Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1852-12-02
TERNS--$2 IN advance, or 1925
at the end of the year.

at the end of the year.
W In conformity with ancient usage
aud at The request Of his excelency the
Governor, this day will be observed by
the people OF this stale as day of
Thanksgiving and Prayer to Almighty
God for the innumerable blessings and
mcrcies which He has showered upon
US during the past year,-blessings
which we have not deserved and mer-
eies which we had no right even to
hope iSr. We have been blessed with
peace, universal peace, with all the ma
tons OF the earth I; entire domestic tram
guilty has prevailed throughout the
entire boundaries Of our wide spread
land our harvests have been abundant
and valuable, for the soil has produced
not only enough ior the consumption OF
our own people, but its plentiiullnesS
has enabled us 10 supply the demands
Of those who have not been so richly ia
vored in other cllmes. No scourging
sickness, no contagious disease no
dreadful malaria has swept over our
land destroying its citizens, or palsying
the hearts ot many with fear. NO great
and disheartening crisis has occurred
in the mercantile or commercial affairs
of the country, but prosperity has lavor-
ed all and encouraged every one 10 re-
newcd efforts in Il oee departments Of
business which constitute a nations ma
iesty and power. For all these ard
countless other blessings we should be
profoundedly grateful TO our Father;
and it is becoming an enlightened peo
pie, who are above all things blessed
with the dispensa,ion OF the Gospel, and
through that with the promise of eter-
nal life, TO set apart one day in which
they will abstain from all ordinary en-
ployment and labor, and offer up to II III
who doelh all things well, the earnest
homage and tie sincere thanks OF de-
vout and grateful hearts. This Is the
day ordained for that purpose there
fore, let our devo,ions be characterized
by humility and peniten'aI iervor, so
that our petitions may be acccp'ably re-
cieved and mcrcitully granted. But
while we are grateful for all the blcs-
sings which we fully recognise, We have
much to mourn over, which, although
we cannot feel them 10 be merces, ow-
ing 10 our finite condition, have un-
doubtedly been ordered for our good. -
There are .natiolal as well rs individual
sins, and communities as well as per
sons are responsible Tor their Violations
Of the Divine law; il we viii only think
go, il 10 but reasonable that the national
chasiisements which we Lave receive
are bu, we'll meri,ed punshmeuts for
national sins. During the pas year the
great angel OF Death has summoned d
from the councils Of America our be-
loved and distinguished statesmen
Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, men
whom Americans loved and whom the
world mourns. The circle OF their la
bors and usefulness Was complete, their
cycle OF years was full, the crown OF
their earthly glory wns finished, and
they each descended into the valley oi
u cath, fully conscious that their work
had been entirely performed, and each
was sustained on that last trying hour
by n firm hope in the glorious merits Of
a crucied Redeemer. Their death was
our loss, but their eternal gam.
Under all the circumstances, this
Thanksgiving-day is indeed peculiar
one and while we are grateful for our
blessing, let US be penitent Tor all our
sins and while we seek tor IA continu-
ance Of the tsvors Of God. let us right
fully appreciate these Affections, and
beseech Him to raise up among us other
wise aud prudent statesmen who shall
well III the places OF those whom Death
has removed from U.s. Aud on this oc-
casion especially let us remember the
poor and the suffering.
DoNB AT LAST. A correspondent of