The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-10-15
From the Christian Messenger.
shall Christians Fight2

thing inconsistent, in the ideas OF lighting
Christian, and especialya fighting minister c
the Gospel Butte the thoughtful it will be
evident, that in the present state Of the world
} evil must be resisted The present rebellion
of our country is a great evil, and how can
/, it be resisted unless by force and arms 1t
makes demands which, if granted, must prove
the entire destruction of our government.
On the question, Shall Christians fight ?
recent number of the Worning Star has
the following
This is question which has perplexed the
minds of many. cannot iee says one,
that it is right any way While he says
this, there are many of our ministry and
membership who say, 1t as right,' and, sui
ting the action to the word, have entered the
service. Ministers Of our town and other
denominations are 10 the field in different ca.
pacities, and more are now 10 the camp.
| Now are all these ministers, and others
who have manifested readiness 10 90 as
chapIains deluded Is it wrong to take up
arms under any circumstances | koDw that
when the early Christians were urged ioto
the Roman army, it is said, they replied, We
are Christians, we cannot fight BIT that
was different thing, to adopt the profession
Of a soldier TO cater to the ambition aud ca
price Of heather despot. Now free, con-
stltutonaI, democratic, government-our
government is jeopardzcd-by an organized,
tratorons, rebellion which has not really the
shadow of an excuse for its existence. The
terrible necessity of war is thereby forced
upon Us. We are accustomed and unwilling
to fight. We have cultivated the arts of
peace, and we are exceedingly reluctant 70
leave their pursuit. But when QUE govern
ment, based IN democratic prime piles, is as
sailed by an anti. democratic foe, clandes.ine-
~ sprung up within its jurisdiction, having
no love or wish for the people to rule when
Treason aims for the lie blood OF Democra-
cy, draws the sword and makes deadly
thrust, what is our duty, but TO leave our
duty but to leave our plough, our shop, our
profession and rush to the rescue
Some men, who confess that the Govern
ment in It's extremity must appea! to force,
try to believe that Christians should have
nothing to do with it. especially in its execu.
tive or war departments. They quote Jesus
W hen he says, My kingdom is not of this
world if my kingdom were of this world
then would my servants fight and suppose
that they are justified THEREBY n standing
aoof from human government, and leaving it
for worldly men to manage. But this is an
entire mlsappIcation of the passage. He
means simply to say, that His kingdom is not
to be b-iIt up and protected as worldly king
doms must necessarily be, else his servants
would fight and prevent their Prince from
being delivered to the Jews 1t inter !icts
Christianity by the sword, and
has not the remotest alusion to defending
human, Christian government thereby.
We cannot expect that a good government
will be sustained by corrupt men. They will
certainly corrupt it. 1t has been lett to them
too much already. 1t should have good men
in all It's departments Men of Christian
principles should be in the chair of state, the
cabinet, the halls Of legislation, the courts
and the army. Thc Offices of tue army and
the ranks should be filled with good men and
true. Christian patriotism is demanded eve.
rywhcre. Traitors arc resisting he ordnance
Of God with arms, and why should the Chris.
tlan hesitate to defend it, and bear not the
sword in vain for he is the minister of Goa ?
IS 1t wrong for the Cnris:ian TO be the min.
ster OF God, aud execute wrath upon the
rebel
On this ground it seems to me the Christian
may be justified in taking up arms in his
countrys defense, and with integrity OF pur-
pose going forth to do battle for the Union.
Tyranny and liberty have always been ar
fayed against each other. Our fathers throt.
tied the tyrant, overthrow the government of
denomination, and established "a Democratic
government in its stead !; but at the same
time they unfortunately and iuconsistentIy
cit germ OF the old stalk, which has been
developed until it has attained alarming
element of tyranny nourished
oy Democracy and treated very tcndery for
Inc sake OF peace, until III its arrogance it
would ialn take its place, aud rule the nation
loen comes the tug OF war. The struc.
gle Is renewed with the old foe in our midst. !
ne people are not ready to SURRENDER their
rights They stand up like men, and renew
The old watch word, Give me liberty or rive !
ne death, and catching the spirit OF patriot. |
SIN, 'hey attempt to parry the home-thrust |
u treason with the sword. Is it not ri.ht? !
We believe 1t is. Al they lhat take The .
WORD snail perish with the sword Treason