The Rhode Island Republican

Miscellany.

From the Boston Yankee.

Messrs. Editors,

With admiration I lately observed the following account of Commodore Decatur's conduct in the late war against the Algerines, Tunisians and Tripolitans.

"He demanded from these barbarians, as a member of the christian family, a release from slavery, of all christian prisoners, and obtained it."

Permit me, gentlemen, on this occasion to express my sentiments to the christians of our country; and particularly the christians of Boston, through your useful paper.

CHRISTIANS OF BOSTON AND OF OUR COMMON COUNTRY

The remarkable interpositions of divine providence in favor of our country, have claimed the warmest gratitude of our hearts, and the most thankful acknowledgements to Him who made bare his arm for our salvation. The interests of religious liberty are necessarily involved with those of civil liberty. Hence the true christian is constrained by every obligation to love his country and maintain her civil rights. Patriotism is an essential part of the christian character.

We have noticed the laudable emulation of civilians and statesmen to reward with honor those brave men of our country who have so often defeated and humbled our vaunting enemies. This proceeding has had powerful influence to excite them to deeds of the most distinguished valor.

A second war has of late terminated in a manner that reflects distinguished honor upon the United States, and especially upon Commodore Decatur. This meritorious officer has long stood preeminent in the estimation of our citizens. But his recent deeds of the most exalted valor justly add a brighter lustre to his name. By his prudent conduct, the late war has been prosecuted and terminated with a loss of a very few men, and all the objects of the expedition have been secured with almost incredible success. No nation, not even the most powerful, have obtained terms with the barbarians so favorable as our Decatur has secured to the United States. His generous soul glowed with compassion towards the poor despised christian slaves bending under the galling chains of the most abject and cruel bondage.

Those barbarians treat christians as if they were the vilest of brutes. This christian hero demanded their emancipation. The barbarians beheld in him the minister of the vengeance of heaven. They trembled. Immediately the galling shackles fell from the emaciated christian prisoners, and the spirit, long broken with grief and despair, comes forth from the horrid gloomy cell to taste with joy and rapture the blessings of freedom? How many hearts of brothers, sisters, parents and beloved wives, long torn with the most painful anguish, are relieved and blest by this brave and truly magnanimous exploit of Decatur.

Christians, embalm his name and his virtues forever in your hearts. This instance of his benevolent conduct speaks more than volumes to vindicate the christian cause in
the world, wherever he may be known. This event may cause it to be again remarked, "Behold! how these christians love one another."

Christians of Boston, distinguished for liberality, let not this instance of admirable conduct pass unrewarded. Let me propose it to you to open a subscription for the purpose of presenting Commodore Decatur some valuable token of your high consideration and of those exalted sentiments which shall be worthy of your sacred profession Let it not be said that christians are destitute of that sensibility and gratitude which are requisite to prompt them to a measure so worthy of their cause and so eminently due to distinguished merit.

A CHRISTIAN.