A Word Concerning the Present Political Campaign.
The following article so well expresses our feelings upon this subject, that we reproduce it from the Sabbath Recorder of Aug. 15, 1872:— One of the prices paid for freedom in this country is the shock of these quadrennial election campaigns, when the whole country, from center to circumference, is set into a whirl of excitement. When good men and bad men, great men and small men, partake of the common glow, when often truth and conscience are smothered, and passion and party rule the hour. We are now entering upon one of the most violent and reckless of these periods. From every quarter, the religious press of the country is uttering earnest words of caution and persuasion against the spirit of party and personal bitterness, already so widespread and deep. In many instances, even among men from whom we felt we had a right to expect better things, passion seems to bear rule. We deplore this, and pray that these poisoned waters of strife may cease to flow! But we took our pen to say a word to Christian men. . . . Remember that you are citizens of another country, to the institutions of which you owe allegiance also, and under whose guiding Spirit you are to perform your political duties here. You are in danger of losing interest in the cause of Christ, under the pressure of the present political excitement, and of suffering loss in your Christian character. You are also in danger of withdrawing your influence and active service from the cause of Christ, giving your first attention to the interests of your political preferences. You are also in danger of losing your influence as a Christian, over those whom you should save, as the instruments of God's mercy. In a time like this, you have need to watch and pray much, and set a strong and faithful guard over your lips, lest they speak at least unsavory words. Let us remember our religious obligations, as well as those we owe the State, and be careful to seek first the kingdom of Heaven.