fects may be expected. God grant, that these expectations may be more than realized!

We have now finished what we propose to offer directly upon the two constitutions which we have undertaken to review. But we shall venture to claim thè indulgence of our readers, while we proceed to consider, at some length, a few of the points, on which our preceding observations have a direct bearing. We have all along gone upon the supposition, that there is an ur gent necessity for such a refor. mation, as is contemplated by the moral societies of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Now if it can be made to appear, that iniquity greatly abounds; that the wicked walk boldly on every side; that the holy and perfect law of God is trampled under foot in our streets; and that many of our most salutary penal statutes are openly and scornfully set at defiance, it cannot be denied, that a reformation is loudly called for. That such is actually the state of things, at the present time, even in New England, we take to be nearly as obvious, as the light of the sun at noon. If it is easy to distinguish night from day, then it is easy to see, that we are a backsliding and backslidden people. Does any one, however, entertain a doubt on the subject, let him ask the fathers, and they will tell him, that they have seen better days; and that there has been a great falling away, within the last thirty or forty years.

Does any one hesitate to admit, that this is a people laden with iniquity, let him open his Bible and read, Thou shalt not

take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. Be not deceived: Neither fornicators, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Let him ponder these and similar passages well. Then, let him open his eyes and his ears to what is passing around him. Let him visit the wharves, the shops, and the taverns of his neighborhood. Let him go occasionally, a to raising, or a military parade. As he walks abroad, especially in the evening, let him listen to the conversation of men and boys, at the corners of the streets and about the doors of dram shops. Let him approach the circles of the idle and the dissipated, or let him travel from state to state in the public stages. Every day, and every where, almost, will he hear the name of God blasphemed. At one time, he will be shocked by the rough profanity of the vulgar, at another by the courtly oaths of the genteel: now, by the impiety of men hoary with years; and again, by the cursing of their children's children. So true is it, that by reason of swearing the land mourneth.

If a doubt can still remain in the mind of any one, whether a

reformation of morals be necessary, let him turn his attention to some of the fashionable profanations of the Lord's day, such as sailing for pleasure about our shores, and in our rivers; trav elling on secular business; riding and walking abroad for amusement; visiting post offices to learn the news, to send and receive letters, and the like. Let him read over again the fourth commandment of the Decalogue; let him consult the laws against Sabbath breaking, and then let him cast his eye along our public roads, that he may witness the boldness and impunity with which these laws are violated. Let him, on some of the great roads, stand near the temple of God and count the stages and carts and waggons and coaches and other vehicles of business and pleasure, by which the Divine Majesty is insulted, and his people are disturbed, in time of public worship!

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If he is not yet satisfied, we intreat him to turn his attention for one moment, to enormous mischiefs of intemperate drinking. Let him seriously consider the diseases, the poverty, the crimes, the tears, the disgrace, and the deaths, that are annually occasioned by it. Let him think how many persons, for the sake of gain, are daily presenting the cup to their neighbors' lips, and thus leading them on to perdition. Let him look at the dram shops, which may appropriately be called legion, the doors of which, like the mouth of the bottomless pit, stand wide open night and day. Let him see how many of the young and the middle aged, eagerly gather round them, and let VOL. IX.

him never forget, that the way to them is the way to hell, going down by the chambers of death.

Now if, in view of all these proofs of abounding immorality, any one should deny, that a reformation is necessary, we should not think of convincing him, by any arguments that we can offer. But we flatter ourselves, that on this point, all our readers are agreed, and that their sentiments substantially coincide with ours.

The next thing demanding consideration is, what measures can be adopted to restore the ancient tone of our languishing statutes; to oppose an effectual barrier to the flood that is sweeping away our moral and religious institutions; and to dry, up the innumerable springs, from which the frightful inundation derives all its force and terrors. Here, a wide and interesting field opens, which at present, we have scarcely time to enter, much less to explore. We may possibly return to it hereafter, should nothing intervene to supersede the call for such an investigation.

All that we shall now attempt, in reference to the means of reform, and indeed all that, strictly speaking, comes within our province, is to recommend the formation of moral societies every where, by briefly pointing out some of the benefits of associating for the attainment of any desirable object. These advan tages have long been thoroughly understood by politicians and philosophers; by the votaries of every science and every art; by merchants, agriculturists and mechanics; in a word, by all men of business, study, and pleasure, and even by children.

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It is greatly owing to combinations of talents, wealth, and efforts in literary societies, that the boundaries of science have been so widely extended, and that such wonderful improvements have been made in all the fine arts. It is by associating and acting in concert, that men build temples and cities-win battles, and conquer kingdoms. It is in this way, that almost every plan, of any extent, or magnitude, is executed.

In the first place, it is obvious, that where men cordially unite in any object, much is gained in point of strength, or ability to act with energy and effect. Union is power. A three fold cord is not quickly broken. As in a well framed building, each piece of timber supports and strengthens the rest, so does each member of a well-organized society. This point may be advantageously illustrated by an allusion to military affairs. What man, in his senses, would think of contending, single handed, with a host of enemies? How easily might a thousand well disciplined troops, moving together and acting in concert, vanquish ten times the number of unorganized militia. Let men be embodied; let them be formed into companies and regiments; let them be properly disciplined; let them march out, as if animated by one soul, so as to bring their united force and skill to bear upon the enemy at one and the same time, and if necessary, at one particular point-in this way, a few determined friends of their country may accomplish wonders; whereas, if the same men, were to act

singly, and without concert, they would affect nothing.

