to hear it without money, and without price, even asleep. I frequently discovered the same expose thongn they may be too indiferent to its value to of clones to depredation. I made majany a d contribute their share in supporting it And Lere ferent places, if u was gerir se, na we see the beauty and the universal adaptation of that, except in the vicinity of large, towas no preNew Testament principies. The people of Christ caurices to protect property were taken, and an 18can no where live contented without the bread of precations were commmed life dispensed in the public preaching of the truth, • and they confine not the benefit to themselves "The Spirit and the BRIDE say, Come? Thus, the very places round about God's hill become a blessing; and the collective body, which supports a Christian pastor, as well as each individual member of it, is as a light shining in a dark place. Sinners are converted-the churches have numbers added to their communion-and as new inhabitants settle in the town, new places of worship are provided, and the good extends.

When I approached the motina isa many miles remote from ctes i carorat expected to see the people rode and south in their ne ners. It was not so; the dress of the bet vi similar to what it was in the easter pars 12 State; and there was a neatness and a proptey the dress of the females of all classes, vie is agreeably surprised me. Among those word met with, there was of course great diverly, M of character and condition. I entered freely m conversation with them. They were tint in be It will appear obvious, that considerable exertion manner, certainly, but never rode or odensre must have been made to raise such large sums for found them in general intelligent, and execat the building of churches, and that similar efforts weli acquainted with the constitution of ther ov must be continued, in order to furnish the annual country. Indeed, there is a remarkable are charges incurred in supporting the ministers and in in the agricultural population of Pennsyluma E keeping the buildings in repair. To accomplish compared with the same class in car co all this, there must be a vitality about their system,, was pleased to find that few-very few-ever in which no compulsory mode of religion can possess.cated a bad feeling towards England. On the op There are thirty places of worship in Pittsburgh- trary, even among those who were decidedy m the least of which will seat five hundred persons, gious, and rather vain of their own political rais and the largest about fifteen hundred. Of these, and privileges, there was a respect and an interes twenty-six are orthodox Protestant congregations, shown for Great Britain, that was gratifying to of different denominations. The character of the The religious part of the community with wid ministry stands high for propriety of demeanor and necessarily came most into ecntact, invanatire for evangelical sentiment. The great peculiarities pressed their affection for England, and their eames of the gospel are held and preached by them all, desire that peace might be uninterrupted: ant with the exceptions already mentioned. And it is in every way, both by our political relations 15 a point deserving special notice, that there are up- religious institutions, we should benefit the word wards of four thousand communicants who have at large. I found, in conversation with persons a given credible evidence that they are Christians, the stages, a decided respect for religion. In y before they were admitted to the Lord's table. two or three cases did I meet with profanity or Such is Pittsburgh! delity, and these were evidently much disapproved of by the rest of the company. I was much a noyed, as other travellers have been before me, with a very disagreeable custom-the frequent use of tobacco, and that in its most offensive form. Even those, who of all men should keep themselves pure," were sometimes guilty of yielding to this perverted and extraordinary taste for a poisonous narcotic.

With regard to the character of the people of Pennsylvania, I can only speak generally. It is plain that a people who contribute so liberally for places of religious worship and pastors for themselves, besides supporting many institutions for the benefit of others, must be considerably influenced by religion. From all that I saw, or could learn by inquiry, the Sabbath is not so strictly observed in this State as in New England, nor is domestic In thus speaking so favorably of the people's rereligion so generally prevalent as in that country. spect for religion, I do not wish to be understood as But I think I am warranted in saying, that the mass saying that all the people are truly religious, or that of the people are more under the influence of reli- the majority are under its sacred influence. There gion than with us. Among us, the very highest are in the towns, and no doubt in the country like and the very lowest ranks are, perhaps, the least at-wise, open opposers of religion, and neglecters of tentive to religious observances. In Pennsylvania, these extremes of society hardly exist. There are few very wealthy, and few very poor, persons. There are not many places in the State where those willing to be industrious may not find an adequate support. Immense quantities of land are yet to be settled, so that the children of the present inhabitants can find room to locate themselves, without going far into the Valley of the Mississippi. Indeed, I had much pleasure in observing the outward circumstances of the people. The lowest class of laborers could command a full supply of the necessaries of life. In visiting their log huts and cottages, and the dwellings of land owners, who are more numerous than tenants or servants, I found them generally in that happy state which was the object of Agur's prayer. They were freed alike from the temptations presented by luxurious living, and arising from abject poverty. The door of the dwelling where I resided for nearly a fortnight, was never locked. Valuable articles were allowed to hang in the open air all night, and in the outhouses, and none of them were stolen. Travelling arly in the morning, when the cottagers were

