North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1850-11-06
Ecc1Es1AsTIcAL GOOD SENSE.


In a country where religious feeling prevails to 80
wide extent as is happily the case In the OD'Su
States, the acts of ecclesiastical oodles must eve
matter of great interest and importance; ana ""S
they are connected with great public measures Vay
affectiur the well-being and peace of the country,
thew attract the notice Of still wider cifce IMAM that
of those who by profession subject 10 helr aulnor
ity Ours is pre-emnently government OF puollc
o3;n;on: and as the sentiments of men holding the
pastoral relation must in the Hature OF things exeit
powerful effect upon the JOCKS they govern IL IS
peculiarly gratifying when we nno 'helr sea.'enaS
distinctly avowed in favor Vi souho' mooela'e' dho
conservative principles.
We have been ed to these remarks from having
seen certain resolutions recently adopted by church
body denominared. officially, the Synod 9 FLnso"Tg
A SYNOD according to the Presbyterian Eccleslast-
cal Government, is, believe, body constituted by
the union of two more Presbyteries, and holding
n middle place between the Presbytery Ia local ASSOC
citation of the ministers and elders within speclhed
district of country and the General Assembly, or
Grand Congress of the whole denomination, repre-
scented by delegates chosen by the Presbyteries. A
Synod, therefore, is numerous body. uniting the
pastors of many churches, and laymen of respectable
ity associated with them in the government of an ex-
tensive portion of the church. The official resolves
and Of such body cannot but represent the COL
lective sentiments OF very large mass OF talent,
standing, and high moral principle. In Pennsylva-
mia the Presbyterian denomination is strong and ex-
erts a powerful influence.
These considerations give great weight 10 the res
olutions which about to quote and their I'm
porance is of the more consequence at the Presen'
moment as they relate a subject that has so deep
ly agated the public mind in all the Northern oaieS'
and especially at Pittsburg.
They were preceded by debate which partook, In
a modified degree, of the character OF those III ouI
National Councils, characterized, on one side, by ar-
dent zeal and somewhat ultra spirit, denouncing,
in no measured terms, the fugitive slave law lately
passed by Congress, and going, In some instances
so far as recommend resistance OF the law:
Happily those advocating opinions like these formed
hut mi itv al he bOdV:
and attempted amendments failed, and the Synod, ny
a very decided majority, adopted the following tent
perate, wise, and creditable resolves:
RESOLVED, That it is ineXpedien Tor the SYNOD al
this time to give any formal expression of its mind
in relation to the law aforesaid leaving every man to
act as citizen in conformity with his oogatlons as
a citizen and christian, in the wisdom and meeknesS
of the Gospel.
. IesoJred That it be earnestly recommended to
all our churches and people observe with special
fervo the apostolca injunction to pray Tor our rulers
and all in authority, that they may be nst ruling In
the fear of God and that, under the Divine favor,
our Nation and Government m4y be preserved in their
integrity, and happily guided to the tHIhllment OF It's
glorious vocation.
We hail the temper which breathes in these reso-
lutous as affording happy augury OF future peace.
NOTHING renders dsorganizing spirit formidable
as the connection it has sometimes exhibited with Inc
religious principle in the human breast. mat prn-
chile is by its very nature lndomltable 1t dsowns
ali attempts at control from mere human authority,
and still from any considerations OF exPedIency
Its appeal is to higher law. And whenever feeling
like this allies itself with political notions and poi'-
cal combinations inimcable to the public peace and
safety it becomes Of the most dangerous elements
of action that can be conceived. After all the nnbe-
lief and Indifference manifested towards religion, re-
lgous feelings of any kind, where they do exist are
the most powerful springs of hupan action and
whoever can enlist them his side In an attempt to
change the existing state of things in any communl-
ty, has an ally of the most formidable character
But on the other hand, where the lovers Of order and
of peace seek for deences to preserve them against
assault they have, in the feeling friend OF the
most potent energy. 1t is, then, most happy when
great public religious body exerting. and deserved
ly, strong and wide influence over the friends and
professors Of religion, puts fcE! shat influence IN ia
vor of the supremacy of the law, the maintenance OF
Just and wholesome subordination to the Constltu-
tion and in open opposition the spirit of fanatclsm
which seeks, by plausible appeal 10 religious PrIn-
cipe, to and defend designs in open hostility
with the painest requirements of the Religion of the
Bible. National InteLHgencer.