Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-05-03
Pulpit and Politics.

Mr.. Editor IL had intended TO let this sub<
iect drop after writing my last letter, unless /
were met with convincing arguments that nay
opinion upon preachers dabblng in politics
was based upon an unpopular and mistaken
view of the subject. But while "CIeon' 81
last letter contained nothing in defense # this
question, its gross misrepresen laiions through
out, besides an attempt to bring about re-
lalionship between this subject and our APP
pfoachlng Congressional campaign, not only
demand just and fitting .rebuke, but also en-
title it TO the contempt Of liberal minds How
can the ventilation OF this subject be produc-
tive OF any5ody's political interest? How is it
calculated to injure the prospects Of any polit-
lcal aspirant? fail 10 see where either poli.i-
cal benefits can be derived or political injuries
can be sustained by anyone Nothing writ
ten By me shows an intention either 10 assist
or to injure anyone IN politics But "Cleon'
with the remarkable foresight of one in quest
OF office, sees somebody" (what name Tor a
MANI in the scum of his imagination holding
high carnival over my letters, and bending
and bowling and bowling and bobbing around
with the seeming grace and easy manner dis
played at Punch and Judy show. What q
monstrous Thing Still born Imagination
conceived in sin and born in inqni;y" it
draws no line of demarcalion between that
which is pure, ennobling and heightened and
that which is underhand, deceitful and con-
temptible. If this line be drawn, the fruits
of a stolen Office placed upon the one side and
the honest efforts of people to secure one
placed on the other side, this still born imagi-
nation sets about its accustomed work as its
bonnden duty, herding every thing into a mis-
cradle class and then beats 81 never had a very
high opinion of it," Nothing escapes its sor-
did desire for confusion. Under false con-
| struction it places the man who seeks the Of
fee and the Office that seeks the man upon a
common level, finding pleasure in mixing the
| batteries, backslidings and cunning of the one
with the frankness, honest intentions and gen
erosity of the other and profit in searching
for treason in the course of each one alike
hope the critic grammarian aud historian I'M
derstands
| stated in my first letter the distinction be-
tween politicians; claiming for the one class
enough of integrity to be entrusted with the
use OF power to lead us safely 20 the great
and noble end for which believe this Repub-
lie under judicious management was created
and asserting al the same time that another
class was composed Of the ''most miserable
creatures in existence only engaged ia politi-
ical pursuits 10 satisfy an unceusing thirst for
power and to fill their pockets at the expense
of those finer feelings which every man is pre-
sumed to possess and that the preacher who
| abandoned his calling to enter into the heat
and strife of political contests dsregards the
Epstles Of Paul to Timothy and Titus, and
thus becomes identified with this class for
openly violating the teachings of Holy
Writ, which he is expected 10 observe out
wardly at least.
Upon the charge of having some one for
definite mark expressed my esteem for all
gentlemen in the county aspiring to the hon
ors of office. For this it is said that ! write
for political purposes; that write against the
interests of those for whom have expressed
my admiration. Can this serious conflict he
explained by intelligent mind or must it be
submitted to still born imagination hope
the grammarian and historian understands
1t may be worth my while to mention that
my statement of events occurring in the Roman
Catholic church about the third and eighth
centuries was provoked by the Bishops of
'Cleon" (Which said at the lime was unfair
and the Popes of "Justice' seeking political
place for the same purpose that occasionally
marks the American pulpit. To my surprise
this statement has swollen into an abrid ged
history of the middle ages. The classiica-
ton of history, however, is ignored Ancient
if we are governed by the most reliable and
authentic sources, is blended with medieval,
and modern with'ancient history with Sitter
airy ability" which am incapable of under
standing. | hope the historian can explain
1 VIII uOtlce tue HueEeu cOnHict between
Church and State arising from discussion of
this subject. Here the duties OF The politician
and the minister could be fully defined, but
the base purposes for which it is claimed !
write only render it necessary to inquire the
rule authorizing ministers of the Gospel 10
trade in politics. BY reference TO Holy Writ
Gibbons "Christian Minister" Dwighs'
Theology" DR.. Edwards preacher" and
the rules and regulations of all religious de-
nominations we fail to find that preachers are
authorized TO resort TO those tricks in politics
which men in search of Office are compelled to
resort TO.
Ia conclusion | will adj that I will cheer
fully enter into discussion of this subject
with any gentleman in the county; But an
attempt to associate it with county politics is
such departure from the rules of a fair con-
troversy that will treat it with that silent
contempt it so richly deserves
CHRISTIAN.