The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-12-01

This is a nost alarming announcement, and viii,
We are satisfied, arrest the attention OF all those VINO
,Iasire 10 see our free institutions pefpetuated. A
fesg wears SINCE, and similar attempt OF political
eierg yen 10 mingle in the fierce war o RIVAL poll-
ticul parties. with the ostensibe purpose Of delay
ma the transit of the United States mails on the first
day OF The week was most emphaiirahy fehaRed,
and the seal OF public Reproduction paeed upon the
prlncipe OF clerical interference in politics, no mat
Ter what the pretence. The attempt made on That
occasion was mere summer flaw compared with
that which threatens the Union. Then II was
mere voluntary assoc ration OF men thinking alike
on one subject. Now, it is strengthened by oaths,
and embittered by the concentrated influence OF the
clergy in all sections of the Union They openly
proclaim the union OF religion and politics. and head
The movement OF the Know Nothing order 10 osfra-
else all from political place, who are not willing
to bow down TO the golden calf erected by This ua-
holy and desperate faction. Can there be doubt
that this is the real purpose Of the hnowAothIng or
der F? By what other cue can the disclosures winch
are daily taking place be interpreted 1t is time
the rejecting citizens of the old keystone should
awaken to the danger by which they Henaced.-
Thus far ia oar political history the question OF
llgious belief has been suffered TO remain between
the Maker of all things and His creatures. Bui that
time has passed. and IN our midst Is growing up an
order of men, pioneered by the clergy, who are de-
termned TO interfere with this right, and displte the
Constitution TO establish union OF Church and
State in this Commonwealth and Nation. Will such
a course operate benehcally political Iela-
tIOnS! Let the history oil past cltficd interference
answer tins question. VIII IL minister 10 the spread
OF that religion whose mission is peace earth and
goodwill towards man2 no. In the language OF
Phillips, the celebrated Irish orator:
1.The sublime Creator of our blessed creed never
meant it 10 be the channel OF conrty influence, OF
the source OF a corrupt aseendancy. lie sent II a
mong 10 heal, rot 10 lTrItate 10 associate, moi 10
seciude collect together Ike The baPIsmai dove,
every creed, and Cline, aud color III the universe,
beneath the sFoless wing Of lis protection The
union OF Church and State IS, at best bat foul and
adutrous connection. poliutng the purity Of heaven
with the abominaion of earth and hanging the tat-
OF political pleiy upon the cross OF nsnlted
Saviour Religion, holy religion, ought not, IN The
words of lis founder, 10 be '.rd INTO temptation. -
The hand that holds her chace, and the priests of
her temple should be spotless the vestmeuts Of
their ministry. Rank only degrades, wealth only iu-
poverjshes, ornaments oaiy dIshgure her. would
have her pure uHpensoned, unstlpend!ary. She
should rob the earth OF nothing but lis sorrows;a
divine arch of promise, her eXtremitles should rest
the horizon, and her span embrace the universe !;
but her only should be the thar We're
exaed and embellshed by the sunbeam. Such Is
my idea OF what religion should be-"