Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-04-05
Decentralization.

Ihe puoiic mlnu very generally concedes tnat
wal IS frutful source of decentralization under any
circumstances but the full extent Of the deleterlous
effects produced by this war, will not be realized
until years after 1T has ceased and peace restored.
The ruin it has already brought upon both sections,
is subject of daily remark, but who has taken the
pains carefully to reckon up tithe of the evil in
this regard, 1t has produced. Already the moral
status of the country leaving out of view the phys
ica social, domestic and political arrangement 1t
has caused, is beyond calculation.
l. 1t has in the first place, seriously promoted
both theoretic and practical indelity. The nation
prior to the war, not only yielded it's assent to the
truth of Divine revelation and the doctrine of Prov
idence, but very generally embraced the whole sys
ten Of doctrine held by the several evangelical
churches. THIS was eminently true of the South
ern States. Infdelity was the exception in South
ern society, at least in the sentiments of the people
Unscriptural lsms or icentlous9ess in matters of
religions opinion were not tolerated. The Bible
and the Bible alone contained the religion of the
South. How stands the case at present? The
character of the war, its ravages in the South have
unsettled the faith of many in the teachings of the
pulpit and of the Word OF God. There is still
tact admission of the truth of Divine revelation, but
the hearts of many have become callous and ntdel.
Points of the Christian faith which formerly excited
no doubt are now disputed and then rejected, if
not openly, at least mentally, as proven by the
conversations of men. At the North infidelity is
rampant
2 This departure from the faith of our fathers is
strikingy evinced in the gross immortality which
prevails both at home and in the army Profanity
is aarminsly on the increase. Our public thorough
fares are sewers of moral filth. Disregard of the
Sabbath is not confined to matters Of mercy or
necessity, but are made the occasions to crafty
the convenience and expcdency Of the government
and the people. Public and private integrity are
at an en6rmus discount Men. who before the war
could be trusted anywhere, have lost the public
confidence Puolic and private virtue sits loosely
and men everywhere have their price.
g. This decentralization affects the public feeling
Courage and determination have given way to tint.
dity and dependency. Selishness, malice, and
hate have taken the place of patriotism and kindly
feeling. Private interests are put in the. scales
against public welfare, and personal feeling over
rides all other concerns.
4. This state of things must not be compromis-
ed with. Christian men and ministers who
yet enjoy the public confidence must neither give
way nor bend to these Influences They are called
upon to raise up barriers every where against the
current Of decentralization. The power of the Cos
pei personal religion and virtue, the comhiaeG e
forts of the moral influence Of lie country, must
be brought into requisition. God still rules in the
Universe and yet dwells with those of meek and
contrite spirit. Let Him be invoked by prayer
and faith, and He will hear and answer.-N. G.
ChrHkian Adoocate