Columbus Whig. (Columbus, Miss.) 1843-18??, 1844-03-07
RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSIES & PULPIT
DIES ECRATIONS.

The editor Of the New York Herald, in no
ticing the long protracted correspondence be
tween, DR.. Potts, Presbyterian and DR.. Vain
sight, (EpiscoPalian) preparatory and PrelimIn
airy to theological discussion, in his usua
graphic severity, Aays these two pompous. pi
Gus combatants. most cleverly. Afler many let
ters, written and published by these gentlemen
| for the amusement of some portion of the citi
zens ofthe east, and the great annoyance ofoth
| ers, DIR. Potts proposes the following questions
as the subjects of discussion between them.
What is the Church
What Is the Catholicity Of the Church 2
What is a Bishop?
The editor of the Herald very justly remarks
that so far as the present condition and future
welfare Of the human race, can be effected. these
learned and gladiatorial divines, would have
done as well to have debated the following oues
tions:
What is an oyster
What is the longevity of an oyster Z
What is a soft crab7
If the great multitude of christian demagogues
men eyery where do, how deserving, is this sa-
tire of the editor Of the Herald, they perhaps,
might learn prudence and moderation, and be-
come teache-s of peace and glad tieings TO the
world, instead of being the casters OF hre-orands
into the heart of society.
The pulpit ofthe present day, is becoming the
source of corruption, in place of being the fot'n
tain Of purity, refinement and benevolence.-
Nothing Is more common, than to hear from the
mouths of these selfappointed and self-anointed
preachers, the most scurrilous and offensive cpl
thets. and low and obscene vugarisms.
A spirit of fierce prescription, prompted by
lawless se5.csfeem. and desire TO gIuttOnixe up-
on character, seem to be the ruling passions of
these lllibsral, unworthy and contemotibIe de-
nouncers. No man or womanof refinement can.
listen to such abusive harangues, without dete> |
Iioatlng in morals and elevation of sentiment
The children that are raised u:der such min. |
istration, will never become worthy members of
society. unless their natural organization and
family discipline should enable them, to resist
the corruPting and odious example ofGheir teach
ers The sons will be slanderuus, abusive and
loellous wranglers, while tho daughters. in their
family relationships will be incofrigibie scolds.
and IN society, feminine despofs and terma aants'
IL however. the ministry, ehonld perform the
'ame enno6Tihg, modifying and winning duties
owards society, as did their great exemplar, the
church on the Sabbath day, would be the most
pleasing and delightful place. 10 which the good
could 60.
During the week, in the engagements of com
non lite. there are thousands of misgivin9s cre>
ted. that should find in the place of worshin. ON
ne sabbath an oblivious tomb. Here we should
Q taught. and here feel it to be duty. and a
rlvllege TO forgive one another, as Christ for
ives uss
Here should a universal love and benevolence Ii
Q engendered, and firm resolve mad.. to he
ONE the subjects of all the kindly christian.I I
races. :
Every man and woman, If taught in the spir. 4
IN winch Christ addressed his countrymen.
QUO oe the better for having attended church | .
oaooath : but under the present mode OF con. | G
Ocef1ang, land now most of the preaching 10 |, q
.ntrOversiall the congregation leave the House 4
the Lord. as they presume to call it, with their
'eJudices increased and confirmed and theirl
lssions ndamed.
II Is the man Of suayity. kindness, lberalitv. =
'nerosity, benevolence, and great humility ~ s,
iriL ana rectitUde Of conduct only, who can aa :,
teacner, exercise any beneficial influence moor Il
e moral and noble nature Of ulan., Il,
= y 70 Dc hoped that tho community will. neA I'm
. sucn men, Tor their instructors in 4,
UNI apartment OF human knowledge. q,