For the Columbian Fountain.
CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION.
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Gentlemen,-Y Y our determination not to
permit "the waters" issuing from 0The
Columbian Fountain . to be 6 troubled y by
the discussion of " sectarian . questions. is
certainly judicious. In coming to this de-
termination, you have no doubt assumed it
as possible that, whatever may be the dis
tinctive features Of the various denomina-
tions Of Christians abroad in the land, as to
doctrine, discipline and government, all can
SO harmonic their views and assimilate
their feelings as to present an undivided
front in support Of the cause in which you
are laboring. ] cannot suppose, however,
that it is either your wish or intention to
exclude christianity from your paper. No;
for he who advocates Christianity cannot do
SO without contributing to the advancement
Of Temperance.


The caption Of this article is g Christian
Obligation" subject, to the consideration
OF which those protesting godliness may
well direct their attention. 1t is my par-
pose, at least, SO to communicate what !
wish to express upon this subject, as not to
partake, in the slightest degree, f,my own
denominational views Of Gospel truth; and
if, unfortunately, shall wander off into for
hidden paths, you will, no doubt, call me
back, with friendly admonition to ~take
heed to my ways" Indeed, have reason
to believe that you understand the erasiag
process. Well, gentlemen, to this it would
be the highest folly in me to object. have
long since had evidence that editors are a
class of persons who claim for themselves
literary omnipotency. But to the subject.


What is Christianity Do not be sur
prised at my proposing this question. lido
so from conviction that in all discussions
il is highly important to determine with pre-
cision the meaning Of the leading terms
used. To reply, that Christianity is not Ju-
daism, nor Mohammedanism, nor Paganism,
would not be such an answer as the present
inquiry contemplates. 1t is Christianity in
its Biblical sense that the question is in
tended to reach. It is not my present pur-
pose to examine this question fully. To do
this would require more research than my
leisure moments are sufficient for, and would
extend this communication far beyond the
limits | have prescribed. 1t will be sufli-
cient for the object ! have in view, to say
that Christianity originated in the eternal
and unchanging looe Of God "for God SO
lorcd the world that he gave his only be-
gotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him." &C. Its introduction into the world
was declared to be, 6 On earth peace, good
acill toacard men" Jesus Christ, its author
and end, and who from the manger Of Beth
lehem to the cross Of Calvary constantly
exemplifed all its holy and heavenly prin-
ciples by " doing good" He, therefore, in
whose breast the love Of God has taken up