12 god’s view of rebellion. merit of the country in its efforts to destroy it. Any sympathy for the rebellion, whether secret or open, is sin against God. It is taking issue with God in His strong and positive denunciation of rebellion. Now, in all times of public commotion, and especially in civil war, mistakes will be made, illegalities committed, and injuries inflicted through the hurry and confusion of the hour. There never was a national disturbance without these. It is consequent upon the frailty, weakness, and ignorance of human nature. It is one of the many sad results of war. These irregularities should, doubtless, be noted and righted; but let us take care lest, in trying to right these subordinate evils, we assist the giant evil of all, the rebellion itself. If, because there are arbitrary arrests made' by the Government in its prosecution of this war, I turn traitor and give aid and comfort to the rebellion by praising its principles, singing paeans in honor of its victories, and apologizing for its sins, thus weakening, to the extent of my influence, the public conscience on this great moral and religious question of rebellion, I am myself violating a law of God, because my Government has infringed upon human rights ! Where is the logic or the Christianity of this ? Let me expostulate and argue against any and every error the Government may commit; but by my regard for God’s holy law, let me so do this as in no wise to connive at rebellion or assist its success. Let my voice and action be consistently and
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