THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. 29 domestic treason ; and that, we will defend our rights, thus invaded, to the bitter end—no compromise with armed rebellion, but submission.” When rebels lay down their arms, then peace will come ; this is the will of the people, not of party, or of faction, but of the people. The great heart of the North beats responsive to this declaration. Here we stand together. O how miserable little party issues seem, when regarded from the stand-point of “nationality.” What are they in comparison with the question, shall this nation live? Nay, can it die ? Gathering around the graves of our departed heroes, remembering the glowing example they set before us, of patriotic devotion and self-sacrifice, we clasp hands together, and mutually pledge to our beloved country, our sympathies, our prayers, our lives, our all. To our brethren in the field we say, " Fight on with bravery, firm and true ; go forth with alacrity to the battle of the civilized world, where God himself musters the hosts to war.” Shall these men who have placed their bodies as a living wall between us and destruction—the destruction of all that we most cherish—shall these men, I ask, ever have to feel that there is behind them a divided country ? No, never; God forbid it. Let the sentiment of self-preservation, the first law nature has impressed upon us,—if unmoved by higher motives,— absorb every other feeling. Let every discordant sentiment be melted down in the glowing fire of liberty. In our unity lies our strength. United in a cause so holy, where bound the capacity, or limit the power of these northern states ?
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