Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1843-04-19
More Church Government.
ANXIOUS.

moro CnurCh Governments
The narrative below exhibits fine specimen OF
the poacer the church, built on modern theology,
yields where 1t can. And from the use it does
make of as much power as it has, we may fairly
infer what it tcould do with whatever power II
could get. If it will use the brute force it pos
sesses, to drive free discusson from church
meeting, it would use the same force, if it could
get enough of it, to drive free discussion out ot
the world. Why not? And why should it not
At least, why should it not be expected so 10 do?
Free discussion is It's greatest enemy. And brute
violence is its only means of defense. For truth
and reason il has not. And what is there left but
| animal force? This Blood who mobbed down
brother Stafford in the church meeting, is the
same individual who mobbed me down., in like
way, during my discussion with st. Clair This
obacco-eating priest and church are the same ones
exposed in the Telegraph, year or two since, by
one Of their members. And this brother Seaver
whom they have now thrust out from among them
J is the same individual who exposed them. They
have treated him as their enemy, because he
faithfully told them and others the truth. All
who are acquainted with the case, know that
these two brethren have been expelled for their
purity and faithfulness. Let them rejoice at their
deliverance from bondage and corruption.
Brother Murray IF you should deem
any fthe following thoughts Of impor-
lance to the cause of truth and humanity,
you are at liberty to insert them in your
truly valuable paper.
About three years since | became unu,
suaIly DESTROYS to know the truth as it is
in Jesus" There was a conviction on
my mind that some of the points in the
religious creed 10 which had subscribed,
and the practices ofthcse that claim to b.
orthodox, were not in accordance with
theteachings OF Jesus. bpganlhe search
of truth for myself Aud such was the
kconvictlon upon NY mind that God would
give me understanding, that there was no,
doubt left but that Should have all that
| desired Of him. | felt immortal long
ings." | hungrtd and ,hirsted after
righteousness" | knew that should b.
filled. In this state of mind began 1e
search for truth. Soon conviction rested
upon my mind more powerfully than ev
er, that many of those who professed
christianity were in many of thei: prac
tees virtually rejecting it. | sought tc
know what christianity Was. | soon
eound that it was an inward affection, in
stead Of an outward profession. A life 20
be llved, instead of life Of belief Tha,
love 10 God and man is more than al
whole burnt offerings and sacrfces-o
all the vocal praying that has been Offer
ed by pharisees ancient or modern O
sabbath day keeping and performances =
or all the ordinances observed BY Calho
lie or Protestant, since their dtpartur
from the simplicity of the gospel T
: "be rooted and grounded in love-" is t
feel an abiding influence within, whic
does not need 10 be revived for il remain
there, living principle, "a we'll OF wa
ter springing up into everlasting life.
It does not need that cross be cree ed If
room, or at the corners of the streets, 1
remind US Of duties to God. Il does 90
need priest 10 cite US, one day in sever
, TO our obligations 10 God and man.
does not grow cold and dull, and need t
be warmed by going to prayer or confer
ence meetings-or enlivened by hayin,
the mlnlster paint in glowing colors tn
, sufterings of Savior. No. The sou
rooted and grounded in love is able t
mprehend with all saints what is tn
breadth, and length, and depth, and height
and to know the love of Christ, whic
! passeth knowledge; aud to be filled wit
: all the fulness of God He abides i
t Christ from whom be receives life, a
: surely as the branch does from the vine.
After my mind had discovered thes
truths, | was led to apply them to civ
:, Institutions in this "land of liberty"
had seen, however, before this, somelhin;
/ Of the sin Of American slavery; but no,
$ | saw that life, and the pursuit. of happi
D ness were inal;enable rights as well a
liberty. saw thar life and the pursu