The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1863-09-26
THE RETRIBUTIoN TO COME.

| In the sdispensation of an all-wise Providence
Is ever that of national retribution radition,
Bible history, profane history, all ages and all
records, present for the contemplation OF men,
and, if they choose, for their benefit, examples
| of that inevitable retribution visited upon ma
| tions. Amidst the diversified injuries and dis
tresses which eur ruthless invaders are bringing
| upon the Southern people, we may be assured
the overhowing cup of bitterness will one day
be commanded to their own lips, There are at
present at the North outgivings OF discord, con-
ficting interests and opinions, governmental ty-
rannies, and popular impatience of restraint and
oppression--all tending to collision and rupture.
Such signs in any other nation would be more
unmistakabe; but even amongst Yankees they
| may be leading to very natural and inevitable
| results. Whether they be or not, however, thus
drifting, we know that the retribution in store
for those people must come. If these things are
not now leading directly to it, the irresistible
causes will soon appear 1t no nation can be
saved from the wrath it has heaped up for itself,
then the nation of the North has day of terror
before it. - ss 2
Whether or not the South may be able to car
ry the war into the enemy's country, neverthe-
less war at their ewn hearthstones, bloody and
desolating war, is as certain as any future event.
IF the United States have steered clear of that
calamity since the establishment of American
Independence, (the last war with England and
the Mexican war leaving their own territory,)
they cannot expect long continuance of such
good fortune. No nation ever has escaped it,
and least of all, need nation entertain the hope
OF it which is carrying on such demoniac inva
sion as this of the South. One of the reasons
most urged by the North against "disunion"is is
that it will breed continual wars. Do they ex-
pect to escape the common curse of humanity
Is the United States to be the solitary spot on
the globe, the single nation in all history, which
has never known war at its own firesdes, Are
they, above all, who are the most hearless and
cruel of mankind, to avoid doom which the
most virtuous and valiant have been compelled
to sufferi Let them not expect to triumph over
destiny, and over the retrbution which comes
upon guilty nations as well as upon guilty men.
The day will come when, either from a foreign
invasion or war among themselves, they will
suffer all and more than we have suffered; their
young men will be slaughtered at their own
thresholds; their women chased from the fires of
their burning homes; their peaceful citizens shot
down in their own dwellings,; their fields laid
waste; the roar of cannon and musketry ever
ringing in their ears, and the wailings of be-
reaved households ever rising to the heavens
The present war but slightly touches their own
sensibties, for they care not for the slaughter
of the foreigners, with whom they fill their ar
mics. But one day the curses which they a, e
visiting upon this people win come to roost in
their own bosoms and gnaw their own vitals A |
just and righteous God rules the earth, who has |
warned the wicked not to exult because SEN
tence against an evil work is not executed |
speedily. 1t always comes at last, and the more
heavily because it has been long deferred.
-1- Richmond Dispatch.