THANKSGIVING SERMON. 43 ties of the federal government. This will not satisfy them, and hence the carnage. Their consciences testify where the responsibility rests. No man questions the fact that this fratricidal war took its rise from them; and we are bold to say it did not take its rise from the love of truth and rectitude, nor from the love of God or man. In view of the unmeasured calamities of this contest, its authors have a solemn account to render to themselves, to the God of nations, to the civilized and uncivilized world. This is the ground on which I stand as an American citizen and as a Christian minister. I have confidence in the rectitude of our cause; I have confidence in the loyalty of the people; I have confidence in the valor of our arms; and I have confidence in God. The most depraved and ambitious of our enemies are under his control, to be restrained in their outrageous passions, frustrated in their daring designs, and turned from them to purposes of conciliation and peace. We do not expect miracles from his hand even in a just cause. He has other ways of working, and they are the instrumentalities and agencies of wise counsels, carried into effect by the united energy of the people. It is thus he will make
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=