The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-10-15


For the o,umwa Courier. sW
Sc m9,'- wcrtipp OF the pes
Motives wsvr~ Association of Con.
rrrgrficnat Churches.
Mn. EDlToR At the Semi animal meet
inc of the Des Moines River Association of
rongre a'ional Churches held at Bantons-
mort, Oct. 9TH, il was voted that copy Of
the following preamblcs and resolutions be
furnished YOU for publication.
WHEREAS. The members of this Associa.
ton, having, from the BEGINNING of the war
defined their position to be unconditional
IN for the permanent union Of the United
States, and for sustaining, with all their
power, the policy and measures Of the Presi-
dent for suppressing the rebellion, do, in the
following resolutions. re-affirn, their posi-
tion,and pledge themselves anew to counter
ance and support the government.
Rcsolced, That we recognize, with sincere
gratitude to God, his interpretations in be-
halt of our country; that he has shielded us
from the open interference of other nations;
that he has vauchsafed to our army and
navy such striking success and progress, ir
the work of suppressing the rebellion, and
recovering the revalted States, and that in
our very reverses we see so much evidence
that He is for us and not against US.
Resoloed, That we gratefully recognize
the interposition of God, in the growing fav
or with which the emancipation Proclama
ton is received and in the removal of 81
much of the prejudice against the colored
men.
Rosolue3, That the loyalty exhibited .ir
the Northern States is largely owing to tht
fact that the Congregational Minister, anC
the Ministry of same other denominations
have, for so long time, faithfully applied
the Bible to the subject Of slavery, and it
affiliated forms of sin and that for this on
reason, those who oppose such preaching
oppose what God commands and what il
a powerful means Of good,
Resoloed, That the present transition
state of opinion, in this country, affords a
rare opportunity for the ministers Of tn,
Gospel to employ the scriptures in guiding
that opinion; and that they are under i'm
perative obligations to improve it. especially
that they endeavor to eaven the public
mind with correct views as to the rights o.
the colored race, and our duties to them.
Resoloed, That we express our hearty
confidence in our Chief Magistrate, and in
the civil and military officers of the govern
ment, and bid them God speed in their en-
deavors to crush out the rebellion we re.
gard it also decidedly due TO our sick, wound
ed and suffering soldiers, and to the wives
and families bereaved by the war, that we
tender to them our deep sympa tines, and
assure them that they share daily in oul
prayers; the government also, and the army
and navy, we pledge ourselves to commend
daily to the God Of armies and to render al
other aid in our power. Whereas civil gov
eminent is an institution Of God, ordained
for the benefit of mankind, and
Whereas, The amount of blessings, which
any government shall yield, depends very
much on the character of the Rulers and
Law makers, therefore
Resol0ed, That it is our duty, as minis
tiers, to give special attention to this subject
aud to. do whatever we can to secure the
nomination and election of good men to Of
fee, IN all cases 4-r..r. s-'
PEW n CtNnS CI.J