Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-02-13
EEL d G. 3 4 p 40
BRANDON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1885
Eor The Vermont Telegraph.
WHITE CRLEX, Jan. 81, 1883

|
much surprised at the sad neglect, in not
providing for each christian family relig-
ious newspaper So far as my own obser-
walton extends, the greatest share OF chris
tian families are destitute of paper of re-
lioious character-while at the same time
they, perhaps, take paper of political
character, which gives them no religious in
telligence, whatever. The great questions
discussed are party politics-Whig or Dem
ocratc- Bank or no Bank, &c. Or perhaps
large portion of the paper is occupied in
recommending theatres, gambling, lynch
ing mobbing, &c. Now let me say that
such publication, Tin my opinion) Is cal
culated 10 corrupt the morals, and keep per-
sons in ignorance Of what is most important
for them 10 know.
And now let US (or single moment con-
template the awful and miserable result
And first, such families and professors of
religion are ignorant Of the present state of
religion in their own and adjoining sates.--
They know nothing, or bat little at most,
VI the revivals that are in progress-the
success, good or i'll, of their home mission
aries the trials, difficulties, and persecu-
lions through which their brethren are pass
ing in distant parts Of the country. They
have no information upon the good or Ill
success Of the Foreign Mission enterprise,
whether il should be supported by their
prayers and contributions, or should be left
TO die. Thew know nothing Of the destitu-
ton at home, or the heathenism abroad, and
the consequence is, that instead OF being
ready to these high and holy enterprises,
they are exercising vigilant jealousy over
all missionary operations.
Second, as most political papers are eth
er neutrals, or in dead opposition to the
cause Of human rights, from this source peo-
pie set but little, if any, correct intelligence
upon this great and absorbing question:
They are consequently kept in the dark IN
regard 10 the real condition Of the slaves IN
the South and their entire restitution O.
the means OF grace. They hardly know
that two and half millions OF their fellow
beings in the United States, are raised a
sheep Tor the market bargained in private
or sold at public outcry-that they are legal
" shut out from the light of divine reyela
ton, and the means Of religious instruction
Nor are the readers Of such papers more in
,alltpapt tho mn bClu n liancn be
tween church and state, Of ecclesiastics an
politics, of ministers and infdels, formin
Tor the base purpose Of crushing the bod!
crampng the mind and destroying the sol
Of the poor slave.
What might be done if christians wei
only enlightened upon the sin and curse
Slavery, as connected with the home mi
Aionary enterprise, and the whole glorior
cause Of our blessed Redeemer? Mar
are the families, and some have four
leading ones IN the Church, who ney
knew until informed them, that half
million OF slaves were liberated on the fiji
Of last August Would christians ava
from their criminal and cruel apathy up
this subject, believe tha: short time wor
secure US the victory. True, southern
bobs might pass laws and edicts TO hint
the onward cause Of humanity and relgio
but they might as we'll bind the swift lig
ming of heaven, or stop the sun in
course.
Third,--Many churches are mourn
{ and languishing under the awful blight
inlemperance, and only because the ma j.
( ty are not well informed upon the subj,
(! They take no paper that stands straight
: on this question; they hear perhaps it'll,
D nothing from their minister respecting
|. principles, measures, and object of the I,
: perance reformation.
!. Now, my brother let me say, that ne;
u every religious family could and ough
4 take religious paper, and If opposed
., some degree now, would soon be led 10
!. the propriety Of taking high ground,
Of on all these questions that have hi
y al. But in order to this, ministers must
u their shoulders to, and be willing to 7
and answer the objections which woul
brought against such measure for OF
& lions there would be. They should in
|. public labors, and private visits, try to
d lhe minds Of their brethren into the Il