The Litchfield County Post

From the N. Y. Observer

DUTY OF CHRISTIANS CONCERNING

ELECTIONS.

Messrs. Editors,-

I am no advocate for blending religion and politicks; and I am fully aware of the delicacy of the subject, when I inquire if Christians have not an important duty to perform in regard to the election of their rulers? While the utmost prudence should be used, ought not religious men to exert a more direct and uniform influence to promote the election of religious men, or at least those who appear to be most under the influence of religious principles! But especially ought not this to be made a subject of more frequent and earnest prayer! We know that God has all hearts in his hand, and all events under his control;-that He it is who raiseth up one and pulleth down another ; and that when he determines to punish a nation, he setteth up over it the basest of men.' But after all, do not even Christians often regard this thing almost as a matter of mere chance, neither acting at all, nor praying at all, in relation to it? But is it true that God doth influence the minds of men, in relation to their designs, as well as that he does control events? And is it not true also, that the most important events are connected with those designs and those purposes in the minds of men, over which, God exerts in some way, a controlling agency! Was not David's restoration to the throne, from which he had been driven by the rebellion of Absalom, brought about in answer to his prayers, that the counsels of Ahithophel might be defeated? Have we not reason to believe, that the Jews were preserved from destruction, in the days of Mordecai, in answer to his prayers, and those of other pious Jews, that God would dispose the heart of the king to regard Esther with favor, when she should venture into his presence?

If these things are so-and if, as Christians generally believe, God governs the world in answer to prayer;-.why should they not pray much and fervently, both for those who now bear rule among us, and in relation to future elections? Should all the Christians in our land unite in persevering supplication for this thing, would not God hear! And can Christians, who love their country, refuse to pray for such an object ! Will every heart unite ? And does not the present crisis of our affairs seem especially to demand this at our hands?

Is it too much to hope and to pray for, that Holiness to the Lord' may speedily be written on every chair of state, on all our halls of Legislation and on our Courts of Justice ?-. We have recently been informed that in some of the Judicial Circuits, in one of our States. the Judges and all the Bar. have become pious, and the business of each day of the Court is opened with prayer, either by the Judge himself, or some member of the Court.' Now dare we not hope to see this spirit carried into every department of our government? If the church has felt herself straitened in this respect, has she been straitened in the promises of God, or only in her own unbelief? I rejoice in the spirit of Christian enterprize with which our day is characterized, and in the spirit of holy wrestling which accompanies it. But I inquire if this subject. among others has received the attention that it ought !--How often are our rulers so much as mentioned in our publick prayers? But while Paul would have us make 'supplication for all men.' he specifies particularly, 'all who are in authority.' Now if it be a duty to pray for rulers, is it not a duty, in a country like ours, where we are permitted to choose our own. to pray also in reference to such a choice? And will not the general principle hold good here, as well as elsewhere, that prayer and corresponding effort should be united ? I acknowledge that I am recommending a course different in some respects from what I have myself pursued. So much asperity often attends our elections, that I have generally stood aloof from them. And in pursuing a different course now, I should make a sacrifice of feeling. But I
have been led seriously to inquire whether it is not a duty. But what I chiefly desire is that Christians should feel the importance of praying, (and surely at such a time as this if ever) in reference to this subject; and the rest I leave to every one's judgment.