FEBRUARY 21 I understood as a child, I thought as a child. I. Corinthians 13: 11. The Struggle at Trenton. (Extract of speech before the Senate at Trenton, New Jersey, February 21, 1861.) May I be pardoned if, upon this occasion, I mention that away back in my childhood, the earliest days of my being able to read, I got hold of a small book, such a one as few of the younger members have ever seen, "Weem's Life of Washington." I remember a the accounts there given of the battlefields and the struggles for the liberties of the country, and none fixed themselves upon my imagination so deeply as the struggle here at Trenton, New Jersey. The crossing of the river, the contest with the Hessians, the great hardships endured at that time, all fixed themselves in my memory, more than any single revolutionary event; and you all know, for you have all been boys, how those early impressions last longer than any others. I recollect thinking then, boy even though I was, that there must have been something more than common that these men struggled for. I love to learn their story, Who suffered for my sake, To emulate their glory, And follow in their wake; The noble of all ages, Whose deeds crown history's pages, -Banks. FEBRUARY 22 (Washington's Birthday) The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Psalms 112: 6. Washington, (Address at Springfield, Illinois, February 22, 1842.) This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of Washington. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the mightiest name of earth-long since mightiest in moral reformation. On that name a eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington it alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on. As "first in war, first in peace," As patriot, father, friend— He will be blessed till time shall cease, 61 -Anonymous. FEBRUARY 23 I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war. Psalms 120: 7. No Need of War, (Conclusion of address on raising flag on Independence Hall, Philadelphia, February 22, 1861. See July 4.) In my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say, in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it is forced upon the Government. The Government will not use force unless force is used against it. My friends, this is a wholly unprepared speech. I did not expect to be called upon to say a word when I came here. I supposed I was to do something toward raising this flag. I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet; but I have said nothing but what I am willing to live by, and in the pleasure of Almighty God, to die by. O war, begot in pride and luxury, The child of malice and revengeful hate; Thou art the foul refiner of a state, Must be let blood with such a boisterous hand? -Daniel. FEBRUARY 24 Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:25. Final Triumph of Right. (To Rev. Alexander Reed, Superintendent of the United States Christian Commission, February 22, 1863.) Whatever shall be, sincerely and in God's name, devised for the good of the soldiers and seamen in their hard sphere of duty, can scarcely fail to be blessed; and whatever shall tend to turn our thoughts from the unreasonable and uncharitable passions, prejudices, and jealousies incident to a great national trouble such as ours, and to fix them on the vast and long-enduring consequences, for weal or for woe, which are to result from the struggle, and especially to strengthen our reliance on the Supreme Being for the final triumph of the right, cannot but be well for us all. The birthday of Washington and the Christian Sabbath coinciding this year, and suggesting together the highest interests of this life and of that to come, is most propitious for the meeting proposed. Let us fight for the right, though the struggle be long, Let us manfully battle oppression and wrong With hearts that are earnest, and trusty, and strong; -E. T. Jeffrey. FEBRUARY 25 They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. Isaiah 41: 6. Mutual Security. (Letter to Governor Fletcher, of Missouri, February 20, 1865.) It seems that there is no organized military force of the enemy in Missouri, and yet that destruction of property and life is rampant everywhere. Is not the cure for this within the reach of the people themselves? It cannot but be that every man, not naturally a robber or cutthroat, would gladly put an end to this state of things. A large majority, in every locality, must feel alike upon this subject; and if so, they only need to reach an understanding, one with another. Each leaving all others alone solves the problem; and surely each would do this, but for his apprehension that others will not leave him alone. Cannot this mischievous distrust be removed? Let neighborhood meetings be everywhere called and held, of all entertaining a sincere purpose for mutual security in the future, whatever they may heretofore have thought, said, or done about the war, or about anything else. Let all such meet, and, waiving all else, pledge each to cease harassing others, and to make common cause against whoever persists in making, aiding, or encouraging further disturbance. The practical means they will best know how to adopt and apply. At such meetings, old friendships will cross the memory, and honor and Christian charity will come in to help. Thus by friendship's ties united, We will change the bloody past -Anonymous. |