New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-05-22
whur does Patriotism require

The following essay is from the pen OF one with
whom we have often differed, and still Sier, rsdi
cally, on important questions bat whose integrity,
ability and cogency in argument, have been widely
felt and admitted. We do not agree with him fully
in his ascriptou of SO Divine character to Govern
ment, that its dictates are TO be obeyed right or
wrong Our Government has no right 10 order
single citizen unless voluntarily and regularly en-
listed in the Army cross the frontier OF the he
public in hostile array, and if any were drafted and
ordered to cross the boundary, the order would be
void. and of no moral or Divine efhcacy.-But IN
general we agree with uprish and clear sighted
correspondent. Hear him:
.oCR COUNTRY. RIGHT or WRONG.
To tie EGitor o. Tns Tribune:
Although opposed 20 you in very many things,
canno, help commanding the course You have taken
in relation 10 the gross perverson otthe above max
inn. The invariable method ofthe Father OF hes has
ever been. 10 minsle with his teachings some noble
truth. of such nature that j, may be made 10 as
sumo specious resemblance 10 the poisonous error
he wishes 10 inculcale. He viii sometimes take
the very words OF Christ, and under the deceptive
euse o. universal philanthropy or love 10 oeis ~
general encourages schemes whose only reSuiI II
Carried ou,. mus: be the destruction OF the sacred
feelings OF family, OF kindred of race OF neishooF-
hood of nationality, and all those ties which some
condemn as selfish and contracting, but which the
higher philosophy Of the Bible wou!d ever preserve
ga The designed lisamerts by which we are bound
80 the ,,ho,e through the atinities that must first
connect rs with the parts IL Is thus tbs; often the
MOST aboninable and destructive principles lie al
the bottom Of what profess 10 be the most pclian'
thropic reforms Of the day.
Sometimes, however, be assumes the opposite
mise and PLAYS the same game with some whole
some conservative maxim Oi this we nave avery
Ia sha pca <
nression placed a, the head Of these remarks O.r
Cora.-y right or tcroag Ihere IS sense II
which We NAV heartily subscribe 10 his WIN ine
mos, assured feeling OF the appreciation OF ood ane
of our own consciences. Our country !ish' o.
wrong-our family right or wronS-ouf ose'nIen
riSht o, wrong There is, we say, sense 70 wnicn
;,is rue that we are called upon 10 stand oy a..
these right or wrong; and even With ntrnsE ana
fruer devotion when the wrong. than when IN Inc
rsb, Patriotism is thigh and noble virtue, howsxeEs
spurious philanthropy may sppear TO aespsel as mar
-, ava sltied 10 scIfishness. We shonid love our
con,,ry more than any Other country; our country
men more than any other countrymen Ihis is our
sela for doing good Here should we concentrate
the energies of our benevolence. We should love
on, nationality and seek To preserve us purity as
one of The creates, means by which we may sSe.'
an elevarug and purifying influence on Diner AN,
lies of the earth We should be for our country al
sill times. and more especially should We give he.
our best love and best assistance when sac Is 70
unfortunate as 20 be in the wrong, on any sfeai
oues,ioa of right and duty Iis then she needs our
creates, sympathy and our hruaes' efforts 10 e3'f'