16 THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. , There is something almost sublime in the spectacle presented, of the victorious leader seeking the front of his already retreating troops. The men catch sight of his noble form ; new hope inspires them; fresh enthusiasm is born; he flashes the light of his genius, all along that broken line of battle, and turns defeat into victory; and now we are the pursuers : the enemy are routed ! Fifty pieces of artillery taken, and many prisoners. The victory was complete. It would not be easy to estimate the disastrous results that would have been inevitable, if Early had then pierced our lines, The whole valley would have been open to him and we might have been called upon to witness again such scenes as the burning of Chambersburg. Such deliverances are of God and not of man. To Him be all the praise. I tell you all this was no easy task or slight achievement. It, is easy for those who sit in their comfortable homes, secure from harm by the bravery of those who fight their battles, to speak slightingly of these accomplishments : when the probability is, that they never have felt interest enough in the contest to make themselves familiar with the geography of the country passed over, or any of the difficulties of the undertaking. Shame on every poltroon, who shall utter a single word of disparagement against our noble citizen soldiers! Let them have our prayers and sympathies, so that, with every blow they strike for God and for humanity, a corresponding throb shall be felt in the nation’s heart, while anthems of thanksgiving go up from thousands of Christian altars. God bless
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