Litchfield enquirer., 1837-06-15
FOR THE ENQUIRER. CHRISTIANITY AND INFIDELITY.

CHRISTIANITY AND 1NF1DEL1TYs
 There is nothing but the christian religion, that can satisfy the immortal mind. This alone can quiet the conscience, and shed real joy and peace around the pathway of life. An individual may be surrounded by friends earthly hopes may bloom on every side, and the bright sun of prosperity may shine upon him with meridian spendor yet if his heart be stran- ger to piey, and disappointment will plant net ties in his bosom, and gloom will often overspread his countenance, thoughts of future retrbution come unbidden into his mind. Fears alarm him, and his conscience has no rest. He finds himself in world thread of life may in some sudden and unexpected moment be broken, and he be launched into an un- known and untried eternity. Unwilling to give up his idos and serve the only true God he seeks to dis spae his fears in the business and pleasures of lfe and to feast his soul with the poor objects of time and sense. But he feels after shadowshe grasps at bub- bes-these cannot satisfy his mind or hush the voice of conscience within his breast. Still pursuing them as his chief good unsasying as they are he looks round him for shelter for his conscience some- thing to assure him of safety, while engaged in crmi- nal qualifications
 Here infdelity perhaps, comes in to his relief It tells him there is no danger-no misery beyond the grave. He tries to persuade himself that this is true and he succeeds in doing ths still what has he gain- ed? Does his conscience repose upon bed of roses, and do rivers of pleasure flow into his heart An no His mind is still vacant and dissatisfied, and his con- science is often disturbed by the fear that the religion of the Bible may, after a be true. Or has he gained an unaing support under trials and aflictons; any thing which soace the heart, when called to fol- low dear friend to his long home or that can soothe the mind, when he himself shall be summoned to bid adeu to all things here below? No; infdelity has no consultations for those who mourn. It opens to the mind no cheering prospects in the hour of trial it shed no rays of comfort around the dying bed or the dark and silent tomb.
 Go to the afflicted parent, who has just laid in the grave dear and interesting chld-go to the fond sis. ter who has lost kind and aectionate brother or to her who mouns over the loss of the companion of her youth and idol of her heart proclaim in asr ears the language of indelity, and fit can comfort their hearts. Speak to them of their departed friends- Tell them their loved forms will never rise again that death is an eternal sleep. Or, if you please, speak to them in your sofest accents-throw around your sentiments the beauty of language. and the glow of poetic fecng-tel them that the aching heart will never thrill again with anguish-that the weary limbs have found safe, sweet repose-tell them that up- on the grave of departed worh the softest dews of Heaven will descend, the gentlest breezcs of summer play around it-that there the willow will hang its dropping head, and flowers will shed their fragrance around the halowed spot. Tell them, that when a few years shall have passed away, they too. will
 lay down the weary load o life, and quietly repose for ever. Yes. tell them all this, and do you see any sweet smile Of resignation spread over their geworn countenancesl Have your words soOthed tho troub. led spirit, and caused the tears no longer to flow from the downeast eye1 No! you have but made the sud v'sage sadder. and deepened the wound which Dc. Feavemeni has inflicted upon tho lone heart
 Or you may tell them thu, God is too morCifa ,o punish tho wicked. Sill the burden of grief remains Iesvsn itself would be no place of happiness if the ve ones Of eFoation unwashsd by ihe bood of atone n'snt. were permitted to walk iS golden a.roon. In. fidelity, OF false views Of religion, esa never comfort tho afflicted.
 Ifyea would AlSFa consolation lo such, you must cone lO lhsm w,h lhe precious promises of the Cos. pal. You must point lhem the compassionate Say. ios. end io sn immortality beyohd lhe gave. TeI lham that afIlielenu aFo bu. lhs ehaslasmaB.s of klna faEsni, lo prepare Ism ioF anohsF and better