a single item.  But what can we do?  This is a very grave and difficult subject.  One thing is certain,—­the perpetual abuse of our Southern brethren, violence, disunion, and bloody murder will do us no good,—­whether we are bondmen or freemen.  And when we think on this subject, let us aim to be cool, unimpassioned, deliberate, and give reason and religion their just influence over us.

2.  Beware of prejudice.  Do not make up your mind hastily, and under the impulses of mere feeling, without any just and extensive information.  Study the matter calmly, extensively, and on all sides and aspects of it.

3.  Study it religiously.  Keep it, in your mind, aloof from all the excitements and influences of party and party spirit.  Let me say to you, my beloved people, study it on your knees, in earnest prayer to God.  Learn your duty from God’s word, praying in the Holy Ghost.

4.  Aim to cultivate the entire spirit of your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.  Feel as he felt.  Act as he acted.  Pray as he prayed.  Seek the salvation of sinners, as he sought it,—­evidently putting more value upon that for every dying son of Adam, than upon all things earthly.  Oh remember, you will be the best citizens, just when you are the best Christians;—­and I do believe in my heart, you will do most earthly good to your fellow-men, just when you do them most spiritual good,—­leading them, by example, by precept, and prayer, to “seek first the kingdom of God.”

5.  Be obedient to the laws of your land.  Do not resist these ordinances of God.  Stand by the Constitution of your country.  If that die, the most of your happiness and your hopes die with it!—­yea, it would be a calamity to the civilized world!  Christianity herself would be hindered a whole century in her march!  Respect your rulers.  Frown indignantly upon the low and vile abuse now heaped so liberally upon the great men of your country.  Be peaceful Citizens.  Be a law-abiding people, with all your sentiments opposed to violence, bloodshed, and confusion; and aim to allay all the excited and angry feelings that may come up around you.

Finally; have your hope and your trust in God.  Men women, and children, I beseech every one of you to beware of the spirit of worldliness, and the excitements of worldly subjects and interests; and let not such interests and subjects prevent your conversion to Christ, your holiness and eternal salvation.  Pray for yourselves, your children, your rulers; and let your prayerful and humble trust in God hold you safe, amid all the agitations of a world that you must soon leave for another.  God grant it to you, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen.