The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-07-11
The Right Spirit,

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The following resolutions, passed by meet
ing of the citizens of St. Mary's county, Mary
land, breathe spirit of christian charity that
every man whose mind is not prejudiced or
depraved, must admire. They recognize the
principle of jefferson, in his first message to
Congress, that "error of opinion should be toll
| eratedNvhile reason is left free to combat it."
and initiate the example of the primitive chris
tians, whose charity compelled the admiring
pagans to exclaim, sSee how these christians
love one another" They inculcate feeling of
forbearancc which it is the duty of every man
not himself perfect, to practice.
Contrast these with class of men who en-
deavo- to prescribe the bounds of religious tol-
eration--to set up a standard by which men
are to be Judged, and proceed themselves to
punish those who are found wanting. For
when they deprive men of privileges for their
religious opinion, they do nothing less than as
sumo the functions of Higher Power, and ad-
minister that punishment which, if merited, is
due in another state Of existence. A class who
are the sworn enemies of all, good and bad in
discriminatory, who are included in certain
denomination; who will neither see nor ac-
knowledge merit in the prescribed class; who
array the other branches of the christian church
against one which has fallen under their dis
pleasure. " See ho,c these christians loue one
another ats ass-
| Contrast these classes, decide for yourself
which is right, and act accordingly. The res
4
olutions are as follows:
Resol0ed, That it will be libel on the
intelligence, and patriotism, and the homes
ty of the American people to suppose that
party organized under the sanction of an
unholy oath to keep secretits purposes and
actions, and based upon the principles of
exclusion of any citizens from Office on the
ground of peculiar variety of Christian
faith, can be of any other than mere tenn
poral existence, involving essentially the
element of its own dissolution, and that
we can feel no sympathy, nor hold any
affiliation with any such party in any man.
ner whatever.
Resolred, That we will ever keep burn
ing and guard with vestal vigilence, the
lamp of universal religious toleration and
christian fellowship, that more than two
hundred years ago was first lighted up
within our limits by our 'Pilgriin.,. 7 T Fathers,
and we aenounce as a traitor to civil duty
and social harmony the man who, with sac
rilegious breath would seek to dim one
ray of our glorious brightness.
Resolped by the Protestant portion OF
this assembly, That, knowing their gener-
al worth as men and patriotism as citizens,
to be in every respect equal to our own,
we do most solemnly pledge ourselves to
our Roman Catholic brethren, whether
Wings or Democrats, Indignantly to frowr
upon and manfully to contend against all
and every attempt to deprive them of the
civil and religious rights which are secured
to all by the Constitutions.
Resotved by the Roman Catholic portion
of this assembly, That we do most cordi.
ally reciprocate the kind brotherly scnti.
ments expressed in the resolution just pas
sed by our Protestant brethren. Acknowl.
edging no higher allegiance on this earth
than that which binds us to our beloved
country, we can and VIC will shoulder to
shoulder with all her patriotic children,
aid in resisting her foreign enemies or in
protecting the constitutional rights of all
her citizens from the assaults of domestic
foes.