Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-01-15
GREEN MOUNTAIN FREEMAN

Ien-summoned, according to some wel-advised
system of e%xertion.
We must unite our e~xertions on the basis OF
our principles however. 1t will not do to join
any party, which in providing for any exigencies
whatever, will trample on the objects we are
pledged to promote. Doubtless we are haunted
with evils enough, which under one pretext and
another, urge themselves upon our chaiGs.-
Doubtless each of these has its advocate. in some
cunning statesman or supple ecclesiastic. But
what has the Liberty party to do with following
a "multitude to do evil" of any sort OF ~ any
purpose-with sacrificing their principIesNon any
altar which the largest majority may furnish
One party may perhaps furnish a more ~palatable
sauce to eat us, with than another-but why
should we consent to be eaten,at ALI Have we
not a right to be where our Creator hath sent
us; and to act in accordance with His acquisitions
without the consent of the pet-devils of any of
the theological seminaries? If under any pre-
text we vote for those who spurn our principles,
we consent of course that our principles shall be
trodden under foot.
What do our ghostly advisers mean Pn declar-
ing, that we must lose our votes and hus waste
our stength and throw away our i%nAuince, If at
the ballot-box we act in accordance with our
principles? They say, that we are the mi
nority, and cannot get our candidatdI eected.
Our candidates are what they are, w~hehSEheN
wear broadcIoth, or homespuH-wNaxT th3
stools they sit on are placedin a "White hEuse,"
or somewhere else. Their wisdom and bower
and influence are not at the mercy of the bal
lot-box. That makes no man wiser or stronger.
1t is its proper office to point ont our heroes, if
we have any, to our confidence and veneration.
If it fails to do that, it is false and mischieyous.
The wise and strong man is such by the provi-.
dence Of God. AS such, he is to be acknowl-
edged. In whatever heart he gains his proper
place, there he is elected. To the extent he is
voted for, he is acknowledged under his own
proper character. And his supporters can not
fail to derive from him a healthy influence
What, can the worship of Wisdom and Power
of Truth and Goodness-be neutralized, by The
folly and wickedness which idolaters, however
numerous, may choose topractiCe? 1t is a waste
of Influenza casting away of our ballots
to acknowledge the kingship of "the only Po-
~tentate" in a deVil-haunted world? Was the
Messiah ever more sublimely and effectively a
King, than when He hung upon the Cross p
Our candidates shall be in influence what tbev
!, are in character, tn despite of Fanny articles which
cunning may propose, or violence employ. And
4 in politics as every where else, if our character
is sound, every characteristic act-every thing
. done in accordance with the principles on which
r our character was fashioned-must be effective
If must exert an influence corresponding with
the amount Of character any such act NAV in
IS volve. To affirm, that we may in any respect
obey the laws of our existence and in so dong
waste our strength and throw away our infu-
eene, must be to speak absurdly and atheisticslly.
p The power, however it may be described, which
= can thus neutrallze our influence, whether Il be
n the power Of a single despot or of multiplied
despots, musi be above the King, the Lord q
Host. We have nothing to fear while We aAiSc
Iby our principles. Neither we nor our ciddi
dates can be put down. The question Of num-
bers is altogether incidental. So far as we are
true, we are strong and strength can never be
voted into weakness, whatever majorities may BE-
enlisted in any such effort.
r Indeed, the only way to make "moraI s%uasion'
truly persuaslve-to render it significant and el
fective-must be to send it home to "the bust
n ness and bosoms''of men by an appropriate &c
r ti0ity. live apply our doctrines to the variou:
n relations of fife, promptly and earnestly, our pre-
n sence and our power will be felt. Men will give
heed to our words when uttered in deeds. The,
will be the occasion of fixed attention, earnes
inquiry and warm discussion. Our principles
aims, methods, spirit, prospects-these things
will be extended and thorough in proportion t.
d the manifestation we may make of resolution
= strength, decision. If it is seen that our heart
are in the enterprise-that we are ready to Dc
and suffer whatever it demands-all eyes will b
IS turned upon US. We may be traduced, reproach
h ed, prosecuted. Despised we shall not be. W
shall be reckoned among the powers; reckoneC
h baleful by some-benefcent by others; as for
t midable by all which men must recognize
y men of all sects and parties which they mus
y bring into account in their plans and e~xertions
t with which they must come into conflict or coop
Grafton according to ability. The highest result
of moral suasion we shall thus be able to secure.
g BERIAH GREEN.
J
Education in VrginiG-The education Convention
in Virginia, adjourned, after some days session at Rich