Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-05-24

not appropriate it better" This trait in his char
ucter was daily exhibited at home. The poor and
needy knew where TO find friend. The widow,
the faheress, and the afflicted of every grade
participated in his bounty. lie reproached none
ior their poverty or misery, nor inquired the cause
OF their wrechedness till the suffering re-
iIeved, nor then, only to apply moral remedy.
he bondman ard fugitive shared in his sympa-
my, aud The subjects of scorn and prejudice found
MN friend and protector. have visited the sick,
ana stood by The dying, and attended the house of
mourning and the man whom have most often
mel there, on errands Of mercy, especially among
the poor, was General Harrison.
The writer has had pretty extensive aud ia
lniIinr acquaintance in the vicinity where he lived
being The pastor of the congregation where he
worshIpped for the six years previous to March
ie4O, yet he never heard the poor man speak re-
ProachfulIy of Cen Harrison. No! "When the
err heard him, then it blessed him, and when the
eye saw hini, 1t gave witness to him Because lie
delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless,
anu MIN that had none TO help him. The bless
ing OF him that was ready to perish came upon
HIM, and he caused the widows heat to sing for
Joy ne was eyes to the blind, and feet TO the
lame. lie was father to the poor and the cause
that he knew not he searched out"-Job xxx H.
l6
This application of scripture will meet with
hearty response among thousands who best know
his worth, and yet he reproved their folles, and
rebuked their SINS
GENERAL MANSIONS RELIGIOUS VIEWS.
1t may be said, all these virtues are sometimes
exhibited without religion, aud much solicitude is
manifested TO know how far his conduct was the
result of christian principle. Here, also, facts are
more to be relied on than impressions, and per-
haps few who will speak, had better opportunity
OF knowing his religious views and feelings than
the writer first saw the General addressing a
large congregation of his fellow -townsmen on the
subject of Temperance. At the close of the meet
ing, notice was ,ven that he would address the
children at Cleves, the next Lords day, on the
subject OF Sabbah schools. 1t was peculiarly in
teresting to hearan old soldier urging his neigh
bors to pledge themselves against their most dan.
gerous foe, and oersuading the children and youth
TO enlist under The banner of Christ.
determined TO avail myself OF the first oppor-
tunity for leGrnng the reason of his conduct As
was welcomed to his house, did not wait long
fer the desired occasion. In the course of con-
versation Oh the sub Jet of religion generally |
said, " do Jou feel, sir, that you have at present
personal interest in Christ ?" lie replied al
was taught the principles of christianity in my
childhood, aud trust they have AT all times had
some nfuebce over me. But of late feel more
on the subject of religion. know the Bible is
Il revelation from God. Its doctrines are conss-
tent, It's precepts pure, and its plan of salvation
seems admirably adapted to the wants of sinner;
still certainly am not what christian should he,
yet do moi need any one to teach me, for know
my duty. But when | would do good, evil is
present with me-"
AT subsequent interview he observed, L" / feel
more and more the importance of personal relg-
ion. do think enjoy religion, and delight in
the duties of n child of God, and have concluded
to unite with The church soon as my health will
permit me to go out" In these private CONVEX
sations he was free and unembarrassed. His
views of truth were clear and evangelical. lie
49,. IL,
Spirit as God Christ an atoning sacrifice for sin.
the depraviy of man and the agency of the spirit
in regeneration.
Soon after this he was candidate for the Pres
idency, and being much from home, saw him
less frequently. But when opportunity present.
ed, ehqured If his interest in the things OF re-
llgIon had abated, lie answered, "not in the least
IL is the one thing needfu. need its consola
lions and support now more than ever intended
to have united with the church before this. and
should have done so last Sabbath, but on refec.
ton felt that il ] were to do so in nv peculiar
circumstances, it would be construed into a poIit
ical design. But | certainly shall do sn as soon
as circumstances will permit"
HIS VIEWS OF THE MINISTERIAL oPFIcr.
Zen. Harrison was no sectarian. His educa-
uonul predictions were in favor of the Episco-
pal Church, yet he cheerfuy and deyoutlv wor
shipped with all who prolessed the religion of Je
sus Ministers OF all denominations were made
IN the devoions of the family and social circle.
Such were his views, feelings, and profession.-
l'id tiis general department correspond with these?
He regarded the Ministers OF Christ as ambassa-
doris OF God. lie listened to the iliterate man in
his homely garb with the same respectful atten.
on that he did to the more polished and erudite
Inc preacher VINO was honest, pous, and under.
stood the word of God, satisfied hum.
lie was constant attendant on yublic worsbip.
Always devout in his manner, eurnest in atten
non, and sympathetic in feeling On retiring from
pubic service of The Sabbath, where he was pres
emf, always felt there was one present. who heard
and ielt, and would not complain OF close pointed
and plain exhibitions of the word of God. He
would sometimes gay: !" In preaching, shoot low,
ana take good aim. If you wound me it is my
fault. You ministers should fear none but Cod.
deliver his message clearly and forcibly and then
il matters not who is offended. Never preach for
The wise and learned. Make yourself understood
even by the children. Theoretical nfideIs OUT of
the church do but little injury to the cause of pic
~ but practical infidels in the church do the
mischief"
GEN. HARRIsoN's REGARD FOR THE SABBATH
Ten. Harrison maintained high regard for the
Christian Sabbath. The following illustrates his
leelng a neghbor entered on Lords day NOR
nng aud said with some embarrassment: "Gen-
ernl. thought you would be absent Tomorrow
aud called 10 see If might have your oxen n
few hours ?" lie replied, otis the Sabbath. sir,
and cannot attend 10 business o-day,r Yes,n
said the man, "but thought you would be gone
in the morning. Can't have them, sir ?" He
was answered: Have | not told you before that
you must not ask me to transact business on the
Lords day p But General, | did not mean to
offend you" ono but you always do offend me
when you ask me TO attend to worldly matters on
the Sabbath"
i called on him on Monday morning; he said
81 was deprived the pleasure of attending meet
ing last evening" for soon aftor my return from
service in the morning, was surprised and grov.
ed at call from about thirty persons from Cncin-
matt on an excursion for pleasure. | could not
leave them without rudeness, but what grieved
me most, recognized among the number, some
of my personal friends, and those that had hiih
erlo considered gentlemen"
GEN. HARRIsoN's LIBERALITY
He felt for the advancan,an, IS .,I;o;>o ha