Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-01-01

lation, and the atheIstical paper at WI
mington, Delaware, circulates about one
thousand copies. These are the princi-
pal newspapers that are prolessedly athe-
islical; but how many others are there,
which neglect no opportunity Of giving
sideway blow at Christianity.
"Besides these, there are immense
editions Of atheistieal works printed at
the various infdel presses, and sold dog
cheap, nay there are stercotyped, and IN
some instances great paips have been
taken to distribute them g atuitously y over
the country.
''In these works, no hesitation is made
about sapping the very foundations OF So
ciety, and sowing dlscord between the
various classes to get rid of them. They
are the wicked instruments Of oppres-
sion, and they must be annulled, or we
are ruined people"
The writer alludes to the gradual for
nation Of Atheists, lnfidels, and Agrari-
ans, into party; which has already been
done in certain degree-and will be
done more perfectly by organization Of
congregations, several Of which are re-
gularly established, and proceed with
all the order and system of other socie-
ties. The nature Of the services in these
congregations, is thus explained in an
account Of the public services in the con-
gregation of Free Enquirers in Boston.
"The old Federal-street Theatre has
been prepared and dedicated as Tenn
pie of Reason; the pit has been floored
over, on level with the stage; in the
centre is pulpit, and in the rear of this,
hanking it on both sides, and extending
across the stage, are the seats for the
singers. The pulpit is hung with black /;
on the front are inscribed in Greek cha
racters, "KNow THysELF;" and on the
drapery overhead is inscribed - in fam
ing letters
lie that will not Reason, is Bigot;
lie that cannot Reason, is an idiot;
1 lie that dares not Reason, is Slave.
On the Sabbath, as in mockery of
those who assemble for christian worship,
the doors Of this temple are thrown open,
and the congregation begins to collect
the boxes are occupied; and marked as
private pews, the seats in the pit fill up
promiscuously with men and women, and
when the church bells cease tollng, the
services commence.
"First, the minister rises, and invites
the attention Of the congregation to the
singing of hymn which he reads-say
the 9th hymn. The music strikes up a
waltz, perhaps, or some quick tune-the
singers rise, and sing as iollows:-
Gather your roses while you may,
Old Time is ever flying;
And the same flower which shines to-day,
Tomorrow may be dying
Wisely improve the present hour,
BE innocently merry;
Slight not the pleasure in your power,
Which will not, cannot tarfy.
Let virtue ever be your guide,
T. While merged in Aeetng pleasure;
All other objects else beside
Can prove no lasting treasure.
Though time must fly, though flowers must fade
i And pleasure prove uncertain;
In pleasures path we'll ever tread,
Till death shall draw the curtain.
, After this, the minister rises, and in
vites the attention of his flock to tn,
! reading Of a portion Of the bible of rea
son.
,
After reading this portion oftheir scrip
lures, the minister gives out anothe
hymn or song-lor their hymn-book con
, tains both-and the singers strike up
: perhaps, the Oath song, which runs thus
Away with melancholy,
Nor dolefu changes ring
IN On life and human folly,
But merrily, merrily sing, so gay, Sc.
= After this, the minister rises and com
d mences his sermon; the nature of whic
) may be imagined from the nature Of tn
# source Of the texts. The general teno
: is to rdicule the Christian religion,
d persuade the congregation that there
II no God-no future state-and no soul =
II in short, to preach The doctrines Of tn
J. French Infdels, but not with the da2
y zling ingenuity of a Voltaire, or the sui
n tie logic of the Encyclopedias; not b
j. fair argument, and from established pre-
e misses: but by bold assertion, impudel
ir assumption, unblushiDg falsehood, coars
rdicule, and profane Jests.
/. But we leave the doctrines to futur
al description. We will here mention
10 proof of the confidence with which th