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 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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LETTER 
 
 REV. NATHANIEL HALL 
 
 OF DORCHESTER. MASS. 
 
 BY NAHUM CAPEN, 
 
 COVCEBKING 
 
 POLITICS AND THE PULPIT 
 
 BOSTON AXD CAMBRIDGE : 
 
 JAMES MUNROE & COMPANY. 
 

LETTER 
 
 REV. NATHANIEL HALL, 
 
 OF DORCHESTER, MASS. 
 
 BY NAHUM CAPEN, 
 
 / CONCERNINa 
 
 POLITICS AND THE PULPIT 
 
 PUBLISHED BY JAS. MUNROE & CO., BOSTON AND CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 Mt. Ida, Dorchester, Sept. 8, 1865. those fundamental principles recognized by all Chris- 
 Mr Dear Sir — In asking your deliberate con- tian denominations, and which are to be found in the 
 sideration of thoughts, respectfully submitted in the attributes of Deity. 
 
 following letter, with regard to Politics in the The Christian teacher cannot create the conscience 
 
 Pulpit, which have been suggested and elicited by oftheindividual nor command the adoption of opinions 
 
 recent events, and which there is no present occasion — the reasonableness of which he cannot see, nor the 
 
 to recite, no doubt is entertained but you will give manifestation of sentiments, the reality of which he 
 
 to the subject that serious and candid scrutiny for cannot feel.. 
 
 which your established habits of sincerity have been The most that he can hope to accomplish, is to exer- 
 
 so long distinguished. cise and keep alive the conscience to all that belongs 
 
 That the motives which originated this communi- to integrity and justice, to elevate the standard of 
 
 cation may not be misunderstood, nor misconstrued, duty in the adoption of opinions deliberately formed, 
 
 I beg leave to speak of the dignity and responsibility and to insist upon a practice that shall be in har- 
 
 of the ministerial calling, and while all who concur mony with the declared will of God, and those laws 
 
 with me in opinion, feel it to be their duty to claim and constitutions of men which, according to their 
 
 for it a considerate protection, they would not divest best judgment and knowledge, from time "> time, are 
 
 it of its high and sacred character, nor derogate ordained by general consent for the commo n good of 
 
 from its prerogatives of independence. society. As he cannot divest the individual of his 
 
 They believe that the servants of Christ should moral responsibility, he can claim no right to dictate 
 
 imitate his examples — by teaching the great and sub- opinions for his adoption which his enlightened judg- 
 
 lime truths of Christianity to all people of different ment does not approve. 
 
 origin, minds, habits, culture, opinions, and under the He is the teacher of duty to the rich and to the poor, 
 varying circumstances of civilization, government, without the authority of controlling the property of 
 freedom, education, prosperity, adversity, goodness, either; he is the religious adviser of the young and 
 crime, peace, war, or revolution. Christianity is a aged, but not their political guardian; he is the ap- 
 system of duty for the guidance of men under all the pointed exhorter of the reckless and the wicked, but 
 circumstances of life, whether public or private, plea- not their governor nor keeper; he is the chosen cen- 
 surable or painful, and not a system for the con- soler of the afflicted and dying, but not their judge, 
 formity of opinions on any subject, except it be on he should be the counsellor of statesmen of all parties. 
 
2 
 
 but not the ofiFensive partizan of any; he should be nirrow the sphere of the Christian minister, or to 
 the spiritual and independent adviser of the magis- lessen the means of his usefulness. On the contrary, 
 trate, in the numerous positions of authority and most with whom I have exchanged opinions upon the 
 official duty, but not the controlling gatherer of his subject, are deeply impressed with the importance of 
 knowledge, the responsible agent of his power, the enlarging the sphere of his mission — investing it 
 director of his opinions, nor the arbiter of his acts, with a higher character, loftier aims, holier aspira- 
 lle should give to the legislator the inspiring benefit tions, and with a more extended knowledge, andcom- 
 of his players, encourage iu him an honest zeal for prehensive views. It is to be viewed as a mission to 
 mvestigation, increase in him the love of truth, the the people of all time, however divided by sects or 
 sentiment of self-respect and duty, and leave him to parties, diffusing that spiritual dignity and benign 
 act according to the judgment which he deliberately temper of Christ among men, whose differences of 
 forms by the help of so many Christian aids. He is thought and habits of feeling require the constant 
 a preacher of the gospel to all men, of all nations; reproduction of his examples of love, and the repeti- 
 the guardian of souls exposed to temptation, against tion of his lessons of wisdom. 
 
