ed in one day." And Christ sent Paul to preach the gospel, "not with the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect;" for as "God has chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world, to confound the mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are," his speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that their faith to whom he preached should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God, and that "no flesh should glory in his presence." And thus is it even now. It is not "the wise, the scribe, the disputer of this world," that is ordinarily the instrument chosen by God to prick the hearts of sinners-to stir them up to repentance and lead them to Christ. They are those whom the world despises as unlearned and ignorant, who come "not with excellency CROWN OF REJOICING. 135 of speech or of wisdom, declaring the testimony of God," but who, despising the honor which cometh not from God, determine to "know nothing among men, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." To such "God giveth souls as seals to their ministry, and stars in their crown of rejoicing." My heart's desire and prayer is, "that you may be saved from all sin, and that you may enjoy continually that peace which passeth all understanding." I thank God, I feel that I am "growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." Believing in full redemption-in the attainment of that perfect love which casteth out all fear"this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." "Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect be thus minded." I desire you to write to me. It is now more than thirteen years since I have seen you. Little did I then imagine so long a period would elapse before we should meet each other, and it is now uncertain, whether, in the providence of God,' we shall ever see each other in the flesh. But glory to His name. I feel that we have now a prospect of meeting in heaven to part no more forever. You have been more than a mother to me; I can never forget your kindness-early begun and long continued your more than maternal love to me, when an all-wise Providence had deprived my infant years of the guidance, the protection and the prayers of a pious mother. May "the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Your affectionate brother, CHARLES R. BALDWIN. MRS. Z. BOOTH. WHAT IS YOUR FAITH? CHAPTER XII. THE following pungent and excellent letters in defense of the Bible, were addressed by Mr. Baldwin to a beloved relative in Mason county, Virginia, in whose spiritual welfare he felt a deep interest: CHARLESTON, Oct 30, 1833. , DEAR CORNELIUS: I have read two letters from you within a few weeks, both of which I have neglected to answer. In fact, for several months past, I have written but few letters. I have now one lying on my table written weeks, if not months ago to B- which I have not forwarded, because I have forgotten where to direct it. I did not answer your first letter because I did not know what to say to you. Had you pointed out the "contradictions" to which you refer, I might have attempted to reconcile them. As it is, your charges being general, I can go into no specific refutation. You say you "do not believe the Scriptures are true," or words to that effect. You have then, I presume, no belief in any divine revelation to man. What is your system? For every man ought to have some system of religion. Are you a Deist or an Atheist? or are you but a Skeptic-a doubter and disbeliever? Before I argue with you upon the Christian Religion, I must know "your faith," that we may discuss the comparative merits of your system and mine. Truth lies somewhere. Before we fly off from the gospel dispensation, it is well to know where we are to alight. We cannot always remain suspended in the air. You will excuse me for putting to you a few questions. Do you believe in one supreme, eternal, self-existent Being, whom we call God? Is He the creator of all things? Is He the creator and governor of all men? Are we intelligent moral agents? Have we immortal souls? Has God prescribed laws |