Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-07-28

and dignity Of the mindl I answer, we disco
yer little knowledge of human nature, II we as
cribe to constitutions the power OF charming 10
sleep the spirit Of intolerance and exclusion. Al
most every other bad passion may sooner be put
to rest; and for this plain reason, that intolerance
alway shelters itself under the name and garb Of
religious zeal. Because We live in country,
where the gross. outward, visible chain is broken,
we must not conclude that we are necessarily
free. There are chains not made Of iron, which
eat mere deeply into the soul. An espionage OF
bigotry may as eectually close our lips and chill
our hearts, as an armed and hundred eyed po-
lice. There are countless ways by which men
in free country may encroach on their neigh
boris rights In religion the instrument is ready
made and always at hand. / refer to Opinion,
combinetl and organized in sects. and swayed by
the clergy. We say we have no inquisltion. But
a sect, skilfuIlv organized, trained to utter one
cry, combined to cover with reproach whoever
may differ from themselves, to drown the free
expression of opinicn by denunciatlons of here.
sy. and to strike terror into the multitude by
Joint and perpetual menace. such sect is as pc
rilous and palsying to the intellect as the Inqu-
sition. 1t serves the minister as effectually as
the sword. The present age is VIGOROUSLY sec
tartan, and therefore hostile to liberty. One of
the strongest features Of our times, is the tenden-
cy of men to run into associations, to lose them
selves in masses. to think and act in crowds, to
act from the excitement of numbers, to sacrifice
individuality, to identify themselves with parties
and sects At such period we ought to fear,
and cannot too much dread, lest host should be
marshalled under some sectarian standard. so
numerous and so strong, as TO overawe opinion.
stiAe inquiry. compel dissenters to prudent ST.
lence, and thus accomplish the end. without in
curing the odium. of penal laws. We have in
deed no small protection against this evil in the
multiplicity of sects But let us not forget, that
coalitions are as practicable and as perilOus in
church as in state: and that minor differences,
as they are called, may be sunk, for the purpose
Of joint exertion against common foe. Happi-
ly, the spirit of this people, in spite of all mar
rowing influences, is essentially liberal. Here
lies our safety. The liberal spirit of the people,
| trust, is more and more to temper and curb that
exclusive spirit, which is the besettings of their
religious guides.
| In this connexion, may be permitted to say,
and say i, with heartfelt jov, that the govern
ment of this Commonwealth has uniformly dis
tinsuished itself by the spirit of religious free
dom. Intolerance, howeverMfe abroad. has found
no shelter in our halls of legislation. As yet, 10
sentence of prescription has been openly or ind-
rectly passed on any body of men for religious
opinions. A wise and righteous jealousy has
watched over our religious liberties, aud been
startled by the first movement, the taiptest sim,
of sectarian ambition. Cur Commonwealth can
boast no higher glory. May none Of US live
, to see it fade away.
-seo2aaaa
The missionaries of the Church and Missionary
Society in Egypt and Abyssinra have discovered,
In the interior of Africa, tribe called the Ma
gagine, which had never been visited BY any Eu-
ropean. They inhabit a place called Darbia,
800 miles southwest of Darfur They have suf.
fered greatly from the slave traders of Darflr;
their chief protection against whom is natural
fertilization, steep and lofty mountain, which if
they can reach in time, they are safe from their
pursuers. They do not materially suffer from
want of that asylum, having good fountains and
pasturage for their cattle. The seige of the
mountain lasts sometimes for several months. -.
The abodes Of the people are usually pulled down
by their enemies; but they do not think much of
the trouble of building other houses of mud and
stones in place Of their former abodes. Nobody
claims property of SOIL and every one cultivates
as much ground as he peases. The Magazine
are free people, and appreciate liberty as the
greatest blessing. Slavery therefore, to them is
the greatest horror and abumination. Their lib
y, however Is not Wl'nOut OfOer ana ulSClDilne.
lhey have good and just laws. not many. accord
ing to which differences are adjusted. They have
head man. whom they obey; triaing qusrrels
are never referred to the judge, but are settled
oy the parties in single combat. They have an
idea Of God. and believe that every person re-
ceives reward or punishment according TO his
merits, after this life. They have notion of the
existence of the devil. The history of the deuge
is preserved in their traditions, but they believe
that every living creature persisted in that awful
calamity, and that god created altogether new be-
ings after the deluse. Good angels arc cousid-
cred as the guardians Of good people, Their
mo lie of worship appears to be SIMPLE, and is free
from obscene practices; but they are still Pagans
They take great care of their children. and teach
them early to obey and reverence their parents
and aged people. Their language is unknown
Christian Observer, Ma,, 1850.
-ssse9n-
From, The National Gazette.
In the United States there are more freehold
ers, and yet fewer people unemployed in getting
a livelihood, than in any other country