Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-05-06
NOR AL.

The following has been handed for publication in
reply to the article in our last on the subject of
religious reuiuals. We deem it our duty to insert
it, the article to which it aludes being considered
of controversial character, and of nature de-
manding reply from those who entertain senti-
ments at variance with those Of the writer. We
may remark here that we do not conceive our pa
per to be proper vehicle for religious controver-
sy: there are so many newspapers and other pub
locations exclusively devoted to the subject of re-
lgion doctrinal and practical as to supercede the
necessity of it entirely. Essays of general and
practical moral nature come within the design of
our paper, and further we think we ought not to
90. With these views we cannot but regret the
insertion of an article calculatedto produce con-
troversy which it would be utterly out of our pow
er to pursue; and had we so viewed the last COM
municaton of Senex, we should have felt our
selves bound in duty to our readers to have reject
ed it. As it is, however, we have no resource but
to admit reply, where, we doubt not, our cores
pondents will agree with us, it is best the matter
should end -
FOR THE LANCASTER GAZETTE.
MEssRs. EDITORS,
In the last number of your impartial paper, read
with attention the communication of the old man
from Leominster, under the signature of " Senex y
1t is the dictate of charity that he does not fully I'M
derstand his subject He has therefore treated it
indefinitely, and unintentionally left an erroneous
impression on the mind of many readers. Sober
christians of all classes have one idea of the evils
undirected and unrestrained enthusiasm and fanati
csm There is common sentiment also, that true
religion cannot exist where there is no feeling and
reasonable excitement. In the belief that the un
derstanding and affections are both to be engaged
each enlightened and faithful minister takes for the
model of his preaching the sermon on the Mount
receiving this as perfect specimen of imprisoned
earnest, pungent, and at the time rational ad
dress to the mind and heart
Senex, while he admits that fanaticism is some
times the result, appears as an advocate for wha
are technically in these days, called reuiuals of re
igion. He states at large their benign operation
and efficacy. In an hour of calm reflection ant
survey, he will too often find that the direct revers,
of the picture he has drawn would be the true re
presentation. He particularly says, their nfuenc,
upon families is highly salutary and delightful, cher
ishing every virtue on which social enjoyment ant
domestic happiness depend" Can this man hav,
lived long as he processes to have lived, without
perceiying that the general tendency of these re
vivas is to produce dissenson in families, to separ
ate husband and wife, and to make a mans OWL
household his most implacable foes! He says also
that they build up churches" If in this express
sion he had for the remotest object to convey the
idea that they multiply edices for worship, he could
not have recorded more humbling and melancholy
truth fhe had thought for one moment, he would
have come to the conclusion, that such REVEALS as
he advocates have broken up ancient churches
thrown Towns into confusion, and brought abou,
general destruction of their prosperity and peace
speak here of their general effect certainly dare
not say, that no good has come from them; that ne
individuals have been savingy impressed and covert
ed. take the liberty, however, of reminding ou
aged MONITOR that he would have done wisely if h
had made distinction between what he calls reri
pals Of religion, and what Christianity teaches III
are such. | heartily wish him success when he il
the advocate for engagedness, fervour well tempered
zeal. pray that good may follow all upright anc
discreet endeavours to animate the sluggish awaken