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4| Delivered in Rcgersviile, jg^
-a April 13, 1815; ie
; * j- -
s^r*
' i THE DAY APPOINTED ?►
# 8p
\vj| by the i#"
A§|. Pm&mENT OF THE UNITED STATEsM"
*5|j as 'a day of j®^ :
c?! ^tinona^ thanks-giving tj|>
--«« *3,
4g§ m?
j5! for the j..
RESTORATION OF PEACE. p.
'jj® •«>• v5>> vi>. ■<£?•. ti>i ta>. «<'-. 5(55?'<i> v»>>•<"►> -rfp-1 •,; "->•<•'.- -^1v5 I
.gf By CHARLES CCFCIX, D. D. JJl
<4§| President of Greeneville College. \ p
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•if|I Jam Fides, et Fax, et Honor, pudor^ue {£>
^dg| priscus, et neglecta redire Virtus fm-
Audet, ait are t qu e beata pleno i|l,
js Copia corvu.
^j| Hor. Car. Saer.
•*1 The Lord will bless his people with FEACE. ||p
.-sjf: David. |j?
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'M rogersville, fTen.) |f
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* For the Vutlioe. -18 15.
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DEDICATION.
T ' •
£tTO THE citixens of Eogers-piUe and its vtdinftyt
Hind to the truepatriots of the United btates, the sm-
*4$rtfriends of Ghbistian truth, piety and phi-
j eanthropp, and of useful, knowledge and co&a
education, as constituting* under God, the only
^tailing support of cur national independence and
tibertifi union Sf prosperityt this discourse, delivered &
* *
published at therequest of the former, la most
. jpectfully
And affectionately
# Inscribed
by their humble serTutHy
the uuthaz,
fl?SEEM0N,4V
PSALM 147.1*.
IB maketh Feace in thy border
,
ITII what unutterable emotions is the piou;$1
and benevolent heart expanded to-day. A
people exceeding seVen millions in number are invi¬
ted by their President, at the joint recommendation
of both Houses of tbeir National Legislatures " to oh-
©eCye the day with'religious solemnity, as a day of
thanks giving and of devout acknowledgment to Al¬
mighty God and in their wolemn" assemblies to
tinite their hearts and their ioices in "a. free will
offering to their Heavenly Benefactor For all those
Jiriviledges and advantages, religious as well as civil
wdiich "are so richly; enjoyed intkm- favored land#
and more especially" for his great goodness, "manfi
fested in restoring *to them the* blessing of peace.**
May he, who holds in his "hand the destinies of natkv
*©ris and the hearts of men, prepare the people, whirl*
tie'has ever ^distinguished from all the earth by hia
choicest * favors, to rehder him this day 'an offering#
which through the merits of his son he will delight
to accept. May he graciously incline them, in the-
fervors of impartial gratitude to'devot® themsehe^
without reserve to his most reasonable service; that
they may ever « shew forth his praise,*^ ** people*
formed for himself," and that henceforth he may
♦'cause peace to flow to them as a river, & lightest
©u'sness as the waves of the sea."
The text happily accords with the design of thet
day. It is part of a' Psalm, which holds an eminent"
place among the songs of Zion *; and which w as pra»
feably written on the return of peace to the Isralihsll
fdtwn, after they had experienced" the calamities off
Way. It begins writh a call to the praise- of Goil
£ros» the ffxcellentf grateful and {poming csduxa o§.
*
tlie en ploysaenfa *1Praise ye the "Lbr^ frr it Is gooffe
to sing praises unto our God ; f( r it is pit arrant, anct
ju*ai "p is comely.'9 It concludes with on argu¬
ment fur the, some dyty from the revelation and
rclij'ht'ts khmvlcdge bestowed upon fhat high—,
ly favoredl pu.ple. ^Ile shewed his went unto Jacob,
Ids statutes and his jvdgments unto lsra'1. He hath
not dealt so with any nation ; and as for hisjugd-
jjvents, they have not knoivn them,. Pis ne fits
Trrd." The intervening parts of the psalm e lo-
brate the power, wisdom and meieycf God, as in a-
Tiif sted in his woi*ks of providence and his gru nq$
care of them that, fear him ! 9 The verses neaitsfc
tiie text are its best comnent. <k Praise the Lord^O
Jerusalem; prone- thy GodfG Zion. For he hath
sirengihencd the bars of thy gates $ he hath blessed,
thytiuldren within thee, tie muketh peace in tfoj
borders,Si filleth tliee with the finest of the wheat, II®
aendcth forth his commandment on earth ; his word
runneth very swiftly/* JNTationai peace is here intro¬
duced to our view, not only, as a gift from the God
of Zion, but as attended v. itlt a twain of blessings na¬
tural, civil, political and religious to the favored na*
Lou. -•
\Ye are obviously led therefore, by the text, aS
^vell as the occasion, Jirst to shiw that the national
%>eace we are convened to celebrate is a blessing froitii
the Qod of Zion ; and, then, to consider the magni¬
tude of the blessing. After which we shall conduct
with a few practical reflections.
That God in the author of the peace we enjoy,is evi¬
dent from the general consideration, that our nati mai
existence, with all its benefits, depends upon his pro#
\idence. How many nations of ancient and modern
times, have lost their independence by the power of
their enemies; and bees converted into mere proYhm
ces, to increase the conquerors empire. Retaining
j»o longer their .distinct existence, they were deprr-,
wed of the capacity to have a national peace, Tli©
$ate of the Jw was such i&ihs tii&o of the Habjrta*
Jiisli capfivity, that, as to liberty and indepPhdenr^r
they setme. I lost in the land of their eneniiCf^-
H nee the prophecies predicting their return t#
Jndca w ere adapted to thisi apparently hopehSs eon®
Csition. ** Thus saith the-Lard God $ behold, 0 my
people, I will open your graves & cause you to-com®
np out ofyour graves, and bring yon into- the land o£
Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord." At
the des!ruction of Jerusalem, afterwards by ^h®
Romans—Judea became a Roman province; andtl)®
conquered Jews retained not the power of makings
treaty of peace. - Their condition depended on to®
will of the Roman Emperor,
It is true, we olid not fear in the late war, tba»f
our liberty and independence would be in the powe**
<of our enemies. But this was owing to what God-had
previously done for us. ■ He had placed us 011 axon- ■
tiuentthiee thousand miles distant fijom the conten¬
tious and ambitious potentates of Europe: He had
* given ns a rank among the nations of the earth '*witfr 4
mighty hand and an ontstreched arm." He had
protected us from the' tyranny of our nnnajtural mo--
ther ; and supported us in the contest, by whicli
.»ur independence was established!. - He had convent
«d our political Sages, in the leisure of peace, for the
formation of a free constitution of national • govern-
imsnt; and had given them such wisdom for theif*
Vork, that it has ever since been the admiration and
Vlivy of the world. . He had made oar federal rcpubr
lie prosperous under the new constitution. He had
tied us together by those strong bonds of a comraoj
.experience & a common interest, which the separating
passions of human nature, the party politics of aspi¬
ring men, the local jealousies of distant states, ther
■Various influences of foreign nations and all the ca¬
lamities of war itself have not' been able to break*
Vet, surely, this bright tram of previous mercies &
#10 reason why we should forget our continual do¬
pe 11 dene eon the God of the universe for our uat|ui$»
e*Rts<icu and - all its irtteiidaut blessings-'
Many tnomeiftehts of Providence %FCre~ fiecb&Zhyy
Wing about the PEACE, which calls*for our gratitude*
this day. The talents and health of our ambassa¬
dors of peace were eivtn and supported by God*
The winds of heaven swelled the sails of the vessels*
which wafted them to th« eastern continent. The
rare of the Almighty preserved them from the dan¬
gers of the ocfean. ' His previous guidance of Ameri¬
can counsels and conduction the subjects discussed#
fufnished those invincible arguments, with which
their diplomacy is enriched, and by which the extras
tagant pretentions of the- British Plenipotentiaries
WCre divested of plausibility. The moderation of ou£
Vvfn government in its ultimate demand's, and those?
