Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-25
rRovlpENcE. WEDNESDAY. APRIL 2s.

very conspicuous for her Literature, we are not
ieady to concede, that she docs no; possess as
much talent and genius as any section Of tie
country ofoqual size and population. We have
already reared writer's, heroes, artists, philos
Pliers and statesmen, who have been eminent
in their times; and we make the observation
III exultation that RI Island stands first in
the catalogue Of American Manufacturing
communities. In commerce We have not been
deficient, and our canvas has whitencd on al
most every sea, known to the modern nayiga-
tor, and many of Our ships have frequently cir
cumnavigated the Globe. A more enterprising
and spirited people than the Rhode-Is!andcrs
never lived-they have done much towards the
advancement of our national character, and
have been foremost in the fight, and first in
victory. But il will so happen, that whole
people are traducedby irresponsible and unprin-
cpled persons, who, under the guise of friend
ship, dwell with us for while, feast and fatten
upon onr bountics, and in return calunniate
and vilfy US.
II was not long since, that passing by one Of
TIE churches of this town, our attention was
excited by the vehemence Of the clergyman
who was engaged in prayer, and at that mo-
ment very kindly and, perhaps, sincerely, inn
plorng the benedictions ofHeaven to fall upon
the multitude. There was something novel in
his manner, and, thinking his hofnily might be
interesting, we "just dropped i'm when the
prayer was over, determined to listen to his
strains Of piety and eloquence. At the proper
time the speaker rose, and taking text which
we shall not copy, because Of its pious obscen-
ity, he commenced TRADE about the impor-
tance Of cultivating christian notions; and went
into an elaborate disqusition on the wicked
ness of the times,-the criminal neglect Of the
people towards piOus clergymen--told how
much these gentlemen suffered in the good and
pious cause Of christianizing the world and
then, with puritanical phiz, such as Nav
Rhode Island presented vast field for Mis-
sionary labours--that The whole State was EN-
phatically Missionary ground---that he hoped
the labourers in the Lords Vineyard, would do
their duty, and visit 4" this Sodom and Gomor-
rah,'' and save it from impending destruction!
Such language was not well calculated TO suit
our Rhode-Island pride and feelings, and al
though we would not willingly offend any ono,
we very ncercmon,ously took our hat and
walked out Of th, sanctuary, when the pious
-,ountebank, took the Liberty TO abuse our
State and our private pride of opinion. Being
a little curious to kEow who the impudent
creature was, VIC the next day enquired his
name, Of very WORTHY member of the church
ono Of the elect, who informed us that the
yererend gentleman, was a young man who
had just merged from very p;ous institution,
where men Of piety are manufactured and
distributed sc at short notice." for those who
wish them; and that, being engaged in an OK.
cursion to collect money to convert to christ.
ianity the infdels Of New-England, hc had in
the fulness Of his eagerness for the welfare Of
the world, and the good of his cause, manifest
ed far more zeal than prudence but that a.
he was young and pious, his Offences ought &c
be forgotten!
II is far from us to find fault with those righ,
Reverend Migrants and holy gentlemen, who
take upon themselves the painful and ardou.
duty ofreformjng the world, but it would quite
as well become them, if they would mend thel
own habits and manners, before they undertake
TO remodel those of their neighbours; and WI
are not willing to be told by every una ccreditct
and irresponsible pulpit orator, who may chanc,
TO wander among US, that we are the outcas
Of creation, or that our state presents a vas
field for missionary labour! five are in ncet
of pioes instruction, and reformation, we hav,
among us men who are known TO be respecta
Bile, and who are fully capable Of imparting L
us lessons of truth and morality, and of point
ing us the way TO Heaven
Where, in the four quarters Of the world cal
man be found, whose life presents a happi
er theme for contemplation, than that of tha
virtuous prelate the REVEREND STEPHEN
GANo, a man who has laboured for the wei
fare of his flock and for the world, the last for
ty years, and who has grown old with his piou
ministrations, and lives only to be honoured
and revered! And does he consider US so dc
praved and lost to all the proprieties Of life, a
to be induced to denounce us infdels unworth
Of Gods mercy; and our State the field for mis-
sionary labours! No! he knows full well, tha
this State has not been behind her sisters il
attempting TO correct her morals and her man
ners, and further than this, he is aware tina
4i,o manila of Rhodo IsIa nd aro MT mara nil