Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-09-21
Observation-Disclosures.

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
The late war naturally called into action the
worst passions of our nature. During the ter
rible struggle, men looked at every subject from
their own peculiar standpoint and few were
willing to accord to those who differed from
them, even the merit of sincerity Men were
drunk with passion, and impatient OF all dill
ferences of opinion. This intolerant spirit pre-
vailed, not only in regard to matters of po-
ltical character, but extended even to ques-
tions of morals and religion. And, strange to
say, that many professed disciples Of the reli-
gion of peace, were more bitter towards those
who professed, in the main. the same faith, but
differed from them in matters of form, rather
than of substance. They could tolerate those
who did not profess to belong to any church
much more readily, than those who agreed
with them on all the fundamental doctrines OF
christianity, and yet differed from them on
some of the forms of worship, or minor ques-
tions of faith.
The war has now ended. The cause of fear
full excitement has been removed. The pas
sions of men arc beginning to subside. But
still some of the old feeling of acrimony re-
mains. The greatest of all christian virtues
charity-has not yet asserted its full dominion
over the minds of men. But we trust that 1t
is making rapid advances to that end.
The public sentiment of the North is becom-
ing much ameliorated. The recent action OF
the federal government, is concession to the
improved public opinion of the Northern
masses. And, as Providence seems to have
ordained that, in the future, the people of the
United States shall live together as one people,
having common interests, and common des-
tiny, it is manifestly proper that we should Gull
tiyate an enlarged feeling of liberation and
charity. IF we cannot forget, we can, at least,
forgive. Having such constant occasion to IN
woke forbearance for our own shortcomings,
we ought to endeavor, at least, to practice the
divine attribute of forgiveness towards others.
We should remember, too, that owing to the
diversity of human minds, and the opposite
stand-points from which men view subjects,
differences of opinion are inevitable. We
should remember our own frailty, and in judg-
ing of the conduct of others, we should, at
least, accord to them honesty of purpose.
We trust we are on the eve of an era of bet
ter feeling, and we should do all in our power
to cultivate it, and place it on firm basis.
In view of these facts, may we not invoke,
on the part of the Southern people, the exer-
else of spirit of liberation on all the impor-
tant questions of the day-toleration In poll
tics-toleration In reigion-toleration towards
the people of the North, who have been mis-
guided by mischievous demagogues-t liberation
towards the freedmen who have been cheated
and deluded by selfish ofice-seekers.
Religion is matter between man and his
God. 1t is matter which affects himself and
his relation to his Creator, much more than it
concerns his fellow-men. And yet, strange to
say, it is upon questions of this kind that men
are most apt to intermeddle with the affairs of
their neighbors, and to extend the smallest
measure of liberation.
All this is wrong. Let US cultivate feeling
of Catholic charity. Let us dismiss, as far as
we can, all narrow and partizan feelings in mat
tiers of religion and politics. Let us allow ev-
cry man to worship God according to the die
tates of his own conscience. Let him attach
himself to what church he pleases, and adopt
such FERNS of worship and discipline as best
suit his taste and judgment. Let him join
what political party he pleases, and vote for
the men and measures most acceptable to him.
IF we Will extend this charity to others, they
will soon be obliged to extend the same to us.
In this way, the jars which sometimes disturb
society will be prevented. Intolerance, test
oaths, and acknowledgements are contrary to
the genius of the age. They are the fruits of
narrow spirit of bigotry in religion and poll
tics. And yet how many are there, who while
they are loud In their denunciations of those
things, indulge towards their felow-men the
very feelings which give birth to these enormi-
ties.
The time is at hand when the events of the
last eight years should be oblterated, as far as
possible, from the minds of the American peo-
pie, and when, recognizing no North and no
South, no East and no West, they should all
unite in common effort to advance the inter-
ests and honor and prosperity of common
country.