Sermon from R. F. Bunting - August 21, 1863

DISCOURSE.

"What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." - John 13:7

The mission of the Lord Jesus Christ was almost accomplished. The time was now very brief that He was to remain with His disciples in the world. He was on the eve of commencing His wondrous journey, down to the depths of the grave: up to the Throne of God: and whither He went they could not follow, though they were afterwards to follow Him. The text was spoken by Christ to the impulsive Peter, when He was performing an act of great condescension - one showing His love to the chosen disciples "unto the end." It impressively teaches us "that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways." Indeed the law of nature and the law of providence both seem to combine the mysterious in all their operations. This glorious world in which we live is full of mysteries and wonders: above, around, beneath, within us. How grand, sublime and profoundly mysterious are all things! When we gaze above, the brow of night is decked with myriads of shining, dazzling stars; when we look around upon the earth, it smiles in beauty and presents to the eye variegated landscapes - here sparkling fountains gush forth from its deep bosom to kill the first beams of morning light. There the tender grass shoots up and grows from day to day when drooping under the scorching sun, is revived by the falling shower. The fruit appears first in the beautiful blossom and grows on imperceptibly until it ripens, and then falls from the parent branch: there is, too, the change of seasons - the succession of day and night: thus we see the operations of nature, all being carried on around us, but we only know that they are, not how they are - for they are wrapt in profound mystery. The laws that govern the Universe are the same that have existed from the beginning of time. Like their Divine Author, they are unchangeable - for what God is and what God does is far beyond the conception of the finite creature. "Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?" JOB 11:7. David says, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." - Ps. 139.6. Imagination may love to "search creation round," and dwell in admiration upon the harmony, the perfection, the adaption of all things, yet the mind in its highest grasp, cannot comprehend the works of the Almighty, but we can hear the voice of God everywhere, saying, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." When thus we view the operations of the divine government, it cheers the heart to know that on earth we shall ever be learners, ever rising higher and knowing more: yet sadness and bitter disappointment fill the soul when we feel assured that on earth we shall never know all. If the frame of nature had a voice which would speak in tones of thunder and speak only to be obeyed: if we could hear God speak in the winds that hurry by us, or on the dashing waves of old ocean: if we could hear His voice in the animal and vegetable creation - in the revolutions of the earth and in the music of the rolling spheres: if we could hear our Maker speak, when suffering, disease and death enter our bodies and desolate our homes - when the tide of war rolls its crimson waves over our beautiful land, all parts of which are rapidly becoming historic by the number of our brave countrymen, our gallant comrades, who sleep in silence everwhere -

"Some beneath Virginia's hills,
And some by green Atlantic's rills;
Some by the waters of the West,
A myriad unknown heroes rest."

His voice would say eloquently, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." The Heavens above us do sometimes become like brass, until the earth is dry and parched, and there is feint prospect for the growth of food for either man or beast. We are anxious and day after day watching closely the signs of the weather, we express astonishment, just as though such a state affairs had never been experienced before! We read of a destructive fire in some city, where much valuable property has been consumed and many valuable lives have been lost. We read of the devouring flames leaping from house to house, reducing the palace and the hut to common ashes, thus making many ruined and homeless - we are amazed just as though such a conflagration had never occurred before! We read of an unprovoked attack of unarmed citizens in some of our cities, and an indiscriminate slaughter of men, woman and children by cowardly and revengeful troops, under the pretext of putting down disloyalty, and upholding a corrupt Federal Government - we are astonished, as if such a thing had never occurred before during a revolution! Sickness appears and reappears - the pestilence wasteth the inhabitants of a city at noon-day and by night - many are stricken down in the midst of usefulness, of hope and life - then the stoutest heart melts in humble penitence - then the bravest spirit quails, when the grim monster comes near, breathes his chilly breath upon the agonized body, lays his icy hand upon the throbbing heart until "the pitcher be broken at the fountain," and with the earnestness of despair the prayer goes up to God, that the rod may be removed - that the sufferer may be restored to health. We read in the daily news of all this suffering - we see it around us, aye! perhaps feel it in our own bodies - the mourning, the desolate, the heart-broken - many Rachaels weeping for their children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are not, we wonder as though the like never had happened before!

