The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-05-04
From the American Churchman.
A National Disgrace.

The Washington correspondent of the
New York Times gives a shocking picture of
the irrsverence, and even blasphemy, of the
prayers offered in congress by the so-callsd
chaplains. =
The case is, usually, the same with the
prayers in our state legislature. Sometimes
men of positively disreputable lives, are cho-
sen to the Office of chaplain; and in all
cases, the choice is made on political or par
tisan grounds.
1t is about time the farce flor it has been,
for long time, only a farce) were ended in
congress. The performance has been, for
matter and manner, too often a disgrace to
congress and the nation and it is too shame
full, that, in the highest places in our govern
ment, men should be hired and paid with the
public money, to carricature religious wor-
ship, and outrage the feelings of decent
christian men.
That is performance for which no auth
GRITTY can be found in the constitution and,
as congress can do nothing for the protection
of religion, we may surely require it not to
insult and disgrace it. ..
The whole business of congressional and
Legislative chaplaincies ought to be- abolish
ed, as a nuisance. There is no hope of mend
ing the matter, at present, in any other way.
One western legislature orders its chaplain
to come in, each morning, and say the Lords
prayer, and no more ; and perhaps that
might answer for time. But, just at pres
ent, considering the utter farce the thing has
become, the only method seems to be its to-
tai abolition, as disgrace to the name of re-
ligion.
Religion, like everything else in Washing
ton, is shamelessly prostituted to the neces-
sites and conveniences of partizan politics.
Chaplains are elected as door-keepers and
tide walters are appointed, On account of
their political opinions, and they are expee-
ted to pray and preach in the service and for
the profit of the party that elects them. Par
ty zeal is often quite as apparent in the op.
ening prayer of the congressional chaplain
as in the ward harangue of the treasury
clerk. The chaplain is expected to pray for
his friends and at his party foes. Usually
his petition is a summary of the proceedings
of the preceding day, and statement of
what ought to be done on the day at hand.
For every bill passed and vote given in ac-
cordance with party purposes and plans. de-
vout thanks if anything of that kind can be
called devout) are returned to the Almighty,
who is earnestly exhorted to open the ewes
and change the votes of everybody who
stands on the other side. The irreverence of
some OF these so-called prayers often borders
on blasphemy. They are seldom anything
more than stump speeches. made with closed
eyes, and addressed ostensibly to the Father
OF all while in sentiment, language, and
general style, they would shock any intelli-
gent and cultivated audience Last winter
one of these illusions began, 80 Lord, Thou
mast ruled this world for six thousand years,
and, as we believe, Thou hast ruled it well p
People may fancy this is either thanksgiving
or prayer; it is really little better than bias
Phemy, and not whit less offensive. 1t was
condescending endorsement, on behalf of
congress, of the Almightys official conduct !;
it was little surprising not to see it followed
by resolution of continued confidence and
vote of thanks.