The Works of the REV. John Fletcher, Late Vicar of Madeley (Volume 8) - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859. Excerpt: ... AMERICAN PATRIOTISM, TO THE REV. MR. EVANS. LETTER I. Rev. Sih, The interests of truth are often as much promoted by the inconelusiveness of the arguments with which she is attacked, as by the force of the reasons with which she is defended. If my Vindication of the Calm Address has thrown some light upon the American controversy, your reply, sir, in the issue, may possibly throw much more. Supposing that plain truth can be compared to a good steel, and keen error to a sharp flint, I venture to say, that the more any one strikes the steel with such a flint, the more will the fragments of the broken stone show the superior solidity of the impugned metal; and the more easily will sparks be collected to light the bright candle of truth. The public will judge which arguments, yours or mine, will serve the cause of truth, by flying to pieces in the controversial collision. Desirous to share the blessings which our pacific Lord promises to the meek and the peace-makers, I shall in these sheets neither throw oil upon the flame of the American revolt, nor blow up the coals of indignation wbich glow in the breasts of our insulted governors. Whatever my performance and success may be, moderation and reconciling truth are my aim; I can assure you, sir, that my utmost ambition is to draw the line between unruly patriotAMERICAN PATRIOTISM FARTHER CONFRONTED. 7«"$ ism and servile subjection, in such a manner as to give you and our readers an equal detestation of both these unconstitutional extremes. After throwing away all your first letter upon an useless question, and beginning the second with an idle report,+ you step into the tribunal of the reviewers, and condemn my Vindication before you have refuted one of my arguments. As if you were both judge and jury, w...