The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1860-08-09
RELIGION AND POLITICS.
flor the Upton Advertiser.

RELIGION AND POLITICS.
flor the Upton Advertiser.l Z,
The following remark, which appeared
in the World Of August LIST, affords a
text for few thoughts on this subject,
which is very widely Inexperienced, at
the present time.
"Getting religion into politics, is a
very good thing, for the latter needs re-
generating; but getting politics into re-
Iigion, is a very bad thiog, as the latter
needs no infltration Of the kind"
Admitting the correctness Of both
these averments, wish to present few
thoughts with special reference to the
FIRST, viz: "gettiug religion into politics,
is very good thing" This is very gen.
orally admitted, at least in word, by in-
telligent men Of all parties. But, ho,c
shall it be dones This is the question.
which demands an answer Obviously,
"getting religion into politics." is no
easy matter, no mere thing Of course,
which will take care of itself. 1t is diff
cult to get religion into anything, or any
body, even the church, much more into
politics. They have been 70 long aud SO
widely divorced, that union between
them has come to be stoutly resisted, on
the part Of politicians generally, both
great and small, as if it were an imprac.
ticabe and absurd undertaking. 1t re-
quircs, therefore, earnest, persevering,
well directed effort, on the part Of all
christian people, to give religious princi-
pie that controlling influence over our
political and governmental affairs, which
it justly demands.
Who should undertake this difficult
task more properly than the recognized
teachers of religion, aud preachers Of
They certainly are as
as any; they ought to be, and
probably are, as free from prejudice, am
bilious aspiriugs, pecuniary expectations,
and every thing of that sort, as any 9TH
er class. Why not, then, let them, each
one in his own appropriate place, under.
take to expound and enforce the great
biblical principles of truth, integrity,
honor, and brotLerly kindness. in their
bearing upon, and application to, the
treat political movements and men of the
lines? after the manner of Chalmers,
celebrated discourses on the Application
# Christianity to tho Commercial and
ordinary affairs oflife. Or, ifit be deem
d expedient, let there be an agreement
Irong them, and among the people. for a
lnited effort of this kind, at some COM
non time and place, in which all may
participate on common ground.
1t will be objected, no doubt, that the
'ttempt would result in "getting politics
INTO religion" which ais a very bad
hing" That there is danger on this
score, may be admitted. But is there
,ot danger also, in applying christianity
0 the commercial and ordinary affairs
If life, that commerce and wordllness
will get into religion! Is the danger SO
,reot as to Jorttd the attempt? May not
he peril be duly guarded against, by
n-ch carefulness and prayer! And is
1ot the urgency Of the case, the absolute
certainty that, without some such at
.emp.s, our political parties will become
more and more corrupt and abomiuable,
ill the measure of our iniquity is full
sufficient to warrant some hazard in the
achievement of SO great and desirable an
end?
That some who are opposed to preach
ing Oh any subject involved in politics,
are honest in their opinions, we do not
doubt; although We think they err in
Judgment. But, the indiscriminate and
overbearing cry Of preaching politics."
whenever an attempt is made to rebuke
iuiquity in high places, and among prom.
inent men, or to advocate the duty of
standing firm for truth and right, in pol
tiles, as we'll as in all other things-is as
and UNIV orthy Of respectful con-
as any other taunt or sneer
which has no foundation but ignorance
or prejudice.
TIMOLEON