The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-01-05

Inc new DcnpOl Presbyterian anu OOn6ro.
gational Churches Of this city united in their
observance Of yesterday, as day Of fasting
and humiliation, in accordance with the re-.
commentator Of the President, and the Rev.
Mr.. Thatcher preached discourse.
The exercises were opened with prayer by
Rev. Mr.. Carey, who said that while we had
to thank God, We had 90 occasion for fasting
and humiliation, because Of war, or famine,
or pestiience; Jet, in view Of our great ma
sional and individual sins, No bad reason to
humble ourselves and to cry nightly to God
for help. lie prayed especially that our
President, now in the evening OF his days
and the de ,line Of bis power, might humble
himself, 10 view Of the mighty responsible
ties resting upon him; that he might not re-
gard iniquisy in his heart; that while SUR
rounded with temptations, seemingly almos
too strong for human virtue, be might yet
show himself man, patriot and Chris
tian.
The Rev. Mr.. Thatcher prefaced tho an
nouncement OF bis text with some remarks,
in effect that the occasion, on account OF
which We had assembled, was one OF deeply
solemn and momentous interest; and refer
ring to the call OF the President, said that
while he could not coincide with him az to
the causes which had brought about tho dis
turbances in our nation, as announced in HE
recommendation to the people, yet it was
emincntly fitting and proper we should OBJ
serve the day in fasting and humiliation in
view of sins Of which the nation was guilty
before God and the world.
He said no should speak only Gods truth,
and that without regard TO the political views
Of any whom he might address-that he
might be earnest, bat that was his manner
that he might differ from and oven offend
some-but that tho thoughts and feelings he
Was about to express coursed through biz
head and brain like ere 10 hs bones. and on
such theme be could scarcely be calm.
His text as here announced was, sis II
5sth chap. 9Th verse. The fast here spoken
OF by the prophet was one where the people
had gone through all the formalities Of fast
ing and humiliation, bu, had not the soul o,
the act in them-that it was hypocritical-
prayer without repcntsnce-forms withou
heart-a bowling of the kuee. while thu
naughty spirit was wrapped in sel6shnes
and sin Such a fast was not acceptable Il
God, but the prophet told them that il the,
would have the Lord TO guide them, the,
must ssloose the bands Of wickedness, undo
tho heavy bnriens, hrenk tho yoke, and le
the oppressed 60 free."
So, he said, we must act at this time, il
God would hear our prayers. II would no
do to bewail sin in general; would net do To-
Omissions to deal too tenierly with cher
ished evils would not do for ministers o
the gospel, with a timidity, alike unmanl
and unbecoming the servants OF God, to for
bear to cry out against sins which are work
ing the ruin OF our nation.
Look over our country, and We see on
loved Union dissolving, and already dis
solved, 80 far a. q restless, defiant state On
accomplish it. A feeling OF deep hostility
out spoken in the pulpit, in the halls Of Con
grcss. in tho State assembly, and throug
the press-all proclaim 10 startling tones th
great impending crisis.
Why IL il? Ianswer God is visiting q
in judgment for our sins. lie has Ion
blessed 10 above measure-with Abundar
harvests, with good health, and With gener,
prosperity but We have forgotten Him, an
yielded ourselves to iqaity. might dive
spon the many sins which, ~ people, y
Indulge in-of drunkenness, Of pride, (
Sabbath profAnstion, Of in6delity, 10 all i
insidious forms, Of profit yacy, Of dishones,
IN the commercial worl |, Of dishonesty
public office and Of party spirit, which b.
run riot in the land, and before who's
mighty power the voice Of truth has bee
hushed and the judgment Of the people cal
ried captive ct its viii but oil these Y
know, and readily confess and condemn.
Then, too. there is the spirit Of mammol
Oh, how fearful are its ravagss; how
blights and wi.bers all that 10 noble az
lovely in the human soul! But, continue
the speaker, the burthen Of my mission Il
day 10 not to speak Of these. There is Al
other crying evil Of fur greater nagnitud
/ ID tho iHnd- rim Of this Amcricsn pcopl
II mean negro siavery | call it sin.
know il 10 Sin, and one for which God |
bis displeasure 10 now bringing upon us th
troubles Of the present time. ] call negr
slavery, - it exists in tho South, sin, 10
the following reasons: