The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-12-15
Ie sao.eG desk i finds advocates

alas even IN lie sacred desk it finds advocates
aud patrons.
81 need not tell you that il has come to pass
in these latter days, that these standing places
ofGod's messengers 10 ruined world, become
olt-tinles the mere platforms for political har-
angues. These altars Of our God, where the
broken heart is demanded as sacrifice to Je-
hova, become oft-times only sSeats of cus4ora,'
Were the worldly triantr is rendered 10 Cesar.
The precepts OF the divine law, Numbered from
Sinai the promises OF the gospel issued in the
death-cry from Calvary: alas they are all set
aside and forgotten, that these ambassadors of
God may discourse political defamation upon
moot-polnts that divide our political parties.--
Either because these men find the duties of their
sacred profession so light, and their consequent
lrIsnre abundant or because they regard the
care of souls so trivial concern in comparison
with the general ralightment of society on thrse
political questions or, it may BE-, because they
regard themselves men Of such prodisions
powers and special inspiration, as 10 make it
their extraordinary call TO leave TO their hum
bier and less gifted brethren the care Of the ark
in the fields Of Beth-she:nish, while they strive
about the golden mice with the lords OF The
Philstines
Certain we are that for some reason, into
their religion, such as it is, they carry sore of
the veres; denominations of rufIian and radical
politics. Their pulpitS become platforms, where
all questions of practical morals are discussed as
side issues with sonlr aim Of the denagognrs.-
The cross OF Christ is taken down from It's high
place, as the crowning glory Of the sanctuary,
and in IFS stcad-as engine Of relorm-is lift
ed the ballot box. And with this advocacy
and patronage in the Church's high places, ii
has, not marvelouSly, come 10 pass that the
ediicati0n Of the audiences should be after their
kind. Certain we are at least of the fact, that
many a christian man looks day to tie foul
est machinery OF pattlzan politics as an ftiicieut
auxiliary IN a reformation Of morals. Temper
ance- moral reiorm-regious educaion-uni-
versal brotherhood indeed all things that are
true, and pure, and lovely, and of good report,
are-to speak technicaIiy-by species Of NOR
al log-rOIing, linked as twin iSSueS with the
iouest aims Of ruliian drmagogntS seeking pre-
frrmrGt and place. Nav, verify alas these
heavenly moral virtues, that as whlte robed an
gels on radient wings should be- all unsoiled by
dust and soaring swertiy III Gods sunshine, are
harnrssrd side by side with bank charters, and
tariff provisions, to drag the chariot of sonp un-
principled pIaceman into honour and power.
81 am not, Of course, condemnIng, nor will
br misunderstood as condrmning. any conscipn-
tons endeavor 10 iegisatp crime out of a con-
munity. O no. I hold il 10 he my right tand
| will not insult vour understandings bv atielnp-
ting proof Of such trueism.) hold it TO be my
most boundpn duty, to seek all honorable psis-
latlon to aid 'ne IN the suppression OF popular
nlqultirS. lntrmprrance, oppression, Sabbath
b-. 4 t,,I.
great catalogue of fragrant immoralities, are as
very frIonieS en- mans civil rights as are high
way robbery, or adultery, or murder. And as
an integral part ofsocirty for whose widest re-
gard the government is created, can come TO
that government, not asking favor, but
claiming as a right, that il protect me and my be-
loved ones from such foul ieluf.ies on my in
terrstS.
"But then, as Christian frpcmen, in high
minded and manly way, to seek legislative ac-
ton IN maintenance ot these great moral inter-
eSts, this is one thing-but another thing is it
altogether, to enter into foul partnership with
political pariZanS for the sake OF such legislation
making temperance and Sabbath-keeping, and
the Bible in schools, and all or any great practi
Cal morality tWin-measureS, Coordinate aud CO.
equal issues, with tie charter of a Sabbath
breaking railroad, or swindling banking house.
or a monopolizing gas company. The first is
only goodlv, and lawful, and noble cqrryiag
TIE grind science Of gorernmcRt INTO religion
while thr last is u:aniitStly an ignoble carving
Of politics. politics in lis most vulgar and alb
hOrrpnt sense with all It's monSronS shapes and
gigantic abomnations-Polifics- politics IN re-
hgiOa ~