Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1859-12-08
Washington and His Tim es.

washington and His Times.
In our last issue we vcntured to speak Of
the importance of Washingtons civil services
and the religious spirit of our forefathers.-
We arc apt to think of the former as the lead
err Of our armies and the chief instrument of
our Independence, but not so much as the
head of our government, and the chief bond
of our Union, as well as Of the Constitution
which alone preserved that Union. But in
fact we cannot exaggerate the importance OF
his cirH services any more than his military.
How both of these were appreciated by his
cotemporarics, is manifest from document
which has fallen under our notice since we
wrote last.
On the occasion of Washington's accession
to the chief magistracy. the Senate Of the u
States assured him that ''in him all parties
confded, and all interests united" They ex
pressed the conviction that his former servi
cos great as they had been, would be equaled
by his remaining cxertions, and that his pru-
dence and sagacty as statesman, would tend
to avert the dangers to which they were cx
posed, to give stability to the government,
and dignity and splendor to that country,
which his skill and valor as soldier had so
cminently contributed 10 raise to indepeDd
ance an empire. They even declared, that
among the great events which led to the es-
Enlistment Of the Federal government, they
esteemed his acceptance Of the Office of Pres
ident as one Of the most propitous and i'm
portant."
In connection with this document, remar-
kable proof is afforded Of the rel gious spirit
both of Washington and his times. He was
on all occasions man of few words, and
modest professions. He was the last man to
indulge in pious talk, even on the gravest oc-
casions 1t was out OF the abundance of the
heart, his mouth spake thus when entering
upon his Office as President of the United
States, Washington said in his address to Goa.
gress.
at would be peculiarly improper to omit
in this my LIST official act, my fervent suppl
cations to that Almighty Being, who rules
over the universe, who presid-s in the coun-
ellis of nations, and whose providential aids
can supply every defect, that His benediction
may consecrate to the liberties and happiness
of the people, the government instituted for
these essential purposes and enable every in
strument employed in its administration to
execute with success the functions allotted to
his charge No people can be bound to ac-
knowledge and adore the invisible Hand
which conducts the affairs of men, more than
the people of the United States. Every step,
by which they have advanced to the charac-
ter of an independent nation, seems to have
been distinguished by some token Of provi-
dental agency, and in the important revolu-
lion just accomplished, in the system OF their
united government, the tranquil deliberations
and voluntary consent Of so many distinct
communities, from which the event has re.
suited, cannot be compared with the means
by which most governments have been es-
tablishcd, without some return Of pious graf
itude, along with an humble anticipation Of
the future blessings, which the past seem to
presage. These reflections have forced them
selves upon my mind too strongly to be sup
pressed. You will join with me trust il
thinking, that there are none under the in.
fluence of which new and free government
can more auspiciously commence"
"There is no truth more thoroughly estab'
lished, than that there exists in the economy
and course OF nature an indissoluble unior
between virtue and happiness, duty and add
vantage, between the genuine maSims of al
honest ard magnanimous policy, and the sol
id rewards of public prosperity aud felicity
and we ought no less to be persuaded, tina
the propitious smiles Of Heaven can never b,
expected to descend on nation that dsre
CARDS the eternal rules of order and right
Having impaired to You my sentiments,
take my leave, not without resorting ono
more to the benign parent of the human race
in humble duplication, tina. as He has beer
pleased to favor the American people hither
to, SO His Divine blessing may be equal.
conspicuous in time to come"
These sentiments were by no means pccu
liar 10 Washington, but as he desired anc
hoped they We're endorsed most cordially b.
both Houses OF Congress. The answer of ON
of them, which was reported by Mr.. Madi
son, states that their anticipation of happy
result to his administration was mot only
justified by the past experience Of his sigma
services, but was particularly suggested BY
the pious impressions under which he bat
commenced it," They declared that the,
"felt with him the strongest obligations to a
dore the invisible Hand, which had led thu
Anssicsa people through 50 many Difficult