GEORGE W. ZAHNIZER

The blessings, under God, our government has secured, make it our imperative duty to sustain it. It is too late to stand still, and discuss the causes of this wicked rebellion. It is a time for deeds and not for words. The monster has already reached his full strength. He stands at the threshold, ready to destroy us—ready to trample in the dust what we hold valuable and sacred. He must be met and disarmed of his power. It is the defense of the Government God gave us—the preservation of the distinguishing blessings he bequeathed us, to be handed down to our children. To keep and transmit them unimpaired is a duty we owe to the generations that will come after us; it is a solemn, religious duty we owe to God. The citizen must become a soldier. Every Christian patriot should be ready to pledge his life and fortune and sacred honor in this holy cause; for what is life without freedom?

The blessings, under God, our government has secured, make it our imperative duty to sustain it. It is too late to stand still, and discuss the causes of this wicked rebellion. It is a time for deeds and not for words. The monster has already reached his full strength. He stands at the threshold, ready to destroy us—ready to trample in the dust what we hold valuable and sacred. He must be met and disarmed of his power. It is the defense of the Government God gave us—the preservation of the distinguishing blessings he bequeathed us, to be handed down to our children. To keep and transmit them unimpaired is a duty we owe to the generations that will come after us; it is a solemn, religious duty we owe to God. The citizen must become a soldier. Every Christian patriot should be ready to pledge his life and fortune and sacred honor in this holy cause; for what is life without freedom?