and perhaps by far the greater number, of such as are unknown, in ages posterior to the deluge; and for which, abundant possibility has been afforded in a reach of time, comprehending, let us say, a period of between forty and fifty centuries!! ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN CHURCHES. MANY and various are the practices which have crept in among us, and have become established by inadvertence, or by habit, which, on account of the ill effect produced, the considerate members of the community unite in lamenting, and would consequently rejoice to see removed. I will not instance the long catalogue of examples which would justify my position. I mean to bring forward one, only; a momentous one, most certainly, because it is deduced from the usage of the established church, in a particular department of her service: namely, in the employment of children, in the characters and offices of clerks. To whatever their number may amount, just so many are joined in one simultaneous accompa niment of the minister, or in responses, as the different occasions are presented, through divers parts of our liturgy.-The adaptation, or the unsuitableness, of this practice, to places of devotion, will be most familiarly investigated, and most readily pronounced upon, by an examination of its results; first, as applicable to the children; next, as referrible to the congregation.-Let us see whether any advantages are hence procured for the children. Is the manner in which they execute their office, in any way adapted to generate, to encourage, and to substantiate the pious feeling?-has it any tendency to increase their reverence of the Deity?-does it manifest a reverence for him, already operating in the early mind? Is it possible, that, amidst such rapidity, such - vehemence, such discordancy in voices, striving as it were for mastery in loudness; is it possible, I would ask, that, in circumstances such as these, the feelings of devotion and of piety can be kindled and cherished in the hearts and minds of this gay and juvenile assembly? I am fully satisfied, that, if these few questions, (and I have proposed a few only,) are answered in truth, they will be |