We give in another column an article setting forth in few words the origin and progress, so far, of the civil war which the southern States have forced upon this country. We presume that most, if not all, of our readers are where they can keep themselves informed in regard to this exciting topic. If not it would be useless for us to copy from week to week from the floods of rumors, many of them inaccurate and some wholly unreliable, which the telegraph is daily transmitting all over the land. We may give from time to time articles written after the excitement and smoke of the scenes of which they treat, have passed away, and time has been given to ascertain the exact facts in the case, showing how this matter progresses.
Meanwhile let us not suffer our minds to become too much absorbed in this controversy, nor be led away by any undue excitement. What we should ever keep before our minds is, that every new development of the signs of the times is a fresh evidence that the end of all things and the consummation of our glorious hope are right upon us. It should lead us to give ourselves more diligently and earnestly to the work of preparation. The true issue, after all, is between the King of kings and the powers of darkness; and the present turmoils will ere long culminate in the great battle of Armageddon when everlasting victory will perch upon the banners of the Lord of hosts. Let those who wish to be on his side then, make haste to marshal themselves into his service now.
It is pleasant to look away beyond these scenes of commotion and strife to that time when all enemies shall have been put under the feet of Christ, all opposing rule put down, the last enemy, death, destroyed, and the kingdom under the whole heaven be given to the saints of the Most High to be possessed by them in peace and righteousness and joy forever and ever.