Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-12-06
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
WHAT IS THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS IN
THE PRESENT CRISIS:

THE PRESENT CRISIS!
They have done much, but much more remains
for them TO do. 1t cannot be denied that the
ministry in the South have carefully eschewed
politics, yet they have faithfully instructed their
people in morals, not overlooking the question
Of the morality of slavery. The controversies
and divisions which this subject has induced in
the various branches of the church, though at
the time regarded MS great evils, have necessita-
ted a thorough investigation Of the question:
Sound, scriptural teaching has goue out from
the pulpit. and been taken hold of by the people.
Hence, no one doubts that slavery is right, for
no one affects to be wiser AMI better than the
author of the Bible. Christians understand their
rights, and why and how they are endangered.
Their actions, therefore, have not been the re
suit of mere passion or blind impulse, but of in
telligible and well defined principles, and to
them is due the marvellous ~unauimity which
prevails.
We note with patriotic pride, this e1traordi.
nary oneness of feeling and purpose. All nre
ready to sacrifice ease, pleasure, health-eVer
the 'money changers" to give their money
rather than submit to the degradation of being
ruled by o government, the creature of o faction,
whose spirit is hatred to us, and whose, only
bond of Union is the determination to destroy an
institution, which lies Mt the basis Of our social
fabric, though its destruction would involve the
utter ruin of both master and slave, with all
that we hold dear on earth. But just here the
Christian should show and act his faith. All
should see where his trust lies. That God is his
strength. He should impress upon all the sol
emn truth that vain is the help of man and
that whilst it is our duty to remit no exertiou
for our country's good, yet at the same time, ii
is both our interest and duty to rely upon the
arm of God for guidance aud deliverance-and
to fail in this, would be gross impiety.
But Christians have something still higher,
better and nobler to do. They ought to pray for
their country. Have we not too often forgotten
the e1hortation of the Apostle; shat ~supplica-
tions, prayers and intercessions be made for all
that are in authority that he may lead o quiet
and peaceable life in all Goodness and honesty !"
| would not say that we have not used the form
but have we prayed Alright Prayer has wrought
wonders for individuals and for nations, both in
the way of deliverances and benefits. The Bible
and the history of the world are full ofjllustra-
%trations. How often did it save Israel The
judgment day alone will disclose how much our
forefathers in their struggle for independence,
were indebted to the prayers of pious men and
women for the remarkable interposition of Pro-
violence iu their behalf. Prayer takes hold of
sthe everlasting strength of Jehovah" the arm
that orders all events, and governs all men and
all their actions. Christians are admitted to
audience with the King Of kings and Lord Of
lords. Aud they have power too, to prevail
with Him, '',rho enlarges the nations and strait.
ems them again." Does not duty and patriotism
then require them to intercede for their country?
If there ever was q time in its history, when this
was binding, surely it is the present. Our Com
mercial and political affairs are in great confu-
sion: and all may soon become much worse
The wild passions of men must be restrained !;
the ambitious must be curbed, the ignorant en-
lightened, and the timid inspired with courage.
Our safety aud happiness may depend upon a
vast chain of events, to be brought about by the
happy concurrence of innumerable causes, wide
ly extended and greatly diversified in their char
acter. A false step or the omission of o small
duty at the right time, may give a wrong direc-
ton and O dark cast to our whole future even
a single hasty, impulsive act of a single individ-
ual, may involve us in the most terrible evils
At such a time, is not mans wisdom utter folly
and his power weakness itself Do we not EN-.
phatically, read the interposition of Him, who
has all elements under his control, who "rideth
upon the whirlwind and ruleth the Storm" and
who con "bring order out of confusion and light
out of darkness"! What Christian patriot, then,
will not pray, that God would be 'the sword of
our ezcellency and the shield of our help
that he would inform our minds with wisdom,
inspire our hearts with true courage, that will
make us brave any thing, but his displessure?
Christians ought especially to pray that God
would direct US in the choice of the men towhom
we are about to commit the destiny of our be-
loAed State. May the Convention be composed
of men of wisdom, prudence and such as fear
God We do insist that it is q matter of in6u-
lite consequence, that the leading and controlling
spirits Of that body be not infdels, who deny
the Christians God. Should we not profit by the
errors Of our patriotic forefathers? To. whom