Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-04-07
FOR THE SPECTATOR,
A HOmiIy On the Times.

eff We have sown unto you spiritual things,
is it great thing if we shall reap you carnal
things?" Corinthians, tx, xi,
Mr.. SPECTAToR:--Witn your permission |
would read a homily to my felloW-eitiZens upon
the present times, and call their attention to the
beautiful philosophy embodied in the words OF
Holy Writ just quoted.
1t may not be amiss to say that have been a
deeply interested observer OF passing events,
with reference to their influence in developing
the character Of those who constitute our socl
ETY., in order to ascertain, if pt ssible, the de-
signs and ends to be wrought out positively
and permissiveiy. by the ALI Wise D,sposer of
events. f.,
Now, so far as my observation goes, ore OF
the most singular phenomena, so far developed,
EXHIBITS Itself in the feverlsh excitement, and
yagneness of thought and feeling, that prevail
with reference to extorton and speculation
which have been practiced 10 such IN extent
that the stroDg arm OF military power is out
stretched to,preyent the army from starving and
to save the country from ruin. Few subjects
are more prominenG before the public mind
than these-sptculation and extortion- and di-
vines and Legislators have reasoned, spoken and
written until they are as familiar as household
words. The reading public have perused. with
some care, sermons, essays and speeches, yet
the more discerning OF the signs OF the times
arise from their perusal with the intutive con-
yiction that it the pr 'ncIples advocated be car
ried ont, dealers in articles Of prime necessity
may have tree course and ruin the country at
their leisure. For example, reference may be
made to the theory and principles SO ably eluci-
dated by ssW ii. r. in recent numbers of the
s.Central Presbyterian and by .sAlamby,''
with less research, but more to the point and
with more unc,ion of spirit. Moreover there
are those who are FULLY persuaded that the sug-
gestioas gfavey made III some sermons, and in
/
evils and even some OF the measures resorted to
by government agents, contain the germs of an
oppression as vile and unreasonable as that we
are endeavCring to flee from, through Red sea
OF blood and tears This melancholy failure OF
gifted writers and even of Legislators, to point
out and provide remedy for the evils complain.
ed OF, consistent with reason, personal liberty
and the emergencies OF the country, am salts
fed arises from Misrepresentation ofthe fact that
we are living In a time OF war which imperiis ev-
erythng worth living tor in this world. they
have enjoyed the blessings of a profound peace
so long that their feelings and modes of thOughi
and expression in writing and speaking of the
laws OF trade are blassed mere or less. Withtht
| lips they assume that war exists, yet with tn,
| heart they reason and legislate as if there was
Eo war, ard thus vainly adopt principles Of !
state of peace, to the emergencies OF afearful and
unprecented war. Gould our writer's, Legislators
preachers and persons out of the army generally
be aroused in heart and soul to realize, as many
of the Ladies in this Coniederacy, clad in mourn
ing do, that we are in state of war, the philoS
ophy ofmy text, would put into operation a sys
tenn Of dealing in articles of prime necessity tina
would go very far towards meeting the evils anC
emergencies of the times. 1t would teach oul
countrymen to reason thus, ssThis is time O
war, all that is worth living for, or possessing il
now involved in fearful risk. Our sons, brothers
and neighbors have devoted their health, thei
| blood and even life itself Ia fhe nohIa dutv n
securing to us life, liberty, and the pursui. o
happiness, when they make such sacrifices, ant
we enjoy the benefits, they have secured to u
by loss of life, health limb, is it great thin.
that we should incur the loss OF little -four
/ beef or bacon for tine time being? Would IT Bl
A GREAT THING for US to raise everything we pos
sbly can for few years ON our farms, witt
the expectation OF GETTING NOTHING Tor our labo
| but liberty, independence, and LEAVE to kee]
our lane when the war is over? Were our peo
pie imbued with the spirit of this philosophy 0
the New Testament, no further clue would b
| needed 10 lead US out of our difficulties. The
let all who love their country employ example
tongue, pen, and pencil to diffuse its spirit an
its teachings, and all will yet be well.
| CENSOR MORUM.
| NOVEL SYSTEM OF ExoHANGEs.-A correspon
dent of the Savannah Republican gives the fo
lowing account of the manner in which an ez
change of newspapers is effected between th
two armies in Virginia:
Lieutenant Wiansoa and Heard, of th
Eigb tn Regiment. called upon me and among 9th
er items of interest, told me how they eHecte
an exchange of papers with the Yankees at Fred
er:cksburg. They constructed little boat q
| bout two feet long, loaden her with tobacco an
! Richmond papers, and taking her some distanc
4 or<a