Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-15

No. III.
Sir: II was the remark Of very accurate and
profound historian, that religion has always
been most prosperous and influential In those
countries in which she had the least intercourse
with politics. The soundness OF this observa-
ton has been strikingly verified BY the history
Of Pennsylvania. Religion has appeared among
us in her native and virgin purity, unPolluted
by earthly attachments, uncontaminated by al.
liances with potentates or powers, party lead
ers or military chieltains. Our ministers OF e.
very denomination have, with very few excep-
tions, and with degree Of modesty and good
sense highly honorable 10 them, abstained from
entering the political arena, and have thereby
obtained for themselves and for the gospel :hey
propagate, Justly powerful influence and con-
sideration. 1t was reserved for you, reverend
sir, to be the first "to put rancor in our vessels
Of peace" 10 set the example of prostituting re-
ligion to party purposes, and of invoking the
divine authority to justify the excuses OF law
less commander You enjoy the unenviable
distinction Of being the only clergyman in the
field, and you certainly deserve the praise-such
as it is-of appearing in the tourney with your
vizor up. doubt however, reverend sir, whe-
Their YOU have calculated the cost, and 'he con-
sequences, Of thus enlsting yourself in the
Jackson crusade. You know where il is writ
ten, that "they who have sown the wind shall
reap the Shirlwind;" but perhaps you have yet
to learn, that in this country, mems minds are
not 10 be driven TO and fro, in political matters,
by "every wind Of doctrine" that may be pulled
forth from the priestly bellows. When the late
Emperor Napoleon first conceived the design
Of rendering himself the absolute sovereign OF
France, he affected an earnest regard for the in
lerests Of religion, and Of the gospel; and it was
especially remarked by this military chiettain,
that he " reyerenced and esteemed the req! MI
nisters Of the gospel, and " when opportunity
presented waited on their ministrations IN the
most serious and respectful manner" On the
other hand, certain of these "real ministers
lent their aid and assistance TO his schemes OF
ambition any tyranny, and there was never
wanting some " lawful ambassador OF Christ
TO vindcate his most sanguinary anc unJustih-
able measures, on the authority OF " the divine
law. We all know the result make no appli.
cation of this historical fact. If there be any
military cheflain in this country, who affects
an outward regard for any particular denoml-
| nation with view of advancing his designs
upon the chief magisiracy; and if there be any
arrul and ambitious priest, who to favor these
views, would press religion into his service, and
"cite scripture for his purpose" they mistake
The character Of this people. The ATTEMPT,
reverend sir, WILL FAIL OF EFFECT. Neither let
tiers nor sermons, nor any other species Of cleri-
cal influence will be able to advance one jot the
cause of the General, or hide from the eyes OF
the people the deformities OF his political and
moral character. At all events some other
modes of defence must be resorted 10 0y his adj
voca,es than such as you have employed on the
present occasion. Greater hardihood, admit,
could not have been displayed by Goblet, and
| the Indifference you have manifested with res
| nsct TO the ricrs-rauld have done credit to
The Editor of,the New York Enquirer. can
60 no lower for comparisons. But then, reve-
rend sir, political writer by trade would at
least have adhered to probability: He would
have avoided such statement as that "General
Jackson is a friend OF Christianity" because
he would dislike to produce smile on the ia.
ccs of his own colleagues; and he would hesi-
tate long before he made the direct assertion,
tina, John Harris committed such CRIMES as
the divine lawgiver CT Israel punished with
DEAtH;" because he would be aware that expo
sure, and consequently an injury 10 the cause,
would be the inevitable result.
Now, reverend sir, lei me recapitulate in the
briefest manner your charges, aud their obvious
answer.
You have asserted
!. That John Harris, the Baptist minister,
"proyed himself unfit TO live in civil society"
2. That he COMMITTED such crimes as the
divine lawgiyer of Israel punished with DEATH"
have PROVED
l. That John Harris only "crime' was TIE re.
turning home without leave, to his wife and NINE
CHILDREN, after having faithfully and honoura,
bly, fulfilled the whole term Of duty that he was
bound in law to fulfil; his commanders having
no right to refuse him leave.
2. That he was tried by Court Martial, lille
gally called by General Jackson, and illegally
organized.
That he was shot to death by order Of Ge-
neral Jackson, in company with Ave other mill
tia men, having had only four days to prepare
himself for The awful change.
And you have been called upon to point out
the passage in the divine law, in which the pen
atty Of death is denounced upon such actions
as those proved against Harris. The call will
be Hullless one. You may search the scrip.
lures" but Won will find M warrant there IN