Year: 1861

shall be able 70 quench an the fiery darts Of


tbe wicked, and taking the helmet Of salvation


ard The sword ot the spirit, which is the word


Of God, praying always With all prayer and


suppication IN the spirit, and watching there


unto With all perseverance, and supplication.
When a Christian falls iu battle we feel that
be has not only died Ia defense q his country
and in a good and glorious cause, but that be
has fallen also as soldier OF the cross, with


tue shield 0f the Almighty over bin, and what
( ever tender lies may be severed By bis death,
I we honor hin for his sslf-sacIifeing devotion
/ TO bis country, and have the inexpressible con-
Z ISOLATION that be was prepared for the change.
But many Of cur young men who are geing
Z forth to the hardsbips, evils and dangers Incl
z dent to our prssen. disturbed affsirs, have not
I vet made their peace with God. In a moment
/ they may be ushersd into eternity, unprepsrsd.
Are children OF pious parents (many of them)
early dedicated 20 God, cherish Cd with the ten
I derest Cbristian affection, many heaving bo-
sons Yedrn for them, and earnest prayer as
cend to heaven for them. We cannot be in


different 20 their spiritual interest


We earnestly desire their salvation we long
. that they may avail themselves Of the mercy
7 OF God 10 Christ Jesus. We are sure that now,
+ especially, their first aud chief business is to
+ prepare to meet their God.


Nv Young brethren and friends we are not


unwilling to have you arm and equip yourselves,
and TO prepare for tbe crisis that is now upon


as. II war comes, it is not our seeking, we
have not desired it. We have conteDded that


it should not come under the circumstances


We have waited long 10 have our rights al


Tusted. We have prayed most importunatelv


that the shedding OF blood should not be the
final issue Of our difficulties. We have pro-


posed compromise, and our men OF influence
have gone further toward securing peace than


many thought them justified in doing, but ID


hss all been 10 vain. The issue is now forced


upon rs by the unwise and wicked coercion
policy Of a Government that seems determined


in thelr inistua.ion, either 20 enslave OF de-
stroy US need not say to you that they can


do neither.


a9We can say. with the Psslmist, David: 6I


know that the Lord wiz maintain the cause Of


the afflicted and the right Of the poor; surely


the righteous shall give thanks unto thFname:


the upright shall dwell In thy presence"


II then YOU are called into active service for
vour country, Z know well that YOU viii be
valiant for her honor, her interests, and her
liberty. But amid al the exciting scenes nee
essarilv incident to our position and our cir
cumstances, and amid the dangers that may
gather thick and fast around Won, do not forget
your preciogs souls; make their salvation your
chief concern in these perii0us times. Give
attention to eternal things; many are anSious
for you, and praying most ferysntly
that You may be prepared for the worst.
Many pious mother is saying in her agony
Of interest for you: ] wonld chesrfully give up
my son 10 my eouBtry's service IL J could only
feel that be vas Christian indeed. And they
wet their couches with their tears VIXEN they
remember that you are going forth TO tempts-
tions and to dangers, ana perhaps to death un-
prepared. Come then TO the cross OF Christ
Ask him to cloth YOU In his righteousness and
TO wash you in his blood, and to strengthen vou
for duty and for trial, and 20 prepare YOU for
bis will, and to ft you for any and every event
Of bis providence. He waits 70 be gracious
He has no pleasure in your death He desires
your salvation. Oh, listen to bis voice Of
mercy, and lock, and live and NAV God
glorify in you all the riches Of bis grace.
Ameni