VOL. I. Il PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY THE NEW-YORK UNIVERSALIST BOOK SOCIETY. "BEHOLD HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNIT1. NEW-YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1827. EXTRACTS FROM BALFOUR'S 2D INQUIRY. ON THE TERM SATAN. || No. 29. say, that the disciples of the angel of light gression, divine retribution, three persons in receive future blessedness as a reward for one God, and other articles of modern theogood deeds done by them here. No, they logical discussion, Zoroaster seems to have say, it is not of works but of grace, lest any known no more about, than about captain man should boast. It is true, the grace Symme's theory of the earth. It deserves whereby they save men, is rather a purcha- the serious consideration of the whole orsed grace, than free grace, but on this I for-thodox body, whether missionaries ought bear remarking. The opinion, that the Devil or Satan is a real being, with other connected opinions, shown to have their origin in heathenism. But let us hear Zoroaster, about what is not to come from Persia and India here, to to succeed this day of judgment and retri- But it is added by Prideaux-" and all examine into the innovations and additions bution. He says After which the angel this the remainder of that sect which is now Zoroaster. But I must leave this, and other made in the creed of their founder, the great of darkness, and his disciples, shall go into in Persia and India, do without any variaa world of their own, where they shall suf- tion, after so many ages still hold even to reflections arising from the above statefer in everlasting darkness the punishment this day." If they hold all the above arti-ments to be made by the reader. of their evil deeds; and the angel of light cles, without any variation to this day," We have now noticed some of the prinand his disciples shall also go into a world and if they are all true, as Dean Prideaux cipal articles of Zoroaster's creed, and of their own, where they shall receive in asserts, wi.y be at so much trouble and ex- would ask every candid Christian the foleverlasting light the reward due unto their pense to send them missionaries? The lowing questions. Where did Zoroaster good deeds; and that after this they shall chief articles in modern Christian creeds learn that under the supreme God there remain separated for ever; and light and were propngated there many ages before the were two angels, one angel of light, and the darkness be no more mixed together to all Christian religion existed. If these tenets other the angel of darkness, who is the aueternity." We have seen that Zoroaster's were taken from the New Testament, it is thor and director of all evil? When did "angel of darkness," and "the devil" of certain Zoroaster taught them long before, the supreme God delegate his power to two Christians, are the same both as to qualities and Jesus Christ and his apostles had not angels, and out of the mixture of light and and name. Here the sameness is still more the honor of revealing such articles of faith darkness they made all things that are? manifest, for what honest man can deny, to the world. For example, "they believe And where did Zoroaster learn, that where that Christians have adopted his very senti- in one supreme God, and in Jesus Christ the angel of light prevails, there the most is ments and language. For example, Zoro- under the name of an angel of light." good, and where the angel of darkness pre aster's "angel of darkness" had disciples. They believe also in the Christian's devil, vails, there the most is evil? Is it not plain, Well, Christian's say their devil has disci- under the name of an angel of darkness." that he changed the good and evil gods of ples. His angel of darkness with his disci- They believe in the opposition of these two the ancient Magian religion into two angels, ples, after the day of judgment shall go into to each other, and which is to continue to and called one the angel of light, and the a world of their own. So say Christians the end of the world. They further be- other the angel of darkness? But does a concerning their devil and his disciples. lieve in a resurrection of all the dead, a day change of names alter the nature of things? His angel of darkness with his disciples, in of judgment and future retribution. And But I ask further, where did Zoroaster learn, this world of their own, shall suffer in they believe in the everlasting happiness of that at the resurrection, there is to be "a everlasting darkness the punishment of their all the good, and everlasting punishment of day of judgment" wherein just retribution evil deeds" And do not Christians say the all the wicked." Pray, what more do or- shall be rendered to all according to their very same of their devil and his disciples?thodox people wish them to believe, to be works? And where did he learn, that after Every orthodox man must believe that the as orthodox as themselves? What more the resurrection and day of judgment," the devil with his disciples, or all wicked men, could missionaries teach them, to perfect angel of darkness, and his disciples shall go are to suffer in a world of their own "in their Christian creed, which they received into a world of their own, where they shall everlasting darkness the punishment of their from Zoroaster? It is true, there are some suffer in everlasting darkness the punishment evil deeds," and that "the angel of light, articles in the Christian creeds of which of their evil deeds" Brethren, from what and his disciples, shall also go into a world they must be ignorant as they were not divine source did this arch impostor learn all of their own, where they shall receive in taught by Zoroaster. It does not appear these articles of his creed?