Duke University Libraries 
 
 Pastoral letter 
 Conf Pam #762 
 
A PASTORAL LETTER 
 
 Tf\ THE CLEROV ANP LAITY OF THE 
 
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 IS" TH^ DinCE>E OF TEN'NESSEF?. 
 
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 HV TMK BLSlfOP OF TllK SAJME. 
 
 AT THK KEQUE-^T OF THK, C "NVKNTION. A. I>. Hf<l. 
 
 ^Qt'tmphis, £tnn. : 
 HUTTON & FRELIGH, PRS., SOUTHERN PUBLISHING HOUSE, 
 
 1861. 
 

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 f astoral J^cttfr. 
 
 Dearly Beloved Brethren: 
 
 The Convention of the Diocese, which recently met 
 at Somerville, by a nnaninions vote passed a resolution 
 requesting nie to ai)point a week-day service for tasting 
 and prayer, to be used in all our congregations once a 
 week, or oftener, at the discretion of tlie Minister, hav- 
 ing a special reference to the dangers which threaten 
 the pul)li(' peace and tranquility of our country, T 
 sympathize very sincerely in the sentiments which 
 prompted the Convention to nnike this request, and 
 share very largely in the feelings which urge our people 
 to invoke God's protection and aid in the perils whicli 
 are imminent over us. Yet would I say, let no man's 
 heart fail him because of the railings and threats that 
 are made against us. Under the lead of a fanaticisni 
 which stoo])s to the use of aj^peals to the worst passions 
 of human nature — which, in the ardor of its zeal to 
 accomplish its i)urposes, sets aside the fear of God, and 
 actually rejects and denies the authority of His Holy 
 Word, a \ery large portion of the people of the Northern 
 States have been roused to make war upon us, and 
 armies are gathering on our borders for the avowed 
 object of carrying tire and sword, ruin and desolation, 
 from the banks of the Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico. 
 Possessed with an unaccountable infatuation, they 
 allege, in justitication of their course, grievances of 
 whose existence we are unconscious, and pretend an 
 api^rehension of invasion of their territory, and assault 
 upon their rights whicli we have not even meditated. 
 On the other hand, for forty years past, citizens of the 
 Northern States have, in spite of warning, against en- 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 
 
 treaty, and in opposition to the laws of the Government, 
 been engaged in tampering with our servants, seducing 
 them froD) tlicir fidelity, nidiiig tliom to rsca])efr(>m our 
 care and control, and exciting them to the work of arson 
 and death. We have remonstrated with our Northern 
 hretliren every year since the attcm]»ted exclusion of 
 Missouri from the Union, and warned them of the sad 
 work of alienation and disruption which their proceed- 
 ings would surely produce between us. Our warnings 
 and remonstrances have effected no other result than 
 more active and determined efforts on the part of those 
 bent ujjon our ruin, until these efforts issued, less than 
 two years ago, in the attempt of Northern men, aided 
 by Northern money and Northern sympathy, to seize 
 on an arsenal in the Stat(» of Virginia, with the avowed 
 purpose of oNcrfhrowing the governnuMit of the Southern 
 States, aVxtlishing slavery, and establishing the supre- 
 macy and rule of the North upon our ruin. ]Iad the 
 ]>lan succeeik^l, the work wouUl then ha^e been accom- 
 ])lislied for which armed hosts are now gathering upon 
 our borders, and fleets hoA'cring on our coasts, to destroy 
 our commerce. Notwithstanding all the past, there 
 were hundreds of thousands in the South, who, in their 
 love of, and devotion to the Federal Union, were willing 
 to brave more, until the i)roclamation of President Lin- 
 coln, inaugurating war, had destroyed the last germ of 
 ho])C that Ave could reach a peaceful solution of our dif- 
 ficulties. 
 
