The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1872-03-16
A Notable Incident.

1t is a gratifying evidence Of the enlightenment Of
the age and the stand taken and continued TO be held
by the Government Of the United States in the cause
of religious liberty, that n Jewish clergyman, and
he, too, a nonresident Of the country, should be
privileged to open Congress with prayer, as was the
case in the House recently. The gentleman who ~
oficiated was Professor Abraham de Sofa, Ii. d., Of
Montreal, whose eloquent and non-sectarian prayer
was as follows
Almighty and Everlasting God these Thy SER
wants, the representatives, Of the people Of the United
States in Congress assembled, have come 10 legisntc
in accordance with the principles Of civil aud re-
ligious liberty enunciated by their sires, the founders
Of this Republic, and by perpetuating the same, 90
prove themselves worthy the glorious heritage they
have received. Then look down from Thy holy hab-
itation from Heaven, and assist and bless them AT
this time. Pour out Thy spirit most plenteously up
on them yea, let rest upon them the spirit Of wis
dom and understanding, the spirit Of counsel and CT
ability, the spirit Of the knowledge u Thee, - Lord.
Let Righteousness be the girdle Of their loins, and
flithfulness the cincture Of their reins. And In all
their deliberations for the public veal, let not per-
sonal or partisan hostility find place., but suffer har-
mOny, patriotism, truth and justice 10 pervnde them,
20 that 20 bigotry there may be- given no sanction, and
to persecution no assistance. Let such a spirit pre-
vail in all they do and say for this their country. and
inspire them with an enlarged sentiment Of peace
and good will toward all other people.
We gratefully acknowledge, . Lord, that such n
sentiment is signally manifesting itself in our day,
and we render unto thee our most hearty thanks that
Thou UeIInltteEt uS even now 10 witness "A victory OF
peace infinitely greater than any victory achieved IN
war at any time and by any people, IN that this ma
ton and its parent nation are settling their differ
ences, not by might, not by power. but by Thy spirit
in a manner best becoming those q one origin, Ian
guage and blood by an appeal 20 the arbitrament Of
nations impartial and disiL terested. And ms afore-
tine and among other people many n vindictive and
bloody struggle, destroying both the material re-
sources and moral sense Of those engaged, have orig
mated in much less important considerations, we
have special cause 20 thank Thee that this evil was
averted, and 10 ask that the words Of the Chief Mag
istrate Of the Republic may indeed be realized, that
this example may be everywhere followed, 80 as 20
restore t. the productive industry Of the world mill
ions Of men now engaged in training and preparations
for war. Bless, then. both these nations who declare
the glad tidings Of peace 70 the world, draw them yet
nearer and nearer TO each other in mutual esteem and
mutual confidence, and this not merely for their own
welfare, but for the blessing Of all the families Of the
earth to whom they are the hope, the teachers Of lib
erty and enlightenment.
Supreme Ruler Of the Universe May it please
Thee TO let the light Of Thy countenance shine con-
tinuously on this land, Thou hast hitherto 80 greatly
favored, open unto it Thy goodly treasure, and bless
it with prosperity within and tranquility without.
Preserve it from blOodshed and from the pestilence
that stalketh in darkness. Maintain within IL tho
grand charter Of liberty Thou hast inspired and as
he who sacrligeously touched Thine altar Of old was
accounted worthy of death, 50 perish the unhallowed
hand that would pervert or destroy this Constitution
Of wisdom, justice and liberty for the narrow pur-
poses Of seetarianism. And lastly, and above all.
may its people advance more in the fear Of Thee and
in the love of Thee. so that they may be for a name
and praise among all the nations, Of the earth. Amen