Year: 1861

1t is good sign that when people get into a
peculiarly embarrassing predcament they are
wont TO call on the Lord to help them out. This
shows that infidelty is not making much pro-
gress in the world, and that even worry minded
men are not ashamed to acknowlege their depend
ence upon the blessing and grace of Superior
Being. When Mr. Buchanan found that he had
assisted to ges the country into a scrape, and
hadn't the power to extrcate either the country
or HIMSELF he set apart day for general fasting,
humiliation and prayer; bat out of disrespect for
Mr.. b. large numbers of the devout Christians in
the land refused to fast and humiliate, and so the
country went on down the inclined plane to de-
struction, and Mr.. Buchanan had to acknowledge,
in special message to Congress, that all plans
for pacfying the belgerent elements had proved
to be disastrous failures. We did not regard this
as any reproach upon Providence, because the peo-
pie had been by no means unanimous in prayer,
according to the Presidents proclamation. Had
the day been universally observed, the case doubt
less would have been different.


When Honest old Abe took his departure from
Springfield to enter upon that career of glory
which is to distinguish him in the annals of the
world he stated, in the intermissions of his tears
and sobs, that he placed himself entirely in the
hands of Providence, and desired his old neigh
bors and friends to pray for him, which they prom
ised to do. But when Old Abe got to Harrisburg
where he learned through n mysterious stranger
that certain Blood Tubs and Plug Uglies were
thirsting for his blood he relinqushed his faith in
Providence, and put his trust in a Highland cap
and long military cloak. He c0nfded in Provi-
dence while there was danger, but when the
critical moment came he distrusted Providence
and took the night train. This will probably ac-
count for all the trouble Old Abe has seen since;
and they say no man ever was so bothered and
completely used up with business, bad appetite
and nightmare as he has been been ever since
that memorable nocturnal trip.


A few days ago we read in Philadelphia pa
per that resolution had been introduced in the
Old School Presbyterian Assembly (Which has
been discussing the heathen missions and Amcri-
can politics for two weeks past,) to set apart the
Fourth of July as day on which to offer up
prayers for the success of the Federal Govern
ment, and for the continued waving of the Star
Spangled Banner over all creation. We suppose
by this time the resolution has passed. 1t is per-
haps safe to say it has passed.


But now at this day comes Jefferson Davis,
who has, no doubt, had his eye on the Old School
| Presbyterian Assembly, and kept himself posted
It's proceedings, and issues letters of marked
piety in the shape of Proclamation to the Peo
pie of the Confederate States" Although the
| Government of the Confederate States has not
yet been recognized by earthly powers, Mr.. Da-
Wis, "feeling dependence upon God" is moved
Ito recognize His righteous Government" and
aludes to manifest proofs of the Divine bless


ing hitherto extended 10 the efforts Of the people
of the Confederate States of America" This is
the first formal recognition of foreign power by
the Confederate States that We have seen. If
blockade of the celestial ports to be decreed
against Mr.. Lincoln's Administration, do not
permit ourselves to doubt hat Mr.. Davis would
promptly recognize it, only stipuating that the
blockade should be ei;ectual and perpetual While
this would make the people Of the United States
contraband in Heaven, it world be evidence of a
courteous international comAy the part of
Jefferson Davis.


But the portion of the Proclamation which we
designed particularly noting, showing the great
sagacity of the President of the Southern Con
federacy, is that in which he sets apart the thir-
teenth of June day of prayer to invoke Gods
gracious benediction the Confederate States.
1t will be observed that Jefferson Davis gets
three weeks the advantage of the Old School
Presbyterians by this arrangement. This, how
ever, is probably nothing more than fair, as the
praying force of the North (which will doubtless
be united, independent of sect, this occasion)
is much the largest, assuming that piety is not
sectional, and is the same under both govern
ments Yet the very equality thus produced is
the most embarrassing feature OF the whole. In