Divine ordinances, and who, if not controlled by laws and public opinion, would be ready to commit any excesses. But I think it may be asserted, that religion has a very extensive influence in all the ranks of which society is composed in that State, from the general and the judge to the inmate of the log hut, just beginning to clear the forest, and preparing to sow and reap. That it is more than suff cient to produce submission to the laws, and orderly behavior, may safely be said; for a general regard is paid to the ordinances of religion, both in towa and country. The chief drawback on the improve ment of the people, is the influx of new settlers from other countries, who have no religion. Hence, there is much to be done besides supplying ther own population with religious instruction. Vigorous measures are necessary to keep pace with the de mands of new adult settlers, who are, in general, disinclined to serious things.

But are the religious people properly concerned for the education of their children? A satisfactory answer may be given to this inquiry, as far as the wealthy and respectable part of the community is concerned. There are nearly a hundred endowed

academies and high schools, and nearly all the reli- | better to remain private, till the test of time has gious denominations have colleges and theological confirmed the hopes excited by them. seminaries. Scattered throughout the State, there With all these drawbacks, however, the reliare great numbers of common or district schools, gious newspapers answer many valuable purposes. especially in the northern part, where many natives Among these may be mentioned the wide circulaof New England are settled. At the same time it tion they give to the transactions of the principal ought to be stated, that education is much neglected religions institutions. I was often surprised, in the among the German population; and in various most remote parts of the State, to find individuals parts of the State, it has not made that progress acquainted with the most recent accounts of the which it might and should have done. It may be operations of these societies in all parts of the said, indeed, that the subject of general education world. And when the continuance of these opehas not received that attention in former years rations requires increased pecuniary aid, an appeal which its importance demanded, and which the can easily be made to Christians throughout the legislature appears now desirous to give. The whole country. It has a tendency to keep the reliproportion of the population under instruction is gious institutions in a state of purity and activity, much less than in the other Middle or Eastern when they are thus kept constantly before the eye States. The resources of this State are great, but of the public. The churches of Christ in different they have not by any means been developed, at places are better able to cherish mutual sympathies, least not in an equal degree with those of the State when made acquainted with each other's circumof New York, with which it is, perhaps, more fair stances. When intelligence is received of revivals to compare it, than with those which are older and in some other section of the State, a desire is smaller. This may be partly accounted for by re-awakened to enjoy a similar season of refreshing. ferring, as we have already done, to the mingled This is a class of reading suited to the taste of the character of the population, which has rendered it young; and it may be expected to diffuse a misdifficult for them to unite in any general plan. But sionary spirit among them. And last, though_not the legislature has at length roused itself to dis- least, it is an important auxiliary in refuting dancharge its duty. The subject of education for all gerous errors. The absolute freedom of the press, the children of the State has been discussed; and and the cheapness of periodicals, have enabled the last year a law was passed, which, when brought irreligious and the skeptical to circulate their misinto operation, will, no doubt, supply most of the chievous doctrines. They must be encountered deficiencies which at present exist. The report on with their own weapons, and it is of great consewhich the two houses legislated, is one of an inte- quence that their attacks should meet with a speedy resting character, and furnishes many important repulse. A monthly magazine would be too tardy facts as to the operation of the common school sys- and too unwieldy an instrument of defence. Truth tem in a number of the American States. is important, in whatever form it is communicated; After the preceding statement respecting a defi- and we may hope that, among the many who have ciency of education, it may appear somewhat re-acquired a taste for reading in this way, some will markable, that the number of newspapers is greater in proportion to the population than in any other of the old States. In the State of New York, containing nearly two millions of people, there are 267 newspapers; in Pennsylvania, there are 220; one sixth of the whole number to be found in the Union. I can only account for this fact, by supposing, that the distinctness preserved by the various classes of settlers, leads each to provide their own vehicle of intelligence, rather than to support one of a larger and more general character. Of the number stated of these publications, the religious newspapers also bear a larger proportion to the amount of inhabitants than in the other States. This is a peculiar feature of the press in this country; and, while it must have an important bearing on the character of the people, it may, at the same time, be taken as an indication of what their prevailing character is. There is an eager desire for information on all points affecting the religious interests of the inore distant parts of the State. And as each denomination is carrying on its own plans of Christian benevolence, it is natural that each should have its own medium of communication respecting

be found, whose increasing thirst for knowledge will lead them on to cultivate severer studies.

