The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-05-08

bers before the hand may point TO the
cloud where its wings were unfurled.
The bolt falls-the tree lies shivered,
and the electric minister returns to
lis mysterious home before the blaze
has flashed upon the aStonished eyes!
In our passions and our pleasures-in
love or hate, JOY or grief, whose little
storms spring up to revel or sweep IN
commissions over the human soul, max
ing landmarks in the lives of US al! !:
the turbulent are ever the most feet
ing, and he is but poor Judge Of our
wayward nature who predicts long
continuance TO any of these, because
their outward manifestations are vio-
lent. Sirs, things violent cannot EN-
dure.
But admit that moral Influences
might result from this arbitrary exer-
else of power by numbers does ii
therefore follow as consequence that
it would be just or expedient to put it
in force? Are minorities entitled TO no
respect? Are their options entitled
to no consideration on qrestions of this
kind, the relinquishmentof social privi-
leges and natural rights, even while
they hold themselves responsible for
their abuse2 In striving for the "great-
est good for the greatest number" are
you prepared to assert broadly that
"the end justifes the means" Why,
this has been the barner cry of every
spiritual, moral or legal despotism that
ever cursed the fair fields of earth, over
shadowing the consciences and tram
melting the actions Of men, and hope
there is no party in our ranks prepared
TO act on the mons.rous proposition. 1t
might be in consonance with the will
of the majority, and ii would be right
in itself, that the citizens Of Franklin
should give up ali secular pursuits
discard business and pleasure on the
Sabbath day 10 attend service at some
of the churches. No one would ques-
ton the morality of the proceeding, if
it was the result of the voluntary in
clinations of the people, or if 1t could
be brought about by the eloquence of
our very respectable and much respect
ed ministry; but would it be therefore
just-productive of beneficial results
TO the community, or of service to the
cause of religion itself-to vest our
municipal authorities with power to
enforce this observance If 50, follow
the doctrine to It's legitimate results,
and give TO the same wise heads the
authority to indicate what particular
church we shall all attend. entertain
no doubt but that they would select
the best under the sanction of their ap-
proving consciences, and | care not
to what particular denomination they
might belong, they would have just
such consciences as have lighted the
fires of persecution in every land where
dominant sects have united and blent
temporal and spiritual functions in
their generous efforts to save the souls,
bodies and purses of men-just such
consciences as were assembled around
the table of inquisitorial torment
DiIo1 tho facet - Ho,,ro euob o,
inspired the Puritan saints to hunt
witches with torch and rope-such con-
sciences as, when fred with zeal and
endorsed by the forces of the law, fill
the earth with hypocrites, people hell
with pilgrims, and make religion a
farce, bloody though it be, in the face
of men and before the offended majesty
of Heaven.
No. gentlemen; the principle is all
wrong-is pernicious in the extreme
and if put in practice will inevitably
produce greater evils than it is intend
ed to cure. Legislating for this exceS-
sive degree of morality is but one step
removed from controlling the religious
opinions. and those feelings or preju-
dices. notions, or whatever you choose
to call the sentiments which men
who have no religion hug TO them
selves so tenderTy, and from which they
cannot be made to separate by coercion.
The law has nothing properly to do
with it-nor has it anything to do with
drinking, except TO punish those who
abuse their privilege in this, as in the
exercise of any other natural or social
right. You do not need the forces of
the law to fight out your battles. and
if they are drafted into your service,
confusion in your own ranks will be
the consequence. Shut up the drink
ing establishments if you will, bur do
so by elevating the tone and increasing
the social advantages and the social
pleasures of your Order, so as to attract
greater numbers to join. Close them
by denying them your presence. It IS
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