joice in the many excellent and noble institutions, for the alleviation of human misery, and the promotion of human happiness, to which the piety and philanthropy of man have given existence, we are called upon to consider the institution of public worship as more noble than them all-more noble in having originated from God, and more noble in the extent of its influence and the importance of its results. It is, indeed, to the sanctuary of the Lord to which we must, in general, trace the possession of those feelings of benevolence which have exhibited themselves in the many charitable and excellent institutions which abound in the civilized world. Where is it that we behold Hospitals, and Orphan Asylums, and Asylums for the Deaf and Dumb, and Bible Societies, and Sunday Schools, spring ing into existence, and scattering around them their cheering and glorious influences? Is it in places where temples to the Lord have never been erected, or his worship seldom or ne ver solemnized? Or, is it not rather there where his temples most abound; there, where from his altars arises the incense of supplication; there, where from the lips of his Ministers are received instruction and exhortation; which, while they control the vicious feelings of the heart, tend, under the Divine influences, to impel man to virtue and to piety? Where was it that the philanthropic Howard received those noble impulses of his heart, under the guidance and direction of which he relinquished the pleasures of domestic life, and, travelling from place to place, spent his fortune and his time in relieving the pains, and assuaging the griefs of suffering humanity? Was it not in a land of Churches; in a land where his mind, at an early age, was properly diseiplined by the devotions and precepts of the sanctuary? Where was it that he, whose name we have already mentioned as the founder of Sunday Schools, imbibed those noble sentiments which so ardently led him to consult the temporal and eternal welfare of the rising generation-led him to the formation of an institution un

der the benign operations of which many an immortal soul has been reclaimed from the paths of destruction, and made partaker of the promises and hopes of the Gospel? I need not tell you, it was a land of Churchesa land of Gospel light and liberty, that gave birth to this benefactor of mankind. And, in no other but a land of Churches can you find such characters-among no others but the frequenters of those Churches, can you find them.-Philanthropy, to a limited extent, may be sometimes exhibited in a few who neglect God's sanctuaries; but, if you trace it to its source, it will be generally found to proceed, either from ostentation, or some other principle equally spurious, and illegi timate.

But, have we enumerated all the important results of the worship of God, when we speak of it as inspiring those philanthropic feelings whence have originated the many institutions, and the many charities which have so powerfully mitigated the evils of suffering humanity? No; we have taken but a glance at the subject. To go into a detail of the many beneficial and glorious results of public worship, would be extending this address to a length greater than would be at present expedient. Not to mention the influence it has upon national prosperity, and its intimate connexion with the growth and decay of empires, as this worship is attended to, or neglected; we would merely add, as its chief glory and excellence, the relation it bears to the possession of eternal life in the world to come. It will be denied by none who reflect with any justness at all upon the subject, that the brevity and uncertainty of the present life, and the eternally happy, or everlastingly miserable condition in which we are placed in the life to come, render it important that we should act here with a view to that life; and, while we shun the misery of the latter condition, should lay hold of the happiness of the former. But, who are they, that, in the world of spirits, shall be pronounced worthy to escape the misery of the one, and enjoy the happiness of the other? Will

it be those whose feet seldom or never trod the courts of God's house-those who, while they squandered their money and their time upon the vanities and luxuries of the world, were tena cious of both when asked for the sanctuary of the Lord? No; that company of glorified spirits, to whom shall be addressed the plaudit of "Well done, good and faithful servants," will not be composed of such, but of those the chords of whose hearts vibrate with those of the Psalmist, when he exclaimed, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." When the Archangel's trumpet shall summon the inhabitants of the earth to judgment, where will be found those who shall meet the decisions of that judgment with joy, and bliss ineffable? Will they be found in places where the sanctuaries of the Lord never lighten up the eye, or cheer and gladden the heart of the pious traveller? Or, will they not rather be found there, where the most valuable of earthly blessings is conceived to be, the having of a temple in which to praise and worship God? Yes, brethren, the glorified children of God, in heaven, were his worshipping

children on earth.

Does it not appear, from the foregoing hasty remarks, that the occasion upon which we are this day assembled, is an important one? important, from its originating a house in which shall be dispensed blessings calculated to All earth with happiness, and heaven with hallelujahs. God grant that the Church, the corner stone of which we this day lay, may, under the faithful ministry of him by whom it is first to be occupied, and under future and more distant ministries, scatter on every side the riches and blessings of the Gospel of Christ. And, may those through whose instrumentality this laudable undertaking was commenced, experience, as the reward of their la bour, the benedictions of many souls here brought to the knowledge of salvation; and, especially, the benediction and blessing of him, "whose favour is life, and whose loving-kindness is better than life."

FOR THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL.

Reflections for the 4th of July.

