The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-09-14
Ole Cecil ll1l)io.
ELKTON. SEPTEMBER II, 1851.
Preachers and Patriotism,

| VIC invite tue earnest attention OF
both the clergy and laity of the Episco-
pal Church to the pastoral letter OF
Bishop Nottingham, which we publish
in another column. The truthful remark
of the Bishop that, I" there can bo.cno
reasonable doubt in what direction our
allegiance las citizens of Maryland) is
solemnly pledged to the Scarcher of
hearts," applies with double force to us
here in Cecil, and nothing proves more
conclusivcly the devilish influence of
secession, than the fact that nearly every
member Of the Episcopal Church in this
county-a county so bitterly opposed to
the detcstablc hcresy of secession that
no earthly power can drag her from the
unlon--condcmns, and will pay slight
heed to, the Bishops letter. Some of
! the Churches of that denomination in
the county may be opened upon the
National Fast Day-onc of them we are
sure will not but if they arc, the SER
vice will be mere lip-scryice-a hollow
mockery-a heartless observance of the
day. For but few WIN arc attached to
that Church in Cecil, recognize T" the
authority which God has set over u.s.
And we may as we'll say right here,
that the Episcopal and Presbyterian
ministers in this county without, we
believe, single exception, are disloyal
to the Government. Why such state
of things should exist VIC do not know.
And it is exceedingly to be regretted
that a people so truly loyal should have
such misguided, or disloyal teachers
The spiritual guides of nation have
much to do in influencing the minds of
the people under their charge. They
exert tremendous power for good or
for evil, and can make or mar the dcs-
TIMES of an empire. There were false
prophets in Israel, who &c made the pco-
pie err,-who bit with their teeth, and
cried peace" and We warn the people of
this county to beware, lest there be also
false prophets in their midst, who will
by their example, if not by their direct
injunction, lead them into d" sedition,
prlvy conspiracy and rebcllion," and
bring down upon their heads a terrible,
but righteous rctribution God knows
we have no desire to make prosclytes,
or to lead men away from the faith of
| their fathers. We have as much respect
for the religious views and opinions of
one christian denomination as We have
for another, and it gives us no especial
pleasure to particularizo among, or make
structures against any of them. But in
these pcrilous times We feel 1t our solemn
duty to speak to the loyal men and
women in plain, unmistakable language.
True religion and true patriotism 90
hand in hand. They arc indissolubly
dovctalcd and conjoincd, and whatever
affects one affects the other. Men who
are truly religious must needs be
patriots; while they who show them
selves traitors, heady and high-mind-
ed" and are ever ready to give aid and
comfort to the friends who are cndeavor-
ing to break down the most bencfcent
government the world has ever known,
can surely lay no claim to being followers
and imtators of the meek and lowly
Jesus. When they do so they do it
without any scripture warrant. And
when such persons desccrate TIE minis
ter's sacred office they weaken the
respect of the people for the divine call
ing, and strike deadly blow at vital
piety. We entreat the christian people
of Cecil county to study their Bibles
more prayerfully, and 20 beware how
they rely upon the teachings or preach
ing of men who sympathise with the
rebels in arms against the Government.
or are fostering in themselves the fatal
and accursed hercsy of secession. The
former will save you,