Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser

From the Philadelphia Gazette

ON PUBLIC FASTS.

Of the many singular modes of warfare adopted among nations, that of which we are now about to treat is certainly one of the most remarkable. About the opening of a campaign, it is not unusual for nations to endeavour to reconcile the Deity to their projects by means of public exhibitions of this sort which are sometimes performed on both sides, although it be impossible that both should succeed in their views, and although it be improbable that both should have equal justice of pretension.

Yet treating the Deity as if entirely partial, each party endeavours to woo him to himself; forgetting that the impartiality of his nature, and the essential perfection of his being, should have totally repelled every idea of his being influenced by pomps and professions of this kind.

Yet, if nations, after thus setting out in a campaign would treat the issue of it as an interpretation of the Divine Will, and would drop arms on the side that proved unsuccessful, the practice might tend to shorten the duration of wars, and thus might abridge the period of human sorrows: But alas! though unsuccessful, they pursue obstinately their former career; and, unmindful of the effect of their prayers, go on to involve themselves in additional ruin.

These thoughts were occasioned by the late fasts celebrated in England, for success in their war against liberty and equality in France. The learned doctors of the church in that kingdom mounted their pulpits, and exclaimed against the vices, the cruelty, and irreligion of the French; not at all doubting but the Supreme Being would accord complete triumphs to their superior virtues. In like manner in Spain, solemn processions were instituted; but what has been the issue? Why, we find that Pichegru has driven the holy army out of Flanders, and now threatens Amsterdam, just as general Dugommier is menacing Spain, with an immediate invasion: and thus those odious Frenchmen (as far as success may be an evidence) appear to be the favourites of that very deity whom they were said to have disowned.

How the learned may interpret this I know not; but would be happy if England might be convinced by this experience of the folly and wickedness of her intermeddling with the government of her neighbours, and might thence be induced at once to leave off having any thing more to do either with our savages, or the internal commotions of France; for, whatever he may think of the matter, it is probable that nations like individuals would be frequently better off if they would substitute sincerity for parade, and the practice of the moral duties of peace, charity, and goodness towards their neighbours for the unmeaning observances of an empty fast.

RUSSELL.