in this new undertaking are not anxious to identify themselves with any one of our religious parties or denominations, though they wish to maintain peace and good neighbourhood with them all. If they ever connect or identify themselves with any one party, it will probably be a liberal, though small body of those called general Baptists*, one of whose ministers, the worthy and respectable author of the Sketch of the Denominations of the Christian World, was unanimously invited to assist at the opening of this new chapel, when his services gave entire and abundant satisfaction. The first sermon he preached here, being also the first that was delivered in this new place, has been since published, with an Appendix, containing an account of a late very curious correspondence between him and Mr. Berington, a learned Catholic priest, which it is supposed must render this publication very interesting. Except the stated minister, Mr. Evans is the only one that has yet preached in this new chapel; but it is understood that the occasional service of any worthy minister, of whatever denomination, whether reputed orthodox or otherwise, who passing this way may be disposed to address

* With whom such a connection might be desirable for this infant society; and it certainly would not be dishonourable, or inconsistent with their avowed aversion to religious thraldom; as it would require no sacrifice of their religious liberty or christian freedom: both parties being equally advocates for the full enjoyment of that inestimable right, and most invaluable blessing.

this congregation, would not be here rejected. It may therefore be expected that ministers of different views, on many religious subjects, will be found sometimes officiating in this new pulpit; which seems very well to accord with the avowed principles of these people, who profess a readiness to hear what any serious and pious religionist may have to say, and then to judge for themselves of its reasonableness and accordance with the scriptures. It is hoped they will carefully persevere in this laudable course, trying all things, and holding fast that which is good, however unfashionable such a mode of proceeding may appear to have now become in the religious world."

The prevalence of Infidelity is a serious evil in every country. Indeed the believer in revealed religion knows that Christianity is conducive to individual happiness and to the prosperity of the community. MR. RICHARDS speaks strongly on this subject-it was his usual strain. He was an honest man, who wished to probe every evil to the bottom, that he might the more effectually subserve the cause of scriptural piety. I add the following extract as explanatory of his sentiments, both religious and political: he disdained to conceal them when living, for his conduct was marked by the strictest integrity. Nay, he was proud on every occasion of disclosing his views, however unpopular, persuaded that what he suggested was calculated to promote the best interests of mankind.

"A very large portion of the Community, com

prehending not a few persons of reading and some reflection, appear to be at this time, either unconvinced or decided disbelievers of the divine authority and truth of christianity. Nor is this perhaps much to be wondered at, when the case is duly considered. To many, no doubt, this unbelief, or infidelity, proves very convenient and desirable, as it frees them from almost every moral restraint, and leaves them much at liberty to follow and gratify their vicious and lawless inclinations. Upon this ground we may pretty safely account for the scepticism and unbelief of most of our avowed infidels. These too, seem to be the very worst of them, as they are more inexcusable than that other sort, who, viewing Christianity through the medium of its corruptions, hastily reject it altogether, as utterly unworthy of their credit or acceptance. But it may be said, they are very wrong in determining so hastily, without looking into the New Testament, and examining it as it is delivered there.' Very true, But who among our numerous christian sects and parties, will dare, for shame, to reproach them on that account, while they themselves, with all their professed veneration for that Book, make no scruple to deviate from it, whenever their interest, or policy, or the established formulas, creeds, or customs of their respective parties require them so to do? One takes up the Athanasian Creed, and says, 'this is christianity; and except a man believe it he cannot be saved, but must, without doubt, perish everlastingly.' Can it be any wonder

that an honest and rational enquirer should startle, and say, 'if this be christianity, I cannot believe its divine authority, or that it came from God, for I am very sure that such a self-contradictory farrago can never have proceeded from him.'-Other articles in great abundance, all equally absurd and incredible, and very prominent in the creeds and observances of the religious world, might be here added, and which professing christians and christian ministers are daily representing and recommending, as unquestionable parts of christianity, and most worthy of our belief and reception. In viewing CHRISTIANITY through the mists and fogs of its numerous and enormous corruptions, it is certainly not very wonderful that many, who are not disposed to bestow much time upon religious enquiries, should be discouraged so as to stand aloof, and deem the divine authority of it incredible-and if they are very blameable for so doing, still no small portion of the blame must be imputable to those who have so greatly tarnished the beauties of christianity, and obscured its truth, by presumptuously introducing, supporting, and advocating those corruptions.

After all, the Deists are not to be deemed the worst enemies of Christianity. Its most dangerous foes are to be found among its pretended friends and admirers, who would fain persuade us that our public and national transactions are all, forsooth, very christianlike and evangelical: and so by divesting christianity of its morality, and reducing it to a mere state engine, they do all they can to render it incre

dible and contemptible in the eyes of all reflecting and honest men. These people consist of courtiers and statesmen, placemen and pensioners, laity and clergy (even most of our prelates and dignitaries), and in short, the whole of that immense multitude who live upon the public loaves and fishes, or expect to come in for a share of them. That they should profess the religion of the state, and be very clamorous too in its defence, is natural enough-as well as that they should be very ready to defend and justify all our public or state measures; but it is not quite so clear that they are more friendly or favourable to Christianity, properly so called, than our professed Deists: on the contrary, by identifying their monstrous corruptions with Christianity, they may be said to be its worst enemies; in comparison with whom our professed or avowed Deists are feeble and harmless adversaries. The Deists of this town are said to be very numerous, and would, if formed into a society, constitute, perhaps, the largest congregation in the place but they are not of a gregarious or congregating character; and they know, in general, so little of the New Testament, or uncorrupted christianity, that their objections seldom affect any part of ittheir assault being chiefly directed against its outworks, or rather its corruptions; and for every attempt to expose and explode them they deserve every honest man's thanks."

These Extracts shall be concluded with THE AUTHOR'S Own account of this his principal work; it