f
science--then it is the duty of every Christian, in God's name, and the
name of human nature, to resist the imposition. It may cost him friends,
income, reputation, station, and much which he highly values. He is
bound, at whatever sacrifice, to maintain his inborn and inalienable
freedom. In this way the yoke of the creeds would be broken. The
churches would be turned into the seats of liberty. A noble, manly piety
would grow up among us. The truth, whatever it is, would be discovered.
A new state of things would be instituted. Every man would be respected
as he rejected human authority over his conscience--refused to allow
uninspired men to make his creed as his furniture, his bread, or
books--tested all opinions by the light of his own reason--chose to give
an account of his convictions, or the use of his powers in obtaining his
convictions, to none but his Maker. Self-respect, love of truth,
reverence to God, benevolence to men, call upon us all to stand by our
native right and duty of searching into all truth contained in all
creeds, confessions of faith, catechisms, and all other documents,
whether human or divine. The obligation lies in our power of searching
into whatever concerns our moral culture, spiritual life, and religious
duty.'

Mr. Forster, in accordance with the sentiments here advocated, has left
the Congregational body with which he was connected, and has founded a
Free Church. Whether that church will answer the wants of our age, time
will prove. If the work be good, it will stand. If it be better than
old-fashioned sectarianism, it will remain. If it speak to the heart of
man, it cannot die. Mr. Forster has great qualifications for his task.
He is in the prime of life. His manner in the pulpit is pleasing. His
sermons evince careful preparation, and the possession of a considerable
amount of intellectual power. At times he rises into eloquence. Some of
his published sermons are inferior to none that have been published in
our time, and have been received well in quarters where, generally,
little favour is shown to the pulpit exercises of divines.

Though unwearied in the discharge of pastoral duties, Mr. Forster has
found time for other labours. Of the Temperance Reformation he has been
one of the ablest and most eloquent advocates, and often has Exeter Hall
reechoed his impassioned advocacy in its behalf. He carries abstinence
to an extent rare in this country, and abstains