Virginia statesman. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1828-1829, 1828-07-02
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From the Nslo Harmony Ga-ettes--May IA

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From the Ns5o Harmony Ga-cttes--May IA
Ma. ALEXANDER CAMPBELL.
Sir-IN the Christian Baptist on the 7th inst.
published at Bethany, Brooke county, Va. No. 81,
there is letter directed 10 YOU by corespon-
dent, who signs himself a. in which he requests
your aid and assistance 20 discuss some subjects
of general interest relative TO religion, with Dr.
Undermll. and there is a letter from You m reply,
declining to meet Dr. Underhtii but Stating your
readiness to engage with me in the examination Of
the whole religious and moral system which ]
advocate. and which YOU say appears scattered
through the pages of the n. Harmony Gazette.
hayenot the pleasure of personal acquain-
lance with YOU or Dr. Uuderh bat from the o.
pinions expressed of the talents and good inten-
tions of both / have no doubt thatIf YOU dld con-
scented 10 meet the Doctor, and to engage n
public or private discussion ON a subec. SID inter
estug to every human being, much truth would
have been elected, and that YOU would have sspa-
rated with cordial friendly feelings, and with IN
increase of charity for each other and ..r ali your
tcllow-crcatures.
As, however. YOU have declined the cyamiaat on
oftbese subjects with DR.. Underhii, and have ex-
pressed y0lr desire to discuss them with me, up
on certain conditions contained IN your letter.
feel myselfcll upon to notice your proposals
and more particularly as my opinion comedies with
yours "that such a discussion Is indeed The
time is indeed come, when religion should be
proved to be true OF false, beneficial or injurious;
m order that, if true and beneficial 1t may become
Gas IL viii well deserve to be madc) the grea, bu
siness of life, OF oft should be demonstrated TO
be founded in error and injuries, that it may be
publicly known and acknowledged to be so.
The priesthood ofall the sects in the world are,
as itappoars to me, as deeply interested to make
this discovery as any portion of the human race.
Administration, therefore, OF a new character
upon these subjects is become the one thing need
iuL annvestigation that shall be entered into, not
for the purpose of gaining a victory for any midi
yiduas, or for any sect or party IN any country;
but ana investigation ON proceeding from convic-
ton that truth upon these matters Is above all things
to be red, because ofthe benefits which it NAV
be made TO afford to mankind.
I'm fact, no object can be brought before thepop-
ulation of the world Of equal interest to a night
decision upon these great questions.
Such decision is required in the present adj
vanced stare ofhuman knowledge as a Foundation
for an improved state Of society. Il Cannot be
o.iectuallv obtained By any two individuals, nor
except by the agreement of numbers who feel
interested for the happiness oftherft.Iow- beings
Under this view ofthe subject, If the leading
ministers of the religious sec,s in this western
country viii agree among themselves 10 enter
with NE and nv friends into a friendly discussion
mon these subjects either In Cincinnati OF any o.
Their central place m tho western Country. this
great object may be obtained.
From such a course lis impossible TO say what
extent of good may arise; and ifvou viii engage
10 induce the leading ministers ofrsligion in the
western states and their friends 10 meet me IN the
city OF elsewhere, viii engage to muster those
who, az present, are consclenhouslv opposed TO
AN religions: and IN that case, nothing on nay part
shall be waning 70 intuse genuine spirit ofpeace,
good viii, and charity throughout the whole pre-
Ceedngs.
Ourparty would meet under such circumstan-
ceS solely with desire 10 elcct truth regardless
of al personal considerations. and hope that AID
would separate with avery improved knowledge
of human nature, and 10 consequence, with real
charity aud affection for each other.
That which the friends who think whine wish
TO have discussed and decided, is
LIST. Whether all re- igions are or are not oppos-
ed to actsl
ID Whether all religions do or do not virtually
destroy all charity, exception one Sect in thought,
word, and action.
3D. Whether religion does or does not render
NJ necessary ti t'c eieit uidSs Oh ullllhAIIf 10 m
countries, should be kept IN ignorance aud pow
ertyl
4th Whether all religions do or do not require
the infants and children should be taught to think
tina, there is merit in believing that the doctrines
of their own religion are true and that All other re-
Egions are false; and that there Is dement, in be-
heyieg otherwisel
5th Whether all religions DO OF do not teach
I 4. h-s-
ing, liking and dishking, according TO thsir doc
frincs. whether in UNISON with mans natural feel
ings OF in opposition to theml