particular circumstances of Great Britain and th&
worfd^ which favorably affected the peaceful issue c#
the negotiation, were all under the disposing mfloi*
#11 te of divine Providence.' •
I Iiave only to add here, that the Deity acted as ikb
tided of Zion in bestowing peace upon the United Stated
The blood by which Jie has redeemed ihfs chttreh is
lim only channel in whic^i his mercy cap flow to gyil*
fy men. The preservation of individuals in a state*
-f)f probation, So that nations may exist on earth, do
Jpends entirely upon the atonement of Christ. Th$
christian church is Good's great object in the world#
next to his own glory, Hisrjudgments and mercies#
upon individuals and nations, are intended for its
benefit-and final enlargement. ' •< ML things arpfotf
four sake#,"' is his language to'his people. *** Pop
life elect's sake the days of tribulation are shorten-
tdJ'But in the removal of judgments from a country
•Where God has a church, it is his ordinary method#
to honor himself as the hearer of prayer, rh us saith
-the Lorjl God. • J will yet for this be enquired of by
the house of Israel, to do it for them. ^ He makes his
children feci their own desert and ne£d of chastise¬
ment, as \Vell "as the sins of their country and thQ
feigns of th^ir times j and that, if they accept the pun*
r&i]£nqn% Vie tqvenant of their ancestor®* &%$ ttXlS rf- '
enem'ter Vie land. " fie causes them ta sec the folly
ski 1 iitiqt ity of trusting for help to an arm of
fii sh. lie makes use of .tb^m- to stir-up in the com¬
munity a sense of dependent e on him* lie pours out
Mpon them a spirit of grace and supplication. « H®
teaches them to know, that he is *' Waiting to be gra-"
cio is," and that, ** while tney are yet speaking, h©
will hear." Such has been his course of conduct in
bringing America to the re-enjoyment of peace.
In the fulnes of our reeentmennt for' British en¬
croachments we declared the war without asking
■counsel or help from GxvflftVitkgood advice make wcrrf*
ds a makim of revelation* which points directly ta the
thro ncvfgr ace 'in troublous times. ' It called aloud
far a day of public humiliation* fasting c$d prayer
throughout our land, before we began the contest. *fI&
cill thy ways acknowledge him*, and he shall direct thy
paths*" is as just a display of God's government over
Mmtions* as individuals. { Had we been a nation oS
atheists,rthe neglect of the duty specified would ex¬
actly have comported with our principles. Itresul-
Jted, without doubf^ from a habitual fopgetfulness of
£irod$ Which it becomes us to confess this day in his
presence with shame and contrition. More than a
fdnzen successive years had previously elapsed with¬
out-any national acknowledgment of the Deity in
the United States, either by a day of thanks-giving
*>r humiliation f although he was constantly , passing
before us, both in his mercies and judgments, and ex¬
alting us to heaven by our civil&religious priviledg-
es. I^indepd, appeared as though we meant to try
the heaven daring experiment,so dear to'thehearts of
modern philosopliers, and so fatal to the. liberties of
France, whether a republic would not prosper best
without any aid from religion.
Hut God intended to be known by his judgments^
if unnoticed in bis mercies: Our vain self dependence
in the beginning of the war cost us dear* We soon had
lament the less without combat of an am/j whic$
€
atwwVf! v nul<l quickly take Car**
i iffa; an" army not s inch smaller in its number of ar¬
med men, than that, by which, at the Close of the
war. the wary* undavnteu,, energetic and indefutigalle
Jackson was enabled, almost without loss of Ameri¬
can olood, not only to defend New-Orleans, a city
"worth more to the United States, than all llritisli
America ever could be, but, in a very little time, ta
clear .the surrounding country of a much more for*
inidable force $ than Canada ever presented .against
H8., Between suck a, beginning-and such an knding of
<§o short a war a God must have had sorhe hand in ma-
Mng the difference. The shameful disaster at Detroit
Was a chastisement, which we needed, to remind ua
«f our dependence upon the, Lord of hosts," the God
of nations, hnd of our entire un worthiness of I is pro¬
tecting and supporting arm. Combined . with other
humiliating corrections, it did us much good,
Jli our distress we sought the Lofd. "Wc remembered
that God was our rock, and the *as*st high Gad our
redeemer." * • Religious people betook themselves in
solemn earnest-4* prayer- A ■ sense of dependence
en God was revived in the nation. In-less than^
three years three several days of humiliation and
prayer were observed throughout the United States
at the recommendation of the general government;
besides many other days of ecclesiastical appoint*
ment and more limited observance. - .
The hearts and hopes of christians were revived J
and let it he remembered with humble gratitude, we
had Utile more than begun to acknowledge^&od.gis tlw
sovereign disposer of nations and their allotn cuts, bs*
fore he came forth for our help, both against our sa+
■vtige and our civilized foes. .Our measures of de¬
fence were better succeeded. The tomahawk. soo*
ttepame less fatal on our inland frontiers. A mora
(signal control of Indian hostilities speedily followed.-
The decisive hatile of the Horse-shoe will long be ce¬
lebrated. Gn the element where our principal inju*
Crcs had-heeu received the exploits ,cf our jiaval he*
0
hsfonished the world. la several instances oh?
Victories seem to have been marked as answers of
prayer. OF a number which could easily be menti
oned, let one suffice. The heroic and youthful Ferry
Captured a British fleet on Lake Erie, the very day
after the second of our national fasts.1 But, aside:
from any particular successes-in such a connexion, it
is notorious to the world, that christian people, of
all denominations, have generally been engaged to
play for peace, not only on the days-of public prayer
aiid stated worship,'but in their habitual spirit^'and
daily approaches unto God.* All the infidelity ia
the land cannot rob them ' of' the happiness, which
they enjoy in viewing the return of peace to their
country, as a blessing from the God of Zion in an¬
swer to the prayCrs of his children. Little would it
agree with • that gospel • charity, which animate®
them, to doubt that similar happiness is felt' by chris¬
tians in Great Britain: The grace of God wherever-
implanted is "the same. Its universal language ac¬
cords with the 'song of angels at the incarnation of
the Redeemer—" Glory to God in the highest, and
oh earth peace, good will towards men." True
christians are of one spirit alFover the world. They
expect great things in the way of peaCe and righto-*
ousness from-their gracious Lord. Their love of
country is at perfect agreement with the most disin¬
terested and universal philanthropy. - They feel fop"
the happiness of all tnankind, whether frientbor ene-
tnies,with an honest goodwill. Their hearts pant, and"
their prayers ascend to God, for the Millenial reign
of the Prince of Peace, over a renovated and hap¬
py world j and to his 1 atonement, • intercession !
and power they most justly ascribe all the peaCe,
which exists among men. - They can never forget
tfieir own total unworthinesS, in themselves consi--
-flered, & their entire dependence on sovereign grace^
fe'ith for hearts to pray and for a better righteods-*
oessthan their own to procure them acceptance wltfar*
CtotL- Yet they know that he hears, as well as iay
TO-
«pires> tTce prayers of bis peoole; and in tiig
best tifi", often when they least expect it, semlat
them an answer of Peace. On this grateful oct asioity
therefore, « t the children of Zion be joyful ill
their King." 4f The Lord hath (lone great things foy
OS* whereof we are glad."
