"_Be of the same mind, one towards another_." We have thus far
confined our attention to family union, and have just glanced at the
necessity of union in religious societies. This is a day of inquiry
and light when the most keen and searching glances are sent into every
creed. Many denominations that have walked together heart and hand for
many years, each repelling the assaults of those, who attempted to
extinguish their ism, have at length been separated by internal
divisions and formed two opposing parties, even though they once
believed the _same creed_, and advocated the _same church government_.
The present is a trying period, and it stands us in hand to endeavor
to "keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace." Let us not
dream of religious union, and prosperity, unless we allow each one to
think for himself in matters of scripture interpretation. Nor let us
dream of prosperity, if there is among us more theory than practice.
It is true, Universalists are as moral as any other denomination; but
this is not enough. They ought in _kindness and benevolence_ to
transcend other denominations as far, as their doctrine of universal
beniguity transcends the doctrine of unending wo.
Neither are we to dream of religious union and prosperity, unless we
raise our united voices against those who revel over the flowing cup
of intoxication, which pours so many streams of misery and disunion on
the world. Let no one fancy to himself that the drunkards toast,
"_here is health and success to us_!" has any charm to avert his ruin,
or to stay the judgment of heaven. The more frequently that toast has
been uttered, while smiling upon the cup of inebriation held in a
trembling hand, the farther have health and success been removed from
the deluded victim, and the more swift and deadly have misfortune,
sickness, distress and pain fallen upon him. Intemperance is a demon,
that sows the seeds of discord among all ranks, orders and conditions
of men. Beneath his crushing hand creation reels, and fortunes fall in
broken ruins! And peace the sweet angel of mercy flies these turbulent
skies, and lights on realms unmoved by the hand of commotion and
discord. At his approach, blooming health is driven back from its warm
abode and the fairest flowers of domestic love, hope and joy are
withered forever! Let this frightful foe of discord and confusion be
barred from our sacred heritage and peace be within our borders.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account