Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/359

 Rh this duty have been attended by evident tokens of the Divine favor. May the observance of the appointed day, which is now at hand, be fallowed by the signal blessing of Almighty God, and may the solemn day be kept holy unto the Lord by the army and by all the people. If ever a nation was called to prostrate itself at the foot of the cross, and to supplicate the mercy of God with strong crying and tears it is this. God, we believe, will deliver us from our enemies, but that deliverance must come in answer to prayer.

In order that our prayers may be heard, and our solemn days be not an abomination unto the Lord, we must put away sin from among us. There are sins, both ot a national and individual character, which are rapidly engendered in a time like this—a spirit of recklessness and profanity—a disregard of the laws of life and of property—too great a reliance upon an arm of flesh—and it may be, under peculiar aggravations, a sinful feeling of malignant and blood-thirsty revenge has been indulged. But, more than all, a spirit of unhallowed greed, of unrighteous extortion. Ill-gotten gains will prove a curse to the individual, and injurious to the country. It is no time for amassing wealth. Can the true patriot, can the true Christian grow rich in the hour of his country's peril? If in any proper and legitimate manner, without injury to others, money is accumulated, give it to your country, give it to the poor, give it to the suffering families of the soldiers, send a chaplain to the army, and assist in the support of his family while he is engaged in the work. Let the church of Jesus Christ clear herself of this sin, and let not the hidden wedge and the Babylonish garment be found in her tents. By precept and example let the church seek to foster a generous and self sacrificing spirit among all classes of the people.

Brethren, send us more chaplains. The harvest truly is great, the laborers are few. We send abroad to the churches the Macedonian cry, Come and help us. The work is an earnest, a pressing work. Now is emphatically the accepted time for the army. The cause will not brook delay. A series of battles, which may speedily follow the opening of the campaign, will sweep away thousands of our brave comrades and friends—thousands of your own sons and brothers. Then come while it is called to-day. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and escape the curse of Meroz.

We especially appeal to the churches in their organized capacity, and ask of conventions, conferences, presbyteries and associations, to set apart men of the best talent and largest experience unto this