Day of fasting and prayer.
--The National Fast recommended by
Mr. Buchanan, was respectfully observed in this city; and if the pleasant beams of a bright sun can be regarded as a token of Heaven's favor, then was the occasion peculiarly blessed.
The day seemed much like the Sabbath.
The stores and places of business generally were closed, and throngs of people attended the places of worship, all of which, we believe, were open.
In some instances, addresses were delivered by the pastors, who touched upon the impending difficulties in terms that showed their sincerity of heart.
Others devoted the period of service to prayer and devotion, earnestly petitioning for Divine interference to stay the hand of civil war and prevent internecine strite.
Some, indeed, seemed hopeful of an suspicious result, so general and ready was the observance of the
President's recommendation; but we apprehend that it was more universally viewed as a compliance with an apparently sincere request of the
Chief Magistrate, which, in a Christian community, could not be disregarded without denying the attributes of Divine power.
The people yesterday appeared to refrain cheerfully from the usual amusements of a holiday occasion.
Everything was quiet and orderly, and those who were tempted out by the delightful weather, exhibited a decorum in their conduct which must be pronounced praiseworthy.
The churches were all well filled, and some of them densely crowded.
At the First Baptist Church, in the morning, a powerful address was delivered by
Rev. Dr. Jeter, and in the afternoon
Rev. Dr. Burrows delivered an impressive discourse in the Third Baptist Church.
The Rev. Mr. Butler officiated at
St. John's, and his sermon is represented to have been marked with peculiar beauty.
His idea was, that, while relying fully upon the means of Divine grace, the observance-of a period of fasting, which is penance for sins committed, was eminently proper among the
Northern people, whose pernicious sentiments, instilled into the minds of their youth, have brought about the present deplorable events.
Mr. Butler also made an inspiring allusion to the great speech of
Patrick Henry, delivered in that place.
Among other sermons, which we have heard highly spoken of for their eloquence and true
Southern patriotism, were those of
Rev. Dr. Minnegerode, of
St. Paul's, and
Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the Third Presbyterian Church.
Indeed, we have heard of none that expressed a sentiment of submission to Northern aggression, but all declared strongly for the maintenance of Southern rights at all hazards.
The Rev. Moses D.Hoge, yesterday morning preached an able and eloquent sermon to a crowded and attentive auditory, in the First Presbyterian Church, from these words:
‘
"Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man."--
Psalms, 60th chap,
Rev. ’
Dr. Hoge, after acknowledging our sins as a nation and as individuals, and devoutly recognizing the afflicting hand of God in our present troubles and impending dangers, said that as the primary occasion of assembling together for solemn worship was the political condition of the country, it was proper to refer to the secondary causes which, under God's providence, the great first cause had brought the country to its present disastrous state.
Chief among these causes, was a blind and reckless fanaticism, which, from small beginnings, had increased in power and intensity, until it now held sway over a large portion of the
Union.
This fanaticism had just accomplished what the
Father of his Country had denounced — a sectional triumph upon sectional principles — making war upon Southern institutions, which looked to their "ultimate extinction" This exhibition of unfriendly feeling had produced the separation of one State from the
Union, and in all probability in a few weeks several other States would be gone.
Civil war was impending over us with all its horrors; for, said
Dr. Hoge, incredible as it may seem, there are large numbers in the other section of the
Union who advocate the insane doctrines of coercion.
In solemn and thrilling language, he depicted the unutterable miseries of war, bringing in its train not only death and desolation, but engendering brutality and abasement of our finer instincts, and a callous indifference to human suffering. "But my hearers," said he, "horrible as war is, there is one alternative which is worse — a surrender of inalienable rights and privileges.
All honor to the patriot who goes to the field to defend his fireside, his rights and liberties"
The orator alluded to the glories of the
Union; the blessings which it had conferred upon mankind, and the respect which it commanded among the nations of the earth.
No patriot heart, said he, could look without sorrow upon its dismemberment, though all the stars should be ours and all the stripes our enemy's. Yet it may be intended in the providence of God, that religion and civilization should make yet greater progress in two separate republics, occupying the same ground which heretofore has been covered by one.
We do not pretend to do more than give an idea of the tone and spirit which animated this able effort, and which was cordially responded to by the large and intelligent audience who heard it. Throughout, it was calm, yet decided; moderate, but firm; expressing in its spirit the determination of
Virginia to ask nothing that is not right; to submit to nothing that is wrong.
