The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-09-25

Two or three days since, we received
through the Post Office, package,
winch, we found. on opening, to contain
seven tracts.-On the sheet enclosing
them, was written in female hand
"The enclosed are sent with friendly
feelings--so let them be received"
Now we can assure the worthy lady
they were so received, and her consider
ate kindness meets with warm and mu-
tual response in our emotions, seeing that
she has endeavored to convince US of
what she deems our errors by an appeal,
instead Of resorting to the usual mode of
slander and denunciation. She has
doubtless IN the sincerity Of her heart
sent us these tracts out of pure regard
for the final destiny ofour soul. On this
point, we can assure our worthy friend,
we are perfectly at rest and happy
Here not the shadow of doubt disturbs
us--and though VIC would studiousIy
avoid saying aught that would woWd
her feelings, still to speak with single
eye to truth, il is impossible not to 60
counter to the opinions and prejudices
not only ofherself, but to vast many
But here We would mention to our friend,
that we think none the less worthily of
her because she chances to differ from
us in opinion-taking it for granted that
her opinions a,e in unison with those put
forth ard involved in the tracts.
five are often bitterly severe and
sarcastic. it is only because We have
been made to experience the unwelcome
truth, that il is the only way in which we
can reach, in their depths Of Ioathsome
infamy. the worst and most grovelling
evils Of earth-Priestcraft and fanati-
cism.-Whose maxim is, meser spare the
Ueak in faith--the herefic and well
does their practice on this point accord
with their precept--as nations, commu-
mites, families and individuals can bear
faithful record. II is not their faith, but
their vile and infam Gus actions, which
navS NJ iv"g,i' Sv'rp~s'~d -s-so s<s,.
our heel and trample the vcnomous rep
tiles under foot. We turned the check
till our head was beaten TO pumice,
and our hearts best feelings drawn and
quartered and flung to remorsless cani-
balls to feast uponl
If that is religion that transforms
modes of belief, lover which in the very
nature Of things, we'can have no control
lit being as subservient to natures laws
as every thing else in nature )-ifthat is
religion which transforms this into
crime--fhen we do not possess it t!--and| ]
hope and trust VIC never may--ior We
should certainly be the loser in the eyes
of our conscience, and we should feel
our nature degraded. inasmuch as in
accordance with such faith, we sh ,uld
be obliged to deem that person crimi-
nal, who should happen not to possess
a-certain quantity of it--however virtu-
Gus or benevolent his course of life might
be. We have seen and felt the effects
of such religion. Its fruits are most BIT
ter--ay, gall and wormwood to the sweet
ness of family, community, or . ma
sion! 1t is the worst enemy Of man -
I, pursues him with unreleniing and vim
dictive cruelty-turns bis life into MOURN
ing-his days into night, and his visions
of hope into demons of despair MAY.
il does not stop hcre--not satisfied with
it's living sacrifices, il violates the grave,
and preys upon the most virtuous and
illustrious snges, geniuses, and philan-
thropists--who, from time to time, have
left Us almost the only proof that human
nature is sometimes exalted, lovely, and
benevolent. s
But if that is religion, which shcwcth
itsclfthus--"Purs religion and uhde6Ied.
is this,---to visi, the fatherless and widows
in their affections, and to keep ones self
unspotted from the worId"-then we
would say, let US refresh ourselves un-
dor this vino and fig tree, for its fruits
are sweet and healthy even unto the SAL
vation ofsociety.
/ In fnk In o. lama Of The ss,iia.s 49,. 4