THE BOROUGH. LETTER IV. SECTS AND PROFESSIONS IN RELIGION. But cast your eyes again, And view those errors which new sects maintain, Or which of old disturb'd the Churches' peaceful reign: Dryden.-Hind and Panther, Part II. Oh! said the Hind, how many sons have you Hind and Panther. Sects and Professions in Religion are numerous and successive-General Effect of false Zeal-Deists-Fanatical Idea of Church Reformers-The Church of Rome-Baptists-Swedenborgians-Universalists-Jews. Methodists of two Kinds; Calvinistic and Arminian. The Preaching of a Calvinistic Enthusiast-His Contempt of Learning-Dislike to sound Morality: why-His Idea of Conversion-His Success and Pretensions to Humility. The Arminian Teacher of the older Flock-Their Notions of the Operations and Power of Satan-Description of his Devices-Their Opinion of regular Ministers-Comparison of these with the Preacher himself—A Rebuke to his Hearers; introduces a Description of the powerful Effects of the Word in the early and awakening Days of Methodism. THE BOROUGH. LETTER IV. SECTS AND PROFESSIONS IN RELIGION. "SECTS in Religion?"-Yes, of every race And you might ask, "how think we for the year?" And with much art exhibit and persuade. Minds are for sects of various kinds decreed, Are quick and stagnant; have their calms and storms; High on the hills, they in the sunbeams glow, Opposed to these we have a prouder kind, "But still," they cry, "let none their censures spare, "They but confirm the glorious hopes we share; "From doubt, disdain, derision, scorn, and lies, "With five-fold triumph sacred truth shall rise." : Yes! I allow, so truth shall stand at last, And gain fresh glory by the conflict past :As Solway-Moss (a barren mass and cold, Death to the seed, and poison to the fold,) The smiling plain and fertile vale o'erlaid, Choked the green sod, and kill'd the springing blade; That, changed by culture, may in time be seen, Enrich'd by golden grain, and pasture green; And these fair acres rented and enjoy'd, May those excel by Solway-Moss destroy'd. (1) Still must have mourn'd the tenant of the day, For hopes destroy'd, and harvests swept away; To him the gain of future years unknown, The instant grief and suffering were his own: So must I grieve for many a wounded heart, Chill'd by those doubts which bolder minds impart : Truth in the end shall shine divinely clear, But sad the darkness till those times appear; Contests for truth, as wars for freedom, yield Glory and joy to those who gain the field: But still the Christian must in pity sigh For all who suffer, and uncertain die. Here are, who all the Church maintains approve, But yet the Church herself they will not love; |