Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1849-03-07

and since others are 10 think for us. "we
choose to adop, the authority Of an able
writer, whose work. think, is now a
textbook in our Colleges" This author
remarks tive are prepared TO understand
and 10 explain, several correct maxims,
which are in the mouths Of many persons,
but not always with just understanding
Of their import ave must not do evil
shat good may come" that ) we must not
violate a general principle, for the sake OF
any particular and immediate good conse.
1uence, which may result from such VIC.
lalion. The converse of this maxim
couched in very different. terms, is often
cited thus ",he end sanctifies The MEANS"
"a dangerous maxim, and the more so,
because men of worth and of tho best in
,enlons, having good ohjecls TO accom-
plish, have sometimes acted upon it. They
seem to have made this mistake by look.
ing so intensity at their good object. That
they did not scruinize the means by which
they propose TO attain l.. In truth there
is always an inclination to view the means
in tho favorable. light, which The end
reflects upon them. We know how apt
persons are 10 consider the course good,
which they wish to see advanced and on
The strength of this maxim they are temp
led to be unscrupulous in using any means
which they deem likely TO promote il. A
good object should be consistently advan-
ced by bad means. Moreover, we sorie-
times hear this maxim, ':ve must do our
duig Withom shrinking. and teare The con-
sequences TO God" But we have seen
that one test by which we ale to judge OF
our duty IL The consequences which may
probably 4esult from our conduct. If we
Ioresee that the consequences of parIicu-
lar line of conduct will probably be evil.
or that the evil will probably pleponderate
over The good aUe ought to abstain from
such line Of conduct.
This maxim is often used by the nex2eri-
enced, the rash, the passionate, the enthu-
siastic and the fanatical 10 Justify their con-
duct. Thus speaks moral philosopher
1t is now admitted in all christian countries
that these sources by which conscience i:
enlightened and guided are subordinate; "ant
the supreme authority which supplies theil
deficiencies is the sacred Scriptures
In arguing against the Pledge OF the SOM
Of Temperance, we are willing 10 stand Of
fall by the sacred Scriptures. For we mol
only contend, as above, that they violate set;
tied rules of political and moral philosophy
but, as moral reformers, have no countenance
from Him who is perfect. holiness and "nc
respecter of persons" In fact, they seem
to be afflicted with moral monomania. Fol
while they disclaim all pretensions to reli;
gion-they negatively allow all irnmoralities
save drunkenness, man may be a worthy
Son of Temperance-liye according 10 iti
published Constitution, be the ardent advo-
cate of this handmade of religion, as it is
called, and yet In the language Of St. Paul,
be filled with all unrig ghteousness, fotnication
wickedAess, coyetousness, righteousness; full
of envy, murder, debate, deceit, whisPerersi
backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boosters, inventors Of evil things, disobedi-
ent to parents, without understanding, cove'
-oakers-without natural affection Inn