Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-01-29

having thrown the anti-slavery ranks in
10 great distress and confusion, 6y the is
suing of the memorable Clerical Appeal,
we cheefully obliterate all that has past,
and regard with admiration and delight
his present magnanimous aud christian
conduct. We imprint upon his tear-be-
dewed cheek the kiss of forgiveness, es-
pecially respecting whatever he NAV
have said or done injuriously to ourselves
personally. Would to God that all the
other signers ofthe Appeal might also be !
led to repentance for their participancy in |
that criminal movement, and be induced
to make as frank and public confession
For We doubt not that they were actual
ed bv the same class of motives as those
which operated in the breast of Mr.. Fitch.
NEWARK, Jan. 9, 1910.
MIR. w. l.. GARRISON
Dear Sir-Hsrewith | attempt the dis
charge of duty, 10 which | doubt not
that l am led by the dictates of an en-
lightened conscience, and by the inlu-
ences of the Spirit of God. have been
led, of late, to look over my past life, and
to inquire what | would think of past feel.
ings and actions, were TO behold Jesus
Christ in the clouds of heaven, coming
TO Judge the world, and TO establish His
reign Of holiness and righteousness. and
blessedness, over the pure in heart. From
such an examination Of my past life, |
! find very much, even in what have re-
garded as my best actions, deeply 10 de-
plore; but especially do find occasion
for shame, and sef-loathing and deep hu-
initiation before God and man, when |
see in what multiplied instances the rul-
ing motive of my conduct has been a de-
sire 10 please men, for the sake of their
good opinion. In seeking the promotion
Of good objects, have often acted with
this in view; but feel bouad in duty 10
say to you, sir, that to gain the good will
of man was the only object bad in view,
in every thing which did relative to GER
tain writings called " Clerical Appeal"
| cannot say that was conscious at the
time, certainly no: as.lui'y as | am now,
that this was the motive by which | was
acLuated; but as | now look back upon it,
in !he light in which it has Of late been
spread before my mind, as doubt not By
the spirit of God, can clearly see that,
in all that matter, L had no true regard
for the glory Of God, or the good of man
| can see nothing better in it, than q self
lsh and most wicked desire to gain there
by the good opinion of such men as
supposed would be pleased by such move
ments; while [ can clearly see, that ]
did not consult the will OF God, or the
good of my fellow men. in the least, and
did indulge toward yourself and others,
and toward principles which now see
| TO be according to truth, feelings which
both my conscience and my heart now
condemn; which l know holy God
never can approve; and which | rejoice
to think He never will approve.
send you this communication, because
my conscience and my heart lead me 10
do it; because think the truth and the
5 spirit of God approve it, and influence NE
: TO do it; and not because expect CT wish
| thereby to secure the applause of man, OIL
even to regain any good will of mar
which may have lost, by actions which
| now wholly disapprove. trust have
learned higher principles of action 4
J, least, know must learn them, or be il
= fearful circumstances in that day wher
Y "every tree that bringeth not forth GOOD
: fruit must be hewn down, and cast into
the fire."
The acknowledgment which | now
make, l expect to approve when appeal
before God with my fnal account : and
this is reason enough to induce me t,
make it. believe ii is according 10 tn,
will of God, and that will fully approve
You are at liberty. sir to do with
), what you please. 1t God can be honor
:, ed, and good done thereby, would IiA,
4 that the confession make be as public as
f the sin [ committed [ believe that
!, should do what now have done, if
knew should be despiseG for it by tn,
=, whole world. There is one by me whc
searches my heart, and there is a iudg
ment seat before me, where | must stand
4 There is, also, despised cast out, ant
4 crucltied Savior, who was none other thar
D God maifest in the fesh," whom | wish
to please and honor. If you can make
any use Of this communication, that yor
think will be an honor to Him. or a Ser
vice to the cause of truth, dispose of i
at your pleasure.
The Lord Strengthen
! .r.... you to do His will.
~