The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-11-14
Religious Despotism In the United States
Efforts of the Clergy to Obta ain Poxxcr

Efforts OF the Clergy TO Obtain Power.
We have frequently found ourselves Obliged In
the discharge of our duty an independent and
fearless journalist to denounce the attempts of the
clergy Of the various Christian churches in the
United States, to initiate the example of their
brethren IN the old world, in attaining controI
over the people and placing them In the position of
spiritual seis or religious RHEIMS, with no mind
OF their own on religious matters, and liable to
accommodation for daring 10 assert spiritual
inde pendence. The facts of this system are ap.
parent all the countries of the world, wherever
has taken root, and those in which 1t is most
firmly fixed, show aproport ately greater display
of ignorance and superstition among the masses.
We need but cite Ireland and Spain in Europe,
and Mexico and the States of Central America in
the world, as proof of this proposition
The United States, account of the grca,
mental and political freedom which exists here is
probably the most ungenial cline IN the world for
the introduction OF such system as that to which
We have referred. The absence OF all connection
between Church and State, which leaves every
sect TO wolk Its way as best 1t can, on Its own
merits Is barrier which the clergy of all denoml-
nations would find it difficult to overcome, were
they disposed to attempt anything of the kind on
comprehensive scale
There Is, however, disposition observable in
the clergy of several persuasons, to est absh this
mental thraldom within their own particular
circles, and over their own particular con-
gregauons. This is apparent in the Pusey.
tie branch Of the Episcopal Church, and in
portion Ct the Roman Catholic Church, IN this
city and State, some OF the pastors and bishops of
which wish to rule all under them with rod OF
iron, and to be independent, in every respect, of
those whom they instruct IN their religious duties
Evidence of this has come to our knowledge
within short time, part of which we place before
ourIeaders to-day. 1t consists in an extraordinary
pronunciomento issued by the rector OF one of our
city churches to his congregation, as the rules
which should govern them IN their relations to-
WARDS iheir pastors. In relation to the ministry In
general, and himself, the pastor, In particular, he
uses tie following extraordinary language
"You should look the ministry divinely ap
pointed to 1uis over and teach you to preach the
Gospel as this church hath received the ssme; and
give you the means OF grace Not as agents of man,
or your agents;-suppored. but not hired. Not to be
directed by you but TO instruct you. Your security
is that they wsteh for your FOULS as they that must
give account" They are also responsible to the law
Of the church not 20 individual opinion. Never
speak against them without compusion. IL you differ
from your pastors in opinion, be content to differ
h, HGro" sns be " sill. T they err in uds
ment pray for them While you remain In parish,
never cnuie dvi.ion Of the people And always re-
member that must be yielded to the judgment Of
your pastors than IL due to your owD-t h their pro.
vince;-apd theirs IL the responsibility. Remember,
also that hs ntrmes Of the priest canuot prerent the
usaness # ne saeroments, their effect This for
your comfort"
He ought to have added, as the uncle of the
moon and brother-in-law of the stars does to his
pronunc,oDientos, CA Special EdIct-Hear and
obey"
Again, he says TO the faithful under his charge :
"Alwsys unless from a conscientious excuse, attend
service and worship In your own parish church Be
content with the services there. They will be enough
for your soul more than you will improve. IL you
fancy you need more OF nouri.hment than you re-
seek 1t ycurself You know your own pastures; but
you may eat garlic elsewhere Your shepherd, Who
ever In the providence of God he be- Ia the shep
herd for you
You should never marry out Of faith especially
womsD--Nho thereby, becomes subject to the Law
of her husband who may keep her away from the
church
Now, to what state Of mental servltude will
no, The congregation over which this gentleman
presides be reduced, in case they adhere to tn
bylaws which he has been good enough to set be
fore them for their guidance thus pronunciamentol
We doubt not they have been based on the Scrip
tures, and that good Bible authority can be pro
duced for each. Very good; but we would re
specifically ash, # the Bible rs followed so exceed
ingly nicely and strictly, IN enc respect why shoul'
itnoi be followed IN others as well Does the Blb
authorize the pastors OF the Christian church I,
live life OF idleness-to receive salaries OF one
two, three and FIVE Thousand dollars-to 1--we ON thu
TAT e the land-drink the choicest wines, ant
cobe themselves IN the finest broaccloth2 II v,