Public Leger, Volume 1, Number 14, Richmond, Wayne County, 12 June 1824 — Page 2

COMMUNICATED FOlt THE LEGER. Friend Jonah ihou hast complied with my request in some degree, in the Leger, I find, No. 2 and 3, what I expected to receive by private communication, but it gives me a degree, of happiness, to find, you do not wish your light to be put under a bushel, the question winch I- proposed to you, (or doctrines of the gospel) viz: Baptism, the Lord's Supper,rcsnrrcction of the body, the call and duties of a gospel minister. I find some to be answered in the negative, and others not at all: and first, yours on the qualifications of a gospel minister; it was never controverted by us as branches of the christian church, that an internal work, (or the spirit bearing witness with our spirit,) was altogether necessary for a professing christian, much less for that of a man called to till the sacerdotal ollice, but that the active mind must be chained down, in the reception, or prosecution, of the commands of God, (except by the preventing grace of God,) is a doctrine which I cannot receive, for" with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made. The active mind, which distincuisheth man from the beasts of the field, and that capacity manifesteth our accountability to God; and further, we discover the means which God hath ordained ; the major one is, the preaching of the gospel, implies activity, for faith eometh by hearing, (not a chained or dead faith) and hearing by the word of God, but how can we hear, without a preacher, and how can he preach except he be sent, and such can and do teach vocally, baptise externally, with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holv Ghost, according to the commands; representing by the subject, their belief of the christian dispensation.and thefcets of the merits of Christ which teach irrrand proclaiming that the KingdonofGod is at hand, hath a different effect to sitting still and- saying nothing; nor can I agree with that good mistaken man Job Scott who said he, " was called of God to warn sinners," then visit congregations where they were, nine times sit still, say nothing, and say it was all of , God; we learn of no such thing practised by our Lord, or his apostles, but the were to teach and baptise, in order to its perpetuation, thev were to observe their mission, Math. 23,i9, 20, Mark, IG, 15, 16, and all tiling he commanded them, and it was continued bv Peter. Acts 2. 41.when

three thousand were added to the church and he hath left us an example, that we ' should follow his steps, John 3, 22, and at other periods if he did not baptise himself he sanctioned it in his disciples, John 4, 1, 2, and beg leave to dissent, from you and Clarkson,who has written the " Portraiture of Quakerism" in vol. 2d, says all water baptism were but ordinances of the ceremonial law; methinks if sx, the Jews need not to have hesitated to answer our Lord on the baptism of John, because they were quite tenacious of their rites as having come from God, arid I- believe all that properly understand the divine call, in their function, will discharjre that which God

in his commands has laid upon them.

The apostles who understood their mission initiated all who embraced the gospel of Christ, by baptism. Acts 2. 38, C, 12, and 38 as likewise 10, 47, and from these quotations there was two baptisms, whichyou cannot with success deny, hut if the apostlewere endowed with the power, as

you have intimated, of baptising with fire in the name of Father Son and Holy Ghost, hence the forgiving of sins, which prerogative, God hath reserved to himself, or popery must he true; but Peter informs us, even now the like figure baptism doth rave us (from infidelity, from pacanipm) r.ot tire putting awav the filth of the flesh but the answering of a good conscience towaid God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; which doctrine the faith of the jrospel is predicated on Cor. 15, 14,&,c. Balaimirt informs us, book 1, chap. 4, in his day it was still continued according to the apostolic plan, ai d further says, the subjects made a profession of renouncing the world ar.d ti e Devil and after they were baptised a white garment was given them and they were admitted to the Lords Supper (or Eucharist.) Now Jonah, that cover ant comprehends two things, the oneoi Gcd" part, and the other on cur's: on G d, the benefits of the gospel, which bei. fits are excellently represented by washing of water; but on oui's, a public declaration vi cur faith and ohediei;ce to the gospel. And itis obvious that the apostles baptised, whole families; and according to Cyprian and others, wa6 received by the universal church; and they are culpable who oppose it. Let us not put asunder that which God hath put together, lest we Ire found to take away from the words of the book of his prophecy: aad friend I defy thee or any

