American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-08-20
FOR THE wATcHMAN.

"Forte time will come ven they not endure sound oc-
1rne bit having itching they mil according TO their
lasts heap up to themselves teachers" Q Tim w 8.
perceive by some remarks in the Repository
that the Editor of the Watchmanis consdere ed very
much stepping out of his province by inserting in
his paper plain facts and observations in rela
fion TO the clerical schemes In active operation
in this country. This is not surprising. The clergy
have long been proverbaly sensitive and jealous Of
their power And at no period, perhaps have they
been more so than at present. Their vigilance in
creases in proportion to the extent OF their schemes
ANY man therefore, who comes forward honestly
and boldly to oppose their ambitious views and de-
lusive plans however pure his motives or benevo
lent his object must expect their displeasure If
he be the Editor ofa Newspaper, he will not only be
stepping out Of his province but will have VEN
reance visited him to the extent OF their influence.
But if he be true born American he will steadily
pursue his course, regardless OF the clamours oil in
terested men, He will remember that he lives in a
country where the privilege OF religious thought
and expression IL OF his dearest blessings that
he is addressing people, who, however prejudice
and 700 implicit a dependence on others may have
led Them into error, yet who are also conscious oil
their own native freedom, and will think for them
selves.
The time believe has arrived when those Editors
Of Newspapers who open their columns to the ex-
posure of the delusive operations now going for
ward, under the show Of advancing the Redeemer S
kingdom, will merit the thanks and gratitude OF their
country, and subserve the interests OF generations
yet unborn. 1t is indeed question which demands
the prompt consideration OF every American citizen,
whether by encouraging Theological Summaries
and Missionary Societies, particularly the former,
he is not forging for his children, and possibly for
himself the chains of religious intolerance and des-
potism sincerely believe that these institutions,
and the other popular religious plans connected with
them, are likely to do more injury in civil society
and the cause ofpure christianity, Than any other
schemes devised by man Satan is never so danger
GUS as when transformed into an angel of light and
civil freedom is never efectually assaed as un-
der the specious cloak Of religion. Such writer's
Stranger who has furnished his singular prolu-
sions for the REPOSITORY may see none OF these con-
sequences. A superficial observer may find in them
neither moral pollution, mental imbeciEty, un-
acorthy object, nor unworthy means in accomplish
ing their object. Bot it becomes us to look beyond
the surface A little deeper examination might have
convinced him, ifhe is indeed DESTROYS OF perceivng
the truth, that most Of the characteristics he has
enumerated apply to them with remarkable force.
To exempt these associations from the charge of
moral pollution, something more is necessary than
that mcs. Of the members composing them should