Then a fair portion of the earth is enjoying quiet - peace sits enthroned amid her attendant blessings, all is joy and happiness. Morning and evening, multitudes of family groups bow around the altar of prayer and offer up their fervent supplications. It would seem that the blessings of Heaven surely descended upon that people whose God is the Lord. But now how changed! Scarcely has the morning prayer and song of praise been wafted away from the lips of the devout worshippers, before old earth rocks to its very centre - the mountains shake and quiver like the dew-drop on the trembling leaf, and all is in desolation! All that was grand in nature, beautiful and lovely in art is buried in ruins! We are amazed, and ask why the earthquake has chosen this bright spot, destroyed all its glory, all its beauty whilst other guilty Sodoms are spared! here is a country more highly favored than any other on earth. God, in His providence, has placed her upon the very mount of privileges. Long has she been a light to the nations struggling for freedom - a beacon to guide them through the breakers of revolution, over the quicksands of dissolving political dynasties, into the haven of free government. Peace has hovered over her like a guardian angel; prosperity and progression have attended her in every department of business, trade, profession and science. But by degrees the spirit of evil enters amid her hustings and then into her council hails. Love is soon turned into hate, friendship is changed into enmity, peace retires with her face mantled in shame, and dreadful bloody war marches out and takes her place. Fanaticism - wild, reckless and unholy is enthroned in church and State, until secession, the only alternative of an insulted, aggrieved and oppressed people is inaugurated. Behold the sad results. Now the once great and glorious American Republic which seemed the last hope of the world for the perpetuation of republican institutions, the great bulwark of freedom. The refuse for the oppressed of all lands - is engaged in a bitter, bloody, civil war, now almost through the third watch, which, if permitted to go on and add to its already gigantic proportions, must be the most terrific in its consequences recorded in history. We gaze upon this unnatural strife, we note the march of hundreds of thousands, who but a few months ago, were brothers dwelling together in unity and friendship, we hear the clash of arms, the battle's shock which is like the might thunders. We can scarce believe our senses - almost doubting the history which we ourselves are making - yes! We are astonished, just as though Republics had never before been destroyed by the fratricidal stroke of their own sons - as though nations had never before been wrecked upon the sea of passion and their star of glory had gone down in the darkness of night, whilst yet the dew of youth was fresh upon the brown of their young life. We hear the dying cry from heathen lands, "come over and help us." No sooner heard than many hearts respond and are willing to forsake all that is cherished and loved on earth, to go and tell the story of a Savior's dying love and redeeming grace. The consecration has been made - the vow is recorded in Heaven. Soon the merchant ship starts freighted with her precious treasure, and propitious winds waft her onward upon the outward bound passage. Hearts nobly beat inspired with the fond hope, of soon unfurling the banner of the cross on far off shores. But now the scene is changed! Lo! Yonder on the distant horizon a fearful storm is lowering - soon all hands are ordered aloft and with haste the sails are closely reefed; now the ocean rolls with wonderous fury - each moment the elements become wilder and more terrific in their conduct - hope grows fainter and fainter until it has fled forever - now a roll, a surge, a wail of anguish, a cry of despair, a prayer for resignation, and the awful struggle is over - all sleep in death - the roaring winds, the rolling, dashing, foaming waves sing their last, their only requiem. We read in the foreign new of the calamity - it stirs up the deep fountains of the soul, and we are perfectly overwhelmed with amazement. These devoted missionaries are entombed in the ocean cemetery, where no friend can stand over their sleeping dust and drop a tear of affection, whilst elsewhere the green waters are stained with blood, shed by the hands of murderous pirates. Yet, why wonder? Why stand in mute astonishment? The hand of God is in all of this. Why, we shall know "hereafter." But, once again. We see a happy family all united together by the strongest and sweetest ties of friendship, affection and love that bind the soul to earth. Life seems one continued round of joy, happiness and bliss - for all are kindred spirits. 'Tis amid such scenes as this, that earth once more reminds us of primeval glory and seems a foretaste of that upper home with its sweet fellowship, pure peace and holy love. But in the mysteries of providence, the angel of death steals across that cherished threshold, the brightest and fondest link in affection's golden chain is forever broken, with sorrowing and deeply crushed hearts, that stricken and weeping household cluster around the open coffin, to impress the farewell kiss upon the icy forehand, and then follow to the silent tom that one now most dearly and devotedly loved. Do we wonder at this providence? Wonder when that grim messenger rends asunder the firmest link - perhaps the one most precious - in the Christian's life, and calls away the young and healthy, whilst the old and helpless, who have long been awaiting their discharge are left to toil and suffer for years? They are taken from the evil to come - for them "to die is gain." The silver cord is loosed, the golden bowl is broken, and they are gone from this vale of tears, to live amid the glories of the Heavenly home. Dost thou wonder at these bereavements seen so often overtaking others? Now and then falling upon they own heart, they dearest on earth? Attend to the lesson which they are intended to teach. Turn over the leaves in the book of providence and read the will of thy God. They Father doth all these things and they are well. Why, "thou shalt know hereafter."