-1st. Was it everlasting light the reward due unto their that he knew any thing about hell-fire, as from the Old Testament scriptures? This good deeds: and that after this they shall the place of everlasting punishment for his you will not affirm, for intelligent orthodox remain separated for ever, and light and angel of darkness and his disciples. Nor men allow, that it does not contain such ardarkness be no more mixed together to all had he learned that his angel of darkness ticles. If it does contain them, then you can eternity." What man would be deemed or- was to be the everlasting tormentor of the find them there as well as Zoroaster, and we thodox, who refused to believe these things? wicked in this place. He was also ignorant call on you to prove them from this book. And why not allow, that Zoroaster, the that hell was paved with the skulls of in- 2d. Did Zoroaster learn such articles from greatest impostor that ever arose, Mahomet fants a span long. His creed does not re- the New Testament? This was impossible, excepted, was in these things as orthodox cognize, neither, that it is necessary for peo- for it was not in existence for more than six as they are. In these things he was ortho-ple to be willing to be damned for the glory hundred years after the days of Zoroasters dox long before them. There is only one of God, in order to their being saved. As 3d. Did Zoroaster learn them from God, of the above articles about which they differ to his making God the author of evil or sin, when he pretended God spoke to him out of from him in opinion. To the honor of our he framed his system so as to avoid this ab- the midst of the fire? This cannot be aforthodox brethren be it spoken, they do not surdity. Being damned for Adam's trans-firmed unless you admit him to be a true 326 THE OLIVE BRANCH. "The birds, without barn or store-houses From thence let us learn to trust for our The saints what is fitting shall ne'er be de- person suddenly prophet of the Lord. But he is declared the sons of men have so kind, so tender, so watchful, fear that I have said too much. My dulness was Can you make me that quantity in the course greatest imposter which ever arose, Mahomet aud so liberal a friend, as the humble christian? however, soon reproved. excepted. 4th. Did Zoroaster invent these ar- In reference to future support, his mind need opened the door, and inquired, James have you ticles of his creed? No other alternative is left, never to remain one moment in a state of sus- such a number of pipes on hand? No, sir: Other creatures frequently know the miseries of a few days? I answered in the affirmative. but to admit this, or prove that he derived them pense. from the Old Testament, or by special revelation from God. If he invented them then he attendant upon want, without the christian's Then, said he,, in order to secure them, I wil was the author of some of the principal articles aid, but this child of many mercies may smile at pay you down the money. He instantly handof your creeds. This we think is indisputable. fear. The young lions do lack, and suffer hun-ed me the sum: I went and purchased food, 5th. Do you say, your articles, so similar to his ger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want and blessed be God, I have never wanted bread creed, were neither derived from him, nor from any good thing. Psa. xxxiv. 10. If they are since! Anecdotes of this description, are wel≥ the Old Testament, but entirely from the New? not pampered with high seasoned dainties, and calculated to encourage us to hope in God. This will not do, for even allowing such articles the luxuries of the epicure, they shall certainly But if we had no relation of such pleasing facts, to be clearly taught in the New Testyment it is be favoured with all needful enjoyments. And we have the "sure word of prophecy," that conevident Jesns Christ and his apostles had not having food and raiment, good sense should tains an inexhaustible fund of "exceeding great the honor of first revealing them to the world. teach every pious person to be content and hap- and precious promises," if firmly believed in, Zoroaster the arch impostor. had revealed them,py. Uneasiness of spirit about future supplies, will buoy up the soul above a thousand temptaand published them all over the East, six hun- is a temper very unsuitable for a christian to in- tions to the fear of want. My God (says the aposdred years before Christ appeared. If such ar- dulge; such fears should be left wholly to those tle Paul) shall supply all your need, according ticles are found in the New Testament, Jesus whose folly and ingratitude to God robs them of te his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. iv. Christ and his apostles were indebted to this im- alınost every rational enjoyment. Of care and 19. The treasures of our heavenly Parent are