Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1837-01-18


of comprehension, it is really so deep that
l fear it will not be ex.ensivel y acted upon,
except by the deceived themselves, to
whom the exhibition of it must be intelli-
glbIe. 1t seems to me that the mode of
aScertalning character, of directing inqui-
rers, and Of correcting spurious CONVEX
SONS, have either not been understood, or
have been criminally neg Iected in their
application. | have often been in revi-
vaIs Of religion, where the most pungent
truths were addressed TO professors, many
Of US alarmed, and expressed doubts of
our good estate, a few of the most pous
In the church distrusted their hopes, form
ed new resolutions, and for a season the
whole church seemed to be renovated
but ! am now satisfied that not one i'm
penltent professor amongst US all was re-
generated, through deficiency in the IN
structIons. | nevsr was fully courinced
OF my own lmpentency, or knew the OBJ
stacIes which prevented my submission,
previous TO our late conversation; indeed,
| did not wish to be convinced Of nv de-
fusion; and Certain | am, that destruction
VIVIAN nav Z ONC me lldu NlllS IIOl-
ance continued. Christ strengthening me,
| intend to be faithful in my future inter-
course with professors Can you inform
me how to avoid the charge OF censorious-
ness?
NJ Cultivate tenderness of feeling and
kindness of manner towards them avoid
harshness of language, and all epth IS
C9icn 4t.n Thor n uO1nH tho f,olir,rrc or
excite the pride Of those with whom you
may converse; and let your manner clear
Iy evince that love, and no. a desire to
censure, influences you. Then use en-
TIE pIalnnesS of language, and pCngency
of thought, expression, and app lcatIon,
and you need apprehend no such charge
| from those who love the truth, and desire
to BE- honestin its application to themselves
nor from those who are in an error, but
who have the good sense to regard and at
tend 10 their everlasting peace, in prefer
ence to present induIgences. BY pru-
dence, there will be little danger OF b. ING
sub ec ed to this charge-Dut it would be
far better to encounter it, than that hell
should become the receptacle Of additional
victims. You should be willing to endure
It Tor Chrlst's sake f, ON those who are
too ignorant, or TOO seI-opinionated, to I'M
derstand your principles, or too much in
terested IN preserving the smiles OF 9th.
ers, or too careless of souls and duty, hon,
cStly to examine them Notwithstanding,
lei 1t be remembered, aud let the fact al
ways guide your intercourse with them,
ana Influence your Opinions as to their
candor and sincerity, that impenitent SIN
ners in the church have all the character
lstIcs OF those out of it, while they are
more difficult to be reached that they
possess a like spirit, though differently
exhibited are equally unwilling to know
their true state, and be convinced of sin,
though their language would lead you 10
, infer the contrary; and that they prefer
TO contest the truth, and find fault with
} those who faithfully urge it, rather than
; reform their own hearts. Rely upon the
influences Of the Holy Spirit, wIthou,
} whose agency in welding and rendering
efficient The truth, all your efforts will b,
t unavalllny and De firm Should an op.
portunty present, | would say to every
: minister or the gospel OF Christ, Sir, the
great Head Of the church has placed YOU
, as an under-she pherd, and Waterman over
t the souls of your people, They look tc
: you for spiritual guidance, and God holds
Z you responsible for faithful discharge O
S duty. Amongst the members of you
5 branch OF the church are many who shall
:, shine pure and glorious in the kingdom
It of their Father, and of whom the WorI'
G is not worthy; but amongst them are doubt
4 less, numbers who are deceived. y
!, these, some were Of very tender year
i when they protessed conversion; others
II though intelligent on general subjects
1t were ignorant of the nature OF their duty
e and 1t Is not Improbable that some wer
Is entlousness, these have united with tn
1t church. SOme are already apprehenslv
W that they are in an error, aud others prof.
ST ably are enjoying strong hopes OF heaven
ID and should you institute an examination
d not few, VINO are deceived, will be ioun
d, amongst your most moral commitments
at Through charity, false, and more CRUZ
oe than the grave, must be lettto deIusIon' O
1t doubts, or secret despair here, and to tn
+ horrors OF endless danndllOn HeleoltoI
Our Master has commanded, In Jude Z;
OF that impenitenr professors should be pull
ou ed out of the fire and at last, he wi
Mt make inqurs.tion of you for the blood
i ; your charge. Truth Is conmon propert.
Sc and whether drawn from periodical, {
We from the Bible, false pride should NJ
at prevent our making use of it for the GOO
Iy Of souls With all due respect, we emit e
to that you return the confidence of yot
rs people, by kind but efficient tathfuIne
H. IN this respect, by personal exammatlc
IL into the basis OF their hopes. We urs
o. this, as God shall Judge YOU in. the gre