The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-12-02
MrssRs. EpIToRs.


mourn" OsE or THE PEOPLE,
! MrssRs. EDIToRs;
As you have invited disc ussion on the sub
ject OF reform ar alteration in the constituted
government Of this Staie-l am disposed TO Of
| fer a few observations in connexion with this
ssbject. ! do not exactly agree with the article
in your paper Of the 25ih inst, signed "A True
Democrat" | object to the familiar manner in
which he speaks Of Christ and Christianity, and
ming les them with politics, and making the lat
ter synonomous with Democracy. Now in
truth Christianity has nothing to do with the
forms Of government. Christ, so FAR from in
terierins with political rights and privileges, de-
slared, MY kingdom is not Of this world" and
instead Of teaching resistance to kingly author
! ity said, Render unto Cesariho things which
are Cesar's, and to God the things which are
Gods" An inspired Apostle has said, " Let
every soul be subject unto the higher powers
render therefore to all their dues, tribute to
whom tribute is due, custom to whom custem,
fear TO whom fear" And another inspired A
postlc has taught" Submit yourselves 10 ev-
cry ordnance OF man for the Lords sake /:
whether il be 10 the Ming. rs supreme, or unto
governors, or unto them that are sent by him
for the punishment of evil doers, and for The
praise Of them that do well."-iIer. We see the
primitive teachers OF Christianity, enforcing The
duty Of obedience 10 the existing governments,
without questioning the propriety or justice OF
the forms OF these governments They tsugh
submission TO the laws and customs, on poli,i.
cal matters, without attempting 10 instruc, men
in the theory of government. it was only when
governments intcr(ered with their duties TO
God, that they disobeysd them, aud resisted
unto blosd aad death. IL is the glory OF Chris
tianity that il contends only with sin-it seeks
to deliver mar from this bondage. and set him
free from this wors, of evils And this makes
il applicable TO all men, every where, without
distinction Of age, rank, nation or complexion
it is suited 10 the King, aal the begpar, the
monarchsi and republican. the aristocrat and
democrat. Christianity has nothing 10 DO with
the distinctions in governments or in society.
IL comes TO man, as man simply, accountable
10 his Maker-ard treats with all rs sinueTs-
in this respect there is no distinction. This is
the democracy OF Christianity l,reachcs sub
mission to the existing governments, io all forms
It neither prefers nor rejects any form-but re.
quircs Justice TO all. Now rs Christianity has
not decided which fern Of government unde,
all circumstances is best. circumstances must
decide, and under different circumstances, the
form. Of government will differ. As citizen
of the United States. prefer republican form
, Of governmental prefer tha, the people should
, govern--that the democracy should choos,
! their rulers. But this form is only suited to
, the people who are enlightened enough "a
! know, and virtuous enough 10 decide for them
! selves what is best calculated 10 promote thei
y good. And rs our governments are Instituted
' for the good Of the people, at the psop,c ar,
d interested in the choice OF rulers. And tn,
i privilege Of choosing rulers should be as exieu
y sivc safety and proprie'y viii admit OF. An,
It this brings us to the consideration Of our ow
i system Of State government. In this State
= but about one in twelve enjoy the privilege G
= choosing their rulers. IL appears TO me, tina
II twice this number might with satisfy and pro
d priety. be permitted to exercise this importar
d right. of choosing rulers Tor the whsle peop,,
II Bu, how shall this be brought about Thcr
;, are many difficulties in the way. The frs
c and think the greatest, is, iha, tho peopl
e have never made a Constn uton To be coverne
d by. From the beginning, the people have nev
e er exercised this important right Of republican.
st but have been content with ths chartered priv
ileges, granted by a hing of England. Is
is not surprising, thai whom the Chartered Com
;. pany OF Rhode Island and Providence Plants
e iions, threw off their allegiance to the Britis
Z. Crown, and assumed 10 be an indspsnden
}. State--they did not throw away this Chsrte
l. too--snd make to themselves one more suite
"a to their character rs republicans, and 40 so,
'e ereign and independent people Why di
"a they not do il 1t is easily answered. Th
&c Chartered Company had The privilege and pow
,r er OF government, and ihey meant to Keep it,
70 They did not choose to iTust tie people Wit
~ this privilege and power. and II any Of them j,
s, s'red to participate IN ibis privilege and pows
ID they must qualify themselves, and Join th
nj Cohrany. accepting as a boon from Kin
ls Charles. what was ihsir rish; as sitizrns Of