The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-08-21
An Article for the Times.

We think we can render no better service
t. our readers, than by transferring the sub
joined article from the Biblical Recorder .
to. our columns.
In these times Of gloom and dependency
the words Of cheer AMI encouragement it af
fords are refreshing to the weary and toll
worn Of the army, and to every patriot looking
for the redemption Of the land. The clouds
are dark, but there's no reason why the coun-
try should despond. We have had reverses,
but an humble reliance upon divine arm,
with All humble repentance for our fins, as
individuals, and as nation, will avert these
calamiiies, and we shall yet be free. It ia
with the people to determine what our des,i-
ny shall be.
FAITH FOR OUR COUNTRY.
One of the duties Of the hour incumbent
on every christian patriot, is to have faith for
his country. The fnce of the sky, lately go
fair and cloudless, so cheering to every be.
holder and so full Of encouragement for the
future, has been overcast, and dark clouds
lower above u.s. Reverses have come. trust
ed strongholds have fallen, our armies veto.
rious on many bloody field, have been Gem
PEELED to fall back, and our enemies superior
in numbers are pressing Us at all points,
Truly the season is full Of peril and anxiety.
What then ? Shall we give way to despen.
dency? Shall we give up hope and determi-
nation because our expectation Of victory and
speedy Termination Of the war have MT
been realized? Shall we press forward with
less energy on the road which we have been
compelled to take because it is hedg.d about
with difficulties and dangers and we can .not
now see our way through them? GID forbid.
Such a course would be unmaly in the ex
treme, even if the condition of our affairs was
much worse than it really is. To entertain
the thought Of giving up the struggle in which
we are engaged, before the accomplishment
Of the object which we have in view, would
he to prove false to ourselves our brethren
who lie slaughtered on many g',ry field, to
our country, to the interests of civilization
and humanity, and to those who are to come
after us. It would alsn indicate mind I'M
der the influence of fear, wanting alike in
courage and fortitude al j all the nober quail
tiles of the soul, and in a knowledge of the
teachings of the past. Itwould also indicate
a want Of faith in God which would merit
the severest punishment that could befall US.
The present crisis is Lot unlike those which
every individual. who has achieved any unu-
.eual success in life, has had to pass through.
There have been perio Is in the history of
most Of us, whei, all our plans have failed
and inevitable ruin seemed to stare us in the
face. The most careful scrutiny could not
discover ray of light amid the surrounding
Gloom. But, pressing inward with faith in
the ultimate blessing Of God on our labors,
we have seen the clouds rolled away, and the
road to success and prosperity clear and open
Oofore us. Oar heavenly Father with uner-
ring wisdom and infinite love, generally leads
ils children through these seasons Of adver
slty and apparent defeat. to victory and sue
cess. Let us act and think in reference to
oar country as we have done in reference Il,
our Individual interests.
Nor is the discipline of nations materially
olnere nt No one Of them, which occupies a
prominent place in the annals Of the mast o.
IAerts a controlling influence III the shifting
llama =! the present has escaped its seasons
AZ ~ crushing defeat and apparently irretrieya
ots .ulsaster The Isralities of old, Gods
taOssn people, were again and again reduced
rug greatest straits. To all human an
fs,;s they were hopelessly ruined. But
sss.."., came at the right time Greece
$4,000 up 20 greatness and empire through
~ ises more numerous and serious than anv
as "e nave sustained. Rome, once the
PROUD mistress; OF the world, SO great her
pp.ef. ~ terrible the fame that man could
e'alm 40 higher honor for himself than 70 sav
am q Roman citizen" repeatedly saw her