Reader, are you in trouble? Oh suffer not poster for inventing them. Should you say, that troubles, it is only reasonable to suppose, that a infinite, and he will, undoubtedly, at a proper Jesus Christ and his apostles derived these arti- very liberal portion must inevitably fall to their season, dispense to his children every requisite cles from God by immediate revelation, permit share. The wicked are like the troubled sea, blessing of providence and grace. ine then to ask, who revealed them to Zoroas- when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire ter six hundred years before the Christian era? and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to yourself to despair: lift up your eyes to the Did God reveal them to him? If he did, why the wicked. Isa. lvii. 20.But it is the unspeak- heavens, and from the feathered tribe learn an not allow him to have been a true prophet of the able blessing of every sincere follower of Jesus instructive lesson: "Behold the fowls of the Lord? And why not frankly own, that Jesus Christ to know that a firm reliance upon Jeho-air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor Christ and his apostles did not first reveal such vah secures to them the happiness of both gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father articles of faith to the world, but that God first worlds. Sometimes while passing through this feedeth them. Are ye not much better than revealed them through his great prophet Zoro- world, they may as pilgrims and strangers, be they?" aster? Perhaps you may say, such articles were called to traverse a dreary wilderness; but even communicated by inspiration to Christ and his then, though beset with difficulties, or surroundapostles, and it is on their authority you believe ed by a host of foes they need not be cast down them. Beware, I beseech you of taking this or depressed in mind beyond measure, because ground, for this is saying, Zoroaster, a notori- their supplies shall be every way sufficient, if not ous impostor, invented articles of faith, which, abundant. He that walketh righteously, and six hundred years after their invention, God speaketh uprightly he that despiseth the gain sanctioned as divine revelation. Was God in- of oppressions: he that shaketh his hands from debted to an impostor for suggesting to him a holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from religious creed suited to the Christian dispen- hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seesation? For the honor of God, of Christ, and ing evil: he shall dwell on high; his place of his apostles, yea, for the honor of Christianity, defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread we hope you will not assert this. If Zoroaster shall be given him, his waters shall be sure. Some years ago, a pious class leader, in the Icarned the above articles of his creed from a Isa. xxxiii. 15, 16. divine source, it must have been from the Old Testament. But few will be found who will as- Methodist connection narrated to the writer the sert that it contains them, for this ground is following interposition of divine providence: I For my own part now, I endeavor to avoid abandoned by some orthodox intelligent men, give the whole of it as correctly as my memory aud their defence is drawn from the New Tes-will admit. Owing to a severe depression in tament. But if their defence can be made from trade, I was some time since greatly reduced inlaid." the Old, we request the different articles be dis- my circumstances. The state of my affairs aftinctly taken up and proved from it. Please fected both my mind and body to such a degree, this sort of phraseology as much as possible, or give book, chapter and verse, from which Zo- that my health suffered a serious injury. One at all events, to keep clear of the sort of spirit roaster could learn them. Dan. xii. 2. is the day when I went into my shop to work, I felt which it implies, and I delight, indeed, above most plausible text which can be adduced, from so remarkably feeble, owing to the want of food, all things, to dwell upon the sublime and beauwhich he could learn the doctrine of endless that I could not proceed In business; I there- tiful idea of the unity of the christian church, punishment. This passage will be fully con- fore returned to my house. After a short pause, composed as it is of many members, but all unitsidered in the Second Part, to which I refer the I said to my wife, what have we in the house to ed together under one great and glorious head; reader. As to satan heing a fallen angel, who eat? She instantly replied,-All that you see and 1 even love to fondle and caress the thought, "In my Father's deceived Eve, tormented Job, and has become upon the table. I looked, there was nothing. as one that is most agreeable to my fancy as the Christian's devil, we leave all to form their The poor woman felt the weight of their trying well as to my heart and judgment. In this hulearned with her husband to make a sanctified the beautiful light, in which our Savour himself own opinion from the evidence which has been condition, but it is to be feared, that she had not mour, I am pleased to consider the church in use of it. James (said the impatient female,) has chosen to present it. adduced. you have for a considerable period of time, made house (says he) are many mansions," or aparta profession of religion, but I fear you are a meuts, and this is as true of his honse upon not let you suffer as you do! This was speak- is indeed a vast and magnificent edifice, which hypocrite; Ifyou were sincere, the Lord would earth, as it is of his house in heaveu. The church What a beautiful and interesting portion of ing daggers to my heart. While my mind was the all-wise and beneficent Creator hath built 33 It has, of course, Scripture is this: Oh what a weight of care and engaged in agitating the question, I very abrupt- upon a sure basis for the accommodation of painful anxiety does it remove from the mindly said, "Stand still, and see the salvation of all his believing children; and I am ready to of those whose reliance is upon God! What God." But no sooner had I uttered this sen- say or sing of it, with the Psalmist,“ beautiful an unspeakable blessing is Christianity! Who tence than my feelings were roused, and my for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is the can boast of such privileges,-who enjoys so surprise greatly excited at my temerity. Where, palace of our Great King.' large a share of happiness--who among the thought I, can immediate help be obtained? Ian becomes a royal residence, a great variety of From the British Colonist. So long as 'tis written the Lord will pro- PETER COLLINS. THE CHURCH. Nothing is so harsh and disagreeable to my People talk about my church and your church, ear, as all this noise about sects in the church. as if they had any such thing to boast of-though they know, or ought to know, all the time that there is but one church upon earth, and that belongs to our common Lord-for as Paul says "other foundation can no man lay, than that is apartments, of rooms and chambers, of different sorts and styles, to suit the tastes and fancies of all the different members of the royal family. At the same time too, it has some fine and noble hails, and walks, and gardens, all about it, for the common use and pleasure of them all. Now these apartments, you see, are free and open to us all, and we may look and choose among them, as we like; and sure I am that they are all good; and I had rather be a door keeper in any one of them, than reign and revel in the tents of wickedness. Let every one of them choose his own apartment-wisely of course pect that the common is not the true reading of | field has other notes on the text, but the above the text; but that the pronoun (0s, or 0,) who ɑr is of the most importance. which, has been rejected, and the noun (1805) | If we render areлnoon ev dog, received up into God, inserted in its stead; in order, if possible, glory, it corresponds with Mark xvi. 19; aveλnto make the text favour the idea above men-Ones Toy cupaver, was received up into heaven; tioned. The learned Griesbach, to whom the which, on some accounts, appears to be the best Christian world is much indebted, has restored construction; though the one above is a more what he supposes to be the true reading (*,) and literal translation. Wakefield renders it, laken the text from him, is thus rendered in the Imm-up with glory; and we can hardly suppose, that preved Version of the New Testament. when the apostle was evidently speaking of "And without controversy, the mystery of the process of the mission of Christ, he would godliness is great: He who was manifested in omit to speak of his glorious ascension. Conthe flesh was justified by the spirit seen by sidering these facts, there cannot remain a and keep it when he has taken; and if he hap-messengers,t preached to the Gentiles, believ-doubt but that who or which, instead of God, is pens to think that he has chosen the very best ed on in the world,¶ received in glory."** the correct reading of the text. In either case, in the whole house, let him make no boast but Wakefield in his note, says, "not eos, but o, however, the doctrine, rather than the person, of give God thanks. And let him not quarrel or os, is the reading of the Syriac, Coptic, Ethi-Christ must have been referred to in the preachwith the choice of another, but rather let him be opic, and Vulgate versions." He also explains ing to the Gentiles; and this corresponds with satisfied with and rejoice in his own. And the axos, messengers, to be the "apostles and the construction of Benson-" met with a gloriabove all, let us all be careful to meet from preachers of the word; see Acts iv. 20. x. 41. ous reception.” time to time in these common halls, and walks, Gal. iv. 14. 1 John i. 1. Rev. i. 20, &c." Wakeand gardens, and mingle our hearts and souls, and spirits together.—Journal of Commerce. RELIGION. The following abstract appears in a work [said to be compiled from official documents] which has been recently published in France, on the subject of the religious persuasions of the population of Europe. England and Wales. 6,000,000 Church of England-6,000,000, Dissenters. Scotland. 1,500,000, Presbyterians-50,000,Other Sects. Ireland. 500,000, Church of England. 5,500,000, Catholics: 800,000, Presbyterians: 300,000, Methodists. Spain. 11,660,000 Catholics. Hungary. 4,200,000, Catholics. 8 646,000 Lower Countries. 3,500,000, Catholics. 1,500,000, Protestants. 66 In addition to the above, the following is from Macknight's note on the place. "God was manifested in the flesh." The *He who was manifested.