The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-03-15
The Remonstrance OF the CIergym en-


The New York Journal Of Commerce makes the fol-
lowing temperate and judicious remarks upon The inter
ference by clergymen in the political contests Of the
times Its reflections pointed particularly at the re-
monstrance against the Nebraska bill, signed by nun.
Der of the New York clergymen
The NEBRASKA "A mighty effort is ma king in the
northern States to public opinion against this bill
More especially the clergy appealed to- every hand
to lend their influence in opposition what is called the
Nebraska swindle and the like If we knew that all these
gentlemen had examined the subject with can
dor-had read both sides, and based their opinion,
upon the misrepresentation of violent partisan Or abo
ton newspapers-we should feel that they were entitled
some Difference, even on subject not peculiarly within
their sphere Blu, we are well convinced that such
the fact in regard of them The Tribune and the
Independent are the oracles OF multitude Of cegymen
such TOPICS and the result iswhat might be expected
Again how difficult 1t is for clergyman to
refuse TO sign remonsrance against sapendous fraud
violation OF solemn compact, &c, when he feels
ana knows that he does not well understand the subject
and would much rather be from signing We are
however, free TO admit that the annexed list comprise.
many OF our most intelligent and respectable ministers
though many others equally intelligent and respectable
are not TO be found there. We observe, too, that large
number OF the signcrs have pastoral charge. The liz,
includes only cergymen OF this city, but of Brooklyn
Williamsburg, and doubtless other neighboring
and villages. The whole number Of names is l49. There
in this city alone far from $50 Protestant Ministers
exclusive OF probably many who have pasto-
raj charge. The number in Brooklyn, Williamsburg &c /,
Is also large The list therefore, is very far from
pete II is designed TO represent tho united voice Of
the Protestant ciergymen ofthis city and vicinity
1--WE yield TO none In respect and vencrauon for
good and faithful ministers But always dminshes that
respect (and in this know represent large class in
the community when we them dabbling with poll.
tics With large and, we fear, increasing number Of
ministers, the practice is habual Crises are always oc
curing when in their view, their interference
cessary to prevent the ship OF State from running upon
The quicksands At one time, IL is the annexation Of
Texas; at another, the Oregon dispute at another,
the Mexican war then the Wmot provso then
the fugtveslaye law then Kossuth and always aboi.
ton Probably the clergy of North were never so Bit
tery hostile 10 any of the government as to
the purchase Of Louisiana The echoes Of their ament,
tons extended to period within own recollection.
And the result has shown that this was one Of
the wises, and most productive of good-pas present.
and prospective-tbat occurred in the annals Of
our government. History, have no doubt will re-.
cord similar memorial in regard other measure,
which tho clergy have generally opposed with nigh
and main The fact Is, clergymen, a Glass; are no,
the best judges political questions. They do no,
study them with the thoroughness with the impa.
TALLY of statesmen Faithful ministers have time TO do
so They look only on side And OF them re a,
dogmatic such subjects impatient OF ssen and
ready denounce those who differ from them a. II ali wis
DOM and even all honesty, lived and would die with them
We admit thai there nothing in the signing OF me
mortal to Congress which necessarily inconsistent with
character and duties Of clergyman. But when clerical
influence is invoked suchwhen it is sought be used
by party and sectional interests means Of carrying
their pointswhen it employed by way Of dcterrng
statesmen from the discharge OF what they conceive
be their duty under the responsibilities which they
assumed as legislators before God and manhen we say
IL is dangerous Influence, and the less have Of hs
better. Such have doubt will be the general Mi
men OF the country and thus that this effort the
pulpit and the clergy into engines for the accom- pshnen
OF political purposes viii damag the which is de-
sianed promote Blu w hail