The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-28
CONGRESS.

FRIpAY.--The election Of Printer TO the
House Of Representatives was postponed till
the 10th of January. Most Of the residue of
the day was employed in debating whether
Chaplain should be elected-some Of the
loco-locos. as we are informed, Directing to
the election Of such functionary as uncon-
stitulional
We have seen around US so many evidences
of the weakness, degeneracy, and corruption
Of mortality that, we are scarcely any more TO
be surprised by any thing that may happen in
the moral or political world. But if there be
one thing which can surprise us, il is public
speech against prayers TO Almighty God in
the National Legislature Of the land Of the
Pilgrims! Freedom to worship God" was
the first song of liberty heard upon the shores
Of North America. Universal federation was
one Of the cardinal principles at the foun-
dation OF the American Government
And now, is it possible that public men dis
dain to ask the benediction Of their Omnipo-
tent Creator, who has been the father and
guide and preserver Of this people through
all their generations--object, blind and fra
gile worms Of the dust, to petition the great
Head Of the Universe, who knows all thoughts
and deeds, in whom they live and have their
being, and, who controls nations with a
breath, for his blessing, his spirit Of light and
| goodness and truth
Studious, as we have been on this subject,
we never expected to meet in the American
Constitution any limitation to the power Of the
Gospel, nor any obstruction Of the way to
heaven
But, on this subject Of Legislative Chap
lains, we may claim the authority Of as great
philosopher as any, probably, now in Con-
gress We refer TO DR.. BENJAMIN FaANK-
LIN For an example, both n religious faith
and practical wisdom, we commend Legs.
lators to his remarks on motion for pray
ers IN the contention, to wit:
Mr.. President: The small progress we have made,
after four five weeks close attendance and continual
reasoning with each other, different sentiments,
almost every question: several Of the last producing
many noes as yeas, is methnks, melancholy proof of
| the imperfectlon Of the human understanding. We
indeed, seem to feel Our own want Of political WISDOM
since have been running all about in search of It,
We have gone back ancient history for models Of
Government, and examined the different forms OF those
Republics, which, having been originally formed with
the seeds OF their dissolution, no longer exist ;
and we have viewed modern States all round Europe
but find none OF their constitutions suitrble to our cr
cumstances.
IN this situation Of this assembly cropping, were
in the dark TO find political TRUTH and able to dis
tnguish it when presented us, how has happened
sir hava nj ami
humby to the Father Of lights to illuminate our under
standing! In the beginning Of the contest with Br-
tain, when sensible of danger we had daily
prayers in this room for divine protection Our prayers
sir, were heard-and they were graciously answered
All OF us who were engaged in the struggle must have
observed frequent instances Of experimenting Proy
dence in favor. To that kind Providence we
this happy opportunity Of consulting in peace on the
means OF establishing future national felicity And
have forgotten that powerful friend do we
imagine we now no longer need It's assistance have
! lived, sir, long t,ne aud The longer live the more
convincing proofs OF this trush-tha God governs
/ in the affairs OF men. .@@
And il aspdrrow cannot fall to the ground without
his notice, is il probable that an empire can raise
without his aid We have been assured, sir in the
! sacred writings, that "excep the Lord build the
house, they labor IN vain that build IL" firmly be-
I lleve this; and believe that without His concur
ring aid, we shall proceed in this political building
no better than the builders AT Babel we shall be d.
vded by our little, partial interests projects will
be contounded, and W ourselves shall become re-
proach ard by-word Town TO future ages. And
what's worse, mankind nay hereafter, from this un,
fortunate instance, despair of establishing govern
ment by human wisdom, and leave il to chance, war,
and conquest. therefore beg leave to move: That
henceiorh, prayers, imploring the assistance OF
Heaven and its blessings on our deliberations, be
held in this assembly every morning before we pro-
coed to business and that or more of the clergy
of this city be requested 10 offciate that service
!
THE PUBLIC PRINTING.