Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-08-29
THE DUTY OF CHRISTIAN CITIZENS.

L
1t is too common with many of the religious
take any part in political affairs. This is
wrong. The welfare of the country depends
as much on them as on any other class of citi-
zens. The following article from religious
paper, the Christian .4drQcafe and Journal,
points out, with truth and force, their position
and duties. We commend it earnestly TO the
consideration Of every conscientious man.
sCHRIsrIAN CITIzENs-THEIR PoLITICAL DU-
TIEs.-The present may not be an inappropri-
ate time for calling the attention OF your read
ers to this subject. Our country is astir with
Preparations for the approaching quadrennial
| election an election that is to determine our
national policy for the next four years, and in
| fiuence the destiny of our country for all COM
| ing time. The political privileges of an A
merican citizen carry with them peculiar OBJ
| legations, and he who neglectS or abuses these
privileges wrongs his country and sins against
God. One of the most obvious of the politi-
cal duties of Christian men is suggested in the
/ following words, in the Pastoral Address re-
Gently issued by our General Conference
| 'sWe cannot refrain from saying that one of
the wisest ways of eXerting your influence is
to attend the primary political meetings, and
! give your voice for good and true citizens to
| hold the places of public interest and trust"
| II is not 10 De QenleQ Inat the performance OF
! this duty will sometimes be disagreeable and
even disgusting to devout Christian. The
| places in which these primary elections are
| held, ahd the character of many who are con-
! spicuous in their management, such that
| good men can have little affinity for them.
| But the unpleaSantness of duty does not
render it the less obvious or imperative. 1t
is the neglect OF these primary meetings by
| reputable citizens that has given to the profit
| gate and unprincipled undue influence in
our political affairs. The representatives of
brothels. grog- shops, and gambling. hells are
sure to be present on these occasions, and Of
ten IN such force as to have everything their
own way. And such is the drill and discipline
OF political parties that in many cases caucus
nomination is equivalent to an election to Of
flee. The rank and file of the party vote for
the regular nominee, and give themselves lit
lie trouble about his honesty or capabiity.
There can be no doubt that the moral and
Christian men of the country hold in their
hands the power by which this evil is to be
corrected, ard for the right use of that power
| they are responsible TO Coo. s.To him that
knoweth to do good, and doeth il not, to him
1t is sim" If it be desirable that the rulers
of the people be sable men. such as fear God
men of truth, hating covetousness,'' Chris
tlans expose themselves to Just cenSure when
shrongh THAR supineness men of an opposite
character are placed in these positions of hon
or and responsibility. Every Christian cleo
| tor is bound to be as faithful and conscientious
In the use of bis influence in these primary
meetings as if he alone were answerable for
the nominations made. When the best men
are in nomination for Office, the duty of voting
for them, and of using all honorable and Chris
tIan efforts to secure their election, is so obv-
Gus as hardly to admit of arguments in its de-
tense. And yet there are thousands of Chris
tlan voters in our country who seldom or nev-
er use the elective franchise. Engrossed with
their private affairs, disgusted with the
chicanery and corruption of party leaders.
they stand aloof from all political matters
Whether the righteous in authority and
the people rejoice, or the wicked have rule
and the people mourn, seems to be with them
matter of little consequence. Surely such
persons have not well considered the obliga-
| tions of American citizenship. The privilege
that they neglect with Indifference. is one for
which our fathers were ready to sacrifice their
worldly interests, and even life itself. And
this neglect, making way as it does for the
pernicious influence of demagogues and god
less politicians, is one of the really alarming
signs of the times. SO rank is the growth of
political corruption among us that thoughtful
men are beginning to inquire whether our at
tempt at self government is not to prove
failure. We trust not. God has placed with
In the reach of this nation a glorious destiny.
But if this destiny is TO be realized, the pious
and patriotic men of the country must dis
tHelr poiitlcal duties sSQlScreetIy. and
in the fear of God" The right to voice in
the choice OF our rulers is talent that is to
be used or the glory of God. not wrapped in
a napkin and buried. Political duties are no
more to be neglected than social or domestic
ones, but are to be brought thoroughly under
the control of religious principles. The rule
of life that we recognize of paramount au-
thority is laid down by the apostle in these
words: ssWhether therefore ye eat or drink,
or whatever We do, do all to the glory of God.''
This law reaches to all men, and is binding in
all of life's relations. We are to be as truly
religious in voting as in praying. We are to
place the glory of God before us on election
day no less than or the Sabbath. We are to
go to the polls as We go to the house of God,
having inscribed upon whatever we do, ssHo-
illness to the Lord Let this be done and
glory will dwell in our land, and the mercy
of the Most High be upon from generation
to generation.
LINCOLN, HAMLIN & CURTIN CLUB IN Huston
TowNsHIp.-A number of the Republicans of
Huston township, Clearfeld county, met to-
gether on the evening of the 10th August, for
the purpose of forming Lincoln, Hamlin and
Curtin Club. j. B. Hewitt, Esq. was called
to the chair. The Club was then permanently
organized by electing Thomas Hewitt, Presi-
dent DIR. T. Bond, Austin Brown, L. D. Pat
terson and Asa Young, Vice Presidents and
T. w. Let's and Charles Robacker, Secreta-
ries. G. III. Powers addressed the meeting tor
about one hour, and was listened to with mark