bibles

and other religious books in every port there should be good

boarding houses, and a place of worship for their accommo-

dation-stated prayer-meetings-religious libraries established

and temperance societies organized.-Encouraging prospects-

numeration of efforts,

DISSERTATION XII.

REFORMATION OF PRISONERS.

Condition of prisoners a prominent object of Christian re-

gard.-Number of prisoners. - Their wretched condition calls

for attention. The duty of exercising compassion towards

them--they are capable of being reformed--temporal and

spiritual condition urges in their behalf-scriptures plead for

them also. Particulars in which attention should be bestow-

ed-construction, ventilation and cleanliness of prisons, reli-

gious instruction. Notice of imprisonment for debt by Dr.

DISSERTATION XIII.

PROMOTION OF PEACE.

Christ the great peace-Maker; yet war has hitherto prevailed.

-Reasons why it should be abolished-it is the law of vio-

lence-is opposed to the precepts of the Gospel to the exam-

ple of Christ-followed with distressing evil effects. - Means

of abolishing it-ministers of the Gospel should advocate peace

-parents and teachers of youth should inculcate it, and show

the horrors of war-publications in favor of peace and oppos-

ed to war should be circulated and societies formed to abolish

war and establish peace,

DISSERTATION XIV.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.

• The Saviour's doctrine respecting alms-giving-Duty of

making charitable contributions taught by the light of nature,

and enjoined throughout the volume of Inspiration.-Question

to whom charitable contributions are to be made considered,

and who are to make them. Question in what manner they

are to be made without ostentation-in a private manner-

with cheerfulness-from disinterested motives. - Reward conse-

quent upon the manner in which they are bestowed-of the hyp-

ocritical of the righteous.-Objections to charitable contribu-

tions considered-inability-disapprobation of the object, plan,

or agent-distrust as to the appropriation of funds. Remarks:

-Christians lamentably deficient in times past-have begun

to feel and perform their duty-must rise still higher,

DISSERTATION XV.

BENEVOLENT AGENCIES.

Kingdom of Christ sustained and carried forward by means.

-The present system of benevolent enterprizes among Chris-

tians necessary, -shown wherein and how-testimony of a ju-

dicious Father in the ministry. - Illustration. -Nature of the

agency required.--Illustrated by reference to particulars.-

Present system set forth with remarks-suggestion as to the

mode of operation best to be pursued. -Objections considered

and answered-too many engaged as agents-present method

too expensive-agents not needed,

DISSERTATION XVI.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

What a revival is attention of saints and sinners awakened

to religious subjects-impenitent convicted of their sins-are

converted-a reformation takes place. When it may be ex-

pected-when Christians are excited to frequency and ferven-

cy in prayer-when church discipline is duly observed when

religious instruction awakens interest and leads to reflection-

when brotherly love and union prevail-when ministers mani-

fest increased fidelity and zeal.-Why it may be hoped revivals

will be more multiplied and extended than they ever have

been the truth will be preached more faithfully-means of

grace will be multiplied-also evident from the Bible. Re-

marks:-opposition to revivals, opposition to the temporal and

eternal good of men and the glory of God-The duty of Chris-

tians in relation to revivals. They should let their light shine,

DISSERTATION XVII.

The present a wonderful day-attitude of infidelity-state

of Christendom-declaration of the prophet Isaiah respecting

the latter-day glory of Zion. There will be a time when the

church will be in a state of far greater prosperity and happiness

than she has ever yet enjoyed-prophecy confirming this-

Scott and Faber. - Some characteristics of that time. -Remarks:

-the comfort and encouragement afforded by the prophecies

of the Bible-church safe and may rejoice in her safety-

opposition to Zion wicked and foolish-those who labor for

the extension of Christ's kingdom co-workers with God-

Signs of the times indicate the latter-day glory as near-far

greater things in religion yet to be attempted and accomplished,

Bible Societies,

General Union for the Observance of the Christian Sabbath,

Tract Societies,

Foreign Missionary Societies,

Jews Societies,

Home Missionary Societies,

Education Societies,

Sabbath School Societies,

Temperance Societies,

Colonization Societies,

Seamen's Friend Society,

Prison Discipline Society,

Peace Societies,

Charitable Contributions,

Benevolent Agencies,

Revivals of Religion,

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