The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-25
An Appeal of the Clergymcn OF Richmond,

TO THE FANATICS, MApMEN AND WILD POLITICIANS


OF ALL PAHTiEs.
At meeting of the ministers Of the Gospel in the city
OF Richmond convened on Thursday, the 18th instant
after public notice, the Rev. 7. Moore called to
the chair, and the Rev. George Woodbridge appointed
Secretary.
The Rev. Dr. Smith of Randolph Macon, being present
was invited TO assist in their deliberations.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr.
The following address then presented, and after
mature deoera'on was unanimously Myo aa1pte Sh,,n
GEO. WOODBRIDGE, Secretary.
BRETHREN FELLOW CITIzEys-The undersigned, min
listers OF the Gospel, Of different Christian denominations
in the city Of Richmond, do not think that shall tran
scend our proper sphere in addressing to yo respect
fully and earnestly, few conservative remarks the
present alar ming crisis in our national affairs
Our clerical profession though has restrained from
taking active part in political matters has not quenched
the ardor Of our patriotism We cherish as our invaluable
birthright the liberty, civil and religious secured for
by the toll valor and blood OF fathers We fer
yently attached to national institutions, planned by
the wisdom and consolidated by the conservative spirit OF
revolutionary patriots We love country-our whole
counry-our country with all its faults Welook upon the
citizens every State of the Union brethren. or
all the people on the face the EARTH they have the
greatest TO be thankful and contented. The
does BOT shine upon nation so free, so favored, 80
prosperous We deem it our solemn duty,
patriots and Christians, to contribute in every lawful
method to the perpetuaon of blessings numerous 20
We have seen, with painful socitude, the agiations
which have married the peace and threatened the stability
Of our Union sectional jeaouses and bitterness have
to great degree usurped the place OF patriotism and
brohery love- Citizens of the same country descendants
Of the race, nhcriors OF the priceless Priv
leges guardians Of the bcncicent institutions
in deadly hostility against each other The spirit OF
violence showing itself in misrepresentation and abuse
in the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF the tongue, and OF the press in
personal assaults in insubordnation and in armed resis
lance to the lawful authority ID rife and spreading in the
country. The flames OF civil kndlng in Dor
ders. As American citizens hunblcd, AMI as
Christians we are deeply mortified and greved at th
We have seen that, in various parts of the country
meetings called conventions held, speeches
delivered resolutions are adopted and all or nearly all
n tup
Of the human heart and add fuel to flame that threatens
to the noble fabric of our government We have
read no account OF any meeting assembled for the pat
riotic and Christian purpose OF aayng the popular
element, awakng the conservative spirit of the people
and invoking the blessing of the Most High our rulers
and on nation.
We believe that God rcgns in Righteousness over the
nations Of the earth. His gracious and controlling prov
dencc has been emnently displayed in the history Of
beloved country. Our Revolutionary fathers &C
knowedged the sovereignty of God; relied on His sustain
ing power and sought by fasting humiliation and prayer
TO depecate His wrath and to secure His guidance and pro-
lection in the unequal struggle in which they
gagged. Nor did they appeal to him in vain. BY many
wonderful interpretations He gave them the victory, and
enabled them to establish government which has been
the admiration Of the world the hope of republican IL
berty From the auspcious dawn of our republic to this
hour he has been the guide defence and beneactor of our
nation The perpetuity Of eur natunal institutions, and
the prosperity of country depend on His bessng and
we humby trust that He who watched over our national
infancy and nourished US to vigorous manhood will not
forsake We He will not, If by our ma
onal niquties do not fosct his favor and provoke
His wrath.
We regard the law oil Goa rs the 1OunuatOn OF all
law binding by its precepts all men, Of every sphere
and calling in fc and the standard by which all human
actions should be judged and We, therefore, earnestly
derecate all exaperang personalities, all asperty and
ntemperance of language all resorts to physical force
for redress contrary to the teaching of Gods word
and derogatory that elevated civilization OF which
that word is the origin the rule and the safeguard
In view Of these considerations 1t seems good TO US 70
address few words Of exhortaton fellow citizens.
In the present circumstances it Is the obvious and imper.
alive duty Of all to cherish patriotic candid kind ana
forbearng spirit Let seduously avoid every word and
Ixr,;.h fanA IA M
and irritation Let give counenance TO lawlcss vo-
lence whether in low high places. Let US seek by
every practicable method to strengthen and brighten the
bond Of fracrna union, which should embrace every o
zen Of favored and Territories And above ALL
let Christians erventy pray to the Father OF Light for his
blessing ruers--tha they may be wise, firm, con-
ciang and patriotic; and for our pcoplethat they may
be peaceabe prosperous and happy. We are called nd
viduay self examination the confession of SINS
penitence and reformation of our lives and by these
methods far readily than by fierce discussion we
avert the dangers which impending over our beloved
land And now we entrca you, by every consideration
Of patriotism and pieyby the memory OF our fathers
by the blood which purchased our bertiesby the Illus
trous deeds OF Bunker Hill and Yorktown-by the his
tory Of the past-by the millions, living and unborn,
whose welfare depends on the preservation OF our Union
and especially by religious prosperity so greatly
increased under excellent government, to Ioow tho
| things which make for peace"
In conclusion we earnestly request our fellow citizens
to unite with Sunday preceding The fourth day OF
July next in prayer secret social and public 70 the GOO
Of nations that he would mercify restrain the angry
passions OF men, inspire rulers with moderate and
pacific spirit dispense the clouds overhangng favored
republic restore the harmony which once existed among
the States Of this Unon and enable us TO transmit 70 our
postery, in their enreness the inestimablo privileges
| which we have received from our ancestors.
J: B. JETER 7. II. JONES.
| RIB. G. HOWELL, J: D: BLACKWELL
IL J, Ln BTRRows' VA 4 SMITH SMITH
II. WATKINS r. " MOORE,