Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-12-28
From the New-Xork Evangelist.

--OFf tS(CUU HGCOCQtC.
From the New-York Evangelist.
THE DECEIVED PROFESSOR UNDECEIv-
ED, AND DIRECTED TO CHRISTI
Professor. 1t is often SAID that we may
certainly know whether our hope in
Christ is we'll or i'll founded, and my anx-
iety 10 settle this point IN my own case
has Induced me to request a conversation
with you Many years ago limited with
the church, and dui ING most Of the sub
Soquent period have had distressing doubts
Of being Christian, V hich at times have
increased almost to a certainty. When
the ADVICE of Christians has been sought,
have uniformly been regarded by them
as a sensitive gloomy believer they seem
not to ma CINE 1t possible that a professor
Of reiigion in their church, who is ortho-
dox in sentiment, can be an inpcnitent
sinner; and consequently my own opin-
ions Of myself are received with utter in
crcduIity. This they denomnatc charity,
W hiIe my soul is left in the way to de-
structicn have heard of numbers hav-
ing, through the blessing Of God, been
undecciveI and hopefully converted, IN
der your advice, and therefore have con-
i!ence in your understanding my case,
and inteliiyentIy advising me in duty.
Minister However it may he with
YOU, there are thousands in the church
who are in the road to hell, and amongst
them many whose lives are moral and
whose hopes are strong. The Lord Je-
suS Christ described the church as con-
sisting ofchatf as we'll as wheat, and the
apostle declares that call are not Israel
who are Of Israel ;" and therefore it is
that We are accustomed to hear from the
sacred desk the appalling truth, that many
VIII at last be placed at the left hand of
the throne, who have regular standing
in the visible church. There are three
classes Of professors in the church. l.
! Christians Of active, tcrvcnt pietv. 2
Those of dull, worldly, backsIiding
frame of mind 3. Impentcnt sinners
these are to he found in every particular
church, and their number is incredible e.
Ihrsc last are generally cOntounded with
tie second class, (wIIerc they love to
range themselves, as it affords them some
ground for hope;) sometimes those who
are moral or pecuiiarIy determined are
ranked with the first class, while in fact
they belong to neither, never ha>i1g been
regentrated. ! hev enter the church up
on mistaken grounds and spurious eNer-
ciseS though under the belief that they
are discharging solemn duty, and on ac-
count Of the subsequent treatment they re-
ceive, they ne almost as certainly shut
Up in ilnpcnitency. In proportion to the
whole number Of professors, the number
Of the deceived is undoubtedly far less in
the present day, than during years past
! Lecluse the instructions they receive Of
late years are more distinct and true, than
were the former blind and uuinteiigibe
distinctions. Seldom, when the church
is addressed, are such reac he'd so as to Sc
cure their hearts for God and vet Install
ces of regeneration among deceived pro-
tessorS, and some O? them ilIustrious ones,
are not wanting, as in the cases of DR..
Scott and DR.. Chalmers. 1t is remarka-
bic that in our Savior's dav, the mass of
Conversions was from amongst professors
of religion, and those too who possessed
the same Kind oflegal religion which now
fills the church with error Numbers
become aware of their mistake, but no
systematic efforts being made for their
conversion, they yield to pride and remain
/ ensnared. Their regeneration is pre-
vented, |. On account ofthe false charity
OF which you compltin, which prevents
. Christians from understanding their con-
dtlon and applying remedy. 2. From
their receiving improper instructions, be-
ing treated as dull Christians rather than
as impenitent sinners. 8. They think
they can submit privately, and spend years,
including revival seasons, in fruit!ess eff
IortS to do so; they ere not aware that
there are obstacles to thelr performing du-
/ ty OF which they are ignorant, but which
we will presently examine. 4. Many
conceal their fears, because their pride is
aroused from having heard the orprobr!-
Gus epithets of hypocri:es, false professors,
= Reader, have you desired to ascertain
the truth or falsity of your doubts as to your
religious character2 Peruse the ensuing
pages, (the contents Of which exhibit the
actual experience of many protessors,G not
merely to3specula:e on truth, but to apply il
to yourself. There are traits 10 your past
experience of which you are probably una
ware. Aim to understand them, and YOU