Page:Journal of Florida Secession Convention.djvu/8

 interests are one, and we all desire to effect the same great end, yet there will of necessity arise a confliction of opinion as regards the best means to be used for its accomplishment. But I trust that strict courtesy will characterize your debates. We may honestly differ in minutæ, but we are engaged in a common cause. We are brethren, and must stand shoulder to shoulder in the great work before us. And may the God of mercy and goodness direct us in our deliberations, that we may arrive at the best means to accomplish the desired end. At the conclusion of the Chairman's address, Mr. McQueen McIntosh, from the Senatorial District of Calhoun and Franklin, moved that the proceedings of the Convention be opened with prayer, preceding his motion with the following eloquent remarks: Mr. Chairman, it is but seldom that men are called upon to discharge the grave and solemn duties about to devolve upon us, and with nations as with men there is a Providence that fashions their destinies. It is the blessing of that Providence to direct us in our future deliberations that we should now implore. When the night of storm and desolation had overtakesovertaken [sic] him, exclaimed, in the language of supplication, "Tu oro solare in opem et succure relictæ." If the heathen could thus implore the God of his mythology, we may appeal to the Christian's God to teach us to apply our hearts unto wisdom, that we may learn that which is right and do that which is best for our unhappy country. I therefore move, sir, that the Right Rev. Bishop be invited to a seat by your side, and that this Convention be opened with prayer.

This was unanimously agreed to, and being present, Bishop Rutledge was attended to the Chair, from which he made the following solemn and appropriate appeal for Providential oversight and guidance: Great and glorious Lord God, who, seated on thy throne in the Heavens, yet deignest to look down upon the children of men, and whose providence is ever exerted for good to those who love and reverence thy holy name—impressed with a sense of the awfulness of thy divine majesty, we assay to approach thee this morning in an humble spirit and with true faith, invoking thee favorably to look upon and bless the Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth, its Delegates now in Convention assembled and the people over whose interests they are appointed to preside. Possess their minds with the spirit of wisdom and sound understanding, so that in these days of trouble and perplexity they may be able to perceive the right path and steadfastly to walk therein. So enlighten, direct and strengthen them, we pray thee, that they, being hindered neither by the fear of man nor by the love of the praise of men, nor by prejudice,