Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-09-01
Readjusiing.

Mr.. EDIToR-I AM fully sensible
that ms the sworn minister OF Him
whose kingdom ls not Of this world, you
have no business meddling in party
politics. You have to do with great
principles and laws, with tho ways OF
the Most High, whom to know and fear
and obcdlently servo will briGg peace to
human affairs, with Quictncss aud as
surauce forever. And yet while you
may not interfere in the management Of
affairs, and in the application Of princl-
pies 10 circumstances, in questions Of
mere expediency, you arc concerned
that principles shall DO clearly under
stood and honored, that the instinct Of
honor shall be heoded, that the light Of
conscience shall be clear, and point
the way among men.
To my mind the question now agitat-
ing The people Of our dear old State, and
that is antagonizing thom with Bit
terness and vindlctiyeness most lamen-
table, Is one o. exceeding sOlemnity
and dolicacy. Men don't often differ
about q moral principle or any prlncl-
pies. Only courts of law with crlmi-
nails mako points on these. And when
men of fair standing and character find
themselves opposed, the presumption is
almost irresistible that their difference
is not on principle, but about facts, and
the application Of the principle. And 1
do protest that nothing ought to be more
painful TO q Virginian than 10 be con-
vinced that n leading citizen or re-
spectacle body of Virginians are ad-
vocating or defending principle that Is
known to be vicious or false. Such
strife may amuse the outside world or
delight our mortal foes, but can result
only in the loss of our good name aud
to our lasting dishonor. Such contest
in a well ordered household would in.
volve the punishment of the culprit and
accuser.
To me, confess, the point at issue
has been from the beginning very clear.
1t has seemed TO me to be one in which
duty and honor called for great sacrifice.
But 1t is equally clear to me that men
of unquestioned character and equal
devotion to the good Of the State have
seen the matter differently. Although
1t would be stupidity or hypocrisy to
pretend that facts and principles and
not selfish aggran dzement have not
determined the policy Of many.
In no question is it 80 important that
calmness, reasonableness and mutual
respect should prevail as in those in
volving points of honor, of a good con
science. Every man knows that his
manhood is identified with these. The
Judge owes respect and consideration tC
the convicted felon. And the question
ofpersonal respect is one that prccede:
every other between men.
Where envy and strife is, there Il
confusion and every evil work. In
war robbery and murder are subjects o
praise. Shake the box and the needle
willjpoint every way and all The points
oilthe compass be confounded.
Anl now in a matter in which the
honor and good name and character o
our people and the very life Of our dear
State is at issue, shall VIC not use al
gentless and contend as brethrcn9 w
can all live through poverty, and soor
recover from It. But the wounded
spirit, who can bear? The offended
brother, who shall recover ? The scan
dallzed household, who shall restore
speak as a patriot; 1 beg as broth
er. Friends and brothers, let us ceas'
abusing; let US hear, and weigh, ant
co nsider words in the spirit Of respec
and good will and single-hearted devo
ton to the commonwealth. But first
chiefest, let US commit ourselves ant
our troubles to Him, the Fountain o
Light, of Truth and of Justice, that he
may keep our honor and send US peace
l-Somhern Churchman.