The intellectual tone and character of the people may thus gradually be improved. And as the first step towards this improvement, I think it would be desirable to reduce the number of the publications under review, and by this means to concentrate more of the talent and excellence, which are now scattered through them all. There is nothing in the history of Pennsylvania more remarkable than the rapid increase of the different religious denominations during the last thirty years. The population has more than doubled since 1801; but the number of the ministers and congregations has increased at a much greater ratio. The Presbyterians are now nearly as numerous, in Pennsylvania alone, as they were in the whole United States in 1800. The Episcopalians have increased fourfold since 1801; and the others, with the exception of the German Reformed Church, have multiplied nearly to the same extent. It is also gratifying to know, tha while the orthodox sects have been making such rapid advances, the preaching of error has not prospered. The Unitarians make no progress. It is with some difficulty that they can keep up a congreThat there are disadvantages arising from this gation, even in Philadelphia. It may be said with class of reading, when carried to a great extent, truth, that they have not six congregations, or six there can, I think, be no doubt. It too often sup- ministers in the whole State. The Universalists plies the place of more solid and useful instruction, are more numerous, but there is no reason to beand promotes indolent and desultory habits of think-lieve that they are increasing in numbers or in ining. And where a controversial spirit abounds, it is frequently strengthened and supplied with materials through this channel. It also tempts many writers to expend on ephemeral productions, talents and energies, which, if rightly directed, would accomplish works of standard excellence. I found also that these publications sometimes interfere with the sacred hours of the Sabbath: and they are apt to make premature disclosures as to revivals of religion, or other promising appearances, which are

these.

fluence. Indeed, in various places, the orthodox are making inroads on them, and will, no doubt, eventually destroy them, as error must ever flee before the light of truth.

In conclusion, it must be confessed that the Christians of Pennsylvania have yet a great deal to ac complish, in order to do full justice to their principles, their obligations, their country, and the world. They have by no means kept pace with some of the other States in zeal for the missionary cause, ane

entitled to special Attention from its practical Util- | proof, and for instruction in righteousness; and that ity?-12. Dissertation. Bibliomania.-13. Discus- they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and relision. Expediency of making Temperance a subject gious practice.

of Legislation.-14. Poem. Death of Byron.-15. III. We believe, that in the Godhead there are Essay. Contrasted Character of Napoleon and How-three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy ard.-16. Oration. The Memory of La Fayette.- Ghost, and that these three are one God, the same 17. Dissertation. Despotism.-18. Oration. Natural in substance, equal in power and glory. History of Eloquence.-19. Philosophical Oration. Emotions.-20. Disputation. Are encomiums upon the Dead beneficial to the Living?-21. Philosophical Oration. Mind.-22. Oration. Skepticism in cultivated Society.-DEGREES CONFERRED.-23. Oration. Influence of physical Science: with the Valedictory Addresses.-PRAYER.

IV.

Order of Exercises.

ANDOVER COMMENCEMENT, SEPT. 10, 1834.
FORENOON.

IV. We believe, that God has made all things for himself; that known unto him are all his works from the beginning: and that he governs all things according to the counsel of his own will.

V. We believe, that the law and government of God are holy, just, and good.

VI. We believe, that God at first created man in his own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness, and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine command in the article of forbidden fruit.

VII. We believe, that in consequence of the first apostacy, the heart of man in his natural state is destitute of holiness, and in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character, and government of God: and that all men, previous to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins,

VIII. We believe, that Christ, the Son of God, has, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, made an atonement for sin; that he is the only Redeemer of sinners; and that all who are saved will be altogether indebted to the grace and mercy of God for their salvation.

