Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 edition. Excerpt: ... amusements were forbidden. The Indians were not alone objects of hatred and vengeance; the severity, with which those of their people were punished who varied from the established faith in points the most trivial and perplexing, indicated a hard and merciless disposition, truly unnatural and deplorable. Contrasted with this debasing and gloomy superstition, how sublime and beautiful appears pure and undefiled Christianity, as taught and exemplified by our divine Master! which is so truly congenial with all our best and holiest affections, that no doubt can exist of its truth. Christianity does not require us to be insensible to those gifts, so good and perfect, which have been graciously bestowed by the Father of lights; it docs not bid us close our eyes on the beauties of creation, or suppress the S3'mpathies of the heart; neither does it enjoin to sacrifice our innocent enjoyments at the shrine of superstition. On the contrary, this religion invites us to repose On the goodness of God; to take shelter under the paternal wings of that gracious parent, who hath spread out the heavens to our view in all their magnificence and beauty, to win us from the frail and perishing things here below, and from every unworthy pursuit, and to exalt our conceptions of Him who hath formed us for immortal life and happiness.--'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.' Elizabeth. But, mother, I cannot love bad people, especially such as are always disposed to injure others. Mother. We are not required to feel those vivid emotions of love (for the sordid and vicious) which constitute our highest enjoyment in this life, and by being improved and purified, are doubtless intended to afford that exalted happiness, unmingled...