We have received from a friend the following notice of the address delivered by
the Rev. James A. Duncan, pastor of the
Broad Street Methodist Church:
‘
"I exaggerate nothing in saying that it was the wisest, most truly Christian-like, and profoundly eloquent and powerful discourse I have a most ever heard.
A single sentence towards the conclusion set all the women to wrapping, and in a few minutes you might see the manly tear falling everywhere from young men and old mingled with a brimming flush of righteous resolution to do or die, 'if, in the providence of God occasion called for the noble deed.
And when, in a climax of lofty fervor, he declared that, should the arbitrament of battle be forced upon us, he would glory in lifting his voice at the head of
Virginia a columns in a triumphant song of Zou, for the safety of our families and our homes, a deep thrill of electric power flashed through the whole audience, and one will spoke from every eye. And yet the whole sermon was so tempered with loving charity,' that not the weakest in the faith could find fault with it."
’
The Catholic, as well as Protestants, observed the day with great devotion, and the same may be said of our
Jewish population.--The following prayer was offered by
the Rev. J. M. Micheibacher, at the Synagogue over which he presides:
‘
"Hearer of prayer, before Thee all flesh appear."
’
Be in our midst, and bless us!
Hear the prayers of all those who are afflicted and in trouble!
This country, the home and the refuge of the oppressed of all lands, is in a distracted and dangerous condition.
The present Union of these
United States is in danger of instant dissolution.
Panic and distress prevail throughout the land.
Commerce and business are declining, and can not be carried on under these circumstances; and the laborer finds no employment, In vain do we turn to the
National Councils for the instruction in the way of wisdom and conciliation which bring unity, peace and concord.
Therefore, O God, we turn to Thee in our present calamity With deep penitence we look up to Thee, acknowledging our ingratitude and guilt towards Thee.
O merciful Father, and confessing our sins and our inequities.
Thou, O God, to whom the people of the Colonies did cry, when they were oppressed by foreign power — Thou, who didst hear their cries and didst assist them in throwing off the yoke of that arbitrary power — Thou, who didst always look seriously on this country, and didst bless it with peace, plenty and prosperity — O Lord God Father, to Thee we pray, and we beseech Thee to remove from the hearts of those composing our National Councils hatred and false pride of opinion, that they may deliberate calmly and soberly, without crimination or recrimination on the questions of the day, that friendship and good will may be reestablished among the people of these
United States that the
Union may be saved in its integrity.
But if it is in Thy omniscience, that union and peace may not be preserved, because of perpetual and opposing interest, arising from discordant principles, grant, Further of All, that a way may be opened whereby we, the people of the
South, may pass with dry feet in safety to the position of peace and plenty, attended with the protection which Thou gravest to the chosen people of old.
O
Lord, Ruler of Nations, bless us with the best of all blessings, bless us with peace, and save us from the horrors of anarchy and of civil war!
May internal peace be and prevail undisturbed, and grant us grace!
May Thy watchful eye past most graciously on the
Constitution of our land, and be it amended to satisfy all sections of this, formerly, so happy Republic, that oppression, bigotry, and despotism, may never had room on this soil.
Bless, guard, and preserve, O
Lord, the
President of the
United States of America; grant him life and deliver him from all affliction and trouble, Bless, O
Lord, the Senate and the House of Representatives, in Congress assembled and all who have the welfare of the country truly at heart.
Defend our beloved State in her honor and liberties.
Endow the
Governor with wisdom of consent and of understanding, Inspire the
Senate and House of Delegate; with sentiments of true patriotism, may they show their and responsible session, that our State may prosper under their administration.
Bless all our follow citizens, and shower all earthly and heavenly blessings upon them.
Remove poverty, sickness and disease from our midst.
Bless the
Major and the officers of our city and teach them to exercise and justice.
"The lord will give strength to his people — the
Lord will bless His people with peace." hear us, O
Lord!
Hear us!
Amen! Amen!.
We have not yet been able to procure sketches of all the addresses that word delivered, but understand that all were marked by ability.
We suppose of our people from and drinking, which is regarded as the extreme of humiliation.
But certainly it t be said of
Richmond thus far inhabitants refused the
President's recommendation in a and spirit.
