Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-09-19

BRkNDoN.....SATURDAY, SEPT. Is, 1888
PRINcfPLEs OF CHRISTIAN UNION AMI
CHuRcH FELLowsHIP.--T This is the title of
sermon, preached at Oberlin, (Ohio,) by
Asa Mahan, President Of the Oberlin Instl-
tnte. The author says some things, by
which he doubtless means somefhing-and
vet what he docs mean Is not always clear
" manifest. ! should Judge, on the whole,
that the discourse was drawn out by the diff
fculties hitherto existing in the Presbyterian
church. Be this as il may, he has got out
some truths, the importance Of which must
be obvious 10 all who read them. Below
are few extracts:
ave have no right to require, as a con.
dition Of Christian fellowship, that the
differences between US and other Chris
tians, shall not be the subject OF full. and
free, and frequent discussion. The prin-
ciple Of union advocated by many, is that
Christians, in their intercourse with each
other, shall mutually leave out of view,
oil those topics on which they disagree,
and dwell only on the points on which
they are agreed. This Ethiopian scheme
throws the apple of discord, into every
church and community, where its estab-
lishment is attempted How can | tell,
in Introducing any Particular topic. whcth-
CT my associate views the subject as do2
And il we have entered into 4 solemn
covenant, and that, as condition Of fel-
lowship that nothing about which we
disagree, is to be introduced, a transgress
ion Of the conditions is unavoidable, and
| the bilterest animosiries must arise between
us. Besides, If the adoption Of this were
practicable. its observance would keep the
church at perpetual stand-stiA till the
Judgment day. If the Minister is 10
preach nothing abou; which be aud peo-
pls disagree, how can he correct their
1 errors, and buiid them in knowledge and
vlr,ue2 Oae Of the most important parts
of the covenant, which the Christian takes
upon himself, in entering church, is to
watch over his brethren and sisters in the
L.ord. 10 endeavor to correct them, when
lthev err from the truth La regard 70
| rysrv boint Indifference between him and
them. Ne has full right to require pa
tient hearing Of his reasons for his own
belief, and Of his objections TO theirs
The snme duty, he is bound to render 10
them. There is not principle Of Chris
tiln fellowship, more sacred, than the
right and duty Of full and free discussions,
Of al the differences existing between one
| Christian and another" .....
aThe conclusion Of the whole matter
seems 10 be this;--No principle OF the
yospel reauires me to be insensible to the
ISctual errors, imperfections, or sins OF 8
IChristian brother, to regard them rs c
no great importance, or to remain silent
while they are producing their Fatal re
: suEs upon him. On the other hand,
am required, by every principle OF Chris
Itianty. TO perceive and lament his faults
, when they appear, 10 endeavor to ICON
1 Ivert him." when he errs from the truth
: 10 rebuItc him when he trespasses agalns
. Inc and 10 restore him, "in the spirit
Imeeknessn when he sins. In short, t
/, I"reurove, rebuke and cxhort, with al
E Iong.sufsring and doctrine
. ,sBut here an objection, which ought t
: he met. may arise, in the minds OF some
: Ito the principles Of this discourse. 70
e Ia,g;ntnin. Il nav be said, that all the priv
4 Ie6es Of Christ's house should be opeI
: 10 all sincere Christians. DO you nc
= believe that some vendors OF ardent spir
o k,s. and shareholders too, are SINGER
Ehristians2 Why then advocate thei
Exclusion from the sacred desk, and tror
HE communion Of the Saints around To
4 hord's tablet For the same reason,
4. knsver. thai Paul. in the time Of Chris
keuuirca the church of Corinth to exclnd
:. RON its felowsphip a gross offender
What comparison is there, between Ii
" kin charged upon that individual, an
es kther Of the sins in question: WI
no khurch would, for an honr, harbor 10
IN bosom nm individual, who had robbed
50 traveller upon the highway, OF sing
Hobart or had received and retained !.
ek knowinC how II was obtainedf But VIII
>. "a This. compared with the guilt Of tn
D.. man. who knowingly and deliberate
r. poisons his frlIow-men, or who enters
YER Holv Of Hollis" Of the domestic circ
on on ind sunders all its sacred ties, who bio
ron human nature ITSELF the image
- God. who takes from those, for who
Christ died, the ~kcy OF knowledge" a
In makes Il a crime Tor them to read, or
red Taught 10 read, the story of redeeml
ncc ove. and then proclaims the God OF
Der Bible, as the abettor Of his deeds OF bio
ent Every Christian, when he has been
nonished, and rebuked. for such !
viii abandon il, o. God will abandon b