The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-08-03
THURSDAY, AUG. 3, 1865.
THE oLERaYMEN AND THE OATH

A great deal of caucussing and "knocking
Of heads together" has taken place in this
section Of the State within the last few
weeks, among the dlsloyul clergy. They
ore all opposed 10 taking The oath pre-
scribed by thu new Constitution, and their
object is 10 arrive at common understand
ing of what is best 10 do. Whether the
mass Of them have concluded to continue
preaching regardless Of the oath or not, we
are not at present advised though there are
some WHO are urging them to take'this re-
bellious step. The columns Of the ST. Louis
Republican, Dispatch. and some Of the
country journals, are teeming with incen-
diary advice. We have q set Of politicians
clamorous for Office and popularity, unscru-
pulous as 10 principle, or the means by
which they may attain their end, who will
be most sadly discounted by the practical
working Of the Constitution. II that is
enforced "Olhello's occupation is gone"
They are doing their utmost to have it
declared null and void, and are making a
scats. paw" of the clergy to further their
purposes. Notwithstanding the efforts and
assurances of interested politicians, we are
not without hope that the good sense, love
Of good order, and experience learned from
the last four years, will restrain them from
any acts in conflict with the law, or from
seeking any other mode Of redress than that
laid down by the constitution and laws,
which is, to have the matter cons!i!utionally
tested.
1t is strongly urged that the oath required
Of ministers, Chemically the same as that
required OF lawyers, teachers, trustees, and
many others,) interferes with the preach
ing of the Gospel. We do not think So
The latter enjoins upon its disciples to
"render unto Cesar Ii. e., the civil author
ityl the things that are Cnsar's," and unto
God what belongs to Him. II the disoya
clergy had remained faithful to this obliga-
ton there would now be no difficulty in the
way. But in an evil hour they turned their
back on their Government, and lent their
influence to further the rebel cause. "Ce-
sar" did not get his due. To remedy and
punish this evil the civil law now prescribes
certain rules and restrictions, exclusively
pertaining to the civil duties of citizens,
without affecting in the least degree any
ones religious creed or opinions. 1t touches
nothing, it strikes at nothing, save matters
of q civil nature. When o lawyer takes the
oath, he is as free to ply his avocation as
before. A school trustee or banker takes
the OATH and he is not hampered thereby
in the discharge of his duties. A Minister
takes the oath and he goes forward as be-.
fore, free to expound the Scriptures as his
conscience and responsibility to God die
tate. 1t does not attempt to prescribe his
religious duties. 1t civil act, required
alike Of the justice Of the peace and the
minister Of the Gospel, and neither ont
have the right to regard it as the "Com
mission" to discharge the functions Of thei
office.
The oath requiredis the effort Of the civil
law 70 protect the people from the evils O
rebellion and disloyalty. 1t is not arrayin
one religion against another. There is Il
persecution waged for preaching the king
dom Of Christ" There is no war mad
upon ministers as ministers. Its penaltie
ara Inflicted for remissness in performanc
Of r,rH duties exclusively, whether on tn
part Of ministers, lawyers, trustees, direc
tors, or any body else. None are he
respOn'ible for any religious creed, opinio
or belief. 1t is the contest of civil la
welded against dislOyal.y Oh the part