The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1864-05-06
LETTER FROM FRANKFORT.
FRANKFoRD, DEL, I
May I'd, 1864. I

Mr.. EDIFoR.
have not been one Of your cores
pondents, but have taken your paper from
its first issue, and therefore feel something of
a privileged character, privileged, 'at least, to
speak through your columns, WREN the re-
pulse Of latter-day heresy is contemplated.
That lucid and strictly loyal letter from
Ernest" seems to have brought to light
Though some of us have had glimpse of
him beioEe) monster enemy, both of the
Church and State, viz:-ecclesiasticat ret'-
cience on State affairs, in times of patiogall
peril, as advocated by one under the nsisnos
mer of 'Justice." ''The question" "Ius-
tice" was trying to get at is this, MAY not
a church withhold her voice, and not be dis
loyal?" 1t is strange that loyalman should
hesitate in deciding such question, but as it
seems some do, and perhaps some who are
religiously inclined, we ask attention to the
following observations: LIST, it is through the
protection of our benign government that re-
ligious liberty has been youchsafel to the
Churches of the land Were it not for this.
Christianity amongst us, could not be half as
efficient as it is; mobs would rule our sane
tuaries, the populaee would be excited to riot,
and wholesome gospel truth would be below
par. This is not a mere conjecture, for his
where the State gives no protection. q.
While the two great lovers of the National
communicable Church and the State-are
not blended in our country as in Europe by
law, there is and always has been, and al
ways win be, strong connecting link that
hold them together The one belongs to the
other, and in great degree depends upon it.
8, The Church is the mother of the State
Was it not the love of Christian liberty that
animated the hearts of our Puritan Fathers,
and enabled them to brave the dangers efthe
deep, and perils from tbs ahorigines of this
continent9 And were not the first defenders
of the colonies, and nearly all the primative
promoters of the public good in these States,
men of the same mind? Thus was this gov
eminent born 1t was sore travail. Pre-
cious blood was split, and agonizipg prayers
were offered; great suspense and patience
were endured; but when she came forth, she
was the fairest daughter Of her mother, and
she has proven more honorable and dutiful
than all the rest Of her children; but the eli
max Of all her kindness is this: She has cut
down an old thorn bush out of her mothers
garden and planted in its stead the beautiful
tree, Liberty" Remember too, she has
done this at no little sacrifice. Her enemie;
have always told her it would be at the risk
of her life, and that very action would be
whetting the sword TO drink her hearts
blood. She .as dared to do her duty, and fol
this her enemies are upon her; gloom is dc
picted on her fair countenance, though he
visage is unmarried, and in the deep anguish
Of her soul she cries to her mother for he
prayers, and her moral influence. Let "Jus
tice" decide whether or not these cries shal
be needed. Again the question is strangel,
3 asked, "May she not be silent in times hk
= these when there is so much strife and dir'
! sion among Church members, on the grea
r questions of the day." The great question
t of the dayl what are they2 Have they any
: thing to do with the morals or religion of GU
: country2 Will their discussion one way o
: the other affect the Church in any degree P
/, If not, then it would be crime to ceas
: working on the walls of Jerusalem, and coin
] down to such trifing and Improbable EN-
4 ployment. But if these questions do affeC
: the Church land that they do no other ev
t dence is Repaired than that conceded by "Jui
+ tice," when he confesses the members to b
r divided, and at strife respecting them the
s it is the ohureh's business to see to 'them.-
n If the members of Church are at strife an
n divided among themselves on any question,
J. it not right and Scriptural for the Pastor Q
e that flock to step in among them and lead 0
d in the right directiona' Or is he doing God
9 service when he stands in the rear, and wit
t, show Of religion, calmly says, $50 on, m
G brethren, have nothing to do with you
!, strife, fight it out among yourselyesp I'll
; lord pity such a Pastor, and have Nero
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