Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-30

much that scarcely any occurrence-nOt famine,
pestilence, war, would have produced greater
apparent distress or desolation in the regions in
fected by this mania. Not any general misfortune
or particular grief could have so Frustrated all
moral courage, all energy Of midland the throne
Of Grace was frequently addressed in strain OF
such unmeaning. vulgar rant, as set all the rules
Of propriety and even decency at defiance.
These are some Of the immediate consequences;
the permanent results can only be foreseen from
these, or predicted by the nature of the means
used; and judging from what we have already
seen, we cannot anticipate good, and have reason
to apprehend great evil, especially where minis
tiers of the gospel will say and teach that this ex-
element is the work Of God-that IN 1t they can
see his directinterposition, when they know that
it was contrived, planned, ITS object defined, Its
details marked out, and the means settled In their
own general conclave.
When we see simultaneous movement, an e..
fort made by certain sects Of Christians directed
to the same point, and to which all the energies
Of the, mind are applied; when we know that re''-
gion has frequently made use oil the secular pow
err, to commit, the most terrible excesses-that she
always, when she had the right, used to enforce
obedience to her rules and dscipline-to tram
mel and conine the faculties Of the mind-when
we see in this country. efforts making TO establish
in some measure. a national religion, and by al
most imperceptbe advances. effect an union be-
tween religions discipline and the administration
of the laws we have cause if not of alarm, at least
great watchfulness. for man in his nature, IS the
san as he was thousand wears ago, he has the
same weaknesses and the same passions, and
their evil effects are at this day only prevented
by his superior knowledge.
1t is our duty to examine the nature OF all Pr'n,
ciples which are submitted for adoption; TO en-
uuire as to the propriety of any system OF rell'
glous. political or social discipline which may be
seriousi Y proposed. The occasion and circum'
stances now under consideration. demand such
an enquiry; and considerations Of social order,
of individual welfare, as we'll as public safety,
enter deeply into the investigation OF the charac.
ter, object and tendency of tins excitement; and
should it be found that peace and truth, and right
eousness, do not follow in its train. but that the
darkness of perverted reason, and the despera-
ton Of oyerwrOught fear are its consequences, II
should receive unqualified condemnation.
We regret that in the prosecution of any en-
uuiry or investigation, OF in the pursuit OF any
object it should be SAID and taught that reasor
should be silenced and that any system, doc
trine or faith should be established on Other
ground than conviction ofits truth and proprie'y
and should the very large and respectable meet
ing who instigated this address. thereby ncar the
mputation of being enemies of religion, 1t will b'
because in their consideration OF this subject
thew consulted that still small roice." which
is not heard in the .rchirirind'' of fanaticlsm, Of
discovered in the ':ire" of religious bigotry.