The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-14
OUR SERMON FOR THE DAY.
THE NATIONAL FAST.

THE NATIONAL FAsr
A nation bows this day before the throne az
Heaven TO acknowledge Gods righteous p,o-
violence IN one OF the most affective dispense
tons we have ever suffered Our Head wa.
smilten and has fallen For one whole wear b.
name was on every tongue, as a candidate for
the highest honors Of this Republic he rose be-
fore the people like the morning sun, marched
onward In his path, till his light and influence
Tell down upon all; songs and anthems heraded
his progress; old men and young, matrons and
maidens, childhood and infancy united 10 greet
his coming. and to ratify nations vows or low
ATTY TO Government boasting such chief; and
having installed him in the place of their choice
they retired from the triumphal procession 10
enjoy the blessings hoped for under his Admin
istration.
Not more sudden does the thunderbolt descend
from the cloud TO rive the heart of the oak. than
did the arrow speed its fight from the hand of
Gods messenger TO affiict and disappoint Us.
The joys Of all were turned into mourning. and
never did nation more sincerely grieve
We thank our excellent Chief Magistrate who
succeeds to that high place for this appointment.
which SO well becomes Christian nation under
such circumstances, and which, we trust. will
be profitable to us all We trust il will be profit,
able to this whole nation morally, socially and M
iiticaily. We are eminently religious people
Religion is a sentiment which, in its unadute
rated FORMS and in its primitive simplicity. has
taken stronger hold Of the public mind of This
country than Of any other called Christian.
The blow which has fallen so heavily upon
US, as nation, appeals to this sentiment and il
has given us great pleasure to observe, thai il
calls forth, IN every quarter, corresponding emo
tons. We doubt whether history records thc
fact of great nation, SO universally SO pro
foundy, SO religiously moved, as has been OBJ
served in the feelings of the American people on
the death of Gen. Harrison.
IL is most becoming and grateful. since The
funeral obsequies are all past, to conclude this
mournful period of our history by presenting the
scene TO the world, and to the eye OF Heaven. of
PROSTATE nation, sensible of their bereavement
but complaining not, acquescing in the decree
OF the Almighty which has afflicted them, i'm
plorng his forgiveness Of theirmanifold offences,
and duplicating, with united voice, his favor
and blessing upon us in time and ages vet TO
come.
As Christians we will never fail to hope, while
such sentiments are felt and manifested. that
this great Republic, recognizing, in its institu-
tons and laws, the dearest and most precious
rights of man, will survive the shocks OF popular
commotion, will be purified by its action, and be
more firmly fixed on its broad and deep founda-
tons.
We are confident that the sincere and feryent
prayers OF united people will ascend to heaven
this day in behalf Of the President of these
United States, for his life, health, and greatest
usefulness; IN behalf of Congress in its delibe-
Iatlons and acts; in behalf of the sanctuary of
justice, national and municipal; in behalf of all
the members of this great Confederacy. in their
separate and united capacity; and for all the
great interests of this nation, social and political
temporal and eternal
And shall we not be better for it? Where is
the man so base, so depraved, SO wanting in
plety, philanthropy, and patriotism, who will not
respond TO these sentiments, and rejoice and
thank God, that, in shifting us, he has called u.
efiectually TO recognise his hand, to feel and ac-
knowledge our dependence, and to ask his future
guidance and blessing