Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-06-23
Gro. wOOOuRrDsr, Secretary
Br.lkr,n ar.i 80. 49,,

Breikrsa aad Fsfio.r, JStss~-s
The undersigned Ministers ~ the CsSscS1 II laeser,
Christian denominations in the sty NJ HeAr,1 ~ NJ,
think that shall Transcend prer srArre in srs
sing to you respectfully and earnestly tee Conservative
remarks the alarming cur national
fairs.
Our clerical profession though il has rcs.r.nsd u. from
taking an active part in political matters has eucnehe
Die birth right the liberty. civ and religious secured for
by the toll vslor and blood Of our fathers We are
ferveny attached to national institutions planned by
the wisdom. and consolidated by the conservative spirit OF
revolutionary patriots We love our eountry-oar whole
ccunry-our country With all its faults. We look upon
the citizens OF State of the Union brethren
o all the people the lace OF the tn they have the
greatest cause to be thankful and eontented The sun
does not shine upon nation frc scisvocd prospe
rous ours We deem il solemn duty patriots and
Christians to contribute in every siu method the per
peuaon blessings numerous, various and rich
We have seen, with painful solcitaie the sgitatons
which have mared the peace and threatened the stability
OF our Union Sectional jealoues and bitterness have
10 great degree, qsurped the place OF patriotism and
brothey love- Citizens of the country descendants
OF the inherors Of the priceless pTiy
eges guardians OF the benihcent institutions are set
in deadly hostility against each other The spirit OF yio-
lence showing itsen misrepresentation and abuse the
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF the tongue and of the press personal
assaults in INSTRUMENTATION, and in armed resistance to
lawful authority Is rife and spreading in the
The flames OF civil kndlng ON our borders As
American citizens humbled, and Christians we
are deenly mortified and greved this OF things
meetings called conventions held speeches are
delivered, resolutions adopted, and ALL 1eery all
are designed TO agitate namc, excite the passions
OF the human heart and add fame threatens TO
consume the noble fabric of government. We have
read no account Of meeting assembled for the patriot
&c and Christian purpose OF asying the popular excite
ment awskng the conservative spirit of the people and
invoking the blessing OF the Most High rulers and
nation.
We believe that God rrgus in righteousness over the
nations OF the earth His gracious aud controlling prov
lauHa has -
our beloved country Our revolutionary fathers acknow
edged the sovereignty OF God relied his sustaining pow
er, and sought, by fasting, humiliation and prayer
ieprecate his wrath and His guidance and pro.
lection in the unequal struggle ia which they were en-
gagged Nor did they appeal Him in vain. By many
wonderful interpretations lie gave them the victory an EN-
abed them to establish government which has been the
admiration OF the world and the hope of republican ber-
ty. FROM the auspicious dawn of republic to this
hoa lie has been the guide defence and benefactor Of
our nation The pepetuity OF national institutions and
the prosperity OF our country depend HE blessing and
humble trust that He who watched national
infancy, aud nourshcd to vigorous manhood will
nov forsake US We are he will not, it. by our
national niqutes do not forfeit His favor and provoke
His wrath
We regard the law OF God As the foundation Of all
human law binding by its precepts all Of every
sphere and calling in the life and the standard BY which
all human actions should be judged; and therefore,
earnestly depecate all e1asperating personalities all
Asperiiy and intemperence Of language all TO
physical force for redress contrary to the teaching OF
izauon OF which that word is origin; the rule and the
safeguard.
In view ofthese Considerations it good Us to
address lev wordsof eIhorAtiou fellow citizens
In the present circumstances tits the obvious and imper-
alive duty OF all TO cherish patriotic, cand kind and
orbearng spirit Let seduousy avoid every word and
deed which tend To increase the public excitement
and irritation Let give countenance awess VIC
lence whether in low high places. Let seek, by
every practicable method TO strengthen and brighten the
bond OF aiernal union which should embrace every ct
OF favored States and Territories And above all
let Christians ierveny pray the Father OF Light for bis
blessing rnlers-that they may be wise firm con-
eiating and pairoe-and for people, that they may
be peaceabe prosperous aud happy. We called nd-
vduay TO Determination the confession Of pen
itenee, and reformation OF lves-and by these
methods, far readily than by fierce discussion We
avert the dangers which impending our beloved
land. And entreat YOU, by every consideration
Of patriotism and pety-by the memory OF our fathers
by the blood which purchased our liberes-by the illus
rous deeds OF Bunker Hill and lorktown-by the history
OF the past-by the millions living and unborn whose
welfare depends the preservation OF Uniol-and
especially by religious prosperity, greatly increased
under our excellent government SOllow the things
which make for peace"
Ia conclusion. earnestly request our fellow cittzens
10 unite with the Sunday preceding the fourth day
OF July next III prayer, secret, social and public 10
the God Of nations that he would mercuy restrain the
angry passions OF inspire rulers with moderate
and pacific spirit dispefse the clouds ovethAngug our
favored republic restore the harmony which existed
among the States OF this Union, aud enable 70 trans
NIT TO our posterty in their entireness the inetua
Die privileges Shich have received from ances-
farz