Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-05-24
THE FIR 3 Il vi A N .
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
Moral character Of Rulers,

Moral character OF Rulers
Mr., EptroR When any man consents to be
brought forward as candidate for office, he vir-
tually gives every voter right to inquire INTO MS
qualifications for that office. And when nothing
but the truth is fairly stated, no one ought to COM
plain. For if things unpleasant and disrcputabc
attach to any public character, the ta~ Is his oWn'
not his who places them fairly before the public.
Public men should remember, that they stand out
before the world, and they should so conduct, that
thew may not be ashamed to have their conduct
reviewed before the world.
Is Henry Clay man whom moral and Chris
tan people can select with prOprety as their ch'et
ruler? This is serious question, involving con-
sequences of the last Importance to this great ma
ton. And every man who means to cast his vote,
should solemny enter into his own heart, and as
an accountable being, decide whether MIR. Clay
has those qualifications which God in His word
REQUIRES in a ruler. 1t is written, " He that ru-
leth ever men should be just, ruling IN The tear Of
God" Such should be not only able men, but
such as fear Cod men of truth, hating covetous-
ness "-Jetbro. "Tale you wise men, men OF
understanding, known among your tribe, for ru-
lers."-.Moses. &c Rulers should be a terror to
evil doors, and praise to such as do l"-PGuI
The whole bible assumes, that rulers SHOULD be
lust and good men, always condemns those that
select wicked men, and warns them to expect Gods
dspleasure "When the wicked bear rule the
people mourn. Righteousness eTalteth nation;
but sin is a reproach TO any people," And if we
trace the whole history Of Israel, we shall uniform
Nv find that this was the case When they feared
God, then they prospored; but when they chose
wicked men, and followed their example, then Tie
cast them off. Witness Jeroboam, who made Is
rae to sin; and they would not be reclaimed until
they were consumed from their land Has SIN
changed its nature, or has God changed His moral
government since the days of Jeroboam the son OF
Nebat. W no made Israel to SIM lfnot how can
any people hope to prosper, when they deliberate
" choose men to rule over them who have no fear
of God before their eyes? Do not men who so do,
nlainlv declare that there is no fear of God before
their ewes? Can Christian people so do, and
prosper? Many leading mon in this nation are
bold enough, doubt not, to say all this by then
practice They have loved strangers, and after
them they will go. But is this the hopeless CASE
with moral and religious men? Are these prepa
red to turn away from all the counsels and warn
ings of Gods word, TO join hands with the uhgou
w. and to say by their acts that they prefer an I'm
oodlv man. destitute of those qualifications WhIcl
God reouires in ruler to one that does posses
them9 Is the church gone over to the camp OF IN
enemy, and disposed to honor the wicked, whom
the Lord abhorreth? or is there yet remnant tina
sigh and cry for the denominations of our land. an
who will not follow a multitude to do evil?
The wise man says, "better is he that ruleth hi
own spirit, than he that taketh a CITY," Look
Mr.. CLAY, armed for battle, and fastening to tn
bloody field Does that man exercise any salutar
rule over his spirit? Can any man believe that n
example will promote the cause of temperance, c
pu rity, of regard for Gods holy day. VIII thos
youth, who hear his daily conversation, be likely
fear an oath, or tremble to take Gods name
vain? How can the oppressor rule with TO
when the Lord abhorreth him, and says he will
a swift witness against those that turn aside Il
stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith u
Lord of Hosts" By swearing, and lying, and
ling, and stealing, and committing adultery, tn
break out, and blood toucheth blood! Here Ish
not attempt to show that Mr.. Clay is a slaveho
err, or a duellist. Those who pretend to deny the
facts, are too ignorant to be reasoned with, or t
wicked They are owls, who grow binder as
light increases. Such men-worshippers ha
mems persons in admiration, because ofadVanto
All attempts to pour truth on such minds, is laI
thrown away. The wiser course is to let tn
\ alone until they are filled with their own devic
But will not Christians pause, and ask their o
1hearts, what effects must result from placing
godlJy men over this nation? Will it tend to p
mote gnoraty or immoraty' the love of STAY