Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1861-01-04

FAST DAY.-This fourth day of Janu-
ary. "A. H.. 4ool, nas oeen .e.oHmeuaeu "
the President Of the United States as a day to
be observed by the people with fasting, humil-
iation aud prayer 1t is a reasonable-a sala-
tary accommodation. 1t should be acquesced
in by every loyal, Union loving man in the
country.
We are sorry to state that there are those
who do not feel it their duty to obey tLis re-
quest-not because they do not feel tha, the
.xgencies OF the case demand the observance
ot such day-not because they do not believe
that the unitci prayers of the people would
avail much-but because the recommendation
comes from James Buchanan. There is no 9th.
er reason. II ever there was day 10 which
the people Of this country should with one &C.
cord pause in their secular occupations, and
with contrite hearts humble themselves before
God, and offer up their heartfelt petitions for
the safety and pressr alton Of our blessed coun.
try, that time is already with us. The recon-
menda,ion COMES to us from the Chiet Magis
tra,e of the land, in which, happily, our lots
have been cast it comes with sincerty-from
the depth of his heart, and for the benefit Of
all why should it not be obeyed? There is
no reason, and We trust that the petitions of
those who do feel called upon to observe this
day viii Le heard by Him who holds the des-
TIMES Of nations in the hollow OF His tand, and
in great mercy granted.
Within the experience of the oldest man liv
ing there has not occurred time when there
was really such important reasons for a day
like this. Do this people put their trust in
God! Why not turn aside, then, from politi-
cal strifss, from all manner of secular busin ess.
and call upon him in whom We place that trust,
and seek the deiverance Of our country from
the tsmE eat which the bad hearts and wicked
acts of men have brought upon the country.
Let NO man wrap himself up in the cloak OF
self-rig ghteousnsss and say that II have not
caused Tiny skirts are clear of this sin y let
no man after the fashion Of the priest aud tL g
Levite turn and pass on the other side. while
the Nation lies bleeding, and calls for help.
No let those who love their country follow
he example of the good Samaritsn-let them
pour oil upon the lacerated bosom OF American
Liberty. and in the place of curses and cold.
ness. displsy spirit Of peace and panisepce-
. desire 40 nation, and 40 national men to sin
no more.
We could wish for nothing better than that
en- this day every man and woman in the
Union would kneel around the Altar Of the
American Union, and coofess their sins; repent
Of them acd arise from their knsss absoly. d
from all that animosity and sectional hatred
which has 80 warped the better judgment o.
the people. and so imperiled our happy. pros
perous land.
Ifsvil befal this country--if she wrecks up
on this sea, the Elm will be ct the doors Of the
people. They have. the power in their own
hands to calm the sssrm. Let them speak forth
and Congress dare not disobey their behest.
bet thsm speak as a nation, and heir words,
like those of the Saviour when he bade the
waves be st,ll, would iull the ocean Of passion
to slsep. and the gallant old Ship of State
would ride on in safety.
Let this dAy be observed. Let those whose
hearts are not 700 closely clogged with scdnrs-
ed fanatieism aud selfrighleousnsss, pray for
the Uniou-pray for the perpstuity 81 her no.
BILE institutions pray for those in power pray
for their enemies. and especially for those who
cling 70 their idols thoash the Union 60 in
pispes--prsy with one accord for our noble,
oaurr beloved America. nsbaqse I