Our good name has suffered in the estimation of all Christendom, by repeated acts of dishonesty, committed not only by individuals, but by state governments. The Constitution, once regarded with idolatrous reverence, is now no longer deemed sacred. The union of the states is liable, at any moment to be sundered, and the friendship, which it was fondly hoped, was to be everlasting, is likely soon to be converted into deadly hatred. The arm of the law is, in some places, paralyzed, and, in all, its vigour is diminished. Vice of all kinds has increased to a degree that alarms every sober and thinking man.
Infidelity lifts itself up unblushingly.
The power of conscience is manifestly feeble. A few years ago, we heard, on every hand, the loud congratulations of a prosperous and happy people. Christians seemed to think the millenium just at hand. Visions of national glory, and of spiritual conquests, dazzled the eyes, and inflamed the hearts of the coldest among us. Now we see the land prostrate.