Let us now consider the tnagnituderbf the bless¬
ing conferred upon us in our national peace. Thiflt
is strikingly displayed by the welcome description it"
lias met from the whole nation. Never, since the
close of the revolutionary war, has any event diffu-
ned so much gladness throughout all classes of thfr
American people, as the late peace with Great ISri-
tain. After the arrival of the treaty, the Senate?
consumed but a day or two in deliberation, before
they .ratified it. The President, to avoid delay iit
giving it effect, exchanged the ratifications in the
night.. Expresses were dispatched with the utmost
Celerity in every direction, to bear the important ti¬
lings. Every countenance brightened with smiles*
and every heart leaped for joy, as the glad news
Was communicated in the different parts'of the coun¬
try. Mutual congratulations on the certified event
pervaded the circles, of social intercourse. Orn**-
towns and cities vied with each other in the prompt¬
ness, splendor and universality of their illuminati¬
ons, In many places the ringing of bells, the dis¬
charge of Cannon and other demonstrations of joy
combined to -express and signalize- the general feel¬
ing of the people. In frequent instances the temple®*
of God resounded with his praise ; and with appro¬
priate addresses of congratulation to crowded audi¬
tories. The interposition and mercy of divine pro¬
vidence were generally acknowledged in conversati¬
on ; and,.where we least expect it, in our public
newspapers. I hope never to be one of those tim£»
serving, deluded mortals who implicitly receive the>
voice of the people, as the voice el' God, regardlcs®
of" the law and the testimony? by which it should
timU Such a plan of conduct woqJd strengthen tffi
Ilr
CHttse of gin in a1l lis ruinous prevalence* over a 3<d-
bellious world." It would betray the real interest of
the country it"flattered* however loud'its bo-ig'-n of
patriotism, . But,- when an event* occasions trans¬
ports of joy to a whole' nation* though the discordant
minds of men are so hard to unite* when it gives joy
to the good, as. well as to others,' but most to the
good, and most of all to the best and most enlight¬
ened, then it is. very • evident the blessing most be
great. Considerations, however,1 arising out of the
nature of peace, and its effects on the state of th&
Country,- will more profitably exhibit-the magnitude
C&tbe mercy, *
The current of human blood is stayed in our landv
il Ho maketh peace in thy borders ', wLook round
the extensive boundaries of the United States, compa-
red with which, those of Israel were small,' and he*
Fold with joy the. quiet and safety, of the people*
The Indian \VarAvhoop is" heard no more; The slum¬
bers of the night are not now disturbed by the hide¬
ous jell 'ofsurprize and massacre*'. The mothers*
that lay their babes -on the pillows of rest, are no
longer exposed to have them dashed in pieces before
their eyes. Husbands', fathers, brothers-are delivers
cd from the danger -of a death, liable to be embitter- ■
ed by the cruelty of their destroyers in butchering
their wives, children and sisters, in spite of all thei#
efforts to save them,. The barbarous alliance of ci¬
vilized and savage enemies on our extensive inland
borders no longer threatens us. The scenes of car¬
nage at Fort Munms and on the Niagara- frontier
ere not about to be repeated-/. Our Atlantic cities*
towns and villages are safe from-fire and slaughter*
Our ships of war, while they display, a flag ofunrim
widlctl /wmor,cease to be drenched by,the blood of the
brave. The pestilence in our camps and barracka
is arrested in it's ravages. Great is the change ia*
favo'r of human life, w hich is made by peace. Its de-*-
atruction by war is al ways considerable. How ma*
g^li vest tie late warjius cost ttye United Stated it i!
u
IS
Ifi'Mculf i<y sat. Tri the est? mates which T have seeft
the total loss in our armies and ships* In ficrWing
sickness, is generally reckoned above fort * +bnusnnd.
Seme make it fifty thousand. • Taking tho smaller
number as near the truth, how dreadful the waste of
hdman life in a War of" less than three year's contin¬
uance. • Of what magnitude in this view is the hks*
tiing of peace. -
But, while it spares the living, It relieves the com."
munitijfrom a most ^painful anxiety. Perhaps, many
of my heardrs have, like the speaker* enjoyed a hap¬
py exemption "from 'the experience of those, whoso
relatives were exposed, in our armies or vessels of'
war. - Yet our ' sensibility must be languid and ours'
sympathy sluggish, if we cannot in some degree en* -
ter into their feelings.—- •—~—,
—The mother, whose husband is gone against the '
enemy, looks? ere she is aware; with an eye of"
strange* concern upon her children.' She fears that*
if riot already, they w ill soon bo fatherless, and her¬
self a widow. - The 'aged father thinks with melan¬
choly fondness of the promising s6n, on whom Ma
expectations leaned, as the prop of his declining,
years; arid he weeps at the reflection, tljat'warisa
■ swifter destroyer than age,'< How does he tremble
with apprehension; lest his" gray hairs be brought'
down'With "sorrow to the grave."- Who can describe
th£ agonies Of suspense, which rend the heart of the
' widowed 'mother? left comparatively alone- in the"
world by the death of her husband, and now racked
with the thought, that the next battle may deprive
lier of her only son;'• When the news of another bat¬
tle reaches the neighborhood, how eager to procure
the newspaper; and how totally unable to .read it.
Submission to God and-' genuine patriotism can sus¬
tain the mind under such anxieties ; -but nature must
feel what words cannot impart/- There is, however,
a general concern in which we all partake. Where
Will the enemy's next onset bo-made i What will bo
the ensuing, engagements ■ How willV
\'3
afVct flta duration ofwar? Who ca* trill viksSf
Jlumhrrs will fall, op w hat persons "Mill be w rung1 witfet
1) 'rpavement at hearing of their* deaths ? How wilj
the work of destruction l«i finally stopped ? By what-
result can the. nation balance the blood and treasure
Pxp' nded ? These are thoughts that naturally press-
Upon every reflecting mind, a ad agitate every heart
not altogether callous*' Thb christian philanthropist
has more extend" 1 anxieties, lie laments the losSt
cf happiness and life, even among his enemies Ho
gb *ves that man is wolfe to man. He traces war®
at I fightings" to those lusts of the human heart from
which they spring. He mouPrts the dishonor don©
to the ftod of peaCe, love and righteousness, whenr
any nations, and especially those called christian^
cannot settle their controversies in a bloodless raan-
iter. He regrets the diminution of general happi¬
ness by the distress of contending nations, the deso¬
lating battles of their armies, and all the riaturaf
and moral evils which belong to war. Indescribable^
then, is the relief frpm anxiety which peace imparts.-
It relieves our countrymen, likewise, from embar*
tassment as to their castdmary employments mean$
yof subsistence. The state of war is a state of deu.
