Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1877-11-08
Senator MortOn's Religious
Views.
Special to Cincinnati Gazette.

Speclal 10 Clnclnnatl GaZetLe-
Senator Morton is not connected
with any church, nor is he "profess-
ing Christian" as this phrase Is usual
ly understood by orthodox Christians
But those who know him intimately
know that he has great respect for tha
teachings of the New Testament, and
that he has ever been q friend and sup
porter of churches. During the war
he recognized the power of their infiu-
ance. and on more than one occasion
during the dark days OF 1858 he con.
ferred with the elergymen Of this
city, requesting their earnest support.
HE recognized the efficiency OF our
prayers" raid one of them the other
day, 'and often acknowledged that it
was source of great encouragement
and strength that he had the sympa-
thy of Christian people," The Cover
nOr's mother was Presbyterian a wo-
man of mild and benevolent DISPOSE
ton, q correct understanding and un-
|deviating probity. His fathers fami-
ly were Meth0dists. The GOvernoc
has never expressed any especial prei-
erence for either, and since his sick
ness in 1865, he has been unable to al.
tend church at all. 1.-The seats are tor
uncomfortable" he often remarks,
''and it Is too annoying as well as in.
convenient 10 take ones chair with
him." But the great principles which
lie at the base of the Christian faith ha
has always accepted. In his boyhood
and young manhood his grandfather
was very careful of his religious train
ine, placing in his hands such books
As would impress their teachings fa-
vorably upon q mind that was even
then resching out and inquiring for u
reason for the faith that was in him.
In later years, and especially since his
first attack of paralysis, DR.. Thompson
has had frequent conversations with
him upon the subject OF religion, and
he has found him clear in his concep-
tiOns of the truth as formulated In th8
gospels. During the progress OF thn
Oregon Senatorial Investigation, ha
as well as edited those who
happened to be in his company, by
with the different religions OF the
world, ancient and modern. Al.
'er weighing their merits and demer-
he fruit of all religions which men are
INV piuCkiuS aHu cdtt1ks DCld4oO ~
atisfied natural craving after true
Ind reasonable belief in an unseen
Power who ruled the universe. Mrs.
Morton is q member of the Christian
Church, and a woman of uncommonly
rood judgment and strong christian
character. She thoroughly UNDER
tands her husband, and has been t0
him quiet but very positive influence
or good. She bears her sorrow now
q way that commands the admirs-
ion OF all who are thrown into her
company. She has never entirely giv-
n up hope, and to-day she thinks
he can detect q little change for
he better. IL is now more than eigh-
y days since she has known what IL is
o have whole nights rest; still she
;eeps ON, trying one remedy, theu an
ther, never complaining never be-
raging anxiety, and meyer failing TO
make her presence continued bless
ng to her husband. His eyes follow
Ier as she stepe quietly about the room;
ie taxes her hand In his as she comes
Iear the bed, and when for some cause
be IL absent longer than usual, her
whereabouts must be known TO him.
In all these years of sickness" he
nee said to the writer, ''she has never
allied me once"