THIS is a day to be much observed by the citizens of the United States. It is the day on which their country emerged from the situation of oppressed colonies to the arduous and important one of throwing off the yoke, and rising in formal and open hostility against the oppressing power. The character of this event with the world, and posterity generally, depended upon its issue. Although, in any case, there would probably have been generous feeling enough to have secured for it a share of applause and approbation; while the honest and upright motives of those concerned would have prepared them for any consequences; still failure would have made that to be generally esteemed infamous and rebellious, which now commands the respect and admiration of the world; and is to those more immediately interested, a source of national feelings of a very exalted character, and a very happy influence. But the most invaluable reflection is, that the Christian can call to mind the event which gave rise to the observance of this day, without a single blush for its moral character, without any fear of its having been in opposition to the dictates of his holy religion, and in the humble confidence that the success which ensued was the blessing of an approving Providence. In emotions of gratitude to him, the Christian will find the most congenial feelings; and in devotion to him, the most welcome expression of the joy of his heart. What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me? is the inquiry which occupies his most serious thoughts." That the nation which, as at this time, sprang into being, and was preserved by an overruling Providence, through the hard struggle which led to its being acknowledged among the people of the earth, should evince becoming gratitude to the high and mighty Ruler of the Universe, and manifest its perpetual trust in him, by whom only it can maintain the independence and

prosperity he has granted,-he feels mainly anxious.

The character of a nation, however, is made up of that of the individuals who compose it. Every citizen, therefore, is to have a share in determining it. Who that owns an overruling al-, mighty Providence, can be indifferent to the establishment of that which is well-pleasing in his sight! To such an one it is an acknowledged maxim, that neither political wisdom, nor phy; sical force, can avail ought without the favour of the Lord of Hosts. To a believer in revelation, it is most obvious, that this can be expected only as the blessing of God, upon humble devotion to him. This is to be manifested by maintaining the true religion, and illustrating its sanctifying efficacy on our hearts and lives..

That our nation, as such, has made no formal recognition of the Christian faith, or-save by inference-of even the existence of a God, is a subject of general and just regret. That she has not favoured any particular views of Christianity, as her established religion, is as generally, and as justly approved. Her deficiency in the former case must be made up, and every good which could be expected from the measure, which, in the latter, she has avoided, be secured, by a deep and practical interest in religion, on the part of her citizens. Protection in the exercise of their religion, and security in the enjoyment of the means of preserving and disseminating it, impartially extended by the civil authorities, reserving the indisputable right of interfering where civil peace and order are endangered, is all that those authorities can be expected to do officially. ON THE CITIZENS THEM

SELVES RESTS THE GREAT BURDEN OF

RESPONSIBILITY. Let each one, then, for himself, see that in his heart he cherishes, and in his life exhibits the pure and holy doctrines of the Gospel. The faithful disciples of the Lamb are a nation's best security. In its natural consequences, practical Christianity will diffuse order, peace, goodwill, justice, and sobriety; while magistrates and legislators will thence, earn principles of government, and

citizens, of fidelity, which will extend the most happy influence. As the required religion of Heaven, practical Christianity alone can warrant the hope of that divine protection and blessing, without which all apparent national prosperity is but delay until the measure of iniquity be full-a reserving for more dreadful execution of the wrath of an avenging God. The prevalence of this religion may be hoped to be attended with the blessings promised to the finding of but ten righteous men in the devoted city of the plain.*

Such reflections should suggest the resolutions with which every good citizen should enter on a new year of our political existence. While every liberal allowance is made, and truest respect is felt for all, however differing, who have the interests of practical Christianity at heart, and sincerely endeavour to promote its cause; and while full confidence is felt, that exertions thus originating, and thus prosecuted, will ultimately be overruled and blessed to the promoting the unity of truth, the remaining observations will be particularly addressed to those whose religious views accord with the sentiments of the Christian Journal. What is their part of the great duties, of Christian citizens? If they conscientiously think, as I would fain. hope they do, that the system of religion which they profess is characterized by peculiar conformity with Scripture and primitive Christianity; and that in its outward constitution and worship are afforded important barriers against the admixture of error, and the derangement of order, the following particulars are humbly conceived to be obvious duties:

The making of every practicable exertion for maintaining, in their respective vicinities, the ministry, worship, and ordinances of their Church; and setting an uniform example of regular attendance on them:

Using whatever influence their station in society may afford, by precept and example, in favour of religious and moral duty:

Lending their willing aid to those

* Gen. xviii. 32,

institutions of the Church, which have for their object the training of a learned and pious ministry; the sending of Missionaries where stated ministerial services cannot be maintained; the religious instruction of the poor; and the distribution of the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Common Prayer, and other religious books and tracts:

Above all, cultivating in their own hearts, through the aid of Divine Grace diligently sought, and faithfully improved, the faith, the humility, the piety, and charity of the Gospel.

This last will be a spur to the other duties, and furnish a principle and motive of action, which will impart to them the holy and acceptable character of evangelical obedience.