other man to prove an abrogating act, doing away baptism, and the Eucharist, more than you can the christian Sabbath, or any other part of the moral law, all which is obligatory on man. I have been the more prolix on these points as they were the only ones you touched on, I shall close with barely observing that if Jonah or me should have a mission to the Ninevitcs of our days, we will proclaim to them all that God cornmandeth us. Pardon the free

dom with which I have animadverted on some of y our ideas, and believe me to be vour brother, though unworthy, in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ farewell. C M - PRESIDENTIAL. SLAVERY. (From the Genius of Universal Emancipation.) I cannot indulge the idea which is entertained by some, to wit, that individual exertions , alone, will effect the abolition of slavery among us, sooner than it could otherwise be done. It is true that this has mostly been the means of setting the work of political, as well as religions reformation on foot; and it has been found etfectual in all cases, to a certain extent, in preparing the public mind for a change, and in paving the way for legislative interference. But there have ever bcen.in all ages of the world, and under every form of government, many whose hearts were so frozen bv avarice, so callous to every feeling ol

humanity, and so completely centered in selfish considerations, that nothing but the strong arm of the la7,or superior phy sical force, could induce them, to listen to the voice of justice. Men of this description are, perhaps, as numerous at this day as ever they were. With them, individual exertion is as nothing. The ballot box must be brought to bear upon them, and if this will not have the desired effect, legislative enactment musttbe called to its aid. The latter, in most cases, follows as a necessary consequence of the former, though in the instance of choosing executive ollicers, its moral etTect would be powerful and, as I have heretofore shewn, could not fail to make a favourable impression on the minds of the people generally. Many are of the opionion that our government has no right to interfere in matters relating to personal slavery. This idea was first suggested by avarice; it is founded in error; and has not the shadowof support either in justice or sound policy. It is an axiom in politics, that what ever tends to create tumult and disorder, or to produce any thing by which the happiness of society may be jeopardized, should be restrained by law. In a republic, alf power not delegated, is withheld) I admit, but the people of the United States have expressly i;iven the constituted authorities a right to act as the conservators of public peace, and to preserve, as far as may be in their power, the tranquility of the nation; and it is well known that slavery has a direct tendency to frustrate every thing of the kind; of course, they must possess the right to do it away, if they sec proper. But the right which I claim for the government, in the case under considoration,does not rest on so vague and indefinite a principle as this. It baa been established by the positive consent of the people, Si, sanctioned by usage. By a law of Congress, passed a-number of years since, and which has been ratified by common consent, hundreds, perhaps, of our citizens have been divested of their slaves, which they had purchased with their money, and held by virtue of as fair and legitimate contracts as any man in the Union holds a slave at this moment. There is not,in fact,an individual upon earth that has a more well founded claim to human beings, as propcrty,than many of our citizens had who made their purchase in Africa prior to the enactment of that law. Yet the government had the right to interfere, inasmuch as it was found to be detrimental to the weal of the nation to permit them to hold such property by such a tenure. If exercised this right, and it has been clearly justified in so doing. Several ofthe state governments have also shewn by their acts, that they possess th same right. The only question, therefore, that rt mnins for us to decide, is this: U 'cult it be I olitic at the prestnt time.fvr cithtrof the general or state governments to excreisc the right if abolishing slavery uithin the bounds of their jurisdiction? My answer is, that lor some of them it would be politic to abolish it immediately, but for others it would not: though all might, with perfect safety, ctmm ai ee the woik, and 1 consider it their beunden duty to do so. The government of the U. States ought to take mcasures.promptly and speedily, forchecking the internal slave trade; for the gradual abolition ofthe system of slavery in the i i-tr'u tof Columbia; and also to assUt all those who are willing to emancipate their slaves on condition of their consenting to leave the country, in transporting them to tome suitable place. -Many thousands v?guld embrace fetich an offer; and a few

liberal appropriatioT,?, annually, for this purpose, would shew that we have seme idea of acting on the principle of justice, and, perhaps, ultimately lead to the extinction of that foul blot which now, above all others, casts a shade over, and tends to diminish the brilliancy of our national escutcheon. In another place, I have shewn that the President could, were he so disposed, do much towardsncou raging some thing of this kind ; and hence, I repeat that it' would be politic in us now to adv ance to that station, a man who would take an interest in the matter. It is a settled maxim with us, that the majority of the citizens should bear rule. And as there can be no question as to the majority ofthe people of the U. S. being decidedly opposed to the system of slnvery, it is time that the general government should commence the abolition of it where it may have the rightful power to do so. The period ha?, indeed, arrived when something of this kind is looked for from that quarter. It cannot be expected that.

