The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-07-20

GIOn or morals, without the advice and consent o.
these seCconstituted tribunals, yet 90 unscathed
their mpunty will be owing to other principles
in the constitution and laws of free country
which these very worthy, but as think, msgui
ded brethren, seem either not to have comprehan
ded, or to have grossly undervalued.
That in times when the right of petition is de-
MED in our national councils, and the ungody
rabble is Joined with more respectable portions
ects deeply affecting the public welfare, such
principles should be propounded and maintained
by ministers Of Jesus Christ, and acquesced in 10
any considerable extent, regard as more unfa-
vorable indication in respect to the progress OF
civil and religious liberty than any other in the
history of our times. 1t is the more TO be regret
ted as an additional evidence of the enfeebled con-
diton of christianity in our country when the pow
er of conventions and of synodcal enactments is
thought necessary in aid of the simple truths and
institutions of religion. Such resort has always
been characteristic of period when the churches
have been perverted by sensual philosophy, and
the ministry has been crippled by accommodation
to the schemes Of commercial cupidity and polti-
cal corruption.
These brethren must have read the history of
Christianity to little purpose, and have reflected
very inadequately upon the present tendencies of
society, if they could suppose that such demon
stration would have any other material effect than
to awaken suspicion of their own soundness and
benevolence, and to diminish their influence 9TH
erwise salutary upon the masses of awakened and
aspiring minds. They should have learned that
God has entrusted the secrets of wisdom to no
privileged orders and that light is a rare and
subtle essence that may penetrate well the crev-
ices of a cabin as the easements of a palace
They should have remarked the rule of Divine
Providence by which in every period of awaken
ing intelligence and freedom God has exalted
himself by the Of comparatively feeble and i'll
reputed instruments, and bringing to nought the
understandings of the prudent
You will do me the Justice not to infer from
these observations that would countenance every
protested reformer who should propose himself,
in that character, to the community, or apologize
for any violations of the prophecies of Christian
intercourse or the decences and charities of COM
mon life. do not hold myself obliged to hear or
read every thing that other men may see fit to
speak or publish, and no man may claim patron
age or protection from me in any line of conduct
tbatymy judgmentyshall dsapprove, however in
other respects we ffay be of similar persuasion
In respect to many of the exciting occasions of
these times the question with me is not what
shall do, but-what | should refrain from doing. |
shall not give my influence to what believe, on
the whole, to be erroneous or in furious. At the
same time should not set up my judgment with
any show of authority over others, who neither
by the laws of the land, nor any principles Of
Christianity are made accountable to me for their
opinions or their measures. | shall take care of
my own province according to the rules appropri-
ate to the relations in which the Divine Providence
has placed me. | should not transcend that nat
ural limit to assume the keeping of the public con-
science, or prescribe rules for the conduct of 9TH
er mems affairs. If in this course | meet embar-
easements, hold them incidental to an imperfect
condition of society, and use them to correct my
judgment and enlarge my charity. | am not an
swerablc for oppositons and descriptions of fellow
ship which are the effect of honest disagreements,
and not the result of conflicts provoked by my
own imprudent iealouses and unWarrantable as
sumptions. shall at least be saved from the dis
quietude of selfreproach, when I have not set up
my own wisdom as the standard of the public mo-
rality nor opposed barrier TO the natural prog
ress Of opinion.
In respect to your suggestion of the propriety Of
publishing my opinions, beg to say that while
have no desire to conceal them, but rather should
regret not to be understood, and that my senti-
ments should not exert any influence that might
reasonably belong to them, at the same time | do
not feel that there is at present a necessity for self
nor that it is my errand to engage in
the public strife. Any use, however, that you
may please to make of this letter, in its present
form, among those who would care enough about
me or my opinions to attend to what have writ
ten, | should by no means refuse.
| am, dear sir,
Very respectfully and truly,
Yours, &c. n. LORD.