The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1863-07-01
FOR THE LANCASTER LEDGER. |
The Constitution.

Ine ConGtltutlon.
MR. EDIToR.-Considerable discussions are
occurring in some Of the Ecclesiastical Counsels
Of the Contederacy on the propriety of request.
ing Congress to change the prolegomena OF th 10
Constitution as 70 recoguI1e the "aut hority Of
Christ Jesus"
Two reasons may be assigned for declining
any action on the subject. First. Congress has
not been invested with power 70 make the al.
by the States. When amendments TO the Con.
stitution are necessary, three States IN Con.
vention assembled must require through Con.
gress the assembling OF Convention OF all the
States TO act on the amendments proposed
This Convention must vote by States; and its
ordinances must be ratified by the Legislatures
OF two thirds Of the several States or, by Con
ventions OF two thirds. In adopting our pres
ent excellent Constitution the States were wise.
ly jealous OF their sovereignty and tenaciously
refused to surrender any powers not necessary
to the compact This method OF altering the
Constitution is at oLcc wise and patriotic
Second. The object aimed at BY the proposed
amendment is already secured. 1t is desired
that We acknowledge Jesus as the Saviour and
our reliance on him. This idea already stands
prominent i'll that profound document. 1t il An
egregious error any suppose our Constitution
as it nov stands, places our country before the
world, simply IS q nation OF Deists The lam
gage OF the Constitution expresses the idea
distinctly, that we are Trinitaiisns. When the
'Jdror and guidance Of Almighty Goi," Is in.
voked; the three persons Of the sacred Trinity,
in the exercise oi the functions appropriate TO
their respective Offices, are recognized Ii isa
great mistake, II any suppose the term "God,"
or, the phrase Almighty God" refers only to
the Father. 1t is q general expression to de
signate the three persons Of the Godhcad. In
the 6rst sentence of the Bible, We learn, "God
created the heaven aud the earth" Surely no
one supposcs creation work was confined to
the Father. The next sentence teaches us,
form order and light was the work OF the spirit.
And from Col. /, IL, We learn, creation work
is ascribed TO the Son. II was the work of
God and God is the Father, Son and Holy
Ghost. This is evident from the fact the Hs
brew term Elohim, translated God, is in the
plural number. Why is il plualy Because il
expresses all the persons OF the Godhead. The
Father alone IL not God. But the Father, Son
and Spirit are the triune God. Now, that triune
God, by whom creation was performed 10 the
same God invoked by tho trainers OF Our Con.
stitution in that remarkable document. II any
Of the persons Of the Trinity is not recognized
IL is the Father. All grace comes TO Us through
ehC Lo'u sSouo' " 10 bIuCc IL Is IdpOT
-unmerited Jaror. Then, the Author Of all
grace is recognized in the Introductory clause
oil our political compact. Next; divine guidance
is requested. Who is the unerrinc guide of
Gods people: God the Spirit. 1t is promised
he will lead them into all truth Aud tor what
does the people Of God pray more, than the
guidance and sanctiiying influences of the di,
vine Spirit Thus It appears, the very thing
desired by the petitioners is already possessed
These remarks chime exactly with General
Jackson's idea Of Deity. When congratulated
by the q Seneral.in-chief for the splendid victory
achieved through his skill and energy: he re.
marked Gen. Lee should give the glory to God
And when discussing with one OF his staff, the
probable issue Of the battle, in a subdued and
reverential manner, he remarked my trust 10
in Gsd." To whom did this illustrious chisftain
refer, by the term God, in these quotations p
To the Father or the uiune God! Certainly
the latter. lie WAS always jealous for the glory
Of the Saviour, Who, but the Spirit suegests
good thoughts TO the minds OF christians p
Who, but the Spirit suggests many Of the ma.
neuvsrings Of the battle Geld, which are crown.
ed with success, and determine the issue Of the
bloody strugglef Upon whom, can the brouz.
Cd warrior surrounded vith the confused noise
OF the battle, and garments rolled in blood,
trust bss In he blessed Ssvissrf The Conssi.
tuition Is right Il 10 the matured fruit Of wise,
eIperienced, good minds. Let Us not too early
manifest restless and vasciliating spirit
SYLVANUS URBAN.