Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-06-17
nIsnop Lnn ANp rnn UNION.

AT the last Annual Convention of the Protcs-
tAnt Episcopal Church of Delaware, held at Mil
ford, on the 25th ult., Bishop Lee in
his address referred in patriotic and eloquent
manner 10 the troubles of the country. His re-
marka breathe the true spirit Of pltriotism aud
christianity Bishop Lee is among the re-
presentatiges of the religious denominations Of
our State who early took decided ground in favor
of sustaining the Government in its efforts to
preserve the Union, and at no time has he fa-
tered in the great and glorious work but on
oil occasions has spoke out in the strongest terms
in condemnation Of treason and traitors We give
his remarks on this subject entire believing that
they will be read with interest and pleasure by
the loyal people of our sate:-
We're to yield to my own incliuations,
should close this address without adyerting to
the painful subject, which, whether mentioned or
not, occupies so largely every mind. But from
the outbreak of our national troubles MY con-
viction has been clear aud deeded that chris
Tians, not excepting christian ministers, have
urgent duties devoiyed upon them by this terri
BILE emergency. For myself without prescribing
to others have felt bound to use great plain.
ness Of speech. Some persons l am aware
would seal the mouth of the minister Of Christ
ana cheek his utterance Of every patriotic SEN
tlmtnt or expression of sympathy with the cause
OF bleeding country. But, if that cause he as
fully persuaded, the cause also Of humanity
and christianity, identified with the welfare nf
IN IN aud the homer Of God, then, for one, l can
not feel justified in remaining Silent Tho nuI
pit aud the religious press were freely employed
in melting our misguided countrymen to treason
and revolt The cooperation Of eminent diynes
is eagerly sought and made availing in every
possible way by those who would atologse for
rebellion, and for the great national iniGuity in
which it originated While to offer prayer for
Gods guidance Of our rulers for His blessing on
our just and righteous cause, and for His nro-
tecuon OF our sons, brothers and fellow .citizens
who are jeoparding their lives for our defence
or to render thanks TO God for signal deliyeran
ces, awalens censure and reproach To such
dictation never can submit. As a citizen of tho
United States, enjoying The protection Of bene.
hcent government and owing it true allegiance
am bound, by reverence for the Scripture as
wei as by love OF country, to pray earnestly for
all in authority and to sustain them BY nv hum.
BILE efforts and as tho minister Of a Church
whose liturgy beseecbes deiVerauce from sedi
tion, privy conspiracy and rebellion, may law
fully warn as we'll as pray against these evils
If these things are sins, then to favor them il
sinful, especially at period when they are
working such immense mischief and causing such
torrents of blood TO flow. And shall be dealing
faithfully With those for whose souls l watch "a
one that must give account if do not represent
the danger that may thence ensue to their spirit
ual and eternal welfareP
The DeileVer III the controlling Providence OF
an Almighty Sovereign cannot doubt His agency
in bringing upon this nation 80 terrible scourge
ns civil war. Shall there be evil in the civ
anu the LORD hath not dono it2n And we need
not be ut loss in discovering the main pronnd
of his controversy with US. Many sins nnbrc
and private, have gone to swell the reckoning
but one enormous national wrong is glaring md
prominent, making our boasts Of love Of lihsrtv
hypOcritoal pretenoe, and disgracing in the
eyes Of the civilized world our professions Of
Christianity. The great Viudcator of the help
less and the oppressed, the Lord God Of Sabaoth
into whose ear enters the cry Of the unpaid reap
er of the field, the mighty Redeemer of tho
wronged aad deffauded poor, is dealing with US
in awful justice. He will not permit people
permanently 10 prosper who deny to others,
children of the same Father, redeemed with the
same cross the rights which he hath given them
One vf the remarkable features of the present
stage of our conflict is the quiokening of the
nsttonal conscience, and the growing conviction
that before Gods heavy hand is Withdrawn, this
great wrong must he righted. AT such O time
for Christian ministers to attempt to wrest from
the Holy Scriptures on apology for human bond
Rle, to iasten upon the gospel of Jesus Christ
the responsibility Of system which has always
owed its origin and main support to greed Of gold
and Lust of power, is a deplorabe peryersion of
talent and official influence. This is 10 call evil
good, to put darkness for light aud bitter for
sweet. Such efforts awaken my amaEement and
sorrow, and constrain the utterance of indignant
remonstrance and unqualified disapproval.
When Gods judgments are in the land, we are
told, the people will learn righteousness. Surely
this lesson should be eiTectually craven upon ali
hearts and consciences by The stern ordeal
through which we are passing. May we learn,
not on ooe point merely but in all, to do Justly.
to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God
to repent Of our offensive, heaven-darng PRIDE |
our vain boastlulnsss, our covetousness, and the |
sadly prevalent irrelSon, profanity, and con- |
tempt Of Gods word aad commandment. Then.
" tbs work Of righteousness shall be peace and
tAe effect Of righteousness, quietness and assu-
rance forever. ]