They believe that the first resurrection has taken place, and that now it is the time when they are to judge themselves that this is a new dispensation, in which they reject all the advice given in the written word. They believe that they have power to work miracles, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, and to cast out devils, and that this is done by the preaching of the word when it is attended with power, that is, by the operation of the spirit, which enlightens the mind, convinces of sin, and inspires the soul with holiness of life.

That they have intercourse with angels and departed spirits, agreeably to what is said, 1. Cor. 12. "There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit; to some is given the word of wisdom, to some the discerning of spirits;' that they may arrive to such perfection in the divine life as to speak with divers tongues that it is lawful to practise vocal music, dancing, and other manifestations of great joy, if it be done with a single eye to the glory of God. In one part of their worship they have "an uniform dance, while the elders sing a solemn hymn, to which they move in a regular figure." See New York Theol. Mag. for November and December, 1795. That the highest perfection of the Christian life is neither to marry, nor to give others in marriage: because by this they get rid of their sensual relation to Adam,

and thus are fit subjects to receive heavenly visions : that those who attain to this state are of the number of the hundred and forty-four thousand, that were not defiled with women: that eternal punishment does not apply to any others but those, who fall away from their persuasion.

JUMPERS.

The Jumpers in Wales are of a similar description to the Shakers of America in their forms, when attending what they call divine worship; at a certain period they begin to move their bodies, and increase this motion by rising and jumping about until they are exhausted, and frequently fall down.

The only discipline wherein they differ from the Shakers is, that they do not twirl upon the tip-toe. These are the renewals of an ancient heresy in the third century, called Hierarchites, from Hierarcha, who lived a short time after Origen. They pretend to justify this kind of enthusiastic whimsey by saying that David danced before the ark,-the lame man leaped for joy that he was cured,—and in the prophet, then shall the lame man leap as a hart.

I have mentioned these professors for no other reason than to show, how human nature may be imposed

on; for though they have been ranked as a sect by some writers, they are too contemptible for such notice. Enthusiasts are found in all ages, and if I were to attend to all the whims and fancies which have entered the heads of a few unsettled, ignorant, and intemperate individuals, I should not be giving an account of the different sects of the Christian religion, but of the folly, pride, and depravity of those, who have promulgated erroneous opinions, and followed lying vanities.

NEW SECT IN AMERICA.

These may be called a new sect, because they take the New Testament only for their rule. They meet after the manner of the Methodists, by delegates, and at their meetings, make collections for the poor. They call their assemblies the Christian church. Every member enjoys his own opinions without the least restraint, provided that he conduct himself agreeably to the precepts of the Christian dispensation.

HUGONOTS.

These professors are French Protestants, who are so called from their formulæ of faith, huc nos venimus. They arose in the year 1560, and greatly increased to the year 1572 in the reign of Charles IX. when at the feast of Bartholomew on the 24th of August, near 80,000 Protestants were massacred in France, by the decree of this king. Twenty-six years afterwards, Henry IV. caused the Edict of Nantz to be passed, which enabled the Protestants to worship God agreeably to the dictates of their consciences. Their privileges were thus enjoyed by then to the time of the voluptuous, and sensual reign of Louis XIV. when they were again persecuted, their churches destroyed, thousands were put inhumanly to death: and from the best authorities it is said, that near 100,000 were driven out of their own country. Vast numbers found an asylum in England, who brought with them the manufacture of silks, which has been a great source of wealth to the government of England.

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH

Is properly the church of England, which obtained that name, when the people PROTESTED against

the doctrines, sacraments, and worship of the church of Rome, in the reign of Henry VIII. to which period the Roman Catholic religion, had been the established religion of the English nation. But the first blow which was given to Popery in England was about 200 years before Henry VIII. in the reign of Edward III. when the noted Wickliffe opposed the doctrines and worship of the church of Rome. The term Protestant is also given to all ranks of professing Christians, who, like the church of England, disapprove of the doctrines of the church of Rome; though they have separated from the church of England. Such are called Protestant dissenters.

This church admits but of two sacraments, viz. baptism, and the Lord's supper, agreeably to the command of Christ, Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' Acts viii. 36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the Eunuch said, see, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptised? Luke xxii. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.'

This church holds with infant baptism, which ap