The religious denominations in the United States: their history, doctrine, government and statistics. With a preliminary sketch of Judaism, paganism and Mohammedanism

Front matter

Glass Book

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT

THE

Preface

II E Religious world is divided into denominations, each of which is distinguished by sentiments peculiar to itself. To delineate the nature, point out the foundation, and appreciate the tendency of ever}' - individual opinion, would be an endless task. Our design in this volume has been to describe the leading tenets of the several religions of our own country, From such a task we think two great advantages may be secured. The one is to show the truth of Bishop Watson's opinion, that a " Great lesson which every sect, and every individual of every sect, ought to learn from the history of the church is Moderation.''' Want of genuine Moderation towards those who differ from us in religious opinions, seems to be the most unaccountable thing in the world. The moderation here recommended, however, lies at an equal distance between an indifference to truth and the merciless spirit of uncharitableness. It is a virtue, alas ! much talked of— little understood — and less practised.

The other advantage to be derived from a volume like this is, that when we oppose any sect from which we differ, we may at least be acquainted with the history and principles against which we argue. It has been no uncommon case in the history of religious controversy, to find that much time, labor, and temper have been wasted in opposing what never existed. It is well that we should be able, on this matter as on others, to say with the apostle Paul, " So fight I, not as one that beateth the air."

If we suppose, according to the usual estimate, that the inhabitants of the world amount to eight hundred millions, then the whole may be thus divided : — Jews, two millions and a half; Pagans, four hundred and eighty-two millions; Christians, one hundred and seventy-five millions and a half, and Mohammedans one hundred and forty millions. The Christians again may be thus distributed, into Greek and Eastern churches, thirty millions ; Roman Catholics, eighty millions ; and Protestants, sixty-five millions and a half. Or thus, in round figures, which may make a more permanent impression on the mind of the reader :

Inhabitants of the world

Preface.

Subdivisions op Christians.

Greek and Eastern churches - - - 30,000,000

Protestants 65,000,000

Total number of Christians, - - - 175,000,000

We believe that the careful reader of this volume, will soon perceive that it has been written with care and impartiality ; and that its author has spared no labor or expense in obtaining the most correct information on the almost innumerable facts which will be found in his work. He has been more anxious to obtain the facts than to make a parade of his authorities. On all great questions he has given these ; at least where it has been practicable ; but to do this is not always an easy matter ; for if twenty men give the same statement, it may be difficult to say who gave it first. The author has quoted both from himself and others, not always giving quotation marks, because the author, whoever he may be, is not to be held accountable for the changes, condensations, or additions which may be made in connection with the information he has given.

We have no disposition to enter largely on a review of our performance. Probably every reader will find something or other which he might wish to be different ; and in such a wish every reader may be right ; but the author asks only that each reader will give him credit for doing his best, and that each will believe the writer had a reason for whatever he has done, and for the precise manner in which it has been performed.

On one subject he may ask permission to say a word or two. In some former publications of this character the boast has been made that every article has been prepared by an author belonging to each particular Denomination ; and assuredly this plan has its own particular excellencies ; but it does not always insure impartiality, while it goes far to destroy the unity of style and manner in the volume, and occasions frequent repetition of the same matters of doctrine and practice. On these accounts the principle has been adopted of collecting the facts, as much as possible from the parties immediately interested, and then to write each article in the most kind and impartial manner.

Though the engravings have not fallen specially into the department of the author, he may be permitted to speak well of the labors and taste of the publisher in connexion with them, and to congratulate the reader that very many of them are truly illustrations.

With these cursory remarks the author sends forth a volume which has afforded him pleasure in its preparation, with the cordial wish that it may minister

gratification to the reader in its perusal.

J. B.

Philadelphia, July, 1854.

Contents

Page.

List of Denominations, ----- - vii.

List of Engravings, - - - - - - - -ix.