Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-07-19

Humiliation and Prayer to avert that
dreadful pestilence the Cholera-and his
remarks on that subject have been most
shamefully ridiculed and perverted We
subioin his remarks that our readers may
Judge whether there is any thing in them
calculated to Justify the abuse which has
been bestowed upon him. We should
think that instead Of making party bu-
siness of so grave a subject, all parties
would most cordially unite in the further
ance of the measure proposed.
! Mr. Clay rose and observed that he had
only one word to express. The resolu-
ton had not been submitted without con-
; sutation with members of the Senate,
whose opinion was entitled to more re-
spect than his own. 1t was indeed first
suggested to him by reverend member
of the Clergy, and, after deliberate con-
sidcration, he (Mr G. thought the occa-
sion fit for the recommendation of the re-
Iigious ceremony which The resolution
/, contemplated. 1t was the practice of all
Christian nations, in seasons Of general
, and great .ai"."ity, ~ impiore Divine
!, Mercy. OF all the pestiental scourges
t which had afflicted our race, the Asiatic
: Cholera, il some Of its characteristics,
| was the most remarkable. Its range of
operation had been more extensive than
. perhaps any known or recorded, the small
2 pox excepted. 1t had broken out in A
d sia, and, after desolating some of its fair
5 est portions, penetrated the northern part
OF Europe, and, sweeping over great
. part OF that continent, reached the Brit
ish Channel. 1t passed over the British
Isles, where it ragged, but with mitigated
severity. We had hoped-vainly itseems
= hoped-that the wide expanse of the At
lantic Ocean, would have been protect
ing barrier against its ravages in our dis
tant land. But it has been introduced
in America ,& if it has not actually enter
ed our territory, it now hangs on our bor-
dcrs in its most frightlul form.
The progress of the extraordinary
scourgc is sometimes marked by apparent
caprice. 1t will approach a city or dis
n trict of country, accommodating as it were
10 with IA military eye, suddenly fly off to a
distance, leaving the inhabitants re oic-
ing in their escape, and it will then unex'
'e pectcdly return and pursue It's work o.
n. death. 1t attacks, too, its victims in va
N rious ways, despatching some in few
hours, whilst in regard to others, thei
80 excruciating tortures prolonged mucf
Ia greater length oftime. Hitherto the skill
m, of medical science, liberal and enlght
ened as it now is, has been altogcthe
incompetent TO provide a sure and efIec
tive remedy.
d Should the resolution be adopted, th'
act of the President, in conformity to it
or request, will be merely recomne ndatory
n Voluntary as to all it will be obligator
= upon none. There seems to Ire pecu
u liar propriety on the ground Of unformi
r ty, in the proposed measure. ALREADY
in different parts of the Union, the Cler
Of gy of several denominations have, it il
900 believed, had their attention turned t.
80 the subject. Different days of prayer S
humiliation will be probably recommen
Sc ded. 1t is desirable that the whole ma
nd tion, on the same day, shall present it
d united prayers and supplications to tn
- Throne of Mercy. And there can b
'o' but little doubt, that although there wi
lse be nothing coercive in the recommends
Ill, tion of the President, there will be ger
eral acquiescense in it. The measur
me will be grateful to all pious and NOR,
men, whether members of religious con
u munities or not In times of national
lie individual distress, all who suffer, feel a
de- irresistible impulse to appeal to that B.
ing, who is alone able to afford adequa
=. relief.
eN' ] should have hesitated to present N
= resolution, (said Mr. c. if it had bee
" o' un sanctioned by precedent But durir
Tor the late war, a similar resolution was
ca dopted by Congress; at the instance of
N member Of the House Of Representative
H., from Virginia, and President Madist
'' issued his recommendation accordingl
any 1t is far from my purpose to excite u
ned necessary alarm. Ali dangers appe
fol- most formidable at a distance. Even Il
oad greatest of all terrors, when the awf
moment arrives, with mind fortified
e"' philosophical reflection, and still more
, as it be strengthened by religious hope al
by belief, is less appalling than it SEEM
erv when atar of.
ho A single word, Mr. President, as to m
SELF | am member Of no religio
.he sect. am not professor of religio
tai | regret that l am not wish tha
owe was, and | trust that | shall be. Blu
.av- have, and always have had, profou
40 respect for Christianity, the religion
''e' my fathers, and for its rites, its usag,
mes, and its observances. Among these, Il
nes- which is proposed in the resolution bei,
'ev- you, has always commanded the resp'
. Il Of tho mood mil deuouf nd / hone