Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1843-03-08
For the Vermont Telegraph
WHO THY FRIEND.

A question often put, but variously an.
swered by different individuals. The vo-
luptuary beholds no value in another,
which will not enhance his own gratifca-
tion Animalism is his treasure, his pres
ent JOY, his future hope. His God
is himself His desires are sensual;
and whoever is considered his friead,
must bow TO his requirements, build
up his party or sect, and take every
thing for granted upon his assertion
swear allegiance-and after vows, make
no enquiry. Ofthis kind are most of the
so-called friendships of the present day.
Leaders must be time. servers and men
pleasers. Their followers submit them
selves with all servility. Tradition. ignor-
ance, bigctry and superstition must be the
cardinal rules of action, while the baser
passions and prejudic0 Of the mind must
often BE- resuscitaied & influenced 10 guard
the cause against intruders Whoever
will do all .his are esteemed of such as the
best OF frienIs, and their names will be
trumpeted as those whom he or his party
delight to honor
Similar TO the principles of the volupt-
uary, are most Of the worldly combinations.
Selfshness is predominant. The civil, the
military, the political. and professedly re-
ligious world, in most cases, are grasping
for power and influence. Each have their
methods TO forward their designs and oe
to him who dares 10 think or act aside
from their peculiar dogmas For those,
who leap ther bounds of faith or practice,
no bowels of mercy" are felt. If they
are wounded and beaten. no sympathies
are awakened either in ruler. priest or le-
vite. Only tie samaritan is found to Gloss
the wounds or mollify them with ointmeut
| All those, then, who from love Of sci
are friends, deprive our souls ofthat aspir
ing power by which we hold communior
with our God, ard Claim orr kindred witt
the heavenly throng. Fain would they
!, forge our chains and bind our letters sure
Fain would they set our bounds, 10 think
TO speak, 10 act, that they might monlc
and guide US attheir will, as tools to furth
er their designs and STAY the march o
mind 1t is most surprising that men o
letters can so demean themse,ves-blas
their immortal pects--chaiG their souls
to earth-and wed themselves to flesh ant
) sin, to gain The homage oftheir fellow man
e Corrup'ing and being corrupted. that lhey
I may float upon thetide Unpopular favor AM
thus fact declare that they are enemie
to the God of Heaven. Is be Inv friend
2 who would purloin thy purse, yet say /,
T thee be fed. be clad, and still withhold tn,
/ due2 Is he thy friend, who, when ih,
! spirit longs for Intellectual fool, shall draw
a thee back 10 those who never walk but II
: one beaten track ofages long gone by 2
9 Who brands thee as inidel for every. at
: tempt to lay aside those weights whicl
p cause the man to grovel as the worm2-
: Methinks friend would givethee all tn
$ due; aid thee in thy affection soothe th
l. sorrow of life and point thee 10 the sourc
o of blessedness aod>joy. And viii not
d friend delight TO see thee soar on high :
d take hold on Truth and learn the Eterr
n al Mind2 Bring forth the Eternal Law
l. andtraee its bearings on the mind of man
s, Will he not teach b. precept andexampl
a. that this is not thy home. and urge the
l. on BY moral suasion to greater and sti