17 anarchy they would seek to avoid. As Christians, then, in these troublous times, I repeat to you, as a pastor, the command of God ; I impress upon you the principle implied in that command, whatever may be its words ; that ye have a care—that ye always remember to “ submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake : Whether it be to the King, as supreme ; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” Remember that “ Order is Heaven’s first law,” that God loves not anarchy. This great question is given by God to this nation to decide; let the clash of arms on each side be the struggle of two orderly bodies, not of the “fury and the madness of the people.” Thirdly. Let us all remember that this is a war of principle, not of vengeance. Let us remember that we are battling with our own countrymen—that Bishops of the Church, Clergy of the Church and our brother laymen, Clergy and laymen of the denominations, with us at the foot of the cross, are differing, and differing honestly, from us in opinion on this matter. Let us re- member that we are battling with them—with our dear kinsmen in the flesh, with our brethren in Christ. All must indeed be firm But let war at least put off those terrors which are not absolutely neecs-ary to secure a final, effectual, everlasting settlement, and its consequent ]>eace anti prosperity to man. For another great danger before us is unchristian personal exasperation and perwnal thirst for revenge. If ever there was a time for the Church to lift up her voice, and cry aloud to her children, it is amid the honors of war ami its demoralizing influences upon the individual. A handmaid of war is profanity. Keep, 0 Christian, the integrity of thy moral character. Remember through all thy prayers ; remember through all, that thy trust must be only in Heaven, whose calm hand is untremulous amidst this turmoil. Guan! thy tongue; and remember to lie charitable. For charity, like a cloak, cuvcreth in God s eyes a multitude of sins. “The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, 3
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