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This newspaper page contains 13 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Alton Observer
Location
Alton, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Aug 17, 1837
Page
2
The text suggests fourteen reasons to exercise more prudence and invites readers to board the vessel at South Street Wharf to verify the story.
Hurwitz cites Rabbi Jose on the verse about groping at noonday. The Rabbi ponders why the sacred text would need any word at all and recalls a blind man with a lit torch who explains the light safeguards others from danger and elicites pity. The commentary implies the verse foretells grievous calamities for Jews and the need for compassionate awareness.
In a Europe letter excerpt published by the Journal of Commerce a farmer history from 1812 Connecticut shows how a merino buck notes scheme collapsed after peace. The tale connects to present distress as villagers defaulted, a lawsuit arose, and the lawyer claimed the buck.
In this piece from the Alton Observer the author denounces fault-finders who oppose reform efforts. He cites temperance and anti-slavery movements as examples, noting the practical work of workers versus critics who hinder progress with insincere protests and empty fault finding. The essay urges patience and faith in collective action.
The piece contends conservatives resist disruption yet may oppose abolitionists and reformers. It cites figures like Garrison and Grimke, notes shifts in New York Evangelist leadership, and discusses anti slavery conventions, church politics, and recent General Assembly actions.
A Presbyterian author argues the Confession confines man’s bondage to the will, denying any absolute necessity of nature forcing sin. He warns against supra-lapsarian thought that man has no ability to will or act, while condemning plenary powers to self save. He cites church divisions over depravity and free will.
The pastor pleads with his distant church to guard piety and worship. He warns against worldliness and internal strife, urging prayer, scripture study, mutual love, and active service. He recalls joyous winter scenes and urges members to stay faithful as he signs off with blessing.
In Farmington, a small Presbyterian group formed in a barn near Peoria has seen many converts after a spring revival led by Brother Stewart and Father Waters. The July gathering drew farmers, mechanics, and merchants who offered gifts, with sixteen men and about sixteen women expressing hope in Christ. The meeting, ongoing as of July 12, is praised as a powerful seasonal work energizing lay and ministerial efforts.
A letter from Peoria dated July 19 1837 describes a protracted revival during which the Spirit blessed the ministry of Spaulding of Cincinnati and Farnham. About 20 individuals were brought to the faith including four backsliders, with ten men four fathers and four wives among the new believers. The writer notes weekly meetings with new converts seeking salvation through free grace in Christ and stresses unity in focusing on Christ amid church struggles.
Albert Hate reports the American Home Missionary Society appeal in the New York Evangelist prompts a liberal subscription from local brethren. He notes many missionaries serve feeble churches and warns of hard choices for aid, urging self denial and sacrifice to sustain benevolent efforts.
A reader voices concern that Illinois is a slaveholding state and urges more coverage of domestic slavery in the state. The letter contrasts Illinois with American slavery and emphasizes local duties of citizens in confronting slavery.
A speaker denounces perpetual servitude as a state crime that corrupts justice. He cites hundreds of enslaved people in Illinois counties near Alton and Chester and urges immediate enforcement of existing laws to secure their freedom, warning of national and local reputational harm.
A meeting in Upper Alton led by Elijah P. Lovejoy established the Madison County Anti Slavery Society. A constitutional plan, officers, and a two thirds amendment rule were adopted to pursue immediate emancipation by moral means, with resolutions defending speech and opposing slavery as unjust and unchristian.
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