Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1860-01-05

EXTRACTS FROM A SERMON, PREACHED JAN. |, 1860,
BY REV. J. EfDRIDGE, ID. d., OF NORFOLK
We live at time when our circumstances are
very different from those of the generations that
have preceded. The matters Of thought, and the
objects of interest, Of those who have preceded
US were more limited, more confined to matters in
their immediate neghborhood, than are the sub
jects On which the minds of reading and thinking
people are at the present time. We live more
abroad, so to speak, than they did Or could.
Stop in at blacksmith shop, OF at store, ard
you are very likely to hear something said about
what is going on on the other side Of the Allan
tic, or on the coast of China. We are virtual
spectators of nearly the whole earth, and nothing
can transpire in any part of the civilized world
that is of striking interest, that is not Immediate
ly gathered up and put in circulation through Tie
press and kept moving entiE it reaches the in
habitants Of the most retired hamlet in TIE
land. This is peculiar and ar important fea-
ture of the times. This circumstance also clothes
public opinion with greater power. All the great
actors on the stage of the world feel that they
are a spectacle to the whole civilized world.
The year 1859 was marked by some events and
transactions, that awakened at the time deep
and wide spread interest. First and foremost a.
mong these, was the war in Italy. We all re-
member with what impotence intelligence from
Europe was expected i'll the early part of the
year, when it was known that Austria had taken
the decisive step, and the Allies were accun1u!a-
ting their forces and then, on any new arrival
from the ether side, how eagerly the question
was asked, Has there yet occurred battle p
The interest only became more deep and general
as the accounts of the bloody fields of Magenta
and Solferino were received. Every thing con-
spired to invest this gigantic struggle with inter
est and Importance The force of combatants
pitted against each other the name of the lead
of the Aliies-that name which had become so
associated with the north of Italy as the scene of
the first campaign of Bonaparte The world
felt strong curiosity to know whether the ne
phew, who had raised himself to the imperial
throne of his Uncle, and who had evinced much
sagaeity and energy in time of peace, would dis
play any extraordinary skill in the conduct of
war, and as a commander of armies. Another
source of interest felt by all in that contest was
the hope that the contest would result in improv-
ing the condition of the Italians That campaign.
short and bloody was soon closed it passed a.
way like brief and fearful tempest. 1t has set
all the political elements of Europe in fernent
A congress of the various States is soon to meet
ia which an adjustment CT the various points now
unsettled, and more particularly, as regards the
condition OF Italy, is to be sought. And however
the high hopes that many at one time entertain
ed, of beneficial results of the war, may not be
fully realized; one thing is nearly certain that
some advance will be made. Things will be left
in a more favorable condition than formerly. One
remark in the manifesto of the Emperor Of the
French, shows that a new era has commenced in
Europe. He has said that no man who under
stands the spirit of the age, will imagine that
mere military success will secure him real glory
He is aware that to entitle one to that in our
time, man must do something for the benefit of
the nation he governs, and must in his dealings
with other powers have some respect to principle
and equity. That notion, as it gains currency
will do more to prevent wars, and to restrain
princes and kings than any thing else.
In our country the recent affair at Harper's
Ferry, it is needless to say, has produced pro-
found sensation. not only in the South, but
through the whole country. It is not my pur-
pose TO comment upon that affair, except to say
that, with scarcely exception, the invasion has
been highly disproved. But one observation of a
general nature will, / think, meet the views of
ALL That is, that it seems to be sort of fatality
that the institutions of the South, as they call
them, in other words that Slavery is by some
means or other constantly held UP to public gaze
Now the unfortunate thing about it is, that it
will not bear the light. Those who desire its
Continuance act a very unwise part in urging it