The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1862-12-03

the voice OF thanksgiving and prayer TO the God OF
all nations is ascending as sweet incense to His
throne from the hearts of loyal millions, notwith
standing the cloud that darkens our national horizon,
and Notwithstanding the query propounded by some
-'What have we to be thank ul for1'
There different agencies throughout the world'
and every such agency wields an influence for good
or evil. The agency of the Supreme Ruler Of the
universe is immutable-in its effect there is no clash
ing-but blending harmony marks its entire pro-
gress. The agencies of Governments, of Kings and
Presidents are of wider range in proportion to
their power than indvduals--yet each Individual
is an agent and exercises an influence in the world
for good evil. 1t is only when agencies of op-
posite tendencies come IN contact that there is a
clash-a battle-and triumph gained for good or
evil. But over every agency put forth in favor of
Error and opposed to Truth, Jehovah exercises
His omnipoance, and at precisely the right time the
command goes forth Thus far shalt thou go and
no further-here shall thy proud ways be stayed"
And out of every evil agency at work in the world,
he will produce good and cause it to further the
advancement of His own great ends.
As u nation--we give thanks to God for the loca-
ton Of our country. 1t is not to be found amid
Russian SHOWS, nor Arctic glaciers nor yet in the
burning sands of African deserts. 1t is situated in
the genial influence of the temperate zone. Iii far
enough removed by the broad Atlantic from the Old
World to escape entanglement with the rotten sys
TENS and corrupting influences of European powers.
1t contains within itself all the elements of future
grandeur, wealth and power-is inexhaustable in
its physical resources and almost houndless in its
widespread domain. Extensive as country is,
;ooll ho
to show that it was ever intended for two distnct
governments. Traitors can find no place for dividing
the Union God has so located it that il must re-
main unit. All local influences, local institutions,
and local preudices must give way that the unity of
our country may be preserved.
We should give thanks to God to-day for his pro-
tecting arm extended TO US as q nation from that
cold December morn--when a small band of Furi-
tans, driven by oppression from home, landed upon
Plymouth Rock-to the present hour. His overrul-
ing providence guided and sustained the infant col
ones in the bloody contest waged by them with one
of the most powerful nations on the globe Through
out that long and arduous struggle He was their
watchful guardian, and triumphantly and success
fully they cut the bonds which united them to Eng
lish tyranny. They gained their independence, and
the united colonies took their place among the ma
tons of the earth-with one ceg, however, obstruct
ing the government Wholesome black spot tarnish-
ing the fair escutcheon of liberty-One trust that
from Abraham Lincoln has received its death-blow.
A second time we measured arms with our adver-
sary England, and a second time, with the help Of
the God of Battles, insoent and naughty foe
was made to feel and acknowledge our power.
We give thanks to-day for the unlimited resources
so bountifully bestowed upon our country BY the
God of nations. We feel thankful for its vast terri
tory, its rich mines, It's fruitful valleys, its lofty
mountains, It's great lakes and rivers, its school
houses and churches dotting Its vast extent every
where, thus giving encouragement to the arts and
sciences, and a powerful impetus in the onward
march of civilization. Here there sno combination
of Church and State They are divorced, and re-
ligious freedom and liberty of conscience is guar
anteed to all, Every one, in the language of Holy
Writ, worships God iuuder III. own vine and fig
| tree"
In the original draft of the Declaration of indie
pendence by its author, Thomas Jefferson, one of
the causes assigned for dssolving our connection
with the mother country, was the fact that Great
Britain had enailed upon the colonies the scOurge
of slavery, with all its concomitant evils. But the
saveholding interest began to show its domineer-
ing spirit, and demanded that the clause should be
stricken out. In order 10 prevent difficulty and
maintain harmony, the first concession was made
the clause erased.
The same element that struck that clause from
the original draft of the Declaration, endeavored to
introduce guarantees of protection TO slavery in the
Constitution, and to throw around it safeguards for
its perpetuation. In measure these men were
successful, but not to their complete satisfaction
Here we have the secret of all our present trouble
Right and Wrong, Truth and Error, have been
compromising until the present weight of ills have
accumulated and resulted in the gigantic rebellion
now desolating our fair Republic.
Stevens, the Vice President of the Rebel Confed
eracy has truthfuy said, that the stone slavery
which the builders rejected has become the head
of the corner" This iniqutous system is the chiei
cornerstone upon which the policy of the Cpnfed
crate Government is based. II is slavery alone
that has caused the war. The trouble has beer
brought upon ourselves by the compromises and
concessions which have been made to the monster
evil. Thirty years ago the statesmen of the Soutf
saw with evident alarm the wde-spreading inAu
ence which was obtaining from the Puritan ele
ment of the country, and even penetrating int
Southern territory. Twas then they demanded
new guarantees and more definite legislation, il
order to foster their "sacred institution" Then i
was that Southern statesmen and Southern clerg,
joined together in defense of their "pecpliar insti
tution," and the Pulpit lahored assiduousy in il
5 endeavors to prove the divinity of slavery,
a
t They saw that the drain upon their wealth wa
S becoming too heavy If they continued the plan @
= buying up Northern doughfaces and they desire
to hit upon less expensive mode, whereby to rul
the mudsills" of the North and retain the rens
y Government. When Martin Van Bure
: declared in his message that Congress had n
e power slavery in the District of Columbii
: Calhoun, who had been his bitter opponent, TOO
J. him by the hand and was ever aftsrward the SUI
e porter of his administrative policy.
= The speaker would not say why it was that Pre-
ident Harrison died SO soon after his inauguration
but the fact was patent to all that Vice Preside
Tyler became the plant tool of slave interests al
slave power nor would he say why il was tn
d President Taylor, who was disposed to retard Il
growth and influence of slavery, closed his earth
career in the early part of his admir- istrstiOn-b
n ii is well-known fact that the control of the Go
erhment was again placed in the grasp Of the Sopt
= The speaker stated that he was aware there we
. those who objected to the discussion of slavery
a the pulpit-a class who contend that a minister
> transcending bis proper sphere when he mingles
a the muddy pool of politics but in the discussion
4 this question principles of the highest moment a