range went to the temporal concerns of men; Thou¬
sands of husbandmen are called from the Jield of la¬
bor to the field of battle. For the wapt oi-cultivation
the earth does not yield her customary increase. Ma¬
tt y p .or families sutler.- Credit between man audi
Snan participates in the shock of public credit. Ma¬
ny articles of necessity and convenience ri&ein pricey
vvhen the ability to purchase is diminished. Some*
become scarce* or altogether unattainable. Encou¬
ragements to several branches of employment aror
♦aken away. Foreign commerce languishes* or to¬
tally dies. Seafaring men find it difficult to get
their bread. The useless vessels rot at the wharves*
Merchants* all(l all persons they are accustomed!
tn employ on land or sea, fold their hands in idle-
Sfcssj or iabvr hard to defend to.w^s and cities
T$
\.ne enemy wtuch are safe in time of fleSflc. Hr«^
fers cannot vend* the rich produce of-1 heir grounds
The attention of all mm (Is is so engrossed by thb*
exposed state of the country* and the operal k>ns*
movements and plans - cf the enemy. that less is ge¬
nerally done for theynointuince, comfort and thrift?-
siess of private families.—-The monopolies and spe¬
culations of some, wealthy individuals da not relieve
the ditiirul'y.' The public treasury is' subject fa-
extraordinary demands, when its usual resource's#
are most scantv'and inadequate, fence the inm/"O
of taxes must be the more, considerable*
to .meet the expenses of war-; alhtough the
- abilities of ' the people to pay them am
lessened by the pressure of the times. This always
falls the heaviest on the poor. If, then, America n?
the poor man's country, peace is the poor man*;?
friend. It is a friend to the community. At its re¬
turn things resume their wonted wrdcr. Men btf-
' take themselves to fheir familiar employments cnV
the land and ocean ; and all the lawful labors of
their hands partake the encouragements and smilev
of providence. .
It is of more consequence to add, that the ruinous
,f}tftuence of war upon the morals of the people h ar~-
Rested hy peace. This is greater than any are apt tot
imagine ; and it operates many ways. The thought^
of the most considerate are, doubtless superficial ot>
this moinentaous- subject, The day of judgment
Will probably "disclose facts respecting the destruc¬
tion of morals produced by.war^ which will astonislt
all mankind. "The increase of-idleness is alway s tin*
Increase of vice. When the habits of ordinary in¬
dustry are broken, much is lost to the cause of vir¬
tue." Smuggling, perjury and deceptive evasions o#
Restrictive law are sure to follow the interruption oSF
regular commercial business; Gambling, intempe¬
rance, theft, debauchery and other gross crimes be¬
come more frequent.' The thoughts and conversa-
the &}d little usefy]
fake aiV-utipreSTabl* an«t. pernicious t'tr'n.f V
e-ver c"upltnnt they think can justly be made Uev'!.st¬
irrer 'Or >K hardness of their 'condition,* they are
tfagert "vnt. "with freedomj' -in 1 a thousand other
vavs then what "may-tend- to'pj^oCuVe^any redrew
of real grievancesr?Discontr ntnicnf with providence
and repining' agaist God are tire infallible conse¬
quence.7. — , _ ' - v' _ - , ,7
In an army both idleness and idee abpumhr Sorrt©
af' the most abandoned wretches are sure to be there
—and they Hare great opportunity fo" corrupt their
ffd low-soldiers*.f Theiwdeedsare deeds of darkness*
Their language 'is* "the5 language.of hell. *' They
epeakand act, as.'though:thtfglory hf courage and
tile highest accomplishment of a soldier " were to
defy Omnipotence, '. CbmmoiT restraints are awful»
ly removed, ;■ The sacred" stillness' of the Sabbath*
the temples of religion,- the societies' of christians^,
the ordinances mf the-gospel are all raf a distance*
Here and there u scattered pilgrim of Zibn mount#
what he cannot preventf forbears to'cast hispearl
before svvine,M ami concludes * that , *? the prudent'*
should " keep silence in .such an evil1 time."- Te de*
liver his own soul Becomes for thejnost part> the: ex¬
tent of his hopes • Probablyywhen he, canriotaltogb*
thcr vvithold-a word of rexxrbof, he inakes himself si
prey. What "struggles must* he experience^" w hat
groanings that cannot be uttered; " - Nothing. but the
grace of God can be sufficient for him; -To' the mul-
tiude sickness and death grow* familiar. - Tlieysa
harden their hearts'agftlnst * fear'and the thoughts
of eternity, that' the corpse of a' man 'makes littio
tnore-serious impression, than the carcase of a beasts
i have the highest respect for the virtoous soldier &
the genuine hero f andTibnor his' memory,'or hail
his return, with most cordial' satisfaction;--1 feel it
also, a duty and a privilege 'to bless God "this day*
that in the midst of his'judmcnts he has so -ff merft-
hercd mercy, as to show the world By.the1 events
Providence, that Amer&ang mdizc ihej havj
J&adh fb fight foi* when their county ?s invade*?, ^
•are not to be surpassed in battle by any veterans on
earth, Asaeitizen of this state, I am gratified to
have it appear, that, whatever states have acquired
honor in the late war by the military achievements of*
their officers and soldiers* Tennessee, though young'
in the union is, not behind ike Jtfremost. But when
such a school for damnation; as an army, is proper¬
ly disbanded, who shall not rejoice?-
Moreover, the whole community in time of wgi*
is agitated with the worgt passions' of the human
heart. If Satan is ph ased, when he can get two io-
tin jduals to fighting,, what an1 infernal joy must he
fed, when two-nations are at war? Then he can
ad with ease millions of hearts to hatred, re¬
sentment and the thirst for revenge.- No matter how
much i rectitude of principle may belong to one side of
the controversy, and, how much of lawless encroach¬
ment to the other. Be well knows that in the jh.st-'
est war sinners totally depraved will fight like sin¬
ners, and hate like sinnerSi He knows that it is an
arduous task for soldiers, which few perform, to be
the vigorous- defenders of an injured an invaded
country, and yet to maintain that spirit of g >od-
will to furious enemies, without which no man can
lie the follower of him who ransomed by his blood
the men that sited it,* Are any of us ignorant, how
men can hate and curse their enemies, and damn
them and their country to the lowest hell, and sw<i|'
with pride at the fancied patriotism of such feelings
and expressions ? But these exercises are not in¬
dulged merely against enemies.* Different view s of
the interest of the country, and of the best measure#
fi>r its defeoct and welfare, divided the most honest
and enlightened men,* The baser part of society
seize the opportunity ofseattering malignant suspi¬
cions and groundless rumors. Men e>f different
sentiments, and people of different sections, are
made to fbel the influence of partial views and sepa*
passions, till -the bonds of byothos&ood sal
if
^piddle spirit, and even tlie ties of a common inter-*
appear almost ready to i&«riww»4<w," severed
as toe flax, that falls asunder at the touch, of fire." lie
that hateth hit hi other is a murderer," whether in war
or peace. J$ll beat prejudices and national antipa¬
thies are exposed in their native selfishness, mid held up
to just condemnation, by the moral instruction convey*
el by' our saviour in the parable of the good Samari-,
-tan. " Thou shall-love thy neighbor as thyself/*
is the fundamental law of right action towards our
icliowmen ; and neither times nor circumstances
can invalidate its universal obligation. Its right*
eous and tremendous sanction is,'"cursed is eve*
iry one who contmueth not in all things written in
the hook of the law to do them." How many thour
sands, in every part of our land, have sealed the
curse upon their guilty heads by the hatred forbid¬
den, the searcher of hearts and the. Judge of
malignant, as well as idle, words alone can tell.
