Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-02-19
NO. %.

Interference Of Religion IN Politics. A Discourse
dehrered IN 0e First Congregational Church of
Adrian, Michigan, on Thanksgiving day, Nop.
25h, 1852, By REV. @, G. Gurus, Pastor.
Adrian must be, as VIC know il is, the home
Of some radical rnti-slavery agitators, or her
ministers would not, as these two pamphlets
indicate they are doing, compete with each
other in anti-slavery discussion and agta.ion.-
Whatever positions the ministers may take, if
they set the example of agitation and discussioa,
their people will be apt to follow. And when
once launched upon the sea Of inquiry, the
ministers loose their power of poslional con-
troll. They are divcsted of their divinity, and
become like common nortals. Their argu-
ments and facts are judged of as arc those of
other men, and untrameled by authority, all
Investigators will obtain more less perfect
approximation to the truth. We consider il
therefore most fortunate for any plucc-most
fortunate for the advancement of truth when
the misistry commence or prosecute the discus
sion Of this important question of slavery, and
inquire into our common obligations and rcla-
tiuns 10 it. Those who volun atly come Tor
ward aud give the sanction of their station and
personal influence 10 the work, deserve ard will
ever receive the respect of all lovers OF rghte-
business. Such will also rejoice over, if they
cannot 80 much respect, the motives of those
ministers who are forced into discussion,
by the rcsolutc anti slavery of the community
where they dwell
We know nothing Of the clergymen, whose
names we have given above, except what we
learn from their productions which some uu-
known friend has kindly forwarded us. The
address of Mr.. Pitcher is n lucid, and in some
respects a forcible statement of the common
arguments for the anti. slavery character Of the
Constitution. First giving the positive cvi-
dence and then taking up the alleged cxccp-
tions. Mr.. Pitcher, unlike some who coincide
with his views, advocates the application of his
principles to the abolition Of slavery direct
lie contends that slavery may and should be
abolished in the states by direct action Of Con-
gress or by decision of the Supreme Court
lie holds the government responsible. until it
shall exercise those just powers for she aboli-
ton of slavery everywhere. We greatly adj
mire this feature OF his address. We want to
see every man earnestly press practical appli-
cation of his principles, whatever they may be.
Merely to amuse ourselves with theories and
abs. .ractons is to make mUckcry of justice and
to trihc with the sorrows OF the slave. Mr..
Pitcher has, however, failed to inform MS how.
eneumburcd with our present union with slave.
holders, we can ever bring the general govern
ment, even If it admitted its constitutional OBJ
legation, to act fer the abolition of slavery
On this point, indeed, he speaks with discour-
ment. and has, TO sustain his hope. only his
general faith in God and human progress.
Mr.. Curtis, in his sermon, comes with direct
ness to his subject, and speaks the truth with
plainncss and without apology. lie vindicatcs
the moral agitation of the day, and exposes
the falshood and hypocracy of the prctcnccs
under under which they arc opposed. lie af.
firms that the true province of religion and
christianity is in the midst of the strife with
evil, aud that the people may be justly SUSPECT
Gus of that Christianity which stands aloof
from the conflict with slavery. But we will
let him speak for himself. In reply to the stale
objection against ministerial and church inter.
ference, that religion and moral agitation
should be kept separate from politics, lac says:
No one can refrain frOm smiling To hear
how some men 81 eak upon this subject Let
some reform movement he urged forward
under n christian advocacy, aud all nt once
they become alarmed for the honor of relig-
ion. You would think they were fresh from
MI inquiry meeting where they had Just been
converted, aud that heuceforwnrd they were
,I IL,
and the unsoilcd reputation of tie christian
ministry. Thus you may hear Shareholder
talk, as he sees the public sentiment OF the
country becoming chrsianized upon the
subject of the "peculiar institution" and
more territory for the extension aud profits
Of this institution. Many man with this
kind of property cares no mOre about the
honor of religion in this social agitation, than
he does about the course whicl, the sea SER
pent inkes. The particular point of his so.
liciiiide is the price of cotton and human
chuiiels if the market value of these is de-
cliuiug under the infusion of an nnti-slavery
ehrsiiuui,S into the public mind, he will
begin TO lreu,ble for the purity Of religion.
He is sure tlal religion will be hurt IN this
way, because il is hurting his profits. Thus
TOO you may see a Politician suddenly and
Rrenily concerned about holy tliings. afraid
ministers will Rct indiscreeIly, aGd chur-
clles iujure the christian cnIIse; hnt after u
liule iispecIion, y"n nIay see That the real
ground OF his apprehension, il, that he shall
fail oi heng elected Ia uflice, bernlise there
is such an earnest application oI the princi-
.ies Of tie gospel To questions involved III
ihe CANVASS. Mnyn man nj such I'roii'ssed
anxiety lor The rrpuiulinn at religion would
give his voice against C,nist aud call iIr Bi-
rnbhas, il il would gain fnr him and his
party the spoils aud honOrs al office. Whni
he drends il not tint holy things will be pro-
famed, hut that The people, dearly beloved,
will not vote for him. Aud, 81 you Inay see
the Rum seller lifting up his hands in dep
recniion nj the hare IhO,lpht thut ministers