Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-10-03
T1aE CENTRES
A Good Example.


It is related of one of the bravest and
most pious members of the great Muhlenberg
family-beloved alike for his patriotism and
his many Christian virtues-thst in the
American Revolution, after preaching
thrilling sermon on a beautiful Sabbath
morning to his congregation, Immediately at
the close Of the exercises he threw off his
surplice and stood disclosed before his par
ishoners in the uniform of an American off,
Ger. He then informed them that there
was time to pray and time to fgh::," and
that, as the liberties of the country were in
danger, he had resolved to offer his servises
to the Government, and, to that end, would
commence enrolling his men on the green
outside of the church. This familiar Incl
dent comes back to us now as cheering
reminicense of the first struggle tor freedom
on these shores, and as an irresistible appeal
to all loyal men at the present day. 1t the
men who moulded and made this great Gov
ernment-who toiled, fought, and died that il
should stand, like an eternal fortress, i'm
pregnable to tyranny through all time-were
inspired by such emotions, why should not
we, their descendants, catch war and ven-
geance from their example !? If they were
invoked to battle by what they believed to
be the call of God and of the country, we
should remember that the appeal to us is lar
moro solemn, and, if possible, more irresisti-
bic. They gave their lives and fortunes to
bull up nation. We are called into battle
to save nation. They left to their posteri'
ty the seed, and from the seed that posterity
has gathered harvest-yes, many harvestr,
abundant, fruitful, sustaining seed that first
| blossomed into laws, then into commerce,
towns, cities, and various industries, and at
last ripened into civilization so perfect, and
into institutions SO equal and solid, as to seem
TO be beyond the improvement of man and
the ravages of time. Of sudden this per-
feet fruit of the labors of the heroes and sa
ges of the Revolution-after exciting the en-
vious appetite of the tyrants of the old world,
and feeding and strengthening shameless
oligarchy in the nevis sought to be pluck
ed from the tree of liberty. Traitor hands
are laid upon the branches of this tree. As
sassins seek to poison its roots. so as to de-
prive coming generations OF the unnnmbered
blessings of civilized and generous Govern
ment. Truly is this time when all good
men should stand forward in defence of our
rights and interests. There is not a citizen
that can do something for the common cause.
The clergyman, the lawyer, the professional
man, the artest, the mechanic, the farmer,
the laborer, should remember that the tri-
umph or the defeat Of our armies will be the
success or overthrow of bis Own franchises
and probably Of his own personal freedom.
In every county in Pennsylvania the great
truths involved in this contest should be
preached from the sacred desk, from the
bench of the Judge, from the bar, and from
the political hustings. Every newspaper
editor should devote his time and his talents
to this holy duty. Those who cannot thus
address the people, should apply themselves
in other modes to awaken them to full cuu-
| sclousness OF the WorK that ls De1ore u.s.
The ladies can now be most efficient instru-
ments. From ont of their abundance they
may, in many ways, add to the comfort of
our troops, and those who desire to put their
gains at safe interest should set the good ex-
ample of subscribing promptly and literally
to the national loan. Should this spirit pre-
vail, presently the citizen who refuses to be
animated By it will be marked man in this
neighborhpo cod. lie will be point, at as one
who is blind to his obligations to the best
and most indulgent Government on Gods
globe-deaf to the calls of a bleeding and
threatened republic-a a eympatbizer with
treachery and falsehood and ingratitude, and
a fitting candidate for the curses of his own
and his children's chidren.-PhI. Press.