r$/7L ^ DTT1411S3X ♦ » Sl'MMKRVII,LK, S. C, July 3(1. ISfil. Dkar Sll! — At tlie solifitatioii of many incinliers of the Corporation of the Suininorvillc Presbyterian Churc-h, we recjuest you to allow ns to have the Seruion delivered hy you on Thanksgivii)!^ Sunday. July 28. for publication. Very truly, A. CAMPBELL. A. FOGARTIE. JNO. R. DUKES. To Rev. C. S.Vkiuicr. "#)|jr unto d5o(l ihanksr|iL'ini)." A. SERjyiON DEL'IVERED IX THE SUMMERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Ox Sunday, July 28, 1861. E E Y . C . S . Ve D D E E CHARLESTON: STEAM-POWER r K E S S E S OF EVANS i COGSWELL, No. 3 liroid anil 103 Kast Bay Street. 1801. Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2010 with funding from DulT cleansed by Ilim, hut one returned to give thanks — and lie was not a Jew, but a Samaritan ? How carefully does He urge those upon whom His miracles of hearing had been performed to go and render the offering of Thanksgiving which "Moses commanded in the law." As a personal Christian duty, Thanksgiving is everywhere enjoined in the divine word. It is also a national dut}-. Special daj's of Thanks- giving have marked Christian countries from the begin- ning. Our own has been specially distinguished in this respect. The propriety of national praise for national blessings has been so long acknowledged ; the good which has always attended the observance of such occa- sions is so thoroughly understood, that it cannot be ne- cessary to spend time in dwelling upon them. In the words of the text, the .Psalmist urges to the performance of the duty, and directs to wliom thanks should be given. Though we are called upon by an authority, wliich we gladly recognize, tp give thanks for an especial object to-day, it may not be unprofitable to consider the subjects which, besides this, call upon us for an expression of devoyt gratitude. We liavo already ob- served two days of solemn fast and humiliation before God, and, until now, but one of Thanksgiving. I will be pardoned, therefore, for making the occasion one to recall to your minds and my own some of the reasons whicli demand from us general Thanksgiving, as well as to improve it for the special object which gives tone to this Sabbath service. A natural division of the subject suggests the causes, the OBJECT, and the manifestation of Thanksgiving. So many causes of gratitude present themselves, that it is difficult, briefly, to comprehend tliem. Tlioy luav be classified, however, as "The gifts of nature, of Pro- vidence and of Grace." What cause has the citizen of the Confederate States for Thanksgiving in the unparalleled abundance of the cereal crop which has blessed the labors of the husband- man ? Within her own bounds, the young republic has harvested that which is confidently believed to be suffi- cient for two years' consumption of her whole people. The garners groan with the " riches of the wheat," and the future is made to look bright with a glorious prom- ise, despite the cftbrts of a powerful and unnatural foe to darken it. Xaturc, always prodigal here, has even outdone herself in the profusion of her ])ounty. The great staple productions of the climate — those especiallv by which Southern commerce has been sustained, extend- ed and made a necessity to the world, bid fair to yield their accustomed fulness. The rain, long withheld, has descended abundantly upon the thirsty earth, and it has responded with grateful alacrity, giving its vital energy to sustain and mature the plant and stalk — sending forth "bread to the eater, and seed to the sower." ThouMi there may be some spots which look up in vain for the needful shower, yet there comes up from the country, as a whole, the sound of abundance of rain. The few un- watered miles but serve to illustrate the greatness of that mercy which, if entirely Avithheld, would have turned this fair land into a waste, and destroyed it without the pres- ence of an invading foe. Nature has given to the Southern character features which mark it with peculiar distinctness from all other. Not born under Southern skies, and not biassed, it is believed, even l>y unconscious prejudice, the speaker may be permitted to toudi without indelicacy upon a subject 80 delicate. Always a close observer of the peculiar feature of its character, long before permitted the privil- ege of intimate association with it, he may be allowed to speak of the South as he has found it, disclaiming all jtartiality, save that which is necessarily the offspring of grateful remembrance of kindness, and which is itself the most satistying confirmation of his views — that partiality itself could have had no existence but for the causes which engendered it; and it is of these he speaks. Tradition says, that a man whose soul was attuned to tliL' highest note of freedom, who had tlie genius of a great artist, and all his originality of thought, ouce con- ceived the design of constructing a musical instrument which should be worthy to utter forth the strains of lilicrty. In cniliodyiiig his coni;eptions, he stretched across the widest and wildest chasm of the Alps a suc- cession of bars of steel — spanning thus two of the lofti- est crags with a gigantic