Who of us can plead entire innocence of so~prevalent
an offence ? The Lord forgive the sins of the
snations in this and other respects ; and teach all of
us the value of that welcome peace, which tends
most powerfully to.set"our hearts at rest from such
baleful and destructive passions.
In this connexion it is easy to see that peace is a®
invaluable blessing, as it favors the progress of the
gospel. AH things," indeed, "shall work toge¬
ther for good tp those that love God." War is doubt¬
less, sanctified to the pious, for " they wait upoa
God in the wa^ of his judgments." The divine pre¬
diction stands upon-record for their consolation i®
times of the greatest darkness and rebuke,!hat "Zio®
shall be redee ed with judgni nt and Iter converts
with righteousness," But the influence of war rpo®
the community l<rge, an I l ie s u'ruun Jipg world
is greath opposed to the success of tm gospel. YVd
Lave seen how the drafts to our armies have thin¬
ned our religious assemblies; Not only nave we
tsissed the ahseut soldiers, bat we have found their
Q
M
^rnifies loss able t.i .attend \i it?«o>nt fftem. .TSd
ihofhcrs 'additional es>res and duties haw often con-
.fcqedher sT^cWn??^' in frequent instants; whole
families havefbcen dtprfved of the, benefits ofp.ibfbs
Vorship, The minds of all fun chepn habitually no-
copied with thoughts & enquiries about the vwr.lVii-
tieal subjects have engrossed the place of rrhgi >n Cvca
ftnthe sabbath,Those excitod passions, which have <1-
feady beep mentioned as injurious to morrifjmilia*
ted equally against the -power and progress of the
^gospel. -With hearts .raging against their cnemis1,
fcnen are not prepared toreceive the mercy, ini.ihe,
the spirit and imitate the example ofhim, who, wliilo
til's blood was flhwing for his energies, breathed
forth in the agonies of an unparalleled death a pray*
cvforfheir forgiveness
Tlie efforts of Christians to extend the kingdom
cf th<?ir Lord in cither nations besides their oa\i?
ere shdlyjmpedcd by war. In an age distinguished
As much by the spread of the gospel in heathen lands,
fisjby the ^political revolutions in Christendom, the
^commercial intercourse of nations is of vast impor¬
tance to facilitate the mici ess of christian enterpiiz<v„
•Gospel Missionaries are busily engaged in all quar¬
ters of the globe. Frequent communications be¬
tween tliem and the missionary Societies in Europe
&nd America, that sent and support them, are high¬
ly necessary to their comfort and .encouragement ;
jjs well as to the increasing information, activity Sc
•usefulness of Such societies themselves TiJie letters,
'^reports, narratives, sermons k addresses,containing;
the most interesting facts relating to the propagati-
ol' the gospel in thp present age, are among the nost
animating and entertaining productions of modern
fillies. Those already in possession of the public
Avoulo fill many volumes 3 and the yearly addition is
-Very considerable. The obstructions of war to thd
diffusion of religious indulgence fi 0111 olio country
|o anotin r, and tnrough'the world at large, are moist
eqdous tv lis. 15ut e\u'i- of .the gutpd# ^
10
ttthep christian philanthropists? arc stepped in tlifcir
course.
How many thousands ofhem t? mast have lately It en
grieved, that the first missionaries'"sent *frmn, Ame¬
rica to preach the gospel among the millionsjf pe¬
rishing heatheris in Asia were arrested by order of
the British Governor there,-'through the jealousies^
ciispicions an'd precautions of war, But,'glory to"
the Omnipotent Redeemer, though " the 'weapmm
©f their warfare' were,, not , carnal/5 they >
■^mighty1 through God" to clear their way before
them, notwithstanding every difficulty. • Seldom, if*
ttei'f hare I felt my mind 50 much impressed by a-
By recent occurrences with the sublime ascendency
cf gospd benevolence over the selfish policy'of an e-
Vil world? as by the humble? penetrating and suc¬
cess fel addresses!)! the American M fastensrtes tothc*
Governor cf Bombay. Would to God the Magazines
%verefci general circulation^ which are enriched by
Cuch noble displays of Christian heroism & triumphs
*2Tbe Governor had a Conscience which those apos¬
tolic champions Were courageous* to try, and enabletl
Co reach. From their printed statements it rather
appears probable, he had a heart; graciously alive to
their solemn' remonstrances/ and predisposed to
acknowledge the* commanding force of their argu-
tdents; but he felt himself-embarrassed by his war
instructions from England.' Rather, however,.Ih^Tv
stand a separating wall between the saviour of the
world and those idolatrous multitudes" for whom he,
(lied, as truly as for himself,, rather than forbid those
fedvenfurors Envoys of the King, of Ziou to obey
fcis express command, " Go ye into all the world^
and pVeach the Gospel to every creature," rather
than Unally face in the day ofjudgment those heather*
©objects of his government under the sinking conscin
ousness, that by b*s own deliberate act he had kept
theui from the means of salvation, borne by ministers
tvh^se credentials he had already accredited, rather
UKkoJiiwre 4a acciKwt settle
to
$udge himself, the Almighty Patron. KewarAer timl
Avenger of every i./i* isLiuu Ambassador inipulc 1 iri
the promulgation < f **<*' gospel grace to dying sin¬
ters, for whom {i sin 1 his blood, he atlengt i,.^cori--
•cluded to exercise, his power in such a nr oner, db
to allow their adopted plan and chosen field oflaln r.
J would tain hope he did it in the true spirit of <' ris-
tianity. Yet tin1 frow ning aspect of war upon the
progress ui'tluj gospel is strongly exhibited In thk
whole affair. At onetime the Missiunarits had the
gtoomy prospect of being stopped in their work,&
gent hark tu.E1.5LmJ, and ol finding the hearW of
christians in America cooled towards the importance
of missions to heathens \ and their united pray era
'proportionally hindered. To young men, wdio had
forsaken a high standing and inviting prospects in
this enlightened country ? and deliberately consecra¬
ted their talents learning, exertions and livtstotkO
important work of gospel missionaries among the
blind idolaters of Asia, a work now doubly impor¬
tant in their view from their personal observation of
the w retched and forlorn- condition of these Pagans#,
bow discouraging was the hindrance produced by
war.
