motive, and therefore elevating in its influence.  We are consciously better, nobler, in proportion as we forget ourselves in the sublime idea of our nationality, and all that this nationality can do.  When men fight for plunder, or victory alone, they labor downward, they become brutish; but a war for true liberty, for national life, for our homes and our inheritance, and for the oppressed, is elevating, purifying.  War is terrible in itself, and in some of its consequences, but there is a bow on the cloud.  When the bolt has spent itself in the pestiferous air, all nature is bright and glorious.  With true discipline, soldiers are made vigorous in body; they are also quickened in mind by the tactics and incitements of warfare, they are ennobled by high motives, and may leave the campaign better than when they entered it.  Courage is awakened; love of liberty and order inspired; benevolence increased; and loyalty exalted by this war.  What men bleed for they value.  I have been delighted with the eagerness with which many soldiers whom I have visited, listened to Christian address, and received the word of God.  It is a matter of gratulation that but few arrests are made in our city in these days, not because the police are less watchful, but because the debased portion of the population are inspired with a better thought.  It is also hopeful to find, that many who entered our city as volunteers, or as drafted soldiers, are actually being reformed from their evil habits, under the greater strictness of camp discipline.

We are cheered also by the fact that the people generally are more earnest than formerly in their attendance on divine worship; more solemn, and full of feeling, and disposed to study the Bible, They need God.  They look to God.  We all feel the Bible to be more than ever precious.  Its solemn prophecies are swelling into fulfillment.  The day of God is approaching, and the kingdoms of the earth are giving way for the coming of the Great King!

The feeling is, and ought to be, intense for the conflict.  Let the question be decided.  Let half a million of freemen be called, when the time shall indicate, to form a line of fire along the boundary that separates Secession from loyalty.  Let them take up their mighty march through the revolted territory, if it will not otherwise submit, and proclaim as they go, “Liberty throughout the land!” Let the flag that waved over the suffering heroes of Valley Forge, and the conquerors of Yorktown, wave forever on the Capitol, and over every village and subject in the land!  Nay, it must be so.  We must bow, if we do not conquer.  They have proclaimed it.  Come down, then, from the Northern mountains, and out from the forests and the fields, ye sons of the Pilgrims, with your firm force of will, and your achieving arms!  Come up from the marts of commerce, ye daring children of the Empire State, and ye firm hearts of New Jersey and of Delaware!  Come forth from the echoes of Erie, and the shores of Michigan