Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-07-20
Reliaiolls.
TCOMMUNICATI'E.ID[l.. :

AN ALLEGATION" The deeds of the Unre.
generate, though in themselves good are not accep-
taDle, as matter of obedience in the SIGHT OF
God!'' '-i0 ''Si' u
strictly speaking there are but two religions
Ia u the word-the religion of Faith and the re-
hgion OF Works. A righteousness by faith; and
righteousness of works. Truth and error are
arrayed under these two sentiments.
1. How the unregenerate themselves are apt
to esteem their good deeds.
l. Those of this class who are instructed in
ttle truths of the gospel--who have been accus-
TONED, Intellectually to feel respect for the Cos
pei ana Tor Its ordinances, do not profess to I'M
derstand, that their good deeds alone will secure
heaven. That is, thev suppose there is some.
thing necessary, beside good works. to give them
standing with God. Good works, which. in
the general, range under acts of common hon
esty, uprightness of DEAL liberality to the poor,
generosity to all, and kindness and amiabeness
OF character-they esteem as being indispensa-
Die, and as being the true test of virtue; and upon
these they feel very prone to fall back with sat
lsfaction, when any doubt arises in their minds
IN regard to their finally reaching heaven
Ihelr good works, or what they deem virtuous
deeds, are to them, what a reserved corps of
troops Is to an army in battle-if they do not
fairly succeed in the onset, they can call up that
which is in reserve. That is, they feel, that a
life of good works cannot fail to insure for them
some merit, though the way of final salvation is
not fully defined in their minds There is, how
ever, another class of persons, less informed in
regard to gospel truth, or who have adopted false
notions in respect to the way of salvation, who
rely upon their good deeds wholly for a virtuous
character. Their works become to them mat
ter of deserving. They found their claims upon
10 loir Il ~ a.,
matter of their righteousness, and, virtually say
in the language of scripture, lord, Lord, have
we not prophcsied in thy name? and in thy
name have cast out devils, and in thy name have
d)le many wonderful works?" Or in the words
of the Apostle, " Being ignorant of the righte
eousness OF God, they 90 about to establish their
o vn righteousness. Just as though works,
could create character. Now works. may be
the exponent of character, they may declare what
an individuals character is, but certainly can
II yer form it. They may be the oriy test within
our reach, of what mans character is, but by
no means can enter into the formation OF cha
ractcr! That must be obvious to every one, as
must also the fact, that an act or acts, in given
Case, may not truly represent the character of
the man. The precaiiing fruits of an individu-
ais life, certainly rereal his character, so far as
it is possible for us TO know it, but a series of
acts, does motor may not. We perceive,
therefore, how il is. that mankind satisfy them
selves with their works; and should we not add,
deceire themselves, Not submitting them
selves to the righteousness of God"
3 The unregenerate look upon such acts as
being right and they have in such cases a de-
sire to do right 1t is not to be denied that there
are many unrcgenerate persons who feel desire
t. do ri9h', and who aim to do right in the gem
q in nj 6irp pf A
husbands, wives, friends, children or citizens
they aim 10 do right in the main, in the several
relations of life. They regard the claims of
c. mmon justice, are mercilul and kind; are reg
ular supporters OF the gospel, and are for main
tanning good order III society. They have no
sympathy, or companionship, with the ungodly
and the vie; the scoffers, and contemners of the
good and virtuous. They are excellent citizens,
and trusty men-honorable and NOBLE and anna
bic in all their intercourse, despising meanness,
and unlairness. These are their acorks and
they perform them, because they desire TO do
right. They look upon such acts as being best,
as well rs right for themselves, aud others
They know that all history reveals honesty, to
be the best policy, and that no course of niquity
is consistent with an Intelligent, and virtuous
character They feel under obligations to be
found on the side of right because lis best, and
eNI e lent: and where they do otherwise, con-
science would harrass them, and accuse them,
and they would lose their self respect.
Moreover; they feel as though God could not
diSdpJrore a right action-and infer consequent
" that he must be pleased with their conduct
thus far. They enquire, in the spirit of the pas
sage already quoted, 'Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy namc," &c. Are not these
works to have any Inerit, at the day of judg-
ment? Has all this been done by me, and still
no account to be made of it in the final adjudica-
ZION of my case! Is there nothing intrinsically
good, in a good deed? Thus all all along through
life, they are anxious to satisfy conscience, that
their works are of such character, that God
must feel favorably toward them. We are not
christians, say they. in that sense that you or
thodox people define christianity: but then 1t is
unreasonable to suppose, that God will not re-
card our case favorably, in view OF what we
have done, and give us some credit, that will at
least mitigate, ii not change, our hnai DOOM
They really feel as though that which they had
done, was good and useful, and that there must
some merit accrue to them through their works.
This is essentially the error, so far as doctrine
is concerned of the Papal religion and many,
very many who do not avow that religion, but
indeed condemn it. are substantially on this point,
on the same ground! The error does not con-
sst in the fact, that good decd is in itself
GOOD: but in the estimate which the unregener-
ate person places on it, as furnishing him
righteousness or an acceptance with God.
We shall next consider the true character of
the good deeds performed by the Unregenerate.
JUS.