Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1854-06-20
ROMANIsM

We have no intention of going into an inyesti-
gouon oil the merits of this religious faith or
as political institution, for it is 10th. Under the
above heading, we design simply to state our own
conviction, which we have never yet done briefly,
since the first article we penned on the subject
we hold these doctrines and views to forms neces-
sary part of every American Citizens opinion up-
on the subject of the Romanish Church. Our
constitution grants the right to worship God as the
citizen pleases. This is, doubtless, as it should
De: With that we have never expressed desire
10 interfere; but we do believe that fair and
legitimate construction of our constitution gives
HomanISt the right of voting, serving on iuries
teshtng IN courts or any of the rights citizens
nor that they can be entitled to themluntn they
solemniy forswear all allegiance 10 the fope OF
The church as q, material existence, temporal or
spiritual.
Until they abolish the confessional, in which
the misptison of felony and crime is involved and
tile ecleSlashcal erecled over the civil law
Until they abolish the system of forgiveness of
SIMS, or the Incubation of thei(aith that any man
OF any body of men can forgive SINS or theirpfayer
mas any lnhuence with God IN induce him 10 for
give s1ps or To- have any other effect In Behalf of
the onefor whom it is uttered, than the effect it
may have iu softening and ekristianizlng his own
mind. 3
Until they abolish the sacrament, or the inculca-
non OF The belief that any ceremony or institution
can, at DEATH or any other time of lis own intrn-
sic power, or through the sacred character or office
OF the one by whom it is administered, erase or,
modify the penalty for sin committed in violation
of Gods law.
Until they repudiate the doctrine of the infal-
l6Illty OF the church, or of any body of men,
Pope, priests, bishops or council.
Until they Cease obelieve and TO teach the doc
trne thatthe Roman church is the only true church
and those who who do not believe in 1t are here
tics, untitled for salvation,
Until they abolish nunneres and all otherspeces
OF tyranny and oppression above the law, and
Secreted from public observation. 49,
Until they cease the lnculcation of the belief
that particular vessels, or ground, or wafer, ,r
bread, or man can be so consecraled as to become
positive instrument, Fgent means of the future
salvation of an Individual.
Whenever the Romish church is leeved firm
these the individuality or tile, member becomes
established, religious freedom exists, and under
the constitution of the United States the man
becomes citizen of the Republic; and not ill
then.
1t may be said thai this construction cannot be
made TO prevail, and, therefore, what is the use of
writing uponit. We think it, can be made to pre-
vail and thatthe time will come when judges and
legislators will decide that it is the only republican
doctrine. To This end we approve of American
institutions, anu think it the duty of every true
American 10 unite with American associations to
accomplish this end. When they have ACCOMPLISH
ed 1t then there will be more necessity for Them
for tyranny over American citizens will have
ceased.
If we have one reader who ,oubts the utility or
the Importance of the positions we have assumed
we would be glad to hear from him in argument;
but until these plain positions can be refuted we
shall continue 10 hold and maintain them when
ever circumstances require it, WheeLing Times
and Gazette.