I hope to study the jeremiad in American religious, political, and cultural life. Thus, when I come across jeremiads in my other research, I take note. I found this passage tonight while researching for my thesis.

The following quotation is from John Randolph of Roanoke, a leader of the Tertium Quids. It is take from a letter to a “Boston gentlemen” that was printed in the U.S. Gazette and reprinted in the Connecticut Mirror on 26 December 1814. In the letter, Randolph argued that Massachusetts should not secede from the Union but also expressed much scorn for James Madison. Perhaps I don’t know enough about Randolph, but I was surprised that he would include this jeremiad. I’m not sure whether he intends it sincerely or if he is merely using a common rhetorical device.

We shall pass, if it be the good pleasure of Him whose curses are tempered with mercies, through an agony and a bloody sweat, to peace and salvation; to that peace which is only to be found in a reconciliation with him. “Atheists and madmen have been our law givers” and when I think on our past conduct I shudder at the chastisement that may await us. How has not Europe suffered for her sins? Will England not consider, that, like the man who but yesterday bestrode the narrow world, she is but an instrument in his hands, who breaketh the weapons of his chastisement, when the measure of his people’s punishment is full!