The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-08-09
W litten for The Cecil Whig
Politics and the Clergy.

Mr.. EDITOR Some time during the last
summer addressed you series Of COM
munications on the subject Of .7mcricanism.
Flattcrcd and encouraged by the ready re-
ccption which you gave the thoughts refer
red to, am induced again TO bespcak your
attention; not now, however,, to II serial
article, but to one simply, occasionally.
The heading have placed to this com
municution Indicates the subject to which it
is to be devoted. or late the charge has
been frequently made that Protestant Clergy
men have, willie preaching the gospel, made
illusions to the politics Of the day, by which
here and there Il few members of their con-
gregations have had their religious feelings
50 outraged and scandalized as to leave their
seats, in some cases, or to utter harsh de-
nuniciatons out of doors. The principle
acted upon by the seeding members, in
each ofthcsc cases, is that a Clergyman has
no right to discuss public affairs incideniiy, dr.
ing the performance Of diciae scrrice.
l put the case boldly and strongly against
the clergy, for ask no vantage ground i'll
considering and discussing the question. In
order, however, to be fairly understood, ]
must define the word Politics. By it mean
those acts of government which enhance or
diminish the happiness Of the subject. Let
us now consider what are the true functions
Of Clergyman. No one, be he Catholic or
Hereto, Christian or Pagan, will deny that
the Pulpit is the proper place whence to
defend the interests Of Religion. If it be
not guarded and protected by the CLERGY, by
whom, in the name of common sense, is it to
be defended? Granted, say these fastidious
'.hearers of the word," but religion is not in
-as..ger. Such religion as animates some
minds can never be endangered. 1t is Of
that plastic kind which assumes the form,
mould and impress Of every new object to
which it is attracted by the magnet of inter-
est. 1t is elastic beyond comprehension
warmed by rewards and qualifications, it
expands over incredible space; but when
solicited for charity, it contracts itself into
the dimensions of the heart Of its owner, or
il, as sometimes happens, he possesses no
heart, into that of the stone which occupies
the place of that organ in his bosom. The
Bible is the foundation of all true religion in
this country. This book, our best guide
here, our only security hereafter is daily
burnt, and in flames, spurned beneath the
feet of a rabble foreign Priesthood! And yet
religion is in no danger The clergy must
be silent lest they hurt Mr.. AS feelings
tender indeed must those feelings be
Within four years there have arrived on
our shores from Asia nearly 100000 Pagans.
They have erected on the newest and fairest
OF our States their temples Of Heather wor-
ship, and as soon as their numbers shall
exceed those OF the Christian, in California
they will, if allowed to vote, by an act, Of
State, Danish or extirpaie the Christian sects
no man doubts this; and yet religion is in
no danger. The clergy must stand mute and
see Gods altar crushed beneath the wheels
Of Juggcrnaut.
Brigham Young and his followers have not
only dlsavowed all Christianity, but have
established a system of morality and civil
government, violaivc Of the laws of nature,
and Of God. They now seek determination
with the great American family. Yet the
servants Of the Most High niisl not aliudc u