Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-03-05

they have not the right to discuss that question.
Before leaving this point, however, l wish to re-
mind the objector, that to get away from the
force Of this argument, he must prove one OF the
two following things, l. Either the law OF God
does not apply to the political portion OF mans
life at all, and consequently would be an mper-
feet rule as it would regulate only part of his
conduct; or Cd, while it does apply to that por-
ton of it, it would be wrong for ministers to show
and enforce that application upon his con-
science.
g. That ministers should have something to
say upon the subject Of politics is evident, l re-
mark again, from the fact that the Bible gives
direction upon that subject, and they are under
obligation to preach the mhoLC truth; Eek. q
| 7, And thou shalt speak MY WORDS unto
them, whether they will hear or whether they
will torbear." 3: II. Hear the word at my
mouth, and give them warning from me-" Jer. %;
%. The prophet that hath dream, let him
tell dream; and he that hath my word, let him
speak my word faithfully" These passages,
with many others that might be quoted make it
the duty of Ministers to proclaim Gods words
with great faithfuncss to the people Cots 'oOrds.
But where do Ministers find Gods words! In
the Bible; most certainly and if Ministers would
be faithful to fulfil the above requirements, they
must, as they have opportunity, urge upon the
hearts and Consciences Of the entire community
all the commandments, directions and duties re-
corded in that holy book, which are now of
binding obligation. To neglect to do this, is to
neglect high d ty to God and their fellow men;
and to fall under the fearful denunciations re-
vealed in that sacred volume, against unfathful
watchmen. IT, therefore, it be the duty of minis
tiers to urge upon the people in their instructions,
+ all the commandments and directions Of the BIZ
, be and the Bible gives directions upon the sub
ject Of poHtjcS, see not how they can discharge
2 their duty and neglect TO preach upon that
Y question
l A. When the politics the nation interfere Or
= NEEDLE with religious matters, ministers, under
Sach circumstances, to say the east of it, should
f NEEDLE with politics. As an illustration of this
point let US suppose that the eg slature of Yer
d mont should pass law making ii penal offence
= for any man under its jurisdiction to read his
!, Bible. That would be an instance of what
e mean by politics mcddling with religious mat
= tiers. Now, in the case supposed, | ask, would
it not be right for the ministry to preach against
= such wicked laws and the wickedness of those
/ who had anything to do with enacting them
e And furthermore, would it not be their duty tc
show the people their wickedncss in voting fol
ID any man to represent them in their Legislative
5 body who would vote for the perpctuation of such
l. enactments. | have no doubt but all who have
IF any respect for religion, will admit that it WouIl
J. be the duty of ministers, under such circums tan
t ces, to NEEDLE with politics Or in other words
e to preach upon that subject. But if circum
&c stances, such as we have been considering, woulc
T. make it duty for ministers to preach upon thu
subject Of politics, how, ask, can they Iool
abroad over this nation, at the present time, ant
behold what is daily transpiring, and remain 81
lent upon that subject without guilt? Have w
not system in this land, sustained by its law
III laws that ministers and protested christian
u have assisted in enactlng--which deprves NOR
human beings of the Bible than there are inhab
" tants in the State of Vermont A system tina
robs three millions III this nation of themselves
10 which is worse than robbng them Of money
% that robs husbands of wives, and makes it lie
" gal bus mess for men in portion of our country
H. to specf&te in the wives Of their neighbors, a
~ they speculate in any other article Of mcrchan
iF dze,--a system that makes it penal offence t
III teach large glass in this nation SO as to Eendc
We them capable n reading their Bible; and, "
word, system tsst is literally hcathenzing mil
'e lions in this land That boasts of her christianity
re and talks long and loud about evangelizing thu
ST world? Now that these thingsAare so, no ont
4 can doubt who is acquainted with facts, AM
It while the politics Ct this nation NEEDLE thus will
1t religious matters, | atfrmathat it heSonHs tn
duty of every minister in Rhe LAID. medd
n with politics And that fny minister On dis
Us charge his duty to the CT Flrch and the%
vi and be SILENT under sufh circumstance.
st would be hard to believe. II