Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1861-10-18
For the Newsdealer.
MoRRIsvILLE, Oct. 9th, 1861

MT. E0HOT:-ln TeaulHS u letler lloiu
the Washington Correspondent of last
weeks Independent, " we were much
panied with the description which it con-
tanned of the observance in that city of
our National Fast
One would naturally suppose, that if in
one place more than another, the solemn
Injunction of our Executive, to Christian
churchcs to unite their petitions at the
throne of Grace, on that day, for the sue
cess of our federal troops, and the sup
preston of the present rebellion, would
receive practical recognition, it would be
at our Capitol.
But on the other hand as we learn from
the above named correspondent, compara-
lively few of those who claim to be patri-
otic ambassadors of Gods truth evinced a
sufficient degree Of courage to lift up their
voices in prayer for the success and ulti-
mate triumph of our Union forces; or
once alluded either directly or indirectly
to the true cause of our national troubles,
namely: the existence Of Slavery.
Now we would ask, to what shall we
attribute this silence on the part Of these
worthy divincs? Shall we charge them
with the moral stupidity of being uncon-
scious of the fact, that the existence of
American vassalage is the grand cause of
the present war? No, we cannot do that ;
for it is a self-evident fact, hence requires
no philosophical argument to establish it,
or, a supernatural moral acuteness, to re-
cognize its unjustness.
How then shall we account for their
failure to invoke the Divine interposition
for the success of our army, and the speedy
and complete subversion of the inlquitous
institution of Slavery? Most emphatical-
ly upon no other ground than that of
fear of Man, rather than God, or at
least, the former predominating over the
latter.
What is the true function Of the Minis
ter of the Gospel, if it is not to take a bold
and decided stand upon the broad platform
of truth, equity, and justice, and there
boldly and unfinchingly defend the prin
ciplcs Of righteousness, and as strcnuously
oppose those of unrighteousness, irrespec
tive of consequences?
We do not, (or at least ought not,) ex
pect to see them giving either a public o.
private acquiescence to any system of in
iquity, however specious its external ap
pearancc may be, or however unpopular i
may be, with certain class. But how il
it with too large portion of the clergy o
the present day? Do we not see then
giving sanction by their silence, for accord
ing to an old adage, "Silence gives con
sent" to what may safely be termed tn
"sum of all villanies via. human bon
dage? OF what class of sins is not tn
traffic in immortal souls the parent? Wha
evil clement or propensity of nature doe
it leave undeveloped? And yet we fin
many who claim to have had special ca
from God, to preach the Gospel of Jesu
Christ, who dare not publicly invoke th
divine blessing upon the oppressed of ou
land, or intercede with their God for the
emancipation.
Now what shall we say of such emba
sadors of Gods word? Are they not so
emnly pledged as the representatives
Christ, TO exert their influence against e
cry system Of wrong and OPPRESSION A