Year: 1866

upon this world, and see the fallen
condition of that church for which
they preached, prayed ard suffered, it
would certainly fill the mind of that
heavenly host with wonder, sorrow
and pity We sec men who pretend
to be called to preach the everlasting
gospel Of Jesus Christ 20 dying
world, desecrating the Lords day by
an appeal to the people for their sup
port of certain measures and men to
further the cause of political parties,
or the maintenance of certain politi-
cal measures. This class of preachers
have brought discredit upon the
church, strengthened infdelity, and
added many to the kingdom of the
Evil One. We do not pretend to say a
preacher should have no political
opinions, by any means they like
other men, are entitled to their own
views but to dress themselves in the
holy garb of religion, and then stoop
to the cess pool of party strife, and
wallow in the mire Of political har-
rangues on the Lords day, and then
call that "purc and undefiled religion,
is an insult to God, q lie upon the
cause they pretend to advocate, and a
shame to the church to which they
belong.


If they will condcscend to read the
bible, or follow the example of Him
who spake as never man spake, or tho
preaching Of those holy men who were
endowed with power from on high, to
speak rs the spirit gave them utter
ance, they will there learn that their
theme was the life, death, burial and
resurrection ofa crucifed Savior, point
ing the world to HIM for salvation and
everlasting life No political harran.
gues, no isms, no advice as to who
should be elected to Office, no meddling
with party, no mixing with the world
for party purposes, but higher, n
nobler theme animated their energies,
0nd gayv IIIvunu PvwvI ~ uneii on0i %
in the cnnse Of their Master.


But now we have murdered Lin
coin, who has taken the place of a
crucificd Savior; a Black Republican
party in place of the church, and the
salvation of the negro has taken the
place of the religion which emanated
from the eternal throne of God J Is
this religion, or is it but the work OF
the Angel of Darkness This has
been the course pursued by hundreds
who call themselves minister of Jesus
Christ, and expect the people to give
of their means to support them in this
work of destruction of all the high
and noble impulse Of that religion
which produces peace, love and fellow
ship among the children of men.


To the people we say, You are re-
sponsibc for this state of things. You
have tolerated these apostates and
hypocrites in their course until they
have concluded that you approve them.
You have sat tamely by and heard
yourselves abused, traduced and viii
fed by these fanatics; and while you
condemn their preaching, you give Of
your means to keep them at their


work ofprostituting true religion BE


men; cast off these vain, foolish bab.
blers, who arc wolves in sleeps cloth.


ing, gong around the world producing
envy, hate and strife.


We know that many fear to act


upon the honest convictions of their


mind in this matter, and contribute to
a cause which they disapprove merely
to please vitiatcd public sentiment


fearing to meet the disapprobation o
these renogades. To such we say, dc


right, and let those who would OK


change true religion for politics. pay
the expense of their canvassers. You
are satisfied that they do not represent


tho true church, and by your giving


to their support, you become particep,
criminis in an unholy cause. AS foi
ourselves, we shall never lick the dust
I from the feet of these canhng babblors
merely to please a crowd who would
rather see damned than saved.


We do not intend these remarks tc
apply to any particular denomination
but to all who have so far forgotten
their high calling in Christ as to ex
change the religion of the bible foi


politics, and issue their opinions il
broken doses TO promiscuous crowC
on Sunday, and have the impudcnct
to call it religion.


We are proud TO say, however
} that there are many who have moi
: prostituted the cause of Christ by
: political preaching-never bowed the
E knee to Saal, but have been true sen
} tincls on the watch-tower of Zion Tt
| them we give all honor, and ask foi
= them liberal support from those
who love pure religion. When the
great day comes, these true disciples
will shine as the stars of heaven, Will,
the political preachers, who have pro
NOTED envy, strife, hatred and malice
will be cast OF, and with tho damned
spirits reap rich reward for Their
llahor