The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-01-16


$50 the people of Nineveh believed God, and
proclaimed fast, and put on sackeloth from
the greatest of them, unto the least, &c.-Jo-
NAH, 8, 5-10.
In all ages, fasting has been observ-
ed on various and different occasions.
1t has also been practiced by the most
of the nations of the earth. The pur-
poses have been as varied as circqm-
stances have arisen. 1t has been OBJ
served for penance, and for particular
sins. 1t was a custom amongst the
Jews on many occasi ons, to fast from
morning until evening Christians
have tasted and prayed in all periods
of the Church for more religion, and a
deeper work Of piety, and entire holi-
ness of heart and life-that they might
be filled with all the fullness of God.
Most of the nations of Europe have
had national fasts in our recollection ::
that Heaven might be implored to
turn away the desolations of war and
pestilence. In l849 President Tay-
Tor issued proclamation for national
humiliation, fasting and prayer-that
the Lord might put an end to the pes
thence, tho Asiatic cholera, that was
then laying waste our towns and cities
and now, We have the proclamation of
President Buchanan for different pur-
pose. 1t is to pray to God that he
may remove from us internal commo-
tions that threaten us with civil war,
and save the Republic from those per-
lis which are seen on every hand.
The King of Nineveh, at the warning
voice Of Gods prophet, did likewise
proclaim day of humiliation and fast
ing for his sins and that Of his people,
that His anger might be turned away
from them.
The SINS OF nation, 0hateuer
they may be, are closely inspected by
the Almighty
The inspired penman has not been
pleased to state what the sin, or sins
Of the people Of Nineveh were, and it
would be in vain for us to imagine.
The King calls it violence in their
hands J" That God is very jealous of
his rights amongst all the nations of
the earth will not be denied. He sur
veys with an eye Of the strictest JUS
tice the actions of all the communities
Of the globe. A nation as such, has
no existence in another world; for in
state of rewards and punishments all
will be Observation-Disclosures, ma
tions can only be punished in this.
There has been no nation but what
have had national sins-some of a
worse character than others. There
is perhaps now no nation but at this
moment have grevious sins, and nought
but penitenee can stay the avenger
Destruction may slumber, but the
boarded wrongs of past centuries will
sooner or later be awakened, and fall
with crushing power, and overturn the
foundations Of human society.
Sin has voice that pierces the
heavens, and in the language of Christ,
Where the carcass is thither will
the eagles be gathered together" As
certainly as birds of prey find the car
cass, so certainly will the thunderbolts
of the Almighty fall with the most
scathing power on that nation that Vi
olates the natural and revealed locs
of God.
Nations are suspended in the golden
scales of equity, and weighed by that
hand alone which is just and impartial.
It's He that righteth up the nations,
and says of them as he did to Belshaz-
Ear, Thou art weighed in the balances
and art found wanting. " This is clear
~ seen, and in no way can we account
for demolished kingdoms, and ruined
cities, but on the principal that the