Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-10-11

The following remarks on CHRISTIAN
liberaiity are extracted from a tifcuiar r
Letter Of tine Pastors and Delegates OF
the Worcester Baptist Association 10 tho
Churches which they represent Ausus"
1921
1t becomes us to be patient. prayertuii
and indefatigable in the invesusa'con o'
truth: frank 4 ingenious in the profession
of it; and to ever keep the nino 70 con'
viction of the mistakes OF our moot faVo-
rite opinion. Italso becomes us, conscious
Of the limited nature Of the human 'aeui-
ties, and of the moderate attatnmehts VI
the wisest of men, to exercise the greatest
candour in Judging the opinions OF others;
and to accord to them all due credit tor
their diligence of research and frankness
of avowal, even though we cannot suo-
scribe to the result of their inquiries In
word, while becoming testimony Is
bore against licentious speculation we
should throw no obstacles in the way or
sober. free inquiry: while we guard a.
gainst latitudinarian temper, let US IN
lure no pious man in his good name,
his interest, or especially in his profes-
sioDal character, on account OF his oPih
ions. The adoption Of such Poilcy
would do more towards uniting the desev-
cred parts of the Christian Church
than all the angry dputations in the world.
When Christians of different denomlna-
tions agree to unite in affection and effort
as far as their difference of sentiment Will
admit, then, and not until then, will they
be prepared TO examine without preJu-
dice, discuss without anger, and settie
without division, the questions on which
they now differ. This is the only direct
road to permanent and desirable nnion.--
Union among Christians, which every
good man must most ardently desire, must
be obtained without any sacritire OF con
science, or dereliction Of principle.
1t is easy to see that harmony OF sentiment
will produce union of affection; tor all men
love those thai love them. But may not I'm.
ion OF affection exist where there IS not
perfect union OF sentiment We answer, II
may exist; aud the consideration Of the an
swer 10 tins question will present another
interesting aspect OF literally.
True bene violence consists in the love OF
! being ID general, without respect 10 The com
| paratiye good or bad qudi,tIes Ut individuals.
! Jesus Chris, teaches US. that tue love ot our
neighbor, which the law ci God requires,
| extends not only 10 our brethren and fellow
cllizens, but 10 foreigners, to the best classes
| oil tnen, and even 70 ap0states from true re-
| Iigjon. BrDtherly love Is the grand require
NE nj Of the roy 4 law, and 1t should be re-
| meu bered, the Distinguishing characteristic
| of dIsc,pineshp to Cnrlst.-John XIII. 80.
Liberallty oi teenng consists redemption
| from the narrow preJudices, arising from
| ducation, from early associations, hOm PRIDE
| of party and iron, interest. Every nan IS
! apt IL consider his opinions as biz own pr
| vale property. WHICH no Man may approach
| without the charge OF trespasS: whereas,
| truth Is Common stock, and error is contra
, ba nd OF war. Ana as all his nat It's OF think
my Strengthen the natural princIple Oi Sell
| love. unless the mind Is iiheralzed by read
| ing and reflections. and especially by an &C.
| quaint rDce wuh human nature. he VII learn
| to limit his good wishes and good feelings
| within the pale OF his own communion -
, Here is the rise oil bigotrJ and the origin Of
! ,arty feeling. Intercourse with other de-
parlmentS of the Christian world would
| convince hun that good uen are 10 ne iouno
| in all denominations OF Christians; and that
equal measures vi plety may be witnessed IN
| those whose speculative sentiments are ex-
tremely different.
Christian lIberaIi;y manifests itself also in
| friendly intercourse between those no
| differ in opinion. | he good man tees Sd
tlslaction in making any sacrifice which
| good conscience will permit tor the accom-
modation of others. AT the same time that
| he feels 1t to be his duty 10 detect and retu,e
| their errors. he maintains sacred regard
| for their feelings A neglec, OF due a,ten-
ton 10 the feelings Of others has produced
| an unnatural enlargement between those
| who ought 10 be mos. closely united: and IN
| judieious disputes On subjects OF difference
| have widened the breaches which exist a.
,nong the friends Of God. 4 prudent Iibe-
| rality OF conduct among Christians. in their
treatment OF each other, would be produc
! tive OF the happiest effects.
Thus we ST hat liberaity includes candor
OF sentiment, trieudlIuess OF feeling, and mu-
| ni6cence OF conduct. i he character Of the
| liberal man Is auIab bic ;aad true lberslty Is
productive OF the highest advantage in the
salvation OF sinners, The eilhcatIon OF saints
and lbe advance OF the glory OF God.
From the National Gazette.
MADAME DE STAEL,