In like manner, by associating in moral societies, the friends of our invaluable institutions may easily compass objects, which, if the same individuals were successively to attempt, they would only be laughed at. Even allow. ing, that as much could be done; that as strenuous efforts could be made, to discountenance vice, by fifty persons, for instance, acting separately, as by fifty others, acting in concert, still the effect of their efforts would be widely different. So well do the enemies of our laws understand the advantages of union, and so readily do they associate, that an individual reformer is overwhelmed at once; or if he gains a temporary advantage, he is almost sure to lose it for want of adequate assistance. But let all, who value the precious legacy, which we have received from our pious ancestors, cordially unite; let them march with a firm step, shoulder to shoulder, and the aliens will flee before them.

Secondly; by associating for any purpose, all the wisdom that men individually possess is brought into one common stock. This is an immense advantage. Many persons, who mean well, defeat their best intentions by rashness. Many who would fight manfully in the ranks, and under skilful leaders, have not sufficient judgment to direct their own operations. And even the most wise, prudent, and experienced, often feel their need of counsel. All, therefore, may gain much, by associating. A society can, if it chooses, meet often and deliberate freely; and

at such times, every member may avail himself of all the wisdom and experience that the society possesses. If he meets with difficulties, he can state them. If he wants advice, he can ask for it. Before any important measure is adopted, it can be thoroughly discussed. When any step is to be taken, frequent consultation can be had, if needful, as to the most pru dent course of proceeding. If some of the members are too ardent, they can be held back; if others are luke-warm they can be stimulated.

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Thirdly; the plan of associating for the attainment of any desirable object, is excellently calculated to encourage the timid. Persons who are ready to tremble at the shaking of a leaf, when alone, often face real dangers with firmness, when surrounded by friends, who they know will stand by them to the last. Many we have no doubt, may be induced to act vigorously as members of a moral society, who would not think they could act at all, by themselves. These are our "moral militia," who, if brought into the field alone, would be extremely faint hearted, but if supported by veterans, might rival them in deeds of valor.

Fourthly;-nothing animates, even the most firm and fearless, like bringing them together and marshalling them under the same standard.

As iron sharteneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. The zeal of one fires the breast of others. By the exertions of a few, many are animated. When some are peculiarly active and persevering, others will naturally feel a spirit of emula

tion. When it is known, that one society acts with vigor and effect, other similar societies will be encouraged and stimulated. Success will beget confidence. One victory will prepare the way for another, and thus, by the blessing of God, the friends of reform will ultimately obtain their object.

But we must just glance at the difficulties and objections which are to be anticipated. Some, who ought to be found in the ranks, are, we fear, smitten with a kind of judicial blindness. If their houses were on fire, they would soon find it out-if their children were exposed to some contagious and mortal disease, they would instantly take the alarm-if an enemy should approach their dwellings, they would anxiously inquire what could be done. But when immorality is rushing in from every quarter like an overwhelming flood, when our most precious moral institutions are sacrilegiously assailed, they cry peace and safety. They are

sure there is no cause for the alarm which many feel and labor to excite. The Sabbath is violated to be sure, but that is nothing strange. Drinking, gaming, and swearing have always been common,and probably, always will be. But if a reformation be really necessary, we have good laws and let them be executed. Thus do they quiet their consciences, and repel every argument, that can be adduced to excite their fears and obtain their co-operation. That some of this character will be left to slumber on, till sudden destruction cometh, is alas! but too probable.

Others lie stretched at full

length, across the path of reformation; not because they are blind to the dangers which surround them, but through mere indolence. It is astonishing, they say, that any body can get drunk, or swear, or habitually profane the Sabbath; and they heartily wish, that all such people would repent and reform. They readily admit that something ought to be done to restrain the immoral, and prevent them from corrupting others. But though they can feel, and reason, and wish, and sigh, they can never be prevailed with to do any thing.

Others again object, whenevcr the subject of reform is mentioned, that nothing effectual can be done, because public opinion is against it. In answer to this objection, we beg leave to ask, what is public opinion? Is it to be ascertained by counting votes in "grog-shops and billiard rooms? Must we take it for granted, that those, who talk the loudest, constitute the majority? If so, then undoubtedly public opinion is against a reformation. But if the sentiments of by far the greatest number of people, constitute public opinion, then it is undoubtedly on the side of reformers; at least in some parts of our country. Great and alarming as is the degeneracy of the times, it has not yet come to this, that a majority of the people in every part of the country, are prepared to justify open violations of divine and human laws.

But admitting that public opinion were actually hostile to a reformation, would not such an opinion endanger the best interests of the community, and if

so, should not every possible effort be made to change it? Suppose that three fourths, or even seven eighths of the people were grossly immoral, would that be a valid reason why nothing should be attempted. If so, how could a corrupt people ever be reformed? Had Josiah acted on this principle, that great public reformation which took place during his reign, would never have been brought about. Had Christ and his apostles acted on this principle, how would the Gospel ever have been propagated? Had Luther, Calvin, and the other reformers, acted on this principle, the fires of the Inquisition would have burnt to this day, all over Europe, and over the greatest part of America.

When Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. Clarkson, Granville Sharp, and their few associates, first turned their attentiom to the enormous criminality of the slave trade, almost the whole British Empire was against them. But this did not deter them from pleading the cause of Africa. With a heroic resolution which has rarely been equalled and can never be sufficiently admired, those immortal philanthropists persevered, till by the act of abolition, the cause of humanity gained a glorious triumph.

But why should we multiply examples. The truth is, that whenever and wherever, public opinion is erroneous, it must, if possible, be changed. The man who nobly steps forth in such a case, is a public benefactor. The persons who associate in such a work, will receive the thanks of posterity.

Here it may perhaps be said,