The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1864-05-20


the whole paragraph is nothing but a tissue
of Misrepresentation and profanity. He
calls the Methodist Protestant Church an
"over-pious Church" This, but for the fact
Of its coming from the source it does. and the
motive that prompted it, might be regarded
rather as compliment. l was not aware,
however, that any Church could be too pious,
for this is his meaning. Would it not be bet
ter for all our Churches, and cur Country
too, if they we're more pious? Then they
would have more moral power, and bc more
successful in their great mission work. So
far as politics is concerned, she is "neutfal,"
and to her praise this is spoken, except by
those who envy her position, and are preju-
diced against her as a Church.
What does he mean when he calls her a
secession church," She has for many
years been called q " Secession" Church, be-
cause ahe came out from the Methodist Eeis-
copal Church; or rather she has her origin in
the expulsion of some of the best Ministers
and members of tkat Church some thirty-six
years ago for opinions sake, that same spirit
of prescription that is so rampant at the pres
ent day, and which, it seems some of her
Ministers still entertain towards her, judging
from the letter now under review. If he calls
her Secession" Church in view of her re-
lation to the Government, he talks nonsense.
There never has been Union of Church and
State in this country. God never designed
that his Church should oficiate with the po-
Iitcal institutions of the world Therefore,
to talk about Church seeding from the
Government, is absurd. Neither by word, or
resolution, OF act, has the Methodist Protes-
tant Church compromised her position and
character, or violated the constitution, or any
law of the land, or refused to submit to any
regulation of the government. Then why is
she denounced as a "secession" and "dis-
llyap Church by this Solomon" who has
recently come 10 make his home within the
circulation of your paper" Simply because
in the exercise Of her prerogative she m ain
tains her true position, and refuses to take
politics into her councils, and legislate on the
state of the country, but in the spirit of the
Master and her mission, she uses her talents
and means and influence in spreading the
| gospel of peace, making efers Of reconcilia-
ton to rebels against God, and leaning sim
ners te Christ. Has any of oar Churches
been benefited by pursuing different coursef
Have they contributed to their peace and
prosperity by so doing? Have they made
more converts, saved more souls? Let the
condition of every politico, religious Church
answer Let the moral state of the country,
widespread infdelity, the increasing wicked
ness, the feelings Of hatred, prejudice and re-
venge, that have been engendered and exist,
MT only among the profane, but also the pro-
fessedly rel gieus, answer.
He says, Its ministers will not importune
the Divine blessing on our President and this
no lie army of the Union" This is a mis-
representation made through ignorance ol
wilfully, and in either case is not excusable
If made through ignorance, Ernest" is moi
excusablc in view Of his position, if made will
fsily it is unworthy the mind and heart oi
one who "belongs to the religious" and min
isterial department" and who should have
better feelings for sister Church and his
brother Ministers But whence did he obtain
his information? Dees he know to any ex'
tent the Ministers of said Church? Has he
ever heard them pray2 Has he had opportu
mites of waiting upon their public ministra
tions or of following them into their closets
Or does he possess the art diviniation2 Now
l have been associated with that Church fol
many years, and personally know all hei
Ministers, and whilst there are differen
shades of political opinions among them, ye
they have mutually agreed to leave politics
where it rightly belongs, and attend to tn
one great work to which they have Seel
called. But whilst many of them cannot cor
cieneiously sanction every political wrong
and every National error and evil, yet the
do pray Cor the President, for these in gu
thority, and for the Country. Even thos
whom Ernest" denouncss as disloyal, thu
pray, though they are governed by their owl
sense of propriety as to hoy and when the,
shall pray.
But the most remarkable part of his letts
is the closing sentence, which reads thus; al
the years of peace and prosperity, which ar
coming, let it be written upon these Churche
aRdtbdmd mdrdnatha." That is let them b
Gccured; i. G. deoeled TO destruction. Is no
} this the height of presumption and profanity
J For mortal man to assume the prerogative {
J God and pronounce curse where He has no
for professed friend of the Gospel to EXPIRE,
} wish that sister Church devoted to tn
work Of saving souls should be doomed to d,
struction! And wherefore this terrible d,
: nunoiation and fatef Simply because sh
does not take up with the side issues of th
i day. Her present condition, the peace an
prosperity within her borders, and her grea
success, is evidence that Gods blessing
t upon her. And had Ernest" not sufere
: his prejadices to get the bstter Of his judi
: msnt, and properly considered, he woul
? have been forced to oxslaim with BALKAN
a "How shall curse whom God has nj
) cursed"
!" But this is not enough for Erhests
.psqa