The policy of war in every country, and the mea¬
sures which sometimes precede it, oppose similar
obstacles to all such enterprises, A most philan¬
thropic voyage to Africa was planned and provided
far in this country by a respectable descendant of
African ancestors, and others in connexion with
liim.^ Their object was, to iatroduce among the na¬
tives of the most benighted quarter of ihe globe the
arts of civilization and the light of the gospel. Con¬
gress were respectfully requested to permit the de¬
parture of their vessels in tlie time of the enibat go %
but the policy pf that measure was thought too in-
dispensible to admit of relaxation, .After the decla¬
ration of w&r took place, the dangers of capture put
an entire stop to the enterprize. it is devoutly to
fee wished since the return til'peace* that it may
ti
dpesrmmT. 'Who ctfn tell what christians owe to it#
*pour Africans? Must not all good people iit Amer*-
ica am! Great Britain most Sincerely pray* tha,t fh©
two nations,of the whole earth the most fhStinguLslv*
eil by christian knowledge ami obligations, fcay ne¬
ver again ley their quarrels and warfare close up th$
channels of commerce against the spread of the gos¬
pel, ami expose the christian name and cause to tb©
reproach amf prejudice of heathens themselves; a-
iJiong whom the Missionaries of the of Prince Peace
from either nation wheh at war, can have little'
prospect of success or confidence.
' Let it he subjoined/ in general, that the reduced
funds of the people are comparatively Exhausted for *
private and unavoidable uses, while the country far*
burdened with the expenses of w ar; and their re-
"•fiourccs for contribution to Missionary* Bible and'
'Other charitable societies for the spread of religious
knowledge very much faiL When the. numbel* and2
growing linpoitanceof suqh societies in America arcr'
duly considered by liberal and well informed minds**
they w ill view thejreturn of peace, as an unspeakable
benefit on account of the fac ilities it imparts to tb©
propagation of the gospel. Tor the same reason as *
well as others, God is- entitled to our gratitude foff'
thegeneral prevalence of peace through the wo rlcL-
It may almost be said In the unqualified language of"
of the Psalmist, f* lie makett wars to cease unto
the end of the earth." Should the state of the nations
remain thus peaceful»it cannot fail to have an anima¬
ting influence upon those manifold exertions of
christians, on which, under God, the gospel is to de¬
pend for its universal propogation and millenial tri¬
umph.
But I-must go on to add, that our national peace i&"
lastly < important- to the interest of education ami sci¬
ence. When theffathers of rising families are in th©
amy, the discipline which children need at homo-
for heir pr q> r tt uning is considerably wanting,
Xittlcae theu* mothers are most uncommon woiamy
t$v ttieh* care* are doubled in tnaiiy other srespecff
»s well as in this. Less "can be dope by one, than
fcy two} and it is the order ot nature and obligation#
that the father should1 take the lead in family go¬
fer nmrnt, instruction and duty. The schooling of
children* is, also, more difficult in the father's ab¬
sence. More interruptions and excuses for -staying
frotu school undermine the habits of regul ar at
tendance in the child, and of close application, even '
finder his tedcher'seye. Probably bo learns to hate
$rs book, and contracts habits of idleness and vice j-
m much,' too, out of the sight and control of Lis ■
mother, as possible. In the mean time the daughter
alleviates the increased pressure of" the mother3}#
fiares and fatigues; and, howeicr-dutiful, grows up1
Sin ignorance, Young men go into the.Jnilitary sen-
Vice, by draft or enlistment, when their educations
ti but half finished; and return Lome, in many is*
stances, with the loss of their 'studious habits, ar.<3
Settle inclination to regain them.* Excepting some
rhre individuals, the army has been to them a sceneJ
of Corruption in their forming age. Little better
Can be said of the effects of the idleness and exposure
Of the recruiting service upon young officers. lie
must have more than nature in him, who does no£
experience some relaxation of principles and morals*
»fi either situation. Fewer parents possess in timer
of m ar the ability to give tlieir most promising son9
©liberal education £ although the learned sons of poof
parents "are often the brightest ornaments' of the
rofessions in which they engage. Men of science
ave less leisure and encouragement to prosecute*
their-studies, and give their writings to the world
Cor general information. Literary pi hlicatioiis, al¬
ready begun, are sometimes arrested "in their pro-
progress. In these and many other ways education
and science are materially counteracted by war-
Of course, they proportionally receive an impui&fi fifr
Saeir from the yecarrescebf
* will mjly observe further thafpea^s ib-a fc&fica.
&1 bl <, h.g to the United States, as it favors Gin?
jxlMml unio", liberty, and happiness. Our interest#
are \ arioins; and,,though they,'all combine and tend
to support each other, yet at requires . reflection and
candor to realize this* vOur constitution is a com-*
promise. In every war somerportion of the comma*
raty is sure to softer. They and the rest of thepeo~
1"leiiavf the passions and selfishness Of human na«
tore. Division is-the consequence, ^trnl motpt.cn-
tsiinationr {f e vgr the.Federal Cons,titijem receive#
•€t fatal .i nj ury, it will - probably bo in time of war*
The press nre^f necessity to depart from its esta-
titSmnC rales is then most ^powerfully feKj and this
is the plea for unconstitutional'RJ^asures. The re¬
laxed sense of moral obligation, which war occast*
•ens, increases thedangcr.- The natural desire of
foreign aid against an enemy exposes to pernicious
cntasiglemenXs with nations professing friendships
^The growing importance h>f the United States in
•the world makes it more difficult lor the wisest! poli¬
tic iins to .adju&t all their warlike measure^ upoia,
purely independent and American principles. But:
,in time of peace honest faith commercial reciprocity
4and the fair dictates of national interest mark a plaint
course of .general policy Imall our external relations,
Whatever laws, likewise, affectingparticular secti-
■ons» ami whatever amendments of our constitutioj*
would really favor the general good of the country
can more advantageously -he debated and adopted
it seasons of tranquility ; when party passions aro
most asleep j and when a predominant sense ofoae
great intwVSt is a lively source V>f mutual confidence
between the most widely distant states and between^
individuals .of different opinions,"'
Should ! cot srf&tfcat (he short* but imports^
24
£*rtiefe of- tlie treaty,* whirli. pledges the TXnitefl
States,-as well as Great, Britain, tir+use their best en~
deavors to .accpmpluh the entire abolition of the traffic
ir-slave's," a traffic, which .it pronounces ** irrecon*
Cilalk vc'.ih'the principles of humanity awl justice,**
dou'Jy endears the return of peace, as friendly to
oar union, 1 Ueyty and-happihess ; and prompts the
sanguine hope, that weshall all feel si moral obliga¬
tion to do our utmost, as individuals, in promoting
the benevolent design. Never was the pen 'of aero--
Hotion Idler guided, to combine the moral obligation-of
■of every uum with apolitical engagement of two go¬
vernments, than in writing the admirable words of
.-this truly-philanthropic and republican .. article. I
-call the nib re,. upon every American within my
reach to see that he is an honest hearted friend in
this trying' particular to the treaty of his •- gov-
eminent. T It man authority which as a preacher of
ihe gospel, as an advocate of the claims of God &
the rights of man, and as a friend to the host inter¬
est of ray country and of every individual in it, 1
delight to plead. Never let our future conduct,
whether individual or national, give the least occa¬
sion, to G. Britain or the world to say, that we act¬
ed a hypocritical part in this unqualified comiemna-
- tibuTof the traffic in slaves. Let not that righteous
God, who inspects nur hearts and lives tor final
judgment, record against, us that we condemn our¬
selves in the thing which we allow. The traffic is
of one kind, wherever it is carried on j although i*
* Tee tenth Article of the Treaty o£ Peace, is i*
-the, following words.,
s IVhreas the traffic in slaves, is irreconcilable
with the principles of humanity and justice, aud
w hereas both his Majesty and the United 8vM» ?r*|
- desirous ef.continuuigjhrir-.effor.uJj promote it»
entire abulsti oi^ii is heivby agr-fa at both tlift
.Coinraiting panes shall Use their best m(Ic4V0l1>W
^complisii so desirable au object?