PRAYER.-1. Gen. ii. 17.; The tree of knowledge of good and evil.-2. Doctrinal preaching eminently proper in a revival of religion.-3. Influence of Calvin on civil and religious liberty.-4. On the Monthly Concert.-5. Inquiry respecting the meaning of 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3.-6. Preaching modified by the spirit of the age.-7. The faithful Pastor.--8. Love to God.-9. Exposition of Rev. vi. 13.-10. Deficiency of classical literature in the spirit of the gospel.-SACRED MUSIC.-11. Augustine.-12. Evil of Sin.--13. Does the word in Gen. i. mean the term of a natural day?-14. Analogical preaching. 15. Evils resulting from the frequent removal of Ministers.-16. On Holiness.-17. How would the conversion of Palestine affect the interpretation of the Scriptures?-18. Puritan preaching.-19. UniX. We believe, that those who embrace the Gosformity of the method of Providence in the spread pel were chosen in Christ before the foundation of of Christianity.-20. Source of lax Theology.-21. the world, that they should be holy and without On Heb. i. 14.-The Ministry of good Angels.-hlame before him in love; and that they should be 22. The religious attitude of Grecce.--SACRED saved, not by works of righteousness which they

MUSIC.

AFTERNOON.

SACRED MUSIC.-23. Influence of eminent piety on the eloquence of the Pulpit.-24. The true end of human and divine knowledge, the same.-25. Remarks on Isa. lxiii. 1, 6.-26. Causes of inefficient preaching.-27. Agency of the Christian preacher in the sinner's Conversion.-28. Agency of the Holy Spirit in the sinner's Conversion.-29. Agency of the sinner in his own Conversion.-HEBREW CHANT.-30. Pious feeling as connected with pastoral duties.-31. The true test of pulpit eloquence. 32. On 2 Pet. iii. 10: "The earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up."-33. What bearing should the laws of interpretation have upon Christian Theology?--34. Is self-love the foundation of religion ?-35. Efficiency of voluntary associations.-36. Revivals of religion in England. ORIGINAL HYMN.-PRAYER. BENEDIC

TION.

V.

Articles of Faith, and Form of Covenant, adopted by one of the Congregational Churches in Lowell, Massachusetts.

ARTICLES OF FAITH.

I. We believe, that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and Moral Governor of the Universe; a being of infinite power, knowledge, wisdom, justice, goodness, and truth; the self-existent, independent, and immutable Fountain of good.

II. We believe, that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for correction, for reNumber 25.

IX. We believe, that although the invitation of the Gospel is such, that whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely; yet the depravity of the human heart is such that no man will come to Christ, except the Father, by the special and efficacious influences of his Spirit, draw him.

have done, but according to the distinguishing mercy of God, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

XI. We believe, that those who cordially embrace Christ, will be kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. We believe, that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies both of the just and unjust.

XIII. We believe, that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to receive the just and final sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body; and that, at the day of judgment, the state of all will be unalterably fixed; and that the punishment of the wicked and the happiness of the righteous will be endless.

XIV. We believe, that the Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that believers in regular church standing only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper; and that visible believers and their households only can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of Bap tism.

FORM OF COVENANT.

You do now, in the presence of God and men, avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God, the supreme object of your affection, and your chosen portion for ever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ in all his mediatorial_offices, Prophet, Priest, and King, as your only Saviour and final Judge; and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide. You humbly and cheerfully devote yourself to God in the everlasting covenant of grace; you consecrate all your powers and faculties to his service and glory; and you promise, that, through the assistance of his Spirit and

grace, you will cleave to him as your thief good; with authority to rejons upon ai te marredo on i that you will give dingens anention to be word, and, tradence upon the traces of the pulse kocken worse.p, and ordinances; tu you will seek the 'gʻoresaid, "at stated ones and seasós, i there a honor of his name, and the interests of his king- azy on whose recOONS DET ER DERSCHALICST dom; and that pencetoria, denying a.. ungeness and ece requency amend :-Provided, Dawasandand every wondy 12st, you will live socery, and ing. that the several towns, panases, precacs ĐỘ ngstasy, and godly in the world. octer bodies pouse or religios sociée san You do now cordálly yin yourself to this as a times cave the exclaste night of electing ther pob Church of Christ, engaging to sabent to its discs- Le teachers, and of contracting with them & ter pne, so far as conlorinate to the rules of the gos support and maltenance. And a BADETS PL pel; and solemnly coveLaning w strive, as far as by the subject to the support of pazia wiezy K in you les, for its grape, peace, ed.Scation, and po- of the potac teachers allresaid shall of be require rity; and to walk win its members in all member-it, be uniformly applied to the support of the pole like love, farnfulness, circumspection, meexness, teacher or teachers of his own reigos seat its and sobriety. Thus you covenant and promise. nomination, provided there be any on whose 3We then, the members of this Church of Christ, structions be amends; otherwise, it may be paid t do now receive you into our common, and pro-wards the support of the teacher or teachers f mase to watch over you with Christian affection and the parish or precinct in which the sand moters L7 tenderness, ever treating you in love as a member raised. And every denommation of Caritas of the body of Christ, who is head over all things, demeaning themselves peaceably, and as good st to the Church. jects of the commonwealth, shall be equally moder the protection of the law; and no subordination of any one sect or denomination to another shall ever be established by law.