 To this day and hour we have continued to give 
 assurances to the people of the North, that, by arming, 
 we designed no attack upon them, but simply to be 
 ready for defence against aggression. We have, in 
 every way we could (le\ise to l)e heard, through C'on- 
 gress, through Peace Conferences, through action of the 
 T^egislatures, through Conventions of the People, through 
 private positive declarations, almost supplicated them 
 to let us alone, to let us depart in i)eace, to forbear hos- 
 tilities which in all human probability would engender 
 eternal hatred, and end in mutual and utter destruction. 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 
 
 Our assurances have been discredited ; our supplica- 
 tions for peace have l)een met by stern threatenings and 
 preparations for war, such as look to no suppression of 
 an insurrection, but the subjugation or extermination of 
 a whole people. In the language of the Psalmist. '* We 
 are for peace, huf when we speak thereof, then make them 
 ready to battle. '^ N\'e have, therefore, no alternative, 
 but ''to meet force with force" and repel aggression as 
 best we may. and commit our cause to " Him that judg- 
 eth righteously. " Let us all do our whole duty faith- 
 fully, as Christians and citizens, and we need not feai- 
 what man can tlo unto us. " The liattle is not always 
 to the strong." " The Lord shall give strength unto his 
 peoi)le : the Lord sh.ill give his pe(^])le the blessing of 
 peace. ' 
 
 While, then, wc pray for our sons and brethren who 
 liave gone forth to breast the storm of battle for the 
 cause of our peoj)le and our God. let us not forget that 
 our sins have brought upon us all the evils that now 
 threaten us. Let us make haste to confess our sins, to 
 repent us truly of our faults, ask God's merciful pardon 
 and forgiveness through Christ, so ** iniquity shall not be 
 our ruin." And whik' doing this for ourselves, let us 
 not forget that Christ died for his and our enemies, as 
 well as for ourselves. Let us, therefore, in the genuine 
 s])irit of Christianity pray God to forgive them, and to 
 " turn their hearts." 
 
 In compliance with tlu^ request of the Convention, I 
 appoint Friday of each week to be observed, by all our 
 congregations, as a <lay of Fasting^ Humiliation and 
 Prayer, to Almighty God. to ask his merciful forgive- 
 ness of ourmanifold sins and transgressions, his gracious 
 protection for our country, and his care and direction of 
 our friends and peo])le exposed to the dangers and 
 casualties of war. 
 
 To this end the use of the entire Litany, and the fol- 
 lowing prayers among the occasional prayers, by all 
 our congregations, during the continuance of the war, 
 is appointed : 
 
6 PASTORAL LETTER. 
 
 In Time of "War and Tumult. 
 
 ALMIGHTY GOD, the supremo Governor of all things, whose 
 y power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongetii 
 justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly re- 
 pent, save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the 
 hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, 
 may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who 
 art the onl}' giver of all victory, through the merits of thy Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 For those in Actuiil .SerTice. 
 
 OGOT) OF HOSTS! the mighty Lord, who reignest over all 
 . the kingdoms and nations of men. hear our hwmble prayers 
 for all those, thy servants, who have by thy wise providence been 
 called to taUe up arms in defi'use ol" the rights antl liberties of our 
 country. Lispire their hearts with true courage, and arm them 
 with power and strength to do valiantly, and to quit themselves 
 like men, against those who wish to oppress us. Establish in 
 their hearts the fear and love of Thy holy name, that they may 
 evermore feel and believe that Thou art their shield and buckler, 
 that Thou wilt cover their heads in tlie day of battle, and give 
 them victory over their enemies. Do Thou, especially, Lord, 
 guard and defend Thy servants from those temptations to youth- 
 ful sins which wai* against the soul. Preserve them in health and 
 safet}- ; send the fear of Thee betbre Thy servants,.and let their 
 enemies flee before them. Save and protect all those whom they 
 love and leave at home, and in Thy good time bring them back in 
 peace and safety, with a grateful sense of Th}' mercy and good- 
 ness to them, through Jesus Christ oui' FiOrd Amen. 
 
 A.s iiiniiy ofyoii, 1k>1()\(m1 hrctlinMi, hnxv liusbands or 
 sons, tatluTs, brothors, or tVieiul.^, who hayo gone forth 
 at the call of their country and of duty, to the defence 
 of all that is dearest to ns on earth, I reconiniend to all 
 families the use of the foUowino-, or some other form of 
 like import, to l)e used at morning and eyening deyo- 
 tions, or in the closet. 
 
