Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-12-26
Refections-No. 2.

Reftectlons-N0. x.
Mr.. EDITOR: We have often heard
it said by some Of our political stump
orators. that the political pool was a
very dirty one, and, if we are to
Judge of its nature from the effects it
has had upon some who have been
wading in it. we would, most assured
ly, be driven to the same conclu-
sion.
Let us survey for a moment some of
the effects that have been manifestly
produced upon ministerial standing
and influence. Look at the unpleasant
state Of things that have been created
in certain localities between the preach
er and those to whom he was sent, or
by whom he has been called to minis
ter the bread of life. How many
hearts have been alienated from him,
and even from the house Of God, in
consequence; and in how many instan-
ces has his own support and comfort
been lessened. But it is not only the
men who are in the active service of
the church, and who bold pastoral
relation to particular congregation,
have been thus seriously injured, but
those most who have turned aside from
these more active duties, and have of
ten sought and obtained Office for
themselves. Where is there one min
lister in our whole State, who has re-
ceiyed patronage from either the State
or National government in the way of
Office, that has not greatly suffered in
reputation. Some Of them were once
the pride and heart Of the church to
which they belonged. either as littera-
ny men, or as able and useful divihes.
But now, in the estimation of many
at least, they are not even worthy of
confidence. and are Kissing and a. by
word in the mouths Of the people,
Surely, pool that will send forth
such a stream must be.dirty indeed
But it may be said that the accusations
brought. against such men are untrue.
and especially the latter, and that they
are mere SANDERS. set on foot and
propagated by their enemies for politi-
cal effect; and, therefore, should not
be urged either against the men or the
system. 1t may however be true;-
and il becomes us to pause and inquire
whether there are not strong reasons
to fear that there is too much truth in
these accusations; and whether there
are not good grounds to fear that men
who ought to be holy, and whose
hands should be free from holding
brides have not, by their selfshness
aud the influences which have been
thrown around them, become the apol-
ogists and even supporters Of crimes
such as they would have felt il their
duty. under other circumstances, both
openly and sharply to have reproved.
But will they do iii now?-dare they
do it now No, not one Of them
No man dare oppose any vice that has
been directly or indirectly winked at
or supported by any political party
without being recorded by that party
as its enemy; and they would utterly
refuse him any support that he might
ask Of them; hence, when you hear a
minister of the gospel talk about his
political friends, what do you under
stand by that, other than that be is
committed to them and their party,
and that MS a public stewart they keep
both his politics and his monies, and
that he will openly endorse or silently
submit 10 oil their dictates ? And
now / ask. is it TO be expected that
such man will be a faithful embassa-
dor Of God?-that he will declare the
whole counsel?-that he will cry aloud
and spare not?-and that he will lift
up his voice like trumpet and show
the people their sius, particularly the
sins Of his political friends? l answer
most unhesitatingly he will not. No
man can or will do this.
Who is looking for or expecting pc.
litical favor? He must either abandon
his hopes OF SUGGEST or modify his
gospel to suit the corruptions Of those
to whom he looks for favors;; and to
do the latter is to disgrace himself,
dishonor God, and corrupt his holy
religion, aud no man will do the for
mer, but he who counts all things but
loss for the excellency OF the
knowledge Of Christ Jesus our Lord.
mo. Mr.. Editor, l have thrown out
these few thoughts for the considera-
tan Of the public, and il they seem
at all TO wake up the mind Of COM
munity to.this all important subject.
shall be gratiied. l am but AN hum
bic member Of our community, an d
make no pretensions to write. but as
these thoughts pressed upon my mind,
have tried to give then utterance.
INDIANA.