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Unprecedented emphasis on religious consolation as the Civil War approaches...
Unprecedented emphasis on religious consolation as the Civil War approaches...
Item # 559213
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November 30, 1860
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 30, 1860 The focus of this eight page issue would have to be the unprecedented coverage of: "Thanksgiving Day In The Churches" as noted at the top of the front page. At this critical time in American history, on the eve of the Civil War, this issue devoted no less than three full pages to discourses from the pulpits of Thanksgiving Day, just the day previous.
The other heads at the top of the first column read: "Discourses Upon The Present Crisis" and "Causes for Gratitude and Humility", with prefacing remarks reading: "Below we give reports of a large number of discourses delivered in the churches of this City and Brooklyn, yesterday, upon the present political crisis, and the causes we have for thanksgiving and for humiliation and prayer. In almost every instance, the churches were well filled, and in some, only standing room was to be had."
This extensive coverage gives evidence to the focus on religious consolation and strength during the 19th century, particularly in times of crisis. Among the reports are the messages subheaded: "Discourse of Rev. Dr. Potts--The Duty of Conciliation", "Rev. Dr. Wm. Adams' Discourse - The Perils of Extremes", "Rev. Henry Ward Beecher's Discourse - Reasons for Thanksgiving", "Rev. Dr. Krebs' Discourse - The Christian Patriot", "Rev. Dr. J. P. Thompson's Discourse", "Rev. Dr. Chapin's Discourse - Causes for Thankfulness", "Rev. Thos. S. Hastings' Discourse - The Crisis--Mayor Wood's Proclamation Considered", "Rev. Dr. Button's Discourse - Rebuke of Disunionists & Fanatics", "Rev. W. R. Williams' Discourse - The Disparagement of Christ, Tending to Sever the Bonds of National Brotherhood", "Rev. W.J. Hoge's Discourse - The Impending Crisis, and How to Meet It", "Rev. T. F. White's Discourse - The Starving in Kansas...", and "Rev. Dr. R.s. Storrs' Discourse - The Progress of English Liberty".
Relating to this very extensive reporting is a page 4 editorial headed: "The Pulpit and the Crisis" which begins: "The theme of nearly all of the Thanksgiving discourses preached yesterday in our City pulpits was the political crisis in which the country is involved...we have never favored that divorce of the pulpit from politics which many excellent persons deem essential to the welfare of both. The object of preaching is to apply the principles of Christianity to the conduct of life,--to bring them to bear upon personal character, and upon the general well-being & improvement of society. Why should any form of social activity be exempt from such an application?..." with much more (see for portions).
The issue includes other timely reports including page 5 heads: "The Secession Movement" "Speculations in Regard to Mr. Lincoln's Cabineet" "What is Required of the North" "South Carolina to be Out of the Union by the 18th of December" and more.
An excellent issue reflecting the importance of Christian values in dealing with compelling issues of the day. Complete in 8 pages, very nice condition.
Category: Pre-Civil War
No Longer Available
