Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-08-08
For the l,alIndlum

Msssrs. Ediiors:-Self de fence is said to be
"the first law of nature" acting under this be-
lief I have determined to make short de fence
Of what said in a former article, and brief
reply TO an article which appeared in your last
over the signature Of "MeIanc thon." l was
happy to learn from your correspondent-that
was laboring under n mistake as to the "point
Of eminence.'' l had thought it
allied position in society: but l now suppose
il 10 be some rocky hill or stony procipice where
this gentleman sits wrapped up in conscious dig
nifty making the great discoveries-that the
church is entirely pure. and the ministry doing
its whole duty. Your corresponds mt says: "he
was no. little astonised to hear me say" that
the chsrch permits its members to make, buy,
sell, and use spurious liquors as beverage
that member Of the church may destroy the
lives of citizens, and disturb the harmony and |,
good order of society, Che should have added, |
~ IN saie,) and yet be regarded as faithful
member, and no law could be found in any Of
the articles Of the church to punish him. stat !
ed these facts in my former article, and notw it'll
standing ''Alelanc thons astonishment'' l still
reterate them in the present; for establishment
does not destroy facts, nor surprise change the
relation Of truths. IL these statements were
facts prior to his astonishment," they still re-
main and are destined to remain cli SO long
As the ministry continue inactive Oh this subject
II am in error in this, ask him TO cor rect me-
but this can never be done by idle assertions, or
personal assumptions, it must be done Of 1t be
done at al) by the moral force of TRUTH and the
empowering effect Of facts. Any attempt to
suppress the truth, or to misquote statements,
must be regarded by all thinking minds as al
evidence of the weak ness Of the cause in which
the person is engaged. I have already shown
where your corresponde mt neglected tho doubt
Intentionally TO give my statement in full
lie will never convince this community that he
is correct by giving garbled extracts in this man
ner. lie may tell your readers for years, through
the columns Of your paper, "tliat it has as bind
ing pledge as the Washingtonians. but will
the thinking portion of community believe
it, Will they credit his statements while they
see members Of the church owning still houses,
manufacturing, buving, selling and using this
soul destroying poisonl Will they place any
reliance on his memory when after hearing him
say "the church has rules for prohibiting the use
Of Intoxicating drinks, as binding as the w ash
ingtonian pledge ITSELF" they turn TO the
tcles Of the various churches in christendom,
and find not single clause that will punish
member for either making. buying, selling, or
using moderately spirituous liquors7 That tenn
perance is an integral part Of christianity as
taught in the bible is perfectly plain; but that
the church swayed by the popular feeling Of CEN
turtles has neglected to enforce this is equally as
obvious. II however the church possesses such
a rule, not only ask, but l defy your correspon-
dent to bring il forward, lay it down, and let
the public examine it and Judge which Of us is
in error. If am wrong in what stated wish
TO be convinced Of it; but if am right, l intend
TO adhere to il.
Yours kindly,
OBSERVER.
Richmond, Ia, July Goth, lS49.