This we do, imploring the Great Shepherd of Is rael, our Lord and Redeemer, that both we and you may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in his covenant, and to glorify him with the holiness which becomes his house for ever.

8

AMENDMENT AS PROPOSED IN MASSACHUSETTS IN 1990.

As the happiness of a people, and the good order And now, beloved in the Lord, let it be deeply and preservation of civil government, essezimpressed upon your minds, that you have entered, depend upon piety, religion, and morality; and a into new and solemn obligations. Henceforward, these cannot be generally diffused through a ceyou can never be as you have been. The vows munity but by the public worship of God; and as which, in presence of God, angels, and men, you the public worship of God will be best promoted or have now assumed, will follow you through life to recognising the unalienable right of every man is the judgment-seat of Christ; and in whatever state render that worship in the mode most consiste: your final destiny be fixed, they will for ever abide with the dictates of his own conscience; therefore, upon you. If you walk worthily of your profession, no person shall by law be compelled to join, or sp you will be to us an ornament and a delight; but if port, or be classed with, or associated to, any cootherwise, a shame, a grief of heart, and a vexation. gregation or religious society whatever; but every And if a wo be pronounced against him who of person now belonging to any religions socier fends one of Christ's little ones, wo, wo be to him whether incorporated or unincorporated, stall be who offends a whole church! But, beloved, be not considered a member thereof, until he shall have overwhelmed by these considerations; for we are separated himself therefrom, in the manner hereinpersuaded better things concerning you, and things after provided. And each and every society, or dethat accompany salvation, though we thus speak. nomination of Christians, in this State, shall have May the Lord guide you by his counsel; and, when and enjoy the same and equal power, rights, and the trials of this short warfare shall have been end-privileges, and shall have power and authority to ed, receive you and us to the church triumphant in glory, where our love shall be for ever perfect, and our joy for ever full!

VI.

The Law on Religion.

THE LAW AS IT WAS IN MASSACHUSETTS.

raise money, for the support and maintenance of religious teachers of their respective denominations, and to build and repair houses of public worship, by a tax on the members by any such society only, to be laid by a major vote of the legal voters assembled at any society meeting, warned and held according to law.

Provided nevertheless, that if any person shall choose to separate himself from the society or denomination to which he may belong, and shall leave a written notice thereof with the clerk of such socifuture expenses which may be incurred by said soety, he shall thereupon be no longer liable for any

ciety.

ing themselves peaceably and as good citizens of And every denomination of Christians demean the commonwealth, shall be equally under the protection of the law, and no subordination of any one sect or denomination to another shall ever be esta blished by law.

As the happiness of the people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend upon piety, religion, and morality; and as these cannot be generally diffused through a community but by the institution of the public worship of God, and of public instructions in piety; religion, and morality:-therefore, to promote their happiness, and to secure the good order and preservation of their government, the people of this commonwealth have a right to invest their legislature with power to authorize and require, and the legislature shall, from time to time authorize and require, the several towns, parishes, precincts, and other bodies politic, and religious societies, to make suitable provision, at their own expense, for the in- As the happiness of the people, and the good orstitution of the public worship of God, and for the der, and preservation of civil government, essensupport and maintenance of public Protestant tially depend upon piety, religion, and morality; teachers of piety, religion, and morality, in all and as these cannot be generally diffused through a cases where such provision shall not be made vo- community, but by the institution of the public worluntarily. And the people of this commonwealth ship of God, and of public instructions in piety, relihave also a right to, and do, invest their legislaturegion, and morality; therefore, to promote their hap

THE LAW AS IT IS IN MASSACHUSETTS, PASSED IN JUNI,

1833.