 the dangers of sin in its hideous variety, against op- The subject of slavery, or more properly speaking, 
 pression in violation of law, the promoter of peace the way and the means of providing for the best good 
 according to law, the encourager of duty in seasons and advancement of the dependent races of men, is 
 of danger; but he is invested with no authority by regulated by the enactments of government in states 
 his Divine Muster to assume the prerogatives of pri- or civilized nations, and like all other subjects relat- 
 vate judgment, nor to denounce his fellow sinners ing to humanity, and submitted for adjustment to the 
 for non-concurrence in matters of opinion on subjects human judgment in conventional authority, is differ- 
 in regard to which the good and the able of the en- ently regarded by different men. Its regulation or 
 tire community are divided, and where the cause of removal is necessarily a business of a political nature, 
 truth demands a perfect freedom, exempted from all it is that of legislation, and it may be regarded as 
 pai-ty and sectarian dictation. one of the most difBcult problems which statesmen 
 
 What air and light are to the body, Christianity is are called upon to solve. It is more a question of 
 to the soul : it constitutes the indispensable elements of time, method and means, than of principle — to say 
 healthful growth and spiritual existence. It ennobles nothing of the unjustifiable interference of citizens 
 the motives to lofty endeavor, it encourages endeavor who assume the visionary right to aggravate its evils 
 according to the stern requisitions of integrity; it without sharing the realities of its burdens. It has 
 enlivens the affections, but it does not seek to control been discussed by the learned, the good and the wise, 
 their application; it creates a thirst for knowledge, during all time, and the discussion will be continued 
 and engenders a love for truth in the man, the so long as man is subdivided into different races of 
 woman and tlie child of every condition and in every varying capacity and condition, so long as man con- 
 pursuit of life, but it leaves each to choose his path, tinues to be a being of progress. The process of 
 and to walk his way, according to his conscience and Christian civilization is to be seen in periods of cen- 
 ixis knowledge. It is a mission above and beyond turies, which are but moments to infinity, and the 
 the temporary expedients and excitements incident reverential student will not fail to find, in the histori- 
 to the stormy conflicts of opinion. Its guiding hand cal lessons of Providence, that the same Almighty 
 should not be obscured by the clouds of passion nor power that numbers and guards the sparrow in its 
 BtifTcned by the hand of bigotry, but it should be seen flight and fall, no less protects and controls during 
 pointing upward to the serener atmosphere of a confi- all the transitions of humanity, his image in man. 
 dent liope, an abiding faith, a practical charity. lie will find that races and nations are advanced and 
 It is a mi-ssion to the world in its diversity, and its elevated according to eternal laws, and by the un- 
 most glorious themes arc those which invest the changable instrumentalities of infinite wisdom. He 
 Bjjirit of controversy with a dignified forbearance, who studies and regards most those laws and means 
 and the power of knowledge with the sublime beauty most conforms to the will of Him whose omniscience 
 of metkne.-*. pervades eternity. 
 
 In protecting, as an humble citizen, against the The discussion of slavery in this country has been 
 practice of introducing political topics into the pulpit, so long and so impressively identified with fanaticism, 
 with a party spirit — a practice which it is to be re- impracticable measures of philanthropy, witli the 
 grettcd too much prevails for the best good of the abrupt and revolting language of party and of im- 
 mission of rcligioas instruction— I beg most distinctly patient ignorance; with a morbid and sickening des- 
 and emphatically to disclaim all purposes tending to pondency— that would substitute days of fasting and 
 
of mourning for those of national rejoicing, because and to the wovhl, — whenever he presents liimself as a 
 a greater blessing was yet to be achieved ; with reck- teacher on subjects, not specially taught by his 
 less and culpable denunciations against law and the Divine Master, and which, to be truthfully fet forth, 
 authority of government, and even with the de^^perate require vast research, long and careful study, patient 
 and malevolent breathings of treason against our and practical inquiry, diversified observation, test 
 beloved Union; with impious declamations against comparisons, resulting verifications, and a profound 
 the Bible and the church ; that it is difficult, nay. self-distrust. To assume to be the teacher of men 
 almost impossible, to divest it of its unholy associa- in the practical or experimental details and compli- 
 tions, or to introduce it into the pulpit, with its cor- cations of government or of science, is to imply a 
 relative topics, without exciting anew all those extreme consciousness of knowledge superior to that of the 
 manifestations of indignation and disgust to which an statesman and philosopher, and to claim them 
 offended patriotism is sure to give expression, and as his pupils. That he can do muyh, in the proper 
 seldom attempts to disguise or to conceal. discussion of all great topics, to inspire the lovers of 
 
