Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-09-09
Don't vote for fusion.
INTRODUCTORY.

We have no desire to injure the bust
ness of the Ncpc Religion, nor to publicly
criticize the theological views of its edi-
tor. The paper is a County enterprise
which we would be glad to see prosper,
if confined to its own legitimate field.
As such it does not interfere with the
DEMOCRAT. nor could there be the slight
est rivalry or i'll feeling between the two
journals. But when religious paper
takes the field against well settled princi-
pies of public welfare or dabbles in poll
tics, it becomes fit subject for criticism.
In this sense only, have we expended so
much ammunition on the Ner Religion.
BY giving aid and comfort to the Green
back party in Maine, it has encouraged
such Sappcrs and miners at me founda-
tons of Christian society, as Leo Miller,
Moses Hull, Col Blood, and the whole
filthy, long haired tribe of communists.
By advocating doctrines of finance con-
trary to those held in the heart of It's pro-
prictor and editor, it has laid itself open
to the charge of hypocrisy. BY deyoting
large portion of It's space, weekly, to
political topics, it has thrown aside its
distinctive character as a religious Jour
nal, and has embarked on a voyage in
sea of troubles where political men are at
liberty to add to each adverse wind which
impedes its progress On these grounds
We have written words which we do not
wish to be construed as hostile to any
County institution or enterprise.
Our views in regard to the cxpcdicncy
of starting a Uniycrsalist paper in Maine,
where the field has been ably occupied for
half century, are matters of a personal
and private character, and of interest only
to those who ask for them In theology
cal opinions. we differ from the N,m R.
ligion and also from many other religious
papers in Maine But the DrMoCRAT is
not a religious paper. and so does not eX-
press It's EDITOR theological views.
Our space has been solicited, however,
by one of the oldest and most respected
Universalist preachers in Maine, for the
purpose of stating how his denomination
regard the conduct Of the Ner Religion.
After considerable deliberation and CON
sultation, we have decided to publish the
following letter from Rev. Zenas Thomp-
son, for we are satisfied from the some
what peculiar course adopted by the pa
per, in political affairs, that the structures
laid upon it by theologiaus have foun-
dation builded upon something more sub
stantial than sand.
Editor of tie AFFORD Democrat:
Dear Sir.-I should like 10 be INDUCED
with the privilege of your columns so far
As TO say to all my friends who may be
readers of your paper, that the compound
hylrM sheet called the "Nelr Reiigi0n,' has
not the approval or support OF the uni
versaliSt Church in Maine 1t came into
the world against the wishes and without
the countenance, think, of every minister,
and very largely OF the principal lay MEM
bers of the denomination; and the general
| character of its contents from the first has
only served to increase the regret with
which its birth was regarded. Indeed, its
"ratiomaIistic" notions in religion have been
generally condemned by our people as dis
tinctly rs its existence was considered I'M
called for, unnecessary and unwise, while
its recent espousal of the rag money
mania and Il prosttUtcd democracy, from
motives essentially sinister, as everybody
has reason to believe, has only added
shame to our regret aud condemnation.
In conclusion, would say that the only
pleasant thought we have in relation to the
concern is that an ignominiouS death awaits
il, and that its time is short.
Il. THOMSON.
Woodfords Corner, Deering,
Aug. 30, 1879.