— "The mystery of Clermont MS. with the Vulgate, and some othgodliness, which was manifested."-Wakefield. er ancient versions, read here, o, which, instead Apb. Newcombe adopts the received text, of os, God. The Syriac version, as translated God was manifested.' But in the margin he by Tremellius, hath Quod Deus revelatus est gives the reading retained here. This is sup-in carne; That God was revealed in the flesh. ported by the Alexandrine and Ephrem MSS. The Colbertine MS. hath os, who. But Mill The Vatican is mutilated. The Clermont reads saith, it is the only Greek MS. which hath that (o) that which. Later copies haves, God. reading. All the others, with one consent, have All the old versions,' says Dr. Clarke (Doct. 0s; which is followed by Chrysostom, Theodoof Trinity, No. 88, 89) have who or which. ret, and Theophylact, as appears by their comAnd all the ancient fathers, though the copies mentaries. Mill saith os and o were substituted of many of them, have it now in the text itself in place of the true reading: not however by os, Gud; from the tenor of their comments the Arians, nor by the other heretics, as neither upon it, and from their never citing it in the they nor the orthodox fathers, have cited this Arian controversy, it appears that they always text. Macknight also renders the last clause, read it (os) who, or (e) which.--Note, it must not was taken np in glory; which construction he be judged from the present copies of the text in defends, against the opinion of Benson. But it Nyssen and others, but from their manner of will be perceived that this construction will suit commenting upon the place, how the text was the reading of Griesbach, and the Improved read in their days. Apb. Newcome observes, Version, (os, he who,) as well as the received that if we read (os) he who, we have a construc- text, (Theos, God,) for in either case, (unless we tion like Mark iv. 25. Luke viii. 18. (os aven he adopt the reading of the Clermont MS. o, that hath—os 8x x he that hath not-also) which,) none but Christ can be meant. Rom. viii. 32” (25 ×× 19uaro, he who spared not, &c.) On the above we shall only remark, 1. This note agrees with what has been alPrussia. 6,000,000, Lutherans. 4,500,000, §Manifested in the flesh-" was evidenty a ready stated, respecting the Clermont MS. and Catholics. 1,000,000, Calvanists, &c. real man, a proper human being, and not a man also the Vulgate, and some other ancient verSwitzerland. 1,167,000, Calvinists. 580,-in appearance only, as the Gnostics and Docet-sions. 000, Catholics tæ taught, to whom the apostle seems to allude 2. Instead of referring to the Syriac, as ch. i. 4. iv. 2. 3. ; 2John ver. 7. Wakefield has done, it only refers to a translation of it by Tremillius, This testimony, therefore, cannot invalidate that of Mr. Wakefield. Sweden and Norway. 3,550,000 Lutherans. Justified by the Spirit-" vindicated by the spirit."--Wakefield; i. e. " declared to be rightFrance. 30,855,428, Catholics. 659,000, Cal-eous, and the Christ, by the attestations of the vanists. 280,000, Lutherans. 51,000 Jews. Russia in Europe. 39,000,000, Greek not holy spirit."-Newcome. Seen by Messengers.--" by the apostles, who were his angels or messengers to the world. Benson. Preached to the Gentiles-" proclaimed to ¶ Believed on in the world-"or established by 3. It states one other MS. (the Colbertine, in which os, who, is found, which, Mill says, is the only one of the kind :) besides those mentioned in the Improved Version, by which it will be perceived, that, Mill has not seen the MSS. which, being added to the other testimony, induced Griesbach to introduce os, instead of Theos, in his second edition. 4. What Mill says In regard to os, or o being GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH. substituted in the place of the true reading, is Among the many passages of scripture which not at all probable; for if not " by the Arians, have been brought to prove the Divine Nature nor by the other heretics," by whom was it of Christ, the one in 1 Tim. iii. 16. has been **Received in glory-" met with a glorious done? The Orthodox, as they are termed, thought by some to be very conclusive: but on reception"-Benson, who refers to Acts xx. 13. would have scrupulously guarded against such a little reflection it will be readily perceived, 14. ; xxiii. S1. ; Eph. vi. 15.; 2 Tim. iv. 11. in an alteration. Probability, therefore, to say that even if the common is the correct reading support of this sense of the word arenon. He the least, is on the other side of the question; of the text, it proves nothing more than what all interprets the apostle's language of the multi-i. e. that Theos, instead of the true reading, was Unitarians believe; viz. that God, by his wis- tudes which in the apostolic age embraced the inserted by some one ; & by whom more likely dom, power and goodness, was clearly and con- Christian religion. Newcome renders the clause than the orthodox themselves? but not howevspicuously manifested in Jesu Christ; and not taken up into glory,' explaining it of the con-er, till after the Arian controversy, when the in him only, but also in his inspired apostles; sequences of Christ's ascension." See Improv-doctrine of the Trinity, or something near like novertheless, there are strong reasons to sused Version, and note on the place. it, had become established in the church. And these alterations were probabjy made with the AN ADDRESS. To the Missionary Preachers assembled at Laverpool, to promote Christianity among the Jews, &c.