16 lasting problem. What is before us to do, is something to be done. not to be tried. Of course, as a man and a citizen, I have no doubt of the issue. But, as I said before, this is not a question for the pulpit to decide. It is impossible, perhaps, not to show, by word, or hint, or action, one’s proclivities. But I have endeavored, so far as I could, not to say aught which would appear to render judgment. I have endeavored to state what I understand to be the question in both of its sides. It is not for this chancel to decide. The God of battles hath long had this question in his own hands. And as He hath so guided affairs in his Providence, that it has been, and is beyond the power of any man or men to ward the national question off*, and postpone it, so hath he intrusted its settlement to no priest—to no church, but to this nation of citizens ; and will, as I believe, give his fiat for the right to the triumphant party. Enter this God-sent contest, then, and go through it, we must. But you will ask me, as “ a spiritual pastor and master,” how, as Christians^ you are to act, as thus surrounded by the mighty events of the day ? Remember, then, that a great question is to be settled ; that you are engaged in a high and holy struggle. Rising to the dignity of the occasion, enter upon your share of the God-given work fearlessly, self-poised, calmly, and prayerfully. A great danger to both sides is, that we may be swept away by passion, not guided by judgment.. To be self-poised and calm, to be consistent with the dignity of the occasion, is to keep reason on the throne under the most trying provocations. Passion may intensify, but in a prolonged struggle it always weakens. There never was such a spectacle presented to the world before, as our Government presents this day. Threatened, attacked, reproached, reviled, insulted, and yet calm, unruffled through all, self-poised, its eye coolly fixed and not to be diverted from the course it had marked out as humane and wise. There is no passion in the government. There is apt to be passion in masses of men. If the passion of the mass, outrunning the cool judgment of their Government, is to rule, that mass but plunge themselves into the
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