The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-24
THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
It's Virtues and ViciOusness Dis
cussed by Very Rev Jamas Iei~I,


Its Virtues and viciousness Dis
cussed by Very Rev. James Leigh.
Very Rev. James Leigh, Dean of Here
ford, England, preached at Christ Church
yesterday morning. The services were
largely attended by those anxious to hear
the distinguished clergyman. Quite a num-
Der from other churches attended, and
here and there through the congregation
were soldiers, conspicuous on account of
their large. blue overcoats.
Rev. Dr. Leigh ably discussed the vir-
tuous and vicious side of the freedom of
speech. His sermon was based on a verse
in the First Epistle and second chapter
of Peter. LAS free, and not using your
liberty for cloak of righteousness, but as
the servants of God" The fine of thought
followed was that free speech, one of the
great gifts secured TO the sovereigns of a
free country, can be appropriated to good,
or diverted to evil This heritage, given
to the American people that truth might
prevail, should not be perverted by advo-
Gates of false doctrines, but used as an
agency to spread truth throughout the
world.
There is an inclination on the part of
men to pervert words to suit their notions.
Many find shelter and protection when
guilty under the ambiguity of a word and
some of the worst and most malignant
doctrines are often times propounded under
the titles Of virtue. But this freedom of
speech should signify lofty thought. This
fraaHor1a he al 8
the greatest Improvement, and one which
has been instrumental in creating the
wealth of nations, and advancing and rails
ing the civilization of the world along all
lines. 1t has helped to expel darkness,
bring out and extend knowledge, and es-
tablish general freedom and prosperity
among all. 1t is well known what this
freedom has done for our country, Rev.
Leigh said, in advancing the people in all
respects.
But there is another aspect of the ques-
ton, he said, and one from which fatal
evils have resulted. In every age. and in
every country, the principles of virtue
have been shaken. Science has been di-
verted by the dreams and imaginations of
men, seeking by the exercise of free
speech, to put false ideas into the minds
of all, and particularly the young. And
in public affairs, bold and harmful specu-
lations have been brought forward. There
are none who are not tempted by those
who use their liberty as a cloak of ma
hciousness, but Rev Leigh said this was
particularly so as to the young. This free
dom of thought should be only for the dis
covery of truth, and when il is employed
to this end alone, 1t is then indeed a noble
and virtuous principle. Admirable is it
when appropriated to the discovery of
truth and the detecting of error.
By looking to the talents that produce
these false Ideas, and not the effects they
have on the mind, many are mislead. The
young do not look to opinions and what
they are, by reason of which error often
finds its way deeply into their minds. The
class who have diverted the objects of free
thought have retarded the extending of
truth in the world, have interfered with
business, and lowered the moral standard
among men. But if this principle is used
rightly, and the opinions expressed are
valuable, evil will be soon overcome, and
the world converted to the paths of right
eousness.