-- (Concluded from page 203.) have resigned the fatiging contest; but on a of collections for that proof of their sincerifurther consideration of this subject, I began ty they would be expected to evince. You to perceive your policy in persisting in a tell us that respectable Jews have been concourse so profitable in its extent, by the for-verted in Berlin, Konigsberg, Hamburgli, tunate perverseness of the people whom you and Amsterdam; and will they not co-ophave chosen to contend with. To plead the erate with you in extending the comforts case of distress for the poor Irish, or for the they have received from you, by supplying Spanish emigrants, to preach charity ser- you with part of the funds which you are mons for any particular assylum, is not suffi- constantly petitioning for in England, and cient for your exalted views, you aspire to a even extort a share from poor miserable more lofty and extensive scope, to paint in Ireland? Would not those respectable If you really wish to show your love toa pathetic manner the blind obduracy of a Jews, if it were true that you had converted wards us, your gratitude for the many spirit-chosen race, and to convince your audience them, be the first to crown your lists with ual benefits you acknowledge to have recei-that charity cannot be better bestowed, than their names, and assist you to diffuse the ved through our means, co-operate with men in reclaiming the sons and daughters of blessings of salvation? This then is the test like Brougham and Birkbeck, in diffusing Abraham from darkness to light. Contri- for the trial of your pompous announceamongst us the treasures of useful knowl-butions to hospitals, infirmaries, and other ments and boasting reports; this subscription edge, which within late, have engaged the charitable institutions, will only flow in list, the best means of ascertaining the reattention of men of all classes. Open to small streams; but what immense resources spectability and sincerity of your converts; our minds the stores of science, by which are requisite to afford spiritual relief to the and as long as there shall appear the same we may repay you in a tenfold degree, and Jews! What thousands, yea, tens of thou- void of Jewish names, the same blank of contribute our proportion to the daily-accu-sands of pounds must be subscribed, to re- contributions, from regenerated Israelites, mulating stock of improvements; that with form a people scattered in almost every part the public may feel convinced of the inutiliminds free from incumbrances, we may de- of the globe! nay, the very impracticability ty of your exertions, and, by withholding vote ourselves to those much admired stu- of our conversion, must in itself be a source further grants, drive you within the pale of dies which have rendered this country fam- of gratification to those who are influenced your own sanctuaries, there to exclaim with ed in the annals of literature, and also be- by sordid motives, and who are thereby bet- Isaiah, " Israel will be saved by Jehovah, an come candidates for the prizes awarded an- ter enabled to make constant appeals to a eternal salvation." nually by your nobler institutions, establishgenerous public. Was there ever a more ed not for promoting christianity among the specious pretext invented to rouse the chaJews, but for the more useful, more rational ritable spirit of the British nation!! and more praiseworthy purpose, the adI cannot conclude this address without vancement of the arts and sciences. If you have that regard for the Jewish people, as establishing a criterion whereby the public you pretend, send us intelligence of the best may judge of your boasted success in evaninventions, let us enjoy through your means gelizing the Jews, by referring to the reports the daily discoveries and improvements that that you have printed annually for these 15 are making, and facilitate our march in lite-years, each containing a list of the subscrirature, by a gratuitous distribution of the best bers to your institutions, as well as the names of those who have left you legacies, or have works upon these subjects; such tracts as the Mechanic's Magazine, the library of the presented you with donations; in all these people, the Panorama of the Arts, and other lists why do we not find the name of one Jew who has become your subscriber, or works upon Natural Philosophy, will be more has presented you with a donation? Can welcome and interesting to us, than the dry and tedious disquisitions upon religious sub-conversion only build its nest in poverty ? jects, carried on to the interest of some, and to the annoyance of others, without prospect of decision, or appearance of convic tion. I have many more objections to advance, and many fabricated reports of conversion to expose, but it is a pity to torment you too much at once, you having unfortunately so many vulnerable parts for attack, so I will charitably reserve them for another period should you think proper to repeat your visit to Liverpool, daringly and impiously to instil the doctrine of further contributions to your cause. Hoping that this will meet with the candid perusal of every friend to civil and religious liberty. I remain, Rev. Gentlemen, Your humble and devoted servant, Perpetual Motion. Mr. Lewis Babcock, a watchmaker at Ware Factory Village, has con, structed a machine of brass, about 18 inches high and 10 inches wide, which has the power of winding itself up once in five minutes, by means of a spring lever, that falls instantly without diminishing or retarding the power of the machine. When put together, it commences motion immediately, without any starting cause, and moves a pendulum at about the same rate of a clock pendulum.