Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-01-09
DENUNCIATION.

Inyective and denunciation are weapons sell
dom to be used in a Just and good cause. 1t
is true there are occasions, when even the de-
tenders of our holy religion have to resort to
severity of language to refute iwpious attacks
made upon it; but when this unpleasant alter
native is forced upon the herald of the Cross
who is properly imbued with the spirit of his
master, it is done with all kindness and ten
derness, as the skilful and benevolent Surgeon
applies the scalpel to remove the cause OF dis
ease and suffering, So, too, it should be with
the defenders of the Order of the Sons of Tenn
perance. While we should not fear to expose
the errors of men, and the erormities OF rum
selling and ~um-drirkfng, yet We should not
seek to wound unnecessarily: or subject our
selves to the charge Of I~ntemPcrunce in Ian
guage, which is equally reprehensibIe with IN
temperance in strong drink,
All men cannot see, think and act alike /;
opinions are almost as diversified as human
countenaHces; and a due esteem for she opin-
ions of others should teach US to- regard them
with charity, and to award shem shat which
we claim for ourselreIa right to think for
hemsehses. But, while we should cheerfuily
grant this, yet we should nevertheless esteem
it our duty TO removef roEs the miIds,Of others,
errors of opinion, feeling and action. lndcing
this, however, it should be done in a spirit OF
Cancellation and friendship, for by those means
alone can the sensitive ard many mi9d be
reached. Dogmatical hectoris1R has driven
mary a man from the investigation Of a subject,
which, had It been respectfully brought to his
consideration, woald have received his unbi-
assed and honest exansinationt ia man de.
clares his opposition to She Order-if he ex-
presses his opinion that ii is founded on a
wrong principle, or that its ultimate tendency
is to effect direful consequences we shsuld
seek to convince him, by words of truth and
soberness, of the injustice of the former md
the fallacy of the latter. We should expose
to him, and court his investigation OF, the fun
damental principles of orr OrdeF-we should
seek to convince him by argument and reason
and by displaying to him its legitimate designs
and objects, convince him of the grouDdlessness
of his apprehensions and fears. By such ap.
pliances the heart as we'll rs the judgement
will be won and such proselytes will be zeal
Gus laborers in the good cause.
Some indulge in wholesale denunciations OF
parties, sects and creeds, who differ with US
on this subject. This is to be deprecated. Il
men revile US, let us not revile again, but use
honey rather than wormwood towards them
If rummies abuse, and dive into the sewers O
oPprobrium, let us not forget our own dignit,
so far as to initiate their unworthy examples
for be assured such men will be found more
than our equal in billingsgate and vitupera
ton. If Churches, in a body, or b isolated
individuals a@ssail, let us net attack their faitt
or creeds-for there is some good in all-anc
by pursuing the course towards them pointed
out for their guidance by their Divine Master
the exhibition of gentleness, kindness, Chart,
we may win them over, while a ~contrar,
course will only serve to prejudice and embit
ter them towards US forever.
In a word-let kindness, forbearance, and {
proper regard for the opinions of others, inlu
ence us in our actions towards all men. and We
shall command the esteem Of all who have
hearts to appreciate the magnanimity of such
conduct.