What christian heart does not wish and pray that the President might have such unquestioning faith in God as David had, and that this confidence was inspired by the same causes. If he knew that in addition to the prayers of all good men in that country, he was also sustained by the prayers of all the churches in this, one could hope that he would thus joyously trust in God. I cannot bring my mind. to believe in the ultimate disruption of the Union, any more than I can cherish a wish that it may be shattered. Nor can I for a moment question, that slavery is doomed on that Continent. It surely is not the purpose of God, that one of the fairest regions of the earth, should be cursed much longer with "the sum of all the villanies." Confiding in the Divine goodness and justice, let us pray that both President and people may go on with a divine courage, filled every day with a divine strength until their foes "are brought down and fallen, and they themselves are risen and stand upright.” Finally.—Let our prayers be reiterated and trustfully repose in God that He will hear and answer, as v. 5 and 9, "We will rejoice in thy Salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; The Lord fulfil all thy petitions." "Save, Lord, the King, He (Jehovah) will hear us when we call." If we would succeed in any service for God, we must not weary praying for it. If we would be blessed or bless others, we must be often at the mercy seat, our prayer waxing more fervent, more trustful. God allows and sets value upon the importunity of his waiting people. "If the vision tarry, wait for it." Unexpected disasters may await the cause of Truth and Justice, before the final hour of triumph comes. Long perpetrated wrongs are not easily lightened, great national reformations, especially when depending on the arbitrament of the sword, are often driven back like the rising tide from the shore, but gather force from every recession, and make its final advance a complete victory. Our faith may be sorely tested before we can turn our prayer into praise. But without fervent prayer we shall never have the right to rejoice in God's salvation Now give your prayers, Christian brethren, now reiterate your prayer, "Now lay hold of God's strength that you may prevail with him." Now say, "Save, Lord, the President and people," and add, "the Lord will hear us when we call," and ere long you will " rejoice in God's salvation in the saving strength of his right hand." Wm. Mitchener, Priuter, 23, Red Lion street, Holborn. Θ 5 THE BIBLE VIEW OF AMERICAN SLAVERY. A Letter FROM THE BISHOP OF VERMONT (NEW ENGLAND), TO THE BISHOP OF PENNSYLVANIA. Reprinted from the PHILADELPHIA MERCURY of 11th October, 1863). SAUNDERS, OTLEY, & CO. 66, BROOK STREET, W. NOTE. THE phraseology of the following letter may not perhaps be in all respects adapted to English taste. I reprint it, however, as it stands, in the conviction that in no other way could Englishmen be so effectually enlightened upon the American Church view of the subject in question. LONDON, October 28, 1863. F. L. M. |