Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-07-25
ADDBN $50
Feilo,c Citisens, Ladies and Gentlemen :

| Eeilo'c Citisens, Ladies and Gentlemen -
On this truly inspiring occasion, intended to
perpetuate the memory Of noble deeds of noble
men-this day, bright in view of these considera-
tons, on the page OF our cherished couniry's his
tory, lmparing In its annual returns the most in
structve lessons to the civilized world il is our
good fortune to mingle together, that we may
I hink over the great blessing that has been won
Tor and transmitted to us, bearing prominently,
the evident impress of the sanction of Divine
Providence: to- feel but for the love of religious
freedom, this country had not been peopled as it
was; but for the trust reposed so properly, so
FULLY and undise usedly, by patriotic fathers,
IN Almighty God, when they pledged their lives,
their fortunes, and sacred honor, the stripes and
the stars, our "Star Spangled Banner" had never,
no, never fioated in triumph, indicating our peace
and our prosperity TO remember that this is the Ma
TONS natal day, that but for these halowed infu.
ences, MiS had not been celebrated as honoraby
and gloriously distinguished among the DAYS of
the year. If these be our thoughts, feelings and
remembrances, we will most cheerfully agree
that by our present devotions, God shall moi be
excluded from our minds.
! beg you not to forget, that the time.honored
instrument just read, and which, because of its
chasteness, its diction, its eXpressveness its ir-
resistably just conclusions, is entitled TO a HIGH
rank among uninspired productions. which went
forth 10 the world declaratory of our rights,
ueCIIru-
ton IF dependence on Div,ne Providence. This
begot the magnanimily which we so much admire
and justly honor; this materially aided in effect
ing the high object of pursuit, and with this com
mendable acknowledgment, our unique liberty
has been delivered to us. In view then, of the
sanctlhed talent and strength which are deposited
in the foundations of our political institutions, the
liberal and enlarged religious principles which
have entered into the organization, economy and
erection of this the asylum of the oppressed of
all nations-this home of the free, this land of
the brave, what now but warmest gratitude TO
GOD, and charity most expansive to man, shall be
exhibited by US in this commemorationl ANY
Thing less is unworthy the occasion.
Come, let US honor the notwithstanding name
OF our parlclan anceslry---a nations boast-let us
honor the day with which their names are associ-
ted, let us honor the instrument to which they
fearlesely subscribed their names; but above all,
let us honor God whose blessing they so largely
enjoyed, and without Whom nothing is strong
Contrast our Revolution with that of chival-
rous France! Why did the former succeed when
the odds were so threateningly against her, and
under the many discouraging and embarrassing
nopefaf friends, and despite the ininrated and
disciplined opposition Of the most potent nation
Why did the latter ingoriously fail9 Ask the in
teigent christianity of America, and the blind
and arrogant nfdelity of France. America re.
lied upon God; France on Reason |! America
humbly invoked Gods protection, France impi-
ously discarded Him! America built temples for
His worship, France desecrated His temples! A
merica took counsel from His word, France
steamed TO her own understandings" publicly
burned His word in the streets of her metropolis!
Here then, though laconcly, is the true, the I'M
questionable reason, and herein is beautifully il
Illustrated and foIcibIy applied the sacred proverb
righteousness exalteth a natlon but sin is
reproach to any people"
But, we mingle together under circumstances
nd init W
ellow-cItizens, yea more, meet fellow chris
tans, and while we celebrate a Nations BIRTH
Nations liberty, we are furnished with the oppor-
tunity OF connecting Herewith active Charity
For while we surround the festive board tastly |
and superabundantly ladened, to partake of the |
sumptous preparation, offer the proceeds to he |
consecrated to hallowed purpose. Who bu, la |
dies, could have thus ngeniously and prasewor- |
thily blended charity with 4th of July cele-
bration2 Thanks to the ladies, generous and in
ventve souls! Many thanks to the ladies', for
the novelty and attractiveness of this OCCASION
lmpotent they are not. What of good, with the |
influences of true Christianity warming their
hearts and Illuminating .heir minds, are they in
competent TO? A., their active and enlarged be-
neyolence their sIeepless and unwearied patience,
their earnest and pathetic prayers their brilliant
and approving smiles who would lightly esteem?
say then, again, thanks TO the ladies for this
new method devised by them in the goodness of
their hearts, by which the trustees and friends of
the Methodist Episcopal Church are allowed con-
idently 10 hope to be able to relieve their house
of worship from burdensome debt and by which
also the means may be furnished for the compile
ton Of the befry. The plan is novel, but gen.
erous; an experiment, but judicious, and ought
TO be efficient. On behalf then, of the friends of
The Methodist Congregation, render thus public
~, Gas richly meried.) warm thanks to the ladies.
In presenting the thanks of my congregation,
would not have you believe that mine are with
held. No! But you entitled to more, much
more. You have well earned by your ingenuity,
goodness and Jealous efforts, our liberal support;
It's justly due--aDdl doubt not this orderly and
cheerful crowd, these ladies and gentlemen, these
citizen soldiers--who are honorable TO our town
will most gladly, in the most expressive man
ner, give the amplest demonstration that they ia
vor the object now proposed. This intelligent
and refined community only wait TO convince you
that your labor shall not be in vains Thanks
them TO the ladies for the project, thanks for the
object, thanks 10 the crowd fer their respect and
thanks for their attention.
While then we may be RECALLING ourselves with
the delectable viands prepared so suitably, so
ieupilngly by fair friends, let us not be for
getful OF the Giver Of all our merciesj for, while
we may DC paftakng Of this rich and abundant
feast and thereby will be aiding in aii important
charitable work, should offer our intelligent
and heartfelt dovoilons to our Heavenly Father