The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1843-09-07
COMMUNICATIONS.

The readers will see that brethren Cot
ting, Peck, and Ererts, give brother An
ger rather hard peting this week.
see too, that some of the shots struck me,
as we'll as him. AS these three brethren
are members of the same denomination as
brother A. suppose he will take their
rebukes patiently. AS some of the re-
marks made, 60 to sustain the position
that those who profess christianity have
no moral right to hold civil Offices, or to
vote for others to hold them, will say a
few words, and but few, at this time
trusting that brother Angler will feel
called upon to repI y to some questions,
sc. of the other three. Another thing
about the matter is, it is his trade or pro-
fession, to pick up Bible stones [argu.
ments] and hurl at his opponents; and,
although might beat him in my old lire
of business, he can load and fire, at least
twice to my once, in the present engage
ment designed that the first two arti.
cles should go in last week, and one of
them was set up; but as circumstances
prevented, trust the writers will pardon
me for the postponement. | will now
aIlude to the premises of the writers,
which are, that no licensed preacher Of
the gospel has (at leasl) an expedieDcy
right, to NEEDLE with political matters;
and each of them lays down a principle
that would virtually exclude erery man
a0ho processes christianity from depositing
ballot for any Legislative or executive
officer. | have endeavored for few
years past, to examine this question in all
its bearings upon the human family, and
! have arrived at the conclusion that until
the acamts of men shall cease civil regu-
lations are indispensable-that a man who
does not profess religion has no right to
do anything that one who does, has not
right to do 49, that it is not civil govern
ment ITSELF which has led brother Everts
10 draw his picture of wo but the wrong
laws and their enforcement, or the usur-
ping, tyrannical spirit, which has caused
a Nero-a Bonaparte, and other blood
thirsty tyrants, TO glut on carnage and
woes unulterable, Could my brother see
community aoithout civil regulations,
while men remain as they now are as to
principle, apprehend he would see his
picture of slaughter-lamentation and wo,
increased as with an improved magnifer,
and he would with more emphasis say
"let drop the curtain" -" although evils
are attendant upon civil governments, as
administered By erring men, yet many
times greater evils attach 10 society," where
each and every man is his own judge and
executioner." Taking this view of the
subject, | feel the duty more incumbent on
me TO use what little influence | possess,
in electng men who will enact right laws,
aud those who will rightly administer
them. than did before investigating the
subject. And if ministers consider them.
selves on level with other men OF equal
moral character, can see no reason why
they should be exempt, or debarred from
the duties and privileges OF others But
if they lay claim to superiority over their
real superors, as have no doubt some do,
then would say let them take their seat
at the foot of The table. where they belong,
[ would say the same of o.her classes, or
professions of men. But will close by
saying, brother Angler can have space to
give his answer to the three writer's
should he desire. Should he write win
thank him TO be as brief as consistent, and
to leave his reply i'll such shape that
lengthy rcjoinder will not be called for,
from either Of the others.