The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-09-06
Freedom of Opinion.

Whoever lives in tho hope that the
da. K ages will be restored, and that igno.
rance and superstition will again pervade
the world, is doomed to disappointment.
The progress Of the human mind cannot
be arrested while the liberty of The press
continues to exist and that liberty can
not be extinguished so long as one free
government is to he found on earth. In
deed, the effort to effect the object would
SO convulse nations as not to leave throne
upon which despot could sit. The art
Of printing has expanded the human
mind, and enlightened it in respect to the
rights Of the governing and governed. 1t
has taught men 10 resist oppression, and
to cast aside that slav,sh subserviency TO
civil and ecclesiastical rulers which once
disgraced and brutalized Chris;endom.-
We live in an enlightened age, where the
benefits Of educat on are extended to th.
whole community, and where a privileg-
ed class can no longer send the innocent
to death through the Star Chamber of
the Inquisition, or by the arbitrary fiat Of
an in ividual: when an Emperor Of Aus
tria will no longer dare to say to the pro-
fessors Of university =" Be careful not
to teach your pupils too much. do not
want learned or scientific men. | want
obedieut subjects
Religious toleration must necessarily
result from the spread o. intelligence kr
the ignorant alone can be brought to per-
secute those who differ with them on the
subject Of religion. The Uunited States
have set an example in this respect which
other nations will have to follow. Here
all religions alike are tolerated and pro-
tected, and the tire must come when
other nations will be required 10 act
with similar justice. Our government
cannot and will no. permit its citizens to
be denied the exercises Of their religion
while temporarily residing in foreign
parts. This matter has already been
brought to the consideration Of Congress,
and General Cass has notified the Senate
that he inten Is to speak on the subject in
two weeks from Monday last. He is a
gentleman Of distinguished talents, and
will have an ample field for the display Of
his ability. Whether he will be able to
satisfy the Senate Of the propriety of act
ing promptly in the premises, we know
not but it will lie the beginning Of worh
which eaunot fail to be accomplished
hereafter.
We shall have to take the round stand
Of religious liberation to all citizens Of the
United States and to direct our strength
against such powers as may refuse to
yield the point. Our institutions are in
opposition to tyranny in any and every
shape; and there can be no greater op-
position than that Of undertaking to con.
troll the consciences Of men in reference to
the mode Of serving their God. Every
man having the same responsibility to his
Creator, and the like interest in the future
Of his soul, each should be at liberty to
judge and act for himself, where his &C
tons do not interfere with the good order
aud safety Of society. PriestIy dictation
must give way before the enlightenment
Of the age, and man be restored to that
equality Of rights to which he was desig-
ned by his Heavenly Father. We must
take the initiatory step in the work Of re,
generation, and the sooner il be done, the
better i will be Cor mankind.