Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1863-09-09
Extracts from Thanksgiving Sermon.
Delivered by the Rev. A Nelson, Of the N. E
Church at Kenton, august 6, 1853

THERE is only one thing to mar our
Christian enjoyment to-day with refer
ence to our country, and that is the di.
vision of sentiment in our State. It is
sometimes said that the Democracy Is
not loyal-that Democrats are not true
friends to their country. But this is q
grand mistake. The history of our coun-
try proves the very contrary. Who con-
tended for freedom for the Colonies du-
ring the Revolutionary War-fought her
battles, and spilled their blood? Who
opposed that war-acted as traitOrs-in
league with the enemy and labored night
and day to weaken the infant colonies
They we're branded with the name Of
TORY They were baptized with that
cOgnomen; and they and their sons and
their sons sons had to wear it.
Were not Democrats then loyal? And
did they not prove their loyalty in man
ner that could not be called in question
Most assuredy.
Who were the first to cry, "to arn,sl to
arms" when England showed the Lions
paw the second time; which resulted in
the war of 1872? Who then faced the
opposition, breasted the storm, met the
enemy and obtained peace at the point Of
the bayonet? 1t was the Democratic
party. Who were unfriendly to the war;
Who constitsted the great opposition par
| ty? 1t was what was termed then, the
BLUE LIGHT FEDERA11sTs." In con-
sequence of which they did not long sur
vive as a party.
Who were the leading spirits in the
war with Mexico? What party took the
lead in that war? 1t was as ever before,
the well tried Democracy, the stauDch
friends of the Republic.
And again, when the flag of our Union
was fred upon, and its folds crimsoned
with blood, who we're among the first tc
sound the Tosein of war? Stephen a
Douglas: man of unbounded fame il
the Democratic ranks And multitudes
such as Butler, Hunter, Mcclellan
Wallace, Logan, and our own lamen-
ted Cantwell, together with a host ol
others, rushed to arms, showing the same
loyal, patriotic spirit that had character.
lied their fathers; and there is not, to-
day, true Democrat in our land, but is
willing, if necessary, to expend his treas
ure and spill his blood for the defense Of
his country. So it is libel to say that
Democrats are not loyal. Democracy is
ever the same; and Democrats will not
repudiate their past history. Hence it
is easy distinguishing a Democrat by his
opposition to the enemy of his country,
and his own fidelity to it. But it would
not be surprising should you find many
claiming that long venerated loyal name
who do not possess the spirit Of '76. In
the church are to be found persons, oft
times claiming to be christians, that have
not the spirit Of Jesus. We come, then,
to this conclusion, from what history un-
folds, that wherever you find true DEM
ocrat, you find hae friend to his gov
ernment, and wherever you find one who
is not true to his government, whose
heart is in sympathy with our common
enemy, crying "peace, peace, " when there
is no peace, that man is not true Dem
ocrat, no matter what name he assumes.
The poet has said the "Hycocrite will
steal the livery of Heaven to serve the
Devil in" So we may not wonder though
political hypocrite might steal the liv.
cry of a Democrat to serve an equally bad
master.
All good men ought to be opposed to
this indiscriminate slandering Of persons
as is the practice of the present day
There are two strong epithets of frequent
occurrence, and as they are meant to be
used, mean something contemptible.-
The first is an "Abolitionist;" the sec.
ond is a "Copperhead." By the former
1 suppose is meant one who goes in fol
negro equality" the immigration Of the
colored man-an amalgamation Of the
races. Now who ever met man who
would admit himself an "AbolitiOnist
according to this definition? and yet the
term " AboIitionist" is uttered and reit.
Grated from week to week by class Of
low politicians according to this deGni-
ton. Now what is the legitimate mean,
ing which those who are willing to veal
the name, ascribe to 1t? It is contend.
ing against the involuntary servitute oi
man. First, because slavery violates the
great law of human rights, and second
because it tends to the destruction of any
/ iGovernment. Waving the first as a mo.
raj question, viz: the violation of the
law of human rights-let US look at the
second; it's tendency to destroy govern
ment
The history of the world is before US
and where is the nation that has beer
welded to slavery. which has not suffer