Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-07-03
ALEXANr--'i1A' H. "?
TUESDAY MORNING, JULY 3. 1882.

religious exercises and supplications to the Al
mighty to avert from our beloved country, the
dreadful scourge which he has permitted to aif'ct
the nations Of Asia and Europe. has met with Sc
rious opposition. We observe that the Govern
or of New York has refused to comply with the
request Of respectable committee, composed OF
clergymcn of different religious denominations,
among whom we perceive the names Of the Rev.
]. Bangs Of the Methodist Church, the Rev.
Gardner Spring of the Presbyterian Church, and
the Rev. Spencer II. Cone Of the Baptist Church,
to appoint day for that purpose, to be observed
throughout that State. The Common Council
OF New York have refused to comply with re-
quest, or rather have refused to adopt su5ges-
ton made by Bishop Onderdonk, of the Protcs-
tant Episcopal Church, of a similar import as Tar
as regards their city, and the President Of the
United States, in letter to the Synod Of the Re-
formed Dutch Church, expresses his unwilling
ness to comply with their request relative to the
same matter-hints at the ulconsttutionaHy OF
the measure--and thinks that the whole business
should be left to the State authorities, and the
different religious societies. We have just seen,
in the case of Gov. Throop of New York. how it
would end, If this were left to the State authOrl.
ties, and It seems to US rather singular that this
latter dignitarv, an extract from whose proclama.
ton, recommending day Of Thanksgiving to
be observed throughout the State, we remem-
Der not very long since to have published, should,
all at once, star.e at This proposition and consi-
der it entirely out Of the sphere Of his duties. 1t
il not our Intention however, to enter into an ex
animation of the grounds taken by the authorities
in New York, and the President in his letter al
ready referred to. The case presents two or
three prominent puints, which we consider it our
duty to notice, and having done so, we have no.
thing further to say in the business.
We consider this proposition very innocent
one, to say the least Of it. 1t is known by all
who know US, that we would be the last to en-.
courage any thing tending, in the remotest de-
gree to an interference the part of the civil au.
thorities with religion in any shape or forn-we
are aware of the squirting that has even been Oh.
served IN our happy land, towards connex'on be-
tween state and church, more intimate than that
warranted by our laws, or by the genius OF our
people-we know how power has been courted
in previous ages, and when once obtained how 1t
has been used, and we are aware, that human |
nature, always in such particulars the same, would
court and use that same power in the self same
way now.
But it is our very conviction Of these truths
that makes US consider the opposition to the pre-
sent measure as unfortunate. 1t will not do 0l-
rays to cry "Wolf! " oIf!'' when there is no
danger, or like the foolish boy in the fable-when
the danger really approaches, our cry will be dlsrc
garded. To BIZ walchful and vigilant is both Pru.
dent and praiseworrhy. butte be needlessly alarm
ed, and raise an outcry at shadows is to do ma
nifold injury to ourselves and injustice to others
This is proposed to be simply recommendation on
the part of the Chief Magistrate, that the people
at whose head he IS placed should on particular
day, for the sake of uniformity, beseeeh the Al
mighty to avert from our land adreadful pesilence
that in doing SO, they are to adopt their own
forms, ceremonies, and modes Of religious wor-
sbip-that the Christian may 60 to his Church
the lew 10 his Synagogue, the Turk to his Mosque
THAT they may fast, pray, or sing, or Preach or
do any thing else that may seem to them best.
What all this has to do with an alliance between
Church and State, we are utterly at loss to per-
ceive. How ingenuity could torture 1t into de-
sign having such tendency, we cannot imagine
1t is not command to do any thing; it is not
even recommendation to do any thing 10 par
ticular mode or form. We are all at liberty to
attend to il or not, just as we please, aud those Of
US having an inclination to observe it, may DO SO
;ust in the manner that is most comfortable with
our own views and feelings. We are justified
then in calling this very innocent proposition.
An objection has been raised on constitutional
grounds. 1t is so graveIy commended BY an homo
rable Senator, and even by the President Just
as we'll might 1t be argued that it is une0nst''u-
tional for Congress to commence Its daily sessions
nv prayer. The truth is here as in the case men
.L..o 40 rotfiuU TN hp a 60 too much.