Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1839-05-22

gal document which is now pending before the legs-
lature Of Connecticut 1t 10 petition for divorce,
presented by Sarah NJ. Jarvis, the wife Of the Rev.
Samuel F. Jarvis, highly respectable Episcopalan
clergyman, in Middletown, Of that state. The mar
den name of Mrs JARVIS was Hart-the daughter OF
distinguished jxrist, and the sister of lady OF
great naval officer in the United States navy.
1t will be perceived therefore, that the partiesare
both Of the highest responsibility in birth, reputa'
tion, education, property and rank We do not sup
pose that any statement could emanate from either,
that were not toerably fair representation OF the
facts. Nor do publish this paper either to nJurs
the reputation of tho gentleman, or that Of the lady
1t is a public document, and has an importance and
bearing of far deeper character than any result 1t
may cause upon the parties interested
We do not believe that more difficulty has occurred
| in this family-or that il is more extraordinary
event than takes place every day in high society.
1t is not out of the run of the present age
The circumstances developed in the Petition, are
only samplea small sample of the state oil society
among those to whom have been computed the ad-
vancement and progress of Christianity This is not
a solitary There are in this country many
other such specimens Of connabial love-such ex-
amples Of Christian Affection among the clergy Of
almost every denomination. And if we extend orr
quarrels of the Presbyterians Episcopaans, Catho-
lies and almost every other sect-set on by clergy
men themselves, indicate general generalization,
| which rivals that which existed in Judea among
the High Priests when our Saviour appeared, or
throughout Europe among the clergy, when Martin
Luther began the reformation Of religion. Every
event around US indicates that we are rapidly APP
preaching some great moral and religious revelu-
a.. lat - Ill 10 az
in the night we have the Scriptures in proof. As
Glass; the clergy Of the present day have lost all
their original parity and simplicity. Nothing can
restore them to their former reputation but new
infusion Of the spirit of the gospethe rising up Of
modern St. Paal-or the renovation of Christianity
itself.
Oae other view on this point For the last three
thousand years. the clergy of every religion every
Sect every age have been the favortes of the finest
women-cherished by the most charming women
caresscd by the fairest women-dolized by the love-
lest women-loved by the sweetest wonen-kssed
by the most ruby Tipped women. We believe the
timo is come for the beauteous to return TO their
senses. Many have to the conclusion that edi-
tors almost alone form the only class of society that
have great, honorable, or enthusiastic esteem for
the divine sex. Clergymen have hitherto carr-
ed off the female heart, by pretending TO be cabinet
councillors of Heaven when in fact editor much
Heaven and happiness than all the clergymen
that ever preached dull sermons
In proof Of these views we desire the ladies read
the following and say in their hearts, whether they
think that the editor Of the Herald could
a refined, intellectual witty, charming, beautiful
woman, as the lovely Mrs. Jarvis represents her
treatment TO have been! BY the beauty of the Vir-
gin, if could have behaved as DIR. Jarvis has be-
haved, wonld take pound Of PrussIc acid and get
rid of the disgrace-or go out to the next tree and
like the ancestor Of Major Noah, hang myself by the
neck.
To the Hon. General Assembly Of the State Of Con-
nsciicut to be holden at Hartford, on the first
Wednesday Of May, 1850
The Petition of Sarah NJ. Jarvis, of Middetown, in
said State, respectfully sheweh That on the third
day OF July $780, she lawfully married 10 the Rev
Samuel r. Jarvis, now OF said hiddletown. Few
have to anticipate from that sacred relation
much happiness as N this instance, II seemed to
promise: aud in few cases have circumstances so
suspicious attended any other family. The condition
Of her husband has been favorable to enjoyment
and usefulness Possessed OF an ample fortune, and
belonging to a profession distinguished for useful
ness, honor and domestic peace; he seemed TO be
pleased with every means 10 render his own family
happy and respectable. But from an early period
after they were united until this day, her life has
been one continued scene Of wretc hedness. She
found, 10 her very great surprise, and disap-
pointment, that DIR. Jarvis had disposition wholly
incompatible with domestic happiness. His spirit
was tyrannical, and his temper towards your petit
toner, violent reckless, and ungovernable. With
ont any Just provocation he has often inflicted upon
her cruel blows and by his debasng, and severe
actions, has handled her in the dust. During this
long period she has endesvored, from wish ia pre-
serve the putation Of the family and secret hope
Of better days fondly, though family cherished, 10
conine her suferngs as FAR as possible, to her own
bosom But her life has become at Last hopelessy
miserable, that she has been compelled TO ask coun
sci of her friends and finally to seek relief from this
Hon. General Assembly. She will not undertake to
give detail Of the numerous instances Of personal
violence which abe has suffered; but will relate
few as specimens Of their character.
One Sabbath morning In the early part Of their
marriage life, while she was IN a situation which
quired all his sympathy and tenderness. he struck
her several times upon her temple with his fist, with
great violence, by which sho thrown int such
agony Of pain and fear 10 require the attendance
Of an eminent physic
Her head continued swollen for more than week,
during which time she confined 10 her ROOM and
was never spoken "a by her husband.
On another oecasion, by the infliction al similar
blows, her eye became inflamed and boodsho, and
remained for many days. In such cases your peti
toner has given No just cause Of offence
She has often been amazed, al the outrages he
would perpetrate upon her for single word spoken
without the thought of giving him offence.
Thus at a particular time, little daughter,
having accidentally let fall drep Of ink upon her
book. DR. Immediately seized the book, and struck
the child in the face, which sent her crying from the
room Your petitioner, under the influence Of a mo-
Tiers ceilings, that the punishment seemed
too severe for the offence. Upon which her husband