cerely DOUBTED the doctrine which he advocated. This statement, as we should naturally suppose it would, excited considerable inquiry among the Universalists, to know what that minister's name was, who doubted the doctrine which he preached. At last a certain person inquired of the minister himself, to know to whom he alluded in his statement about the minister in Vermont. To which Mr. Merrill replied, "I alluded to Mr. Bartlett, of Hartland, who, as I have been informed, has expressed his doubts about his doctrine." He was then inquired of who informed him: To which he answered, "Mr. John Bliss, of Hartland." This put the subject at rest for that time; yet the Universalists were not satisfied that it was so. At the Conventional Meeting held at Hartland, a brother Westcott, from Charlestown, came to me and inquired if the statement given above was true. To which I replied, as I must ever reply, that I was not conscious of there being any truth connected with this story. Mr. John Bliss and myself have had many conversations on the subject of religion, and altho we differ in sentiment, yet I have ever believed, and still wish to believe, that he is a follower of Christ. I now have in my memory the subject of a number of conversations with that, man; and I do not recollect but one instance when the term doubt, or doubting was used. I very well remember that he once asked me if I did not think that the doctrine of Universal Salvation had a licentious tendency? To which I answered, no. He then asked me if I did not think there were certain persons who made a cloak of this doctrine to hide their sins? To which I replied, that I did not DOUBT but there were some characters in our fraternity who held the truth in unrighteousness: but I observed that I did not think this the natural tendency of the doctrine, when rightly understood. I positively affirm, with the fear of God before my eyes, that I do not recollect any moment since I firmly embraced Universalism, that I have ever doubted it. I sometimes have fears and doubts whether ↑ shall remain faithful myself, and live up to my christian profession, and honor it but God's faithfulness, his oath and his word remain sure. His word proves to me that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he will gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth. His word tells me that as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. His word also informs me, that finally, all in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that in them are, shall say, Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Now I would inform Mr. Merrill that I do not doubt but what the human race will all finally be saved, and rejoice together in heaven. And when he meets at a Camp-meeting again, I would thank him if he call my name in question, to correct his error. Hartland, October, 1825. ROBERT BARTLETT. NEW PUBLICATION. Rev. J. S. Green, a preacher of Universalism, has issued proposals for publishing a weekly paper at Cleaveland, Ohio, to be entitled the Messenger of Salvation. The diffusion of religious knowledge is of vast importance to a protestant community, as it keeps alive the spirit of investigation, and preserves from the blind devotion of ignorance, or the ravings of fanaticism. Much of the freedom and happiness of this country, and its exemption from the calamities, that have crimsoned the plains and whitened the mountains of the eastern continent, must undoubtedly be attributed to our numerous and efficient schools, and the liberty of speech and the press. But in such a state of things, there is danger of multiplying schools or publications beyond the demand of the public, and of failing for want of that patronage, which our exertions to do good have weakened. These remarks are occasioned by the failure of several works in consequence of their unnecessary increase, or their injudicious location or management. Deeply concerned for Mr. Green's success and the prosperity of the cause, we trust he has gained instruction from the inexperience and miscalculation of others, and that the Messenger will deserve and receive the most animating support.-Rel. Ing. ROCKINGHAM ASSOCIATION. The Rockingham Association of Universalists held its session at the house of Mrs. Bartlett, in Nottingham, N. H. on Wednesday, the last of August, and the following day. Br. Edward Turner presided as moderator, and Israel Bartlett, Esq. acted as Clerk. There were two public services each day. Brs. Hosea Ballou, of Boston, and Edward Turner, officiated. Means were contemplated by which the word may be regularly administered in several towns in the vicinity of Nottingham, by uniting the friends which are scattered through that region, in such a connexion as to enable them to act in concert. This association was adjourned to be holden at Meredith Bridge on the 4th Wednesday and Thursday of August, 1826.-Universalist Mag. GENERAL CONVENTION. The General Convention met at Hartland on the 21st September. A goodly number of the ministering brethren attended with their delegates. We had a pleasant and happy meeting. The particulars will be given in our INSTALLATION. Rev. ROBERT BARTLETT was installed, on the 22d Sept. minister over the first Universalist Church and Society in Hartland.-Exercises as follows, viz. Introductory Prayer by Rev. Calvin Gardner, of Charlestown, Mass. Installation Sermon by Rev. Paul Dean, of Boston; Installation Prayer by Rev. Hosea Ballou, of Boston; delivery of the Scriptures and Charge by Rev. Russell Streeter, of Portland, Me.; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Hosea Ballou, 2d, of Roxbury, Mass.; Concluding Prayer by Rev. Dolphus Skinner, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Benediction by Rev. Mr. Dean. MARRIAGES. Married, at Springfield, by Rev. Robert Bartlett, Rev. DOLPHUS SKINNER, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. to Miss GRATIA WALKER, of the former place. At Hartland, Mr. SAMUEL HUNT, of Piermont, N. H. to Miss MATILDA LULL, of the former place. Mr. RUEL TAYLOR to Miss LUCY CHILDS. OBITUARY. Died, at Hartland, Oct. 3, Mr. NATHANIEL PAGE, a good citizen and a respectable merchant. He left a wife and four pleasant little children to mourn his early exit. In Bridgewater, Sept. 28, Mr. BENONI SHAW, aged 63. The deceased was beloved and respected during life, and died, as he had lived, in the full enjoyment and unshaken belief in the universal love of God and salvation of men. In Wendell, very suddenly, on the 26th ult. Mrs. SALLY ROGERS, wife of Col. Samuel Rogers, in the sixty-third year of her age. She had been a professor of the Christian religion for twenty years, during all of which time she bore open testimony to the faith that embraces the salvation of all Called as she was to sustain an almost continued course of bodily infirmities, and exercising all the cares and anxieties towards the objects of affection which are common to the kindest of mothers, she had much to endure, and much which called for the patient exercise of her faith in the Redeemer. men. The following Hymn, composed by Rev. Alven Dinsmore, was sung at the dedication of the new Meeting-house in East Livermore, Me. which was erected by Universalists, Methodists, &c. HYMN. Oh! King of Heaven, whose boundless sway To Thee thy children, by Thee blest, Here may Thy glory be display'd, May virtue here her charms unfold, May Charity like dew distil— Oh! may Thy truth, with power divine, TO BRIGHT ABODES OF ENDLESS DAY. |