Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1836-02-11
Parties IN the Ckwch.-There are

ENFIteS ~ LnG CAUCH.-. ueTS dTE
three great parties at present existing in
the Presbyterian Church those who adopt
and contend for the ancient and orthodox
faith those who strive to promote the
doctrines of the new divinity and those
who pretend to neutrality and urge the
cessation of all controversy. All may be
equally sincere in maintaining their sever
al views, but it is clear that all cannot be
right. 1t must be, that either the orthodox
views are scriptural and true and worth
contending for, or that the opposite views
are most consonant with Scripture, and
should prevail; or that the difference be-
tween them is so unimportant, as not to
justify controversy. Each party tena-
ciously maintains its position, and each
feels equally confident that the others are
wrong. Litigated points among men Of
the world are often settled by a mutual APP
peal to an impartial umpire; and we see
no reason why the present difficulty may
not be settled by a similar expedient. We
do not mean to recommend the appoints
ment of an earthly umpire. This would
be futile, because no one could be selected
in whose judgment unbounded confidence
could be placed, or whose decision would
be received as infalliblc. Popery may boast
of its umpire. but it is an umpire whose
judgments have been proyerbialIy Anctua-
ting. AS Protestants we should look only
to God, and to him we should look with
entire confidence. 1t cannot be question:
ed that he can afford the requisite light for
the settlement Of existing conflicts, by
pointing out TO every inquiring mind ON
which side the truth may 30 found. 1t is
seriously to be feared that the present un-
happy collision has arisen from neglect
to inquire patiently and humbly, Of Him
from whom alone knowledge aud UNDER
standing can be obtained. a confidence
that we are right may arise from "a partial
and imperfect understanding of the subject,
or from proud reliance upon supposed
intellectual superiority, instead Of being
associated with tina, docility ofspirit which
is characteristic Of him who learns every
thing from God. We blame no man for
speaking according to his convictions, but
as these convictions are conflicting and va
rious, we propose to all involved in the
controversies Of our Church, the following
uCNhOu vi Uu JuSttISUts AAct tUCIC UO q
determination to lay aside all prejudice and
ask counsel of God as He alone who can
assist in the present exigency. We do not
intend to insinuate that prayer for iAnmin-
alton and guidance has been neglected, but
merely to suggest that it may not have been
attended to in the right spirit. When con-
troversy has made progress, it places many
obstacles in tho way of such prayer as God
will approve and answer. Parties are
formed the spirit Of party prevails =; men
become committed by the utterance Of
their opinions pride suggests the disgrace
of retraction; personal dislikes are engen-
dered desire Of displaying controversies
talent is secretly cherished and a strug'
gle for victory ensues. II seems by all par
ties to be taken for granted that they are
right, and in this confidence, if they pray
at all, they rather pray that their oppo-
nents may be defeated, than that the right
may prevail. They do not seem to adj
NIT the possibility that they may be wrong,
and that they need the wisd"m of God to
lead them into the truth. Prayer in such
spirit will Of course be unavailing. Our
church is agitated it is in danger of being
rent asunder and in hope Of averting the
catastrophe, we humbly appeal to the res.
pective parties and urge them to consider
the propriety of unitedly supplica.ing the
gracious Redeemer to interpose and re:
move the cause of contention. There is
hope in this project if it be properly exc.
cuted. Let each and every one consecrate
IA particular portion of his time to Inquire
Of God let him appear before the throne
in salf-distrust let him lay aside pride and
passion; let docility of spirit be secured ;
let him feel deeply humble, and as deeply
conscious that God alone can afford him
unerring instruction and let him feel en-.
tirely willing to learn the truth, however
opposed it may be to his present views.
Presbyterian.
Li6erality.-Bishop Griswold made the
following remarks in his official address tc
the Convention of the Episcopal Church
which lately met in New Hampshire:
Permit me again to remind you of what
is, in my judgment, too generally neglect
ed, the duty Of loving those who love the
{ Lord Jesus Christ Of blessing God for
all the good which others do, and cultiva-
ting union, harmony and love among all
Christian people: which is more than oil
burnt offerings and sacrifice. This is not.
what pride and bigotry may call it, coax
ing or .Aattering others to be Of our per.
suasion; it is obeying the Gospel it is
following the example Of the apostles, and
doing more to promote religion, than q
thousand arguments, or an age Of conten.
ton. To love those who love the Savior