Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1828-05-30

we'll by the whole tenor Of the scriptures, bat
the degree of weakness is to be limited, by the ef-
Cert to overcome it, and not by indulgence to 1t.
Once admit weakness argument to forbear ex-
crton, and it results in absolute impotence. 1t is
also very inconclusive reasoning to infer that be-
cause perfection is rot absolutely to be attained il is
therefore not to be sought. Human excellence con-
consists in the approximation to perfection, and the
only means OF approaching to any term is by endea
'vorng to obtain the term itself. With these con-
vctions on the mind, and sincere honest effort to
practice upon them. and with the aid of divine
blessing which is promised to it, the approaches to
perfection may at least be great, nearly to an
all the ends that absolute perfection itself could
attain In order to preserve the dominion over our
own passions, It beh0ves us to be constantly and
strictly on guard, against the influence and in
lection of the passions Of others. The caution is
all necessary in youth. deem it the more ndis-
pensibe to enIan It upon you, because as kindness
and benevolence comprise the whole system Of
Christian duties, there may be and often is great
dan4erof falling into error and vice, merely by want
of energy to resist the example and entcement of
others. Ga this point, the true character OF Chris
tian morality appears to have been misunderstood,
BY OF its abest aud warmest defenders. LII
DR.. Paleys view of the evidences of Christianity
there is chapter upon the morality of the Gospel,
IN which there is the following passage 1.-The truth
u.s. there two opposite descriptions of characters
under which mankind may generally be classed.
The one possesses vlgor, irmness resolution, is dar
ing and active, quick in its sensbllltles, jealous Of
Its fame, eager in its attachments, intlexiDle III its
purposes. violent in its resentments. The other
Is meek, yielding, complying, torgvlng, not prompt
to act, but willing to suffer, silent and gentle under
rudeness aud insult sue " for reconciliation where
Others would demand satisfaction, giving way to the
pushes OF mpudence, conccdlng and ndulgeut to
the preudces and the ntractability of those it has
TO deal with. The former of these characters is,
and hath, hopn fhn I.yo onf f,a II &c
the character of great There is dignity in
1t, which universally commands respect. The lat
ter is poor spirited. tame aud ablect Yet so it hap
pened with the founder OF Christianity. the latter is
the subject Of his commendation, his precepts, his
example; and that the former is part Of its
position"
DR.. Paley sin this place, adopting the opinion
OF Soame Jennings, whose essay upon the internal
evidence OF Christianity he very strongly recon-
znends but | cannot consider it an accurate and
Discerning detineatou OF character or as exhibiting
rrectrepres entatlon OF christian principles. The
founder Of christianity did indeed pronounce distinct
and positive blessings, upon the poor in spirit (Which
by no means synonymous with the poor spirited,
and the meek but IN what part of the gospel dio
DR.. Paley lind him countenancing by commentator
precept or example, the tame and abject The
character which Christ assumed upon he earth wa
that Of Lord and Master. 1t was in this character
that his disciples received and acknowledged him
q ne obedience that ne required was unbounded
,ntineiy beyond what claimed by the most ab
sointe Sovereign over his subjects Never, for one
moment did he recede from the authoritative system
lie preserved it, in washing the feet OF his dsci
pies he prdneryedlt, in his answer 10 the higt
priest he preserved it in the very agony of his ex
cianatlon the Cross, - Father forgive them, the,
know not villa. they do' He expressly declare,
hlmseltto be the prince of this world, and the Sol
of God. tie spoke having authority, no
only to his disciples, but to his mother and Judges
10 Plate the Roman Governor, to John the Baptist
his precursor. And there is not in the four Cos
pels act word recorded of him (excep
ting in his Commun"n with God} that Was not i; dl
rect or implied assertion OF authority. He said f
his disciples (AIathew 18th, 29th) " Learn of m
for am meek and lowly ofhelrt, and you shall fin
rest to your souls " But where did he ever say
learn of me, for am tame and abject. There
certainly nothing more strongly marked, in the pre-
cept and example OF Christianity, than he prncipl
ct stubborn and ntlexbie resistance of the impulse
Of others to evil. He taught hsdisciples to renouuc
every thing that is counted enjoyment on earth
20 take up their cross, and suffer all i'll treamen
persecution. and death tor his sake. What else
the Book of Acts than record OF the faithfulnes
with which these chosen Ministers otthe Gospel D,
these commands into execution? la the conduct an
speeches oil Stephen and Peter; of ohm or OF Paul,
there any thing indicating resemblance to the secor
class OF characters. into winch DR.. Paley divide
allmankind 1t there is character upon historic
record, distinguished by bold, intrepid tenaciou
and lnhexible spirit, it is that of ST. Paul. 1t w
to such characters only that the commission
saachlng should be entrusted with certainty OF su
cess. Observe the expression of Christ to Pet
Matthew 10th 28th.) And | say unto thee, tn
chou art Peter Ga rock, and upon this rock / W
build my Church, and the gates Of He'll shall h
prevail against it, DR.. Paley's Christian is o
of those jewellers, who, TO use vulgar adage, {
never say no to any body. The true Christian is /
justu,a ct tenacem propos'ti zirum (the MIN who
Just and constant to his purpose.) The combinat