The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-04-09
ED. FLINT ON PEACE.

ED. FLINT ON PEACE.
We find in last weeks Mercury sermon
pnrporting to have been delivered nv Ehf.
J. II. Flint. at Des Moincs. on the 9Th day
Of March last, and we are induced by som.
Of the considerations surrounding the SUBJ
ject, to devote a little attention to it.
Some of the considerations are these:
lst This is sermon delivered by a
minister Of the Gospel, to congregation Of
Regular Baptists.
Cd. The subject is Peace.
Sd. There is political party now ex-
listing. which uses the word peace as its
sallyins cry, Of which party the distinguish.
ed author, In his capacity Of leading poll-
tician, is member.
4th. Our country is engaged in war,
and that war engrossesto most painful de.
gree the attention of the reople.
8. The sermon speedily appears in the
Mercury political organization OF the same
party to which the author belongs. It
doubtless will appear in all the organs of
the same party in the State.
A sermon is at all times and under most
circumstances serious thing. minister
at the holy altar, stands up to speak of God,
and the relations and duties of man towards
Him. The preacher, A. such, wieds great
power over the minds and consciences OF
those who believe in his divine mission, and
this influence is powerful in proportion as
the motives of the man of God are pure and
free from all POLITICAL, sectarian, or perso-
nal motives or designs,
Fully aware of this, the Rev. gentleman
in the exordium of his sermon, takes occa-
sion to r.mind his hearers that he does not
intend to discuss the political questions agi-
tating the country. Notwithstanding the
fact that his subject, Peace, is political
question Of the hour, that it is the oa5alis-
tic cry Of a party, that the preacher himself
is politician as well as preacher-not-
withstanding all this, he asks his hearers to
believe that he is free from all partisan feel.
~. full Of love for all mankind. anxious toi
fold In his embrace all bis enemies all who
revile. ill.treat and despitcfuliy use and per-
secute him,
Those who know the Judge cannot fail
10 be impressed with tine excellent spirit,
which for the most part, characterizes this
discourse. Scripture is quoted in profusion
and there are historical illusions, both sa-
cred and profane.
Ifthere be any exception to the Chris.
tan spirit which generally preyadcs this
peace sermon, it will be found in that por-
ton which treats Of the preachers. For
that class OF his fellow creatures tho Rev.
gentleman has no bowels Of cornpassion.-
He accuses them Of grave and weighty Of
lenses. quotes scripture against them, and
indeed has more respect for Infidels than
Tor them. This part Of his discourse
Is striking exemplification ofthe tolerent
spirit Of the preacher himself, and peril
pint illustration and practical application
OF the doctrine Of the spirit oflove, charity.
and forgiveness. which perfectly developed
as they are IN the Judge. will prevent all
strife, war and bloodshed among mankind.
If the world wRs made up Of the Judge and
those other preachTs, what millennium we
should have, to be sure.
The general &c pc and tenor OF the
Judges peace sermon is against all wars
There are no exceptions; no justifabls wars.
The war of the Revolution was curse, and
George Washington was blood thirsty ty-
rant. No self defence is allowable, no CO.
ercion The assassin who aims bis dagger
at your heart. and tho bloody rebel who
strikes at the existence of the most benifi.
cent government, must be resisted with
with texts OF scripture, and homily on the
abstract doctrines of love, charity and for
giveness Of injuries. This is the argument.
But the most impressive portion of this
peace sermon is that devoted to the women.
We have scarcely read more delicate or
euloyiun on the sex. Ii they
can be induced to oppose the war, peace
will speedily spread her white wings again
over the land They must not talk as the
Spartan woman did, tell their sons to return
with their shields or on them.
On the whole this peace sermon il fine
discourse. Barring some prejudice against
The Judge on account of tho active part he
has taken in party politics. and his prom
ncnce in the politicai peace party. whose
|oyai,y has been questioned. il II Ger,
'.;-i'- SOD n r..