The daily union., 1854-10-25

dread Of the of the seventeenth century enacted
in Europe We should not be deaf TO the voice of history
upon this subject should forget that
tors from whatever country they may have come and
wherever landing this continent whether at Plymouth
Rock Jamestown refugees from religious persecu-
ton, escaping from the bloody which mark the
darkest pages in modern history Nor should forget
that when Vim. Penn Roger Williams and Lord Balti-
more--a Quaker, Baptist and Catholic-agreed upon
terms OF perfect religious tolerance that il second
era Of good will TO earth 1t the greatest
triumph of Christianity since the days Of Constantine Ii
has been the of the greatest good to mankind Its
benign influences have been world wide, and il has
sreng ghened the of civil liberty and Christianity in
all countries Has il occurred 10 those who would eclipse
this great characteristic of American institutions that the
direul influence OF retrograde action this subject
could not be confined the limits of country That
its advocates they could be justified for temporary
inconvenience selfish end in enaiiing great evil
the OF Christianity and civil liberty in other
tries This principle of Christianity benevolenee and
love for the rights of man knows geographical limits
II is as widespread as the human The Christians in
heather lands point TO American Institutions argu
ment in favor of liberal vews. The advocate of the civil
rights of under yranncal aud oppressive forms OF
government also draws his arguments from example
The American example has been the beacon light which
has guided the political warrior wherever struggling
against the of oppression To the Christian in
heather lands and the Protestant in Catholic countries
has furnished the largest share Of their arguments and
their hopes.
But TO suppose-whish simply an absurd idea-thai
there be reason 10 apprehend Entertainments upon our
civil institutions by class sect OF citizens where
would all good citizens rally for protection against such
evil They would be found TO cluster around the
suton; they would gather about IL like the faithful at
Mecca and hold II impossible barrier to such
croachmen There should be- in such event TO maintain
this for the benefit OF all classes and all denom-
nations OF Christians But how idle IL is in those who
pretend that there may be danger the civil institutions
Of the country, announce remedy, the destruction
of the greatest safeguard which Institutions afford So
long the people confde Ia the paramount law of the
land and reverence its principles long will 1t afford am
pie protection TO all but If that instrument be overrdden
by the power of combination If il be thus demoraliled
and weakened aud the confidence of the people aenated
from it, and encroachmen should then be attempted there
might be for alarm for those resisting such nvnsons
would be in the attitude Of army the fortress torn down
and the ordnance dsmantled Bni enough Of this trust
that have succeeded in making my views known TO you
upon this grave subject,
have said Of these things from prejudice for am
myself Pennsylvania by BIRTH and Protestant by re-
gious belief as my parents before me but have
simply declared principles which believe consistent
with the best interests the dearest rights, and highest
hopes of the people of my native State Nor do intend
speak unkindy of individual citizens who, for any
son. may have connected themselves with the associations
to which | have been referring. | readily perceive
how clothed with novelty and secrecy the approaches OF
such institution would be insidous and seductive; and
how citizen of the best intentions might be drawn with
in its meshes But all such have plain duty to perform
and that is withdraw from the order TO renew their
allegiance the constitution and to assert the dignity OF
free and Independent voters and vote for whomsoever they
please for political Office.