The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-10-11
From me Boston Post.
THE CLERGY AND POLITICS.

is addressed win be the last complain This gentle
man. at the 4th of July celebration in Dorchester when
Hon Edward Everett delivered his elegant Grafton felt
10 be his duty prefer 10 the Throne Of Grace most
terrible anti-compromise abolition prayer and it is prob
able that this wemean but -coneeiyed service has
suited in the good Of eicng from r. Capen this patriotic
| letter.
twill be regarded of the most remarkable Of
the characteristics Of the federal constitution that its
trainers should have put wise provision into that
which prohibits Congress from making any law for the
Enlistment Of religion This clause gather from the
contemporaneous debates, inserted under solemn
consciousness OF the evils that had been experienced from
ecclesiastical dominion This Is exempfed in CO.
lonal well as In foreign annals How far the jealousy Of
those times may be in Of the early State
constitutions That for instance Of the State of New
York prohibited ministers of the Gospel" from holding
civil military oeesa gross violation Of private rights
undoubtedly, but still mild and humane when compared
with the scourgings and burnngs of the old herarchies
This prejudice has passed away and just views the
rights of the clergy the part Of the aity welngh
4 universal.
The true ground undoubtedly is that the clergy should
be treated exactly other men, having the samag his,
the freedom Of political action and subject the
same limitations. As men, they have right 10 write,
speak, print what they please politics, and to
they please As cergymen and members Of religious
ceties they when they accept "aeal virtually come
der the sort of unwrtten code of law Of such
ceiiesther basis and have much moral right in
et upon them their peculiar partisan politics any
other member has and they have right to do it.
Suppose in community subscription paper started
30 raise money build church. in which democratic
Christian politics. whig know-nohing, (2) freeso,
were to he ncucated would the plan succeed But hun
dred of churches sustained by among the
bes Of those parties the understanding that
neither side shall be favored Suppose however leader Of
of these parties seeks to make his church. the meeting
he attends place sort caucus gets up in the
meetings and whacks away at his antagonists He has
legal right to do this lie may be monomanac to be-
eve that it is duty to do it, But every candid person
say that such is volaye Of the very basis
law of the existence of religious societies. and must
say that they maintained for such purpose When
member chooses TO take this course it is pre-
duce divisions 1t is exactly with minister. He is
not called by the society which he ministers to lee
ue them the political questions Of the day he is just
much of place in dlatng independent
ury BILL tariff BILL Kansas bill, he would be to
instruct them in shp-buding. In a common-sense way
he incucae those Christian doctrines and precepts-
the spirit of that Divine Life which is equally necessary
to undere all just measures all true politics. all national
administrations. When minister in his pulpit goes out
of his path launch forth partisan strife he generally
shows himself be intormed he is weak and al
always passionate Mr.. Capens letter this point
is excellent:
/ MoUST IDA, (Dorchester,) Sept g. 1855.
My In asking your deliberate consideration OF
thoughts, respectfully submitted the following letter
with regard puLrT which have been ug
gested and elected by events and which there is
present occasion rec doubt entertained but you
win give the subject that serious and candid scrutiny
for which your established habits OF sincerity have been
so long distinguished.
That the motives which originated this communication
may not be misunderstood, msconsrned, beg leave
speak OF the dignity and responsibility Of the ministerial
calling and while all " no with ne in opinion feel
it he their duty to claim for il considerable protection,
they would not dyes it of its high and sacred character
derOrate its prerogatiyes OF Independence,
They believe that the servants Of Christ should initiate
bis examples by teaching the great and Sabine truths OF
Christianity to all people Of different origin minds habits
culture opinions and under the varying circumstances of
i civilization, government freedom, education, prosperity,
Christianity system of duty for the guidance Of
under all the circumstances Of life whether public pr
vate pleasurable painful and not system for the
tormiy of opinions any subject except it be those
fundamental principles recognized by all Christian denon
nations and which 10 be found in the attributes Of
Deity.
the individual comman1 the adoption Of opinions
the reasonabencss OF which he cannot see the mani
feston OF sentiments the reality of which he cannot feel
The most that he can hope TO accomplish is TO exercise
and keep alive the conscience to all that belongs To ineg
rty and justice TO elevate the standard of duty in the
adoption Of opinions deliberately formed and TO insist
upon practice that ba be in harmony with the declared
will of God aud those laws and constitutions of men
which, according their best Judgment and knowledge
from time to time ordained general consent for the
common good Of society AS he cannot dvest the ndi-
ydual Of his moral responsibility, he claim right
dictate opinions for his adoption which his enlightened
Judgment Goes not approve.
He is the teacher Of duty the rich and to the poor
without the authority of controlling the property Of
either; he is the religious adviser of the young and
aged but not their political guardian; he is the APP
pointed exhorter of the reckless and the wicked but
not their governor keeper; he is the chosen
soer of the afflicted and dying but not their Judge
he should be counsellor of statesmen of all parties
but the offensive partisan of any he should be the
spiritual and independent adviser Of the magistrate in the
numerous positions of authority and official duty but not
the controlling gatherer of his knowledge the responsible
agent of his power the director of his opinions nor the
arbiter of his acts He should give to the legislator the
inspiring benefit OF bis prayers in him hon
zeal for investigations increase in him the love truth
the sentiment of sespect and duty aud leave him
according the Judgment which he deliberately forms
the help many Christian aids He preacher Of the
exposed to temptation against the dangers of sin in its
hdeous variety against oppression in violation of law the
promoter of peace according to law, the encouager Of
duty OF danger but he is invested with
thory by his Divine Master to the prerogaves of
private Judgment to denounce his eow-sinners for
in matters Of opinion subjects in
gard to which the good and the able of the entire COM
muuy are divided and where the of truth demands
perfect freedom exempted from all party and sectarian
i dictation.
What air and light TO the body Christianity to the
soul il constitutes the Indispensable elements of heahul
grow and spiritual existence; il ennobles the
lofty endeavor it encourages endeavo according the
stern acquisitions of integrity il enven the affections
but it does seek control their application il creates
thirst for Knowledge and cngenders love for truth in
the man. the woman and the child Of every condition and
in every pursuit OF life but il leaves each choose his
pnth 10 walk his according