harp. When the ordinary breath of the mountain air passed over the immense strings, they gave forth no answering sound; the stronger wind (»f the hills awoke a low. sullen murmur in the more sensitive chords ; as the fiercer northern gale rushed be- tween the crags, the tone swelled and deepened like that of the distant thunder; but when the blast of the mountain tornado swojit across the hai-}», it gave forth a sound so ^\■il(l, loud, long and terrible, that the moun- tain chamois fled to his covert in affright, and as the sound lea})ed from crag to crag, the untamed eagle of the Alps, with erected crest and swelling breast, stopped midway in his ujjward flight to hear. Thus has nature strung the Southern harp, attuned to breathe forth only the notes of freedom, yet, too great and self-poised to wake to the common breath of po- litical opposition, it gave forth no sound; when a selfish, antagonistic policy sought to shackle the free limbs of commerce, the deep, low murmur of the more sensitive chords shadowed fortli the power that lay hid within; when the gale of sectionalism passed over its strings, the sound deepened to the thunder tone ; but when the north- ern blast of coercion swept through the hills, there burst forth a response so wild, long and fearful from every string of the mighty harp, that the frightened yEolus, who had unchained the winds, shrunk back into his cave aghast, and the nations of the earth stood still in mute amazement. N"ature has given that stern sense of right ; that chiv- alric courtesy and lofty self-sacrificing patriotism which has made the Southern name a synonym for honor, hos- pitality and valor. This is not the place, nor is this the day for self-glori-' fication. We come rather to glorify God. Yet it may be permitted, to this extent at least, to call to mind so great a cause of Thanksgiving to God as that He has given us a name and place among such a people, in such a land. If the great orator could exclaim, wath patriotic fervor, at Bunker Hill: "Thank God, I am an American!" those whose lot it is to owe allegiance to the Confed- erate Government may find in that fact a higher and grander subject of Thanksgiving. We owe thanks to God to-day for — 2d. The gifts of Hi^ inovidence. Was it accident that 8 peopled this eoimuoiiwealtli, aiul its original Soutliorn sisters, with a race brave, generous and noble ? Is it accident that has ko]»t tlieni from the spirit of greed and selfishness ? If the hand of Providence is plainl}' visible in those events by which tliis fertile land was fnrnished with the peculiar labor nccessarv for its pro- ductiveness, is it not also seen in giving to that class of laborers masters in whom weie found all the higliest traits of generosity and hunianity, rather tliaii those who would coin human muscles and sinews into gold, and then leave the worn instruments of their success to rot in destitution and desertion ? Can we see a great mul- titude brought from heathenish barl)arity and want to civilization and jdenty; Ironi ignorance of all religion to the possession of the only true faith, and not feel that Providence has dealt kindly with them and us, and claims for this our unfeigned gratitude ? Even the in- fidel soul of David Hume could find cause for thankful- ness to God in the iiut that lie was not born a savage, and in a benighted land. Your country, dear hearer, might have been some desolate waste ; some frozen steppe or burning sand. Instead of a garden of beauty and plenty, some bleak, barren coast might have claimed you as its own. Is there not al)nndant cause of thankful- ness in the ])rc)vi(lenlial allotment wliieh makes this your home? We should thank God for — 3d. TI(C (lifts of His grace. The soul which this thought will not kindle into gratitude must be dead indeed. The gifts of grace may be comprehensively included in the words "God so loved the world, that lie gave His only begotten • son, that whosoever believeth on Ilim might 9 not perish, but have everlasting life." Yet the knowl- edge of this inestimable gift is not everywhere equally possessed, nor is the power to act in accordance with it everywhere similarl}^ enjoyed. How many lands lie n utter darkness ? How many have but just begun to see the light? How few are there where it shines unob- scured by craft, or priest, or State ? It may be said, without fear of contradiction, that no country of the world presents the full realization of religious liberty ike our own. We have a pure Gospel. It is spread broadcast throughout the land; preached freely and full}- to all who will hear. Xo trammel has yet been in- vented for our consciences. His own vine and lig tree may be every man's sanctuary, if he so wills, and there can be absolutely nothing to molest or make him afraid. His belief is a matter wholly between him and his God. The charter of our Confederacy recognizes its depend- ence upon God in the first sentence ; our laws are framed in the spirit of the laws of God; our law makers acknowledge the great truth that " he that ruleth over men should be just, ruling in the fear of God." The word we are called to preach to you is not a refined, philosophical system, originating