Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-12-13
Political Preachers-

In New England it has been customary
for the clergy to improve the opportunity of
preaching what are called political sermons
on Thanksgiving Day. 1t is not likely that
the practice will be suddenly abandoned;
but we think there has been growing con-
viction within the last few years that the pull.
pit, whether on the Sabbath or any other day
of the week, is the place for the exhibition
only Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that
il can be made snbservient To the promotion
Of political prosperity mora effectnaily by
the exhibition OF that Gospel than by the
discussion Of any other theme which can EN-.
ploy the powers Of the preacher. Such APP
pears to be the sentiment of the Savior him
self when he declares "My kingdom is not
Of this world" Such peculiarly was the
force Of his teachings when his enemies
sought 10 entrap him into an expression of
political opinion for or against the Roman
government. When he taught submission to
CgHar, and refused 10 commit himself on a
political question, he left an example which
would be we'll for the preachers of his gospel
to initiate IN all coming iims.- Neas Yorl
Obssrcer
When We find such sentiments as the
above enforced and appreciated by a religious
journal Of the character and ability of the
New York Observer paper under the sole
editorial management and control Of mi0is-
ters Of the most respectable churches OF the
eonntry, we feel assured that the duties and
pOprieties Of the christian ministry are at
least appreciated and properly understood
and consistently taught by tho moro talented
aud devoted men who have engaged in that
holy calling. Tho greatest delusion among
good men in advancing what they deem the
cause of truth, is that which of late years has
seized upon many of our clergymen, and has
led them into the political arena They con-
clude that this or that party is fayoring sla-
very or incompetence, or some other moral
or social evil, aud not being sufficiently pa
tient to await the Almighty's own good time
for the correction of those evils, and losing
faith in the declaration that the preached
gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to
every one that beleyeth," they eschew the
simple doctrines of the gospel and their ope-
rations upon the hearts of men, to mould and
guide political action by rushing into the arena
with the politician as partisan combatants.-
The result Is their sacerdoial garments be-
come soiled with the dust and smoke of the
contest; they give and receive wounds, which
however tolerated in those whose pursuits
naturally lead them into the conflicts of life.
are never regarded by the public judgment
as in harmony with the sacred calling of the
ministers of Christ
Those clergymen who enter into political
strife, are, to say the least actuated by mis-
taken zeal. A faithful exhibition of the
great truths of their mission, commended to
the hearts of their hearers by the gentleness
and blamelessness of their own lives, will do
far more to introduce the principles of reli-
gion into the action and policy of the govern
ment, and of the various parties which strive
to control it, than all the political sermons
which over-zealous partizans or sycophgntic
hypocrites could, with their utmost industry,
produce. Those ministers who have turned
aside into the political field, have been able,
already, to CLEAN ample experience of the
truth of this position. The faithful minister
Of the gospel, who impresses his congrega-
ton with his earnest sincerity, and leads
their hearts and turns their steps along the
pathway Of simple and true Christianity, is
not the political preacher who deems it
right to cast his influence into the scale of
every passing controversy. or regards it as his
prerogative or duty to guide the sufrages Of
his Pensioners.
How rare are the instances where clergy
men who are in the habit of preaching poll
tics' have been able for any length of time
tn retain the dignity or Influence which prop
eriy attach to their calling, OF TO see their
ministsations exercise the legitimate control
| over the lives Of their hearers, which belong
2 the teachings of the gospel? Hence as a
ere question Of how he can do the most
the clergyman of discretion and judy
refrains from assuming the office of
j. controlling the political sentiments
tions of his congregation. He would
DO thus il certain that biz own views Of
Heal questions were always right
4 or The Louisiana papers announce that
sir. Albert Farrs designs contesting the seat
of Mr.. Eustis, the X. y. member of Congress
from the Plaqnemine district, Louisiana