Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-11-15
T H E FIR Z 3 VI A N.
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
About Politics, Nc.

ADONt Politics, &c,
The present generation, in short period of
time will pass away and the affairs of this nation
be controlled by those who are now in childhood.
AS parents, we behold in the budding thoughts
and sentiments of our children the embryo genius
which will expand to mental energy, and stamp
with vice or virtue, our national character. If they |
nre educated as thinking beings upon whom must
deVolve the arduous duties of self government and
wach-rare over our free institutions, we may eX
peut TO exert an influence calculated to elevate the
self respect and selfgoVernment of the nations OF
the earth. But if they are instructed selfish and
vicious beings, who will seek more for sef-agsr0n-
dizement and me interests of party Sect than
tor the general good of manknd-more for the
means of leading a fashionable life than for the
promotion of virtuous principles and respect for
honest industry, we may expect that the angel OF
Liberty will plume her wings for flight, and the
land of Washington become by-WOrd to tyrantS.
Probably there is no influence operating pow
erfuly to bring about such result as the present
tone and spirit political parties. A large por-
ton Of the political prints which circulate among
us are calculated to foster the worst passions, and
most nvidious epithets are applied by one party
to another-malicious faIsehoods are frequently
circulated to blast the good name Of the Just, and
every means used to kindle and inflame the Gle
ments of discord The principles of common
courtesy, of charity, integrity and justice are tram
led upon, and blackguardism, hatred and injustice
have taken the ground those necessary virtues
should occupy The present corrupt state Of po
tical parties has created necessity to teach the
doctrine that reig ion should not be connected with
potcs-a doctrine taught by nearly all the polIti
cal papers, and yet notwithstanding the dissent
nation of this infdet principle, many good chris
tians take no alarm. but ignoranty practice on it.
Not only does the political press teach this doc
trine, but grave Senators echo the sentiment The
Hon. Mr.. Phelps, Senator from Vermont, in
speech at Whiting am few weeks since, gave
most pathetic appeal to christians, warning them
with great zeal not to destroy the purity of reli
gion by carrying it into politics 1t is hoped the
admonition will be needed and such aH.corupting
politics than your religion.
Shall the christian hang up his religion 9nd his
conscience with the freeman's oath on election day
and thus violate the just princpl es of religion, his
conscience and his oath? violate them too at the
shrine of party, and on the altar of SLAVERY!
There is no necessity for it, and it is the duty Of
every christian to dare 10 do right, Politics are
not necessarily corrupt. There political prin-
ciples which are pure, benevolent, mercifu just
Just to all men. There are politics on which the
christian dare invoke the blessing of Heaven, and
call upon all the just moral and religious, to vote
reIigiousLy, acknowledging the rights of all men to
'lfe Liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the
supreme right of God to the service of all men.
We appeal to the moral and the virtuous to sustain
the Liberty party in their efforts to make political
action moral action. Sustain US in opposing the
tide of oppression, which destroys the peace and
degrades in ignorance millions of our race Sus-
tain us in our efforts to wipe away the stains thai
blot our national character and pollue the altars
of freedom Sustain US in seeking to avert the
Just judgments of Heaven on this guilty nation
(whose capital is a slave market0 lest the word &C
forth shall not be avenged of such nation a
this?
1t is hoped that the press of the Liberty part!
will be courteous, charitable and generous; ye
firm, decided and Just, IN opposing tyranny an
contending for equality. We need no cunnin
politicians to steal the hearts of the people by rails
ing false issues or devisng sophistcal argument
to serve present purposes or necessities; and muc
less do we need to arouse the worst passions
men to advance our cause. We are doing gret
work and cannot come down. Lighting our torch
es by the fires of of reason benevolence and ju:
free LET lis hold them M as liphts to The GOOD an
beacons to the just. Such course will ensul
success, and such party will exert moral pow
err which will call around its standard spirits VIII
will bear it on to victory. l.. H. w.