a legislative body would be willing to go far in anticipation ofthe people's wishec,

in such a case, when it is aware of its-responsibility to them for the manner in which its authority is exercised; yet it should not, on the other hand, exhibit too much tardiness in the adoption of measures that would be consistent witli the known will of a majority of them. But in acting upon a subject of such general importance as the one under consideration, it is necesinrv that some person of enlarged views and persevering disposition should take the lead. Some one who holds an elevated rank, as it relates to charecter and extent of inlluence, must advocate it, and also he prepared to furnish evidence of its propriety. And what person in either of the various departments ofthe government, would be more suitable to perform such a. task, than the chief executive officer, whose duty it is to communicate to the legislature from time to time his views with

respect to the state of the nation? In my humble opinion no one could enter upon the undertaking with a greater degree of propriety, or more certainty of success. Apart from every other consideration, the honour ofthe nation demands that we

should rid ourselves of the stigma which the toleration of individual slav ery reflects on us. Our deeds are promiscuously recorded on the imperishable roils of fnme, as thev transpire. An hundred pens, that are uninfluenced by either bribe or fiiendly bias, save what the anticipated applause of posterity produces, are employed in delineating both our virtues and our vices. Therefore, if we cannot come fairly up to the standard of consistency, let us, at least, shew the disposition to approach it as near as possible. Let it not henceforth be said that a majority ofthe enlightened citizens ofthe North American republic are so inattentive to the precepts of universal justice, and the tenets of political virtue, as to elevate to the Presidential chair, a man whose hands arc stained with the blood of oppressed humanity. I will add nothing further upon this subject at present; but in my next, I shall give a few extracts from the late writings of sundry other persons, who have advanced arguments based upon a principle similar to that which I have here feebly endeavoured to support. The subject may seem to be rather novel to some, hut it is deserving of the most weighty consideration ; and it is to be hoped that it will attract the attention of our citizens, generally.

jl intends to convene the legislature

. . j 1 t I 1 a ' ,1"' 'Ii:f'

From NihV WUlv Reenter, VOICE OF CONNECTICUT: A meeting of the republican members of both branches ofthe legislature of this state was held, on the QOth instant, in the hall ofthe house of representativesDavid Hill, of the senate, presided, Mr. Russ, of the house, secretary. It was agreed that a ballot should be had to shew the wishes of those present as to the presidency, and the following result appeared for John Q. Adams 121; A. Jackson M; W. II. Crawford 7; II. Clay 2. The following resolutions were then adopted. Whereas our fellow-citizens, indifferent parts of the country, have expressed their opinion on the merits of the several candidates, for the office of president of the United State?, and' feeling, as we do, a deep interest in the issue of the approaching election: Resolved That wc have the fullest confidence in the talents, integrity and pat riotism of John Quiney Jldanisy and do therefore, recommend him to our republican fellow-citizens, as the most suitable candidate for the office of president of the U. S. Resolved That these resolutions be signed by the chairman and secretary. David Hill, Chairman. John Russ, Secretary. It is asserted in the Albany Daily Advertiser, that the Governor of New-York

meeting. His object in thus ml!:.

members together, is said to be to p k bill to give to the people the right ohr-'"' ing proidentiai electors. How ditT ' this, from the language of his excelled in his message, at the onenino- .i '.V f .

