The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-07-31
Moral Readings,
From the Episcopal Recorder
The Raptism of Henry Clay.


intelligence of thrilling interest. Many OF
our renders, the personal friends and admir-
crs ofthe eminent man who is the subject OF
it, will rejoice in this impressive declaration
ofhis faith in Christ.
Such an event might have been anticipat-
cd. The uniform respect with which MIR
Clay was known TO be in the habit of regard
ing religion, and his frequent public express
sions of "a desire TO be Christian, had inspir-
cd the hope, that if God in his providence
should ever permit him TO leave the noisy
arena of public life, he might, amid the quiet
influence Of his own loved home, become n
Christian.
His has been an evcntful career; few pub
lie men ofuny nation have passed through
more exciting scenes; mono have deme0ned
themselves with more fortitude, or displayed
more real greatness in tho midst of them; and
we must be permitted to express the opin-
ion-that no man, since the time Of him
"who was first in war, first in peace, and first
in the hearts of his countrymen," has eXerted
a more saIutary influence in the councils of
the nation than he. Men ofall parties have
frankly acknowledged his eminent services
and have accorded to him the need of praise;
in this respect, ne has been more than salts
ficd--but this was not all that he needed ;
"What is honor, but name !" How inca
pnbe of sustaining the soul in sorrow! how
empty in prospect Of the gray and the judg-
mont! The venerable sta esman has found
it TO be so, and who can doubt that, in the
deepest sincerity, and the most humble con-
triton, he has been led to consecrnte the rem
nant of his days to God?
May the evening of his protrOctcd life be
like thai Of his distinguished contemporary,
und long valued and pious friend, the late
chief Justice Marshall, of whom it was beau
tifuIly said, ellis setting sun was seen in its
clear, unclouded splendor, beamng as it de-
seconded with larger orb, and more soften
ed light, until the very moment when it sunk
beneath the horizon with beautiful and
tranquilizing transparency"
TIE BAPTISM OF HENRY CLAY.
notice was generally circulated through
the public papers of the country some two or
three years ago, to the effect, that Mr.. Clay
had become member ofthe Protestant Eps-
copal Church. The wish was, doubtless, faith
CT to the thought, as Mr.. Clay had not at the
time taken any such step. lie has always
been known to have the highest respect for
the institutions of Christianity, and to have
been decided believer in the divine an thor
ity of the Christian rcligion-hs amiube and
now deeply afflicted wife, having for many
b,,n 10 EnIl Of
Author. When the weather permitted it,
living as he does mile and half from the
church, Mr.. Clay has always been regular
attendant on its services; and for two or
three years past, having had more leisure
from public duty, his attention had evidently
been turned to the high considerations con-
nected with things spiritual and eternal:-I
his life having been devoted so intensely to-
the good of others, as scarcely, until ihis Pc
Rod of retirement, to leave him an opportu-
nifty to think of himself But he has at length
cousecrated his great powers to God. He
was baptized in the little parlor at Ashland,
OH Tuesday afternoon the ODD inst, together
with one of his daughtcrs-in-law, (the other
being already member of the church, and
her four children, by the Rev. Edward f.
Berkeley, Rector of Christ Church, Lexington.
The baptism was administered privately, for
the reason, that the congregation of Christ
Church; are replacing their old church, with
new edifce, now in rapid progress of cree
ton, and are not suitably situated for the most
solemn and decent administration of this rite
in public.
When the minister entered tho room on
this deeply solemn and interesting occasion
the small assembly, consisting fthe immedi-
ate family, few family connexions, and the
clergyman's wife, rose up. In the middle of
the room stood large centre table; on which
was placed, filled with water, the magnificent
cut-glass vase, presented to Mr. G. by some
gentlemen of Pittsburgh. On one side of
the room, hung the large picture ofthe fam
lily ofWashington, himself an Episcopalian
by birth, by education, and devout commu-
meant of the Church; and Immediately OPP
positc, on side-table, stood the bust of the
lamcnted Harrison, with a chaplet of with
cred flowers hung upon his head, who was
10 have been confirmed in the Church the
Sabbath after he died-it witnesses of such
n scene. Around the room were suspended
number of family pictures, and among
them, the portrait of u beloved daughter who
died some years ago, in the triumphs of that
faith which her noble father was now about
to embrace; and the picture of the late lost
son, who fell Mt tho battle of Buena VISTA
Could these silent lookers-on at the scene