Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-01-06
For the Spy.
THE PRESENT ASPECT OF POLITICS.

Politics have very properly been spoken of
as dirty waters" in which men become de-
filed if they dabble. For many years the DOM
inant political parties have contested for the
spoils, and ignored the principles of good gov
ernment. Place, power, patronage, was the
chief object of strife, aud hence measures sor-
did, pcrfidious, mean, wicked, were often re-
sorted to for success; so that it came to be re-
garied as necessary that politician should be
also rogue This race for patronage had
well nigh ruined the nation by its depraving
effects on the people, and the character of the
men which it brought into power, before the
virtuous gained courage to resist. But now
the currents arc changing. A better class of
men are taking the lead, and better principles
prevail in political efforts. Trading dema-
gogues are falling into disrepute, and honest
God-fearing men are moro highly esteemed
Men who regard politics as resting upon
moral basis, who feel after the pillars
of justice, and study the nature and
destiny of man, as a key to the laws
which are proper or just for his government
who carry conscience, religion, into politics,
and despise hypocrisy here as much as in the
affairs of the church itself, such men are now
taking hold of the affairs of the government, to
save it from utter ruin. This has been strik-
ingly manifest in the conventions of the Repub-
hcan party since its organization. These vast
gatherings have often seemed more like grand
religious convocations than political meetings.
A rich, healthful, moral tone, has run through
their proceedings, and, in a thousand ways,
have they given evidence of serious obliga-
ton to God and comprehensive views of mans
divine nature, inalienable rights, and noble
destiny. They have seemed to be pervaded
by profound reverence for justice, inspired
with large benevolence, sinking personal inter
ests in their devotion to the general good, and
looking to God for help to carry forward the
mighty work of reform which they have under
taken. Nothing has so deeply moved the host
of earnest men composing these assemblies as
full and hearty acknowledgment of dependence
on God, reverence for " the higher law" and
purpose to sacrifice every personal interest for
the good of the nation, that liberty and justice
might be established in the land.
Christianity has been perfectly Mt home
among them. The flow of benevolent,
magnanimous spirit has been so full and free,
that Piety itself has not failed to be refreshed,
and Philanthropy has been greatly strength
ened by the proceedings of these Conventions.
The speeches have repeatedly and decidedly
acknowledged our obligation to God, have OPP
pealed to the moral precepts of the Bible, as
our guide in political life, and have constantly
eyinced that they have kindled the fire of their
enthusiasm at the altar of Christian benevo-
lence.
This marks an era in our national history
We hope in God it may mark a revolution
which shall establish justice forever in the
councils of the nation. 0, if we could see
this nation, that was planted by the hand
of holy men, and matured under Chris
tan influences, redeemed fIom cruel, sin
full men, and brought under the administration
of unselfislf, honest, liberty-loving men, would
it not be a joy to the whole Garth! What a
tribute it would be to the power of truth!
What triumph of principle! What morn
ing of hope to the nations Perhaps we shall
witness that glorious event. Perhaps the 81
lent, peaceful victory of virtue over the
schemes of selfieh men, who sell The birthright
of freedom for mess of pottage, will yet be
achieved. 1t is cheering, at least, to know that
SO many hearts beat harmonious to tho right
that SO many bosoms swell with love to hui
mainly. Let us, then, take courage and go on,
let us work and rejoice and, surely, victory
shall not be long delayed H.H.u.