Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-05-24
The Hour of Thought.


Our country has passed through months
of fearful, deep, distressing excitement.
We have had the exhiliration of pure, pa
triotic, lofty joy. We have felt the oppres-
sive weight of domestic and OF national grief
Laments and acclamations have resounded
through the land. The sobs of mourners
have responded to the distant thunder of
battle, and victory has been hailed by the
shouts of a rejoicing people. The sweep
and roar Of the tempest is over. The tri-
umrh of right is achieved The welcome
tramp of heroes returning to their peaceful
homes is heard in the distance. Greetings
of honor and love will soon ring in our
streets. Divine providence led our nation
through the great conflict of four years, safe,
though not unscathed. Thousands of our
noble men have fallen on the bloody field
The loved and honored head of the nation
has been slain by a murderer hand. Yet,
so numerous and distinguished have been
the divine favors towards us, that even
sorrow cannot impugn his dispensations.
Amid sobs and tears, it exclaims He doeth
all things we'll -
We have Government still, the same,
approved Constitutional Government, that
paricidal traitors combined TO destroy 1t
comes out of the fiery trial, a righteous,
free, strong Government, a protection TO
the weak, terror to evil doers, praise to
them that do well. We have, still, rulers
of our own choice, faithful to the trust COM
mitted to them, true to the general inter
ests, competent TO administer the affairs of
the Republic. With him whom we have
lost, they carried the State through the pro-
tracted struggle; with him who is left, they
have steadied it through the last tremendous
shock. Regulated by law and guided by
Providence, they are administering justice,
establishing peace, restoring order.
We have people imbued with the spir-
it of patriotic virtue, evinced not only by
heroic achievements in war, but also by in
tegrity and intelligence in the scenes of
peaceful life Their trials have rendered
illustrious the gentler, as well as the stern
er virtures of free and christianized citi-
zenship. The privations incident to the
h"i- 'hO OApSh1Oo pS II Inc SUI
rows that it caused, did not shake the firm
resolve with which they embraced it at first,
when armed rebellion struck at the country
life. Persistent courage, self sacrificing be-
nevolence, unstinted liberality have been
the characteristics of the people, both male
ard female, through the long years of the
contest, and a forbearing kindness of tenn
per, has honorably distinguished them in
the midst of many provocatons.
We have our institutions of Government,
education, and religion, in unimpared ex.
cellence and in full vigor of operation. The
frghtful yisage Of anarchy has no where
appeared among us. Justice is administer
ed with a steady balance, school houses and
churches are open and occupied by their ap-
propriate assemblies. Hope cheers the
heart of industry, and labor meets its just
reward
La the hour of thought, these cheering
views of Heavens bounty toward us pass
pleasantly before our minds, arousing senti-
ments of gratitude, suggesting purposes of
continued fidelity to our Government, and
inspiring the benevolent desire that our
country, reunited and at peace, may enjoy
all such blessings, throughout all its extent.
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