 OALMTGirTY (JOD ! who sittest on the throne judging right- 
 j eoush", whose power is irresistible, bless and prosper, we 
 pray Thee, the great work in which this Commonwealth is now 
 engaged, (io forth Avith our armies, and give them victory and 
 success over our enemies. Sutler not our sins to provoke Thee to 
 withdraw from us Thy defence and protection, but send us in 
 Thy good time, such a peace as may tend to the glorj- of Thy 
 great name, the ]ireservation of Thy Church and true religion 
 amongst us, the honor, safety, and welfare of Thy people. 
 
 Especially do we commend to Thy mei'ciful ])rotection our dear 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 
 
 (so7\, brother, husband, father, as the case may be.) In Thee alone is 
 all our hojDe and confidence. Protect him from all accidents, 
 sickness, and misfortune. Guard him in the midst of all tempta- 
 tions. Cover his head in the day of battle. Inspire him with a 
 love and veneration of Thy holy and revered name, and with a 
 firm reliance on Thy wise providence when at the post of duty, 
 and in the hour of danger. Let Thy fiitherly hand ever be over 
 him, that through Thy mighty protection, both here and ever, he 
 maybe preserved in bod}' and soul, tlirough our Lord and Savior 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 And, O Lord, who art the Savior of all men, we pray Thee to 
 be merciful to them that hate us. and who, without any Just cause, 
 are our enemies. Disappoint their dovices and give them repent- 
 ance and bettor minds. Let Thy lu\ r rule in their hearts, and 
 endue them with an humble and charitable spirit; and grant, that 
 we, being delivered from the hands of our enemies, may serve 
 Thee in peace and quietness, williont ft>ar. all our days, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 As many of our friends .'iiid r('lnti(»ns now in arni.s 
 have few opportunities for reliuious wor.sliip, and prol)- 
 ably not many Looks in camp to inspire de\'otional feel- 
 ing, I ap}>end to tliis I'astoral L(*tter tlie following ex- 
 tracts from the 1k)o1\ <»f ]\salms, and Prayers, whieli I 
 trust may find tlieir way to them, and tlirougli the grace 
 of the Holy Spirit, the Comfortpr and SMuctitier. carry 
 a l)lessing to their soiil.«. 
 
 In the hlessed bonds of Gospel faith and love. 1 re- 
 main, dear hrcthren. your faithful friend and atfection- 
 ate Pastor, 
 
 JAMES H. OTEY. 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 
 
 ^clcctioncs from the 5?,0alm,$. 
 
 THE Lord is my light an<l my salvation, whom, tlieu. isliall I fear? 
 The 1jov(\ is' the stronu;tli of my life, ofwlioin, then, shall 1 l»o 
 afraid ? 
 
 AVhen the wicked, even mine enemies and my toe.<. eame ujKm 
 me to eat up my flesh, they stumbletl and fell. 
 
 Thouo-h an host of men were laid a_£ji;ainst me. yet Bhall not my 
 heart be afraid ; and thoug-h there rose u]) war against me. yet 
 will I put my trust in Thee. 
 
 One thing have T desired of the liord. whieh 1 will require, even 
 that I mav dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, 
 to beholdthe fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit His temple. 
 
 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in his tabernacle : 
 vea, in the secret place of His dwelling shall Uo hide me. and set 
 me up upon a rock of stont. 
 
 And now shall He lift up mine head above mine enemies round 
 about me. Therefore will I otter in His dwelling an oblation, with 
 "•reat "-ladness : 1 will sing and sjteak praises unto the Jjord. 
 
 Hearken unto ray voice. O liOrd. when 1 cry unto Thee: have 
 mercy upon me, and licar me. 
 
 My heart hath talked of Thee. Seek ye my face : Thy face. 
 Lord, will I seek. 
 
 hide not Thou Thy lace from mr. \\i>y east Thy sei'vant away 
 in displeasure. 
 
 Thou hast been my succor ; leave me not. neither torsake me. O 
 God of my salvation. 
 
 When my father and my mother forsake me. the Lord taketli 
 me up. 
 
 Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in the right way be- 
 cause of mine enemies. 
 
 Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries : lor there 
 are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong. 
 
