A FRIEND, who has hereby our best thanks, has kindly sent a copy of the Times newspaper, bearing the date, November 7th, 1805. It contains a series of dispatches from admiral Collingwood, relating the great naval victory of Trafalgar on October 21st, in which the gallant Nelson was mortally wounded.
What is, however, of higher value is the following General Order, issued by Collingwood on the day after the glorious victory, here copied verbatim:
“GENERAL ORDER.
“The Almighty God, whose arm is strength, having of His great mercy been pleased to crown the exertion of His Majesty’s fleet with success, in giving them a complete victory over their enemies on 21st of this month; and that all praise and thanksgiving may be offered up to the Throne of Grace for the great benefits to our country and to mankind: I have thought proper that a day should be appointed of general humiliation before God, and thanksgiving for His merciful goodness, imploring forgiveness of sins, a continuation of His divine mercy, and His constant aid to us in the defense of our country’s liberties and laws, without which the utmost efforts of man are naught; and direct, therefore, that a day be appointed for this holy purpose.
“Given on board the Euryalus, off Cape Trafalgar, 22nd October, 1805.
“(Signed) C. COLLINGWOOD.
“To the respective Captains and Commanders.”
On reading the above, the thought is forced upon the mind that, under similar circumstances at the present day, no such provision would be made for a day of humiliation, prayer, and thanksgiving. Of this we have had painful evidence during the last few months. When the lamentable war in South Africa was forced upon us, a godless daily paper, published in Fleet Street, made merry over the matter, and said that our troops, after an easy victory, would have a picnic on Christmas day in Pretoria. It does not appear that the picnic has yet been held, after nearly two years of bloodshed and disaster. And as to holding a day of humiliation and prayer, it is scarcely likely in the present boastful temper of the nation. The legislature can, by a public act, take a day from the service of the nation for the purpose of attending Epsom races, and thus publicly break its own laws; but when a day of prayer is suggested, we are met with scorn and ridicule. O that the day might return when men would realize that God deals with nations, as with individuals, in much long suffering and goodness; but that any denial of His authority must be met with rebuke and punishment.