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LETTERS

OF

PAUL AND AMICUS:

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED

IN

The Christian Repository;

A WEEKLY PAPER,

PRINTED AT WILMINGTON, DELAWARE.

PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY ROBERT PORTER, WILMINGTON ;

AND JOSEPH RAKESTRAW, PHILADELPHIA.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

IT may be proper to inform the Reader, that this interesting discussion commenced so far back as the early part of 1821, with an Essay over the signature of "PAUL," (in the CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY,) charging the Society of Friends with holding doctrines and practices inimical to the principles of the Gospel, as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. These charges were ably met by another writer over the signature of "AMICUS." Seldom have the productions of anonymous writers excited a more lively interest than have these of "Paul" and "Amicus," especially among Presbyterians and Friends.

As the Authors have never been recognized, they only are responsible for the sentiments expressed in their Essays. THE PUBLISHERS.

LETTERS, &c.

LETTER I.

Saturday, May 12, 1821.

TO THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

A SINCERE friend of your society, a lover of truth, and a well wisher to every individual of mankind desires to address you on some most important subjects. As you are a plain people, you will permit me to address you in a plain manner, without any meretricious ornament, or conformity to the taste of a fantastic world. If asked why I address you through this medium?because I know no other. Your careful absence from the religious assemblies of all other denominations, your objection to the perusal of their books, your unwillingness to take their periodical works, or join their Bible, Missionary and other public christian associations, and your habitual reservedness of intercourse, render it difficult and almost impossible to communicate with you in the usual way ;-and even through the medium of the press, it will be difficult to attract your notice or engage your attention.

Notwithstanding these discouragements, however, it is proposed to address to your consideration, a series of Letters on the several important subjects upon which we differ; letters which I hope candor will induce you to read and weigh; if not, I trust they will not escape the attention of the rest of the community.

And here, I should do injustice both to myself and you, not to acknowledge my approbation of your general character. Of your morality and amability, your civil integrity, affectionate manners, exemplary simplicity, your prudence and economy, and I may add your efficient internal discipline, I have the highest admiration. In your opposition to war, slavery, and religious persecution I can join with all my heart. But in your neglect of religious newspapers, your opposition to Bible and Missionary Societies, your rejection of several Ordinances of

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