The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-08-21

the Protestant church, does more to revive
the Christian zeal of pastors and people than
may be generally known. THIS season much
close work has been done, much future study
planned, many suggestions offered, much
absolute growth attained A literary and
scientific circle has been formed, and already
great interest has sprung up in the detailed
plan for labor in this manner. In this con-
nection letter written by the late William
Cullen Bryant to DR.. J. H. Vincent, superin-
tendent of the Chautauaua assembly, will
not be without interest, inasmuch as he so
definitely explains the purpose of such
circle and the incalculable advantage that
will result to the earnest student who will
study the Bible thus with all the light and
help that can be gathered. Mr. Bryant
wrote:
New YORK, May Is, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR-I can not be present at the
meeting called 10 organize the Chautauqua lit
erary and scientific circle, but am glad that
fullest success. There is an attempt to make
science, or a knowledge OF the laws of the ma
terial universe, an ally of the school which de-
mics separate spiritual existence and a future
life; in short, to borrow of science weapons to
be used against Christianity. The friends Of
religion, therefore,, cOnnQent that one truth
never contradicts another, are doing wisely
when they seek to accustom the people at
large to think and TO weigh evidence, as well
as to believe. By giving a portion of their time
to a vigorous trainingof the intellect and a
study of the best books men gain the power to
deal satisfactorily with questions with which
the mind might otherwise become bewildered.
1t is true that there Is branch of human
knowledge so important as that which teaches
the duties that We owe TO God and TO each
other; and that there is no law OF the universe
sublime and wonderful as 1t may be-so
worthy of being fully known as the law of love,
which makes him who obeys il O blessing TO
his species. and the universal observance of
which would put an end To larger proportion
knowledge OF the results of science, and such
OF Its processes as are most open 10 the popu-
lar mind, important for the purpose of
science and religion, and preventing the in
quirer from mlstaking their divergence from
each other for opposition. perceive this i'm
portant advantage IN the proposed organiZa-
lion, namely, that those VINO engage in It win
mutually encourage each other. Ii will give
the members a common pursuit, which al
ways oegets feeling OF brotherhood; they
will have common topic of conversation
and discussion, and the consequence will be
that many who, if they stood alone, might
soon grow weary of the studies which are re-
CONNIE nded TO them, Will be melted to perSe-
verence by the interest which they see others
taking in them. 1t may happen in rare in
stances that person CT eminent mental en-
dowments, which otherwise might have
manned uncultivated and unknown, will be
stimulated IN this manner to diligence, and
put forth unexpected powers and pas ing rap
idly beyond the rest become greatly distin-
guished, and take a place among the lumin-
aries of the age. / shall be interested i'm
watching, during the little space of life that
may yet remain 10 me, the progress and re-
suits of the plan which has drawn from me
this letter. am, sir, very truly yours,
To the Rev. John H Vincent