Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-06-09
PREPARE FOR BATTLE!!
By REV. J. T. CLARKE.

Soldiers =. To- morrow we must fight
The enemy is jnst at hand. Darkness on
y defers the stern encounter between prou
oppressors and men sworn to die freemer
rather than live slaves. Your country call
to victory or death When yonder SUI
so lately set in glory, looks forth to morrow
let not his radiant eye fall Oh a man un-
ready for the shock. Prepare-prepar
for battle Let the first bri ghs beams
gun is in perfect order. Taken an ampl,
supply of ammunition. Fill your canteeD
with water; for battle brings a ragin:
thirst. Put edge and point to knives an'
swords-fx bayonets-for ours should b.
20 distant, formal salutation but such
fierce onsets, such deadly, closing strife,
finds no end but victors' crowns and pat
riots graves Let net muscle be relax
ed this night in rest, till all is ready for
the thrilling order, Forward forward, my
braves! Remember the enemy is nigh
He watches all our movements. To guard
against surprise, let every man snatch his
sleep Tonight, leaning on his arms, at bis
post, in the stern array, Surgeons, be
ready to give the best attention to our
wounded; for doubt not, many manly
form shall bleed pure patriotism, ere anoth
er sunset!
All Soldiers, prepare for battle. Pre-
pare for the fight. Prepare for alIits ener-
> gies. But Oh ! prepare, prepare for its
- qreat issues! You carry into the conflict
! noble form, dear to many heart. This
YOU hazard. You bear thither a life val
r liable to your needy country, and to loved
q ones at home. This you hazard. But alb
~ you bear into that fatal strife treasure
y worth more than these-an inestimablt
treasure-an immortal soul, which hereaf-
,s ter must shine aud sing around the throne
~ of God, or burn and shrek forever in He'll
~ Impenitent Soldier you hazard you sou
y. to~morro,c What, if the first bullet from
a the enemy should whistle through you
ri heart Where O! avhere scould be tho
,;s soul? What if, mangled by the cannon
ball, you expire in the heat of the contes
be ted day, beneath trampling steeds, au
in amid fierce shouts and piercing shrek
,re and anguish means, and the fash and roa
of artillery-ayhere, when all that fearfr
S. scene is past-@here wiU be that soul
All! Thou nay'st fall victor. In th
front ranks of the brave, you may die, tn
,as smiles of triumph playing Cd your dyin
ex- face, and cleaning in your closing eye
ad- and your lips trembling with shouts of vi
re tory. Admiring comrades may mark tt
nv spot houored by your patriot blood, and,
on other days, meu, free and independent, N;
lse raise the eloquest marble, telling to pas
Of ers-by, Here fell the brave soldier, &
ee9 covered with glory when-Oh my Go
i've yoesr soul mag be IN He'll
Soldier, there is preparation of the so
IN. for danger. To this | would warn and e
treat you. Believe on the Lord Jes
Christ. and thou shall be saved Repe
ho tauce toward God, and faith in Jesus VI
ID insure your soul. VIII you not prepa
not for death, for Judgement, for eternity
Brave defender of our country's righ
the shall every other preparation be made, b
on. th;ss Delay not this matter until the fer
led encounter is begun. The dread excitemel
in of battle leave little room for penitent tel
and prayers Of trembling trust in the S
said vior. Now IS your time 2 This night.