The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-09-20

THK D8160 OF 4R0VUMR
It is to be feared that many persons do not
understand the most important facts in relation
to the present wsr. Little doubt can now be
entertained that Slavery is its sole cause.
Upon this point nearly all rejecting minds are
now agreed. But Slavery should not be looked
upon merely - great political evil 1t is all
this, and much more. 1t is also moral evil
sin against God. John Wesley justly called
it "the sum Of all vilIainies." naturally
produces almost every iniquity that is to be
found among our race. A thousand facts attest
the truth Of this assertion.
In the sin of Slavery our whole nation has
participated. The North has plainly given it's
sanction to it. Slavery, because it is sin, is
Of course offensive to God He is displessed
With our whole nation f giving it countensnce.
And this fearful war is brought upon Us as
just punishment for our national iniquity. It
is right that the North as well as the South
should suffer. The accumulated guilt of many
years is visited upon this generation, just a.
the accumulated guilt Of many years was visited
upon the Jews in the time of Christ.
It should be matter of surprise to no one
that the Federal arms are no more successful.
We have not vet resped the full reward Of our
guilt. 1t is true that the sacrifice of blood and
treasure already offered upon the altar Of Sla.
very is q most fearful one. But our guilt is
deep. The stain of the blood Of four millions
of our fellow beings Is upon rs. It cannot
easily be washed out We often complain Of
the want Of skill in the counsellors of the nation
and in our military leaders. But We should
remember that the great God rules over the
destinies of nations, and for the accomplish
ment Of his purposes, he can easily Illustrate
the best laid plans Of the wisest men. "The
race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong" Napoleon, after achieving his greatest
victories, impiously declared that God was
always on the side Of the strongest battalions.
But one would think that he must have some
what changed his mind when the Emperor Of
Russia burned Moscow, and the mighty hosts
which Napoleon led into that region Of frost and
snow were almost annihilated.
We should not mistake the design Of God in
allowing the many reverses to our arms. So
far as We cs4 read the designs Of his provi-
dence, he does not mean ultimately to forsake
US. Our cause is good, and it will at last pre-.
vail. But We must first be taught . severe
lesson in the school of discipline. We may
we'll conclude that the divine hand will con.
tinue 10 fall heavily upon US until we make up
our minds to let the oppressed go free. One
great design Of God in the present fearful strug-
gle is to secure the freedom Of the slaves. The
indications of his providence point clearly to
such result. Coed men are looking for it.
Christians ere praying for it. Almost without
doubt, it will he obtained. The definite point
then to which We should now specially direct
our attention is the freedom Of the colored race
When this point is secured, We shall have the
favor Of the God Of Battles, and our arduous
struggle will soon be over. Petitions should be
poured into Washington, urging the President,
by all that is good, and great, and humane. and
wise, t. send forth at once the decree CT Uni
versal Emancipation. Nothing can be accepted
as substitute for this simple act of justice
towards the oppressed. els not this the fast
that have chosen, to loose the bonds of
wickedaess, to undo the heavy burdens, and to
let the oppressed 60 free, and that ye break
every yoke"