American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1858-07-29
Forthe Lancaster Gazette.
Duties of Citizens.

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We have before said, that every cit-
zen, must submit to an equitable taxation
for the support Of government; and that
he must hold all bis property, and his
personal services in readypess. for the de.
fence Of the country. in times Of great g.
mergency. This would prove his loyalty,
and patriotism. And besides. he will bo
in the end, the greatest gamer: because be
owes all that he he has, or may acquire,
to the protection of the government under
which he lives.
Every citizen, is also morally bound. to
do all that lies 10 his power. TO advance
the general interests Of his fellow citizens.
N every respect, and 10 every thing that
would render them wiser, and better. or
more happy in all the relations Of life
Because, first, tits civiland religious du
ty. which he voluntarily contracts to per-
form. And, secondly. because, from all
such efforts successfully carried out. he
will receive in rsturn. the greatest mate
rial good to himself. in his person, his ss.
tate. and in every thing which contributes
70 his pr ?erty. And every good member
of society. will be willing to render his
laid. in advancing that state oftbing from
which. he receives 10 return, so much
more than he contributes.
1t is the imperious duty Of every one
who partakes Of tire benefits OF civil society
not only not to iuterposa any ohsticles 10
the public efforts ofrefo,m, Of a benevo.
lent. or religious character; but to do all
he can to promote the theology. or sys
TENS Of moral reform. which exist around
T him. or not. All men cannot in the ma
i ture OF things agree. in matters Of faith. i
3 need not he expected. A man may ever
, be an unbeliever, or what the world gen
J erally nominates an in6del; vet it is hi.
} bounden duty, to aid in sustaining the re-
ligious, and moral systems of the land
a for thew are the best, that the present stat'
. of civilized maa is capable Of maintaining
/ and the nurseries, and guardians of all the
/. hest. and most vital interests ofcivilization
Blot from existence the established church
= es. and moral schools Of the present age
imparfectas they may seem to he, and in
? conquorous as they are. from their yarinG
elements in faith. and practice. and tn,
, civilized world, would b, preoipitatAd a
once. into the barharism Of moral, religious
and political night. We have the com
msnd also, from the mouth of Divine au
thoritv; of Him who uttered words. and
, gave precepta, never before given, that W,
must obey the powers that be,
, Inasmuch therefore. .as civil society, en-
ters into moral obligations when the com
pacts is signad. to fulfill certain duties col
templated in the association. and as thos
tduties are to be carried out by agents. o
officers appointed by the people. especiell,
in republican forms of government. Th'
people. or the whole mass ofsociatv, stand
u responsible for the faithful performance o
such duties. Society. ought, therefore. I,
be compstent to choose such agents Of tn
u the public service, as are faithfully quail
fed, and honest. And in order to do this
every elector must be educated. in all II
nature, and policy of civil government
n And wise government, will make thi
: branch of education. a part Of the common
: school system. And let it be said, ono
y for all. that no man has right. eithe
n from God, or his fellow man, to act In th,
Z capacity ofau elector, if he suffers hi
+ franchise to be Influenced in the slight
70 particular. by any motives. other than thos
II which aim at the best interests of the wi ol
' compact, and the general good of all class
o es, tiShsiF
d The disgraceful and demoralizing meth
y DDS Of choosing agents to Garry on the ma
4 chinery of government bow being prac
n ticed by the division Of political parties
Is and the degrading. and prostituting ten
:. denotes following them. may form the ba
sis, of further remArksfrom US.
J, HOMO.