ABSTRACT
In the Biblical Repertory for October, 1850, has been published a Review of the last Convention Sermon delivered before the Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts. It is a familiar fact, and one of great practical importance, that there are two generic modes of representing some system of religious truth; the one mode suited to the scientific treatise, the other to the popular discourse, hymn book, liturgy. Many pious men are distressed by the apparent contradictions in our best religious literature, and for their sake another practical lesson developed in the discourse is, the importance of exhibiting the mutual consistency between all the expressions of right feeling. Numerous and serious errors arise from understanding figurative expressions as if they were literal, and from transferring prosaic, vapid formulas, into sacred songs, fervent prayers, pathetic appeals. The author of the sermon has never doubted but fully believes, that all converted men will not only saved from punishment but raised to happiness.
