Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-11-15
Wsskly Stats gsntinsl.
consoientious obliauity.

We are accustomed to regard conscience as
the true and only test on those questions to
which no solution is given by inspiration or
revelation. Ii is the common medium
through which are transmitted the rays Of
natures light on unsettled theories Of moral
ity, and for the deciphering OF indistinct
codes OF moral obligation But we are fire.
quentIy at fault in determining not only its
province hut legitimacy iii sphere pecu-
liarly its own, where its sway can own no su-
perior authority. There may be an obscara-
ton Of that hight of nature, by reason Of the
imperlection Of the medium; the circumstan-
ces Of past or present time may prevent the
pure aud clear illumination of the path OF
duty, which, thus darkened, may be lost or
forsaken Moral ObIiquity may thus follow
directly from close adherence to the dictates
Of conscience, ignorant of its deviation from
the guiding pole-star of the spiritual uni
verse, presames to lead the mind on its diff
cult and dangerous course without due refe-
renee to other abiding and assisting infuen-
cess IL the navigator depended on his OBJ
servatiOns Of the compass alone, neglecting
its variation and the attendant facilities fol
certifying himself of his real position, disre-
garding the DETECTION of the nor tn star, the
declination of the sun, and the numerous
phenomena besides these which commonly
serve as advantageous means of ascertainins
his position and course, there would be little
reason to expect either safety or profit from
the voyage. Perhaps this will illustrate on
meaning, when we say that there may be al
obIiquity which is really conscientious.
Il is well known that gentlemen in Phil
adelphia has recently been imprisoned 70
contempt Of Court, in case under Judg
KANE, cor nected with the abduction Of Ger
tain slaves, which case has been set in falls
light before the people through many mis-
representing channels. 1t ought to be wei
understood that he has not been imprisone
for his acts concerping the slaves, but for
false return of the writ. He was undoubl
eddy one Of the instruments in the escape
Aot WHICH iAdhJ hafC uphCAG A4aAiA- a IA
point we do net design to discuss, as to its ex
pediency propriety. But when he viz
tually swears that he has had nothing to j
with it, coneealing part of the truth, he com
mits an offence for which he would be pun
ished in any other case just as severely. w
have no reason for calling a man a scoundre
because bis opinions differ fiom ours, but w
have a right to question the correctness o
his moral vision when his conscience lead
him into such mistakes. Assuredly, preju
dice against the doctrines Of others can neve
excuse a misleading zeal which induces
distortion of the very principles of rectitude
The case will probably find many parallel
in sentiment, il not in action, and, until tn
beam be removed which clouds the percep
tons of right and wrong in similar circum
stances, we can hardly hope for general re
lease Of the mind from the invasion Of strict
inapplieable conscientiousness, where it ougl
not to have solitary supremacy, but be mod
fed by contingencies which surround tn
naked principle.