in a wisdom professing to be superior to that of Christ, and so sublimated by nice distinctions, so chilled by lifeless speculation, that it is worthless to fill, and powerless to warm the heart. In the soil of our simple faith, is77is can take no root. And this inestimable Gospel is given, this proclama- tion of eternal life is made to us all, dear hearers. This fountain is widely open, and whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely. Witness, O 10 heavens, and you, O eartli, what cause we liave for grati- tude to-day ill the gifts of grace ! But we have another and a sj>erial call for praise. By the unanimous vote of the Confederate Congress, we are sunini<»ned to-day to express our thankfulness to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for the success of our arms. In compliance with a resolution as beautiful and eloquent in expression as it is wise and timely iu conception, we are recommended to give appropriate manifestation to the feeling which pervades all hearts in the Confederacy. I am free to say that I never en- tered upon any duty with more cheerful alacrity. One week ago to-day. whilst we were gatjiered here f(»r ]»ul)lic worship, and whilst our prayers were mingling with many thousand others for their success, our friends had met and were contending with the invader in the field. That calm. Sabbath sky looked down upon a fiekl of carnage such as this continent never before witnessed. Though opposed by greatly superior odds, the Confede- rate ami}' rushed forward to meet the advancing enemy, and, after a struggle that lasted through all the hours of that holy (hiy, hurled him back defeated and dismayed. Every soldier seems to have been nerved Avith a lii)n's courage, and to have fought as thougli Soutliern inde- pendence hung upon his own individual prowess. Offi- cers vied with each other for the place of danger; all fought as they alone can who strike for their " altars and their fires; the green graves of their sires; God and their nati\'e land." The victory was as complete as the valor which won it, and the cause wliich it vindicated, deserved. Those who came to exult over an easy con- quest returned — those wlio did return at all — discomfited, 11 demoralized. The coat of arms of tlie sovereign State wliose soil was thus desecrated by a hostile foot, repre- sents a warrior with his foot upon the neck of his enemy, with the motto, '^ sic semper tyrannis !'' — "thus may it ever be with tyrants !" These words were fear- fully illustrated b}' the almost lightning flash which struck to the earth the misguided young oflicer who first dared to lay sacrilegious hands upon the Confede- rate flag upon the soil of the Old Dominion ; they have received a far more memorable commentary in the vic- tory at Manassas! "Thus may it ever be with tyrants!" It is a striking indication of the spirit with which this im})ortant triumph is regarded, that it has been nowhere greeted with noisy demonstration. A boastful foe press- es forward in what is fondl}^ believed by them to be an overwhelming force. They come, urged by their influ- ential journals to regard among their first duties that of hanging the beloved chiefs of the Confederate troops in sight of their advancing columns. Their insolent threats are met in calm silence ; their onward advance is checked by an entrenchment of patriotic breasts ; their fierce blows meet a fiercer return ; their sudden pause of astonish- ment is changed into a precipitate flight, and the day closes upon a victory for the right which is almost with- out a parallel. Yet there is no extravagant manifesta- tion of jo}'. The chosen rulers of the people, in session near the place of action, no sooner receive authentic in- telligence of the result, than they hasten to ascribe all honor to God, as He alone who had given the victory, and to recommend that all worshipping assemblies in the Confederacy devote this day to the same grateful duty. I confess that the moral sublimity of this spec- 12 tacle impresses no less than it cheers me. This is not the place, if there were time to give expression to the swelling thoughts with wliicli this great victory inspires us all. AVe can hut give joyful heed to the recommen- dation of our rulers, and in heart and with voice praise Ilim to whom alone it is due. " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, unto thy name he all the glory." But we cannot forget those whose lives have heen so freely given for their country. The ti-iunipli is dearl}' hought I The path to this great hles.sing has been over the lifeless forms of some of the hravest and best. Their country' will do lionor to their memories, and enshrine their names within her heart of hearts. She will write their record where patriotic love will often turn aside to read it, and, inspired hy the words, emulate their noble heroism, and sigh for as honorable graves. But there are some hearts to Avhom these cheering thoughts will he hut a momentary balm. The country has other and nobler sons, who will stc}) fearlessly into the places so sadly vacant, and she will press forward in the pur- suit of her great purpose. But what will fill the aching void of a