ImfFrrf'pt rircHmstnnces and regions it in attendee!
•with drlferent degrees of inhumanity and inj thrice,
'Tut I never yet .saw the man who could vindicate
' it in ils 1< ast offeusive shape. " Thou shall. love-thy
bi ighbi^ur as thyself,"is the only foundation oftrufe
'tvpnhiicaniani and genuine libei ty, Disinterested
"to nevolence if. the first principle of a republic, for
this alone prefers the public good to private interest,
cod the nght of a fellow creature to one's own w rong,
it is impartial in all its bearings, and of universal
obligation. " Do unto others as $ou would fie done
unto/ is its cardinal makiin between man and man*
This is theronlyfioiid of moral union among a peo-
'pie, & infinitely the best bond of political union. It
an unfailing source of happiness to individuals &
Communities, just so far as it becomes a spring of
•action. The peace favors the general prevalence
pf this principle; and it furnishes the best apportu-
tiitiesfor politicians,moralists,jurists, and divines to
extirpate from the community thb prime principle of
the spirit of despotism," the enormous faith of ma-
tsy made for one." 1
The magnitude of the blessing which we have re*
Reived from the God of ZIon in our national peacer
might, doubtless, fie illustrated by additional argu¬
ments. But enough have been advanced to Over¬
whelm the grateful heart with a sense of its obliga¬
tions. Let us" barely recapitulate them. The peace
Is welcomed by the Whole nation. It has stopped
"the Current ol blood in our land. It has relieved
fhe community from a most painful anxiety. It has
taken off the embarrassments of war from ourcustQ-
' tnary employments and means of subsistance. It
lias arrested the ruinous influence of-war' Upon our
tnordls. It favors the progress of the gospel- It be¬
friends the interest of education and science. It is,
valso, highly propitious to the political union, liberty-
end happiness of the United States. The blessing,
then, is* on the whole J of uncommon and actonishi:}g
tycigiiiluaei
t! only remains to conclude Fie dtsciyiitSt<wTfh a
few practical reflections. Among the multitude w I ich
'crowd upon the mind one is principal, and absorbs
the rest. If the people of the United States have any
gratitude in proportion to ffreir obligations, thcijtii.lL
sincerehj endeavor to be in the sight f God thfmost re¬
ligious nation on the globe. "No people," says the
President, " ought to feel greater obligations to ce¬
lebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of events
and of the destiny of nations, than the people of
the United Statqy " A Providence almost miracu¬
lous has, indeed, attended us from our earliest days.
Miracles themselves, ifTepeated in our favor, could
scarcely have made an addition to its mercies. To
call this people God*s American Israel, is rather an
, expression ,of fact, than a mere figure of speech.
Like Israel,we had a pious ancestry, beloved of (Jod.
^Tliesc had, also, their taskmasters, and Mere re-
deemedrfrom their oppresion. A heathen wilderness,
likewise, became to them a land of promise, a better
possession than Canaan itself. What is Jordan to
the Mississippi, the Mediterranean to the Atlantic,
the land of Palestine to the territory of the United
'States ? With the single exception of GoiPs ancient
people, you may be challenged in the inspired w ords
once addressed to them, to search the history of
the world for a nation so much the darling of a graci¬
ous jmovulence, as United America. <J For ask new
of theilays that are past, which were before thee,
since the day that God created man upon the earth,
mid ask from the one side of the heaven unto the o-
tber, whetliLi there hath been any such thing as this
great thing is, on hath been heard like it ? Hath God
assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst
nf another nation by temptations, by signs and by
w onders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by
stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according
to iill that the Lord your God did for you ? In the first
fettieiuent of the country God planted a church*
which he lias delighted to cultivate. Ucdc^ ciid'er*
'£?
Tftt fiamos, and with circumstantial varieties, ft has-
been much distinguished by primitive order, a«4'"
simplicity. The old Testament and the new have
been its lively oracles. The corrupt^ establishment*
ct'men have nottnurred its beauty. The presciip-
tions of government have not corrupted its faith#.
Oor federal and state constitutions, have been made
the instrumental guardians oflts civil rights. Won- -
4erful effusions of divine-grace, at different period.*.'
and in divers places^ have multiplied its members—
Many Christian emigrants, also, have contributed,
to its gradual increase. - The clearest light of the
gospel has shone in its candlesticks. Europe has
gazed with admiration at the superior brightness of
that modern star in the west, the immortal Ed-
Srards.. The zeal of enlightened piety early began
to diffuse the blessings of science. Universities*
colleges and academies, of old or more recent date,
tiave risen throughout the country. In these gene-
Tally speaking, ard taught, not the folly and jargoti
df the ancient shools, hut the clear and established"
principles of hitman and divine knowledge. In some
States good schools for children are almost as nu-
tnerous as th&y need he j and in the rest education
is gaining ground. To a nation thus favored the
Teturn of peace resembles the advent of a guardian
"angel to protect every valuable interest, to sup¬
press every malignant passion, and i animate all tha
friends of divine glory and human happiness to
the most vigorous co-operation for their promotion,
Nothing is "wanting, hut the prevalence of geniiine ante
impartial gratitude to the God of Eion, to- make
incomparably the happiest nation on1 earth. But this
would produce great alterations-. It would silenco
the tongue of the profane, stop, the draught of tha
intemperate, refine the affections of the voluptuary#
i employ the hands of the sluggard, quell the animosi¬
ties of the contentious and humble the heartgof the
proud. It would guard the sabbath from the jouts-
* awa of business# tks bearing of b iSf
^patted waggons pr otherwise, and all Ihft excridiorijtr
of ungodly pleasure^, by which the sari rd day i.u
new profaned. It would incline numbers to at¬
tend .uniformly at tlie house of God, who are mere-
visitors or strangers thtrc, It would crowd orrrdU
gious ^assemblies with persons alive to the worth cf
the gospel. It would furnish, the tables of divine
grace with numerous and acceptable guests. 16
would extend and sweet eh the commWvion ofthe>
eaints. It would extirpate every root of bitterness-
from the hill of Zion} and teach the followers of
Christ to " have peace one with another.*' It would
invite a condescending God to the morning dnd e-»
,vening sacrifice under every roof. It would remove?
the appearance of atheism from, every prayerlesS:
state legislature in our land. It would exalt oust
hest men. It would rescue our public. elections
from corruption, and our liberties from exposure. It
Voi^d fill the offices of honor and profit irt our eoim»
try with just men, well established in the first prin¬
ciples of Christian faith and practice. It would in?
