To the Editor of the Nonconformist.
DEAR SIR,—I have the privilege of reading your valuable journal, and though a very humble individual, whose opinions matter little beyond the family circle, do I feel constrained to lend a hand, however feeble, to encourage you to bate no jot of heart or hope. I see former friends are inclined to thrust hard, and fierce foes rush to the assault, but I delight in the calm, unruffled front you oppose to the onslaught of both. Depend on it, that the truthful, plain-spoken articles which have appeared in your paper are doing their work, and tending to incline well-meaning but heated anti-Papal heroes to consider their ways and moderate their zeal—they are beginning to look around and enquire whether, after all these appeals for protection to the civil Government, may not one day recoil on themselves. To me it is astonishing Dissenters do not clearly see that any restrictions imposed on the Catholics, with reference to the freedom of religious worship, will, when danger from them his past, be very cordially applied by the Established Church to themselves. They can have read the history of past ages to little purpose if they are blind to this result. But not to speak of past ages, let the thoughtful Nonconformist look through the records of the Home Missionary Society, and if he be not sickened of rallying round ‟our brethren of the Establishment,” why then he richly deserves the consequences of being left to their tender mercies. With Popery I am sure you have no sympathy—your most virulent opponents will hardly say that. To the arrogant claims in its late publications you are equally repugnant; but you would struggle only with weapons drawn, not from State armouries but from the truths of God’s word—these alone will effectually do the work. I verily believe the course which has been pursued has tended to their help—it has placed them in the position of patient, submissive sufferers for conscience sake, exciting sympathy rather than opposition—an effect which persecution will assuredly produce. Do you, Mr. Editor, steadily pursue your course, and at no distant day I doubt not you will receive that meed of praise which all whose opinions and support are worth having, sooner or later, accord to the right.
I am Mr. Editor
With much respect, your constant reader,
A COUNTRY FARMER.
Near Petersfield, Hampshire, Dec. 26th, 1850
(Se also
21-Dec-1850
16-Nov-1850)