Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-08-20
Aibsmarls, July 2eth, 1918.

AheFe was lately an encamp-
ment OF the Methodistical society in this
county, and near the place of my residence.
Excited by curiosity, altho' my mind was i'm.
pued by strong. tand as then thought,) in
deiioie preJudices, against an institution.
which appeared to me, to be the offspring
OF bIgotry and fanaticism. attended each
day the ground thus occupied. 1t is but
Just tribute TO this religious sect, to affirm,
that such were the order and decorum OBJ.
served throughout the whole of their pro-
ceedings,-such the primitive simplicity of
their manners,--the enchanting melody of
theiF anthems,-and above all, the unaffect-
ed sanctity and piety of their devotons
to The fountain of all earthly good. that my
preconceived opinions, were radically chang
ed,--rny prejudices entirely removed,-my
sympathies keenly awakened, and nv az
fections magnetically attracted, Even their
excuses, which had most censured, such
as violent and convulsive contortions of the
body and loud CALCULATIONS, in wild & ihco.
here9t appeals to the Deity, not only seemed
veniaf but truly amiable, when thus vindica-
ted in style Of lofty eloquence by their ell.
der.* 1t has BEEN" said the orator q the
practice in all ages of civil society, to cele
brate the anniversary of great and eventful
actions. Are victories achieved, by which
nation is emancipsted we hail each revoly.
ing year, the suspicious day, on which thew
happened, with peals OF enthusiastic low
Even the gravity of the philosopher is re-
laxed, and the stern brow OF the statesman
unbent. The 4th of july ever memorable
In the annals ofour country, never returns.
but grand and magnificent prepare tons are
made, to usher in the day, with festive
pomp, and unalloyed delight. To the
sumptuous banquet, your president, accom-
panied by his officers, civil and military.
repairs, and all join in loud hu2zas to the
deathless fame OF fallen heroes, and to the
institutions which sprung from their ashes.
and we're consecrated by their blood. If
This be the case will you debar us the hum
bic followers Of the meek and lowly Jesus.
who voluntarily died. to expiate the sins OF
guilty world, from the privilege of Assem-.
bling together, and of commemorating his
unparalleled suflerings,--his ignominious
death,-and glorious ascension And when
scs feel the effects of his beneficence and re-
deeming grace, strongly operating on our
souls, is il to be wondered at, that weak
and frail beings, as we are, we should rend
the air with our shouts, and break out in
loud bursts ofapplause? You lament heroes
fallen, in the glorious cause of liberty and
OF man. We are SO far from condemning
you tor it, we think it praise worthy. LII
berty is a precious boon, and conducts to
human happiness. We celebrate the tran
scendant goodness and tender mercy of a
God who died on the Cross, to break the
fpt of nd rrt., r.I.
whole family of mankind. Then be as Iibe-
raj and induigent to US as we are to YOU.
Do not then mock and deride, let me en-
treat you, the solemnization of our holy
rites, whilst we not only tolerate yours, but
approve of the motives which give them
birth"
Shortly thereafter succeeded scene.
which for its novelty, surpassed any thing
had ever witnessed and which diffused
universal pleasure throughout large con-
gregation. An old soldier,t now a local
preacher, who had fought in fourteen battles
of our revolution, arose and thus addressed
the audience. come here to-day to re-
cruit soldiers, for an honorable warfare
IT'S true do not place on the drum head
s Is for bounty, nor do / offer Sc per
month for your service But let me tell you,
you will fight under general, who never
lost a battle, and who never will lose one
and who after triumphing over his and
your deadly foe, instead of lands and earth
ly goods, will reward yeu, with eternal hap
piness in heaven.
General Washington was great man
and so was Morgan too, but they were nos
70 be-eompayed with my commander
They were too select in their choice of sol
diers; for they would receive none, but
prime stout, able bodied white men. Not
so with him--he will receive old men--wo-
men and children, both black and white, in
to his army. There are none SO decripid,
aged or infirm, but who may enlist. You
may smile at my plain language, but do
not care for any thing-for | fear not man