East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1860-03-22
From the Boston Courier
Political Clergyncn.


1t will be seen that considerable pro
portion Of the speakers at the recent
meeting of the friends of Italy in New
York were clergymen. This is by nc
means solitary example. Every one
who keeps his eyes upon what is going
on around him must notice the increas
ing disposition of clergymen to take par
in secular movements and secular agita
tions. There are certain ministers of the
gospel in the city of New York, for in
stance, = we need not mention then
names, = one or more are certain 10 bC
found at every public meeting for secular
objects which affords an opportunity &c
talk on any one of the fruitful subjects
comprehended under the words liberty
humanity, progress, and the rights O
man. We know with what ardor con
siderable proportion Of the clergymen in
the free States flung themselves in the
last Presidential contest on the side Of
Col Fremont,-how many of them actu.
ally took the stump in his behalf, and
others converted their pulpits into stumps
and how, by an easy and convenient
process Of logic, they reasoned themselves
into the assurance that the duty of voting
for their favorite candidate was as imper.
ative as the obligation to fear God and
keep his commandments.
We are not disposed to lay down a
very rigid rule for the government of the
clergy in this regard. We need not be
told that a clergyman does not cease to
be man and citizen in assuming the
duties of the sacred desk. We readily
accord to them q reasonable latitude, both
in the expression of opinion and in con-
duct. But it may well be asked whether,
in view of the peculiar sphere of infu-
ence and action in which the clergy move,
it is not well for them to lay down for
themselves law of self-denial in the use
of political excitements; and also whether
in point of fact, the tendency of the
clergy to share in political agitations is
not increasing and ought not to be di-
minished.
There is something very fascinating in
the strong excitements of politics, we
doubt not; especially to such clergymen
as have not assumed their sacred functions
from the highest motives, and whose
kingdom is of this world. There is
something very Intoxicating in popular
applause. \ political caucus, all ablaze
with gas, and responding with shouts Of
applause to the cheapest rhetorical trades
is much moro exciting than a small audi
ence sleepily nodding over dull sermon.
But all things are bought with a price.
Whatever Clergyman gains in political
consideration he loses in the just influence
Of his proper calling. Nor can we Won
der at this, for his interest in things spr-
itual and sacred must diminish as his
interest in things secular and profane
increases. He will not preach with much
JUNCTION and fervor on Sunday if his head
be full of the speech be expects to make
at the Monday nights caucus. And the
loudest and hottest applause of party is
of little value compared with the aifec-
tionate reverence with which congrega-
ton regards faithful and devoted
preacher and pastor. 1t is very certain
that the appropriate themes of the pulpit
are such as address themselves with equal
force to all men, whatever be their politi
cal opinions, whether wings or democrats,
republicans or native Americans. We
certainly think that the interests Of re-
ligion would suffer, and that the interests
Of government would not gain, if things
came to such a pass that parishes and
congregation should be as homogeneous
in their political convictions as they are
in their theological opinions. 1t is to us
touching sight to see men who differ
on the most exciting secular topics llnccl-
ing at the same altar, joining in com
mon worship, and receiving the bread OF
life from the same hands. If the clergy
do not see and feel thiS,--if they do not
shape their course aceordingly,-It seems
to us that they have very mistaken
notion Of their duties and calling.