The Portland Gazette

From the American Daily Advertiser.

The world at no period in history presented an aspect so singularly interesting as at the present time. The nations of Europe, fatigued by long and bloody wars, appear at last to have discovered that their true happiness consists in cultivating peace; if we may judge from the present aspect of affairs, there is every reason to hope that many happy years may be passed before the sword is again resorted to. All the sovereigns appear desirous of maintaining the present state of things, and certainly if any thing has a tendency to perpetuate it—the Holy League will have that effect.

In examining our moral and religious prospects the benevolent mind has certainly no less reason to rejoice; in all parts of the Globe, Bible Societies are spreading their valuable and delightful fruits; Sunday Schools are flourishing, and in fact every where the importance of education seems to have taken a fast hold of the human mind. No age has been so fruitful in every benevolent and generous undertaking. Peace and Plenty smile upon the world, and in fact the time seems to approach of which we have the most positive prediction in Scripture of the Universal Dominion of Religion and Virtue. Commentators on the Sacred Scripture place this desirable period at various times, and many within the present century The present aspect of the world is that, which (judging from our own imperfect reasoning powers,) tends to prepare the human family for so great an event as the coming of the Messiah, and the Commencement of the Millennium This we have reason to believe is approaching, and should stimulate all to prove by their lives, that they are fit to live at so blessed an era. That religion, virtue and goodness may increase and flourish in every part of the universe is the fervent prayer of
A CHRISTIAN.