Here is a young Confederacy of States just rising into life before the world, claiming a place in the family of nations. The news of its birth fell upon the corrupt dynasty at Washington like a peal of thunder in a cloudless sky. It, too, has amazed the cabinets of the world. No nation ever set out upon its course with a brighter prospect for the future. A country composed of thirteen independent States, inhabited by millions of people, whose birthright of freedom is dearer to them than life. Rich in resources, beautifully situated for agriculture, with every variety of soil and climate adapted to the great staples of commerce and food - a very garden of Eden when considered in relation to husbandry - with mountain districts rich in minerals and adapted in an eminent degree to manufacturers.

With all these natural advantages, it seemed that she was destined to take a prominent and commanding position in the sisterhood of nations. It is not a matter of astonishment that under such favorable auspices the people should become too much elated, and forget the honor which was due to that God who hath power to put down one and raise up another. No wonder, then, that when we, in our mad intoxication, forgot Him, that He permitted our enemy to declare war against us - sent it upon us a chastisement for our folly and our sins; until, flooding the land with grief and woe, He brought us back again to own our dependence on Him. The old government from which we had seceded, solemnly declared that in ninety days, our army should be captured, our territory repossessed, and the leaders hung or banished. Our condition at this early stage was most precarious, and it seemed our cherished hopes were soon to pass under a total eclipse. But man's extremity is God's opportunity. It pleased the All-Wise Disposer of events to put it into the heart of our worth Chief Magistrate in view of the difficulties and perils which surrounded us, to appoint a "day of fasting, humiliation and prayer." With a feeling of their own utter helplessness, amid the howling storm, the people knelt down before Almighty God on the 13th of June, 1661, and, with humble confession of sin, they sought divine interposition and a blessing upon their arms taken up in self-defense and for independence. In our distress we had obeyed the divine command - proclaimed a fast, and cried unto the God of our fathers for protection. What was the result? Our prayers were heard - for, just thirty-eight days afterwards, on July the 21st, the enemy received a fearful check on the he plains of Manassas. Not only was he disgracefully routed from the field, but driven back in confusion and terror to his capitol. Our people were astonished at the glorious victory - amazed as though Israel's God had never answered prayer before! We were not prepared for such a sublime deliverance. As a consequence, we became over-confident. The victorious Southrens - when they looked upon the vigorous young nation, which, like Jonah's guard, had grown up in a night, became overconfident and began their foolish boasting - "Is not this great Babylon that we have built?" "Is not this Confederacy the work of our own hands?" We, who have always been recognized as a chivalrous people, are perfectly invincible. One man of us "will chase a thousand" of the enemy, and "two will put ten thousand to flight."

Alas! How weak is poor humanity! How easily is man elated - how soon in prosperity does he forget his entire dependence upon the Creator! Soon our vain boasting was to receive a bitter reward - its just recompense. We were resting upon our late success, whilst the enemy was strengthening his army, maturing his plans and perfecting his implements for aggressive warfare. Forts Henry, Donaldson and Beauregard successively fell into his hands, with thousands of prisoners. We were now to pass under the first dark cloud of our national defeats. Oh! It was a darkness which could be felt in our dreadful retreat from Bowling Green, when we bid farewell to "the dark and bloody ground." None remembers the perils, the exposures, the mournful scenes, the anxieties, the mingled hopes and fears, the long sad and cloudy days of that retreat more vividly that the Texas Rangers, to whom was entrusted the arduous duty of watching the enemy's advance and protecting our own rear. Long and wistful were the looks cast upon the garden of Tennessee, as we turned our backs upon its soil, its abundant supplies, and left its noble, heroic people to the mercy of the foe. City after city, island after island, fort after fort were lost. Maryland and Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee were suddenly wrested from us. Our soldiers, stricken with terror, overwhelmed with confusion and mortification, fled upon the approach of incompetency and cowardice. The timid confessed that our cause was hopeless. The people laid the just reward of their boasting and their folly, at the door of the President. They were dumb with astonishment as reverse after reverse overtook the army. They were amazed, as though such a righteous retribution had never before visited upon vanity and sin.

