North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-07-12
For the Standard.

SUNRISE PRAYER MEETING OF 4TH JULY.
1t cannot but be gratifying every to observe
how faithfully this time honored exercise is kept up
by the citizens of this place. We believe that we
stand amostF not entirely alone in this appro-
pirate service. But how might it become this whole
nation Blessed and honored as are, in holding
the position of the happiest, most enlightened and
prosperous nation on earth; pensioners upon the
bounties of Almighty God and recipients in an I'M
bounded measure of the inestimabe gifts of civil,
political and religious liberty, nothing surely could
be more seeming than the Anniversary of our Ma
ona Independence to let the first exercise of the day
consist in convocation of the people to render thanks
for the merces already vouchsafed US, and impore
the continuance and perpetuity of our free nstitu-
tons. 1t is to the world most open appeal to the
King of Nations, for the uprghtness and integrity
OF our purpose. What spectacle would the scene
of Friday morning have presented to the courter of
St. James other of the auocracies and monarchies
of the continent of Europel In the bosom of one
it would have been but to revive the dormant gan
creme of despotism lest their subjects should be free;
in the heart of the it wonld have
been the reminding of the nobes aspiration for lib
ery and determination more to draw the sword
and strike for liberty the grave and to all papa
BILE demonstration of the sentiment of this ndepen-
dent people, that the declaration of independence
was not the illegal compact of rebels, but the SOL
protestation of pure, honest and upright citizens;
that it signed without looking first to
Heaven, and relying the strength Of that Warrior
who went to battle with David, King of the Israel
ties; and that we remember and appreciate lib
erty and forget not to render thanks for the same
We believe that this annual meeting owes its orig
in to the venerable and lamented Rev. William Nc
Pheeters d. D., for many years Pastor of the Pres
byteran Church of this City-a true Philanlhropis
most loyal subject to the Constitution, and an in
defatigable of his God and his country. with
the most grateful recollections, his memory still lives
green in the hearts of his fellow citizens. But among
the many monuments which this useful and amented
man has left to his memory, few reflect with more
honor will be preserved with sacred zeal than
this He lived himself the most unwavering
confidence and reliance the assistance of Heaven
and considered a nation individual, with the
same necessities, capacities and responsibilities; and
as weak in council, powerless in war and feeble in
national polity without the guidance of the God of
battles and King of Nations. With these sentiments
he proposed great many years ago. Sunrise Prayer
Meeting the Anniversary of cur National Decla-
ration and since, without wavering, this exer-
else has been scrupulousy observed, be test-
fed by many of our oldest citizens. Long may it
be preserved not simply token of respect 20 the
memory of this good and useful man; but for its, own
moral intrinsic worth. Aye, and longer may the
benefits for which have rendered thanks, and the
blessings for which we have offered prayers, be
granted May free institutions be perpet-
uated, that generations yet unborn may enjoy in a
multiplied degree the blessings enjoy, and the
name of Washington be as old, yet fresh than
the name of Caesar Augustus.
RALEIGH, july 8. 1851.