Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-03-31
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
Brave Soldiers Of the South!

You have met with some sad r~everses, but,
thanks be to God, You are far from being
conquered. Several battles have been disas-
trous, but it was Overwhelming forces that
made them SO. Let not your hearts be
troubled, for as surely as there Isl righteous
Gnd, you will never be conquered by those
who have spoken against US with false
tongues, and comprised us about with words
OF hatred, and fought against US without q
cause. They have rewarded US evil for good,
and hatred for our good will. But we will
refrain from wishing evil upon them, know
ing that God IS just as well as good, and He
will not let our enemies triumph over US bat
for our sins He a%ficts US. Then let every
/ good soldier put on the breast plate of right
on ness, and they are invincible by any force
that our enemies may send against them;
and always remember the words of the i'm
mortal Henry, that the battle is not to the
strong alone, but to the active, the ~vigilant,
the brave
The time IS probably nov at hand, which
must determine whether the SOuthernerS are
to be freemen orslaVes; whether their houses
and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed,
and themselves consigned to a state Of wretch
edness from which no human efforts will de-
) liver them. Our cruel and unrelenting enc
Ill , iCUFNc nc tAiIy Nl4C GIOICC VI IL OIdNOJ C-
s~istance, or the most abject submission. You
? lave to resolve to conquer or to die. Your
r own, your country's honor calls upon you
g for vigorous and manly e~xertion, and if you
: now fail, you will become infamous to the
5 whole world. Then rely on the goodness
and justice Of your cause and the aid Of the
Supreme Being, in whose hand victory is,
z to animate and encourage you to great and
Y noble actions. The eyes Of all who are near
: az ia tn Ces araEt,an uat, are turned to
you for protection, and their blessings viii
be yours, if you deliver them from the ty-
rany meditated for them, and in the words Of
1T the Father Of his Country, : animate and en-.
lie courage each other, and show to the world
re that a freeman contending for liberty on his
as own ground, is superior to any slavish mer-
re cenary on earth"
Study well the directions given by Wash
w ington to his troops. He makes an earnes'
IS request, that every officer and soldier will
a have his arms and ammunition in good order
e. keep within his quarters and encampment a
I'd much as possible; be ready for action at
" moments call, and when called to it, remem
II, Der that liberty, property, life and honor ar
e, all at stake; that upon your courage an
ne conduct rest the hopes of your blushing, in
suited country that your wives, childre
". and parents expect safety from you alone
y and like him, you have every reason to be
he lieye that heaven will crown with success S
no just a cause.
With such d bright example before you, Q
to what cannot be done by brave men, fightir
in defence of their country! You cannot ia
to be inspired with new zeal to crush this e.
to envy who thus invades our country. RI
re member Bethel and Manassas. Will you n
n sustain the character gained there, as we'll
ire at other places where you have won fame
to The enemy endeavors to intimidate by sho
he and appearance, but remember they hay
ng been r~epulsed on several occasions by a fe
brave southerners. Their cause is bad the
I'D men are conscious of it; and if opposed wit
firmness and cooIness, the victory is sure
yours.
But I would earnestly entreat you not
81 rely on your own strength, but look to Go
"s who alone can give the victory; and inste'
10 Of proud rejoicings, give all the honor
whom it belongs. Let all who are serious
Use inclined, use all their influence for good, al
efS let prayer and praise. be heard in the cam
so that the spiritual enemy of all mankil
III may be repulsed, and then victory over 20
outward foe will be easily achieved.
a. With many good wishes for your hapI
ness, | subscribe myself
all
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