The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-04-06
The Lesson of Nations.

Ihere is no consequence more inevitable in the
affairs of nations of individuals, than the ret
ribution which follows Interpretation ofwrong
by the infringement of natural and moral laws
neglect of the simplest physical duty entail
the permanent loss of physical health or precip-
itate sudden disease and death upon the human
system. Nations cannot escape the penalties of
wrong doing any more than individuals. Egypt
Greece, Rome, were distinguished for their pros
perity, and their decadence was equally remar-
kable; but if we trace the history of causes and,
effects which governed the life of those states,
we shall discover the plain laws violated by
each, and the positive punishment that followed
every dereliction of duty. The story of the
Jews, as related in scripture, is lesson for all
ages and countries. Every departure from the
pure system given to their first Law-giver on
the Mount of Zion, sure to bring upon them
visitation of some dire misfortune. When
murmuring and discomfort arose, the march of
the nation towards Canaan was extended forty
years; when rebellion broke out, through ambi-
| ton and jealousy of leaders, righteous judge
ment overlook the guilty. When the foolish
multitude demanded King, they obtained their
| wish, but with it was compelled to endure tyran-
ny and civil strife. When the people forsook
their altars and yielded to idolatry, the heather
whom they initiated were permitted by God to
become the instruments of His vengeance on the
apostate Jewishites. Thus, through all phases
of Hebrew nationality, we behold the natural
consequences of retribution for wrong, and the
| inevitable suffering and degradation that were
begotten by contempt of Almighty laws.
Israel thus stands as an example, and all other
nations, according to their deserts, have been
judged and punished by the same memorable
rule of right which governed the affairs of Gods
| chosen people. Our own Republic far from be-
| ing an exception, appears to present closer il
lustration of the connection that exists between
human shortcomings and divine dispensations.
AS we have been blessed above all other lands,
and displayed as it were Z" like a city set upon
HILL which cannot be hid'-as we have partaken
of the largest bounties of Heaven, and been
clothed, not with curses, but with blessings ''as
with government and as, in spite of all the
goodness of Providence we have "walked far
like Jeoharum of old, only to "kick against the
Lord'-so at length, we smitten, we are Wis.,
tied with condign punishment, we are shaken
and scourged as with rods, for the transgressons
| involved in our selfishness, and money greed,
our political corruption, and our neglect of that
golden rule for communities, as well as individ-
uals-" do unto others as you would that others
should do unto your
That the judgement is just we must own while
we submit to it. Thatit will beget reflection and
repentance we hope and trust. We must abide
the evils which we did not avert by timely po-
| litical and moral amendment But, let us cher
ish the faith that under the workings of Divine
| Mercy, as well as justice, our Republic will
emerge from the pressure of its affections, like
| tthrice refined gold worthy to shine and to be
| valued in the crown of Gods sovereignty on
earth worthy to be las heretofore all patriotic
souls have prayed that it might become,) grand