Eastern times., 1855-12-06
w We commend the following to the care

sides over the columns of the Christian Mir-
ror, for his straightforward course in preach
ing the gospel through his columns, rather
than the fanatical politics of the present day.
Efforts have all along been made by his pro-
fessed brethren OF the "fast Christianity"
school, 10 break him down, and here is an at
tempt in new direction but, bless God,
their poisonous shafts cannot hurt him. Let
him but look to the mountain of Gods holi-
ness, as he no doubt does by the eye of faith,
and he will see that ssihose that are with him
are more Than those that are against him. )"
He will come out from this fire of persecution
and abuse like pure gold, doubly tried =
The Maine Congregationalist"
Is the title.of new religious paper, soon to
| be published, either in this city or FoltIand,
/ in which Rev. S. G. Fessenden, OF hocSiand,
appears TO be the moving spirit lie mas re-
signed his pastoral charge at Rockland, In Or
der TO give his labors 10 the new enterprise
4 1t is unnecessary to mention, that this project
has crown out of disaffection existing in
many minds, more or less tinctured with the
radcalisms OF the day, towards the Christian
Mirror, for so many years, and still, the or
gan os Congregationalism in Maine. For the
harmonious adjustment of the differences so
long in agitation, Father Cummings made pro-
posals for transferring the Mirror into the
hands of committee, representing the Con-
gregational Churches of the State, and it was
supposed the offer would be accepted, and the
terms met. But nothing was done, and now
new device has been originated, whose direct
or ba nrd
in the church 1t is 10 be regretted that such
an enterprise is 10 be inauguraied in this State,
and the responsibility mus rest, wnere it be-
longs-upon those who seek to make religious
newspapers, the vehicles of matters outside of
pure and undefled religion-the mouth-piece
Of Improbable discussion ofpolitical questions.
From the antecedents of some of the gentle
men engaged in the newspaper, we have no
doubt as Ia the tone into which it will lapse.
Great efforts have been made in canvassing
for this paper, to obtain influential names of
such as we suppose do not sympathlze with 1t,
in order TO give it the appearance of not being
antagonistic to the Mirror. But if it were
not, its establishment is as unnecessary as the
/ setting Of two distinct tables in one family
Outside Of the names of the Professors of the
| Theological Seminary, and one or two clergy
men, the rank and file of the subscribers in
this city. shows plainly what sort of paper
is desired, and if il is not as we have intimat-
ed, we think we are not less deceived in the
intention of the prime moving spirits, than the
BODY of subscribers in this city will be dsap-
pointed
A pastor of one of the first churches in the
State, having received the circular, asking his
sympathy and cooperation in the new move
ment. replies at length in the Christian Mir
ror, from which we quote. The circular is
signed BY Rev. S. c. Fessenden -
DEAR SIR Il must decline any participa-
ton in such a movement.
If not conceived in sin and brought forth in
iniquitv,' il has bad look, and | am afraid of
its temper and tone.
1t auqurs no good TO Congregationalism in
Maine, forebodes i'll 10 the cause of Christ
indeed, it looks very much like frebrand
thrown among the churches, and think from
the heat it will engender,; and the unholy
flames it will kindle. see in it division and
stlife.
A religious paper already exists in the
State, as the organ of the congregational
church in Maine.
1t has been religious paper-its work
religious one, and it has done in Maine great
and good work, which after years will own
and bless.
lis venerable editor has given to its col
umns the best of his years, devoted TO 1t the
choicest of his energies and though there is
frost in his veins and snow on his brow, his
intellectual strength is fresh, and his theology
pure and invigorating.
The Mirror which have read has laid its
L. ,..l rxtIth
no gentle touch it has dealt with these sins
severely after the manner of Christ and his
apostles.
But when demagogues have introduced
philanthropy, in which was no care of Chris
iianily and made it the rallyiug point of NOR
ais and religion, the Mirror has exposed its
rotienness, and laid bare its fallaces; it has
done this, however, mot in such manner
as apprehend-'as to give occasion for say
ing that the paper had partizan character
1t has simply, faithfully spoken, warned of
politco-christianii false in its spirit, and dis
astrous in lis results.
cannot favor your enterprise from the look
of disingenuousness it wears. The Mirror
has given fair opportunity for compromise and
purchase. You and men Of like kidney, have
held yourselves aloof from such arrangement
and the action Of. yourself more recently, in
the eastern portion of the State, in soliciting
subscriptions for new paper, savors too much
OF maneuvre and intrigue. 1t has been lack
ing in openness and fairness TO the Mirror.
1t has still another aspect-looking as
though you were willing and rather anxious
than otherwise, TO be disturber Of the church
/ eS.
This movement, in which you have taken
the initiative, will cause divisions and offenc
es brethren will be alenated, and separations
be effected where brotherly love should con-
tinue, and an unbroken front be presented.
That will be sad day for the Congregation
al Church of Maine, when The Maine Con-
gregationaist' shall ask thei- patronage and
commence its crusade. Jealousies will then
be rife, and an ecclesiastical war will then be
opened from which no good will accrue, save
only in that Providence by which the wrath of
man is made TO praise God.
| cannot, therefore, favorably respond to
your call; nor can bid you God speed in my
parish.
If l have written plainly, it has been from
no bitterness towards yourself, but from the
consciousness that the thing you have taken
in hand is all wrong and with the sincere
hope. that, like the counsel of Ahithophel, il
NAV be turned into foolshness.
am yours, in sadness, CLERICUs.
The Mirror, in its comments on the above,