A Lesson from the Rebellion.
By J. Clarke
HAD you or I been at the South at the breaking out of the late civil war in the United States, and had we been compelled to remain in the confederate States, our first effort no doubt would have been, to communicate with the general government, and to supplicate and pray for aid. We would have made known to the proper authorities, our love for the established and permanent government; and our hatred for rebellion, and our disgust toward treachery and treason; and would, in the most distinct manner, have protested against the whole plot of the confederate States, and proved ourselves clear of any and all sympathy for rebellion. And having done this, we would have confidently asked for effectual aid in escaping the territory of the revolted States, or protection while remaining therein; and it would not have been a vain plea. The situation of a loyal man among rebels, is not an inapt illustration of the situation of good men in this world. Victims of Satan's art, seduced by his flatteries, most of the human family tamely submit to his authority, and boldly enlist in the army of that rebel leader, and assist him in his attempt to subvert the authority of Jehovah. A few have ever been loyal, and such have always been the objects of Satan's wrath. More especially at present, does Satan rage against the people of God; and as his time draws near to suffer the penalty of his transgressions, the more he rages against the people of God. Under these circumstances, is it not fitting that we protest against Satan and all his works? Certainly it is right and just for us in the most solemn manner to protest against him who has wrought the ruin of almost the entire human family. Solemnly then, and with humility, we would most earnestly protest against Satan and all his works, desiring that God would grant power to his people to overcome him wholly. We protest against him because his authority was first established in this world by deceit and guile; therefore he is a deceiver. Next, he has no rightful claim as our creator; for he did not create us; nor does he nourish us; but is himself a dependent being. And having no right to us, he is a usurper, and as he is working to subvert God's government, he is guilty of treason; therefore, he being a deceiver, a usurper, and a traitor, we most ardently pray for the fullest power over him, and the greatest freedom from his influence, which it is consistent for the Lord to grant unto us. Free us, O Lord, from his wiles, and grant us power to fully overcome our deadly foe, in order that we may be able to subdue our own inward tendencies to wrong, which were first planted in our hearts by the agency of Satan, who now designs following up his cruel work. Give us power to rebuke this powerful adversary, most effectually. Is he not an enemy? Is he not a usurper? Have we at all acknowledged him as our king? Can he present any claim upon us? Have we been pensioners at all upon his bounty? Is he not himself a creature, spared by thy compassion for a82time? Are not his claims upon us, all founded in injustice, and deceit, and usurpation? Shall we be the victims of his cruelty any longer? O Lord, rebuke him effectually, for thine own sake, and for Christ's sake and for thy people's sake, who are endeavoring to keep thy holy law, and who do most sincerely loathe and hate Satan's works. Has he not influenced thy people long enough? Has he not triumphed in the afflictions of thy people long enough? Has he not smiled at our weakness long enough? O Lord, make us strong, and weaken him. O Lord, turn him backward, and overthrow his devices. Hear our protest against a common foe; a foe who claims what was never rightfully his, and give to thy people enlargement. Turn his counsels into foolishness. Thwart his plans, disappoint his expectations, and weaken his strength. Cause him to be terrified at the boldness of thy humble praying people, and let him, like Belshazzar, smite his knees together for fear at the faintest rebuke of thy humblest child, who appeals to thee.