The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-04-01
WAsu1NGToN, Feb. 2lst, 1859.

| WAsnINGToH, Feb. 21st, 1859.
To tie Editor oftAe Christian 1drocute ::
| have read with much surprise and grca,
regret, in the Advocate of the 3rd inst, Mr.
Cradles letter and your comment son the
religious views OF John G. Calhoun"
You say "if Christian crecdls are curses to
the country, why did not Mr.. Calhoun open
ly and bodily display his opposition to them
lis MIR. Cralle has done 2" And again you
say: "Was it profound policy, and conse-
quenty the most culpable dishonesty, that
caused him to conceal his religious opin-
ions" And again you say: 1T may be
replied, that Mr.. Calhoun interfered with no
mans religious opinions. Granted but
Mr.. Cralc has done it for him.
beg yon to read Mr.. Cradles letter again.
and am sure that, when you do so, you
will sec that Mr.. Crallc does not pretend to
say what Mr.. Calhoun's religious opinions
were. Mr.. Cr;'lIe is Sweedenhorgian, an en-
thusiast, and in what he says Of others,
speaks for himself anil not for Mr.. Calhoun.
Ills disparagement Of other religious sects
and their creetls is his own, not Mr.. Cal
houn's. Indeed, he himself gives the most
palpable contradiction to the Inference which
you have drawn, as well rs his own unchar-
itabcncss by quoting, as applicable to Mr..
Calhoun, "the language employed by the bi
ographer of Charles James Fox,"t to wit -
Though Mr.. Fox was no formal relieionist
yet the essence Of religion, which centres in
charity, was the predominant sensation Of
his heart. lfreligion consists in doing to
others as we would they should do unto us
(-if it has any connection with holy en-
deavor to preserve peace on earth and good
will among men-then we will venture to say
that Mr.. Fox who never made any show of
religion. was, in fact, one of the most reIi-
gious men of the age"
This is the description of Mr.. Cahoun's
religion, as given by Mr.. CraIle, and for the
truth of which, after the most intimate and
confidential relations with him on this
and all other subjects Of a personal charac-
ter for many years. venture to bear wit.
ness and 10 say, that no one ever heard him
utter one word to justify the language used
by Mr.. Cralle, in the preceding part of
his letter, when he speaks for himself, and
not for Mr.. Calhoun. on the tenets and creeds
of Christian Churches.
repeat, that for many years my rela-
tions to Mr.. Calhoun were most intimate
and confidential that his conversations with
me were unreserved, and that do not rec.
olect, nor do believe, that he ever at anv
time uttered word or expressed an opinion
that could be,utored into acquiescence wit b
the views or opinion, indicated by NJ. Cradles
comments on the creels of those Christians
who do not belong to the New Church." or
Sweedenborgian.
| have seen no man in or out Of the
Church more sensitive to public opinion
than Mr.. Calhoun. He believed that it was
not enough to do right. lie wished to a.
void the appearance of doing wrong With
him religion was a reality between him and
his God. He was unwilling that his re!i,
gious opinions shonld become the suhirt.:
ofvulgar comment. No man is perfect, and
this may have been weakness. All who
have the honor Of his intimate acquaintance
know, that in his private conversations, he
spoke Of the Old aud new Testament as the
revealed word of God, and that bis most
forcible illustrations of the principles Of civ.
: il Government were deducel, from the Bi.
ble, as the surest and best guide Of human
actions. ~ ..
repeat, that Mr.. Cralls is an enthusiast,
! in all matters pertaining to bis Church. In
his conyerstionswi,h me be had said, more
than once, was believer, and ought te
be member of the s'New Church." 1t /.
no matter Of surprise that in the frequent
conversations held with Mr., Calhoun, and
in the respect and confidence, mutual be
tweer, them, Mr., Crslie should psrsuad'
8 himself that Mr.. Calhoun woSid, fine coule
be induced to examine their creed, prefs
. fthe,.New ChlreR te all others. issao
1 for ms6 TO jddge,hisI Isilow, nj Calhoun ~aa.
i not 20 fsr as I do knoy, . nembst Of aa!
J. Church bat know, that during my loal
; ana intimate acauintapce With him. be neg
Z Z sr inmy pssseaee, uttered avord taste g 4 ais