Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/648

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632
NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.

Is there no design apparent in all this? Is there not evidently an intended purpose to bring about by the combination a benefit to each, making each an indispensable auxiliary to the accomplishment of the whole? Has not God, in his own way, though to us apparently separate and distinct from each other, been using these forces in accomplishing a grand work for the benefit of man?

I have not the ability, nor need I try to portray the giant strides of progress since that war. The rush of improvements has proclaimed it the age of wonders; scarcely has one wonder been accomplished till another has eclipsed it. Nor have I the prophetic vision to roll back the curtain that veils the future, and expose to mortal view the next great scene in the drama of the world, or what grand developments will be made in the dark land of Ethiopia; but I believe through the instrumentality of the slave Divine light will be shed on that land, its Egyptian darkness dispelled, and Christianity, education and enlightenment will occupy the throne of ignorance and idolatry.

There is one consoling thought for us—that if our own generation fail to recognize our services in this great work, generations yet unborn in Africa and Mexico, as well as our own loved country, will reap the rich fruits of our labor and sing pagans to our memory.


ERRATA.


Page 13, line 13—"Mary" should be "many."

Plate of Battle of Cerro Gordo—"April 4" should be "April 18."

Page 369, line 19—"Sergt. Bill McMullin "should be "Sergeant J. Reynolds."