Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-03-23


period of the war 1t was introduced on motion
Of Dr.. Franklin" into the convention that formed
The ConGtitulion, was transferred to the first Con-
gress under tho Constitution, and has been trans
United, through the succeeding twenty -four Con-
crosses, without interruption, to the present time.
But this is not all. During the eight years war
ofthe Revolution, eight (dsts and seven thanksgiv-
ings were recommended by the procamations of
the Continental Congress. These procamatlons
stand upon the journals OF that body in impressive
contrast with the proposition now before u.s. ex-
clude, henceforb, recognition Of the government
and Providence of God from the Hall Of our de-
llberations. They utter, in deep tones, the Ian
ghnge OF penitence and gratitude while they bear
the broad impress of conscious dependence and
humble reliance on the Divine goodness and pow
err.
But, sir while they stand on the pages Of our
history as precious memorials of the deep and full
hearted pety which gave n martyr energy to the
revolutionary struggle, they did not spend their
force upon the occasion that called them FORTH
Their influence reached forward to the time of
peace, and onward to the maiured government of
the Constitution, The people have, every where,
felt it. Congress has felt il. Many of the State
Legislatures have felt il. All, believe, in the
Northern Suites, open their daily sessions with an
act of homage to the great Source of goodness
and wisdom. In my own state i know not in
how many other states even the terms of the
courts of justice are opened by PRAYER in obedi-
Him, and He shall direct thy paths
And now, sir, shall it, upon this brief review,
surprise us that the influence of which l have
spoken cherished il 10 10y the devoted labors of
the Christian ministry, and the gentle md unob-
trusive yet mighty agency Of sanctified materna!
affection, should beat strongly in the hear, Of this
great people? or that II should have found utter
nnce here, this morning, in the eloquent speech
Of the gentleman from Virginia? Sir, that speech
was the voice of the nation, coming up from the
tulness of its deep wrought and well-establshed
faith And trust that it is yet again to be most
emphaticaly uttered in the vote which shall DO
given upon the proposition now before the House.
But against the continuance Of practice thus
originating in the day OF severest trial, carried
ward to the day of triumph and cnnsecraled in
the uninterrupted usage Of this Government, there
are objections urged here with an ability and an
earnestness that enlile them to consideration.
And first, we are told that the periodical election
Of chnp'ans has begoten the practice OF election
eering for the office. If this is an evil, as adj
init that il has been, it will cure itself. One SIN
gle well established case ofhs kind will beget an
expression of repugnance strong enough to keep
at respectable distance all clerical eectioneerers
for n generation.
The same answer may be given to the next OBJ -.
+ lection; which is, that hypOcrts in religion and
brawlers in politics may sometimes be chosen 10
/ minister here in holy things. Some gentlemen
profess to know ofihe occurrence of such cases.
pc crsy, quick TO discern the evidences OF it..
There are always enough, however, to detect the
VOL in sleeps clothing; and there is repug-
nance TO clerical DISCUSSES SO deep and strong and
universal, as to guard, pretty effecualy, against
repetuionS, at least, of such mposons. And as
to the political brawers, it is hardly to be believed
that an imdisguised Outrage by the proprietors of
the clerical office would fad favor or even toera
ton, among the members ofeiher branch of Con-
gress. Unworthy men will sometimes find their
way civil Offices and even the sacred office has
n no complete security against their dissertation
# But Offices of State and Church not, therefore,
TO be dispensed with, hut rather is the approach
: To them 10 he guarded with sterner and more
: wakeful jealousy.
= But, in the next place. it is said that the daily
Al religious services, at the opening of this House,
If are very rreverently attended, by some of the
l. members. wish, NJ Speaker, were able 10
IF deny the truth of this But if cannot, can and
e do deny the correctness Of the inference drawn
@ from it. have, sir, often too often, alas =
IT assemblies, in places specially consecrated to
worship, in which both the sacredness of place and
is OF time were not sufficient to secure attention, Oh
8, even to restrain from gross improprie,ies. But
l. never thought OF drawing an argument from this
against the continuance OF the assemblies, and The
~ performance of their customary services If sucl
lie an objection were 10 have the effect commended
d. for, mpety would soon chase the observances AM
u the institutions of religion from the earlII.
s. If there are members of Congress who do no
OF reverence the good old usage OF fathers, OF
at them be the responsibility. To their own mas,e
e. they stand or fall If they triae with tho us
to age, and resist its hallowng influence, it does no
Or others should be denied the enjoyment of priv
of Iege which they disregard or desecrate.
err But this, II is said is an inappropriate place TO
ny religious exercises and The meeting of this HOUSE
m for business an inappropriate OCCASION The clos
a. ct, the family, and the church with its halloweI
nlIn Ia
a as the places. and the on places, for performing
n Z; that duty. II seems to be regarded as sort O
he sacriege to bring such services into immediate
of contact with our daily BUSINESS here. gentle
mt man near me illustrates it by asking whether III
husbandnlan, after attending to the morning de
IL vo,ons of the family, would, OH assembling hi
on lahorers IN The feld repeat the services.
"a answer, no. But the case chosen by the gentle
N man Tor Illustration supposes that the gathering
be the field for labor has been preceded by gather
se ing in the family for devotion. 1t admits that thu
e. daily labors of family should he preceded by il
Ike united homage TO the Author Of its common mel
ii cieB and lie supplicaiion OF His blessing il
nd common abors And this, sir, precisely illus
fl trates the usage now in question. family ha
cir colunon merries TO acknowledge, common sins
deplore common dangers TO encounter, and com
is mon labors TO be blessed. Just it is with hi
he House, II common duties, responsibilities, an
nj dangers give appropriateness and signfcancy
raj the morning devoiions Of u family, surely the
zee Glve to the morning devoons oil this body equ'
od appropriateness and signifcancy.
n There is, MIR. Speaker, common and very ia
le- ial error in regurd TO the connexlon of reigio
II" with the business of life, which seems to HAY
led found lis way into the reasonings ofgenIlemen o
Iht the subject before us. II is the Of regard
rm ing religion quite appropriate for the sacre
Ige place, but very inappropriate as an accompan
red nent to the ordinary business of life. Ii is TIL
lily prevalent practical error which gives point an
re- orce to the taunt of the infdeltha professors
eir religion are very pous on the Sabbath and in I'll
eir Sanctuary, but very thoughlless Of God and re
vas CARELESS of his will every where else.