Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1859-12-02
rrIn mEssENeEn PIoUsl

tnefe were one OF Two thlngs ABOVE ils w
pacity. But were mistaken. The Messen-
geris snot only impudeut, blatant, mendacious,
boastful, beerisb, liquorish and locofocoisb,
but, it is also pious This latter quality
has hitherto been hidden from public view.
But the Messenger has doubtless read that
its light should not be hid under a bushel
or under bed; and its piety has suddenly
blazed forth with brilliancy that excites at
once the astonishment and admiration of
the public. Behold its zeal for the Church
Of God Jehu, the son of Nimshi who
drove furiously, was a slow coach in compar-
ison. We do not propose for moment to
call in question the piety of the Messenger.
That is now clear to all beholders. He
who runs may read, and a wayfaring man
though fool, need not err in regard to it,.
But with n deep sense of our inferior at
tainments in godliness; and in the most del
icate manner possible, We wish to enquire
whether the Messenger in its zeal for the
Church, has not mistaken the facts upon
which it POUNDS its exhortation? We are
aware that in proposing this question it be-
comes us to speak with exceeding modesty
and humility, and We do so. The obliga-
ton to be humble is much increased by the
consideration that the article in which the
piety of the Messenger is so clearly set
forth, was written by neophyte of the
Methodist Church. His piety is of that
cast which runs to seed in single season.
Its yield is not thirty or sixty, buta hundred
fold, and its value can only be estimated by
knowing the quality of the soil which pro
duces it. This Gamalial of six months
growth, running about with the she'll still
on his head, can teach ministers, elders and
bishops 1t i'll becomes such sinners as VIC
are to speak with too much positiveness in
presence of such eminent piety as this
And we do not. Stillwe are sorely troubled
with doubts lest the eminent piety above
mentioned has mistaken the facts which
have called it forth. We ask, then, and we
trust we do it with becoming modesty-
1st Was not John Wesley, the founder
of the Methodist Church9 We arc open
to conviction, but have always understood
that he was.
I'd. Did be not pronounce the enslaving
of human beings "the sum of all yilainies."
Sd. Was not rule, forbidding absolutely
The reception of slaveholding members into
the Methodist Church, part of its funda-
mental law9
4th. If these are facts, can we wonder
that the Methodist Church should be some
what opposed to Slavery!
5th. Has it not been the uniform decla-
alton of the Presbyterian Church (see act
md testimony of lsls,) that the buying
md selling of human beings is an offence
against the law of God, and deserving the
severest condemnation of His Church.
9th. Is it then so strange thateven Pres
byterians should also be somewhat ant-sla-
very!
7tb. But is there not in the facts in re-
gard to American Slavery enough to justify
his hostile attitude toward that institution
Cannot the master or any white man COM
nit any crime whatever against the person
9f slave, and laugh at all law, if only
slaves have witnessed the act9 Isit not the
legal right of the master, if he choose, To-
separate husband and wife, parent and
child9 Is not every slave woman deprived
Of all legal protection against the lust or
of any white man9 Are not these
parts of the system of American Slavery as
it stands written in the books of lawl If
these things are true, and they most assu-
redly are, is it so strange that the Church
of God should strive to be rid of such
crime and shamel
As we said before, we suggest these ques-
tons with much modesty. 1t may be that
the separation of families, and tho subjuga-
ton of helpless women to brutal men, is
consistent with the full development of
Christian graces. Still we in our sins and
darkness have not been able to see it. Per
haps the matter is all clear in the light of
the Messengers superior piety. We have
been so stupid hitherto, as to believe that
at least the Church of God ought not to
sanction, but to condemn system which
rends asunder all human relations, and
makes the chastity of women a marketable
article. But as we said before, we are open
to conviction, and shall anxiously wait for
the final settlement of all these points which
the high-toned piety of the Messenger will
enable it to give. If we might presume a
little farther, we would suggest to our devout
brother that there is kind of devil which
goeth not out except by fasting and prayer.
We trust these duties will not be forgotten
before the Messenger puts forth its final de-
cision. And just one thing more. Would
not decent regard for the rules of gram
mar add lustre, if that is possible, even to
the piety of the Messengerg
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