Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-08-05
COyIMUNICATED.
SERMON ON THE HALLS SHELL
BY DEACON DIoGENEs.
PATRIOTISM.

PATRIOTISM.
We love the sacred soil,
Where sleeps our patriot sires;
We love our land from sea 10 sea,
Our affairs and our fires.
My Brethren-Whcn patriotism was
brought to this country is not definitely
known, bu: it is generally conceded
that it was discovered some time during
the last century. 1t is commonly de6n-
ed, love of country, and is of as many
degrees of intensity rs fellow may
feel for his sweetheart
A great many men are more willing
TO fight patriotic battles with their
tongues, than with gunpowder. 1t. is
also more convenient and safer, 10 be a
patriot during time of peace. than in
time of war, rs then it is very danger
Gus. resulting frequently in more broken
heads than feminine love does in bro
ken hearts.
Genuine, or true patriotism, will sac
r6ce even lite in behalf OF country, and
the page OF American history which
chronicles the patriotic deeds of sire
aud son is doubly bright in the sheen
OF glory.
Whcn we remember what the pa'ri'
otic efforts of our fathers secured Tor us;
when we remember the unselhsh Wis
dom of the sages of our Republic; when
we take u bird's-cye view OF this vast
Continent, and contemplate the gran
deur and prosperity Of our Country
when we look aloit and see proudly
waving in the free air, the red-streakcd,
star-studded banner of our glorious Ma
tionality; when we hear the soul-inspir-
inr strains of IaEkee Doodle, We feel
as il We had swallowed an electric bat
terry, and chunks OF patriotism rise up
in our throat as large as coal-scutiles.
1t is then that we can fully experience
the thrilling emolntions Of patriotism.
and are willing, if necessary, TO convert
our plowshares into broad swords, and
rush TO the conflict 10 fall, u taH rs
must, with our head toward home and
our heels TO the foe.
Brethren, we have known men who
were so full of patriotism that in time
that tried mems souls, they were ~
unmanageable as a pralrc buffalo, and
like the immortal sons Of New Eng
land
"Thcy left the plowshare in the mold,
The corn half garnered on the plain,
aud impatienty rushed TO the battle,
when after sniff or two OF gunpowdcr,
they were very anxious TO return home
to finish their tall plowing, and haul in
the remainder of their corn crop.
Gunpowder, always tests patriotism
and many who thought they were full
Of il at Fourth OF July celebration, and
felt able to demolsh whole army
corps of imaginary euemies, when they
were at a remote distance, when
brought TO the front suddenly remem-
bered for the first time, that all their
stock of patriotism by mistake was left
at home. We are glad 10 know how
ever, that in tho past there has been
patriotism, sacrificing love TO.
'Strke, for our altars aud our fires.
and we hope that it will ever be an
abiding principle. 1t is the agis Of our
liberties, and no man deserves country
or home, who is nnwiIIingly to defend
them from the attacks Of toes from
without, Of foes from within, Brethren,
be patriotic-"be just and fear not-lct
the ends thou aimst at be thy God, Thy
Country and Truth" Upon the intelli-
gents patriotism of the people rests the
great future Of our Country, II is high
aud sacred trust let US soc that III our
time it is faithfully aud honestly per
formed. 1t is duty which We owe
our children, to instill into their minds
principles OF political virtue, republican
simplicity and honor. Ii We are true in
this, our great Republic will continue
to advance upward and onward IN her
proud career Of glory will become tho
day-star of the nations OF the earth, aud
wien Time becoming weary OF his task
shall fall aud cease - be. Columbia
will wrap his worn out frame IN the
starry folds of our banner aud entomb
him, while Yankee Doodle sings re-
QUEEN.
Brethren let us sing!