Cherokee Phoenix

From the New England Christian Herald

Published November, 19, 1831

Page 2 Column 1b

From the New England Christian Herald

The editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal in relation to the treatment of the Missionaries by the Georgia Guard still holds perspicuous language and a manly tone. He dares to denounce that treatment, on the supposition that the Missionaries have faithfully reported it, of which there can be very little doubt.

But he says he is still accused of taking sides in politics, merely for censuring the conduct of the Guard, seems to think that none would bring that charge against him on the ground except they were guilty of the very thing which they accused him. The sentiment implied on the charge against the editor, is of such a character that we incline to assign for it a different motive, if we can. It is one characteristic of a party politician, we admit, to condemn in others that which he is guilty of himself. But when the charge is brought by a good man, we would impute it to ignorance, or error, rather than to a worse cause. But it must be one or the other, for we can never suppose it wrong for a Christian editor to express a censure of conduct like that of the Georgia Guards. We feel somewhat alarmed, and should feel much more so, could we believe that the number is large who think it wrong to speak out in such a case as this is indicative of a great dereliction from Christian duty, and can only be exceeded in danger by the worst spirit of party politicians.-What! are Christian editors to look on, and see the rights of their fellow men wrested from them by the hand of oppression, and never open their mouths? We have never so learned Christ.

We have heretofore expressed a few sentiments on this subject, and must repeat them as often as occasion like the present occurs. Our duty to our country and to our God requires that we should do so, or we have greatly mistaken our duty. The Missionaries are our fellow citizens and our friends; and shall we be less ready to complain of their wrongs than of those of the oppressed Greeks and the suffering Poles