Democratic banner., 1846-12-14

them from the post-ofice, and vthsrs being
two numbers upon the same Sheet, which ]
did not notice at frstyand as the pages were
not numbered, it caused a little confusion
and / overlooked a page OF two atsthe time;
and when Mr.. Naylor mentioned the
grounds of exceptions taken by you, told
him at once, that l did not believe he could
find a sentence in the papers not devoted
exclusively to the subject of Peace. And
when he pointed out an article on the last
lpage of number five, which lie said might
possibly be so construed; REMARKED, that
| had overlooked that page; and that | was
not 80 much surprised that exceptions had
been taken, as no explanations had been
made. .7t fact -.
The fact is, l had not been looking for
any thing except some Of the Learned
Blacksmitl's peace articles. l was not a.
ware, neither am l yet, that the Bonds Of
Brotherhood were designed to aid the Abo-
litionists-except, it might be incidentally,
by extending the principles of the Gospel
of Peace, and accelerating the day of Mil
%lenial glory that shall fill the earth with JOY
and g~ladness.
l can assure you, that the subjectof anti
slavery, never entered my mind in connec
ton with the distribution Of those papers.
| was actuated by no other motive, than
that, which governs those who pass the
soual glass from friend to friend, of afford
ing an innocent treatto others, whom | sup
posed might have the same curiosity in
knowing what was going on in the world,
that / had myself. | was pleased with the
statistical articles the papers contained,
and supposed every article to be devoted
to the subject of peace, and eminating from
the pen Of the learned Blacksmith, it new
er occurred to my mind, that | could be
ltrespsssing upon the rules of strict proprie.
ty, by distributing them in any intelligent
christian community on earth. The ac'
WAS done with as little Apprehension of Civ.
ing offence, as though had been distribu'
ting copies of the ten commandments, OIL
of the New Testament.
But, the act is done-it is done. and re-
gret it as much as yourself, or any one else,
from the fact, that it affords a favourable
opportunity for the opposers of Temper
ance, to cry, Mad Dog! Mad Dog. Adolf
tionism, Sc, &C., &c. Giving enc bigot
the power of raising a fanatical whirlwind
in twenty minutes. against Temperance So
~cieties, that one thousand reasoning men
~cannot allav in a month. But, | hope for
the best can buL believe, that the citi-
zens of your town, will forgive an innocent
'Iindiscretion, though it be, when they dis
cover their mi9take: and | will try to for
give, the black ~inputation Of coalition;
more startling than any thing that ever at
ltached to my character before, which as
imperfect as it may be, is more precious II
me, and to my family, than much gold OF
silver.
You say, thai you understand that an
quite an Abolitionist in sentiment, If NOT III
practice. If | knew, definitely your mean
ing, | would, as definitely reply. But, LEI
me assure you Sir, that what ever am IL
sentiment, | mean to be in practice. IL
sentiment, I am alaw abiding man, discour,
aging all clandestine, or illegal interference
with the rights or institutions of the people
of your State or of any other-and | trust
that such will always be my sentiments
even if the laws of your State, should fai
to protect me from indignities on the Sab
bath day.
., am not aware, that | entertain any SEN
timents, that l would not freely divulge, il
any part of our country, without the feaI
of giving offence. | willingly admit, and
glory in it, that my views, fully harmonic
with the opinions of Thomas Jefferson, up
on the subject of anti-slavery and democ
Tracy. If that be a crime, l hold mysel
accountable to the laws Of our country.
l never belonged to an Abolition Society
or to any other society; (not even a reli
lgious society," speak it not to my credit,
excepting a Wing club, and a Temperate
4 society. I profess however, like Jefferson
to be . bold and open advocate vi tree En-
n quiry; ~delighting always, to give tr"M an
. reason, a fair field.
"He that will not reason is Bigot,
n He that dare not reason is a Slave,
n And he that cannot reason is a Fool"
I look upon bigotry, as the greatest ours
that afflictS our acknowledgements
itself, not excepted.
: Allow me to close BY saying, that hop
ere long, that all who array themselves il
opposition to your society, will reap OF tn
IL