The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-11-06
SELECTIONS.
Our Army of the Potomac.

Without aHy righteousness Of comparison
it may be safely said, never was there a no
bier body of patriot soldiers than our army
Of the Potomac. Even our bitterest foes OF
the Northern press signalize their courage
and constancy in expressions of wonder tbRt
such balf-clad and halffed men should do
such Incompatible fighting. They say they
cannot account for it. We can account for
it without difficulty. Their country can ac-
count for it, for she knows of what material
that army is composed. The women, and
the children and the aged men that are left
behind can account for it, for they know
what is the sacred cause which moves those
gallant men to heroic deeds of valor, and to
patient endurance month after month, Of
every privatiOn and suffering.
The heart throbs within US og we think
Of our half-fed, half-clad brethren in that
distant army, the heroes Of more and blood
Ter battles than perhaps were ever fought
in modern times, within so short space Of
time 1t is not simply that we have friends
and relatives amongst them. The feeling
which swells our bosoms IS broader and
less personal emotion. 1t makes US recog-
nize them all as our relatives and friends.
No man, that is man, at home, but loves
them as his own brothers, rejoices in their
successes, sympathizes in their hardshpa
and perils, feels in bis measure the pains Of
their sicknesses and the soreness of their
wounds, and longs for the day Of 5heir happy
release from this hard though honorable
service, and their joyous return home again
to happy families and an emancipated coun-
try. Alas how many Of them may never
return again, except in their collins. Bitter
discipline indeed is this our people are pass
ing through Yet good it is to pass through
it! How else could We learn those granc
lessons God is thus teaching US all?
Bat we took up our pen to say what W
think is due to that noble army by ever
pr2-i2r nan, roman end child in this Con
tcderacy. 1t is to be constant aud curUes
inprayer for their safety and success. Where
they are this day We do not knew, but the,
cannot be where the 0mnipotent is not
What may be their situation, their dangers
their wants, their sicknesses, their wounds
their trials and temptations of diferen
kinds, we cannot tell; but the Omnisoienti j
witness to it all. Shall we not earnestly ant
constantly intercede with Him to shield thei
heads in the time of battle, and to be gra
cous and merciful in all His dealings will
them2 Shall we not pray that He may guido
their general-in chief, and all his associate
and subordinates? How precious now ar
the lives of Lee, Jackson, LOngatreet, tn
Hills and others, next to them in rank =
Aud how precious is the life Of every indi
yidual soldier in those thinned and waste
ranks Christian women and Christia
gcandsires at home, ministers Of the Gospc
and members of our churches all, it is tim
for most fervent applications on behalf @
the country; and no interest Of the countr
more loudly asks your prayers than GU
army, and no part Of our army more tha
those who have passed through so man
battles and are now, we know not in wha
precise situation or circumstances.
Southern Presbyterian.