-We are informed that it has now been running about five weeks Is misery always to be an essential property in the candidate for baptism? Is indigence always to be the characteristic of your converts, so as to give rise to a new establishSince I addressed you in 1819, I expected ment to take them under its wings, and to that you would long before this, have learn- afford them temporal relief? assuming the ed to appreciate the joyful sweets of retire- pompous title of the Philo-Judæan Society, ment, and have scorned any longer to range a mere decoy for the unwary, or a refuge through Britain's Isles, tormenting and be- for the reprobate; forming an auxiliary to wildering Christians and Jews, offering to the London Society for promoting Christithe one spiritual comforts, and drawing from anity among the Jews, the honorable firm the other worldly treasures; I expected that you represent, both intending to go hand in you would no more have strayed from your hand, to run the same race, evangelizing, verdant vales and peaceful groves, for the spiritualizing, and at the same time realizing pious and praiseworthy purpose as you call that which gets uppermost in your feelings, incessantly, and several distinguished mechanit, of sowing the seeds of disunion among us, upon the whirlwinds of your infla- ics, who have seen it, say that they see no readirecting your attention not to men whom med imaginations! You have drawn up-son to hinder its running perpetually, until it maturity has strengthened in their faith, but wards of two hundred and fifty thousand is worn out. The ingenious inventor intends to children whose powers of discernment pounds for the purpose of converting us; taking it to Washington the approaching winare yet weak, endeavoring to drag them you come yearly to boast of your success inter. from the bosoms of their parents, and leav- this heaven-chartered scheme of salvation, ing them bereft of every tie that can cheer, and to petition for fresh supplies, announconsole, or comfort; I expected that you cing that thousands of my brethren have in would long before this have seen the imprac-foreign parts been brought to the light of the ticability of your visionary schemes, and gospel, and yet we look in vain in the list and rides Spring. Republican. The custom of wearing-rings originated with the Romans, who uniformly placed it on the fourth finger of the left hand of the bride, at their nuptial ceremonies, because they believed that a nerve reached from thence to the heart, THE OLIVE BRANCH. an eye to moral propriety, are, in our estimation, very NEW-YORK, SATUrday, December 1, 1827. heretofore, attracted more of the public attention. In 229 passage from a preceding state of wealth to a succeeding state of poverty, but of two contemporary stases. He was rich and poor at the same time. We propose publishing extracts from Dr. Lardner on the Logos, which will give a cursory view of the whole subject.-K. 1898 For the Olive Branch. COLLECTING MONEY IN CHURCHES. Messrs. Editors.-In the 27th number of the Olive Branch I observe some very judicious, which ever way it is viewed,it is fraught with danger. The though, perhaps, rather severe remarks on what Reverend Clergy are so distributed throughout the plan heartily rejoice, with your friend, to see the the writer calls the " Penny System," I should as to possess really and in fact the entire control of the collecting of money in Churches, or places of whole system. The correspondence, foreign and domes- public worship dispensed with altogether, untic, passes through their hands; and they are enabled to less periodically, say once a month, and occameasure, with minute exactness, from time to time, the sionally for charitable purposes. But I am ap local sensibility upon the subject which may be manifes-prehensive, notwithstanding all the mortificamarked, that this was meant to be effected through the ted within the pale of the several and numerous auxiliary to the Society be dispensed with; and particution attending it, it could not very conveniently SECTARIAN CORPORATIONS.