The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1858-02-24
How a Church was Cured Of Ere.
montis1n.
The Hartford Times relates the follow

ing
A congregational Church in . neigh,
boring 6iate got go completely enlisted in
the Presidential contest, for Fremont and
Jessie, that little attention was given TO
religions questions. The minister was
constantly preaching, praying, exhorting
upon political issues-and his deacons aud
the lsymen followed suit at the prayer
and conference meetings. Finally, a
worthy cid farmer, one of the staunchest
aud best members of the church, and q
firm undeviatiog DemocrSt was called up
on te offer a prayer,
20 Lord" said be, "uphold the old
Democrats party. which has received Thy
protecting support ever siUce the great
Jefersonian struggle. Continue to bless
that old party which has. under Thy pro-
lection and providence, brought great
Blessings upon this ReT ublic. If it be
Thy pleasure, and | believe it will be, o
carry that party through this struggle to
4 complete triumph. Bless James Bu-
chanan, the tried and honest statesman,
and guide him safely to the Presidential
chair. Bless John G. Brsckinridge, the
young ard Jealous Democrat, and open
to him the path of duty as well as that
which leeds straight to the Vice Presi-
dsncy. Give them victory. o, bless the
opponents of Democracy personally, but
utterly destroy their fanaticai and inju-
rious schemes, if il be Thy will SO to do.
~ / verify believe it is. BE on the side
of the Democracy, o Lord, as thou hast
been for the pat City six years, and on
4th Of March next we shall witness the
Inauguration of Pennsylvania f~avoritc
son, and the people of this country will
once more settle down in their peaceful
pursuits Instead of warning wickedly, Sec
ton against section, interest against refer
set aud man against his brother. And o, I
bsseeoh Thee, especially free the Chris
tian Churches from the political strife and
bitterness which are rendiug asunder, de-
stroying their usefulness, and turning
them u~nhappily, into mere political as
sociations. Let us hear something of
Thy word and mercy on the Sabbath
We nave already been piled to fuilness
with political fanaticism, and our minister
has become q stump orator against the
good old party which Thou in Thy wis
dom has upheld SC long. and SO repeatedly
guided to victory, and sustained In the
establishment 6 sound measures. o,
turn his mind from these things, and d.
rect his attention to his legitimate re-
ligious duties, or turn him over directly
into the hands Of the Federal or Abolition
party, and let them take care of him, and
provide US with a true minister of the
Gospel. At any rate the present state of
things cannot last. If politics arc to
rnle, I shall claim one half of the time in
behalf of the Democratic party, SO that
thsre may be fair discession within these
Walls-Amen
This was a stumper. It was che frst
prayer ever publicly offered in that chul ch
for the success of the Democratic party
and its nominees, though hundreds of
prayers and exhortatious had been made
sgainst that psrty. When the old man
had flashed, there was a silence for half
IN honr, and the meeting thon adjourned.
And thus ended the political preaching in
that church. From that time forward
the minister attended to his gospel duties
and left all political questions to be set
tied by the people outside of the church
Again his society prospered. aud there
was . better feeling among its members
more Christian charity-more brother
~ love. The old mona earnest prayer
was answered IN more respects than ene.