Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-12-15


OPP FELLOWS, &c-The associations
called by this name have distributed in
charity during the last year S1s,55l in
six States of the Union. OF this sun
Slo,844,05 have been dispensed in the
State of New York: ...-. .~.
Notwithstanding this liberality, we have
our doubts of the proprieiy Of Christians
uniting in secret associations with men of
the world. 10 fact we have strong obiec-
tions to alt secret societies and, in spite
of the obvious benefts resulting from the
union of Christians aud worldly men in
many Of the modern schemes of benevol-
ence, we candidiy confess that our appre-
tensions of dang have never been en-
lirely overcome. We rejoice at the pres
ent good, we tremble at the possible con-
sequences. .~. -.
We can easily imagine the Joy that
dlated many an honest heart when the
| court OF Constantine assumed the forms of
| Christianity and united with the Church.
No doubt wide door was for the time
! opened for the fartherance OF the truth,
but the same door let in a tide Of corruption
upon the protested people of God So our
temperance and Other benevolent societies
are doing vast deal of good; but Chris
tians who dni.e in them must watch close
ly that they be not drawn into it. Some
of these societies are beginning 10 occupy
the evening of Lords day with their reg
ular meetings. Christians instead of at
tending the regular services of the church
es with which they are connected, assem-
bIelo listen to ungodIy men discoursing
upon the blessings of temperance. The
relation ofexperience ia temperance ac-
CON panied with numerous description and
amusing anecdote, takes the place of the
Christian conference and prayer meeting.
Let Us not be misunderstood We wish
no one TO abandon the temperance cause,
or any other good enterprise rather let
every one redou5le his efforts for their ad:
vancement. But let Christians be on their
guard, Let them protest against the
slightest concession Of religious principle.
The occupation of the Lords day in tenn
perance meetings is a lowering of a stand
ard. The assimilation Of the modes ol
+ proceeding in such meetings to the exer.
| cises of the pious, is at least doubtful in its
tendency. We a!lude to the holding o
experience meetings by worldly men,
We don't like the term, as it seems to b,
: in imitation of such meetings among Chris
tians. Ifali who love the Lord are on theiI
guard and faithfully discharge their duty
the danger is small; butif all believe tina
there is no danger, and that they can
freely associate with the world. and need
ne special watcbfulness, The worlt
may become temperate, but the Church
will be ruined, -Bapt. Adroeats.
I MARKS.
To- all "secret associations - and combin'
ations, entered into by "men Of the world,
t or protesting "Christians,n Or both, an
: entirely opposed. Masonry alone, in it,
/, practical workings, is sufficient demonstra
/, tion of their mischievous tendencies. Ma
; sonry is said to have been well intended il
its inception. It always made stout pro
fessions of benevolence. But it came on
10 the end, and showed itself to be, an enc
my to truth, fair dealing, liberty, and lift
: Such must be the inevitable tendencies Q
, all secret combinations, however good tn
; intentions of their projectors.
0 Bot my principal object in noticing tn
n foregoing paragraphs is, TO show the Edite
of the Baptist Advocate his own inconsi
teneies, and call on him for radical re
. ormation, He warns protesting christian
against the dangerous tendencies of unitiu
with " men of the aoorld," in moral reform
ations, while be himself stands conDecte
l. and associated with thiepes and robbers
St religious, enterprises. only call his a
S. tentiou 10 tue point.
at
l For the KernOat Telegraph
;" TEMPERANCE ROUSE.