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

SAFE ana uSelul lUT uleu 1T luC present Lllne.
would not seem to withhold publication because
different from my sentiments, when had it been
agreeable to them, should have regarded its diff
fusion proper and useful. z. B.
LETTER !.
QUEcHEE, April Is, 1899.
To Rec Nathan Lord, D. D., President, &c.
RESPECTED SIR Il take the liberty of address.
sing to you line respecting your views of Abo.
litionism, or what, under that name you are willing
to sanction. have no excuse for this but the in
terest of the churches, which think are manifest.
ly involved in it. live and labor as a minister
of the gospel within the sphere of your influence
and my heart is assured that you have no willing
ness that your name or influence be used 10 up
hold any doctrine, Or urge forward any course Of
conduct, at war with the best interests of the King
dom of Christ and subversve of the order and
peace ofhis churches, no less than of the humility
and transformations 9raCes Of his members.
Respected Sir, find it fact that men. are TAX
ing courses deeply involving the best interest
and the order of the churches, and when pressed
by men or by conscience for their authority in
such a course-when questioned whether thew as.
sumo the whole upon their own responsibility and
certainty of personal duty, they uphold themselves
by reference to men like yourself who are reput-
ed aboitonsts in the the churches, and whose
wisdom, and whose Christian character, they re-.
gard as authority enough-authority not only re-
specting sentiments thus named, but paramount
respecting action, to that of pastors in their own
spheres. 1t is thus they cover abolition measures
from censure in all places and under all conditions,
and finally release themselves in so weighty a
cause, and with such authority, from all other OBJ
legations which might seem to lay restraint up
on them.
1t is, of course, assumed by them (but | doubt
not without reason) that yourself and others, by
acknowledging the title Of abolitonsts, admit, in
the spirit of some of that name, that every man, in
all conditions and without restraint from any ex-
listing relation in the churches, is bound, or at
least privileged, to move that subject and lead
and agitate, and urge men on in the good cause
1t pains me to see the cause of the churches so
suffer from what believe to be false, and sup
ported upon false impressions of the authority
of good and wise men, For cannot believe that
you, Sir, have ever intended to encourage so dis
organizing a doctrine. 1t is, think, almost i'm
possible that we-dsiplined mind should have
studied the interests of the Church, and earnestly
have prayed for them, without learning an oppo-
site doctrine, and feeling the importance of it
to a health(ul pety. have thought therefore,
that you would be willing to answer few sober
inquiries upon this sublect-that you would be
willing, in view of the fitness, might not add JUS
tice, Oft that your answer should be made pub
lc,-and that Of course, you would answer them
as one who would see and feel the bearing of his
answer upon the well-being and inheritance of
Christ in his saints whom he has purchased
with his blood.
The first inquiry which wish make is, respect
ing the duty, in this matter, of private or lay
members in the churches. fit is not their duty
to assume the lead and management in all reli-
gious matters, upon their own responsibility, have
they any authority for doing in this? Is it the
duty or the privilege off private member, in OPP
position TO the judgment or the wishes of his pas
tor, to move this excitabe matter, and insist upon
agitating the church and the community with it I?
Is it his duty-has he any authority fort-or is it
only the result of arrogance and presumption?
Have such men your authority in such proceed
ings or do you hold any doctrine by which you
would release such men from their relative obi
cations to their Pastors as the leaders of Gods
people?
The second inquiry which l wish to make may
include the duty of laymen, preachers, and men in
all conditions of life. Have itinerant laymen or
preachers any authority from the nature of this
cause, from God, Or from any doctrine of yours,
for moving this subject within the proper sphere
of pastors labors, but against his judgment, and,
as he believes, IN opposition to his labours and
usefulness in the service of his Master Is the
pastors judgment to have no weight except on one
side? Isl not he to be consulted first respecting
the wants of his people Is not he to be the Judge
what will be an assistant and what an adversary
to himself, in his labors for the souls of men Is
it to be considereda merit to thrust these things in
to all the churches, let the pastors views and feel
ings be as they may-the greater merit, and de-
serving the more praise, to stir this matter, be-
cause the pastor laments its introduction, as that
which must most entirely, for season at least,
Illustrate his own labors? The sum of their doc
trine on this point seems to be that no one has al
right to restr9jn them in moving the subject, but
they have right to forbid, and efficiently prevent
all others from letting it alone.
These considerations respected Sir have VEN
tured to submit to you, trusting my justification
in the thing to your own deep interest in all af-
fectng the prosperity of the churches, and yonr