Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-07-28
Mr.. Clay.

livered discourse at Newark, on the char.
acter of Henry Clay-and from its. close
we copy the following interesting passage
should come short of justice, did fai
to refer to his religious relations. We have
all seen from the daily press, how calmly
and peacefully he died, in the expressed
hope, that his Redeemer would be his ref
uge forever. His mind had for many year:
been solemnly impressed with the impor.
tance of religion. 1t was no new subject
for his last sickness. He had anxiously
and deeply meditated on this high concern
of the souls salvation. have thought that
few extracts from friendly correspond
ence evlncing this serious and devout tenn
per, would be grateful to you to hear. They
show how universal is the need of Gospel
hope for the noblest and the humblest-
that however human distinctions exist, and
usefully, yet before God there is but one
1evel; and they show also, how far more
gloriously, true greatness beams upon us
from the foot of the Cross, pentently seek
ING peace through the blood of Him that
once died upon it for our sakes.
In 1895, after severe domestic aflic-
ton in the death of married daughter, he
wrote to friend:
II thank you for the deep interest which
you SO kindly take in my spiritual welfare.
| should be most happy to have full conf
dence and assurance on that serious SUBJ
iect. 1t is one on which ifI have given
no evidence to the world of its having en-
gagged my serious thoughts. have long and
constantly reflected with the greatest soli-
citnde, and l indulge the hope that ! shall
ultimately find peace. My late sad affiic-
ton has taught me an awful lesson, and
impressed me with q solemn conviction OF
the utter vanity Of all earthly things"
Again, in 1874, he writes
"You have. my dear friend, however,
kindly suggested the truest Of all consola-
ton in the resources of our holy religion.
have long been persuaded of that solemn
truth nor have been entirely neglectful
of cxertons to secure 10 myself its benefit.
wish could add that felt entire conf
dence that those exertions have been crown
ed with success. But they shall not be in
termitted; and trust that by diligent search
ing, / shall find in faith in our Lord Jesus,
that solace which no earthly honors orpos-
sessions. can give"
In 1916, he again writes
81 am greatly obliged, my dear friend,
by the kind interest you take in my spirit
ual welfare. feel much more comforta-
BILE than once did on that subject. hope
and believe that have improved in my re.
hgious feelings, and in the performance of
my religious duties. 1 attend the Episco-
pal Church regularly, and with satisfaction,
but have not yet become member of it.
This | hope to do. | must own, however,
with regret, that do not yet feel that ad-
solute confidence in my future salvation
which some Christians profess to have IN
theirs"
Not long after this, he lost lis son, Col.
Clay, in one of the Mexican battles, with
Gen. Taylor. God seems to have blessed
this most affective bereavement in clearing
his way to the truth as tits in Jesus. For,
together with the little children of his be-
loved son, he was baptized and himself re-
ccived into the communion of the church.
When after these events friend refer
red to his having come out on the side of
the Saviour, and confessed Him before
men-he fevently replied, eyes, sir, and,
1t has been to me source of inexpressible
consolation
And during his late protracted illness,
the calm composure of his contemplations,
and the peaceful resignation of his mind,
in prospect Of his approaching dissolution,
cheer our hearts with the trust that his Sa-
viour was near with the support of His
grace, and ministered unto him with the
everlasting consultations of His gospel.