The banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1844-1847, 1846-10-14
FOR THE BANNER.
The WashingtOnian System.


while l present to your readers few ex-
tracts from respectable authorities.
which TO my view, presents the fallacy
of making either public opinion or expe-
diency, permanent rule of action,
where conscience is concerned. 1t is
we'll known, one or both of these, IS the
acknowledged basis for, or upon which
the Washingtonian system is laid.
l. Extract, South Carolina Tempe
rance Adrocate, Volume Sd, New Series,
No. 2O.-Drunkard's Looking Glass.
No. 45.-The author asks this ques-
ton. Is it however, The part of Legisla-
ton to wait for public opinion? He
answers, it is not Legislators are chosen
to make such laws for the government
Of the people as in their wisdom, after
debate and due consideration, may think
to be necessary and proper. Here their
conscience, and not the will Of the people,
must prevail; for they are sworn 10
discharge their duty according ",o the
best of their ability" This plain requi
sition on the part Of the people in their
Constitution, is neither TO be gainsaid or
denied. The Legislator brings to his
Office, his own ability, his own percep-
,ions of right and wrong, he must act
according to his own conscience in defe-
renee to public opinion and leave the
people, if after due reflection they think
him wrong, to correct his error by pla-
cling some other in his place. The Hon.
Judge O'NE1LL is understood TO be author.
The same who represented Temperance.
Mt the Anniversary or Commencement
of (Erskine Coliege,) to be one Of our
house. hold Divinities "the more we
worship the better"
2. Extract, Southern Christian Ad-
vocate, November llth l842-Editorial
on " Clerical Costume" But if a mans
conscience is involved, even the thou
sandth part of an hairs-breadth. with re-
ference to the cut of coat, why let him
here follow his own light, and beware
OF trifling with what he deems sacred
NATTER
3. Extract, Christian Advocate anil
Journal, November 23d, 1882
"Thcre are many instances it must be
conceded, public opinion will and
should exert, a controlling influence.
When for example, as in our own coun-
try, the will Of the majority, legitimatcly
expressed constitutes the supreme law
of the land. Public opinion as the only
method Of expressing that will should
and must be heard, and when heard,
must be bowed to with submission
But in whatever relates to the subject of
religion, totally different rule and
standard claim, and claim Of right, to
prescribe to US, and decide upon our en-
tire course of conduct Here the law
Of God, not public opinion, is the only
sufficient rule, both Of our faith and
practice, and for this very important and
obvious reason, among many others;
that upon the subject of religion, all his.
tory proves, that public opinion is to the
full as liable to be wrong as right.
However true the popular maxim,
Voz populi, Vor Dei::" The voice
of the people is the voice of God. On
the subject Of religion it is anything but
true. Public opinion put the Saviour
of the world to death. The voice Of
the people cried :away with him, away
with him, it is not fit that such fellow
should live Cruelty him, cruelty him"
Public opinion shed, until it swelled
into an ocean the best blood of the pri-
mitive church. Public opinion sane
toned, and indeed it was it that decreed
all the monstrous and unheard of cruel
ty by which ancient Rome appears to
have been so greatly entertained and
enraptured, IN the bloody entertain
ments of her Amphi-theatres &c.
4. Mathew 22-2l-" Render
therefore to CESAR the things which
are CEsAR's; and to God the things that
are Gods" Doctor A. CLARK, on this
text asks this question. "But what is
CEsAR's2 Answer lst, Honor. End,
Obedience, and 3rd, Tribute. But if
Cesar should intrude into the things
of God, coin new Creed total absti-
nonco for IN efanca frina\ nv hroach a