rejected the religion of Christ, were aliens from God: they called upon all men every where to repent, to turn from their dumb idols, and carnal ordinances, and to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation; and proclaimed, that all who failed to comply with this command, incurred the most dreadful guilt and danger; and, continuing so, must perish eternally. The blinded Pagans construed this honest fidelity, on the part of christians, into an evidence of enmity to mankind. Their holy zeal in beseeching men to flee from the wrath to come, was considered as indicating a malignant spirit; and that which ought to have been recognized as the purest benevolence, was reviled as the bitterest and most merciless bigotry! The consequences were melancholy. Both government and people persecuted the christians with unrelenting fury; they were hunted like beasts of prey; their blood flowed in every direction; and that they were not exterminated from the earth, was not owing to the charity or the forbearance of those whom they sought to save.

Such has been the spirit of the enemies of the truth in all ages; and such it is at this hour.

To every form of error they are indulgent. When any modification of heresy presents itself, however widely it may differ from their own, it appears as if the milk of kindness were the very element of their souls. Even the tenets of the mortal deist, though allowed to be erroneous and to be deplored, are yet spoken of in the language of forbearance and commiseration, rather than of heavy censure, or of solemn warning. But let Orthodoxy make her appearance; and however mild her language, or respectful her address, not only the frown of disapprobation is visible; but all the vials of wrath are poured out upon her. She is loaded with opprobrious epithets; and appears to be really regarded as the most odious and dangerous of all adversaries.

I do not say that all who are called Unitarians. manifest this temper towards Orthodoxy. But I do say, without fear of contradiction, that this spirit of ancient Paganism is very strikingly exhibited by the great majority of those Unitarians with whose persons or writings I have been acquainted. They have appeared willing to tolerate every thing excepting the truth. But when Christ was to be opposed, or his truth sacrificed,

Herod and Pilate, by whatever names they were called, have been ever ready to make friends together. On this fact I make no further comment. You will judge for yourselves whether it is characteristick of the spirit of truth, or of the spirit of error.

After all, it cannot be denied, that Orthodoxy, both in her doctrinal opinions, and her practical spirit, has been considered, in all ages, by Unitarians, and indeed by the children of this world generally, as austere, bigotted, and even intolerant. So it was, as every one may see from the New Testament, in the days of Paul; So it was in the days of Irenæus, Tertullian and Cyprian. So it was when the Waldenses exhibited their testimony in the cause of holiness, as well as of truth. So it is at the present day; and so it must be in the very nature of things. In the eyes of a dissipated and profligate child, the most affectionate parent who wishes to restrain and reform him, is an enemy to his happiness; his commands are unreasonable, and his controul hateful tyranny. In the view of the lawless invader of the publick peace, the conscientious and faithful magistrate, who loves and enforces

the principles of social order, appears an odious despot, a foe to all rational enjoyment. For this I know of no remedy, but the conversion of the deluded. When his eyes are opened, THEN and not before, he will see, that what he thought tyranny, was benevolent regulation; and what he loathed, as unfriendly to enjoyment, was most directly fitted to promote his temporal as well as his eternal happiness.

LETTER III.

Subject continued Fourth prejudice,—against every thing Mysterious in religion—Fifth prejudice,—the Authority of Great Names.

CHRISTIAN Brethren,

I have not yet done with the Prejudices which set themselves in array against humble and candid inquiry on the subject in which we are engaged. Two more remain to be considered.

IV. The FOURTH which I shall mention is, the disposition in multitudes to Revolt at the SUGGESTION OF ANY THING MYSTERIOUS IN RE

LIGION. This This prejudice and outcry against MYSTERY, are among the weapons which Unitarians most frequently employ against Orthodoxy; and at which many who call themselves Orthodox are often perplexed, and at a loss to answer. The substance of the objection commonly made on this subject, may be thus expressed