Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-08-07
ALARMING FACTS.

We have hitherto held our peace in relation to
a question of the deepest interest, but we can DO
so no longer. We have become fully convinced
that there is settled determination on the part of
the Congregational ministers and churches in this
State with few noble exceptions] TO shut out
from their pulpits every thing that looks like prac-
ticat anti slavery, and to ruin the character, far
as possible, of every agent, and every man, who
faithfully pleads the cause Of Gods crushed poor.
Facts of the most alarming character have recent
Iy been developed which 60 to prove this, and
these facts call loudly upon every lover ofregon
and humanity to grid himself anew fer the contest
and be prepared to meet with the deadliest oppo-
ston to our Liberty principles from this source
Nearly all our Congregational ministers are
wings except about IS Liberty men-and ono dem
ocrat; and most Of these are regarded as fanatics
and the offscourng of all things, Only l2 among
all the ministers are subscribers to Liberty papers,
and a large number of them are strong parzans,
and nearly all, with the above exceptions, voted
last fall for Mr., Clay, who voted at all; and since
his defeat they appear more desperate than
ever, and more determined to keep the light
from tho people. The course pursued by two
ministers in Rutland Co. towards President Green,
one Of Gods noblest priests, when invited to Wis
it his old parish and preach to TIE people, illus
trates this truh. He was denied the privilege of
speaking in congregational church on the Sab
BATH while in the State. At Rutland he was in
viled by the pastor to occupy his pulpit, but Dea,
Page, leader in the church, and a leading VIII ig,
Informed him that Pres. Green was very bad
man aud must not be permitted to speak on the
Sabbath, for it would iniure the church and he
should leave the house if he went into the pulpit.
Of course the minister must labor to promote the
peace of the church, and Mr. G. was informed
that his services were not wanted as they feared
he would talk about politics and doubtless injure
the whig party. HIS reception at Brandon, where
he had labored for many years, we mentioned last
week, and greater insult to God, and more
contemplate piece of clerical meanness was never
witnessed.
What was the course pursued by not few
ministers in relation to Rev. N. Day, one of the
most logical reasoners aud accepted lecturers who
were sound and conclusive; but few could resis
his influence; hence, the pupi.s must be shut Al
grinst him and his character assaed. Who coul'
so etfectually do this as minislers3 Demagogue
and leading politicians in the church cried out, a
way with this man, for our craft is in danger he
is Sabbath breaker, a disorganizer, ar outcas
from the association of which he was once a mem
Der, and destitute of proper ministerial credentials
all of which was as false as the pit No few o
the congregational ministers became the willin
tools of these men, their pups were closed AM
they ass listed in giving currency to these inlamou
: lies. Aud how could they avoid doing III fc
- most of the members of their churches are GeadI
hostile to our principles, and would sacrifice all
thing rather than their party These men most
= hold the wealth Of the church in their hands, an
y ministers must go and come at their bidding an
preach to please them or starYe; hence, but fe
dare to preach what the people need, but what til
> people tCant. Only here and there is one to b
! found who has moral courage to act well the paI
of pastor, to lead the flock into all truth, and de
{ clare to the people all Gods commands. lnstca
vi uoihS ths, the great IH"ss move only as Inc
i are moved upon, and dare not take one step in nd
j vance of public opinion any farther than the PEG
{ Pile compel them to do it.
II The Congregational organ in this State is strong
Il y welded TO the whig party and the de tcrmlne
n enemy of our cause. This is one prominent rea
S son why our denomination is behind any other i
the State, unless we take profession for practic
s and prayers for deeds. So long as the organ op
), poses our principles, and the majority of thei
ministers worse than dead to the claims Of tn
G slave, where any action is required, and the lead