Year: 1861

were led captive; Tor IN thelr peace, tueJ


were to have peace. But with how


much more ferver would they pray fol


the peace of the city and country where


they lived free, and in whose peace they


would not only have peace, but every


other social, civil and religious blessing.


1t was thus we prayed for or beloved


country. And God has heard our pray


er. Our previous history, little less than


that of the Jews, records signal divine in


Propositions, in answer to prayer.


We ought to remember that His ways


are above our ways, as the heavens are


above the earth. He often answers the
believer in such a way as almost drives


him TO despair" And it is not only in


righteousness, but in mercy, that he an


swers the church by terrible things. The


facts of which | am about to speak, are


so recent that none can forget them, and


so plain that all must see their signifi-
canoe. The first news we heard after
the general fast on the fourth of last
January, was that the cabinet and capital
were freed from Catalines, who were
driven ont into open warfare. Had they
remained in power, how different now
would be the situation of affairs, As
this season of humiliation and prayer
had been attended by so marked results,
a change in the aspect Of public affairs,
felt as the time of the annual Spring
fast approached, so strongly that it would
introduce important changes, that men,
toned it to others. knew not what to
expect unless as it wa, most needed and
was what the former season brought some
new infusion of vigoi, into the new ad-
Behold as the result bea-
con on Fort Sumter that reused and raj
lied millions of freemen no; moment too
soon. | could as we'll believe that the
events which fulfil prophecy are mere CO.
as that these which answer
prayer, coincide so remarkably by chance.
| could as well believe that there was no
God, or that He does not hear prayer, as
that He does not now call US to the bat
tie. Let US follow then where He leads.
All of you can pray, and these late
events show the efficacy of prayer
Even a few with Moses on the mount
may accomplish as much as host in the
field.


But whilst you pray use suitable means.
Contribute of your prosperity to this ho-


y cause. All that a man hath will he
give for his life and he ought to give for


he life of his country. Aud you, young
men and bold, 90 forth to fight in the
nigh places OF the field. | know you are
onward of yourselves. Your martial
lrdor, instead of needing TO be excited,
reeds rather to be held in check and gui-
led Alright, Count the cost. Give your
elves first to the Lord and then TO your
ountry in his service. He says, " He
hat loveth father or mother more than
ne is not worthy of me-" This war has
allied out multitudes such as did not en-
ist since Puritan times of substantial,
3od-fearing citizens, like those that Crom-
yell formed into the invincible ironsides
7ho never showed their back to an enc
ny. This is the stuff we wish to make
lto soldiers,-those who fear God and
herefore fear nothing besides, neither
len nor devils. The drinking, royster-
1g crew at the South profane Gods
anne on every ebullition OF anger. The
christian expresses by it the deepest and
oliest feelings Of his nature. SO do
hey sport with human life on every
revocation; but the Christian warrior
egards "the shedding Of mans blood as


sacred thing committed to society for 4
s preservation. He enlists, therefore,
5 priest entering the consecrated host
f Gods "sanctifed ones" Such are the
est soldiers, who make their wills, par
Ike Of the sacrament of the Lords sup
er, and with passion strong as that Of
le ancient Christians for the martyrs
rown seek on the battle field short way
, Heaven glorious as EIjah's chariot
nd horses of fire. Many Of them,


romwell-like, appeared inspired to act
the apostles were to speak, with wis q
1m and power which all their adverse. }
es could not gainsay or resist.


Alas, that as this spring opens so ma r
Y of the young, and noble, and good 4
ust be laid in the ground as the seed
ON which the future ages shall reap the {
ch harvests of freedom and peace - Il
re you worthy to die for your country? \
urge you not. II any need to be urg- 8
! they ought not to be allowed to co. n


any are fearful and fainthearted, If e