Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-03-02

Some days ago q number of very amiable gen
tlemeD, protesting to be followers of the meek
and iowly JEsus. but, strange TO say, theoretically
rampant for the vigorous prosecution of the pre-
sent civil war, but very careful to abstain from
any active participation therein. not knowing in
what other way to illustrate their excessive 10y
atty, met in this city for the purpose Of proposing
an amendment TO the constitution which should
recognize Almighty GoD IS the source of all
authority and power in civil governments, the
LORD JEsus CHRIST as the ruler among nations,
and His revealed will as of supreme authority "
A petition to that effect, headed by very wor-
thy and exemplary christian friend CALVIN
FLrrcHEa. Sr., and signed by tour hundred and
fftytwo other christian gentlemen, was present
ed in the House and referred to a select COM
mittee for consideration. Notwithstanding the
constitution of the state guarantees that mo law
shall in an case whatever control the free eIer-
else and enjoyment of political opinions.
or interfere with the rights of conscience. the
majority Of the committee. all republicans. re-
commend that the constitution be so amended "a
90 interfere with aud disregard the conscientious
citizens of the state. While nearly every citizen
is willing and in fact does recognize Almighty
Con "a the source of all wisdom. power and
truth, there are many whose judgment and con-
science csnno. acknowledge the divinity OF
JKsr, CuRIsr, or that He is the ruler of all na-
tons. and that His revealed will is of supreme
authority in order 20 constitute Christi i'm gov
eminent" The majority. accepting the judg
ment and convictions Of "CnvIS FLETCHER, ST.,
and four hundred and ffty-two other Christian
gentlemen" a. the true opponents and represen-
satives of religious faith. and we DO not call in
question the pr0isndity or sincerity OF G..
FLETCHER. ST., and his friends, vet there are
many xho are unwilling TO pin their belief upon
the fallible judgment OF these very amiable and
worthy gentlemen, hence prefer 70 worship AL
mighty God according 10 the dictates OF their own
conscience" without interfering with the belief
or opinions Of others in matters OF religious
faith The minority oil the committee. both
democrats, In their report protest against these
amendments OF the constitution unnecessary
not only, but az an interference with the rights
Of conscience guaranteed by the organic law OF
the state. The constitution does recognize til G
supremacy Of Almighty Con in guaranteeing
that "Ali men shall be secure in their natural
righ; to worship Almighty Con according to the
dictates of their own Conscience The recogni-
sion OF any particular religious faith or doctrine
beyond this viii have binding obligation OF
influence upon the conscience of any Individual
hence the folly of legal coercion 10 accom-
plish that end. The argument OF the minority
demonstrates the folly OF such ense,merts and
that they are both unnecessary and inexpejient
For general edihcation We publish both reports
IN full:
MAJORITY RKroRr
Ma SPEAKER: The special committee OF con
stitutional amendments TO whom referred
the petitions of Calvin Fletcher. ST., and four
hundred ard hty-two other CiriSt.an gentle
men. have had the same unier consideration. snd
majority OF said committee have directed me
10 Introduce the accompanying resolution and
amendments 20 the preamble 20 tue constitution
Of the state. and recommend the passage OF the
same:
We recommend these amendments first be
cause they certain nothing but pure Christian pa
friotisw. are not sec,arian. bat. ike the Bible
are OF universal application. aud will secure the
life AID salvation OF this nation tor IL il written
N the holy prophecies that the nations that for
get God shall be utterly wasted and perish
from of the earth
Secondly, IL l. ia perfect HARMONY With our
republican form OF government. only propo.-
ing to Acknowledge Gods divine authority in
The aG1rs Of men. aud christsanixinS;ani making
ours the model government of the earth. ara
shat Is required by Gods moral ordnance 70
man for good, and What al nations of the earth
must and viii be in TIA, good line coming. when
all shall become Christian republics. The PEG
pie. under God. being the source Of oil power ia
favor