Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

SELECT PARAGRAPHS.
From the Carolina Messenger.

To Christians of every Denomination throughout the United States of America.

Our great, worthy and philosophical President, is of a mind too liberal and expanded to belong to a party in religion; and disclaiming all ascendancy over the religious consciences of his fellow citizens, leaves them, in the capacity of Christians, to act as the exigencies of the nation may require. He has been addressed on the subject of a National fast; but constitutionally punctilious (when religion comes in the way) he doubts his authority from that source;--as Shylock could see no mercy to Antonio in his bond, so neither can our political father, and refuted saviour, see national fasting, prayer and humiliation, before the God of Heaven, in the constitution of the United States of America--although now on the very verge of perdition! But cannot you, my fellow Christians, of every denomination, see it, nay, read it as you run, in your Bibles! And will you suffer lesser differences (at this awful period) to divide and weaken your influence before a Throne of Grace? Why will you slumber on, through a long uncertain night darken, though the tempest is great and the billows run high! the night not half spent until our political bark founders, beyond redemption! Is Christ asleep in the hinder part of our vessel? And will not his disciples, with united and importunate cries awake him! Surely, salvation is from the Lord, alone. He who doubts the efficacy of humble, fervent prayer, is (I had almost said) an Atheist! Had I a voice, that could extend from the St Croix to the Mississippi, I would sound the alarm to my fellow Christians of every name! I would tell them that our brethren the Baptists, have fixed on Wednesday, the first day of March next, as a Day of Humiliation Fasting and Prayer to Almighty God, in their church, in behalf of their suffering country. And I would with the same voice, beseech you all, my dear brethren, as if called individually by name--in the name of all that is sacred, dear, or valuable to yourselves and posterity, in time and in eternity, to join with these our pious brethren, on that day, animated by one spirit, with united cries before a Throne of Grace, for national and individual salvation, peace, and prosperity to our land, especially-- as well as our suffering brethren of mankind, throughout the world, generally. And I do now entreat the favor of every Printer, who loves his country, and is not an avowed infidel, from the east to the west, and from the north to the south, to give this humble, individual essay, circulation.
By a Presbyterian & Patriot of 76.
Barnwell District, S.C. Jan. 2, 1809.