 Fanaticism is excessive zeal. It has its providential truth with a spirit of duty; in accjuiring knowhnlge 
 mission,— but like that of the whirlwind, it has divested of pride and prejudice; by examples of 
 no inherent self-directing power. Its track is ever thorough inquiry, comprehensive views, conciliatory 
 characterised by the plunges of impatient haste and manners, and of forbearance and magnanimity, and 
 ill-timed violence. It demands a greater but an by a spirit of enlightened humility which should 
 impracticable good. It is earnest in prayer and rapid ever characterize the servant of Christ— all will ad- 
 in thought, but indifferent to knowledge and blind to mit, no one will deny. But who, let me ask, that is 
 judgment. It waits for no season, listens to no subject to the conditions of mortality, will deliberate- 
 warning, and cares for no consequences. It invok- ly assume, in addition to the great task of his Chris- 
 ingly holds up an abstract truth, detached from the tian mission, the awful and immeasurable respcnsi- 
 practical conditions of society, and demands its bility of teaching so much, in a life so brief, and 
 instant adoption and impossible practice. It is pro- 'with means so small. 
 
 lific in its propositions, and it always assumes that Besides, as the clergy of different denominations 
 their nature is imperative, urgent and holy, that represent the different views and sentiments of the 
 their importance is paramount and unquestionable, varying parties of the nation, what would constitue a 
 They are rapidly and incessantly multiplied and safe standard of conscience for one to adopt would be 
 forced upon the individual, the family, the school, safe for all,— that is, each for himself and no owe/or 
 the town, the state, the nation, and the pulpit. All others, — and the pulpit would be sought, controlled 
 need to be guarded with an unsleeping vigilance, but and used for the exciting and temporary discussions 
 no place more sacredly than the Christian pulpit. of the times, and the church would become the place 
 
 All men confess a desire to lessen slavery and to in- for the manifestations of passion and violence, and 
 crease freedom ; to check the prevalence of evil and the Sabbath the great caucus day of the land. Re- 
 to promote the sway of good; to withstand tempta- ligion would become but another name for politics, 
 tions to sin, and to encourage the spirit of duty ; to and piety a cloak for cunning. The floating errors 
 advance truth and to suppress error; but they of party, the falsehoods of designing and unpi-incipled 
 honestly and intelligently differ with regard to the politicians, — always assuming the attractive garb of 
 best means for the accomplishment of ends so mo- truth for deceptive pui'poses, — would be more or less 
 mentous to man — so acceptable to God. received and honestly adopted by the credulous preach- 
 
 The Christian minister, standing as he does, the er, and sermons based uprn deception, and jirayeri up- 
 professed servant of Divinity — commissioned by on error would soon prevail and degrade the professed 
 society to promulgate eternal truths revealed disciplesof Christ to the common level of vulgar strife, 
 by God, and adapted to the condition and wants and subject them and their mission to the contempt 
 of humanity; to exhibit the spirit of his Divine of considerate men, and obscure the fair beauties of 
 Master by examples of loyalty to civil govern- Christianity by the unsightly deformities of sin. 
 ment; of fidelity to public and private trusts; The true conscience deeply scrutinizes itself, and 
 of dignity and impartiality in the manner of pre- employs an enlightened judgment to guard against 
 seuting his convictions of truth and adjusting dif- the mistakes of ignorance, the impositions of the sin. 
 ferences of opinion; of charity in speaking of the ful, and the assumptions of will, 
 weaknesses and ignorance of men; of sublime sim- The Christian teacher is protected by law in his po- 
 plicity in making known the will of the Father,— is sition as the dispenser of truth, and as he cannot be 
 placed in fearful relations of responsibility to God answered by the dissentients of his congregation in 
 
