New-York daily tribune., 1843-07-27
For the Naw-York Tribune.
rrna,Is


1t Is q circumstance much noticed by the op-
ponents Of Christianity. that Notwithstanding
there is an evident design, there should be but
one faith, one doctrine in the New Testament,
yet ever since its PRONUNCIATION, there have been
many systems of faith and many forms of doc
trine, received by the Christian world. Upon
due reflection, however, this will not appear sin
gular, when we consider the various and desul-
tory nature Of the mind of man. The wonderful
and far-reaching power of the human intellect, is
an eInanation from the Divine Nature and unless
it had scope, variety and originality of concep
tion would be untitled for the life that now is,
or that which is to come.
The very restlessncss of the mind, It's unquet
state, its longing after Immortality, mark its i'm
penetrable character, and it is not strange it
should try every aycnne to knowledge, test every
ground Of hope, and study every principle of ac-
ton. This peculiarly has Kept alive from age to
age its interest in religious matters, and renewed
its inquiries after truth and its search after hap
piness.
But after all, the fundamental truths of rc-
gion adopted by nearly all classes of Chris
tians. The moral duties of man arc distinctly
laid down, and in all that regards our conduct
toward God and man, in the cultivation of obc-
dience to his commands and Of love to the human
species, there is scarcely a point which is not
distinctly understood, and may not be safely ad-
mittcd
The great difficulty Of creeds is in their Meta
.l.e. 10,
with common sense, in their discussions of alb
sractions, and in the attempt to connect the pal
pable with the obscure Most sects believe
in the necessity Of BAPTISM but the manner
the effects, and the character of the recipi-
ents, have opened wide field Of controvcr-
sy. Most persons believe that some one dav
Of public worship and rest from secular business
Is set apart by divine command, but there has
been much argument whether it should be the
first or the seventh day of the week. All believe
in the prOprlcty and necessity of a visible church,
but where that church is and what is the evidence
of its authenticity is still open question:
Many claim TO have it with themselves, but many
others deny that ii belongs to any one peculiar
and exclusive organization. The truth is these
differences never can be settled in this world and
controversy never Will end in unanimitv on these
subjects. 1t is not, in our judgement, therefore,
a matter which should be considered of the in
tense importance with which some regard it. Ii
is very certain there have been multitudes of
pious and devout men in all times and ages in
all churches and countries, who have differed
honestly on these points, and yet have been shin
ing lights in their day and generation.
We arc struck with the remarkable fact, that
in this most intelligent and enlightened period of
IL.
advancing in Improvement when the mind has
so much liberty when there is such an increased
comfort IN the general condition of mankind,
there should be on religious matters such ten
dcncy to 90 back to periods of great intellectual
darkness to find standards Of religious belief
Amidst all the confusion Of nations and Ian
guages and crecds, we have still clear indispu-
table record of unimpcachable verify, intended
for every mans enlightenment, and appealing to
every mans conscience against the commission
of sin. OF what use is it to impair its force by
demanding for it explanations founded on the
opinions OF mere men like ourselves, and no more
capable Of Judging of its obligations than we
are? There is enough in it TO direct every mans
conduct, TO insure every mans happiness, to
form every mans character. Why waste its
refreshing springs by attempting to divert them
into a multitude Of channels, dug out by human
hands, as caprice or fancy has dictated 4?
If person honestly dlsbecvcs its truth, so be
it. 1t is for himself 10 Judge. "Let every man
be persuaded in his own mind.' Thus says the
Scripture and 10 it we respond hearty amen.-
But are not lheo!ogians aware that in raising up
question after question about the outward church
and what are its dogmas of doctrine or of prac-
tice, they are turning away men minds from the
consideration of their obligations to perform the
every day and the indispensable duties of life, to
amuse themselves with speculation, when they
should be engaged in duty Why draw the re-
ligious world into discussion, when the Golden
rule is so much more important? Why seek
opinions from lalliblc men, when that which is
most clear and obvious requires inculcation and
cnforcmccnt when no one disputes the source from
whence the preccpts come, or can deny their ne
cessity, if we would be at peace with onr neig gh-
bo-s and ourselves?
Let us have more practice and less theory, and
| let US remember wehave no excuse for neglectng
the plain directions of the word of God. What
is not clear is not and cannot be essential to sal
vatlon. y.
IRELAND. IRELAND.
SECOND EDITION.
A MEMOIR ON IRELAND, NAIlVEA AND SAXON.
By DANIEL O'CoyNEiL, NJ P.
With Likeness Of The .4ithor. Price p Cents
,,hf nY0