The President saw that in our misfortunes "vain was the help of man." Again he invited the people to repair to the throne of grace. What an honest, heart-searching occasion it was! One long to be remembered in the history of the Church! On February 28th, 1862, in the presence of God, the whole people, clothed with sackcloth and ashes, bowed down in humblest, lowliest confession and prayer. From Heaven, His dwelling place, He heard and answered. We had humbled ourselves under His chastisements. Soon he exalts us, and puts songs of praise into our mouths, for just thirty-seven days thereafter, the enemy is surprised on Sabbath morning at Shiloh, thoroughly whipped and driven in panic to his gunboats for protection. That night our victorious battalions slept upon the battle-field. But we were not yet prepared for such a brilliant success - not worthy such distinguishing glory. On Monday thousands straggle from the ranks, and give themselves up to plunder the enemy's camp and to bear off his spoils. The result was most disastrous. The enemy being heavily reinforced compelled our withdrawal from the field, and we retreated to Corinth. The hand of God was in all of this. We had not learned wisdom from experience. We had not continued to be humble and give Him the glory. We had offended Him by opening the attack upon His holy day, and His hand is laid upon us in chastisement. We had forgotten the lesson which makes the attack on the Sabbath is universally defeated. His judgements still follow us. Afterwards forts Mason and Pulaski fall on our eastern seaboard - then forts Jackson and Philip, losing for us New Orleans and the lower Mississippi - afterward Fort Pillow, which lost us Memphis and the upper Mississippi. Again are the people amazed that we should be so unfortunate upon our seaboard and upon "the Father of waters!" As reverse followed reverse, they still wondered how it could be possible! But once more we are brought to see our folly. We had trusted in an arm of flesh. We had depended upon the skill and genius of men, the strength of our forts, our rams, our gunboats and iron-clads, hence our bitter disappointment.

In our deep distress many prayers were again offered to our God. The whole nation wept in humility before the Lord of Hosts. The 15th of May was celebrated with tears and cries, and urgent, earnest, importunate prayer to God for deliverance from the impending ruin which threatened our deepest hopes. Days and weeks of anxious suspense pass away. In the meantime the enemy is encroaching upon our territory on every side. He possesses North Alabama. He holds Bridgeport and threatens Chattanooga. In Virginia the "Young Napoleon" has concentrated and equipped the finest army the world ever saw, with which he approaches Richmond, threatening its capture and boasting that he would destroy our gallant army. His people at home and his soldiers, encouraged by their unparalleled success, now felt that they were invincible. They looked upon the rebellion - as they falsely termed our struggle for home, for conscience, for right and freedom - as having reached its acme. With such combinations threatening us on every side, we are humble and distrustful of success. We fear to hope, lest disappointment should add to our present gloom. But once more the Lord is to interpose for our deliverance. He has heard prayer, and comes night to bless our cause for just forty-two days after our solemn fast. He begins to crown our arms before Richmond, with such a series of brilliant victories for seven successive days, as were never known before, until the people stood still and wondered.

The proud and boastful foe is more driven back, until his great army of invasion lies upon the banks of James river, under the protection of his gunboats, broken and dispirited. Encouraged by these successes, in a few weeks Gen. Bragg undertakes his famous Kentucky campaign. It is admirably planned - his army is composed of well-disciplined troops, and, flushed with our recent victories, he starts out under the most favorable auspices. The people are elated with hope. They confidently declare that that with such an army soon Tennessee and Kentucky will be re-possessed. Gen. Buell is flanked and compelled to evacuate his position and fall back to Kentucky. Our people become more jubilant and wickedly boastful. We rely upon the ability of our generals and the courage of our troops for success. It is well remembered how confidently the people talked about our undoubted success, until they seem to ignore entirely the help of God. The battle of Perryville was fought and we were victorious, but from surrounding circumstances, we were unable to hold the field and profit by the success. Then began the retreat via Cumberland Gap into East Tennessee, thence back to Middle Tennessee. Here we take our position and await the return and advance of the enemy. With this sad disappointment came other reverses in the Southwest. God is laying His hand upon us sorely for our forgetfulness of him.