-NO. 17. In our last we promised to resume the subject contained under a discussion of the first head, viz.: "To bring the whole body of Christians, of every sect and denomination, into the same views and, individually, to bear upon the same project." And we further re medium of the Bible Society. As this Society was the first established for the ostensible purpose of diffusing the scriptures, and has been in existence more than eleven years, enough of the object of the institution is already developed to enable us to pronounce, with cer ceive, that the gigantic pecuniary patronage, which is for it than this. is and affiliated societies, from whom they have constaut re-larly situated and located as the Second Uniports through their extended correspondence. If any are versalist Society is at present. These collecfound to flag, and abate in zeal, the causes are immedi. tions, although composed principally of penately investigated; and they are enabled to apply a sal.nies, (except the monthly collections,) amount vo to their complaints; and, as far as possible, reinvigo. to considerable after all; and more than the Sotainty, on its views and tendency. Already do we per. rate them, and bring them once more to the holy standard pense with. The MASONIC HALL, to say nociety, in its present infant state can well disthing of the doctrine preached in it, is a place strangers, who, with a very few exceptions, and that will always command the attention of especially if they should happen to be pleased olize the entire printing trade of the country, as far as relates to the scriptures. The income to the society. to a participation in the plan, from either pious feelings, ally if not more cheerfully than the members with what they hear, will contribute more liberduring the last year, amounted, from every source conor, as the case may be in many instances, from a person of the stated congregation. But we are all iminected with their operations, to $64,764 13; of this sum al respect to some active, zealous, spiritual teacher; and tative creatures, and the effect of example is $32,493 26 were remittances for bibles from auxiliary local advancement in life. With the Clergy, it is a deep ously objectionable in it, than most people are not in a few, to views of temporal aggrandizement, and much greater, unless there be something seribible societies and societies not auxiliary; and a small contrived and well organized plan of sectarian ambition; aware of. It is the circumstance of every one's part from innividuals entrusted with bibles to sell.-knit together, and organized with provisions as admirably contributed, (for that is seldom or never seen by contributing something, rather than the amount They manufacture them with such rapidity, and in such adapted to concealment from public scrutiny, the plan the audience,) that makes the example. I will and seductive. With the laity it is looked upon as a sort there are two person of equal wealth, and both as artful as the pretences for its institution are popular therefore suppose, for the sake of the case, of pious effort to scatter the scriptures far and wide; and equally well wishers to the Society, say A. and they neither know, nor do they care, any thing more the same, and are principaliy put in at the B. Their collections on the whole amount to Thus the Clergy have, in the entire monthly collections. But A, for the sake of plan, a manifest advantage, by being able at all times so the example and as an excitement to others, to guage the public feeling on the subject, as to pursue never lets the collector's box, or plate, pass him their object, steadily aiming at one point, without sus- without putting in, at least his penny. picion, and (apparently) with the consent of the nation.ing opposed to the penny system, generally lets B., beit pass, excepting on the monthly collections; yet, rather than to be thought illiberal, and to show his contempt to the penny system, one time out of six he throws in his six pence. Now both of these individuals have been equally liberal, so far as their money has gone. But so far as their example goes, as an excitement to others, that of A. is nearly six times, (and except the monthly collections, and with those each one puts in, quite six times) as great as who sit near enough to see the amount that that of B. My own impressions are, therefore, notwithstanding the objections which have been well dispense with these collections, and if they urged, or which can be urged, that you cannot are sometimes attended with a little disappointment or mortification, the Trustees must only exercise a little more patience, which is one of the Christian virtues. Those who expect much one improvement, however, which is adopted must be grateful for a little. I would suggest in some Churches. Every man knows best when it is most convenient to himself to pay his money. Let each one then have the privilege vast numbers, that they are obliged to resort to various contrivances to empty their magazines of them, from time to time, and the more effectually to keep up the trade. It is presumed, from the nature of this institution, that the printing trade cannot come in competition with them under any circumstances whatever that would promise success. The auxilary and affiliated societies, are pledged to get their supplies from the parent society, which are put at the minimum price, for which they can be afforded. Thus they have effected a complete monopoly. This is a great point gained; and sets them, as it were, above rivalry. They have nothing now to do but to stick to their favorite banner. It is so constituted, so braced, by all the leading passions of our na M. of THE HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. tures, that as long as human weakness exists, they may The clause & pas Tax voros wy, is literally, that on your account (or for you) he was poor, being rich. The construction requiring it to be understood, not of a |