god’s view of rebellion. 5 tion. Let us, dear brethren, there stand this morning, feeling the value of His blood which makes us kings and priests unto God, and, in this high experience, trampling upon partisan animosities and political prejudices, we can see what God’s will is concerning us in our national duties. The President of the United States has invited us to gather together in our usual places of worship this day, in devout acknowledgment of God’s favor to the country, and in earnest prayer for His continued grace. It becomes us, as godly citizens, to give heed to the summons. God spoke before the President. When the flag of our country went up on Fort Morgan, amid the cheers of our army and navy, just nineteen days ago, and when General Slocum led his corps of national troops into the streets of Atlanta, one week later, God, who had heard our prayer, sent forth his summons for our praise. If it was right for us to pray, it is duty for us to praise. And yet with many faith is so weak that, not making much of prayer, it does not make much of praise. It can see no connection between the Christian’s prayer and the fall of Mobile, and can only trace cause and effect in Sherman’s tactics and Atlanta’s capture. It may go so far as to doubt the efficacy of all prayer, and so stand on the infidel’s platform, or it may object to this special case because Christians were also praying for the rebellion. What a conclusion! To doubt the power of prayer be
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