But "the end is not yet." Our cup of sorrow and disappointment is not full. The 31st of December - after a week's hard skirmishing with our cavalry on the left - brings with it the battle of Murfreesboro'. The dying year witnesses a brilliant victory for our army, but, after failing to follow up our success on the next day, on the third night thereafter we hastily retreated, leaving the field and the moral effect of the battle with our enemy. The fruit which gave so much promise has turned to ashes in our hands. But this fresh misfortune is followed by other reverses in the Trans-Mississippi Department, where the inhabitants are being oppres-sed, robbed and exiled, and the country is being desolated. The, to add still more to the discouragement of that noble, self-sacrificing people, Arkansas Post is captured, with hundreds of our Texian brothers, which throws open all that rich country to the cupidity of the invader, and also threatens the eastern portion of our distant State. We had forgotten the rock from whence we were hewn and the hole of the pit from whence we were digged. Now when fresh calamities befall our arms in every quarter, we are troubled to know the reason - we are astonished that it should be thus!

But adversity leads us to consideration. Once more does our President direct our thoughts to the only source from whence cometh help, by appointing the 27th day of March for "humiliation, fasting and prayer." The nation humbled itself in the dust before the mercy seat. The Church plead with tears that God's wrath might be averted, and the foe might not be permitted to press the bitter cup to our already burning lips. Once more does prayer move the arm that controls the universe. That arm is stretched forth for our deliverance, and again, just thirty-seven days afterward, does He give us the victory at Chancellorsville. With dreadful slaughter is he checked in the fifth "on to Richmond," and driven back in confusion across the Rappahannock. Is any one so unbelieving as not to re-cognize the answer to prayer in these deliverances for our arms? Doubtless some would regard these answers as merely strange coincidences, and would not ack-nowledge the providence of God in them. If this even be so, they are worthy our attention. But to the philosophic eye of Faith, they teach God's presence in the affairs of nations - for the coincidences being so remarkable, it is reasonable to infer that He takes a peculiar interest in our struggle for independence, and will conduct us safely to the end.

But alas! How very soon do we forget these instructive lessons. Always with our successes come indifference, and with indifference forgetfulness of our trust in God and our entire dependence upon His providence. With these floodgates once opened, sin pours its desolating waters fairly upon us, and, with our people poisoned in morals, many are led away from the path of justice, charity and honor. "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon," lest our enemies rejoice in hailing here the omens of our coming ruin - that speculation, extortion and gain seem to have taken hold upon the people, like a wasting disease, and now we see in every department of society, the unhallowed scramble after money and property. It is a sad though that the money-God mammon is enthroned in many hearts, and rules with such despotic sway, that the kindlier feelings of the soul are quenched. Whilst so many gallant spirits are enduring privation, suffering and even death for the deliverance of their imperiled country, the craven spirits at home are oppressing the poor, robbing the helpless, plundering the exile and the stranger within our gates. The cry of the window and the orphan, and those whom the fortunes of war have left desolate, rises daily to Heaven for vengence. Their tears are all bottled up. Their sufferings and sorrows are remembered by Him who says, "Vengence is min; I will repay." We have been receiving in our disasters for months past, the wages of our sins. The enemy is circumscribing our boundaries and encircling us with a girdle of fire; and unless we turn from our wicked ways he may be permitted to overrun and subjugate our land. Look upon our seaboard and there his powerful navy is threatening our chief cities - even now with wrath and cursing, knocking at the gates of Charleston! We have been driven out from Middle Tennessee, and Northern Georgia is threatened! He has concentrated an overwhelming army along the Mississippi, and by his successes has rent in twain our Confederacy! Port Gibson has fallen! Jackson is captured, and we are defeated on the Yazoo and Big Black! Then our boasted strongholds at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, garrisoned with over thirty thousand of our soldiers, capitulate, and the clouds gather over us in that quarter thicker and blacker than ever before! Still do we not hear God's voice in all these dispensations - these overwhelming calamities, calling us to repentance for our sins, that the accursed thing may be removed from us!

