Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-06-04
limits. General Association OF virginia.

In, the providence; of God our Association
meets under peculiarly affective circumstances
The facts of our meeting, the pauclty OF con-
tributions, the smallness of our delegation, the
anxiety visible on every face, the solemnity OF
the invocations that God would avert
impending i'll, would impress one, lgnoF-
ant of the circumstances surrounding Us
with the truth that some oppressive cnange
has taken place in our hitherto peaceful and
happy land. But we are not strangers to inc
state of things since the last session OF this
body. The Union of States, formed by the
patriotism of our fathers, has been sundered,
and we find ourselves in the midst OF a polltl-'
cal revolution, the results of which no human
sagacity can with certainty foresee. New 49,
sues have been forced upon US, and while we
entertain no doubt Of the sovereignty OF 'Jeho'
yah, and firmly believe that He will make these
ills subserVe His wise and benehcent! designs
to the race of man, yet we cannot but leel the
deepest anxiety in regard to the present un-
happy state Of our beloved country. "
We do not deem it either appropriate or'be-
coming in US to enter into a detailed account OF
the causes leading to this unhappy state OF our
country's affairs. We have.t to deal with the
facts now upon us, and need to enquire with
Christian solicitude, what the will OF God
concerning us isJ - 30 ''",''''~'
And yet we do not deem it improper ore
fer to q few Of the many facts connected with
the subject of this report.
And hrst.. We recognize the origin Of these
difficulties in a reckless fanaticism which; has,
through years ofsteady and accelerated growth,
seized the popular mind Of the Northern
States and inlamed it with the purpose OF an
entire subjugstion Of their sister States OF the
South. That this ID their unholy design. the
facts of the case but too surely indicate. Wedo
not design to call into question the honesty"ol
intention in many Of the movers and aoettorS
in this matter; but, however honest may be
their convictions, we do as honestly and con-
scientiously believe that the course they pur-
sue is alike subversive of the teachluss OF
Christianity, and the genius OF Constitutional
liberty and order. The Constitution, framed
by our fathers for the government OF the"Unl-
ted States, was framed for the insurance OF the
rights and tranquility Of the parties thereto;
But the principles arowed by those who would
Cypress us, which principles are being actually
carried out, arc themselves destructive OF that
domestic tranquility and prosperity which
it was the design. of the trainers Of the old Con-
s~titution, by that instrument to project anu
subserve. ,.. 49,,
Second. The States Of the South, seeing with
patriotic solicitude the Jeopardy in which their
dearest rights were placed by the triumph of
this fnnaticism, soughta peaceful solution Of the
difficulties by which the Union was rnvironed.
Unwilling to forsake the temple Of liberty
which had been erected by tho hands, and
consecrated by the blood and tears Of their
fathers, they eutreated the States Of the North
to relent somewhat of their cruel and unpro-
voked hate Of the South, and allow them still
in peace, equality and fraternity, to make
their votive offerings at the same hailowed
shrine. This earnest, reasonable and patriotic
request was tauntingly denied them, and they
were branded with the most opproblors cpl
thets.
Failing Of their desired aim, the States oil
the South, now designated as the "Contederate
States Of America" besought that, rs they.
could no longer remain together in peace, they
might be permitted to part as brethren, and
each section of the former Union enjoy the
blessings of life, liberty and the pursuit Of
happiness" according to their respective views
of tho proper means for the attainment OF these
ends. How this moderate. humane and just
request was answered, let the field of battle,
the desolate homes, the throbbing hearts and
gigantic military preparations Of tho present
Especially do we mention the noble efforts
of our own State, to preserve and restore the
Union in its original strength and beauty,
with feelings of profound pleasure. With
earnest solicitation, our State held out the
olive branch, and besought for peace, until all
hope was gone. With sad heart, Firginia's
sons turned from their sacred temple,
now desecrated bT the prostitution OF its holy
columns of Liberty to the cause Of violence
and wrong.
In consideration Of these facts, and many
others that might be preferred to, but which are
familiar. to the minds Of ali, re regard our
selves as identified with the States Of the South.
ern Confederacy, as having the war forced up
on US. We feel, furthermore, the sweet as
surance that our cause is a righteous one, and
we can appeal to the God Of battles for help
in this hour of darkness and peril.
We would, however, before closing this re-
port, beg leave to refer the members Of the
Association to the present military condition
Of our own State, especially. Although ViV-
GINA has used every honorable means Of avert
ing war and restoring the Union to its pristine
integrity, and although she forsook it only
when there was no other honorable course left
her, yet the nnprovoked hate Of the Govern
ment at Washington seems doubly to
curse her, and seeks to visit her broad and
magnificent borders with all the horrors Of
war and carnage, above all other States. AL
readv the booming OF cannon proclaims their
determination to afflict and subjugate her man
ly sons, and bring misery, if not ruin, upon
her fair daughters. Her soil, hallowed as the
birth place Of the heroes and statesmen Of
former days. is invaded by armed soldiery
of the Northern States. But we thank God
that the blood Of their noble sires courses in
the veins of their sons, in all its depth Of de-
votion to liberty and honor. Scarcely had the
call been made by her Chief Magistrate, when
thousands of her brave sons stepped forth IN
defence of her honor and peace. They are
now in tho tented field, ready to do all that
her interests and honor demand at their hands.
-. But though our sons are valiant, and would
sooner die than bend to oppression, yet tho
Bible teaches us that the ~Issue'of battles is
with the God. OF Heaven and Earth. And we
rejoice that we are permitted to appeal to Him
for the Justice of our cause, and the success Of
our arms. In view of this whole matter, your
committee recommend the adoption Of tho fol-
lowing resolutions:
Resolved, That we'rejoice in the existence
of the Government Of the Confederate States
of America, and that our own interests as q
State have become identified with said Govern
ment
Resolved, That We have read with unfeigned
Measure the Proclamation Of President Davis.
Of the Confederate States Of America, request
ing all Christians of said Government to OBJ
serve the 18th day Of June, proximo, as a day
of fasting and prayer to Almighty God for a
successful issue to our present efforts TO drive.
the enemy from our borders and establish
peace within this vast Confederacy.
Resolved, That we recommend to the Bap-
list Churches throughout the State, faithfully
to carry out the recommendation Of President
Davis.
Resolved, That we have learned with much
pleasure OF the relnovalof the seat OF Govern.
ment of the C..S. Of A. to the capital Of our
own State.