Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-02-16
Amending the constitution.

There is another aspect OF this subject worth
considering. IL was thought great folly when
conservative men prophesled that radicaSm
would go on TO such lengths it has alreld Y
reached. The idea sc0tfed at when we said
that the next steD would he an attempt to force "a
particular form of religion on the whole people
That step has already been taken. Not boldly
nor in such form as to attract attention, for the
steps of radicalism stealthy at hr-t. a con-
vention WAS held in Allegheny City Pennsy Iva
mia, on the 9th of January, the report of which
states thar letters in sympathy with the object
were read from Charles Sumner, Rev. De Tying
ami Others. The proceedings occupied two
days, and resulted. as We are told, In the unan
nous adoption of the following memorial:
MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS
We. citizens Of he United respectfully ask your
honorable bodies adopt measures Tor AMENDING tue
Constitution Of the United States TO read in sub
stance follows:
We the people Of the United States humbIy acknowl-
edgng Alaight God the source OF all auth riry and
power IN civil government the Lord Jesus Christ the
ruler among the nations revealed will the supreme
law OF the land. in order 10 con ute Christian govern
men and ia order TO form peri c. Union e-tah-
hsh just insure domestic tranquility, provide FOR the
common defence, promote the general welfare aid e
cure the nalenable rights and the blessings OF life lib
ery aud the pursuit of happiness 10 onrseve, pr
Con>ti,uiioa fer the Uaitsd States OF Amer ca
Ard further. that such changes, with respect 10 the
oath of Office slavery and all other matteS should be
Necessary TO give eject to these amendments in the pre-
ambe. Aud our memorallsts WILL dc.
The proposal to place in the Constitution dc
caralIOu OF our faith rs Christian people appeals
at once 10 the hearts of all good Christian men.
1t i Obvious that the vast majority OF the people
OF the United States can adopt the sentiments
toward God and Christ here advanced But let
Us pause "A moment before we accept the plan Of
putting our religious faith into eur fundamental
law IL : be questioned that 4 very large
number. Unfolding nany Of our most valued and
valuable citizens. cannot accept and adopt this
proposed declaration OF faith Is It not then a
dangerous siep for tree people 70 take. The
first step toward religious persecution IN all ua-
tons has been taken 10 some such way Is this.
Hitherto the glory of the American nation has
been that Jew and Gentle united In il with free
dom. La no other country on earth has perfect
equality and ireeiom been given To the Hebrew
race, OF which our Lord and His Apostles were
born. But the adoption of this clause in our
Constitution at once excludes Hebrews from
Office and representation No lsraehie could
take The oath To support the Constitution thus
AMENDED. and none therefore could hold Office
under il. This must Ice considered before We
adopt the new clause. Resides, bigoied cons;ruc-
tionists would soon be found who would hold
that the new provision made all laws and enact
ments Unconstitutional viii n recognized any
other freedom Of worship than that known as
Christian Then would arise disputes about
what IS Christianity. aud before long some section
or Safe would become pharisaicaliy self-right
Gus. and claim that il the head AID iron, of
Christianity. and that all men must worship ac-
cording to its liturgy and creed Such IS the in
evi,abie future IRON the adoption of the amend
ment
But" suggests some one. 'csnnot the amend
ment be arranged so as TO suit creeds OF all sorts
and kiuGs-some compromise amendment. that
will not exactly define the creed of any particular
secti'' The idea IS little else than prOiane.
We are not sure that the gentlemen who have
prepared the proposed amendment have not made
this attempt. Their words not clear enough
TO express the length and breadth OF our Chris
tan faith. aud ifit were decided that am thing is
TO be said on the subject OF our creed, In the
Constitution, we should tsemand much clearer
recognition OF the Divinity of Christ than these
woris contain. We do not believe in any at
tempt to place the names of God and Christ in
the Constitution 10 such = delicate and skillful
way that Unitarian or Trinitarian. Iufdel or
Christian. can adept it--any one Who recognizes
Christ ss great example. even Il be denies bic
divinity.