It is this mournful posture of our affairs which has influenced the President to call the people out to the house of God for prayer to-day. Assembled in this grove, which God has consecrated by His presence and the pouring out of His Holy Spirit upon our own hearts, and in the conversion of our comrades, we are not alone in this appropriate service. At this very hour millions of anxious hearts beat in unison with our own. The loved ones in their far distant homes, and their neighbors, also our fellow-soldiers in the field, are all humbling themselves before that God whom we have offended, asking forgiveness for our many sins, and seeking His interposition ere we shall be utterly undone, and our hopes of future independence shall pass away like the early dew. 'Tis an hour for memory and for tears. If faithful to our vows in the past and on this solemn day - if faithful to ourselves and our country in the future - if we are worthy to receive this glorious birthright which God is offering unto us, in answer to earnest prayer, He will again draw near and give us deliverance from our foe, crowning down in fervent prayer - with the historic past, so rich in gracious memories and glorious deliverances, rising up before my mind, I believe as firmly that God will hear His children's prayers on this day of "fasting and humiliation," and soon bring defeat to our enemy and victory to our arms, as that yonder sun will rise in the sky to-morrow morning (this fast was on the 21st of August, and the battle of Chickamauga began twenty-nine days thereafter, on the 19th of September).

Listen! Then when the elements struggle to bring forth rain - when the destroying fire rages - when the balls of craven hirelings pierce the hearts of innocent citizens before their very doors - when the pestilence wasteth by night and by day - when the earthquake rocks the mountains, and the breath of Jehovah agitates the mighty ocean - when the cry "to arms, to arms" is heard throughout a vast nation - when the waters of the great deep entomb the noble missionary band - when loved and cherished ones die and pass home to Heaven - when a nation's heart bows in deep contrition and with "humiliation, fasting and prayer," the people look to the Covenant God of their fathers for deliverance from impending danger. Listen! And thou wilt hear the voice of God saying in all these things, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." When thus tidings of sorry fall upon our ears, or our own hearts are crushed by adversity and all life's fondest hopes are destroyed, how hard to curb the risings of discontent! Then does poor, weak man murmur at the providence of God. Oh! If misfortune had come before, I could have borne it better than at this time - if it had come in some other way I could have sustained the stroke: if my private interests had only been made to suffer and not the commerce of my country ruined: if my business had only received a shock, and not my health: if my health had been im-paired and not my reputation injured: if my reputation had suffered by the venomous tongue of slander and not the family circle entered and the dearest idol of my household been taken away, I could have borne the stroke, and with Christian submission offered up that most difficult prayer that human lips ever uttered - "Father, not my will, but thine be done." But in all this there is certainly a great delusion. Had the stroke been different, the effect would have been the same. yet all these sad afflictions in one way or another may overtake the Christian, and he may sometimes feel that providence hath allotted to him a hard portion; yet when the storm rages with greatest fury and hope grows the faintest - when bowing beneath reverse and passing down through the hot furnace of trial, he may say in the very agony of bitterest grief and darkest despair, "all these things are against me," then the Father's voice is heard above the sorrows of life saying, "Son, daughter, be of good cheer," "My grace shall be sufficient for thee," "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," for "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." The casual observer of affairs as developed in society, cannot fail to see the dispensations of God's providence continually occurring around us - they are all designed to teach us an impressive lesson. They are not sent to bring us into the observance of any external rights and ceremonies and pennances, thus to merit the favor of God and lay up in store a surplus of good works against the day of evil; but come as they may and when their great design is to convince men of "sin, righteousness and judgment," in short, to bring men to repentance. To one they may be light and unfrequent, through a long life there will be uninterrupted prosperity - no clouds of sorrow, no bitter grief; but all is calm and gentle as a summer's eye: to another like an avalanche falling from the mountain's top, they come with crushing weight, with fearful devastation: affliction closely follows, disappointment and bereavement comes hard after misfortune; but viewing all these things in the light of eternity they are not only right, but intended for our good. "For all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

"He moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines,
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will."