troduce into our Federal Constitution, what it is asto»»
wishing to a rbligious * ind that, with all its excel#
lencies it never contained, an express acknowledg¬
ment of the jsupreme being and of. his sacred word*-
©f the right of civil government as derived altoger
ther from him, and of the entire dependence of nati¬
ons and their rulers upon his allgoverning Provi¬
dence for .their guidance, protection and prosperity^
Xtwould alter the appointments of those s^ate laws,
"Which make it necessary that our judges and Law¬
yers should travel on the sabbath from court to
rcourtin order to their punctual attendance at the
time appointed. It would repeal, or amend,every law
that violates the law of .Gofl | and distinguish us by
that u righteousness" which " exalteth a nation
It would write « holiness to the Lord" upon all oun
employments and all our enjoyments } and securo
to our supreme benefactor that tribute of universal
^hediejace, praise arid glory which a devoted naticsj
m
Wc^Tdefight ffo' render. Whatever- parfiaf tti^l "
Ifoav think of theib gladness at the" reception nfe^
welcome blessing, it is by considerations like these*
that the God of Zion will try the sincerity of al^
those professions of gratitude for his recent bestows
went of peace, with which the United States may &$
trnuwl this day. k
Let every American, therefore, realize that, wbi&
he partakes the general blessipg of national peacei
be*is under new obligations to be at peace with his Godl
J'eace with our^reator is as much superior to peace
with our fellow creatures, as eternity to time, and
heaven to earth. It is, also; a duty of as much
higher obligation, as God is more worthy and more
Reasonable than men, - The arguments to enforce it
are more commanding and urgent, in proportion' tt*
what God is able to do, as an enemy to 'makeT us mi¬
serable, or as a friend to mak,e us happy. The dif¬
ference is infinite; w hile God is able to destroy both
^ «oul and body in hell, our enemies can do us no
^Jjarm, but when he uses them "for® the instriiriients of
chastisement; and,- if • our peace be-made faitf*
Mm, all their hostilities will terminate for our good.
JBcit God does not ask any sinner to rejoice, while at
war with him; for he knows he will only feel the
unhallowed joy of a selfish heart. The first duty of
every rebel against God is to" repent of his rebelli¬
on ; and then he may rejoice in all the forfeited mer¬
cies *hes^owcd $ and his joy no man can take from
him. Our sins have mingled with the guilt of our
country, to bring down the judgments of God upoitf
it. They have armed his justice against our im¬
mortal souls. For our hostilities against the Bri¬
tish and their savage allies we had a plea in their
•injuries and massacres. .But the Lord's argument
in his controversy with us is this: " O my people*
nvlvd have Idwie unto thee. and wherein have I wea¬
ring the. Testify against By the help ol
Lf, .1 wl could entrtn :h ourselves against our late »*
csfWtui3> and make successful warfare -under cos£$
m
&?abte disadvantages. But/0 sinlef, what w$t
thou do when the God of battles shall Vise up against
thee) « Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands
strong in the day that he shall deal with thee ?'*"
Where wilt thou make entrenchments, and with
Vhat weapons wilt thou contend against him I "In
vain shalt thou call to the -rocks to fall upon thee*
£iul the mountains to cover thee/' Listen, there¬
fore, to his overtures of peace. " Come now an<|
let us reason together, saith the Lord,' though your
ains be as scarlet, they sha'l be white as snow /
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as
Wool." " Fury is not i»'mer who would set the bri¬
ers and thorns against me in battle? I would go-
through them 5 1 would bUrii thera together. Or let
Jlim take hold of my strength, that he may mafcfr
jfeace with me, and he shall make peace with me.*
jklake, then, your peace with an angry and merci*
tfiil God ; and when nations shall cease to exist,,
and time shall - be no more, you shall occupy thfc
place of a blessed subject in that heavenly kingdoij^-
srtiieh ebaJUUmm be mo?e4»^AM£^NU
S5&&ATA*.
PJME f.
For praise, a people read
y. For makim
4S. For the most high ^ ^ ,
10. For welcome description
17. For rations
32. For of the regular
30. For executions, &C»
SO, For embargo
jgi. For morinda
praise,as a people*
m ixiii.
thi ingh.
welcome reception*,
nation,
of regular,
pxci.rsioos of un-A
gt dlv pb ire.
noni itercourse Jaw*
mounds.
't^IPOSS AT? AMEP.iyyjT ?BiTrj"W- CT PIFPCir's S3t2?&
xi >i-r,
27m following, Hymns, "ztfre srmg, tij parts of >11*
vine service, in the order in 7vh:clv thej stand J
md are inserted here hy particular rpquest*
$29. C. M.
Thanksgiving'for Victory over cntr enzmii&t
, To thee, who reigns't supreme above,
And reigns't supreme below,
Thou God oit' w isdom, power and love.
We our successes owe.
"The thundering1 horse, the martial bans!
Without thine aid were vain %
And victory flies at thy command,
Xo crown the bright campaign,
" Thy mighty arm unseen was nigh,
When we our foes assaii'd ;
*Tis thdhi hast rais'd our honors high,
And o'er their hosts prevail'd.
Their morinds, their camps, their loftytowej^
Into our hands are given 5
, J^otfrom desert or strength of ours,
But through the grace of heaven,
What though no columns lifted high
Stand deep inecrib'd with praise*
Yet sounding honors to the-sky
Our grateful tongues shall raises
To our'young race will we proclaim
The mercies God has shown,
That they may learn to bless Ids nam^j
And choose him for their own*
Thus while we sleep in'silent dust,
When threatening dangers cornea
Their father's God, shall be their trusty
Their refuge, and their home*
«31. L/M.
IPratce for National P$ag$
'Clfeat R ler of the earfkand skies,
A word of thy almighty breath
Can sink the woild, cr bid it rise;
Thy 'smile is life, thy-frown is death^
*When angry nations rusk to arms,
And rage, and noise and tumult reign^
And war resounds itsvdire alarms,
And slaughter spreads the hostile plain J
Thy so^erlign eye looks Calmly down,
And marks their course, and bounds'their pt>WS&£
Thy word the angry nations own,
And noise and war are heard no more.
Then peace returns with balmy Wing,
Sweet peace, with her what blessings fled |
Clad plenty laughs, the,rallies sing,
Reviving commercsjifts her head.
r *'
Thou good and wise and righteous Lord^
All move subservient to thy will;
. And peace and war await thy word,
And thy sublime decrees fulfil.
To thee wTepay our grateful songs.
Thy kind protection still implore;
Q may our hearts, and lives, and
Confess thy goodness and adore*
rA
%j */
636. L. M*
Ffatjerfor President, Congress, Magistrate?-,
Great Lord of all, thy matchless powe>
Archangels in the heavens adore ;
With them, ourSovereign thee \vc own,
And bow the knee before thy throne*
Let dove ey'd peace, with odor'd wing *
On us her grateful blessings fliiig,
Freedom s[m ad beautious as the morf^«
And plenty fill 'her ample horn.-
Pour on qui* Chief thy mercies down,1
Ill's days with heavenly wisdnm crown p
Resolve his heart, where'er he goes, ;
To launch the stream that duty shows**^"
Over our Capitol diffuse*
From hills divine thy welcome dewg fs-
While Congress in one patriot band
Prove the firm fortress, of our land*
Our Magistrates with grace sustain,
Nor let them bear their sword in vain'J?
Long as they fill their awful seat,
Be vice Seen dying at their feet.
Forever from the western sky
Bid the <* destroying angel" fly ; .
With grateful songs our hearts inspire^""
And round us blaze a wall of fire,