Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-06-12

with him to examine one of the Oldest say upwards
of twenty years and had been suffered to rise
higher than necessary, and with STOCKS as thck as
a mans leg, occupying too much ground by Its
width but passages were visible IN places tnat mad
been from early depredatlons made through IL.
The Young man DESTROYS to have 1t reclaim
ed. if any mode could be pointed out. | saw no
way so eiiectual cut all away, and with natures
aid begin anew. The old roots being strong, would
soon give what was sufficient to make an eiectual
| live fence, by training.
| The Young shoots rising out Of the plash (Which
is peculiar to the Virginia kind) is another advan-
tage in thickening the hedge. 1t becomes more
dense and Uncomfortable under the trimming pro-
! cess ever after.
| AS the system of live fence is by what may be
truly termed hedging, only in its infancy, ut is true
! hedge rows have been many years 10 some parts OF
these u States though not very commonly discoye-
l ries of some improvements are frequently made,
and in some instances from neglect IN an Individual
Lit has contributed to gerefal advantage
Theref5re all that can be said at the present times
although with perfect conviction of its correctness,
NAV not be without its errors in future day. when
further light is aflordedtrom experimental proofs
Dr.. franklin and 1Aonlas Paine.-When Paine
was writing his Infamous attacks on the Christian
e Religion; he submitted part Of his manuscflptto
: Dr. Franklin for his inspection and opinion The
r following is the answer of that great Philosopher
II and Patriot n,
II Dear Sri have read your manuscript with some
ia attention. By the arguments it contains against
particular Providence, though you allow general
proyidcnce you strike at the foundation OF all re-
nion For without the belief OF Providence that
takes cognzance Of, guards and guides, and avouis
particular persons, there is no motive to worship
Deity to fear its dspeasure, or to pray tor ITS pro-
tect!on will not enterlnto any discussion OF your
. principles though y0a seem to desire IT. At present
,e shall only give you my opinion, that though your
III reasoninas are subtle, and may prevail with sonE
= readers, YOU will not succeed SO as to change the
"a general sentiments of mankind on that subject, and
the consequence Of printing this piece will be' a
r. great deal OF odium drawn upon yourself; mischief
r. to you and no benefit to others He that splts against
of the wind spits iii his own faces But were you to
~ succeed do you imagine any good will be done BY
~ it? You Yourself may find II easy to live vrtuous
-, life without the assistance afforded by religion; YOU
= have clear perception of the advantages OF yrtue
and the disadvantages OF vice. and possess strength
h. of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist COM
oc mon temptations. But think how great portion of
- mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and
"a womeu and Of inexperienced, nconsiderate youths
- of both sexes. no have need OF the motives OF re-
81 glun to restrain them from vice, to support their
" virtue and retain them in the practice OF it till 1t
ns becomes huJita which is the great point for its Sc
curily. And perhaps you are indebted to her orr
se ginay that is, your religious education, tor the
~ habits OF virtue upon what you now justly value
W. Yourself You might easily display your excellent
ty Iants Of reasonn@ unn, less hazardous subject
and therefore obtain a rank wifi our most distin-
suished authors. For among us it is not necessary
m as among the Hotentots, that youth TO be raised
nj into the company of men, should prove his manhood
'u by beating his mother would advise you there
ms fore not to attempt Enchanting the tiger but to burn
ing tbs niece befnre Il is seen by any other person.
'ut whereby you will save yourself great deal Of NOR
EN- LITIGATION from the enemies it may raise against you,
and perhaps good deal Of regret and repentance
Id, If men are so wicked Nth religion, what would they
&C. be if vhous til intend this letter itself as
Ct u,oof If nv friendship and therefore add no pro-
H. iess;on to it: but simply subscribe yours,
b. FRANKLIN.