The people's press, and Addison County Democrat. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1838-1841, 1841-05-11
National Fast.

The National Fast upon the death of
Gen. Harrison, will be observed in this vii
lage on Friday, the 18th inst, by the assem-
bling of each congregation at their respec-
tive places of worship in the forenoon-and
in the afternoon by all united at the Con-
gregational meeting house, where the Rev.
Mr.. Labaree, President of Middleburv
Colleg &c, win deliver discourse.
Nothing could be more appropriate than the
call of President Tyler upon the people of the
Union to observe a national fast upon the death
Of his iliustrinus predecessor. 1t has an odor
about it pleasing TO every son of New England.
When cur pilgrim fathers felt dependency a.
midst the dangers and embsrrassments which
encompassed them, ;hey set apart day OF prayer
and humiliation, believing that God, whose
providence extends 10 all evrEts in this world,
was frowning in anger upon them, for their min
fold transgressions, and 1, manded penitence
and contrition. From whatever cause our ma
ton, for succession Of years has been pursued
by disaster upon disaster, until the brilliant sky
of our former prosperity has become completely
o'crcast With brass, from which not dew-dIop
the election of General Harrison 10 preside
over the destinies of the nation, however, disco-
sed q star of hope amidst the gloom which invcs-
ted us. But even this last ray of joyous antici-
patton has been blotted out by the death of this
distinguished magistrate. The millions of The
American family who are in a state of suffering
and dependency which finds no parallel in the
IF
bereavement which calls for national humiliation
before the throne Of the Mighty Ruler of the u
inverse. 1t should not be, TO do homage to the
virtues, The services, and The lofty patriotism of
the departed chief, and mingle our tears at his
death that we should assemble; but 10 repent of
those national sins which have brought this visit
alton upon u.s. God has been kind, but we have
been uDgraeful. He has placed US in this land
Of freedom, but we have crushed the liberties of
our fellow men. He gave US this soody hert-
age. but we cheated and oppressed the poor abo-
rhymes whom he drove out before US. He Incl
ted the patriots Of the revolution 10 frame and es-
tablish a constitution. whose observance would
secure eur liberties; but we have disregarded it,
sacred provisions. He has bid the earth bring
forth her abundance, whiiened the seas with our
commerce, rewarded the tolls of every species of
industry with plenty, and filed our national cof,
fcrs with profusion. But al these blessings have
been blishied; by the folly and madness which
has seized upon our nation. Boundless ex
travagance and speculation haye become the or
der OF the day. Murder robbery forgery, fraud
and violence have grown rife in the land. The
unadutPrated manners, lofty patriotism, and
stern integrity Of our revolutionary fathers have
given way 10 loose morals, debasing party spirit,
and political prcilgacy Of every description. In
the midst of this trightful career of crime and
misfortune, the death of Gen. Harrison, the last
of the heroes, the peoples friend, the wise patri-
otto and energetic statesman, TO whom all con-
siderate men were looking for the publication OF
the state, furnishes an admonitiOn which should
not pass like the idle wind UNDECIDED by US. The
purposes of Heaven in sending this painful visit
alton upon u.s. would utterly fail, did it net
quicken Our repentance for our national sins, and
solemnize our minds by contemplating upon the
emptiness of earthly grandeur, since from this
Instance OF mortality we learn, that no wisdom
however profound, no station however elevated,
no laurels however blooming, no fame however
expansive, and no popula: attachment however
intense, can shield US against the rapacity Ofthe
king of terrors.