Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1860-12-20

n
to our highest ecclssiasti cal council, and
was esteemed for his unobtrosive but genu-
inc piey. .-
A large fsmily, one Of which was blind
dsugbter, was dependent upon him. Yet,
without fair Trial, without Z sworn jury,
without counsel, without forms Of law, this
brave man, this go.d, ersy-ha'red man 10
murdered by mob! Tell not this country
that American citizenship is a prouder bosst
than Roman. We of the Methodist Epis-
copai Church, who refuse a sectional sffix,
are almost compelled 70 say 1t isia cheat, .
shan, something we pay dearly for, but
which brings us no proiection. Have we,
the mil ion Of Msthodists in this country.
no rights which Southern slave breeders and
slsve.drivers are bound to respecti
ILL., What we demand Of our county.
/, We insist upon protection In the sx-
ercise Of our constitutional rights-liberty Of
conscience, speech, and press.
2. We insist upon It that our recorded
sentiments on the subject o. Slavery shall
no, work a practical forfeiture Of our cit
ixenship. Why this singing out Of the n
L. Crurchl Others have borne strong
testimony against the evil-wby this war
upon usl .a
8. We demand the protection Of the
courts. II any Of our people offend tn. ma.
jestry Of the law, there are courts Of justice
and officers of the law. let there be full,
impartial, and fair trial, and we will bs con
tent. We bow to the laws II unjust and
oppressive, we will attempt In all lawful
way, to secure stheir repeal. II becomes
Sir. slqusstion Just now Of deep interest
Does membership In the Methodist Episco
pal Church expose to death at the haude OF
an unlice nsed mob! Are we to be hunted
like wild besstsi Is oui blood to be shed
like water to appease the insat'able Moloct
OF Slavery!
must add, sir, at this time, the question
Can our brethern be protected! is assuming
q grave importance. We are in the mids
Of the excitement preceding the presiden
tial election, intensified BY the character o.
questions at issue. Heretofore we hav,
been divided in our votes. Our clergy hav
been Of different parties, and so have beef
our laity. The church periodicalsi with
circulation told BY hundreds Of thousands
have been silent when the questions Q
: platforms and candidates have been argued
Thus should II be. God forbid that the de-
should come when our leading religious do
nominations shall stand as integers in th
, CO mputaiion Of political parties. -
But, sir, "Opprsssion maketh q wise ma
mad" The murder Of Bewley hiss startle
Us, and the question begins TO run throug
our million o. membership, Can an Admin
isifation be found which will protect thu
i rights Of conscience and the freedom Of wo
, ship! deprecate the existence Of such
d stats OF things, but we are not responsible
We lore our brethern, and cannot conser
' to see them slaughtered by gangs of do spe
ADDE'S without feeling, without determ;nin
|, solemnly on our knees, and at the no
v communion, that they shall be protects
, A few more such murders as that Of Bewle
o and our people will ask who will give US O
n Administration strong enough to upho
70 the rights dearest Of all others, and for tn,
man, be he whom he msy, they will CO
their un tied suffrage.
d Sir, l have written plainly and honesty
d and now close this letter, praying that Il
evening Of your duys may be CO sIm and clou
70 less, and when you 60 hence may It be
h sure and certain hope Of blissfui immo
n tality T. n BDD,
d Chicago, Sept. Z. 1850.