have been a mere pretext, take no notice of the reply of the accused, and bring in a verdict of excommunication, on grounds foreign to the indictment, of which Mr. W. had no previous notice, and from which he had no opportunity to defend himself, if indeed any defence is possible, from vague and impalpable insinuations. One thing, it is true, was tangible. He had attended another meeting: but was there not a cause? They say no "physical" one, and yet for nearly eight weeks of this time, Mr. W. was absent from town. He was not aware When Mrs.

of any objection to him on this account. Fuller was asked why she had broken her covenant by attending other preaching, her reply was that the church had first broken the covenant, which was mutual, and that it had therefore ceased to be binding upon her. To this there had been no reply.

They say "after the employment by the church, of all due measures for the purpose, we are no longer permitted to hope that Mr. Weston can be regained," &c. What were these measures? Mr. W. never heard of any, and there is no member of that church, from the Pastor downwards, who ever exchanged a word with him upon the subject.

Did he deserve thus summarily, and without notice, to be CUT "OFF FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST," because he could not bring himself to listen to the Rev. B. Tappan, but had been a constant attendant upon preaching which they admitted was Evangelical? Why, then, was not Mrs. Fuller cut off from the church of Christ"? She had, since the filing of the complaint, not only, not attended Mr. T.'s preaching, but shuddered at the thought. Why were not Mrs. I., Mrs. W., Mrs. P., and Mrs. H. all cut "off from the church of Christ"? And yet all these, though equally guilty in this respect with Mr. W. (and more so, for with the exception of Mrs. F. and Mrs. I. they were not compelled by personal grievances, as was he) were dismissed and recommended to St. Marks, while he is singled out, stigmatized, and destined to appear in the "Christian Mirror" as excommunicated, for that which in others was not treated as a crime.

But, they will say, that the latter was further guiny of holding them in "light estimation." Now there was no proof that these other persons held them in any greater esteem than he. They, neither of them had given so great proofs of regard as had Mr. Weston, who, at the risk of their high displeasure, and of being CUT "OFF FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST," had endeavored to point out their errors, and deter them from a course which could not but end in trouble and disgrace.

He held the church in "light estimation"! There was no proof of this; but even supposing it true, was that a crime? Must a man be CUT "OFF FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST" for holding the South Parish Church in Augusta, in "light estimation"? Such sweeping condemnation will find but few advocates, we apprehend, out of that body. Esteem is an involuntary sentiment, arising from the perception of worth; and we are not aware that it can be forced upon people by positive enactment. Those who wish to be esteemed, must endeavour to deserve it. We know of no short cut to the homage of the virtuous. Suppose then, this allegation true, it was an affair, entirely beyond his control, and if a crime, must be charged upon that Being, who endowed him with moral perceptions.

"Light estimation"! What is the measure of esteem demanded? And at what point does the affection with which they are regarded, change from innocence to guilt? If members are to be cut "off from the church of Christ, in a certain stage of their esteem, it becomes important to know what that stage is.

Did they require that Mr. W.'s esteem should rise as high as their self esteem? If so, he had no means of ascertaining the exact measure of their self esteem, although he had some reason to believe it to be not very low.

"In many ways manifested his light estimation"! They do not deign to tell how, when, or where. Dea. T. had made specifications, and that course of proceeding had not turned out so favorably as was expected. They now say "in many ways," and leave the imagination to do the

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rest. It was as flattering to Mr. W. as it was otherwise to the church, that to accomplish their purpose, they were obliged to abandon tangible charges, and resort to what could not possibly admit of reply. In cases affecting the reputation, the liberty, or the property of the citizen, all civil courts require every allegation to be plain, clear, specific. And shall a man be CUT "OFF FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST," AND CONSIGNED OVER TO EVERLASTING DAMNATION, upon charges that he cannot understand, and all explanation of which is denied?

That these proceedings which we have disclosed, were conducted with prayer, affords no proof that they are right. It is no new thing that the name of God should be invoked by those who, by means of prayer, would have the world believe that He was a party to their doings. Witches were burnt, Quakers hung, and Heretics impaled, with prayer. The world has never seen an ecclesiastical outrage, that was not perpetrated with prayer. Within a few months, a gross violation of the laws of God and man, and of every principle of decency and humanity, was committed at the Oberlin Institute, with prayer. And nearly three thousand years ago, impiety attempted concealment by shouting "the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these." But hearken to the rebuke of the prophet. "Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other Gods, whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, WE ARE DELIVERED TO DO ALL THESE ABOMINATIONS"?

APPENDIX.

A.

Mrs. Ingraham belonged to the "Maternal Association" (composed principally of mothers in Mr. T.'s church,) which met monthly. Her age and religious character made her a prominent member. After the dialogue (page 103) she was treated with great coolness at the meetings of the society, but attended as usual. This coolness was perceptibly increased, after Mrs. I. had left Mr. T.'s church, and she took an opportunity to ask her friend, the Secretary of the Association, whether her presence was desired by them. The Secretary replied, that she, personally, was very happy to have Mrs. I. continue to meet with them, but that, probably, others felt differently; and that she would inquire.

Mrs. I. subsequently received the following note, to which we subjoin her reply. The Secretary is, of course, not responsible for the insulting nature of the note to Mrs. I., being by virtue of her office, merely the organ of communication.

"Augusta, 26th Oct., 1840.

MY DEAR MRS. INGRAHAM-Tomorrow at half past two o'clock, if the weather be pleasant, the Maternal Association will meet. I regret that circumstances in my family have prevented my giving you an earlier notice of it, and of the result of your message.

I have not been able to see all the ladies of the society, but those to whom I have mentioned your wishes, authorize me to assure you, though they have felt, and do feel, deeply wounded by the spirit, they understand you have manifested toward our