session of the N. Y. legislature. 17 V! if. ' -

, 4 A

, ( Selected from various La-tirn Paper? Hayti. It appears from one ofthe pers, that in case of an attack, it is jl t ded that all except the soldiers shall 7$ to the interior, where it is recommit

that every man should make previous ranjrements for the abode of his family. ' ( The government seem to !oe no cou-j' age at the prospect of a war with FrancM but on the contrary, to feel a double stiiw lus to active exertion. The whole co,v was placed in a threatening military j J1 ture several months ago, when the tir ( reports were circulated conceriiii the' French fleet preparing at Brest. At ni opening ofthe Chamber of Deputies the 1st of April, the President slated, ij an extemporaneous address, that theaa:l ofthe country was very flattering, 1,; with regard to commerc e, finances, n. J culturevand the arts of life. With rej.rfi to its present military situation, it wiih.v

be forgotten that all thcco:-tst was pladfi'. in the strongest posture of resistance oral months ago.. In this tate of tlin:! "'

if France should venture to underta!. ain the subjugation of the Island, she v. f find the garrisons doubly fortifn d.th-t houses well supplied with providers, a: : a different description of enemies iVo;:. t v those she lias lately met in Spain. The people seem to keep it constrinilr in their mind that thev t'jjt for lihertv. ktOur condition,' remarks a paper.'rr; abled us to be victorious in the la-tr,

and gave us the honor of heinir the fir-: to conquer the troops of Napoleon, in ti c most brillaint period of his glory, and t'l;'!. too, when we had no arms but despair!' Mrxico. To prepP.vc the tranquility the country by giving energy to the jrveminent, a project has been adopted It

the Mexican corgrcf to appoint a : .' v dict'Unr of the republic" who shall cc n:ii:: I w the whole military obtain money on tl t credit of the nation ?olicit foreign aid c if necessary expel foreigners and ( vc annul any ofthe acts of the congress iti!:, f -if he pleases! The power granted if ," hardly less extensive in its range, than lUt possessed by the empcror.of Russia GREECE AND Tl'RKEV. j Letter from Missolonghi state, that tic! advanced' cuard of the Greek army forth' f attack of Lepanto liad" marched, and halt been immediately followed by the divisiea f of Lord Bvron, with that Nobleman j their head." The plans of Mr. Parry, the engineer, for carrying Lepanto by stern: had been approved, and little doubt w;s f entertained of their complete success 1: , was stated at Missolonghi that Lord St ran:- j' ford had nearly broken terms with tl;o j Sultan, on account of the reproaches o: t the Grand Vizier, for the Loan raised in England for the service of the Greeks. jj It is said that no new Journal can hi published in France without the permit f sionof the Ministers. The Pilote is tie i only Eveninc liberal Paper at Paris, ami j a person claiming the property of it has sold it to the government. I The last letters from Paris, revive th? j rumour that a congress of sovereigns was s to be hold at Paris. j The Pacha of Egypt imported from F.ns;-. land, near two years ago, upwards of 100, , i 000 stand of arms, with large supplies (! f ammunition. He has a fine cannon founJ ry, and powder factories. It is said lc j has contemplated making himself indoper.- J dent. The Pacha pays great respect t? the English, and encourages the ceinmrr- J cial intercourse. Vessels make their p"- I

r r : l I' fV,m l1J f

sages iroiii iiveipuoi iu ih m to 40 days-

Wc have attentively examined the proceedings of congress, since the resolution passed by the Ohio legislature, relative U the emancipation of slaves, to see whether the national legislature, or any m' i"Jt of it, thought proper to bring forward tlu1 resolutions. But wc have looked in vais like Capt. Symmes' polar expedition, Rlr. Bentqp's memorial on the nrt ;'J mystery" of flying, these resolutions f:C doomed to lie under the table, not eve honored by a reading. This is cerlair'T treating our honorable legislature in 4 very light manner. Vil. Reg.

ItxrEriTTO.r. A pmtleman may ftikf nnnr ihntirrin rtiiladrlphi' and nrrive at AWbiiT1' next morning to Lnfukfit, and comfortably 'J' or 7 hours of 'tie time. The di-tanc e, r-v lau: 137 mile, hut as travelled bv the tapes and tU' boats, about 16-1-to wit, 110 by water W ; land. The pn-engers (with the mail), 0 J.cal. Philadelphia at VZ o'clock in the dny, rvch a:ipjrtfu atO o'clock thv ntxt murnLrt:.'-'-