At this period, especially, it seems very generally conceded, that our citizens have much erred by undue extravagance and dissipation. Can any period, then, be more favourable for an union among all good men in the firm resolution of correcting this evil? Is any thing of more vital importance than diverting the channel of superfluous income from this pestilent course to the feeding of that "river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High?" That "city," his holy Church, "is the joy of the whole earth. God is known in her palaces for a refuge." She is the true glory and safety of a nation. Let her prosperity be sought, and her purity maintained. "The Lord of Hosts," who " is in the midst of her," will then be "with us; the God of Jacob," who delighteth in her, will be " our refuge."* One concluding remark. Let such considerations dictate the spirit in which we should express our joy on this great national festival. It should be a Christian's joy-should be a joy carefully guarded against an immoral, and irreligious character-such a joy as we may humbly hope will be approved by the great Author of our blessings such a joy as will not make us ashamed when called to answer for it at the bar of God.

CIVIS CHRISTIANUS.

Psalms xlvi. and xlviii.

FOR THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL.

College at Worthington, Ohio. AN Academy at Worthington, Ohio, has recently been chartered by the Legislature of that state, as a College. This measure is understood to have been adopted, principally at the instance, and through the influence of the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Worthington. The Right Rev. Bishop CHASE has been appointed its first President; and, with a view to preserve the characteristic impartiality of our civil institutions, and, at the same time, do justice to those who shall be most instrumental in promoting the welfare of the College, the Legislature have provided that its Trustees shall be elected, and that every donation of $25 to its funds, shall give the donor, his heirs, and assigns, a vote. Here, therefore, is an opportunity for securing an Episcopal College in the new, promising, and rapidly increasing section of our country, beyond the Alleghanies. May the hope be cherished that this will be considered (as it justly deserves to be,) a common cause by the members of our Church generally? It is understood by the present writer, that distant contributors may transfer to proxies their right of voting. In this way, members and officers of the Church, in Worthington and its vicinity, may permanently have the choice of Trustees of the College.

Mr. CHESTER GRISWOLD, now on business in the Atlantic states, is commissioned to solicit contributions in behalf of its funds. I am happy to learn, that several gentlemen of this city have already manifested their de sire to promote the interests of science, and the respectability and prosperity of our Church in the western states, by availing themselves of the direct influence which they have thus an opportunity of extending, toward the establishment of an Episcopal College in that quarter.

It is sincerely to be hoped, that on Mr. GRISWOLD's return to this city, he will find a cheerful willingness still further to promote the object he has in view.

The course taken by the Legislature of Ohio, in this instance, is certainly a just and most commendable

one.

All extensive literary institutions, where the students board together, cannot but be in some measure characterized by the influence of peculiar religious sentiment; religion is so intimately connected with science, and so essential a part of education. Of course, it must assume a definite form. Where there is an establishment, that determines what the form shall be. Here, where there is none, it is determined by the views of those concerned in the government of the College, or in imparting its instructions. And what can be more just than that they should settle this point, who do most towards endowing the institution!

The impartiality of our Legislatures, I humbly think, is not most wisely and effectually exercised, by efforts to prevent the predominance of any particular religious influence in Colleges. They may prevent any religious test for admission, either as officers or students. They may disallow any compulsion to attend particular modes of worship; but a predominance of particular religious in fluence, whereby the College is made most subservient to the interests of some particular religious community, they cannot prevent. There is not, perhaps, a single College in the country, where there is worship and religious instruction,-and a boarding College without them would be a disgrace to a Christian land-that does not bear testimony to this. It is by encouraging the various religious denominations, who, after all, must have the control of our Colleges, in the formation and liberal support of them; and extending equal protection to them all, and patronage, in proportion to individual exertions in their behalf,that the civil authorities are most effectually to connect the promotion of the cause of science, with perfect impartiality on the subject of religion. K.

NEW-YORK, June 23, 1819.

The practical INFLUENCE of the DocTRINE of the CROSS: Extracted from a Sermon by the Rev. DANIEL WILSON, M. A. of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and Minister of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, London.

THUS is the preaching of the Cross the mystery in which the power of God is stupendously displayed; and this in opposition to every other means for saving men. For what have all other means accomplished? What has ever been done to change the heart and lives of men but by the doctrine of the Cross? What have heathen ethics, or abstract morals, or vain philosophy, or human suasion, or political theories done to reach and gain the heart? If the Jews should have their sign from heaven, if new miracles were to be performed, if the stumbling-block of the Cross were to be removed, if the doctrines of the self-righteous and worldly could be acted upon to their utmost extent, what would be accomplished? Would all these be the power of God unto salvation? What has been ever done by similar methods? Nothing effectual, nothing saving. No. We want no sign from heaven, we want no new miracle; this is our sign, this is our miracle, a crucified Saviour. If the Jew require additional evidence, and be determined not to believe but on the condition of receiving it, we preach to him the Cross as the miracle of the divine power, which ought to be, and which will be, when the vail is taken from his heart, more convincing than any merely external interpositions of the Almighty. If the infidel or the worldly professor of Christianity requires something sufficiently powerful and energetic to influence and purify the human heart, we direct him to the dying Saviour, as the most surprising and affecting of all exhibitions of the power of God. This we do, because we are fully convinced of the power of the doctrine of the Cross. It is not a mere letter, but full of might and grace. We believe the miracles which our Lord performed on earth, and these are sufficient for us as to signs. We see all the pro