The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-11-27
Who Created this Nation?

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This Confederacy cannot in any strict use
of the term be ca led nation, for it is sim
ply union Of sovereign States. Yet the
term is sometimes applied to it, by those
who do not perfectly comprehend the form
of our Government. And Mr.. Gladstone,
chancellor of the British Exchequer, speak
ing, it is said, as the mouth piece of the
English ministry, so used the term in re-
cent speech to bis constituents at Newcas-
tie, which has excited the expectation, both
ct the North, and the South that the recog-'
milton of this COnfederacyis at hand. His
language is There is no doubt, think,
about this, that Jefferson Davis and the
other leaders of the South have made an
army they are making, it appears, navy,
and they, have made what is more. than the
other, nation"
Werare, far from regrettingof course that
these English statesmen, are beginning,to
comprehend the significance of the great
events, which, have lately come to pass,on
this continent. But, we would protest, in
every senae of the word, and 10 every aspect
of the case, against the statement, that "Mr.
Davis and the Southern leaders, have crea-
ted this nation" 1t is not for US to discuss
Che political errors involved in tbs state
44vut. DutJ8s shia 10 ssdsona5i 60 testify
20 our own peoplesin how high sense, and
n what a peculiar, and wonderful degree
God, Himself, has been the direct author, Of
our lifa,and being, as distinct, and separate
people. This war, dreadful as it is, has
nevertheless been very glorious,in manifest
ing, terribly indeed but clearly, the Divine
hand, both in its first iDcepton,aud through
out its progress. The separation, between
usfand the NOrth/was not mans work, ex-
cept, as msntis Gods instrument. We be-
hold in all these events, just one Of those
grand Providential movements which every
now and then occurs, in the history of our
race. For thirty years the way was pre-
pairing for the dssoluiioHo the American
Union. AS it, was to be great matter, n
long time Of preparation, for twas necessa-
~, aud long, and fierce were the assaults
upon the South which were, Gnally,to unite
them in the determination, TO be, a separate
people. Wonderful indeed was the unanim-
ity Of sentiment which suddenly manifested
tself,in the State Of South Carolina, for Sc
cessi6n, and wonderful indeed was the move
ment of mind. and heart jim eaclof the other
States which successfully declared, for the
same course. Nor has the wonder at all
dimin shed throughout the whole march of
the magnificent movement. Here we are,
much fewerIin number, than our foes, with
what,al the outside world believe to be- AN
element of yeaknessrand dangerin the very
centre,o our social life, cut off from nearly
all cOnnectionwit the rest of mankind, and
given up, of them all ITO be ground to pow
derby the heavy hand of our enemy; and
yet, in the space Of less than two years, Eu-
rope acknowledges, that an army, and ma
Wy, and national created here, able to
palsy the right arm,of the great, and terri :
bic Government, which thunders at Wash \
ington. Byron wrote poem, went to sleep, :
then walked up in the morning and found
himself famous. We were blockaded for a
year and half, and it comes to pass,in this
short period that we also are famous and
1onoraoleri IN Europe, TnIchgueyer knew any
thing good about US before! The hand of
the Almighty has been with us. His hand :
created this nation. His power has pro.
tected and prospered US. Infdelity assailed
his Word, and his providence, in assaing
slavery amongst US, and He, would vindicate
both,in defending US, and our institutions.
The pride of human reason, and human
power, stands rebuked; and God, is seento
be wonderful in counsel and excellent lin
working.-S5mhern Presbyterian. =