It is in this country that Church and State, for the first time in the history of the civilized world, have been separated, and allowed to conduct their own affairs in their own way, and independently of each other. So far as experience has gone in this respect, it proves the wisdom of the policy. And yet there are many statesmen, who, in reading the "signs of the times," think there are reasons for believing that the priesthood have inherited their ancient love of civil power, and are quietly endeavoring, in various ways, to secure such a degree of moral power over the popular mind as will, in effect if not in fact, transfer to them the control of the civil government.
If the priesthood are to control the government, it matters but little whether it be the Catholic or the Protestant. Catholicism regards the Church as supreme and the State as subordinate, repudiates public schools, and trains her youth in the Church and for the Church, thus preparing them to become not only adherents to the faith, but "soldiers of the cross;" while Protestantism asks the recognition of God in the Constitution, urges a fraternal union of all her various denominations, with a view to concentrate and direct their moral force, and even goes so far as to discuss politics in the pulpit,—thus attempting to control the results of our popular elections, especially when great moral questions are supposed to be involved. In all this there may be no insidious design; but facts carry with them a degree of significance which ought not to be disregarded. If a "religious war" must come, it will be a fearful contest, and one which must result in the subversion of free government, and finally extinguish the last hope of every true philanthropist.
And yet, as a people, we need never "despair of the Republic" so long as we sustain free public schools and confide the government to none other than an enlightened and philanthropic statesmanship. If America continues to respect herself, she is evidently destined to wield, not only the moral power of the world, but to complete the civilization of the world. Inspired with a desire to ameliorate the condition of mankind the world over, she annually expends millions of money in advancing the cause of a true Christianity. So inviting are her free institutions that she is rapidly becoming a central nation in point of wealth, talent, and population, as well as in moral and political influence. It should be her pleasure, as well as aim, not only to perfect her own government, but to diffuse a knowledge of her liberal principles throughout the world.
In reverting to the history of the past, we see that nations, like individuals, have their career, succeed each other, and finally become extinct. On this continent the red race has been rapidly succeeded by the white race. Whether a still higher order of man will succeed the white race, is a question which time only can determine.
Nature is provident, and like Divine Providence, works in "mysterious ways," and with an aim to achieve ultimate results. What America now is, we know; what she will be, we know not. It is devoutly to be wished, however, that her career may continue to be characterized by great and noble achievements, and that her "star-spangled banner" may forever float in triumph
"O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
CAREER OF REV. JOSEPH BADGER.