The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-02-05

DEMoCRArIc Mass MEErIyG on SUNDAY
We have heard the Rev. c. +. Claughton, OF
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
preach condensed re production of all the
sermons he cyr preached in his life,
(to use his own words Judging him by hi.
effort Of Sunday last we are prepared to say
that he never did much good in the world in
a spiritual way. The text wls; 81 am not
ashamed Of the Gospel of Christ; tor it ia the
power ofGo1 unto salyation,to to those who be-
Iieve etc. D." His argumen, ,ifsuchltmay be called
went 'oproye that the kingdom of Christ twas
not of this earth" That the salvation of man
was 10 be worked out by spiritual means
alone without the aid of secular power This
accounts we presume, for the divinity ofslh-
very and tho grand part it isto play, or rath
er wos to- IN the consummation OF Divine will.
And hence the objection in the South to any
interference with the "insitution COnstruc
the saying of Christ in strictly literal sense
and what would the office of religion be
among men? But we do not propose 10 dis
cuss theology as there would, no doubt be as
wide difference between us as in politics
The parallel between himself and Paul IN his
fearless advocacy of the cause of Christ was
good. Paul wrote to the Romans, he cane
in person. 'Dl unto others as You would
that they shoull do unto YOU was acl;nowl-
edged to be a mice point" and one upon
I ,Xli,I, hn 4,
than to reprimand what he thought an un-
favorable feeling against him before he was
heard We should like to have heard him
further upon this "nice point" but his christian
spirit forbore. In fact the sermon was con-
servative ia the extreme, with a free and
| liberal ground whercon to base his principles
and a striking contradistinctinn between the
sayings and doings of the sect and people he
represents
As we have intimated we would differ with
the Rey. Claughton in religion and politics.
But tor all that we are partial to his right tc
be heard. We may be censured for what we
have said concerning him, but not Justly wher
it is considered that all, and more, too was
invited. Why was the meeting in the Cour
House when there are churches in our place,
and clcrgymen, that profess the same politics
OF Rev. CIaughton? Why the absence OF
anything that would give it the semblance Of
an assemblage for worshpping Christ? The
matter was in the hands of Democratic politi-
clans and no one assisted the reverend gentle
man in the pulpit Flooks of Democrats came
in from the country as to political gathering
and men attended whose ears are not accus-
toned to heal the word of God. But for the
women present it would have been considered
political meeting, as much so as If the most
rapacious Copperhead Of our acquaintance
had filled the chair-with the slight differences
of Methodist hymns, prayer, etc. We ask,
why all this unless to invite comment? The
Rev, Claughton, certainly knows, Il not, we
would have him, that we of the North differ
from the South in the fact that here men are
not ostracised for opinions sake. 1t would
certainly appear better if he would associate
with men of his own calling, or brother lay
u'Sh' ~ ho bocs uOt picdcn pOlitiCa sciuiOus
he shouldn't ''hang out the sign" Thus de-
ceived we expected to hear him gibbet HIM
self with his own arguments, but he was wary
enough to forebear the risk. Let the gentle
man keep in mind the old adage that ''evil
communications corrupt good manners" and
morals; let him introduce himself to the peo-
pie through the proper channels and he may
be assured that he will be heard with due al
lowance for the many heresys of his doctrine
If not his motives and sincerity will be ques-
toned, from the very reason that the people
will think his politics and religion won't mix
and therefore neither will be acceptable.
There is a portion of our citizens that will
object at all times, to Democratic Mass Meet
ings on Sunday, whether for the fuFiLerauce
of Southern missionary projects or the interests
of their party.
Dr. Paysons counsel to minister was,
paint Jesus Christ upon your canvas, and
then hold Him NJ to the people, but so hold
Him up, that not even your little fnger can
he seen