Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-02

nant that Gen. Jackson should have classed
MIR. Harris with the Bap:ists. What if he did
say"that one Harris Baptist preacher was at
the head of the mutineers?" This does not i'm.
neach the respectable denomination of Baptists.
They do not receive to their fellowship every
preacher who advocates immersion: and vet
every such person might with propriety be call.
ed a Baptist preacher | once heard in the Vi
cinity OF Gen. Jackson's residence, Baptist
preacher who was Socinian, and which is ra.
Their remarkable for a Soeinian, downright
blockhead; but because this man held the pecu.
liarities Of the Baptists on the subject OF Bap-
tism, il did not follow that he was associated
with the great body of Baptists in the United
States.
There were few years ago hundreds Of Bap.
lists in the western country, so essentially I'M
sound in the fundamental doctrines OF christian
ity. that the Baptists in the Northern and Mid.
die States, would not, am sure, have admitted
them into their communion. There are Pres
byterian preachers, as well as Baptist prea-
cheers, who are not owned by any extensive de-
nomination of christians: there are even depos-
ed Presbyterian preachers: and there may be
deposed Baptist pre- achers, OF whom any good
man may speak with disrespect, tctlhoui sheer
ing al The gospel ministry
hat MT. IL affiS Was OT hol u bdDSlSt,
do not affirm; but OF this am conidenl, that
General Jackson had reason to think him a
Baptist preacher, and pretended ambassador
of Christ. The real ministers OF the gospel OF
Christ he reverenccs and esteems; and whcn
Acknowledgements in the most serious and
respectful manner waits on their ministra,ions
EZRA STILES ELY.
Philadelphia, June 3oth, 1927.
7 proNoca Or amino ia
extraordinary production in detail, and though
assure you shall not judge it in the same
spirit with which in some Of your recent pub.
| LEGATIONS you have scattered damnation among
your fellow citizens Of other creeds, it will be
! treated with perfect freedom and with no more
respect than it intrinsically deserves.
In the first place permit me to enquire upon
what authority you have undertaken to assure
! the Editor of "the Philadelphia" that "Gen.
Jackson is friend and supporter of Christian
| ity?" or, rather, let me ask what meaning You
give to the term "christianity," which you have
used in the sentence. Ifyou wish to be under
stood as avowing that the General is member
OF your particular denomination since he be-
came candidate for the presidency, have on.
Iy to remark that it would have been well for
you to give your meaning little more distinct.
ness. If, however the "chrislianity" you mean
! is that which our blessed Saviour describes as
"bringing forth good fruit" take the liberty
to ask, upon which of the various works of Gen.
Jackson you found your assurance" of his
"friendship and supper, Of christianity" Isit
on his reverential regard for the marriage bed:
or his aversion to "blood and carnage" or his
abhorrence of duelling; or his slender mercies"
| towards the militia; or on his scrupulous sub
mission to the ciyi! authorities of his country.
ylalo -
Jackson's christian character from the records
of the Kentucky Court, from the letters of Mr.
Senator Benton, from the proceedings Of the
Court Martial on the six militia men, or from
his official letters on the subject Of the Greek
war, in which the object Of your panegyric
boosted of discriminating whole nation Of
men, women, and children GIN STYLE" q use
his own words.)
lfthese are not the features of the Generals
character which authorize you TO assure US
that he is "a friend and supporter of Christian
ity," it would be well Tor you, reverend sir, to
edity the public by informing us of the particu.
lar claims he possesses to this eulogium. If
you can indicate no others than those / have
mentioned can only say with ST. Paul 81
have not so learned Christ"
"No man" you say "treats those who may
lawfully claim to be ministers Of Christ with
iioiC lCSpCSl' kHOW uOtnlnR anu j believe
the public knows nothing of Gen. Jackson's
treatment of Christian ministers except what
has been developed respecting Mr.. Harris the
Baptist minister whom he caused to be shot to
death, and of whom sEall have something to
say presently. But your assertion is that he
treats "Iuwful" ministers with respect, and you
carefully confne your guarantee to this class.
1t is desirable therefore that we should know
what evidence or authority you recognize as
sufficient to constitute "iaVfl minister" If
as suspect, you mean to exclude that highly
respectable portion of our fellow citizens the
ministers Of the Baptist and Methodist and
Quaker denominations who, on other DAYS than
the Sabbath, pursue an honest and creditable
calling for their livelihood, then your list of
"lawful ministers" will be confined within
comparatively narrow limit, and it will be
easy to understand why you justify Gen. Jack.
son in shedding the blood Of John Harris the
Baptist preacher.-This is the subject of YOUR
mex! sentence, but as it is too important to be
slightly treated shall reserve it for distinct