his day
unites her voice to yours at the foot of the altars of the eternal God
to celebrate that glorious revolution which has placed the sons of
America among the free and independent nations of the earth.

"We have nothing now to apprehend but the anger of Heaven, or that the
measure of our guilt should exceed His mercy. Let us then prostrate
ourselves at the feet of the immortal God, who holds the fate of empires
in His hands, and raises them up at His pleasure, or breaks them down to
dust. Let us conjure Him to enlighten our enemies, and to dispose their
hearts to enjoy that tranquillity and happiness which the Revolution we
now celebrate has established for a great part of the human race. Let us
implore Him to conduct us by that way which His Providence has marked
out for arriving at so desirable an end. Let us offer unto Him hearts
imbued with sentiments of respect, consecrated by religion, humanity and
patriotism. Never is the august ministry of His altars more acceptable
to His Divine Majesty than when it lays at His feet homages, offerings
and vows, so pure, so worthy the common offerings of mankind.

"God will not regret our joy, for He is the author of it; nor will He
forget our prayers, for they ask but the fulfillment of the decrees He
has manifested. Filled with this spirit, let us, in concert with one
another, raise our hearts to the Eternal; let us implore His infinite
mercy to be pleased to inspire the rulers of both nations with the
wisdom and force necessary to perfect what He hath begun. Let us, in a
word, unite our voices to beseech Him to dispense His blessings upon the
counsels and the arms of the allies and that we may soon enjoy the
sweets of a peace which will soon cement the Union and establish the
prosperity of the two empires."

The same religious silence prevailed; indeed there sat many in the same
immovable posture. But it was evident that the words were being received
with pleasure and satisfaction. Signs of approval appeared on every
face.

"It is with this view," the priest concluded, "that we shall cause that
canticle to be chanted, which the custom of the Catholic Church hath
consecrated, to be at once a testimonial of public joy, a thanksgiving
for benefits received from heaven, and a prayer for the continuance of
its mercies."

IV

He had done. As he stepped to the floor of the sanctuary and took his
stand before the center of the altar a pronounced disturbance,
accompanie