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timents radically different from those they have been accus. tomed to hear inculcated from the sacred desk and from the Bible, the duty becomes imperative that some one should gird himself to the labor of preparing and publishing a work which will supply the deficiency so palpable, especially in the South.

This duty the undersigned has undertaken, and now offers to the public the fruits of his labors, with the humble hope that those of his fellow creatures who are "halting between two opinions," and those who have doubts and anxious forebodings concerning their own immortal destiny, and that of their friends of the human family-a class for whose benefit he chiefly writes-will come to a decision in the case, at once honorable to the character of God, and full of hope and joy to their own souls.

To his brethren of various opposing denominations the au thor would say a word. It is the voice of reason and inspi ration that we should "prove all things and hold fast that which is good," that we should "try the spirits whether they be of God." In obedience to these injunctions you are bound to read with candor, and judge without prejudice, what is herewith presented for your consideration. And even though you may find ideas and sentiments novel in charac ter and adverse to your preconceived opinions, still it is your duty to examine carefully before you pronounce a verdict of condemnation, for the wise man hath said, "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is a folly and a shame unto him." Truth does not fear the most rigid investigation, and no one who entertains erroneous opinions on any subject ought to desire to remain in bondage thereto a single moment, though all the world besides should "be of a contrary part." Let it be remembered, that the Truth of God was no less true when the Prophet Elijah stood alone in its defence, not. withstanding he was opposed by four hundred and fifty Pro. phets of Baal-a fact which should serve as a lesson to us not to judge one system false because its advocates may be few in number, or another true because thousands acknow.

Ledge its influence. It is possible too, that in our running after the prize of our high calling, the race may not always be to those who are swift, nor, in the fight of faith, will victory in variably perch on the standard of those who are strong. The question of greatest moment always is, "What is Truth ?" Like the rod of the Jewish High Priest this swal lows up all others, and, by its magical power, all lying divi. nations, imposture and sorceries will eventually be driven to the shades of eternal night. So mote it be. Amen.

November, 1837.

L. F. W. ANDREWS.

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THE

TWO OPINIONS, &c,

CHAPTER 1.

A comparative view of the Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, Baptist and Catholic Creeds, showing the points of ag eement and difference between them, and their united disagreement with Universalism.

Ar first view, it would appear that there is a vast differ. ence of opinion among the various orders of professing religionists in the world, touching what are deemed essential points of the Christian system. The almost countless number of sects in the Church; the want of fellowship between them; their strife and bitterness; their devotion to different objects; their adherence to different rites and customs, and their wor ship in separate temples, would indicate to the casual observ. er some cardinal discrepancy in faith among the contending parties. A critical examination of the subject will prove to a demonstration that the difference is more apparent than real, or, at least, that the many orders of professing Christ ians have originated more from a diversity of opinion touching non-essentials in faith, and unimportant customs and cer emonies, than from any radical variance in relation to the truly major doctrines of Theology. On minor topics only have men divided and subdivided-on matters of no more important difference than there is between Shibboleth and Sibboleth have secessions taken place and new sects arisen until even infidelity is emboldened to cry imposture, and the unreflecting are involved in a labyrinth of uncertainty as to the true character of Christianity itself

It is our purpose then in this chapter to show that the four protestant sects before named, are in truth united in opinion on all the principal topics of popular theology, and that they are natural daughters of that Church whom they have so ungraciously, and with so little filial regard, denounced as the "Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth." Of late, especially, has the Catholic Church been made the subject of the most virulent abuse and unchristian hostility of several Protestant sects in the northern section of the Uni, ted States. The Press has groaned under the burden of de. nunciation, and the sacred desk itself has been prostituted to the unholy purpose of fanning the flame of prejudice and wrath against a very numerous and highly respectable order of Christian people, and one too, confessedly the most worthy of respect on account of her age, and the virtues, talents and learning of her priesthood.

But let it not be supposed that this opposition has for its cause a mighty and essential difference in matters of faith and duty. Such is by no means the case, as will more fully appear when we come to examine in detail the creeds of the various leading denominations of the age, and compare the same with the principles of the Mother Church. And we shall be much mistaken if this examination does not prove that "as is the mother so is her daughter;" and that, if the old Dame is justly entitled to the cognomen before mentioned, the various progeny which have from time to time abandoned the maternal roof do but expose their own degeneracy and shame, by exhibiting those features and imitating those vices which identify them as the lineal offspring of so profligate a parentage!

With a view to a proper understanding of the matter in band, let the inquiry be made concerning certain prominent doctrines of the Protestant Church. We will select those tenets in the belief of which the various sects "meet upon the level and part upon the square,” and in defence of which they rally under the same banner and do battle under one common standard, And first, of the

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