American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-10-19

But the folly and weakness OF men
have been the illustrations of God S
wisdom and power. Under the in
fluence of tho most incomprehensible
infatuation of wickedness, those who
were most deeply interested in the
perpetuation of slavery hare tc ken
array eee,y motipe for its further tot
Grafton. The spirit of American
slavery, not content with its defences
to be found in the laws of the States,
the provisions of the Federal Consti-
tuition, the prejudices in favour of ex-
isting institution, and the fear of
change, has taken arms against law,
organized a bloody rebellion against
the national authority, made formid-
able war upon the Federal Union,
and in order to found an empire up
the cornerstone Of slavery, threat
ems not only our existence as peo-
pie, but the annihilation of the prin-
ciples of free Christian government /;
and thus has rendered the continu-
ance of negro slavery incompatible
with the preservation of our own lib
erty and independence.
In the struggle of the nation for
existence against this powerful and
wicked treason, the highest executive
authorities have proclaimed the abo-
lition of slavery within most of the
rebel States, and decreed its extinc-
tion by military force. They have
enlisted those formerly held as slaves
to be soldiers in the national armies.
They have taken measures to organ
ize the labor of tn freemen, and in
stituted measures for their support
and government in their new condi-
ton. 1t is the Presidents declared
policy not to consent to the reorga-n
ization of civil government within
the seeded States upon any othe
basis than that of emancipation. In
the loyal States where slavery has not
been abolished. measures of emancipation
on different stages Of progress, have been
set on foot, and are near their consumma-
ton and propositions for an amendment
to the Federal Constitution, prohibiting
slavery in all the States and Territories,
are now pending in the national Congress.
SO that, III our present situation, the in
terests OF peace and of social order are
identified with the success of the cause
of emancipation. The difficulties which
formerly seemed insurmountablc, in the
providence Of God, appear now to be al
most removed The most formidable re-
naming obstacle, we think. will be found
to be the unwillingness OF the human
heart tosee and accept the truth againstthe
prejudices Of habit and interest; and to
act towards those who have been hereto
fore degraded as slaves, with the charity
Of Christian principles in. the necessary
efforts to improve and elevate them.
In view, therefore, of its former testi-
monies upon the subject, the General As
semblage does hereby devoutly express
its gratitude to Almighty God for having
everything the woke iness and calamities
of the rebellion, so as TO work out the de-
liverance of our country from the evil and
guilt of slavery; its earnest desire for
the extirpation of slavery, as the root of
bitterness from which has sprung rebel
lion, war, and bloodshed, and the long
list of horrors that follow in their train
its earnest trust that the thorough reno
val Of this prolific source of evil and
harm will be speedily followed by the
blessings of our Heavenly Father, the
return of peace, union and fraternity, and
abounding prosperity to the whole land ;
and recommend to all in our communion
to labor honestly, earnestly and unwcari-
ely in their respective spheres for this
glorious consummaton, to which human
justice, Christian love, national peace and
prosperity, every earthly and every reli-
gous interest, combine to pledge them.
-~s~---<zc--e So
Exemptions from Draft.
In pursuance of order, | publish the
following exemptions granted to the Board
Of Enrolment of this District, to men
drafted from Butler county, under the
call of July 18th 1861, to this date; with
the cause of exemption specified in each
case !:
PENN TOWNSHIP.
Furnished Substitutes, Adam Weber ir.
Disability. j. s. Wilson Jnhn RifIev