Were our life too attractive, having no crosses to bear, no adversity to meet, no storms to face, we would soon forget that this world is not our home, that we are strangers and pilgrims here, and then we would seek no other rest, no purer and holier abiding place. In the day of adversity we are commanded to "consider," and Oh! how often when walking through the lonely, gloomy vale of sorrow, when earth has lost all its charms and its richest home treasures are removed, that men then think of the kind providence which has been over them from infancy, protecting from dangers, keeping from temptation, and delivering from sin - then gratitude prompts the acknowledgement of this Father's care, thus leading to repentance. But the afflicted are not the only ones subject to His government, neither is the rod His only instrument, for He oftentimes accomplishes good by His providences when they are not afflicting. They may promote honor and wealth, and the favored may thus be placed in a position to wield and influence in the cause of truth. With God all things are possible, and He often "makes His purposes to ripen fast," through means that would seem to us most unfavorable. Often in the midst of continued prosperity, the providence of God leads the mind to consideration, and the striking contrast presented in the lives of others, causes reflections like these - why are the line fallen to me in such pleasant places? Why is mine the goodly heritage? Surely the finger of God is in all this, and it requires an acknowledgement from my mouth. Now the feelings of our better nature would prompt this at least to an earthly benefactor; thus and thus reflection leads to resolution and resolution to acknowledgements, and these to confession and sorrow for sin, and these to repentance. But observation and the past teach that such things are like some men's medicine, which either cures or kills - for whilst one is thus brought to acknowledge God and give the heart to Him, how many become hardened in sin and use the blessings of Heaven in building up the kingdom of darkness. See yonder man of giant intellect - conscious of his mental power, he sets about investigating those Heaven-born truths revealed in the Bible and bearing the impress of their Author. He spends a valuable life in searching out theories and arguments, by which he may deprive Jehovah of the honor of creating the world, and then sustaining and governing it. Perhaps he may be even more liberal and be willing to admit that there is a Deity, and at some distant period an Eternity which cannot be defined, He did by a single act of His will, cause light to be, and the whole universe to rise from chaos - that He impressed every substance which He created with its several, self-acting properties, and then launched forth the world into the boundless regions of space, whilst He, the Mighty Maker, retired from the scene and seated upon His throne, has ever since continued a silent spectator. To such a man - and he but represents a class found in different spheres of life - of varied talents and position - prosperity, property, genius, position have proven a curse, and the voice of that God so often hushed in life, will one day speak in tones of thunder that will thrill his inmost soul, "thou art an unprofitable servant," therefore, depart from m y presence, my glory - "What I do," in they pride of intellect, in thy folly of heart, thou wouldst not acknowledge or know in life, but with devils and lost spirits, "thou shalt know hereafter." Oh! What multitudes in one way or another thus refuse to acknowledge God in His providence or in His grace. They reject all His offers of mercy, and deny His claims. Such are here today Could I but show thee thy sins, thy unbelief, thy hardness of heart, they impenitence - that thou art still without God and without hope; could I show thee that piercing, burning eye which slumbers not, nor sleeps, but ever looks into thy inmost soul, sees every sin, every grieving of the spirit, every resolve for reformation, every denial of Christ, every breaking of vows. Could I show thee that wondrous Book of God's remembrance, and turn over those pages leaf by leaf, where all thy sins are written down - thy sins of commission and omission - against light and knowledge - conscience and the Holy Spirit; and then, couldst thou hear the voice of God, as it sounded amid Sinai's smoke and thunder, saying, "The should that sinneth, it shall die" wouldst no longer rest in carnal security, and hugging thy chains - no longer tarry in the poisonous plains of death, but ere the sum of grace sets upon thee forever, thou mightest bethink thee of the coming darkness and its dreadful gloom, and its unutterable agonies and flee to Him, who is the Savior of the lost. Would to God I could convince thee this day, that the calm thou art now enjoying is but the fearful forebodings of future wrath - that it is the charmer's voice which is soothing thy conscience, hushing thy fears, quieting thy doubts; and unless the spell will soon be broken, thou must awake to a sense of thy true condition, where the voice of the Judge will pronounce that awful word, "depart." Arouse thee to action and duty "Ere it be forever too late." Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Soon thy work will be done - soon a wearied actor thou wilt pass off the stage of life soon death will close thin eyes forever on the lovely beauties of earth, then thou wilt awaken amid other scenes and be surrounded with the dreadful realities that are "hereafter." Methinks if but one lost soul could return from the silent chambers of the grave, a warning would then be given to the living in thrilling, burning words, revealing the solemn realities that are "hereafter." "Hereafter," "hereafter," Oh! what mystery - what alternate hope and fear hang around that word! Were we but permitted to lift the curtain that separates time from eternity, and with unclouded eye to penetrate the Bymerian darkness and gloom which enwrap the abode of the lost. Could we but hear the bitter wailings of anguish and sorrow and woe! Could we but see the heavings and tossings and agonies of a soul lost, irretrievably lost forever and forever! Then could we faintly begin to realize the meaning of that dreadful word "hereafter."Of were we but permitted in the body to ascend the Pisgah of promise, and there by faith to penetrate the pure atmosphere of holiness which surrounds the Eternal Throne - could we then be admitted into the audience chamber of Jehovah, where the pure and the holy dwell - could we see their employment, their joy, their peace, their happiness, their love, as all join in adoration and worship, then could we have a foretaste of Immortality "hereafter." Yes! We will then "no longer see through a glass darkly," for all that has been mysterious in our life on earth will be made known. He who is worthy will break the seal and open the book and reveal the glory; sitting in majesty upon the gold-throne, He will forgive reign and before Him angel and Seraphim and the ransomed from earth, shall forever live and with Him reign, knowing the joys and realizing the glories that are "hereafter."