 1 should utterly have fainted, but that 1 bclicw verily to see the 
 goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 
 
 tarry thou the Lord's leisure ; be strong and Ife shall comfort 
 thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the Lord. 
 
 The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear Him, 
 and delivereth them. 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 9 
 
 Tlic eyes of the Lord are over the rii^liteous, und his ears are 
 open unto their prayers. 
 
 The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, to 
 root Out the remembrance of them from the earth. 
 • The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them and delivereth 
 them out of all their troubles. 
 
 The J>ord is nigh unto them that ai-e of a contrite heart, and 
 will save sucli as be of an humble spirit. 
 
 Plead Thou my cause, () Lord Avith them that strive with n\c, 
 and tight Thou against them that tight against me. 
 
 Lay hand u})on the shield antl buckler, and stand up to help me. 
 
 Bring forth the spear, and stop the way against them that per- 
 secute me : say unto my soul, T am Thy salvation. 
 
 Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High, shall abide 
 under the shadow of the Almight}-. 
 
 I will say unto the Lord. Thou art my hope and my strong 
 hold : my (Jod. in Ilim will J trust. 
 
 For He shall deliver thee from the snai-c of the hunter, and from 
 the noisome pestileiice. 
 
 He shall defend thee under His wings, and tlidu shalt be safe 
 under His leathers; His iiiil lifuliicss and tr\ith shall be tliy shield 
 and buckler. 
 
 Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night, nor lor the 
 arrow that flieth by day ; for the ]H'stilencc that walketh in dark- 
 ness, nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon day. 
 
 A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at th}- i-ight 
 hand, but it shall not come nigh thee. 
 
 Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou l)ehold. and see the reward of 
 the ungodly. 
 
 For Thou, Lord, art my ht)}>o ; Tliou hast set thine house of de- 
 fence very high. 
 
 The Lord sitteth al>ovo the wattT Hood, and the Lord remain- 
 cth a king for ever. 
 
 The Lord shall give strength unto His people; the Lord shall 
 give His pec^ple the blessing of peace. 
 
1<> I'ASTOKAL LKTTKI?. 
 
 |?ViU|CV^» 
 
 The Sol(iicrs' Pray^M- in C.i-up. 
 
 OETERXAL COD, wlio by Tl.y un^;L-ai-chablo wisdom, by Thy 
 Ahnii;hty power, and sei-i-et pi'ovidont-i' dost dctoi'iuino tlio 
 issui's of Jiuinan counsels, the events of wai" and the returns of 
 victory and peace, let the light of Thy countenance and the blessed 
 influences of Thy mercy be once more shetl u])on this afflicted land. 
 Pity the evils which we sufter under the ])0wer and tyranny of war, 
 ami although \ve acknowledge Thy justice in our sufferings and 
 adore Thee in thy Judgments, yet we beseech Thee to hearken to 
 our prayers and jjrovide a remedy for oui- calamities. Let not the 
 defenders of a righteous cause go away ashamed, noi- their counsels 
 be brought to nought. Look with com2)ussion upon our intii-mities 
 and remember not our sins, but support us with Thy staff, lift us 
 up with Thy hand, and refresh iis with Thy presence. And if a 
 threatening cloud should still ovL'rshadow us. illuminate oui* minds 
 with divine truth, that Avith the eye of faith and hoj)e wc may see 
 beyond it ; catchiiig a glimpse of those mercies which in Thy secret 
 providence and adorable wisdom Thou mayest still vouchsafe to 
 Thy unworth}' servants amidst the saddening scenes and hard- 
 ships of W'ar. Give us grace and strength diligently to do our duty 
 and cheerfully to submit to Thy will ; and as wc do put our whole 
 trust and confidence in Thy mercj', and have laid up all our hopes 
 in Thy bosom, let us never be put to shame or confusion before our 
 enemies : but as Thine are the strength and the power, O liord of 
 Hosts, do Thou make bare Thy might}' arm and give us the victory. 
 Place a guard of angels. O fjord. about the ('ommander-in-('hief, 
 and u])hold him witli the <lefence of Thy right hand, that no un- 
 hallowed arm may do him violence ; support him in all his dangers 
 and trials, and give to all under his oi'ders the spirit of confidence 
 and obedience. Bless all the subordinate oflHcers and confederates 
 under his command. Direct their counsels, govern their actions, 
 unite their hearts and strengthen their hands. Inspire all in the 
 army with ready submission to lawful authority, with a sense of 
 justice and integrity in all their dealings ; witli courage to resist 
 and overcome the furiousness of our enemies ; w^th compassion to 
 spare the vanquished, and with a ready will to protect the 
 
