The Cecil Whig., 1861-07-06

H'eteu si'Sie WToHS upon tnCSe VINO are
attempting to subvert it? have rot seen
one official act. previous to this explosion,
alleged even as pretext. The General Gov
ernment was only known in those parts of tn.
land as a protector and friend. All its
operation was bcnifcent No rule could be
imagined more paternal. And under the
Constitution there is provision made for need.
ful amendments, and if any portion Of the
country have grievances, the way is open for
pacific and alnicable adjustment Of them
Neither is there any reason to suppose that
calm and earnest appeal from one section to
another would be unavaling. But if every
real or imaginary grievance, or chimerical
apprehension, is to be followed by organized
rebellion it is evident that in such state of
things, security, order, and enjoyment Of
property and life are impossible.
All The dearest lights and most precious
interests of the citizen, all that makes govern.
rent desirable or civil association blessing
is now jeoparded. And, therefore, | saw, in
circumstances so startling and lno,nentous
1t is the duty of every good citizen to stand
6y those who are in authority, and to give
them his hearty eff lent support. This is
alike the dictate of selI-intcrcst. of social obi
cation, of patriotism. and as | read Scrip,u-
res, OF religion. Does not the Bible s;,eak
, plainly: d" The powers that be are ordained
Of God, whatsoever therefore rcsistcth the
ordinance Vt God, and they that resist shall
receive 10 themselves da.nnation. THIS is
plain and awful language
dran'cd that cases ol oppression and injury
may be 5" aggravated asto justify Revolution
this is no such emergency. What conduct
Can expose men TO the. stern dcnuncation OF
tins Scripture if it oe not canscless and un-
provoked rebellion, carried on by conspiracy
and violence, by fraud and pillagc?
No less emphatic is the language of the
Apostle Peter in the Epis,le, which, by a
remarkable coincidence, has just boon read,
for we have had Scripture lessons to-day not
| of mans choosing but of Gods
! Our Saviour tells us, and none of his wo,dS
shall pass away, They that take the sword
shall perish by the sword" And who have
now taken the sword? Who have been the
aggrcsSoiS! Who have initiated unexpected
and unjus'Iliabc hostilities? Certainly not
the Government Of the United States. But
IN the hand Of the magistrate God hims,l
hath placed sword, and the Scripture saith,
lie bcarclh it not in vain" Can we doubt
the final issue of contest between those who
have causclcSsly taken the sword. and the
power ordained of God Thrice is he armed
who hath his quarrel just" III God bc for
US, who Can be against us 7"
4. Another duty Of which would earnest.
ly remind my Christian brethren, is that of
KEEPING OUR OWN HEARTS. and suffering
not our spiritual lie to be injured and dead
ehed 10y the strong cXcitrments and rude
collisions Fsuch a time. Alas such agita.
ton OF mem minds and passions is anything
but favorable TO the Christian spirit and TEN
per. Hard is it to shut out hatred and malig-
nifty from the heart, and 10 prevent righteous
indignation at baSeneSs and treachcry from
running into rage and vindIca tivcncss -
Strive to keep the soul meek, patient and
charitable. Remember the words of the Lord
Jesus how he said. Love your enemies.
bless them that curse You, do good to them
that hate you, and pray for them that d.s
piletnlly use you ard pcrSccute you" Iflhe
arm he strong, let the heart be tender, and if
you are called 10 giri on your weapon III this
light' cause, supplicate heavens mercy
for those whom you oppose.
Oh, beloved, if fidelity 10 our country, to
our fathers who have hqueatled to Us
goodly heritage. to The children to whom We
desire to transmit it, t" the holy religion
which has found such home and field in
this fair land, to the great principles Of JUS
tice, truth, mercy, aud order require US III
this great crisis to stand firm as rock, let
US discard al malice and vindiclivrncss, and
Will, we pray for ourselves, and for the tri
umph of right and law let us also pray in a
spirit of lIalcinal love for those whom We
will not cease TO regard as brethren.
"Oh, Lord correct US, but with judgment,
not in thine anger lest thou bring US to moth
ing" "On Lord in Thee have we trusted,
let US never be confoundvd"