Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-05-02

scriptures Win maAcIidis VI knONCuSC'
Our author Says
Similar diversines are 10 be expected here,
that we meet with in the use Of all other matefi-
slsof knowledge. There are scarcely two minds,
that, In welding given amount Of facts, will ar
rive IN ell points 1t the same Conclusions. Nor
could the gospel attain the end Of producing =
perfect uniformity OF judgment, either upon rein
gion or any other subject, without enduing u
with the power Of arriving at unerring conclu-
sions- Before this Is done, we must all seize, IN
every case, upon the same facts, place them IN
the same order, give each Of them ire same bear
ing 10 our process Of reasoning. and that mcst be
The exact bearing Of truth. or the result viii not
be the same. In one word, our minds must be
made on the same scale Of strength and clear
ness, expansivene-s and vigor, and this must be
not be attained Of producing between US = per-
feet uniformity Of judgment."-pp "a, 70. 4,
In the remainder of this chapter, Mr..
Church shows, that the saving influence
Of the gospel may exist, with very consid-
cradle erro-, confusion and darkness, in
judging Of the precise nature of what is
revealed" This section contains many
forcible, enlightened and liberal views:
eft is an infinite cause Of gratitude to God,
/ that mans salvation does not depend upon the
exact rude with which his ideas of religion cor
respond 10 all the nice points Of the subject ITSELF
hut only upon their correspondence with its prom
inent featurs. The few simple iieas. thorough
ly grated upon mans soul, that he 10 a sinner
against God, that he needs salvation, and that il
| - only frum Christ that il can be obtained, are
| sufficient, like few lights upon dark and dam
gerous coast, to conduct him from The storms Of
The open sea Of divine wrath, into the haven OF
peace and security. Nor is it necessary that his
conceptions of these should be 30 distinct. as to
enable him 70 convey them to Others in spPropri-
ate language. There are millions, that are una
Die 10 define single quality of food, or assign
reason why 1t should be necessary to their subest-
ence. who are equally supported by it, with those
who have gone deepest into the philosophy Of the
subject And il Is the sam. God who operates
in providence, that operates IN grace Acute, ex'
tended and accurate views are no more nece ssary
60 enjoy the blessings Of the one than the Other
Of these depart nents.
!" A feeling Of want, perception Of the sour
ces from which a supply may be obtained, and ;
i willingness toput forth the efforts necessary t.
obtain, are all that we n Led to ensure success IL
either case To excite this feeling, therefore, Il
hold up in the life. death and resurrection o
Christ the only source of Its qualification, and t
arouse men.to the efforts which must be put fortl
10 obi ain, was all that the apostles attempted
ment. precision Of order and arrangement, or In
cid definition. that might have been expected.
, the salvat on of their hearers had de pended upo
the exactitude VI their rsligious notions. "-pp
90, 81.
The author guards against mistakes, Il
which this language might lead:
|. eve are not pleading for indifference at wit
Messing an invasion Of gospel truth. Ne; VI
believe, that what 10 truly the faith of the saints
that 10. the subjectmatter Of what has been Ie
eorded by inspired men, a. il 10 TO be earnedfror
their language cannot be held too sacred nor con
, tended for " III too much determination. "-p. 81
{ The result of the discussion in thi
: chapter is thus stated:
: .The conclusion, therefore, to which we 81
: conducted 10. that the uniformity at which tl
|. gospel aims Is not Of original character, M
!. OF opinion and judgment. nor even Of mpressio
con eerning every nice point revealed; but II Is
Q uniformity Of moral fleet IL aims at tunir
! al mea from 20 Holiness, fro hatred 10 low
!. from the service of the devil to the service
!. God. from life Of wickedness to one OF obed
: enee aud truth. IL comes 10 open their eyes, at
7 90 turn them from darkness to light, and from III
8 power Of Satan unio God. thlt they may receiN
. 1 forgiveness Of SINS, and inheritance among the
!, which are sanctIfied by faith that is in Chris
: Among those. therefore. upon whom the gosp'
< hes produced this identity Of moral effect, ther
d should be harmony of'feeling and purpose. .
Y Pp. 95, 90. e. ss-a ..-