BLASPHEMOUS DOCTRINE BLASPHEMOUS

OF THE

BIBLICALS,

Respecting supernatural impulse, emotions, &c.

SIR,

Read the congratulatory epistles and addresses circulated among the Biblical fraternity, on the occasions to which I have alluded in my last, and in former communications; open one of their magazines and cast your eye over the blasphemous farago of cant and absurdity. The time selected by these fanatics for the sensible communication of the "divine gift," is that collapse and repose of the senses which are known to succeed violent excitation.-With what rapture does not the wonder-working Biblicist dwell upon "the heavenly beauty, the holy placidity, the dove-like gentleness," which distinguishes this auspicious moment of acceptation and grace Take a specimen of this rapturous feeling: "From this period she lived chiefly in retire

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ment, either in reading the sacred volume on her knees, or in pouring out her soul in prayer to God. While thus employed, she was not unfrequently indulged in visits from her gracious Lord; and sometimes felt herself to be surrounded, as it were, by his glorious presence. After her return to Bristol, her frame of mind became so heavenly, that she seemed often to be dissolved in the love of God, her Saviour."-Evangelical Magazine, Here we have Miss Louisa Cooke in a state of heavenly and permanent rapture. "While I was conversing with my brother on the state of my soul, and the fears I had entertained for my future welfare, I found myself in an instant in a state of existence, under the direction of a superior being, who ordered me to follow him, I was accordingly wafted along, I know not how, till 1 beheld at a distance an ineffable glory, the impression of which on my mind, it is impossible to communicate to mortal man, I immediately reflected on my happy change, and thought, well blessed be God! I am safe at last, notwithstanding all my fears. I saw an innumerable host of happy beings surrounding the inexpressible glory, in acts of adoration and joyous worship; but I did not see any bodily shape or *representation in the glorious appearance. I heard

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things unutterable. I heard their songs and hallelujahs of thanksgiving and praise, with unspeakable rapture. I felt joy unutterable and full of glory. I then applied to my conductor, and requested leave to join the happy."-Evangelical Magazine. Here, again we have one Rev. William Tennant in a heavenly trance, making his way after the Apostle St. Paul to the third heaven!

It would be a wearisome task indeed, to recapitulate the names, without attempting even a sketch of the doctrines of the heterogeneous and whimsical sects that have sprung from the Bible the rule of faith, since that grand discovery of the sixteenth century. -Doctrines that are still more numerous than the names of those ignorant enthusiasts, whose fantastic gambols excite the pity and contempt of every rational man and sober christian; enthusiasts who are "foaming out their own confusion," to use the language of the Apostle St. Jude, and who should pass along the dark vista of their own obscurity unnoticed, and beneath the animadversion of the regulated ministers of the Catholic Church, did not their intrusive and pernicious folly evict even silence, and prevail against the obstinacy of contempt and pity. Speculating

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enthusiasts, and trading fanatics, whose short lived Bibliomania shall pass away, shall rot in the sarcophagus of public scorn, until the caprice and corruption of the heart of man renovate again the monster defunct, and present him to the world under a different form. It is thus Anabaptism, the monstrous offspring of Luther, adopted and reared by his good friend and disciple, Nicholas Stork, has at different intervals appeared on earth under the name and garb of-1. Adamites, more than three hundred of whom ascended quite naked to the top of a high mountain, persuaded that they should be taken up to heaven, body and soul. 2. Apostolicals, who practised to the letter, the order of Jesus Christ, to preach on house top, and who mounted these singular pulpits with extraordinary agility, and opened their mouths to instruct the passengers. 3. Antimarians, who refused all honour and esteem to the Virgin Mary. 4. Adiaphorists, such as the divines of Wit-temberg, and Leipsic, who taught that all the sacraments were indifferent as to salvation and that the faithful might, or might not, approach them without incurring the guilt of sin; and this, in order to promote their mutual peace. All religions were alike to them; hence they were called Indifferentists.

5. Baculares, or Steblerians, from the word Steb, which signifies a stick, who deemed it criminal to carry a sword, weapon, or any kind of arms, except a stick, or cudgel; and that it was unlawful to repel force by force. 6, Clancularii, so called, because they conceal themselves, and would not make known the principles of their faith; they went to no place of worship, but instructed their followers at home, or in gardens, hence they were called Fratres Hortulani. 7. Condormientes, whose doctrine it was, that men and women should dwell and sleep promiscuously together. 8. Davidians, the followers of David George, of Amersfort, in Holland, who boasted that he was the second David, and the true Messiah. 9. Demoniacs, or Diabolians, a branch of the Evangelicals, who issued from Luther's school; they believed that the devils would be saved at the end of the world; took the devil for invoked and adored

their Lord and master;

him ten times a day. 10. Impeccables who believed that after Baptism or the new regeneration, it was easy to avoid all sin, and that in effect, they committed no sin; in accordance with this principle they retrenched from the Lord's prayer the words forgive us our tresspasses, and would not deign to solicit the prayers of others in their favour. 11.