Have not three thousand clergymen been induced to interfere in our temporal and political affairs; just as in past history we find the Magi and the priests did?
Has not the word of God been set at naught? Where the command is, "Thou shalt not kill," are not Sharpe's rifles purchased by their command?
A clever book of fiction, written by a fanatical old
woman, although untrue even as a picture of southern society, has obtained for her the cordial entrée of British aristocracy.
Then, again, regard the immense immigration from Europe. No sooner is it possible, but we find politicians busy to influence them, and obtain their votes. And they chiefly are opposed to slavery.
As patriots, Americans should say, you may vote. We throw around you no restraint. Your home is our home. You are in every sense a brother, and you shall be deprived of no privilege. But while in no manner the privileges of a freeman should be denied to any, we must not shut our eyes to the influences that surround us.
The Magi controlled the then known world.
The Roman church has done the same. In England a church has assumed secular power.
In each instance it was the fabulous jus divinum by which it was accomplished.
Shall they be allowed by such influences to control and so break down our great experiment of self-government?