Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-04-18
VERMONT TELEGRAPH.
BRANDON. WEDNESDAY APRIL Is. 1888

VI wv. - nave uOt lOuuu tlnc, until now,
to reply 10 it. append few notes.
q. 71e For the TermOnt Telegraph
BROTHER MURRAY: March "a.
DEAR Sir: For some reason, your pa
per Of the 14th instant has but just come to
my notice. I thank you for your kind hints
respecting the spirit and, sentiment of my
communication. hope that possess both
the disposition and ability to profit by them
But really do not like 10 be charged with
inconsistency without Occasion" that can
appreciate. If relating facts on, an impor-
tant subject, and considering their legitimate
tendency be fault-fnding," then acknowl-
edge that have been Pathfinder.
AS to "Vermont readers in general" be-
ing able TO appreciate the occasion" of this
"fault-fnding, !" think they cannot be much
at loss, if they have read the previous num-
bers. The churches in Vermont, surely,
would hear no new thing, TO be told that some
Of their own students have needed aid, and
have gone TO other states to obtain that aid,
which was sought, but sought in vain in
Vermont. Nor need it be mentioned for
their information, that the appropriations OF
their Education Society have been so small
and 50 irregular in some instances, that it
would really be better for a student to place
no dependence upon such assistance. If the
church have done all they could, there is no
more 10 be said. On this suppositon, find
no fault with them; and no one can, in JUS
tice, accuse me Of it; but if they are able to
aid students, and Mill not, it seems TO me
that you will agree with me in pronouncing
them blamewor'hy. (D
| am sorry to differ with you on single
point, and should regret it exceedingly, did
| not think that a second thought would rec
oncile US. You make proper distinction
between matters of moral and religious duty,
and those Of mere expediency; and in re-
gard TO the standard of moral and religious
duty, your remarks are Ineligible: but as &c
that Of matters Of expediency, need Iittle
explanation. You say, appeal to "reason
and common sense". Whose reason and
common sense2 Do not reason and common
sense vary as much as public opinion? lii:
difficult tor me 10 conceive Of a man having
an opinion contrary to his reason and com
mon sense, or separate from them. If, then
they always harmonic and are inseparable
! why is not mans opinion as safe guido
t as his reason and common sense? (2)
l., Perhaps little explanation from me woul'
E readily relieve your mind on the point at is
u sue. The remark alluded to was made witt
reference to prevailing customs and prejudi
y ces, which might be conformed to withou
v violating moral obligation. And when thi
it is the case, it seems to me, to be a "good an
e sufficient reason for a christian to render
E that he is sustained in given course of &C
ton BY the opinions of erring mortals." l
lie regard to dress, public opinion is guide, an
e generally a proper guide, i. e., in my opir
!, ion; and when il is not carried to sinful e.
n tremes, my reason and common sense woul
e advise that, in this respect, public opinion
at conformed TO as "rule Of action" rattle
e. than that one should render himself singl
% lar and perhaps ridiculous. by an infexib
Z adherence TO a particular fashion. If publ
. opinion require q minister 10 wear a blaC
n coat, !! is sufficient reason why he shou
in wear black coat. (3) 1t seems to me TIL
re the Apostle Paul would have been willing
ne accommodate himself to prevailing custom
ne enough for that,-1 Cor. tx. %: al am mac
all things TO all men )" and verse 23d-"Ar
-, this do for the gospels sake" Acts xvi.
al he circumcised Timothy "because Of Il
S. Jews which were in those quarters" Ths
On to him, was "good and sufficient reason
Ut -.s With respect, yours, NoyALIs.
II s.(D am not disposed to contest the poi
in very sharply with the brother, as 10 the fau
a finding. 1t will be recollected that W
,at not very positive on this point. before. If
Isl ny explanation be called for from me-. Nv
tx say, that his charge against the church seer
Al ed 10 be TOO sweeping. There is at lea
SIX one palliation for the church, which is no,
ne small one. In mentioning il, would o
. relieve an individual who ought to lie ind
'u blame. II is this: The students who ha
- called for aid, and have received it, have I
Sc many of them disappointed the hopes and G
mi pectations Of those who have contributed.
an Isthis 900 sweeping2" | am not underta
if ing to determine what proportion have una
III Tested unwoiihiness oil announcement a
na- aid. Bul il viii not be denied thar the who
ese number has been considerable.