26 THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. Liberty to all the inhabitants of the land. May God hasten on the hour, in Uis own good time, in Uis own good way.. 0, God, we thank thee for what thou hast already done ! IV. “ Moreover God has been pleased to animate and inspire our minds and hearts, with fortitude, courage and resolution, sufficient for the great trial of civil war into which we have been brought, by our adherence, as a nation, to the cause of freedom and humanity, and to afford us reasonable hopes of an ultimate and happy del iverence from all our dangers and afflictions.” True words, fitly spoken, “ as apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Yes, the great heart of the people beats true to humanity, true to God. Fortitude, courage, and resolution have been inspired; sacrifices have been gladly made, and bravely borne. Who shall measure the costliness of the treasure that this nation has laid upon the altar of liberty. Money has been poured forth without stint; beloved ones have been sent out to brave the perils of the battle-field, followed by the prayers and tears of aching, but God-trusting hearts. The providence of God brought us to the test of virtue; saying to us, I will try your power of physical courage, of sacrifice, of endurance, to see whether,—for the sake of the free and beneficent government bestowed upon you ; for the sake of the fathers of the republic, who toiled, and fought, and bled, for the sake of the down-trodden in other lands, who are to-day slowly, but bravely, struggling up toward the light, whom you are to guide,—you will stand
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