Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-09-16
PULPIT POLITICS. >

PULPIT POLITICS
So much has been said of late about aPul-
pit Politics." that We feel constrained to look
at the matter and see whether the appellation,
as reproach, is deserved, and whether the
practice carries with it the abund ance of evil
political demagogues would have rs believe.
If We consider politics in the lower sense of
''contests Of parties for power,'' and connect
it with the INSCRIPTIONS knavery of dems-
gogues, there is room for condemnation--an
viewed in this light one might we'll excaim ::
'Can it be possible that men consecrated and
set apart for the work of the ministry are al
lowed to carry the secular dogmas of political
distractions into the pulpit, and pin the ab-
struse issues of the day on to the tail of L ho-
ly Sabbath discourse.''
But there is higher standard of politics
than this. Politics is defined as sstbe science
of government; that part OF ethics which con-
sists in the regulation and government of
nation or state, for the preservation of Its
safety, peace, and prosperity If we take
this Specification, land reflect that the religious
opinions of men are perhaps more carefully
guarded than any other privilege or right un-
der the National Constitution, it may not be
improper for all persons, to give attention to
politics.
The great underlying principles of our gov
ernment are religious and political freedom.
If we embarrass or restrain either of these we
strike blow at the government Itself. But
the Constitution does not, by guaranteeing
political privileges. warrant the opinion that
any position one may assume is conformable
to these great priDciples-else the action of
the rebels would be justified. Anything which
tends to jeopardize the preservation of the
safety peace, and prosperity of our free insti-
tutions is inconsistent with the principles OF
our government, and is not en- titled to its pro-
lection.
Freedom to worship God, - is one of the
corner stones of our Republic. The Saviour
appointed the preaching of the Gospel to. all
people in all lands. But the naughty slave
holder refuses religious instruction to the
slave, and stigmatizes it as ssabolitionism 20
and Furnishes with cruel severity, the attempts
OF christian men to instruct the poor and igno-
rant blacks IN the ways of salvation-and the
superior race becomes much alarmed over
the prospect of the oppressed race becoming
educated. This slaveholding practice of de-
barring from the light of the gospel the mil
lions OF blacks in their power, is direct blow
at free government and at christianity itself
Religion is not confined to white men-and
when the preaching of the gospel is restricted
It's influence is manifest upon all classes with
in the sphere of snch restriction. The exis-
ting rebellion was brought on in the interest
OF slavery and with it, necessarily, further
restrictions upon the preaching of the glad IT,
dings of the Messiah unto all men.
As it now is there is no restraint upon free
speech ,either religious or.political,in the 10y
al States, and men are only held accountable
to the government for the abuse of their priv
iieges, the utterance of reasonable language,
and the encouragement of the rebellion. Not
SO in Dixie.
If, therefore, the interests of slavery de-
mand the suppression OF religious instruction
among the blacks, that interest is in direct
conflict with christianity; and the question in
which our country is involved is whether the
rebel power shall destroy the government and
extend slavery and its concOmit itants, or the
government maintain itself and ensure reli-
gious and political freedom to all men within
its borders. The issue is before US; not SIM
ply the lust of parties for power--but the per-
petuity or downfall of the government, free
ON or enslavement, the unbiased exercise of
religious opinions or a suppressed gospel.
The contest now waging involves the highest
duty of man-the worship of God-and If up
on any class of citizens there rests special
obligation TO maint ain the government, it is
the Ministry. They can best perform this du-
ty by teaching the people the issues involved
in our civil war. If they are faithful to their
calling they will warn their people from the
pulpit, in the social circle, everywhere, of
the evil hat is attempted to be thrust upon
them in the subversion of that government
which of all others ensures the highest de-
gree of religious freedom. 1t is the duty of
a faithful Ministry TO attack sin and inquity
IN every form, IN all places. Politics, even, |
is not so sacred as to be above rebuke, where |
questions of morality and religion are con-
cerned. The pulpit need not be, is not, de- |
based by preaching TO the people loyalty to
the government; and onlv demagogues, who
fear the power of intelligence and truth find |
FAULT therewith.-Ladiana Register.
al never did see such wind and such a |
storm,'' said man in coffee room. ssAnd |
pray. SIR injured would by wit, sssince |