METANS, one hundred and forty millions. The CHRISTIANS again may be thus distributed into Greek and Eastern Churches, thirty millions; ROMAN CATHOLICS, eighty millions; and PROTESTANTS, sixty-five millions and a half. Or thus, in round figures, which may make a more permanent impression on the mind of the rising generation.

Subdivisions of CHRISTIANS.

Greek and Eastern churches.. 30,000,000

As the existence and attributes of THE SUPREME BEING constitute the foundation of all religion, natural and revealed, a plan of the attributes of God shall be hère introduced, drawn up by Jeremiah Hunt, D.D. the friend of Lardner and Benson, a divine of good sense and piety.

From his Natural Attribute arise his--KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, POWER.
From the above Attributes arise his Holiness or TRUTH, JUSTICE, EQUITY, GOODNESS, MERCY,
MORAL Perfections
PATIENCE.

...

Attributes arising from his manner of existing by ABSOLUTE NECESSITY.

To the young Reader this plan of the attri butes of God, so easy and natural, so curious and exact, must be useful, because the various opinions I am now about to describe arise from the different conceptions formed by the different sects of these perfections of the Supreme Being. And I must be permitted to add, that, it is for want of a better knowledge of the attributes of God so admirably displayed in the Old and New Testament, that unbelievers reject revelation in general, and that the advocates of enthusiasm and superstition, abuse and disgrace Christianity. For to use the words of the sensible author of the above plan—” Without this knowledge of the Divine Perfections we are not capable of being free from all superstition, neither can we see the weakness of enthusiasm. By a right knowledge of the Divine Perfections, we not only come to know what is most important in religion; but we derive very strong and powerful motives to influence and engage us to the practice of what is truly religious, and what will render us acceptable to God. Above all, let us take care that this knowledge has the proper effect and influence upon our temper and life. Such as are our sentiments, such in all probability will our behaviour be. Right sentiments will produce right dispositions, and right actions. And by these we shall grow up to a likeness to God more and more in this life, and shall, when we are called to leave this world, have

a more solid and well-grounded hope of being for ever happy, in a much more perfect, glorious, and happy state."

HAVING given this preliminary account of Atheism, Deism, Theophilanthropism, Judaism, Christianity, and Mahometanism, I now proceed to the DenoMINATIONS of the Christian world. In the first ages of Christianity there were various sects, which have long ago sunk into oblivion, and whose names therefore exist only in the pages of ecclesiastical history. It is not my purpose even to glance at these ancient sects, but only briefly to notice those which in the present day attract our attention. The distinguished, may be included under the following threefold arrangement: OPINIONS respecting the person of Christ; respecting the means and measure of God's favour; and respecting Church government, and the administration of ceremonies.

I.

OPINIONS RESPECTING THE PERSON OF CHRIST.

JESUS CHRIST being the medium by which the Deity hath imparted a knowledge of his will to mankind, the person of Christ has been eagerly investigated, and the nature of God rendered the subject of

rude and unhallowed controversy. This has filled the religious world with violent contentions, nor are they likely to be brought speedily to a termination. In the mean time, it would become us to discuss this topic with modesty and humility. It is, however, my present province to state the existing opinions respecting this abstruse subject; it shall be done in a few words, and I hope with accuracy.

TRINITARIANS.

THE Trinitarians believe the doctrine of a Trinity, by which is generally understood, that there are three distinct persons in one undivided Godhead-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The word Trinity is not to be found in the Bible, but is a scholastic term, derived from the Latin word Trinitas, denoting a threefold unity, and was (some say), introduced into the church during the second century. Calvin himself reprobates the term, as being barbarous, and of human invention. The learned entertain such various and contradictory sentiments respecting this mystery, that it is difficult to know to whom the term Trinitarian is justly applicable. Waterland, Howe, Sherlock, Pearson, Burnet, Beveridge, Wallis, and Watts, have each of them separate opinions on this subject. Some think Trinitarians reducible to