Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-08-21

edoment is implied in the recognition OF
the power of prayer, but ii well deserves
the express and distinct mention OF II
which is made. at is meet and right to
recognize and confess the presence OF the
Almighty Father, and the power oil dis
hand in these triumphs." 10 what else
than His presence and the power OF His
hand can these triumphs be ascribed r
We have no evidence OF superior gener-
alship or Of greater bravery in recent
battles than in former ones. There has
never been any lack of bravery on the
part of our soldiers, and we have no evil
dence that the generalship displayed 10
recent battles has at all surpassed what
has been exhibited by commanders who
have led those soldiers only to be defeat
ed. There is no possible explanation of
our victories but that which the President
recognzes,--the power Of Gods almigh-
ty hand, interposing at the critical mo-
ment to prevent the triumph OF iniquity,
and sustain the existence and authority OF
the powers which He has ordained. In
grateful acknowledgment of our obliga-
tions to Him for what He has done in our
behalf, let the language of our thanks
giving be that of David" BY Thee
have we run through troop, and by our
God have we leaped over a wall."-
Blessed be the Lord 'our' strength,
which teacheth our hands TO war and
sour fingers to fight"
He has, indeed, used human agencies
in the accomplishment of His purposes.
No other agencies were needed. But
without His guidance and assistance,
they would have been altogether unavail-
able. Meade, and Grant, and Banks,
and Sherman, brave and skilful as they
are, are but the instrumeniaities with
which He has worked. "For they got
no. the land in possession by their own
sword, neither did their own arm save
them; but His right hand, and His
arm, and the light of His countenance,
because He had favor unto Them
Let this truth be recognized, not only as
respects the past, but in all our thoughts,
and plans. and movements, in the future
conduct of the war. We have had enough
of impious attempts to "organize victory"
without reference TO the experimenting
providence and controlling power of God,
and the severe Establishments we have re-
ceived for that impiety ought TO be suffi-
cient to deter us from any similar crimi-
nal mistakes. 1t is He only who organ
ICES victory. Without Him, our best
concerted plans will but bring disgrace
and defeat to those who devise them
Without him, the largest and bravest ar
mics will experience nothing but defeat
with Him, one shall chase hundred, and
two shall put ten thousand to flight.
An important feature in the proclama-
ton, rarely occurring in similar docu
ments, is the request of the President
that the people will "invoke the influence
of Gods Holy Spirit, to subdue the anger
which has produced and so long sustained
a cruel rebellion, and to change the hearts
Of the insurgents" Our duty in this re-
gard has been greatly neglected, and to
the serious damage of the cause in which
we are engaged. We have been anxious
for victories, we have prayed, often and
earnestly, that our armies may conquer
their adversaries, but we have forgotten
that mere victories, however great and
decisive, will never restore the union and
frsternal feeling which we so ardently
desire. On the contrary, mere victories,
even though multiplied to the entire sub
jugation Of the rebels, will leave the ma
ton divided and distracted. Victory may
follow victory till the military power of
the rebels shall be utterly annihilated,
and not man shall remain in arms
against the government, but the nation
will not then be reunited. There may be
sullen submission to the power which
is too mighty for them to resist, reluc-
tant obedience TO laws which they cannot
evade, but there will be no cheerful and
hearty return to the union from which
they have departed. Tire may be an
acquiescence in the administration of ma
tional affairs, but there will be no partic-
ipation in it. No force of arms can COM
pei the rebels to assist in the election of
President, to send their senators and
representatives to Congress, or to sustain
any other relation but that of conquer.
: cd and Inundated, but stubborn aud un-
yielding people. When all has been done
that can be done by generalship and
craftsmanship, there will yet remain the
most difficult victory TO be won, the vic
tory over their will and their affection.
IL IL. L..