Indiana American., 1854-07-14

MORE CHURCH AcrIoE.

Never have protestant chuIches' as
such, been soaroused in reference to
political measures. The move appears
to be simultaneous and unanimous -
The manifest purpose of the party in
power to gag protestant ministers in
reference to political matters. while.
beyond doubt. they have consulted
and still consult the wishes Of Pspists,
who owe allegiance TO the Pope Of
Rome, has aroused protestants beyond
anything ever known in this country.
Connected with this determination, is
the incorporation Of moral questions
into the political arena, and an effort
to drive away from their discussion,
moral men. by making the pool too
dirty for decent people to dabble IN
But the proiestants churches know
their rights and intend to defend them.
At a recent meeting. the following
resolutions were adopted by the Maine
Baptist Conference. representing eel
churches, with 1889 communicates.
and about 600 ministers. held in Ban
gor last week. The body has no ec-
clesiasticaI power. and its sessions are
chiefly occupied in the consideration
OF benevolent enterprises. The dis
cussion Of the agitating topics of the
day occupied a long session. They
are embraced in the annexed resolu.
tons, which were unanimously adop-
ted:
Resolved, That in order 10 fulfill any
constitutional claims upon Us, (if such
claims actually exist in relation to the
rendition OF fugitive slaves. the late
law Of 1850 is needIessly rigid and
coersive. that We, as Christian body.
do pledge ourselves not TO aid In its
execution, but il need be. will peace
fully submit to any penalties which
may be inflicted for Withholding our
assistance in an act so repugnant 10
oui best social and moral feelings.
while, At the same time, we will use
our most earnest cndeSvors to secure
its repeal.
Resolved, That we regard the pass
age of the late Nebraska bill, To involve
a violation of solemn compact.enter-
ed into on the part Of the South 10 sat
isty the conscientious scruples Of the
people Of the free States.
Resoiped. That all Territories under
the jurisdiction Of the United States
Governmentshould, in ourjudgment, be
exempt from Slavery.
Resoired, That although we deem
the publication ofthe scheme ofredemp-
ton by the blood Of Christ. to be the
supreme object Of the Christian minis
try. yet VIC do not believe this their
only duty or privilege. They have a
right, aud itmay be their duty. Iovote
Ito express their opinions MS other
citizens in private or in public. on mat
ters Of government; and to exercise
their private Judgment us to the duty
OF discussing in the pulpit the subject
OF Slavery, rs well as other questions
involving The principles of morality.
Res0ised, That at our next and fu-
sure elections we pledge ourselves to
give our support 10 no man for any
office who does not publicly pledge
himself 10 actin accordance with the
sentiments Of these resolutions.
On Thursday morning in committee.
the following resolution was passed
without discussion:
Rcsoleed. Thatal our approaching
State election no candidate Tor political
office shall receive our support, who
will notopcnly plegde himself to the
support OF the Maine Liquor Law, and
10 the appointment Of all State officers
whom Il may be his duty to appoint,
pledged to the execution Of that law.