The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-10-16
"Quit you Like Men. "

First, how are we to be men7 In a
word, we are to seek to fulfill the duties of
our various relations to God, and man-tO
man above us, and against US, and around
us; or, in other words, to Government, to
the Enemy, and to Society.
And considering our relations. true man
Illness requires that we regard those Justly
over US, whether in civil or military author
ity, in the scriptural light of ministers of
God. We must be subject to the powers
that be. When the government calls to
arms, every arms bearing man should
spring to his feet; and when under arms
should be obedient to death.
In the face of our enemies, essences
is the first duty. The words translated
"Quit you like men," and which me ans BE
men," is several times rendered in the
Scriptures: BE of good courage" Be
very courageous" The Cap am OF our
salvation commands :-"Be not afraid of
them that kill the body, and after that have
no more that they can do. But will fore
warn you whom ye shall fear. Fear aim,
which after he hath killed, hath power to
cast into hell: yea, l say INTO you fear
him.
Mrcifalness is another duty. A brave
soldier can afford to be a generous victor
1t is said; to err is human, to forgire divine ::
but does not forgiveness enter into our very
idea of humanity? And remember, God
will not forgive US our trespasSes, if we iOr-
give not them that trespass against u.s.
blessed are the merciful for they shall
obtain mercy"
And true manliness, does not lose sight of
God, even in the time of war. If God can
not be remembered then, then is war never
iustifable and as a nation becomes Chris
tian it becomes unmanly, and may be over
run by any power, strong enough and wick
ed enough to do it. But warfare should
not interfere with the claims of religion
Reason and Immortality are the distinc-
tive characteristics of man-reason, en-
ightened by revelation to point out his
obligation to God and Immortality to rem
der eternal service and praises to him
And is it manly only under any circnm-
stances to ignore those cardinal features of
his nature? To dishonor God, and rush
blindly into the retriOutions of eternity2
Can any duty make such injustice and
madnes, obligatory No, better to be
crushed like snails under the feet of the
enemy, than to have the finger of divine
wrath upon US. Men may vindicate their
rights, and serve their God they may de-
fend their homes, and worship at their
affairs; they might be true to their country,
and good soldiers. And the better Chris
tians other things being equal, the better
soldiers; and, in all the relations of life,
will they most completely quit themselves
like men.
And ,eAen are we to quit ourselves IKE
war?
First in the camp. Perhaps no lawful
place on earth is more full of evil, as every
soldier knows. Resist sin, resist the Devil.
Let it not be said that men who bravely
meet their country's foes, tamely submit to
their own sins. Rome vanquished Greece
with wees. God forbid that our gallant
soldiers shall return home, with victors'
wreaths upon their brows, and Satan's
chains upon their hearts-that they shall
covet the congratulations of friends, while
they court the curses of God.
Again, be men in the field. Expect bat
tie, but never expect defeat. Remember
that armies conquer by individuals. Every
man is expected to do his duty, and With all
to inspire the heart, and nerve the arm,
which is worth living for, and dying for, by
the help of God, when the hour cones, let
every man do it.
And finally, be men now while confidence
reproves, repent; while Christ invites, De-
lieye; while God offers his aid, accc pit him
as your sun and shield. "Son, gte me
thy heart" whispers the Holy Spirit. And,
with the heart in the divine hand, al life
will be well ordered, death will be rum
plant, and tbe crown of eternal fe re-
ceiyed, which shall be given to thOs,,, sho,
toward themselves, toward their fop snd I
,oaard their God, Qa''" nea.-- .
jaa.