Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-07-03
From the Providence Post.
A METHODIST BISHOP REBUKES POLITICA

| PREACHING.
At the late conference Of the Methodist Episcopal
| Church for East Maine, Bishop Norris being about
to the appointment Of preachers to their
several stations and circuits, gave his Yiews-very
briefly aud in kindly terms upon the interference
of ministers of the Gospel with political affairs
We deem the present very fit time for giving his
renhrks to our readers. The political excitement
which brought so many New England clergymen
into the partisan field has passed away, and minis
tiers and lsymen are looking with calmness and can
dor to the influences which have resulted from po-
ltical preaching. They find churches divided and
distracted, pews deserted, treasures empty and
the hearts of the people cold and cOmfortless.-
Some of them, with commendable devotion to the
Christian cause, have set about the work necessary
to restore the good feeling which prevailed in other
years; and many who had been driven from their
houses of worship by the partisan abuse of their
ministers, have been brought back to their public
deyOtions and again hoping for season of reli
giOus enjoyment. Perhaps at such time, both
minister and people will derive pleasure and profit
from the gentle cOunsels in the remarks above re-
ferred TO. In the course of them, Bishop Morris
said
81 deem it not unimportant out of place to
address few words to you, my brethren, upon a
subject which is attracting considerable attention
at the present time-namely, as to how far min
lister of the Gospel ought to take part in the poll
tics of the day. When a minister goes into the pull
pit he finds his congregation composed of men of
different political parties; and if he publicly becomes
the partizan of side the other there will of
necessity spring up GOODNESS towards him in part
of the congregation, which will diminish his inhu-
ence. feel convinced, from what have observed
that the only result that can be expected from a
minister taking part in the political contests and
discussions of the day will be engender strife and
hard feeling in his congregation.
I" But some may ask whether we are not citizens
like other men, and have not duties to perform as
AIoe+ oTr,1r
nor proved recreant to the obligations resting upon
me as citizen, although l have not for the forty
years that have been in the ministry, entered
a political meeting or spent above FIVE minutes at
any election have always made it point to 90
to the polls at the most quiet time of the day. when
there likely to be the least excitement to de-
posite my ballot in transformations manner, and
return home. l have never seen the time when
thought was called upon a citizen to do more
than this l know not how it may be with others,
but have always found enough to do in the duties
of my calling l am willing to let the 'potshreds
strive with the potshreds,' but prefer myself to
attend to the duties devolving on me as a minister
of Christ. | recollect an anecdote of Methodist
brother who who stationed to preach the Gospel
to the people in Fountain Head circuit, near the
Hermitage Of the late President Jackson in the ex-
citing political times of his second election Party
zeal was just then at its height and each party
wanted every one to be on its side. They sought
out the newly arrived minister and eagerly inquired
of him on whose side he was on? Il am on the side
of the Lord and Fountain Head Circuit was the re-
ply which of the candidates do you intend to
vote for? Il trust l shall be found my knees
praying to God for the conversion of sinners and
the upbuilding of Zion in Fountain Head Circuit
However they might question the devoted minister,
he would wisely answer that he meant to do his
duty faithfully as minister of Christ in Fountain
Head Circuit. In conclusion let me say my breth-
rem go we and do likewise"