re'pect to the possible fallacy of his views, nor be realize an inward sense of glory on account of he! 
 correcte I if he communicates the falsehoods of others differences; and while no one would presume to ar 
 as truths to be adopted, he ignorantly becomes, for a raign them for their diversity of opinion with regai-d 
 time at least, a most dangerous though unintentional to the true means of progress and course of duty, it 
 agent of the wicked, and inflicts upon his confiding cannot be claimed with any show of meekness or Chris- 
 aii 1 uninforme 1 hearers, and upon society, a wound tian propi-icty that they are authorized to require a 
 that irritates an I mortifies the commendable pride of conformity in others which they ai-e unable to secure 
 the hearer and lessens his respect for the preacher, among themselves. 
 
 Let the great aim of the clergy be rather to influ- This communication was substantially prepared for 
 encc men to become Christian citizens, and they will signatures of such members of your church and so- 
 do a thousind times more for the safety of their gov- ciety as might concur with the views expressed. In 
 ernment, for the advancement of humanity, and for reviewing, however, the circumstances and the 
 the perm vnent sympathy for the oppressed evei*y- motives which led me to write it; in considering the 
 where, than by actively uniting themselves with the magnitude of the subject and the expressed wishes 
 brief, fierce, and fluctuating struggles of pirty. of several highly respected and intelligent gentle- 
 
 If, indeel, they are actuated by an irresistable men, who desired to give the letter a circulation 
 sense of duty to participate in those movements commensurate with the nature and importance of the 
 which are connected with the legislation of their questions involved ; in wishing to avoid all proselyting 
 country, and desire to make known facts and opin- anxiety, or seeming solicitation, incompatible with a 
 ions not communicated by others, the way is open at confidence in pi-inciple, which is above and superior 
 all times and everywhere, — and they may have op- to the conviction of mere verbal persuasion, and in 
 portunities to say more, and to do more, and to pre- the hope that it would have a tendency to lead to un- 
 sent their views to larger numbers, on special occa- restrained exchanges of opinion upon the subject, — 
 sions, or by speaking at political meetings, — than I have asked the written committal of no one, that all 
 they can possibly accomplish in the pulpit and with- may be free deliberately and intelligently to form 
 in the hiUowed circle of the Christian church. their own conclusions, each for himself, and without 
 
 The Sabbath and the sanctuary should be sacredly embarrassment of any supposed antagonism between 
 protected against the breathings of angry dispu- individuals either of the family or of the social circle, 
 tation, the discordant language of party violence, I have wi'itten with a deep sense of responsibility, 
 and the wild invective of passion — the invaria- from which no American citizen, however humble, 
 ble and legitimate fruits of political preaching to a should feel hunself exempted. I have endeavored 
 congregation where members of the different parties faithfully to examine, though briefly, those serious 
 are associated for religious worship. Tlie Christian and delicate relations of accountability, which no 
 soul demands at church a quiet atmosphere, the member of a Christian community, however imper- 
 cheerful serenity of a peaceful trust, the impressive feet, should seek to evade or to suppress. I have 
 associations of grandeur consistent with prayer, a not hesitated to express myself with a freedom and a 
 dignity becoming the sublime spirit of truth, a glad- frankness alike due to the spirit of sincerity and to 
 some temper that harmonizes with the Christian's the cause of truth, in the confidence that you will 
 hope, the exalting hymn, and the joyous anthem. appreciate my motives as you may hope to have 
 
 On all subjects of magnitude the great and the others appreciate yours, and will regard the imper- 
 good, tiie leai-ned and the wise, the pure and the ho- feet suggestions which have been made rather with 
 ]y, in all ages, h.ave failed to unite in opinion as to a view to public duty than with any feeling of per- 
 the best plans for the advancement of the great cause sonal considerations or of party differences, 
 of truth. The clergy, in common with all men, and I have the honor to be, with considerations of res- 
 with no special nor supernatural exemptiim from sin pact and true regard, your most obedient servant and 
 or error, have not eitlicr practically nor thejretically friend, NAHUM CAPEN. 
 
 been able to harmonize even their own views with res- 
 pect to the teachings of Christianity, and they profess to 
 
 To R.-;v. Natua.\ii:l Hall, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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