But I cannot close without a word of warning to the unconverted. This occasion is doubly solemn to us all. For over a month we have been permitted to tarry on the mount of privileges. God has blessed us with a gracious outpouring of the spirit until near a hundred of our fellow soldiers have asked what they must do to be saved. Already more than two score have found peace in believing. We have great reason to thank God and take courage. But some are halting, doubting and even drawing back from duty. Others are indifferent, they are hushing the stirrings of the spirit and quieting the voice of conscience. Oh, my brother! Is this thy condition? Thou art trifling with the Spirit which is converting others around thee, and trifling thus, thou art periling thy soul's salvation. Today then, when our nation is bowed in humiliation and prayer - when our dear ones at home especially remember the absent - when God is willing and waiting to be gracious, when all things are so propitious for thy conversion, thy salvation, be entreated to come to Christ. Let not this precious revival pass and find thee out of the ark of safety. In a few days the bugle will call us to march to "the front," and then these privileges will be over - their record will be made in Heaven. I tremble at the thought, that to some of you they will be over forever! This will indeed be a fearful calamity! With God's spirit which has lingered with us so patiently, invited us so tenderly - fled from thy heart, this will be the severest stroke which can be inflicted on thee in life! Then He will say, "Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone." What fearful words for God to utter! "Let him alone" - the spirit hushed, conscience reproving no more, the Savior calling no more! Why it is thus, "thou knowest not now," but in mournful reality, "thou wilt know hereafter."

"There is a time we know not when,
A point we know not where,
That marks the destiny of man,
To glory or despair.

There is a line by us unseen,
That crosses every path,
The hidden boundary between,
God's patience and His wrath.

To pass that limit is to die,
To die as it by stealth,
It does not quench the beaming eye,
Or pale the glow of health.

The conscience may be still at ease,
The spirits light and gay,
That which is pleasing still may please,
And care be thrust away.

But on the forehead God has set,
Indellibly a mark,
Unseen by man, for man as yet,
Is blind and in the dark.

And yet the doomed man's path below,
Like Eden may have bloomed;
He did not, does not, will not know,
Or feel that he is doomed.

He knows, he feels that all is well,
And every fear is calmed,
He lives, he dies, he wakes in hell,
Not only doomed but damned.

Oh! where is this mysterious boone,
By which our path is crossed;
Beyond which God Himself hath sworn
That he who goes is lost.

How far may we go on in sin?
How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end? and where
Begin the confines of despair?

An answer from the skies is sent;
Ye that from God depart!
Whilst it is called TODAY, REPENT!
And harden not your heart."

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