parent's, widow's, daughter's heart ? The re- turn of peace, of independence, of tranquility and pros- ]ierity to the country upon whose altar their sacrifice was laid, will but remind them at how feai'l'nl a price to them was the great boon purchased. Those with vvhom they hoped to rejoice in the realized dream of Southern independence have fallen in its achievement, and they shall walk alone and desolate on earth for all that re- mains to them yet of a weary way. Let us l)id them turn humbly to Ilim who delights to bind up the broken heart. Let us assure them that their sorrow is our sor- 13 row; "that the heart of the whole country beats heavily at the portals of the tomb " where their dear ones are laid, and bid them find in a nation's sympathy some compensation for the hearts that shall beat close to their own no more on earth forever. Ma}- God comfort the desolate heart, whilst man honors its affliction, and a nation unites in its tears. " How sleep the brave who sink to rest By all their country's wishes blest ! When Spring, with dew}- finders cold, Returns to deck their hallowed mould, She there shall dress a greener sod Than Fancy's feet have ever trod. There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray, To bless the turf that Avraps their clay, And Freedom shall awhile repair, To dwell a weeping hermit there !" The object of Thanksgiving is God. "Oifer unto God Thanksgiving." Although this great truth has been as- sumed, and, indeed, asserted in all that has been said, yet it is proper that it be specially regarded. It is God alone who has fought our battles. It was He who wrought the miracle of Sumter ; it was He who gave to the counsels of the enemy the spirit of confusion and folly which has made them the byword of diplomacy; it was He who bade "the stars in their courses" fight against the hostile fleet ; it was He who has given us a government endued with wisdom, and enshrined in the hearts of the people ; commanders whose peers are scarce- ly to be found in the world, whilst the enemy are led by those whose incapacity makes them ridiculous even in the e^'es of their friends. He has given us soldiers fired with burning zeal and patriotic courage, and whose squadrons breast the hostile shock like a granite wall; 14 lie lias irivon to tlie wliole itoojile a si)ii-it of praycM'ful determination and reliance upon Himself which assures ultimate success, though the odds he fearful. It was He who gave the victory at Manassas. The manifcMatmi of Thanksgiving. This may be properly made as we make it tii-day. by juihlic recognition of God's liaiid. This, liowcvcr, is not all. AVhat has been already achieved has licen in an- swer to prayer. In some cases the an.swer has been so literal as to astonish even the most confiding faith. Let our gratitude be made manifest by increased confidence in God: in new assurance of His readiness to hear wlien we call. If Fort Sumter stood, before the bondiardment, a monument of Carolina faith with a double-dealing gov- ernment, it stands to-day an evidence even more strik- ing of God's faithfulness to answer prayer. Whilst its walls frown defiance upon the invader, let no Southern Christian lose trust in the Almighty ; let none despair of the young repul)lic. It is possible that the worst is yet to come. The very magnitude of the triumph already achieved may, and probably will, lead to almost super- human eftbrts to retrieve the loss. Reverses may come ; after such signal interpositions in our favor, God may try us, to see whether we are truly prepared to trust Ilim, even though He slay us. It is sometimes His way with nations. It niay be with us. Should it so prove, let not our faith fail ; a fiery trial may be neces- sary to the future perpetuity and excellence of the new nation, iKithing is lost whilst conHdeiicc in God re- mains. II' we I'ighiiy ini})i'()ve this day, we shall 1)6 enabled to exclaim with the prophet: " Though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall 15 fruit be in the vine ; the hibor of the olive shall fail and the field shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall, yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of my salvation." Every heart here to-day is thankful ! Are all prepared to say that they will manifest it in the manner indi- cated ? There arc some who have not learned to pray for themselves. How can they plead with God for their country ? They have never given thanks for their own salvation — can their Thanksgiving be acceptable to God for that of the nation? ]\Iay they not justl}- ask them- selves whether it is not their sin which has brought judgment upon us ; whether their want of faith has not hindered the faith of others? Whether their praise is not abomination? And will thev stand louder in this position ? The deliverance of your country will be no blessino; to vou if vour soul is still in fetters. May God give 3^ou grace to seek the onlj- true liberty — that of the children of God. And now, dear hearers, in conclusion, let this motto be inscribed upon our hearts as individuals, and on our banners as a people, and no weapon formed against us can prosper : "Our God, Our Glory!" pecmalife* pH8.5