Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1862-05-28
CHURCH AND STATE,

Of the country has been in the divisions
! OF the different branches of tho church
during some years past, on the political
questions Of the ~ But for these dl-
visions there would haze been a strong
bond hccTeen the people Of the North and
South during the continuance Of the war,
and strong inducement 10 a reunion of
hearts and affections. With the excep-
ton Of the Catholic church we believe
that nearly or quite every large denomi-
nation of Christians extending through
the country has been divided either be-
fore tho war or since its commencement.
History eSta olishos no truth more clear
" than this, that when the church has
engaged in any manner in political diff
cutles, its best interests, its influence for
good, and its religious character have sut,
fered Individual members have their
responsibilities as citizens and as polli-
clans, and their duties are Of totally
different scrt from those Of the church
collectively. Their religion should in,
deed mako them botter citizens, but their
citizenship in this world is one thing and
their citizen ship in the great church is
another thing. The church as such has
absolutely 10 concern with those works
in which 1t Is the highest worldly duty of
the man to engage. The church owes no
allegiance TO any earthly power ii owes
no feG!ty 70 any monarch or government.
What allegiance the members OF the churh
VINO have gone from the world to another
existence owe that and the only the body
Of ,ho church on earth owes tor there Is
no divided loyalty in it, and no part of
the church, in Jerusalem or Antioch, in
England, or America or e.rth or III heay>
en-, owes any allegiance which all the 9TH
or parts do not equally owe.
The mistake of Confounding the duty OF
the individual citizen and church men,
Der, with the duties of the church, has
led to the most fatal errors in this coun-
lyy. 1t led to similar errors at various
periods in history. 1t has been worthy OF
remark that the most wise directors Of
the great church organizations of the
Christian world have understood this
principle in times past, and have guarded
against the errors of which we speak,
while at all times. weak-minded POpcs,
bishops and clergy have endeavored to
throw the veight Of the church into the
politics OF the day, and always with most
damaging effect on its Importance and po-
sitiou.
The Spring meetings Of some Of the
great lldicatories of the American church
IS are about to be held. 1t not proba,
be that anything can be done at this
time to effect reunion Of the broken
bonds OF church relation, North and South.
Lu. it is most earnestly to be desired that
nothing be done 10 widen the breach, or
proIong the disunion.
The General Assembly of the Presbyte-
gan Church. last spring made grand, and
almost fatal blUnder in this respect, by
adopting resolutions declaratory Of its al.
iegianoe TO tde United States. The error
was so pslpGble, that it is marvellous that
the sober minded, sound theologians Of
that church should have fallen into it. 1t
has churches. clergyn.ep and laity in its
connection, one whole presbytery al least,
in India, where allegiance is due TO TIE
Queen Of England It has in its church.
es in New York large numbers of foreign
residents who are temporarily in America,
and who for conscientious reasons have
temporarily connected themselves with
the churches here, but who are not citi'
zens or subjects of this Government. Ii
has, if we mistake not, members in Cam
ada, and possibly in the Pacific Islands,
and other parts OF tho world. We state
these facts to call attention to the mani
% lest truth that mans earthly allegiance
to human government, has nothing to do
With the allegiance of the church of which
he is member. The church teaches the
doctrine Of loyalty TO rulers as the duty
Of the subject, and the Presbyterian
church has always taught that its mem
bers must be faithful citizens and subjects
of their lawful governments. But the
church body, the great assembly whose
Head is above all, OF which Paul in Jeruo
salem Mark in Alexandria, Peter in Romo,
John at EphGsus, and in latter years the
long line worthless who have made their
faith and works illustrious we're mem,
bers and citizens that church owes no
subjcction to any earthly power, whstev-
er be the allegiance which its members, as
individuals, owe to crowns or republics.
One of the most remarkable character,
is.ics Of radicslism during the past yearin
all its attacks on our Constitution and
system OF gov ornment has been tho at
tempt to place compulsory influence
over ihe church and compel it 10 ally its
sell with the State. In this way one Pres
byterian congregation in this city NAV be
AAShhlpASN e'o on NAhlllllG, lIh members !
and its pastor are among the most loyal
and patriotic of our citizens. The dona. |
tions Of the church by collections. and OF
the members In private and without Of .
tentiOn, 10 the government the army and
navy, have doubtless been four times as
much % these OF any demonstratiye po-
hUcpl congregation in tho United States.
us services are conducted precisely as
they have always been since the church
was organized and the Sunday exercises
are periods of calm devout worship and
religious instruction. Prayers for the
Union, for the President, for Congress,
and for the army and navy, are offered
morning and afternoon. But such a
church and such pastor are offences in
the eyes of radical men, because no earth
y,politics no anti slavery harranguos, are
allowed to disturb those in the church
Sho are intent on the citizenship of the
Celestial City.
HeECo this church and THAR noslOr a ro