the fruits of disputation. In order to arrest these dangers, and
to insure the union of his followers, it would seem, that Christ had established
his visible church, and delegated the ministry. Wise and holy men, the fathers
of our religion, have expended their labours, in clearing what was revealed from
the obscurities of language; and the results of their experience and researches
have been embodied in the form of evangelical discipline. That this discipline
must be salutary, is evident, from the view of the weakness of human nature,
that we have already taken: and that it may be profitable to us, and all who
listen to its precepts and its liturgy, may God, in his infinite wisdom, grant.
- And now to,« etc.
    With this ingenious reference to his own forms and ministry, Mr. Grant
concluded the discourse. The most profound attention had been paid to the sermon
during the whole of its delivery, although the prayers had not been received
with so perfect a demonstration of respect. This was by no means an intended
slight of that liturgy, to which the divine alluded, but was the habit of a
people, who owed their very existence, as a distinct nation, to the doctrinal
character of their ancestors. Sundry looks of private dissatisfaction were
exchanged between Hiram and one or two of the leading members of the conference,
but the feeling went no farther at that time; and the congregation, after
receiving the blessing of Mr. Grant, dispersed in silence, and with great
decorum.
 

                                  Chapter XII

 »Your creeds, and dogmas of a learned church,
 May build a fabric, fair with moral beauty;
 But it would seem, that the strong hand of God
 Can, only, 'rase the devil from the heart.«
                                                                            Duo.
 
While the congregation was separating, Mr. Grant approached the place where
Elizabeth and her father were seated, leading the youthful female, whom we have
mentioned in the preceding chapter, and presented her as his daughter. Her
reception was as cordial and frank, as the manners of the country, and the value
of good society, could render it; the two young women feeling, instantly, that
they were necessary to the comfort of each other. The Judge, to whom the
clergyman's daughter was also a stranger, was pleased to find one, who, from
habits, sex, and years, could probably contribute largely to the pleasures of
his own child, during her first privations, on her removal from the associations
of a city to the solitude of Templeton; while Elizabeth, who had been forcibly