The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-07-31
LOCAL AFFAIRS.

SERMON OF THE Rev. JOHN IRELAND ON
SUNDAY LAsT-At the celebration of Divine
eeryice in the Catholic Cathedral Sunday last,
strong appeal was made to the Catholic Irish
not to offer any resistance to the draft, from
which we make the following extract:
Dear Friends: At the request of the Right
Rev. Bishop Grace, before leaving the pulpit,
propose to make a few remarks On subject
which has now become one of the most en-
crossing topics of the day. In order to restore
peace to the country, our Chief Magistrate has
thought it necessary to make a new leyee of
men to suppress this rebellion. To obtain the
requisite number the system. of CONSUMPTION
is TO be resorted to. Before long, presume,
the city of st. Paul will be called upon to take
their share in this new sacrifice in behalf
of their country; and in presence OF these
facts it behooves your pastors to remind you OF
what will be your duty in such circumstances.
We are really convinced you will always in
word and deed, act as true Catholics, and that
you never will, by your conduct, disgrace that
church which we all love SO tendcrly. Some
ofIyou may be required to state on oath what
is your age-Whether or not you have decla-
red your intentions-voted or exercised any
other civil franchise?
In this oath, unless you want to draw down
On you the wrath Of the Almighty, there must
be truth. To swear to a falsehOod is perjury,
and perjury is heinous mortal sin. Whatever
may be the consequence of speaking the truth
in sucb case it is better with it rather than
offend your Creator.
In some places, as you know, open resist
ance has been made to the draft, and riots
have occurred. We presume there Is no prob
ability of such occurrences taking place in our
city. Rumors have, however, prevailed that
some dissatisfaction towards this matter of the
Government has been expressed, and these ru-
mors have reached our ears
1t is well to tell you that the church cmphat-
ically condemns such proceedings. Rebellion
against the laws Of the land is looked upon by
her as mortal sin. '' Be subject to the higher
powers" says St. Paul" 'He that resisteth the
power resisteth the ordinance of God" If Il
riot should occur amongst US: or any public
demonstration against the execution of the laws,
we here beforehand repudiate all Catholics
who would, by word or deed, partake in or
give aid to circumference such proceedings. Un-
til they should have made retractation of their
conduct, the sacraments of the church should
be refused to them. Were they to lose their
lives by means of the riot, they should not OBJ
tain the benefit of christian burial.
would remind you that the law of the draft
is for all it is for Protestants as well as Tor
&c
citizens. We have all reason to believe that it
will be conducted with all possible fairness. L
would add, that though the system of con-
scription may seem hard, it is practiced in al
most every country on the continent of Europe;
and in every country the people bow toit.
The preceding generations have been ex-
empt from it in America; but that is no
reason to think it should never be imposed
on us, if the proper authorities should judge
it to be necessary. l appeal to your
selves; what profit would be derived from OPP
nosing it. What profit has been derived from
those scandalous rows which have occurred in
some places. The law, whether you are will
ING or not, will be executed Loss of life, loss
of property, loss of character-such are the
fruits of riot
Take good care, my dear friends. Ranting
politicians, under the thick cloak ofhypocrisy,
through an apparent interest for your welfare,
but in reality, to satisfy their own lust OF pow
er and riches, may breathe amongst you words
of discord. IT, you give ear to them. you will
rue it-they will lead you on to wicked deeds,
and then they will turn their backs on you,
saving There are the guilty, put them down.
Therefore, say, be led by no one. Consult
YOUR own conscience, and then l know you
will do what is right, because your own ma
lures never prompt you but to good and noble
ac,ions Your enemies would rejoice if any,
thing should happen which would compromise
/ repeat it. then, my friends. if any demon
stration should occur against the execution OF
the laws whatever others may 90, 1or your
part. nv dear friends, remember your are Irish
men and Catholics Disgrace no: your church
disgrace not the fair name of the land OF your
birth repeat it; l am Offering you THIS ad-
vice at the request of your Bishop. You are
invited to tell others, not here present today
what the Church thinks about such matters,
and how your clergy intend to act You are
also invited to use whatever influence you may
have to see that the laws shall be executed
in our midst in manner that shall do honor to
our city.
The reverend gentleman's discourse was lis
tened to with the most marked attention, and
no doubt will have most beneficial effect.
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