44 THANKSGIVING SERMON. bare his arm and defend the right. I plead with my countrymen to give God the throne; but I am no advocate for the faith that is without works. It was sound theology, sound morals, and true heroism when Cromwell exhorted his soldiers to “ trust in God, and keep their powder dry.” Our strength lies not in an inactive trust in God, but in strong convictions of right and duty; in unsleeping watchfulness and undiscouraged effort; in losing sight of the miserable distinctions of party for the common weal; in being fellow-workers with the All-wise, and All-powerful, and Supreme Ruler in crushing this gigantic and causeless rebellion. And when this fierce flame has burnt itself out, or been quenched in showers of mercy or showers of wrath, we will not forget who it is that “ breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear asunder, and burneth the chariot in the fire.” We have a duty to perform, my countrymen, and we may not be disheartened by difficulties. It has been well said that“ reverses dishearten only where there is weakness to be disheartened. Small is the strength, any where and every where, that can not stand adversity; and small will it stay, and smaller will it grow, to the end.” We have met with
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