Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-05-13

mos. uncandid reply to what was unexceptionable in
pirlt.
Too Much BAD THING,
The Courier and Enquirer, under the head of ''too
much ofa good thing" attacks and abuses rrsPecta-
bic class OF persons, for attending morning prayer
meetings. 1t that for two three months past,
a number of our citizens have been accustomed TO
semhle early hour, in their various lecture
rooms, &c. for prayer. They pray to the Being who
is acknowledged by the institutions of our Country,
and by of its inhabitants, the Maker and Be-
nefactor of all They pray for themselves, their
neighbors, their country and all countries What harm
is there in thiss What matter of complaint, much
more of abuse, from any source? Those whose gods
are worshipped only at midnight, not compelled
to attend these mathis They can sleep as late in the
morning they like, and will not be disturbed eth
by the s'unseasonabe hours or the "ostentati on
of those who rs with the sum, and pass quietly
their places of meeting-But the Courier prefers Sc
cre prayer Perhapsit would tell the objects of abuse
hoto often it would be proper to hold this private
communion with the Father of Mercies; whether
in month. or a year; and whether, at such times,
they may adopt the ardent aspirations of David Daniel
and Habskkuk without being liable TO the charge of
"fanatcism. - - Whether IN short, they should take
the Bible for their standard of faith and practice,
(Heaven forgive the comparson) the Courier and En-
eurer! The theological opinions of that paper
shall not here controvert The proper chanel OF such
matters the Free Enquirer the hand If it
exists, and tse various religious publications the
other Theology side from the pursuits of com.
meroial, and above the pursuits of political papers
But the curriers' attack upon the civil rights of con-
science and religious liberty, which are first of all
guaranteed by our Constitution feel it duty
to protest. 1t is q service would perform read
H for Jews for Christians
COMMUNICATION.
GEETLEMEN:--In cODneXon with yourselves and
rnany Others noticed with surprise and regret the
remarks in Saturdays Courier, on the subject of
mornRg prayer meetings. | certainly did suppose
that this was of the last subjects to fall under
the censure ofany press purporing u be Christian
The argument upon ich the writer seems to lay
most s, is the loss OF time which an attendance
att hose mo O
many OF those VINO attend, could or would employ
this early hour proftably? it can scarcely be
possible that this argument IS offered as serious In
deed, the tone OF heGrtless levlty which pervades
the whole, forbIds this conclusion and I'M ended
merely specimen of sarcastic w.t. the writer has
vet to learn that the shafts of -dicue fall harmeess
to the ground when aimed the altar of the Chris
tian religion. Such trifflng upon such subject
revolving to the feelings of any believer in the Cos
pei For myself member of no church. a
professor of no particular rengous creed or doc
crime but as farvent admrer of true pety, have
looked upon these early meetings with peculiar plea
sure. They interfere with PERSONS ordinary oc-
cupations and shed calmness over the mind during
the hustle and business of the day.
Ifit is 'ostentaton' to arise early to perform duty
which we to the Creator OF all hIngs, there are
many who are willing to be termed "ostehtatious'
and if it is '.fanntIcaP to follow in moderation, but
with frmncss, that path which our reason, and even
self-nterest teaches be right, they content
with the name of "fanatics."
[ have not made these few remarks in a conten-
tious shirt, with wish to invite religious
troyersy believing that such controversies only tend
TO mysy that faith which stands like pillar oflght,
nnda rkened by the of the the laugh
of the Atheist but with wish t. draw general
attention to the remarks which have alluded to, IN
order that they may be fully approximately Chris
tian community. H.
Mr. Clay.-In Prentices life ofths distinguished
statesman and exemplary citizen, find the follow
ing Just tribute ofPraise from Mr.. Adams and M.
Rush.
~, L., ,,,Lo
ion, believes will assert a belief IN any manage
ment or bargain between Mr. Adams and Mr.. Clay
If, by possibility there are any such we ask Of them
o consderate attention The declarations Of Mr..
Adams, as contained in what follows
Immediately after the close of my administration
an address was transmitted by certain citizens
of New-Jersey, to which returned forthwith
swer In that paper, assigned the motives which
had induced me to nominate Mr. Clay to the Office
of Secretary of State It published in many of
the newspapers, and romans testimonial from
TO Mr.. Clay to which | could add, and from
which could deduct nothing With Mr.. Clay's
administration of the Department of State, |
entirely Satisfied The composition Of all his official
papers was creditabe to the country
The following is all extract from the paper referred
to by Mr. Adams The whole communication is so
noble, so beautiful eloquent and just, that IT de-
to be inserted entire but for the present,
only insert that part which relates 10 Mr.. Clay.
The other is equally worthy of the honor in which
YOU have associated him with me by your letter.
Upon him the foulest ISLANDERS have been showered
Long known and appreciated, as successfully mem
Der Of both houses Of your national Legislature, as
the unrivalcd speaker, and at the same time, most
efficient leader Of debates in Of them; able
and successful negotIator for your interests in
and in peace, with foreign powers and as power
full candidate for the highest of your trusts. The de
partmen of state itself was station, which, by its
bestowal, could confer ne her profit honor upon
him, but upon which he has she'd uufddlng honor. By
the manner in which he has discharged its duties
Prejudice and passion have charged him with obtain
ing that Office by bargain and corruption Before
you, my fellow citizens, in he presence Of our
try and Of heaven, pronounce the charge totally
founded. This tribute Of justice is due from to
him, and sieze, with pleasure, tie opportunity Of
forded me by your letter, Of dischagng the oblya.
ton -
50 As TO my motives for tcnde,iog to him the de-
paTtment of state when did let that man eyho uucs
ions them come forward. Let him then select and
name the man, whom by his pre- eminent talents, by his
splendid services, by his ardent patriotism, by his all
embracing public spirit, by lis fervid eloquence in
behalf of the rights and liberties Of mankind, by his
long experience in the affairs of the Union, foreign
md 4, - Tho &Tuf