The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1864-09-16
Our Ministers Outspokeu.

The Presidents recommendation of
public Thanksgiving and prayer 10 view Of
the late glorious victories of the Union
arms, was appropriately followed by Rev
w. H Wilson and Rev. w. H Hurlbutt, at
she Baptist Church in this place, last Sab.
bath. The morning services, 10 particular,
we're such, that, while, not unsuited to the
place or the Day, they could not but stir
the patriotic feeling Of the audience. and
inspire them with new hope for the coun-
try's sacred cause. In the opening prayer
Mr.. Huributt implored the Almighty, no.
only to vouchsafe continued victory to our
arms, but to sc move the hearts Of voters
that they may vote as becomes Christians
and patriots in this perilous crisis. Mr..
Wilson's sermon was strong, earnest and
truthful. evincing alike his religion and bis
loyalty. Neither of these ministers be.
lieves in "preaching politics." but. regard.
ing the great contest in which tho country
is nov engaged, as not merely q political
contest, bat one that involves Law, morality,
and all that is sacred or worth preserving,
they cannot remain silent. No minister
who .feeis the enormous wickeduess Of this
Rebellion can bride his tongue; if one is
thoroughly imbued with the true spirit, he
must speak. The political preacher" or
religious demagogue is not be who fea rless.
iy rebukes, but he who studiously ignores
popular sins. A disloyal minister is moral
monster. 1t would be better for the church
and the world, if of such there were none
A gentlemen who attended the services
above mentioned, has handed US tho follow.
ing communication ... ..a...
''pREAoH1Na POLITICS."
One OF the surest indices TO the spirit
Of the people on any question, is the spir.
il OF Ministers OF the Gospel. When we
hear them praying publicly, as il was our
privilege 10 bear, last Sunday, at the Bap-
list Church in this village, not only for,
the speedy crushing out Of Rebellion. and
consequent overthrow OF Slavery 10 our
land. but also that men may cote as it be.
comes the lovers OF universal liberty, it is1
really encouraging, and indicates that the
people are alive to the issues Of the com.
ing campaign. Yes; and why should not
ministers pray that these miserable peace.
sneaks aud grumblers. who 60 bowling
their dirty treason through the land, who
by every intrigue are endesvoring to get
into power, that they may thereby deliver
the Government into the hands of Jeff
Davis,-wby should they not pray that
there might be q confusion Of tongues
among them. and that they be brought
to shame and everlasting contempt?
Talk about preaching politics" IL you
will, and the necessity Of the pure Cos.
pei! 1t is no, enough that abstract truth
be taught us--to be OF value il must be
practical. The question of voting is q
question OF morals, and, therefore, to pray
that men may vote right is just as i'm
portant as to pray that they may observe
any religious duty. How pitiaby does
that preacher comprehend his duty, who
endeavors to conceal paucity Of ideas
with the ver5iage Of genersiries. and
makes no application of Gosrel truth 10
the real questions on which every man
is soon to be callod upon to decide! AL.
most every person is tender upon the sub.
ject Of our coun,ry's woe, and is it not in.
suliing TO an intelligent audience, whose
thoughts Of country are second only to
those Of God. TO avoid any ailusion TO the
duty OF American citizens 10 this grea,
crisis? 1t is encouraging. then. 1 say, 10
know that ministers are becoming awak.
ened to the sense of their duty on this
subject. No class of men can do as much
as they. And what il hit birds do
futter, and their Copperhead brethren
leave the church Z 1, is only an ey-
idence that their labor is appreciated
which is not so clear when they see their
friends asleep. II preachers could real.
ixe that this war is Gods work, and that
no Is endeavoring to make a land where
freedom and equal rights shall prevail;-
where civil and religious liberty can Sc
sarely dwell; where the Gospel may have