PASTORAL LETTER. 11 
 
 ■oppressed, that appi'oving thenijsclves to Thee, the Almighty Ruler 
 and Sovereign Disposer of all things, they may receive a full reward 
 for their fidelity and obedience, and. at last, the gift of eternal life, 
 through Jesus Christ our T.ord ! Amen. 
 
 I'm vers U> be used bcfi)rc Battle. 
 
 OMOST rOWKPvFUL and glorious Lord God, the Lord of hosts, 
 that rulest and coinmandest all things; thou sittest in the 
 throne judging right : and therefore Ave make our address to thy 
 Divine J\[ajesty, in this our necessity, that Thou wouldst take the 
 cause into tliine own hand, and judge lietween us and our enemies. 
 Stir up thy strength. O Lord, ai\d come and help us; for thou 
 givest not always the battle to the strong, but canst save by many 
 or by few. () let not our sins now cry against us for vengeance ; 
 but hear us, thy poor servants, begging mercy, and imploring thy 
 help, and that thou wouldst be a (lefencc unto us against the face 
 of the enemy : niake it appear that thou art our Saviour' and 
 mighty Deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 L()K1> be nu-rciful ti> us sinnors. and save u> for tli}' nu-rcy's 
 sake. 
 
 Thou art the great (iod. who hast made and rulest all tilings: 
 O. deliver us fur thy name's sake. 
 
 Thou art the great (iod to be feared above all: O save us. that 
 we may praise thee. 
 
 Thou, O Lord, art just ami powei'ful ; O defend our cause against 
 the face of the enemy. 
 
 O (Jod. thou art a strong tower of defence to all who fly unto 
 thee : O save us from tlie violence of the enenn-. 
 
 O Lord of Hosts, fight for us : that we may gloi-ity thee. 
 
 O suffer us not to sink under the weight of our sins, or the vio- 
 lence of the enemy. 
 
 O Lord, arise, hel]) us. and deliver us. for thy names sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 A Tliaiik^giving after ^'ieto^y. 
 
 ALMIGHTY GOD. the Sovereign Commander of all the worhL 
 in whose hand is power and might, which none is able to 
 withstand ; we bless and magnify thy great and glorious name for 
 this happy victory, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to tliee, 
 who art the only giver of victory. And. we beseech thee, give us 
 grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement 
 of thy Gospel, the honor of our country, and, as much as in us 
 lieth, to the good of all mankind. And we beseech thee, give us 
 such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thank- 
 fulness, such as may appear in our lives, by an humble, holy, and 
 obedient walking before thee all our days, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord: to whom, with thee, and the Holy Spirit, as for all thy 
 
12 
 
 PASTORAL LKTTRR: ' 
 
 tnercics, so in particular for this victory and (K'liveraiuo. be all 
 •rlorj' ami lioi\or, ^vorl^|^vitllout end. Anicu: 
 
 OUJJ KATIIKK. who art in llcaviii. liallowcd ho Thy uanu' ; 
 Thy kin,i«:doiu conic ; Thy will he done on eartlu as it is 
 in Heaven ; i^nve us this^day our daily bread : and>iori>iye us our 
 trespasses, as we tor<;ive tjiose Avho trcsjiass a<;ainst us^aild lead us 
 not into temptation, l.tut^liver us from evil ; for thine ^s the kinir- 
 ^fi il(>\\\. tlie ]i()weran(t thi^^i;;lorv, for ever and ever. Anuii. 
 
 _ * 2 Cor. xiii. 14. *^ 
 
 TIIK grace of'our Lord Jesus Christ, and the hn-t^ of (io.d, and 
 the fellowship ofj^he Holy (.'host, be with us'^ll^bvei^more. 
 Amen. J* > > 
 
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