Morning Star

For the Morning Star,

Religion and Politics.

Brother Burr:—I should like to tell your readers a story, if you are willing. By your leave, I proceed. It was said by somebody that one of the Friends once became very much excited on receiving some abuse from an opponent. After a moment's silence, he took off his hat, and laid it down, saying, here Quaker, (addressing the hat,) lay there till I flog that rascal. Now, it has become quite fashionable with some, who talk loud and long upon the glorious subject of religion, to lay it by on particular occasions. For instance, on election day they virtually say to religion, you stay at home, while I go to town-meeting. But why not take it with them, and let it go up to the ballot-box. Because they are identified with some political party; and by their politics they are chained to the sable car of slavery; and, of course, religion is considered an intruder where this principle is developed. But why an intruder? 1st. Because religion says, thou shalt not commit adultery. But such politics say, the slaveholder may commit adultery with his slave, if he pleases. 2d. Religion says, search the Scriptures. But such politics say, the poor slave shall not have the Scriptures to search. 3d. Because religion says, what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. But this political principle says, separate husband and wife, and sell them into different parts of the state—and different states. 4th. Religion says to parents, bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. But this unhallowed political principle says, the slave has no children that he can call his own. 5th. Religion says, do to others as you would have them do to you. But this kind of politics says—punish the slave—take all he can earn—take his liberty, time, and strength, and use them for others' comforts. 6th. Religion says, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But this unrighteous political principle says, make men chattels, buy and sell them, as oxen and horses are bought and sold. From these and other considerations, pure religion is considered an intruder on such occasions, and many are disposed to say to it, (as the Quaker did to his hat,) lay here, while I attend to my political affairs.

But, dear reader, what will be the feelings of such when they are called to stand before the bar of God, with their hands dripping with the blood of the souls of the oppressed? Will they not there hear that voice (which will exceed a peal of seven-fold thunder) say to them, 'Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.'

L. H. WITHAM.

Kennebunkport.