Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-02-03

ing in church matters. Should the advocates md
orators OF two distinct sects obtain possession of
our Legislative Hall, the wants Of the great
body OF the people would soon be merged in
the agitation of theological subjects, and when
victory gave the palm to or the other
the presumption of such ecclesastical Lepis,
laiors and rulers, tho themselves faliibe and
uninspired men, would assume dominion over
the faith OF others, setting up their opinions and
mode OF thinking, as the only true and infallible
and as such would endeavour to impose them on
the country. We should be compelled to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opin
ions in which we did not believe, and forced TO
support teacher Of particular religious persua
sion, instead Of the comfortable liberty of contri-
buting TO pastor, whose morals we would make
our pattern, and whose powers felt most per-
suasive to righteousness History has developed
the very deporable consequences Of religious en-
thusiasm, especially when allowed TO NEEDLE in
matters of state, producing anarchy and confusion
in council. and an unsparing hand in the hour Of
battle. II is no less true, that this dnbfidled
element has not been the result Of influence
exercised by the higher grade OF Ministers or
Preachers, but by its demagogues. Preachers who
address themselves to the fears, prejudces and
passions OF their congregations, instead of apply
ing reason and sound gospel doctrine the under
Standing of the people, cieae more error, and con-
sequently more mischief to society, than those in
the higher grades of ministry, whose intelligence
and learning teach them moderation and dscre
ton.
The Committee believing that the object of the
fourteenth section OF the Constitu ion, is to pre-
vent those who hold high and influential stations
in the church being members Of the Legislature,
have adopted the following resolution
Resoiued, AS the opinion OF this Committee,
that Humphrey Billups, Delegate returned rom
the county OF Matthews, is minister of the Cos
pei toithin the true spirit and intent of the l4th
article of the Constitution, and therefore no,
entitled 10 seat in the present House of Dele
gates.
Mr. Segar move 10 lay the report on the ia
b.e at least until the close of the session II
vas then too late TO issue writ of election,
and the county would be unrepresened if the re-
por, was then acted on and concurred in. This
motion was negatiyed.
Mr.. Biiiups remarked that certificate that had
been submitted TO the committee, certifying his
standing in the church, not among the evi.
dence Mr.. Watkins said that the certificate was
considered OF no importance, since the person who
gave it was examined personally. Mr.. Biliups
sad the subject was one OF no little interest II
concerned both him and his commitments. and
ought 10 be fully investigated. He gave a state
ment OF his case, from which it appeared that he
was local Deacon in the Methodist Church and
lad no voice in the legislation of the church Ac-
cordrg TO the rules of the church and the defini-
lions Of the wo,d- given in the dictionaries, there
was differ he said, between Deacon and
Minister. If he were TO say on that floor, that be
was Minister Of the Gospel, the church would
dsown and exclude him for asserting an unirutb
The question, hc said, was, whether Deacon was
a Minister? He complained Of TIE cour-e pursued
by the committee, from whom he under sioo cd that
statement of his case to be made to the
House according to his representations. He con
Guided by moving that he word :. Minister" be
stricken out of he resolution, and Deacon insert
ed
! MIR. Watkins vindicaied the course pursued by
The Committee. He commended that any officer
Of "A
In the sense of the constitution. Bot now il ap-
pears TO be commended, that none but elders are
ministers.
Mr.. BiHups again took the floor, contending
that Deacon had no power, not even as much
as class leader. He had no desire TO violate the
Constitution, the laws of the land 10 hold sea,
there II had been decided, he said, thai a minister
WIS man having charge of one congre-
cations. The frameFs OF the constitution had in
view the old Episcopal Church, where ministers
had parishes, and had great power; they surely did
not mean local preacher without any authority
in the church, who only Meeting House
oace week, and then TO instruct only his neigh
bours. He thought gentlemen ought to decide this
matter with impsrtiality. But he thought some
gentlemen looked too closely TO their own interest
He had heard more than say, that il he Mr.
Is. was permitted to remain here, certain popu-
lar ministers in their counties would come here
and remove them from their seats. IL was the
practice oftbe Legislature to pass laws authorisns
particular individuals TO celebrate the rites of
Datfimony, and required from them the same oaths
&c-would any one contend that these indiyilu-
ais were excluded Fl ON on this floor He had
at one time applied for exemption from militia du-
~, being then ignorant of the subjects but he was
not considered minister in the sense of the law
That he WAS not elected By religious influence the
polls then in Richmond would prove The idea
thrown out the oiherd day that there was danger that
large body OF clergy would get inio the House, if he
was permitted TO remain, was but an imagination
Ii gentlemen chose to indulge in wild imagina
tons, there was nothing, however extravagant
that might not be held up 10 our fears. He here
contrased the evils that resulted from the mstri
Inonial connection between Church and State as
IT had been denominated the oihe other Jay, =. it'll
those that, IN the worst view of the subject could
now from prohb;. ne persons 'i,uated as he was
IRON participating IN the affairs of the government
Mr. Rtpes OF L. c., remarked, that Mr. b.
must have considered himself a minister else he
would not have applied the court for license TO
marry persons; the people among whom he resides
must so have considered him. There was fur
liner iact in proof OF this supposItion; that Mr.. b.
applied Tor exemption from militia duty. These
facts Mr. II. thought conclusive against the MEM
ber
Mr.. Ghoison opposed the amendment and re-
Piled TO Mr.. BIS remarks. If the local ministers
were to be permitted to mingle in the politics OF
Inc country, they would have ii in their power to
weld the most tremendous influence. Their viz
tues, their kind Offices, their amable manners and
the confidence OF their friends and neighbours in
them, could not fail 10 give this influence He
coneDded that the Constitution only meant local
ministers; itenerant ministers were excluded for
want OF residence. IL you 10 be governed in
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