The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1865-03-09
r.. Constitution and Christianity.

gan of the Reformed Protestant Dutch
one Of the most orthodox, loyal
and evangelical denominations in the
United States. We commend it to the
attention of our readers. and especially
to those who suppose that opposition to
this amendment is equivalent to hostility
70 Christianity itself:
1t has been proposed to amend the
Constitution of the United States, so as
to secure the recognition of the exist
ence of God, and the headship of our
Saviour over the nations. The PROPOSE
ton, at first view, is attractive. Every
Christian is glad of an opportunity to
testify, in any way, his allegiance to his
Maker and his preference for Christ, as
head over all things 1t would be pleas
ant, too, to have in the fundamental law,
some distinct reference to that great
Being from whom all Governments and
laws derive their authority. 1t strikes a
devout foreigner very strangely when he
reads our Constitution for the first time,
to see such careful and complete omis-
sion Of religious names and things, so
that one could hardly judge from the in
strument itself whether 1t were made for
Christian, Mohammedan, or a heath
en- nation.
Now, if our people were all Christian
and evangelical, if they all believed in
the articles which it is proposed to intro
duce into the preamble of the Constitu
ton, there would be no difficulty in this
matter. But since they do not agree,
and since it is very certain that all inf
dels, all Jews, and nearly all humanitari-
ans would oppose with warmth and earn
estness the proposition, it is worth while
to look into the real merits of the case
before embarking in discussion which
might be very angry and injurious.
However desirable it might be to have
the recognition of our Creator and Sa-
viour more prominent and decided, it is
very certain that this is Christian ma
ton, and that that fact must reveal itself
very clearly and speedily to every stran-
ger making his domicil here. Sundays
are recognized in the constitution and in
the laws. Courts do not sit on that day,
it is a holiday in all public offices, and no
contracts made during it can be legally
enforced, Christianity, as a part of the
common law of England, has been de-
clared TO be the law of the land here
Oaths are commonly administered upon
''the holy evangels" Chaplains are APP
pointed for both houses of Congress, and
for the army and navy. Now, these
things all speak in an unequivocal voice.
and leave no room for dispute. Actual
ly our institutions are pervaded by an
of Christian terms and
usages far more expressive of character
than would be the amendment proposed.
The latter is mere profession in words,
the former is a direct and continuous and
varied course of action, which is louder
than words.
But it may be asked, with at least a
show of reason, Why should Govern
ment formally recognize even true re
ligion tits, indeed, a Divine institu-
ton, and necessity of social existence
and progress, but it is valid wherever es-
tabiished, and whatever be the charac.
ter or religion of its subjects. Its acts
and proceedings should be just and right,
and the standard Of this is of course the
will of God. But its proper ends and
objects are simply protection to life,
liberty, property, and reputation. 1t is
the police force of a nation. Now, why
must this organization profess a faith,
for this is the substance of the demand =?
It is surely not because of its intrinsic
nature, for, in that case, the profession
must become. propagation. The real
reason is because its constituents are
Christian. and their representative should
conform to their character. But we do
not apply this rule elsewhere. Any
number of Christian men may combine
'or any purpose-literary political, COM
nercial, financial, artistic or scientific
md yet they do not deem it defect or a
grievance if their articles of association
% tot .
unity. Why should, then, a similar
in Government be deemed
'uch terrible mistake and misfortune?
Moreover, how is the proposed amend
nent to be reconciled with the rights
If conscience. 1t is now, and ever has
,een, required of every officer under the
National Government, and of most of
he officials under the State Governments,
o swear to support the Constitution of
he United States How is a Jew, an in /.
idel, or Socinian to take this oath con-
when the Constitution pro-
esses religious faith which he does !
lot believe? And are all these to be ,
estrained from the right to hold office
surely, if we may put a barrier in their ,
Tay, we may establish a precedent and a j
principle which will go great deal
urther /,
The attempt to carry the proposed |
will, we think, when fairly |
,egun, produce very undesirable conse- |
Iuences. 1t will be misrepresented from !
he start as an endeavor to unite Church l
nd State. Religion itselfwill be blamed /
N account of the injudicious zeal Of its |.
dvocates. 1t is well known that the I
sunday mail agitation, forty years ago, 4
lid no good, but much harm. The ad /
COATES of the Sabbath were signally !
,eaten in the Legislature, and much !.
'rejudice was aroused against the evan /
,elical cause. Yet, in few years after
Yards. an effort was made, in q quiet |,
ray. by operating upon the reason and |
conscience of the Post Office Depart /
nent, and the corresponding committees |
n the Legislature, the result Of which |
Tas the reduction of the evil complained /
# by thirds, while no complaint was |
eard any where
Let us all try to make individual Chris |
ians, as God shall bless our efforts, and |
re shall do far more to make or keep /