The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-09-19
of advice: Never insult the humble, as
they may one day become your superior.
For the Voice of Freedom.


! For the Voice of Freedom
Is 1t the duty of a gospel minister to voted
There are many good ministers who
never vote, on the ground that it is an
ACT inconsistent with their profession. do
not call in question their sincerity but it
appears to me that such are under wrong
impressions. There is class of men
who renounce civil government aItogeth>
er-with such have no time nor room
to enter into controversy now. The class
of ministers who believe in civil govern
ment, yet regard their station too sacred 10
be defIed by the single act of voting, or
as some would call it dabbling in poll
tics" is the one 10 which wish to ad-
dress few considerations, exhibiting the
uutenabIe aspect of their position.
list. 1t must be shown that it is left OPP
tional with the christian 10 vote, or not to
vote when the form and plan Of govern.
ment affords him the privilege. In an
absolute monarchy it is not the duty of the
christian TO vote, because he is deprived
of immunity by superior power. La
such circumstance he mnst submit to The
higher powers according to the inslruc-
lions of ST Paul. But where the privi.
lege Is given, it is either the duty of
christians enmasse 10 exercise their rights
of elective franchise, or it is not. If it is
the duty Of one, il is the duty otalI. These
servants of God will not hesitate 10 say
that it is the duty Of private christians TO
go to the polls and there act in reference
to a judgment day-lhere to vote for good
and righteous rulers After all this adj
mission, they do moi seem TO consider it a
very great dereictlon of duty if his bro b.
err stays at home. If he should omi: fam.
lily worship, or the observances of the
church, he would be considered a fit sub.
ject of discipline, but in neglec;ing TO
speak on the affairs of governm ent-a
momentous concern-it is nothing | am
taking them on their own ground that it
is duty for lay christians 10 vote. |
say then, it cannot be optional with them,
il 1t is, then tn is performance OF any other
duty may be optional. Under such i'm
pressions how long would religion be con-
siderel any thing but "a scheme designed
TO be used as the caprice OF men should
dictate? They oughLlo be taught that it
is their DUTY to vote, and then the min
lister ought to enforce his preaching by his
EXAMPLE. If the minister refrains
from this duty, the flock will--at least ii
will not appear OF so much importance
they will be governed by the popular
feeling-if politics "run high" as the
saying is ifthe fire is k:ndIed, and the
fame spreads, no sacrifice is too great
but it there is no particular excitement,
would be consulted and obey.
ed, and perhaps nine lenths would stay at
home. would ask-if lay-chrislians
are not released from this duty, how can
the minister clear hmseIf-by what spe-
cies OF reasoning-by what principle in
the system of ethics can he sand acquitted
in treating this subject with indifference 2
2l. If the minister does not vote, the
fatal consequences are constantly liable TO
be fearfuIly realized, Howl the question
will be asked. The influence of faithful
minister of the gospel is Very extensive.
According to previous remarks, his con-
scicntious scruples deter him from par
in the elective franchise, his
brethren will consider it of no particular
and thus the affairs of govern.
ment are liable 10 be thrown into hands of |
wicked men. The wise man says;
@ When the wicked bear rule, the people
mourn" Can it be that the expounders
of Gods law are responsible as far as
their influence and ability extends, for the
character Of the laws imposed upon US !
1t is so. Eve wish for laws established
in equity in justice and in righteousness,
good men are The only ones who will give
them TO US. Good and righteous men
will never be elected to fill our Iegisla
tive halls but by the SURFACES and infu.
ence of good and righteous men. The
wicked want just such men as them ,